Author: Markman

107 Years in Inman Square: A Farewell to S&S

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Cambridge’s S&S Deli is set to close in June, wrapping up a 107-year run in Inman Square, the owner confirmed. The family-run counter at 1334 Cambridge St. has been a neighborhood staple since 1919, feeding students, neighbors and commuters across generations. Growing up I went here a bunch of times with my family and then later a bunch of times with LD, who also visited a bunch of times back in her grad school days. We came to say our last goodbyes and have a good meal.

We actally started out the day getting some plants from the town’s garden club – a yearly tradition that we do. I’m a little excitied about the Lamb’s Ear plant – such a cool little specimen! We also spent time getting LD car some regular maintenance. Everything today kind of took way longer than it should have, but in a round about way worked out perfectly. Strange indeed.

Mowing Around the Magic: A Garden Update

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Did a bunch in the lawn and garden today, including moving a bunch of hostas around. Also decided to mow the lawns before the rain tomorrow because the grass was getting a bit long in areas. Naturally I did not mow over the one spot in the lawn where these wild buttercups planted themselves. I let them bloom and when they’re done then I’ll mow over them. It’s kind of funny because it’a patch right in the the center of the lawn, but I don’t care because I’ve come to like them.

In mowing the lawns today I came across some thoughts and things that we need to get, so a trip to the home improvement store is certainly in the future:

  • Gas for the mower
  • New hose and nozzle
  • Cover for the outdoor heater
  • Possible outdoor rug for the patio area (might look nice)
  • possibly more plants/anything else?

Also, how to you freakin solve level 8 ot Klotski?? I’m pulling my hair out over here!

Art on the Go: The Best Kind of Vending Machine

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Had a dentist appoint at Earth-1 today and when it was done I had about a half hour or so to check out these aer machines over at Bow Markwt that I was curious about because I’d been seeing things about them, mostly the art print one. The photo booth there looks pretty cool but kind of expensive if you ask me. Maybe thst’s what those things go for nowadays, I’m not sure? Anyways it’s basically an old vending machine that the artist put her prints in, little shots around Boston basically. This thing has been making the rounds appearing for a time at Porter Square Bookstore and Cantab Lounge and Brookline Booksmith. I just was curious to see what it was all about. And yes, I did buy a couple of prints.

Plants, Puzzles, and a Farewell to S&S Deli

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Started the afternoon off with a little gardening. Got started with a bunch of plants yesterday to be transferred over to some pots over the next couple of days. I also had to pick up a dead bird that was lying on the patio, which is a sad sight to see but had to be dealt with. I also finally took out the table umberealla and set that up outside. I still need to split a bunch of hostas though.

The S&S Deli in Inman Square is closing after 107 years in business! That’s crazy, we’ve been there a bumch of times and I went there as a kid occasionally as I was growing up. They’re closing sometime in June so we’re going to try to get out there and have one last meal at some point before that happens. That was a good place to hit for us after spending time in Cambroidge or Boston.

This guy helped!

Gametime: Klotski – a sliding tile puzzle game – gets hard around level 8 I’m finding!

Visiting The Hidden Temple of Mystical Realism

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This building draws much attention on the street, with its facade which has been made to be reminiscent of an Incan ruin, with a large stone face above the doorway and colorful bull on the door. The museum is not open to the public, but the artists offer tours by appointment and open their doors for various concerts and the annual Somerville Open Studios. Those lucky few granted access to the space are treated to a one-of-a-kind experience.

Using a style the artists call “Mystical Realism,” the walls and ceilings are covered with fresco-like paintings and mythological themes, creating a stained glass effect. The focal point, the building’s great hall, is filled with fresco-like paintings of Russian mythological and religious icons. Saturated oil colors were used for the tiger and bull totems, birds, druids, and mermaids.

It’s a pretty wild place to visit. Every wall of every room is covered in images like this. Some areas naturally were off limits to the general public but I can imagine them all being so ornately decorated. Once again, you can only visit it during the Open Studios weekend or sometimes they have yoga classes and performances and such in the main room. Pretty cool.

From Mary Jane to ROM: Reflections on a Comic Collection

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One od the things about today was it was Free Comic Book Day and although I haven’t partaken if it in a few years, today I did take a trip to the local comic shop. I used to really be into comics although I stopped collecting just before the pandemic and didn’t take it back up. I believe in my collection I have some good pieces, some worth some substantial money, but how can one part with it? I really do need to inventory them someday and get a feel for the value. I know I definitely have some major Spiderman keys like the first appearances of Mary Jane, Hobgoblin, and Punisher to name a few and those are worth something. Peep the shirt I’m wearing, ROM Spaceknoght, one of my facvorite characters from the 80s. If you know, you know. I do have every issue of that.

Wellesley in Bloom

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A spring fling scene from Wellesley, Mass.

Watched a documentary about the Beanie babies fad from the 90s. Sort of fascinating that this little group of stuffed animals made some folks go wild and had to collect them. I find it so interesting that the secondary market of these things far outpaced the primary market. I think I fell asleep toward the end when the investor bubble burst but I got the gist. It’s a fun watch just to see how the 90s were with the start of the Internet and all.

The story behind the photo: This is a actually just a bench in a grassy area behind the town hall. I got down low and pointed my camera upwards a bit. That’s all!

Gametime: Skillteam. This puzzle game is kind of hard!

Changing Gears: My Mom’s Big Decision

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My mom went ahead and donated her car. She decided a couple of weeks ago that she really didn’t need to drive anymore, plus she can get rides if she ever needs to go anywhere. It will be cheaper too. I am a bit surprised that she gave it up but I suppose there comes a time for everything. Noe we just need to geet LD’s old car out of here! Maybe she’ll end up doing the same thing, using the same charity.

I went ahead and mowed the front lawn late this afternoon. First time pulling the mower out of the shed!

From the Big Screen to Spring Cleaning

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We saw the movie Michael yesterday afternoon with some friends. I have to say that I actually enjoyed the movie. I had read mixed reviews and yes it is Michael positive naturally but I thought it was really well done. No doubt, the music and talent was incredible. We saw it at the AMC in Burlington which was a theatre I had actually never been to. It was pretty nice, way better than the Danvers one, which was the last time we went to a theatre, probably more than a year ago.

I went ahead and finally dismantled an old wooden filing cabinet that we’d been meaning to get rid of for a while. I disassembled it by removing all the screws and then hammering out the parts that were connected by wooden dowels. Progress on the spring cleanups!

Meeting the Princess of the Naked I

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Meeting the Princess!

How did a debutante from Lake Forest, Illinois, end up in Boston’s notorious “Combat Zone” and become its most famous stripper? What led her to convert to Islam and get engaged to Cat Stevens? And how did she end up traveling and performing with Andy Kaufman and hosting a radio show for the sexually bewildered opposite Dr. Ruth? In 1977, an eighteen-year-old Lucy Johnson stripped out of her bellbottoms and Birkenstocks and was crowned the feature attraction at the Naked i Cabaret. Local and national media took note of her toney background and, for the next eleven years, she strutted her way into Beantown history as the “Socialite Stripper.” In Princess Cheyenne, Lucy recounts her wild life both in and out of the Naked i. Smart and uproarious, this is the untold story of a legendary performer whose stage name is synonymous with “The Zone,” Boston’s most mythical district, and a fount of nostalgia and wonder to this day.

Currently Reading: The Monsters We Make: Murder, Obsession, and the Rise of Criminal Profiling

Sips, Sweets, and Seaside Strolls in Kennebunkport

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Day trip to Kennebunkport! Drover around and visited some sights in Dock Square and Cape Porpoise. Ended up grabbing some sandwiches at Cape Porpoise actually, I bought a little bunny keychain for LD that she had her eyes on. I had to get my drink fix on at Mornings in Paris – a nice café we always visit when we’re in the area. Also spent some time along the beach at Goose Rocks and met two cute little French bulldogs named Leo and Gus. It was just a nice afternoon to stroll around and check out some things. Also visited Stonewall Kitchen and Yummies for our candy fixes. Some places we thought about going to but will have to wait for another time are St. Ann’s Church and On the Maine in Ogunquit.

Doing a quick look at the gardens here I can see that the Clematis, Phlox, Tulips, Hyacinth and Vinca are all starting to bloom. Well, not the clematis but it is starting to climb it’s vine tendrils on things. I do need to cut down some things and we need to purchase some more plants, maybe sometime over the next few days. getting to be that time of year again! Also the grass is starting to grow like nuts! The witch hazel is also starting to finally bud which is good because it was a bit iffy there for a while. I guess I might have somewhat of a green thumb after all!

Life Lately: Plushies, Princesses, and Popcorn

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Gametime: Arby and Friends. I ten to like games that make me think and this one does that.

Tough to update over the last few days – between travelling and whatnot but here’s some other tidbits for the week ahead. I did get to install a bunch of things but also locked us all in a room that we needed rescuing from but that’s a story for another day, needless to say I did learn a few things!

I noticed this super cute plush octopus at the supermarket today so I bought it with the intention of gifting it to one of LD’s massage therapists who is expecting and we have a kind of joke thing going on regarding octopi. It’s so cute though that I might keep it for myself! No, not really.

Doing a day trip tomorrow and hope to maybe get some scenic pictures along with just walking around to enjoy the day. Can you guess where it might be? It’s a place we’ve visited many time before, but usually in the winter.

Might get a book signed by the “princess” this weekend since she’ll be in the area. If you look through my past good reads you might find out who I’m talking about. More like just out of curiosity.

One of our couple friends wants to go see the movie Michael this weekend, so we’re game. I’m not all that into it but what the hell. Will I be able to learn the moonwalk in time to show it off to them? Time will tell!

Paddle Power: Boston’s Favorite Way to Spin Your Wheels

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2026 marks the 149th season for the Swan Boats. The oldest and smallest boat in the fleet just celebrated its 116th season, while the newest was launched in 1993. The swan on today’s boats is made from either copper or fiberglass, depending on the age of the boat, and encloses a paddle mechanism that is used to foot propel the boat through the water.

Fully loaded, each Swan Boat weighs three tons and is powered by the driver using a foot-propelled paddle wheel. The Swan Boats are built on oak framed pontoons sheathed in copper just as they were initially constructed in 1877. After being stored in a safe place for the winter, the boats are returned to the Public Garden Lagoon each spring.

Five Steps at a Time: A Day Spent with Lenny

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We found out we can visit and interact with Capybaras again so naturally we immediately signed up. I was very excited! Heading down there the middle of next month for that!

In the early afternoon I went to Home Depot because I want to do some spring cleanup and maintenance around the house. New plastic gutter diverters, lawn bags for some leaves, zip ties to help tie the winter deer legs together (the parents appendages didn’t fare too well this winter – only the baby, as the parentified child, withstood the chaos!). I also want to do some pruning and removing of some unwanted plants.

In the late afternoon I decided to go with LD for her acupuncture appointment, Usually when I go I hang around the park and grab a slice of pizza or something and I wanted to spend some time outside because it was nice out. When we got there we learned that Lenny was visiting! Lenny is an 8 year old bulldog who has a bunch of age related problems but is such a sweetheart. He can’t see or hear well and his shoulder is probably arthritic but he is a joy to be around. Anyways they asked if I’d walk him and I gladly accepted. Lenny is basically just food motivated so to walk him he goes 5 steps then stops, needs a treat, then another five steps, another treat, ad infinitum. I was able to lead him with treats to get him to move. What would take a dog 2 minutes to walk a block takes ten with Len. But that’s ok, he’s my buddy. He is the first dog I really ever got to interact with and made me be more acceptable of dogs having been sort of scared of them most of my young life.

A Love I Once Only Imagined

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Thank you for giving me the love I never thought I deserved, but that I now can’t imagine living without. You’ve shown me what real love looks like—steady, kind, patient, and full of understanding (thanks for putting up with me!) With you, I’ve learned that home isn’t a place, it’s a feeling, and that feeling lives in *every* moment we share together. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me, and I’m so grateful for every day we’ve spent building our lives together. (And with Carson! 🐾)

Every love story is special, unique, and beautiful—but ours is my favorite because it’s ours. It’s full of laughter, challenges we’ve overcome, and countless memories that remind me how lucky I am to love you and be loved by you. You gave me a life! On our anniversary, I just want you to know that I still choose you, now and always. Happy Anniversary to us, Ladydoc!

Ended up finally watching Will and Harper. What an interesting story!. And mad props to Will for doing it.

Nirvana and Goats Perfect Combo

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Started off the morning with a trip to Nirvana Tea House for some Belgium Waffles and delicious drinks. It’s owned by the folks who run the Unity Sanctuary now. Also as an aside, the carrot cake cupcakes are amazing. Not sure if that was only for Easter but hopefully not because they were so good,

Then it was a quick break before we were off to our next destination, baby goat snuggles!

And then finally off to an early dinner at the Noon Hill Grill, a restaurant that was on our way back. Haven’t been there in a while but it always was good and this time was no exception. Then we came home and vegged and watched our television shows. The day was a wonderful way to celebrate our anniversary.

Upgrading the site to a newer version PHP tonight. Wish me luck!

Baby Bunny Born in a Flowerpot

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It’s baby bunny season!

This little guy was born in a flowerpot on our back deck. This one was the last one to leave after its siblings took off – there’s always one that stays behind just a bit longer than the rest. Hoping to get maybe some more babies in the coming weeks, you never know! Also we picked up our finished glass creations from last week. They actually came out better than I expected!

Sometimes We All Need a Little Hideaway

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This photo above is from a spot down in Orleans on the Cape that when I get the chance I like to escape from for a while. There’s a bunch of staircases like this one along Little Pleasant Bay.

Last night while watching the premiere of Real Housewives of Rhode Island (the jury is still out on to whether we’ll keep watching it) we noticed Carson going nutty in the sun room. At first we thought he fell but when I went out there I could see what he was watching on the deck. At first I thought it was another cat because when he sees on of these he gets a little ornery but when my eyes adjusted better to the darkness and I saw it’s face it was unmistakable. It was a big ass racoon!

Make Ripples

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We don’t live to see all the ripples we make, but we must make them all the same.

I put on the plastic cover for the mirror this morning as it arrived last night. Seems to be ok now, little tricky getting it to snap in. Last night we watched an older movie called Bernie starring Jack Black. I had learned of it by watching a rerun of 48 Hours of all things. Basically it details the 1996 murder of 81-year-old widow Marjorie Nugent by Bernie Tiede, a popular assistant funeral director in Carthage, Texas, who shot her four times in the back and kept her in a freezer. The movie was a little weird but I was curious to watch it. It also stars Matthew McConaughey and Shirley McClain, If you have an hour and a half to kill it’s something to see.

As for Scarpetta, I thought it was pretty good. I thought the ending sucked though, maybe that’s why it gets middling grades. I also could have done without the space and Thor labs crap.

The Missing Mirror Cover Mystery

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I noticed this morning after parking that the top cover to the rear view outside mirror of my car was totally gone, exposing the innards. Like, WTF? I checked it out and it doesn’t look broken or anything – where the heck did the assembly go? I don’t recall it breaking off or anything, although that must have been what happened? The actual mirror and assembly itself look and work fine, it’s just missing the plastic cover. Again, WTF?

Anyways I looked around on Amazon and ordered the part, should be here sometime tomorrow, and then I guess I’ll just snap it on. If it’s not one thing, it’s another but I never expected this.

Palms in the Palm of my Hand

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John 12:14-15: Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: ‘Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.’

Happy Palm Sunday Everyone!

Dropped off some donations, picked up some groceries, put together a new wire rack for the basement, and picked up our palms earlier today.

Currently Watching: Scarpetta on Amazon. Gets middling reviews but LD read most of the books and really likes it. It’s not at all.

Mr. History Post #16: EaRhart in Medford

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Mr. History Post 16: Social Work Pioneer! Before gaining fame as a pilot for being the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, Amelia Earhart worked as a social worker at a settlement house in Boston. She educated adults and young girls, organized women’s clubs, and coached girls’ sports. Amelia Earhart advocated for gender equality before becoming a trailblazer as a woman in a male-dominated field, insisting on fair treatment for female pilots.

(Con) Fused Glass / Goodbye Suns

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We tried out our hands at working with glass last night. Originally we thought it was the blown glass class (which the place also does) but it ended up being the fused glass class. Still cool, but I did think we’d be turning our glass creations in the oven on a pole and all that. At first I was a little disappointed but I got over it pretty quick. Fused glass is basically you come up with a design and then cut and create your piece and stick it to the glass which then gets baked in the oven basically to set. I had a hard time coming up with a good concept for mine. I didn’t have much time to prepare and also this isn’t the easiest thing in the world to do, you seem to need a lot of patience. I need to work on myself more in that department! We’ll pick up out finished products next Saturday. It was cool that another of our couple friends was able to join us, they’re always fun! Afterwards we went out to dinner in town. The place is pretty cool though, I’d do it again – maybe next time the blown glass class! LOL!

That’s where I learn the Connecticut Sun were sold to a family in Houston Texas so after this upcoming season, they’ll be moving down there. Really stupid of the league to move them to a place where it failed before and there’s such a rabid fan base here already. We’ve seen it firsthand! Heartbreaking for Connecticut and all New England women’s sports fans. We could’ve had them at the Garden.(they always sell out there!)