We all need validation. When it comes, it is often unexpected.I was on line at SoCo, the ice cream shop on Railroad Street in Great Barrington - the best ice cream in the Berkshires- and had just ordered my favorite- Madagascar Vanilla ice cream and Pacific Northwest Raspberry Sorbet.Behind me I heard, “May I have vanilla ice cream and raspberry so …
The summer song is one of music’s biggest joys. A summer hit dominates parties, barbecues, pools, discos, raves, and car radios. The memories of the best songs from the 1960’s to today stay implanted in our brains and become ear worms that are hard to shake. Some of my favorites are: Nelly’s “Hot in Here” from 2002 had the beat and the imagery …
Summertime cries out for a good book – well, add a beach and a glass of wine, but still with a good book. Lately, I’ve been more connected to binge watching mini-series on Netflix. We are about half way through Ted Lasso and finding it a little addictive, kind of like a good book you can’t just put down. But as we head into summer, it’s time f …
Everyone seems to have their summer “Happy Place.” For several of my friends it’s on their boats, out in the beautiful waters of Long Island, and feeling the breeze in their hair. For others, it’s on the beach, at a cabana, enjoying the smell of the sea air and feeling the sand between their toes. For me, my summer “Happy Place,” is in my backyar …
About a week after Father’s Day, tree dropping that require frequent if not daily sweeping, virtually stops; it “allows” me to drop a fresh layer of red mulch in our yard. It gives a nice look to the yard. This year Shelly added more plants; I like the look. It’s a nice to view it from the deck where most days my “summer office” is sited.
Here's a did you know... July 1st is International Joke Day. It was started in 1994 by Wayne Reinagel, an author and graphic artist who wanted to bring some levity to the halfway point of the year. He was known mostly for pulp fiction, but did publish some books of jokes. He wanted people around the world to share their favorite jokes and celebr …
I admit it, I’m so tired of wearing a mask!Forget about forgetting to carry one. Forget about breathing mask residue into your eyes. Forget about not being able to read lips or see a smile. Forget about the hypocrisy of taking it off while eating in close proximity to others. Forget about smelling your own breath. Forget about the guilt.Forget a …
Summer dining. Eating outdoors. A phenomenon born of the pandemic that seems to have caught on.On streets and in parking lots. The views vary. The background noise drowns out the dinner conversation.Eating outdoors. The reasons vary. Safety. Romantic. European.Are you eating out….doors?
School’s out and the studios start rolling out the movies that they hope will grab our attention. But, with streaming so available, will people still head out to the theaters? “Top Gun Maverick”, “Jurassic World Dominion”, “Lightyear”, and “Elvis” are battling for our attention and dollars. So far, Tom Cruise has delivered big numbers and lots of …
We have one and I have often cursed it. That tree takes up a good part of our back yard. Swing set? No room. A pool? The whole neighborhood would have been disrupted. In fact, I have always been convinced that our house, actually our entire neighborhood, was planned around that tree. Most days, I’m complaining about the berries that slam in …
It was my father’s birthday last week. My father died several years ago but his birthday still causes me to take some time to pause and remember. The first thing I always do on his birthday is to call my brother and sister. We find comfort in talking about my father with one another and exchanging stories and memories. I also light a candle o …
On Father's Day I shared the concerts for last week. Two shows at City Winery sandwiched a show at Jones Beach. All featured exemplary musicianship, energy and great songs, many iconic. The City Winery shows were each a family affair as our daughter, Marisa, joined her parents. Marisa and I took in the show at Jones Beach. Three amazing sets: …
Yesterday was my Mom's 92nd birthday. Even though we are celebrating with my family today, I stopped by yesterday to say hi. It's always a blanket of emotions visiting her. She lives in the "memory neighborhood" in an assisted living center where they take fantastic care of her. I'm grateful for the people that work there. I have no idea what …
Last Sunday we pulled into a restaurant near closing time for a late supper and I noticed an extraordinary thing. The whole waitstaff, even after working a long weekend shift, was all smiling and eager to serve. I can’t explain it, but either there was something in the air or management found the secret to customer satisfaction. What I do know is …
I first noticed the bird’s nest about a week ago. It is on a low branch, nestled against the trunk, about eight feet up.Three heads were visible - a mother and two little ones.I observed them for a few days as the three of them sat in the nest. The mother guarding while the babies grew.And then the mother left the nest and walked up the branch. It …
