Tuesday, August 28, 2012

A Wicked Good Time In Beantown

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Welcome to Boston, Massachusetts.  How quickly can you do the Freedom Trail?

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Enjoy the view from the hotel.  It's a months rent for a couple nights and parking is not validated...  Sometimes I miss the midwest.

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The Park Street Church across from Boston Common
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Brewer Fountain in the Common

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Massachusetts State House and a kid with a backpack monster

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Here lies Samuel Adams
, founding father of the United States and beer guy.

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Victims of the Boston Massacre are in the Granary Burying Ground
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Hope this guy wasn't too important...

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Try telling the renter of this place that their apartment isn't haunted because it's built on top of a tomb.  But, the award goes to the basement day care center with the view of gravestones.  Poor kids and their therapy bills...

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If I got a tattoo, it'd be something like this.  Born (and will die) in the wrong era.

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Ben Franklin's parents

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John Hancock...

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Ben Franklin overlooking a Chinese restaurant at Old City Hall and "the Founding Father of Funny"

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Here's Old City Hall

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Jonathan Phillips.

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The Old South Meeting House where they planned the Boston Tea Party

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The Old State House and site of the Boston Massacre

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Faneuil Hall (or Nathaniel Hall to those in the know)

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Sam Adams

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BREAKDANCING IN AMERICAN FLAG SHORTS!

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Quincy Market


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This is for Vicky.  Muller Greek Yogurt samples thrown at tourist on the street.

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I guess a lot of Boston looked like this (or worse) before the Big Dig and without the Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge.

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Instead of a nasty highway, Boston has parks and other amenities (Rochester: take note for the Inner Loop)

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The North End

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Paul Revere's House.  You can tell he was worried about the British coming because of the bars on his front door

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Paul Revere's Ride and maybe the bride's as well

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For Megan, the place where Rose Kennedy was baptized

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Paul Revere statue

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Old North Church where Paul sent the signal "One if by land, and two if by sea" 

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The USS Constitution.  I have to mention that this place had the most intense security of any tourist trap I've ever been in.

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Taking aim at Boston.  The tour guide/soldier warned us not to pick up the large cannonballs because we don't want to hurt ourselves or others by dropping them on our feet.  

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The USS Cassin Young

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HUZZA!  For Pete

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Bunker Hill


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William Prescott

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Beautiful neighborhood in the Charlestown neighborhood

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Waiting to eat at Antico Forno.  Great food and worth the short wait

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Feast of St. Anthony in North End (Little Italy)

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The band and stage

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After this and our honeymoon, I realize that my religious bretheren really like bright colors and lights.

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Woody Boyd outside of Cheers

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I'd shop more if this was common...

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Trinity Church 

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Boston Public Library

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It seems the library was designed by Tim Burton

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I feel smarter after just walking through here

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The First Church of Christ, Scientist

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The Christian Science Church Library and Sunday School

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The Muddy River in the Fenway

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Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox
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Outside of the Green Monster

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The bridge in the Public Garden 

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The swan boats

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Peddling these boats all day must give you really strong legs

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St. James the Greater Church where the wedding was

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This was the first time I've ever been to a wedding with a Dragon Dance and it was awesome.  I kind of wish we had done some kind of entertainment like this at our wedding.

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Also, it was the first wedding I've ever been to where they sang the national anthem.  The groom is a big Bruins fan and they brought in Rene Rancourt as a wedding gift.  I wish the pictures would have turned out, but the didn't.  I've never seen wedding guest get so excited.

That's more than enough for now.  Congrats to Jen and Michael on their wedding.  Also, congrats to my cousin Mallory and Tim on their marriage.  I give my best wishes to my cousin Eric on his nuptials to Cierra.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

"Hunter?!? This Is A Party; Not A Safari!!!"

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Erin and Megan at the Rochester wedding party.

PhotobucketMy co-worker's daughter is heading off to college tomorrow, which may mean my cupcake intake will drop dramatically over the next few months.  I'll be a wreck because I'll be sad and also have low sugar...

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After a graduation party at Bernardo's Pizza in Victor, NY.  Someone better have the Ghostbusters on speed dial.

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Emmy Lou REALLY needs a home.  It takes her a little bit to get use to you, but she'll be your best friend after that.  It's been a while since she's been on my desk.  I wonder why?
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Oh, it's because Rufio took Emmy Lou's corner...

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YEAH!  Lollypop Farm Picnic!  Perfect day to be outside having lunch!
That's it for now.  Will be out of town at another wedding this weekend.  So on and so on...

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Panorama Valley


The Panorama Valley redevelopment is designed to restore a worn out strip mall into a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood.  This regional destination will have housing, offices, shops, entertainment, parks, and civic centers within easy walking distance.  A traditional Upstate community with contemporary amenities.

The town center (Panorama Trail and Penfield Road) will be a gathering spot for friends and families to enjoy a meal, relax, and participate in retail activities.  From there, you can go in any direction to visit one of the many fine cafes, restaurants, or boutiques.  Perhaps catch a movie at the theater or find a gift before you leave the hotel. 
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Current satellite view of Panorama Plaza and surrounding development

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Structure redevelopment for Panorama Valley with green space preserves surrounding the area
to protect Irondequoit and Allens Creeks watershed leading into the Irondequoit Bay.

Panorama Valley will be an inviting place by using quality design, renewable materials, and environmentally sensitive to the nearby creek watersheds.  Pedestrian and bike use will be encouraged to improve the quality of life for residents and business owners.  
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Current situation of Panorama Trail
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Redevelopment of Panorama Trail

Green space and historic preservation are vital to this area.  Irondequoit Creek and Allens Creek are home to rainbow trout and spawning salmon along with various kinds of amphibians and reptiles.  The old growth forests contain a variety of songbirds, owls, deer, and other woodland creatures.  Wildflowers and several protected classes of flora make this area unique.  This land is of historic significance to the Iroquois Native Americans and site of early industrial development of European settlers.
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One of the many unique water features found nearby
Panorama Valley continues the Upstate New York tradition of village living and an entrepreneurial business climate.   Plenty of activities and parks for families to enjoy.  And ways to celebrate the natural and cultural heritage that defines the region.

To see more about the Panorama Valley redevelopment, please visit:
Panorama Valley: Part II

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