Many in the Northeast agree that the foliage this autumn has been spectacular. The vivid colors, frequently set off by a background bright blue sky, have been dazzling. I’ve reveled in nature’s garishness, spending as much time as possible outdoors, but underneath my joy there’s been a consistent competing emotion - a sense of foreboding. … Continue reading (When life feels like) A Dystopian novel
Category: Europe
Tips for going Greek
I’ve been home from my trip for a few days, long enough for the act of tossing toilet paper into the bowl, instead of the bin, to begin feeling normal again. While I’m still mentally on a beach with a spritz within arm’s reach, I’m feeling pretty fortunate to have enjoyed a vacation that went … Continue reading Tips for going Greek
It’s all too beautiful
After nearly a week in Greece (already!), I still find myself purring like an island cat at nearly every sight my eyes land upon. The water with its shades of blue, the mostly cloudless sky, the bourgainvillea in deep shades of purple and pink…it’s simply beautiful. Here, on Paros, the pedestrian streets are mopped each … Continue reading It’s all too beautiful
Tears for the red, white and blue
I woke up July 4th on a plane somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean. My legs were stiff from being folded up together for 6 or 7 hours and my eyes were dry from sleeping with my contact lens in. Despite these discomforts, I was thrilled to not be in the United States to celebrate Independence … Continue reading Tears for the red, white and blue
Legendary mac and cheese
I hosted a friend recently for an overnight stay. Her long anticipated trip abroad had been cancelled and I invited her to spend a night in Albany, in place of her former itinerary of Amsterdam, Dublin and Edinburg. There were aspects I could add to our planned shared time which might provide experiences reminiscent of … Continue reading Legendary mac and cheese
Seeing Rome as a middle aged woman
On this most recent trip to Rome, I had no agenda other than some restaurants which I hoped to visit. This left me with three consecutive days to simply wander around to my heart’s content. As I walked, seemingly up and down every hill in that magical city, maybe even twice, I had a realization … Continue reading Seeing Rome as a middle aged woman
Charmed, I’m sure
When I was in Italy last week, I ate some terrific food. There were pastries, pasta, cheeses and seasonal delights such as artichokes and oranges. While I would be hard pressed to declare a single one of those items as “the best” or “my favorite,” I can say without hesitation that the most extraordinary meal … Continue reading Charmed, I’m sure






