FriendsnFamily Plot

The Blog is Alive

2009-10-15T10:23:00.000-07:00

Coming Soon to a City Near You

2006-02-23T04:44:00.000-08:00

It's dog to the kennel and off to the airport as we fly cross-country to Oregon for a week's vacation, March 3-12.

Did you want to get together, want to throw a party, want to have us over? We'll be at the cabin part of the time and in town part of the time, very few plans set in stone as yet. Call! 617-959-7246 or email lisa@massena.com.

Meanwhile this week is flying by. Work work work and a short trip to NYC to visit our offices there. They happen to be right next to the World Trade Center site - Ground Zero - one of the gentlemen in our office shared a story of seeing the whole thing from the Bankers Trust bulding next door while waiting for clients. When the second plane hit, we all headed for the lobby, he said, but it was on the second floor and we were stuck, packed in eye to elbow. They eventually got out through a second story window.

Ground Zero itself now looks like an ordinary, clean construction site - with orange cones dotting the outline of what used to be the two Trade Center towers.

Anecdotal stories float through Boston as well. My neighbor tells me the story of two families on the north shore whose children played together every day, including the occasional sleepover. One woman decided to go to New York for a getaway, but the second pleaded with her: I'm just saying, please don't go. The day of 9/11 the second woman and her family vanished, leaving everything behind. Where did you hear this story, I ask. I know a woman in church who knows the family, my neighbor says.

She tells me another story of a man in our neighborhood whose wife was chastising him as he raced for the airport to slow down, you're going to kill yourself. He got caught behind road works equipment in traffic, missing his plane by moments. His colleagues made the plane, bound for New York; it was a 9/11 plane. Later he spoke on their behalf at memorial services. His son attends the school where my neighbor works.

Sunday

2006-02-19T09:05:00.000-08:00

For a while I let myself indulge in the fantasy that on this cold, sunny afternoon as music is playing and I'm folding sheets and Bert is juggling legos on the couch that the doorbell will ring and over will stop my mom, or one of my sisters or girlfriends, for a hot drink and a casual chat in between weekend commitments. It's a nice feeling, and then I think, they're 3,000 miles away - it's not going to happen! But still we are having fun.

We start our day with a bath and a little firedrill (poo-poo in the tub about five seconds after this picture was taken, no wondering he is smiling), followed by breakfast out at Stars. Then we convince Papa Tom that it's a good time to hang the new shelves and rods in the basement so we can organize our ski and out of season clothes down there. When we're done it looks fabulous.

While he heads out to the boat show promising not to pull a "Joly" on me (that's when you come home with a receipt for a new boat), we tidy up the house and Christian goes down for a nap. It's a very domestic day, and about eight degrees out.

Blackberry Calling

2006-02-09T03:40:00.000-08:00

My phone keeps calling people! Patty, Annette, my parents. Unfortunately it seems to generally happen at about 4am their time so I'm guessing the calls are less than welcome. Does this mean I have to remove you all from my one-touch dialling?

Our friend Craig Dent is coming for a visit after several days in Washington, lobbying. We're looking forward to using our guest room for the first time, and spending some time with him.

Well I'm staring out the window at a beautiful, cold sunrise, which means I should get up, get beautiful, and get to work. Off we go.

Fish On!

2006-02-05T14:27:00.000-08:00

It's a happy day for a kid when new pets join the family. Welcome the two new catfish and orange and black goldfish now warming up on center stage. In fact the experience is so lovely even Lance the dog gets a kiss (below).

We've been experiencing Northwest-like warm, wet weather, and it has all the Easterners grumpy, as in "wow, we get to have the worst month of winter three months in a row!" Welcome to our lives, friends.

Still the clouds broke and the sky cleared long enough for Tom to don a sexy cycling outfit and sprint off for a few moments over the afternoon. Lisa thought she might do the same on foot but here it is, dark as night at 5:36 and no workout gear in sight ...

However in honor of the Seachickens and Superbowl, ribs, asparagus and peppers are a-grillin' downstairs.

Victimless Crimes

2006-02-02T17:26:00.000-08:00

So Tricia the neighbor has been inducted into the early morning regime, 5:14 sharp. So far we've subsisted on walking walking walking, thoroughly enjoyed by Lance Lambert, the dog.

Lance, as it turns out, is a connoisseur of scent. When something particularly lovely (ie stinky) finds its way into his path, he stops, cups his giant soft wet hanging dog lips around it and inhales snif-snif-snif the scent through his nose into the far reaches of the back of his brain. If he were human, I believe he would be another Robert Parker.

Speaking of Parker, his Wine Spectator has rated Joseph Phelps Vineyards' Insignia 2003 the #1 wine in the world. This is only meaningful (to us) because we were trying to get some before the article came out. A few days ago Tom said to me "I think our local wine guy is holding out on me". And then, we learn of the article. We have sent a hail mary to CFO Dave Lockwood, our man in a pinch. Stay tuned.

Back to that walk. Today victim Tricia said to me, you know, despite walking every day this week I am just not feeling sore the way I thought I would. I had to agree. But you know, tonight that sore feeling kinda kicked in. Then I remembered yesterday, when I went sliding onto my patooty in the driveway first thing in the morning because I'd ventured out boldly in running shoes onto the icey blacktop.

Tomorrow, we run.

Another Saturday Night

2006-01-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

We broke down in desperation for some socialization and had all our neighbors over for a BBQ on Saturday night. Weather cooperated beautifully. The get-together also gave me an excuse to buy two chairs we've been needing for our fireplace area. Now I just need a soft blanket and a mohair pillow or two. Of course the folks are pretty interesting, everyone has a little different focus and most are Massachusetts natives.

Dick and Harriet right next door have been in the neighborhood since 1964. She couldn't attend but sent over so much great food we didn't need to have done anything else! Kevin and Trish across the street brought a scratch-baked chocolate cake. Laura and Roger, just behind us, brought a cheese plate and two darling little boys. Chris and Jessica, who own the beautiful red house at the entrance to our neighborhood, left their cute boxer Rocky at home so enjoyed Lance Lambert instead.

Trish signed up for my early morning regimen of walking and running; with a partner let's see if I can be a little more faithful. Lance sure loves it! Over the weekend Tom also found a group of riders he enjoys -- good news on that front as well.

We are setting up a fishtank for the little squirt in our living/sitting room. Pretty excited about it. I want saltwater fish (Nemo! Nemo!) however it's impractical with the type of tank we have (tall and square) so we'll go with goldfish and whatnot. I think Christian will love it.

Martha's Vineyard in Winter

2006-01-16T18:57:00.000-08:00

We visit Martha's Vineyard over the weekend, staying at Tashmoo Cottage. At first we think, what's to like about this place? It's an odd mix of woods and, may I say, unkempt neighborhoods that feel like Wemme, transplanted to an island. The weather has us hunkered down, and the cottage we're staying in has a delightful beachy feel, sandwiched in the woods between two ... residences. So you've gotten out of town, you're just in someone else's town, if you know what I mean.

Sure, John Belushi is buried there, at Abel's Hill cemetery on the south side of the island. He and his wife fell in love with the place just before Saturday Night Live propelled him to fame; he's buried near Lillian Hellman I now know, but didn't know to look for her on Monday. His headstone, opposite the rock you see, reads "I may be gone but Rock and Roll lives on". The former Mrs. Belushi has just opened a gallery just off main street up from the ferry, and published Belushi: a biography.

Just up the road from here is a promontory called Gay Head, newly renamed Aquinnah by the Wampanoag Indians. JFK junior's plane went down six miles off shore of Aquinnah, within spitting distance of the island airport. When you're in Aquinnah, and as you drive out to the lighthouse, you come to feel more and more remote. Jackie O maintained a house here until 1994; I imagine it as a place you would go to be away from everything.

The island is shaped like a relaxed triangle - Vineyard Haven and the ferry at the top, Aquinnah/Gay Head in the lower left corner. We discovered our favorite spot, Edgartown, across the bottom of the triangle, facing the sea and Nantucket. Edgartown has a little connected island (is that still an island) - Chappaquiddick - which you reach by ferry.

The Chappy Ferry is a small open air barge that holds three vehicles, tops, and takes less than a minute to complete the crossing. We started with an innocent exploration of the stunning parks at the furthest edge of Chappaquiddick (ten minutes' drive, maybe five), but found we couldn't resist looking for the famous bridge that was the site of Teddy's bad night (a much worse night for Mary Jo). The bridge is much smaller and more immediate in person than it could ever appear in a photo -- a few car-lengths. Here, we are facing back toward the island and away from the ocean, which is just a few yards behind us over a duney beach. Amazingly, Kennedy was staying in a cottage 15 minutes' walk to the left of this. Murderously poor judgment, and here is an interesting link: http://www.ytedk.com/chapter1.htm

Trips Ahoy

2006-01-14T05:10:00.000-08:00

We're headed to Martha's Vineyard, the infamous island where "everything in the world has happened once, and some things twice" ... including Chappaquiddick and Aquinnah for the Kennedy family.

We'll be at the Tashmoo Cottage, which I would have chosen just for the name, even if it didn't look beach cozy.

It's raining today. The ferry leaves in two hours, an hour and half from here, better get going.

The Best Cracker I Ever Ate

2006-01-09T03:09:00.000-08:00

At Stars Restaurant, in Hingham, Sunday morning.

Christian loves the French toast, as well as anything that is on your plate.

Right now he's testing us to see if he'll really get in trouble if he stands on the high chair.

Hee hee.

License to Thrill

2006-01-08T03:05:00.000-08:00

We are rarely mistaken for locals, but now our car blends in.

Tom's is even better; he's sporting a Red Sox plate on the truck.

Where Ya Been?

2006-01-06T04:54:00.000-08:00

Yes, the Blog took a holiday over the holidays.

So we still have our tree up, but we keep an eye on the neighbors. When they take theirs down we're taking ours down. Tom heard yesterday that the 6th is the official last day you can tastefully have your decorations still visible. So I guess the ole tree gets an unplug tonight.

Oh, and, we got a new Dell for Christmas, felt like geniuses when we got it set up and files transferred from old (very full) to new computer. Expect to see photos on the blog again now that we can actually take them off our camera chip and load them to the computer.

In the spirit of the new year we've resurrected the "health log" where we track such virtuous activities as exercise, meditation, and glasses of water. This is a bit anal, but nothing like the truth staring back at you to get you to change something you are doing. Six whole days into the year, it seems to be working :o

We found someone with a rustic ski cabin in Vermont willing to lend it to us. Stay tuned!

See posts below this one for news from other friends and family.

Shaula Sez

2006-01-05T16:08:00.000-08:00

We went up to whistler for our usual holiday ski trip. It rained the week before we got there and then turned to snow. Pile the powder on... over the ice. The conditions somewhat exceeded Shaula's skills and she spent her first day out being a champion side-slipper, after the full hour of lift lines just getting up the mountain above the freezing line. We spend the next two days relaxing and reading.

We got up one more day of massive powder, Darrin had a great day with his buddy and Shaula got in a few green runs that felt appropriately challenging. Lessons definitely needed. We then went to Vancouver for two nights, spent a day exploring parts new to us and met several fellow BGI students for dinner one night.

Now we're back home ready to hit the books and the keyboard. Congratulations to Tom on his duck, we look forward to a chance to come see.

Josie Sez

2006-01-05T03:11:00.000-08:00

I have been doing well. I went to Sunriver with a group of 15 friends over New Years.

I tried snowshoeing for the first time on Bachelor and it was fun! We went to The Great Bash in The Great Hall at Sunriver for New Years Eve and had a great time. Attached are a few photos from the trip. I'm taking a week off this month and planning to go to San Francisco for three days, then do home improvement projects for the remainder of the week. I can't take two weeks off this month or I would take a trip to Boston. Hopefully I can visit within the next 3 months.

Kate Sez

2006-01-03T05:41:00.000-08:00

Ooops - to answer your questions....

Had a great Christmas. Just stayed here and had friends over and made a killer Cioppino. It was really fun.

Birthday was great. My sis, Rebecca, that I am closest to, came down for a couple of days - we had a blast.

Thanks for asking. I hope your Christmas was great - but how can it not be when seen through the eyes of a child!

Keri Sez

2006-01-01T05:14:00.000-08:00

Hi, Lisa, how are you guys? Did you have a nice Christmas? We sure missed you.

Are you getting settled in okay? Learning your way about town? I’m looking forward to visiting sometime. All I’ve seen of the East Coast is the inside of JFK, as I’m sure you know, that isn’t much.

I’d love to hear how the new job is going and your impressions of Boston. I’m sure it’s as entertaining as the emails Andrew has been sending from Thailand and beyond. Take care and I hope to hear from you soon.

P.S. Squeeze Baby Bert for me!!!!

Martin Sez

2005-12-24T05:19:00.000-08:00

What? No Christmas card! What is your excuse? Don’t tell me it has to do with moving across the country, starting a new job, moving into a new house, and taking care of Tom and a toddler. You have plenty of time to get ready for the holidays, and get out cards. You spend about a third of your day asleep. Just put that time to a better use.

Things are back to normal around here. The cold weather ended and its been raining like hell. The Holidays are getting more hectic, and I’m glad its approaching the last week. Most of the shopping is done, and I get to spend the afternoon wrapping presents. What fun!. We are heading down to Medford tomorrow to spend Christmas with my mother, brother’s and sister’s families. It will be a working weekend for me. I’ve got work on the way down and back from Medford and work while I’m there. Its somewhat self imposed because I hate sitting around.

Have a great holiday

Eve of Christmas Eve

2005-12-23T18:36:00.000-08:00

We find ourselves at dinner in Scituate Harbor, at a restaurant that costs more than it should and whose food could be much better, reminding Christian for the 40,000th time to SIT in his high chair.

What must it be like to be two, with boundless energy and all these useless adult activities controlling your environment. Wouldn't it be better to hurl trucks across the room and shout new words at the top of your voice and see if you really will tip over if you stand up there like that.

Everyone is tired beyond belief. A quiet Christmas is just what we need.

Judy Sez

2005-12-23T17:21:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from San Juan PR!

We board the ship tomorrow for our winter vacation. It is 80 degrees today and we are loving it!!!

Have a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous new year. We send our love, Judith, Charles and Charlie

Massenas at Play

2005-12-23T08:54:00.000-08:00

A few times a year we get to spend the night in Auburn, relaxing with family at the old homestead.

For those of you who’ve never been there, my parents’ place is tucked away in an increasingly-neighbored area that was once five-acre parcels a few miles south of town. The place is a farm, of sorts, but many think “menagerie” is a better description. Rounding the bend and coming up the drive, you’ll be greeted by rare French sheep and a few llama, an Egyptian goose, and Aristotle the xx dog. Inside the house the headcount goes down; these days it’s mainly made up of tropical birds, my brother Justin, and my parents, Sharon and Bill.

We got a chance to stay over Friday night, after a long flight from East to West. Our sleep was gentle and deep, if a bit short, and dawn found us organizing ourselves for the next leg of our trip.

Before I was out of the shower, I could hear Christian down the hall sorting through the toy bin, Dad’s voice exclaiming happily as they played together. A few minutes later Mom had joined in, watching the little trooper scatter balls and gadgets all over the family room floor. A bit later Keri came over and Justin rousted, early and welcome.

The morning had a certain rightness to it, a sense of goodness. Can there be anything nicer than listening to your son play with his grandparents, aunt and uncle while you pad around the house in your jammies?

Corinne Sez

2005-12-22T05:22:00.000-08:00

Hi there, we are busy changing the computers around and got a new big screen TV so, all our electronics have been disconnected to connected....

Boy. could we pack more stuff in a week of christmas. We are also having an open house on C Eve. So i am preparing the starters today for that.

Our tree has been up for a week or so. Looks cute. I am sending a phot via mail of Tayleigh with one of her many xmas outfits.

I have been on a shoe craze bought three pair. what is up with that one pair is a wedge and in denim, don't know when I will get to wear it but love. the others are flats.

How far are you from Andover. I am some freinds who live there from my old
neighborhood when i was young, i still keep in touch with. Love, C

Lambert Family Fun

2005-12-20T06:23:00.000-08:00

Over the weekend the Lambert clan and close friends, a crowd of about 80 despite the threat of winter storms, gathered in Newberg to celebrate the golden anniversary of Gene and Clare. Now, 50 years of togetherness is quite a feat for grown adults, and there were many children and grandchildren to show off, and old friends -- no wait, long time friends -- to catch up with.

Clare was looking lovely in blue, and I believe blushed like a bride when she cut the cake. Gene contributed a great slide show and family T-shirts to the event, and committed to taking Clare on a second honeymoon. Maybe somewhere warm?

The boys gave their parents a beautiful Annie-glass oval plate edged in gold, and etched with the anniversary date. Guests at the party were "framed" for picture taking, gluing their photos into a memory book with hellos and signatures.

Thank you to everyone who helped out -- Aunt Ginny and Dean, Gerri Lynn and Tim and Ted and Denise and Aunt Vi and many others ... your efforts were greatly appreciated! Thanks too for braving the winter weather, we loved seeing you all.

On the Hingham Ferry

2005-12-15T06:01:00.000-08:00

I learned this morning that when you spill coffee here in winter (“it’s not even winter yet!” people proclaim, almost proudly) it’s hard to hide because it freezes to your clothes before you can wipe it away.

Feeling a bit “fifty cents short and a half day late”. We’ve accomplished so much but energy waned last night; after dinner we went straight to bed. Slept until seven and could have gone longer. Consequently I barked my shin on a big box of toiletries on my way into the bathroom, forgot to shampoo my hair, cringed at the clutter scattered around the master bedroom (are those my books, is that my suitcase ralphing clothes), couldn’t print the list of window coverers or directions to Quincy (where is the secret box of power cords, our keyboard, our backup drive), couldn’t find a watch (is that on the bedroom floor too), left the car running in the drive for twenty minutes, and experienced a deep sense of dismay as the ferry pulled out just as I stepped onto the ramp. But good news! It was the boat before my boat. So I am actually on time.

Today it was very sweet hearing Christian wake up and start calling from his warm bedroom (does he have a smoke alarm in there). Lance is a bit lost living in the house; he’ll get a little time in the park today (where is our chuck-it).

My seatmate tells me when it gets really cold the sky becomes a particular shade of deep brilliant blue you never see anywhere else. Something to look forward to.

Tidbit

2005-12-14T06:53:00.000-08:00

Why people in the East walk so fast: it's so cold, if you stop moving you'll freeze in place.

And, you're probably jaywalking anyway.

Kitchen Reality Bites

2005-12-13T14:15:00.000-08:00

From Friday night:

After yesterday’s tidy uncrating of all our household goods the unpackers came today. Their job is to open all the boxes, set everything out on a flat surface, and take away all the shipping material. They had to stop at the kitchen because there were no more surfaces left; we have a little work in front of us.

The kitchen itself has about two cupboards into which we are to settle all our gear. You should have seen both of us looking everywhere for a space big enough to hold a pot or pan. We were still looking and a bit mystified when we left last night. Our new housekeeper blew up the built-in microwave during its initial cleaning. The microwave sits above a rather unattractive electric stove. Not far away is a chintzy tin sink, befriended by an old black dishwasher and unmatched white freezer-top refrigerator. The whole thing is surrounded by the sad sack cupboards that have clearly seen better days.

Actually since our family room furniture takes up most of the kitchen space, you can hardly see the kitchen anyway.

Well the boat driver is either doing some very creative work, or we are nearing Hingham and working our way around a buoy at top speed.

More later.