New England has been hit with a heat wave this week, and I’ve been sweltering in my Boston apartment. This morning, determined to beat the heat, we headed out at 6:30 AM with our two dogs, Molly and Jack. We are very fortunate to live next to Jamaica Pond, some of the nicest green space in Boston proper. I know I’ve talked about my dogs before, but here is a picture of our puppies. Molly is the black one, Jack is sporting all white. If you’re wondering what those metal chains around their necks are, then you’ve never walked a 100 lb Lab that immediately loses it’s mind within 200 feet of a squirrel. Or duck. Or trash blowing the wind. Trust me, it’s necessary.
I took about 100 pictures of flowers along our walk around the pond, but I’m feeling kind and will only post 1 here. The thing I love about New England in general is how wonderfully messy people keep their front gardens. When I lived in Texas, they were kept their roses trimmed, color coordinated and never let their blue bonnets run into their daffodils Here, it’s much more relaxed and I find the sprawling, overgrown flora surprisingly calming.
The Jamaica Pond boat house is usually overrun with 12 year olds taking sailing lessons, an interesting proposition, since the pond is relatively sheltered and I nearly never see anyone with enough wind to cross the pond. But they seem happy enough to bob in the middle on little 3 person boats in their oversized life jackets.
They don’t let the public launch boats here, but you can rent a boat for the day. You will likely upset fisherman as the pond is stocked, and it’s nearly impossible to not disturb someone fishing. The other day I saw a mom and her two daughters careen into someone’s line while in a small canoe. I thought the old man was going to literally kick their ass, as he said in a thick Boston accent, “What’s the matta with you!”
Finally we let Jack off lead and he immediate ran into the pond like it was Christmas. Does he look happy?
Jack is also a fan of swimming so fast that he eventually chokes on inhaled water. That will only stop him momentarily because, “holy crap, water!” On the other hand, Molly does not swim. She doesn’t like to get her paws wet. If we coo at her for a while she might take a small lap around, but definitely keeps her head above water and looks rather forlorn afterward. She’s delicate. Jack? Not so much.
Afterwards we headed down Centre St, for some breakfast. We would have eaten at Bon Savor, but the owner is French, and refuses to open before 8 AM. JP Licks is a good second.
By now it’s nearly 7:30 AM and it’s hot. As they would say in Madrid, “Que Calor!”
We each got an iced coffee and bagel, and enjoyed breakfast alfresco, until we finally gave in and realized it was time to head inside.
The rest of the day will likely be spent alternating between complaining about the weather and taking cold showers. And Jack? He’s sleeping like a baby.
June 10th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Great pictures… and I, as the owner of a half Lab/half German Shepherd, know what those chains around their necks are for. I wanted to kiss our trainer when he told us to get them. Made all the difference!
Stay cool.
Loris last blog post..Losing A Passport… And Getting It Back (Replaced)!
June 10th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
You shouldn’t take cold showers when it’s hot out because cold water restricts or closes your skin pores. Thus, when you get out of the shower, it’s like your body’s ‘vents’ are closed, trapping body heat inside.
You should take a shower as warm as you can stand it (given the hot temperatures outside) to promote the opening of your pores so that when you get out of the shower you feel cooler.
It sounds bizarre, but it pretty much works. Of course, it doesn’t offer the instant gratitude of refreshing cold water… which is why I, myself, never follow the advice.
Marks last blog post..Stuck in the Middle
June 10th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Hi Christine!
I always love a good photo essay and I really enjoyed the story of your adventures today! When I told DP about how hot it is in the North East, he said that you must be having OUR weather. Barcelona is cool and rainy right now.
It sounds like you are enjoying your last Boston days!
Monnas last blog post..Barcelona Top Five
June 10th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
We’ve heard about your interesting travel/life plans and wish you Bon Voyage! Keep us posted!
Ern and Jan Snook
June 10th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Nice blog. Your story is very uplifting. I think you will love life on the road. The adventure is worth far more than any salary you leave behind. One day you’ll look back and realize you lived life instead of going through the motions of a day to day job.
It’s been a scorcher here too (NC). Three days of 99F (38c).
June 11th, 2008 at 9:55 am
I love your dogs! Do you think they’re ready for Spain? …is Spain ready for them?
Kirstys last blog post..Finding a Good Work/Travel Balance
June 11th, 2008 at 11:25 am
Lori: Our trainer was the same way… one day she just looked us in the eye and said you need to get this. It was just such a relief to know that we weren’t bad dog owners!
Mark: I am NEVER taking that advice!!! It sounds like it should work, but I just can’t do it either…
Monna: I could definitely use some cold and rainy right about now!!
Jan: Thanks! Yes I definitely will…
Jack: Thank you. I think you’ll be right about that.
Kirsty: Thanks! They’re a handful! The dogs are definitely ready for Spain… more people to gush over them! I hope I can find a dog park or at least let them run around in the early morning. They don’t care where they are as long it involves ‘walks’, ‘rides’ and ‘food’.
June 16th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Great photographs. I miss big dogs. All the canines in my neighborhood are micro-sized. My big dog is far away and enjoying life in Canada with my niece and nephew.
Heatwave? I’m in the middle of a rainwave, if there is such a thing. Weeks of evil cloudy weather have me less than happy.