Author Archives: Shel Orkin

Heart of gold Last week I was fortunate enough to be sailing in the British Virgin Islands.  One of the days we embarked on the Island of Virgin Gorda where they have these Baths.  They are not really baths as … Continue reading →

For some strange reason this week I have been thinking more than usual about my late wife , Susan, to whom I was married for 37 years.  In November 2008, she passed having been stricken with pancreatic cancer. I very … Continue reading →

Jan 1979, our family moved to Solon Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland.  I was driving home from work on one wintery day, and it snowed every day in Cleveland, Welcome to Cleveland.  They said it was lake effects, and even … Continue reading →

I was 10 years old and an only and lonely little boy who was quite geeky looking.  Overweight, braces on the teeth, black rimmed glasses on the nose, and no athletic abilities as I had no siblings to teach me.  … Continue reading →

We all have a different  genetic make up and mine involves being a risk taker.  Every day we are faced with decisions that make you think about the risk vs reward.  In my case almost 100% of the time I … Continue reading →

On Wednesday after pelican line dancing susan and I stopped by the movie theater and decided to watch the movie.  “As it is in Heaven” We were 1/2 hour late, yet it looked interesting enough to sit down and be … Continue reading →

It was a cold Monday on Jan 6th, 1979 that my move from Willingboro NJ to Cleveland Ohio took place. Upon arriving at my new abode the day was noteworthy.  The moving van and I arrived at the same time, … Continue reading →

Today I get a notice my xfinity services have been cut off for my home in Illinois and the amount due is $492.34. The only reason I received this notification is because my auto pay didn’t go thru. I would … Continue reading →

It was a beautiful sunny Florida day with temperature in the low 80”s when I took my daughter and her family out on a 22 ‘pontoon boat fishing. I belong to the freedom boat club which enables me to take … Continue reading →

When my wife was pregnant with our first child we visited Magic Kingdom in ORLANDO WHEN IT FIRST OPENED IN 1972.  For some odd reason Disney entered my daughter’s umbilical chord and since then she has been a disney freak.  … Continue reading →

“You’ve got a friend in me You’ve got a friend in me If you’ve got troubles, I’ve got ’em too There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you We stick together and can see it through ‘Cause you’ve got a … Continue reading →

It was a bitter cold day in Chicago 5 years ago when I went on the first date with my soon to be   my girlfriend for 5 years, Gigi.  Gigi was French, came over to America when she was … Continue reading →

Jackets off Several years ago, we went to Boston for a family wedding.  While we were getting dressed for the evening event my son asked me if I had a safety pin.  He was 16 at the time and of … Continue reading →

As a result of one of the transactions where the company was sold, all my stock options vested and therefore Voila. All of a sudden I could retire. Now, in my late 70’s I can live the dream and am … Continue reading →

Several years ago my  lady friend Gigi, who is French, and I took a trip to Sydney Australia.  We decided while vacationing it might be fun to take a cooking class.  The 1st hour was a demonstration on how to … Continue reading →

In 1969 I was a pharmacy student at Temple University in Philadelphia.  After 3 years of undergrad I was enrolled in another 3 years of pharmacy school.  During that time there were 3 women in the class and I hooked … Continue reading →

It’s Wednesday April 26 and I arrive at the Freedom Boat club marina in Venice to take out Pisces, a 22 foot Catalina Sailboat.  I have never been out of this Marina and when I registered to reserve the boat … Continue reading →

I grew up as an only and lonely child. However I had toys that were the envy of the neighborhood which didn’t help to make me a popular person.  This one story really is buried in my past but unforgettable. … Continue reading →

IN JUST 5 WEEKS I WILL cycling in Sicily. Prior to booking the trip, I figured by leaving on the 14th of May I would be at the start of the ride on May 15. I usually do quite a … Continue reading →

After 18 hours of flying from Chicago ORD en route to a 10 day bike and barge, I arrived at HoChi Min airport .  I am at baggage claim waiting for bicycle box and realize my phone is dead.  To … Continue reading →

It was a sunny cool day in February when I looked at the calendar and realized a special day was arriving to not forget. I started with a trip to whole foods and picked out a beautiful veal tender along … Continue reading →