Category Archives: Uncategorized

Art 105 in Vermont

In the course of gathering material for a magazine article, I drove around Vermont’s Northshire, talking to owners and managers of art galleries about their summer plans.  Meeting the gallery representatives who are as different as can be was fascinating … Continue reading

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Olé

Monks clothing is (or was) dyed with it and Cleopatra reportedly bathed in water containing it. It used to be made into teas to relive “melancholy ” and, in ancient Persia, was woven into tapestries. It is saffron, which has … Continue reading

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Here a Squinch, There a Squinch

Metropolitan Museum of Art, I have a bone to pick with you.  You are one of the greatest institutions in the City, to say nothing of the world, but sometimes you go a little too far. Last week I braved … Continue reading

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The Ultra-Decked Halls

Occupy the North Pole gingerbread figures   Several family members and I went to see the Gingerbread Houses at Le Parker Meridien Hotel this year for their second showing. Last year more bakeries were represented and overall, the quality was … Continue reading

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Santa, Baby

  In a nod to today’s world, I bought our Christmas tree online using Groupon. It was less expensive and a lot less stressful than the usual haggling on street corners and the tree is as advertised–well shaped and fresh, … Continue reading

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A Girl’s Best Friend

When it came to amassing diamonds (or rubies, emeralds or sapphires, ) Elizabeth Taylor didn’t fool around. Seeing her collection at Christie’s is simultaneously a tribute to her passion for “stuff”, (not just jewelry–also clothes, paintings, bags, shoes, Art Nouveau … Continue reading

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Very Big Cheese

In the town’s early years, the people of Grafton, VT raised sheep. Now Grafton—which dates back to before 1791– is a very pretty village where they make cheese that ranks among the best the state has to offer. Before the … Continue reading

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The Turkey Alternative

        By now you’ve probably had your fill of all things Thanksgiving. Originally, I’d thought to write about Thanksgiving alternatives like the dinner of a man I knew whose family didn’t like turkey but adored lobster. Then … Continue reading

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The Staff of Life

I adore bread and always have. During WWII, (whoops, my generation is showing), I was taken to Central Park where Quonset huts were set up and soldiers handed out hunks of coarse, dark bread. I thought it was terrific  but … Continue reading

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We, the Jury

For years, I wasn’t summoned. Then, fifteen years ago, I started being called every two years like clockwork.  Pain though it is, it’s the one civic duty required of every U.S. citizen. My worst experience as a juror was about … Continue reading

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