We went to see the Winter Lights over at the Bradley Estate in Canton last night, with another couple that we know. Before that we had them over for a quick dinner outing. They were impressed with our jukebox and played a bunch of tunes on it! Carson even came out again and didn’t hide even though he doesn’t like the jukebox because it’s pretty loud. After feasting on some nice salmon and roasted veggies that we had prepared and got finished just as they arrived, we chatted and some gifts were exchanged. LD finally got one of those Bibi Pins, and I got some swag as well. Then we were off, it’s actually not too far from us.
You get to go inside the first floor of the house as well and let me tell you, it is beautiful! Wonder what it would be like to live in a place that big, a mansion. Probably would end up misplacing my things and wouldn’t be able to find them. Anyways, after going through some of the rooms, there’s one room with a guy playing the original piano that’s in there, and he was good! He was taking requests and one of our guests requested the Peanuts theme song and he blasted right into it, all the folks in the room at the time loved it including us. He also complemented me on my scarf. I’ve been getting a lot of that lately! In the room you also got to write a wish on a card and strung in up on various tree like structures throughout the room, all in white. Really a beautiful scene. Then you head outdoors and essentially follow a lighted trail that goes through all the various light displays and finding reindeer structures made out of logs along the way. All in all, it was a very fun night.
Our holiday cards arrived in the mail today so tonight we’ll be starting to fill those out and begin distributing them to our family and friends so if you’ve been good this year, watch your mailbox. Tomorrow I’m dropping off a bunch of toys that LD and another pal of hers took on buying gifts for a needy child, so that’ll be good.
Currently Watching:Murder In Boston: Roots, Rampage & Reckoning which is streaming on Max. A three-part documentary series that reexamines the 1989 murder of Carol Stuart, her husband Charles’ suicide, and the rush to judgment after Charles implicated a Black man in the killing. I can remember this story being on all the news while I was growing up.
The likes, comments, and shares are through the roof! Who knew this image would be so popular? I knew it was a good one but I didn’t think it would generate that much buzz! I’m truly honored. Seems like this photo brought back a lot of memories for people. I was even corrected that this is actually located in Kennebunk, Kennebunkport being right over the bridge behind it. Close enough I say!
Update: This post is up to over 13,000 like now, 636 comments, and over 820 shares! Wowza!
Time for an update! The last weekend we went up the Kennebunkport Maine’s Prelude festivities. We arrived at our Airbnb on Friday night, a place that we stayed a couple of years ago for Prelude. Yes, in Arundel again, the place with the sulfur water! But, for whatever reason, it didn’t seem half as bad this time, plus the place is great otherwise. They even have a microwave now. It is a bit on the minimalist side but it suited our purposes just fine. The bed is very comfy if a bit low to the ground. Very modern type of place/look. Anyways, we didn’t attend the actual tree lighting in the center because that’s bat-shit crazy town, but we met up with our friend “E” who grew up there for a nice evening dinner at a place called Ultramar. I ended up getting this seafood bouillabaisse which was very good. I’d have to say that all the restaurants in the area are pretty top notch. Hung there for a few hours having a good time. Then we went back to our friend’s parents’ place where we played with the dogs, Pippa and Boomer. LD loves Boomer – he’s a very large dog, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever. When we got back to our place to crash I decided to be a little Zen, as you can see in the photo.
Saturday was the busiest day for us as we had a lot of things planned and I’m happy to say that we got to do them all and even a bit more! .It started out with us going to check out a donkey that was going to be visiting some of the little craft shops in a corner of the town. We were so excited to see him. His name is Sylvester of all things and his fur was so so soft and he such a gentle creature. Naturally we had to get many pictures with him, which we did. Both singularly and together. Some old lady also decided to get into some of our group shots but she’ll be cropped out of Couse. Sorry lady, No beuno!
Then it was off the to the beach for a little bit because you can’t go to Maine and not have some beach time, plus LD needs beach time. “E” brought her dog and we watched as she played in the sand, chasing balls, and meeting other dogs. The weather was actually pretty nice and there was no rain throughout the day even though that was a possibility, so we lucked out there big time. Couldn’t stay at the beach too long though because we had reservations for a trolley ride!
After that it was to the Seashore Trolley Museum to take a ride along the tracks on an old 1920s rail trolley with our couple-friends (M&M) who came up for the day! The train ride itself wasn’t all that long but it was kind of neat to be on an actual rail trolley from back in the day. What I didn’t realize is that I though since Seashore was in the name, that this ride who go along the sea shore, but alas it just goes through the woods of Maine. Still, it was an experience and we got some great pictures there in the actual museum which hosts a bunch of old train stuff.
After that we all went out to lunch back in the center of town at a place called Old Vines Wine Bar. I didn’t have any wine but we did have chicken meatballs, and I specifically had Ricotta Herbed Ravioli. The baked brie was pretty amazing as well. After that there was a hat parade going on in the center, which we weren’t a part of but stuck in with anyway. While that was going on, there was a couple of stops in some shops and a coffee/hot chocolate run.
After saying bye to M&M who had only planned to stay for the day we headed back to the Airbnb for a few hours to recuperate before the next round of activities. It’s a good thing we did too because we’d be really dragging and hurting if we didn’t. Age is catching up to us!
It started off by visiting the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust to check out this lighted meditation labyrinth in the woods. We eventually found it, although it was much further in than we had anticipated. But we made it and did the whole follow-the-path-to-enlightenment thing. Took some pictures there but it was pretty dark so they really didn’t come out all that well. You’ll just have to experience for yourself!
Dinner was at THE BURLEIGH, a place we had all dined at before, once again meeting up with our friend. It definitely has an interesting look as the bar area looks like Christmas threw up with it’s over the top decorations. I ended up having a burger there which was great. The fries were pretty great too.
By this point it was approaching 10 pm and most of the crowds had dispersed for the night. So it was a great time to hit the lighted bridge over by the Boathouse. We got some great pictures there of all of us. We also got stuff for Carson at a little pet shop in town that we like to hit up whenever we’re in the area.
Day three was a little more of the same, although less because it would also be the day we’d be heading back. We started out by going to a charity for dogs event at a place called Vinegar Hill Farm where you can win a Christmas tree or a wreath or something of that nature, and get a pic of your pup with Old Saint Nick himself. “E” brought Pippa and her dad brought Boomer, LD’s favorite. But Boomer apparently can’t really be in this setting because he’d be like a bull in a china shop and knock everything and everyone over, even though he’s a love. He just doesn’t know his own body size or strength. In fact, while taking pictures of Boomer outside with LD and Santa, Boomer got too excited and knocked both Santa and LD over. LD actually face planted, which wasn’t good and got some back and blue on her chin, but it could have been worse. Eighty pounds of Boomer is like a Sherman Tank. Don’t worry though, everyone was alright, thank goodness.
Before heading back a went around and grabbed a few scenic pictures of the area, hitting the famous Clam Shack by the river, the Love KPT sign of course, and the truck out in front of Batson’s. We were bummed this year that Batson’s didn’t have the outdoor fish shacks which is part of the reason we went to Old Vines instead. Oh, and just before leaving the state we hit up Yummies for some candy!
Did I forget anything. Most likely, we did so many things, and there were so many people, and there was so many laughs and good times. Prelude has gotten so big now that it’s been so publicized! It’s a pretty special place and we always enjoy our time there.
Oops! I did forget something! Before heading out we went out for brunch at a place called Musette, a little tiny café where the actor Patrick Dempsey (aka McDreamy) likes to hang out. We didn’t see him there that day bit the food was tasty and the vibe was small-town-ish.
Thankful for the food before us, the friends beside us, and the love between us.
That time of year again! Just a little gratitude can unlock the great fullness of love. Wishing you a wonderful holiday full of love and plenty. Happy Thanksgiving!
Oh, and also, Happy National Jukebox Day! Maybe we’ll blast some tunes this weekend and wake up the neighbors!
And they say you can’t find anything beautiful in Somerville anymore…well, they’re wrong. I took this on Friday afternoon before heading back to Earth-2. Figured I’d take a walk around the old stomping grounds to see if I could get any good shots. I’m pretty pleased with how this one turned out. For those who don’t know it’s Powderhouse Park over by Tufts.
Currently Reading: Three books just came through on my docket: Eve, How the Female Body drove 200 million years of Human Evolution by Cat Bohannon, Making It So by Patrick Stewart, and Extremely Online by Taylor Lorenz.
Yesterday we went to the Sanctuary to drop off some food. I made a new goat friend. Her name is Dansa and she was very friendly. We then took a little jaunt to Jordan’s to look at chairs. Nothing really caught the eye although we did end up having some Jordan Marsh famous blueberry muffins. One home we cooked like mad people, a casserole, and two ground turkey dishes. I was prepping all the ingredients like crazy. It was a busy little afternoon.
Last night, we must have had around 60 kids come to the door. Even though it was a touch chilly, there was a good turnout. Here are some more photos I’ve taken since the last update on what I’ve been up to. Overall, pretty typical stuff – yard work, people visiting, and taking advantage of the weather while I can.
Marigolds, also known as flor de muertos, are thought to help guide spirits home on el Dia de los Muertos, which is observed November 1-2. Ours grew like gangbusters this year. Grew like wildfire.
It may look like I’m walking a goat, but Ralphie here was actually walking me!
Going on a hayride with baby goats? And then walking them after? Hell, yes! Thankful that all the rain we were supposed to have pretty much held out for most of the day up in Georgetown, Massachusetts! Good memories were made this day my friends! You can click on any photo below for a bigger look.
Giving Snowball a tratWalking Ralphie and SnowballRalphie walking meRalphieSelfie Booth!
I ended up buying a Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 so the Fitbit is out. It just arrived so I’m off to mess with it now and see how it compares and what other cool things I can do with it.
Today’s never seen before image from the archives. Gloucester, MA
Headed down to the home improvement store after my morning rounds and picked up some things. Firewood for the pit, safety goggles and gloves for the battery maintenance I’d like to get to this week, and some lawn bags. I wanted top get some flood lightbulbs to replace some of the ones in the parlor but I see they only carry the LED versions now. I wasn’t sure of the comparison so I decided to wait a bit on that until I can do more research on an equivalent replacement. They also seemed to be out of this BBQ grill spray from Weber that I like to use. I may need to go to Amazon to replenish that.
Tomorrow between my rounds I really want to tackle all the outside stuff, get rid of weeds, check on the pumpkins, mow the lawns, clean out the firepit, etc. etc.
Currently Reading: This one finally came through on my Libby after waiting for months, Drinking Games. It’s about alcoholism. Currently Watching: Watched two documentaries on the Hart family tragedy. I’m not sure how I had not heard about this story before. Broken Harts was one we watched on Max which has better production value but first we saw one on Tubi called A Thread of Deceit. Pretty fascinating story but tragic all the same and it brings up some interesting questions now looking back about the child care system.
Took a trip to Rexhame Beach yesterday, it was kinda crazy how warm it actually was outside so we wanted to get some sun and fresh sea air. The hurricane was long gone and it pretty much missed us entirely but the waves were still a bit high, though nothing like the day before.
One the way home LD treated us to some Gerard’s turkey sandwich dinners. Yum! Then I watched her at the pool at the gym because she wanted to get some swim time in. They had just finished putting the pool cover over the rooftop in preparation for the colder weather. It basically is like a big tent.
For dinner I grilled up some burgers and a squash that we grew. We learned of a new way to prepare the squash on the grill. Basically just cut it in half lengthwise and grill it flat side down until down. Lot less prep than slicing it into rounds and putting in foil.
In the evening I painted one of my fingernails on each hand. Why? Just to be a little artsy I guess. Keep people thinking. We’ll see if it stays around but in a weird way, I am kind of liking it – it’s so not generally me.
I want to get through a bunch of stuff this week in anticipation of a house guest coming next week for a few days, I definitely want to get more wood for the firepit, do some mowing and some landscaping. I want to try to tackle taking down at least some of this weird rose bushy tree like thing that used to be nice but has overtaken too much and needs to go. I also need to buy some goggles and gloves as I want to tackle refilling the backup battery for the sump pump in the basement. Safety first!
Today’s main image is from a bouquet of Poms I got for LD to commemorate her coming home from a two day trip last week as a surprise. I especially like how I set up the shadows to photograph this one, using light and darkness in such a way. The Pom flower is in the same genetic family that includes both chrysanthemums and daisies. We added the dahlia that we grew later to the center of it. There’s a couple more of them outside that I may pick later on and place into another vase just for themselves. Then I’ll dig out the tubers and store them over the winter again. These are the ones that I replant every spring and they just keep going. Pretty cool how that works.
Back in my music playing days
Around lunchtime, I drove over to Beth Israel Needham to dispose of some old medication. Did you know you can just put them in a box in the lobby to get rid of them? Another nice feature is that there’s another box right next to that one where you can dispose of any sharps you have, which I did as well. The last time I was there, I noticed these boxes and made a mental note to return later to get rid of these meds we’ve had lying around for who knows how long. It felt good to finally get rid of them safely.
I also returned some other woman’s meds that we know who wanted to get rid of hers, so I got it all done at once. You used to be able to get rid of them at the police station nearby (but not the sharps), but they got rid of that for some reason.
I am starting to really get sick of all the rain we’ve been having. Can you relate? Speaking of water, have you ever added distilled water to a sump pump battery? I just found out I need to do that to the sump pump battery in the basement as the sensor is going off alerting us to that particular issue.
Oh, in my photo “memories” today this one from a few years ago of me playing piano in front of Bentley College came up, surrounded by some adoring fans. Have to admit that was a pretty good day. Comment if you think you know what song I was actually playing. If you’re right I might send you a little surprise gift.
Today was the afternoon that I had to go have my dentist filling appointment. I’m happy to say that it was pretty quick and they didn’t even have to numb me up or anything. Just took the drill, carved out some stuff and filled it in with some amalgam of silver. Now I’m back to my regularly scheduled six month checkups, the next which will be in February. What a relief. I knew it wasn’t going to a be a big deal but I’ve always had some anxiety when it comes to going to the dentist. Most be due to my experiences when I was a kid.
On the garden front some things are coming to an end, yet other things are going great guns. For some reason, our marigolds this year really took off. I’ve never seen bushed of them so big. And “Roger”, the pumpkin, is appearing to get a number of younger siblings. We’ll have to wait and see if they all take. We also did pretty good with the squashes this year and have used a couple in our cooking over the summer.
Acorn Street, Beacon Hill, Boston, MA. Photo by me.
Currently Reading: What the Dead Know: Learning About Life as a New York City Death Investigator. This is actually something LD read so I’m picking it up.
Ended up watching a story about Nan Goldin last night on Max. I was more interested in the part about how she took down the Sacklers, but it was all pretty interesting. I don’t really understand those art types but there’s no doubt that her demonstrations against the Sacklers was really powerful.
Currently Reading: The Combat Zone: Murder, Race, and Boston’s Struggle for Justice. This will be my 37th book read for the year thus far! That Art Thief book I just read was pretty good. Pretty amazing how that guy could steal so much. This dude was different from other thieves though in that he never had any thoughts of selling any of the ill gotten gains, just hung them around his room in his mom’s house.
They pulled a fast one at the station today. It was time for our yearly orientation meeting but what they didn’t tell us is that they were also giving us our yearly CPR training and the new Mental Health First Aid training, so needless to say, it’s been one long ass day for me.
Anyways enjoy this picture I took of Downtown Boston.
I was able to get all the yard work done today, in the heat of the day even! It was hot but maybe I just got used to it, I didn’t have any problem. I also grilled up some burgers and chicken right after (this was probably around 3 in the afternoon). I also got a bunch of things done around the house so it was a productive laborious labor day for me! Actually it serves me right for being such a beach bum yesterday.
This picture is one that I took from Gloucester’s Parade of Sail festivities in the harbor which happens every Labor Day Weekend.
Currently reading: The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession.
Currently Watching: Dark Side of the Ring. On Vice. I was never into professional wrestling but watching what became of it’s stars is pretty tragic and yet fascinating to hear.
Was supposed to do a bunch of yard work today but instead went to the beach and hung out there all day, I did get to put together a new mobile tomato trellis for next year however. Well, there’s always tomorrow!
Just a little quick update in some photos to explain the week.
First up is this picture I took of the Nauset Light. Now since it’s September, it’s the time of the year that my Duxbury photo is featured in their official calendar . Green Harbor is closing for the season on Monday so we had to get in one last lobster roll for the summer. These two hawks better leave our bunnies alone!
Planning on doing a firepit tonight so there could be an update to this post afterwards and there’s something big happening tomorrow.
Gametime: One Many Nobody – cool puzzle game where you need to clone yourself to escape the levels.
My photo is featured this monthEnd of summer lobster rollHawk babies!You can click these for a larger look.
Took a ride out this morning with LD to an appointment and come to find out it’s right near the old Westborough State Hospital. It’s closed now but you can walk around the grounds and it’s actually a pretty nice space by the lake and all. I even learned about a doctor there named Solomon Fuller who was instrumental in finding out about Alzheimer’s Disease.
Currently Watching: On Max – Murder on Middle Beach. Other- Blue Bloods reruns parts of Seasons 10,11,12.
Watched a documentary about the Sara Lawrence College Cult on Hulu last night. That was some crazy stuff. Just so mind boggling that people can control others in such a way. It’s three episodes long at the 1st one takes a little while to get interesting but then it’s quite the ride.
I wanted to try out a recipe I saw in a magazine that seemed pretty easy so tonight I gave it a shot. It’s basically a chicken with apples mix so nothing too earth shattering. As usual we had to replace an ingredient or two with something else because we were out of a particular item at this time but the replacements worked fine.
