I've been putting in a lot of office hours lately, which goes against my lazy nature. Tuesday Paul and I spent 8 hours watching 5 engineers examine a burned circular saw, for one of our cases. We all convened n a lab on 45th Street in West Palm, while these fellows sighed, "um hmmed", and acted like they were really interested. We'll get the bill later for our 2 experts --the day will probably cost about $10k.
Anyway -- I decided to take THIS morning off. As I write, Wifey is leading a contractor around the house, getting estimates on long needed painting projects. She's "bothered" by many areas. She asked me if we should get them fixed. I asked the contractor, Brian, if he were married. "Not at the moment," he replied. I asked him, when he was, whether he had learned that if Wifey ain't happy, ain't no one in the house happy. "I see how you're a wise and successful man," he said.
I look forward to seeing his estimate. I'm guessing he's looking to make up for a whole lot of lost business on our jobs.
D2's estimate for fixing her car came in: about $3400! I hope she learned how a mere second of carelessness (her friend jerking the wheel after he nearly hit the short stopping car in front) leads to this. It COULD have lead to tragedy.
We've seen how a slip of the tongue can cut deeply, and ruin a relationship.
As Don Henley sang, (in a song he DIDN'T write): "In a New York minute --everything can change."
Meanwhile, D2 is busy at my office shredding files from the mid-90s. She doesn't like the job! D1 has an exam today, and then just one week left of summer Chemistry classes, before she gets ready to return to UF for her senior year.
Wifey is helping D1 prepare for her new Gainesville apartment --she plans to help her move in there in August.
Meanwhile -- I'll head to the office later today --to move some piles of paper from one pile to another --all I really do.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Go Alex!
I've been close for many years to my partner's son, Alex. He's had a very eventful year. He turned 30, got married, and just announced he's leaving his high paying job at Miami's top law firm. I'm extremely proud of him.
Alex has it all. He's model handsome and extremely bright. He finished summa cum laude at Michigan's Business School, and was offered a full scholarship to Miami Law, as well as admission to Northwestern. He thought he'd end up living in Chicago, so chose Northwestern, where he graduated, again, at the top of his class.
Alex is essentially Paul.2. He has all of his father's wonderful qualities, and fewer of his father's not so wonderful ones. He's kinder. He's somewhat less anxious (though still has no SHORTAGE of nervous energy). He has a stable of close, lifelong friends. He's a devoted son, and grandson. He treats his sister like a queen. His nephew thinks he's a god. He had his choice of essentially any young woman he wanted, and he somehow found the best one available, and, as Beyonce advised, "put a ring on (her)." As the brothers say, he got it ALL going on.
He works very hard at whatever he does. After law school, he realized he missed his home, and moved back to Miami. He took the standard track for a top law school graduate --accept a position at a top firm. While he was there, at the beginning, he so impressed his bosses that when a Federal Judge needed a clerk, due to an enexpected pregnancy (the clerk's, not the judge's), the firm asked Alex to take it on.
Now --to folks NOT in the field, clerking doesn't sound like such a big deal. But a FEDERAL judicial clerkship is really the height of recognition for a young lawyer --and Alex acquitted himself with the Judge quite well.
After rejoining his firm, though, he had doubts about hs career path. He shared them with me over the years. His father, my partner, just wanted him to be happy, and never gave a thought to the fact that his son might be giving up an extremely lucrative career.
To my simple observation --the problem was that, at a big firm, until you rise high enough, you remain essentially a "back office guy," --the one who does the boring, tedious legal work. Alex is so clearly a "front office guy," --brimming with charm and personality --the kind who needs to be out with clients, making deals, making things happen.
So --2 weeks ago he gave notice. He's going to focus on building his wife's family business. She, by the way, is a female Alex --beautiful, brilliant, and charming. Danielle and her mother started a business which seems perched on the threshold of much bigger thnigs. Alex is going to take them there.
Alex, his father, and I met at Tobacco Road, our favorite bar and restaurant, to toast Alex's big move. The Road is where PAul and I met when we started OUR firm --15 years ago this November.
Paul, rarely the one to notice symbolism, wanted us to meet there, as his boy embarks upon HIS career adventure.
I see essentially no chance of failure for Alex, with his manifold gifts, and willingness to work very hard. He shares the simple philosophy his father and I employed in building our business: "Whatever it takes."
Who knows -- maybe I'll follow Alex's youthful inspiration and quit chasing ambulances. Maybe Alex will end up missing the law and take over OUR firm. (He has an easy safety net --his firm would take him back in a heartbeat, and if they didn't, his education and work pedigree would get him another law job instantly).
For now, though, I'm just thrilled for him. This is a kid going big places, and I want to hear the tales he'll have to tell.
Alex has it all. He's model handsome and extremely bright. He finished summa cum laude at Michigan's Business School, and was offered a full scholarship to Miami Law, as well as admission to Northwestern. He thought he'd end up living in Chicago, so chose Northwestern, where he graduated, again, at the top of his class.
Alex is essentially Paul.2. He has all of his father's wonderful qualities, and fewer of his father's not so wonderful ones. He's kinder. He's somewhat less anxious (though still has no SHORTAGE of nervous energy). He has a stable of close, lifelong friends. He's a devoted son, and grandson. He treats his sister like a queen. His nephew thinks he's a god. He had his choice of essentially any young woman he wanted, and he somehow found the best one available, and, as Beyonce advised, "put a ring on (her)." As the brothers say, he got it ALL going on.
He works very hard at whatever he does. After law school, he realized he missed his home, and moved back to Miami. He took the standard track for a top law school graduate --accept a position at a top firm. While he was there, at the beginning, he so impressed his bosses that when a Federal Judge needed a clerk, due to an enexpected pregnancy (the clerk's, not the judge's), the firm asked Alex to take it on.
Now --to folks NOT in the field, clerking doesn't sound like such a big deal. But a FEDERAL judicial clerkship is really the height of recognition for a young lawyer --and Alex acquitted himself with the Judge quite well.
After rejoining his firm, though, he had doubts about hs career path. He shared them with me over the years. His father, my partner, just wanted him to be happy, and never gave a thought to the fact that his son might be giving up an extremely lucrative career.
To my simple observation --the problem was that, at a big firm, until you rise high enough, you remain essentially a "back office guy," --the one who does the boring, tedious legal work. Alex is so clearly a "front office guy," --brimming with charm and personality --the kind who needs to be out with clients, making deals, making things happen.
So --2 weeks ago he gave notice. He's going to focus on building his wife's family business. She, by the way, is a female Alex --beautiful, brilliant, and charming. Danielle and her mother started a business which seems perched on the threshold of much bigger thnigs. Alex is going to take them there.
Alex, his father, and I met at Tobacco Road, our favorite bar and restaurant, to toast Alex's big move. The Road is where PAul and I met when we started OUR firm --15 years ago this November.
Paul, rarely the one to notice symbolism, wanted us to meet there, as his boy embarks upon HIS career adventure.
I see essentially no chance of failure for Alex, with his manifold gifts, and willingness to work very hard. He shares the simple philosophy his father and I employed in building our business: "Whatever it takes."
Who knows -- maybe I'll follow Alex's youthful inspiration and quit chasing ambulances. Maybe Alex will end up missing the law and take over OUR firm. (He has an easy safety net --his firm would take him back in a heartbeat, and if they didn't, his education and work pedigree would get him another law job instantly).
For now, though, I'm just thrilled for him. This is a kid going big places, and I want to hear the tales he'll have to tell.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Car-razy
The Ds drove D2's car to Gainesville last Thursday, with 2 of their frineds. I ALWAYS hold my breath on those trips, since tragedies on the highway are an almost cliched part of young adulthood.
News junkie that I am, I was scanning the NY TImes online, and learned of a horrific accident yesterday where a 36 year old idiot mother drove the wrong way on the Taconic Parkway North of NYC, and killed 8, four of whom were children. The grandmother of the kids (and the idiot's mother) was from my old 'hood, Levittown.
So, Wifey and I went out for a happy day on Lincoln Road, and a fine Middle Eastern lunch after a great movie ("The Hurt Locker"), and I kept one eye of the texts that came as the Ds and friends made their way south.
They called from a stop in southern Palm Beach county, and I breathed a relief sigh.
About one hour later, Ds called: "Dad, everyone is ok, but we had an accident on South Dixie Highway. The police are here."
5 hour story short: everyone WAS fine, but D2's friend Brett, driving her Volvo, avoided a short stopping u turner, and sideswiped a '94 VW. The Volvo wouldn't move, I'm hoping because of a post-accident interlock feature, or possibly a broken axle. The VW, driven by a lovely young Colombian nursing student, had a flat front tire.
The really cool Miami cop (Delray Beach native, just moved here 2 years ago after a long stint with the Palm Beach Sherriff's office ("No offense to them, but I really couldn't stand ALL the old people anymore") and I of course became buds. He laughed when I told him about my mother's little car adventure ("I had one of those per week!"). He'll be calling later this week with a question about his father's claim of medical malpractice against Delray Community Hospital.
He ticketed Brett, and the cars were towed away, after slowing the late Sunday south Dixie traffic to a crawl for a few hours. I drove Brett and Carly home, and we finally made it. The debriefing with the anxious Pinecrest parents was more light hearted and brief than I had feared.
Brett's parents couldn't stop apologizing. I couldn't stop telling them how lucky we all were not to be dealing with the sorts of things 2 or 3 families were facing the same day in suburban New York.
The cars will be fixed. Dead people can't be.
News junkie that I am, I was scanning the NY TImes online, and learned of a horrific accident yesterday where a 36 year old idiot mother drove the wrong way on the Taconic Parkway North of NYC, and killed 8, four of whom were children. The grandmother of the kids (and the idiot's mother) was from my old 'hood, Levittown.
So, Wifey and I went out for a happy day on Lincoln Road, and a fine Middle Eastern lunch after a great movie ("The Hurt Locker"), and I kept one eye of the texts that came as the Ds and friends made their way south.
They called from a stop in southern Palm Beach county, and I breathed a relief sigh.
About one hour later, Ds called: "Dad, everyone is ok, but we had an accident on South Dixie Highway. The police are here."
5 hour story short: everyone WAS fine, but D2's friend Brett, driving her Volvo, avoided a short stopping u turner, and sideswiped a '94 VW. The Volvo wouldn't move, I'm hoping because of a post-accident interlock feature, or possibly a broken axle. The VW, driven by a lovely young Colombian nursing student, had a flat front tire.
The really cool Miami cop (Delray Beach native, just moved here 2 years ago after a long stint with the Palm Beach Sherriff's office ("No offense to them, but I really couldn't stand ALL the old people anymore") and I of course became buds. He laughed when I told him about my mother's little car adventure ("I had one of those per week!"). He'll be calling later this week with a question about his father's claim of medical malpractice against Delray Community Hospital.
He ticketed Brett, and the cars were towed away, after slowing the late Sunday south Dixie traffic to a crawl for a few hours. I drove Brett and Carly home, and we finally made it. The debriefing with the anxious Pinecrest parents was more light hearted and brief than I had feared.
Brett's parents couldn't stop apologizing. I couldn't stop telling them how lucky we all were not to be dealing with the sorts of things 2 or 3 families were facing the same day in suburban New York.
The cars will be fixed. Dead people can't be.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Well I've Never Been to Maine
Wifey just returned from a week long trip to Maine, where she and her best friend Edna were hosted by Jody in their beautiful lake house.
Jody and Bob are wonderful folks who live in our neighborhood. 've talked about them in the past. Bob was the town basketball star in his small village in Maine, who moved to Miami and became very successful lawyer. Jody was born and raised in Coral Gables.
Wifey and I admire them, because they have 5 amazingly terrific and accomplished kids, ranging from male model/ Law review federal law clerks to tv reporters to professional ballet dancers to medical students. The youngest, D2's friend and just starting college, started a local band which is the rave of the Palmetto High community.
Wifey adores Jody, and visited there 3 years ago.
Well, we were sitting on the porch yesterday, recounting her trip, and Wifey, known throughout the land as someone who abhors cold or even cool weather, now can't stand the heat. Ever since she, um, how does a husband say this delicately? --since she went through menopause -- she avoids going outside here in the summer. Wifey wants to get a summer rental next year in Maine!
I agreed right away -- EITHER Maine or North Carolina. I've never been to Maine, but I've been to Oklahoma --and I KNOW I'd love it there.
Jody goes up for the whole summer, and Bob visits frequently, as Jody hosts all of her kids and their friends, and HER friends --essentially running a free bed and breakfast.
I'd love doing the same.
Its funny --my family did the family goes to summer thing while Dad stays home to work before I was born. My mother used to rent a bungalow in Coney Island, and there were summer places in the Catskill Mountains.
I don't want to buy a place, but the idea of having use of one for a summer or two appeals to me. We've iscussed it with our Bassett Hound, and she's excited about chasing Northern Woodland Creatures.
D1 ought to be moving to a graduate school apartment next Summer, and D2 will be preparing to go off to college. Maybe some summer rental time in the woods of Maine or North Carolina) will be terrific for all of us.
So --we'll see. Maybe next year at this time, I'll be writing this drivel on a laptop overlooking a lake. Maybe instead of Lots of Lox, I'll be having my breakfast at the Early Bird Cafe (a favorite of Wifey's in Camden, Maine).
Let's see...
Jody and Bob are wonderful folks who live in our neighborhood. 've talked about them in the past. Bob was the town basketball star in his small village in Maine, who moved to Miami and became very successful lawyer. Jody was born and raised in Coral Gables.
Wifey and I admire them, because they have 5 amazingly terrific and accomplished kids, ranging from male model/ Law review federal law clerks to tv reporters to professional ballet dancers to medical students. The youngest, D2's friend and just starting college, started a local band which is the rave of the Palmetto High community.
Wifey adores Jody, and visited there 3 years ago.
Well, we were sitting on the porch yesterday, recounting her trip, and Wifey, known throughout the land as someone who abhors cold or even cool weather, now can't stand the heat. Ever since she, um, how does a husband say this delicately? --since she went through menopause -- she avoids going outside here in the summer. Wifey wants to get a summer rental next year in Maine!
I agreed right away -- EITHER Maine or North Carolina. I've never been to Maine, but I've been to Oklahoma --and I KNOW I'd love it there.
Jody goes up for the whole summer, and Bob visits frequently, as Jody hosts all of her kids and their friends, and HER friends --essentially running a free bed and breakfast.
I'd love doing the same.
Its funny --my family did the family goes to summer thing while Dad stays home to work before I was born. My mother used to rent a bungalow in Coney Island, and there were summer places in the Catskill Mountains.
I don't want to buy a place, but the idea of having use of one for a summer or two appeals to me. We've iscussed it with our Bassett Hound, and she's excited about chasing Northern Woodland Creatures.
D1 ought to be moving to a graduate school apartment next Summer, and D2 will be preparing to go off to college. Maybe some summer rental time in the woods of Maine or North Carolina) will be terrific for all of us.
So --we'll see. Maybe next year at this time, I'll be writing this drivel on a laptop overlooking a lake. Maybe instead of Lots of Lox, I'll be having my breakfast at the Early Bird Cafe (a favorite of Wifey's in Camden, Maine).
Let's see...
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Happy Birthday Tommy O'Brien
Tommy O'Brien was one of my earliest childhood friends. He lived around the corner, on Regent Lane, and I think we met at school, in first grade.
He was a small kid, with curly black hair, and freckles. He had a scar under his eye from a fall when he was a baby. He wasn't a NY Mets fan, which was VERY unusual for a Long Island boy in the late 60s --he loved the Cincinnatti Reds. He also loved the Green Bay Packers and not the Jets --also strange in th era of Broadway Joe Namath.
I always remember that Tommy's birthday was July 19 --one day after mine. That fascinated the two of us when we were 7 or 8. I'm still not sure why.
Anyway, I think in 4th grade, Tommy's parents pulled him and his brother Billy out of public school and put them into St. James, our local Catholic school. I remember appealing to Mr. O'Brien to leave Tommy with all of his friends at East Broadway, and his father nicely and patiently explaining to me that he and Tommy's mother thought the Jesuits would give a better education. I have ZERO recollection what Mr. O'Brien did for a living, but clearly remember he was a very bright and mannered man. There were precious few professional types n North Wantagh and Levittown in those years --maybe he was a teacher himself.
Anyway, I think I saw Tommy two or three times after that. I don't know if he's even alive. If he is, I have no idea what effect the Jesuit education had on him, or whether the church quelled his rebeliousness (maybe they turned him into a Mets and Jets fan after all). I DO know that if he IS alive, he's 48 years old today.
As for MY birthday, yesterday, it was wonderful. The girls, Wifey and I all had breakfast, and then the Ds and I headed up to Aventura to meet Dr. Barry and his boys. We went to Mo's Bagels (the co owner is Mohammed --who wisely realized that Mohammed's Bagels, in overwhelmingly Jewish Aventura, wasn't a recipe for success) and had a great lunch. The other owner is Paul, a Venezuelan Jew, who brought us a platter of cookies and rugelah.
My partner Paul learned we were in HIS hood, and came over to join us. We had a grand meal, and Paul had them bring me MORE cookies with a birthday candle, which lead to a deafening birthday song.
Barry and the boys left, and Ds went with Paul to a boutique. Paul knows me. He knows I'm happiest when my girls are, and they tried on an array of gorgeous clothes, while we drank Diet Cokes and applauded. I bought them most of the outfits, prompting D1 to state it was one of "her best days, ever!"
We went home, and Wifey's leg was feeling better, so SHE got to watch the fashion show all over again. Wifey and I then went to see the new Johnny Depp movie, which was pretty good.
So, to my childhood friend Tommy O'Brien, of Regent Lane in Wantagh, Long Island --I hope you are as blessed with a 48th birthday as I was yesterday. Although, the Mets are having a disappointing season...
He was a small kid, with curly black hair, and freckles. He had a scar under his eye from a fall when he was a baby. He wasn't a NY Mets fan, which was VERY unusual for a Long Island boy in the late 60s --he loved the Cincinnatti Reds. He also loved the Green Bay Packers and not the Jets --also strange in th era of Broadway Joe Namath.
I always remember that Tommy's birthday was July 19 --one day after mine. That fascinated the two of us when we were 7 or 8. I'm still not sure why.
Anyway, I think in 4th grade, Tommy's parents pulled him and his brother Billy out of public school and put them into St. James, our local Catholic school. I remember appealing to Mr. O'Brien to leave Tommy with all of his friends at East Broadway, and his father nicely and patiently explaining to me that he and Tommy's mother thought the Jesuits would give a better education. I have ZERO recollection what Mr. O'Brien did for a living, but clearly remember he was a very bright and mannered man. There were precious few professional types n North Wantagh and Levittown in those years --maybe he was a teacher himself.
Anyway, I think I saw Tommy two or three times after that. I don't know if he's even alive. If he is, I have no idea what effect the Jesuit education had on him, or whether the church quelled his rebeliousness (maybe they turned him into a Mets and Jets fan after all). I DO know that if he IS alive, he's 48 years old today.
As for MY birthday, yesterday, it was wonderful. The girls, Wifey and I all had breakfast, and then the Ds and I headed up to Aventura to meet Dr. Barry and his boys. We went to Mo's Bagels (the co owner is Mohammed --who wisely realized that Mohammed's Bagels, in overwhelmingly Jewish Aventura, wasn't a recipe for success) and had a great lunch. The other owner is Paul, a Venezuelan Jew, who brought us a platter of cookies and rugelah.
My partner Paul learned we were in HIS hood, and came over to join us. We had a grand meal, and Paul had them bring me MORE cookies with a birthday candle, which lead to a deafening birthday song.
Barry and the boys left, and Ds went with Paul to a boutique. Paul knows me. He knows I'm happiest when my girls are, and they tried on an array of gorgeous clothes, while we drank Diet Cokes and applauded. I bought them most of the outfits, prompting D1 to state it was one of "her best days, ever!"
We went home, and Wifey's leg was feeling better, so SHE got to watch the fashion show all over again. Wifey and I then went to see the new Johnny Depp movie, which was pretty good.
So, to my childhood friend Tommy O'Brien, of Regent Lane in Wantagh, Long Island --I hope you are as blessed with a 48th birthday as I was yesterday. Although, the Mets are having a disappointing season...
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Dead Battery
One of life's routine annoyances came my way this week, but somehow blossomed into an ordeal of absurd proportions.
On Tuesday evening, D2 and I were going to leave work and go to a cocktail party fundraiser for a lawyer named Rod Vereen, who is running for Congress (yes --he's Ben Vereen's cousin). I tried to start my car, and the battery was dead.
Rather than delay our departure, I left my car in my office garage and drove with D2, figuring I'd deal with the problem the next day.
Wednesday morning I called AAA and they came within 15 minutes. Since many car companies now have roadside assistance programs, AAA has a lot of competition, and their service has improved dramatically.
The technician connected his power box, the car's electronics jumped to life, and then...nothing. After messing around for awhile, the technician told me, in his broken English, that Lexus cars have a problem --their security systems "reconfigure" after a battery dies, and won't allow the engines to start.
No problem, I told him, I'd call Lexus Roadside assistance. I did, and they sent a tow truck about 30 minutes later. I met the driver in the garage, and he attempted to push the car back. The wheels were locked. He had no idea how to free them.
"Aren't you from Lexus?" I asked. Turns out he wasn't --Lexus just sent him out. He left, too. Before he did, I told him to call Lexus, have them take care of it, and tow the car to the dealership near my house, Lexus of Kendall.
He said he would.
D2 and I left for lunch. While we were out, the Lexus lady called to say another crew had been dispatched, and the car was removed. Sure enough, when D2 and I returned, it was gone from its space.
A few hours later I called the dealership to see if they repaired the car, and found it wasn't there!
Now my dead battery had turned into "Dude --where's my car?"
Well, this morning, that mystery was solved. I got a call from the dealership in North Miami --they had my vehicle! And, it WAS only a dead battery.
The nice lady there also wanted to fix a few recall items, and I told her it was fine, but I needed a loaner.
As I write, the loaner is supposedly on its way to me. We'll see.
At this rate, I have a feeling the car is going to get sent to Atlanta.
On Tuesday evening, D2 and I were going to leave work and go to a cocktail party fundraiser for a lawyer named Rod Vereen, who is running for Congress (yes --he's Ben Vereen's cousin). I tried to start my car, and the battery was dead.
Rather than delay our departure, I left my car in my office garage and drove with D2, figuring I'd deal with the problem the next day.
Wednesday morning I called AAA and they came within 15 minutes. Since many car companies now have roadside assistance programs, AAA has a lot of competition, and their service has improved dramatically.
The technician connected his power box, the car's electronics jumped to life, and then...nothing. After messing around for awhile, the technician told me, in his broken English, that Lexus cars have a problem --their security systems "reconfigure" after a battery dies, and won't allow the engines to start.
No problem, I told him, I'd call Lexus Roadside assistance. I did, and they sent a tow truck about 30 minutes later. I met the driver in the garage, and he attempted to push the car back. The wheels were locked. He had no idea how to free them.
"Aren't you from Lexus?" I asked. Turns out he wasn't --Lexus just sent him out. He left, too. Before he did, I told him to call Lexus, have them take care of it, and tow the car to the dealership near my house, Lexus of Kendall.
He said he would.
D2 and I left for lunch. While we were out, the Lexus lady called to say another crew had been dispatched, and the car was removed. Sure enough, when D2 and I returned, it was gone from its space.
A few hours later I called the dealership to see if they repaired the car, and found it wasn't there!
Now my dead battery had turned into "Dude --where's my car?"
Well, this morning, that mystery was solved. I got a call from the dealership in North Miami --they had my vehicle! And, it WAS only a dead battery.
The nice lady there also wanted to fix a few recall items, and I told her it was fine, but I needed a loaner.
As I write, the loaner is supposedly on its way to me. We'll see.
At this rate, I have a feeling the car is going to get sent to Atlanta.
It's Great to Be a Lawyer
As an attorney, I took an oath to represent my CLIENT. My concern is not what's fair or right, but simply to advance my client's cause, within the bounds of the law and ethics rules.
We have a case where the mother of a paralyzed child ran a stop sign and hit our client. Our client suffered a neck sprain. Normally, we wouldn't take such a case, but the client is the aunt of a fomer client who refers us a lot of business.
Anyway, the disabled child's mother has no insurance, and lives only on her disability payments and social security. She'll never be able to work. She has only the minimal required auto insurance, which means no liability coverage.
The accident was completely her fault. She's afraid that if our client gets a judgment against her, she'll be deported or something. She's offered to pay our client out of her pocket --$1000. I told the woman, flat out, that I wouldn't sue her, but she knows my client will go to some young, agressive lawyer who would.
Our client refused the offer. Her out of pocket expenses are $1500. She told us to demand that from the poor lady. I did, and the poor mother is going to relatives to come up with the money.
My law firm out negotiated the mother of a poor, disabled child, to put money into the pocket of our greedy client (we're taking no fee, by the way). Our client makes a decent living at an office job. She's not wealthy, she struggles, but is certainly far better off than the lady who ran the stop sign.
I feel proud. I feel terrific. We sure showed her!
We have a case where the mother of a paralyzed child ran a stop sign and hit our client. Our client suffered a neck sprain. Normally, we wouldn't take such a case, but the client is the aunt of a fomer client who refers us a lot of business.
Anyway, the disabled child's mother has no insurance, and lives only on her disability payments and social security. She'll never be able to work. She has only the minimal required auto insurance, which means no liability coverage.
The accident was completely her fault. She's afraid that if our client gets a judgment against her, she'll be deported or something. She's offered to pay our client out of her pocket --$1000. I told the woman, flat out, that I wouldn't sue her, but she knows my client will go to some young, agressive lawyer who would.
Our client refused the offer. Her out of pocket expenses are $1500. She told us to demand that from the poor lady. I did, and the poor mother is going to relatives to come up with the money.
My law firm out negotiated the mother of a poor, disabled child, to put money into the pocket of our greedy client (we're taking no fee, by the way). Our client makes a decent living at an office job. She's not wealthy, she struggles, but is certainly far better off than the lady who ran the stop sign.
I feel proud. I feel terrific. We sure showed her!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Yahrzeit
Today, July 14th, is the 27th anniversary of my father's death. In the Jewish religion, it's called Yahrzeit, and one is supposed to light a candle and remember the death with prayers in the shul. I've been skipping the religious part for some years now. I truly wish I could be a true believer, but I can't.
Anyway, I'll probably drive to the sea and speak to my father. That's where his ashes were spread.
I think and write about him often, but have REALLY been doing so this year. I guess we see ourselves in our children, and D1 is the age I was when he died. I see how close D1 and D2 are to me, and it keeps bringing back memories and thoughts about my father.
His widow, my mother is STILL here. She'll be 90 in 9 months. To my nearly 21 year old perception, she was an old lady when she lost her husband. What's an old lady plus 27 years?
Well, life goes on, of course. No one one on this planet is so important that their death stops the show. My father was a retired salesman, only really missed by his children, wife, and grandchildren.
So, in his honor, I'm going to do what I always do: keep on keepin' on, as the brothers used to say in the 70s.
D1 is busy at school and interning, D2 is on her way to my office to answer phones, and Wifey is planning her errands today. Ancient mom is adapting to her new, car -less (also largely careless) life.
Dad --I've tried to carry on. I still miss you.
Anyway, I'll probably drive to the sea and speak to my father. That's where his ashes were spread.
I think and write about him often, but have REALLY been doing so this year. I guess we see ourselves in our children, and D1 is the age I was when he died. I see how close D1 and D2 are to me, and it keeps bringing back memories and thoughts about my father.
His widow, my mother is STILL here. She'll be 90 in 9 months. To my nearly 21 year old perception, she was an old lady when she lost her husband. What's an old lady plus 27 years?
Well, life goes on, of course. No one one on this planet is so important that their death stops the show. My father was a retired salesman, only really missed by his children, wife, and grandchildren.
So, in his honor, I'm going to do what I always do: keep on keepin' on, as the brothers used to say in the 70s.
D1 is busy at school and interning, D2 is on her way to my office to answer phones, and Wifey is planning her errands today. Ancient mom is adapting to her new, car -less (also largely careless) life.
Dad --I've tried to carry on. I still miss you.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Banner Weekend
So all four of us went up to Palm Beach for a family weekend. We were celebrating D2's stellar junior year of high school: terrific grades, college board scores, and AP tests.
We had a detour on the way, to retrieve very old Grandma's car from the shopping center where she wreaked havoc on 2 parked cars. When I returned to her condo, I called in the claim with the auto insurance carrier, and found the paperwork for the car. I also called the two owners of the cars she hit, and they were surprisingly nice and understanding. Of course, one of the ladies was 84, and the gentleman whose truck was hit was 76. Maybe they see their own futures, too.
Anyway, we made it to the Manalapan Ritz Carlton --me, Wifey, Ds 1 and 2, and our granddog Madeleine. Madeleine was the hit of the weekend --by Sunday fellow guests were calling her by name. She seemed to really like the hotel. As a refined lap dog, the Ritz is clearly her style...
D1's boyfriend came over and joined us. We got him a room at the Chesterfield, which is in Palm Beach proper. He had about a 15 minute drive, but was happy to do it --he passed Mar a Lago and the other amazing Palm Beach estates. He's a very ambitious young man, and says he wants to be very succesful to take a trip where he stays in Ritz Carlton's around the world, sort of like some folks want to see baseball games in all MAjor League stadiums.
Wifey took a long nap, and we all laid out on a grass strip overlooking the ocean. It was glorius! We took Madeleine to the beack, and she dug holes and ran from the surf. She encountered a few large dogs and acquitted herself nicely, for a shrimp!
The Ritz only has one operating restaurant during the summer, and we had dinner there, outside. A delicious breeze was blowing, and we ate, and laughed.
Saturday D1 and I met for a lovely seaside breakfast, and later Dr. Eric, Dana, and their boy Josh met us. Their D1 has started UF, and we chatted about the Gator experience.
Saturday night Wifey drew the short straw, and stayed at the hotel with the dog, while we went to see "Bruno" and then had dinner near the theatre at the adjacent mall. The young ones liked the movie more than I did, but there were a few great laughs. Thomas left for his hotel, and D1, tired from the sun, went to sleep. D2, Wifey, Madeleine and I stayed ni the lobby until midnight, listening to an excellent jazz trio.
The people came and went; nothing really happened. I stole that from "The Grand Hotel," which the Ritz is.
This morning we checked out (reluctantly; everyone, including Madeliene, whined as we pulled out of the parking lot) and headed for the Chesterfield. Thomas showed us around THAT property, which is a charming little place, one block North of Worth Avenue. They have a library there about the size of D1's bedroom. I told her I was converting her room to one of these sooner than later.
We walked to Worth Avenue, which looked like it was hit by a neutron bomb. One shop was open, and there were virtually no other people on the street. There WAS, however, a working dog water basin, and Madeleine drank heartily.
We said goodbye to Thomas, who drove back to Gainesville. About 20 minutes from home, Wifey awoke the girls from their naps by shrieking when the puppy peed all over her. We all laughed, and Madeleine apologized.
Back to work and school tomorrow. I'm going to go check out the Miami Jewish Home for the Aged this week. My neighbor and friend Charlie raved about it --he knows my Mother and thinks she'd love it there. It's only about a 10 minute drive from my office, so I'd be able to visit Mom often, and Wifey would see her often, too. It 's inevitable that she needs to make a change, and that place might be the answer.
In the meantime, whatever happens, my runnig joke when leaving a vacation spot seems most apropriate. I always imitate the narrator on the old Disney travel logs they used to play in my elementary school:
As we reluctantly leave the Ritz Carlton of Palm Beach, we reflect on the wonderful memories we'll always treasure of the time we spent there.
We had a detour on the way, to retrieve very old Grandma's car from the shopping center where she wreaked havoc on 2 parked cars. When I returned to her condo, I called in the claim with the auto insurance carrier, and found the paperwork for the car. I also called the two owners of the cars she hit, and they were surprisingly nice and understanding. Of course, one of the ladies was 84, and the gentleman whose truck was hit was 76. Maybe they see their own futures, too.
Anyway, we made it to the Manalapan Ritz Carlton --me, Wifey, Ds 1 and 2, and our granddog Madeleine. Madeleine was the hit of the weekend --by Sunday fellow guests were calling her by name. She seemed to really like the hotel. As a refined lap dog, the Ritz is clearly her style...
D1's boyfriend came over and joined us. We got him a room at the Chesterfield, which is in Palm Beach proper. He had about a 15 minute drive, but was happy to do it --he passed Mar a Lago and the other amazing Palm Beach estates. He's a very ambitious young man, and says he wants to be very succesful to take a trip where he stays in Ritz Carlton's around the world, sort of like some folks want to see baseball games in all MAjor League stadiums.
Wifey took a long nap, and we all laid out on a grass strip overlooking the ocean. It was glorius! We took Madeleine to the beack, and she dug holes and ran from the surf. She encountered a few large dogs and acquitted herself nicely, for a shrimp!
The Ritz only has one operating restaurant during the summer, and we had dinner there, outside. A delicious breeze was blowing, and we ate, and laughed.
Saturday D1 and I met for a lovely seaside breakfast, and later Dr. Eric, Dana, and their boy Josh met us. Their D1 has started UF, and we chatted about the Gator experience.
Saturday night Wifey drew the short straw, and stayed at the hotel with the dog, while we went to see "Bruno" and then had dinner near the theatre at the adjacent mall. The young ones liked the movie more than I did, but there were a few great laughs. Thomas left for his hotel, and D1, tired from the sun, went to sleep. D2, Wifey, Madeleine and I stayed ni the lobby until midnight, listening to an excellent jazz trio.
The people came and went; nothing really happened. I stole that from "The Grand Hotel," which the Ritz is.
This morning we checked out (reluctantly; everyone, including Madeliene, whined as we pulled out of the parking lot) and headed for the Chesterfield. Thomas showed us around THAT property, which is a charming little place, one block North of Worth Avenue. They have a library there about the size of D1's bedroom. I told her I was converting her room to one of these sooner than later.
We walked to Worth Avenue, which looked like it was hit by a neutron bomb. One shop was open, and there were virtually no other people on the street. There WAS, however, a working dog water basin, and Madeleine drank heartily.
We said goodbye to Thomas, who drove back to Gainesville. About 20 minutes from home, Wifey awoke the girls from their naps by shrieking when the puppy peed all over her. We all laughed, and Madeleine apologized.
Back to work and school tomorrow. I'm going to go check out the Miami Jewish Home for the Aged this week. My neighbor and friend Charlie raved about it --he knows my Mother and thinks she'd love it there. It's only about a 10 minute drive from my office, so I'd be able to visit Mom often, and Wifey would see her often, too. It 's inevitable that she needs to make a change, and that place might be the answer.
In the meantime, whatever happens, my runnig joke when leaving a vacation spot seems most apropriate. I always imitate the narrator on the old Disney travel logs they used to play in my elementary school:
As we reluctantly leave the Ritz Carlton of Palm Beach, we reflect on the wonderful memories we'll always treasure of the time we spent there.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
It's Always Something
So less than one week after enjoying a banner July 4th, very old Mom had a terrible day today. She got confused while backing out of a parking space in a strip center, gunned the accelerator, and drove in a 500 foot radius circle at high speed. She hit one parked car so hard that it moved into the adjacent space. She then clipped another vehicle before stopping.
The Palm Beach Deputy I spoke to said that had there been any pedestrians in the area, we'd be dealing with multiple fatalities. Fortunately no one was hurt. The Deputy took her license. I told him it was a permanent suspension...
Mom accepted that her driving days are over, but is still resisting the fact that she'll need an aide now. I'm thinking that a few attempts at grocery shopping on the bus will change her mind...
So, time keeps flowing like a river. People age. Babies are born.
Wifey, D1 and D2 and I are heading to Palm Beach for the weekend. D1's boyfriend is meeting us. Now we'll detour to Delray to retrieve the wrecked car, to await its trip to the insurance company and then junk yard.
To borrow from Arthur Miller's famous use of the passive voice: perspective must be kept. My friend and neighbor Charlie called today to tell me about a medical malpractice defense lawyer I know pretty well who was diagnosed with terminal brain/lung cancer. He quit his practice and will probably be on this planet less than another year.
D1's sorority sister's father died Monday, after a 14 month course of brain cancer, too. Victor was a great guy --we got to know each other over a family weekend at UF. He was 58.
So, my mother has already stayed ahead of the Reaper for a long time. We're thankful for that.
TOmorrow I plan to look out at the Atlantic and sigh. I'll tell my father what happened to his wife.
And then I plan to savor my family's togetherness, and keep up my fight against the petty, against the false drama, against the "small stuff."
And, while I'm in parking lots in Palm Beach County, with all of their octogenerian drivers, I plan to walk carefully.
The Palm Beach Deputy I spoke to said that had there been any pedestrians in the area, we'd be dealing with multiple fatalities. Fortunately no one was hurt. The Deputy took her license. I told him it was a permanent suspension...
Mom accepted that her driving days are over, but is still resisting the fact that she'll need an aide now. I'm thinking that a few attempts at grocery shopping on the bus will change her mind...
So, time keeps flowing like a river. People age. Babies are born.
Wifey, D1 and D2 and I are heading to Palm Beach for the weekend. D1's boyfriend is meeting us. Now we'll detour to Delray to retrieve the wrecked car, to await its trip to the insurance company and then junk yard.
To borrow from Arthur Miller's famous use of the passive voice: perspective must be kept. My friend and neighbor Charlie called today to tell me about a medical malpractice defense lawyer I know pretty well who was diagnosed with terminal brain/lung cancer. He quit his practice and will probably be on this planet less than another year.
D1's sorority sister's father died Monday, after a 14 month course of brain cancer, too. Victor was a great guy --we got to know each other over a family weekend at UF. He was 58.
So, my mother has already stayed ahead of the Reaper for a long time. We're thankful for that.
TOmorrow I plan to look out at the Atlantic and sigh. I'll tell my father what happened to his wife.
And then I plan to savor my family's togetherness, and keep up my fight against the petty, against the false drama, against the "small stuff."
And, while I'm in parking lots in Palm Beach County, with all of their octogenerian drivers, I plan to walk carefully.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Busy for a Change...
The past 2 weeks have flown by. I'm NOT proud to say I've had a lot going on at work --mostly strategizing about the handling of our biggest case. I actually stayed at the office until 8 pm 2 nights --and there was only MINIMAL alcohol involved!
It's been great having D2 there. Each time the phone rings, her sultry voice is on the other end to tell me who is calling. She's getting along great with the other staff people from the other firms. They adore her, as do I...
Last weekend was my partner's son's wedding in Naples. There were only 50 guests, but it was probably the classiest weding weekend we've been to. Saturday night Paul hosted a dinner at a steak house in the former Registry Hotel, which is now a South Beach wannabee called Naples Beach Resort, complete with neon and modern sculptures. Afterward there was a pajama party back at the Ritz, where we were all headquartered. It was a blast --everyone was so relaxed, and playing at the Craps and Roulette tables Paul hired for the suite.
Paul upgraded all of the guests to the Club Level, which was fantastic. The Club had delicious food and drink all day, and the guests would come and go, allowing for terrific conversation. The folks there, mostly the bride's family, were wonderful, classy folks.
The ceremony was on the beack, and as we sat on the sand, the sky was ominous. A huge summer storm was coming in over the Gulf. Somehow the Rabbi got it all in before the torrents, and the sun even peeked out as it was setting. The English major in me couldn't help but see the symbolism -- the signs of hopefullness in a sea of storm.
Afterwards we partied in a beachside banquet hall, with delicious food and a killer band. Wifey and I danced all night long, and all had a damn, fine time.
Yesterday was y 4th, and sister Sue was here from California. Sister Trudy and brother Dennis hosted us all at a timeshare on the water in Delray, and very, very old Mom came along. Other than's Sue's boys, all of Mom's children, grandchildren, and 4 GREAT grandchildren were there. She loved it.
We couldn't remember when so many of us were all together at one time.
On the way home, Mom was praying out loud, thanking God for how blessed her life has been. She treats each day as a gift, and yesterday was Chanukah for her...
She turns 90 in April, and Ds 1 and 2 each graduate in May. We're planning a big party at Villa Wifey (actually, D1 already has it planned). Hopefully we'll all be blessed to get together then, again.
For today, the Fifth of July, Wifey and I plan to have dinner with sister Sue and our neighbors, the Patricks.
Hot fun in the summer time...
It's been great having D2 there. Each time the phone rings, her sultry voice is on the other end to tell me who is calling. She's getting along great with the other staff people from the other firms. They adore her, as do I...
Last weekend was my partner's son's wedding in Naples. There were only 50 guests, but it was probably the classiest weding weekend we've been to. Saturday night Paul hosted a dinner at a steak house in the former Registry Hotel, which is now a South Beach wannabee called Naples Beach Resort, complete with neon and modern sculptures. Afterward there was a pajama party back at the Ritz, where we were all headquartered. It was a blast --everyone was so relaxed, and playing at the Craps and Roulette tables Paul hired for the suite.
Paul upgraded all of the guests to the Club Level, which was fantastic. The Club had delicious food and drink all day, and the guests would come and go, allowing for terrific conversation. The folks there, mostly the bride's family, were wonderful, classy folks.
The ceremony was on the beack, and as we sat on the sand, the sky was ominous. A huge summer storm was coming in over the Gulf. Somehow the Rabbi got it all in before the torrents, and the sun even peeked out as it was setting. The English major in me couldn't help but see the symbolism -- the signs of hopefullness in a sea of storm.
Afterwards we partied in a beachside banquet hall, with delicious food and a killer band. Wifey and I danced all night long, and all had a damn, fine time.
Yesterday was y 4th, and sister Sue was here from California. Sister Trudy and brother Dennis hosted us all at a timeshare on the water in Delray, and very, very old Mom came along. Other than's Sue's boys, all of Mom's children, grandchildren, and 4 GREAT grandchildren were there. She loved it.
We couldn't remember when so many of us were all together at one time.
On the way home, Mom was praying out loud, thanking God for how blessed her life has been. She treats each day as a gift, and yesterday was Chanukah for her...
She turns 90 in April, and Ds 1 and 2 each graduate in May. We're planning a big party at Villa Wifey (actually, D1 already has it planned). Hopefully we'll all be blessed to get together then, again.
For today, the Fifth of July, Wifey and I plan to have dinner with sister Sue and our neighbors, the Patricks.
Hot fun in the summer time...
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