BonTexasNY

Maryann, this says it all. He could be talking to me! Apparently she doesn't. At least I think she's a she. I never asked. I thought "a" ending words are feminine, but my granddaughter said there is a male Luca in her class. I just googled and apparently it's not gender specific. Maybe OB can shed some light? I'm not even sure of the correct spelling. It's a great area. A shopper's paradise. It took no time at all getting to Paramus from New City in Rockland County where we lived. Even closer from Tappan before moving to New City. Yes it is. I already corrected my mistake. Glad it was brought up.

Thank you, Graham. Happy early birthday for your grandson2. Yom Huledet Sameach, Ahd 120. Aww thanks for thinking of me when you pass my SIL's place. If you ever want a personal tour let me know! They love it there. Always busy with lots to do or just do nothing.

OMG YES Tom Sawyer. Tom Thumb is a local supermarket here. I remember Paramus Park very well. I loved the now defunct dept store, A&S (Abraham and Straus) I seem to remember Bergen County, NJ enforcing "Blue Laws" so major retail stores were closed on Sunday. We did take advantage of no sales tax on clothing on many occasions.

Luca the amazing cat with my daughter. Luca hardly ever looks this POd. The best NJ breakfast at the Tom Thumb Diner, Paramus, NJ

We're back home, tired and although we're missing the kids terribly, it really is good to be back home. We had a great time just being together, eating good food, getting together with friends, having a fabulous Mother's Day and enjoying near perfect NJ weather in May. No rain in 10 days and temps in the 70s-80s except for Wed., when the temp dipped to low 60s daytime, 30s at night. I got a digital photo screen for Mother's Day, with technology that fails my comprehension. My daughter "claims" she'll start filling it up. She also gave me a silver bangle bracelet which actually fits my wrist. I now know first hand the love of a kitty cat. My daughter's "Luca" is as sweet as can be. I loved her climbing up on my legs when I was on my computer sitting on a recliner. Couldn't stop petting her silky, soft fur. Like @A&L_Ont Andrew's Lucy, she loves to nap. I have a photo of my daughter holding her. I'll post when I get back home from my day's errands. We're going out with friends for breakfast so I have to get going. Hope everyone has an awesome weekend.

@DaniDanielle Marietta, I too offer my sincere heartfelt wishes for strength and healing hearts, on this heartbreaking anniversary of loss. @TravelGirlinDallas Bethany, congrats to Andrew, a very handsome guy! We're staying in today, relaxing and packing. It's going to be hard to say goodbye tomorrow. Kids keep begging us to come to live in NJ. We're just not ready for that but they keep trying. The in-law suite makes it very comfortable to visit but not sure I would want to live in such a rural area and deal with NJ winters. Extended stays in the Spring/Summer could work. Winters - no way!! @dani negreanu Dani, your pictures, as always, are beautiful. Glad those sandals are tied in pairs! I had my Israeli Nimrod "sandalay tanach" Bible sandals, for over 25 years. I didn't think they would ever wear out. These are very similar:

I don't know much about RVs but yours looks like a beauty. Full size kitchen appliances, looks very comfy, super spacious. I'm sure you'll have many more pleasurable trips in it.

A super, happy birthday @Sea Dog Greg, and a super, happy belated birthday to @jmh2006 Jennifer. We had a wonderful reunion with our NY friends we hadn't seen in approx. 2 years. Weather here continues to be delightful - 70s, 80s, sunshine. @George C I hope you have the same weather when you get to NYC. Homeward bound Thursday. Never ready for that.

Oh no! So sorry this happened to you. We were lucky when our AC went out as a result of a 2 day blackout. The unit was 25+ years old. Insurance covered the cost to replace/install a new unit since when the power came back on the AC didn't. Insurance guy said we were very lucky it happened this way. We once had our washing machine totally die on us, the very last day of warranty. Machine needed a brand new motor so we dodged the bullet on that one. However, with ownership of 3 homes we sank plenty of $$$$ through the years. ______________________________________________________________________________ I just found the above reply that I guess I didn't submit.

All 3 houses we owned were 2 story. The one saving grace was that our Plano house had a master suite on the first level. Oh I miss those huge closets.

Oh no! So sorry this happened to you. We were lucky when our AC went out as a result of a 2 day blackout. The unit was 25+ years old. Insurance covered the cost to replace/install a new unit since when the power came back on the AC didn't. Insurance guy said we were very lucky it happened this way. We once had our washing machine totally die on us, the very last day of warranty. Machine needed a brand new motor so we dodged the bullet on that one. However, with ownership of 3 homes we sank plenty of $$$$ through the years. @FromSea2ShiningSea Helen, your pictures are beyond beautiful. Thank you for sharing them with us! Time to Say Goodbye always gives me chills even though I have no idea what the words are. One of the most passionate songs I have ever heard. Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman sing it to perfection.

Our previous apartment jumped an extra $500 a month when our lease was up for renewal. We moved elsewhere. I think I'm about the only one to post on this thread who lives in a rental apartment. We're so happy we downsized from our large house 5 years ago. Jack and I grew up in apartments so for us, no big deal.

I checked quite a few different online sites and all had different lists for "best places to retire". One had NYC listed as #10. No, I personally don't think so. We would never have moved to TX 19 years ago had it not been for the fact that my sister and her married kids live here. We got tired of celebrating holidays without family. It's the best move we ever made. We love it here. Slower pace lifestyle, clean and beautiful, state of the art medical care, is in the middle of the country so flying anywhere is just a few hours. Most polite people I ever met. No state tax. We were able to buy a 3500 sq ft house with lower taxes for half the price of the 2500 sq ft house we sold in NY. No mountains, no beaches (we have large lakes) but those were never deciding factors. The vast majority of people we met here, moved to TX to be near family. That was the deciding factor for them as well as us. Having said that, we are loving our visit to rural NJ being with our daughter, SIL and grandkids. Gorgeous low 80s. Just came in from relaxing outdoors and going with the kids on what we call "a nature walk" enjoying all of the flora and fauna.

Prayer for safety from me too.

We're here and enjoying the kids and the most perfect weather. Our non stop flight to Newark started out being delayed one hour, then 20 minutes later delayed another hour. Agent at the gate said they were waiting for a part to be delivered to the plane and that there was no guarantee the plane would make it at all. She was super helpful and in a matter of moments got us on a flight (one stop) which got us into Newark only 1 hour later than the original flight. She even upgraded us no charge to Premium Plus on both legs which has extra leg room. Then we waited 40 minutes for a wheelchair upon arrival at Newark. The walk to luggage would have been near impossible for me. As a thank you to me for being so patient, I was given a $75 voucher for my next United trip. Way to go United!

No more driving. The last car trip to and from Miami was the deciding factor. Way too long! How wonderful that you and Jim can share your grandchildrens happy events. Enjoy and smile with pride! From me too.

NJ diner food for sure. There's one approx. 5 minutes away, good REAL bagels 2 mins away, pizza in the same small shopping area where the bagels are. Heaven! We could never do 1 suitcase on a cruise. With the kids we are very, super casual, no dress to impress nights 🤣 A big plus is having laundry facilities. I can't believe I only packed 2 pairs of shoes. Jack is very impressed. I hope you're feeling better!

It was total perfection.

We're finally packed (1 suitcase!) for our 10 day NJ trip tomorrow. Weather for the next 10 days is a mixed bag with temps in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. No rain predicted. woohoo! Whenever we visit, I wash everything the day before we leave so that when we arrive home, I can relax and not worry about laundry. AND if I forgot anything, of course, there's always shopping!

I watched the whole concert on you tube. I was so happy that option is available.

I thought the Coronation Concert last night was spectacular. Lionel Richie at 73 was amazing and is the same age as King Charles. Katy Perry, Take That, Andrea Bocelli, The Prince of Wales speech, even Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog, all amazing. The lights in the sky were awesome as well as changing colorful lights beamed on Windsor Castle. So many "ooh ahh" moments. Best concert, ever.

I have friends that have to stay indoors when it hits them hard. Luckily, it doesn't seem to affect me. Following from google: Dallas is the worst city in Texas and the second-worst city in the U.S. for pollen allergies, according to a study by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). Wichita, Kansas beats Dallas for the worst city for pollen allergies.

Thank you so much, Maryann. I can't wait to hug my "babies". My grandson already told me he wants me to make his favorite, chicken soup. My daughter lives in a very rural area of NJ and there's just one area supermarket. They better have fresh dill, parsley, parsnips which are requisites together with the other usual veggies. Yes, the shooting was horrific. Unfortunately, it's getting all too common. 😒

Feel better soon, Debbie!

What a honey! Something tells me that Kenzie will succeed in anything she tries.