Bloom where you’re planted

Over the more than 30 miles I walked last week in Chicago, it seemed like everywhere I looked there were flowers - hibiscus, black eyed susans, coleus, lilies and hydrangea were all present and accounted for. It was beautiful. Since arriving back at home, I’ve made it a point to take notice of all of … Continue reading Bloom where you’re planted

Chicago top 10

My (nearly) four days in Chicago went by in the blink of an eye! There was lots of walking, some lounging by the pool, a few historical sites and a couple of tremendous meals and a fair amount of silliness. It was a terrific getaway and I’m already looking for pet sits so I can … Continue reading Chicago top 10

Summer sweetness

Can we all agree that we’re having a real summer? It has been hot to an extreme that keeps my oven off and my desire to spend time in the kitchen low. When it’s 95° and humid, I’m simply not cooking. Salads, fruit and yogurt do the trick for me without my breaking a sweat. … Continue reading Summer sweetness

NoHo (area) top 10

My stay in Northampton last week provided me with a wonderful opportunity to spend some real time in an area that I’ve come to know over the years only superficially. I’ve attended shows there numerous times, in a few different venues, and have experienced some of what NoHo has to offer, but in no way … Continue reading NoHo (area) top 10

Shutting the door on society – a visit to Emily Dickinson’s home

After decades of regret for missing the opportunity to tour the Dickinson family property in Amherst, I’ve finally made my way to the home of one of our country’s finest poets. I honestly don’t know what took me so long to get there, but I really enjoyed the time spent walking the rooms and grounds … Continue reading Shutting the door on society – a visit to Emily Dickinson’s home

Morning meander through Smith’s botanic garden

This week, I’m house and pet sitting in Northampton, MA. It’s my first “sit” for Trusted Housesitters, an organization I joined in the hopes of providing myself with opportunities to explore the country, and the world, during retirement. I’ll write more about this experience in an upcoming post, but for now, I wanted to share … Continue reading Morning meander through Smith’s botanic garden

New (to me) York

As promised, I’ll continue. Tuesday was another hot day, but we had two indoor activities planned for critical moments of the day, i.e. when it was at its hottest. N enjoyed a leisurely morning, while I headed to the West Village to pick up a couple of things (pastry & coffee at my usual haunts). … Continue reading New (to me) York