We had a gorgeous brilliant blue peacock strutting through backyard this morning. It strolled across our lawn into our neighbor's yard. I called them to look out their window as it meandered into their driveway and down Mowry Street.
Over the years we've had a myriad of animals, not ours, in our yard, starting with the first year that we lived here to see a monkey swinging from the clothesline of the across-the-street neighbor. We've had many cows back when there were actually dairy farms in our town. They would periodically escape from their pastures to find greener grass in our gardens. A quick call to the owners would have them rounded up and driven back into their home turf. In the case of the peacock and monkey, and for those of you not familiar with our location, we live about 1 mile (as the crow flies) from the largest zoo in New England. Check out this website: http://www.southwickszoo.com/
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
This 'n That
Adriana has started violin lessons. She's been wanting to learn how to play the violin for at least 3 years, and still asks. So, last Wednesday, she had her first lesson and is soooo happy. I've told Chris and David that the joy will wane, that frustration is sure to follow after the novelty has worn off, but that they should ignore the tears and insist that she continue for 2 years. After that, she'll begin to enjoy making music and will be a position to start playing with others in small ensembles or even a children's orchestra. Fortunately, they are in a great area for this, as there are so many private schools and music instruction in the area.
We all went down to the cafe on Friday evening to hear Jim Moorey entertain. He is good! Nena, Bill, Lisa, the boys, Steve, Dad and I had our own little 'family' corner. It was very hot inside (David has conferred with an electrician to put in ceiling fans soon) and I frequently strolled outside to the patio to enjoy the cooling breezes. The patios were filled, the cafe was filled, and Main Street was alive. David had another entertainer scheduled for last night, and the town had fireworks, too. Bet the crowd was even larger.
Weather is warm, but nights are still cool enough to sleep well without AC. I'm trying to not use it (AC) as much as possible. A window fan to bring in night air is helping.
Have you heard about hypermiling? There is a lot of publicity in our papers and TV lately about extending gas mileage while driving. I've been employing some of the techniques (like using cruise control set at below posted limits), slow starts keeping tachometer below 20, etc., and gained 1.5 mpg last fill-up. The recommendations from the 'experts' in this field are to drive no faster than 55 mph. I noticed several cars in the right lane doing just that while going and coming from Acton handbell rehearsal yesterday. Some avid adherists are doubling their mileage (at least they claim). I'll watch to see the driving habits of others on the highways over the next few months.
Just this morning the news stations are reporting that winter heating oil prices will be double last year. Ouch! And food prices...I'm looking into using more of my canning jars this summer...farmer's markets and roadside vegetable stands will more of get my attention Wish we had more land for a bigger garden.
We all went down to the cafe on Friday evening to hear Jim Moorey entertain. He is good! Nena, Bill, Lisa, the boys, Steve, Dad and I had our own little 'family' corner. It was very hot inside (David has conferred with an electrician to put in ceiling fans soon) and I frequently strolled outside to the patio to enjoy the cooling breezes. The patios were filled, the cafe was filled, and Main Street was alive. David had another entertainer scheduled for last night, and the town had fireworks, too. Bet the crowd was even larger.
Weather is warm, but nights are still cool enough to sleep well without AC. I'm trying to not use it (AC) as much as possible. A window fan to bring in night air is helping.
Have you heard about hypermiling? There is a lot of publicity in our papers and TV lately about extending gas mileage while driving. I've been employing some of the techniques (like using cruise control set at below posted limits), slow starts keeping tachometer below 20, etc., and gained 1.5 mpg last fill-up. The recommendations from the 'experts' in this field are to drive no faster than 55 mph. I noticed several cars in the right lane doing just that while going and coming from Acton handbell rehearsal yesterday. Some avid adherists are doubling their mileage (at least they claim). I'll watch to see the driving habits of others on the highways over the next few months.
Just this morning the news stations are reporting that winter heating oil prices will be double last year. Ouch! And food prices...I'm looking into using more of my canning jars this summer...farmer's markets and roadside vegetable stands will more of get my attention Wish we had more land for a bigger garden.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
You never know! ! !
On Monday afternoon, I decided to make pizza for supper. When I make it, I generally fill 2 large rectangular pans, enough for an army, and obviously too much for just Tony and me. We eat a few pieces and have left-overs for the following week (all week). Some is frozen, etc.
Just as I was spreading the dough on the pans, Tony came in from the garden to tell me that some folks had stopped their car at the end of our driveway because they had 2 blown out tires...they'd hit pot holes on Rt 16. They had a rental from Logan, had just come in from India and were on the way to visit relatives in Rhode Island. Now we had someone with whom to share the pizza and lemonade. I enjoyed talking with the 2 children (ages 10 and 14) while Tony helped the dad and mom, taking one of them to the nearest station to get tires repaired. The family had lived in India for 2 years ... dad worked in the computer industry there ... and they went to an International School. The dad was born in India, is now a US citizen, the children and mom were all born here.
Linda (mom) told us that if this had happened in India there would have been thousands of people gathered around them. 1/3 would have just watched, 1/3 would have offered all kinds of suggestions and advice, and 1/3 would have offered to help, but at an exhorbitant price. She was glad to be back in USA.
After about an hour, fed and watered (lemonaded), they were on their way.
You never know!
Just as I was spreading the dough on the pans, Tony came in from the garden to tell me that some folks had stopped their car at the end of our driveway because they had 2 blown out tires...they'd hit pot holes on Rt 16. They had a rental from Logan, had just come in from India and were on the way to visit relatives in Rhode Island. Now we had someone with whom to share the pizza and lemonade. I enjoyed talking with the 2 children (ages 10 and 14) while Tony helped the dad and mom, taking one of them to the nearest station to get tires repaired. The family had lived in India for 2 years ... dad worked in the computer industry there ... and they went to an International School. The dad was born in India, is now a US citizen, the children and mom were all born here.
Linda (mom) told us that if this had happened in India there would have been thousands of people gathered around them. 1/3 would have just watched, 1/3 would have offered all kinds of suggestions and advice, and 1/3 would have offered to help, but at an exhorbitant price. She was glad to be back in USA.
After about an hour, fed and watered (lemonaded), they were on their way.
You never know!
Monday, June 9, 2008
Class Reunion '58-'08
Can it really be??? How did this happen? Our 50th college reunion was held this weekend and we had a grand turn-out...nearly 55% of our classmates attended. The weather was HOT...HHH to be exact. Fortunately, only a little time was spent outdoors, the campus tour vial sightseeing trolleys and class pictures on the steps of Boyden Hall (where all of our classes were held along with bookstore, auditorium, commuter lounge, library, President's office and offices of all the administration and faculty...all in one building. Now the campus is spread over 250+ acres and has numerous buildings and supporting complexes, including a commuter train station direct to/from Boston.
Our weekend included lots of laughs, re-aquainting, reminiscing, and promises to 'do this again' in 5 years. We had a marvelous dinner for just our '50th' class on Friday night and a reunion dinner on Saturday night for all the reuning classes (10, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 years.) Our class presented the President with a class gift at an Alumni Association Meeting, we had 2 breakfasts and a luncheon. There was a hospitality room at the hotel of which we made good use.
Tony spent the weekend in North Carolina with the Herberts celebrating Eric's high school graduation. I was there in spirit and thought of them often during the weekend. I met Tony at the airport this evening after tracking his flight from RDU to PVD. When he was about 40 minutes from arrival I left for the airport and we both arrived at the sidewalk outside baggage claim area at precisely the same moment. Pretty good!
Now, we're home trying to stay cool. The temps today got to 97, with heat-index reaching 107. Tomorrow is supposed to be worse, then gradual improvement (down to 80s for next few days). Thankfully, David and Chris arrived last night to install the window AC units...I had a really good night sleep. Ahhhhh!
Our weekend included lots of laughs, re-aquainting, reminiscing, and promises to 'do this again' in 5 years. We had a marvelous dinner for just our '50th' class on Friday night and a reunion dinner on Saturday night for all the reuning classes (10, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 years.) Our class presented the President with a class gift at an Alumni Association Meeting, we had 2 breakfasts and a luncheon. There was a hospitality room at the hotel of which we made good use.
Tony spent the weekend in North Carolina with the Herberts celebrating Eric's high school graduation. I was there in spirit and thought of them often during the weekend. I met Tony at the airport this evening after tracking his flight from RDU to PVD. When he was about 40 minutes from arrival I left for the airport and we both arrived at the sidewalk outside baggage claim area at precisely the same moment. Pretty good!
Now, we're home trying to stay cool. The temps today got to 97, with heat-index reaching 107. Tomorrow is supposed to be worse, then gradual improvement (down to 80s for next few days). Thankfully, David and Chris arrived last night to install the window AC units...I had a really good night sleep. Ahhhhh!
Monday, June 2, 2008
Letterboxing
Adriana and I went for a stroll through the BV State Park today and located another letterbox. It was fairly easy to find, fortunately, but we encountered a swarm of mosquitoes (of course, it was near the river and the land was moist...perfect habitat for those pesky insects). The weather was ideal for the walk...70s, sunny, light breeze. We now have a large collection of stamps in our books, and she does enjoy finding the boxes. We checked on our own plantings, and found one that needs repair (the stamp and ink pad were missing) so pulled it. It's now ready for re-planting.
Yesterday, a family reunion at the Moorey's in Whitinsville was a last minute plan that turned out perfectly (Jim & Lisa decided on Friday to gather folks). Again, weather was warm (70s), sunny and light breeze. Got to see some relatives whom we've not seen since last summer (Tonrys). Jim & Lisa's new home is lovely, large and has a much nicer yard that the one they lived in previously. This one is about 3 houses away from former one. Big move!
I've finished 2 dozen maroon coffee cup cuffs for our college reunion next weekend. I embroidered BSC 1958-2008 in gold for each of the 8 of 'our gang' and a couple of extras for some impromptu handouts. They stitch up very quickly and make a good conversation piece. In the past, I've make tissue holders, checkbook covers, and notebook covers for previous 8-reunions. I'm always on the lookout for small, quick projects that will make good favors for such events. Marcia just sent me a potato baking pouch that will go on my list for the future...another simple and fast project.
Yesterday, a family reunion at the Moorey's in Whitinsville was a last minute plan that turned out perfectly (Jim & Lisa decided on Friday to gather folks). Again, weather was warm (70s), sunny and light breeze. Got to see some relatives whom we've not seen since last summer (Tonrys). Jim & Lisa's new home is lovely, large and has a much nicer yard that the one they lived in previously. This one is about 3 houses away from former one. Big move!
I've finished 2 dozen maroon coffee cup cuffs for our college reunion next weekend. I embroidered BSC 1958-2008 in gold for each of the 8 of 'our gang' and a couple of extras for some impromptu handouts. They stitch up very quickly and make a good conversation piece. In the past, I've make tissue holders, checkbook covers, and notebook covers for previous 8-reunions. I'm always on the lookout for small, quick projects that will make good favors for such events. Marcia just sent me a potato baking pouch that will go on my list for the future...another simple and fast project.
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