Whirlwind

Might expand on some activities we did later – just getting them down so I don’t forget: Popcorn Park meeting Angel the Pig (sponsored), Riverboat sunset and fireworks cruise, hanging at the beach (Long Branch/Spring Lake), watching a storm come in over the beach, Staying at an old Inn in S.L., Checking out Seward Johnson’s work statues (had seen his stuff before at Grounds for Sculpture (Link pic) and wildlife in S.L., Pooling it in Belvidere, staying at a new boutique hotel where we couldn’t figure out how to work anything, Italian dinner in Sea Girt, Motorcycle Rally on I-80, birthday one on one at Tabor’s, checking out BH90210 in S.L., Playing soccer, Crazy Diner looks, more…

Sunset Cruise
Another Riverboat
A heron, a swan, and an egret walk into a lake…

Spring Lake Part 1

Taking a little break by heading down to the Shore. Made great time and didn’t really hit any rain until we were in for the evening. Had a nice lunch over in Long Branch and it started looking ominous there, but then we went south to Spring Lake and the weather was pretty good for the whole afternoon. We only hit the rain after having dinner at a great Italian restaurant we like in Sea Girt.

Checking out the Spring Lake sculptures
Looks ominous, actually had good weather most of the whole day!
More clouds moving in.
Along Spring Lake
The Atlantic Ocean.

Sojourn

West Cape May

I love being near the ocean. I like visiting places that lie along the ocean. I don’t think I could live anywhere that is not a short drive from the ocean. There’s just something about the sea air, the sand, the waves lapping up against the shore. I’ve been to the mountains and they are majestic but I just don’t get the same feeling of contentment there that I do by the ocean. Not necessarily the beach as that can be a another animal altogether, although it also has it’s place. Just watching the water lap up against the rocks is enough for me. I’m glad I was able to find a person who shares those beliefs and even introduced me to so many more.

Noon Trip Out to Brant Rock

Fish Market
Adirondack chairs facing the marsh…
Great Blue Heron searching the marsh…

We were hankering for a monstrous lobster roll at this place down in Marshflied called the Green Harbor Lobster Pound. It didn’t disappoint – the thing is freakin’ huge!

The Atlantic Ocean
Brant Rock in the distance.

Later in the afternoon I went down to the summer concert series to try to win the raffle to some restaurants but as usual I came up empty. Too win you have to be present so I need to stick around while the band plays their first set (lasts about an hour) – usually after I find out I lost I take off though and don’t stick around for the 2nd hour set. Big band is okay but not enough for me to stick around.

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!

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.

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

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

Rockin’ to the Jukebox

A morning with the AMI/Rowe R-82 Jukebox – a great conversation piece

This morning while trying to get ahead on a little housework, I decided to rock out to our jukebox, and figured I’d give a little history of it. It’s not one of the super expensive famous Wurlitzer’s but it gets the job done. We actually found this one Craigslist (this was during a period when I was searching for random things for a man cave – it’s also how we obtained a Foosball table, air hockey table, and an authentic full size Ms. Pacman arcade machine). Anyways, this guy in Braintree wanted to part with it, so we got it. In getting it home we actually had to get movers to move it because it weighs so much – all that mechanical workings are pretty heavy – also due to the nature of the innards they had to be very careful not to jostle it too much because it would be cranky.

It only holds 200 45 RPM LPs. Part of what we like to do is search bargain bins or antique stores once in a while to pick up some. It’s a crap shoot on the quality because a scratched record can ruin the experience, but overall we’ve been pretty lucky, and they’re actually pretty cheap. There’s a antique place in New Hampshire down the road from where we’ve done baby goat yoga that has never let us down in selection or quality. And yes, an iPod or some such can hold thousands of songs but we like the nostalgia of actually having a real jukebox. It’s always fun having friends over that can dance along it front of it with us. Most of our selections are from the 80s, but we also have 70s and older stuff. Every so often, in a need of change, I’ll swap out some records and their labels with new songs, although that is a bit of a pain.

It has an electronic selector – you just type the number that corresponds to the number on the song you want to play (I created all the labels myself – there’s an awesome free website where you type in your stuff and customize the look and then you can print them out, cut them to size, and insert them). There’s a mini-computer in this one that supposedly keeps track of what songs were played the most, etc. but I could never figure out how it actually works – I don’t think it’s connected but it has nothing to do with the actual playing of the songs. Speaking of, when I have the top open, it’s kinda cool to actually see the robot arm select the record you’ve chosen, grab it, and place it on the turntable. Then the needle comes over and places itself on the disc, and the tunes start flowing from the speakers, which are VERY LOUD if turned all the way up.

Hopefully, it will never need service, because most of folks who actually know how to repair these things are in their 80s or no longer working!