Notes from a retired party planner

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

Wellfleet, 2024

It had been close to a perfect day. There was a breakfast which was not only tasty af but also kicked two items (a Mac’s fish burger and the dregs of Saturday’s wedding’s artichoke dip) off the leftovers list. Later, yet still in the morning, warm blueberry crumble, with a dollop of plain yogurt, also … Continue reading Wellfleet, 2024

A Beautiful reason to have come home

The first musical I ever saw on Broadway was Grease in 1980. I don’t remember much of the show, but I do recall being mesmerized by the costumes, dancing and singing and, really, isn’t that what a musical is all about? On Sunday afternoon I was in the audience for a production of Beautiful: The … Continue reading A Beautiful reason to have come home

Recent realizations and impressions

We can all agree that travel is life changing, can’t we? Observing, and even participating in, life in locations away from home can be the impetus to expand one’s understanding of humankind and settings beyond our own. When I’m traveling alone, I often find myself taking mental notes of things I find interesting or enlightening. … Continue reading Recent realizations and impressions

Morning walk in Matera

When I was organizing this current trip to Italy, I focused on Puglia. Why? Because it’s a region of Italy that neither N or I had visited before and it was slightly below the radar of most American travelers to Italy. Plus, I had put together a case of mixed wines and I had selected … Continue reading Morning walk in Matera