Happy May 1st. The nice weather is here! For ideas of things to do in western New York this spring and summer take a look at my book, Western New York Explorers Guide, available in book stores and online. For more information see www.westernnewyorkexplorersguide.com

My latest articles





I have an article about mother daughter getaways in the May issue of Western New York Family Magazine, which talks about trips I've taken with my daughter, plus an interview with YNN Buffalo news anchor Katie Morse, who goes on an annual trip to see Kenney Chesney in concert with her mom. You can view the magazine online at www.wnyfamilymagazine.com or you can get it free at Wegmans, public libraries, and some pediatricians offices.

In Forever Young Magazine I profile Dr. Mark Donnelly, author, photographer, and promoter of all things related to the Buffalo area. You can get a free copy of Forever Young at most public libraries and certain grocery and drug stores.

Great movie to see


Went to see the movie "42" this evening with my husband Jim. I really didn't know what to expect and thought that since it was about sports, I wouldn't find it too interesting. But I went because Jim said he heard it was a good movie and that he wanted to see it. Plus it was a night out! I was pleasantly surprised how well done it was and what an interesting movie it was. Before seeing this movie I really didn't know too much about Jackie Robinson and how he broke the color barrier to play major league baseball. It was educational and entertaining at the same time. I encourage everyone to see it!

Day trip to Rochester

Since the kids are off from school this week, my husband and I toook the day off from work and we headed to Rochester with our two youngest for a day trip. We first stopped at the George Eastman House, which currently has their "Dutch Connection" tulip and spring flower display until Sunday February 24th. The flowers were beautiful and it smelled like springtime!

It was then on to the National Museum of Play (Strong Museum) which has become an annual winter break tradition for us. The current exhibit is lego travel adventure.

We ended out day in Rochester with dinner at my daughter's favorite Thai restaruant, the King and I (www.thekingandithaicuisine.com)

Lewiston Tour of Homes

It was back up to Lewiston this morning as Jim and I had tickets for the Lewiston Tour of Homes. Our favorite by far was the home that overlooked the escarpment. Of course, all the homes were nice, but that was was exceptional. The only complaint of the day was the snafu with the shuttle bus at one of the homes. We were stuck waiting 45 minutes with a group of other people; the buses were supposed to come by every 10 minutes...apparently one of the buses broke down. The bus eventually came and took us back to the starting point. We ended up driving our car to the last home, but that worked out okay.

Before heading to that home we enjoyed the desserts and pointsettia cocktail that was included in the ticket and then had lunch at one of our favorite restaruants, the Brickyard and browsed in a few shops.

The Tour of Homes continues tomorrow from 10 am-5 pm. Contact the Lewiston Historical Society to see if tickets are available. www.historiclewiston.org

Festival of Lights at our Lady of Fatima Shrine

This evening Jim and I went to Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in Lewiston to see their festival of lights; all religious themed light displays keeping with the true meaning of Christmas. We also enjoyed a wonderful concert by Father Bill Quinlivan who was joined by several other talented singers. And the evening was free, except for paying the toll to cross Grand Island!

Local author signing at Buffalo History Museum today

Just a reminder about the local author signing at the Buffalo History Museum today from 12-2pm. Over 45 local authors will be there.