Good Food, Great Friends, and a Firepit Finale
Had a successful BBQ here at home last night with some invited old colleagues of LDs! I grilled and I always get a little nervous that I’ll mess something up but everything came out great! Salmon and burgers and we skewered some veggies on spits to grill which also came out just right. And of course as evening rolled around, had to light the firepit and do the s’mores thing. We hadn’t seen these folks in a quite a while so it was really good to catch up!
It was a fun time!
Burgers, Beaches, and the Cutest Dog in Fairhaven
Got invited to stay over atr a freinds for an overnight in the lovely town of Fairheven for some good food, laughs, a little beach time, and fire works. Such wonderful hospitality! I actually did not go into the water but LD did. I did however partake in all the wonderfully BBQ’d cooked meals. Stuck around for the fireworks over the bay and then crashed for the night. Had a lovely breakfast in the morning from our hosts with some good conversation. And of course, their dog is the cutest!
Happy Fourth!
Gametime: Treasure. This game is tricky hard!
Reliving the Relish: That One Time at Coney Island
Here’s a throwback to the time we visited Coney Island, home of the Hot Dog Eating Event. Nothing like downoing 68 or so hot dogs (with the buns!) in 10 minutes in 90 degree heat!
Good times!
FireLily Pops (and Hydrangeas, Too!)
I’m into different kinds of plants these days!
Accidental Art and Massive Monuments in Plymouth
It’s day two of the visit! This time off to Plymouth. Wanted to be somewhere near the coast but not anything too far or crazy. Seemed like a good choice, and it was! My personal highlight of the outing was seeing these cool metal sculptures of animals that we randomly happened upon, didn’t even know they were there! And of course I had to check out the Monument of the Forefathers, which I had sort of heard of before but never checked out until this day. The thing is massive! 81 foot tall and said to be the largest solid granite statue in the world! It’s very interesting.
Yes, that is an opsrey nest on the head of the statue.
We had a nice lunch over at East Bay Grill. I tried another cocktail, a Huckleberry Lemonade concoction made up of vodka, lemonade blueberry puree infused syrup, and blueberries which was very good. I’m not even a drinker and I’ve had two cocktails in two days already.
We finished up the day with a little bit of the firepit on the patio back home, and then some pizza and a movie, Sheep Detectives, very cute starring Huigh Jackman.
A Tourist Day in Boston with Old Friends
One of LD’s old friends from out of state has come over to visit for a few days so we’re doing a little bit of the tourist thing. A trip to Boston was on tap this day. We took a ride on the swan boats, and walked a little bit around the publlic garden. Had a quick bite at a place called Bistro du Midi right on Boyleston, I passed by that place a million times but had never been before. Good flatbreads and the Lavender cocktail I had was very refreshing. Later in the afternoon we took a duck boat ride. I hadn’t been on one in years, that was fun. Good thing we went when we did, I saw one tipped over the next day and that never happens. We originally wanted to go to the Bristol Lounge at the Four Season but the French Soccer Team rented out the entire hotel, so no admittance for anybody. That must be a pretty big bill!
Charlie’s Stick, a $20 Win, and Mariska Hargitay: The Ultimate Weekend Mashup
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.
![](https://hatchetation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/729089124_10239602953107329_5723052174335803282_n.jpg "Working the Merch Table for "Olivia Benson"")
High Hopes, Low Altitudes: A Day at the Kite Festival
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.
Sold! (But We’ll Always Have the Memories)
I couldn;t hjelp but notice that a house that we stayed in on Nantucket as invited guests a few years back got sold. Nice place. Very relaxing location!
Celebrating 9 Years of Pure Joy with Carson!
Happy 9th Birthday Carson!
Thanks for bringing all the love and happiness into our world everyday! From the moment we saw you in the shelter we knew you were the one!
A Dunk in the Pool Weekend
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
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
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
Seeing Beauty in the Morning
What a nice surprise to greet me as I headed out the door this morning! Wasn’t there yesterday and then today, instant beauty! I had to stop for a moment and take it in.
Currently Watching: Hulk Hogan doc on Netflix. I thought this was pretty good!
The Day a Capybara Climbed on Me (Best Day Ever?)
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
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
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
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
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.
Gametime: Klotski – a sliding tile puzzle game – gets hard around level 8 I’m finding!
Visiting The Hidden Temple of Mystical Realism
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
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.
One Sweet Potato: Happy Birthday, Mr. Potato Head!
Just a couple of potato heads mugging for the camera!
Wellesley in Bloom
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!