In 1996, I was settling into the home we had recently purchased, preparing to start a new permanent professional position and getting ready to start a family. Having all three of those major life milestones occur within a six month window of time, reflectively, seems crazy but, at the time, I was completely unfazed to … Continue reading Declaring (personal) independence
Tag: friends
Mermaid Parade ➡️ Mermaid Avenue
You know how summers sometimes get dubbed with a name, “hot girl summer” or “brat summer?” Well, as far as I’m concerned, Summer 2026 is Mermaid Summer. And I’m here for it. Last weekend’s adventures were Brooklyn-centric but, for my second Mermaid event in a week, the destination was northeast - North Adams, MA and … Continue reading Mermaid Parade ➡️ Mermaid Avenue
Maiden voyage
Earlier this month, I bit the proverbial bullet and ordered myself an inflatable paddle board. It was a somewhat impulsive purchase, but one which was approached with a level of forethought. First, I polled friends to learn what they liked about their own equipment and did some online research of various brands to determine what … Continue reading Maiden voyage
Weekend in Brooklyn and, at last, the Mermaid Parade!
Considered by some to be the official start of the summer season, the Mermaid Parade has been drawing crowds to Comey Island for decades. Since I first heard about it from a former student, I’ve wanted to attend this annual Coney Island event and Saturday, I finally got there. I left Albany on the 8:15 … Continue reading Weekend in Brooklyn and, at last, the Mermaid Parade!
6/16/26
It stands to reason that someone I first met on an unforgettable day, (9/11/2001), should pass, after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s, on a date as distinctive as 6/16/26. We met in the library. It was my first week working in a district where I would eventually spend three years as the high school librarian. … Continue reading 6/16/26
Mainely – the best things
I’m back from Maine with a new perspective on the state, yet still committed to my previous impression - it’s far. Unlike that prior trip, though, this time I found enough wonderful things to experience and explore that I can now say, it’s definitely worth the trip. Let me share some tips, recommendations and suggestions … Continue reading Mainely – the best things
Take me to the river(towns!)
During a pause in my preparations for Maine, I thought of some info to share with you about a few spots closer to home. In the past week or so, I’ve ventured slightly south to hit up a couple of cool places, some new, some well established, of which you should be aware. First up … Continue reading Take me to the river(towns!)






