Jungle Jim: Boston - a Fraine Family Fest

We took a small side trip to my hometown of Boston, Massachusetts. Our niece, Jaime Ducinski, is getting married and that will bring the family together in Duxbury and Green Harbor, just south of Boston. Are there any other reasons, you may ask? Why Jenée just ran out of her favorite crackers.

There is the beauty of Green Harbor 02041.

A tiny working harbor that is always home to the Fraines.

And this lobsterman.

There is the double lobster special at Haddad's in Brant Rock.

Or a lobster roll at the Lobster Pound. Lobster appears to be the operative word here.

As you can see Jenée always likes a lobster roll.

There is time to spend with my parents and mother Lorraine, just celebrating her 87th birthday.

And father Frank, about to celebrate birthday number 90.

All these are important to Jenée and to top it off, a visit from her baby boy Garrett, who flew in from Southern California.

Big baby boy who I'm happy to see as well.

Early one morning, Jenée and I stroll around Green Harbor and to Duxbury Beach.

And Green Harbor Beach. Depending on the winter storms there may be a lot or a little sand. I'd call this a little.

Still pretty to look at. This beach stretches 11 miles and is the longest stretch of uninterrupted beach on the US East Coast.

There is always the sea wall to stroll atop. A morning fisherman. Im skeptical as to how successful this can be. I know these waters. Great fishing, just not from the beach. Nice set up though.

A sunrise peeks through the clouds - very nice.

Jenée is now standing in front of my onetime beach home.

I enjoyed living here (second from right) from 1982 - 1986.

We walk to the end of Bay Avenue and the harbor looking out to Massachusetts Bay. Jungle was here two years ago.

Walking back we look down the Cut River north towards the harbor.

And south along the Cut River towards Duxbury. The river narrows to five feet wide at points and separates the beachfront from mainland to make it a true island with only three bridges to connect the 11 mile stretch. It was cut by the native Massachusetts Indians to allow them passage north and south without traveling out into the heavier seas of the bay. Hence, the Cut River. The large home on the right is being rented by my brother Bill, so we'll check it out.

At home are Chelsea and Hannah Fraine, Bill's oldest and youngest daughters (of four). Chelsea lives in Memphis, TN and is a sweet big sister.

Mama Dawn Fraine and Jenée catch up.

While Garret catches up with the west coast, while Bill's best bud Gary Dubois is wondering if he's in he picture.

He definitely is. Good guy.

OK, quick commercial break. I like this specialty candy called Turkish Delight. So I brought this box home - $30 worth, not cheap. I gave it out to about 15 family members, including my parents and got a unanimous thumbs down. Even my bride bailed on me by saying "Jim really likes this stuff". I'm going down with he ship, I dig it!

Where was I, oh yeah, here is the lady of the hour, Jaime Ducinski with cousins Hannah and Kayla, also her flower girls. Jaime and Dan are getting married on Saturday.

The rental home has a great view of the Cut River, here at low tide.

Here at high tide. We are seeing about a 12 foot differential.

Low tide on the Beach Street bridge.

High tide at the bridge.

And now - the divers on the bridge. This was me and my brothers and sisters many years ago. Big fun.

Jenée is just so happy to be here.

Garrett just passed the test the the San Diego Sherriff's Department. He's looking the part. Mom is in good hands.

Later on we bring Garrett to Logan Airport with a stop a Regina's Pizzeria in Boston's North End - best pizza on the planet. Can't say I've tried them all though.

The next day it's back to the house on the cut river. Madison Fraine is joining the gang.

Soon to be newlyweds Dan and Jaime are joined by neice Chelsea, brother Bob, sisters Susan and Jeannie (also Jaime's Mom).

Here is brother Bill. I'm showing this photo because I like Bill and the New England Patriots and to bring your attention to the activity across the river. A full production, Hollywood movie is being shot on location (week 3 of filming) in the homes on the water. There are people and equipment (and on lookers) everywhere.

The movies star is none other than Steve Carrell, Marshfield boy now Hollywood actor. Steve's done pretty well for himself. He was very gracious posing with my neices Laura and Kelly Fraine. The movie comes out next summer and I'll be looking for Green Hah-bah!

A nice view and the reason the area is called Marshfield.

My buddy Captain Ed Barrett of F/V Phoenix and gal pal Gracie sat in for morning coffee.

That morning sister Susan, brother Bob and I are adding the finishing touches at the wedding reception hall.

When not moving chairs around my brother is a Lt. Colonel in the Air Force Rserves. Here he is taxing his A10 Warthog in Afghanistan last month. Bob flew F16s for 20 + years including tours in Iraq. He's really good at moving chairs too.

Well that is all interesting, but I'm floored by the blue appointment on the hall furniture. Everything was designed and put together by my sister Jeannie (Beannie) also the brides Mom. No one better to make sure everything is set up than our sister Susan.

Checkout this little takeaway designed by Jeannie that doubles as a Christmas tree ornament

After hall set up, I get home to pick up my lovely bride.

And my lovely parents.

If nothing else, my Dad is not late, or as some like to say - wicked early, as we are for the wedding. Joining us is my aunt Coreen, my Moms sister as you can tell.