Dear Pop,

All is well on my end. How are things in the Big Apple? I saw the recent headline about the incident on the F line, and while it is sad, I can’t say it is unexpected. The subway has always been a rough place but the surge in incidents as Covid rage and even after restrictions were lifted has people on edge. I am old enough to remember the case of Bernard Goetz and the shooting he committed in 1984. The NYC of today is quite different from that era but that doesn’t mean it can’t get that bad again. The price of a house in New York City is surreal and I see the same here on the West Coast. However, for us, we also have droughts, fires, and earthquakes to worry about, as well as taxes which can drive any Californian mad. Between banks closing, inflation, and the cost of living, I don’t know where things are headed but I’m sure it won’t be pretty. They’re reminders to be thankful for everything we have.

This past weekend I spent a lot of time outdoors. I had my phone but put it on do not disturb while I walked in the park and ran. California has some of the nicest skies I’ve ever seen, and the climate is amazing Pop. As I walked in the park, I crossed paths with an older woman, she stopped me and asked how my morning was. After answering, we had a good ten-minute discussion about the area, places to eat and books to read. But you know what really struck me? She said thank you for talking to me, it’s always so nice to have an enjoyable conversation. As I walked away, I felt a bit down because she struck a chord as today, people can go an entire day without speaking to another human being.  She also reminded me of mom because she likes to crotchet and even offered to knit me something. I passed, only because mom is fiercely possessive of her kids. And if she finds out there’s competition, things could get ugly fast as you know.

Argentina…Lebanon…the list seems to grow every month. It is scary to see a country’s economy collapse. But I always wonder what it takes for us to learn the lessons that prevent these things from happening to begin with. It’s as if history will always continue to repeat itself.

It’s good to see that Jax hasn’t changed and continues with his death wish. But I know if he touches mom’s plants, she just might grant that wish for him. I’ve seen more dogs in the neighborhood. It is fascinating how attached we become to our pets. They really are part of the family and in some cases, extensions of our character. And as I once heard, they do keep us honest. I’ve been thinking of a pet here as well, it would add some warmth to the place. I’ll let you know if I do.  Of course, I know a cat comes with indentured servitude, but such is life. A dog might be the better option, but I don’t know if there’s any more room at the dog park these days.

You’ll be surprised to know that I cook more than ever before. Not only is it better for my health but it’s also better for my wallet. It is so costly to eat out these days Pop. Prices have jumped significantly. I understand why but it’s still shocking. The financial landscape is very dire and has everyone tightening their belts. And none of us know when relief will come. You may have seen that more stores closed here. It’s not an exaggeration Pop, San Francisco has serious issues that cannot be ignored. There’s talk of “doom loop”, if you don’t know what it is, look it up and let me know what you think. The cost of living is a major issue and I hear from friends all over that it’s becoming harder to have a quality of life. Too much of their salaries are going to housing. At some point, things will break but at what cost? New York also has a host of issues, what’s this I hear about congestion pricing? Do you think it will work?

Now that we’re on the topic of mysteries, do you know the story of singer Connie Converse? It sent chills down my spine, but I wonder why she isn’t more popular. Let me know what you think.

I’ll have to join Sam’s birthday celebrations virtually as I won’t be on the east coast but he’s more than welcome to visit California. He’d fit right in here and would have a blast, but I don’t know if the city could handle him. I don’t know if I can handle him…..on second thought, keep him in NYC, the country is much safer that way. Is he planning one day or a whole week as usual?

How’s mom these days?

Give everyone my love, talk soon!

Junior.