My friend Fredericka, Colorado native, retired horse trader, and daughter of a fresco painter, never left home without snacks. Fredericka and I met when we both taught at Noble and Greenough School in Dedham, MA. She looked pretty much like you'd think a Colorado native, retired horse trader, daughter of a fresco painter would look: … Continue reading Always pack a sandwich.
Before I conjure a tale of a silly daddy, wrong assumptions, finding your strengths, and (of course) dinner, I'd like to offer a warm welcome to new followers and gratitude to the WordPress team for my second Freshly Pressed nod. Howdy and thanks! Now, full steam ahead, eh? On y va. In my growing-up house … Continue reading Whan that Aprille.
You'll think this is a post about dogs because, well, mostly it's a story about a dog (though not the dog in the picture; he's new). But it's actually about how to listen to yourself, not the pressures around you, as you work and grow and achieve great things. Later, of course, it will be … Continue reading Work like a dog.
A cocktail supper is my favorite type of gathering (no, not just because it's an excuse to serve French 75s, although I do love a good French 75...). Sure, the seated, plated dinner and buffet brunch are wonderful in their own right; when I catered (a lifetime ago) those types of formal meals were, so … Continue reading All of my friends are going to be snackers. (food, week of 12.9.13)
"I know you don't have a minute to talk, but you must tell me: how are my children doing?" These are the first words Harriet says after I answer the phone last Sunday afternoon. Not "Hello." Not "Jennifer?" Straight to the matter Harriet is, and it's one of the qualities I adore most in her. … Continue reading The light heart lives longest. (food, week of 12.1.13)
18 years ago this week I was heading to Jackson, WY to celebrate Thanksgiving with my sister and her new husband chase Bernard. As married readers know, there's no Thanksgiving quite like your first Thanksgiving, the first time you attempt to meld whatever traditions were cultivated in each of you and initiate those of your … Continue reading Setting a new table. (food, week of 11.25.13)
I am not a joiner. I've played on tennis teams and captained more than a few; I've taken classes with friends; I've served on boards. But most groups that require ongoing participation are too high maintenance for me and wear me out, which is why I've routinely declined invitations for wine and book clubs despite … Continue reading The cookbook club. (food, week of 11.18.13)
Poor Jane Brody. First there was her personal high cholesterol problem that just got worse, publicly, the more fervently she clung to her own low-fat diet advice. Then, after a few quiet years, came her article debunking food myths which landed her in the Huffington Post hot seat, skewered by Kristin Wartman for gross misstatements … Continue reading In Defense of Jane Brody. (food, week of 11.11.13)
