Author: Nichole S.

Nichole’s Picks 11/12 + 11/13

Posted on by Nichole S.

Pick #1:  Leaf Hunt at the Coolidge Stevens Estate

Autumn Leaves

Date & Time
Saturday, November 12
10AM-12Noon

Cost
Member Child $5. Nonmember Child $10. Adults FREE

Contact Information
978.356.4351 x4020
cshortliffe@thetrustees.org

MapLocation
Stevens-Coolidge Place
North Andover, MA

Directions to Stevens-Coolidge Place

Learn more HERE

 

Pick #2: Three Centuries of Thanksgiving at Strawbery Banke

READ ALL ABOUT IT HERE

Trace the evolution of Thanksgiving from the Puritans’ holy day of thanks to today’s family feast and homecoming. In this active, fast-paced, and multi-sensory program, discover how Thanksgiving transcended time, place and culture to become the uniquely American holiday celebrated today. Meet costumed roleplayers, create a harvest craft, and explore homes from three centuries. In small groups guided by a museum educator, find the common themes of this holiday over three hundred years: charity, survival, gratitude, national identity, and the celebration of family and community. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Adults $15, children 5-17 $10, children under 5 free.

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Pick #3: Road to Revolution Tour, Boston

GET MORE INFORMATION HERE

From the Boston Massacre to Paul Revere’s midnight ride, Boston is renowned for its inciting events to the American Revolution. Come explore the streets of Boston’s oldest neighborhoods and hear the extraordinary stories preserved in the meetinghouses, halls, and homes where the Revolution was born.

Our most comprehensive Freedom Trail offering, this tour includes such historical landmarks as King’s Chapel, the Old South Meeting House, the Old State House, the site of the Boston Massacre, the Paul Revere House and more.

What famous Boston restaurant originally served as headquarters for a Patriot paper called the Massachusetts Spy? Who devised the legendary “one if by land, two if by sea” signal at the Old North Church before Paul Revere’s ride? How did the British response to the Boston Tea Party help spread the revolutionary fervor throughout the colonies?

Whether you are a history buff or just want a refresher on our nation’s Revolutionary past, our guides will gladly take you down the Road to Revolution on this fascinating tour!

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For a comprehensive list of family activities, please visit our friends at North Shore Kid

The Election is Over…Let’s Think Hallmark Christmas Channel

Posted on by Nichole S.

As I write this, poll results are beginning to trickle in.  As you read this, we have a new President.  Either way, I’m ready to think happy thoughts.  And, yes, while I know it is painfully early….the Hallmark Channel Christmas movie schedule makes me happy.

Cheesy as all heck….good for a few tears….the same “actors/actresses” confusingly appearing as different characters night after night… Good Times.  Ho Ho Ho.

With 45 days to go until we wake up with stockings full, there are a whole lot of holiday movies to watch first!

CHECK OUT THE HALLMARK CHANNEL HERE

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Season Finale for the Pagoo

Posted on by Nichole S.

Not a bad season for the fearless Pagoo.  She made her final trip from her mooring in front of the Annisquam Yacht Club, towards Gloucester Harbor, to River Boat Works and the Montgomery Marina on Sunday, November 6th.  Way to make the most of boating season.  Hopefully, in just a mere five months, the Pagoo will make the return trip for another blessed season of wind in her sails.

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Paul Horovitz and his grandson take their final sail of the season on the Pagoo 

We Love The Tackle Factory

Posted on by Nichole S.

Several weeks ago, while rushing from work, to home, to hockey, our home phone rang and the caller ID said, “Tackle Factory.”  While we didn’t really have time to take a phone call, my husband (a fisherman at heart) was not about to pass up a call with such an intriguing name attached to it.

Turns out, it was a gentleman from Fillmore, NY who was calling about a video that he saw on YouTube of Thatcher and Finn catching minnows in the pond on the backside of Cape Hedge Beach. Turns out also…that the minnow trap they were using was none other than the “GEE’S® Galvanized Minnow Trap (G-40)” that the Tackle Factory has been manufacturing in New York since 1903.

As both a tremendous act of kindness…and also a pretty intriguing marketing strategy…this gentleman was offering to send the boys some new gear.  He was calling not only to get our address, but also to be certain that the gift of new equipment wouldn’t be lost on them.  Do they fish often?  Is some new gear something they would enjoy?  After the boys were out of the house for hockey, I called this gentleman back and we chatted about the boys.  I told him that, for sure, their two favorite past times involve hitting the ice or hitting the water.  Fishing is something that they have loved for years already and I can’t imagine them ever losing interest in.  They have spent hours on end sorting through their massive tackle boxes and have already added a long list of fish tales to their repertoires.

Confident that the boys would indeed use some of the awesome gear that the Tackle Factory makes and that it wouldn’t sit sad in the corner of a garage or basement, he took our address and told me he’d be sending them a package soon.  Happy to see two young boys enjoying their product…the only thing he asked in return (if at all possible, but certainly not mandatory) …was that once they started fishing with their new traps, that maybe we take the time to make another short video.  No problem!

With November upon us and hockey season in full swing, the boys may not get to splash their new traps until the spring, but I kind of loved this whole story enough to write about it now.  And…I obviously look forward to watching the boys enjoy their new gifts like crazy and catching it on film for the Tackle Factory to enjoy in return.

In a world that is a bit crazy at times, my heart gets happy about things like this. Thatch and Finn enjoyed a perfect day at the pond with some friends, the simple little video has been viewed more than 2,000 times, the manufacturers and owners of the minnow trap company stumbled upon it, they loved that the boys love their gear, they sent the boys fantastic gifts, the boys and I got to learn about the pretty interesting history of Cuba Specialty and the Tackle Factory, I get to help spread the word about their excellent products (not to mention how kind and generous they were)…..and the boys get to look forward to more great days spent fishing.  Full circle…and nothing but good.  And, after looking through their catalogue, I know where I can do some perfect Christmas shopping.  Win, win.

PLEASE CHECK OUT THE TACKLE FACTORY HERE

They also manufacture a full line of minnow, eel, crawfish, crab traps and nets. Look for us under these trusted names:

GEE’S®
FRANKLIN®
FOXY-MATE®
ROD CADDY
BIG NORM’S FISH SCALER
LINEMINDER

Look at the unbelievable amount of awesomeness that arrived in the mail!  You can also check out both the original video of the boys using their Gee’s Minnow Trap below and a great video about how the traps are made.

Virtual Reality Glasses

Posted on by Nichole S.

Anyone have any knowledge on affordable virtual reality glasses or headsets?

My boys have had a few opportunities to use them and they seem like a lot of fun.  I thought, if the price was right, they might make a decent Christmas gift.  I’ve done some very rudimentary research and the prices run the gamut.

I clearly don’t want/need to invest a fortune, but I also don’t want to bother getting a cheap set if they aren’t going to give a realistic experience with options that work for us.  I saw a set that looked like a good option, but they aren’t compatible with our iPhones, iPads, or MacBooks.  Honestly, I never even considered that would be an issue.

I’d appreciate any information some of our FOBs might have!

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Nichole’s Picks 11/5 + 11/6

Posted on by Nichole S.

Pick #1: A Midsummer’s Night Dream 

Over at Endicott’s College Tia’s Theater

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Thursday, November 3, 7:30 pm
Friday, November 4, 7:30 pm
Saturday, November 5, 2:00 and 7:30 pm Tia’s Theater

General Admission: $15
$5 Seniors and students of other institutions Free to EC ID holders

Shakespeare’s most popular comedy centers around the woodland adventures of four young lovers, a group of amateur actors,and their interactions with fairies and a duke and duchess. Magic, love, and humor cast an unforgettable spell. Directed by Penny Singh.

Funded in part by the van Otterloo Family Foundation.

READ MORE and/or PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Pick #2: Boston Christmas Festival (Ugh.)

I know it is insanely early for this crap, but I usually miss posting about it because it takes place so darn early….so, here it is.  Take it or leave it.

Read More HERE

Shop from 300 of America’s Finest Craft Artists

The 30th Annual Boston Christmas Festival at the Seaport World Trade Center:
November 4, 5, and 6, 2016.

Show Hours:
Friday: Noon-7pm
Saturday: 10am-6pm
Sunday: 10am-5pm

 

Admission: $15  •  Kids under 14: FREE

Boston Christmas Festival - Gingerbread House Competition

Gingerbread House Competition!

Top Chefs create gingerbread masterpieces to be judged by a celebrity panel and sold with proceeds benefiting Housing Families, a non-profit organization dedicated to ending family homelessness. As one of the largest operators of quality affordable housing for homeless and very low-income families in Massachusetts, Housing Families provides safe, temporary shelter and individualized supportive services to enrich childrens’ lives, nurture the potential of each family member, and help those in greatest need maintain permanent housing.

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Pick #3: Strawbery Banke Children’s Authors Festival

Saturday, November 5th
2nd Annual Children’s Authors Festival
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
The Children’s Author Festival welcomes 20 local children’s book authors and illustrators (click here for the list) to read from and sign their books, available for purchase at the event. Each child under 12 receives a ticket for free skating (in season) at Labrie Family Skate at Strawbery Banke.)

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For a comprehensive list of family activities, please visit our friends at North Shore Kid

Those Bruins are Pretty Excellent

Posted on by Nichole S.

Any of you who happen to chance upon my Facebook page probably knew this was coming…but I’d be remiss to not throw out a post about our fantastic opportunities with the Boston Bruins lately.

We had a great time with a couple of other families at a preseason game a few weeks ago.  After the game we waited for a bit outside of the players’ parking lot.  While the boys were all hopeful for some autographs, we prepped them for the fact that the players were busy and may not be up for it.  Imagine our surprise when car after car…and player after player…stopped to sign the boys’ hats.  I mean…they weren’t just walking by…they actually had to put their cars in park, unfasten their seat belts, get out of the car, and walk to the sidewalk where the boys were standing…sharpies in hand.

First up was a great conversation with Ryan Daisy who had just finished refereeing his very first NHL game.  He was incredibly gracious and spent about 10 minutes talking to us about the path his life took to lead him to his new gig.  Pretty cool stuff.  He was soon followed by David Pastrnak, Dominic Moore, Riley Nash, Rob O’Gara, Danton Heinen, Brandon Carlo, and Kevan Miller.  Some were riding solo, three of the new skaters were riding together (which I found super cute as they all climbed out of various car doors to greet us), some were with wives/girlfriends…but they all stopped.  Really, truly unbelievable.

Flash forward a few weeks and my boys had the opportunity to skate in the 3 Minutes of Fame in between periods of another Bruins game.  Finn’s team was skating and, because they needed a goalie, they invited Thatcher to help out (no brainer for him or us).  To be fair, last year Thatcher’s team had the same opportunity and Finn was called up to join them. Good times.   So, here we were, walking from the Charlestown parking lot, across the locks, under the Zakim Bridge, and through the same parking lot. This time the boys were proudly packing their hockey bags and reporting to duty.  As the nerves of skating in front of so many fans started to creep in, two cars passed us. One was a funny little red car with Rhode Island plates and three men inside…  soon emerged Malcolm Subban (due to be in goal just before Thatcher) and a couple of his Providence Bruins buddies.  All three came right up, signed the boys (now crowded) hats, and wished them good luck on the ice. As they were chatting with us, a small black Mercedes backed in right next to us…..and 6′ 9″ Zdeno Chara unfolded himself from inside.  He too, Whole Foods bag in hand, stopped shook the boys’ hands, signed their hats, and gave them pointers.

Chara’s advice you may ask?  “Look up…..Enjoy the view.”   Come on!  With Thatcher in goal and sporting the GoPro on his helmet, I could tell he took the words to heart.  A couple of times he panned the crowd and enjoyed the moment.  Watching the video back, it was so fun for me to hear the boys’ names announced in the Garden, watch one Schrafft shooting on another Schrafft, and see Thatch makes some nice saves (in an very unfamiliar position).  The best part though was for sure listening to the crowd cheer and respond to each play….cheering for these young boys as they were living the dream.

I’ve included a video of their experiences…it is probably far too long…but maybe take a peek at a bit of it.

A huge thanks to The Boston Bruins and Cape Ann Youth Hockey!

 

Best New TV Series in a Long Time..If You Ask Me.

Posted on by Nichole S.

Like a good book, I love a TV show that leaves me bummed out at the end of an episode because I’m actually going to miss the characters while they’re away.  By that I mean, that it is hard to wait for the next episode to air.

That is TOTALLY how I feel about This is Us.  If you haven’t tuned in yet, you really need to.  If you don’t have Netflix or On Demand or the like, you can click on the link below and watch most episodes on any device.

CLICK HERE FOR EPISODES

While I won’t do it it’s due diligence, to sum it up quickly This is Us is about life, love, relationships, friendships, dreams, successes, failures, expectations, family, laughter, tears, and maybe a bit more.  The series seamlessly flips back and forth from what we are to assume is past and present.  Story line layers upon story line and pieces of a beautiful puzzle are put into place.  Connections are made and the big picture is revealed like in a paint-by-number painting.

Can you tell that I’m in love.  Give it a shot if you’re a sap like me.

Watch the trailer below ….  Below that is another scene that is pretty sad, pretty real…that also begins to lay the foundation for the rest of the show.

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“GrimSweeper”

Posted on by Nichole S.

Surfari Stand Up Paddle and Surf shared this photo taken yesterday off of Gloucester….with this caption “So there have been confirmed GrimSweeper sightings from @dontfearthesweeper down in Florida. Today he made an appearance in Gloucester, Ma to slide a couple waves.”

Totally creepy and cool at the same time!   And, check out Surfari here…one of the Schrafft boys’ favorite stores for sure (and one of their mom’s favorites too while we’re on the subject).

Happy Halloween!

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Thank you, Rockport!

Posted on by Nichole S.

I mean seriously.  If you want to have warm fuzzies about the town that you live in, move to Rockport and Trick-or-Treat along Main Street and down on Bearskin Neck.

That’s exactly what we did yesterday afternoon.  From 4:00 -6:00 shop owners opened their doors to trick-or-treaters and the town was hopping.  While my boys go to school out of town, they are blessed to have friends from the neighborhood, from soccer, from baseball, from sailing, from hockey, and even some from school that they’ve met while growing up in what we’ve always referred to as “God’s Country.”   It was so fun watching the boys chit-chat with friends from all different corners of their lives while strolling along downtown.

Take a lovely fall afternoon (well, at least until the rain came), adorable children in Halloween costumes, gracious shop owners/employees, friendly faces, some good laughs, and one of the most beautiful backdrops in the world….and you get Halloween on the Neck.  Throw in dinner at Top Dog….and it doesn’t get any better.

So, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to everyone who made it possible to create such fun memories for so many children.

Here are just a few photos….including my own little Adam Levine from Maroon 5.  He kills me.

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Halloween at Fenway

Posted on by Nichole S.

The bad news is that the Red Sox aren’t in the World Series.  The good news is that now you can Trick or Treat at Fenway Park.

Sunday, October 30th  11:00-2:00.

Fun day with friends for free.

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Nichole’s Picks 10/29 and 10/30

Posted on by Nichole S.

Pick #1: John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

I am really hoping to get Thatcher and Finn into Boston to tour the museum sometime before next month’s election.  I am a big believer that studying the election process, democracy, Checks and Balances, and the levels + branches of government during an election year is an opportunity that should not be missed.  That having been said, it has been harder this go round to make it a positive learning experience….as much of it has been more of a circus than an age-appropriate lesson.  I want to use the opportunity to show my boys how great America can be…but, it is hard to shield them from the drama and nonsense.  So, I am hopeful that taking a trip to learn about JFK will help instill some of the pride and character that I would like them to feel and develop.

Just my two cents….

If you’d like to learn more about visiting the JFK Library CLICK HERE

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Pick #2: Howl-o-ween Movie Party at the Cape Ann Cinema and Stage

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29th @ 1:00

Bring your friends and family and join Cape Ann Animal Aid as they raise funds with this spooktacular Halloween movie classic!

Pizza will be served at 1:00pm, and movie starts at 1:30pm.

Costumes are welcome!

Plus, enjoy the prize wheel, door prizes, raffle and more! A fantastic way to kick off the Halloween weekend and all for a great cause!

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Pick #3: Go Do It!  Visit Salem.

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CHECK OUT the full SALEM HAUNTED HAPPENINGS SCHEDULE HERE

 

As always, for a comprehensive list of family activities, please visit our friends at North Shore Kid

More Good Luck with Homeaway.com

Posted on by Nichole S.

Some of you may remember the awesome houseboat that I rented back in August…which, by the way, a friend just rented and loved as much as we did.  Well, this past weekend I rented an oceanfront home directly on York Beach in Maine…that gazed across at Nubble Light.  The house was clean, bright, nautical, and perfect for our group of 10 friends.

It was close enough that some peeps could just drive up for one of the two nights….and I even was able to jet home on Saturday to catch Thatcher’s hockey game at Pingree Rink in Hamilton and then turn around and head back up again.

Granted, it is pretty much off-season, but we each only paid $65 per night. The Kittery outlets were only minutes away….as was downtown Portsmouth….and local restaurants. We opted to bring lots of food, snacks, and beverages up with us and just sat and laughed (and laughed) in the living room both nights. During the day there was lots of leaf peeping, beach walking, sightseeing, photo taking, and shopping.

If you’re looking for a getaway, I highly recommend both homeaway.com and vrbo.com

This is the listing that we just rented…. in case you are interested.

https://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p3951269https://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p3951269

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Photo courtesy of their homeaway.com listing

 

Days Like This I’m Ok With Summer Being Over

Posted on by Nichole S.

Days like this I’m ok with summer being over…just for a minute anyway.  I can’t get enough of how gorgeous some of our back roads are right now.  Water color image created by my Brushstroke app that some of you asked about.

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Check it out HERE

 

The Boat House Grille is Now Open

Posted on by Nichole S.

From the owners of the Blue Marlin Grill in Essex now comes The Boat House Grille. Located at the old Lewis’ Restaurant….and later Castle Creek.  I haven’t had a chance to get there yet, but I’ve heard great things about the menu, the food, the staff, and the ambience.  Looking forward to seeing what Corey Matthews and his group has created in the very near future!

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Nichole’s Picks 10/22 + 10/23

Posted on by Nichole S.

Pick #1:  Essex Clamfest14479611_10153961060041724_7149893393695934696_n

Visit Cape Ann Vacations to learn more

The 33rd annual Essex Clamfest has everything the small town is known for including pony rides, arts and crafts, K-9 demonstrations and, of course, the ever-popular clam chowder competition. Nearly 1000 people tasted the best of the best in 2014.

Each voting for their favorite in the People’s Choice Award while nine esteemed judges helped to select the winner of the Judge’s Award. The event is open from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm with the chowder contest from Noon to 2:00 pm.


Pick #2: Halloween Happenings at Ipswich River

Read more about it HERE

Special Event
October 21 & 22, 2016
Giant carved pumpkin at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

At sundown this Halloween season, Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary will be transformed into a magical forest. Join us for a guided walk along our Halloween trail, home to some interesting creatures that come out just for Halloween. Glowing luminaries and carved jack o’lanterns will light our way. Learn firsthand about the creatures of the night on this fun family-friendly walk.

Children and adults are encouraged to come in costume but dress warmly since we will be outdoors most of the time. The program begins in the Barn, where a variety of activities will keep children entertained before the outdoor walk.

Allow about 1-1/2 hours total for the program. At the end of the walk, warm up by the bonfire as you enjoy fresh local cider and Halloween cupcakes made by Ipswich River volunteers. Appropriate for children ages 4-10.

Please choose a date and an arrival time:

Friday, October 21: 6:00, 6:15, 6:30, 6:45, 7:00, 7:15, or 7:30 pm
Saturday, October 22: 5:30, 5:45, 6:00, 6:15, 6:30, 6:45, or 7:00 pm

Admission

$9 per person (members)
$10 per person (nonmembers)

Register Online

Please register early for this very popular event, and list a second time in case your first choice is filled.

Because of the popularity of this program, we cannot accommodate extra people the night of the program. When you arrive, please check in at the Barn to receive your group number. Rain or shine.

Advance registration required. Call 978-887-9264 to register.

Pick #3:  The Head of the Charles Regatta

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I’m so sad that I used to LOVE this event so much…and yet I never seem to get in there anymore to watch it.  But, if you can make it in, you should!  Such a great way to spend a fall afternoon in New England!

READ ALL ABOUT IT HERE

FROM THE HOCR.ORG Website…
Since 1965, rowers have come from near and far to take part in the world’s largest Regatta. But the fun isn’t limited to competitors. There are many ways for spectators to get involved in the weekend’s festivities.
Take part in the excitement on the banks of the Charles

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned veteran, the Regatta offers spectators a variety of activities. Individuals looking for a relaxed setting that boasts spectacular views should check out the Eliot Bridge Enclosure; while, the Weld Exhibition is the go to place for great local grub and Regatta merchandise. For a lively and energetic venue, check out the Reunion Villagewhere alumni and spectators gather to support their favorite teams. Visit theRowing and Fitness Expo at the finish line to test out a rowing machine or browse vendor merchandise.

We encourage spectators traveling to and from the Regatta to use public transportation or catch a ride on one of our complimentary shuttle buses. Visit www.mbta.com for schedule and route information, or click here for our Shuttle Schedule. Parking availability is limited for spectators and parts of Memorial Drive will be closed over Race Weekend. For more information please click “Here.”

As always, for a comprehensive list of family activities, please visit our friends at North Shore Kid

The Inn at Castle Hill

Posted on by Nichole S.

I had a long work meeting at the Inn at Castle Hill the other day.  Talking work in the adirondack chairs looking at that view is not a bad way to increase productivity and put things into perspective.  Such a lovely venue and a phenomenal landscape.

Interesting to note the difference in the view as the tide rose throughout the day.  At one point the road was submerged.  I was thankful for the opportunity to share the day with some pretty great colleagues and to bask in beauty of quintessential fall in New England.

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Marini Farm

Posted on by Nichole S.

We had a school event at Marini Farm in Ipswich over the weekend.  Good peeps over there.  We had a really fun afternoon.  The boys hit all of the attractions that the farm has to offer, we got lost in the corn maize, ate some cider donuts, and shopped at the farm stand.  A beautiful ride home through Ipswich and Essex was a perfect way to end the afternoon.  Well, a pumpkin beer with a cinnamon rim would have really been the perfect way to end the afternoon, but we left the house at 7:15 in the morning for a hockey game in Stoneham and had to get home to take care of the pups.

Friend-ships

Posted on by Nichole S.

Thanks to Paul and Betsey Horovitz for this photo taken during their Saturday sail.  Not bad to be out sailing along the Annisquam River and Jones Creek on October 15th. I had fun playing with their great photo with my watercolor app.

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