Author: Ed

  • Boston City Archives, a Fun Friday Link

    When you think of archival collections, you may not think of fun. But, if you follow today's links to Boston's City Archives, you will learn a bit about the city while you're playing their "Where is this photo?" game.

    Boston archives

    Follow the Archives Twitter feed or their Facebook account and see if you can spot today's locations in photos from yesteryear!

    While the work they do is very serious historic preservation, they've found a way to show the value and educate the public that is lighthearted, fun, and engaging. 

    What do you know about Amazon Prime? We use it and love it. You pay once a year for free 2-day shipping delivery charges. Amazon throws in access to instant streaming movies and tv shows and they let you borrow a free ebook each month. They will even give you a one month free trial. Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Join Amazon Prime – Watch Over 40,000 Movies

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • At the Market: Flowers, Too!

    IMG_6535 - Version 22013-07-02-copley-farmers-market-flowers-mixed bouquet-atlas-farm-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    You see many customers at area farmers' markets carrying bouquets of flowers in addition to their food purchases. This mixed bouquet above is from Atlas Farm at the Copley Square Farmers' Market.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401538e90fb3f970b-800wi

    My friend Liz raves about the lilies and other flowers she buys from Stow Greenhouses.

    6a00e54fc42bb888340120a51cda84970c-800wi

    And, it's worth a trip to the Newton market for the wonderful arrangements from Old Friends Farm.

    The Word from the Farms & Market Managers

    Lily Carone from Atlas Farm says, "… we have River Valley Farm Blueberries – a rain loving crop which are so plump and sweet this summer, it almost makes us pause in cursing the weather…"

    Louisa Denison, Manager of the Harvard University Farmers' Markets, sent out a recipe for Blueberry Lemonade.

    From Jan at Warren Farm & Sugarhouse

    6a00e54fc42bb88834015435356d63970c-800wi

    Blueberry Lemonade
    1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4 small lemons)
    2 cups water
    *2 cups fresh blueberries
    *1/2 cup maple syrup
    Garnish: lemon slices
    Process first 4 ingredients in a blender until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides. Pour through a wire-mesh strainer into a pitcher, discarding solids. Serve over ice, and garnish, if desired. Yield: 5 cups

    In Season, Right Now!

    Blueberries, gooseberries, raspberries, cherries, new potatoes.

    Lily from Atlas said, "This week, we added white sweet spanish onions and eggplant to our harvest list….and peppers are not far behind. Our own raspberry crop on our new land in South Deerfield is full of flavorful bright berries too…leaving little to be desired."

    Looking Forward!

    The crew from Old Friends Farm sent a message to their ginger fans. "Our ginger crop (bless it's little rhyzomial heart) is the weediest we have seen in years – it's actually quite embarrassing. You would think we would have it down by now… We just finished weeding it, and its already time to start at the beginning again." This ginger should show up in September.

    Follow all our Local Food/Farmers' Markets and At The Market reports:

    What's on your Food Lover's Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your Kitchen & Dining needs and support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • At the Market: Flowers, Too!

    IMG_6535 - Version 22013-07-02-copley-farmers-market-flowers-mixed bouquet-atlas-farm-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    You see many customers at area farmers' markets carrying bouquets of flowers in addition to their food purchases. This mixed bouquet above is from Atlas Farm at the Copley Square Farmers' Market.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401538e90fb3f970b-800wi

    My friend Liz raves about the lilies and other flowers she buys from Stow Greenhouses.

    6a00e54fc42bb888340120a51cda84970c-800wi

    And, it's worth a trip to the Newton market for the wonderful arrangements from Old Friends Farm.

    The Word from the Farms & Market Managers

    Lily Carone from Atlas Farm says, "… we have River Valley Farm Blueberries – a rain loving crop which are so plump and sweet this summer, it almost makes us pause in cursing the weather…"

    Louisa Denison, Manager of the Harvard University Farmers' Markets, sent out a recipe for Blueberry Lemonade.

    From Jan at Warren Farm & Sugarhouse

    6a00e54fc42bb88834015435356d63970c-800wi

    Blueberry Lemonade
    1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4 small lemons)
    2 cups water
    *2 cups fresh blueberries
    *1/2 cup maple syrup
    Garnish: lemon slices
    Process first 4 ingredients in a blender until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides. Pour through a wire-mesh strainer into a pitcher, discarding solids. Serve over ice, and garnish, if desired. Yield: 5 cups

    In Season, Right Now!

    Blueberries, gooseberries, raspberries, cherries, new potatoes.

    Lily from Atlas said, "This week, we added white sweet spanish onions and eggplant to our harvest list….and peppers are not far behind. Our own raspberry crop on our new land in South Deerfield is full of flavorful bright berries too…leaving little to be desired."

    Looking Forward!

    The crew from Old Friends Farm sent a message to their ginger fans. "Our ginger crop (bless it's little rhyzomial heart) is the weediest we have seen in years – it's actually quite embarrassing. You would think we would have it down by now… We just finished weeding it, and its already time to start at the beginning again." This ginger should show up in September.

    Follow all our Local Food/Farmers' Markets and At The Market reports:

    What's on your Food Lover's Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your Kitchen & Dining needs and support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • Eye Candy: 1972 Karmann Ghia, “Hey! Over Here!”

    DSC_6418 - Version 22013-07-13-yellow-karmann-ghia-1972-VW-Boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    As I began to walk past this 1972 Karmann Ghia, I thought I heard, “Hey! Over here!” Eye candy doesn’t always have to come in vivid, eye-arresting colors, but it helps!

    DSC_6421 - Version 22013-07-13-yellow-karmann-ghia-1972-VW-Boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    There’s no way anyone could’ve walked by this German beauty without at least a glance, or in my case a jaw-dropping stare.

    DSC_6410 - Version 22013-07-13-yellow-karmann-ghia-1972-VW-Boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    I hadn’t seen one of these spunky little sport cars in years. As a kid, I remember a neighbor having one – his driveway was always full of the latest car models, especially convertibles. Since the drop-top production run (1957-1974) of this Volkswagen ended nearly 40 years ago, it was amazing to see such a pristine example.

    DSC_6437 - Version 22013-07-13-yellow-karmann-ghia-1972-VW-Boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The Karmann Ghia was a Beetle underneath with a shapely skin styled by Italian automotive engineer Luigi Segre. The buyer of this new vehicle was treated to a product that took a bit more time and effort to build, and it showed – especially in the steeper sticker price.

    DSC_6211 - Version 22013-07-11-eye-candy-karmaan-ghia-yellow-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    As I was busily snapping photos of this beauty on a Boston street, a man asked me, “Is it yours, or are you just an enthusiast?” "Sadly, the latter," I told him.

    DSC_6281 - Version 22013-07-11-eye-candy-karmaan-ghia-yellow-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    I guess there was no way to hide my genuine enthusiasm (not that I was trying). After all, I was under the powerful spell of Eye Candy!

    Related Posts:

    Weekend Eye Candy! 

    Sweet Eye Candy Wears White – BMW 550i

    Cute, Little Francesca!  

    It’s Yellow! More Eye Candy

    Some Cars Are More Fun, and They Know It! 

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 Ed Cherubino  

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • Eye Candy: 1972 Karmann Ghia, “Hey! Over Here!”

    DSC_6418 - Version 22013-07-13-yellow-karmann-ghia-1972-VW-Boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    As I began to walk past this 1972 Karmann Ghia, I thought I heard, “Hey! Over here!” Eye candy doesn’t always have to come in vivid, eye-arresting colors, but it helps!

    DSC_6421 - Version 22013-07-13-yellow-karmann-ghia-1972-VW-Boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    There’s no way anyone could’ve walked by this German beauty without at least a glance, or in my case a jaw-dropping stare.

    DSC_6410 - Version 22013-07-13-yellow-karmann-ghia-1972-VW-Boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    I hadn’t seen one of these spunky little sport cars in years. As a kid, I remember a neighbor having one – his driveway was always full of the latest car models, especially convertibles. Since the drop-top production run (1957-1974) of this Volkswagen ended nearly 40 years ago, it was amazing to see such a pristine example.

    DSC_6437 - Version 22013-07-13-yellow-karmann-ghia-1972-VW-Boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The Karmann Ghia was a Beetle underneath with a shapely skin styled by Italian automotive engineer Luigi Segre. The buyer of this new vehicle was treated to a product that took a bit more time and effort to build, and it showed – especially in the steeper sticker price.

    DSC_6211 - Version 22013-07-11-eye-candy-karmaan-ghia-yellow-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    As I was busily snapping photos of this beauty on a Boston street, a man asked me, “Is it yours, or are you just an enthusiast?” "Sadly, the latter," I told him.

    DSC_6281 - Version 22013-07-11-eye-candy-karmaan-ghia-yellow-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    I guess there was no way to hide my genuine enthusiasm (not that I was trying). After all, I was under the powerful spell of Eye Candy!

    Related Posts:

    Weekend Eye Candy! 

    Sweet Eye Candy Wears White – BMW 550i

    Cute, Little Francesca!  

    It’s Yellow! More Eye Candy

    Some Cars Are More Fun, and They Know It! 

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 Ed Cherubino  

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • Enhancing an Italian Grinder with Summer Market Fare

    IMG_6563 - Version 22013-07-03Trader-joes-meat- selection-sandwich-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Sandwiches make it onto our menu more often when I have wonderfully fresh ingredients from the farmers' markets to enhance them.

    The Italian Grinder style sandwich above was the result of a quick stop at Trader Joe's to buy milk on the way home from the Copley Square Market. Ed and Poppy (our puppy) waited upstairs while I shopped for that and something for lunch.

    IMG_6561 - Version 22013-07-03Trader-joes-meat- selection-sandwich-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    In the deli case, I saw mixed packages of Italian and Spanish ham and salamis. I bought the Italian to make my farmers' market version of this Italian American classic.

    DSC_6336 - Version 22013-07-13talian-cold-cuts-trader-joes-© 2011 Penny Cherubino  
    DSC_6337 - Version 22013-07-13spanish-cold-cuts-trader-joes-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    At home, I made a mixed salad from some tomatoes, cucumbers, and scallions from the market, seasoning it with vinegar, olive oil, and ground pepper. (There is more than enough salt in the prepared ingredients for our taste.)

    IMG_6566 - Version 22013-07-03Trader-joes-meat- selection-sandwich-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Ed sliced our loaf of Iggy's Francese and I layered on the prosciutto, capocollo, and salame from the TJ's package. Next, I spread a bit of TJ's tapenade and sliced artichoke hearts we had in the refrigerator, then piled on the tomato salad.

    Even in a mixed presentation like this, the freshness of the heirloom tomatoes and snappy, farm-fresh cucumbers shined through and turned a sandwich lunch into a memorable meal.

    What do you know about Amazon Prime? We use it and love it. You pay once-a-year for free, 2-day shipping delivery charges. Amazon throws in access to instant streaming movies and tv shows, and they let you borrow a free ebook each month. They will even give you a one-month free trial. Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Join Amazon Prime – Watch Over 40,000 Movies

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 Penny Cherubino  

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • Enhancing an Italian Grinder with Summer Market Fare

    IMG_6563 - Version 22013-07-03Trader-joes-meat- selection-sandwich-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Sandwiches make it onto our menu more often when I have wonderfully fresh ingredients from the farmers' markets to enhance them.

    The Italian Grinder style sandwich above was the result of a quick stop at Trader Joe's to buy milk on the way home from the Copley Square Market. Ed and Poppy (our puppy) waited upstairs while I shopped for that and something for lunch.

    IMG_6561 - Version 22013-07-03Trader-joes-meat- selection-sandwich-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    In the deli case, I saw mixed packages of Italian and Spanish ham and salamis. I bought the Italian to make my farmers' market version of this Italian American classic.

    DSC_6336 - Version 22013-07-13talian-cold-cuts-trader-joes-© 2011 Penny Cherubino  
    DSC_6337 - Version 22013-07-13spanish-cold-cuts-trader-joes-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    At home, I made a mixed salad from some tomatoes, cucumbers, and scallions from the market, seasoning it with vinegar, olive oil, and ground pepper. (There is more than enough salt in the prepared ingredients for our taste.)

    IMG_6566 - Version 22013-07-03Trader-joes-meat- selection-sandwich-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Ed sliced our loaf of Iggy's Francese and I layered on the prosciutto, capocollo, and salame from the TJ's package. Next, I spread a bit of TJ's tapenade and sliced artichoke hearts we had in the refrigerator, then piled on the tomato salad.

    Even in a mixed presentation like this, the freshness of the heirloom tomatoes and snappy, farm-fresh cucumbers shined through and turned a sandwich lunch into a memorable meal.

    What do you know about Amazon Prime? We use it and love it. You pay once-a-year for free, 2-day shipping delivery charges. Amazon throws in access to instant streaming movies and tv shows, and they let you borrow a free ebook each month. They will even give you a one-month free trial. Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Join Amazon Prime – Watch Over 40,000 Movies

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 Penny Cherubino  

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • Marlborough Street Mystery Fruit

    IMG_6584 - Version 22013-07-12-mystery-fruit-marlborough-street-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Out on a walk we encountered a Marlborough Street sidewalk strewn with dropped fruit.

    DSC_6228 - Version 22013-07-11-mystery-fruit-marlborough-street-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Our dog was very attracted to the crushed sweetness and the scent was clearly fruity.

    DSC_6224 - Version 22013-07-11-mystery-fruit-marlborough-street-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The birds were busy pecking away at the fruit right on the tree. Without picking a whole fruit for closer examination, out best guess is that someone planted an apricot tree in their front yard and growing conditions this year have produced a nice crop of fruit.

    For years, we've spotted apple and mulberry trees sprinkled around the neighborhood so we'll add this to our urban orchards list. 

    Have you spotted a fruit producing tree in a dense urban setting?

    What do you know about Amazon Prime? We use it, and love it. You pay once a year for free, 2-day shipping delivery charges. Amazon throws in access to instant streaming movies and tv shows, and they let you borrow a free ebook each month. They will even give you a one-month free trial. Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Join Amazon Prime – Watch Over 40,000 Movies

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • Marlborough Street Mystery Fruit

    IMG_6584 - Version 22013-07-12-mystery-fruit-marlborough-street-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Out on a walk we encountered a Marlborough Street sidewalk strewn with dropped fruit.

    DSC_6228 - Version 22013-07-11-mystery-fruit-marlborough-street-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Our dog was very attracted to the crushed sweetness and the scent was clearly fruity.

    DSC_6224 - Version 22013-07-11-mystery-fruit-marlborough-street-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The birds were busy pecking away at the fruit right on the tree. Without picking a whole fruit for closer examination, out best guess is that someone planted an apricot tree in their front yard and growing conditions this year have produced a nice crop of fruit.

    For years, we've spotted apple and mulberry trees sprinkled around the neighborhood so we'll add this to our urban orchards list. 

    Have you spotted a fruit producing tree in a dense urban setting?

    What do you know about Amazon Prime? We use it, and love it. You pay once a year for free, 2-day shipping delivery charges. Amazon throws in access to instant streaming movies and tv shows, and they let you borrow a free ebook each month. They will even give you a one-month free trial. Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Join Amazon Prime – Watch Over 40,000 Movies

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • Sunday Dog, Buster Arrives in Boston!

    DSC_6185 - Version 22013-07-10-Buster-Sunday-dog-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    This Sunday, we couldn’t resist introducing you to Boston’s newest arrival – Buster! We met this affectionate, little guy the other day as he was exploring his new surroundings.

    DSC_6195 - Version 22013-07-10-Buster-Sunday-dog-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Having said goodbye to L.A. only a few short weeks ago, it’ll obviously take some time to feel comfortable here. Of course, when you’re as friendly and laid-back as Buster, how long could it possibly take?

    DSC_6189 - Version 22013-07-10-Buster-Sunday-dog-Poppy-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Our Poppy, who’s still learning her way around the city, wasted no time in pointing Buster toward some of her favorite sniff spots that reveal some of the neighborhood’s unique characteristics – a sort of “terrier terroir!”

    DSC_6198 - Version 22013-07-10-Buster-Sunday-dog-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    At four years old, this amazingly cute Affenpinscher, who we think could’ve given “Banana Joe” (this year’s Best-in-Show at Westminster) a run for his money, is already adapting quite well. Buster has calmly made it through the 4th of July fireworks, found a favorite toy at Fish & Bone, and is looking forward to his first Pawsh grooming.

    You’re on your way, Buster!

    Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     Details:

    Words: Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.