Donald Hall Birthday Celebration




I was honored to speak about the history of Hamden when former U.S. Poet Laureate Donald Hall returned to his hometown for his 83rd birthday. I wrote about his life here in my book, Hamden: Tales from the Sleeping Giant. Sharing the event with the mayor Scott Jackson and Connecticut Poet Laureate Dick Allen was the icing on the cake.

Poetry Reading at the Dickerman House


This photo of my wife, poet Amy Nawrocki, reading at the historic Jonathan Dickerman House in Hamden, looks a little bit like a sorceress incanting a spell. That could not be more appropriate. Poetry is magic, only, those who do not fall under its spell are cursed.

At the Newtown Library





It was our pleasure to give a presentation at the Newtown Public Library last week. A large group showed up, and we tasted wines from the area and discussed the benefits of buying and drinking locally.

Cats Who Love Books



My cat, Maple, absolutely loves used books, specifically the smell of used books. As you can see, she lies down on them, rubs herself on them, and tries to read them. Just like her dad. I wonder how many other book cats are out there? Or if my genetics just predispose her to it?

Saltwater Farm Vineyard



If you can get the 2007 or 2008 Merlot from Saltwater Farm Vineyard, do it. Get a case. It was the best Merlot ever harvested in Connecticut, and it is gone. They are planting great new grapes there, and I'm excited to see how they taste. But the merlot was genius, and it's ready to drink right now. Get some.

At R.J. Julia Bookstore







This was a real honor, getting to read and speak at R.J. Julia's. Every author and celebrity who comes to Connecticut with a book comes here.

Incidentally, we met Jacques Pepin while we were there and he wished us good luck. His picture is above, along with just a few of the others who have been here. I think they're going to run out of wall space soon...

East Coast Wineries

"It's a great book. If you like wine and live or are visiting New England, you should buy a bottle of Connecticut wine and read this book, either in a Adaronack chair by Long Island Sound or the Atlantic Ocean, or on the porch of some lovely back country summer home or inn. A fun, wonderful read!" - says Carlo Devito, author of East Coast Wineries: A Complete Guide from Maine to Virginia in his post over on his excellent blog. Thanks Carlo! We appreciate it.