Author: Ed

How Much Do You Know about Commonwealth Avenue Mall?

Over the years I've written a lot of articles for print and web publications about the Commonwealth Avenue Mall. Most of them have quotes from Margaret Pokorny. She's been my personal tutor and resource on important aspects of our neighborhood like the Mall and the trees that make it such a special place.

During the weekend I saw a post from The Garden Club of the Back Bay that said Margaret will present "The Grandest Boulevard: Commonwealth Avenue Mall" at the Boston Public Library, this Thursday at 6 p.m., as part of the BPL's Building Boston Initiative.

From the BPL's Collection (circa 1880 – 1889)

I will be there because I'm not about to miss an opportunity to pick up a few more interesting facts about the park and see some of the visuals in her wonderful collection of materials about the Mall.

If you enjoy the park and would like to learn more about it, I hope you'll come and meet the woman to whom we all owe so much for all she does for the green spaces in the city. Last year the city selected her to be the first recipient of the annual Park Partners Award. She knows her subject and always makes hearing about it a fun experience.

Related Posts: Margaret also starred in our
How to Make a Great Holiday Bow from an Expert! Video.

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:

The Grandest Boulevard: Commonwealth Avenue Mall

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012, 6:00 – 7:30 P.M.

Boston Public Library in Copley Square

Commonwealth Salon

700 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116 (map)

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino

Photography: © 2011 Penny Cherubino plus a historic image from the Boston Public Library collection.

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.

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December 10, 2012
Sunday Dog, Mack – an OEB that Loves to Snuggle!

It’s not everyday we get to meet an Olde English Bulldogge (OEB) let alone a nine month old named Mack who just loves to snuggle! It seems that it’s really nothing unusual for this breed that was developed as a “re-creation” of the Bulldog found in 19th century England.

Besides being described as courageous and loyal, OEBs are friendly, loving, and as Mack’s person put it, “He’s such a moosh. He’s cuddly and wiggles his butt all the time, he usually backs into you.”

Mack (because his family says, “He looks just like a Mack Truck”) is tough on toys! His favorites are the ones made of rubber, especially balls. This athletic, energetic pup just loves to play and, by the looks of it, seems to have some special moves!

This youngster is a fast learner and was quick to show us his list of tricks including "rollover" and a very convincing "high five!"

Does all of this play make Mack tired? Of course it does! In fact, he gets so sleepy that you “have to drag him out of bed after 12 hours of sleep at night.” He likes to sleep “under the bed, that’s his spot.”

Mack, who spent his early puppyhood in Houston, has just moved to Boston and “is loving the city!” He didn’t like being out in the Texas heat, but now can’t wait to go for a walk. And, we also have to believe that our weather is a whole lot better for anyone who just loves to snuggle!

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: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 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.

December 9, 2012
Sunday Dog, Mack – an OEB that Loves to Snuggle!

It’s not everyday we get to meet an Olde English Bulldogge (OEB) let alone a nine month old named Mack who just loves to snuggle! It seems that it’s really nothing unusual for this breed that was developed as a “re-creation” of the Bulldog found in 19th century England.

Besides being described as courageous and loyal, OEBs are friendly, loving, and as Mack’s person put it, “He’s such a moosh. He’s cuddly and wiggles his butt all the time, he usually backs into you.”

Mack (because his family says, “He looks just like a Mack Truck”) is tough on toys! His favorites are the ones made of rubber, especially balls. This athletic, energetic pup just loves to play and, by the looks of it, seems to have some special moves!

This youngster is a fast learner and was quick to show us his list of tricks including "rollover" and a very convincing "high five!"

Does all of this play make Mack tired? Of course it does! In fact, he gets so sleepy that you “have to drag him out of bed after 12 hours of sleep at night.” He likes to sleep “under the bed, that’s his spot.”

Mack, who spent his early puppyhood in Houston, has just moved to Boston and “is loving the city!” He didn’t like being out in the Texas heat, but now can’t wait to go for a walk. And, we also have to believe that our weather is a whole lot better for anyone who just loves to snuggle!

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: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 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.

December 9, 2012
Picking Your Point of View on the Tower

As you walk through historic neighborhoods, look at buildings from many vantage points. Ed took this photo of the First Church in Boston tower from a different point of view than most of our photos of this building.

I like the way his shot highlights the colors of the stonework and the softly curving angles of the corners.

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: ©2012 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.

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December 8, 2012
Picking Your Point of View on the Tower

As you walk through historic neighborhoods, look at buildings from many vantage points. Ed took this photo of the First Church in Boston tower from a different point of view than most of our photos of this building.

I like the way his shot highlights the colors of the stonework and the softly curving angles of the corners.

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: ©2012 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.

Related articles

Leaves and Angles

Savoring the Boston Public Garden Lagoon

The Fenway Studios Door – Before and After!

Greenway Labyrinth Has Peaceful Place Potential

December 8, 2012
Formaggio Kitchen’s “Staff Picks” 2012 – Friday Link

We always find wonderful things at Formaggio Kitchen and their skill in choosing wonderful products goes way beyond cheese. So, when their staff picked their "Top 10 of 2012," we paid attention and want to share what we learned with you.

On this list you'll find cheese, vinegars, olive oil, pasta, seasonings, tea, cakes, coffee, chocolate, and more. They added a few honorary mentions. That group included the Cabot Clothbound Cheddar we told you about yesterday.

Formaggio is the perfect place to shop for gifts for the food lovers on your list. We have so many personal favorite items that entered our pantry through a visit to this wonderful collection – the best things one group of people can find to please those of us who love to splurge on great food.

Addresses and directions below the ad.

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

Details:

Formaggio Kitchen

244 Huron Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts (map)

(617) 354-4750

Some items may also be found at:

South End Formaggio

268 Shawmut Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts (map)

(617) 350-6996

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: Screenshot from Formaggio Kitchen's Cheese Blog

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.

Related articles

Surryano Ham from Virginia is Peanut-Fed Berkshire Pork

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Introducing Tripp: Cheesemonger, Teacher, Grillmaster and Domestic Cheese Buyer!

New Cheese Offerings from Eastern Standard

15 items you should always have in the kitchen

December 7, 2012
Formaggio Kitchen’s “Staff Picks” 2012 – Friday Link

We always find wonderful things at Formaggio Kitchen and their skill in choosing wonderful products goes way beyond cheese. So, when their staff picked their "Top 10 of 2012," we paid attention and want to share what we learned with you.

On this list you'll find cheese, vinegars, olive oil, pasta, seasonings, tea, cakes, coffee, chocolate, and more. They added a few honorary mentions. That group included the Cabot Clothbound Cheddar we told you about yesterday.

Formaggio is the perfect place to shop for gifts for the food lovers on your list. We have so many personal favorite items that entered our pantry through a visit to this wonderful collection – the best things one group of people can find to please those of us who love to splurge on great food.

Addresses and directions below the ad.

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

Details:

Formaggio Kitchen

244 Huron Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts (map)

(617) 354-4750

Some items may also be found at:

South End Formaggio

268 Shawmut Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts (map)

(617) 350-6996

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: Screenshot from Formaggio Kitchen's Cheese Blog

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.

Related articles

Surryano Ham from Virginia is Peanut-Fed Berkshire Pork

Our 2012 Holiday Gift Guide: Cheese, Truffles, Chocolate and More!

Introducing Tripp: Cheesemonger, Teacher, Grillmaster and Domestic Cheese Buyer!

New Cheese Offerings from Eastern Standard

15 items you should always have in the kitchen

December 7, 2012
Bring a Big Wedge of a Great Cheese to the Party

Instead of putting together a typical cheese tray for your contribution to a holiday gathering or for guests in your own home, why not buy a nice, big wedge of some truly wonderful cheese and bring that. It should be a special cheese – one that is always the first to disappear on any cheese display. We have three to suggest.

What brought this to mind was a conversation with Ed. We were enjoying a cheese tray with both Cypress Grove Truffle Tremor and Rogue River Blue on it when Ed said, "Wow, I remember how much I like these cheeses, we should share those posts again."

Here they are!

First up is Cypress Grove Truffle Tremor Cheese. Invest in a big wedge in great condition and let the cheese fans know that those little black flecks are bits of truffle in the same cheese paste as the company's ledgendary Humboldt Fog, and it will be the first cheese missing from the table.

Here's our post with more details from 2008 Cypress Grove Truffle Tremor Cheese. And, it's still a favorite today.

Next is Rogue River Blue. This is another one we've been talking about since 2008. And, this is only around for a limited time so buy it when you see it. We found the piece above at Whole Foods at the Charles RIver Plaza in Beacon Hill.

Here's our first post on it, Rogue River Blue.

And here's a second when it won a major award,

Rogue River Blue, American Cheese Society Winner

The third cheese we're tossing into this mix is Cabot Clothbound Cheddar. While the first two are American West Coast cheeses, Cabot's superstar is from Vermont. This photo (courtesy of Cabot Creamery) shows how wonderful a single cheese can look on a holiday table.

Here's our post on how we discovered this cheese at L'Espalier back in 2009.

Cabot Clothbound Cheddar – Good Neighbors are Wonderful

Since this is a cheddar, it will be more familar to many of the people at most events. And, this is great cheddar with a crumbly texture and great, deep flavor.

Be the hit of the party by bringing something you love and sharing it with friends and family. Here are some really great tips on serving cheese to a crowd from thekitchn.com.

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: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2008-2012 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.

Related articles

Serving Cheese To a Crowd: Worthy Tips – The Cheesemonger

The Quest For the Perfect Holiday Cheese Board

Pain D'Avignon Is at the City Hall Farmers' Market

Winter Farmers' Markets 2012 – 2013

5 Reasons to Have Cider on Your Holiday Menu

December 6, 2012
Bring a Big Wedge of a Great Cheese to the Party

Instead of putting together a typical cheese tray for your contribution to a holiday gathering or for guests in your own home, why not buy a nice, big wedge of some truly wonderful cheese and bring that. It should be a special cheese – one that is always the first to disappear on any cheese display. We have three to suggest.

What brought this to mind was a conversation with Ed. We were enjoying a cheese tray with both Cypress Grove Truffle Tremor and Rogue River Blue on it when Ed said, "Wow, I remember how much I like these cheeses, we should share those posts again."

Here they are!

First up is Cypress Grove Truffle Tremor Cheese. Invest in a big wedge in great condition and let the cheese fans know that those little black flecks are bits of truffle in the same cheese paste as the company's ledgendary Humboldt Fog, and it will be the first cheese missing from the table.

Here's our post with more details from 2008 Cypress Grove Truffle Tremor Cheese. And, it's still a favorite today.

Next is Rogue River Blue. This is another one we've been talking about since 2008. And, this is only around for a limited time so buy it when you see it. We found the piece above at Whole Foods at the Charles RIver Plaza in Beacon Hill.

Here's our first post on it, Rogue River Blue.

And here's a second when it won a major award,

Rogue River Blue, American Cheese Society Winner

The third cheese we're tossing into this mix is Cabot Clothbound Cheddar. While the first two are American West Coast cheeses, Cabot's superstar is from Vermont. This photo (courtesy of Cabot Creamery) shows how wonderful a single cheese can look on a holiday table.

Here's our post on how we discovered this cheese at L'Espalier back in 2009.

Cabot Clothbound Cheddar – Good Neighbors are Wonderful

Since this is a cheddar, it will be more familar to many of the people at most events. And, this is great cheddar with a crumbly texture and great, deep flavor.

Be the hit of the party by bringing something you love and sharing it with friends and family. Here are some really great tips on serving cheese to a crowd from thekitchn.com.

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: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2008-2012 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.

Related articles

Serving Cheese To a Crowd: Worthy Tips – The Cheesemonger

The Quest For the Perfect Holiday Cheese Board

Pain D'Avignon Is at the City Hall Farmers' Market

Winter Farmers' Markets 2012 – 2013

5 Reasons to Have Cider on Your Holiday Menu

December 6, 2012
‘Tis the Season to Be Jolly…

But, someone forgot to have shared that message with this stream of Newbury Street Shoppers.

Okay gang, go have a hot chocolate at Burdick Chocolate on Clarendon. Dangle a couple of those chocolate mice by the tails as you nibble them, and see if that can put a smile on your faces!

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: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 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.

Related articles

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December 5, 2012