Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters They say money can’t make you happy. But, really, they are wrong. The absolute luxury of boarding the first class cabin of an Emirates Airbus 380 surpasses any flight I have ever taken. And that’s before we have even left the tarmac. The interior of the plane looks more like a Bentley than a … Continue reading First Class Fantasy
Just prior to any occasion requiring gift giving my loving husband would always inquire of me: “What would you like for your birthday or Christmas or anniversary?” To which I would always respond in exactly the same way: “I would like to go around the world.” A request that consistently fell upon deaf ears. Until … Continue reading Round The World
Several years into my retirement and several months into my husband’s I am reminded of the admonishment by Samuel Johnson who said that “when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.” I am in London. And although I am too busy to be bored, I do find myself a bit adrift. … Continue reading Tired of London?
I’ve gotten a late start on Lent this year. Mostly because I can’t think of a sacrifice spectacular enough to warrant the commitment. Just “giving up” something doesn’t seem worthwhile in itself. From my perspective the practice should accomplish something bigger than an exercise in self restraint. A search for ideas lead me to some impressive … Continue reading LENT: BAN BODILY EMBELLISHMENTS
It is always amazing when ordinary people do extraordinary things. As was the case with a young man in Worcester, England who happens to be married to my husband’s niece. Samantha was 9 months pregnant with her third child when she felt certain her baby’s birth was imminent. So she and her husband, Grant, … Continue reading Face Your Fear
Given the choice I would always rather overdress than underdress. It’s more interesting. Not just for you but for those around you. I was so struck by this beautiful woman shopping with her partner and baby in London that I had to take her picture to illustrate the point that when you leave the house you … Continue reading DRESS UP
Bless the English for trying to save a life by painting directional advice on roadways. “Look RIGHT” is suggested before crossing one street of traffic or “look LEFT” as the case may be. Foreigners, like me, appreciate the effort. But in the Netherlands it is another story entirely. “Be Careful,”was the last thing our cab … Continue reading ANXIOUS IN AMSTERDAM
We had just sat down for an early dinner at MACELLAIO’S after the overnight flight from Bermuda to London when I saw that my brother had emailed me. The complete text wouldn’t download properly, but my husband and I half expected that Richard was just checking that we had arrived safely. Or was calling to … Continue reading A GET WELL WISH FOR MAMA
Ancient Egyptians spent their whole lives preparing for the end of their lives. But dying is the one certainty most of us never plan for. It always blindsides us. I want open casket when I die. Not just from the waist up, but from the feet up, both … Continue reading Death Etiquette
How much sentimentality is too much sentimentality? At a lovely English wedding recently the beaming couple could not have looked more happy. And during his speech the groom could not have not sounded more in love. It was very much a “you complete me” moment right out of the the movie, JERRY MAGUIRE. I … Continue reading FLING OPEN THAT EMOTIONAL DRAWER
Burning Daylight 