February 2026

The distrust and the disappointment has reached an all time high with the latest Epstein drop.

Eyes wide open that powerful billionaires, the ones that run everything view women as prey and not as people.

From my AI chat

1. Male elite bonding is often built on

transgression

At extreme levels of wealth and power, the rules that govern ordinary life stop applying. What replaces them is not freedom—it’s permission. Permission to:

• Ignore norms

• Bypass consequences

• Treat people as accessories

• Share secrets that bind men together

Epstein functioned as a social lubricant and permission structure. He didn’t just provide women—he provided deniability, distance, and a sense of “we’re all in this together.” That’s intoxicating

2. Epstein was the “unmarried genius libertine” archetype is catnip

You’re absolutely right about the fantasy being sold:

• The brilliant, unattached man

• Unlimited sexual access

• Youth, beauty, novelty

• No emotional labor, no accountability

For men who feel constrained by marriages, reputations, or aging bodies, this archetype feels like escape from mortality and responsibility.

And crucially: they don’t ask where the women come from because asking would collapse the fantasy.

Not knowing becomes a feature, not a bug.

3. Institutions don’t protect women—they absorb risk

This is the part that’s hardest to sit with, and you named it cleanly.

These men weren’t hiding outside institutions.

They were running them.

Finance, government, academia, medicine, philanthropy, tech—these systems:

• Reward charisma over character

• Confuse intelligence with ethics

• Protect donors, rainmakers, and “visionaries”

• Silence whistleblowers through complexity and prestige

So yes—women enter these systems thinking they’re meritocratic, professional, safe. And often they are until they aren’t. The danger isn’t obvious because it’s dressed as mentorship, opportunity, access.

4. Women aren’t seen as people

first in these power strata

This is the core horror you’re circling.

At the top, some men don’t see women as colleagues who also have sexuality.

They see women as sexual beings who also have jobs.

That inversion changes everything:

• Consent becomes murky

• Advancement becomes conditional

• Silence becomes survival

• Resistance becomes “difficult” or “ungrateful”

And because this worldview is shared quietly among powerful men, it replicates across institutions without needing coordination.

Feeling exhausted by the news and the weather neither of which I can control or change, taking a break from NYT this weekend to lift spirits.

Planning walks on the beach in my snow suit, followed by 3 hours at the pottery studio instead. Comfort soup warm and ready in the instant pot.

Snowed in calls for Blueberry pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, french press coffee by the fire. Lunch was a delicious cacio y pepe pasta and roast chicken dish, wine at 3pm.

Back on NYT due to being snowed in, two acronyms made me smile in reference to the state of things in the US right now. Fucked up beyond all recognition (FUBAR) and a new one (GUBU) grotesque unbelievable bizarre unprecedented, apparently originated in IRE.

Feeling so fortunate to have found the wonderful world of Greg the groomer today, a wonderful experience to meet someone with such talent with canine companions and endless remarkable experiences to share unlike anything I’ve ever heard. Such a bright interesting light to mitigate the winter doldrums.

On the bridge Great Island an arctic sunset over a glacial Salt Pond in Narragansett, car temp reading was 14 degrees. Beyond Brrrr, more like brutal.

A Pre work fire is started daily with double espresso.

Enjoying the south facing forest with Tom Thompson like views ( long shadows on snow) listening to Martha Argerich live from Lugano thanks to the wonderful NYT reporting on the Classical Music talent for 2026. Slow mornings, sensual, filling the senses.

The Buddhist march for peace is the news I choose to focus on. They’re raising awareness that we have a choice to live in fear and conflict.

This comment was today’s best on all things billionaire scum bags - They are not elite, they never were elite, they should never be thought of as elite.  They are opportunistic predators bent on acquisition, exploitation and oppression . I will add, they preyed on the vulnerable because they lack they ability or interest to actually attract secure, intelligent, beautiful, grown women.

Kicked off the 4 day weekend with a grand tour around coastal RI with a gorgeous bright blue sky, light traffic, gliding over frosty bays and rivers. I liked my outfit, do love the fun of combing fabrics and colors. Pulled out the ancient LV bag and Gucci sunnies, this blue is back apparently,

The driving was cinematic and made me grateful to enjoy our little state so big on beauty in the off season. A wide open feeling that gave me space to savor everything.

First stop was the viral Nitro Bar.

A scene for the under 30 set, wall to wall hipsters and hotties, decked out in athleisure.

Everyone is just too cool for school, they made me smile recalling how important they believe being cool is at that age. How they could never understand that when I look at them I’m thinking… you can’t even pay your cellphone bill.

The lifestyle they lead is funded by their parents, my Gen x.

I don’t fault them for the free rides they get we all want easy street. In my eyes, no matter how attractive they look silly and have no idea why.

At Nitro the coffee ordering is a thing.Best to review the menu beforehand. I ordered the least sweet sounding thing I could identify and still feel like I got the full experience.

The dirty chai with almond milk iced with cookie butter topping, not syrup. $12.50.

First, let’s talk about the price, I don’t know how these parents can keep up. I ordered a small and it looked like I was the only one, large for everyone else.

Nobody had a hot drink, all iced. Hot is definitely out, but large I could never do.

I suppose if you’re going to wait in line for god knows how long, maybe more than 30/40 minutes just to place your order plus another 20ish minutes for them to make it, you will need a large just to compensate.

Today, I enjoyed the off season benefit of no line out the door, it was only just inside the door about 4 ppl deep. Suddenly 3 ppl stepped out of line, I was next. Ordered the dirty chai, waited for less than 7 minutes.

Taste wise, you could taste the quality, the richness and why ppl love it. A sugar bomb for sure, I knew that going in. For me, Nitro is one and done, I get the appeal and that is all I want to know. It took me 4 hours to finish my drink, little sips.

Second stop, Co-Dough right around the corner from Nitro on Pond Street that used to be a yoga studio with a great reputation, late 90’s.

Had to pick up the viral sourdough cinnamon roll and doughnuts, because why not. Glad I have a husband who will finish these decadent treats after I take one bite.

Between Nitro and Co-Dough my teeth hurt, a Valentine’s day overdose.

Next, on to The Elm’s Carriage House cafe. Real food, savory finally, a quick but heartwarming chat with old friend KMc.

I loved walking the grounds admiring the architecture of buildings and bare trees so well planned, spectacular!

Felt like a little lunch in Europe, RI is so fortunate to have these epic buildings and gardens, endlessly enchanting and impressive.

Debated the drive to my next target, decided I could fit it in. Off to Tiverton to scoop up some farm grown, local flowers at Little State Flower Co.

It’s not easy to do what they’re doing in deep winter and I love supporting the effort being made to bring the fresh beauty of flowers in the dead of winter.

The farm-stand was nearly sold out when I arrived but she restocked while I was there, like most things of high quality and lovingly made, you will pay and it’s worth it.

Groundswell, right around the corner to peek at the holiday decor and enjoy the festive and welcoming ode to Paris in RI. I admired how they created small log piles to border the driveway, will steal this idea.

Back over bridges to meet another wonderful girlfriend for a heated mat pilates class in Narragansett pier.

A fun Galentine’s day of micro adventures.

Back home to arrange flowers while trying to convince my husband to eat the pastries that neither one of us needs.

On deck for reminder of weekend, daily yoga classes, brunch in Wickford in lieu of Valentines dinner with my husband so that I can join a new group of friends at a cocktail party.

Holiday Monday, organize basement clutter, make room for art studio, forgot to mention I submitted two paintings to the mid winter juried show at South County Art Association where I have pottery class Saturday and Sunday.

The Sunday morning heated yoga at Wild Flow in Wickford brought me great joy with KK. Followed by a proper hand pulled espresso at Press and then to explore the unbelievable global offering of decadent cheeses in the most beautiful little shop that feel European. Thrilled to sample the Alpine cheeses I adore and took home a nice wedge of my favorite Chällerhocker, plus they stock an incredible selection of dried pasta from The Dolomites, planning a lemon pasta next weekend.

I’ve decided pottery will not be a medium I can commit to, I enjoyed exploring and had a great class and company at SCAA.

Looking ahead in February, nervous and excited for a consultation in Cambridge to replace and hopefully improve the gumline on my front tooth that I knocked out when I was ten years old. It’s been over twenty years since the last replacement and I’m hoping for all the best outcomes and processes.

The ice layer has not melted here and has been holding back my winter sowing. Feeling anxious about the clocks going forward meaning the dark quiet days of deep winter will end and the rush of spring will demand an increase in my pace and energy. The switch from hibernation to activity is what I’m mentally rehearsing.

Focus on doing less, being less, having less, slow down, exhale. Relax with a Norrie.

So proud of the pretty eggs our little flock gives to us each day.

Effort to capture me and TC, remains difficult, he’s not a fan of being ambushed by his paparazzi.

January 2026

Woke up to a gorgeous winter wonderland, skies turned blue while I enjoyed my morning flat white.

Heading to Manhattan to celebrate turning 55 this weekend with a dear friend. Off to an excellent start, so much gratitude for my mediation and yoga practice.

Birthday weekend was exciting, love the energy of Soho, Tribeca.

While I was away our hens generously laid a record 8 eggs per day on AB’s birthday and mine. Good job little flock!

The high priced luxury goods on view in the city were epic, obsessed with the gorgeous shearlings at Totem ( did not want to take it off! )learned more about the meaningful custom jewelry at Foundrae, admired craftsmanship at the kitchen showroom of DeVol. Plain English was closed, so next time.

The Greenwich hotel did not disappoint, an oasis of calm in the midst of the urban congestion.

Fun to visit, great escape for a girls getaway to shop and see things we’ll never have in retail shops in RI.

Resolved to:

grow in my capacity for expansion ( emotional, somatic, spiritual ) to more fully and more clearly embrace reality

transform how I see the world, how I see others, become aware of habitual cognitive distortions that are not helpful

To feel continuously that I am, and to always be looking for proof that I am indeed :

nurtured

guided

protected

Support for this resolution- daily TM practice and on the waking up app Seth Gillihan.

We have a beautiful cooper’s hawk interested in our bluebirds and hens.

Enjoyed a lovely brunch with great company at Press in Wickford with hellebore on the table, a late birthday micro party graciously hosted by Becky.

Been mostly down with Flu A for two weeks, on a positive note I learned about the Skylark birds in the UK watching a hiking show through Dorset, one of my favorite places. Their song is otherworldly so much so that a flock is called an Exultation : This term captures the feeling evoked by the skylark's continuous, complex song, which can last for minutes or even an hour as the bird hovers high in the sky.

Have not had the pleasure of hearing them in real life but a return trip to Dorset is in order during spring.

Heading into week 3 with Flu A leaving me fatigued and winter worn. Note for next year, no parties, no travel in flu season New Year’s eve.

Portrait of a Norrie in magic hour light.

Snowbird flew into our garage, rescue mission.

Coop care in the blizzard.

The brave little flock of our backyard bluebirds having survived 16 inches of snow in one day.

Dug out the truck, kicked on the 4 wheel drive, got her moved so Evan could drop the blade and clear the parking court. Now enjoying a most delicious double espresso in my favorite demitasse made by American ceramics in Westerly, surrounded by spouting greens. Barley for the hens and little spring bulbs on the dining table.

January has been the most brutal month in some ways ( flu for 3 weeks, frozen icy gravel walkways and driveway, layers of protection needed, crampons needed to take TC out, constant requirement of wood hauling to feed the fire) will endeavor to stay present and make the best of it, looking forward to chapter February.

Watched Ralph Fiennes in The Menu, haunting commentary. Asked AI to breakdown all the nuances in the message of this movie. I see it everywhere and so the movie landed with me.

The film terrifies because it asks an uncomfortable question:

What if the worst sin is not ignorance, but indifference—especially when paired with power?

And what if the real divide is not rich vs. poor, but those who can still feel vs. those who only consume?

That is the film’s quiet, ruthless brilliance.

The diners are not merely rich; they are extractive. They consume not to be nourished or moved, but to possess, document, rank, and signal status. Their wealth insulates them from consequence, and the film’s cruelty lies in stripping that insulation away.

• The tech bros treat the meal as content and conquest—something to be optimized, disrupted, or dominated.

• The food critic wields cultural capital as a weapon, shaping reputations without bearing the cost of creation.

• The investor commodifies the chef himself, seeing him as an asset rather than a human being.

What unites them is not taste but access. They mistake proximity to excellence for understanding it. The film argues that privilege without reverence becomes a form of violence.

Silver white winters that melt into spring.

Time to start a substack on refusing motherhood after inheriting the results of generations before me that were un mothered. As well as the total lack of being mothered in my life, motherless since age 2.5 when my mother never recovered from postpartum psychosis and died tragically when I was 8. Separated from her when I was 7, flown to Steamboat Srings.

The expectation that I should be Ok and welcome the responsibility of motherhood is to not only not see me at all on any level.

That expectation shows a deeper divide that I bear no burden to bridge.

The lack of depth in my family members and their lack of curiosity is not mine to fix.

I feel it and like the movie Persona will sink into silence.

• Is silence a higher truth—or a refined form of violence?

December

Frosty morning walk brings new beauty to admire. I love four seasons!

9 happy hens free ranging in front yard before the hard freeze tonight.

Lavender and macrophylla hydrangeas have been burlaped and protected. Looking forward to swapping out this hydrangea variety.

Enjoy early winter mornings with full wood piles by the Morso, double espresso, sourdough toast.

Between Eckart Tolle, Jill Bolte Taylor, Sam Harris, TM meditation, The waking up app, and stoicism, the let them theory - 2026 is shaping up to be a year of slowing down in order to feel peace which is the greatest luxury of all.

• Present moment

• presence

• attention

• intention

• no-doing

• rest

• stillness

• silence

• no-thing

• release

• allow

• surrrender

• accept

Slow Sunday morning snowy lane stroll. Sink into the silence, the crisp clean air, so nice.

Splendid winter beach walk no phone grateful for sand, salt, sea, shells, stone, sunsets.

The winter bluebirds love to visit and nest here this time of year, their pretty singing and bright blue feathers enrich our enjoyment of living here, especially on a blue sky day!

Waiting for my last 2025 accupunture appointment, I cherish this local practice, so grateful.

Rather than talk therapy I find this healing modality to be the deepest, fullest, most satisfying reset for my nervous system. Along with daily journaling and TM meditation 2x.

From the work of neuroscientist, Dr. JB Taylor, a strong right brain character 4, will support an overactive destructive left brain character 2.

Christmas eve cabbage treats for our 9 lucky hens.

Interested visitors stopping by for a perch and a peek at our flock.

Snowfall, nature graces us with beauty at the end of the year.

Scenes from a snowy small neighbors only party Dec 28, a wonderful little gathering.

For next year, large shed/barn and snow blower or pave the driveway and parking court.

Forever grateful for the quiet winter moments of rest with my Norie TC on my lap, one paw tucked under, watching it snow or rain.

November 2025

Back to back days hosting dinner parties, pulled it off, however clearly learned it’s best not to schedule so tightly.

Morning walk with TC taking in the last few remaining colorful leaves.

Top of mind, plotting, planning, scheming 72 hours in Ireland, jam packed and fueled by sencha green tea.

This one resonates with me and the lifestyle I’m creating:

Cillian Murphy said, "I love being at home. My life is very simple. I read a lot of books. Watch a lot of movies. Listen to a lot of music. Walk the dog. Cook with the family. Yeah, I am boring".

Didn’t accomplish anything I set out to do this week, or even today obstacles at every turn, nature came to the rescue in the form of postcard perfect sunset beach walk. Grateful.

Three strike rule has occurred, burned the hearth, car got hit, broke beautiful teak chair while putting away for winter storage. Exhausting.

Today turns the page with calm winds, sunny skies, crisp air and a post yoga trip to Allies Tack shop where I feel all giddy about the equestrian Cotswolds vibe. Makes me love building this micro farm. Horse riding next?

A gorgeous lunchtime walk with my boy today, We love the beach and field life!

Forgot to mention a splurge dinner out at Claudine, a $500 fancy feast, once was enough.

Early Saturday morning wellness routine - Teach yoga for pickleball at 7:30, next go to Press in Wickford for a delicious espresso flat white, swing by SoCo bakery for warm sourdough loaf, home to gather fresh laid eggs, create an incredible spinach and goat cheese omelette to eat in front of a roaring fire in our Morso wood stove. Relax do nothing until noon.

Made a fun batch of Norwich Terrier holiday cookies, need to get a chicken cookie cutter next.

Stocked up wood piles for daily fires, walkies in the car car, let’s go!

Getting schooled by my hen flock, facing my ignorance and naivety. So, the amount of support material to raise healthy chickens doesn’t seem to end. Today we spent 45 minutes after dawn break rescuing the weakest hen of the flock of 9. I’ve been watching her head, neck, and tail feathers be pecked away to bare skin each day. This is the pecking order, they are cooped up, the run is too small for my flock. Managed after testing my husband to the edge of frustration to capture her, she’s in a dog crate, isolated and safe but in the coop because if we take her out for more than 72 hours, they will not accept her back easily.

Items that need to be purchased to prevent this: Bigger run 1.5k, peck toys, eye shields, antiseptic sprays, as well as other items to maintain health if flock, hydration powder, probiotics, fresh greens, high protein meal worm, sunflower seeds, chicken grit, oyster shells.

Purchased a separate outdoor storage container to keep these support items. It’s positively daunting, the cost of backyard chickens is no joke. They are still laying each day 5-7 beautiful multicolor fresh eggs, we did the math a while ago and it was about $7-9 per egg factoring in the cost of the coop, now it will be closer to $12 per egg. It will be 4 years to work off the cost of the coop to bring that egg price down to $1.

On a high note, I went to the knitting group at the Hale library to work on the scarf for HR last night. I’m optimistic that I may actually be able to get this finished and in the post for Christmas.

Signed up for a pottery class in February and for my birthday I’m learning TM meditation.

A festive and fun Thanksgiving lunch at The Beatrice Hotel rooftop club. So wonderful to see the family together, generously hosted by Liz and Rob!

It’s the season for bare root roses, forced bulbs, and winter sowing.

I’m shopping for a floribunda fuss free climbing rose to flank my upper driveway entrance, force snowdrops, and sow native ornamental grasses as well as no fail perennials.

October 2025

The busiest month until that jarring day when the clocks go back in November.

The garden to do list feels endless, continuous reminders that this is meant to be enjoyed is a daily practice.

What small thing can I do today to move the needle?

Oct 1- fill the trugg with new soil substrates.

Oct 3- a funny summary from AI to describe my morning - it was special.

This morning was pure pleasure. A small herd of deer drifted through the front woods, their bodies leaping and circling in a playful rhythm. I lingered over my double espresso, as the morning sun stretched through the trees and poured gold across their movement.

If you’re looking for the most sensual, beautiful, inspirational person on instagram Gill Meller in one of my favorite places Dorset, UK. Totally infatuated.

Better than Paris fashion week, a moving collection in Wickford created entirely from natural elements, shells, seed pods, pine cones, trees. Moving and grounding.

Image capturing exactly how beautiful my Salt Pond swims have felt lately, water temps feel like silk.

Green Hill beach on a Monday lunch hour in early October an unforgettable swim today.

Today the big equipment arrived and my hens got their winter platform built, they’ll be staying put in one place until April. I got finally have driveway framed with planting beds, super excited!

Lumber yards and seaside lunches, I’m savoring these outstanding days of October

Plus beautiful garden grown beets from our lovely neighbors in the upper paddock.

Walk at lunch felt like a living Wolf Kahn painting. TC showing his earth dog skills in a vole hole. Giant hen of the wood mushroom colony. Forest understory is Alderleaf Buckthorn according to google lens. Ferns are glowing.

Public persona that I’m most grateful for, Eckhart Tolle, Joseph Goldstein, Gill Meller, Piet Oudolf.

It’s that beautiful small window now, when driving around Rhode Island is a magical glowing event with the fall colors sunshine on charging leaves.

The supplies for my flock are superior at Allies Tack Shop, professional grade!

A great day out on The Block today! Light wind, perfect conditions to EBike holo holo, a stellar day.

Plus, day one, started teaching yoga again, yoga for pickleball to be precise, going to be many fun Saturday mornings ahead! Will be recruiting from OSP as hard as I can.

Lately early mornings bring a full house of deer and wild turkey. The heard of deer averages to around 5 head, the turkey appear to be 12-15. A fun way to enjoy that first morning cup and watch their antics.

Preparing to host two small dinner parties back to back weekends, excited about fall menus full of color.

Beautiful pink cloud walks after work, the wall at the pier plus happy hens in nesting boxes before work.

Busy but beautiful weekend, taught yoga, played pickleball, spent 3 hours cooking for Dads fall little dinner party, he loved it! Scott, Andrew, Dad and me! We had Ina Garten’s roasted herb pork loin with apple chutney, arugula and roast delicata squash and brussel sprouts along with her decadent goat cheese mash potatoes. Epic apple cake for dessert and I foraged the floral’s from my yard.

Attended services for the passing of Denise Rubin from yoga teacher training back in 2006, then saw the most spectacular double rainbow over narragansett beach, I believe it was her farewell to earth, moving.

Last week of the month, Morso wood stove is on!

Daily tea blend lately: a summary by AI

Nettles (Urtica dioica)

Key Benefits:

• Anti-inflammatory: Helps reduce joint pain, arthritis symptoms, and seasonal allergies.

• Nutrient-rich: High in iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins A, C, and K.

• Supports detoxification: Acts as a gentle diuretic to flush toxins and support kidney health.

• Hormonal balance: May help ease PMS or menopausal symptoms.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Key Benefits:

• Calming and anti-anxiety: Promotes relaxation, reduces nervousness, and supports sleep.

• Cognitive support: Enhances focus, memory, and calm alertness.

• Digestive aid: Eases gas, bloating, and mild nausea.

• Menstrual support: May ease cramps and tension headaches linked to hormones.

Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Key Benefits:

• Adrenal support: Helps modulate cortisol and energy levels in times of stress.

• Digestive protection: Soothes gastritis, ulcers, and acid reflux by coating the stomach lining.

• Respiratory health: Acts as an expectorant, easing coughs and sore throats.

• Anti-inflammatory & antiviral: Supports immune function and reduces inflammation.

• Hormonal balance: Contains phytoestrogens that can ease menopausal symptoms.

Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea

Key Benefits:

• Adaptogen: Enhances resilience to physical, emotional, and environmental stress.

• Energy and endurance: Increases stamina, reduces fatigue, and supports athletic performance.

• Mood elevation: Balances serotonin and dopamine, helping reduce anxiety and mild depression.

• Cognitive function: Improves focus, memory, and mental clarity, especially under stress.

• Metabolic and hormonal balance: Supports thyroid and adrenal health.

Fed the hens a small pumpkin today to celebrate Halloween. They loved it.

Wanted to add that the URI guitar festival was a very wonderful event to attend, campus was beautiful and the talent was world class.

November, tomorrow, dinner parties, family gatherings, a quick trip to Ireland, fine dining at Claudine on deck.

September

Top of mind:

Building beds

designing plants combinations

moving shrubs

bulbs galore

plotting winter sowing and propagating

cold frames

frost cloths

burlap

composting

leaf mulch

native plant sales

days ahead of big equipment on site, started today, sweet peat delivered.

plus:

weekly local grilled peaches, zucchini, and corn

corn tomato basil sourdough bread salads

Weekly Boston commutes start now, 8:45 morning trains, thank goodness for All That Matters 6:30 yoga class to align with the right energy before the hustle.

Best Eckhart Tolle quote from today- To be or not to be that is the question.. or is it? The middle path exists. And that is to know yourself as the light of the projector and not the film (images, thoughts emotions the mind plays continuously).

Your life not your life situation is worth attention.

Excited to get to know the native plant people of Rhode Island this weekend!

Volunteering to transport some lovely little wild ones to the market sale tomorrow!

As I plan and plot what to do with this 3 acres, I’ve learned a good amount and have honed a new appreciation for the enormous benefits of natives to support dwindling pollinators and birds.

Latest idea is transforming the front yard into a nursery for a specific dwarf variety of summer sweet: clethra, called hummingbird. This woody native shrub will be key to some future plans.

riwps.org doing great work!

First 10 days of the month so far has been predator heavy.

A rather large black bear caught by me as he was ripping down bird feeders and destroying galvanized steel bins of seed, ruffling the feathers of my 9 hens at only 9pm.

And today our neighbor who lives about 3-4 acres away sent us a beautiful shot of a lovely coyote who looks like he’s smiling, probably eyeing my flock as well.

great weekend building raised beds and celebrating with lunch in Mystic. Also, scored the delicious blueberry lemon sourdough from Sift, seasonally fabulous!

The morning mircro harvest each day lately includes about 5-6 beautiful colored eggs, a handful of mare du bois strawberries, and sweet sungold tomatoes.

Interesting journey to parts unknown in Rhode Island in pursuit of locally milled garden edging, a fascinating place , wild. Thompson Native Lumber, 385 Woodville Rd, Hopkinton, RI.

3 eight foot raised beds done!

One of the last home grown bouquets on my desk.

late September swims at Dads beach and Sand Hill Cove glorious water crystal clear temps in the 70s Best time of year!

Hamptons weekend + Random notes

Too rough to swim in ocean Westhampton. Find other beaches next time.

Doza Yoga ( Leisa) and town of Westhampton including the Saturday Farmers Market are wonderful.

Private sushi seating with chef from Manhattan, outstanding.

Carriss’s bakery and Cavaniola’s are true gems.

Sag Harbor florist porch next door to Goop.

Created a google map that will continue to evolve.

Fun to explore and experience the vibe of the Hamptons, hedges, farm stands, beautiful people, laid back luxury, the jet/ yacht set.

I like Shelter Island and Shou Sugi Ban House.

Traffic and jam packed hotspots (Sagaponack General Store) are to be expected in August, better to go in October of course.

This feels true globally, especially Europe.

wouldn’t dream of going in summer unless it’s Cornwall where no Americans dare to roam. Paris in Feb-April.

Date night is now date dawn, early sunrise drives out to Stonington farm stands with a Dave’s cortado in hand, glorious way to start the weekend.

Failed attempts in my garden

Salvia does not thrive

Lady’s mantel struggles

Most of my 15+ hydrangea need to be moved out of west gardens to east- too much heat

Blueberry picking is still great at the enormous farm on rt2, even in mid August, we ran out of time to fill our buckets ( due to pickleball) about 4.5 lbs today.

Today we swam in the glorious, quiet, private, peaceful cove at Dads mooring and we had two beautiful loons keeping us company .

Today, was wonderful morning coffee with the magic of hummingbirds, untold numbers on 3 feeders by front west facing garden.

Our little flock now laying about 5 eggs per day, this pretty 4 pack going to our neighbors.

Sungolds are happy in west facing beds.

New beautiful squatter on the property approximately 3 week old fawn.

Reflections on high summer

June and July wrap up

Highlights

Pickleball Saturday mornings with my sister at Ocean State Pickleball, in the old roller rink I went to in my tween years.

7am runouts with TC in what feels like our own private meadow, the Preserve.

Many fun adventures exploring Watch Hill, Stonington, Mystic, and Westerly

Blueberry picking early Sunday mornings with the most abundant bushes I’ve ever seen, where hundreds of bushes are positively heaving under the weight of ripe berries.

Blue Shutters post work sunset swims.

One beautiful olive egg per day from our 18-20 week old pullet hens, such good girls!

Increasing ripeness of our 8 sun gold tomato plants that smell incredible.

More hummingbirds than we can count, like a swarm of Jedi fighters.

Bumblebees on lavender.

The happy sound of goldfinches daily.

Quonnie pond oysters.

Quick high tide dips at Dad’s beach.

Lobster salad and Cotswolds cheddar from Sandy’s.

Hamptons coming up in August, girls weekend!

Multiple days where the temperature was perfect windows open no AC, the best breezes wafting through the house day and night, so great!

Quarterly food and wine gatherings supporting Greenvale Vineyards, small and special.

Weaving classes in Wakefield in the historic Kenyon Mills store where I shopped in high school.

Lowlights

Japanese beetles

Endless weeds on gravel paths and driveway

Dad hurt his hip

Back to office in September

Being working class

Japanese stiltgrass invasive species instead of lawn

Green briar invasion on our forest floor

No financial ability to have a groundskeeping staff like Martha Stewart or Ina Garten

Focus

Becoming you values by Suzy Welsh

Let Them, Let Me Theory by Mel Robins

Goals + Deadlines + Consistent Action

Post menopause habits and opportunities

Bone density

Eye hand coordination racket sports

Grip strength

Weight training

Balance training

Deep sleep

Meditation

Quiet

Reading

Writing

Herbal Tea

Essential Oils

Somatic awareness

Mobility training

Pollinator meadows

Vegetable purée soups

Power smoothies

Raccoon battles

Suet feeder nightly binge fest by our resident raccoon. Andrew 0 | Racoon 5

We keep playing, we keep losing, we keep inventing new ways to secure the treat. We fall asleep placing tiny bets.

Wild morning with the turkey clans, 3 mamas, over 15 babies and one randy male. Truly entertaining to watch their antics with my double espresso each morning lately.

Windows open, cool breeze’s wafting through the house is like heaven! Savoring each great day like this.

Friends who throw outrageously perfect birthday parties for their spouse, fun to be invited, dress up and celebrate.

Father’s day weekend, treasure having my Dad now.

Pickleball Saturdays playing with my sister at Ocean State where we used to indoor roller skate as pre teens, good to be in our hometown recreating in the same buildings young and old.

House and garden projects galore, hours in the garden, a labor of love.

TC massive groom down for summer and recently ordered 2 cute items for myself with his initials and monogram- sunshine of my life. Photo of his sire.

4th of July up next.

Fall is the time

To plant out the trees and shrubs I’m propagating now.

Eastern red cedar

Boxwood

Red and yellow twig dogwood

Summer is time to prepare new beds for fall planting, stack and dry firewood, build winter cover frames to support burlap.

Learned after this spring that the order of affairs needs to be as follows:

January- forced bulbs indoors, citrus, perhaps winter sweet and witch hazel, asian greens and salanova lettuce in cold frames

February- begin some seeds indoors, list tbd

March- ground still frozen, grow in cold frames, hellebore and snow drops begin

April- early magnolia, tulips, daffodils, carrots, arugula, spinach, brassicas, hydrangeas leaf out

May- Allium globes, prolific pollinators, plant sales for natives and organic veg

June- warms up fast, tomatoes, basil, peppers, squash, pumpkin, melon

Spring is too wet to build new beds.

Gold finches and allium.

15 new baby wild turkey 2 big mamas, they live on our lot.

Walks up the lane filled with glorious rhododendron, mountain laurel, fern.

4 season living is a dream!

Our second Oyster Bar Burns down

Bizarre.

First 210 Oyster, last night Matunuck, these are our places.

Grew up waterskiing on Potters Pond.

Love to go to watch tide rushing by at sunset, enjoying a French Rose, fresh oysters, lobster rolls, and their local farm grown green salad, unbeatable! Local dahlias in vases on the bar.

Hopefully they will build back better than ever!

I accidentally injured one of my 11 week old chickens today, decided to euthanize at the vet to provide relief for her and to me watching her suffer.

Tried moving the coop, she got caught under it and I did not believe she could come back from that. She didn’t eat or drink or move in over 4 hours.

9 chickens feels incomplete but I’m not going to get another. Live learn.

Thinking ahead to fall planting now. Cabbage for the chickens and winter asian greens for us. Bed building this summer.

Growing for flavor and freshness.

This weeks goals: Potting up all the berries this espalier the apple tree, create bed for asparagus, organize my office, groom TC!

Town hall visit because neighbor bought the land from Charlestown Land Trust, no notification. Weekend in Stonington, vineyards and pottery studios, splurge on gorgeous espresso cups. Trip to Sachuest point and AQF.

Not ready for summer- holding on

Still wearing jackets, long sleeve and the air is fresh and cool. Fully leafed out now and I love those days right before the fullness of the trees returns.

My merlin app bird recordings have been next level. Birdsong stopping me in my tracks to hit listen, yesterday around 5pm still so light out we had dueling Bard Owls loudly back and forth.

Hosted a great little dinner party for Dad last week. Fully embracing legumes on the menu lately. Added fresh halibut to a red lentil soup that had over 20k recommendations on NYT cooking app, a winning soup no doubt about it!

Rain will hopefully continue, already feeling the threat of drought ahead, like last fall no rain for weeks on end, plants suffer.

Two weeks off soon, packed days ahead, up early to complete the multitude of indoor projects that must be done so that post sunrise I can be outdoors as much as possible. Hydration and stamina needed!

So enjoyed the tour of Bois Dore inside and out.

New wood piles, inspirational raised bed covers, remarkably abundant plant sale at local Greenview farms, TC needs a groom and a nap, Snaps of Merlin sound recordings., beautiful rhododendron arching towards light, asked AI for a front porch, outdoor kitchen and pool in front of house where all the beautiful light is.

May 4, 7 week old chickens

Now outside in their Omlet Eglu Pro Coop with 9 foot run and automatic door.

They had a great bright sunny warm first day, they went into their new coop home just fine even though it was their first time. They woke up to a chilly dreadfully rainy day. Meal worm treats throughout the day, feeling protective. Lovey and comforting to watch them peck and waddle around in their fluffy feathers. Cozy.

Sitting in the window overlooking our backyard aviary of chickens, blue birds, droves of finches, just witnessed astonishing beauty of the smallest nut hatch landing to perch on the stem of a single tulip. Breathtaking.

TC and his precious paws.

New Morso wood stove, filling the vaulted spaces with warmth and glowing light.

Avian spring

This week the hummingbirds returned to our feeders.

Beautiful Baltimore Oriole, an Indigo Bunting, countless bright finches, robins and bluebird in residence nesting in boxes.

+ Chickens getting feathers 3 weeks until move to coop outside.

Wild Turkey daily

Construction projects//

Stupid half walls gone.

New platform staircase to garage with mudroom extension.

Attic ladder installed in hallway.

Sound proofing around sump pump discharge and in boiler room.

On deck//

Bury and extend downspouts further into the forest.

Primary closet redesign.

Create new beds front and back.

Cut invasive greenbrier to ground smother with cardboard layer 6 inches of wood chips.

Inspired by //

Beautiful Newport homes and gardens.

Organization ideas from Farmers Daughter.

Arboretums etc.

Recent tree haul //

2 Bracken’s Brown Beauty magnolia for winter interest

2 Sassafras for fall color

2 Styrx Japonica Japanese snowbell for bees in summer

1 Himalayan white birch for winter interest

2 Dwarf European Hornbeam for front seating area

Wanted //

4-6 Taylor Juniper

8-10 Japanese Maple all colors for understory of forest

4 more Cryptomeria because, so gorgeous

Already added //

1 Butterfly Magnolia year one 2022

1 Flowering Dogwood

Tours upcoming //

Bois Dore with Newport Tree Conservancy

Arnold Arboretum for Lilac Days

Select Horticulture day trip

Local Plant Sale day trip to Little Compton lunch at Groundswell

So in love with Spring and all things fine gardening.

Other cultural outings on radar //

In Montreal in 2026 a jaw dropping collection of marble Myth and Marble: Ancient Roman Sculpture from the Torlonia Collection March-July

The Other Art Fair October 2025 in Boston

Summer Theater Matunuck and Westerly with family

Memberships //

The Newport Tree Consevancy

South County Art Association

Greenvale Vineyards

Westerly Chorus

Ocean State, Narragansett Pickleball ( TBD)

Westerly YMCA

All That Matters Yoga

Open Gate Sangha meditation practice

Consumables //

United Sodas

Salted Soured Pickled Rye - Carissa’s Bakery

Recchiuti Chocolate 16 Box

Nancy’s Fancy Gelato

Tiramisu from Pasquale’s

Random images + things on my mind //

Amalfi Coast

Mosaic classes

Ayurvedic medicine

Pottery classes waiting for my bowl to be fired

The beauty of winter surfing

March 21st a bomb went off

In the form of 10 baby chicks 🐤 with high needs that will consume me for 2 months until they are grown and feathered and able to go outside into their beautiful coop Eglu Pro by Omlet.

Between now and then, while they are in a tent in the boiler room in the basement at ninety degrees, it will be mostly a situation I endure rather than enjoy.

They’re certainly adorable and they’re certainly time consuming and messy.

I chose this.

In the quest to create independence from the food supply, to loosen the dependency on grocery stores and shipped food. As the quality degrades, freshness degrades, I have the acreage to create delicious fresh food and I plan to capitalize on it for better tasting experiences.

Protein: eggs, beans

Greens: Arugula, lettuce, radicchio, spinach

Brassica: cauliflower broccoli

Root: carrot, beet, blight resistant long storage specialty potatoes , sweet potatoes, shallots, onions, garlic

Other: Asparagus, fennel, leeks

Herbs: rosemary, cilantro, mint, sage, thyme, chives, basil

Fruit: sun gold tomatoes, apple, blueberries, raspberries, maybe citrus when I get the greenhouse

Cultivate pollinator habitat, generate big piles of compost, forage seaweed, leaves, wood chips

This is my world now.

I’m becoming a hobby prepper, on a quest for freshness and flavor.

Wood stove, Solar power, geothermal power, breaking ties with grids and grocery stores, oil and gas. Unplugging turning towards all things analog and tactical.

Balls in the air

ADHD season has arrived with the extended light of day.

Projects in the works:

Mache, red sorrel, bib lettuce, arugula, cress have been planted.

Germander (Teucrium) propagated

Mint propagated

Restoration of antique French scroll top armoire strip sand painting has begun

Chickens are off the table right now, hands are full, days are full .

United sodas and San Pellegrino restocked in the WFH bar.

Tail end of Deep winter

February was an ice storm day after day. Need to order the Danish boots with tiny spikes and stock up on pet safe salt for the north facing gravel driveway.

Press in Wickford has provided solace in the chill.

Greenvale Vineyards had their members party, we had fun!

The stars have been incredible. Breathtaking most nights.

Today, March 1 was spent on the boxwood. Pruned the two year old New Gen Freedom hedge, propagated cuttings. Moved the cold frames to face north. Important to build burlap frames in the fall.

It’s a 3 acre project. Managing invasive japanese stilt grass and green briar. Using AI for quick solutions.

Piles of wood chips. Neighbor Jack keeping them in order.

Tellie watching lately includes an Italian show called Ice Cold Murders, filmed in the Italian Alps. Entertaining.

United Sodas of America variety case for the 3pm slump.

Submitted two paintings to South County Art Juried show, my painting were accepted, they’re hanging in the gallery until Mid March.

Keeping busy with pottery, and soon pickleball.

Lunch at Dads tomorrow.

Sauna at the beach in little C next week.

Two comedy shows on deck in March, an Irish one in EG and Sebastian Maniscalco in Pvd, post Al Forno’s!

February week one

AB returned home from business trip with Covid. First time, we have both managed to dodge it until now.

Masking in the house, in quarantine essentially for a full 10 and up to 14 days. If it lingers past two weeks and threatens to consume the entire month, this will require a growth mindset to say the least.

I’ve abandoned my most needed and enjoyed Friday 5pm heated slow flow yoga, feeling the loss.

Before AB left for this infectious business trip, I hosted a tiny but decadent lunch for Dad and Sharon. Served delicious braised short ribs, english roasted potatoes, a winter green salad with radicchio, tasty fig crostini. It was a beautiful bright sunny arctic day, I do savor days like those. Especially grateful for the ability to have the bandwidth, nothing better than an empty calendar and a mind free from distraction or work or rushing, to be able to be fully present preparing a memorable meal for people I love.

Photos are of recent blooming amaryllis, sunset, sunrise, frosty trees.

Subzero Northern Bluebird lunchtime

Enjoying our beautiful avian friends as they dine on mealworm three times daily. We have 3 pairs and are hoping they nest on the property in spring, nesting boxes are ready for them! They are heavy drinkers and are often lined up on the heated birdbath, tipping their heads down for tiny sips in the most elegant manner.

Recent winter hikes around Trustom Pond, Matunuck and Beavertail, Jamestown.