This is a post filled with very random images of rather random places–connected only through time: my travels on both the south and north shores of Boston over the past few days of this Memorial Day Weekend, 2012. Though this weekend is traditionally recognized as the traditional start of summer here in New England, it’s been warm for a while so it doesn’t quite feel that way. I’m always a little conflicted by this “holiday”: it should be a time of commemoration rather than celebration, but in a way it is both. On Friday I found myself down in Quincy, south of Boston, at the “Old House” at Peacefield, the home of Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams, and part of the Adams National Historic Park. There was some exterior work being done on the Old House (built in 1713) but its gardens were in peak, perfect condition.
The Old House in 1849, NPS
Yesterday, which was very warm, we drove up the coast north of Salem in a very meandering way. We had a purpose, but we were all too ready for diversions, as you can see. Then it was back to Salem to get my flags out.
On Cape Ann: the beach at Manchester-by-the-Sea, heads in Magnolia, Rocky Neck views (including a car that reflects our hotly-contested senate race; if we didn’t have two cars this is what our car would look like), and Ipswich marshes.
Back in Salem, Harmony Grove Cemetery.
May 27th, 2012 at 8:02 am
That little dilapidated cottage on Rocky Neck has been calling out to me for several years. How sweet it would be fixed up–not too much–but just enough, and the front yard turned into a beautiful cottage garden.
All of Rocky Neck is a missed opportunity. There’s such an incredible history there and it just seems to be falling apart.
May 27th, 2012 at 9:37 am
i loved the perfect gardens at the Adams mansion but you will have guessed i adore that little broken cottage.. the perfect path, and plants and perfectly proportioned little house.. why is it empty!! BUY it! It looks just so .. um.. english! c
May 27th, 2012 at 10:10 am
I share your appreciation for that cottage, Steve and Celi, but as you can see from the roof (crumbling inward), it might be too far gone. On the other hand, they do seem to be doing some work on the back–its rear section is on pilings right on (in) the harbor.