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

The genes of my current favorite jeans

May’s trip to Maine gave me a new and sincere appreciation for Maine, a state I had previously considered to be too far, for too little. Additionally, I received a more tangible item from our quickish stop in the outlets in Freeport: a new pair of Levi’s. This new edition of a classic cut, the … Continue reading The genes of my current favorite jeans

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

The Grey, in black & white

When I first started planning my brief time in Savannah, after purchasing my plane ticket, I solicited things to do over on Fodor’s travel board. Among the suggestions for places to dine, The Olde Pink House and The Grey were each mentioned multiple times. So, I booked at both. My Olde Pink House experience was … Continue reading The Grey, in black & white

Savannah – delights and a disappointment

Generally speaking, I found Savannah to be an absolutely lovely city populated with friendly people. The amount of ma’am-ing I received tickled me and I thoroughly enjoyed my time wandering around the historic district. I would come back here in an instant, perhaps a bit earlier in the year in time to catch the magnolias … Continue reading Savannah – delights and a disappointment