Day 143 - May 31: Math Wiz

The day has come - I knew it was coming but I never dreamed it would happen so soon.  I can no longer help Stuart with math homework (not that he even asks anymore).  Geometry was always my best and favorite math subject but the cobwebs have grown thick.  Not only does he know it, he knows it well - with a 100% to prove it. 

Day 142 - May 30: Local Jazz

Our little town of Medfield has a lot going for it, not least of which is the high school Jazz Band.  It's one of the best in the country and, following their gig at Lincoln Center last week, they performed their year end concert tonight.  Fantastic.   

Day 141 - May 29: Gift from the Sea

Found today - one of the most beautiful seashells I've seen on the beach. 

Day 140 - May 28: Relaxation

Douglas had an enormous project due this week - the culmination of crazy hours and sleepless nights.  It did my heart good to see him so relaxed today. 

Day 139 - May 27: Expansion

Today we toured the new Whitla Brothers Outpost.  With more work in Chatham and a pent up demand for contractor garages, Douglas hopes this building will provide rental income as well as a base for operations.  His degree in historic preservation will most certainly come in handy here. 

Day 138 - May 26: Beach Day

Today the end-of-year frenzy came to a screeching halt (however temporarily) as we basked in the beauty and calm of Chatham's beaches.  It's the unofficial start of summer and we got it started right. 

Day 137 - May 25: Let the Summer Begin

The time has come and the car is packed (with room for Rufus).  We're off to Chatham to welcome the start of summer.

Day 136 - May 24: Idol Winner

I admit it - I am a Complete Idol Dork.  It's the only show I watch and its episodes fill our DVR.  The Finale, however, must be watched live and while the filler is always a disappointment (why can't Neil Diamond just gracefully fade away?), I wait with bated breath until the winner is announced.  This year I admired Jessica (and loved her rendition of one of my favorites, "And I am Telling You I'm Not Going"), I was amazed by Joshua ("It's a Man's World" was heartstopping), but Phillip won me over.  Now let's hope we hear them all on the radio.

Day 135 - May 23: IT Consulting

I give my mom enormous credit - at the age of 82 she has embraced email, knowing that keeping up with her far flung family means keeping up with our way of staying in touch.   The cell phone, however, boggles her mind.  When her new phone arrived, she called in an expert for user training.

Day 134 - May 22: Whitla Brothers Alum

My brother David often sends me the link to Phillip Corbett's blog, in which Corbett critiques his fellow New York Times reporters on their grammar, style and usage in recent articles.  David and I share an interest in getting the written word right (although I know I fail often, putting in too many comas,,, as well as the dreaded dash ----) and while I enjoy the blog, I'm often left feeling entirely incompetent.  In this most recent entry, Corbett wrote "After months of nonstop carping about our missteps, here’s the latest, long-overdue sampling of sparkling prose from recent editions" and included writing by Scott Sayare.  Could it be?  The same Scotty Sayare who worked for Douglas and Stuart during the summer while at Stanford?  Indeed it is - now working for the Paris Bureau and winning the approval of Phillip Corbett.  Quite a feat - and due in no small part to his training at Whitla Brothers, I'm sure.

Day 133 - May 21: Zappos

One of the greatest additions to life in this brave new world is Zappos.  I'm not a very good bricks and mortar shopper but I do love shoes.  With free overnight shipping both ways, Zappos brings joy to my life. 

Day 132 - May 20: Birthday Wiffle Ball

At last month's fundraiser for the Medfield schools, I won "A Day at Cowell Park" in the silent auction.  Cowell Park is a quarter scale Fenway Park replica built by two Medfield teachers in their backyard.  Today the kids and I surprised Douglas for his birthday - we brought him to the Park where we were joined by some of our dearest friends for a lively 9 innings and cupcakes.  Really great fun. 

Day 131 - May 19: Tom Sawyer

Today our yard was transformed into a movie set.  Stuart and his friend Tyler are directing, producing, and starring in "Tom Sawyer: Whitewashing the Fence" for their year-end English project.  They recruited their friends, collected their props and costumes (with the help of their moms), shot the film, and will now do the editing (thank goodness for iMovie).  Clearly, Stuart learned a lot while in LA last month.

Day 130 - May 18: Abandoned Road

Sometime in the '60s, they built a straighter, wider road north toward Sherborn.  The old road it replaced is now a preserved artifact of a bygone era, when winding narrow roads framed by enormous overhanging trees took you from one New England village to the next.  Martin Scorsese used it when he made "Shutter Island", which was filmed in Medfield - Rufus and I used it for a great walk and (for at least one of us) a swim in the Charles.

Day 129 - May 17: Not Bad for 30

When I've got a dirty job to do, I reach into the depths of my closet and pull out my old high school sweatshirt.  For practical (a little) and sentimental (a lot) reasons, I can't part with it.

Day 128 - May 16: Not That Long Ago

Tonight we went to a little league game to cheer on our 2nd grade neighbor, Tyler.  Stuart and I sat together on the bleachers, waxing nostalgic about when he played on that small field and the years and teams since.  It was wonderful and remarkable, too - to think that my 12 year old and I are already having those "remember when" conversations. 

Day 127 - May 15: Funky or Fail?

It was time for new glasses - the last good pair I had went down with the burning boat.  While I've been getting by with drug store readers, I finally decided my eyes deserved the proper prescription.  The frames I chose were fully endorsed by my friends at the glasses store - they raved about how "funky" they were.  The reaction of my family, however, has been far different.  So now I must decide - am I retro or just plain old? 

Day 126 - May 14: The Juggler

My dad learned to juggle while stationed on an island in the South Pacific during World War II.  My brother, Pete learned to juggle, I assume, once he mastered the unicycle and needed another challenge.  Add another to the ranks - Stuart has now mastered the art. 

Day 125 - May 13: Mother's Day

This is how my day began - it just doesn't get any better.  The kids brought me coffee and cereal with fresh strawberries and flowers and cards and gifts.  And yes, that's Rufus, who took advantage of the opportunity to join us all on the bed.

Day 124 - May 12: Model Mother

Tonight we went to Paul and Lucille's annual Celebration of Spring - a gathering of friends at their beautiful home (built by Whitla Brothers).  As we were leaving, I stopped to admire the gorgeous structure of the carriage house and found a robin, sitting on her eggs.  Honestly, is there a more patient and selfless mother out there?  A woman who clears her calendar for weeks to just sit there, jumping off only to rotate her eggs or grab a bite to eat - and where's Dad?  Seeing her was a really nice start to my Mother's Day.

Day 123 - May 11: Newsmaker Again

It's always good to check those papers one more time before heaving them into the recycling bin.  I wrote about Stuart's Wind Ensemble winning gold and playing at Mechanics Hall.  What I missed was the front page story.  Good thing the musician pointed himself out to me.

Day 122 - May 10: Catching Softballs

She's by far the smallest member of the team, but don't let her size fool you.  She's also a leftie who consistently hits into left field, which always catches her opponents off guard.  Lane's team played one of their best games ever tonight, beating neighboring Millis by a score of 2-1 behind outstanding pitching, great fielding and of course, terrific catching.

Day 121 - May 9: Stuart's Day

Five years ago today, Douglas' brother Stuart died.  Every year on May 9th, we travel to Vineyard Haven, a small hamlet on Martha's Vineyard, for lunch at the Black Dog Tavern.  Stuart and Karen ate at the Black Dog on their honeymoon and for the many years we owned sailboats together, we all frequented this cozy spot built at the water's edge.  Going there, by car and bus and finally ferry (and nearly always on a cold, blustery, rainy day), brings us all closer to Stuart's spirit - and closer to one another. 

Day 120 - May 8 - Loaner

Last June we bought Eve, a brand new Ford Explorer, and we welcomed this newest family member with open arms.  However, it seems that there's a little something wrong with Eve's brain and she's spent more time in the ICU than I'd like.  As frustrating as this has been, it's been made more tolerable by Leo, the neighbor who sold me the car, and his brand new Ford truck, which he delivers to my driveway every time he takes Eve away. 

Day 119 - May 7: Ice Cream Truck

Who says you're too old for 25 cent rides at the mall? 

Day 118 - May 6: Hunger Games

Today Lane and I got up the nerve, after enjoying the book, to go see the movie.  Aside from the fact that the two boys, in particular, look like they've stepped off a soap opera rather than the barren land of District 12, I enjoyed it - and really, aren't soap opera boys more fun to watch than starving urchins anyway?

Day 117 - May 5: Wedding Spies

Today my friend, Melissa and I took Lane, Melissa's daughter, Maddy and two other girls to Providence for the Rhode Island School of Design Art Show (terrific), dinner at Fire & Ice (more terrific), and a trip through the Nordstroms shoe, make up, and prom dress departments (most terrific).  In between, we came upon a bride just leaving the church, headed for a waiting limousine with her groom.  In an instant, our four goofy girls became entranced.  We sat on the curb across the street to bear witness to someone else's magical day.

Day 116 - May 4: Camp Out

This weekend, Stuart goes on his favorite Boy Scout camp out of the year - canoeing to Devil's Foot, an island right here in Medfield.  It's pretty cool when my kids discover places I've never been, though he's promised to take me there sometime soon - and that's even cooler.

Day 115 - May 3: Newsmaker

Check out the sports section of today's Hometown Weekly!

Day 114 - May 2: Baby Girl

The teachers at Lane's afterschool program asked the kids to bring in baby pictures so Lane and I got out the boxes and books.  These pictures seem a lifetime ago, and yet it has all gone by so quickly, too.  Our kids get more and more fun every day but oh my goodness, babies are cute!

Day 113 - May 1: The Game Ball

It's the bottom of the 6th (final) inning.  The score is tied, 2-2.  There's one out and the bases are loaded.  Stuart Whitla approaches the plate.  He's struck out once and been hit by the ball - the crowd is hungry for a hit.  The first pitch is high and inside - Whitla is nearly hit again.  The second pitch is high but he swings.  The ball sails over the centerfielder's head for a solid double.  Three runners score.  The Dodger dugout clears out and tackles Whitla at second base.  The crowd goes wild.  After the game, Stuart Whitla is awarded the game ball.  His parents gush. 

Day 112 - April 30: Accessible, Really?

Today Dad and I took Mom to her doctor's appointment in Boston.  Since breaking a bone in her knee, she's been supported first with a wheelchair and now with a walker.  As a bystander to this experience, I'm learning just how inaccessible our world can be.  After parking in the garage, we followed the elevator signs and came upon this (the small gray sign at the top of the stairs reads "Elevator" with an arrow to the right).  Really?!?

Day 111 - April 29: Opening Day

Medfield's Opening Day festivities begin with a parade of baseball and softball players and coaches through town, led by fire trucks with sirens blaring. 

Day 110 - April 28: Ribbon Bouquet

Today Mom and I were guests at a bridal shower for my nephew, Matthew's bride, Megan.  The tradition lives on - while unwrapping the gifts, Megan's friends created a gorgeous bouquet of ribbons for her wedding rehearsal.

Day 109 - April 27: Marimba Friends

Tonight Douglas and I attended the Medfield Coalition Spring Fling, a fundraiser to support our schools.  Along with the silent auction, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, raffles, and dancing, there was MARIMBA!  Stuart's ensemble is supported by the Coalition and they were invited to perform for the revelers.  They created the perfect party vibe. 

Day 108 - April 26: Vera Bradley

When did Vera Bradley jump from a bag my mother carries to the lunch box and IPad case every fifth grade girl covets?  That's some fine marketing.  Today Lane and I scoured the Vera Bradley display to find the perfect gift for two friends hosting a birthday party Saturday night.

Day 107 - April 25: Fox Hill Concert

My parents were always active members of their church choir, which was not just a singing group but a community of friends.  It's one of the things they gave up in recent years to accommodate a changing lifestyle.  Fortunately, they found a chorus at their new Fox Hill home, and tonight I attended their spring concert (Mom is in the front row, third from right, Dad appears in the front row of men, second from left).  I had to smile - it's the first time I've seen a chorus remain seated to sing, but these old timers did a fabulous job!    

Day 106 - April 24: Geology Field Trip

Today I was lucky enough to chaperone a fantastic field trip with Stuart (at center, in red Angels cap - from LA!) and his classmates.  The trip was a geological expedition around Medfield, searching for clues in a "whodunit" mystery.  At this stop, Stuart's math teacher brought geology and geometry together, highlighting the cracks in the rock with green tape and challenging the students to determine what kind of rock it was based on the angles of the cracks (don't ask me - I was just along for a great trip). 

Day 105 - April 23: Hardy Pansies

I haven't had pansies in the planter at the door since last spring and yet, look what just popped up right through our gravel driveway...

Day 104 - April 22: Visit from a Cousin

A few months ago, Stuart was asked to join the Wind Ensemble at school - a small, select group that meets before and after school.  Just before our vacation, the Wind Ensemble competed in a statewide competition and won a gold medal.  Today, all gold medal winners were invited to participate in a concert at Mechanics Hall in Worcester, just down the road from Clark University where my nephew, Mark goes to school.  Stuart rode the bus with the other kids to the concert, Douglas was in Chatham checking on his job, and Lane had social commitments.  That left me to bring the four grandparents (with two canes and a walker!) to the concert, stopping along the side of the road to pick up Mark on the way.  We found the handicapped accessible entrance easily and got to our front row seats just in time for a beautiful performance by Stuart's group.  After the concert, Hank treated us to lunch in nearby Grafton and then we returned to Medfield, with Mark in tow for an overnight visit.

Day 103 - April 21: After Party

Today we spent the day in the air, returning from LA.  Rather than including a photo from the airport though (ugh), I thought I'd show this one - taken after midnight (EST) so my camera registered it as April 21st (so it counts, right?).  This is what happens after taping an episode of A.N.T. Farm - everyone squeezes into the Props Master's office for tequila and beer.  On the right is Victor, the director (who invited us back "anytime" - he may live to regret that - as long as we show him Fenway Park when he comes to Boston).  On the left is Tom's assistant who is a great guy and incredibly talented (kids, he's the one who creates all of Fletcher's artwork).

Day 102 - April 20: On the Set

My cousin, Tom is the Props Master for the Disney television show, "A.N.T. Farm".  He is also the World's Best Host, so if you ever find yourself in LA, be sure to track him down.  Our kids are huge fans of his show, so when Tom offered tickets and tours, we planned our LA vacation.  On Wednesday, Tom arranged for us to tour the set, off hours, so we could wander around - sit in the director's chairs (yes, they really have those on the set!), check out the cameras - even peer into the on set "school" (since the actors - all kids - are required to attend classes 3 hours per day) and their dressing ("hang out") rooms.  Tom took us to his props warehouse, where the kids had a blast pulling things off the shelves and remembering the episode in which every prop (all made by Tom) was used.  Tom generously gave the kids many of the props - now treasured souvenirs.  He then showed us the sets for several other Disney shows, as well as the "I Love Lucy" set, now preserved and used for employee dining.  Today, Tom arranged for us to be seated front and center for a live taping of the show.  Meeting the cast, watching the process (yes, the Director really does yell "Action!"), or being Tom's VIP guests - it's really hard to name the coolest part of a really cool day.  (Because cameras weren't allowed during the taping, today's picture is from our visit on Wednesday.)

Day 101 - April 19: Santa Barbara

Today we drove up the Pacific Coast Highway, stopping in Malibu at Point Dume, famous for its beautiful beach, great surf, and striking rock cliffs.  We watched climbers scale the rock face and a commercial being filmed on the sandy beach - classic California.  We continued onto Santa Barbara, where we kayaked in the harbor and around the pier and rode a bicycle built for four - classic tourists.  We ended the day back in Malibu at Duke's, named for the Hawaiian who brought surfing to California, watching the waves crash over the rocks.  Fantastic.

Day 100 - April 18: UCLA Softball

In 2010, UCLA won the NCAA Softball World Series and they are always a powerhouse contender.  Imagine our excitement, then, when we discovered that they would be playing at home during our visit.  This afternoon, we sat among the recruiters and parents to watch the home team defeat Cal State Northridge 10-3.  It's always great fun to watch a sport that you play yourself played extremely well - and to be right there to see it live.  You can fully appreciate how difficult it is to do what they make look easy, and today was no exception.

Day 99 - April 17: Universal Studios

Today we visited Universal Studios, which is both a Disney-type amusement park as well as the home to Universal's movie and television studios.  We toured the studios and back lots, watched an amazing "Waterworld" special effects show, and rode some terrific rides, including The Simpsons and King Kong 360 3D.  My favorite, however, was the Animal Actors Show, where we met some furry stars, including the yellow lab who played Marley in "Marley and Me", Fanta, starring in an upcoming "Air Buddies" movie, and this fellow, who can be seen in "Hotel for Dogs" as well as many other movies.  While the other animals put on a terrific show with their trainers, this guy was content to just sit and pose for photos with the star struck visitors.

Day 98 - April 16: The Santa Monica Pier

This morning we visited the Santa Monica Pier, a classic California scene we've all seen in movies and on television.  Paul Newman's girlfriend in "The Sting" ran the Merry Go Round, the "Three's Company" cast rode bikes along the boardwalk during the opening credits, and for my younger readers, "Hannah Montana"'s Lilly worked the Pier's game booth.  It was a great morning of old fashioned fun, complete with hot dogs, ice cream, and roller coasters.  We watched three street performers put on a fantastic show of gymnastics and break dancing - which got even better when our kids were pulled into the act. 

Day 97 - April 15: Hollywood

This morning, my cousin, Tom joined us for a Hollywood tour, led by an architectural historian who showed us the original bungalows of Hollywoodland built in the 20's, along with three Frank Lloyd Wright homes, and lots of other very cool stuff .  Even the kids enjoyed the sites from the comfort of her well appointed minivan.  Tom, the kids, and I strategized that this high brow introduction would be the best way to get Douglas engaged early - before hitting him with tourista celebrity gawking.  Along the route, we stopped at the Griffith Observatory, an excellent photo op with the famous sign in the background.

Day 96 - April 14: In N Out Burger

We rose at 4:00 am for our flight to LA this morning and, after claiming our bags and driving off in our very cool black Camero convertible, arrived at our hotel just in time for lunch, Pacific Standard Time.  We walked through the village of Westwood and to the delight of Stuart, came upon this fine eating establishment.  A friend had told him of this burger haven, unavailable on the east coast.  Already, the trip is a success.

Day 95 - April 13: Ordway's Painting

A few houses have been built since Ordway's time so I can't capture the same angle he did, but I think you can see why the clouds yesterday reminded me so much of the painting.

Day 94 - April 12: Gray Sky Day

Several years ago, our neighbor called to say that an oil painting he found on Ebay looked like it had been painted from our backyard.  He was curious enough to drive to Brooklyn to get a closer look.  What he found in a dusty backroom was a frameless painting in significant disrepair.  Still, he convinced us to buy it (really).  After having the painting cleaned and repaired, and outfitted with a handmade gilded frame, we discovered that it was a signed Alfred Ordway (a prominent Boston based landscape painter in the mid 19th century) - and indeed, he sat in our backyard to paint it.  Gray sky days like today remind me of the painting, which hangs proudly right where it was created 150 years ago.