I completely agree with everything Fran just said and more. I have been watching this amazing woman for three years now juggle family, job and this tremendous plant sale. She goes to work at 4:30 AM at Costco and then sells plants when she gets done work until she needs to go home and take care of her two youngest children. She is instilling a sense of community service in her children - they all participate from potting plants, growing seeds, painting pots and selling plants. The are a wonderful family! What was gratifying to see this year was the volume of repeat customers and referrals. So many people said "you don't have to tell me - I've been coming here for years", "I come every year to support you (Michelle) and the Childrens' Hospital". New for me at least were the non Costco members who found out about the crazy plant lady from Costco members who bought from her before and recommended them to buy from Michelle. The network is also expanding so hopefully more people will volunteer to help Michelle and her family. I can't say enough about how much effort Michelle and her family put in to making this event a huge success and she deserves every ounce of credit for its accomplishments. It is an honor and pleasure for me to be associated with Michelle and her family in this endeavor.

This is funny because we were just saying over the weekend that we never go to the North End (I live just outside of Boston) and now that the weather is nice, we need to find a Sunday afternoon to go in and walk around and have dinner. Anyway, the last couple of times we went to the North End with a group, we went to Bricco and Lucca. Both were very good. Keep in mind that this was over a year ago, but I just did a quick search and both seem to get pretty good reviews. I don't know anything about Lucia, but that doesn't mean anything!

moosemac, I agree with you about taking in another tour. I would go again tomorrow! It was one the most enjoyable and interesting days I've ever had. Our guide was Jim, a former chef. He was pitch perfect - offered a perfect mix of history, food facts and cooking tips. He was pleasant, engaging and well-informed - a gracious host. We, too, ate lunch at Artu. I had the flatbread pizza w/ figs, procuitto and gorgonzola - Heaven! Fortunately, we don't leave near Maria's. It could become an addiction. Many of your favorites were also ours. I made tonight's dinner from fresh pasta from Monica's and we had Maria's clam shells for dessert. Yours might have been the post where I first heard about this tour. If so, I owe you a big "Thank You." It was wonderful!

Thanks for this post. We are planning two trips to Canada next year. Spring=Bamf and Lake Louise. September=Montreal, Lower Town Quebec City, and ...it just grows... maybe Toronto and Niagra Falls... and maybe Vermont and Maine. You gifted the idea of staying at a for rent by owner place. Thanks! Boston? Been there. Done that. Walking town. Don't expect to drive around in Boston, but do visit the North End past the Big Dig. Cape Cod could make you nauseous if you aren't gay.