16 Days In - Progress Report

Peeps...
Out of the last 16 days, I have succeeded in getting in a 45 minute session fourteen days on the Cybex stationary cycle, after which my tee shirt quite literally could not be more soaked than if I wore it in Tommy O's swimming pool at the 4th of July.

Which translates into a serious  series of MOAM workouts.

This Saturday morning, in keeping with my pathetic commitment to report  my progress to you, I am happy to disclose the following.

• I feel freaking great... from a general standpoint.... just much more comfortable as I sit and move during the day.
• I've lost 11 lbs. and my clothes fit much better.
• I can feel tone in my ass and legs.
• I can do push ups again.  When I started on New Year's Day, I most embarrassingly could not do one. Yesterday I did 13 in a row.
• I feel more alert and attentive at work... and stress out much less often.
• I don't get sluggish in the afternoon, whereas before by three in the afternoon, I frequently had to fight off fatigue to attend to work issues.

Don't get me wrong.... I'm still a loud, somewhat obnoxiously opinionated, cranky, bastard,

But my secret fear.....that embarking on this lifestyle change would turn me into a mushy headed Liberal.... has not materialized.  Thank the Creator for that!!!!!

It hasn't been all Goose Down and Rose Petals though.

I still have this nagging voice when it is time to workout  in the late afternoon that urges me to blow it off for any particular reason, and I have to fight through that urge.   And the workouts are hard and painful.   Halfway through, I think about quitting and worry that the session will never end.

But it does end, and I am rewarded with a sense of satisfaction and achievement when it is over.... along with the soaked tee shirt.   Then I shower, weigh myself and record the whole thing on an Excel spreadsheet which projects the progress that my present condition has on meeting the August 1 goal.

And it gets worse Peeps.....

Yesterday I went down to Marblehead cycle and priced out a nice Trek Road Bike that I plan to purchase in the Spring.  Man,,, those bikes have changed since I bought my CCM ten speed back in 1971.

What It is Like to be Black

It often comes up when you talk about race relations with Black people, that White people don't know what it is like to be Black.

OK.... I find that to be indisputable.

But I get the distinct feeling that Black people think that if you are White, then you have got it made.  Everything opens up to you because you are White.  Which of course, is BullShit.

It is an unfortunate misconception, and I think that it leads some Black people to think that the challenges they face are solely because they are Black..... when often the same challenges of life affect their White counterparts.

I truly and perhaps naively believe that we have reached a place in our society where class and race only limit you if you use your status as a crutch, and fail to confront head on the challenges that you face.  This wasn't the case when I was a young man, but I believe it to be true now.

So I said it.... let the Political Correctness Police condemn me to Hell.

This is Becoming Apparent

"Men don't fail to climb the mountain because they are old.
They are old because they fail to climb the mountain."
- Christos Laganos

198 - Planning a Fashion Statement

198 Days to go.

I am right on target with my weight loss program after 15 days, but I'm actually more excited about some other benefits.

I've regularly been downing 12oz Mason Jars of tap water during the day and doing pushups after every daily 45 minute sweat session on the Cybex stationary cycle.

The Cybex sessions are getting easier and I add a pushup a day to my PR total since staring this regime.  This is bound to level off in the next 15 days or so.

But the immediate benefit that I've noticed is the disappearance of a host of aches and pains that I had previously accepted as signs of ageing.  There was a time, not so long ago, when a wrench or screwdriver lying on the floor mean't some pain bending down and picking it up.  And walking up stairs just had an automatic dosage of knee pain.

I noticed today that these little aches and pains were gone.

I also prefer water with my meals rather than fruit juice or whatever other beverage was in the refrigerator.   And I don't just automatically reach for a beer or glass of wine at the end of the day.

My schedule calls for me losing a little less than 2 lbs. per week, and the current routine obviously supports this.   I suspect that after having lost 25 lbs or so, that it will be tougher to maintain this rate. Christos gave me a heads up with this, and I believe it.

But this is a lifestyle change, not just a weight loss program.   I intend to create a habit of vigorous daily exercise that will last long after the lbs are gone.

And my Fat Boy clothes are really starting to loosen up.   Most of the clothes in my closet used to fit when I was 15 lbs lighter, so sometime in March I hope to tap into a large collection of  khakis, which, as Joanne likes to remind me, have all gone out of style.

But maybe they'll be coming back into fashion this spring.

The Real Deal

Mayor Marty Walsh of Boston just gave his State of the City speech and hit a home run.

He stated his positions without giving blame or making someone the fall guy.   It was an all inclusive speech that laid out his values and vision in a sincere and inspiring fashion.  No pretension, no preaching, no finger pointing.

This guy just may be the real deal..... something that I have rarely seen in a politician

202 - the Right Thing To Do

With 202 days to go and 11 days on this regime to change my exercise habits and make working out my top priority, I think it is working.   Not because of the weight loss, but because of the thought process.

Now when I wake up in the morning, I don't think about how I can fit in my workout around everything I have to do....Instead I think of how to get things done around my workout.

As the "Younger Next Year" book asserts, exercise and your health are your job.   And if you take into account that your career and business cannot progress adequately unless you are in top physical condition, it makes sense.

A key facet to assimilating this premise is the realization that good health is not automatic.   As you get older, you don't stay strong and control your weight without attending to the aerobic exercise requirement that your ancestors programmed into you.

And as you get older and your economic picture matures, you frequently have the means to afford bad habits.

If you want to have a pizza and a six pack of beer for dinner, or a supersized Big Mac Meal for lunch, the cash is there and you have no impediment to satisfying your cravings.   I remember  when I was young and lean, I never had the financial means to buy anything that I felt like immediately eating.

Basically, if you have disposable income, there is a tendency to finance takeout and beverages as the desire arises.   If you have also left your schoolboy athletic career behind, the result is a gain in weight.     Plus your metabolism changes when you get older, but your appetite doesn't,   So more pounds eating the same stuff.

Once I realized that this was happening, I started resolving to exercise more.... but I never made it a top priority.  There was always business or job needs to attend to, and youth hockey games to attend, and almost anything else that came along that would push exercise off of the agenda.

But a health alert or a mirror image was not the factor that set off the alarm bell with me.   I had seen a number of my people my age and older stay in great shape, and while I admired them, I had no need to emulate their lifestyle.

Bob Towne, my UMass college roommate, is a nationally recognized ultra distance runner, and has competed in 100 mile runs.   Harvey Rowe, my former business partner, is an accomplished tri-athlete and never misses a day of working out despite his business and charity work.   Christos Laganos, my old classmate and new found Facebook friend, who turned me on to the "Younger Next Year"book, through-hiked the Appalachian Trail when he turned 60 and takes 100 mile bike rides with impunity.

Even though these guys are my age and older, my basic attitude has been "Cool" for them.  What rang the bell for me was my closet.

I have multiple pairs of size 36 and 38 waist pants that I can no longer wear, and a ton of XL sweaters that are now uncomfortable.  But when size 40 trousers started to be tight and hard to button, and I actually started to look for a 42 to wear, but couldn't find that size in entire stores up in North Conway, I decided that this trend had to be reversed.   Time to find a way back into clothes that I already own, rather than buy all new Fat Boy sizes.

Plus Kate keeps giving me momentos of her wedding, with pictures of her as the beautiful bride and me as the Jolly Fat Dad.   Up till now, I was happy to look at her visage and tried to ignore the Fat Guy standing next to her in the photos.   But Mike's wedding is gearing up to be held in the White Mountains in August and I want his and Pam's album to show a different MOAM.

Then Laganos turned me on to the "Younger Next Year" book by Chris Crowley and Dr. Henry S. Lodge, which seemed to me to be a handbook on how to manage tthe last third of your life.  It points out that you can live into your 80's and 90's with vigorous health rather than debilitating pains and illnesses.  It makes perfect logical sense, and seems foolish not to follow this advice.

So that's the background to why this Sunday morning..... the day after the Patriots beat the Ravens in a great playoff game.... my first priority is to pedal one hour on the Cybex until my tee shirt is dripping wet with sweat, then doing as many pushups as I can before my arms turn all girlyman.  And that is the right thing to do.

202 - Saturday Agenda

With 202 days to go, this Saturday will be important and your MOAM has prepared a meticulous agenda.

• Make a trash  run to the Marblehead Dump.
• Finish up some Invoices at Nanepashemet Telecom and mail.
• Complete the Crown Moulding in the Master Bathroom.
• Put in a 45 minute Sweat Show on the Cybex.
• Follow with Push Ups for a new Fat Boy PR.
• Hang upside down for awhile on the Teeter Inversion Rack.
• Shower and get ready for Football.
• Watch the Patriots annihilate the Baltimore Ravens in their march to the Super Bowl.
• Celebrate a Good day with one or two glasses of Lagavulin 16 year old Single Malt.

It's already 8:00 AM and I'm behind schedule.

203 - Eight Push Ups.

Peeps....
Many times I've reminded you about how the Mountain of a Man is Rough, Tough,  Hard to Bluff, and Damn Good Looking.
~
Which is an inexorable and undisputed Law of the Universe as I'm sure you can see.....is readily apparent.
~
But my confession to you is that when I started this journey at the beginning of the year, I could barely muster one push up.

Today... the MOAM did Eight.

How bad is it that I'm pumped that I only did eight pushups after my 45 minute Cybex sweat session?
I Know... pretty freaking bad.
~
But as Lao Tzu has said in the timeless Tao Te Ching..."A Journey of 10,000 mile begins with a Single Step."

So don't be giving me a lot of crap.... I've got Lao Tzu on my side!   Who the Hell do you Know????

204... No Regrets

Today started out good.  I knew that I had to attend to Katelyn and Brady's real estate closing at some point, so I put on my gym shorts in zero degree weather to get on the Cybex sometime in the morning.

Had at least 48 oz. of tap water before 9:30AM so it seemed that I was on the program big time.

Then the call came to take care of the closing issues by 2:00PM in my old stomping grounds, Highland Ave. in Needham, and I had to get the funds to Katelyn in Manchester.  No big deal, but I decided to take Katelyn to Beverly and back to make the bank deposit which added an additional 45 minutes.

All would have been a go to get on the Cybex by 4:00 or so.... then Joanne called and said that the Mach V had broken down in Marblehead at Ryan and Kim's house..... which called for another hour delay waiting for a mechanic.

By the time I got back to the West Shore Drive house, I only had enough time to grab dinner then head to Lynn for Frank Calnan's wake at the Cuffe McGinn Funeral Home on Maple Street next to St. Pius Church.

Calnan was the Building Commissioner in Lynn for years, and he used to take great amusement in busting my balls when I would ask him a zoning question as a wet behind the ears junior planner in the Lynn Planning Department back in the 70's.

He was tough, but a savvy straight shooter, and I learned a lot from him in those formative years when I had my first job fresh out of college.  The thought came to mind to blow off his wake, and I felt really guilty just thinking about it, so I blew off the workout instead.

Glad I did go, as I connected with some of the extended Calnan family who I have not seen for years and were really important in my life for twenty five years or so.  His younger brother, Ed, was my boss and first mentor when I worked for him as Deputy Director of the Lynn Community Department, and his older brother, Bill was my Deputy Director when I was the Executive Director of the Lynn Housing Authority.    Bill's son, Kevin Calnan, a former State Trooper and now a Lawyer on the North Shore, used to meet me for five years in a row at the Nahant Causeway every Saturday morning at 7:30 for a five mile run.  We never phoned or scheduled it... we just would show up and run. It was good to see Ed and Kevin, and I only wish I could have seen Bill, who passed a few years ago.

Frank had a large Irish family that I had only known as kids swarming around his Chatham Street house.  They were all grown up and striking in appearance... a fitting legacy for a good, hard working man who seemed to live a good life.

RIP Frank Calnan.
Say Hello to your Brother Bill Calnan and my Dad, John Nestor.

To make a long story short, I skipped my workout today.... with no regrets.

205 to go.

With 205 days to go, I have lost 8 lbs, since this healthy eating and exercise regime began two days before New Year's Day.  It's not praiseworthy, because those pounds were way over the top for me.... to the point where my already fat boy pants were really uncomfortable.  I'm technically ahead of schedule to meet the goal weight, although this rate of loss will surely decline drastically,

But now the pants feel fine....  and I have brought the belt in a notch...even though I freely realize that my pants are indeed fat boy pants that I have to discard in short order.
~
I basically have only missed one day of getting a good 45 minute burn on Cybex daily.

That happened yesterday when I really felt like crap.... although most of it was undoubtedly rat race work related.

Changes that I have made to date include drinking a 12 oz glass of water as soon as I awake in the morning, and making sure that I down a Mason Jar 12 oz glass at least four times during the work day.

I have also taken conscious note of everything that I put in my mouth, and question if I really need to eat.  Granted..... sometimes when the answers are that the couple crackers, or piece of cheese are not necessary .....I eat them anyway.   But I think that the process keeps me from eating the volume that I formerly would eat without a thought.

And the vigorous 45 minute sweat sessions on the Cybex have the added effect of curbing my appetite.  Plus you feel so good after you're done.

207 to Go.

After four days of 45 minute sessions on the Cybex, I feel discernibly good.  Plus every day, I was able to add an additional pushup to my routine at the end of the ride.  It would be cool if by goal date I could do 207 pushups at one time, but I don't think things work that way.

We'll see though.

Katelyn and Brady's condo passing is right in the middle of my scheduled workout time today, so I will have to alter the pattern.   I assume that this will be the rule rather than the exception, but I would really like to keep to the 2:30 afternoon routine as much as possible.

And yes.... I lost about one pound.   In the future, I will develop a metric for reporting this, but I have to ease into it.

Chicken Little

The ICE Age has passed but is sure to return.   Please Liberals.... DO SOMETHING!!!!!

208

Yesterday, we had dinner with our old Beverly Ave. Neighbors, Tommy and Linda O'Shea, and Jim and Kathy Peabody.

Jim is a charcoal grilling aficionado and he had rotisseried a roast beef.   Tommy O brought his brother Jimmy's award winning clam chowder and Kathy served some incredible stuffed quahogs.

Meanwhile, Linda finished knitted a hat for Katelyn's baby soon to emerge.  The workmanship in her beautiful sweater, blanket and hat for my coming Grandson is unexcelled.

It was a nice evening, and I absolutely overate and drank too many Angry Orchard Hard Ciders.

A big part of my losing weight resolution revolves around eating purposefully rather than indulgently,   And I have to say that in the past, I would have chowed down on the pepperoni and potato chips that Kathy had set out while we waited for the roast to cook.  But eating with good friends and enjoying the food that they are excited to serve to you is something that I can't curb.
It doesn't happen that often and is a part of my life that I would never change.

This morning, my friend and healthy life mentor, Christos Laganos, posted on Facebook that he thought my 60 lb. loss goal might be unrealistic and possibly unhealthy in the next nine months. I heard his words.

I am going to integrate the daily aerobic priority, add some strength training and eat purposefully rather than indulgently. Wherever this path leads, I will accept, but I have to believe that substantial lbs. will drop if I can make this habitual choice over the course of this year. I have pledged to drop 60 by August, but If not 60, it will be what it is. Eventually, I hope to live the rest of my life lugging less than 200 lbs around.

 I like the idea, expounded in the book "Younger Next Year", that getting your daily workout in is a job... an obligation to you and those who depend upon you.... rather than an accessory daily activity. That mindset changes a lot because I never miss a day of work

Christos posted on Facebook, " you will struggle to lose weight at first, then you will see good results followed by a plateau. This stage is where most people pack it in and fold. Just soldier on. Eventually your metabolism will begin the slow, permanent change that your new lifestyle will shape. Then you will resume a slow but steady weight loss, in the order of 2 pounds a month until you reach your ideal weight. For you that will probably be around 175-180 pounds. Do the math. That might take 2-3 years. By then you will be locked into your lifestyle."

Like I said before, Christos knows his shit.   I would like to transform as soon as possible, but his logic compounded by personal experience cannot be denied.

209 to go

Two Hundred Nine days to go.

It's been three days since I threw down the gauntlet and told you Peeps that I was sick of being called "Big Guy".... which is always a euphemism for "Fat Shit".

Since that time, I have hit the Cybex Stationary Cycle for two 45 min. sessions and started a routine of push ups and wheel ab stretches..... as in .... it is nearly impossible for me to do a couple at this time.... but that will change.  The next Cybex workout will be in an hour or so.

More importantly, I have resolved to get an aerobic workout in six times a weeks, and a weight workout in two times a week.... and stop eating crap.

This prescription comes from a book that I read this morning,  "Younger Next Year" by Chris Crowley and Dr. Henry S. Lodge, published by Workman Publishing in 2007.  Christos Laganos told me that this was one of the books that changed his life and I can easily recognize how Chris has benefited by comparing points made in the book with the way he and his wife, Yolanda, live their life.

The book gives a scientific basis for why exercise is crucial in modern lifestyles and mandates in non-negotiable terms that daily vigorous aerobic exercise is essential to a a healthy life.... and that you have to treat working out in the same manner as if it were your job.

In analyzing how to meet this resolution, it became clear that it will not happen by simply saying to myself to get up and exercise every morning.   I had to go back to a time when vigorous exercise was a way of life.... when I was in school and on the track team.  Back then, every workout started between two-thirty and three o'clock in the afternoon.   So I marked off two hours everyday on my Google calendar between two-thirty and four-thirty.

Since my job gives me a lot of flexibility, I have carefully calculated how this routine can be accomplished while still meeting all of the obligations of Nanepashemet Telecom.  Basically, most business happens in the morning, processing mid-morning to early afternoon.  Not much happens after lunch, but a lot of people like to tie things up late in the afternoon before the business day is over.  

So the 2:30 time slot is probably the best chance for exercise success.

My hope and belief is that I can keep up this routine for the next 209 days.... and that about sixty seven lbs. of me will have disappeared by that time

Peep of the Year - 2015

The Day has Come.
The Hour is Now.

I know that some of you live in anxiety for weeks before this date.... fretting, conspiring, praying, and hoping against all hope that you are either named the Nanepashemet Peep of the Year... or that you are spared the Honor/Disgrace.

Those who have been among the chosen are enshrined into a coveted/distained Brotherhood/Sisterhood that only they can truly experience.

Tom McMahon ~ 2007

Lauren Rathbone ~ 2008

Michael "Murph" Murphy ~ 2009

Jeremy Johnson ~ 2010

Tommy O'Shea ~ 2011

Kerry D'Orio ~ 2012

Brady Boyle ~ 2013

Kim Hause (now Kim Nestor) -  2014

Many of these people were profoundly changed during their POTY reign.  Others think that they emerged unscathed yet are obviously affected at a deeply psychological level.... It just hasn't manifested as of yet.

Rest assured that the selection process was meticulously adhered to this year.... many were deemed truly worthy due to either inspirational or annoying happenstance... and the choice is never an easy one.

A complex and scientific algorithm has been developed to guide the selection this year.... vs. the old days when the MOAM used to flip the dice and broadcast the momentous decision.   Many many factors have been considered.... none of which can ever be disclosed.

But since even I am getting tired of slinging this Blog Bull...... it is now time to disclose the fortunate/disparate selection.

ANNOUNCING the Nanepashemet Peep of the Year for 2015....

PAM GEORGIAN
https://www.facebook.com/pam.georgian

Don't be getting all slobbery about this Pam.... and for the love of God.... don't starting wailing "WHY ME,   WHY ME   WHY ME", as has so often happened in the past by the flabbergasted recipients of this incipient selection.

Your life has now profoundly changed, and it is time for you to start enjoying/enduring your reign until this time next year....when you will look back with appropriate amazement at the emotive and substantial power of the POTY.

Day One - Big Guy Journey

Yesterday, in a pique of frustration, I dropped my guard and let you Peeps in on my resolution to weigh less than 200lbs come August first of 2015.  Then to make things worse, I dedicated myself to keep you informed of the MOAM's progress.

Probably not the best move on my part.... but a commitment is something that is kept seriously in this pathetic version of reality where the MOAM dwells.... most of the time.

So this morning, waking up in North Conway, Joanne surprised me with a breakfast of pancakes and bacon after which I got caught up in putting out fires at Nanepashemet Telecom, grabbing a bowl of clam chowder as the fire raged in cyberspace until 2:00 in the afternoon.

Then we motored back to Marblehead to check in on Kate's move.

Some leftover chicken for dinner and the freaking day was over without any exercise of any sort other than keeping the Mach V on the road to Massachusetts.

My friend Christos Laganos has recommended two books for me to read as I begin this challenge, which I ordered from Amazon right away.

Chris is my age.... we were in the First Grade at the Highland School in Lynn together about a half century ago.....  and he "through hiked" the Appalachian Trail two summers ago.  If he says these books should be read, then I am freaking going to read them because he obviously knows his shit.

Granted, I made absolutely no weight loss progress today.... but tomorrow will be another story.

Also tomorrow is the selection day for the Nanepashemet Peep of the Year, so it will be no ordinary day.

MOAM Meditative Moments

Peeps…
Those of you who are particularly close to the Mountain of a Man know that the New Year is a time for solemn reflection and MOAM meditative moments.

And rightly so…. Now is the time of year for both a review of past resolutions and and reconstitution of new ones.
  
It’s always a downer to look at past resolutions….. things can get too critical to the point where self reflection draws a conclusion that your Mountain of a Man is a Pussy, Loser, Girly-Man.  Course we know that can’t be the case, but year after year, I resolve to lose weight and get in shape…. and year after year I end up during the Holiday Season struggling to find clothes that I can button without great exertion and discomfort.

WTF….

But this year is going to be different.  Mike gets married in August up in the White Mountains of New Hampshire this year, and the wedding photo will show a newly invented, lean and fit MOAM. 

How will this happen???? 

I really have no freaking idea… except for the fact that this year, I resolve to try, observe and record every aspect of my weight situation until that fateful morning, 214 days from today, when I will suit up in a rented tuxedo tipping the scales at below 200 lbs.

Those of you who can guess my current weight will retort with a comment much like, “No EFFING WAY!!!”  And I don’t blame you.

But I lay my claim here,… in front of all of you Pernicious, Pulsating, yet Wholesome and Benevolent Peeps….that I will achieve this resolution by August 1, 2015 or be a willing victim to your scorn and vilification.

OK… I realize that you already send a great deal of scorn and vilification my way as it is…. but this is different
.
This time, I will join you in in you vile thought and emotion… and that I cannot condone.

So I’ve made this resolution in front of you and the world…. And to juice things up a bit, I will be happy to report the progress in the March to August.  Not that I would counsel you to follow this pathetic and slightly narcissistic process on my part.   This is your burden, as a Nanepashemet Peep..... to mindlessly marvel at the MOAM moments that move towards you as we enter yet another mundane yet miraculous year in the Nanepashemet journey entitled 2015….

Resolution Formulation

Went to participate in some of the after Christmas sales today.

For some reason, I have no problem buying 2xl sweaters and shirts, but it really galls be to buy anything larger than a 38 waist pant.

So I can see a resolution starting to formulate which will deal with the long standing topic of weight loss.

That and upping the quality of my banjo playing ability.

Peep of the Week for the 50th week of 2014

For the second time in the last few weeks, an enlightened soul has bestowed upon me the gift of 16 year old Lagavulin Single Malt Scotch Whiskey.  You will recall that my Son-in-Law, Brady Boyle, committed the class act at the Thanksgiving Bash.

It may seem to the rest of you that this country is going to hell in a hand basket.... what with cops being murdered and racial turmoil erupting in the face of our first Black Presidency.... with North Koreans censoring American corporations and Muslim Marathon Bombers defended by nutcase protesters....

Need I go on?

No, I need not.

But how can you not be upbeat when at the Nanepashemet Telecom Holiday Luncheon, our data input specialist, Catherine Elsier whips out a bottle of the King of Scotch and presents it to your MOAM?  Seems like she thinks that my letter to my alma mater, recommending that Catherine be accepted into the Masters of Public Health program at Boston University, held sway in securing her a spot in that elite program.

In reality, BU probably is as knowledgeable about my attendance as Columbia is of our POTUS.... my records are not sealed but must have crumbled with age by this time.  Catherine undoubtedly got the nod because she is a promising young talent that Boston University realizes will add to its prestige and endow alumni contributions for the long term.

Anyway....

Catherine is an Automatic Peep of the Week in accordance with the time honored ritual that governs such selections.

ANNOUNCING....

NANEPASHEMET PEEPS OF THE WEEK FOR THE 50TH WEEK OF 2014.

Catherine Elsier - Automatic

Gilbert Shaw
Jeb Bush
Kim Nestor
Vince Wilfork

Megyn Kelly

Nice to see a young lady like Catherine making such a big time gesture.
It gives me hope for the future.

Plus, Ryan polished off the bottle that Brady gave me.   I'm hiding this one from him behind the Vodka and Gin Bottles when he and Kim come by Christmas Eve.

Rigatoni Pasta Pie

I copied this recipe from Facebook where it was shared by Judy Goodman.

Rigatoni Pasta Pie:
1 lb rigatoni pasta
1 lb ground beef (I used ground sirloin)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1 small jar size of your homemade sauce
cooking spray
salt
1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
4oz cream cheese
15oz ricotta cheese
2 eggs
1 tsp basil
1 tsp oregano
1 cup onion
spring form pan

DIRECTIONS:
Boil the noodles according to the directions on the box. Stop cooking when they're still very firm and avoid stirring so they do not fall apart. Once done, drain and run cold water over so they are cool enough to handle. You can add a little bit of oil if they start to stick.

Brown the ground beef and drain excess grease. Add chopped onion and garlic. After about 5 minutes add cream cheese and stir until melted. Add spaghetti sauce next.

Use a small mixing bowl to mix the ricotta, Parmesan, basil, oregano and 2 eggs until smooth. Set aside.
Tightly pack pasta into pan, standing each piece on end. Use cooking spray on the bottom of the spring form pan first to avoid sticking. Put a zip lock bag inside a tall glass and fill the bag with the cheese mixture. Close the bag and snip the corner of the bag and pipe a small amount into each noodle. After piping, pour the red sauce over the whole top and push down as much as possible.

Top with 2 cups of mozzarella cheese. (Recipe calls for 2 cups but you could use low fat or skim to cut calories.)

Bake at 350 for 20 minutes and then broil until the cheese turns bubbly.

Popovers

50 min
Prep:
10 min
Cook:
40 min
Yield:8 popovers
Level:Easy
Next Recipe
Ingredients
3 tablespoons melted butter, divided
2 eggs
1 cup milk, warmed for 30 seconds in the microwave (should be lukewarm to warm)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Directions
Special equipment: muffin tin

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Using a pastry brush, coat 8 muffin cups with 1 tablespoon of the melted butter and put the tin in the oven for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, mix the eggs in a blender until light yellow. Add the warmed milk and blend. Add the flour, salt and remaining melted butter, and blend until smooth. Pour the batter into the warmed muffin tin and return it to the oven to bake until golden, about 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve warm.

Recipe courtesy Melissa d'Arabian

Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/melissa-darabian/fool-proof-popovers-recipe.html?oc=linkback

The Public Trough

Peeps...
There are those among you who know that this MOAM is a proud alum of the University of Massachusetts - Amherst where I earned a Baccalaureate Degree in Political Science with Honors no less, and learned a lot about a whole bunch of other stuff during my four formative years there.

So you would think that when I watch the nicely done promotional ads that air on the Boston media detailing the positive environment at UMASS...... that I would have a sense of satisfaction and pride.... and you would be wrong.

UMASS is a great place, a great school, a fantastic asset for the state.   But so is Brandeis, Harvard, NorthEastern, Boston University, Boston College, Holy Cross, Assumption, Merrimack, Hampshire, Amherst, Williams, Smith, Holyoke.... etc.   Where are the ads for these fine institutions????

No Ads.  At least none of the scale and magnitude of the UMASS daily campaign.

And why would that be?

Simply put... it's because you and I pay for the UMASS ads.  They are funded by the bottomless trough of tax funds.  And the other schools don't have these unlimited budgets.   Are these ads necessary?  Apparently not for privately funded schools.

So every time I see a UMASS ad.... I get pissed off... even though I love UMASS.

Compost Bin Plan

I'm thinking of building this compost bin.  The pile of shredded leaves in the backyard are starting to be a blight on the property and this bin may spruce things up a bit, as well us as maybe speed the composting process.

Garage Design

Peeps of the Week and Bash Aftermath

The Bash was a raging success this year as usual.   We had Peeps come from as far as South Africa and copious amounts of food and drink were consumed.  In retrospect, the call to keep firearms out of the affair was a good one in that not one shooting occurred.  In fact, no punches were thrown either as a testiment to the sophistication of this annual event.


My best Son-in-Law, Brady Boyle, was a shining example of Nanepashemet Peepdom as he presented the MOAM with a bottle of the King of Scotch, 16 yr. old Lagavulin Single Malt, thus becoming an Automatic Peep of the Week.   A class move.   In an equally not classy move, Ryan Nestor consumed much of it in the following Thanksgiving Day haze.

ANNOUNCING....

NANEPASHEMET PEEPS OF THE WEEK FOR THE 48TH WEEK OF 2014.

Brady Boyle - Automatic
Ryan Nestor
Steve Lewis
John Garriboto
Sarah Crawford
Nathaniel Clarke

All in all, it was a thankful event, and a beautiful Thanksgiving with all of the Nestor offspring and their significant others expressing their thanks at our turkey dinner the next day,

I hope you Peeps enjoyed your day too.

Prelude to the Bash

Twenty four hours from now, the low rumble that you hear will be the Night Before Thanksgiving Day Bash at the corner of West Shore Drive and Gerry Park in Marblehead.
~
Despite warnings of an oncoming NorEaster, the Peeps will be in full Bash regalia as Peeps stream from all over Metropolitan Boston to be part of this social event of the season.
~
If you didn't receive an invitation, no need to worry, as invites are never proffered.   It is come as you are.... or as you would like to be.
~
Over the years, the much anticipated event has taken many forms, and this year should prove to be in keeping with the tradition of raucous yet refined interactions with an underpinning of sophisticated discourse punctuated by hysteria and gutter talk.  Dress is mandatory.  I hate it when people come naked and act as if they can meld in with everybody.
~
Please leave your weapons and firearms at home. We have never had a shooting or even a stabbing at the Bash, and it would be nice to keep the streak alive at least one more year.
~
And of course, if you bring a bottle of Lagavulin, the King of Scotch, you will be loudly and obnoxiously announced as an Automatic Nanepashemet Peep of the Week.   It is an Honor/Disgrace that not a few Peeps aspire to at the Bash every year,
~
So, rack up your A-Game, and I hope to see you here tomorrow night!

Bash Musings

The New England Patriots are again playing professional football at a level that conceivably could be classified as mastery.

Years from now, people will wonder what it was like to watch football games during the Brady-Belichick era.... much like people have asked what it was like to watch Bobby Orr play hockey, or Bill Russell play basketball.

The game was even better today, because Joanne and I got to watch it with our Grandkids, Will and Ethan, and with Ryan and Kim.   

The Hype is building for the Thanksgiving Eve Bash as well.   The highly anticipated annual event will be held in all of its Glory/Debauchery and the Beer will flow like Wine as in years past.

As usual, there are no invitations, and much resentment and rancor will flow to those who do not attend, so I would advise you Peeps to come and partake of this pilgrimage for the sake of your social standing and psychological well being.  

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

This little number may show up at the Night Before Thanksgiving Bash.

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

Ingredients

for the crust 
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed 
for the filling
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 full cup pecan halves
• 1 1/2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Using a pastry blender, combine flour, brown sugar and cubed better until it resembles a cornmeal (this can also be done in a food processor.)
2. Press crust mixture into an ungreased 9x13 pan. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 10 minutes.
3. While crust is baking, beat together eggs, corn syrup, sugar, flour, salt, vanilla and melted butter. Stir in pecans.
4. Remove crust from oven and spread chocolate chips evenly over warm crust. Spread filling over chocolate chips.
5. Cover with foil and return to oven. Bake for 15 minutes, remove foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool before serving.

Notes

recipe source ChocolateChocolateandmore.com

Immigration Kabuki Dance

This whole Immigration drama being played out by the Obama administration reminds me of a Japanese Kabuki Dance.  Lots of arranged protracted movements and posturing that look really weird.

Republican and Conservative pundits are in high rant mode as the President threatens to use the power of Executive Orders to give amnesty to Latin Americans who live in the US without a green card.

The POTUS maintains that he has the power to wipe the slate clean  for these five million or so immigrants who have taken up residence in the US in violation of laws that regulate entry into this country.  Conservatives maintain that he is effectively enacting legislation which is the purview of the Congress and a violation of the checks and balances built into our Federal system of Government.

Each side swaggers and postures away on what they will do if  Obama uses his "Power".

The  thing about Power is that you only have it if people don't challenge your actions.

POTW Week 46

I've been on this super efficiency kick this week.... planning out everyday, and analyzing what got done, what didn't, and why.  Staying focused is the key to accomplishment.   Yet some diversions to the plan are important to follow as well.

Another benefit of planning and evaluating your time is that when you get to the end of the day, after being pulled in numerous directions, your documented time gives you a feeling of satisfaction..... or at least verification that you didn't screw off all day. 

Announcing....

Nanepashemet Peeps of the Week for the 46th Week of 2014 

Bill Quirk

Harvey Rowe

Mike Rockett

Dale Johnson

Taylor Swift

Pam Georgian

We are cruising to the holidays.

Veterans Day Post

Thank you American Veterans.

No matter what you did during your military service, you stood on the wall, ready to defend our way of life.

Regardless of how aggravating our domestic politics can seem, we are Americans.... bonded together by a history that seeks freedom and the pursuit of happiness.

Sometimes this history has taken a while to evolve, and we have made mistakes, but in the end, our country strives for justice and liberty.

Those of you who served, who stood in the vanguard against those who seek to subjugate and subvert us....  I appreciate the time and sacrifice that you have made on behalf of all of us.

Stranger than Fiction

This American Indian Harvard Law Professor is one of the US Senators representing the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  The other is Ed Markey.

Sometimes you wake up in the morning and say, "This can't be real.... I must be dreaming."  But this nice lady from Oklahoma, who claims to be an Indian, who rails against the cost of education after she made over $300k per year teaching one course at Harvard. is not only my Senator... she is being touted by "Progressives" as a serious alternative for President.

Reality is truly stranger than fiction.

Peeps of the Week - Week 45 - 2014

Peeps....

Those of you lost souls who are Nanepashemet Blog Purists know that Thursday Evening has traditionally been set aside as the time when the the coveted yet repulsive Peep of the Week selections are made.

So... it's freaking Thursday Evening.... I guess I have to put out a little and get this tacky task underway.

One thing that I forgot to mention in last week's POTW Refresher course.....

There is only one way that an aspiring yet hapless Peep can be automatically  selected as a POTW.  That is the time honored tradition of bestowing a bottle of Lagavulin 16 year old Single Malt Scotch (aka the KING OF SCOTCH) on this most deserving Mountain of a Man.

Since this process/scam has been instituted years ago, many satisfying 750 ML bottles of the revered nectar have been presented for which your MOAM responds with a POTW selection.  Some weeks, we have had multi Automatics... usually around the time of the night before Thanksgiving Bash.  but lately, the practice has seen a disappointing fall off.   Hopefully this will be remedied shortly.

ANNOUNCING....

NANEPASHEMET PEEPS OF THE WEEK FOR THE 45TH WEEK OF 2014.

Gilbert Shaw
Wayne Webster
Yolanda Laganos
Jim Lundgren
Mitch McConnell
Seth Moulton

No Automatics this week.... will keep the porch light on during the coming holiday season though.

Election Enlightenment

Peeps....

You know I always exhort you to stay independent.... to stand on your own two feet... to make your own decisions....

So why are you so pathetically sending me email after email..... voicemail after voicemail..... frantically asking me what the election results last night mean?????

As you know, the Mountain of Man has a big heart and a wellspring of patience for those of you who annoyingly can't figure things out for yourself, and insist on getting a spin from the Nanepashemet source of truth and knowledge.

So I reluctantly must tell you what happened in the United States of America last night.

1.  Harry Reid.... the lying, despicable Majority Leader of the US Senate was fired..... and the 360 pieces of legislation that the House of Representatives have sent to the Senate can now be considered by the full Congress.

2.  President Obama was repudiated.... he offered "Hope", was really a "Dope", and the people said "Nope".  His stupid policies of ObamaCare and Immigration will be subject to reasonable revision and overhaul.

3.  My home state of Massachusetts elected a professional manager, Charlie Baker, and his opponent, the politically mean spirited, Martha Coakley, didn't even thank her supporters as she refused to concede defeat in a close, yet definitive result.

4.  My second state, where I pay a fair amount of property tax, New Hampshire, turned away the chance to elect a straight and independent thinker in Scott Brown, and instead turned to the Liberal rubber stamp, Jeanne Shaheen as a US Senator.    They have changed the motto from "Live Free or Die" to "Live Stupid then Cry".

5.  The Sixth Massachusetts Congressional District elected Democrat Seth Moulton, and Iraqi Veteran over Ricard Tisei, a bit over the top Republican.   The important point here is that they both played a part in turning way the old Guard, lock step Dem, John Tierney, who was a Pelosi puppet.  Verdict is out now on whether Seth can be a leader and break from the Democrat Herd.

So your MOAM can sum things up this way.

United States - HAPPY

Massachusetts - HAPPY

Sixth Congressional District - CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC

New Hampshire - FREAKING DUMBFOUNDED

Now, Peeps..... go forth and spread Nanepashemet Truth and Insight .... you are among the enlightened.

If the Republicans Win....

Will Republicans take control of the US Senate tonight?

I certainly hope so.... not because I necessarily favor the Republicans.... but because I hate the fact that the Senate Rules allow one man.... the despicable Senator Harry Reid of Utah as the Senate Majority Leader.... the right to control and stifle the efforts of the entire body.

I believe that Harry is a corrupt pol, who lies with impunity... like the time that he said that Mitt Romney didn't pay his taxes.... just pulled a lie right out of his Ass with no basis in realty.

There is no room for people like this to wield power in our nation's capital.

If the Republicans have the majority in both Houses of Congress, then expect a range of initiatives to be passed and sent to the President to sign into law.   Course Obama is an ideologue.... an academician, and not a politician like Lyndon Johnson.   He will use the executive power to veto a good deal of the bills that come his way.  

Yet that is a vast improvement over the system that we have today... where ideas among our elected leaders never even reach his desk because of disingenuous gatekeepers like Reid.    At least now, we can have a substantive debate... and break the gridlock of ideas and innovative solutions to the problems of a nation.

If Obama vetoes legislation that comes his way, now we can ask why.....if the Republicans win tonight.

Your Right and Obligation to Vote.

Peeps....

Make sure that you get out and vote tomorrow.

You pretty much know who the Mountain of a Man supports.... but the important thing is to put your own thought in, and vote your conscience.

Our right to vote is a precious gift.   Don't insult the people who have made enormous sacrifices to give us this gift.   Throughout history, and even in the present day, the majority of people on Earth do not have ability to elect their leaders in a fair and unoppressive manner.

You do.

Don't let other people make decisions for you.    Stand on your own two feet.   Think.   And Vote.

Listing Your Home with Nanepashemet

There was a time when.... if you asked your MOAM to list your property for sale through Nanepashemet Real Estate Services... I would refuse.

That's because the only way to get your house properly exposed would have been to advertise heavily in expensive newspaper print media, and a small company like mine, which did not list many properties, could not afford the massive advertising fees.  So I used to advise you to list with the big companies

But this has completely changed.   Now, when I accept your listing, and present your property photos and marketing write up in the Massachusetts Multiple Listing Service, your property also gets extensive on-line exposure on national real estate sales sites like Trulia and Zillow.

And now, practically everyone who looks for a house to buy starts with a web-based, online real estate site.

Selling Mike's condo for a big score, and doing the same for Katelyn recently in South Boston has convinced me that accepting listings is now entirely feasible and now reside fully within our substantial skill sets.  And it doesn't really matter where your property is.... as Mike Murphy can attest.... we can handle your needs in Southborough  as easily as we do it in Southie ... or the North Shore.

Course, I've always been strong being a Buyer's Broker,  negotiating the best deal possible for my clients, but now I have a new found confidence that Listing your Property with Nanepashemet Real Estate is the way to go for both Peeps and civilians, and we can provide all of the exposure that you need on-line.

So this now begs the question....

Why should I list my house for sale with Nanepashemet Real Estate Services?

Notwithstanding the obvious... that you would have the MOAM as your personal agent... there are other, less noticeable reasons.

The First is Attention to Detail and Attention to You, the Nanepashemet Customer.   Your home is typically one of your most important assets,  and you can spend a lot of money in real estate commissions and leave quite a bit on the table if you sell with bad advice.

• When you List with Nanepashemet, your property is our only concern.  My committment to you is that..... if you hire me as your Listing Agent, I will not accept any other client  until your property has been brought under agreement with a price acceptable to you.  You have the full attention of Nanepashemet.

The Second is the cost of  Brokerage Services.   Many people think that Real Estate Broker's fees are set and standard, but that is not so, and a violation of commerce laws.

• When you list with Nanepashemet, we will thoroughly discuss fees and give you the best deal possible.  For  instance, if your intention is to List and Sell your home, and then buy a new home in the area within a reasonable time, Nanepashemet will substantially discount our listing fees based upon our subsequent role as your Buyer's Representative.  In a $500,000 sale, taking 1% off of a real estate commission represents a savings to you of  Five Thousand Dollars!  
  

The Third is taking advantage of professional experience and expertise.  The proper presentation of your home for sale is a multidisciplinary exercise that involves both business and construction skill sets.

• When you List with Nanepashemet, not only will we give you advice to maximize the value of your house in the market, but we can direct or manage improvements or repairs that will substantially upgrade the value of your property.   We have licensed construction managers on staff and partner with the finest craftsmen in the region.  Many times, the cost of improvements will add substantial value at the time time of sale, or make your property easier to finance for prospective buyers.  We roll the cost seamlessly into the final sale closing.

So now that Nanepashemet Real Estate Services has decided to list properties, you should take advantage of the benefits that will come your way if you list with us.

Peeps... it's a rising market.  there is a lot of money to be made .... and more if you make the right decisions.

Lesser of Evils

I've been sitting in my living room, this first Sunday morning after Daylight Savings time, watching the early Sunday local programming on local issues. Massachusetts is embroiled in a tight Governor's race between Marsha Coakley and Charlie Baker, and New Hampshire sees a good contest for Senator between Jeanne Shaheen and Scott Brown.

I'm also interested in the 6th Massachusetts District fight for Congress between Seth Moulton and Richard Tisei.

My criteria for supporting politicians has less to do with party affiliation and more to do with the following.

Who seems honest?   I hate it when candidate treat the electorate like a herd of sheep who will bleat acceptance with any baseless diatribe that is handed them.

Who seems smart and based in reality?   Some candidates are mindless Moonbats that present themselves based upon urban myth and their massive egos.

Who projects themselves as a leader?  Not interested in someone who is in lockstep with Obama or Boehner.  And I don't care what your opinion of your opponent is.... or how you distort his or her record.   I'm only interested in seeing what you think the problems are, and how you would wield the policy to solve them.

Based on these standards, every candidate probably falls short.   But I believe that we all are human with shortcomings and our duty as members of a republic is to support and elect the lesser of evils.

MOAM Broker Madness

Peeps....

In case your didn't know it, your Mountain of a Man is possibly one of the greatest Realtors who ever lived.

Even though I don't sell residential real estate for a living, I get immense satisfaction by doing it for friends and family.... and the latest success story is the great deal that we just closed for Katelyn and Brady's South Boston Condo.

Like Muhammad Ali said, "If you can do it... it ain't bragging."

We'll bring this transaction in for a landing after only 10 days on the sizzling hot South Boston residential market.

Wicked Saturday Workload

So much to do this weekend.   Even a Mountain of a Man like myself can sometimes feel a bit daunted by the tasks at hand.   But there is nothing to it, but to do it.... one thing at a time.

• Make the dough for the pizza's that we will grill during the Patriots Broncos game.
• Rake and mulch leaves before the Nor'easter hits later this morning.
• Process and execute the offer that we received on Kate's Condo last night.
• Work on drainage in the backyard.
• Make a dent in the pile of Nanepashemet Telecom outstanding action items.

I know that it seems insurmountable....and that the majority of you pathetic Peeps would head out to Dunkin Donuts and console yourself with a chocolate cruller or two, rather than deal with this wicked workload.  

But after all.... I am a MOAM, with more than enough stamina to plow through this Saturday.

Nanepashemet Peep of the Week - Week 44 - 2014

It's time to rededicate to the time honored tradition accorded to the Mountain of a Man to select the Nanepashemet Peep of the Week.

Those of you hapless Peeps who have followed this pathetic Blog over the years know the drill....

POTW's must have done something exceedingly annoying and/or inspiring.
POTW's cannot be an animal... if that was the case, Henry the Cat would win/lose all of the time.
POTW's cannot be dead.... barely metabolizing is fine, but no pulse doesn't cut it.

And.... you can never ask why a POTW was chosen.... ever.

These rules have stood the test of time... and have the same gravity and effect that Global Warming has for Democrats.... they are "Settled Science."

So now that you have had this quick refresher... it's time to get down to this serious/absurd adjudicatory business.

Announcing.....

Nanepashemet Peeps of the Week for the 44th Week of 2014

• Anne Freeman Hill
• Maggi Sides
• Katelyn Boyle
• Shalane Flanagan
• Tom McMahon
• Seth Moulton

I had forgotten how absorbing and intense this selection process can get.

Funny Patriots Halloween

Spaghetti with Syrup

My Grandson, Ethan, told his pre-school teacher that his favorite food is "Spaghetti with Syrup"  .... just like Will Farrell in Elf.

When his teacher asked why,   Ethan responded, "Because it's Hilarious."

2nd Amendment Rules

I pulled this off of Facebook last night.  Most of these rules were covered in the mandatory course for a Massachusetts Concealed Carry permit that I attended some time ago with a friend of mine.

If you own a gun, you will appreciate these rules...  If not, you should get one, learn how to use it and learn the rules:

RULES:

A : Guns have only two enemies: rust and politicians.

B : Its always better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6.

C : Cops carry guns to protect themselves, not you.

D : Never let someone or something that threatens you get inside
arms length

E : Never say "I've got a gun." If you need to use
deadly force, the first sound they should hear is the safety clicking off.

F : The average response time of a 911 call is 23 minutes; the
response time of a .357 is 1400 feet per second.

G : The most important rule in a gunfight is:
Always Win - there is no such thing as a fair fight.
Always Win - cheat if necessary.

H : Make your attacker advance through a wall of bullets ....
You may get killed with your own gun, but he'll have to beat you to death with it because it will be empty .

I : If you're in a gun fight:
(a) If you're not shooting, you should be loading.
(b) If you're not loading, you should be moving.
(c) If you're not moving, you're dead.

J : In a life and death situation, do something ....it may be 
wrong, but do something!

K : If you carry a gun, people will call you paranoid. Nonsense!
If you have a gun, what do you have to be paranoid about?

L : You can say 'stop' or any other word, but a large bore muzzle 
pointed at someone's head is pretty much a universal language; 
and, you won't have to press 1 for Spanish/Mexican or 2 for Chinese or 3 for Arabic.

M : Never leave an enemy behind. If you have to shoot, shoot to 
kill. In court, yours will be the only testimony.

N : You cannot save the planet, but you may be able to save
yourself and your family.

If you believe in the 2nd Amendment, forward to others you know
who also believe.

"Peace is that brief glorious moment in history, when
everybody stands around reloading". . . . .

Thomas Jefferson

Nanepashemet Nod is Now Negated

Charlie Baker, Candidate for Governor of Massachusetts, started to cry in the debate tonight as he related the story of a New Bedford fisherman who is seeing his fishing business flounder under federal regulations.

It was a genuine touching moment, but I wonder if this will be seen as a form of weakness in a leader.  Even your Mountain of a Man has shed a tear from time to time, and I am cognizant of the fact that there is no way to control this emotional reaction, but I fear that the political spin will be vicious with this one.

Generally, I felt that Baker looked tired and stressed during this debate, and he never regained a sense of composure after his weeping.   He still has the Nanepashemet Nod.... although I can't say the same for Seth Moulton, who is hosting Joe Biden in Lynn tomorrow and has emerged as a totally partisan Democrat.

I was looking for Seth to be a leader, but it seems that he is a follower of Liberal demagoguery.   Takes broad swipes at his opponent solely because his opponent is a Republican.... not because of a disagreement on the issues.   Stands next to phonies like Liz Warren, the despicable liar who claims to be a minority as an American Indian.  Sorry Seth.... I am so disappointed that you have become a Partisan Politician.  I had hoped that you would stand on your own two feet instead of filing in lockstep with the Herd.

Enjoy your time with Nancy Pelosi.  Nanepashemet Nod is Now Negated.

Open House Pandemonium

It was pandemonium at Kate and Brady's Open House yesterday.

Not looking forward to the crowds this afternoon for Day 2, but I advertised it and can't call it off now.   I'm surprised that so many people want to buy this condo in Southie, but the market is super hot.

If you want to see the Mountain of a Man in full bore sales mode, drop down to 72 I Street between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

Open House

Peeps.....

Please come to this Open House.

Katelyn and Brady's South Boston Condo

Open House - Saturday 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Don't be whining to me later that you lost the chance to have the MOAM sell you this super cool condo apartment in happening Southie.

Old Town Marblehead during WWII

Change in Venue

Took a little time from Thursday to Monday to work from North Conway, NH.   Even a Mountain of a Man needs a change of  venue once in a while, and  though I was on line and got a lot of work done, we had the chance to meet with friends and enjoy the autumn mountains.

A nice lunch with Christos and Yolanda Laganos at the Mount Washington Hotel on Saturday was followed by a visit to Brendt d' Orio and his trophy wife, former POTY, Kerry d' Orio with their cute kids at their new mountain house retreat.

Christos was in the first grade with the MOAM, and is one of my favorite Facebook friends, and Brendt was Ryan's first friend when he moved to Marblehead in the 2nd grade.  Two great visits in the same afternoon.

Brendt complained that I haven't been picking Peeps of the Week for awhile, and I guess I'll rev up that feature again.... as despicable/enjoyable as it is.

Henry the Cat threw up in the Ford F-150 both to North Conway and back to Marblehead, so the cab is a little rank.  More than usual even.  He doesn't travel well.