lauraclassical

@lauraclassical

Live my life by the Desiderata, Golden Rule and gratitude. I still believe Good is stronger than Evil & that the Arts remind us of that. Life’s too short: eat chocolate!

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lauraclassical@lauraclassical· 16d

Good morning, my friend! Happy #Monday! One week from today, I begin as Morning Host on the World Classical Network. Please tell your friends! Hear us on 95.9 WCRI (RI) and 90.9 WSCS, (NH), or on the internet anywhere else! I’m so excited I could burst! Squeeeeeee!

lauraclassical@lauraclassical· 19d

Good morning, my friend!Happy #FriYay! Welcome to our wkly visit in #mygarden. Let’s head to the #backdeck where we’ll see the gardens beyond as we sit among 9 flower planters, each one planted differently. I hope it’s a #magical place for #respite & lowering one’s BP! #peaceful #bloomscrolling 🌸🌼🌺

Pink geranium in the center surrounded by ipomoea “Marguerite” and deeper pink calibrachoa.

Bright orange zinnias tower over soft purple calibrachoa and blue lobelia.

Pink Dahlias surrounded by white-purple petunias and light blue lobelia.

Had to show you a surprise gift my garden gave to me: I experimented by planting lobelia in each pocket of an old strawberry pot, except….yellow and red snapdragons showed up in one! Nice surprises are always welcome!

lauraclassical@lauraclassical· 20d

Good morning, my friend! Sharing my favorite breakfast omelet recipe with you because I care. Be well fed so you can enjoy the day! 🍳🍰

Meme shows a large slice of chocolate layer cake with chocolate frosting.
The words say: “I had this delicious omelette this morning. I seasoned the eggs with sugar, oil, and chocolate, and threw in a little flour for texture.”

lauraclassical@lauraclassical· 21d

We had a ball. We didn’t climb up to the observatory because I knew his little legs couldn’t do it but I promised him for when he’s a but older! Here’s the sign:

lauraclassical@lauraclassical· 21d

Good morning, my friend! Sharing pics from Fri when I took grandnephew (almost 4) to #BlueHills #TrailsideMuseum. Natural history exhibits inside, walking trails & rescued animals outside. You don’t need kids to enjoy this day close to nature. Go! (clic on pics) #woods #MassAudubon #NatureWalks

Welcome sign to Blue Hills Trailside Museum. Sign explains that Mass Audubon operates the facility on behalf of Mass Dept. of Conservation and Recreation. Also explains that the animals here are rescues (injured, displacement or suffered parental loss).

Native Solitary Bee Condominium.
Can you see the holes in the logs? That’s “tunnel nesting!”

A rescued otter plays with a blue amusement box. Gives the little guy a plaything in addition to his climbing rocks and logs and swimming pool.

One of 2 turtles seen that day in the turtle pool. Signs everywhere explain what and why you’re seeing…

lauraclassical@lauraclassical· 22d

Good morning, my friend! I’ve always felt that #Tuesdays can be as tough as #Mondays. Hang in there. ❤️👍

Meme show a disheveled cat and the words: “Hello Tuesday, be kind to me. Monday just left and I’m still recuperating.”

lauraclassical@lauraclassical· 23d

A few more, (sorry for earlier duplicates)

lauraclassical@lauraclassical· 23d

Here are 3 more to amaze & delight…

“Don’t Look Inside” by California artist Joon Park.

“Birds Eye View of Your City” by Bouke Atema of The Netherlands. Just look at that perspective!

“Sweet Dream” by Slavian Borecki of Poland.

lauraclassical@lauraclassical· 23d

Here are some more:

lauraclassical@lauraclassical· 23d

Good morning my friend! Happy new week! Hubs & I went early to the annl #RevereBeach #SandSculpting Competition on Sat ‘coz we wanted to see the #artists at work. The process is as amazing as finished piece! 1st pic is the “welcome sculpture,” then 1st, 2nd, 3rd place winners! (tap for descrips)🐚🏖️❤️

The largest sand sculpture at the Revere Beach International Sand Sculpting Competition is usually the main welcome piece. This year’s piece featured Paul Revere on his horse (on far right) for the nation’s 250th, and soccer players (since FIFA matches were here in Boston)…

Ist place winning sculpture, titled “Odyssey.” Artist Jobi Bouchard from Canada is working on far right.

2nd place winner was “Overprotection” by Marie-Line Gagne from Canada.

3rd place winner was “Digital Hideout.” Artist Hanneke Supply is seen on the right, behind the sculpture.

lauraclassical@lauraclassical· 26d

Good morning, my friend! Inviting you to our traditional “Happy #FriYay” #respite in #mygarden. 1st time I’ve seen blues & pinks on the same #hydrangea shrub (learned that’s from inconsistent soil pH!), all the rest are solid colors. Same old garden, new surprises. May you discover such delights! 🩷🌸

Blue hydrangeas with deepening color as the blooms mature.

Only one of my blue hydrangea shrubs also has pink mopheads this year! First time I’ve ever seen this!

lauraclassical@lauraclassical· 27d

Of course! 🍒 My late dad’s favorite type of candy. I keep a pack or two (or 50) of them around in his memory!

lauraclassical@lauraclassical· 27d

Good morning, my friend! Today is #NationalCherryDay! Look what I just made for the 1st time to celebrate! “Cherry Pie Bites” with a sprinkling of powdered sugar. Enjoy your day, and remember: If “Life is just a bowl of cherries,”* make pastries! 🥧 (*from 1931 song of that title)

Just made a batch of “cherry pie bites” in honor of National Cherry Day today! I learned that powdered sugar melts into the crust if sprinkled too soon. Let them cool… be cool…

lauraclassical@lauraclassical· 28d

Good morning, my friend! I’m wearing a 🎶❤️ t-shirt today: it’s official! THRILLED to share that I’m Morning Host on the World #Classical Network as of Aug. 1st!!! I’ll be on air M-F, 6-10AM, bringing you the best music and great company! It’s internet #radio so you can hear me anywhere!🌎 More soon!🎶📻

Been bursting to tell you!!!
I’m the new Morning Host of the World Classical Network as of August 1st!!!! And the new owners are the original owners for whom I worked years ago!❤️🎶❤️🎶❤️

lauraclassical@lauraclassical· 29d

Good morning, my friend! Sharing my latest column in Boston’s Post-Gazette. Meet in-demand real estate atty Larry DiCara, who holds the record (at 22) as the youngest person ever elected a Boston City Councillor! 50 years later he still does public service, and has written a Boston-centric novella!📖

My latest every-other-week column in Boston’s Post-Gazette with the youngest person ever elected a Boston City Councillor. Now 72, Lawrence “Larry” DiCara was just 22 when he won his first election!

lauraclassical@lauraclassical· Jul 13

Good morning, my friend! Mondays can be tough so here’s some #MondayMotivation for you! I wish you a wonderful day! (PS: Big personal news coming later this week! Please check back with me!!)

Felt letter board with the words:
“You can totally do this”

lauraclassical@lauraclassical· Jul 10

Good morning, my friend! Happy #FriYay! As the July 4th hubbub and popular vacation week ends, I invite you to our wkly #respite in #mygarden. #Sunshine is this week’s color theme! My day lilies, daisies and both garden & potted lantanas are defying early clouds. Crack a smile, enjoy your weekend!🌞

African daisies attract bees and butterflies!

The hummingbirds love my ground lantanas! Remember, these are tropical plants, and if you want them to last in our northern region/zone, you must cover with mulch and burlap sacks over the winter.

Trying my hand at a potted hanging lantana this year. Instant cheer!🌞

lauraclassical@lauraclassical· Jul 9

Good morning, my friend! On the outside of yet another store on Rt.9 I saw 4 occupied #nests tucked between its metal eaves. Eggstraordinary! 1st photo (tap to enlarge) shows 2 nests, the most I could fit in from approx 2 stories below. Protective parent on adjacent beam? #LookUp #nest #LifeSavors 🪺

Look up! Here you’ll see 2 of the 4 nests (to the far left and far right of photo) where the metal roof extends beyond the outside wall.

Occupied nest and adult bird in the very next niche.

This bird kept watch. Didn’t move from this perch the whole time I was plant shopping below, but it was watching every single move every one of us shoppers made.

lauraclassical@lauraclassical· Jul 8

Good morning, my friend!The day after July 4th I heard the first #back-to-school ads. Then I stopped in a hardware store Monday as a #Halloween display was being assembled. I’m all for bring prepared, but I also want folks to live in, and enjoy, the moment. One day at a time, ok?😘 #WednesdayWisdom

A Halloween display being assembled on July 6th.

lauraclassical@lauraclassical· Jul 7

This is correct! Words I live by!

lauraclassical@lauraclassical· Jul 7

Good morning, my friend! Happy #WorldChocolateDay! Not to be confused with upcoming International Choc Day 9/23 and National Choc Day 10/28, so don’t take down your decorations yet! (PS: While designated days are important, some of us know that every day is a chocolate day. Just sayin’)🍫💝🍫💝🍫💝🍫

A large piece of chocolate sits atop a mound of cocoa powder. The words say “7th July, Happy World Chocolate Day”

lauraclassical@lauraclassical· Jul 6

Good morning, my friend! I hope you had a wonderful holiday and didn’t overdo? Unlike my friend Iris lying on the grass in #mygarden. Why? Iris: I found all the weekend festivities Irisistable, ok? So, Iris you’d leaf me alone now. Be a bud, and if anyone asks, let’s just chalk it up to… #Monday. 👍

One of my garden irises found lying on the grass. No sign of animal-caused damage. Pretty sure it’s a case of the “Mondays.”

lauraclassical@lauraclassical· Jul 4

Easy peasy! (I always try to make something cute for every holiday & fam/friends get-together!) I couldn’t find chocolate-covered Oreos, so I bought melting chocolate and dipped them myself.

lauraclassical@lauraclassical· Jul 4

Good morning, my friend! Just wanted to wish you a nice 4th holiday once again! 🇺🇸 (I’ll enjoy the day once everything is done: our gear is standing by, the red, white & blueberry trifle is done, and only have 24 more #eagles to make!) and TG4AC!! Enjoy Robin Williams as “The Flag”: rb.gy/0llrbk

lauraclassical@lauraclassical· Jul 3

Good morning, my friend! Happy #FriYay! After the week that was, it’s time for our traditional Friday #respite in #mygarden! But let’s go early while it’s cool enough to enjoy. This week, we’re red, white & blue for the #250th! Stay cool😎, stay hydrated, & Happy Birthday America! #America250 🇺🇸🎂

Though some colors have been blooming here and there for a couple of weeks now, this past week all my lilies made a grand entrance together…

All my Shasta Daisies are in the same area, sitting in front of large plain green shrubs. They really brighten that plot!

My blue hydrangeas are starting to show up! The blooms are still small but they’ll fill out soon. These were planted by one of the previous house owners so I don’t know the name, but once they grow full-size they grow into a heart shape!

lauraclassical@lauraclassical· Jul 2

Good morning, my friend! More photos of #AmericanRevolution sites here in #Boston. The Old State House, site of the 1770 #BostonMassacre , & 2 views of the “Eleanor,” one of 3 ships from the 1773 #BostonTeaParty protest. (Always clic on pics for descrips) #History #America250 #FreedomTrail 🇺🇸

What we call the Old State House had been the Crown’s “head office” in Boston Town. Note the British “lion and the unicorn” atop the facade. It’s the city’s oldest surviving public building, built 1713. In 1770, protesters gathered, British soldiers fired into the crowd, 3 died instantly, 2 died of their wounds by the next day. Known as the Boston Massacre.

The “Eleanor,” one of three ships colonists, disguised as Native Americans, boarded on the night of December 16, 1773. They smashed and threw overboard 342 chests of tea (92,000 pounds) to protest the tea tax. Worth as much as $3-million in today’s money. They were protesting the Crown’s “Taxation Without Representation” from The Tea Act of 1773, which gave 1 company, the British East India Company, an unfair monopoly on the American tea trade.

Another view of the Eleanor. Notice the tethered box floating beside her to the right. Tourists get the chance to throw the tea overboard… then they’re hauled back up for the next tour group!

lauraclassical@lauraclassical· Jul 1

Oops… just responded and accidentally deleted!🙄 I haven’t done any gravestone rubbings there (sorry, don’t know if allowed) but had done several tomb brass rubbings in England (in places where allowed/encouraged)….

lauraclassical@lauraclassical· Jul 1

Good morning, my friend! Just revisited #Boston250 sites for the upcoming holiday! The Granary Burying Ground on the #FreedomTrail is the final resting place for hundreds of #AmericanRevolution #patriots. Over 5,000 are buried here, but only 2,300 markers remain. (clic on photos for more info) 🇺🇸

Grave marker for John Hancock, wealthy businessman and first signer of the Declaration of Independence. He purposely signed his name large so King George III could “read it without spectacles.”

The small headstone on the right of the commemorative marker simply says “Reveres Tomb.”

Headstone placed in 1906 marking “The remains of Samuel Gray, Samuel Maverick, James Caldwell, Crispus Attucks and Patrick Carr,” five men killed by British soldiers in front of the Crown’s Governing Office, later the first Massachusetts State House, in what is known as The Boston Massacre.” Soldiers shot into a crowd of 309-400 protesters. Crispus Attucks, a black man, was the first killed.

Grave marker for Robert Treat Paine, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

lauraclassical@lauraclassical· Jun 30

Good morning, my friend! Sharing my latest column in Boston’s Post Gazette! Meet retired surgeon Paul Sergi who has brought the Italian language to a local high school. He hopes to expand the offering to middle schools as well. An AP course level & studying abroad options are on his “To Do” list! 📰🇮🇹