"O let my books be then the eloquence and presages of my speaking breast." (Sonnet 23)

This is a kind of "pot pourri" day. I don't have a particular theme to write about. I do want to clear up one misconception. A few people have asked me what I paid to have my book published. I'm sure that another few have wondered about it, but didn't ask. Well, the fact is that I did not pay one dime to have the poetry book or the memoirs published. LULU, my publisher published the book and put it on sale. All I had to do was decide what royalties I wanted and that was added to what it cost LULU to print the book. When the books were first printed, I asked for no royalties, so I and others could buy the book for the base printing cost. The first two versions were printed in full color, so of course they were much more expensive than black and white editions. Subsequently, I revised both books so that they could be printed in black and white, and now I have added an ISBN number and a couple of dollars in royalties. The ISBN number cost me fifty bucks... and for sales, a bar code has been printed on the back covers. Shortly, both books will be made available by LULU to other online stores...like Barnes & Noble, Borders, Amazon, etc. So do me a favor. If you don't know me, buy a book, and then you'll know me. Just click on "My Book Store" in the next column and pick out what interests you. But now, the problem I have is that people who don't know me are not likely to read this blog!

Rhoda, with her new eye, left me sleeping and went off with two girlfriends to "shpatzeer" (sp?) around downtown Delray and Macy's in Boca. I found her car keys on the kitchen table with a note asking if I'd be kind enough to get the tank filled. Well, at least it got me outdoors, which doesn't happen too often these days. My golf game is also "tanked". I simply can't walk very far without pain developing in my legs and hips, etc. So, if anyone would like to buy some wonderful almost new golf clubs and a few brand new unused golf balls, just email me; of course, I believe you can do that my clicking on the little envelope at the end of the blog. To get on with it, I got into her Chevvie Cavalier (which has 60,ooo miles and is 12 years old) and the first thing I noticed was that her wheel cover was ragged, and her neck support on the seat belt had gotten kind of thin. So, after I gassed up I went into Walmart and bought her a new wheel cover and neck support. She hasn't seen them yet, but I think she'll like them. And the good part is that they were a lot cheaper than the cost of a new car.

I just learned that Rhoda and another gal have decided that we are going out to Ruby Tuesday's in Mizener Park for dinner. Wasn't that a Beattle song?

"To wail friends lost is not so much so wholesome-profitable as to rejoice at friends but newly found." (Love's Labour's Lost)

I could never figure out why I always had difficulty making friends...that is, ever since I wore knickers. Before I moved to the Bronx when I was nine, I had lived in New Jersey and up until that age most of the few friends I had were girls older than I. In the Bronx, I had Charlie Krum, the kid who gave my gold ring to some scam artist in Central Park. And then there was Leo Hartman (who now lives in Boca and remains my friend). But Leo's friendship really goes back to our days on Kelly St. when we were madly in lust with Terry Greene. Lord knows where she is now. Both Leo and I were members of a gang called "The Apaches"; we had a stickball team and a cellar club. I became a member of that group, not because they were particularly friendly with me, but because I was a good athlete and stickball player; ergo, I could hit the ball "three sewers". Leo and I rarely see each other now. We grew up, went to war, raised our own families, had our own careers, and went into retirement. Leo lost his first wife to cancer, and I to divorce. And each of us has gone our own way. We do keep in touch with e-mails.

But now, I believe I know at least one reason why I've had difficulty making friends: I was in a minority group; I was "different". I don't mean because I was Jewish; we were all Jewish. It was just that I had flaming red hair and zillions of freckles, and this fact gnawed at me ever since I became aware of it when I first saw myself in a mirror. And so I developed an inferiority complex which crippled my relationships with most guys because I never spoke much. And I was usually depressed. It was a different story with the girls. I was used to speaking with them. And so, as the years went by, I generally had but one good friend, and no more. And now, in retirement for the past 25 years, I've only recently developed friendships that are close and satisfying. I no longer have red hair and freckles...but I do have a small beard so I can look my sons in the eyes. I suppose it took 25 years to find a few good friends because, in a sense, I was still "different". Most of the retirees in the condo were in business or some job or "position" other than teaching, and it was difficult for me to get into their conversations sitting by the pool and not understanding a word of what they were saying.

Now, however, I can truly say I have at least three very good friends whom I can "grapple to my soul with hoops of steel." Oh, I'm not saying that I only have three friends; I do have friends from Long Island whom I've known ever since we raised our families in the same neighborhood, and now several of these longtime friends actually live here, and they are not forgotten. And I do have a couple of lifelong friends who were my colleagues at school. I'm talking about my New Friends that I actually socialize with fairly frequently. Fortunately two of them live in my building, and one of them is in Building 36. Each of us shares things we have in common, and each of us would certainly come to each other's aid in a hurricane or other mishap. I certainly enjoy their company, because they are terrific guys; not to mention the beautiful and intelligent wives. Now, I can at least be assured that I have someone to speak about me at the ceremony that comes before they stick me into that wall.

Why Don't the Children Call?

I have found that there are various ways in which retirees stay in touch with their children, and grandchildren. Many are “snowbirds” who leave Florida in the tropical heat of the summer and travel back to the cities where they came from and where they still maintain a house or an apartment. Some go back and stay the summer at the homes of their children; others rent a place to be near them. Still others go to North Carolina or the Catskills for the summer. If a retiree cannot do any of those things because of financial or medical reasons, there is always the phone—or email, which I find of greater use than the phone. I’m not a phone person; I prefer to write. Of course in this day and age there is also “instant messaging” which works almost like a telephone call. However, IM is a device which is most used by teenagers and the “Baby Boomer” generation, I am sure, not so much by seniors. But many seniors do love computers and do become very proficient in their use. We even have a computer club in our condo clubhouse.

Let it be known by those not of retirement age, that trying to keep in touch with children who long ago left the nest is a major part of the retirement process, and doing so is not the easiest of endeavors. Although one may wish that an offspring would “call more often” or visit more often it is not in the best interest of the relationship to make such a request. The line, “Why don’t you call me more often; I never hear from you” is anathema, taboo, off limits! In other words, forget about it, and take whatever you get. What most retirees fail to allow for is that their “children” are immersed in earning a living while trying to raise their own families. So, if one gets a call only now and then, be satisfied—and patient and be comfortable with the idea of “that’s just the way it is”.

"Why who cries out on pride?...Does it not flow as hugely as the sea?" (As You Like It)

Well, Cyrus, now you know that I have "outed" Robin and her spook brother, Joel. But I have two more "stars" in the family who serve their country: Bobby Lou and Bonny Sue--twins. I describe their "coming" in my MEMOIRS. Bobby left home at a reasonable age and established himself as a photographer in California. When he was a tot, I gave him a camera and he was fascinated by it. So, he then served his country by taking pictures of it; and of course pictures of citizens who live in this country. I also bought him a motorized scooter when he was old enough to drive one up and down our street in Glen Cove. And, as one thing led to another, Bob moved his family to Virginia where he has become a top notch sales associate for a Harley-Davidson motorcycle division. He is therefore serving his country by providing motorcycles for "hogs" so that every year they can all ride in Washington in support of our troops and our veterans. And, in addition Bobby has provided me with a granddaughter, Katrina, who recently graduated from Motorcycle Mechanics' Institute in Phoenix; so she is serving her country by fixing those bikes so that the hogs can continue their biking convention in D.C. each year.

Then there is Bobby's sister, Bonny who now lives and works in California. When she was a tot, she became fascinated with cats and dogs, and she loved them even more as she grew older; so much so that I sent her to the best dog grooming school in the country: the New York School of Dog Grooming. Now Bonny is an entrepreneur, running a successful dog grooming business for many years. She has won several awards for grooming, and her shop has won accolades in the media as well. So, Bonny also is serving her country by keeping its dogs clean and happy so they won't bite any Americans. (Bobby and Bonny on the right)

The siblings in the Ross (Higgins) family are very close and they have all been leading successful lives and have accomplished a great deal at young ages. I could not be more proud of them than I am right now. But I have to remind you, Cyrus, that Big Timber has a Jewel in its midst--and I don't mean Sophie.

"A decrepit father takes delight To see his child do deeds of youth" (Sonnet 37)

I suppose I've chosen to take the road to Montana on this blog. I mean to inform the good folks at Big Timber some facts about my offspring and Robin's siblings. Robin is not alone in this family in serving her country. If my book has been made available up there, you will remember that Robin's grandfather served in WWI in the 27th Aero Squadron...the "Balloon Busters". I've already written of my stepson, Jon's 10 year service in the U.S. Navy and of my own service in the Navy in WWII. But military service is not the only way to serve our country. My son, Joel, has spent his career working in the Central Intelligence Agency. Check out JR's resume:


JOEL ROSS
Central Intelligence Agency
Advanced Innovative Technology

EMPLOYMENT

Central Intelligence Agency Manager, Editor, Analyst, IT Professional

EDUCATION
Western Management Center (Denver, CO) Management of Information Technology 2001
San Francisco State University M.A. English Literature 1980
Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) B.A. English 1975

AWARDS / ACHIEVEMENTS

CIA Exceptional Performance Award, 5 times "Superior accomplishment and valuable service"
US State Department Superior Honor Award "Sustained superior performance"
National Intelligence Meritorious Award Latin America facility Unit Citation
CIA Meritorious Unit Citations Watch Office; Latin America facility
Studies in Intelligence Award "Outstanding contribution to the literature of intelligence"


Now, JR works for BASIS TECHNOLOGY (http://www.basistechnology.com/) as Vice President.

The following mini bio is published on their web site:

Joel RossVice President, Defense & Intelligence Services

Joel oversees opportunities for Basis Technology to fulfill the needs generated by the US Government, particularly in the Defense and Intelligence Communities. He is responsible for determining what those needs are, and the best way to bring together USG Project Managers and Basis Technology’s software and engineering teams to produce results that benefit both parties. Prior to Basis Technology, Joel served over 21 years for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), where his work was recognized by the USG through numerous accolades, including the State Department Superior Honor Award, the National Intelligence Meritorious Award, and the five-time conferral of the CIA Exceptional Performance Award. He has lived and worked on four different continents. Joel is a graduate of Cornell University, and holds an advanced degree from San Francisco State University.

The picture in this blog includes Joel and his beautiful wife, Barbara, whom he met on his way to teach English in Australia before his employment in the CIA. In a way, Barbara is also serving her country by teaching young people in Virginia schools. But Robin has two more siblings..."the twins" who have also distinguished themselves with careers I'll blog very soon.
And now to breakfast.

"It is a wise father who knows his own child" (The Merchant of Venice)

Well, this morning I went to my email and found there was a comment from "Cyrus" from Montana. Now Cyrus sounds like just the right kind of name coming from that neck of the country, and of course I mean that as a compliment. I appreciate someone with Cyrus's name looking out for my daughter. And I appreciated his comment; "We enjoy your contribution to this earth...Robin and your blog." What could be a better comment coming from halfway across the country from someone you don't know? I emailed my daughter and asked, "Who's Cyrus?" Her response was simply "one of the regulars". Oh, of course! How stupid of me. Well, I will not let the chance go by as long as I have this venue to let the "regulars" know some things about Robin that they might not know. So, I am posting a brief bio of her before she went to be Undersecretary of the VA for Memorial Affairs in D.C. I don't recall the year, so ask her.


Robin Higgins currently serves as the Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, having been appointed to that position by Governor Jeb Bush. As the Governor’s chief advisor on veterans’ issues, she leads the state agency that assists Florida’s veterans and their dependents to access federal and state benefits to which they may be entitled, such as compensation, hospitalization, long-term healthcare, vocational training and other advocacy programs.

A native of the Bronx, New York, she spent her early years on Long Island. She obtained two degrees in English, a bachelor's from State University of New York at Oneonta and a master's from Long Island University. She also studied for a time at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Israel, and taught high school English on Long Island.

Then she joined the Marine Corps. She served 20 years in the military, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Her final assignments were chief spokesman for the Commandant and head of the Public Affairs Division's media branch at Marine Corps Headquarters in Washington, DC.

During President Bush’s Administration, she served as Deputy Assistant Secretary and then Acting Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training at the U.S. Department of Labor. While there, she was an advisor to the Department of Veterans' Affairs Advisory Committee on Women Veterans and a commissioner on the Department of Defense's Defense Conversion Commission.

Upon moving to Florida, she served as the Director of Public Affairs for Florida’s state Comptroller, and then spent a year consulting, public speaking and writing on a variety of topics, including media relations, public affairs, and veterans' advocacy.

Mrs. Higgins is the widow of Colonel William R. (Rich) Higgins, a Marine officer taken captive by terrorists in Lebanon and later murdered. Since then, she has become an internationally known speaker on surviving adversity, patriotic themes, and terrorism. Her book, Patriot Dreams - The Murder of Colonel Rich Higgins was published in time for the commissioning of the USS HIGGINS (DDG 76), a Navy destroyer named for her husband.

Mrs. Higgins is the recipient of numerous awards, to include the Marine Corps League's Dickey Chapelle Award for outstanding service to Marines, American Legion Auxiliary's Public Spirit Award for outstanding service to country, and American Academy of Physician Assistants Veterans Caucus Award for outstanding service to veterans. Her military decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

She is a member of numerous veterans' organizations, including the Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion, The Retired Officers' Association, the Jewish War Veterans, AMVETS, and the Marine Corps League. She is a member of Temple Israel in Tallahassee, Florida. Mrs. Higgins has testified before Congress; appeared on numerous morning and evening news programs; and has had many letters, articles, and opinion pieces published in major publications.

And that ain't all folks: Continue with remarks from a Congressman who heard Robin's Pearl Harbor Day speech in Hawaii a few years ago:


Floor Speeches By Congressman Bill Young
TRIBUTE TO ROBIN HIGGINS -- HON. C.W. BILL YOUNG (Extensions of Remarks - December 13, 2001)
· Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the 60th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Memorably described by President Franklin Roosevelt as ``a date which will live in infamy,'' Pearl Harbor Day has taken on added significance since September 11, when America was again ``suddenly and deliberately attacked.''
· Last week, I had the opportunity to participate in the 60th anniversary memorial services at Pearl Harbor. I was particularly struck by a moving speech given at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific by Robin Higgins, Undersecretary for Memorial Affairs in the Department of Veterans Affairs. Secretary Higgins, from my home state of Florida, was herself a victim of terrorism when her husband, Marine Colonel Rich Higgins was murdered in Lebanon 13 years ago. She and her husband have dedicated their lives in service of this country, and they are two true American heroes.
· Mr. Speaker, as we remember the brave survivors of Pearl Harbor and the men and women serving in our military around the world, I salute Rich and Robin Higgins, and I ask unanimous consent that Secretary Higgins speech be inserted into the RECORD.
The Honorable Robin Higgins, Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs, U.S Department of Veterans Affairs
KEYNOTE ADDRESS PEARL HARBOR SURVIVORS, 60TH ANNIVERSARY
DECEMBER 7, 2001 THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL CEMETERY OF THE PACIFIC

And, last but not least, the farewell speech by the Secretary of the Department of Veterans' Affairs at Robin's retirement:

Before we begin, I would like to say a few words about Mrs. Robin Higgins who stepped down recently as Undersecretary for Memorial Affairs. VA lost a wonderful and dedicated leader on the day of Mrs. Higgins’ departure.
I was honored to join with NCA’s Central Office staff in biding Robin a very fond and bittersweet farewell two weeks ago.
A woman - a wife - of greater courage, you will not find.
A patriot with higher hopes for America…you will not find.
A public servant with more integrity and commitment to honor the public trust…you will not find.

And a veteran with greater love for her fellow veterans, you most certainly will not find.

Well, now you know Robin if you didn't know her before. Honor is the subject of my story.
But don't forget I have 3 other "kids" just like her. And if "Pride goeth before a fall", I still don't mind being proud of the way my daughter has led her life. If I fall, I know she will pick me up.