You know those catalogs for Viking River Cruises that appear in our mailboxes every so often? Yeah, those. Mostly I recycle them, but every so often I like to page through just to see what's on offer. Quite a few interesting cruise options within, but the most interesting to me was the winter . . .
It's that time again. You know, the one during which decorations go up and we spend more than we should on extravagant gifts. When we get together with friends and family. When we make festive, fun cocktails. That one. We're not putting up a tree this year because we're going to be away the first . . .
Labor Day was intended to celebrate the achievements of the American labor movement and workers. That's the real meaning of Labor Day. Of course, now it honors all kinds of workers. But really, it honors having a day off. Non-Labor Day, you might say. I vaguely remember my own labor days. Yes, I . . .
August brings with it the dog days of summer, those hot and lazy days that we know are numbered. The month is all the sweeter for our certainty that, before long, leaves will start turning color. August is meant for lazy hours dozing in a hammock. Or lazily rowing on some scenic water on day . . .
The official start of summer was today at 6:51a.m.EDT. I don't know about you, but time seems to be going by so quickly I'm afraid if I blink the summer will be gone. Back in the day the summer solstice was celebrated by dancing around bonfires. Alas, here in California bonfires aren't ecologically . . .
Spring in wine country has none of the bustle of the fall harvest. Vines are budding--sighting of first buds is called bud-break-- and winemakers are busy with the many tasks required to help make a successful vintage. Including ensuring proper irrigation in a drought. But the vineyards, themselves, . . .
Apples everywhere, in the grocery store, an abundance of them, and all sorts. Back when I was growing up, I knew only two types of apples: Delicious and Macintosh. My mother didn't bake, so I never saw baking apples, and God forbid! A tart, green apple never crossed our threshold.But I've come to . . .
Oh yeah!En route to San Francisco in a few.Festivities to commence shortly.Do stay tuned. . . .
A true friendmakes the journey more memorable.Today's the day, and I couldn't be more excited.Some of my truest friends are gathering formy belated birthday celebration in San Francisco this weekend.Today, the first one, Riley's guardian, H, arrives from Tampafor an early start.Friday, J arrives . . .
Cocktail parties disappeared about the time flower power took hold. But, for those of you too young to remember, there was a day when everyone got dressed up and went to a host's home to get blotto on martinis, Manhattans and other cocktails of the 1950s and 1960s. You know, the ones we see Mad Men . . .
