When one of my sons, a few months ago, suggested that we spend Thanksgiving in Montreal, I immediately ran with the idea. This holiday, which had been my favorite for many years, just doesn’t feel like a celebratory occasion when one learns about the atrocities (far beyond the singular Trail of Tears lesson taught in … Continue reading Thanksgiving, eh?
Category: Observations
Holiday shopping…
…is problematic. It’s the time of the year when many cultures traditionally exchange gifts. There’s a conditioned seasonal impulse to shop with a vengeance joy, often spending beyond our means in an effort to impress others with the amount we care for them. Wait! Am I projecting like the Republicans accusing the Democrats of sexual … Continue reading Holiday shopping…
Social battery. Drained
Somehow, November weekends have become very busy. This weekend, for instance, there was a Friday night event to attend, a Saturday afternoon baby shower (with an hour+ r/t drive), work Saturday night and then brunch in Woodstock Sunday morning with a couple of girlfriends. It was a multi-country extravaganza with hundreds of people surrounding me. … Continue reading Social battery. Drained
A hell-broth boil
Warning: if you’re inclined to respond to conversations about (minor) medical situations the way I react to seeing open wounds, skip this post and go on your way. It’s a topic that is not for everyone. But first, let me lead with this simple fact - everyone should have at least one person in their … Continue reading A hell-broth boil
The book(s) of life
2025 has been quite a year in my reading life with nearly 120 books completed, so far. I’m sure this is the greatest number of pages I’ve ever consumed in 12 months, a feat only possible because of my recently acquired practice of reading both a print book and audiobook simultaneously. My reading material has … Continue reading The book(s) of life
Broken in, not distressed
When I changed into my “chores” jeans, I paused for a moment to consider how many years it had been since I purchased this particular pair of Levi’s. I did the math, thinking back to that long ago trip anniversary to Maine and our visit to the outlets in Freeport. My first and last, so … Continue reading Broken in, not distressed
Saying goodbye to a generation
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






