Bean Town

Ty headed to Boston in mid November for some learnin', and I joined him on the back end.  He flew in on Wednesday; I hopped on a flight on Friday night.  And we had a fantastic time.  Remember how I gushed about Chicago not that long ago?  Boston = Chicago on the awesome scale.  

Ty's course continued on Saturday, so I had the whole day Saturday to myself.  I slept in, then hauled myself out of bed and hit the gym, and then grabbed a tea and walked and walked and walked (could a day be any more perfect?  It was also a perfectly quiet day -- I seriously think the only words I spoke to anyone occurred when I ordered tea.  I highly recommend days like this every so often).

And then on Saturday night, we headed to a Bruins game (surprised?).  We went early and headed to a sports pub that was named the number 1 sports bar in America by SI (that's a pretty serious billing, no?).  Ty wouldn't let me take a picture (he thought I was going to make him look uncool.  Yes, he thought I was going to make him look uncool).  So -- no picture.  

But, he acquiesced on my request for pictures inside the Garden.

 

After the game, we walked into the North End -- and found an incredible little Italian Restaurant.  Pomodoro.  I'm not exaggerating on the "little".  The restaurant had 8 tables and a bathroom that was so mini that had Ty needed to go, he would have been out of luck (he truly wouldn't have fit).  We sat at the counter facing out onto the street at the front window and we had a clear view of Mike's Pastry.  The crazy part of this photo?  It was taken at 11:30 pm.  And there is a line-up out the door, down the street. Cannoli is apparently a very popular post-Bruins game snack.

On Sunday, Ty and I took in some history.  We walked the Freedom Trail.  We started at the Bunker Hill Monument (side note:  the battle of Bunker Hill didn't actually take place on Bunker Hill, but rather on Breed's Hill, where the monument actually stands today). Breed's Hill is where the first major conflict occurred between British and Patriot forces (the battle occurred on June 17, 1775).

Ty's heart rate = through the top of the monument.  He just hiked 294 very steep steps.

Views from the Bunker Hill Monument.  See the USS Constitution?  She's nicknamed Old Ironsides (apparently cannon balls bounced off of her in battle).

Where the lanterns were hung:  One if by land, two if by sea.

A pew inside the church.

"For strangers and wardens".  Ty and I sat in here.  I'm strange, he's stranger.  We were warden-less.

Paul, doing his thing.  His lantern hanging place in the background.

Ty, strolling along the Freedom Trail. He's got one hand in his pocket, and the other is giving a peace sign carrying my mitts while I take pictures.

After our long and winding walk, we stopped at an Irish Pub for a Sam Adams winter ale 

(of course, it had to be a Sam Adams after walking the Freedom Trail).

And on Monday, we hit the Museum of Fine Arts.

 

And then we dashed off to the Airport to fly home sweet home.  

I am overjoyed to report that we are staying put for the next while (except for our Kcity Christmas). 

We love houseguests.  Please come and visit.

The Great Pumpkin Carve Off

Any guesses as to which two are mine and which are Wirv's?

shiny new in-laws

These people are going to be in my life forever.  And I couldn't be any happier.  They bring love, fun, great friends, new perspectives, good shopping knowledge...and did I mention fun?

Change

I think I’ve become Winnipeg Ainsley.  Formerly, Calgary Ainsley (I always liked Calgary Ainsley).  Before that Ainsley, there was London Ainsley and Kenora Ainsley (I liked these Ainsleys less.  But I’ve learned they have merit).  There was also Pembina Highway Ainsley (she didn't quite deserve the full title of Winnipeg Ainsley at the time). And for a snapshot in time, there was Australia Ainsley, too.

How did I do it?  How do we all do it?

Change.  

"Life is hard and you have to change" 

This is My Life