A regular supply of fuyu persimmons has been arriving in our Boston Organics orders, and we enjoy the bright color and flavor they bring to the winter fruit scene.
They look wonderful sitting on the kitchen counter or on a tray of cheese and nibbles while they ripen to our favorite degree of tenderness. While some people say you can eat this type of persimmon when it is crunchy like an apple, we prefer it to be a bit softer.
Prep Tip!
I found a trick to prepping them for our fruit tray. If you turn the flower side down (that green you see on top is the remains of the persimmon flower), you can cut the fruit into wedges and simply lift the pieces away from the flower and stem.
Here's a picture of an American Persimmon Flower from English Wikipedia. This is one fruit that keeps its flower to the very end.
Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a holiday gift? 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 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 regular supply of fuyu persimmons has been arriving in our Boston Organics orders, and we enjoy the bright color and flavor they bring to the winter fruit scene.
They look wonderful sitting on the kitchen counter or on a tray of cheese and nibbles while they ripen to our favorite degree of tenderness. While some people say you can eat this type of persimmon when it is crunchy like an apple, we prefer it to be a bit softer.
Prep Tip!
I found a trick to prepping them for our fruit tray. If you turn the flower side down (that green you see on top is the remains of the persimmon flower), you can cut the fruit into wedges and simply lift the pieces away from the flower and stem.
Here's a picture of an American Persimmon Flower from English Wikipedia. This is one fruit that keeps its flower to the very end.
Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a holiday gift? 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 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.
Poppy’s number one New Year’s resolution is to try to break her sock habit, but not until after her nap.
She's made a few more resolutions, but most of them seem to involve training us to do what she wants.
She'll Make Us Laugh More!
Laughter is good medicine. While raising a puppy can be a lot of work, we laugh often at Poppy’s antics. I may read her the riot act for stealing my socks, but I have to suppress a giggle when I see how proudly she prances when she captures a pair.
She has done a great job in 2013 of keeping us well exercised, in touch with our neighbors, and part of our local dog community. And, Poppy intends to keep training us in 2014.
Work Less, Play More, and Lower Stress Levels
There is so much solid research on how petting animals can reduce our stress levels and even our blood pressure. Maybe that’s because we stop doing other things when we take time to cuddle or stroke our cats and dogs. Poppy doesn’t like it if I try to work on my laptop during her special time. She wants my full attention. It’s good for her and good for me. I can see she intends to make this an ongoing goal.
Sunday Dog Thank Yous
Poppy would also like to thank all the dogs who posed and told their stories as Sunday Dogs, this year along with all the people who visited them and said nice things about them.
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 holiday gift? 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 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.
Poppy’s number one New Year’s resolution is to try to break her sock habit, but not until after her nap.
She's made a few more resolutions, but most of them seem to involve training us to do what she wants.
She'll Make Us Laugh More!
Laughter is good medicine. While raising a puppy can be a lot of work, we laugh often at Poppy’s antics. I may read her the riot act for stealing my socks, but I have to suppress a giggle when I see how proudly she prances when she captures a pair.
She has done a great job in 2013 of keeping us well exercised, in touch with our neighbors, and part of our local dog community. And, Poppy intends to keep training us in 2014.
Work Less, Play More, and Lower Stress Levels
There is so much solid research on how petting animals can reduce our stress levels and even our blood pressure. Maybe that’s because we stop doing other things when we take time to cuddle or stroke our cats and dogs. Poppy doesn’t like it if I try to work on my laptop during her special time. She wants my full attention. It’s good for her and good for me. I can see she intends to make this an ongoing goal.
Sunday Dog Thank Yous
Poppy would also like to thank all the dogs who posed and told their stories as Sunday Dogs, this year along with all the people who visited them and said nice things about them.
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 holiday gift? 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 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.
Poppy’s number one New Year’s resolution is to try to break her sock habit, but not until after her nap.
She's made a few more resolutions, but most of them seem to involve training us to do what she wants.
She'll Make Us Laugh More!
Laughter is good medicine. While raising a puppy can be a lot of work, we laugh often at Poppy’s antics. I may read her the riot act for stealing my socks, but I have to suppress a giggle when I see how proudly she prances when she captures a pair.
She has done a great job in 2013 of keeping us well exercised, in touch with our neighbors, and part of our local dog community. And, Poppy intends to keep training us in 2014.
Work Less, Play More, and Lower Stress Levels
There is so much solid research on how petting animals can reduce our stress levels and even our blood pressure. Maybe that’s because we stop doing other things when we take time to cuddle or stroke our cats and dogs. Poppy doesn’t like it if I try to work on my laptop during her special time. She wants my full attention. It’s good for her and good for me. I can see she intends to make this an ongoing goal.
Sunday Dog Thank Yous
Poppy would also like to thank all the dogs who posed and told their stories as Sunday Dogs, this year along with all the people who visited them and said nice things about them.
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 holiday gift? 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 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.
Are you on the hunt for a special, sparkling wine for New Year's Eve? We have our selection in our sights, but it may take some shopping around to land a bottle. However, if you're looking for inspiration, we have years of recommendations for you to consider.
As our regular readers know, we begin each month with a glass of sparkling wine. Some months it's a cava from Spain for under $10, while other times we treat ourselves to a spectacular grower champagne like the Inflorescence Champagne Blanc de Noirs 2010 in the photo above. That was our New Year's Eve Wine, last year.
"I drink it when I’m happy and when I’m sad. Sometimes I drink it when I’m alone. When I have company I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I’m not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise, I never touch it—unless I’m thirsty."
Cheers!
Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a holiday gift? 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 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.
Are you on the hunt for a special, sparkling wine for New Year's Eve? We have our selection in our sights, but it may take some shopping around to land a bottle. However, if you're looking for inspiration, we have years of recommendations for you to consider.
As our regular readers know, we begin each month with a glass of sparkling wine. Some months it's a cava from Spain for under $10, while other times we treat ourselves to a spectacular grower champagne like the Inflorescence Champagne Blanc de Noirs 2010 in the photo above. That was our New Year's Eve Wine, last year.
"I drink it when I’m happy and when I’m sad. Sometimes I drink it when I’m alone. When I have company I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I’m not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise, I never touch it—unless I’m thirsty."
Cheers!
Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a holiday gift? 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 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.
Are you on the hunt for a special, sparkling wine for New Year's Eve? We have our selection in our sights, but it may take some shopping around to land a bottle. However, if you're looking for inspiration, we have years of recommendations for you to consider.
As our regular readers know, we begin each month with a glass of sparkling wine. Some months it's a cava from Spain for under $10, while other times we treat ourselves to a spectacular grower champagne like the Inflorescence Champagne Blanc de Noirs 2010 in the photo above. That was our New Year's Eve Wine, last year.
"I drink it when I’m happy and when I’m sad. Sometimes I drink it when I’m alone. When I have company I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I’m not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise, I never touch it—unless I’m thirsty."
Cheers!
Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a holiday gift? 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 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.
Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on New Year's Day and the MBTA schedules for New Year's Eve December 31, 2013 and New Year's Day, January 1, 2014.
Update: 1.1.14
From the CIty of Boston website
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!
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, 2014 – New Year's Day
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 the ad…
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!
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 keeping 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.
Monday, December 30, 2013, 6am – Saturday, January 4, 2014, 5pm
"Monday and Tuesday December 30th and 31st: Regular trash and recycling for all sections of the City.
Bay Village Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Lower Roxbury, Mission Hill, North End, South End, and Sections of Back Bay: regular schedule, no delays.
Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, South Boston, West Roxbury: Delayed a day on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
*If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."
MBTA Schedule Changes for New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day-
MBTA has full information up on their events page. (If you are coming to this post after the holiday, that page will have changed.)
Here are the important points for New Year's Eve, Tuesday, December 31, 2013
The Red, Orange, Blue, and Green lines will run on a modified weekday schedule
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.
Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on New Year's Day and the MBTA schedules for New Year's Eve December 31, 2013 and New Year's Day, January 1, 2014.
Update: 1.1.14
From the CIty of Boston website
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!
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, 2014 – New Year's Day
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 the ad…
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!
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 keeping 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.
Monday, December 30, 2013, 6am – Saturday, January 4, 2014, 5pm
"Monday and Tuesday December 30th and 31st: Regular trash and recycling for all sections of the City.
Bay Village Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Lower Roxbury, Mission Hill, North End, South End, and Sections of Back Bay: regular schedule, no delays.
Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, South Boston, West Roxbury: Delayed a day on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
*If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."
MBTA Schedule Changes for New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day-
MBTA has full information up on their events page. (If you are coming to this post after the holiday, that page will have changed.)
Here are the important points for New Year's Eve, Tuesday, December 31, 2013
The Red, Orange, Blue, and Green lines will run on a modified weekday schedule
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.
