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It’s time to ring in the new and ring out the old Christmas tree!
For 11 days, beginning January 3rd, 2012, you can take that dried-up old Christmas tree and put it out with your recycling. While the City of Boston doesn’t want you to leave it by the curb in a bag, you may want to take it out of your home and building wrapped, so you don’t leave a trail of pine needles and pine pitch behind.
The City of Boston Waste Reduction Division wants you to know that, “Public Works will collect Christmas trees for composting from January 3 to January 13. Remove all ornaments, decorations, and stands from trees and place trees at the curb by 7AM on your recycling day. Do not put trees in plastic bags.”
Hop over to Amazon and look at Christmas Ornament Storage Options. We'd like to thank everyone who remembers to stop here on their way to Amazon. If you go to Amazon from one of our links or items, they put coins in our tip jar.
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"We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives… not looking for flaws, but for potential."Ellen Goodman (Pulitzer prize winning columnist, author, speaker)
What did you do last year that really makes you happy when you think about it? What Bucket List items are on your schedule for 2012?
Here's a link to some of Ellen Goodman's books. We hope she makes more of her earlier work available on Kindle.
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.
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!
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.
Universal Hub (UH) is our Friday link. We think you should resolve to really know what's going on in Boston in 2012. You can do that by visiting, subscribing, following, and retweeting, the award winning coverage over at Adam Gaffin's site.
People ask us how we know so many things long before the story is picked up by traditional media around town. UH is the answer. Penny visits there so many times a day that if you enter the letter u in her Chrome browser Google fills in the rest– www.universalhub.com.
They said, "Adam Gaffin is the hyper-local journalism wizard behind Universal Hub, a site he founded in 2005 to bring Boston-area news to citizens through a collective online effort. He also coordinates the Boston Blog Network, which helps other local bloggers connect with online advertisers, and consults small, local media and news outlets."
They listed a very elite group including: Liz Herson from the New York Times; John Pepper, Founder and CEO of Boloco; Scott Monty, who leads social media at Ford; and social media guru Chris Brogan.
Last March, Adam was also named the winner of the first #Boston Shorty Award, Twitter says, "The Shorty Awards honor the best people and organizations producing short-form, real-time social media content."
When local TV newscasts are wasting the little air time they have on "interesting" videos from around the world (that most of us have already seen on the web) and PR vidoes being passed off as news coverage, we have to support the people who are in the trenches delivering real news that is of use in our daily lives. Go check out Universal Hub!
Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!
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.
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…
Make your own holiday wish come true. Find the gift you really want on Amazon! And, by starting from here, you'll be supporting BostonZest and helping to keep the information flowing your way.
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
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.
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.
items are on your schedule for 2012?
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