New England Mamas

The Lakeville Haunted House is no ordinary walk in the woods

Last weekend, ten friends and I willingly let ourselves be led into the woods and chased by men with chainsaws.

It was great fun.

I don't normally "do" scary (just ask my husband who has to listen to me whimper through PG movies), but I've been curious about the Lakeville Haunted House ever since I lived nearby and could hear screams coming from the woods. But, I never had the nerve to actually go to it.

But, living away from the screams that start up every weekend in October has made me brave, and so I agreed to go during the opening weekend of its 18th year.

From the vampire who sidled up to me and started growling in my ear, to the freaky clowns, blood-stained victims, witches, zombies and ghosts who popped out throughout, I spent my time alternating between screaming, jumping, and giggling madly. At one point, I just buried my face into my sister's back and walked as fast as possible.

The only thing that saved me is that the ghouls are not allowed to touch you. And, when I became overcome with fear, I'd remind them, "YOU CAN'T TOUCH ME!".

But, that didn't help me when our small group approached the witches and were told to line up in groups of two. "But I'm alone!", I wailed, as my husband was home watching the kids.

"Oh, that's ok, m'dear," the witch cackled sweetly. "We'll kill you first."

-----------------------------

The Lakeville Haunted House is open Fridays and Saturdays until the 30th of October, and if you can get down there by Saturday the 17th, download the $3 off coupon which will save you on the regular $13 admission. I love that this Haunted House operates as a non-profit with volunteers who spend their weekend nights scaring people; the proceeds from the Haunted House are donated to a bunch of local organizations.

Plan to spend some time, especially if you chose to go during the much-busier weekends close to Halloween. Visitors are grouped into small pods and spaced out for maximum creepiness, but this does mean you may be waiting a while to enter the woods. Dress warmly, wear good walking shoes and hope you make it out alive! And leave the kids home unless you really, really enjoy sleeping in their bed with all the lights on for the next five years.

Even though the cops shot our mascot, I love my wacky little town

I'm pretty certain this story could only happen in a small town.

For months, we've had a rogue turkey living next to Five Corners, the craziest intersection in town. I had seen this turkey a few times and think it may have been the one written about in the newspaper back in April:

3:06 p.m. - Caller reported an injured wild turkey at the Highland Plaza, Robert Drive. Animal Control Officer responded, reported turkey was now sun-bathing in a bush does not look injured.

Ahhh, yes, that had to be Freddy.

Freddy the turkey didn't just live near the intersection. He walked into traffic, playing chicken-- so to speak-- with the cars that screeched to a halt to let him pass. He pecked at the door of a local church, visited our nearby Target and even strolled the aisles of the dollar store.

But, his thing was motorcycles.

Unfortunately motorcycles don't really want to be chased by a turkey as they try to drive down the street. So, let's just say that after one-too-many complaints about Freddy, he met with a bullet to the gullet from our local police.

I won't use this space to rant about  how I feel about this decision (I don't like it), but I understand that a well-known turkey causing a major crash in a busy intersection spells l-a-w-s-u-i-t in this day and age. But, really, was it the best, and only, option? I think not.

But, what has been hilariously heartwarming is the outpouring of love for Freddy since news of his death started traveling around town. The Five Corners Turkey Facebook page has over 1,500 fans. There have been news reports on radio and TV. A local used-car dealer has even set up a makeshift memorial, which we visited today.

Cars honked constantly while we were there. And, I suppose that was fitting for the turkey who liked to walk into traffic.

The Greatest Show on Earth Giveaway

The story of my life, right? A 3-ring circus!

The first time I attended a circus performance as a mother, Eldest was a mere toddler. Hubby and I took him and it was NOT a good experience. Why?

I was 9 months pregnant. Rivaling the elephant in girth. And I think we paid something like $10 for a bag of kiddie crack cotton candy.

Thankfully though, my new friends at Mom Central (thanks Audrey!) have offered me another chance at having an enjoyable circus experience, this time with 3 boyz in tow!

And guess what? All you New England blog readers? They want to offer you the same opportunity! Here's the scoop:

"Attending a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus provides more than just a night out. It creates a memory that lasts a lifetime and a tradition that can be carried on from year to year and generation to generation.

As we get ready for a variety of new and exciting Ringling Bros. shows in cities across the country this fall, Mom Central is pleased to help you share in the enchantment!"

I'M GIVING AWAY FOUR (4) FREE TICKETS TO ONE OF THE BOSTON SHOWS!

The showtimes are as follows:

Wednesday, October 8 at 7:00pm

Thursday, October 9 at 7:00pm

Friday, October 10 at 7:00pm

Saturday, October 11 at 11:00am, 3:00pm, 7:00pm

Sunday, October 12 at 11:00am, 3:00pm, 7:00pm

Monday, October 13 at 12:00pm, 4:00pm

So you wanna go? Just leave a comment HERE with which show you want to attend (make sure I have a valid e-mail for you, please). I'll draw a name on Friday, September 26. Good luck!

P.S. In case you don't win? Here's a 20% discount coupon code for tickets to one of the Boston shows when you order tickets from the Ringling Bros. website: MCC

On September 11th

7 years ago today. A Tuesday.

I was 36 weeks pregnant. Lumbering and uncomfortable as I boarded the 7:22 a.m. commuter rail bound for my job at a law firm in Boston. Arrived at work after 8.

Was chatting on the phone with a friend, discussing our baby showers that had both taken place that weekend. Mine on Saturday, hers on Sunday (our poor collective friends!) while our hubbies frollicked in New York City at a Yanks/Sox game. One of my friends from Florida had flown up for my shower. She flew out of Logan Airport in Boston on Monday morning.

I was interrupted from my conversation when a co-worker peeked her head in and said, "Your husband is on my line. Apparently, he needs to talk to you." So I said goodbye to my friend (who was home, but didn't have her TV on) and got on the line with Hubby.

"Do you have your computer on?" he asked breathlessly.

"No. I just got here and was on the phone with Mary. Why? What's up?"

"A plane crashed into the World Trade Center! They don't know many details yet though. TURN ON YOUR COMPUTER!"

Slowly the buzz began to spread on my 21st floor. We were directed into a conference room to watch the breaking news on a projection screen.

That was when I saw the second plane hit.

Shortly after, a firm-wide e-mail was delivered. Our building would be closing at 10 a.m. We were all to evacuate immediately.

I called Hubby back. (Meanwhile he had been frantically trying to call me. The firm's phone lines were being inundated.) Hubby was nervous that they were going to shut down all public transportation. That I wouldn't be able to get out of the city of Boston. 9 months pregnant.

My friend Michelle (who was also working in Boston at the time) and I miraculously got through to each other via our cell phones. We met downtown, so we could walk to the train station together.

It was eerie. Practically everyone in downtown Boston had been evacuated. The city streets were packed, yet it was oddly hushed. Everyone was rushing, furiously punching buttons on their cell phones, desperately trying to get a signal.

I tried to call Hubby from the train station to let him know what my meager train options were to get back home to Central Massachusetts. There was only one train headed towards home, yet it would only take me as far as Framingham, about a 45 minute drive, and not where I had parked my car that morning. But I couldn't get in touch with him. The lines were jammed.

So I waited until the last possible minute to board that train, worried that Hubby might already be driving into Boston to collect me; nervous that he wasn't, and that I indeed NEEDED to get on the train.

Finally, as the announcement was blaring, "Final boarding call!", Hubby and I connected. I SHOULD take the train, and he'd pick me up in Framingham.

As you can imagine, the train was packed. Every seat full, every aisle space occupied. But so silent. Someone kindly felt sorry for my swollen whale-ness and gave me a seat. I let a few strangers borrow my cell phone.

Everyone lost in their own thoughts. Fear, stifled but present. Uncertainty.

I spent the next three days on the couch in my "uniform" (you know, the only XL maternity clothes that fit), glued to the TV. Alternating between grief, disbelief and horror.

What kind of world was I bringing a child into?

Unsafe.

September 11, 2001. I will never forget.

[Re-posted from In the Trenches of Mommyhood 9/11/07.]

A Good Beach for Little Kids

Almost exactly five years, my playgroup decided to go on a beach outing.  I was a little nervous because my older son was just about to turn a year and I was picturing an ocean with roaring waves. Sure pre-kids that would have sounded like a blast, but  chasing after a baby near roaring waves just didn't sound like a relaxing day at the beach.   I was reassured that we were going to a kid friendly beach, and sure enough it was.  It was at Hopkinton State Park. 

No, this isn't the beach that you would want to go to if you didn't have little kids.  In fact, if your kids are in elementary school they would probably be bored with it.  However, for little tykes it's great.  There are two beaches, the Main beach and the Upper beach.  We always go straight to the Upper beach because it tends to not be very crowded.  There are bathrooms up there, picnic tables, grills and plenty of parking, not to mention the ice cream truck.  In fact yesterday there was an ice cream truck and a guy with an ice cream cart.  Talk about options!  What could be better? 

Beyond the amenities, I like it because it is a very calm lake.  The water is pretty shallow, so my five year old was able to wade out into the lake.  Also, because the water is shallow it was fairly warm.  During the beach season they have lifeguards too.  Plus it's only $5 per car, if your library doesn't have a state park pass that will cover it.  There were signs for boat rentals, and we saw plenty of people fishing in non-swimming areas.

The one trick is that apparently only the entrance to the park is in Hopkinton.  According to the police officer whom our older son grilled at length about his job, most of the rest of the park is actually in Ashland.

Oh, the Places You'll Go...

(This review is written by my sister, Mrs Q, who will slowly be sucked into the blogging world, mark my words.  Until then, please enjoy this review she so graciously agreed to provide for your reading enjoyment):

On a recent trek to Western Massachusetts, my family made a pit stop at the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden. Located in the gardens in and about the Springfield Museums (the "quadrangle" as us locals used to call it), this larger-than-life collection of sculptures bears tribute to the late Theodor Seuss Geisel, who was born and raised in Springfield.

Seuss' step-daughter, Lark Grey Dimond-Cates, created the bronze sculptures of Dr. Seuss' favorite characters -- the Cat in the Hat, Yertle the Turtle, the Grinch and the Lorax -- even the author himself.  My two "things" especially enjoyed the massive sculpture of story time characters springing from an open book, including Thing One and Thing Two, Horton the Elephant and Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose.

The surrounding gardens are lush and invite visitors to walk around or linger and enjoy a brown-bagged lunch on one of the many park benches (in fact, much to the delight of my son, one bench includes a bronzed forgotten lunch bag and parcel of groceries). Unfortunately, most sculptures include "do not climb" signs around them (for obvious reasons), but there's a wonderful photo op on a large chair among the open pages of a ten-foot-tall copy of "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" (Beware of "oh, the places you'll burn" when sitting on a bronze chair in the summer sun.)

The sculpture garden is free to the public, and free parking is located in an adjacent lot. The garden is ringed with the Springfield Library and a number of art, history and science museums; a nominal admission fee includes all four museums. Some picnic tables are located under a large tent near the parking lot.

The garden is relatively small, so I'm not sure I could recommend it as its own field trip. However, if you are driving through the Springfield area anyway (say, for a trip to Six Flags or, um, gulp, a 20th high school reunion), this makes a nice place for young kids to run off some energy.  It's a lovely way to bring beloved books to life and remember the gifted mind behind some of the most imaginative stories ever told. As you make your way out, make sure to look up and enjoy the tumbling tower of top hats that reach up to the sky.

Dr. Seuss would be proud.

Secret Spaces: One Last Sweet Treat

This very last Secret Spaces comes courtesy of my sister, Mrs Q.:

When I read the recent post about Yummies in Maine, my mouth started to water and my mind wandered to one of my favorite, sweetest places:  Billy Boy's Candies.

For those of us with sweet-teeth in Southeastern Massachusetts, it's just a short drive to this local favorite in New Bedford.  It's located in a rather nondescript building on busy Mt. Pleasant Street, right across from a huge cemetery, but the locale is quite an improvement from the trailer home that used to be Billy Boy's headquarters (OK, that was like fifteen years ago, when I was still in college, but us New Englanders pride ourselves on knowing where things USED to be).

In addition to today's favorites, like full cases of Laffy Taffy and Kit Kats and bags of gummy EVERYTHING, they stock the hard-to-find classics that you used to snatch from your grandma's candy dish: molasses puffs, NECCO wafers, old-fashioned throat drops and Mary Janes. 

When planning my kids' recent "knights and princesses" birthday party, I knew exactly where to find gold chocolate coins and Ring Pops for the goodie bags.  And, of course, I was able to find all sorts of little candies for decorating the castle cake, like those strange fake rocks I was always afraid to eat (Hey! Who knew? They are actually filled with chocolate!) 

This spring, on a particularly dreary day, I took the kids for a field trip.  Crazy talk, I know, but my son still remembers the aisles of colorful candy and that he was allowed to choose ONE thing before we left.  So it just happened to be the three-pound bulk bag bag of rainbow lollies.  Atta Boy.

Secret Spaces: Playtime by the Shore or Tucked in the Woods

Many thanks to Jill for sending us these last two "Secret Space" ideas (and remember to comment on one of our Secret Space posts by August 9th in order to be entered to win a Fun Pass and other goodies!):

First, by the Shore:

If you're planning to spend a day in Plymouth with the kids, there is a good playground located off of Route 3A where you can stop and let them run around for a while. 

Coming from historic Plymouth with the ocean on your right, pass Benny's and take the first right after that  ... not sure the street name.  Take that right and just go straight. You'll see the ocean. The road curves to the right, but go straight into the parking area. You'll see the playground.

There's a field on the left where people tend to play volley ball and a field on the right with trees around the perimeter offering the only shade there.  There is a decent (not awesome, but good) playground on sand, and an area under the jungle gym where kids can bring their sand toys and play protected from the sun. This area is good for kids ages 3 to 10, I'd say.  Off to the side, there's a small little tunnel slide and double slide with a shaded platform to climb up on that's good for the little ones.  There are a few swings, but I think 3 of them are baby swings.

There is a snack bar where you can get ice cream and some lunch treats and there are public bathrooms there.

You can also walk over to the rocky beach to collect shells and wade out , even swim if you go out far enough.   It's very calm, no waves, and good for the kids. Wear Crocs or sandals though, because it's very rocky.   Not the type of beach to set up a blanket and make sand castles but it is really beautiful!

 

(BTW, you would not reach this playground if you were out strolling along the main drag in Plymouth.  It is tucked off to the side, so follow the driving directions above).

Second, Tucked in the Woods:

There's also a cool playground in Bridgewater, MA on Flagg street off of Route 18.  Turn down Flagg Street and go straight through a stop sign; it is about a quarter of a mile on the right.

Look for the generic street sign with the symbol of two kids on a sea saw on the right, and it's immediately after that (be careful, or you might drive by it).   The playground is in the woods, so it's very comfortable on a hot day.  It is set up like a fortress: all wood and recycled tires with little tunnels and towers and bridges.

It's a little run down here and there, but it's a different kind of play ground from the ones you usually see and kids can have a ball exploring and pretending.  There are lots of sitting areas for adults and a fun place for a picnic.   Only about 4 swings.  For ages 3 to 13.

Secret Spaces: Eating well

This is my first post in quite some time, because I went ahead and had myself another baby girl.  And then I went ahead and had some serious post surgical complications.   Given all that madness, a few things fell to the wayside.  Posting here, doing the laundry, and cooking a nightly dinner.

Enter my favorite restaurant, tucked away on a quiet street in the heart of downtown Lowell, MA.  When my husband and I lived in Lowell, pre-children, one of our favorite things to do in the evenings was to stroll downtown to witness the revitalization process.  Amidst the artists' lofts, condos and shops that opened were several cafes and restaurants.  And the restaurant that called our name most evenings was Life Alive.  It continues to call my name all the way out here in the suburbs.  I'll tell you why.

Life Alive is  not just a restaurant.  According to their website, their mission is "to feed the vitality of the world, one meal at a time."

Whoa.

Sounds crazy, right?  Right? 

Wrong!  And, my friends, you simply  have to go there to find out how wrong.  Life Alive is, quite simply, a restaurant dedicated to serving fresh, organic vegetarian meals to anyone and everyone who steps through the door.  The decor is vibrant and exciting - the walls are painted in shades of golds, purples, and greens.  Artwork by local artists is hung on the walls and even the bathroom is a beautiful space,  filled with quotes to make you think, wind chimes to charm your ears and lush greenery in the re-purposed bathtub.  Honestly, every square inch of the place is gorgeous and I haven't even told you about the food.

Life Alive serves up simply the yummiest vegetarian fare I've ever eaten.  They get their organic produce delivered daily and with it, they create vegetarian dishes that can't be beat.  My favorite by far is the Green Goddess -  avocado, broccoli, dark greens, tofu, garlic, Ginger Nama Shoyu Sauce, flax oil - served over short-grain brown rice.  Every dish is enhanced by one of Life Alive's original, signature sauces.  They also serve delicious salads, amazing smoothies and refreshing blended juices as well as coffee and tea, both hot and iced. You can eat in or take it to go - and here's what keeps me driving to Lowell from the western 'burbs - you can bring your own containers - tupperware, glassware, what have you - and they'll send you off with meals for the week.  I bring my own containers, order three or four meals et voila - I am set for lunches or dinners here and there when I don't feel like cooking.

Life Alive is located in the heart of downtown Lowell, at 194 Middle Street.  Between the delicious meals, yummy smoothies, healing juices and oh yeah, the free WiFi, trust me.  You're going to keep going back and you're never going to want to leave.

Just leave some Green Goddess for me.  Thanks.

Secret Spaces, Hidden Gems: I'm HUNGRY!

The Busy Bee is a diner. Not a fake, Johnny Rocket's type diner. A real live, old fashioned, corned beef and cabbage, pot roast dinner with mashed potatoes diner. Open for breakfast and lunch daily, the Busy Bee is one of our absolute favorite restaurants.  The food is good, the atmosphere is amazingly nostalgic, the staff hilarious, the menu extensive, and the prices are unreal. 

The Busy Bee is located right outside of Audobon Circle on Beacon Street, right on the Brookline-Boston Line. It is essentially in a BU neighborhood, but so many old neighborhood types frequent the restaurant that you would never know it's so close to a major university.

I discovered the Busy Bee when I moved to Boston for graduate school  in 1976. I lived right around the corner from this dingy looking place, but my roommates told me it was absolute gold inside. Once I ventured in, I was hooked. It's cheap, dirt cheap. The food is all home cooked right on the premises. It's delicious food and the atmosphere... well, if you're older than dirt you'll remember the John Belushi "Cheeseburger cheeseburger" routine on the original SNL. That's the Busy Bee. It's a family owned place. The family is Greek. They yell at each other. The same customers have been coming in since the beginning of time. Everyone is friendly, but the waitresses can be a bit brusque if you take too much of their time.

Yelp says: This is a breakfast spot/diner with an extensive menu at dirt-cheap prices. Get past the nondescript exterior to find an establishment that has been doing business for decades. Service is fast and swift, so it is a great place to head for one of those quick-yet-satisfying meals. Regulars have been returning here; some for decades; for heart-stopping breakfast platters and lunch and dinner specials that are easy on the wallet, if not the cholesterol levels. Does not accept credit cards; accepts cash only."

That's exactly right. They got the entire essense of the Busy Bee on one little paragraph. As a long time customer, I can remember when they only used those cone-shaped cups that sat inside a silver holder. Now when was the last time you saw those? And the plates? They are divided into portions. It's 1958 all over again. But this isn't nostalgia happening. This place just never changed. A few booths, some seats at the counter, old dusty plants in the window... it could be anyplace in America.

The food? Thick potatoes with onions and all the good stuff for the homefries.  Eggs made to order and made to perfection. Ohhh, the hash.  A delightfully fattening mix of corned beef, potatoes, peppers, onions, and about a half-pound of butter, probably. Get the Fresh Fruit Bowl to-go, which for $3.25, it's brimming with pineapple, strawberries, blueberries, grapes and melon.

Besides the $5 breakfast....my other favourite aspect is that all the waitresses yell at you in their thick New England accents.  Having someone yell "WADDYA WANNT? WHITE OR WHEAT?? I AIN'T GOT ALL DAY" in regards to what sort of bread you want toasted, is the most delightful way to start the day. The waitresses are always available with a "Hi Hon" or "Sure Dear" (albeit somewhat snarky - picture Alice, Vera and Flo from Mel's Diner) to start the day. 

From Peter screaming for French Fries behind the counter to the cranky waitresses with a heart of gold, the entire staff oozes authenticity. Try the Cheeseburger Deluxe (still under 4 bucks I believe) or any of the great daily specials. Best cole slaw in the city and the fries are deep fried just right.

I've been going here for about 30 years. I remember when the staff, (mostly family members) would be fighting with each other so loudly, I fully expected fisticuffs. Didn't make for casual dining although now it's quieter even with same waitress though She's "a doll" and quickly makes you feel like a regular by berating your ability to place your order in a timely fashion. She's just kidding though.

I had to think long and hard to decide whether or not I wanted to share this Hidden Gem. But my daughter, who is a huge fan of their corned beef, said it would be wrong not to. So go, but if you see me there and it's crowded, thats MY booth you're sitting in.