Rather uneventful day, catching up on some shows and watching Red Sparrow starring Jennifer Lawrence on HBO (she was good in it but the movie itself was blah). Doing some reading of The Power Broker and playing with Carson.
Red Sparrow
Category: Everyday Life
Sunday 1/19/20
Started the day by cleaning up the snow that fell last night. It was the kind of snow that’s easy to deal with so I was done fairly quickly, cleaning up the driveway and walkways. Nice that the sun was out today and melted a bunch of it as well. Well, actually that’s not true, before shoveling I finished some books I had been reading, I also got a massage yesterday so I was ready to go. Feeling the sun out there today does make me wish Spring was here already, I want get started on my plantings. It’ll be here before I know it, but I want it to come now!
I was able to (finally!) finish all 7 seven levels of Full Circle as well as this game, Escape the Void, which is similar. I’ll keep at these things until I beat them – it’s kind of obsession with me.
I ended up going to the grocery store this afternoon to get some needed things. Isn’t that so exciting to read about? So what did we do with the groceries I got? We made Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie (can someone invent skinless potatoes already? Peeling them is annoying). I enjoy doing the prep work though, cutting the carrots and mincing the garlic, etc. etc. Also helped assist with a tofu dish for LD. Spent the later evening watching a thing on Aaron Hernandez and the SAG awards show, which I found kind of boring but LD didn’t want to watch the remake of Hellboy. Can’t imagine why!
Braving the Cold
I went and got a much needed haircut early this morning. I find early Friday mornings are the best time to go to this particular barbershop because it isn’t too busy and I can get in and out really quick. Also, I’ve noticed that barbershops (or most of them) are all pretty hip these days with young men doing the work. Not the barbershop scene I remember growing up as a kid.
Carson meanwhile continues to amaze. He really likes this fake mouse at the end of a string toy, so we play a lot with him using it as it seems to be his favorite. He’s like a dog. He actually will play fetch with it. Apparently this morning while I was the barbershop he took the mouse, carried it all the way up the stairs into the bedroom, and dropped in in the bed next to LD! What a character this cat is!
Work is work. Trying to find pieces here and there. What’s really annoying is that we noticed a job posting in the company looking for the work that I am totally qualified and AM doing! But for some wacko reason I can’t work with them unless I switch into their group (but they’d essentially have to ‘hire’ me even though I already work at the company – actually it makes no sense). We’ll see if they want to pop on me, although it’s dumb to me that the resources are already there but do to most likely financial setups we can’t just work together. The fact that I haven’t heard anything from them doesn’t make me feel confident but I’ll give it some time and see.
This afternoon I decided to brave the cold and check out the big Tut statue down at Boston city hall, since it’s only there for a few more days and I’m not sure I’d get another opportunity to see this thing. Like I said before, I have a thing for ancient Egyptian stuff.
Ended up going to a restaurant for an early dinner, Venezia’s down by the Boston/Quincy waterfront. Hadn’t done that in quite some time, it was nice.
Also as for gametime these days:
Goat in the Cave – help the goat survive and get out. I was able to complete all the levels.
As for Tasty Jewel looks like Level 92 is far as I’m going to get. I think I’ve annoyed LD playing this game long enough now.
Full Circle is a good puzzle game, but alas, I cannot for the life of me seem to be able to solve level 6. There are 7 levels total. When I get trapped like this it makes me nuts! I must solve the puzzle! But how?
King Tut’s Coming
I definitely want to check this out when it comes through in June.
Why There’s a Giant Egyptian Statue on City Hall Plaza
I also want to see that huge statue soon before it disappears if possible.
The last time I saw some Tut stuff was in NYC years back.
Goat Whisperer
Sanctuary visit with goats! Eustice is a lovable black and white goat. When he was very young, he loved to jump on things and that included the horse at his former home. He was severely disciplined by his caretaker. Fearful for him, the wife smuggled Eustice out and gave him to the sanctuary. Free from restrictions, Eustice could be found on top of the barn, sheds and anything else he could find. Apache being only a few months old, was found wandering on Route 140 in Norton. She was brought to Sanctaury and although she was initially very shy around people, she adapted to her new home. She is now quite friendly. These two goats love to be brushed!
Mail It In
I was able to install the new mailbox this morning, although I did have to improvise a little bit to match up what was done previously (not really by the book). It’ll work.
I allowed Carson into the sun room today – I think he’s going to like being out there. He’s still a little apprehensive, but all signs point to a future where he will enjoy being out there.
Other than that, it’s been reading, playing video games, and chilling out for a Saturday at home.
“Ula” Momento
Visited a Little Library down in JP while doing an appointment and happened to pick up some new books for my reading agenda. Not sure how engaged I will be or if I like them or not but I’m giving them a chance:
- Einstein’s Relativity and the Quantum Revolution: Modern Physics for Non-Scientists by Prof. Richard Wolfson (Cosmic!)
- Misogynies by Joan Smith (review)
- Talking as Fast as I can by Lauren Graham (my celebrity crush!)
Meanwhile I’m still getting through The Power Broker. Funny how times change – back then, expressways and thruways were all the rage whereas now they are seem as a detriment. It all depends on the time you live in I suppose. Values change.
Also had breakfast at a place called Ula which was pretty good and a hip sort of a place.
Gametime! Currently playing Tasty Jewel. It’s one of those match-3 type games but gets really interesting in the later levels.
I bought a new mailbox to replace the one out front. The door has rusted off it’s hinges and although I could repair it I think it’ll be nice to have a new one. I plan on installing it tomorrow.
No Name No More
I was somewhat saddened to hear that the No Name Restaurant in Boston had closed down after being in business for over 100 years. I had been there a couple of times over the years, but truth be told, I always did find it really hard to get to. Once you got to the area, it literally was on a working pier in the Seaport. They actually did get their seafood directly from down the pier, only a few feet from the place.
I do have one story from there though. I remember going there, don’t remember with who – probably my family, and we were seated next to this woman who had a doll with her which she placed in her own chair at the table and would order for the doll. I think she was a regular and would always order for the doll, even though the doll never took a bite of any of its food. One time the lady’s (what I assume was her) boyfriend arrived and he went along with it all. Strange thing was they arrived separately and left separately too. I always wondered if she lost a child before and used the doll as a replacement. Anyways, that’s my No Name story.
Carson’s Curiosities
This cat has some interesting behavoirs we are finding out! He really is quite a character:
- I mentioned before his using his paw to lap up some water before sticking his face in the bowl. He’ll scoop up like 5 or six pawfuls and lick it off his paw before deciding the lap it up regularly.
- The minute you show him the brush, no matter what he’s doing or timid he might be, he immediately runs up to it, gets into a flop, and stretches himself out so you can brush him head to toe. Actually, it’s good that he likes this because it allows one to instantly connect with him. It allowed him to get adjusted to us rather quickly I think.
- He doesn’t like to eat with his back toward anyone, so at times he will contort his body in strange ways while he’s eating to not be in that position. He also has some other crazy contortions he makes while on the cat tree and even just sitting on the floor.
- He really likes string toys. He chews on them like eating pasta. We got this string toy with a mouse on the end that he absolutely loves. He’ll take it in his mouth and then drag the toy away with him to secluded places. So we let him do that, then we grab it again, plays, and again, in the mouth and drags it away!
- He hasn’t quite got the hang of visiting us in the bed to say goodnight yet. He’s done it a few times but not as often as we would like – at least not as of yet. We’re hoping that will change. I did notice this morning he likes to sit on the stairs leading up to the bedroom.
- He actually likes the cat ‘health’ food. Which is amazing, because every cat I’ve ever had couldn’t stand the stuff, though to be honest, they didn’t try it until they were much older and set in their ways.
- When a guest comes over he tends to hide, but what I like is he can be coaxed out of hiding with possibly a string toy, but especially with the brush. Thank the gods the shelter let us have his – it’s almost like he’d addicted to it!
Are there any strange behaviors you’ve noticed your pet doing? Do they endear you as ours does? If so, share them in the comments!
Looking Ahead
2019 wasn’t the worst year ever, but certainly wasn’t the best for me either. I think 2020 is probably going to be a bit of a test as well, especially at the beginning, but hopefully over time things will improve.
Anyways let’s look at the bright spots. Here are some of the highlights that I can remember from 2019, in no particular order:
Losing Oreo but gaining Carson.
Visiting Blue in Newburyport in a snowstorm.
Seeing Damone perform live again. Kris Kristofferson too with/for my mom.
Baby Robins! It was a thrill every day to see how they would progress, from eggs, too little alien looking things, to growing feather, and finally saying goodbye. Their mother was amazing in her care of them.
Scoring free tickets to see Jack Nicholson in the Shining at the Somerville Theatre.
Mother’s Day Cruise aboard the Beauport Liner in Gloucester.
Remodeling the bedroom, scoring a free bike on one of the Buy Nothing Facebook groups.
Large Condo apartments being built on either side of Earth-1 property, squeezing a rose between two thorns. Ridiculous!
Michelle coming to visit and doing Alpaca Yoga with her.
Gardening game going strong, and growing “Sean”, our first pumpkin.
Going away to the Cape for a week, getting some good photos, but having to be in a different unit than usual next to the “murderers.” Not really – they were just really quiet and not sure where the rest of their party disappeared to.
Having a short stay on the Jersey shore, in an historic BnB but narrowly avoiding what could have been a massive storm!
Trying another bout of baby goat yoga at a place in Georgetown. Will definitely visit again but also will probably hit our go to place in NH as it seems their babies are really small and cute.
Waquesset Inn overnight stay.
New website design after the old system could no longer be supported.
Boston views as always:
Finally some books I read thus far in 2019:
MOS
Spent yesterday at the Museum of Science in Boston. It’s a lot more interactive than I remember it being – I guess they redid a lot of it over. I was pretty impressed actually. Lots of stuff to do there. We took in a 4D movie as well. I didn’t really know what that meant. You wear the glasses so the screen is 3D but then there are environmental effects as well. When a snake goes by on screen you can feel something slithering along your legs, when a blast of wind comes through, you can feel that to, your seat shakes and vibrates with loud noises, and you even get wet with a mist of water during rain and rapid flowing water shots. Something different for sure!
Also played a lot of Air Hockey this weekend, saw some animals at the Sanctuary, watched Home Alone and ate a ginormous pizza. I think all had a good time! I also joined a new group of fellow jukebox owners. Pretty friendly community of folks to chat with!
UnCut Gems
Spent the afternoon down in Dartmouth with friends and then decided to see the new movie “Uncut Gems” with Adam Sandler. Not quite the movie I was expecting – pretty tense – and not the ending I expected either. Was it good? Yeah, I’d say it was good but not one of my all time favorites.
Been setting up my new Fitbit watch. Pretty cool. My version of Android is too old (I really need to get the S10 in the spring/summer, but for now I can use the iPad to set things up. Overall, I’m really digging the smartwatch features.
Got some very special guests coming for the weekend, so updates might be light until I can back to the computer.
Christmas Eve Eve
I read this interesting article in the paper yesterday that a bunch of states were re-instituting the teaching of writing cursive. I mostly always wrote out everything in printed letters and still do so a while back I retaught myself cursive because I had found that I had actually forgotten how to form some of the letters like capital Q. The article said kids these days can’t even sign their signature, bad as I was I never forgot how to do that.
My sister is coming over for an overnight! So planning on having some nice meals and chat and games and downtime. Think it might be fun.
Sunday Status
Transplanted my little ‘Ellwoodii’ European Tree into a bigger pot. It’s amazing how fast it dries out so I have to keep making sure the soil is moist. Also just bought an amaryllis that is almost ready to bloom. I also checked up on the bird feeder out back and noticed the usual collection of cardinals, blue jays, wrens, sparrows, woodpeckers, chickadees, finches and juncos all grabbing a snack or two.
Looked over a few little libraries in the afternoon in Waltham, since we happened to be in the area doing other stuff. Picked up a book called Status Update from inside one of them. Might be a good read although probably a little dated by this point. Also cooked up some homemade chicken soup and chili using the Instant Pot. That thing really is a wonder.
In the downtime I ended up binge watching the last few episodes of Watchmen and I’ve since changed my mind on it – it was pretty mind blowing.
On the Mend
I started the week feeling a little under the weather, so that’s why it’s been a little quiet around here. I am starting to feel better though so I’ll start updating again. Carson is adjusting quite well, he is really such a love and cute. The little guy has quite a personality. He loves the brush and to be groomed so if he runs away you just show him the brush and he runs right back to you. He can also be coaxed out of hiding by luring him out with his toys. I’ve noticed he also has this thing where when he wants a drink of water he scoops out 4 or 5 pawfuls and drinks it out of his paw before placing his face in the bowl. Never saw anything like that before! Now I just need to get over this cold and I’ll be golden!
Carson First Look
Well, here he is. The newest member of the family. He was apparently already done with the room he was in and wanted to explore the rest of the house already, at least he did at 3 am last night by keeping up us banging on the door. So this morning I let him out and he’s slowly checking things out but overall I think he’s adjusting pretty quickly!
Carson Comes Home
Today was the day that we were to meet Carson, the cat that had been living in a shelter in Millis for two months. I don’t know what is was about him when we saw his picture on the website but his big round eyes, dashing grey coat with white paws, and heart-shaped nose cuteness just spoke to us like he could be the one. Around noontime was the appointment and we arrived a little early. When we were finally introduced he looked a little scared at first, but not too bad. He allowed us to brush and pet him and play with him and it was almost like an instant connection. Yes, he is a bit shy and skittish at first, because it’s all new to him, but I could tell he will adjust really fast. I could tell he would be a gentle and friendly cat. Plus, he apparently loves face-scratches which is something LD had become an expert at with Oreo, so right there is a connection that could work for us. He’s shy (but I found not overly so) and he didn’t hiss or scratch, he seemed like a real catch. I knew we could love this cat and that he also has the capability to return the favor.
It was pretty much a done deal after spending some time with the little guy. Carson was getting an all expenses paid trip to his new forever home. After all the paperwork was signed, he got placed in the carrier and I let him say goodbye to his other cat friends at the shelter, who in their own way, probably felt bittersweet. Sad that he was leaving them, but happy that he could find a loving home to be in. I’m sure the volunteers who help out at the shelter felt the same way. Also, I have to say this shelter was amazing so I’m giving a plug to Purr-fect Cat Shelter. They are really a wonderful folks doing good work there so if you’re looking for cat, check them out.
So with that, I’m happy to say that Carson is now a member of the family! I’ll get some nice pictures of him up after he gets a little more adjusted to his new home, that grey and white handsome bundle of joy. Interestingly I had found a Xmas tree ornament while shopping at Target last night with his exact name on it. What are the odds of that? I don’t think that’s an everyday name but it does seem to suit him, so we’ll be keeping that. Naturally we ended up buying it, so I guess it was fate that he would be coming home with us today. The shelter folks told us to keep him in a room for the time being to adjust to his new surroundings and slowly let him acclimate to the rest of the house over time, so for the time being he’s hanging upstairs in the home office room. So far, I think he seems to be adjusting quite well – it being fairly quiet here and no other cat shenanigans to worry about.
Welcome home, Carson!
Anticipation
After going to some doctor appointment visits, I went ahead over to the pet store to get some new gravel, some treats, a blanket, and some pet-safe ice melt in preparation for any newcomers to the family that might hopefully find a new home here tomorrow! I had forgotten how heavy those 40 pound gravel containers can be – it’s been a while since I had to lug those around, but to be honest, I do feel it’s time to welcome a new pet into our lives. I also brought up some stuff from storage that will be getting re-used.
In my spare time I’ve been playing Ninja Rian, which has me pulling my hair out every time I perish, but it is a fun platformer. As for TV shows I had been watching, I caught the 5-episode Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover on CW, which deals with all their DC superheroes and merging all the different universes into one. If you’re familiar with the comic from the 1980s you’ll understand, (hmmm I actually have all those original issues in storage – wonder if they have any good value? At least a few hundred dollars at this point) and I’m liking it so far – part 2 being the best of the first three to me. That was also the inspiration for me way back to designate my two main places of habitation as Earth-1 and Earth-2! 🙂
I had to order some Panasonic rechargeable batteries for my home phone back at Earth-1. I had forgot that you can’t just swap in regular AAAs into the phone as it requires these kinds of batteries. I do have to say, the ones I have in there lasted a hell of a long time. Meanwhile, over at Earth-2 I had noticed one of the lighted reindeers out front wasn’t turning his head anymore. I went out there and investigated. Somehow the connection rod from the motor to the link on the neck had gotten free. Just putting it back together was all it took to make it work again. I went ahead and pulled to trigger on those Mathis tickets for my mom – early xmas gift – 5th row!
Xmas Wish List
It’s officially 2 weeks away from Christmas! People ask me, “What do you want for Christmas?” and I have no ideas. Truth is I don’t really want or need anything, maybe some books on my Goodreads “to-read” list and maybe a Fitbit Versa 2 and a sweater or two, but honesty not really much if anything (!!) When I was a kid, I would like to receive presents but nowadays I get more joy from getting other folks things. I have stuff for LD all lined up (although I always want to get more – especially stocking stuffers) and I think I might get tickets to Johnny Mathis for my Mom (he’s coming to Medford in May – also Damone is doing another show in May, might get those for myself).
Four Seasons
In the late afternoon, I walked down and grabbed the commuter rail train down to South Station to meet up with LD and attend the holiday party that her workplace was having at the Four Seasons. I had a good time, I’m glad that I was able to go, and I met some nice people that LD works with. Interestingly, we found the food wasn’t all that spectacular – previous years when it was held a the Intercontinental, we thought it was better. Also it was kinda a strange setup spread throughout multiple rooms but it was a lot of people in attendance. I got to hold a tiny bunny all swaddled up too. I may update this entry with more observations later so check back if you want to.
Have an appointment over the weekend to meet ‘Carson.’ A shelter cat we’ve had our eye on and we’ll see if he comes home with us!
Circle of Hope 2019
We braved the elements last night to attend the annual Circle of Hope ceremony. Every year we go and create a luminary to honor a loved one. It’s actually a really nice event, and all the money generated is used to help folks in need due to a catastrophic medical occurrence. The final two images are the light up reindeers I installed out in front a week ago. Looks like they’ve had some tiny visitors check them out.
Makes me go “Hmmm…”
I’ve been compiling a list of things that make me wonder. These are just mental observations that I’ve made over time (long time readers may remember some of them from before) and I figured I’d share them, put them all together and see if anyone else feels the same way. I’ll keep adding to this list as I think of more things that make me ponder. Feel free to comment to add your own or if you think I’m just whack nuts!
Have you ever noticed you can turn any movie into a Broadway production just by adding an exclamation point on the end? Hustlers! The Breakfast Club! Kramer vs. Kramer!
While watching Wheel of Fortune one evening, I noticed something. Vanna doesn’t appear to be necessary anymore since the letters are electronic now and no spinning of tiles is needed, so why is she still there? She still taps the letters to show them but when contestants solve the puzzle all letters appear without her touching them. Wasteful!
Why does it seem that the thicker a woman’s eyebrows are, the more they want to be in control?
Why is it that flies seem to have no problem flying into a door of the house that was opened for a second, but can’t seem to fly out of the house the same way? Even if you make it as simple as possible they seem to not choose the most obvious path. WHY NOT??
If I got a tattoo of a Rorschach inkblot, then when people ask me what it is, I could say it’s whatever you see it is? Surprised those kind of tats aren’t more popular? I guess because tats are representative of the person wearing it and not the person looking at it. HAH!
Things that all people can agree on: Pizza and Music. I’ve never heard of anyone saying they don’t like pizza or music. Like, whoever said “I hate music”? No such thing. Hmm, maybe if we could tie into that which make us all connect on that level we’d all get along better.
If the show “Hoarders” was in 3D it would be awesome. Just saying. Maybe VR too. Also, maybe it’s the cynicism in me, but wouldn’t it be really easy for the cleaned up place to get trashed again over time? Wonder if that’s why I never see episodes of updates on the folks that were helped out?
Why is it called Planet Earth when it’s mostly water? Planet Water just doesn’t have the same ring to it though. Planet Hydro? Planet Etche Two Oh.
When do oldies stop being oldies? Like, when you put on an oldies station and they play music from the 50s, well, when does that stop getting played and then it’d be music from a different decade? If it does, what do you call the previous oldies then? Older oldies? Also, no one ever plays ragtime anywhere, anymore, except maybe in some old saloon in a movie. Talk about a musical genre that went belly up.
I remember awaking from a dream that I had insomnia and couldn’t sleep. In the dream! While I’m really sleeping! That was whack. Who does that? What could it mean??
Why do I always mix up the following in my mind?
- Judas Priest and Iron Maiden
- Gwyneth Paltrow and Lisa Kudrow
- What “on the wagon” and “off the wagon” means.
Overdoing It and Goat Love
What the hell happened to my right forearm? Woke up this morning with it feeling really sore. I suspect it had to do with the shoveling from two days ago, but I usually feel the effects of activity such as that the next day, not two days after! Must be a part of getting older? Also, strange that that’s the only part of my body that’s sore, everything else appears fine to me. Must have twisted it in some way while I was doing it is the only thing I can think of. I think I might have to actually ice it, or place something warm on it, as I prefer that better.
Lately I like to post a photo to go along with the blog posts. I don’t really have any at the moment to reflect the status of my arm (it’s not swollen or anything), so I’m transitioning to an enjoyable pic of Bean and Buckley from the sanctuary! They have interesting stories, as do all the animals there.
Bean came to the farm at two weeks old. He was rescued from slaughter. He needed to be bottle fed when he first came. He is a mischievous little boy, liking to chew on visitor’s shoe laces. Bean doesn’t seem to realize he is a goat. He is being socialized with the other goats nowadays as before he was actually living in the owner’s house. He probably thought he was either a human or possibly a dog for a while.
Buckley, as a baby, was rescued from slaughter too. He was cared for and when his rescuer could no longer care for him as he got older, he was brought to the farm. He is very attached to the volunteers, following them around, and visitors too – especially if he senses a snack around! I find he can be a little pushy. He’s been known to butt me and others at times, but not in a malicious way. Those horns are killer! It’s just the goat way. He and Bean, as can be seen in the photo, have become good companions.
I consider these two to be rather handsome goats! I’ve grown to have a fondness for goats in general now. Growing up in the city, I didn’t have many opportunities to hang out with animals like this, and I find them to very soulful animals.
Nubble Light
Love visiting Nubble Light. I must have literally have taken hundreds of photos of it. This is one of them.