Category: Uncategorized

July 6, 2019 – Gary’s Ice Cream – Massachusetts

Tonight Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Gary’s Ice Cream in Chelmsford, Massachusetts. Gary’s Ice Cream was founded by Gary Frascarelli who is a hands-on owner, creating, designing, and selling his products.  Gary’s Ice Cream is known for making each and every flavor of their ice cream.

We had a stomach-filling Adventure to Gary’s Ice Cream. We could not resist another ice cream Adventure after a hot and stormy day. Upon arrival we were not surprised to see few visitors with the storm just barely having passed through. The dogs put in their order (haha) while I decided to go for a root beer float. I was a bit disappointed to see store bought dog ice cream, although I guess that is not fair of me to complain as they did offer dog ice cream! A treat was also added to their order!

After receiving our goodies we headed over to the picnic tables in the grass. It was raining, but I did not see any lightning so we relaxed for a bit, savoring our refreshing deserts! There was a tiny scenic bridge, and some lilies, but overall a simple setting. We walked around after Shadow and Wilma finished their ice cream.  I then decided to bring home the remainder of my very large, and sticky float. I think my favorite part of Gary’s Ice cream was their dog loving ice cream cup!  It was nice to find yet another local ice cream shop on this stormy evening (Rating: 3).

 

July 6, 2019 – Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site in Brookline, Massachusetts. Frederick Law Olmsted is known as the founder of American landscape architecture. He titled his estate “Fairsted”, where he established the first full-scale landscape architecture office. He famously designed thousands of landscapes around North America. The property includes outdoor quarters, ranger led tours, and an indoor museum of the estate. There is no cost to visit this Historic Site, but donations are appreciated.

We had a steamy Adventure to the Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site. Our journey began bright and early, as I was hoping to avoid a predicted hot and humid day. We quickly found parking, which was clearly marked by signs. We began walking down the street, and headed through a scenic awning, marking the entrance of the Site. We soon arrived at the main building where we found a descriptive brochure, and began ambling throughout the property. I for some reason expected a large manor, however it was very compact. We therefore wandered down every little path, and spot we could find. There were bright flowers, including lilies, and roses. The residence was simple, but picturesque, with green ivy-like leaves adorning the sides of the building. In several spots we were able to peer in seeing some of the museum displays. I was quite surprised how hot it was at this location, Shadow often tried to dive under a bush, while Wilma quickly was laying down and panting herself. I guess it worked out being a tiny estate, leading to a short visit.

As you would expect the buildings were not dog friendly, so we were not able to see the entire site, but enjoyed our outdoor tour. I debated blogging today, but figured it might be of interest to some visitors, especially those found of landscape architecture, and its’ history. Quite a simple Adventure today, but always pleased to visit a new location (Rating: Decided not to rate this location as we were only able to explore half of the Site.)

Throwback Adventure – Yorktown Battlefield – Virginia

I will have sections of my blog that I will title “Throwback Adventure”, and will plan on posting them every Thursday. These are journeys we have taken before I started the blog, but are well worth sharing. Many of these Throwback Adventures will include our Buster, who was known for his crazy tail, his happy howl, and his zest for life. We miss him dearly…he is forever in our hearts!

In June 2009 Shadow, Buster, My Parents, My Brother, and I Adventured to Yorktown Battlefield in Yorktown, Virginia.  Yorktown Battlefield was the site of the last battle of the Revolutionary War.  This Battle occurred in 1781 when the British Army surrendered to the French, and American forces.  This Battle officially ended the War for Independence.  Yorktown Battlefield is part of the Colonial National Historic Park.

We had a historic Adventure to the Yorktown Battlefield on a sunny Virginia day.  This was one of many weekend Adventures we had on our family vacation.  My parents and brother drove from Massachusetts, while Shadow, Buster and I drove up from our home in Tampa and we met in Virginia.  This was also the first time my family met Buster, about seven months at the time, making it quite a special memory for all.

So as you probably are aware, my Throwback memory is far from clear.  However I remember enjoying our Adventure to the Yorktown Battlefield.  The Park was very dog friendly, with bright green grass, and lots of history to appreciate.  As expected, dogs were not allowed in the buildings, but we found many shady spots to relax while our family could explore the historic buildings from the inside out.  It was really a vacation where we built many cherished family memories.  So glad we were able to Adventure to the Yorktown Battlefield.

 

Weekly Video/Photo

If you regularly follow my blog, and the weekly/video photo I would recommend skipping on to paragraph three, specific to this week’s video/photo.  I have decided to add a weekly video/photo section to my blog.  This blog will 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.

So 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.

Today’s feature is a photograph of Shadow and Buster taken in January of 2015.  We were on an Adventure after a snow storm, hiking on some local conservation land in Massachusetts, near where we were living.  Although winter can be long in New England, the snow is magical!  The trees were plastered in white, creating a lovely scene.  We never let the weather stop us and enjoyed many snow filled walks during the winter of 2015.  I had run into hunters in this area previously, so that is why you see my boys adorned in their orange gear.  Wonderful memories of snow walks with my boys.

 

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July 1, 2019 – Ware – Hardwick Covered Bridge – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, My Mom and I Adventured to the Ware-Hardwick Covered Bridge in Gilbertville, Massachusetts.  The Ware-Hardwick Covered Bridge was built in the 1800s.  It spans the Ware River, and is one of the few original covered bridges in the state.

We had a fun Adventure to the Ware-Hardwick Covered Bridge.  We had just finished a walk at Dunn State Park in Gardener Massachusetts.  Dunn State Park is a small, and simple park yet quite pretty.  I decided not to blog about Dunn State Park today as I have done so previously, however you can read this blog at:  https://wp.me/p9RZ48-1s6, or by typing it directly into the search box.   (This is my first attempt at linking a direct website to an individual blog so bear with me if it is not successful on this first try.)

We arrived at the Ware-Hardwick Covered Bridge to find parking a bit limited so my Mom and I took turns walking through and along the Bridge.  We were also able to wander down to the waters edge to take some photographs and enjoy the sounds of the rushing River. The Bridge was especially lovely from the side with a colorful wood grained panel framing the top of the lattice windows.  The red front did not appear to match the style of the side, however added some bright color to the structure.  We sauntered back and forth, pleased to see minimal vehicle traffic and no other visitors.  A short but nice visit to the Ware-Hardwick Covered Bridge today (Rating:  3)

 

June 30, 2019 – Vandenberg Esplanade – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Vandenberg Esplanade in Lowell, Massachusetts.  The Vandenberg Esplanade is a paved trail along the Merrimack River that is approximately one mile in length.  I believe it may be part of the Lowell Heritage State Park.

We had a nice Adventure to the Vandenbert Esplanade.  If you ready my last blog you are already aware that my weekend started out quite frustrating with car issues cancelling our weekend Adventures.  However, we visited the Heritage Ice Cream and Restaurant, a somewhat local spot, and accidentally discovered the Vandenberg Esplanade across the street.  Although a simple, urban park I was thrilled to find an area to explore, knowing my car was in rough shape.

I decided to drive to the parking lot, versus crossing the very busy Pawtucket Road.  It took some time to find a spot where u-turns were permitted, but once we did we quickly located the parking lot.  We strolled along the paved path, Shadow and Wilma enjoying the city smells, and exploring a new site.  The River view was scenic, benches aligning the path, and bright green trees throughout.  There was a storm heading in from afar, making for quite the picturesque sky, and even a brilliant lightning strike across the River.  There were many people walking, some socializing on benches, and of course some dog walkers.  Two visitors asked me some questions about Shadow and Wilma, commenting about Wilma:  “she is still stubborn isn’t she”? which actually brought a smile to my face as I often think that to myself.  Although she did not do anything in particular to bring on the comment, I still found it humorous.  We are continuing to work on training, but there is no doubt that she is our PAWFECT pup!  Admittedly I often get compliments on how well my dogs are behaved!  100% PAWFECT pups!

Although it was not too hot on our Adventure today, Shadow appeared a bit warm so we only walked for about thirty minutes or so, attempting to keep at a continual and steady pace.  Shadow attempted several times to head down the stairs into the water, but there was alot of trash in the River, so I decided otherwise.  Poor guy!  (PS – Don’t worry he got a neighborhood swim in this morning 🙂 )  We had a pleasant walk along at the Vandenberg Esplanade, a nice surprise find (Rating:  3)

 

June 30, 2019 – Heritage Farm Ice Cream and Restaurant – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Heritage Farm Ice Cream and Restaurant in Lowell, Massachusetts.  Heritage Farm has homemade ice cream, burgers, and sandwiches.  It was established in 1976 by the current owners, however previous to that date it was an ice cream shop as well.  Heritage Farms is known for sponsoring free entertainment, for their Classic Car show, and for being a contributing member of the community.

We had a refreshing Adventure to the Heritage Farm Ice Cream and Restaurant.  I started the weekend feeling quite frustrated, again having car issues which forced me to cancel our weekend Adventures.  However, I decided to risk a somewhat local stop providing some variety to our daily neighborhood walks and backyard fun.

We definitely appreciated our visit to Heritage Farms, which had a vintage, and patriotic vibe. I quickly ordered two dog ice creams, and decided on an orange sherbert cooler for me.  Only one size available for my cooler creating an extra-large experience, but of course I did not have any problem sipping it down.  The Farm was very quiet, so we were able to sit for a bit and enjoy our tasty treats.  There was a cute little merry go around for the little ones, and some mechanical cars for riding.  The “Farm” was nicely decorated, with white petunias, american flags, and colors preparing for this July 4th week.  I would have preferred the “Farm” to be away from the main drag, however, a bit unrealistic in an urban setting like Lowell.  A unique stop, and although the ice cream was quite pricey, the taste was well worth the cost.  If we are ever in the area again, we might just visit have round to at Heritage Farm Ice Cream and Restaurant (Rating:  Ice cream: 5, Outdoor Restaurant:  4, Location:  3).

 

Other Tidbits, Fun, and News

I am excited to let you know that I have added a White Mountain section to my Menu.  This will include all of the White Mountains Adventures that we have had.  Our Adventures to the White Mountains will also be in the New Hampshire section, and if they involve a waterfall they will also be included in the waterfall section.  In addition, if one of my Weekly Video/Photo’s was from the White Mountains you will see them in this section as well.

We have had many Adventures to the White Mountains and this will help those looking to visit that area specifically to have lots of great dog friendly ideas!  And if you are not a dog person you still can get many fantastic, and gorgeous ideas of one of the most amazing spots in New England!

So excited for this new feature!  Enjoy!

Weekly Video/Photo

If you regularly follow my blog, and the weekly/video photo I would recommend skipping on to paragraph three, specific to this week’s video/photo.  I have decided to add a weekly video/photo section to my blog.  This blog will 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.

So 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.

Today’s feature is a photograph of Shadow and Wilma, I believe in the Fall of 2017, as Wilma is still a small puppy!  This photograph was taken at one of my favorite local parks, which I have yet to blog about.  I find it a perfect representation of our Adventures as both Shadow and Wilma are posing, somewhat synchronize, on a lovely bridge surrounded by the gorgeous Fall.  Our absolute favorite time of year!

Glad to share this Weekly Photo today…

 

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