To Massachusetts
Hello! Welcome to Massachusetts! We're located on the eastern coast of the United States and have a population of 6,117,520. It has an area of 10,555 miles with 1,519 miles comprised of shoreline and 192 miles of coastline.
Massachusetts was named after a local Indian tribe whose name means "a large hill place". This is very appropriate because we are a state of many hills.
The state flag is a white field with a blue shield emblazoned with the image of a Native American, Massachuset. He holds a bow in one hand and an arrow in the other. The arrow is pointing downward, representing peace. A white star represents Massachusetts as one of the thirteen original colonies. It was the sixth state to be added to the union.
The state motto is "Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem" which is Latin for "By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty."
David and Christine Thompson were kind enough to give me permission to link to their site. It has more beautiful pictures and wonderful information about Massachusetts as well as some of the other New England states.
Well, now that I've given you some of the facts, I'd like to tell you what I like about living here in Worcester, the second largest city in Massachusetts and known as the Heart of Massachusetts. As that title suggests, it's located right in the center of the state.
We have four seasons here, which I love. Right now it's autumn and the trees are absolutely beautiful with their branches laden with red, orange and golden leaves. The most beautiful are the silver maples, I think, but the deep red maples are also very beautiful as well as the oak, birch, chestnut, dogwood and fruit trees, among others. We also have many different evergreens. Hemlock enclose my back yard and are perfect for the snow when it begins to fall. They shelter the birds from the howling winds on a blustery day, too. The air is crisp and clean and the wildlife is preparing for the winter. The squirrels are hoarding their nuts and seeds, the birds are heading south with the rest of the snowbirds and the deer are retreating deeper into the forest. The excitement is mounting as everyone prepares for the first snowfall!
My location also affords me the opportunity to jump into my van and take a ride to the ocean or the mountains....whichever I happen to be in the mood for. It's ideal for sports, walking, or viewing the countryside.
Small convenience stores are within walking distance as are the reservoir, small parks, ponds and streams.
The airport is also nearby which is handy for the Civic Center, Mechanics Hall and the many cultural events that are held here.
We have a beautiful Art Museum, Science Museum, Historical Society, Botanical Gardens, Watersheds and one of the oldest parks in the country, Elm Park.
There are some wonderful orchards a short distance away, too, where you can pick apples, peaches and pears as well as blueberries, strawberries and blackberries depending on the season. The flowers in this background set are apple blossoms.
I'm not far from Boston, the capital of Massachusetts, where there are numerous historical sites. You may remember the Boston Tea Party, The U.S.S. Constitution, The Battle of Bunker Hill or the Mohawk Trail as well as Cape Cod where Martha's Vinyard is located and the cranberry bogs. They're all to the east of me.
To the west is Old Sturbridge Village where you can learn more about the early settlers. Plymouth Rock is also not too far away along with Salem, a favorite tourist spot during this season.
I live on the outskirts of the city, so feel that I have the best of both worlds....the convenience of a city and the quaintness of the country.
Oh, and I almost forgot! Shopping Malls and grocery stores abound all around us! LOL
Come and visit us sometime!
Sue
