bostonzest

Blog

  • Here’s My Favorite Weather App – Dark Sky

    Weather has been the topic of the month for February 2015. So, today, I'm going to share my favorite source for weather information.

    IMG_1391 copy

    Here's a temperature screenshot from Dark Sky on my iPhone.  

    Ed, with his background in radio, still checks to see what various stations are forecasting. On the other hand, I have narrowed down my primary weather advisor to a favorite weather app. 

    Dark Sky

    The app that talks to me all day, sending me notifications about weather changes that I can use, is Dark Sky with Weather Radar, Hyperlocal Forecasts, and Storm Alerts. It has been very busy this month letting me know that flurries, light snow, heavy snow, or snow was coming soon. It also has simple, sensible, easy to understand visuals that let me plan my day and my week.

    While alerts are often something you knew was going to happen, occasionally weather changes pop up without warning. Last summer, we were walking our dog about a mile from home when Dark Sky alerted me that heavy rain was coming, soon.

    We turned for home and caught up with a neighbor and her dogs along the way. We told her it was going to rain hard and how we knew. She doubted the prediction but walked along with us. We were nearly home when the sky opened and the rain came down. Naturally, she wanted the name of the app. 

    Screen Shot 2015-02-19 at Thursday, February 19, 20154.15.10 PM

    Dark Sky is a paid app, but you can get the same information on any computer at the Forcast.io – their web version. One thing I love about this app is the "Time Machine" option. It lets you see what the weather was any day in the past. 

    Screen Shot 2015-02-19 at Thursday, February 19, 20154.20.59 PM

    Here's what the weather was on this day in 1971. Go ahead and look up your birthday, anniversary or this date last year.

    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
    Screenshots from Dark Sky and Forcast.io

    Related articles
    Look out Below! Snow & Ice Are Falling All over Town
    What You Need to Know in a Boston Snow Emergency on a Single Page

  • Our Improved Dog Boot Drying Hack

    A couple of years ago, we showed you our system for drying dog boots. Our Westie Poppy's Pawz Dog Boots are still drying on chopsticks, but we've improved on the container we're using to store them between trips outside.

    IMG_1566 - Version 22015-02-16-dog-boots-drying-mason-jar-special-lid-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Now, the chopsticks holding the wet boots are secured at a good angle by a daisy Mason jar lid. This lid was designed for scented candles or for drinking with a straw. But we think it's perfect for our purpose. You can even find them in colors to match the boots – if your dog is fashion forward. 

    You can use this same system for gloves or mittens with wood dowel rods and some sand or beans to add weight to the mason jar.

     

    Click here for more of our tips and how to posts.

    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: © 2015 Penny Cherubino

    Related articles
    Angel in the Snow, Little Did I Know …
    Oldways: African Heritage & Health Week – February 1st – 7th
    National Cheese Lover's Day – Tuesday, January 20, 2015

  • The Hope of Spring …

    IMG_7964 - Version 22015-02-11-Snow-spring-buds-© 2014 Penny Cherubino copy

    Notice the buds on the trees as you look up this week to avoid falling icicles and snow slides. Most years, we begin our hunt for the first signs of spring in gardens on the sunny side of Boston streets just after Valentine's Day.

    "That is one good thing about this world… there are always sure to be more springs."
    Lucy Maud Montgomery (Canadian writer and educator, 1874-1942)

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401a5118111cc970c-800wi

    Last year, things bloomed late, just as they will this year. But, these snowdrops were up by mid-March.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401a3fcd1407d970b-800wi-1

    With so much snow to melt, the witch hazel may be our first sign of spring this time next month.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017eea6570d0970d-800wi

    Then, in a few more weeks, we'll have lovely magnolias blooming along Commonwealth Avenue. 

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017d42f125e7970c-800wi

    The snow will melt, and spring will arrive within just a few weeks. 

    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: © 2013-2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • Our Snowy Valentine, Poppy Is Our Sunday Dog

    Our Snowy Valentine, Dutchess Poppy, loves to climb snowbanks.

    Sm IMG_7931 - Version 22015-02-10-Poppy-snow-climber-© 2014 Penny Cherubino copy

    Sweet comic valentine,

    You make us smile with our hearts.

    Ism MG_7932 - Version 22015-02-10-Poppy-snow-climber-© 2014 Penny Cherubino copy

    Your ways are laughable,

    Most photographable.

    Sm IMG_7935 - Version 22015-02-10-Poppy-snow-climber-© 2014 Penny Cherubino copy

    Yes, you're our favorite work of art.

    Happy Valentine's Weekend to all the great dogs in Boston and beyond.

    Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

     

    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 based on the song My Funny Valentine by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart 
    Photography: © 2015 Penny Cherubino  

    Related articles
    What's Happening Around Boston in February 2015
    A Hand Warmer Has Been Added to My Boston Winter Equipment

  • Spread a Little Local Love for the Rest of Valentine’s Month

    For the past week, there's been a lot of social media talk about getting out and supporting the local businesses who have been so badly hurt by the recent weather. We're adding our two cents to this message.

    IMG_7950 - Version 22015-02-11-Pawsh-pet-boutique-salon-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Pawsh Dog Boutique and Salon has toys for your four-footed valentines.

    If you don't want to lose the small owner-operated businesses that are one of the best aspects of the Boston area, please get out of your homes and spend some money. Figure out what you need, or want to do, and then how you can do that with a local business. 

    IMG_7949 - Version 22015-02-11Bauer-wine-and Spirits-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    We made the rounds of a few of our favorite shops this week. We restocked our wine rack at Bauer Wines on Newbury Street. They have a great selection of sparkling wines for your Valentine weekend celebrations.

    IMG_7954 - Version 22015-02-11-Kirchenwares-jim-hill-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    At KitchenWares, Jim Hill says it's a great time to bring in your knives to be sharpened. He was telling us that some customers drop them off before heading away to warmer climes and pick them up upon return to Boston.

    While we were there talking about the service, a local chef was picking out a new knife from their fine selection. He told us he had just had his very hard carbon steel knives sharpened at the shop and was very pleased. (Ed once gave me a knife for Valentines Day and I still smile when I use it.)

    6a00e54fc42bb88834019affad9f41970d-800wi

    Onion Soup from Petit Robert Bistro

    This week we had food delivered from a couple of local restaurants. Our meal from Petit Robert Bistro could have been a special Valentine's Day supper. We shared an assortment of pâtés, roast chicken, beef Bourguignon, tart tatin, and chocolate mousse.

    Because we always think about how a menu item will travel before we order, our choices for delivery arrived in lovely condition. If you don't want to go out to dinner over the weekend, consider having a meal delivered.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834015390dc0116970b-800wi

    However, we hope to get out and dine-in at some of our favorites. There are some foods like the Petit Robert onion soup and profiterole above that are better ordered and eaten at the restaurant. What's more, this will give you the opportunity to provide a tip for a member of the waitstaff who has been hurt by slow days and snow days. 

    If what you need is not local or if you are one of our readers from another part of the world, BostonZest is also a local business. When you are going to buy from one of the businesses that advertise here or pay us commission, we appreciate your support. 

    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: © 2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • A Hand Warmer Has Been Added to My Boston Winter Equipment

    It took a few days of walking the dog in the recent chill, but I finally broke down and bought a hand warmer to tuck in my pocket and use when my fingers begin to go numb. 

    Sm-IMG_1552 - Version 22015-02-07Hand-warmer-charger-© 2014 Penny Cherubino copy

    This is my EnergyFlux Rechargeable Double-Sided Hand Warmer. It's being shown with the iPhone because, in addition to warming your hands, it can also charge your phone.

    That was the tipping point for me to purchase one. I knew I would only use it as a hand warmer a few times each winter. But I'll carry it all year long as a backup battery for our phones. 

    Warming Hands

    Hand warmers are a product that I've considered before, but I've always been reluctant to buy the disposable kind and didn't want one that had to be filled with lighter fluid. This one is rechargeable from a wall outlet or USB. 

    It has two warming settings. The lower setting makes the charge last longer and so far that's fine for me. My gloves are stretchy so I tuck it inside my palm and wrap my hand around it. A couple of minutes of that, with my hand in my pocket to boost the effect, and I can feel my fingers again.

    Charging Phones

    I have not used it to charge my phone yet, but an Amazon question brought a response that it charges about as fast as a wall outlet. And, I've used other types of backup batteries to charge phones, so I expect that this will work the same way. 

    It would make a great gift for someone who suffers from cold hands, walks dogs, pulls off gloves to take photos, or uses a cell phone in cold places. Or, you could order one for yourself and be your own valentine!

    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, photo storage, 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: © 2015 Penny Cherubino  

    Related articles
    Then & Now: Snow Shoveling in Boston
    What's Happening Around Boston in February 2015
    Sleeping Dogs & Cats – What You May Be Surprised to Learn

  • Then & Now: Icicles in Boston Plus How & When They Form

    February has been an icicle month, so far, in Boston. We are learning to look up to be sure the buildings we're passing are not about to drop a lethal spear on us. 

    SmCHE_5834 - Version 22015-02-04-iciles-Boston-back-bay-© 2014 Penny Cherubino copy

    These on a Back Bay home had formed over a front yard garden so they were not a danger to pedestrians.

    Sm-MG_1368 - Version 32015-02-07icicles-back-bay-boston-© 2014 Penny Cherubino copy

    But, they did make us ask one another about icicles and how they were forming in very low temperatures. We found that scientists had asked the same question and found an answer.

    "Icicles typically form on days when the outdoor air temperature is subfreezing but sunshine warms and melts some snow or ice. As it drips off your roof, a water droplet freezes when it loses its heat to the cold air. An icicle starts with a few frozen droplets. When it reaches a certain size, drops begin to drip along the side of the structure."

    Any Boston phenomenon sends Penny off to search the Leslie Jones Collection at the Boston Public Library to see how this photojournalist documented it in his day.

    6522204601_0b251c5f4f_z

    She loves this 1919 photo of icicles on the Brewer Fountain on the Boston Common. We don't know if the fountain was still full and running when there was a sudden cold snap or if rains had filled the basins and wind had whipped the water over the edge. The angle of the icicles certainly seems to indicate that wind had some influence on their formation.

    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: © 2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

    Related articles
    Look out Below! Snow & Ice Are Falling All over Town
    Then & Now: Snow Shoveling in Boston
    What's Happening Around Boston in February 2015

  • Does a Sculptor Think About Snow?

    SmCHE_5803 - Version 22015-02-04-phillis-wheatley-Boston-women's-memorial-© 2014 Penny Cherubino copy

    Since February is Black History Month, Ed and I have been photographing subjects that help us think about this aspect of Boston's past. The sculpture of slave and poet Phillis Wheatley on the Boston Women's Memorial has long been one of my favorite photographic models. (Click on the photo for a larger view.)

    At the dedication ceremony, memorial sculptor Meredith Bergmann said,

    “External, legal freedom was denied to Phillis Wheatley. But she sought the inner freedom that enabled her to write and here she makes her pedestal a desk.” 

    I've read Bergmann's proposal for the memorial so I know how much thought she put into the smallest details of this artwork. But, I wonder if she considered how serene Phillis would seem with snowdrifts wrapping her and her desk? Did she plan for the light to outline this young face against the misty haze of winter trees?

    Planned or not, the result can be stunning in the right light and, on one of our rare partly sunny days last week, I found that light. 

    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  

  • A Fun Frolic for Finn – Our Sunday Snow Dog!

    One way to survive a ridiculously snowy Boston winter is to follow the advice of our furry, fun-loving companions like Finn, “Stop shoveling the snow and start playing in it!”

     

    IMG_7844 - Version 22015-01-28-finn-snow-dog-fun-© 2014 Penny Cherubino copy

     

    You might argue that at one year of age Finn is still a pup and always wants to play. But isn’t that the point? When you’re young, or think young, a snow drift is where you stick your nose for a frosty frolic.

     

    IMG_7853 - Version 22015-01-28-finn-snow-dog-fun-© 2014 Penny Cherubino copy

     

    Finn tried it and now can’t stop. This guy loves the stuff! He’ll roll, run, romp, and retrieve until he’s exhausted. There’s always another spot that needs investigating and bounding there is half the fun. 

     

    IMG_7847 - Version 22015-01-28-finn-snow-dog-fun-© 2014 Penny Cherubino copy 2

     

    Of course, no matter what your age, there has to be an occasional time out. Although … just because Finn seems to be resting, this rascal could be planning his next move.

     

    IMG_7843 - Version 22015-01-28-finn-snow-dog-fun-© 2014 Penny Cherubino (1) copy

     

    Here’s hoping Finn will be an inspiration to us all. The next time there’s a fresh coating of snow, before you reach for that shovel, reach for the leash and take your Sunday dog out to play – assuming the drifts will let you open the door.

     

    Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

     

    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: © 2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • What’s Open or Closed on Presidents’ Day in Boston 2015 & 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 16, 2015. 

    IMG_1328 - Version 22015-01-15-geroge-washington-boston-public-garden-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    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 State 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 Recycling and Trash Collection:

    “Presidents’ Day Week,

    Monday, February 16, 6am – Saturday, February 21, 2015, 6pm

    DETAILS: “No delay of trash or recycling pick up in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and the South End

    Allston/Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, West Roxbury and Hyde Park, delayed a day

    *If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay.”

    Here’s the source of the recycling and trash information.


    MBTA Schedule for Presidents’ Day, February 16, 2015

    Update 02/15/15 6:30 PM Here is an update from the MBTA:

    “The MBTA will provide a limited schedule of rail and bus service on Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 16, 2015.” As detailed” “… at mbta.com/winter, the MBTA will operate services on the Blue, Green, Orange and Red Lines at underground stations, although the Blue Line will operate to Airport Station.

    Commuter Rail will operate on a Saturday schedule, while buses will run on a modified Saturday schedule, with certain routes not operating as detailed below. The Silver Line will operate on a weekday schedule.”

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

    Briefly:

    • Blue, Orange, Red, and Green Lines will operate a Saturday schedule and there will not be late night service.
    • 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 log onto 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: ©2015 Ed Cherubino