The importance of civic pride

Dear Friends, I am waking up to a beautiful day here in Queens. The typical August weather (hot, humid, cloudy) does not lessen my enthusiasm for what it is to be here during the last days of summer. The neighborhood is quiet during the week, free of school buses and the sometimes intolerable level of …

Back to School!

Dear Friends, It's raining here in Queens, New York and the hot and humid August weather is showing its familiar face. From my window, I can see a morning warbler making its way around the cement yard looking for a watering hole. Although it is not the most inviting weather for me, I will soon …

A multitude of Blessings!

Dear Friends, It's a beautiful, sunny day in my neighborhood. In the distance, I can distinguish the song of several species of birds (parrots, oropendolas, flycatchers) and know myself to be blessed by being able to reside among these amazing gifts of Nature. Get out early today so you too can absorb the sounds and …

A “natural” solution!

Dear Friends, It's another gorgeous morning where I am. The air is filled with the sounds of Nature and in the near distance I can also hear a chain saw helping its owner take care of a tree damaged in yesterday's strong storm here in Atenas. One of our trees was destroyed also and its …