Blog

  • A Rainy Day Lamentation of Swans…

    IMG_1247 - Version 22013-06-07-swan-boats-rain-june-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    It has been a rainy month and the swans are lamenting too many days off. Did you know a group of swans is called a lamentation? 

    As the Swan Boat site says, "The Swan Boats are open seven days per week, weather permitting. We cannot operate on rainy, windy, or extremely hot days." That means these lovelies have had a few days off this June.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a Birthday or Wedding gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photography: © 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 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.

  • A Rainy Day Lamentation of Swans…

    IMG_1247 - Version 22013-06-07-swan-boats-rain-june-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    It has been a rainy month and the swans are lamenting too many days off. Did you know a group of swans is called a lamentation? 

    As the Swan Boat site says, "The Swan Boats are open seven days per week, weather permitting. We cannot operate on rainy, windy, or extremely hot days." That means these lovelies have had a few days off this June.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a Birthday or Wedding gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photography: © 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 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.

  • “Reading” the Book, “Permanent Present Tense” Three Ways

    Cover art permanent Past Tense

    I always have a few books in my reading pile, on my Kindle, or in my "tonight" audiobook playlist on my iPod. Right now, I have Permanent Present Tense: The Unforgettable Life of the Amnesic Patient, H. M. by Susanne Corkin in all three places.

    I "read" books in different ways. We live in a tiny home with books shelved two deep in some case, and others in storage waiting for their turn to come live with us. New books must audition before they find a physical place in our home. 

    When I hear or read about a book that I want to read, I go directly to the Boston Public Library catalogue and see if they have a copy. If not and I think it has a wide interest, I'll suggest that they purchase it.

    In the case of Permanent Present Tense, I had to wait a bit before it was my turn to read a library copy. Since I have met the author and she played an important role in the life of a dear friend, I had every intention of buying the book. I just had to decide how to buy it – hardcover book, Kindle edition, or audiobook.

    In the end, I did all three. I'm reading the library's copy in hardcover. I added the Kindle edition to my library when I want to continue reading the book and forget to bring it with me. And, I purchased the audiobook so that Ed and I can listen to it in the car on our next road trip. 

    This doesn't happen often, but this is a fascinating book that I do recommend. Here is a great interview about the book from the radio show Fresh Air. 

    Update: July 5, 2013: Here is another great interview on WBUR's Radio Boston.

    What's your favorite way to consume new books? 

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a Birthday or Wedding gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photography: Cover art courtesy of Amazon  

  • “Reading” the Book, “Permanent Present Tense” Three Ways

    Cover art permanent Past Tense

    I always have a few books in my reading pile, on my Kindle, or in my "tonight" audiobook playlist on my iPod. Right now, I have Permanent Present Tense: The Unforgettable Life of the Amnesic Patient, H. M. by Susanne Corkin in all three places.

    I "read" books in different ways. We live in a tiny home with books shelved two deep in some case, and others in storage waiting for their turn to come live with us. New books must audition before they find a physical place in our home. 

    When I hear or read about a book that I want to read, I go directly to the Boston Public Library catalogue and see if they have a copy. If not and I think it has a wide interest, I'll suggest that they purchase it.

    In the case of Permanent Present Tense, I had to wait a bit before it was my turn to read a library copy. Since I have met the author and she played an important role in the life of a dear friend, I had every intention of buying the book. I just had to decide how to buy it – hardcover book, Kindle edition, or audiobook.

    In the end, I did all three. I'm reading the library's copy in hardcover. I added the Kindle edition to my library when I want to continue reading the book and forget to bring it with me. And, I purchased the audiobook so that Ed and I can listen to it in the car on our next road trip. 

    This doesn't happen often, but this is a fascinating book that I do recommend. Here is a great interview about the book from the radio show Fresh Air. 

    Update: July 5, 2013: Here is another great interview on WBUR's Radio Boston.

    What's your favorite way to consume new books? 

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a Birthday or Wedding gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photography: Cover art courtesy of Amazon  

  • “Reading” the Book, “Permanent Present Tense” Three Ways

    Cover art permanent Past Tense

    I always have a few books in my reading pile, on my Kindle, or in my "tonight" audiobook playlist on my iPod. Right now, I have Permanent Present Tense: The Unforgettable Life of the Amnesic Patient, H. M. by Susanne Corkin in all three places.

    I "read" books in different ways. We live in a tiny home with books shelved two deep in some case, and others in storage waiting for their turn to come live with us. New books must audition before they find a physical place in our home. 

    When I hear or read about a book that I want to read, I go directly to the Boston Public Library catalogue and see if they have a copy. If not and I think it has a wide interest, I'll suggest that they purchase it.

    In the case of Permanent Present Tense, I had to wait a bit before it was my turn to read a library copy. Since I have met the author and she played an important role in the life of a dear friend, I had every intention of buying the book. I just had to decide how to buy it – hardcover book, Kindle edition, or audiobook.

    In the end, I did all three. I'm reading the library's copy in hardcover. I added the Kindle edition to my library when I want to continue reading the book and forget to bring it with me. And, I purchased the audiobook so that Ed and I can listen to it in the car on our next road trip. 

    This doesn't happen often, but this is a fascinating book that I do recommend. Here is a great interview about the book from the radio show Fresh Air. 

    Update: July 5, 2013: Here is another great interview on WBUR's Radio Boston.

    What's your favorite way to consume new books? 

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a Birthday or Wedding gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photography: Cover art courtesy of Amazon  

  • At The Market: Old Friends at Copley Square

    Our once or twice-a-week visits to the Copley Square Farmers' Market are a combination of shopping and chatting with old friends. Penny has been shopping at this market for more than twenty years and some of the stands we frequent have been there even longer. During the past few years, Ed has joined this wonderful community.

     CHE_8182 - Version 22013-06-21-crystal-brook-farm-goat-cheese- © 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Last week, Ann Starbard of Crystal Brook Farm and Penny chatted between customers and caught up on what's been happening in their city and farm lives. Over the years, Ann has added a great selection of flavors to her goat cheese selections.

    CHE_8177 - Version 22013-06-21-strawberries- © 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Rather than constantly adding more varieties, she tries to suggest matches with current seasonal products from other farms at the market. Last week, she was suggesting her chive cheese with the strawberries that were adding a deep, red pop to the market tables.

    We love to offer guests her ginger goat cheese with a fruit platter for snacking or dessert. Last weekend, we enjoyed it spread on an Iggy's baguette with a glass of rosé wine from the South of France.

    Cook's collage

    Ed and Poppy (our Westie puppy) often sit on a bench next to the Cook's Farm and Bakery stand while Penny backtracks through the market to purchase what we spotted on our initial walk around. Simeon Cook welcomes us and supplies Ed with the oatmeal raisin cookies that keep his sweet tooth under control. 

    This was a much better maple syrup season than last and Cook's has jugs of Grade B syrup on the stand. Penny loves the deep, rich flavor of Grade B syrup and it's one of the secrets of her meltingly delicious lamb shanks in chipotle sauce recipe.

    CHE_8173 - Version 22013-06-21-broccoli-© 2011 Penny Cherubino  
    CHE_8174 - Version 22013-06-21-peas- © 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The Word from the Farms

    Lily Carone from Atlas Farm said, "Cukes are not far off – cabbage, carrots, peppers, and eggplant too…" "What few plant starts are still making appearances at market will soon be put to rest – so take this opportunity to plant some basil in a window box – or slip some tomatoes in the ground for a late season treat!"

    Marshall's Farm tweeted, "Sweet Peas started last week and hopefully Green Beans are right behind them."

    CHE_8159 - Version 22013-06-21-cabbage-keown-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    In Season, Right Now!

    Foppema's Farm/Keown Orchards had the first cabbage we've seen this season. Time to make some cole slaw! They also have some of the best tasting honey we've had from any farm. It's our choice for our daily dose of local honey for allergy relief.

    Micro-Greens were at both the Atlas stand from Old Friends Farm and at Silverbook Farm. 

    Eggs, meat, and fish are always in-season and available at more markets.

    We also saw: strawberries, tatsoi, cut herbs (cilantro, parsley, basil, and dill), hakurei turnips, fennel, broccoli, mushrooms, garlic scrapes, salad mix, lettuce, arugula, radishes, beets, scallions, kolrabi, rhubarb, bok choi, chard, small onions with green tops, snap peas, sweet peas, herbs, hot house tomatoes, and honey. 

    Get Some Before It's Gone!

    Strawberries! Enjoy them now. Some farms lost a portion of their crops due to the rain in June. 

    Coming Soon!

    Blueberries and early raspberries – Barbara Hamilton from Hamilton Orchards hopes to have ripe berries around the Fourth of July. 

    Follow all our Local Food/Farmers' Markets and At The Market reports:

    We heard talk about some early hothouse tomatoes. Curtis Stillman said Stillman's Farm would soon have kale and their first peas.

    What's on your Food Lover's Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your Kitchen & Dining needs and support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©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.

  • At The Market: Old Friends at Copley Square

    Our once or twice-a-week visits to the Copley Square Farmers' Market are a combination of shopping and chatting with old friends. Penny has been shopping at this market for more than twenty years and some of the stands we frequent have been there even longer. During the past few years, Ed has joined this wonderful community.

     CHE_8182 - Version 22013-06-21-crystal-brook-farm-goat-cheese- © 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Last week, Ann Starbard of Crystal Brook Farm and Penny chatted between customers and caught up on what's been happening in their city and farm lives. Over the years, Ann has added a great selection of flavors to her goat cheese selections.

    CHE_8177 - Version 22013-06-21-strawberries- © 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Rather than constantly adding more varieties, she tries to suggest matches with current seasonal products from other farms at the market. Last week, she was suggesting her chive cheese with the strawberries that were adding a deep, red pop to the market tables.

    We love to offer guests her ginger goat cheese with a fruit platter for snacking or dessert. Last weekend, we enjoyed it spread on an Iggy's baguette with a glass of rosé wine from the South of France.

    Cook's collage

    Ed and Poppy (our Westie puppy) often sit on a bench next to the Cook's Farm and Bakery stand while Penny backtracks through the market to purchase what we spotted on our initial walk around. Simeon Cook welcomes us and supplies Ed with the oatmeal raisin cookies that keep his sweet tooth under control. 

    This was a much better maple syrup season than last and Cook's has jugs of Grade B syrup on the stand. Penny loves the deep, rich flavor of Grade B syrup and it's one of the secrets of her meltingly delicious lamb shanks in chipotle sauce recipe.

    CHE_8173 - Version 22013-06-21-broccoli-© 2011 Penny Cherubino  
    CHE_8174 - Version 22013-06-21-peas- © 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The Word from the Farms

    Lily Carone from Atlas Farm said, "Cukes are not far off – cabbage, carrots, peppers, and eggplant too…" "What few plant starts are still making appearances at market will soon be put to rest – so take this opportunity to plant some basil in a window box – or slip some tomatoes in the ground for a late season treat!"

    Marshall's Farm tweeted, "Sweet Peas started last week and hopefully Green Beans are right behind them."

    CHE_8159 - Version 22013-06-21-cabbage-keown-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    In Season, Right Now!

    Foppema's Farm/Keown Orchards had the first cabbage we've seen this season. Time to make some cole slaw! They also have some of the best tasting honey we've had from any farm. It's our choice for our daily dose of local honey for allergy relief.

    Micro-Greens were at both the Atlas stand from Old Friends Farm and at Silverbook Farm. 

    Eggs, meat, and fish are always in-season and available at more markets.

    We also saw: strawberries, tatsoi, cut herbs (cilantro, parsley, basil, and dill), hakurei turnips, fennel, broccoli, mushrooms, garlic scrapes, salad mix, lettuce, arugula, radishes, beets, scallions, kolrabi, rhubarb, bok choi, chard, small onions with green tops, snap peas, sweet peas, herbs, hot house tomatoes, and honey. 

    Get Some Before It's Gone!

    Strawberries! Enjoy them now. Some farms lost a portion of their crops due to the rain in June. 

    Coming Soon!

    Blueberries and early raspberries – Barbara Hamilton from Hamilton Orchards hopes to have ripe berries around the Fourth of July. 

    Follow all our Local Food/Farmers' Markets and At The Market reports:

    We heard talk about some early hothouse tomatoes. Curtis Stillman said Stillman's Farm would soon have kale and their first peas.

    What's on your Food Lover's Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your Kitchen & Dining needs and support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©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.

  • At The Market: Old Friends at Copley Square

    Our once or twice-a-week visits to the Copley Square Farmers' Market are a combination of shopping and chatting with old friends. Penny has been shopping at this market for more than twenty years and some of the stands we frequent have been there even longer. During the past few years, Ed has joined this wonderful community.

     CHE_8182 - Version 22013-06-21-crystal-brook-farm-goat-cheese- © 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Last week, Ann Starbard of Crystal Brook Farm and Penny chatted between customers and caught up on what's been happening in their city and farm lives. Over the years, Ann has added a great selection of flavors to her goat cheese selections.

    CHE_8177 - Version 22013-06-21-strawberries- © 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Rather than constantly adding more varieties, she tries to suggest matches with current seasonal products from other farms at the market. Last week, she was suggesting her chive cheese with the strawberries that were adding a deep, red pop to the market tables.

    We love to offer guests her ginger goat cheese with a fruit platter for snacking or dessert. Last weekend, we enjoyed it spread on an Iggy's baguette with a glass of rosé wine from the South of France.

    Cook's collage

    Ed and Poppy (our Westie puppy) often sit on a bench next to the Cook's Farm and Bakery stand while Penny backtracks through the market to purchase what we spotted on our initial walk around. Simeon Cook welcomes us and supplies Ed with the oatmeal raisin cookies that keep his sweet tooth under control. 

    This was a much better maple syrup season than last and Cook's has jugs of Grade B syrup on the stand. Penny loves the deep, rich flavor of Grade B syrup and it's one of the secrets of her meltingly delicious lamb shanks in chipotle sauce recipe.

    CHE_8173 - Version 22013-06-21-broccoli-© 2011 Penny Cherubino  
    CHE_8174 - Version 22013-06-21-peas- © 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The Word from the Farms

    Lily Carone from Atlas Farm said, "Cukes are not far off – cabbage, carrots, peppers, and eggplant too…" "What few plant starts are still making appearances at market will soon be put to rest – so take this opportunity to plant some basil in a window box – or slip some tomatoes in the ground for a late season treat!"

    Marshall's Farm tweeted, "Sweet Peas started last week and hopefully Green Beans are right behind them."

    CHE_8159 - Version 22013-06-21-cabbage-keown-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    In Season, Right Now!

    Foppema's Farm/Keown Orchards had the first cabbage we've seen this season. Time to make some cole slaw! They also have some of the best tasting honey we've had from any farm. It's our choice for our daily dose of local honey for allergy relief.

    Micro-Greens were at both the Atlas stand from Old Friends Farm and at Silverbook Farm. 

    Eggs, meat, and fish are always in-season and available at more markets.

    We also saw: strawberries, tatsoi, cut herbs (cilantro, parsley, basil, and dill), hakurei turnips, fennel, broccoli, mushrooms, garlic scrapes, salad mix, lettuce, arugula, radishes, beets, scallions, kolrabi, rhubarb, bok choi, chard, small onions with green tops, snap peas, sweet peas, herbs, hot house tomatoes, and honey. 

    Get Some Before It's Gone!

    Strawberries! Enjoy them now. Some farms lost a portion of their crops due to the rain in June. 

    Coming Soon!

    Blueberries and early raspberries – Barbara Hamilton from Hamilton Orchards hopes to have ripe berries around the Fourth of July. 

    Follow all our Local Food/Farmers' Markets and At The Market reports:

    We heard talk about some early hothouse tomatoes. Curtis Stillman said Stillman's Farm would soon have kale and their first peas.

    What's on your Food Lover's Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your Kitchen & Dining needs and support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©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.

  • Clear Plastic Bags for Big Events Like July 4th

    In this age of heightened security people attending large events, like July 4th on the Esplanade, are asked to bring personal belongings in approved clear, plastic bags. While this original post is from a few years ago we have updated it in July 2017 for what's available from Amazon that should work.

    Naturally, we can't speak for the authorities but as long as they can clearly see what's inside and it fits all the other requirements, (for example: no backpacks) these items might work. We're just using common sense and hoping the people at the checkpoints will do the same.

    The EastSport Large, Clear Tote Bag (pictured at the top) looks ideal. It gets good reviews on Amazon and the shoulder strap and pocket make it perfect for walking into an event. It zips shut to help keep your stuff dry if it rains, and it looks like it would stand up next to you easily.

    41BUafPuvlL

    This Large, Clear Lunch Bag would work if you're going to bring just a couple of things with you.

    Skip the ones with any design, other than handles or trim, and tuck a clear, plastic garbage bag inside in case things get really wet.

    And, as we discovered as we explored this option, there are other places that require clear plastic for security checks before you enter restricted areas but do allow transparent backpacks like the one above.

     

    Amazon has other choices and if you order quickly, you might be able to get one in time for July 4th. Or, order it now and be ready for future events.

    If you know where neighbors could buy a clear tote like this locally, please add a comment. Some readers may not find this in time to get one for the 4th.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a Birthday or Wedding gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: Courtesy of Amazon

  • Clear Plastic Bags for Big Events Like July 4th

    In this age of heightened security people attending large events, like July 4th on the Esplanade, are asked to bring personal belongings in approved clear, plastic bags. While this original post is from a few years ago we have updated it in July 2017 for what's available from Amazon that should work.

    Naturally, we can't speak for the authorities but as long as they can clearly see what's inside and it fits all the other requirements, (for example: no backpacks) these items might work. We're just using common sense and hoping the people at the checkpoints will do the same.

    The EastSport Large, Clear Tote Bag (pictured at the top) looks ideal. It gets good reviews on Amazon and the shoulder strap and pocket make it perfect for walking into an event. It zips shut to help keep your stuff dry if it rains, and it looks like it would stand up next to you easily.

    41BUafPuvlL

    This Large, Clear Lunch Bag would work if you're going to bring just a couple of things with you.

    Skip the ones with any design, other than handles or trim, and tuck a clear, plastic garbage bag inside in case things get really wet.

    And, as we discovered as we explored this option, there are other places that require clear plastic for security checks before you enter restricted areas but do allow transparent backpacks like the one above.

     

    Amazon has other choices and if you order quickly, you might be able to get one in time for July 4th. Or, order it now and be ready for future events.

    If you know where neighbors could buy a clear tote like this locally, please add a comment. Some readers may not find this in time to get one for the 4th.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a Birthday or Wedding gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: Courtesy of Amazon