Once again I enjoyed riding the Bikes Not Bombs Bike-A-Thon with my kids, Kay and Peter. We rode the family-friendly 10 mile route through Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, West Roxbury, and Brookline. It felt like the hills were steeper this year, but more likely I’m out of practice, and I borrowed a trailer to carry Kay so that was some extra weight.
Riders, volunteers, and sponsors raised $176,253 for all the good things Bikes Not Bombs does in Boston and international programs in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. You can still contribute by sponsoring us!
I started a tradition back in 1996 of making a list of the most memorable events of the year. My definition of memorable can include both the positive and the negative, but generally it’s the good things that make the list. That first list in 1996 had exactly twenty items, so I’ve made the list a top twenty every year since.
Here is my 20th annual list.
1) January-February – Boston Blizzards – It’s hard to believe that sometime in late January 2015 I was wondering if the kids were going to get any snow days because winter had been so mild. Then we were hit by blizzard after blizzard accumulating ludicrous amounts of snow on the way to a record 110.6 inches, including 94.4 inches in just 30 days from January 24- February 22, 2015. It was crazy, it was annoying, but it was also fun, and we all survived with a little gallowshumor.
2) February – Snowshoeing – I went snowshoeing for the first (and second) time at the Boston Nature Center and found it a really enjoyable way to enjoy nature in the snow. I’m going to have to get my own snowshoes and plan some longer outings in the future.
3) March onwards – Daddy Brew Club – My friend Mike got a homebrew kit and has had me and other beer-loving fathers over on several occasions to brew, bottle, and sample beer. The social aspect is the key part of the activity although occasionally the beer also tastes good.
4) March 19-21 – MARAC/NEA meeting – The New England Archivists meeting is always fun and this one was extra special as our Mid Atlantic regional colleagues joined us for a joint meeting in snowy Boston. There was a pub quiz and guided walking tours of Boston led by yours truly in my Boston By Foot hat (followed by beers with my fellow archivists).
5) April-October (but especially the last three months) – The New York Mets pennant-winning season – Since my children were born my time to follow sports evaporated and in recent years as my son has become a baseball fan I spent more time following the Red Sox, but this season I made a concerted effort to return to following the day-in/day-out exploits of my first favorite team, the Mets. And boy did I chose a good season to do so, as the Mets started off hot with an 11-game win streak, regressed to the mean for a while, and then after gaining new players at the trade deadline and star players returning from injury they caught fire in August and September to win the division. The exciting season continued in the playoffs against the Dodgers and Cubs, but sadly the good run came to an end against the Royals in the World Series. But, oh, what a run!
6) April-December – Museum of Fine Arts membership – Got a membership for the first time in years and spent several days visiting and closely studying the art in this terrific museum (1, 2, 3, 4, & 5).
8) April onwards – bicycle speaker – I got a speaker that sits on the handlebars of my bike and thus I can listen to music, podcasts, and audiobooks as I commute to work. Such a small thing makes such a fun improvement to the daily grind.
9) May 17 – Greenway Art & carousel – A gorgeous Sunday afternoon admiring “As If It Were Already Here” suspended over the Rose Kennedy Greenway, followed by a few spins on the carousel.
10) May-October – Casey Overpass Demolition – Each day another piece of the elevated highway in Forest Hills was removed opening up new spaces and vistas. A fascinating process.
11) June 6-July 5 – Women’s World Cup – Another exciting tournament with many great games. Our United States team started off shaky but got better as the tournament went along, with dramatic wins against Germany in the semifinal and Japan in the final. Whether watching with our friends on Cape Cod or with crowds at Boston City Hall, we believed that we would win!
12) June 7 – Bikes Not Bombs Bike-A-Thon – Pedaled this terrific charity ride with both of my children for the first time.
13) June 13 – PawSox Game – The whole family took in this game with our church group meaning that there were lots of friends in the stands. As an added bonus, it was Star Wars night *AND* fireworks night.
14) June 28-July 1 – Cape Cod – With our friends the Rosenblatt Rossos we stayed at a rental house in Eastham, swimming in the Bay and the Ocean, roasting marshmallows and creating arts & crafts, and watching the Womens World Cup.
15) July 11 – Green River Festival – A fun festival with music and balloons, but even better, a time to play with extended family.
16) July 31-August 2 – Camping in Maine – Took that kids for their first camping trip at Recompence Shore at Wolfe’s Neck Farm. Hiking, biking, a farm visit, fresh veggies, and Portland Sea Dogs baseball were all involved.
18) October 10 – Connors Farm – pumpkin picking, a corn maze, and all manner of autumnal pleasantries.
19) October 18 – Boston By Foot Dark Side tour – I lead a special tour for a church group and invited along some dear friends not in the church and had my son take a tour with me for the first time. A special afternoon of for this tour guide.
20) December 27-30 – Myrtle Beach – a holiday visit with grandparents, uncle, aunt, and cousin at a South Carolina resort town. We saw a pirate show and lots of gators, played minigolf and much, much more.
I started a tradition back in 1996 of making a list of the most memorable events of the year. My definition of memorable can include both the positive and the negative, but generally it’s the good things that make the list. That first list in 1996 had exactly twenty items, so I’ve made the list a top twenty every year since. I usually try to post this list close to December 31st, but late is better than never.
My 2014 list is a typical hodge-podge of activity. Some of the events have links to when I wrote about them at the time. Others I wrote a little bit more about in this post.
January – Furnace – Our furnace overheated and died during our holiday travels last year, and so we had a cold New Years at home, even with new space heaters bought for the occasion. We got a new furnace installed, and it cost lots and lots and lots of money, but it works very well. Definitely not a good thing, but certainly memorable, and it all worked out in the end.
January – Ice Skating – Peter took an ice skating class and I went ice skating for the first time in years. My skates don’t fit anymore – ouch. But we had fun. Here’s my first ever animated GIF of Peter skating:
Through the year – Education activism – This year I learned a lot about the crises affecting public education, and joined other parents, students, and teachers to advocate for positive change. There’s a lot more I could do and should do, but I educated myself on the issues, wrote someblogposts, attended a school committee meeting, and a rally on the steps of the State House. And there were some positive results, including the defeat of a charter school expansion bill in the Massachusetts’ Senate.
February 1st – Wayne Potash concert – As aging folkies, it was a pleasure to take the kids to our old haunt of Club Passim for this special concert.
March 22nd-24th – New England Archivists Spring Meeting – My only business trip of the year took me to the lovely town of Portsmouth, NH. Highlights of the conference include a keynote speech by punk rocker Ian MacKaye about his Fugazi Live Series archives and participating in a NEA Jeopardy! tournament (my team won!).
Pondering a Jeopardy! answer.
April 21st – Patriots Day – We took back the finish line on a beautiful spring day, with my whole family cheering on the runners in the Boston Marathon.
April to September – Red Sox season – The 2014 season was not as good as the 2013 season for the Red Sox, but we had fun attending several games, including a few with tickets given by friends who have much better seats than we usually get. Since Peter is a member of Kid Nation, we can enter the ballpark early to watch batting practice from the Green Monster, and at one game Yankees pitcher Shane Green threw a ball to Peter. We saw rookies Alex Hassan and Garin Cecchini get their first major league hits. And we sat behind home plate at McCoy Stadium and watching future Red Sox clobber their opponents. We rode our bikes to Fenway and used the new bike parking. But probably the coolest thing is when Susan and Peter got to help with the banner for the 2004 World Series Champions reunion in May. You can see them below the 4 in the photo below.
April 22nd-25th – Spring Break in Virginia – Peter & I visited my mother in Virginia and spent time exploring Colonial Williamsburg and playing at Go Karts Plus.
June 15 – Father’s Day – Tradition dictates that Father’s Day is celebrated with brunch and a nature walk. This year we dined at Nancy’s Airfield Cafe in Stow and then explored the swamps and caves at Rocky Hill Wildlife Sanctuary.
June 12th – July 13 – World Cup – I loved getting sucked into the quadrennial event, and following the ups and downs of the US Men’s National Team. Particularly fun was attending public viewing parties in Watertown (see the celebration of Clint Dempsey’s goal against Portugal below) and at Boston City Hall. Then I spent the entire final making bad puns on Facebook.
June 21st – BTU School Summer Blastoff – Ostensibly a fundraiser for our son’s school, but moreso this was an opportunity to get out of the house and dance the night away with Susan.
July 20th & 27th – Cambridge Common walking tour – For the third time, I had the privilege of researching, writing, and leading a walking tour for Boston By Foot. This time we explored the endlessly fascinating history of Cambridge Common and it’s environs. The official tour had a good turnout despite a downpour. If you missed it, we’ll be running it again on Sunday, September 27, 2015 at 2 pm.
August 17 – Crane Beach – All summer long my daughter Kay asked to go to the beach. Finally, as summer was drawing to a close we made a day-long outing to Crane Beach in Ipswich. It may have been the best day in Kay’s young life. We’ll have to return to her happy place more often next summer.
August 30 – September 2 – Great Wolf Lodge – We met up with Susan’s parents at Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos Mountains of Pennsylvania for four days of swimming, sliding, playing, and eating. It was cheezy fun.
September 20th – Baseball Clinic – My son loves baseball and so there was no doubt that he would enjoy a free baseball clinic for children hosted by the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Jim Rice Field in Roxbury. Former major league ballplayers instructed the children. They practiced throwing with Rich Rodriguez and Joe Johnson, outfield drills with Billy Sample, baserunning with Al Severinsen, and infield drills with John Tudor (seen handing a ball to my son below).
September 27th – Rockin’ With Raptors – The annual festival at the Boston Nature Center, the Mass Audubon nature center closest to our house, was a blast. There was barbecue and cake, birdhouse building, face painting, music, live animal demonstrations and many other activities. And of course, the stars of the show were the birds of prey. Peter was particularly devoted to asking the volunteer lots of questions about the raptors.
October 11th to 13th – Cooperstown – We went away for Columbus Day Weekend to Cooperstown, NY, staying at the lovely Lake House Hotel and visiting the Farmers Museum during the annual Tractor Fest, the Cullen Pumpkin Farm, and National Baseball Hall of Fame.
October 20th to 27th – Jury duty – I served on a challenging criminal trial with contentious deliberations. And I was appointed foreperson. It was a stressful week, but hopefully we made the right decision. November 23rd – Kay leads church in dancing – One day at the beginning of church service at Hope Central in JP, my daughter went up in front and started dancing in circles. Then the pastor joined in. Then several people throughout the congregation started dancing in circles as well. It was a special moment.
November and December – Nana’s visits – My mother came to visit twice late in the year spending lots of quality time with the grandchildren. Nana and Peter played chess, we visited the zoo, we saw “Peter & the Wolf” at Symphony Hall in November, and celebrated Christmas together in December.
November 29th – New England Revolution Eastern Conference Championship – Peter and I jumped on the bandwagon as the New England Revolution made their way through the MLS postseason. We joined 10s of thousands of fans in Foxboro as the team won the Eastern Conference against the New York Red Bulls. The next week we saw the sad MLS Cup Final loss against the LA Galaxy on tv.
Some of my favorite photos from our recent trip to Virginia are below. See the complete photo album on my website.
View of Duke of Gloucester Street from the Capitol Building.
For Spring Break, my son Peter and I traveled to Virginia to visit my mother and play tourist at Colonial Williamsburg, Historic Jamestowne, and Go-Karts Plus. It was three-day trip but it felt like we saw and learned a lot. Now, I once lived in Williamsburg. I attended the College of William & Mary, worked on an archaeological site as part of a field school, studied 18th-century furniture at the art museums, and then was an employee of Colonial Williamsburg for four years during my senior year of college and the years immediately afterwards. So, these places are familiar to me. But this was the first time I’d visited as just a plain old tourist in close to 25 years, and the first time I visited as a parent, sharing my enthusiasm for history with my son.
We actually visited few of the sites I actually worked at in my time as a historical interpreter as Peter was drawn more to the historic trades (which, ironically, I rarely had time to visit when I actually worked there). For a place rooted in history, a lot has changed at Colonial Williamsburg. The Charlton Coffehouse was reconstructed in recent years and we enjoyed the unexpected treat of a free serving of hot chocolate of an 18th-century recipe. There’s also a daily event called Revolution in the Streets where the last block of Duke of Gloucester street is open only to paying guests and character interpreters perform a drama right in the middle of the crowd. The story we witnessed was about a slave couple deciding to “jump the broom” to marry before the man was taken away to Richmond (for some reason I never learned). We were among the witnesses to the jumping the broom ceremony which involved everyone participating in song and dance. It is kind of cheesy and probably not 100% authentic, but I think it gets across the point of what daily life and choices were faced by ordinary people of the past. I liked it better than the military reviews and speeches by great men that are more typical of living history performance.
A frisbee-catching dog on Palace Green.
Tulips blossom in the garden behind the Governor’s Palace.
“Fire!”
A team of oxen prepare to plow another row in the field.
I started a tradition back in 1996 of making a list of the most memorable events of the year. My definition of memorable can include both the positive and the negative, but generally it’s the good things that make the list. That first list in 1996 had exactly twenty items, so I’ve made the list a top twenty every year since.
My 2013 list is a typical hodge-podge of activity. Some of the events have links to when I wrote about them at the time. Others I wrote a little bit more about in this post.
20 January – A Winter Day Out in Providence – My wife left for a business trip, and I took the kids out for a successful outing to Rhode Island which included playing at the Providence Children’s Museum, a Providence Bruins‘ game (complete with thunderstix), & Harry’s Bar & Burger for dinner and ice cream sandwiches.
8-11 February – Blizzard of ’13 – also known as Winter Storm Nemo, dumped 25 inches of snow on our hometown making much delight for the children and cooperative snow removal ventures with the neighbors. The photo below is from our outing to Centre Street in Jamaica Plain to pick up beer & cheese.
28 February – Beck Song Reader Concert– I was part of a 50-voice choir bringing Beck’s songs of sheet music to life. You can see me singing out from the back row in the photo below.
Spring & Summer – Peter learns to bike – My son learned to ride a pedal bike. Now we need to work on braking.
15 April – Boston Marathon bombing – My kids and I were at a playground far from the Marathon route when it happened, and even if we’d gone to watch we’d have been far from the finish line, but it was still shocking to hear of the deaths and injuries. Especially considering that Patriots Day is a civic holiday that is perhaps the day on the calendar when Boston is at its most joyous, communal, and supportive. That spirit shined through with the many people – professionals and amateurs – who rushed in to help the wounded. I was touched by the outpouring of support for Boston, and if anything good has come out of this it is that they typically self-deprecating Bostonians are far more positive and confident these days. A few days later, we had the weird shelter-in-place alert, but still spirits were kept up as we shared news and jokes through social media. Not something I’d want to live through again, but I’m grateful for all the people who chose to help and that the casualties were not as bad as they could’ve been.
27 April – Regan Youth League Baseball Parade and Teeball – My baseball-obsessed son started playing teeball and we marched through the streets of Jamaica Plain, even stopping to sing.
May & October – Kindergarten Arboretum Field Trips – I stepped into a new role in fatherhood as I served as a chaperon on two school outings to Arnold Arboretum. I particularly like the spring trip when the kids got to see a snapping turtle up close and personal.
May to Present – Hope Central Church– We were in search of a new church closer to home and found a new spiritual home at Hope Central.
2 June – Bikes Not Bombs Bike-A-Thon – This time my daughter was my co-pilot on this great fundraising ride through the city.
12 June – US Open Cup game – Professional men’s soccer comes to Boston for one night only and it was great.
28-30 June – Family Gathering in New Jersey – Susan’s family gathered in New Jersey to celebrate her Aunt Thelma and cousin Glen. Peter enjoyed playing sports and video games with his many boy cousins.
14 July – Circle the City on the Avenue of the Arts – Huntington Avenue became a pedestrian haven for just one day. I lead a walking tour. Peter played lots of soccer.
12 August – Georges Island – Vintage Baseball – On a beautiful summer day, we sailed to the Harbor Islands and traveled back in time to the dead ball era.
20-25 August – Family Camp at Purity Springs – We spent a week at the Purity Springs Family Camp in New Hampshire with some of the friendliest people ever, our days packed with activities like lake swimming (and jumping), archery, paddle boarding, pooh sticks, canoeing, knee boarding, s’mores making, cookouts, and hiking.
2-8 September – New York City trip– Another great trip to the City with Peter and his Nana.
14 October – Tufts Health Plan 10K – Our friend Sharon coaxed Susan into participating in this run. I enjoyed watching with the other spouses and children. And Susan did great finishing all 10 of the Ks. We are all so proud of her.
30 October – Red Sox Win the World Series– A great season, especially when viewed through the eyes of a five-year-old.
10 November – Claire & John’s wedding – Our dear friend Claire, godmother to our children, married a charming gent and we had a blast. The kids played their part in the wedding ceremony and then at the reception we played, and hugged, and danced, and toasted the newlyweds.
“Cheers!”
25-31 December – Christmas Travel – We’ve just returned from our annual holiday swing through North Carolina and Virginia. This year was extra special as the kids got to see all of their grandparents, all of their aunts and uncles, and most importantly, play with all of their cousins.
Goodbye 2013, you will be missed. Hello 2014, can’t wait to see what you have to offer.
I started a tradition back in 1996 of making a list of the most memorable events of the year. My definition of memorable can include both the positive and the negative, but generally it’s the good things that make the list. That first list in 1996 had exactly twenty items, so I’ve made the list a top twenty every year since.
Sing Positive, JP – a year long highlight as my son Peter & I sang and formed community with other JP residents of all ages. We performed concerts in May (part 1, 2, & 3) and December with special appearances at Wake Up the Earth and the Lantern Parade.
Discovery Museums – my mother visited in February and we took Peter to the Discovery Museums in Acton where Peter explored the small but creatively-designed rooms of the childrens museum and woodworking in the workshop at the science museum. We returned to this new favorite place several more times over the course of the year.
Breaking the ice on Jamaica Pond – After brunch at The Haven, Peter and friend Jordan strolled around the pond on a chilly day and cracked ice and chucked rocks.
Wilson Mountain hike – We got an explored nature with a spring hike to the top of Dedham’s Wilson Mountain which included “rocky fun time” clambering up the boulders along the trail.
Red Sox games – This wasn’t a great season for the Old Town Team, but Peter & I enjoyed a four-game Sox Pax where we sat in the bleachers for a (a very hot) Patriots Day, Memorial Day, a Wednesday in June, and a Monday in August. The Sox won three of the games and Peter got to run the bases with the other kids at the final game.
Mets game – My other favorite team also played poorly this season but I did make it to join friends for the Banner Day game, one of the 20 wins for Cy Young Award winner R.A. Dickey, and wept after Johan Santana threw the Mets’ first no-hitter on June 1st.
Kay’s Baptism – Family descended on Boston in late April for our baby girl’s baptism including all the grandparents and her namesake Aunt Kay.
Fathers Day at Wachusset Meadows – I was a very lucky Dad who got to snuggle with his kids, have a delicious lunch, walk through the beautiful Wachusset Meadows, and then stop at a roadside ice cream parlor.
Tall ships in Boston – Another exciting outing with the kids, visiting tall ships at the Charlestown Navy Yard.
Day Trip to Lowell – We made a mid-July outing to historic Lowell taking a journey by boat along the canals and river and then catching a Lowell Spinners baseball game.
Summer Olympics in London – I was really inspired by the crazy but beautiful opening ceremonies and enjoyed watching various events with Peter on my computer who then went on to reenact the games with his preschool classmates.
Summer Arts Weekend and Esplanade Playspace – Peter, Kay & I enjoyed a performance by Dan Zanes & Friends, watched some Irish step dancers, and then played on the new playground along the Charles River.
Circle the City – The Greenway and several streets in Downtown Boston were closed to auto traffic so we enjoyed strolling, biking, playing and dancing in the street. They should really do this every Sunday.
Farewell to Child Care – Peter said goodbye to his friends and teachers at Soldiers Field Park Child Care at a bittersweet goodbye circle. It was time for him to move on, but sad for all of us to leave many good people behind.
South End Tour of the Month – I served as one of the guides for another magnificent Boston By Foot neighborhood tour that attracted 125 people on a Sunday in late August.
Canobie Lake and White Mountains – We enjoyed a great family vacation to New Hampshire featuring a visit to a charming amusement park, climbing up the Flume Gorge, visiting the longest candy counter in Littleton, and soaring up Cannon Mountain on the aerial tram.
Kindergarten – Peter started attending K1 at our local Boston Public elementary school and instantly having a great time making friends and learning new things. As a family we’ve enjoyed playdates and picnics and making the school part of our everyday life.
Weekend in Washington – Peter & I flew to our nation’s capital for the Columbus Day weekend staying with our friends the Rossos and visiting museums and the National Zoo.
Hurricane Sandy – We were fortunate that in Boston, the hurricane just meant staying cooped inside for a day with only downed sticks and leaves (and a billboard near Forest Hills station) knocked over, but this storm hit close to home with the extensive damage to New York City (where my family is from and many friends and family still live) as well as New Jersey and Connecticut (two states where I used to live).
Peter’s Birthday Party – Peter turned 5 with a cast of thousands joining him at the YMCA for games, a moonbounce, and baseball-shaped cupcakes.
I started a tradition back in 1996 of making a list of the most memorable events of the year. My definition of memorable can include both the positive and the negative, but generally it’s the good things that make the list. That first list in 1996 had exactly twenty items, so I’ve made the list a top twenty every year since.
The most memorable event this year by far is the birth of my baby girl and second child Kay on November 19th. Everything else pales in comparison. Here’s a photo of Kay with my son Peter. The rest of the list follows in chronological order.
Snow -We had an interesting winter with several heavy snowstorms in a short period of time. I even got to go up ontheroof of our house to shovel some off. The snow was fun, especially seeing it through the eyes of a three year old, but it got very tiresome when it wouldn’t melt away.
Salem – a fun day trip North of Boston by train featuring the Peabody Essex Museum and candy!
Boston Breakers Game / Red Sox Game – I took Peter to a Breakers’ soccer game and was surprised that he was actively engaged in the game. So by his request I took him to Fenway for his first Sox game as well. Looking forward to more sporting events in 2012.
JP Children’s Soccer – Peter started playing children’s soccer in the Spring. It looked like so much fun that I pushed my personal comfort boundaries and signed up to coach in the Fall. I was surprisingly successful coaching 3-4 year olds to at the very least get some experience with the ball at their feet. Of course, the players’ favorite game was Chase the Coach.
Drawing Class – I took a drawing class at the Eliot School in JP, hoping to learn perspective and found I could draw a pretty good tea pot.
Wake Up the Earth – One of JP’s great annual events. Peter & I dropped by to watch the parade after soccer practice and ended up participating in the procession by bike.
Bike Rides – Peter & I participated in three organized biking events: JP Spring Roll, Bikes Not Bombs Bike-A-Thon, & Hub On Wheels. All were fun, but the BNB event was the most memorable for taking us through parts of Boston I’d never seen and for the vibrant post-ride festival.
New York in June – Peter & I spent 72 hours together in the city that never sleeps visiting the Central Park Zoo, the Staten Island Ferry, Citi Field for a Mets game, the Intrepid Museum, the High Line, and lots of playgrounds.
Visit to Harvard Depository – kind of geeky, but I enjoyed a special tour of Harvard Library’s offsite book and records storage warehouse and wanted to take home a Raymond order picker of my very own.
Wicwas Lake Lodge – Our magnanimous friend Craig invited us to spend a long weekend at a lake house in New Hampshire with another family. There was much running and giggling and splashing in the lake. The kids had fun too.
Visit from a friend – Our friend Sara and her family passed throw town and spent the night on a sultry evening. Peter and her daughter broke the ice with stomp rockets and then jumped on the bed together. It was a good sign that Peter was ready for a sibling.
Two Parties in One Day – In the morning we went to a third birthday party featuring a performance by Wayne Potash. In the afternoon, our downstairs neighbors hosted a bbq in our backyard. Nice to have a party so close and not have to set up.
Davis Square Tours – This walking tour had to contend first with Hurricane Irene and then with the street bands of HONK! Fest, but it turned to be one of the best tours I’ve ever lead in an exciting neighborhood. This Boston By Foot will return on July 29, 2012.
Trapp Family Lodge – The hills were alive with the sounds of Peter as Susan’s parents treated us to a long weekend at this rustic mountain retreat in Vermont.
Old Sturbridge Village – Peter kept asking about life in the “olden days” so I did what any history geek would do: I took him to a living history museum. And he loved it.
Occupy Movement – This is an odd choice as I never spent a night in a camp but was inspired by the people who did and tried to share the best articles, stories, and opinions on my Delicious, Twitter, and Tumblr feeds. More thoughts on Occupy here
High School Reunion – In 1991 I graduated from a small Catholic high school in Connecticut, the last class to graduate before the school closed. 20 years later we got back together with spouses and children for a play date, a dinner, and a tour of the old school (now an elementary school). It turned out better than I imagined, and I had positive thoughts going in.
Promotion to Processing Archivist – In November, I started a new position at my library adding archival processing responsibilities to some of my earlier duties and moving from assistant to professional. Oddly, this is the type of job I thought I’d like when I started library school, but I took an interesting, circuitous route to get there.
Holiday Week – The week between Christmas and New Year’s Day is always eventful and we took advantage of visiting the Museum of Science, Boston Common, The Children’s Museum, The New England Aquarium, The Christmas Revels, The Larz Anderson Auto Museum and Park, and Edaville USA.
Jamaica Plain continued welcoming in the spring with Lilac Sunday at the Arnold Arboretum. We took some time to pedal our bikes and sniff the petals. Here are a few photos.
I hesistate to put “Lilac Sunday” into the title of this post since I didn’t see any lilacs on my visit. Susan, Peter & I took a lovely Mother’s Day walk on a sunny, blustery day and arrived at Arnold Arboretum fairly early in the morning. This is a good time to get there on Lilac Sunday before approximately 3.25 kajillion people descend on the Arbortetum. Peter received a lovely tatoo of the Earth with flowers and a recycling logo and immediately set to work on removing it with his teeth.
Next we joined Arnold Arboretum curator Michael Dosmann lead an excellent tour to the lilacs (“just to the lilacs, not of the lilacs” he specified). We learned fascinating things about maples, lindens and tulip trees. After the tour I chose to luxuriate in the grass while Susan chased Peter up and down the hill to the lilacs. So my family saw the lilacs on Lilac Sunday while I lay splayed in the grass photographing buttercups.
I will have to return on a less-crowded day this week to visit the lilacs. Until then, here are my photos from Sunday, 100% lilac-free.
Giant buttercups! Everybody run!
A widowmaker?
Bloodgood Maple: Beautiful tree, kickass name!
Silver Maple
Some pretty blossom (no curator around and I didn’t read the tag)
Dandelion
A scene of the Arboretum deceptively absent of people
Every year around this time, I come upon the same problem. Any greeting cards for sale in the “Birthday — Sister” category are entirely from the perspective of a card to a sister from a sister. Usually the card will have an archival photo of two girls in dresses or a pencil-sketch of two fashionably-dressed women. If lacking such illustration, the card will still have text saying things like “Sis, when were growing up we shared clothing and boyfriends…” Granted, it’s entirely possible that a boy may share clothing and boyfriends with his sister, but there are a lot of variables there that make it unlikely.
Now I know for a fact that I’m not the only man who has a female sibling. I suspect I’m not the only man who would like to send a birthday card to his sister. So I really don’t understand the whole sister-to-sister thing. I’ve never checked but do the cards for brothers only come from brothers? “Bro, when we grew up we caught frogs and belched…”
It’s not that big deal of course. There are plenty non-relative cards available to chose from. I also could be a really good brother and make a customized card by hand, but that would take time and planning.
PS – Since my sister is probably reading this: Hey B, if you haven’t received it yet, your card is in the mail. It’s quite surreal even though it doesn’t mention sharing clothing and boyfriends.
Panorama of the Mountains 