Grandpa Doesn’t Have to Deal with Kids
Now the vacation state of mind here in Vacationland has fully sunken in. But I don’t recall ever being more happy not to be a parent, as I navigate my own space among five kids including two babies who take turns striking each other and boys who delight in high-decibel […]
Ainsworth Describes Saratoga, An Place Everybody Used to Go
Sunday morning on the southern Maine coast. It’s a beach day and a beach town, and I’ve got the sand in my shoes to prove it. As I think about beach vacationing, I think about my recently departed Uncle Bob, who always said he preferred the excitement of Saratoga and […]
Most Men Have Big Bumpers that Keep it All In
When I woke up this morning and all of the windows of the house were open, I felt a chill. Oh no, no, is summer already fleeting? I shut the windows and then thought about my ride last night, in the nearly pitch dark, along the Norwottuck Bike Trail from […]
Cops and Firemen are a Perfect Fit as JetBlue Flight Attendants
Ask anyone who has flown JetBlue and they usually have good things to say. There’s something about those crisp blue uniforms and that DirectTV that makes people fans. I found another reason to like JetBlue last night when I read a story by Scott McCarthy in the WSJ. They like […]
Greeters Greet…at Black Rock City
I was reading a story on GoNOMAD about Burning Man, and came across this description of how the Greeters greet the new denizens of Black Rock City every Labor Day. Sometimes wearing nothing but a smile, Greeters are dedicated to providing useful answers to all questions. Starting with our specialized […]
The Man-cave Progresses at 9 Mountain Road
Finally, it’s a sure thing. The man-cave at 9 Mountain Road is officially under way. This morning a plumber named Brent showed up at the house at 7:30 am holding thick brochures showing photos of tubs and pedestal sinks. This project has been in my mind for so many years, […]
A Park and Ride Lot, and Spending for Tourism: Brilliant!
I read a story that shows how we’re going in the right direction. At least here in Franklin County MA. Funds have been approved for a new commuter lot–right at the intersection of Deerfield and Whately, at Rtes 116, 5 and 10. What a great idea…a place for up to […]
Bocce and Picnics In the Middle of Summer
Yesterday, a long Sunday, was August 1st. I bet I wasn’t the only person who told himself ‘wow, summer’s half over!’ and lamented about how time goes so fast, especially during these precious weeks of summer. The days are long, but how come they feel like they slip away so […]
Magpie Brings Another Slice of Class to Downtown Greenfield
Friday night in the up-and-coming town of Greenfield. We are thinking of publishing an article about the ‘hottest town in Western Mass,” on GoNOMAD. We think steering people to this former mill town is very timely. There are so many things that are turning Greenfield around, for the better. Last […]
Like Nixon, My Plays Don’t Often Work Out
How does this sound? Chilled Carrot & Coriander soup with coconut creme fraiche. It was my recipe, brought back from being inspired by trying this soup in Newcastle a few weeks ago. I love watching something I had faraway on the menu of the GoNOMAD Cafe. But like when Richard […]
Money Losing Zombies in the Fed’s Bosom
Brian Carney is the editorial page editor of my favorite newspaper, and he writes today about Fan and Fred, described as ‘money-losing zombie financial companies in the bosom of the federal government. ” Perfect! He describes the two bloated home loan agencies with more than $5 trillion in liabilities as […]
Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations: Cool, Always
Last night I watched one of my favorite travel shows, the inimitable Anthony Bourdain, who spent time in Ecuador and later, travels to Kerala, India. The thing about this guy is that he is so real. There is none of the scripted corniness that can seep into some of these […]
Bedtime Tips: Sleeping Alone is In
How many people sleep in your bed? I can’t think of a topic that provides more diverse answers. Bruce Feiler wrote a column today in the NY Times titled ‘Bedtime Stories’ that provided some answers . I’ve been accused of snoring like a freight train, even by people in adjacent […]
Do You Have This In a Size 10? If Not, We Just Ordered It!
I have always been fascinated with RFID tags, which were in the news today as I read every word of the WSJ. Hell, I was on a plane and there was nothing else to read, then I had a three-hour delay. Wal-Mart has big plans to put the tags on […]
Riding ATVs in a National Forest…Yeah, they Can Do That Out Here
Yogi Naresh rents ATVs and takes clients up into the Idaho Panhandle National Forest to enjoy them. We got outfitted with helmets and gloves and with a few words of training, we were zooming off on 500 cc Polaris 4-wheelers. As a resident of the world’s bluest blue state, Massachusetts, […]
There’s No Wiggle in Flyfishing!
“There’s no wiggle in fly fishing!” said Stann Grater, 61, a fishing and casting instructor for Orvis who teaches college level courses in fishing at Gonzaga. He took us out for some casts on the Spokane River north of the city. While he told me not to wiggle, he was […]
Spokane Loves Preserving its Buildings, and Protecting its Ducks
Spokane is Washington’s second largest city, but has the feel of a big town. One thing that’s striking about the downtown are the buildings. They stopped me in my tracks. I love the Parkade Parking garage, with a Guggenheim-esque spiral ramp and fancy 1960s style tips on the columns of […]
Kayaking the Clear Little Spokane River
Kayaking down the Little Spokane River. A rare level of bliss. Floating so freely, with such clean water and only the chatter of the birds to be heard. A lovely river here in Eastern Washington, this place is crazy for kayaking. Everyone owns the boats, or has a story about […]