Sunday Chores and a Side of Rock

Natalie Joly and the Reckless Hearts, Norwood, 7/28/2019

The bedroom is finished! The area rug has finally been laid down, the artwork is up on the walls, the new shades are in the windows, and it’s all good. Even went to the hardware store yesterday to get some new knobs for the nightstands that match the decor of the room better and put those on. While there I also obtained a bolt and a nut I needed to help repair the mower when the piece fell out last week, but it’s all good now. At some point I plan on buying a new mower with some accouterments and features that I currently do not have but that will assist moving forward, but for now these touch ups will do. We also got a bigger planter for Sean the pumpkin plant who is growing more everyday. He’s kind of an experiment at this point, so we’ll see what happens to him as the days progress.

Went out to the grocery store and bought some things that we ended up grilling for lunch. It was pretty hot out but overall not too bad – I didn’t mind it, and it actually came out pretty good. Will need to refill the tank real soon though, as it’s quickly getting to empty. Also competed food prep for the week early, which was a bonus.

I little while back I sent out one of my photos to be printed on glass, and that also arrived yesterday. For some reason, this picture I just like. It has a lot of muted greens in it which is not something I usually have in my photos – I don’t know – I just liked it. An impulse buy to be sure, but when my pics are printed and framed, I feel they really look better. Also blown up like this you can actually see the people in the top of the lighthouse where the lens is because they were doing tours that day.

Later in the early evening the town was having a free BBQ and concert on the Town Common, which we attended, at least for a little while – to take in some sights and hear some music. I had seen this musician there last year – she’s really good.

Here’s a fun puzzle game I’ve been playing around with this week: Blockon. It starts out pretty easy but I’m finding the later levels extremely challenging.

The Return of my All Time Favorite Local Band – Damone

Damone live at the Sinclair, Cambridge MA – 07/26/2019

Reunited after 10 plus years and it feels so good. Never disappoint, and didn’t this time either. Also go to hear some songs live off the last album, which I had forgotten had never been performed live because they had broken up right around the time it got released. As Vazquez jokingly said “It’s the CD release party – just 10 years late.” Good selection from their entire catalog and the new drummer is amazing – I think Dustin would approve, rest his soul. Anyways, for those who may be interested, here is the set list:

  • When You Live
  • Now Is The Time
  • Get Up
  • On Your Speakers
  • You’re the One
  • New Change of Heart
  • What We Came Here For
  • Bad Reputation
  • You and I
  • On My Mind
  • Conquer Me
  • Roll the Dice
  • Serial Killer
  • Tonight
  • Outta My Way
  • Time and Time Again
  • Wasted Years/New Song
  • BMX
  • Out Here All Night

I made the trek out to Harvard Square as was able to make it through the night. I am dragging a little bit today though, but it’s all good. I didn’t bring my camera gear so all I got was these cell phone pics but if you flit around social media you’ll see better ones – I was mostly there to take in the show. Where will they go from here is anyone’s guess but maybe they’ll be some future things to look forward to.

Damone Live at the Sinclair – 07/27/2019

Chasing the Great Blue Heron

Great Blue Heron, Chatham MA

About a year ago, we happened upon this majestic creature just hanging out in a marsh in Chatham. I had taken pictures of herons before but for some reason this one really stands out – he didn’t seem as skinny as a lot of the other ones I had seen, and now that I look at it, maybe it’s a bit older than them as well. A grizzled veteran I would say. These birds don’t seem to be bothered by anything. I once saw a red winged blackbird pecking at one and squawking away, probably had a nest nearby, but the heron acted like it wasn’t even there. Totally ignoring the pecking and all, seemingly insignificant.

Who’s watching the watcher?

I plan on going to see the rock band Damone tonight – it’s been 10 years or so since they disbanded but now they are a doing a show down in Harvard Square. One of my favorite local bands from back in the day when I actually went to shows. Let’s hope I can stay up that late!

The Road Trip Game

Ladydoc introduced me to a road trip game a while back that we play occasionally that she had played with colleagues so I figured I’d share. It really gets the mind working.

You start by saying “I’m going on a road trip and I am bringing…”

You list items alphabetically, tasking turns, but when it’s your turn you need to also remember and say all the previous things, So for example: “I’m going on a road trip and I’m bringing … Apples.” Then the next person goes and says, “I’m going on road trip and I’m bringing .. Apples and Bananas.” Then it’s back to the other person and they could say, “I’m going on a road trip and I’m bringing … Apples, Bananas, and Calamine lotion.” Get it?

Well, you can expand on this idea to change it up to. For example, I decided once that we could only use medications for the answers. And to refine it even further, only psychotropic medication! Try coming up with a med that starts with X! Theming the puzzle this way definitely makes it harder.

Try it on your next road trip!

Let’s go somewhere where the sun kisses the ocean.

Guess we picked a good week last week to visit the Cape. They just got hit with a tornado so Yarmouth and Harwich are without power and there’s been a lot of damage to all the surrounding towns! Here’s a shot of Paine’s Creek at sunset during a much calmer time. Funny thing is that this week is usually the week that we go down there, but this year, other things got in the way so we went down a week earlier. Seems to me like it all worked out perfectly. I love it when a plan comes together!

Beware the Quiet Ones

“Stranded”

One thing I forget to mention from last week was the “neighbors” we had in the unit next to us on the right side. They showed up the same as us, and were kind of annoying in the fact that they had to have the two spaces right in front of their unit. But the oddest thing about them was that all week, it appeared that they never left the unit – for anything! Also, they were so quiet it seemed they weren’t even there. Since there appeared to be about 6 of them, included a young boy with a guitar, you would think we would have heard something. We had no problem hearing the other unit on the left side, with their riding their bikes out back, and flying a drone around. Thankfully after that first weekend, some of them must have cleared out because they became quieter – but not so much as this other family. The Ladydoc thought the women might have murdered the men since there was no hide no hair of them to be seen all week – including the child! (BTW- this is when you’ve realized that you’ve been watching too many murder/mystery shows like Dateline and such over the years – when this is your thought process). Then, finally, on the day we have to pack up and leave, there they all are packing up the family trucksters – checkout time wasn’t until 10 am but they were all packed and gone by 8:30!

It was just odd that they never appeared to leave the unit – not to leave to get some pool time in, or barbecue out back, or even take in the beach or catch some sights, as we did. And the silence! Not to say that it was not appreciated by us – it certainly was. It was just so odd to be so silent and cooped in. Anyways, I hope they enjoyed their vacation!

I forgot to mention, the other day this movie was on called Never Too Young To Die starring John Stamos, Vanity and Gene Simmons. I had never heard of the movie. It is terrible! Like, really, really terrible. A real train wreck, and yet that’s what makes you want to watch it. Definitely one for a watch party. Makes we wonder why the hell Stamos took on this project at the time.

Heat Wave

Enjoy the breeze.

I ordered the Truro lighthouse I took last week to be printed on glass. I just really like how that shot turned out with the subtle green and all. Definitely an impulse buy, (plus where will I hang it?) but I felt I really wanted it printed. We also spent the morning hanging some of my previous sunrise and sunset photos that were printed on glass on the walls of the bedroom. Still have more to go, but little by little we’re getting it done. Place is really shaping up!

Even though it was hot this afternoon, it wasn’t as hot as yesterday so I decided to do some chicken on the grill after the sun passed overhead. While waiting for it to cook, I watered the plants and was pleased that the hydrangeas out back were really starting to blossom. I also picked some lettuce for my salad, although it’s pretty bitter – might have waited to long to pick. There’s also a bunch of wild tomato plants growing around it different places. Not sure if I should get rid of them- they went crazy last year and didn’t taste all that good, but I left them alone for now.

Also had to do some food prep, oh no, Sunday scaries in full effect!

Chasing Sunsets

Orleans, MA

Hmmm… one thing I’ve noticed with this template is that comments aren’t on the main page posts but inside each individual one, which means if one wanted to leave a comment, they need to click on the title text and then from there a comment can be entered. Not so sure if I like that, but I get so few comments anyway it probably doesn’t matter.

Chatham Harbor

It’s really hot today, so pretty much laying low and reading. I’m finally getting into The Last Days of Dogtown. Sort of interesting, but I wonder if these characters are actually going anywhere. I’m halfway through so far., but I am finding it intriguing. We did get a much needed massage earlier, so that felt good and relaxing. I stopped by my mom’s early this morning. The condo being constructed on the right side has carpenters banging away as they’re putting up floors and walls. The soon-to-be condo on the left side however now has a Stop Work notice on the front door – guess someone needs some permits. The house appears to be gutted but I don’t think it’s going to be a total teardown – more like an expansion of what’s currently there. Also, my sister seems to be putting my mom through hell with her attitude, stupid current boyfriend issues, and disregard for authority.

Sailing off the coast of Chatham.

Since it was so hot today we opted to keep it easy and light and create a summer salad. Basically just throwing the following ingredients together: Spinach, chopped nectarines, chopped watermelon (a little one bought at the Cape but not used til now), shrimp (leftover), feta cheese, some pretzel balls, cut up grapes, avocado, and some blueberries topped with a balsamic dressing. It was actually as delicious as it sounds. After eating I must have spent a half hour watering all the various plants we have – but it’s a labor of love!

Back to Reality

Back at home base for a few. It was a very good week though, hanging out at the complex, taking shots at Paine’s Creek, sunning at West Dennis Beach, going on a seal cruise and catching sunsets at Linnels Landing, Rock Harbor, Harding Beach, Crosby Landing (location of the original “Brewster Buds!” – LD and I’s first photos together at the Cape), cruising around Eastham and gorging ourselves at Arnold’s, having a nice dinner at Pate’s and swimming at Skaket Beach at high tide, hanging out with M&M in Yarmouth and then at the pool for a few hours, hitting the Chocolate Sparrow and Jo Mama’s Bagels a bunch of times (and visiting the Hole In One for breakfast once), exploring all over Truro into unexplored territory for us, doing a little shopping, yadda yadda yadda. Finished reading some books and getting a lot of new ones in Little Libraries we visited all over (Chatham had the best, IMO). Hanging by the fish pier in Chatham to catch some seals just hanging around the dock. A playful calf was nice enough to give us a little show while it’s mother watched by patiently). Visiting Nauset and Highland Light and checking out the waves along the Cape Cod National Seashore. Seeing varied bird life including plovers, herons, egrets, sandpipers, turkeys with babies, and juvenile ospreys almost getting ready to lave the nest.

Orleans sunsets are the best!

SO after driving home (but stopping by Lemon Tree before heading out – a place that has some cool statuary for gardens and such – would love to get some giant lions someday but probably won’t ever happen) we got some grocery shopping done. Also all the blinds and artwork ordered before the trip for the remodeled bedroom have arrived, so we’re going to need to put those up. In the meantime finally got to watch the documentary I Love You, Now Die, about the girl who texted her boyfriend to commit suicide and did. Fascinating from a psychological and legal perspective. Was also nicely surprised to see that all the plants around here actually fared really well while we were gone, as the stargazers are ready to pop, the fire lilies are STILL blooming, the balloon flowers are showing, and Sean the Pumpkin is actually growing with huge leaves!

Seen out back of the complex as we’re packing up.

I literally took over 1,000 photos in total from the week. Perhaps I’ll get around to putting more up as the days and weeks go by. But I also have to be getting ready to plan the next vacation in couple weeks! I do need to get some work done beforehand however, bah!

Going on a Truro Adventure

Today we decided to head up the coast to the Upper Cape and take in some sights in the little old town of Truro. First stop was Highland Light, Cape Cod’s first and tallest lighthouse. Due to beach erosion the lighthouse was moved back from it’s original location years ago in a feat of engineering prowess.

Highland Light, 7/18/19

The image of the orderly row of Days’ Cottages has been endlessly recreated in paintings and captured in photographs since they were built in 1931.  They are these little houses all in a row along the beach. I walked around out back and took a shot from that angle because I’d never seen what was back there before.

The Truro “Little Houses” from the rear.
The front view .
Private Beach
Corn Hill
Truro Cliffs
Beach Roses

After travelling all around Truro we headed back to Wellfleet for lunch at Moby Dick’s (grilled salmon burgers!) and then one final trip to the Sparrow.

Coast Guard Beach

Today we entertained our couple friends for most of the day, grabbing lunch in Yarmouth and then hanging out at the complex for a while and hitting the pool. Finishing off our day with them at the Sparrow for some chocolate goodness.

After saying our goodbyes, we decided to travel over to Coast Guard Beach and Nauset Light to catch some sights. These are the areas where there have been shark sightings as seals like to spend time here as well in summer.

Tonight looks to be a little stormy and rainy here tonight so we’re packing in early and just going to chill inside. In all honesty, we are a little beat from all the activities today.

Skaket Beach/ Chatham Time

Hardings Beach, Chatham , MA 7/16/19

So it was nice to just float in the water this afternoon at Skaket Beach. I like this beach because there’s no rocks, and the slope is extremely gradual and calm. You have to get there at high tide though or you’ll be walking for miles to get to some water. After soaking in the water for a while, we took up some sun sitting under our umbrella enjoying the day. I think I may have even fell asleep briefly. We plan on returning there tomorrow, possibly, when our other couple friends come down to hang out for the day.

After coming back and showering, we were hankering for some dinner, so we headed out to another place we visit down here, Pate’s. Then after that we decided to head down to the working fish pier because we’ve had lots of luck there seeing seals just hanging around – just down the road from the Chatham Bars Inn. There appeared to be a mother and her young one frolicking around. I also spotted a snowy egret looking for food, kicking it’s legs in the water trying to stir up things – it caught something too and downed it quickly, whatever it was.

Young grey seal playing, Chatham, MA 7/16/19
Snowy Egret, Chatham Pier, 7/16/19

Then we headed over the Harding’s Beach in Chatham to catch another sunset – even though it was covered by some clouds the sun finally peaked out toward the very end. Finally it was off to Chocolate Sparrow for another hot chocolate with soy milk and chocolate syrup – I can’t get enough of that stuff! Must be the way they froth it or something but it’s delicious. Now it’s time to just chill, maybe watch a little television or read a little, and then get ready for another day tomorrow.

Chatham Pier

Featured on Boston Fox 25!

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz9MXwwDU8i/

Was psyched to see this appear on my feed tonight! Thanks Boston Fox 25 News for the feature! Makes getting the enduring bites worth it. I wonder if it’ll be on the morning news tomorrow and at what time? And special thanks to the Ladydoc for getting me there! Tonight we got some shots from a beach in North Eastham and some cotton candy colored sky at Crosby’s Landing which will be forthcoming.

Clams and Lobsters at Arnold’s – an Eastham classic, and possible coyote sighting by LD on the way back. We turned around to catch another glimpse but by then it was gone.

Some More Varied Wildlife Shots

A collection of Cormorants
Osprey and Laughing Gull
Seals playing in front of Chatham Light
Monarch

These were all taken on July 14, 2019. Today was a “rest day” so far. A little shopping, a nice breakfast at the Hole In One, a place we like, and just being chill for the most part. Today we hit some little libraries in Orleans – I found a novel called The Last Days of Dogtown that I might read since it takes place in old Gloucester. Historical fiction type stuff I think. LD is reading a book I found as well by Jennie Garth of 90210 fame. Oh Gawd. I’m almost done with Future Crimes – it’s pretty good but a little dense. Basically anything is hackable including all technologies moving forward.

So far, we’ve really scored with the weather this week with everyday basically being sunny and clear, although a bit hot at times -normal for mid-July though!

Not sure what we’re doing tonight yet – probably a dinner somewhere and more sunset locations.

Linnell Landing

Boat at Sunset
Boat at Sunset

Finally got the site back to normal. After a wonderful half hour dip in the indoor pool and hot tub (no kids in sight – or anyone for that matter for the entire time!) it was off to Linnell Landing for some more sunset photos. It was buggy once again, and I got bit many times, but I’ll deal with it, and I think the results were worth it. This particular picture is just one of the 150 or so I took of the scene. I take so many shots, it’s hard for me to decide which ones to put up. I will need to basically bathe in Aveeno and Benadryl though.

We finished off the early evening with a pizza from some fancy looking place down here called Stone L’oven. A bit pricey, but it was delicious.

Linnel’s Landing 2019
Linnel’s Landing 2019
Linnel’s Landing 2019

Osprey!

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz6XSrPABta/

Until I can get the media file load issue straightened out, I’ll have to link the few that I can from my Insta account for now. Anyways, here are the osprey family that I mentioned earlier. This particular nest was settled in a pole like structure right in the harbor, These birds are actually pretty plentiful down here. They are part of the hawk/eagle family of birds. These are youngsters in the nest awaiting their parents, although they look like they’re ready to strike out on the own if you ask me.

After the boat ride out to Monomoy to see the seals (although nothing could compare to the year we saw them all beached up on the sandbars), we had a nice lunch at a place next door, Brax, and then hit some little libraries around Chatham. Actually scored a bunch of possibly good ones. They usually do have good reading down these parts.

I changed the look of the site a little bit – I think I like this design tweak better than what I had before, but I may change it again. And then, I took a short nap.

Harwichport

Today was a great day to be out on the water! We decided to go on a seal cruise and maybe get some seal shots. I got some great shots of a osprey nest, which I’ll upload once the site stops being cranky. I installed an update that maybe I shouldn’t have and is causing me not to upload files directly at the present time.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz5zN5wg7Xm/

Cape Vacation 2019 Day 02 – Part 1

Path to the beach in West Dennis

So far the day started out with waking up and getting over to the clubhouse for donuts and coffee. Then it was just a matter of what to do today. Decided to take a jaunt out to West Dennis to get in some beach time. Along they way we stopped and two little libraries, got some books and dropped some off. Finally we arrived at the beach, set up the umbrella and our chairs, LD had a little swim, and I got a little sun – soaking up the sea breezes along the coastline.

One the other side of the beach is an inlet area where some sea birds like to congregate. LD spotted some piping plovers and sandpipers, along with some least terns – most of these birds are endangered and federally protected as they like to nest in these areas. We noticed the sandpipers in particular doing this strange behavior – walking side by side in circles and in unison – almost like a dance, pretty cool to watch actually. Did not appear to be mating behavior, perhaps just a way that they search for food? Eventually they did split up, but the synchronization was cool.

Piping Plovers flitting about!
Sandpipers walking in synchronization

Stopped along the way back for an afternoon break at a Dunkins down here – I discovered it was by far the worst dunkin experience I’d ever had. Mostly due to the dude taking the orders – could he get anything right? Also, I didn’t want extra ice in my hot coffee, I wanted extra ice in the ice tea that LD wanted that you neglected to input at all. Also, the wait time was ridiculous – I was steaming by the time I got out of there, which was way too long, but I calmed myself down – after all, it’s not worth getting fired up about.

Then it was time for a late afternoon dip in the outside pool. Did that for about 1/2 hour – best time to go is around supper time between 6 and 7 pm as most people and annoying kids are eating. When they came back though was signal to us it was time to get out. Children are annoying. Part 2 coming as the next sunset time arrives – where will we head out to tonight? Stay tuned!

Cape Vacation 2019 Day 01

A sunset shot along Paine’s Creek – July 12, 2019

Finally on the Cape for a week to start a week of summer vacation – it’s been a long time in coming, believe me. The day started off with tying up some work items, taking LD to a chiro appointment, and doing some other quick errands, but then we were off!

The first stop which we like to do is grab lunch in Sandwich at a place called Fisherman’s View – which sits right along the Cape Cod Canal.

The Sagamore Bridge in the distance along the Cape Cod Canal.

I had the beer batted cod sandwich which was very good and LD had a lobster knuckle sandwich which looked and tasted amazing. I give that place two thumbs up – food’s great and has some spectacular views. Like I said, it sits along the canal and abuts the Sandwich Marina and park, which the town did a wonderful job of making look pretty sweet. Worth a visit if you’re ever down that way – it’s also not far from the Dan’l Webster, so if you’re familiar with that part of town you’re almost there.

After a bit more driving we arrived at out destination for the week. It’s in the same complex that we go to almost every year, but this time around we had to choose a different unit due to a friend wanting the use the main unit (long story). We’ve never been over on this side of the complex, but I find that I actually like it – it’s more secluded and it’s actually very cute! So, pleasantly surprised on that note. It also seems a little bigger but that could just be the way it’s laid out.

We decided to hit the grocery store up to get some food, but honestly, mostly snacks for the week. Once that was done we decided to catch some sunset down over by Paine’s Creek – a very scenic spot if you ask me – I got some great shots from there last year as well. However, it was very buggy so I didn’t stay out there too too long. I think I got some good shots though considering. Also, there was a looming cloud blocking the sun a bit toward the end so that made ending a little early a simple decision. However, we weren’t totally done yet – we headed over to Nauset Beach (on the ocean side) as night was approaching to listen to some crashing waves in the darkness. We wrapped it up with a trip to the Chocolate Sparrow and downed some delicious hot chocolates. All in all, a great day for day number one!

Gametime: https://robie.itch.io/on-your-marks

Downtown

Downtown Boston
Downtown Boston

I really like how this pic turned out – a classic view of Downtown Boston looking toward the theater district.

Currently Reading: Future Crimes: Everything Is Connected, Everyone Is Vulnerable, and What We Can Do About It – another pick from a Little Library. If you’re looking for a good one, I found this book, and also one on New England Inns (although not updated since 1985) in the one located at Kidder Avenue – I noticed a lot of good stuff in there but could only carry these two on my bike home. On a totally unrelated note, I want to catch the latest HBO documentary on Michelle Carter, the chick who kept texting her boyfriend to commit suicide.

Sailing Gloucester Harbor

Sailing around Gloucester Harbor aboard the Ardelle

Gloucester is one of our favorite places to visit. What do I like about it? I like the nautical history, and the beaches and rocky coves. There’s some great restaurants too. I like the mixture of the old with the new, the working class with the upscale. A place that can contain the opulence of Beauport and also the destitution of Dogtown. I find it to be a place of dichotomies.