Author Archives: Marjorie

Asking for help

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On the trail at Birchwold Farm, Wrentham

Maybe it’s just me, but I have a terrible time asking for help. I’m much happier being the one who is helpful, has the right answers, knows just the right place to go to obtain whatever help you might need. Yes, it’s a learned trait, and one I came by naturally. My mom was the one people often turned to. They knew that if she didn’t know the answer, she would be able to suggest who could help. She called it, “Kuhl’s consultant service,” always said with a smile. (“Kuhl” was our last name.)

I worked very hard to avoid being the one who needed to ask for help until life events took over and there was little choice. Finding myself a single parent, boy, did I need help! Later, because of illness, I needed even more help. Thankfully, my life is much more stable these days, but there is still a lot I need help with. I was reminded of this today, as we set out for Birchwold Farm in Wrentham with our snowshoes, to enjoy the recent snowfall. Continue reading →

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N. Attleboro Fish Hatchery-Getting Acquainted with the Ten Mile River Watershed

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Bridge over the Bungay river, lowing toward the Fish Hatchery in N. Attleboro

We visited the “Fish Hatchery” in North Attleboro on a gorgeous blue-sky winter morning. https://www.fws.gov/northattleboro/visit.html

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Plan to visit Monday through Saturdays– the hatchery is closed Sundays and federal holidays. Continue reading →

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A question and a story

Don & M 3-7-09

My dad and I

Do you know when you’re going to die? Well, I don’t know the answer to that, for you, for others, for myself. But since I’m a storyteller from way back, here’s a story:

You know, my dad was lucky. Three months before he died, Dad sat in his living room watching four of his teen grandchildren gathered on the floor around him, reading chapters of his soon-to-be-published memoir. He and I had spent a number of weekends together over the previous several years, working together to help document his life lessons and experiences. I clarified details of stories that didn’t quite hold together, drawing out more information. The more he shared, the more he remembered other events. Continue reading →

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Walk-Fit: or, Making Friends

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Liz (on the right) getting the troops organized

I met Liz Myska along a trail as we joined others who had ventured out to help with a trail cleanup. For those who have never participated in these events, they are very social. Yes, we’re making the trail cleaner, but if you’re not careful, you may make friends who could change your life! Liz is one of those type of friends Continue reading →

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Rainbows

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Prisms fill my window and kitchen with color and light

An unexpected Christmas gift years ago from my dear cousin became the start of a small collection I’ve added to over the years. When I received this first gift I had no idea the joy it would give. A simple glass prism, it was at one time, I believe, part of a crystal chandelier. Continue reading →

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It’s Open! Blackstone River Bikeway, Blackstone

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One of the multiple bridges on the bikeway

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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 →

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Traditions

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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 →

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In Search of Quiet-Hunt’s Mills

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Ten-Mile River at Hunt’s Mills

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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 →

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Winter has Arrived– Hopedale Parklands

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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 →

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Making Thanksgiving Family Memories

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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 →

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