Black-Headed Gull

The Many Looks of Wadsworth Cove

2011-07-19T19:31:00.000-07:00

All taken during our week stay earlier this month.

The Gardens at Prospect II

2011-05-19T12:23:00.000-07:00

If you recall what our gardens looked like last year, you'll remember that things get pretty wild back here. Now that we know what to expect we’ve taken preemptive steps to tame the beast. Other than a few paw prints in the tatsoi things seem to be holding steady.

{ grape vine is waking up }

{ kohlrabi, broccoli rabe, mizuna, tatsoi, sweet onions, radishes }

{ mixed greens in front; kale and chard survivors to the right }

{ sage }

{ fava }

{ garlic }

{ peas }

More Snow in the Wü

2011-01-27T14:40:00.000-08:00

[ I don't see any grapes on that vine ]

[ Like our new car? ]

[ evergreen cupcake ]

[ marks from a bird swooping down to grab some dinner ]

[ horn pond ]

[ what? ]

[ shoveling the driveway is plenty ]

A Walk in the Witherle Woods

2011-01-02T17:14:00.000-08:00

Sarah, Don, Bradford, Gunther and I took a long walk through the woods on Saturday. One group soon became three as Brad forged ahead of the pack while Gunther and I dawdled behind among the pecking woodpeckers, chippy chickadees, fuzzy moss and brilliant orange fungi. I didn't realize we were so far behind until Gunther practically pulled me up the trail after Sarah. We took off after them but soon realized we took a wrong turn when the snowshoes I was following turned back. Memories of the Donner Party floated across my mind. After bushwacking through and over the terrain, Gunther located a haggard Brad and soon found the rest of our party. We were saved.

A Castine Winter

2011-01-02T16:59:00.001-08:00

Looking forward to going back soon. Thanks Marty + Don.

SNOW DAY!

2010-12-27T07:47:00.000-08:00

The Gardens at Prospect

2010-06-22T18:25:00.000-07:00

February

March

April

May

June

Yum.

A Castine Spring

2010-05-04T18:04:00.000-07:00

Now is the discount of our winter tents

2010-04-13T18:33:00.000-07:00

Florida Family Destin(ation)

2009-03-29T11:43:00.000-07:00

Mom and Dad rented a beautiful house down in Destin, FL for the family as a Christmas gift. We had so much fun we decided to make it a reoccurring trip and we can't wait to go back. Thanks M+D!

Todi + Orvieto, Day XII

2009-02-10T18:22:00.000-08:00

The cock crowed, the door bolted and we said farewell to our temporary home in Umbria. We hope to see you again. Our course took us through some interesting country so we planned to stop at one or two small cities on our return to Rome. The first was Todi and from there we came to Orvieto. Both are ancient cities that sit atop rocky mounts in an otherwise rolling terrain. Orvieto proved to be a gem. We had a great lunch, did some shopping, visited a great Etruscan museum and observed the most beautiful church I've ever seen: the Duome di Orvieto. Just incredible. We enjoyed Italy greatly. And then we were gone.

(Rainy) Geppa, Day XI

2009-02-10T18:00:00.000-08:00

Our final day in Geppa was spent mostly indoors but we didn't mind much. Reading, eating, sipping wine and breathing deep was all we could ask for. The clouds did manage to part for a short while before dark and we took advantage with a brisk walk around the neighborhood.

Spoleto, Day X

2009-02-10T16:14:00.001-08:00

After spending a good amount of time toying with space, perspective and infinity (pool) we made our way out of the Valnerina and down to Spoleto for a day of city strolling. It's an old quiet city with lots of charm. When the sun started getting high we took our packed lunch and crossed the Ponte delle due Torri to the hills on the far side of the ravine and noshed on some assorted provisions. After buying some local goods (grappa, truffles, olive oil, figs, etc.) we headed back to Geppa to enjoy the waning daylight by the pool.

Geppa, Day IX

2009-02-10T15:47:00.000-08:00

During the craziness of wedding planning, when I allowed myself a glimpse of the honeymoon, this is what I envisioned. We spent the morning jogging, running, walking, exploring the mountain road that ventured up from our little village; eventually taking us to Grotti. As you can plainly read from the sign, there are NO trumpets in Grotti. None. So, don't inquire. In the afternoon the sun warmed us to the point where we actually thought a swim in the frigid pool sounded like a good idea. Brrr. A laid back relaxing day at its finest.

Geppa, Day VIII

2008-11-23T17:32:00.000-08:00

The following morning was cool and pleasant. We spent the whole day exploring Geppa and exploring new levels of relaxation.

Geppa, Day VII

2008-11-19T17:01:00.001-08:00

The goal of the day was groceries. After navigating the back road down the mountain we found ourselves in Spoleto. It was refreshing to wander around without rubbing elbows with hordes of unsavory tourists but we had to stay focused on the task at hand: gelato. With gelato in our bellies and arms full of wine, cured meats, cheeses, breads, greens and tomatoes we climbed back up the mountains just in time to beat the first rain storm of the week. Since the rain didn't look to be letting up any time soon we settled down for a quiet evening of excellent food and film.

Geppa, Day VI

2008-11-03T18:34:00.000-08:00

On our first full day at Le Stalle the passing of hours slowed to a crawl. We welcomed the cooler weather and slower pace by building a fire, taking a walk to the neighborhood ruins, and cooking our first of several yummy italian dinners. The Eresias brought us homemade salami, cheese from a few doors down, fresh eggs from their chickens, and tomatoes from their garden. With that bounty it was difficult to justify a trip to the grocery store in Spoleto, so we sipped wine, snacked on local treats, and finished the tiramisu.

Florence to Umbria, Day V

2008-11-02T08:50:00.000-08:00

Our last morning in Florence was cool and damp. We spent most of it at La Galerie de l'Academie visiting with David. After sloshing about San Lorenzo and browsing the market in the surrounding piazza we stopped for some belly-warming Ribollita before taking a last look at the Duomo and its Baptistry. We then jumped in our Alpha Romeo, hopped on the Autostrada, and said goodbye to Florence.

After a scary but scenic drive up and up into the Valnerina we arrived in Geppa and were greeted by the Eresia family, our new neighbors and guides to the small village. Before retiring we were treated to an incredible meal prepared by Signora Eresia as gift from the Youngs. Lasagna, local wild boar, and homemade Tiramisu, YUM.

Florence, Day IV: Dinner

2008-10-26T10:35:00.000-07:00

Crostini with assorted toppings, Ravioli with sautéed squash leaves, Rabbit cooked with hot peppers and polenta, grilled vegetables, and Tiramisu.

Florence, Day IV

2008-10-26T09:50:00.001-07:00

Street scenes, Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, Cellini's Perseus, Ponte Vecchio, River Arno, Santo Spirito, Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens, Santa Croce, and the Bargello where we were imprisoned during a hail storm.

Florence, Day III

2008-10-22T18:22:00.001-07:00

After a slightly embarrassing moment on the train where a very nice woman politely asked us to get out of her seats we enjoyed a lovely train ride north to Florence. A terrifying cab ride through the super narrow streets and we arrived at our hotel. We were a bit tired from the traveling so after settling in we went out for a quiet dinner near Dante’s house then took a stroll around the Piazza della Signoria before heading back to the hotel for some rest.

Rome, Day III

2008-10-22T18:08:00.001-07:00

Day III was a travel day. We got up early and lazily walked the streets before making our way back to our hotel to pack for our train ride to Florence. First stop was the Palazzo Barberini just across the street from our hotel, Hotel Barberini. After lunch we took a final stroll past the Spanish Steps then said goodbye to Roma...for now.

Rome, Day II

2008-10-09T17:27:00.001-07:00

from the top: Trevi Fountain, Campo de Fiori, Castel Sant’Angelo, The Vatican + St.Peter’s, The Gianicolo + Fontana Paola, Trastevere, an unknown church and a shell ridden building.

Rome, Day II: Dinner

2008-10-09T17:18:00.001-07:00

A spectacular dinner at Al Presidente.

The Honeymoon: Rome, Day I

2008-10-03T16:22:00.001-07:00

The Trinita dei Monti, The Spanish Steps, The Pantheon, The Roman Forum, The Coliseum, etc.

Chronology of Food + Drink

2008-02-02T06:43:00.000-08:00

Unbelievable noodles, the only tofu I can stomach, kobe beef, apricot spirits, shabu, crazy hot-n-cold beverage machines everywhere, unsavory plastic entrée window displays, mackerel many ways, crispy crunchy critter snacks, and many many unknowns; some good some bad.

Winding Down

2008-01-31T03:17:00.000-08:00

We spent the last couple of days picking up gifts here and there to bring back. We started out Monday with Hide (see picture 3) guiding us to some shops in Harajuku that Sarah might find some inspiration then broke off from the group. I started with the best intentions of taking shots here and there and letting Sarah go about her business but the goods being peddled were too tempting to pass up and I was soon sucked in only to spend way too much on a few fine Japanese wares. We walked down as many tiny alleys as possible and found many little obscure shops that made the day pretty great. On our final morning we paid a final visit to Yoyogi Park to find some peace and quiet and say goodbye to this magnificent city.

sarah's turn !!!

2008-01-27T00:45:00.001-08:00

Jeff has delegated a post to me today, (he forgot his camera - for shame !!) Here's a sampling of 'circles' - a sort of cataloge of the 'biodiversity' of Tokyo's sidewalks. I'm really enjoying the weatheredness and texture of each of them ... in a 'rising sun' sort of way.

Shopping in Harajuku

2008-01-26T15:57:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was spent on our feet. Harajuku is a shopping district north of Shibuya that is separated by Omotesando. The stores are smaller and the clientele is a little older, closer to our age. It was a bit tiresome but we found some hidden gems like the Winged Wheel, a tiny little paper store in a very secluded back alley. We had lunch nearby. Sarah had the sashimi and I opted for the fried pork. By 6 o'clock neither of us could take anymore shopping so we headed back to the hotel to meet up with our new friends, Baku and Ai. After a rest we met up a couple of New Balance folks for a drink at the hotel bar on the 40th floor. Burt Bacharach playing next to us was a bit loud but my Manhattan hit the spot and the view was spectacular. So spectacular, in fact, that it was included on our bill. ¥1200 per person.

A Full Day at the Markets

2008-01-25T06:23:00.000-08:00

Today was a busy day. Woke up early (my timetable is still messed up) and was given the first clear view of Mt. Fuji in the distance. I then hitched a ride with the NewBalance express as our guide, Hide, took us all over Tokyo. We first went up to Asakusa to visit the Kannon Temple and sample the shops lining Nakamise Dori. After hopping a train for a short ride we experienced a massive outdoor market at Ueno. Anything and everything a chap can unload is packed into this cramped area. An eye-popping experience to say the least. We then changed pace and checked out the opposite end of the shopping spectrum on Omotesando where all the most chic stores and boutiques are found.

Izakaya Dining

2008-01-24T03:13:00.000-08:00

We had a fantastic dinner last night at an izakaya which is a sake bar/restaurant that serves lots of spirits and a wide variety of small dishes to soak up the alcohol. Couldn't tell you the name of the place as English was not part of the program. I sampled a few types of sake while Sarah fell in love with a basil-infused shochu. The food ran the gamut from absurdly delicious (mackerel dried with green tea then grilled) to interesting (see the two series above of us trying the "blue pickled thing") to vile (see last photo; I dubbed this "burnt joy"). Oh, and if anyone can identify the second photo I'd be delighted. We think it could have been octupus, mushrooms or tendons.

Tokyo Structures

2008-01-24T02:57:00.000-08:00

Here and There and Back Again

2008-01-24T01:34:00.000-08:00

Just to show you that it hasn't been all work: some shots from my commutes.

Edo-Tokyo Museum

2008-01-24T01:09:00.000-08:00

This place was all about the scale models and the bizarre looking building. The guide book says the concept was that of the image of an ancient repositorium. I don't know. Kind of looks like a dog to me. Or a frog. Regardless, midway through the vast exhibits I realized I was museumed out. The Edo-Tokyo Museum is very impressive but it's time to initiate the vacation segment of this trip.

Tokyo National Museum

2008-01-23T17:53:00.000-08:00

Here we have a huge building, a medium-sized collection of priceless artifacts, and I imagine unlimited funds. The result is vast dimly lit halls of very tasteful restraint in the presentation of the collection. I would guess, on average, an 8' x 8' case had around 4 medium sized pieces. The interpretation was little more than an intro panel at the entrance and small brief labels. Visitors moved at a snail's pace if they moved at all. Comfortable leather sofas were found every 20 feet or so.

National Science Museum: Japan

2008-01-23T03:48:00.001-08:00

National Science Museum: Global

2008-01-23T02:43:00.001-08:00

Since Tokyo was struck with the same 'wintry mix' as Boston I decided to immerse myself indoors at two of the largest museums in the city. The first was my main target for this trip: The National Science Museum, specifically because of their extensive attention to evolution. The message was beautifully illustrated and it made me a little sad to see how evolution is universally accepted as fact here while roughly half the population of my own country ..... but I digress. The NSM has structured their story by starting with the basics in the bottom floor (Exploring the Laws of Nature and the Universe) and working their way up (Biodiversity, etc.) and evolution is the thread that runs through all. It's very effective programming.

Tobacco + Salt Museum

2008-01-22T02:34:00.000-08:00

Why salt and tobacco you ask? For the war effort, instead of selling war bonds and asking people to volunteer for their country Japan simply acquired these two highly profitable commodities and made them national monopolies. Tobacco, not surprising given the number of smokers in Japan (40% of the adult population?), is given the bulk of the limelight. You might even say that they promote smoking given the number of kids that frequent the place and the fact that there's no space given to the health hazards. Score one for Big Tobacco. Other than the message slant the exhibits are quite nice with much attention given to craft and small details. I can't elaborate on the content as only the title copy was translated. I wouldn't say it bothered me, though.

Yoyogi Park + Meiji Shrine

2008-01-22T02:12:00.000-08:00

The Meiji Shrine is the largest Shinto shrine in Tokyo and is situated inside Yoyogi Park. The park is enormous and even though you can always hear the city around you and are never fooled about your location it's still refreshing after walking Shibuya all morning. The shrine is dedicated to the emperor who reigned during Japan's period of modernization (1868-1912). It's solemn, beautiful and would have been quiet if it wasn't for the constant cawing of the crows.

Shibuya: Shopping District

2008-01-22T01:47:00.000-08:00

Spent the day getting acquainted with our neighborhood. Shibuya is where the young Tokyoites come to buy their clothes. There are some interesting fashion trends making there way around Tokyo right now and I was a little self-conscious of being 'that guy' taking photos of people so I kept my lens on the surroundings instead. I need to get back there to take some photos of Hachiko crossing so I'll inevitably get some people shots on here. Hachiko crossing is that giant intersection you've seen so often in the movies where everyone crosses at once in all directions. It's actually named after a devoted dog that would meet his master at the train station here every day and continued to come for seven years after his master's death. True story.

...And Boy Are My Arms Tired

2008-01-21T14:06:00.000-08:00

The flight proved much easier than i expected. I somehow managed to get an empty seat next to me on an otherwise packed flight so I was able to spread out a little. Little-to-no sleep, though. Every time sleep was near so was turbulence. Our flightpath took us up through Canada + Alaska then across the Bering Sea. Alaska looked amazing from 35,000 feet (see above). Arrived at the hotel and caught up on some sleep. The view from our room proves how big Tokyo is; we're actually looking away from the city towards Mt.Fuji (if he ever decides to show himself).

A Tiny Barcelona Street

2008-01-19T14:37:00.000-08:00

It's been mostly work work work but Sarah did manage to get out and snap a few shots while in Spain.

Rendezvous at Shibuya

2008-01-12T13:31:00.000-08:00

On Monday Sarah and I will be meeting halfway around the world. She's been jet-setting since Tuesday making her way around Europe for work. Most of the time was spent in Barcelona but right now she's in Munich before heading to Japan. Her arrival will precede mine by a few hours so we'll be meeting up at our hotel.