Category Archives: animals

January 1, 2016

Mom’s House (Western MA)

As the year draws to an end I thought I would share some of the photos taken from my mother’s house throughout the year. Since she lives in an area that used to be farmland there are a lot of wooded areas that attract a variety of wildlife. She also has a couple of bird feeders that attract birds of all types. There are many other animals in the area over the years that I have heard or seen but not photographed such as deer, a horse, cows, mountain lions and reportedly even bears.

Check out the slideshow below to see some of the friends that have visited us this past year. My cat, Bailey, is included in the slideshow. I always bring her when I visit.

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I always like investigating the area when I visit for the holidays and long weekends. I’ve always thought it would be a great place to retire. The storms and sunsets can be jaw dropping.

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There are also a variety of plants, flowers and trees in her yard.

Have a happy, healthy and productive 2016!

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16 Comments | tags: animals, birds, cats, dogs, Nature, photographs, Photography, photos, plants, spiders, storm, sunset, trees, turkeys, widlife | posted in animals, birds, dogs, flowers, nature, New England, pets, photographs, photography, photos, plants, storm, storms, sunset, trees, Uncategorized, western massachusetts, wildlife

December 26, 2015

Maple Brook Farm (Westfield, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dates visited: December 16, 2015 and December 21, 2015

Tucked away one of the many side roads of West Springfield, MA, is an unexpected place.

The Maple Brook Farm is home to a variety of alpacas. It’s not everyday that you get to see alpacas grazing from the road so I thought I would stop by.

They tend to cluster together so it was hard to take photos of them alone.

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The driveway to the farm is usually open, at least during non holiday daylight hours. When I went to visit, there was no staff or anyone else there but the public is welcome and there is no charge. I just wish I knew what alpacas eat. I would have brought them a treat.

The grounds of the farm are well groomed and there are many structures and statues that liven up the area. It is definitely worth a visit.

17 Comments | tags: alpacas, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, West Springfield, Western Massachusetts | posted in alpacas, animals, Massachussetts, photographs, photography, photos, statues, Uncategorized, West Springfield

October 12, 2015

Howl-O-Ween Costumed Pet Parade (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dressing up for Halloween is not just for humans.

And there were plenty of pets on display Sunday in Salem, Massachusetts, to prove this.

Sunday, the dogs, and a few cats, took over Salem at the Howl-O-Ween Costumed Pet Parade.

The costumes ranged from the scary, like this dog bone skeleton

and this shark

to the funny like this pooch dressed as Beetlejuice.

In fact, a lot of animals dressed up as other animals and insects. Like these bees

and these bat dogs

or this elephant

There were also an octopus, lobsters, a spider and even a squirrel riding a dog.

Some dogs decided to dress more like humans like Sherlock Bones.

and this working class dog

Some dogs wore more creative costumes, like this Chia-pet

and this wolf in sheep clothes

and Goldilocks

And for those of you who thought dinosaurs were extinct, think again

There were also a number of pets dressed as fictional characters such as Chewbacca and Superman/woman (with a tutu no less) and a super hero.

Sleeping beauty was also at the parade.

And of course, what would a Howl-O-Ween parade be without a witch?

There were also some sports themed costumes

And some food themed costumes like these hot dogs and taco

Dogs were not the only participants. There were these two brave cats. One was dressed as a sailor and the other cat, Briggs, was just a spectator

Although all the participants were winners winners, the prize for best overall costume went to “Max” from the his “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” outfit.

18 Comments | tags: cats, costume, costumes, dog, dogs, fun, Halloween, Massachusetts, New England, parade, pets, Photography, photos, Salem | posted in animals, cats, costumes, dog, dogs, Halloween, massachusetts, New England, parade, pets, photography, photos, road trip, Salem

September 13, 2015

Olde Mystik Village (Mystic, CT)

By New England Nomad

Tucked away in the quaint village of Mystic, Connecticut, stands the hidden gem known as The Olde Mystic Village.

At first glance, Mistick Village may seem like a nondescript shopping center. But, Mistick Village is much more.

There are many cramped stores for specialty merchandise such as custom made clothing and hand made jewelry, pet shops and eateries that dot the village. It would be easy to dismiss it as just another shopping center. But Mistik Village has many unexpected charms. One of the biggest surprises at Olde Mistik Village is something very unique.

Right there, smack dab in the middle of the village is a pond.

Forget about the cinema and the fudge shop. The ducks are the most popular attractions at the village. People feed them their dietary recommended food. Signs prominently remind people crackers and bread are not safe for the ducks to eat.

They are not restricted to the pond area either. You can regularly see the ducks roaming the walkways of the Mistik Village.

And, since so many people feed them, they are not shy.

The flowers and trees at Mistik Village are another unique feature of the shoopping center.

Yes, that is a birdhouse on the flag pole.

Keeping with the aquatic theme, a waterfall leads to a stream with koi fish.

Some of the most charming elements of the village are the decor. Walkways are furnished with wooden gateways.

Wooden chairs rest in front of this fashion shop.

Various structures are scattered throughout the village.

Of course, the Mistik Village is a dog friendly area.

I met Theo and Rebel. Theo was happy to see me. Rebel, on the left, not so much.

I also made a friend at Old Mistik Village. Charley is a rescue dog from Hurricane Katrina. His dad told us how, after noticing Charley, he arrived at the dog shelter at 5 a.m. to make sure he could adopt him. Charley is a very special dog.

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4 Comments | tags: attractions, connecticut, decor, dogs, ducks, fish, flowers, mystic, New England, Photography, photos, plants, pond, shopping center, site seeing, stream, trees, waterfall | posted in animals, attractions, connecticut, dogs, ducks, fish, flowers, New England, shop, shopping, shops, travel, traveling

New England Nomad

Category Archives: animals

Mom’s House (Western MA)

Maple Brook Farm (Westfield, MA)

Howl-O-Ween Costumed Pet Parade (Salem, MA)

Olde Mystik Village (Mystic, CT)

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