I recently returned from a trip to Boston. My son and his family moved across the country for a new business opportunity. Long ago, Horace Greeley, a New York newspaper editor, uttered a now famous piece of advice: “Go West, young man.” My son chose to go east.
They purchased an old colonial home that was built over one hundred and twenty-five years ago. The house is filled with charm and character. It has a cute wood-paneled attic reminiscent of Jo March’s special attic room in Little Women. It also has a large brick and cement basement, giving rise to fanciful tales about bootleggers and speakeasies. Their new neighborhood is delightfully quaint but very, very cold this time of year.
My husband and I flew to Boston to help them with the move. Our willingness to leave the relatively temperate weather in California and venture into the subfreezing temperatures in Boston is a testament to our love for them. My hubby performed handyman tasks around the house while I played with the grandkids and kept them out of mischief. I definitely got the better end of the deal. He was intrigued by the horsehair plaster and lath walls and the solid wood floors and banisters. The old-style construction methods and quality craftmanship are rarely seen these days.
We woke up one morning to a white crystalline blanket of snow. Soft snowflakes floated through the air and fluttered to the ground, creating an enchanting atmosphere. We bundled up warmly and wandered outside. It was fun to share the excitement of my granddaughter as she made snow angels for the first time. Viewing the world anew through a wide-eyed child is always a memorable experience.
And, of course, we explored the culinary scene as well as the landscape. We dined on delicious Italian food, including a chocolate chip cannoli, a local delicacy and symbol of Boston’s Italian heritage. It was a fun and tasty trip.
