Author: Nichole S.
Masters Moment
I am not a golfer, but I’d like to be some day. Likewise, my boys haven’t spent much time swinging golf clubs, but it is something that I look forward to them falling in love with in the years to come.
It is funny to me, that as a non-golfer, I am totally smitten by the sport. There’s something about the gorgeous fairways and greens, the history and tradition, and even the vocabulary….birdie, bogey, eagle, albatross, putt, slice, sink…that gives me the warm fuzzies. And then, there’s the “uniform”…and, yes, I realize it isn’t really a uniform…I just wasn’t sure what else to call it. I’m not going to lie, in my books, it is hard to beat a good looking golfer in his Under Armor, Nike, what have you. They even make visors look good.
The day that Finn was born I was induced at about 8:00 in the morning. He was born just after 8:00 that night. For most of the loooong day, The US Open was on the TV in my hospital room. Call me crazy, but I think that somehow has something to do with the fact that, when a golf tournament is on TV, Finn can’t keep his eyes off of it. For the record, Lucas Glover went on to win the tournament that year.
So, yesterday was no different. After a really busy day, we settled in to unwind and watch the end of the Masters. I am so glad that we did. What a great learning opportunity for the boys to witness the history unfold. 21 year-old Jordan Spieth became the 2nd youngest golfer to win the Masters after only Tiger Woods and his 1997 performance. He also became the 5th ever Masters Champion to hold the lead throughout the entire tournament. “Wire to Wire” they say in golfing lingo. With a final score of 18 under, he tied Tiger Woods for the lowest round in Masters history. If not for a bogey on the 18th hole he would have broken the record.
More special than all of that, however, was watching Jordan Spieth celebrate with his family after his win. Seeing his parents, grandfather, and more, obviously teary-eyed and unbelievably emotional and proud, was so tremendous. Watching Jordan hug them all, it was hard to not think of the hours, the commitment, the money, and the support, that they provided for him. It was impossible to not think of the smiles, the cheers, the triumphs, and the dreams, that he provided to them. The side of me that loves the sport enjoyed watching Jordan don the illustrious green jacket. The mother in me saw his childhood flash by on the road to yesterday’s unbelievable day.
While we celebrate all of our children’s little successes weekly, if not daily, it was hard to not wonder what will be their “Masters Moment.” What will be the pinnacle to their hard work and where will their road take them?
Read the PGA’s Player Profile of Jordan Spieth here.
Read CNN’s Report here. Masters 2015: Jordan Spieth smashes records to win first major title at Augusta
Top Dog is Open!
Fenway’s Hallowed Walls
If there’s one thing you can bank on, it’s that I will subject you to some Fenway Park photos each April.
I love baseball, but far more importantly, I love Fenway Park. I think I’ve said before that there truly isn’t an inch of the park that I haven’t photographed and I am in love with its nooks and crannies.
While it has been fun to photograph the players and the games…I am much more passionate about the history inside those hallowed walls.
Through Grand Slams, walk-off homers, an “in the park home run”, World Series, Rolling Rally Parades, and so many more tremendous moments…my favorite moments are those when I have had the park to myself. I have clocked some serious hours just roaming around Fenway on sunny summer days and, as cliche as it sounds, I swear those walls can talk.
Nichole’s Picks of the Weekend 4/11 + 4/12
Despite the fact that it snowed AGAIN yesterday, we are well into spring and I am hoping to highlight mostly outdoor activities for quite a stretch now. You may have to dress warmly, but we’re heading outdoors!
Pick #1
We’re off to the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, again, but this time on a Friday evening. With our eyes on the prize, we’ll be hoping to catch some of the action as the wood frogs and salamanders make their mass migration to the vernal pools. I’m sorry, but how cool is that? Walks depart the barn, rain or shine, beginning at 6:00 and ending at 6:50.
Click here to register and learn more.
Each year on the first warm rainy night of spring, wood frogs and mole salamanders begin a mass migration to vernal pools where they breed. If you happen to be out on one of these evenings, the experience can be spectacular.
On Friday, April 10, a part of the sanctuary will be transformed into a Big Night scene. Participants will take a one-hour guided walk along the Vernal Pool Trail, where they will meet some interesting characters who will share facts and stories about themselves, vernal pools, and this special time of year. Some stops will feature live animals to see firsthand and learn about. The trail will lead to a real vernal pool where more animals and their eggs may be seen.
Refreshments and other surprises will await you in the Barn upon your return. Don’t miss this exciting educational night of family fun!
Pick #2
Another awesome outdoor activity that screams SPRING! I’m so loving this event also!
Kite Day at Cogswell’s Grant in Essex!
Saturday, April 11, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (rain date Sunday, April 12)
Cogswell’s Grant, 60 Spring Street, Essex, Mass.$10 for kite-making workshop, free for flyers and spectators
Come fly a kite at Cogswell’s Grant! Bring your own kite or build one of your own, and watch professional kite flyers from Kites Over New England. Archie Stewart of Kite Education teaches a workshop with all materials included, where kids and adults can make their own kites and learn how to fly them. Sponsored by BankGloucester.
Registration is recommended for the workshop only. Please call 978-768-3632 for more information. Purchase tickets now
Pick #3
I’ve never been here, but have been planning on it! I’m super intrigued. If you happen to go, please let me know how it was!
America’s Stonehenge
Salem, New Hampshire.
Click here for their website and all necessary information.
What is America’s Stonehenge?
Built by a Native American Culture or a migrant European population? No one knows for sure. A maze of man-made chambers, walls and ceremonial meeting places, America’s Stonehenge is most likely the oldest man-made construction in the United States (over 4000 years old).
Like Stonehenge in England, America’s Stonehenge was built by ancient people well versed in astronomy and stone construction. It has been determined that the site is an accurate astronomical calendar. It was, and still can be, used to determine specific solar and lunar events of the year.
Various inscriptions have been found throughout the site including Ogham, Phoenician and Iberian Punic Script. Dr. Barry Fell of Harvard University did extensive work on the inscriptions found at the site. They are detailed in his book America B.C.
I should mention that America’s Stonehenge is also home to eight super cute alpacas! What a bonus.
Please always remember to visit our friends at North Shore Kid for a more comprehensive list of fantastic family activities!
Would You Slip N Fly?
I am all about maximizing summer fun. Maybe, for a few different reasons, even more so this year.
I’ve always loved summer….and, as it approaches quickly, you’ll hear me go on and on about it soon enough. Fair warning.
That isn’t what this post is about though….that’ll come later.
For now, check out these somewhat insane videos of other people maximizing summer fun for some inspiration. I’d so be the one to get hurt. I’d either over shoot on the Slip N Fly and go right out of the pool or go straight up and back down landing smack on the slide. Yikes.
Good for these peeps though. So my question to you is….Would you Slip N Fly or not?
Sorry, Hawk, Easter is Over!
It must be spring because the Schraffts left work/school yesterday and hit Richardson’s Dairy.
The boys got gift cards in their Easter baskets and, since it was a whopping 50ish degrees after school, they naturally wanted to go get the first official ice cream of the season. With the Red Sox game on the radio (they won 8-0, by the way) and the windows down for a stretch of the ride…off we went….because, really, how do you say “no” to that?
A couple of years ago we were fortunate enough to see a calf being born this time of year. It was pretty awesome for the boys to see. Yesterday’s wildlife adventure on the farm was led by a hawk…who apparently thought that Easter was not over because he was clearly still out on an egg hunt.
Check your calendar, Hawk. Easter is over….and, you can sit there looking all threatening all afternoon, but those birds aren’t going to give up their eggs.
If You’re Over the Bridge and Need a Treat
When I’m out of town and need to pick up some treats, Cassis Bakery in Beverly is my go-to stop for sure.
When charged with bringing a dessert to so many different occasions over the years, I’ve opted to get a big assortment of yummies from their display case and they’ve always been a huge hit.
Check them out here! Cassis Bakery
Good Dog Gallery
While the charm and beauty of Rockport never gets old, one of my favorite parts of my evening walk/run with Marlin is the window shopping throughout downtown Rockport. Quintessential New England, for sure. We have such a huge collection of absolutely fantastic shops with such wonderful diversity. There truly is not much that can not be purchased locally! If you haven’t, for whatever reason, spent time walking and shopping through Rockport, you are missing out.
I have been getting a kick out of photographing door fronts and displays during this sleepy season as Rockport begins to wake up from it’s winter nap. It will not be long until ice cream is dripping down arms, the doors open full-time, and the shopping can begin in full force. Make a point to visit…and visit often.
That all being the case, I was very happy to hear from Pamela Wasserman, of Good Dog Gallery on Bearskin Neck. I am also happy to share her words…
“When I first heard Black Dog was coming to town I quickly realized exactly what it means when they say “competition is good for a town!” I immediately wanted to make my place bigger and better than it was before. However, just as I was securing a new, larger space, my mother fell ill and I spent the entire winter assisting her. The pressure of simultaneously renovating a bigger, more expensive space was simply not possible.
Another dog-themed store will only portray Rockport as an even more dog-oriented town! Someone came up to me the other day and said, “There’s TOP DOG, there’s GOOD DOG and now there’s BLACK DOG!” Rockport is indeed known to be very a very dog-friendly town. It may be due to such a low traffic level on Bearskin Neck. The lack of traffic encourages people to come walk their dogs, shop, and especially to grab a treat at Roy Moore’s and then over to Good Dog Gallery. Water dishes line the streets of Bearskin Neck, waiting for thirsty pups.
Celebrating Good Dog Gallery’s 10th year in Rockport, I am proud and honored to have so many returning customers dropping in to say “hello”, to grab a treat, or to do some shopping after the long, wicked winter we’ve had! Spring is a wonderful time to see all those familiar faces, wet noses and wagging tails!
Having moved here after 20 years in Woodstock, Vermont, I chose Rockport to showcase all the doggie goodies we have today. Those items include the delightful art, books and gift items of celebrated dog artist and sculptor, Stephen Huneck, whose flagship gallery that I managed for years, was located in Woodstock, Vermont. He has since passed, but his delightful, light-hearted dog art remains very popular, recognizable and highly collected.
We at Good Dog Gallery not only take doggie humor very seriously, hence the GREETINGS mat in the window, depicting one dog sniffing the other dog’s butt, but we take pride in all the products we offer. We assist in fitting each dog to the proper harness, sweater, or coat. There is a great selection of collars and leashes to choose from. We maintain a gourmet “Barkery” with all natural ingredients made in New England. We even feature the ever popular crispy, crunchy, dehydrated and locally caught, Cod Skins, made right here in Rockport! Yes….Good Dog Gallery’s owner has the glamorous job of hand rolling and dehydrating those cod skins for up to 14 hours! As our slogan states: “Everyone makes the same face, but they keep coming back for more!!!!” And boy, do they!
We may be small, with only one location to focus our passion on, but we have gone to great lengths to find and offer dog art and unique gifts for every dog-lover and a great selection of dog gear + treats that keep tails waggin’!
So, as we say at Good Dog Gallery, “C’mon in and have a sniff around!” GOOD DOGS WELCOME!”
Good Dog Gallery
Tail Wagging Art, Gifts, Gear, and Treats!
for Dog Lovers and The Dogs We Love!
49 Bearskin Neck, Rockport, MA 01966
Nichole’s Picks of the Weekend 4/4 and 4/5
We celebrated an early Easter with my extended family last weekend, so our plans for this weekend are kind of minimal…which is really nice! I plan on clocking some time at the pool in the Aqua Room at Cape Ann Marina and Mile Marker One and hopefully taking some long walks in the woods and/or on the beach. Never forget how great it is to walk out at Halibut Point, Ravenswood, around Goose Cove, etc. Those destinations and more will be a future blog post when the weather gets just a tad bit better.
If you’re looking for something to do that screams “Easter” please don’t forget about last weekend’s pick about Appleton Farm’s Egg-cellent Easter Adventure! It is happening again this Saturday from 10-12 and sounds like a great time!
Pick #1
Easter Cruise on the Beauport Princess
Sunday, April 5
Easter Brunch Cruise!Join us for live jazz, a gourmet buffet brunch, a cruise around our lovely harbor and even an appearance from the Easter Bunny himself! It’s a perfect way to enjoy Easter with your family! 1:00-4:00pm. $58 adults/ $26 children. Call early for reservations, this cruise always sells out!
978-865-3210
Pick #2
Easter Brunch at Tupper Hall!
My disclaimer is that I can’t promise that this event is not sold out!
Pick #3
The Seacoast Science Center
I love this place! While summer weekend visits are a no brainer…weekends such as this one are nice too because all the inside activities are open, but the weather is getting nice enough to walk around Odiorne Point State Park to explore and take in the gorgeous view too!
For a more comprehensive list of great family activities please visit our friends at North Shore Kid!
Hello, Black Dog!
You may have already heard the great news….but, just in case you haven’t…get ready to shop at The Black Dog on Bearskin Neck!
So exciting. It’s quite an honor, if you ask me, for Rockport to have been chosen as The Black Dog’s newest location. Rockport now joins a pretty fantastic list of other oceanside communities that are home to Black Dog shops.
Familiarize yourself with some of their great merchandise now…and start making your wish list…by checking out the Black Dog here! FYI, they’re also hiring.
The first Black Dog General Store opened on Water Street in Vineyard Haven in 1992. Today, there are multiple locations of our Black Dog Stores from Portland, Maine down to Annapolis, Maryland. On Martha’s Vineyard, stores are located in Vineyard Haven, Edgartown and Oak Bluffs. On the Mainland, you’ll find stores in Falmouth, Provincetown, Chatham, Mashpee, Newburyport, MA, as well as Newport, RI, Portland, ME, Mystic, CT , National Harbor, MD, Boston, MA and don’t forget about our other island location, Nantucket!
What do these Black Dog townships have in common? The ocean, for one. A nautical heritage and a safe harbor are imperative. The Black Dog Tall Ships do visit these towns.
More importantly, these are towns that have much in common with The Black Dog, an appreciation for tradition, a love of the sea and all things authentically New England.
TAH-DAH, Spring….and Roy Moore Lobster Co.
Marlin and I came upon a sight for sore eyes this afternoon on our walk through Rockport.
We were both pretty excited to see the one and only Kenny Porter…and crew…wrapping up the official Day #1 of the 2015 season at Roy Moore Lobster Co. Fantastic!
Now we just need Helmut’s Strudel and an ice cream joint or two to open up and we can get on with our happy warmer weather lives. Winter is over and signs of spring are everywhere!
When the Cat’s Away
Anyone recognize this guy? Circa 1987/1988.
For the record, while appreciating that amazing head of hair and thinking, “Just what would I call that awesomeness if I wanted to head to my local barber/hair dresser and get that done this very second?” he, himself, describes it like this
It’s more of a Power Mullet, than a mud flap…or perhaps the “Richard Marx” / “Simon LaBonn”
Tee Hee. I laugh, but it is really quite impressive. I was a junior in High School then. My girlfriends and I might have stalked his locker if we went to school together.
I Never Knew
Closing Time
This is one blog post that I don’t consider myself worthy to write for a couple of different reasons. First of all, with only 15 years of residency in the amazing town of Rockport, I’m still a bit of a newcomer. Secondly, my behind has never had the privilege of sitting in one of the well-worn leather seats that could tell almost 60 years worth of tales. Let alone the iconic horse saddle seat. If scissors could speak. What in the world am I talking about? Well, THE hub of Rockport, of course. Walt Julian’s barber shop.
As new parents, my husband and I made lots of decisions together…and some apart. We agreed together on finding out the sex of our children before they were born. We agreed together on names. I, for example, decided on what the nursery would look like. And my husband, without consultation, decided that naturally their first haircuts would be done by the one-and-only Walt. As if I would have argued.
Even prior to my own children, I can remember MANY an early morning that my husband would creep out of bed at a somewhat insane hour to get a jump on the line at Walt’s. I still laugh about the day that he left at the crack of dawn as I slept on in disbelief. I grew even more incredulous when the phone rang and it was one of his good friends….who had recently moved to Beverly…calling to see if he had already left the house. When I said that he had already been gone for about 15 minutes all I got in return was, “Oh crap. I’m never going to beat that line. Click.”
So, I’m sure most of you know by now, that Walt Julian has closed his barber shop. With almost 60 years of story telling, listening, laughing, trimming, buzzing, shaving, and lollipop giving….he leaves an enormous scrapbook of memories in his wake.
While I’ve only met Walt a handful of times myself…and I am not as rooted in history here in Rockport as many others are…I am thrilled and honored to have photos of Thatcher and Finn in Walt’s care.
Congratulations, Walt, on a respected and iconic career, for creating memories for generations of Cape Ann residents, and, now, on your retirement.
I wonder just how many family scrapbooks contain photos of you! You will be missed!
Nichole’s Picks of the Weekend 3/28 + 3/29
So, we’re not exactly headed to the beach yet….but, maybe soon.
Pick #1
The Sound of Music at the Rockport Middle School
Rockport Middle School presents :The Sound of MusicOpening:Mar 26, 2015Closing:Mar 29, 2015Number of performances: 4
Organization: Rockport Middle School Address: 26 Jerdens Lane City: Rockport State: MA Country: United States Website: rpk12.org
Pick #2
The Whodunnit Scavenger Hunt
Join Watson Adventures at the Museum of Fine Arts and try to solve the murder mystery. 1:00 on Saturday for ages 10 and up.
A crazed killer is on the loose!
And it’s up to you to stop him! The killer has created a scavenger hunt that, when completed, reveals his name, the weapon he used, and where he hid the body in the museum. He sent the hunt to the police and dared them to try to solve it. The police need your help. You’ll get a list of suspects, weapons, and hiding places that are all items in the museum.
By following the trail of clues and answering tricky questions, you’ll narrow the list of suspects, weapons, and places and provide the police with the evidence they need to catch and convict the killer. Can you figure out whodunnit?
No knowledge of the museum or art is necessary, but good reading skills are helpful. Contact us to learn more and find more fun!
Learn all about Watson Adventures and this scavenger hunt here!
Pick #3
Egg-cellent Easter Adventure at Appleton Farms
Say goodbye to the cold and celebrate the arrival of warmer weather here on the Farm! While we often associate eggs with the Easter Bunny, in many cultures eggs symbolize new life and are tied with the coming of spring. At this event, we celebrate spring, new life on the farm, and the bounty of fresh eggs produced by our hens.
Go on the “Egg-cellent” Quest around the farm and learn about the journey from egg to chicken, collecting Easter eggs at each station to complete the Quest! Enjoy homemade refreshments in our Carriage Barn, visit with the calves, and play games in the stone paddock!
Stop by anytime between 10am -12pm to start your Quest. Please bring a basket of your own to collect the Quest eggs. Note: It is only necessary to register for one ticket per family.
For a more comprehensive list of family activities, please visit our friends at North Shore Kid!
Learning to Fly
If you’ve ever thought about wanting to sky dive….if only it weren’t for that whole jumping out of a plane thing, then do I have the perfect place for you!
We made the short trek to Nashua, NH over the weekend and the boys were psyched to give “indoor sky diving” a try.
After a short instructional class to learn correct posture and some important hand signals they suited up with jumpsuits, earplugs, googles, elbow and knee pads, and a helmet. It was right about then that I started to think, “Hmmm. Maybe we should have waited a couple of years.” But….”Fearless” and “Fear Not”….also known as Thatcher and Finn, were good to go.
Their first round in the tube was to try to get the hang out of flying with minimal help from the expert. The second go round was quite a trip…with both boys soaring WAY UP HIGH…tandem style.
Sky Venture also has a pretty awesome wave and surf pool, a rock climbing wall, and a massive spinning fish pipe water slide. I highly recommend the day trip and we’ll be going back for sure!
One if by Land, Two if by Sea
Just a few of the things that caught my eye while out walking Marlin last night. Including “our beach” and bits and pieces of Bearskin Neck….such as one of the most photographed lanterns on Cape Ann. It was nice to be able to hit the streets again without having to battle colossal snow banks. Bring on Spring!
Hockey Mite Madness!
You’ve all probably heard (or read) me wax poetically about my love for our Cape Ann Youth Hockey coaches. Well, here’s your chance to check it out for yourself. If your child has a 2007 or 2008 birthdate, has the appropriate skating experience (see below) and is interested in playing for CAYH’s Travel Mite Program, register now for Mite Madness! The skaters will participate in a skills session with Gloucester High School players while parents have the chance to hear about what the Travel Mites are all about.
To Register, Click Here!
Mite Madness
Skate & Information Session
Talbot Rink
- Roger Grillo, the USA Hockey Regional Manager, will discuss the ADM player development model and have an open discussion with parents and other attendees.
- Pre-Registration is required.
- Players must have participated in CAYH Cross-Ice, In House, or Mite Hybrid in 2014-15 (or an equivalent program) to register. Skaters who have participated in Learn to Skate for at least 2 seasons and who have progressed to the “Learn to Play” sections are also candidates are also candidates for this evaluation. Players must have a valid USA hockey number in order to participate in the on ice skate session.
It is OK
Dear Future Teachers, Instructors, and Coaches of my Sons,
I’d like to take a minute now to thank you for the hours, energy, and love that you will undoubtedly be giving to my children in the future. I know that it is not always an easy job that you have, but it is one that you accepted, however long ago, because you have the best interest of children, and now my children, at heart. Many of you have simply volunteered…and don’t even get paid…and all of you spend a large portion of your personal time thinking about, worrying about, or being excited about things that have to do with the classes you teach, the lessons you give, or the practices that you run.
I know, no matter how much you love what you do, the down side is that your job will sometimes require that you make difficult decisions. I know that those decisions will sometimes even cause you sleepless nights, a heavy heart, and worry, and pain.
I’d like to tell you now…that it is OK. It is OK to not pick my son.
It is OK to not call on him when his hand in raised as high as possible in class, because you have 20 students and they all want to make you happy by knowing the right answer or sharing their thoughts.
I know that even that one silly decision….who to call on?….can be excruciating…each and every time. I know that you make a mental note…and try to call on them all the same amount each week, but it is still so hard to watch their hands fall disappointedly back into their laps.
It is OK, if my son ends up not being able to carry a tune, that he does not receive a solo in the Spring Concert…no matter how much he wants one. You know what? Even if he can sing, but isn’t one of the best, it is still ok. I know that you’ll find other ways to encourage him and make him feel proud. I know that you’ll let him know how important his role in the chorus is.
It is OK, if my son has trouble finding his inner actor, to not pick him for a leading role. He may be crushed for a minute, but I know that you need to do what is right for the other children and the school play. He’ll understand, because he knows that everyone has strengths. We will encourage him to find another way to shine and tell him how important it is to play that small supporting role. The play couldn’t go on if all characters weren’t cast…no matter how big or small. After all.
I image that my son will enjoy working on science fair projects each spring. But, you know what, when it comes time to pick just 5 projects to send to regionals, it is OK to pick others…and not his. His hard work and the pride that he feels when he presents his experiment should be enough for him. And, it will motivate him all that much more the following year. And, trust me, I know how hard it will be for you to pick just 5. I know that you wish someone else could make those decisions.
I want you to know now that it is OK if his essay is not submitted to the writing contest. Even though I’m sure he’ll try so hard to be chosen and want so desperately to impress you, sometimes you have to just pick one…and inevitably the other children will feel sad. I know, without a second of doubt, however, that you’ll pull him aside and tell him how much you enjoyed his story. You’ll make him want to write again….because writing is fun…even if your story isn’t picked.
It will always be OK if, when some children’s art work gets selected for the art show, his is not. We will shower him with praise, encourage him to create more, and teach him to congratulate his friends for their creativity and their submissions. His art will always have a special place in our home.
It is also OK, no matter how much he tries, to sometimes make the decision to leave him on the bench. I know that you will take time during the season to help him improve, make him feel valuable, and motivate him to dig deeper. And, because you’ve done such a great job, I know that if the team wins, he will know he has won and played a monumental role in the victory. Even if his role wasn’t as obvious in the final minutes of a game.
I want to thank you again, because I know that it sometimes feels impossible. I know that you became a teacher, an instructor, or a coach for so many wonderful reasons. I know that you had giant aspirations to always be “fair.” I’m also guessing that you never imagined how many times each year, session, or season you would feel burdened by decisions that have no “fair” answer.
I hope that you know you have our support and gratitude and the love and respect of my child. Even if you didn’t pick him. Because…even if you didn’t pick him….you chose him. You chose to teach him, encourage him, support him, love him, challenge him, push him, excite him, and inspire him. Your success, loyalty, or impact can not be judged by one, or even several of those difficult decisions. It is based on the many moments, outside of those decisions, that you made sure to make him know that you are there for him.
I think it is important to tell you….not that you don’t already know….that I don’t expect all parents will feel the same way. And…that I am by no means speaking for them. I am simply telling you how I feel.
Thank you in advance for all that you will surely do….and for those difficult decisions you are forced to make.
Sincerely,
Nichole






























