Hello 2016!

Happy New Year everyone!

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you a very merry Christmas!  Weather in Quincy is expected to be unseasonably warm and may smash temperature records for Christmas Eve. 

Grateful Gifts

I am simply grateful that we pause and give thanks. 

These apples did not receive a pardon . . . they will be made into pie.

Eleven, Eleven, Eleven

Today is a legal holiday in the United States.  Veterans Day is a day dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day."

Let Us Eat Pie!

Making blueberry pie is part of my Thanksgiving tradition.  This year's version was particularly yummy (if I do say so myself).

Honoring Those Who Have Served

This anchor is beautifully rendered in stone (Quincy granite) at the Mount Wollaston Cemetery.  My father served on a mine sweeper in WWII and this post honors him and all who have served our country.

America's Independence Day, 2014

AJ is holding one of Montillio's special 4th of July cakes.  Montillios Bakery is located on Adams Street . . . hmmm . . . Adams . . . the bakery is located down the street from the Adams National Historic Site where John Adams, a leader of the independence movement, resided.

A Moment to Pause and Remember . . .

Memorial Day is the federal holiday set aside each May to remember all the armed forces men and women who died while serving our country.  The Badger family was a very prominent Quincy family involved in the granite industry.  In August of 1862, Ezra Badger enlisted in the Civil war as a soldier in company D, 39th Massachusetts infantry regiment.  He was 64 years old!   At enlistment, he held the rank of wagoner, and mustered out 2 months later. 

Sew Fantastic

Sewing is not as commonplace in my corner of the world as it once was.  I was delighted to see this display of vintage sewing machines in a trendy upscale clothing store on Newbury Street in Boston.  It reminded me of my mother and her skill and talent as a seamstress.  She took pride in her appearance and was a fashionista of sorts; I never saw her in sloppy sweats, jeans or house dresses.  I don't think she would approve of the "throw-away" fashions of today.   Happy Mothers's Day to all!

Time for Gratitude

Raspberry pie has always been part of my family tradition at Thanksgiving. 

Honor The Vets

Ellen Sullivan Bryan's grave marker would also have been appropriate to post on the last Sunday in September or "Gold Star Mothers Day."   She was Quincy's first Gold Star Mother whose son, George, was killed in action in the First World War.  VFW Post 613 in Quincy is named for Ellen Bryan's son.  Today is the day set aside to honor all our veterans and the mothers who made the supreme sacrifice.

Happy Birthday America!

You are looking into the grand archway of the Boston Harbor Hotel where a gigantic flag waves gracefully during this national holiday.  America's independence movement began in Boston more than 200 years ago.   "This Old House" will resume next Thursday.

Memorial Day Observed

Today is a United States federal holiday; we remember the men and women who died while serving their country.  Many Americans will visit cemeteries and place flags on the graves of those who have served us and passed on.

Lights All Aglow . . .

Thanksgiving, 2012

Raspberry pie is a traditional food at my family's Thanksgiving feast.

Honor

Today, Veterans Day, we pause to honor all American veterans wherever and whenever they served our country.

Justice, Honor, Strength

This bronze relief on a monument to the International Hod Carriers Labor Union (Laborers International Union), is located in Mount Wollaston Cemetery and seems like a fitting post for acknowledging this national holiday.

Final Summer Holiday

This is officially the last weekend of the summer here.   This view of the Boston Harbor Islands and surrounding coastal areas is from Sea Street in Adams Shore.   Enjoy every moment of this Labor Day Weekend!

Fourth of July

Happy Birthday, America!  Today's photo was captured at Merrymount Park.

Fun Fourth Facts:  Three American presidents died on July 4th and one president was born on this day. Do you know the 4 names?  The answers will appear in the "comment" section later today (after the fireworks).

Father & Son

To all the dads out there:  Happy Father's Day!