Tag Archives: photographs

November 12, 2018

Jerry’s Fright Fairs (Witch City Consignment, Salem, MA)

Date Of Events: October 13 and 28, 2018

Location: Witch City Consignment, 302 Essex St, Salem, MA

Highlights: art, memorabilia and other horror related items for sale

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The Witch City Consignment shop had two fairs: Freaks, Antiques And Uniques which was held October 13 and 14 and Jerry’s Fright Fairs which were held the last two weekends of the month.

The “boo-tique” specialized in art, dolls and masks among other types of horror related products. There were two levels of vendors with dozens of artists at the shop.

Toni Gangi’s The Monkey Biz specializes in art with a twist.

Move over American Girl, Kat sells cute little dolls at Kats Creepy Creations.

There was lots of art by a variety of artists at the fair.

Oneail FX sells masks and effects for all of your Halloween needs.

The Witch City Consignment store also sold their own wares. Everything from figurines and old magazines to holiday decorations (with a heavy emphasis on Halloween decorations of course).

The shop featured not only horror themed products. There were also artifacts of a bygone era.

Sometimes you come across items that peak your interest, even if you wouldn’t want to buy them for your own use. I always find things like these old photos to be so interesting. I wonder where are these people now? What were they really like and what is their story?

I had to take a close up of this Halloween decoration since my we had the very same decoration while I was growing up. I wonder if it’s the same one. It’s wonderful to think of how one random decoration can make you flush with nostalgia.

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Of course, during my visit to the fair there were lots of people and dogs in costume for Halloween.

Dogs were dressed up for the holiday as well!

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Sawyer, Super dog on the left, is an 11 year old Beagle. Jack, dressed as Batman on the right, is a 10 year old Cavalier.

The appropriately named Lucifer is a 10 month old Siberian Husky.

Astra is a 8 month old Samoyed.

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I met Faith, an 8 year old, Pitt Bull and American Bulldog mixed breed dog.

8 Comments | tags: art, dogs, Halloween, horror, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Salem | posted in dogs, Halloween, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, Uncategorized

November 4, 2018

Boston Christmas Festival (Seaport World Trade Center, Boston, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: November 2-4, 2018

Location: Seaport World Trade Center, 1 Seaport Lane, Boston, MA

Hours: Friday: Noon-7pm, Saturday: 10 am-6 pm, Sunday: 10 am-5 pm

Cost: $14 per person, kids under 14 get in for free

Parking/Public Transportation:

Seaport Hotel Parking Lot – Sat/Sun = $22 special event parking (flat fee). 200 Seaport Blvd – 4 entrances one on each side of the block across the street from the Boston Christmas Festival. Friday hourly rates apply
391 Congress St – Friday = $24 Saturday and Sunday = $15 per space
SBWTC (South Boston Waterfront Transportation Center) brand new garage – $38 max. Use World Trade Center ramp to walk to Festival

You can also get there by taking the Red Line on the MBTA to South Station and taking the SL 3 (Chelsea) train on the Silver Line to the World Trade Center stop. The World Trade Center is across the street from the train station on WTC Ave

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Service dogs may be allowed

Website: Boston Christmas Festival

Highlights: gingerbread houses, over 350 vendors, cafe, family friendly activities

Tips: you can buy tickets in advance of the website, Fridays are usually the least crowded days to visit, there is a coat check available at the event

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After so many Halloween celebrations, the Christmas spirit is in the air. To kick off the official holiday spirit, the Seaport World Trade Center held their 32nd annual Boston Christmas Festival.

The festival is usually held annually the first weekend of November. Besides the various vendors, the festival also features a Gingerbread house contest.

This Gingerbread Ship won Most Creative.

This house won the Kid’s Choice award.

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I liked this one best. It won “Most Tasty.” You can’t go wrong with that!

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This house won for best decoration.

And, this wintry display won Best In Show.

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Of course, the biggest part of the festival are the shops. With over 350 vendors, there was something for everyone.

There’s nothing like colorful wreaths and trees to get you into the spirit.

The best time to visit the event, in terms of crowds, is Friday (preferable when it begins at noon time on Friday) or early on Saturday and Sunday, although I have remembered walking past the World Trade Center last year during this festival and seeing people waiting outside to get in before the doors opened. Many people were either still at work or more interested in getting home on a Friday night. The festival was actually pretty quiet and I did not have to wait in line to get in. There was lots of room to roam around during my visit. These aisles were surely more packed on Saturday and Sunday.

I particularly liked the wooden decorative displays at Wired Primitives. Based out of Auburn, MA, Wired Primitives uses pine to make these displays. They are all hand made and each piece is hand drawn and made by Beth, the owner of the company.

Another cute shop was this vendor who makes all of the outer shells of her ornaments out of egg shells.

The ladies at One Simple Chick have some home made wreaths and other holiday items.

We’ll be needing these soon enough. In fact, I’m pretty sure some of us New Englanders have already used them.

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Kathleen at Holiday House Treasures makes seasonal figurines,

Lynne at Garden Treasures Designs makes floral arrangements for weddings as well as arrangements and decorative items for the holidays.

Pauline at Country Snowmen and Friends makes all of her holiday decorations by hand. Her shop is located in Portsmouth, NH.

These holiday goods are made out of re-purposed or “up purposed” items.

Some of the vendors and shoppers got in the holiday spirit.

Nothing says “Merry Christmas” like illuminated hats! I purposefully underexposed this photo (yeah, I did it on purpose, sure let’s go with that) to show off the lights on these hats.

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This vendor was dressed for the season. He told me he was planning on wearing a different holiday themed suit for each day of the festival.

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I saw so many people dressed with antler headwear and other holiday headwear. I love the snowman hat in this photo!

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Although it may be too late to attend the festival this year, this annual event occurs every year at the World Trade Center in Boston. See you there next year!

10 Comments | tags: arts and crafts, Boston, Boston Christmas Festival, Christmas, holidays, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos | posted in Boston, Christmas, holidays, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized

October 31, 2018

Dark Arts (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dates of Exhibit: Oct. 5-Nov. 4, 2018 (photos taken Oct. 13)

Location: Salem Arts Association, The Bridge at 211: 211 Bridge Street, Salem MA

Cost: Free, donations are appreciated

Hours:

Only open during the weekends
November / December hours 12:00 – 5:00 PM Saturdays and Sundays

Parking: plentiful after Halloween. Visitors are encouraged to take public transportation during Halloween.

Handicapped Accessible: Yes, the gallery is handicapped accessible.

Website: Dark Arts At Salem Arts Association

Salem Arts Association

Highlights: art with a “dark theme”

First, let me wish you all a very Happy Halloween! To celebrate this special day I thought I would post photos from my recent visit to the “Dark Art” exhibit in, where else, Salem, MA.

Halloween meets art at the aptly named, “Dark Arts” exhibit at the Salem Arts Association building in Salem, MA.

Several artists, chiefly from Salem and other North Shore (the coastal area between Boston and New Hampshire) have their work displayed at the Salem Arts Association 211 Building.

The Salem Arts Association building is tucked away off Bridge St. So you do have to keep your eyes open for it if you’re passing by. In fact, I missed it a few times myself before I found the walkway located on the opposite side of the MBTA station.

The works of art vary widely from photographs, watercolors and mixed media among other types of art. I have not posted them on any order other than the order they were posted in the building.

If you haven’t seen these treasures, you have until Sunday, November 4 to see them! You can find the hours and directions to the Salem Arts Association in the details above.

At the time that I took these photographs all of the works of art were for sale if you’re interested.

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Daniel Breslin of Salem, MA, earned second place with his work III. He used encaustic media (a hot wax painting, involves using heated beeswax to which colored pigments are added) and objects on wood to make this art.

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Katherine Miura used oil to paint Ugly Jack.

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Copper Beech is a pastel painting by Janet Schwartz, originally from Westborough, MA.

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Steve Negron, of Lynn, MA, used acrylic to make “Lupe No Longer Enjoyed Hector’s Undivided Attention.”

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RIP Maybe is a digital photograph by Patricia Dunbar.

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Zenovia Limberakis made Sanctified Ouija Board II. It is an assemblage.

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Daniel Bresin made Electrux Rectifier (Beast) from encaustic and objects on wood.

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Struck A Nerve is an encaustic and mixed media work made by Rebecca deVries.

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Rebecca also made Metamorphosis out of encaustic and mixed media materials.

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You’re Future Told is a paper and wood work of art by Cynthia Mikula Smiszek.

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From left to right are Paul, Merry and Peter. They are all mixed media works of art by Lisa Folger. This work won an Honorable Mention recognition.

Raven Skullis a piece of jewelry by Kiki Taron Kinney.

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Silent Vigil is a painting by Michelle Briggs.
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Barry Spatz won Honorable Mention for his graphite pencil drawing called Salem Nocturne.

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This photograph of the famous Laurie Cabot was taken by another famous person, David La Chapelle

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Brian Best won an Honorable Mention for his work American Ghoul Doll out of mixed media.

Halloween Junque Journal is a work of paper by Cynthia Mikula Smiszek. Cynthia won first place for this piece.

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The Treasure Of A Mind is a found assemblage by Martha Bergeron.

Robert Kolsky made Gothic Sailboat out of mixed media.

Frank Nagorka used mixed media and assemblage to make Marie Antoinette Barbie. Frank is originally from Westfield, MA, and currently resides in Lynn, MA.

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The multi talented Lee Ann Rubin created Aftermath out of acrylic and latex on wood.

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Maris Prost created Pyramid out of mixed media.

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Sunrise Shadows is a photograph by Peter Grimshaw.

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The Warning is an acrylic painting by Emily Kwong.

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Emily also painted this watercolor painting, These Violent Delights.

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Jack Walsh of Salem, MA, made October Moon out of glass.

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Lee Ann Rubin also made this acrylic painting called They Come When I Call.

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Sacred Tools III is an acrylic painting by Heather Meri Stewart.

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This tribute to the accused Salem witch Sarah Good who was hanged in 1692 is a pastel painting called You Deserved Better by Janet Schwartz. Janet placed third with this work of art.

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Another work by Lee Ann Rubin, Everybody Wants To Rule The World is an acrylic painting.

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Robert Kolsky’s Dark Art is an acrylic painting.

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Closer To God is a mixed media and assemblage work of art by deVries.

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Nightmare is an acrylic painting by Maria Prost.

Mandragora officinalis (diptych) is an acrylic painting by Heather Meri Stewart.

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Dale Lewinski made this print called “Chakra Tree.

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This digital photograph by Patricia Dunbar is called Night Lights.

Welcome Great Pumpkin is a digital photograph by Patricia Dunbar.

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Pat Chase made this encaustic work called Dark Beauties.

Karen Hosking won an Honorable Mention recognition for her photograph Midnight At The Gazebo.

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The Green Door is a mixed media work of art by Mary Taddie.

Heather Meri Stewart made this acrylic painting called Monsanto.

Celtic Cats is a pen and ink work of art by Sheila Farren Billings.

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Emily Kwong made this watercolor painting called I Had A Dream You Were King In Another Life.

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Wendy Snow-Lang made this work of art Salem’s Black Cat And His Little Red Friend from prismacolor pencil.

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Chris J Lang made the Gourd Goblin out of mixed media on wood.

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Burial Hill is a photograph by James Bostick.

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Death is another photograph by James Bostick.

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Memento Mori For Edgar Allen Poe (sic) is another photograph by James Bostick.

IMG_0784-2 Splitting Headache is a mixed media work of art by Erin Survalis.

Which work of art is your favorite? I loved them all. But, I voted for The Gourd Goblin. I loved the color scheme and the theme of the work.

I did it again. After vowing to not take too many photos of the costumed visitors in Salem this year, well, that promise lasted about half an hour. There were just too many cool costumes this year in Salem.

Rather than posting all of the people in their creative and amazing Halloween costumes in one blog post, I am going to try to post a few of them at the end of my Halloween themed posts. This means you may have some Halloween themes “left over” posts into November. I will also probably have to post one with all of the costumed visitors in one post as well. There are just too many to post in one blog post. Here are a few of the more cool costumes I have seen in my visits to Salem this month. And a few dogs too, of course.

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Alvinnn! And the rest of the chipmunks made it out to Salem. Look at those tails!

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What a super cute family!

He didn’t talk much. But she said it was okay to take their photo.

Another great looking couple. I hear he can be a real pain in the neck, though.

Another cute family!

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Brandon The Shape Shifter always comes up with such cool costumes on Halloween. I can’t wait to see what he wears today!

While I was looking for cool stuff to photograph, I saw a bunch of police and other law enforcement teams with their dogs. Claude, a 5 year old Black Lab really stood out to me.

Look at those big brown eyes on Millie, a 5 year old Chihuahua!

I will be posting many more photos of Salem during the Halloween season in the upcoming week or weeks. I hope you all read along!

Just a reminder that you can follow me @new.england.nomad_ on Instagram and New England Nomad on Facebook.

16 Comments | tags: art, costumes, Dark Art, dogs, Halloween, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Salem, Salem Arts Association | posted in art, costumes, dogs, Halloween, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, Uncategorized

October 23, 2018

2018 Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade

By New England Nomad

pet Date Of Event: October 13, 2018

Location: Salem Maritime National Historic Site, Derby Wharf, 160 Derby Street, Salem, MA

Highlights: dogs dressed in their “Howl-O-Ween” costumes

Over 100 pets and their parents made their way to the Salem Maritime National Historic Site at Derby Wharf to show off their Halloween spirit!

The day started off rainy and a little raw. But, after a half hour or so, the clouds began to diminish and the rain stopped and the weather was perfect for a pet parade.

Since there was such a large turnout, I was not able to get the names and breeds of all of the dogs. But, I was able to get the names of the cute dogs below.

Tilda, a 14 year old Chihuahua from Salem, was dressed as Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

River is a dog from Boston.

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Eugene from Winthrop is the perfect Bat Dog!

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Look at those guns on Cooper from Malden, MA!

Sweat Pea from Salem rocked an aviator’s costume. Eat your heart out, Maverick.

Oliver, the “Olliesaurus, is a (almost) 2 year old Great Pyrenees, Labrador, American Staffordshire mix. You can find him on Instagram @ oliverbestdog

It’s great to see pet parents get into the spirit of things and put on a costume as well. Maura Murphy, of Salem, MA, wore a flamingo costume while her puppy Cody wore a Jimmy Buffet costume.

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Sophia, a 1 and a half year old Australian Shepherd mix, and her dad dressed up as a rocket and astronaut.

Teddy, in the box and his sibling, both from Chelmsford, MA, dressed up as Fenway Franks.

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Even though I was unable to get their names, I was able to photograph some of the other participants in the parade. There were over 100 participants. I did my best to photograph some of them and a few of their parents.

These two looked super!

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In a galaxy far, far away…on second thought it was in Salem, MA…

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They better “catch up” to that dog.

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Frankenstein brought his bride to the contest

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This dog is a natural Chewbacca look alike!

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I never knew Tom was such good friends with referees!

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Dogs weren’t the only pets at the pet parade.

Nova (on the left) is 2.5 years old. Cosmo (the black rabbit on the right) is a 5 year old rabbit. They are both Lionhead rabbits. You can follow them on Instagram @boston_buns (be careful when you’re searching for that name!)

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Fuzzball is a 7 year old rabbit.

Below is a video of the pet parade that went along Derby St, to the wharf and back to the park at the Maritime historical site.

15 Comments | tags: dogs, Howl-O-Ween, Massachusetts, New England, pet parade, photographs, Photography, photos, Salem | posted in dogs, Halloween, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, Uncategorized

October 15, 2018

2018 Zombie Walk (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: October 6, 2018 (usually held annually the first Saturday of October)

Location: Salem Commons, Washington Square, Salem, MA

Highlights: costumed marchers and dogs, march through downtown Salem

Zombies were all over Salem last weekend! And I don’t mean the people with their eyes glued to their cellphone screens.

Zombies, young and old, came to the Commons to spook the public.

Jason brought a guest to the walk. But he or she wasn’t moving much.

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There were also some zombie dogs at the event.

Jason was there to say hi to the victims, I mean visitors.

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The Zombie Walk is a family friendly event. After all, the family that stalks together stays together.

But, fear not, there were also zombie fighters at the walk. They look a little outnumbered if you ask me. That’s the thing. Most of the participants prefer to dress as zombies or other creepy characters.

Salem being Salem there were many other people dressed up for the Halloween season.

Maybe this doctor and queen can help save us from the zombies!

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Or maybe these foxes can help save us!

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Or maybe this is a job for this Wonder Dog!

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The talented Leann from Making Faces By LeeAnn was there to help everyone look their spookiest.

After a quick game of kickball, the zombies took the streets of Salem (the route went up New Liberty St to Essex St, down Artists Row, to the wharf and back to the Common if you’re familiar with the area).

I haven’t heard of any incidents but keep your eyes open if you do go to Salem. They could be anywhere!

Below are some videos from the zombie walk.

13 Comments | tags: dogs, Halloween, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Salem, walking dead, witch city, zombie | posted in dogs, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, Uncategorized, zombie walk

October 7, 2018

Look Park (Florence, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: September 15, 2018

Location: 298 Main St, Florence (Northampton), MA

Hours: 7 a.m. until dusk

Cost:

January 1-March 31
No charge on weekdays; $5 on weekends

April 1-Columbus Day Weekend
$7 on weekdays; $9 on weekends, holidays

After Columbus Day Weekend-December 31
$3 on weekdays; $5 on weekends

Seasonal passes and bracelets can also be purchased

There are additional modest fees for riding the steam train, renting pavilions and playing mini golf.

Parking: There are several parking areas for about a couple hundred cars.

Park Size/Difficulty: 150 acres/easy

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Website: Look Memorial Park

Highlights:

tennis courts, waterfall, family friendly, train, athletic fields, pond, bridges, wildlife, trees, water spray park, flowers, zoo, playgrounds,mini golf course, garden house

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If you’re looking for a fun time look no further than Look Park in Florence (a village in Northampton), MA.

Although it has so much to offer from athletic fields to tennis courts to a train that carries visitors throughout the park, Look Park is one of the more overlooked parks in western MA. OK, I’ll stop with the word play now.

One of the first things that will catch your eye is the water fountain at Look Park. The fountain which is located along the entrance to the park, has multicolored tiles in the background and Frank Newhall Look Memorial Park inscribed on the concrete wall.

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Frank Newhall Look, the person who the park is named after, was the chief executive of the Prophylactic Brush Company, Florence, from 1877 to 1911. His wife, Fannie Burr Look, provided the land, money to develop the land and a trust fund for future upkeep and maintenance. No tax payers money is used for the upkeep of the park. Entry fees, donations and proceeds from their concession concessions enabl the Board of Trustees to keep the park open and ensure tax payer money is not used to keep the park running.

One of the treasures of the park are the trees and flowers. Many of these trees like those shown below have tags or signs on or near them stating the name of the tree and some facts about them.

This tree which seems to have two trees (stems) growing out of the same trunk (known as codominant stems), is a Paper Birch White Birch tree. The sign on the tree states that native Americans used the birch from this type of tree which can grow to as much as 70 feet, to make their lightweight birchbark canoes.

In fact, there are beautiful plants and trees throughout the park.

Tall trees abound in the park. To get some perspective of just how tall these trees are, take a look at this man walking by this tree.

This tree was dedicated to Grace and Iris.

But, Look Park has much more than flowers and trees. There is also a pond and a stream that runs through the park

Mill River runs parallel to the park.

There is also a variety of wildlife at the park. Who knew geese knew how to read signs!

In addition to the animals you may see roaming the park, there are also animals in the Christenson Zoo. Christenson Zoo is more of a sanctuary than a zoo. All of the raptors in the zoo have been rescued and would not be able to survive in the wild due to their injuries.

One of my favorite parts of the park are the bridges. The covered bridges.

Birdhouses that look like actual houses are located in the park.

Another one of the cool features at the park is the steamer train that takes passengers in a loop around the park.

If you don’t like train rides, you can go on this train slide.

Or, give the pedal boats a try.

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Pavilions can also be rented for large parties.

One of the other family friendly attractions at the park, the water spray park, was not working during my visit possibly because it was late in the summer season.

There are historic reminders at the park. A sign along one of the trails shows how high the waters crested to during the hurricane of 1938. It’s hard to imagine the water being so high!

Dogs are welcome at Look Park. The level trails and open spaces at Look Park are sure to make any dog happy. I met two of these happy dogs during my visit.

Beau is a 4 and a half year old Pyranese.

Clyde is a 3 year old hound mix.

Please stop by Facebook page to view videos, posts and photos I do not include in my blog and give my page a like! Thank you.

15 Comments | tags: dogs, Florence, Look Park, Massachusetts, New England, Northampton, Park, photographs, Photography, phoytographs, train | posted in dogs, Florence, flowers, Northampton, park, photographs, photography, photos, trees, Uncategorized

September 29, 2018

Vintage Lawn Party (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: September 9, 2018

Location: Salem Common, Washington Square, Salem, MA

Highlights: people (and dogs) dressed in vintage clothing, dance floor, lawn games

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Flappers, parasols and the Charleston may seem like things of a bygone era. But, they were all the rage earlier this month at Salem Common (Salem, MA).

The first and hopefully annual free Vintage Lawn Party had family friendly events and entertainment from an earlier day.

People came dressed in their best vintage clothing and vendors sold their wares, mostly from the olden days.

I thought these two visitors had a cool steampunk look.

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Leeann of Making Faces With Leann, looked smashing in her vintage attire. If you’re in need of a face for your Halloween haunts stop by her page.

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In keeping with the theme of the party, I thought it was only appropriate to process some of these photos in black and white.

There was a dance floor for people to test their skills and learn a how to swing dance with some help from the instructors at Northshore Swing Dance.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, a conga line began.

If dancing or shopping for vintage items, there were vintage lawn games such as croquet, badminton and hand bag toss.

Dogs were also welcome to the vintage party. The two visitors were dressed in their Sunday bests.

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From left to right are Bjorn, a 4 and a half year old Aussie Lab mix (or Aussiedor). Ellie is a 14 and a half year old Westie.

While I was strolling around Salem before the party began I met two dogs and their parents.

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This fluffy cutie is Cinco, a 4 month old Eurasier.

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Russell is an 8 month old Treeing Tennessee. I love his coat. He reminded me of my mom’s dog. So, of course I had to take his photo!

Maisy is an 8 year old half Shih-Tzu and half Pug. Look at that cute smile!

Below is a video of some of the dance instructors teaching the guests some vintage dance moves at the lawn party.

12 Comments | tags: dogs, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Salem, vintage lawn party | posted in dogs, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, Uncategorized, vintage, vintage lawn party

September 23, 2018

Bow Wow Bark in the Park (Rockwell Park, Bristol, CT)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: September 1, 2018

Location: 243 Jacobs, St, Bristol, CT (2 hours southwest of Boston, MA and 30 minutes southwest of Hartford, CT)

Cost: Free

Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset

Parking: There are several parking areas with ample parking

Trail Size/Difficulty: over 100 acres/easy

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Website: Bow Wow Bark In The Park (Facebook Page)

Highlights: dog friendly events, dog agility course, vendors, “pitty march”, costume contest

Everyone had a howling good time at the third annual Bow Wow Bark In The Park festival September 1 at Rockwell Park.

The festival included vendors selling all sorts of wares such as this vendor who makes home made wreaths.

There was also a kissing booth and a stand-in for your pooch to stick his or her head out of. Our dog Holly wasn’t impressed by it.

There was an agility course at the park for dogs to test their balance and jumping skills. Most dogs just looked at the bars and obstacles and walked around them. But some dogs were able to successfully manage the course. The best part may be watching the parents smile, encourage their pets and take photos as they crossed the obstacles.

One of the biggest events at the festival is the “pitty march”. But, all dogs are invited to march. Not just pit bulls.

Of course, there were many cute dogs to photograph at the event. I was able to photograph quite a few of them and some other visitors at the festival.

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Echo is a 13 year old Italian Greyhound. Love his bandanna!

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Sophia, a 3 and a half year old “Shorkie” (Shitzu Yorkie). But, she is no normal Shorkie. She is also a seizure service dog.

You may not notice it, but Phoenix, a 4 year old Border and Australian Cattle dog, has 3 legs. But, he’s all smiles and beautiful anyways!

Boeheim, named after Jim Boeheim (the coach of the Syracuse college basketball team), is a 5 month old Cavalier King Charles and Poodle mixed breed (Cavapoo). He is standing next to the sign for his mom’s store, Pink Pineapple Boutique.

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Winnie is a 10 week old Golden Retriever.

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Dahlia, a 3 year old Staffordshire Terrier, was dressed up for the costume contest.

Maggie is a 4 and a half year old Landseer Newfoundland dog.

But, there weren’t just dogs at this event. These very brave cats also made it out to Rockwell Park.

Lagertha (named after a character from the show Vikings) is a 2 and a half year old Chestnut Oriental Short Hair.

I think I got too close to Daisy, a 3 or 4 year old cat.

Storm is a 2 week old kitten.

Below is a video of a dog successfully completing the seesaw agility obstacle, with a little help from some friends.

14 Comments | tags: connecticut, dogs, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Rockwell Park | posted in connecticut, dogs, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Rockwell Park, Uncategorized

September 11, 2018

911 Memorial Park (Westfield, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: September 3, 2018

Location: Union Avenue & North Elm Street

Parking: There are several parking lots (free of charge) in the area and some street parking nearby as well.

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Highlights: 20′ high obelisk memorial to the victims of 9/11 who were natives of Westfield, MA

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They weren’t just bond traders, planning managers and vp’s. They were sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles and friends. They were so much more than just a title or their professional achievements.

The 911 memorial at 911 Memorial Park is a somber reminder of the three people from Westfield, MA, and all of the people who were lost that day.

The park is easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. The .05 acre park in Westfield, MA, serves to remind Westfield residents and anyone who visits the sacrifice and loss suffered on September 11, 2001. It was dedicated on September 11, 2011, ten years after the attacks.

The memorial is located on an island in the middle of a busy section of the city. If you do visit, please take notice of this. There are working traffic lights near the memorial. Lights are installed in the ground to illuminate the area during the evening, or on overcast days.

The three people who died on that day had so much going for them and had achieved so much in such little time. But, they were known for more than just their professional achievements.

Tara K Creamer (Shea) had graduated from UMASS Amherst and had a successful career as a planning manager at TJ Maxx. But, she was more known for her radiant smile.

A bond trader and former draft pick of the Boston Celtics, Daniel Trant was known more for being a family man who loved playing sports with his children.

Brian Joseph Murphy worked as an electronic bond trader. But, it was being a doting father and husband that he was most proud of. One of the last things he did with “his girls” was apple picking.

As I took the photos for this memorial, I couldn’t help but think of just how bright blue and clear the skies were. Much like they were on that day 17 years ago.

The inscription on the bronze plaque states:

9-11 MEMORIAM
TO INNOCENCE LOST

TARA KATHLEEN CREAMER
FLIGHT 11
NOV. 30, 1970 – SEPT. 11, 2001

BRIAN JOSEPH MURPHY
WORLD TRADE CENTER
MARCH 21, 1960 – SEPT. 11, 2001

DANIEL PATRICK TRANT
WORLD TRADE CENTER
MAY 15, 1961 – SEPT. 11, 2001

I couldn’t find any information concerning the sculptor(s) or what material the memorial is made of. In a way, this is refreshing. The emphasis should be on the people and the memories their loved ones have of them. As it should be on this day.

5 Comments | tags: 911, Massachusetts, memorial, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Westfield | posted in 911, memorials, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized, Westfield

September 8, 2018

Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park (Boston, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dates Of Visits: August 19, 2018 and September 4, 2018

Location: 105 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA

Cost: Free

Hours: Open daily sunrise to sunset

Size/Trail Difficulty: 4.5 acres/easy

Parking: There is street parking and several parking garages in the area

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Website: Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park

Highlights: statue of Christopher Columbus, memorial, scenic, fountain, trellis, family friendly

Although he is not from the area, Christopher Columbus can be considered an adopted son of the North End, a once, and still somewhat, largely Italian neighborhood (although Columbus may have been more likely Spanish they will still claim him).

Dedicated in 1974, Christopher Columbus Park is a family friendly park with open spaces for tanning, reading or just sitting and enjoying a very summer-like day as was the case during my two visits. There are also wonderful views at the park.

The park offers beautiful views of the harbor. Harbor boats can be seen coming and going on their scheduled trips.

The views from the waterfront are very pretty.

A statue of the explorer who the park was named after is located along the trellis.

The 6x3x2 (12 feet tall in total if you include the base) monument is made out of white Carrara marble, the same marble that is mined in Carrara, Italy. It is the very same marble from which Michelangelo sculpted the statues “Pieta,” “Moses,” and “David.” There appears to be ropes and a piling with a float on it by his legs. He is clutching a book or manuscript and a dagger is attached to his belt. The statue was designed by Andrew J. Mazzola and it was fabricated by Norwood Monumental Works in 1979.

A fountain dedicated to Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy and next to the Rose Kennedy Garden, is a peaceful place to sit and watch the water.

Or, you can use it to cool down like Teagan a 6 month old Golden Retriever.

Lilly, an 8 year old Golden Retriever, didn’t like the fountain as much as Teagan but she still liked the park. I love how Golden retrievers always seem to look like they are smiling. Probably because they are.

The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Garden, dedicated to the matriarch of the Kennedy family, has a wide variety of flowers.

But, the pretty flowers are not only located in the garden. There are beautiful flowers throughout the park.

The other main attraction, beside the statue of Columbus, is the trellis. Ivy and white lights are attached to the trellis. During the holiday season, blue lights are attached to it.

During my visit, there was a scavenger hunt by the Dragon Of Bostonshire. This lady was giving a speech with hints for all of the participants.

There’s lots of entertainment at the park. This musician played a heartbreaking instrumental of Vincent by Don McLean.

Another more famous musician was playing at the park during my visit. I could write a blog post just about him. The most interesting thing about Keytar is his identity. Or the mystery behind his identity. Keytar Bear is a local celebrity. But, little else is known about him. Keytar plays at a variety of different locations in the Boston area, unannounced. You could see him at a train station (I’ve seen him at South Station) or any other venue in the Boston area, particularly during the warmer seasons. In fact, it’s so normal to see him people really aren’t fazed by his presence. No one knows what he (I am pretty sure I read the musician is a male in an article) looks like or his name. But, everyone knows him when they see him.

If music isn’t your thing, there are other ways to entertain yourself like a game of hop scotch.

Or, you could climb a tree.

There is also a memorial dedicated to the 9 marines from Massachusetts who were killed in the Beirut bombing (220 U.S. Marines, 241 US Service personnel and 305 people in total were killed that day by the bombers). It’s easy to miss if you don’t know it is there. It is next to the children’s playground and close to the Average Joe’s restaurant. The memorial is easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there. In fact, I made a second trip to find it after I missed it the first time.

It always strikes me when I read the names and ages of just how young these soldiers are when they die. They had so much more to live for.