New York is an excellent city for walking.  When I can't get to the mountains for a real hike I hit the city streets. One of my favorite places to stroll is Central Park's Conservatory Gardens. I get lots of ideas while sitting on the benches of this tranquil spot.

This picture was taken in one of the most magficient places on earth, Acadia National Park in Maine.  It's one of the most peaceful and beautiful places you'll ever find. 

MUSIC AND SINGING 

I love music, couldn't live with out it, to me it's the happiest most joyous thing on the planet. After many years of singing with a choir I decided to try singing some solo gigs. I love those old torch songs and standards. This is probably the closest I'll ever get to a Broadway stage, but like writing, I do it because I love to (and hey, you never know.)

When I am not singing myself, I'm playing music at home on my stereo, or trying to find a concert someplace. What's better than a live concert at Carnegie Hall or Radio City, or Motzart on on a warm summer evening as the sun sets on the Hudson? 

FOOTBALL

We Buffalonians love our sports teams. Following the Buffalo Bills football team is a form of worship for the city. When the Bills play, the entire town is covered in the team colors red, white and blue. Born and raised in the Queen city, I am no exception. I travel back at least once a year for a game. There's nothing like 80,000 fans cheering for the home team. It's among my favorite ways to spend a Fall Sunday afternoon. We are still waiting, hoping and praying for that elusive Super Bowl ring. One day...

GIVING BACK

Like most people, I was horrified by the devastation from Hurricane Katrina. I joined members of Marble and Middle Collegiate Churches from New York City and traveled to Louisiana, spending a few days gutting houses in New Orleans' lower 9th Ward. It was hard, dirty work, but it felt good to help someone, even if it was in such a small way. Even now, years later there is still much to do. If you're looking for a way to help check out www.habitatforhumanity.org.

"The Gutters" New Orleans, LA April 2007

ITALY

What a beautiful, magical country. The people are friendly, the landscape is stunning and the food and wine, oh my the food and wine!!! My friend Adriana Toman runs La Foresta Sottana a beautiful inn nestled in the hills of Calabria. She and her staff make you feel like you're part of the family, like you've lived in Italy all of your life. After visiting, you may wish you did. http://www.forestasottana.it/