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!) →

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 →

Blowing into the Windy City

Even though I didn’t take a “big” trip this year, I do feel as if I’ve still gotten around a bit this summer with last month’s visits to the Cape and Northampton and concerts both north and south of home. It’s felt good, in spite of the paralyzing heat, to be home and spending time … Continue reading Blowing into the Windy City →

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 →