Tag: Massachusetts

  • Here’s to August and Old Friends, Westport Rivers RJR Brut Cuvée

    Look what we found at Boston Public Market, Westport Rivers Brut Cuvée RJR 2007 – an old friend that still has its sparkle!

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    We visited this winning Massachusetts winery more than 15 years ago and still have fond memories of sitting outside with our last Westie Maggie toasting each other in full view of thriving grape vines.

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    Wandering through Boston Public Market last week, we discovered a great selection of Massachusetts wines including those from Westport Rivers.

    Their RJR Brut Cuvée is mostly Pinot Noir. This sparkler became our favorite all those years ago and it’s nice to know how easy it is to find, today.   

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    What to expect from the Award winning 2007 Westport Brut RJR:

    • “Fine bubbles and a gentle mousse”
    • “Notes of brioche, flint, Granny Smith apple peel, and candied lemon”
    • “Rich, grippy mouthfeel with youthful acidity”
    • “Long, clean finish”
    • “Hints of ginger and savory tangerine”

    Here’s to the Russell family that’s worked so hard to bring us consistently outstanding wines.

    For more information on their wines, visit Westport Rivers Winery (online & in person) and be sure to stop by The Massachusetts Farm Wineries and Growers booth at Boston Public Market.

    Related Posts:

    Our Sparkling Resolution is covered in this post: Join Us as We Toast …

    A Few of Our Favorite Gifts for Wine Lovers

    Here are all the wines we've covered. Since this is a category, this post may appear at the top. Just scroll down for more.

    Want to learn more about wine? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site! Here are three of our favorite wine books.

    The Food Lover's Guide to Wine

    The New Wine Lover's Companion

    The Wine Bible

     

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • Time to Get Your Dog a License

    March is dog license season in Massachusetts. Dogs in the Commonwealth are required to have a 2016 dog license by April 1st.

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    When we met this adorable Boston newcomer "Guinness" recently, he already had his license.

    How to Apply

    I put a reminder on my calendar and usually apply for a Boston dog license online. You can also download an application to mail at that page.

    If your dog, like my Poppy, is already registered, enter the current license number and all your information should be filled in by the system. Next, you upload photos of a spay certificate and current rabies record. Then, you enter your credit card information and complete the transaction.

    If you prefer the snail mail option, you should receive a package in the mail if your dog is currently licensed. If not, and you want to get a license in person, visit the Animal Care and Control Department at 1010 Massachusetts Avenue. Bring a current rabies certificate and a spay/neuter certificate if you have one. A prepared check or money order will save time.

    You can also get your license at the City Hall To Go truck at one of its scheduled spots around town. Just bring the same documents and a check with you. 

    Low-Cost Clinics

    The city has a series of Dog Licensing & Low-Cost Rabies Vaccine Clinics each year. Here's a link to a copy of this year's events. It was in the right-hand sidebar at the time of this writing. 

    2016 rabies clinic flyer

    Should Dogs or People Be Licensed?

    Over the years, the group of dog lovers that walks with us has often discussed an option of having people licensed as legal caretakers of animals rather than attaching the license to the dog. Then the responsible caregivers could register the animals they have under that license and receive tags for each.

    The legislature has a task force looking at a possible statewide Animal Abuse Registry. But, beyond outright abuse, a caregiver’s registry might deny licenses to those who are constant scofflaws or who have a history of dangerous dog offenses.

    Of course some enforcement of the current rules and regulations for picking up after your dog and keeping dogs on a leash would have to be a part of any program like this.

    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 & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

  • Time to Get Your Dog a License

    March is dog license season in Massachusetts. Dogs in the Commonwealth are required to have a 2016 dog license by April 1st.

     6a00e54fc42bb8883401b7c81894bc970b-800wi

    When we met this adorable Boston newcomer "Guinness" recently, he already had his license.

    How to Apply

    I put a reminder on my calendar and usually apply for a Boston dog license online. You can also download an application to mail at that page.

    If your dog, like my Poppy, is already registered, enter the current license number and all your information should be filled in by the system. Next, you upload photos of a spay certificate and current rabies record. Then, you enter your credit card information and complete the transaction.

    If you prefer the snail mail option, you should receive a package in the mail if your dog is currently licensed. If not, and you want to get a license in person, visit the Animal Care and Control Department at 1010 Massachusetts Avenue. Bring a current rabies certificate and a spay/neuter certificate if you have one. A prepared check or money order will save time.

    You can also get your license at the City Hall To Go truck at one of its scheduled spots around town. Just bring the same documents and a check with you. 

    Low-Cost Clinics

    The city has a series of Dog Licensing & Low-Cost Rabies Vaccine Clinics each year. Here's a link to a copy of this year's events. It was in the right-hand sidebar at the time of this writing. 

    2016 rabies clinic flyer

    Should Dogs or People Be Licensed?

    Over the years, the group of dog lovers that walks with us has often discussed an option of having people licensed as legal caretakers of animals rather than attaching the license to the dog. Then the responsible caregivers could register the animals they have under that license and receive tags for each.

    The legislature has a task force looking at a possible statewide Animal Abuse Registry. But, beyond outright abuse, a caregiver’s registry might deny licenses to those who are constant scofflaws or who have a history of dangerous dog offenses.

    Of course some enforcement of the current rules and regulations for picking up after your dog and keeping dogs on a leash would have to be a part of any program like this.

    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 & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

  • Stone and Reeds, Man and Nature…

    In the Fenway, along the Muddy River, the work of man and nature combine to create a golden-hued scene in winter. 

    IMG_9234 - Version 22016-02-15fenway-muddy-river-sone-bridge-reeds-© 2014 Penny Cherubino (1)

    "There are no lines in nature, only areas of colour, one against another." Edouard Manet

    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: © 2016 Penny Cherubino  

  • Stone and Reeds, Man and Nature…

    In the Fenway, along the Muddy River, the work of man and nature combine to create a golden-hued scene in winter. 

    IMG_9234 - Version 22016-02-15fenway-muddy-river-sone-bridge-reeds-© 2014 Penny Cherubino (1)

    "There are no lines in nature, only areas of colour, one against another." Edouard Manet

    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: © 2016 Penny Cherubino  

  • What’s Open or Closed on Presidents’ Day in Boston 2016 & MBTA Schedule Changes, Parking, Trash & More

    Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed in Boston on Presidents' Day and the MBTA schedule changes, plus information on Boston trash pick-up and parking information for February 15, 2016. 

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    We publish these resource pages early to assist you in planning your holidays. We'll keep updates coming as new information is published. Follow us on Twitter to learn about updates.

    Restaurants, bars: Open

    Convenience stores: Open

    Supermarkets:
     Open

    Retail stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

    Liquor stores: 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.

    Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both banks and the stock markets in the United States closed. Some international markets are open. In recent years, we've noticed some banks keep some branches open at unexpected times so check with your own bank.

    Parking, Boston trash, and MBTA after the ad.

    This weekend is a great time to start your tax preparation. Step one, order your software by following this link to Amazon.You can even download some versions right from the Amazon Download Store. Shopping Amazon from here keeps information like this coming your way. 


    Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.

    Boston Trash and Recycling:

    The city has changed the way it publishes the schedule for holidays so that you now have to go to the city site and look up your specific address in order to get information

    MBTA Schedule for Presidents' Day, February 15, 2016

    For a short time before the holiday, a complete list of schedule changes with appear at this link.

    Briefly:

    • Blue, Orange, Red, Green and Mattapan Lines will operate a Saturday schedule.
    • Silver line will operate a weekday schedule.
    • Commuter Rail trains will operate a Saturday schedule. 
    • Buses and trackless trolleys will operate a Saturday schedule. Check this link for bus routes that will not operate. (Note: this link will only work up until the holiday.)
    • Hingham, Hull, and Charlestown Boat Service will operate a regular weekday schedule.
    • THE RIDE will operate a Saturday schedule, but contact your local RIDE contractor for details.

    For more information on routes, schedules, and fares, contact the MBTA at 617-222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or check the MBTA’s website www.mbta.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: ©2010 Penny Cherubino

  • Ways to Report Pedestrian Dangers & WalkBoston “Ped 101” Advocacy Training

    The BostonZest team are walkers. We don't own a car. We use mass transit, if we must, but most of the time we get where we need to be as pedestrians. Naturally, we really notice the failures to ensure pedestrian safety on the part of our city and state authorities. We try to be advocates for pedestrians and now we have a few tips for you on how you can join us. 

    Report safety issues

    Report Transportation Dangers

    The City of Boston has set up a mapping system where you can report safety issues in the transportation system. We have already used this to mark intersections where traffic gridlocks, where walk lights don't last long enough, and where walk lights are missing.  

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    You can also consult this map to find places where you might want to exercise a bit more caution as you travel. (You might also take a look at this map that shows where accidents have already been reported by police.) Both are part of the city's Vision Zero program.

    If your concern needs a more immediate correction, use the 311 system by calling 311 on your phone, reporting the problem on the 311 phone app, sending a tweet to @BOS311, or reporting through the website

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    WalkBoston Pedestrian Advocacy Training Programs

    To learn more about how you can become a better defender of pedestrians, consider attending one of the Ped101 training sessions.

    WalkBoston says:

    "This session is helpful if you're interested in learning about: 

    • walkability, urbanism & the associated lingo (what's a "tight turning radius"?),

    • making neighborhoods safer for people walking & running,

    • how you can advocate for change in your own community."

    Take advantage of this opportunity to stand up for those who walk around the city. 

    Additional Reading: Make Walking THE Priority where you will find a link to a thoughtful piece on the mistaken priority system used by our transportation planners and a much better priority approach.

    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
    Artwork: courtesy of the City of Boston and WalkBoston

  • Not So Charming Back Bay Centerpiece

    This time of year, holiday decorations add an additional dose of charm to Boston's Back Bay neighborhood. 

    IMG_8938 - Version 22015-11-26-pail-cigarette-butts-centerpiece-table-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    But somehow, this bucket of butts does not seem to be the ideal centerpiece for a front yard garden table. 

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    At least this smoker is not littering the patio or tossing those indestructible filters all over the sidewalks.

    And, perhaps this collection of tar soaked filters is some sort of countdown to quitting for the new year with the bucket serving as a reminder of the money that went up in smoke.

    For those who need help, here's the state's page on smoking cessation assistance.

    Help to Quit Smoking

    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: © 2015 Penny Cherubino  

  • Not So Charming Back Bay Centerpiece

    This time of year, holiday decorations add an additional dose of charm to Boston's Back Bay neighborhood. 

    IMG_8938 - Version 22015-11-26-pail-cigarette-butts-centerpiece-table-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    But somehow, this bucket of butts does not seem to be the ideal centerpiece for a front yard garden table. 

    IMG_8939 - Version 22015-11-26-pail-cigarette-butts-centerpiece-table-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    At least this smoker is not littering the patio or tossing those indestructible filters all over the sidewalks.

    And, perhaps this collection of tar soaked filters is some sort of countdown to quitting for the new year with the bucket serving as a reminder of the money that went up in smoke.

    For those who need help, here's the state's page on smoking cessation assistance.

    Help to Quit Smoking

    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: © 2015 Penny Cherubino  

  • What’s Open in Boston on Thanksgiving 2015, Plus MBTA Schedule Changes, Parking, Trash & More

    What's open in Boston on Thanksgiving, Thursday November 26, 2015? What's closed?

    Do I have to feed the parking meters? What about street sweeping? Are the liquor stores and packies open? When do I put out my trash? And, what changes are there to the MBTA schedules?

    We have the answers for you, all organized in one post that we'll update as new information comes our way.

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    Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on Thanksgiving 2015.

    We post these rundowns early, when we notice our readers looking for the information on older posts. Because it's early, we will update as new information is announced. So, bookmark this page and check back. We'll send out notice of updates on Twitter.

    Restaurants, bars: Many will be open, check for special hours and menus. Here's our post on Where to Dine Out on Thanksgiving.

    Convenience stores: Many are open, check for special hours

    Supermarkets: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws"

    Retail stores: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws"

    Liquor stores: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws" 

    Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both banks and the stock markets in the United State closed. International markets are open.

    City, Town, State, and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes schools, libraries, and the Postal Service. Only emergency services are available.

    Parking & Street Sweeping

    Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.

    Street Sweeping: The city 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."

    Trash Collection & Recycling

    Boston Trash Collection for Thanksgiving week – The city has changed the way it publishes the schedule for holidays so that you now have to go to the city site and look up your specific address in order to get information

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    UPDATE 11/20/15: Check your trash pick up schedule. There are changes. For example, the city sent out a neighborhood notice that there will be no pick up in the Back Bay on Thanksgiving. This is a new reduction in service.

    MBTA information after the Ad from Amazon!

    More information after these camera deals from Amazon. Order today and you'll be ready to record memories this holiday season. When you shop Amazon from here, you keep information like this coming your way!

     

    MBTA Schedule Changes Updated 11/20/15

    The MBTA has published their Thanksgiving schedule. Here is the link to the MBTA schedule changes for holidays. This link will change sometime before and after the holiday. We have created a PDF version of the page for the weekend that you can download if you wish. 

    Download MBTA Thanksgiving Update 2015

    Here's a quick summary, of the highlights.

    • Wednesday November 25th will have normal Wednesday subway, bus, and Commuter Rail schedules with extra Silver Line service to and from Logan Airport.
    • Thanksgiving November 26th will have subways including the Silver Line on a Sunday schedule. Buses will run on a Sunday schedule with some routes not operating. Commuter Rail will run on a Sunday Schedule so some routes will not operate.
    • Friday November 27th will have the Red, Orange, and Blue lines on a Friday Schedule and the Green Line on a Saturday Schedule. The Silver line will have extra service. Commuter Rail will run on a Friday schedule.

    For further information, check with the MBTA Customer Communications Department at 617-222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or visit them at: www.mbta.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: iStockphoto