Birthday Outing
• A Purr-fect View
Jul 19, 2010 – Mom's birthday was the other day so a friend and I treated her to a day in Boston, going via the commuter train. I love riding the rails. The conductor even offered me a feline booster seat so I could gaze out the window.
Arriving at North Station they walked while I padded over toward Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market. Sniffing the air and spying restaurants my stomach clock went off signaling lunchtime.
While perusing the menu outside the door of The Purple Shamrock my eyes spotted the salmon wrap. Salmon…just thinking about it brought on some drool. Guess the girls noticed because they decided to venture in where we were shown to a table in front of the windows. I waited patiently while they made their selections but think I embarrassed mom when the waitress was taking our orders because I bellowed out,
"Yes, yes, the salmon wrap—it sounds YUMMEEEE!!!" I quickly contained myself adding, "And a bowl of cranberry juice, please." Lunch was great but we needed to get a move on for dessert at one of the many possibilities in the food court at Quincy Market. On the way we stopped in Faneuil Hall where mom did a little shopping for her grand-buddies.
After partaking of ice cream for Val, a chocolate/peanut butter brownie for mom and a macaroon for me we began a saunter through the various indoor and outdoor vendor stalls in the area. Mom bought a post card to send to her buddy Lynn and I suggested adding a smudge of my cookie for some Boston flavor, figuring it would make it more personal.
We were moseying along when a monsoon hit and hung around for about an hour. I made a beeline for mom's shoulder. I just had my nails done so it was any port in a storm as they say.
We were hoping it would clear so we could walk to the North End because the gals were going to attend the 4:30 Mass at St. Stephen's Church. The church has historical roots as it was designed by Charles Bulfinch the first American to practice architecture as a profession and where Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy was baptized in 1890.
Before we ventured back to Quincy Market I needed a "box break" Across the street was a fire house and I figured, why not? I was in luck. After finishing and walking towards the door I noticed they sold t-shirts. I wanted one but they didn't have anything in my size, Cat--10 pounds so they let me ring the bell and turn on the lights. My paw was reaching for the siren button but I caught mom's look and decided a retraction was in order. I told the firemen what I do for a living and that I would mention them in my columns. So, gentlemen of Hanover St. Ladder 1 and Engine 8 thank you for the work you do in keeping the North End protected. We enjoyed chatting with you. Stay safe.
