In May 2012, my husband, Bob, and I toured New England, Boston, New York City, and Washington, DC, as an anniversary treat. We stopped in Kennebunkport Maine for a night or two, and I joked with Bob that I hoped I'd get a chance to say hi to Barbara Bush I called her Babs at the local grocery store. Little did I know that I'd see her and her husband while we ate dinner at the recommended Italian spot, Grissini's, that night. The couple sitting at the table to our left asked for a photo with them as the Bushes were leaving the restaurant, and we asked for a photo as well. Both the president and Barbara Bush were very gracious. When we said it was our anniversary, Barbara asked how many years, that triggered a little discussion about marriage longevity these days. That year we were celebrating forty-two years. We got one of the servers to take our picture in fact, she took two shots. And during both, the former president rubbed my buttocks with the palm of his right … [Read more...]
Madeleine Albright’s brooch collection
I was enthralled at an exhibit of Madeleine Albright's brooch collection at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California. Even though I had to wait in line for twenty minutes to get in the door and even though people were pushing against each other as they viewed the over 200 pins in the show, it was well worth it. If you live in the Los Angeles area, go on over. The show ends on January 13. Albright wielded her pins with expertise. People got what message she wanted to convey by the pins perched on her lapel or shoulder. Her book, Read My Pins, also has wonderful photographs of her collection and the history behind most of pins in it. I bought a copy. It's a great coffee table book. Here's what the Amazon book description says: Before long, and without intending it, I found that jewelry had become part of my personal diplomatic arsenal. Former president George H. W. Bush had been known for saying "Read my lips." I began urging colleagues and reporters to "Read my pins." … [Read more...]