While out walking one warm yet crisp morning, I came across multiple icicles coming off a young and recently trimmed tree. Being who I am, I tasted the frozen spike and wasn't surprised to find a sweet taste on my tongue. I wanted others to enjoy the spectacle so I didn't break one of the icicles off for a walking treat.
On the same walk, I crossed paths with a chair, soaking up the sun in the park on Deering Street. One wouldn't dare sit in it though as who knows of its sordid past.
One weekend morning, I needed another walk in the fresh air. I made my way down to the Old Port and found a Green Light smoothie, made with pineapple, mango, spinach, kale, dates, orange juice and ginger-carrot juice with kelp added to it. If I had the means, I would order one of these every day.
I somehow...accidentally...also ended up with a buttery, crispy and sweet Morning Bun from Standard Baking Company. I considered this a well-balanced meal (perception is reality) and walked to the ferry terminal pier where I endured frigid winds but warm sun and a beautiful view. When my fingers couldn't take the temperature any longer, I moved inside to the terminal itself. Rebuilt in 2014, this is a gorgeous, full wall-windowed structure with comfortable vintage-looking benches. If you haven't been to Peaks island yet, visit this place in the warmer months and get a $7.70 round-trip ticket to explore. The last time I went over, I walked around the whole island, John Muir style, in a couple hours.
Another day found me on Mackworth Island for some rays, accompanied by peace and quiet. I walked partway around the island to find a path down to a secluded beach. There was a perfect sitting space of one small washed-up tree laying parallel to a giant driftwood tree whose layout lended itself perfectly to a throne-like seat. Water fowl were moving around and grooming themselves not too far out and the waves lapped the beach like a dog licking an ice cream cone.
Finally, one evening, I was invited to dine with friends at Shay's in Monument Square. I had eaten a little beforehand so wasn't too hungry. It was suggested that I should order the gnocchi and am not sorry I did! Posed as an appetizer, this dish is filling and flavorful. The gnocchi seems to be pan-seared and covered in pesto, mixed with sausage and topped with mozzarella cheese. The only thing that made this low-key meal better was to add a $5 pineapple martini. Apparently, Shay's is known for their $5 martinis.
Following dinner, we all went to a PutchaKetcha event at the Masonic Temple on Congress Street. This is a place that is rarely opened and women are NOT allowed to go in certain places here, heaven forbid. The men's bathroom is on the upper floor while the women's bathroom is on the main floor so that we don't invade the inner sanctum. The open room where the lectures were held was a dark wood-lined room with dozens of small lockers for visiting members of the order. The presentations this particular evening were on topics ranging from hiking the Appalachian Trail to using music as a scientifically-proven therapeutic tool. If you ever doubt music can affect your brain, listen and sing out loud to your favorite song, especially when in a low mood. Instant therapy!