Our 1st Annual Traditions in New England

Our move to New England, will mostly be to create a home, family for our pets and future children, and traditions. Here are some annual places we'd like to go see and some of which we'd like to create a tradition of going to every year, we'll also add lot's of other adventures, and may even have other daytrips that aren't even planned. Here's a start:

 

New Years Eve

 

First Night Chatham or First Night Boston

 

Make a time capsule

 

January

 

The 24th Annual Cape & Islands Orchid Society Show in Hyannis, Massachusetts

 

January 26th 2013 celebrate Edith Whatron's (1st woman to win the pulitzer prize) 151st birthday at her home The Mount (free admission)

 

February

 

February 10th the Cape Cod Bridal show at New Seabury Country Club

 

Celebrate Lincon's birthday by visiting Hildene in Manchester, Vermont

 

or take a trip to Billings Farm and Museum in Woodstock, Vemont

 

or go to the Antique Snow rally in Old Sturbridge

 

Go out for a Valentine's Dinner

 

March

 

Daytrip to

 

the Native American traditions weekend at Old Sturbridge

 

Easter brunch at Old Yarmouth Inn

 

April

 

April 19th is Patriots Day. In Masachusetts there is a re-enactment of the battles of Lexington and Concord at the Minute Man National Park.

 

The Freedom Trail to trace the footsteps of our forefathers and other attractions in Boston, Massachusetts

 

Daytrip to either

 

the Louisa May Alcott's Farm (The author of Little Women) and watch the movie Little Women, or

 

the Ralph Waldo Emerson House

 

or Thoreau Farm 

 

May

 

May 1st also know as May Day Family photo for Mother's & Father's Day

 

Daytrip to either

 

The Emily Dickinson Poety Walk or

 

the Fruitlands Museum in Harvard, Massachusetts or

 

the Mary Baker Eddy Museum or

 

 the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

 

June

 

June 20th 2013 is our Wedding in Martha's Vineyard

 

June 21st-23rd 2013 is the Newport Flower Show in Newport, Rhode Island

 

Visit a Newport mansion

 

The Long Table

 

July

 

4th of July parade

 

4th of July celebrations at Old Sturbridge, with a fireworks display six o'clock onwards

 

Perhaps take a family vacation

 

August

 

Spend days cycling to the beach

 

Annual family camping trip to Horseneck Beach State Park

 

Go to a Clam Bake

 

September

 

Visit local museums and attractions on The Cape

 

October

 

 Visit the Salem Witch Museum in Salem, Massachusetts or

 

 Cogswell’s Grant the summer home of renowned folk art collectors Bertram K. and Nina Fletcher Little in Essex, Massachusetts

 

Halloween decorating and trick-or-treating

 

November

 

Family Photo

 

November 10th we send out our Thanksgiving cards

 

Thanksgiving Celebrations by visiting the Plimouth Plantation in Plymouth, Massachusetts

 

Shopping at Colony Place and Village Landing

 

Thanksgiving day lunch and visit with friends

 

December

 

Family photo

 

December 10th we traditionally send out our Holiday cards

 

Christmas at the Newport Mansions in Newport, Rhode Island and

 

The Strawbery Bank Museum in New Hampshire one or

 

Nantucket Noel.

 

December 24th Annual Holiday Party at our home

 

 

Other Traditions

 

 We buy a postcard everytime we go somewhere new for our photo album

Strawbery Banke Museum

I was reading a New Englander blog called New England Living and read Alyson's post about visiting the Strawberry Banke Museum, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. 

There website says: "Strawbery Banke is about connecting with the past.

It is a place to gather, a place to learn and is a sustainable resource.

Visitors to Strawbery Banke have the opportunity to experience and imagine how people lived and worked in this typical American neighborhood through nearly four centuries of history. Using restored houses, featured exhibits, historic landscapes and gardens, and interpretive programs, Strawbery Banke tells the stories of the many generations who settled in this Portsmouth, New Hampshire "Puddle Dock" community from the late l7th to the mid-20th century."

It was "originally named Strawbery Banke by early (1630) British settlers for the wild berries growing there, Strawbery Banke today is unique among outdoor history museums - tracing 375 years of history in one of America's oldest continuously occupied neighborhoods. The 10-acre site, with its authentically restored houses and shops, period gardens, and costumed role players, presents the daily lives of ordinary people who lived here - from Colonial times to World War II, from the mundane to the elegant, from economic boom to war time austerity - in engaging and accessible ways. Strawbery Banke Museum is a capsule of New England seaport life across four centuries."

  

Now how delightful would it be to visit?

Here's a video, if you'd like to know more

And yes, it's Strawbery with only one 's'.

Lets Get Educated

 

Do we have children?

 

No. Not yet, but we hope to start a family after our wedding next year.

 

And since we plan to move to The Cape in 2013, and settle for at least ten to fifteen years in one home, we do have to think to the future.

 

So, we looked at the schools surrounding Hyannis Port, and compared the public ones to the private ones. And since we hope to raise our children to understand all the worlds religions, so they can be tolerant, we opted out of the uber religious private schools.

 

For the first time ever, we also researched homeschooling.

 

We discussed it, researched it, and slept on it and decided on doing both.

 

Crazy, I know.

 

We'll enrol our children in public school, where they will learn to socialize with all sorts of children, and we'll spend one to two days a week during the summer teaching the basics of the curriculum they'll be learning the following year.

 

Also, we'll start basic, baby education when there old enough.

 

If we raise children who are aware, not just of themselves, but the world in which we live, then, and only then will we feel like we've done our best efforts in educating our children.

 

As you can see, we both value a good education, and continue learning all the time...I hope to pass down that passion, I guess we'll see. 

Horseneck Beach State Park

 

Examiner

Do you remember those annual family traditions? One we'd like to start is an annual camping trip. Where better than Horseneck Beach State Park?

 

Damian Musello from the examiner says:

 

"Horseneck Beach: 5 John Reed Road and Rt.88, Westport, MA

I almost don’t want to write about Horseneck Beach State Reservation because it is popular enough—one of the most popular facilities in the State—and I fear letting more people know about it. It is hands down one of the finest beaches in New England and possibly the East Coast because it combines a southwest facing 2-mile long beach and an extensive estuarine system with the most voluptuous dunes to create a stunning swimmer, sun tanner, bird watcher, wind surfer, heaven. I have had some days at Horseneck that were such a fabulous concoction of sun, soft breeze and lovely clear water that I entered a dazzled fugue state in which the day simply slipped away. Suddenly the sun is sinking low in the west and one is forced to call an end to the reverie.

 

Horseneck is a part of the Massachusetts State Park system and one of the best run. Last year a brand new shower house and over-dune walk was were opened and another is being renovated. There is a paved walkway which runs parallel to the beach behind the first set of dunes making the carting of coolers and beach chairs a lot easier. The beach is granular loosely packed sand and moderately sloped, even as the tide goes out. There’s a volleyball net set up and always in use. If you want more privacy you can walk westward towards Horseneck Point. On this part of the beach are the steep dunes where you can shelter in a swale if the wind picks up. It’s a good 20 minute walk to the point but worth the trip to see where the Westport River scours a channel through the barrier beach into Westport Harbor. To the east, behind the dunes of Gooseberry Neck—a rocky headland—is a 100-site campground.

 

Horseneck is a classic barrier beach and behind it is a mature dune system with some classic swales scoured to the water table. Further inland beach vegetation has evolved to woodland.
 

The beach does have it’s bad days though and it is always advisable to call ahead and check on conditions. I’ve driven down from a sweltering Boston right into the most dense fog bank I’ve ever seen….it began right at the beach parking lot and never ventured further inland. Green heads are sometimes a problem but the most common trouble at Horseneck is the foul red mung—seaweed torn up from beds offshore—that makes swimming impossible. Call ahead, ask about fog, mung, green heads and water temperature….the beach personnel are reliable.

 

From Boston: Rte. 93 south to Rte. 128 north. Follow Rte. 128 north a short distance to Rte. 24 south. Follow Rte 24 south to Fall River and the intersection with Rte. 195 east. Follow 195 east to exit 10 and Rte. 88 south. Follow Rte. 88 south 11 miles to the end and follow the signs."

Newport Mansions

About an hour and a half away from the Cape is Newport, Rhode Island.



David Astudillo

 

Newport, is home to many mansions taken care of by the The Preservation Society of Newport County.

 

There are around ten homes to tour, and the larger homes have many events throughout the year. Antique shows, a garden show, Christmas celebrations, lectures, servant life tours and so much more.

 

Here are the homes featured on their website:

 

The Breakers

 

 

Marble House

 

 

The Elms

 

 

Rosecliff

 

 

Chateau-sur-Mer

 

 

Kingscote

 

 

Isaac Bell House

 

 

Green Animals Topiary Garden

 

 

Hunter House

 

 

Chepstow

 

 

I look forward to visiting someday.

Cape Cod

Pinterest

What a beautiful scene. The serenity. The calm.

The Kennedy's at Hyannis Port

 

One day after the 1960 election results, the family celebrates in Hyannis Port.

 

Jackie Kennedy in the Atlantic Ocean at the Kennedy Compound.

 

 

Summer 1963. In a boat with John Jr. and sailing with Caroline.

 

Grandchildren and great grandchildren of original Kennedy clan, Hyannis Port.

 

[All images were from Pinterest]



Inspiration 11.08

Pinterest

About Massachusetts

Massachusetts, officially the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, is a U.S. state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. Massachusetts is the 7th least extensive, but the 14th most populous and the 3rd most densely populated of the 50 United States. Massachusetts features two separate metropolitan areas: Greater Boston in the east and the Springfield metropolitan area in the west.

 

Approximately two thirds of Massachusetts's population lives in Greater Boston, most of which is either urban or suburban. Western Massachusetts features one urban area – the Knowledge Corridor along the Connecticut River – and a mix of college towns and rural areas. Many of Massachusetts' towns, cities, and counties have names identical to ones in England. Massachusetts is the most populous of the six New England states and has the US's sixth highest GDP per capita.

 

Massachusetts has played a significant historical, cultural, and commercial role in American history. Plymouth was the site of the colony founded in 1620 by the Pilgrims, passengers of the Mayflower. Harvard University, founded in 1636, is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. In 1692, the towns surrounding Salem experienced one of America's most infamous cases of mass hysteria, the Salem Witch Trials.

 

In the 18th century, the Protestant First Great Awakening, which swept the Atlantic world, originated from the pulpit of Northampton, Massachusetts preacher Jonathan Edwards. In the late 18th century, Boston became known as the "Cradle of Liberty" for the agitation there that led to the American Revolution and the independence of the United States from Great Britain. In 1777, General Henry Knox founded the Springfield Armory, which during the Industrial Revolution catalyzed numerous important technological advances, including interchangeable parts. In 1786, Shays' Rebellion, a populist revolt by Western Massachusetts farmers, led directly to the United States Constitutional Convention.

 

Before the American Civil War, Massachusetts was a center for the temperance, transcendentalist, and abolitionist movements. In 1837, Mount Holyoke College, the United States' first college for women, was opened in the Connecticut River Valley town of South Hadley. In the late 19th century, the (now) Olympic sports of basketball and volleyball were invented in the Western Massachusetts cities of Springfield and Holyoke, respectively. In 2004, Massachusetts became the first U.S. state to legally recognize same-sex marriage as a result of the decision of the state's Supreme Judicial Court. Massachusetts has contributed many prominent politicians to national service, including members of the Adams family and of the Kennedy family.

 

Originally dependent on fishing, agriculture, and trade, Massachusetts was transformed into a manufacturing center during the Industrial Revolution. During the 20th century, Massachusetts's economy shifted from manufacturing to services. In the 21st century, Massachusetts is a leader in higher education, health care technology, high technology, and financial services.

 

Source

Importance of Religion in America

a.

 

 

 

 

 

Religion in Massachussetts

While Protestant sects have contributed greatly to the state's history and development, more than half the state's population is Roman Catholic, a fact that has had a profound effect on Massachusetts politics and policies.
 

Both the Pilgrims, who landed on Plymouth Rock in 1620, and the Puritans, who formed the Massachusetts Bay Company in 1629, came to the land to escape harassment by the Church of England. These early communities were based on strict religious principles and forbade the practice of differing religions. Religious tolerance was included in the Charter of 1692, to protect the Baptists, Anglicans, and Catholics who had by then arrived in the colony.

 

 

The major influx of Roman Catholics came in the 1840s with the arrival of the Irish in Boston. By the 1850s, they had migrated to other towns and cities and formed the backbone of the state's industrial workforce. Later migration by Italian Catholics, German Catholics, and Eastern European Jews turned the state, by 1900, into a melting pot of religions and nationalities, although many of these minorities did not win substantial acceptance from the Protestant elite until the World War II era.
 

As of 2000, there were 3,092,296 Roman Catholics in Massachusetts, representing nearly half of the total population. The largest Protestant denominations were: the United Church of Christ, 121,826 adherents; the Episcopal Church, 98,963; the American Baptists (USA), 52,716,156; and the United Methodist Church, 64,028. The 2nd-largest religious affiliation is Judaism, with about 275,000 adherents in 2000. The Muslim population the same year was about 41,497 people. Though membership numbers were not available, reports noted that there were about 57 Buddhist congregations and 20 Hindu congregations throughout the state. About 35% of the population were not counted as members of any religious organization.
 

Although small, the Church of Christ, Scientist, is significant to Massachusetts's history. Its first house of worship was founded in 1879 in Boston by Mary Baker Eddy, who four years earlier had published the Christian Science textbook Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. In Boston, the church continues to publish an influential newspaper, the Christian Science Monitor.

 

Source

586 Schudder Avenue

 

One can dream right?

 

 

This 9 bedroom, 4 1/2 bathroom home is on the market in Hyannis Port for $4.5 million.

 

 

It would be ideal for entertaining...

 

 

relaxing...

 

 

Or reading.

 

It has over 5,800 square feet. So there's enough space for everyone.

 

 

 

 

 

If you just so happen to already be a millionaire, and like this home it's listed on Zillow, here's the link.

Hyannis Port Harbor

 

All photos were taken by me. Please ask permission before using. Thanks

A Christian Nation?

Freedon Trail & Constitution Cruise

In the 1950’s concerned Bostonians were determined to preserve the story of the American Revolution as it began in Boston through preservation of 16 historically significant sites. These 16 sites are located along a unique 2.5 mile urban walking trail, marked with a bricked or painted red line.

Designated a Millennium Trail by First Lady Hillary Clinton in 2000, the Freedom Trail today is an integral part of the modern city and contributes tremendous economic value to Boston and the Commonwealth through education, tourism, and preservation programs.

As the Freedom Trail enters its second half century, it proudly celebrates that it has become the signature historic experience in New England — attracting over 3.2 million people annually — and has succeeded in preserving the story of the American Revolution and the ideals of freedom of speech, religion, government, and self-determination for all America.

I think we may try this, for only $27 on Columbus Day:

 

The Freedom Trail Foundation has partnered with Boston Harbor Cruises for the only joint ticket to take you on the Freedom Trail by land and sea.

USS Constitution Cruises Visit one of Boston's most treasured landmarks, the USS Constitution. This 45-minute, informative tour brings you up close and personal with "Old Ironsides" at her home in the Charlestown Navy Yard and offers the option to disembark for a tour of the famous ship and accompanying Naval Museum. Other highlights of the tour include the Bunker Hill Monument, the site of The Boston Tea Party, and the Old North Church.

Valid for any USS Constitution Cruise offered by Boston Harbor Cruises. Cruise departs from Long Wharf Gate 2 every hour on the half hour. Cruise boards 15 minutes prior to departure. Cruise will not operate June 30th – July 5th (due to 1812 celebration event).

Ticket may also be used on Freedom Trail tours departing daily from the Arts Boston booth at Faneuil Hall.

 

Source

Elizabeth Warren for Senate

When I first read online that Elizabeth Warren was running for senate, I was overjoyed. 

 



 

I have read many of her financial articles over the past few years, and her advice is so clear and concise. I would be proud to have her as my future senator.

 

Elizabeth, is a democrat like myself.

 

We support 'the people', not just the cream of the crop and this years republican candidate Mitt Romney has me extremely nervous about the future of middle class America.

 

Without a middle class, the jump from lower class to upper class will get wider.

 

 I believe a second democratic term will help whats been started...get carried out.

 

I also understand, we all have different views, thoughts, beliefs etc...but these are my opinions, and so with that...

 

go Elizabeth!

Income Producing Property

Have you ever heard the term OPM well, basically it stands for 'Other People's Money'. Effectively, having an income producing property is collecting OPM and that is why we've been looking to increase our portfolio with homes that have rental potential.

 

 

"More millionaires have been created by real estate investing then any other investment opportunity" according to Peter Giardini. He also writes an interesting article called 'Getting started in Real Estate, it's a good read and outlines the positives and negatives to owning income producing properties.

 

Tax Benefits of Vacation Homes

By Value your money

 

Personal v. rental use
The tax treatment of your vacation home depends on the number of days you rent it at fair market value and the number of personal use days. In addition to the days you use the home, you must count as personal use any part of a day that the residence is used for personal purposes by a relative and by any individual who rents the residence for less than fair market rent.

 

In addition, any day that your vacation home is used by your parents or grandparents, children or grandchildren, or siblings is counted as personal use – even if the family members paid fair market rent.

 

On the other hand, days you spend working on your vacation home are not counted as personal use days if they are primarily spent making repairs or getting the property ready for tenants. Bear in mind that for tax purposes, a second home can be a boat or even recreational vehicle as long as it has permanent sleeping, cooking, and toilet facilities.

 

Scenario #1: Use often, rent seldom

If you rent your home for less than 15 days during the year, any rental income you collect is tax-free. You don’t even have to report the income on your tax return. You can still deduct property taxes and mortgage interest whether or not the property is used to produce income. However, you cannot deduct any rental-related expenses.

 

Scenario #2: Use seldom, rent often
If your personal use of your vacation home doesn’t exceed 14 days a tax year or 10 percent of the total number of days it is rented out at fair market value, whichever is greater, your vacation home qualifies as a rental property. As the owner of a rental property, you must report the entire rental income you receive. However, you may qualify to deduct expenses related to renting, such as depreciation, utilities, repairs, and property management fees.

 

If you end the year with a net profit from the rental income, you may deduct all your rental expenses. However, if you had a net loss, your deduction will be limited by the passive activity rule. A passive activity involves the conduct, trade or business in which you are not materially participating.

 

An exception applies if you actively participate in managing rental activities. In such cases, you can deduct up to $25,000 in rental losses against other non-passive income, such as wages. This deduction begins to phase out when your adjusted gross income (AGI) exceeds $100,000. The passive activity loss not used cannot be carried forward to future years.

 

Scenario #3: Use some and rent some
If you and your family personally use the place more than 14 days a year or, if greater 10 percent of the number of days it is rented to others at fair market value, your vacation home is treated as a residence.

 

You must report all rental income on your tax return and you may be able to deduct your rental expenses, but only up to the total amount of rental income.

 

You cannot use the excess rental expenses to offset income from other sources. You can, however, carry the excess expenses forward to the next year and treat them as rental expenses for the same property up to the amount of rental income for the year.

 

Work with a CPA
With proper planning and professional advice, you can maximize tax benefits and your personal enjoyment of your vacation home. A CPA can help you determine the best strategy.

 

 

Dobbs Mill

Here's a cute little story...

Earlier in 2012 when we were deciding we didn't want to stay in Washington we looked at the possibility of moving...Our favorite state in Massachusetts and one of our most favourite cities is Boston.

So, we planned a trip, booked our tickets and waited in anticipation of our trip.

We looked at the best small towns in Massachusetts to live that feel like 'home' with it's New England charm and 'How do you do' neighborhoods.

It reminded us of a movie that we love called Housesitter...Starring Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn. The House in the movie was built in Cohasset that was fictionally named Dobs Mill...Cohasset is also where Witches of Eastwick was filmed.

Anyhow, we both love Steve Martin movies and Cory brought home Father of The Bride I & II which resonated with our lives, getting engaged and moving to Boston! Haha

Anyways, while house hunting on The Cape we found a house on 45 Newton Street...Newton was Steve Martin's character on Housesitter and the cross street is Maple Avenue, like the address on Father of The Bride...

We chuckled, at the similarities and came up with a name for the house...Dobbs Mill. So, if that's the one, ya never know...It might just be.

Or am I jinxing it???

The Alfred Stevens Carriage House

Carriage House by Connor Homes

This would be a wonderful rental opportunity on The Cape

52 Stevens Street

a.

This $195,000 3 bedroom 2 bathroom home has a 2 car garage and rental potential.

Wing Neck Lighthouse

As I was looking for rentals for our wedding I came accross Wing Neck Light House which can be rented for a modest $4,500 a week in the peak season.

 Photos above from www.wingnecklighthouse.com

It has been featured in Coastal Living Magazine, 25 Guiding Lights. Also Rob De Photography and Stony Brook Camera Club.

Emily & Matt's Wedding featured on Snippet & Ink

and

Chantal & James on Studio 280



House Rentals on The Cape

I've mentioned before that we hope to get married on The Cape. One possibility was Heron House and Inn on The Beach. But we've decided to look for other locations also.

a.

This home is in East Sandwich would be around $4,900 to rent for the week but it has an nice private beach.

b.

Another East Sandwich home. A little pricey at $5,900 but again a nice private beach.

See what I mean...

c.

This home is pricey at $9,950 but has a lovely deck and pergola in Provincetown.

It looks lovely in the sunset.

d.

This home is a statement, huh? It's in the Historic Gray Gables in Bourne and on the site where Grover Cleveland had his summer White House.

For a modest $5000 a week.

e.

Again in East Sandwich, right on the beach for $5,200 a week...this home is immaculately furnished.

An lastly

f.

A lighthouse in Pocasset for $4,500 a week.

I did a bunch of research on the lighthouse because we both thought it was an idyllic location...I'll do another post on that.