A historic walk

This morning was pretty chilly (nearly 22 degrees) but that didn’t stop us from walking around in the woods. Most of the snow is gone but the trail where we walked still has some ice. We were well prepared for our walk since we brought along the cleats that Nancy gave us a while back. The cleats are great and they gave us traction as we walked on the ice (Atenas was the only one sliding but she didn’t mind).

We walked on the old railroad bed. Atenas was running around and enjoyed sniffing around all the new smells that came out since the snow melted. We walked less than a mile when the railroad bed came to an end and we decided to take a right turn. We came across the Old Manse which was built in 1770 by Rev. William Emerson. Rev. Emerson and his family witnessed the fight at the North Bridge which was the opening battle of the American Revolution. We knew we lived in a very historic place, but hadn’t realized we were SO close to where it all began!

The Old Manse:

This bridge is a recent restoration (summer 2005) of the bridge build in 1956. The 1956 bridge is the fifth bridge built there; the original “battle bridge” of 1775 was taken down in 1788.

The North Bridge:

Civil war cannons were melted to create this cast bronze sculpture:

Is spring around the corner?

Locals say that when winter is almost over, we usually get a bad winter storm. Hopefully last Monday’s winter storm was the last one of the season! We shoveled the driveway four times on Monday and were pretty sore the next day. I shoveled a path in our backyard so that Atenas could walk thru it into the back road. The back road rarely has traffic so it is perfect for her to run around and explore the territory.

This morning, Cameron, Atenas and I walked around the crop fields behind our house and into the woods. We walked in what appears to be an old railroad bed and we also crossed a small stream (the sound of running water is so calming). The weather was perfect and most of the snow is thawing out; we ended up with our boots all muddy and wet but it was worth it! We were pretty hungry by the end of our walk and had our traditional Saturday breakfast: pancakes.

Here are some pictures that were taken last Tuesday.

This is the path that I shoveled in our backyard. Atenas was right behind me as I was shoveling; I guess she was anxious to run around in the back road:

This is on our way to the old railroad bed:

The crop fields and our house (in the middle):

On the old railroad bed:

Atenas’s tiny paw prints:

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.