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
Tag: New York State
Art (of) Mexican
Last Sunday, my fella and I road tripped south to Beacon’s Dia modern art museum. To be completely truthful our destination was completely secondary to the fact that we were seeking a good midway point between Albany and Long Island City. You see, one of my 41 paternal first cousins was in town from Ireland … Continue reading Art (of) Mexican
When flying south flies out the window
Last night I should have been settling in to my second cocktail of the weekend with the sound of waves in my ears and the scent of salt water filling my nostrils. Instead, I was cozied up on the couch wrapped in a cashmere robe with more holes in it than my aborted weekend plans, … Continue reading When flying south flies out the window
Scarier than Halloween
I'm not very good at Halloween costumes. Generally speaking, I gravitate to those that portray a strong fictional character with a pretty dress. In recent years I’ve been Joan from Mad Men, Celia from Weeds and Olive from Easy A. I’m sure it’s not a coincidence that all three of those characters happen to be … Continue reading Scarier than Halloween
53 words
Bozen Kill Preserve
I’ve had a really busy month. There was a wedding in Buffalo, a weekend wine fest in Rhinebeck and two Albany events last Saturday. I’m not complaining about the state of my social/work calendar at all, but I do feel as though Jeter has been a little neglected recently and I can’t coast on his … Continue reading Bozen Kill Preserve
Why do the buildings keep falling down?
That was the question that 18 years later I can still clearly hear my 4 year-old son asking me. Nearly two decades later, I still don’t have a good answer. It was my second week of school teaching in a new district. A vendor with whom I had a scheduled appointment was late and explained … Continue reading Why do the buildings keep falling down?

