If you’re anything like me, you’ve had just about enough of this lingering winter. The few days of sunshine and relative warmth, sometimes even occurring concurrently, have been a mean tease, rather than a reliable harbinger of true spring. I’m over it. I want to wear sandals and dresses and tops that bare my shoulders. … Continue reading When you wake to a snowy April morning
Tag: travel
“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
Florence fashion is furry
During my time in Florence, I walked about 20 miles. What can I say? I had no agenda and the sun was shining. What else was there to do? Strolling around on both sides of the Arno, I took note of a few things. First, there were the dogs. It seemed like everywhere I turned, … Continue reading Florence fashion is furry
Dinner at home in Firenze
Almost 24 hours later, I think I’m finally able to attempt to share the finest moments of my time in Florence. This was my fourth visit to Florence, if you count the single day I spent there taking in David and having a shitty meal in a place that even we knew, was a tourist … Continue reading Dinner at home in Firenze
A Boxing Day miracle
To begin, hosting brunch the same day one needs to catch a train to begin what is essentially a 14 hour journey may not be the best idea. Especially when one hasn’t had a day off prior, other than Sunday which began with brunch in the morning and ended with dinner a county south of … Continue reading A Boxing Day miracle
A new year – the Winter Solstice, Manifestations and Salutations
As has been the case numerous times in recent years, I jetted down to Greene County Sunday night for the annual Catskill Winter Solstice Stroll. It really has grown into one of my favorite holiday events, one that is reliably scheduled for 12/21, regardless of day of the week, each year. I admire the pluck … Continue reading A new year – the Winter Solstice, Manifestations and Salutations






