Venice, Italy. October, 2012

Happy Hallowe’en. Oh, the magical powers to be found in an herb store. Plus, the invocation of St. Rita, patroness of bakers. Reflections of water, of footbridges, of other reflections. This tiny shop, located just off a small, neighborhood canal, is one of hundreds devoted to residents, not tourists, of Venice.

Venice, Italy. October, 2012

Just in case you lose your way (entirely possible) in the narrow, twisty alleyways between the Piazza San Marco and the Rialto Bridge, there’s this helpful mosaic among the paving stones to direct you to the best pastry shop in town.

Providence, RI. January, 2013

When I was working at Boston’s public broadcasting station, we were “treated” to a seminar about laughter as a stress relief. It was highly embarrassing, uncomfortable and I learned nothing new. The woman who led the discussion told us her name was Mare Streetperson. OK. Whatever. And since that day, I have always been on the lookout for others with names that they’d perhaps acquired somewhere along their life path. Like this one (by a quilter) from an exhibit of works by staff members at the Rhode Island School of Design.

Stoneham, MA. March, 2013

Winner and still champion. Mrs. A rules. And even though I was unable to sample the pasta con muddica (pasta with breadcrumbs, raw garlic, a little sugar and parsley), I reveled in my friend Paul’s mother’s frittatas (one with potato, one with asparagus), the bountiful antipasto, sausages, eggplant parm, grapes and oranges. Zeppole, the cream- or ricotta-filled traditional “donuts” served each St. Joseph’s Day (March 19), were also off-limits, but I took pleasure in watching others enjoy them even as they moaned they were so full they couldn’t eat one more bite. Sure.

Giudecca, Venice, Italy. October, 2012

When we asked our wonderful Ca’ Isabella B&B hostess Rosella where she eats when she goes to a restaurant, she gave us a number of recommendations. Our our first night, we dined here at Ai Cacciatori at an outdoor table on the waterfront. Of course, we wanted seafood. Jay got grilled baby squid. I had a plate of lightly batter-fried mixed seafood and vegetables. And, because it’s Venice, both were excellent and both came with a slice of polenta.

Giudecca, Venice, Italy. October, 2012

This is where we lived on our most recent trip to Venice. Along the waterfront on the quiet, friendly and mercifully uncrowded island of Giudecca, a two-minute boat ride from Venice proper. We took in all the sights and all the tourist-packed craziness during the day, then retreated to our calm isle at night. Much, much cheaper restaurants (frequented by locals, a good sign) and much more reasonable lodging rates, too. And look how homey and beautiful it is here outside our home at the Ca’ Isabella B&B.

Providence, RI. January, 2013

This mass of roots stopped us in our tracks, so tangled and impressive was its impact. Located on a well-walked route along the border of Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design, what do you think the various students of those two schools make of this visual?