Author: Nichole S.

Looking For a Fun Surprise at Home for a Special Day?

Posted on by Nichole S.

Have you ever had Rolled Ice Cream?  Here’s your chance….and, right in your own yard!  Reach out to How We Roll Coast to Coast.  Friends of ours had plans to get this new business venture up and running this summer, but as we’ve all found ourselves at home and in need of fun surprises…especially on special days like birthdays…they have started to take reservations early.  I can not wait to see how they roll when they are in full swing in the months to come, but for now…with an awesome brand new quick freeze ice cream machine and all the supplies and fixings on hand, they will book a visit right to your driveway for a quick treat or a special surprise delivery.

They stopped by our house the other day and served up some super yummy strawberry and oreo ice cream treats.  I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I can tell you that it was REALLY creamy and delicious.  This will be such a great business when summer is in full swing at fairs, festivals, events, block parties and more….but for now, equally as important, it was such a ray of sunshine for my boys who are stuck at home.

If you like ice cream and are looking for a little at-home-pick-me-up reach out to How We Roll Coast to Coast (formerly from the West Coast and now living on the East Coast) on their new Facebook page and book a time for them to come to your driveway.

https://www.facebook.com/How-We-Roll-Coast-2-Coast-107026150913463/

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Fleeting

Posted on by Nichole S.

I could photograph Gloucester’s fishing fleet all day long.  It is so beautiful and tells such an important story of today and yesterday and all of the years that have made Gloucester the city that we know and love.  A story of pride and a story of heartbreak. I took this photo on Sunday.  On Monday, the city lost another fisherman.  My thoughts, prayers, and love go out to all of those who are missing him today.  Nicola “Nick” Patancia Vitale, Gloucester’s Fishermen’s Statue was hoping to guide you home, but stands in your honor instead.

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Perspective Distortion

Posted on by Nichole S.

Thatcher had a homework assignment to stage two photos showing perspective distortion.  So, after I figured out what perspective distortion is, we took a little ride.  This is what we came up with.  Photo #1 shows Thatcher putting his finger on top of the one of the Twin Lights on Thacher’s Island….  I mean, we kind of had to, right.   The lighthouse obviously looks tiny (no brainer….because it’s further away).  The second photo is meant to look like an itty bitty Thatcher is standing on the back of a massive orca whale.  It was actually kind of fun and I look forward to being able to explore that homework assignment further with him when it is ok to be out and about.

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I Have No Answers. This is Just How I Feel. Covid Stinks. Be well.

Posted on by Nichole S.
I like to write.  I find it therapeutic.  I have no answers.  I tell no-one how they should feel.  This is just me…today…putting “pen to paper” about how I feel.  Maybe I’ll feel differently tomorrow.

Today, this sucks.

Some days suck less.
Some days I’m terrified.
Some days I’m just inconvenienced…..and then I feel incredibly guilty.
Some days I’m positive.
Some days I’m devastated.
Some days we enjoy ourselves.
Some days are simply a mirror image of every.other.day.
Some days are incredibly busy….how is that even possible?
Some days are dreadful.
All days…..  I KNOW I am lucky.  We are all healthy.  I am still working (albeit from home).  I have a pay check.
How dare I complain?  For sure….. no doubt….How.Dare.I.Complain?!
One billion percent this sucks so, no SOOO, much more…for so many more.
But, does that completely negate the fact that sometimes I feel like this still sucks in our little healthy and somewhat fortunate house.  Probably. Definitely.  So, why does it still suck?
Am I the only one who is struggling with feeling like this is horrible….even though I should feel blessed?
Sometimes they sound like just words…. I am thankful for those on the front lines.  I am thankful for healthcare workers and first responders.I applaud our Mayors and Governor.  I am thankful for grocery and convenience store clerks, and gas station attendants, and delivery drivers, and utility workers, and take-out restaurant employees….and ALL those working so hard, many in unbelievably scary and horrific circumstances for the betterment of us all.
I promise, though, they are not just words.  I am so deeply grateful for them.  My heart breaks for them….and for their families.  I lay awake at night and think about what it would be like to be them.  I simply can’t imagine.
I hear stories about good deeds and heroic efforts and sometimes I smile….and often I cry.
There are the seemingly small….Nice notes and random acts to spread joy. 
The wonderfully kind….Police officers purchasing groceries for a woman whose EBT card didn’t work in the grocery store.
And then, the absolutely unthinkable……A sick doctor giving up his ventilator for another patient….and then losing his own life
When I think of the loss sometimes I can’t breath. Then sometimes my anxiety gets so high….that my heart hurts…and then I misinterpret that discomfort for being in my lungs….and then I worry I might be sick.  Am I the only one?
I stop and think about healthcare workers and their fear…..if they even have a second to grapple with emotions like fear.  They are heroes. Is there a word bigger than hero?  I think of their families.  And my heart breaks.
And then I hear myself complain about laundry, and dishes, and cleaning…and how no-one can find the trashcan.  And pee on the toilet seat.  What?!  Did I really just have the nerve to complain about laundry.  What the hell is wrong with me?
I hear stories about people who have lost loved ones and and couldn’t even say Good-bye.  And my heart breaks.
And then I complain about the Zoom schedule that I am trying to manage for myself and my two learning-at-home children.
I get frustrated that I can never find a clean corner of the house to log-in to my own meetings.   What?!  Did I really just have the nerve to complain about zoom meetings. In the warm house that I have. For a job that I still have.  And for my healthy children. What the hell is wrong with me?
I imagine the sick and the lonely and the scared.  Family can’t visit. Some are confused. Some are terrified. Many are dying. And my heart breaks again. Shatters really.
And then I think ahead and wonder what summer in our beach town will look like.  Quarantine in 45 degree weather might be bad…..but, quarantine in 80 degree weather when our beaches are closed, will be worse. Wait. What?! Did I really just have the nerve to complain about whether or not we can spend days at the beach? What the hell is wrong with me?
Literally, that is the dialogue that goes through my head on a daily basis.  And I’m ashamed. And I’m sad. Am I the only one?
Reminders pop up on my phone….telling me where we should be…. Only, we’re not.  We can’t be.  And, I get sad. And then I feel bad.
So, instead, I stop and think about the businesses who are being hit so incredibly hard.   So.incredibly.hard.
The restaurant owners and employees…many of whom I know and love.
The store owners.
The hotel and travel industry.
College students…and spring athletes.
High school seniors.
Professional sports.
Olympians.
The list goes on…and on…and on.
Then I stop and think about how sad I am that my boys’ hockey seasons came to an abrupt end.
And that there will be no spring lacrosse
And that there will be no spring baseball.
And that we canceled our April Vacation
And that I canceled a trip in May.
And that I’ll most likely cancel a trip in June.
And then I think….what the hell is wrong with me?!  There are people waiting in line for hours….overnight even…at food banks for the bare minimum of groceries…or diapers for their kids.  Did I really complain about vacations that I was fortunate enough to be able to book in the first place?
What.the.hell.is.wrong.with.me?!
Sometimes I laugh at memes or gifs…..two words I still don’t say correctly.  And then I feel guilty.
Sometimes, I even send them.  And then I feel even worse.
This isn’t a time for laughing.  So many others don’t have time for laughing…or cause for laughing. They are too busy hurting or suffering.
I get sad for my mom.  She’s almost 75 and lives alone.  She hasn’t left her house in 4 weeks and, while we drop things off, we don’t go in and we don’t stay.  We bought her two pet birds for company instead. That doesn’t feel like enough. And we miss her.
We miss my dad. We think he’s not being careful enough.  We want to spend time with them both.  And to know they’re going to be ok.
I miss my friends.  I’m an extrovert….and I love my peeps.  I love spontaneous drinks on Friday afternoons, or Saturday nights….. or Tuesdays at 4:00… I’m not picky. They mean the world to me…and sometimes I don’t feel like me without them.
I get sad for my boys.  They miss our extended family, they miss their friends, they miss their sports, they miss their freedom, they miss their life outside of these four walls.  And, they are sad for what they have given up.  They are feeling a sense of loss and they are worried about what else will happen before this is over.  Will this be over?
This is all unimaginable.  Two weeks ago I went to the post office.  I wasn’t wearing a mask.  We weren’t quite there yet.  It was a small post office. Only one person allowed in at a time. Stand behind the taped line. Credit card only. Don’t get too close.  Don’t reach past the glass.  Please follow the rules.  When I left, I cried.  It was like a scene you’d see in a newscast in other parts of the world, not here…. But, it is here. It is us. It is now.
Two weeks later I stopped at a farmstand.  I wore a mask. It was my first time. Only a few in at a time.  Please wait outside.  Please only take two dozen eggs. Stand behind the line. Please don’t touch anything you aren’t going to buy.  I got in my car…and I cried.  Somehow people’s eyes seem more telling with a mask resting right below them.  You can see the fear….and the sadness….and the solemnity much more clearly when people are wearing masks. Eye contact with strangers lasts just a second longer.  Is it just me?
This is how it is. This is how it will be.  This can’t be us, or here…but, it is.  And, what’s more, it’s hard to see a time when it won’t be again.
Our new normal is not one that I would choose.
Overwhelmed by working from home….. blessed to still have a job.
Irked by being together….. blessed to have each other.
Exacerbated by the monotony….blessed,I suppose, to be able to slow down and live in the moment.
Blessed….also, as the death toll rises….to simply live in any moment.
Our new normal is Ground Hogs Day with nightmares each night.
Vanilla ice cream with sprinkles of anxiety on top.
Meaning…. Monotony and boredom upfront with fear and despair on the side.
In the beginning I thought I would read some books.  I’ve yet to open one.
In the beginning I thought I’d tackle some home improvement projects.  We’ve collectively ransacked the house instead.
In the beginning I thought I’d fit in daily exercise. While we’ve walked or ridden bikes. My days are void of the videos I want to watch and daily routine I want to make….only to break.
I’ve discovered that with the nature of my job, I’m working more, not less. And, it’s hard. I said it, it’s really hard.  I long for the solitude of my quiet office….and co-workers who don’t scream at Fortnite opponents and Tik-tok dance their way past my desk…only to complain about what snacks we’re out of….again.
I love my kids…. Or I at least like them right now (I’m kidding….kind of)…. But, I miss adult interaction from someone other than my husband whose annoying personal habits are only magnified during these days…..as are, absolutely, mine to him!
The balance between trying to work, trying to clean, trying to oversee the boys’ schoolwork, trying to stay up-to-date, trying not to panic, trying to socially distance, trying to get outside, and trying not to count the hours on video games……is all too much.  Yet, I know we’re still the lucky ones. We are lucky.
We have enjoyed family game nights, and movies, long walks, scenic drives, and sleeping late.  We have had moments of being present and reconnecting….but, on the fringe, for me anyway, is a constant reminder of why we’re living as such…..and, if I’m being honest, what work emails I’m not answering.
Even as one of the lucky ones, I have trouble accepting any level of comfort or pleasure in our supposedly relaxed and slower life.  While I like to think I enjoy living in the moment, truth be told, I am always two steps ahead.  I am always thinking about tomorrow’s schedule, the boys’ next games, the next girls’ night out dinner reservation, and our next vacation.  I like it that way.  I like looking forward to things.  I like planning.  I like organizing.  Not having anything to “look forward to” is, however,  insignificant when others literally don’t…or won’t….have a tomorrow to look forward to.
So, for today, I will focus on my family, and my work, and doing my part to end this as quickly as possible.  I will look forward to things that are uncertain for now, but make me smile anyway.  I will thank and applaud all who are doing so much more. And I will continue to send love to those who have lost and are losing in this battle.
Be well, everyone.
Be Well

Tablets for Covid Patients to Communicate with Loved Ones

Posted on by Nichole S.

Noah Hano is very close to his goal of $30,000 to provide tablets to Covid nurses to use to help patients communicate with loved ones who are not allowed to visit hospitals.  At last look his Facebook fundraiser had raised just shy of $25,000 and Noah and his family have been able to deliver tablets to several local hospitals.

Can you help with the final push?  Read below and then please click on the link to see how you can help.  https://www.facebook.com/donate/898937720535998/907608029668967/

Ok, so we’ve raised close to $20,000 from 212 donors and over 1100 people have been invited to the fundraiser by sharing.

Every night before I go to bed I check the total raised and I’m amazed at the generosity!!! Yes, I started this fundraising effort but each and everyone one of you made it a reality! You all deserve a pat on the back.

You all represent the good in this world!!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Help us provide the critical bridge between Covid patients and their families before they die or get intubated. As many of you probably know, the family members of Covid patients are not allowed to visit their loved ones in the hospital. Often times the only means of communication is Skype, Zoom or FaceTime. Some nurses have been using their personal devices to make the connection between patient and family to say their last goodbyes before they die or get intubated. This is not practical or sanitary. As more and more patients pile in there will not be enough time to lend their devices. Many hospitals are unable to provide the tablets or phones to the nurses. We have purchased a number of tablets for local hospitals and would like to continue to provide many more. If we can facilitate one last goodbye then our mission is complete. Please donate whatever you can! If you can’t donate money, we’ll accept your lightly used tablets. NOTE: ANY EXTRA MONEY WILL BE DONATED TO THE RED CROSS.

To learn more about his mission or to donate, visit:

https://www.facebook.com/donate/898937720535998/

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Mill River Winery

Posted on by Nichole S.

I’ve enjoyed Mill River Winery in the past, for tastings, some live music, and definitely for shopping, but right now most of that is impossible.  It was such a nice treat to be able to take a nice drive to Rowley and order from their safe and convenient take out window this past weekend.  And, do you know what, they’ll even deliver their wines to many locations.

http://store.millriverwines.com/storefront.aspx

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Goodnight, Friends

Posted on by Nichole S.

It is impossible to not watch the day close and feel the sadness in the air.  So much fear and loss and heartache.  What was simply a beautiful sunset a month ago, is now the exclamation mark at the day’s end for a higher death toll and far more positive test results. My heart breaks for all of those who have lost a loved one, or who have to see the horror happening all around them. It is scary… and surreal…and overwhelming.  This type of thing doesn’t happen here. Right? Wrong.  We see it on the news in far away lands ….but, yet, now…here it is on our doorsteps.   People are afraid, and lonely, and desperate….and sick..and I so badly want brighter days for us all.   Be well, friends.

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Bear Sighting

Posted on by Nichole S.

I was quite shocked to see this bear roaming the boulevard as Thatch and I took our daily drive.  Not as shocked, however, as I was to see it hop on the back of a motorcycle and drive away.    Ok…so, it may not have been a real bear…but, it was out spreading real joy.  The look on the face of one of the bridge workers when he spun around and saw that it was a biker bear who had just shouted “hello” was priceless.   Good for this duo riding through town giving people a reason to wave and smile.  It’s the little things right now…

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Grace Marie, Lucy, and the Boys

Posted on by Nichole S.

If we weren’t in America’s oldest seaport I would say that Grace Marie, Lucy, and the Boys would be a band….but, of course, here in Gloucester they are the names of part of our fishing fleet.

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Peacock in Peabody

Posted on by Nichole S.

I had to take a ride to Peabody yesterday to grab something.  Thatcher was itching to get out of the house so he came for the drive.  We took a couple of backroads as a field trip of sorts and were surprised to pass this fella.  Who would have thought?  Peacocks in Peabody.

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The Opening Day That Wasn’t

Posted on by Nichole S.

While this pales in comparison to all that is crashing down around us, it’s still a sad day nonetheless. Today would have marked the Red Sox Home Opener…against the Chicago White Sox. A day that, to me, has always marked the start of spring, longer and carefree days, and new beginnings. Some feel anew on New Year’s Day….for me, it has always been the beginning of baseball season. Funny, coming from someone who isn’t actually a huge baseball fan per se….but, more someone who LOVES all that baseball stands for.

My wish is that there will be a day soon when we all feel anew. Be it at a backyard BBQ, the beach, back at our jobs, in our classrooms, sharing a drink at our favorite restaurant…or at Fenway Park. These empty seats (some of my favorite Fenway photos from my seat fetish days…and some fav opening days pics) will be waiting for us….and the stands…and our hearts…will be full again. #oneteam #theopeningdaythatwasnt 

Dr. Charles A. Steinberg, President of the Pawtucket Red Sox, said something that gave me goosebumps earlier this month in a letter to fans

For now, we sit by our windows and wait for spring. We listen to our leaders, and we take each step to protect the health and safety of ourselves and our loved ones. When this fog clears and the sun shines once again, we seek to welcome you with open arms, as we sing, “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” and most poignantly, “Take me out with the crowd.”

Here’s to dreams of happy, healthy, cheering crowds.

 

 

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Stay Home

Posted on by Nichole S.

We have gone for walks and bike rides in places where we are certain to simply pass neighbors and a few other local residents from afar.  We have also taken many drives….without actually getting out of the car.  Some of the places that we thought we might stop and walk have actually been so busy….that we have chosen to simply move on.  Howard’s Flying Dragon in Essex has a reminder for all of you.

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Thank You to Those Who Are Taking Care of Us

Posted on by Nichole S.

While driving around the island to get out of the house for a bit yesterday, we saw these two houses.  We should all be very thankful to all of those who are still working to keep us safe, healthy, provided for, etc.  In both big ways…and little.  Have you seen any other homes giving this message?  Please share if so!  Thank you to these home owners for taking the time to share these messages.

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Low Tide

Posted on by Nichole S.

Still taking what we used to affectionately call Sunday drives….only now they’re on Monday, Thursday, or any other day at all.  Here’s low tide in Rocky Neck with little splashes of color on an otherwise dreary day.

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ESPN8: The Ocho

Posted on by Nichole S.

I mean, I’ve been kind of wondering what all of the sports networks would be covering during these long weeks, but I didn’t give it much thought.  But then Sunday night I found my husband watching “Dodge Juggle.”  What?   So, I had to look into it. You’ve all probably heard about it…but, I hadn’t.

Turns out it’s a thing….and it was part of ESPN8: The Ocho’s all day line up of sports…. “seldom seen sports” as ESPN affectionately calls them.  I’m so sad I missed much of the line up, but maybe you can find it on demand.  I listed all of the events included in The Ocho below…along with some videos from a few of the competitions.

Straight out of “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story,” and in an attempt to fill the void for viewers in need of competitive sports content, ESPN is bringing back ESPN8: The Ocho with “a full 24 hours of seldom seen sports” programming Sunday on ESPN2, the network announced Thursday.

This will be the fourth version of ESPN8: The Ocho since 2017, inspired by the 2004 movie starring Vince Vaughn, Ben Stiller, Christine Taylor and the late Rip Torn as Dodgeball legend Patches O’Houlihan.

Some of the self-explanatory events scheduled for Sunday include the Stupid Robot Fighting League, Jelle’s Marble Runs, Cherry Pit Spitting, Sign Spinning and World Sport Cup Stacking championships, as well as events in Cornhole, axe throwing, arm wrestling Spikeball, putt-putt golf and stone skipping.

Yes, there even will be a Dodgeball tournament involving teams from the United States and Canada, although it’s unclear if it will feature Peter LeFleur (played by Vaughn) and his Average Joe’s Gymnasium squad pitted against White Goodman (portrayed by Stiller) and his Globo Gym.

Check out the line up:

Midnight
Johnsonville ACL Cornhole Championships: 2020 Kickoff Battle

2 a.m.
World Axe Throwing League: 2019 World Championship

4 a.m.
U.S. Open Ultimate Championships

6 a.m.
2019 Spikeball College Championship

7 a.m.
2019 Las Vegas Highland Games

7:30 a.m.
Putt Putt Championships

8 a.m.
2019 IDEAL Electricians National Championship

9 a.m.
E:60 as part of The Ocho

9:30 a.m.
51st National Stone Skipping Competition

10:30 a.m.
2007 World Sport Stacking Championships


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2019 World Sign Spinning Championship

2006 Krystal World Hamburger Eating Championship

1 p.m.
2006 Johnsonville Brat Eating World Championship

2 p.m.
European TramDriver Championship

3 p.m.
2019 Stupid Robot Fighting League

3:30 p.m.
46th Annual Cherry Pit Spitting Championship

4 p.m.
Professional Arm Wrestling Championships

4:30 p.m.
2019 Golden Tee World Championship

5 p.m.
2018 Classic Tetris World Championship

5:30 p.m.
E:60 on ESPN8 Presented by Liberty Mutual

6:30 p.m.
America’s Dodgeball Continental Cup: USA vs. Canada

7:30 p.m.
2019 Jelle’s Marble Runs

8 p.m.
Slippery Stairs: College Tour

8:30 p.m.
2019 Death Diving World Championship

9:30 p.m.
Dodge Juggle 3

10:30 p.m.
Moxie Games 3

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