Granddaughter Elishe introduced me to Facebook, thus opening the email portal with former high school students, friends and relatives. The latest round of emails began with Elishe, announcing a pregnancy and describing the parent-teacher conferences in the school where she teaches in Jerusalem.

Then an email from Nephew Lee, the talented composer in Brooklyn, giving me access to his 7000 picture gallery and editing my family tree.

An email from Cousin Chuck in California. This weekly communication about family genealogy began long ago with a phone call, "This is Cousin Chuck." "I don't have a cousin Chuck." "You do. Your grandmother and my grandfather were sister and brother."

From Alaska, a former student now dentist, describes a product he invented, which he used to repair a bald eagle's beak.

From Tennessee, a soon-to-be retired young man trying to get me to vote Republican.

From a geologist, photos of a UN consulting group in Northwest China.

An architect, describing his work on Ellis Island.

From Grandson Aaron, studying in China, recounting the details of keeping kosher far from his home in Israel.

From Grandson Nathan, with the Israel Defense Forces, thanking me for my jokes and reassuring me that he is fine on the Syrian border.

From Daughter Debby, reminding me of "Pars for Parkinson’s," a golf tournament to raise money for the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

From Cousin Ellen in Italy, a photo of her nephew Danny on the Hollywood red carpet with Jackie Chan. As winner of the National Karate Competition, Danny was honored at the opening of "The Karate Kid."

From Nephew Seth and his fiancé touring in SE Asia, writing of their travel on the Nam Ou River--wide and muddy with scattered fishing boats and water buffalo near shore—and their bus ride during which the Asian riders are car sick.

From a friend whose daughter's wedding was ruined by Superstorm Sandy--60 guests couldn't get there, including the clergyman.

Cousin Theresa in Argentina, telling me her sister, Ariella, is working on a new movie and sending photos of her brother Roberto's paintings--so expensive!

From Cousin Gayle, who raises ponies and seeing-eye dogs on her farm in Virginia.

Recipes from teenage Cousin Charlotte, raising funds for charity with her cupcake sale.

From Niece Rebecca, restaurant chef in Boston, a winner of the TV "Chopped Competition," requesting my vote in a current bake-off.

From Maureen and Howard, photos of their wedding in Italy.

Happy Birthdays from the great-grandchildren--Amiad, Maayan, Benjamin, Yonatan and Naomi in Israel; Isaiah and Elijah in Upstate New York; Alleeza and Leo in New Jersey.

From Daughter Anne and family, reminding me that they’re taking me to "Jersey Boys" for my birthday.

From Great-Nephew Mark in Brooklyn, whose cartoon "Slapjack" just won a first place award in Cannes; also a notice that the movie "Something about Kevin," starring his son will be shown locally.

From Mimi in Cleveland, a photo of her son's fabulous parachute ballet of the Star of David.

And from Warren, my blog helper, who just moved from Virginia to Wisconsin in time for subzero weather. Hugs from and back to him.