Denise Goldberg's blog

Saturday, January 30, 2021

cold before snow

While today was warmer than yesteray, it was still pretty cold. When I finished my second walk of the day the National Weather Service reported the temperature in my locale at 19 degrees with a wind chill of 6 degrees. Luckily the right combination of layers allowed me to walk outside comfortably.

I expect two more days of dry pavement walks before snow arrives.

Instead of sharing a view of winter I'll leave you with a photo of a camellia in bloom in the Lyman Estate Greenhouse.

camellia

Thursday, January 28, 2021

snowflakes

This morning's walk was accompanied by the crunch of snow underfoot and snowflakes in the air.

a tree coated with snow

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

winter trees

Trees wearing bare branches stand tall, creating a reflection in the Shawsheen River.

trees reflecting

Monday, January 25, 2021

bright

Painted crates and cans create a splash of bright color.

painted crates and cans, Terra Luna Cafe, Lawrence, MA

Saturday, January 23, 2021

ripples

As the tide flowed out it left ripples in the sand.

ripples in the sand, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

Friday, January 22, 2021

music of the waves

It was a good day for a walk by the sea, a walk accompanied by the music of the waves.

I arrived at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge about an hour and a half before low tide. There were sections of beach that were clear of water and other sections that still hosted quiet pools.

Listening to the waves as I walked provided a sense of calm.

Wednesday, January 20, 2021

breathe

I feel like I can breathe again.

The inauguration is over, we once again have sane adults leading the government of the United States, and it's time to look forward to positive change. I'm so relieved!

Osgood Hill, North Andover, MA

Monday, January 18, 2021

under a bridge

The Clipper City Rail Trail in Newburyport, MA almost forms a loop, leaving a small connecting section off trail. This morning I was able to connect the loop, walking along the road between the ends of the trail.

Clipper City Rail Trail map

At one point the trail went under the road into a bit of a dark tunnel. It was lined with sculptures of fish, some lit in blue. I loved this fish, snapping at what appears to be a floating clam.

Sunday, January 17, 2021

A Common Thread

This afternoon I headed to Lawrence with hopes of finding something new painted on a wall. I visited murals I had seen in the past, walking, looking. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a splash of bright colors on a building that appeared to be a block away, down a cross street.

When I got there I found a mural created by Mattaya Fitts that she called "A Common Thread".

Here is a statement from the artist as published here:

"This mural is inspired by the city’s past and present as a manufacturing giant that has become home to many different immigrant communities over time. With textile/factory work being “a common thread” in many immigrant households (including my own family and the family who owns the building), I decided to depict a young woman passionately sewing the day and night away, adding to her headscarf (which doubles as a map). Helping her out is a Peregrine Falcon, the fastest bird known, with sub-species found all over the world. I like to think that she’s making a map of all the places she has gone and will go, creating a legacy but staying true to her roots."

A Common Thread, by Mattaya Fitts

A Common Thread, by Mattaya Fitts

A Common Thread, by Mattaya Fitts

Friday, January 15, 2021

building clouds

As the day wore on, clouds started to decorate the sky. Today's dry weather is predicted to change to heavy rain tomorrow.

It was a good time for a walk in Harold Parker State Forest.

Field Pond, Harold Parker State Forest

Thursday, January 14, 2021

winter flower

A friend gave me a bulb sprouting leaves and a single bud in a small glass jar last week, telling me to water it once, then wait. I don't know what name this flower wears but I do know that its bloom creates out-of-season floral beauty.

winter flower from a bulb

Monday, January 11, 2021

looking inland

Water left high on the beach by the tide flows to the ocean as the tide cycle nears its low point.

Can you see why the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is a favorite place to visit? It's incredibly peaceful.

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

Saturday, January 09, 2021

to Parker River

The ocean called to me yesterday.

I answered the call by heading to the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge for a walk by the sea. I arrived about 2 hours before low tide, an excellent time to wander on the edge of the beach. I should have been able to keep my feet dry but somehow I again managed not to get out of the way as the waves rolled in.

There must have been snowy owls entertaining folks on the inland side of the island as I saw a line of people with long lenses and scopes peering inland. That meant I had the beach almost to myself. I saw only a few other people as I walked on the beach, spending most of my time alone with the sound of the waves.

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

Friday, January 08, 2021

seeking color

Over the years I have been in the habit of visiting the Lyman Estate greenhouses during times when there isn't a lot of color outside. While last year's visits were cut short by covid, I checked the web site this week to find out that the greenhouses are open for plant sales.

I visited Wednesday morning, hoping that I would find flowers in bloom. As it turned out, less than half of the greenhouse was open. There were only a few flowers in bloom - a couple of camellias, and a couple of orchids. There was plenty of green though.

My visit left me still seeking color. I think it's time for a winter visit to the butterfly conservatory. Soon...

aloe

Thursday, January 07, 2021

appalled

Even a full day after the insurrection at the Capitol I remain appalled. How did we allow the disturbed individual in the White House to retain power for this long? Will Congress or the Cabinet remove him from office?

It's past time; remove him, NOW!

Monday, January 04, 2021

high water

Recent rain seems to have eased drought conditions here to some degree.

The Ipswich River is carrying more water than it has in the recent past, spilling out of its banks in some places.

trees and the Ipswich River

Sunday, January 03, 2021

stacked stones

I usually see stacked stones at Halibut Point State Park on a large slab of stone perched on legs of stone to resemble a table. When I visited on Friday the table was empty, with a spiral design of stones on the ground.

Stacked stones were in a new location, along the rocky coast.

stacked stones at Halibut Point State Park

Saturday, January 02, 2021

late afternoon light

The setting sun paints a picture, coloring the clouds behind tall evergreens.

trees against late afternoon light

Friday, January 01, 2021

to Halibut Point

The air was chilly this morning with a forecast that promised a a slight rise in temperature as the day progressed. I headed to Halibut Point State Park in Rockport, MA to walk around Babson Farm Quarry and to (carefully) walk along the rocky coastline.

I shared my destination with many others. Everyone I saw exhibited good covid behavior, wearing masks and socially distancing.

This park is a good distance from home because of the need to follow the curve of the coast. I find it interesting that I can look up the coast to see Plum Island and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in the distance as I stand at an overlook high above the water.

on the coast, at Halibut Point State Park