We may have the Yankees, but Massachusetts has Tanglewood

It’s been a few years since I found myself on the lawn at Lennox’s beautiful Tanglewood, a reality that I state with great regret. My visit there Labor Day weekend was a tremendous reminder of how superior Tanglewood is to any other large outdoor venue within an hour’s drive of Albany. Yeah, I said it. … Continue reading We may have the Yankees, but Massachusetts has Tanglewood

Thoughts on Labor Day from a retired teacher

For most of my life, Labor Day has separated summer freedom and 10 months of being at school. As the days began to dawn later, often with more crispness, and end earlier, the inevitable approach of the schedule to which I must abide grew louder and louder until it was impossible to ignore. School was … Continue reading Thoughts on Labor Day from a retired teacher

California – Waymo to Woah

On my last visit to the Bay Area, I recall seeing vehicles that were learning the streets of San Francisco in preparation for the introduction of driverless cars. Five years later, the research is complete and driverless cars are a regularly appearing and convenient car service. Last night, we took Waymo vehicles in both directions … Continue reading California – Waymo to Woah

Leaving for San Francisco, wardrobe (and all organs) in place.

The evening’s dramatic rain storm, and subsequent drop in the temperature, completely changed my jacket selection(s) for my upcoming visit to San Francisco. The slightly damp, but not too humid, air here in Albany was pretty much what I can anticipate experiencing in SF. I’m going to need a raincoat of sorts for certain - … Continue reading Leaving for San Francisco, wardrobe (and all organs) in place.

Pioneer Valley Peaks

I’m back home again after my repeat pet/housesit in Northampton to share some favorites from this year’s stay. I repeated a couple of spots from 2025, but made an effort to expand my horizons and tried some new things in addition to revisiting some places. There’s a lot to do in the Northampton area, so … Continue reading Pioneer Valley Peaks

Amici in Italia

A few weeks ago, a friend and I were out enjoying drinks and chatting when the topic of travel came up. We quickly realized we were each hoping for an opportunity to take an autumn trip. Amazingly, independently we had each been thinking about visiting Sicily, a place neither of us had ever been before. … Continue reading Amici in Italia