Italy – Day Three

07/11/2026 Laura 4 Comments

We’re up and out in various directions. BW and Logan are taking one of those hop on/hop off bus deals. Kat and Griffin are for a couple of museums. Jason’s going to catch up along the way. That leaves Kayla, Laura, Colt and me to hit Via Monte Napoleone. I’m a big Cucinelli fan and want to experience his Milan shop. Plus, if you have even a passing interest in fashion and you’re in Milan, the chi-chi shopping district isn’t to be missed.

We walk the wrong way, backtrack, and wave off Kat and Griffin as they head out on their day’s adventure. Lauren’s leading the way now as we avoid crazy mopeds and zooming Smart Cars. They may look like toys, but you don’t want to get smacked by one!

And here we are, Versace, Gucci, Chanel, Cartier, Harry Winston. Ooh, the glitters in display windows sparkling in the hot summer sun. The art crafted from colorful stones is pretty amazing.

And here we are at Cucinelli where it’s cool inside and everyone’s smiling. It’s all friendly elegance, beautifully presented and with a complete lack of snoot. Upstairs we go, and ahh, the man and his daughters design the most beautiful, and wearable, clothes. And bags. And shoes.

The fall line’s already out. I won’t look at this. Or just look because it’s all so gorgeous. But I’m for summer. And what do I spot, almost instantly, but light and easy pants and their little vest-like top. Is it fate they’re in my size? Maybe. Try them on, and perfect fit. And approved by my young companions.

The lovely sales associate asks if I want Tax Back, and yes, I do. But no, I don’t have my passport with me. Didn’t think of it. But we can send her a photo, and pick up the form later. We’ll do those things.

Wanderers with shopping bags. Photo by Kayla.

Now off again as I’m also a big fan of Armani, and I’m after a gift. More cool, more easy elegance. And here’s a suit that if I still had occasions to wear suits—really don’t—would be mine. But I’m after a scarf, and this sales associate is happy to pull a multitude out of the drawer where they’re perfectly folded.

All so beautiful, so many to choose from. I need to consult with my companions. As the decision’s made, I spot another. Is it my fault it’s in my colors, and looks so damn good when I wrap it a couple different ways? I say it is not at all my fault, so one for a gift and one for me.

Same deal with tax back, but we catch Jason and he has access to photos of the passports. We deal with that, and Kayla sends the picture back to our girl at Cucinelli—who will be happy, she says, to drop the form with the concierge at our hotel. Mille grazie!

After all that fashion and shine, we’re hungry. With Colt shlepping the bags, we’re off to find lunch. Really not a hard chore here. We sit outside, under the breeze of a fan. Ahhh.

Colt and I are for pizza again. I mean, why not? Kayla goes for the ravioli, and Lauren’s for pasta with prawns and mussels. There’s a glass of the house red for me.

We let the others know where we are. Jason will head our way. Kat and Griffin will find lunch where they are.

Well, the food’s beautiful. The prawns fight back so out comes my Tide Stick for Lauren. Then for Colt. Those things are handy. The pizza’s good—both Colt and I agree even better than yesterday. Lauren, the very good girlfriend, is wondering if she can have half hers boxed up for Logan.

Here comes Jason. And a surprise, here’s BW and Logan. They take a table just in front of ours. I don’t finish my pizza because the day wouldn’t be complete without gelato. Colt refuses my last piece as he thinks the same.

We wander off for gelato. It does not disappoint. Logan hikes off to the castle, and the rest of us walk back to the hotel.

I do some organizing for our departure, conk on the couch for a bit. Listen to the guy singing down below again.

Note from Laura: While Nora relaxes, here are photos from BW/Logan’s adventure as well as Kat and Griffin’s.

Riding along. Video by Logan

Milano Central Railway Station. Photo by BW.

Bosco Vertical (yes, people live there). Photo by BW.

The girls have changed for dinner and come to hang out with us awhile. When the time comes we go down the hall to Jason’s room. Griffin is duded up! Gold tie and suspenders. He’s styling and knows it.

Ready for whatever comes his way. Photo by j a-b.

This rooftop restaurant is a subway stop away, and the efficient Kat already has our tickets. It’s smooth and easy, with only momentary confusion when we’re back on the street. Just which way to we go now? That way, and yes that way is correct to The Dome. Inside and up the elevator seven floors.

It’s all so pretty. Not just the view of the city, The Duomo, out the big windows, but the ceiling of fairy lights and butterflies. Just so charming. We want a family panorama, and after a couple of attempts succeed. Good work, Kayla!

Panorama #8,953. Photo from Kayla’s phone.

They have spaghetti and meatballs. Colt and I are again simpatico there. And Griffin is very happy they have chicken fingers and fries. BW and I share a bottle of Chianti. I believe everyone enjoyed every sip and bite. Then dessert! Cappuccino!

And back to the hotel where before too long, I just slide into bed.

Definitely workout time coming. Kat and some of the group are heading to a thrift store. I’ll join them if I get everything done here. They’re picking us up at 2:30 for the drive to Como, so I want all my chicks in a row.

Milan’s been good to us, but it’s time to say arrivederci.

Nora

Today it’s not so much #randomkatness, but #katmagic, from fleece to finished skein in about a day. – Laura

2026 Italy, grandkids, Random Katness, Travelogues

Italy – Day Two

07/10/2026 Laura 8 Comments

I get my workout on while BW has breakfast with two pretty ladies, Kayla and Lauren. Jason and Griffin, who are just down the hall, come to hang out while the intrepid Kat takes the subway to a yarn store she discovered. Colt and Logan sleep in awhile.

After a big breakfast BW’s not interested in shopping or lunch. Griffin wants to build some Minecraft. The rest of us head out to shop.

Logan needs some summer duds. This heat requires the cool.

Kayla is our navigator and doesn’t steer us wrong. Before too long we hit a store with a big men’s department, basement level. And they’re having a major sale. Yay! I have a pretty good sense of Logan’s style, and naturally Lauren does. So does Kayla. And Logan knows Logan. Colt wanders around, then finds a chair.

The issue is Logan’s size. He’s long and extra lean, but we start loading up. And off to the dressing room he goes.

I find another pair of pants, easy-breezy, and holding them up see they strike as Colt size. Take them over. You like? He does, and goes to try them on. They work. Now Kayla and I determine we must find a shirt for him. I see this sort of pale tangerine, ask if he likes. He hesitates. I assure him he can say no. He says no. We find another he does like.

Upstairs for the girls to poke around before we check out. After a hunt, Lauren finds a bathing suit. I grab two cloth totes to handle our scores. Check out’s interesting with the language barrier. She keeps asking me questions in Italian, and I look helpless and smile.

One bag for each manly man to haul.

Kayla navigates us to The Duomo. Hard to miss its enormous magnificence.

Crowds of people here, and swarms of hopeful pigeons. Across the street, someone plays a violin, and the music just soars in the air. There’s actually the occasional fluttering breeze under the white, baking sun. Like good tourists we take lots of pictures before our short hike to our lunch spot. And we’re right on our designated one o’clock time for it.

In the same timely fashion Kat and Griffin show up. Kat is riding on her exclusive to Italy linen yarn discovery. But pizza is the name of the game here. Little do we know when we order these are not the more personal size deals, but full size. We barely have room on the table for the many pies. Fortunately, they’re very, very thin crusts, and we’re hungry. Serious damage is done by the time BW and Jason arrive.

I’d have paid money to see Nora eat all of it. Photo by Kayla. Snark by Laura

The first of what will no doubt be 7,985 panoramas. Two smiles, three statue poses and one Griffin. Photo by Kayla’s phone. Editorial comment by Laura

After lunch, and on the way to our tour of The Duomo, the girls find a stand that sells pretty fans. We hike back to The Duomo, and since we’ve pre-purchased our tickets, are directed around, and around, and around the back where there’s no line waiting in the blistering sun. Kat fans the poor guy standing in that sun checking tickets. He is grateful.

In we go, and because they’re small, into separate elevators to the first rooftop level. Stunning views, and the sheer stunning glory of every line, all the peaks, the multitude of statues. Hardly a wonder it took centuries to build. We wander, take pictures. Griffin gets in on the take pictures game. Through narrow archways, under spires with various saints and the occasional gargoyle looking down at us. And up to the second level for more. Find a little shade and sit on sloped stone slabs.

On the approach to the Duomo. Photo by Kayla.

Another level is 90 steps up. BW is much, much better than last year, before his surgery, but 90 steps is just no for him. He heads back to the elevator, and the rest of us climb. And climb. And climb.

The photographer himself. Photo by Kayla.

Stairs! Why do there have to be stairs? Photo by j a-b.

Whew!!

But as Griffin says to me: Worth it. Milan’s all spread out far below, and there are all the carved figures no one sees unless they’re up here. What a wonder of craftsmanship, long, long vision and dedication.

And down we go. Down endlessly on curved and narrow stone steps. Down again, and down some more. And how about down more yet? Holy crap, not there yet.

Finally, breathlessly, in the church, all that magnificent stained glass and dark wood. Kat goes to fetch BW, and I sit awhile with Griffin. Don’t mind sitting a bit! Dig out some Euro coins so Colt and Kayla can light candles. Wander to look at the main altar, the smaller ones, the soaring ceiling.

And when we’re done, Kat leads the way to the subway that’ll save us a quarter mile walk in the heat. We buy water and drink like camels.

In the subway, Kat helps a mother and son who can’t figure out how to buy their tickets. And ends up just buying them, because she’s Kat. Meanwhile Jason is talking to two guys, and it turns out directing them to the right train. As Kayla points out, both Kat and Jason look like they know things, and look kind.

Both are true.

A ride back on the crowded car takes us steps from our hotel, where wilted, we all head to our rooms to clean up and decompress before dinner.

I hear music, singing. And I go to the window, out to the balcony to see a busker beside the fruit stand below. American songs. Including Hotel California. If I’d been down there, he’d have some coin in his box from me.

Logan opts out of dinner, too much sun, but sharp at seven, the rest of us are seated under pretty fairy lights, surrounded by big windows. A bottle of Pino Grigio for Lauren, Kayla and me, and it’s very, very good. I order the sea bass, and since they’ve already brought Griffin some fries and grilled chicken, I want some fries, too.

Our server is simply lovely. She might as well have read our minds before we spoke. My fish is downright fabulous. Lauren, the very good girlfriend, orders some dinner for Logan and runs it up to him. It’s a wonderful family minus one meal, start to finish. And the finish is dessert. Kayla highly recommends the cappuccino, and since she’s on her sixth of the trip, I take her word. Both that and my baba are perfect. My pretty little cake is served with berries so fresh they might as well still be on the bush.

Now I wish I had 90 steps to climb as I’m so, so full.

In bed and conked by ten.

Last bit of light over the city. Photo by Kayla.

I need that workout this morning. Then the girls are shopping. We have a couple destinations in mind for our last full day in Milan. And dinner plans a subway stop or two away.

Nora

2026 Italy, grandkids, Travelogues

Italy – Day One

07/09/2026 Laura 17 Comments

A long flight but a smooth one, and I’ll take it. Nine of us boarded the plane. JR just started a new job—Yay, JR!—and will join us later in the trip. But for the flight to Milan, it’s me, BW, Jason, Kat, Griffin, Logan, Lauren (his lovely girlfriend) Kayla and Colt.

I manage to catch about four hours off and on sleep, and I’ll take that, too.

Hot is the word when we land, but it’s July, after all. The bleary travelers pile into two vans—two weeks means a lot of luggage—and we’re whisked off to our hotel. Memories are coming back to me. BW and I visited Milan years and years ago at the invite of my Italian publisher. We stayed in this same gorgeous hotel.

Check in is easy-peasy, and we’re offered to sit in the lounge and enjoy a drink while our mountain of luggage is dealt with. Oh yes, please!!

And I remember doing an interview in this airy, sumptuous room with its crystal chandeliers and pale pinks and creams.

A little champagne to smooth out the edges from a flight over the Atlantic, and we scatter to our rooms. Unpack the section I’ve cleverly organized for our short stay in Milan.

Clean up, freshen up, and change into something cool for our wandering around the city, and some lunch. Jason opts to stay back and get some sleep, so Kat and Griffin come down, Griffin does love hotels, and declares our suite big and fancy. He’s not wrong.

And the efficient Kat begins a google search for a restaurant that will suit the eight of us.

And here’s Colt, and here’s Kayla. Logan and Lauren will catch up with us, so off we go.

Milan is busy and urban, and its many fashionable shops tempting. I’ll have to carve out some time for some shopping. But now, we’re hungry! After the flight, the walk is just great, despite the heat.

We hit the big shopping area with its stunning glass roof, colorful tiled floor. [Laura note: The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II] Griffin wants to go fast, and has my hand, pulling me along so he can keep up with his cousins. We—or Kayla—is following Google Maps to the restaurant we have in mind, but weirdly, the connection’s going in and out. We find another that looks promising with outdoor seating, and they can take the eight of us.

Ah. Now we sit in big cushy chairs and fan ourselves with the pretty provided fans. No pizza today, which is a sad for me and Colt, but there’s pasta! And wine. And delicious bread along with cheerful service. The servers wear jackets in the same colorful patterns as the fans. It’s just adorable.

And here’s Logan and Lauren who managed to find us. Spaghetti for me, and though I can’t eat half of it, it’s just fabulous. Honestly, the first bite reminds you why the Italians should be in charge of food for the entire world.

By the end of the meal, Griffin’s finally fading. Kat and BW head back with him, and the rest of it hit the gelato stand right next to the restaurant.

Boy, oh boy, as if pasta wasn’t glorious enough, now there’s gelato. Strawberry for me, and it tastes like summer in a cone. We lick and make yummy noises before wandering and poking into a shop or two.

Kayla and Colt discover Pokeman cards, and are joyful to add to their collection.

Logan found his nana. Photo by Logan, snark by Laura

It’s great fun for me to walk around Milan with my grandchildren, watching them enjoy the sights, the sounds. And it’s sweet to me how well the siblings get along and look out for each other.

Logan sees a DiVinci display at a museum. Why not? And it’s fascinating, mostly centered on his inventions and engineering. Lots of his sketches and replicas of his way-ahead-of-his-time machines.

Then it’s back to the hotel. Kayla’s proven her exceptional sense of direction to me before, so I follow.

BW’s napping, so I sit in the parlor. I have a book, I have my IPad, and a nice place to sit.

Dinner is discussed on our What’s App for the trip. The vote is unanimous for room service. We’re all pretty travel weary. Kat takes all our orders and makes it so.

More incredibly cheerful service as two tables filled with domed plates are brought in. With a surprising lack of chaos, all that’s organized. We relax, we eat and enjoy.

And solidify our plans for tomorrow’s trip to The Duomo—preceded by pizza.

I’d vowed to make it until nine so I’d get a good start on putting my body clock on local time.

Just make it.

Sleep great, wake ridiculously early, but that’s okay.

I crush some candy for awhile, scan some headlines. Now I write this blog, which Laura will post when she wakes up—six hours behind me. Then as the clever Jason helped set me up, I’ll work out in the parlor, streaming from my tablet to the TV.

I’ll clean myself up for the day while BW meets Kayla and whoever else decides to have breakfast.

We only have a handful of days here before we head to Como, so we have to pack as much of what we want to do into that short time.

And as always, it’s lovely to be back in Italy.

Nora

Note from Laura: As is tradition, may I present the first bit of #randomkatness for Italy 2026.

Nora at home, The Garden

Summer Solstice

06/21/2026 Laura 29 Comments

The longest day is a favorite day for me, especially when it falls on the weekend and I can enjoy every minute of it. A walk through the garden, everything weeded and deadheaded and looking happy. Time to clean the birdbath fountain so the birds and I are happy. They really use it, and I love watching them.

BW’s out mowing the grass, which he enjoys much more than I would.

We’re both pretty much packed for departure tomorrow. It’s our family week at the spa, and we’re quite a group. All grandkids, but Griffin, are taking a boy/girlfriend this year. Add in our friends the Orrs, and we’re a group of 16.

But before I go, and because Italy’s coming right up, I want the house and gardens in the best possible shape for our house/dog sitter.

So fill the bird feeders, feed the sour dough, tidy what’s not tidy.

Then she’ll tend to the dogs and my pots.

The gardens look good, so I thought I’d take some updated pictures to share.

The deer have been ridiculous this year. No matter what we do. We spray relentlessly, and we’ve tried these sonar deals that are supposed to keep them out. Hah!

Last Sunday I took a morning walk and was so pleased to see the lilies out front flowering and budding. Figured our dedication was working. That afternoon, another walk. Every bud and flower consumed.

And they’re fearless. I flushed one out during a weekday walk, and it ran about ten feet, stopped, looked back at me like: What? I yelled, waved my arms, marched toward it. She didn’t budge an inch until I was about six feet away and wondering WTF I’d do if she just stuck.

Scold her? Have a serious conversation?

They even got half of my New Guinea impatiens in the whiskey barrel by the garden shed, which means they walked right up the driveway. Then just a couple days ago, I caught one grazing right in the front yard. Jeez.

The struggle is real, but despite them, things are doing pretty well.

We moved those fucking wings to the little area where we put in a Crepe Myrtle, and added a couple friends. I enjoy the theme.

I planted a whole bunch of nasturtium seeds, adding some to the terrace beds along the lane. They’re starting to bloom, though the deer again got some where I’d climbed up to put some in the upper terrace. Still, I think they’ll put on a nice show.

Hope you can take advantage of this lovely long day, or those in the Southern Hemisphere, this long night.

Happy Solstice.

Nora

Cranky Publicist, girl time, Spa!

A merry month of May recap

06/16/2026 Laura 8 Comments

Nora has three weeks of recaps ahead of her in July, so I offered to write one about the nearly back-to-back girl trips we shared.

As long-time readers of this blog know, the spring trip to Nemacolin is filled with a weird duality: relaxing days, competitive evenings. Or, as I tenderly put it, Stupid Games. We’ll get to them in a bit.

Sarah and I joined Nora and Kayla in the party(ish) bus out. Why not let someone else do the work while we caught up (and sipped some Veuve)? On the way, BW texted me that we’d left the Switch (and all the games) at the house. I would have been fine shrugging that off as an “Oh, well!” but I realized Nicole didn’t plan to leave until noon. I heroically asked if she’d mind stopping by Nora’s to get the Switch. She said yes.

Darn it all.

After a smooth ride, we arrived by 1:30 pm to a happy welcome from the butlers and the door staff. Rooms were ready and so we all settled in, then took a walk over to the shops to stretch our legs.

Nicole and Kat arrived later in the afternoon, the former with the dread gaming console, the latter with bags of clothes for the annual spa clothing swap. We were so curious to see what Nora no longer needed, that the swap happened on night one, instead of games. A reprieve!

The weather in the first part of the week was lovely, and the sunsets were glorious. We came home to that miserably wet Memorial Day weekend, so every day spent outside was a gift.

On Saturday, Kayla, Nicole, Sarah and I went to High Tea in the “secret” room that opened in The Chateau in 2025. (Nora opted to stay back to take a walk, then dive into John Sandford’s Revenge Prey.) We’d gone there last year on Mother’s Day and it was too good to not go again. The room is a soothing blue and white, with tables placed neatly through the space so every guest had breathing room. We had the center table again and photos were mandatory.

Once we reached the peak fullness on the treats, our hostess boxed up the leftover sweets. A walk sounded like the proper way process all that sugar. A sudden thunderstorm was blowing outside so we wandered from the Chateau through the Grand Lodge and over to the Art Studio. We were already scheduled for a group paint session with Claire Hardy on Sunday, but the team at the studio has added other activities.

As a post-High Tea activity, Nicole, Sarah and I made candles. Later in the week, the three of us plus Nora and Kat tried glass fusion. As always, it’s fun to chat while we debated colors, scents and textures then created to our hearts’ content.

That night, we started the games. First round of Scrabble for Kat, Nicole and Nora, while I bowled with Sarah and Kayla. I won that first round of bowling (!) while Nora took the first round of Scrabble – she opened the game with a seven-letter word! It was such a lovely evening with the sunset streaming through the windows and door open to the patio, and everyone was relaxed so we flowed through the next few rounds of bowling and finished the evening with Nicole as the first winner of a final.

Sunday was oil painting with Claire. Nora had chosen a floral picture that most of us used as the launching point. Kayla and Kat went off in their own directions. Nora now paints with Claire four times a year — 3x in oil, 1x in acrylic – and she has honed her technique in a lovely and relaxed way. (Someone’s got to give Nora the shout out she deserves.) Pizza dinner always follows painting – as did some more games, of course.

The weekend set the flow for the rest of the visit. Treatments, reading, movement, room service, then games. Kayla and Sarah had their usual one-on-one final in Just Dance. I happened to take the Trivia game and the Scrabble final. Kayla, who also took Reverse Charades and the Wild Card categories was named the Biggest Winner.

And just like that, it was time to go home. For four days.

On the fifth day we headed to Tyson’s Corner for Kat’s birthday shopping trip. I joined the group late on the first day due to a doctor’s appointment related to my upcoming hip replacement, but all reports were that everyone found wandered the mall and found items to their liking.

Nora’s personal shopper, Azita, has been with Saks forever. With the closing of all the Saks stores in the DC area, she and her team shifted to Neiman Marcus at Tysons.

We had loads of fun in the new location with familiar faces and new friends. And the lunch menu was based on Nora’s books. Absolutely delicious.

We had so much fun that the dates for this December and next spring are already set!

Nora and family head back to Nemacolin next week for their summer stay, then it’s off to Italy in early July. My hip replacement was supposed to be today, but was pushed back to July 16 – the middle of the Italy trip. I’ll do everything possible to keep the travelogues flowing!

Laura

Book Chats, Conversation, The Final Target

The Final Target discussion

05/26/2026 Laura 32 Comments

Today’s the day: The Final Target hits the shelves.

This is the place to discuss all the elements of the book, and spoilers are very much allowed. (If you haven’t read it, maybe skip the comments until you do.)

What did you think of The Final Target? For me, it fits all the specs for a great summer/cozy winter read – depending on your hemisphere.

Laura

Kentucky Derby, The Garden

Of Hats and Horses

05/09/2026 Laura 8 Comments

We so look forward to the first Saturday in May, and the fun in Louisville in the couple days before. And this year, no rain in the forecast!!

We took Kayla and JR to their first Derby. Not only are they terrific traveling companions, but they really got into the spirit. We landed Thursday afternoon after a very smooth flight. I so appreciate a very smooth flight! Anne and Scoot scooped us all right up. So good to see them both again. And it’s off to lunch at Doc Crow’s.

I’m not sure what JR’s sandwich was called, but I know it had a burger, pulled pork and something else towering inside a burger bun. I also don’t know how he managed it, but manage he did. That’s a young man with a good appetite.

Then it’s off to the hotel to unpack, chill out before the night’s festivities. Since I was coming off either a nasty cold or seasonal allergies, I took a nap. Then roused to change for Club Night, hosted by the perennially fabulous York Sisters, Tonya and Tammie, who founded and run Unbridled.

Great venue, big bar, comfy seating, music. And best of all, familiar faces. One of the best things about this weekend is reconnecting with what’s become our Derby family. We have a table upstairs, and there’s a buffet, another bar, and a dance floor. Eat a little, drink a little, and it doesn’t take long before that dance floor’s put to use. All girls at this point, and I join in that fun.

Back to the hotel for a good night’s sleep as Friday is a big day for all.

Anne picks up Kayla and me at ten, and Scott will gather our men shortly for their Oaks Day at Churchill Downs. BW has my bet on the Oaks race—Lilies for the Fillies. Spoiler alert—my losing streak on this race held once again.

The rest of us are off for mani pedis, at the lovely Bourbon and Blush. Fun place, happy energy, and we leave with pretty fingers and toes.

Lunch is at Guacamole, so that calls for a margarita. They have a whole menu of them. I planned to go for a traditional, but our server insists I try one of the fancier ones. I’m glad I listened! Relaxed and fueled up we head to Rhodes for a little shopping. It’s always nice to see Beth, whom I’ve worked with there for years.

I score what will be one of my favorite easy summer dresses—with pockets!—a scarf that’ll work very well as a wrap for my gala dress, and a bit more.

Back to the hotel where Anne tells me the owners of Bridleberry Leather Tack want to gift me one of their fabulous bags. Who am I to say no to that? Their selection is simply gorgeous. No way to go wrong here. Now I have what will surely be my plane bag when we go to Italy this summer. And on many other trips in years to come, as the quality of the craftsmanship is as gorgeous as the style. These bags are beautifully made.

I will absolutely treasure this gift, and put it to excellent use.

Up to the room to take a few breaths. JR texts Kayla some pictures, and our men look sharp!

Time to fiddle with makeup, hair. Then men arrive. Won some, lost some, and had fun doing it. BW reports that JR caught onto the betting protocol quickly. I’d expect no less.

We all glam up. Kayla looks just lovely in her pink gown (with jewelry borrowed from Nana’s Treasure Box). JR’s pink tie is a perfect match.

Anne’s arrives, also glam, and it’s time for some photos before we go down, meet up with Scott and make our way to the ballroom. Red Carpet first. Kayla and JR have that first experience, and handle it with style.

People to greet, people to hug, and doesn’t everyone look fabulous! As always, I have to check out the silent auction items. Lots and lots, and it’s all for charity. Blessings in a Backpack is one of the main organizations, and one I’m always happy to contribute to.

Get a drink, get our table. As the powers that be decided to change the hours on Oaks Day, with the big race late in the evening, the clever York sisters have a big screen where the race will stream, and a loaded buffet as a plated meal just won’t work as well.

We’re seated with the lovely and talented Danica McKellar and her husband. BW was a huge fan of her Winnie in The Wonder years. She’s entertained me many times with holiday movies during my wrapping marathons.

The always incredible Crashers get the music going. It’s a wonder to me they’re also able to back the variety of music stars—country, pop, rock—who headline the night.

Meanwhile, I’m watching my bids—don’t want to leave empty handed. We walk down to the Photo Booth for some silly fun. On the way a we see the other activities provided. Karaoke—and the obviously well lubricated duo singing are flat on every single note. Just makes it more fun! And Silent Disco. So you see people with headphones bopping, boogying in silence.

I win my auction item—what it is, I’ll keep to myself for now as it’s a gift.

Definitely time for bed. The Big Day is only hours away.

Up and at ‘em. Time to get pretty. I’ve gone with a fascinator this year, and discovered it doesn’t want to stay in place. So I make use of one of the pretty hat pins the clever Kat made me. Works like a charm!

Kayla went pink again, and with her straw hat and trailing ribbon is pretty as a cupcake. The men look handsome and ready. My dress is so, so comfortable, shoes, too, which is a kind of miracle. Since the forecast warned of a very cool day, I’ve brought a topper. And I need it.

And here’s Scott to drive us. It’s always a smooth ride with Scott at the wheel. There’s already a good crowd and we wind our way through, then up to our floor. Happy to see Kim, our long time server. Sorry Amy, another long time server, had a conflict. As always, I have to go out on the terrace and just look. It’s such a beautiful track. I’m so happy to be here again, and to be able to share it with my girl and her boy.

Place my first bet, settle in. I’ve already decided on my Derby horses. I pick one for each family member as well as for me. We bet, take pictures, bet some more. I start out in the hole, but that’s going to change. And it does.

Lots of people to see, take pics with. Danica and her husband are at our table today, too. Lots to talk about. She’s just delightful.

And love to see all the finery, the clever or gorgeous hats. And best, to watch those magnificent horses run. Especially when one of mine comes in!!

The day whizzes by, and it’s time to bet the big one. I bet on a gray, of course, but on a number of others. Including for Jason and me, Golden Tempo, as his trainer would be the first female trainer to win the Derby.

Logan’s horse scratched, so I pick another for him and me. Great White suits him.

The energy rises, it just buzzes. We all crowd out onto the terrace. Time for My Old Kentucky Home. Almost before you can blink, they’re loading the horses in the gate. And just before he was loaded, Great White spooks, throws his jockey and flips. Fortunately, neither horse nor rider were injured. But again, Logan’s scratched, and no time to pick another for him.

And they’re off. I always forget who I bet on, what number to watch because, God, they’re just magnificent. And the sound, a wall of sound from the thunder of hooves to the roar of the crowd.

But I do see the horse, back of the pack, weaving its way up, and up, and up. Honestly I started rooting for him before I realized—#19, Golden Tempo! He weaves, weaves, passing horse after horse, and comes neck-and-neck with the favorite who has the lead. The riders of these two horses happen to be brothers. And at the finish line, #19, by a neck!!

Cheers, applause. A hell of a race. Seriously breathtaking.

And when I check, I see I bet, across the board, at 23 to 1. A very nice payoff for Jason and me! And as I’d also put a bet on the favorite, across the board. A little something for me and Logan’s Lauren.

We stay till the last race, saying goodbye to Derby family, and home we go. Anne delivers pizza, which is perfect!

Sleep like the dead. Wake up, pack, organize, dress, and off to the airport. More goodbyes to Scott and Anne, and hope to see them both next year.

A smooth ride home, unpack, and pretty much crash.

A pretty much perfect derby weekend—though Louisville? Maybe a little warmer next year.

I had my second shingles shot scheduled for Monday afternoon. And unlike the first, which was nothing, this one put me in a coma for two days! LOL. Slept, slept, slept.

Then, speaking of hats, it was Girls Night Out in Boonsboro. So much fun, and this year the theme was hats, with a contest Kayla and I judged. Such creativity and cleverness. We just couldn’t pick one, so Natoma at Gifts, who set this up, let us award smaller prizes for second, third and honorable mention.

I wish we could have awarded everyone, as they all deserved it.

Now I have some time for regular routine. Then!! It’s Girl Spa Week.

Nora

Nora also sent some photos to give an update on the garden:

General

Perfect in Death Cover reveal

05/05/2026 Laura 5 Comments

Yes, it’s the first book of 2027, but it’s never too early to plan ahead is it?

And what’s it about you ask?

In 2061 New York City, Lt. Eve Dallas confronts the thin line between advanced technology and primal terror as the #1 New York Times-bestselling crime thriller series continues.

Donald Quinland was a husband and father, a teacher and writer. Now, on a dark cobblestoned street where his naked, beheaded body has been discarded like trash, Lt. Eve Dallas wonders what happened during the nineteen hours since he went missing. Forensic evidence indicates that the killer had medical knowledge—could this be the result of illegal organ harvesting, or some sick experiment? Or does the atrocity of the crime suggest a personal vendetta?

After speaking with the grieving family, Eve and her partner visit Columbia and Barnard, where the late professor taught. In these Ivy League halls filled with sharp and occasionally devious minds, it isn’t so easy to get at the truth—and among Manhattan’s elite doctors and scientists, God complexes are an occupational hazard.

I’ll be honest guys: I know I said Fury in Death (Sept release) is a top fave, but Perfect is up there too. Can’t wait to discuss them both.

Pre orders are up now:

Turn the Page: https://bit.ly/4wefELC
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4w7ZByL
BN: https://bit.ly/4urQWp8
BAM: https://bit.ly/429PLyN
Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4t7HHtb
Apple Books: https://apple.co/42e4YPm
Kobo: https://bit.ly/4909CV1
Google Play: https://bit.ly/4cQDVQi
Audible: https://adbl.co/4d00AZ1

Laura

grandkids, Nora at home, The Garden

Finally Spring

04/25/2026 Laura 44 Comments

Can’t quote The Beatles because it wasn’t lonely, but it’s been a long, cold winter. I’m very happy it’s over.

Right before we planted, and after a week of 90s, the temps dropped—collapsed for a night where it fell to the mid-20s. My poor yellow bells came up too fast and felt the brunt. I have to get out there and prune off the damage.

Otherwise, we made it.

As usual, BW and I hit Sunny Meadows hard. Their wide selection is always so lovely, so well maintained. We filled the bed of the truck, stuck more in the tub BW keeps in the bed, had a flat on the floor at my feet, and another on the seat between us.

Whew! (Then BW stopped in Boonsboro for another flat and a half an impatiens, a few more begonias and some rosemary at the excellent Cronise Market.)

No foxglove for me this year. They got swamped during that 90s week and just ran out. So I substituted, and this year I’m trying some different things in different places.

The best? Spending two entire days digging in the dirt, placing plants, shifting, deciding, arranging. Beds first, and that was a full day. And so worth it.

I’d already soaked and planted nasturtium seeds, and this year some sweet peas. Fun to see those starting to pop while I planted our truckload.

The second day, finish a few spots in the beds, then focus on pots. If my count’s right, that’s over 30 pots! BW’s clever idea was to half bury a broken one, then plant something at the mouth of it. I like it!

I have one more to do yet—some dianthus in a pot BW can see out his office window. But currently our front is dug up as the crew hunts for what’s probably a broken pipe in our septic tank. Finding it’s been an ordeal. And I’m trying not to think about it! And remind myself, the rest looks just great.

I’ve already enjoyed some walk-abouts, and get my smiles seeing how those seedlings grow, how the bedding and pot plants soak up the sun.

Cooler and some rain today, but I have inside activities. Sunday family dinner tomorrow to celebrate Logan’s 22nd birthday. He requested his Grandda’s flank steak and his Nana’s roasted potatoes, roasted carrots. Since Kat and Kayla can’t eat the steak, I’m trying my hand at risotto. Going to make that today, to be sure it doesn’t suck, and tomorrow, since Logan’s not fond of cake, I’m going to make his fave chocolate chip cookies to go with the ice cream cake for everyone else.

Then, on Thursday, we head to Louisville for Derby! We’re taking Kayla and J.R.—their first time—so lots of fun for a long weekend.

Then it’s back to work and gardening, along with Girls Night Out in Boonsboro, our Girl spa week, a shopping spree for Kat’s birthday (doing it early this year), a family week at Nemocolin. Then . . .

Our big summer trip. Ten of us are heading to Italy! A few days in Milan, then two weeks in Lake Como. I’d say I can’t wait, but I really do just love springtime in the gardens. And I have a book to write! So I’ll enjoy it all as it comes.

Hope your spring (or fall for those in the Southern Hemisphere) brings you a lot to enjoy as it comes.

Nora

A Coven of Three, A Coven of Three, Birth of the Witch, Birth of the Witch, Books, Cover reveal, The Choice, trilogies

Birth of the Witch

03/03/2026 Laura 14 Comments

Nora’s next trilogy — A Coven of Three — starts this November with Birth of the Witch

Here’s the official description:

Niamh McShane was born a witch and died a witch in the same moment, at the tender age of thirteen. A victim of the madness that spread from Salem Town to her home on Piety Island, her only comfort in her last hours came from the weavers imprisoned with her, who saw within her light and power and gave her some of their own.

Over three hundred years later, on the same island, Neve McShane wakes with excitement on her thirteenth birthday and unwraps gifts from her aunts: sneakers, an iPhone, and a stunning antique pendant. Then she receives something else: a revelation that will change her life.

Astonished, Neve learns that her aunts’ abilities go beyond simple kitchen magic and the potions they sell in their shop. Their tales of past lives aren’t just whimsical fantasies. They are witches, and so is she. Their lives–past and present–are bound together by that pivotal day centuries ago. Now Neve has been tasked with stopping a growing darkness. To prepare for the dangerous enemy that awaits, Neve hones her skills and searches for clues to aid in her quest. And at night, she dreams of a young man from Ireland whose eyes met with hers for a fateful moment, centuries ago…

Birth of the Witch will be in stores on November 17.

Pre-order links are live:

Turn the Page: https://bit.ly/4sbrDGG
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3N7voy6
BN: https://bit.ly/4siUh9g
BAM: https://bit.ly/4rEbJ81
Bookshop: https://bit.ly/40wJSKX
Apple Books: https://apple.co/4aSEkiD
Kobo: https://bit.ly/4r3fVgH
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3N1Mgq5
Audible: https://adbl.co/4shZgHa

Laura

Fall into the Story

Italy – Day Three

Italy – Day Two

Italy – Day One

Summer Solstice

A merry month of May recap

The Final Target discussion

Of Hats and Horses

Perfect in Death Cover reveal

Finally Spring

Birth of the Witch

The official blog for Nora Roberts and J.D. Robb readers

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The official blog for Nora Roberts and J.D. Robb readers