Something New.....

I am very pleased to introduce my guest blogger for today, Larry.  (I think we're onto something here!)

I don’t always get to join the Sunday morning walks, but when I am able, I’m glad to do so. 

So why do I walk? 

I began participating in these walks primarily because I thought it would be a nice opportunity for good exercise, and it has certainly been that, but it has also been much more.  As we leave Netherlands Road and head out in any one of several directions, I can always appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds us and the incredibly diverse architecture in our community. 

And even more importantly, there are the people.   I have had the opportunity to get to know good friends even better, and I’ve made some wonderful new friends.  The discussions have been great, ranging from the frivolous to the serious, and touching on all kinds of subjects:  family, health, nature, the weather, Temple, politics, sports, current events.  On every walk, I learn something new, and on every walk, there’s always at least one good laugh.

Ellen, Lynn and I circled Jamaica Pond this past Sunday, enjoying ideal weather conditions and lovely conversation touching upon a number of subjects.  As I try to do on every walk, I like to observe the people who walk by in the other direction, and on this particular Sunday, we saw individuals and families of every ethnicity and age, of every size and shape, and of every sexual orientation.  This highly diverse group of people had one thing in common:  they were all living together in peace as they enjoyed one another and communed with Nature on a beautiful June day.

For all of the strife and discord that there is in the world, it was just a nice reminder that human beings are capable of living together in peace.  This highly diverse group numbering at least 500 proved it this past Sunday morning.

Thanks so much, Ellen, for organizing these walks.

Warmest regards to all,

Larry

PS:  Heartiest congratulations upon the engagement of Advah, Ellen’s elder daughter!  We all look forward to receiving our wedding invitations for August 2015!

Lynn, Ellen, and Larry (in that order :)

The Day of 97 Years

Hello.  It's the second day of February.  It was like Spring this morning, really it was.  Now it looks like gloom out there.  Larry, Diane, Gail and I walked to Jamaica Pond this morning.  We opted not to go all the way around but partway was great.  We still got in about 3 miles we figured.  

What is 97 years all about, you ask?  Well, I'll tell you.  We discovered that we each have a grandparent who lived to that ripe old age!  Pretty amazing on it's own but wait til you hear about Gail's grandfather.  He divorced his 3rd wife when he was 96!  First divorce in the family, what a scandal that must have been!  And Diane's grandfather smoked 5 packs of cigarettes a day--or maybe that was her father.  But her grandfather and Larry's both smoked and I believe I remember hearing about a glass or 2 (or 3) of whiskey in there somewhere.  I didn't actually have anyone live to 97 in my family, there actually isn't much longevity there.  But I have high hopes that the diseases which took my parents and grandparents--none of which were hereditary--will long be cured before my time comes.  And if you add up my father's 34 years and my mother's 65, you get 99.  I don't smoke (any more) and I don't drink (too much) and I eat well (between sugar cravings) so I just may last forever! (did you hear that universe?!!)

You may recall this photo.  Or not.  I'm recycling photos because I just didn't have it in me to pull out my phone for any photo opps.  Should have asked Gail to do it....oh, no, she was struggling with her new iPhone just receiving a call!  And Louise wasn't actually with us today, she's in Ohio somewhere, I think.  She and Danny are celebrating Groundhog Day in style.  Not that they were much help in influencing that groundhog.  He saw his shadow and now we have 6 more weeks of winter.  Or did he not see his shadow?  I'm actually not sure which it was, but there's more winter coming.  (Of course I think that usually happens about this time of year anyway.) 

And this photo of geese and ducks could have been taken this morning.  Right?!  Well except that the pond was frozen over today.  But the animals were there.

There was something else funny I wanted to mention and for the life of me I can't remember it.  Oh well.  I'll probably remember it right after I press PUBLISH.

So let's do it.  Have a great week all.
~Ellen



:)

  .  .

It's Wednesday

    Good morning. I'm a few days behind schedule but that's okay.  I seem to be losing my discipline but I'm also learning to be flexible and still get it all done. (haha, wouldn't that be great!)  Having the time to be flexible is a benefit of being jobless.  Though I confess I am amazed at how fast the day goes by and how there are some days I can't even recall what I did.  It is truly stunning.  So I made myself a schedule (up at 7:00, exercise, shower, meditate by 9:00, job search.....) and this helps a lot.  But again, good to be flexible. Especially as now it's afternoon.  I may truly have ADD, I'm so easily distracted.  I'm working on that...

   As I said.....I wanted to tell you about our walk on Sunday. Lynn, Louise, Diane and I walked around Jamaica Pond. It was a wonderful social hour+ with a lovely, constantly changing view. Louise wowed us about her family trip to Iceland. I saw the pictures and really enjoyed her vacation vicariously. She missed the Northern Lights due to fog so here's a random photo from the internet!!
    
    Here is also a lovely photo that Lynn took of the semi-frozen pond with some local wild-life. Yes, that's a swan and several ducks.

    This is, unfortunately, what happens when I wait four days to write this blog entry: I have long forgotten most of the details and conversation.  Sorry.

    Starting tomorrow I have a temporary job for a week, yay!!  The downside is that it will be the whole last week that Sophia will be home before returning to school :(  AND, she is coming home from Israel Sunday night!!  I can't wait to see her photos and hear her stories!  And then go to work the next day....Well, at least I was home with her for the first 3+ weeks which I wouldn't have been had I not been laid off.  Yes, folks, my cup is half full!  

    Here's my Sophia on a camel!!  (she's the one in black, I know, kinda hard to tell.)

    So I'm off for now.  Next time maybe I'll have a few more choice photos from Israel.  Have a great week!

~Ellen

:)

Hello again, so soon!!!

I've had some complaints from the peanut gallery so I'm adding an addendum to yesterday's post....

Taken on a different walk, in a different year, but nonetheless, Howard.

We were graced by a very special guest on our walk Sunday and I was remiss in not mentioning him. HOWARD, my dear husband did a spontaneous act by deciding to join us at the very last minute. And I was thrilled that he came along. He and Lynn walked way ahead at rocket speed and therefore missed the photo opps. But he wanted everyone to know that he was indeed there :)





;)

A ray of sunshine on a gloomy day!

That's what we were, a ray of sunshine!  

The other two are way up ahead.

Seven of us stepped out on this warm but grey Sunday. We walked to and all the way around Jamaica Pond. We are sure the whole trip is 3.5 miles but Google brings it in just under 4.0.  I'll put Mr. Olmstead against Mr. Google any day. Wait a minute, I'm all mixed up. Google is higher. Okay, 4 miles it is. Google, you are alright by me!

    The kids are all home from college so you can guess what we talked about most! I don't know about Larry though (he has no kids in college these days), I didn't really get any just-Larry time. He was probably fixing the world, as usual! Next time, Larry.

Gail is also in this photo, at least her thumb is!

Louise and family are headed off to Iceland for New Year's! That sure is an adventure. She thinks the climate will be similar to Boston. Anyone know about that? Before Saturday would be helpful!

How do these guys stay warm when we
take all their feathers for our pillows?

 

And we talked about knitting..... octopuses! Go figure. And for those of you who think that should have been octopi, or even octopodes (pronounced ok-top-oh-deez, accent on the TOP) you're wrong. Well, you're not wrong but neither am I. I just got a full lesson from Miriam Webster and if you want to hear what I learned, let me know. It's actually rather interesting!

I love this house.

But back to the more mundane subject of knitting octopuses that turn into tetrahedrons.... did I say "mundane?" Sorry I don't have a photo...

Our friends the geese.

Well, it's Monday night and I'm behind schedule, as usual. So I'll let the photos tell the rest of the story.


Have a great week...or two...or three!
~Ellen 



:)

Oh man, I really blew it this time!

Not only did I miss last week but I missed this week as well. For three years I never missed a blog entry after every walk--I did miss a few walks, but no need to go there! Has it really been three years?? I know I started this whole think in October but I can't be sure just how many Octobers ago. And two weeks ago I didn't write until the day after the walk for the very first time and it's been downhill (no pun intended) from there.  

I am rambling.... 

Ellen in front of the pretty tree.

Here's a quick synopsis: last week Louise and Larry came, Louise was sick and it was rainy so she wanted to just go home but we talked her into half a lap around Muddy River which she agreed to then she went home and Larry and I continued on all the way around Muddy River this time--our part of the river, that is--and there's me in front of that gorgeous tree, my leg is doing something funky but the tree is still pretty, one of my favorite colors.

Then yesterday Diane and I walked up Walnut Street to the Reservoir on Rt 9. It wasn't as far as I would have guessed and it was gorgeous! See on the left...We walked all the way around, admiring the architecture of the big beautiful homes around the reservoir, admiring the view, the foliage, the weather. Diane smiled and said hello to everyone who passed. It was very easy to count all the friendly folks who smiled back. We only needed one hand...

 
Here is Diane posing in front of the Brook House with their fancy new signage.


It's Veteran's Day today. A day to show appreciation to all the many people who have served our country in so many ways through many years and many wars. I went to work today because when the New York stock market is open, we are open. It's 9:40 now and I hear there will be snow tomorrow and I can't find my headband so I need to knit one tonight or my ears will be cold tomorrow. So Adios amigos, til next week.
~Ellen 


:)

This is the FIRST time....

.....I didn't post the issue the same day as the walk. I know I've let all my dear followers down :*(   I know you sit there on pins and needles just waiting for me to push that "Publish" button but it just didn't happen this time....

We went on a shiva call which lasted into the evening. Howard's sister's husband's father passed away last week. Earle was known for his corny jokes which endeared him particularly to his several grand- and one great-grand children. Shivas are so interesting. We talk about the person we've lost while eating a lot of food and even laughing. Dare I say almost like a party. But I suppose that's not a bad thing. It's a pleasant memorial for our loved one.

Back to the walk that really did happen. We were all "L"s again: Lynn, Louise, and ELlen. Lynn's daughter and granddaughter are spending the weekend with her. I mean they 'spent' the weekend that is now 'past' with her. And any time spent with that little cutie is always great! Not to leave out her young mom who has begun her studies again in nursing. I asked who is taking care of baby and the answer was her dad! How wonderful. A lot of learning going on in their household, as Lynn put it :)

Louise might be out of a job by the time you read this—oh my. (I wish those ___________s would just grow up.) Some of you might think she works in a library at Harvard but it's really run by the Smithsonian, and now you know who signs her paycheck. We hope they will continue to do so for a very long time.....

I had an interesting week with Alvin. Last Sunday he was cooking oatmeal on his electric stove top when he decided to sit down...for a nap. He was awoken by the phone but fell off the chair and couldn't get up (imagine an upside-down turtle) for 4 hours when his roommate finally came in to a house full of smoke and burnt oatmeal. So off to the hospital they went and there Alvin stayed for 2 more days. He'd had a trip planned to Washington DC and insisted on going. The doctors said "Are you #*%^#($@ crazy? No you can't go." The nurses said "Go Alvin, go, who knows if you'll ever be able to go again." He went of course and returned this morning having had the time of his life. He may have pneumonia and bruises on his back but what's a little antibiotics between friends?

Some odds and ends: Lynn is colorfully patching her son's jeans which brings back a lot of memories for me, anyway. Louise's dog has mange and now we know what that is, thank you Louise! We've all been told we must see Orange is the New Black, so I guess we will. I'll report on that later. Lynn and Louise, are not in jail, they are inside a large doll house. We talked about food shopping detail and the games we play...to get someone else to do it! Here's a great photo I found that fit the moment.

Have a great week!
~Ellen



;)

The Muddy River Returns......

We are back in the saddle again after a brief respite.  I have here in the studio, faithful walker Gail helping me with this entry.  We trekkers decided to do the river today, as none of us were up for The Hill after such a long break.  We didn't venture past the Landmark Center because  construction materials are everywhere.  However we saw no evidence of construction progress anywhere.  We did however see ducks and ubiquitous Canada geese and their deposits (and not in the bank).  We were 4 today, myself, Gail, Larry and after a long hiatus, his lovely wife Denise.  This automatically suggested two pairings of walkers.  Denise and I took up the rear and continued sharing our colorful pasts with each other while Larry and Gail were up ahead sharing stories about each other and their respective offspring.  Then they became very busy solving all the problems of the world.  So now you can breathe easy: THE WORLD IS SAVED!!!

Gail and Larry (the saviors) long ago on
another walk at Muddy River.

We were all so busy talking and saving the world that we totally forgot to take pictures so here are two older photos of Muddy River because I know you all love those pics!

And some duck and geese fraternizing.

Oops, sorry, I hit the publish button when I meant to hit the preview button!!!  Just wanted to say, seeya from Ellen and Gail, here in Hill Trekkers Studio.




:)

I had the first line composed in my head...

....while I was meditating this morning. It was to be: We were all women today. Which isn't so unusual except that I composed it in advance, which I never usually do. And then Howard decided to join us. I'm very glad he came of course, but he spoiled my first line. On the other hand, I now have a first paragraph!

You may have noticed that I said I was composing in my head while I meditated...I guess that's not so unusual either! Apparently the Dalai Lama's mind wanders while he meditates, too, so I'm in good company. For any of you who might actually have been following my meditation progress in terms of obliterating my back pain: it hasn't. And I'm very good, too. I do it twice a day for 15 minutes and the bio-feedback machine validates that I'm doing it well...but alas the statistics allow for a small percentage of those for whom it does not work; of which I seem to be one. BUT, I did notice that a certain MS occurrence that was driving me nuts for a long time did go away. Sure enough, I have since learned that meditating is good for MS too! So that, and knowing that my heart is getting a really good rest (better than during sleep, I'm told), I continue with enthusiasm. Except for those times when I've forgotten and you'll catch me running off uttering: Damn, I have to go meditate!

Gail, Lynn, Louise, Diane, and Howard at Jamaica Pond

Back to that walk this morning...it was a long one: 3.5 miles! We circled Jamaica Pond for the first time as a group. It was a perfect day for it, especially in the shade. Lots of dogs agreed with us and were out and about with their humans. 

Gail being silly!

Diane told us all about her recent trip to Israel for the first time. Apparently she was in tears the whole time...tears of joy, she assured us. What a mush! Actually I jest, I totally get it. I love Israel and was fortunate enough to have lived there for many years in an earlier life. I loved hearing her stories and reliving some of her experiences vicariously.

I noticed something about the number of walkers in the group. We were an even six and we automatically split into three groups of two. When Diane was the first to be dropped off before the final stretch, we became two and three. A pretty obvious dynamic because you can't really walk and talk four across a sidewalk but you can with three. For whatever that is worth... 

I think this last interesting tidbit is my signal to sign off! I will be away next weekend so hopefully we'll walk the week after...the reason I say hopefully is because Sophia will be home! And I doubt she'll want to come along. And I don't want to miss a moment of her being here! Of course she'll probably sleep right through it! So see you then :)

(For anyone who wanted the link to my video again, here it is. Put the volume way up. Ellen's video)


:) 

Parker Hill Ave the Easy Way

I suppose there's no real easy way to walk up The Hill in humid 90* weather. We discovered the trick is to stop and rest every time we came to some shade. We noticed the breezes when we stopped and it was quite lovely. Then we trudged on--til the next shady spot! It was fun though, with Louise, Gail, and CATHY!!!! It was her first time joining us. First she rode her bike 3 miles to my house from hers in JP, then we went for our walk. Very impressive Cathy. It was nice to finally introduce her to Louise, the two librarians in my life. We all switched off and spoke to each other in every permutation possible. 

Here are two photos, almost the same but they both came out so nice, I couldn't pick just one. Cathy, in the bottom one, you look like a rock star about to start singing!

My birthday is Wednesday so tonight we're going out to dinner with Alvin and Advah. On Wednesday Howard and I will go out to eat again, just the two of us. Awww.


Just want to send a shout out to Betsy and the gang at Balch Lake. We spent July 4th there last week. It was super hot there too but we had a lake to float in for 4 days. Ahhhh. Thank you Betsy :)


Here's a video I made of our 4th there the previous year, if you'd like to see it. You can tell it was fun. We are one of 5+ families that gather up there every year having a blast eating and swimming and playing.

 

Have a great week everyone. Til next week, when we will definitely meet again to walk...Louise promised she wouldn't let me wiggle out of it. And besides, next Saturday is our annual neighborhood ice cream social!! I definitely won't be wiggling out of that so you will see me walking it off on Sunday, for sure.


I have a great life! 
 


 ;)

A Different Kind of Walk

On Sunday, June 23, Howard, Gail and I decided to walk to Copley Square to finally see the Marathon Bombings Memorial before it was disassembled today, Tuesday. I envisioned a well-paced 2.5 mile walk, a view of the display, and then we'd be home by noon—I had a big afternoon planned.

Well, whatever was I thinking?!

For starters, it was over 90*. That certainly makes for a very slow pace. I'm miserable in oppressive heat (just me!) We finally took a break in the shade of a tree in the Fenway Victory Gardens...which were lovely...especially the tree. I tried to record the sound of birds conversing very loudly. But alas, Howard and Gail conversed even louder and my phone wasn't strong enough to record so far away what had sounded so close to my human ears. (I'm making a movie and bird songs would have fit in so well. It's about our last 4th of July in NH and I have to finish it before this 4th of July! Cramming, of course :))

Ellen and Gail by the Charles River,
near the Fenway Gardens

We gathered our strength then proceeded on our way. Soon we heeded the call of nature again and found ourselves in JP Licks where we decided to stay and eat our dessert before our lunch. It was air conditioned, can you blame us? I had a Margherita sorbet with chocolate jimmies. The server offered me a taste first but I opted to live dangerously and just go for it. Yum!

The memorial at Copley Square was very moving, much bigger that I had expected. Endless pairs of sneakers hanging everywhere, other runners' medals, tributes and photos of the people who had died, flags, stuffed animals, flowers, signs of all kinds and sizes, signatures on huge posters—we added ours. 
 


People had written poems, had sent messages from all over the world. Classrooms of children made posters and wrote letters. Visitors were from all over. We were from down the street. We all felt the same: teary, and moved, sad, and proud. 


There's a lot going on in Copley Square related to the marathon. Four pillars with the names of the cities the runners pass through. A huge mandala on the ground with a map of the route and a topographical map. The winners in all categories have been engraved around the edge of the circle every year since the beginnning, up to and including 2013. I never noticed these things before. I never stopped to look.

I'm so glad I looked today.


;)

It's Summer....yay!

It's been in the 90s the last few days, or at least the 80s.  One of those. There was a beautiful breeze today making it feel almost refreshing. Larry, Lynn and I did a lap and a half around Muddy River. A lap being from my house to Landmark Center and back. We were accompanied by some nice geese families. "Nice" because they didn't snap at us, even when I went in close to take photos. There must've been something about us they liked because we did see some wings flaring at someone else. 

Larry did a great job at capturing us along with that "nice" family to the left. We didn't want to get too close, flaring wings and spitting, you know.... If anyone is knowledgeable about the mating cycle of geese, we were wondering. This is the season for babies, they're everywhere.

So last night we celebrated Sophia's 19th birthday. Birthday cakes have always been a big deal in our house--they embody all the big loves in our family: food, sweet food, and each other. Well, Howard doesn't totally love the food thing like the women of the family, but he loves sweets and he loves us :)

Back to the cake...Sophia had one request: the cake should be red velvet with cheesecake. Make that two requests: the theme should be One Direction. (You must remember my stories about that cute boy-band that she went to see perform in NYC and the hugs she got from her heart-throb, Harry!) 

After perusing Pinterest for red velvet cake recipes I finally decided to let Pillsbury do the job. Too many ingredients for me! I'm no purist, let the experts do it right!  Tho I did find any easy no-bake cheesecake recipe--let me know if you want it, it's a piece 'o cake (no pun intended--well maybe it was intended!) 

As for the decoration, the frosting is her favorite color: Tiffany blue with a touch of sea foam. I took artistic liberty and changed the name of the band to "Misdirection" and dangled the boys' faces from wires inserted into the cake....you better just take a look.

Details

She loved it! It was a fun evening, lots of laughing and lots of love.

Have a great week everyone.
~Ellen 





;)

Ahhh....It's May

I know I often begin with saying: What a beautiful day. We are just blessed with a lot of beautiful days! 

Doorway

There is an annual outdoor art exhibit on Muddy River so there we went. Studio Without Walls 2013: Through the Trees showcases 12 temporary works of art by different artists. Some are fabulous, some, less so. All are large, colorful and a pleasure to experience. Here to the right we have a photo of Gail and Larry, chosen to pose because they matched the artwork. I know you're not supposed to choose your artwork to match your sofa, but we couldn't resist. Those are actually hand crocheted flowerlets of sorts, with an interesting woven mandala made of twigs in the background. The photos were titled by our photographer of the day, Louise.

Anemones

Anemones, to the left, are star-like creatures made from pink and white fabric-y foam-ish material. The pieces were actually folded and stitched into these pointy shapes. I really liked this installation; it felt like being underwater. Sort of.

Not Sure if I Sent You This One Already

To the right is moi posing before the natural art installation, a canopy of trees in bloom called: Not Sure if I Sent You This One Already. I know, it's got a funny name. That Louise, what a funny gal. Now I see that I actually match this particular artwork. And I'm also noticing a very tiny patch of belly showing. Hmmm....

Our dear friend Harriet is mourning the loss of her father this week. He was almost 91 and yet this was quite unexpected. The whole walking group sends its condolences to Harriet and her mom Jean, and Beth of course.

And on the other side of the coin, Larry and Denise will be traveling to California next week to meet their new granddaughter! To them we send our warmest congrats.

Next week we will celebrate and be celebrated on Mother's Day. Perhaps we'll see you at Arnold's Arboretum enjoying Lilac Sunday. That's my traditional Mother's Day morning spent with one or both of my girls.

The week after that we will be picking up Sophia from college! We won't be walking together for a while, so I wish you all a lovely three weeks.

~Ellen



;)

Back to Nature...

...and back to the hard stuff!  Yup, back up those steep hills. After all, that's what inspired us in the first place. It was just Lynn and me today and we headed straight for Parker Hill Ave. Then we wound around through the playgrounds to get a little nature too. Of course that was after we caught our breath!! Oh yes, it was hard. Damn, we'd gotten so strong... So we are committed to doing the hill more regularly. Let's build up those muscles again!

Spring is truly here! The trees are blooming! Besides talking about our kids, of course, we searched for good shots. Azaleas on the left, magnolias below. We weren't sure what the white tree is called. Anyone know?

 

Then I noticed this stone which seems to be enshrined in this wall. Engraved in it are the words: BOSTON 4 MILES 1729 P.D.

What do you think PD means? Police Department...?

And here's an oldie-but-goodie on the Riverway overpass. What a historic path we walk.

 

 

And speaking of historic, I can't sign off without acknowledging this horrific week we've just gone through. Our beloved Boston Marathon, marred by terror, and then the frightening but amazing investigation that followed. Everyone you meet was there or knows someone who was there; we were all affected in one way or another. Our hearts go out to the many people who were hurt in the blast, and their families, and the families of those who perished. 

And also to the stunned family of those twisted young men who thought it was the right thing to do what they did.

There are no words. 

But we care so very much.