Holiday shopping…

…is problematic. It’s the time of the year when many cultures traditionally exchange gifts. There’s a conditioned seasonal impulse to shop with a vengeance joy, often spending beyond our means in an effort to impress others with the amount we care for them. Wait! Am I projecting like the Republicans accusing the Democrats of sexual … Continue reading Holiday shopping…

Fired Up, Part 2

(As promised, the second part of last weekend. This time, however, the Fired Up is refers to the fire tower out in Grafton and the going up it that was our plan for the early afternoon.) Just like Saturday, I spent much of Sunday outdoors, this time on the east side of the Hudson. My … Continue reading Fired Up, Part 2

Whatever gets you through the night (and day)

I think it’s pretty clear that my moods (and mental health) are being determined to a great extent by the current situation in the States. Guess we should all get accustomed to being dictated to, right? I can’t understand why the population of what was once a rebellious, independent country, is allowing this travesty of … Continue reading Whatever gets you through the night (and day)

Civitello’s for the win – and the rum cake!

Bakeries in the Capital Region have generally been a disappointment to me since I arrived in Albany in 1988. I recall being confounded that I could not find a source for Sunday morning powdered sugar dusted crumb cake or my beloved black and white cookies.* At the time, there were two bakeries within walking distance … Continue reading Civitello’s for the win – and the rum cake!

Perfect Hudson Valley Sunday

A breakfast of cherry tomatoes sautéed in olive oil with garlic flakes (all gifts from friends) until they popped with sweetness with eggs and a piece of toast on the side. An appreciation for the print copy of the NYT delivered to my front porch. I really enjoyed my unplugged weekend, which included online news, … Continue reading Perfect Hudson Valley Sunday