Dinner at home in Firenze

Almost 24 hours later, I think I’m finally able to attempt to share the finest moments of my time in Florence. This was my fourth visit to Florence, if you count the single day I spent there taking in David and having a shitty meal in a place that even we knew, was a tourist … Continue reading Dinner at home in Firenze

A new year – the Winter Solstice, Manifestations and Salutations

As has been the case numerous times in recent years, I jetted down to Greene County Sunday night for the annual Catskill Winter Solstice Stroll. It really has grown into one of my favorite holiday events, one that is reliably scheduled for 12/21, regardless of day of the week, each year. I admire the pluck … Continue reading A new year – the Winter Solstice, Manifestations and Salutations

The deliciousness of Montreal

Twenty -four hours after I arrived home after a three night getaway to Montreal, I was still at risk of gushing about the experience. The accommodations, the live music, the epic walks and numerous bottles of wine enjoyed, the morsels consumed and the Canadian economy supported - all of it. It was delightful. None of … Continue reading The deliciousness of Montreal

Thankful for…

Yoga classes in dim light that leave me feeling peacefully strong. An Asian riffed soup with baby bok choy, mushrooms, scallions and chicken meatballs. A few nights ahead in Montreal. Two planned evenings of live jazz, a yoga studio, two bakeries, and a bagel place, all marked on my Google map of Montreal. Freshly baked … Continue reading Thankful for…

Thanksgiving, eh?

When one of my sons, a few months ago, suggested that we spend Thanksgiving in Montreal, I immediately ran with the idea. This holiday, which had been my favorite for many years, just doesn’t feel like a celebratory occasion when one learns about the atrocities (far beyond the singular Trail of Tears lesson taught in … Continue reading Thanksgiving, eh?

Fired Up, Part 2

(As promised, the second part of last weekend. This time, however, the Fired Up is refers to the fire tower out in Grafton and the going up it that was our plan for the early afternoon.) Just like Saturday, I spent much of Sunday outdoors, this time on the east side of the Hudson. My … Continue reading Fired Up, Part 2

Civitello’s for the win – and the rum cake!

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!