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Poppy Says, “Time for Some Emergency Planning”

Here's Poppy with her bright red emergency bag ready to go out the door. It's also her pre-packed travel bag with everything she needs, except food and water, when we travel. (We have an emergency backpack that has a supply of food and water for all of us.)

The heart of hurricane season is here. If you have companion animals, you need a plan because, should a storm or other disaster strike, you are on your own when it comes to finding shelter for your entire family.

The City of Boston ReadyBoston program says, “Don't forget your pets! If your family needs to go to a shelter, please know that all Red Cross shelters and many others do not allow pets unless they are service animals. Talk to your veterinarian now to determine where the closest emergency animal shelter is located to ensure your pet's safety.”

Make Your Own Plan & Emergency Kit

I doubt your veterinarian will have a satisfactory answer to that question. You have to make plans for a safe place to go with your animals in case of an emergency. While large scale disasters come to mind, it could also be a water leak or fire in your building.

If you have a friend or relative who will shelter you for a few days, that is ideal. You should also have the phone numbers of a few pet-friendly hotels, both near your home and in the surrounding areas, where you might reserve a room until the immediate danger has passed and those charged with emergency management begin to offer solutions for families with animals.

MSPCA Emergency Resource Pages

The MSPCA has set up a very complete and helpful collection of disaster planning resources on their website.

They break down what you need to do into three sections:

Preparedness Before the Disaster

Evacuation Essentials

After the Disaster

Support Pending Legislation

Perhaps the most important thing you can do is act to change the current situation that leaves those of us with companion animals on our own in disaster situations.

State Senator Karen Spilka has introduced, “An Act ensuring the safety of people with pets in disasters.” It is bill number S. 1172. Contact your state senator and representative and ask them to support S. 1172. The MSPCA has a page explaining what this legistation will do and why it should be supported.

Ask the Mayoral Candidates

Since we have a mayoral race underway in Boston, you might ask those candidates what they'll do to change the city’s emergency plans to include those of us who consider our animals part of our family.

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 Shopping List. Click here for 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.

August 25, 2013
Poppy Says, “Time for Some Emergency Planning”

Here's Poppy with her bright red emergency bag ready to go out the door. It's also her pre-packed travel bag with everything she needs, except food and water, when we travel. (We have an emergency backpack that has a supply of food and water for all of us.)

The heart of hurricane season is here. If you have companion animals, you need a plan because, should a storm or other disaster strike, you are on your own when it comes to finding shelter for your entire family.

The City of Boston ReadyBoston program says, “Don't forget your pets! If your family needs to go to a shelter, please know that all Red Cross shelters and many others do not allow pets unless they are service animals. Talk to your veterinarian now to determine where the closest emergency animal shelter is located to ensure your pet's safety.”

Make Your Own Plan & Emergency Kit

I doubt your veterinarian will have a satisfactory answer to that question. You have to make plans for a safe place to go with your animals in case of an emergency. While large scale disasters come to mind, it could also be a water leak or fire in your building.

If you have a friend or relative who will shelter you for a few days, that is ideal. You should also have the phone numbers of a few pet-friendly hotels, both near your home and in the surrounding areas, where you might reserve a room until the immediate danger has passed and those charged with emergency management begin to offer solutions for families with animals.

MSPCA Emergency Resource Pages

The MSPCA has set up a very complete and helpful collection of disaster planning resources on their website.

They break down what you need to do into three sections:

Preparedness Before the Disaster

Evacuation Essentials

After the Disaster

Support Pending Legislation

Perhaps the most important thing you can do is act to change the current situation that leaves those of us with companion animals on our own in disaster situations.

State Senator Karen Spilka has introduced, “An Act ensuring the safety of people with pets in disasters.” It is bill number S. 1172. Contact your state senator and representative and ask them to support S. 1172. The MSPCA has a page explaining what this legistation will do and why it should be supported.

Ask the Mayoral Candidates

Since we have a mayoral race underway in Boston, you might ask those candidates what they'll do to change the city’s emergency plans to include those of us who consider our animals part of our family.

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 Shopping List. Click here for 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.

August 25, 2013
Eater Boston on “Where to Go to Avoid Restaurant Week”

In the past, we've tried to direct you to the places where you can dine out without running into Restaurant Week crowds and menus. This year, Rachel Leah Blumenthal over on Eater Boston has posted, Where to Go to Avoid Restaurant Week. And, she is keeping that post updated with new information, as it flows her way, from the Eater Boston community.

Click over to see not only places not taking part, but also some great deals that may be as good as Restaurant week without the downside.

Our yearly request for those of you who do love and take part in Restaurant Week – please add a bonus to the tip! The wait staff did not make the decision to take part in this event and they did not set the prices. They do, however, do as much work for you as they would if you were paying full price. Tips should not be on sale during Restaurant Week.

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
Screenshot: Courtesy of Eater Boston

Photo: iStockphto.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 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.

August 23, 2013
Eater Boston on “Where to Go to Avoid Restaurant Week”

In the past, we've tried to direct you to the places where you can dine out without running into Restaurant Week crowds and menus. This year, Rachel Leah Blumenthal over on Eater Boston has posted, Where to Go to Avoid Restaurant Week. And, she is keeping that post updated with new information, as it flows her way, from the Eater Boston community.

Click over to see not only places not taking part, but also some great deals that may be as good as Restaurant week without the downside.

Our yearly request for those of you who do love and take part in Restaurant Week – please add a bonus to the tip! The wait staff did not make the decision to take part in this event and they did not set the prices. They do, however, do as much work for you as they would if you were paying full price. Tips should not be on sale during Restaurant Week.

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
Screenshot: Courtesy of Eater Boston

Photo: iStockphto.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 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.

August 23, 2013
Eater Boston on “Where to Go to Avoid Restaurant Week”

In the past, we've tried to direct you to the places where you can dine out without running into Restaurant Week crowds and menus. This year, Rachel Leah Blumenthal over on Eater Boston has posted, Where to Go to Avoid Restaurant Week. And, she is keeping that post updated with new information, as it flows her way, from the Eater Boston community.

Click over to see not only places not taking part, but also some great deals that may be as good as Restaurant week without the downside.

Our yearly request for those of you who do love and take part in Restaurant Week – please add a bonus to the tip! The wait staff did not make the decision to take part in this event and they did not set the prices. They do, however, do as much work for you as they would if you were paying full price. Tips should not be on sale during Restaurant Week.

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
Screenshot: Courtesy of Eater Boston

Photo: iStockphto.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 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.

August 23, 2013
At The Market: Garlic

As a defining element in cuisines like Italian and Korean to its use in fighting off plague and vampires, garlic has a long and spicy history. In recent years, fresh, full-flavored garlic has been available at local farmers’ markets.

Choosing Local Garlic

At farmers’ markets, it’s easy. In the case of garlic, the farmer should have dried the bulbs before bringing them to market. You want bulbs that are completely dry to the touch.

Storing Garlic

You can buy purpose-made garlic keepers
for storing garlic. A small, clean, overturned clay flower pot works as well. (Yes, the flower pot below is not pristine, but we just set up this shot to show you what we mean. We keep our garlic in a different terracotta container.)

Keep garlic in the dark to discourage sprouting. Good airflow helps prevent molding and keeps your garlic dry and as fresh as possible.

Because we have accepted stale supermarket garlic for so long, the taste of fresh garlic can be shockingly strong. You may want to use a bit less or add layers of garlic as you cook.

Elsewhere in the market, what to enjoy now!

Make a meal of local melons and August tomatoes. The perfection of these local crops makes you think about whether or not you want to eat the pale substitutes we get the rest of the year.

Get Some Before It's Gone!

Blueberries! Enjoy them now. We are reaching the end of their season. However, wild blueberries from Maine are just arriving at our home via Boston Organics.

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

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.

August 22, 2013
At The Market: Garlic

As a defining element in cuisines like Italian and Korean to its use in fighting off plague and vampires, garlic has a long and spicy history. In recent years, fresh, full-flavored garlic has been available at local farmers’ markets.

Choosing Local Garlic

At farmers’ markets, it’s easy. In the case of garlic, the farmer should have dried the bulbs before bringing them to market. You want bulbs that are completely dry to the touch.

Storing Garlic

You can buy purpose-made garlic keepers
for storing garlic. A small, clean, overturned clay flower pot works as well. (Yes, the flower pot below is not pristine, but we just set up this shot to show you what we mean. We keep our garlic in a different terracotta container.)

Keep garlic in the dark to discourage sprouting. Good airflow helps prevent molding and keeps your garlic dry and as fresh as possible.

Because we have accepted stale supermarket garlic for so long, the taste of fresh garlic can be shockingly strong. You may want to use a bit less or add layers of garlic as you cook.

Elsewhere in the market, what to enjoy now!

Make a meal of local melons and August tomatoes. The perfection of these local crops makes you think about whether or not you want to eat the pale substitutes we get the rest of the year.

Get Some Before It's Gone!

Blueberries! Enjoy them now. We are reaching the end of their season. However, wild blueberries from Maine are just arriving at our home via Boston Organics.

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

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.

August 22, 2013
At The Market: Garlic

As a defining element in cuisines like Italian and Korean to its use in fighting off plague and vampires, garlic has a long and spicy history. In recent years, fresh, full-flavored garlic has been available at local farmers’ markets.

Choosing Local Garlic

At farmers’ markets, it’s easy. In the case of garlic, the farmer should have dried the bulbs before bringing them to market. You want bulbs that are completely dry to the touch.

Storing Garlic

You can buy purpose-made garlic keepers
for storing garlic. A small, clean, overturned clay flower pot works as well. (Yes, the flower pot below is not pristine, but we just set up this shot to show you what we mean. We keep our garlic in a different terracotta container.)

Keep garlic in the dark to discourage sprouting. Good airflow helps prevent molding and keeps your garlic dry and as fresh as possible.

Because we have accepted stale supermarket garlic for so long, the taste of fresh garlic can be shockingly strong. You may want to use a bit less or add layers of garlic as you cook.

Elsewhere in the market, what to enjoy now!

Make a meal of local melons and August tomatoes. The perfection of these local crops makes you think about whether or not you want to eat the pale substitutes we get the rest of the year.

Get Some Before It's Gone!

Blueberries! Enjoy them now. We are reaching the end of their season. However, wild blueberries from Maine are just arriving at our home via Boston Organics.

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

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.

August 22, 2013
Panache or Striped Tiger Figs

Penny spotted these lovely Striped Tiger Figs among the fruit selection at South End Formaggio and added them to the cheese and salumi she was buying for our supper. The young woman ringing up our order said we'd have a delightful surprise when they were cut open.

She was right! What fun and what a lovely addition to any fruit or cheese tray.

What's more, these little goodies are as delectable as they are pretty. Once cut, they disappeared quickly.

Our research came up with some interesting information. David Karp writing for the Los Angeles Times this month said, these figs "…are being harvested commercially for the first time this month."

They have been known for a long time but are not a good drying fig so the commercial fig growers were not interested in them. Now that fresh figs are growing in popularity, this full-flavored variety should find a happy audience.

And, the other tidbit our research uncovered is that the white liquid that you see at the stem end in the first photo is related to the rubber that is used to make latex and might cause a reaction in people allergic to latex.

Fascinating fruit these figs.

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: © 2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino

August 21, 2013
Panache or Striped Tiger Figs

Penny spotted these lovely Striped Tiger Figs among the fruit selection at South End Formaggio and added them to the cheese and salumi she was buying for our supper. The young woman ringing up our order said we'd have a delightful surprise when they were cut open.

She was right! What fun and what a lovely addition to any fruit or cheese tray.

What's more, these little goodies are as delectable as they are pretty. Once cut, they disappeared quickly.

Our research came up with some interesting information. David Karp writing for the Los Angeles Times this month said, these figs "…are being harvested commercially for the first time this month."

They have been known for a long time but are not a good drying fig so the commercial fig growers were not interested in them. Now that fresh figs are growing in popularity, this full-flavored variety should find a happy audience.

And, the other tidbit our research uncovered is that the white liquid that you see at the stem end in the first photo is related to the rubber that is used to make latex and might cause a reaction in people allergic to latex.

Fascinating fruit these figs.

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: © 2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino

August 21, 2013