January: A Look Back, and No Resolutions
Oh, January. Oh, my vast trove of memories from Januaries I have lived through. I’m glad to have survived 62 Januarys over my lifetime, and every one has this distinction because it’s the first month of a new year. There was a time when I was big on publishing my New Year’s resolutions. I would […]
Christmas Blogs From 2004-2021
As this blog is a repository of my feelings, actions, and deeds over the course of my life, I often like to go back and see what I was writing on this same month, in previous years. The part that always gets me is how long ago you can scroll back, that has been that […]
How mRNA Works
Allysia Finley explains some principles that are basic and simple, yet to me vastly and almost ridiculously hard to understand.
Palma, Mallorca: A Totally Charming Spanish City
After a week in a hotel on the harbor in Palma, Mallorca, in the Balearic Islands I have a new appreciation for the country of Spain.
Doriano Marcucci: Making the World’s Best Shoes in Marche
Doriano Marcucci was just one of the interesting people we met in Le Marche, Italy, on a day filled with food, history and a concert.
Visiting La Garrotxa, Catalonia’s Volcanic Spot
I’m in La Garrotxa National Park, a volcanic area with 40 volcanoes in Girona, northwest Spain, for a week of hiking, exploring and cuisine.
Bombyx Center Brings Thrills and Class to Florence
Bombyx Center for Arts and Equity brings a new slate of musical, dramatic and spoken word performances to the Florence Congregational Church. Cassandra Holden is interviewed.
November’s Giant European Trip Begins Soon
I’ve always wanted to take a longer trip to Europe, and soon I will depart for an extended trip to Spain and Italy in November 2021.
The Mystery of Irma Vep: Yep, Two Actors Did All That!
Mystery of Irma Vep. Silverthorne Theater presented this funny, Victorian camp play featuring two actors who played eight different roles.
Hoosick Falls NY is Famous for Grandma Moses and Unihog
The village of Hoosick Falls is famous for Grandma Moses and for the wonderfully Bohemian club, Unihog, which features an outdoor stage and bbq.
Las Vegas Still Impressing with Grandeur and Glitz
A visit to Las Vegas famous strip and to downtown Las Vegas, to see Fremont Street Experience and a lot more.
Valerie Hartshorne Turned 90 in August 2021
Valerie Hartshorne, my mother, turned 90 on August 25, 2021, and we all came down to NJ to celebrate the milestone.
Magnifico Douro: A Splendid Time on two Rivers
Paddling a kayak on the Douro and the Pinhao rivers in the center of Portugal, and viewing two ancient flour mills up close.
Green River Festival: Thirty-three years of Music and Tradition
Green River Festival, August 27-29 at Franklin County Fairgrounds, Greenfield MA produced by Signature Sounds for the 34th year.
Porto is Where I Begin My Journey
Porto, Portugal is the country’s second city, it is where I will board my ship on the Douro River to cruise eastward all the way to Salamanca Spain.
Tonight I Fly to Portugal
I am flying to Porto, Portugal to join a cruise from west to east on the Douro River on the Scenic Azure, a small river ship.
Molloyster Aquafarm: Slurping Oysters Grown in Maine
We met up with Todd and Meredith Molloy, the proprietors of the Molloyster Aqua Farm. They took us out on their boat to see the farm and sample the oysters.
Montague Reporter: My New Travel Column
I’ve found a new place to share my travel stories in print, next month I’ll start as a travel columnist for the Montague Reporter, a newspaper based in Turners Falls MA.