August 20, 2020 – Eustis Estate Museum – Massachusetts

On Thursday Wilma, My Mom, and I Adventured to the Eustis Estate Museum in Milton, Massachusetts. The Eustis Estate was built in 1878 and contains 80 acres, including the home designed by William Ralph Emerson. The home was owned by William Ellery Channing Eustis, and remained in the family until 2012 when it was sold to Historic New England. The Eustis Estate offers tours for a fee.

We had a lovely Adventure to the Eustis Estate Museum. I was looking forward to visiting a new local estate and had emailed the Estate previously to ensure dogs were allowed on the grounds. Upon arrival we immediately located a wild flower path scattered with Goldenrod and Queen Anne’s Lace, so beautiful! We walked on the path enjoying the colorful flowers, the view of the Estate from afar, and of course enjoying great company. We took many photographs and appreciated the picturesque footpath. We soon discovered that this path looped back to the Estate.

From there we wandered over to the Estate walking around it and looking at the various details. There was not much to see, but I admired the intricate characteristics of the structure, various colored bricks, brilliant arches, and a grand porch high above the ground. We also observed some large trees on the property, likely ancient in years. From there we strolled around the estate, locating what almost appeared to be a small orchard. It was a little unclear in some locations where the property continued, but we walked as far as it seemed appropriate. I think my favorite aspect of our visit to the Eustis Estate Museum was actually the flower path, definitely spectacular. My only disappointment was a dog off-leash quite far away from the owners – in a leash required zone. However, so glad we could visit the Eustis Estate (Rating: Blog will not be rated as the indoors of the property was not visited).

Throwback Adventure – Rutland State Park – Massachusetts

I have decided to return to posting new “Throwback Adventures” after taking time to re-post some of my favorites with Shadow. This has been a therapeutic process for me to share. We are devastated that both Shadow and Buster have both passed, but find peace knowing we can continue to remember them through our “Throwback Adventures”. They were amazing boys and are forever in our hearts.

In July of 2013 Shadow, Buster, and I Adventured to Rutland State Park in Rutland, Massachusetts. Rutland State Park is a 300 acre Park that includes numerous trails and Whitehall Pond. As expected the Park is popular for: swimming, boating, picnicking, biking, and hiking.

We had a fun Adventure to Rutland State Park, many years ago. I remember enjoying walking with the boys on the nicely groomed trails, and also watching them enjoy a swim. It was a quiet location, and one that I have always thought I should to back, but have still yet to return. Another wonderful memory of an Adventure with my boys which I will treasure forever (Throwback Blogs will not always be rated).

Weekly Video/Photo

If you regularly follow my blog please skip to paragraph three…

I have decided to return to the “normal” Weekly Video/Photo section of my blog. As you likely know we lost Shadow about two months ago and I have been focusing this section on Shadow. However, I have peace knowing I will continue to highlight favorite photographs including Shadow and Buster. The plan will still be to still display a video or photo, usually highlighting an Adventure, while I might also sneak in some that are humorous, adorable, or just other fun dog moments.

If you have followed my blog from the beginning you will know that I adopted Shadow as a puppy, and about a year later adopted Buster as a puppy. We had many wonderful years together before experiencing the devastating loss of Buster at just seven. It took a long time for our hearts to heal, but almost a year later we welcomed little Wilma into our world. We were recently devastated to loose Shadow on April 3, 2020. It is so painful to know Shadow and Buster are both gone, but they will be in our hearts forever!

My feature today is an adorable photograph of Wilma at the Minute Man National Historical Park. This is one place we walk from time to time, and I absolutely love this garden. There were new blooms when we visited earlier this month, just lovely. Here is my flower girl, sweet Wilma.

August 17, 2020 – Cape Cod – Massachusetts

Today Wilma, My Mom, and I Adventured to Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Cape Cod is a peninsula in the Atlantic Ocean off the southeastern corner of Massachusetts. It is a popular summer destination known for the laid-back lifestyle. Cape Cod draws tourists for its beaches, lighthouses, ponds, villages, and the seafood shacks and restaurants.

We had a relaxing Adventure to Cape Cod today. We were able to visit: the Green Briar Nature Center, Highfield Hall and Gardens, Nobska Lighthouse, and Nobska Beach. We have visited all of these locations previously, although it was Wilma’s first for several. These locations included: gardens, a fabulous lighthouse, and a lovely beach. Unfortunately the Lighthouse was under some construction, but we still enjoyed our visit. I decided to do a photo collage of all of these four stops combined all in one! If you have any questions about the photographs, or locations feel free to contact me on the contact form, or in the comments. A beautiful day with wonderful company (Rating: 4).

Throwback Adventure – Skinner State Park – Massachusetts

In August of 2014 Shadow, Buster, Myself, and our extended family Adventured to Skinner State Park in Hadley, Massachusetts. The Park was named after Joseph Allen Skinner. Skinner State Park has hiking trails, and provides an auto summit. The summit provides panoramic views of the Connecticut River and surrounding areas.

We had a scenic Adventure to Skinner State Park. We were so glad to have our extended family join us at this location. We drove to the summit and explored the area. We went on the porch of the Summit House to view the scene from below. There were beautiful sweeping views of the area, including the Connecticut River. The kids posed on top of a large rock, and enjoyed walking the dogs. It is always fun to have a new Adventure and catch up with family while doing so. Definitely a special memory at Skinner State Park. We will have to return to check on the trails in the future (Throwback Adventures will not always be rated).

August 10, 2020 – Eastern Point Lighthouse – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Eastern Point Lighthouse in Gloucester, Massachusetts. The Eastern Point Lighthouse was built in the 1880s and is currently an active lighthouse. On the property you will also find: the oil house, radio beacon, fog horn building, and Dog Bar Breakwater. Access inside the fence is forbidden, however there are good views of the light station from the exterior. There is a $10 parking fee for parking.

We had a tranquil Adventure to the Eastern Point Lighthouse. We began our day with a long walk in Gloucester before heading over to Eastern Point Lighthouse. I have been interested in the Eastern Point Lighthouse for some time, and finally did some more extensive research which indicated that attendance is permitted. Upon arrival we found ourselves the only car in the parking lot, with two walkers just exiting. We immediately walked over to the rocky shore filled with colorful seaweed and the harbor scattered with bobbing boats. It was beautiful! We took our time appreciating the peace and beauty of our surroundings.

From there we wandered over to the breakwater. It did not seem as though we could get to there from the beach at first, but I soon realized that was the pathway. We viewed the Lighthouse from different angles as we headed over to the breakwater. The breakwater was very long, and provided easy footing, although not something I would recommend for those unsteady on their feet. We walked along and I continually peered back to see various viewpoints of the Lighthouse. The sun was quite shiny for photographs but I still snapped away. As we got further we noticed the breakwater was clearly owned by the seagulls but to be expected at a quiet coastal oasis. It was funny to hear them warning their peers of the deer-like creature heading onto their grounds. Wilma was eager to stare them down and loved all the new smells from the sea. At the end we found what I believe is the structure for the electric fog signal, almost a little lighthouse. A fun little aspect on the breakwater.

We then returned down the breakwater appreciating the ocean, boats, and view of the lighthouse from afar. Such a lovely location! And of course we ended the Adventure with some fun on the beach. Wilma enjoyed some digging, and attempted running energized by the coast. She rubbed her adorable face in the seaweed and waded in the water, continually sticking her nose in, quite entertaining to watch. I am glad Wilma finally recognizes that water can provide a cooling effect. Such a spectacular Adventure to the Eastern Point Lighthouse (Rating: 4.5).

August 5, 2020 – Lyman Estate – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Lyman Estate in Waltham, Massachusetts. The Lyman Estate is also referred to as the “the Vale”. The home was built in 1793, owned by shipping merchant Theodore Lyman. The home is a National Historic Landmark, and is rented for weddings, corporate events and also has a greenhouse on site. Tours of the home are available, but may be offered on a limited basis due to COVID. In addition the ballroom of the home was used for the 2019 film “Little Women”.

We had a relaxing Adventure to Lyman Estate. We arrived to find just one car in the parking lot. We decided to lounge in the shade for awhile as Wilma still appeared warm from our Adventure to Brookline Reservoir Park. After cooling down we wandered around the property first viewing the gardens, which were highlighted by beautiful phlox. We followed the garden to the greenhouse, which is currently closed due to COVID. From there we headed to the front of the home to take some photographs. The home was gigantic, and well maintained. There was not much to see at the property. We decided to enjoy one more lounge in the shade before heading home for the day. Not the most appealing location, but nice to cross another National Historic Landmark off the list. Glad we could Adventure to Lyman Estate (This Adventure will not be rated as only the grounds were explored).

August 5, 2020 – Brookline Reservoir Park – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to Brookline Reservoir Park in Brookline, Massachusetts. Brookline Reservoir Park has a trail around the Brookline Reservoir of approximately one mile in length. Brookline Reservoir is a water supply for Boston. The Park is popular for walking, jogging and fishing.

We had a nice Adventure to the Brookline Reservoir Park. I was planning a trip to Rhode Island but with the last minute changes to COVID travel guidelines we changed to this back up plan. I had been curious about the Brookline Reservoir Park for some time, so was pleased to finally visit. The Park has been under construction and re-opened in June. I was thankful to find available parking as we started our Adventure late arriving at 9:30.

As I had read in my research the “trail” requested a one-way traffic pattern. I appreciated this for several reasons, including the COVID precautions. We began on our walk around the Reservoir, surprised to find few visitors. There was not much to see, but we still enjoyed our walk. The path had numerous benches, and besides endless geese poop it was quite clean. We took our time as Wilma appeared quite warm in the sun. Wilma engaged in a humorous, random roll in the middle of the walking path, and laid down to rest as needed. She loved smelling the trees and often smiled at me as we trotted, my sweet girl. Although the path was a bit unappealing a good change of pace on this warm day. So glad we could Adventure to the Brookline Reservoir Park today (Rating: 3.5).

August 2, 2020 – Thoreau Farm – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to Thoreau Farm in Concord, Massachusetts. The home is also titled the “Wheeler-Minot Farmhouse/Henry David Thoreau Birth House”. As expected this home was the Birth House of Henry David Thoreau. Thoreau was a poet, and a philosopher. The property offers tours, but are currently closed due to COVID, however they are providing virtual tours online. In addition they have a partnership with the Thoreau Society for a writing program.

We had a short Adventure to the Thoreau Farm after a local walk. I was looking forward to visiting yet another historical homestead in the area. We parked and found one car in the parking lot, although saw no other visitors on our Adventure. We were greeted by a gorgeous tree, possibly a Catalpa, unique and spectacular. We wandered under the tree and headed over to the home. The home was simple but well kept. It had several gardens, benches, and a “monument” with a brief description of Thoreau and his work. We wandered around the home and appreciated the grounds. It was very small, but pretty in its own way. Wilma appreciated some happy rolls to celebrate our visit. So glad we could Adventure to the Thoreau Farm today (This Adventure will not be rated as only the grounds were explored.)

July 29, 2020 – Jamaica Pond – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I adventured to Jamaica Pond in Boston, Massachusetts. It is part of the Emerald Necklace Parks which were designed by Frederick Law Olmstead. Jamaica Pond is a kettle pond with a 1.5 mile loop path. The Pond also contains the Jamaica Pond Boat House which proves opportunities for rowing and sailing. As expected Jamaica Pond is popular for running, walking, dog walkers, and boating.

We had a blue sky-filled adventure to Jamaica Pond. I was excited to check out Jamaica Pond, our second adventure to an Emerald Necklace Park. We arrived bright and early and were pleased to find a parking spot on Pond Street. I was surprised to find it so crowded at this early time but yet thankful for people wearing masks.

We began around the loop, the sky bright blue, and the Pond sparkling. The loop was paved and almost continually provided views across the pond, a beautiful sight. I found most of the visitors were quite intensely focused on their workout routine, while our walk was more a bit more suburban in style (haha). We found several spots to take photos near the water, but unclear of the water’s purity, I decided not to let Wilma wade. We enjoyed our trot around the Pond, and checking out the boathouse with the colorful boats floating on the Pond. We did see several dogs off leash, leading us to take a slight detour to avoid the chaotic scene. Unfortunately we had one brief incident where an off leash dog charged at us, quite disappointing. Overall we found that guests adhered to the leash laws.

There were few squirrel sightings but Wilma still enjoyed our walk and exploring a new environment. We really did love our visit to Jamaica Pond. It is a pretty setting, a great place to exercise, and provided endless benches to sit and relax. Obviously this location is far from a secret per the crowds. So glad we could visit Jamaica Pond today. We look forward to exploring more of the Emerald Necklace Parks (Rating: 3.5)