You Must Remember This

If you're looking for something to while away some time this fine spring weekend, I can't recommend anything more highly than spending time with the eminent British novelist Charmian Colston, her trying sister-in-law Dame Lettie, her faithful retainer Taylor, and even her rather odious "carer," the very uncaring Mrs. Pettigrew.

He is Risible, Indeed

Just in case your Easter isn't shaping up to be oleaginous enough, darlings, herewith a treasurable moment in vintage television.

Friday Frolic, Poolside Edition

Even in these trying times, can it be anything other than a good thing to head into the weekend with a little eye candy?

A Quicker Picker-Upper

When you've been feeling gloomy - crummy, even - sometimes all you need is a little shot of pure adrenaline. Enter Miss Ann Miller, stage right.

Look, Ma - I'm an Artist!

Except I don't think I'm, as the saying goes, an Early Adopter when it comes to feeling crummy. Increasingly, in fact, I think we live in a pretty crummy era.

Beware the Ides

In brighter news than the below, today is Marjorie Merriweather Post's birthday; 

here's the foyer of her modest little home, Hillwood, on my last visit. You know 

it's kind of an iffy day when thinking about Marie Antoinette cheers you up...

This is a peculiar time in Our Nation's Capital, unsettled and tetchy. The weather, after a long stretch of late June last week, turned dank and lowsome, and the trains, as you might have read, have been misbehaving. And, as you may also have noted, the politics aren't helping.

Strictly Grade B

Yup, she's dead. I've been wracking my brains trying to remember something I'd read about the woman that resonated, that really explained the truth about her particular kind of pinchbeck allure. I'm ashamed to admit that it took until this afternoon to remember that it was, predictably enough, from the writings of the marvelous Mr. Leo Lerman.

Birthday Girl: Shine On

The planet spins, and the world goes 'round - and suddenly, Miss Minnelli is 70. Happy birthday, Liza May.

Trip Report: Old Familiar Faces

We're home. The dogs, relieved and more than a little vengeful, have been fetched from their pricey hostelry, I've been back to the office, and today I'm taking advantage of a post-flight sore throat to stay home and try to get rested and organized.*

Evening in One City, Morning in Another

On our last evening in Cairo, we went downtown.

I Go Out Walking

The City Victorious continues to surprise. One joy of this trip is that, for the first time - since the Mister is busy off with matters familial - I'm having time to explore our neighborhood.

Café au Nil

Well, we made it here in one piece, and with the jetlag wearing off, I'm almost starting to feel human again.

And Away We Go...

Yup. Having gotten the thumbs-up from the Dishy Cardiologist, we're taking to the air (but not, alas, with the late lamented TWA) and on our way to Cairo. Wish us luck.

What's My Wednesdays: Random Thoughts

If his memoirs are to be believed, Bennett Cerf (second from right, as if Café regulars didn't know that) had a marvelous life.

As is Our Tradition...

It's our pleasure to wish you the very happiest of Karen Valentine's Days, with all good wishes from Mr. Muscato, Koko, Boudi, and me.

Something Inside of Me

There's never really a bad time to listen to a little more Judy Garland, is there, and certainly a song like "Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart" is both seasonal and timeless.

Baubles, Bangles...

...and Swede.

For no good reason, other than that it's February-cold, midwinter-damp, and just generally a tad dreary, this seems like the kind of week that might require a Garbo moment. And so let's have one.

They Wore Blue Velvet...

Because what says "glad tidings" more than home-tailored crushed velvet?

So This Happened

One year ago today, this, O Best Beloveds, was my view.  It had not been a good day, and there was worse to come. But, as dear Mr. Savage has so eloquently and consistently reminded us: it gets better.

All Things Beautiful

Even in the midst of the clamorous, ridiculous, so often tedious parade that is Facebook, sometimes something stops you in your tracks. This went past a few days ago, and I've just spent a considerable amount of time tracking it down so that, in case you missed it, you too can spend a little time in a glamor-induced trance.