Life in the City

Sun! The sun is finally shining in Boston. The view from the wall of windows in our living room is incredible! Our apartment is on the seventh floor located at the point where Massachusetts Ave and Westland Ave intersect in the Back Bay area of Boston (for those who may be familiar with area).

Directly across from our window is Symphony Hall. Not the front of the building but, better yet, the stage door. There is always a lot of commotion outside, but late last evening our ears picked up the sound of laughter and applause. Seven stories down was Bernadette Peters graciously signing autographs and posing for pictures. She had just finished a performance that was obviously appreciated by her happy fans.

We were well prepared for zeroing in on the celebrity's bouncy red hair and smiling face. For some reason Tom had brought along a spotting scope and a tripod that he uses for bird watching. That and the binoculars that Kelly had packed really made us feel like we were right in the middle of the excitement. A little touch of Hollywood right in our own neighborhood.

The city is alive and active 24 hours a day. There are several schools located close by. The students don't seem to follow a clock, they are always on the street, even in the middle of the night. There are frequent sirens, whether police or amulances for the nearby hospitals. We smile down on the gridlock during rush hour and have been witness to a traffic accident. It is a vital place.

Our building is one of three adjoining buildings of apartments built over a string of shops on the street level. We have only to turn out the door of our lobby to find a coffee shop, a hardware store, a pharmacy, a Radio Shack and even a post office. Plus more that I have yet to explore. Across from the main entrance to the building is the Christian Science Church Plaza where the Mother Church is located. I must get out my camera and take a few pictures to share. Behind the Christian Science Plaza is the Prudential Center. On the southeast side of the Plaza is a long reflecting pool that has yet to be filled for the season. I am sure that will be a beautiful site and a tranquil spot in the middle of all the chaos. Directly behind our building there is a Whole Foods Market that will come in handy in a pinch. You know what they say: "Whole Paycheck Market".

Speaking of markets, Tom and Eric did the grocery shopping while we girls were out on Friday. They did find a "regular" grocery store to shop at. Regular except for the $18 they had to pay for parking in the store's parking garage. We spotted a Stop and Shop near the hospital so the plan is to stop in as needed and get what we can carry while leaving the car parked at the hospital. No wonder we see so many people on foot or bicycle!

Eric and I are the only one's up this early on a Sunday morning. He has gone off (on foot, of course) to find coffee and a paper. If the sun persists and the predicted rains stay away perhaps today will be a good day to do some exploring on foot. The traffic is light and the crowds are diminished. I understand there are some interesting shops along Newberry Street five blocks up. Might be worth a look-see.

We must be up and out very early tomorrow. Kelly has to check in at the hospital at 5:30 AM. Her surgery is scheduled for 7:30 and we are told she can be in the O.R. up to 10 hours. It will be a long, long day tomorrow so I am hoping it will be an early night tonight. Or it could be a very long night if Kelly can't sleep. Either way, surgery is about 24 hours away and counting down. I will take my laptop to the hospital, as will Eric. We will post news when we can, but don't be surprised if there is no news until late in the day.

Please keep those prayers and healing vibes coming. They are most appreciated.