How to begin again? What about the kids? What about the dogs? What about the house? What about the money? What about our parents? What about our friends? Would we ever want to return to our jobs again if things didn’t work out? What if the two of us couldn’t find common ground that was […]
“St. Anthony, St. Anthony, please come down Something is lost and can’t be found” Saint Anthony We have a great friend, Zia. We’ve worked with her for years on various projects, and whenever we needed something that seemed to be lost, she recited this little prayer to Saint Anthony. Miraculously, it always seemed to work. […]
One empty bench beckoned us from across the park. We had been hiking a bit, so we were ready to sit down and relax for a few minutes. All the other benches were occupied, so we felt lucky to find the last available seat in the “house.” dyed digit As we approached the bench, Em […]
Time to puzzle Well, it’s that time of year again. The holidays. From mid-November through the end of the year, the celebrations are strung together like beads. In fact, they can become a bit of a blur as they zip by. Of course, Thanksgiving is the gateway holiday for Black Friday—that all-important starting line […]
Monday morning Italy wakes up. Under Lock and Key Saturday is considered a work day, but usually only until lunch. Then shutters are drawn, metal doors rolled down, and phones are silenced—all in anticipation of Sunday, when everything seems to be closed. Trying to find a loaf of bread on Sunday is like a squirrel […]
Tuscany had an unusually tough winter. No rain to speak of. Little snow . . . but very cold. Olive trees suffered terribly. The caldaia (water heater) went out. Two radiators froze and broke. Water was everywhere inside—mopping to be done. Then, mid-March, spring arrived, but without rain. Wells were nearly dry. Il Sindaco (the mayor) […]
Unfortunately, it’s true. One year ago I visited family in Indiana. Strolling from the plane to the baggage claim, I admired the Weir Cook Terminal at the new Indianapolis International Airport. I thoroughly enjoyed the architecture, the open spaces and the great environment that had been created. It was functional yet beautiful. Nice! Job well […]
In the Ligurian town of Rapallo, along the northern coast of Italy, three brothers are making a name for themselves and their restaurant.. They attract a diverse crowd at their popular place called K2—but that’s only the beginning. More than a mere meal, what really happens behind the driving beat, the flashing big screens, the […]
The window was open and he went for it. You can’t blame him. Any one of us would have done the same thing, given the circumstances. Meet Grigio This story could be a take-off on the ever popular Beatles song, or, about a devious thief in the night, or . . . just a simple […]
Cheryl and Abby Admiration. That’s what comes to mind when I think of someone living alone. I’m in awe of the courage it must take to say “I’m going to do this on my own, no matter what.” The underlying self-confidence is inspiring. My brief experiences are nothing in comparison, but they at least give […]
