Spoiled?

Is Atenas spoiled? Maybe just a little.

Yesterday she got another gift in the mail, this time it was from Charlie and Susie (John and Nancy’s friends) that live in Maine. Atenas is slowly getting used to wearing her fleece pink sweater and I hope she realizes that it is for her own good.

Every time we put it on, she acts pitiful and walks sideways (the sweater is not tight at all):

Thank you Charlie and Susie!!

Our trip to Boston

Last weekend we took the commuter rail into downtown Boston. The train stop is only 2.2 miles away from our house and unfortunately the roundtrip was a little pricy (we were expecting the prices to be somewhat similar to the Metro in DC). The ride was very pleasant and comfortable; the conductor was calling out the different stops with his New England Accent (which was sometimes hard to understand).

The day was sunny and a little windy, but warm enough to walk around downtown. We where a little disoriented once we got outside the train station but we quickly realized where we were thanks to a map given to us by Matt & Jenny (thanks guys!).

Boston is just another big city with lots of traffic, lots of Starbucks and lots of Dunkin Donuts. Walking is very easy around downtown. We visited the Boston Common, looked at the Big Dig , The Harbor, Quincy Market (and the shops around it, including Ann Taylor), the old and new City Hall buildings, MA State House, and really old cemeteries. We had a delicious lunch in a restaurant next to the harbor and of course we both had fish for lunch!

Waiting for the Commuter Rail:

City Hall:

Fist City Hall (lots of architectural detail):

Cemetery next to King's Chapel:

Quincy Market:

Since it was Valentine’s Day, there were three artists creating ice sculptures. It was amazing to see them transform blocks of ice into works of art. Once their masterpieces were completed, it was open to the public for pictures.

Creation of ice sculptures outside Quincy Market:

The Big Dig:

The North Harbor

Samuel Adams & Cameron Douglas

MA State House:

Boston Common:

Beacon Street:

Home to the Celtics:

Desk

Before we were married, I knew that Cameron was very handy with house projects and that he had some carpentry skills. Our basement has become our multi-purpose room. It is not only being used for storage and laundry room, but it also became Cameron’s work shop. He surprised me by offering to build me a desk for our home office. The outcome was beyond my expectations and I love it! It is the perfect size, well built and it serves its purpose.

Here are a few pictures of the progress:

Cameron wanted to measure one more time to make sure the desk will fit properly:

It was tough getting the desk out of the basement, into the first floor, up the stairs, and into the office:

My desk!

Last weekend we had the opportunity to go into downtown Boston; I will post about that trip later.

Just a few pictures

We just wanted to share some pictures of when we went snow shoeing. That Sunday we got a foot of snow and it snowed all day. Cameron, Atenas and I decided to go out for a walk while it was still snowing.

Nancy bought Atenas a dog sling and she loves it. While we were still home, we wrapped her in a blanket and put her inside the sling so she could get used to it (she even fell asleep in it).

Cameron and I had to gear up; we put on skiing outfits and got ready for our walk. Atenas enjoyed being outside because she was kept warm and dry all the time.

Cameron leading the way:

Atenas is inside the sling (you can barely see her):

Notice the accumulation of snow sitting on the bench:

Due to the slushiness of the ice/snow, we decided to get her some booties and an insulated jacket (with reflectors). She’s slowly getting used to them because she now sees the benefits of wearing the proper gear.

Today we got about six inches of snow, then some freezing rain, then just rain, and tonight the temperature will be below freezing. I’m sure the roads, driveways and sidewalks will be pretty icy tomorrow.

Coldest day so far

I have to take Atenas outside first thing in the morning; and today, it was not very pleasant because it was really cold outside. We were 2ºF and it felt like -6ºF (per weather.com). Tonight’s low is -8ºF and I’m grateful that we won’t be outside to experience it.

Last Saturday we left a bottle of water in our car and tonight as we were driving to a restaurant nearby, we noticed that the water was completely frozen! Who needs a freezer up here during the winter if you can just leave your food outside and it will be all right? We haven’t had a day with temperatures above freezing for a while; the sun is out but it is not enough! Life here is very different than Texas but we are adjusting to this environment.

Last night we used our fireplace for the first time. Cameron got the wood ready and lit up the fire in no time. It was so warm and relaxing and the smell of the wood burning was so pleasant.

Our living room was one of the first rooms we got ready. The fireplace is burning and if you look closely you can see the fire extinguisher (just in case we need it).

Cameron built this console table last year and I love it. Unfortunately a leg broke during our move but it is still holding itself up on its own and Cameron will be able to fix it.

Getting ready for the snow

We’ve been enjoying the sun for the last few days, but tonight we are expecting four to eight inches of snow and tomorrow morning a few more. We bought a snow shovel today, so we won’t be borrowing our neighbors anymore.

This is our backyard and the road next to it leads to the conservation area.

During our morning walk (I had no idea Cameron was taking pictures):

We traveled to New Hampshire for our groceries (Sam’s and Wal Mart); we decided to go there because they were the closest we could find and the stores were right accross the street from each other (about 25 minutes from our house). Not only did we buy groceries, but we also bought snow shoes and a small coat for Atenas (she hates it and doesn't like wearing it). We are so excited about our snow shoes and hopefully we can try them out tomorrow!

Her new coat with reflectors:

Cameron trying to salvage some firewood and Atenas exloring new territory:

Nancy bought Atenas a bed while we were in Ohio and she loves it. She’s getting spoiled by her granny!

Surviving the cold weather

John was right, as long as we have the right gear to bundle up, we will be just fine in this cold weather!

Tuesday night it started snowing and Wednesday morning our driveway and our street had disappeared! They were covered in snow. We still don’t have a snow shovel so we had to borrow it (again) from our neighbor. I wanted to clear the driveway before Cameron came home from work because I wanted to impress him; it is a tough job and now I’m paying the price of shoveling snow (my arms and back are pretty sore but it was a good workout).

No driveway, no street, just snow:

The wind has been blowing pretty hard the last couple of days and that makes the weather feel colder. Cameron had to dig up thru his skiing gear this morning and got his wind proof jacket and snow gloves. Apparently we are expecting eight inches of snow on Sunday; we’ll se how that goes.

Atenas is slowly adjusting to the cold weather. We’ve been walking around the neighborhood and thru the snow. We still need to get her a sweater/coat and maybe some dog booties.

Here's Cameron walking Atenas (notice that he is wearing slippers and not snow boots):

On a different note, we are slowly making progress in unpacking and getting things organized. Cameron says we need to get the house ready before we can go out and have fun.

I’m also learning how to cook in an electric stove and thanks to the guidance of Nancy (my mom-in-law), I haven’t burned anything!