tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63238710700066605132024-03-14T02:26:40.625-04:00A Wicked Good BlogPatrick Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926201709853231010noreply@blogger.comBlogger449125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323871070006660513.post-72090265784600187762023-11-23T14:20:00.002-05:002023-11-24T08:32:14.061-05:00Fresh Turkeys<p style="text-align: center;">A few weeks back, during a momentous and love-packed wedding ceremony, the references flew fast and furiously, welcoming Heather's husband Ryan into a family that celebrates special holidays with an early morning 5K. For his part, Ryan admirably offered up some nervous but brave laughs every time the reference was made.</p><p style="text-align: center;">It took less than a month for him to realize this was really a thing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitvQpWNopAsGrG88cxO3YEYdkoaUaaRhUHCzpqbpbDfj0BN52vip8qS-kGTff3HHEj_RLstzokXoyhYRp-fDapzn8wJjGPGuhK_TqFoOtgBq7HcKERK55LVEO8t_wj6fjcwqdNn3QPCnQ3WoQ90RLWeMfH195LVqIjcTD-FHbTvy1BXwQPQKQDdxvzC4s/s2016/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitvQpWNopAsGrG88cxO3YEYdkoaUaaRhUHCzpqbpbDfj0BN52vip8qS-kGTff3HHEj_RLstzokXoyhYRp-fDapzn8wJjGPGuhK_TqFoOtgBq7HcKERK55LVEO8t_wj6fjcwqdNn3QPCnQ3WoQ90RLWeMfH195LVqIjcTD-FHbTvy1BXwQPQKQDdxvzC4s/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">The turkeys were let loose again in Westford this 2023 Thanksgiving morning, and the ever-expanding cast of characters grew by another two this year, with Ryan and my brother Jimmy adding their pitter patter to the early morning footfalls.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIWKksHeJw9pvNrwvB6F1hhghvLai01ywIGxESTD8Ilw5poYqzKd2myuuzJjiqxX9hR5L90x-WT3PwXOuLCeILYGajZUjgogPh9COXT8pFd2r7bJWp44xnWvXmZuUAZfwyBYyqc5X6l57icdC1lytUgDRnI_gnfzEHMlgGHvftNazWxDL6tjBfiKgoez0/s2016/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIWKksHeJw9pvNrwvB6F1hhghvLai01ywIGxESTD8Ilw5poYqzKd2myuuzJjiqxX9hR5L90x-WT3PwXOuLCeILYGajZUjgogPh9COXT8pFd2r7bJWp44xnWvXmZuUAZfwyBYyqc5X6l57icdC1lytUgDRnI_gnfzEHMlgGHvftNazWxDL6tjBfiKgoez0/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Kudos to the Paternell family of Westford who opens their home, street and neighborhood to welcome dozens of runners and walkers into the Lake Nabnassett area on Thanksgiving morning. The family collects food items for the local food pantry as the race entry.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">A bit slick on the roadways to get things started, but runners and walkers persevered through icy conditions to create another bank of laughs and great memories.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Westford guest star John Piekos returned to his running roots - the streets where many a mile was logged in the earliest days of E Streeter group runs - home of the classic Lake Run, in fact.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirSKxVLohFJ6HiHkkG6UOACV1x8JgOlMthiqHZJLj6fJSIEDEn613ruCv3xXcp9Esu3zxbjkUkYH9N6vJs6ZnUs_lYyHA1cNijwBAfjEFP_itU7JL_XU3qFLZq2uUqEfetEOcW4qs2uHgzdbDeQIe21Wx4QWg2QTaXCCCow37el7RZ6fkX8W4DJaJ6uk/s2016/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirSKxVLohFJ6HiHkkG6UOACV1x8JgOlMthiqHZJLj6fJSIEDEn613ruCv3xXcp9Esu3zxbjkUkYH9N6vJs6ZnUs_lYyHA1cNijwBAfjEFP_itU7JL_XU3qFLZq2uUqEfetEOcW4qs2uHgzdbDeQIe21Wx4QWg2QTaXCCCow37el7RZ6fkX8W4DJaJ6uk/s320/3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not surprisingly, Haley Lemay continued to crush the opposition, scaling the course's biggest hill without even losing a breath</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_QrYZ6JYiUwuZW1Qr5q4VrrPwDgegFiddDov19XqAe-qmWZujpjFNa4kD3nhwCFxGpbf4_0rpeBLjj0tWf3tpkviWUtKGDGBK9WfMkV4onpFYRfCR8az0PReS9XX3w3-CUfS_g0j6VT4OmoNj1nfm4SqRkxvQkq1fP111wODf-rBIuO1frlrHLQXxK8/s2016/4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_QrYZ6JYiUwuZW1Qr5q4VrrPwDgegFiddDov19XqAe-qmWZujpjFNa4kD3nhwCFxGpbf4_0rpeBLjj0tWf3tpkviWUtKGDGBK9WfMkV4onpFYRfCR8az0PReS9XX3w3-CUfS_g0j6VT4OmoNj1nfm4SqRkxvQkq1fP111wODf-rBIuO1frlrHLQXxK8/s320/4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Followed VERY closely behind her sisters, Addy and Brook, who ran the course in tandem</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2Nn6O7rWPRAZieBHfsR2yf6A7JJqeE8XDLExKylquA6FrncUemyy_8mmkQmyf57nt-NvEOnwum80mMm5GpaSEfUAKjWhBj4vwmoR51pvuuQZf1DNEUsqdldDs6yD5Xit0X59rXRA5DMyl6NS31WvVqP19df-wmBjUNr0YVUrLSIMR1Nyjt-qm6oFLZA/s2016/5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2Nn6O7rWPRAZieBHfsR2yf6A7JJqeE8XDLExKylquA6FrncUemyy_8mmkQmyf57nt-NvEOnwum80mMm5GpaSEfUAKjWhBj4vwmoR51pvuuQZf1DNEUsqdldDs6yD5Xit0X59rXRA5DMyl6NS31WvVqP19df-wmBjUNr0YVUrLSIMR1Nyjt-qm6oFLZA/s320/5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Throughout the course, Jimmy returned to shades of his running form from his days at Keith Academy High School in Lowell.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Ryan wasn't taking the bait - YET.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCTMSKCLyG3zP6-_AlyIX121GTfrdZ8MslpSQkM9YbVFG8j0nM1hXIFQJF9WpcM5hgfujLpNA1PX04DLJYH93ReMjpZlZPrKJh0IQr5KtCPBOKdE-7E8uKtj5Xf6lnTpXQsxDhgxjw_omRy7TO5T0eaqVcmPtsiiXCyGC_bfAQguGwDCxO1UqTaE0es4/s2016/6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCTMSKCLyG3zP6-_AlyIX121GTfrdZ8MslpSQkM9YbVFG8j0nM1hXIFQJF9WpcM5hgfujLpNA1PX04DLJYH93ReMjpZlZPrKJh0IQr5KtCPBOKdE-7E8uKtj5Xf6lnTpXQsxDhgxjw_omRy7TO5T0eaqVcmPtsiiXCyGC_bfAQguGwDCxO1UqTaE0es4/s320/6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Chris and Brianne Lemay ran, as they always do, step for step with one another, with proud papa cheering them on</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukC9awomak0qpe2h255V4KHnM7Mnx7VgW1Xon9630Iei1a1UgZeSxgA0iB9KUSzPOg5nPd0rCfa3sMMNUXBcfNVUFh_FWUDX4unM5VYpAqcWfonlBhCtPfXE96iOpDOU-b_NPClvtdHb9sAjUHAGxIFmMT6ITchs6_1BzN33MWhN1HPfYnIpSoYeqEfA/s2016/7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukC9awomak0qpe2h255V4KHnM7Mnx7VgW1Xon9630Iei1a1UgZeSxgA0iB9KUSzPOg5nPd0rCfa3sMMNUXBcfNVUFh_FWUDX4unM5VYpAqcWfonlBhCtPfXE96iOpDOU-b_NPClvtdHb9sAjUHAGxIFmMT6ITchs6_1BzN33MWhN1HPfYnIpSoYeqEfA/s320/7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chewie made his return to the course. Regular readers of the blog may recall last year's Thanksgiving 5K on this course was Chewie's first official race entry.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Today, the Turkey Trot veteran waited patiently for his family so he could show them the proper course to follow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-52SmgwIqHfPxuL3-9GbtQ66oEoqIs-SD7ngXj7QKSbnkCRlSca7letuRFnsLjndtezD0uxacrsQXU2kIFsF46WYRGzP6-uyTnxZF5ihpXoNKNs3rgsAZAkM_SQk5oqXx8BSHnaeu-7mQYuzgGW92NL-LtGUzL2yqo-jByEqchVUhgXldwH7Bm_sFv4/s2016/8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-52SmgwIqHfPxuL3-9GbtQ66oEoqIs-SD7ngXj7QKSbnkCRlSca7letuRFnsLjndtezD0uxacrsQXU2kIFsF46WYRGzP6-uyTnxZF5ihpXoNKNs3rgsAZAkM_SQk5oqXx8BSHnaeu-7mQYuzgGW92NL-LtGUzL2yqo-jByEqchVUhgXldwH7Bm_sFv4/s320/8.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqXj9UJ13gfhqjNxSy6YM5WAT-oEZidKjIPKWrQK8uEzHKv0ejPj4xD9SNmQgvPz4ednroE34R90-IuN4SwAsCp9JXYsW_cPhgOnKmTgIRx3UBdKTNh5gl7EBnhby6g56I8r8xP9fBgmny8j4_nXFyeXHYv6dCBnnxHKte2VQUyahXITEVnAQtkfkcP_I/s2016/9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqXj9UJ13gfhqjNxSy6YM5WAT-oEZidKjIPKWrQK8uEzHKv0ejPj4xD9SNmQgvPz4ednroE34R90-IuN4SwAsCp9JXYsW_cPhgOnKmTgIRx3UBdKTNh5gl7EBnhby6g56I8r8xP9fBgmny8j4_nXFyeXHYv6dCBnnxHKte2VQUyahXITEVnAQtkfkcP_I/s320/9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Image presented without comment</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZW7C_eOxaiQxFa3SBXSm-v7IZZCLxcgHgsXyBgJGPGgEa_sBa-I9pysug2dGlnLO7aoWQYnp097EAciWZAyIsPC_pJaMlhGua8tiQnXsY6j3n800ZC6WTyTpj8cAHpKC0iYFx6G9Au3YYxXIN1ljFmma_QvC5TcyjFRBzGKHFHZLh4aUMvH_K_zQpzU/s2016/10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZW7C_eOxaiQxFa3SBXSm-v7IZZCLxcgHgsXyBgJGPGgEa_sBa-I9pysug2dGlnLO7aoWQYnp097EAciWZAyIsPC_pJaMlhGua8tiQnXsY6j3n800ZC6WTyTpj8cAHpKC0iYFx6G9Au3YYxXIN1ljFmma_QvC5TcyjFRBzGKHFHZLh4aUMvH_K_zQpzU/s320/10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In fact, there were quite a few turkeys to be found out there today. Special shoutout to Katie who found an adrenaline burst mid-course and picked up her tempo!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQ914jGnEwWYapQa_hSP68C4YBqLls7l5x1HRFjaafkIS0T7WiCvUOsJuWrh2VMN1Fp9bHwfQkWm-0FYvPZlbGYf52Z7Zj_TD8_sM-36Ara9piFaGmJHAoF7JYkEQP6Ws3dMeQ4QG0F9tEE4D3oyotO5JDriFhR2p944NqlexJM1aG8BSLVnZigMRWSo/s1600/23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQ914jGnEwWYapQa_hSP68C4YBqLls7l5x1HRFjaafkIS0T7WiCvUOsJuWrh2VMN1Fp9bHwfQkWm-0FYvPZlbGYf52Z7Zj_TD8_sM-36Ara9piFaGmJHAoF7JYkEQP6Ws3dMeQ4QG0F9tEE4D3oyotO5JDriFhR2p944NqlexJM1aG8BSLVnZigMRWSo/s320/23.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYDehPsdNrYD2CgHBu_zEaRiUvpLg78gy-TuOE6vVjDRGuY4EIviUT3vn3JAke1UhjYSIMwt4WQzQcLCoFnSrXptTZsW0LufGivsrBn1OtRRqOWvKYElON3HvzP7xRpUnqKxi_feHXcq8vDjZoF_EtpBERUy0yqu5TBF8RJq4EG-TbD4bjWB0LmIidK0/s2016/11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYDehPsdNrYD2CgHBu_zEaRiUvpLg78gy-TuOE6vVjDRGuY4EIviUT3vn3JAke1UhjYSIMwt4WQzQcLCoFnSrXptTZsW0LufGivsrBn1OtRRqOWvKYElON3HvzP7xRpUnqKxi_feHXcq8vDjZoF_EtpBERUy0yqu5TBF8RJq4EG-TbD4bjWB0LmIidK0/s320/11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTm-dGYT60KH0j52INWIbeOIAKVINsFi0vdRpp2RZ56N2D7Ja5UCF-ZAfB0YoU1QX2vnNhkPB-kde_MVCj6IasLcOCV54XgO9Z_1v9zZc6MpTurFqKkAENm4PriaZU4C5bq4zWdrXBeuPiS7dHldrQdfuv7i8kef3mXNm_sQFU8gWWq8q4rWZb5bpEKlQ/s2016/12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTm-dGYT60KH0j52INWIbeOIAKVINsFi0vdRpp2RZ56N2D7Ja5UCF-ZAfB0YoU1QX2vnNhkPB-kde_MVCj6IasLcOCV54XgO9Z_1v9zZc6MpTurFqKkAENm4PriaZU4C5bq4zWdrXBeuPiS7dHldrQdfuv7i8kef3mXNm_sQFU8gWWq8q4rWZb5bpEKlQ/s320/12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And then came the unforgettable finish.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thankfully there was plenty of paparazzi there to chronicle the moment for history.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With throngs of supporters raucously cheering them in, Jimmy and Ryan completed their first ever Thanksgiving 5K!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Can't say enough about the pair of them joining the fray.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ90NiaDC2nIKIPQ9GusUcKS8QpcKmpYNqPaGJki2UCQ0u621I_0ICo8s8wGLZLBBGkw5ZXmjLxxO9FupM0J4v6xpwQq3JinPteily8Mhn8h3ILk17GQGDB0xoB1YUPfbmxPxAaJiIzILh_hVsg7st35jC9Blua1KKfApxAYHyN4dxla_P3UWcvCz3GuA/s2016/14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ90NiaDC2nIKIPQ9GusUcKS8QpcKmpYNqPaGJki2UCQ0u621I_0ICo8s8wGLZLBBGkw5ZXmjLxxO9FupM0J4v6xpwQq3JinPteily8Mhn8h3ILk17GQGDB0xoB1YUPfbmxPxAaJiIzILh_hVsg7st35jC9Blua1KKfApxAYHyN4dxla_P3UWcvCz3GuA/s2016/14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEOqlI9-P9jDLx6evjzWo3WBj1PMCqkhtL9bGuOeI8tnaRe4EQY4cGn5Or0v_OG4oO2Kl5xsmffKTKgtsZ9jNtybk14gfAr5ajXQ8T3ZOgcG9kyM66PtXvvSRughzL-T-dZubTm6RwlHO0eyO5RfxsFGpeZ4_jjSBlzuXCUgmdlOVVrKiqcV-umuGy44/s1280/19.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEOqlI9-P9jDLx6evjzWo3WBj1PMCqkhtL9bGuOeI8tnaRe4EQY4cGn5Or0v_OG4oO2Kl5xsmffKTKgtsZ9jNtybk14gfAr5ajXQ8T3ZOgcG9kyM66PtXvvSRughzL-T-dZubTm6RwlHO0eyO5RfxsFGpeZ4_jjSBlzuXCUgmdlOVVrKiqcV-umuGy44/s320/19.PNG" width="180" /></a></div><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ90NiaDC2nIKIPQ9GusUcKS8QpcKmpYNqPaGJki2UCQ0u621I_0ICo8s8wGLZLBBGkw5ZXmjLxxO9FupM0J4v6xpwQq3JinPteily8Mhn8h3ILk17GQGDB0xoB1YUPfbmxPxAaJiIzILh_hVsg7st35jC9Blua1KKfApxAYHyN4dxla_P3UWcvCz3GuA/s320/14.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Can't you just hear the Chariots of Fire theme song playing in the background?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkx7mRl4jdk-e0odSeBXKCL3AGbH9BfbVBkS6zT5E7rxnQZKCV5LINObjDOsk2qLvL_nYh10SiCvgdtN6RxBXAaQ2c8SxTsJ1xhrogIXOVSQxX11XNpFvXuk5_uu6KWWFOm1Ov44X6bg78PcY_M42jlSGFITV6m4kMH1aDAcikxnfOWIoqzCaWFewXcW4/s1334/18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="639" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkx7mRl4jdk-e0odSeBXKCL3AGbH9BfbVBkS6zT5E7rxnQZKCV5LINObjDOsk2qLvL_nYh10SiCvgdtN6RxBXAaQ2c8SxTsJ1xhrogIXOVSQxX11XNpFvXuk5_uu6KWWFOm1Ov44X6bg78PcY_M42jlSGFITV6m4kMH1aDAcikxnfOWIoqzCaWFewXcW4/s320/18.jpg" width="153" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZ0yiOMGpfo4Py9bmazd7eizA2hx1qSrUix1XleosC14dPFSudKqQTYNCDJL8jeIeftFtzin_arXqTkpaGwroOgzwufIvVvva6lmreYvIAMSH6T-2xckeEnOMYwGt90EyaofJK1YM-3nHsKa1QNTa1GBeJ6z-DOEVJSlb7bWbtfzx0GR720Wj6FDvXZE/s1199/17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="666" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZ0yiOMGpfo4Py9bmazd7eizA2hx1qSrUix1XleosC14dPFSudKqQTYNCDJL8jeIeftFtzin_arXqTkpaGwroOgzwufIvVvva6lmreYvIAMSH6T-2xckeEnOMYwGt90EyaofJK1YM-3nHsKa1QNTa1GBeJ6z-DOEVJSlb7bWbtfzx0GR720Wj6FDvXZE/s320/17.jpg" width="178" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And kudos also to the rest of the clan, including Jackie, Heather, Andrew and Katie who answered the early bell and bundled up for this year's outing!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt3GUmGRjLleHLXSkD_1TFA5jW_pzuABLG3jx5sa_Ctul6pEvDMaWzUUU24C_6KNKX97ZIAoOfqEheFoWF3GtHPAHXKHSHMWC5yD25-rt58WrQv7YFhyssl3oQU2Xl8voMWz6zBb3xtLxsrLxCRd5inQ5j4G6eRvXXhY82UZu_djvcU1a2c4M2M2rEFHc/s1280/21.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt3GUmGRjLleHLXSkD_1TFA5jW_pzuABLG3jx5sa_Ctul6pEvDMaWzUUU24C_6KNKX97ZIAoOfqEheFoWF3GtHPAHXKHSHMWC5yD25-rt58WrQv7YFhyssl3oQU2Xl8voMWz6zBb3xtLxsrLxCRd5inQ5j4G6eRvXXhY82UZu_djvcU1a2c4M2M2rEFHc/s320/21.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Haley once again claimed the coveted brussell sprouts prize for her award-winning placement!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwGRHKq56G6RzY5oRhyphenhyphenNUK7nOQojFUBARs2UmIl_MVOGJOlMqwx6BI0Cmpf7nc3ReZry-o5yl7MDQF2tM-vw55DmGiJsIPfM17guiOc836qXfYlTHziYtB8ALRIhCbmvRi-BtNuF5Uypr3VlpnecvO9yCd32q6BNe3rh27uSXLHEHEeULX0BTX438Cyw8/s2016/15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwGRHKq56G6RzY5oRhyphenhyphenNUK7nOQojFUBARs2UmIl_MVOGJOlMqwx6BI0Cmpf7nc3ReZry-o5yl7MDQF2tM-vw55DmGiJsIPfM17guiOc836qXfYlTHziYtB8ALRIhCbmvRi-BtNuF5Uypr3VlpnecvO9yCd32q6BNe3rh27uSXLHEHEeULX0BTX438Cyw8/s320/15.jpg" width="240" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Silly faces all around for Andrew and Harper</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwvyb9E3Y4DLFpbjlM5UQ8J5bY1sJsk6A3U6Q6SzTiF2theneFb2dzrDDoFNmrf_6-CPKxaoLa_qarzaIDhlckw1jY3Qzhm3hK0wW2Uh8TIMb-lsLgrrHFyGEne1TmOD50gNW5nQEN9mPjeAdyuDEut66wervztT7dQgiCvwK7KFiFYNo3-wHiT_pPR1I/s480/22.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwvyb9E3Y4DLFpbjlM5UQ8J5bY1sJsk6A3U6Q6SzTiF2theneFb2dzrDDoFNmrf_6-CPKxaoLa_qarzaIDhlckw1jY3Qzhm3hK0wW2Uh8TIMb-lsLgrrHFyGEne1TmOD50gNW5nQEN9mPjeAdyuDEut66wervztT7dQgiCvwK7KFiFYNo3-wHiT_pPR1I/s320/22.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Heading back to their cars, the two newest Turkey Day 5K converts have mixed reactions when asked about their next 5K conquest.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9eL_lJo3qHNu3xGCvoptMw1eE6HO-imA-ChKs4DoDwjS44FdkdhWVVdmjqNpdAjSJZC5xapxFLhuQZgFOLIxAuErABFfL0HCNuWONg-09VpTqWi_XAm8R5kblhfjAbz-G93tusMrb2m7VIwDAL_6CyjLriSH7dE2AxOD1oubw5dKXMJcHmp8yEYplKTk/s2016/16.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9eL_lJo3qHNu3xGCvoptMw1eE6HO-imA-ChKs4DoDwjS44FdkdhWVVdmjqNpdAjSJZC5xapxFLhuQZgFOLIxAuErABFfL0HCNuWONg-09VpTqWi_XAm8R5kblhfjAbz-G93tusMrb2m7VIwDAL_6CyjLriSH7dE2AxOD1oubw5dKXMJcHmp8yEYplKTk/s320/16.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once again, giving copious thanks for being able to blog about these types of exploits every Thanksgiving. And once again, thankful we're all still healthy enough to do so. There have been more than a few health scares up and down the collective ranks over the course of the last year, but we're all still here and all still cheerfully forging ahead.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thankful for our extended and growing family, thankful for friendships that have spanned decades and logged thousands of miles together, thankful to watch offspring blazing their own familial trails, and thankful for a life partner who makes it all feel effortless.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yeah, giving thanks in abundance.</div><br />Patrick Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926201709853231010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323871070006660513.post-67294716698135345122023-09-09T22:03:00.003-04:002023-09-10T08:22:11.958-04:00When a Friendship is Golden<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">September, 1973 - 50 years ago, and there was a lot going on across the Big Blue Marble. Star Trek the Animated Series was making its television debut. Hank Aaron was busy making baseball home run history. Billie Jean King beat Bobby Riggs in the tennis Battle of the Sexes. Barbra Streisand released the Way We Were single (which went on to become the Billboard Single of the Year.) And at St. Margaret's School where I was starting the fourth grade, I bumped into a new kid, a transfer in from St. Patrick's School, one of the city of Lowell's other Catholic Schools.</span></div><p style="text-align: center;">That was when I first met Mike Cassidy.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJzSNQBamh6_aXSURF7LAm3zAudxF3fzN-N_cRJgNOYiXFSiEScRJVu8MPAOKTUy2m624XLZIx3iJHyr0bPVYLPIzt8TOhIVBYxQJ3dm_UnUzmVXIUuWz8qipKtkPKCXlpwPKrNcZlhrLPB292YpPvCWcmEgA_fDFQfD_8UDmBDtz5481shZR-VHIo_6s/s1288/4.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1248" data-original-width="1288" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJzSNQBamh6_aXSURF7LAm3zAudxF3fzN-N_cRJgNOYiXFSiEScRJVu8MPAOKTUy2m624XLZIx3iJHyr0bPVYLPIzt8TOhIVBYxQJ3dm_UnUzmVXIUuWz8qipKtkPKCXlpwPKrNcZlhrLPB292YpPvCWcmEgA_fDFQfD_8UDmBDtz5481shZR-VHIo_6s/s320/4.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Interestingly, St. Margaret's split its classes in two - A and B, and Mike and I were never officially in the same class there, likely because the nuns knew the volatility of the combination were we to be paired up in the same room.</p><p></p><p>But somehow, me and this kid from Foster Street - another Highlands boy, me, hailing from D Street, connected and became fast - and, as it turned out - lifelong friends.</p><p>And anyone who knows anything about either of us won't be shocked to learn it was comic books that brought us together.</p><p>At that young age of 9, I was primarily a Marvel Comics fan, though I did dabble in a decent smattering of DC Comics. And Mike was primarily a DC guy, with Batman topping his buy list. I still remember some of the first comics I know Mike owned that I didn't, and thankfully, this was in the day when you traded comics back and forth to read.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCN8yKaMPHnRrvPcIqZk7QS7AKTM3Sdsus6jvBxzOgzXcoX_ynN6V6SMkIfH8wM5UBgbONDPF0j8YJqYKk5X5SnyFezyEyPKxLe173exiwE3HuSncEDnRxuJFKRjLzrGZxIBvSwtdiit3MB8dMPMP5CK892od-dlHegIIXU9ds8gYAJePN0gPJ_Cu8yTg/s1914/Batman_209.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1914" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCN8yKaMPHnRrvPcIqZk7QS7AKTM3Sdsus6jvBxzOgzXcoX_ynN6V6SMkIfH8wM5UBgbONDPF0j8YJqYKk5X5SnyFezyEyPKxLe173exiwE3HuSncEDnRxuJFKRjLzrGZxIBvSwtdiit3MB8dMPMP5CK892od-dlHegIIXU9ds8gYAJePN0gPJ_Cu8yTg/s320/Batman_209.webp" width="214" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBj6wDFKI08_OuNDAiS5Ez6t2qCcVXyGVFgwKm98CP9FB-XpVxG_-DqFrL0xt6XW4SkRV-3BI2W_M4aqtVZPDkPRC1Ybvmb7zHPphOiQpujEIegkkGZjD5I0FJDsjdsnZMx7CxBHVUJReNWjHIOSURRH-fx33JCdd-UsIlw_U9_wpHVNiOCSsVsIE7hC8/s623/142-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="623" data-original-width="420" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBj6wDFKI08_OuNDAiS5Ez6t2qCcVXyGVFgwKm98CP9FB-XpVxG_-DqFrL0xt6XW4SkRV-3BI2W_M4aqtVZPDkPRC1Ybvmb7zHPphOiQpujEIegkkGZjD5I0FJDsjdsnZMx7CxBHVUJReNWjHIOSURRH-fx33JCdd-UsIlw_U9_wpHVNiOCSsVsIE7hC8/s320/142-1.jpg" width="216" /></a><br /><br /></div>I offer up all of that background, because in the ensuing years, those two comic book geeks have remained friends, and to this day, are still hanging in there, through FIVE DECADES of shared memories, including way, way, way too many that should never see print, and certainly won't in this blog.<p></p><p>We've travelled back and forth across the United States together, were Best Men in one another's weddings, have raised our children together, and attended more than a hundred rock concerts together, many of them being not surprisingly, Bruce Springsteen shows.</p><p>Wonder Bread super-hero cards, Looney Tunes jelly jars? 3D baseball cards in cereal boxes? We collected and experienced them together.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQdZfjl-gf1Qh0Yv6-_ZLJxxBStnmAczMa72Gj6zcXEDLAVZ2Nf8aiWUgzGeC3Yah1968d_PsKL_lB8dRJWAIjcQn7NNJSxvW4JUgwmVGMXFs2lD5lA7xeVR-kdQU-9WiWLbY6EU_vZINZUllhstsA0WV3QukI-fP-u733G_mUplZlVntDug4wUyRqEM/s1368/wonderbread.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQdZfjl-gf1Qh0Yv6-_ZLJxxBStnmAczMa72Gj6zcXEDLAVZ2Nf8aiWUgzGeC3Yah1968d_PsKL_lB8dRJWAIjcQn7NNJSxvW4JUgwmVGMXFs2lD5lA7xeVR-kdQU-9WiWLbY6EU_vZINZUllhstsA0WV3QukI-fP-u733G_mUplZlVntDug4wUyRqEM/s320/wonderbread.jpg" width="175" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7T5r4XaSzVFv9-hSWe1XpkPCSdunjt5v08HXxsLAWFsc9Vw7iakY29W1h-WditB8PHV2njQ9UNwZtymA2YBiTbMr-MwSARGGi4Uv3OTXlia8mKM421XsXi1ZPWxgliegowh12uSWfcthNbiyx-82HA9a4IBm8DHd3zv7fRkaDNinvTEl6mQJ5LvNfQXU/s1600/3D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7T5r4XaSzVFv9-hSWe1XpkPCSdunjt5v08HXxsLAWFsc9Vw7iakY29W1h-WditB8PHV2njQ9UNwZtymA2YBiTbMr-MwSARGGi4Uv3OTXlia8mKM421XsXi1ZPWxgliegowh12uSWfcthNbiyx-82HA9a4IBm8DHd3zv7fRkaDNinvTEl6mQJ5LvNfQXU/s320/3D.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbBUgW6084tZ0b-6C9OvwCn0AIRa63LGAYYNGpMp63npdRXFQpS_HATlIc2m56wrCWF2XeuHq62aDNo48oMidkIbOtoactsK7n0_6mLSX-qEe4DQy7vEuKRH1HTfW1sl0kKLu9eM3W6hFJcY2emglOqD6JaxNKMfFz2jMxDHahxw_YwwzlCOK3dvMYi2Y/s400/Jelly%20jars.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="276" data-original-width="400" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbBUgW6084tZ0b-6C9OvwCn0AIRa63LGAYYNGpMp63npdRXFQpS_HATlIc2m56wrCWF2XeuHq62aDNo48oMidkIbOtoactsK7n0_6mLSX-qEe4DQy7vEuKRH1HTfW1sl0kKLu9eM3W6hFJcY2emglOqD6JaxNKMfFz2jMxDHahxw_YwwzlCOK3dvMYi2Y/s320/Jelly%20jars.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Our parents, especially our Irish fathers, used to jokingly refer to us as "Pat and Mike," which apparently hearkened back to two blokes from an Irish joke tandem, though the references were usually lost on us.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSf0AHkF_SpGYM9EhSXxidYak0lO6qwqPo-b0vKXEEoiK1Keewc9Pvv3Y3WjtWBwsjIEQlX_ZfJD46Q0i3aotBMKipH5Q4iBbpmM8o5bIVDrsQwCWKbghh_Ym3Qk5reA5F092RJNIGdbWBYarsfMp9GBcsH-wbW1s3muKTxODIZnpUpkTjuY-g7SJ6T0/s2016/25.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSf0AHkF_SpGYM9EhSXxidYak0lO6qwqPo-b0vKXEEoiK1Keewc9Pvv3Y3WjtWBwsjIEQlX_ZfJD46Q0i3aotBMKipH5Q4iBbpmM8o5bIVDrsQwCWKbghh_Ym3Qk5reA5F092RJNIGdbWBYarsfMp9GBcsH-wbW1s3muKTxODIZnpUpkTjuY-g7SJ6T0/s320/25.jpg" width="240" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Mike and I would finish grades 4-8 together, continuing to make new memories along the way, likedoling out Star Wars calendars and suffering together through the Sgt. Pepper's remake movie featuring the Bee Gees.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5C-YUpiBCFi8Yg00rdXVxEGASxeioKR2iUoC2ssFM48d-DAjrlUyXefpI4wx-fOwxb2yrmQGzduq1tRbEuPrJ9jq2eKFE6Vhftuin536AlpLsfVBlqeUBfHhpSWWFJ-ZCvxXLuBKNW4fPstZQRbhCtDYiYx2ko4DXkhCIVFcC4HrqTAwdZfmQaiaAXkQ/s2016/9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5C-YUpiBCFi8Yg00rdXVxEGASxeioKR2iUoC2ssFM48d-DAjrlUyXefpI4wx-fOwxb2yrmQGzduq1tRbEuPrJ9jq2eKFE6Vhftuin536AlpLsfVBlqeUBfHhpSWWFJ-ZCvxXLuBKNW4fPstZQRbhCtDYiYx2ko4DXkhCIVFcC4HrqTAwdZfmQaiaAXkQ/s320/9.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja5dWfxLWRMgrLseibgHUsxatCgXM5ZFpY4rBdDZ6b2O6mOXjuAQc2eD-AcL6712SwYjkLKERhgfgQIX41G-tlC4oQYOXgiaHCtPkIS5dvXNmiMfDPVznKqFm0jSIud0bOmo_L72CFmwekessdrXVW4vWXSM9u3DUdDUPVIcA-H3r30wHuqXYtn0quCAQ/s2016/10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja5dWfxLWRMgrLseibgHUsxatCgXM5ZFpY4rBdDZ6b2O6mOXjuAQc2eD-AcL6712SwYjkLKERhgfgQIX41G-tlC4oQYOXgiaHCtPkIS5dvXNmiMfDPVznKqFm0jSIud0bOmo_L72CFmwekessdrXVW4vWXSM9u3DUdDUPVIcA-H3r30wHuqXYtn0quCAQ/s320/10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And then it was on to high school and a lot of Hiding on the BackStreets.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This time, the nuns didn't know enough to keep us in different classes, though they did learn quickly, separating us our sophomore and junior years.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYiLqhhWeod_6T2-1MlqX4xm0atHdrduQAZbMVqZaUMdkUJZE4yirpr4_2veAuvD0-yeOsSQbsklMegbr8rVdYS4CGHD4LAVexwTwPw-pw66llwBp_SX3oYzvnAvnl8jx5GFYCFZQxjD0ZrfbaoDh4M7SZJcyb_4IEbJ5n-Ms12JBRL3q9euZAiyd1ckA/s960/16.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYiLqhhWeod_6T2-1MlqX4xm0atHdrduQAZbMVqZaUMdkUJZE4yirpr4_2veAuvD0-yeOsSQbsklMegbr8rVdYS4CGHD4LAVexwTwPw-pw66llwBp_SX3oYzvnAvnl8jx5GFYCFZQxjD0ZrfbaoDh4M7SZJcyb_4IEbJ5n-Ms12JBRL3q9euZAiyd1ckA/s320/16.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Senior Year Field Day captains, rocking our Springsteen tees and realizing one of Sister Theresa's worst nightmares - having to pose for a picture with Mike and I.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMH9pw5xjkIVIH2M3r0EN6-lD8_1IQZt0yqcW2N4m90k1X-Pwor9FKmjV3aPn1GOWL3KofS4mkOJ6gC2c2v--L5SGPQkR-dp-ciw3WZBQ1JEfpeiD8VJ6397ZV5rCmF28cCN_1zGgjSFQhKqjByJhQvOG_ZpC7GRadn51m3pjiEJkrq5XzM2aRUUh1850/s1397/6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1397" data-original-width="1060" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMH9pw5xjkIVIH2M3r0EN6-lD8_1IQZt0yqcW2N4m90k1X-Pwor9FKmjV3aPn1GOWL3KofS4mkOJ6gC2c2v--L5SGPQkR-dp-ciw3WZBQ1JEfpeiD8VJ6397ZV5rCmF28cCN_1zGgjSFQhKqjByJhQvOG_ZpC7GRadn51m3pjiEJkrq5XzM2aRUUh1850/s320/6.jpg" width="243" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The circle of friends started to expand, and the likes of Tom Beaupre, Tommy and Barry Scanlon, Scott Spence and John Piekos joined the mix, creating, literally the OG E Streeters pack of friends, who made their bones breaking hearts and tearing up the volleyball and basketball courts at UMass Lowell, where Mike and I would once again reunite in the halls of kinda-learning.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There were literally dozens upon dozens of other friends drawn into this ever-expanding circle through the ensuing decades. Some we've lost to geography, some to death, some to the evolution of relationships that just naturally take people along different paths in their lives.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjjbl85U7xyopYptyrtBqmgGeUYRXNHoRMH6QM2IQPAOSvcuuK3ROdq2so2bpml9D7eAA2LwKC-X22Uj1PhHMPiOAl81nDDXfOYVDSndgJci3x17O6LngJ3QdZ3zSKzGng7823q0LrxsuOHd-xLgnkMLdjzXNWobHZKHaKVmR6Ydd2pDGoRTnLh6BivE/s975/Madame%20Maries.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="975" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjjbl85U7xyopYptyrtBqmgGeUYRXNHoRMH6QM2IQPAOSvcuuK3ROdq2so2bpml9D7eAA2LwKC-X22Uj1PhHMPiOAl81nDDXfOYVDSndgJci3x17O6LngJ3QdZ3zSKzGng7823q0LrxsuOHd-xLgnkMLdjzXNWobHZKHaKVmR6Ydd2pDGoRTnLh6BivE/s320/Madame%20Maries.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So how does one encapsulate five decades of friendship? It's impossible. Period.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But hopefully this quick peppering of images from throughout those years will give folks some insight into the kinds of shared experiences that go into charting a friendship for the ages.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Unforgettable memories, like cutting classes to party at Boston Celtics championship rallies, where Mike could capture an epic picture of me shaking Kevin McHale's hand.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Or busting out of class to wait in line for Springsteen tickets.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktAMdw-gz99xLkyYzV128fZDPFwJ3aRJxnUCk0ZmlpBf8OoKjy1UgkAcDidJoeDTkGDOJNwFYi__daAAfCOi0BWGjt8QjYaRU5UqrJYIBB-6fJKQH_FF6GGnBJxnDWHC8TMpy2TKVYbIBb-bLQX1sWGcclo4oySKzVg4VZ5GwUxM5DnJ4r0frzPqaCn0/s960/8.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="606" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktAMdw-gz99xLkyYzV128fZDPFwJ3aRJxnUCk0ZmlpBf8OoKjy1UgkAcDidJoeDTkGDOJNwFYi__daAAfCOi0BWGjt8QjYaRU5UqrJYIBB-6fJKQH_FF6GGnBJxnDWHC8TMpy2TKVYbIBb-bLQX1sWGcclo4oySKzVg4VZ5GwUxM5DnJ4r0frzPqaCn0/s320/8.JPG" width="202" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The Summer of '87 sent us off on a month-long, No Surrender coming-of-age 10,000 mile voyage from coast-to-coast. On the Road along the way, we followed the Celtics through their championship series against the Los Angeles Lakers, culminating in a life-and-death situation where we fled the LA Forum for our lives in my feeble red Renault Encore.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But we also managed to check in at some epic national treasures.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Meeting down at the Cadillac Ranch</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmEZzeRjss1upUUNbtdWUAAuGxnnHFFsBX7QK7g7MbWSMx9mEPxNB2E4eefxmhkjJrLtZCwbakNZVbIqoj-ixtTVGyYhs61bwqk7HCA9L014xBM5ZU6F4AsZKEmjRJQbJaNeTMV6l_ZIwSTu_I2pNa9HuntJ2bTyq2Q3NS9yl1tsr9RTXcxXja2FZsDkI/s2016/IMG_4658.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmEZzeRjss1upUUNbtdWUAAuGxnnHFFsBX7QK7g7MbWSMx9mEPxNB2E4eefxmhkjJrLtZCwbakNZVbIqoj-ixtTVGyYhs61bwqk7HCA9L014xBM5ZU6F4AsZKEmjRJQbJaNeTMV6l_ZIwSTu_I2pNa9HuntJ2bTyq2Q3NS9yl1tsr9RTXcxXja2FZsDkI/s320/IMG_4658.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Grand Canyon climbers</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTHydgQyaYtt2qOmdp4bqFcwRfwEvbco9NHb1b7NwY8SbbYEH5OdxfRTSwetm3cTzho8ao7U17VCYJjavKlzKYVqfUeajsehQkqufpy15c7A3Yarrsfh_jtpGwmV5HeBB5MqpUDFrFlZDQQEiiTbei4TtnUK99SRstqQr2XYb95O_qWhSlWaLyWgH55fo/s2016/IMG_4660.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTHydgQyaYtt2qOmdp4bqFcwRfwEvbco9NHb1b7NwY8SbbYEH5OdxfRTSwetm3cTzho8ao7U17VCYJjavKlzKYVqfUeajsehQkqufpy15c7A3Yarrsfh_jtpGwmV5HeBB5MqpUDFrFlZDQQEiiTbei4TtnUK99SRstqQr2XYb95O_qWhSlWaLyWgH55fo/s320/IMG_4660.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yosemite Sams</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8wYRGv0J1gSujZWDoEBJs1M2pffpv0hqFZGYU2FujPXu56yuXf56s2bwljoRBYgTJ4GasipmC3ZNiEMpx78BD2F7akzcbv37d05zyVNTvWCo0aHNOIy_xaOw3dK6chDWjHZoB8yoTZtFrLtdqj3AcndKOqFnUEgECKWau819IB-8Bc2LR1a-YW1MZtY/s2016/IMG_4661.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8wYRGv0J1gSujZWDoEBJs1M2pffpv0hqFZGYU2FujPXu56yuXf56s2bwljoRBYgTJ4GasipmC3ZNiEMpx78BD2F7akzcbv37d05zyVNTvWCo0aHNOIy_xaOw3dK6chDWjHZoB8yoTZtFrLtdqj3AcndKOqFnUEgECKWau819IB-8Bc2LR1a-YW1MZtY/s320/IMG_4661.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Grand again, this time, at the Tetons</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixafVjpGr-dGGXWFXw83IUjuCfIBdBjH9nfAwhZkXhUVHijVGGu7UPb9_U9JpLZbmwZKgWVxTQAzxboIYcWiik3O7vJ-UIyY8QAsDdv_4W5m4EnYkKzxHeKnMiO6aIc_jhvRZAOToOp471YRdR6eHZICQbtygMkQv_LOuhtHDk3EcyOwQDryhwVJ2omhI/s2016/IMG_4662.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixafVjpGr-dGGXWFXw83IUjuCfIBdBjH9nfAwhZkXhUVHijVGGu7UPb9_U9JpLZbmwZKgWVxTQAzxboIYcWiik3O7vJ-UIyY8QAsDdv_4W5m4EnYkKzxHeKnMiO6aIc_jhvRZAOToOp471YRdR6eHZICQbtygMkQv_LOuhtHDk3EcyOwQDryhwVJ2omhI/s320/IMG_4662.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Five years later, August 15, 1992, and he stood up for me at my wedding, just a few weeks after throwing together an unforgettable bachelor party trip to see Springsteen at the Meadowlands. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijkN0U4TOXRv4lKr6xmBxp1BLy3YvM5dZ9SP_mcZDOUDEOBqpGuRycAV39HlUMIsq-Yw5kFrWQefUA89Kh4BN6hiY1p-njYqlhexYB_Hnor0z-ZOveUYwRsllFMahRo7x4QtTqlDzL2HHPLN4VUTIJQ6nO5kW1oNGQaDvl5H6fWdEzW0qIdI5bRqkcHac/s1322/7.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1092" data-original-width="1322" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijkN0U4TOXRv4lKr6xmBxp1BLy3YvM5dZ9SP_mcZDOUDEOBqpGuRycAV39HlUMIsq-Yw5kFrWQefUA89Kh4BN6hiY1p-njYqlhexYB_Hnor0z-ZOveUYwRsllFMahRo7x4QtTqlDzL2HHPLN4VUTIJQ6nO5kW1oNGQaDvl5H6fWdEzW0qIdI5bRqkcHac/s320/7.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, we were those fathers guilty of the adorable babies Halloween pics, too</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXopg04oozYF5Yxasi7rI2YPg2Q4-cMHGC7AaQTpfyvw16Zzzx3JLudnCSGBTC4Im5Ipr5zKwNuHi14ehDyS-VBDu6AQ7iwBU2Zfq5GZGfCuD3XKtxbzqG67MloXuAGxTqxv-udx3dco5H6ZPa5WKOw_4YS4RFJt7XVPKE7Yaz203LhDjZTVpUKQmJXiE/s2016/babies.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXopg04oozYF5Yxasi7rI2YPg2Q4-cMHGC7AaQTpfyvw16Zzzx3JLudnCSGBTC4Im5Ipr5zKwNuHi14ehDyS-VBDu6AQ7iwBU2Zfq5GZGfCuD3XKtxbzqG67MloXuAGxTqxv-udx3dco5H6ZPa5WKOw_4YS4RFJt7XVPKE7Yaz203LhDjZTVpUKQmJXiE/s320/babies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the ensuing years, as we both began our families, career paths would place us a few doors away from one another, Mike working at the Lowell Fire Department, me at the Lowell Police Department.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And apparently both of us could wear racing singlets three sizes too large.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFOVnd7qlRw1G-jLxof13QTuoaz9YMt_AWhItId0Be2QYQPoNkxd2qw8UHTjf-XBp9T3x0ImNi4XQEzhIopqjVlHAZmXCiv_6RB1HFV3unfYw7rICWiC09Ugmq4yKVaQY2yiynFPkeC7wM3OTTTXTn42i-krlyNUiaYVHQVL5ASZzvgyEZ5TD2J5IqUmY/s1848/5.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1848" data-original-width="1244" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFOVnd7qlRw1G-jLxof13QTuoaz9YMt_AWhItId0Be2QYQPoNkxd2qw8UHTjf-XBp9T3x0ImNi4XQEzhIopqjVlHAZmXCiv_6RB1HFV3unfYw7rICWiC09Ugmq4yKVaQY2yiynFPkeC7wM3OTTTXTn42i-krlyNUiaYVHQVL5ASZzvgyEZ5TD2J5IqUmY/s320/5.JPEG" width="215" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As you can see, we continued to stand up for one another as we shared any number of life events, including sports banquets for our children at Lowell High School<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHMeSOsp-u669CQS3gfuGQyvKNDtKs-sq3PvVKCITAQcCi2B7sz7jsDIhUHiwXKg5622femyog5_MC-G1U27C_bFzNAwcVLi2gJ_7bRLGiZ9R411ie9xISTlzDvGDmeZQlNopyAoogeG61KJZFho1n0nTwpZCHZR9Xo7clIfxK4b6_ODgnIMM3HFngy-Q/s720/24.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHMeSOsp-u669CQS3gfuGQyvKNDtKs-sq3PvVKCITAQcCi2B7sz7jsDIhUHiwXKg5622femyog5_MC-G1U27C_bFzNAwcVLi2gJ_7bRLGiZ9R411ie9xISTlzDvGDmeZQlNopyAoogeG61KJZFho1n0nTwpZCHZR9Xo7clIfxK4b6_ODgnIMM3HFngy-Q/s320/24.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Occasionally, there was a broccoli vegetable tray that went awry at some of the kids' birthday celebrations. The less said about those, the better, but they might explain Mike's smile here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMfsK8TtoHjLBxAn54B0WVU9spM5UNohoo4OAEUZY3y9P3BQZ2naNOM1lnX13Fe_YLmVrgE-TFFRzkLFq8-Vros1aQwtNjLRzV4HxJa9tgpRud1KNkS7I1q5sQVbyr8oZF7X975CBhHm_lIn9ZqHSRb01MQI_GrpUWLoF-EdLFAYlYogIYvaG1se3UEc/s720/23.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMfsK8TtoHjLBxAn54B0WVU9spM5UNohoo4OAEUZY3y9P3BQZ2naNOM1lnX13Fe_YLmVrgE-TFFRzkLFq8-Vros1aQwtNjLRzV4HxJa9tgpRud1KNkS7I1q5sQVbyr8oZF7X975CBhHm_lIn9ZqHSRb01MQI_GrpUWLoF-EdLFAYlYogIYvaG1se3UEc/s320/23.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We got hammered together on many occasions. But in the end, I feel like we were worthy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqiagAUWpMWuPwxlBzXCS9DlXzU3QYzjnMb2BW5LHg-g53KwRiGcjMfI4g3SHR2AnLW_SMpaCr-lRA7OxQ08yYo9sFI1oCgge9z8oCuqXQiLm7SWNTexyLTGBykaPOIslMDwHd0YYw0vcaEzUH4LAaZivfottenRRHcQ9Icga1nbr5F7aWBCxqtJZqq4k/s960/17.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="780" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqiagAUWpMWuPwxlBzXCS9DlXzU3QYzjnMb2BW5LHg-g53KwRiGcjMfI4g3SHR2AnLW_SMpaCr-lRA7OxQ08yYo9sFI1oCgge9z8oCuqXQiLm7SWNTexyLTGBykaPOIslMDwHd0YYw0vcaEzUH4LAaZivfottenRRHcQ9Icga1nbr5F7aWBCxqtJZqq4k/s320/17.JPG" width="260" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Comic books stayed in the background throughout the half century tapestry of friendship, with more than a few trips together into comic conventions or local comic shops.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZHDN5z_egwnVhrIdoQYayF8nIj17i-h30HKyzdDEwFBIF2gGF_IBM9ILTvUwRkjiNP95XYgbB9Iw_AeHD0wCX0oPg0hz_wRkRI7n4gk4IeuiX_IL0KkceTfi7Nd7OgvtwhEn0fcT_TD95WwcQaBZXtrHP8KlRHqEn8K-DYscR1UgxyyHsSEXzJQwRKtI/s1632/1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1632" data-original-width="1224" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZHDN5z_egwnVhrIdoQYayF8nIj17i-h30HKyzdDEwFBIF2gGF_IBM9ILTvUwRkjiNP95XYgbB9Iw_AeHD0wCX0oPg0hz_wRkRI7n4gk4IeuiX_IL0KkceTfi7Nd7OgvtwhEn0fcT_TD95WwcQaBZXtrHP8KlRHqEn8K-DYscR1UgxyyHsSEXzJQwRKtI/s320/1.JPG" width="240" /></a></span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We even ended up together on the cover of an issue of the amazing Spider-Man.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcE7wx_fRmmMPoO2gnhkVsIkq7q9JO5GX4m8eNIxC7MI1dB-ZOKJ_w53nkRLpENJZ7_hrJxUMpuLF3MUcDWyPGO68fk9NF43SUKykFodepERoxYijJp28xOoPDfFrSX8N7CVBs2cDVZS1twSHYN3BByYT2Lw_JDjyRH-tn6zua_mSSrmpJzhRqseLToT0/s2048/Spider-Man.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1331" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcE7wx_fRmmMPoO2gnhkVsIkq7q9JO5GX4m8eNIxC7MI1dB-ZOKJ_w53nkRLpENJZ7_hrJxUMpuLF3MUcDWyPGO68fk9NF43SUKykFodepERoxYijJp28xOoPDfFrSX8N7CVBs2cDVZS1twSHYN3BByYT2Lw_JDjyRH-tn6zua_mSSrmpJzhRqseLToT0/s320/Spider-Man.jpg" width="208" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yeah, we fancied ourselves Agents of Shield</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZHDN5z_egwnVhrIdoQYayF8nIj17i-h30HKyzdDEwFBIF2gGF_IBM9ILTvUwRkjiNP95XYgbB9Iw_AeHD0wCX0oPg0hz_wRkRI7n4gk4IeuiX_IL0KkceTfi7Nd7OgvtwhEn0fcT_TD95WwcQaBZXtrHP8KlRHqEn8K-DYscR1UgxyyHsSEXzJQwRKtI/s1632/1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHkEt4y-KDsr6CQVEyLQBz__wcAJ7pGSp1YeGbU_bLeyJNeuhkRBqkDaOHkk85RGB06oryDIar2gnaxgaYlkG2k4_Qrt5Qqzj_iLPOB06QQ4RwvVagOHRWsbfG-VEqIPEXPKD7v_pUhytI4daY7Syp25nNUi0VQxIthHbh9iloXTIvZhSKqmkAHvUZ2Q/s2016/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHkEt4y-KDsr6CQVEyLQBz__wcAJ7pGSp1YeGbU_bLeyJNeuhkRBqkDaOHkk85RGB06oryDIar2gnaxgaYlkG2k4_Qrt5Qqzj_iLPOB06QQ4RwvVagOHRWsbfG-VEqIPEXPKD7v_pUhytI4daY7Syp25nNUi0VQxIthHbh9iloXTIvZhSKqmkAHvUZ2Q/s320/3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We swore blood brothers against the wind, Springsteen tailgate colleagues</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZupI50d-OSfJNQxTIqc8BGWjksNIsDNOGesxDZcN9d2CT23nJqQyplBwFKl10fedDOXJoD-69y_58ocIZ9GdKDh4YgPvsct57lYbxQ4lB7HA83hLeyIwuBfUKNa-_tdWQGOaS0f3pEkaIEB9tvPTKHwPX3bU6JvP4enLCs6-ggloz7MkBmHvNm9ZUshs/s1632/2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1632" data-original-width="1224" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZupI50d-OSfJNQxTIqc8BGWjksNIsDNOGesxDZcN9d2CT23nJqQyplBwFKl10fedDOXJoD-69y_58ocIZ9GdKDh4YgPvsct57lYbxQ4lB7HA83hLeyIwuBfUKNa-_tdWQGOaS0f3pEkaIEB9tvPTKHwPX3bU6JvP4enLCs6-ggloz7MkBmHvNm9ZUshs/s320/2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Almost annually, there were meet-ups at the home of twenty-five cent hotdogs every holiday season in Newburyport<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5lyvv_fACtGZtghSvP0DBaa3zrDZjvT9BVgkPu-BGn7MkYy9jx9oTbZkCkony1Qhuao6w9WAId12pct0mjZcN4YdmgbA6GlObb52yM1TqC2-5sxAlZmKneR8_AyQaF-ONg6jdAwQ0HlIQpzZkg3xgtuPfnvMH6VjVPdSngh0s_F4ZwdJ6LF9PLq-ECSw/s1280/14.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5lyvv_fACtGZtghSvP0DBaa3zrDZjvT9BVgkPu-BGn7MkYy9jx9oTbZkCkony1Qhuao6w9WAId12pct0mjZcN4YdmgbA6GlObb52yM1TqC2-5sxAlZmKneR8_AyQaF-ONg6jdAwQ0HlIQpzZkg3xgtuPfnvMH6VjVPdSngh0s_F4ZwdJ6LF9PLq-ECSw/s320/14.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sometimes, the birthday celebrations were our own<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1FQPkyejIumUgExRO4l-S31eNok0Kf07dFfKLTz0MYymlb4HmykuOf5UGU22ySF9fK0z-qZXpIwcv6C4psvoFnqfphvBG190Y3VKFymrD2kWKZ1z6Hevvh18OtBChscPy2I4yKNXP1SDtJDx1HTNZ0Gy237ij4y05VoiYPWsTCNLdWHzCx42-iM933Rs/s2048/22.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1FQPkyejIumUgExRO4l-S31eNok0Kf07dFfKLTz0MYymlb4HmykuOf5UGU22ySF9fK0z-qZXpIwcv6C4psvoFnqfphvBG190Y3VKFymrD2kWKZ1z6Hevvh18OtBChscPy2I4yKNXP1SDtJDx1HTNZ0Gy237ij4y05VoiYPWsTCNLdWHzCx42-iM933Rs/s320/22.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div></div>As youths, we envisioned ourselves becoming masked heroes in our latter years. Little did we know.<div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiws2A0M1IdMWcEq0HVa7I8x8iyrRuwCmeUhZJh4BUR11SXd57qQWoM6TQj_T69Wq7SUnGG9j4dZP0AKD2hNekicQNrJ8UXpDQwXgRcG8NUBPrO4Zk0QesPnulGKl5nqht_AYpJuKi6KkBsoc04r0yKAfA1Zm2WnHNIAVvSWB_GrjXBZhSsFdYASmrdBnM/s1280/15.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1016" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiws2A0M1IdMWcEq0HVa7I8x8iyrRuwCmeUhZJh4BUR11SXd57qQWoM6TQj_T69Wq7SUnGG9j4dZP0AKD2hNekicQNrJ8UXpDQwXgRcG8NUBPrO4Zk0QesPnulGKl5nqht_AYpJuKi6KkBsoc04r0yKAfA1Zm2WnHNIAVvSWB_GrjXBZhSsFdYASmrdBnM/s320/15.JPG" width="254" /></a></div><div>The guy who helped bring us together over common ground back in 1973 would make his return</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Ae-iBW6smbAEg6UEzMi3vMM8x0co8ixTtsQvfNJUhLm-4D-8LYacIBDbJCJXMgRbWrPbhfmOXItBMkEJS7B6NS2M89cbf0yVdL5BoMmqinoGlUwclXwU2LrlVZ31gPtx_jgDcCjQVNEtxIJPXKbjmQYbffkr2l5haw02q88Yj5g1wCF8K__mi06JDj8/s1280/12.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjUOWDysxDQFaNq7V7tR1VNm8cFo9NLV2pwe-9bUfEV6Y9y4Z1hestqSdJJK01_48enEGRT5yrZX2w_IBGdRtnWF_Z7RScbM2Xw3yXBRnbiu3_ROmG1GeGU1iAIBpOn9mTbpt2FSci8b42_IeoYl1E_0GdejvfcZTcfIAsyiJ32p5-_nTYr8hOdANGK1c/s960/21.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjUOWDysxDQFaNq7V7tR1VNm8cFo9NLV2pwe-9bUfEV6Y9y4Z1hestqSdJJK01_48enEGRT5yrZX2w_IBGdRtnWF_Z7RScbM2Xw3yXBRnbiu3_ROmG1GeGU1iAIBpOn9mTbpt2FSci8b42_IeoYl1E_0GdejvfcZTcfIAsyiJ32p5-_nTYr8hOdANGK1c/s320/21.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We've walked and run many a mile Racing in the Streets along the same pathways</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BZKxsnQXi5yqD2scS7fosYI_WmOwlQUbsDyZMCVrAM9b9m-rH6e9lEN7W2OMDWYBgxbOdrRj2d6TRH-wc6mSn8oGI8S5YeBKphslqq0cHsMVVgMlTZBLy9Wlrl3rv62PNxzFZ5boAxJxEgUyd2l0bWkNqF-2gGwLxDuYcdr5cAuk5SszEliPfj5l3yE/s960/18.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BZKxsnQXi5yqD2scS7fosYI_WmOwlQUbsDyZMCVrAM9b9m-rH6e9lEN7W2OMDWYBgxbOdrRj2d6TRH-wc6mSn8oGI8S5YeBKphslqq0cHsMVVgMlTZBLy9Wlrl3rv62PNxzFZ5boAxJxEgUyd2l0bWkNqF-2gGwLxDuYcdr5cAuk5SszEliPfj5l3yE/s320/18.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Ae-iBW6smbAEg6UEzMi3vMM8x0co8ixTtsQvfNJUhLm-4D-8LYacIBDbJCJXMgRbWrPbhfmOXItBMkEJS7B6NS2M89cbf0yVdL5BoMmqinoGlUwclXwU2LrlVZ31gPtx_jgDcCjQVNEtxIJPXKbjmQYbffkr2l5haw02q88Yj5g1wCF8K__mi06JDj8/s1280/12.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Japanese steak houses? We've done 'em</div><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Ae-iBW6smbAEg6UEzMi3vMM8x0co8ixTtsQvfNJUhLm-4D-8LYacIBDbJCJXMgRbWrPbhfmOXItBMkEJS7B6NS2M89cbf0yVdL5BoMmqinoGlUwclXwU2LrlVZ31gPtx_jgDcCjQVNEtxIJPXKbjmQYbffkr2l5haw02q88Yj5g1wCF8K__mi06JDj8/s320/12.JPG" width="240" /></div><div>And of course, we've shared many a memory at the Lowell Folk Festivals.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXkJoNEGIh4nIRsdJfkyiq30VGAKFpr-S_dUdASMdvwc858phlkMEaxPZZmgEaqnHMSeAdLEcGq5rHTEpzb0yP6xvsAYD0FZi7yYF9WsCdn2wVJunP2uT_x5Qy2NmLFvMHQE3d0HZYMflo5hu7vTeKXuUMIrh3t8JPGl97Xwmt1-Q1hewmjOpozUrKzyE/s1280/13.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXkJoNEGIh4nIRsdJfkyiq30VGAKFpr-S_dUdASMdvwc858phlkMEaxPZZmgEaqnHMSeAdLEcGq5rHTEpzb0yP6xvsAYD0FZi7yYF9WsCdn2wVJunP2uT_x5Qy2NmLFvMHQE3d0HZYMflo5hu7vTeKXuUMIrh3t8JPGl97Xwmt1-Q1hewmjOpozUrKzyE/s320/13.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Especially when it comes to the Polish pierogies, an ethnic treat Mike introduced me to early on thanks to his Polish grandparents.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTMVVRrj9VDQb4rL2uSt3G5IuVwXlZpCmfAUvmkg2fKyx7KiWvvSvxEV5xcrFupRlKGBHb8yIM7KYY4vuKDN5VMp4Uleh_9BLbsUCJ0JRsUctKuAKe_5uG2UWy7G-KFpUaqnq9IKhkytvV9ngLNdjgo6wvhGqjnAmSniMAlNFP4LqPSRGmExh562FyNlg/s960/19.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTMVVRrj9VDQb4rL2uSt3G5IuVwXlZpCmfAUvmkg2fKyx7KiWvvSvxEV5xcrFupRlKGBHb8yIM7KYY4vuKDN5VMp4Uleh_9BLbsUCJ0JRsUctKuAKe_5uG2UWy7G-KFpUaqnq9IKhkytvV9ngLNdjgo6wvhGqjnAmSniMAlNFP4LqPSRGmExh562FyNlg/s320/19.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Which brings us to the present, and lo, another Springsteen tailgate, this most recent one at Gillette Stadium just last month. </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbjNk3yXGpH9IfcgEjwFiejv9hmk8ESRlDYCiq2yrO3JbGHx7PJkesrt5YlRWTbCEpN8P7SN4t324wZVnwqD0YgN-EqbwdyzIi6BaCYWv6EZIbQsPuVde9VetooZ-3n25Z5OCr4C005_p6jCrcgE2nOrs_yEdW5LLZDETCQSNTrYLPTmIFkKphz8sUOU/s1280/11.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbjNk3yXGpH9IfcgEjwFiejv9hmk8ESRlDYCiq2yrO3JbGHx7PJkesrt5YlRWTbCEpN8P7SN4t324wZVnwqD0YgN-EqbwdyzIi6BaCYWv6EZIbQsPuVde9VetooZ-3n25Z5OCr4C005_p6jCrcgE2nOrs_yEdW5LLZDETCQSNTrYLPTmIFkKphz8sUOU/s320/11.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Time has taken its toll on each of us, as it inevitably does to all of us. There's been lots of changes along those five decades of history. Both of us have lost our parents along the way. We've been there for one another through some of the worst of times, yes, but unquestionably, also some of the best.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's rare that anything lasts a half century these days, especially a grammar school friendship when so many differing pathways emerge to divert one in different directions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yet somehow, all those roads still lead to the same Backstreets, and the courses of our lives continue to flow along common roads.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And in the end, we became living proof that the Marvel and DC universes could join together successfully, and a pair of Highlands kids joined by their common interest in comic books found a way to forge a friendship that has stood the test of time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And will for many years still to come.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSYy90tL1Ej733i5WIZ1yyDVnH5PJz63YZXTwQ32ajn4rRTllGb87yOVRAq8uyCb0tYVEKPRsqh4C_gAx2cGGHLLg7za9rGcFc59fvW1XUKkdzO-3hx4C6rrKGID8xR4EjSPODQ30_YTAiga8-udd4Kc_U9N-5DOlzLjFRZa1jVQY8WblTv0BfSGnuTg/s3771/Cap%20and%20Batman.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3771" data-original-width="2560" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSYy90tL1Ej733i5WIZ1yyDVnH5PJz63YZXTwQ32ajn4rRTllGb87yOVRAq8uyCb0tYVEKPRsqh4C_gAx2cGGHLLg7za9rGcFc59fvW1XUKkdzO-3hx4C6rrKGID8xR4EjSPODQ30_YTAiga8-udd4Kc_U9N-5DOlzLjFRZa1jVQY8WblTv0BfSGnuTg/s320/Cap%20and%20Batman.jpg" width="217" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We played king of the mountain out on the end</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The world come charging up the hill, and we were women and men</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now there's so much that time, time and memory fade away</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We got our own roads to ride and chances we got to take</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We stood side by side each one fighting for the other</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And we said until we died we'd always be blood brothers</div><div>- Blood Brothers, by Bruce Springsteen</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div>Patrick Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926201709853231010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323871070006660513.post-63318527755773339392023-08-25T22:18:00.004-04:002023-08-26T09:50:24.943-04:00There's Still Magic in the Night<p>It was December 3 1975, and my brother Jimmy had just celebrated his 22nd birthday. He and a friend were about to use a birthday gift he received from that friend: a pair of concert tickets for an up and coming rocker named Bruce Springsteen. That night at the Music Hall, the screen door slammed in the opening notes of Thunder Road, and Mary's dress would sway/wave and light the collective fuse of a musical and bonding movement for my family and friends that would cross five decades.</p><p>The 26-year-old musician from Freehold, New Jersey, had just released his third album, an LP entitled Born to Run. (The anniversary release date of that album, just coincidentally, was wedged between Springsteen's latest two local shows this week - August 25th). What followed was a kinetic musical explosion still hallowed till this day, one that didn't end that night until a Quarter to Three.</p><p>Jimmy and his friend were lucky enough to witness that show, and five years later in December, 1980, he would take his 16-year-old brother in tow to yet another brothers concert outing - following on the heels of my first live concerts, David Bowie, Queen and the Who. Those Springsteen shows in the Boston Garden and in Providence, R.I. would notch my first live Springsteen pilgrimages.</p><p>Four years later, on July 27, 1984 at Saratoga Springs, New York, the Bruce-net would widen, and several of my elementary and high school buddies would take their first live drink of Bruce Kool-Aid, as Bruce and friends slid into a cover of Credence Clearwater Revival's Who'll Stop the Rain to console the soaked masses huddled together in the New York downpour.</p><p>Eight years later, a Meadowlands concert would play host to my bachelor party, details of which cannot be revealed within this blog.</p><p>Flash forward to 2023, that same group has continued to expand in its numbers one by one by one, with more friends, spouses, and eventually, our children, joining the followers. (Like the E Street Band, we've sadly lost some of those friends along the way, but they remain with us as a proverbial Spirit in the Night whenever the opening chords are struck during the live performances.)</p><p>Collectively, our immediate circle has attended more than five hundred shows in various combinations, checking out Springsteen performances not just across the United States, but overseas as well.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mvrGTmcK-qBQWHh4emYsoImns8OgBMUGwIHnyxMy_h7ytd0rMcbz8m3M_25_39xQPgRjpZuZPJE_Sn7H0En0qSbkvVmIh9ddbGiNBXRobOYl_HEkbrw4PGxAwVO4itqkV3D1RkTY_uw5hlVmtJzAMDzgBkR3yTkqcyXAiYBknM-nbIlR31kmTHq_x9g/s1778/6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="1778" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mvrGTmcK-qBQWHh4emYsoImns8OgBMUGwIHnyxMy_h7ytd0rMcbz8m3M_25_39xQPgRjpZuZPJE_Sn7H0En0qSbkvVmIh9ddbGiNBXRobOYl_HEkbrw4PGxAwVO4itqkV3D1RkTY_uw5hlVmtJzAMDzgBkR3yTkqcyXAiYBknM-nbIlR31kmTHq_x9g/w390-h197/6.jpg" width="390" /></a></p><p></p><p>And this week, we indoctrinated two more first-timers into the experience that has shaped our musical lives, a live concert with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.</p><p></p><p>I'm proud to stand alongside our two newest live show converts - my beautiful daughter Heather and her fiance Ryan Fandl, a bonafide transplant from somewhere in the Swamps of Jersey.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5PfmiN-mC2JSgwgPMQ5e1UwSC-YPX0_qf7KS6Yim3byUQOVYD_LYx-bKskYeZvjscYYVe13dGDaZ5OeMoQ3xOBGXJn2_tq92HOLNjOZph2kas0KfLJlUAnYRI4BIcgSWZpywPf1YAAV2zN24MVnDfKKI9lTfCeQ8q_q7gCuOmMPFIJfrWq71nQ80-7Ns/s2016/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5PfmiN-mC2JSgwgPMQ5e1UwSC-YPX0_qf7KS6Yim3byUQOVYD_LYx-bKskYeZvjscYYVe13dGDaZ5OeMoQ3xOBGXJn2_tq92HOLNjOZph2kas0KfLJlUAnYRI4BIcgSWZpywPf1YAAV2zN24MVnDfKKI9lTfCeQ8q_q7gCuOmMPFIJfrWq71nQ80-7Ns/s320/1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Andrew, a longtime acolyte who's attended nearly two dozen Bruce shows with me since his first on May 27th, 2006 at the tender age of 12, gives his seal of approval to one of our new attendees.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcmNR17TlDMxGDDy2Oq898MWjV9mkjNka8XhgeKZ0IMd3f2AnFz6-P2x6LijkthQwQ7_zSoLUD3eDzeyuaE9KJCqLzlbQiCSl0GI1STq-Q1N7Mlemsd0jTydhimnPPuudOY8Ls9sfYzdRAnqljGTlJG-UBlnPwsuTJxsC3BwukchRMhpWJbltaBrxCxbE/s2016/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcmNR17TlDMxGDDy2Oq898MWjV9mkjNka8XhgeKZ0IMd3f2AnFz6-P2x6LijkthQwQ7_zSoLUD3eDzeyuaE9KJCqLzlbQiCSl0GI1STq-Q1N7Mlemsd0jTydhimnPPuudOY8Ls9sfYzdRAnqljGTlJG-UBlnPwsuTJxsC3BwukchRMhpWJbltaBrxCxbE/s320/2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A concert at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro always affords us the opportunity for a gathering of friends, family, folklore and urban legend reminiscing at a mandatory tailgate party, complete, of course with a vat of Scott's Top 10 Chili (Trademark, me)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This particular night, we had a healthy representation of E Streeter testosterone in attendance</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ApOOoPbcqSLK4ZyslGqWqu4D4zTKugr8yFQQ9DVob2CZJVNGBmS2CgMztZGm4W7FoLrJMXbO2zf5qClkqmLOWMtP8qMTViONwD3IZ5uv5m1uE13XV5BJtdYUQMHGOnQYdMQM9wu6F8kfvXgH9bv4JKayS2t-p_zWvmYhU_1J8wsI3EW4lFRIhHsWOPA/s2016/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ApOOoPbcqSLK4ZyslGqWqu4D4zTKugr8yFQQ9DVob2CZJVNGBmS2CgMztZGm4W7FoLrJMXbO2zf5qClkqmLOWMtP8qMTViONwD3IZ5uv5m1uE13XV5BJtdYUQMHGOnQYdMQM9wu6F8kfvXgH9bv4JKayS2t-p_zWvmYhU_1J8wsI3EW4lFRIhHsWOPA/s320/3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thankfully, we were kept grounded by our better halves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiOcNHv780z96wsdP60Ta8Tp1ao8Mk_jh9azZqubS3QC-XDWZo4kHC7WhBQfe43Arq6HWIa6INeRSqdfNIg3byMcYMFA7uwVZy6jSm1jBAecE7X0wqu-pjLC9-fKxfkTVukA6OB3msAg3uzaL9UfcAgr3S2elXgyQ92jV3Iee8J3FeSllyBXwugZDtAzk/s2016/5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiOcNHv780z96wsdP60Ta8Tp1ao8Mk_jh9azZqubS3QC-XDWZo4kHC7WhBQfe43Arq6HWIa6INeRSqdfNIg3byMcYMFA7uwVZy6jSm1jBAecE7X0wqu-pjLC9-fKxfkTVukA6OB3msAg3uzaL9UfcAgr3S2elXgyQ92jV3Iee8J3FeSllyBXwugZDtAzk/s320/5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And for ye humble writer, the first time in 43 years of Springsteen shows where I had the entirety of my six-pack of a growing family able to attend a Bruce show with me.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiND98FAzt1utgSQ9hndHW80i923KjfoTSSNczg2UEFazpJpqsw-TjiOpsnWqQkgeGSb7EpLFWZz2FCXe9xibj6LTrfOh11W5J7zecjes_FiTKGqdMpMTPFPl-slV9pBsQVwv4WWfhQvTOHmDQxY1dfNpfAFILtWw2cq6ELTQzTb0C33OOGeR_Q1V8RON0/s2016/4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiND98FAzt1utgSQ9hndHW80i923KjfoTSSNczg2UEFazpJpqsw-TjiOpsnWqQkgeGSb7EpLFWZz2FCXe9xibj6LTrfOh11W5J7zecjes_FiTKGqdMpMTPFPl-slV9pBsQVwv4WWfhQvTOHmDQxY1dfNpfAFILtWw2cq6ELTQzTb0C33OOGeR_Q1V8RON0/s320/4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Let's dispense with the feedbag and get over to Gillette, where we needed to disperse throughout the stadium into our respective seats. One last group shot before we parted ways.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7lVDO5mPEy_nePArCQKvtY1dPiEDpK92aFvgFLJ1AIy9flHfy_vsFMkhl6B_MwRFWwWpn1XQkZUxLpGhhUkOrkb-T1tFUm3RyUgVcTNrmoN0agooRTVsvxYTHiqQ_KmrKdWTzyKSrXPUzT3j9YqpxYMv2HvJxllshRPTKG3efoVXpzCp0iw8CPVqMqY/s1561/7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1561" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7lVDO5mPEy_nePArCQKvtY1dPiEDpK92aFvgFLJ1AIy9flHfy_vsFMkhl6B_MwRFWwWpn1XQkZUxLpGhhUkOrkb-T1tFUm3RyUgVcTNrmoN0agooRTVsvxYTHiqQ_KmrKdWTzyKSrXPUzT3j9YqpxYMv2HvJxllshRPTKG3efoVXpzCp0iw8CPVqMqY/s320/7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Inside Gillette, it was No Retreat, No Surrender as soon as Bruce and the E Street Band stepped onto the stage.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKCs0dMXkVIS5oxwfv_sKDkZCrc0xksxy36daG1VWluwWNWEqsW5MXQyPwjfykyfBLrtUZ8rEianspW_8UzXjGcIGk3Oq5GCNeFP1cZ2QhIOtZ6sDVmLeuIU57Au1V7ivvssL4W1GJMDVk1VkwCXeVOjBpZRnVWmSK9-oizswSPwq3ZzxmQx0Dccn9co/s2016/8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKCs0dMXkVIS5oxwfv_sKDkZCrc0xksxy36daG1VWluwWNWEqsW5MXQyPwjfykyfBLrtUZ8rEianspW_8UzXjGcIGk3Oq5GCNeFP1cZ2QhIOtZ6sDVmLeuIU57Au1V7ivvssL4W1GJMDVk1VkwCXeVOjBpZRnVWmSK9-oizswSPwq3ZzxmQx0Dccn9co/s320/8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPi-SZxgLRLhUlYdKdre5ffnRW5NShmecy1wVzZUNYokzRikxFKW1eMOzmHgBbxAvTbdOwgEWJ4xXEvDdaGxKL-fXtfKe5QFd-5Adyo4W7WmxHOua3GvrDC_XJNKjbprNGia1ZSL7o82To1ktqfSpFVy392B9PGYDiPHf1_pL80Ez8Z8Lyl77Ez3h-nzg/s2016/9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPi-SZxgLRLhUlYdKdre5ffnRW5NShmecy1wVzZUNYokzRikxFKW1eMOzmHgBbxAvTbdOwgEWJ4xXEvDdaGxKL-fXtfKe5QFd-5Adyo4W7WmxHOua3GvrDC_XJNKjbprNGia1ZSL7o82To1ktqfSpFVy392B9PGYDiPHf1_pL80Ez8Z8Lyl77Ez3h-nzg/s320/9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCv3BSuiBun8uxTc8UAkQm_TFzwcGmInQVjXQmfOLCtw8wWm76ydyRDjKomSQDQxAsEz0nQSlBYAcNc5Lq6X0BtPkGq0Pks6MaO9xLYNMihIoPhlISPmlQHDKO_LdodDR4IRPY3-iHsPlMyRdDQSpgRUDjzEw7VK8ZgrCHzOltJ81nqE_9oIMbDeHvvnk/s2016/10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCv3BSuiBun8uxTc8UAkQm_TFzwcGmInQVjXQmfOLCtw8wWm76ydyRDjKomSQDQxAsEz0nQSlBYAcNc5Lq6X0BtPkGq0Pks6MaO9xLYNMihIoPhlISPmlQHDKO_LdodDR4IRPY3-iHsPlMyRdDQSpgRUDjzEw7VK8ZgrCHzOltJ81nqE_9oIMbDeHvvnk/s320/10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A light rain that fell during She's the One and the Rising created some effectively mood lighting and particularly enhanced the latter of those songs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBD1WlFm8bp-YsSgFcQL4TEXG1YqM6VrC7i430XnhfHC58glCj9bZ40pL_OpkLZl-nM7G45lMkNl42Bwe5ueRIBmViDQ3lZmvxoKm8aGB62JUySxCf8qVCpJq7cVqzmvPSPTwp-aAhMlVsXTrZFpqB6kvIQbXBAJBH7PO00d6I1LQB7t9kG3CbPTgRBGE/s2016/16.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBD1WlFm8bp-YsSgFcQL4TEXG1YqM6VrC7i430XnhfHC58glCj9bZ40pL_OpkLZl-nM7G45lMkNl42Bwe5ueRIBmViDQ3lZmvxoKm8aGB62JUySxCf8qVCpJq7cVqzmvPSPTwp-aAhMlVsXTrZFpqB6kvIQbXBAJBH7PO00d6I1LQB7t9kG3CbPTgRBGE/s320/16.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyone who has attended live Springsteen show knows how physically and emotionally draining his shows can be, both for him, but also for those watching the tapestry of songs. Past outings usually run 3-4 hours long, marathon outings that set the bar for pulse-pounding rapid fire successions of literally hundreds of different songs that have marked the various stages of Springsteen's career. (Our last Bruce show at Gillette in 2016 officially clocked in over four hours as the second-longest show of his career, though our on-scene stopwatches actually marked it as the longest.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVs49leLk7uB6q9NoGyNpOpMAPtJyYygKtX7iFsS3Cj3JBhGp_S5LphHHEgwPGcqaBHI8eS4y94H-2c0RcXlG11xtZLEsUVJDGn28euG52y4AsDpaFcbtNnyavQxdLvRV6sh9VIeynx7Zk3MP7ZuzHcbpRiM1d694kYZa5USS3krPWMzZuTeEqpNinDc/s2016/18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVs49leLk7uB6q9NoGyNpOpMAPtJyYygKtX7iFsS3Cj3JBhGp_S5LphHHEgwPGcqaBHI8eS4y94H-2c0RcXlG11xtZLEsUVJDGn28euG52y4AsDpaFcbtNnyavQxdLvRV6sh9VIeynx7Zk3MP7ZuzHcbpRiM1d694kYZa5USS3krPWMzZuTeEqpNinDc/s320/18.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A couple of sidebars to emphasize the gravity of me getting to experience my daughter's first Bruce Show. Heather was born five days after I met Bruce at show at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium. (Special props to her mom for not letting her water break prematurely so I could attend said show.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Part two: More than two decades ago, when I would drive Heather and Andrew to school in the early mornings, indeed, when Heather was only three and still in a car seat, in between Disney movie soundtracks, they were subjected to me usually listening to Springsteen music on CDs or the radio.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In Heather's case, it allowed her to learn and belt out angelic and melodious front-to-back lyrics for Springsteen classics such as Born to Run, My City of Ruins, and her guaranteed go-to, Thunder Road.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fast forward to 2023, the night was busting open and I was able to take another ride down Thunder Road, belting out those lyrics alongside Heather, now a grown woman.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A core memory that I will take with me the rest of my days.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3-vFdX3X5fxCMq35UfgxfrgtBkHlB_N2X0DtUWiCPzhO88MxSIVPBUFS4tLw0DbV8WB9gx88PfkJoXlu4PR4M4-Uku1AZtMQPWxsDzWQT3qJbvRAbDMKd_LCI9NM4v7KfeBDKAZm3PY_x-nATzCN43C2cu6WW5JCBX4iQ_sGbTlKwKGLVc1N7A4758s/s1104/17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="621" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3-vFdX3X5fxCMq35UfgxfrgtBkHlB_N2X0DtUWiCPzhO88MxSIVPBUFS4tLw0DbV8WB9gx88PfkJoXlu4PR4M4-Uku1AZtMQPWxsDzWQT3qJbvRAbDMKd_LCI9NM4v7KfeBDKAZm3PY_x-nATzCN43C2cu6WW5JCBX4iQ_sGbTlKwKGLVc1N7A4758s/s320/17.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What has changed in recent years - which not everyone would agree has been a positive evolution, is the addition of tens of thousands of cell phone cameras that allow concert-goers to document their personal sojourns through the shows.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While not all view the multimedia inclusion as a positive thing, it does allow everyone to help chronicle their personal concert experience, and in many cases, especially when the lights go up, document the mania and sheer joy of experiencing these shows together with friends and family. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Moments such as these, with Katie and Jackie (and now Ryan) sticking with us for better or for worse:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisuiB-jQCC2DLh_U7Ie63DrWAtX0Pm9w3j3W6mTpcx9QzrXhhJIXZfonIP7pryepNnHXa7ag5G3y5CC_Wj6mepYj19EWahWgYEESzhSx9LBiO1TBJfyTH6A-6VprqihlYm07_o3_Lws_yDU86B2cpnH1iQwu0m-dUlnGFTSoARKzPNteFlMSPCfKqeHcc/s2016/11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisuiB-jQCC2DLh_U7Ie63DrWAtX0Pm9w3j3W6mTpcx9QzrXhhJIXZfonIP7pryepNnHXa7ag5G3y5CC_Wj6mepYj19EWahWgYEESzhSx9LBiO1TBJfyTH6A-6VprqihlYm07_o3_Lws_yDU86B2cpnH1iQwu0m-dUlnGFTSoARKzPNteFlMSPCfKqeHcc/s320/11.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwRfHmd_qpwLsghb0ErG1BBW3nMiYbO5SCWsCPlgz5iQ_-kNz-WosnvePMebZIHXbhOTPCY0VcoygyUqvmh1dgWEY-dYrd_urLqoOYQRN1Utv8dYPNKTI4oimYYbzMMT91_foSzDbbH9b2FHXCISHuKWUex_1GFIzeJgismQWMjV53uWcEgu2m31iLFE/s2016/12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwRfHmd_qpwLsghb0ErG1BBW3nMiYbO5SCWsCPlgz5iQ_-kNz-WosnvePMebZIHXbhOTPCY0VcoygyUqvmh1dgWEY-dYrd_urLqoOYQRN1Utv8dYPNKTI4oimYYbzMMT91_foSzDbbH9b2FHXCISHuKWUex_1GFIzeJgismQWMjV53uWcEgu2m31iLFE/s320/12.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2e94znaOj4uDUYUd4C_PgRbCQLmwEkjWbIZyYqrcHsdtC1ILEWiiaTdBQ1aacTNwmM8B9DyiCODsr1DWvvfN4chN_Fh393qttAPaicomANH11ccpEopeVP6J1mis-Vaw_lkr1G5DXBXyzVB4mRKw84txO57wjrdhZo8u6smUP0GLRd2lLGmEohoBF0S8/s2016/13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2e94znaOj4uDUYUd4C_PgRbCQLmwEkjWbIZyYqrcHsdtC1ILEWiiaTdBQ1aacTNwmM8B9DyiCODsr1DWvvfN4chN_Fh393qttAPaicomANH11ccpEopeVP6J1mis-Vaw_lkr1G5DXBXyzVB4mRKw84txO57wjrdhZo8u6smUP0GLRd2lLGmEohoBF0S8/s320/13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Finally, the encores kick in as the unofficial/official anthem for E Street Nation, Born to Run, roars in on that 1-2-3-4 countdown, and the boundless euphoria takes over and the collective 60,000 fans unite as one in their shared experience of a runaway American Dream.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpB-Cg9buXsaN9l4ZJH2-NzXZS619deTVvZMh_bSpa-PFoVce6E0eWEMLKUu19Ka7ofiTdVogWqRH3slxUJ3yvXB7AjbdzzgMIPg1ibvV07E0OuSjjxWhiOgAjh6zYzVO7D1UyMUWNapEgDIStqNJPazfPSAueAQFrpsbuzNB3BvlhWpw4Tl0VGNXUK0/s2016/15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpB-Cg9buXsaN9l4ZJH2-NzXZS619deTVvZMh_bSpa-PFoVce6E0eWEMLKUu19Ka7ofiTdVogWqRH3slxUJ3yvXB7AjbdzzgMIPg1ibvV07E0OuSjjxWhiOgAjh6zYzVO7D1UyMUWNapEgDIStqNJPazfPSAueAQFrpsbuzNB3BvlhWpw4Tl0VGNXUK0/s320/15.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For this version of Scooter and the Big Man, it's a glorious zenith of energy and jubilance as we unleash our personal dreams and visions on a highway jammed with broken heroes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg52BSzzeclmCEFDMBKrRm5v9ACjjeXFU-dVt2O24196DNn2JQtXQ9LW7z7FBuZhgkUWZKbGErR57o1xhn_swpY9R1U_iD3F3zRVIr_Vd3MjM4GQRsDxznXRUlhZk2pPp4rccSs3LkTtCTFut6EaJB1IHHAktNblOWrDrmx7n3HwAOhQHRqTZ88xfxLzuQ/s1280/20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg52BSzzeclmCEFDMBKrRm5v9ACjjeXFU-dVt2O24196DNn2JQtXQ9LW7z7FBuZhgkUWZKbGErR57o1xhn_swpY9R1U_iD3F3zRVIr_Vd3MjM4GQRsDxznXRUlhZk2pPp4rccSs3LkTtCTFut6EaJB1IHHAktNblOWrDrmx7n3HwAOhQHRqTZ88xfxLzuQ/s320/20.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiheMB74E_fX72ryqE_-xNmlIb1bEvLrmc6n2NSPdrXHxfBqj2b6tIrtTtnZt8palM6NSv8rO3sUnlRwJKrDnS-CxLaB1UOdblvh4K_MUOtvfwbxfxz3bCqtxzzWXTtZ8pMmXBGHIPjAkTnhCHHHx4JdBBMBjoCvcSbuRE0KHMmlsROzAVhx_EjlprHrVg/s1280/22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiheMB74E_fX72ryqE_-xNmlIb1bEvLrmc6n2NSPdrXHxfBqj2b6tIrtTtnZt8palM6NSv8rO3sUnlRwJKrDnS-CxLaB1UOdblvh4K_MUOtvfwbxfxz3bCqtxzzWXTtZ8pMmXBGHIPjAkTnhCHHHx4JdBBMBjoCvcSbuRE0KHMmlsROzAVhx_EjlprHrVg/s320/22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And just like that, just shy of three hours, the last chords are struck and the Last Man Standing closes out the evening with a reminder that it's never really quite the end.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>I'll see you in my dreams</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>When all our summers have come to an end</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>I'll see you in my dreams</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>We'll meet and live and laugh again</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>I'll see you in my dreams</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Yeah, up around the river bend</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>For death is not the end</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>And I'll see you in my dreams</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If you're still reading up to this point, thanks for coming along on this sojourn with all of us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Welcome to the newest members of E Street Nation, as well as the ones who have not yet been indoctrinated into our musical crusade.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And yeah, as Bruce would say, and Heather and I would reinforce in our father-daughter duet - maybe we ain't that young anymore, but show a little faith.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There still is Magic in the Night.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div><div><br /></div></div>Patrick Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926201709853231010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323871070006660513.post-2581724424112836692023-04-17T19:39:00.004-04:002023-04-18T09:04:26.798-04:00A Memorable Marathon Weekend<p style="text-align: center;">April in Massachusetts, specifically Patriots Day Weekend in Massachusetts, which also means it's another Boston Marathon Weekend in Massachusetts, and that means there's a lot to celebrate, reflect on, and offer up a boatload of gratitude for, because we're all still healthy and together, and able to enjoy the experience.</p><p style="text-align: center;">This year's Marathon festivities carried with them an added emphasis on the gratitude and reflection points, as it marked the 10 year anniversary of when the Boylston Street Finish Line of the race was attacked by a pair of cowards who tried to strike terror at the heart of Boston celebratory institution.</p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;">The somber deference to the event was palpable as you walked along the pedestrian-only Boylston Street on Saturday. And the Dick's Sporting Goods sign that loomed over the Finish Line really captured the resilience of a running nation, along with all of their supporters, friends and family members.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMHK8xoG7weGqSb2zalDE9smhyYQsOfPC14zNtt0fMQffh5kD6JY1ttZwBMDDu_kBDDxorIh3KpdCWq76eYlNMS5MCvv1Ju8KfqzEX21VbcTOIXk6LwtFVAMwtfYcI9XGxxVHXVmg_sTOEiKCPW7-gt9yupbQnPAmqpf6UiMRRFPBvfvSVt58GiSZ/s640/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="640" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMHK8xoG7weGqSb2zalDE9smhyYQsOfPC14zNtt0fMQffh5kD6JY1ttZwBMDDu_kBDDxorIh3KpdCWq76eYlNMS5MCvv1Ju8KfqzEX21VbcTOIXk6LwtFVAMwtfYcI9XGxxVHXVmg_sTOEiKCPW7-gt9yupbQnPAmqpf6UiMRRFPBvfvSVt58GiSZ/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Running Boston does, truly, Change You.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Never more so than on Monday, April 15, 2013, a few minutes shy of 3 p.m. when several members of the E Streeters - more than half a dozen of us - had just logged mileage as part of the 26.2 mile course when the first bomb went off. It was Andrew's first marathon, making it feel even more impactful. All of our family members, who were watching us all finish from various nearby locations, all thankfully escaped injury, due to a series of not-so-small miracles.</p><p style="text-align: center;">So this year, Andrew and I, along with many others, felt we needed to make the trek in to the final stretch along Boylston Street to pay our respects and reflect back on that unforgettable April 2013 Monday.</p><p style="text-align: center;">It started, as if often does, with an invigorating run around Boston proper, paying our running respects, to among other locales, Arthur Fiedler's bust, the half-shell, the Longfellow Bridge, the Museum of Science, and the Boston Common.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUX7aUgOQABJBZHzSaHSrVkd438gbrDi__o40j2Jo6di6-YwoMtvyUrfO0H2qzia7wKwrF16xrtNh5h70NYfeoWp_-z45TodCuk3yGIeG41eKb-15mDCgu4Nr5u7TwGM1IJZEmdAXl4JgC2VWvyTb9jyd7vzZDu3Sopz41dfGzvWx9aQhsXgmb3gl/s640/7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUX7aUgOQABJBZHzSaHSrVkd438gbrDi__o40j2Jo6di6-YwoMtvyUrfO0H2qzia7wKwrF16xrtNh5h70NYfeoWp_-z45TodCuk3yGIeG41eKb-15mDCgu4Nr5u7TwGM1IJZEmdAXl4JgC2VWvyTb9jyd7vzZDu3Sopz41dfGzvWx9aQhsXgmb3gl/s320/7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0N19s0nWJTdEiQAXzyj-BZcpZEBRUArrJPUebPMrYwsUJ2vFTucwT2DsHgOmgXhXp5nsLn6IRI3HVeao3wQGcVQ-vIH8yKg9TDXXFnTKDjUVd3-o_wuscXim9LN9gD1T3NHM8Ta4_eTx8PjCmzmEJ3xaDps3N8Ki-ATtPHXKpfG5pHaJzBm_zf10a/s640/8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0N19s0nWJTdEiQAXzyj-BZcpZEBRUArrJPUebPMrYwsUJ2vFTucwT2DsHgOmgXhXp5nsLn6IRI3HVeao3wQGcVQ-vIH8yKg9TDXXFnTKDjUVd3-o_wuscXim9LN9gD1T3NHM8Ta4_eTx8PjCmzmEJ3xaDps3N8Ki-ATtPHXKpfG5pHaJzBm_zf10a/s320/8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3NC_e82T-aXzuqTcKy03W4vDT1wr8AfKfPbeDHZ4Tt6PuKn_ktqmZH4du3ZlC8YQhX7AsCvTzyUaUJsPmb4y5Iy51kszpqRqOTRgSGK7uBdwXFviHF_X7SCEljSCYnjzokTy-Sb4UXuXACcBEL2mC4bF93SyAfPPFQchBNIAN994R9SyNFFX0b7sI/s640/9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3NC_e82T-aXzuqTcKy03W4vDT1wr8AfKfPbeDHZ4Tt6PuKn_ktqmZH4du3ZlC8YQhX7AsCvTzyUaUJsPmb4y5Iy51kszpqRqOTRgSGK7uBdwXFviHF_X7SCEljSCYnjzokTy-Sb4UXuXACcBEL2mC4bF93SyAfPPFQchBNIAN994R9SyNFFX0b7sI/s320/9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRq1e4V90T_lggnh9so1TEq3qKEFDNJ4turmnmNjXdDGq1wJVFbPh_9R4TNzYg3qbuO21nFpPUPLag03yEnQjQraKBJFB7KJbviTccasEgfnzXjo5Pu3SSj06n3OTwpjyXoXkVuAlK1Jqftt4i8f8qRvbe0Rq2SC30CvguV10OBvHa-hLvyE1G3Wcu/s640/10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRq1e4V90T_lggnh9so1TEq3qKEFDNJ4turmnmNjXdDGq1wJVFbPh_9R4TNzYg3qbuO21nFpPUPLag03yEnQjQraKBJFB7KJbviTccasEgfnzXjo5Pu3SSj06n3OTwpjyXoXkVuAlK1Jqftt4i8f8qRvbe0Rq2SC30CvguV10OBvHa-hLvyE1G3Wcu/s320/10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0DwPDDE59e-Y1FMg2NViiUUDmoVN50YSGHqVLGbOIYM6neOGEGYsQZomVNyq7gGcNiUB1Rj_oApWgSISJ9RTrdwKs8RhcDfBrB2mNPuK_tfOti8wCKSbw9Y0f2vUDB9TQLbbeeAPXsv1ju-39glw8xgek2hZmJNPg3Rsg7FBOs3q_pWimVd20inai/s640/12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0DwPDDE59e-Y1FMg2NViiUUDmoVN50YSGHqVLGbOIYM6neOGEGYsQZomVNyq7gGcNiUB1Rj_oApWgSISJ9RTrdwKs8RhcDfBrB2mNPuK_tfOti8wCKSbw9Y0f2vUDB9TQLbbeeAPXsv1ju-39glw8xgek2hZmJNPg3Rsg7FBOs3q_pWimVd20inai/s320/12.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNjWvMwFNtT0USf_lsQ31ewdFQV4Ssjf6NTVKTfBHWC2ftc2p0DRxjDJQVHXev5U_2t1lageeEztd-7geCbF1_tNbluWjz-krMkp874RKWbQhHvuwojMRf4nb_sHaYKK9GfN51t98q3qH3dIk0KTrQbTo5-RjFPN1o0LD1qq6oL9siemR5W2DTcer/s640/13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNjWvMwFNtT0USf_lsQ31ewdFQV4Ssjf6NTVKTfBHWC2ftc2p0DRxjDJQVHXev5U_2t1lageeEztd-7geCbF1_tNbluWjz-krMkp874RKWbQhHvuwojMRf4nb_sHaYKK9GfN51t98q3qH3dIk0KTrQbTo5-RjFPN1o0LD1qq6oL9siemR5W2DTcer/s320/13.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBWIqMydyISTVUB9kH_dIrKfYXG7oGC1d5sSw_QPBM8GPLhhushVB9prtYbh8ao6ORuR6ztcFOmT2VeUrgBly_8HRN0wAf4f3qCFABnES85CrzGDXMdC936xWyzraf2hDmLPakSY1k5iwDI1GfpvY4exHv1ZckYnYifZxSHJm5W1u_rartGQYQlb3/s640/14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBWIqMydyISTVUB9kH_dIrKfYXG7oGC1d5sSw_QPBM8GPLhhushVB9prtYbh8ao6ORuR6ztcFOmT2VeUrgBly_8HRN0wAf4f3qCFABnES85CrzGDXMdC936xWyzraf2hDmLPakSY1k5iwDI1GfpvY4exHv1ZckYnYifZxSHJm5W1u_rartGQYQlb3/s320/14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Fsrc4IB7pxtH5v6J2M_LHfvptc7W1SokF43MokEHgux8BGT-Qj18K9fRB4mbm9Ue_LBxPR-iXtxQI3bqbCmPXlWvdmBeqWpasOmYwPLC29vgWCBGwgj4m2kGc1nZJVzkfy2XfIz1F7o7KIgUG6UQHJA5Syx21A5heQzKkGeRJVqjDyaNp4wKzyWT/s640/5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Fsrc4IB7pxtH5v6J2M_LHfvptc7W1SokF43MokEHgux8BGT-Qj18K9fRB4mbm9Ue_LBxPR-iXtxQI3bqbCmPXlWvdmBeqWpasOmYwPLC29vgWCBGwgj4m2kGc1nZJVzkfy2XfIz1F7o7KIgUG6UQHJA5Syx21A5heQzKkGeRJVqjDyaNp4wKzyWT/s320/5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The running done, we connected with Katie, who was logging her own miles around Boston, just missing the mega-crowds at the BAA 5K nearby.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjuTFDIAVXPhxesPJoxquEXSBQAGlPsKjb5HLV8mGCi2Sm6wpw_bh9xbtgcfw7Xdjy1s_tF4ddryls7I5dp4mnTMboeo5w3-f2Bp1R0hIwOgz4V7kgy-gKC5ikdwa_GJ7flC0N2LQ0yEsogg9jAGlkO9jTM3fZCVcAJGBSBcGZj1s_KNPS8EDHH5AW/s640/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjuTFDIAVXPhxesPJoxquEXSBQAGlPsKjb5HLV8mGCi2Sm6wpw_bh9xbtgcfw7Xdjy1s_tF4ddryls7I5dp4mnTMboeo5w3-f2Bp1R0hIwOgz4V7kgy-gKC5ikdwa_GJ7flC0N2LQ0yEsogg9jAGlkO9jTM3fZCVcAJGBSBcGZj1s_KNPS8EDHH5AW/s320/2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To say we invested a tad in the local economy would be an understatement, but we were more than happy to support some of the sports businesses in the blocks that surround the Finish Line.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Even though we weren't running this year ourselves, it's always a fun experience to wander through the Expo at the Hynes Convention Center, and who was there to greet us coming off the escalator?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">37-Boston-Marathons-In-A-Row himself, Scott Graham!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6z7D5rCwvii23PLU4wZb9taHM_ByyP9b_qoJgXlCPFEGZZiJFYFawQypql5cAp01goS3rKI0cAgJjxnJt_VVc56FMNOOpWlvrCeHFS8kxJbtiFV8a49mx8aQyw6YK7wEcgTeHsq7sTC_wKpRTN_gpxNhVbt9JBk-9dMiQcfBS14d23Ds5P-p8yqc/s640/4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6z7D5rCwvii23PLU4wZb9taHM_ByyP9b_qoJgXlCPFEGZZiJFYFawQypql5cAp01goS3rKI0cAgJjxnJt_VVc56FMNOOpWlvrCeHFS8kxJbtiFV8a49mx8aQyw6YK7wEcgTeHsq7sTC_wKpRTN_gpxNhVbt9JBk-9dMiQcfBS14d23Ds5P-p8yqc/s320/4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Back out on Boylston Street, we stopped for some quick pics<br /> at the most historic finish line in running lore.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlefXYIQtmWg7tpFAimU9UCAp5MDMNhKnzbo6y10Kqq-njPmzuctdSeMrnjhnRE8daC8JMJ-yNzzKllJZFLhqaVe1wuLhBKRvAhpL2dbwhyPpG5o_wWy3F5ZyYlz7nDAyfjIIpomhmcrU3brc7EtIm8Cs15Zbq9e6zCMsuPxERWTuqixuVicwt3Mw/s640/19.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlefXYIQtmWg7tpFAimU9UCAp5MDMNhKnzbo6y10Kqq-njPmzuctdSeMrnjhnRE8daC8JMJ-yNzzKllJZFLhqaVe1wuLhBKRvAhpL2dbwhyPpG5o_wWy3F5ZyYlz7nDAyfjIIpomhmcrU3brc7EtIm8Cs15Zbq9e6zCMsuPxERWTuqixuVicwt3Mw/s320/19.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHFq5ZBa0PRBSXLC2x164YxfM5uXPD1O95-kZ5imAkAT1tGggY0Eoso8HFFFJzyMV7BUAJgfgDCoyuqvD9-LFFLzUGYJkuyes3kOHaHdeQ3-x1Uvo4xg6FcuWKAVpC0ii6PLk6hrOKOWZ9D1xAfuGlTKVkVqJXDGt7I1ldEJQvKotBlFSC_VXXwm7/s640/15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHFq5ZBa0PRBSXLC2x164YxfM5uXPD1O95-kZ5imAkAT1tGggY0Eoso8HFFFJzyMV7BUAJgfgDCoyuqvD9-LFFLzUGYJkuyes3kOHaHdeQ3-x1Uvo4xg6FcuWKAVpC0ii6PLk6hrOKOWZ9D1xAfuGlTKVkVqJXDGt7I1ldEJQvKotBlFSC_VXXwm7/s320/15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From there, we paid our respects at the two sites of the explosions, each of them adorned with daffodils and flanked by members of the Boston Fire Department Honor Guard.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguiGlkOLe94zKsWpm5vE3_m-C5s9NsyOgU5ddHhtIm4zjoJXW0gaVCxloQzeLBX6iSlL8wJvACrLhunv1Yg7KnWFrLrz0ZuZ9k5q56QsPGYuRmnF32NkZEu4iMHWn82lUMenSbO4UUHnTgoWcRFWWt0IoQIaAjApvlo1IYL4ODz7MJfNHy-ytZhaED/s640/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguiGlkOLe94zKsWpm5vE3_m-C5s9NsyOgU5ddHhtIm4zjoJXW0gaVCxloQzeLBX6iSlL8wJvACrLhunv1Yg7KnWFrLrz0ZuZ9k5q56QsPGYuRmnF32NkZEu4iMHWn82lUMenSbO4UUHnTgoWcRFWWt0IoQIaAjApvlo1IYL4ODz7MJfNHy-ytZhaED/s320/3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The ceremony to commemorate the anniversary of the attacks was a few minutes away, but we were able to connect with one of the men who became the face of leadership for the city of Boston and law enforcement everywhere during the crisis, then-Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ed, as regular readers of this blog knows, is a colleague from way back in the days when ye blogger was a cub newspaper reporter, and later the Communications Director for the Lowell Police Department when Davis was Superintendent.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMn1HOE8whlZiA6DjYXjvd2BtMWpUdgXKp5NijQ9d_jLoNfdVLJlnCGbpN40fBcrFemsrQGKBDsHF-wpLuH05OC_CSQ3wUaSj1jD4cEFjb_kWeoZdznSlL7VYKyEEp20coWHsM1g-iQULh41Usgbbn9oouDBP1nS2ZKakvn4WWh4zY22ULH8wnW3B/s640/16.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMn1HOE8whlZiA6DjYXjvd2BtMWpUdgXKp5NijQ9d_jLoNfdVLJlnCGbpN40fBcrFemsrQGKBDsHF-wpLuH05OC_CSQ3wUaSj1jD4cEFjb_kWeoZdznSlL7VYKyEEp20coWHsM1g-iQULh41Usgbbn9oouDBP1nS2ZKakvn4WWh4zY22ULH8wnW3B/s320/16.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Davis emerged as the voice of calm for his community, pledging all of the resources of law enforcement to find the terrorists and bring them to justice, along with state and federal law enforcement agencies. His calm, intentional leadership earned him accolades nationwide, and propelled him into the spotlight during one of the most intense manhunts in our nation's history.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On this gorgeous Saturday afternoon, after meeting with families whose lives were touched by the tragedy, Davis stood outside the Boston Public Library speaking with a steady stream of Bostonians and beyond who wanted to thank him for his leadership during the crisis.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLJj8qcCE9HA4Jt58R9JOSSt-YLM2ibUo4hochKSZCiGi9Z-IPiAdYWMAWHODyCuJiDEgxGTU2TZIEQmqzU-SZNB-N98CdC70_XkP56W-Wbk0l2ldeG4_8BCnWWBEUAO_mVquxHgHpqDN435LqbkXgzRAW-VtomF-n3L8lMa2an3aaoUf7R95cFUoH/s640/17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLJj8qcCE9HA4Jt58R9JOSSt-YLM2ibUo4hochKSZCiGi9Z-IPiAdYWMAWHODyCuJiDEgxGTU2TZIEQmqzU-SZNB-N98CdC70_XkP56W-Wbk0l2ldeG4_8BCnWWBEUAO_mVquxHgHpqDN435LqbkXgzRAW-VtomF-n3L8lMa2an3aaoUf7R95cFUoH/s320/17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Finally, on Marathon Monday itself - a rainy outing this April - Jack, myself and Andrew joined with Heather and her friends Tom and Lauren to cheer runners on along the course, in this case, at Mile 23 in Brookline.<br />Once again, Andrew and I logged a few miles of our own before the leaders came past. No crowds for our run, but that would change in just a short while.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7DjZe-crwJ5JRjTo-mGobAwH_BBN9oVdHsA7-q5r5sESwb8Roh3n1jB0YBhLEdJCEwag0wGkt60re-lcnwPAH6dh2y4PXJP2oFzXy7gDCo2BR-3KnHsgGbo06xUBCbmePEAaFdUq51YZ5-0BajHNnLElN5-UuSeIzUjL9h0DZTtoYGGx1Gg5ivdEF/s640/20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7DjZe-crwJ5JRjTo-mGobAwH_BBN9oVdHsA7-q5r5sESwb8Roh3n1jB0YBhLEdJCEwag0wGkt60re-lcnwPAH6dh2y4PXJP2oFzXy7gDCo2BR-3KnHsgGbo06xUBCbmePEAaFdUq51YZ5-0BajHNnLElN5-UuSeIzUjL9h0DZTtoYGGx1Gg5ivdEF/s320/20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our own mileage recorded, we got in place on both sides of Beacon Street to lend our voices to the cacophony of cheers supporting the runners.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's the eventual women's winner passing by</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEsQWLT1SSq3qhdi8G7jfijllHf3R2l1DCclvM1IYZYSjnK_4Lksp7g1yfwhnZPhQ2KPAh8kI6ymtNNq4lBtz0KZL1iup3uzmeZJMYocEk8blyQaQsPTEkb8sknuoLkDW08gXd1WF5kt8sUKo4G0BmHv5On4RgLnPMPPptNZ5FnH8eOHXPNPZ9aFqc/s640/21.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEsQWLT1SSq3qhdi8G7jfijllHf3R2l1DCclvM1IYZYSjnK_4Lksp7g1yfwhnZPhQ2KPAh8kI6ymtNNq4lBtz0KZL1iup3uzmeZJMYocEk8blyQaQsPTEkb8sknuoLkDW08gXd1WF5kt8sUKo4G0BmHv5On4RgLnPMPPptNZ5FnH8eOHXPNPZ9aFqc/s320/21.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Former champ Des Linden, who didn't notch a win this day, still looked in terrific form as she bulleted past Heather, Tom and Lauren.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ZfLyin21PGlgspz_3HLAPWiAS1yIAYKc98Kjxq0DL30_VmrV3L63iP94zZaDcyMLZfbrtWmnGm92dRLYHpObgb1gXVgl-MInBfMhKQEijav_aLJYMWIwLUfShzj3Fii5ztATOVT1bUlcuWuaZa_Y_wKGJoeQYCgFKwgeMbPqD-F8NGKDe8YZoLSw/s640/22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="640" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ZfLyin21PGlgspz_3HLAPWiAS1yIAYKc98Kjxq0DL30_VmrV3L63iP94zZaDcyMLZfbrtWmnGm92dRLYHpObgb1gXVgl-MInBfMhKQEijav_aLJYMWIwLUfShzj3Fii5ztATOVT1bUlcuWuaZa_Y_wKGJoeQYCgFKwgeMbPqD-F8NGKDe8YZoLSw/s320/22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jack, Andrew and I were even able to squeeze a frat party into our busy day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkoibaVIIDBu5CyJ9I4jFx9AYc-Em7Yteep0q38R9K-4L3U8ETmxHbe1K2Nzzn8GvjV9DGJGwTyOjtpyyBxLzWnHn92LZ5iYo7fHoduMCBKJYIBw4Meoe6sbeOpjYq5czMAHHmqBDdA0TVLxd24UnlAumpUm018xBwCdZ6iGoBIithV_tq5LdeXwdn/s640/26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkoibaVIIDBu5CyJ9I4jFx9AYc-Em7Yteep0q38R9K-4L3U8ETmxHbe1K2Nzzn8GvjV9DGJGwTyOjtpyyBxLzWnHn92LZ5iYo7fHoduMCBKJYIBw4Meoe6sbeOpjYq5czMAHHmqBDdA0TVLxd24UnlAumpUm018xBwCdZ6iGoBIithV_tq5LdeXwdn/s320/26.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A short while later, Big Zee himself, Boston Bruin Zdeno Chara roared past, standing head and shoulders above his fellow runners.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmPMFtNMoTReai0MLfiB73pKAa31f3Ru_QUQv67ZKmOlxiH84X_N0d5HT9-VnBf3cfSottDdYFDpRFznPNCgDKt5unB_b9jBlicpc6PzBTdbgCBJmrLKy6fUyihpfI8Fw3yYOQwyq6Z1iS-lYzhphZkW1klSPesM1qoUOwlUmG-At7Sj74xACGV0F/s640/23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmPMFtNMoTReai0MLfiB73pKAa31f3Ru_QUQv67ZKmOlxiH84X_N0d5HT9-VnBf3cfSottDdYFDpRFznPNCgDKt5unB_b9jBlicpc6PzBTdbgCBJmrLKy6fUyihpfI8Fw3yYOQwyq6Z1iS-lYzhphZkW1klSPesM1qoUOwlUmG-At7Sj74xACGV0F/s320/23.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A little further up the road, at Mile 20, Chris, Brianne, and their four girls cheered runners on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mark your calendars - there's Boston Marathons a-plenty awaiting this crew of young ladies when they hit the 18-years-of-age mark. Guaranteed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZG0VJHbXhhAwWxNmbAE-O2nqXZhvFxnT4o3Urr3HAv5SG6Cwf1nTQzHRtfiWz-TpqpL5DvL6tudR3t7LySiXiFI-zdk2DNgUycsB4-fs53V5uVl9N5-Ea4x31Wcwb4cNd1hDpTXRUSjx7Ler9VkCYzh5kEP-9-wyfSyhshdBGfC4xTMIQh1ROJJYH/s640/24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTKMqiedg4pZ6wUSO0XLA6ct30gAJBEdDPEBnvQnNgR1IuSL1GMx1Zp9y0gXmuPlgVEnkojhXmay3v5eCr4zRGLwwQOa6lEKr_2ey40gx9754GMF7Pr60Z7tqnCBd6dESTr4NJ8yFnCMLR705GgZB5EjsgXYW4bVSj9J9VWqZfiTEJBKQia3AIgM5/s320/25.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">Special congrats to this year's featured runner, Gina Spaziani, who continues to log her marathon miles to support local charities, managing a smile all along the way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3zh4cc9ExajqP-XuRmTYeQWjIM5gphxrS4f7aBfIv6mEs9LVIlI7chCLgQDLmpifZIziwZdYW5Kr6pWSHhwPwZ9ZTBhjyyJP1IYtzrua_lp-ocQDbxqcR5AU1vQAa1Q7_OoPON8lu7Qr0ttzDDV4QtafXmvZDa_31vQLEQQujMKeZP68x8F4o4OvL/s640/Gina.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3zh4cc9ExajqP-XuRmTYeQWjIM5gphxrS4f7aBfIv6mEs9LVIlI7chCLgQDLmpifZIziwZdYW5Kr6pWSHhwPwZ9ZTBhjyyJP1IYtzrua_lp-ocQDbxqcR5AU1vQAa1Q7_OoPON8lu7Qr0ttzDDV4QtafXmvZDa_31vQLEQQujMKeZP68x8F4o4OvL/s320/Gina.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">That's a wrap for this year's edition of Boston Marathon chronicling.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">One member of the family has already committed to running the vaunted race in 2024. Remains to be seen who else will join him.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">If you're still reading up to this point, and aren't tired of hearing the seemingly-endless ramblings from a fan of the Boston Marathon, I'd just like to thank all of the family and friends who have made these Marathon weekends so memorable going all the way back to the early 1990s.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Among the E Streeters collective, we're run this race literally dozens of times. Our family members have been there leapfrogging all along the course to cheer us on in all types of weather, and supporting us in the arduous winter training periods filled with long-run weekends.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">But over those decades, we've bonded over running as an indefatigable and loyal band of brothers and sisters, and for those of us who were there on that unforgettable Monday afternoon a decade ago when the Boston Strong mantra earned its moniker, it's made us truly appreciate the good fortune that allows us to maintain our health and keep running these crazy races. There's more to come, no doubt, but a special thank you to everyone who's helped make all of the previous miles so memorable. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">And here's to the miles still to come.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><div><img border="0" data-original-height="471" data-original-width="640" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZG0VJHbXhhAwWxNmbAE-O2nqXZhvFxnT4o3Urr3HAv5SG6Cwf1nTQzHRtfiWz-TpqpL5DvL6tudR3t7LySiXiFI-zdk2DNgUycsB4-fs53V5uVl9N5-Ea4x31Wcwb4cNd1hDpTXRUSjx7Ler9VkCYzh5kEP-9-wyfSyhshdBGfC4xTMIQh1ROJJYH/s320/24.jpg" width="320" /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Patrick Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926201709853231010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323871070006660513.post-59582773537057864072023-03-24T22:17:00.001-04:002023-03-25T12:00:33.121-04:00An Unforgettable First Day of Spring(steen)<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Count the band in, then kick into overdrive</i></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>By the end of the set we leave no one alive</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Ghosts runnin' through the night</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Our spirits filled with light</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I need, need you by my side</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Your love and I'm alive</i></div></i><p></p><p>After what feels like an overly extended Darkness on the Edge of Town, a weary and hungry E Street Nation this week made its return to the not-so Secret Garden in Boston to break free of our pandemic-induced withdrawal from the live concert experience that is the heart-stopping, pants-dropping, house-rocking, earth-quaking, booty-shaking, Viagra-taking, love-making LEGENDARY E STREET BAND, led of course, by their Boss in rank and name, Bruce Springsteen.</p><p>And let me tell you, after nearly seven years of not seeing the Boss and company have crowds nearing 20K eating from the palm of his hand, it was a desperately needed return to normalcy for an experience that has accompanied so many of us for decades, providing the background soundtrack of our lives.</p><p>My brother Jimmy first started seeing the Springsteen not long after his 1973 debut album, Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J., and indoctrinated me into E Street Nation by taking me to my first Bruce shows, in Providence, R.I., and the original Boston Garden. </p><p>In the ensuing 40+ years, my friends, family and I have enjoyed live Springsteen in all of his iterations, numbering literally more than a thousand times collectively among us.</p><p>Along the way, we have been joined by multiple like-minded fans who have helped us write new chapters in the Book of Dreams that has chronicled our shared memories. Sadly, we have also lost some members of that Band of Brothers.</p><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Well now young faces grow sad and old</i></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And hearts of fire grow cold</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>We swore blood brothers against the wind</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I'm ready to grow young again</i></div></i><p>But this week, we reunited to celebrate the return of live performances, something we've been clamoring for ever since the cloak of COVID blanketed live concert opportunities more than three years ago.</p><p>And let me tell you, it was exhilarating to be back Out in the Street with the Boss.</p><p>A disclaimer: the pics to follow come from a variety of sources - me, Andrew, Katie, Marcia, Ken, and the interwebs. Apologies for no cutline credit, but in the days where everyone in the crowd brandishes a hand-held camera, it's hard to keep track of what comes from where.</p><p>We gathered first, as we often do, to break bread in the North End. We MAY have slipped a cannoli into our pre-game warmup.</p><p><i></i></p><div style="text-align: center;"><i>We got our own roads to ride and chances we got to take</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>We stood side by side each one fighting for the other<br />And we said until we died we'd always be blood brothers</i></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBropedn1f9fEkagJWVetjBE3sD2zUrYVI5z8GDGW8fXJVB_jS-vZBOSU8J9BSsSvrmiE9eQi-BrDJHKQIYkud48siDEUt6nW1n96F7XbBRiBq5q6KbizDSWKJ2ZyUn85NCooahjHTUO_n1eZ84eTe3gdMj3wVH35xt4NmBv6kfjMO8JGVMen0y9W3/s640/8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBropedn1f9fEkagJWVetjBE3sD2zUrYVI5z8GDGW8fXJVB_jS-vZBOSU8J9BSsSvrmiE9eQi-BrDJHKQIYkud48siDEUt6nW1n96F7XbBRiBq5q6KbizDSWKJ2ZyUn85NCooahjHTUO_n1eZ84eTe3gdMj3wVH35xt4NmBv6kfjMO8JGVMen0y9W3/s320/8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of the additions that made this particular Bruce show so unforgettable was that it marked the first time Andrew's bride Katie experienced a live Springsteen concert.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She's had to endure the songs non-stop alongside her husband, but this would mark her first live show, and it would, inevitably, leave its mark upon her.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Notice she's already working Springsteen tee-shirt swag, alongside her husband who's wearing my OG 1980 Springsteen long-sleeve tee.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibAlbtf4hYnAnEu6bu-47gweC3f8w_rgZazlI8e2iGt-yB76YBVSBnsFMEu7XKv0p_aFqinek0_i10WxVZBBvJDJbJMFew6fMLeVv1hxPBc0xs8tKn_EdccwaSe3TcwmNe2qXRCfF2aJNaj4-MbsDKYPzRlLI4KrA3-qkeCtxSJ59-xRC-EJDjVL0Z/s640/7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="529" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibAlbtf4hYnAnEu6bu-47gweC3f8w_rgZazlI8e2iGt-yB76YBVSBnsFMEu7XKv0p_aFqinek0_i10WxVZBBvJDJbJMFew6fMLeVv1hxPBc0xs8tKn_EdccwaSe3TcwmNe2qXRCfF2aJNaj4-MbsDKYPzRlLI4KrA3-qkeCtxSJ59-xRC-EJDjVL0Z/s320/7.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_sZifhO_PWxv-iCd4Aq3AosRMgi0UDlem2AXzOT6X6i_vWyiVJy95qXZocIbEpyGoh1BF-Vdf8h-iGHlmmt5n7pLN5puJQU9ddG9CQEmYVUdyuy0dI-Q5enchtLZ3lyXLKg9T8-xeEKbU74i2p1IyZB9C70KkR6iFLIvhXunbYXrizf3YuD3uIl_U/s640/9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_sZifhO_PWxv-iCd4Aq3AosRMgi0UDlem2AXzOT6X6i_vWyiVJy95qXZocIbEpyGoh1BF-Vdf8h-iGHlmmt5n7pLN5puJQU9ddG9CQEmYVUdyuy0dI-Q5enchtLZ3lyXLKg9T8-xeEKbU74i2p1IyZB9C70KkR6iFLIvhXunbYXrizf3YuD3uIl_U/s320/9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">From the North End, it's over to the North Station for the Main Event.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">(Though for some, an Italian dinner in the North End is a Main Event of its own.)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4DT5KlW2pUbott0QQKipjeg8ZfIFhhpMjCNLv5MOqQPopmbAnGzq81Qh7xehPr0u-PZsww6xMSL5yC8vVIPVA1ADvUG5ouzxSROsACe9xPLj4fZrFrHrAgFzNi1Y1fvVK_ZKXiYHSdDwOSkxBnhW_xyaoyb6L8qOKMWx_70lKRz2exh_8SI-ney0Q/s640/10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="552" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4DT5KlW2pUbott0QQKipjeg8ZfIFhhpMjCNLv5MOqQPopmbAnGzq81Qh7xehPr0u-PZsww6xMSL5yC8vVIPVA1ADvUG5ouzxSROsACe9xPLj4fZrFrHrAgFzNi1Y1fvVK_ZKXiYHSdDwOSkxBnhW_xyaoyb6L8qOKMWx_70lKRz2exh_8SI-ney0Q/s320/10.jpg" width="276" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBfghQjxUqmwQCyPbttlgvBsLoIMF9SFoO0E21QeF9eWVjTw4wc0CKB0t319-1KtFvlDrcHZPDm30GWz57ehv_xllYFy5YXF51nH8qd5E8GHMUiLSQL1BM44VpDfsuVETfg6T-Eivdati9JiiziUWVyNDGRlUZ-c4IfvAf2QroYCc5Fmhe0UaH-am/s517/11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="517" data-original-width="507" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBfghQjxUqmwQCyPbttlgvBsLoIMF9SFoO0E21QeF9eWVjTw4wc0CKB0t319-1KtFvlDrcHZPDm30GWz57ehv_xllYFy5YXF51nH8qd5E8GHMUiLSQL1BM44VpDfsuVETfg6T-Eivdati9JiiziUWVyNDGRlUZ-c4IfvAf2QroYCc5Fmhe0UaH-am/s320/11.jpg" width="314" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Ghosts runnin' through the night</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Our spirits filled with light</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>I need, need you by my side</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Your love and I'm alive</i></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW44VHWfjzdrXv0HwufonYEMS7EKZ5KiV7zgdmkSQbChs_KqEY8d-DYvvJM3yUQs8sqekzhMOgUgKuQmkxWKMvw8ejr88j9tWLBZ_Xflwic1Lns62YZo_iiYOn-klzz1oUjS-xmq3Yz1FbCSgO8ZzgRhxpLShX6xpiBXu736EVgx4uqPhCXPrng-GB/s640/1.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCj8OYbSpz9ZluqFoE0FyLBhh4b1SDxoEJogkOuqA0HCYS5gYbWd0XffTd_kK5bBS1rseYUvutQSykDSWx-w3SS3QX1Ar8an3vIF75QXnXacVhMJbLsoCd2rHmqn9Jk4UtZO9vQqCmt_Wyqp2cxdnlJtY9MobMtU4U4CKauJmwRvPQSCsw5XyhgDG/s640/12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCj8OYbSpz9ZluqFoE0FyLBhh4b1SDxoEJogkOuqA0HCYS5gYbWd0XffTd_kK5bBS1rseYUvutQSykDSWx-w3SS3QX1Ar8an3vIF75QXnXacVhMJbLsoCd2rHmqn9Jk4UtZO9vQqCmt_Wyqp2cxdnlJtY9MobMtU4U4CKauJmwRvPQSCsw5XyhgDG/s320/12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>I turn up the volume, let the spirits be my guide</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Meet you, brother and sister, on the other side</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>I'm alive, I can feel the blood shiver in my bones</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>I'm alive and I'm out here on my own</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>I'm alive and I'm comin' home</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Yeah, I'm comin' home</i></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From the opening notes of No Surrender straight into Ghosts, it was readily apparently the Magic was back.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our collective E Streeters circle of friends was scattered throughout the Garden, but we were still united as kindred Spirits in the Night. A special shoutout to Ken Gordon and Susan Strauss who scored standing spots in the pit</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cue rapid-fire live set show pics:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJBgfxAJ1LZqXKavxK1_kiUxwmEqkYSQ5ElEKAHMrmarjKgtWkvySGF38ozAAlT1CttSZgSrFm7fCk_P_rkIw3WAk02iz8KkunrdfiITsqLvgHlYIycNhcjdmSJ2sUDSX7BTjhUp3TkR6YbVDGMlmNNBPupj-DBX8skaRs80FyAVOJ61rFZkhIXtg/s640/14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJBgfxAJ1LZqXKavxK1_kiUxwmEqkYSQ5ElEKAHMrmarjKgtWkvySGF38ozAAlT1CttSZgSrFm7fCk_P_rkIw3WAk02iz8KkunrdfiITsqLvgHlYIycNhcjdmSJ2sUDSX7BTjhUp3TkR6YbVDGMlmNNBPupj-DBX8skaRs80FyAVOJ61rFZkhIXtg/s320/14.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEwEU5fhGMXxjpkJ_d5WTIqsa-uPa19AXtPae-6CWUZCQnIHmj8H1UQIG7PuljKtBJRrHhemJBN25-IrbhZC8SBOzaX7TNk341BbUmoot85ZfwMgQkkC8bHojnmfaanYzLkLHGhaUWifvkwk9zQMy0R7R1zoh7tOuIK1o-NJWsOGiW9RtiMNu-YiC/s640/15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEwEU5fhGMXxjpkJ_d5WTIqsa-uPa19AXtPae-6CWUZCQnIHmj8H1UQIG7PuljKtBJRrHhemJBN25-IrbhZC8SBOzaX7TNk341BbUmoot85ZfwMgQkkC8bHojnmfaanYzLkLHGhaUWifvkwk9zQMy0R7R1zoh7tOuIK1o-NJWsOGiW9RtiMNu-YiC/s320/15.jpg" width="240" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEwEU5fhGMXxjpkJ_d5WTIqsa-uPa19AXtPae-6CWUZCQnIHmj8H1UQIG7PuljKtBJRrHhemJBN25-IrbhZC8SBOzaX7TNk341BbUmoot85ZfwMgQkkC8bHojnmfaanYzLkLHGhaUWifvkwk9zQMy0R7R1zoh7tOuIK1o-NJWsOGiW9RtiMNu-YiC/s640/15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26mS-nzM67uczdmnt3YlD87cDP27IrGkdRSoH9mtTwR4p7rYA79LiYREaUXMDc-9rymBO1hV-Z_mIrHu0RAOc5Zi0odzw0Vz6oP8KIvfEfhZFxo-VrBkFc8wjloRMG2SYRE5tk_OJESzENiNNVbISmqZ-iSjT6QXhuHGo546A7oqrj8K9irjPvg4N/s640/16.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26mS-nzM67uczdmnt3YlD87cDP27IrGkdRSoH9mtTwR4p7rYA79LiYREaUXMDc-9rymBO1hV-Z_mIrHu0RAOc5Zi0odzw0Vz6oP8KIvfEfhZFxo-VrBkFc8wjloRMG2SYRE5tk_OJESzENiNNVbISmqZ-iSjT6QXhuHGo546A7oqrj8K9irjPvg4N/s320/16.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26mS-nzM67uczdmnt3YlD87cDP27IrGkdRSoH9mtTwR4p7rYA79LiYREaUXMDc-9rymBO1hV-Z_mIrHu0RAOc5Zi0odzw0Vz6oP8KIvfEfhZFxo-VrBkFc8wjloRMG2SYRE5tk_OJESzENiNNVbISmqZ-iSjT6QXhuHGo546A7oqrj8K9irjPvg4N/s640/16.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCvprhPmQfuqBQzwRryD01Pd1dn5IS_e2B0Ik-wHe8YHV3FYzEpn8MmtwS8yekIaGNtXAeprXpboNrO0UKetTsAb9QAXZnCZFCGxcKexYIvaGcTxK0cH298BeSvnEjwJj4gMyFNoBSinw8Dhnl7UxqLLkVQWwqWA1P4R4voF7ajtf2_9arYY4vR-NE/s640/17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCvprhPmQfuqBQzwRryD01Pd1dn5IS_e2B0Ik-wHe8YHV3FYzEpn8MmtwS8yekIaGNtXAeprXpboNrO0UKetTsAb9QAXZnCZFCGxcKexYIvaGcTxK0cH298BeSvnEjwJj4gMyFNoBSinw8Dhnl7UxqLLkVQWwqWA1P4R4voF7ajtf2_9arYY4vR-NE/s320/17.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCvprhPmQfuqBQzwRryD01Pd1dn5IS_e2B0Ik-wHe8YHV3FYzEpn8MmtwS8yekIaGNtXAeprXpboNrO0UKetTsAb9QAXZnCZFCGxcKexYIvaGcTxK0cH298BeSvnEjwJj4gMyFNoBSinw8Dhnl7UxqLLkVQWwqWA1P4R4voF7ajtf2_9arYY4vR-NE/s640/17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjipB6zTvfwwJPxNu2EeIA5ZlU6NRTYHFv1YjT1ExpwFKR05dodOs2DrS3AFTQ6nbDXmMEZBNyGchThplGNXBeiDhtgRuZIZ2TffQBWEhXLk-q3R1CiKRFmwpxH0PwhgjJUl8WE6BBa8fdtaXYYjJmNlVpLInh5S-mI4QDbe8r8zldJ4k0qKh29XoIH/s640/19.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjipB6zTvfwwJPxNu2EeIA5ZlU6NRTYHFv1YjT1ExpwFKR05dodOs2DrS3AFTQ6nbDXmMEZBNyGchThplGNXBeiDhtgRuZIZ2TffQBWEhXLk-q3R1CiKRFmwpxH0PwhgjJUl8WE6BBa8fdtaXYYjJmNlVpLInh5S-mI4QDbe8r8zldJ4k0qKh29XoIH/s320/19.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Historically, we've always been known to lose our voices singing/screaming along to the songs that fill the sometimes four-hour live Bruce shows.</div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5XtwbnSj7Qg6_zrtlsaXeFkLEpVfUh5ebyvemn5CtAuuv9EJ0hzjFnX7ahrUiUWa3kwP2WpewTh2nxaynU7_O_jObCnrBfNkbbI94Bu0n7Z17Qp5RfFV7r3OgiuXAe7rQ_n2CU1lIA48ZDLOzTKoUf1MbHasgmxQ8wsQ2BHVGGy2QUnbGXyTinYOp/s640/21.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5XtwbnSj7Qg6_zrtlsaXeFkLEpVfUh5ebyvemn5CtAuuv9EJ0hzjFnX7ahrUiUWa3kwP2WpewTh2nxaynU7_O_jObCnrBfNkbbI94Bu0n7Z17Qp5RfFV7r3OgiuXAe7rQ_n2CU1lIA48ZDLOzTKoUf1MbHasgmxQ8wsQ2BHVGGy2QUnbGXyTinYOp/s320/21.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This particular Boston night, I had already lost my voice before the encores, which featured so many of his anthemic songs. Sadly, for me, happily for those around me, I had little to contribute to the noise level by the time Born to Run blew the roof off the Garden.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwgyBjMtpBzuk8OAks5R-2xZT2khWQr61yF70DyYlrKNlG7E3Wc-gERYaMDCa7vqRW9MY0gFT88O4tkHYhm-rE6gyHaq5P9hGNPijTIm82uXPELAFaqkVc5zmlVdJasOXyE6LPQJfaGz_x7o11cHqLJtH1aFxmRdy-pidKQOgEoFRENUNypuGk2_-/s640/22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwgyBjMtpBzuk8OAks5R-2xZT2khWQr61yF70DyYlrKNlG7E3Wc-gERYaMDCa7vqRW9MY0gFT88O4tkHYhm-rE6gyHaq5P9hGNPijTIm82uXPELAFaqkVc5zmlVdJasOXyE6LPQJfaGz_x7o11cHqLJtH1aFxmRdy-pidKQOgEoFRENUNypuGk2_-/s320/22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Well, there's another dance</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>All you gotta do is say yes</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>And if you're rough and ready for love</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Honey, I'm tougher than the rest</i></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVBu6aUGgzBZTUvWn-OnggoYfkc6NwQKXGJ2OjNPGa9UCY9aI7UmsHUOsP-dt1-X1zXQTFvuBLt0qYmQLRbu_tNF0rFM-SwuNvZwhSan2Dh18LT-6SUtoulBcK8k_lNxErVgYv1SmNYSzYR-0r_mQbsplVtYpB4tJRnaVv8NtdnGiqk4RJp6OnD1Ct/s640/2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ywDCLs-w3Ti3-Y_FhPIPjn3yTpvTL-a5mKPuxql8i5eMu2-R8yN83jyVGIlrsbzo8kZVy2XAkE2tlYTIXmhqZ1MMCTLYtpjvr-vWvjk3sCxY2Xkvvp0Uj40Z5fMsdP_UTnjxFQQwIFo71wOTvJoI7L1gNAQL_0-YLr0GyN1G-OMY-TDB1euans6-/s640/26.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="640" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ywDCLs-w3Ti3-Y_FhPIPjn3yTpvTL-a5mKPuxql8i5eMu2-R8yN83jyVGIlrsbzo8kZVy2XAkE2tlYTIXmhqZ1MMCTLYtpjvr-vWvjk3sCxY2Xkvvp0Uj40Z5fMsdP_UTnjxFQQwIFo71wOTvJoI7L1gNAQL_0-YLr0GyN1G-OMY-TDB1euans6-/s320/26.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Katie and Andrew spent most of the encore dancing, earning them praise from the concert-goers behind them who were swept up in their sheer jubilation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUNiGFJX2VB49h7b2VZZkGmxiu-kNyG38nI-PL9EV2uW_dn3fxsuk40jPe1rnIKKhcUTNlZnSLx5TO13XSbamCUnl_HZCUpUXmhAPctCxwlZjCmkbquUPh_Kw2fZKcTmHudOcMnozA8T4lIqtbg0Iyo6zFJ0ECRg5hIHDzuRvf50kS8mblkKYU63b/s640/27.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUNiGFJX2VB49h7b2VZZkGmxiu-kNyG38nI-PL9EV2uW_dn3fxsuk40jPe1rnIKKhcUTNlZnSLx5TO13XSbamCUnl_HZCUpUXmhAPctCxwlZjCmkbquUPh_Kw2fZKcTmHudOcMnozA8T4lIqtbg0Iyo6zFJ0ECRg5hIHDzuRvf50kS8mblkKYU63b/s320/27.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRakSzS_iZQcVbRlBiSAs2sm5SgJ_4Q7vY8Bw_jILYdGiU-5TwNWcPMRmmb_hHRI_anDVJU8XdpfMA7UVihXsGeVvLs6E211qSQdUMXiDzrHZIlbHvMy3ndH3ewYNfEOrfz_Xc8u_G2zFLotCH9xGsd-KVGmBhdoE-qHcIOtMbH_hLj1cTeuZl4K2n/s640/28.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRakSzS_iZQcVbRlBiSAs2sm5SgJ_4Q7vY8Bw_jILYdGiU-5TwNWcPMRmmb_hHRI_anDVJU8XdpfMA7UVihXsGeVvLs6E211qSQdUMXiDzrHZIlbHvMy3ndH3ewYNfEOrfz_Xc8u_G2zFLotCH9xGsd-KVGmBhdoE-qHcIOtMbH_hLj1cTeuZl4K2n/s320/28.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEpbXEsMwvyp5Go65f8Lm8D4j0jbNQ9cPHkGLg9yi1trtiCto5O6h0Es-HjrlD3jdOrCpdIjd5AkokHC-FjJR3D3oQ18JRGsN-A3uFCZ6qizOc_aU41tRVelDesUPkVb2DoFPOYdyxOEhAwIV5xIJM9l62A8SWA76b5AbMGeEdSbc8C3tAPO43JvJL/s640/30.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEpbXEsMwvyp5Go65f8Lm8D4j0jbNQ9cPHkGLg9yi1trtiCto5O6h0Es-HjrlD3jdOrCpdIjd5AkokHC-FjJR3D3oQ18JRGsN-A3uFCZ6qizOc_aU41tRVelDesUPkVb2DoFPOYdyxOEhAwIV5xIJM9l62A8SWA76b5AbMGeEdSbc8C3tAPO43JvJL/s320/30.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Somewhere in this mass of humanity stands Ken and Susan, swarmed by a crush of fans who rushed the mid-floor runway during the Tenth Avenue Freezeout. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66hj7nhk0uaU7y-q6CZ-nR67rOuD1MQw8ChHy4SMNjYn5ON_B4o6QrmsvisyIU12I3neat8hDaSkfoRUlzFYTFeiIr6c1_NnTAnp957MbjfghcVF1ghmJwyM-1pmfO8T8v4NoHV7w4S8BFNcB979bHhATruijcKM7nhXSYujQfhY_9ou5iM4Toeum/s640/31.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66hj7nhk0uaU7y-q6CZ-nR67rOuD1MQw8ChHy4SMNjYn5ON_B4o6QrmsvisyIU12I3neat8hDaSkfoRUlzFYTFeiIr6c1_NnTAnp957MbjfghcVF1ghmJwyM-1pmfO8T8v4NoHV7w4S8BFNcB979bHhATruijcKM7nhXSYujQfhY_9ou5iM4Toeum/s320/31.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here they are here, center screen:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxOBXLi_lUnue4bbxpDJuGE6BUIBJNIg10bShflFN-IWIfYyL0I3nDvJfrgeH69ZFMTG83uGqBUu034sVT04MrYdSH62Jk3dUWSGs5D4-XpRiyOhmapMZ0N6uk2zCO6uW7-IiYjvIlYGGZozxAFXmbTRBmyaQMOQnU7pW9QDgTc61hjBTBWvUYD7s/s2014/ken%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1335" data-original-width="2014" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxOBXLi_lUnue4bbxpDJuGE6BUIBJNIg10bShflFN-IWIfYyL0I3nDvJfrgeH69ZFMTG83uGqBUu034sVT04MrYdSH62Jk3dUWSGs5D4-XpRiyOhmapMZ0N6uk2zCO6uW7-IiYjvIlYGGZozxAFXmbTRBmyaQMOQnU7pW9QDgTc61hjBTBWvUYD7s/s320/ken%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Despair not, the pair held their own and captured these epic shots:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP8LrFJS97lxn5vtaYiDps6jX4Cr4bMneYOy_HECqFY0UlhOeECkPaw39hJgIPuO1CNtW60U6ixpzoyelUx-ps87ig_vJKe8Y59lpZI8tAZAntAgELIN24z_sgRDE5pbRYsWr18f5dPEKGOCMMW4v0TBOvyUdEmHvxHhouB0OmEU-X7j0ddM4CejNu/s2016/ken%202.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP8LrFJS97lxn5vtaYiDps6jX4Cr4bMneYOy_HECqFY0UlhOeECkPaw39hJgIPuO1CNtW60U6ixpzoyelUx-ps87ig_vJKe8Y59lpZI8tAZAntAgELIN24z_sgRDE5pbRYsWr18f5dPEKGOCMMW4v0TBOvyUdEmHvxHhouB0OmEU-X7j0ddM4CejNu/s320/ken%202.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTtSJHD7FPkXhPa1An2_noYW-p-IZUZXfTqD9uns11N8xL3K5jZHSa-ShljAFH8-RRbGbd0-BOwwwMrknq2wxf_mAR1Xtyw6Pk_0rmwgCzBzSnHU7bjIRReS_L5lIYbGDMZ0Mewd_jMSdpPUsNBSNpNf0pdLXvSDCoP4aMPRdZ0k9zG2JYb-02XEX9/s2016/ken%201.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTtSJHD7FPkXhPa1An2_noYW-p-IZUZXfTqD9uns11N8xL3K5jZHSa-ShljAFH8-RRbGbd0-BOwwwMrknq2wxf_mAR1Xtyw6Pk_0rmwgCzBzSnHU7bjIRReS_L5lIYbGDMZ0Mewd_jMSdpPUsNBSNpNf0pdLXvSDCoP4aMPRdZ0k9zG2JYb-02XEX9/s320/ken%201.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, a fun little aside:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Out there in the twitterverse, some fellow Bruce fans posted these random shots of Bruce and Nils riffing it out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What makes them of particular note to regular readers of this blog is the guest appearances (above Bruce's head) of ye author, ye author's wife, ye author's son, and ye author's daughter-in-law.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mike Wizowski would be proud of us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(I zoomed in on them in case we don't stand out from the crowd)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAVasA_u1-UcxtbvF7qE4bUAjDWdftwBAr7DnmWaduRoLhjeT3ngG8OpMIc13USVfEknJieUANxFKHvG3_Z2Sqrd8tmuaaKwWapXN4-fXH-pVs1wkZLFaF_yVlPvl3ba8aXLfjlm613q9oBXbVCloxq9SwDxcqSzn38b-YoLosMWqm5OmMSj40t22m/s640/3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAVasA_u1-UcxtbvF7qE4bUAjDWdftwBAr7DnmWaduRoLhjeT3ngG8OpMIc13USVfEknJieUANxFKHvG3_Z2Sqrd8tmuaaKwWapXN4-fXH-pVs1wkZLFaF_yVlPvl3ba8aXLfjlm613q9oBXbVCloxq9SwDxcqSzn38b-YoLosMWqm5OmMSj40t22m/s320/3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIeEMJ5gp-LADEevV5T5lpo5TVRswjnyEAh49TY1cQq-_tj21ceh9rYXAJcA68Tl2SZduWcNbR8zvCcslSO6kt5D-LrMHSrWEhDzKSkGcTA0dtWyVnwTjmY3dTJZTSHadjaMVxvDdmpS_xHUUwY5ZlUUMEKpIvR44pLFvWaoN1OPdWE8Fuic7mWtt/s640/5.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIeEMJ5gp-LADEevV5T5lpo5TVRswjnyEAh49TY1cQq-_tj21ceh9rYXAJcA68Tl2SZduWcNbR8zvCcslSO6kt5D-LrMHSrWEhDzKSkGcTA0dtWyVnwTjmY3dTJZTSHadjaMVxvDdmpS_xHUUwY5ZlUUMEKpIvR44pLFvWaoN1OPdWE8Fuic7mWtt/s320/5.PNG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVBu6aUGgzBZTUvWn-OnggoYfkc6NwQKXGJ2OjNPGa9UCY9aI7UmsHUOsP-dt1-X1zXQTFvuBLt0qYmQLRbu_tNF0rFM-SwuNvZwhSan2Dh18LT-6SUtoulBcK8k_lNxErVgYv1SmNYSzYR-0r_mQbsplVtYpB4tJRnaVv8NtdnGiqk4RJp6OnD1Ct/s640/2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVBu6aUGgzBZTUvWn-OnggoYfkc6NwQKXGJ2OjNPGa9UCY9aI7UmsHUOsP-dt1-X1zXQTFvuBLt0qYmQLRbu_tNF0rFM-SwuNvZwhSan2Dh18LT-6SUtoulBcK8k_lNxErVgYv1SmNYSzYR-0r_mQbsplVtYpB4tJRnaVv8NtdnGiqk4RJp6OnD1Ct/s320/2.JPG" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW44VHWfjzdrXv0HwufonYEMS7EKZ5KiV7zgdmkSQbChs_KqEY8d-DYvvJM3yUQs8sqekzhMOgUgKuQmkxWKMvw8ejr88j9tWLBZ_Xflwic1Lns62YZo_iiYOn-klzz1oUjS-xmq3Yz1FbCSgO8ZzgRhxpLShX6xpiBXu736EVgx4uqPhCXPrng-GB/s320/1.PNG" width="320" /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you're still with us up to this point, I'm hoping these pics helped capture some of the Glory Days of being back on the Backstreets with Bruce and friends, not to mention our own friends who've logged many a mile on our own Thunder Roads.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After sending the 17 members of his band off stage, Bruce broke out his acoustic guitar to end the night with a poignant solo version of I'll See You in My Dreams.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>I'll see you in my dreams</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>When all the summers have come to an end</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>I'll see you in my dreams</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>We'll meet and live and love again</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>I'll see you in my dreams</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Yeah, up around the river bend</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>For death is not the end</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>And I'll see you in my dreams</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="text-align: left;">We still have multiple shows to absorb in the coming days, weeks and months of this tour, but man, does it feel good to be back.</span></div></div></div>Patrick Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926201709853231010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323871070006660513.post-58535358716824225662022-11-24T12:07:00.003-05:002022-11-24T12:27:26.016-05:00The Next Generation of Turkey Trotters<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For as long as this blog's been alive (which has been about 15 years, give or take), I've taken the opportunity of a Thanksgiving morning run to give thanks for my circle of family and friends and the opportunity to gather many of them in one place with running being the unifying activity.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And this year was no exception, with a fledgling 5K in Westford's Nabnasset neighborhood serving as the backdrop. For me, at least, it was also a return to my running roots, but more on that later.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdVTF7DZEs6rOehDVBaRXAFAxKHNoJHAi4fMJBO4dtoesFA9AK2CF_Cn_cTvyOjGWedvPZ4ph_iQ298aVYpOvb8mYuSaWx1hBcdslIIwp4wVxnogFuY1NRuRNlRWDWaHc4aD9tMVm5eCa-49kDzi1YncVDpXgv57efDnkq7SLXCiPKydFf6KpaWkQ/s640/4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdVTF7DZEs6rOehDVBaRXAFAxKHNoJHAi4fMJBO4dtoesFA9AK2CF_Cn_cTvyOjGWedvPZ4ph_iQ298aVYpOvb8mYuSaWx1hBcdslIIwp4wVxnogFuY1NRuRNlRWDWaHc4aD9tMVm5eCa-49kDzi1YncVDpXgv57efDnkq7SLXCiPKydFf6KpaWkQ/s320/4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Unfortunately, one of the many activity casualties of the pandemic and the changes it wrought was the 5K from the Lowell Elks, which is no more. That always gave the E Streeters extended family a gathering point where we could collect and run along the streets of Pawtucketville.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Alas, with that race course now off the table, it was time to find a new course.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And thanks to my niece Brianne who connected through the Greater Lowell Road Runners, we found a delightful start-up 5K in Westford, courtesy of the Peternell family.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But first warm-ups, as in jumping jacks, sort of, Brook.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuqe0kfVDaqtwMmsPYnkMIhYMJ46O7xjkgw-NYJtzmW6DGETlloBOGpbn57oWAN5Gz5Dyap60b0Du5vTEbTmwhtntkYtcHy93zfOMnY3hRUljUepz7ux1q_g_iULguzmOyWi0uY_sEEEBEq-jFMfGvyfM9-XiQkGtZA1MDhGzHWOJVdVQWfYSUCIL/s640/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuqe0kfVDaqtwMmsPYnkMIhYMJ46O7xjkgw-NYJtzmW6DGETlloBOGpbn57oWAN5Gz5Dyap60b0Du5vTEbTmwhtntkYtcHy93zfOMnY3hRUljUepz7ux1q_g_iULguzmOyWi0uY_sEEEBEq-jFMfGvyfM9-XiQkGtZA1MDhGzHWOJVdVQWfYSUCIL/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's so inspiring to see the Lemay girls embracing the fun of running, and in the meantime, logging some serious mileage and award honors!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWg7ToyFDQl7p3Uwph7XPHPCM7tPTXSBtudxnI90bz7HtyFggioMhYsJT5_ijc26hmkewNG0NF7XY7w5Iib6Un_qxlTylklwTrAGskNvB8cyBW03uIK-DTo82igv0X2B3F0Osjqmrequ97opkoWCL2g5RNwQ8rxDwTNszQYIg1G3iZyvS5j9F6h0Eb/s640/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWg7ToyFDQl7p3Uwph7XPHPCM7tPTXSBtudxnI90bz7HtyFggioMhYsJT5_ijc26hmkewNG0NF7XY7w5Iib6Un_qxlTylklwTrAGskNvB8cyBW03uIK-DTo82igv0X2B3F0Osjqmrequ97opkoWCL2g5RNwQ8rxDwTNszQYIg1G3iZyvS5j9F6h0Eb/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Harper may be too young to officially run yet, but damned if she isn't the cutest cheerleader out there!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLv9ZyeYIXKNnoktaFVHeS1WUp1ZfrTJPCgtOVhj34d34yjNvCFWaHzoV503gDDNog1fRlIxmaqJEp8gzD_2MWA0yLp92tP1WMYhqTppkRuLznfPZKsVRxyR_TGbspVo-KojW3VdUdA8qsg7ZFLn6xzwgTJDrGc8ukeJXxXWW9PaQfu-d6RsEXkSMy/s640/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLv9ZyeYIXKNnoktaFVHeS1WUp1ZfrTJPCgtOVhj34d34yjNvCFWaHzoV503gDDNog1fRlIxmaqJEp8gzD_2MWA0yLp92tP1WMYhqTppkRuLznfPZKsVRxyR_TGbspVo-KojW3VdUdA8qsg7ZFLn6xzwgTJDrGc8ukeJXxXWW9PaQfu-d6RsEXkSMy/s320/3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Again, highest of props to the Peternell family of Lake Shore Drive South in Westford who opened their house, yard, and street to the 50+ runners this cold November morning.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The entry fee for the race? Donations for the local food pantry! Bravo!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2CxTl9RdGjgSgJd7PACh-m7xkKmQ7U8cemI30ryhQuaMaFpmTy7sSU5-O3c5Kt9eBbLXG4_WVm34qC_7CO5G8OAEUQgIy8My-w4ntNOkuuNV2OLPnniyvjUzrQFFkxt8buISme5IihYGrd2NIUEo6LrWbmCWoO0k0ZyoxJpzDcJiPICcFjAQQO8m/s640/5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2CxTl9RdGjgSgJd7PACh-m7xkKmQ7U8cemI30ryhQuaMaFpmTy7sSU5-O3c5Kt9eBbLXG4_WVm34qC_7CO5G8OAEUQgIy8My-w4ntNOkuuNV2OLPnniyvjUzrQFFkxt8buISme5IihYGrd2NIUEo6LrWbmCWoO0k0ZyoxJpzDcJiPICcFjAQQO8m/s320/5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This Thanksgiving outing also provided the venue for Chewie's first official 5K!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8Q3b53x-OZ5t43wKsjMXPcGJS11nc_smjP75mVxKcM1tcafH0tE0eipK-olhgAE8vpunXtd719JLCOOADDzOKbZ9bFmYW1-ALw-81GXzcxliImEtLKQgeQYoBsWR-9y7DIA7GmuAjcPH947zEWgzrCZq7rhEXhKVwJTVI3K17ZD67ovF_fBp6MUt/s640/6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8Q3b53x-OZ5t43wKsjMXPcGJS11nc_smjP75mVxKcM1tcafH0tE0eipK-olhgAE8vpunXtd719JLCOOADDzOKbZ9bFmYW1-ALw-81GXzcxliImEtLKQgeQYoBsWR-9y7DIA7GmuAjcPH947zEWgzrCZq7rhEXhKVwJTVI3K17ZD67ovF_fBp6MUt/s320/6.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As regular readers know, Chewie has been logging the mileage every weekend with the E Streeters, but today's race gave him the opportunity to compete for reals.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSc_gGQWl2uuIVG2LHJzMr4wOdfE8p4V2VbBz9oYPUd7IkIxXY7jdNzx7dn4hC5tHhXcFNY40YcPb7vwqv2imOfCbnOcV3wftX1jQxi2dXIkyWouZWIp25FnyF8ZafNno8IMfRYMZstiB_4QGvTR3tm1YSV_2xt6TsQhJw7rxkEx9IvN3Aq2OTmT2w/s640/7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSc_gGQWl2uuIVG2LHJzMr4wOdfE8p4V2VbBz9oYPUd7IkIxXY7jdNzx7dn4hC5tHhXcFNY40YcPb7vwqv2imOfCbnOcV3wftX1jQxi2dXIkyWouZWIp25FnyF8ZafNno8IMfRYMZstiB_4QGvTR3tm1YSV_2xt6TsQhJw7rxkEx9IvN3Aq2OTmT2w/s320/7.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Andrew was nice enough to hang with the Old Man, and the backroads of Westford gave him the opportunity for a great race course selfie.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLrWXAksiWtIFW08I3rnAG3tSHoKoo_Srg0rhQqsaLdTlerTVFp8FStZqfNiRcKhh2nCyqCALgEyoE0geB6Otxc3ciwmq7TkiAzy9nLA11fxOEHO1PyuFGPPDOzqryMI-ncOjs8MPshm7g9q13e94jZ_tVDSMPnq0UcPD2bKMSKZapAD4pYPII9h3/s640/8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLrWXAksiWtIFW08I3rnAG3tSHoKoo_Srg0rhQqsaLdTlerTVFp8FStZqfNiRcKhh2nCyqCALgEyoE0geB6Otxc3ciwmq7TkiAzy9nLA11fxOEHO1PyuFGPPDOzqryMI-ncOjs8MPshm7g9q13e94jZ_tVDSMPnq0UcPD2bKMSKZapAD4pYPII9h3/s320/8.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Great job by Addy, gearing up here for the biggest hill of the course</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTkduhsjEFh7V3aDIo3pWjkSYCBjrXW6efot_cRa4WB6HEukDbO7WOfUvRYs9-w14sY8COef3CKLmDd3v9j9kgsRCefHrE0dnP80v53J_-3N1b3IG0WWjy1bN4iuxKzmsG6zGVf_3exQMSpq8Xl5a5xavZAhdaoaP8NNa3oHYoB6zrb_fYgxwe3kNG/s640/9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="640" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTkduhsjEFh7V3aDIo3pWjkSYCBjrXW6efot_cRa4WB6HEukDbO7WOfUvRYs9-w14sY8COef3CKLmDd3v9j9kgsRCefHrE0dnP80v53J_-3N1b3IG0WWjy1bN4iuxKzmsG6zGVf_3exQMSpq8Xl5a5xavZAhdaoaP8NNa3oHYoB6zrb_fYgxwe3kNG/s320/9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chewie is just hitting his stride heading into Mile 2</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhTJISX6lXoGijguQ23LH-ihPgpwYe-1PyWJGbGRSCWc6-_dQvonDupCTQgCJ1LUX0AC2quuGCLGRxLo0ujNZFb5GZYtSWtUJiPh-KTzTFCeftTpUV1ryP3Rfp_v8RkDDQeYagX5f7zU8_jYgw74X1nBl63e5L5eBDZsTH5OxvIQunN3hfR5BysX5/s640/10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhTJISX6lXoGijguQ23LH-ihPgpwYe-1PyWJGbGRSCWc6-_dQvonDupCTQgCJ1LUX0AC2quuGCLGRxLo0ujNZFb5GZYtSWtUJiPh-KTzTFCeftTpUV1ryP3Rfp_v8RkDDQeYagX5f7zU8_jYgw74X1nBl63e5L5eBDZsTH5OxvIQunN3hfR5BysX5/s320/10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Heading back to Lake Shore Drive, both by running buddies were starting to leave me in their shadows</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBaHBZxdE_FJeTiv3_KNz4gsZCLozAI6lVP0tMb7cK8VzdE6lydTcWuRaoLLJY1rTjuQhknHhzYsFzLOTneKY0Xgn6adqzbBIOX9RguqXyiyEZAqyKpQO0hOCPQFefjluFyzhSRYs4eaghNgBtyQA0sPNgLlVV48GxsubHv7zqS1sKWslwAZkJBZGY/s640/11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="640" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBaHBZxdE_FJeTiv3_KNz4gsZCLozAI6lVP0tMb7cK8VzdE6lydTcWuRaoLLJY1rTjuQhknHhzYsFzLOTneKY0Xgn6adqzbBIOX9RguqXyiyEZAqyKpQO0hOCPQFefjluFyzhSRYs4eaghNgBtyQA0sPNgLlVV48GxsubHv7zqS1sKWslwAZkJBZGY/s320/11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Finish line furry fury!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpFWmYfpWUGHFj4SDZOs7w3L-t4P-n_Mic3jvQpP_XF7yudRu_0S54aOX5hegOa7CZAsYXk1aXcSf2oQVg7T4UxiBpM2noUhoAtI_VY2MOxZL7UTdrcIBCKHKp04XDpzN-uZba9kNKdkRE4E3t5kaDZrMIy814WQ1kM48ZI3sdBi22yrUgFfEjLRQi/s640/12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpFWmYfpWUGHFj4SDZOs7w3L-t4P-n_Mic3jvQpP_XF7yudRu_0S54aOX5hegOa7CZAsYXk1aXcSf2oQVg7T4UxiBpM2noUhoAtI_VY2MOxZL7UTdrcIBCKHKp04XDpzN-uZba9kNKdkRE4E3t5kaDZrMIy814WQ1kM48ZI3sdBi22yrUgFfEjLRQi/s320/12.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Haley, who's been crushing the long-distance mileage, was a wonderful sister running back out to help push her older sister in with a final burst of speed</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3E11eEH0j-hkzO_DgVdubf8l5lJbbrRL5mPeXCgGwPM5C1HXeOXBAi1IywIyEvhWWrkAHL0g-hgSLdW1YobFzZf7rKiTJXulqulY0Pe0MnUbTUgvyTAycEvewivwgrkgMWU3uUI6hFbx1mhvV7zIfh3VkhRLgEEiTt1rgIEZGGfM2LeVprlMDn0sV/s640/13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3E11eEH0j-hkzO_DgVdubf8l5lJbbrRL5mPeXCgGwPM5C1HXeOXBAi1IywIyEvhWWrkAHL0g-hgSLdW1YobFzZf7rKiTJXulqulY0Pe0MnUbTUgvyTAycEvewivwgrkgMWU3uUI6hFbx1mhvV7zIfh3VkhRLgEEiTt1rgIEZGGfM2LeVprlMDn0sV/s320/13.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Afterwards, we're all envisioning the Thanksgiving feast to come</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5Nxi8mYGW9CH0v4O24AydMMFEdioMhbj9hCnu80DvO2v5XMaU17fqbnvdNnTok9BErMWfkFCZbMKnMg8alK7eyXSw5-IiXi9Ch7HqkDFr1e7E194I0mt4h-na5qMC3k9EUCXx7KbHn93ywT9zwcCc6iBF9cTQMIFNRzznUZU-eXvdN8cmZKqcNKR/s640/14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5Nxi8mYGW9CH0v4O24AydMMFEdioMhbj9hCnu80DvO2v5XMaU17fqbnvdNnTok9BErMWfkFCZbMKnMg8alK7eyXSw5-IiXi9Ch7HqkDFr1e7E194I0mt4h-na5qMC3k9EUCXx7KbHn93ywT9zwcCc6iBF9cTQMIFNRzznUZU-eXvdN8cmZKqcNKR/s320/14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And Haley will be sure to bring her third-place avocado award to said feast!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzsIZB9B_rj8MxvFaJJsGiCyF6HnpX6iqZ12eAht9WvY8hvjhkNf8LUFzWv_4gdysJ5i_NOjV31tcKVYoBeKMARAFVJQswkk6xiVA09kvzQRh6Yg_2mP9INnqgR4FTba_ngniDMNCpz8Ws1rXloBzb8oShB1G5x6lR8x6QMTiCROXbYtVL1l3SXDu/s640/15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzsIZB9B_rj8MxvFaJJsGiCyF6HnpX6iqZ12eAht9WvY8hvjhkNf8LUFzWv_4gdysJ5i_NOjV31tcKVYoBeKMARAFVJQswkk6xiVA09kvzQRh6Yg_2mP9INnqgR4FTba_ngniDMNCpz8Ws1rXloBzb8oShB1G5x6lR8x6QMTiCROXbYtVL1l3SXDu/s320/15.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As I do every year, I appreciate being able to take this opportunity to give thanks for my family and friends, and being healthy enough to drag my sorry @$$ out there on a cold November morning to log the running miles.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This year's outing spotlighted the up-and-coming generation of runners leaving older runners like me in their dust, and I couldn't be prouder.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Today's race also hearkens back to an important piece of E Streeters running history.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">32 years ago, in the summer of 1990, I officially kicked off my running career, other than the annual outing we all previously did for the Hynes 5 miler every March. But that one doesn't really count, because we ran it in Chuck Taylors and only did it for the party afterwards.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yep, 32 years ago, John Piekos, Scott Spence and I used to run a four-mile loop from John's house, affectionally called the Lake Run. Dozens upon dozens upon dozens of houses now occupy the fields and trails we used to run as part of this course, so the original course is in the history books.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But today was a nice throwback to some of our earliest social and athletic gatherings, and I'm proud as hell that the Lemay girls and their friends could experience the exhilaration and satisfaction of running in a group and challenging themselves to always move forward!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Thanksgiving to ALL!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Patrick Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926201709853231010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323871070006660513.post-17468245286613785312022-11-20T15:56:00.002-05:002022-11-20T15:57:48.687-05:00Climbing WaCHEWsett<p>Every fall, Andrew and I try to squeeze in as many hikes as possible, taking advantage of as many gorgeous New England trails, and mountains as possible, and this, year, a primo textbook fall foliage season, was no exception.</p><p>This time, we brought a friend.</p><p>Anyone who follows me on any of the other social media platforms knows our two-year-old Cockapoo, Chewie, is quite the outdoor - and athletic - puppy. He runs with me nearly every weekend, finishes the run, then wants to go for a walk.</p><p>So this time out, Andrew and decided to tackle a smaller mountain and bring our 16-pound brown-haired pup along for the outing. Little did we know it was us who'd be left in Chewie's dust as we climbed Mount Wachusett in Princeton, Mass., just alongside Westminster.</p><p>(Mount Wachusett draws its name from a Native American term meaning "near the mountain.")</p><p>For many Mays over the last two decades, the E Streeters would take part in a 4/5 mile race up the mountain, and it was quite common for the race course to change from year to year, depending on trail conditions, construction projects, and roadway or trail access.</p><p>For this outing, Andrew and I decided to explore the Balance Rock trail option to start, a leg that occasionally served as the finish quarter-mile for the trail race. Apparently, the boulders of Balance Rock are evidence of glacial activity that shaped the mountain thousands of years ago.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-SKWTU3qU9iPpXVygFrpfInpLUAmS4b1tEqW1U7uMQouzLykN9BnDuldlZM7bMrkMi_7dROdW-piFw-EYIzqWbCO__YZFMWrtAZLz8GWZ6ixTY-yiJNwqDmKwNEUL3XFy-_Gfkq-nVBQMlO8_ly5Xb1wxjBQFoUOjzWgxIZnxfcUl_lLkzfBC-jL/s640/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: inline; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-SKWTU3qU9iPpXVygFrpfInpLUAmS4b1tEqW1U7uMQouzLykN9BnDuldlZM7bMrkMi_7dROdW-piFw-EYIzqWbCO__YZFMWrtAZLz8GWZ6ixTY-yiJNwqDmKwNEUL3XFy-_Gfkq-nVBQMlO8_ly5Xb1wxjBQFoUOjzWgxIZnxfcUl_lLkzfBC-jL/s640/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-SKWTU3qU9iPpXVygFrpfInpLUAmS4b1tEqW1U7uMQouzLykN9BnDuldlZM7bMrkMi_7dROdW-piFw-EYIzqWbCO__YZFMWrtAZLz8GWZ6ixTY-yiJNwqDmKwNEUL3XFy-_Gfkq-nVBQMlO8_ly5Xb1wxjBQFoUOjzWgxIZnxfcUl_lLkzfBC-jL/s320/1.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPphjEdBtH1Z6F20VzzXZJr4pFB5g5FstozZQSkdx3KYaej2WuXbWLuMVGLoZKo0Tp4v8Kgbx9kiv42Z9QO3FgkUTv3kSOAV6H2C2mBx1wR-jFbeDm4fIiMErw5oawsEyPplXl7iUXtPbNK52A-W94SxC7Zrd_UAVeFTdU97WiIYuEyr7VncwkxZV/s640/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPphjEdBtH1Z6F20VzzXZJr4pFB5g5FstozZQSkdx3KYaej2WuXbWLuMVGLoZKo0Tp4v8Kgbx9kiv42Z9QO3FgkUTv3kSOAV6H2C2mBx1wR-jFbeDm4fIiMErw5oawsEyPplXl7iUXtPbNK52A-W94SxC7Zrd_UAVeFTdU97WiIYuEyr7VncwkxZV/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Courtesy of the Princeton Historical Society, here's what the trail path looked like more than a century ago: (the rocks haven't moved, but man, the trees have grown!)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHg1UG84neAkTZjpy3Soz-Fsm5YW0SRmZL8NvZ240p07ILv73SQ2Cpkv11AWTOEn1ij3SPF5c5Mab9IzaMSWM5WoSKim6GbgkAg_x002S-yOWGS3F1LZnwcDdu0CDhHT9bZJIF1dhgAZdicCsf8K-PDyUoNOVAjA1H0sfSvOc42FLISWkL25eaGUER/s800/18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="644" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHg1UG84neAkTZjpy3Soz-Fsm5YW0SRmZL8NvZ240p07ILv73SQ2Cpkv11AWTOEn1ij3SPF5c5Mab9IzaMSWM5WoSKim6GbgkAg_x002S-yOWGS3F1LZnwcDdu0CDhHT9bZJIF1dhgAZdicCsf8K-PDyUoNOVAjA1H0sfSvOc42FLISWkL25eaGUER/s320/18.jpg" width="258" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We realized pretty quickly Andrew and I would be no match for Chewie's mountaineering. He just instinctively knows how to follow a trail, regardless of its twist and turns.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABqHpdZU-l2RXkhI6ilndug98MuTU-dw8NVtznHfk8G-pEjfvYv7JmmQA-2l0dCSzdAHiBZALuix6hU6EL_SX_qvE2rwDvrE42jaUoFc6ohukeKembdStajGRJHnWHEc3P6m_i6ShuYWWOlJoi4q_oMRN7mlchGq_jrdBJyG1nL0RSiCi4xhSFi6R/s640/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABqHpdZU-l2RXkhI6ilndug98MuTU-dw8NVtznHfk8G-pEjfvYv7JmmQA-2l0dCSzdAHiBZALuix6hU6EL_SX_qvE2rwDvrE42jaUoFc6ohukeKembdStajGRJHnWHEc3P6m_i6ShuYWWOlJoi4q_oMRN7mlchGq_jrdBJyG1nL0RSiCi4xhSFi6R/s320/3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This particular day, we had to contend with some rain. The temps still hovered near 70, but the rainfall brought with it some fog, especially at the summit, and some slippery footing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkUrfjvzMr3CvxWJUA80vY_diTHpCh0Ox_4Jl2px9AIAdDPTLHrI1HnDZZl_Y5RGAm4RT0GkfIRsyacPssFewiyvNymjkT0HW__LVfFVDwbsMLMgfnYM5xDFyo4QN6zg1UR50FVlrY_236CRTS3iCnsTxyJs-fitFXO47Oj5oznMu62D51g7hc55uz/s640/4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkUrfjvzMr3CvxWJUA80vY_diTHpCh0Ox_4Jl2px9AIAdDPTLHrI1HnDZZl_Y5RGAm4RT0GkfIRsyacPssFewiyvNymjkT0HW__LVfFVDwbsMLMgfnYM5xDFyo4QN6zg1UR50FVlrY_236CRTS3iCnsTxyJs-fitFXO47Oj5oznMu62D51g7hc55uz/s320/4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As Chewie scaled the rocks ahead of us, Andrew and I decided to explore the Semuhenna trail. Now, knowing my late brother Gerald's passion for Native American history, I needed to know the origin of Semuhenna, since I had never heard the word before. Imagine my surprise/disappointment to find it's the name Anne Humes spelled backwards. She apparently was the wife of Bob Humes, a trailblazer of the Mid State Trail network.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHfBMQyh-1_Io_nAavaeG20I-fq4UdcCBBYOJ7xBhemxR_dT5TV2wj1QLbi74hOsrAQS3nxSx2KXLvzX1PR-2IIZSDwcBXKlp2S0XnydUJIziAbuueatMAsDZnNGzza-pR1lGTjXuQutPPNpoGr0A5NkMBiSBEscaqobG_EOYuo0oHwViCv9_5v5T/s640/5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHfBMQyh-1_Io_nAavaeG20I-fq4UdcCBBYOJ7xBhemxR_dT5TV2wj1QLbi74hOsrAQS3nxSx2KXLvzX1PR-2IIZSDwcBXKlp2S0XnydUJIziAbuueatMAsDZnNGzza-pR1lGTjXuQutPPNpoGr0A5NkMBiSBEscaqobG_EOYuo0oHwViCv9_5v5T/s320/5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzDud9mcVpyyVsqumQ0ZtZa47wVWvi5YqIiEJLx17G4rIGKqAejo3Qtf8dTJz3b6xM04dwDul_i1mmpFdW7BB6xxeXAzUVb2RqFo5I1skPtIbAKnyBtBbnnUMjOAeMoDB6_3Xl_7RHptCd2QILLS01VNjiT7DHV8SZePIr1YjmnawLYERXYMkuyC9/s640/6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzDud9mcVpyyVsqumQ0ZtZa47wVWvi5YqIiEJLx17G4rIGKqAejo3Qtf8dTJz3b6xM04dwDul_i1mmpFdW7BB6xxeXAzUVb2RqFo5I1skPtIbAKnyBtBbnnUMjOAeMoDB6_3Xl_7RHptCd2QILLS01VNjiT7DHV8SZePIr1YjmnawLYERXYMkuyC9/s320/6.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1DekgAK3tB5LWakBfGGepZvisrW-_4UroiwK5Y40u5fjWYeRJrsdYrwwYMzfmaodusM1Z8nyT5pISgujmVbA62yYolPGk6CGP3f0-Ks355CYEkuDBOPn59Klnbq_a5-rZ5qWMGd-z2rsyZmAQsJXOQcF9L0FIVGhnwiUwHRHRHKjEgpdup_seFaw/s640/7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1DekgAK3tB5LWakBfGGepZvisrW-_4UroiwK5Y40u5fjWYeRJrsdYrwwYMzfmaodusM1Z8nyT5pISgujmVbA62yYolPGk6CGP3f0-Ks355CYEkuDBOPn59Klnbq_a5-rZ5qWMGd-z2rsyZmAQsJXOQcF9L0FIVGhnwiUwHRHRHKjEgpdup_seFaw/s320/7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The whole trail will get you just about four miles, before arriving to the summit, enshrouded this day with a thick, heavy fog.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This particular day, though, thanks to the weather, it also helped keep the population significantly low, giving us almost exclusive access to the trails.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEM3OcMBeU_0jWLi7jYkaybGvHp6Sjb0s4eBpehLD-a86csu6bxIpBjF7ZQLxK48TWJ7NeJRDUjGW6GU5e541KHRTElnQWocXZVt7B7JT-ghOCCYU2pWgyrI4Wq_zY2NIaCYc5lTNFiAoLkzva5tXNDaYjP1wFoJZVZ_3iCfFAh9KaK0F8r9Ab-M6L/s640/9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEM3OcMBeU_0jWLi7jYkaybGvHp6Sjb0s4eBpehLD-a86csu6bxIpBjF7ZQLxK48TWJ7NeJRDUjGW6GU5e541KHRTElnQWocXZVt7B7JT-ghOCCYU2pWgyrI4Wq_zY2NIaCYc5lTNFiAoLkzva5tXNDaYjP1wFoJZVZ_3iCfFAh9KaK0F8r9Ab-M6L/s320/9.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">The summit is just over 2,000 feet, so half the size of some of the 4,000 footers Andrew and I have tackled in years past.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXry3pRCTgl-7lm5JbA7Oov7mhAtSf1BatKZHN9XK1jBb9kvv-ZyqvZweC0J6_0batSMyx-uV2g4lxopck3pRlLFbAnmpODJ9NA34THFSCVwOpSWN1neROVnOOExL59-kfz-dRYKYbcBEhYYbGOjCBdv-u1-mgnY6ag2gLTW0i8uxt4o1Ac1WmUigA/s640/10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXry3pRCTgl-7lm5JbA7Oov7mhAtSf1BatKZHN9XK1jBb9kvv-ZyqvZweC0J6_0batSMyx-uV2g4lxopck3pRlLFbAnmpODJ9NA34THFSCVwOpSWN1neROVnOOExL59-kfz-dRYKYbcBEhYYbGOjCBdv-u1-mgnY6ag2gLTW0i8uxt4o1Ac1WmUigA/s320/10.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioT_bYQoEDw9Go3IhcQ4-4xY36cu5Nk-49J8QFsaoPDPZuPSOZ9f0SFpQp2Do_odcbW7srQjuHBRtPA3n4bmNPqUWIa6Y-0Ov246gKgn5y2WxwNbxLJzl71F-fwA05cjNEGHE98jhlqv0X0HAa-N_IRcB1Ja1q78ZMC0k4EB5PcWwUi8YSd9mAJxPw/s640/11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioT_bYQoEDw9Go3IhcQ4-4xY36cu5Nk-49J8QFsaoPDPZuPSOZ9f0SFpQp2Do_odcbW7srQjuHBRtPA3n4bmNPqUWIa6Y-0Ov246gKgn5y2WxwNbxLJzl71F-fwA05cjNEGHE98jhlqv0X0HAa-N_IRcB1Ja1q78ZMC0k4EB5PcWwUi8YSd9mAJxPw/s320/11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskPQVPQj42sUiGubjSt7MAuC2VI_Ji5rTeUQ-lA7Dxuwx-7e8R9l3_LkkDYorkpUWRV5PmUqAi1RFDDG2FZOBRRjON46Rzql8Vym0iRiREDWbIg5W_hi43gO4giew-leZmM2gW-_JFGt3Ry1om0H0SKFmdY3T5MLEjGlAXpx_9-hVgNkPx2qedCr9/s640/12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskPQVPQj42sUiGubjSt7MAuC2VI_Ji5rTeUQ-lA7Dxuwx-7e8R9l3_LkkDYorkpUWRV5PmUqAi1RFDDG2FZOBRRjON46Rzql8Vym0iRiREDWbIg5W_hi43gO4giew-leZmM2gW-_JFGt3Ry1om0H0SKFmdY3T5MLEjGlAXpx_9-hVgNkPx2qedCr9/s320/12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Back down at the bottom of the slope, our Chewie bear wanted nothing to do with his distant relatives in the wood-carvings that surround the ski lodge, a popular ski resort in the winter months.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7I3WvdQ0T-lIwGt5gIe4ZIDM1hiizU1kgjMu2DQQiLcV3PYgZ8UEEFx-CTySfrp1aWgPSWoPsJQDylQi_pwK7ZR-55ktR2bfeLToep72pzrVO9nehAZOvDycnqwhwqjDjP29DveZeRP4fJBZUqwqykNKbYQGxiDPpNp8lYWMKTzNul6t_lLw28J2/s640/13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7I3WvdQ0T-lIwGt5gIe4ZIDM1hiizU1kgjMu2DQQiLcV3PYgZ8UEEFx-CTySfrp1aWgPSWoPsJQDylQi_pwK7ZR-55ktR2bfeLToep72pzrVO9nehAZOvDycnqwhwqjDjP29DveZeRP4fJBZUqwqykNKbYQGxiDPpNp8lYWMKTzNul6t_lLw28J2/s320/13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPvuzzgbJnYT6wvlfAzF38I0VIh8dcU8S-l8f4Ignurrn1QYWwfLS0POpufX428rv0fA1PxVXVTLuCdIDQRoisypp6iyO34YExGvOs7MNfghWm2d1tNggE7kNAeZbsWPyI5o7VEpNvdzTKP4sjkKSuSoa3N4aWkwVfEBp9c0CV4iJ4m0UEt4x5Nypq/s640/16.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPvuzzgbJnYT6wvlfAzF38I0VIh8dcU8S-l8f4Ignurrn1QYWwfLS0POpufX428rv0fA1PxVXVTLuCdIDQRoisypp6iyO34YExGvOs7MNfghWm2d1tNggE7kNAeZbsWPyI5o7VEpNvdzTKP4sjkKSuSoa3N4aWkwVfEBp9c0CV4iJ4m0UEt4x5Nypq/s320/16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Undaunted by the climb, our intrepid climber, a little wet for the wear, stands ready to head home. And the four-hour nap that awaits him there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsOWRLwsvAoPtdg5rSvTg7f1-2NkNxkFldaeryiQihYmktifrP_EpTPMzonyeL-r2hQRjMz68DfuNJ9wc7cBR7faWGI7Kbl4Z3WK9JoMN1zFKUl8GAr3y60Llz36Hj7AcZikg8vmZTIdwKiikSyHJnHxKvfdJhdRAVB1EcOYHA7Z9xurCEWEmEjaWY/s640/17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsOWRLwsvAoPtdg5rSvTg7f1-2NkNxkFldaeryiQihYmktifrP_EpTPMzonyeL-r2hQRjMz68DfuNJ9wc7cBR7faWGI7Kbl4Z3WK9JoMN1zFKUl8GAr3y60Llz36Hj7AcZikg8vmZTIdwKiikSyHJnHxKvfdJhdRAVB1EcOYHA7Z9xurCEWEmEjaWY/s320/17.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chewie joined us in 2021 to scale Rattlesnake Mountain in the White Mountain range. I'm thinking our four-footed pal is ready to tackle his first 4,000 footer. Any suggestions from readers? Chewie awaits your recommendations!</div><br /><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Patrick Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926201709853231010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323871070006660513.post-81255754434537016142022-06-18T20:51:00.002-04:002022-06-18T20:58:50.571-04:00Getting Back<p>It was 80 years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. Well, at least 80 years ago today was when one of the members of said band made his debut in this world. June 18, 1942, Sir Paul McCartney was born in Liverpool, and before his 20th birthday, would join best mate John Lennon to launch, along with George Harrison and Ringo Starr, the most famous quartet in music history.</p><p>Regular readers of this blog know that during a 2018 pilgrimage to Liverpool, I was lucky enough to walk (and run) the streets where the Fab Four got their start, during a memory-packed trip to the city along the Mersey.</p><p>This month, I, along with more than 30,000 fellow fans of Sir Paul wedged ourselves into the uncomfortable wooden seats at Fenway Park to take in sold-out shows that blended many of McCartney's solo stuff, or as close to solo as his Wings band hits can be considered, along with a healthy dose of oodles of the Beatles' best-known songs, most of which featured McCartney as the frontman on vocals.</p><p>Naturally, for McCartney's Get Back tour, I had to show that I Got Back of my own.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZTWrYk3otfUWa6aostFH5tHRmja8KmmC3AU5N579am82bS0m_1jY1fJWXKJCVdC5NUGEnjrZHkMcfHbC9maszewDPar3zCrDXyao47l-KclzaZ-G58BACbOuF_2E2HkEJdmNmsDed9VgAIMFyp05jUjWYebOj_TjNpUCJJqUChq6cut-MvUsj2Zk/s2016/McCartney%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZTWrYk3otfUWa6aostFH5tHRmja8KmmC3AU5N579am82bS0m_1jY1fJWXKJCVdC5NUGEnjrZHkMcfHbC9maszewDPar3zCrDXyao47l-KclzaZ-G58BACbOuF_2E2HkEJdmNmsDed9VgAIMFyp05jUjWYebOj_TjNpUCJJqUChq6cut-MvUsj2Zk/s320/McCartney%201.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A couple of sections away from us sat a couple of gents who've got a healthy archive of music history filed away in their grey matter - my brother Jimmy and Peter Aucella, he of the Lowell Summer Music Series. These guys were around when Beatlemania first came to the U.S. Shores in 1964, so they've got OG Beatles Street Cred.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78BL4h1Di6RTzaFfH5u7D5fPTdge05ri4YWH4jDSPEHs2CrYEEYtEbMCuGSvCmsU5pRryDsc9AEl0RMR98J6TIGxZkc4znUcAXEyDKpf0b0igJExMeOduXIa3nLgkDCF1laUvXU9CjW-iIfY6Rq_ERUBdtRzGQ3hrzBKmgDlFdWHdB_YIlYpVVznB/s2016/McCartney%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78BL4h1Di6RTzaFfH5u7D5fPTdge05ri4YWH4jDSPEHs2CrYEEYtEbMCuGSvCmsU5pRryDsc9AEl0RMR98J6TIGxZkc4znUcAXEyDKpf0b0igJExMeOduXIa3nLgkDCF1laUvXU9CjW-iIfY6Rq_ERUBdtRzGQ3hrzBKmgDlFdWHdB_YIlYpVVznB/s320/McCartney%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our own version of the Fab Four for this special event</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYu2eXG4fotCOn4b3LULt0YkksTDmIKB0ojf0wnOWKfd0RjdnMHA4ROM4h9X_dxKxIIZIkNC3S6B24NETDMLYCqfTEnDfp35eGVtV7CFpXa4k0tULpO9NU7fkI7JeEhGf3TM1M6lDiRRX3514umrT--oyti07dqSU_yhRyo_soszR36uhsKe0o7lN/s2016/McCartney%208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYu2eXG4fotCOn4b3LULt0YkksTDmIKB0ojf0wnOWKfd0RjdnMHA4ROM4h9X_dxKxIIZIkNC3S6B24NETDMLYCqfTEnDfp35eGVtV7CFpXa4k0tULpO9NU7fkI7JeEhGf3TM1M6lDiRRX3514umrT--oyti07dqSU_yhRyo_soszR36uhsKe0o7lN/s320/McCartney%208.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Andrew and Katie were able to take in their first McCartney concert together, a sure-fire recipe for romance.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi75-UKc8--e8PjuAQN4V36MEuDu3vwh49_NGJ5UQnonIzoKsNMGMBBMFFUtADrjCMXB7O7aB1hIqsmILBMxS17oc1z8JZjsuk62FaPRb4LfoljRkxHsY-9cF3mIUjkXPJy6YxlBqjOp4frDcyeyUi5tj_gPiBaIHpFQqlPcXuLFkauhncGayXsYC_o/s2016/McCartney%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi75-UKc8--e8PjuAQN4V36MEuDu3vwh49_NGJ5UQnonIzoKsNMGMBBMFFUtADrjCMXB7O7aB1hIqsmILBMxS17oc1z8JZjsuk62FaPRb4LfoljRkxHsY-9cF3mIUjkXPJy6YxlBqjOp4frDcyeyUi5tj_gPiBaIHpFQqlPcXuLFkauhncGayXsYC_o/s320/McCartney%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fenway shows are a blast, for sure, but it helps having jumbotron video screens that help provide the close-ups for the Living Legend carousing around on the center field stage.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxC9zlWZmN62NDM4O9Y46mAemRC9MHDEo9y8PzZ0q7s27T1WcB0mBwNK3W7UfJ8va9Gcv3V0x_w5I8kYS3gnpmhNgqWIVzvdrW9-AMtIOH9OmDpSkvsgEeVK1kqGNEKzJqtN9VWnhL81VULQvpYlJXqq1jbQkJP4HOehxnE2rylHr0ogfybKom79g/s640/McCartney%205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxC9zlWZmN62NDM4O9Y46mAemRC9MHDEo9y8PzZ0q7s27T1WcB0mBwNK3W7UfJ8va9Gcv3V0x_w5I8kYS3gnpmhNgqWIVzvdrW9-AMtIOH9OmDpSkvsgEeVK1kqGNEKzJqtN9VWnhL81VULQvpYlJXqq1jbQkJP4HOehxnE2rylHr0ogfybKom79g/s320/McCartney%205.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not surprisingly, some of the Beatles songs were among the highlights of the evening's setlist - Hey Jude, Let It Be, Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da, Helter Skelter, and a Quarrymen gem, In Spite of All the Danger to name just a few.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Of particular note, though was McCartney's tribute to bandmate George Harrison, with a ukulele intro'ed Something, one of Harrison's finest;<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctL9kGF500RPT-OIAqpwA1YFUAnDchP7M6bkdZlufvYsGd6UQUTISWYn8v-oAtOySjEQ8IzPvi5VKHc0dCVpSh_gvSiEU56OBhO_GgRXnNYHmWYVuIgpVq8jOT2u6LBmFZCjO0m2Zl6nCPyLYi3MlhrNrAeTyiC-u8Zz_cijKyszWbhh4L2cojyxN/s640/McCartney%206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctL9kGF500RPT-OIAqpwA1YFUAnDchP7M6bkdZlufvYsGd6UQUTISWYn8v-oAtOySjEQ8IzPvi5VKHc0dCVpSh_gvSiEU56OBhO_GgRXnNYHmWYVuIgpVq8jOT2u6LBmFZCjO0m2Zl6nCPyLYi3MlhrNrAeTyiC-u8Zz_cijKyszWbhh4L2cojyxN/s320/McCartney%206.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For me, one of the absolute treasures of the night came courtesy of director Peter Jackson, who compiled the Beatles Get Back documentary series that premiered last fall and chronicled the last live performance of the Beatles, of the rooftop at Saville Row.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jackson, he of Lord of the Rings fame, told McCartney he could isolate the late John Lennon's vocals to be used to help provide a working duet for McCartney for an emotional and powerful delivery of I've Got A Feeling. So Paul took him up on the offer and has added it to this tour. Absolutely chilling.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7B3xJUDjAhdVRdzPq1GnCausXEtc1IwQal8CibZaNbzep5cYpYJstSEhIExaoP9U3fujDwDh_siFNZG9OQLpTcXMC4OirFpi_IYafkSnZSOD8oDhiKn0XJlcKW9diQvvYF1rTu-O80m0Q5j4di9IRT3c2N9HE_cBHkKwYf813DrxIPX9TGza50WG/s2016/McCartney%207.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7B3xJUDjAhdVRdzPq1GnCausXEtc1IwQal8CibZaNbzep5cYpYJstSEhIExaoP9U3fujDwDh_siFNZG9OQLpTcXMC4OirFpi_IYafkSnZSOD8oDhiKn0XJlcKW9diQvvYF1rTu-O80m0Q5j4di9IRT3c2N9HE_cBHkKwYf813DrxIPX9TGza50WG/s320/McCartney%207.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Folks know how much of a Bruce Springsteen fan ye writer is, and how I've followed his concerts wherever I can around these United States. If you know me, you also know how important the Beatles music was to my earliest years, and how those tunes, too, have followed me throughout my life and helped provide the soundtrack for countless memories.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Add this concert to that memory bank.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To be able to see the 79-year icon known as Paul McCartney deliver a two hour, 40 minute tour-de-force of music royalty is an event that one doesn't soon forget.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">God willing, I can make it to the age of 80. To think that this guy is still belting out these classics and entertaining millions in his SEVENTH DECADE of performing live music is nothing short of humbling and, truly legendary.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Birthday, Paul. And THANK YOU.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Back to where you once belonged, yeah.</div><p></p>Patrick Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926201709853231010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323871070006660513.post-32223816396370992202022-04-17T18:18:00.000-04:002022-04-17T18:18:08.881-04:00Marathoners of Today - and Tomorrow<p></p><div style="text-align: center;">April in Boston, and besides the usual dose of renewed optimism that spring always brings, it's also one of the best stretches of time in New England, as it heralds the return of the vaunted Boston Marathon, a favored run of many an E Streeter.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And since it's not just the 26.2 mile course itself that makes for the weekend experience, hitting up the Marathon expo is always a favorite event. This year, the excursion felt extra special as Heather (2017 Boston Marathon Veteran) and I took along with us two up-and-coming runners, Haley and Brooke Lemay.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Both girls have been logging amazing mileage and clocking personal bests tearing up 5K road races with the Greater Lowell Road Runners.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Their love of running at so young an age is infectious, so we thought this would be a perfect opportunity to have them share the field with thousands of others runners from all over the world.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">We started our visit on, of course, Boylston Street, the historic finish line of the most celebrated of marathons in the United States.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrMNbyxL9tvl7zCFKf9NhLsHj6lzCclQwzwR3qcrmEkAmFrg7iSBnegP16yjZSfIiZwSNYPOHhTNFg8xuq_njbwezAqEgZoeOwhP1aJtf5DoR2xHD6Aja3cfvVqko96odm52-pD3sa9HaIdcjgDmMJteqn82z6EuQAH-JV25tgGO_7Ex80-5dofmh9/s2016/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrMNbyxL9tvl7zCFKf9NhLsHj6lzCclQwzwR3qcrmEkAmFrg7iSBnegP16yjZSfIiZwSNYPOHhTNFg8xuq_njbwezAqEgZoeOwhP1aJtf5DoR2xHD6Aja3cfvVqko96odm52-pD3sa9HaIdcjgDmMJteqn82z6EuQAH-JV25tgGO_7Ex80-5dofmh9/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ran into a friend and former colleague Gina Spaziani soaking up the sunlight with her fellow runners in a Boylston Street cafe.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you're out there on Monday, keep an eye out for Multiple Marathoner Gina, running in yet another consecutive marathon. She's definitely got the bug, and likely still has many more marathons in her future. You can track her via her number, 26887.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUAuDXpnp3QFsTibK1RK_pI7SXioJpL3Xyb7q5na6u4_cQ29HyNccVYcebjdD22xPrIAUtoisVwwRfOnvNzt_68PIpY458ED5FLxlotyC0UK3EiWb5Wb2rK9EnB1HfKKffw-zFCQpI8rl7Qlw2DrRjGPUnH1Ms07tnj458R3zAeACKNTUl4pbbtvY/s2016/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUAuDXpnp3QFsTibK1RK_pI7SXioJpL3Xyb7q5na6u4_cQ29HyNccVYcebjdD22xPrIAUtoisVwwRfOnvNzt_68PIpY458ED5FLxlotyC0UK3EiWb5Wb2rK9EnB1HfKKffw-zFCQpI8rl7Qlw2DrRjGPUnH1Ms07tnj458R3zAeACKNTUl4pbbtvY/s320/1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our timing at the finish line coincided with the memorial wreath-laying to commemorate the bombings that rocked the finish line nine years prior, so we couldn't get direct access to the finish line itself, and had to settle for pics at a distance.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qXqb7enpFpimOj-Tuj4aD6ckzf3CyA_m-eufi73Tpy1jLaPGNkfw1LZ4JtKfF4n4BHl7wwQ7B45Uq3Vh9unE5MmDAgCDjWvG3QT8cCood-qKHIYZLgOYh8a-q4JrbUO-7TEUENi7fJBAxsF8F5W-F0Ickh65gSwt84IDIOfG2xCfDueCUW7BYCVH/s2016/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qXqb7enpFpimOj-Tuj4aD6ckzf3CyA_m-eufi73Tpy1jLaPGNkfw1LZ4JtKfF4n4BHl7wwQ7B45Uq3Vh9unE5MmDAgCDjWvG3QT8cCood-qKHIYZLgOYh8a-q4JrbUO-7TEUENi7fJBAxsF8F5W-F0Ickh65gSwt84IDIOfG2xCfDueCUW7BYCVH/s320/3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFOTFi9DqOs6xH9qSfNQFfNej64xUFufam40P3rufFA4qhEieQwxzSa0U6V0hCOAv-9kR2B7e6igxoTZPZgrvbeLqTqAvuTJ1kIr3HSFaM7aiWNbXE80iUUX_SxAQ8LmxIJ-GsG0e1QLaVdmHJUZeS8rO4IyRF7QN-0PvYN9tpCsa1xIn1whgkfRcX/s2016/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFOTFi9DqOs6xH9qSfNQFfNej64xUFufam40P3rufFA4qhEieQwxzSa0U6V0hCOAv-9kR2B7e6igxoTZPZgrvbeLqTqAvuTJ1kIr3HSFaM7aiWNbXE80iUUX_SxAQ8LmxIJ-GsG0e1QLaVdmHJUZeS8rO4IyRF7QN-0PvYN9tpCsa1xIn1whgkfRcX/s320/4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDf36RHk_X75bRY4nngNvfU6Kk0KQhCrbWCo5y2WQELfVTUOheH5sRbipR4imBpjWMhuLu_yCzMZvxHdVtmNSpU3XgxWn2c0CpVfAujsVUM3N7B2dQun0RfpbvyB4arlCaAWcQwVcAC6nmdgRxa54oSX3CB83rltqXIBnqD_BK9YJzEQ3SneIUa2c/s2016/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDf36RHk_X75bRY4nngNvfU6Kk0KQhCrbWCo5y2WQELfVTUOheH5sRbipR4imBpjWMhuLu_yCzMZvxHdVtmNSpU3XgxWn2c0CpVfAujsVUM3N7B2dQun0RfpbvyB4arlCaAWcQwVcAC6nmdgRxa54oSX3CB83rltqXIBnqD_BK9YJzEQ3SneIUa2c/s320/5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVkv5sVD0KuzLgewSzt4AV7o3D4sQ2GeTwxUJMC_6HVk4KL8gW5CvNKVqU1i2E88Xijv5dcpYxUl_7oY9lb9H8SN7B3qA8ZNkVT1UaR565wdAvFdqzLNC74nPCwXRMQiyii1aP3CeG3u2RXhXgpzea-VMu0hehpBHJlTdIetpmcJC7y25YDdAmKaP/s2016/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVkv5sVD0KuzLgewSzt4AV7o3D4sQ2GeTwxUJMC_6HVk4KL8gW5CvNKVqU1i2E88Xijv5dcpYxUl_7oY9lb9H8SN7B3qA8ZNkVT1UaR565wdAvFdqzLNC74nPCwXRMQiyii1aP3CeG3u2RXhXgpzea-VMu0hehpBHJlTdIetpmcJC7y25YDdAmKaP/s320/6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They're doing it as a dry run rehearsal now, but do not be surprised if both Haley and Brooke are official entrants when they come of qualifying age in about a decade's time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have no doubt they'll be crossing that finish line with pride and blazing their own paths through history.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDq9trGsJ3RiO9Y520JAT6TUuYDmYasrBr1eu6GKzqOEPWpdNGZOAhPxYH3Ddcc4JnUFjBDa9SDbbULV6TLZ0VFOTzKBXTFmEraeRemYbZ0RBfcMgD2j2teSH6INC8sko3XiE3njfTMJgsobSYvV6yfsJMqcljQ6xDCND9sxvXYxnsRGUSuPCv9P9/s2016/7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDq9trGsJ3RiO9Y520JAT6TUuYDmYasrBr1eu6GKzqOEPWpdNGZOAhPxYH3Ddcc4JnUFjBDa9SDbbULV6TLZ0VFOTzKBXTFmEraeRemYbZ0RBfcMgD2j2teSH6INC8sko3XiE3njfTMJgsobSYvV6yfsJMqcljQ6xDCND9sxvXYxnsRGUSuPCv9P9/s320/7.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From there it was on the Hynes Convention Center. We weren't even inside the expo for two minutes when we saw another familiar race, Katie's cousin, Liv Paulo, in full-on expo mode with her mom, Anne. Watch for her and number 25555 out there on Monday.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlwJYMIoONHcV2CTaUZpTYYCj5U6gBcOVETKO7RceF3dqSBFUNeL-rsBRGBv7ybjUMLjlyuHN3ZANb6CWMAt_3dBNicigOLbyY9YgcBfpxj0G_fRiQVYwX6a-rhR1loYmPWOkCqXhllsfmITbW_ok-TigNdcIzqHJAOHFx_-cK5smAq9NW0Z0anoh/s2016/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlwJYMIoONHcV2CTaUZpTYYCj5U6gBcOVETKO7RceF3dqSBFUNeL-rsBRGBv7ybjUMLjlyuHN3ZANb6CWMAt_3dBNicigOLbyY9YgcBfpxj0G_fRiQVYwX6a-rhR1loYmPWOkCqXhllsfmITbW_ok-TigNdcIzqHJAOHFx_-cK5smAq9NW0Z0anoh/s320/8.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Boston Marathoners Past, Present, and I strongly, believe, Future.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNS8qswiJB3Bbs3pJw14gDIzrC5YY0p2oP91UNorcaV8YH38HISurD-4f93LiXPZ70bSFwhJCHuR0GdWOTre4iZe25Y74zlBaONTYKDRUKMPagZAQEelkab0auz73YWj7sJ1etMDaEmW30dfLSP1Ag4RdGQx5fAKZoHvrv82aKtEoptZb394kaZsf_/s2016/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNS8qswiJB3Bbs3pJw14gDIzrC5YY0p2oP91UNorcaV8YH38HISurD-4f93LiXPZ70bSFwhJCHuR0GdWOTre4iZe25Y74zlBaONTYKDRUKMPagZAQEelkab0auz73YWj7sJ1etMDaEmW30dfLSP1Ag4RdGQx5fAKZoHvrv82aKtEoptZb394kaZsf_/s320/9.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Every one who runs Boston knows - hydration is key.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_pvi_Rrj_3nydpUHsPOEkuKVeq4AGNsWrfy3JbNra4jnqUQhOfv7jM8qsdWodxbJQpuWxjcYedl40R9a0A2yictjjwXTdz1HcBrMsCa8VFewLBU6Bt-HQBSyjklsnp8ThkAqVjlaRiZL1W0eZ1PDQDnZkDPb6Q_2tl0qfpTkqm8uOvimZ1lECPu2e/s2016/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_pvi_Rrj_3nydpUHsPOEkuKVeq4AGNsWrfy3JbNra4jnqUQhOfv7jM8qsdWodxbJQpuWxjcYedl40R9a0A2yictjjwXTdz1HcBrMsCa8VFewLBU6Bt-HQBSyjklsnp8ThkAqVjlaRiZL1W0eZ1PDQDnZkDPb6Q_2tl0qfpTkqm8uOvimZ1lECPu2e/s320/10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Past Marathon winner Desiree Linden started her prestigious running career with her first steps early in life, and she'd be proud and honored to know she's helping to inspire the female runners of tomorrow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kudos also to Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to run this course in 1967, helping set the stage for the thousands of women runners to follow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7kZhUJ6JYpoTjmqAUiLF33nJguLdXuvmmIympvOt3pgWIFPV8eADjx6E_xCe_Kx0A4YpN9Fv0a83Utq9D3DBU1z3vax9mw81ztbT18zyUmUWOcbvy4P41XnA1EIa8x2QaVlz20l6ai7D9qM_CImb0FV1pYmMl5YYp7Vzs0S0DAa_ZSgYRRArFkcin/s2016/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7kZhUJ6JYpoTjmqAUiLF33nJguLdXuvmmIympvOt3pgWIFPV8eADjx6E_xCe_Kx0A4YpN9Fv0a83Utq9D3DBU1z3vax9mw81ztbT18zyUmUWOcbvy4P41XnA1EIa8x2QaVlz20l6ai7D9qM_CImb0FV1pYmMl5YYp7Vzs0S0DAa_ZSgYRRArFkcin/s320/11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hales and Brooke needed to add their names to the start of the race in historic Hopkinton to wish the 2022 runners good luck.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPmX5N2eUxg3cbihKvb2bAlwYjR_S7YQfM05DZPB5vwXZG7CUxEN0Be5I_i0gLg0vd17vCsWiP7et7Rft8_YnGaMA1fZyLh2UJXb9pBIOzFjgsvxaXOybv5lbnLDWhrRqBxD18ipBVaOu0WCrauQaQrG4rtTeFcxlIuYB7jbDccSIaTfdXumJsXT3/s2016/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPmX5N2eUxg3cbihKvb2bAlwYjR_S7YQfM05DZPB5vwXZG7CUxEN0Be5I_i0gLg0vd17vCsWiP7et7Rft8_YnGaMA1fZyLh2UJXb9pBIOzFjgsvxaXOybv5lbnLDWhrRqBxD18ipBVaOu0WCrauQaQrG4rtTeFcxlIuYB7jbDccSIaTfdXumJsXT3/s320/12.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZygOP0sTEJ_HQiWMFyBmOZnBlP32A1qCIhKQpWSX9cOoYP33m6DFFKvAqGkQ6wozp6alhzfkOcHCaoo4QW8DG2F9EV0zqilstUoTiho8WfDa9evOeAY1O1o6qHj6pTRp2aT7XFJ2in9A0Ww46J1YazHpj-12ClQOGekJb5T8t1mziksokLkwy68M6/s2016/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZygOP0sTEJ_HQiWMFyBmOZnBlP32A1qCIhKQpWSX9cOoYP33m6DFFKvAqGkQ6wozp6alhzfkOcHCaoo4QW8DG2F9EV0zqilstUoTiho8WfDa9evOeAY1O1o6qHj6pTRp2aT7XFJ2in9A0Ww46J1YazHpj-12ClQOGekJb5T8t1mziksokLkwy68M6/s320/13.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaibb0WBB_72_P0wljKxnGxfGVtoLd_Ju6W3AAyXC4Hu5C22_mFPRs1om9v_4oLiX3fNoLrov129R5q_DMUb7VpxrcVks4HFSjtGJdl1zMjd4Cw4U5A7ceV6gFDmIUCFVPncbo3M6TLkpl4WCZvw8q78ZstKfBD0R71c3xq_yVZdq2Aa97rxx1sP-t/s2016/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaibb0WBB_72_P0wljKxnGxfGVtoLd_Ju6W3AAyXC4Hu5C22_mFPRs1om9v_4oLiX3fNoLrov129R5q_DMUb7VpxrcVks4HFSjtGJdl1zMjd4Cw4U5A7ceV6gFDmIUCFVPncbo3M6TLkpl4WCZvw8q78ZstKfBD0R71c3xq_yVZdq2Aa97rxx1sP-t/s320/14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And the finish as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gE9h7BZqc22c5DIUwGKTsQhr9u_QAu0jvpG5aPQqHXdicMzxPRTyY4yBAEFnpdGkpyViWN0xhMkjT6i-_-p1AW07vuse8E6TvYkLB0LZKng9USvyCfOEx0F2FVkxvK5yrmLIQYmuGhDti0r68hyHlA-SVqmdoMq7DtLXRYg6TijuY-cfyZYV45bk/s2016/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gE9h7BZqc22c5DIUwGKTsQhr9u_QAu0jvpG5aPQqHXdicMzxPRTyY4yBAEFnpdGkpyViWN0xhMkjT6i-_-p1AW07vuse8E6TvYkLB0LZKng9USvyCfOEx0F2FVkxvK5yrmLIQYmuGhDti0r68hyHlA-SVqmdoMq7DtLXRYg6TijuY-cfyZYV45bk/s320/15.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />These girls stood tall in Boston.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_l8XVON_9PEZo-60Kb0EKtfqrKSPE7NqiFEVPA5gyCf7vkyb8_qFWUT1MxqF_-sZRbdSuy-TNwDPXNp6QtZnUBFvkWVoKjgS9TLb45FU5UsQRHWQELLZUKDC10DBXgq27DP-Aht39FMqyt-SeWroWRiUB1iaKWpNq1Zlr23y-rXpdPQzhtQW1ys0l/s2016/16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_l8XVON_9PEZo-60Kb0EKtfqrKSPE7NqiFEVPA5gyCf7vkyb8_qFWUT1MxqF_-sZRbdSuy-TNwDPXNp6QtZnUBFvkWVoKjgS9TLb45FU5UsQRHWQELLZUKDC10DBXgq27DP-Aht39FMqyt-SeWroWRiUB1iaKWpNq1Zlr23y-rXpdPQzhtQW1ys0l/s320/16.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A detour on our way out let each of the girls take a run at the Hogwarts Sorting Hat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Guesses on who landed where?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHXKkhi2hUW07SssZ6UXt-iaXYhaxGcTbX9YJn1-DBvwGV2IhL2oJcF8GQ9k6b10Uuh5cLfSL7vOweR-Cmpxkw4hQq8DG6pb3dzbZjuNoQuijccuxsdo_0qR6x153qELnQRXI2xe8dmNyDv9Pj1WHL5byo3Vk_zzeAad0t53FpWktr-2Y5BqIX34L/s2016/17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHXKkhi2hUW07SssZ6UXt-iaXYhaxGcTbX9YJn1-DBvwGV2IhL2oJcF8GQ9k6b10Uuh5cLfSL7vOweR-Cmpxkw4hQq8DG6pb3dzbZjuNoQuijccuxsdo_0qR6x153qELnQRXI2xe8dmNyDv9Pj1WHL5byo3Vk_zzeAad0t53FpWktr-2Y5BqIX34L/s320/17.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mZvbKofp3_XCoGhkU-SockrKPncLWHjmspViBDY2YHB7iULyhuyuJPM-NaYpIti2EBq7pIDVVuavMytYiguVz8SFTa_LFxlRk9ECj8pF9p2fyno6Z7IO6Dj7Df2eymlAYsbhd8yYAjBrSK2Z-Rx0Rm_8G5p3GzSL3fqxpHChbM_5p3Mu6040Q3ed/s2016/18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mZvbKofp3_XCoGhkU-SockrKPncLWHjmspViBDY2YHB7iULyhuyuJPM-NaYpIti2EBq7pIDVVuavMytYiguVz8SFTa_LFxlRk9ECj8pF9p2fyno6Z7IO6Dj7Df2eymlAYsbhd8yYAjBrSK2Z-Rx0Rm_8G5p3GzSL3fqxpHChbM_5p3Mu6040Q3ed/s320/18.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All in all, a tremendously enjoyable day in Boston, and another reminder about why this marathon weekend means so much to runners worldwide. It's also an affirmation of how important this race has become to the fabric of New England life, another passage of spring.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And this year, it meant the next generation of runners got a taste of the excitement, the history, and the spectacle of the Boston Marathon. Hopefully, a future blog post will chronicle Haley and Brooke's 26.2 mile journey. Stay tuned.....</div><br /> <p></p></div></div>Patrick Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926201709853231010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323871070006660513.post-23141647664144746502022-04-04T22:07:00.003-04:002022-04-04T22:14:44.119-04:00Boston Backstreet Boys<p>Through the decades, ye blog writer has managed to log more than a few miles in the Big City, Boston, but not until this past weekend was I able to tally some of those miles hitting sites that Andrew and I traversed during an epic father-son outing.</p><p>A tiny piece of background detail: Jack, bride-to-be Heather, Katie, and Zoe were, as Andrew and I hit the pavement, hitting the bridal shops on Newbury Street. The result of that bridal visit is a whole other topic altogether, and one which I can't post any pics to chronicle, for reasons that should seem obvious. (Hint: SHE SAID YES TO THE DRESS!) But I digress....</p><p>Andrew and I took advantage of the brilliant sunshine to instead explore many of the locales that millions of tourists come to Boston to enjoy. This particular morning, we had a clear passage through many of those pathways, as there wasn't an abundance of foot traffic on many of the routes.</p><p>So without further ado, a quick tourist's guide to some of the sights of beautiful Beantown. Hopefully you'll learn something about the Massachusetts capital in the process!</p><p>Our first mile took us across the Arthur Fiedler footbridge that spans Storrow Drive. The footbridge was built in 1953 and named after the legendary Boston Pops Orchestra conductor Arthur Fiedler, who led the Pops from 1930 to 1979. It connects the Back Bay to the Esplanade. This day, Andrew's feet barely touched the ground as he crossed over Storrow Drive.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHxmRlrlcEZgshjHJPqKirDOmQN4sonRqPm-GR4jAu0jcmBj6mQKx7ol57ejdBgnn6CRstgtdhtq178N8iuVrY-B0uw-H5Yqw2z64VI0yWCDwc0B0a1F6B-uzAFppanrK713gpQ-0bfWcTkN_3X44wpbGfsRitFykDg_wbs0RomVgSofXmAk_6wVD/s2016/Boston%20Run%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHxmRlrlcEZgshjHJPqKirDOmQN4sonRqPm-GR4jAu0jcmBj6mQKx7ol57ejdBgnn6CRstgtdhtq178N8iuVrY-B0uw-H5Yqw2z64VI0yWCDwc0B0a1F6B-uzAFppanrK713gpQ-0bfWcTkN_3X44wpbGfsRitFykDg_wbs0RomVgSofXmAk_6wVD/s320/Boston%20Run%201.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From there, it was time to pay homage to Fiedler himself - his statue, erected in 1984, is made of 83 aluminum plates and was built by Lippincott of North Haven, Connecticut.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">His bust faces the venue where he spent his decades leading the Pops.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYw9E6GOm36suPdp6OSmAuX40ljueqSSXd00Tz_-Dx4XE7LO9Owh2hf0lNP7_UHtMDyE0Fd8cAp3kvf12bImvxkOOTQJwxn3NL3v_tvMXeLYliqy-suxugaasWGynw9ShFTty3PZz3M1w2gmwxUT9WgeBr3GG-r0H6W42ecB0sYQkOTvvsuKPmCAOZ/s2016/Boston%20Run%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYw9E6GOm36suPdp6OSmAuX40ljueqSSXd00Tz_-Dx4XE7LO9Owh2hf0lNP7_UHtMDyE0Fd8cAp3kvf12bImvxkOOTQJwxn3NL3v_tvMXeLYliqy-suxugaasWGynw9ShFTty3PZz3M1w2gmwxUT9WgeBr3GG-r0H6W42ecB0sYQkOTvvsuKPmCAOZ/s320/Boston%20Run%202.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Apologies for the back side, but Andrew captured me running alongside the legendary Charles River Esplanade.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1pN6tnM8e4HsSjTP-ZnCfwqv6XqwQiLcSvlG7czvHa-7eo_SVhmrpFfG_JtKCC4nP9TT62G_9JDzT9sI5lMwIHUMQ9HA5BqM8sOrf0GTXL7W7zirayboTm_uf4DP2HyoFO0Pnj0O0_31_FoH_fMV5HVJGIQIMXsc9M1fCdTmZuh1XuuadRLO2aXI/s2016/Boston%20Run%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1pN6tnM8e4HsSjTP-ZnCfwqv6XqwQiLcSvlG7czvHa-7eo_SVhmrpFfG_JtKCC4nP9TT62G_9JDzT9sI5lMwIHUMQ9HA5BqM8sOrf0GTXL7W7zirayboTm_uf4DP2HyoFO0Pnj0O0_31_FoH_fMV5HVJGIQIMXsc9M1fCdTmZuh1XuuadRLO2aXI/s320/Boston%20Run%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The aforementioned concert venue, the Edward Hatch Memorial Shell, (The Hatch Shell), which was built in 1939 and plays host to the world-renown Boston Fourth of July celebration each year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnYWHUICNCqb2cbrLEozV7stIVK0iqJNrVzak-rL8sPTAjVFcjsIBlWni61jPYOnrtkmZsqkrw4cmC5bAYJvyb9wrokQG3KgUar3pQju_UiLxV0lBOjfD8JzlBboeNodFdsEjy3iNVK-uwBiMK35dZ-2tIz0gXMQqGhYuAnf7R1ytwlmpr-J0CiVIh/s2016/Boston%20Run%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnYWHUICNCqb2cbrLEozV7stIVK0iqJNrVzak-rL8sPTAjVFcjsIBlWni61jPYOnrtkmZsqkrw4cmC5bAYJvyb9wrokQG3KgUar3pQju_UiLxV0lBOjfD8JzlBboeNodFdsEjy3iNVK-uwBiMK35dZ-2tIz0gXMQqGhYuAnf7R1ytwlmpr-J0CiVIh/s320/Boston%20Run%204.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From there, we crossed the iconic Longfellow Bridge, which spans the Charles River and connects Boston to Kendall Square in Cambridge. The bridge was first opened to traffic in 1906.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYvMdIjwKkD4xb6ZKZkzIEwxgPKuc4Pnztbb4aFumu3dXe6DK6HjD-C09F_FZQLJYaqiquUtvbyhAuOPZPapK9U3Jrp9Q2CDTZGsoEpHiKByG-GldOPzl7l8tt9Ra465-jGOfVmgG4eoLqXmNLBcdtOJ9uTEuES-X_pbym9NuCxdIaAOurbLbyAT0d/s2016/Boston%20Run%205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYvMdIjwKkD4xb6ZKZkzIEwxgPKuc4Pnztbb4aFumu3dXe6DK6HjD-C09F_FZQLJYaqiquUtvbyhAuOPZPapK9U3Jrp9Q2CDTZGsoEpHiKByG-GldOPzl7l8tt9Ra465-jGOfVmgG4eoLqXmNLBcdtOJ9uTEuES-X_pbym9NuCxdIaAOurbLbyAT0d/s320/Boston%20Run%205.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The span is named for American poet and author Henry Wordsworth Longfellow, he of Paul Revere's Ride fame, among other notable works. In the background is the John Hancock tower, located near the terminus of the vaunted April Boston Marathon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOEXf_WrV8o5jttuNv87LrDqZcmGGYz-PbwnNofF3Y10-j8tWS26Fu72Pl8va2mzDzjVvQNdk7O9WiNFXS-CC2jmRsf-EEGqGZXrb-WG5I36nbDr4Fh8qAVGwGyxxNj2mbftfTPygjF0zhUhenLuW3xEnBtlpvV1hmOWkmB2_xJSyVG0MUK_cuBjH5/s2016/Boston%20Run%206.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOEXf_WrV8o5jttuNv87LrDqZcmGGYz-PbwnNofF3Y10-j8tWS26Fu72Pl8va2mzDzjVvQNdk7O9WiNFXS-CC2jmRsf-EEGqGZXrb-WG5I36nbDr4Fh8qAVGwGyxxNj2mbftfTPygjF0zhUhenLuW3xEnBtlpvV1hmOWkmB2_xJSyVG0MUK_cuBjH5/s320/Boston%20Run%206.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The bridge's ornamental stone towers have led many to call the bridge the Salt and Pepper Bridge due to the towers' shaker shapes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKI0O4IUe1MQO3FZhB6U2LovzgWkmfn1GZNMKxBmTL5fEhMt_ZhBavZO1JpIO0ZIA-JgWKZLDIpVTdmB0MdvBNZ07pI87ZUKcLogZ3rQY6Ltd-_36B147vI-Z4oJze5LocLUDgo80-3tQE0zixt7nBKUMuezcmJ5wCxrpNLlcoTTn1-Y2pSRHkN17c/s2016/Boston%20Run%207.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKI0O4IUe1MQO3FZhB6U2LovzgWkmfn1GZNMKxBmTL5fEhMt_ZhBavZO1JpIO0ZIA-JgWKZLDIpVTdmB0MdvBNZ07pI87ZUKcLogZ3rQY6Ltd-_36B147vI-Z4oJze5LocLUDgo80-3tQE0zixt7nBKUMuezcmJ5wCxrpNLlcoTTn1-Y2pSRHkN17c/s320/Boston%20Run%207.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On the Cambridge side of the Charles, the Cambridge Parkway was surprisingly free of much foot traffic, giving us the unimpeded run of the walkway.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZsbYzrn1KxaS2aGulWm7CXuY9Lgk6wWyOHrdZ4eIL8HuC37gWRH1wuq3_KoqhloTKIosoaEb4nPVYcZL_cEiFQ8K-mR0684yq0aBDa-r3qKeVFAZeCcSqxc8ZUHwtzGZzj7yIiUuo11RwQRwtTYkQE9QUxWXwbW_wG7q3MqoX6ooOLnb4H-iueSV/s2016/Boston%20Run%208.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZsbYzrn1KxaS2aGulWm7CXuY9Lgk6wWyOHrdZ4eIL8HuC37gWRH1wuq3_KoqhloTKIosoaEb4nPVYcZL_cEiFQ8K-mR0684yq0aBDa-r3qKeVFAZeCcSqxc8ZUHwtzGZzj7yIiUuo11RwQRwtTYkQE9QUxWXwbW_wG7q3MqoX6ooOLnb4H-iueSV/s320/Boston%20Run%208.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The tyrannosaurus rex outside the Museum of Science is currently wearing a COVID-19 safety mask that's about five feet wide and took a museum staff member around 10 hours to custom-make!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGslxdgb2_BezTDLcEwC-2kqnfnL5MOMWakZt3x-XDcWGF8BOojGGveqW03-pq3cY4Gy6AL--sty6jEggNft1IiZfdNRixrsMPqiptvu8C5fOaTNTrFONeNpX66L0wHlIHB4hmyk17HhREfQtbSUr9e6SZnXvJVJ_1XdfjiFMpyuu2wuPuEDQhNZy/s2016/Boston%20Run%209.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGslxdgb2_BezTDLcEwC-2kqnfnL5MOMWakZt3x-XDcWGF8BOojGGveqW03-pq3cY4Gy6AL--sty6jEggNft1IiZfdNRixrsMPqiptvu8C5fOaTNTrFONeNpX66L0wHlIHB4hmyk17HhREfQtbSUr9e6SZnXvJVJ_1XdfjiFMpyuu2wuPuEDQhNZy/s320/Boston%20Run%209.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Leonard P. Zakim bridge was opened in 2003, and is an iconic A-frame cable bridge that brings Interstate 93 traffic into Boston's tunnels. Bruce Springsteen, a favorite of many regular readers of this blog, performed at the bridge's dedication. It's named for Boston area civil rights activist Zakim, who championed "building bridges between peoples."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">True Story: Andrew claimed it as his own as a young lad nearly 20 years ago because he thought the A frame structure was an homage to his name. As a result, at least in Cook family circles, we still lovingly refer to it as the Andrew Bridge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWraSXuBpCPrv7XZedMnL_pDSylPWIubmO6TNxxV0QN25fvZPeKjre6GUNXDEEe70i1xYAJiU8IhLAYX6qNIgH_shknzctlH4XjlSAceVPbfgi7DpBIDq0ebfyVen3ufLo8Db1ShM-1Tl-yJhpyurqbE-lz_K3ZE3PZNx7xlkMm3bYYK9RdLN_LlB/s2016/Boston%20Run%2010.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWraSXuBpCPrv7XZedMnL_pDSylPWIubmO6TNxxV0QN25fvZPeKjre6GUNXDEEe70i1xYAJiU8IhLAYX6qNIgH_shknzctlH4XjlSAceVPbfgi7DpBIDq0ebfyVen3ufLo8Db1ShM-1Tl-yJhpyurqbE-lz_K3ZE3PZNx7xlkMm3bYYK9RdLN_LlB/s320/Boston%20Run%2010.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Heading toward the North End, we logged some steps across from the U.S.S. Constitution, seen in the background beyond the lumbering runner in green.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Berthed at Pier One in the Charlestown Navy Yard, Old Ironsides is a three-masted wooden-hulled frigate of the U.S. Navy, and is the world's oldest ship still afloat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOnGGj7DBgnHntWb-wsrXGwT77w38LJxuThqwiTEiqA7QaKTLGJ5ItLeDm78Mx4gB0vGoRn-t9KWDgSUtmJCn0JNnhVES58OCO_yJgleRYRI_iBTOtuMPF8ha8JbOa_TmSRtThdCDPKrbQQ37kjTqpPCwnPGCiaxUjQRLI-MzoQJ1BBhlCwBiyH38/s2016/Boston%20Run%2011.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOnGGj7DBgnHntWb-wsrXGwT77w38LJxuThqwiTEiqA7QaKTLGJ5ItLeDm78Mx4gB0vGoRn-t9KWDgSUtmJCn0JNnhVES58OCO_yJgleRYRI_iBTOtuMPF8ha8JbOa_TmSRtThdCDPKrbQQ37kjTqpPCwnPGCiaxUjQRLI-MzoQJ1BBhlCwBiyH38/s320/Boston%20Run%2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Didn't get to the traverse the North End streets made famous by 1970s Prince Spaghetti runner Anthony Martignetti, who found television immortality as a 12-year-old Italian immigrant sprinting through the North End to answer his mother's window beckons of "Anthony, Anthony!" (Sadly, Anthony died in 2020.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We did, however, make it to the picturesque trellises of the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park on Boston Harbor.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilI_YNISZI9mp47iB3Gt0nOdoJ_N-EGEYIR_mDnBGIhbTmYY2DU65SqOZOXZFBAvXeXBMJLnWvHx1PPkDB8VxRL_BIDvOGu0_1GzCdNbydppfEvlykroNdv_0lhZZKrCDaqw3cC7H2ZFoOTRFd0Ebs-jqvsLtqvmhwNJN_tzpDJqaxHLG5hhrs9Np0/s2016/Boston%20Run%2012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilI_YNISZI9mp47iB3Gt0nOdoJ_N-EGEYIR_mDnBGIhbTmYY2DU65SqOZOXZFBAvXeXBMJLnWvHx1PPkDB8VxRL_BIDvOGu0_1GzCdNbydppfEvlykroNdv_0lhZZKrCDaqw3cC7H2ZFoOTRFd0Ebs-jqvsLtqvmhwNJN_tzpDJqaxHLG5hhrs9Np0/s320/Boston%20Run%2012.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Katie was busy documenting events at the aforementioned dress fitting, but we made sure to visit her workplace, the New England Aquarium, which was bustling this fine morning. (If you visit the aquarium, be sure to seek out guide Katie Cook for a plethora of marine life information!)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGReT9B13QcDORqlDLO4YhbsxKyLUaB6bkjjLuSde6ivFqhbD_gSm788qlB_TPwZvCUrmF5pPSkK_-ZpRjnwUTfxx1imQk0zcRuK1oRSXIeJ2f02FLL9op9t9Z4DPfb3UR-FoAxVwrLECTsSQNEdsTXutn5OLZpIkZBB9JTZDvhvnoer_TAj5tr-U/s2016/Boston%20Run%2013.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGReT9B13QcDORqlDLO4YhbsxKyLUaB6bkjjLuSde6ivFqhbD_gSm788qlB_TPwZvCUrmF5pPSkK_-ZpRjnwUTfxx1imQk0zcRuK1oRSXIeJ2f02FLL9op9t9Z4DPfb3UR-FoAxVwrLECTsSQNEdsTXutn5OLZpIkZBB9JTZDvhvnoer_TAj5tr-U/s320/Boston%20Run%2013.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">No visit to Boston would be complete without a pass through Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market - a treasure trove of shops and eateries. Oh, and a spinosaurus as well!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihOomUWMsLQz2KFaii5M-yytHqCv61b3XY7fT5W4iyjOViiGPq2iHXdGMXot0zYXd0gGT30zYDtBNbBXr2Gly8CGM7UfPaFfpB2vet39-_RGx1kD9lNeC5gnDdAe6LHlPVXTBJO_h7qPPQZLTIq4006WxjBKASGjzZg_fvQrZgXkQVYPlQPqRU5S-l/s2016/Boston%20Run%2014.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihOomUWMsLQz2KFaii5M-yytHqCv61b3XY7fT5W4iyjOViiGPq2iHXdGMXot0zYXd0gGT30zYDtBNbBXr2Gly8CGM7UfPaFfpB2vet39-_RGx1kD9lNeC5gnDdAe6LHlPVXTBJO_h7qPPQZLTIq4006WxjBKASGjzZg_fvQrZgXkQVYPlQPqRU5S-l/s320/Boston%20Run%2014.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Old State House was built in 1713 and was the seat of the Massachusetts General Court and is one of the oldest public buildings in the United States. It's the oldest surviving public building in Boston, and is now a history museum.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWjgvKfxz9eeQ5_lmIx17ajFWvFjC286ewB_YIL8ImOmrZ-EBKcwyV0E_oZbcAJ0as7T-UDROe-4mrt3fCTZqMgT7eLoGaAqTmoxLNj3ri9gevsCp9vD-quWmhG731QvH-pJb3XVvveGRIkuA-TKzGUkYwozrVXfUlnb0BaRRUzEooFxkKBO3CGo4/s2016/Boston%20Run%2015.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWjgvKfxz9eeQ5_lmIx17ajFWvFjC286ewB_YIL8ImOmrZ-EBKcwyV0E_oZbcAJ0as7T-UDROe-4mrt3fCTZqMgT7eLoGaAqTmoxLNj3ri9gevsCp9vD-quWmhG731QvH-pJb3XVvveGRIkuA-TKzGUkYwozrVXfUlnb0BaRRUzEooFxkKBO3CGo4/s320/Boston%20Run%2015.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />So naturally, we had to bridge the old to the new, and cross the Boston Common, with the current Massachusetts State House in the background.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4NmwdSZ2vfd6UpNC0DuW-wFbDHkF_bq-x2lKJuRQqMjsU3f2Imn3S23_QcnOzeVEFbVh8kJi-iTQ19M5296GS5hhROFgR7CMsMjXE9HXlVs41Xw6MqN2qffqOzHcV5zCztwycWn0DXjX-xntt66zKzAfQ1Jk-8VgpXltv0tqJ849ScCLtM163ylh/s2016/Boston%20Run%2016.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4NmwdSZ2vfd6UpNC0DuW-wFbDHkF_bq-x2lKJuRQqMjsU3f2Imn3S23_QcnOzeVEFbVh8kJi-iTQ19M5296GS5hhROFgR7CMsMjXE9HXlVs41Xw6MqN2qffqOzHcV5zCztwycWn0DXjX-xntt66zKzAfQ1Jk-8VgpXltv0tqJ849ScCLtM163ylh/s320/Boston%20Run%2016.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Phew! There's obviously hundreds more landmarks we could have taken in, had we chosen to extend our 10K run a bit more. But the ladies - and a Cornish pasty lunch - awaited, so we had to call it a day. But an unforgettable day it was, indeed!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Feels like there's some more future running blogs waiting to be documented with another series of exploratory runs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Andrew and I stand - and run - ready to accept the challenge.</div>Patrick Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926201709853231010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323871070006660513.post-79306805651254079072022-04-03T14:47:00.003-04:002022-04-03T14:55:15.697-04:00It's Fun to Run with the Y-M-C-A<p style="text-align: center;">Much like Jean Luc Picard stepped into fill the bridge post formerly held by James Tiberius Kirk, Sunday was a day for the Next Generation to step into the fold and show us longtime runners that the future of running in the family is in good hands - or feet.</p><p style="text-align: center;">The Lemay family took to the pathways behind the Tsongas Center and along the Merrimack River to crank out some of their best times EVAH for a 5K run (3.1 miles).</p><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;">Haley and Brook have been tearing up the times of late, competing in races with the junior version of the Greater Lowell Road Runners. Today, their older sister Addison, along with mom and dad, were logging the official miles along the Merrimack with them.</div><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5a_r7El4OMuLEcLIftsK4kDZHO8lulNMTd-qr2AOTjGUfj5ewOVeHGGL0ovNxv08i0x965EsvgNz2tRhlz1O9n0jukPv7iNO8X6-9Wa-ayY9k5rEFGDFww4B_kodGzc6O2RDL6--2FT6Udb6Z7tXuFuHUDxDpBwlMye6_ZQTUEmmrqr9HdkR0ZEv/s2016/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5a_r7El4OMuLEcLIftsK4kDZHO8lulNMTd-qr2AOTjGUfj5ewOVeHGGL0ovNxv08i0x965EsvgNz2tRhlz1O9n0jukPv7iNO8X6-9Wa-ayY9k5rEFGDFww4B_kodGzc6O2RDL6--2FT6Udb6Z7tXuFuHUDxDpBwlMye6_ZQTUEmmrqr9HdkR0ZEv/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">The race was the 5th annual 5K River Run the Greater Lowell Family YMCA holds annually (give or take a pandemic or two). Proceeds from the race support the club's Annual Scholarship Campaign that provides assistance to keep the club's services accessible to all.</span></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;">The girls' Papa and Memere also came out to cheer them on, along with younger sis, Harper</div><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4vV6xKMXBIX-0HJI88wChW1miSqs6OB5Ak83qc195oslV8Kz8mBjGDoSWsUcJhewd3We3UvTKpFuGa8YGl0aKgzoVIjwuFT7JemAEpESarIPyU6JMj3al9_EhW29B6fjEO67X6FrxYBwee5m21kyc9GSSOEbwqre3FNvk7aV4nVg8WbYkX7AcBO5/s2016/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4vV6xKMXBIX-0HJI88wChW1miSqs6OB5Ak83qc195oslV8Kz8mBjGDoSWsUcJhewd3We3UvTKpFuGa8YGl0aKgzoVIjwuFT7JemAEpESarIPyU6JMj3al9_EhW29B6fjEO67X6FrxYBwee5m21kyc9GSSOEbwqre3FNvk7aV4nVg8WbYkX7AcBO5/s320/3.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Andrew and his goddaughter were all smiles before the race started</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfjbmnti_Bn98glyEJLIJRCbHnS-ryzMH5bPcpyvlopxAVWfcG2pwXAYO9qYdsiDtrDxjNDNe-CQZlhtGiKlfBwHJwixsHdAPH_F9gBbLIjMRuvwXTds03Liv9O575s-WqrIlWG4RtOqUsZeOimkxOgpEgRuwf32Oe3oUE-e9ojL299uTWX63jf7A/s2016/4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfjbmnti_Bn98glyEJLIJRCbHnS-ryzMH5bPcpyvlopxAVWfcG2pwXAYO9qYdsiDtrDxjNDNe-CQZlhtGiKlfBwHJwixsHdAPH_F9gBbLIjMRuvwXTds03Liv9O575s-WqrIlWG4RtOqUsZeOimkxOgpEgRuwf32Oe3oUE-e9ojL299uTWX63jf7A/s320/4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Pre-race, it was smiles all around. (Some would fade once the miles started getting notched)</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kAjMho-mCJkocZ2w55iASxmMJdmnegRKY9k8jh9AEIlEzxmkeJGAke7VlkFhhoGcgrQf825NkOSJCsRI--V8Im3vg6HDjc2K64JFhQqTz0byo1aFDIzf7L_QKryih7_WISinx8mrM6S6LhHp3bZkFIzB0Kdezftzq8kj3ArRzd8Pkul2dn11a3dX/s2016/5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kAjMho-mCJkocZ2w55iASxmMJdmnegRKY9k8jh9AEIlEzxmkeJGAke7VlkFhhoGcgrQf825NkOSJCsRI--V8Im3vg6HDjc2K64JFhQqTz0byo1aFDIzf7L_QKryih7_WISinx8mrM6S6LhHp3bZkFIzB0Kdezftzq8kj3ArRzd8Pkul2dn11a3dX/s320/5.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Haley was like a lightning bolt right out of the chute, drawing first blood</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaW7XNf_DTBg6LuSZHlNJ-IpH2S-Irizz1JRAcGCoNwnBX3cetjTPbVyqUboslZiBgwtUSwU6YlqAgJUlqPHFQ_kcmJylzEmMjhLiT7GJvK5TwBzssbrFUUyu5SCNdj7lXF0bvzBGP2eQjHwZhnQpfaGAWXH_adEnbNV1_lRI_9fjRUP2K2J0gIJFU/s1280/6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1028" data-original-width="1280" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaW7XNf_DTBg6LuSZHlNJ-IpH2S-Irizz1JRAcGCoNwnBX3cetjTPbVyqUboslZiBgwtUSwU6YlqAgJUlqPHFQ_kcmJylzEmMjhLiT7GJvK5TwBzssbrFUUyu5SCNdj7lXF0bvzBGP2eQjHwZhnQpfaGAWXH_adEnbNV1_lRI_9fjRUP2K2J0gIJFU/s320/6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Brook, with her pace car, Andrew</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_s1JomQOLuRcCaAF1MKzKICLQFp4WLa3yeo8u8A8ZzCyXZKW8ZXpgQX8fPMVxtFjN4eHFEP1eRqNZtd8355lm0p2d0jlcDgd2xMyHIDI0U48XKGHudSvwD-9i9-ZMRh227u2leQv43FRIz7qfUy1vETVYvh-dTMCp8ThFNsnitKJW8ZD5hnv77M7/s1383/7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1383" data-original-width="1129" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_s1JomQOLuRcCaAF1MKzKICLQFp4WLa3yeo8u8A8ZzCyXZKW8ZXpgQX8fPMVxtFjN4eHFEP1eRqNZtd8355lm0p2d0jlcDgd2xMyHIDI0U48XKGHudSvwD-9i9-ZMRh227u2leQv43FRIz7qfUy1vETVYvh-dTMCp8ThFNsnitKJW8ZD5hnv77M7/s320/7.jpg" width="261" /></a>\</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Addy started with Mom and Dad, then agreed to let Uncle Pat jump in to pace her.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not sure she'll agree to THAT arrangement ever again!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEili0vkbKQ98sNLOEGA6NpiDMAxatubIjVc5_Q6RrrROhlQBuVA1K8SBSmVkFEJWSaOO_8z0T-7x_259QpMBke7BskWUzhpRMmcSqLJvoJAz8-lWGAQz5Kh4aktQGjmO6Y4lIIaYXh3drUKth4m8FNG0s1mHlDITke1ZKbBh3Q4BvKK0_rwn1cDZLg4/s1424/8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1268" data-original-width="1424" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEili0vkbKQ98sNLOEGA6NpiDMAxatubIjVc5_Q6RrrROhlQBuVA1K8SBSmVkFEJWSaOO_8z0T-7x_259QpMBke7BskWUzhpRMmcSqLJvoJAz8-lWGAQz5Kh4aktQGjmO6Y4lIIaYXh3drUKth4m8FNG0s1mHlDITke1ZKbBh3Q4BvKK0_rwn1cDZLg4/s320/8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A nice detour through the center of what was once the Lawrence Manufacturing Mills, getting us up to the Aiken Street Bridge</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9WNEKrE-i0jsIkRoq-OBwZtqGbFSm2ZoaL268-fJe3Rof9V9KnwZmmSX9YzP7khjf3eGJuwpBnN5QodvC1aZW49PL7IAUtSplMbiMLXJIO51h3zy-_lLMaEFPYw4EjekQjrmHw2C-XQObJGdzCwa1T_LPWg6OO91Qq_AXfz4mRZ63NWnmh4otLu9/s2016/9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9WNEKrE-i0jsIkRoq-OBwZtqGbFSm2ZoaL268-fJe3Rof9V9KnwZmmSX9YzP7khjf3eGJuwpBnN5QodvC1aZW49PL7IAUtSplMbiMLXJIO51h3zy-_lLMaEFPYw4EjekQjrmHw2C-XQObJGdzCwa1T_LPWg6OO91Qq_AXfz4mRZ63NWnmh4otLu9/s320/9.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On the north side of the riverwalk, the eldest sisters were able to high five one another heading in and out bound</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNtbE7thnsPUpCD742q2JaYswBs2UrY1-HQc0Ok7wPjsC4OUvsORTfWUgAGsPJWrVYymdbOt4S4nLAxQb1QRK580G90Zz0DCzKWzJAc-KbsDQSA1kn1Cc4_Uj6epxtquoKHFjwJGa_xsgofjfYuK3PWNaqky87n_LfBxQgmNQYDTLFoDiGtNjryBrV/s2016/10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNtbE7thnsPUpCD742q2JaYswBs2UrY1-HQc0Ok7wPjsC4OUvsORTfWUgAGsPJWrVYymdbOt4S4nLAxQb1QRK580G90Zz0DCzKWzJAc-KbsDQSA1kn1Cc4_Uj6epxtquoKHFjwJGa_xsgofjfYuK3PWNaqky87n_LfBxQgmNQYDTLFoDiGtNjryBrV/s320/10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Brook was still in fine form heading into Mile 2 - her pace car was holding his own as well</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQJcx99YaOuBVujWQmL002J9VpXUypiBm9LrNRIIk3ChtjXOFmr4smW_5d6ycNnrhEsyY_KJxoZ7uvnapDL4jS1OXjIlgS3wGTbv3Bn2RwLPz8UnGOec1ka5nSAR0s2vY5g-_Uzi2YptrTMYLpyGO-EnXKgJEAVoQ4tqZwwKcT8kZteqCSKGi4RuM/s2016/11.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQJcx99YaOuBVujWQmL002J9VpXUypiBm9LrNRIIk3ChtjXOFmr4smW_5d6ycNnrhEsyY_KJxoZ7uvnapDL4jS1OXjIlgS3wGTbv3Bn2RwLPz8UnGOec1ka5nSAR0s2vY5g-_Uzi2YptrTMYLpyGO-EnXKgJEAVoQ4tqZwwKcT8kZteqCSKGi4RuM/s320/11.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On the final stretch into the finish, Mom and Dad Lemay kicked in the after burners to blaze across the finish line together. Didn't check the official results, so not sure who topped the standings, not that it matters to this pair.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_jqy--_j2QScXCS3f1q3tIp67lnWv0y_9wbIq4gtl22nGXsuO_U_P9mIhLfUwugqpvJG6njzy0vuYcGvA3-_SKce6vYXkmIc7N7pERs-31JUoFpLuMx2FbhwPah4Z3sWejT-bFN4zfTCceXt5vpHoqCfFYJhxOYC0vj-C2VkBxzGAxpajZcySlp-/s2016/12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_jqy--_j2QScXCS3f1q3tIp67lnWv0y_9wbIq4gtl22nGXsuO_U_P9mIhLfUwugqpvJG6njzy0vuYcGvA3-_SKce6vYXkmIc7N7pERs-31JUoFpLuMx2FbhwPah4Z3sWejT-bFN4zfTCceXt5vpHoqCfFYJhxOYC0vj-C2VkBxzGAxpajZcySlp-/s320/12.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The finish line family photo!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRT8h8FKytn6M2q69xpPrPfv9eiGmT-jORoONw4o9JgS3Ahoz8zZB1fpvFD9HV6kigqrfzctAvlMoAc8XElsMDDq9SqQtHXzMk_Wsmj7rGsEF3v-heRBPNqh1qJ61M7tStk_Xwl1hTU_Rl-j2sNdHdS3rWboQPGkwjUwjlhhKMA1ioMBVCeXzFwcQ5/s2016/13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRT8h8FKytn6M2q69xpPrPfv9eiGmT-jORoONw4o9JgS3Ahoz8zZB1fpvFD9HV6kigqrfzctAvlMoAc8XElsMDDq9SqQtHXzMk_Wsmj7rGsEF3v-heRBPNqh1qJ61M7tStk_Xwl1hTU_Rl-j2sNdHdS3rWboQPGkwjUwjlhhKMA1ioMBVCeXzFwcQ5/s320/13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With personal best times all around for the family, it proved to be a memorable day on the running paths for this family.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Truly invigorating to see the young 'uns stepping into the sport with such zeal and energy. It does a heart good to see another wave making such incredible running memories, and doing it all as a family to boot - or, in this case, to sneaker!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Congrats Lemay Runners!</div>Patrick Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926201709853231010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323871070006660513.post-458590997334033082022-03-27T19:47:00.003-04:002022-03-27T21:52:35.549-04:00Dual Reservoir Dogs <p>Every once in a while, the circumstances line up to combine for the perfect run, and Sunday's double reservoir loop in Brookline and Brighton was just one of those days. Weather, stamina, energy, and mental relaxation are all key pieces of the puzzle. And more often than not, location plays a major role.</p><p>This weekend, Andrew needed to log a 5K loop (3.1 miles) to take part in a virtual fundraiser for his workplace, Pinkerton Academy, in Derry N.H. Proceeds from the charity run were being earmarked for relief efforts to help those displaced by the war in the Ukraine.</p><p>So as luck would have it, this particular Sunday morning Heather, Jack, Ryan's mom Nancy, and two of Heather's bridesmaids Katie and Kailey were spending their morning checking out potential wedding gowns for Heather at a bridal shop in Boston.</p><p>For Andrew and I? It provided an opportunity we've been waiting months for - to go exploring the roadways behind Heather and Ryan's Brookline apartment and logging miles on roadways some of which we've never run on before. (And yes, that did include some of the hills of Brookline, including Aspinwall Hill.)</p><p>First up? The Brookline Reservoir. (Which, by the way, was the windiest and therefore, most intimidating part of the run.)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSaZ8SoeoCadRn_m9vn-dGOEJjsd6q4LGkiyrgAxGKM-bl7gbTczBkuXDBCAazHMntmJHuBha6Mvg6qLJR8RrMZInHVxNvJwUIq7jgHHyFU7hXenaMaLpUdzGavddClOdWTWhq7izjS65dnSpqJbZtlP92nlXFefG3JVTxcoWgAJMVhrWAwHJJcSf/s2016/Reservoir%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSaZ8SoeoCadRn_m9vn-dGOEJjsd6q4LGkiyrgAxGKM-bl7gbTczBkuXDBCAazHMntmJHuBha6Mvg6qLJR8RrMZInHVxNvJwUIq7jgHHyFU7hXenaMaLpUdzGavddClOdWTWhq7izjS65dnSpqJbZtlP92nlXFefG3JVTxcoWgAJMVhrWAwHJJcSf/s320/Reservoir%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The reservoir is a man-made body of water, about a mile wide, originally built as a drinking water supply for Boston. From what I could glean, the park and reservoir date back almost 175 years!<div>It boasts a 32-acre park, which Andrew and I were only too happy to circumnavigate.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQRZilGDIC8gpGbeXhsKdSr9bq-IhFGPtYCvm2GghQoS4PzJPSOLFqpFya3kHesymXj2hKabwtd6_g7C-qHR4p4VaK1Em6Z2r19NUqAt9TApdWIrTReiDJYcx5BkXkWeXND1Dpu_Y9QUOvCM1rhDtQYsy0WcfJWekc393pq0N5QFaHvR2uJ6rMKSC/s2016/Reservoir%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQRZilGDIC8gpGbeXhsKdSr9bq-IhFGPtYCvm2GghQoS4PzJPSOLFqpFya3kHesymXj2hKabwtd6_g7C-qHR4p4VaK1Em6Z2r19NUqAt9TApdWIrTReiDJYcx5BkXkWeXND1Dpu_Y9QUOvCM1rhDtQYsy0WcfJWekc393pq0N5QFaHvR2uJ6rMKSC/s320/Reservoir%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From there, we wound through some more side streets of Brookline, making our way out to more familiar environs, the Chestnut Hill reservoir behind Boston College, in the Old Chestnut Hill Historic District. This reservoir was created in 1870 on marshes and meadowlands to also assist with supplying water to Boston. (It was taken off line about four decades ago because it wasn't needed anymore for said water supply.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0UaJjM8Od32Wi4z7bLvXfL4iiF6FSQOkWRrqVykObViZpylBNc4stCkWuLzevqj2kwDVDh-PSk540VJGnD_QcbJ6kMCBc4xoftdml42IF8Ve3r4vL-IhZI9diz6aQUBeEGqxUUCg_cLe_TrxbCLoGcIQXurlMC1eb-C-yYdpiYpjbpf6dgaoyKuY/s2016/Reservoir%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0UaJjM8Od32Wi4z7bLvXfL4iiF6FSQOkWRrqVykObViZpylBNc4stCkWuLzevqj2kwDVDh-PSk540VJGnD_QcbJ6kMCBc4xoftdml42IF8Ve3r4vL-IhZI9diz6aQUBeEGqxUUCg_cLe_TrxbCLoGcIQXurlMC1eb-C-yYdpiYpjbpf6dgaoyKuY/s320/Reservoir%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Regular readers of this blog might recognize this site as the backdrop of many a past springtime Boston Marathon training run. The mile-and-a-half reservoir loop featured into many of our long runs in advance of marathons past, wrapping Heartbreak Hill and the hills of Newton into the extended mileage.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5X7hikq1gO-6SoMjLdV-oh7JXZDjfJxUV7c0f_JF2WvtfPKaRoPwdiEIDkt-flrs9AdywlhF2Uf3nSV5jb8fkfRPE0i8guK5Wka4nJEZz8MqhdC-aQ-Pa2ND-RAIlhdxAaLLQybbN7Dd6E_9GryJm-b12jWpbw3Co80D-JOcr3XyQ3KJRfkR-SQF6/s2016/Reservoir%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5X7hikq1gO-6SoMjLdV-oh7JXZDjfJxUV7c0f_JF2WvtfPKaRoPwdiEIDkt-flrs9AdywlhF2Uf3nSV5jb8fkfRPE0i8guK5Wka4nJEZz8MqhdC-aQ-Pa2ND-RAIlhdxAaLLQybbN7Dd6E_9GryJm-b12jWpbw3Co80D-JOcr3XyQ3KJRfkR-SQF6/s320/Reservoir%204.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Today, the mileage wasn't as extended as in years past, but they were plenty inspirational for this father and son, as we found ourselves energized/supercharged by the skyline views of Boston.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_S3lr_Z4e8OqkxGIhISGDJsYtEesu7yxDsZkcQwqUBNmNXeyorF5ptDez8mSXvBDvCQhzB9LksG38lxfBHbtzW0eY1dk74oGPpVVP0lUG7gLIEmMdQ7bVTSt4fAiJFbhaT06IuybYDLOycEfppbP_uMZmUl4suPjPzuHHakw_wbMN_jPgz6wivsf/s2016/Reservoir%205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_S3lr_Z4e8OqkxGIhISGDJsYtEesu7yxDsZkcQwqUBNmNXeyorF5ptDez8mSXvBDvCQhzB9LksG38lxfBHbtzW0eY1dk74oGPpVVP0lUG7gLIEmMdQ7bVTSt4fAiJFbhaT06IuybYDLOycEfppbP_uMZmUl4suPjPzuHHakw_wbMN_jPgz6wivsf/s320/Reservoir%205.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Adding to the energy of the day was the literally HUNDREDS of other runners who were out this beautiful spring morning, most of them logging group runs during one of the primo Boston Marathon training weekends heading into the Patriots Day race.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-1NEAD42Gqu8ofUusAbSpu5VBopvyHmfcm6Ch6yJIINJntSZ0_7rL_Ikgcu2MsTuchwpGdNEkF8CoPqWcNSoIFMxq3I8x0LyZEh2bBXf4PRXmCu-Rn3FZv3SlLMBF73oS75ivbrQDqaEnCs6DFImEpg2fBHuXaqwFWQb8poaXWKKq628b7EAHZVF/s2016/Reservoir%206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-1NEAD42Gqu8ofUusAbSpu5VBopvyHmfcm6Ch6yJIINJntSZ0_7rL_Ikgcu2MsTuchwpGdNEkF8CoPqWcNSoIFMxq3I8x0LyZEh2bBXf4PRXmCu-Rn3FZv3SlLMBF73oS75ivbrQDqaEnCs6DFImEpg2fBHuXaqwFWQb8poaXWKKq628b7EAHZVF/s320/Reservoir%206.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Normally, on Marathon Monday, this particular stretch of Beacon Street can seem endless and torturous as you try to notch the final 3-5 miles that gets you into Boylston Street. Today, it was effortless, relaxing and a great pipe-cleaner to close out the weekend.</div></div><div>The architecture along the street is unique, distinct, and picturesque, even if the occasional runner passes through the shot.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJL-eNyYejilDqxzk6q-9kW55aD_sTOhjeoKGWj0nmzM5fkXINqJV4F0haJDTHa6H0emZsls_-Je1hMbwJf53W1y3xRSd72eLtfXzgxWPa7H4E_wwveZhFlWDwKJP6jJXDv_18CHb1eEnnpa9mUsO-1DFOpvGBxMuw0X5P6a_LUF_mwKVC-GXMM_d/s2016/Reservoir%207.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJL-eNyYejilDqxzk6q-9kW55aD_sTOhjeoKGWj0nmzM5fkXINqJV4F0haJDTHa6H0emZsls_-Je1hMbwJf53W1y3xRSd72eLtfXzgxWPa7H4E_wwveZhFlWDwKJP6jJXDv_18CHb1eEnnpa9mUsO-1DFOpvGBxMuw0X5P6a_LUF_mwKVC-GXMM_d/s320/Reservoir%207.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Both Andrew and I donned yellow and blue togs today to pay some extra respect to Ukraine and the global crisis unfolding there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yeah, we know our Sunday morning duo run won't make much of difference in the long run for the besieged country, but this special 90 minute pocket of father-son springtime running sure helped us feel like we were trying.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWs048a2hFCAdI4iIvj24xEPgYTPblW6HeBy3QrT932BSGDrjzMecZ51kBfOfRmubj65w5-n6I29VkJJOLSxMqRuAC0CYw1x514m2LX0ziPfyLZ47B7s5t4gTzfOdjAqV9SxIwIrstfmcDEKrC2MqKkxCz4RdJLlrRnWPIE68wo0i3IXDJ0O-xHAGo/s2016/Reservoir%208.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWs048a2hFCAdI4iIvj24xEPgYTPblW6HeBy3QrT932BSGDrjzMecZ51kBfOfRmubj65w5-n6I29VkJJOLSxMqRuAC0CYw1x514m2LX0ziPfyLZ47B7s5t4gTzfOdjAqV9SxIwIrstfmcDEKrC2MqKkxCz4RdJLlrRnWPIE68wo0i3IXDJ0O-xHAGo/s320/Reservoir%208.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div>Patrick Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926201709853231010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323871070006660513.post-90878239805394727822022-01-02T15:48:00.002-05:002022-01-02T15:55:32.958-05:00A Wet and Chili Soup Run<p>For more than a dozen years, regular readers of this blog have been privy to an annual New Year's Day tradition for the extended Band of Brothers and Sisters known collectively as the E Streeters - the Soup Run. The E Streeters moniker, with a nod Bruce Springsteen and the E Street band, dates back to the name of the 1980s recreational basketball and volleyball teams that brought us together in our high school and college years. We adopted the E Streeters group name for wedding (and bachelor party) gatherings, and in the ensuing years, brought our spouses, children, co-workers, and newfound friends into the fold, so that we now number in the thousands. Maybe millions, who knows anymore?</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghqhE9iXcP5I-jMSejBikm2ggqSIvAA-wHd8-KwV3eVT1DWqv1bVGpIQ2I-7M9ZQHrORCR5SKyTWsvZ6dbWFv8E5J0xbGdGPsy3NRUoJL5f4fAEpgoCZEHXAoSJw3h_Y4q3QzPTFCs9YmEWJWdk-cBBuu0PMrODyjbcqhfmqhdC1XAPDk-mvL8tuGu=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghqhE9iXcP5I-jMSejBikm2ggqSIvAA-wHd8-KwV3eVT1DWqv1bVGpIQ2I-7M9ZQHrORCR5SKyTWsvZ6dbWFv8E5J0xbGdGPsy3NRUoJL5f4fAEpgoCZEHXAoSJw3h_Y4q3QzPTFCs9YmEWJWdk-cBBuu0PMrODyjbcqhfmqhdC1XAPDk-mvL8tuGu=s320" width="240" /></a></p><p>There's several events that bring us together, but on the calendar, the first one up is always the New Year's Day Soup Run. It's an annual gathering that lends itself to several traditions - logging the first few miles of running in a New Year, breaking bread around some killer bowls of soup, but most importantly, a gathering of friends and family to close out one year and mark the voyage into a New Year together, as friends who are still healthy and able to gather and enjoy good memories together.</p><p><span style="text-align: center;">These are folks who've been together and shared experiences, in some cases, for nearly half a century.</span></p><p>Alas, the last two years have dealt all of us a hand none of us expected to experience in our lifetimes - a global pandemic that has changed the way we gather, change how we can interact, and in the cases of this tradition, how we can enjoy a bowl of soup together.</p><p>On top of that, this year saw several members of our Merry Band of Brothers unable to join us for the annual outing - traveling abroad, locked into family events in other regions, or sidelined with injuries.</p><p>Most significantly, the usual Founders of the Feast - John and Karen - were sunning themselves in warmer climes, so it was time for Plan B.</p><p>Enter Scott, the usual provider of Top 10 Chili at the Run the Rivah race.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGDejiZ3fbtikMl2hvUnTfRe0MAAJktxAsDI3Wv_3I6C73xCAO6xAn5ariNVV9_5ZT6CaNExgML_SS63LYurrSGe7DpOWziDbbv7dDo3SCmGBWiHqTcJX-leVIp6KdQcwVNO_KCXeZZvTmL9eIBsj7Xw6u5Isx0pDsjLTxDkEFGyiru9FC5fYV6mRj=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGDejiZ3fbtikMl2hvUnTfRe0MAAJktxAsDI3Wv_3I6C73xCAO6xAn5ariNVV9_5ZT6CaNExgML_SS63LYurrSGe7DpOWziDbbv7dDo3SCmGBWiHqTcJX-leVIp6KdQcwVNO_KCXeZZvTmL9eIBsj7Xw6u5Isx0pDsjLTxDkEFGyiru9FC5fYV6mRj=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We parked at one of our frequent haunts, East Boston Campus in Westford. Yes, we know it's know the Stony Brook Conservation Land, but for those of us who've been running there for 30 years, it will always be EBC.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(BTW, the trails there have been under construction recently, thanks to some eager beavers)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHX1oXw_Ifl-JknCEYT-BRfIiEvbGYg41_Rz5heVEWB4DWnj8p9zgulWgaOafeyOu7riYICRLOvS5EB8mhDEhu-0uJ0JTelKz8M0zfC9rsUmXNItHaGmMTMCmtqydua4NahNOrEhz6GFwLcV6f42zjLtATo_x7EFKVksI2Drt75PmSPiCXkxDwTXwD=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHX1oXw_Ifl-JknCEYT-BRfIiEvbGYg41_Rz5heVEWB4DWnj8p9zgulWgaOafeyOu7riYICRLOvS5EB8mhDEhu-0uJ0JTelKz8M0zfC9rsUmXNItHaGmMTMCmtqydua4NahNOrEhz6GFwLcV6f42zjLtATo_x7EFKVksI2Drt75PmSPiCXkxDwTXwD=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Back to the Star of the Day - the chili</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This year, for the first time in decades, Scott veered off the recipe for his usual Top 10 Chili and reworked a recipe to include ground chili peppers in place of chili powder, plus a few other secret ingredients.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While we've done previous Soup Runs in bitter cold, icy or snow conditions, this MAY have been the first time we've had rain conditions on New Year's Day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Luckily, Scott had a hatchback.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3CiFkuKN23zek0NRgAiA1j1KJJYGdZyeQv-vJ8oG0LJb6YUFH_29Ly0RD7T3OPFa6q1ryYMBV4kUB12JmimhEsVFhXU2WIPIkFoHZqc43RAb0a3JO8voHbHEznwWVX4lR3ZvhH0JGBK1k8Mnywa1M-WGR641Cf4ljBxTcN5vFVXO55eyD43AK4yv9=s1544" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1160" data-original-width="1544" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3CiFkuKN23zek0NRgAiA1j1KJJYGdZyeQv-vJ8oG0LJb6YUFH_29Ly0RD7T3OPFa6q1ryYMBV4kUB12JmimhEsVFhXU2WIPIkFoHZqc43RAb0a3JO8voHbHEznwWVX4lR3ZvhH0JGBK1k8Mnywa1M-WGR641Cf4ljBxTcN5vFVXO55eyD43AK4yv9=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Carlos, who normally prefers donuts at the end of our runs, made an exception for an exceptional chili this time around.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisXgSAeafT4d3-aMOQVmJZh7rLflISpT4_hiLZ5EhcOqunlSl9ESJQ3J5Rbi6_qOO-0wBEHn5a04bfUgiphIFegXILl_FR8PWe1cmxnlChlW3F3SwNY-vmEH0zzSzDko8lzq9PsPR6Mvpii8Ln4Y5s3aIlVVR_FVUbJCp22GvFeTZFvY8n2__m07ZS=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisXgSAeafT4d3-aMOQVmJZh7rLflISpT4_hiLZ5EhcOqunlSl9ESJQ3J5Rbi6_qOO-0wBEHn5a04bfUgiphIFegXILl_FR8PWe1cmxnlChlW3F3SwNY-vmEH0zzSzDko8lzq9PsPR6Mvpii8Ln4Y5s3aIlVVR_FVUbJCp22GvFeTZFvY8n2__m07ZS=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Andrew, undaunted by the rain, was ready for the undertaking.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUbSZD3Ha_1PI3TGctQMJujxA8wUE3Hs3TxwPuT9FGYryy2GI8YlC01njjtc-DwQ2ZA44vZsj5K4YooIbbDLTkVI76mvPpRU4cXFwtAeNK9g2MKbeTdLcJvlvVX9Z16bRns5eSRE8GKMhBZgW0yyQ7wlMTIsWCFJXxJanxeMt89wLAVdRlXxNcTH6o=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUbSZD3Ha_1PI3TGctQMJujxA8wUE3Hs3TxwPuT9FGYryy2GI8YlC01njjtc-DwQ2ZA44vZsj5K4YooIbbDLTkVI76mvPpRU4cXFwtAeNK9g2MKbeTdLcJvlvVX9Z16bRns5eSRE8GKMhBZgW0yyQ7wlMTIsWCFJXxJanxeMt89wLAVdRlXxNcTH6o=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXxAcMruUPOBPmlVY7Wz0ABR9MZAVhTadiNzKhnekJSVeCvByNh6SRD8ctOGLiKn_fXrmBuVUIxGxNjS6HsSLYVpd7VijUWFGvskdvggDNXRBmRZuf2nfkhG6qtYkycaTFDluA1dTSZ9ErMfL9P1Ssc05ve2bDWQAAeORmQ2AC5a5e3mUR9iTBwM5S=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXxAcMruUPOBPmlVY7Wz0ABR9MZAVhTadiNzKhnekJSVeCvByNh6SRD8ctOGLiKn_fXrmBuVUIxGxNjS6HsSLYVpd7VijUWFGvskdvggDNXRBmRZuf2nfkhG6qtYkycaTFDluA1dTSZ9ErMfL9P1Ssc05ve2bDWQAAeORmQ2AC5a5e3mUR9iTBwM5S=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another staple of the annual Soup Run is the to-go container. Normally, Karen and John send us on our way with leftover chicken soup, Italian soup, or vegetable soup offerings</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Barry has been known to bring a few gallon containers to assist with his doggie-bag efforts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgH_fqZR2MHK-vTieIxfpxoJxrycekyfTzjf2FinlL2CDZhAuiN-YAZxYafg3HyajSuemUtVizVlCtKungTN3oDWq62rGaTQInpkkGL4CNE5CCQluzidj-W5jleZDjBATBuIPUXfMJSx4f7NCfG4tqZJKOWuNYp_XPeDTkU5slmyhyn9wtuZGWBP3-C=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgH_fqZR2MHK-vTieIxfpxoJxrycekyfTzjf2FinlL2CDZhAuiN-YAZxYafg3HyajSuemUtVizVlCtKungTN3oDWq62rGaTQInpkkGL4CNE5CCQluzidj-W5jleZDjBATBuIPUXfMJSx4f7NCfG4tqZJKOWuNYp_XPeDTkU5slmyhyn9wtuZGWBP3-C=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Andrew, victorious with his double barrel take-home containers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhq2zlgFtx-8C3qQtjFODBpRDChEVXVyuY4TExf9WAnO07hRz3ke32SOlStglt0H_kpZe2TVR3riCtS6qG2eR7FY8DAjGNGMnFu1iwoyieaS7tw8NzXsh3BHb8KrHNFXTlmpXUjK16PcngZxHXPmxyK550SMOfO1joWawYVqWlhLxNyDZxwceyaDz5S=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhq2zlgFtx-8C3qQtjFODBpRDChEVXVyuY4TExf9WAnO07hRz3ke32SOlStglt0H_kpZe2TVR3riCtS6qG2eR7FY8DAjGNGMnFu1iwoyieaS7tw8NzXsh3BHb8KrHNFXTlmpXUjK16PcngZxHXPmxyK550SMOfO1joWawYVqWlhLxNyDZxwceyaDz5S=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So there you go.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hoping to get back on the blogging trail with some more regularity in 2022. It's always been a successful way to chronicle our life experiences together and celebrate the shared fun, friendship and family that help keep us all sane.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Feels like now, more than ever, it's the kind of grounding we can all use.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy New Year, all!</div>Patrick Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926201709853231010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323871070006660513.post-17974728555445354612021-02-03T20:43:00.006-05:002021-02-04T09:39:13.650-05:00Happy 70th Mom and Dad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Theirs was not a conventional love story, at least not by today's standards, but for a young couple who grew up in the Flats neighborhood of the city of Lowell, it certainly worked and yielded generations of a family to follow, including the author of this blog.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">70 years ago today - February 3, 1951, my mother, Marie Payette, married Jimmy Cook.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sadly, neither of them are alive today to experience their platinum anniversary together with us, but it's a nice thought to imagine them still enjoying their best ballroom dances together. Sadly, I wish all of the pics to follow that depict their first months together had captions and dates to accompany them and provide perspective, but alas, I have to make do with what I've got.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Found this arcade photo booth gem of the pair from Memorial Day, May 29, 1950. That would have put my dad two weeks shy of 21, my mother eight days into her 23rd year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lLFBGtjKMa8/YBsp3yO3WvI/AAAAAAAAQjY/9pFIjFliYS4lGj2jUE6LcUBAzPg2AhM4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lLFBGtjKMa8/YBsp3yO3WvI/AAAAAAAAQjY/9pFIjFliYS4lGj2jUE6LcUBAzPg2AhM4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/7.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My sister Kathleen laughs when she hears a recounting of how my parents started dating.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For anyone familiar with Lowell's neighborhood history, the pair was well known in their Flats neighborhood, which is located, in today's Mill City geography, at the terminus of the Lowell Connector, along Gorham Street, towards the area known as Back Central Street. My mother lived on Gorham Street, my father, off and on on nearby Auburn or Richmond Streets.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My mother was a clerk in the Registry of Deeds at Lowell Superior Court, located just a few blocks from her home. My father was a lineman for the Lowell Electric Light Corporation (later Massachusetts Electric, today, National Grid) on Perry Street.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My mother, as chronicled elsewhere on this blog, was also a chorister singing in a choir that performed regularly at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium. My father was a street tough neighborhood kid, who lost his mother at the age of 10 then enjoyed a fairly successful professional boxing career, cut short when he was jumped by some thugs on Market Street and nearly beaten to death because he refused to throw a fight at the request of a local bookie. My dad opted to go the professional route, at first, using his deceased brother Gerald's name on the boxing card, before finally taking his own name in the ring. He told my brother he chose to go the professional route in order to get paid money, the only way he could survive as a teenager in the 1940s.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JqVzEljWAFg/YBsp2FsTuwI/AAAAAAAAQjM/gH8yutHqTfwPup4wGVTJTlGaFLpiMQ_5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JqVzEljWAFg/YBsp2FsTuwI/AAAAAAAAQjM/gH8yutHqTfwPup4wGVTJTlGaFLpiMQ_5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Both of them were attendees of St. Peter's Church, now lost to the wrecking ball.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My parents would occasionally recount what counted as courting for them in those days.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My father would stand, leaning against the wall outside the law offices located on the corner of Gorham and Highland Street. The building's still there today.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He would watch every day as my mother walked back and forth from her home to her office in the courthouse. Occasionally, he would walk her to her home. Eventually, he asked her out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Today, that type of activity might be considered stalking.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, it was courting Lowell style, and so it was he summoned up the courage to ask out the girl he admired from afar - or at least from across the street.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She consented, much to the consternation of some who couldn't understand why this singing maiden would pair up with a rough and tumble boxer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To quote a St. Peter's School nun who saw the two of them pushing my brother in a baby carriage years later - "you didn't marry him, did you?"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, Sister, she did.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Believe it or not, I actually discovered both a napkin and a matchbook from my parent's special wedding day. Preserved, albeit in a fragile state, 70 years later. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1EaclvTr40/YBsp1NrQ2rI/AAAAAAAAQjE/q80EemGNOtU_BBKyr5TbxlMqE4lhV_7-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1EaclvTr40/YBsp1NrQ2rI/AAAAAAAAQjE/q80EemGNOtU_BBKyr5TbxlMqE4lhV_7-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/10.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4wE7YsRYUqo/YBst_ZSlB-I/AAAAAAAAQj4/NZV0gAXlmh0xw4iUHYcLBBK8zO01OasJQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4wE7YsRYUqo/YBst_ZSlB-I/AAAAAAAAQj4/NZV0gAXlmh0xw4iUHYcLBBK8zO01OasJQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/9.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As legend has it, my father proposed to my mother while the pair sat on a park bench in the South Common, which in its heydey, was quite the social gathering spot in Lowell - easily accessible by foot, centrally located, and sprawling enough to accommodate large crowds (see: V-Day celebration)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The couple got married, of course, in nearby St. Peter's Church at 2 in the afternoon on Saturday, February 3, 1951, under the sign of Aquarius. (Might be why my mother wanted so badly to see the historic church spared from demolition.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">According to the Lowell Sun newspaper's account of the wedding:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rev. William Mullen officiated at an altar adorned with mixed gladioli. Escorted by her father (my grandfather Phillip Payette), my mother wore a dress trimmed with rhinestones.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After the church ceremony, my parents and their invited guests headed to a location, whose name currently escapes me, lost to the history books. It resembled an airplane hanger with a curved roof and was in nearby Dracut. The name will come to me and I'll come back here to update the post once I find it. Happy to hear from anyone who might know its proper name.</div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zSK4m8wp2U4/YBsp1OnCh4I/AAAAAAAAQjA/QlCWoLrmXlIi-akkCuz7Io9ldFAlbTsKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zSK4m8wp2U4/YBsp1OnCh4I/AAAAAAAAQjA/QlCWoLrmXlIi-akkCuz7Io9ldFAlbTsKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/1.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rp7H07yVHZ8/YBsp2luh6zI/AAAAAAAAQjQ/s4_W44vZ-zUb1hj_w03cFeVxY0ZrXagywCLcBGAsYHQ/s1616/4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1616" data-original-width="1322" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rp7H07yVHZ8/YBsp2luh6zI/AAAAAAAAQjQ/s4_W44vZ-zUb1hj_w03cFeVxY0ZrXagywCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/4.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My mother's maid of honor was her sister Helen. My aunt, god bless her, is still rocking it out!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My father's best man was his younger brother, Eddie.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8fn_QLGxlGo/YBsp2jI_mHI/AAAAAAAAQjU/ka4hJhLf0LIB1OoVLaCE_JjQVnabAL1PgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8fn_QLGxlGo/YBsp2jI_mHI/AAAAAAAAQjU/ka4hJhLf0LIB1OoVLaCE_JjQVnabAL1PgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The couple went off to honeymoon at a recreation club in New York - picture the setting in the Dirty Dancing movie, and I always envision it was something along those lines, absent Baby and Johnny. According to the Sun newspaper, when they left for their honeymoon, my mother wore a maroon outfit with black and white accessories and a corsage of white orchids. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R0qATrypY74/YBsp3yCvxqI/AAAAAAAAQjg/-Vo1jXdEK_4gN6arXeKGFDVZjNL5Zf5XQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R0qATrypY74/YBsp3yCvxqI/AAAAAAAAQjg/-Vo1jXdEK_4gN6arXeKGFDVZjNL5Zf5XQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/8.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But here's where the story takes a turn, one that thousands of other young couples similarly experienced at the time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">No sooner did my father return from their honeymoon than he shipped off to serve in the Army, fighting in the Korean Conflict. (This comes six years after he had faked his age at 15 to join the Merchant Marines. They sent him back home once his true age was discovered. But he wanted to serve in part because he lost his older brother Gerald to the war.)</div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7KTB7OwvfsY/YBsp1mGLe3I/AAAAAAAAQjI/Ng-ZaN4u1tALIYkvInkeT1nJJJKjq4UVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7KTB7OwvfsY/YBsp1mGLe3I/AAAAAAAAQjI/Ng-ZaN4u1tALIYkvInkeT1nJJJKjq4UVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just barely months into their marriage and my father was off to fight in a war, uncertain if he would even return safely. (Spoiler alert: he did, thank God.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gb_eKwqA1vs/YBsp3XbiFLI/AAAAAAAAQjc/dQW0r7xQHFo7n5SyFTXjMIYUnJmEUEIjwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gb_eKwqA1vs/YBsp3XbiFLI/AAAAAAAAQjc/dQW0r7xQHFo7n5SyFTXjMIYUnJmEUEIjwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/6.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Needless to say, I have access to thousands of photos in the ensuing 51 years that they would continue through their lives together, until my father's passing in 2002. My mother followed him nine years later. Some of those photos depict other wedding anniversary celebrations, including their 40th and 50th.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But I thought for the purposes of commemorating their wedding day, it would be fitting to spotlight the pics that capture when it was just the two of them in the infancy of the Cook family, circa 1951.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My brother Jimmy would come along two years later, my brother Gerald, two years after that. Kathleen made her debut three years later, and then six years later, they stopped when they got it right, bringing me into the world to complete our clan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-orXDfdUGhLY/YBsp1OpoSOI/AAAAAAAAQi8/Pi4klcWgQEUnz6L-ctKw9M0xICzLzsPfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-orXDfdUGhLY/YBsp1OpoSOI/AAAAAAAAQi8/Pi4klcWgQEUnz6L-ctKw9M0xICzLzsPfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/11.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've often said my biggest regret in life was not documenting in writing more of the history of my family when they were around to talk about it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The stories behind the pics (including the one above at the Pawtucket Falls) are lost to time. I literally have dozens upon dozens of pictures featuring folks whose identities are unknown to me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of the primary reasons I still maintain this blog is to help chronicle some of the comings and goings of me, my family and friends during these 21st century years.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sadly, no such blog existed back in the 1950s, so I'm not able to properly chronicle Jim and Marie's story, providing it the proper historical perspective.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But I'm thrilled that I'm able to share some pics of a young couple who didn't know what the next half century was going to yield for them, just that they were going to tackle it together.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So Happy 70th Anniversary Mom and Dad!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You certainly earned a Platinum rating in our books!</div><br />Patrick Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926201709853231010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323871070006660513.post-10105387810497289972020-09-27T16:32:00.000-04:002020-09-27T16:32:12.390-04:00A Gunstock Gun Show<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have you wondered what a bachelor party might look like during a coronavirus quarantine?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, wonder no more, on this blog we aims to inform.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A couple of months back, the E Streeters conspired to pull together a safe, socially distanced bachelor party for Andrew in advance of his pending nuptials to Katie</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As with everything during a time of COVID, the event took some considerable planning by Best Man Ben, with some local geography assists from Scott, whose lakefront home is only a couple of miles down the road from the two mountains we decided to scale - Belknap and Gunstock.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once it was decided that the soiree would need to take place outside from start to finish, we narrowed it down to a manageable climb for those in the group who haven't scaled a mountain in the past.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As it turns out, we had the parking lot, and just about the entire mountain all to ourselves.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XSF-WoC0OKU/X3C4bw0Q85I/AAAAAAAAQcc/3A_RZy_lEQ0Rjx10oXYc7cdP6wFWVihiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/32.JPG" style="text-align: left;" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But before we began our upward trek, like any member of the Appalachian Mountain Club will tell you, it's time for donuts from the Donut Shack.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pQqlupUWeqc/X3C4VlIa0RI/AAAAAAAAQa4/kiOo0O0pVZYRhxEMzuSDmFw0UnXhAoFuwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pQqlupUWeqc/X3C4VlIa0RI/AAAAAAAAQa4/kiOo0O0pVZYRhxEMzuSDmFw0UnXhAoFuwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9LwkpZ7tgOY/X3C4X8La5PI/AAAAAAAAQbk/3kwf_EAhmYAcSoIYY47PoBw_4hlLHsmRACLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9LwkpZ7tgOY/X3C4X8La5PI/AAAAAAAAQbk/3kwf_EAhmYAcSoIYY47PoBw_4hlLHsmRACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And with a moderate amount of marshmallow donuts consumed, it was time to begin our climb.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And almost immediately, stop it, so Mike, Scott and Sean can make sure we're on the right trail.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y6Xs5FyUtus/X3C4biT-M5I/AAAAAAAAQcY/y7lIE2zRKCoPm3hD5Aklz53YfdA1gzi4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/3.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OsnQzSaNaPk/X3C4cn3dngI/AAAAAAAAQc8/rr__OmT74m0MEQbqNo71VGgcLj5mnbhRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/4.jpg" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our orienteering under control, we chose the path less travelled. At least on this particular Saturday.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AIaqKbGFUpo/X3C4b0fpx-I/AAAAAAAAQcQ/Ewar986vJeQVIk3V6V3qrAZTZGveECw4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/30.JPG" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ain't nothing like the Great Outdoors</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dnr7gyOzz34/X3C4ctHJZwI/AAAAAAAAQc0/XEYWKcNHoQUfIjiSfF843NM_SD6cCIPVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/39.JPG" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This first day of August proved to be an especially warm one, with temperatures close to 90 for most of the hike. Hydration a must for all!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-atRg2xVBDQo/X3C4bnziujI/AAAAAAAAQcI/39JkYMPO0OI7Np1TesQ1HtMfLYi1NJYDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/28.JPG" style="text-align: left;" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bridges early on in the lower terrain, but none to be seen in the higher elevations</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qOBm6XEIm8U/X3C4c3OrW6I/AAAAAAAAQdI/miOdOM79dsg7H6opuCwxAtm7mXt1zvCvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qOBm6XEIm8U/X3C4c3OrW6I/AAAAAAAAQdI/miOdOM79dsg7H6opuCwxAtm7mXt1zvCvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/5.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zoCtboDPQ0Y/X3C4dFpKZqI/AAAAAAAAQdM/UhDI1W9CIisQRvlPlYy8OgDf_vToj489gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zoCtboDPQ0Y/X3C4dFpKZqI/AAAAAAAAQdM/UhDI1W9CIisQRvlPlYy8OgDf_vToj489gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/6.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here, we see the silverback gorilla at home in his native habitat. One can only surmise what he is doing in this deep copse.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9P8SJsZRrvE/X3C4dN7DVbI/AAAAAAAAQdQ/a3Mrp_mVb7gy2BU4aNsYeP0LD2YFTOjuACLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9P8SJsZRrvE/X3C4dN7DVbI/AAAAAAAAQdQ/a3Mrp_mVb7gy2BU4aNsYeP0LD2YFTOjuACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/7.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Group shot at Round Pond</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LrftcitMy1I/X3C4cgvK_5I/AAAAAAAAQc4/A_UaIIpIpMEi_ySW5moqud0Hl5mIuDRpQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/38.JPG" style="text-align: left;" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="678" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jraOIgoy6bM/X3C4bkUpUzI/AAAAAAAAQcM/Y-6SEf2p96UJcMMditD21lZepX5_BkwZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/29.JPG" style="text-align: left;" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And then the actual climbing portion of the program commenced in earnest.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aUbQzciKQQg/X3C4dSHEk_I/AAAAAAAAQdU/txKqFheUUs4wN5hbHvSKlxzNu33wCBoNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aUbQzciKQQg/X3C4dSHEk_I/AAAAAAAAQdU/txKqFheUUs4wN5hbHvSKlxzNu33wCBoNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/8.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-19MN54q12Es/X3C4dRq_SnI/AAAAAAAAQdY/O8nQuHtkk_UIJY0Aap-ZCN-O615YRZ8eQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-19MN54q12Es/X3C4dRq_SnI/AAAAAAAAQdY/O8nQuHtkk_UIJY0Aap-ZCN-O615YRZ8eQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/9.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Followers of this blog have read past posts about mountaintop cairns.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cairns are manmade piles of rocks, derived from the Gaelic word "carn" which translates to a "heap of stones."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For decades, mountain climbers have been building cairns atop mountains to serve as survey markers, and directional structures.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The top of Belknap boasted a couple of dozen small, directional cairns.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5O9MMyOt7HU/X3C4VjjXNPI/AAAAAAAAQbA/ks3bnJ3y3JobvuayiUxEXc5VOZOsp4g9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5O9MMyOt7HU/X3C4VjjXNPI/AAAAAAAAQbA/ks3bnJ3y3JobvuayiUxEXc5VOZOsp4g9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/10.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Finally, getting above the treeline, we start to catch our first glimpses of the surrounding lakes and mountains in the Belknap region</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gqU5fMxWRqM/X3C4bPlIXlI/AAAAAAAAQcE/-H7_M5u6js40pWXx-COmN9SFGF_wCvYigCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/27.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gqU5fMxWRqM/X3C4bPlIXlI/AAAAAAAAQcE/-H7_M5u6js40pWXx-COmN9SFGF_wCvYigCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/27.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Two Towers</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K6aTELTcMwk/X3C4adBhCsI/AAAAAAAAQb8/AH679i-2mQ8oUB3hRicPMenHqpJRP6e5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/25.JPG" style="text-align: left;" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Two Wowers</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2QSPTs5G0OI/X3C4aulJxrI/AAAAAAAAQcA/Uu9lz_R_sCcwf0vIHQGcUyzsk1FkiRQmACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/26.JPG" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ready for their tuxedos</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ETS5zIPJRKU/X3C4VoPIcSI/AAAAAAAAQa8/p4IFhGhnk1QHWnij4G2YcCO-x36erY-4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ETS5zIPJRKU/X3C4VoPIcSI/AAAAAAAAQa8/p4IFhGhnk1QHWnij4G2YcCO-x36erY-4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Brothers Grim</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vpGruxpqkOo/X3C4WEPnubI/AAAAAAAAQbI/wBROC9svztsRjJ6TihnprPM7Ld0V1GlWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vpGruxpqkOo/X3C4WEPnubI/AAAAAAAAQbI/wBROC9svztsRjJ6TihnprPM7Ld0V1GlWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These two put the guns in gunstock</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zDO937-Lyjc/X3C4Wg12qYI/AAAAAAAAQbQ/wMrQ86MZwowL5Por-kFrDuDAIkLMGvCcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zDO937-Lyjc/X3C4Wg12qYI/AAAAAAAAQbQ/wMrQ86MZwowL5Por-kFrDuDAIkLMGvCcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Heading to the summit, we can see Lake Winnipesaukee, and to its inner waters, Rattlesnake Island and the Spence Estate</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tRbl64iHI1Y/X3C4c14JhII/AAAAAAAAQdE/dEosKfqFgb4YihniZJICfGD5p3VGCLXHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/41.JPG" style="text-align: left;" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Scenes from high up on the active fire tower atop Belknap</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pheCLIK2HdA/X3C4cZWrVdI/AAAAAAAAQcw/AtsgZK2rvJgJjZIfFPb7Os_HOzUKK0D5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/37.JPG" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In case you're wondering, Scott is on the phone with Carlos, who, while late to the climb because of a work commitment, was at this point of the day running up the southern slope to rendezvous with the rest of us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FPzi5g-byJM/X3C4cyopwfI/AAAAAAAAQdA/7UdyVb5DXOcE66f-9r-hF9n46LL7qqcsQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/40.JPG" style="text-align: left;" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1126" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T1AaMoBQCUw/X3C4b8DyBgI/AAAAAAAAQcU/2O99qO-R3ZAvayfjbDXfRcemFe1KEAkdACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/31.JPG" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Down below the fire tower, Benjamin broke out exactly the kind of hydration everyone is looking for after scaling a mountain in 90 degree weather</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MWXamfQ0YVM/X3C4XIclizI/AAAAAAAAQbU/cSoObZax3rs5gxwsZwlWBgxTtYrOUEhggCLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MWXamfQ0YVM/X3C4XIclizI/AAAAAAAAQbU/cSoObZax3rs5gxwsZwlWBgxTtYrOUEhggCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tito's vodka, to commemorate the climb</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ri42IsYr2vo/X3C4cBePn0I/AAAAAAAAQco/J9mhq6gKpG0K7IhIJR9D6DV3zQVptSi8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/33.JPG" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Belknap Mountain was named after Jeremy Belknap, a preacher, historian and author of the History of New Hampshire</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ieb_a6aBG5g/X3C4XhYEPBI/AAAAAAAAQbc/WO_KE0rZ7CYIyb8-cWj2hrelO_xDOZltgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/18.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The peak of Belknap is the highest point in all of Belknap Country, at 2,382 feet<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SyR8L6lNqrA/X3C4XTc9T5I/AAAAAAAAQbY/qt2-3BBo4oYdxzuABq99Firt88KKxk2cgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SyR8L6lNqrA/X3C4XTc9T5I/AAAAAAAAQbY/qt2-3BBo4oYdxzuABq99Firt88KKxk2cgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/17.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From Belknap, it was on to our second mountain of the day, its next-door neighbor, to the northwest, Gunstock.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gunstock is the second highest peak in the Belknap Mountains, with an elevation of 2,240 feet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not much happening at the top of the ski lift. Just us and the birds.<img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eroRzVLGjuY/X3C4cFti2EI/AAAAAAAAQcg/pqgxNrHHgCgETbIG6KkY5v8YAjhJFzFZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/34.JPG" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These ski slopes have never seen this style of groom-ing<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aXjk6lwihps/X3C4XgPYHTI/AAAAAAAAQbg/nK4auiGr9QUta-PFAHPsrvFKhmDLg0v0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aXjk6lwihps/X3C4XgPYHTI/AAAAAAAAQbg/nK4auiGr9QUta-PFAHPsrvFKhmDLg0v0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/19.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Back down at the base, it was time to connect with a handful of fellow celebrators, who, while they couldn't make it up for the climb, were there for the lakeside feedbag<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GzDU4MdI0Uc/X3C4YEU34_I/AAAAAAAAQbo/2gIRyqUv7nMaIgByKI7OJpFo0J92kDhgACLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GzDU4MdI0Uc/X3C4YEU34_I/AAAAAAAAQbo/2gIRyqUv7nMaIgByKI7OJpFo0J92kDhgACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ERROcjnjVm4/X3C4Yg3MULI/AAAAAAAAQbs/awlFpVa2hZ8wYLYDx0zZBPF8Y8yRsaCEACLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ERROcjnjVm4/X3C4Yg3MULI/AAAAAAAAQbs/awlFpVa2hZ8wYLYDx0zZBPF8Y8yRsaCEACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/21.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ben and Scott were only to happy to share the cooking duties<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XTisgvO8fKQ/X3C4ZAMjmBI/AAAAAAAAQbw/6LS4AMxBlE4SgQXy05ztTfU_3Ordw-22QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XTisgvO8fKQ/X3C4ZAMjmBI/AAAAAAAAQbw/6LS4AMxBlE4SgQXy05ztTfU_3Ordw-22QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8sQ2-lhMEdQ/X3C4ZX1EnCI/AAAAAAAAQb0/mVrZnCZMp5cSq5qQGnXeYIKrze2lwaFiACLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8sQ2-lhMEdQ/X3C4ZX1EnCI/AAAAAAAAQb0/mVrZnCZMp5cSq5qQGnXeYIKrze2lwaFiACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm proud to be able to share these pics with you because the event took place nearly two months ago - and everyone walked away healthy and COVID-free.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That's because we rolled with the punches that 2020 has thrown at us, and incorporated safety measures into every conversation we had about putting together a bachelor party that Andrew would truly appreciate. We kept the entire event outdoors, from start to finish, and made sure to have one another's backs on the safety front.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Post climbs, Andrew said the day went pretty much how he might have scripted it even if we weren't in a pandemic, so kudos all around to those who helped contribute to make it a memorable double mountain day, and a healthy bachelor party for the Belknap Bachelor Bros.<img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HPzox4gnuwQ/X3C4cKONKdI/AAAAAAAAQck/qiaIVCQuLO8nIsWFsCF_f-gu-rCoF_58ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/35.JPG" width="320" /></div><p></p>Patrick Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926201709853231010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323871070006660513.post-88805289117835456182020-07-04T14:03:00.002-04:002020-07-04T14:03:46.678-04:00Staying the Course for the Fourth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Admittedly, 2020 has provided something of a challenge for all of us. I'm thankful that so many members of the extended family that reads this blog have been able to safely weather - for the most part- this pandemic in relatively good health.</div>
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Many of us know someone whose live has been forever changed by the events of 2020, and the quarantine that has forced all of us to adapt our lifestyles to stay safe, healthy, and sane together as we try to muddle our way through this challenging stretch of time.</div>
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For more than two decades, the extended family of EStreeter runners have been showing up on Parkhurst Road in Chelmsford to participate in the annual tradition of the John Carson Fourth of July two-mile road race sponsored by Sullivan Farms in Tyngsboro.</div>
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It has annually been a ritual that signals the commencement of the lazy days of summer, but it's always provided a gathering place for all of us to celebrate our families, and the growing numbers within those families.</div>
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It's never been about a two-mile run, it's been about gathering together (along with a couple of thousand of other runners) to have some fun and celebrate the fact that we're still able to do so.</div>
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Which brings us to 2020.</div>
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Sadly, the race was yet another casualty of gatherings during this global pandemic, leaving many of us with finding a way to still try to maintain some semblance of normalcy in the midst of all this upheaval.</div>
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And so it came to pass, that a small handful of EStreeters gather today, as we do every Fourth of July, in the parking lot of Einstein Bros. Bagels in Chelmsford to maintain the tradition and log some miles on the Carson course.</div>
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In a socially distancing, safe manner, of course.</div>
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And as always, its an opportunity to break out our Captain America swag.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--t7o5-WTZro/XwC_0OAS3YI/AAAAAAAAQYE/pg83gzkubcUjCLkcLfkrgxC1KAfYjSkGQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--t7o5-WTZro/XwC_0OAS3YI/AAAAAAAAQYE/pg83gzkubcUjCLkcLfkrgxC1KAfYjSkGQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0594.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Carlos grabbed what was most likely his best pole position for the start of one of these Carson races ever. Ben and Andrew, would, as always, be watching from behind in a Carlos Group Run. As irony would have it, we passed John Carson's dad riding his bicycle on the course within the first half mile of our outing. Good for him! </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a0Wy_eOEhFo/XwC_0MXyJrI/AAAAAAAAQYA/Zt_BMFLXwnokSB2FrL5tONmtBSrWQSiHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a0Wy_eOEhFo/XwC_0MXyJrI/AAAAAAAAQYA/Zt_BMFLXwnokSB2FrL5tONmtBSrWQSiHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0597.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There was definitely a different feel along North Road this a.m. We weren't the only runners out there, either. There were easily a couple of dozen others, all doing their thing and respecting one another's distance. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tye0mMcJI_g/XwC_z98FkYI/AAAAAAAAQX8/6571WH_YYOoqJ-bmuMFI7qOLsxQ2g2eqACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tye0mMcJI_g/XwC_z98FkYI/AAAAAAAAQX8/6571WH_YYOoqJ-bmuMFI7qOLsxQ2g2eqACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Not sure if this was a Scouting troop or a church group, but bravo to the young, old and animals of all sizes patriotic parade that we encountered at the one mile mark.</div>
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Sadly, Mrs. Piekos was not at her perennial post, waiting to capture our pics as we flashed past her. She's been a stalwart at that post since the earlier days of the race, and we have the pics to prove it! </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fS9ECYeeuNM/XwC_0d7zqcI/AAAAAAAAQYI/od2zjbpZ2VUQWdG0WPSGaYfuhx5jF58DQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fS9ECYeeuNM/XwC_0d7zqcI/AAAAAAAAQYI/od2zjbpZ2VUQWdG0WPSGaYfuhx5jF58DQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0602.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Patriotism comes in all shapes, and sizes. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XlhB83U3SOE/XwC_0tw_5EI/AAAAAAAAQYM/gtHtO7-quIw4Obp63iiW3Tm7jXPTlvovgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XlhB83U3SOE/XwC_0tw_5EI/AAAAAAAAQYM/gtHtO7-quIw4Obp63iiW3Tm7jXPTlvovgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0604.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Bumped into Wink McCarty logging his mileage, as always out by Chelmsford Center. Wise in his years, he had Donut Shack donuts waiting for him at his journey's end.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t3oSHxArOS4/XwC_0inxHAI/AAAAAAAAQYQ/xemhMp6CQvYX4vzLWVlEim3NlcVgGqU5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t3oSHxArOS4/XwC_0inxHAI/AAAAAAAAQYQ/xemhMp6CQvYX4vzLWVlEim3NlcVgGqU5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0606.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Strange not seeing all of the lawn chairs tied together along North Road.</div>
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There were, however, a handful of folks gathered on lawns cheering us on, not to mention the inordinate amount of people who beeped and cheered at us as they passed. It was actually pretty rewarding, if we're being honest.</div>
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Here's to hoping the numbers will back out there in 2021, and this virus will be in all of our rear view mirrors.</div>
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In the meantime, here's some of the oldest blog pics we have from this blog and this event, tracking back to the blog's relaunching in 2009.</div>
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Enjoy the day, everyone, and stay safe and socially distant at those cookouts!</div>
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Celebrate your independence and freedom, but remember to do it safely and smartly! </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YXtvD8gilkY/XwC_784wCEI/AAAAAAAAQYY/GwrkU5krJy8oQr9qpA8eThpvdfOTM2AMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/100_0541%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YXtvD8gilkY/XwC_784wCEI/AAAAAAAAQYY/GwrkU5krJy8oQr9qpA8eThpvdfOTM2AMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/100_0541%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n0aCHf_X4lI/XwDDV-lXrrI/AAAAAAAAQZE/75S-QIobLZkLNUjlhGHKcV68HZpS1jLngCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1120%2BJuly%2B4th%2B09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n0aCHf_X4lI/XwDDV-lXrrI/AAAAAAAAQZE/75S-QIobLZkLNUjlhGHKcV68HZpS1jLngCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/1120%2BJuly%2B4th%2B09.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SPJ7FxggN4E/XwC_7zgDM_I/AAAAAAAAQYU/FrmlIs4wES0BqazpEYBjOZUpVOp1LPyqACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/100_0543%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="214" data-original-width="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SPJ7FxggN4E/XwC_7zgDM_I/AAAAAAAAQYU/FrmlIs4wES0BqazpEYBjOZUpVOp1LPyqACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/100_0543%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A0a2CRQww8U/XwC_8UbDS_I/AAAAAAAAQYg/pwdVHmpaBqg63oMONo1th8MRJvTyxbn4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1124%2BJuly%2B4th%2B09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A0a2CRQww8U/XwC_8UbDS_I/AAAAAAAAQYg/pwdVHmpaBqg63oMONo1th8MRJvTyxbn4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/1124%2BJuly%2B4th%2B09.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Patrick Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926201709853231010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323871070006660513.post-7393268473331525642020-04-18T19:44:00.000-04:002020-04-19T09:47:13.692-04:00Big Apple Bern<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5bnw_ftXAxY/XpuOJnHsAtI/AAAAAAAAQVM/ga14xs73PV8BcIhjiEdVL2XTHhbs7le0gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5bnw_ftXAxY/XpuOJnHsAtI/AAAAAAAAQVM/ga14xs73PV8BcIhjiEdVL2XTHhbs7le0gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
It was nearly 20 years ago, when I walked into the third floor Kearney Square Lowell office of Congressman Marty Meehan, and officially met the bombastic woman from Budapest, Bernadett Vajda. For years previously, I had worked fairly regularly with her sister, Estzer, who was a reporter for local news radio WCAP. Estzer would call me daily in my gig at the Lowell Police Department, looking for the news of the day.<br />
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After my first official intro to Bern, we would then spend two years working side-by-side, helping navigate the daily tasks of a congressional office. The stretch of time was particularly unique, coming as it did in the months after the attacks on our country on 9/11. One of the tasks Bern and I worked together on was helping Congressman Meehan stay connected to the families of the victims from the Greater Lowell area who lost their lives on September 11.<br />
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Along with our fellow district staffers - Lori Loureiro (now CONGRESSWOMAN Lori Trahan), Sara Khun, June Black, Chris Doherty, Benari Poulten, Zoila Gomez, Emily Byrne, and our counterparts in the D.C. Office, Bill McCann, Shilpa Phadke, Jen Staruski, Ron Carlton, and Suzy Dumont, among others, it was a usually well-oiled machine that bonded closely in the trenches of congressional office work.<br />
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But eventually, the team went its separate ways, with most everyone pursuing new careers paths.<br />
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For her part, Bernadett decided to make the move to the Big Apple, and pursue the career in modeling she had always longed for. Almost immediately she carved out a niche for herself in NYC, and those of us who knew her got a big kick out of following her exploits, especially when she walked the fashion runway on a morning talk show.<br />
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In the ensuing years, whenever the Cook family made our Christmastime pilgrimage to New York, we'd always connect with Bern, and she would help stage our stylish Christmas card pose for the coming season. She rode the ferris wheel with the kids in Toys R Us in Times Square, played the floor piano and had disgustingly gluttonous ice cream sundaes at FAO Schwarz with them, and loved to point out her favorite haunts. For Heather, especially, Bern became her go-to super-model who offered her fashion and self-esteem tips. Once for Andrew, Bern played the role of show-and-tell prop for his school project on Hungary. He's still steaming over the fact he got a B on the project. "I BROUGHT A FREAKING ACTUAL PERSON FROM HUNGARY IN AND SHE BROUGHT HUNGARIAN COOKIES," he frequently bemoans.<br />
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Bern is one of those friends you don't have to see to constantly stay close to, but you know she's always there. And invariably, when our names pop up on cell phone caller-ID, it's usually a must answer, because there's usually a laugh to be shared on the call.<br />
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When she comes back to town, it sometimes even warrants a Wicked Good Blog post: <a href="http://wickedgoodcomics.blogspot.com/2012/04/bern-baby-bern.html">2012</a><br />
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Fast forward to 2020 and the new normal that has become living in quarantine in America. Here in the Mill City, we have the ability to roam the streets and not bump into many other folks during our travels. Not so in the Big Apple.<br />
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Bern and I have been chatting through the COVID-19 crisis, and she's been especially active on her social media accounts, trying to show how life has changed for her in NYC. This week, she reduced those thoughts to words, and submitted a first person account of New York quarantine, and the results ended up on page one of the Lowell Sun, seen here: <a href="https://www.lowellsun.com/2020/04/16/living-in-the-virus-epicenter-of-nyc/">Bernadett</a><br />
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Bern agreed to let me share her post here as well, to share not just her story, but several more pics showing what life is like in New York these days. I was more than happy to comply.<br />
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So without further ado, here's a first-person account of living in the Big Apple during a time of Coronavirus, courtesy of my bud from Budapest, Bernadett!<br />
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By BERNADETT VAJDA<br />
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For me, this is day 34 of my self-quarantine in my small New York City apartment. The apartment is the perfect size for one person.<br />
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Were this a normal day, I would be dressing for my two careers – as the business owner of Bern With Style, an image consulting business, or when I’m not styling my clients, I am off and running to castings and auditions as a model.<br />
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Most mornings, I leave my apartment early to go work out at the gym, then run, home for a shower to get ready for work. What follows is a five-minute walk to the subway and my morning commute, normally surrounded by dozens and dozens of fellow New Yorkers.<br />
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Lunch usually consists of a walk to my favorite salad spots, where I stand and check out what people are wearing, noticing the latest fashion trends and styles of my fellow residents.<br />
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Dinnertime would consist of a social event, at a popular restaurant, a fund-raiser, or a business meeting. Most of the meals are partaken out on the town.<br />
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Now, though? Nothing could be further from my normal routine. I am quarantined in my own apartment, taking in the sights of New York that I can take in from my window. The bone-chilling sounds of ambulances driving to and fro to the neighborhood hospital provide the constant cacophony of sirens that have become commonplace for me.<br />
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The NYPD barricade surrounding Bern's neighborhood hospital</div>
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It all started to change for me on February 27. I snapped a photo on the border of the lower east side and Chinatown, just after leaving a modeling audition. I called my mom, Clara, in Andover, to tell her about the audition, but the vibe in the air around me was different. Restaurants and storefronts were empty. On the phone with my mom, I told her people looked frantic, nervous, and clearly unsettled about a change in the atmosphere.<br />
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My sister, Eszter, a former radio personality on WCAP 980 in Lowell, lives in Sicily, Italy, and had already been in lockdown for weeks. I got on the phone with her to seek her advice, and it was clear what was happening.<br />
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COVID-19 was coming to my New York City.<br />
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My sister spent an extensive time prepping me, trying to tell me what types of items I needed to get in stock in the virtually guaranteed eventuality of a coronavirus mandated home quarantine. We shared long distance tears knowing our worlds were changing, and not for the better.<br />
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Eszter began sharing stories of what life was like now in Italy, and we both cried as we realized the same pandemic was coming to the Big Apple, the heart of the USA, and the place I’ve called home for more than 15 years. It was then I began my first grocery runs to stock up.<br />
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Even during normal times, grocery shopping in New York City is a burdensome chore, especially when you don’t have a car. The constant struggle always, is deciding what types of groceries you want to haul home – canned goods, water, fruits and vegetables and cleaning supplies are heavy on our best days.<br />
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With my first supply runs during the pandemic, returning home and climbing my staircases with the heavy bags, it hit me, and the tears came again.<br />
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Entering my apartment, wiping all the groceries down with Lysol wipes and putting them away, knowing I would not be able to come and go freely on continued groceries bore down heavily on me.<br />
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Don’t get me wrong. I am fortunate, in that I have a roof over my head and food in my refrigerator. But being a business owner, single and navigating the streets of one of the busiest cities in America is daunting.<br />
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Since my quarantine began, I have tried to maintain my own schedule to help me feel well. I still have my coffee in the morning, followed by a meditation. One of the other highlights of my days has become a morning video yoga routine with one of my best friends, Dr. Cynthia Davis of Wakefield, Mass. She helps hold me accountable to show up for both myself and her during this time.<br />
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Now though, my days also start with updates from Governor Cuomo, and periodic check-ins on the television news. And of, course, phone check-ins with my mom and sister.<br />
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I shower and get ready for my day. I’ve taken to regular applications of red lipstick, because I like the way it looks during these trying days.<br />
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In addition to continuing to work with my clients in image consulting, the other top highlight of my days has become clapping for those people working on our front lines during this crisis.<br />
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Every night, promptly at 7 p.m., I run to my kitchen grab a wooden spoon and pan, open my window, and starting banging on my drum, screaming out my window with the rest of New York City as we clap for those doctors, nurses, health care workers, first responders, and store employees who continue to perform their jobs so the rest of us can survive. To me, they are more than heroes. Imagine walking into work every day knowing you may be the next patient. There should be a new word for heroism. The faces of hospital workers I see walking to and from the subway each day going to their shifts will haunt me for a long time.<br />
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Occasionally, I still venture out to my local market, but what was once a quick stop has now become a longer process, as I have to wait in line to get into the store.<br />
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I miss my weekend walks in Central Park. I miss meeting my friends for lunches, or coffees, or cocktails.<br />
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From experience, I have learned that as horrific as this time is for many, if we make the right choices physically and mentally, in the end we will be stronger, wiser and have a deeper understanding of ourselves and a gratitude for the simple things in life.<br />
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I miss my everything bagels. I miss the smell of street vendors. I miss seeing the latest fashion trends walk by me. I even miss the subway entertainment.<br />
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Most of all, I miss my friends and family. I miss returning to Massachusetts for special occasions. I miss human contact.<br />
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I know it will be back. I know we will eventually recover. I know we will be stronger. I know I am inspired. But still, I miss my New York City.<br />
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<br />Patrick Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926201709853231010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323871070006660513.post-21462241334178846032020-04-05T21:38:00.003-04:002020-04-06T08:23:15.494-04:00Atlantic Currents: A Cook Goes to CorkMore than 75 years ago, my mother, Marie, a young 16-year-old, took to the stage at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium on East Merrimack Street to sing alongside dozens of her friends, and at one point in the ensuing years, famed crooner Danny Thomas.<br />
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A member of the parish of St. Peter's Church on Gorham Street, my mom joined local radio program <i>the Cathedral Hour </i>and became a member of the Christian Doctrine Choristers. The group would perform in semi-annual shows from 1945 through the mid 1950s.<br />
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Post World War II, the Choristers performed a concert at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium to honor the 441 Lowell heroes of World War II, one of whom was my uncle, Gerald, who was killed in action in WWII. Gerald was the older brother of my father, Jimmy, who Marie would marry a few years later, in 1951.<br />
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I've blogged about the Choristers previously, and pics from their performances as well as a list of names of others local members of the group can be found here: <a href="https://wickedgoodcomics.blogspot.com/2016/06/a-song-for-mom-and-christian-doctrine.html">Choristers</a><br />
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So why resurrect the tale of my mom's brief, albeit unforgettable-for-her 1940s singing career now, whilst our country battles back the most insidious virus that any of us have seen in our lifetimes?<br />
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Because the tale of Marie Cook and her fellow Choristers is one of nearly 100 poems, essays, or short stories in <i>Atlantic Currents: Connecting Cork and Lowell,</i> a collection spotlighting 65 writers from and around the Mill City. And if folks are looking for an entertaining read to help pass social distancing time being spent in their homes, this fits the bill quite nicely.<br />
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To say I'm honored to be numbered among the ranks of the other accomplished authors in the tome would be a gross understatement. I offer my thanks to Paul Marion and John Wooding, who reached out to me to make a submission and stand alongside fellow writers doing our best to chronicle a piece of the Mill City's history and legacy.<br />
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I'm honored also, that a tale chronicling my mom's youth was the piece that was selected, helping keep alive a chunk of Lowell history all but forgotten with the dissolution of St. Peter's parish, and the passing of the generation who helped shape Lowell through the majority of the 20th century.<br />
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A little more insight into the collection, comes via the back cover copy of <i>Atlantic Currents</i>: "Connecting Cork and Lowell brings together sixty-five writers from both sides of the Atlantic Ocean whose stories, poems, essays, songs and parts of novels come to us in familiar voices. While we recognize the sound and sense in these works because of the well-traveled routes between Ireland and America, there is much to discover in today's writing from both places. Complex relationships, sublime joy found in small and large matters, destabilizing external forces, a hunger for harmony, loss in its many forms, snares of history, transcendent moments in special locations, the simple attempt to get through "it all" every day - readers will find all this and more."<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vj8cKPCrdds/XoqH8QjL0rI/AAAAAAAAQUI/4F5AwU15d2ME8f0ud-ptSYbn7gGFzMMGwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Cork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="620" height="170" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vj8cKPCrdds/XoqH8QjL0rI/AAAAAAAAQUI/4F5AwU15d2ME8f0ud-ptSYbn7gGFzMMGwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Cork.jpg" width="320" /></a>The copy continues: "Spurred by a desire to make a sturdy bond between two historic cities whose modern resurgence has been driven in large part by commitments to lifelong experiential learning, the organizers of Cork Learning City and Lowell: City of Learning began collaborating in the spirit of UNESCO's Learning Cities network. With this anthology, the connecting thread is made stronger through the now entwined writing and reading in both places."<br />
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The local book launch was scheduled for this weekend, but alas, was another casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic. No doubt, it'll be back on the schedule as soon as the crisis abates, and I'm certain many of the talented writers featured in the book will be only too happy to celebrate the end of isolation and the value of having so many talented local writers.<br />
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For details on how to purchase your own copy, check out Loom Press' website here: <a href="https://www.loompress.com/?fbclid=IwAR3oGBxyNNyh2H4C4bXUufz-qTjNDtibz1_LOXuKb1Tll70PVCYhJaXY_EM">Loom Press</a><br />
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It's the perfect book to help pass the time of this seemingly-interminable quarantine, but it's also a magnificent opportunity to support and celebrate local authors and celebrate the lifelines between Lowell and Cork.<br />
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Slainte!<br />
<br />Patrick Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926201709853231010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323871070006660513.post-64025933592036744472020-04-04T15:54:00.000-04:002020-04-04T17:26:20.023-04:00Train-ing Run<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Running during a time of coronavirus has become an interesting challenge.</div>
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On the one hand, there's an abundance of facts and findings that continuing to exercise, maintaining your health, and breaking the monotony of home-bound activities is critical to your well-being.</div>
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And then there's that social distancing thing, maintaining your six feet of space between one another, which is critical to all of us beating back this pandemic.</div>
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Luckily, the great outdoors lends itself quite nicely to fill both those requirements.</div>
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This morning, the E Streeters proper took to the lesser-populated trails and roadways of Westford to log some decent mileage, take in the sights of the always-pleasurable East Boston Camp trails, and at the same time, do our part to stay healthy and keep one another healthy while doing so.</div>
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Today's run provided quite a bit of training. Both physically, and literally.</div>
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<i>People starving and thirsting, grain elevators are bursting</i></div>
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<i>Oh, you know it costs more to store the food than it do to give it</i></div>
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<i>They say lose your inhibitions, follow your own ambitions</i></div>
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<i>They talk about a life of brotherly love</i></div>
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<i>Show me someone who knows how to live it</i></div>
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<i>There's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend</i></div>
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- Bob Dylan, Slow Train</div>
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<i><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Now I swing a sledge hammer on a railroad gang</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;" /><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Knocking down them cross ties, working in the rain</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;" /><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Now don't it feel like you're a rider on a downbound train</span></i></div>
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<span jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">- Bruce Springsteen, Downbound Train</span></div>
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It's all well and good until a train comes along and makes you detour your running course</div>
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<i><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Well, the only thing that makes me laugh again</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;" /><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Is a southbound whistle on a southbound train</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;" /><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Every place I want to go</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;" /><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">I never can go, because you know</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;" /><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">I got the freight train blues</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;" /><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Oh Lord mama, I got them in the bottom of my rambling shoes</span></i></div>
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- Bob Dylan, Freight Train Blues</div>
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<i><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Out of my brain on the train</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;" /><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Out of my brain on the train, on the train, out of my brain</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;" /><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Woo</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;" /><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Out of my brain on the train</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;" /><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Here it comes</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;" /><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Woo</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;" /><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Out of my brain on the train, on the train</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;" /><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Out of my brain on the train</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;" /><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Why should I care?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;" /><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Why should I care</span></i></div>
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The Who, 5:15</div>
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Father son, running down the tracks</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lzoUdRV3duw/XojaqgwRaDI/AAAAAAAAQSs/H-_V03cqxIQRXgoggczYPuQaXhtvu1rnACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lzoUdRV3duw/XojaqgwRaDI/AAAAAAAAQSs/H-_V03cqxIQRXgoggczYPuQaXhtvu1rnACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i>This train carries saints and sinners</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i>This train carries losers and winners</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i>This train carries whores and gamblers</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i>This train carries lost souls</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i>I said, this train carries broken-hearted</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i>This train thieves and sweet souls departed</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i>This train carries fools and kings</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i>This train, all aboard</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i>I said, this train dreams will not be thwarted</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i>This train faith will be rewarded</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i>This train hear the steel wheels singin'</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i>This train bells of freedom ringin'</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">- Bruce Springsteen, Land of Hope and Dreams</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Andrew found himself waist deep in the Big Muddy at one point of this adventure</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-47xaXybUrSo/XojaptZLvEI/AAAAAAAAQSk/6zUHMfIQRmojpF3zC8XO_vgugDcGe3XggCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-47xaXybUrSo/XojaptZLvEI/AAAAAAAAQSk/6zUHMfIQRmojpF3zC8XO_vgugDcGe3XggCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/12.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Six more weeks of winter on the way for Westford</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dk0cOTlijps/XojasAKKWCI/AAAAAAAAQS4/BNqlRLnVTOoolX3lVN68mz8PfRzrTovqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dk0cOTlijps/XojasAKKWCI/AAAAAAAAQS4/BNqlRLnVTOoolX3lVN68mz8PfRzrTovqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>All about them as they lay hung the darkness, hollow and immense, and they were oppressed by the loneliness and vastness of the dolven halls and endlessly branching stairs and passages. The wildest imaginings that dark rumour had ever suggested to the hobbits fell short of the actual dread and wonder of Moria."</i></div>
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J. R. R. Tolkien, the Fellowship of the Ring</div>
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Andrew is on the lookout for orcs.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ka-beKbiZAU/Xojas4ISQlI/AAAAAAAAQS8/qNFiHCvHeJUQ5d7aAyCd6ivC_5jgZmF5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ka-beKbiZAU/Xojas4ISQlI/AAAAAAAAQS8/qNFiHCvHeJUQ5d7aAyCd6ivC_5jgZmF5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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With the heavy rains of the past few days, it made for some interesting stream and brook crossings during our wanderings.</div>
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Luckily, John stood ready to capture said crossings on film, just in case someone happened to fall in.</div>
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Carlos and Tommy took the lead to make sure the bridge would hold</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-jqIIvic1Y/XojatoJSDmI/AAAAAAAAQTE/aJKh0yF6d3UgnOvr5VB04umlIazA0SFZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-jqIIvic1Y/XojatoJSDmI/AAAAAAAAQTE/aJKh0yF6d3UgnOvr5VB04umlIazA0SFZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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20 years of running the rivah prepped Scott for any wet conditions</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PqV94qCMDg4/XojatZTB0DI/AAAAAAAAQTA/g64J8EuHRlsPXE5JTSC_Ha3BHoHvQzNUwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PqV94qCMDg4/XojatZTB0DI/AAAAAAAAQTA/g64J8EuHRlsPXE5JTSC_Ha3BHoHvQzNUwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Barry thought it would be good to use a staff for balance. Unfortunately, his rod came up short.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u7fqJWf2ljU/XojauftsxSI/AAAAAAAAQTI/bzEBQdlbfYAOQeZjNRkRyw44hRQgrQUTQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u7fqJWf2ljU/XojauftsxSI/AAAAAAAAQTI/bzEBQdlbfYAOQeZjNRkRyw44hRQgrQUTQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>You shall not pass!</i></div>
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- Gandalf the Grey</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-09kzDQ932es/XojapCh6JoI/AAAAAAAAQSY/4vGC7uVgnGkc-jYJycaW_4QAh8eljeH7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-09kzDQ932es/XojapCh6JoI/AAAAAAAAQSY/4vGC7uVgnGkc-jYJycaW_4QAh8eljeH7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Andrew? He was all in, sprinting across </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MC40ks5lc6c/XojaqDhU6yI/AAAAAAAAQSo/77fKBFwmWQw1bGkiuMRHUY3fd1A7l-KzACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MC40ks5lc6c/XojaqDhU6yI/AAAAAAAAQSo/77fKBFwmWQw1bGkiuMRHUY3fd1A7l-KzACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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By now, most everyone has seen the famous picture of Bigfoot, captured on film decades ago.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yXaRuMsI8D8/XojjhHRwtoI/AAAAAAAAQTs/MbG7oZbpACUtFjjGPtb6z5HbnVOPm1NJwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="832" height="183" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yXaRuMsI8D8/XojjhHRwtoI/AAAAAAAAQTs/MbG7oZbpACUtFjjGPtb6z5HbnVOPm1NJwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This day, we were able to catch him crossing a stream in Westford.</div>
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That's him, way off in the distance in the neon yellow running jacket.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WfVwTJxqbKM/XojapF_ICYI/AAAAAAAAQSg/NBaPHlTpaiUtfP6q6u7Mw-gZZ7pbm332QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WfVwTJxqbKM/XojapF_ICYI/AAAAAAAAQSg/NBaPHlTpaiUtfP6q6u7Mw-gZZ7pbm332QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hoping this blog post finds you and all of your loved ones well during these tumultuous times.</div>
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Rest assured, my fellow E Streeters and I maintained our social distancing throughout the run.</div>
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We were also hyper cognizant to keep safe distance from the dog walkers we came across during our run.</div>
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It was heartening to see so many folks still getting out there for some exercise during these trying times.</div>
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Stay hard, stay hungry, stay alive, everyone.</div>
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<i>This train is bound for glory, this train.</i></div>
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<i>This train is bound for glory, this train.</i></div>
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<i>This train is bound for glory,</i></div>
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<i>Don't carry nothing but the righteous and the holy.</i></div>
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<i>This train is bound for glory, this train.</i></div>
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- Woody Guthrie, This Train is Bound for Glory</div>
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<br />Patrick Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926201709853231010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323871070006660513.post-81877871962126111352020-01-01T18:42:00.001-05:002020-01-01T18:42:50.319-05:00The Last Souper?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>From Small Things, Mama, Big Things One Day Come</i></div>
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- Bruce Springsteen, 1979</div>
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It began, as many things do, from humble beginnings.</div>
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Eight friends gathered on New Year's Day, 2011, to start the new year off, as many are wont to do, with a brisk run, to help effectively kickoff their New Year's fitness resolutions.</div>
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The gathering place, was the Westford home of John Piekos and Karen Cambray, tucked away atop one of the iciest hills found anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere.</div>
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As luck would have it, the gathering was captured on film (imagine that!), and chronicled here on this blog, the prose of which can be found here:</div>
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<a href="http://wickedgoodcomics.blogspot.com/2011/01/happy-soup-year.html">http://wickedgoodcomics.blogspot.com/2011/01/happy-soup-year.html</a></div>
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And here's the Motley Crue who logged those first soup miles:</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e1pdvyUj4OQ/Xg0Vz3dCh_I/AAAAAAAAQQw/aosD5eAZ1UI_3uOMIyw14VkaHyvG_q8HwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e1pdvyUj4OQ/Xg0Vz3dCh_I/AAAAAAAAQQw/aosD5eAZ1UI_3uOMIyw14VkaHyvG_q8HwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/10.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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A decade later, and the soup, mileage, and friendship are still going strong.</div>
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All but one of the Soup Runs have been cataloged in the archives of this blog. Inexplicably, 2018 was somehow bypassed in Cook's Chronicles.</div>
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Some of the faces have changed, and this year, the soups changed, but the friendships remain.</div>
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So without further ado, we bring you Soup Run 2020!</div>
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Joined this year not by Baby New Year, but Baby Yoda!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VOzB0duzal8/Xg0T5j8Ye5I/AAAAAAAAQP4/cwYyK5kNNOIOQzT0773e6i2VP_ByuHpWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VOzB0duzal8/Xg0T5j8Ye5I/AAAAAAAAQP4/cwYyK5kNNOIOQzT0773e6i2VP_ByuHpWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Barry, he be pimping. Sean, he be trying to just figure out how he got stuck next to the guy wearing the pink hat on a road run.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WswGx0X-mMw/Xg0T5q3cJKI/AAAAAAAAQQA/XcZyk4rOY5AW7Bk6VqOFEVppzUk_r5EWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WswGx0X-mMw/Xg0T5q3cJKI/AAAAAAAAQQA/XcZyk4rOY5AW7Bk6VqOFEVppzUk_r5EWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As readers of this blog are well aware, the driveway at Dunstable Road rivals the greatest ice crags of the arctic. It's swallowed many a car with its icy grips and pinions.</div>
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This day, it wouldn't grab an errant E Streeter running, other than John himself, who chose to boldly run down the skating rink while the rest of the team opted for the more cautious pathway. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SIq0nsI0meE/Xg0T5oG3hpI/AAAAAAAAQP8/xOzRJHOEqXUcSY2k5BAUKahTpCweQGsZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SIq0nsI0meE/Xg0T5oG3hpI/AAAAAAAAQP8/xOzRJHOEqXUcSY2k5BAUKahTpCweQGsZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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First Town Line Victory of the New Year is always a big deal, not to mention the first of a new decade. Sean wasted no time muscling aside those who stood in his way to claim First Victory.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_dr6R-m_7JM/Xg0T6F-YiOI/AAAAAAAAQQE/BpyyMYe_AOIdgwjMur05lPGuQuut5YzAACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_dr6R-m_7JM/Xg0T6F-YiOI/AAAAAAAAQQE/BpyyMYe_AOIdgwjMur05lPGuQuut5YzAACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Karen staged a mutiny and convinced everyone to extend the course this year, so we ventured, once more, into the Land of the Lost. Don't ask. There's no dinosaurs, just pigs.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BA8orYSsDC4/Xg0T6kBS8tI/AAAAAAAAQQI/lR0MubJTg3kc6rHilfMKQXe87rvU2VSsQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BA8orYSsDC4/Xg0T6kBS8tI/AAAAAAAAQQI/lR0MubJTg3kc6rHilfMKQXe87rvU2VSsQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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They say you need to stop and smell the roses, just to appreciate the world around you.</div>
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That holds doubly true for the wonders of nature and the snowscapes off the backroads of Westford.</div>
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As any experienced runner knows, where there's one town line, there has to be another to get you back to your destination. The key is knowing where they hide. Who took the second one? It'd be hard to say, if there wasn't film evidence to support the results.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-08QTWsshIoA/Xg0T7BGLTVI/AAAAAAAAQQM/HelsHdT4k-gG9FFn1A_1wf787j1x-nilgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-08QTWsshIoA/Xg0T7BGLTVI/AAAAAAAAQQM/HelsHdT4k-gG9FFn1A_1wf787j1x-nilgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/6.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Back at the Piekos Homestead, it was time for the breaking of bread and the slurping of soup. This year, these Friends were joined by Jennifer Aniston. Again, don't ask.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dvWagy0Em1E/Xg0T8B8XcYI/AAAAAAAAQQU/qhdNqIkzx80BZQx3Q2sA8DxthjVt8WWqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dvWagy0Em1E/Xg0T8B8XcYI/AAAAAAAAQQU/qhdNqIkzx80BZQx3Q2sA8DxthjVt8WWqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>10 years burning down the road, nowhere to run, ain't got nowhere to go</i></div>
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- Bruce Springsteen, 1984</div>
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Over the course of the last decade, the mileage, bad jokes and camaraderie have remained constant. We've had a diverse array of friends join us off and on throughout the decade.</div>
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Five of us, including the Founders of the Feast, John and Karen, have been there for all 10 of the Soup Runs.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kUqytJA3r3k/Xg0T8ovjipI/AAAAAAAAQQY/bggB96pEJlUDkOegL-oy_REvTicWOiJeACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kUqytJA3r3k/Xg0T8ovjipI/AAAAAAAAQQY/bggB96pEJlUDkOegL-oy_REvTicWOiJeACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We never quite know exactly what the future holds for any of us. They say nothing is certain.</div>
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What is certain, though, is that friendship can last forever. You just have to feed them. Not just soup, either.</div>
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We've lost some friends along the way, taken from us too soon, like many of our family members.</div>
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But as long as we're physically able, we'll still be gathering for these types of runs. It's not the mileage, the terrain, the physical achievements - it's the opportunity to still bring a group of ragtag wanderers together for a brief period of time to bond over a common interest. In this case, soup. Or running. One of the two.</div>
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Most of us have known one another for over FOUR DECADES. And we can still stand being around one another.</div>
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The locations may change, the participation may ebb and flow, but the relationships endure.</div>
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Here's to another decade of stories, friends, family, good health, and good soup.</div>
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Happy New Year to all!</div>
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<i>When I was a little kid</i></div>
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<i>I never liked to eat</i></div>
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<i>Mom would put things on my plate</i></div>
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<i>And I'd dump 'em on her feet</i></div>
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<i>But then one day she made this soup</i></div>
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<i>I ate it all in bed</i></div>
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<i>I asked her what she put in it</i></div>
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<i>And this is what she said:</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>"Oh, chicken lips and lizard hips</i></div>
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<i>And alligator eyes</i></div>
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<i>Monkey legs and buzzard eggs</i></div>
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<i>And salamander thighs</i></div>
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<i>Rabbit ears and camel rears</i></div>
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<i>And tasty toenail pies</i></div>
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<i>Stir 'em all together</i></div>
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<i>And it's mama's soup surprise</i></div>
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<i>- </i>Bruce Springsteen, Chicken Lips and Lizard Hips, 1991</div>
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Patrick Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926201709853231010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323871070006660513.post-74992761365241496542019-12-15T12:20:00.004-05:002019-12-15T12:20:30.385-05:00Ecstatic on Watatic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This one's been sitting in the queue for a bit, mostly because of computer issues loading pics through the blogging software. But all is well now, and I wanted to share a family trip up Mount Watatic in Ashby/Ashburnham this fall, mostly as a way to brag about my awesome family, but also to show off a hidden treasure in our neck of the woods for the interested hikers.</div>
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The gateway to the main trail is a monolithic, multi-ton split rock, which, quite frankly, has that Lord of the Rings Battle at Amon Hen feel to it. Sadly, no Uruk-Hai in sight this day, just my Fellowship.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xvbQyn7EN1o/XfWNOLglKVI/AAAAAAAAQOM/017Qk8QI7pMhVx8Dwz2Mr2hrbWoo7VkwwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xvbQyn7EN1o/XfWNOLglKVI/AAAAAAAAQOM/017Qk8QI7pMhVx8Dwz2Mr2hrbWoo7VkwwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mount Watatic boasts an elevation of 1,832 feet, and is part of a group of summits known as the Wapack Range, which starts in Worcester County, and extends into southern New Hampshire.</div>
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Other sister mounts in this range include Mount Wachusett, which we E Streeters have run up numerous times, and Pack Monadnock, which Barry, Scott and I sorta ran up once and declared we would never do so again. And thus far, we've held true to that pledge. (It was hellacious.)</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ILAvdjijjEc/XfWNSIxKr7I/AAAAAAAAQOs/2mFxnu25F2wjqjBg1MNRYkgemsTdqv3dgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ILAvdjijjEc/XfWNSIxKr7I/AAAAAAAAQOs/2mFxnu25F2wjqjBg1MNRYkgemsTdqv3dgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Everything was going great on this family hike, lots of laughs, great exercise, tremendous bonding time. And then came the behemoth in the next picture - the Midgard Serpent, the Anaconda of Ashby, Nagini from House Slytherin, Snake Plissken himself.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YIQ6QTPVcS4/XfWNSq8_5YI/AAAAAAAAQOw/Ep33YuoA8WQ1NEZTKPPAL5KI6ItDL0TYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YIQ6QTPVcS4/XfWNSq8_5YI/AAAAAAAAQOw/Ep33YuoA8WQ1NEZTKPPAL5KI6ItDL0TYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Not sure I've ever seen Heather and Jack move so quickly up a hill.</div>
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Here, Andrew and Katie stand watch to make sure the python doesn't make its way uphill in pursuit of the ladies.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vCVeJQ_7PA4/XfWNUDuBLoI/AAAAAAAAQO8/3eMSkgil_k4XDjEm95tUxtcBeF5W7LbVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vCVeJQ_7PA4/XfWNUDuBLoI/AAAAAAAAQO8/3eMSkgil_k4XDjEm95tUxtcBeF5W7LbVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Finally, we reached the summit</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e2Y-qH4GokI/XfWNVuZ8VdI/AAAAAAAAQPI/EAw82Qtk9TsdGqx6Pn1u_pbkkuthLltcwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e2Y-qH4GokI/XfWNVuZ8VdI/AAAAAAAAQPI/EAw82Qtk9TsdGqx6Pn1u_pbkkuthLltcwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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For decades, the 280+ acre mountain was used as a ski area, but that recreation ended somewhere around 1989.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tHW373PFPQw/XfZoTeeHTKI/AAAAAAAAQPk/uy3p6TI3fDMHuga4FIVouaRhjCv9sbHYQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/mtwataticprofile2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="800" height="214" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tHW373PFPQw/XfZoTeeHTKI/AAAAAAAAQPk/uy3p6TI3fDMHuga4FIVouaRhjCv9sbHYQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/mtwataticprofile2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now it's just a terrific one day hike. Moderately challenging, but very family friendly - dog friendly too! Wasn't able to determine the meaning of the name Watatic, but I'm assuming it's of Native American origins. Anyone?</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ef50Yy4Toxc/XfWNVK24bLI/AAAAAAAAQPE/MTUdBYT-8B4uWivWvoRHuph9AGSgAIjpQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ef50Yy4Toxc/XfWNVK24bLI/AAAAAAAAQPE/MTUdBYT-8B4uWivWvoRHuph9AGSgAIjpQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/8.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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As always, I needed to seek out the reference marker.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Z9JD62uDdw/XfWNRPD0SDI/AAAAAAAAQOk/heksxG_zdtQX_atW-_V4-NhBRV9zkc09ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Z9JD62uDdw/XfWNRPD0SDI/AAAAAAAAQOk/heksxG_zdtQX_atW-_V4-NhBRV9zkc09ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Walk softly, and carry a big stick.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-83VWHnyn3tA/XfWNTifpToI/AAAAAAAAQO4/QbkspwzMUp4nafoLvNCBQCpQg0uz-dH2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-83VWHnyn3tA/XfWNTifpToI/AAAAAAAAQO4/QbkspwzMUp4nafoLvNCBQCpQg0uz-dH2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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My world</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OvtejcWvG9s/XfWNOPaE_WI/AAAAAAAAQOE/AoCTXA5tY8cWGohEe2Z8jii64T9vJmZbACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OvtejcWvG9s/XfWNOPaE_WI/AAAAAAAAQOE/AoCTXA5tY8cWGohEe2Z8jii64T9vJmZbACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Front and back and front again, courtesy of Katie Durkin, Audubon photographer</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X-qH2BWcoSk/XfWNPFo3yGI/AAAAAAAAQOU/QyweqH7azUQY3NzReUK77_L2rx0KJEjhgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X-qH2BWcoSk/XfWNPFo3yGI/AAAAAAAAQOU/QyweqH7azUQY3NzReUK77_L2rx0KJEjhgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-izU3NdKM83M/XfWNQJRIhlI/AAAAAAAAQOc/926ROH0Yr-QC3MW9kQ3Yc3gLHndzR5hAACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-izU3NdKM83M/XfWNQJRIhlI/AAAAAAAAQOc/926ROH0Yr-QC3MW9kQ3Yc3gLHndzR5hAACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The young lovers, ready to scale whatever mountains they encounter, together</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G_hrPjVITPQ/XfWNTMzKe9I/AAAAAAAAQO0/4ZZVySgA21kL7CsSJydvE_PIjq1_dCzywCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G_hrPjVITPQ/XfWNTMzKe9I/AAAAAAAAQO0/4ZZVySgA21kL7CsSJydvE_PIjq1_dCzywCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And this last pic on our way down, I had to take/share, just because I was feeling knotty.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YeIhB4ZNU0U/XfWNRgLQ8vI/AAAAAAAAQOo/a-pHw7AKN5I26IKammkdWwXHAMgfsNQVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YeIhB4ZNU0U/XfWNRgLQ8vI/AAAAAAAAQOo/a-pHw7AKN5I26IKammkdWwXHAMgfsNQVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/18.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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That's a wrap on Watatic! Highly recommended for a single-day climb. Just make sure to stop up top and take in the views and appreciate this wonder in our extended backyard.</div>
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<br />Patrick Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926201709853231010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323871070006660513.post-3442486191654270692019-12-14T10:06:00.000-05:002019-12-14T10:08:38.568-05:00Like A Rolling Stone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We could have named this blog post after any one of hundreds of Bob Dylan's greatest songs - <i>Ballad of a Thin Man, I Shall Be Released, My Back Pages</i>, and on and on and on.</div>
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But for a myriad of reasons,we figure Dylan's most iconic anthem - pegged by many rock aficionados as the greatest song of all time - is the one that would aptly help pay tribute to my brother, Jim Cook, who packed away his planning books and called it a day, retiring from the Lowell Plan after working in city planning for more than 40 years. Besides the Dylan nod, the title also pays homage to one of his other favorite bands, that featuring Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and company.</div>
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But Things Have Changed, and Jimmy walked out the doors of the Lowell Plan on Friday afternoon, leaving it in the more than capable hands of incoming director Allison Lamey, along with Germaine Vigeant and Melissa Suprenant and the numerous board members of the Lowell Plan and the Lowell Development and Financial Corporation.</div>
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He was all thumbs up as he got ready to step away from his desk for the last time. (He left rotating pics of his grandchildren as a screen saver on his computer.)</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HL7f7Opr-RM/XfTnL-WTmjI/AAAAAAAAQOA/8Gyb4WQpspE3LO5IBzPXgAhOtgyL_oIaQCEwYBhgL/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HL7f7Opr-RM/XfTnL-WTmjI/AAAAAAAAQOA/8Gyb4WQpspE3LO5IBzPXgAhOtgyL_oIaQCEwYBhgL/s320/1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Prior to picking up the reins at the Lowell Plan, Jimmy worked for more than a decade for the city of Lowell, serving as Assistant City Manager under former managers Joe Tully and Jim Campbell.</div>
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Through a Simple Twist of Fate, he joined the Lowell Plan in 1990 and has been involved in some manner, in dozens of city projects since, including the construction of the Tsongas Arena, Lelacheur Park, and many more All Along the Watchtower.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nouqN54hQ7s/XfTnMfYaWnI/AAAAAAAAQN4/logofIzoLWsgUgz96UIgjMtlYB2mdFQ1gCEwYBhgL/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nouqN54hQ7s/XfTnMfYaWnI/AAAAAAAAQN4/logofIzoLWsgUgz96UIgjMtlYB2mdFQ1gCEwYBhgL/s320/4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Having known Jimmy since pretty much the day I was born - he's SIGNIFICANTLY older than me - I grew up with the non-Lowell Plan version.</div>
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For me, I recall the brother who would have his mega-sized headphones on, air guitar playing on his tennis racket, and singing into the glow-in-the-dark traffic light at the end of the pull fob that turned his overhead light on.</div>
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The problem with that story, though, was that while Jimmy was singing along to the Dylan or Bruce Springsteen song he could hear at deafening levels in his earphones, the only thing the rest of us could hear was Jimmy's voice -sans music or tone.</div>
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Trust me on this. Jimmy's singing would make Bob Dylan sound like Michael Buble. It was piercing.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lvA0MnqsJ8k/XfTnLyPdbmI/AAAAAAAAQN8/caefKvsNbXAaoz3T-DXl_-i5H4KnNlj5gCEwYBhgL/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lvA0MnqsJ8k/XfTnLyPdbmI/AAAAAAAAQN8/caefKvsNbXAaoz3T-DXl_-i5H4KnNlj5gCEwYBhgL/s320/2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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My mother used to stand in the bedroom below Jimmy's, trying to get him to come downstairs for dinner. She would take the pole end of a broomstick and bang it against the ceiling to capture his attention. Her ceiling was pockmarked with dozens of indentations from the other-business end of the broomstick, battle scars of Jimmy's frustrated music career.</div>
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Eventually, my father would install an electronic buzzer that was used to great glee by all who needed to summon Jimmy away from his music. It was droning and effective and could be heard past the ear-bleeding levels of Bruce's latest release.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-txCoK_x0c/XfTnL6erCyI/AAAAAAAAQOA/dXaW8XYqMncgrurP3ou_DbCOGIpCeNl8QCEwYBhgL/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-txCoK_x0c/XfTnL6erCyI/AAAAAAAAQOA/dXaW8XYqMncgrurP3ou_DbCOGIpCeNl8QCEwYBhgL/s320/3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Growing up, Jimmy was notorious for skipping our Sunday meals - not because of the company, but because of the food. He usually shied away from the turkey or roast beef dinners with all the fixings, choosing instead a steak bomb from Johnny's on Chelmsford Street, a veal cutlet from Santoro's on Gorham Street, or his standby favorite, hot dogs from Elliott's.</div>
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And yes the urban legend is true. He had Elliott's hot dogs delivered as his meal to his 1988 wedding to Candy. </div>
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It was Jimmy who took me to my first concert - David Bowie. And my second - Queen. And my third - the Who (the less said about that security breach, the better). And fifth and sixth - Bruce Springsteen. And probably dozens more after that.</div>
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My parents are both deceased, so I think it's safe now for me to say Jimmy helped sneak me into my first nightclubs while underage. Not for the drinking, mind you, but for the music.</div>
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Music has provided the soundtrack behind the scenes for pretty much Jimmy's entire life.</div>
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I expect his time spent listening to concert downloads and outtakes will dramatically increase now that he's going to have more time on his hands.</div>
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<i>You must leave now, take what you need, you think will last</i></div>
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<i>But whatever you wish to keep, you better grab it fast</i></div>
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<i>Yonder stands your orphan with his gun</i></div>
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<i>Crying like a fire in the sun</i></div>
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<i>Look out the saints are comin’ through</i></div>
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<i>And it’s all over now, Baby Blue</i></div>
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It's Not Dark Yet, but he's heading home, and looking forward to being able to spend time with his family, especially his six grandchildren.</div>
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Wish him well, won't you?</div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>Then take me disappearin’ through the smoke rings of my mind</i></div>
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<i>Down the foggy ruins of time, far past the frozen leaves</i></div>
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<i>The haunted, frightened trees, out to the windy beach</i></div>
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<i>Far from the twisted reach of crazy sorrow</i></div>
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<i>Yes, to dance beneath the diamond sky with one hand waving free</i></div>
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<i>Silhouetted by the sea, circled by the circus sands</i></div>
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<i>With all memory and fate driven deep beneath the waves</i></div>
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<i>Let me forget about today until tomorrow</i></div>
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Patrick Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926201709853231010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323871070006660513.post-69872675626361601322019-11-03T14:16:00.002-05:002019-11-03T14:16:46.428-05:00Give Pierce a Chance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Time for Andrew and I to conquer one of our October mountains, a tradition we've tried to maintain off and on for many a year.</div>
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Me, I grew up with the White Mountains as part of the backstory to my summers and falls, thanks mostly to my older brother Gerry, who took me camping up there many a weekend. Gerry and I didn't usually hike up mountains, so much as explore the trails of the White Mountains, especially throughout the Kancamagus Highway.</div>
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I've tried over the course of a few years to get Andrew (and anyone else from the family who wants to join us), to get a decent hike in every year.</div>
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Little did I know what Andrew and I would be getting ourselves into this time.</div>
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With the urging of climber-in-chief Donna Corbin, we decided to check out Mount Pierce this year. It's supposedly named after President Franklin Pierce, the only U.S. President born in New Hampshire.</div>
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A member of the Presidential Range in Carroll, New Hampshire, Mount Pierce - known Once-Upon-A-Time as Mount Pleasant - checks in at 4,310 feet, making this Andrew and my official first 4,000 footer. We took the Crawford Path option to work our way up.</div>
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Within the first half mile, we came across the footbridge over Gibbs Brook and its accompanying cascades. This would not be the first water we'd see on the trail this day. Not by a long shot.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wgx6SJ9P7CU/Xby-qQtA6iI/AAAAAAAAQKk/M9li95vj9hIxXVbQyCQ09OkOOuN6IMS2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wgx6SJ9P7CU/Xby-qQtA6iI/AAAAAAAAQKk/M9li95vj9hIxXVbQyCQ09OkOOuN6IMS2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vryF9fw3GlY/Xby-tAHorKI/AAAAAAAAQLQ/mrJk_PRL4bMaguu9o5Q-rKCcUow3LDChQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vryF9fw3GlY/Xby-tAHorKI/AAAAAAAAQLQ/mrJk_PRL4bMaguu9o5Q-rKCcUow3LDChQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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About 2.7 miles later, we achieved the summit of Pierce.</div>
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This was not a mountain to climb or descend without the aid of some type of stick.</div>
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Behind Andrew, in the foot of the valley, is the gorgeous Mount Washington Hotel.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4wC7Hmjfdqk/Xby-xdHZihI/AAAAAAAAQMA/xBL3MkJo9vcGOP_bvz85M1FILsvQhpPOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4wC7Hmjfdqk/Xby-xdHZihI/AAAAAAAAQMA/xBL3MkJo9vcGOP_bvz85M1FILsvQhpPOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Despite appearances, I didn't need my stick to stay upright. It was just a good opportunity to soak in the glorious sights. And yes, I know I'm wearing jeans, a true climber's no-no, but there was no rain or snow in the forecast this day, so I knew I didn't have to worry about wetwear dampening my experience.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kibypI2chSw/Xby-x_eOu-I/AAAAAAAAQME/BaKtjOceLDMeT_HL8xi_AK9k1G2n2sB8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/7.jpg" width="320" /><span id="goog_1804717285"></span><span id="goog_1804717286"></span></div>
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Summit-side, one of the many cairns that dot the mountaintop.</div>
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Throughout the Appalachian Trail are hundreds of these type cairns, or stacked rocks that mark many of the paths. For actual hikers, the cairns are usual used as a navigational tool, delineating a specific trail.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C-bBjXf82HA/Xby-yRliSWI/AAAAAAAAQMI/1tugE3xniCsKmh9IJNfL3XXCOUQkRg7mACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C-bBjXf82HA/Xby-yRliSWI/AAAAAAAAQMI/1tugE3xniCsKmh9IJNfL3XXCOUQkRg7mACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/8.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Off in the distance, you can see Mount Washington way behind Andrew. No snow on the caps this day, though there had been some there four days prior, we learned, thereby explaining the constant mud paths and trickling water trails throughout both the ascent and descent.</div>
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In the immediate background is the peak of Mount Eisenhower, about 1.6 miles away. Had we gotten a much earlier start on the day, we could have done both summits, but alas, daylight hours were not in our favor.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pCBJB9bPdA0/Xby-qeImaqI/AAAAAAAAQKo/KtOPC9p6b_IqGNFJm_uKGxGFcpdoZVlpACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pCBJB9bPdA0/Xby-qeImaqI/AAAAAAAAQKo/KtOPC9p6b_IqGNFJm_uKGxGFcpdoZVlpACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Because any time I summit a mountain, I like to find the proof that I've reached the top. Here, courtesy of the U.S. Geological Survey is the elevation marker.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-trZvETZBTgU/Xby-qbjrscI/AAAAAAAAQKs/PR7CH4unKogG2y1arpTVnuxPJZjlkdLqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-trZvETZBTgU/Xby-qbjrscI/AAAAAAAAQKs/PR7CH4unKogG2y1arpTVnuxPJZjlkdLqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/11.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The father-son mountaintop combo shot -2019</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sAxXyXhACho/Xby-rAIk59I/AAAAAAAAQK0/zmLx0BCU3Us1mgDIpY3NqJvwQmdstjbjwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sAxXyXhACho/Xby-rAIk59I/AAAAAAAAQK0/zmLx0BCU3Us1mgDIpY3NqJvwQmdstjbjwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The winds atop Pierce were Fierce, and absolutely required the donning of our coats.</div>
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The views atop Pierce are panoramic, and on a fall day such as this, allow you to absorb exquisite foliage palettes, and reaffirm why it's so rewarding to live in New England, which offers so many varying landscapes and adventures.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3kJFjbEb1pQ/Xby-rSvsPFI/AAAAAAAAQK4/Al0ORyvUKqs5Wt4Gd_9PqQvV0f9fH1sxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3kJFjbEb1pQ/Xby-rSvsPFI/AAAAAAAAQK4/Al0ORyvUKqs5Wt4Gd_9PqQvV0f9fH1sxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ieGvRlF2gXA/Xby-uTQsLPI/AAAAAAAAQLo/0ZhVQvKje3kouK9txK98im1nP1KZ4ZK4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ieGvRlF2gXA/Xby-uTQsLPI/AAAAAAAAQLo/0ZhVQvKje3kouK9txK98im1nP1KZ4ZK4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/25.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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After posing for our fair share of iconic mountain men shots, it was time to head down, and this time, we opted for a different trail, one that eventually winds down to the Mizpah Spring Hut. (More to come on that)</div>
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Makeshift bridges and staircases help you navigate the extremely technical rockface portions of the trail, particularly those of steeper slope.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HrnOCUGqGsw/Xby-sRpeueI/AAAAAAAAQLE/dumUj-DzaSgHvjxa__Zennp5WHso0ePBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HrnOCUGqGsw/Xby-sRpeueI/AAAAAAAAQLE/dumUj-DzaSgHvjxa__Zennp5WHso0ePBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/17.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UPne0y7UNWY/Xby-sjNgd4I/AAAAAAAAQLI/EOpq3QK1-1we0pL0lgPpUquBroNotUT6QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UPne0y7UNWY/Xby-sjNgd4I/AAAAAAAAQLI/EOpq3QK1-1we0pL0lgPpUquBroNotUT6QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/18.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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We made it to Mizpah (Hebrew for watchtower), where I found an information plaque with a local flavor. One of the benefactors of the hut was a resident of Holden, neighbor to my wife's hometown of Paxton.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lmuu6Ncl1c4/Xby-sy-OQLI/AAAAAAAAQLM/B1RrJr9JdPAh6kUkdeiSltC59wT92g76QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lmuu6Ncl1c4/Xby-sy-OQLI/AAAAAAAAQLM/B1RrJr9JdPAh6kUkdeiSltC59wT92g76QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/19.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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More than a hut, All Along the Mizpah was a great place to just relax for a few moments. We did NOT partake in the freshly-made brownies, though they were definitely tempting.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gu4VdmbhTjk/Xby-tek25eI/AAAAAAAAQLU/6h70HPrv0ZQTyNIBZu2UD_hR8hb4Oxk0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gu4VdmbhTjk/Xby-tek25eI/AAAAAAAAQLU/6h70HPrv0ZQTyNIBZu2UD_hR8hb4Oxk0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kmy4nNuX_MY/Xby-tttKUdI/AAAAAAAAQLY/n3vXI7oNmx4c0Baty25D_DoXMZix957sgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1327" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kmy4nNuX_MY/Xby-tttKUdI/AAAAAAAAQLY/n3vXI7oNmx4c0Baty25D_DoXMZix957sgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/21.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So in trying to keep this blog educational as well as entertaining and chronicling, turns out Crawford Path is the oldest continually used hiking trail, established in 1819 by Abel and Ethan Crawford, the pioneers of the White Mountain tourist industry.</div>
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Overall, the six mile trek was quite humbling for both father and son. It was definitely a workout for our quads, and being the runners we are, we found the differing usage of the leg muscles in this capacity quite taxing at times.</div>
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That does NOT, however, mean we weren't all-in for one of the more challenging workouts with a rewarding payoff waiting up top. Au contraire.</div>
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Mount Pierce was definitely worth taking a chance on.</div>
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<br />Patrick Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926201709853231010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323871070006660513.post-47350067384333181542019-08-11T22:14:00.001-04:002019-08-12T08:09:26.033-04:00Getting Righteous<div style="text-align: center;">
Been away from blogging for a while, but an Unchained Melody brought me back to the keyboard to share some terrific tunes from a rock and roll icon, and at the same time, fill you in on one of the better kept secrets for live acts in this area, smack dab in the home of the American Revolution!</div>
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First off, a bit of history that you not only wouldn't know, but might wish you <i>still </i>didn't know after reading through.</div>
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File this one under the TMI header.</div>
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Once upon a time in the summer of 1991, there was a young couple in the earliest weeks of their courting. This pair of a Big City Slicker and a Small Town Girl had been set up on a blind date by a duo of high school friends of mine (looking at you Darlene and Nat!)</div>
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Anyway, Paxton native Jackie Nicholson was house-sitting for a co-worker in Lowell's Pawtucketville neighborhood, and invited me over for dinner- chicken parm, with especially chewy brownies for dessert, in case you're wondering. After the dinner, we watched a movie together - me for the first time, Jack for a repeat performance of <i>Ghost</i>, starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore.)</div>
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Sappy date movie, I know, but once we got past Oda Mae Brown, Henry the VIII and Tarzan being a bad guy, this particular flick also marked the first time Jack and I said "I love you" to one another. And we didn't need a pottery wheel to get there. A turning point in our blooming relationship, yes, and from that point forward, Unchained Melody which accompanied the aforementioned pottery scene, was claimed as "our song."<br />
It was also played for our first dance together as a married couple on our wedding day the following August, an anniversary of which is coming up in just a few days.</div>
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As luck would have it, the crooners of that Unchained Melody blockbuster tune, the Righteous Brothers, were in nearby Lexington on Sunday at Cary Hall.</div>
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And my bride and I were all kinds of down with getting Righteous along with another 800 music fans.</div>
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My workplace was well-represented at the performance hall, with Ellen Wright from Middlesex Community College's Corporate and Community Education division staffing an informational table and filling show-goers in on all things MCC. Nice job, Ellen, and Revolutionary work from Judy Burke for linking the college up with Cary for its fall concert series!</div>
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Pete Lally, the President of Spectacle Management, which oversees the venue, along with, among others, its sister showcase in the Mill City, the Lowell Memorial Auditorium, welcomed concert-goers to the sold-out performance. </div>
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Some Cary Hall fast-facts for you:</div>
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It was built in 1928 with a donation from the two daughters of Isaac Harris Cary, a prominent Lexington resident. The Colonial styled building has hosted community events for more than eight decades, and is home to the Lexington Symphony.</div>
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This particular date, it welcomed the Righteous Brothers, the 2019 edition.</div>
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The original duo - Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield (seen above in the backdrop video montage) - began performing together in 1962. They recorded together for decades before Hatfield's death in 2003. Medley's bass-baritone voice, coupled with Hatfield tenor vocals, combined for some of the most unforgettable singles of the past half century.</div>
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Three years ago, Medley decided to "get the band back together" and recruited Bucky Heard to hit the high notes. Heard had previously been covering a slate of Journey tunes with another band. The pair has been touring now for three years, and is enjoying a successful extended stint in Vegas during the fall and winter months.</div>
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Heard's vocals on songs on Sunday such as Roy Orbison's Crying, and the operatic Nessun Dorma were crowd-pleasers and genuine gems.</div>
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For a flavor of the duo's vocals take a click on any of the hyper-links below for </div>
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quick video peeks at some of the highlights from the powerful performance</div>
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<a href="https://vimeo.com/353271069">Hold On, I'm Coming</a></div>
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<a href="https://vimeo.com/353271258">Little Latin Lupe Lu</a></div>
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<a href="https://vimeo.com/353271459">You're My Soul and My Inspiration</a></div>
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<a href="https://vimeo.com/353271596">You're My Soul and My Inspiration 2</a></div>
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The band also took a moment to recognize all of the veterans in the audience, raising the house lights and asking them to stand and take a bow.</div>
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The group then feted the veterans with a pair of covers of Simon and Garfunkel's Bridge Over Troubled Water and Bill Withers' Lean on Me.</div>
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<a href="https://vimeo.com/353273975">Bridge Over Troubled Waters</a></div>
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<a href="https://vimeo.com/353273756">Lean On Me</a></div>
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And then they proceeded to plow through a bevy of their own most memorable tunes including:</div>
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<a href="https://vimeo.com/353271922">If There's a Rock and Roll Heaven</a></div>
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From another Patrick Swayze flick, <i>Dirty Dancing</i>: </div>
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<a href="https://vimeo.com/353274263">I Had the Time of My Life</a></div>
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<a href="https://vimeo.com/353274580">You've Lost That Loving Feeling</a></div>
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And, of course, the song Jackie and I had waited 27 years to see performed live</div>
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<a href="https://vimeo.com/353273021">Unchained Melody</a></div>
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(We didn't get a chance to dance this time, for fear of obstructing others' views)</div>
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On the way out the door, we bumped into old friends and dancing buddies Chris and Jeannine Yianopoulos of Dracut, two of the many packing the rafters at Cary.</div>
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All in all, a Righteous summer afternoon in Lexington, and a perfect date with my bride.</div>
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This one's for <b>MY </b>Soul and Inspiration, Jackie</div>
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<i>Time goes by so slowly</i></div>
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<i>And time can do so much</i></div>
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<i>Are you still mine?</i></div>
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Ditto.</div>
<br />Patrick Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926201709853231010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6323871070006660513.post-50645943358929159742019-04-29T21:25:00.002-04:002019-04-30T07:16:20.543-04:00Bradley Sue-per!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Five years on, and the feet keep pounding the pavement on the track at the Academy of Notre Dame in memory of Sue (Scanlon) Bradley, whose life was cut way too short by a brain tumor in 2014.</div>
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In the ensuing five years, her entire family, along with their extended group of friends, co-workers, dancers, and dedicated athletes have logged literally hundreds upon hundreds of laps around the track at Notre Dame to raise money for a scholarship established in her memory.</div>
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Not every year has yielded the best of weather, but this year, we had some hints of blue breaking through the cloud cover at the start of the track laps, led of course, by her husband and children.</div>
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Never mind the walking, the Cassidy Clan was quick to stake out its early raffle prize position - a strategy that would later pay off.</div>
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The next generation of walkers tries valiantly to keep up with the veteran hoofers in the crowd.</div>
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Alas, they weren't able to maintain our blistering pace for long.</div>
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Old St. Joe's High School bud, Bay City Roller Groupie, and a former friend of Sue's, Matchmaker Extraordinaire Darlene Slates (with husband Jon hanging in close) tries to explain to my bride - "Seriously, I just thought you guys would have a date or two, I never thought he'd ask you to marry him!" Jack, for her part, just scratches her head in befuddlement at the series of events. </div>
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These two guys... I'll tell ya. </div>
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Sue's mom takes her inspirational lap around the track, with Tommy and Ann checking out wind conditions for the course.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D9jfPuDWgEw/XMecJuqI8ZI/AAAAAAAAQGQ/XnCbI3FTMroMizsVS-exsi8GozxsggFNQCLcBGAs/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D9jfPuDWgEw/XMecJuqI8ZI/AAAAAAAAQGQ/XnCbI3FTMroMizsVS-exsi8GozxsggFNQCLcBGAs/s320/5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Fathers and Sons Assemble!</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zxb66e34j9Q/XMecLB6KlUI/AAAAAAAAQGc/w4l8cAG0HNc4Gx-fsZ1j_hZS8oocM391wCLcBGAs/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zxb66e34j9Q/XMecLB6KlUI/AAAAAAAAQGc/w4l8cAG0HNc4Gx-fsZ1j_hZS8oocM391wCLcBGAs/s320/8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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St. Joe's Survivors Support Group, 2019</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iujKxt0wmIw/XMecLv65HKI/AAAAAAAAQGg/3bG-TzwvsREB5PLYoimL-qX3Lrz0cC9uACLcBGAs/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iujKxt0wmIw/XMecLv65HKI/AAAAAAAAQGg/3bG-TzwvsREB5PLYoimL-qX3Lrz0cC9uACLcBGAs/s320/9.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Don't ask me the point of these two. No one knows.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rPQW6NcVQzY/XMecH7K2Y8I/AAAAAAAAQF4/9Mp7aTaXmXkiwbjhpXybdSQabR0cq_oBQCLcBGAs/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rPQW6NcVQzY/XMecH7K2Y8I/AAAAAAAAQF4/9Mp7aTaXmXkiwbjhpXybdSQabR0cq_oBQCLcBGAs/s320/10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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An E Streeters group shot, with those still left standing at walk's end, joined by Alex Kintner's mother from Jaws in the back row.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Gsu2Eo6W_A/XMecKHP_OdI/AAAAAAAAQGU/E6XBZyf6ANoeUuqb4ySbkA5kb9ru6fqXACLcBGAs/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Gsu2Eo6W_A/XMecKHP_OdI/AAAAAAAAQGU/E6XBZyf6ANoeUuqb4ySbkA5kb9ru6fqXACLcBGAs/s320/6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sue passed away from a glioblastoma, a type of of malignant brain tumor. The annual spring walk-a-thon allows her family to help give back to Sue's extended community family.</div>
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Sue worked in school systems for 25 years, and all the monies raised from the walk go to the Susan Bradley Scholarship set up at NDA.</div>
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You can still donate to the scholarship, by visiting Sue's page here: <a href="https://www.ndatyngsboro.org/about/susan-bradley-memorial-walkathon">Susan Bradley Scholarship</a></div>
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Missing you, Sue, but everyone who loved you is still logging the mileage to keep your legacy alive!</div>
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Patrick Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926201709853231010noreply@blogger.com0