Good Morning Gloucester

I’m not much of a nature photographer because it takes a lot of patience…and I will be the first to admit that I could use to practice a little more patience!  But this weekend nature just seems to be finding me.  I decided that since I had the day off I’d head over the Parker River in Newburyport with my friend Helen and catch a sunrise, but as we were driving out Helen pointed out these white tailed deer that were hanging around the frosty marsh.   Parker River Wildlife Reservation is a great place to explore cause you never know what you might see!  Next time maybe a Snowy Owl!   

By far one of the most special things I’ve ever received in the mail and one (of the many) times I have been incredibly proud of my students.

Back in 2006, just days after finishing the book I Have a Dream: The Story of Martin Luther King in class during our “Read Aloud” time, I learned that Coretta Scott King had died.  I shared the news with my students and, because we had just spent two weeks learning about Martin Luther King’s life, and family, and work…and probably in part because they knew of the many struggles, fights, tribulations, and ultimate tragedy that marked her life and the life of MLK and their children…they were very, very sad.

They immediately suggested that we write sympathy cards to her children.  They worked hard, spoke from their hearts, and shared their emotions and their admiration for the commitment and sacrifices that the King family made to try to make life better for others.

I found the King Center in Atlanta, Georgia and mailed the letters there…not knowing what would become of them. I watched parts of her funeral…where four presidents, more than a dozen senators, and Maya Angelou, amongst many others paid tribute…and felt sad.

Imagine my surprise, when four months later, an envelope arrived at school from “The King Family.”  While I know that what we received is the very same printed letter that hundreds, if not thousands of other people received, it still made me so incredibly proud of my students.  In some little way, their thoughts and words and love, had reached Yolanda, Martin, Dexter, and Bernice….those same young children (now grown) that they had read about in the book about MLK.  The same young children who watched their father inspire, and rally, and protect, and defend, and love, and sacrifice for others, had made certain to say “thank you” to my little group of twenty elementary students.

Got an early morning chuckle out of this this morning on the way to hockey.

 

Hands Full

 

Long and Tall

 

Walkers

 

 

Corner Congestion

 

Curious

 

Window Shopping

 

Seat in the Sun

​David Brooks and friends taking down the buoys from our beloved Lobster Trap Christmas Tree.  

I have to say that it would not be an exaggeration to say that thousands of photos were taken of the tree this year. People would just drive up, get out of their cars, take a picture and drive away. I met several from Europe taking them. Being able to walk inside has really made a difference it seems.

Don’t forget the auction of the boeys on January 27 at the Cruiseport!

Great job David and company!  Can’t wait till next year!  Well, in between it is going to be nice to have a great summer….

Thanks,
Ken Hecht 

It’s a bitter cold weekend up here in North Conway…-6 when I got up this morning, but it has warmed up to a balmy 10 degrees!  Doesn’t matter what the weather is, it’s always a great day when you can be outside, whether it be skiing, snowshoeing or just hanging out with my camera!    These pics I’m sharing today are taken a couple years ago and I chose to share them because if you love trains or just love photo ops, each year the Mass Railroad puts on a “Steam in the Snow” at the Conway Scenic Railroad in North Conway, NH.    It’s a ride through Crawford Notch and the train stops at a few spots along the way, everyone gets off, then it backs up and comes through with full steam so everyone can get some great pics!   The steam engine is under repair right now but it’s supposed to be ready for next year so if you are interested, check back in with the Mass Railroad and the Conway Scenic Railroad towards the end of next summer because it sells out fast.   Stay warm today!!