April in Boston

A Bostonian April flits between winter and spring. One never quite knows if the day will resemble the bleakness of January or the pleasantness of May. Today, at least, the skies looked ahead and claimed spring as their own. The Public Garden and Common were full of happy tourists and even happier locals, who have endured a long and difficult winter. But what a difference the hue of the skies can make! 

We've waited for the blue of today for a long time. 

North End Wanderings

This weekend was chock-full of reunions, meeting dear friends who were in town for a day and playing host to another for three. Jonathan, my friend visiting from D.C., and I have had mini adventures all across the city and its environs, from worshiping the Union Square donut  to battling the cold rain on the Common to mastering the art of the stroll in North End (see picture above: Jonathan has had to teach me-I treasure my all too practical brisk walking method). Naturally a trip to the North End was in the works, so he could hear the mutterings of the older Italians and taste one of Mike's pastries and note Paul Revere's still standing structure. I liked the peace I found there on a Sunday morning, before the crowds migrated and the twenty minute cannoli wait. It's always extra soothing to find quiet in a place you anticipate the opposite. For that, the stroll was perfect. 

The Common and the Garden

It's a true pleasure-and privilege-to work so close to the Common and the Public Gardens. These days the sun shines bright and the young flowers are so eager for our attention, which I am all too happy to give during a lunch stroll-

These pictures are a bit misleading, for the Common and Gardens are packed with throngs of people enjoying their gifts. Tulips abound alongside the flowering crabapple trees. Artists work en plein air, tourists stop for their photographs and musicians slowly sing their songs for both. 

Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University

Today was a near perfect spring day, meant for relishing the sunshine and celebrating the arrival of cheerful, warmer weather. I drove south to Arnold Arboretum to do both. 

Designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, a well regarded figure in Bostonian history, the park was established in 1872 and is a National Historic Landmark, in addition to serving as a research institution and a natural haven for the city of Boston. Entrance is free every day of the year and I learned that they also offer classes and various educational programs to the public.I spent the majority of my time lingering beside the flowering plants in the Bradley Rosaceous Collection (the first photograph above), wishing I had a reason to stay longer. I eagerly look forward to the blossoming of the lilacs-there are nearly 400 of them at the park representing 176 different varieties  A Sunday each year is chosen to honor them (this year, Lilac Sunday is May 12th), which seems like a wonderful thing to do. 

Boston needed a beautiful Saturday like today. I don't think anyone took it for granted. 

Nearby: Crane Beach

 Today I drove northeast to Crane Beach, a perfect destination for the nicest day New England has seen since the new year began. Lucky for me, I had the day off and wheels to boot. So off I drove in the mid-morning, with the luxury of the windows down and the ocean on my mind. I had no expectations -I was guided only by a website run by The Trustees of Reservations and an urge to see water (I miss living on an island)-truly anything would have done. But Crane Beach was nothing short of heavenly. The sun and clouds played their equal parts, but I was mesmerized by the sand dunes and comforted by the sea. I virtually had the place to myself-a gift I surely won't expect when I return in the summertime. The estate known as Castle Hill beckoned me on from the distance, but I shall save that for a future trip as well. I could not have been more satisfied.