Bakeries in the Capital Region have generally been a disappointment to me since I arrived in Albany in 1988. I recall being confounded that I could not find a source for Sunday morning powdered sugar dusted crumb cake or my beloved black and white cookies.* At the time, there were two bakeries within walking distance … Continue reading Civitello’s for the win – and the rum cake!
Category: upstate New York
Perfect Hudson Valley Sunday
A breakfast of cherry tomatoes sautéed in olive oil with garlic flakes (all gifts from friends) until they popped with sweetness with eggs and a piece of toast on the side. An appreciation for the print copy of the NYT delivered to my front porch. I really enjoyed my unplugged weekend, which included online news, … Continue reading Perfect Hudson Valley Sunday
How can we sleep at night?
I’m tired of living in a country that exhausts me. Yet, still… I can’t sleep. The first couple of weeks of school always kick my ass. Trying to reacclimate to being constantly amongst other people professionally, while attempting to continue all the social activities that I enjoy, takes some time. Especially when sleep does not … Continue reading How can we sleep at night?
How I spent my last solo day of summer
Slept until 6:00 Took Jeter down the yellowbrick road Finished some writing, did some reading Gathered some of my clothes together for going to the beach Rode my bicycle down to South Pearl Street to jump onto the rail trail Rode to Voorheeseville and home again at a comfortable pace Enjoyed a killer salad of … Continue reading How I spent my last solo day of summer
The housing market is officially insane
This house just went (back) on the market. It sold 4/30/25 for $90k. It had been abandoned, had a boarded up window, an overgrown lawn and a garage that looked suspect. The buyers did some painting, a little trimming of the shrubs and dropped a fresh coat of the kind of blacktop one gets from … Continue reading The housing market is officially insane
The best BLT (and my first peach pie!)
Beyond the occasional Dottie G from Cardona’s, I’m not much of a sandwich person. Most days, I’d rather avoid the carbs from the bread and just have a salad. But, during the height of tomato season, the siren call of a blt is undeniable. I must have one. This beautiful specimen may be the epitome … Continue reading The best BLT (and my first peach pie!)
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






