My Backyard

Date: Sunday, February 6, 2011
Time: 9:30 am
Where: Northampton, MA
What: Snowshoeing Tracks

Sometimes you don't have to go very far to enjoy winter activities. Because we've had a record amount of snow dumped on us here in the Pioneer Valley, we can merely step out our back doors into a winter wonderland. With snowshoes on, we ventured out to take a few laps around the perimeter of the yard. We were having so much fun that the artists in us decided to "make art" with our snowshoes. Going back and forth for nearly a half hour we created a pattern that was quite beautiful, especially in the winter light with its brightness and shadows. More snow is due tonight and tomorrow so we should be able to do it again, starting with a clean slate. Is cabin fever getting to us? Look at the photo and decide for yourself. If it's getting to you, too, go out and make your own art--snow angels, forts, snow people. The possibilities, like this winter, are endless.

Bowker Auditorium, University of Massachusetts

Date: Thursday, January 13, 2011
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Amherst, MA

What: "The Wizard of Oz"

I have to admit that I was shocked when my 20-year-old daughter wanted tickets to "The Wizard of Oz" for Christmas. Why? Because she had never been into plays--especially musicals--even when she was younger. If she had been, she would have wanted something with a grownup theme--something inappropriate for children.  She was one of those kids, even as a preschooler, who would rather be listening to the adults than playing with other children--a grownup before her time. Things have changed! After a quick dinner at Rafters, we headed to UMass to see Amherst Leisure Services Community Theater's production of "The Wizard" at the venerable Bowker Auditorium. It was shockingly well done. Emma Henderson, who played Dorothy, had an unbelievable voice and stage presence even though she looked to be about 12. Another standout was Becca Greene-Van Horn, who played the witch. The sets, music, and acting have to be among the best local theater in the country. Emily, my daughter, proved to me that it's never too late to embrace childhood and experience the thrill of Dorothy's journey to Oz.

High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary

Date: Saturday, December 31, 2010
Time: 1:00 pm
Where: Shelburne, MA
What: Snowshoeing/Hiking Adventure

What started out as a snowshoeing adventure at one of my family's favorite hiking spots, High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary in Shelburne, turned into a winter hike because the snow, unfortunately, wasn't deep enough. Today was balmy (it's all relative!) and sun-filled--a simply splendid afternoon--and perfect for an outdoor activity to ring in the new year. I love how different a familiar place looks in various seasons. We usually venture here in the fall when the trees are full of brightly colored leaves, the streams are churning, and the trails are rocky. This afternoon the vistas were amazing since the trees were bare, the streams were easy to cross (always a plus for me), and the trails were lightly covered in snow. All this created a winter wonderland as we wandered up and down the Dutch and Mary Barnard Trail to reach the Wolves' Den and eventually came to the Ledges, rugged cliffs that offer a magical view of the Deerfield River and the villages of Shelburne and Shelburne Falls. This hike took about two hours and definitely helped us work up an appetite for our New's Year's feast. Thank God for natural beauty and good food!

Hampshire Regional High School

Date: Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Time: 7 pm
Where: Westhampton, MA
What: A Holiday Concert

I have to admit that when the Beginning Band started playing at Hampshire Regional High School's holiday concert, I thought I was in for a long night. But I was wrong. The concert was outstanding in large part due to Dara Adams-Smith, who directs the band, and Rebecca Phelps, who leads the choruses. These two women take seventh graders who are just learning to play and turn them into talented, confident musicians and singers by the time they reach high school. The sexy "Baby It's Cold Outside" was almost too good given the ages of the two couples. "Feliz Navidad" and "Sleigh Bells," performed by the Concert Band, sounded like the Boston Pops were playing--maybe better. The show-stealer "You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch," sung by the Gentlemen of the Chorus, was incredibly well done--these young men reminded me of Amherst College's all-male a cappella group, the Zumbyes. If you want to get in the spirit, I highly recommend adding this concert to your holiday schedule next year. It's worth it. (I was there to see my amazingly talented nephew Kevin, a middle schooler, play the flute with the Concert Band. If he's this good now, he'll be off the charts by the time he's in high school. Thank you, Dara Adams-Smith!)

Chestnut Mountain Tree Farm

Date: Saturday, December 11, 2010
Time: 12:15 pm
Where: Hatfield, MA
What: Annual Christmas Tree Search

I remember when my daughters were young enough to relish the annual search for our Christmas tree. They would run up and down every row and assess each prospect, giggling all the way. They always wanted the biggest one on the lot forgetting--or not caring--that our living room was quite small. Those days are long gone. This tradition is now a parent-only activity that is much less joyous and much more practical. Don't get me wrong; we still have fun. But finding the perfect tree is now a chore rather than a family adventure. Oh, and the girls still have high expectations on what our tree should look like and never fail to give it a thumbs up or down, depending on the year. The critics--my daughters--would have loved the tree farm we were "forced" to visit since the father-and-son team who we usually buy from didn't open their business this year. Change can be a good thing. On a gorgeous track of land in the hills of Hatfield, we found "the" tree. Hopefully, the girls will agree.

One Cottage Street Studios

Date: Saturday, December 4, 2010
Time: 1:45 pm
Where: Easthampton, MA

What: One Cottage Street Open Studios

Take an old factory with lots of character and add dozens of artists with lots of talent and you get the One Cottage Street Open Studios. Every year this annual event gets better and better. The quality of artists and artisans showing off their work is incredible. Three standouts were Janna Ugone, who is internationally known for her ultra-cool lamps; William Hewitt, who builds absolutely gorgeous, whimsical furniture; and Briana Taylor, whose paintings make simple glass containers objects of haunting beauty. During the last decade, Easthampton has become an "art" town, much like Northampton and Shelburne Falls. Though grittier than its sister cities, Easthampton's potential as an artists' mecca is especially promising given its abundance of abandoned factories and growing cultural scene. Easthampton, please do me a favor: Don't become too trendy or too "high rent." That would be a shame.

Hill Institute

Date: Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Time: 9-11:30 am
Where: Florence, MA
What: Vegetarian Cooking Class

You know how every once and awhile you stumble upon something really wonderful? I did this fall. I signed up for the Vegetarian Cooking class at Hill Institute, an incredible community center in Florence, MA. The class is taught by Paul Sustick, the "Paul" of Paul and Elizabeth's restaurant, which is located in Thorne's Market in downtown Northampton. P & E's, as it is commonly known by locals and regulars, is an institution in the Valley. I mean, come on, do you know anyone who lives in or has visited the area who hasn't eaten there? While I love to cook--and eat--I have to admit that before this class I didn't have very good culinary skills. After just 8 weeks, I'm so much better! My knife skills, as well as my creativity and risk-taking in the kitchen, have improved dramatically. Paul brings in cabbages every week (a la "Julie and Julia") so that we can hone our slicing and dicing abilities. Since I'm having so much fun and learning so much, I've already signed up for the spring session, which starts at the end of January. It's the best $50 (for 8 weeks) that I'll ever spend.