bostonzest

Category: City Life

  • Follow the Fall Foliage into the City of Boston

    We've been following the colors of fall as they tiptoe their way into the city. Yankee Magazine's foliage map now has our area shown as peak color. Our guess is that, here in the city, you'll still see some stunning scenes into November. We're still seeing lots of green as a backdrop to those early show-off trees.

    IMG_6919 - Version 22013-10-17-fall-colors-leaves-public-garden-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Here are a few links that will prove useful for planning a leaf peeping excursion. 

    Please tell us where your favorite foliage spots are and let us know if you have a resource to share. You can add it in the comments below or send it via Twitter.

    IMG_6937 - Version 22013-10-17-fall-colors-leaves-commonwealth-avenue-mall-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Perhaps the most complete roundup of New England foliage information can be found on jeff-foliage.com. 

    This is a comprehensive site with a discussion forum, photo galleries, festivals, multi-media, webcams, predictions, reports, touring ideas, and safaris. All this with a big dose of expert tips on how to do everything from catching peak foliage to practising the art of getting lost.

    For the latest updates, follow Jeff on Twitter, @Foliage_Report or on Google+, Jeff Foliage.

    IMG_6930 - Version 22013-10-17-fall-colors-leaves-public-garden-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    While we're at it, here are a few more links that we've collected as New England Foliage resources.

    Massachusetts Fall Foliage Fun Planner - You can add your photos to their collection or enjoy some armchair leaf peeping as you enjoy the photo array.

    Yankee Magazine's Foliage Guide

    50 Fun Travel Ideas for the New England Fall Foliage Season

    We'll update with any new sites we find. Get out there and enjoy the peak of foliage season!

    Thanks to everyone who hops 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 Fall Shopping List. Click here for Fall Season Savings over at Amazon.

    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.

    Related articles
    The Apple Lover's CookBook by Amy Traverso
    New England Fall Foliage Update 10/17/13

  • Follow the Fall Foliage into the City of Boston

    We've been following the colors of fall as they tiptoe their way into the city. Yankee Magazine's foliage map now has our area shown as peak color. Our guess is that, here in the city, you'll still see some stunning scenes into November. We're still seeing lots of green as a backdrop to those early show-off trees.

    IMG_6919 - Version 22013-10-17-fall-colors-leaves-public-garden-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Here are a few links that will prove useful for planning a leaf peeping excursion. 

    Please tell us where your favorite foliage spots are and let us know if you have a resource to share. You can add it in the comments below or send it via Twitter.

    IMG_6937 - Version 22013-10-17-fall-colors-leaves-commonwealth-avenue-mall-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Perhaps the most complete roundup of New England foliage information can be found on jeff-foliage.com. 

    This is a comprehensive site with a discussion forum, photo galleries, festivals, multi-media, webcams, predictions, reports, touring ideas, and safaris. All this with a big dose of expert tips on how to do everything from catching peak foliage to practising the art of getting lost.

    For the latest updates, follow Jeff on Twitter, @Foliage_Report or on Google+, Jeff Foliage.

    IMG_6930 - Version 22013-10-17-fall-colors-leaves-public-garden-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    While we're at it, here are a few more links that we've collected as New England Foliage resources.

    Massachusetts Fall Foliage Fun Planner - You can add your photos to their collection or enjoy some armchair leaf peeping as you enjoy the photo array.

    Yankee Magazine's Foliage Guide

    50 Fun Travel Ideas for the New England Fall Foliage Season

    We'll update with any new sites we find. Get out there and enjoy the peak of foliage season!

    Thanks to everyone who hops 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 Fall Shopping List. Click here for Fall Season Savings over at Amazon.

    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.

    Related articles
    The Apple Lover's CookBook by Amy Traverso
    New England Fall Foliage Update 10/17/13

  • Follow the Fall Foliage into the City of Boston

    We've been following the colors of fall as they tiptoe their way into the city. Yankee Magazine's foliage map now has our area shown as peak color. Our guess is that, here in the city, you'll still see some stunning scenes into November. We're still seeing lots of green as a backdrop to those early show-off trees.

    IMG_6919 - Version 22013-10-17-fall-colors-leaves-public-garden-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Here are a few links that will prove useful for planning a leaf peeping excursion. 

    Please tell us where your favorite foliage spots are and let us know if you have a resource to share. You can add it in the comments below or send it via Twitter.

    IMG_6937 - Version 22013-10-17-fall-colors-leaves-commonwealth-avenue-mall-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Perhaps the most complete roundup of New England foliage information can be found on jeff-foliage.com. 

    This is a comprehensive site with a discussion forum, photo galleries, festivals, multi-media, webcams, predictions, reports, touring ideas, and safaris. All this with a big dose of expert tips on how to do everything from catching peak foliage to practising the art of getting lost.

    For the latest updates, follow Jeff on Twitter, @Foliage_Report or on Google+, Jeff Foliage.

    IMG_6930 - Version 22013-10-17-fall-colors-leaves-public-garden-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    While we're at it, here are a few more links that we've collected as New England Foliage resources.

    Massachusetts Fall Foliage Fun Planner - You can add your photos to their collection or enjoy some armchair leaf peeping as you enjoy the photo array.

    Yankee Magazine's Foliage Guide

    50 Fun Travel Ideas for the New England Fall Foliage Season

    We'll update with any new sites we find. Get out there and enjoy the peak of foliage season!

    Thanks to everyone who hops 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 Fall Shopping List. Click here for Fall Season Savings over at Amazon.

    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.

    Related articles
    The Apple Lover's CookBook by Amy Traverso
    New England Fall Foliage Update 10/17/13

  • Great Heron by The Myth Makers and Convergence – Last Two Weeks!

    DSC_8755 - Version 22013-09-28-christian-science-center-bird-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The Christian Science Plaza has been a sculpture gallery all summer hosting Convergence, an exhibit by Boston sculptors May 1st to October 31st, 2013. If you haven't visited yet, you only have two weeks to see these works.

    Ed waited for a few seconds of calm on the reflecting pool to capture his image of the Great Heron by the team The Myth Makers.

    Comments on blog like the one linked to above are often ignored, but Penny tends to read them and was pleased to find one from Lynn Schweikart, author of Peaceful Places Boston. Lynn shared a moment of delightful serendipity when she visited.

    "Was admiring this striking sculpture yesterday, and was surprised to hear bird song emanating from it. "How clever!" I thought. "I wonder how the sculptors did that!" Then I noticed that a mockingbird had taken up residence on one of the saplings that make up the head–and was singing away!"

    Thanks for sharing your experience Lynn. In addition to recommending a visit to the exhibit, we highly recommend Lynn's book 

    For those who read us from other parts of the country, the publisher has some peaceful books for other cities.  

    Peaceful Places: Boston: 121 Tranquil Sites in the City and Beyond

    Peaceful Places: Chicago: 119 Tranquil Sites in the Windy City and Beyond

    Peaceful Places: San Francisco: 100+ Tranquil Sites in The City and the Greater Bay Area

    Peaceful Places: Los Angeles: 100+ Sites for Tranquility Across the City of Angels

        

    Details:
    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photo: ©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 a great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

  • Great Heron by The Myth Makers and Convergence – Last Two Weeks!

    DSC_8755 - Version 22013-09-28-christian-science-center-bird-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The Christian Science Plaza has been a sculpture gallery all summer hosting Convergence, an exhibit by Boston sculptors May 1st to October 31st, 2013. If you haven't visited yet, you only have two weeks to see these works.

    Ed waited for a few seconds of calm on the reflecting pool to capture his image of the Great Heron by the team The Myth Makers.

    Comments on blog like the one linked to above are often ignored, but Penny tends to read them and was pleased to find one from Lynn Schweikart, author of Peaceful Places Boston. Lynn shared a moment of delightful serendipity when she visited.

    "Was admiring this striking sculpture yesterday, and was surprised to hear bird song emanating from it. "How clever!" I thought. "I wonder how the sculptors did that!" Then I noticed that a mockingbird had taken up residence on one of the saplings that make up the head–and was singing away!"

    Thanks for sharing your experience Lynn. In addition to recommending a visit to the exhibit, we highly recommend Lynn's book 

    For those who read us from other parts of the country, the publisher has some peaceful books for other cities.  

    Peaceful Places: Boston: 121 Tranquil Sites in the City and Beyond

    Peaceful Places: Chicago: 119 Tranquil Sites in the Windy City and Beyond

    Peaceful Places: San Francisco: 100+ Tranquil Sites in The City and the Greater Bay Area

    Peaceful Places: Los Angeles: 100+ Sites for Tranquility Across the City of Angels

        

    Details:
    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photo: ©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 a great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

  • Great Heron by The Myth Makers and Convergence – Last Two Weeks!

    DSC_8755 - Version 22013-09-28-christian-science-center-bird-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The Christian Science Plaza has been a sculpture gallery all summer hosting Convergence, an exhibit by Boston sculptors May 1st to October 31st, 2013. If you haven't visited yet, you only have two weeks to see these works.

    Ed waited for a few seconds of calm on the reflecting pool to capture his image of the Great Heron by the team The Myth Makers.

    Comments on blog like the one linked to above are often ignored, but Penny tends to read them and was pleased to find one from Lynn Schweikart, author of Peaceful Places Boston. Lynn shared a moment of delightful serendipity when she visited.

    "Was admiring this striking sculpture yesterday, and was surprised to hear bird song emanating from it. "How clever!" I thought. "I wonder how the sculptors did that!" Then I noticed that a mockingbird had taken up residence on one of the saplings that make up the head–and was singing away!"

    Thanks for sharing your experience Lynn. In addition to recommending a visit to the exhibit, we highly recommend Lynn's book 

    For those who read us from other parts of the country, the publisher has some peaceful books for other cities.  

    Peaceful Places: Boston: 121 Tranquil Sites in the City and Beyond

    Peaceful Places: Chicago: 119 Tranquil Sites in the Windy City and Beyond

    Peaceful Places: San Francisco: 100+ Tranquil Sites in The City and the Greater Bay Area

    Peaceful Places: Los Angeles: 100+ Sites for Tranquility Across the City of Angels

        

    Details:
    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photo: ©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 a great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

  • Charlie Cards, Pass It On…

    IMG_68882013-10-10-charlie-card-pass-it-on----© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    These are the two extra, empty Charlie Cards that I carry with me as I travel on the MBTA. I've noticed how elusive Charlie Cards have become so I picked up some extra ones. Now, when an MBTA attendant tells someone, "We actually don't have Charlie Cards at this location," I have a solution.

    I can hand over one of these with a request that the passenger pass on the kindness to someone else by picking up an extra card when they are at a station where the cards are available. I write, "Pass it on… " with a Sharpie so I won't give out my loaded card by mistake. It may also encourage the recipient to pay it forward.

    If you can find an attendant, they are supposed to have Charlie Cards at these locations. I have found the booth between the westbound tracks at Park Street usually has them. But note the hours, 7 am – 7 pm. For some locations, the hours are shorter.

    This post was inspired by a conversation over on Universal Hub. At the 5th comment down, the conversation changes to Charlie Cards. I shared my solution there but figured I should pass it on to the BostonZest community as well.

    Charlie card discounts

    Even if you're not going to use a Charlie Card all that often, you should have one in your card collection because each year there is a book full of discounts you can have for flashing your Charlie Card. Those discounts are particularly good for visitors since they included attractions and museums.

    Our household also has a guest card that we mail to friends coming into Boston or let them use while they are here. If they can't find a card at the airport or train station, we have them covered. We started it off with $5 and our guests have kept it filled for us. That one is marked with "Guest Card" on the front.

    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.

  • Charlie Cards, Pass It On…

    IMG_68882013-10-10-charlie-card-pass-it-on----© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    These are the two extra, empty Charlie Cards that I carry with me as I travel on the MBTA. I've noticed how elusive Charlie Cards have become so I picked up some extra ones. Now, when an MBTA attendant tells someone, "We actually don't have Charlie Cards at this location," I have a solution.

    I can hand over one of these with a request that the passenger pass on the kindness to someone else by picking up an extra card when they are at a station where the cards are available. I write, "Pass it on… " with a Sharpie so I won't give out my loaded card by mistake. It may also encourage the recipient to pay it forward.

    If you can find an attendant, they are supposed to have Charlie Cards at these locations. I have found the booth between the westbound tracks at Park Street usually has them. But note the hours, 7 am – 7 pm. For some locations, the hours are shorter.

    This post was inspired by a conversation over on Universal Hub. At the 5th comment down, the conversation changes to Charlie Cards. I shared my solution there but figured I should pass it on to the BostonZest community as well.

    Charlie card discounts

    Even if you're not going to use a Charlie Card all that often, you should have one in your card collection because each year there is a book full of discounts you can have for flashing your Charlie Card. Those discounts are particularly good for visitors since they included attractions and museums.

    Our household also has a guest card that we mail to friends coming into Boston or let them use while they are here. If they can't find a card at the airport or train station, we have them covered. We started it off with $5 and our guests have kept it filled for us. That one is marked with "Guest Card" on the front.

    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.

  • Charlie Cards, Pass It On…

    IMG_68882013-10-10-charlie-card-pass-it-on----© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    These are the two extra, empty Charlie Cards that I carry with me as I travel on the MBTA. I've noticed how elusive Charlie Cards have become so I picked up some extra ones. Now, when an MBTA attendant tells someone, "We actually don't have Charlie Cards at this location," I have a solution.

    I can hand over one of these with a request that the passenger pass on the kindness to someone else by picking up an extra card when they are at a station where the cards are available. I write, "Pass it on… " with a Sharpie so I won't give out my loaded card by mistake. It may also encourage the recipient to pay it forward.

    If you can find an attendant, they are supposed to have Charlie Cards at these locations. I have found the booth between the westbound tracks at Park Street usually has them. But note the hours, 7 am – 7 pm. For some locations, the hours are shorter.

    This post was inspired by a conversation over on Universal Hub. At the 5th comment down, the conversation changes to Charlie Cards. I shared my solution there but figured I should pass it on to the BostonZest community as well.

    Charlie card discounts

    Even if you're not going to use a Charlie Card all that often, you should have one in your card collection because each year there is a book full of discounts you can have for flashing your Charlie Card. Those discounts are particularly good for visitors since they included attractions and museums.

    Our household also has a guest card that we mail to friends coming into Boston or let them use while they are here. If they can't find a card at the airport or train station, we have them covered. We started it off with $5 and our guests have kept it filled for us. That one is marked with "Guest Card" on the front.

    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.

  • Flu Vaccination Information Update for 2013 – 2014 Season

    IStock_000010863371Small

    UPDATE: Latest Flu Vaccination Information … Boston Area Resources to Find a Flu Shot

    Here's the latest Flu Shot information. We've compiled a list of sources to help in your search for, and understanding of, this season's vaccination.

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reminds us that, “There are several flu vaccine options for the 2013-2014 flu season.” Besides the usual trivalent vaccine designed to protect against three different flu viruses, there’s a quadrivalent vaccine meant to protect against four different flu viruses – plus, additional choices within each group. >>More Information Here

    In this post, you'll also find assistance from federal, state, and local authorities – including medical institutions and retail stores. There are sites to track flu activity, plus suggestions that could help save you time and money.

    As always, check with your doctor or other healthcare professionals for any flu-related advice.  

    Do federal, state, and city health officials have any updates on flu or flu vaccinations?

    Where can I get a flu vaccination in the Boston area?

    • Here's a search box made available to us by the U.S. Department of Health. Just enter your Zip Code, hit go, and you'll have a map of options.  


    Where can I get a flu vaccination in the surrounding area?

    More information below the ad.

    Whether you're waiting in line for a flu shot or taking an easy day with a headcold, an Amazon Kindle makes a great companion. Buy new books on the fly, dig into your archive to re-read old favorites. And, thank you to everyone who supports the compiling of information like this by beginning all their Amazon shopping from BostonZest. It doesn't cost you a penny more, but it does put a few pennies in our pockets.

    What's the level of flu activity in our area?

    More details below...

    • Some Pharmacies have flu vaccine, including CVS,  Walgreens, and  RiteAid.
    • If you haven't checked lately, this might be a good time to consult with your primary care physician for the latest flu shot information.
    • Whichever flu shot location you choose, we recommend that you call the site directly before going.

    Here's a link to information on caring for someone with the flu and preventing the spread of the disease.

     And, for a friend suffering from a bad cold or the flu, remember Chicken Soup for a Sick Friend!

    Follow us on Twitter for alerts when we update this article.

    Details:
    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photo Credit: James Gathany, courtesy of  the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

    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
    Good Question: When Is The Best Time To Get The Flu Shot?
    Which New Flu Vaccines Are Right for You?
    Flu Season Is Here–Vaccinate to Protect You and Your Loved Ones from Flu