Boston Steamer

Fruits of our labor

2010-07-21T20:43:00.004-04:00

Here we have the current crop from our wee little garden.

We'd have a lot more tomatoes if it weren't for the damnable critter that keeps taking one bloody bite out of almost every one of them and then carelessly tossing it aside right before they're ripe for our pickin'.

The eggplant, okra and pumpkin all show great signs of life and (please don't jinx it), I think they'll be producing in later weeks.

I just hope all is still verdant and healthful when our guests come next month.

The landed gentry

2010-06-26T13:17:00.007-04:00

Who knew that the first thing we'd really go after was gardening?

What with all our space in the back yard, we decided to put it to use for veggies, herbs and flowers.

I concentrate mostly on the edibles (being the practical one of the couple) and Jim likes the more aesthetic side of gardening.

I'm just about bursting with pride over our tomatoes. Since I took this picture yesterday, one of the little gems is turning red. Yum!

But all is not perfect as we tend our own garden.

Some pesky critter keeps pilfering tomatoes, taking a bite and then throwing the uneaten part on the ground.

It's starting to make me mad and I just bought some Critter Ridder to, well, rid us of this vexation.

The pepper plant is a nice surprise. We already got one pepper from it that we used for guacamole last week. They're a little spicier than regular green bell peppers. Maybe that's why the mystery critter thief leaves them alone.

We got these flowers for a hanging basket but ended up planting them and they're holding up pretty well to all the incredibly hot (for Massachusetts) weather we've been having.

Here is Jim's flower. I'm not sure what kind of flower it is, but all the rain has brought it back to life.

I have to share

2010-06-24T19:11:00.002-04:00

I know that we don't post very often about much of anything, pausing from our frantic tweeting only long enough to update our families on the joys of our new home.
But this French ad for Orangina is so bat-shite crazy, what with its anthropomorphized (and slightly sexualized) forest creatures, that I have to share with the few of you who still drop by to visit.

Update on our bedroom (because I know you've been waiting)

2010-06-06T12:18:00.005-04:00

Since I think our parents are the only ones who check the blog anymore (not complaining, just saying), we thought we'd continue to focus on progress on the house. Up until last night, we've been sleeping in the guest room, which is a nice place to sleep, but we need our own space. The trip to Jordan's two weeks ago was exceedingly fruitful (I even got Richardson's frozen yogurt) and we picked a bed. It was delivered yesterday.

My first order of business was to rush out and buy linens, which I maintain is a woman's prerogative. Jim's first order of business (after his run) was to have a nap on the new bed. Chacun a son gout, as they say in France.

After all was said and done, here is where we landed. Last night's sleep was heavenly and, as I sit here typing, I'm looking forward to a nap later this afternoon.

Let's continue the tour, shall we? The other major thing I acquired yesterday was a mirror for above the sink in the master bathroom. Jim was kind enough to hang it, employing his newly bought DeWalt cordless drill.

So here's the view from under the skylight into the bathroom. This area is beginning to take on its own personality, which I like a lot.

Finally, here's the full-on view of the master bath. Behind the door, is the large shower (no bathtub, though). I have to be honest, after we picked our everything for this bathroom, I wasn't in love. But now that it's furnished and in-use, I'm really warming up to it.

We're finally living in Salem!

2010-05-16T16:11:00.011-04:00

It's been a long time since we updated the blog and now that we moved in at our new place, I wanted to make sure everyone (especially the family) can see what's going on.

We'll start with the first floor and a glimpse down the stairs and outside from there.

Keep in mind that we've only lived here a week and getting settled into a new place is a process(!)

Rest assured, however, that by mid-June, we'll be open for business as a first-class bed and breakfast right here in spooky Salem Massachusetts. Book early for Halloween accommodation!

The view from the driveway.

Kitchen, the first room we unpacked and got ready for living.

The gas fireplace, which we actually used twice this week since it was in the 30s at night.

Despite the fact that the curtains are only tacked up, to keep the neighbors' views to a minimum, I think I like the dining room the best so far.

A peek into the basement. We'll wait to go down the stairs until Jim gets his pictures and masks up on the wall.

Side yard with the dragonfly sprinkler. The grass is struggling mightily to germinate right now.

Let us know if you want to see more. Sometimes I feel like posting these pictures is an exercise in supreme self-absorption.

New house picture

2010-04-24T10:39:00.001-04:00

We're here at our new place and here's the latest view of the kitchen. More pics to come after we get back home to take them off the camera. Also later today, a Red Sox game!

House Update

2010-03-21T10:00:00.007-04:00

OK, so it's time for our weekly update on how the house is going. This week's edition is about paint.

I heard from reputable sources that Benjamin Moore was the only way to go so we jumped in with both feet and got 22 (!) color samples from Waters and Brown in Salem and went to work.

Here are some of the rooms, and we hope you can see the color choices.

First, we have the fireplace in the living room. The wall will be raspberry truffle. The rest of the walls will be stardust. If you want to see them, look 'em up on the Benjamin Moore site.

Here's the dining room, right next to the fireplace. The red wall continues around the corner and meets back up with stardust.

Finally (for now), here's the basement, BKDM's domain. He picked Myan (yes, that's how they spell it) gold for the main color and a metallic copper for the contrast. Mostly, I just like that you can get outside to our back yard from the basement. Perfect for cookouts.

Oh, just one more picture

2010-03-06T20:51:00.001-05:00

View from the back yard to the porch. The builder and I are discussing details of landscaping.

Our new home

2010-03-06T20:00:00.006-05:00

Jym and I went to see the new house. It's coming along well and it looks like we'll be able to move in in May. I am so excited!
Tomorrow we're going to Home Depot to pick out granite, tile, paint and appliances.
I can't believe this is actually happening for us.

Fun in Vermon

2010-02-06T15:00:00.001-05:00

While Jim works, I run all over town having fun.

Fun at the Zoo!

2009-12-28T20:21:00.006-05:00

We took Doris for Zoo Lights, but I think El Dubb had the most fun! Here are a few pics to prove it.(that's a real reindeer - her name is Noel)

It's true.

BTW, I found out this zoo has a snow leopard on the premises!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hallelujah!

2009-12-20T10:15:00.004-05:00

RuPaul's Drag Race will be back for a second season in February. Plus, any excuse to post a picture of RuPalin is OK by me.

2009-12-14T19:10:00.001-05:00

At Bruins/Flyers game. Thank goodness I found a sport Jym can enjoy.

2009-12-06T12:02:00.001-05:00

Whither the comma?

2009-12-05T21:15:00.001-05:00

At Longwood Symphony Orchestra at Jordan Hall in Boston. The amazing thing about these kick-ass musicians is that fully 80% of them are physicians and scientists. This is a fund-raiser for the Susan Spenser Clinical Epliepsy Research Fund.

Hey Santa. Check it out

2009-11-28T11:06:00.006-05:00

From the fine folks at Hammacher Schlemmer comes the only botanical air purifier. This is the kind of crap you see in a SkyMall catalogue, like a bigger-than-life-size Peanuts nativity scene with Woodstock in for the baby Jesus (I made a link here so you can see I did not make that up) or a water fountain for your cat. You know what I mean. But I must admit, I'm intrigued. I can grow herbs and purify the air at the same time.
(Via: Random Good Stuff)

Hero

2009-11-19T23:37:00.002-05:00

I love this kid. He decided (at ten years old) that he won't say the pledge of allegiance until there is really is "liberty and justice" for all, including gays and lesbians. And he lives in Arkansas, not Boston or DC.
There may be hope for us yet.
And BTW, "Gaywad?" I had no idea kids still used that epithet.

2009-11-07T14:42:00.001-05:00

Dee-lish hand-pulled London-style in-house-brewed cask ale from American flatbread tap room in Burlington. Yum! I await my carmelized onion and goat cheese pizza.

2009-11-07T12:52:00.001-05:00

Speaking of things they do well in Vermont, I just took the Magic Hat brewery tour.... the samples were amazing. I am in love the the Winter seasonal Belgian chocolate stout. I hope it's available in Boston. Next time we come up here, I'm bringing a growler for them to fill for me. Hooray, beer!

2009-11-06T16:41:00.001-05:00

Coffee, ice cream, beer, cheese. Vermont seems to have the bases covered.

2009-11-06T12:02:00.001-05:00

At Ben and Jerry's in Waterbury VT for factory tour.... then free ice cream!

2009-10-31T16:49:00.001-04:00

Brother Jim awaits the T.

Cornmaze with my sister's kids

2009-10-23T16:40:00.001-04:00

2009-10-17T20:31:00.002-04:00

Ming Tsai cooking at a fundraiser for the Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence at the new Mandarin Oriental Hotel on Boylston.
He made delicious shrimp treats with some sort of amazing reduction drizzled over-top.
I bid on a night at the symphony during the silent auction. Good times.
Edited to add: I won the night at the symphony for four. It's December 5th. I think Jim's parents will be here. If that's the case, we'll have a blast...plus, they'll think we're really sophisticated.

Ruby on rails workshop for women at harvard

2009-10-17T10:40:00.001-04:00

Helping to teach a beginning class in ruby on rails this weekend. It is targeted at women in the hopes of increasing the female presence in software development. Venue is harvard law school. Hooray for gender diversity!

2009-10-10T17:50:00.001-04:00

Goodbye, New Orleans. We had fun!

2009-10-10T13:30:00.001-04:00

Fountain on the patio of the Bulldog on Magazine Street. Fortunately, the inside taps are equally copious.

Beignets at café du monde - yummy!

2009-10-09T17:09:00.001-04:00

2009-10-09T15:34:00.001-04:00

Jackson Square. From the second floor of the Cabildo.

2009-10-09T12:25:00.001-04:00

Burial crypt of Marie Laveau, the most famous voodoo prietess in the history of New Orleans.

Live jazz is a reason to live

2009-10-08T17:50:00.001-04:00

I can only imagine this in the days of kerouac

2009-10-08T15:49:00.001-04:00

Trite? Yes, but there's a reason Pat O'Brien's is so famous.

2009-10-08T15:17:00.001-04:00

Loyola University. You know, they call this statue "Touchdown" Jesus. To me, he seems more like "eh, whatcha gonna do" Jesus.

2009-10-08T13:20:00.001-04:00

At Audubon Park. Then to Loyola and Tulane.

2009-10-07T17:49:00.001-04:00

It's raining buckets this minute (sure to change soon) so we ducked into Tujague's for refreshments. A Pimm's cup for me and and absinthe suisesse for Jim. How civilized.

2009-10-07T16:40:00.001-04:00

Absinthe Museum in the French Quarter.

2009-10-07T14:10:00.001-04:00

Jim enjoying a gator sammich at Cooter Brown's, which is right near C.T.'s place. They have gambling, fried treats and 400 kinds of beeer. Tempting to hunker down for the long haul, but we have a levee to walk.

2009-10-07T12:00:00.001-04:00

Here we are! Woo boy, it is hot and humid up in here. I need to switch over from my New England togs ASAP.

2009-10-07T05:38:00.001-04:00

Waiting to board for Chicago. So far, so good.

New Orleans, here we come!

2009-10-06T20:06:00.003-04:00

Here we sit in Medford, all packed and waiting to go to New Orleans. I plan to do a lot of nothing-in-particular, like drinking coffee, seeing bands and eating amazing food. Our flight leaves at 6AM tomorrow and we get into NOLA at 10:40. Thank goodness for a brother who has a job that allows us a free place to stay in the best town in the US (by my estimation, anyway).
Come back here often in the next four days for a ridiculous pictorial diary of our tip.
Hooray, vacation!

2009-10-03T13:04:00.001-04:00

In Burlington Vermont killing time while Jym is working with UVm students on a project. Adter all the rain earlier. it's now a pretty perfect New England autumn day.

Yum!

2009-09-27T14:42:00.001-04:00

A black-o-'lantern beer (Shipyard Pumpkinhead + Guinness) from Tommy Doyle's in Harvard Square. We put Team Julius on the road at 11:30. Since then. we've been shopping, snacking and having a few drinks. This is a real Sunday Funday!

2009-09-26T13:48:00.001-04:00

A little creepy but also beautiful. Chapel burial ground, Boston's oldest

Argh... it's talk like a pirate day, mateys!

2009-09-19T08:27:00.002-04:00

My pirate name is:

Captain Mary Kidd

Even though there's no legal rank on a pirate ship, everyone recognizes you're the one in charge. Even though you're not always the traditional swaggering gallant, your steadiness and planning make you a fine, reliable pirate. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.
part of the fidius.org network

2009-09-06T09:20:00.001-04:00

This is the line to get INTO the dunkin donuts. Maine, Massachusetts. It doesn't matter. New Englanders love their dunkin donuts coffee.... and so do I.

2009-09-05T20:47:00.001-04:00

10 minute walk from our hotel.... and a world of difference. Think I'll ride the ostrich on the carousel.

2009-09-05T18:08:00.001-04:00

Now THIS is what I mean when I say we're going to the beach. The view from our patio. What a great way to spend the last official Summer weekend - at Old Orchard Beach Maine.

To old friends

2009-09-03T23:14:00.001-04:00

It's official

2009-09-02T23:59:00.003-04:00

I feel like I'm really a Masshole at this point. Between Senator Kennedy's send-off and the town hall meeting in Somerville with Senator Kerry, I think I've earned my full-out Masshole cred. In retrospect, it looks like BKDM's first-ever Boston Steamer post from two years ago was prescient.
I can be everyone's favorite Masshole now, I guess.

2009-09-02T21:58:00.001-04:00

obama hitler? really? WTF.

2009-09-02T19:57:00.001-04:00

Senator Kerry at the meeting.

2009-09-02T18:51:00.002-04:00

Town hall meeting with Senator Kerry in Somerville. Pro-reform people outnumber the naysayers about 220:1. How I love you People's Republic of Massachusetts.

Dinner?

2009-08-31T23:04:00.001-04:00

The sounds of the barking seals at dusk, and the pirate flag whipping in the wind, give this place an ominous feeling

Paradise bay

2009-08-30T19:26:00.000-04:00

The view from tiburon

2009-08-30T18:51:00.001-04:00

Beautiful sausalito

2009-08-30T18:11:00.002-04:00

Nice day for a bike ride in san francisco

2009-08-30T17:23:00.001-04:00

2009-08-27T20:13:00.001-04:00

Godspeed to you, Senator Kennedy.

I just...

2009-08-27T19:05:00.002-04:00

... shook hands with Robert Kennedy Junior. What a day.

2009-08-27T18:39:00.001-04:00

Tug boats outside the library.

2009-08-27T17:45:00.001-04:00

The line at the JFK library for Senator Kennedy's viewing. I'm proud to be here with tons of my fellow Americans to pay our respects to a really great, albeit flawed, man.

2009-08-16T15:16:00.001-04:00

At the fisherman's feast in the North End. Here is the statue of the Blessed Virgin as she is processed through the streets.

Shatner does Palin

2009-08-16T12:06:00.002-04:00

.... her tweets, that is.
Master thespian William Shatner gives beat flavor to former-Governor Palin's tweets.
She's a better poet than politician.

2009-08-02T13:13:00.001-04:00

Sam and Samantha.

Brunch in salem (no ghost sightings yet)

2009-08-02T11:28:00.001-04:00

We are meeting carrie for brunch at the hawthorne hotel. Here you see bust of dandy southern next to nathaniel hawthorne.

2009-08-01T17:49:00.001-04:00

Yet another party to celebrate our wedding. This one is for work people thrown by my boss.

2009-08-01T01:19:00.001-04:00

Welcome C.T. Thanks for bringing Sam to visit us.

2009-07-25T01:15:00.001-04:00

Good times with Eddie G.

Nirvana Astley

2009-07-22T07:57:00.002-04:00

I really can't get enough of the Rick Roll.
I know it's an old meme and not cool anymore, but this mash-up may revive it.

2009-07-19T20:32:00.001-04:00

Sand sculpures at Revere Beach.

2009-07-12T15:07:00.001-04:00

Back in the states at a cool little place in New Hampshire. ETA in Medford is circa 6PM. Look for long, interesting (so I hope) post on our adventures soon.

2009-07-08T13:44:00.001-04:00

This was my fortune from our traditional post-wedding Chinese food. I am happy and proud to share our day with all whom we love. Even if you're not here in person, you're here with us in spirit. On our way into Canada where cell service is not so much. Therefore, no texts or mobile blog posts for a while. Plus, it's our honeymoon, people. We should be alone together.

2009-07-08T09:32:00.001-04:00

It's done. We are officially married!

I am still 12 years old...

2009-07-01T22:14:00.002-04:00

.... and this made me laugh aloud.

Thanks, Towleroad

2009-07-01T12:10:00.001-04:00

Surprise white elephant bridal shower at work. It is perfectly LW.

2009-06-29T20:17:00.001-04:00

Party favor in use!

2009-06-25T19:13:00.002-04:00

This is the start of the JP Morgan Corporate Challenge. I called it a 5K, but BKDM quickly corrected me that it's longer than that. He ran it in respectable time and I walked it with some of my colleagues.
Good times to be able to stroll down the middle of the street In Boston with impunity.

2009-06-25T08:10:00.001-04:00

This is the real thing. Our marriage license.

Saturday Night

2009-06-24T06:52:00.004-04:00

Here I am this weekend, celebrating my impending marriage with good, good friends. This would seem to be our own version of the Chicken Dance.

2009-06-22T18:41:00.001-04:00

Here's to recovery!

2009-06-22T11:09:00.001-04:00

Thanks to all my friends for the best fixin-to-get-hitched weekend ever. But my liver thanks me for heading home today.

2009-06-19T17:03:00.000-04:00

Let the festivities begin!

2009-06-19T16:00:00.001-04:00

Nancy Pelosi at National Airport. It's good to be back in DC.

2009-06-19T12:44:00.001-04:00

On my way to the airpot. God, the T is such a dump.

2009-06-13T11:11:00.001-04:00

Proud superheroes!

2009-06-13T10:41:00.001-04:00

Happy pride, everyone!

A Bible-based marriage

2009-06-09T20:33:00.003-04:00

Don't be confused. Betty Bowers lets us know exactly what a Biblical Marriage consists of. This is some epically funny shite right here.

2009-06-06T13:10:00.001-04:00

Wally the Green Monstah and BoSox Siobhan. Together at last!

2009-06-02T17:33:00.001-04:00

What is with the scare quotes, oh Walgreens sign-maker?

This is how they show they're "pro-life"...

2009-06-01T15:43:00.005-04:00

... by shooting and killing a doctor who performed legal, medically necessary third trimester abortions.

He was gunned down at his church on Sunday.
You certainly don't have to be from somewhere else to be a radical religious extremist.

2009-05-21T19:18:00.001-04:00

Another night at Fenway. And it's a great evening.

2009-05-17T12:19:00.002-04:00

Jordan's furniture... not just a store, an experience. Above, you see an animatronic "Wally the Green Monster" eating a NY Yankees player. They also have a trapeze school and "liquid fireworks," reminiscent of the fountains at The Bellagio in Vegas. Oh, and there's also a Fuddrucker's, a Jelly Belly store, a Richardson's ice cream shop and an IMAX theater.
We bought a new (reclining!) leather sofa and if the Sox sweep the series, we will get it for free.
This is a seminal Masshole moment for us.

2009-05-15T09:15:00.000-04:00

The view from The State Room, where I am attending an awards breakfast.

2009-05-08T23:46:00.001-04:00

Frankly, I have no idea what to make of this.

2009-05-08T15:27:00.000-04:00

Scene from swan boat ride on a sunny day.

Japanese culture is simply amazing

2009-05-03T10:35:00.001-04:00

"Everyone Poops" was just the beginning.

2009-05-02T20:23:00.000-04:00

I am trying a big-girl drink... a real gin martini.

Think about it

2009-04-28T10:18:00.003-04:00

Via Bullshit, through link from Will.

2009-04-26T15:49:00.000-04:00

At Nashville Sounds game. A helluva lot cheaper than a trip to Fenway, I'll tell you that much.

2009-04-26T12:54:00.002-04:00

Recovery brunch. Bloody Mary with crab, shrimp, stuffed olives. Nashville ain't just for hillbillies.