Where’s Hugh?

i told you so...

Who’s going to win? Serena or Bianca? Bianca - why? She’s hungry and has nothing to lose and she doesn’t need to be liked- she needs to win. Her biggest challenge- though, will be the crowd - they are nasty when it’s a foreigner against an American. They are brutal - loud & they boo and they are shameless. So, our girl needs to ignore the taunts and he jeers and play her best tennis. If she can do that she is a show-in. Let’s see... good luck Bianca!!!!!

What a fantastic event! They really know how to put in a world class event. The US Open is a thrill to attend. My friend Chris and I did it right: Friday day session tickets to Arthur Ashe. We bought the best tickets we could afford which gave us grounds access in Round One if men’s, women’s and mixed doubles! What a day! We saw Federer, Serena, Kyrios, Zverev, Coco Gaugh, Cate McNally, Sakkaria (zito Hellas!) and we had a blast shopping, cocktailing and in general acting like kids in a candy store! We even saw Rebel Wilson in the stands! Tips: Bring empty water bottle to fill at water stations Bring hat - or even better do t and buy a souvenir hat (amazing selection avail) Sunglasses No sunscreen cuz Mount Sinai provides for free but only take a small pump of it!!!!! - see photo below! Bring AMEX card if you have one- Amex provides card holders access to portable chargers- ear pieces to hear commentary during matches and access to card holder lounge and family area. What I wi...

NYC blog The city of cities - oh how I love  New York. Packing for three nights and four days is a breeze - and no checked luggage please! Carry-on and one personal item only:  Personal item can be a small duffle, or a large tote. PACKING LIST: Black ballet flats Dressy shoe Running shoes Silky ankle pant Narrow belt Jeans T-shirt Tank top Pjs Cardigan Kimono Skirt Hat Pack away jacket 2x socks Did I use it all? Not the kimono or the skirt - but that is bc I did not change for dinner the night of US Open. The Jimmy Choo flats not great for long distance walking - so not good for a full day in NYC- in retrospect I wouldn’t have bothered.  What I wish I had with me? SecretBody Cleansing Wipes For when I want to shower but can’t (like a day at the US Open! ). https://www.secretdeodorant.ca/en-ca/cleansing-wipes-cool-waterlily-scent And am considering a carton that is not hard sided bc Porter broke the wheel off of ...

Things we always forget to pack.... Sterile Toothbrush Covers Mini hairbrush Comb Razor: Women’s and Men’s Toothbrush Toothpaste Sunglasses case TSA-approved plastic bag RFID Blocking Wallet Loofah glove Nail clippers Lip balm First-Aid kit E-reader E-reader cover Selfie stick Flash drive Thermos Journal Sewing kit Stain remover wipes Earplugs Sleep mask Travel pillow Travel backpack Toiletry bag

Blog post: Teacher Envy Summer is winding down. There is a coolness on the breeze serving as a sweet relief from the humidity of July. The streets are filling with the traffic of returning cottagers, and the malls are filling with parents who have their kids in-tow bc they sprouted during the summer months and need new clothes for the coming school year.         As I sit on my back porch replaying the highlights of the past few weeks my mind rests on a bbq I hosted recently. One of my guests felt comfortable enough, while sipping the PIMMS cocktail I made her, to say that she can’t tolerate teachers who complain about their jobs. I was sitting next to her when she said this. She knows I am a teacher.         She did the same the last time she was over - I will not invite her again- but more importantly, I was bemused by her lack of understanding that what is at root here: teacher envy. Yup teacher envy- the 8 weeks off at summer -...

hey Niagara Falls, once the honeymoon capital of the world, is still a draw for millions of tourists. I love it that we soooooo outshine the US falls. The US falls serves simply as a look out to the MAJESTIC WATER FEATURE ON THE CANADIAN SIDE - yes, I shout it out - just like I brag that we burned down the Whitehouse once - it's true! Look it up! I just read a good book called The S aturday Night Ghost Club by Craig Davidson. It takes place in Niagara Falls, Canada. Yup - it includes Clifton Hill and everything! It is a bildungsroman  of a boy experiencing his 12th summer in - you guessed it - Niagara Falls! His uncle owns an "Occultorium"  (a store that sells all things paranormal) on Clifton Hill and there is laughter, love, danger and, of course, ghosts. It is short - just over 200 pages - and the reading level isn't too elevated so I think everyone from teens to octogenarians will enjoy this one. I can't seem to shake these characters. A