The sun shines brightly upon the frozen ground as another day unfolds. Birds flutter from place to place finding sustainable morsels, oblivious to the deep chill. Inside, pets and people alike savor the fragrance of the roasting turkey as they gather together around the warmth of the old cast iron stove. Today is a day […]

I recall the shared wisdom from childhood that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. It is so very reasonable, yet along life’s path I have rarely experienced a straight line. The drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway in the mountains of North Carolina takes one from point A to point B […]

A gentle breeze swept by as we sipped espresso while taking in the morning vista from our tiny balcony overlooking the bay. The morning sun in Sorrento illuminated the hillside as we viewed the village below. The journey into the blue grotto the day before and the ascent to Ana Capri had been highlights of […]

The sun streams gently through the morning mist as it marks the dawning of a new autumn day. The smell of hardwood burning in the cast iron stove permeates the air with its sweet fragrance. Freshly brewed coffee being sipped with pursed lips that long to take in the savory rendering gives rise to thoughts […]

Waves of heat radiate from the modest cast iron stove spreading warmth throughout the room as the summer gathered logs burn steadily within. In warmer weather, doors to adjacent rooms are left open to partially circulate the warmth, taking away the chill. As temperatures plummet outside in the grip of winter, supplemental heat is required […]

A warm breeze whisked by as the new bike and I navigated the path beside the river. An adventure that had begun as only a dream last year was being fulfilled. The unexpected warm fall weather had created a door of opportunity through which we could pass on this first of what we hope will […]

The cool northeast breeze brushed our sleepy but excited faces as we strolled eastward on the rock strewn beach toward the sunrise. In just a few hours our lives would forever change. We leisurely strolled back toward our house as we expressed excitement and thankfulness for what was about to unfold. The drive to the […]

Gently crackling in the heat of the olive oil the freshly chopped onions and celery took on their respective translucent and pale green color. The diced leftovers from the previous week along with beef and chicken stock renderings were waiting to be added. A few special spices and additives had taken their place early in […]

The fire crackles as the plum of flames ignited from the newly added logs. The stove creaks as the flames give off their inevitable heat. Morning has arrived and light has begun to stream forth from the east, casting its gleam on all the land.  The showery mist consumes the light into a shadowy glow. […]

Origional posting 11/14/2013 The audience burst forth in thunderous applause as the first act of the classic opera La Boheme drew to an end. That night in 1980 at The Metropolitan Opera was mesmerizing. We had just a few months before sung in the chorus of the Amato Opera in the Bowery. Although our performances […]