Calligraphy, Formalities

Calligraphy in the Nation’s Capital

There are some very fine calligraphers in Washington, possibly because there is a steady demand for formal invitations, menu cards, place cards, programs, and official certificates.  My friend Lee Ann Clark lives on a farm in Stevenson, Maryland and produces beautiful calligraphy for the Vice President’s Residence, the National Gallery, the Department of State, embassies, weddings, and private parties.  Lee Ann does the calligraphy work for our formal parties at home as well as making our holiday cards.  And she’s […]

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Food, Snack

Every Dog has its Day

—and for our dogs that day is every day.  Something happens to people whose children have left the nest.  They have excess time and love to lavish, but the objects of their affection have moved on, and sometimes the beneficiaries of this change in their lives are the family dogs.  We’ve had four shelter dogs in our married life, and they’ve all been wonderful animals that brought joy and companionship to our family.  Mac, our cranky sixteen-year-old terrier, had nearly […]

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Breakfast, Food, Gluten-Free, Snack, Summer

All-American Acai Bowl

If you’re a foodie, you know all about acai bowls.  They’re a frozen smoothie made of acai (pronounced ah-saw-ee) berries, assorted fresh fruit and honey, topped with more fresh fruit, coconut shavings and sometimes, granola.  Acai berries come from the Amazon rainforest, and are reputed to be a powerful antioxidant.  I’m not qualified to attest to the health benefits of acai, but the acai bowl is the most delicious thing I’ve had in a long time; it’s like eating a […]

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Black-eyed Susan, Flowers, Summer, Sunflowers

Farmer’s Market Flowers

There is something so honest and friendly about a flower stand at a farmer’s market.   You can imagine the lovely green place that they were cut from: all happy rows of blooms turned up to the sun. It reminds me of wandering around my grandmother’s farm, gathering flowers for a surprise bouquet for her.   I could pick anything I wanted, except wildflowers.  She showed me how quickly wildflowers wilted, and so there could be no point or pleasure in picking […]

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