Good Morning Friends,

We find ourselves still a bit restless and full of static, looking for somewhere to put all this energy. We've been clumsily seeking a way to do some good, to feel like change is still possible.

Inspiration came, as it so often does, through an old friend. My friend Tara, a small business owner (clean beauty studio Tada) and undeniable force of nature, does a yearly collection for the brave women of Rosie's place, the first women's only shelter in Boston. Rosie's place opened its doors 50 years ago. It strives to help 12,000 women a year with job search, meals, shelter, and both physical and mental support. Tara has been working to support them for years.

I'll keep this brief (unlikely). There are a lot of folks out there, maybe you're one, who are desperately tired, sad and overwhelmed in this moment. At Family Dinner we have a company full of bright, loving wonderful people who are reasonably frightened and bubbling with worry. Queer and trans folks, women, folks of color and people who generally give a damn about the fate of the world. Again, maybe that sleepy worried soul is you.

Good Chilly October Morning friends!

This week the Topsfield fair kicks off to the delight of thousands of fairgoers and the general grumblings of grumpy locals such as yours truly. If giant pumpkins, fried butter on a stick and twirling rides that will push the limits of your intestinal fortitude aren't your thing, may I suggest some farm events?

Our friends at Iron Ox Farm in Hamilton, MA are hosting a pop up market; pottery, plants, pizza and snacks on the front lawn of their beautiful farm.

Next weekend Brookford Farm is hosting their Pumpkins and Puppets event. Pack the kids into your sensible Subaru and head north for some wholesome farm fun.

Good morning,

It's pizza week here at Family Dinner which has a singing the ole Dean Martin chestnut "That's Amore" (yes, we are very, very old). I feel like everyone knows the first line, "When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that's amorrrreeee".

But the latter verse, which is just as bizarrely iconic, is lesser known:

"When the stars make you drool
Just like a pasta e fasule, that's amore"