Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Emmy's Misadventures: The Tale of a Playful Pup

     Once upon a time in a quaint little town nestled amidst rolling hills and lush green meadows, there lived a dog named Emmy. Emmy was no ordinary dog; she was a bundle of boundless energy and mischief rolled into a furry, four-legged package.

     Emmy's story begins on a bright, sunny morning when her owner, Mr. Johnson, decided to take her for a walk in the town park. The park was Emmy's favorite place in the whole wide world. As soon as she set her paws on the soft, dewy grass, Emmy transformed into a whirlwind of excitement, tail wagging furiously, and her tongue hanging out in pure ecstasy.

     Emmy's love for chewing was legendary in the neighborhood. She had a vast collection of chew toys, ranging from rubber bones to squeaky ducks. However, Emmy had a particular fondness for chewing on shoes, much to Mr. Johnson's chagrin. Mr. Johnson had lost count of how many shoes he had to replace due to Emmy's relentless chewing.

     On this particular day, Emmy spotted a pair of shiny, new sneakers left unattended near a park bench. With a mischievous glint in her eyes and her tail wagging even faster, she made a beeline for the sneakers. In the blink of an eye, Emmy had one of the sneakers firmly clenched between her teeth.

     Mr. Johnson, engrossed in reading a book, didn't notice Emmy's latest escapade until he heard a chorus of laughter erupt from the nearby picnic area. He turned around to see Emmy proudly parading around with the stolen sneaker, much to the amusement of onlookers.

     "Emmy, drop it!" Mr. Johnson yelled, chasing after his mischievous pup. But Emmy had no intentions of giving up her newfound treasure. She sprinted across the park, the sneaker still dangling from her mouth, making a spectacle of herself. The laughter from the park-goers grew louder as Emmy ran circles around her exasperated owner.

     Finally, Emmy grew tired of the game and, with a sly grin, dropped the sneaker at Mr. Johnson's feet. As he bent down to retrieve it, Emmy seized the opportunity to snatch his hat and dashed off again, this time wearing the hat like a champion. It was a sight to behold – a dog with a sneaker in her mouth and a hat on her head, trotting around as if she owned the place.

     By this point, the park-goers were in stitches, and Mr. Johnson couldn't help but join in the laughter despite his frustration. He decided to let Emmy have her moment of glory and watched as she pranced around with her ill-gotten hat, soaking in the adoration of the crowd.

     After a while, Emmy grew tired of her fashion show and returned the hat to her owner. Mr. Johnson finally managed to retrieve the sneaker as well. He couldn't stay mad at Emmy for long; her infectious joy and playful antics were simply too endearing.

     As they made their way back home, Emmy trotted beside Mr. Johnson, her tail still wagging, and a sparkle of mischief in her eyes. It was just another day in the life of Emmy, the shoe-stealing, hat-wearing, and endlessly entertaining dog who had a knack for turning every moment into an unforgettable adventure.

Written by AI

In the end, Emmy may have been a handful, but she brought immeasurable laughter and joy to everyone she encountered, making her the heart and soul of their little town.

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

The Highs and Lows of Tim's San Francisco Adventure

Once upon a time in the vibrant heart of San Francisco, there lived a 25-year-old man named Tim who had always been on the cautious side of life. Tim was known for his unwavering routines and his overly analytical mind that overthought every decision. He had a golden retriever named Sammy, who, like his owner, had become quite familiar with their usual walks around the city.


One sunny afternoon, Tim's best friend, Mark, convinced him to try something he had never dared before – cannabis. Mark had been a cannabis enthusiast for years and believed that this plant could help alleviate Tim's persistent anxiety. Tim, with some trepidation, decided to give it a shot.


They gathered at Mark's apartment, where he had an array of colorful pipes and a mysterious-looking jar filled with fragrant green buds. Mark meticulously explained the ins and outs of consuming cannabis, reassuring Tim that it was perfectly safe and legal in California. Tim's anxious mind was still racing with doubts, but he trusted his friend's judgment and decided to take the plunge.


As Tim inhaled the sweet-smelling smoke, he felt a tickling sensation in his lungs and a wave of relaxation washing over him. It was as if a switch in his mind had been flipped, and suddenly, his worries seemed to float away like clouds in the San Francisco sky.


With newfound confidence and a mischievous grin, Tim declared, "I'm ready to galavant around this city like there's no tomorrow!"


He and Mark ventured out into the bustling streets of San Francisco, where everything felt different. The colors were brighter, the sounds more vivid, and the people around them seemed like characters in a grand cosmic play. Tim couldn't help but laugh at the street performers, dance to the rhythm of the city, and engage in conversations with strangers.


As they strolled through Golden Gate Park, Sammy joined in the fun, chasing butterflies with unrestrained joy. Tim marveled at his dog's boundless enthusiasm and realized that perhaps he could learn a thing or two from Sammy about living in the moment.


They made their way to the iconic Painted Ladies, where tourists and locals alike gathered to admire the beautiful Victorian houses. Tim felt a profound sense of connection with the world around him, and his anxieties were a distant memory.


The trio continued their adventure to the famous San Francisco Pier, where they indulged in clam chowder bread bowls and watched the seagulls swoop down to steal french fries from unsuspecting visitors. Tim couldn't help but be fascinated by the simplicity of life's pleasures and how they could bring such contentment.


As the sun began to set over the Pacific Ocean, they headed to Ocean Beach. Tim lay on the sandy shore, gazing up at the ever-changing colors of the sky, feeling utterly at peace. He realized that the cannabis had not only relieved his anxiety but had also opened his eyes to the beauty and wonder of the world around him.


With Sammy nestled beside him, Mark by his side, and the waves of the Pacific lulling him into a serene trance, Tim had an epiphany. Life was too short to be trapped in a never-ending cycle of worries and routines. He had discovered a new way to navigate the world, one that embraced spontaneity and the joy of the present moment.


From that day on, Tim continued to explore the vibrant city of San Francisco with a newfound sense of wonder and a heart full of gratitude. And Sammy? Well, he became the happiest, most adventurous golden retriever in the whole city, thanks to his human companion who had finally learned to let go and enjoy life to the fullest.

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Dancing, Gambling, and a Road Trip to Remember: The Disco Biscuits Adventure in New Orleans

      It was the end of our senior year of college, and my friends and I had decided to celebrate in a way only college students could: with a wild road trip to New Orleans to see the Disco Biscuits close out Jazz Fest on a riverboat. The semester had just ended, and our future careers loomed ahead like an ominous cloud, but for now, we were determined to make the most of our fleeting freedom.

      We hailed from upstate New York, and our journey to New Orleans had been nothing short of an epic adventure. We crammed into a beat-up minivan, loaded with camping gear, snacks, and an arsenal of questionable playlists. Our trusty driver, Jello, was a mountain of a man at 6.5 feet tall. He was also a dancing fool with moves that defied the laws of physics. As we cruised through the endless highways, Jello's dancing in the driver's seat kept our spirits high and our focus on the road questionable at best.

      After a grueling 24-hour drive that involved way too many rest stops, sing-alongs, and debates about the best gas station snacks, we finally rolled into the vibrant streets of New Orleans. The city's energy was contagious, and we were ready to dive headfirst into the festivities.

      The day of the big event arrived, and the anticipation was palpable. We adorned ourselves in an array of flashy festival attire and hit the streets early to soak in the NOLA vibes. Jello, of course, was the center of attention wherever he went, busting out dance moves on the sidewalk that drew crowds and applause.

      As the sun dipped below the horizon, we made our way to the riverboat where the Disco Biscuits would be performing. The night was magical, with the music weaving its spell over the crowd as we sailed along the Mississippi River. We danced, sang, and lost ourselves in the music, our worries about the future temporarily forgotten.

      But as the night wore on, we realized that one of our friends, Brendan, was nowhere to be found. Panic set in as we searched the boat high and low, asking strangers if they had seen our missing comrade. Time was ticking, and we were faced with a difficult decision: leave without Brendan or risk missing our long drive back home.

      Hours passed, and just when we were about to give up hope, we stumbled upon Brendan in the ship's casino. He was sitting at a blackjack table, an enormous grin on his face, and a growing stack of chips in front of him. He looked up at us with an innocent expression, as if he hadn't just caused us hours of worry.

      "Guys, you won't believe this! I'm on a winning streak!" Brendan exclaimed, as if he had completely forgotten the impending 24-hour drive ahead of us.

      We were a mix of relief and frustration. Jello, in particular, was exasperated, muttering something about how he'd danced his heart out for hours searching for Brendan. But we couldn't stay mad for long; Brendan's infectious enthusiasm had a way of disarming us.

      Reluctantly, we dragged Brendan away from the blackjack table, cashing out his winnings for him. The rest of the night was a blur of exhaustion and mixed emotions. At 3 a.m., we finally embarked on our long journey back to upstate New York, tired but grateful that we were all together again.

      The road trip back was a far cry from our spirited journey to New Orleans. We were all tired, tempers occasionally flaring as sleep-deprivation took its toll. Jello's dancing had turned into head-nodding and occasional snoring.

      But as the sun rose on the horizon, casting a warm glow on our weary faces, we couldn't help but smile at the absurdity of our adventure. We had come to New Orleans for the music, but what we had found was an unforgettable journey filled with laughter, worry, and ultimately, a shared bond that would last a lifetime.

      In the end, we made it back to upstate New York safe and sound, our bodies and minds forever marked by our senior year escapade to see the Disco Biscuits in the heart of New Orleans. And while Brendan's unexpected detour into the casino might have been maddening at the time, it had added another layer of hilarity to our unforgettable adventure.


Keywords: Disco Biscuits, New Orleans, road trip, senior year, college, Jazz Fest, dancing, gambling, friends, adventure, riverboat, upstate New York, casino, 24-hour drive, Brendan, Jello, memories

Tuesday, September 5, 2023

Atlantic City: A Sweet and Hilarious History of Innovation and Hospitality

     Picture this: I'm standing on the vibrant boardwalk of Atlantic City, where the sun is trying its best to outshine the glitz and glamour, and the chatter of tourists fills the air like a comedy club on a Saturday night. My multiple visits to this seaside wonderland have turned me into a bit of a "frequent fun-seeker," and I'm here to share a side of Atlantic City you might not have heard about—a side that's as sweet as salt water taffy, and as funny as a stand-up comedian at an open-mic night.

     Atlantic City's history is a tale of innovation that's as quirky as it is captivating. Back in the late 19th century, this place decided it was done being just another coastal town. It wanted to be the life of the party, and it wasn't going to let anything—especially not a little thing like a flooded candy store—get in its way. So, what did this clever entrepreneur do when their shop was soaked by a ferocious storm? They decided to turn lemons into lemon-flavored taffy, or in this case, salt water taffy! Yes, folks, Atlantic City's sweetest invention was born from a mishap, proving that even storms can have a sweet silver lining.

     Now, let's talk about salt water taffy for a second. Imagine a candy that's as chewy as a dad joke and comes in flavors so wild they could give a stand-up comedian a run for their money. From classic vanilla to blueberry and piƱa colada, Atlantic City's taffy shops offer a flavor spectrum that rivals the rainbow. It's like a flavor wheel of fortune, and with each piece of taffy, you're taking a spin and hoping you don't land on "sardine surprise."

     But the story of salt water taffy isn't just about Atlantic City's knack for turning mishaps into masterpieces; it's also about the city's commitment to hospitality. People came from far and wide, not just for the ocean view but also for the warm, welcoming vibe that's as contagious as laughter in a comedy club. That candy shop owner who turned a flood into a flourishing business set the stage for Atlantic City's future as a top-tier tourist destination. It's like they told the storm, "You can't rain on our parade—we're making taffy!"

     As I stroll down the boardwalk, I can't resist indulging in this sticky, chewy, and slightly salty treat. It's like a game of "Will It Stick to My Teeth?" where the odds are never in my favor. But that's part of the charm, right? I'm not just enjoying candy; I'm living history one sugary chew at a time.

     But Atlantic City's history of innovation doesn't stop at taffy—it extends to hotels and resorts that have set the bar higher than a comedian on a pogo stick. The city's first major hotel, the Ritz-Carlton, opened its doors in 1921, turning heads and raising eyebrows with its luxury. Today, Atlantic City offers an array of accommodations, from historic boutique hotels to modern resorts that make you feel like a high-roller (even if you're not).

     What truly makes Atlantic City special is the warmth of its residents and the sense of community that feels like an inside joke you're in on. Whether you're sharing seafood laughs at a local restaurant, exchanging puns with a boardwalk vendor, or cracking up with fellow visitors, you'll quickly discover that the people of Atlantic City are as welcoming as a punchline at a comedy roast. It's a place where strangers become friends faster than you can say, "Knock, knock."

     As I plan my next visit to Atlantic City, I can't help but chuckle at the city's comedic history. It's a place where innovation and hospitality are as intertwined as salt water taffy on a hot summer day, and where every trip promises new laughs and sweet memories. So, here's to Atlantic City, the city that's as funny as it is fabulous—a place where even the storms can't dampen the spirit of laughter and adventure. See you on the boardwalk, where the taffy is sweet and the hospitality is funnier than a one-liner!

Friday, January 26, 2018

Memorial Brunch for Elaine Trzuskoski

     A memorial brunch in Elaine Trzuskoski's honor has been scheduled for March 24, 2018 at 11:30am. The brunch will be held in Clark, NJ at the The Gran Centurions (440 Madison Hill Road, Clark, NJ). in the Garden Room.

Please RSVP to Alan by February 28, 2018. 
  • Email: trzusa@gmail.com 
  • Mobile: 908.572.0202


Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Obituary of Elaine Mae (Fleisher) Trzuskoski

     Elaine Mae (Fleisher) Trzuskoski, 69, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 in Edison, New Jersey. Born in Brookline, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Sylvia (Sabatt) Fleisher.



     Elaine moved to Albany, New York, as an infant and grew up on Morris Street. She attended Public Schools 4, 19, Hackett Junior High School and graduated from Albany High School in 1966. Elaine then advanced to the Junior College of Albany and graduated from Russell Sage College in Troy, New York, in 1970, with a degree in Occupational Therapy.

     After college, Elaine spent a year in Israel living and working on a Kibbutz. Shortly after returning to Albany from Israel, she met her soul mate, Leslie Trzuskoski. They were married in 1973 and shared 41 years of life and love until his passing in 2014.

     In 1976, Elaine and Les moved to Cranford, New Jersey to establish roots. During Elaine's 30 years in Cranford, she developed many close friendships through her activities with community groups and participation in the College Women's Club of Cranford. Elaine was an extremely caring person and was always happy to consider close family friends as actual family.



     Elaine's Career was spent advocating for the rights of countless seniors as a Social Worker in and around Elizabeth, New Jersey.

     Elaine traveled the globe from Alaska to London and even the Far East. She liked to reminisce most about her family trips to England, Ireland, Florida, California, Singapore, Malaysia, and Africa, but she also had fond memories of her trips with friends to the Caribbean, Alaska, and New England.

     In 2006, Elaine and Leslie retired and moved to Bayville, New Jersey. There they enjoyed living in the house they built together in 1983.

     Elaine is survived by her loving son, Alan Franklin Trzuskoski, beautiful grandson Joseph Leslie Trzuskoski, daughter-in-law, April (Sher) Trzuskoski (Edison, New Jersey), caring brother Sidney Fleisher, Sister-in-law Gayle Anderson (Troy, New York), as well as, many friends and relatives.

     A gathering to celebrate her life will be held in the early spring. If you are so moved, please make a contribution to a charity of your choice in memory of Elaine.

Monday, June 16, 2014

Les Trzuskoski Obituary

Leslie Joseph Trzuskoski, 69, passed away on Monday, April 28, 2014, in hospice care in Iselin, New Jersey. It was a beautiful spring day and he passed after an enjoyable morning with his family.

Read the entire obituary here: Les Trzuskoski Obituary