Updates From New York (August 18, 2025)

Yes, I’m still in Croatia and haven’t jet set back to see my family in New York. But since one of the most common questions I receive is, “How is your family doing?” I thought I’d take a moment to give an official update.

Connie, Richard, Nancy & Elena enjoying a Long Island Ducks Baseball Game

Happy to report that my in-laws, Connie & Richard Knies are doing wonderful and about to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on August 27th. So yes, their Three Rules of Marriage absolutely work if you haven’t already listened to their wisdom.

Nancy Robson, my sister-in-law, came out to help celebrate this momentous occasion and this is one of those rare moments when I wish I were back in New York to celebrate with the whole family.

Elena, my wife, is gearing up to join me in Italy in about a month. By that time, we will have been away from each other for the longest time (almost 3 months) since we were married coming up on 25 years ago on September 3rd. The good news is that we’ll be together for more than two months before Elena heads back to New York for the holidays.

Violet, my daughter, just returned from summer camp and has loved it. She had the opportunity to spend time with some of her closest friends and in a sleepaway camp she’s thoroughly enjoyed for the last several years. She’s back, in good spirits and is looking forward to joining Elena and me in Italy in about a month.

Will, my son, has been writing about 5,000 words a week this summer and loving it. This was an opportunity to see if he wanted to specialize in writing to finish his degree in college and sure looks to be that way. The more he gets into regular writing, the more he seems to enjoy it.

With technology such as phones, texts and emails, I don’t feel so disconnected. It’s not easy being thousands of miles away from my family, but it’s wonderful to hear their progress and check in with each of them from time to time throughout this journey. I’m looking forward to being with Elena and Violet in about a month and possibly Will for the holidays in the Philippines. That would be really special. We’ll see. For now, I’m enjoying this incredible journey and taking it one day at a time.