I promised myself that I wasn't going to complain about the weather anymore. I'm just trying to visialize one of those August days when it's so hot and humid that you can't take in a full breath for fear of scorching your lungs. A cool day with a quick morning squal would hit the spot right about then. Also, I'm an avid outdoorsman. So this summer when the mosquitoes are manageable, I'll thank Mother Nature for delivering a firm hand to the little varmints. 

Have you noticed as you get older, more and more conversations are about the weather? One day, you'll find yourself parked in front of the Weather Channel for 3 days straight - and you'll know...the end is near.

Now, onto the important stuff...

— FEATURED HOMES —

88 Dunster Road, Jamaica Plain

This Jamaica Plain home is a cut above the rest for many reasons. A perfect plan with well-designed kitchen, baths and spacious, bright rooms. Complete renovation in 2008. Top of the line kitchen cabinets and Jenn Air appliances. Two attractive tiled full baths with beautiful natural light. Pristine wood floors throughout as well as lots of original woodwork and historic detail including a built-in china hutch with leaded glass windows. New windows, electric and plumbing. Huge, dry storage area in basement with state-of-the-art heating/hot water. Huge front and rear decks overlooking MASSIVE 12,000+SF yard! Less than 1 block from Jamaica Pond. Just a short walk from Arnold Arboretum, shops, pubs, restos and boutiques that make Jamaica Plain such a great place to live.

Click on the image for many more photos and open house information. 

37 Lee Street, Jamaica Plain 

Gorgeous 2BD apartment for rent in the heart of Jamaica Plain. New kitchen and bath. Treetop view overlooking gorgeous landscaping created by talented local landscape artist. Two large decks, front and rear, one covered, one bathed in sunlight. Original woodwork and charming built-in hutch and linen closet. Amazing location just two blocks from Southwest Corridor Park and bike path. Short stroll to subway, #39 bus to medical area, James Gate and downtown Jamaica Plain. This is truly one of the nicest apartments in Jamaica Plain.

Click on the image for many more photos and information.

— NEWS & SPECIAL INTEREST —

Jamaica Plain News

(Into paragraphs from JPHS.)

The Jamaica Plain News, Jamaica Plain's only previous one-hundred percent local newspaper, was printed by the Jamaica Printing Co. from 1872 -- with roots from 1855 -- until 1932 during the Great Depression. 

The weekly of 12 to 16 pages led off with a general section that was followed, after May, 1893, by three pages each for Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, and West Roxbury. Ads revealed local businesses and the life of the times. Illustrations were few, since the copper plates required for them, made out-of-house, were expensive. In 1908, the company built its own two-story brick building at 66 Seaverns Ave. between Alfred and Elm Sts.The printing plant was in the basement, the newspaper office on the ground floor, with a rental hall above, mostly used by a fraternal organization, then as now. 

I am excited, and pleased to say that Jamaica Plain News will thrive again under the watchful eye of Chris Helms, formerly of the Jamaica Plain Patch. I expect we'll be seeing a lot of great jounalism and comment from the new all-digital publication. How far we have come from the old days when our papers were printed on huge presses that weighed more than cars and images were created from copper plates!

A note from Chris:

Hello, neighbors. This is Chris Helms, publisher of the neighborhood's newest news source, the Jamaica Plain News. Our motto is "fresh news for the neighborhood you love." We officially launch on Thursday, April 3 with a party during First Thursday at 668 Centre St.

Alycia & Sarah Braga (Shaw) at the 2013 Martha's Vineyard MS Ride

This will be my second year riding for a cure for MS. I was invited to join the team, Different Spokes by my friend Sarah Braga (now Shaw). Sarah and her sister, Alycia ride in honor of thier father who is a victim of MS.  

Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable, often disabling, disease of the central nervous system that interrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. Millions of people are affected by MS and the challenges of living with its unpredictable symptoms, which range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are moving us closer to a world free of MS. 

My goal this year is to raise $2000. So far I'm at $35. And I donated it. Come on people! If you feel so inclined you can donate here. Don't let me down! Please help!