About
Continuous improvement is better than delayed perfection.
Mark Twain
PB on Life’s Peter
The most important things in my life are family, health and happiness.
As I do not use Facebook, Instagram or any other social media platform, I do not share my experiences, unless someone asks.
As I travel more, it becomes more and more difficult to remember where I stayed, the things I did and what I ate.
This holds true for wine, what I watch, products and services that I purchased and of course, my Bernese Mountain dogs.
As a result, it makes sense for me to chronicle many of my thoughts in one place and to share them with people that have similar interests to me, hence this website and blog.
For example, if I travel to NYC, the first thing I do is research some hotels to find something boutique.
The Four Seasons, Ritz and St Regis are fine but how many times can you go there and do that.
However, once you find a hotel then it’s key to locate the restaurants that you want to dine at – last thing you want to do is commute 10-20 blocks from the hotel to dinner.
So, I researched and documented neighborhoods in NYC, profiled them, listed boutique luxury hotels and the best restaurants to dine in, all in the same neighborhood.
The rest of the site (Food, Red Wine, Berners, What to Watch & Buys & Dies) is organized in a very pragmatic approach to be informative and to streamline finding things and getting things done.
Food is dedicated to salads, pasta, chicken, fish and beef.
You will find all you need to know about each, including the best recipes.
Travel focuses on profiling the cities and neighborhoods in Italy, Manhattan and San Francisco.
Profiles of neighborhoods and cities are provided along with the best hotels to stay at and the best restaurants to dine at.
Red Wine provides insights into the wine markets of California, Italy and the world.
Information is available to build your wine knowledge, pair wine to food, the economics of the wine industry and songs and movies about wine.
Berners is a resource for anyone who has or wants a Bernese Mountain Dog.
A profile of Berners, Berner Facts, Berner Health and insight on where to obtain a Berner is listed.
What to Watch is a listing of the best shows on Netflix, Amazon and movies in theaters are highlighted to avoid surfing and to increase binge watching time.
Buys & Dies showcases watches, the best available back pain management options and household items that are awesome.
Recipes features some of my favorite recipes for meat, chicken, fish, vegetables and desserts.
The image at the top of the page is by Jin Woo, is placed on my wall and was purchased on Saatchi Art.
My Children & Grandchildren
Bernese Mountain Dogs
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, sturdy worker who can stand over 27 inches at the shoulder.
The thick, silky, and moderately long coat is tricolored: jet black, clear white, and rust.
The distinctive markings on the coat and face are breed hallmarks and, combined with the intelligent gleam in the dark eyes, add to the Berner’s aura of majestic nobility.
A hardy dog who thrives in cold weather, the Berner’s brain and brawn helped him multitask on the farms and pastures of Switzerland.
Berners get along with the entire family and are particularly gentle with children, but they will often become more attached to one lucky human.
Berners are imposing but not threatening, and they maintain an aloof dignity with strangers.
Milo (2002 – 2012)
Bernese Mountain Dog
Milo was the gentlest giant (120 pounds) on the planet.
Milo lived to be 10 years 1 month and 1 day.
Milo’s mom was Rose.
Rose passed away on September 2010 at the age of 9 years and 8 months.
Rose came from Norway at 3 months of age, she came from the Milkcreek kennel.
Fenway (2014- 2024)
Bernese Mountain Dog
Fenway is from the same bloodline as Milo – Rose.
When Fenway was 4 he was greeted with his sister – Lola.
After being an only child it took some adjusting but they have become great companions to one another.
Fenway is about 115 pounds and enjoys chicken, pizza crust and cheese either room temperature or warmed.
Fenway battled cancer like a trooper for 6 months before leaving us.
Lola (2018)
Bernese Mountain Dog
Lola is from the same bloodline as Milo and Fenway – Rose.
Lola’s name says it all – all girl but sassy and walks with attitude.
Lola is 119 pounds at the age of four.
Most Berners love physical touch and to lay next to you or sit on your feet but Lola is off the charts.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
The Cavalier’s all-around beauty, regal grace, and even temper mark him as one of dogdom’s noblemen.
A toy spaniel no more than 13 inches high, the Cavalier draws you in with his face: The sweet, gentle, melting expression emanating from large, round eyes is a breed hallmark.
Another is the silky, richly-colored coat that can be one of four distinct varieties.
Cavaliers may be aristocrats, but they gladly descend from their royal high horse for a backyard frolic or a squirrel chase.
They get along nicely with children and other dogs. Adaptable Cavaliers do equally well with active owners and homebodies—they can be upbeat athletes or shameless couch potatoes, depending on an owner’s lifestyle.
Cleo
King Charles Cavalier
Testing the limits of how much a King Charles Cavalier can weigh (2018)
English Cream Golden Retrievers
An English Cream Golden Retriever is a Golden Retriever that is paler in coat color and English in origin.
The English Cream Golden Retriever is not pure white, but instead a pale yellow to a cream.
The cream color was added to the English standard in 1936. After years of selective breeding, these lighter specimens were given the name “English cream golden retrievers.”
Today, these light-colored specimens may also be called English golden retrievers, European golden retrievers, blond golden retrievers, light golden retrievers, white golden’s, or platinum blond golden’s.
Maverick (2018)
English Cream Golden Retriever
Prefers a nap to a run or pretty much anything else.
Not a fan of riding in a vehicle.
Loves birds, squirrels and ducks.
Jolene Belle (2020)
English Cream Golden Retriever
Aka “Dyson” as she eats anything on the floor.
Extremely needy and energetic.
Australian Labradoodles
A Labradoodle is a crossbreed dog created by crossing a Labrador Retriever and a Standard, Miniature, or Toy Poodle.
The term dates back to at least 1955 but was unpopular at the time.
Australian Labradoodles are all fifth generation or higher and may possibly have genes from other breeds.
As compared to the standard Labradoodle, Australian Labradoodles are more consistent.
Theodore, Teddy, T-Bone (2022)
Australian Labradoodle
Lines developed from Rutland Manor or Tegan Park lines in Australia.
T-Bone is 100% puppy and has an attitude 2X his size.