Construction continues on Mass + Main, a project that will add three buildings and 306 apartments to Cambridge’s Central Square. The taller of those buildings will run to 19 stories and 195 feet, placing it among the highest in Cambridge. The project is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2019. Soon the building will block the morning sun that falls on the Clover restaurant where I have breakfast most days. It is a stark reminder that the things we take for granted are rarely permanent.
The remnants of Hurricane Florence have been passing through Massachusetts for the past 36 hours. Having just reseeded our lawn we are thankful for all the rain. The ominous skies also contributed to the mood of this image of a bridge over the Sudbury River which I rather like.
Two days ago I secured a reservation for Audi’s first all-electric car, the e-tron, only seconds after preferred customers were allowed to do so. At 12:01 AM this morning, I got my first glimpse of the final design and had a chance to review specifications before entering my order configuration. I have decided on everything except the color which will probably be one of the two above. I have waited patiently for this day ever since I rejected delivery of a Tesla Model X over 2 years ago. That saga is recounted here. The e-tron is a proper all-electric SUV crossover with enough range (~250 miles) to eliminate the need for a traditional gas-powered car, a big increase compared to the 81-mile range of my BMW i3. While it has been fine for commuting to Boston, I have to trade cars with Jeanine anytime I need to travel further. Delivery is expected within 6 months and possibly sooner given my position at the top of the reservation list.
Today’s photo is courtesy of Kyle who documented his work in the kitchen where he prepared meals for the coming week. His mother deserves all the credit for teaching her children how to cook and appreciate healthy food. Sadly, her husband has not benefited from equal measures of instruction and coaching. It should also be noted that she still accuses him of creating the false impression that he was an accomplished cook during their courtship. This by virtue of the fact that he owned a mushroom brush and prepared homemade lasagna for one of their early dates.
I do not believe I have ever in my life attended a car show. As I drove back from my soccer match this morning, I happened on one being held in Concord. Although classic cars are not exactly my cup of tea, I could not help but admire the beauty of these restored automobiles. Photographically speaking it was a target-rich environment and I wound up staying for half an hour. My soccer team managed to come away with a 2-0 win against a very tough Russian team which has moved us into a tie for first place within the division. My game ended minutes before halftime when I tweaked my left hamstring. The second half proved to be even more physical than the first and nearly ended in a brawl. Let’s just say that I am not looking forward to our next match against these guys.
Kyle returned to Concord yesterday to collect some furniture and other items for his new apartment. Today, after stocking up on groceries, I drove with him back to the Seaport District but not before making a detour to Olin College so we could visit with Maya. After dreaming she had fallen from her newly constructed loft sleeping area, I am pleased to report that she has completed construction of a proper railing to prevent any such mishap. She has taken on an exhausting academic load but seems to be very happy with her busy life. Kyle seems to be settling nicely into his apartment save for a new mattress that is not to his liking. Once that is replaced, I think he will be very comfortable in his new living quarters. While driving out of the Seaport District it was hard not to notice the number of young people out and about enjoying themselves in what is one of Boston’s most “happening” areas.
I found myself at Lechmere Canal Park this morning before meetings I had in the neighborhood. This circular basin forms the terminus of a 750-foot-long canal which was created by walling off an existing portion of the Charles River around which it was filled with landfill. It is used primarily by the Charles River Boat Company, which operates pleasure trips from a mooring in front of the Galleria. Private boats can also use the moorings there for mall access.
It has been 6 years since I visited Argentina with Kyle, a trip I will never forget. I will be visiting again in February when my soccer team travels to Buenos Aires to play two international friendly matches. This evening I began making my travel plans. I will definitely be visiting the Iguazu Falls area which I was not able to reach last time. I am torn between visiting several other new areas or returning to the Patagonia region which has some of the most amazing landscapes on the planet. I would like to give myself about a week ahead of the matches for hiking and photography.
This afternoon I shot a couple more headshots of new and old Superpedestrian employees. The guy above works in the software department as if you couldn’t guess. Below are some of my favorite shots of the day.
Several times a year, the grass in the field behind our house is mowed and collected for hay. The timing of the process is very important. Cutting in the afternoon results in the highest sugar content of the grass. Cutting and gathering in dry conditions prevents mold. This picture was taken yesterday as the farmer worked feverishly to “make hay while the sun shines.” Today we are experiencing torrential rain which would have ruined the hay crop had it been left for one more day. While waiting for the tractor to line up for the shot I wanted, I photographed the flowers below out of boredom. Turns out I rather liked the image. It makes me feel like the end of summer is approaching.
Today my over-56 soccer team faced Medfield, one of the better teams in division one. I scored my first goal of the season and it proved to be enough to secure a 1-0 win. I ran onto a beautiful pass across the top of the box and just behind the defense, controlled it with my left foot, and finished with the outside of my right. I am not known for my finishing finesse but this goal enhanced my reputation in that regard. Later we celebrated at the home of our goalie. I had beer duty by virtue of the yellow card I earned during our last match. As a non-drinker, I felt entirely intimidated by the beer selection process and have been worrying about this for the entire week. The consequences of a poor selection would have been unmitigated torment. Fortunately, my pre-purchase research proved to be well informed and many on the squad are looking forward to my next card infraction.
Last week I purchased a new drone, a larger and higher resolution version of the one I have been using for the past year. It sports a 1-inch 20MP sensor that is a big step up from the 12MP version on its baby brother. Unexpectedly, it is also quieter in the air, a welcome bonus. It is more sophisticated in every way and will be my primary aerial camera from here on out. The smaller one will be my go-to choice for travel and hiking.
Over the years I have photographed this bridge on several occasions. The Japanese inspired design has always appealed to me as does the serene setting. It is a great place to visit for serenity and on this day for introspection and contemplation. When faced with important decisions or the need to relax, I am able to find great clarity and peace in such places.
For some time now I have been wanting to photograph Boston’s iconic CITGO sign from a unique perspective. Famous as a backdrop to Kenmore Square and Fenway Park, I used a new drone that arrived yesterday for the project. The radio range is incredible and I piloted this mission from the other side of the Charles River during a lunch-hour stroll to Magazine Beach Park. I also got some nice shots on the return flight.
