Join Lydon + Friends on December 14th!

Yale '65 classmate Michael Lydon is an indefatigable and original troubadour. He's been singing and strumming his way into the hearts of New Yorkers for years, and he's better than ever!

Just got an e-invite to join "Michael and Friends" on December 14th at Cornelia Street Cafe in NYC. Ellen Mandel, Michael's wife, muse and performing partner, anchors this must-see ensemble for a performance that's sure to please.

I hope it's a great nite for you and friends, dear Michael. Break a leg!

Here's to Your Good Health!!

Do without the Dom.

Forget the Freixnet.

Can the Cold Duck.

We're here to tell you that Thanksgiving dinner goes down mighty easy with sparkling pear juice from Knudson.

Yumm.

Marble Collegiate Honors War Dead.

The iconic Marble Collegiate Church in Manhattan was the local parish of the legendary Rev. Norman Vincent Peale. From the pulpit of MCC the late Dr. Peale influenced generations of the faithful as he preached peace, love, restraint, respect, turning the other cheek, and so many other qualities so many of us admire.

The church today ventures a little more into anti-war activism. As this picture shows there are innumerable silk steamers hanging from the wrought iron fence surrounding the church. Each green banner, for instance, might honor a dead US soldier from the war in Iraq or Afghanistan. A banner of another color pays tribute to indigenous dead from this horrific conflict.

I've read Dr. Peale's books. I can't remember him being against war and its impact on combatants and victims, but I think he'd be pleased that his parish church was taking a stand and paying tribute to every side in this dreadful affair.

Might I have missed someone's b'day?

Just saw the yummy chocolate mousse cake from Woulette's in Wayzata. Terrell ordered it up for Mom's b'day last month. I'm thinking I may have forgotten to post this soiree on the blog?!

Liz and Lisa flank Sammy and toast her -- with plenty of cake all around -- on this special occasion.

Many happy (belated!) returns.

Turkey Time in Long Lake

Happy Thanksgiving to one and all! Hope you had a grand holiday.

Check out our celebration. 14-lb. organic bird from the local co-op in Long Lake . Yum. Sam (Poppina) (Nancy) cooked it up just-so.

Neighbors Mary and John Pagnucco joined us for the pilgrim-like feed, which included a Bardstown, KY-recipe for baked oyster souffle, mashed taters from Costco, corn bread stuffing (home made), and a Nancy-special salad of fresh greens and succulent raspberries.

John Pags -- a skilled carver with professional training at the Cornell Hotel School -- offered to slice up the bird, leaving Poppy to snap the shot of the day!

Three Up on A Hog.

For just a moment you might think that Charlie sold the Saab and made this sweet Harley here the family vehicle. Nah. Though the motor's captain, plus two passengers, seem to fit just fine.

It's good that Junior has a helmet on, though the other two could use some noggin protection themselves, just in case ....

Keep the shiny side up!

Driving Miss Sky, Gator Version.

The Wustmans squired me from their lovely home up to "Farmer's Daughter" nursery and landscaping in Kingstown, RI. While we were hanging out a certain young man spied the Gator, and we all took turns getting in behind the wheel, tuning it like mad, saying zoom-soom in a subdued voice and imagining ourselves to be lairds of the land. Poppy gets the royal treatment from his lovely daughter, and obviously enjoys the ride!

On our way to a b'day dinner in Brooklyn.

Chris, Jess, Nancy and I feasted on the best dinner in all New York not too many Thursday nights ago. Our destination was Saul restaurant in Carroll Gardens, and boy, did we have a good time.

Great appetizers, entrees, superb service, and lively chatter. Highly recommend the place and hope WE get the chance to go back soon.