Urban Gardens

We’ve all heard the aphorism, “Good Fences Make Good Neighbors.” The phrase comes from Robert Frost’s 1915 poem Mending Wall. In the poem, two neighbors disagree about a stone wall separating their properties, one with pine trees, the other apple … Read More...

Updated January 2025

The festivities begin as soon as I step into the streetcar.

I sit next to a woman wearing a large hat adorned with flowers and illuminated by tiny, white lights. This might seem a bit odd … Read More...

Photo: Robin Plaskoff Horton

This Thanksgiving morning I’m pondering all the things in my life for which I am grateful.

I am blessed with two great children and many dear friends. I’m grateful for my loyal readers and followers who … Read More...

Photo: Robin Plaskoff Horton, Urban Gardens

The 70 “petals” of engineer/designer Julian Melchiorri’s  bionic chandelier Exhale contain algae that simulate the natural process of photosynthesis, releasing oxygen to purify the air.

I viewed the chandelier on a private guided tour … Read More...

If you are the kind of person who likes to reserve the option to change your mind, or you have difficulty choosing things, then you will flip over this Flip Vase.

You simply flip the pages of this whimsical tabletop … Read More...