This week, as I always try to do prior to flying, I had dinner with all three of my sons. This most recent gathering was at a couple of favorite neighborhood spots. N and I started at Nicole’s for wine, taking advantage of their excellent Wine Down Wednesday special with a bottle of tasty Montepulciano … Continue reading Traditional dinner
Tag: family
The last of 14
Earlier this month one of my father’s last remaining siblings died at the fine age of 92. My aunt was one of 5 daughters, along with 9 sons, born to Conan and Mary McMenamin over a span of 23 years. Yes, my grandmother really was pregnant for the better part of a quarter century. Moms … Continue reading The last of 14
Sign your name
A lot has changed since I first began traveling to Europe. I’ve gone from having the heaviest piece of luggage in our friend group of 7 to being able to successfully pack for a 4 week trip in a small carry on bag. No longer do I have to watch every franc, guilder, pound or … Continue reading Sign your name
My Dublin home
Most people, I think, believe that restaurants are a place to spend some time and take a meal. I suppose for many this is the basic truth. For those folks, though, I feel sad because a quality experience in a restaurant is about so much more than what goes into your mouth. I’ll give you … Continue reading My Dublin home
Teen mom no more
After nearly 15 years of being the mother of a teenager, that chapter of my life quietly drew to a close earlier this month. Well, it was quiet for me. Since my son celebrated with friends in Oneonta, I can’t attest to the level of volume he actually experienced, but I imagine it was a … Continue reading Teen mom no more
When did America become “the country where I was born?”
The most simplistic answer would be that momentous event occurred on September 21st, 1966 in early morning when I made my debut at the (now defunct) Manhattan Infirmary.* Because, although neither of my parents were American citizens, and only one of them is even listed on my birth certificate, by birthright I was declared American, … Continue reading When did America become “the country where I was born?”
Tis the season
I’ve got a confession to share - the holidays are hard. The level of stress, even in a world in which the resources are available to host dinner for 10 with home baked treats and gifts, just feels kind of overwhelming and like a poor return on investment. I hate (a word I’ve tried to … Continue reading Tis the season






