20 Things to do (instead of acknowledging the ceremony in D.C.) on 1/20

Listen to Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Honor Michelle Obama’s refusal to attend the inauguration* by reading her memoir Becoming. Screen a David Lynch marathon. Spend some quality time with your tweezers in a mirror with good lighting. Write a check to an organization you believe in - Planned Parenthood, the Damien … Continue reading 20 Things to do (instead of acknowledging the ceremony in D.C.) on 1/20

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