Happiness is the best beauty product and other lessons learned

While some think of this point in the calendar as early spring, I’ve come to know it as birthday season since all three of my sons’ birthdays fall between early February and late April. At the moment, it’s a two down, one to go situation, with my middle son’s birthday on the last day of … Continue reading Happiness is the best beauty product and other lessons learned

Legendary mac and cheese

I hosted a friend recently for an overnight stay. Her long anticipated trip abroad had been cancelled and I invited her to spend a night in Albany, in place of her former itinerary of Amsterdam, Dublin and Edinburg. There were aspects I could add to our planned shared time which might provide experiences reminiscent of … Continue reading Legendary mac and cheese

No man is an island, but Ischia is

The effort involved in my getting to Ischia was not insubstantial. Beginning from Rome, the journey involved the metro, a fast train to Napoli. and then another metro ride to the port, where I was fortunate enough to find my way to the correct pier for the specific ferry I had booked in advance. Any … Continue reading No man is an island, but Ischia is

Roman dinner – Al Peperoncino

My first night in Rome, I pushed through my travel exhaustion and found myself almost immediately on Italian time and seeking dinner after 8:00. It was a Sunday, which limited my options somewhat, but I got lucky and stumbled upon Al Peperoncino, a neighborhood spot close to where I’m staying. Note: While I don't mind … Continue reading Roman dinner – Al Peperoncino

Rome, if I want to

I’ve become a woman who goes to Italy for a quick week in February. I’m not really sure quite how that happened, but I’m very much enjoying, and appreciating, the fact that somehow this is my life. As my departure date grows closer, I find myself increasingly giddy at the thought of being in Italy … Continue reading Rome, if I want to

Where we are

The past few months have seen me rapidly cycling through musical obsessions. It began with Harry Nilsson, then moved to the Beatles followed by Nick Drake. Recently, in a surprising and refreshingly contemporary twist, I’ve jumped in deep to a band that actually continues to produce new music, The Lumineers. I’ve seen this band live … Continue reading Where we are

CivMix Recap – January ‘22 edition

There’s nothing like looking back on a couple of months of writing to remind me of the active life I lead. Check out the links below for ideas and inspiration for your own recreational activities. Winter would be a wonderful season to hike up Overlook Mountain - no rattlesnakes and views for miles. Successfully navigating … Continue reading CivMix Recap – January ‘22 edition