Julian’s brother, Joe, drove five hours from State College, Pennsylvania, to experience this destination, so I was happy the weather complied. One thing about bike rides: They are completely weather dependent. (The video above is facing south and the Mid-Hudson Bridge.)

We set out from Brewster in two cars and parked at the Manchester Road lot of the Empire State Trail just off Route 55 in Dutchess County. This is about 5 miles from the bridge and makes for easy and free parking, much easier than parking in Poughkeepsie. The trail here is wide, flat and well-maintained, so 5 miles goes by fast, and you are on the Walkway before you know it.

You will emerge from the canopy of trees to a Welcome Center, rest rooms and small stretch of food trucks. Then continue onto the Walkway deck and a 360-degree panorama of the beautiful Hudson River.

I’ve done this ride many times, but the moment I realize I’m suspended over water is magical. There’s a breeze and excitement that makes me grateful to be alive and aware that it’s a privilege to be able to breathe, move, ride and take in the beauty of the Hudson Valley. Especially so on this trip, since a dear friend passed recently. Our days are precious.

You are 212 feet above the Hudson, on a wide deck that varies from 25-35 feet, and you can feel secure thanks to high safety railings on both sides.

From up here, you get a bird’s eye view of the river with its freighters and recreational boaters, and trains traveling on both sides of the river. Metro North and Amtrak run on the east side of the Hudson, and the freight River Line on the west, but it was a quiet moment as we took in the scene. A disappointment for train buffs Julian and Joe, but time to imagine instead how this river was created during the last Ice Age thousands of years ago, when glaciers sculpted this landscape.

A sign indicates the midway point, so this is a good time to stop and get off the bike. Nearby benches offer respite for walkers. Another point of gratitude: Be grateful you are on a bike! The sun can be strong and no shade in sight. Take in the sights and snap some pix or videos. You’ll have lots of company doing the same.

But remember you are sharing the trail with pedestrians, many of them ambling, some of them with strollers and toddlers, so you need to be careful here. State rangers patrol the span and will advise you to slow down if you’re too speedy.

Video above is facing north.

If you continue beyond the bridge heading west into Ulster County, not far from the Walkway (about a mile), the hamlet of Highland is a cool place to stop and have a drink or a snack, and, in our case, breakfast. Go here for more info on Highland.

The Underground is my go-to, and I’ve yet to try the Biscoff pancakes, but it’s only a matter of time; they tempt me every visit, and I’m going to give in soon. And there are several other places with outside seating so you can rest your legs and enjoy the weather.

Getting back to the Walkway, this span that is now a NYS linear park was at one time a portion of the Maybrook Railroad Line, dated to the late 1880s. A fire damaged the bridge in 1974, and through a grassroots effort, it rose from the ashes as the Walkway Over the Hudson Historic State Park in 2009. It is also on the National Register of Historic Places and a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.

In my opinion, the best time to visit is autumn when it’s generally cooler and the foliage is brilliant. But it’s always spectacular. For Joe, it was worth the long drive. “One view that I especially liked was of the west side freight line when we went over it,” he said. “I enjoyed gazing up and down the rail line from high above it. I only wish that a train had come along.” Next time, we’ll have to get the train schedule.

More info: An elevator offers access from ground level and a tram on the span is available for folks who have limited walking ability, but always check the website before you go to confirm operations.

The Walkway is open from 7 a.m. to sunset (weather permitting), and is free of charge, though parking might cost you a little if you need to park close by – again, check website for directions/locations.

Since Connecticut is the local news source here in Brewster, I thought I would share this recent WFSB video that shows the lanternfly problem is not going away.

I wrote about it last year, when my yard was inundated with these invasive bugs, and I called in Bartlett Tree Experts to take down some of the many ailanthus trees at the back of the property. The trees are favorite hosts of the lanternfly and are also invasive. But the lanternflies are still here, though reduced in number, and more trees will be coming down soon. These bugs mature at this time of year, which is why we see more now.

My posts give more information and details on these pretty, but horrible pests, which don’t bite, but do jump and also ruin native vegetation.

The good news from the WFSB piece says there now is a product by Harris that targets them.

If you’re dealing with these bugs, good luck and let me know if you try this and how you’re doing.

Here are links to my Substacks from last year.

Catskill has been “my happy place” for as long as I can remember. I was an inner-city kid who loved, and lived for, my summers in a place where Main Street, USA, was not a fictional TV set; it was real. From its historic movie theater to the classic ice cream shop, Catskill was a big change from my gritty Two Bridges neighborhood in downtown Manhattan.

A drive up there a couple of weeks ago showed me Catskill still has my heart.

Catskill, and I refer to the Village specifically (Exit 21 on the NYS Thruway, not the mountains) has gone through a lot of the changes that reflect the ups and downs of the country’s economy over the last 50 years. But without a doubt, Catskill is back on its feet, and there’s more to see and do there now than ever before.

My first stop was Community Theater at 373 Main St., where the neon marquee was advertising current films. (Parking is easy; there’s a free lot just across the street.) This classic theater dates to 1920, and it’s a gem that was closed for a few years, but is open now. It has been lovingly renovated and restored to the Hollywood glam aesthetic of its heyday. Just seeing the live marquee made me smile.

While I was too late to see the movie, “Minions and Monsters,” the attendant – when I told him I was on a walk down Memory Lane – kindly let me peek into the downstairs 800-seat theater. This grand Art Deco period space with high ceilings and interior details took me back to a time when coming here was a special weekend treat.

From the theater website, under the About tab:

“For more than a century, this theater has been a cornerstone of the Great Northern Catskill community. It originally opened as the Nelida Theatre in 1888, drawing stars such as Jack Dempsey and Ethel Barrymore. The theater tragically burned down on January 1, 1917. But the community refused to let it fade into memory — neighbors came together, raised funds, and rebuilt it, reopening the doors in 1920.

After closing during the pandemic, we’re proud to share that the theater has been fully restored and reimagined once again. Thanks to a passionate team of local contractors, designers, and film lovers, this historic two-screen cinema is ready to welcome audiences back. With updated projection and sound, new bathrooms and concessions, and a refreshed design that honors its original charm, the space once again feels alive with the magic of movies.”

Operated by Community Presents as a nonprofit space, Community Theater offers a mix of flicks — from first-run Hollywood, independent, classic and international films to other community events and educational programs. Tickets are $11; $8 for kids, students, seniors, teachers and military. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Annual memberships help support the theater and get you some discounts at the same time.

Here’s a story from the Times-Union from last year when the theater reopened:

https://www.timesunion.com/hudsonvalley/culture/article/catskill-community-theatre-reopens-renovations-21028561.php

But it’s not only cinephiles who can appreciate Catskill. Cat lovers, as well as art lovers, will, too.

This becomes clear as you start noticing the large, life-size cat sculptures all over the place. From “Mew-sic to My Ears,” to “Tabby Cat” and “A Catmas Story,” each one is truly unique. This year, there are 76 fabulous felines.

Each is a one-of-a-kind creation designed by a local artist. The Catskill cats may all start out as plain fiberglass in either a standing or seated pose, but the artist’s touch turns each into an original. Artists are sponsored in the project by community businesses.

Cat’n Around Catskill is the name of this annual public art project. Hosted by the Heart of Catskill Association that promotes art, music and other cultural programs for area residents and visitors, it runs through the summer. You’ll find an online map of cat locations and brochure with images of all the cats at that site.

This is the 20^th year of this installation, and it will culminate with the Cat’s Meow Auction on Saturday, Sept. 19, at Catskill Point, 1 Main St., from noon to 6 p.m. Auction bids start at $500 a cat and go up from there. For details on the viewing, auction or to buy tickets ($25 a person), go here https://cat-n-around.com/cats-meow-raffle-and-auction-tickets/. Info, call (518) 943-0989.

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But no discussion of art in Catskill is complete without reference to Thomas Cole, founder of the Hudson River School of painting. Catskill was his home and the mountains his muse, and the Thomas Cole National Historic Site at 218 Spring St., is an essential stop if you’re in the area. It’s a short distance from Main Street toward the Rip Van Winkle Bridge. (I suggest driving there.)

No surprise then that Catskill is a port of call on American Cruise Lines Hudson River fall foliage trip. Many sailings this year are already sold out. From the website:

Day 6 - Catskill, NY Explore Catskill, a charming river town where the Hudson shapes the landscape and the Catskill Mountains rise on the horizon. Stroll along Main Street, lined with antique shops, cafés, and galleries. Discover the Thomas Cole National Historic Site, the home and studio of the Hudson River School founder, offering a glimpse into the birth of American landscape painting.

Back on Main Street, there are a few stops I loved.

What was once the “Mayflower,” at 355 Main St., an ice cream shop where I had more than a few milkshakes, has become the Kaaterskill Market. Owner Katie Hartsough believes we can live simply with simple things, and she carefully curates the sustainable housewares and hand-crafted essentials you find here. There are candles and textiles, and plastic-free bath and body products, too, but her focus is on fair-trade baskets that are as beautiful as they are practical.

She thoughtfully renovated the space with the same aesthetic, and it’s brighter now, but I can still see some of the Mayflower here. A plaque outside recognizes Manny, the gracious proprietor who was the gentleman behind the counter.

Katie’s website photography is as gorgeous as her shop. Open Thursday-Monday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. or shop online.

A few doors down at 391 Main St., the building facade still says Central Hudson Gas & Electric, but now it’s actually Made X Hudson. This is slow fashion that is sustainable, comfortable to wear, and made right here.

Designer and owner Sergio Guadarrama is bringing back American-made manufacturing. “People want to be connected to the clothing they are wearing,” he said. The sewing is happening on the second floor, right above the retail space. There is also a location in Hudson. Beautiful photos of the store and apparel at that website.

As described on the Great Northern Catskills site, it’s a boutique offering  “locally made fashion-forward garments, accessories and homeware.”

From the same website:

“The shops feature new, vintage, and upcycled apparel, blending their house line with other sustainable brands, many made at their factory. Through their factory, shops, and community events, Made X Hudson empowers customers to embrace sustainable fashion and a more conscious lifestyle.”

The shop also hosts workshops and classes. Open daily 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (518) 203-3696.

Peyton’s at 356 Main St. is my next stop. This charming gift shop is owned by Anne Appel and sells artist-centric collections of jewelry, soap, stationery, as well as specialty foods and pet gifts. Open Thursday - Monday, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Find her on Instagram at peytonsstore.ny.

The native New Yorker is realizing a dream.

“When I was younger, I shopped at a neighborhood NYC gift shop for my friends and family gifts, and dreamed of having my own shop someday. July 2022, my dream came true, opening Peyton’s. The shop is named after my maternal grandmother after whom I was named. Offerings are responsibly sourced and priced.”

And I know this column is getting a big long, but I must mention Magpie Bookshop owned by Kristi Gibson, who has been here 12 years. I stop in every time I’m in town. She’s at 392 Main St., and on Instagram at magpiebookshop and FB. The two-story store holds some 15,000 second-hand books. She said, “I consider myself a bread and butter book store in the tradition of a Main Street shop. My focus is on good-quality books for readers, not collectors.” Open seven days a week through summer and into fall. 11 a.m. -5 p.m. (518) 303-6035.

Please check all for days and hours, as schedules can change. There are many other great shops, and I have a few favorite eateries, but I’ll save that for another time.

For more information about Catskill and Greene County, go to this page of the Great Northern Catskills website.

Let me know if you visit, and have fun if you go!

Last weekend I mentioned that my neighborhood was planning a lawnmower race, and the event proved to be a winning recipe for a party.

Not only was it a picture-perfect summer day, but the underdog push-mower, which got nothing but laughs when it arrived, turned out to win first place, and my son, Mark, was at its helm.

Who knew you can run faster pushing a mower than riding one?

The convivial event was indeed a great excuse for an all-day shindig. Many thanks go to hosts Dennis and Kevin for masterminding the occasion, made complete with a cookout.

We’re already looking forward to next year’s race, which promises to be even more fun with talk of different mower categories necessary. No surprise there!

Could this be a new neighborhood tradition in the works? Stay tuned; time will tell!

Dear friends and readers,

It seems like forever since I wrote to you last, and I apologize, especially to my dear friend Shirley, who said she missed me here. Her comments during a phone call encouraged me to write even at times when I feel I don’t have much to offer.

I’m not going to say that I am divinely inspired or anything, but there are times when words just pour out, and other times when I feel as I did in the old days in the newspaper business when I was on deadline for a story and just had to produce it.

And additionally, I myself (maybe you, too?) have been inundated by emails and ads and subscriptions, and actually many of them are Substacks! It seems like half the world is on this platform now. So there’s no shortage of words to read. I like mine to have some value, and I hope that when my words come into your inbox, you are happy to see what I have been up to.

So thank you, Shirley, for inspiring me to write and convincing me people are interested in the mundane stuff because they can relate to it.

First, don’t forget that these are the longest days of the year, culminating at tomorrow’s solstice! Go outside and appreciate the light of the sun into the late evening! It’s the longest day and shortest night of the year.

Secondly, it’s into my kitchen. You know I love cooking, and I can report that I have been experimenting in the kitchen, but with poor results. I don’t feel this is as valuable as sharing a great recipe that works, but who knows, so here it is.

One area has been tofu. By all accounts, it seems like a good food. From Healthline:

“Tofu is condensed soy milk that people press into blocks of different firmness. It is a nutrient-dense food that is high in protein and contains all the essential amino acids your body needs.”

Tofu has never actually called to me, but in Giada’s “Feel Good Food,” I spotted a recipe for grilled herbed tofu. Giada DeLaurentiis was born in Rome, attended the Cordon Bleu in Paris, produced volumes of cookbooks and is a TV celebrity. How could it be bad?

Using an indoor nonstick grill pan, the recipe looked easy, and it was. I thought maybe it would resemble - at least in taste, some kind of cheese food (my result above). It did not. Not only could I not get the grill marks, but it truly disappointed in flavor and texture. Rubbery is the word.

To be clear, I am sure Giada’s version was better than mine. Hers definitely looked better:

It looks delicious, right? Let’s leave it at that.

I also tried bags of tofu noodles. . . the noodles looked like angel hair or other pasta, but definitely did not taste like it: sort of gummy and otherwise indescribable. Not in a good way. It wound up in the compost.

I just can’t make tofu work, so I’ll eat it in small doses as prepared in Asian restaurants. As far as trying it again myself, I am gladly leaving that behind. But remember, as another dear friend reminded me, that Julia Child said, “Cooking is one failure after another, and that’s how you finally learn.” See more of her quotes at this blog.

I am, however, still making a lot of slow cooker apple and oatmeal, which is tried and true, and you can find in my archives here. It seems good year-round.

What else is happening in my life? This afternoon is promising. Some relatively new neighbors are hosting a party, an unusual theme, I thought, but you can decide: “Lawnmower Racing Extravaganza.”

On the printed invite that arrived in our mailboxes, photo above, this is what it said:

“Details: Anyone from the hood can enter as long as you have a lawnmower. Races will be head to head. First place wins a prize. Food will be served. BYOB.”

It’s a perfect theme for the lawn-focused folks here (or is it a good excuse for a party?). Just in case, like me, you didn’t know there was such a thing, there is. From Wikipedia:

“Lawnmower racing is a form of motor sport in which competitors race modified lawnmowers, usually of the ride-on or self-propelled variety. The original mower engines are retained, but the blades are removed for safety. The sport attracts all ages and is usually entered into in a spirit of fun rather than extreme competitiveness, though many participants do take it seriously.”

I’ll get back to you on that next time, at least with some photos.

Till then, get outside and be happy! Enjoy the weekend and every moment of this glorious summer season!

The rain seems to bring out the turkeys, and seeing these huge birds in the yard always makes me smile, especially at a bird feeder. But lately this one seems to be alone, which is unusual, and it makes me a bit sad. I don’t know if he is lost or has outgrown his family. Or as a friend said, maybe chased away from flock by an overbearing alpha tom?

Watching him, I began to think about the story I once heard that Benjamin Franklin preferred the turkey over the bald eagle as the national bird. I was disappointed to find this tale is not quite true, but it does have some basis in history.

According to the Franklin Institute, it’s just a myth:

“About the turkey, Franklin wrote that in comparison to the bald eagle, the turkey is “a much more respectable Bird, and withal a true original Native of America...He is besides, though a little vain & silly, a Bird of Courage.” So, although Benjamin Franklin defended the honor of the turkey against the bald eagle, he did not propose it become one of America’s most important symbols.”

A little more about that here, along with some other interesting misquotes.

And a more thorough history from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, which includes this:

“In January 1784, Franklin wrote to his daughter, Sarah Bache, and this unpublished letter contains this infamous quote: "For my own part I wish the Bald Eagle had not been chosen as the Representative of our Country." But, providing context for this quote shows that Franklin isn't actually upset by the choice of the bald eagle for the Great Seal. Instead, this is a part of a joke in a letter registering Franklin's disapproval of the Society of the Cincinatti, a hereditary society founded in 1783 which had adopted the bald eagle as its symbol after the Great Seal. The joke is based in the idea that the Society's symbol appeared to some to look more like a turkey than an eagle.”

Scroll down that link and take a look.

Have a safe Memorial Day, full of gratitude for all that we have.

Want to smile? Go see the 2026 Macy’s Flower Show that sprawls through the first floor of the Herald Square store through Sunday, May 10.

I was there yesterday with my friend Diane, who was doing back-to-back NYC days, so I dearly thank her for going with me. We had lots of fun.

Such a happy, colorful experience is hard to come by, and it’s free. “Homegrown” is the theme, and it’s a “journey through America’s greenhouse, told through flowers, fiber, and the timeless art of handicraft,” as the brochure states. It’s beautiful!

The show celebrates the nation’s 250th anniversary with thousands of blooms and a number of installations using native plants that include State flowers, from New York State’s Rose to Washington State’s Rhododendron, and many in between, as well as flowers from around the world.

There are some 20 displays, and the flowers are live and man-made creative, including fabric, cloth, and even Legos. I strongly suggest finding the hard-copy brochure that describes the displays; we were halfway through before we did. Even so, it was difficult to study it in the moment, and I wish I had seen it in advance. Here’s a pix of the inside if you can’t get one.

And a map for an overview.

There’s an interactive map online. Go to Macy’s website for the map, more information and also to reserve a complimentary tour.

As you can imagine, it was quite crowded with hundreds of excited folks taking pix, and we loved every minute of the vibe.

Go up the short escalator to the mezzanine for a good photo location. Right off the escalator, we took this:

The mezzanine is where you’ll find show-related items available for purchase.

Then we had lunch upstairs at Stella’s and definitely recommend it. Beautiful light, high ceilings, reasonable prices, nice menu and good food. Make reservations.

I went veggie with a salad that made the kale unexpectedly tasty, “Di Verdure”: watercress, endive, haricots verts, cauliflower, tomatoes, kale, artichokes, radish, pine nuts, golden raisins, red wine vinaigrette. We both ordered it, and asked our server what exactly the kitchen did to the kale to make it so good, and the answer was that they “massage it with the dressing.” I went online to check this, and it’s evidently common knowledge! It’s a game changer, according to playswellwithbutter:

“The acid breaks down the toothsome texture of the greens, making the kale easier to chew, less bitter-tasting, and way more enjoyable to eat.”

You’ll find directions at that link.

I also enjoyed “eggplant parmigiana” (tomato pummarola, mozzarella, parmigiano-reggiano, basil), and a side of “fungi” (roasted mushrooms). Couldn’t be better.

My apologies for forgetting to take a pix of lunch. But here’s one of the restaurant from the website.

If you are looking for something completely unexpected, check out Sunday brunch.We happened to get there early for our reservation and caught the end of a show. It was quite a surprise! More info and tix here.

That’s worth a post of its own, so it’s on my list!

If you didn’t see it, my last post was about the annual spring ant invasion that has been keeping me occupied for a couple of weeks. As I wrote, it was far worse this year than any other I have experienced. The ants seemed to be multiplying every day, despite my efforts to eradicate them.

As I said in that post, I had sticky traps set up in many places, and yes, I was catching some ants, but hardly enough. I had Terro bait traps around as well, and maybe they were working, but since it takes days (weeks?) for the ant population to be affected by these, I had to move on to other solutions.

I did track down what I believe was a main entry point – under a bookcase in the living room, which makes no sense at all, since there would never be food there. But that’s the area where I kept seeing them. Of course, moving a bookcase full of books was challenging in itself, but there they were.

After an initial slaughter with Clorax Multi-Surface Cleaner and Bleach, I used duct tape to seal the tiny hole that was at the seam of the wall and floor there. Not a permanent solution, but a quick one.

Those I managed to spray died, and while that did kill a good number (maybe a hundred or so?), many seemed to appear elsewhere, particularly in the laundry room. This makes sense because it shares the wall where the living room massacre happened. But I could not detect the laundry room entry spot.

I would have resorted to Borax (which I always have on hand as “a detergent booster”) because it was a standard protocol to kill roaches when I lived in NYC. I checked online to see if it kills ants, and the answer is yes. But it’s not safe for pets, and my 19-year old cat, Sheba, is still curious. So I couldn’t use it indoors, but I put some of it along the outside of entryways to deter any ants from coming in that way.

As an aside, there’s this: Borax has an interesting history. Here’s a fun screenshot from the website:

I think bugoutservice.com is a good site for quick and easy info regarding its use to control insects. This is their explanation as to how Borax works:

“Borax affects ants by damaging their digestive systems. When ants consume borax, it interferes with their ability to process food, leading to starvation and death. Ants will carry borax back to their colony, spreading the substance and killing the entire nest over time.”

But now it was time to try something else. There’s much advice online, and I finally landed on something called Diatomaceous Earth (DE).

This fine dusty powder (it actually looks like the dust in your vacuum cleaner) is a non-synthetic, mined product of the earth.

According to the National Pesticide Information Center at Oregon State University, DE is made from:

“the fossilized remains of tiny, aquatic organisms called diatoms. Their skeletons are made of a natural substance called silica.. . . Diatomaceous earth products are registered for use against bed bugs, cockroaches, crickets, fleas, ticks, spiders and other pests.”

DE does not have to be ingested; the silica damages the outer skeleton of the insects that walk on it and dehydrates them. Unlike Borax, which is brought back to the nest and shared as food, DE affects insects that come in physical contact with it.

And it is safe for pets; just be sure you are using Food Grade DE.

DE has many other applications; Chewy sells it as a supplement that destroys parasites.

There are DE products for humans, too. These include skin care items (face masks and toothpaste among them). If you go to Diatomaceous Earth, you can find some for Beauty and Skin Wellness as well as Gut Wellness.

I decided to go to my local Agway in Danbury to learn more. I always enjoy the farmyard vibe here and trust the products, especially gardening supplies and plants. A friendly associate helped me, and I mentioned to her why I was curious about DE. Not only did she help me pronounce it correctly, but she said, yes, it works to keep ants under control.

She went on to explain that it has lots of other uses, too, and comes in smallish to very large bags. DE is used for garden soil, in animal feeds, for flea control, and one I thought interesting and cute: Chickens like it for dust baths.

I bought a 4-pound bag for $16.99 (photo at top of story). That seems like a lot of DE, but it was one of the smallest options.

I put it in the laundry room (above), bathroom, around entryways and behind the bookcase, just in case. Yes, it looks like I haven’t vacuumed lately, but who cares at this point?

It’s only been a few days, but the ant population seems to be dwindling. Down to a few a day as opposed to twenty or so a day.

I’m sticking with DE for a while; after all, I have quite a bit. And it appears to be working. And even though I found health and beauty options online, I’ll stick to DE for ant control for now, and save that for another day.

At the moment, I have some insect sticky traps set that the ants (all kinds) seem able to avoid, though I do catch a few. I shouldn’t be surprised that they are not working because they are so well hidden. (So well that I can barely remember where I put them.)

No, I am not concerned that they are unsightly, though they are. I am concerned that Sheba will get into trouble with them. Photo from last year here:

This is not a great photo, but you can see she has a sticky trap stuck to her tail. This is proof that even old cats can get into “shenanigans,” as a friend said.

She appeared to be taking it in stride, though getting it off was tricky and resulted in a bit of a bald spot on the tail.

As an aside, I am so blessed to be able to wish Sheba a happy birthday this month. She turned 19!

I also have bait traps, which seem inconclusive in effectiveness, at least so far. I hesitate to use anything toxic. Not sure what else to do. The endless stream of ants coming in from no evident entry points is mystifying.

If you have any pet-safe methods you can share that work, please share in the comments! Thanks so much.

Diane, my “adventure” partner, and I made our way into NYC yesterday to hit the streets and see what we could find. A loose plan was made around lunch at the RH Rooftop Restaurant in the Meatpacking District. Our reservation was for 2 p.m. (Reservations are highly suggested; dress code is business casual, but jeans and sneakers are okay.)

We met in Grand Central, arriving at noonish and took a short detour to Rhone, a clothing shop at 520 Madison Ave., for Diane to purchase some gift cards. If you’re sporty and want to go beyond yoga clothes, this is a good stop. The variety and quality seem quite good, though not cheap, and at 54^th and Madison, you wouldn’t expect it to be.

From here, it’s easy to get to the Meatpacking District by bus. So that’s what we did: the 5th Avenue bus south and then the crosstown west at 14^th Street to the last stop at Ninth Avenue. You can practically see the RH building from here, just about a block away.

Don’t let the chandeliers intimidate you. The staff are welcoming: We walked in and asked about a ladies room and were directed there with a smile.

Heading upstairs, we strolled through the “galleries” on each floor. These arrangements showcase the home furnishings and offer aesthetic inspiration for your own home. The pieces are generally large, neutral in tone, comfortable and simple, yet sophisticated. A definite high-end look. My house is way too small for this style (and my wallet, too), but it’s nice to dream, right?

RH was formerly known as Restoration Hardware, a home goods supply store that had retro flair. If you remember Restoration Hardware, you can understand this rebrand is quite a remarkable makeover.

When you get to the top floor, you’ll be in the elegant skylit restaurant. It’s bright with lush greenery all around. Chandeliers are sparkling and conversations are buzzing. I love the ambiance here. Lots of style and beautiful people.

It was too cold for the outdoor tables, but we were happily seated at a small booth by the window, which was perfect for us. The views are nothing to write home about because the cityscape around here is quite low, but the service was outstanding.

To be quite honest, I was expecting some snobbery, but from the moment we walked into the RH building to the restaurant reservation desk and the servers, it was quite the opposite. Friendly helpful people gave us genuine smiles.

The menu offers a varied selection of mainly traditional items, and our server didn’t seem at all upset when I took my time deciding what to order. In a carb-craving moment, I chose Swedish pancakes (“impossibly thin, butter, Vermont maple syrup”) and sweet potato fries, and Diane had the burger, a double patty (“American cheese, pickles, onions, Dijonaisse”). We were both happy with our meals.

While we went for simple comfort food, there are a number of sophisticated offerings too, including some with caviar, prosciutto, kale and arugula. Menus here.

Neither of us ordered alcohol, but Diane said her Cucumber Mojito mocktail was delicious, and I enjoyed a decaf cappuccino. (Lunch for both of us was about $80, plus tip; quite reasonable especially for NYC, and skipping alcohol makes quite a difference!)

Even though our orders were basic, we did not feel hurried. I absolutely plan to return and linger over some wine and more complex menu items.

There are a number of other RH locations, national and international, including Paris, Montreal, Chicago, San Francisco, West Palm. Maybe I’ll get to one of those? They all look fabulous. Go here for more locations.

After lunch, we wandered a couple blocks over to the Chelsea Market , 75 Ninth Ave., since neither of us had been there for a long time.

Sadly, it was disappointing. We expected the crowd, but it seemed dark and uncomfortable, and more of a food hall than browsing spot.

Since we didn’t last long there, we decided to walk back to GCT and stop at a florist/cafe that we had noticed on our way downtown.

This was the unexpected find of the day. Ariston Flowers & Café at 78 Fifth Ave., just south of 14^th St., is easy to spot. Spring is in full bloom here, and it starts on the sidewalk. You can’t really miss it.

It’s delightful and easy to find some joy in the proliferation of flowers here. And you can linger over a light lunch or coffee and a baked delight.

My carb craving finally was sated by a blueberry lemon cookie that was worth every calorie. And because we had decided to stroll back to GCT, I’d be walking a lot of it off.

No reservation needed here, just a line that moves fast. Seat yourself and relax.

It was a perfect ending to a NYC adventure, and a great wrap-up to my monthlong birthday celebrations. Thank you all family and friends who made this one so special!

If you’re looking to do something a little bit different, try the Red Pavilion, a cabaret in Brooklyn. I was there last night celebrating a friend’s solar return (happy birthday again, K!), and it was one to remember. In addition to great company and the fabulous musical talent on stage, an astonishing aerialist performed just feet away from us (video above.)

The Red Pavilion, a “neo-noir” nightclub in Bushwick, is culturally about as far as you can get from sleepy Putnam County, but it’s only a 90-minute car ride away. It opened in 2023, converting an empty warehouse into a cultural experience.

Walk in and you are immediately immersed in a moody and mysterious space with high ceilings and dramatic lighting. You might feel you’ve stepped into an old noir movie, and it was designed with this effect in mind. The smoky atmosphere and Art Deco/Asian décor is interior design on an epic scale. Seating is tight but comfortable.

From the website: “. . . our immersive cabaret shows, concerts, and live jazz bring captivating Asian artists and culture to the forefront, and sets a new standard for an evening out in the city.” And the space has a mission, “The visionary team is dedicated to amplifying the representation of Asian voices and AAPI cultural identity in New York.”

This wasn’t my first time here, so I knew what to expect, but still I was spellbound. The ambience, the music, the aerialist, all of it; it is a scene, and I was smiling to be in it.

Genevieve Faivre was singing, and as I have said here before, her voice is truly remarkable.

If you go, a few things: The raised booth to the right as you enter has good views of both stage and aerial acts. And I would suggest having dinner before you go because the bar menu is limited. However, the Shanghai Vegetarian Pancake is really delicious, and I am a devotee of scallion pancakes and have had several here. I wish I had the recipe. Cocktails are exotic (how about a Madam Snake: tequila, passion fruit, Valencia orange, tamarind, lemon, sage?), but you can get a standard drink if you prefer.

P.S. As a complete aside, when I was working on my yoga teacher certification, aerial yoga was part of the training. I was challenged but loved every minute of those classes. While it’s only remotely similar, I know enough to have some major respect for the aerial act and how difficult it must be.

The Red Pavilion is located at 1241 Flushing Ave., in Bushwick. Open Wednesday through Saturday. Tickets are available at the door, but reservations are recommended due to venue capacity. View calendar and get tickets on website.

If you missed “Downton Abbey” the first time, you have another chance. Or you may want to watch it all over again, as I do.

The six-season period drama is coming soon to PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) and is streaming right now on Passport. If you are still on appointment TV, Season One will start broadcasting in May. If you have Passport, you can stream it anytime.

The show is set in England and spans the years from 1912-1925, a period that saw the class system of landowners and servants evolve. The costumes are unforgettable and the very real characters undoubtedly will weave their way into daily conversations, just as they did when it ran from 2010 to 2015, when we all watched it on Sunday night.

I do realize that writing about PBS, and especially “Downton” with its gorgeous costumes and regal setting, might seem a bit highbrow, but the racy storylines and vivid characters of this show have wide appeal.

Just as PBS itself does. This television network seamlessly replaced cable TV for me when I gave that up. It offers live news and more shows than I can possibly take advantage of.

You might have heard PBS lost federal funding, so if ever there was a time to support this public network, it’s now.

This is the thing: It costs only $60 a year to become a member of PBS and gain access to Passport, which offers a catalog of PBS programming that includes everything from “All Creatures Great and Small” and Agatha Christie’s “Poirot” to “Nova,” “Nature,” “Great Performances, “Lidia’s Kitchen,” and so many more cooking shows, documentaries and beyond that I can’t possibly name.

This $60 is not per month, but for a whole year. And it’s easy.

You become a member of Passport by contributing $60 or more to a local PBS station. In my case, that is CPTV (Connecticut Public). Depending where you are locally, there’s also Thirteen and LIW.

Not only do I get a plethora of news and award-winning shows, but I received a thank you gift (of my choice) for becoming a member: “Mary Makes it Easy” (the cover price is $50).

Passport is available in all states, provided your local PBS station is a participant.

I access Passport via my Apple TV (this is hardware, a small box device) that lets me stream Passport (and other services like Hulu, etc., if I wanted). This device was a one-time purchase, about $150. You can also access Passport via a smart TV or as an app.

If you are eager to see “Downton,” Passport is the way to go. Why wait? The show will transport you immediately to a time and place that will stay with you.

This member benefit has to be the best streaming service available at $5 dollars a month. Please take a look.

I hope you were up early enough today to experience this storm as I did, at least for a moment. The stillness, the beauty, the magic.

I lit some candles; cuddled my cat, Sheba, and said a prayer for all of us.

May you be safe. May you be healthy. May you be happy. May you live with ease.

If you’ve been staying in, lighting candles, playing mellow music and drinking lots of tea (or maybe, wine?) to escape the winter, you have lots of company. Everyone I speak to seems to be hunkering down and giving in to the season. The cold, snow and wind have been almost unbearable, and the only solution is to stay indoors, warm and cozy, preferably with a good book and/or good friends. Don’t feel guilty. It’s okay, you’re just being “hygge.”

The word and concept are Danish, and the pronunciation is something like “hoo-ga” or “hue-gah,” (see links below). And it goes beyond behavior; it’s more of a Danish lifestyle or tradition centered on family, friends, comfort and kindness. Who doesn’t love the sound of that?

The word isn’t new to me, but it wasn’t until this winter that it really made sense. According to Denmark.dk , the word has been in the Oxford English Dictionary since 2017 and has roots in the Middle Ages, meaning “protected from the outside world.” And while it’s practiced in different ways year-round, in winter it really shines:

“The cold, dark and wet climate during long parts of the year encourages Danes to spend time together indoors. Winter is the prime time for hygge.”

I now know why. This winter has taught me the best way to enjoy the season is indoors in a cozy and warm environment with candles flickering and comfort food cooking. Fuzzy blankets, cups of tea or hot chocolate, maybe beer or wine. Something in the oven. A friend or two over. It’s hygge.

So why not call a friend to visit; invite the neighbors in for a bite and some conversation. Just keep the topics happy, arguments are not hygge. Hygge is a feel-good vibe. It is also a word that is noun, verb and adjective.

This Brown University blog says:

“It’s about embracing the season, and finding comfort in coziness, enjoying time with family and friends, and being present.. . . Most importantly, it’s about finding pleasure in the little things that can bring you happiness and contentment.”

Visit Denmark states hygge may be why Danes are among the happiest people in the world. Can it be this easy??

Don’t fight it. To some degree, we probably have all hygge(d) this winter. So lean into it. Light your candles, relax and have some tea. Ask a friend over for hygge.

Cook something simple. Baked apples are perfect, and your house will smell great. Wash and core a few apples. Do not peel. Place on baking rack, drizzle with honey, cinnamon, brown sugar, a dot of butter. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes depending on how soft you like them. Serve with vanilla ice cream.

Share the goodness over some conversation and kindness. Relax and enjoy the moment of hygge.

Last weekend, I was on my way up to Massachusetts to visit the grandkids, taking Route 84 from Danbury in the southwest corner of Connecticut through Union in the northeast. I’ve been doing this drive a couple of years, and near the Massachusetts line, I’ve noticed a roadside sign off the highway that says, “Food and Books.” It’s hard to miss, at least when heading north.

This time, I decided to check it out and got off at Exit 74, which is on the Sturbridge/Union line. The eatery is actually called the Traveler Restaurant.

It was about 10 a.m. on Saturday, and with snow predicted, I knew I was tempting fate by making a stop, but thought a quick breakfast with coffee was fine. The restaurant is right off the exit and aside from the sign and large parking lot, it looks more like a house than a roadside attraction.

Walk in and you’re greeted by shelves of books, packaged bags sorted by genre, and a counter where you wait to be seated.

A staircase to the right takes you down to the Book Cellar, a used bookstore that is operated by the restaurant.

I was looking around at the books near the counter as I waited for the server and in just a couple minutes, noticed an author that reinforced my belief in some sort of synchronicity. (More later on that.) I picked the book up from the old paperback rack as the server came to help me. The server explained that every meal comes with three free books. I had found book #1 before being seated: “The Black Book,” by Lawrence Durrell.

The restaurant looks over the highway, and when I asked her about getting a seat by one of the big picture windows, she said those were by reservation. It wasn’t crowded, but I could see they were large tables. So I happily took the table she offered in the middle of the restaurant and ordered coffee, which I enjoyed while looking at the menu. The coffee was good. Strong but not bitter.

When she came to take my order, I asked if the potatoes (choice of home fries or hash brown) were made in-house, and she said no. I ordered the egg sandwich with tomato, and it was hearty. I actually took half to go. Judging from my breakfast and a quick look at the items on the lunch and dinner menus, I would say food is pretty much what you would expect in a diner. (Prices also seem comparable to diner fare.) Beer, wine and drinks are available.´

For me, food was secondary to the books. I would guess there are a few hundred stacked around, so I had plenty to choose from. The books downstairs are priced and sold separately.

The book I mentioned earlier was interesting because I’ve been watching a PBS show, “The Durrells in Corfu,” in which one of the characters, Lawrence, is a writer. This show is based on a real-life memoir, “The Corfu Trilogy” by Gerald Durrell, as seen in the show introduction. It’s about a British family who move to the Greek Island before WWII.

Since the writer in the show is Lawrence Durrell and not Gerald, who authored the trilogy, I was curious as to whether Lawrence was a real person and had actually published anything. But I hadn’t yet googled it. The answer presented itself by the book I found that morning. (Of course, now I know he is a famous British author!)

I walked around the restaurant enjoying my coffee and came across book #2, “Atomic Habits,” by James Clear. This one I had just seen recommended in a Substack I follow, Le Secret Club by Gabrielle. Screenshot from her post:

Another coincidence? Probably not. Do I have some habits I need to change? Probably yes.

Le Secret Club

10 ways I'm building wealth this year

This year, I’m thinking about wealth differently…

Read more

8 months ago · 155 likes · 1 comment · Gabrielle Dubois Meloff

As I was looking around for book #3, I started chatting with Marc, a Rhode Island resident who was in the area visiting his daughter. He and his wife seemed also to be newcomers, browsing around happily as I was. I asked if this was his first time here, and he said not exactly, he had been here before, but it was back in the ’70s. I asked if the place had changed much, and he smiled, shook his head and said it didn’t seem like it.

My server was busy, but friendly and attentive, and I asked her if the manager or owner was available, and she replied the manager was the owner, and he was in the kitchen cooking. Understood: Not the right time to talk.

Book #3. I knew it as soon as I saw it: “The Secret Language of Signs,” by Denise Linn. After randomly finding the first two books, this was a good third. The universe was sending me messages.

Besides books, you will find greeting cards, mugs, puzzles and other gift possibilities. The selection is good, and you will be tempted. I bought two greetings cards by a brand I didn’t know: Leanin’ Tree. Really cute. Almost bought a mug, but figured next time. I know I will be back.

The restaurant accepts book donations and claims it gives away 50 tons of books annually. If you want more than three books, additional books are $2 each. The cellar books are not included in this free book deal.

More info: Traveler Restaurant on FB, 860-684-4920, located at 1257 Buckley Highway, Union, Conn. Reviews are good.

The next photo is from the postcard.

I’m leaving my Christmas tree up for a while. I’m not sure for how long.

It’s just too sad to have all that Christmas magic disappear overnight. Especially because with grandkids now, it was such a fun and happy season for me.

I can’t quite pack it all away yet. And it helps that mine is an artificial white Christmas tree, a “mod” ’60s retro look, part of my obsession with all things mid-century. As weird as a white tree may sound, maybe it would be more weird to leave a green one up? But I leave that to you. Maybe you will read this and leave your tree up too, whatever color it may be.

This one, I have convinced myself, is a form of light therapy. I just flip the switch in the morning and the pastel lights make me smile. It’s a fabulous way to start the morning as I drink some lemon water and wait for the coffee to brew.

It’s also a good way to get through January (and I won’t have to take down that SAD -seasonal affective disorder- light lamp I have in the closet).

I have taken down the Shiny Brite ornaments, but might replace them with some Valentine’s decorations. I’ll have to check Michael’s for possibilities on that.

Not sure it will be up that long, but you never know! Let me know what you think?

The original recipe, Austrian Ham-and-Noodle Casserole, is from the Betty Crocker International Cookbook (1980). You can find the book online. It’s one of my favorites.

I have made modifications, using a whole bag of egg noodles (12 ounces) and increasing eggs and sour cream to keep it moist.

This is an easy one, but not low on fat, though if you’re having ham, maybe that’s not a concern. It is for me, but ham is strictly a holiday food (Christmas and Easter), so I give myself a pass and keep my portion small.

To be honest, my family enjoys this dish more than they do the spiral ham served on the holiday. Meat doesn’t seem to take center stage anymore. And that suits me just fine. I’m not vegan, or even vegetarian, but less meat-eating is better for us and the planet. At each annual follow-up to the surgery I had almost exactly two years ago, the breast surgeon advises, “only three portions of red meat a week.” (You can find the post in my substack archives.)

This is how I do the casserole:

Butter a casserole dish, at least 2.5-quart size.

Cube enough ham to make 2 cups. Place in large bowl.

In separate bowl, beat 3 eggs and add 1 cup sour cream. Stir together and add to ham. Set aside.

Chop 1 onion (large or small, you decide) and sauté it with a few tablespoons butter in a small pan until onion is soft. Remove from heat.

Cook 12 ounces of wide egg noodles until al dente (this is quick, no more than 4 minutes). Drain and, using same pot, mix with onion. Then add the ham-egg mixture. Season with salt to taste and pepper. Mix together.

Pour the noodles into the casserole dish, sprinkle with paprika and cook covered 40 minutes at 350 degrees or until hot and cooked through. Do not overcook or it will be dry.

Serve with whatever else is left over. Green beans are perfect. Let me know how you like it!

Go here for info.

Winter semester courses are open now with registration ending on Dec. 22.

Here is a screenshot of the course offerings.

As an undergrad I absolutely adored FIT for its vibrance and the brilliant teachers who were top in their fields. The style and drive of the students was contagious. I felt special being a student there, however short-lived it was. The program was called Visiting Student, where you could study at one school and remain matriculated at your home school, in my case, SUNYAlbany.

And then I also attended FIT a few years ago for Image Consulting, a noncredit certificate program in the school’s CCPS. I did the in-person option because I wanted to be in the city; it was so invigorating! I learned so much about clothing: styling, color, patterns, fabrication, the fashion business and beyond. It didn’t become a new career, but I incorporated the knowledge into my own style and helped some friends along the way.

There are both noncredit courses and noncredit certificates. You can commute or study online, depending on the course. More info here. The certificate screenshot follows.

Don’t waste a minute if you want to register for winter! Dec. 22 is just a few days away. Good luck, and let me know if you go? Maybe I’ll see you there!

This morning, I pulled out one of my favorite seasonal books: my very vintage (1986) 1st edition copy of “Macy’s Thanksgiving Book: A Celebration and Ideabook for an American Tradition and Its Spectacular Parade.”

Because it deserves to be treated kindly, I’ve kept it away from the kitchen all these years, so it looks a lot better than my cookbooks (no stains on it at all). It offers chapters on Thanksgiving history, traditions, crafts (I remember making the pomander balls with my son’s Cub Scout troop), and, of course, the parade.

A couple of things popped out at me as I was looking through it.

One was the Macy’s recipe for Roast Turkey and Gravy. As I read it, I realized it sounds a lot like the Martha Stewart cheesecloth method that I was just talking about with an editor friend.

When my friend explained that Martha soaks the cheesecloth in butter before draping it over the turkey, I was like, “Really? That sounds ridiculous.”

And yet, here in this book, I see Macy’s culinary department was doing it this way in 1986. Martha made some adjustments, of course, like adding wine to the butter, which doesn’t surprise me; I think Martha adds alcohol to a lot of her dishes. (So do I! ) Here’s Martha’s method.

Why use cheesecloth? According to Martha,

“A whopping 20-pound bird gets the royal treatment with a quadruple blanket of cheesecloth that holds the butter-and-wine basting mixture on the skin to keep the meat moist while still allowing it to brown.”

Maybe it’s worth the effort? I don’t know.. . . I could be getting too lazy!

The book is copyrighted, and I’m not finding the recipe online, but here’s how Macy’s did it. Basically, you soak cheesecloth in warm melted butter, then drape it on the turkey. Into a 350-degree oven it goes, and you baste every 45 minutes for 2-3 hours. Toward end of roasting, you remove the cheesecloth so the turkey will brown.

What I did find online was a TV clip from a few years ago with a Macy’s Culinary Council chef cooking a turkey breast roulade. It does not resemble the original recipe except in the use of cheesecloth, but looks good!

Because I haven’t tried either of these recipes, I can’t speak to the outcomes. And it won’t happen this year since my daughter is cooking the turkey (no idea how, but I doubt it’s with cheesecloth). To be honest, it may never happen in my kitchen anytime since you know I already deemed the whole idea ridiculous! Please write me if you’ve tried it and let me know if I’m wrong.

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The other thing in the book that grabbed me is about the parade. In 1986, the parade was marking its sixtieth anniversary. And this means, next year will be the 100^th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade! Google AI overview screenshot here.

Some history about parade beginnings from the book:

“This American tradition actually began in 1924 when a group of Macy’s employees, many of them first-generation immigrants from Europe, wanted to create a celebration like the harvest festivals they remembered from their native lands.”

That first parade was a lot longer than it is today. It traveled from 145^th Street and Convent Avenue in Harlem to 34^th Street and Herald Square, with “employees dressed as clowns . . . cowboys and cowgirls. . . knights in armor. . . There were floats and bands. . . . ” It was so popular, Macy’s turned it into an annual event. (The parade missed a couple years during WW II.)

Now, it starts at 77th Street. Here’s some parade info from CentralPark.com.

The Macy’s book is available pre-owned online:

So whatever you are doing, whether it’s cooking (with or without cheesecloth), watching the parade on TV or from the sidewalks of NYC, running a turkey trot or just eating and taking the day off to relax, I hope your day is full of peace, love and gratitude.

Happy Thanksgiving!