soldiering on ...

last evening, our synagogue hosts a cultural event - the idf (israeli defense forces) musical ensemble. it is a rousing success, with over 400 people in attendance to see these (very!) young and dynamic personnel singing and dancing in hebrew and english - a thoroughly professional and inspiring experience.

someone remarks to jane that the leader of the troupe, a very young twenty year old adorable 'girl' is just like her ... in fact, jane could be her mother! it is funny, as she has the same dark and vivacious good looks that my wife exhibits - although nobody said she could be her sister!

further adding to the amusement is the comments of the female soldiers to jane - they love her dress, her shoes, her earrings - how hysterical! coveting her look, whilst they are young and supple things - never mind that they don't know about the goings-on since november past!

it is hard to believe, but our baby andi turns 11 today! seems like just yesterday, his birth at mount sinai in new york city. while i was working today, i glanced out the window, only to see three young (ie. 2 and 3 year old) boys playing in the garden of my next door neighbor. they were absolutely adorable, and the scene brought back fond memories - watching the father play with them, squealing in delight, looking at him with complete admiration ... nice! in fact, it seems to be the only way i can even remember andi at that age! the whole thing really, really touched me on this day ... i ran to the closet and brought out three soccer balls for them to play with (they couldn't have been more delighted, me too!).

so, happy birthday andi, and jane, keep on rollin'!

gimme' some love!

what a day!

energized from a nice shabbat dinner and a family viewing of across the universe (still amazing) on friday night, we wake up and blare the soundtrack throughout the house. fresh baked croissants early in the morning, in honor of the guest of honor who refuses to be recognized as a guest - so the housemate of honor! delightful as always to have gilda with us, although we miss the rest of her crew!!!

a languid breakfast is followed by an early trip into the city to visit the gagosian gallery, and the RED exhibit - a series of really fantastic works by blue-chip artists in a glorious gallery space! the proceeds from the sale of the pieces should fetch upwards of 25 million dollars, all of which will go to the u.n.'s fund to combat aids in africa. the auction is being conducted by sotheby's - neither them nor larry gagosian will take a profit from this superb program (which only runs 4 - 13 february) ... don't miss it if you can!

what to eat? taim, of course! frites with saffron aioli, harissa falafel, moroccan carrots, spiced indian chai - oh, how full we all are - achingly and deliciously full that is! a real treat. pop off to marc jacobs for more t-shirts for marlee ... sadly, the $5 pile has gone - poof! back in the car to drop gilda at laguardia, and she makes it on time for a slightly earlier flight, negating any need to hang out at the airport, staring at stale au bon pain products and flipping through magazines. we ship her back with white chocolate cheesecake for the gang ...

THANKS FOR EVERYTHING GILDA - LOTS OF LOVE!

time to get ready for the evening gala at our synagogue - not feeling motivated at 5pm (lying around in bed actually!) we somehow snap into action. jane, looking positively ravishing, whilst complaining about how she thinks she looks terrible (on what planet?) ... absolutely gorgeous, and in fact, full of energy on a saturday night! we drink and talk and eat(!!!) and really enjoy the live band and a fun table of wonderful friends. i have to drag her out at 11:30 pm - feeling we may turn into pumpkins, but knowing full well that she should get a good night's rest.

café gitane, radio france, mcnally robinson bookshop, and a stroll in soho all await in the morning!