Andy’s mother is sick in the hospital and India. He is understandably stressed out. Andy is an owner of Hoboken Daily News. It was just me and Andy in the store for a few minutes and he was able to unload with tears in his eyes. Other customers aren’t so understanding, whining about not being able to get their scratch off lottery cards in the time that wanted while Andy was on the phone trying to hear what is going on with his mother.

She was in one hospital with some lung problems and on a ventilator. The doctors at the hospital told Andy’s brothers that she only had a few days left. They then moved her to another hospital and things improved somewhat and given a better prognosis. I was glad Andy was able to tell me these things, he obviously needed to talk to someone and that was me.

Other than that, today was a good day. I was up early in the morning and was on the streets at 8:00. Believe me that was a major accomplishment. Wearing a placard and walking up and down the sidewalks between Jersey City and Hoboken promoting the summer on the Hoboken waterfront. I will only have the job when it’s not raining and since today was rain free, I did not mind at all.

Bill is heartbroken, watching the news of the Oklahoma tornados. I came home a little while ago and could tell by the sound of his voice that something was wrong. He needed a hug after watching the never ending news cycle. If I wasn’t busy today promoting events for the summer, chances are I would be engrossed as well. Luckily there is a Mel Brooks documentary on PBS tonight and I think that will be a welcome change from this bad news.

Back to the placards tomorrow. The weather seems cooperative and the looks I get from people when they see me handing out flyers and acting like a shy town crier are charming. I don’t mind. It’s good, honest work. And it isn’t sculpture which is always a plus unless you’re Maya Lin or John Chamberlain or even R.Mutt. My boss tells me if I am good enough with the placards I might be moving up to bunting.

Rest in Peace Ray Manzarek.

Hang in there Oklahoma.
Text REDCROSS to 90999 to give $10 to American Red Cross Disaster Relief, which helps people affected by disasters such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, wildfires and tornadoes despite Oklahoma Senators Jim Inhofe and Tom Coburn, who voted against federal aid for victims of Sandy.