Author: Ed

  • Swan Boat in Hiding….

    Small IMG_6444 - Version 22013-06-08-swan-boat-resting-under-bridge-public-garden-© 2011 Penny Cherubino copy

    Word on the street (and on the Swan Boat website) is that this beauty will come out of hiding and begin gliding around the Boston Public Garden lagoon this Saturday, April 19, 2014 and will continue making people smile until Sunday, September 21, 2014.

    This weekend, make a point of stopping by to welcome back this lovely Boston institution and say thank you to the Paget family for taking such good care of this bit of Boston history.

    This photo and others are available for sale in our gallery over on Smugmug.

    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: © 2013 Penny Cherubino  

  • What Do You See in These Tree Burls?

    Tree burls can be like nature's Rorschach Test. If you sit and look at them long enough, you'll start to see faces or animals or …

    What do you see in this pair of burls from the Public Garden?

    DSC_7838 - Version 22013-08-30-tree-burl-faces-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The top one could be a ram's head. The lower one a bulldog?

    Thanks to everyone who clicks over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support. It doesn't cost you any more but they put a few coins in our tip jar.

    What's on your spring shopping list? Click here for spring season savings over at Amazon.

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2014 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.

  • What Do You See in These Tree Burls?

    Tree burls can be like nature's Rorschach Test. If you sit and look at them long enough, you'll start to see faces or animals or …

    What do you see in this pair of burls from the Public Garden?

    DSC_7838 - Version 22013-08-30-tree-burl-faces-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The top one could be a ram's head. The lower one a bulldog?

    Thanks to everyone who clicks over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support. It doesn't cost you any more but they put a few coins in our tip jar.

    What's on your spring shopping list? Click here for spring season savings over at Amazon.

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2014 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.

  • Saluting Public Safety Dogs

    During the next couple of weeks, we will see more of the area's public safety dogs in action. We'd like to dedicate this week's Sunday Dog feature to all of these canines and their human partners.

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    This beauty is one of the officers of the Massachusetts State Police Force in a photo from their Facebook Page. While at ease in this photo, these dogs are very serious when they are on the job.

    Tips for Interacting with Public Safety Dogs

    First and foremost, understand that this is not a pet and that the dog and the handler may have important tasks to perform. Even if it looks like they are just standing around, don’t distract them.

    Should the handler acknowledge you, don’t approach without specific permission.

    Never approach a K-9 team from the rear. Make a wide circle around them, stay calm and relaxed, and don’t make any quick movements. These dogs are protective of their partners.

    You should not touch or offer a treat to a working K-9 without specific permission from his or her teammate.

    Always follow the handler’s instructions. These teams are there to protect you and others and to keep the situation under control. They may have information that you lack, so show respect and do as the officer asks.

    These teams will be on duty trying to keep Boston safe during this busy spring event season. Let's hope no one makes more work for them.

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

    Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

    Details:
    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photography: Courtesy of Massachusetts State Police

  • Saluting Public Safety Dogs

    During the next couple of weeks, we will see more of the area's public safety dogs in action. We'd like to dedicate this week's Sunday Dog feature to all of these canines and their human partners.

    1888806_595104143906906_1756945672_o

    This beauty is one of the officers of the Massachusetts State Police Force in a photo from their Facebook Page. While at ease in this photo, these dogs are very serious when they are on the job.

    Tips for Interacting with Public Safety Dogs

    First and foremost, understand that this is not a pet and that the dog and the handler may have important tasks to perform. Even if it looks like they are just standing around, don’t distract them.

    Should the handler acknowledge you, don’t approach without specific permission.

    Never approach a K-9 team from the rear. Make a wide circle around them, stay calm and relaxed, and don’t make any quick movements. These dogs are protective of their partners.

    You should not touch or offer a treat to a working K-9 without specific permission from his or her teammate.

    Always follow the handler’s instructions. These teams are there to protect you and others and to keep the situation under control. They may have information that you lack, so show respect and do as the officer asks.

    These teams will be on duty trying to keep Boston safe during this busy spring event season. Let's hope no one makes more work for them.

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

    Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

    Details:
    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photography: Courtesy of Massachusetts State Police

  • Fishing Licenses Are Required in Massachusetts: Here’s How to Get One

    Over on Trip Advisor, where I learn many things about my local area, a visitor inquired about obtaining a fishing license for his trip to Boston. I must admit, I haven't given that a bit of thought in years. But, as more of us join the grow it, gather it, keep it local movement, it's something we should know about.

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    What is required to fish along the Charles or Mystic River or another fresh water spot?

    "Licenses to hunt and fish in fresh water (inland waters) are required of anyone 15 years and over. Trapping licenses are required for anyone 12 years old and over," writes the state of Massachusetts on their "Who Needs a License" information page.

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    If these bass fishermen want to move their boat to salt water they will need "A MA Recreational Saltwater Fishing permit, or a recreational saltwater fishing permit from a state that has a reciprocity agreement with Massachusetts." You can find all the fine print about Salt Water Fishing Permits here.

    CHE_8633 - Version 32013-07-30-fishing-Esplanade-bike-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    This page will tell you how to obtain a permit online or in person.

    Now that spring is officially here, you may want to get the paperwork out of the way. Then you can grab your fishing gear and get out and spend some quiet time enjoying nature.

    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 Cherubino
    Photography: © 2010-2014 Penny Cherubino  

  • Fishing Licenses Are Required in Massachusetts: Here’s How to Get One

    Over on Trip Advisor, where I learn many things about my local area, a visitor inquired about obtaining a fishing license for his trip to Boston. I must admit, I haven't given that a bit of thought in years. But, as more of us join the grow it, gather it, keep it local movement, it's something we should know about.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401310fb58560970c-800wi

    What is required to fish along the Charles or Mystic River or another fresh water spot?

    "Licenses to hunt and fish in fresh water (inland waters) are required of anyone 15 years and over. Trapping licenses are required for anyone 12 years old and over," writes the state of Massachusetts on their "Who Needs a License" information page.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834016768a6b089970b-800wi

    If these bass fishermen want to move their boat to salt water they will need "A MA Recreational Saltwater Fishing permit, or a recreational saltwater fishing permit from a state that has a reciprocity agreement with Massachusetts." You can find all the fine print about Salt Water Fishing Permits here.

    CHE_8633 - Version 32013-07-30-fishing-Esplanade-bike-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    This page will tell you how to obtain a permit online or in person.

    Now that spring is officially here, you may want to get the paperwork out of the way. Then you can grab your fishing gear and get out and spend some quiet time enjoying nature.

    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 Cherubino
    Photography: © 2010-2014 Penny Cherubino  

  • What’s Open in Boston on Patriots’ Day – Monday, April 21, 2014

    Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed in Boston on Patriots' Day, and the MBTA schedules for – Monday, April 21, 2014. Plus, tips and information on getting around Boston, parking, marathon issues, trash pickup, and other aspects of this day in the city.

    UPDATE: This is an old post. Here's a link for: What's Open in Boston on Patriots' Day – Monday, April 18, 2016 + Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedule Changes

    6a00e54fc42bb888340168e91bd4d5970c-400wi

    On three occasions, General John Glover and his “amphibious” regiment of Marblehead fishermen saved the American Revolution.    

    Patriots' Day is a Massachusetts State Holiday Only.

    The City of Boston is updating a box of information on this page.

    Open:
    Restaurants, Bars, Convenience Stores, Supermarkets, Retail Stores, Liquor Stores

    Financial Services: Banks may open if they wish. All markets are open. 

    Federal Offices and Facilities are open: This includes the Postal Service.

     

    Closed:
    Massachusetts City, Town, State Operations: This includes Schools, Libraries. Only emergency services are available. 

     

    Boston Parking

     

    One of the most common questions we get is about street sweeping on Patriots' Day. Here's the page from the city website with the answer. It says: 

     

    "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect. Constituents are advised to call 617-635-4500 for exact details."

     

    You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. Many more streets than in the past will be cleared of parked cars to accommodate the Boston Marathon and Patriots' Day activities.

     

    Be sure to check your car in the days leading up to the marathon to be sure it is not in a tow-away zone for the event. Here's how you can sign up for parking alerts and tow alerts.

     

    PARKING ADVISORY AND STEET CLOSING SCHEDULE

     

    From the city's site: Download City of Boston Traffic and Parking Advisory Boston Marathon (2014).

     

    Parking and No-Tow alerts

     

    Here's our latest post with tips for local parking on this holiday–

    Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend (2013)



    Boston Trash Collection (Click here for what the city says)


    Patriots Day Week
     Monday, April 21 | 6am – Saturday, April 26, 2014 | 5pm
     
    No Delay of trash or recycling pick up in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and the South End

    Allston/Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, West Roxbury and Hyde Park, delayed a day

    *If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay.”

    MBTA information after the BostonZest Amazon Selection of the Day. 

     

    If this information helps you, reward us by beginning all your Amazon shopping from BostonZest. Here are the latest versions of the cameras we'll use to photograph the Boston Marathon plus our favorite camera bag. Click over to the video on the Tamrac Velocity series of camera bags, and you'll see why we love it.

         

    Note: 2014 MBTA Marathon Monday Info is at this link.

    2014 MBTA Marathon Monday Schedule:

    You can see full details on their events page through April 21st. If you would like to see a copy after that day, we have made a pdf of the information: Download MBTA Patriots' Day, Boston Marathon 2014.

     Tips:

    • Buy your fares in advance with a Charlie Card or Charlie Ticket to avoid waiting in line on Monday.  
    • The MBTA advises, "For the safety of our customers, Copley and Arlington Stations will be CLOSED for the entire day on April 21, 2014."
    • Due to crowds, they don't allow bikes "on any MBTA vehicles on Patriots' Day."

    Marathon Monday 2014 Quick Look

    Blue, Orange, Red, Green, and Silver Line service will run a "regular weekday schedule." (See the MBTA page for special service notes on the Silver and Green Lines.)

    Commuter rail trains will operate on their "regular weekday schedule."

    "Buses and trackless trolleys will operate a "regular weekday schedule." "Some bus routes will be diverted …" (See the MBTA page for special service notes.)

    Commuter Boats will operate a "regular weekday schedule."

    "THE RIDE will operate a regular weekday schedule."

    Complete details on all changes are at: Official MBTA Information for Marathon Monday 2014

    MBTA PARKING

    "Customers should also note that all MBTA parking garages will be pay-on-entry and cash-only on Patriots' Day, April 21, 2014, in order to ensure all customers exit in a timely manner. Due to heavy parking demand, some MBTA parking garages and lots may fill more quickly than normal. Customers planning to park in an MBTA garage or lot should plan accordingly."

    Official 2014 Boston Marathon information:

    www.bostonmarathon.org

     

    Related Posts:

     

    Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2014

     

    Routes for Visiting Runners

     

    Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2014

     

    Views from Hereford Street 2009

    Do you have enough memory for all the photos you'll want to shoot of the spring blooms? Do you need a new camera for the season or as a gift? Begin your shopping by Click right here to check the prices at Amazon on great items like Sandisk memory cards .

    Details:
    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photo: © 2013 Penny Cherubino

  • What’s Open in Boston on Patriots’ Day – Monday, April 21, 2014

    Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed in Boston on Patriots' Day, and the MBTA schedules for – Monday, April 21, 2014. Plus, tips and information on getting around Boston, parking, marathon issues, trash pickup, and other aspects of this day in the city.

    UPDATE: This is an old post. Here's a link for: What's Open in Boston on Patriots' Day – Monday, April 18, 2016 + Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedule Changes

    6a00e54fc42bb888340168e91bd4d5970c-400wi

    On three occasions, General John Glover and his “amphibious” regiment of Marblehead fishermen saved the American Revolution.    

    Patriots' Day is a Massachusetts State Holiday Only.

    The City of Boston is updating a box of information on this page.

    Open:
    Restaurants, Bars, Convenience Stores, Supermarkets, Retail Stores, Liquor Stores

    Financial Services: Banks may open if they wish. All markets are open. 

    Federal Offices and Facilities are open: This includes the Postal Service.

     

    Closed:
    Massachusetts City, Town, State Operations: This includes Schools, Libraries. Only emergency services are available. 

     

    Boston Parking

     

    One of the most common questions we get is about street sweeping on Patriots' Day. Here's the page from the city website with the answer. It says: 

     

    "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect. Constituents are advised to call 617-635-4500 for exact details."

     

    You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. Many more streets than in the past will be cleared of parked cars to accommodate the Boston Marathon and Patriots' Day activities.

     

    Be sure to check your car in the days leading up to the marathon to be sure it is not in a tow-away zone for the event. Here's how you can sign up for parking alerts and tow alerts.

     

    PARKING ADVISORY AND STEET CLOSING SCHEDULE

     

    From the city's site: Download City of Boston Traffic and Parking Advisory Boston Marathon (2014).

     

    Parking and No-Tow alerts

     

    Here's our latest post with tips for local parking on this holiday–

    Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend (2013)



    Boston Trash Collection (Click here for what the city says)


    Patriots Day Week
     Monday, April 21 | 6am – Saturday, April 26, 2014 | 5pm
     
    No Delay of trash or recycling pick up in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and the South End

    Allston/Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, West Roxbury and Hyde Park, delayed a day

    *If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay.”

    MBTA information after the BostonZest Amazon Selection of the Day. 

     

    If this information helps you, reward us by beginning all your Amazon shopping from BostonZest. Here are the latest versions of the cameras we'll use to photograph the Boston Marathon plus our favorite camera bag. Click over to the video on the Tamrac Velocity series of camera bags, and you'll see why we love it.

         

    Note: 2014 MBTA Marathon Monday Info is at this link.

    2014 MBTA Marathon Monday Schedule:

    You can see full details on their events page through April 21st. If you would like to see a copy after that day, we have made a pdf of the information: Download MBTA Patriots' Day, Boston Marathon 2014.

     Tips:

    • Buy your fares in advance with a Charlie Card or Charlie Ticket to avoid waiting in line on Monday.  
    • The MBTA advises, "For the safety of our customers, Copley and Arlington Stations will be CLOSED for the entire day on April 21, 2014."
    • Due to crowds, they don't allow bikes "on any MBTA vehicles on Patriots' Day."

    Marathon Monday 2014 Quick Look

    Blue, Orange, Red, Green, and Silver Line service will run a "regular weekday schedule." (See the MBTA page for special service notes on the Silver and Green Lines.)

    Commuter rail trains will operate on their "regular weekday schedule."

    "Buses and trackless trolleys will operate a "regular weekday schedule." "Some bus routes will be diverted …" (See the MBTA page for special service notes.)

    Commuter Boats will operate a "regular weekday schedule."

    "THE RIDE will operate a regular weekday schedule."

    Complete details on all changes are at: Official MBTA Information for Marathon Monday 2014

    MBTA PARKING

    "Customers should also note that all MBTA parking garages will be pay-on-entry and cash-only on Patriots' Day, April 21, 2014, in order to ensure all customers exit in a timely manner. Due to heavy parking demand, some MBTA parking garages and lots may fill more quickly than normal. Customers planning to park in an MBTA garage or lot should plan accordingly."

    Official 2014 Boston Marathon information:

    www.bostonmarathon.org

     

    Related Posts:

     

    Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2014

     

    Routes for Visiting Runners

     

    Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2014

     

    Views from Hereford Street 2009

    Do you have enough memory for all the photos you'll want to shoot of the spring blooms? Do you need a new camera for the season or as a gift? Begin your shopping by Click right here to check the prices at Amazon on great items like Sandisk memory cards .

    Details:
    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photo: © 2013 Penny Cherubino

  • Dancing with Bagheera

    Girl-Dancing-with-Bagheera-fountain- copy

    We spotted this woman dancing with the Bagheera statue in the Boston Public Garden.

    She reminded us of this quotation:

    “You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching,
    Love like you'll never be hurt,
    Sing like there's nobody listening,
    And live like it's heaven on earth.”
    ― William W. Purkey 

    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: © 2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino