FriendsnFamily Plot

It's a Wrap!

2010-04-22T04:53:00.000-07:00

Wow - what a great day we had on Monday – clear, cool weather and an abundance of runners and fans out on the famed Boston Marathon course.

We started out as an excited crush of runners in Hopkinton – it took 15 minutes after start time for my group to reach the start line, and we were off, every person for himself. Settled into a good rhythm and enjoyed the bit from Hopkinton to about Mile 9, where the mind always starts to wander. Luckily I had my husband, son and parents to look forward to at the midpoint in Wellesley! After that, candidly, the race got harder for me. But I kept picturing your faces thinking, “no, I cannot get in a cab and ride to the finish line … I have to run this thing!

In the end I completed in 5:49 after thinking I could finish faster. Yes I was passed by a man wearing a cast on his leg! Must. Train. More.

I met my primary goals:

• I finished, running, and wasn’t the last person across the line
• Our group raised close to $40,000 and you supporters contributed $4,295 for tools for kids in school.

I wrapped up the race four pounds lighter than I started despite all the Gatorade, water, runner’s jelly beans, and orange slices along the way.

I also did what all good runners do after a distance … threw up on the way home and spent the rest of the day horizontal with my legs elevated!

What I love about this race: it’s Boston and that makes it special. The crowds are terrific, and die-hards. The Wellesley girls and BC students are especially well known for their energetic and vocal exhortation, but all along the route, cheerers shout your name and hold out their hands for you to palm on your way through, as if you are a hero. It’s incredibly personal.

Someone along the course asked, would you run it again. At first I thought No. But after a night’s reflection I realized, of course I would.

Thank you again for your support!

Road Tested

2010-04-18T19:47:00.000-07:00

OK, exactly 11 hours and 55 minutes to "starting gun" at 10:30am Eastern. I have run in all the gear. I have obsessively pinned the number -25361 - and the gummy beans and aspirin - to the exact right spots on my gear. The chip is on my shoe. Ready, right?

... right?! My parents are here to support the big day, along with Tom and Christian. I get the nerves the day before something like this and they have all been veerrrry patient. Either way, we raised something like $4,300 for the schools and combined with the other HEF runners the final total for our team this year will be something like $38,000 to $40,000 - not bad! That will buy a lot of good support for the kids. Thank you, you many many supporters at all levels who have made this possible!

This is what the starting line looks like. Only I'll be wearing something a little sportier and facing the other way:

There's a laurel wreath on the right hand side of that starting line and I'll be stepping on it (again) for good luck. Have a great day!

First 20-miler Complete

2010-03-21T17:08:00.000-07:00

Why this run is good:

The route: http://www.mapmyrun.com/route/us/ma/hingham/321126920896978639

7:28, Heading Out

2010-03-21T04:29:00.000-07:00

... to plant water and Gu. Planning same route as last post, with two mile extension. Sunny, 44 degrees.

First 18-Miler Completed, Yeah Baby!

2010-03-08T05:26:00.000-08:00

Stunning, sunny morning today. Hot coffee in hand. Walked with the girls at 5a today then blasted through shower, hair, costume and makeup. It's a work day. Hungry!

Completed first 18 miler yesterday during the 9a to 1p slot. I don’t know my actual time but yes it may have taken me about that long. Left a bit of myself out on the course and had to recuperate sitting on a bench in Elin’s garage, sipping water with my head between my legs. No worries, 18 miles following a rocky no-workout week, and as the increment from our 14 last weekend: I feel good about it.

There was a minimal amount of walking and refreshment for about a block right around mile 16, “the wall”. Or is mile 18 the wall? Walked the last couple of blocks into the neighborhood. Next time I’ll be stronger, and faster.

What’s working for me: Planting water and “chocolate outrage” Gu every 5 miles. Carrying small vitamin water in hand. Not only is it a mental aid, it helps me switch off pacing legs, left to right. Over the last half mile of the run I was switching off every five houses.

But I made it.

The run itself if a beautiful one: up winding Hersey street past New England cottages to Main. East on main past the grand homes, the fire station, ball fields, an ancient cemetery, the library. Up Kilby, which is quiet, to Rockland where the views open up to marshes and the Hull windmill. Past Victoria’s Sandwich Shop and the Greek Orthodox Church in sand-colored stone, bells tolling. Past the swan pond and then, glorious in front, the Atlantic Ocean and Jerusalem Avenue with its coastal mansions, winding lanes, and winter dunes shifting across the roads. The sun is out and so is everyone: bikers, runners, walkers with dogs and baby carriages. See-ers of sights and boys in small packs. The run wraps up at Cohasset harbor and Yacht Club, sparkling, too early in the season for much activity but warm enough to get the sap and the summer dreams fired up.

Woo-hoo. We’ll do this one again.

Legs, Get Back to Work

2010-03-06T17:17:00.000-08:00

Today’s workout completed, first since last Sunday. 5 miles. The legs still work. Stunning weather, I have to say – low 50’s and everyone is out, we can feel the sap beginning to flow here in New England.

Palate incident turned out to be a bigger deal than I first recognized. Off work most of the week, “razorblades and needles”. Lost my will to live for about twelve hours and resorted to a daytime dose of Tylenol PM! This was the morning after I had to put my fresh-off-the-grill wild salmon and rice dinner into the food processor in order to eat it. Now that is determination. Also I credit Tom’s good cooking.

The good news, I lost four pounds doing not much this week. Makes the running easier :) And this is what it looks like when you are really young and really trim, without a care in the world:

It's what I looked like after I came home and showered up. Okay, if it wasn't me perhaps it was my off spring.

The Curse Takes a Fall

2010-02-28T11:57:00.000-08:00

We tackle the Marathon course starting at Mile 12 – Wellesley College. I learn along the way that it’s quite an educational run … past Boston College, then Boston University, and finally Berklee College of Music. Can I earn my MBA just by running? Well, possibly not but I am happy to break the 12.25 mile curse and complete 14.1 or 14.2 miles at my rather steady pace. Afterward, no real pain or suffering, good news. Next weekend 16 miles, or 18, which is where we are really supposed to be at this point. Also it turns out that Heartbreak Hill, which lasts for about four miles, is really not too bad if you start your run at mile 12 rather than mile zero!

Photo: Maura Richards and I looking hot, or cool, or perhaps just relieved, after the run.

PS: it is officially spring, by my measures. My daffs are up about 1 inch, the maples are starting to bud out, and I watched a cardinal let his song rip from the top of one of our trees this morning for all the females to hear.

14 mile test run

2010-02-28T04:48:00.001-08:00

7:33a Preparing for 14 miler. Boston temperature: 33 degrees. I will be wearing yoga pants with a pocket, four tops, possibly some gloves, and my lucky hat.

Haven’t run as much as expected this week, minor complication, stomatitis, which essentially means that my mouth is falling apart on the inside. No problem, unless you want to eat, drink, or sleep. Aspirin helps. I have the “undoctor” – very rare to prescribe – she says this will clear itself (no timetable indicated). My friend says her father had this when he was recovering from chemo, which makes me feel both better, and worse. They give me a gargle recipe.

Our plan today is to run the Marathon route from Mile 12 (Wellesley) to end on Commonwealth Ave.

Not feeling as hydrated as I could right now but here we go.

On the Run

2010-02-24T04:39:00.000-08:00

Stardate: 2.24.2010 Marathon Days to Go: 54

Training update: 2.5 miles on the treadmill at 4:15 a.m. Treadmill says this is worth 410 calories. Sounds like calorie inflation but I’ll take it because I need to burn off that super-size 99 Burger I ate last night.

Marathon training overview: some of you know that I have been stuck at 12.25 miles for my long run for a while now. This was okay four or five weeks back when the memory of a couple of bouts with dehydration and hypothermia was still strong, and snow lay thick around us, and we still had three months of marathon training ahead.

Less okay now. Sunday night I made a new plan: start training the marathon route on weekends. Ramp up long run by two miles a week. Increase conditioning. Continue to wear lucky hat.

Good book just finished: OPEN by Andre Agassi. Inspirational and more than a few parallels between his training and mine (burgers, burnouts and lapses, followed by renewed commitment and focused training!)

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.

Blizzard Ahoy

2005-12-12T07:02:00.000-08:00

Today’s excitement included Machiavellian turf-protecting exercises inside the office, and a white-out afternoon blizzard that dropped six inches of snow downtown. The storm magically cleared just before the afternoon commute started, leaving bundled-up snow workers to do their jobs: plowing, shoveling, salting and setting out sandwich boards that read: watch for falling ice.

A few small differences between the Northwest and Boston:

You don't really want to drink the water here
It's perfectly acceptable to wear your moon boots to work, in fact you may be complimented on them
Many people don full length down coats that look as if they’re wearing their bedding around town
A ferry is not a ferry, it’s a "boat"
If you’re from the north, you say “nawth” and it sounds like a little bark

Tonight will be our first in the Hingham house. From the upstairs bedroom we see planes landing and taking off across Boston Harbor, just far enough away to be pretty and interesting. For six bucks we bought a grate that will tide us over until we can buy good andirons for our rough-hewn fireplace.

What Have We Gotten Ourselves Into!

2005-12-05T13:05:00.000-08:00

Here it is now

2005-12-05T04:48:00.000-08:00

Today we woke to a lovely snowfall out our hotel window. We’re on the 9th floor of the Boston Harbor Hotel, across from the Boston Fire Department. Buildings are wrapped in red ribbon, wreaths and lights adorn doorways and lobbies and bushes. It feels like something out of “Miracle on 34th Street”.

Though the three of us are never alone (hard to be, in one room, even though it’s a good size), I think we are a bit lonely. The phone isn’t ringing as much. And we’re not in a rhythm. We’ve been to the house a few times but it still feels like it needs “everything” so when we go we are just visiting.

Good things are happening, all the same. The interior paint, chosen in the dark, turned out just fine. The refinished floors gleam (and stink!). Of course we have a fine layer of dust on every surface because of the sanding. As we clean up and put outlet covers back on and oil the woodwork, the place starts to look a little bit like a home.

Christian is acting a bit crazy, just what you would expect from a displaced two year old!

For fun today we picked up our new closet fixins at the Container Store, and had a professional photographer over to take Christian’s two year photos. We loved her (Roxana Perdue, you can google her). Her husband Steve (architecture grad student, MIT) was great too.

Cross your fingers that the furniture arrives soon, and in good shape.

Above ... Tony and Christine at Christian's birthday party!

The Big Day

2005-11-28T06:40:00.000-08:00

We've survived the holiday, close contact with lots of family always mutually wonderful and wonder-inspiring. Thanks Mom and Dad for putting us up for the night. Thanks Kati for a super turkey and the organizers and cleaner-uppers for a great meal.

We spent Friday night at the cabin, snoozing Saturday afternoon to the sound of hard rain and even hail. The cabin was everything we love about it: cozy around the crackling fire, the river came up a few feet while we were there, swirling and browning in the rain; Lance Lambert got to lounge inside and cause havoc. Our pals the Joly's were next door with Mom Gloria and the two beautiful girls, Kendra and Kirya ... and those other girls of course, Chloe and Chanel.

Yesterday afternoon friends started to trickle by the house. They all said the same thing, "I didn't come by for the COME N GET IT -- I just wanted to see you!" Amazingly though our garage was empty after they left ... just as we wanted it to be.

John and Sheila brought us tasty pizza and hung with us and a few friends as we caught up on last minute details. Thank you!

And in an hour or two the packers will be here. I have a feeling we will suddenly realize we aren't quite ready! Will make for an interesting few days.

Ten Reasons ...

2005-11-23T04:26:00.000-08:00

... you might leave a comment on one of our posts (see comment line below):

so we know you've been here
because it's easy
you can leave a little note of your own
you can tell us what you are up to
it only takes a minute
it can be about anything
to improve your internet skills
so we know you are thinking about us
because you have something to say
so we know you've been here

Monday Morning Madness

2005-11-21T05:47:00.000-08:00

In the countdown -- next week about this time we'll be kicked out of the house as the packers and movers take over.

We've socialized more in the last few days than I think we've managed in the nearly two years since returning to Portland with our "little bundle". My friend Darren McPherson made his way from Auburn to us for the birthday party and spent the night, joining in for an impromptu breakfast on the bay at Annette & Christian's Saturday morning. Lisa Van Winkle, who shares my early start in the brokerage business, stopped by for a few hours of catch up in the afternoon while Christian slept and slept (the binky has returned) and Tom rode bikes on Sauvie Island with Ed and Vern. Lisa's two boys are 11 and 13 ... "early independents" ... and her family is doing well.

Tom and I had a few delicious hours at the cabin Sunday, slowly gathering up clothes and ski gear as the fire crackled in our hearth. Outside the air was crisp and clear. We debated taking a walk along the river but chores at home beckoned and we eventually stirred the dying embers, pulled the drapes closed and locked up the door. It would have been the hugely sentimental moment it sounds like, but we'll be back on the weekend for an overnight stay and one last supper with the neighbors.

Bert's Birthday

2005-11-19T08:44:00.000-08:00

Our little guy has turned TWO ... last night we hijacked his birthday for the final time and had 40 or 50 of his closest friends over for balloons, cake and chitchat. Next year he'll be old enough to know what we are up to and demand age-appropriate activities and friends at the party!

Demolition is Delicious

2005-11-17T05:04:00.000-08:00

"The boat", as they call it here, provides a great segueway to and from work. Yesterday afternoon's ride across Boston Harbor to Hingham Bay was peaceful; imagine sitting at a ferry table watching the landscape slide by as you clean out your email or wrap up the last bit of a project. I'm starting to feel the rocking just describing it.

Our mission: get to the house before dark to try out the paint samples and make sure they go with the carpet samples before we order.

I leave work at 3, but it's 4:20 before we get there and night is definitely falling. We slap some paint on the walls "too yellow!" the next trial color is green but interestingly the shade seems to vary from a silvery sage to a golden grass green depending on which room we're in and which light we're standing under. Already the house is pitch black inside. The color is called "chardonnay white" which doesn't even hint at what the manufacturer was thinking it might look like on a wall.

Christian plays with his motorized airplane in the next room.

In the dark and unnatural light, the worst way to test or choose anything, we agree the green will have to do. In two weeks' time when we're back it will be anyone's guess as to whether the choice is inspired or hideous. Oh, the anticipation.

The new opening and arch in the dining room, roughed in in drywall, look fabulous. We'd agonized over that too (six inches wider, twelve inches wider, I had to remind Tom that sometimes six inches was more than enough).

After a crazed dinner at a local Italian chain we headed to the hotel and bed. Christian's restaurant antics get more interesting by the meal.

In Boston, Temporarily

2005-11-16T05:11:00.000-08:00

TGIW ... it's been a busy week already.

We closed on the house Monday morning, early. I spent a few hours alone in the house Monday afternoon thinking, "we paid that for this?!" As we've said, it needs a bit of work. Without furniture new little projects have made themselves visible. Yikes.

By Tuesday we'd already gotten a small amount of (intended) demolition accomplished and colors and styles sorted out for paint and carpet.

Christian and Tom have been men about town taking care of assorted move-related business punctuated by play time and naps while Lisa gets situated in her new office. The Bert has been such a great sport but travel and separation from his own bed/house/toys/routine are taking their toll. That plus the normal constant two-year-old testing of everything have led to a slight decline in behavior!

It's an interesting phase for Tom and I. We find ourselves fighting strong instinctual responses in order to remain calm, repeating such phrases as "no climbing on the table please", "please don't eat those crayons, you're making yourself sick", "drink the water please, don't play in it" and the classic, "I really mean it, no climbing on the table!"

Poor Christian has gotten to the point where the sight of a high chair and waitress bring despair. I think he wants to eat a meal at home.

The New Place

2005-11-11T18:03:00.000-08:00

For those of you, and I think there aren't many, who haven't seen the new place, here it is. We fly out this weekend, do our walkthrough Monday morning, and close sometime before noon. Then, for a short and very exciting (read: anxiety-ridden) time we will be quite asset-rich and cash poor. Tom is rushing me out the door, more later.

Dinner at Billybang's

2005-11-09T18:26:00.000-08:00

Doesn't he make it look tasty. We had a great dinner last week at Uncle Pauly's Billybangs Restaurant in John's Landing.

I have to recommend the Thai (ahi) Tuna Salad. It was awesome. Tom's a fan of the hanger steak. I think Christian would vote for the watermelon.

If you need an islandy casual dinner on a rainy night, this is the place to go.

Alameda!

2005-11-08T18:55:00.000-08:00

The Alameda office of State Street Analytics has to be one of the most dedicated and fun groups I've ever worked with. We've spent many many days and more than a few nights "doing what it takes" to look after our clients and their interests. "Until we meet again" ... or, more realistically, "until I have a reason to call and pester you." You guys are the best.

Beep Beep Bye - 2nd Farewell Tour

2005-11-06T18:06:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all those who joined us at Annette and Christian's for a few minutes of Sunday afternoon socializing. We realized late in the game that a few of you may not have received your Evites. If you did not, our apologies, we may have some outdated information for you ... and we know that for a few of you the Evite didn't work even with current info!

At 6:09 pm we can say that Christian is already in bed for the night, Lisa is wearing her blue striped jammies, and Tom is well ensconced on the couch ...

Big kudos to Annette, Christian and Patty the hosts. Brunch was delicious, cozy inside with threatening clouds on the horizon.

Next event: Christian's 2 year birthday party. 11/18, 6-8pm at the Lamberts. No gifts unless you absolutely must. Cake, hors d'oeuvres. Don't wait to be invited, just rsvp yourself in. We can't be trusted to reach you under the circumstances. Be here.

Welcome to Our Blog

2005-11-06T08:51:00.000-08:00

"FriendsnFamily Plot"

This will be our stomping grounds for keeping you posted on our what-abouts. We hope to hear from you too!

(Mommy's in the picture too, she's just on the other side of the camera)