b l o g o r e l l i

interlude

...peonies have bloomed!

Summer...so far not bad

Just ask The Boys...

Pretty Nice Little Saturday

With the temps hitting SIXTY DEGREES, outdoor celebrations seemed in order this weekend. The Prof planned a family fun day on Cape Ann. First, we hit Good Harbor in Gloucester (next time, I think we'll do Wingaersheek Beach since it's pre-season and we can take The Boys to beaches on the north shore and Cape Cod.) Even though I still threaten to move back to Pittsburgh on an almost-weekly basis, the fact that the ocean is less than an hour away does gain big points for The Bean. After a walk, The Prof and I went to the recently opened Cape Ann Brewhouse for lunch. I took a nap on the way home, and we finished up with a marathon of Weeds season 6.

Rating: 5

(a bit traumatized by the wind, honestly)

On the Horn

As The Boys and I are left to our own devices with The Prof traveling for business, we joined the ChoBos and Barbarian Baby/Boy Kings on a walk around Horn Pond in Woburn. Blessedly, most of the snow is melted...and although there was a chill in the air, the rain held off until our walk concluded...

Just a boy and a swan...see the swan? Ok, here goes:

We made it almost the entire way around the Pond before we saw an unfortunate sign near the water's edge "Raw sewage." Huh. The scene nearby...

And that ended our stroll.

To All the Houses I've Loved Before

The Prof and I have been looking for a house now for...years. It's an exhausting ride, I'll tell you. Sometimes I think back to our first (totally impulsive yet accepted) offer almost five years ago and wonder "what if" we had gone through with that purchase? We'd be 1/6 through our years of loan payments, probably done a refinance, and still likely nursing sore backs from the massive amount of wallpaper removal and painting.

Since then, I've let real estate bygones be bygones, and tried to embrace apartment living -- we've been in two now -- learning as much as possible about down payments, interest rates, debt-to-income ration, FHA loans, and the cost of {insert expensive renovation job.} We've missed the high market, the low market, the tax incentives, the reaaaally low mortgage rates, and yet still we are houseless.

I'm hoping that this will be our year. One could hardly call me picky at this point -- I have towns from the North Shore to South on our MLS list, and am willing to consider Metro-anything. I'm open to a Victorians, Colonials, Ranches, Contemporaries, hell, anything with a roof. And I'll even take a bad roof.

(WARNING: whining ahead) One thing that is so frustrating about the Boston area is the cost and availablitiy of of quality housing. I'm embarrassed to even talk about this deficit with my friends/family back in PA -- even though they might sympathize, it would only be until they pass out once I mention the cost of houses that Mark and I have seen around the Bean.

Sometimes I think that we'll be falling asleep listening to our upstairs neighbor playing video games in our forties. Unless...we could win the HGTV dream house in Vermont. (And if anyone reading this wins, you own me an invite for the weekend!)

Cue the Elvis...and a nostalgic trip back:

PROJECT 365: DAY 326

Introducing CLANCY MURFORELLI, our 2010 Christmas Tree!

We (ok, I) decide to get the tree Thanksgiving weekend this year, so we could fully enjoy for the entire pre-Christmas month. Since the tree needed to last a while, we decided to take my co-workers advice and cut our own at Durkees Christmas Tree Farm. The tree farm had three varieties of trees, and we went for the Concolor (White) Fir. The needles are long and almost silvery green -- which I love because the whole tree looks very vintage and Victorian.

Apologies to anyone else with a Christmas tree, because ours is THE BEST! Seriously, the shape is A+ and the just the overall color and look have given me cause to crown it the #1 Murforelli Tree ever. I'll let the photos speak for themselves.

Extra credit:

 

Thankful / Grateful / Blessed

Happy Turkey Day! I'm looking forward to spending it with my New England family -- lots of delicious food, delightful conversation, and adorable kiddos. The temperature has dropped a bit, and there's a perfect autumnal chill in the air.

Feeling like things are starting up around here again...
Gobble Gobble!
Blogorelli

Felix Doolittle always has the most charming illustrations and products (Murforelli just got our new panoramic Boston labels, and I've been a fan of their typewriter illustration on anything and everything for years) -- they're having a sale just in time for holiday shopping, promo code THANKYOU10 for 30% off until 28November.

Project 365: Day 315

In a haze of Thanksgiving geekiness, I bought a Groupon for Plimoth Plantation ("The official site of the first thanksgiving" and yes, it's spelled that way.) A few weekends before the holiday seemed like a perfect time for a visit, especially when I heard about expected temps in the 60s.

I really enjoyed all the recreated homesites, although apparently The Prof and I missed the memo about bringing kids, since everyone had 'em. We decided that someday we'll take The Barbarian Baby Kings back to PP on a little field trip.

Full set with captions here.

 

Project 365: Day 314

Every time I take another Fall photo, I fear it's the last -- the leaves are crispy on the sidewalk and even the colors in this shot were enhanced by the rain.

Project 365: Day 308

Project 365: Day 306

The "bride's walk"at the Commander's Mansion near my office...

Project 365: Day 305

Project 365: Day 301

The Professor's little sis gave us a gift cert for a Segway Tour of the Boston waterfront, and we finally had the chance to use it! Very fun, although I admit to being downright scared after watching the training video (and the sensation of being on/controlling the scooter is weird, unlike walking but sort of like snowboarding.)

In the end, we had a great time, and neither of us fell off (unlike one unfortunate guy on our tour.)

Project 365: Day 298

A day off with my Boys was just the re-entry that I needed. And the beautiful autumnal colors still showed in their splendor at one of our favorite jaunts, The Arnold Arboretum...of course, the next day a body would be found there. Look at the pretty colors, everyone. So bright!

Extra credit:

Project 365: Day 278

I sort of love that the place I work has an annual Follies, where the employees and management do skits and songs a la Broadway. I've even been working at my "new" job long enough to understand some of the jokes.

Project 365: Day 272

One event that helps our Alcohol budget for the month: Sam Adams Open House (last Thursday of every month.) Also, we are those people who enable friends to take a baby to the brewery. Here, Ms. Ellery making her ferocious beer face. I should mention, though, that the youngest baby there was much younger than E -- a man with a tiny baby strapped to him in a Bjorn came up and exclaimed, "I'm glad to see that someone else brought a baby -- ours is just 21 days old!"

After which, I turned to The Prof and said, "Having a baby doesn't seem so bad."

Project 365: Day 265

Based on the season, looks like The Prof and I just attended our last Sox game of the season this year. This New England mentality must be rubbing off on me; I actually feel sad. (Although I'm ready for some Stiller football and Bruins/Penguins hockey -- WOOO!)

Extra credit:

See ya next year, boys.

Project 365: Day 264

Another drive up north after work to house hunt, I am rather proud of this Zakim Bridge shot.

Project 365: Day 258

Project 365: Day 257

Primaries day here in MA...I'm not much interested except to see the different designs of the campaign signs.

Project 365: Day 251

Well, driven by insanely low mortgage rates, The Prof and I are looking at real estate again. I checked out this little Melrose Victorian tonight (and liked it) but am still a little skittish after our near miss four years ago, so an ounce of prevention is my tonic...for the time being.

Project 365: Day 244

Red Sox losing streak = unhappy Professor

Project 365: Day 243

Apparently, tomato season ended early in MA (and apple-picking time is a upon us a month early,) which lends to a lame CSA box this week. I AM SO TIRED OF BEETS! And scallions, too.

(ps: i poached this photo from my Murf)

Project 365: Day 235

Well, apparently avoiding the bug spray at Di + Bruce's picnic because of its DEET content was not smart...because now I have 14 mosquito bites on my left leg, and about 10 on my right. SOOOO ITCHYYYYYYY!

Project 365: Day 203

A real vintage beaut that I saw today at the Consitution Marina on Boston Harbor. I miss Alexander, my old two wheeler. The day was amazing -- sunny but not humid, warm but not hot-like-an-oven stifling as the past week.

Extra credit: to be ON A BOAT!

Project 365: Day 199

In honor of The Boys' one year anniversary with us, we decided to check out Green Harbor Beach in Marshfield, which we heard allowed dogs all the time. Such a canine accepting attitude is rare at New England beaches, but it's true! We spent a great afternoon walking the beach and The Boys even went into the water (I blame the extreme heat, Trouble + Rusty are not water dogs.)

My only complaint is the lack of parking without a resident sticker, which forced us into the Green Harbor Lobster Pound's lot for $20...but next time we're going to try the Avon Street garage. Still, to be able to take The Boys with us surfside is more than worth $20. Later that night (and after a nap,) The Boys had their special dinner treat -- hamburgers (would you expect anything else from moi?)

Just a note to other dog owners out there: supposedly Brant Rock Beach is also pooch friendly!

Project 365: Day 198

Soooo..hotttttttt....caaaaan't thiiiiink...

Project 365: Day 184

A NH weekend is not complete without some old fashioned fireside storytelling (thanks, Ginny) and SMORES!

Project 365: Day 183

Up to Winni House for the July 4th weekend and -- surprise -- a new sofa bed all ready upon arrival. See below for my favorite detail:

Project 365: Day 156

The end of a great (relaxing but not particularly productive) weekend...today started with a rainy trip to Todd Farm in Rowley. Despite being "Open," there were only about three vendors out braving the weather; Cho and I plan to return on a sunnier day. A nap and some laundry loads later, The Prof and I ended up at Pleasant Cafe for some pre-game pizza and beer before the game.

GO CELTICS!

Project 365: Day 155

The Rosi Farmer's Market is open for its 2010 season! Today, the pickings included lots of lettuce heads and tomato plants for sale.

Project 365: Day 150

A perfect three days of water and weather culminated with the first sail, including First Mate Lincoln Olav (here, practicing knots)

Project 365: Day 149

The sailboat (which, sadly, never reached water last year) was lakebound within our first few days.

Project 365: Day 148

Opening weekend for the lovely Lake Winni house!

Breeding Buttowskis

Apparently, the town of Stoneham either produces citizens of the very bad or very good variety. In the latter category, Sandro Corsaro and his animated show on the Disney Channel, Kick Buttowski: Suburban Daredevil, which just happens to be based on his childhood haunts. Cho forwarded me this great article from the Globe about Corsaro and the process of creating the show...

"The cul-de-sac in “Mellowbrook’’ where Kick Buttowski lives is modeled on Stoneham’s Nixon Lane, where Corsaro’s parents still live. The Stoneham library, the town square, the local elementary school, and such Stoneham streets as Broadway, Main Street, Bear Hill Road, and Kenneth Terrace are all seen in cartoon version on the show, as are Corsaro’s mother, some of Corsaro’s childhood friends, and Corsaro himself."

I think I might just know a real-life Buttowski in the making...

(left, Kick Buttowski, right, Linc Buttowski with his unwitting sidekick, Shocked Sibling -- or as Linc likes to call him, Nen.)

Blooming Time

The aged cherry blossom tree in our backyard is about in full bloom, which means that -- my absolute favorite -- the lilacs, are not far behind!

Bonus shot:

A Delightful Seaside Holiday

Despite the fact that The Prof took over the organizing of plans during my mom's visit (apparently, I "overdo,") we still managed to squeeze in my number one request : a day at Plum Island in Newburyport with us and The Boys. Luckily, Saturday's weather turned out to be sunny and in the low 80s!

We made our way north and, stopped for lunch at The Black Cow before making our way to the seashore. Note: The Boys do not like water, and water includes the ocean. Mark managed to get them into the freezing cold surf for approximately 10 seconds before they resumed their newfound favorite beach activity: digging. Mom and I just sat in the sun and observed my husband/her son-in-law running along the shoreline with the dogs, like a scene out of "From Here to Eternity."

After the beach, we decided to give Mom-orelli a North Shore tour through Rowley, Ipswich, Essex, and finally making it to Gloucester and the Cape Ann Brewing Company for some beers. I/we will definitely be going back up to Route 133 for antiquing (The White Elephant Shop) and eating (Woodman's of Essex.)

Some photos...

Project 365: Day 88

Ok, stop, stoooooop, STOP already with the rain, Massachusetts! The Boys won't go outside and it's cold in here (without heat or hot water since our basement flooded AGAIN) and I'm grumpy. Any contrarians who say this wet gloom is charming can come do our laundry by hand and wash all of our dishes with boiled water. Really, this is not doing much for the case that living here is better than, say, a place where there is actually a Spring season currently.

Rain rain, just go awaaaaaaaay.

Project 365: Day 63

Components of a perfect Saturday for me? Sunny weather + driving + my boys out to Chicopee to check out Letterpress Things' current inventory. This time, we hauled home two cases of type (Spartan Book and Heavy, for practicing my hand setting) and a bunch of miscellaneous pre-loved print shop "stuff."

Project 365: Day 58

Left, a present from The Prof --> father-in-law...right, a present from my dad --> son-in-law

Project 365: Day 52

I'm always looking for an interesting place to take The Boys for their afternoon walk. Today, I decided to check out Forest Hills Cemetery. It's difficult to explain how very old, New England burial grounds are not creepy so much as serene...there are art pieces, famous people (at FH, e.e. cumings, Anne Sexton, Eugene O'Neill,) beautiful Victorian landscape design, and a sculpture garden.

Project 365: Day 36

Cho + Bobby held their *9TH* annual Vinterfest Scandinavian-themed winter party tonight. The food and company was, as always, amazing. This year, an addition to the dessert spread -- waffles!

In case anyone remembers the almond/rice pudding tradition, yes, we all ate TWO BOWLS of rice pudding before Jeffé revealed that he got the lucky nut...for the third time (le sigh.)

Guidos and Massholes go in, who comes out?

"How Can MTV Follow Up Jersey Shore? [With a show called] Massholes."

Oh yes, please do, MTV. At least think on the proposal because, as Jessica Grose points out on Slate, the idea has some great breadth of possibility for casting:

"MTV needs a new tribe to study. Lucky for them, there's a group of feisty young people just a few hundred miles north on the Atlantic coast. They're called Massholes. Though there is some disagreement about what, exactly, constitutes a Masshole, there are several characteristics present in all definitions. A Masshole is a resident of Massachusetts—though sometimes Rhode Island, New Hampshire, or Maine—who possesses a nearly carnal love for the Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, and Bruins; operates motor vehicles in an aggressive fashion; drinks Sam Adams; and overuses the adjective wicked."

Or just give me a call, and I could stock this show with quality Massholes in just the people I encountered today while running errands.

 

(Above, a classic Masshole move...the space-and-a-half parking job. Before this photo was shot, these people most likely chugged a DD coffee and cut someone off with a left turn to get into the garage.)

Project 365: Day 26

Today was glum, and the weather outside monsoon-like. The Boys and I stayed in, did portfolio work (me), half-marathon watched HGTV (me again) and slept (them.) The last 26 days have felt sooooo looooooong. Boo on you, January.

"No soup for you!"

Juuust kidding! Tomorrow is the 4th Annual National Soup Swap, so if you have the time, gather some friends and slurp some soup. In these hard times, what could be more economical and comforting than a big steaming bowl of goulash?

We'll be swapping in Roslindale, and this year we added a new twist -- beer! Each swapper brings six one-quart containers of soup and a six pack. I'll post pics post-swap.
 

 

Welcome, Winter

Supposedly, we'll be getting our first snow tonight -- right in time for Christmas tree buying tomorrow morning!

Deutsche-hole

Germans trying to pronounce Massachusetts...

almost as good as Bostonians trying to pronounce "park," or Pennsylvanians trying to pronounce "creek."

 

Less "Sports", More "Illegal"

I'm attempting to decrease the amount of athletics in my Personas, this might be my last sports post unless the Stillers reach the Superbowl...but I just couldn't resist:

Grrr, Billy, grrr. In Pa Proud-related news, The Prof and I head back to the land of Black and Gold in three days!

Three, Two, One Month

On Wednesday morning, I found a card from The Prof on my desk which, once opened, read "I can't wait to marry you in one month!"

O N E  M O N T H

Realizing that this wedding thang is actually (now less than) thirty days away kind of threw me for a loop. Not because I can't wait for Mark and I to be "officially" Murforelli, but just because there are still a lot of plans to fall into place. So today, I'm at home doing some intense wedding "stuff." The über-talented Tara did my makeup trial last night, which went well, Cho is coming over soon so that we can go to a dress fiting, I found neckwear for the BBK Ring Bearer, AND am about to email the florist.

The boys are both passed out, one on either side of me, on the couch.

So lots has been happening, but not much has made the way over to Blogorelli. I decided to take a few minutes and do a general update, complete with pictures.

IN THE LAST MONTH...

This has been my master and slave:

which led to finally finishing our invites:

After "practicing" my letterpressing skills on our invites, I produced quite a nice batch for The Nachos, AND attended Tracey Nacho's bachelorette (check out the cha cha red boa!)

The FIRST green bean was picked from our backyard+garden= backyarden:

BKP Sophia found a new, higher, and canine-safe perch:

And the Blogorelli babies kept growing!

HENRY

ELLERY

CABELL (and Sophie the Giraffe)

WILL (TURNED ONE! Unfortunately, the flag-bearing squirrels couldn't attend due to weather)

Our old neighbors welcomed their twin girls, Lily and Ruby:

Our "babies" grew too, about two pounds each since they've been home with us!

(Non-Junk) In the Trunk

Anyone in the Boston area who wants a fun recession-proof Thursday activity should come out to our Trunk Show tonight in JP. I promise scads of good loot plus snacks and bevies.

The Prof is coming with The Boys, too!

(click for full size version)