The Beginning of Verona

‘Sometimes when ‘my leg goes to sleep’ and I feel a thousand pins and needles tingling inside it, I say to myself, “Aha!  So, THIS is what being alive really is!’  (In French: “ants in one’s leg”; Dennis the Menace quote: “ginger ale in his leg”). --Douglas Hofstadter, I AM A STRANGE LOOP  

29th/12/98 

Just a few words from PARIS where we had a good time, since we are leaving tomorrow.  I like to see again places where I used to go.

That was also a lot of fun to be with my dad and brother for Christmas. 

Guess who was standing next to me the other day in a tiny lingerie store?  Woody Allen and his wife!  

This morning, we went to Notre Dame and this afternoon I still have some shopping left before we leave, so I’ll write again soon.  Hope you had a great time for the holidays, too. 

Love, 

Paloma 

1999 has begun and my days at Charles Schwab & Company are over.   I have begun taking the steps to start our boutique business that will be known as Verona Capital Management. When Alan and I were in Venice last year (1998) we took a day trip to Verona, Italy and loved everything about that small Italian city.  I am President and Alan is Vice-President, but we are both the only Investment Advisors of the firm.  It’s an exciting launch for us.  We will take it slow.  I have only one or two clients from Schwab who want to be clients of ours but—as time goes by—we will grow the business. 

Gloria (Alan’s mom) gave me a beautiful martini glass photo card to commemorate my retirement from Charles Schwab.  She, too, will be a client along with her husband, Jack.  This is the beginning of Verona. 

“99” 

Dearest Michael, 

Let all retirement dinners be the proverbial watch as a token of long service.  Hence, here it is!  

Loads of Good Luck and exclusive clients at Verona Capital.  May it prosper and bring you all you wish it to. 

Your Grateful “Exclusive” Clients, 

Gloria & Jack 

“Alan, all we need is one client like MADONNA and then we’re set,” I announced after reading his card. 

Jan. 2, 1999 

Michael, 

I can’t believe it!  We will finally get coffee together EVERY morning!  WE have to have a schedule 21 days in a row but key words are CNBC, VERONA 25, RELAX, NO STRESS, EXERCISE, WORKOUT, RUN, BEL AIR HOTEL, NATE N’ AL’S, GENTLEMAN10. 

I love being with you all day.  Health and then, wealth but most of all CONGRATULATIONS on being a total WINNER at everything you do. 

I Love You, 

Alan 

“How do we know if we don’t try?” 

‘I work alone, which is the reason my fees may be more than most.  I provide services not everyone provides.’--Mary Kublica, in her book LOCAL WOMAN MISSING