Living and gardening in an older Hudson Valley home
This past weekend we had new neighbors over for dinner. It was the final meal we made in our kitchen. It was a simple menu, basil and spinach salad with pine nut dressing, mushroom risotto, and a white chocolate, raspberry Charlotte – with homemade lady fingers. Entertaining is something we enjoy, so knowing it was […]
Happy surprises are so much fun. They catch us off guard. They are often playful, and they make us feel good. Imagine my delight when I discover a package at my door on Monday. No deliveries were expected, so I could not imagine what was inside the box. Even the sender was not known to […]
One of the pleasures of gardening is being able to enjoy the fruits of your labor, especially in the vegetable garden. I worked too many hours at my job this summer and sadly the vegetable garden did not get as much attention as it needed. Nevertheless, we have harvested a large number of tomatoes. We […]
It was a busy summer, and I chose not to write any blogs over the summer. While I made quick posts on Facebook and Instagram, I did not take the time to write more information. Sometimes, it is better to just live in the moment rather than document the moment. Concerts and other events are […]
Spring is a magnificent time of year. We relish the end of winter and the arrival of spring in all its glory. Spring gardening is some of the easiest gardening. The cold of winter causes magic to happen inside the many bulbs and tubers, causing a cacophony of color. We anxiously await the first blossoms. […]
The internet, or more precisely Instagram, will probably be my undoing. Posts by influencers and bloggers demonstrate many clever and interesting things. I waste hours looking at posts of the seeming ease of renovating French Chateaus and English manor houses, cake decorating, gardening and countless other worthwhile, but challenging occupations. For unknown reasons, I get […]
In warmer months, I get to indulge my creative passions by working in the garden. In colder months, I invent projects that are fun and creative, especially gifts to give away. I will probably never stop making things, because I derive a lot of pleasure in the planning, sourcing, execution and giving of personal gifts […]
Last week, I had the pleasure of being in London for my Goddaughter’s graduation from high school. It was a brilliantly triumphant day for her, celebrated in a beautiful venue across from Westminster Abbey. I was very honored to be invited. She graduated from the American School in London. A tony school located in St. […]
After watching the Netflix series Sky Castle and The Glory, I was in an Asian appreciation mood. Korean drama, also known as KDrama, is exceptionally well acted and written. Some people binge watch television programs. I savor them and spread them out, watching one episode per evening. Thus the 20 episodes of Sky Castle and […]
In 1969 the number of people in the United States living below the poverty line was 24 million people or 12.2% of the population. I was 10 years old, and definitely counted in this 24 million. Being poor is relative. We knew we were poor, but we still enjoyed life. I usually write about entertaining […]
