3/11/99

Today when I left the house I was greeted with a day that was cold, clear and beautiful. Standing on the seawall that separates the ocean from the road I was able to see Manhattan and the twin towers of the World Trade Center with absolute clarity. Most days atmospheric haze distorts and makes the view indistinct but every once and a while the air is crystal clear and clean and you can see forever. NYC looks so good from so far and the skyline of NY is beautiful and awe-inspiring when viewed from NJ at dark. Where I live is about 45 miles from NY in driving miles and about 75 minutes driving time. Being here has all the advantages of small town living and yet the cultural and entertainment advantages of NYC are there within easy reach. Once upon leaving NY on a Cruise ship we had to spend 15 hours by the Veranzano bridge due to a Hurricane in the Caribbean and I was able to look past Sandy Hook and see the beach in front of my street.

Fellow passengers pretended to be impressed as I pointed the location out to them.

Tonight I am packing for our overnight stay in North Jersey and the Concert tomorrow night I have remembered to pack the green sweater I always wear to the Irish Concerts.

I am of Irish and Scottish decent and I always loved the Scottish Kilts and Clan dress. All the time I was drinking I never would go to the Scottish Ball in NYC because I thought that the people there drank too much. [ I know, I know, but I am an alcoholic and it made sense to me] and I might get in trouble. Well, with two years sober I went to the ball with my wife and two other couples. I went in full(rented) dress of Kilts had a great time in a Conga line that went all through the Hotel and onto the street. One woman wanted to know what I was wearing under the Kilt and I gave here the stock answer. I am not allowed to tell but give me your hand and I’ll show you. Previously, I had thought that when I stopped drinking that I never would be able to enjoy myself or have any fun. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Only one serious problem today and that is with my N.C.A.A. pool picks. I went down in flames. If anyone wants to buy in I will sell 50% for 5.00 and split my winnings with you. Then I’ll also sell you a bridge from NYC to Brooklyn at a good price.

Today 80%