Jeremy was writing about bad-tempered people ruining things for others by always finding fault. He called them “Frownies”. He just wanted to vent because, I guess, as their pastor, it wouldn’t be right to tell them off or call them to task. He is frustrated because he likes to promote harmony. Well, good luck with that. I know because I am also inclined to try to make peace between people. But a certain type of person lives to be difficult. It is how they make their presence felt, it is how they feel important, and catering to them feeds their egos and extends their behavior pattern. So, dear Jerms, next time try to ignore their wishes and deal with events as if they were not there.

There was a neighbor, Lillian, Ed and I had in Forest Hills (NY) who was a long-time resident. When I joined Ed in that building I always greeted her in the hallways and early on, she snubbed me. She was friendly to Bella and Bob, other neighbors I became close to. One afternoon after a memorial service for another resident, Ed and I and our good friends found ourselves at lunch with her in the party. At the table she mentioned casually that she could be difficult. I said, “Really!!” and burst out laughing. “You don’t mean it,” (more laughter). She had the sense to look nonplussed.

I used to stay with Bella when I visited NY and ran into Lillian again in Bella’s apartment. She has friends in Captiva (island below us) and intimated that she might visit us too when she is down in Florida. I reported this to Ed, who said she was welcome to "swim over" any time. Well, she never did make it to our house. Meanwhile both Bella and Bob have passed and I miss them so very much. Meanwhile, Lillian goes on. There’s no justice.

xx, Teal