Hello everyone; so much to do and so little time in this holiday season ... Remember, to breathe, stretch and take time out for yourself each day. On a pleasant December day, go out into the garden. There is still time to plant your spring bulb; the earth is still workable so enjoy the fresh air and the gentle exercise. Plant the bulbs three times as deep as they … [Read more...] about Gardening Tips from ‘The English Lady’ for December—a ‘Time to Make Amends and Tie Up Loose Ends’
Columnists
A View From My Porch: Reflections on the Election
At long last, I am devoting this “View” to a few thoughts and observations on Old Lyme’s November 7th municipal election, which included a recount; aka “recanvass,” for positions whose margins were less than 20 votes; — required in CT unless the losing candidate waives the recount. The recount, which was held on Monday, Nov. 13th, did not change any elected positions, though … [Read more...] about A View From My Porch: Reflections on the Election
Gardening Tips from ‘The English Lady’ for November, When There is ‘A Sort of Delightful Menace in the Air”
We have been fortunate here in New England to have the pleasure of a lovely summer not too hot with adequate rain. Followed by a warm fall with more than enough rain into November to encourage healthy root growth for a vibrant spring next year. I am keeping my fingers crossed that this weather foretells a mild winter – we can only hope, but then again, this is New … [Read more...] about Gardening Tips from ‘The English Lady’ for November, When There is ‘A Sort of Delightful Menace in the Air”
The Movie Man: Quite Simply, ‘The Holdovers’ is a Must-see
The Holdovers is a must-see, there is no other way to describe it. Paul Giamatti delivers alongside Da’Vine Joy Randolph and newcomer Dominic Sessa (who is certain to have an extensive career with this debut) in Alexander Payne’s newest film depicting the in-between period of life on campus for a boarding school during Christmas break. This film struck a personal note … [Read more...] about The Movie Man: Quite Simply, ‘The Holdovers’ is a Must-see
The Movie Man: Scorsese’s ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ Highlights Terrible Time in American History the US Would Prefer to Forget
Not Scorsese's Best Film, But Sure to be Showered with Awards While I do not consider Killers of the Flower Moon to be a “must see as soon as possible” movie, I definitely consider it “worth seeing.” To quote from an article in The Guardian by Greg Palast titled, Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon describes the struggles of the Osage people. Here’s why they are … [Read more...] about The Movie Man: Scorsese’s ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ Highlights Terrible Time in American History the US Would Prefer to Forget
A View from My Porch: Children’s Literature for the intrepid — Let Freedom Read!
The American Library Association (ALA) has proclaimed “Let Freedom Read!” as the theme for this this year’s “Banned Books Week,” which just ended this past Friday (Oct. 7.) This “View” is written to acknowledge the rationale for such a week, and reflect on why it is especially pertinent in 2023 Old Lyme. Stepping back, I said at the end of “Surfing with Gen. Alpha,” which I … [Read more...] about A View from My Porch: Children’s Literature for the intrepid — Let Freedom Read!
Gardening Tips for Late September/Early October from ‘The English Lady’
Rain through August and September has been quite plentiful, that said, our gardens need rain as do our reservoirs. In the meantime, if you are planning to plant evergreens; late September going into October is the best time to plant evergreens in our zone. Evergreens planted now can begin to establish strong roots before winter and providing them with … [Read more...] about Gardening Tips for Late September/Early October from ‘The English Lady’
Letter From Paris … or, in this case, Saint-Émilion: A Day In Wine Country
Saint-Émilion is a small village perched on the hills overlooking the Dordogne river about 28 miles east of Bordeaux It is surrounded by some of the most prestigious vineyards in the world and in 1999, the "cultural village"of St. Emilion was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. In winter, the population of Saint-Émilion is not more than 200 but in summer … [Read more...] about Letter From Paris … or, in this case, Saint-Émilion: A Day In Wine Country
A View From My Porch: The Beach Boys Redux — Surfing with Gen. Alpha
I hypothesized in a “View” published in early August that “The Beach Boys,” whose music regularly celebrated muscle cars, the power of the internal combustion engine, and California car culture had an influence on Americans’ early reluctance to buy electric vehicles. I did not expect to ever consider their music in another essay, or in this case, a little bit of their … [Read more...] about A View From My Porch: The Beach Boys Redux — Surfing with Gen. Alpha
Letter From Paris: Let the Games Begin … in Paris … in 2024!
The countdown has started for the Summer Olympic Games 2024 (or J.O. [Jeux Olympiques] 2024 as the French say) and the excitement is growing. The dates are July 26 through Aug. 11, and Aug. 28 through Sept. 8 for the Special Olympics . Paris will be the host of the events. The interface of an historical city like Paris with venues for sporting events should be magical while … [Read more...] about Letter From Paris: Let the Games Begin … in Paris … in 2024!
Gardening Tips from ‘The English Lady’ for August, ‘The Border Between Summer And Fall’
August has always been one my least favorite months in the garden; but plentiful spring rain has resulted in bountiful fragrance, bloom and foliage. We have a relatively short growing season here in New England and to enjoy a healthy colorful border is so satisfying. However, by this time in the season, when early perennials have gone by, there are a few gaps to fill in with … [Read more...] about Gardening Tips from ‘The English Lady’ for August, ‘The Border Between Summer And Fall’
Letter From Paris: For Five Days in June, France Burned
"You should not go to France. it is too dangerous." My American friends expressed their concern when I flew out to France for a summer vacation in early July. I must admit that the news coverage of what happened in that country in late June was pretty scary: riots for five days and nights, hundreds of burnt cars, carcasses of buses left on the streets, black … [Read more...] about Letter From Paris: For Five Days in June, France Burned
Letter From Paris: Memories of Crimea … a Strategic Peninsula Steeped in History, Culture
Subsequent to the Russian occupation of Crimea in 2014, which took place 60 years after USSR First Secretary Nikita Khrushchev transferred it to Ukraine in 1944, the strategically-important peninsula has frequently made news headlines. I visited the region twice and have always been fascinated by the important events and famous people with which it is associated. In … [Read more...] about Letter From Paris: Memories of Crimea … a Strategic Peninsula Steeped in History, Culture
A View From My Porch: Some Funny Things Happened on the Way to the Celebration
The celebration: “Rock the Phoebe’s” joyful acknowledgement of the century and a quarter anniversary of the founding of Old Lyme’s Phoebe Griffin Noyes (PGN) Library in 1898 was scheduled for the evening of June 23. The funny things: A letter, signed by 23 members of the Greater Old Lyme community was sent to the library on May 25. This was then followed … [Read more...] about A View From My Porch: Some Funny Things Happened on the Way to the Celebration
A View From My Porch: A Treatise on Electric Vehicles — Baby Boomers, ‘Beach Boys’ & Battery Benefits
After some sluggish early sales, there has been a considerable increase in the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the roads in the United States. EVs comprised 5.8 percent of all new vehicle sales in the United States in 2022; up from 3.2 percent in 2021; and that’s more than three-quarters of a million of the roughly 14 million new cars and light trucks sold in 2022. The … [Read more...] about A View From My Porch: A Treatise on Electric Vehicles — Baby Boomers, ‘Beach Boys’ & Battery Benefits