tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90463368131976235362012-03-01T17:39:29.156-05:00Blogging the town of Hadley, Massachusetts, and the surround Pioneer Valley. News, photos, information.emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.comBlogger1171100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-72845983681594535552012-03-01T12:22:00.000-05:002012-03-01T12:22:11.644-05:00

This article, Other Jobs on the Hadley To-Do List, was posted in the Gazette yesterday online (but dated tomorrow for print).  Take a look at the recommended repairs for our town buildings.

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-13858546789527400382012-02-27T17:11:00.002-05:002012-02-27T17:39:44.663-05:00

 (Click on the image to enlarge.) Come to the Entrusting the Commons photo exhibit opening reception.  Meet the photographers from the project, view the photos in real space, and perhaps even purchase a greeting card made from one of the photos.  (Proceeds from the cards will benefit the town library.) This exhibit kicks off Membership Month at the Goodwin Memorial Library.  Find out how to

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-83229965604845972472012-02-23T06:53:00.001-05:002012-02-23T06:53:00.075-05:00

When a month or so ago I saw that John Green was publishing a new novel, I got excited.  Ever since reading his first book, Looking for Alaska, I have not missed a single solo book of his.  (Not that that's been too difficult, as this is only his fourth solo book; but I also read Will Grayson, Will Grayson, which he wrote with David Levithan.) I immediately put it on my library wish list and

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-55834453231633198752012-02-21T18:57:00.003-05:002012-02-21T18:57:00.495-05:00

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-50269830076055697772012-02-17T16:36:00.001-05:002012-02-27T17:13:57.399-05:00

On my way home from work this afternoon, coming up Rt 47, I was excited to see a group of guys tapping and bucketing sugar maples by the side of the road -- lots of metal buckets hanging from lots of trees.  When I arrived home and shared the news, Mr Madley said he had heard one of the Boisverts from the N. Hadley Sugar Shack on the radio this morning talking sugaring and syrup.  Therefore, I am

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-82030193731600863852012-02-16T18:53:00.000-05:002012-02-16T18:53:45.200-05:00

The flourless chocolate raspberry torte by Portabella Fine Foods in Amherst. A delicious and highly worthwhile Valentine's Day present.  Eat your heart out!

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-81973586073317783132012-02-09T18:57:00.000-05:002012-02-09T18:57:21.179-05:00

Make a pledge -- plant a tree. NEPR has partnered with the Connecticut River Watershed Council and several area nurseries to distribute 2600 trees to local environmental organizations who are working to restore areas of the Connecticut River affected by the June tornadoes, the August storm and flooding, and the October nor'easter. So, for every contribution made to support WFCR and WNNZ during

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-4114485279681900772012-01-31T16:34:00.000-05:002012-01-31T16:34:00.434-05:00

The week before the Winkle Picker Festival in Ashfield (see previous post), there is a Winterfest in Amherst at the Cherry Hill Golf Course-- a full day of winter fun for the whole family -- especially if we finally get snow. Check out the fun: chili cook-off cross country ski lessons ice sculpture contest sledding bird-watching treks frisbee toss fireworks food oh -- and the cardboard classic!

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-1929753218037985132012-01-30T18:33:00.001-05:002012-01-30T21:20:18.436-05:00

You can't tell me this doesn't look like tons of fun -- especially for the cold days of mid-February....

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-82645145236367469312012-01-21T12:04:00.000-05:002012-01-21T12:04:06.654-05:00

Back in the autumn, an Amherst graduate student with a particular admiration for Hadley began the first piece of her PhotoVoice Project: Hadley's Heritage.  She rounded up a small group of photographers, gave them photo prompts, and sent them out into Hadley each week to photograph their images of those prompts.  You can see the beautiful results (and read more about it) at HadleyMAHeritage.org.

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-57522501471339323712012-01-20T06:25:00.000-05:002012-01-20T06:25:06.304-05:00

Some of the links have changed (and the radio station disappeared) since I first created my shortlist of school closings links, so here's an updated version. 22News WWLP WGGB ABC40 If I come up with more, I'll land them here. Happy Friday!  Enjoy the white.

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-27098097377113497242012-01-16T16:37:00.000-05:002012-01-16T16:37:14.574-05:00

Since it is January and we are supposed to get some snow, freezing rain, and a nice wintry mix over the next 24 hours, I thought this would be the ideal time to remind you of the link to the right which will direct you to three sources of information for snow closures.  The link is also posted below: Info for School Snow Closures (Public buildings and churches are also frequently listed, so even

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-54070905547764692832012-01-13T15:36:00.000-05:002012-01-13T15:36:32.875-05:00

In case you haven't yet heard, Hadley's Superintendent of Schools, Nick Young, has been chosen to succeed Superintendent Gus Sayer in South Hadley.  Young was one of five finalists for the position (all of whom had school tours over the last week and a half), and was voted in unanimously last night by the school committee.  For more information, see the stories on MassLive or GazetteNet.

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-73197946647747469742012-01-11T16:43:00.001-05:002012-01-11T16:44:07.394-05:00

Mr. Madley and I had a delightful dinner last Saturday night at Moti -- a Persian Mediterranean restaurant in Amherst.  I had first tasted their goods at Taste of Amherst last June in the form of a lamb gyro and immediately fell in love.  I had the same thing Saturday night -- seasoned lamb and fresh vegetables in a creamy tzatziki sauce all wrapped up in a thick pita and served with potato

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-41227168706824911852012-01-03T17:31:00.003-05:002012-01-11T15:58:35.273-05:00

I was saddened to read on MassLive an article on the death of Alexandra Dawson last Friday.  Mr. Madley and I have only been part of town a short time, and we had not yet had to opportunity to meet her (we definitely wanted to), but her name was already famous around our dinner table.  When thinking of her today, the phrase "pillar of the community" came to mind; but, in view of her neverending

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-54018897533321329292012-01-01T12:57:00.000-05:002012-01-01T12:57:56.385-05:00

Being a book enthusiast and an ardent reader, I have long wanted to start a "recommended reads" column on the blog and have given much thought to the various ways it could be done; in order to speed things up, I've decided to go with one of my simpler options. Five books I read in 2011 (though one I actually just finished today) that I recommend for 2012: Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer Holm: a

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-28443226546822902152011-12-23T11:11:00.000-05:002011-12-23T11:11:00.748-05:00

Late autumn/early winter has been bumpy at the Madley household, and so the blog has had a brief break -- time to rest up during the darkest season of the year.  It will be back in the New Year, however, with restaurant reviews, local photos, and other things of interest -- all those things you expect from Madley Hadley. In the meantime, enjoy looking at this pronunciation guide for Massachusetts

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-52661378745884893722011-11-25T02:13:00.004-05:002011-11-25T02:13:00.732-05:00

Thanksgiving officially marks the beginning of shopping season.  It's sad that a holiday devoted to gratitude is overrun by advertising and marketing, and I hope that you thought of many things to be thankful for yesterday.  I waited an extra day to post this, just so that I could leave Thanksgiving for thankfulness. But now it is post-holiday and time for thinking about presents and purchasing

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-2505499743072816342011-11-23T16:32:00.001-05:002011-11-23T16:34:58.470-05:00

The Rocky Hill turkey was out this afternoon wishing all the passersby a happy Thanksgiving (the larger turkey family was out this morning with similar well-wishes). I hope you are thinking of many many things to be thankful for this holiday.

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-66226005798321127472011-11-05T16:00:00.001-04:002011-11-06T08:38:36.369-05:00

One week ago Massachusetts was hit with what is coming to be known as the Halloween Storm of '11.  Inches and inches of heavy, wet snow fell across the region of Western Massachusetts -- up to 28 inches in some locations. At my house in Hadley, we received something close to 8 inches of snow.  Our electricity went out around 4:15 Saturday afternoon, flickered around 5:30, and then remained off

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-84267205017731616422011-11-03T16:06:00.000-04:002011-11-03T16:06:29.263-04:00

According to signs around town, the town meeting is still a go tonight (the listing on the page linked below says the town meeting will go ahead despite the state of emergency) -- 7pm, Hopkins Academy. For more information, visit this advisory page.

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-54093431382353390502011-10-29T14:34:00.003-04:002011-10-29T14:34:00.551-04:00

Please check the calendar for the most recent information I have on holiday fairs, festivals, and bazaars! I've noticed recently an increase of visits to last year's "Holiday Festivals and Bazaars" post.  Sadly, that information is now a bit out of date.  However, in its place is the Local Calendar (see the link to the right, just under Hadley Grass and Valley Ice Cream).  Information on the

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-70499843777410592372011-10-26T18:50:00.000-04:002011-10-26T18:50:05.095-04:00

If you didn't make it out for the Chili/Golumpki Cookoff and Fire Prevention Week Open House on Saturday, this is some of what you missed (click on the images to enlarge): 1926 REO Speedwagon -- Hadley's first motorized pumper; put into commission after the flood of 1927 and retired in 1955. Home sprinkler and firefighter demonstration (those were REAL flames). Firefighting gear on display

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-88413598554660763142011-10-17T16:09:00.001-04:002011-10-17T16:13:37.741-04:00

I've been hearing about this cookoff for a few weeks now and just started seeing signs for it last week, but I can never read small, heavily-worded signs while I'm driving down the road....  This morning I finally had the camera in the car and enough spare time to stop and take the picture of the Hadley Firemen's Association's Chili/Golumpki Cook-off sign: Sounds like a good time.  Hope to see

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-49093002992181050082011-10-16T09:37:00.000-04:002011-10-16T09:37:00.360-04:00

I love migration season -- when the geese fly overhead and different birds visit our yard for a day or two to feed before heading out again.  I thoroughly enjoy listening to Bird Songs on the River with Joan Holliday and Dan Ziomek from the Hadley Garden Center, as they feature the migratory birds.  And I love seeing unfamiliar birds while driving familiar routes. On my way to work this week and

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-48080755929530717222011-10-14T17:54:00.000-04:002011-10-14T17:54:58.719-04:00

This may be late notice, but I just received in my email a notice for the North Hadley Sugar Shack's Annual Harvest Moon Pumpkin Festival -- sounds like great fun!  Check it out: Presenting Our 13th Annual Harvest Moon Pumpkin Festival this Saturday Oct., 15th from 11-4.  The Tractor Parade starts at 2pm.  Fun for the whole Family!*Pony Rides *Petting Zoo* Balloon Clown *Face painting *Cow

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-82276289065726809862011-10-01T03:38:00.003-04:002011-10-01T03:38:00.133-04:00

October!  It's time to pick your autumn pumpkins--

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-22083293866840202762011-09-30T17:35:00.001-04:002011-09-30T20:13:32.656-04:00

Calling photographers! A UMass graduate student researcher is seeking 1-3 photographer volunteers to participate in a documentary community photography project on Hadley.  The purpose of the project is to study how community members value the landscape of the town and are motivated towards the preservation of its rural character. This is going to be a fun opportunity to participate in a

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-60413747602255494042011-09-28T18:05:00.002-04:002011-09-29T18:09:10.051-04:00

O, the disappointment I felt when on the radio today I heard announced the Northampton Jazz Festival being presented this Saturday -- the same day as the North Quabbin Garlic & Arts Festival.  Words cannot describe the excitement of hearing about the jazz festival and then the sudden and heartfelt regret at its timing.  I love jazz.  I love live music.  I love food.  But the annual tradition at

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-51721755253771549052011-09-21T15:26:00.000-04:002011-09-21T15:26:00.414-04:00

After seeing a couple of signs on the road and not being able to read all the information while driving past, I finally got around to snapping a picture of the sign for the First Congregational Church's Fall Festival that will be held this Saturday (24th) from 9-3 at the corner of Rts 9 & 47. It appears to be cosponsored by the Hadley Farm Museum. Sounds like fun!  If you go, maybe you'll see me

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-17281643494601254712011-09-11T12:16:00.001-04:002011-09-11T12:16:00.942-04:00

I love the farms in Hadley -- their long fields planted in corn, squash, cabbage, beans, tobacco, and more.  They are pleasing to the eye and soothing to the soul, framed by hills, rivers, and trees.  They are definitely part of what makes Hadley Hadley and such a delightful place to be.    (Click on photos for larger view.)

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-59313132045963377092011-09-10T08:58:00.002-04:002011-09-17T07:53:27.441-04:00

On Wednesday, September 14, there will a public discussion at the Senior Center (46 Middle Street) concerning Rt 47, which is part of the Connecticut River Scenic Byway.  According to the notice written by Nick Grabbe in the Sept 9 edition of the Amherst Bulletin, the meeting will be moderated by the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission and will invite Hadley residents and business owners to

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-54294537297031558972011-09-06T13:58:00.005-04:002011-09-06T13:58:00.642-04:00

This is the peach I picked from our baby peach tree before Irene came to visit. Mr Madley and I split it, and it was just like eating a little piece of heaven -- delightfully sweet and juicy and peachy.  We were very impressed that our new tree was strong enough to produce such perfect peach (2 of them, actually).  If all Cresthaven peaches taste this good, I might be tempted to give up apples! 

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-37480667079304027772011-09-02T15:58:00.000-04:002011-09-02T15:58:28.017-04:00

The 3 County Fair is here for the weekend, from Friday (2) through Monday (5).  Get on over to the fairgrounds in Northampton and enjoy the agricultural exhibitions, the rides, the tasty treats, the music, the demolition derbies, the horse and oxen pulls Want to know more?  Here's a little piece of history from the fair, and here's what's going on this year. Looking for more fall fairs and

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-22072887170857680692011-08-29T17:33:00.000-04:002011-08-29T17:33:15.682-04:00

I was strolling through Hampshire Mall today, stopping in at various stores looking for various things, when I came across a store not even two weeks old -- Greenfield Games. What a great store!  This is not a store with a focus on video games and electronics, but rather a store that stocks a multitude of board games, card games, dice games, RPGs, and more.  The walls are lined with

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-79848589897955122062011-08-29T13:08:00.000-04:002011-08-29T13:08:25.128-04:00

If you look down the street in our neighbourhood, you would never know that a supposed hurricane passed close by.  The street is dry and clean, yards are mostly free of debris, and the sun is shining brightly.  There are a few scattered leaves and small sticks and garden soil is still moist, but overall things are clear -- we didn't even lose electricity.  However, nearby towns were not so lucky

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-9136976466526616052011-08-26T21:11:00.000-04:002011-08-26T21:11:41.931-04:00

I'm sure you've been hearing the weather statements and news on Hurricane Irene.  It would be a fine idea to follow the suggestions and prepare a few things in case of power failures (we received a call tonight warning us that WMECO anticipates power outages for up to a week), downed trees, flooding, etcetera.   Ready.gov has a good list of suggestions for preparing for an emergency.  If you have

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-53798282772735639532011-08-17T11:52:00.000-04:002011-08-17T11:52:08.786-04:00

The end of August is the ramp-up for local fair and festival season -- they start this weekend with the Heath Harvest Festival and continue into November with Cider Days.  There are so many fun things to do in the Valley in the autumn.  Discover a new festival or find an old favourite on the calendar page. Know of a local fair or festival that's not included?  Add a comment on the calendar page,

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-92036209630899913652011-08-03T08:26:00.000-04:002011-08-03T08:26:03.268-04:00

Back in April I received a notice that this blog was chosen as one of the recommended blogs on the new Pioneer Valley Local Greenie website. The PVLG is a subset of the Local Greenie sites, which focus on local and green products and businesses (the name pretty much says it all).  The site includes links for entertainment, jobs, shopping, food, hotels, and more; it also features local blogs and

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-82830714163878236942011-07-26T13:08:00.000-04:002011-07-26T13:08:55.007-04:00

This may be almost late notice, but tomorrow is the Edible Books program at the library!  The flier from the library says: Wednesday, July 27 – 6:30 You are invited to submit an entry in this year’s Edible Books Contest.  Use your love of literature and the culinary arts to create an Edible Book.  Your creation can look like a book, allude to a book’s title, refer to a book’s content, or even

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com1Hadley, MA 01035, USA42.3592048 -72.5559746000000142.2883498 -72.61016060000001 42.4300598 -72.50178860000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-56252178589785139022011-07-21T20:54:00.005-04:002011-07-21T20:54:00.131-04:00

1. New A/C -- Yes, the library is now a very pleasant place to visit during these long super-hot days of summer, because it has a brand new air conditioning unit.  Stop in to the library, pull up a chair, and chill out. 2. eBooks -- The library has access to all the materials available through the C/WMARS digital catalog. These include ebooks, audiobooks, and videos that can be downloaded and

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com2Hadley, MA 01035, USA42.3592048 -72.5559746000000142.2883498 -72.61016060000001 42.4300598 -72.50178860000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-33779012920974484622011-07-16T09:02:00.004-04:002011-07-16T09:02:00.144-04:00

The area of the Pioneer Valley and surrounding Western Mass is rife with lovely little towns to visit and spend a day -- we love to make the occasional jaunt to Shelburne Falls and Brattleboro.  A few weekends ago we made the short trip to Ashfield, where we spent the better part of the afternoon and evening. In the autumn, Ashfield has a lively fall festival full of crafts, foods, music, dancing

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-70090743108771681372011-07-14T06:21:00.000-04:002011-07-14T06:21:00.722-04:00

I like to take my cat out in the afternoons for a few minutes. He loves to roll around on the cement, eat grass, and take in the atmosphere.  His being outside, however, makes the birds very anxious, and there are generally quite a few who congregate in the nearby trees and bushes wailing out warnings to the other birds and small creatures in the vicinity.  The first to notice and take offense is

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-32836681258631424142011-07-12T07:06:00.000-04:002011-07-12T07:06:41.920-04:00

This little darling is becoming a regular visitor at our feeder for breakfast in the morning with papa.  He sometimes hops around the base of the feeder picking for seeds, but more often he's found in the lilac waiting for papa cardinal to bring him some tasty vittles to get the day started. There's another young cardinal that has been coming to the feeder, also, but he doesn't seem to be part of

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-8873564166933430382011-07-07T19:22:00.001-04:002011-07-07T19:22:56.139-04:00

Check out those stripes!  This attractive fellow was on our screen door the other day.  Do you know what he is?

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0Hadley, MA 01035, USA42.3592048 -72.5559746000000142.2883498 -72.61016060000001 42.4300598 -72.50178860000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-29683495755829601132011-07-01T14:15:00.000-04:002011-07-01T14:15:46.264-04:00

Two local Hadley farmstands are disappearing -- have, in fact, already as the houses they were attached to are being put up for sale. First, a basic stand that sold asparagus, strawberries, and holiday wreaths on North Maple (sold, already). Second, the Garden of Delights that sold just about everything from starts to produce (corn, rhubarb, strawberries, squash, tomatoes, etcetera) on Rocky Hill

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-7211123873472680852011-06-27T11:35:00.001-04:002011-06-27T11:51:07.824-04:00

Mr Madley and I like to believe our yard can be a wildlife sanctuary of sorts for birds and butterflies and lightning bugs and bees.  We plant flowers and fruit trees and bushes to attract the butterflies and bees, and we let the grass grow long to give protection to the lightning bugs.  We love to see new and unusual (for us) birds at the bird feeders (like last week when we saw a beautiful

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-36153753997223176172011-06-15T14:25:00.000-04:002011-06-15T14:25:01.136-04:00

Yes, oak trees really do grow from acorns, as is proven by the number of oak seedlings in our lawn. Kind of amazing that that huge tree grows from that little nut; it's also amazing that I keep finding more and more to pull out of the yard....

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-42710420566911253402011-06-13T05:42:00.004-04:002011-06-13T05:42:00.196-04:00

One of the male cardinals that makes residence near our house.  Isn't he a handsome fellow?

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-79771876107950749792011-06-09T17:18:00.000-04:002011-06-09T17:18:04.820-04:00

One year and one week ago, I posted my first MadleyHadley post, featuring the 2010 Hadley Memorial Day Parade.  Since writing my first post a year ago, MH has had over 2000 pageviews, with the record two days being the day and day after the article was published in the Daily Hampshire Gazette, I've added 4 pages with useful (at least I think so) information, and have posted almost 70 posts. This

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-16033257391106785382011-05-27T20:01:00.000-04:002011-05-27T20:01:51.872-04:00

There's now a calendar page on the blog that will hopefully fill up with plenty of information on Hadley occasions and doings about the area -- like the two Hadley events this weekend -- the Memorial Day Parade and the Antique Tractor Show, both on Sunday, both free. Hopefully, that page and this post will spur comments and serve as a virtual lawn sign to announce what's going on around town (and

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-56059008052164904252011-05-17T13:52:00.004-04:002011-05-17T13:52:00.150-04:00

A few weeks ago Mr. Madley and I finally made our way to the East Street Studios one afternoon to check out the used bookstore Grey Matter Books.  What we discovered while we were there was much more than just a store with used books. Two bookstores inhabit adjoining space at the back of the East Street Studios buildings; their names don't show up on the main signs for the space (we'll explore

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-30977272073776618222011-05-12T15:25:00.011-04:002011-05-20T17:27:06.939-04:00

Rocky Hill Road residents have started a "slow down, save the turkeys" campaign.  If you've driven, walked, or ridden up Rocky Hill Road recently, you may have noticed the signs: (Click on pictures to get a fuller view of the signs.) I think the message is pretty clear -- slow down on Rocky Hill -- and always be on the lookout for kids, pets, and turkeys (and cyclists).  And it's a worthwhile

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-64815767761133246682011-05-11T09:31:00.001-04:002011-05-11T09:31:00.789-04:00

Fiddlehead ferns are in season, and their season is short, so get some while you can.  You may have seen them in the markets, for sale in the local vegetable section for $4.99-5.99/lb, and thought "what am I supposed to do with those?"  Well, you are definitely supposed to eat them. Cook them up like you would asparagus (a little olive oil, salt, and pepper) and enjoy them as one of your

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-26446969021987620182011-05-08T18:33:00.000-04:002011-05-08T18:33:15.315-04:00

Last year, when we bought our house in Hadley, two things I knew we had to do were buy a piano (check) and plant some fruit trees (almost check).  Both of these two things are reminiscent of home, family, and community -- there was always a piano in my home when I was growing up, and my parents always planted fruit trees, even when they knew they might only be in a house for a couple of years. 

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-90056085303517266042011-05-05T22:13:00.000-04:002011-05-05T22:13:23.987-04:00

The Annual Town Meeting was tonight -- you may have seen the signs today along the streets of Hadley, or you may have seen my blog post or tweets.  I'll give a basic recap from my notes: The meeting actually started at 7:16 in the cafetorium of Hopkins Academy; it was opened by the Town Moderator Kirk Whatley.  He introduced members of the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee(the Finance

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-19129662127725522992011-05-04T21:14:00.001-04:002011-05-05T06:51:35.366-04:00

Asparagus. Hadley is known far and wide for this early spring, stalky green crop. And boy, did I hate it when I was a kid.  But somehow, I now love it; I look forward to the spring when I know I can pick up local asparagus from a stand in someone's front lawn on the way home from work. Tonight, it was a bedtime snack(!). This is how I fix it: Baked, with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-63470666296318668272011-05-03T12:11:00.006-04:002011-05-03T12:11:00.787-04:00

Last week, a colleague of mine mentioned seeing this blog featured in the newspaper (Daily Hampshire Gazette).  This, of course, made me curious -- I knew nothing about being in the paper.  So after work the following day, I made my way to the library.  I was headed to the library anyway -- I needed to pick up a few new books and drop off those I had already read.  Upon arrival I headed off to

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-9353526872393970132011-05-01T08:47:00.001-04:002011-05-01T08:52:26.604-04:00

Spring has been late in coming to our house this year -- last year at this time, blossoms had already been on the apple trees for a couple of weeks, the viburnum and lilacs were thick with blooms, and young plants were much further out of the ground.  But this week has finally brought the warmth and rain and sun needed for spring blooms and growth.  Every day (at least twice), I walk the

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-80385840260981742272011-04-28T13:43:00.002-04:002011-04-28T13:43:00.244-04:00

This is your friendly neighbourhood reminder that the Hadley Town Meeting will be Thursday, May 5, at 7pm at the Hopkins Academy (gymnasium).  That's only one week away! You can get a copy of the warrant by visiting Town Hall or by emailing the Town Administrator at admin@hadleyma.org. Posted at the Town of Hadley website.

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-30213458135269676642011-04-26T06:28:00.000-04:002011-04-26T06:28:14.346-04:00

Spring brings out some of the best of the Valley -- the ice cream places that closed for the winter open up again, usually around mid-April, and shortly thereafter a few farm stands put out pussy willows while awaiting the first early crops of asparagus and strawberries.  Hadley asparagus, or Hadley grass as it's known, has a reputation far and wide of being superb asparagus -- and it definitely

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-61998828684149215832011-04-12T17:29:00.000-04:002011-04-12T17:29:59.662-04:00

I discovered the greatest thing last week -- great, because I am a librarian and an avid library user and supporter, and because I've been waiting for this since we moved to Hadley.  Last week I discovered that the Hadley library, the Goodwin Memorial Library, has finally started circulating materials within the C/WMARS lending network. I'm not even sure I can begin to explain how utterly

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-79271329108681699212011-04-06T19:55:00.001-04:002011-04-11T20:25:02.200-04:00

Hadley' annual town election: Tuesday, April 12, 9am-8pm @ Hopkins Academy Positions for town moderator and school committee are on the ballot. I believe there's also a selectman.... (If you know of more positions open for the election, feel free to post a comment.) Hadley schools are closed on April 12; teachers have a curriculum day.

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-13487866085779728552011-03-31T17:44:00.000-04:002011-03-31T17:44:21.179-04:00

The nights are freezing and the days are above freezing (hopefully,mostly), and the sap in the sugar maples runs, and the local sugar shacks get busy. It's maple sugaring season! In Hadley, the place for all your maple needs is the North Hadley Sugar Shack at Boisvert Farm on Rt 47, where they have syrup galore -- jugs of syrup, bottles of syrup, cans of syrup, syrup recipes, syrup candy, syrup

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-52476800736793865932011-03-28T20:07:00.002-04:002011-03-28T20:16:42.992-04:00

Interested in what stores and businesses want to come to Hadley next?  The Gazette.net* printed the article "Hadley's influx of new business" (search it here and click on the gazette.net link from March 28), citing the interests of Firestone, Chipotle's, Denny's, Long Hollow Bison Farm in moving into the area. A new addition to the Cinemark will be appearing at the Hampshire Mall soon, as well.

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-58627506433816238812011-03-25T15:43:00.002-04:002011-04-28T17:19:01.402-04:00

As often as we go to Northampton, we find ourselves usually sticking to the main drag of Rt 9.  Occasionally, we head down Rt 5/10 for bowling or to find parking or to visit La Fiorentina, but we don't often hit the "side" streets.  Last weekend, with the near-warmth and the extra light, we were feeling the need for new adventures and took a stroll down Masonic Street -- where we discovered and

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-14828905333679219592011-03-21T17:19:00.003-04:002011-03-21T18:31:25.371-04:00

Greetings! I have the honor of creating the first guest post on MH. It's probably nepotism: I also bear the honor of being "Mr. Madley." (I'm more well-known around the Web as Velosopher, proprietor of a blog about cycling, sport psychology, and the active life. Go here for a peek.) I'm here to report on an exciting new development in Hadley: the grand opening of Central Rock Climbing Center,

Velosopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02731815508918636273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-42865822530686722232011-03-16T16:48:00.001-04:002011-03-20T13:40:07.545-04:00

Mr. Madley and I were back in Northampton Saturday night to seek out a new 2-for-under-$20 restaurant; we thought we'd try Taipei and Tokyo*, but when we arrived at the dark storefront, there was a sign on the door saying that Butterfly: Chinese and vegetarian would be soon opening there.  No more T&T. There is a Butterfly restaurant on Rt 9 in Hadley -- one that serves Japanese, Chinese, and

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-23322759680591849462011-03-12T11:41:00.000-05:002011-03-12T11:41:28.384-05:00

March 5-March 20 marks the date for the Smith Spring Bulb Show at the Lyman Conservatory of Smith College.  The Spring Bulb Show is a wonderful preview of spring flowers -- tulips, daffodils, narcissi, crocus, hyacinths, cyclamen, forsythia, camellia, freesia, and more.  Mr. Madley and I went last night, and were exceedingly pleased -- the colours were vivid, the scents were intoxicating, and it

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-53077865736519817952011-03-11T06:32:00.000-05:002011-03-11T06:32:50.190-05:00

An early reminder that this weekend is the time to push forward your clocks an hour and start Daylight Saving Time.  Change your clocks at 2am Sunday morning, or before you fall asleep Saturday night. You can read more about Daylight Saving Time, why we have it, who participates, and stories about how it has affected people around the nation here, at time.gov.

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-39511676758765020502011-03-07T17:59:00.000-05:002011-03-07T17:59:30.012-05:00

Saturday I made my first trip to the Amherst Winter Market at the Amherst Middle School.  A little late, I know, but it was definitely worth the trip, and I look forward to going back.  Many local farms, bakeries, and artisans were represented at the market, and just about everything and anything was being sold -- from grass-fed beef (King Creek Farm) to popcorn sprouts (Astarte Farm) to rainbow

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-41961908542565663262011-03-04T17:44:00.000-05:002011-03-04T17:44:50.601-05:00

After a winter like this (and I'm not sure it's over yet), the roads get sloppy -- and not just in an "ice is melting" kind of way -- more like a "who tried to eat the road and spit it out?" kind of way.  Asphalt gravel litters the ground whe Recently I discovered a pothole that almost ate my car: eastbound on Bay Road in Amherst, just across from the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, there

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-52439915635809406632011-03-02T17:31:00.000-05:002011-03-02T17:31:00.343-05:00

From The Amherst Bulletin on Feb 25, Contests Set for 2 Hadley Board Seats, by Nick Grabbe: HADLEY -- In the only contested race in the April 12 town election, School Committee members Tracy Kelley and Linda Dunlavy will face challenges from Molly Keegan and Terri Earle. Daniel Dudkiewicz, who chairs the Select Board, is running for re-election unopposed.... An event featuring all the

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-20037602858439498092011-02-24T17:07:00.001-05:002011-02-24T17:12:00.772-05:00

The other night, on our way to see The King's Speech at the Amherst Cinema, we walked by the small essentials store that's next door to Tabellas.  We thought maybe we'd stop in for a quick look around -- I've always loved the store and we had plenty of time to spare. But a note on the door said something to the effect of: Sorry, we're not here anymore.  Because of the current economic situation,

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-86918790759492861702011-02-16T16:21:00.001-05:002011-02-24T17:11:14.278-05:00

I know we're all completely tired of winter these days, snow piled everywhere higher and higher.  But we're in the middle of a February thaw, and I just loaded a new set of pictures from my camera, and by golly -- winter can be pretty!  (Click on the pictures for larger versions.)

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-45020652342458181682011-02-11T16:43:00.000-05:002011-02-24T17:12:00.773-05:00

Just in time to save us from the winter-weariness -- here comes Winterfest 2011! Complete with all activities winter, it boasts a chili cookoff, cross country skiing (and lessons), cardboard box racing, sled dogs, face painting, bird-watching walks, and much more. It's bound to be fun for the whole family, and a family of 3 or more can get in for $20 (check the website for ticket prices for

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-47034240410722923282011-02-01T08:27:00.000-05:002011-02-24T17:12:00.774-05:00

The Mead Art Museum of Amherst College is part of Museums 10, a consortium of local museums (some of which I previously blogged in the Belch blog).  It holds the art collection of the college and includes works by Homer, Rubens, and Monet, as well as Japanese wood art, South African sculpture, Russian modernist art, and local artist pieces. Mr. Madley and I have made 2 visits to this small art

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-58243774976287237922011-01-29T14:18:00.006-05:002011-02-24T17:10:22.966-05:00

Another fabulous find from Roz's Place, Northampton. No tears, no stains, no holes, no spots; near-perfect condition, near-perfect dress. (Photo credits: Mr. Madley.)

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-18274102881091656452011-01-27T16:06:00.001-05:002011-02-24T17:08:29.858-05:00

Last Friday was excursion time -- a small excursion to nearby places of interest.  One of those places included the Southern New England Spice Company.  You know the place -- you've driven past it on 47 dozens of times but have never stopped in because you never quite knew what it was about and there were never any cars in the lot.  And each time you drove past you thought "One of these days I'll

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-85768497329401463692011-01-24T08:48:00.001-05:002011-02-24T17:11:14.279-05:00

It's the coldest day of the year so far, so I figured this was a perfect day to post this.  (No, this is not a recipe for snow ice cream.) For some reason I start craving ice cream during the coldest months of the year.  It's kind of sad, seeing I'm always cold during the winter and most of the ice cream shops are closed.  I resort to take-home ice cream of the packaged variety.  Saturday was

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-928839116161312782011-01-23T15:12:00.004-05:002011-02-24T17:11:34.939-05:00

In trying to economize, Mr. Madley and I came up with a list of restaurants where we can eat for under $20 -- both of us.  If you've ever tried it, it's not necessarily easy to do, but at most of these restaurants it's fairly easy to find a good variety of dishes that 2 can eat for under $20 (desserts and drinks excluded -- water is free, tip is variable). PS -- we're a gluten-free, dairy-free

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-83930820812848719162011-01-16T11:39:00.003-05:002011-01-16T11:39:00.246-05:00

This has been the best bird day.  As I write this, our Carolina Wren is hanging from the suet feeder.  I have a special affection for the Carolina Wren, though I can't rightly say why. Maybe it's their rareness at my feeders, or maybe it's their beautiful songs, or maybe it's just their shape. Mrs. Cardinal is in the bush, showing off her brilliant orange beak and red-tinted wing and tail

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-66292801934140173472011-01-15T09:18:00.002-05:002011-01-15T09:28:37.933-05:00

The storm of January 2011 hit on Wednesday -- schools were out, banks closed, businesses shut down, and plows were kept busy.  If you were in the area, there was no way to miss it.  Mr. Madley and I spent 2+ hours hand-shoveling the deep snow in our driveway -- and that was a lot of work -- two shifts worth, in fact.  But it was (is) beautiful (just look at those bottom two pictures, if you don't

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-40594462240127730022011-01-12T08:27:00.002-05:002011-01-15T09:30:17.971-05:00

On a day like today, the birds are more concerned with getting their share of the food than if there's someone in the kitchen taking pictures of them.  Here's part of the breakfast bunch (house sparrows, cardinals, titmice, juncos, chickadees, unidentified finches and sparrows, downy woodpeckers, mourning doves): (The pictures were taken inside, during the storm before 8am, so if they're

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-18728832727266930332011-01-11T17:55:00.001-05:002011-02-24T17:11:14.281-05:00

In my Livin' in the Belch blog, this was one of the most popular pages, so I thought I'd copy & edit it for MH. Most of you probably have cable television or local stations and can tune in to find out about school closings. Others of you may be on the phone-tree list and and will get a call on mornings when school is canceled or delayed. However, for the rest of you, and for anyone who

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-82607383836040593992011-01-09T14:16:00.002-05:002011-02-24T17:11:14.281-05:00

I love a covering of snow in the winter.  I admit to constantly complaining about being cold, but a covering of snow makes winter so much more palatable.  I think I still get just as excited over the first snowfall as I did when I was a kid.  I love the freshness a layer of snow gives -- the bright white that glistens in the sun and hides all the dirt and the sleeping plants.  Snow is for

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-58570269595629126672010-12-30T16:36:00.001-05:002010-12-30T21:27:49.693-05:00

I regret that a sticky winter bug has kept me from compiling a decent list of things to do in the Valley for the New Year's celebration.  Nevertheless, I have taken a few minutes to compile a shortlist: One obvious option is Northampton's First Night Celebration.  I have not yet taken to the cold frosty streets to enjoy First Night festivities, but this poster by Brooke Dyer is so charming and

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-77032408877083331032010-12-23T13:18:00.000-05:002010-12-23T13:18:15.090-05:00

For me, the holiday begins today, with a vacation that stretches into the New Year.  I am very thankful for a little downtime during this season.  I have a standard recipe for happy holiday vacations.  As the years pass it gets refined, and I don't always have access to all the ingredients every year.  Nevertheless, here it is: My Recipe for a Happy Holiday 1 Gingerbread with Hot Orange Sauce 4

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-32841920559303503292010-12-17T17:09:00.001-05:002011-02-24T17:11:14.282-05:00

Time for picking out a Christmas tree is drawing to a close, but there still may be a few of you out there lacking that particular bit of cheer in the corner of your living room.  If such happens to be the case, you may want to make a trip to the Zaskey Christmas Tree Farm on Mt Warner Road. Mr Madley and I visited the Christmas Tree Farm last Saturday -- our first outing to a tree farm for our

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-56804463908594887292010-12-07T19:07:00.000-05:002011-02-24T17:11:14.283-05:00

The other day while running errands, I noticed that the Aldi store in the Home Depot lot is almost complete.  And then upon returning home that very afternoon I received a postcard with coupons in the mail announcing that the store would open December 13.  That's next week.  Wow.  I remember when they were just breaking ground -- it wasn't that long ago. I've never been to an Aldi store, though

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-27131142053491426692010-11-30T18:52:00.003-05:002010-11-30T18:52:16.502-05:00

Just a quick notice that the Holiday Fairs post has been updated.  Find it here.

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-55563169527582759562010-11-24T08:14:00.000-05:002011-02-24T17:11:14.283-05:00

The Next Barn Over CSA is carrying on the Hadley Food Bank tradition and will have its Thanksgiving store open today from 10-2.  This is great news -- you still have time to stop in and get some delicious local Thanksgiving treats! For more information, visit the Next Barn Over website or read the news in the gazettenet. So good -- I'm looking forward to learning more about the Next Barn Over,

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-84446262692366090502010-11-23T19:08:00.000-05:002010-11-23T19:08:17.984-05:00

As Thanksgiving approaches more and more emphasis and advertising are given over to the feared "Black Friday" -- when all kinds of stores will open their doors to hoards of anxious shoppers who both dread and long for the morning they will rise from their beds at an indecent hour to seek out the biggest and best sales around.  Armed with wallets, credit cards, coupons, and bags, of course. That's

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-29431018214611953802010-11-17T16:59:00.004-05:002010-11-30T18:51:34.557-05:00

Updated! Fair & Bazaar season has arrived!  It started last weekend with the fun Twist Fair and will be continuing on into the holiday season.  Here is a short list of some of the local fairs going on. November: Amherst Harvest Festival: Nov 20, 5:30-7 p.m. (potluck harvest supper). Grace Episcopal Church, Amherst. Free. 256-6754. Amherst Sleighbell Fair: Nov 20, 8-2. South Congregational

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-36295133465456145742010-11-15T16:15:00.000-05:002011-02-24T17:11:14.284-05:00

It's been an awful long time since I've posted here, and I've missed lots of important things -- like autumn in New England and election day and the cyclocross race at Look Park in Florence.  Maybe I'll catch up on those later.  Today's post is all about pizza. Friday night is pizza night, right?  Not if you're gluten-free and lactose-free.  It's been years since Friday night was pizza night at

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-12724703284316642542010-10-03T19:21:00.002-04:002010-10-04T06:34:25.845-04:00

I spent much time working on the landscaping of our house this summer -- tearing out trees and bushes and planting.  Every time something grows or blooms, it's opportunity for celebration.  As of last week, here's what's growing / blooming in my garden. (What's missing is the pink Dinnerplate Dahlia that has a huge bloom on it and multiple buds -- beautiful.   And the orange nasturtium, the

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-18044312481589500582010-09-09T16:37:00.002-04:002010-11-17T17:18:52.168-05:00

While I was preparing dinner this evening, I saw two large, long-beaked birds fly onto our yard.  I quickly retrieved our binoculars and saw birds I hadn't identified before.  Large, woodpecker-like, with a black necklace and the slightest bit of red on the neck, seemingly eating from the ground.  I opened our Sibley's and found it -- the Northern Flicker (yellow-shafted).  A lovely bird and my

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-81769198521340854432010-08-30T19:54:00.001-04:002010-08-30T20:06:37.743-04:00

 When I was a lass, the fall fair was one of my favourite events of the year -- the fair was only 4 blocks from our house (walking distance!), went a whole week long (I could hear the demolition derby while I was falling asleep at night), and my father was often the fair veterinarian (which meant that sometimes I could go with him for free and visit the animals).  I loved the animal barns, the

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-8744815474415921812010-08-23T16:03:00.005-04:002010-08-27T15:39:17.568-04:00

'Tis the season the Pioneer Valley really begins to flourish.  Last year I created a calendar with local event listings, but this year, I think I'll just stick to a post and update it whenever I find something new. *Updated 8/27* (Admission fees vary by event, and some events allow children in for free.) Aug 26-29: Cummington Fair @Cummington Fairgrounds, 97 Fairgrounds Rd.  Entrance fee. Aug

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9046336813197623536.post-28661467647718984282010-08-23T07:56:00.000-04:002010-08-23T07:56:42.001-04:00

Any of you who followed my Livin' in the Belch blog know that one of the things I joyed in was the variety of birds at the feeder we had on our back deck.  It has taken four months of preparations at our new house, but yesterday (Saturday) I was finally able to put up our old feeder (by the kitchen window) and hang a new one (on the tall trunk of a recently debranched yew tree).  And today, we

emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0