A “Virgin Snow” Tour of Buffalo’s West Side
We found that much of the old neighborhood has changed for the better.
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The Joys and Perils of Writing a Sequel
Before I wrote the first word of my first novel, Virgin Snow, I knew it needed to be a trilogy and what it would be about. The idea was to follow the journey of the main character, Cosi McCarthy, a West Side girl from Buffalo, as well as the trajectory of the city itself, across […]
Sometimes Dreams Really Do Come True
There is nothing like a summer on the shores of Lake Erie!
When the West Side Goes to Wanakah
Every summer, when we packed up the old station wagon and made our annual trek to our summer cottage near Point Breeze, we would pass by a very large property on Route 5 that had a magnificent view of Lake Erie. There are two stone pillars near the entrance of the estate with the words, […]
Travelin’ and Livin’ Off the Land
Back-to-the-Land homesteaders in the 1970s were captivated by the idyll of self-sufficient mountain living.
Talking to the Dead in Lily Dale
For many years had I heard of a town, just 60 miles south of Buffalo, where you could not only pay your respects to the dearly departed—you could talk to them too. Lily Dale, NY is a small community of people who practice the Spiritualist religion. Founded in 1879 by a group of believers looking […]
Memories of the Historic Buffalo Blizzard of 1977
For the first time in American history, the President declared a “federal disaster” to address the devastating impacts of a winter storm.
Bird Counting: A Christmas Tradition That Saves Lives (Really)
And a metaphor for counting your blessings instead of your losses and disappointments.
The Special Joys of Sisterhood Weekends
There never seemed enough time at family gatherings for the three of us to have the “chick-chats” we had once dearly loved.
A Remembrance, in the Grand Canyon of the East
Our main objective was to hike the Gorge Trail in Letchworth State Park, to the three major waterfalls that are the highlight of this stunning place.
Reliving Our European Dream—in Buffalo, New York?
Where would you rather spend the month of August? In Europe or Buffalo?
Why Chautauqua is the Summer Camp that Soothes the Soul
The people who visit the Chautauqua Institution are there to seek solace, and turn their minds away from a troubled world.