Marathon Monday

It’s Patriots’ Day here in Maine as well as in Massachusetts, with lots of attention being paid to the Boston Marathon. Congrats to all who ran and all who cheered them on, and special congratulations to the winner of the men’s division — the first American to win in decades and a nice way to cap this year’s event. If you are in Boston this week, be sure to visit the Boston Public Library to see the commemorative display of tributes left at last year’s spontaneous memorial in Copley Square.
The sun is shining and the weather was perfect for this year’s race

Hats and running shoes left at last year's Boston Marathon memorial. Photo (c) Nathaniel Hammond
Hats and running shoes left at last year’s Boston Marathon memorial. Photo (c) Nathaniel Hammond
. I’ll leave you with one of my favorite photos taken in a small section of last year’s marathon memorial. If you look closely, among the Boston Red Sox caps and runners’ visors you can spot hard hats from construction workers, signed caps from visitors all over the country, and running shoes hung in tribute. If you haven’t visited this great city, I hope you’ll put it on your personal bucket list. You won’t be disappointed!

Boston Strong — and Stronger

It was wonderful to see the people of Boston come together again yesterday on the anniversary of the Boston bombing. What a great city. I’m a little prejudiced of course because I grew up in the suburbs and lived in Back Bay for a few years after college. When you’re young and single, there’s no better place to live. Along with fabulous colleges, great museums, world-class restaurants, and of course all that history waiting around every corner, it’s a unique and exciting place.
I wanted to share this photo with those who may not have been to Boston yet. It’s a nice panoramic

A bird's-eye view of Boston.  Photo (c) Nathaniel Hammond
A bird’s-eye view of Boston. Photo (c) Nathaniel Hammond
view from a hotel window. Those of you who love Fenway Park will recognize it near the top center of the image.
I’ll be back to chat some more on Marathon Monday. Meanwhile, let’s all keep the families touched by last year’s tragedy in mind and remember, as well, all the good and kind people from Boston and beyond who went out of their way to help them. This year’s marathon promises to be bigger and better than ever — Boston Strong, indeed.