Saturday was Alaina's birthday. We had a fun party planned in Brooklyn, but the rapidly unfolding coronavirus situation led instead to us packing up and leaving the city indefinitely. It has only been a few weeks since the first case was discovered in the US but it has progressed exponentially and 48 hours ago, all major sports leagues were suspended and Broadway closed; schools across the country including my various work establishments were shut down, leaving me without scheduled obligations for the forseeable future. The general, worldwide consensus for this disease seems to be "duck and cover and prevent its…

I have highest of hopes for this new year but it began with the death of my Uncle Tom. He had been suffering from cancer for several years and was struggling with immense pain recently, yet somehow found the energy to travel from his home in Naples, Florida to Washington, DC to visit family for the holidays. His health deteriorated rapidly upon arrival and he was placed in hospice at his sister's house. I made the journey to see him as soon as we returned from Vermont but arrived a few hours after he passed away... It has been a…

Summer is always a sweet yearly pinnacle of family time and travel, every one surpassing the last on the list of best Summers, so returning to Fall can be a bit rugged. The annual educational calendar that I abide brings me back to work and my rhythm is re-calibrated. I love my work, but freedom and family are what I live for. This summer has to rank as one of my best ever. Miles and Ivy are old enough to entertain themselves (best friends) and appreciate our travels to familiar haunts. Every summer entails most of the same destinations but…