I’m leaving on a jet plane. Off to Finland, Sweden, and Norway, including going about 100 miles north of the Arctic Circle to Lapland. A chance to see reindeer, go dog-sledding, hopefully see the Northern Lights, and enjoy the food and culture and landscapes of these three countries.

My maternal grandmother Ruth, born in Fastov, Ukraine, perhaps on this day 131 years ago.

She was a wonderful, warm mother and hostess, and the family gatherings at her home on Crown Street in Brooklyn were beautiful and delicious.

Ruth is buried in Brooklyn, with her husband Joe.

#ancestry

My mom always loved bringing my two brothers and me to see Santa at her favorite Brooklyn department store - A&S. Sometimes just one of us, sometimes two of us, sometimes all three, sometimes with friends and sometimes with other family. Photos from 1959, 1963, and two from ‘68.

#brooklyn

My first trip to Australia was in 1996. I've been lucky enough to be back a few times since; after North America and Europe, it's the continent I've visited most often. A few pics from over the years (not all great quality!), and a new blog post - link in my profile.

#australia #travelblog #travel

Back in 2012, I traveled to China - Beijing and Xian. Here are a few photos from that journey; there are more on my blog (link in my bio).
#asia #asiatravel #chinatown #beijing #xian #terracottaarmy #travel #travelblog

I met this one in Uganda a few years back.