- My American roots extend a couple of hundred years back to the midwest – the Ohio Valley to be more specific. My lovely parents, following WWll, made the tremendously brave and adventurous move to Yonkers, New York. I am blessed that their legacy prioritized humility, humor, compassion, sacrifice and education. They also talked a lot about history. One gains a great deal of insight from history.
- We five Cahaney children grew up on eastern Long Island where woods, seashore and farmland are within a few short miles of one another. Climbing trees was a regular pastime as was swimming in the Atlantic’s chilly waters and exploring the landscape. I’d happily walk anywhere in any weather and was drawn to the mystery and power of nature. I will tell you that my favorite arthropod is the Horseshoe Crab!
- My elderly, widowed neighbor, Mrs. Schoonmaker, grew up in Maine. In her clean, spare, white cottage hung an oil portrait of the sea captain from whom she descended. As a young girl, I was happy to spend time with her. We’d walk through her wooded property to gather blueberries as she named the wild plants. A hammock hung between two oak trees. I can still see Mrs. Schoonmaker offering me my first molasses cookie warm from the oven. Magic.
- Try to understand that there were not many females in the 1960s who didn’t want to be Julie Andrews. I was a fan. Television was a family activity. The airwaves brought Westerns, American musicals and funny family sitcoms. Black and white British Golden Age films continue to be a favorite. The music of Motown, the Brits, and American folk rock set the tone for the generation. Dance came easy, so I took all the lessons. Could I be a rockette?
- Mom’s Irish, midwestern cuisine filled the belly. I saw and wanted more. In 5th grade, I quite intentionally finagled a holiday meal invitation to Donna Italiano’s home. My instincts were spot on. To ensure future invites, I confidently got the group's attention to announce “You know, I’m Irish and I’ve never tasted Italian food before.” The outbursts were hilarious. That also was the first time I realized I wasn’t afraid of public speaking.
- What happened in the 1970s, stays in the 1970s. In 1985, I married a good man of Lithuanian extraction who claimed to love me more than anyone had or could. I believed him. He still sleeps next to me. At the time, I didn’t realize I had married a compulsive dabbler. We have a basement full of equipment to prove it. The 80s is when the American culinary movement gained momentum. My interest in and output has really not slowed much. Do you make your own chicken stock?
- Gerry and I also dabbled in parenting. We created two sons, James and Liam. I had hoped Liam would be the next Baryshnikov and James a tycoon of some sort. As fate and Gerry would have it, we were a lacrosse family. Today, my men are outfitted in state-of-the-art fly fishing gear and stand united in rivers working hard to outsmart the trout.
- In this age of cell phones, we all have become photographers. Following years of fun family images, I enthusiastically progressed to flowers, architecture, food, sunsets, landscapes. Love to crop me some photos. I’ve explored oil painting, jewelry making, landscape and vegetable gardening. Have you heard about a “Jack of All Trades?” You can call me “Jackie.”
- For the last eight years, I’ve worked as a member of Siena’s Admissions staff. Lucky me!
I can’t say enough good things about the quality of the people I get to work with from Financial Aid and Marketing! Love ‘em. - Life continues to surprise - who knew? I now have a large Bernadoodle living with me. Dog therapy is a real thing and should be covered by insurance. At the end of the work day, Kodak and I literally shake off any concerns and share an apple. Liam and his new wife, Emilie, are expecting a girl next April. This is my first grandchild. James continues to surprise and delight me. Gerry still sleeps by my side. Special final note - It’s November and I still have lettuce in my garden!
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