vacation begins
The bar-mitzvah was lovely. Gilad is a sweet affectionate kid. His older brother reads Hebrew with an Israeli accent, but Gilad reads Hebrew with a Spanish accent (their mom and step-father live in Barcelona; they were born in Israel where their dad, my cousin, lives).
The Gatsby like Shelter Island party was pleasanter this year (less drinking and the food courses were served in stages instead of all at once). Gilad's aunt and uncle's marriage appears to be in trouble--their high functioning autistic son (who also has muscular dystrophy) will be 13 in a year, and if they're still together we may do this evening bar-mitzvah and next day party again next year.
The drive from Greenport to Orient Point was scenic, and the ferry ride to New London was pleasant. We had sunny weather and sat on the sun deck which gives a real feeing of water travel. The hotel is fine, but they charge for broadband (but even so it's still a good value). Today we'll go hiking and tomorrow shopping.
The Gatsby like Shelter Island party was pleasanter this year (less drinking and the food courses were served in stages instead of all at once). Gilad's aunt and uncle's marriage appears to be in trouble--their high functioning autistic son (who also has muscular dystrophy) will be 13 in a year, and if they're still together we may do this evening bar-mitzvah and next day party again next year.
The drive from Greenport to Orient Point was scenic, and the ferry ride to New London was pleasant. We had sunny weather and sat on the sun deck which gives a real feeing of water travel. The hotel is fine, but they charge for broadband (but even so it's still a good value). Today we'll go hiking and tomorrow shopping.