Sunday walks

We've been spending too much time on our butts so out of the house we go. Time to hit the trails!

This is why I don't ride bikes. Rouge trees everywhere.

Show me the Ospreys! Waaaaaaaay off in the distance you can see the nests on platforms.

Investigating the water. Yep, it is wet.

More birds! My internet research tells me these are Great egrets.

These two parks are less than a 10 minute drive from our house. It's pretty great (much like the egrets).

Let's go for a walk

Although I live in a part of Boston nicknamed Rat City I live right on the border of a very nice town. People have yards and actual gardens. It's a much nicer area to walk in so let's go.

All the greens! Very nice.

Hmmm is this Wisteria? I need a plant expert on this walk.

Flowery privacy.

Don't worry I was! Thanks for joining me on my walk.

On my way home from work

There was a double rainbow for the second day in a row!

Nature's confetti

Now stuck to the bottom of my still very wet shoes.

Hot time summer in the city

It's been HOT here in Boston this weekend. I've mostly been hiding out in the AC reading but I did manage to make it out of the house a little but. Can't hide inside all day just because it's hot.

Last night we met up with Germana and Andy for dinner and drinks at Lulu's in Allston.

I love a good fruity beer when it's hot. This Wachusett Blueberry hit the spot.

I've been to Lulu's a few times now and every single time I've gotten the fried chicken. It's so good! Next time I need to order something different, mix it up. I'm sure I'll find another dish I love.

On the way home I was playing Pokémon GO and I caught a ton of new Pokémon.

Not an impressive catch but I hadn't caught a Seaking yet. The Harvard Ave. area of Allston is a Pokémon hot spot.

I've seen quite a few people complaining about Pokémon GO and calling it lame. It's not for everyone but there's no reason to rain on the parade of people who enjoy it. It's getting people out of the house and interacting which are good things. It's even increasing sales at small businesses. One complaint I do agree with though is going on private property to catch a Pokémon. Don't do it! 

It was a tiny bit cooler today so I decided to go for a walk around the local Reservoir. 

This cluster of rocks is always packed with birds. I even saw two swans and a heron on my walk.

Now it's time to cool off and watch some Penny Dreadful on Netflix.

A visit to the Arnold Arboretum

This was my first visit to the Arnold Arboretum. How can that be? I've lived in around around Boston my entire life. I've never seen so many different species of trees in one area.

The Arboretum is 281 acres and is located in the Jamaica Plain and Roslindale neighborhoods of Boston. It was established in 1872 and was founded as a public-private partnership between the city of Boston and Harvard University. The best part is, it's free and open to the public. 

Derek's parents invited us to see 'Inuksuit' - which is a massive outdoor instrumental piece. I have to be honest and admit that 'Inuksuit' was a bit too weird for my taste but I did enjoy walking around the Arboretum. I'd like to go back and explore more and take some more photos without a gong and a siren going off.

Shrimp Boil

My Uncle Scott had a shrimp boil at his house today. He lives on a cute little pond. My niece spit up on me so I guess I am officially christened "auntie".

My brother and nephew out in the boat.

I ate a lot.....

The sunflower has emerged

Before

It looks like it has little babies, and that it's looking at me.

A close up of the bee also enjoying the sunflower.

Melissa wanted credit for alerting me to the bloom. Thank you Melissa!

My new snail friend and Staycation part deux

Dinner and drinks at Society on High. I demolished a beet salad too. I love beet salad and beets in general.

My new snail friend. He enjoys rocks and hanging out on them. Does not like long walks on the beach.

My fat cat weirdly sitting in the window. He will make himself fit in the window! Does anyone else sing songs to their pets? I do..... "how much is that fatty in the window".

Melissa and I were walking to Moogy's which was a fail, but as we were walking we both stopped at this and she said "I know one of us is going to take a picture of this". Read my mind! I loved the lighting.

Hey, I just woke up and have allergy eyes which makes it look like I've been crying. The grass pollen is killing me.

Staycation Day 2 is happening RIGHT NOW.

The trees are ablaze

Love the fall colors that are happening right now. I'm soaking it all in before winter hits and everything is cold and dead until April.