Boston has escaped huge snow storms for quite a few years now. Last winter we got little or nothing; perhaps a total of three inches. So far into this winter season we have had about four snow 'events' but I don't think it has added up to a half inch. Well that's all about to change today. We are facing a storm of epic proportions.
Hold on to your Hat! We can get anywhere from 18 to 36 inches of snow. The winds are howling outside with gusts up to 60 miles per hour. Everything, and I mean everything has been shut down by the City and State. Here is an idea:
The State of Massachusetts has been declared in a 'state of emergency'
No vehicles are allowed on Massachusetts roads until the storm is over. You will be fined $100 or given one year's jail time if caught.
All public transportation was shut down at 4 pm this afternoon.
5000 National Guard troops are ready to assist.
Amtrak train service to New York has been suspended.
Logan International Airport is closed to air traffic and will remain closed until Sunday..
Utility crews from other states are ready and waiting to assist with downed power lines.
Coastal flooding warnings are in effect and volunteer evacuation has been asked.
The entire New England area is under the gun with this storm, but the Boston and Cape Cod areas will get the worst snow-wise because the storm is stalling over the ocean for a day. That means more snow and lots of wind for anyone in the radius.
I am not going outside walking around trying to take pictures in this mess, but I will open the front and back doors and take pictures of whatever I can to let you see what is going on in this neck of the woods.
The local news interviewed a young man who traveled from Philadelphia to make money shoveling snow. He says he can't make money where he lives. Now that's an enterprising young man!!
Friday, February 08, 2013
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Chocolate! Chocolate! Chocolate!!
I've lived in Boston's Dorchester Area from 1965 until 1993. You take so many things for granted as you go to work, shopping, and recreational activities. You are practically in a robitic state of mind as you travel from one place to another. You see things, but you don't see them.
Unless someone takes the time to point out something special you need to be aware of, you just aren't aware of it.
As some of you know, I've been "wintering" in Boston the past 3 years and as I travel thru this city with different eyes and a camera, I am discovering facts about landmarks I had no idea I was passing, and was totally oblivious of their importance.
From time to time I'll share my 'new discoveries' with you through this Blog.
Do you like chocolate? Does the mention of the word get your tastebuds ready to receive that creamy, smooth, delicious fudgy taste on your tongue??
Did you know chocolate was introduced to most of the United States of America by John Hannon, a penniless Irishman who was skilled as a chocolatier, a craft he learned in England? Though there were other chocolatiers available, John Hannon was able to make business connections which after his death eventually eradicated competition. It's a long story. One that begins to sound like a soap opera if you read a variety of accounts. So I'll just report the generally accepted version here.
In 1765 John Hannon teamed up with Dr James Baker (yes, a medical doctor) along the banks of the Neponset River in Dorchester, Massachusetts and started a business producing "Hannon's Best Chocolate." The business thrived for 15 years until Mr Hannon decided to take a trip to the West Indies in 1779 and due to reasons we'll never know of did not return. The following year his wife sold the company to Dr Baker who changed the name to; guess what: "The Baker Chocolate Company."
If you come from the "old school" of cooking you recognize that name from having a cannister of Baker's Chocolate in your kitchen. That little box of wonder was the only way you got to enjoy hot cocoa in the winter and chocolate frosting for your cakes and cupcakes. Dr Baker's family built the business and copyrighted the name "Baker" for future generations.
In 1896 the company was sold to the Forbes Syndicate who added 5 buildings over the next 30 years and started advertisments in a variety of magazines to attract sales. They even gave away coupons to be redeemed for bone china, bookends, spoons, serving trays, and published a cookbook every year.
In 1927 the Postum Cereal Company purchased the Walter Baker Company and moved operations to Dover, Delaware in 1969. The Postum Cereal Company became known as General Foods. In 1989 the Baker Company was incorporated in Kraft Foods when it acquired General Foods.
In addition to producing a variety of baking chocolates: German Sweet, semi-sweet, bitter-sweet, unsweetened, white decorating, premium white, dipping, and semi-sweet chunks; the Baker Company also produces Angel Flake Coconut.
I personally wouldn't use any other coconut flakes when baking my cookies, pies and cakes! It's the most moist on the market. My grandmother and godmother used nothing else for their coconut cake frosting!
Today the Baker Chocolate Factory has been turned into upscale condos and apartments. I couldn't find a price for the condo units (perhaps because none are available) but the apartments rent in the range of $1138 to $2700 per month. The main Baker building has been turned into a residence for artists with studio/loft apartments for rent.
Unless someone takes the time to point out something special you need to be aware of, you just aren't aware of it.
As some of you know, I've been "wintering" in Boston the past 3 years and as I travel thru this city with different eyes and a camera, I am discovering facts about landmarks I had no idea I was passing, and was totally oblivious of their importance.
From time to time I'll share my 'new discoveries' with you through this Blog.
Do you like chocolate? Does the mention of the word get your tastebuds ready to receive that creamy, smooth, delicious fudgy taste on your tongue??
Did you know chocolate was introduced to most of the United States of America by John Hannon, a penniless Irishman who was skilled as a chocolatier, a craft he learned in England? Though there were other chocolatiers available, John Hannon was able to make business connections which after his death eventually eradicated competition. It's a long story. One that begins to sound like a soap opera if you read a variety of accounts. So I'll just report the generally accepted version here.
In 1765 John Hannon teamed up with Dr James Baker (yes, a medical doctor) along the banks of the Neponset River in Dorchester, Massachusetts and started a business producing "Hannon's Best Chocolate." The business thrived for 15 years until Mr Hannon decided to take a trip to the West Indies in 1779 and due to reasons we'll never know of did not return. The following year his wife sold the company to Dr Baker who changed the name to; guess what: "The Baker Chocolate Company."
If you come from the "old school" of cooking you recognize that name from having a cannister of Baker's Chocolate in your kitchen. That little box of wonder was the only way you got to enjoy hot cocoa in the winter and chocolate frosting for your cakes and cupcakes. Dr Baker's family built the business and copyrighted the name "Baker" for future generations.
In 1896 the company was sold to the Forbes Syndicate who added 5 buildings over the next 30 years and started advertisments in a variety of magazines to attract sales. They even gave away coupons to be redeemed for bone china, bookends, spoons, serving trays, and published a cookbook every year.
In 1927 the Postum Cereal Company purchased the Walter Baker Company and moved operations to Dover, Delaware in 1969. The Postum Cereal Company became known as General Foods. In 1989 the Baker Company was incorporated in Kraft Foods when it acquired General Foods.
In addition to producing a variety of baking chocolates: German Sweet, semi-sweet, bitter-sweet, unsweetened, white decorating, premium white, dipping, and semi-sweet chunks; the Baker Company also produces Angel Flake Coconut.
I personally wouldn't use any other coconut flakes when baking my cookies, pies and cakes! It's the most moist on the market. My grandmother and godmother used nothing else for their coconut cake frosting!
Today the Baker Chocolate Factory has been turned into upscale condos and apartments. I couldn't find a price for the condo units (perhaps because none are available) but the apartments rent in the range of $1138 to $2700 per month. The main Baker building has been turned into a residence for artists with studio/loft apartments for rent.
Another view of the Baker Complex
Here is a shot of the Neponset River that runs through the grounds
You know me; I had to put in some nature scenery found on the grounds
Here is a link to check out photos of the living quarters and more of the grounds than I had access to with my camera if you would like to see more; plus you can see if apartments are available and fill out an application if so inclined:
http://www.bakerchocolateapartments.com/BakerChocolateMA/Index.aspx
This link shows more photos of the grounds, kitchens, livingroom, common areas, etc.
Wow!! mass-Chocolate production began in Dorchester, Massachusetts for our country in 1765, two-hundred and forty seven years ago!!!
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Little or No Winter, but an Unexpected Surprise Today
We've had very little winter in the Boston-area 2011 through 2012. Temperatures were quite warm with many days reaching into the high 40's thru the low 60's and on special days temperatures reached into the high 70's. Snowfall was only about three inches total and I am stretching it. There was almost no rainfall and we are presently (as is most of the northeast coast) in the midst of a drought. However; this afternoon rain (which was only supposed to be a 40% chance of showers) beat against the windows and became Hail....
I managed to snap a few photos. Hail is rarely seen in Boston. I've had it in Maine; not often, but when it does come it is somewhat frightening, causing me to stand away from the windows and hoping my windows are fine afterwards.
Here are the photos. I published them in Sepia because it gives more contrast and you are able to see the force of rain falling from the sky.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Foliage Slideshow
As promised, here is the slideshow. I hope you enjoy it! We won't see this beautiful color until next Fall.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Fall Foliage in the City
I want to share the foliage beauty I am seeing in Boston with you. Foliage in Maine this year (at least in the foothills) truly sucked! Usually, by the time I get to Boston, there isn't much to see color-wise, but this year was just so spectacular I was moved to take my camera and capture scenes that took my breath away.
I will follow up this post with a slide show a bit later, but here are individual photos I thought you would enjoy. Mind you... these photos were taken November 10th and 11th. Way...... past the time for this kind of color. I also see tons of rose bushes still in bloom.
So please enjoy!!
This is a hosta. I love them when they are green, but this Fall breakdown in color is beautiful as well.
Don't ask me what type of tree this is. I think it is a Japanese miniature something or other, but every year it captures my attention.
This was taken along what I believe is the Neponset River in Dorchester. I am not used to seeing this portion of it and came upon it by accident. It was raining cats and dogs on the day this was taken.
It was raining when I snapped this and you can see the rain droplets reflected on the lens, but it does not take away from the beauty of this color display.
Another Neponset River photo...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
