Boats by frozen lake

North Andover, MA

After I took this picture and climbed the hill towards North Andover Green, I decided that the legs were moving and it was it was time to think about something other than how cold it was.  I started counting wreaths from the top of the hill and got to 303 on the way to Pfizer.  I thought that I was seeing a lot from my bike, but the wreath count exercise showed how much I don’t see.  It was challenging to keep up the count and distinguish round wreaths from garlands and bows while keeping an eye on the road and traffic. 

Sunrise over Marsh

Marsh is in Boxford, MA, view from the back door.
Patrick took this picture of wind and dogs at the beach in Ipswich on his excursion with the dog while I was at work.  It looks a lot more inviting than the view of my desk.

PRAYER America's Only Hope

Topsfield, MA

It's very unusual to see a religious sign on a lawn in this area.  I disagree with the statement, but it did give me something to think about for a while while pedaling on a gray morning.

Hiker strips down to ice blue dress and long white gloves

Boxford, MA

Red and Yellow Plastic Men in Snow

North Andover, MA

Spotted a variety of items on the curb post Christmas this morning.   These teams of plastic men in formation on a table with legs removed brought the thoughts back to my family's beloved wooden 
 foosball table.  Hopefully, it has not come to such an ignominious end. 

 Once I came past the North Andover Green, my eyes were drawn to the wreaths on many, actually most, of the homes along my commute route.  There was a tremendous number of them and I regretted not counting them along the ride.  I did count about 20 at the intersection in downtown Andover, including reflections in windows, and I counted over 50 wreaths from the intersection to 1 mile further along my route.  I had so much looking for the wreaths that it was the most joyful commute I've ever had. 

Andover, MA
house of many wreaths

Boxford, MA
classic colonial on the return trip

Backyard winter branches

Silly Dog, Frisbee, and Shadow picture

Andover, MA

There is a stone sundial on this hill and a view of buildings in Boston, surrounded by a whole lot of New England tree cover.  Patrick took this picture of Mocha.   This is my view of birch on the same hill.

A hawk flew over when I was running in Boxford later in the day.  This is the 3rd afternoon run in a row that I've seen a hawk fly low over the road. 

Christmas Eve bicycle ride

 Andover, MA

 North Andover, MA

Boxford, MA

Fantasy Christmas Tree

Boxford, MA

LAWN MOWER REPAIRS

Haverhill, MA
I liked this for a few reasons
it's shockingly out of season
the advertisement by painting on wall seems quaint in this time of internet, billboard, and glossiness
you really cannot get more simple than this

There is a similar shop in North Andover, on my commute from my former apartment.  I'll try to get over that way for that matching photo another day.

Beastie heads to points north