Category Archives: Boston

Traffic Cones? What’s that About?

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A tight cluster of bright orange traffic cones surrounding a fresh sinkhole in a Boston street, with a red car parked nearby.

What’s With All the Cones?

Well, it’s official. Boston has been invaded. Instead of New England, we have become New Scotland. The Tartan Army has managed to bring Boston to its knees without a single shot fired. Nope — they did it with kilts, bagpipes, and a contagious party spirit. They came, they saw, they partied, and Boston loved every minute of it.

But what is it with the traffic cones?

Around here, we have plenty of cones. They sit in potholes, they mark construction, they gather in mysterious clusters on sidewalks. But suddenly they’re adorning every statue and monument in Boston. Even Mrs. Mallard and her brood are not immune.

These Scots are like heat‑seeking missiles. They search out and find even the most obscure statues, and let’s face it — Boston has many. From George Washington in the Public Garden to Robert Burns standing proudly in the Fens, they’ve all been “coned.”

But what does it mean? It must mean something, right?

The Real Story Behind the Cones

The whole tradition actually goes back to Glasgow in the 1980s, when locals started sneaking a traffic cone onto the head of the Duke of Wellington statue outside the Gallery of Modern Art. Every time the city took it down, someone would climb right back up in the middle of the night and put it on again.

What began as a bit of late‑night mischief turned into a full‑blown tug‑of‑war between the people and the authorities — a tiny, harmless act of rebellion that basically said, “We see your authority, and we raise you one bright orange cone.”

By the 1990s, the cone wasn’t just a prank anymore; it was a symbol of Glasgow’s humor — irreverent, stubborn, and proudly chaotic. When officials tried to raise the statue’s plinth to stop people from climbing it, Glaswegians protested so loudly the plan was scrapped. The cone stayed. It always stays.

And from there the tradition spread across Scotland — Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen — until coning a statue became as Scottish as whisky, bagpipes, and arguing about football — soccer to you, mate.

So welcome to Boston, Tartan Army.

We’ll join your party, drink the beer — it’s our beer after all — dance to your bagpipes, and happily share your cone obsession with our statues.

 

Update

Scotland was defeated in their match with Morocco — a hard‑fought loss. They’ll now move on to face Brazil in Miami on Wednesday, June 24. Sadly, that means it’s time to bid farewell to our lively, outgoing visitors.

And if the cones weren’t enough, the Tartan Army left us with something even better: gratitude. One visitor posted a heartfelt thank‑you to Boston and all of New England, saying how welcomed they felt here. It turns out they didn’t just bring fun and joy — they brought a touch of class.

Hot Time Summer in the City

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Swan boat cruising the Public Garden lagoon on a sunny day, passing under the little suspension bridge everyone loves to photograph.

Summer Finally Arrives in Massachusetts

The weather is beautiful. Summer is finally here. Massachusetts has finally shaken off the dreary, rain‑filled days, and everything feels fresh again. The Public Garden is in bloom, the trees are lush, and the Swan Boats are once again cruising the lagoon. It’s the perfect time to explore the city.

Planning a Trip to Wolf Hollow Sanctuary

I’m trying to arrange a visit to Wolf Hollow Sanctuary in Ipswich. That’s a bit of a hike from Taunton and may turn into a car‑rental day, but I’m exploring my options.

One avenue I’m checking out is a Custom Tour with GoWithGuide US — which is exactly what I’d need for a Wolf Hollow trip. I checked the web page for their Boston Guides and they have options but nothing like Wolf Hollow. I’ve sent off an inquiry and will keep you posted on what I find out.

My Long Quest to Photograph a Wolf

I first heard about Wolf Hollow a few years ago when I was on a photography quest for wild animals. I’d photographed deer, bear, moose, and of course the little guys — chipmunks and squirrels. In Wyoming I added pronghorn and bison to my collection. South Dakota gave me those adorable prairie dogs.

 

After much chasing and tracking, I stumbled onto the elk migration (again in Wyoming) and got one of my favorite photos.

A pair of Bull elk

 

But I never even spotted a wolf. While in Yellowstone, I always seemed to be one day behind the pack.

The New Jersey Detour That Never Happened

Eventually I heard about Lakota Wolf Sanctuary in New Jersey of all places and started planning an overnight trip: drive down one day, take a photography tour the next, then drive back to Boston.

It never happened. Severe winter storms shut down the sanctuary, and after several attempts the trip got pushed to the back burner — where it stayed.

Discovering Wolf Hollow in My Own Backyard

Then someone told me about Wolf Hollow — a sanctuary right in my own backyard! I actually drove up there once and found it, but they were closed. Always do your homework — check times and days so you aren’t disappointed.

Then life got busy, COVID hit, and I just never made it back.

Time to Try Again

Now feels like the right time to look into it again. This is how my trips and explorations usually start: slowly, with a spark of curiosity, and sometimes they take forever to get off the ground… but eventually, I get there.

I’ll keep you posted on the progress — if any — on this adventure.

Affiliate links are included in this post. If you make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission. Thank you for helping keep my adventures (and this blog!) going strong.

 

A Wee Mallard in the Tartan Army

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Meanwhile in the heart of the Boston Public Garden, Mrs. Mallard becomes  The Tartan Army’s newest recruit! Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack and Quack join the festivities.

 

Even Mrs. Mallard and her brood have joined the Scottish takeover of Boston. Honestly, could it be any other way?

Bronze Mrs. Mallard statue in the Public Garden wearing a traffic cone during the Scottish festivities.

In True Scottish Fashion Mrs. Mallard Donned a cone!

But don’t look now — the Tartan Army has a new recruit. Mrs. Mallard heard the bagpipes and said, ‘Aye, I’m in.’

 

Wicked Good Reasons to Love Living in Boston

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A swan boat carrying passengers across the pond in the Boston Public Garden on a sunny day.

Boston is my Home Town

Back in March, when I was contemplating making a life change and moving, I wrote about why I changed my mind and decided to stay in Massachusetts. (Why I Might Just Stay Put in Massachusetts) After all, Massachusetts is one of the most expensive states to live in and our weather is questionable at best — cold and snowy three‑quarters of the year and hot and humid the rest.

Spring and fall? Look quick or they’re gone. Sometimes you only know it’s spring because your car, walkway, and deck all turn yellow from the pollen. Hello allergies.

But as I said in that March post, there are some reasons to stay. And recently I saw a list (you know I love lists) of reasons living in Boston is the best and everyone should move here. Let’s see if I agree with them.

1. The distinctive and gorgeous skyline.

Yes, Boston is a beautiful city, sitting as it does right on the harbor. There’s nothing quite like taking a boat ride around the harbor and its islands. From lighthouses to forts to the skyscrapers shining in the sun, Boston mixes the old with the new. You can even spot the Old North Church spire while you cruise.

 

 

2. Boston is loaded with landmarks.

From Faneuil Hall (built in 1742) to Fenway Park (the oldest ballpark in the MLB), from Bunker Hill to the Freedom Trail (you can visit Paul Revere’s house), or even the Charlestown Navy Yard where you can tour the USS Constitution (Old Ironsides).

3. History buffs will love exploring.

If you want to go beyond the usual Freedom Trail stops, Boston has some wonderfully under‑the‑radar historic gems. One of my favorites is Fort Warren out on Georges Island. I went there when I first moved here in the 70s, and it still has that same windswept, slightly spooky charm — Civil War history, granite walls, and the legend of the “Lady in Black,” all wrapped up in one ferry ride.

And while you’re in a historical mood, wander over to The Warren Tavern in Charlestown. It’s one of the oldest taverns in Massachusetts and still operating today. Paul Revere and George Washington once stopped in, and more importantly, they serve popovers — one of the only places besides the old Anthony’s Pier 4 (now closed) where I’ve ever had them. That alone makes it worth the visit.

4. Our scenic waterfront.

Follow the Harborwalk and enjoy a relaxing stroll along the shoreline. It leads you past Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park, the Rose Kennedy Greenway, and the lively piers that frame the harbor. It’s one of the prettiest stretches in the city.

5. We’re wicked smaht — or at least well‑educated.

Boston is a city of learning. The Boston Redevelopment Authority says there are 35 colleges in Boston — which tells me they’re counting the Greater Boston area. And honestly, that makes sense. We have a plethora (like that big word?) of universities to choose from, including:

  • Boston University (BU)
  • Northeastern University
  • Boston College (technically Chestnut Hill, but part of the campus sits within Boston city limits)

And if we’re counting Greater Boston, then of course we have to include Harvard, sitting stuffy and pompous in its Cambridge shrine. Right across the river is MIT, the youthful upstart of the computer world — the place where geniuses seem to grow on trees. Add those two heavy hitters into the tally, and suddenly 35 colleges doesn’t sound far‑fetched at all.

6. Oh, we have the best Italian food too.

Just take a stroll through the North End. The narrow streets are lined with pizzerias and local grocery stores — not 7‑Elevens. Stores with olives and marinara and fresh pasta. And for a real treat of gluttony, visit during Saint Anthony’s Festival. Mama Mia!

7. When foodies die, they go to Boston.

If there’s one thing Boston knows how to do, it’s throw a food festival. Ice cream days in the summer, Oktoberfest in the fall, seafood festivals all over the area. And let’s talk cultural events — Irish celebrations with plenty of food and drink, Haitian and Jamaican festivals like Boston JerkFest, and even a “Fluff Fest” to celebrate Marshmallow Fluff.

8. We’re no slouches when it comes to inventing dishes.

Boston Cream Pie and Parker House rolls were first dreamed up at the Parker House Hotel. Boston baked beans harken back to the 1600s and the Pilgrims. And cookies? The Boston area is the gold standard for chocolate chip — the original Toll House cookie started here. Then the Fig Newton jumped in. Are we good or what!

9. We’re a wonderfully diverse bunch.

It’s well known that Boston’s roots include the British (remember those Redcoats/loyalists), the Irish (hello Southie), and the Italians in the North End (ciao!). But we’ve also got Haitian, Jamaican, Cape Verdean, and even Moldovan communities. I’m sure we can find more if we dig a little deeper.

10. This is a creative and artistic city.

We have concerts on the Esplanade and the Boston Pops. There’s the beautiful Gardner Museum and the MFA. Even our library is a thing of beauty.

Boston Athenæum

11. Boston offers world‑class healthcare.

Let’s be honest — we can’t all have perfect health. If you must get sick, what better place than Boston, where we have some of the top doctors and surgeons in the world? And we’ve been sedating patients for surgery almost forever. Boston gave the world anesthesia — right in the Ether Dome at Mass General — turning surgery from a horror show into something survivable.

12. Like shoes? Specifically athletic shoes?

Then Boston is the place for you. Reebok, New Balance, and Converse are all headquartered here. Makes sense when you think the world’s oldest marathon is run here every April.

13. Boston is extremely walkable.

Boston has a walk score of 81/100 — third in the nation. Many of our streets are still paved with cobblestones, so walking is the preferred means of travel. A lot less bumpy. So strap on that Fitbit and hit those 10k milestones.

14. Parks and green spaces.

Boston is surrounded by the Emerald Necklace, a series of parks that cover 7 miles from Boston Common to Franklin Park. It’s a 1,100‑acre chain of parks linked by waterways and parkways. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, it is the only fully intact linear park system he ever created. Almost anyone who lives in Boston is within a 10‑minute walk of a patch of green.

15. The T.

That’s MBTA to you non‑Bostonians. We were first in the nation, but as I’ve told you in the past, we always seem to arrive late. We ranked 3rd in the nation for our public transit system. When you figure that’s an assessment of 136 cities with populations over 175,000, that’s really a win.

16. Sports… what can I say?

Boston is sports‑crazy. Even if you weren’t a sports fan when you came here, you’ll get caught up. We love our teams — the Sox, Pats, Bruins, Celtics — we’re a city of champions. Just look at the banners hanging from the rafters in the Garden. We stick with them through all the ups and downs. We’re not fair‑weather fans.

17. Neighborhoods.

This was one of the things that hit me when I moved here in the 70s. Boston was a city, but it didn’t feel like one. It wasn’t like New York City. Boston was more like a cluster of little cities and towns all rolled into one. Neighborhoods had a flavor, and you knew your neighbors — at least enough to offer a friendly wave.

18. The sight of the city after dark.

This has always been a big one for me. When I first moved here, I’d go back home fairly often. I’d drive the Mass Pike back and forth on weekends. There was nothing like the feeling I got as the skyline of Boston came into sight when I returned. I’d come barreling down that section of the Pike past Belmont and the Mormon Temple, and there were the lights of Boston spread out before me. I never drive that stretch at night without getting an overwhelming feeling of I’m home now.

I know this has run long, but there was just so much to say about life in Boston. Special thanks to Juliet White for her essay 18 Reasons Living in Boston is the Best and Everyone Should Move Here. It was the launching point for this post. I’ve tried to stay true to her headings while putting my own spin on it. I hope you enjoy it and welcome any of your thoughts and observations.

 

Boston Transit-First in the Nation, Last to Arrive

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Getting around Boston- the elevated orange line of Bostons' MBTA

Boston Transit: The System We Love to Hate

Proudly Delayed Since 1897

Let me tell you a story about a man named Charlie — yes, that Charlie, the poor soul doomed to ride the MTA forever because Boston raised the fare by a nickel. And honestly, if you’ve ever waited for a Green Line train that was “arriving now” for 14 straight minutes, you know Charlie’s still out there somewhere, circling the city like a transit ghost. But here’s the twist: long before Charlie got trapped in fare‑hike purgatory, Boston actually built the first subway in the entire United States. That’s right — we were pioneers. Visionaries. Transit trailblazers. And somehow, 127 years later, we’re still proudly delayed, occasionally on fire, and held together by tunnels older than most of our cemeteries.

Before the Subway: Boston’s First Commute (Bring a Rowboat)

Boston’s transit story actually begins way before subways, delays, and “signal issues.” It starts in 1631, when Thomas Williams launched the first chartered transit service in America — a ferry shuttling people into what was then a tiny peninsula. Walking from Chelsea took two days and at least one meltdown, so the ferry was a hit. Congratulations, Boston: we invented public transit and the first commuter complaint.

1700s: Walking, Carriages, and the First Stagecoach

By the 1700s, Boston had grown to a whopping 800 acres — basically the size of a modern Costco parking lot. Most people still walked everywhere, while the wealthy bounced around in horse‑drawn carriages, which were essentially Uber Black with worse suspension. In 1793, the first stagecoach line opened between Boston and Cambridge. Slow, uncomfortable, and probably smelling like wet wool, it was a perfect preview of the Red Line.

1800s: The Omnibus Era (Hold Onto Your Spine)

The 1800s brought the omnibus, a horse‑drawn bus that rattled over Boston’s cobblestones like a shopping cart with a grudge. Reliable? Sure. Comfortable? Absolutely not.

Relief arrived in 1856 with the first horsecar on rails, gliding from Central Square to Bowdoin Square and avoiding the potholes that made every other street feel like a chiropractic emergency.

But by the late 1800s, Boston was already drowning in traffic. Tremont Street was so jammed that locals joked you could get across town faster by walking across the roofs of stalled streetcars. Honestly? Still true.

1897: The First Subway in America (And We Still Use It)

Then came the big moment:
In 1897, Boston opened the Tremont Street Subway — the first subway in the United States.

And here’s the wild part: even after the Big Dig ripped the city open like a lobster tail, we’re still using some of those original tunnels under the Boston Common. If you’ve ever wondered why the Green Line feels like it’s traveling through history… it literally is.

Mid‑1900s: Politics, Campaign Songs, and Poor Charlie

By the mid‑1900s, politics had taken the wheel (hold on tight). Charlie’s famous song? It was actually a 1949 mayoral campaign jingle. Only in Boston would a political ad become a folk classic and a transit trauma.

From there, the T passed through more commissions, budgets, repairs, and “temporary fixes” than anyone can count. If you’ve ever waited 27 minutes for a train that was “2 minutes away,” you’ve felt the legacy.

Today: Still First, Still Trying, Still Delayed

Today, the MBTA serves over a million riders a day across subways, buses, ferries, and commuter rail. It is heroic, chaotic, historic, and occasionally held together by zip ties.

But hey — we were the first.
And we’re still moving… eventually… after this brief delay… due to a disabled train at Government Center… and a signal issue at Alewife… and a mysterious “track problem” they won’t explain.

For more details on the history of the first subway in the country, follow the link here.

Final Stop: Let’s Bring Charlie Home

So join me in this noble cause: let’s finally rescue Charlie. Check your pockets, check your CharlieCard balance, and if you see him on the Green Line, hand him a fare and set him free. Boston owes him that much.