The dawn of a new decade of living is something Iβve celebrated with gusto for my entire life. Turning 60 was no different, at least not when it came to enthusiasm. The setting (my favorite Cape Cod house ever), the crew (a collection of friends from distinct chapters of my life) and the vibe (80s … Continue reading Where do I start?
Category: favorites
Reflecting on my 50s – some feats, foibles, fails and facts.
In what feels like the blink of an eye, the ten years of my 50s have flown past and Iβm facing the dawn of a new decade. That was fast. Replacing that 5 with a 6 will probably take a little getting used to, at least in a literal sense. Mentally and emotionally, though, Iβve … Continue reading Reflecting on my 50s – some feats, foibles, fails and facts.
Becoming friends with Miche
I know Iβm 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 FLOTUSβ¦ 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
Itβs been a few years since I found myself on the lawn at Lennoxβs 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 hourβs drive of Albany. Yeah, I said it. … Continue reading We may have the Yankees, but Massachusetts has Tanglewood
Eyes on the pie
I mentioned in a previous post that I had visited The Pie Bar in Florence, MA, during my time pet sitting in Northampton. After having enjoyed 2 slices of the peach crumb pie I brought home with me, I feel the need to expand upon my prior minimal impression. It is the perfect peach pie. … Continue reading Eyes on the pie
Pioneer Valley Peaks
Iβm back home again after my repeat pet/housesit in Northampton to share some favorites from this yearβs stay. I repeated a couple of spots from 2025, but made an effort to expand my horizons and tried some new things in addition to revisiting some places. Thereβs a lot to do in the Northampton area, so … Continue reading Pioneer Valley Peaks
Amici in Italia
A few weeks ago, a friend and I were out enjoying drinks and chatting when the topic of travel came up. We quickly realized we were each hoping for an opportunity to take an autumn trip. Amazingly, independently we had each been thinking about visiting Sicily, a place neither of us had ever been before. … Continue reading Amici in Italia






