Sixty-Something: Great Expectations in the Hamptons

Every new year starts with new expectations. Some people make what is called their “New Year Resolutions.” They usually consist of losing weight, getting a new job, treating folks nicer at work, or making a boatload of money this year. Others vow to find love or to get married. There are even those who vow to get unmarried. Another favorite has to be the folks who decide it’s time to have a child. Others simply want to stay out of the 2024 obituaries.

A New Year is a calendar measurement, yet it also defines how old we are and how long things have been around historically. Of course, it’s based on the Earth revolving around the sun every 365 days. This year promises to be most interesting politically, but they say that every four years, don’t they?

We all know about starting over, whether it be a new school, job, ownership, or even a new home or apartment. That first day is always the apprehension of walking through the door, meeting new people, and making a positive first impression. Doesn’t everyone remember their first interview? While taking some electives at the GWU Business School (GWU BA Poli-Sci 1976), Professor Carrington said more than once, “People never dress any better than they do for that first interview!”

That wasn’t true for me. For my first interview, I went to Capitol Hill during my Sophomore year at GWU and walked into the Congressman’s office wearing short cutoff jeans and a faded red Waikiki Beach tee-shirt! Everyone else had suits on! Yet, ultimately, I was one of the select paid Congressional Summer Interns of 1973. Sworn in on the House of Representatives Floor by the then Speaker of the House Carl Bert Albert. The job included writing stuff for parts of political house floor speeches and sections for articles for the Congressional Record. 1973 was the year of the oil shortages and high-priced meats, and I remember Congressman Biaggi loving my line, “You can substitute chicken for meat, but what can you substitute for gasoline?” I was also assigned to report daily on the Watergate Hearings, where I had a great seat reserved daily.

For folks living on the east end of Long Island, every year, they have “Great Expectations.” Expectations about the all-important real estate and home rental market, the summer season weather, and a great growing season. They know they live in a beautiful place with pristine beaches, wonderful bays, peaceful residential communities, good schools, and parks. They want to preserve this and make things better for their children. The Hamptons have become both the “best of the very new” and surrounded by “the best of the very old.” Heritage families are mixed with the latest billionaires south of the highway Gold Coast. Truly, it is an amazing place to live successfully. Let’s face it; there are the beaches, the views, and the big skies at night, too.

I have spent some memorable New Year’s Eve nights at The Stephen Talkhouse, Gurney’s Inn, and The American Hotel. There were times when I was doing well and other times when things were not so well, but almost everyone has treated me splendidly. I have made wonderful friends and have tried to be one to others. I write to promote charities, events, live theater, and the joys of sailing. 2024 will be my official 20th consecutive year of doing so. My great expectations include a wonderful sailing summer, better cell phone service, internet service, and great health for my wife, children, and two grandchildren. I wish all those reading this a great, healthy year 2024.

Lastly, I thank you for twenty wonderful years out east sailing in Gardiner’s Bay. Twenty years of folks editing my writing and posting it. Most of all, I want to thank my wife, Cindi Sansone-Braff, for challenging me from day one to put “two feet into a relationship.” She has supported me in every way with her wisdom work ethic, and as a good example of being good. It comes naturally to her, but I struggle every day to get there.