The new series of HBO’s Rome is upon us, something I’ve been awaiting with great anticipation. But it brings again to mind the business of Latin names. Say you are visiting ancient Rome. A bunch of men come up to you, and one of them says: “Hi. I’m Stick. These are my friends Pretty-Boy, Piggy, […]

Kathy’s university sends her home for the period between Xmas and New Year’s Day, so that’s the time we often devote to a major Home Improvement Project. This time we decided to repaint the kitchen. Followed by the master bath, if there was time and if we were still speaking to each other. The kitchen […]

So here in New Mexico we have our holiday traditions. We eat tamales and posole, and set fire to farolitos and luminarias, and sing “Vamos Todos a Belen,” (“Everbody Go to Bethlehem”) which is a kind of clanky waltz from “La Pastorela,” the classic shepherds’ play. Since I live near the town of Belen, the […]

I’ve had a very busy few months. This month is no less busy. But if recovering from a virus isn’t a sufficient excuse for self-indulgence, then what is? Time for another reverie . . . Cast your mind back to April last, and Day 14 of our Turkish Expedition . . . 6 April, 2006 […]