One of the multiple bridges on the bikeway
The Triad bridge–open and ready. Note the active train tracks to the left, the bridge abutment at the top of the picture, three train lines planned to cross at one spot.
Some folks have no idea what a special gift has been prepared for them. Others of us have been “chomping at the bit” as it were to get the last fences down and let us onto this special spot. Continue reading
Filed under Blog posts--Easy Walks
This year’s tiny tree
I’ve seen attempts at creating traditions. These are often well-meant efforts, often by parents, to do something memorable with their children that will carry on to others in years to come. In my own experience, these efforts often fall flat. It is the simplest things, often not intentional, that seem to take on a life of their own. Continue reading
Ten-Mile River at Hunt’s Mills
Ice on the fish ladder at Hunt’s Mills
The crown jewel of Hunt’s Mills, in Rumford, RI (a neighborhood of E. Providence) is the dam and natural waterfall, a very easy walk from the parking area at the end of the access road to the property. It’s hard to believe we were in E. Providence–the area has a wild feel to it, rocks and rapids, and some interesting ice formations. Continue reading
Filed under Blog posts--Easy Walks
Hopedale Pond, frozen
Until quite recently we have enjoyed relatively mild temperatures for December. Overnight the temps dropped into the teens and the pond at Hopedale Parklands quaked from the shock of the change. Continue reading
Filed under Blog posts--Easy Walks
Pumpkin pie in the making at Grandma’s house
Pie-making was on the agenda for today, as was putting together the cranberry relish. My grand girl Nicole was available and willing, so I grabbed her from the bus and brought her straight over to my kitchen for us to get right to work together. Continue reading
Filed under Blog Posts-Personal Histories
Heading off to the fields at Oak Grove Farm
On perhaps one of our last remaining warm fall days, I set out from Oak Grove Farm in Millis. The walk was part of the “Easy Walks” presentation I’d provided for the Millis Public Library. We’d combined the slide presentation with a walk afterwards in hopes people would be tempted to come learn about the area and join us in the outdoors as well.
The audience was small at the library, and three people joined us at Oak Grove Farm, but two quickly set off by themselves, leaving only one person to walk with me. But another friend I’d invited showed up at the parking area and suddenly the tone of our walk changed substantially. Continue reading
View from Rollstone Hill, Fitchburg
My preference is to take easy walks, walks where I can relax, look around, spot birds, notice cool fungi or other interesting things along the trail. But I also enjoy seeing new places. We never know before we go whether we’re going to have an “Easy Walk” or whether we’ll encounter a place with more challenging footing. Continue reading
Filed under Blog posts--Easy Walks
Bright yellow leaves wreathe the entrance to the trail at Choate Park
The oaks are particularly stunning this fall as the foliage season stretches past what we normally expect. But there are also maple trees that did not seem to get the message that they were supposed to change color in October. Continue reading
Filed under Blog posts--Easy Walks
Walking in the parklands
All the stars aligned and several friends were all willing to meet at Hopedale Parklands on what turned into a glorious day to be outside . Two friends had never been there before, the third discovered the parklands after learning of it at one of my presentations. We had a lot of fun and a lot of silliness along the way. Continue reading
Filed under Blog posts--Easy Walks
Nancy Haines holds the proof copy of “We Answered with Love” Pacifist Service in World War I, the letters of Leslie Hotsen and Mary Peabody
I met Nancy at a local women’s networking event for a group she helped found but is no longer involved with. She mentioned that she had a book project, a collection of letters written during WWI, correspondence between a man, and the woman who eventually became his wife. The man traveled to France during the war, not as a soldier, but as a conscientious objector, and served with the Quakers in France. With the Quakers, he worked to rebuild housing, even as the war continued to rage elsewhere in France. Continue reading
Filed under Blog Posts-Personal Histories
Marjorie Turner Hollman 