tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21991385614348967892024-02-19T07:48:42.459-08:00Living in Rhode IslandBob Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226807125843554132noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199138561434896789.post-21562496298818728232010-07-20T13:48:00.001-07:002010-07-20T13:48:32.369-07:00House Hunting<center><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-5UL_cZHBMk&hl=en_US&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-5UL_cZHBMk&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></center>Bob Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226807125843554132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199138561434896789.post-17944134548633190182010-07-20T13:47:00.000-07:002010-07-20T13:47:27.950-07:00Assembling Your Go To Team<center><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Nk8r5kzoBkM&hl=en_US&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Nk8r5kzoBkM&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></center>Bob Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226807125843554132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199138561434896789.post-91345438002622464612010-07-20T13:22:00.000-07:002010-07-20T13:24:02.058-07:00Dining with Strangers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLim6Zqzp9G9d5NIMjiZ8SwJBJxl-DThkXfHPoC0llrb42pAlN9Kwe97jdY79_iQbE2chYydg9vzTkRaNHeQKhRXjU_BryBGXbgER3xijdjOjrI33ZvZNatbcu9rAW8isjbTmqh6LGUILM/s1600/019inside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLim6Zqzp9G9d5NIMjiZ8SwJBJxl-DThkXfHPoC0llrb42pAlN9Kwe97jdY79_iQbE2chYydg9vzTkRaNHeQKhRXjU_BryBGXbgER3xijdjOjrI33ZvZNatbcu9rAW8isjbTmqh6LGUILM/s320/019inside.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I was contacted a few months ago to take part in writer Anthony Lacey's project "Dining with Strangers".<br />
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Anthony travels all over and invites people to join him for dinner and an interview. It was a lot of fun and the food was great!<br />
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<a href="http://www.diningwithstrangers.com/?page_id=588"><strong>Click here to check it out!</strong></a>Bob Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226807125843554132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199138561434896789.post-53891748046565907592010-06-24T12:31:00.000-07:002010-06-24T12:31:40.752-07:00RI on a Dime: Things to Do This Summer on the Cheap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9Q_pFB7vdBlqK0bhvPDHwJUELyaABWRX0e_3f3mylgbc7rQL1Ng1VessPuy8WgNSaJtmmDs4_f7gXlqfUVRRBELBlGo3-2mOFelkTHFo_xVaPmM3gqwWJyIWxfl_tAtJV9S8-Re8m1jL/s1600/rhode+island+beach.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9Q_pFB7vdBlqK0bhvPDHwJUELyaABWRX0e_3f3mylgbc7rQL1Ng1VessPuy8WgNSaJtmmDs4_f7gXlqfUVRRBELBlGo3-2mOFelkTHFo_xVaPmM3gqwWJyIWxfl_tAtJV9S8-Re8m1jL/s320/rhode+island+beach.bmp" /></a></div>Summer has arrived, and Rhode Islanders continue to be money conscious. I’m always looking for ways to save some scratch and still have a great time. Who says you can’t have fun with little or no money? I’m on a quest to unlock the inexpensive secrets to having a blast in Rhode Island.<br />
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My first thought on beating the heat on the cheap is to catch a movie. I’m talking about <a href="http://cinemaworldonline.com/lincoln/supertues.asp"><strong>Super Tuesdays</strong></a> at Cinema World at the Lincoln Mall where all tickets all day long are just $6.00 - excluding 3D movies. And if you’re a Movie Club member you’ll qualify for discounts at the concession stand. Cinema World also runs <a href="http://cinemaworldonline.com/lincoln/cultclassics.asp"><strong>Cult Classics</strong></a> on Sunday mornings at 11 am for just $2.00. Other great movie options include <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=99983909480"><strong>Movies on the Block</strong></a> in Providence every Thursday during through September or the wonderful <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/rustic-drive-in-theatre-north-smithfield"><strong>Rustic Drive-In</strong></a> on Rt 146 in North Smithfield. <br />
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If you’re more of the cerebral type who likes to pinch pennies, perhaps you’d enjoy the <a href="http://www.risdmuseum.org/visit.aspx?id=15224"><strong>RISD Museum of Art</strong></a> in Providence, where on the last Saturday of each month (except December) you’ll get free admission all day. I speak from experience when I say to get there early, it’s so worth it. <br />
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For the outdoorsy type - head to one of the many <a href="http://www.riparks.com/listing.htm"><strong>Rhode Island State Parks</strong></a> which offer a slew of activities from hiking, swimming and fishing to camping and cooking out. Not all State Parks have swimming available but do offer free admission. For those that do offer swimming it’s just $6.00 per car on weekdays and $7.00 on weekends for Rhody residents. Better still, you can buy a Season Pass that will allow access to any park all season long… obviously the best choice if you plan on getting outdoors a bunch. One other fantastic outdoor event that most people have heard of and needs no explanation is <a href="http://www.waterfire.org/season-schedule"><strong>Waterfire</strong></a>. Make sure to go this summer.<br />
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Other great ideas for saving money: hit up one of the many <a href="http://www.farmfreshri.org/"><strong>farmers markets</strong></a> held across the state or maybe tour a working Alpaca farm in Exeter at <a href="http://www.alpacanation.com/farmsandbreeders/03_viewfarm2.asp?name=13342"><strong>Shadow Pines Alpaca Farm</strong></a>.<br />
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Whatever you choose to do to save money this summer in Rhode Island, just be sure to do it with the ones you love… because those moments will last a lifetime and you can’t put a value on that. Enjoy!Bob Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226807125843554132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199138561434896789.post-58698173493362199102010-05-14T11:47:00.001-07:002010-05-14T11:47:56.914-07:00Warwick, RI: Real Estate Right Now<center><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PGxcOFksgh0&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PGxcOFksgh0&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object></center>Bob Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226807125843554132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199138561434896789.post-75772682989939019792010-03-03T09:25:00.000-08:002010-03-03T09:27:10.428-08:00Cranston, RI: Real Estate Right Now<center><object height="300" width="460"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/s51Z3MY9mcg&hl=en_US&fs=1&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/s51Z3MY9mcg&hl=en_US&fs=1&border=1" allowscriptaccess="always" height="300" width="460"></embed></object></center>Bob Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226807125843554132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199138561434896789.post-17001159363156871072010-03-03T09:22:00.001-08:002010-03-03T09:23:12.033-08:00Williams & Stuart Real Estate Invites You to "Bowl for the Cure"<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_6qOeXh-ofWSjUd71KnMOdpUnCrnzkwdOx_zQQMs3NoIRzfMv4J_izi5vwEINWhPZL8cX8PdDa0ZWn4eVXE0SmpgXB8EvGC6qYl1dDrZADvbevdoPXaXI36HQuCL8XIbLUxUJPYlB147/s1600-h/Bowling+Flyer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_6qOeXh-ofWSjUd71KnMOdpUnCrnzkwdOx_zQQMs3NoIRzfMv4J_izi5vwEINWhPZL8cX8PdDa0ZWn4eVXE0SmpgXB8EvGC6qYl1dDrZADvbevdoPXaXI36HQuCL8XIbLUxUJPYlB147/s400/Bowling+Flyer.JPG" width="308" /></a></div>Bob Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226807125843554132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199138561434896789.post-29146046931645770802009-12-21T12:51:00.000-08:002009-12-23T07:53:23.380-08:00Al Forno - Providence, RI<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_2EzH-NXSM_U7hOxPaYPpoBeCHqxaFs0D8bwENyfn91546hkIvrycpENTl0ZEx-gGYgLmLq8jKiHPWof3gNvR6xOQs_UYFBbMebzSrKkNbWGL6RsiuSGa7EhsA4kx7k82chXhukyFAJAs/s1600-h/chestnut+cake.bmp"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417798663489866834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_2EzH-NXSM_U7hOxPaYPpoBeCHqxaFs0D8bwENyfn91546hkIvrycpENTl0ZEx-gGYgLmLq8jKiHPWof3gNvR6xOQs_UYFBbMebzSrKkNbWGL6RsiuSGa7EhsA4kx7k82chXhukyFAJAs/s320/chestnut+cake.bmp" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a> <strong>Dirty Steak, Anyone?</strong><br />
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Two weeks ago was my <a href="http://www.alifelesscomplicated.com/"><strong>wife's</strong> </a>birthday. We’ve grown into a tradition of celebrating what we’ve termed the “Birthday Week” or “Weekend” at bare minimum. So in order to keep up the legacy, I planned a full 4 days of activities starting with an amazing birthday dinner at <a href="http://www.alforno.com/"><strong>Al Forno</strong></a> in Providence. If you’ve ever been so lucky to eat there then you know what an absolute treasure it is. How lucky are we to have one of the best restaurants in the country in our own backyard? That’s not just my opinion - but the opinions of many of the country's best chefs and foodies alike.<br />
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When I got the idea to go there, I did what any responsible person would do... I tried getting a reservation. Don’t waste your time -they only take reservations for parties of 6 or more. We went right after work - problem solved. Parking isn’t a major issue because the restaurant has their own lot and there is plenty of on street parking in the surrounding area. The building that houses the restaurant is a large brick structure with huge floor to ceiling mill windows that overlook the Providence River. On this particular night <a href="http://livinginrhodeisland.blogspot.com/2009/12/al-forno-providence-ri.html">(...)</a><br />
<a name='more'></a>the view was quite spectacular as we approached.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipWj5lCI237_Gz022aeYhrG2ILgfaQljq30NqHhEg6tsvhYziWNNTL_GHDXjrgNgZmq89rV-4GzjLpw1GYlPuUSEWWmj13PioWM19C1DY-RJTAVro4OdLVHYJ7j96zfxLM3t98N4rm-IVd/s1600-h/photo.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417828090164994498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipWj5lCI237_Gz022aeYhrG2ILgfaQljq30NqHhEg6tsvhYziWNNTL_GHDXjrgNgZmq89rV-4GzjLpw1GYlPuUSEWWmj13PioWM19C1DY-RJTAVro4OdLVHYJ7j96zfxLM3t98N4rm-IVd/s320/photo.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a><br />
It was a crisp New England winter night. As we made our way, we were greeted by a long archway covered in white lights. I’m sure it's even more magnificent in the summer when the vines are full of leaves and the flowers are in bloom. When we entered, it wasn’t entirely clear where we needed to go, given the narrow hallway’s unmarked path, but being the brainiacs that we are we figured it out - eventually. After a short wait our host returned with a smile. I had mentioned that it was my wife’s birthday and asked for a private table and found our host very accommodating. Our server was very friendly and exceptionally well versed on the menu; he was a pleasant surprise and helped to make our experience even more special.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1gX9UEWmaFB984Qgb8e5lV6maP3QfZIt05wCi-kaqq96c9OQ_xlB8nBuJV61MaBc7nvTNErH1OmY5eFL7vDSsb52t5twKRRYFIrazBpeRB_EfD-AjM4lIo3Ta_9ZAT61k7ead408jIOg/s1600-h/photo2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417828278198138434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1gX9UEWmaFB984Qgb8e5lV6maP3QfZIt05wCi-kaqq96c9OQ_xlB8nBuJV61MaBc7nvTNErH1OmY5eFL7vDSsb52t5twKRRYFIrazBpeRB_EfD-AjM4lIo3Ta_9ZAT61k7ead408jIOg/s320/photo2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a><br />
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Prior to doing just about anything, Melissa and I tend to do a fair amount of research and this wasn’t any different. It’s no secret that Al Forno is known for their grilled pizza; in fact it’s their trademark dish that was invented by the owners George Germon and Johanne Killeen. What isn’t as known (and in fact isn’t even on the menu) is the Dirty Steak. Having read about the Dirty Steak in reviews I knew going in that this was the dish for me. It’s a Delmonico steak cooked rare to medium rare right on the wood coals paired with the signature Al Forno mashed potatoes drizzled with their famous Hot Fanny Sauce. From the first bite to the last it was a journey of culinary supremacy that left me wanting more. Delicious.<br />
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Melissa went with a simple wood roasted cod over shredded Brussels sprouts and fennel with prosciutto. It was full of flavor but it wasn’t exactly what she had expected so admittedly wasn’t her favorite dish. Luckily we started our meal with the famous wood grilled margarita pizza so having that helped to offset the lack of interest in her entree. In preparation for our return, she’s eying one of the many in-house made pasta dishes.<br />
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One special note: all of the desserts are made to order, and when you put in your dinner selection they kindly ask for your dessert choice as well. If you don’t take anything else away from what I’ve written please do yourself a favor and <strong>order dessert</strong> even if you’re so full the mere thought of eating another bite will make you sick, you need to have dessert. I enjoyed lavender and honey Panna Cotta with bee pollen flecks, it was even better than it sounds. Although my dessert was amazing, Melissa had a special dessert called Castagnaccio. It is by far the most incredible dessert I’ve ever tasted. It’s a sweet and savory chestnut cake with and house made rosemary creme friache. The pastry chef should be commended for these creative masterpieces.<br />
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The final touch to a wonderful dining experience came when our server and host brought our dessert out. The host had remembered that I mentioned it was Melissa’s birthday... so when her dessert came to the table, it had a candle in it and they wished her a happy birthday. This is what quality service is folks; attention to detail.<br />
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Being dubbed the best restaurant in the country is a lofty title and prior to eating at Al Forno I thought it was just something that was said because people like to label things - but given our experience combined with the incredible quality of the food and service, I’m a true believer.<br />
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<tr><td style="padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;">Bob Black<br />
</div><div style="font-weight: normal;">REALTOR<br />
</div><div style="font-weight: bold; margin-top: 10px;">Williams & Stuart Real Estate<br />
</div><div style="font-weight: normal;">870 Oaklawn Ave<br />
Cranston, RI, 02920<br />
</div></td><td style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><div><b>Work:</b> 401.942.0200 ext 28<br />
</div><div><b>Mobile:</b> 401.261.1599<br />
</div><div>Bob@BobBlackOnline.com<br />
</div><div style="float: left; font-weight: bold; margin-top: 10px;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.BobBlackOnline.com">http://www.blogger.com/www.BobBlackOnline.com</a><br />
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<tr><td colspan="2"><div style="font: italic 10px arial; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 2px;">Your Friend in Rhode Island Real Estate<br />
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</tbody></table>Bob Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226807125843554132noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199138561434896789.post-18163387908538216672009-10-21T13:04:00.000-07:002009-12-23T07:51:11.491-08:00Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsuMAvbwYUbXOvwyobMxz9SUKVknPKLBMX0zUPu-SnRxTulXpfngAofjBy_H_vv5oagwF1K-3ZH6RrNpiOPSY4py8kj0GvwVDt7yUlLDlliKpx91bqqkyb0Ev12WT7saQntFSrmOTK498b/s1600-h/frank.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395149285177442290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsuMAvbwYUbXOvwyobMxz9SUKVknPKLBMX0zUPu-SnRxTulXpfngAofjBy_H_vv5oagwF1K-3ZH6RrNpiOPSY4py8kj0GvwVDt7yUlLDlliKpx91bqqkyb0Ev12WT7saQntFSrmOTK498b/s320/frank.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 213px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>Saturday night was warmer than expected, so after heading home from our favorite 3 year old's birthday party to take care of Dave and Grux, Melissa and I decided to head to Roger Williams Park Zoo for the <a href="http://www.rogerwilliamsparkzoo.org/jols/index.cfm"><strong>Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular</strong> </a>and some great photo ops. The event runs now though November 1 from 6 pm-11 pm (last entry at 10) and includes thousands of hand carved pumpkins with various themes. One of my favorites was <br />
<a name='more'></a>“The Fables of the Great Writers” display which had an amazing Edgar Allen Poe carved pumpkin paying homage to “The Raven”. <br />
<div><div></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395147902861929186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiK7Qh8MSv9gaXW_M1lmpxLYhEvcqJsORlsKJEZDuv3wOiVHOsgpDVYkjYHx1ADm8RPjn22hhtxlm1-Nu2UdD5unMyUEMp-NbKPlYnSuGpfWr5kzGC7sCUTekJKjM068UAhaOc3JOSEcp/s320/poe.bmp" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 213px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /> <br />
<div>It’s a popular ticket, so make sure to get there early or arrive toward the end of the night in order to avoid the major crowds. We arrived at around 9:30 and although there wasn’t a huge line at the gate, we quickly found out that once inside you’re stuck in another much longer line that meanders toward the wetland trails where the exhibit actually begins. For the coldest of nights they offer hot drinks and food at two separate locations along the line but both were packed so we kept walking.<br />
</div><div></div><br />
<div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395151195185922434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXu3WDBrwxWeKIsbEwtjSxX4pUJeO-njFn2R2daOm7XOlEZHVC1WDUQxB4TaJR8EUib1HHuFpNEqBWI11csH3RDUBHin66M-qdhZya-pmvnxd1lrP-Dzz_Eh-9k1iPwGVnFTU77TyuCCfb/s320/owls.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 213px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /><br />
</div><div>Waiting on any line usually makes us crazy but this particular night was especially maddening due to a young couple in lust. From what I could tell they were college freshmen who maybe had been dating since the start of school. We had the good fortune of listening to such delights as “I bet I can jump up and down longer than you” as well as “Fall back in my arms I promise to catch you” and who could forget “Let me take your picture doing my cheerleader move - I promise I won’t post it”. These and other crazy conversations took place in between make out sessions. The final straw was an impromptu “I love you” on the phone when the boyfriend was back in line getting her a hot chocolate. All I can say is WOW. <br />
</div><br />
<div></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395148479735799362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkj_8ailcg8VWPVUUldIgem-3A6ayl5mqVEF5wOB_uQ2HNXnQiyEewBqug6knt9FyE4UWfpRg55IKk4Uoh5rtKQanwJw1XaDjDFRfILmi-Qgpnu6ReEQvHOxTb1DQvnOxqASybX6VvPTo9/s320/thousands.bmp" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 213px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" />Finally getting to the entrance the line really bogged down with everyone rubber necking to see the first few carved sensations. My suggestion is to walk on the right side in order to pass the slow pokes and choose your spots to move forward to get a better look and take pictures. We applied this theory most of the way through so we could have some separation with the crowd. Picture opportunities abound throughout the walk so be sure to bring your camera and be patient. The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is a must do for people of all ages. <br />
</div><br />
<div></div><br />
<table style="border-top: #d6d6d6 1px solid; font: 10px arial; width: 100%;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><div>Bob Black<br />
</div><div>REALTOR<br />
</div><div style="margin-top: 10px;">Williams & Stuart Real Estate<br />
</div><div>870 Oaklawn Ave<br />
Cranston, RI, 02920<br />
</div></td><td style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><div><b>Work:</b> 401.942.0200 ext 28<br />
</div><div><b>Mobile:</b> 401.261.1599<br />
</div><div>Bob@BobBlackOnline.com<br />
</div><div style="float: left; font-weight: bold; margin-top: 10px;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.BobBlackOnline.com">http://www.blogger.com/www.BobBlackOnline.com</a><br />
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</td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="2"><div style="font: italic 10px arial; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 2px;">Your Friend in Rhode Island Real Estate<br />
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</tbody></table>Bob Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226807125843554132noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199138561434896789.post-43399582211444869422009-09-15T11:43:00.000-07:002009-12-23T07:51:52.342-08:0022 Bowen's - Newport, RI<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmTnT4FFWm8jXWqL2Lb0s-w5qK7SitbQsN9HzaJwdUeL0mIzYOuAoWXm3XB6lrPLdgh-M0MTbp0u_FQ44Pmn3bV-iLFdzGVUyfZQm3-mKNSYEUyoqOAY-bNrQXHhwOns0jyd33wy5PG-M8/s1600-h/mom.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381782999178252930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmTnT4FFWm8jXWqL2Lb0s-w5qK7SitbQsN9HzaJwdUeL0mIzYOuAoWXm3XB6lrPLdgh-M0MTbp0u_FQ44Pmn3bV-iLFdzGVUyfZQm3-mKNSYEUyoqOAY-bNrQXHhwOns0jyd33wy5PG-M8/s320/mom.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 213px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a> <br />
<div>Lunch over a three hour period usually means you’re working hard at the office on a huge proposal that absolutely needs to get done “today”. In fact in most cases, the legend of the three hour lunch is largely considered a myth. But for a select few, Saturday, September 12, 2009 was a lunch to rival all others. It was a lunch of such epic proportions that when it was over, we stared at each other in disbelief, wondering where the time went.<br />
<br />
Ok, so maybe that was a little dramatic.<br />
<br />
This past Saturday Melissa, my mother and my brother Justin and I dined at 22 Bowen’s in Newport, RI. Melissa and I decided that it would be a great idea <br />
<a name='more'></a>to take them to a pre-wedding lunch to celebrate as a “family to be” since the <a href="http://www.bobblackonline.com/Site/I_Was_Thinking/Entries/2009/8/26_I%E2%80%99m_Getting_Married.html"><strong>wedding</strong> </a>is taking place this Friday in Aruba and they can’t attend. What an incredible idea this turned out to be. I could gush for days about how much we loved the restaurant. From the welcoming hostess right down to the attentive and entertaining server, we enjoyed everything they had to offer.<br />
<br />
Please do yourself a favor and eat at <a href="http://www.22bowens.com/"><strong>22 Bowen’s</strong> </a>as soon as possible. It’s on the pricier side but it’s Newport after all and it’s completely worth the extra scratch. East Coast oysters on the half shell, sirloin Thai satay and corn and crab chowder for the table just to get us started. Followed by velvety scallops and risotto for <a href="http://www.alifelesscomplicated.com/"><strong>Melissa</strong></a>, the 22B burger for mom and Justin enjoyed the mountainous lobster salad roll. If I hadn’t ordered my own delicious dish, I’m sure I would have tried to scrounge off one of their plates. Being in a seafood mood - and quite frankly who wouldn’t be when you’re dinning on the dock overlooking beautiful Newport Harbor and the many multi-million dollar yachts - I opted for wild mussels in a garlic, shallot, heavy cream and white wine sauce with a side of expertly grilled asparagus with hollandaise. <br />
</div><br />
<div>Now that your mouth is watering let me finish things off with dessert, which seemed to be either house made or brought in from an amazing local bakery. Whatever the case may be, I’m a fan. Here’s what we had: Key Lime pie as big as your head with a buttery graham cracker crust, New York style cheesecake as creamy as can be, crunchy creme brulee hovering over a silky smooth custard and a massive slice of carrot cake complete with pineapple chunks, coconut shavings and walnuts held together by layers of scrumptious cream cheese frosting. <br />
</div><br />
<div>We walked off our indulgence through the streets of Newport and even made a stop by our favorite store, <a href="http://livinginrhodeisland.blogspot.com/2009/02/green-envy-newport-ri.html"><strong>Green Envy</strong></a>. Add this to your list of "musts" when visiting Newport and tell Rachel that Bob and Melissa sent you. It may not get you a discount... in fact it may get you kicked out. Just kidding. <br />
</div><br />
<div></div><div>As you may be able to tell, I really enjoyed lunch. Not just because of the amazing dining experience or the time spent shopping but because of the people I shared the day with. It's important to create memories and enjoy time with the people you love. In today's world of hustle and bustle... sometimes a three hour lunch is a good thing.<br />
</div><br />
<table style="border-top: #d6d6d6 1px solid; font: 10px arial; width: 100%;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><div>Bob Black<br />
</div><div>REALTOR<br />
</div><div style="margin-top: 10px;">Williams & Stuart Real Estate<br />
</div><div>870 Oaklawn Ave<br />
Cranston, RI, 02920<br />
</div></td><td style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><div><b>Work:</b> 401.942.0200 ext 28<br />
</div><div><b>Mobile:</b> 401.261.1599<br />
</div><div>Bob@BobBlackOnline.com<br />
</div><div style="float: left; font-weight: bold; margin-top: 10px;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.BobBlackOnline.com">http://www.blogger.com/www.BobBlackOnline.com</a><br />
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<tr><td colspan="2"><div style="font: italic 10px arial; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 2px;">Your Friend in Rhode Island Real Estate<br />
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</tbody></table>Bob Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226807125843554132noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199138561434896789.post-45277195502986480262009-08-16T12:29:00.000-07:002009-12-21T14:56:26.657-08:00Plaid and Stripe - Providence, RI<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicw6hX5vaLgTb1MHO3hKWJai_Nevmqg_4G6GkdiSPX0k-p251NYaE50VtN5cb2-mnOXDTwIXgmkrc8lNjxjPxG9KBtR251nPwqg-iI-97ncBHdkoMuE_g7Z0q9whJ-rFImhmXYYlGUzrjq/s1600-h/storefront.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 188px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicw6hX5vaLgTb1MHO3hKWJai_Nevmqg_4G6GkdiSPX0k-p251NYaE50VtN5cb2-mnOXDTwIXgmkrc8lNjxjPxG9KBtR251nPwqg-iI-97ncBHdkoMuE_g7Z0q9whJ-rFImhmXYYlGUzrjq/s320/storefront.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370646552614435314" /></a><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Last week, Melissa and I had lunch at one of our favorite places, <a href="http://www.harukisushi.com/about_east.html"><b>Haruki East</b></a> in Providence. After I enjoyed yet another delicious beef asparagus bento box and she enjoyed the Wayland maki, we realized we had some time to kill, so we started walking down the street for a coffee. We stumbled upon this great store, <a href="http://www.plaidandstripe.com/"><b>Plaid and Stripe</b></a>.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">We were greeted by Robin Bugbee, aka the “lead dog” in the store. Robin introduced us to his two beagles for whom the shop is named, Plaid and Stripe. What a couple of hams. We loved them and can’t wait to get back to the store to visit with them again.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">The shop is full of unique gifts for pets and their people, as well as practical items like leashes, collars and treats. Robin is very knowledgeable and friendly, asked lots of questions about our pets and helped us pick out a new harness for Grux. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">The thing that made the experience for us though, was definitely the service. It’s so nice to walk into a shop that is owned by someone who is a) there b) happy to be there c) happy that YOU’RE there. Good customer service makes all the difference in the world and it’ll keep us coming back for sure. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Next time you’re walking around on the East Side, pop into Plaid and Stripe and say hi to the gang for me!</span></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica, serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;"><br /></span></span></div><br /><table style="border-top:1px solid #D6D6D6;width:100%;font:10px arial"><tbody><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;padding:0px 5px 2px 5px"><div style="font:bold 14px">Bob Black</div><div style="font:normal">REALTOR</div><div style="font:bold;margin-top: 10px">Williams & Stuart Real Estate</div><div style="font:normal">870 Oaklawn Ave<br />Cranston, RI, 02920</div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding:5px 2px 5px 2px;"><div><b>Work:</b> 401.942.0200 ext 28</div><div><b>Mobile:</b> 401.261.1599</div><div>Bob@BobBlackOnline.com</div><div style="margin-top:10px;float:left;font-weight: bold"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.BobBlackOnline.com">www.BobBlackOnline.com</a></div></td><td style="width:30%;vertical-align:middle;text-align: right" rowspan="2"><a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/"><img src="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/yimg.php?tp=u&id=2008020519370249" style="border:1px solid #D6D6D6;margin-left: auto" /></a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2"><div style="font:normal 10px arial;font-style:italic;padding: 2px 5px 2px 5px">Your Friend in Rhode Island Real Estate</div><div style="padding:5px 5px 0px 5px"><span><a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/members/BobBlack/" title="MyBlogLog"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/imybloglog.png" style="border:0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/activerain/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/iactiverain.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/facebook/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/ifacebook.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/linkedin/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/ilinkedin.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/myspace/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/imyspace.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/twitter/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/itwitter.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="padding:3px 0 0 5px;border-top:1px solid #D6D6D6;font: 9px" colspan="3">Visit <a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/">MyBlogLog</a> and get a signature like this!</td></tr></tbody></table>Bob Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226807125843554132noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199138561434896789.post-90820651784491455472009-08-14T09:41:00.000-07:002009-12-21T14:57:07.474-08:00North Paws Veterinary Center<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcj-0oxUsN_NNfYDe1AiXy4vcSqMRb09O8YpeV2xWcGNIpKsIOW5SQCkGqY1P59_fsWLm5aRBtValI6L2b8L3v_AisX4pwK7BnrSGMLEXTTUEKhybLX6-R9GlAH08WPxSOn7GDgCE90ka2/s1600-h/gruxyface.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 241px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369860537523376546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcj-0oxUsN_NNfYDe1AiXy4vcSqMRb09O8YpeV2xWcGNIpKsIOW5SQCkGqY1P59_fsWLm5aRBtValI6L2b8L3v_AisX4pwK7BnrSGMLEXTTUEKhybLX6-R9GlAH08WPxSOn7GDgCE90ka2/s320/gruxyface.JPG" /></a> <div></div><div></div><div>Trust. It’s the single most important feeling a person must have in order to continue to use the services of another. At <a href="http://www.northpaws.com/"><strong>North Paws Veterinary Center</strong> </a>we found exactly that. We had been looking for a quality vet for a long time and I’m happy to say the search has ended. Dr David Bergmann immediately put us at ease with his calm demeanor and informative conversation. He took the time to really listen to what we had to say, ask lots of questions and addressed each of our concerns… all the while paying particular attention to our dog, Grux.<br /><br />It’s so important to feel heard when visiting any doctor. I’m not just talking about telling the assistants what’s ailing your pet or explaining to the doctor why you’re in their office. I’m talking about really being heard. I feel that it’s a lost art in any service industry, so when you experience it, make sure to hold on with both hands because that’s usually someone who really cares about what they do and how they do it. Dr Bergmann and his technician Wendy were simply amazing in many ways, but most importantly the way they instilled trust in us. On the ride home Melissa and I kept talking about how impressed we were with both of them and how we couldn’t wait to get our cat Dave over there to be seen by Dr Bergmann as well.<br /><br />I’m sure there are a few pet owners out there who are looking for reassurance that their pet is in good hands. With <a href="http://www.northpaws.com/"><strong>North Paws Veterinary Center</strong> </a>you can feel confident that your pet’s needs are being met and you’ll sleep easier knowing they actually care about Fido’s health. Thanks, North Paws. </div><div></div><div>564 Putnam Pike</div><div>Greenville, RI 02828</div><div>401-949-5030</div><div><a href="http://www.northpaws.com/">http://www.northpaws.com/</a></div><div></div><div></div><br /><table style="border-top:1px solid #D6D6D6;width:100%;font:10px arial"><tbody><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;padding:0px 5px 2px 5px"><div style="font:bold 14px">Bob Black</div><div style="font:normal">REALTOR</div><div style="font:bold;margin-top: 10px">Williams & Stuart Real Estate</div><div style="font:normal">870 Oaklawn Ave<br />Cranston, RI, 02920</div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding:5px 2px 5px 2px;"><div><b>Work:</b> 401.942.0200 ext 28</div><div><b>Mobile:</b> 401.261.1599</div><div>Bob@BobBlackOnline.com</div><div style="margin-top:10px;float:left;font-weight: bold"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.BobBlackOnline.com">www.BobBlackOnline.com</a></div></td><td style="width:30%;vertical-align:middle;text-align: right" rowspan="2"><a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/"><img src="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/yimg.php?tp=u&id=2008020519370249" style="border:1px solid #D6D6D6;margin-left: auto" /></a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2"><div style="font:normal 10px arial;font-style:italic;padding: 2px 5px 2px 5px">Your Friend in Rhode Island Real Estate</div><div style="padding:5px 5px 0px 5px"><span><a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/members/BobBlack/" title="MyBlogLog"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/imybloglog.png" style="border:0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/activerain/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/iactiverain.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/facebook/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/ifacebook.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/linkedin/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/ilinkedin.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/myspace/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/imyspace.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/twitter/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/itwitter.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="padding:3px 0 0 5px;border-top:1px solid #D6D6D6;font: 9px" colspan="3">Visit <a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/">MyBlogLog</a> and get a signature like this!</td></tr></tbody></table>Bob Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226807125843554132noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199138561434896789.post-92219190968839679372009-07-30T06:31:00.000-07:002009-12-21T15:17:18.325-08:00Milk Does a Body Good, Providence!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid42XhoiQg6U07XUdSu1h8L5hr_6zyVm5NatVMRM7VMjuvhT1JPSc5O1OJVIjwwj6jjhGfVJ84t_ou8aIaTtzoPuujFxq7x97-85e5JLFf6W4iSt3CZmgKtMsSRxwXSZ-47Ndadu64Bswa/s1600-h/clientLogo_GotMilk.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 301px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 172px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364246202985396690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid42XhoiQg6U07XUdSu1h8L5hr_6zyVm5NatVMRM7VMjuvhT1JPSc5O1OJVIjwwj6jjhGfVJ84t_ou8aIaTtzoPuujFxq7x97-85e5JLFf6W4iSt3CZmgKtMsSRxwXSZ-47Ndadu64Bswa/s320/clientLogo_GotMilk.jpg" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDm4nc57OnWl_iCf5pf_tbdM1P_5BSJSx8MJgKEvnUjJoEtoiUnNV3yWYFk7H-BKJwEDUAorbhwecP1d6kgk3SkSNFQB5ppRCR58D2eNL2TxLyDM2y36LM4xN_VRoha6fOco03fHKY3Zl_/s1600-h/clientLogo_GotMilk.jpg"></a><div></div><div></div><div>If you’ve ever suffered a broken bone or stress fracture and wondered why, it’s probably because you don’t drink enough milk. Myself, I drink it with just about everything - including dinner. To me, nothing beats a tall ice cold glass of nature's miracle. In my house, milk is absolutely mandatory with any dessert. In fact <a href="http://www.alifelesscomplicated.com/"><strong>Melissa</strong> </a>often makes fun of me because when I enjoy a bowl of cereal, it's usually 2 parts milk, 1 part cereal.<br /><br />Given my love for the moo juice, you can imagine my surprise when I was contacted by a rep from the “Got Milk?” <a href="http://www.whymilk.com/milk_mustache_mobile_tour.php"><strong>Milk Mustache Mobile Tour</strong></a> recently letting me know that they’d be in town reaching out to the community with information and events to benefit all Rhode Islanders. The events kick off on Friday, August 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at <a href="http://www.rogerwilliamsparkzoo.org/calendar/ice_safari.cfm"><strong>Roger Williams Park Zoo</strong></a>. And continues on through the weekend at Stop & Shop at 333 West River Street in Providence from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on both Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9.<br /><br />I’m definitely heading down to get my souvenir Milk Mustache photo, which I’m going to display proudly on my refrigerator so that every time anyone opens the door they can’t help but see my smiling face. Do yourself a favor and get out of the house the weekend of August 7th and get your own milk mustache. </div><br /><table style="border-top:1px solid #D6D6D6;width:100%;font:10px arial"><tbody><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;padding:0px 5px 2px 5px"><div style="font:bold 14px">Bob Black</div><div style="font:normal">REALTOR</div><div style="font:bold;margin-top: 10px">Williams & Stuart Real Estate</div><div style="font:normal">870 Oaklawn Ave<br />Cranston, RI, 02920</div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding:5px 2px 5px 2px;"><div><b>Work:</b> 401.942.0200 ext 28</div><div><b>Mobile:</b> 401.261.1599</div><div>Bob@BobBlackOnline.com</div><div style="margin-top:10px;float:left;font-weight: bold"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.BobBlackOnline.com">www.BobBlackOnline.com</a></div></td><td style="width:30%;vertical-align:middle;text-align: right" rowspan="2"><a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/"><img src="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/yimg.php?tp=u&id=2008020519370249" style="border:1px solid #D6D6D6;margin-left: auto" /></a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2"><div style="font:normal 10px arial;font-style:italic;padding: 2px 5px 2px 5px">Your Friend in Rhode Island Real Estate</div><div style="padding:5px 5px 0px 5px"><span><a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/members/BobBlack/" title="MyBlogLog"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/imybloglog.png" style="border:0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/activerain/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/iactiverain.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/facebook/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/ifacebook.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/linkedin/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/ilinkedin.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/myspace/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/imyspace.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/twitter/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/itwitter.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="padding:3px 0 0 5px;border-top:1px solid #D6D6D6;font: 9px" colspan="3">Visit <a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/">MyBlogLog</a> and get a signature like this!</td></tr></tbody></table></div>Bob Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226807125843554132noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199138561434896789.post-12427060870479177652009-06-30T11:09:00.000-07:002009-12-21T15:18:41.003-08:00What's Going On This Weekend in RI?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdU2diNB1wBIzgaNPwzs3HkF53nLfnFsco6q-FxjJPjax8tKhDCHLBj2nfOptb2y4NJpaWZlfLpJ2h6ZWqT-sL7d7REJw8szrZTrwOAyX8OoxADjM21m0XVAbUMRB6mhzOIwbQPhnLMatK/s1600-h/100_3222.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 241px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353184618087253426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdU2diNB1wBIzgaNPwzs3HkF53nLfnFsco6q-FxjJPjax8tKhDCHLBj2nfOptb2y4NJpaWZlfLpJ2h6ZWqT-sL7d7REJw8szrZTrwOAyX8OoxADjM21m0XVAbUMRB6mhzOIwbQPhnLMatK/s320/100_3222.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are some ideas – something for everyone!<br /><br /><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Newport Fireworks</strong><br /></span>Fort Adams<br />July 4th<br />Dusk<br /><br /><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Oakland Beach Fireworks</strong><br /></span>Warwick<br />July 3rd at 9pm<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#000066;">Fireworks and Paw Sox</span></strong><br />Following home games on Thursday 7/2 and Friday 7/3<br />Fireworks at McCoy Stadium!<br /><a href="http://www.pawsox.com/"><strong>www.pawsox.com</strong></a><strong><br /></strong>401-724-7300<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#000066;">Flutterby: Butterflies in Bloom at Roger Williams Park Zoo<br /></span></strong>Now through September 7th<br />9:30-4:30<br />Melissa and I went <strong><a href="http://livinginrhodeisland.blogspot.com/2008/08/blog-post.html">last year</a></strong> and got some great shots!<br /><a href="http://www.rwpzoo.org/"><strong>www.rwpzoo.org</strong></a><strong><br /></strong>401-785-3510<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#000066;">Alegria, Cirque Du Soleil</span></strong><br />July 2-5th<br />Awesome acrobatics<br />Dunkin Donuts Center<br /><a href="http://www.ticketmaster.com/"><strong>www.ticketmaster.com</strong></a><br />800-745-3000<br /><br /><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Food Drive and Free Outdoor Summer Concert Series</strong></span><br />Thurdays 6-8pm beginning July 2nd through August 6th<br />Don’t forget your non-perishable food donation for the RI community food bank!<br />The Village at South County Commons<br /><a href="http://www.southcountycommons.com/"><strong>www.southcountycommons.com</strong></a><br />401-284-2951<br /><br /><p><a onmouseover="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onmouseout="addthis_close()" onclick="return addthis_sendto()" href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&pub=xa-4a43d7c716ef16c9"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" alt="Bookmark and Share" src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-share-en.gif" width="125" height="16" /></a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js?pub=xa-4a43d7c716ef16c9"></script><br /><br /></p><table style="border-top:1px solid #D6D6D6;width:100%;font:10px arial"><tbody><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;padding:0px 5px 2px 5px"><div style="font:bold 14px">Bob Black</div><div style="font:normal">REALTOR</div><div style="font:bold;margin-top: 10px">Williams & Stuart Real Estate</div><div style="font:normal">870 Oaklawn Ave<br />Cranston, RI, 02920</div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding:5px 2px 5px 2px;"><div><b>Work:</b> 401.942.0200 ext 28</div><div><b>Mobile:</b> 401.261.1599</div><div>Bob@BobBlackOnline.com</div><div style="margin-top:10px;float:left;font-weight: bold"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.BobBlackOnline.com">www.BobBlackOnline.com</a></div></td><td style="width:30%;vertical-align:middle;text-align: right" rowspan="2"><a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/"><img src="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/yimg.php?tp=u&id=2008020519370249" style="border:1px solid #D6D6D6;margin-left: auto" /></a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2"><div style="font:normal 10px arial;font-style:italic;padding: 2px 5px 2px 5px">Your Friend in Rhode Island Real Estate</div><div style="padding:5px 5px 0px 5px"><span><a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/members/BobBlack/" title="MyBlogLog"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/imybloglog.png" style="border:0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/activerain/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/iactiverain.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/facebook/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/ifacebook.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/linkedin/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/ilinkedin.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/myspace/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/imyspace.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/twitter/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/itwitter.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="padding:3px 0 0 5px;border-top:1px solid #D6D6D6;font: 9px" colspan="3">Visit <a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/">MyBlogLog</a> and get a signature like this!</td></tr></tbody></table>Bob Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226807125843554132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199138561434896789.post-29796362009967540102009-06-28T17:23:00.000-07:002009-06-30T11:58:49.757-07:00Antonio's Trattoria - Cranston, RI<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Vy45aF_XKMmLjlk6t38ROax1b_OkEVn-T1n0OFPYPT1RWeZ3mCFQUJKu24rI3nbCxmz7AHS87pgePxG2wqkfwZthtIgBEl8snNGSSBSgDlPGzUTNwb6CXI9wovskfosgv4ylfqfV5INy/s1600-h/2-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352541664258024930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 255px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Vy45aF_XKMmLjlk6t38ROax1b_OkEVn-T1n0OFPYPT1RWeZ3mCFQUJKu24rI3nbCxmz7AHS87pgePxG2wqkfwZthtIgBEl8snNGSSBSgDlPGzUTNwb6CXI9wovskfosgv4ylfqfV5INy/s320/2-1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://antoniotrattoria.com/"><strong>Antonio’s Trattoria</strong></a>, located in the Knightsville section of Cranston, was the scene for our most recent dinner date. <a href="http://www.alifelesscomplicated.com/"><strong>Melissa</strong> </a>and I received a very generous gift certificate from the owners of my company in celebration of our engagement four weeks ago. I’ve lived in Rhode Island for most of my life and in Cranston for the majority of that time and this was the first time I’d been to Antonio’s. I can’t believe what I’ve been missing. Although the parking situation is a little dicey, once you step inside the restaurant the hustle and bustle of the everyday world is left behind.<br /><br />We were greeted quickly and seated even faster. Our host seated us in the lounge area, which worked perfectly because it’s lined with half circle booths that have tall backs for the ultimate in privacy. Warm earthy tones and clean linens filled our view and soft lighting echoed a very romantic décor. Melissa and I have always been the adventurous type when it comes to cuisine and Antonio’s gave us the opportunity to keep up that trend. Zucchini flowers stuffed with roasted zucchini and goat cheese began the meal followed closely by heirloom tomato mozzarella fritti. Yeah, it was even better than it sounds.<br /><br />Melissa’s main course was exceptional. She dined on pan-seared scallops, which sat on a bed of creamy spinach risotto with a pomegranate drizzle. Each of her bites was followed by, “Mmmmm, this is fantastic!” or “Mmmmm, this is so good baby, you have to try it.” And try it I did. If I were eating with anyone else, say my brother I would have used my Jedi Mind Trick to knock him out so I could quietly finish off his meal. But because I was sitting next to my fiancé, I decided against that approach. Wise choice I think.<br /><br />I went in the “turf” direction for my main course. Perfectly cooked to a medium rare, I had filet mignon over a bed of grilled asparagus and mashed potatoes with a port wine reduction. While the potatoes needed a little seasoning to bring them to life, the rest of my meal couldn’t be beat. Although I wanted to rip into my filet and swallow it whole, I chose a more sophisticated style and made sure to get a little bit of everything in each bite. Again, I made a wise choice.<br /><br />We finished the evening with dessert. Melissa opted for Limoncello cheesecake with tea. Being the chocoholic that I am, I chose the molten chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream with raspberry sauce. I don’t know what it is about eating at Italian restaurants, but I always end my meal with a double espresso. Maybe I’m testing each bartender’s espresso making skills, or maybe I just need the caffeine to wake me up after eating such a great meal. Antonio’s Trattoria was just the place for romance combined with amazing food and service. Make Antonio’s Trattoria a stop on your list of great restaurants. You won’t be disappointed. <br /><br /><p><a onmouseover="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onclick="return addthis_sendto()" onmouseout="addthis_close()" href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&pub=xa-4a43d7c716ef16c9"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" height="16" alt="Bookmark and Share" src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-share-en.gif" width="125" /></a><script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js?pub=xa-4a43d7c716ef16c9" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><br /></div><div></div></div><br /><table style="BORDER-TOP: #d6d6d6 1px solid; FONT: 10px arial; WIDTH: 100%"><tbody><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><div style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 14px; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-VARIANT: normal"><b>Bob Black</div><div style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal">REALTOR</div><div style="MARGIN-TOP: 10px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Williams & Stuart Real Estate</div><div style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal">870 Oaklawn Ave<br />Cranston, RI, 02920</div></b></td><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 2px; PADDING-LEFT: 2px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top; PADDING-TOP: 5px"><div><b>Work:</b> 401.942.0200 ext 28</div><div><b>Mobile:</b> 401.261.1599</div><div><a href="mailto:Bob@BobBlackOnline.com">Bob@BobBlackOnline.com</a></div><div style="MARGIN-TOP: 10px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FLOAT: left"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.BobBlackOnline.com">www.BobBlackOnline.com</a></div></td><td style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle; WIDTH: 30%; TEXT-ALIGN: right" rowspan="2"><a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #d6d6d6 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: #d6d6d6 1px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-LEFT: #d6d6d6 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #d6d6d6 1px solid" src="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/yimg.php?tp=u&id=2008020519370249" /></a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2"><div style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; FONT: italic 10px arial; PADDING-TOP: 2px">Your Friend in Rhode Island Real Estate</div><div style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 5px"><span style="font-size:+0;"><a title="MyBlogLog" href="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/members/BobBlack/"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/imybloglog.png" /></a></span><span style="PADDING-LEFT: 5px"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/myspace/BobBlack/?r"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/imyspace.png" /></a></span><span style="PADDING-LEFT: 5px"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/twitter/BobBlack/?r"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/itwitter.png" /></a></span><span style="PADDING-LEFT: 5px"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/linkedin/BobBlack/?r"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/ilinkedin.png" /></a></span><span style="PADDING-LEFT: 5px"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/facebook/BobBlack/?r"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/ifacebook.png" /></a></span><span style="PADDING-LEFT: 5px"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/activerain/BobBlack/?r"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/iactiverain.png" /></a></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: #d6d6d6 1px solid; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 9px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; PADDING-TOP: 3px; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-VARIANT: normal" colspan="3"></td></tr></tbody></table>Bob Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226807125843554132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199138561434896789.post-26547767630807644012009-06-20T16:11:00.001-07:002009-12-21T15:19:39.941-08:00Lunch at Iggy's<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgINFTTZ3hxi45AjV-p9uij4hAPL5f_UAj1sh1scCq6GYwFTDbrRS_P2qlP_nCLvvlGn9l5vq8PEjMle9iGzsNOJclz_ga6kItquGtK2QdRmoh_I-phRvpPUwdZslRJWySVRkF3UnwJx_KG/s1600-h/100_4102.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349551621955731122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 217px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgINFTTZ3hxi45AjV-p9uij4hAPL5f_UAj1sh1scCq6GYwFTDbrRS_P2qlP_nCLvvlGn9l5vq8PEjMle9iGzsNOJclz_ga6kItquGtK2QdRmoh_I-phRvpPUwdZslRJWySVRkF3UnwJx_KG/s320/100_4102.jpg" border="0" /></a></center><br /><div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://www.iggysdoughboys.com/"><strong>Iggy’s Doughboy’s and Clam Shack</strong> </a>was the destination on our radar this morning. The <a href="http://www.tvmaitred.com/"><strong>TV Maitre d'</strong> </a>was reviewing Iggy’s in Point Judith, and after his gleaming assessment I decided that we’d be packing up the dog and heading south for the day. Being a borderline dreary day, it turned out to be a great idea. With Grux loaded into the Camry off we went on our Saturday mission to find a little Rhody magic.<br /><br />In life, timing is everything… and at Iggy’s this couldn’t be more true. With walkup service that had us greeted with a welcoming smile it only took us a few minutes to figure out what to order. Besides, after watching the show this morning I basically had it all planned out. Melissa and Grux went off to sit at one of the many outdoor picnic tables. Grux was the star of the show, with children swarming around to pet him. </div><div><br /></div><br /><center><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349552809556000322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 286px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2fuSi49GYWPu9Yh0mVlbUMsOxCqE7_6ZGiDjWcRBhFFfzPKTR40WPISfeZtyq_1H_ifPL50cgUMwVjPnV30c0owUSPmln1r3s-kfOBFUoBYXt3u9hRr_bOw3vGv3_Mlvxsx1nnyb0r9gi/s320/100_4115.jpg" border="0" /> </center><div>I anxiously stood there waiting for my number to be called. I felt like the kid waiting to be picked for kickball at recess. Because every order is made fresh, the numbers called are all over the place depending on how complicated your order is. Then… the magic words, “number 67 ready for pick-up”. Good times my friends, good times. </div><br /><center><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349553192286255554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 241px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vBNj3AQ-stE-svUgKnYdQQ6RPeZ5V0rAWgX_stmr21k_gZzrFZikteQDxHUyqovVWP1g1KRoeFJBhEVmfbjp0na0M5J0Icw90_yZdftm63DYijc9yAJTUfNXqrVEmV0dVup1tQlrS_qv/s320/100_4096.jpg" border="0" /> </center><br /><p>I rushed the hot food over to our table and we had at it. Doughboys, clam cakes, clam chowder and root beer floats made with Iggy’s own bottled root beer. Simply delicious. It may not have been the picture perfect summer day in Rhode Island, but it was a perfect day for Iggy’s.<br /><br /></p><p><a onmouseover="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onclick="return addthis_sendto()" onmouseout="addthis_close()" href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&pub=xa-4a43d7c716ef16c9"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" height="16" alt="Bookmark and Share" src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-share-en.gif" width="125" /></a><script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js?pub=xa-4a43d7c716ef16c9" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><table style="border-top:1px solid #D6D6D6;width:100%;font:10px arial"><tbody><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;padding:0px 5px 2px 5px"><div style="font:bold 14px">Bob Black</div><div style="font:normal">REALTOR</div><div style="font:bold;margin-top: 10px">Williams & Stuart Real Estate</div><div style="font:normal">870 Oaklawn Ave<br />Cranston, RI, 02920</div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding:5px 2px 5px 2px;"><div><b>Work:</b> 401.942.0200 ext 28</div><div><b>Mobile:</b> 401.261.1599</div><div>Bob@BobBlackOnline.com</div><div style="margin-top:10px;float:left;font-weight: bold"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.BobBlackOnline.com">www.BobBlackOnline.com</a></div></td><td style="width:30%;vertical-align:middle;text-align: right" rowspan="2"><a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/"><img src="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/yimg.php?tp=u&id=2008020519370249" style="border:1px solid #D6D6D6;margin-left: auto" /></a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2"><div style="font:normal 10px arial;font-style:italic;padding: 2px 5px 2px 5px">Your Friend in Rhode Island Real Estate</div><div style="padding:5px 5px 0px 5px"><span><a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/members/BobBlack/" title="MyBlogLog"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/imybloglog.png" style="border:0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/activerain/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/iactiverain.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/facebook/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/ifacebook.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/linkedin/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/ilinkedin.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/myspace/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/imyspace.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/twitter/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/itwitter.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="padding:3px 0 0 5px;border-top:1px solid #D6D6D6;font: 9px" colspan="3">Visit <a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/">MyBlogLog</a> and get a signature like this!</td></tr></tbody></table></p>Bob Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226807125843554132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199138561434896789.post-16262603868650281762009-06-07T13:54:00.000-07:002009-12-21T15:13:42.122-08:00It All Began When…It was 2005 and I had just come back from what I thought was the most unbelievable pilgrimage - out to Seattle, WA to see the Dave Matthews Band at The Gorge. Actually, The Gorge is in a town called George, WA on the Columbia River. That’s right, the town is called George and it’s in Washington. If you’re a Dave fan this is an absolute must on the list of places to see the band perform. At the time MySpace was a relatively new creature - at least to me, and I had posted a bunch of pictures and a little story about my experience at The Gorge seeing the band.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344693079059266530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 262px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBj4Dol7s3r-Tn9cpnAmdqR0yYBtLkHaCkHaoLSa6x2eaZtJUxVvJbm9VkfQMBYFATg9BxK1zi2KaQfqdBmJeTRsRNbKnTqVhMq8h0syfXlx-HK2X3wt3G8aNTWFIlp-0Dljc_KBVBYHXR/s320/100_3896.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />A few days had gone by and I received a message from this woman who told me how envious she was that I had gone out there to see DMB play and that she was hoping to do the same someday. I couldn’t help but think how cool it was that someone other than a friend had commented on something that I had done. At the time the thumbnail picture was pretty small but I could see that she was pretty, I just needed to see it in a larger format, so I clicked on the message and up pops this gorgeous curly haired brunette who was semi-posed against a wall. The second I saw her picture my heart was in my throat like when you’re about to have your first kiss or when you see the love of your life for the first time. Having already experienced my first kiss some twenty-four years ago, I guess it’s safe to say my feeling was from staring at the love of my life for the very first time. Her name was Melissa.<br /><br />We continued to write for about two weeks followed by phone calls, each time revealing more about one another so much so that when we finally met I felt like I had known her forever. I think life gets very easy when you actually find the person you’re supposed to be with. I’m not talking about the person you’re going to spend a few months or years with but the one true love that you’re so happy to see when you wake up that all you want to do in life is wake up next to them every day until the end of time. That’s what Melissa means to me and it was all due to a chance encounter on a social networking site because I had gone to see DMB. Thank you Dave.<br /><br />Fast forward to present day. Melissa and I have been together for 3 ½ years and have been to 8 shows in that time. Our very first was at Fenway Park in 2006, which was made into a CD, followed by The Gorge for 3 shows and a tour of Seattle. The circle was now complete. On May 30, 2009 we had come back to Fenway Park for another DMB show. This time we had VIP seating and we loved every second of it.<br /><br /><br />Early morning on the 30th we decided to head to the Coventry animal control facility to meet a little Dachshund that Melissa had learned about through a friend at work. Although going into it I had no real intention of getting a dog, of course once we saw him I knew we’d be picking him up in a couple of days. I’m easy like that. So, fresh from seeing our future dog we set out for Fenway and the VIP experience. Boston here we come.<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344694326408661698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 278px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiefkF3mklXXvhG9weVSHkMNDuabd9ratbzVsPEUVF4OTXYRZ3hHjKE51CN9qahqMZk5zZ7-w1EVQFMy85O2kC-kn35LwTYJ1-aRVZGX-m4o-88-R-aeLR0gzPAgiPbalJD9Qy8tft844op/s320/100_3854.jpg" border="0" />Being the constant planner, I made sure we arrived in Beantown with plenty of time to do whatever it was we wanted. The atmosphere was already thick with excitement as we walked around the historic park waiting to for the concert and mingling with other DMB fans. Not really knowing which way to go, we headed toward our entry gate to see what was going on and to get a feel for how things would work. Further up, there was a small crowd gathered hoping to catch a glimpse of the band. We stopped by for a few minutes but continued on because we hadn’t eaten yet. We ended up eating at a place called The Landsdowne Pub. It just so happens that this place is where the VIP reception was going to be held.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344694029697289026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 262px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNXVbzciCjf2Pa87TH-jO0Ab0pNm76MltBekYdxkr5rTYA0HTz7QqFtoN5PU_3vUrNAi5tekR06wmsH-01VdgQje32WcAOK9Sp-ZCXq4vDnf40hGStJHpmTCEf_IDJnkBk_X3YEVs3nME/s320/100_3857.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>Later we headed back to where the crowd was, in hopes of seeing the band - and luck being on our side, we did. Dave, Boyd, Jeff and Rashawn all walked by and even stopped to sign a few autographs. Very cool experience. We hung around for several hours but the time was approaching for us to head into the VIP reception. The line formed quickly and we were ushered into the reception for free food and drinks. Now that we’ve done the VIP thing, I don’t think we’ll be able to go to another show and NOT do it again. I highly recommend it. </div><br /><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344695846991729682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 241px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVAh9cTQYbAWCgVYVnErQP2uph2GbI2HJRCo5F0Lqs9kItv87pJA4k5hxWc1Qnzu67K61k_dSZezvsglNS0eBH7-iVcxjRG7-WfJdAiTwCDaujp2lXEMb-OMfPq-_83GIsspoZH2XpCsX/s320/100_3876.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>After we’d eaten our fair share, some newly found friends had joined us at our table. We met a guy from San Diego who happened to have friends from Boston with him. The music was super loud but I think that had a lot to do with us sitting under a speaker. Two hours after we entered the reception it was time to head in to Fenway. We had 14th row just to Dave’s left. Incredible seats for an incredible day that only seemed to get better as it lead up to the show. </div><br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344695043900139042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9bos9kil8-dGz71rY3xn49QLCBGaEBNoOLPqS6MQrD_492I8CRHZiain6hmw8d1DTbVsjwbaJB-78C2EwQrvYtQsU7R-ur1u8vMt_tus62zCbLxfXuEGgvmlTybbhFtIG47pYSfwn00f/s320/100_3899.jpg" border="0" /><br />Willie Nelson was the opener and he was basically leaving the stage as we sat down. We were looking forward to this show. We had been listening to and learning to songs on the band’s new CD, Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King. The CD was named for the band’s original saxophone player Leroi Moore, whose nickname was Grux, and who passed away last summer. Earlier we were told by one of the bands personal security team that the show was going to start at 7:35. Well it was 7:35 and the crew was just putting the finishing touches on the stage set up. I stood up and looked around to soak up the fact that I was standing on center field of Fenway Freaking Park staring UP at the Green Monster and seeing a view that all of baseball’s greatest players have seen before. As I looked out at the crowd all around the park I couldn’t help but feel humbled by how lucky I was to be standing there. After all, this was the night that I was going to get engaged to the woman of my dreams… right there on the field during a DMB concert.<br /><br /><div></div><div>The ring was in my left shorts pocket in a small pouch. While I was standing soaking it all in, I decided to free it from the pouch and just have it in my pocket for easy access in case the perfect moment struck. As I took the ring out I actually fumbled it and almost dropped it to the floor. Really, how cliché is that? Luckily my cat-like reflexes kicked in and I saved the day from being ruined. Anyway, I secured the ring and not a moment too soon. As I was pushing it down into my pocket the band slowly entered the stage and the crowd erupted, including Melissa and I. </div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344698561735659378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 198px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJOUEjvs7Uj6YmQJpQf9iG-i72tib66hgjF4JAKjYHkwpVHuLE-c_fD4Dc0Y3sZ4VUk6-KN8o8HCd4sZ583mrIoEpTXDfuwXmQ-5U33goHPEPeiV7aj6Yq1WQP8U6461KcFiFXnvTq0Nn/s320/100_3890.jpg" border="0" /><br />Leading up to this day I had been in constant contact with the jeweler in hopes that Melissa’s ring would be ready for the show. It was my plan all along to get engaged on this day. I mean, I couldn’t have asked for a better scenario and when I realized it was all going to come together it took everything I had in me not to tell everyone I knew and even people I didn’t. My plan was to wait for the perfect moment during the show. The problem was I didn’t know when or if that would happen.<br /><br />A few songs into the show and I started losing my voice from yelling but I never lost focus on my mission. I was waiting for my chance and I wasn’t going to let it get away. The fifth song of the night had just finished and I had asked Melissa to switch spots with me because a couple of seven footers were standing a few rows ahead of us and right in her sight line. Just after we switched the next song started. From the first note of the song we both knew what it was and she turned to me with a little tear in her eye to tell me how much it reminded her of when we met. It’s a song called “So Damn Lucky” and that’s exactly how I felt then and will feel the rest of my life thanks to her.<br /><br />It was like a giant hand smacked me in the face and said “do it now” because as perfect moments go, this was right there with the best of them. I reached into my pocket and with a firm grip pulled the ring out and held it clinched in my hand. I looked Melissa in the eyes and said in a very slow deliberate way “I love you” to which she responded much more assertively “I love you too baby!” I then said “No, I LOVE YOU.” It was at this point that I think it hit her that this was really happening. I went on to say a few things that will remain personal between us. I’ll just have you know it was totally unrehearsed and from the heart. She started to cry as I slide the ring on her finger. Then I started to cry. We stood there embraced for what seemed like a million years just crying and hugging the type of hug that only comes along when two people are so happy to be with each other they almost want to occupy the same space. The moment felt almost movie-like as we stood there listening, hugging and crying. It was surreal, fifty thousand people surrounded us but it felt like we were alone.<br /><br />All of this was happening during this incredible song called “So Damn Lucky” that was being played by the Dave Matthews Band, who brought us together 3 ½ years earlier, as we stood in center field of Fenway Park.<br /><br />Immediately following the most AMAZING moment of my life to date, I turned to the couple standing right behind us and I grabbed Melissa’s hand to show them that we had just gotten engaged. Everyone within earshot went crazy with cheers and congratulations. Complete strangers started snapping pictures and shaking our hands. I must have passed out twenty or so high fives to people I may never see again. If by chance one of them reads this I’d like to thank them for being part of our moment.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344696756133730434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 241px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYojmDtTach3QnmwGZMVSfczd_t_Y5PjSjUUM24QpLI2aovGJFNESC6s5wZQTuN0XFmiApeevBA_I2JprBcHjfTHEeUScPWt-zPhUffYkbxHinGM5kZib-N3mhQxENqxGA2Bn3kdTzWFQ/s320/100_3921.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>The show continued on and we continued to hug and cry and stare at her hand. I remember wanting to share this with everyone so I updated my Twitter feed, which updates my Facebook, with the statement “She said YES!” Apparently I didn’t need to explain to what she was saying yes. All fifty-six people who responded over the next several hours knew exactly what I was talking about. We’ll never, ever forget this day.<br /><br />Remember the dog I mentioned way at the beginning of the story? Well, we picked him up on Monday morning. His name is Grux Black. Now if we could just get him to act cool around our cat Dave. Well... not everything can be perfect. </div><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344697138749891506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJOWuwEto-AJ7ceTkss1BPaGKaKfHh6mKvuWK7wLE7HQNuZyZF_8zyG3aIHU9n0UP0eXMv9JpwIUyv0_muIXviuPaYlbxLAmoy4PXy4P5ReTAuhWXLA3TEN-JjStUJABfetMBYlTcoGMK/s320/gruxyboy.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div> <table style="border-top:1px solid #D6D6D6;width:100%;font:10px arial"><tbody><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;padding:0px 5px 2px 5px"><div style="font:bold 14px">Bob Black</div><div style="font:normal">REALTOR</div><div style="font:bold;margin-top: 10px">Williams & Stuart Real Estate</div><div style="font:normal">870 Oaklawn Ave<br />Cranston, RI, 02920</div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding:5px 2px 5px 2px;"><div><b>Work:</b> 401.942.0200 ext 28</div><div><b>Mobile:</b> 401.261.1599</div><div>Bob@BobBlackOnline.com</div><div style="margin-top:10px;float:left;font-weight: bold"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.BobBlackOnline.com">www.BobBlackOnline.com</a></div></td><td style="width:30%;vertical-align:middle;text-align: right" rowspan="2"><a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/"><img src="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/yimg.php?tp=u&id=2008020519370249" style="border:1px solid #D6D6D6;margin-left: auto" /></a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2"><div style="font:normal 10px arial;font-style:italic;padding: 2px 5px 2px 5px">Your Friend in Rhode Island Real Estate</div><div style="padding:5px 5px 0px 5px"><span><a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/members/BobBlack/" title="MyBlogLog"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/imybloglog.png" style="border:0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/activerain/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/iactiverain.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/facebook/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/ifacebook.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/linkedin/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/ilinkedin.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/myspace/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/imyspace.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/twitter/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/itwitter.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="padding:3px 0 0 5px;border-top:1px solid #D6D6D6;font: 9px" colspan="3">Visit <a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/">MyBlogLog</a> and get a signature like this!</td></tr></tbody></table>Bob Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226807125843554132noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199138561434896789.post-20527366401177792792009-05-03T12:10:00.000-07:002009-12-21T15:20:48.029-08:00Springtime Farmer's MarketIt’s almost time for the farmer’s markets to begin! Pretty soon, we’ll be able to go out on a Saturday morning and pick up some fresh and local berries, beans, cucumbers, eggplant… but in the meantime, we took a drive over to the <a href="http://www.farmfresh.org/food/farmersmarkets_details.php?market=29">Winter/Spring Farmer’s Market </a>in Pawtucket last weekend.<br /><br />We were pleasantly surprised by the number of vendors! Here’s a short list of our favorites:<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331677325644741826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 241px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECtHprtHsvliXQax1SonLnenIkeNAqftRUT9CWsEENPNLgtvaYScQ2AC3EzqgjvEUJW3yNSrLjeaPhvoehaRe345CUWZyUH091wIaYCd1g2FRPBF-vgsrVfuJSx_RqS83Y9TsMYoJkhOY/s320/100_3758.jpg" border="0" /><br /><strong><a href="http://www.richeeses.com/">Narragansett Creamery</a></strong>: The Best Ricotta in the World. That’s what the woman standing next to us said. And… I imagine she’s right. It was definitely the best I’ve ever had. That night, Melissa made us some spaghetti with her sauce, and a little ricotta mixed in. It really was unbelievable. But probably the best way to really get the whole ricotta experience was when we mixed it up with a little sugar and dipped strawberries in it. Wow.<br /><br /><strong><a href="http://www.farmfresh.org/food/farm.php?farm=1833">Allen Farms</a></strong>: Have you ever had pea greens? Neither had I, until I stopped by this booth. These are from snow peas, and we were won over immediately. We scooped up a container, and also a pot of cat grass for Dave – which he loves. We used the pea greens in a salad with spinach, kalamata olives, cucumbers and feta from Narragansett Creamery. We’ll definitely be buying these again.<br /><strong><br /><a href="http://bardenfamilyorchard.com/">Barden Family Orchard</a></strong>: We grabbed some apples – I wish I could remember what kind they were. Guess we’ll have to go back and get more.<br /><br /><strong><a href="http://www.farmfresh.org/food/farm.php?farm=1830">Stony Hill Cattle Company</a>:</strong> While Melissa wandered over to <a href="http://www.purplepearofprovidence.com/">Purple Pear of Providence</a>, I took some time talking to the ladies here – and ended up with a Porterhouse steak. It’s in the freezer still, but I’m going to grill it up soon.<br /><br />The Spring/Winter Farmer’s Market runs through the end of May.<br /><br /><strong>Hope Artiste Village</strong><br /><strong>1005 Main St.Pawtucket<br />10-1pm<br /></strong><br />Several other farmer’s markets begin in May. Click <a href="http://www.farmfresh.org/food/farmersmarkets.php?zip=02909"><strong>here</strong></a> for a list.<div><br /></div><div><br /><table style="border-top:1px solid #D6D6D6;width:100%;font:10px arial"><tbody><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;padding:0px 5px 2px 5px"><div style="font:bold 14px">Bob Black</div><div style="font:normal">REALTOR</div><div style="font:bold;margin-top: 10px">Williams & Stuart Real Estate</div><div style="font:normal">870 Oaklawn Ave<br />Cranston, RI, 02920</div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding:5px 2px 5px 2px;"><div><b>Work:</b> 401.942.0200 ext 28</div><div><b>Mobile:</b> 401.261.1599</div><div>Bob@BobBlackOnline.com</div><div style="margin-top:10px;float:left;font-weight: bold"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.BobBlackOnline.com">www.BobBlackOnline.com</a></div></td><td style="width:30%;vertical-align:middle;text-align: right" rowspan="2"><a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/"><img src="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/yimg.php?tp=u&id=2008020519370249" style="border:1px solid #D6D6D6;margin-left: auto" /></a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2"><div style="font:normal 10px arial;font-style:italic;padding: 2px 5px 2px 5px">Your Friend in Rhode Island Real Estate</div><div style="padding:5px 5px 0px 5px"><span><a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/members/BobBlack/" title="MyBlogLog"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/imybloglog.png" style="border:0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/activerain/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/iactiverain.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/facebook/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/ifacebook.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/linkedin/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/ilinkedin.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/myspace/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/imyspace.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/twitter/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/itwitter.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="padding:3px 0 0 5px;border-top:1px solid #D6D6D6;font: 9px" colspan="3">Visit <a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/">MyBlogLog</a> and get a signature like this!</td></tr></tbody></table></div>Bob Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226807125843554132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199138561434896789.post-24395691280817112812009-04-19T17:52:00.000-07:002009-12-21T15:21:51.392-08:00Quiet on the Set!It was a normal Friday just like any other, but I would soon find out that things were a little different once I got home and checked email. Last summer I did a <a href="http://livinginrhodeisland.blogspot.com/search/label/Brotherhood"><strong>one-day gig on the set of Brotherhood</strong> </a>as an extra. Being on that side of things was incredibly interesting - that’s why when I read email on Friday I was smiling from ear to ear - because waiting for me was another invite for work. This time it was on the set of the new CBS pilot being shot in Providence called “<a href="http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117999465.html?categoryid=1300&cs=1"><strong>House Rules</strong></a>”.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326572695421104898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 241px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmplJ2jSh2xahpEpHQUwbyPSYSJe7onqBKYL7WPInDEhrAULqH37By7l-izfOcAJcdZLxjoPtuCsQylKFXY7oLKp0HO39CLbcT4ssRBqvA2KhX9xffdCVfRjlgszqbq4-NJeg48D8OUCMa/s320/100_3472.jpg" border="0" /><br />House Rules is about newly elected “freshmen” congressmen and women who find themselves trying to keep up with the controlled chaos of a high profile Congressional lifestyle while trying to build friendships, relationships and avoid getting stepped on by their more seasoned colleagues.<br /><br />Being a pilot, there’s no guarantee that the show will even see the light of day on the network, but from what I’ve read online this is a much-anticipated project. It’s being filmed primarily at the Rhode Island State House given its close resemblance to the U.S. Capital building in DC, which is where the show is supposed to be based. Written by Michael Seitzman of “North Country” fame and produced by Mark Gordon, whose accomplishments read like a laundry list of Hollywood success stories. Gordon is the executive producer of “Grey’s Anatomy” and was a producer on “Saving Private Ryan," among others.<br /><br />This email told me that I had an 11:45 call time on Sunday, March 22. I’m sorry for going all Hollywood on you and using “call time” but it had to be done. I arrived dressed for success at 11:30, after all I didn’t want to be late on a day that my big break could come! I made my way to the extras holding room, despite a PA that offered nothing in the way of help when asked where I should be heading. Once I arrived I was told my clothes were fine but I needed to have a more Congressional looking tie. Now it was Hurry Up and Wait Time.<br /><br />After squaring away the registration process to ensure we get paid, we were soon taken out to film the first of many scenes. The film crew only had the building for the weekend while it was closed and had to fit in as much as possible before the legislators returned. In my first scene I was lucky enough to get a mark that was directly in line with the actors as they walked past. I was close enough to almost brush shoulders with the female lead, played by Zoe McLellan of “JAG” and “Dirty, Sexy, Money” fame. She was joined by Eion Bailey from “Band of Brothers” and “ER”.<br /><br />The scenes kept coming at a rapid pace totaling seven or so for the twelve-hour day. I know it doesn’t sound like many, but when you consider the amount of people and stuff that have to be moved around for each scene, it’s impressive - trust me.<br /><br />By the end of the night my feet and legs were useless. Being a newcomer, I hadn’t yet known the three rules of extras acting, which had been explained to me by my new friend Jim. First, always wear comfortable shoes. Second, always take your fair share at lunch. Third, never stand when you can sit. Words to live by… thanks Jim.<br /><br />After a twelve-hour day, ten of which were spent on my feet, I was happy to realize that I didn’t have a big day ahead of me at work. Just another in a long line of reasons I love being a <a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/poe1373">Realtor</a>.<br /><br /><br />I was excited to be called back a week later to do a ballroom scene at <a href="http://tickets.newportmansions.org/mansion.aspx?id=1001"><strong>Rosecliff Mansion </strong></a>in Newport. I knew I would be wearing a tuxedo, so I went to see my friend Danny Harris over at <a href="http://www.carlanthonytuxedo.com/"><strong>Carl Anthony Tuxedos</strong> </a>in Cranston. Danny had exactly what I needed - and considering the short notice, I was quite impressed.<br /><br /><br /><br />Although it was pretty cold outside this time, we spent a good portion of the night in the ballroom, eating and waiting for filming to start. I even had time to take a picture of myself...<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326576212784670546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 256px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzY6_v8F5qwxib3Y7Af9RxkLH41_WP-g_xmYEd6mAnj6PKnvdBWHEm4UhZugZVpKmDw2oMtNTCSF2s884qPFOEGp6FQ5s58VTPYAVUZXklbk_15zmR-CQArKpWBFQ4NkoWlsYg3MhYVoL/s320/Photo_040109_003.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />What a great experience. I can't wait for the next time.<br /><br /><table style="border-top:1px solid #D6D6D6;width:100%;font:10px arial"><tbody><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;padding:0px 5px 2px 5px"><div style="font:bold 14px">Bob Black</div><div style="font:normal">REALTOR</div><div style="font:bold;margin-top: 10px">Williams & Stuart Real Estate</div><div style="font:normal">870 Oaklawn Ave<br />Cranston, RI, 02920</div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding:5px 2px 5px 2px;"><div><b>Work:</b> 401.942.0200 ext 28</div><div><b>Mobile:</b> 401.261.1599</div><div>Bob@BobBlackOnline.com</div><div style="margin-top:10px;float:left;font-weight: bold"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.BobBlackOnline.com">www.BobBlackOnline.com</a></div></td><td style="width:30%;vertical-align:middle;text-align: right" rowspan="2"><a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/"><img src="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/yimg.php?tp=u&id=2008020519370249" style="border:1px solid #D6D6D6;margin-left: auto" /></a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2"><div style="font:normal 10px arial;font-style:italic;padding: 2px 5px 2px 5px">Your Friend in Rhode Island Real Estate</div><div style="padding:5px 5px 0px 5px"><span><a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/members/BobBlack/" title="MyBlogLog"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/imybloglog.png" style="border:0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/activerain/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/iactiverain.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/facebook/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/ifacebook.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/linkedin/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/ilinkedin.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/myspace/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/imyspace.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/twitter/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/itwitter.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="padding:3px 0 0 5px;border-top:1px solid #D6D6D6;font: 9px" colspan="3">Visit <a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/">MyBlogLog</a> and get a signature like this!</td></tr></tbody></table>Bob Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226807125843554132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199138561434896789.post-90713648870247789822009-03-17T18:48:00.000-07:002009-12-21T15:23:00.077-08:00Arcadia Management Area - Part II<div align="left"><br /><div><div><div></div><div>March 13, 2009 will be a day that I won’t soon forget. Not because it was my 36th birthday or because I saw an American Bald Eagle, but because Melissa and I were out for an amazing hike in the crisp pre-spring air at Arcadia Management Area and ended the day being rescued by a dozen or so DEM Police. Though it’s not as dramatic as the word “rescue” implies, it was interesting. I’d like to take you on a little journey of our day, my birthday. Join me, won’t you?</div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314342025665257954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 241px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWf5g7umJXoXolbBGtIrRQCfhjoChq5_Vl2qMChgqzjdeXRp3QdVbAZKRSNwiIi229nlvQVFh8E_ckqwFtNEbjd05njPIug0LDLetUOFhyKRB4Iv_y_DsB6n8f47i-QxxujmpM6rIeTHrS/s320/100_3644.jpg" border="0" /><br />I opened my eyes to the sounds of Dave, our persistent 2-½ year old black cat who has become my personal alarm clock of sorts, pawing at the doorknob. After our morning meet and greet, Dave followed me downstairs for breakfast and a lot of attention grabbing rolls on the floor. With Dave’s needs no longer an issue, it was now time to start our day. Try as I would, I couldn’t totally escape from doing work but that’s the life of a Realtor. I answered a few text messages and a few emails but luckily didn’t have to answer too many calls.<br /><br />Breakfast was on our minds, so we stopped at Panera Bread in Smithfield for a quick but delicious bite to eat. I could spend every dime I have in that place, which is unusual for me because I don’t normally like chains, but this place does it right. I especially like the bottomless coffee for those mornings that you just can’t get going. Not to mention the dozens of baked goods they display so temptingly behind that single pane of glass. It’s like they’re daring you not to buy something. It’s a challenge that I fail every time. With our bellies full it was time to hit the open road. Arcadia here we come.<br /><br />I’m going to give you a number: 14,000. That’s how many acres Arcadia Management Area spans over 4 townships in our state. Exeter, Richmond, Hopkinton and West Greenwich all contain federally protected forest that make up an incredible network of winding trails that seem almost too numerous to ever complete. The forest also extends into a healthy portion of Connecticut, though these areas aren’t considered state park. We had been for a hike here <a href="http://livinginrhodeisland.blogspot.com/search/label/Arcadia%20Management%20Area"><strong>last year</strong></a> that we really enjoyed and were eager to continue our exploration. <div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314343882749272722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 241px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSDM4RPBd9_Am4JUtztHow4KJenEwyzgiH5z56pafMvnU7SKgJsGTVcq1Xc36XPpzth4lgGW-2mXmTAjgTjj80Iv9dmzetooUqAxOlDIUIrjlABGC8eDEsf8PGyE8ZC2G6iTpPPEWUj_A/s320/100_1941.jpg" border="0" /><br />As with any hike, we started out by going to the headquarters in order to collect information and chart a good trail. Being a Friday – oh, did I mention it was Friday the 13th? - We spoke with Dave who piqued my interest with talk of American Bald Eagles down by a place called Beach Pond. Say no more - this was our destiny. I thanked Dave for his help and he wished me a happy birthday and off we went, never to see him again…or at least I thought… but more on that later. I was practically dancing to the car, filled with the excitement of possibly seeing my first ever American Bald Eagle in the wild.<br /><br />We arrived at the parking area for Beach Pond and noticed a DEM vehicle parked off to the side. Still not completely sure of which trail to take, I thought I’d ask for further assistance. At the exact moment I got out of the car I looked out over the pond and noticed two birds in flight. The lead bird was almost all brown and slightly smaller than the other; I would later learn that this was the eaglet. I quickly focused in on the second bird and instantly realized that it was the prized American Bald Eagle with it’s distinctive shining white head and tail feathers and massive wing span; there was no mistaking it for a seagull. I was elated. Apparently, I like birds. So with this milestone checked off the list, how could our day get any more exciting? </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314340109952299714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 241px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhNeOFK237BDX2X2gt38nc3bpngMrvH_z6o7XKQzu9mG5feqRBzn6DNxEDcDWTWW6rbRCD_-dgklsvwlxQt5Z57pMafSmwaDZIZAx0z6xuMgbr6qBSwgg4Ov-mRUbae2ETd2F6_olhwTk/s320/100_3640.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>Off to the trail we went with great exuberance and anticipation. As we entered the head of the trail I noticed a walking stick left behind by someone who had no need for such a tall item in their car. I joked with Melissa about how I looked like Gandalf the Grey from “The Lord of the Rings”. She said I looked more like Gandalf the Geek. Thanks, Baby. I grabbed up the stick anyway and we were off. Heading south we followed the Tippecanssett Trail along the waters edge. It started out as a fairly easy stroll through the woods but eventually turned into a more rigorous up and down hike. Having the walking stick made traversing the trail very easy. The only difficult part was the absolute lambasting I was getting from Melissa. Well deserved, I guess but she would soon learn the benefits of the mighty stick. Who’s laughing now?<br /><br />We were lead up to tall rock formations and down to water level muck but nothing could compare to the exhilaration we both felt when we came upon a cave. Not a huge, get-lost-for-days-wandering-in-the-dark cave, but it was most certainly home to something wild that wouldn’t appreciate us poking around. I decided to take the zero. I’m gutsy, but I’m not stupid and what would Melissa had done if I were attacked by a pissed off coyote? We stared for a bit then went on our way. </div><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314340664147432354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 241px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38uuFXFW8_Koun8pF7PEAmvPl3YcJREJDWqF4T0lstu59ib9cMr-oU7j1MT3wUSazZlcu93hT4smc6QcHNMGEkyf0qNr0gK_knYY5mNGPYvLInOI5XHRvHKSTUPwV9yM_pcyO0bmAHMT1/s320/100_3649.jpg" border="0" /><br />Further down the trail sitting at the southern tip we found the area known only as the “Lookout” because of it’s position over the pond. For whatever reason, I didn’t head up to the top but looking back I wish I had - maybe next time. We continued on now starting on the northern leg of the yellow dotted trail and back towards our final destination, the car. It wasn’t long before I noticed two trees, one laying in the water the other leaning toward it, which had been eaten by a beaver. I could actually see the teeth marks in the trunk. How big does something have to be if you can actually see its teeth marks?<br /><br /><strong>Are you ready for the fun part?<br /></strong><br />Ok, well you may remember that I mentioned the relatively rough terrain, the rocks, the hills, and the brush or maybe you don’t, because I never really did. But trust me it’s there and I have the sore legs to prove it. In fact, Melissa fell victim to this very landscape. She pulled a muscle in her leg. This may not sound like a big deal but when you’re in the middle of the forest and you don’t have a very good map and aren’t sure what lies ahead… then yeah, it’s a kind of big deal. Guess what previously foolish tool came into play now? If you guessed the walking stick, give yourself two points. I told you it would pop up again. Prepare as we do before a hike, nothing can get you ready for an injury. So now all the decisions are made with the injury in mind.<br /><br />You might be asking yourself “why didn’t you just turn around”? The short answer is that we had already been over pretty rough ground that covered about a 3-mile span. I ran ahead to see what we were up against and noticed a dirt road that was fairly level and would be much easier for Melissa to walk on. This is when I decided that we’d continue on… besides, this road led back down to the water which is where we needed to be. We walked for a short while and came upon two homes that sat on the water’s edge. I stood between them staring at the bridge that would lead us back to the car - in fact, I could see the parking lot. But at this point I didn’t feel like anything was really wrong, or that we wouldn’t be able to get to our destination. </div><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314341037735790882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 241px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsDFK9GOsm3VBMyxQFWq9JO1c4CuGC2kCgk0ponZLt9-BzZB6zEps5y3E-SiqppQ_xYCVF95bifXfgF2U34grP5r0pWSQEInSw-Bgo-d5JaQji8PGv4pEpfoeJ4p-KzXkWus35gbTLY9m/s320/100_3645.jpg" border="0" /><br />After looking for passage through the brush near the houses and realizing that there wasn’t one, we decided to double back in search of a crossroad that might lead us down to a main street. On our way up yet another hill, a Jeep Wrangler was coming down the road. I think both Melissa and I felt a little more at ease at this point. But whatever comfort we felt disappeared quickly when the driver of the Jeep, a lone woman and her child, passed us as if we weren’t even there, despite my waving her down. I understand why she didn’t stop - but what if we were really in trouble?<br /><br />On we went. We shrugged off the snub and made our way back onto the same yellow dotted trail we had followed from the beginning. Back into the woods for a short time then out to another dirt road. This time the yellow trail went left and my internal GPS told me it was the wrong way but with Melissa’s leg causing problems I didn’t want to take the chance of leaving this trail and possibly missing a crossroad. After all, the Tippecanssett was the one path that was pointed out to us when we began our day. I did, however, run for about a half-mile down the road that I wanted to take, only to be met by another offshoot of a road, which made me apprehensive. I headed back to meet up with Melissa and we continued down - you guessed it, the yellow trail.<br /><br />We would later learn that we had walked clear into Connecticut, about 2-miles into North Stonington to be exact. Surprisingly we still had cell service and I called information in hopes of getting someone from the DEM on the phone to tell me which way to go. In theory this is a simple idea. Not so much in reality. I was transferred to another person who then gave me a number of someone else to call. Did they not understand that we were in the middle of nowhere with the sun going down and one person with a bum leg? Finally I was put in touch with someone who could help. And help they did.<br /><br />After a brief conversation it became clear that we would need help getting out of our predicament. The DEM Police snapped into action and immediately dispatched someone to come find us. This was a good feeling, even though I knew if push came to shove, I would have gotten us out of there. One of the few moments of levity came when the team leader for the DEM wanted to triangulate our position using GPS coordinates. He had us call 911 and ask for the coordinates. As you can imagine, the 911 people were a little confused by such a strange request. Melissa handled the conversation like a champ. In fact when she was asked by the 911 technician if she was “in peril”, she calmly explained our situation and thanked the tech for his help. </div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314339262035479138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 208px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1S7_xtqVE0YPA54nknfsi-5uHHItLHwcviA37lRSVGncX6Dt-ey3cV7-L3fj6sRO9H5HGXDqKOMTtzQOgVNJI4Qqgft9X5uERVyIYP4EF4QgtoqK-w7F7EKSRHHO2ccQ6PnuRsQmXgGuR/s320/100_3652.jpg" border="0" /><br />It wasn’t long before the DEM had our position pegged and was on their way to “rescuing” us. While we waited, I joked with Melissa about gathering wild berries and boiling up some pine needle tea (thanks, “Man vs. Wild”!). About an hour after we placed the initial call we heard the sweet sound of a siren wailing. Just around the bend from where we sat waiting, up pulled a white quad cab pickup truck. As we walked near I noticed a familiar figure. Do you remember my friend Dave from the headquarters? Well guess who picked us up? One of the first things he said to me after he made sure we were all right was “happy birthday”.<br /><br />Dave brought us back to our car but not before pointing out that if we had in fact taken the road that I had previously run down we would have come out on route 165 and back to the lot. Hey, Gut Instinct… next time I’ll listen.<br /><br />We were greeted by no less than a dozen DEM Police who were assembled and ready for a major search if need be. Luckily this wasn’t the case but I can’t tell you what a relief it is knowing that these people are at the ready 24 hours a day. As Melissa and I got out of the truck, a few of the guys started wishing me a happy birthday. And with all serious situations avoided, that’s exactly what it was. Thanks. </div><div></div><div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314342724146659730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 67px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYSCo9wQ6SFi-sXRUFQcPpC2H_P3nyXbu9K1QDyu7JYtxGBQmrGRMQysXFTUvsoGEoAtMV0VkO9ec6_eZLLwAjnJn1gtSE62AMjRd0UAbEVhysAlc0rDwW5-4VOWUwX8swmj_nAsFFz31/s320/100_3655.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="left">Never again will we head out to the trails of Arcadia without stopping here first:</div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.mapcenter.com/"><strong>www.MapCenter.Com</strong></a><br /><br /></div><br /><table style="border-top:1px solid #D6D6D6;width:100%;font:10px arial"><tbody><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;padding:0px 5px 2px 5px"><div style="font:bold 14px">Bob Black</div><div style="font:normal">REALTOR</div><div style="font:bold;margin-top: 10px">Williams & Stuart Real Estate</div><div style="font:normal">870 Oaklawn Ave<br />Cranston, RI, 02920</div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding:5px 2px 5px 2px;"><div><b>Work:</b> 401.942.0200 ext 28</div><div><b>Mobile:</b> 401.261.1599</div><div>Bob@BobBlackOnline.com</div><div style="margin-top:10px;float:left;font-weight: bold"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.BobBlackOnline.com">www.BobBlackOnline.com</a></div></td><td style="width:30%;vertical-align:middle;text-align: right" rowspan="2"><a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/"><img src="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/yimg.php?tp=u&id=2008020519370249" style="border:1px solid #D6D6D6;margin-left: auto" /></a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2"><div style="font:normal 10px arial;font-style:italic;padding: 2px 5px 2px 5px">Your Friend in Rhode Island Real Estate</div><div style="padding:5px 5px 0px 5px"><span><a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/members/BobBlack/" title="MyBlogLog"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/imybloglog.png" style="border:0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/activerain/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/iactiverain.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/facebook/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/ifacebook.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/linkedin/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/ilinkedin.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/myspace/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/imyspace.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/twitter/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/itwitter.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="padding:3px 0 0 5px;border-top:1px solid #D6D6D6;font: 9px" colspan="3">Visit <a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/">MyBlogLog</a> and get a signature like this!</td></tr></tbody></table>Bob Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226807125843554132noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199138561434896789.post-42882559881153623942009-03-03T18:10:00.000-08:002009-12-21T15:25:03.408-08:00Enchanted Yesteryears - Scituate, RI<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvH35JHMUtukw4biLVmNiSTeDKoPW_Zi5ErctYfSCWt6l4GNNCal8UkMpPlydJyWNAsv7EuEC8O_IYaa145GfVwnrQbBTMaL21yKcPWFBRZidGrdGLa62x7tJ9UOlup2lAjehLBMtGBx_1/s1600-h/100_3596.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309149885079837778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 236px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvH35JHMUtukw4biLVmNiSTeDKoPW_Zi5ErctYfSCWt6l4GNNCal8UkMpPlydJyWNAsv7EuEC8O_IYaa145GfVwnrQbBTMaL21yKcPWFBRZidGrdGLa62x7tJ9UOlup2lAjehLBMtGBx_1/s320/100_3596.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div></div><div>Being a thirty-something such as myself, I never could have imagined that I’d have interest in going into an antique shop. Apparently I’ve held a prejudice that all antique shops are, for lack of a better term, dull. I mean - who needs an iron from the 1800’s that can’t be used for anything in the modern world except maybe a doorstop? I guess it’s because I’ve always wanted to be an archeologist and I’d rather be out finding the relics and documenting my journey that I never took the time to fully appreciate what these stores have to offer.<br /><br />Today, I sit here writing this story a changed man. In the quaint little center of historic North Scituate Village at the intersections of Rt. 116 and Danielson Pike, sits a shop filled with curiosity and passion; <a href="http://www.enchantedyesteryears.com/"><strong>Enchanted Yesteryears</strong></a>. It’s located at the very heart of the <a href="http://www.scituateartfestival.org/"><strong>Scituate Art Festival</strong></a>, which by many accounts is the grandest art festival in all of Rhode Island. Owned and operated by Lois Bardsley-Sirois from its inception 3 years ago, I found the store to be more than inviting and meeting Lois I immediately understood why. She was quick with a smile and to make me feel comfortable as I toured the shop. </div><br /><div></div><div>I was brought to Enchanted Yesteryears by one of its vendors, Linda Dillon, whom I had met at an open house a few weeks prior. When I’m holding an open house, I’m not just there to sell the house or meet a potential client; I’m also looking for my next story about anything Rhode Island. And after meeting Linda and experiencing her excitement about being part of Enchanted Yesteryears, I knew that I had to see this place for myself. </div><br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309150466555555506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 206px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs5ok_9QSc-uoYJrAIKmHFXqHxToKjpwdWQYLf96VoCWurJFwfvqK-55nP-J0sAAp5-ebQ2os7duTCdtTq_aDMBvfMcWc2CVhagXdn_zQ2zx3nXobO_QwSnAaFzibahT_4vPNvJIqERTqO/s320/100_3599.jpg" border="0" /><br />I arrived with cautious optimism not really knowing what to expect and only having my existing prejudice to guide me. Walking up to the counter I was greeted by Lois with a friendly hello as she sped off to tell Linda that I had arrived. My soon-to-be tour guide, who is lovingly dubbed the “Resident Magpie” because of her incredible knowledge of everything going on in the store and in the village for that matter, emerged from the back room to greet me. After brief introductions, Linda led the way. I was introduced to the in house “Artiste” Joan Marie Hanson, whom I found to be very talented and ridiculously nice.<br /><div></div><div><br />“All I Ask of You,” from Phantom of the Opera played in the background as Linda showed me around. The store holds around 22 vendors currently, and has room for up to 2 more come April 1. There are two levels; the main floor, which greets you as you walk in from the street, and a lower level that I’m guessing used to be a basement but bears no resemblance now thanks to all of the artists.<br /><br />One theme that I found interesting was the support of local business in the village. Linda, Joan Marie and Lois all spoke so highly of their neighbors including Village Bean Cafe, which I’m told, serves the best coffee and pastry ever…in the history of the world. Ok, so that was an embellishment but I’m sure it’s fantastic and I can’t wait to try it out when Melissa and I go back to visit. I was also told about Rhode Island’s only Bald Eagle nest that sits high in the trees just down the road from the shop. You can bet I’ll be writing about that soon. </div><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309151812815484802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 248px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWwYcLKRfrOFWvCFpnqDdtHsIP8lhN17Y0pI1jhQKcD5ZLyjjfws8LJYKywwDx6Kp8xlkIPRURLoSaayUSBZfryKtAgp1tQR7Y3UysaPX9GyxZBZduSKf1ltGXcEVmMZPb2QSr8jhqFON/s320/100_3600.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>Crafts are another common theme of the many vendors who set up shop here. They range from your standard carved wooden door and wall hangings to detailed hand painted bottles or completely refurbished furniture. I’m sure many of these craftspeople, antique dealers and artists will be displaying their wares across New England this summer in places like the Brimfield Fair or the <a href="http://www.gaspee.com/"><strong>Gaspee Days Arts and Crafts Festival</strong></a>. If you’re at all familiar with RI, you know that we love our crafts shows.<br /></div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309155110842956754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 241px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCqttnZFLBGHNLVrIuQ6XN64cR3fB9KfnbRRb1iWaQJm7tyUkiyH1TH6EOcjam5oIuHF5yEf0ndopZ2elIY_-mx2hwuTdRe_3tBO0MU5C1JD5jF_xBmPeDSQEJV9p2VhRaAyTy9HbXYAFP/s320/100_3605.jpg" border="0" /> <div>As we walked from area to area I began to realize that it wasn’t about the many things that sat on the shelves or hung from the walls, it was about the people who took the time to display those items or paint those pictures. People like Linda, Joan Marie and Lois. It was about the passion and love for what they do everyday that makes this place so special. </div><br /><div></div> <table style="border-top:1px solid #D6D6D6;width:100%;font:10px arial"><tbody><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;padding:0px 5px 2px 5px"><div style="font:bold 14px">Bob Black</div><div style="font:normal">REALTOR</div><div style="font:bold;margin-top: 10px">Williams & Stuart Real Estate</div><div style="font:normal">870 Oaklawn Ave<br />Cranston, RI, 02920</div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding:5px 2px 5px 2px;"><div><b>Work:</b> 401.942.0200 ext 28</div><div><b>Mobile:</b> 401.261.1599</div><div>Bob@BobBlackOnline.com</div><div style="margin-top:10px;float:left;font-weight: bold"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.BobBlackOnline.com">www.BobBlackOnline.com</a></div></td><td style="width:30%;vertical-align:middle;text-align: right" rowspan="2"><a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/"><img src="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/yimg.php?tp=u&id=2008020519370249" style="border:1px solid #D6D6D6;margin-left: auto" /></a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2"><div style="font:normal 10px arial;font-style:italic;padding: 2px 5px 2px 5px">Your Friend in Rhode Island Real Estate</div><div style="padding:5px 5px 0px 5px"><span><a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/members/BobBlack/" title="MyBlogLog"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/imybloglog.png" style="border:0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/activerain/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/iactiverain.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/facebook/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/ifacebook.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/linkedin/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/ilinkedin.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/myspace/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/imyspace.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/twitter/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/itwitter.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="padding:3px 0 0 5px;border-top:1px solid #D6D6D6;font: 9px" colspan="3">Visit <a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/">MyBlogLog</a> and get a signature like this!</td></tr></tbody></table></div>Bob Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226807125843554132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199138561434896789.post-63107714965629488022009-02-22T16:35:00.000-08:002009-12-21T15:26:18.068-08:00Frugal RI Mama<center><a href="http://www.frugalrimama.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f62/kmwilmes/FrugalRIMamaButton.jpg" /></a></center><div align="left"><br />Through the magic of Facebook, I have recenty reconnected with lots of old friends. It's really fun catching up with everyone and seeing what people are up to.<br /><br />Just tonight, I was talking with my friend Karen. Karen and I met sophomore year of high school. She was always the one we knew would turn out to be a great mother (she has); she always had that maternal instinct. She came from a great family was well liked in our circle of friends. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBxGeL5u0g8XI3QaI22pKc8AfJpCcGXkICg5XYBha-FRxMeSh3a_DYF1X0WN91j7lhnWLTltkntk7Hs-72buD-Sp1NehUFevS6dGlwsfl4CFJshaIzZ6xbtjq80pMUBp6Ji2181mZjbGt/s1600-h/n667869817_1495627_4455.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305789771943017282" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 184px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBxGeL5u0g8XI3QaI22pKc8AfJpCcGXkICg5XYBha-FRxMeSh3a_DYF1X0WN91j7lhnWLTltkntk7Hs-72buD-Sp1NehUFevS6dGlwsfl4CFJshaIzZ6xbtjq80pMUBp6Ji2181mZjbGt/s320/n667869817_1495627_4455.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Right after high school, a group of us rented a beach house two summers in a row in <a href="http://www.ri-map.com/map.html"><strong>Point Judith</strong></a>. It was a really fun time, and a great way to feel like adults and experience <a href="http://www.southcountyri.com/ViewPhotoTours.aspx"><strong>South County</strong></a>. </div><p align="left">Karen is now all grown up and has a wonderful family. She also happens to be the author of two great blogs:</p><p align="left"><br /></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.frugalrimama.com/">Frugal RI Mama</a></strong></p><p>and</p><p><strong><a href="http://karenwilmes.blogspot.com/">Karen Wilmes</a></strong></p><br /><p>Check them out when you get a chance!</p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><table style="border-top:1px solid #D6D6D6;width:100%;font:10px arial"><tbody><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;padding:0px 5px 2px 5px"><div style="font:bold 14px">Bob Black</div><div style="font:normal">REALTOR</div><div style="font:bold;margin-top: 10px">Williams & Stuart Real Estate</div><div style="font:normal">870 Oaklawn Ave<br />Cranston, RI, 02920</div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding:5px 2px 5px 2px;"><div><b>Work:</b> 401.942.0200 ext 28</div><div><b>Mobile:</b> 401.261.1599</div><div>Bob@BobBlackOnline.com</div><div style="margin-top:10px;float:left;font-weight: bold"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.BobBlackOnline.com">www.BobBlackOnline.com</a></div></td><td style="width:30%;vertical-align:middle;text-align: right" rowspan="2"><a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/"><img src="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/yimg.php?tp=u&id=2008020519370249" style="border:1px solid #D6D6D6;margin-left: auto" /></a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2"><div style="font:normal 10px arial;font-style:italic;padding: 2px 5px 2px 5px">Your Friend in Rhode Island Real Estate</div><div style="padding:5px 5px 0px 5px"><span><a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/members/BobBlack/" title="MyBlogLog"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/imybloglog.png" style="border:0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/activerain/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/iactiverain.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/facebook/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/ifacebook.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/linkedin/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/ilinkedin.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/myspace/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/imyspace.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/twitter/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/itwitter.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="padding:3px 0 0 5px;border-top:1px solid #D6D6D6;font: 9px" colspan="3">Visit <a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/">MyBlogLog</a> and get a signature like this!</td></tr></tbody></table>Bob Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226807125843554132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199138561434896789.post-19826639725698733072009-02-17T07:03:00.000-08:002009-12-21T15:27:04.042-08:00Green Envy - Newport, RI<p align="left">Newport’s annual <a href="http://www.newportevents.com/winterfest/"><strong>Winter Festival</strong> </a>is going on right now (Feb 13-22), and Melissa and I took advantage of this opportunity over the weekend. We didn’t really know what to expect, but we knew we wanted to see the ice sculpture demonstrations taking place at <a href="http://www.brickmarketnewport.com/"><strong>Brick</strong></a><strong><a href="http://www.brickmarketnewport.com/"> Market</a></strong><a href="http://www.brickmarketnewport.com/"></a>. After driving around and almost throwing in the towel, I was lucky enough to grab a spot right on Thames, which never happens. This led us to the many shops of Brick Market - including perhaps the most amazing new shop in all of Newport. </p><p align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303782904653134370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 241px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAOR4XQojXbKdum_7ceWYjcp0ZHcEjEMppVX8yApV0_NtUL-X9iChaNOczyIvODjmYiglLDs-EIUa_gERi0FvPy5jcrdccZQQaTnRLgzMFXbGxXcBEOrhzJm-ajCaRPYIxF58zsvNhdyi5/s320/100_3530.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="left"><a href="http://www.greenenvyshop.com/info.html"><strong>Green Envy</strong></a> is the brainchild of Rachel Lessne, whose passion for sustainability, fashion and making a difference in the world are evident the second you walk into the store. Melissa and I were greeted with a kind smile and a welcoming hello and we both knew we had come to the right place. So often you walk into shops in Newport and because of the status of the area being a playground for the wealthy, you’re made to feel like they’re doing you a favor for allowing you to shop their store. This wasn’t the case with Rachel and Green Envy. Any hint of the pretentious side of Newport was checked at the door. </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303791815349560610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 241px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZUDRedISz9XNoSPi9iM6Lft7EjTIZVRlzeOzasbijgYlE9oboEGFxicb5gqH5lBvxISpV7rH_0spPmunbA16aC9B5xIcCiWiZCvgMFwbRdYqXKBaXqZ-ghPwtK2iHHK7Vh-42QXvJVjR/s320/100_3529.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="left">Her shop is filled with amazing products from around the world with one general theme…organic, fair trade, and eco-friendly. After looking throughout at the many clean burning soy candles (they happened to be Melissa's favorite- <a href="http://www.soycandlesbyphebes.com/"><strong>Soy Candles by Phebes</strong> </a>- and we had never seen them in a store) and organic cotton t-shirts, we found a table of books made of leaves and bound with twigs and branches. Of course this piqued our interest and we immediately started looking at what turned out to be journals and date books made in the Philippines using fair trade practices and sustainable materials - which if left outside long enough would biodegrade. Very cool and perfect for our friends birthday.<br /><br />Other hot new items that we loved included the <a href="http://www.greenenvyshop.com/sopoba.html"><strong>solar powered tote bags and backpacks</strong></a>. That’s right, a tote bag or backpack that you can use to recharge your cell phone, iPod or camera and I’m sure that’s not all. Oh…did I mention that the materials used to make the tote bags are also biodegradable or can be reclaimed or reused? Given that Melissa and I love to hike and be out on the trail taking pictures, I’m sure it won’t be long before we have either one of these bags. We got the feeling that so much thought and care has gone into the opening of <a href="http://www.greenenvyshop.com/"><strong>Green Envy,</strong> </a>and I think it’s this attention to detail that makes the difference in the retail world.<br /><br />We went in with the intention of looking for a birthday gift for a friend, which we found, and left feeling so thankful that people like Rachel Lessne care enough about putting a product out there that makes the world a better place.<br /><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><center><embed style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 320px" name="flashticker" align="middle" src="http://widget-89.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=2954361355577365641&site=widget-89.slide.com"></embed> <div style="WIDTH: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=2954361355577365641&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-89.slide.com/p1/2954361355577365641/bb_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=2954361355577365641&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-89.slide.com/p2/2954361355577365641/bb_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=2954361355577365641&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-89.slide.com/p4/2954361355577365641/bb_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" /></a></div><br /></center><br /><table style="border-top:1px solid #D6D6D6;width:100%;font:10px arial"><tbody><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;padding:0px 5px 2px 5px"><div style="font:bold 14px">Bob Black</div><div style="font:normal">REALTOR</div><div style="font:bold;margin-top: 10px">Williams & Stuart Real Estate</div><div style="font:normal">870 Oaklawn Ave<br />Cranston, RI, 02920</div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding:5px 2px 5px 2px;"><div><b>Work:</b> 401.942.0200 ext 28</div><div><b>Mobile:</b> 401.261.1599</div><div>Bob@BobBlackOnline.com</div><div style="margin-top:10px;float:left;font-weight: bold"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.BobBlackOnline.com">www.BobBlackOnline.com</a></div></td><td style="width:30%;vertical-align:middle;text-align: right" rowspan="2"><a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/"><img src="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/yimg.php?tp=u&id=2008020519370249" style="border:1px solid #D6D6D6;margin-left: auto" /></a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2"><div style="font:normal 10px arial;font-style:italic;padding: 2px 5px 2px 5px">Your Friend in Rhode Island Real Estate</div><div style="padding:5px 5px 0px 5px"><span><a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/members/BobBlack/" title="MyBlogLog"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/imybloglog.png" style="border:0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/activerain/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/iactiverain.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/facebook/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/ifacebook.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/linkedin/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/ilinkedin.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/myspace/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/imyspace.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/twitter/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/itwitter.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="padding:3px 0 0 5px;border-top:1px solid #D6D6D6;font: 9px" colspan="3">Visit <a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/">MyBlogLog</a> and get a signature like this!</td></tr></tbody></table>Bob Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226807125843554132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199138561434896789.post-26875079805003913842009-02-14T17:46:00.000-08:002009-12-21T15:27:38.605-08:00Newport Winter Festival 2009<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-yBp6uov4QW25xMgc_Wt0Xruwx2IiML8uGl9Be0lHO9_xcgEsLo-cAnNQ4wmp46M-TTdM9WDCY6M5VAZ1dxWb_dUIqu32_MUoe-CY_c5plDEnBUKx03USjIh0tb0mivRI3-P9LLQOL43/s1600-h/100_3537.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302843481571298194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 162px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-yBp6uov4QW25xMgc_Wt0Xruwx2IiML8uGl9Be0lHO9_xcgEsLo-cAnNQ4wmp46M-TTdM9WDCY6M5VAZ1dxWb_dUIqu32_MUoe-CY_c5plDEnBUKx03USjIh0tb0mivRI3-P9LLQOL43/s200/100_3537.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="left">The <a href="http://www.newportevents.com/winterfest/index.shtml"><strong>Newp</strong></a><strong><a href="http://www.newportevents.com/winterfest/index.shtml">ort Winter Festival</a></strong><a href="http://www.newportevents.com/winterfest/index.shtml"> </a>takes place February 13-22. We took advantage of the nice day and decided to check it out this weekend. We started out, as we often do, at <a href="http://livinginrhodeisland.blogspot.com/2008/04/breton-point-newport.html"><strong>Breton Point</strong></a>. We made our way to <a href="http://www.cliffwalk.com/"><strong>Cliff Walk</strong> </a>and took a short stroll before heading down to the Festival. There are lots of fun activities going on:<br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /><br />·<strong> Chili Cook Off<br />· BeatleMania Concert Series<br />· Sand Sculptures<br />· City Wide Scavenger Hunt<br />· Ice Sculpting Competition <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzfqh48wk3z0I7ObdH852bqrluCt2E2HizGCmxEfnQYq9HAg8qzDmDIyEY16Bk0a-2JlsQUyXXw7mPlsVA3-fkFrPxemo4kRb2-t9XS5ROY3OedZ2WGaxVguq0SkClkLkKDMKZGBAYPFbI/s1600-h/100_3537.jpg"></a><br />· Children’s Fair<br />· Pizza Cook Off<br />· Store and Restaurant Discounts<br />· · Children’s Art Contest<br />· Winter Swimming! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5b6LGI9vSigNTdWhENnnUoql8Fbj8QTdAii529gL4qX7U8B5vf8P-ipH0tHKNALNHiGkAioz7mrsw5NUYpMhEN1Mn0WXrU4I7WAy0HxpfiObN7L1_DUa-1ZgFxp1Pvpp3whltTURypcl/s1600-h/100_3537.jpg"></a><br />· Carriage Rides<br /></strong><br />The summer festival season (and weather) is still several months away, and when we have a nice day - along with an event like this, I like to take advantage of it. Make sure you stop in and check out the shops – we found a great birthday gift and a great shop that I’ll be writing about this week. Stay tuned! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSf0C7Xljkfv0FIqlVk6EWr5YmegZq2Bqtx93E2Fl_FO2AL2VD7jyDXr-i3NUE36UkqPNs21L0m34brKJpXeqi2pHHCARbRvMJjLj9iYJZQR3LHyV5kbEKspRrHtEpG-KMeCbs4z9g8k6_/s1600-h/100_3523.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302844174718978562" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 155px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSf0C7Xljkfv0FIqlVk6EWr5YmegZq2Bqtx93E2Fl_FO2AL2VD7jyDXr-i3NUE36UkqPNs21L0m34brKJpXeqi2pHHCARbRvMJjLj9iYJZQR3LHyV5kbEKspRrHtEpG-KMeCbs4z9g8k6_/s320/100_3523.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtkAS7pkzk1eTeXNXs2IOb6CSXiKG1NFJsnZ1MjbYl9la-DmFAUAAfOHgWnt6x8ETHTdoNCoLC9MjZLXLKeckyf9ikqySALVRSrPj0b7Nwza2z-6DfaGE6e8Dxq9FcEnxtYX4_3z1lrKz/s1600-h/100_3533.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302841585885347298" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 281px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtkAS7pkzk1eTeXNXs2IOb6CSXiKG1NFJsnZ1MjbYl9la-DmFAUAAfOHgWnt6x8ETHTdoNCoLC9MjZLXLKeckyf9ikqySALVRSrPj0b7Nwza2z-6DfaGE6e8Dxq9FcEnxtYX4_3z1lrKz/s320/100_3533.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div> <table style="border-top:1px solid #D6D6D6;width:100%;font:10px arial"><tbody><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;padding:0px 5px 2px 5px"><div style="font:bold 14px">Bob Black</div><div style="font:normal">REALTOR</div><div style="font:bold;margin-top: 10px">Williams & Stuart Real Estate</div><div style="font:normal">870 Oaklawn Ave<br />Cranston, RI, 02920</div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding:5px 2px 5px 2px;"><div><b>Work:</b> 401.942.0200 ext 28</div><div><b>Mobile:</b> 401.261.1599</div><div>Bob@BobBlackOnline.com</div><div style="margin-top:10px;float:left;font-weight: bold"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.BobBlackOnline.com">www.BobBlackOnline.com</a></div></td><td style="width:30%;vertical-align:middle;text-align: right" rowspan="2"><a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/"><img src="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/yimg.php?tp=u&id=2008020519370249" style="border:1px solid #D6D6D6;margin-left: auto" /></a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2"><div style="font:normal 10px arial;font-style:italic;padding: 2px 5px 2px 5px">Your Friend in Rhode Island Real Estate</div><div style="padding:5px 5px 0px 5px"><span><a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/members/BobBlack/" title="MyBlogLog"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/imybloglog.png" style="border:0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/activerain/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/iactiverain.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/facebook/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/ifacebook.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/linkedin/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/ilinkedin.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/myspace/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/imyspace.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/twitter/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/itwitter.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="padding:3px 0 0 5px;border-top:1px solid #D6D6D6;font: 9px" colspan="3">Visit <a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/">MyBlogLog</a> and get a signature like this!</td></tr></tbody></table>Bob Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226807125843554132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199138561434896789.post-57437827413076341782009-02-13T08:57:00.000-08:002009-12-21T15:28:42.493-08:00Rasoi - Pawtucket, RI<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzY4FVTU5fVvpHU0RL_nZdtodDIPcDJTVJd_KQds0ZFlYrVO2c6xvPyqDFK64Ak-TlVMcFylDbTCtJBOf-D-t1ZKZ_s-HJ6yMRez29Y6j2SviMt_4ACSzwVLqNit2fZRkySTYC7ioJtLH/s1600-h/rasoi.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302328013324312130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzY4FVTU5fVvpHU0RL_nZdtodDIPcDJTVJd_KQds0ZFlYrVO2c6xvPyqDFK64Ak-TlVMcFylDbTCtJBOf-D-t1ZKZ_s-HJ6yMRez29Y6j2SviMt_4ACSzwVLqNit2fZRkySTYC7ioJtLH/s320/rasoi.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div>Delicious is just one way to describe the food at what I feel is one of the biggest culinary secrets in the state. <a href="http://www.rasoi-restaurant.com/"><strong>Rasoi</strong></a>, which is Hindi for kitchen, is located in a busy shopping plaza at 727 East Ave in Pawtucket. It’s just over the Providence line as you head north on either Hope St or Blackstone Blvd. Oddly enough, it’s located between <a href="http://www.gardengrillecafe.com/"><strong>The Garden Grill</strong> </a>, which is one of our favorite vegetarian dining spots, and <a href="http://www.ljsbbq.com/"><strong>LJ’s BBQ</strong> </a>- which I find incredibly ironic.<br /><br />My first time trying authentic Indian was in Seattle with Melissa. Having never tried it, we had no idea what to order - but managed to put together a tasty meal that only furthered our interest in Indian cuisine. When we discovered Rasoi it was like finding the lost city of Atlantis. We knew it was there but never knew what was beyond the doors; in fact we had seen it often because we frequent The Garden Grill. What we didn’t know was how amazing the food is or how beautiful it is inside.<br /><br />Recently, Melissa and I went for lunch and as can be expected they did not disappoint. We started with Masala Uttapam, which is a grilled rice and lentil pancake topped with onion, tomato and green chili served with multiple dipping sauces- oh, how I love dipping sauces. We didn’t realize that the green chili and onion were cooked into the pancakes so I ended up eating most of this tasty starter.<br /><br />I love that Melissa doesn’t like some foods and that she only has a limited capacity because I always get to eat a little more. I know that sounds piggish but growing up my mother always told me that there were starving kids in Africa and I shouldn’t take food for granted. Thankfully, I was a very active kid and could burn those calories off, not so much now.<br /><br />As lunch arrived, Melissa realized that she did in fact want the mango lassi that we spoke about all through the appetizer and judging by the look on her face, it was amazing. We both ordered a Satvic, which is a combination of four specific dishes served with either rice or naan. The four mini dishes that come standard are incredible on their own but when combined they work so well to compliment each other. I wouldn’t bother to change any of them.<br /><br />Vegetable mango curry was the headliner of my Satvic. It’s a mouth-watering collection of fresh vegetables stewed in a mango curry infused with jaggery and garam masala. Next was saag with paneer, which is a creamy spinach puree that has out of this world flavor. The paneer is a homemade cheese that’s reminiscent of a high quality feta. The third dish is cauliflower 65, which is spicy, marinated cauliflower florets, golden fried and served steaming hot. This is my absolute favorite; I could eat this dish alone everyday for the rest of my life. Rounding out the collection is sprouted moong bean salad. It’s chopped cucumber, tomatoes, white radish and bean sprouts tossed with lemon juice and chaat masala, fantastic for cleansing the palette from the complex flavors that the other dishes provide.<br /><br />Our server was more than attentive, being sure to keep our water filled and clearing any unnecessary plates or glasses. Because all of the food is prepared fresh for each meal, we always make sure to leave ourselves with a little extra time during lunch. The next time you are looking for something new... try Rasoi, it’s an absolute "must-try" in Rhode Island.<br /><br /><table style="border-top:1px solid #D6D6D6;width:100%;font:10px arial"><tbody><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;padding:0px 5px 2px 5px"><div style="font:bold 14px">Bob Black</div><div style="font:normal">REALTOR</div><div style="font:bold;margin-top: 10px">Williams & Stuart Real Estate</div><div style="font:normal">870 Oaklawn Ave<br />Cranston, RI, 02920</div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding:5px 2px 5px 2px;"><div><b>Work:</b> 401.942.0200 ext 28</div><div><b>Mobile:</b> 401.261.1599</div><div>Bob@BobBlackOnline.com</div><div style="margin-top:10px;float:left;font-weight: bold"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.BobBlackOnline.com">www.BobBlackOnline.com</a></div></td><td style="width:30%;vertical-align:middle;text-align: right" rowspan="2"><a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/"><img src="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/yimg.php?tp=u&id=2008020519370249" style="border:1px solid #D6D6D6;margin-left: auto" /></a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2"><div style="font:normal 10px arial;font-style:italic;padding: 2px 5px 2px 5px">Your Friend in Rhode Island Real Estate</div><div style="padding:5px 5px 0px 5px"><span><a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/members/BobBlack/" title="MyBlogLog"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/imybloglog.png" style="border:0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/activerain/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/iactiverain.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/facebook/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/ifacebook.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/linkedin/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/ilinkedin.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/myspace/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/imyspace.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span><span style="padding-left:5px;"><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/twitter/BobBlack/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/itwitter.png" style="border: 0;" /></a></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style="padding:3px 0 0 5px;border-top:1px solid #D6D6D6;font: 9px" colspan="3">Visit <a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/">MyBlogLog</a> and get a signature like this!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div>Bob Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226807125843554132noreply@blogger.com0