My 2025 visit to Dublin included an appointment at True Electric Tattoo, a studio on Wicklow Street just south of the Liffey. A particular tattoo artist, Luke Martin, had been recommended by one of my cousins and I was very pleased with the work he did for me. It was a simple tattoo - my … Continue reading The light touch of Ledhands Luke
Tag: Recommendations
Dublin digs
Each time I visit Ireland, I revisit favorite haunts and discover new places that delight. I return time and time again to the Vintage Kitchen, Howth (with a meal at Octopussy), and The Cobblestone. Most importantly, I also spend time with my large and extended family. This trip was no exception. Some of the most … Continue reading Dublin digs
Nobody’s Girl
While I found the reports I had read over the years about Virginia Giuffre tragic, I didn’t have a particular interest in reading more about her or the horrible things which she survived. There are enough horrors to be witnessed in the world without my needing to seek out more. Despite my distance from the … Continue reading Nobody’s Girl
Ireland packing list loading…
When one is committed to carry on luggage exclusively, packing becomes an art. Especially when a person is striving to live up to the title bestowed upon them in 1980 - “best dressed girl” in the 8th grade Greenwood Lake Middle School class. As I started preparing my back of the envelope packing list, I … Continue reading Ireland packing list loading…
“If you have the words,…
…there's always a chance that you'll find the way." — Seamus Heaney Before I went to Ireland for the first time in 1990, the wife of the chef I had worked with prior to my move to Albany strongly recommended that I read the novel, Trinity, by Leon Uris. It was a must. I remember nothing about … Continue reading “If you have the words,…
Philly for 48+ hours
My second March mini getaway was a train trip to Philadelphia with my OG Albany (via South Troy) friend, Mary. It was her first visit to the city of Brotherly Love and my third and we got lucky with good weather, easy train connections and a hotel located right next to the Reading Terminal Market. … Continue reading Philly for 48+ hours
Hate reading
Since I retired my reading habits have changed a bit. No longer do I read professional journals for book reviews to keep up with the latest titles, nor do I curate a collection of young adult titles which I have my pick of to read. Instead, I now go to the library for print books. … Continue reading Hate reading






