My favorite tradition from my family has always been the Italian Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve.  I often celebrate this tradition with my friends locally - or as I call them, "Framily"- and this year was no exception.

It was a hard fought dinner - with a fridge that died 2 days before and dough that didn't rise for my infamous zeppole recipe!   Crisis averted though - I was able to get a new fridge in time, and friends came to the rescue to help out.  It was a fantastic time - so many laughs with friends who are family.  We even had someone bring a guitar and play some songs.  Here we are in my kitchen celebrating, laughing and enjoying each other- such a great way to enjoy the holidays and continue that into seeing my family later that week. 

Despite it being a busy time of year, I've always been a bit in love with the holidays. I have the best memories of the Christmas holiday as a little girl.

 One of the best things about living in the greater DC area is all of the free things to do and see. Earlier this month, I was able to check out the holiday display at the U.S. Botanic Garden, including their outdoor train display.  It seemed to be a big hit among the little ones that were there!

I also met up with some friends - really "framily"- who were in from out of town.  We strolled around the Downtown Holiday Market, and it was a gorgeous night to check out the booths, music, and feel a festive cheer.  And look, I even made a new friend!   (Although good thing my dog wasn't around, he is all about the squirrels and chasing them.  I won't tell if you won't.)

November brought me to visit Ireland with a close friend/colleague of mine.  It had been on my short list for so long to visit the country and it didn't disappoint!    Despite it being November and the offseason, we had pretty decent weather (including seeing a rainbow every single day we were there).  We found the Irish people very warm, helpful and friendly - and always up for a joke or funny comment.    Thankfully my friend knew how to drive on the other side of the road, so we were able to see so much of the countryside, which was my favorite part.  I loved the Cliffs of Moher and driving along the Wild Atlantic Way.  My friend convinced me to do a polar dip in the Atlantic - yep, no way I'm ever doing that again!  I was in for like 3 seconds, took a pic and out. I'll take my cozy jacket and a cup of tea anyday.  My favorite part was visiting Galway, which is a university town. It was a teriffic way to celebrate my birthday checking out the Christmas market, hearing some traditional live Irish music and doing some window shopping and people watching.   Travel, even locally, fills me up and keeps me learning, especially if most of it is outside.  Thank you Ireland for a wonderful trip of exploration and friendship.

This has been a year of losses for me and the family, starting the year by losing my grandmother and my dog- both of whom I was extremely close with- amidst other losses.  

I've always wanted to create an ofrenda to honor my loved ones during Dia De Los Muertos (think of the movie "Coco" if you're not familiar with the tradition).    One of my closest friends is Mexican and helped guide me to do so.  This year it felt really important to do so.

It's still a work in progress, but I love how it's coming together and the bright colors.  It's helping me really honor and remember loved ones, and to celebrate them.   

And one interesting note- this table it's on actually is my changing table when I was a baby that my grandfather built for me!     I had braces on my legs for a short period when I was a baby to straighten my hips, and there are still marks from me banging my legs against the dresser. See, even then I wanted to explore!  :). But I think Grampa would be happy to see how it's been repurposed.

Recently, I went on our annual beach trip to the beach in NC. It's a restorative time with "framily" (friends who are "family").    This was Smudge's first trip - he did well, though very much stayed on a leash due to the strong waves from the hurricane at sea.  He was a HUGE fan of chasing the seafoam that was spraying.   However, the sand was way too hot one day for those little paws.  Enter the "bag bus"!  Ever resourceful, we got smart about how to carry him as well as the beach umbrella. It was a mesh bag so he could see what was happening, as well as breathe well (it was a short path).   He suprisingly loved his new ride!   Though I can see a beach wagon in our future....

Hot, hot, hot July here in the DMV!   I usually try to escape the heat and humidity in early July if I can and this time took a trip with Smudge, a friend, and her dog to upstate NY.  Beautiful weather, lots of family friendly things to do, relaxing, and even more so, the beauty of the Finger Lakes.  We took a boat out with Smudge- he did well! I bought him a shark life jacket - because I mean, c'mon, who doesn't need one of those?  :).   

I recently travelled back to Connecticut, where I was born and raised. (We were there to celebrate my parents' 50th wedding anniversary!). While there, I was able to drive around the state some, and visit some of my favorite places. If I am a Red Sox fan, I'm even more a UConn Huskies fan!  This was our state "hometown team" and I went to basketball camp there as a little girl, as well as many games to watch both the men and women's teams (have I mentioned we are NCAA National Champions this year?   :). 

It was a great trip. We celebrated my parents, I reunited with some friends from high school, and our extended family, friends and their young children had a great time at the celebration.  I feel extremely lucky to have this village of loving, caring people of all generations to bring a little one into. 

A busy but productive season of work and teaching the last few months!  One of the things I love about my job is I have the honor and joy of working with so many different industries, people and organizations. My work recently brought me near the U.S. Botanic Garden one morning.     Stunning day to see all the spring flowers in bloom, with the U.S. Capitol in the background.  It's a great reminder of how many free, educational, and beautiful sights there are here in the DMV.  With the spring break season here as well, lots of tour groups and children at the Garden.  What a gem in the heart of the city.

Meet Smudge!  The newest member of the family :)

January was a heartbreaking month. Just 10 days after my grandmother's funeral, I had to put down my sweet girl Moxie. She was (and will always be) my canine soulmate. It absolutely was the right thing to do, but it also absolutely broke my heart.  I had her for over 10 years and will miss and love her forever. 

I hear her voice a lot as I grieve her - and it told me to foster for a little bit. So I talked to the organization I got Moxie from and thought "Sure, let's foster for a little bit. Open my home to a doggie that needs some love."

Here's how that went:

February 13- Picked up Smudge to foster

February 17 - He fell asleep in my lap with his belly up in the air.

March 10 - Adopted Smudge!  Welcome to the family.

He is a smart loving boy whose previous owner passed away.  He loves chasing and catching leaves (and he sure does love his food).   And- it is super great to have a dog in the house again.   

I know Moxie and Gram are together in heaven...I'm guessing Moxie is getting lots of meatballs under the table from Gram :). And I know they are both looking over me and the family with love and guidance. It helps in the grieving - love still continues. 

The last 2-3 months have been very full with life, holidays and family.  We celebrated Christmas including the Feast of the Seven Fishes with "Framily."  (We might have only had 6 fishes this time due to a last minute cancellation... ssh, don't say anything). 

Right after the holiday I traveled to Florida for a family wedding.  Joyful, warm, and wonderful to be with my lively and loving extended family.  

Unfortunately, my beloved grandmother passed away on New Year's Eve.  She was my person. Althought it was not unexpected, we still grieve yet celebrate her beautiful long life (95 years!!) and impact while on earth.  I am the woman I am today in no small tribute to her influence and hands....though while I've learned her tricks to make homemade pasta, I lean on my mother for cookie making. I didn't inherit that!

My gram was a lovely, lovely person.  Our family had lots of laughs, tears, and stories of this beautiful human being.

Here's to celebrating a life well lived and the circle of life.  ❤️

Had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner in my home with my parents and friends last week.  One of my favorite traditions is to invite friends to Thanskgiving dinner that may not be seeing their families for the holiday. It leans on two of my highest values- warmth and belonging.  I love opening my home to loved ones and this holiday was no exception.  We talked about our moments of gratitude, our highlights from the year, what some of our challenges were - oh, and also had a lot of laughs and amazing food!  

Fall adventures continue, this time bringing me to NYC for a belated birthday celebration for a dear friend.   We had amazing weather, which allowed us to get quite a bit of walking in (8 miles one day!) We were able to check out the High Line, which is a converted railroad track that they have now made into a walkable park.  We also were able to check out a couple of Broadway shows, including MJ, which is the story of Michael Jackson (Believe me- I haven't stopped singing or dancing since.  "Thriller" is on repeat!)

We saw that Macy's already had the holiday decorations up and I'm guessing they are prepping for the parade which is in a few short weeks. One of my favorite traditions is watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade as Thanksgiving dinner is cooking.  The holiday season is upon us!  It was nice to walk around the flagship store to see it as it starts to get decked out.  

Nothing I love more than being outdoors and exploring... The short trip with a wonderful friend reallly filled my cup this weekend. 

Fall is by far my favorite time of the year, and I try to be outside as much as possible during this time of year.   As a New England gal, I love the cool, crips days and leaves changing- I'm 100% here for friends, family, and Fall vibes!  There is actually a jasmine plant on my street that has a beautiful fragrance that hits the air on sunny days in October.   Moxie and I hang outside on the front porch or with friends to soak up the good smells of Fall and fire pits.

This Fall has had great adventures already - seeing Elton John with my father, visiting the Blue Ridge mountains on a day trip, and celebrating the wedding of good friends.  Work has been fulfulling as well, with lots of opportunities to work with groups such as cardiologists, phsycians associates, government employees, and nonprofit leaders.  It even took me to WV for a one day session. A few more adventures planned before Fall closes out, including a trip to NYC and down to NC to see friends and family.  For a girl who likes to explore - Fall is my jam to do so :)