Category Archives: photographs

August 16, 2023

2023 Yarmouth Sand Sculpture Trail (Yarmouth, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: July 21, 2023

Location: Yarmouth, MA

Cost: Free

Parking: Free parking is available at or near each of the locations of the sand sculptures

Universally Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Summary: 32 sand sculptures are located throughout the town of Yarmouth, MA. They will be up until mid-Oct, 2023.

Website: Yarmouth Sand Sculpture Taril

Beaches aren’t the only place to find sand sculptures! Thirty two sand sculptures have been sculpted and set up throughout the city of Yarmouth, MA.

FitzySnowman has sculpted all of the sand sculptures all with a summer, beach or Cape Cod feel to them.

Since it has rained so much, some of the sand sculptures were damaged. But, most of the sculptures held up ok. Only two of the sand sculptures were damaged beyond recognition. Which isn’t too bad considering all of the rain we had been getting in June. Although you can visit them in any order, I will list the sand sculptures in the order I visited them. The first, of course, is located at the Visitor Center on Route 6.

Visitor Center, Route 6

Spongebob and Patrick seem to be popular characters for the sand sculptures each year.

Just Picked Gifts – 13 Willow St, Yarmouth Port

The Cooperative Bank Of Cape Cod – 121 Route 6A, Yarmouth Port. I’ve heard of a safe cracker. But, a squid cracker? That’s a first!

Voila! Designs By Frederique – 169 Main St #6A, Yarmouth Port. As you can see by this photo and other photos of the sand sculptures, the backgrounds and accessories added to the sand sculptures really make the sculptures stand out! And at least one of the sand sculptures is lit up during the evening.

Strawberry Lane, Yarmouth Port

Winslow Crocker House – 250 Route 6A, Old King’s Highway, Yarmouth Port

Bass River Rod & Gun Club – 620 Route 6A, Yarmouth Port

Kinlin Grover – 927 Route 6A, Yarmouth Port. Some of the businesses always have the same kind of sculptures each year. This particular real estate company always has a sand castle on their property. I like this. It gives some routine and stability in an otherwise at times unstable world.

Taylor Bray Farm – 108 Bray Farm Rd North Yarmouth Port

When you do stop this sand sculpture make sure to stop by the farm and check out the animals on the farm!

Bay Berry Golf Course – 635 W Yarmouth Rd, W. Yarmouth

Cape Cod 5 – 514 Station Ave, S. Yarmouth

Today Real Estate – 487 Station Ave, S. Yarmouth – This sand sculpture was demolished due to the elements.

Dunkin’ Donuts – 436 Station Ave, S. Yarmouth

Rockland Trust Bank – 428 Station Ave, S. Yarmouth

Bass River Golf Course – 62 Highbank Rd, S. Yarmouth

Cape Cod Creamery – 1199 Route 28, S. Yarmouth

Yarmouth Town Hall – 1146 Route 28, S. Yarmouth

Dunkin’ Donuts – 1050 Route 28, S. Yarmouth

Seafood Sam’s – 1006 Route 28, S. Yarmouth. This sand sculpture makes me hungry since this is usually the half way point where we take a break and have lunch!

Cand Co – 975 Route 28, S. Yarmouth

The Pancake Man – 952 Route 28, S. Yarmouth

John G Sears & Son – 221 Old Main St, S. Yarmouth

Freebird Motor Lodge – 553 Route 28, w. Yarmouth

Holiday Vacation Condominiums – 488 Main St, W. Yarmouth

Route 28 Visitor Center – 424 Route 28, W. Yarmouth

Laer Realty Partners – 411 Route 28, W. Yarmouth

Bellew Tire & Marble – 280 Main St, Yarmouth

Sunbird Cape Cod Resort – 216 Main St, W. Yarmouth

The Cove at Yarmouth – 183 Main St, W. Yarmouth

Cape Sands Inn – 149 Main St Route 28, W. Yarmouth

Putters Paradise Mini Golf – 119 Route 28, W. Yarmouth

The sand sculpture at Hampton Inn & Suites – 99 Main St Route 28, W. Yarmouth was too damaged by the elements to be photographed

While the sand sculpture trail is a fun, family friendly experience, please do keep in mind it does require traveling through the Cape during peak season! I always figure it will take a “few hours” and yet after 4 hours I am still photographing sand sculptures. But, if you’re just driving by or looking at them it should be quicker than that.

8 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , | posted in cape cod, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, sand sculptures, Yarmouth

July 30, 2023

Green Animals Topiary Garden 2023 (Portsmouth, RI)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: July 24, 2023

Location: 380 Corys Ln, POrtsmouth, RI (30 mins south of Providence, RI and 1 hour southwest of Boston, MA)

Cost: $25 for adults, $10 for children 6-12, children under 6 get in free (you can also purchase combo tickets for tours of the mansions in Newport, RI, on their website). Customers are encouraged to purchase tickets for timed entry on their website. (special rates are available for groups of 10 or more, details are on their website)

Parking: There are about 50 free parking spots located across from the topiary (see below for additional info about parking)

All visitor parking for Green Animals is in the St. Philomena School parking lot. The only entrance to Green Animals is from the St. Philomena parking lot from June 17 – August 27. There will be no access to enter the property from the Green Animals parking lot.

Universally Accessible: No

Dog Friendly: No

Website: Green Animals Topiary Garden

Summary: Dozens of carefully clipped green sculpted shapes are scattered around the 7 acre topiary. There is also a special exhibit by Sean Kenney made out of Lego Bricks. Audio self guided tours are also available.

The numerous parks, sanctuaries and zoos in Rhode Island aren’t the only places in the Ocean State to see animals.

While they may not be as cuddly or cute, the animals at the Rhode Island Green Animals Topiary are just as impressive. The well kept topiary includes a variety of animals such as an elephant, giraffe and a human being.

But, there are so many more animals in this well kept exhibit.

But not all of the greenery is sculpted into animals. They were also trimmed into an airplane, heart and arch.

The 7 acre topiary also has pretty flowers and beautiful views.

As if this wasn’t fun enough, there is also a special exhibit by Sean Kenney. The Sean Kenney Nature Connects is a special exhibit of several art sculptures entirely made of Lego Bricks.

Each exhibit has a sign with information about each animal. The sculptures are listed below. Due to the dimensions and textures of the Lego bricks, the images look better in their full image size. You may want to look at the in full size or zoom in to see them better.

Peacock

Bird Bath (yes those pesky critters use even fake bird baths!)

Buck

Fawn and Doe

Hummingbird

Butterfly

Ant Hill. This cute display has holes for people to stick their heads into while they pose for photos.

Turtle

Rose

Dragonfly

Spider (I’m still having nightmares about this one!)

Wheelbarrow and gardener

Bumble Bee

Remember, these are made entirely out of Lego bricks! I had to keep reminding myself of this as I photographed each one. Also, if you do get lost or can’t keep track of where the Lego brick sculptures are there signs to help point you in the correct directions!

While the topiary is scheduled to remain open until October 1, the Nature Connects exhibit will only be at the topiary through September 10. Just make sure to not step on any of the Legos when you visit!

11 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , | posted in New England, photographs, photography, photos, Rhode Island, topiary

July 22, 2023

Donald F Haviland Memorial (Webb Park, Weymouth, MA)

By New England Nomad

Location: Webb Park, Weymouth, MA

Date Of Visit: July, 2023

We all consider ourselves brave, fearless and calm under pressure. But, what would we really do when faced with a life or death scenario? In all likelihood, we would fall short of our expectations.

Commander Donald F Haviland faced this very same scenario on February 23, 1945. He, however, made a much different decision.

While transporting Norwegian refugees from Russia on the SS Henry Bacon, the ship Haviland was on encountered a heavy gale. The ship had to be taken out of Convoy RA 64 to make repairs from the damage resulting from the gale. This left the SS Henry Bacon vulnerable and German air fighters took advantage. Twenty three German planes attacked the SS Henry Bacon. Despite the USS Henry Bacon shooting down several planes and warding off most of the attackers, the ship did sustain one hit which made the USS Henry Bacon founder.

As the ship was sinking, it was determined there was not enough life boats for all the refugees and personnel. Upon hearing this information, Chief Engineer Haviland, he forfeited his life boat so that a younger man could take his place on in the life boat. Haviland went down with the ship.

Haviland earned the Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal posthumously for his selfless act of heroism.

This memorial always gives me pause when I visit Webb Memorial State Park. What would we do in this situation? Would we have the same brave and selfless spirit? Likely no. But, Haviland and people of his ilk are a different breed. The valor he displayed is truly remarkable.

Each Fourth of July and other days of remembrance, flowers, flags, shells, rocks and other displays of tribute are left at Haviland’s memorial.

A photo of Haviland was also placed upon the memorial during my visit.

Admiral Emory Scott Land put it best in regards to Haviland’s sacrifice when he stated Haviland’s “unselfish action in sacrificing his life to save a shipmate constitutes a degree of heroism in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Merchant Marine.”

8 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , | posted in Massachusetts, memorial, New England, photographs, photography, Uncategorized, Webb Memorial State Park, Weymouth

July 11, 2023

Original Dunkin’ Donuts (Quincy, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: July 8, 2023

Location: 543 Southern Artery, Quincy, MA

You can’t throw a rock, or a bagel for that matter, in Massachusetts without hitting a Dunkin Donuts. But, among all of these coffee shops, there’s a special one in Quincy, MA.

Like many successful companies, the Dunkin’ Donuts franchise had humble beginnings.

The origins of what would become Dunkin’ Donuts began during World War II when a shipyard worker decided to provide food options for his co-workers. William Rosenberg, a worker at the Fore River Shipyard based on the Quincy and Weymouth areas, noticed there weren’t many eating options for his coworkers and himself at the time. While this is far from the case now, Quincy did not have a wide variety of dining options.

Initially, William opened the “Industrial Luncheon Services” with a $1,000 loan and another $1,500 start up money. “Industrial Luncheon Services” was a a food truck that sold sandwiches, coffee, doughnuts, and other snacks.

William noticed that at least 50% of the food and drinks he sold were doughnuts and coffee. So, William decided to start a food business that focused on these foods and renamed his business “Open Kettle.”

Eventually, in 1950, William would open a brick and mortar store at its current location, 543 Southern Artery. After noticing many of his customers dunked their doughnuts in their coffee, William changed the name of his shop to “Dunkin’ Donuts.”

While many of the Dunkin’ Donuts coffee shops updated their decor and designs, the Dunkin’ Donuts on Southern Artery went in another direction. In December, 2011, the shop was “retro-renovated” to honor its original look.

From the original outside design to the indoor decor, the shop on Southern Artery transformed to a coffee shop from back in time.

The interior of the Dunkin’ Donuts has a mural of a photo of the original Dunkin Donuts and a display of the various logos the company has used over the years.

While the logos, design, dining options and decor may have changed at many of the coffee shops, one things remain clear; New Englanders still love their Dunkin’ Donuts.

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12 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , | posted in Dunkin; Donuts, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, quincy

July 2, 2023

New Hampshire Marine Memorial (Hampton Beach, Hampton, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dates Of Visits:

Location: Hampton Beach,

Parking:

Cost: Free

New England has a long history of sea faring servicemen and women. Tragically, some of these people were lost to the sea.

These people may have been lost but they are not forgotten. Certainly not by the people of Hampton, New Hampshire or the people who visit the New Hampshire Marine Memorial.

Each year, thousands of people take selfies, admire the beauty of the statue or sit on the bench at the memorial.

I took these photos of the memorial on two different days. The first set of photos were taking after I took photos of the sand sculptures from this year’s Sand Sculpting Classic at Hampton Beach and the second set were taken on June 25. Since there are usually crowds there, I went early to avoid the crowds and to get the photos with the serene morning light.

Dedicated to all New Hampshire servicepersons lost at sea due to warfare, the New Hampshire Marine Memorial is a mid-sized statue of New England granite on a tiered granite base. A woman holding a wreath casts her gaze along the water.

Inscribed on the upper (middle) step is the phrase BREATHE SOFT, YE WINDS, YE WAVES IN SILENCE REST. These words are from a poem by John Gay, written in 1714, in his “An Epistle to a Lady.” 

Originally, 248 names in 10 rows were added to the back of the memorial with the state seal at each end. Sadly, over time, names have been added. The last name added was on Aug 6, 2022 when Marine Cpl. Jonathan Currier’s name was added to the monument. The 21 year old Cpl. Currier, from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, went overboard in the Sulu Sea off the Philippine coast on Aug. 9, 2018.

What few people may know is the memorial didn’t start out as a memorial. What would become one of the most recognizable memorials in New Hampshire, if not New England, originally began as a grave marker.

William E. Downs of Manchester, NH, had inquired see if the federal government would furnish a grave marker for his son, Captain William D Downs, who was buried at sea May 25, 1945. Little did he know at the time his request would result in such a well known memorial for all service people lost at sea. The memorial would go on to become a memorial to all New Hampshire sons and daughters lost or buried at sea during World War II. In fact, it would go on to remember those lost after World War II.

However, the quest to get the memorial built was a long one. Initially, Downs’ request to have a grave marker built was denied. But Downs did not give up. After many proposals, such as placing the memorial at “Pulpit Rock” at Rye Beach and, after that proposal fell through, “Ragged Neck” at Rye Harbor, Downs was able to gain the support of a memorial from Governor Sherman Adams in 1950. Eventually, the then Governor Hugh Gregg agreed to have the memorial built at Hampton Beach. The statue was dedicated on May 30, 1957 (fittingly Memorial Day). On Veterans Day, 1970, the American Legion Post 35 of the Hamptons, dedicated two flag poles at the monument, which fly the American and state flags.

As you can tell by the events and actions outlined below, there were a lot of people involved in the creation of this memorial.

A design by Concord (NH) resident Alice E. Cosgrove was approved for the 12 foot statue.

Cambridge, Massachusetts sculptor, Teodors Uzarins, was commissioned to model the life-size statue in clay at the Caproni Galleries in Boston. Uzarins, worked closely with Alice, to produce the features that everyone who has seen it remembers.

A 24-ton granite block from Swenson’s Granite Quarries of Concord to sculpt the memorial. That 24 ton granite block was then shipped to Barre, Vermont where it was shaped. It was then sent to Hampton after 17 tons of that block had been removed by Italian artisan, Vincenzo Andreani of Marr and Gordon, Inc., Granite Works. Andreani used a plaster cast of the lady in the memorial for point-by-point measurements.

All of this hard work paid off, as the memorial is not only a respectful tribute to those who have served the country honorably. It is also one of the most recognizable sculptures in New Hampshire.

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9 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , | posted in Hampton Beach, Hampton, NH, New England, new hampshire, photographs, photography, photos, sculpture

June 19, 2023

2023 Hampton Beach Sand Sculpting Classic (Hampton Beach, Hampton, NH)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: June 18, 2023

Location: Hampton Beach, Hampton, NH, 160 Ocean Blvd, Hampton, NH

Cost: Free

Parking: Metered parking and several parking lots are available in the area. See below for parking restrictions, availability and costs

https://hamptonbeach.org/vacation/parking/

Universally Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Summary: Ten sand sculptors put their talent to the test in the 23rd annual Hampton Beach Sand Sculpting Classic. The sculptures will be available to be viewed until Sunday, June 25 and they are lit up at night

It’s amazing what you can do with sand, especially if you are one of the gifted artists at the Hampton Sand Sculpting Classic.

The sand sculpting event, which took place June 15-17, attracts world renown sculptors from all over the United States and abroad. But, if you pay attention to the event or visit the competition, you may notice some familiar names as many of the artists compete in the event each year. In fact, one of the persons instrumental in the creation of the event, Greg Grady, has competed each year since its inception in 2000.

Some fun facts about the sculptures: 200 tons of sand is imported for the sand sculptors to use for their own sculptures and for the main design. Those sticks on tops of the sculptors you may see in some of the photos are not for artistic value – they are used to prevent birds from landing on the sculptures. And each sculptor is given 10 tons of sand to make their work of art.

Each year, the sand sculpting classic has a different theme. All of the sculptors work together to make the sculptures in the centerpiece design. Some of the themes in previous competitions were “The Greatest Show In Sand” (in 2022) and Sand, Sun and Fun in 2021″ (in 2021 of course). This year’s theme is “The Sand Before Time” with a nod to the Old Man of the Mountain (I had a hard time finding it too).

Although it’s good to see teamwork, this is a competition after all. Each sculptor had 3 (or more like 2 and a half) days to make their sand sculptures. From Thu morning until Saturday afternoon the sculptors toiled away, despite some inclement weather. But, despite the wind and rain they carried on.

The sculptures are listed below in the order they are located. Whenever possible, the meaning or other information about the sculptures are included in the description. The information and quotes were found on the Hampton Beach Facebook page and various new stories.

“Audio Immersion” – Rusty Croft (Carmel, California)

Rusty’s inspiration for this sculpture came from unexpected source; Audible. He said he enjoys listening to audio books. He went on to say how the immersion of a story or music can take you out and how you can be encapsulated by these different mediums, especially when you listen with noise cancelling headphones. This experience of listening to words or music can be immersive to your ears eyes and mind. Rusty also mentioned how the piece shows, “how your mind doesn’t need your eyes to see a vision sometimes, it’s just the audio. The sound comes through without them.” He also made a joke about how he ironically lost his own earbuds in the sand while making this work of art.

“The Devil In The Details” – Chris Guinto (Captain Cook, Hawaii) – Governor’s Choice Award

Chris Guinto secured a spot in next year’s competition by winning the Governor’s Choice award, perhaps not so ironically, with his sculpture “The Devil In The Details.”

“Love Is A Universal Temple” – Melineige Beauregard (Captain Cook, Hawaii) 1st Place Winner & People’s Choice Winner

Melineige, who won first place last year, snagged first place this year as well for her sculpture “Love Is A Universal Temple.” It is also the third time in four years she has won first place in this competition.

Melineige said the sculpture, which shows a mother and child embracing in the shape of a cathedral, was about ” “the feeling of being in love, whether it’s human or animal,” Beauregard said. “It’s very sacred. It is its own temple by itself.”

For her efforts, Melineige was awarded $6,000 for first place and another $1,000 for the People’s Choice Award.

“Obsolete” – Carl Jara (Lyndhurst, Ohio) Third Place

Carl, another familiar face at the competition, won third place for his effort “Obsolete.”

Carl said his sculpture was based on being old and obsolete and was “something of a vulnerable piece” for him. Carl went on to say he has been sculpting for 32 years and sculpting at this event for 23 years (every year it has been held) and he’s seen the progression and change over the years.

“For an old guy like me, you know with years of experience…I don’t have time to innovate again. I feel sometimes a little obsolete,” Carl said explaining his sculpture. He also stated this “old God” feels these same feelings of being obsolete as there are no “new god’s” and, out of sheer frustration, he has thrown his six pack into the TV monitor while he sits on his lounge chair with his fast food or chips by his side.

“Futurism: Man’s Best Friend 2.oh-no” – Greg Grady (New Hampshire)

At this risk of dating myself, all I could think of when I saw this sculpture was Muffet (the dog from the TV show Buck Rogers). If you get that reference, it may be time to join AARP.

“Ascent” – Bruce Phillips (California) Fourth place (tie)

Bruce Phillips said this sculpture is about how Artificial intelligence is basically replacing free thought.

His sculpture tied for 4th place with the next sculpture.

“Raptor Ryder” – Karen Fralich (Ontario, Canada)

Karen tied for 4th place with her “Raptor Ryder”. Karen said the inspiration for this sculpture was based on two of her favorite things and was tied into the “Sand Before Time” theme. “Heavy metal and dinosaurs, two of my favorite things” she explained.

“Guardian Of Her Dreams” – Matthew Deibert (New Jersey)

Matthew Deibert, a retired Atlantic City firefighter captain who has been competing in sand sculpting competitions since 1999, made his debut at this competition this year. His piece “Guardian of Her Dreams” depicts a young girl sleeping in bed with her teddy bear, sword in hand, protecting her from nightmares.

“The Struggles We Face”- Josh Gordon (Massachusetts)

Another familiar face at the competition, Josh Gordon, created the sculpture “The Struggles We Face.”

“Dave Is Here” – Abe Waterman (Prince Edward Island) Second place & Sculptor’s Choice Award

Abe’s sculpture was a tribute to another sculptor, Dave Andrews.

Abe said he made this sculpture in honor of fellow sand sculptor David Andrews who had previously competed in the Hampton Beach Sand Sculpting competition. Sadly, David passed away last year. Abe said the sculpture is for David, “but it’s also for all of us.” He went on to say “David was an incredible guy and sculptor.”

This sculpture of Andrews also won the Sculptors Choice Award, voted on by those competing in the contest.

The sand sculptures are expected to remain up until Sunday, June 25. Then, they will be taken down. They will also be lit up at night for evening viewing.

10 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , | posted in Hampton Beach, Hampton, NH, New England, new hampshire, photographs, photography, photos, sand sculpting, sand sculptures, travel

March 26, 2023

Winter 2022 (New England)

By New England Nomad

Dates of Visits: Winter, 2022

Locations: All over Massachusetts

Some of you may wonder what am I up to when I don’t post on WordPress. Admittedly, I don’t post on here as often as I would like to or should post. But, I am still out photographing things!

I don’t always post on here whenever I take photographs, especially if it’s from place I go to frequently. So, I thought I would post photos from last winter with a brief description of the photos. I found this post to be fun. I also think it helps show what I’ve been up to in between blog posts! I hope to do this after each season. You can find photos I don’t post on here on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/newenglandnomad/ or Instagram new.england.nomad_

Wollaston Beach, Quincy, MA (Feb 4, 2023)

I took these photos on the coldest day of the year. The actual temperature was -9 degrees with a -31 windchill factor. I dressed warmly (basically 2 eyes poking out of a balaclava and every part of my body covered as frostbite can set in very quickly on unprotected skin in these conditions). All I could think of during this shoot was the planet Hoth from The Empire Strikes Back movie. I wasn’t going to go out on that day figuring it was dangerously cold and my bed would be much more comfortable. But, I heard and saw other photographers talking or posting about how they were eager to go out in the elements. This got my competitive juices flowing! I also figured it is a once in a lifetime (hopefully) event. So, off I went! I came home after and tried to warm up the remainder of the day!

Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary (Marshfield, MA)

I took this photo of Piebald deer at Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary in Feb, 2023

When I first spotted this deer, I thought he or she was molting (a process when some birds and animals shed their fur or feathers). But that only usually happens during the fall or spring. So, it was too early for that.

After asking a friend who knows about these things and doing some research on my own, I realized the deer had a condition called Piebaldism. No, Piebald is not a new type of pastry or desert!

Found in a variety of animals including humans, Piebaldism is condition that involves the absence of mature melanin-forming cells (melanocytes) in certain areas of the skin and hair. 

The deer below has a rare genetic abnormality called Piebald. Piebaldism is found in some white tail deer. But it is not very common. Only about 2% of the white tail deer population has this disorder. However, it can cluster among herds and be spread among entire herds in a particular area

Besides the distinct coloring of their fur, Piebald deer also exhibit other features visible in the photo such as skeletal misalignment, shortened legs, crooked legs, bowing of the nose, deformed hooves, shortened jaws as well as internal organ deformities.

Piebaldism is the result of a genetic abnormality that leads to a lack of pigmentation in certain places on the body. It is not clear what causes this abnormality as there have not been enough extensive studies to know for certain. It does appear to be spread genetically,

You can find piebaldism in other animals as well. Horses, dogs, foxes, cattle, cetceans, pigs and even snakes also may exhibit this abnormality. While they may experience some challenges, most animals with this condition often live full and overall healthy lives.

I also spotted this seemingly one legged Great Blue Heron. practicing their balance. Many birds do this as a way of keeping one of their legs warm. Their feathers offer their legs warmth during the colder seasons.

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary (Topsfield, MA)

I often visit this sanctuary. So I have quite a few photos from there. I have selected some of my favorites. But, first I wanted to post photos of one more colorful residents, Jasper.

Jasper, a Redtail Hawk, can often be found gliding through the air or, if you’re lucky, hunting his prey (some photos are of a graphic nature)

I was also able to make it out there just after a snowfall.

While some of the residents do migrate, there are quite a few who stay year round.

Bird feeding, by hand no less, is a popular activity at the sanctuary. They especially appreciate it during the winter

I’ve also been photographing sunrises and sunsets throughout the colder months. These are a few of my favorites from the past season.

Independence Park, Beverly, MA

Revere Beach

Riverwalk, Springfield, MA

And, of course, I photographed a few holiday displays

7 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , | posted in animals, birds, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, sunrise, sunset

February 27, 2023

Salem’s So Sweet 2023 (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: February 11, 2023 (usually held annually the weekend of or before Valentine’s Day)

Location Downton Salem, MA

Cost: Free

Summary: In addition to the 24 ice sculptures that were placed around the downtown Salem area, there were festivities and activities for all to enjoy

It was that time of the year when throngs of people descend upon Salem, MA. No, I’m not referring to the Halloween season.

The Salem’s So Sweet ice sculpture event is quickly becoming one of the biggest events in the city. It’s also a great example of how Salem has become a place to visit throughout the year.

Originally, 28 sculptures were expected to be displayed. But, only 24 sculptures made it to the city.

Due to the weather conditions, it was unseasonably mild during the day, and the sun beating down on them, some of the sculptures were a little worse for the wear by the time I got to photograph them. I also like to photograph after they are lighted at 5 pm.

I was able to use my 24 mm prime lens that has an aperture of 1.4 at its lowest (most open) setting. So I didn’t have to use a tripod, although it did get a little tricky the darker it became.

I am listing them in the numerical order they were listed on their map. Also, the lights on some of the sculptures changed colors and some of the sculptures had special guests posing with them. I have also included photos of some of the sculptures when they were not lighted and when they were lighted to show the difference in the appearance of the sculptures

1 Sacred Heart

2 Blackcraft’s Nydia

3 Crystal Snowflake

4 The Commonwealth’s Civic Engagement University

5 Crescent Moon Disco

6 Fish

7 Dog (and dog posing like the dog ice sculpture). The cute dog modeling for me is Grizzly, a 4 year old Bloodhound.

8 Diamond

9 Love You Evermore

10 Tooth

11 Hocus Pocus

12 Salem’s So Sweet Showcase

13 Lego Minifigure Zeke, a one year old Pyrenees and Komondor mix, was a good boy and posed for this photo for me!

14 Year Of The Rabbit

15 Cat – not available

16 Snail – not available

17 Skeleton Snowman

18 Rose

19 Gummi Bear

20 Cinderella’s Carriage

21 Pawprint

22 Dragonfly – not available

23 Peace Love & Music

24 Crystal Ball

25 Ancestry Days Tree

26 Shooting Stars

27 Seahorse

28 Polar Bear – not available (I really would have liked to see that one!)

There were also additional lights and decorative displays throughout the city. This house on Derby St (some of you know the one) is usually lit up for many of the holidays and special events

And there were these cute decorations

But, this event had so much more than pretty sculptures and decorations. In the Salem Visitors Center there was a desk set up for visitors to make Valentines for the city of Salem or for their own personal reasons.

And, if that wasn’t enough, there were warming stations, colorfully dressed guides to help you find the sculptures, a surprise movie star, a band and other activities to entertain the visitors

There was also a special activity for people of all ages to participate in called Brighter Ignite. Brighter Ignite is an illuminated traveling exhibit that encourages people to connect, engage and play. Inspired by the courage of the Maccabees in the story of Hanukkah, the exhibit was designed by artist Tova Speter. Brighter Ignited activates the light from the community and encourages us to explore how we too can stand up for what we believe in.

Below are some videos from the event. I wanted to illustrate just how pretty the sculptures looked as the changed colors!

8 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , | posted in ice sculptures, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, Valentines Day

December 29, 2022

Christmas By Candlelight 2022 (Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: December 17, 2022

Location: Old Sturbridge Village, 29 Stallion Hill Road, Sturbridge, MA

Hours: Held annually, November 25, 26, 27, and December 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 27, 28, 29, and 30. Christmas by Candlelight runs from 2:00 – 8:00 pm.

Cost: $32 for adults and $16 for youth (4-17)

Parking: Free ample parking is available on site

Summary Houses are decorated in traditional style while period style actors bake, make ornaments, play musical instruments of the day and tell stories of days of yore.

Website: https://www.osv.org/event/christmas-by-candlelight-2022/

Have you ever wondered how some of the earlier settlers of New England celebrated the holidays? Then Old Sturbridge Village has just the thing for you.

Luckily, you can see see an accurate display of how New Englanders celebrated Christmas during the 1830s, 1850s and 1870s (except for bonuses like having indoor plumbing and electricity in homes and other modern day comforts) at their Christmas By Candlelight event. One of the biggest attractions is the Center Meeting House, especially during the evening.

The Center Meeting house was used for meetings, elections and sermons. During my visit they were playing music at the Meeting House.

Many other homes were also decorated for the event.

Everything from the furniture and the way the curtains were hung was true to that era, Even the character actors were dressed in clothing of that time.

This worker at Sturbridge was making stockings

As the light was waning and I didn’t want to use a flash in this environment, even though it would have helped bring out some of the features of the people and the settings, I used a prime lens with a low aperture so I could photograph in the low light conditions.

There were also people making decorations, knitting hats and baking holiday treats

There were also musicians performing traditional holiday music

As the sun set on Sturbridge Village, I was able to capture

In case you got cold, there were open fires for people to warm up

Sturbridge Village also showcased acres of lights and decorations

But not all of the lights were on trees and houses. Visitors also wore festive lights to get in the spirit of the event!

Each year Sturbridge Village holds a gingerbread home contest. They have showcased some incredible works in the past and this year was no different. It was a nice way to end the visit

12 Comments   |  tags: , , , | posted in historical, history, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized

November 1, 2022

Pilgrim Mother Statue And Fountain (Plymouth, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: September 18, 2022

Location: 72 Water St, Plymouth, MA

Located just a stone’s throw from the another famous attraction in Plymouth, the Pilgrim Mother Statue and Fountain is perhaps one of the lesser known attractions in the town. However, it has a an interesting back story and rich history.

The statue, which was a gift from the Daughters of the American Revolution to celebrate the1921 Tercentenary Anniversary of Plymouth, was meant a tribute the the women of the Mayflower who suffered a harsh first winter in Pawtuxet. Of the 18 women who boarded the Mayflower, only 5 survived the first winter, The serious look on this statue’s face is evidence of these harsh times.

Across the street from Plymouth Harbor, the statue keeps a watchful eye.

Sculptor Carl Paul Jennewein, a German born American sculptor, was commissioned to sculpt the Pilgrim Mother statue in 1920. Jennewein used granite from Deer Island for the base and bowl of the foundation. The statue is made from Knoxville, Tennessee, marble.

The Daughters’ 34th Continental Congress have described the statue as being of a “mature woman” who is “strong yet modest” and “sweet, gentle and kind.” The fact the women and men of the Mayflower made it through these difficult conditions is proof of these qualities.

4 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , | posted in Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, Plymouth, statues