KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH IRENE

I'm sorry to tell you this but you won't see my column in Newsday after Dec. 28. I want you to know it's not my decision -- Newsday is cancelling my contract. There's a possibility I might return in the spring. I hope so. But that will be somebody else's decision not mine. 

But as far as you and I are concerned, this doesn't have to mean goodbye. I'll be revamping my blog and revving up my online presence. Click here to visit my website and get on my mailing list for updates about Web-special columns, calendars and much more. 

For Newsday Subscribers

Come by and say hello.

I'll be speaking at Newsday in Melville on Wednesday, May 9, at 7 p.m.

My talk is called "Life Lessons from the Garden," but what's in a title? I suspect it will be fairly free-ranging and you can ask me all the questions you want.

Visit newsdayinsider.com for free tickets.