Howth Cliff Walk – and a Wonky Sauna

While it may seem as if I travel far and wide, if you look closely you’ll see that I have favorite spots to which I return time and time again. Howth is one of those places. This seaside village on the north end of Dublin Bay, has never failed to charm me, although, I discovered … Continue reading Howth Cliff Walk – and a Wonky Sauna

Ireland packing list loading…

When one is committed to carry on luggage exclusively, packing becomes an art. Especially when a person is striving to live up to the title bestowed upon them in 1980 - “best dressed girl” in the 8th grade Greenwood Lake Middle School class. As I started preparing my back of the envelope packing list, I … Continue reading Ireland packing list loading…

“If you have the words,…

…there's always a chance that you'll find the way." — Seamus Heaney Before I went to Ireland for the first time in 1990, the wife of the chef I had worked with prior to my move to Albany strongly recommended that I read the novel, Trinity, by Leon Uris. It was a must. I remember nothing about … Continue reading “If you have the words,…

Philly for 48+ hours

My second March mini getaway was a train trip to Philadelphia with my OG Albany (via South Troy) friend, Mary. It was her first visit to the city of Brotherly Love and my third and we got lucky with good weather, easy train connections and a hotel located right next to the Reading Terminal Market. … Continue reading Philly for 48+ hours

QPL XXI

Yesterday was my youngest son’s 21st birthday, a milestone that came with no small sense of satisfaction. Parenting this kid, the family baby, had not been without its challenges. There had been numerous early miscarriages, (something I’ll forever attribute to the aggressively high radioactive iodine dose I received and my managed state of hyperthyroidism), before … Continue reading QPL XXI

Italy – lost and found

I’ve come to learn that no two trips are ever the same - there are far too many factors involved. Things like personal finances, weather, physical wellness and current interests are variable and, in my experience, combine uniquely on each individual adventure. Maybe that’s what keeps me so keen on traveling. After my latest trip … Continue reading Italy – lost and found