Cute, but being evicted. Humanly, of course.
Star struck.........Ada & Alan Jackson
Almost residents...........
Celebrating Kim's victory, Theresa's birthday, and Ada's freedom
It was a long day (7am to 8pm), but well worth the results, and the Election Day party gave everyone the chance to let loose and celebrate Kim's victory and leadership for four more years. It also seals Ada's "Girl Thursday" volunteer job at city hall with Jen, Jason, & Kim; a never boring diversion from her B&B chores. Although Ada will miss her friends for a few months while she and Donald travel to Arizona for the winter, all will be in good hands with Mayor Driscoll in the corner office. Congratulations to her, and all the other candidates that ran for public office. Campaigning is hard work, but the real work begins when the phone starts ringing with constituent concerns. For now, let's just enjoy the moment!
Off to the "Reality Bites" Costume party at the Hawthorne Hotel
Bride and Groom, pretty scary couple!
Casino Girl
Witch sitting for a spell
Till death do us part.........
Mr. Foliage
And ...... they just all want to have fun!
Picture perfect......
Re-Elect Kim Driscoll for Mayor 
Standing on the corner, watching all the visitors stroll by......
I know it's only October 1st, but in Salem, we celebrate Halloween all month long. And tonight, residents and visitors lined the parade route along Derby, Washington and Essex Streets to watch the Grand Halloween Parade. The theme this year was "A Night at the Museum", so there were costumed Sacagawea's, Teddy Roosevelt's, Cowboys, Dinosaurs, tiny Romans, Pharaoh's and mischievous monkeys; all lead by the Grand Marshalls, Mayor Kim Driscoll, and the Hero of the Year, retiring Police Chief Robert St.Pierre. Certainly, a great kickoff to a really fun month and spooktacular good time in the Witch City.
Country duo...... Ada May & her Cowboy, Donald
"Everybody's gone Country!
At Meadowbrook, a beautifully landscaped open air venue in the lakes region of New Hampshire, country legend Alan Jackson put on a great show to a packed, sold out crowd. Performing so many of his hits, that of course, everyone knows by heart, it became a non-stop sing along for over 90 minutes. Scanning the masses of people, the love affair with Alan Jackson's lyrical ballades attracts generations between 8 and 80 and the his concerts certainly become family affairs..... just like our's did.
Counting down the hours....26 left, until Ada & Don are off to see one of their country music favorites, Alan Jackson. Actually, he's Ada's favorite, as Don's favorite flavor is LeAnn Rimes, and he will get to see her on October 1oth at the Topsfield Fair. Ada received the tickets for the concert in New Hampshire tomorrow from her sister for her birthday in May and they have been in the safe deposit box ever since. (Taking no chances.....)
Ok, now that we’ve sung that tune, and they're tired of hearing it, we welcome two couples from Buenos Aires (Beautiful Air) for a few days while they explored Salem and the North Shore. Fascinated by the Witch Trials history, Salem is their last stop before flying home after three weeks touring New England and New York City. They loved the big cities, but glad to be mellowing out in Salem. After a full day walking around Salem yesterday, they were off to the Rebecca Nurse House in Danvers this morning, (always unpredictable, I hope they were open) then, off to picturesque Rockport and Gloucester in the afternoon. I expect them home later, looking for a place to have a late night bite. Fingers crossed, I hope they haven’t sent all the chefs home by 9pm, as it’s customary in Argentina to venture out for the evening meal when the rest of us are going to bed.
It was Labor Day Weekend and visitors came to Salem for many reasons. Whether it was a wedding, a weekend getaway or a transcontinental vacation, everyone seemed to be enjoying their stay, sharing experiences and appreciating one another's company.
Father of the Groom....Doesn't he look dashing!
Lets play ball
.......... A perfect fall night for a baseball game, Ada & Donald we're ready for an evening at Fenway Park last night. It didn't matter who the Red Sox were playing, we were just glad to be there. (It turned out to be the Baltimore Orioles.) Cheers from the crowd were loud and non-stop as they showed their enthusiasm for the fast lead and for the guys who had been out of town for much too long. Glad to have them home, the Red Sox did not disappoint. Home runs started in the 1st inning and kept on coming. With a score of 10 to zip, Buckholz pitched a great game. And so did the food vendors. Seems everyone wants to be a pitcher in this park. If you wanted peanuts, or ice cream, you better be able to catch them from 90 yards away. Getting the money to the vendor was another matter. 
Today, Donald and Ada had their photo session with professional photographer, Rick Bern. Sent by the Massachusetts Connector folks to catch the innkeepers working and playing at home, Rick took hundreds of pictures of us all around the B&B, indoors and out. After a number of kitchen shots, we went for some action at the piano in the living room. Looks like he got a good sing-a-long picture. Hopefully, there are other pictures with my eyes open. Can't wait to see some of the other photo's soon. We were stars for a day and had a blast. Thanks Rick for your patience........... Such fun!
Salem couldn't have a better Ambassador.....
Essex Street Fair
Meet Suzanne, and friend, designer of some really futuristic glass jewelry.
And of course, Ada always falls for these guys.
They're for real........ They came today!
Salem's Farmers' Market (opening day photo)
Meet Susan & Rich
A3D, Inc.
A cool dude from Jersey.........
Congratulations 
Juan and his father visit from Madrid, Spain......
New 40 ft. fence being installed today...
Red Sox Captain and catcher Jason Varitek did his best Captain America impression during his team's July 4 game against Seattle as he donned patriotic catcher's gear that will be auctioned off for charity. How long do you suppose this uniform stayed this crisp white? (Red Sox are still in first place, but the Yankees are on their heels just one game back)
The peace and quiet of the Salem Common on July 4th
Derby Wharf is where the action is on July 4th. The stage is set for a concert by the Hillyer Festival Orchestra, a US Military Flyover and then...........the Fireworks Extravaganza.!
These people don't care about a little rain.....
Welcome to my "There's Something About Mary" T-shirt factory.....
May's Winner of the Cancer Walk Two Night Getaway.
Today we had the drawing for our second Two Night Getaway at the Amelia Payson House. Kate Fox, Executive Director of Destination Salem, the Office of Travel and Tourism did the honors of drawing May’s winning name. Lisa McEachern from Braintree MA was the lucky ticket drawn.
Congratulations Lisa……………
While all names stay in the pool, and with about 2 weeks remaining, there’s still time to get into the drawing for June. Good Luck everyone. Ada, Jen, & Mary of team: "There's Something About Mary" www.firstgiving.com/theressomethingaboutmary
Agawam Diner
Hot dogs and potato salad.......... 
Ali, Rose, Jen, Mary, Terry & Ada
Heart shaped waffles.....
Salem revisited................ 
Mary has the honor………. 
Grand Magnolia Tree............
Not me, but these Georgia boys are off to the game.......... 
Spring has arrived and it’s always a race to see who in the neighborhood gets their window boxes planted first. While mine won’t be as spectacular as some of the ones up and down Winter Street, they usually have the distinction of being ahead of the pack. Maybe not contest winning; but don’t you think we are off to a pretty start? Granted, you have to like pansies, pansies or pansies, as it’s still too chilly in New England to plant much else, although, I did sneak some daffodils in the middle of each window box.
A Massachusetts holiday, Patriots Day, April 20th, commemorates the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord; the first battles of the American Revolutionary War. And to thousand’s of residents, visitors, runners, and the rest of the Country and the World, it is also known as Boston Marathon Day. And this year, it is the 113th running of this 26-mile route that starts in sleepy Hopkinton, Massachusetts and finishes in downtown Boston.
Folks from Belgium are our first guests of the 25th season....
The Roberts' are back from their Western hiatus and are excited to be
Amid the backdrop of a giant American flag hanging above the Green Monster, Fenway Park spectators were riveted by the pregame ceremonies of Opening Day, the highlight of which was new Hall of Famer Jim Rice driving a golf cart in from left field with Massachusetts Sen. Edward Kennedy riding alongside. After a stirring hand from the crowd, Kennedy was greeted with a handshake from Red Sox manager Terry Francona. They then moved toward the mound, where Kennedy threw a ceremonial first pitch to Rice. And then another. A do over, sort of...........
Commodore Dave, Ada May & Donald at Epcot.....
Win a Salem Accommodation’s Getaway for Two……….
The University of South Florida in Tampa serves more than 46,000 students on campus and one of them is our grandson, Nathan, a freshman. (Short for Nathaniel and named after Salem's favorite son.) Boasting rights, Nathan is on a full scholarship here in the Engineering School, taking after his grandfather Don who can hardly spell "engineer" but became one just the same. Nathan has settled nicely into campus life, regardless of what his dorm room looks like. It was a nice side trip to see him, pass him a few bucks and to walk endlessly around the campus on a beautiful 75 degree Florida day. 
Not quite the Mini-Cooper Donald wanted to rent, but it's what they call in the rental business, an "economy car". Not even enough room to wear his Stetson. How can they even have these cars in Texas? In any case, making a bad situation tolerable, we got our room back at the Hampton Inn and dropped off our gear and went for a ride to Bandera, about 20 miles south of here in Hill Country.
Bandera Texas - Cowboy Capital of the World (I think every Texas town claims this.)
Bandera, Texas was founded 1852 as a cypress shingle camp, and the site of a Mormon colony established 1854. It is one of the oldest Polish communities in the U.S.
An authentic Western town, surrounded both by working and guest ranches, Bandera, Texas bills itself as the Cowboy Capital of the World. Rodeos are held at least twice weekly from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Horseback riding is available, plus swimming in clear Hill Country lakes and rivers. Visitors enjoy fine year-round fishing, hunting in seasons for wild turkey and white-tailed deer, camping, hiking, rodeos, horse races, two 18-hole golf courses, and Country/Western dances. It's a suburb of San Antonio, which is only 30 miles away if you are looking for city lights and night life. Otherwise, it's "lights out" early in these parts........
In 1846, President Polk declared war on Mexico and sent troops to New Mexico and California under General Kearny. This began the military era in New Mexico, which lasted for about 50 years. At this time, Mexican troops were garrisoned in Mesilla. By 1848 the war had ended and most of the state had been ceded to the United States by the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
New Mexico's state bird is the Roadrunner
This is the godzilla of roadrunners that greets you when entering New Mexico.......Officially adopted March 16, 1949. It was adopted under the name "Chaparral Bird". In Spanish, it is called "El Correcaminos". The comical roadrunner prefers running to flying and has been clocked at speeds of 15 miles per hour. They are approximately 22 inches in length and their diet consists of insects, lizards, centipedes, mice and snakes. They have been know to eat French fries as well.............. mine off my plate!
Tonight over 300 folks gathered at the barn for an appreciation dinner, hosted by the Tucson Rodeo Committee, for those that volunteered at the rodeo last month. Drinks, barbecue and country dancing made for a great last night in Arizona. 
This Cadillac is packing serious weaponry......(click to enlarge)
Rapture Free Flight program
Raptors are birds that eat live prey and also have excellent vision, sharp talons or toenails, and hooked or curved beaks. Raptors included in the flight program are Harris' Hawks, Ferruginous Hawks, Gray Hawks, Barn Owls, Great Horned Owls, and Prairie Falcons. Other birds that are included in the Raptor Free Flight are Chihuahuan Ravens and Greater Roadrunners.
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We're here to tame the wild, wild west...........
Anita and her parents have landed at Sky Harbor Airport, Phoenix from England and we await their arrival in Tucson. Certainly, a long non-stop flight, they will arrive very tired after the two hour drive to Tucson. Tomorrow will certainly be a rest and relax day and then they will be off to see the sights. Anita, after many visits to Arizona, will be there expert tour guide (we will pick up the slack) and I'm sure they will see as much as Anita can possibly cram into 10 days. From rodeo's to Indian Art Festivals, and Tiger Woods golfing in a tournament in our back yard, they won't know where to start. Tombstone anyone!
OH MY........... I almost forgot. Us old folks celebrated last night as we wanted to get ahead of the crowds. And it worked. The restaurant was fairly empty and the service was great too. We went to an Italian restaurant, "Bellisimo", and it was......... We even had dessert!
Ada and Jennifer Wessell are putting their organizational skills to work by walking and raising funds to champion an annual event that has been held in our community for almost two decades; the North Shore Medical Center’s Cancer Walk, which is being held on June 21st, 2009.
Along with us (Amelia Payson House), the Salem Trolley this year celebrates 25 year of superior service and I’m glad to report that my friend David Butler, and his partner Jim Hurrell, now re-own the Salem Trolley. And……. all the better for us, as we have partnered with them to offer our guests a truly special promotion when booking their April reservation by March 25th; a complimentary Trolley Tour. How great is that!
Sunrise on the golf course.......When you live in a golf community and you don’t golf, chances are you are not getting the full value of your homeowners association dues. To make up for that fact, our Board of Directors recently saw the wisdom of allowing residents to walk the golf course once a week, on Thursdays, as long as you get up early and get your walk in by 11am. Of course, you’re sharing the path with a number of speeding golf carts, so you have to be ready to step aside. As you can see, beautiful scenery is everywhere. Rethinking, maybe golf should be in my future……..
The End......... (to our Las Vegas trip)
After our scenic drive, it’s time for lunch, so we’re off to Bonnie Springs……………….
The Wild West is still as wild as ever in Old Nevada, and a replica of an 1880's mining town built on the 115-acre Bonnie Springs Ranch still wows visitors looking for the old west experience; John Wayne country for sure.
Boarded sidewalks that creak pleasantly under your feet, saloons, tumbleweeds, stagecoaches, and even a Boot Hill Cemetery, Bonnie Springs Old Nevada is a great place for the entire family and there are lots of attractions for the kids, including a petting zoo, cowboys and cowgirls, and on weekends and holidays, a miniature train ride, and a "posse" show where the kids can even help track down the 'bad guy". This little old mining town offers plenty of rousing, rough-and-tumble action, simulated gunfights in the streets, an 1830's melodrama complete with mustached villains in an authentically recreated Saloon, and even a public hanging, with an obliging Stuntman swaying in the wind. In addition to gunfights and cowboys, there's a wax museum with figures from the frontier history, and they serve great homemade meals in the restaurant too. I had the ribs. Last time we were here I had the buffalo burger, unfortunately, no longer on the menu. On the way in, the burros were on the side of the road. Of course, we have to get their picture, so stopping the car and opening the van slider door, we take as many pictures as we can before these guys climb into the car. I'm sure they are just looking for food but I'm not sure they know the difference between me and an apple. Close the door quick!
Brenda & Dave at the Venetian.
(Vegas knows how to take you for a ride.)
We're back from Vegas and yes, we still have our shirts. I think we all had a great time, and we certainly had wonderful weather all week. 65 degrees and sunny every day, no wind, just perfect walking around temperatures, even at night. The slide show to right is just a smidgen of the photos taken of just one day on the strip. We played at all these places, taking winnings from some casinos and leaving them in others. Donald and Dave played the tables once. Roulette I think. They really only swapped each other’s money. After 20 minutes, we had one winning smile and one grimacing frown. Brenda and Ada just played the slots, although Ada got brave at Treasure Island and put $20 in the dollar machine. She bet the maximum, $5, and won $126 on the first spin. She cashed out immediately. This didn’t happen too often, just enough to keep her on the positive side and smiling……. She hates to lose!
Mountain Man heading back.......Our first hike of the New Year.
After enjoying restful (lazy) days since New Year’s Day at home, it was time to get some exercise beyond our backyard. With LLBean canteens strapped to our jeans, we were off to the end of Magee Road, about a mile from Trader Joe's, where the hot top meets a dirt road and the Pima Canyon Trail. Not your flat walk. From the start you are climbing up and it’s not long before we have spectacular views of all the mountain ranges that surround Tucson, and the Saguaro cactus are everywhere you look along the rocky terrain. This is a popular trail as we meet and greet passer's by coming back from a longer journey than we will take. There’s no mistaking the grateful look of someone who has made it back to civilization once again. Recognizing that we are a little out of shape today, we will take it easy and time our hike to an hour and then start back. After all, it’s late in the day for starting a hike, 3pm, and we would not want to be up here in the dark, especially at feeding time. (For the wildlife, not us.) It was sunny and in the 70’s today, making it a refreshing first jaunt in 2009.
Ok, it’s week 17 of the NFL season and crunch time. After dropping out of first place by 2 points last week on my SalemCity Fantasy Football Team, it looks like Mr. Frank n Beans is in a great position to take the win from the Arizona Girl. But, not so fast, it’s not over just yet. It will be a tense line up of 16 games tomorrow, and while I can’t watch them all, there are fresh batteries in the remote for surfing back and forth. (Donald doesn’t have a prayer of getting control of it. He might as well read his paper.)
Tie a ribbon around this guy……
Scottsdale is currently known for magnificent PGA Golf Courses, highend shopping, spas and cuisine, but it’s history dates back to the old wild west, and still standing is a 1sq mile area that pays homage to the old ways and true cowboy atmosphere. A stroll through Old Town takes you back to the original Scottsdale, the heart of the “West’s Most Western Town” that began more than 100 years ago. (I can just hear them back home thinking, 100 years ago, that’s nothing.) On Stetson Drive you will find western wear, books, art galleries, home décor, Southwest jewelry, and plenty of souvenirs to bring home to those that have missed all of this. Stopping to have Chili for lunch; my baby blues can’t take the heat. Blurry eyed we get out of Dodge (Scottsdale), but not before we go to the.. 
IKEA Store
This is our last stop before heading home to Tucson. Famous for their Swedish meatballs and lingonberry preserves, IKEA hasn’t missed a retail trick. Their secret, feed them first, cheep, and send them shopping for all that furniture and housewares. If you have ever been in one, you’ll know what I mean. Good, inexpensive stuff, well engineered. Donald knows. He’s put together a number of things including a bed for Lena, a desk for me, and one for himself. They even include the tools. This visit, we only bought the meatballs and the preserves, but it’s always fun to walk the gauntlet of “rooms to go”, picking up that $1 deal that you just can’t live without.............
And as they say in the movies..........THE END!
Joe's Real BBQ, Gilbert, AZ.
Joe’s Real BBQ in Gilbert is about an hour's drive just south of Fountain Hills. It’s basically the next town over, but you don’t move fast around these parts and we always tend to take the long way to get anywhere. (Still trying to keep off those freeways.) But none-the-less, without an address or map, it was meant to be and we see it on the corner. Big sign: "Joe’s". It’s mid-day, mid-week, so no parking problems and no waiting. I’m starved. In a 1929 building, old for these parts, Joe came to town from Texas (where else). A coffee merchant turned barbequer, he opened up this place 10 years ago. Big banner,”1998 -Celebrating 10 years-2008. Taking a booth, dropping the rain gear and camera, up to the counter we go. So many choices, but I order the BBQ Sampler. I’m getting it all: ribs, chicken, pork and beef with two sides; beans, and Mac n’ cheese. Donald gets the brisket sandwich with beans and slaw. If I thought it would have measured up to my friend Patty’s cornbread, I would have ordered that too. True loyalty.
The place is warm and easy and the decorations keep you entertained. A John Deer tractor center stage and a mural of Gilbert in the 40’s embraces all walls. And, in keeping to his true calling, coffee is only .25 cents. Toothpicks anyone………………
(A friend of mine from Salem, Kate, has family from Gilbert, so I gave her a call so I could say: “Guess where we are?” To bad, voice mail, so I left a message. She probably thinks I’m crazy or maybe she’s buried in all that snow they are getting back East.)
Canyon Lake
While rain is scarce out here, it can follow anyone’s vacation plans, including ours. The forecast was “rain for five of our seven days”, so while our first day there was a gloriously sunny one, we decided to head for the Apache Trail (Rte 88) and Roosevelt Lake. About 1 hr east of Scottsdale you pick up the Apache Trail in Apache Junction. (how appropriate.) This trail takes you north into the Tonto National Forest and the Superstition Mountains where 40 miles of steep and winding, mostly washboard (unpaved), roads pass magnificent scenery. At the end of the trail, you come upon The Theodore Roosevelt Lake, which was formed by the construction of a masonry dam on the Salt River in 1911, making it the oldest artificial reservoir in Arizona. Maintaining numerous houseboat communities, it is certainly a water activity Mecca. We always wondered when we saw someone in the desert hauling a trailer with a boat where they were going. This must be the place………….. The pictures just don’t do it justice.
Good Morning. The pies are in the oven and Donald is watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV and his favorite balloon character, Buzz Light Year, just came down the parade route. It's a lazy morning and I'm trying to save my appetite for the big meal. 
Lena & Judy
Yummmmmm, I can smell Lena’s turkey cooking from my house…….
Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday for many reasons and this year especially as we are so glad to be out west and enjoying the day with Lena and Steve, Rhonda, Dan, Nancy, Gloria and Sully, and Judy, who traveled from Salem to celebrate the holiday week in Tucson. While we all have so much be thankful for, nothing matches having Lena back in her kitchen cooking up a storm and directing the rest of us. Although it has been a long recovery after her stoke last November, what a difference a year makes. She, as usual, has beaten the odds with defiant will and a lot of hard work, and we all couldn't’t be more thankful to have her back, almost new, and with a flare. Now that’s a Happy Thanksgiving!
Three Caballeros
Rainbow on the patio, so pretty..............
The Ryman, Nashville, Tennessee
The Grand Ole Opry is the show, the Ryman Auditorium is the threater, and WSM/650 on the am radio dial is the live broadcast to the nation. Whether you like country, bluegrass, or gospel music, it's all happening on stage every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday nights to a packed house of country music fans. Last night Don and I enjoyed a night at the OPRY with Bill Anderson, Jimmy Wayne, Montgomery Gentry and the Hee Haw comedy of little Jimmy Dickens.
Franklin, Tennessee
The Factory Shops and Antiques
Sweet ice tea, pecan pie and chicken fry.
Prices coming down............
Our last weekend for the season, Don and I were so happy to have two of our most welcomed visitors finish out our 24th year, and bring more family along for the fun. Terry and Ali (standing), returning for a Mom and Daughter weekend getaway, decided that this would be a nice treat for one of the Grandmother's birthday. Having heard their daughter and granddaughter talk for years about how they love coming to Salem, the grandmother's wanted to come too. Led about town by two pros, both grandmothers truly got a fast paced Salem 101 course. They are going home tired, but a good kind of tired..............
Terry & Ali, our favorite Yankee fans, have just arrived and brought Don and I our very own personalized Monopoly game. What a clever idea. It's everything Salem, Arizona, the B&B, City Hall, the Red Sox and the Patriots, all around the board. Certainly, a labor of love and a lot cutting and pasting from the website and blog. Even down to the Alan Jackson $500 bucks and the Leanne Rimes $100's, they have truly captured our circle of life. Thank you...... On display. You have too see this!
I hate to brag, but today I top the leaderboard of our Fantasy Football team, "SalemCity" on ESPN Fantasy Football. I'm sure my placement will be short lived and I will be knocked down to my rightful place as the novice that I truly am. But it is exciting even if just for a fleeting moment. Sara, our other girl teammate should be congratulated as she has been number one too, and for a few weeks. GIRL POWER............ I think they thought they would just easily take our money. Not so fast guys.
The missing Joe: Trader Joe (second from left)
The crowds have arrived...........
Alan Jackson, King of Country to the Linscott sisters........
At 8:37pm tonight, all eyes, or at least mine, will be on this guy and the Red Sox as they play the first game of the ALCS series against the Tampa Bay Rays. Dice-K Matsuzaka is on the mound and we hope he has his A-game on................. Go Red Sox!!!!!!!
Oct 11th: Next day follow up: THEY WON! Now it's Josh Becketts turn tonight..........game 2.
Oct.12th: next, next day follow up: They Lost........ but they are coming back to Fenway and I'm sure Jon Lester will do it for us......game 3.
Oct. 15th: Ok, it's panic time. Lester, then Wakefield, failed to produe a win at home. Now we are down 3 games to 1. Tomorrow, after a day off, it is our last chance to stay in the games. If they don't win on Thursday, it's time to clean out the lockers and say "there's always next year"............
Oct. 16th: Can you believe it! The Red Sox comeback from a 7-0 deficit in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series to beat the Rays 8-7 tonight and cut Tampa Bay's series lead to 3-2. It was the second largest comeback in postseason history, eclipsed only by the Philadelphia A's rallying from 8-0 down to beat the Cubs in Game 4 of the 1929 World Series. But no team facing postseason elimination had ever rallied back from seven or more runs down. Talk about an October comeback......... Now they're off to Tampa Bay looking to take two more, and we better not doubt it.
Oct 18th: Game 6, They Won! And now, each team has 3 wins. The 7th game is tomorrow night and hopefully Jon Lester can take us to the World Series aganst the Philadelphia Phillies. While the Phillies have had a week to rest since they won their National League title, that didn't seem to work too well for the Colorado Rockies last year. The RedSox seem to be at their best as along as they keep playing. Good luck guys..................
Great Places. You know them when you see them — but how do they become great? All the decisions we make influence the quality of our neighborhoods, streets, and public spaces. 
I don't know why our boys of summer always have to take it to the last out, of the 9th inning, but they got it done and that's all that counts. We're all excited to have them move on to the next series and the late nights and extra innings that go with post season baseball.
just need one more night to clinch the ALDS title and take it to the next level. I’m sure our main man, John Lester, will meet the challenge and will please the hometown crowd with a win tonight. I, once again, will forgo beauty sleep and be watching this game that doesn’t start till 8:37pm. Ugh!
Ready or not, here comes Halloween, the baseball playoffs and the endless political commercials and robo calls. As usual, we expect October to fly by; just a blur before you can say "trick or treat". But before we fast forward, Salem will host so many visitors for a month long Haunted Happenings festival and we are all hoping (some of us praying) for perfect weather to truly make it a successful season. Today it is pouring buckets, but the weathermen say it will clear tomorrow and continue to be sunny throughout the weekend. (One weekend down, four more to go.) The Grand Parade kicks off the events tomorrow night so we'll all be lining the streets to see all the kids, big and little, young and old, strut their best costumes. The theme this year is "Never, Neverland" so we expect to see hundred's of Captain Hook's, Peter Pan's, Wendy's, Tinkerbell's, alligators, and children who never grow up.......This is the 27th year of Haunted Happenings and it "never" fails to entertain.......... I hope you're coming!
"Papelbon strikes him out and the Red Sox Win!Such excitable words of NESN broadcaster Don Orsilo that we always love to hear at the end of an evening of Red Sox Baseball. With out a doubt, last night, it was hightened by the win clinching a post season spot in the play offs as a wildcard team. Certainly, we would like them to continue winning and clinch a division title, but we are estatic to be in the play offs for the 7th season just the same. We'll take it one step at a time and be thankful. Go Red Sox!
Today, as everyday, we are hosting guests from far and wide and so far this weekend the weather is proving to be one of those spectacular fall weekends. (Crisp in the mornings and sunny all day. Although, it's getting a bit dark too early for me.) Certainly, New England at it's best and when better for a wedding. Tomorrow, we will be celebrating the wedding of Lena & Steve's daughter and their new son-in-law. Lena and Steve, our friends that now hale from Tucson, Arizona, originally from Salem, along with so many others, (about 130, but not all staying here) will be partying hard at the Cambridge home of the bride & groom, Tracy & Randy. Because there is limited parking in Cambridge, about 9 of us have decided to go in style by Limo. Decked out in uncomfortable shoes and other stylish wearing apparel, we expect to have great fun. They say the groom's parents are hosting the party but we all know Lena is running the show............. And it will be the "Greatest Show on Earth" for sure. Pictures to follow. (above)
Check out our new duds at 
