Author: Nichole S.

Artist at Work: No Rest for the Weary

Posted on by Nichole S.

I met a friend for a bite to eat and a couple of drinks at Stone’s last night and headed back out into the cold to head home at 9:30.  The chill was just leaving my car as I turned off of Broadway and onto South Street in Rockport to climb the hill towards home.

There, on the side walk, was an artist at work.  My clock read 9:42 and my temperature gauge read a mere 36 degrees, but he was happily painting away.

I drove past him and hemmed and hawed a bit about whether to continue towards home or turn around and capture the moment…with no camera, but at least, my phone.  I saw him painting on that same corner last week and was mad at myself for not stopping.  I didn’t want to make the same mistake twice.

I’m glad I turned around.

Chris Coyne, of Coyne Fine Art, was in the midst of an already gorgeous painting…surely to be all that more stunning upon completion.  This evening he was painting The First Baptist Church of Rockport. Last week he was painting one of my favorite things about the holiday season, the Dock Square Christmas Tree. He was kind enough to show me the completed painting of our beautiful town tree. Nothing short of stunning!

I’ve always had an appreciation for Chris Coyne’s art, but after seeing him out in the cold late at night to capture the perfect moment in time…I have an entirely new appreciation.

Do yourself a favor and browse his work at Coyne Fine Art or on his Facebook Page

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Precarious Position

Posted on by Nichole S.

Would you or wouldn’t you?  I saw this photo on the weather.com the other day.

I don’t know about you, but after the holidays, I’m ready for a vacation.  I’m just not sure this would be it.

Just some extreme athletes taking a little break during the International Highline Meeting in the northern Italian Alps.

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A Little Help Here: North Shore Shopping Center 1970s

Posted on by Nichole S.

As was touched upon during yesterday’s podcast, I’ve been thinking about the giant holiday soldiers that once stood guard outside the North Shore Shopping Center for weeks now.  If I’m being honest here, I actually think about them each December.

Having lived in Middleton, Hamilton, Gloucester, and Rockport for my entire life I have years worth of memories that somehow include hours clocked at that mall.

Now, I’m not trying to say that the mall itself holds any special place in my heart…and, in all actuality, I’m happy to report that many months go by when I don’t ever step a foot in there these days.  While holiday shopping this year, I went to the mall exactly once.  I hit the Apple Store, J Crew, and the Gap and was out in less than 30 minutes.

That having been said, I do have very fond memories from way back when that involve that same shopping center in one form or another.  For example, I remember fondly the way my grandmother would refer to it as the shopping center rather than the mall when I was a teenager.  I have fond memories of Brigham’s…but, that could have been The Liberty Tree Mall.  Speaking of…remember that strange, silver Tree that once stood in the center of that mall?  In speaking with my mother last night to piece together my memories, she was able to tell me that that tree was at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York before being moved to Danvers.

I digress.

I did really love those big toy soldiers!

Likewise, I have such fond and vivid memories of what, in my mind, was miles and miles of Christmas decorations adorning the long corridors of the mall.  I remember holiday scenes set up the length of the mall.  Every 50 yards or so, would be a different mini village to gaze upon with the holiday wonder that kids eat up like crazy.  I also remember giant, brightly colored artificial Christmas trees.

The problem is…. I seem to be the only one who remembers those decorations.

Help me out here, would you?!  Did they really not exist?  That can’t possibly be!

My mother was able to fill me in on the rides in Kiddietowne (that evidently, according to our podcast, Joey remembers.  Or at least he remembers the train.)….but, it seems those rides closed in 1973…and since I was just 2 years old then, I don’t fault myself for not remembering them.  My mom confirmed the old grocery store….and that I did indeed get lost there once when I was little. Sorry, Mom!  She, likewise, can confirm my memories of the toy soldiers. I also managed to find a photo of those outside of Filene’s.  My grandmother always said “Filene’s” with a soft i sound like Fill ene’s.  Funny the things you remember.

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After an hour of my life that I’ll never get back, I came up pretty empty handed in regards to the shopping center of my childhood memories.

Here’s a link to the rides at Kiddietowne that stood outside of where Macy’s is today.  Who would have thought?  And, for the record, for anyone with warm fuzzies about Kiddietowne, it turns out that they have reunions.  I read about the last one on their website. Sadly, it took place in 2006. I’m not sure if there are more in the works.

I also found some information on this website.  It details some of the growth, change, and development…but, doesn’t fill in any of the missing information I was looking for.  Bummer.  I barely remember it being an outdoor mall.

I think, in piecing together my memories and Joey’s memories, that maybe the decorations that I’m speaking of ultimately became part of the Enchanted Village at Jordan’s Furniture.  Thoughts?

While we’re at it…check out the photo of the old movie theater.  Not as waaaay back as some of my other memories, but man, did I clock some time there during Middle School and High School.  Open the flood gates of memories with this photo!

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Santa is Coming….again

Posted on by Nichole S.

After a LOOOONG day/night, Santa will be back in Dock Square to say “Good-bye” until next year and to give all of the children of Rockport an opportunity to say “thank you” for their wonderful gifts. One of my favorite holiday traditions.

Merry Christmas!!

Nichole’s “Picks of the Weekend” December 27th and 28th

Posted on by Nichole S.

Ok, I’m not going to lie, my First Pick for this weekend would be to R.E.L.A.X!!!

Enjoy some quiet family time.  Watch the kiddos play with their new toys. Unplug.  Plug in. Read a book.  Take a nap.  Go for a walk. Take a nap. Get the holiday crap out of the house.  Regain some normalcy.  Take a nap.  Go for a bike ride. Take a nap.  You get the picture.

Seriously, it is going to be (while I’m no meteorologist) close to 50 degrees.  Get outside and enjoy the somewhat mild weather and just chill.  I’m assuming that, like me, you’ve all been on the go like mad.  Shopping, hiding, finding, losing, wrapping, lying, shopping some more….repeat.  Throw in some holiday parties, engagements, and casual stop bys….and we are all BEAT.

I’m psyched for some major chill time with the family, but, if you are the proverbial energizer bunny and need something to do….have at it. I’ll offer a couple of suggestions.

With all my talk about relaxing, I have to admit I am kind of a hypocrite, because I’m super tempted to sign up for Pick #2

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary is offering a couple of excellent programs this weekend!

The first is SURVIVOR….family style.  While I kind of feel like every day in our life lately should be dubbed “Survivor Day”…this does sound pretty awesome.

Survivor: Saturday, December 27, or Friday, January 2
Through teamwork and problem-solving, we will explore the woodlands of the sanctuary and imagine that we are explorers stranded in the wilderness. In order to survive, we will need to build shelters, collect firewood, and find food and a water source. Come and find out how you would survive!

The second is Build a Bird Feeder!

Parent/Child Build a Bird Feeder: Sunday, December 28, or Saturday, January 3
Brighten up your yard this winter with a bird feeder handmade by you and your child. Each family will receive a kit containing all the necessary parts to build a feeder that will attract chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, cardinals, and many other birds to your yard. A short slide presentation will highlight the birds that commonly come to feeders. We’ll also observe the sanctuary feeders to see which birds are looking for food. Instructors will circulate to provide assistance.

Check it all out here for sure!

 

Pick #3

Keeping in mind that it is school vacation and most indoor activities everywhere will be jammed….the Museum of Science is now showing some pretty excellent IMAX movies and a 15 minute 4D Polar Express Show!

The IMAX Theater is showing 1. Galapagos (I will actually travel there some day!! Total bucket list vacation!!) 2. Pandas: The Journey Home  and 3. Mystery of the Maya.

Read More Here.

The Polar Express film…while really short…also looks pretty awesome!

We’ve taken trips into the MOS during school vacations in the past and, while the Museum itself is usually mobbed, we’ve had good luck simply parking, heading to an IMAX movie, and then getting out of there.  I like to save an actual day at the museum for days when it is safe to say that it won’t be too crowded.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now That’s an Airline With Some Holiday Cheer

Posted on by Nichole S.

West Jet Airlines out of Canada is doing it right.

These videos have circulated before, but on Christmas Eve, the 1st two are a nice reminder of how simple…or not so simple…acts of kindness can go a long, long way.  And, they remind us all, that surprises are awesome.  The others show that a sense of humor in this day in age is priceless.  Kudos to a company with enough creativity, humor, and kindness to spread holiday cheer….even on holidays like April Fool’s.

Makes me wonder what they have up their sleeves this Christmas???

 

 

 

Christmas Can Can

Posted on by Nichole S.

I mentioned this last week, but the four of us have been enjoying watching The Great Christmas Light Fight this season (dorks, I know).

While this house wasn’t one of our favorites when the episode aired, this video is pretty sweet and the music-director-turned-Christmas-light-decorator has some mad holiday skills!

 

Santa’s ETA on Christmas Eve is No Joke

Posted on by Nichole S.

In just three days children everywhere will be turning to NORAD to track Santa’s flight around our great big world. Because, after all, knowing exactly when to put out cookies and milk is super important.  Warm milk and stale cookies are crappy. The big guy and his team of furry friends deserve better than that.

NORAD’s mission is summed up simply as, “We have the Watch.”  And, that they do.

NORAD’S MISSION

“We have the watch.”

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is a United States and Canada bi-national organization charged with the missions of aerospace warning, aerospace control, and maritime warning for North America. Aerospace warning includes the monitoring of man-made objects in space, and the detection, validation, and warning of attack against North America whether by aircraft, missiles, or space vehicles, through mutual support arrangements with other commands.

However, on December 24th, they take on an even more important task.  That of tracking Santa.  And…they take it quiet seriously.  Their tracking system is no joke.  It consists of a radar comprised of 47 installations, satellites, SantaCams, and Fighter Jets!

It did, however, all start as a joke.

The tradition began in 1955 after a Colorado Springs-based Sears Roebuck & Co. advertisement misprinted the telephone number for children to call Santa. Instead of reaching Santa, the phone number put kids through to the CONAD Commander-in-Chief’s operations “hotline.” The Director of Operations at the time, Colonel Harry Shoup, had his staff check the radar for indications of Santa making his way south from the North Pole. Children who called were given updates on his location, and a tradition was born.

NPR told the story through the eyes of “Santa Colonel’s” children earlier this week. It is truly quite wonderful.  Warm fuzzies, for sure.  Check it out with the link below.  And then, don’t dare forget, to also check out the Official NORAD Santa Tracking Site.

NORAD’s Santa Tracker Began With A Typo And A Good Sport

The Official NORAD Santa Tracker

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nichole’s “Family Picks of the Weekend” 12/20 and 12/21

Posted on by Nichole S.

This is the last weekend before Christmas so I’d like to remind you of a few events/attractions that you might want to squeeze in while you can.

Edaville Railroad Festival of Lights

Strawberry Banke Candlelight Stroll

Blink! Boston

My new picks for this week are as follows

#1   Holiday Delights!

Hopefully you’ve already read about this on GMG as it has been well covered!

The Gloucester Stage Youth Acting Workshops proudly presents Holiday Delights from December 19 through December 21 at Gloucester Stage Company, 267 East Main Street, Gloucester. Holiday Delights features a cast of over 30 young people ranging in age from 6 to 17, all students in Gloucester Stage Youth Acting Workshops.

A fantastic holiday event for all ages!  Read much more about it here!

 

#2  Rockport’s 69th Annual Christmas Nativity Pageant 

Follow the torch-lit procession beginning at Dock Square on Saturday evening at 5:00 and celebrate holiday traditions while sharing the story of the nativity.

Discover more here

 

#3  Wenham Museum

I list this as a “great take” this weekend for two reasons.  On any given weekend from November to February, the Farm to Table by Train exhibit is worth seeing! My boys could watch the trains all day long.  This weekend, however, is extra special because one of my favorite children’s authors is also at the Wenham Museum signing books!  Meet Caldecott Award Winner, Chris Van Allsburg…maybe most famous this time of year for writing The Polar Express, but also the author of many other amazing books such as Jumangi, The Adventures of Harris Burdick, Just a Dream, and now The Misadventures of Sweetie Pie.  See all of his books here.

Meet Chris Van Allsburg

#4  Public Skate at Talbot Rink

On most Saturdays and Sundays Talbot Rink offers almost two hours of public skating…from 2:00-3:50.  A great chance to get active during the long cold winter months and see lots of familiar faces.  Skate rentals are available and the cost is nominal.

Check out the rink here and find their calendar at the bottom of the link’s page.

The little “Green Bomber” in the black helmet with Schrafft displayed proudly (usually) on his back is my littler one.  Watch out for him.

 

 

Can We Start Talking About This Again?

Posted on by Nichole S.

Outdoor ice rink here in town?

We’re a big hockey and skating family for sure.  In the course of the a 9 day span last week and this week, my young boys will don their skates 11 times. They can’t get enough and have not once even hinted at wanting to skip a practice, a game, a skating party, or extra time on a sheet of ice or pond somewhere.

So, after recapping our busy weekend the other night while trying to fall asleep, I remembered some talk about turning 14-C2 into a skating rink!

I immediately realized that I must have heard about it here, on GMG, because…well, you know…where else would it have been, so I put it into the search queue and found the post I was thinking of.

Check it out here! 

We drive all over the place for outdoor ice time during the winter months when we’re unsure about pond conditions.  We’ve headed into Boston on many occasions and to Market Street in Lynnfield, but I’d much rather skate here in town…on the waterfront.

I have to admit that I’m not privy to the details so forgive me if it was ruled out for some commonly known reason, but if not I vote that we get the conversation started again!  I’ll be the first one in to volunteer some rink duty hours if it’s ever a go!

Who’s in?

 

Toy With the Idea of Non-Toy Gifts

Posted on by Nichole S.

I was that parent who insisted that my boys were going to have all wooden, all natural, and “real life” toys.  I stuck to that rule for quite some time and, I’m not going to lie, I’m still happy that my boys have, on their own, become interested in things like animals, boats, police/fire/coastguard/etc., vehicles, fishing tackle, and sports cards…rather than Power Rangers, Pokemon, and whatnot.  I guess what I love the most about their interests is that they are “real” and they’re not going anywhere.  You can never learn too much about wild animals, real life heros, sports, science, and such.  But, it isn’t just that, I’m also cheap and I’m happy that they haven’t gotten into the it items that are going to be replaced by new it items in 6 months.

So, they’ve been playing with many of the exact same toys for probably YEARS. They, at 5.5 and 7.5, still can not get enough of their collection of Hess trucks, fishing boats, rescue vehicles, match box cars, and Schleich animals. They also have 100s of small whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, etc that they spread out and play with for hours.  On the other hand, they also have iPod minis, for when they need some down time…or I need a break!

I say all of this (in my incredibly long-winded own way) because all of that means that I had NO idea what to get them for Christmas this year.  They truly don’t need a thing.  They still use and love so many of their toys…why replace them with stuff just for the sake of having more stuff?  Likewise, we have a tiny little home.  I truly can’t bear the thought of buying crap that they are not going to use.  That having been said, clearly we want to get them things…and not super lame things….for Christmas.

They did ask for a few things…so that helped.  They both wanted a couple of pairs of new sneakers.  Shot, score!  Cause, you know, I was going to have to buy those soon anyway.  They wanted “rollie” hockey bags. Ummm….ok…awesome!  The less I need to lug their gear around the better. It totally rocks that I was also able to get the Grit Pod hockey bags that actually have a compartment for each item of their gear!  TOTALLY addresses my OCD issues.  I couldn’t be happier.  They wanted new backpacks.  That one kind of hurt, because they both have ones that I love…and that don’t really need  to be replaced….but, since they were cheap and easy…I got them.  And, they always get the new Hess truck.  So, not bad.  We were making progress.

They’ve been dying to take guitar lessons, but with hockey, school, etc. that hasn’t really been in the budget. Thank goodness for grandparents, because thanks to Nammy they will have guitars and an amp and thanks to Grampy they’ll have their first three months of lessons. Tremendous.

So, now what?

From here it is all about the Experience Gifts!  Here’s a little secret.  Shhhh.  If, like us, you find yourself to be on a budget, Experience Gifts can be great because you don’t really have to pay for them before Christmas.  For example, last year I put together a little gift basket with some Providence Bruins stuff, a photo of a hotel in Providence, a brochure for the Providence Dave and Busters, and a brochure for the Roger Williams Zoo.  A quick little one night getaway stuffed to the gills with activities that they were going to love to help kill the post holiday/winter doldrums….that didn’t have to be actually paid for until a few weeks after the holidays when we actually booked the hotel and got “baby Bruins” tix online…for super, super cheap I might add.

Another great quick getaway that is on my favorite list is The Great Wolf Lodge in Fitchburg…again, give them a getaway for Christmas by putting together a cute basket (think Wolf ears or nose from a party shop, swim goggles, one of their own bathing suits and/or flip flops, maybe a cheap new towel, a brochure) and then book it in January or February for a mid winter retreat.  Does that sound cheap? What evs….it works.

Experience Gifts don’t have to be in the form of overnight trips though!!

Here are some other ideas:

A membership to Maritime Gloucester.  Get a cheap sand pail (or find one of the 1,000 you already own), throw in a ocean dwelling stuffed animal (or go buy one from their awesome gift shop), maybe a small fishing net, grab a brochure, and you’re good to go.

A season pass for the Water Taxi.  Buy a little toy boat (can you say Toodeloos) and tie on the pass with a cute little bow.  Maybe even find a sailor or captains hat to go with it!

Gift cards to Friendly’s, Orange Leaf, Cape Ann Lanes, Island Art and Hobby, Gloucester Cinema, the Rainforest Cafe, or Art Haven (which also means GLAZED!). Of course, there’s also things like the Museum of Science, the Boston Children’s Museum, the PEM, the Elizabeth Stewart Gardner Museum, the Harvard Museum of Natural History, Sky Zone, The Legoland Discovery Center. You name it!!  Don’t forget their favorite store.  Seems like a no brainer, but my boys love nothing more than a gift card to Fisherman’s Outfitters or Fin and Feather in Essex!  I buy them a couple of new fishing lures and tie them onto the envelope from one of those stores and they’re the happiest of campers.

Two things:  First of all, ALL of these kind-of-lame-to-open gift cards can be made super fun with simple extras.  A little bowling pin (I’ve seen them but probably couldn’t find one when I actually need one so you’re on your own there) or a roll of quarters for the video games to go with the bowling gift card. Some microwave popcorn and some candy put into a cute box (Michael’s Crafts in Danvers sells really cute boxes…sometimes even ones that look like popcorn boxes…see below) to go along with the movie gift card.  An actual container from Orange Leaf (which they give out with their gift cards) filled with some gummy bears, cookies, or other toppings.  A paint brush, crayons, cheap set of markers to go along with the Art Haven gift card. A magnifying glass for the MOS, some small plastic animals/insects to go with the Museum of Natural History. An art book to accompany the art museum visit.  A pair of gym shorts or a new water bottle for the trip to Sky Zone. A small Lego kit to go with the trip to Legoland in Somerville. Whale Watch tickets work well with a brochure or post card of a whale, a stuffed animal, or maybe even a t-shirt from one of the local whale watching companies. You get the point!  Secondly, if a place doesn’t necessarily make/give real gift cards….just make your own and then pay cash when you go for real.  I’ve done that plenty of times.

One of my favorite gifts is a “A Day Your Way” ticket.  Each of my boys get one and then they get to redeem it for a day that is planned totally by them (with in reason and budget!).  They only get one or two a year so if they choose candy for breakfast and breakfast for dinner I don’t really care!  They also get to choose one activity: movie, mini golf, museum, hike, etc. and we follow their lead all day long.

Aside from day trips, are also simple staycation ideas. Super easy, no brainers. Hot cocoa, ice cream sundae toppings, popcorn, and a movie in a fun basket for a family movie night!  Some snacks, a pizza coupon, and a new board game for family game night!  A new book and some snacks for a guaranteed long session of read aloud time together.  A basket of crafting supplies for a day or arts and crafts.  Some binoculars, a compass, a map, a nature map or field guide, maybe a disposable camera…and you’re off for a fun hike together!  You get the idea.

For those of you who are super eager beavers, plan a scavenger hunt!  Some small gifts and clues that will lead your child all around town with some fun stops along the way!  Again, my boys love to search for different boats, see which boats are in and which are out, hit a playground, go for a hike, grab a hot cocoa, search for more clues….  Super fun day!

And, finally….   here are some other Non Toy ideas that I love.

1.  A magazine subscription.  We love National Geographic Kids, National Geographic Little Kids, Boys’ Life, and Time for Kids.  The novelty of getting their new magazine in the mail has never worn off and we make certain to make special time to read it together within 48 hours of its arrival.

2.  To up the ante, a book club.  I’ve used Gift Lit before.  Think wine of the month club, but in a book form for young (or any aged) reader!

3.  Equally, if not more, awesome is Kiwi Crate!! I really hope at least someone has hung on and read this far because this is one of my favorite ideas ever!  Same idea as the monthly book club, but you sign up and then all that you need to complete a fun craft together is shipped right to your house! Total excitement the day it comes in the mail!

 

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Because One Elf Isn’t Creepy Enough

Posted on by Nichole S.

As if our elf, Jingle, is creepy enough this holiday season, why not take it to the next level and really freak the kids out?  What exactly do you call a group of elves?  A pod, a gaggle, a school, a flock, a herd, a troop, a colony? Or maybe a drove, a bed, a pack, an army, a horde, a tribe.  Hmmm.  No matter what they’re called….they take the cake in the “Dear Lord, Make it Stop” category of holiday fun.

Courtesy of the PNP, the Portable North Pole, you too can add up the ante of holiday fibs and give yourself yet more to explain when your child no longer believes.  Good times.

Portable North Pole

As tempted as I was to see what would happen if poor little Finn founded himself on the naughty list, even I couldn’t be that mean.  There’s always next year 😉

Head to the Lights

Posted on by Nichole S.

I’m reaching out to the world’s greatest FOBs for some help!

My boys have been getting a kick out of watching The Great Christmas Light Fight on TV.  Now they want to go see some “epic” Christmas lights, but I’ve yet to find a fabulous neighborhood.

I have such fond memories of driving around East Gloucester and off of Grapevine Road to see the lights when I was younger and I’d like my boys to do the same.  We’re willing to drive 30 minutes or so if it’ll be worth it, so if you have any suggestions, fire away!

Thanks in advance for any and all help!

The Great Christmas Light Fight

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Commencing Countdown, Major Sean

Posted on by Nichole S.

That was my little tribute to Major Tom…in case you missed it.  Bygones.

I’d like to take this opportunity to publicly thank the Curtis Family…Sean, Erin, Lydia, Brityn, and baby Henry for the excellent public service announcement they are kind enough to bestow upon the town of Rockport during the holiday season.

While, ahem ahem, it was a bit later than usual this year…it did not disappoint once finally arriving. Contrary to disappointing, actually, it is new and improved and really quite fantastic!

You see, the Curtis family has been helping to spread the holiday joy in the children of Rockport….and pure panic in the hearts of the grown-ups…for the past several years.

Formally, a giant snowman helped to count down the days, hours, minutes…and even seconds…until Christmas.  After taking an unfortunate tumble, the large cold one was placed on the DL (that’s the disabled list).  And, yes, I’m talking to you….the one who thought the World Series Trophy on our Christmas Card several years ago was a menorah.  (see below)

At any rate, with Frosty down and out, an even better (in my opinion) countdown clock has taken his place!  My boys get such joy out of seeing it each afternoon on the way home from school/work!  It is pretty awesome…even if it does cause me some major anxiety.

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Can You Ever Have Too Much Fun? More weekend picks!

Posted on by Nichole S.

While actually writing my Thursday “Weekend Picks” post is not difficult, narrowing down the choices and trying to be mindful enough to find activities that appeal to different likes/tastes/hobbies can be.  That having been said, I won’t sleep tonight if I don’t add a few more activities to this week’s list!

The most near and dear is the fantastic Middle Street Walk!  Hopefully you’ve already read about its awesomeness in other posts here on GMG, but just incase you haven’t…. you should!  As Joey says, “It’s insane”  (and he means that in a good way).

Check it all out here!  It is really a not-to-be-missed day here in town!!! If you’re not in the holiday spirit yet…this is just the medicine!

Middle Street Walk website is here too

 

Also, The Gallows Hill Theatre in Salem is playing “A Very Grinchy Holiday Special”.  How awesome does this look!  Again, the Schraffts will be doing this for sure!    Gallows Hill Theatre

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In addition, a friend of GMG was kind enough to remind me that Smolak Farms is always a great bet!  Thanks so much, Erin!  We’ve been there several times…and Finn’s class just had a pumpkin picking field trip there in October.  It is truly a great spot.  This month, in particular, they are offering great activities.  Cookie making on Tuesdays and Fridays, Tea with Mrs. Claus, and Santa’s Workshop (meet and greet, craft making, and more!) are highlights.  Be sure to check out their website and mark your calendars.  Next week, for example, they are offering a great Gingerbread House Workshop!

Smolak Farms

 

Nichole’s Family Picks of the Weekend 12/13 and 12/14

Posted on by Nichole S.

You might have to act quick for a couple of these so don’t delay!

Pick #1

Debbie and Friends at The Cabot in Beverly.  Saturday, December 13th at 10:30

A live Debbie and Friends show is fun for the whole family. The boston-based band plays a varierty of pop/rock styles, and the songs are interactive and engaging. Puppets and cartoons are part of every show.

Winner of more than 20 National Awards, including CBS Boston’s “Best Local Children’s Musician”, and a “Nickelodeon Parents Pick Award”, Debbie and Friends also performed on the 2011 Grammy Winner for “Best Children’s Album”.

Debbie and Friends are wonderful with children as well as being accomplished musicians. All work on the staff or faculty of Berklee College of Music.

This fun concert at The Cabot will be perfect for children ages 1-9 and their parents and grandparents, and will feature some seasonal tunes to help everyone celebrate the holidays.

 

You can hurry up and purchase tickets here 

 

Picke #2

The 35th Annual Candlelight Stroll at Strawberry Banke in Portsmouth

How Norman Rockwell does this sound?  The Schraffts will be there this weekend or next for sure!  Just saying.

35th Annual Candlelight Stroll in the “Holiday Capital of North America”

For December 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 2014

 

Stroll through life in a simpler time as 350 years of American history, winter traditions, and holiday celebrations unfolds around you in New Hampshire’s oldest waterfront neighborhood.

  • Historic houses from four centuries with decorations hand-crafted from natural materials
  • Hundreds of wood and glass candle boxes lighting the lanes and landscape
  • Live music and holiday entertainment for all ages
  • Horse-drawn carriage rides
  • Holiday decoration demonstrations
  • Traditional barrel making demonstrations
  • 18th century holiday hearth cooking
  • Tinsmith demonstrations
  • NEW! Ice skating on Puddle Dock Pond opening Dec 12.

 

You can get tickets at the door, but it is wise to book in advance.  There was a Living Social coupon for admission, but it just expired.  Keep an eye out for a new one though!!

Find out more here

Pick #3

Free!!

Assembly Row in Somerville is pretty fantastic, but maybe shopping in the midst of holiday mayhem isn’t for you.  Who could fault you for that?  How does a free movie in their rather plush theater sound though?

This Saturday, AND NEXT, they are offering free holiday movies on a FIRST COME FIRST SERVE basis.  This week is Home Alone and next week is Elf!

Tickets are available in the lobby beginning at 9:00 a.m. for the movies that begin at 9:30.

And, while there, you could also bop over to the Legoland Discovery Center…which also happens to be at Assembly Row. My boys both LOVED it there and can’t wait to go back. Might I add, that they’re really not Lego Fanatics, but they had a blast there nonetheless.  Advanced ticket purchases are recommended there too!

Free Holiday Movies

12/6, 12/13, 12/20 9:30am AMC Assembly Row 12

Join Assembly Row as we treat you and your family to a free big screen showing of The Polar Express this Saturday at AMC Assembly Row 12.
Tickets will be distributed in the lobby of AMC on the first floor starting at 9AM. The show will begin at 9:30AM. Space is limited to one theater and tickets will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis. One ticket per person.

Movies Coming Up!
Saturday December 13th: Home Alone
Saturday December 20: Elf

Learn more about Assembly Row here 

Check out LegoLand Discovery Center here

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When Do You Tune in to the Holiday Tunes?

Posted on by Nichole S.

Ok, so Christmas is just two weeks from tomorrow.  So, yesterday I scanned through the radio stations on the way home from work/school to find some holiday music.  Now the real test will be, can we keep it up until Christmas?

I like to hear the festive music while out and about doing errands and at holiday events, but not so much day in and day out for two solid weeks…or, heaven forbid, longer.  We’ll probably end up listening to “real” music on the way to school and holiday music on the way home.  About one week out we’ll probably go hard core and Jingle Bell Rock ourselves to exhaustion while Decking the Halls, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, and Ho Hoing the Mistletoe.

So, I ask you…  When do you start cranking the Christmas Tunes?

And, as a thanks for taking the holiday song poll….please enjoy one of my favorites!

Not on Any List of Tourist Destinations

Posted on by Nichole S.

So, you may know by now that I live in Rockport….but, I’m not FROM Rockport.

I lived in Middleton until I was about 12 and then moved to Hamilton.  Both of my parents are from Gloucester and I moved there right after college graduation. After meeting my husband I moved to Rockport, his hometown, back in 2000. So, looong story short, I’ve lived in Rockport for 14 years now, but again…I’m not FROM Rockport.

That being said, I can usually hold my own.  After 14 years I’ve finally learned the names of most streets (kind of), I know not to take a left down Broadway from South Street on Sundays because it is closed during church services, I know that if you want a cranberry walnut muffin to die for you go to Helmut’s, if the kids are jonesing for a shaved ice you go to Hula Moon, and if you’re planning on a long day at one of the local beaches you’d better plan around the tide…because some of our favorite beaches all but disappear at high tide.

I’ve learned a lot, I’ve met tons of truly kind and fantastic people, and…probably because of my local hero loving young boys…I can greet the harbor masters and police officers by name.

A couple of years ago I wrote how a bunch of the community came together to help celebrate Thatcher’s 5th birthday.  It was incredibly heart warming and perfect and to this day I tear up at how special that day was for him.

All of that having been said, there is one part of Rockport that, I have to admit, still intimidates me a bit.

The Dump.  Well, see right there…that’s part of the problem.  It is not actually called the Dump.  It is the Transfer Station….and rightfully so.  Back in Middleton we went to the Dump (in our giant wood paneled station wagon with no carseats)…and I remember it clearly, but it was before recycling, and it was truly just piles of trash.  I am certain that it is no longer like that now. In Hamilton, we put our trash out for pick up.  No trips to the dump necessary.

Now, in Rockport, my husband typically does the, as I call them, “dump runs.” He doesn’t necessarily appreciate the fact that I call them that and has explained that, in no uncertain terms, if I feel that it is simply a dump, then I am not necessarily worthy of making the trips.  Awww, shucks.

So, for YEARS, I had never actually taken a trip to the transfer station.

My husband had come home forever with random “treasures” from the swap shop….much to my dismay.  The swap shop alone began to spark my interest. Not because I was necessarily in love with anything that he brought home, but because I started to grow intrigued by the vision of the “Land of Misfit Toys” that he loved to visit.

Don’t tell my husband, but I actually found myself having “dump run” envy.  It didn’t help that my boys would also come home singing the praises of the dump. I started to feel a little left out.  The only girl in the house and all….and the only one not worthy of the weekly pilgrimage to the mysterious place at the end of the driveway on Nugent Stretch.  “What is down there?”, I started to wonder.

So, finally, I was allowed to tag along….

And I’ve been meaning to do a blog post about it ever since.

This place is not for the faint of heart and it is truly a fine oiled machine.  This place is the Disney World of recyclers, the Tour de France of the obsessive compulsive, and the Super Bowl of “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” While you’re not going to find it on a list of tourist destinations, it is truly a sight to behold.  I’m also a bit smitten that it has an area for “Scrap Fishing Gear” as that kind of screams “Good job making a life for yourself in this quaint little town by the sea” if you ask me.

So, if like me, you have never had the opportunity to witness the wonder of the transfer station….here’s a peek inside.  Behold.