A Throwback to King Richard’s Faire

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“Person dressed in medieval-style armor with chainmail and metal shoulder plates, resting a hand on a polished helmet placed on a blue wooden structure. Colorful flags and people appear in the background at a renaissance fair setting.”

✨Medieval Madness – King Richard’s Faire✨

Armored jouster riding a white horse draped in maroon and white cloth, holding a red‑and‑white striped lance. The rider wears a red tunic over armor. Spectators stand behind a blue wooden fence watching the event at an outdoor renaissance fair.”

 

Being Behind the Camera… Except This One Time

I don’t step in front of the camera very often. Most of the time, I’m the one behind the lens, chasing the moment, lining up the shot, and making sure everyone else looks good. But every now and then, someone catches a moment of me, and it becomes one of those rare photos I actually treasure.

This picture — taken years ago at King Richard’s Faire — is one of my absolute favorites. It’s not glamorous, it’s not staged, and it’s definitely not one of those “I planned this” moments. It’s just me, standing there with a Harris’s hawk perched on my arm, looking like I wandered straight out of a medieval falconry guild.

Holding a Raptor for the First Time

“Person standing outdoors with a large hawk perched on their shoulder, wings spread wide. The person is wearing a jacket and small horn-like accessories on their head. Green bushes and a dark fence appear in the background.”If you’ve never held a raptor, let me tell you: it’s unforgettable. There’s a weight to them — not just physical, but presence. This hawk was calm, steady, and absolutely aware of everything happening around it. Meanwhile, I was trying to look composed while thinking, “Wow… this bird could out‑hunt Banner and Balboa without breaking a sweat.”

The cats think they’re fierce hunters, but this hawk had the real credentials. If“Black cat sitting inside a cardboard box while wearing a metallic knight-style helmet that covers most of its face except the eyes and ears. A wooden bedpost and light blue wall are visible in the background.” WMEO ever expands into a “Raptor Division,” Balboa would volunteer immediately… right up until he realized the bird is bigger than he is.

The Faire Has Changed, But the Magic Hasn’t“Person dressed in a green medieval-style outfit with a white undershirt, brown belt, and pouch, wearing pointed elf-like ears and a leafy headband. They are walking outdoors on a sandy surface near a blue wooden fence at a renaissance fair.”

I haven’t been to King Richard’s Faire in years, and so much has changed — new location, new stages, new shops, new experiences — but the heart of it is still the same. It’s still a place where you can step out of the everyday world and into a kingdom full of jousts, jesters, artisans, performers, and yes… birds of prey who look at you like they know all your secrets.

 

You Still Have Time to Visit

If this post sparks a little nostalgia — or curiosity — you still have time to make your own memories. King Richard’s Faire runs weekends through October 25.

If you’re thinking about going, don’t wait too long. The kingdom doesn’t stay open forever.

Group of people dressed in ornate Renaissance-style costumes standing outdoors among tall trees. They wear velvet and brocade garments with crowns, hats, and capes. Timber-framed buildings decorated with colorful banners are visible in the background at a renaissance fair.”

 

WMEO: Seagull Crime Wave Sweeps Cape Cod

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Two cats sit at a WMEO 9 news desk with a microphone and papers, an orange cat on the left and a black cat on the right, with a newsroom backdrop showing seagulls and the headline “WMEO 9 – Crime on the Cape.”

By Banner & Balboa, WMEO Newsroom- We Meow, You Listen

Cape Cod residents are sounding the alarm this week as seagulls continue their bold streak of snack‑related crime. Witnesses report gulls swooping down without warning, grabbing sandwiches, chips, and in one case, an entire slice of pizza, before fleeing the scene like feathered fugitives.

WMEO reached out to several victims, all of whom described the attacks the same way: “Sudden, startling, funny… A seagull stands on an outdoor wooden table and steals a fried snack from a plate of food, surrounded by colorful metal chairs in an outdoor dining area. and absolutely disgusting.”

Banner, reporting live from the WMEO Coastal Desk, says the gulls have become so brazen that some tourists are now eating lunch under umbrellas — not for shade, but for protection.

Banner: “Authorities say the gulls are acting alone, but we suspect an organized snack‑stealing ring. Possibly unionized.”

Balboa attempted to interview one of the gulls but was met with a loud squawk and a very pointed stare. As WMEO’s resident snack addict, he took the crime wave very personally.

Balboa: “Authorities say the gulls are ‘extremely food‑motivated.’ As someone who is also extremely food‑motivated, I understand the lifestyle — but this is crossing a line. One suspect even tried to steal my microphone, possibly mistaking it for a breadstick.”

A posted sign shows a cartoon seagull holding a burger, with text warning that no refunds are given if a seagull steals your food.Local restaurants have begun advising customers to “guard your food like it’s the last donut on Earth.” Beachgoers have taken to eating inside their cars — a strategy WMEO officially endorses. Gulls have no respect for personal space or picnic etiquette.

Speaking from experience: once a gull lands on your plate, lunch is over.” There is no coming back from that.

WMEO will continue monitoring the situation as the gulls escalate their snack‑related activities. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant, keep sandwiches covered, and avoid eye contact with birds carrying criminal intent.

A seagull, an orange cat, and a black cat sit together at a WMEO 9 news desk; the black cat hisses while guarding a plate of treats as the seagull leans in toward the food.

Thanks for Watching. 
WMEO 9 — Going to commercial while Balboa secures the snacks

 

Living With Banner & Balboa: A Cat Household I Still Don’t Understand

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Two cats sit among dozens of bright orange pumpkins in an outdoor pumpkin patch. Banner, a medium‑haired orange cat, sits upright on a pumpkin, while Balboa, a sleek black cat, rests a paw on another pumpkin beside him. Rows of pumpkins fill the background, with trees and distant buildings visible, creating a colorful autumn scene.

Cats I’ve Known… and Still Don’t UnderstandA bald man with a beard and glasses stands against a plain white background. He wears a purple shirt with rolled‑up sleeves, a gray vest, and multiple bracelets. His tattooed arms are crossed as he looks directly at the camera with a confident expression.

I’ve lived with cats my whole life, and I still don’t understand them. I’m no Jackson Galaxy — I’m barely Jackson Cul‑de‑Sac. Every cat I’ve ever had has been their own brand of strange, but Banner and Balboa have taken things to a whole new level.

An orange cat rests on a desk beside a black coffee mug with a “Java Joe’s Coffee” logo. Papers and small electronic items are scattered around the workspace, and the cat appears relaxed, lying close to the mug.Meet Banner: The Chunky Orange Desk Ornament

Banner is my medium‑haired, chunky orange boy who believes my desk is his personal lounge. He stretches across my keyboard like he’s claiming territory.

Pet him too much? He bites. Stop petting him too soon? He bites. Banner believes biting is a love language.

He loves paper bags and the crinkly cat tunnel — but only if it’s placed directly in the middle of the living room like a trip hazard. Move it two inches? It becomes dead to him.

Wet food? Banner tries to bury it like it’s a crime scene. Crunchies only, please.

Meet Balboa: The Black Streak of ChaosA black cat sits comfortably inside a large cardboard box filled with crumpled brown packing paper. The cat looks relaxed, nestled among the paper, with wooden furniture visible in the background.

Balboa is a completely different brand of weird.

Crinkly treat bags? Terrifying. I opened a bag of corn chips and he evaporated — one moment head‑butting me, the next a black streak fleeing the room.

Banner’s beloved tunnel? Balboa pretends it doesn’t exist. He ran through it once last week and immediately regretted it.

But give him a cardboard box and packing paper and he’ll crinkle and rearrange until everything meets his artistic standards. Then he curls up inside like a cozy little gremlin.

A black cat lies on a textured gray surface with one front paw extended, showing small, partially visible claws. The cat rests its head on the fabric and looks relaxed, with soft lighting highlighting its dark fur and the texture of the material.Balboa’s Signature Move: The Needle‑Claw Attention Tap

When Balboa wants attention, he doesn’t bite — he pricks. Tiny, deliberate needle‑claws, just enough to say “Notice me,” but not enough to draw blood. It’s like being tapped by a very small, very demanding sewing machine.

Doorbell Drama: Two Cats, Two Reactions

Doorbell rings? Balboa becomes a ghost, usually hiding behind the headboard. Banner becomes a Walmart greeter, racing me to the door like he’s expecting company.

The WMEO Chaos Crew

They are opposites in every possible way… but they’re my team, my chaos crew, the heart of WMEO.

Two cats sit behind a winter weather news desk. Banner, an orange cat wearing a red scarf with a snowflake charm, sits beside a white mug labeled “WMEO I ❤️ Weather.” Balboa, a black cat, sits next to a small brown suitcase with a “Key West or Bust!!” sticker and a boarding pass sticking out. A microphone sits between them, and a weather map showing snowy conditions appears in the background with text like “Below-Normal Colder” and “El Niño.” The desk displays “WMEO 9” and “WMEO Winter Desk Live.”

Cooperative? Never. Entertaining? Always.

 

WMEO Nature Desk — Breaking News Bulletin- Bear Swims Lake

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Two cats sit behind a WMEO 9 news desk like TV anchors. On the left is an orange long‑haired cat sitting upright and looking calmly at the camera. On the right is a black short‑haired cat also sitting upright. A microphone sits between them on the desk, along with two sheets of paper. Behind them, a large newsroom screen shows a bear swimming in a lake with trees along the shoreline. Above the screen is a bold red‑and‑blue headline bar that reads “BEAR SWIMS LAKE.” The scene looks like a humorous animal‑themed news broadcast.

WMEO Nature Desk — Breaking News Bulletin

Filed jointly by Banner “The Senior Correspondent” and Balboa “The Intern Who Sleeps on the Job”

Banner: ahem Attention viewers — the WMEO Nature Desk is once again on high alert. These Adirondack animals are keeping this newsroom busier than a cat trying to outrun a vacuum cleaner.

Balboa: I tried outrunning a vacuum once. A black cat stands on a beige carpet, leaning forward to sniff the hose connection on a red and gray vacuum cleaner. The cat’s nose is close to the vacuum, and its body is slightly crouched in a curious posture. Behind the cat are household items including a purple storage bin, a wicker basket, and a green bag.Didn’t work. Anyway — Lake George has done it again. Another headline. Another critter. Just another day of Banner hogging the good chair.

Banner: Focus, kid. This time it’s a bear. Yup — good ole Smokey decided to take a refreshing dip in Lake George. And let me tell you, this wasn’t your average splash‑around‑the‑dock moment.

Balboa: No sir. This bear looked like he was training for the Adirondack Aquatic Marathon. Full strokes. Determined pace. Zero interest in the shallows. Honestly, he’s putting in more cardio than either of us.

Banner: The sighting came from Lake George Waterkeeper Chris Navitsky, who spotted our furry athlete heading straight toward Agnes Island, where campers were squeezing in some last‑minute summer memories.

Balboa: WMEO analysts have reviewed the footage and can confirm:

  • Bear was swimming with purpose
  • Campers were minding their business
  • And so far…

Banner: dramatic pause

Balboa: …there have been no reports of missing pic‑a‑nic baskets.

Banner: Yogi would be proud.

Balboa: Jellystone energy. Adirondack location. Close enough.

A cartoon moose stands upright on a brightly colored paddleboard in the middle of a calm lake. The moose holds a paddle with both hands and smiles confidently while balancing on the board. The lake is blue with gentle ripples, surrounded by green forested hills and a partly cloudy sky.

Banner: This has been your WMEO Nature Desk update. Stay tuned — because at this rate, Lake George might give us a moose on a paddleboard next.

Two cats sit behind a WMEO 9 news desk as if hosting a broadcast. The orange cat on the left sits upright and looks calmly at the camera. The black cat on the right raises a paw toward a small blue toy mouse with orange ears and an orange tail placed in front of it. The desk displays the WMEO 9 logo in gold and red, with “Thank you for watching” written below in white. The background resembles a softly blurred newsroom with lights and screens.

 

A Landmark, a Coffee Shop and a Steaming Kettle

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A large golden teapot sculpture hangs from the corner of a downtown Boston building, with real steam rising from its spout. The teapot is mounted high above the sidewalk against a brick façade with rows of rectangular windows.

The Mystery of the Steaming Kettle

Boston’s love affair with its oddball icons

Quirky Little City Treasures Bronze sculptures of a mother duck and her ducklings line a cobblestone path in a park, each duck wearing small decorative hats and ribbons. Benches and trees sit in the background, creating a charming Public Garden scene.

Boston is full of landmarks and statues — quirky little city treasures like the ducks in the Public Garden. When I first started working in downtown Boston back in the late ’70s, there was a little coffee shop in Government Center where we always grabbed a pastry on the way to work.

A large golden teapot hangs from the corner of a downtown building while pedestrians walk below. The street is lined with multi‑story buildings, including one with a “State Street Bank” sign, creating a busy urban scene.The shop was distinguished by a giant teapot that actually spouted steam. I kid you not. The shop was named for that teapot — The Steaming Kettle — and everyone knew it. Everyone recognized it. It was one of those things that made Boston feel like Boston.

From Scollay Square to Government Center A historic street scene of Scollay Square shows people walking along cobblestone roads with horse‑drawn carriages and early automobiles. A small building with a clock tower and a red‑tiled roof stands at the center, surrounded by brick storefronts and vintage signs, capturing the lively atmosphere of early 20th‑century Boston.

But as so often happens in life, things change. I changed jobs and became a suburbanite. Government Center was revamped yet again.

At one time the area was known as Scollay Square — you may remember it from the Kingston Trio’s song about Charlie on the MTA. “Charlie’s wife goes down to the Scollay Square station…” But alas, Scollay Square is no more.

We now have the big brick expanse of Government Center. But through all the upheaval, the Steaming Kettle stayed.

A Teapot With a Past

A vintage street scene shows pedestrians in early‑20th‑century clothing walking past a storefront with a large teapot mounted above the entrance. The shop’s sign reads “Tea Company” and “Home of Best New England Teas,” and surrounding buildings display period advertisements, creating a lively old‑Boston atmosphere.The kettle was built in 1873. It originally hung outside the Oriental Tea Company, whose owners quickly realized they needed a hook — and the giant teapot provided just the thing.

In 1875, they ran a contest to guess the weight of the kettle. Participants had to buy a ticket to log their guess.

Part two of the contest was even better: guess how many people could fit inside the kettle. When the kettle was lowered to the ground, eight boys and one very tall man popped out of it.

Then came the official weighing. Boston’s sealer of weights and measures recorded the result: 277 gallons, two quarts, one pint, and three gills. That weight was later inscribed right on the kettle itself.

The Oriental Tea Company lasted until 1966, when it finally closed its doors. But Boston doesn’t give up its icons easily. A large golden teapot hangs outdoors against a blue sky, suspended by metal supports beside a modern building. Text on the side lists its measured capacity in gallons, quarts, pints, and ounces. The owner opened another shop in the same area — The Steaming Kettle Coffee Shop — and brought the now‑famous kettle along.

The shop changed hands several times, eventually becoming a Starbucks. Except for a brief period in 2016 when the kettle was damaged, it hung proudly from its installation back in 1873.

And Now… a Boston Mystery

Today, the whereabouts of the kettle are a mystery. The Starbucks location closed in 2025, and after that the kettle seems to have gone missing.

But this is Boston, folks — a city that loves its oddball relics. Who knows? Maybe some historical group or an enterprising entrepreneur will locate that giant teapot and reinstall it in its rightful place, as iconic as the Old State House.

I hope they do. That kettle is a part of my Boston heritage.

A large golden teapot is mounted on the exterior of a curved stone building, supported by metal brackets. The shiny teapot stands out against a bright blue sky and tall windows, creating a striking landmark on the city street.