Scene Around

Happy Birthday to me…

Today, Friday, June 14 is my birthday. It is also Flag Day, the official day when Betsy Ross created the American Flag.

When I was just a young kid, I asked my mom why people waved American Flags on my birthday. She said it was to celebrate me! (Of course, I thought!)

Would you believe that today I turn 35 years old?

(How about 45?...55?...65?... seventy something? HELL NO!

My cousin, BENNETT PRIETO, was also born on this very same day. We were always known as “the twin cousins.”

(I’m happy to report that he is 16 hours older than me!)

Irv and I just returned days ago from a trip to Chicago, where we spent quality birthday time with our son, his wife, and our grandchildren, LAUREN, 13, and ZACHARY, 10. Their gift to me was a performance of Neil Simon’s wonderful play, “Brighton Beach Memoirs.”

(Most of you know that Brighton Beach is located in Brooklyn, my hometown. And you also know that it is about a Jewish family… so it really hit home.)

What I did for myself as I birthday present, you ask?

On my “Bucket List,” (which includes a trip to Montreal, Canada, my mom’s birthplace) was a visit to a shooting gallery.

(Yes, you read right! Shades of SARAH PALIN!)

Irv accompanied me to Shoot Straight, a complete shooting gallery; gun and ammo shop; indoor shooting range; certified gunsmith services; one on one instruction; weekly concealed weapon permit classes (I got my permit there many years ago); and best of all… Monday’s are FREE for ladies!

I went to the Casselberry location at 4700 S. US Highway 17-92, but they also have others located in Apopka, Tampa, Fort Myers, Lakeland and West Palm Beach.

Anyway, although I have my concealed weapons permit for many years, I never had to use my gun (and hope I never have to). I just thought I shouldn’t be rusty in case… and thanks to wonderful guide, CARMINE, I am now skilled. Also, thanks to LARRY ANDERSON of the Apopka location for permission to write about my experience.

I plan to return to Shoot Straight often.

(On “Ladies Day” Mondays, of course!)

Speaking of age…

(We were discussing mine, remember?)

A little more than a month ago, a friend told me about a photo and caption in the Orlando Sentinel that caught her eye.

It was a photo of MAURICE and SALLY SALAMY dancing, as they often do. The caption told Sally’s story of being a little girl in her native Poland during WWI. When soldiers were at her house, her mother put her on the table to entertain them with dance. They applauded and that became the start of Sally’s lifetime as a dancer.

Now, after 65 years of marriage to Maurice, 90, Sally, 101, attends ballroom dances with her loving spouse. They take the floor and glide gracefully along. Sally claims that dancing is their secret to longevity!

(I know Sally and Maurice for many years… they are the best!)

What did I miss?...

Not only did I miss publicizing this exciting event in advance because of a death in my family, I missed attending it for the same reason.

Speaking to friends I found out that it was an outstanding event!

I’m referring to the Congregation Ohev Shalom Seniors meeting on Sunday, June 2 at the synagogue. A wonderful and talented Klezmer group was presented as the entertainment… and entertain they did!

The group consisted of JOE and LYNN GOLDOVITZ, BILL CARMICHAEL and RAY GUISER, all top rate musicians.

(COS Senior’s president, BERNY RAFF, promises nothing but the best for his meetings… and he always delivers!)

I understand there was a record crowd in attendance and they enjoyed every minute of the show… and the refreshments that followed.

I was told that the group was entertaining… that they sang and played fabulous music and took time to explain and inform the audience about their presentation.

(Okay… I’m kicking myself. Please, please, somebody inform me the next time they perform.)

What a cool Sunday…

Some Sundays are really “cool” now that the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando is sponsoring Summer Sun Days for PJ Library families.

Their ad says:

“Mark your calendar for summer fun at the JCC!

Bring your family for a fantastic afternoon at the pool. Lunch, music, and games for your family are included. Parties are FREE for JCC members and just $5 per person for non-members.

The next outing is on Sunday, June 16, which is Father’s Day. And there will be a “Sail Away with the J” on Sunday, June 30 for those who plan ahead.

(Sounds like really “cool” fun!)

Speaking of Father’s Day…

What we did for Mother’s Day comes to mind.

Irv took me to dinner at a very nice restaurant with great reputation, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, 933 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park.

When we first were seated we felt the packed house was just too noisy for us to have meaningful conversation. (Married more than half-century we still do have meaningful conversation… sometimes.)

We told Fleming’s employee, NIA BROOKER, and she immediately switched us to a much quieter room! (Nia was truly caring and efficient… but much too pretty and I can’t handle the competition!)

At the new location, we had a male waiter, MIKE FARMER (thank goodness!) He gave us great service and was truly a wonderful guy and an extremely proud new dad!

(He made my Mother’s Day celebration with Irv just perfect.)

One for the road…

Two elderly ladies meet at the launderette after not seeing one another for some time. After inquiring about each other’s health, one asked how the other’s husband was doing.

“Oh! Ted died last week. He went out to the garden to dig up a cabbage for dinner, had a heart attack and dropped down dead right there in the middle of the vegetable patch!”

“Oh dear!” I’m very sorry,” replied her friend, “What did you do?”

“I opened a can of peas instead,” she answered.

(What’s so funny?)

One more for the road…

Monty sits down at a table at his local deli and orders a humus, tahini and pickle sandwich.

Five minutes later, his waiter arrives with his sandwich. But oy veh, Monty can’t help noticing that the waiter is holding the sandwich down on the plate with his thumb.

“I’m not meshugga you know,” says Monty. “You don’t think I’m accepting that sandwich with your thumb all over it?”

“Well surely you don’t want the sandwich to fall on the floor again?” says the waiter.