Boston Sunset

Every ending is a beginning. We just don't know it at the time.
~ Mitch Albom

For more inspirational photos this week, please visit Wordless Wednesday, Image-in-ing, and Through my Lens.

Boston: Week 4

Inside Boston Atheneum - looking out
on the Granary Graveyard

I think the best part of traveling a month at a time (besides the fact that I don't have to cram each day with constant activity) is I have the opportunity to re-visit favorite places and take time to photograph the memories I wish to bring home.

I did that a lot this week. I spent an afternoon wandering the streets of the North End, significant for its role in the American Revolution as well as preserving authentic Italian pastries and pastas.

I took advantage of the gorgeous weather and walked from the top of Newberry street to the Boston Commons, enjoying the elegant neighborhoods and plentiful parks along the way.

But I also made time for a couple of new experiences, like being an extra in a movie which happened to be shot in the most exclusive library in town.

Boston: Week 3

Visited my son on set... very exciting!

Another week in Boston, and I'm still loving this city.

I've decided traveling for a solid month is a great way to see the world. One month allows plenty of time to see the sights without running myself ragged.

I maintain my regular morning routine and typically leave the apartment by 10:00am (after commuter traffic). I focus on one event per day so as not to overload my senses. And I usually return home mid-afternoon to relax while uploading and editing the daily photos. Evenings are up for grabs: either a nice dinner out, or a low-key evening on the couch.

If the weather doesn't cooperate, I don't have to brave the elements. I use those days to stay inside, catch up on laundry, and do a bit of writing. It's nice to have an occasional everyday in the midst of a travel adventure - and not worry about wasting valuable time.

Totoro Family Recipes: Pinwheel Cookies

The Joy of Cookies
by Sharon Tyler Herbst

My husband is a self-professed "boring" eater. The plainer the better.

Therefore, it is no surprise that his favorite holiday cookie is the Pinwheel: a simple sugar cookie / chocolate cookie dough rolled together to present a colorful, plain cookie.

Of course, such a simple cookie requires the finest ingredients. Creamy butter, pure vanilla, and dutch cocoa.

Sailing the Charles River

Who is the happier man:
He who has braved the storm of life and lived? ... or
He who has stayed securely on the shore and merely existed?
~ Hunter S. Thompson

For more inspirational photos this week, please visit: Wordless Wednesday, Image-in-ing, and Through My Lens

Boston: Week 2

Massachusetts State House
from Boston Commons

The first week in Boston I set out to prove I could still live in the city. The second week I convinced myself I could.

Of course it helps that this city has a small town vibe, which means it is easy to navigate and I can walk nearly anywhere I want to go. For places that are a bit too far to walk, the mass transit system is comfortable, reliable, and convenient. In fact, I am now a proud owner of a CharlieCard and feel like native.

I could easily wax on and on about this city (and perhaps I will in future posts), but for today, here are the highlights of this past week:

Totoro Family Recipes: Cranberry Orange Muffins

I must admit, I am more a fan of cranberry for the holidays than any other members of the Totoro family.

I really like this particular recipe book because it gives a basic muffin mix that can be used in a variety of different ways - savory as well as sweet.

The quick mix recipe yields enough for several batches of muffins, but it can keep up to two months in the refrigerator. A perfect on-hand starter for unexpected holiday company.

Labor Day

Stop a minute, right where you are... Tell that imperious voice in your head to be still.
~ Barbara Kingsolver

For more inspirational photos this week, please visit: Wordless Wednesday, Image-in-ing, and Through My Lens

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Boston: First Impressions

View from my bedroom - watching Hermine in the distance

I made it safely to my home-away from-home for the next 23 days, and I must confess - it is glorious!

We are staying in a penthouse apartment (I've always wanted to say that...) in Cambridge. Not only are the views spectacular, but the location is perfect.

I am a five minute walk to the T (Boston's public transportation system), which takes me anywhere I desire to go.

But Boston is a very walkable city, and I find myself walking more often than not. So far, I'm averaging about 15,000 steps a day!

Totoro Family Recipes: Pumpkin Nut Muffins

Last week I posted my quintessential fall recipe, Fresh Apple Cake, even though we are still in the dog days of summer. Perhaps I owe a bit of an explanation...

When I first started posting Totoro Family Recipes, the primary reason was to document family favorites for the next generation. I have a Pinterest board to collect them all for easy access.

Most of these family favorites center around the fall holidays, from October 1st through December 31st. I calculated the recipes I wanted I share and the number of weeks until the New Year.  And I realized... in order to share them all, I had to start mid-August!

Be prepared for Christmas cookie recipes sometime before Thanksgiving :)