I'm on a horse.
Truro
Truro is the next town up from Wellfleet on the Cape.
We have friends who spend a few weeks there each summer but we've never really explored it. Not that there is much to explore. Truro is a town where people live, there aren't art galleries or restaurants or fancy shops - not that I have a problem with that.
But K and I had bought a lottery ticket and, one morning during the monsoon that hit Cape Cod last week, we decided we'd buy house with some of our winnings....
I hit the internet and picked out a wee tiny place right on the edge of the sea. Two million dollars.
You see, there are very few houses with ocean-front property on the Cape and there aren't going to be any more as the land is protected from development.
It's lovely inside, two bedrooms and a wonderful kitchen, but it's the location that is amazing.
Sadly, it is also the location that is its downfall...
It needs paint - but we don't mind.
There's nothing left of the shore. That? We mind.
There is another house just across the sand -
we'd buy that one too, for the boys.
I can't begin to describe how windy and rainy it was while we stood looking at that house.
My eyeglasses needed windshield wipers - I could not keep them dry.
And the wind whipped through my hair and we were soaked in minutes.
It was wonderful.
We didn't win the lottery last week but standing there in the wind and sea spray it hardly mattered.
We have friends who spend a few weeks there each summer but we've never really explored it. Not that there is much to explore. Truro is a town where people live, there aren't art galleries or restaurants or fancy shops - not that I have a problem with that.
But K and I had bought a lottery ticket and, one morning during the monsoon that hit Cape Cod last week, we decided we'd buy house with some of our winnings....
I hit the internet and picked out a wee tiny place right on the edge of the sea. Two million dollars.
You see, there are very few houses with ocean-front property on the Cape and there aren't going to be any more as the land is protected from development.
It's lovely inside, two bedrooms and a wonderful kitchen, but it's the location that is amazing.
Sadly, it is also the location that is its downfall...
It needs paint - but we don't mind.
There's nothing left of the shore. That? We mind.
There is another house just across the sand -
we'd buy that one too, for the boys.
I can't begin to describe how windy and rainy it was while we stood looking at that house.
My eyeglasses needed windshield wipers - I could not keep them dry.
And the wind whipped through my hair and we were soaked in minutes.
It was wonderful.
We didn't win the lottery last week but standing there in the wind and sea spray it hardly mattered.
home again, home again
We're off.
That last run is the kind wherein I am left gasping.
At one point today, Youngest was four feet in the air above the ocean and landed on his back. Under water.
That last run is the kind wherein I am left gasping.
At one point today, Youngest was four feet in the air above the ocean and landed on his back. Under water.
sand and sea and sky
The very first moment it wasn't raining (Wednesday afternoon) the extended Bird clan packed up and ran (like crazy people) to the bay, where it turned out to be cold and damp and windy.
Tant pee. (Tant pis.)
Youngest (and his cousins) were able to make their own fun in the wee scummy tide-pool/marsh puddle.
Between the frigid temperature and the brackish water...I tried not to think about it.
The sun emerged as we were leaving.
Never mind. Dinner was delicious.
And yesterday? Well, yesterday was what a day on the Cape is supposed to be.
We rose early to make low tide at our favorite beach, it was warm, it was sunny - we stayed for hours. I have hundreds of photos and am too tired to sift through them for the perfect shot.
We left at about 1:30, went home for some gin and tonic in the back yard, shuffled together some burritos for dinner and went out on another excursion.
We wanted to see the seals at High Head again - but they weren't there!
Instead, we were treated to an amazing evening sky.
(We spend a great deal of time admiring Youngest's skills.) (And we are diligently trying to upload a decent video of him in action. Decent is the key word.)
(Doesn't my car look positively majestic?) (Do we want a new Jeep in the spring?)
(Youngest's cousins!)
Amazing, isn't it?
There's sand throughout the house (we made a beach trip in a monsoon which I will tell you about another day), we are starting to pine for our own beds and today is our last day...
Tant pee. (Tant pis.)
Youngest (and his cousins) were able to make their own fun in the wee scummy tide-pool/marsh puddle.
Between the frigid temperature and the brackish water...I tried not to think about it.
The sun emerged as we were leaving.
Never mind. Dinner was delicious.
And yesterday? Well, yesterday was what a day on the Cape is supposed to be.
We rose early to make low tide at our favorite beach, it was warm, it was sunny - we stayed for hours. I have hundreds of photos and am too tired to sift through them for the perfect shot.
We left at about 1:30, went home for some gin and tonic in the back yard, shuffled together some burritos for dinner and went out on another excursion.
We wanted to see the seals at High Head again - but they weren't there!
Instead, we were treated to an amazing evening sky.
(We spend a great deal of time admiring Youngest's skills.) (And we are diligently trying to upload a decent video of him in action. Decent is the key word.)
(Doesn't my car look positively majestic?) (Do we want a new Jeep in the spring?)
(Youngest's cousins!)
Amazing, isn't it?
There's sand throughout the house (we made a beach trip in a monsoon which I will tell you about another day), we are starting to pine for our own beds and today is our last day...
we are slightly damp
We're going on day four of cold and wet up here on the Cape.
It never stops raining, though it does ease off from time to time and merely blankets us with a slightly frigid mist. The temperature hovers around 63.
Needless to say, though we are relaxed, we are beginning to get a little crazy waiting for some sun.
None of us packed for the weather and we are hoarding socks (I have none). Skirmishes have broken out over the possession of long sleeved shirts and we try, daily, to decide between whiskey and tea.
Yesterday, after our third unsuccessful attempt to sample the baked goods at the new French Boulangerie, we took the "over-sand route" to Head Of The Meadow with Youngest and his skimboard.
The ocean was WICKED.
The tide was HIGH, and we had to drive very close to the edge of the sea which was alarming to me and Youngest - though it did not trouble K.
Though he made a valiant effort, conditions were not conducive to skimboarding and, after getting thoroughly misted from head to toe, we retreated in the Jeep.
We noticed the red flags on the way out.
Of course we had to pass this sign on the way in:
So, you see, there's always some excitement.
It never stops raining, though it does ease off from time to time and merely blankets us with a slightly frigid mist. The temperature hovers around 63.
Needless to say, though we are relaxed, we are beginning to get a little crazy waiting for some sun.
None of us packed for the weather and we are hoarding socks (I have none). Skirmishes have broken out over the possession of long sleeved shirts and we try, daily, to decide between whiskey and tea.
Yesterday, after our third unsuccessful attempt to sample the baked goods at the new French Boulangerie, we took the "over-sand route" to Head Of The Meadow with Youngest and his skimboard.
The ocean was WICKED.
The tide was HIGH, and we had to drive very close to the edge of the sea which was alarming to me and Youngest - though it did not trouble K.
Though he made a valiant effort, conditions were not conducive to skimboarding and, after getting thoroughly misted from head to toe, we retreated in the Jeep.
We noticed the red flags on the way out.
Of course we had to pass this sign on the way in:
So, you see, there's always some excitement.
this
This is what I know: there is nothing like a cup of chowder on a cold rainy day. My favorite so far is Macs.
This is what I think: rain on the Cape is not such a terrible thing. It just makes it a different kind of vacation.
This is what I'm wearing: undershirt and pants, black linen dress, black cardigan, chambray shirt, Campers.
That's me with my new German Road Closed sign, which I am planning on using ALL THE TIME.
This is what could change my life: I did my nails like this -
but with navy polish and I LOVE IT.
This is what I'm eating: aside from the chowder? A half-pound cheeseburger with bacon.
This is what I think: rain on the Cape is not such a terrible thing. It just makes it a different kind of vacation.
This is what I'm wearing: undershirt and pants, black linen dress, black cardigan, chambray shirt, Campers.
That's me with my new German Road Closed sign, which I am planning on using ALL THE TIME.
This is what could change my life: I did my nails like this -
but with navy polish and I LOVE IT.
This is what I'm eating: aside from the chowder? A half-pound cheeseburger with bacon.
gray seals at High Head
K had read that the seals were using the sand bar at High Head to rest at low tide...and we had the off road permit...
I thought it was a rock jetty when we approached it -
But it was hundreds and hundreds of seals!
Being noisy!
We drove a further distance down the beach, away from them, so Youngest could skimboard.
The weather?
Cold and wet!
Am off to look for a raincoat.
here we are
I had promised to make Crack Pie before I left Tuvalu - one for those remaining and one to go to Wellfleet - but I forgot to do it...I forgot the towels too. And the fitted sheets. No matter, after speaking, twice, with the landlord as parts of the house were without electricity and none of the house had water and remedying those situations, I didn't feel too bad about borrowing some of his linens.
This morning we went for our off-road vehicle pass. At the tip of the Cape, in a windswept shingle house, the park ranger inspects your vehicle and supplies. We have our shovel, our plank, our tire gauge.
We were instructed to watch a short movie detailing the rules of driving through the sand (featuring plovers!) and sat in a room with the most wonderful old photos.
(K would NEVER let THAT happen to US.)
Mr. Whitney's caught himself a big one!
We moved the Jeep to "air down" so we could do some off roading and met the best guy. He was airing down his Jeep too and had the coolest devices that were letting air out of all four of his tires at the same time - to the precise pressure required. I marveled at this equipment and told him he was the hottest fisherman on the Cape (he had a kayak and great gear).
Yep, that's what the ladies tell me, he said without missing a beat AND with the heaviest Cape accent I'd heard in a long time.
He's from Yarmouth and fishes at Race Point every weekend with his buddies. He had terrific stories for us (most recently involving a Great White being trailed by a boat with the soundtrack from Jaws playing at full volume).
Sufficiently de-aired, we did some driving through the dunes in the drizzle and cold.
If you left your shoe on the very tip of the Cape I've found it for you.
Back in town we hit the store for an electrical item.
Did I mention the weather? Crappy.
Don't worry, I'm pretty tanned -
besides, it's the perfect weather for chowder.
away I go
I'm off, people.
I'm headed to the beach.
I'm planning on eating well and relaxing and wearing my Purple Harem-Leg Sash-Tie Bandeau Jumpsuit. (Sale $49.00)
But, it's darker in the morning, and cooler in the evening, and so, my mind wanders to fall clothes -
And long sleeves.
And sweaters...
...sweaters with the merest hint of a ruffle.
I'm headed to the beach.
I'm planning on eating well and relaxing and wearing my Purple Harem-Leg Sash-Tie Bandeau Jumpsuit. (Sale $49.00)
But, it's darker in the morning, and cooler in the evening, and so, my mind wanders to fall clothes -
And long sleeves.
And sweaters...
...sweaters with the merest hint of a ruffle.
Blackbird's Two Minute Movie Reviews
I packed last night.
I had a handful of luke-warm french fries (by choice), a couple of glasses of wine, gabbed with K's mom for a long time on the phone, and I packed.
I'm pretty certain I've forgotten some important items (no toiletries yet and I have been known to leave all the underwear at home) but they have stores that sell toothpaste on the Cape, right?
(Have also read that it is unseasonably cool up there - note to me: sweatshirts!)
When I was finished (in more ways than one) I decided we should watch It's Complicated.
I knew that Nancy Meyers directed this movie and she did Something's Got To Give so I was ready for fabulous kitchen sets. She did not disappoint. With the sets. I'd only give the movie a four, but the art direction was very nice.
So, what's the story?
Well, we are meant to feel sorry for poor Meryl Streep who is a new empty nester.
Unfortunately, it's hard to feel sorry for someone with such a luxurious nest, such a perfect nest.
Her relationship with her ex is enviable - they know each other's foibles, have great chemistry and are both successful (Meryl/Jane is a chef - think Ina Garten). It's the perfect set-up for them to have an affair, and they do.
That Steve Martin is an attractive architect poised to do a major reno on Meryl's house is merely a distraction. He is going to build her the perfect kitchen and master suite we learn and I wanted to throw something at the screen. Perfect?! What ISN'T perfect already?
To tell you the truth, I got bored. BORED.
My final criticism is a technical one...I never much thought about the fact that movies are looped. Most movies are shot and then the actors go into sound studios and do the dialog again so the audio in the movie is of a better quality in the finished product. In most movies this is seamless and the audience is not aware of it - but in this movie it was a major annoyance as Meryl and Alec sounded as though they were speaking inside a dark closet. Bad.
But here - here is some garden porn:
Ever since "It's Complicated" was released in theaters last week, the online garden community has been buzzing about Jane's (Meryl Streep's) vegetable garden, above. Its lushness, colorfulness, perkiness ... well, it's almost pornographic. One doesn't know whether to envy it, or to be concerned about anyone that eats from it.
The LA Times Daily Dish
This movie made me want to see SGTG again to admire Meryl's kitchen in the Hamptons.
Ah, The Hamptons....
I had a handful of luke-warm french fries (by choice), a couple of glasses of wine, gabbed with K's mom for a long time on the phone, and I packed.
I'm pretty certain I've forgotten some important items (no toiletries yet and I have been known to leave all the underwear at home) but they have stores that sell toothpaste on the Cape, right?
(Have also read that it is unseasonably cool up there - note to me: sweatshirts!)
When I was finished (in more ways than one) I decided we should watch It's Complicated.
I knew that Nancy Meyers directed this movie and she did Something's Got To Give so I was ready for fabulous kitchen sets. She did not disappoint. With the sets. I'd only give the movie a four, but the art direction was very nice.
So, what's the story?
Well, we are meant to feel sorry for poor Meryl Streep who is a new empty nester.
Unfortunately, it's hard to feel sorry for someone with such a luxurious nest, such a perfect nest.
Her relationship with her ex is enviable - they know each other's foibles, have great chemistry and are both successful (Meryl/Jane is a chef - think Ina Garten). It's the perfect set-up for them to have an affair, and they do.
That Steve Martin is an attractive architect poised to do a major reno on Meryl's house is merely a distraction. He is going to build her the perfect kitchen and master suite we learn and I wanted to throw something at the screen. Perfect?! What ISN'T perfect already?
To tell you the truth, I got bored. BORED.
My final criticism is a technical one...I never much thought about the fact that movies are looped. Most movies are shot and then the actors go into sound studios and do the dialog again so the audio in the movie is of a better quality in the finished product. In most movies this is seamless and the audience is not aware of it - but in this movie it was a major annoyance as Meryl and Alec sounded as though they were speaking inside a dark closet. Bad.
But here - here is some garden porn:
Ever since "It's Complicated" was released in theaters last week, the online garden community has been buzzing about Jane's (Meryl Streep's) vegetable garden, above. Its lushness, colorfulness, perkiness ... well, it's almost pornographic. One doesn't know whether to envy it, or to be concerned about anyone that eats from it.
The LA Times Daily Dish
This movie made me want to see SGTG again to admire Meryl's kitchen in the Hamptons.
Ah, The Hamptons....
where I'm headed
The ocean is calling me!
It's true - I've only just returned, am slogging through a work week, and then heading to Wellfleet.
And, while I've laundered every single piece of clothing we own, I have not packed anything AT ALL.
Fortunately, K has put together a food list and done the shopping for both the Cape and Tuvalu (some members will remain to go to work).
(People remaining to go to work.)
This person, for example, will be remaining to go to work.
I'm bringing some Blue Moon to Wellfleet this year.
Why, you ask? Well, I think I may be out of gin!
Am I veering off target? Is my mind wandering?
Yes.
random shoes
With September on the horizon I find myself considering shoes.
Back-to-school shoes.
And what am I dreaming of?
Well, Chanel clogs to be honest. Or Celine clog/platforms,
because, what I like about them is that they are heightening and yet flat. Do you see? It's the magic of the platform.
And, I like these:
but they have an awful lot going on. Don't you think?
On Sunday, we were On A Boat -
in a beautiful place.
And, though I put sunblock on my face (and nowhere else) my face got burned - and the rest of my body did not.
A boat with bedrooms and bathrooms and granite counters!
Youngest says he would buy a dozen of these pillows
and make a forest.
Am STILL considering these.
But, also, these:
I
rode
on
a
Jetski.
Believe it.
I loved it.
Middle has a new lens.
Doesn't our house look ominous?
Back-to-school shoes.
And what am I dreaming of?
Well, Chanel clogs to be honest. Or Celine clog/platforms,
because, what I like about them is that they are heightening and yet flat. Do you see? It's the magic of the platform.
And, I like these:
but they have an awful lot going on. Don't you think?
On Sunday, we were On A Boat -
in a beautiful place.
And, though I put sunblock on my face (and nowhere else) my face got burned - and the rest of my body did not.
A boat with bedrooms and bathrooms and granite counters!
Youngest says he would buy a dozen of these pillows
and make a forest.
Am STILL considering these.
But, also, these:
I
rode
on
a
Jetski.
Believe it.
I loved it.
Middle has a new lens.
Doesn't our house look ominous?
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