I want to take a moment to express my sympathy to Elayne Riggs at the passing of her father, Alex. While we were married, I did not always agree with Alex, but I do know he loved his daughter and wished only the best for her. In that way he was like all loving fathers in the way they think of their daughters.

I'll always remember the trips to Atlantic City, the rush to grab those particular machines in those early days. You have to know that years ago AC wasn't the 24/7 gambling showcase it is now, competing for high rollers with Las Vegas. Alex, and his wife Goldie, were our guides to Las Vegas when Elayne and I stayed with them for several days. I will not forget driving down the Strip that first night, totally amazed and thrilled to be there.

When I was with Alex, I often felt that I was a high school kid asking to take Elayne to the prom and not an already 30-something adult. Still I do have so many good memories of those years that he shall always remain with me.

Donna and I want to send our condolences to the Wechsler family on this sad occasion.

Goodbye, Alex. Hope you hit the jackpot!

I spent the last few days back in Brooklyn for the funeral of Edna Marilyn Zillini, Donna's mother. She passed away last Wednesday at the age of seventy-four and was buried in Brooklyn's historic Greenlawn Cemetery on Saturday.

Marilyn was survived by two sisters (one older, one younger), five children (Debbie, Donna, Edna, Marilyn & George), eleven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. In addition there were a large number of the extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews present, along with several hundred family friends who viewed the body and extended their sympathies.

If you've ever attended a typical Italian funeral you already know that food was a very important part of the events both Friday and Saturday. I want to thank all the folks who were kind enough to send food, fruit baskets, cheese platters and more cookies & pastries then I ever hope to indulge in again. Special hat tip to "Paulie Provolone" (the family knows who he is) for the amazing spread his catering service provided both days.

Since I started dating Donna in '99 and throughout the past eight years, Marilyn was always kind and respectful. When my own mother passed away a few years ago, Marilyn became "Mom" and a better mother-in-law I could never have wanted. I'm going to miss the yelling up the stairs, "garbage nights" and those indescribable dinners with the entire Zillini clan.

Rest in peace, Mom.

I apologize for not posting the past week, but really have not been in the right frame of mind.

Sadly, Donna's mother has taken a turn for the worse and is not expected to recover. She is resting at home with her family, most of whom have returned to Brooklyn. Donna has been there for about a week and Kristina joined her a few days ago. When the final event occurs Donna will contact me and I'll fly back to New York for the funeral.

I may have some more to say about Edna Zillini, but for now I just want to say that she has never treated me with anything other than respect and affection. I can't say the same for some of the in-laws I've had in the past.

Things continue on the job front, with some good news possible in the next couple of weeks.