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The Temple of Diana at Blenheim Palace
Day 2: Outside the Palace
My friend Marystephanie and I had set ourselves another daunting schedule for our second full day in the United Kingdom. She arranged for us to be driven to both Blenheim Palace and Highclere Castle … more
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An adventure through the archives
For weeks now, I’ve spent my early mornings perched in my office chair, wrapped up in a blanket, hitting “delete.” I’d like to pretend I don’t know how my hard … more
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The Day Ends on a Musical Note
  When we last left our intrepid London vacationers, we (by which I mean Marystephanie and I) had just left the Churchill War Rooms and taken the tube back to our hotel in South Kensington. … more
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The language of the people who knew us when
When kids do battle with the drama inherent in high school attendance, there’s an almost universal mantra adopted by their parents: In a few years, this will end, and you never have to see … more
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London Day One - Keep Moving
One of the problems when you fly overnight to Europe is that you often arrive wiped out and not fit for anything but a nap.   However, thanks to the recent Daylight Savings Time switch, we … more
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The Kensington Hotel, our home base for the adventure
Kathy and London collide
  I detest the term “bucket list” since it brings up the specter of our own mortality. However, I did just have a holiday that I had been dreaming of for ages.     I … more
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The woman of the hour
Every once in a while, I end up in the lobby of Grover Hermann Hospital in Callicoon. Each time I do, I can’t help but stare at the tribute to “Mrs. Charles P. Kautz” in honor of a … more
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This bouqet of tulips taught me a lesson this past week.
The wisdom of faded beauty
Last Sunday I bought myself a bouquet of red tulips.   They have shown me their bright smiling blooms for the past week, and they are cheering during these cold March days. As the week has … more
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The sweetest days
There are certain magical moments we get to experience just once each year.   What makes them so special isn’t just the brief time we’re afforded but the fact that you … more
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A Drive Full of Memories
I spent a most enjoyable weekend with my family in Callicoon last Saturday and decided to ride down Route 97 on my way home. It was a real trip down memory lane.   As I drove down Route 97, I … more
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Each college break, it’s the same.
I get the text that my teenager is on their way home, and my breath catches.   This is the moment I’ve been waiting for. For weeks I’ve been counting down the days like a little … more
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The King (of Debt) Ascends the Throne
A sage once noted that “a man in possession of a large fortune who wishes to be in possession of a small fortune should purchase a hotel.” In other words, buying a hotel is a dicey … more
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The flu — a story in 5 stages
A note of apology: To my loyal readers who missed Inside Out last week, I am sorry. Doctor visits and hospitalizations for seasonal flu hit a 15-year-high in the U.S. last month, and yours truly was … more
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Stand-Up Guy: The Prequel
Guest Columnist My favorite aspect of stand-up comedy is planning out each section of my performance when there are months before the actual show. No pressure, no fast-approaching deadline, just … more
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Trying to be a Stand-Up Guy
Guest Columnist Back in 2017, which is somehow 8 years ago, I was venturing out and trying new things. I have been a student of stand-up comedy for a very long time and really wanted to see if I … more
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Planning for the snow
“Yes ... if it’s not snowing.” This was the answer an uncle gave me recently when I asked if he’d be free for lunch a few weeks into the future. It’s an answer … more
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Our puzzling accomplishment.
Puzzling Events
I recently found a puzzle board for my sister Laurie. It is about two feet wide and three feet long and has four side drawers to help in sorting all those puzzle pieces. Can’t really say … more
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The public side of Livingston Manor teens
It’s not how they act at home. It’s how they act when they’re in public.   Every parent has heard this — or a version of it anyway — over the years.   … more
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Let the Games Begin
Where to start? Well, the new administration has come in with a wrecking ball in an unprecedented executive branch power grab. Their aim is to dismantle what the right has long vilified as the Deep … more
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Putting in what you take out
Along with his estimate, the contractor said something most of us likely wouldn’t expect to hear from someone in the service industry.   Naming another, much larger, competitor, he … more
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Brotherly Love Strikes Again
I have the best brother in the world. Sorry, you can’t have him. He’s taken. Since his earliest days as the youngest (and only) boy with four older sisters, he’s had to be a … more
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It’s a local problem
There’s been much talk nationwide about the fate of the U.S. Department of Education. The new presidential administration has threatened to abolish the federal government agency, and at least … more
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Happy Birthday, Adeline!
Today is my granddaughter Adeline’s eleventh birthday.   The bond between a grandparent and a grandchild is one of the most special and cherished relationships in life. My granddaughter … more
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Give us a break
I recently read a lengthy apology from a local small business owner who had to shutter the business for a few weeks to deal with some health and family concerns.   My immediate reaction may … more
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Sorry Scam, Not This Time
I was checking out at the pharmacy when the text arrived.   “Your vehicle has an unpaid toll. To avoid excessive charges ...” The warning was followed up with a link to a … more
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