by Valynne | Apr 26, 2010 | Friends of Caretaking Couple, Travel |
Spring
Paul is listening to the cricket match (Derbyshire v Gloucestershire) while I read my favorite blogs. On Sundays, I also like to read the paper (typically the New York Times) in my PJ’s, catch up on correspondence, and maybe watch a movie with Paul and Milo, my two main squeezes.
Unless it is really nice out – then we are typically in the garden or on a road trip. What do you like to do on Sundays? If you work Sundays (which I have done most of my adult life up until now), what do you do on your “Day of Rest”? Please tell me you have one.
I imagine you enjoy blogs (seeing as how you are reading this one). There is a blog that I discovered a couple of months ago and absolutely love. I love it so much that I have decided to add it to my INSPIRATION links to the right of this post.
The blog is www.bluebirdnotes.blogspot.com and there just happens to be a giveaway going on this weekend…so be sure to stop by and see for yourself how very wonderful said blog is. And enter to win something practical and pretty!
Next week, I am heading to Cambridge to hang out with Cosmo (see adorable pic below). We bonded a couple of weekends ago and I am especially looking forward to hanging out with her at the local dog park…and wandering around Harvard Square.
I'm very sweet and would sure love a treat...
The homeowners here on the Bay will most likely be around in May which means that Paul will be joining me for at least part of the time – FUN! I know he will love Cambridge. Have you been to Cambridge? If so, let us know your favorite spot(s)…I will post pics : )
Speaking of pics, I am a bit behind on some stuff. It has been a great spring so far! We were able to spend another weekend in NYC – here are some highlights…
Dakota Blonde in NYC!
Our friend Mary has the voice of an angel. She is angelic all around, come to think of it. If you aren’t familiar with this Colorado band, please find out more about them at www.DakotaBlonde.com.
We love this band and were so excited to see Dakota Blonde at their first official NYC gig at the Metropolitan Room! Mary, is the compilation CD out yet?!?
Casey & Paul in the Big Apple!
We also got to catch up with our sweet friend Casey, who just happened to be visiting friends in NYC that weekend. Love you, Casey!
Noah, Alexis, and Sarah
Even got to meet some of Caseys besties while we were there. BTW, Noah and Alexis are newlyweds. Congrats, you two!
Paul and Carolyn
Here you see Paul and Carolyn, pondering our next adventure…Baba Ghanoush at Shalel – YUM!
We packed a lot into that weekend – above are just some of the highlights. What was that? You want to see just a little more? Well, OK. If you insist.
How about I tell you a bit more about Carolyn. Actually, I will show you. Carolyn does stuff like this…
Bliss
She goes out for the paper or whatever and comes back with cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery. Hostess/Mostess!
Her sister is equally wonderful – it just happens that she had a cold that weekend so we didn’t get to see her much. Next time, Amy! And thanks, Andy for joining us – it was so fun getting to know you better!
Ah, Idlewild...
We found a new bookstore to add to our “favorites”. There were Italian language lessons being taught in the back room. It boasted a nice vibe all around and I found lots of travel books there that I had never heard of. Books by writers about other (travel) writers, even. Simply. Fun.
FISHS EDDY - Union Square
This one’s for you, Rach. And Em. And me. Double handled polka dotted mugs. That is, indeed, what I am talking about. OK, just one more FISHS EDDY pic…
More FISHS EDDY
Laura, this one is for you. And me. This is what my kitchen would look like if I actually had one. I try to travel light (like a good vagabond) but I do have a distinct weakness for dishware…
Be the change that you want to see in the world - Ghandi
Found this statue of Ghandi just outside the farmers’ market in Union Square…have I mentioned how much I love New York City?
OK, I guess I have shared enough for one Sunday. Please share your Sunday with us. And if you have been to Cambridge we would love to know about your favorite haunts. The same goes for NYC. And the Cape. You know we love hearing from you…
by Valynne | Mar 15, 2010 | Travel |
It was a really quick trip to Connecticut. We visited my old friend Nancy and her hubster Chad in Glastonbury, then headed over to KC Dubliner in Burlington for some festivities of the St. Paddy’s Day variety.
I worked at this pub in my early to mid twenties (when it was O’Hagan’s) so it was fun to come back and see so many familiar faces. There have been many changes (the place looks great, K&C!); the room the girls are dancing in was a smoky pool hall at one time.
My original plan was to go to the Irish parade in Hartford in the morning and meet up with the entire fam, but the weather was bad. Gale force winds, pouring down rain, fallen trees and power lines, not to mention flooding bad. Alas.
Very happy we got to see the step dancers, though. Love to watch step dancing (I bounce too much to be any good at it myself). Fun to see all the kids running around as well, looking like their ‘rents that I waited on/befriended back in the day.
John, Contemplating his Next Drink
Got a chance to catch up with my cousin John (aka Cuz). He was sporting a fantastic bright green mullet wig but I think Aunt Ev confiscated and hid it before I could get a picture ; ) There are very few people in this world that can convince me to do a shot these days…actually, only two that I can think of. John happens to be one of them.
Declan, Getting the Menu Scoop from Aunt Ev
Declan is one of the youngest family members . This is the only time I saw him sitting still (apparently, like me, he pays attention come supper time). He looks so much like his Dad (my cousin), but with blond hair…
Wish I had gotten more pics but I was just enjoying myself too much to be bothered, I guess. It was great to finally introduce Paul to Aunt Ev, whom I love dearly. Later in the evening there was a reunion with the girls (and Pete!); everyone looks so happy and healthy…
Aunt Ev's Famous Irish Soda Bread
Aunt Ev brought me two loaves of the best Irish Soda Bread in the entire world (it is a Belfast recipe). We had the first loaf with Chad and Nancy, and we are sharing the second one with the homeowners here in MA, who have been home with Milo for the weekend. This is proof as to how much I like these people.
Paul and I finally got to meet Gus, a very sweet Clumber Spaniel who believes he is a lap dog the size of a Chihuahua. Here he is with Chad and his favorite stuffed duck…
Chad and Gus
Vidalia and I are old friends – hard to believe she is in her teens now. I remember when Nancy first adopted her – she spent the first six months or so under Nancy’s bed. Once she ventured out, though, there was no turning back.
The two of us did lots of bonding back in the day. I house and pet sat for Nancy whenever she was away throughout my twenties. When she was home, we were nearly inseparable.
Vidalia (Not Loving Having Her Picture Taken)
Thank you Nancy and Chad for having us; love your new digs (Dutch Colonial) and Gus is such a sweet, sweet boy! There were lots of people I wanted to see and introduce to Paul but time was limited. We are only a couple of hours away now; so another visit is just around the corner…
Nancy and Chad
In the meantime, lots of love to the CT crowd, and a Happy Saint Patrick’s Day to all! And that reminds me – only two days left to enter our latest contest (scroll down for the scoop)…
by Valynne | Mar 8, 2010 | Travel |
I wandered around the backyard early this morning. Looks like it is time for some spring cleaning. I know it’s not spring yet…but it is definitely getting there.
Paul and I took Milo for a walk around the Bay a little later. Seeing as today was picture perfect, we nixed going through what was left of our moving boxes and decided to treat ourselves to a Sunday drive.
Our first stop was the Cape Cod Canal. We walked along it for a mile or two. I think the Bourne Bridge is quite attractive.
This campsite is right along the Cape Cod Canal walking trail. It will be packed with campers in a month or two. Perhaps I will meet a few: this trail covers seventeen miles of rollerblading bliss. Can’t wait!
We would have hit the Sagamore Bridge there in the distance had we kept walking. Inspired by growling stomachs, we headed for the town of Sandwich instead.
One last shot before hopping back into the 4Runner…this is the Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge. I love that she lifts for the ships and lowers for the trains…
I had been wanting to check this place out for some time, and Paul was interested as well. It is called the Belfry Inne & Bistro. Next door is the Painted Lady (a restored Victorian whose picture can be found in an earlier post).
We got there just in time for a late brunch. Doesn’t that door just make you want to see what’s inside?
What a magnificent room. This old building was fortunate to have not lost its charm regardless of renovations.
Never before have I taken pictures of windows in a restaurant loo…but oh, the colors! And the light! I could not resist.
Now that was a great meal. Not too big, not too small says the Englishman.
And back to the homestead. Milo has become quite spoiled. He sulks when we are gone for even one small hour. We take that as a compliment.
by Valynne | Feb 8, 2010 | Friends of Caretaking Couple, Music, Travel |
I love it when friends hound me about not having written a post in a while (it leads me to believe people are actually enjoying the fruits of my blog-labor. Or, at the very least looking at pics)…
Honestly: when I hold off on the new posts, it is usually because I want to make sure everyone gets a chance to read the latest, as it may include a contest, a good cause, etc.
Still, it has been a week since my last post. Everyone has had plenty of time to enter the Valentine’s Day Contest (which ends TONIGHT, by the way). So here I go…
Last weekend was spent with our good friend, John Erlandson (aka John E, aka Johnboy) from Evergreen, Colorado. We spent the first day in Boston, which was great, aside from being the COLDEST DAY of the YEAR. Bitter cold. But fun!
John E and Paul in Boston
Apparently it was too cold for me to hold the camera steady (see above). We warmed up with dinner and drinks at the Union Oyster House, America’s oldest restaurant, and right along the Freedom Trail. Mmmm, chowdah…
John E at the Union Oyster House
America’s Oldest Restaurant (Established 1826)
Notice how light it was outside. We had an early dinner, which means the drinking started a bit early as well. Still, we managed to visit some cool places before passing out at the Bulfinch Hotel well before midnight…
Cupcake Tower!
John and I saw this dazzling display at Lyndell’s Bakery (since 1887!) and just had to come in, get warm, and chat with the two lovely ladies behind the baked goods counter. John picked up some treats for us all to share later…good friend, that John E.
Heart Day Tribute
The cupcakes and St. Valentine were both found on Hanover Street, which is located in the Italian Section, also known as the North End of Boston. Needless to say, being there pleased me greatly.
We had a brilliant bottle of 2004 Morgante Nero D’Avola in Strega Ristorante, but I don’t take pictures in restaurants that have “The Godfather” playing on their bar TV. Just sayin’.
Quincy Market
Because it was so cold, we ended up at Quincy Market both days, mainly to get warm and grab some postcards. I love the cobblestone streets and can’t wait to get back to the Market in the springtime, when the street performers and vendors are back! Can’t wait to walk down the Freedom Trail with Paul, either.
And that is what the first 24 hours with John looked like. What did we do when we got to the House on the Bay? We watched concerts and movies and listened to music and went to Woods Hole and Falmouth; and then it all came to an end.
Three days may be long enough for the guys, but it went by too fast for me : (
Union Street, Boston
Boston + Seafood = YUM
View from the Cah - Heading Home
Pie in the Sky, Woods Hole, Cape Cod
It was cold when we got back home, too. Not as cold as Boston, but cold enough that my glasses were fogged up the entire time we were in this little bakery/cafe, which is about half an hour from the house. There was a sweet little old man snoring away at the window. Wanted desperately to take his pic, but restrained myself.
Captain Kidd, Woods Hole
By the way, Woods Hole is known for it’s Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), which is the largest private non-profit oceanographic institution in the WORLD. Cool, eh?
Lunch at the Silver Lounge in Falmouth
Our friend Frank used to live in this neck of the woods, and one of the first things he said to us when he found out we were caretaking in the area was “Be sure to stop by the Silver Lounge“. The food is yum and the waitstaff friendly. This is vintage Cape Cod and I can’t get enough. Hoping to meet Frank and the fam here for lunch one day soon.
Sing for me, John E!
I love music and John E loves to play, so having him all to ourselves was a real treat. I miss my musician friends something fierce, but am looking forward to seeing more great live music out this way, also. If any of you Capedwellers is looking for some fresh from Colorado talent, just let me know and I will hook it up!
Thank you for coming to visit, John E. I knew it all along…you are definitely not just a “fair-weather” friend!
Milo
PS Milo says hi and thanks for the walk! (FYI – this pic was taken on a much warmer day, for all of you animal lovers out there : )
by Valynne | Jan 15, 2010 | Travel |
BYOD?
I know nothing about New York real estate. That being said, this mansion is for sale on the Upper West Side and I am tempted to call the realtor and ask if the doors and windows are extra. Just curious, is all. If it weren’t a waste of people’s time, I would love to see the interior. But it is a waste of people’s time. Maybe if I said I was an up and coming blogpreneur? I mean, I did just break the 3,000 hits mark (thanks all)! Still, a waste of people’s time. Drat.
Alice's Tea Cup, Chapter I
Alice’s Tea Cup is really sweet (as in Strawberry Chocolate Scones sweet). I asked for lavender tea and ended up with this wonderful blend… “Serene is the composition of chamomile blossoms, lemon verbena, wild crafted linden herb, organic peppermint leaves, organic osthmanthus flowers, organic jasmine blossoms, organic lemongrass and lavender flowers”. Bliss. And they make their own Ginger Soy Dressing. I could drink it. Seriously.
Fiocchetti ai tre formaggi e pera
MEZZOGIORNO Restaurant is on the corner of Spring and Sullivan in SoHo and has been since 1987. What you see here is small pasta pouches filled with cheese and pear. Tuscan Cuisine…definitely in the top five on my Life’s Loves list. Oh, and all of the interior furnishings, including the Florentine bar, (and the owner) were imported from Italy. You may know this about me by now, but I have this, this thing for Italy…
And Ireland. I certainly could not visit NYC without stopping in an Irish Pub. Of the several times I have been to New York (as an adult, anyway), I have proudly upheld this tradition. These pics were taken towards the end of our stay. Haiti was hit by a 7.0 earthquake the night before and I couldn’t sleep for thinking of all the people in crisis. Having been thrown out of bed and across the room during the Northridge Quake (CA) in 1994, I know the damage earthquakes and their aftershocks are capable of. The Northridge Quake was a 6.7 and no where near as devastating as what Haiti is now facing. So, while Paul met with coworkers on Madison Ave, I hoofed it to one of my new favorite streets and found me St James Gate and ordered me an Absolute Bloody Mary (because drinking always helps, she thinks sarcastically to herself). 
Bartendress Siobhan and I contemplated many things; mostly having to do with technology and the quake. A man named LR at the end of the bar piped in every now and then…he reminded me of the man who sits at the end of the bar at Vesuvio in San Francisco; similar beards and caps and dress; as if they stepped out of another era. A better era. LR drank his pint and whiskey while reading Chronicles, Volume One (for the fourth time) until he decided to get back to work, warning Siobhan that he would most likely be back later. ..
by Valynne | Jan 15, 2010 | Travel, Writers and Readers |
How fun is it that I found myself in NYC the very same week that GWW (Gotham Writers’ Workshop) held their annual Winter Open House? Much fun, for me and for Paul, who (being the gentleman that he is) escorted me to the classroom on Bowery (Lower East Side) then had himself a pint or two at McSorley’s Old Ale House while I learned how much there is to learn about writing.
The first class (Nonfiction Writing) was taught by Pauline Millard, who had me at “I write for the The Huffington Post”. I love that she stressed that in order to be a good writer, one really must read. I can do that. I know there is more to being a writer than reading a lot, but it’s a good start, isn’t it?
Ms. Millard gave us several writing prompts (my favorite being “Write about someone you can’t stand”). A few brave souls shared their five minute manifestos with the rest of us (apparently we all have someone or something we can’t stand – relief all around). She suggested we read On Writing by Stephen King. Being the good (i.e. obsessive) student that I am, I decided I must read that book. Now.
Evan Rehill taught the second class (Creative Writing). I enjoyed his teaching style (fired up) and the fact that he felt mortally wounded by a paper cut inflicted upon him last class. I wanted to know (and still do) what the tattoo on his inner wrist symbolized (it looked like a star that had lines missing). Don’t ask me why I didn’t ask him – I don’t know why – just didn’t. Maybe I will e-mail him.
Mr. Rehill taught that the words coming to life are what we give to the reader and gave us the following writing prompt: “Pick an ordinary object and infuse it with magic”. OK, got it. Next prompt? “Add conflict”. What does my character want? What is in the way? Juicy. Let’s make the impossible possible, shall we?
Now, of course, I want to take classes every Saturday in NYC. The classes aren’t too expensive, but the travel (train, parking, subway, etc) would run a couple hundred a week, easy. Alas. GWW does offer classes online, which I typically shy away from…will have to think about it. Meantime, thank you Gotham Writers’ Workshop for enriching my NYC experience!
