Thoughts, experiences and adventures from a resident of DelSo aka Delaware Avenue South in Albany, N.Y.
My Uncle Eamon’s kitchen, Broomall, PA, Fall 1989 The first time I met my Aunt Rosita was at a family wedding. This event marked the second time in my life that I shared space with a relative other than my mother and brother. I had been collected from the airport by Uncle Eamon and Uncle … Continue reading Saying goodbye to a generation
Earlier this month one of my father’s last remaining siblings died at the fine age of 92. My aunt was one of 5 daughters, along with 9 sons, born to Conan and Mary McMenamin over a span of 23 years. Yes, my grandmother really was pregnant for the better part of a quarter century. Moms … Continue reading The last of 14
I’ve mentioned before that I often find myself weepy when I’m in Ireland. If you know me at all, you’re aware that’s atypical of me. I’m not known to be a crier. On the occasions that I do get teary, it’s likely to be about children and animals, not songs or physical gestures. Last week, though, … Continue reading Writer’s tears
So far, the wettest thing (other than the Irish Sea - more on that in a minute), has been my cheeks. There’s something about being in Ireland, regardless of the number of times I’ve visited, that makes me weepy. When I visited Ireland the very first time, all flights from the states stopped at Shannon … Continue reading An eternal present
The sounds of Lucca woke me after what had been a poor night’s sleep. I don’t blame my fitful and interrupted sleep on Lucca; it’s simply how my nights are at this point in my life. The occasions when I manage to remain asleep for more than four or five consecutive hours are pretty rare. … Continue reading Late night thoughts in Lucca about Sinéad O’Connor
We had done our best to successfully navigate from home to the train station to the hotel and, finally, the venue where we had been requested to arrive 90 minutes before showtime in order to secure our phones and other electronics. Something which was just not happening. Miraculously, we managed to get The Beacon Theater … Continue reading It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s a rock star – Bono at the Beacon.
When I visit Ireland, I go with a wish list of things I hope to do. These days, most of my activities involve seeing family, particularly my late father’s remaining siblings. I’ve learned, however, that getting together isn’t always possible - and to not take it personally or as a rejection. We’ve all got busy … Continue reading Grave.Tender.
DelSo 