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  • Communicating Behavioral Issues with Your Veterinarian

    During a routine checkup, does your veterinarian ask about behavioral issues your animal may be having? If they don’t ask, you should tell.

    Worried westie

    This is one of our Poppy's worried looks. She tends to be a bit of a nervous Nellie and this is always a topic of conversation with her vet.

    Some things that we, as animal guardians, may think of as behavioral issues can be symptoms of a physical problem. Other concerns may be ones that your veterinarian may be ready, able, and willing to help you correct with expert guidance or, in some cases, medications.

    IMG_6914 copy

    Poppy has just had a checkup with a clean bill of health so we know her anxious looks are not from pain or illness.

    Symptomatic Behaviors

    Just as you may be a bit grumpy if you are in pain, your dog or cat may misbehave because something is hurting. Since some animals try to hide signs of weakness, such as pain, this can be an important lead that you should investigate.

    Any sudden change in behavior is worth noting and if it continues, see a professional. Jumpiness in an animal could be a sign they are losing eyesight or hearing and that your approach is startling them.

    Other medical causes of unusual behavior are arthritis, hip dysplasia, luxating patella, sore teeth, thyroid problems, epilepsy/seizures, ear infections, digestive issues, skin or environmental allergies, yeast infections, and cancer. Kidney or liver disease can result in toxins in the bloodstream. And, sadly, the aging process sometimes results in cognitive decline which can change your animal’s personality.

    FullSizeRender

    We keep log books on all aspects of Poppy's life.

    Your Report

    Your description of the behavior should be comprehensive. Keep a log before you speak with the medical team. Note what the animal is doing, how often, any possible changes in your home that might be impacting the dog or cat, and what you have tried to do to correct the behavior.

    Once any medical causes are ruled out and any medical treatment is completed, you may still have to address some residual issues. Ask for options starting with the simplest changes before moving on to more serious remedies. Whenever possible, begin with training that you can try at home.

    Should the veterinarian suggest medication, ask for the mildest option first. Finally, before you resort to stronger methods, ask for a referral to a veterinary behaviorist. This would be either a veterinarian with advanced training who is diplomate certified by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (DACVB) or a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA.)

    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 Cherubino adapted for BostonZest from one of her City Paws newspaper columns
    Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

  • Our October Sparkler Is Patrice Colin Les Perles Grises!

    Another month means another wine to keep Our Sparkling Resolution to enjoy a glass of bubbles on the first of every month. This time Patrice Colin Les Perles Grises (Perles Grises = Grey Pearls) offered us both a winemaker and a grape we had never tried.

    IMG_2962

    This food friendly rosé from France's Loire Valley is made from 100% Pineau d’Aunis. (This grape is also known as Chenin Noir but bears no resemblance to Chenin Blanc.) The production is biodynamic and the vineyard has been in the same family since the 1800s.

    Here are a few comments about this sparkler that we found in our tasting research:

    Carolyn Joy wrote, "Perles Grises is perfect on its own or with food. Its mid-bodied structure and balanced acidity allows for pairing with light white meats, seafood and shellfish as well as appetizers and desserts."

    Palate Press says, "Very light, almost clear, copper color. The nose is interesting, a bouquet of white flowers and pencil shavings. On the palate it has huge flavors of pencil shavings with flint, rose water, pepper, and red currants. Smoke lingers on the finish. Pair with a fruit tart dessert."

    Europa Wine Merchant wrote, "This bubbly made with the Pineau d’Aunis grape this has the varietal’s tell tale peppery quality along with scents of rose blossom, lilac, white raspberry, mirabelle plum and lanolin, firm, mineral, stony palate presence with pretty notes of small red berries, fresh herbs and a peppery finish all in Colin’s elegant style."

    IMG_2103

    We sampled a bottle of this wine with friends and a table full of delicious seafood. The comments were positive and at the $15 price point it is certainly one we'll buy again. 

    12377539_948546018549029_2464496194576862981_o

    Finding new wines to toast each new month keeps us on a constant treasure hunt. We seldom pass a wine shop without stopping in to explore its offerings. This wine came from City Liquors on one of our favorite blocks of Cambridge Street in Cambridge. (map)

    12491850_948552668548364_5815234730730087674_o

    Penny was pleased with both the selection and service when she stopped in while making routine visits to Mayflower Poultry, Petsi Pies, and New Deal Fish Market. It looks like she'll pack an extra quarter for the parking meter in future visits to this food and wine lovers block. 

    What's on your Food Lover's Shopping List?

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino, City Liquors photos from own site.

    Related articles
    Loving that Landaff Cheese: Welsh Style Flavor from New Hampshire
    A Busy Season Resource: Our Poached Chicken Links
    Michael Serpa Selects Champagne Jacquesson Cuvée 736 as Our Sparkler for June 2015

  • Our October Sparkler Is Patrice Colin Les Perles Grises!

    Another month means another wine to keep Our Sparkling Resolution to enjoy a glass of bubbles on the first of every month. This time Patrice Colin Les Perles Grises (Perles Grises = Grey Pearls) offered us both a winemaker and a grape we had never tried.

    IMG_2962

    This food friendly rosé from France's Loire Valley is made from 100% Pineau d’Aunis. (This grape is also known as Chenin Noir but bears no resemblance to Chenin Blanc.) The production is biodynamic and the vineyard has been in the same family since the 1800s.

    Here are a few comments about this sparkler that we found in our tasting research:

    Carolyn Joy wrote, "Perles Grises is perfect on its own or with food. Its mid-bodied structure and balanced acidity allows for pairing with light white meats, seafood and shellfish as well as appetizers and desserts."

    Palate Press says, "Very light, almost clear, copper color. The nose is interesting, a bouquet of white flowers and pencil shavings. On the palate it has huge flavors of pencil shavings with flint, rose water, pepper, and red currants. Smoke lingers on the finish. Pair with a fruit tart dessert."

    Europa Wine Merchant wrote, "This bubbly made with the Pineau d’Aunis grape this has the varietal’s tell tale peppery quality along with scents of rose blossom, lilac, white raspberry, mirabelle plum and lanolin, firm, mineral, stony palate presence with pretty notes of small red berries, fresh herbs and a peppery finish all in Colin’s elegant style."

    IMG_2103

    We sampled a bottle of this wine with friends and a table full of delicious seafood. The comments were positive and at the $15 price point it is certainly one we'll buy again. 

    12377539_948546018549029_2464496194576862981_o

    Finding new wines to toast each new month keeps us on a constant treasure hunt. We seldom pass a wine shop without stopping in to explore its offerings. This wine came from City Liquors on one of our favorite blocks of Cambridge Street in Cambridge. (map)

    12491850_948552668548364_5815234730730087674_o

    Penny was pleased with both the selection and service when she stopped in while making routine visits to Mayflower Poultry, Petsi Pies, and New Deal Fish Market. It looks like she'll pack an extra quarter for the parking meter in future visits to this food and wine lovers block. 

    What's on your Food Lover's Shopping List?

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino, City Liquors photos from own site.

    Related articles
    Loving that Landaff Cheese: Welsh Style Flavor from New Hampshire
    A Busy Season Resource: Our Poached Chicken Links
    Michael Serpa Selects Champagne Jacquesson Cuvée 736 as Our Sparkler for June 2015

  • Russet May Be the Color of Autumn 2016 in Boston

    When we think of autumn colors in New England, we conjure up images of reds, yellows, and brilliant oranges. But, with this year's drought, we may be seeing russets and browns. Here's a link to the drought map to give you some idea of the places where colors will be weak.

    IMG_1786 copy

    As leaves are falling, they have a bit of color in some spots, but a lot of dry brown edges. The Boston Globe ran an article this week predicting less color in Massachusetts and recommending that you visit Northern New England if you want your annual color feast.

    IMG_2144

    On my morning walks this week, I've only seen a few hints of bright color on trees, even in well watered gardens.

    IMG_2234

    In most cases, the trees are turning a russet brown.

    IMG_2245

    Obviously trees are suffering in places where no one cares for them. This week's rain will help, but making a habit of watering the trees in your area into November would help even more! 

    Here's a link to the city's page on Boston's trees. You can download instructions on watering, mulching, and planting around street trees. In case that page disappears as the city "improves" its website, you can download that PDF here. Download Street Tree tips.

    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  

    Related articles
    Steamers Leaving for Bass Point and Nahant from Lincoln Wharf
    Where to Recycle Eyeglasses in Boston – Updating a Reader Favorite

  • Russet May Be the Color of Autumn 2016 in Boston

    When we think of autumn colors in New England, we conjure up images of reds, yellows, and brilliant oranges. But, with this year's drought, we may be seeing russets and browns. Here's a link to the drought map to give you some idea of the places where colors will be weak.

    IMG_1786 copy

    As leaves are falling, they have a bit of color in some spots, but a lot of dry brown edges. The Boston Globe ran an article this week predicting less color in Massachusetts and recommending that you visit Northern New England if you want your annual color feast.

    IMG_2144

    On my morning walks this week, I've only seen a few hints of bright color on trees, even in well watered gardens.

    IMG_2234

    In most cases, the trees are turning a russet brown.

    IMG_2245

    Obviously trees are suffering in places where no one cares for them. This week's rain will help, but making a habit of watering the trees in your area into November would help even more! 

    Here's a link to the city's page on Boston's trees. You can download instructions on watering, mulching, and planting around street trees. In case that page disappears as the city "improves" its website, you can download that PDF here. Download Street Tree tips.

    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  

    Related articles
    Steamers Leaving for Bass Point and Nahant from Lincoln Wharf
    Where to Recycle Eyeglasses in Boston – Updating a Reader Favorite

  • Piattini for Pasta, Pizza, Panini, and a Pretty Patio!

    As you may have noticed, we've been featuring restaurants, like Piattini Wine Cafe on Newbury Street, that have earned their place in our rotation and yours. 

    CHE_2089

    Update: In October a two-alarm fire that began in an art gallery above Piattini caused damage to the restaurant.

                                   Screen Shot 2016-10-18 at Tuesday, October 18, 20166.33.44 AM

    Fans, like us, are hoping for the restaurant to be up and running soon. You can check in with Piattini's site or follow them on social media. We'll help spread the word when they big reopening happens.

    IMG_0989

    Piattini's scampi with sautéed shrimp, garlic, olive oil, fresh tomatoes, and white wine over linguini is one of Penny's favorite menu items.

    Penny's pal Linda introduced her to Piattini years ago. While this little Back Bay gem has expanded over the years, they have not compromised on the quality of the food and the warmth of the service.

    IMG_2931

    For a recent lunch, Ed chose a daily special of chicken piccata over angel hair pasta. 

    We mentioned to a neighbor that we were going to Piattini for lunch and she broke into a smile and began to tell us how much she enjoys the place. We hear that a lot from those who live in the area. It's good to have a few local places serving good food in a neighborhood overrun with mediocre chain restaurants.

    IMG_0982

    The "Wine Cafe" in the name means that the wine list is well-matched with the food. In fact, we often order one of the house wines like the Pinot Grigio with our meals. This one was a great match for these lighter, warm weather pastas. 

    IMG_1900

    On a cooler day, we paired this meatball panini with a Chianti from the wine specials list.

    IMG_1888

    IMG_1595 nero D'avola

    A Nero D'Avola from the regular wine list was perfect with the Piattini bolognese with homemade fusilli.

    IMG_0965

    This time of year, we often opt for a seat on the patio when there is an open table.

    IMG_0987

    Well-tended flower boxes serve as buffers from the busy street. They change their look throughout the seasons. The combination of sunken patio, sheltering umbrellas, and tall greenery makes these some of our favorite sidewalk dining seats. 

    IMG_1016

    And we are not alone. We arrived early but before we finished lunch, every seat on the two-sided patio was filled. One table of four was having a great time passing dishes and sharing laughs and food as if at the home of an Italian Nonna.

    This is the perfect patio season, so add Piattini to your seasonal bucket list!

    What's on your Food Lover's Shopping List?

     

    Details:

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

    Related articles
    Shake Shack on Newbury Street

  • Piattini for Pasta, Pizza, Panini, and a Pretty Patio!

    As you may have noticed, we've been featuring restaurants, like Piattini Wine Cafe on Newbury Street, that have earned their place in our rotation and yours. 

    CHE_2089

    Update: In October a two-alarm fire that began in an art gallery above Piattini caused damage to the restaurant.

                                   Screen Shot 2016-10-18 at Tuesday, October 18, 20166.33.44 AM

    Fans, like us, are hoping for the restaurant to be up and running soon. You can check in with Piattini's site or follow them on social media. We'll help spread the word when they big reopening happens.

    IMG_0989

    Piattini's scampi with sautéed shrimp, garlic, olive oil, fresh tomatoes, and white wine over linguini is one of Penny's favorite menu items.

    Penny's pal Linda introduced her to Piattini years ago. While this little Back Bay gem has expanded over the years, they have not compromised on the quality of the food and the warmth of the service.

    IMG_2931

    For a recent lunch, Ed chose a daily special of chicken piccata over angel hair pasta. 

    We mentioned to a neighbor that we were going to Piattini for lunch and she broke into a smile and began to tell us how much she enjoys the place. We hear that a lot from those who live in the area. It's good to have a few local places serving good food in a neighborhood overrun with mediocre chain restaurants.

    IMG_0982

    The "Wine Cafe" in the name means that the wine list is well-matched with the food. In fact, we often order one of the house wines like the Pinot Grigio with our meals. This one was a great match for these lighter, warm weather pastas. 

    IMG_1900

    On a cooler day, we paired this meatball panini with a Chianti from the wine specials list.

    IMG_1888

    IMG_1595 nero D'avola

    A Nero D'Avola from the regular wine list was perfect with the Piattini bolognese with homemade fusilli.

    IMG_0965

    This time of year, we often opt for a seat on the patio when there is an open table.

    IMG_0987

    Well-tended flower boxes serve as buffers from the busy street. They change their look throughout the seasons. The combination of sunken patio, sheltering umbrellas, and tall greenery makes these some of our favorite sidewalk dining seats. 

    IMG_1016

    And we are not alone. We arrived early but before we finished lunch, every seat on the two-sided patio was filled. One table of four was having a great time passing dishes and sharing laughs and food as if at the home of an Italian Nonna.

    This is the perfect patio season, so add Piattini to your seasonal bucket list!

    What's on your Food Lover's Shopping List?

     

    Details:

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

    Related articles
    Shake Shack on Newbury Street

  • Taking Your Dog Along When You Travel to Canada

    Today we share a resource link from our friends over on Go Pet Friendly.

    Taking Your Dog Along When You Travel to Canada

    Last month they updated their page on "Traveling with Your Dog to Canada."

    I learned I could not bring my Poppy's homemade, raw diet into Canada. I would have to substitute a product that is "commercially packaged and sealed with ingredients listed in English."

    They cover all the basic information you will need and include an important section on breed-specific regulations you must know about if you plan to travel to Ontario or Montreal.

    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: screenshot courtesy of Go Pet Friendly.

  • Taking Your Dog Along When You Travel to Canada

    Today we share a resource link from our friends over on Go Pet Friendly.

    Taking Your Dog Along When You Travel to Canada

    Last month they updated their page on "Traveling with Your Dog to Canada."

    I learned I could not bring my Poppy's homemade, raw diet into Canada. I would have to substitute a product that is "commercially packaged and sealed with ingredients listed in English."

    They cover all the basic information you will need and include an important section on breed-specific regulations you must know about if you plan to travel to Ontario or Montreal.

    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: screenshot courtesy of Go Pet Friendly.

  • Boston Area Commencement Dates for Spring 2020 Impact Hotel Prices, Availability, Restaurant Reservations and More

    Due to the pandemic we have not updated this post. We hope we will be able to do that for the class of 2022!

    With or without a spring 2020 Boston area college graduation in your family, you'll likely need to coordinate your dining and travel plans around the commencement ceremonies. We have set up this page as a permanent resource and update it as we find new information.

    Our list also helps visitors to Boston understand why hotel rooms are so expensive and restaurant reservations so scarce on some dates in May. The local destination experts on travel websites are busy answering questions about the cost of visits to our city.  

    IStock_000047529030_small copy 2

    Reservations at area restaurants will be harder to find May 9th, 10th and 11th with Mother's Day and 5 commencements, and scarce May 15th through 18th when 17 schools – including Boston University, Tufts University, and Boston College – will hold ceremonies. Harvard commencement is May 28th and MIT May 29th – each of these schools is large enough to have an impact on its own. Harvard can also interfere with traffic as they move busloads of people from one place to another around event time.

    To help you plan your dining options in May and early June, here are the dates of the major commencement ceremonies for your 2020 calendar. 

    If you know of a Boston area college or university graduation date that we've missed, send us a comment.

    April 25, 2020

    May 1, 2020 – May 3, 2020

    May 8, 2020 – May 11, 2020

    May 15, 2020 – May 18, 2020

    May 21, 2020 – May 24, 2020

    May 28, 2020 – May 31, 2020

    June 12, 2020 – June 14, 2020

     

    Thanks to everyone who supports us by beginning their Amazon shopping from here. It doesn't cost you any more, but when you click on an Amazon link like this one, they put a few coins in our tip cup.

    The perfect gift for a graduate is an Amazon Gift Card 

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino

    Photo: iStockphoto.com

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