Some of our favorite city wildlife are the birds that live in Boston's wonderful street and front yard trees. As you walk along the sidewalks, they call out and fly from perch to perch. This little one decided to sit still and let us add an image to our personal Christmas Bird Count.
The Audubon Society says, "From December 14 through January 5 tens of thousands of volunteers throughout the Americas take part in an adventure that has become a family tradition among generations."
Our best guess is that this is a Northern Mockingbird based on one of the photos here. If you have an alternative ID, let us know!
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Do you have Christmas Holiday traditions that you enjoy? I realized how much I love to have a wedge of panettone with my first cup of coffee on Christmas morning.
Traditions can be comforting and sometimes we don't notice that we've created a new tradition, until we think about the little things we like to do on certain holidays.
This is a month of traditions no matter which of the many December holidays you choose to celebrate and to what degree you indulge in the festivity. Some people go to movies, eat chinese food, make a favorite meal.
What are your small traditons and personal ways to mark this festive season?
Where do you like to go?
What do you love to eat?
What events to you enjoy attending?
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Earlier this month, we visited the Garden Club of the Back Bay's Wreath Week workshop for a story Penny was preparing for the Back Bay Sun. We wanted to post some of the photos here and salute this wonderful organization with the words of just a few of the more than 60 volunteers who make this fundraiser possible.
Here's the caption that went with the cover photo, (above)
Twenty Years of Wreaths!
“There’s something about coming here and doing this,” said Mary Ellen Udelson. “Everything else in your life kind of falls away. It’s just pure joy!” As one of the original volunteers, this was her 20th year decorating wreaths for the Garden Club of the Back Bay’s annual fundraising event, “Wreath Week.”
“Everyone has to come here to get an assignment,” said Janet Murphy from her seat at “Control Central.” She explained that the wreaths are highly personalized, and that she works with the decorators to be sure customers’ requests are reflected in the finished wreaths.
Stacey Richards (left) was a first year volunteer. “I’m not creative, but I can do this… And, someday,” she said with a big smile, “maybe I’ll do wreaths.” She was preparing ribbons for the bow makers with Louesa Gillespie. “Whatever you do is fun, here– doesn’t matter what your job is. And, there’s something for everyone,” Gillespie said.
“Margaret and I have the hands that are made for it,” said Nancy Devereaux who was making bows with Margaret Pokorny. Good hand strength is needed to fashion the lively bows that are one of the trademarks of these wreaths.
“It’s controlled pandemonium,” said first-timer, Nancy Stone as she helped to organize materials. “You can come here for 10-minutes or for 10-hours and, either way, you feel equally as purposeful.” “And, it’s so festive, it really is.”
Darwin Cordoba has been volunteering since 2009. He spent his day off from Ralph Lauren on Newbury Street creating wreaths for the Garden Club.
“It’s fun, and it’s for a good cause,” said Glenda Mattes who spent the past two “Wreath Weeks” helping one of the senior decorators. This year she was, “…picking out things that would go with my bow,” for the wreath she was about to create.
“Many of the most important jobs are stuff like keeping things orderly, sweeping the floor, checking to make sure things don’t fall off,” said Sherley Smith. Testing a finished wreath included giving it a good shake and tugging at the design elements to be certain they were secure.
Thanks to everyone who begins their Amazon shopping from here. When you stop by BostonZest on your way to Amazon and click on one of our links or amazon items to get over there, you help support our work. Amazon rewards us when we send shoppers their way. It doesn't cost you any more but it puts a few pennies in our pocket.
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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 comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.
If you've ever been concerned about being passed over by Santa because your house doesn't have a chimney, relax! We're talking about "the jolly old elf." Gaining access is not a problem! However, being caught in the act during daylight could prove a bit risky.
Then again, he does have a huge list and a limited amount of time, and despite that whole thing about being "lively and quick," getting an early start can't hurt.
But, I have to admit that I've always pictured Santa as being… taller. My mistake! It's all right there in "A Visit from St. Nicholas," aka ("'Twas the Night Before Christmas"), most often attributed to Clement Clarke Moore.
Remember, the "little old driver?" And, "a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny rein-deer?" Of course! We're just glad to be able to bring you this rare look at the amazing elf in action.
Oh, and, if you're hoping to catch Santa making his big (or, little) entrance, it might be a good idea to check the balcony, just in case.
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 that are part of the places and services we cover. Often, those comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.
Did you know that tomorrow, December 23rd, is Noche de Rabanos or The Night of the Radishes in some regions of Mexico? It is a time of celebration with displays of elaborately carved radishes.
Yes, this photo shows some of the little ones we know and love, but the main sculpture is made from giant radishes (they can be more than 6 pounds) grown for this purpose. More photos of fabulous carvings here.
We might have forgotten it this holiday except that a post we did on carving radishes last August keeps popping up this week in the list of pages that visitors are coming to BostonZest to read.
It's fun to learn about other cultures and how they celebrate. We'll soon be out looking at the ice carvings around Boston. But tomorrow, in Mexico, people will gather around radish carvings.
Here is every tool you might ever need to carve radishes or any other vegetable. Or, how about whittling? That just takes a pen knife or here's a kit with everything you need.
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 comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.
Winter Solstice occurs tomorrow morning at 12:30 AM EST. The shortest day of the year will be followed by the longest night.
This bicyclist was bringing home an evergreen for his holiday celebration. I wonder if he is aware of the early origins of the tradition of bring evergreens indoors for the winter solstice?
Solstice was an important day for the Druids, the Celtic priesthood class. As a part of the celebration of the solstice, they brought evergreens indoors and had a ritual of decorating the trees. Sound familar?
'Twas a week before Christmas, we were out for a walk,
Neighbors we met would stop for a talk.
The shoppers were merry, the windows aglow,
The holiday spirit was really a show.
When what to our wondering eyes should appear,
But this '59 Plymouth they called Belvedere.
It was pristine, and pretty, and shiny like new,
And on its front bumper some evergreen grew!
A Rock & Roll Holiday Wreath
Click on any photo to pop up a larger version!
Here's the proud owner. The car was a gift for a special birthday!
For prints of these photos or to put them on all types of merchandise from mouse pads to clothing click here.
It's never too late to shop for Amazon Gift Cards or Certificates. You can send them by email or print them on your own printer. And, when you shop for them from here, they put some coins in our tip jar.
Here's a run-down of what's open in Boston on New Year's Day and the MBTA schedules for New Year's Eve December 31, 2011, and New Year's Day January 1, 2012, and Monday January 2, 2012 when the holiday is officially celebrated under state law. This year we have a three day weekend!
Some businesses close early on New Year's Eve but with the crowds expected for First Night, others (especially those in the hospitality business) stay open. Call before you leave if you plan to visit a business on the 31st.
Here's what we've learned about January 1st, 2012 New Year's Day and Monday the 2nd.
Restaurants, bars: Are allowed to open if the owners choose
Convenience stores:Are allowed to open if the owners choose
Supermarkets: Are allowed to open if the owners choose
Retail stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose
Liquor stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose
City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are closed:This includes Schools, Libraries, and the Postal Service (express mail will be delivered). Only emergency services are available.
More after this message…
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Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both Banks and the stock markets in the United State closed. Some international markets are open.
Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.
Boston Trash Collection: The announcement from Public Works from the Recycling & Trash Holiday Collection Schedule for Monday, January 2 – Saturday, January 7, 2012 says: "Delay trash and recycling pickup 1 day only if you live in Allston, Brighton, Dorcheser, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain***, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury.
***If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."
MBTA Service Schedule for New Year’s Weekend. The MBTA says…
"Saturday, December 31, 2011 – New Year’s Eve
FREE SERVICE AFTER 8 PM COMPLETE SCHEDULE AVAILABLE BELOW
The MBTA is providing extra transit services throughout the First Night festivities and will be offering FREE service after 8:00 p.m. Extra MBTA Police will patrol the system to assist with crowd control and safety.
• Blue, Orange, Green, and Red Line trains will operate on a Saturday schedule. Additional trains will operate and provide rush-hour levels of service throughout the evening from 3:00 p.m. until approximately 2:00 a.m. • Buses, Silver Line, and trackless trolleys will operate on a Saturday schedule. • Commuter Rail Service on New Year’s Eve will operate on a Saturday schedule with extended extra service provided.
THESE ARE THE LAST COMMUTER RAIL TRAINS TO OPERATE. THERE WILL NOT BE ANY ALTERNATIVE SERVICES AVAILABLE. CUSTOMERS MUST ARRIVE PRIOR TO DEPARTURE TIME.
OUTBOUND FROM NORTH STATION
Fitchburg Line:
1:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. Departure to Fitchburg
Haverhill Line:
1:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. Departure to Haverhill
Lowell Line:
1:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. Departure to Lowell
Rockport Line:
1:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. Departure to Rockport*
Newburyport:
12:45 a.m. Departure to Newburyport
*There will be a Newburyport connection at Beverly for the 2:00 a.m. Rockport train.
OUTBOUND FROM SOUTH STATION
Providence Line:
12:45 a.m. and 1:45 a.m. Departure to Providence
Franklin Line:
12:45 a.m. and 1:45 a.m. Departure to Forge Park
Greenbush Line:
1:00 a.m. Departure to Greenbush
Middleboro/Lakeville Line:
1:10 a.m. Departute to Middleboro
Needham Line:
1:00 a.m. Departure to Kingston
Kingston Line:
1:05 a.m. Departure to Kingston
Worcester/Framingham Line:
1:00 a.m. to Worcester
Commuter Boat and Ferry • Inner Harbor Ferry will operate a normal Weekend schedule. • Rowes Wharf/ Hingham Shipyard and Logan Airport (Hull) will not operate. • Quincy Fore River Shipyard to Long Wharf will operate on normal Saturday schedule.
THE RIDE will operate extended hours until 2:30 a.m.
Parking As a way to manage traffic volume, customers are urged to pay upon entering the parking garages.
Sunday, January 1, 2012 – New Year’s Day
• Blue, Orange, Green, and Red Line trains will operate on a Sunday schedule. • Buses, Silver Line, and trackless trolleys will operate on a Sunday schedule. • Commuter rail trains will operate on a Sunday schedule. • Inner Harbor Ferry and Commuter Boat services will not operate. • THE RIDE will operate on a Sunday schedule.
Monday, January 2, 2012 – New Year’s Day Observed
• Blue, Orange, Green, and Red Line trains will operate on a Sunday schedule. • Buses, Silver Line, and trackless trolleys will operate on a Sunday schedule. • Commuter rail trains will operate on a Saturday schedule. • Rowes Wharf/ Hingham Shipyard and Logan Airport (Hull) will not operate. • Quincy Fore River Shipyard to Long Wharf will operate on a Sunday schedule. • Inner Harbor Ferry will operate on Weekend schedule. • THE RIDE Service will not offer subscription service. Customers should contact their contractors for service information.
For additional information on MBTA services, routes, schedules, and fares, please call the MBTA Customer Communications Department at (617) 222-3200 or 1-800-392-6100 (hearing impaired TDD 617-222-5146)," or visit the MBTA website.
Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: istockphoto.com
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The Gibson House Museum Holiday Open House is our Friday Link. The staff and volunteers have decorated the house in appropriate Victorian style. On Sunday, December 11th, they are opening their doors to friends and neighbors from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission will be free for this event.
They invited us in while they were decorating, so we could give you a sneak preview.
If you can't make the open house on Sunday, or if you have a holiday guest who would love to see what the homes in the Back Bay looked like a hundred years ago, you can take a guided tour of the Gibson House. And if you do that while the decorations are in place, you'll have a bonus dose of holiday spirit at no extra charge!
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 comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.
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