Tag: events

Notes from a retired party planner

Somehow, ok, maybe it’s because I’m good at it, I’ve become quite the “milestone birthday party planner (MBPP). Through the years I’ve planned three 50th birthday parties (my mother’s dessert & cordials festivities, my ex’s Tuscany/London celebration and my own DeFazio’s & wine shindig) and, in recent years, two 60th birthday fetes, one of which … Continue reading Notes from a retired party planner →

Easter Weekend in the Black Forest with a Roman, a couple of Spaniards and a mess of Germans

Although I may have the felt the absence of my uncle each day I was in Germany, I was at no loss for companionship. My steady travel companion of recent years, N, was beside me for all of the trip, early morning walks notwithstanding. In addition to his company, the timing of our trip proved … Continue reading Easter Weekend in the Black Forest with a Roman, a couple of Spaniards and a mess of Germans →

Wishes for winter

If you’re a believer in the Farmer’s Almanac, you’re probably anticipating a warmer than normal winter with some extra snow. Or, as I like to call it, an ideal winter. While I’m totally psyched by the thought of a great x-country skiing season, there are a couple things about a snowy winter that I think … Continue reading Wishes for winter →

Things to do before the end of the year

So, friends, we’re down to the last 12 weeks of 2021. It’s been a year, hasn’t it? I’m not much for resolutions at the beginning of the year, but I do feel compelled to reflect on a year as it draws to an end. There have been some wonderful memories made this year, but I’m … Continue reading Things to do before the end of the year →

A negative start to the new year

With the Covid noose growing ever tighter, it was time for my youngest and I to get tested recently for the first time. We’d had a close exposure and were concerned that we might by asymptomatic Corona carriers. After much encouragement and advice from patient and smart friends, off we went to SUNY for our … Continue reading A negative start to the new year →

5 Election Day questions not on any ballot

Is this how it feels when your country is falling apart? During the buildup to WWII and the Nazi takeover, did Europeans feel the same way I am these days? How many more ways can we replicate the events of 100 years ago? Why is it that American students are taught that women received the right to vote in … Continue reading 5 Election Day questions not on any ballot →