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

Easter Weekend in the Black Forest with a Roman, a couple of Spaniards and a mess of Germans

Although I may have the felt the absence of my uncle each day I was in Germany, I was at no loss for companionship. My steady travel companion of recent years, N, was beside me for all of the trip, early morning walks notwithstanding. In addition to his company, the timing of our trip proved … Continue reading Easter Weekend in the Black Forest with a Roman, a couple of Spaniards and a mess of Germans

I’ll take Italy

Prior to my recent (2018 and 2022) trips to Rome and Naples, I’d visited Italy twice. Both of those trips were with my former husband, once just the two of us and once with the boys in tow, along with friends. They were both good trips, particularly the one in 1995, sans kids. Our original … Continue reading I’ll take Italy

Out on the weekend

Regardless of your position on the pandemic being “over,” I think we can all agree that the most intense days, and nights, of isolating ourselves from one another are done. Social calendars are once again filling in, sometimes even in ink, and life feels busy again. It’s nice, however… I’m feeling like I’ve swung from … Continue reading Out on the weekend

Court and spark, please

If you’d asked me a few years ago what I was seeking in a romantic relationship I’m confident that the words “to be courted” would have been part of that conversation. Actually, I’m absolutely certain we could go back and do a “DelSo blog” and “courted” Google search and find posts I’ve written over the … Continue reading Court and spark, please

Things to do before the end of the year

So, friends, we’re down to the last 12 weeks of 2021. It’s been a year, hasn’t it? I’m not much for resolutions at the beginning of the year, but I do feel compelled to reflect on a year as it draws to an end. There have been some wonderful memories made this year, but I’m … Continue reading Things to do before the end of the year