September 26th, 2006
It’s interesting that the Roslindale Board of Trade meeting was held last week at Doyle’s in Jamaica Plain. Why didn’t they hold their meeting in Roslindale, considering their interest in supporting small businesses? Probably because there is no place like Doyles in Roslindale. It seems like every new restaurant is another upscale “bistro,” without the character or simple festive food of Doyle’s.
According the the Board of Trade’s website, it’s purpose is “to better the community through commerce.” I say that if they can’t have their meetings at any of the restaurants in Roslindale, they should encourage a restaurant like Doyles to come here. We would all benefit.
Posted in Restaurants, Roslindale Issues | 3 Comments »
September 24th, 2006
For those who are interested, here are 6 photos of how my garden did this year. This first photo is a close up of my fountain ($20 for a pump placed in a bird bath — DIVINE!). I highly recommend fountains to everyone.
I was happiest with my watermelon (which was planted as an afterthought). I had run out of fresh cultivated soil but still had some watermelon seeds. I tucked them in among the perennials and they really took off! The one in the photo is about the size of a large grapefruit. It tasted delicious!
The Bean Harp didn’t do so well. Peas grew on it, and a grape vine (photo below), but the beans never really took off.
I think the reason the Harp didn’t do so well was because the trees I cut to make the Harp refused to die and kept sending off shoots like this one:
Finally, I was happy with my basil and cherry tomatoes — easy to grow and tasty!
Posted in My Life | No Comments »
September 24th, 2006
I’ve decided to add a new category: Roslindale Issues. This is my neighborhood and I love it, but there are many areas that could be improved. I’ll be using this category to write about my feelings about Roslindale, good and bad. Here’s a pet peeve: The light at the corner of South Street and Washington (where the one way South Street empties onto Washington). The light coming off South St. is way too long and there is a “No Turn on Red” sign. Too often I have sat waiting for a green when there is NO traffic coming up from Forest Hills. I’ve heard that some people ignore the “No Turn on Red” and just turn anyway. Removing the “No Turn on Red” sign would alleviate a lot of long lines on South Street. (Another option is a flashing yellow/red light at that intersection.)
Posted in Roslindale Issues | 2 Comments »
August 28th, 2006
It’s hard to believe that the world would be a better place if all parents worked outside the home and left their children in childcare. Having the privilege to spend my days with my child, I get the privilege of viewing the world through her eyes and I believe this helps to remind me of how sacred every little thing is. I’m constantly amazed by the pleasure my daughter takes in the smallest things and I love her games and her newfound language. Most adults, including myself, have forgotten what it means to play. My daughter is teaching me to have more fun doing nothing and to laugh at silly things. If more of us could do this, I believe the world would be a better place.
Posted in Motherhood, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
August 25th, 2006
This week I had the pleasure of having 2 visitors, Esther’s cousins, 4 and 2 1/2 years old. Having three kids was total chaos but also exhilarating! When they left this morning, I experienced the same sadness I remember when I would be left off for the plane or bus going back to college when my younger siblings were still at home. The profound quiet following constant chaos is quite sad, actually. There is a certain adrenaline rush that goes with juggling multiple children of different ages, not unlike the high after an arduous group bike ride or a night of constant emergency as a hospital chaplain. (After a summer of chaplaincy training at Mass General 1998 (99?) I could see the allure of being an emergency room doctor or nurse or an EMT.) Pushing beyond your limits is fun!
Of course it was also nice to pass my neices back to their grandparents this morning and have some time to sit down with my blog, but I must remember the high they gave me. It’s easy to say those parents with lots of kids must be crazy, but maybe, just maybe, the joys really do outweigh the difficulties.
Posted in Motherhood, My Life | No Comments »
July 19th, 2006
Our housemate Lauren just came up from the basement saying she saw a bird or a bat. It was a bat. But how did it get in? I’ve been wishing for bats to come and eat the mosquitos and I imagined putting up a bat house somewhere in our yard. Yet somehow a bat decided the basement would be a good place to be. I guess I’d better be careful what I wish for. Eventually the bat went outside. It’s welcome to hang around as long as it doesn’t “hang” in the house.
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
July 10th, 2006
Just when I think I have time to write a brief entry into my blog, I hear a little voice on the monitor as Esther wakes from her nap. I was expecting her to sleep another 1/2 hour. For those of you wondering why I don’t blog more, here’s why: Babies don’t ever behave as we wish they would and they get in the way of our “adult work.” They are new human beings doing just as they are intended to. That is, reminding their parents that when you’re a parent your life is not your own. Waking, sleeping, reading, writing, exercising, eating, and more must happen when baby is not in need of care. Fortunately, Esther wakes up slowly, chatting with “Bear” and “Cowbunny” for a few minutes before she started calling for mom. Oh…. there she goes! Maaaaammmmmmmaaaaa!
Posted in Motherhood, My Life | No Comments »
June 3rd, 2006
Parenting teaches patience, or so I’ve been told. But gardening seems to be a better teacher. Every day I go out and look at my garden to see what is new. I thrill at the new buds, leaves, and flowers. But I also find myself wishing certain things were farther along. I end up pruning at inappropriate times, overwatering, and picking unripe strawberries. Gardening is an art form. Letting the garden come into its own is a lot like trusting that our children will come out ok if we do our best (hopefully even if we don’t). Yet, even now, at 5:00 a.m. in the pouring rain, I’m wishing the rain would stop so I can get my hands dirty. Patience, Rachele, Patience!
Posted in Motherhood, My Life | 2 Comments »
June 3rd, 2006
Global Climate Change has brought Boston a lot of rain this spring. Now that I’ve started getting into gardening, rain has become a blessing rather than a nuisance. It’s so wonderful to be able to know that with each little raindrop, my new seedlings are growing roots and leaves. Being a mother of a human being is the joy of my life, but I also feel motherly instincts towards my plants. Yesterday I finished my “bean pole harp.” I can’t wait to see the peas and beans gently twining their way up the taut strings. They’re so cute!
Posted in Motherhood, My Life | 1 Comment »
May 17th, 2006
Since buying our house in 2004, I’ve interviewed dozens of contractors for many of the numerous projects our poorly neglected 1865 house needs. I’m continually disappointed with those few (thankfully, few!) contractors who insist on meeting with both me and my husband. I tell them that I’m the one gathering information and ultimately responsible for choosing contractors, but some are not convinced. Today I had a contractor say that “we need to consider our economic position, you understand? If we come out for a free estimate, we want to make sure we answer all of your questions.” When I assured him that I would be the only one who he need to talk to, he said he was “sorry that you have to miss out on such a good opportunity!” I wonder if such a contractor would insist on meeting with both my husband and I if it was my husband who had made the call. I think not.
On a side note, I think the entire construction industry is one major racket. It’s almost impossible to get any prices for doors, windows, siding or any other component of construction without going through the time consuming “Free Estimate,” which is really just a way for contractors to “get in the door.” You really need a thick skin to deal with these folks.
I’ve been told the cost of construction in the Boston area is approximately $175 a square foot. For that much money, they should be able to write off a few unsucessful “free estimates.” I’ll continue to work only with those contractors who don’t think I’m wasting their time.
Posted in Feminism | 3 Comments »