Photo of the Day: Woodcliff Lake, Braddock Park, North Bergen NJ

I took this photo from a bus nearly four years ago, on the verge of spring. It sjpws Woodcliff Lake in the 167-acre James J. Braddock/North Hudson Park in North Bergen, NJ.

Now, it seems, according to this article by Patrick Villanova in the Jersey Journal a couple of days ago, the area surrounding the lake will get a $4 million restoration involving  restoring the lake wall, repaving the lakeside walkway, and installing new benches, trash receptacles, and signage. The project is projected to be completed by October 1.

Quote of the Day (Hermann Hesse, on History, Chaos and Faith)

“To study history means submitting to chaos and nevertheless retaining faith in order and meaning. It is a very serious task, young man, and possibly a tragic one.”— Swiss Nobel Prize-winning novelist Hermann Hesse (1877-1962), The Glass Bead Game (Magister Ludi): A Novel (1943)

Photo of the Day: Spring, Anderson Park, Upper Montclair, NJ

I took this photo of the 14.895-acre Anderson Park in Upper Montclair, N.J., in May 2012. The unstructured park, which contains large shade trees and sprawling lawns, was named in honor of its original donor, C.W. Anderson.

This winter has not been as cold or snow-filled—yet—as nearly all the others I've known, but it retains the gray dreariness of the season. This photo reminds me of what I’ll look forward to in a few short months.

Quote of the Day (Tom Hanks, on How He Does Crying Scenes)

"Crying scenes are tough. Personally, onions make me cry. So when I have to cry, I think of a dead onion." —Actor Tom Hanks appearing on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, Apr. 21, 2016

Quote of the Day (Drew Barrymore, on Friends Who ‘React With Grace’)

“I remember the lesson when I was very young that there is always enough room for everyone to have what they want and they need and they work for. I have only become the person I am proud of through my friendships, and I've chosen to follow people that I admire and think behave and react with grace.”— Actress Drew Barrymore quoted in Kathryn Shattuck, “Drew Barrymore's Next Act: Suburban Zombie,” The New York Times, Jan. 29, 2017

I am grateful for the friends in my life who act in a similar way, and I wish the same for anyone who happens to read this.

(Photo of Drew Barrymore at the London premiere of Music and Lyrics was taken by Caroline Bonarde Ucci in April 2007.)