Charlie’s Stick, a $20 Win, and Mariska Hargitay: The Ultimate Weekend Mashup

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A trip into the city over the weekend. Pardon me as I write this off the cuff so it may not flow just right but I wanted to put down the memories. Drove down Saturday early to NJ to celebrate a high school graduation and some other things with family, LD swam at the Y to get some more yardage in toward her goal for charity to the American Cancer Socity. (you can donate here if you like). We ate at a place nearby that we really like called the Thirsty Turtle. I might have mentioned that place before. Later in the afternoon we went to the dog park where I found Charlie a huge stick which he very much enjoyed. I bought a 5 dollar scratch ticket and won 20 so that was a bonus. I only bought it because I saw all the dogs on it. I don’y know, maybe I am becoming more a dog person.

Next day it was off the Big Apple, Times Square to see Mariska Hargitay on Broadway doing this amazing play. We weren’t sure how we would get into the city, should we train, bus, etc, mostly because of the World Cup but the schedule matched up that we decided driving was the way to go. Plus I noticed on Google Maps that there was a parking garage directly across the street from the theatre, Sadly when we got to the garage it was the wrong one! LD had booked a different garage but luckily it was only about a half a block away so it was ok.

The play was pretty great and she was totally amazing in it. What a powerhouse! It’s immersive theatre so the audience partipates which is pretty cool. I have no idea how she can remember all the lines and the numbers and … anyways it was amazing. The theatre was pretty cool too, one of the oldest on Broadway but done over really nicely. Best theatre seats we ever sat in, roomy and plush. After the show we hung out at the stage door so maybe she would sign some things but after 20 minutes or so we bailed. Wasn’t that a big a deal to us. People resell the stuff on eBay if you really want one, which is ridiculous. We walked around Times Square a bit, acting a little touristy. Nothing like the smell of the big vity in summertime, right! We didn’t realize it was over 10 years since we were last here, probably when we saw Al Pacino on Broadway.

We thought about maybe staying away an extra night in Mystic Connecticut but then decided to just go home, so we did and got back by 9:30 pm.

You can click each picture below for a small caption.

High Hopes, Low Altitudes: A Day at the Kite Festival

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Attended the rescheduled Revere beach Kite Festival yesterday. There didn’t seem to be as many kites as when we went a couple years before but it was a pretty warm day to be at the beach! You should be able to click each pic for a larger version. That big black thing on the beach looked something like a hot air ballon but as far as I couold tell it never got off the ground unfortunately. That would have been cool to see in the sky.

A Dunk in the Pool Weekend

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Saturday we took the oppourtunity to join some freinds for some much needed pool time. My first of this year. I’m sure there’ll be others as the months progress. We also got to watch their cute dog for a while when they had to step out for a bit over an hour. I will say, they got this new pool float which was the balls! So comfy. Here’s some pics of my lounging in it!

Funny thing happened on the way to the pool. LD had a craving for a bagel, so I swung by a shop across town to grab one. While I was waiting, these two women came in and tried to order a baker’s dozen, but they wanted almost all of one flavor. The employee behind the counter actually told them no and insisted they mix it up so there’d be enough for other people later on. They got into a whole back-and-forth about it, and eventually, the women just walked out. Honestly, it was pretty weird—I get wanting to save some for other customers, but why turn away a sale when you’re not even planning on baking more? Seemed like a strange move. What do you think?

Sunday was basically a day of more yard work and getting things ready for a guest coming soon for a visit. I mowed the lawns and LD did some more planting in to the new planter after I measures and cut a liner and some other stuff for the bottom. Always more to do though. Oh and we plan on going to NYC to see Mariska Hargaity on Broadway!

An Afternoon Along the Blackstone River

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Took an afternoon ride out to Lincoln, Rhode Island hyesterday to pick up a raised planter LD found over on the marketplace so she can plant some more things. After getting the pickup we drove over to a nearby state park in the area. Pretty scenic location actually with what looks to be a very nice bike path that parallels the Blackstone River. Then we jaunted over to a nearby restauarant for lunch. Also checked out what apparently used to be a former monastary in the area. You click the pics below if you want more caption details.

Currently Watching: An oldie but a goodie! Homicide: Life on the Streets Seasons 1 and 2

Oh! I almost forgot another thing that happened yesterday1 LD finally sold her old car, to the next door neighbor no less!

Wellesley Hauls & Weekend Lulls

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Laying low a little bit the last few days. Did get a bunch of plants over in Wellesley over the weekend, mostly hanging plants for the patio. Looks nice. I got some really big ones that I was very pleased about. LD is going do finish up a bunch of container potting. Ended up watching THe Crash on Netflix. Interesting story.

Currently Reading: I Don’t Want to Go Home: The Oral History of the Stone Pony

A Blast from the Past: a visit to the Stone Pony (Didn’t see Bruce though!)

The Day a Capybara Climbed on Me (Best Day Ever?)

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Started the day by pickinng up some “walking onions” plant that a woman was giving away in the town next door. I had never heard of these things before. A quick Google search lead me to the following description: “Instead of flowers, this plant produces topsets, a cluster of bulbils, at the top of the stalk where the flowers and seeds would normally be. The stalks eventually flop over from the weight of the bulbils (if not harvested) and replant themselves, thus beginning their “walk” across the ground.” Pretty cool! But the real treat of the day would come in the afternoon, as a trip down to the southern part of the state had finally arrived! Yes, it’s happened again for me, Capy Time!

Anytime you get to hang out with capybaras is a really good day. As a bonus we also got to hang with some baby goats and snuggle them. It was a great day, weather wise and animal encounter wise for sure. Amazing access to these amazing anaimals. So grateful for the oppurtunity. One capy even decided to climb on top of me, which I was not expecting at all, but I’ll take it! Afterwards we got an early seafood dinner at a place called Turks down the street. What a picture perfect day! Smiles all around!

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.