I got an unusual number of hits from readers this morning. I never know why. Is it because we are having a big snow in New England?
Let me give you a couple preliminary snow pics just in case. I hope to do a regular post this evening.
Posts Tagged ‘new england’
An Extra Post, Thanks to Snow
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged blizzard, concord, new england, photo, photograph, postaday, snow, storm on January 27, 2015| 8 Comments »
Food Banks Try to Meet the Need
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged access, connecticut, families, food bank, food insecurity, hunger, low-income, maine, massachusetts, new england, new hampshire, pantry, poor, postaday, poverty, rhode island, Vermont, volunteer on November 26, 2014| Leave a Comment »
With increasing numbers of Americans experiencing food insecurity, it seems like an appropriate time of year to be grateful that at least there are many goodhearted people managing food banks and community meals and doing what they can.
If you know of anyone in New England who could use the help just now, or if you want to volunteer or donate, this partial list may be a good starting place.
Rhode Island
http://www.rifoodbank.org
“The Rhode Island Community Food Bank works to end hunger in our state by providing food to people in need. We envision a day when all Rhode Islanders have access to nutritious food and a healthy lifestyle.
Massachusetts
East
http://Gbfb.org
“The Greater Boston Food Bank’s mission is to End Hunger Here. Our objective is to distribute enough food to provide at least one meal a day to those in need.”
West
https://www.foodbankwma.org/
“We are fortunate to live in such a special part of the country, allowing for the growth and harvest of a multitude of fresh fruits and vegetables. As this harvest season comes to an end, we have received more than 266,800 pounds of fresh produce — including potatoes, lettuce, carrots, apples and squash — donated by local farms this year.”
Vermont
http://www.vtfoodbank.org/FindFoodShelf.aspx
“If you are looking for a place to have a Thanksgiving meal or to volunteer to help cook, serve or clean-up, download our list of Thanksgiving meals.”
New Hampshire
http://www.nhfoodbank.org/
“Need Food? We Can Help. If you are in need of assistance, use our search to locate the nearest food pantry or soup kitchen to you. Search by your town or county, or view all of our partner agencies.”
Maine
http://www.foodpantries.org/st/maine
“There are several food pantries and food banks in the Maine. With help from users like you we have compiled a list of some. If you know of a listing that is not included here please submit new food pantries to our database.”
Connecticut
http://www.ctfoodbank.org/
“The mission of Connecticut Food Bank is to provide nutritious food to people in need. We distribute food and other resources to nearly 700 local emergency food assistance programs in six of Connecticut’s eight counties: Fairfield, Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London and Windham.”
Fall Photos from New England
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged art, nancy arkuss, new england, photo, photography, postaday, sculpture on November 12, 2014| 2 Comments »
The photo of the library windows, above, was taken this morning. I was beyond thrilled to see the bubbles. It turns out that’s what happens when a flash meets a mist.
Suzanne took the lovely picture of leaves through a fan-shaped window in Rhode Island. The tiny house photo is from the entryway to a real estate office. The golden carpet is of ginkgo leaves. I took the shot of bittersweet growing on a Liberty Street fence Veterans Day near where the first shots were fired in 1775. The sculpture in front of the Umbrella Center for the Arts is by Nancy Arkuss. It’s called “Sid.” (Suzanne went through school with the artist’s son.)
Another Photo Roundup
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged art, Audubon Society, brown street park, channel Don Eyles, cobblestones, drumlin farm, fall, fort point, halloween, installation, Miss piggy, new england, october, photo, photography, postaday, providence, pumpkin on November 1, 2014| 4 Comments »
In my part of New England, Daylight Savings is drawing to a close with cold, wet, dark presentiments of the season to come. Seems like a good time to think about the fun we had in October.
Artist Don Eyles floated a pyramid in Fort Point Channel until a storm blew up. Suzanne, my husband, and our middle grandchild visited the sheep and other animals at the Audubon Society’s Drumlin Farm.
At work, we had a pumpkin-decorating contest. My team did Miss Piggy, porcine Muppet diva, to use the Wall Street Journal identifier. (Left to right, Elvis, the Monopoly Man, Miss Piggy, Edgar Allan Poe, Chia Pet, and Gonzo.) A Halloween band marched surrounded by babies, kids, and adults in costume all around blocked-off Providence thoroughfares near the Brown Street Park.
More quietly, chrysanthemums soaked up sunshine.
Here is a bit of background on the pyramid, in case you are interested.
“In 1998 Fort Point artist Don Eyles floated his first pyramid in Fort Point Channel, marking the water as a venue for art and opening the doors to years of temporary art installations to come. The installation was a bold move, made independently, and completely self-funded.”
“ ‘Consider the history that has passed along the cobbled streets of Boston — all the men and women, famous or unremembered, who have walked and rode here … always with granite cobblestones beneath their feet and wheels. I have long dreamed of making this history tangible, by constructing a great pyramid from the cobblestones uprooted by the City’s recent development.’ ”
More on the Pyramid and other Fort Point projects at tumblr, here.
End of Summer In Massachusetts
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged concord, massachusetts, motorcycle, new england, photo, postaday, sunflower on September 18, 2014| 4 Comments »
Today’s post features a bunch of photos again, if you can bear it.
I was especially intrigued by a lovely sunflower and a utility pole that is an actual tree trunk. Although the tree trunk has probably been right in front of my nose for 20 years, it wasn’t until a recent late-train day that I actually noticed. “Holy cow! That’s a tree trunk!” No one else seemed to notice.
Other photos are attempts to capture early-morning light, but you may not be able to tell what time of day it is.
Spring in New England
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged dewey square, farmers market, greenway, new england, photo, photography, postaday, tall ship on June 3, 2014| 2 Comments »
Here are some photographs from Greater Boston this spring.
The first three represent the work of an exceptional landscaper in an office building downtown.
I also want to show you that the Barking Crab may be surrounded by construction in the Seaport District but is still open for business. There’s a tall ship in the Harbor. The blue whale in the Greenway carousel is ready to ride, and the Greenway demonstration garden is producing strawberries. The Dewey Square farmers market has plenty of produce and flowers.
I threw in the third-floor balcony at home.
Rhode Island Black Heritage Society
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged abolitionist, black entrepreneurs, Boston Street Scene, Boys' Bow-Tie Event, businesswoman, Casby Harrison, Christiana Bannister, Edward Mitchell Bannister, eventbrite, Girls' Tea Party, Governor Lippitt House, new england, postaday, Rhode Island Black Heritage Society, Wikimedia on March 29, 2014| Leave a Comment »
Art: Edward Mitchell Bannister, Boston Street Scene, Wikimedia Commons
Some years ago, a friend who creates exhibits opened a highly successful one on black entrepreneurs in 18th and 19th century New England. In the process, she made the acquaintance of the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society. The society lent her exhibit some materials from its collection, including mementos of the painter Edward W. Bannister: a portrait he did of his wife, Christiana Carteaux Bannister, an original brochure for the nursing home that she helped found.
My friend has kept in touch with the society, which is how I learned about the two adorable-sounding events for children below.
“Join the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society at the Old Brick Schoolhouse in Providence for the annual Boys’ Bow-Tie Event [on May 3, 10 a.m.-12 noon]. The Boys’ Bow-Tie Event is a chance for boys ages 6-12 to learn to tie a bow-tie and a number of other useful skills to know as they transition into young adulthood. Attendees will be instructed by Casby Harrison, Esq., and other mentors on how to properly shake hands and introduce themselves in public. Attendees are asked to wear a collared shirt. Refreshments will be served during the event. All participants get a free bow-tie for attending!” Sign up at EventBrite, here.
And for the young ladies: “Join the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society at the historic Governor Lippitt House on Hope Street in Providence for the Girls’ Tea Party [on May 17, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.] Girls will be instructed on how to take tea and learn the basics of social etiquette. Mrs. Christiana Bannister, abolitionist and businesswoman, will also share stories of historic Black women in RI. All Participants will receive a complementary vanity mirror for attending!” Go to EventBrite, here.
Both events are free to attend. “If you would like to sponsor a child for the event by covering the cost of tea and vanity mirrors [or bow ties], you can do so with a donation to the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society. The cost to sponsor one child is $15. Please use the donation form [at EventBrite] or send a check to 123 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02903.
“The Rhode Island Black Heritage Society was founded in 1975 with a mission to preserve three centuries of African American history in the state. The Society has amassed an invaluable collection of artifacts that documents African Americans’ achievements in military service, business, politics, the arts and education. The Rhode Island Black Heritage Society encourages and promotes the study of African American history by hosting tours, lectures, and exhibits for the general public.”
Getting Outdoors Again
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged heart, icicle, new england, photo, photograph, snow, valentine tree, winter on February 16, 2014| 10 Comments »
It felt great to get outdoors for my walk today. I’ve been going round and round inside the house instead because it’s just too hard to see the icy spots in the early morning dark. The barista at Main Streets Café, who always waves at me, must think I have wimped out for good.
My husband went skiing (what a good winter it’s been for cross country!), but I went around town to see what I’ve been missing. I especially liked the Valentine tree that a new neighbor put up for the 14th. An idea to keep in mind.
Why a Radio Host Is Like a Blogger
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged arnie krakowsky, blogging, chandler, jazz, live performance, music, new england, pamela hines, postaday, tenor sax, wgmc, wicn, worcester on January 26, 2014| 4 Comments »
Listening to the lone WICN radio host early Saturday morning reminded me of when I was a WGMC radio host in Greece, New York — until Suzanne was six months old and starting to reach over the baby seat to grab the turntable.
I was never sure if anyone was out there listening, but I liked doing it anyway.
Kind of like blogging.
At 5:30 a.m., the WICN host was playing a series of mellow tunes. He seemed to be enjoying the music, which means he didn’t talk much. I appreciate that kind of host so much more than the ones who love to hear themselves talk.
WICN, “Jazz Plus, for New England,” is a rare boon to jazz lovers. Having been to the studio recently to donate school instruments, I couldn’t help thinking that the hours before dawn on a Saturday must be pretty bleak and lonely in that industrial part of Worcester.
The only thing I was able learn about the host after Googling around was that his last name is Chandler. It was nice to think of Mr. Chandler enjoying the music in that barren neighborhood before 6 a.m., and I wish I had told him that someone was listening and appreciated the way he rode the records, transitioning so smoothly.
You can listen to WICN online, here, if you don’t live near Worcester. Send the station an e-mail to tell a host you’re listening. It’s a small outfit. I’m still waiting to hear back from my own e-mail.
If you are free during a weekday, be sure to catch a live performance by Pamela Hines and Arnie Krakowsky (below) on January 29.
Update 1/27/14: WICN General Manager Gerry Weston e-mails that the early morning host was “Osay Chandler, he’s out of Pittsburgh.”
Photo: WICN
Join pianist Pamela Hines and her special guest on January 29 at 2 p.m. Arnie Krakowsky, a professional tenor saxophone jazz musician, will perform live with Hines in the WICN studio.
Looking for Art in the Winter Landscape
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged assabet river, chinese wall hanging, nature, new england, photo, photography, postaday, snow on January 20, 2014| 6 Comments »
You never know with winter. The weatherperson says “possible snow flurries,” and you get two and a half inches. Lichen-covered branches crash in the first high wind.
I’m posting a few pictures.
The tree in front of the brick bank will look just like this in the spring, but the white puffs will be flowers. I especially like the way the dogwood looks in winter — a Chinese scroll painting. The Assabet River is lovely from any angle. The tree between the yellow buildings has an elephant’s trunk.
Friends and family are heading off to warmer weather or just coming back and feeling mellow. But I think I kind of like winter.
The Bunny Didn’t Eat the Celery
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged advent, celery for bunny, mbta, new england, photograph, photos, postaday, Rudolph cookies, snow, subway, winter footwear, wreaths on December 15, 2013| 2 Comments »
Last night as we pulled into our snowy driveway, a rabbit ran in front of the headlights. I thought he must be hungry and cold. But this morning, I saw that he hadn’t found the celery I put out, and the apple was buried.
Here is the celery and a few other recent photos: a church’s advent wreath, a frosty leaf, a suitable wreath for a coffee shop, my dogwood in snow, winter footwear on the MBTA subway, and Rudolph cookies.
Photo Roundup before the Snow Flies
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged boston, claremont elks, concord, massachusetts, new england, new hampshire, northern avenue bridge, photography, photos, postaday, rhode island, Vermont on November 11, 2013| 2 Comments »
The word is we are to expect a dusting of snow tomorrow. So before I start taking winter photographs, I think I will round up a few from balmier days.
What are these pictures of? you ask.
In Concord: mysterious blue flowers (I need to ask MisterSmartyPlants.com about them), a French style house, and a flower box at the second-floor shop called Nesting.
In Boston: An autumnal plant display on Congress Street and another on the Northern Avenue bridge overlooking Boston Harbor.
In Vermont: an all-you-can-eat breakfast inn.
In Claremont, New Hampshire: The Elks’ elk.
In Rhode Island: The Assistant Bicycle Inspector.
Now if I only had recent photos of Maine and Connecticut, I would have New England covered. Maybe next summer.
New Hampshire and Vermont
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged country store, cows, new england, new hampshire, photos, postaday, sheep, Vermont, waitsfield on October 26, 2013| 2 Comments »
Two incredibly photogenic states.
We got a special kick out of the sheep and chickens of my husband’s cousin, a dentist. He and his wife really know how to get the most out of the rural life.
Another Harvest of Photos
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged barking crab, boston, massachusetts, new england, old state house, photograph, photos, postaday, street piano on October 18, 2013| 2 Comments »
No real theme among the collection today.
The first picture is of a rock that gets repainted all summer long — sometimes a few times a day — with pictures and messages of various kinds. This painting features mermaids, starfish, and octopi.
I also wanted to include some more lovely clouds, the old Massachusetts state house (dwarfed by modern buildings like Virginia Lee Burton‘s Little House), a warehouse interior repurposed as an elegant atrium for a Fort Point hotel, another one of those “Play Me, I’m Yours” street pianos, the Barking Crab restaurant sign, and a sleeping bee. “When a bee lies sleepin’ …” (Do you know the Harold Arlen song from the 1954 musical House of Flowers?)
Perhaps there’s a theme after all: Trying to see what is right in front of me.
Autumn in New England
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged autumn, concord, fall, farmers market, harvest, holly, kayaking, new england, new shoreham, postaday, rhode island, squash, stacked pumpkins, wooly bear on October 14, 2013| 6 Comments »
A time of year to get creative with squashes, visit a farmers market, kayak on a river, roof the barn.
Get it all in before winter. Only the wooly bear knows for sure how long the winter will be.
Photo of farmers market: Sandra M. Kelly
Other photos: Suzanne’s Mom
-
Join 3,216 other subscribers
Archives
-
