Happy New Year Scituate!

Have you ever realized that stressed spelled backwards spells desserts?   I am sure many of you consume many desserts over the holiday season and also feel stressed due to the running around, cooking, baking, shopping, hosting, decorating, wrapping, hanging up lights, or whatever the reason may be.  I see so many magazine and online articles on how not too put on pounds during the holidays or how to stay committed to that New Year’s resolution of loosing weight.  I say enjoy the good food and treats this holiday season, just don’t do it on a regular basis.  It’s all about moderation.  I smelt the cookies baking and naturally I  am inclined to taste a few.

As for the New Year I have been thinking about the good times of 2011 in Scituate.  It has been a great year and I continue to feel more and more lucky that I live in this special community.  Here is a list of my top ten 2011 Scituate memories:

1.  First Friday’s on the Harbor- Shopping, wine, entertainment, and supporting small businesses have been a great way to end a work week and kick off the weekend.

2.  Scituate Farmers’ Market- fresh local food at my fingertips.  If only it lasted all year long.  Unfortunately lettuce and blueberries don’t exactly grow well in New England winters.

3Heritage Days- Great music, vendors, rides, and fried foods! This is one of my favorite summer weekends. 

4.  St Patrick’s Day- I grew up going to the South Boston parade where my Grandmother lived.  The South Boston parade was great in many ways.  However, Scituate has made a much more family friendly version right in town.

5.  Backyard Burger Bar finally opened!  The burgers are delicious, natural, and HUGE.  They also have great apps, a fantastic beer list, and in a great location next to the Greenbush station. A great excuse to take a detour before heading home from work.

6.  Getting involved with the Scituate Cohasset Newcomers Club.  It has been a great way to meet new people in the community and at the same time participate in some fun activities.  Don’t be fooled by the name.   You don’t have to be new to the town to join.  New, old, or in the middle; everyone is welcome. 

7.  Learning more about the Scituate Animal Shelter -- thanks to their open house a few weeks back.  This establishment does great work and have  wonderful staff on board.  I hope to be able to volunteer my own time to help the animals in need.  (My husband made it very clear that if I wanted to commit that would be great,  BUT I cannot bring home any animals. I guess he won’t be getting a cat or dog for his birthday that is coming up in January).

8.   Scituate Santa Stroll- We had friends visiting from out of town who had small children and we were amazed at the wonderful job the town did to make this a special day for the little ones.  We the adults froze are hinnies off and nursed our coffee, as the kids were bewildered seeing Santa come into Scituate Harbor on a boat.  Afterwards we all walked over to the community center to join in on all the reindeer games.  Face painting, crafts, snacks, and photos with Santa.  It was a perfect day spent with good friends. 

9.  Seeing some great movies at the Mill Wharf Movie Theater.  It is wonderful to have a movie theater in town that has small town charm.  Who needs stadium seating?   Character ranks higher in my book. If you have not yet seen the Muppets I highly recommend it for all ages. 

10.                Scituate Beach Days and the fact that the Front Street Gourmet is kind enough to deliver to the beach.  Looking forward to many of those days again!

Scituate, thank you for a great year in 2011.  I am looking forward to many more Scituate memories in 2012.  Thank you to everyone who contributes to make this town the special place that it is. In the meantime, have some desserts to manage the stress of the holiday season and enjoy the memories and moments.  Happy New Year!