Author: Kelly and Geoff

Looks like another weather record might fall today

Our bizarre winter weather continues.  Today we may just break another old record here in Boston for temperature.  It’s yet another shorts day for me.  It is so strange.  I can’t really say that this winter is over, because Boston has been known to have snow this late in the season, even as late as April.  But it is starting to feel like winter is over.  We are going to have above-average temperatures for most of this week, I think.  So although some colder weather might still be possible, it seems to be becoming a lot less likely.

ETA: Another record is broken.  The temperature hit 71 degrees Fahrenheit today, breaking the old record of 69 degrees set in 1902.

-Geoff

Abnormal weather yet again

So far today we have tied the record for the warmest March 8.  I am wearing shorts today.  In some ways I don’t mind, after all it’s a nice day outside.  But I am concerned about the general weather trends, and the predictions that spring this year is going to be warmer than normal for us.  In light of the fact that we had so little snow this year, and thus there is not much snowpack to melt this spring, a warmer spring could spell trouble for gardeners and farmers.  We could have droughts to worry about.  And it could mean increased risk of fires.

ETA: We broke the record after all.   The old record for March 8th was 67 and it reached 68 degrees.  Records have been kept since 1872.  Right now here in Cambridge it is 66 degrees, with the wind clocking in at 20 mph from the south south-east.

I was hoping to plant some herbs this spring, if I can manage it.  I do have a love for things that grow.  Just like hobbits.  Fresh herbs are so nice for cooking.  Maybe I will try making some flavored vinegars or olive oils.

-Geoff

Of butterflies, and one special chrysalis

As Geoff mentioned, on Saturday we took his sister, Liz, and her 3 kids to the Museum of Science, among other places, for their day visit to Boston.  After our lunch time visit to Harvard Sq. for some excellent burgers, we stopped back off at home before heading to the museum.  Whenever we enter the house, especially with guests, we’re always greeted at the door by our enthusiastic dachshunds and usually at least one cat.

On Saturday we were greeted by a bouncy little Thumbelina, Scratch, and no Rerun.  There was a distinct whining coming from the living room, but as everyone filed in and wandered into the kitchen, I was apparently the only one who 1) noticed his absence and 2) heard the pathetic whimpers coming from the living room.  (Rerun is an expert at The Pathetic Dog Whimper.)

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Family visit

Yesterday we had the pleasure of a visit from my sister Liz and her kids, my nephews Will and Ben and niece Kate.  We took them on a quick tour of Casa Dachshund.  For the first time they had the chance to meet our cats, and it was interesting to see how everyone reacted.   Scratch was his usual self, very friendly and outgoing, and so he greeted everyone.  Bucky was in his favorite spot, in my old office chair near the front bay window.  He did not even get up as far as I know.  But surprisingly Smoky actually came out to greet everyone too.

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“Cupid’s arrow” 17th Century songs from Spain and the New World ~ El Fuego in concert

Hi folks,
Another fantastic concert to announce.  I may be a little biased on this one as I’m running the front of house for this and am friends with the bulk of the performers, but they’re fantastic and inventive.  Please come if you can.
Thanks!
~Kelly
“Cupid’s arrow” 17th Century songs from Spain and the New World.
Episcopal Church of Our Saviour Brookline, MA.
Saturday March 31st, 8:00 p.m.
Tickets at the door (cash or check only):
$15 general, $10 students and seniors.
El Fuego Early music Ensemble presents a daring program: Is it sacred or secular love? Spanish conquistadores and South American natives might have listened to villancicos with naughty lyrics and dance rhythms–at church(!)

Reception to follow.

afiche concert
17th Century songs from Spain and the New World- 8:00pm Saturday March 31st

Performers:
Elizabeth Hardy, dulcian; Teri Kowiak, voice; Dan Meyers, recorders and percussion; Camila Parias, soprano; James Williamson, viol and baroque cello. Special guest performer: Tom Zajac, recorder and percussion.
Salome Sandoval, voice, baroque guitar and artistic direction

Shadows and light

Help me, internets, you’re my only hope.  (Sorry, it was a gimme, we’ve had Episodes IV and V on since I got home from work.)  Anyway, I’m reasonably good with photo editing software.  I’m self taught, I can do interesting and useful things like remove items, clean up red eye, change brightness and contrast, etc.  I have, however, run into a problem that I can’t solve.

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