Pallet Wood Weathered Multi-Colored Coffee Table

Simple and easy weathered multi-colored coffee table made from wood pallets

Plan and directions I love 1001 pallets webpage. Lots of ideas. Best of all it's free.

Where can you find wood pallets? just about any store - drive around to the loading dock. Just make sure to ask permission before you take!

How To Make A Super Strong Password I Can Actually Remember

There's an easy way to come up with a complex password that you won't end up forgetting five minutes later. Business Insider has the answer. 

The full-sentence technique works like this: Think of an everyday phrase that you can remember, like "My #1 favorite thing in the world is my family," or as Muhl gives as an example, "I bought my house for $1."
Then you take that sentence and convert it to a password by grabbing the first letter of each word. "I bought my house for $1" then becomes Ibmhf$1. 

I'm Getting Organized

I love technology but in the end I'm a list girl at heart. The only problem with lists I keep loosing them.
I'm making a binder to organize myself, my home stuff, and my business and my crafts.
Purchase a 3 ring binder and dividers.
I purchased this Russell and Hazel binder at Target and it only cost me $1.99 - it was on sale and I had a coupon.

Start small and slow otherwise you'll get discouraged. Let the process evolve.

I've posted several ideas and links to purchase many items on Pinterest

http://www.pinterest.com/Baystick/home-organizer-binder/

I had the idea to post step by step, but then I realized what is good for my home may not be good for yours.  There are many premade forms available on Etsy many are editable, which for me worked better, as I don't have to start from scratch and I can customize easily. Saving me hours of work. You can look on google there are many free printables. Take a look at what others have done and do what you think will work for you. If you don't have a printer save the documents to a flash drive and head to a store that will allow you print from the flash drive - like Walmart.

I was particularly interested in the Bill Payment Tracker - my form of tracking bills was when then came in the mail - I paid them. Then I switch to online payments - not all companies send you an email reminder - your bill is due. I was using a simple calender as a tickler file because I didn't want any bill to fall though the cracks.

Here's a quick peek at my Master Home Organizer - lost of work left to do - but in the end it'll be worth it. No more clutter on my desk no more looking in drawers for paperwork. I've several more binders to make - for my business is next up.

The last page (so far) is home inventory spreadsheet - I am thinking maybe that will need it's own separate binder. But we'll see how this goes over the next few months.

Free Home Inventory Spreadsheet

Create Your own cookbook - publish it! What a great idea.

Create Your own cookbook - publish it! What a great idea.

Check out this website Createmycookbook.com

What's so great about this is you do this at your own pace - you can save it all to your computer and publish for yourself and give as gifts!
I've already started this and I'm having fun!

Winter Island: Salem MA

Winter Island Salem MA Fort Pickering Lighthouse

Winter Island is an island connected by a causeway to Salem Neck  It consists of about 45 acres and is surrounded by: Smith Pool (northwest), Cat Cove (west), Salem Channel  (south and east) and Juniper Cove (north). The island has about a dozen residences at the north end and one road, Winter Island Road. The Plummer Home for Boys sits on 18 acres  of land on the northeastern shore. The balance of the island is Winter Island Marine Park. The entire island was added to the National Register of Historic Places as Winter Island Historic District and Archeological District in 1994

Winter Island Marine Park is located on the former site of the Fort Pickering Coast Guard Base. It's a marine recreational park open to the public. The park takes up the southern portion of the peninsula. The main attractions of the park are the historic Fort Pickering, the Fort Pickering Lighthouse, Salem harbor, a boat launching ramp, and the former Coast Guard seaplane hangar and barracks. Fort Pickering is listed separately on the National Register of Historic Places.

In 2011, a master plan was developed for Winter Island in Salem, with help from the planning and design firm The Cecil Group of Boston and Bioengineering Group of Salem, and the City of Salem paid $45,000 in federal money.

Campground map

Attractions

• RV & Tent Camping May 18 through October
• Historic Fort Pickering Lighthouse & Salem Harbor.
• Function Hall, year-round rentals
• Public beach with lifeguard
• Public Boat Launch - open year round
• Seasonal Dinghy Rack spaces
• Camp and gift store.
• Picnic areas for rent May through October
• A Stop along the Salem Trolley Tour
• Great Place for a Wedding And More!

A lot of interesting information on the Winter Island webpage.

20 Things a Mother Should Tell Her Son

20 Things a Mother Should Tell Her Son

1. Get involved in a school activity or sport.  It will teach you how to win honorably, lose gracefully, respect authority, work with others, manage your time and stay out of trouble.   And maybe even throw or catch.

2. You will set the tone for the sexual relationship, so don't take something away from her that you can't give back.

3. Use careful aim when you pee.  Somebody's got to clean that up, you know.

4. Save money when you're young because you're going to need it someday.

5. Allow me to introduce you to the dishwasher, oven, washing machine, iron, vacuum, mop and broom.  Now please go use them.

6. Pray and be a spiritual leader.

7. Don't ever be a bully and don't ever start a fight, but if some idiot clocks you, please defend yourself.

8. Your knowledge and education is something that nobody can take away from you.

9. Treat women kindly.  Forever is a long time to live alone and it's even longer to live with somebody who hates your guts.

10. Take pride in your appearance.

11. Be strong and tender at the same time.

12. A woman can do everything that you can do.  This includes her having a successful career and you changing diapers at 3 A.M.  Mutual respect is the key to a good relationship.

13. "Yes, ma'am" and "yes sir" still go a long way.

14. The reason that they're called "private parts" is because they're "private".  Please do not scratch them in public.

15. Peer pressure is a scary thing.  Be a good leader and others will follow.

16. Bringing her flowers for no reason is always a good idea.

17. Be patriotic.

18. Potty humor isn't the only thing that's humorous.

19. Please choose your spouse wisely.  My daughter-in-law will be the gatekeeper for me spending time with you and my grandchildren.

20. Remember to call your mother because I might be missing you.

Painting a purple line - for Wounded Vets

Is this not awesome? Well done!
http://www.youngcons.com/volunteers-honoring-wounded-vets-by-painting-purple-lines-for-reserved-parking-spaces/

THIS IS HOW YOU FIX CONGRESS

THIS IS HOW YOU FIX CONGRESS!!!!!

**********************************

Congressional Reform Act of 2017

1. Term Limits.

12 years only, one of the possible options below..

A. Two Six-year Senate terms

B. Six Two-year House terms

C. One Six-year Senate term and three Two-Year House terms

2. No Tenure / No Pension.

A Congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when

they are out of office.

3. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security.

All funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social

Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social

Security system and Congress participates with the American people.

4. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all

Americans do.

5. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional

pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.

6. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in

the same health care system as the American people.

7. Congress must equally abide by all laws they impose on the American

people.

8. All contracts with past and present Congressmen are void effective

1/1/17.

The American people did not make this contract with Congressmen.

Congressmen made all these contracts for themselves.

Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers

envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and

back to work.

Workplace Bullying

The WBI Definition of Workplace Bullying

Workplace Bullying is repeated, health-harming mistreatment of one or more persons (the targets) by one or more perpetrators. It is abusive conduct that is :

• Threatening, humiliating, or intimidating, or
• Work interference — sabotage — which prevents work from getting done, or
• Verbal abuse

This definition was used in the 2014 WBI U.S. Workplace Bullying Survey. Its national prevalence was assessed. Read the Survey results.

Workplace Bullying...

• Is driven by perpetrators' need to control the targeted individual(s).
• Is initiated by bullies who choose their targets, timing, location, and methods.
• Is a set of acts of commission (doing things to others) or omission (withholding resources from others)
• Requires consequences for the targeted individual
• Escalates to involve others who side with the bully, either voluntarily or through coercion.
• Undermines legitimate business interests when bullies' personal agendas take precedence over work itself.
• Is akin to domestic violence at work, where the abuser is on the payroll.

Voting Matters

Your voice your vote - isn't that what we are told? I'm a lot cynical on that statement and so are most of my family and friends.    

Our voice is not heard these days.

I will still vote today but I will be voting against and not for any candidate. 

As an unenrolled voter, I choose to vote the person and not the party. But... I can't vote unenrolled today. I must choose a party either Democrat. Republican, Green-Rainbow or United Independent (not to be confused with Independent ). Unenrolled is the Independent Party. There is no ballot for Unenrolled.

If you don't vote - you don't get to complain! Well, I for one couldn't handle that. I don't believe people complain I believe they are holding elected officials accountable that is what we responsible voters do.  Elected officials call it complaining and will ignore you - even voting against rather than for - you get to give a mighty jab.

Fall Window Boxes

I was looking for inspiration for my own window boxes for autumn - well, now I'm inspired. 

I think that a happy medium of real and fake plants can keep people guessing without being obviously artificial.  Currently, I’ve replaced all of the dead window box flowers with faux floral stems from the dollar store that were stuck into cut pool noodles and covered in potting soil.  And guess what? You can’t even tell! Eventually though, I’d love to turn this black thumb to green and exponentially boost my floral game. Until next time!
http://interiorsbystudiom.com/curb-appeal-fresh-flowers-landscape-design-floral-arrangement/

and now I'm off to the dollar store. Pool noodles - who knew. 

Fire Pits - Open Burn in Ma Illegal or Legal?

With the cooler nights it's kinda nice to sit outside and enjoy the peace and quite of the night.
What's better than sitting in front of an open fire - maybe roast some marshmallows, sip a glass of wine. 
Wouldn't it be great - if people didn't abuse that?  If people didn't get stupid drunk and not pay attention to their open fire pits - chock full of wood and spark flying everywhere? 

I'm writing about this because several of my friends have fire pits and they are responsible. They never leave the pit unattended nor do they allow children to play with fire.  I have a good size backyard I could easily fit one with no problem.  The BUT... is I have trees.  Naturally, I would hope my neighbors can see those same trees (they are pretty tall) and see the danger. NOPE! 

I also have several friends that have become increasingly alarmed at the fire pits - popping up in backyards.  There concerns are justified.  The houses in Lawrence are just to close together for open fire pits.  MAYBE... that's a big maybe if the protective tops were left on - as recommended by the manufacture and they didn't load in so much wood and they didn't leave the children to play with stick inside the pit, there might not be so much concern.  This is not just about the kids - it's about their homes getting burned down due to an irresponsible idiot. 

I looked and looked - but I can not find any city ordinance that allows or does not allow fire pits. 

What I did find was a Massachusetts state law on open burning. 
http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/dfs/dfs2/osfm/pubed/fs-topics/fs-topics-a/safety-tips-for-open-burning-season.html 

22 communities that do not allow open burning at all: Arlington, Belmont, Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Chelsea, Chicopee, Everett, Fall River, Holyoke, Lawrence, Lowell, Medford, New Bedford, Newton, Somerville, Springfield, Waltham, Watertown, West Springfield, and Worcester.

I also found that the EPA - has some very tough regulations on burning: 
http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/massdep/air/quality/open-burning-answers-to-your-burning-questions.html#Whatothertypesofoutdoorfiresareallowed
The Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and your local fire department limit open burning for public health and safety reasons. Open burning pollutes the air and can make it difficult for people with respiratory problems to breathe. When the air is stagnant, open burning can pose smoke and odor nuisances - and health risks - to nearby residents, particularly in densely populated areas. Open burning can also pose a safety risk when it is not adequately controlled. The limits on open burning do not apply to outdoor cooking.


Open Fire Pits - Methuen  (Andover has the same policy.)

Methuen Fire Department's policy concerning the use of "Open Fire Pits" is this:There is no type of special permit required for the use of outdoor fire pits on private property. However, there are some simple rules to follow. 1. Keep the fire small and manageable (less than 3' in diameter).2. Never use wet, damp, or "new" wood. This creates needless, irritating smoke. Always use dry, seasoned wood, charcoal, or specialist fuel (e.g. wood burning briquettes).3. Do not cause a nuisance to neighbors.4. If Methuen Fire Department receives complaints from neighbors that the smoke or smell is bothersome to them, we will investigate, and if deemed necessary, you may be instructed to extinguish, or allow it to burn out.5. The fire pit should be sited on a flat surface that is non-combustible. An area should be cleared around it 15' in all directions of all vegetation and combustibles.6. If using a manufactured fire pit, it is to be placed on a flat and level surface. The fire pit should not wobble at all. 7. If assembly is required, be sure to read the assembly instructions carefully and attach any fastenings securely.8. Do not leave the fire unattended. It could pose a hazard to both children and pets. Note - it is possible to buy a safety guard.9. Make sure that the fire pit is placed away from other materials that could burn or catch fire, both overhead and to the side, such as tree branches, sheds, awnings, clothes lines, fences and plants.10.Use long barbecue tongs to handle wood or food to lessen the risk of burning yourself. A pair of fire gloves would also be useful - the sides of cast iron fire pits in particular get very hot.11.Never use a manufactured fire pit indoors.12.It is advisable to keep a fire extinguisher or garden hose handy, for quick extinguishment if necessary.13.Never use an accelerant to light any fire. There have been cases of people burning themselves while trying to light a fire with a "small amount" of gasoline. The fire will "flash back" on the person, and can cause severe burns, and possibly death.14.You should call Methuen Fire Department prior to lighting your outdoor fire at 978-983-8940 so we are aware that you are conducting outdoor burning.

This last week homeowners have called the Lawrence Fire department after noticing children playing with the burning wood and sparks flying close to their home.  The LFD - didn't make them put the fire out. 

So... what's the answer to the burning question.  Are fire pits legal or illegal in this city? If they are legal, then we all need some guidance, some clarification and something published. 

I'm really fed-up with people doing whatever they want - just because no one is paying attention.  

Update: 9-18-2014 It is illegal. 
As long as you have a package of hot dogs and a garden hose nearby - you can break the law.  And live with the consequences when you burn down your neighbors home. 

Yes, you can Paint a Brass Lamp

It's all about the "prep" and the "paint." 

I picked this lamp up at a yard sale and paid $7.00 for it.  I purchased it because I liked the height and I love the curves,

The lamp is 29" tall from base to the top of the finial.

8" total width from arm to arm.
Weighs 6 pounds - this is a solid sturdy lamp.

If you've recently purchased any lamp, they are not as heavy. Very cheaply made. 

Step 1 - Clean with soap and water.

Step 2 - Sand - not heavy sanding just enough scratching to give the new paint something to grab onto.

Step 3 - Wash off again.

Step 4 - Remove or tape off any parts that should not be painted. Like the electrical cord.

Step 5 - Paint - I used spray paint and I paint outside in the sun. I used cardboard so I can easily move the item I am painting.

I use Rust-oleum or Krylon spray paint. Most of the newer colors already have primer included. But if not - then buy a can of primer. One coat of primer. Let dry.

Step 6 - Spray light even coats and you will never have drips or streaks.

Step 7 - After each coat, I let the item bake in the sun for at least 1 hour.

Step 8 - Let dry inside for at least 24 hours before removing the tape.

I have even baked items in my kitchen oven - and that's the key for a solid finish.

150 degrees F is more than hot enough for at least 1 hour. 

I have found that placing the item on the cardboard on brick or cement heats from both sides rather than putting in on my lawn or table. 

Here's the after.

   

I used Krylon Black Satin

All that's needed is a lampshade! 

My Webpage Blew Up! Dammit!

I haven't posted in months - then I did and my webpage blew up!

My computer blew up!

I've started to rebuild but it takes time. I've lost some post - somehow.

Hang in there. Keep checking back. Not all link works.

I somehow lost my Home page!!!

Jacques Pond Lawrence MA: Not on any map kinda-gem

Jacques Pond in South Lawrence MA - is by far, the most unknown gem in Lawrence. It's not on any map, it's not on any register, no public pictures on the Internet. It's a hidden piece of property owned by the city of Lawrence. So closely guarded is this secret sanctuary, it was just a few years ago I found out it existed. Keep in mind, I'm a 3rd generation Lawrencian and I never knew, but I was born and raised and lived most of my life on Tower Hill near the "RES" (which is on my list to post about) - so maybe that's why.
I'm not even sure how the public would access this little gem. But I'll figure it out.

I'm still digging for information - I am little confused on this gem, it seems to me that if the taxpayers of this city own something - and we asked to clean in on Comcast Clean Lawrence Day  (those that engage in illegal dumping found a way in tho'.) then we should have access to it. Public is not private - right?

Click on the links to read about Jacques Pond there little bits and pieces of information I have found.

Jacques Pond Lawrence Ma Jacques Pond Images - Flicker

Jacques Pond Belongs to the city http://www.valleypatriot.com/2007FEB/2007FEB8-14.pdf

"This is the second year this team has done spring cleaning of the natural open space around the pond as well as the pond itself, since this area was put into custody and
 declared recreational open space for the city. “It is now meant for you and your families to view enjoy and conserve for the future,” wrote Councilor David Abdoo in an e-mail addressed to his constituents." 

RUMBO NEWS page 9

"Jaques Pond Jaques Pond is a small water body located just west of Adams Street in the Mount Vernon neighborhood in South Lawrence. The pond used to be better known but is now largely surrounded by private property with no public access. There is evidence of some dumping adjacent to Adams Street. Jaques Pond is a forgotten landscape that does not appear on most maps and is not listed in the 1997 Open Space and Recreation Plan. There is currently a proposal to develop the South Boylston Street side of the pond, including filling of wetlands." 

ESSEX COUNTY LANDSCAPE INVENTORY

"The Friends of Jacques Pond are currently studying what environmental protections are feasible around the pond by methods that include a zoning change to Open Space Conservation and regulations on storm water management  and snow removal.  The group is hoping to create a handbook with resident input for planning and protection around the pond that addresses the water quality." 

GROUND WORK LAWRENCE OPEN SPACES

Please note: before you head out to this pond - I'd call the city to make sure you will not be trespassing. Not all things are equal in this city.

World's End: Hingham MA Defines scenic beauty

Daderot World's End Hingham Ma|PermissionPublic domain. |ot

Rolling hills and rocky shorelines offer sweeping views of the Boston skyline, while tree-lined carriage paths designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted make delightful walking trails. 

What makes World’s End a special place? We think it’s the tree-lined carriage paths and sweeping views of the Boston skyline, only 15 miles away. The 251-acre coastscape includes rocky shores, broad hillsides, and open fields bracketed by pockets of woodlands. The property is ideal for walking, picnicking, jogging, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, or simply enjoying nature and the outdoors. 

Visit The Trustees website
Trails
4.5 miles of carriage paths and footpaths. Moderate hiking. 

Facilities
When to Visit
World’s End is located on Martin’s Way, Hingham MA. Tel. (781) 740-6665. The million dollar views will only cost you $6 for admission (free for kids and members of the Trustees). 

Public restrooms. Benches. Drinking water fountain. 

Year-round, daily, 8 a.m. to sunset. Allow a minimum of 2 hours.

Walk Into History on the Freedom Trail!

Looking to take the kids somewhere? Try Boston's Freedom Trail

Boston is a world-class city, welcoming, sophisticated and historic. The Freedom Trail offers a unique experience where residents and visitors can become familiar with great stories of a people rising up against a mighty nation to demand civil liberties and freedom. Boston’s involvement in the American Revolution is critical to the telling of the story, for it was here that it all began and where it was launched. Plan your trip to include a walk along the Freedom Trail and visits to the historic sites.

Wikipedia
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile-long (4.0 km) path through downtown Boston, Massachusetts that passes by 16 locations significant to the history of the United States. Marked largely with brick, it winds between Boston Common to the USS Constitution in Charlestown. Stops along the trail include simple explanatory ground markers, graveyards, notable churches and buildings, and a historic naval frigate. While most of the sites are free or suggest donations, the Old South Meeting House, the Old State House, and the Paul Revere House charge admission. The Freedom Trail is overseen by the City of Boston's Freedom Trail Commission^[1] and is supported in part by the Freedom Trail Foundation^[2] and Boston National Historical Park.

The Freedom Trail was originally conceived by local journalist William Schofield, who in 1951 suggested building a pedestrian trail to link together important local landmarks. Boston mayor John Hynes decided to put Schofield's idea into action. By 1953, 40,000 people were walking the trail annually.^[3]

The National Park Service operates a visitor's center on the first floor of Faneuil Hall, where they offer tours, give out free maps of the Freedom Trail and other historic sites, and sell books about Boston and United States history.

Some observers have noted the tendency of the Freedom Trail's narrative frame to omit certain historical locations, such as the sites of the Boston Tea Party and theLiberty Tree.^[4]

Flume Gorge: Franconia Notch State Park

Avalanche Falls at Flume Gorge

The Flume is a natural gorge extending 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty. The walls of Conway granite rise to a height of 70 to 90 feet and are 12 to 20 feet apart. A trip into the Flume begins and ends at the Flume Visitor's Center. Guests can choose to walk through just the Gorge or do a two-mile loop. The walk includes uphill walking and lots of stairs. The boardwalk allows you to look closely at the growth of flowers, ferns, and mosses found here. 

"The Flume Covered BridgeThis picturesque covered bridge is one of the oldest in the state. It was built in the 1886 and has been restored several times. Such bridges were often called “kissing bridges” because of the darkness and privacy they provided. This bridge was built across the scenic Pemigewasset River. Pemigewasset means “swift or rapid current” in the Abenaki Indian language."

For as long as I can remember every summer my parents picked the hottest, muggiest summer day and we headed to the Flume. We continued the tradition - no it doesn't get old and you won't be disappointed.   
Be sure to visit New Hampshire State Parks webpage for more information.

1886 Covered bridge

~CG

Plagiarism is a nasty thing.

"BUT CAN WORDS AND IDEAS REALLY BE STOLEN?
According to U.S. law, the answer is yes. The expression of original ideas is considered intellectual property and is protected by copyright laws, just like original inventions. Almost all forms of expression fall under copyright protection as long as they are recorded in some way (such as a book or a computer file).
ALL OF THE FOLLOWING ARE CONSIDERED PLAGIARISM:

• turning in someone else's work as your own

• copying words or ideas from someone else without giving credit

• failing to put a quotation in quotation marks

• giving incorrect information about the source of a quotation

• changing words but copying the sentence structure of a source without giving credit

• copying so many words or ideas from a source that it makes up the majority of your work, whether you give credit or not (see our section on "fair use" rules)

Most cases of plagiarism can be avoided, however, by citing sources. Simply acknowledging that certain material has been borrowed and providing your audience with the information necessary to find that source is usually enough to prevent plagiarism. See our section on citation for more information on how to cite sources properly."

More here >  http://www.plagiarism.org/plagiarism-101/what-is-plagiarism/

I'm flattered by your fascination with me! But...This blog, is my way of getting my voice heard. Go find your own voice. 

My facebook page was first, slowly to be copied by others and then my twitter page. It's easy to see that every contact you follow came from my pages, DUH! Copying others work and idea happens all the time but my record speaks for itself. 

I say what I mean and I mean what I say.  I don't pretend to be a friend when I'm not. It takes a lot to lose my respect and my friendship. I always give more than one or two chances.  So... those that I have unfriended on facebook and blocked on twitter - it was your big fat mouth your own words than did you in.   

Your behind the scenes bad mouthing of me, and not just me BTW is despicable. People will always remember how you talk about someone and sit back and think... hmm... they must be talking about me too.  


If Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, please don't flatter me. If you say you have integrity, then don't copy my stuff and don't copy other peoples stuff.
Come up with your own ideas - let your own voice be heard.

I didn't mind so much at first, but then the continual (stealing), you know the copy/paste of my work started getting me a tad upset.  Crediting me or asking would have been the decent thing to do.  But...people are cunning.  

If you copy me, you're already 5 steps behind!

Rah!
since 2011

http://www.plagiarism.org/plagiarism-101/what-is-plagiarism/

Loosing sight of the important things in Life

It's all too easy to lose sight of the importance of your loved ones in your life when you become too worried about things like jobs, and money, safety and all of that.  

For several years I've had an obsession about how I felt the city I live in should be run. Mostly regarding the public safety issues. I want to feel safe in my own home, yard or walking in a park. While not an unreasonable thing to want - I realize that changes are slow to happen and the safety issues are not going to change here. And my safety nor my families safety is not paramount to anyone but me. 

Blogging about the city I live in is toxic, when I see, hear or read about an injustice I get really upset and fire back. I do get angry. I have a low threshold for... well bullshit. I'm not a patient person - when it comes to people not doing their job or looking for accolades at the expense of others. The grandstanding by politicians, while it goes on in every city, is over the top. And it all comes down to - no they really don't care about the individual.  

A few weeks ago I got into a car accident and it brought back to me a something my mother always said to me before she passed away. "Never hold your standards up to anyone else, they will always let you down."  I was so worried about her I lost sight of everything else. It was anger. I'll be honest that accident shook me up a bit. While I was home I thought about all the things I didn't finish. Did I call my sister, did I call my son or did I wait for them to call me or did I just text them? I have a son in the military - any day he could get deployed overseas, that is a constant worry. It's always on my mind. Those that don't have a family member in the military, can't understand that kind of daily stress. They don't understand that '"boots on the ground" mean my son's boots. 
  
I also realized I have a lot of important things going on in my life that need my attention. This city is going to make it or not - with or without my blogging. My choice is to leave the needy and toxic people in this city behind and move on. You won't be reading about Lawrence anymore - not from me - not the good, the bad or the ugly. It's just a place I happen to live. 
With that said, my priorities are back on track. 

My real passion (aside from my husband) is making and designing jewelry and the only thing that comes close is DIY projects. I love working old furniture and upscaling (any) vintage item into something beautiful and useful. 

I'm an experienced business owner (my husband and I)  ran a small computer shop for 15 years. We were and are a great team. Since I started selling my items online I have made some significant inroads. Although I've had zero community support, I have had lots and lots of support from customers, family, and friends and believe it or not - other communities. It's due to the lack of community support here (and no business can survive with support from the community) I'm looking to a more friendly community to open a shop. I need a shop for the bigger items and I need customers walking in the door - I won't find that here. That's just a fact and a business decision. We all have to make money why not make money doing something I love.  I am great with customers  (blog bashing aside), I must be since I still have many customers even today that won't go anywhere else. I've completed dozen and dozens of projects - sold hundreds of items online and more by word of mouth.  I need to grow, I need to be able to let the creative side out and quite honestly, I'm also bored writing about my hometown - it's always the same. 

Massachusetts Facts Famous Firsts

Massachusetts Facts

Preamble to the Constitution of the Commonwealth, 1780

Written by John Adams, Samuel Adams, and James Bowdoin"The end of the institution, maintenance and administration of government, is to secure the existence of the body-politic, to protect it, and to furnish the individuals who compose it, with the power of enjoying in safety and tranquility their natural rights, and the blessings of life: And whenever these great objects are not obtained, the people have a right to alter the government, and to take measures necessary for their safety, prosperity and happiness. The Body-Politic is formed by a voluntary association of individuals: It is a social compact, by which the whole people convenants with each Citizen, and each Citizen with the whole people, that all shall be governed by certain Laws for the Common good. It is the duty of the people, therefore, in framing a Constitution of Government, to provide for an equitable mode of making laws, as well as for an impartial interpretation, and a faithful execution of them; that every man may, at all times, find his security in them.

We, therefore, the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging, with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe, in affording us, in the course of His Providence, an opportunity, deliberately and peaceably, without fraud, violence or surprize, on entering into an Original, explicit, and Solemn Compact with each other; and of forming a new Constitution of Civil Government, for Ourselves and Posterity, and devoutly imploring His direction in so interesting a design, Do agree upon, ordain and establish, the following Declaration of Rights, and Frame of Government, as the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts."

Famous Firsts in Massachusetts

For over three hundred years, Massachusetts has led the nation and the world in many ways. Here are just a few of them:

1621 - The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in Plymouth.

1629 - The first tannery in the U.S. began operations in Lynn.

1634 - Boston Common became the first public park in America.

1635 - The first American public secondary school, Boston Latin Grammar School, was founded in Boston.

1636 - Harvard, the first American university, was founded in Newtowne (now Cambridge).

1638 - The first American printing press was set up in Cambridge by Stephen Daye.

1639 - The first free American public school, the Mather school, was founded in Dorchester, a neighborhood of Boston. Also, the first post office in America was Richard Fairbanks' tavern in Boston.

1650 - The first American ironworks were established in Saugus.

1653 - The first American public library was founded in Boston.

1686 - Oxford became the first non-Puritan town.

1704 - The first regularly issued American newspaper, "The Boston News-Letter", was published in Boston.

1716 - The first American lighthouse was built in Boston Harbor.

1775 - The first battle of the Revolution was fought in Lexington and Concord, and the first ship of the U.S. Navy, the schooner "Hannah", was commissioned in Beverly.

1780 - First State Constitution.

1789 - The first American novel, William Hill Brown's "The Power of Sympathy", was published in Worcester.

1803 - The Middlesex Canal, the first canal built for commercial use in the United States, was completed.

1806 - The first church built by free blacks in America, the African Meeting House, opened on Joy Street in Boston.

1826 - The first American railroad was built in Quincy.

1827 - Francis Leiber opened the first swim school in America. Among the first to enroll was John Quincy Adams.

1831 - The first abolitionist newspaper, "The Liberator", was published in Boston by William Lloyd Garrison.

1837 - Samuel Morse invented the electric telegraph based on Morse Code, a simple pattern of "dots" and dashes.

1839 - Rubber was first vulcanized by Charles Goodyear in Woburn.

1840 - The typewriter was invented by Charles Thurber in Worcester.

1845 - The first sewing machine was made by Elias Howe in Boston.

1846 - The first public demonstration of ether anesthetic was given in Boston.

1850 - The first National Women's Right Convention convenes in Worcester.

1865 - Robert Ware of M.I.T. began the first professional training program for architects. Prior to this, architects trained in Europe or learned through apprenticeship.

1866 - The first African-American legislators in New England were elected to the General Court.

1875 - The first American Christmas card was printed by Louis Prang in Boston.

1876 - The first telephone was demonstrated by Alexander Graham Bell in Boston.

1877 - Helen Magill White becomes the first woman to earn a Ph.D in the U.S. at Boston University.

1881 - The Country Club in Brookline became the first dedicated to "outdoor pursuits".

1886 - The first transformer was demonstrated by William Stanley in Great Barrington.

1888 - The first electric trolley in the state runs from Lynn.

1891 - The first basketball game was played in Springfield. Also, Kennedy Biscuit Workers (later Nabisco) used a machine invented by James Henry Mitchell to mass-produce the first Fig Newton Cookies and named them for Newton, MA.

1893 - The first successful gasoline-powered auto was perfected by Charles and Frank Duryeain in Springfield.

1895 - The first volleyball game was played in Holyoke.

1896 - Landscape architect Charles Eliot developed Revere Beach as the first public beach in America.

1897 - April 19,1897 was the first Boston Marathon. The race was run from Boston to Ashland and the starting field was 15 runners. John J. McDermott was the winner.

1898 - The first American subway system was opened in Boston.

1926 - The first successful liquid fuel rocket was launched by Dr. Robert Goddard in Auburn.

1928 - The first computer, a non-electronic "differential analyzer", was developed by Dr. Vannevar Bush of M.I.T. in Cambridge.

1944 - And, not to be outdone by M.I.T., Howard Aiken of Harvard developed the first automatic digital computer.

1961 - The first nuclear-powered surfaceship, USS Long Beach, was launched in Quincy.