Boarding for Boston...

South Station

This past weekend I rode the bus from mid-coast Maine to South Station to visit my long-time friend, Elaine. Not only had I never utilized this mode of public transportation in my entire life, but I hadn't been to Boston in 10 years, which is just down-right ridiculous. A Maine native, Elaine comes back here often and for as long as I can remember, I thought that would have to be good enough.  I always held fast to the crazy idea that getting to Beantown was so complicated and intimidating with all that traffic, the lack of parking, and that tunnel.

One night while watching "Ally McBeal" (which I am addicted to and which really made me miss Elaine), I thought, "I've got to suck it up and drive down for the week-end." When I invited myself, she encouraged me to take the bus, which to be honest, I hadn't even thought of. Sitting on the bus with my nose in a book was a whole lot more appealing than resisting playing bumper cars with Massachusetts drivers, I must say.

So last Friday evening after meeting up at South Station, we found ourselves riding the Red Line to Cambridge where we had a scrumptious vegetarian supper at  Life Alive. I was really impressed with the lively atmosphere, awesome waitstaff, and the delicious food. I really had no idea a bowl of brown rice, quinoa and steamed veggies could taste so good!

Elaine at Life Alive

View across the Charles.

Our meal was followed by an extremely brisk walk along the Charles River.  It was worth bundling up with the winter woolies to see the City lit up in all its twinkly splendor.

As we walked, Elaine asked me if I would mind getting up with her the next morning at 5:00 a.m.  "Ha,ha," I replied. "Very funny." But alas, my dear friend was totally serious. She explained she had a SATURDAY MORNING ROUTINE and I was going to get to be part of it. Hmmmm.

For this "currently-working-at-home-girl-without-a schedule", the alarm went off wretchedly early, but I was a good sport and put on my best cheery-morning face as we schlepped the bag of dirty laundry down the narrow stairs and out into the very dark, snowy, and windy morning.  Elaine pointed out how challenging it was to find parking and a washing receptacle if she waited until later in the day. I could see her point, especially when we had to jockey for a place to put her rather small vehicle when we got to the grocery store at 7:00 a.m. The Market Basket was already mobbed with shoppers and I did like the idea of getting all our chores done early so we could have the rest of the day to play.

After a stop at Whole Foods and the Farmers' Market, we boarded a bus and made a beeline for Charlie's Kitchen, home of the famous Harvard Square double-cheeseburger. It's been 23 years since I  set foot in the joint and I'm happy to report it hasn't changed a bit, and it was really fun to see Elaine so excited over her waffle fries!

The remainder of the snowy afternoon was spent at Harvard University's Peabody Museum  viewing the Glass Flower Exhibit. We also made a side trip into The Mineral Hall where I was entranced by the gigantic amethyst specimen and spent an inordinate amount of time admiring my personal favorite, Maine tourmaline.

Venerable Hah-vahd

 By the time we got home, feeling worn out and chilly, and slightly repentant regarding the earlier cheeseburger and fry indulgence, we settled in for a bowl of homemade mushroom soup, a salad and a movie.  Have you ever seen "Rebecca?"  ("Jump. I know you want to...") This was the version where the totally creepy Mrs. Danvers is played by Diana Rigg . I was concerned I'd have bad dreams, but I slept without any visitations from the mysterious Rebecca or the spooky Mrs. Danvers.

After sleeping in then attending church, we both agreed we HAD to go back to Life Alive for another fix before I boarded the bus for home.  It was a sheer miracle I got to Gate 16 on time. There wasn't a moment to spare. 

All in all, it was a most special weekend filled with much laughter, reminiscing, and looking ahead to all the memories yet to be made.

*Friend: To open your home, your heart, to be vulnerable, to be filled with joy, to cry, to forgive, to be in step through the best and worst of times, to always think the best of one another, to provide a shelter, a shoulder, a hand; to listen long into the night, to inspire and offer grace. *

Oh yes. There will be more posts about weekends in Boston.