In Need of Defragmentation

2011-07-18T11:39:00.000-04:00

This blog is resisting my attempts to upload pictures and I can not have that ! I am only interesting if I have pictures !

Consequently, I have started a new blog at www.nicksagenius.wordpress.com . I will try here again but I think there's something seriously wrong.

2011-05-17T06:24:00.000-04:00

Brooklyn Roots

My dad, 1957 or 1958. In front of our apartment in Brooklyn, New York. I went to Google Street View and saw that the street looked pretty much the same. I became determined to get there.

I am in NYC for my nephew's college graduation. I snuck over to the old neighborhood in the rain and snapped a half-dozen pictures. This one is the closest to the original. I hoped for a trustworthy local to walk by so the picture could include ME, but I was disappointed. We'll see if I can get back here with reinforcements on Wednesday before I head back home to Boston.

2011-05-15T19:07:00.000-04:00

Typical Sunday at the 99

No matter what I do, I cannot keep up with this guy ( Scott ). My glass in the foreground; his in the background.

At least I read the paper faster.

2011-05-14T15:45:00.000-04:00

Phantom Gourmet Safari

I went to Suffolk Downs for the former "Hot Dog" Safari, now being run by the Andelman sons of Phantom Gourmet fame. There were far fewer hot dog vendors and a lot more variety.

Every time we turned around, we saw Eddie Andelman. After the fourth time, I said to my friend "I should've had you take a picture of me with Eddie". Now we couldn't find the guy anywhere.

As we were leaving after searching high and low for him, we found him at the last spot by the exit. So I got my picture.

2011-04-23T14:01:00.000-04:00

On my way to breakfast. Only one in this car as it left Braintree at 6:25.

At My Diner, A Street, South Boston. Corned beef hash, three eggs over easy, home fires, wheat toast, coffee. Very good hash.

After breakfast, a short ride to Harvard Square. I hit Out-Of-Town News for, well, something from out of town. The latest copy of Paris Match and last Sunday's Daily Mail. The T platform was deserted.
The train showed up after a short wait and I made my way back to Quincy.

2011-04-17T22:01:00.000-04:00

Breakfast . . . and Lunch !

After breakfast at Mul's in Southie, I waited on a deserted platform for the Braintree train.

Later on, this was the scene at the 99. Scott is ahead of me, but I'll catch up.

2011-04-11T14:14:00.000-04:00

Baza Market Again

When I really like something, I stick with it. This is zlany, which is mashed potatoes, egg, and ground chicken, stuffed chicken breast, lamb meatloaf, and cabbage with sausages. I think I included every form of meat that there is.

2011-04-10T20:20:00.001-04:00

Waiting for the bus, Quincy Center T station. It was only 15 minutes, but it felt longer. Don't drink and drive !

2011-04-03T19:43:00.000-04:00

Breakfast !

Breakfast this morning at OB's Cafe in North Quincy. Scrambled eggs, hash, home fries, toast ( sourdough bread toast ! ). It's really good.

2011-04-03T06:08:00.000-04:00

Grilled Chicken ( indoors )

I put 3 chicken breast halves in a bag with oil and seasonings and let them marinate and then tossed them into my expensive Calphalon grill pan ( it was a gift - I don't think I would spend that kind of money ).

They were . . . okay. I still haven't hit on the right combination of seasonings.

2011-04-01T12:41:00.000-04:00

Baza For Lunch Again !

I decided to go to Baza Market again for lunch today. I got sauerkraut and sausages, stuffed cabbage, lamb meatloaf, and potatoes and mushrooms. It is wonderful.

I can have all of this meat because for Lent I gave up . . . . observing Lent !

2011-03-28T09:03:00.000-04:00

Breakfast !

Breakfast is my favorite meal and I treat myself sometimes on the weekend. This is scrambled eggs, corned beef hash, home fries and toast at OB's Cafe in North Quincy. I heard of the place on the Quincy Daily Photo site and thought I'd give it a try. I actually went back on Sunday and had their traditional Irish breakfast ( sorry no picture ! ).

2011-03-25T15:22:00.000-04:00

Salad !

I cannot remember the last time I had a salad for lunch. It's been too long, and I could use some healthy ingredients for a change. This came from Sudbury Farms and it's very good.

2011-03-23T13:09:00.000-04:00

Mystery Ingredient

I enjoyed yesterday's lunch so much that I went back today. We have stuffed cabbage, rice pilaf, chicken and cabbage ( sauerkraut ) and . . . the mystery item. There was no label at the hot food bar so I took a chance.

It seems to be chicken and pork wrapped in . . .something. It's actually pretty good, whatever it is.

2011-03-22T13:53:00.000-04:00

Eastern European Lunch

I had read some blog reviews of this place and decided to try it. It's called Baza Market and it's close by in Newton.

This is stuffed cabbage ( rice and ground pork ), lamb raviolis, and potatoes with mushrooms. It's pretty good.

I will definitely go there again. It was a little intimidating not being able to read the labels on some items, but, what's the worst that can happen ? I end up eating something I never had before ? Sounds like a bonus.

2011-03-18T14:42:00.000-04:00

Deli Sandwich

Today in the balmy 65 degree Northeast we have a *special* lunchtime treat . . . tongue ! I went to Barry's Village Deli in Waban ( Newton ). It is wonderful, although my co-workers are giving me funny looks. The half-sour pickle that comes with it is delicious, too.

2011-03-13T11:49:00.001-04:00

Gators !

I just spent a week in Orlando at Gaylord Palms. What a place! They have small Alligators living there. It's pretty cool.

          There is also a lagoon with a boat in it ( indoors ! ). It is a bar and restaurant and is a great place to have a tropical drink.
          The lagoon is stocked with some of the biggest fish I have ever seen. I did not find out what they were, but some of the other pools were full of Koi, which are Japanese carp.

2011-03-05T18:24:00.000-05:00

Marina Bay, Quincy, MA in Winter

Marina Bay, vibrant in the nice weather, is almost deserted at the beginning of March. The restaurants and bars are still open, but, without the outdoor seating, the place is so

much quieter.

2011-01-09T18:03:00.000-05:00

Chili ( again )

First, we have ground beef ( also known as "hamburger" ). Browned and then the fat and grease is spooned off and dumped into an old coffee can.

Meanwhile ( in my Martha Stewart dutch oven ) I saute bacon, scallions, and 5 jalapenos ( diced ).

The finished product. I have been sprinkling in shredded cheese and it really tastes good.

2010-11-25T09:53:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving !

9:20 AM. My turkey, about to go in. Half-an-hour at 425, then 325 the rest of the way. Basting will occur at 15 minute intervals.

Stuffing is a bread stuffing with shallots and celery. Bell's seasoning and a little salt and pepper. The bird was rubbed with melted butter and then sprinkled with salt and pepper.

2010-10-26T13:56:00.000-04:00

Chili

Chili ! Nature's perfect food ( or is pizza nature's perfect food ? ). 2-1/2 pounds of hamburger, 2 big cans of diced tomatoes, 2 cans of kidney beans, 3 jalapenos, 1 green pepper, and seasoning. I sprinkle some shredded cheese in when I'm dishing it up.

2010-10-17T18:27:00.000-04:00

Boston Public Garden

I rode the T today to Park Street and walked across the Common and the Public Garden. The Garden was beautiful even this far into Fall.

The ducks were doing their usual thing. I walked the length of Newbury Street ( no, I did not get a manicure, pedicure, facial, or anything ! ). Then I cut over to Boylston and walked back. With a stop at Au Bon Pain for decaf and a Ham, Egg, Cheese sandwich.

2010-10-10T17:55:00.000-04:00

Roast Chicken, Potatoes. Onions

I'm roasting a chicken along with potatoes cut in half and onions also cut in half. I drizzled a little canola oil and some melted butter on everything. Then I sprinkled some Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper on all of it.

The smells are wonderful. I get to enjoy them for about 2-1/2 hours, or, until the thermometer pops up.

2010-10-06T09:45:00.000-04:00

Sunday, October 3rd

Delayed posting - this was my Sunday adventure. I hopped on the trolley to Harvard Square and walked around Harvard Yard and the surrounding streets. I love the area. It seems so alive and different from the rest of the Boston area.

I took almost 50 pictures. I really enjoy the blend between old and new buildings on the campus. Sunday morning between 8 and 9 is a very quiet time there ( late night partying the night before ? ). You almost couldn't tell that you were in the middle of a major metropolitan area.

2010-09-02T19:54:00.003-04:00

2010 Deutsche Bank Tournament

Ernie Els, waiting to tee off at the first hole. After he hit, he spent some time signing autographs and posing for pictures. He was especially nice to the kids who were here.

Zach Johnson, getting ready at the 15th tee. I am volunteering for the third year here in Norton, Massachusetts. The practice round on Wednesday and the Pro-Am on Thursday are the only days cameras are allowed.

2010-09-01T11:07:00.002-04:00

Too Much Tuna

I think the new girl at the sandwich shop needs a little more training. Believe it or not, there IS bread underneath the overflowing tuna salad.

This was yesterday's lunch. It was not easy to pick this up and eat it.

2010-08-28T23:09:00.002-04:00

Fire Water in Providence

If you ever get the chance to be in Providence, Rhode Island on a Saturday night near Providence Place Mall, check out the Water Fire celebration.

Sorry (again !) for the poor Blackberry photo, but this is pretty cool. A boat proceeds along the canal, lighting these wood fires that sit above the water in sconces ( how often can you use "sconce" in a sentence ? ).

They broadcast classical music along the canal while the fires burn.

2010-08-27T09:22:00.002-04:00

Pasta 'n Chicken

Sorry for the blurry phone-cam photo. This is one of those Birds-Eye frozen skillet dishes that I keep in the freezer for those nights I'm really, really lazy.

I like the fact that I have absolutely no control over how much sodium and other stuff is in this !

2010-08-26T12:28:00.002-04:00

Panera Bread

Lunch today is a Turkey and Artichoke panini from Panera Bread. My co-worker picked it up for me ( I am answering the phones ) along with Broccoli Cheddar soup.

I love their food; I just wish it wasn't so damn expensive !

2010-08-22T19:00:00.002-04:00

Spinach Lasagne

My friend Scott has my lasagne pan so this is an "abbreviated" lasagne. It's two layers instead of three, and it's shorter by the width of a lasagne sheet. I put spinach in this one in addition to ground meat (veal, pork, beef) and I used cottage cheese instead of ricotta.

2010-08-18T20:39:00.002-04:00

Lobster

A first for me . . . lobster ! I have eaten lobster before, but I haven't cooked it. Our Boston location serves some of the fishermen and every once in a while they bring us lobsters, crabs, or fish. We also serve the food industry and sometimes get fresh baked bread.

I steamed these 2 and then tore them apart and ended up with two pounds of lobster meat. I will make some sort of lobster roll or salad out of it.

2010-08-15T19:42:00.003-04:00

B'Day ?

One of my favorite meals, chicken in black pepper cream sauce. This is phase one, where the chicken is sauteed in oil and butter.

The finished product. Along with rice pilaf and creamed spinach.

2010-07-25T20:07:00.002-04:00

Safe Ride Home

Here's my safe ride home these days. The only part I don't like is the fact that I got to Quincy Center only to be looking at an hour-and-fifteen-minute wait for my bus . . . so I walked the half-hour walk home. At least the threat of thunderstorms held off so I didn't get drenched.

2010-07-24T19:22:00.002-04:00

Grill Marks

I have been obsessed with perfect grill marks . . . I have finally achieved ! These are boneless chicken breasts cooking in my cast-iron grill pan.

Accompanying will be rice pilaf and creamed spinach. I rubbed Stonewall Kitchen's Chicken and Pork Rub on the chicken before I put them on. Pretty good.

2010-07-11T18:15:00.003-04:00

Car Show

I went to the car show in Dedham at the Endicott Estate today. This is a Corvair, if you can believe it.

A Chrysler Town and Country ( no, I did NOT take note of the year, sorry ).

A Thunderbird. Again, due to the sheer overwhelming numbers of vehicles, I did not note the year. It was wonderful, and hot. We walked until our legs were sore, and then hopped the shuttle bus to the parking.

My co-worker Chuck and our former co-worker Mike attended with me, along with Mike's Uncle. We have gone the last three years and thoroughly enjoy it.

2010-06-29T09:07:00.003-04:00

My Two New Best Friends

Part of my new commuting schedule ( think "Charlie and the MTA" by the Kingston Trio ). A bus to either Braintree or Quincy Center ( Red Line ); then transfer to the Green Line at Park Street.

Then, unfortunately, a half-hour walk to work. I have seen the bus, but haven't caught it yet. That's where my OTHER new best friend helps out.

My trusty IPod Mini ( first or second generation; I'm not sure ). Discontinued in 2005, this is an antique by digital standards. About 970 songs. Battery life is not what it should be.

2010-06-05T19:34:00.002-04:00

Balcony Life

Balcony/patio condo life at its best. An urban landscape, along with chicken cooked in my cast iron grill pan, rice pilaf, and brussels sprouts. My favorite beverage accompanies. I need to spend more time out here, It's good for the soul ( not that I have one, ha ha ! ).

2010-05-31T16:02:00.002-04:00

Memorial Day, Boston Common

We drove in today to see the flags. This was taken with my phone (sorry !). I think there are 22,000 of them, one for each person from Massachusetts who gave their life for our country. This picture was kind of lucky; there was a pretty decent crowd in front of the flags when we showed up.

2010-05-11T12:49:00.002-04:00

Chinese Noodle Soup

My version of a Chinese noodle soup. Egg noodles, pork dumplings, peas, carrots. I went to the Chinese market on Sunday and here's the result. It needs more spice but that's easy to fix. I did NOT buy any chicken's feet, although they were very attractively packaged. And, yes, those are my brand-new chopsticks.

2010-04-27T18:24:00.002-04:00

The Wrong Way To Use a Toaster Oven

One of our employees insists upon ignoring our notes in the lunchroom and heats his pizza without using either the tray ( on top of the toaster oven ! ) or tinfoil underneath. You can't see it in the picture but some of the cheese has already melted and dripped down on top of the element, making for some nice burnt-food smells. We'll get to enjoy that over and over for the next couple of days !

2010-03-14T22:13:00.002-04:00

Arlington National Cemetery

I just got back from Washington DC. We went and saw as many sights as we could. Arlington is probably the most moving. The Army's 3rd Regiment provides the members of the honor guard, who patrol 24/7/365. They only stop if there is a real threat of lightning striking.

2010-02-15T10:43:00.008-05:00

Navy Bean Soup

I thought about making soup today so I headed over to the store and started wandering up and down the aisles. I grabbed 2 pounds of Navy Beans (grown in the USA; who knew ?).

2 smoked pig's feet, pig tails, a shallot, garlic, a cubed ham steak, 2 pounds of Navy Beans, celery, carrot, simmering in chicken stock. So far I have been disappointed with my soups. They're okay, but they don't really knock your socks off. Let's hope for a winner.

2010-02-06T19:49:00.004-05:00

Chicken Marengo

I am making Chicken Marengo, which my father used to make on my birthday. This is the meal Napoleon Bonaparte had after he won the battle of Marengo. We share the same birthday. These are sauteed pearl onions and mushrooms in butter and lemon juice.

This is a cut-up chicken, in a white wine and chicken broth. Afterward, the onions and mushrooms go in, along with black olives and brandy. The Joy of Cooking advises waiting a day (unlike Napoleon). I am heeding her advice.

2010-01-24T17:33:00.003-05:00

ANOTHER roast chicken dinner

The good news . . . the chicken looks pretty good. The bad news . . . the potatoes have about 20 minutes to go ( Oops ! ). I will spend the time making pan gravy.

2009-12-13T21:30:00.002-05:00

OMG

OMG ( Oh My God ). No wonder the chefs on the Food Network rave about duck fat. This is a six pound duck ( duckling ) that I roasted for dinner tonight. The fat that poured off of this bird is unbelievable. There is a ton of it, and it's all good.

2009-11-08T05:53:00.004-05:00

Boats

This is the USS Salem at her slip next to the Fore River Bridge. I haven't boarded her in 5-6 years but it's an interesting tour. It's self-guided, so you can stay as long as you like. She was built here at the end of WWII and has returned in retirement.

This was the scene Saturday morning at Wollaston Beach. I don't know if it was poor navigation or exceptional navigation. On closer inspection, she is moored, and the stern is propped up by a couple of large rocks. I'm thinking engine trouble (out of fuel, maybe ?). I will stroll by this morning to see.

2009-11-01T09:28:00.004-05:00

Rabbit and Veal Stew

I am not sure about any number of things but I'm pretty sure I'm the only person in Quincy cooking rabbit and veal at 9:30 in the morning. With our large Asian-American population, maybe I'm only sure about my building ! This is the rabbit cooking away in my cast-iron pot, and below is the veal, resting.

I kind of skimmed "The Joy of Cooking" and figured I couldn't screw this up too much. I bought the only rabbit they had at Stop & Shop and a package of stew veal. I will cut the rabbit off the bone, add some chicken stock and the veal, and simmer with potatoes, onions, and celery. Then I will add some flour to thicken.

2009-10-25T18:36:00.004-04:00

History; Today

Today, October 25th, marks the 594th aniversary of the Battle of Agincourt. This was one of the most decisive battles in history, and gained for England the French crown, but their gains were squandered (mostly by Henry's son, Henry VI).

Today is also the 155th anniversary of the Battle of Balaclava, in the Crimea, made famous by the Charge of the Light Brigade (commemorated by Alfred Lord Tennyson). The French commander, Bosquet, commented "It is magnificent, but it is not war".

2009-10-12T13:58:00.005-04:00

End of the Weekend

Sailboats moored in the Vineyard Haven harbor. Boats are a lot of work. I could probably handle the dinghy that's tied to the boat in the foreground.

This is one of the two boats operated by the Black Dog. It's the Alabama. They take you out for sunset cruises, etc.

This is about as close as I got to any kind of boat this weekend. The ferry is big and very stable. You barely feel any sensation from the seas.

2009-10-10T19:30:00.002-04:00

Martha's Vineyard Again

Our annual golf outing to collect wooden nickels at the Newes From America is underway. We enjoyed more golf and are now headed out to eat, drink, and be merry.

2009-09-28T12:39:00.004-04:00

Father/Son Golf on Martha's Vineyard

OK, I am neither a father or a son but I did get invited to go to Martha's Vineyard to play golf and generally hang out. The weather was perfect on Saturday and we played at Farm Neck until we ran out of daylight (we completed 13). It is awesome playing right next to the ocean.

I did not hit my second shot into this water hazard, despite my old tendencies. We were playing Scramble and 2 balls landed on the green so my shot (which was left of target) was not fatal. We had a great time and some people even went out Sunday in the rain and played 9.

2009-09-20T20:57:00.003-04:00

Sausage, Spinach, Pasta

One of my favorite "one pot meals" ( Okay; it's a very limited category; I need to do more research ! ). Sweet Italian sausage, cut lengthwise and then into 1 inch pieces. After 2-3 minutes, add 1 large onion, chopped. Add 5-6 cups chicken broth; bring to a boil. Add 1 pound of pasta; broken into thirds ( if it's spaghetti or linguine, for example ). Cook and stir for about 8 minutes, then add 2 10 ounce packages of spinach ( fresh not frozen ! ). Wilt; then stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and 1 cup half-and-half. This seems better the day after; I put it in Tupperware and freeze it to bring it for lunch.

2009-09-06T07:13:00.003-04:00

Golf

I am spending 5 days at the TPC Boston (Norton, Mass.) for the Deutsche Bank tournament. Thursday, during the Pro-Am, I got training on the greenside laser. This is the view you get from up in the tower. Some are even better.
The laser is GPS positioned to shoot the ball locations and distances from the hole. It's accurate to the inch !
This info is uplinked to their website and also made available to the TV announcers (If you ever wondered how they knew).

2009-08-20T10:27:00.004-04:00

Pet Care and a Grilled Supper

I spent a couple of nights at my friend's house while they were away and had the monumental task of watching their cats ( notice how active this one is at all times ). They are very good cats and were no trouble at all.

I was able to grill my supper, something I really can't do at the condo. I made kielbasa, corn-on-the-cob, and brussels sprouts, all grilled ! I found the recipes online. Everything came out beautifully and I had leftovers for lunch.

2009-08-16T11:48:00.004-04:00

Wollaston Beach

A hot Sunday in Quincy. A lot of people already at the beach at 9:30, including this woman who probably would not appreciate being photographed courtesy of the telephoto feature on my camera.

This was at 9:30; when I left, an hour later, someone actually waited for me to pull out so they could take my space.

2009-07-19T18:17:00.002-04:00

The 99

I am not normally a fan of photos taken from a cellphone, but, since I have a brand-new Blackberry Curve, I have given in. This is my regular hangout on Sunday afternoons. I was showing my friend how the camera worked and decided to keep this one. The bar is not usually crowded; I think The 99 wants it that way (it's a restaurant, not a bar).

2009-07-14T15:39:00.003-04:00

Pizza !

Homemade pizza ! Of course I cheat and buy frozen dough, but what the heck. A little sauce, a little cheese, and some crumbled sausage.

2009-07-06T19:04:00.003-04:00

Homemade Fried Rice

This is not the best fried rice I've ever had; I think the fried rice at Great Chow is better. But it's close. And homemade ! I cooked some Uncle Ben's and put it in the 'fridge. The next night, a little canola oil, some diced ham, a little onion, a handful of frozen peas and carrots, and there you have it ! Made in my brand-new (yard sale) aluminum wok.

2009-06-13T10:24:00.005-04:00

Beautiful start to the day

The park ranger lady was cleaning up trash at Wollaston Beach. She agreed with me that it's pretty amazing that there's trash on the ground 10 feet from either of the 2 barrels near this bench. I guess it's the product of poor upbringing (yes, Mom, that's a compliment !).

The bumper stickers say "I'd rather be fishing". This looks to me like it could be improved by a portable fold-up canvas chair, but what do I know about fishing ? I love to sit in the boat, and I would hang out here with a cooler, but my favorite fish has already been caught and cleaned.

I was talking to a guy who was walking the beach at the end of Squantum Point. He walks every morning with his dog and picks up the broken glass that the kids leave behind. The dog always finds something to play with (a crushed piece of PVC pipe this time). He says it's easier than playing with the dog himself !

2009-06-06T09:17:00.002-04:00

Quincy Center Project

This is where Alba's Trattoria and The Holy Ground were. I'm hoping this is the beginning of the one billion dollar Quincy Center development project and not just another guy coming in to make a quick buck (like the owner of Alba's did; he opened the place knowing it was going to be razed when the project began, then, unbelievably, moved down the street where his new building will also be razed).

2009-05-31T10:18:00.004-04:00

May 31, 2009

I imagine it's awfully tough to get off of this boat and onto the dock. Ha ha, even a landlubber like myself knows this is low tide (note that the boat is aground).

Sometime I want to try kayaking. The ocean was as calm as a millpond this morning.

2009-05-25T11:50:00.004-04:00

Memorial Day

This is the site of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Home near Wollaston Beach. It was a farm and home for Civil War veterans. It closed in 1931. It is very quiet and peaceful here. Furnace Brook is in the background.

I went over to Moswetuset and found this flower in the middle of the wood. If I knew more about flowers I would tell you what it was. Maybe a daffodil ?

2009-05-03T21:52:00.003-04:00

Old House

My friend's former home (divorce, etc.). This was the office and showroom of the Quincy Lumber Company (?). Every floor in every room is finished with a different wood. It was pretty cool to see.

2009-05-03T20:55:00.005-04:00

Cemetery Statuary

I went to Mt. Wollaston Cemetery this morning. I ran into a guy with a tripod, photographing this statue of an elk (raised by the Quincy Elks). I said "it's nice to know I'm not the only crazy person taking pictures in a cemetery". He laughed (a sure sign of dementia !); I laughed back (an even surer sign of dementia !).

Now we are looking at an impressive piece of masonry. Was he famous ? Or did his family have a lot of money to spend ? What will mine look like ? I have already requested burial in a dumpster, but I don't think my family will comply.

This is a particularly sad story, if you enlarge the photo. Five children. One made it to the age of eight, and he drowned (last name at the bottom). I have never been a parent, but I can't imagine 5 more kids would erase those kind of memories. I guess it really illustrates the differences between the 1850s-60s and today, with our doctors and hospitals.

2009-05-01T14:12:00.007-04:00

50 Birthday Beers, part 5 (done !)

Peak Organic Beer and Czechwar Premium Czech Lager

Franziskaner Weissbier and Wachusett IPA

Lakefront Cherry Lager and Avery Karma Ale

Victory Sunrise Weissbier and SkullSplitter Orkney Ale

Dogfish Head and Bavik Belgian

As I have said, I should have kept notes. There were too many varieties to keep it all straight in my head. 50 of these unusual beers, ales, and stouts are too much to expect every year, so I don't think I'll be doing this again for a while ( maybe 60th ? ).

2009-04-28T19:37:00.003-04:00

Public Library

The Thomas Crane Library in Quincy is the second-largest public library in the state. The money to build the first (oldest) section was donated by Crane. The design was by H. H. Richardson, who I believe did Trinity Church in Copley Square. Crane, for some reason, never visited his library.

2009-04-23T13:38:00.008-04:00

50 Beers, Part 4

More from the 50 birthday beers I received as a present . . .

Pranqster Belgian Golden Ale and Great Divide Yeti Imperial Stout

Victory Prima Pils and Mackeson's Triple Stout

Anchor Porter and Sierra Nevada Bigfoot

Samuel Smith's Old Brewery Pale Ale and Stone Pale Ale

New Orleans Dixie Beer and Warsteiner Premium Verum

2009-04-19T06:31:00.003-04:00

Lasagna

Another batch of lasagna. Now I have leftovers for lunch ! This one contains ground sausage; usually I use hamburger.

2009-04-18T21:02:00.002-04:00

New Music

One of my loyal readers has requested new music; I have complied. If you wait (patiently !) you will be treated to the sound of Salt n Pepa's "Shoop". It's Ellen Degeneres' favorite song; that's good enough for me.

2009-04-17T15:15:00.003-04:00

Panera Bread Lunch

Since I forgot to bring lunch today, we were forced to go to Panera Bread. This is Asiago Roast Beef, a bowl of Clam Chowder, and a pickle.

2009-04-11T09:37:00.007-04:00

50 Beers, Part 3

More from the 50th celebration. I wish I had kept notes ! Most were what I would call "acquired taste" beers and ales. Not the normal American pilseners.

Victory Golden Monkey and HeBrew Messiah Bold

Reading Premium Beer and Ballast Point Big Eye IPA

Kustritzer Schwarzbier and Veltins Pilsener

Bellhaven Scottish Draught Ale and Boddington's Pub Ale

Tetley's Draught English Ale and River Horse Brewer's Reserve

2009-04-05T19:36:00.007-04:00

50 Beers, part 2

More from the 50 birthday beers. The Fraoch Heather Ale was delicious. That's one I remember !

McKewans Scotch Ale and Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout

Scarecrow Golden Pale Ale and Dogfish Head 90 Minute Imperial IPA

Stoudt's Fat Dog Imperial Oatmeal Stout and Otter Creek Summer

Fraoch Heather Ale and Stone Mill Pale Ale

Sierra Nevada Anniversary Ale and Mayflower Golden Ale

2009-04-05T11:34:00.004-04:00

Cemeteries

This is the old cemetery in Quincy center, between City Hall and the Stop & Shop building. I did not read every headstone ( saved for another visit ! ) but I did see one from 1678.

The church where the two Adamses are buried is in the background to the left. From here you almost could imagine you were back 200 years in time. You can't really see much evidence of the modern world unless you look real hard.

2009-04-04T12:00:00.009-04:00

Birthday Beer

For my 50th birthday last year my sister gave me 50 different beers. After agonising over what to do with the bottles/cans, I have decided to photograph them and then turn them in for the deposit. They were cluttering up the end of the kitchen counter !

Hopdevil Victory Ale and The Bitter End Pale Ale

Fullers London Pride Premium Ale and Ruddles County English Pub Ale

Victory Ten Years Alt Ale and Avery India Pale Ale

Mayflower Porter and Blanche de Chambly

McAuslan St Ambroise Pale Ale and Hofbrau Hefe Weizen

Unfortunately, I did not take notes, so I only remember one or two that I enjoyed so much that I would buy them again. I am a creature of habit; I was raised on American pilsners (and I have a weight problem). None were bad. I had the most trouble with the stouts. More pictures to follow !

2009-04-03T11:48:00.003-04:00

In Need of Food

Wow, does this sandwich hit the spot ! It usually takes me an hour to finish it. One of the guys I work with gets his wife to bring these home from the restaurant she works at. I hope she never quits !

2009-03-22T11:20:00.006-04:00

Squantum Point Park

This is Squantum Point Park, at the far end of Marina Bay, Quincy. The old Naval Air Station has become a bird sanctuary. It was almost deserted at 8:30 on a Sunday morning.

This is at the water's edge at Moswetuset Hummock. This was the name that the Indians used and later became known by us as Massachusetts.

2009-02-22T20:32:00.003-05:00

Another Roast Chicken Dinner

Okay. I'm eating a lot of chicken lately. It's supposed to be good for you, and it's easy to prepare. I like to have a "Sunday dinner", and this feels special. The side dish will be mashed potatoes ( boiling away in the upper left ) with pan gravy. Pan gravy includes all of the fat I should be avoiding, but I guess that's the price you pay for real home cooking.

2009-02-15T10:33:00.003-05:00

I Have Become My Father

This photo and the previous one are proof that I have become my father. I have a lot of old black-and-white pictures of statues, monuments, etc. that he took wherever we were visiting at the time. It's the reason I can't pass a plaque without stopping to read it, including honor rolls of the dead.
This is the Quincy Firefighters Memorial, across from the police station on the way to Wollaston Beach. I thought today might be a good day to take pictures, but I didn't count on the wind. I was very cold and did not stay long. I needed one more layer to be comfortable.

2009-02-10T10:36:00.003-05:00

David Farragut

I am working in South Boston today so I snapped this picture of the statue of Admiral Farragut at Marine Park near Castle Island. I do not know why this statue is here; Farragut had no connection with Boston that I can see. He has a nice view facing the ocean.

2009-02-08T20:03:00.003-05:00

Roast Chicken Redux; Special Edition; Director's Cut; whatever

I butterflied this whole chicken; then found that The Joy of Cooking I own has no instructions for this procedure. Oops. I cooked it for about the normal time. It came out perfect. I made mashed potatoes and pan gravy and pretty much gained weight. At least I'm not starving myself to death. I made lasagne yesterday; I now have more than enough leftovers to get me through the work week.

2009-02-01T19:14:00.003-05:00

Super Bowl Sunday

Super Bowl XXXXXXX . . . . well, you know what I mean. I have seen every single one of them. They kind of blur together, except for some distinct memories ( Joe Namath, Fran Tarkenton, Terry Bradshaw, the Cowboys, Joe Montana, the Bills, John Elway, the Patriots ). Tonight's meal is steak ( rare ) and sauteed mushrooms over rice with shallots.

2009-01-31T20:27:00.004-05:00

Roast Chicken Dinner

Maybe not the best meal I ever cooked, but close. I bought a Perdue roaster chicken in a bag; and 90 minutes later, voila. Mashed potatoes from scratch, and gravy from scratch. The picture above is without flash; the one below is with. I think I like the top one better.

I absolutely will make this again. I saved about $1.75 doing it this way as opposed to a regular chicken (not in a bag). The seasonings were simple; about what I would have used anyway.

2009-01-24T18:02:00.002-05:00

Humor

Some stuff just makes me giggle. This one amused me when I found it online today (cartoon by Hugleikur Dagsson).

2009-01-18T19:00:00.002-05:00

Snow ?

On a snowy Sunday in Quincy, I spotted the statue of John Adams covered in snow. I wanted to get a shot of Abigail and John Quincy Adams across the street, but the traffic was too crazy. They're located opposite each other between City Hall and the church (I think it was their church; I should know, but I don't).

2009-01-08T12:36:00.003-05:00

Elvis' Birthday

I wonder if they have decent Chinese in Tupelo, MS, where Elvis Presley was born on Jan. 8, 1935. I'm having it today in honor of the King (OK, anything I had today would be in honor of the King). I did not remember to bring in any Elvis CDs to listen to (damn).

2009-01-07T12:51:00.003-05:00

Lunch today is from Panera Bread (where's my kickback ?). A turkey and artichoke panini. The chicken soup is gone already. It's sleet, freezing rain, and rain out there today. Not hospitable at all. Oh well, winter in New England.

2008-12-28T09:19:00.004-05:00

Christmas

My Christmas treat for myself is this chicken terrine. I baked it last night after I returned home from Stowe, Vermont. I spent Christmas there with my family. This terrine is made with carrots, haricots verts, and black olives. It's amazing, and, being French, probably contains my daily requirement of cholesterol, sodium, and fat.

2008-11-28T09:21:00.006-05:00

Thanksgiving

Before heading to my friends' for turkey, I walked Wollaston Beach. I tried out the telephoto lens feature on my new camera. I was probably 100 yards away from these kids playing on the beach.

Then over to Marina Bay, which was almost deserted at 10:00 in the morning.

I'm very happy with this shot of a duck swimming in the cold ocean water. They lost interest once they realised I had no bread for them.

2008-11-23T06:43:00.002-05:00

Dinner Time

A quick Saturday night meal. I forgot to stop at the store, so I had to improvise. This is boneless chicken breast, cooked in olive oil, with asparagus and rice. I put shallots in the rice.

2008-11-16T08:10:00.003-05:00

November 16

Almost the same photo, a week later. I thought it looked kind of neat the way there's almost no color except for the yellow leaves. The other difference, aside from the leaves being almost all gone, is this photo was taken on my brand-new camera ! Doing what little I can to help the economy.

2008-11-09T09:58:00.003-05:00

November

Maybe my favorite month. Thanksgiving. Cold but no snow. Leaves burning (at least when I was a kid). Football. Hockey. Thanksgiving (I mentioned it twice). Roast turkey, stuffing, gravy.

2008-11-02T07:49:00.004-05:00

Golf on Martha's Vineyard

Here we are on the first weekend in November playing golf at Farm Neck on the Vineyard. The weather couldn't have been any better. We had dinner at the Newes and turned in our 500 wooden nickels. Joe gets his own personal beer mug at the bar, Gary got a tee shirt, Jay got a hat, and I got a beer mug. We left with 50 new nickels too.

2008-10-06T11:34:00.002-04:00

Chicken Pot Pie

This is Chicken Pot Pie, semi-home-made. I did cheat and bought a pie crust. It's pretty good.

2008-10-02T17:45:00.003-04:00

Sense of Humor

I inherited my father's sense of humor. Here he is, in 1957 in Brooklyn. The gag is pretty obvious (to me at least). I once posed on the other side of a sign that said "Area behind this sign is unsafe". Now I know where it comes from.

2008-09-28T10:47:00.003-04:00

Thoughts of the Departed

I went to a funeral yesterday and I always start thinking about the past afterward. I have a lot of old photos ( who doesn't ? ) and I have been meaning to scan them so my sister can have a copy too. This is my great-grandfather, in Germany, probably around 1885.

I think these are my great-great-grandparents ( my mother's father's grandparents ) around the same date.

This is their grandson, my grandfather, in August 1911 ( thank you for writing on the back of the picture ! ).

This is my father's father (left), at the family farm in Warren, Pennsylvania. My guess would be 1910.

2008-09-21T17:00:00.003-04:00

Beef stir fry. I am not much of an Asian cook, but you can't really screw this up. It never has enough flavor, though. Guess I'll have to open my cookbook next time.

2008-09-21T16:53:00.002-04:00

My new kitchen rack/shelf from IKEA. I guess your pots and pans have to be really clean if you're going to hang them up for all to see. I bought a sponge when I moved in; guess dish soap will have to be next !

2008-08-16T19:00:00.003-04:00

50 ! Who'd a' thought it ?

I turned 50 yesterday and my sister and her family got me 50 various beers as a present. These are very interesting beers from just about everywhere. I am sampling them even as we speak (even as we blog !) and I will report any "finds".

2008-08-10T11:59:00.003-04:00

Day Out Fishing

Yesterday my friend Steve invited us out on his boat. We cruised around Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. We fished and drank beer. We caught sunburns.

2008-07-04T18:40:00.002-04:00

Wow. My 2nd 4th of July post with video of my flag. Downside: I'm pretty boring.
Anyway, happy Fourth of July; I hope you're all enjoying it ! Very quiet here by the sea.
Tomorrow will have to be a little more adventurous. I will be walking Wollaston Beach.