Becoming friends with Miche

I know I’m very late to the game on this book, but I recently listened to the Michelle Obama memoir, Becoming, and am completely obsessed anew with her. Damn - how far we have fallen in terms of the quality of FLOTUS… The book, originally published in 2018 with the audio released that same year, … Continue reading Becoming friends with Miche

We may have the Yankees, but Massachusetts has Tanglewood

It’s been a few years since I found myself on the lawn at Lennox’s beautiful Tanglewood, a reality that I state with great regret. My visit there Labor Day weekend was a tremendous reminder of how superior Tanglewood is to any other large outdoor venue within an hour’s drive of Albany. Yeah, I said it. … Continue reading We may have the Yankees, but Massachusetts has Tanglewood

A few things on my radar this month…

This first September of freedom retirement contains a number of events that I’m happy my less committed calendar will allow me to attend. While I’m unable to do all of them* I absolutely will be hitting at least a couple of these happenings. Let’s begin with a Back to School night that everyone can get … Continue reading A few things on my radar this month…

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!