So how's by you? I wouldn't believe it myself, but here I am, still in the Arava, such a long visit I never made anywhere before. But I have to stay for Pesach to make sure that they do the Seder right, and I'm not sure that the daughter-in-law knows how to burn the chametz properly, so I have to show her what to do. But it's wonderful to see how all the stores in the country already have kosher for Passover food on the shelves, and you can feel the holiday coming, everyone is complaining about the cleaning!

And there's only one Seder night here in Israel. For so many years I made the Seder both nights, first for Max's family (they always had to come first), and then for my own family. My mother-in-law, she should rest in peace, was a very good woman, and very helpful, always telling me what to do, how to set the table, what food to cook for the meal, although even so, nothing I did ever came out just right. Maybe that's why my Max always had a stomach ache the next night when my family came over.

I told my grandson that he didn't have to worry about me, but he booked me a flight home to Brooklyn right after Pesach, such a good boy, he wanted to make sure I had a seat. I told him I could stay the summer, but he said that the heat would be too much for me, such a considerate young man. Anyway, I have to see for myself what's going on before we vote for a new President - such a colorful election with an alterkaker, a shvartse and a yenta, couldn't they at least find a nice Jewish boy too?

Oy, I'm going miss the great grandson when I go home, such a gorgeous child, kenahorah, even though the daughter-in-law insisted on cutting his beautiful curls. When I saw the poor little shorn lamb my heart stopped beating, everything went black for a minute, and I had to sit down and have the daughter-in-law make me a cup of tea. But I didn't want to say anything, you know me, I don't like anyone should make a fuss over me.

I'm sad to leave this beautiful country, it was wonderful to be here this year of all years, who could believe that it's already 60 years. I remember my own dear Mama sending packages with nylon stockings and clothes from New York to her cousins in Tel Aviv many years ago - today they could send nicer things from here! Everyone asked when they'll see me here again - at my age I wouldn't even buy a green banana, but G-d willing, I'll visit again someday.

Pesach Kasher and Chag Sameach to everyone!!!