On my last visit to the Bay Area, I recall seeing vehicles that were learning the streets of San Francisco in preparation for the introduction of driverless cars. Five years later, the research is complete and driverless cars are a regularly appearing and convenient car service. Last night, we took Waymo vehicles in both directions … Continue reading California – Waymo to Woah
Category: art
Escape to NYC
You know I don’t do Tik-Tok, right? I certainly understand its appeal, but, in all honesty, I find it to be the crack of social media. All that endless scrolling… I don’t want to spend my hours doing that, not at this point in my one precious life. Because of my Tik-Tok avoidance, I often … Continue reading Escape to NYC
Mermaid Parade ➡️ Mermaid Avenue
You know how summers sometimes get dubbed with a name, “hot girl summer” or “brat summer?” Well, as far as I’m concerned, Summer 2026 is Mermaid Summer. And I’m here for it. Last weekend’s adventures were Brooklyn-centric but, for my second Mermaid event in a week, the destination was northeast - North Adams, MA and … Continue reading Mermaid Parade ➡️ Mermaid Avenue
Weekend in Brooklyn and, at last, the Mermaid Parade!
Considered by some to be the official start of the summer season, the Mermaid Parade has been drawing crowds to Comey Island for decades. Since I first heard about it from a former student, I’ve wanted to attend this annual Coney Island event and Saturday, I finally got there. I left Albany on the 8:15 … Continue reading Weekend in Brooklyn and, at last, the Mermaid Parade!
The light touch of Ledhands Luke
My 2025 visit to Dublin included an appointment at True Electric Tattoo, a studio on Wicklow Street just south of the Liffey. A particular tattoo artist, Luke Martin, had been recommended by one of my cousins and I was very pleased with the work he did for me. It was a simple tattoo - my … Continue reading The light touch of Ledhands Luke
Philly for 48+ hours
My second March mini getaway was a train trip to Philadelphia with my OG Albany (via South Troy) friend, Mary. It was her first visit to the city of Brotherly Love and my third and we got lucky with good weather, easy train connections and a hotel located right next to the Reading Terminal Market. … Continue reading Philly for 48+ hours
Hate reading
Since I retired my reading habits have changed a bit. No longer do I read professional journals for book reviews to keep up with the latest titles, nor do I curate a collection of young adult titles which I have my pick of to read. Instead, I now go to the library for print books. … Continue reading Hate reading






