Checking out some sunset locations and finally deciding on hanging out at Skaket Beach tonight with great friends and then grabbing some burgers at The Knack (place we never tried, two thumb up!) and getting ice cream at the Ice Cream Café. What could be better?
What a day. A nice restaurant, a dip in the pool, a quick chocolate drink, a night beach outing, and a nice sunset to finish it all off.
I had some business to take care of over at Earth-1 today and although I didn’t get to check out everything that I wanted to do this go round, I did do some things, including capturing the shot above. I contemplated not going later in the afternoon on my bike due to the heat but I told myself I’d take it slow and hydrate myself appropriately. I was fine, and I got this nice shot of this church again that I had been meaning to visit again, so I can cross that off my list. I was curious to see what the wildflower situation was in front so I took a gamble and peddled over there this afternoon. I also got a haircut while I was there. I hadn’t planned on getting one today, but things just fell into place for it to happen, so what the heck. Strike while the iron is hot, as they say!
When I got back late in the afternoon I figured I’d mow the front lawn, heat be damned. Besides, at this point I could feel the air starting to get a little cooler as supposedly a storm might move in and dump rain everywhere, and I wanted to get it done before that happened. Plus it needed to be cut real bad. I hadn’t had a chance earlier in the week due to it just being too darn hot and disgusting out. So, another thing I can cross off the list for today.
I thought about going down to the local village common here and seeing some live music at the gazebo but instead I’m going to take a shower, make dinner, and get ready for tomorrow’s adventures.
Here’s a picture from one of last year’s outings. I plan on going back to this location real soon!
It’s been a hot couple of days here, so I’ve been trying to stay inside as much as possible, which is harder than it sounds. I still have things I need to do on various days, which means I have to go out in the heat, but I try to stay in the shade as much as possible.
While I’ve been trying to avoid the heat, I have noticed a few interesting things. My neighbors have another robin that is using the nest that a previous robin used. In fact, that nest was originally built by mourning doves and used by them for three or four clutches of chicks. It’s really cool to see that nest get used over and over.
The web software I use to run this site just got an update and I’ve applied it so hopefully everything will be fine. Just an FYI.
Revere last night was spectacular. We had so much fun with some friends for a meet up that we all ended up staying past 9 p.m.! We got off to a pretty late start due partly to all the construction going on in the basement, partly for other reasons, but by late afternoon everything looked better and so we decided to go to the meet up!
LD actually ended up spending more than an hour in the water! I guess it wasn’t really cold at all. I still have yet to go into the water, but I think that’ll definitely be changing by the end of the week!
I tried to get a viewing of the Oscar Mayer Weiner mobile today but it just didn’t work out – maybe next time it swings by.
Currently Watching: Eric, on Netflix.
Yesterday ended up being a very busy day after all, even though it didn’t seem kike much was planned. I was pretty busy helping out LD since her car ended up being in the shop for much of the day for some needed TLC. First there was the drive to the gym to get some reps in. Looks like they instituted some system to make sure randos don’t come in and use the pool or hot tub without authorization (who would do such a thing? * me looking around innocently*). I’m sure it’ll pass after a few. Then it was back home for a little bit before heading back out to drive LD to a Dr’s appointment over at Newtown-Wellesley. We got a parking spot in the garage literally right at the very front, which never happens, so that was pretty amazing. While I was in the waiting room actually is where I learned about some of the places that I want to check out that I mentioned in the last post, by me going through some of the old magazines lying around in the waiting room to pass my time. After that it was off to Braintree for LD’s Pedi appointment. While she was in there getting worked on I took a stroll over to Sunset Lake. It was a hot and humid day but by the lake was nice and cool. In fact, that’s where I snapped the picture up above. I’ve taken some autumn shots from this location in the past. It was pretty quiet on this day though. I stayed sitting on a bench for about an hour until I saw the skies getting ominously dark above. I didn’t want to get soaked so I trudged back to my parked car by the spa but by then the sun came out full force and it got hot and humid again. Not the greatest time to discover that my car A/C system must need a recharge since cold air doesn’t seem to emanate from the vents anymore, which was weird since it was the day before. Just bad timing I guess. When LD got down we learned her car was ready so from the spa we drove to go pick it up. When we got home we made some pizzas., A couple of flatbread ones that came with the week’s meal kit, and then rolled some dough on our own and made another one, mostly because we had to use all the ingredients before they went bad.
We’re finally getting back to working on the basement! The redone stairs are almost done and the new doorway to bypass going all around the basement to get to the other side will be getting installed this week, it looks like.
Time for some boring minutia but I’ll pretty the post up with some pictures I took to keep you entertained, Got through a bunch of little errands this morning that I wanted to accomplish. First I dropped off a heap of clothes that LD wanted to donate and then I got gas for my car. Then I hopped over to the pharmacy to pick up some prescriptions and the bank to get some funds. I went to go make a payment on a bill and picked up the latest Yankee Magazine which is featuring some hidden spots on the Cape that I thought I might check out. Could be some new photo opportunities possibly, we’ll see. I also picked up a puzzle book, partly to keep my mind occupied for the trip’s downtimes, and partly to keep my mind working! Speaking of photo ops, check out Madaket below down in Nantucket, and the Cape above over in Yarmouth, a location I may need to revisit.
I was finally able to get a massage yesterday and boy, did I need it. It’s been very hot here the last couple of days. I cooked a dish with bok choi tonight – a first for me. Enjoy this picture I took over at the Boston seaport. I personally like the tone I got it this one, but it might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Gametime: A perilous detour.
Today I went to the beach for a few hours in the afternoon, but I didn’t go into the water. LD, on the other hand, went swimming. We didn’t feel like cooking last night, so we ordered this giant pizza from a local place we love. We only discovered this jumbo-sized pizza last month when LD’s friend from the south was here. It’s so big and impressive, I had to take a picture of it, but it really doesn’t do it justice; you have to see it in person to get the full effect.
Yesterday we also finally got around to looking at those Hoka sneakers at Dick’s. I liked how they felt, but they didn’t have my size in the color I wanted. So, we took a picture of the tag and ordered them online. They should arrive by Tuesday. LD didn’t like the feel of them, but I do. You’ll probably be seeing me in those later in the week.
Later on tonight, we’re going to see Inside Out 2 at Chestnut Hill. It’s a movie LD has been wanting to see for a while now, and today’s as good a day as any. When we get back, I’m going to grill some salmon and cod and maybe some zucchini with sliced cucumbers on the side.
We had a wonderful time at my LD’s friend’s beach cottage in Fairhaven. We celebrated the summer and the Fourth of July with a cookout and a nice hangout. The wind was blowing hard, but it felt great blowing around me. We relaxed and enjoyed the scenery. One of the most memorable parts of the evening was the fireworks. The town of New Bedford and the surrounding communities and private homeowners light off fireworks in the bay, and we had a great vantage point from the back deck of the cottage that faces the waters of Buzzard’s Bay. It was beautiful to watch the fireworks light up the bay and reflect on the water. As the night went on, the wind died down, and we continued to enjoy the beautiful night.
I went to pick up a piece of pottery this morning, and I’m thrilled with it! Yesterday, I noticed someone selling another Dedham pottery piece that I had never seen before, a napkin holder in the shape of a bunny. So naturally, I had to get it and add it to our growing collection of Dedham pottery. I drove over and picked it up this morning, and I’m really pleased with its size and quality.
Currently Reading: Mass Murders: Bloodstained Crime Scenes Haunting the Bay State. This book has a slight bent about the paranormal which I don’t really care for, but I thought some of the crime stories might be good.
Another beautiful sunset over from my time at Madaket Beach in Nantucket this year.
We have another fun outing planned for today so I’ll update when I have the chance! Enjoy your Fourth everyone!
The Good:
The Happy:
Alright, tonight I’m going to attempt to make some linguine with zoodles that I’ll create myself and throw it together with some shrimp. The recipe called for scallops, but we don’t have any, hence the substitution.
Anyone want to guess how this is going to turn out?
I took another picture of the fire lilies out front surrounded by the hydrangeas. What do you think of this version? I played around with the tone I bit more in this one.
and the Sad:
I learned last week that a work colleague of mine passed away. It’s so weird when you hear things like that. That makes three now of people I used to work with for years (well over a decade, almost two), now just gone. We all started at ADL together and worked on projects for a decade until we got bought out by another company and we spent a good decade and a half there – before they laid us off. I lasted at the company a few years longer than he did. The business was changing and we were all aging out I suppose. Apparently it happened over a month ago, but I just found out about this a few days ago. The leukemia finally caught up to him. He beat it once. I wonder if he got it to his being exposed to toxic chemicals during his deployment to Iraq in Gulf War? We’ll never know for sure.
Two of the three—including the one who just passed—and I used to play Quake ][ deathmatches on the company network after hours. It was just the three of us. We logged many hours together playing that game. Sometimes I think back to those times and reminisce. I thought we would get together and play again someday for old times sake, however remote it seemed, but that’s never going to happen now.
Rest in peace, “Helmet.”
Here’s a shot I took of the Sankaty Head Lighthouse while I was in Nantucket. I had never been to this lighthouse before so it was a treat to finally go visit it! Thanks to our hosts once again for the opportunity!
I grilled up some marinated chicken we had in the freezer downstairs and we then brought it over to LD’s old landlady and hung out there with her a bit and had a nice lunch. Now we need to meal plan for the upcoming week, this time we’re going to get the ingredients ourselves and put together some meals using recipes from a book for a change. So is the plan.
Currently Watching: Six Schizophrenic Brothers (2024). I had actually read the book about a few years ago and found it to be quite the story. We plowed through the four episodes last night.
While we down on the island with our most generous hosts we got to talking about how LD and I met and there was talk of a poem I had written at the time that she really liked. (I was some emo back then!) I finally dug it up and here it is in all it’s glory. Tell me what you think of it.
That Girl, you know the one, the one that makes you better, makes your friends jealous and your parents scared.
That knows who she is, who she was, but hasn't planned out who she'll become.
That challenges you, tests you, competes with you, all while standing by your side.
That can cheer you up with only a phone call or a smile, that's intriguing but never impossible to figure out.
That knows what she likes, but is still learning what she loves.
That isn't afraid of commitment, but holds onto her individuality.
That doesn't feel she has to say she loves you, only prove it.
Whose sense of adventure is never lost, even if its just during a trip to the grocery store.
That sees a little humor in everything, and points it out even when it isn't PC.
You know, that girl.
I'm looking for her.
Well, the good news is that I finally found her!
The pic above is one I took this morning after noticing that the fire lilies are starting to bloom. This is probably my favorite of all the various lilies we have growing. This morning I went to the gym with LD and decided to just sit in the hot tub the whole time and relax. It was a great morning for it but it’s made me sleepy most of the day and I don’t feel motivated to do the things that I thought I would get done today. Well, there’s always tomorrow, think I’ll just lay low today.
There’s this preservation area on the island which looks amazingly like an African Serengeti plain. It’s so strange to see such an ecology as that on a New England island!
Yesterday I noticed one of my car tires would keep looking low so I figured it might have a slow leak. I took it to my guy over at Earth-1 since I was heading there for the day anyway and they discovered that there was a nail in it, which they happily fixed up for me, so that was good. I ended up taking my mom to Revere Beach for an hour or so because I felt she might like to get out of the house and get some fresh air. She wanted me to ride her over to Wellington Circle for something and since the beach wasn’t too far from there I suggested we hang there for a bit. I think she had a good time so that was nice as well.
You will love the Sconset Bluff Walk. This trail is truly loaded with beautiful views. It makes me so happy I got to walk along it! The experience is constantly changing. One minute you’re walking through a quiet neighborhood, the next you’re passing through a yard and the next you’re walking under a canopy of trees. Flowers, birds, pathways to the water, and places to stop and take in the scenery are in abundance. This walk can be quick or long, depending on how much time you have. It’s a great place for a leisurely stroll or a more invigorating hike. Either way, you’re sure to enjoy the stunning views. I sure did!
I have to also express my gratitude to our wonderful hosts who were so kind to invite us to spend a few days with them on this beautiful island. They were so kind and generous with their time and hospitality, and I really appreciate it. We thoroughly enjoyed the beach, seeing the sights, and all the great meals and places we got to see like the Brotherhood and Millie’s and Claudette’s. I hope we can repay the favor one day.
I’m so grateful for the opportunity to visit the rose-covered cottages in Nantucket. The winding lanes and idyllic scenery transport you to a simpler time. Each cottage has its own unique blend of architecture and blooming roses, which make it a one-of-a-kind experience. The smell of roses and salty sea breeze (and it was pretty breezy at times!) is a relaxing combination that invites visitors to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of Siasconset. It was a perfect place to slow down and enjoy the beauty of nature. I’ve got a lot more to say about the trip over the next few, but there’s a ton of things I have to get done around home first, so stay tuned!
The Hydrangeas are killing it this year! They’re all big, healthy, and blooming better than ever, even the ones that never flowered in the past. Obviously something about the environment has changed this season for them since we don’t ever really do anything to them, they just do what they do on their own!
That was a busy few days with the guest visiting and staying for a while. We got to do a lot of fun stuff while she was here. LD is an excellent host, and I’m delighted she got to spend time with her childhood pal. They visited the beach several times, we watched the Brats show on the Brat Pack, practiced Pig Yoga together, grilled a dinner one night and made two big batches of the lemon soup for the landlady down the street, (yes, our guest helped out!) and had brunch at a 60s-inspired diner. Even Carson got used to her being around after a while.
The girls went to see a sunset and capybaras yesterday (I’m a little jealous that I wasn’t able to go due to other commitments, but judging from the hundreds of photos they took, it looked like a great time. Perhaps I can return there for my birthday!) Anyways while they were doing that I was hamming and hawing it up watching the Celtics win the championship. So sweet!
Now maybe a couple of days of normalcy during this heat wave we are currently having before the next adventure!
Above is another one of my photos that I had lying around and decided to post up.
So, between work today, I managed to do some stuff around the house. The new network is up and running, and all the cameras are connected, once I had noticed that they were still looking for the old network and basically wouldn’t work. The set-top box is running Android TV, which works perfectly with the new TV remote and Google Assistant. It’s such a relief to have everything set up and working properly. I still want to play around a little bit with using my voice to control it. i know it’s nothing new but since the old box didn’t support it we never had those features.
The guy who was due to install the railings to the front steps finally showed up today, too, and got started putting up the new rails on the new steps. It was a bit of a surprise since I wasn’t expecting him, well I was, but a head’s up once in a while would have been nice. They didn’t take long to install, and I have to say, I think they really look great! The new rails are much safer than the old ones, and they also add a nice touch of style to the front of the house.
Overall, it was a productive day. Work on the garden and other areas around here continue apace. We’d like to get everything in order for when our guest arrives to hang out for a few days with us. There’s going to be a bunch of hopefully fun adventures lined up!
And now for something totally bananas! I used A.I to create a song in a bout a minute. Check it out.
Just got back from a weekend in New Jersey. It was LD’s college reunion so we attended. She got to get together with some old freinds, some she hadn’t seen in quite some time.
It was a fun outing. The weather was nice. Before the actual dinner they had a mass at the connected chapel to the college. What a beautiful chapel, I had never actually been inside before. Picture doesn’t really do it justice. You have to be in there and admire the high ceilings and stained glass and sculptures. Excellent attention to detail. We then took a little tour of the campus and the girls reminisced of their times there. It was cool to hear the stories.
The actual event itself wasn’t run too well, too many little things for listing now, but one funny story is this woman who joined our table and I guess was part of their class except she was like not a regular student, more like a weekend college kind of thing. She kept getting in all the pictures and interrupting but I suppose just wanted to be a part of the festivities. She said she was some sort of couples counselor but when you pressed her on certain things, it just sounded weird and off. There’s a lot more, like the time I handed her a photo prop that had the word Princess on it and she looked at me like I had three heads. (she had said her name was Princess, like I said, a bit strange). Anyways there’s way more to be said about these various encounters but better to tell it in person.
We had pizza at a local place by a train station and got to hang out with another friend who decided to come down and meet us, which was nice. We stayed at The Madison, a place we used to stay at often before the pandemic (since the pandemic we never use hotel rooms anymore, mostly Airbnb’s now) but for this particular trip is was convenient. Except the place is kind of going downhill, which is sad. I mean, it always had it’s foibles but now with it being sold to some company and not run by a family anymore, you can tell the difference. The food’s not the same, the service is definitely not the same, they even removed the pool to build another space for weddings (since that’s it’s main gig these days) and having a pool was one of the main reasons for choosing that place – for us. We didn’t check the reviews beforehand because we thought it would be like it always was. Won’t be making that mistake again!
The next day he hit the town center and met up with two other friends from LD’s graduating class at a diner called The Nautilus. Another place that I probably hadn’t been to in over 10 years if not more. That was pretty much the same. Again, fun meeting them and listening to the stories. Then it was off to grab some Jersey Boy bagels for the road and head on back.
The Verizon guy finally came this morning and upgraded everything, including a new set top box, which is what started this whole rigmarole. But now we are blasting with giganet speeds so access quality should be really good now.
Currently Reading: Staying with the computer future for the moment: Quantum Supremacy (review).
We had a good day at the beach yesterday, meeting up with some friends. Good times. The weather was also amazing. I did not wade in the ocean, but everyone else did! We noticed a bunch of people playing what must be some new beach game. It looks like there’s a mini trampoline and you biunce a ball off of it to the other person. Never seen this before but a bunch of people had there own games set up which makes me thing maybe it’s the latest thing?
We all got a little sunshine. Afterwards, LD and I went to Green Harbor for some lobster rolls and clams; we were there, so why not? When we got home, I made some teriyaki rice with vegetables and we watched some more The Shield episodes.
This morning, I went to town to mow the lawns, and we jointly mulched several of the lily beds. Mulching appears to be an endless task. I also cleaned off the Adirondack chairs and patio table to remove the pollen that had accumulated. This gardening stuff is a lot of effort (granted, it’s a rather big back yard). It looks great when everything is finished. I feel fairly accomplished this morning, despite the fact that I’m little sore.
