One of my very favorite memories of working in New York City was a ritual I enjoyed each morning before the onset of my work day. Tucked neatly away in a corner of my office building lay a parallel universe of culinary delight known as Howard Johnson’s. Famous for its orange roof, fried clams andContinue reading “Memories of Howard Johnson’s Takeout Counter”
Author Archives: Kathy Simmons
My Sisters
For it was ever our delight,To love each other day and night,Nor would I do a thing to spiteMy Sister.~”Mr. Lynch,” 1800s, in imitation of Ann Taylor (1782–1866) Enjoying a screening of the iconic movie, “Napoleon Dynamite” tonight at the Tarrytown Music Hall. The three original stars who played Napoleon, Uncle Rico and Pedro wereContinue reading “My Sisters”
You Get What You Pay For
Re-sharing an old story I wrote about the iconic Ryan McFadden’s, midtown. Now shuttered holding only memories. Best times ever.
A Thousand Welcomes
On a certain section of the Connecticut Post Road in a town called Westport, a row of neat but nondescript stores sit quietly amid the frenzy of traffic and rhythm of life. One storefront stands out. An Irish flag positioned aside an American one guards the entrance and on certain days if the breeze fromContinue reading “A Thousand Welcomes”
On the Road Again
“On the road, again, just can’t wait to get on that road again. Going places that I’ve never been. Seein’ things that I may never see again. And I can’t wait to get on the road again.” Willie Nelson “Your mother,” began Jimmy Dillon, who sat contentedly perched on the bar stool next to mine.Continue reading “On the Road Again”
Fearless
Whenever I need a quick pick me up I glance at this photograph of my niece Alaina alongside an Emu she befriended while on holiday in Australia. At each viewing, I am struck by the two vastly different moods displayed. My niece nonchalant, as if posing with the creature is an everyday occurrence and theContinue reading “Fearless”
Summers Remembered
“Last night I had a pleasant dream I woke up with a smile. I dreamt that I was back again in dear old Erin’s Isle” (Lovely Leitrim) “Now this looks interesting!” pondered my father a hint of excitement in his voice as he sat studying the Irish paper. It was the summer of 1974 andContinue reading “Summers Remembered”
The Wild Atlantic Way
Whisked Away
If there was a word that existed to describe the opposite of a hoarder, that would describe my mother.
“We had joy we had fun we had seasons in the sun…” A Farewell to Diving
Dear Liam, I always believe you were meant to be a diver. I remember the night I entered your room and glanced in at you sleeping peacefully in your crib. Unlike other babies sleeping on their back, side or stomach you were folded over completely, legs straight in front of you, forehead resting on yourContinue reading ““We had joy we had fun we had seasons in the sun…” A Farewell to Diving”
Shangri-La 