Tag: food

Embracing New Beginnings: Community and Growth in 2024


As the year of 2024 heads towards it’s conclusion, America faces a Second Trump Presidency, high home costs and food costs too. It faces a President who shall run it like an Autocrat, and will have to fight to survive it. The battle will be to keep the Democratic/ Republic the Founding Fathers found it.

For me, I am moving forward in my own ways. Medically being checked out, because I am turning 69 soon enough. Eye appointments, pet scans, and more. Then, I am tired of being alone so much, and at almost 69, I am looking to meet more people. Loneliness kills actually so I am stepping out in two ways. First I created a singles club here in the condo compound i live in. The idea is to see if we can get the two genders to interact and get along, and go out having fun. It is not intended as a dating thing, but a friendship thing, where we all have fun. From that who knows what may grow.

Then I was told about a volunteer position for the Town or Westborough, as a member of the Veteran’s Board. I applied there hoping to join in to help fellow Veterans of all kinds and myself included. As a 16 year Veteran who was disabled serving my country, I want the Veteran’s here to have all they need and can get for help, from The Veteran’s Administration and the Town we live in. If there is anyone who deserves help, it is our Veteran’s who served Honorably.

I am hoping by getting involve in these programs and clubs, I can expand my own involve and have fun doing so. If it works out, I will be happy.

As 2024 passes for me it is now over 3 years since I lost my wife to cancer. Yes I still miss her, and yes I will always miss her. But, as I told one person, those of us who suffer such a loss of a loved one, must take the time to grieve and then move on. For with our loved once lost, we must steady ourselves, take one step at a time, into getting out again and interacting more. We the survivors and widowers and widows,, can only deal with the grief in our own ways, and for each of us, it will bea different time line for sure. If you are one like me, you will, hit a time, when you feel you are still here and must do something for yourself again and on your own. We deserve to find a partner, or a friendship with the opposite gender, to make our lives whole again.

So, as, we head into the Christmas Season this year, I want to wish all, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year ahead. I hope all can find someone, something, or someway to carry on and enjoy life in their fullest. For as the New Year of 2025 comes at us, we deserve to be happy, content like all the rest, it is up to each of us, to make the best out of what we have and can do.

As 2024 runs out at a fast pace, it is time to lift ourselves up, save our money, hold our homes and find some happiness and contentment in our own ways. God Bless all and may 2024 as it ends, disappear slowly and comfortably for all, ad Mat 2025 bring Happiness, Joy, Contentment, and relationships for all of us, who need them most. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to All !

The Neighborhood Tavern in Northbough, Mass, on RT 20


Being new to Massachuetts and the Worcester County area, I continue to explore the area. I moved here after my wife passed and arrived in Westborough, in March of 2022. As a widower, I basically keep to myself, and have not dated anyone in my age range or otherwise, since.

So yesterday was a Saturday and I decided in the end to explore The Neighborhood Tavern in Northbough, Mass, on RT 20. It is a clean place, with a nice atmosphere and the staff is friendly there. I took a chair at the bar and ending up ordering a Rubin Sandwhich and a Red Ale Beer. My thought was I am alone and hungry and didn’t care about where I sat.

My intention was to just enjoy myself and talk to whoever I could, to make friends I had hoped. While the atmosphere was nice and the bar is very neat and clean, and the food is good, the service took a few minutes to catch up to me, because there were busy.

Once my sandwhich and beer arrived I tried watching some sports on the tv’s there and golf was on. Now I am not a big golf fan and I do not play it, but, I wondered out loud what Tiger Woods was doing and how. Well turns out he was 8 over, I was told and not in good shape at all physically, seems, he hurt himself I was told lifting weights. I talked tpoa couple next to me and tried to make jokes and laugh some with them. I learned not to talk to complete strangers, due to the guy I sat next to, he was very tense it seemed to me, and not a happy person. His girlfriend it turned out wasa nice person and a teacher, and had a nice smile. We talked of where I was from, I came up from Connecticut when my wife passed and it turns out she was from Connecticut also. We made small talk and I mentioned I served 16 years in the military, in three different branches. Well, in the end, I shouldn’t have said anything. The guy wanted to know where I served, I mentioned Grenada, and went off, saying that wasn’t a war zone. Well, doesn’t matter, I tried to tell him, one mission is not a 16 year career in the military, but, he was all out sort, so much, his girlfriend had to tell him to stop and calm down. I am like 15 years older than either of them, and smart enough to know when to shut up and leave it be. The guy apologized for getting angry and went quiet and so did I and his female friend. I finished my sandwhich and beer and paid and left. I learned a lesson, I thought I was being nice by joking and talking about my military life and my wife’s passing, and I ended up, with a angry person next to me. I won’t make the same mistake twice, I will keep to myself. Sadly, when I left I waved goodbye to the young lady and the guy did wave bye quickly.

The experience has been strange here in Massachuestts for me, each bar/ tavern I have gone to is different in nature and the types of people in them. I may have wandered into The Neighborhood Tavern just to check it out, and found people who seemed angry at the world for one reason or another. I just hope, the guy is ok, for his girlfriend did try to calm him down and make him stop when he went off on me. There are many reasons people go off on others like that, and I know asa senior citizen and ex-military man, about most of them. Sadly, it seems, Massachuetts, has many angry folks in it, who thjink they know everything in the world and will disagree with what ever you did or say. I didn’t find this in other bar’s or taverns in Westborough where I live though. It just seems, to have been in this one Tavern. I don’t hold it against anyone of course, I understand it for I have seen angry people before, and at my age, I forgive and forget, the moment I leave.

I have met some people since I moved here in 2022 to Westborough. Some in my community of 55 plus, are great and kind. I have only met a few women in my area through dating apps online. The first I met was a nice lady, but, for me, there was no chemistry with her. The second I met, I had lunch with and she was a nurse, and again, we had no attraction, or anything in common. The third one, was very good looking redhead I met and I thought was nice enough, but, I found out she has a alcohol problem. So that wasn’t for me either.

So, after being here for over two years, alone and on my own, I gave up online dating sites, because, they cost too much and do not produce matches as far as I can see. So, I decided to try the taverns and bars, but the ones I see, and have been in are not for my age group it seems. Maybe I am too old or just not, right for this area I do not know yet. I keep looking for a place to meet others my own age range, who I can get along with.

As to The Neighborhood Tavern on RTE 20 in Northborough, Mass. it is a nice place, clean, neat, not overly expensive really in today’s day and age. As to it’s food, and service, I would rate that a B+ only due to it being busy at the time, The staff is helpful and friendly and the atmosphere is bright and clean. Overall, I would rate the tavern in the A- range. I will keep searching and hoping, to find a place for my age range, where senior citizens have a chance to meet other their age range. And yes I have tried the libraries, and the Senior Center in town. Always gonna keep trying and hoping is all. Age will always be a factor for sure, but as an elderly person, who is a widower I keep trying.

Hi, Westborough once more !


Hello Westborough, Mass ! As I begin to look for things to do to entertain myself in town and the area,, I have been to Red Heat Tavern twice, neighborhood Tavern twice, and did not stay in either. I have been to Central House Tavern and Jp’s Tavern 3 times a piece now, and they are a more cozy atmosphere to me. I like Panera Bread for lunch and sandwhiches and soups, although it is slightly expensive for sure. Zita’s is good for pasta meals, so to save and is a cozy lil place, reminds me of some pizza places in Connecticut. I hear there are other good ones around too.

I have slowly been trying to find things to do and ended up at the Westborough Library and looked around in there. The Library is actually huge many books, puzzles and things to look at. The most amusing and friendly librarians there for sure. Lisa is a very cute woman, and smart and very knowledgeable, about the town and things in Boston too. I have not ventured into churches, because, frankly if I did, it would probally fall on my head lol. Now, I don’t knock church goers in anyway, I just say, not for me is all.

Westborough is a nice town overall, but as someone said to me, the people are a lil strange at times. As one redsident told me, they don’t talk much many of them and they are cautious in many ways. Why, I don’t know,but, neither did the resident, lol, told me to just be me and interact where I can. lol

I have been out looking now and then, I end up going up and down Rte 9, it’s accessable and easy that way, but not overly interesting or entertaining. I did, go to Cold Harbor Brewery, now twice and each time I did, it felt like I was out of place there. It reminds me of Red Heat Tavern some with it’s wide open spaces, and style that is airy, I didnt eat or drink there though. I guess at some point I shoulod check it out when more busy. I knew there wasa train station in town, but, never looked for it, I found that dueto the Libraian, who directed me and suggested using it if I wanted to go to Boston it’s cheaper and easier she said. I did recieve a handout that showed many places and museums to visit in Boston.

Bowling I enjoyed when I did it in Shrewsbury and in Marlborough too. The Apex contains many different things to do in it and can be entertaining with friends if you have any. Resturants are plenty in the area of all kinds of food, from Italian to Chineese. Food it seems is popular here in Westborough lol. I have not ventured as of yet into Arthuro’s, but, I have heard it is a decent place, I shall have to at some point see for myself.

While I am always looking for things to do in Westborough and the area, I do not wnat to be driving up and down the highways. The Traffic can be a killer, and then of course gas prices can get ya too, regular is going 3.25 a gallon these days. Food is up, and so is most things to do.

My one thing I wonder about is why, Westborougher’s don’t talk to each other much unless they are in a bar/tavern situation or a church I am told. Kinda funny if you ask me, people recommend churches and bars/taverns all the time, but what does one do if your not a big drinker or not religious ? It’s a crazy world out there I know and for people 55 and up, the question is always what to do. Being 55 and up in Westborough is not easy, unless, your still working, I am retired. So, finding people in my age range is not easy and yes as i said before, there is definitely a ageism factor. But, complaining about it does not help really, for no one cares to answer why it is so, and most if you push may tell you where to go, and it won’t be nice lol !

As 2024, now heads into March, weather will be getting warmer outside, and trails willopen to walk and parks, fishing will come around again, pickleball will come back into season. Now I triedpickleball, the first year I was here, and it is a fun sport to do, yet at my ageof 68 now, I would have to be careful playing it. But, the people who play are friendly as I see it.

Beaches will open again when the season comes, and I live on Chauncey Lake in town. We have a pool here at the condo complex also, even though I don’t use it. I find it crowded, and it can only hold a total of 25 people at a clip, andone pool for the coming 700 total units here, will not work out well. Condo living has it’s plus’s and it negatives too. It a two edged sword in it’s own right. Living in a condo situation, is like living in Peyton Place, everyone knows your business and talks. I must admit, there are things to do at the clubhouse, from Billards, to Cooking and Food Clubs, dominos and even movies and Art Fairs. We are lucky, we pay for a entertainment director to be here, to help and keep us busy.

As a elderly, widowed man, I am finding it hard to fit in, probally due to the age factor and the fact, Westborough and the State and area is not built for us. I know I have heard I should volunteer, but when ya new in town finding places to do so, is not easy either. I know about the Senior Center but, each time I ventured there no one is around. Maybe I am choosing the wrong days to visit there. Time shall tell for me. I looked into gyms, like Planet Fitness, and came away with why pay em, when my condocomplex has it’s own here. Some say for social reasons I should do so, I will see, I am not getting any younger. I wish they had dances for singles or widowers or widows, or divorcees. But in the end that does not happen in Westbrough. So finding a companion to hang out with in Westborough at my age is nearly impossible.

I shall continue to investigate the area I live in here in Westborough, Ma. and surrounding areas if I can. Malls are good walking spots for exercise as are parks and lakes I know. I wonder many times, did I make a mistake in moving to Massachuetts and Westborough ? I wonder if it is me, or just a bad location in general for peoplemy age? Questions abound for sure for me, in Westborough, Ma. and it’s surrounding areas, time shall tell !

It’s a crazy world for sure, in, 2024 for me.


 January 3rd, 2024, it’s Wednesday here in Westborough, Mass. I moved here to Westborough from Connecticut in March of 2022, after losing my wife to breast cancer. The idea was to get away from where she passed and I sold the home and came here, thinking, it may bea good place to live and to find a new partner for fun times in the future here or now.

 I have tried the BookStore here, then I tried at the suggestions of others, bars/ taverns like The Red Heat Tavern, The Neighborhood Tavern in Northboro, The Central House, and JP’s also. All decent places but, none really made for senior citizens my age and up looking to meet new partners. I wish I could find such a place but, I am also not ready to hang out at the Senior Center and do nothing, so I am trying to find things to do in town.

 I know of bowling, and did that last year in two different bowling alleys, like Bowlero and at The Apex in Marlboro, both were fun of course, but, most are younger there. I do like to play pool/billards and do so here in my condo complex in Westborough., once a week.

 I don’t see a place to dance in town for seniors, nor have I found karyoke clubs either, which are fun of course. I like Westborough, but, I am not sure what to do it in for my age range, I am about to turn 68, but I am not dead ok!

 Is there any place to meet seniors 60 and up, in Westborough or the area? Or am I in a town there is no such place to find? I don’t know, so, I will say this I am not a big drinker, I will drink for social occassions only or to fit in and of course sip a drink. I do like to read, and walk, and write. I like eating out at resturants but, not alone i prefer a companion for such. It just feels strange to do so alone for me, after my 28 years with my deceased wife. My family is no where close to me, so I am alone most of the time, it can get to a person if you get my drift. Loneliness sucks folks , lol, hows that for honesty !

 I tried dating apps like Zoosk, Match, Our Time, and I found that the ladies there want money not company or companionship. The apps cost money to join and you find all are many miles away and not really available. It is a crazy thing these dating apps in my book, you can set up profile and tell the truth and still get no one to find you or reply to you. KInda crazy in my world anyway, hoping as you spend money and get no where, because of covid, or fears and anxieties if you know what I am saying. When I met my wife, years ago, it was at a Singles Dance, and I see nothing along those lines around these days, at least not near me.

 I want to have fun again, meet a woman I can get along with and share time with. Am I wrong to want that, and is there anyway of finding such here? I don’t know, I just know, Westborough, Mass. and the area doesn’t seem to be a place friendly to it. So, I shall keep trying of course but, I won’t be stupid and blow money or act foolish, it’s not something, I will do is all. I write my blogs and watch Facebook and news daily. Or at least when I can.

 I do like to walk the mall near me. As to what happens next, or where i look I know not anymore. It is one day at a time, and just an existance under the current conditions for me. I keep getting told, get out more, meet more people, but how, without being taken for money? It’s a crazy world for sure in 2024 for me.

Happy Holidays to All !!! 2023 becomes 2024 soon!


The hard days are here once more,

The days when we spent time together,

We laughed, we exchanged gifts,

We saw family, yes, you and me.

The Christmas Wreath would hang over the fireplace each year,

The cards on a string for us to read,

The music would drift from the stereo, for you and for me.

Christmas time was special with you,

All because we were together it’s true,

Our hugs, our kisses, are some of what I am missing,

But, most of all, I miss talking to you,

Listening to you, just having you close,

God Bless you, my deceased wife,

For in fact, you were the happiness in my life.

Now Christmas is upon me once more,

And you are gone from me,

The lights mean nothing, the music and Ho Ho Hoing,

Are noise in the background to me,

For I miss you so much,

I am out of touch,

But I shall always have you in my memory,

So, to all out there, who have someone they love,

Hold on tight to them now,

For if you are like me,

Christmas and New Year will not be the same, once they are gone,

So, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone,

There is no replacement or time, when your love one will leave your mind,

Yet, it is indeed Christmas Time and the New Year lies ahead,

I don’t feel like climbing out of bed,

My spirit is low, and my mind does drift,

But I shall carry on, say Merry Christmas to All And Happy New Year too,

As I keep remembering are those moments with you.

Happy Holidays to All !!!