For those of you who know where Danvers is, score one for the Rail Trail.
Brief History - it took some time, but the rail trail was developed a couple of years back on old railway tracks that used to cross through Danvers and many other North Shore communities. While it may have taken a long time to make, it took us even longer to walk on it. I can count the dozens of times we have seen people walking, jogging, or biking on the trail and said "We've got to try it."
Well, we did...and it is quite a trail. Earlier this week (or last week actually) we took a hike on the trail. It was great. We only went down a small portion of it, during a cool winter's day. But we had a blast. It truly is a peaceful and serene walking experience.
Although it is a great path to walk, what was most interesting is "seeing" what you don't typically see - a bakery that dots it, an old wall, a stream. Things you never knew existed - and wouldn't have - came alive. It made me think even more about the town we live in.
So, if you haven't had a chance to try it, the North Shore Rail Trail is truly a good take!
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Monday, January 20, 2014
The One Where The Patriots Lose
Yesterday, Bri and Kiff engaged if their first official NFL Football Postseason activity. They actually watched a postseason game with us.
Now, sure, I know what you're thinking. What true, self-respecting fan, would hide their kids from the joys of postseason football for several years. Well, it was not like we were trying...it is just that they lack interest in watching it for a sustained period of time.
But, we were able to change all that. It wasn't perfect. The presence of Word Girl on TV in another room was a distraction, but they did watch the game with us. The presence of snacks - mostly healthy - helped to keep them firmly entrenched in their seats. And, they asked some pretty good questions about the game.
"If the bad guys are orange, why are they winning?" Kiff asked about the Pats opponents.
"What is a flag?" Bri asked. "And why should they throw in?"
"What does NE mean?" Kiff asked....well he actually pointed to NE.
"Who do you think is a bonehead?" Bri asked.
"Should you actually say THAT word?" Bri later asked...about a decidedly different word.
Needless to say, it was a fun, first, prolonged exposure to playoff football. They got to feel the intensity and fun of the game.
Too bad the right team didn't win...at least for us.
Now, sure, I know what you're thinking. What true, self-respecting fan, would hide their kids from the joys of postseason football for several years. Well, it was not like we were trying...it is just that they lack interest in watching it for a sustained period of time.
But, we were able to change all that. It wasn't perfect. The presence of Word Girl on TV in another room was a distraction, but they did watch the game with us. The presence of snacks - mostly healthy - helped to keep them firmly entrenched in their seats. And, they asked some pretty good questions about the game.
"If the bad guys are orange, why are they winning?" Kiff asked about the Pats opponents.
"What is a flag?" Bri asked. "And why should they throw in?"
"What does NE mean?" Kiff asked....well he actually pointed to NE.
"Who do you think is a bonehead?" Bri asked.
"Should you actually say THAT word?" Bri later asked...about a decidedly different word.
Needless to say, it was a fun, first, prolonged exposure to playoff football. They got to feel the intensity and fun of the game.
Too bad the right team didn't win...at least for us.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
The One With The Snowball Fight
It snowed yesterday!
And you know what that means.
Lots of fun. And luckily, it was a wet snow that stuck to the ground. It made for the perfect afternoon outside and the perfect memory.
We started off the afternoon outside by enjoying a quick walk around the yard. It was nice and snowy. Then, we quickly assembled an army of snowmen - well, actually a quartet, flanked by two cats. The idea was to represent out family, which it did well....though it was evident that I was losing some hear on the top of my snowy head.
Finally, we enjoy a rollicking good snowball fight! It was the perfect snow for it. We launched volley after volley and an "every person for himself" "fight." I got obliterated at the very end as everyone ganged up on me and I found a slush puddle to fall into.
The afternoon wrapped up with a delicious cup of hot chocolate - the ultimate piece d' resistance to a snowy day!
And you know what that means.
Lots of fun. And luckily, it was a wet snow that stuck to the ground. It made for the perfect afternoon outside and the perfect memory.
We started off the afternoon outside by enjoying a quick walk around the yard. It was nice and snowy. Then, we quickly assembled an army of snowmen - well, actually a quartet, flanked by two cats. The idea was to represent out family, which it did well....though it was evident that I was losing some hear on the top of my snowy head.
Finally, we enjoy a rollicking good snowball fight! It was the perfect snow for it. We launched volley after volley and an "every person for himself" "fight." I got obliterated at the very end as everyone ganged up on me and I found a slush puddle to fall into.
The afternoon wrapped up with a delicious cup of hot chocolate - the ultimate piece d' resistance to a snowy day!
Sunday, January 12, 2014
The One Where We Went to a Hockey Game
Ah, Friday. Glorious Friday.
It was a fun day at our house, but not for the typical reason. It was a day that provided a respite from the normalcy. It was a day that we went to see a hockey game at Boston College.
A night out. A rarity of sorts. But a much needed diversion.
It started off great...with a quick dinner out. Always a good time.
We were able to get on the road by 6:15 PM and miss most of the traffic, as well as most of the first period. But that is okay. We arrived and - although it took a while for us to get in - between getting tickets at the will call and being told we could not take a bottled water in (COME ON!), we were able to work our way to the seats.
Of course, when we got to our seats, someone was in them. Surprise, surprise! That is one of my real pet peeves...people just seat squatting until you get there. ARGHHHH! They quickly left. In fact, it did appear that this was a common occurrence because all sorts of people in our section moved to relinquish the seats they borrowed. A couple of folks even asked if we were looking for their seats because they had "borrowed" the ones they were in. Nice!
However, the game was good. Providence took a 2-1 lead in the second period, but the Eagles bounced back. In fact, the game was pretty good...however, it was hard to concentrate on it fully. Looking around - and having a flood of memories return - it is hard to fully watch a game. Seeing people interact as if they were at a social club or business meeting was particularly funny. And, seeing some of the fans get a little too into it was a riot.
Overall, it was a great game. We got out when the Eagles were ahead 3-2 with 5:00 minutes left in the third. Ironically, they scored two more goals to win 5-2.
Yet, it is not the score that we were looking for, but the time away...and the experience.
Thanks BC.
It was a fun day at our house, but not for the typical reason. It was a day that provided a respite from the normalcy. It was a day that we went to see a hockey game at Boston College.
A night out. A rarity of sorts. But a much needed diversion.
It started off great...with a quick dinner out. Always a good time.
We were able to get on the road by 6:15 PM and miss most of the traffic, as well as most of the first period. But that is okay. We arrived and - although it took a while for us to get in - between getting tickets at the will call and being told we could not take a bottled water in (COME ON!), we were able to work our way to the seats.
Of course, when we got to our seats, someone was in them. Surprise, surprise! That is one of my real pet peeves...people just seat squatting until you get there. ARGHHHH! They quickly left. In fact, it did appear that this was a common occurrence because all sorts of people in our section moved to relinquish the seats they borrowed. A couple of folks even asked if we were looking for their seats because they had "borrowed" the ones they were in. Nice!
However, the game was good. Providence took a 2-1 lead in the second period, but the Eagles bounced back. In fact, the game was pretty good...however, it was hard to concentrate on it fully. Looking around - and having a flood of memories return - it is hard to fully watch a game. Seeing people interact as if they were at a social club or business meeting was particularly funny. And, seeing some of the fans get a little too into it was a riot.
Overall, it was a great game. We got out when the Eagles were ahead 3-2 with 5:00 minutes left in the third. Ironically, they scored two more goals to win 5-2.
Yet, it is not the score that we were looking for, but the time away...and the experience.
Thanks BC.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
The One Where We Go Sledding
Two days ago, we had the chance to enjoy the powdery snow that blanketed the ground this past weekend. We went sledding!!!
What fun. We were able to break in our new sleds, which always leads to a great time. Luckily, with some guidance, I had cleared a spot to situate ourselves ahead of time...so there was no trudging through snow like a Griswold Family Christmas Tree Cutting to get to our spot.
Once there, I did an initial test run and - crack - I heard the solid snap of plastic as I crescendoed down the hill. However, upon close inspection, it looked like I did little to cause any problems.
After that, it was fairly smooth sailing for Bri and Kiff. They each took turns going down the hill as I guarded the base, where a pole is placed perilously close to the run we typically take. But, sure enough the kids did great. They did run after run with smooth sailing. Bri preferred to take off her hat to feel the snow spray in her face. Kiff, meanwhile, enjoyed launching himself off during the runs. Good times. In between runs, I tried my best to mold the powdery snow into snowballs, though I would have had an easier time with glue. But I got a few good shots off, and one that got Emmie, whose irascible glare told me to stop immediately.
The end culminated in a quick run by Emmie and me. Emmie did a great launch down the run while I had to bailout quickly before I almost ran into the pole that I had so carefully guarded.
What a wonderful day in the snow!
What fun. We were able to break in our new sleds, which always leads to a great time. Luckily, with some guidance, I had cleared a spot to situate ourselves ahead of time...so there was no trudging through snow like a Griswold Family Christmas Tree Cutting to get to our spot.
Once there, I did an initial test run and - crack - I heard the solid snap of plastic as I crescendoed down the hill. However, upon close inspection, it looked like I did little to cause any problems.
After that, it was fairly smooth sailing for Bri and Kiff. They each took turns going down the hill as I guarded the base, where a pole is placed perilously close to the run we typically take. But, sure enough the kids did great. They did run after run with smooth sailing. Bri preferred to take off her hat to feel the snow spray in her face. Kiff, meanwhile, enjoyed launching himself off during the runs. Good times. In between runs, I tried my best to mold the powdery snow into snowballs, though I would have had an easier time with glue. But I got a few good shots off, and one that got Emmie, whose irascible glare told me to stop immediately.
The end culminated in a quick run by Emmie and me. Emmie did a great launch down the run while I had to bailout quickly before I almost ran into the pole that I had so carefully guarded.
What a wonderful day in the snow!
Sunday, January 5, 2014
The One With the Japanese Steakhouse
Yesterday afternoon was another fun night of firsts. It was the night that our family went on our first Japanese steakhouse visit.
And was it fun!
To start, we went there for a family birthday party, so right away, you knew it was going to be an experience. But Em and I - who have been to these places before - were wondering what it would be like for our two kids.
What a hit!
Right away, we walked in and were taken with the ambiance...end the energy of the family, which all seemed to arrive at once - somehow - even though we were coming from different destinations. Once inside, the soft smell of food, the gentle ping of a fountain, and the slow hum of a fishtank, with three carp who must have been inside for at least three decades, greeted us.
Once seated, we met out waitstaff, which included at least a quintet of people. They were friendly, fun, and quick to make sure all of the kids in the party felt at home. Our kids has a Japanese soup for the first time - and loved it. They also tried the ginger salad, but that proved a little too tantalizing.
But, perhaps, what was the most fun was when our chefs arrived. In usual fashion, they prepared the foods for us. Yet, the two gentlemen that hosted a chef-off of sorts were quite entertaining. Our part of the party were hosted by "Tom Brady" whose food throwing prowess did resemble that of the legendary Pats QB. However, guiding us - and our kids - through the process - he introduced as all to the thrills of cooking food in the steakhouse. Lighting the hibachi on fire, which sent our daughter flying, our son eye-popping, and our niece wishing to go home. Once the fire died down, it was on to food preparation for real. Watching the skill of the chef maneuver through chicken, steak, rice, and noodles with the craftsmanship of a painter was a site to behold, particularly for our kids. They watched, mesmerized, as the food literally came to life for them and us. Our kids had to duck and cover a few times as flames and food went into the air. By meal's end, it was almost as if we were losing a member off our party as we parted ways.
Yet, the memory lingers. They even took our picture to add to the collection on their walls. The first experience with a Japanese Steakhouse was memorable...and it certainly won't be our last.
And was it fun!
To start, we went there for a family birthday party, so right away, you knew it was going to be an experience. But Em and I - who have been to these places before - were wondering what it would be like for our two kids.
What a hit!
Right away, we walked in and were taken with the ambiance...end the energy of the family, which all seemed to arrive at once - somehow - even though we were coming from different destinations. Once inside, the soft smell of food, the gentle ping of a fountain, and the slow hum of a fishtank, with three carp who must have been inside for at least three decades, greeted us.
Once seated, we met out waitstaff, which included at least a quintet of people. They were friendly, fun, and quick to make sure all of the kids in the party felt at home. Our kids has a Japanese soup for the first time - and loved it. They also tried the ginger salad, but that proved a little too tantalizing.
But, perhaps, what was the most fun was when our chefs arrived. In usual fashion, they prepared the foods for us. Yet, the two gentlemen that hosted a chef-off of sorts were quite entertaining. Our part of the party were hosted by "Tom Brady" whose food throwing prowess did resemble that of the legendary Pats QB. However, guiding us - and our kids - through the process - he introduced as all to the thrills of cooking food in the steakhouse. Lighting the hibachi on fire, which sent our daughter flying, our son eye-popping, and our niece wishing to go home. Once the fire died down, it was on to food preparation for real. Watching the skill of the chef maneuver through chicken, steak, rice, and noodles with the craftsmanship of a painter was a site to behold, particularly for our kids. They watched, mesmerized, as the food literally came to life for them and us. Our kids had to duck and cover a few times as flames and food went into the air. By meal's end, it was almost as if we were losing a member off our party as we parted ways.
Yet, the memory lingers. They even took our picture to add to the collection on their walls. The first experience with a Japanese Steakhouse was memorable...and it certainly won't be our last.
Saturday, January 4, 2014
How do you spell exhausted?
Very easily....16 inches of snow.
That is what we appeared to have received yesterday in Danvers.
It was quite a feat, snow blowing, and raking, and shoveling.
We did get the kids outside briefly...but it proved too cold for them, too.
Gotta love the winter.
That is what we appeared to have received yesterday in Danvers.
It was quite a feat, snow blowing, and raking, and shoveling.
We did get the kids outside briefly...but it proved too cold for them, too.
Gotta love the winter.
Friday, January 3, 2014
First Day Skating
On January 1st, we did something we have never done before as a family. We went for our first family skate.
We were originally hoping to do this at a rink last year, but that never quote materialized. So, we decided to give it a try on ice to start the year off right.
We went to the Meadows in Danvers. What a great take! Highly recommended.
What fun!
Bri seemed to get the knack of it pretty quickly...though she did stumble on the ice a ton. But, luckily, she has gone to the Roller Palace several times and has learned how to roller skate. So she was able to do the Frankenstein walk (that all new skaters have) across the ice pretty well.
Kiff had a little tougher time at first. The ice and the feel of the skates was a bit new. But, after a little while, and some practice, he was able to get the hang of it, too. He still needed someone to hold onto him - he didn't have the Frankenstein walk down, but he was well on his way.
A couple of things that stood out. First, the new types of skates that they have are amazing. They are adjustable. Second, watching teaching that kids that "clear ice is slippery," proved fun because they wanted to see for themselves...did they learn.
We were originally hoping to do this at a rink last year, but that never quote materialized. So, we decided to give it a try on ice to start the year off right.
We went to the Meadows in Danvers. What a great take! Highly recommended.
What fun!
Bri seemed to get the knack of it pretty quickly...though she did stumble on the ice a ton. But, luckily, she has gone to the Roller Palace several times and has learned how to roller skate. So she was able to do the Frankenstein walk (that all new skaters have) across the ice pretty well.
Kiff had a little tougher time at first. The ice and the feel of the skates was a bit new. But, after a little while, and some practice, he was able to get the hang of it, too. He still needed someone to hold onto him - he didn't have the Frankenstein walk down, but he was well on his way.
A couple of things that stood out. First, the new types of skates that they have are amazing. They are adjustable. Second, watching teaching that kids that "clear ice is slippery," proved fun because they wanted to see for themselves...did they learn.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
The Christmas Pooh
Perhaps you have watched South Park before. If you have, then you are familiar with the Christmas Pooh...a character that has shown up on the story.
We had our own experience with this today. While taking down the Christmas tree, our daughter bent down and found something.
"Hey what's this," she said.
My wife looked at it - not too closely - and said, "I think it is a pinecone."
Thinking this was cool - a great souvenir of our tree this year, I asked, "Can I take a look?"
Well, on closer look, it turned out to be a dried - perhaps even petrified - cat dropping.
Zoinks!
Needless to say, this was no souvenir. We all quickly washed our hands and made a new memory...of a "special Christmas pinecone."
We had our own experience with this today. While taking down the Christmas tree, our daughter bent down and found something.
"Hey what's this," she said.
My wife looked at it - not too closely - and said, "I think it is a pinecone."
Thinking this was cool - a great souvenir of our tree this year, I asked, "Can I take a look?"
Well, on closer look, it turned out to be a dried - perhaps even petrified - cat dropping.
Zoinks!
Needless to say, this was no souvenir. We all quickly washed our hands and made a new memory...of a "special Christmas pinecone."
New Year, New Blog
Hey,
I am sure you haven't visited this post in a long time. After all, we last published in 2009.
But with a new year comes new ambitions. And this year, we hope to relaunch our family blog as a sort of on-line writer's notebook, capturing our warmest memories.
Please join us on this fun ride!!!
I am sure you haven't visited this post in a long time. After all, we last published in 2009.
But with a new year comes new ambitions. And this year, we hope to relaunch our family blog as a sort of on-line writer's notebook, capturing our warmest memories.
Please join us on this fun ride!!!
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