Elders of the City

In olden times, the Elders of the City would sit at the gates of the city. They would act as notaries to contracts. Their vast knowledge and wisdom allowed them to dispense guidance on everyday living. Here in the modern day, things haven't really changed. At the Gates of the Train and on the commuter platform you can get advise on politics, taxes, career choices, politics, religion, politics, national politics, regional politics and local politics.
Did I forget to mention politics??

Paging Dr Moe, Dr Curly

In this day of HMO's and Managed Health Care, it is rare to find doctors that still make house calls.  Dr. Ethan knows that the way to the heart is really through the stomach! I think the copayment might be a Thomas the Train! 

The Chairman

The Chairman requires, well he requires, a man chair!

This chair is just the right size for Eric!

Green Acres

Fun at the Davis farm! Eric was very impressed with all of the farm animals. There were many baby animals that were eye level with Eric that fascinated him. Mom and Eric were at home on the range.

Farmer Eric

Every boy loves a tractor! There is something about heavy equipment that no little boy can resist. Eric put his hands on the steering wheel and broke out in a big grin!!

Swing Time

First time in a swing for Eric! Even though he is only 9 mo old he was bending his knees and rocking his body to propel himself. Maybe swinging comes naturally!!

I Spy

Ethan is looking through the spy glasses at all of the farm animals. He is looking for the rooster that is hiding from him. Ethan had been showing the rooster the proper way of crowing and the rooster crowed back at him and followed him around the farm.

Mom and Daughter

There is a bond so strong between Mom and Daughter that you can see it!

Grammy and Princess

Grammy and Janelle! Two pretty ladies! It seems like yesterday that we were teenagers. And all of a sudden we are grandparents. I don't know where the time has gone...But I like this place and moment in time.

I Can Only Imagine

If you have an open imagination, perhaps you can also find alternative uses for salad tongs. They are also great for lifting cars out of bowls. What must it be like to have an imagination that is free? I can only imagine!

Springtime in the Park

This is what spring is all about!  Trees with their blossoms and flowers blooming. All of your senses are alive with the many colors, scents and of course pollens for our allergies!

Smartness

We have smart drugs, smart phones, smart technolgies, smart goals, smart cards and now we have the smart car. This car is taking a half of the parking space.

If you are introducing a new product, you need to "Get Smart" and give it a Smart name.

If Cows Could Fly!

A beautiful spring day at the park in Somerville. There are art exhibits dedicated to the famous historical sections of the city. The apple orchards, the alewife fish and the flying cows have all pretty much flown away.

Sticky Buns

The temperature jumped to 83 degrees and the humidity went up. It was almost as sticky as a Beall Wedding Day in June! At least Buddy knows how to stay cool!

Story Time

It is fun to read stories at bedtime. Favorite books have been memorized and if you skip a sentence a voice will say "Grammpy" to let you know that you need to read it again.

Change without Progress

It is a fact that things change. While we wish for all changes to be positive we know that it can't always be. There is a real loss in knowing that this can never be restored during my lifetime or that of our grandchildren. I don't usually walk here because the insects are so bad, but even they can't stop change.

The Chaos Theory Explained

The train was a couple of minutes late. Because of that, I missed the subway and had to take the next one. Because of that, I missed my bus and had to wait for the next one. Because the train was 2 minutes late, I got to work 17 minutes latter. The Chaos Theory!

Inside the Train

The train was a couple of minutes late. That was enough for the grumbling to begin. Commuters expect things to go wrong with public transportation and they are rarely disappointed. A view from inside the train. Here we have an economist with the federal reserve. The trains bring people from all backgrounds together. Maybe it is the melting pot of America.

Himself

Self portrait of Grammpy and Eric. Somtimes you have to take the picture yourself. You want to remember the moment.

Walk in the Woods

This is one of Buddy's daily walking areas. There are many deer in these woods and you never know what you will come upon. Over a hundred years ago there was a mill that made buttons here. It is a great area to connect with the past while enjoying nature.

Porter Square

Journey to the center of the earth! It is a 90 degree drop straight down. I have to run down to catch the subway. If you really want a work out, try running up these stairs!

Stonehedge

Just like Stonehedge!  There was a stone table in the woods that was safely secured so that children and adult children that never grew up, could play on it.  There was a puddle of water on the top that Ethan enjoyed stomping in and splashing on Grammpy.  I guess that is what is meant by good clean fun!

The Rock Climber

Uncle David and Ethan have been rock climbing.

I think there is a little kid in each of us that just loves to climb rocks!

Airplane Grounded

Ethan's airplane had to be grounded to comply with federal airline inspections. He was very sad that his flight was cancelled.

The Flyer

The pure sound of enjoyment! The wind blowing through your hair and Grammpy pushing you. Priceless!

Coggshall Park

Ethan is taking a break and eating yogurt while looking at the calm waters of Coggshall Park.

Raking Leaves

Ethan got his own rake and he had to hold it and feel it in his hands.
And then he began to attack the leaves! It was fun to watch him!

The Princess

Janelle looks better in pink than I do! We are at a noisy restaurant but Janelle is not bothered by the noise around her. She is a very pretty little girl with a beautiful smile.

PGA Pro

Before taking his golf swing, Ethan is determining the distance to the
green. There is something about hitting a ball with a stick!

Train Engineer

Building railroads is serious work. Every bridge must be properly planned and the layout of the tracks properly laid out. The engineer and his assistant are carefully building the railroads for Thomas the Train.

A Golfer and His Caddie

The proper club selection is very important! That is why an experienced caddie with his local knowledge of the golf course knows the exact club that is required! Ethan is reaching for the perfect club that his caddie has pulled from the bag.

Big Wheel Keep On Turning

The mill operator allowed Ethan access to where he was grinding wheat. He let Ethan open the barrels that store the freshly ground wheat and use the big scoop to lift out the wheat. Ethan loved being surrounded by so much machinery and all of the wonderful sounds they make!

Old Mill

The mill has the power to grab the attention of little boys and their imaginations! Ethan had a wonderful time chasing the flowing water, watching items float by and playing on old grinding stones.

Jacob Wirth

Since 1868 Jacob Wirth has been open. Real wooden floors that are worn down from the beginning of time. This is my hands down favorite place for lunch in Boston. You are transported back in time. All lunches come with a bucket of fresh corn bread. Real cloth napkins are provided. The staff tends to your every need. You feel special here as you are pampered.

Spring

It is spring and the sloth bear is waking up from hiberation. It is on
a migratory trail that will take it south to Myrtle beach. Someday I
want to follow the sun!