The Lollipop Tree

A beautiful day!

2011-10-10T09:50:00.000-04:00

Me and my peeps.... just hanging around today. It's nice to have a minute or two to sit down and catch up with some good friends. Hope all is well with all you folks out in blogger land. Happy Fall!

Tropical Storm Irene

2011-09-01T17:40:00.000-04:00

The calm before the storm....

2011-08-26T06:49:00.000-04:00

Eye on the sky for the next few days.... I've got storm duty at work. Stay safe out there folks.

Sandy Neck Magic

2011-08-17T21:46:00.001-04:00

A Cape Cod Evening

2011-08-01T21:02:00.007-04:00

The End of an Era?

2011-07-31T18:08:00.003-04:00

With so many Post Offices closing due to the failing economy and other ways of communication in our ever changing world, I thought it only fitting to point you all in the direction of a great blog that covers the history of the Post Office. US Postal History I hope they don't do away with home delivery and make us all get P.O. Boxes!

A morning Walk at Hyannis Harbor

2011-07-25T09:21:00.005-04:00

A Garden Grows

2011-07-17T19:58:00.002-04:00

Those who know me know that I have a brown thumb. I have killed more house plants than any other person on this planet. I just recently tried to fertilize my beautiful assortment of thriving porch plants - and killed all but one. (Must have been the OLD fertilizer I used.) So, to see this garden ACTUALLY PRODUCE VEGETABLES, is a blessing from above. Please say prayers, cross fingers, etc. that it will continue to do so. Thank you!

Sometimes there are just no words to describe....

2011-07-11T22:45:00.000-04:00

Heritage Museum and Gardens

2011-07-11T07:15:00.014-04:00

The Sandwich Heritage Museums and Gardens was such a wonderful experience! Not only are the grounds and gardens exceptionally beautiful, the different museums were interesting and well cared for. From the Antique Car Museum, Art Museum (with a working carousel!)to the American History Museum, there was almost too much to see in one visit! I've posted some pics for a few of you (Buck - the antique motorcycles, Lou - some artwork, Jim - some antique guns) but I hope you enjoy seeing all of the photos. There was a labyrinth, a maze and a gorgeous flume, and check out the next to the last pic, a not so shy butterfly posed for several seconds so I could get the shot! It was a great day!

Early in the morning Wequaquet Lake

2011-07-02T08:58:00.001-04:00

My happy place!

50 years ago

2011-06-25T17:09:00.002-04:00

At age 3, I must have been a heavy weight according to mother's caption on the picture. I've never been able to lose that pudge! Just seeing this old photo makes me smile. My Dad was an awesome guy and I miss the crap out of him. Nuf said.

By the Sea at Sunset

2011-06-18T20:54:00.006-04:00

This one has been around awhile but worth reading again....

2011-06-17T09:52:00.002-04:00

Written by an Australian Dentist

To Kill an American
You probably missed this in the rush of news, but there was actually a report that someone in Pakistan had published in a newspaper, an offer of a reward to anyone who killed an American, any American.

So an Australian dentist wrote an editorial the following day to let everyone know what an American is. So they would know when they found one. (Good one, mate!!!!)

'An American is English, or French, or Italian, Irish, German, Spanish, Polish, Russian or Greek. An American may also be Canadian, Mexican, African, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Australian, Iranian, Asian, Arab, Pakistani or Afghan.

An American may also be a Comanche, Cherokee, Osage, Blackfoot, Navaho, Apache, Seminole or one of the many other tribes known as native Americans..

An American is Christian, or he could be Jewish, or Buddhist, or Muslim. In fact, there are more Muslims in America than inAfghanistan . The only difference is that in America they are free to worship as each of them chooses.

An American is also free to believe in no religion.. For that he will answer only to God, not to the government, or to armed thugs claiming to speak for the government and for God.

An American lives in the most prosperous
land in the history of the world..
The root of that prosperity can be found in the Declaration of Independence , which recognizes the God given right of each person to the pursuit of happiness.

An American is generous.. Americans have helped out just about every other nation in the world in their time of need, never asking a thing in return.

When Afghanistan was over-run by the Soviet army 20 years ago, Americans came with arms and supplies to enable the people to win back their country!

As of the morning of September 11, Americans had given more than any other nation to the poor in Afghanistan ..
The national symbol of America , The Statue of Liberty , welcomes your tired and your poor, the wretched refuse of your teeming shores, the homeless, tempest tossed. These in fact are the people who built America

Some of them were working in the Twin Towers the morning of September 11, 2001, earning a better life for their families. It's been told that the World Trade Center victims were from at least 30 different countries, cultures, and first languages, including those that aided and abetted the terrorists.
So you can try to kill an American if you must. Hitler did. So did General Tojo, and Stalin, and Mao Tse-Tung, and other blood-thirsty tyrants in the world.. But, in doing so, you would just be killing yourself. Because Americans are not a particular people from a particular place. They are the embodiment of the human spirit of freedom. Everyone who holds to that spirit, everywhere, is an American.

Plimoth Plantation Part Two

2011-06-15T17:55:00.007-04:00

The Wampanoag Homesite is located on the banks of the Eel River. The replica of the 17th-century Wampanoag village depicts how they lived along the coast during the growing season; planting their crops, fishing and hunting, gathering wild herbs and berries for food, and reeds for making mats and baskets.

a mishoon - the Wampanoag word for boat - using fire as a tool to hollow out a tree.

The staff in the Wampanoag Homesite are not role players. They are all Native People - either Wampanoag or from other Native Nations - and they are dressed in historically accurate clothing, mostly made of deerskin. They speak from a modern perspective about Wampanoag history and culture.

There are different kinds of homes including a mat-covered wetu, the Wampanoag word for house, and a bark-covered long house or nush wetu, meaning a house with three fire pits inside.

The Eel River

Plimoth Plantation Part One

2011-06-14T21:18:00.009-04:00

The 17th-Century English Village is a re-creation of the small farming and maritime community built by the Pilgrims along the shore of Plymouth Harbor. In the Village, the year is 1627, just seven years after the arrival of Mayflower.

My friend and I weren't able to determine what this big ball o'wood was or why anyone would stack wood in this manner.

The actors were dressed in full Pilgrim costumes and even spoke Olde English.

Even here, in the midst of the 1700's we were not immune to the visiting Walmart shoppers. Really? You actually thought that you were dressed okay when you looked in the mirror this morning?

The Fort - very impressive!

A list of what one must have to make the trip from England and join the colony.

These two "kids" were very entertaining and very friendly!

A well monster lives in my backyard.....

2011-06-09T10:56:00.005-04:00

I came upon a very small hole in the ground several weeks ago. I thought it might have been a gopher hole, or that it belonged to some small such creature.

After about a week it seemed to grow just a bit larger, the ground around it had become sunken in and curiousity got the best of me. I was a bit apprehensive about putting my hand into the hole so instead I used a piece of wood (see pic). One after the other dropped down into the hole. Five pieces, six, seven pieces... all about the same length.
All sorts of ideas started percolating in my fearful brain, what the heck? Was it an old outhouse hole? A giant snake hole? Was there something incredibly hideous living in that hole? A well monster! It had to be! After another five or six pieces of wood had failed to reach bottom, I decided that it was time to seek help/advice.

I tried to obtain an As Built card from the town hall but all it showed was the septic in the front yard dated 1993. The house was built in 1930! No records. No permits had been required back then. So was it a well, a septic, or a passage to the center of the earth? The next step... to dig and discover!

As the digging progressed it became clear that whatever it was, it had been capped with cement and that the cap had cracked in half.

The best guess was it is an old leech pit, but it could have had a well underneath. Regardless, I'm gonna need of a whole lotta dirt to bury this well monster. A whole YARD of dirt. Good grief!

Will Someone Please Explain What My Plants Are Doing When I'm Not Looking?

2011-06-08T12:02:00.003-04:00

Life's A Beach!

2011-06-08T08:15:00.002-04:00

I know, not a very original blog title!
Yesterday I got a text from a co-worker, saying she hoped I was having fun on my vacation. She also went on to assure me that they were getting slammed at work. My reply? Well, I sent her on of these pics without any text attached. You know what they say right? A picture paints a thousand words? Her reply to me was a very nice short sweet message. "Bite me."
Hey, you wanted to know if I was having fun, didn't ya?
I had a very leisurely day yesterday. No appointments, no major projects, just an easy day. I got up early, watered the garden, putzed around the house, then after an early lunch took myself, a beach chair and a book down to Craigville Beach. I was surprised that there weren't that many people there. There was a nice breeze coming on shore and the sun was warm.
Now, I'm not one for sitting much, so after about 30 minutes I took a nice walk along the waters edge. The water temp was just a bit too cool for a dip, but I did get my toes wet - just so I could say I'd been "in the water". That's important if you're keeping track. My mother and grandmother used to keep track. First day of the season, how many times we went swimming during the season and the last day of the season. They would compare it to previous years, commenting on weather and special events that affected our attendance. I guess it might have been a sort of diary in a way. Anyhow, the walk on the beach did me a world of good, fresh air and sunshine, what can be better for your soul? I took myself home and grabbed a nice hammock nap!

Today's forecast? Looks like Life's A Beach may have a sequel! Hope you have a great day, and stay safe out there folks!

Out and About in Wellfleet

2011-06-06T17:33:00.011-04:00

In the photo of the pigeons, notice the pigeon who can't seem to get up off of it's belly. Fat, happy, and lazy! I first thought it was wounded but when I stepped too close, off it flew with the others.

Falcone's Restaurant trivia board!

Alzheimer's Color. Test How well did you do?

2011-06-06T11:18:00.001-04:00

The Color Test

Just a bit of a challenge... Have a great day and stay safe folks!

OFD Steak Dinner - A Nice Tradition

2011-06-03T08:29:00.003-04:00

Every year the Orleans Fire Department puts on an Appreciation Dinner for all of it's members, including those of us in the dispatch center.

The ringing of the fire bell signals that it's time to eat!

YUM!

Thoughts and Prayers to those in Western Massachusetts

2011-06-02T08:57:00.005-04:00

Western MA Tornado Damage

I was at work when the worst of the weather hit. The Cape was spared but as we listened to the MEMA radio we could tell that it was bad. The weather on planet Earth has been wreaking havoc these past several months. I've seen the horror of what's left behind from tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes that have devastated not only parts of our country but all over the world. I have to admit, yesterday's events hit too close to home. I am now very much aware of how easily and quickly the world around me can be completely destroyed. Yet, in all the destruction around them, people come together to help each other.

A ray of hope is found in the ability to see the goodness and kindness in those that surround us in times of despair.

Stay safe out there folks.

I'm Ready For Summer!

2011-06-01T11:22:00.002-04:00

My old wicker chairs have been repainted and now have new cushions! The fire pit is ready for it's first campfire and cocktails event!

My garden is planted and there are still some lovely flowers to enjoy! I think it might be just the right time for a stay-at-home vacation!

It's Spring in Yankee Land!

2011-05-26T10:54:00.003-04:00

Oh how I've waited for this moment!
Just a couple of indications that it's here....

Achoooo! Sniffle, Cough, Cough, Dang Pollen! Achoooo!

It's bun a hard days night....

2011-05-23T09:12:00.004-04:00

Disclaimer: No bunnies were harmed in the taking of this photo. Being too cute is not a punishable offense.

go here for more cuteness

PT Boat 658 - The only functional, restored, PT boat left in the world! Operating out of Portland, Oregon.

2011-05-22T20:18:00.000-04:00

PT Boat 658 - The only functional, restored, PT boat left in the world! Operating out of Portland, Oregon.

Nauset Light Beach - In the Fog

2011-05-21T20:59:00.004-04:00

I had been invited to join some friends for a campfire on the beach tonight. It was sunny and warm when I left my home in the mid-cape area. I had my camera all set to take some awesome sunset pics, and I even had a reasonably warm coat with me. (It's always cooler by the ocean.) As I neared exit 10 I could see the fog bank looming ahead. It was as if a curtain had been dropped; one side sunny, the other drizzling rain and air so thick with fog you could barely see ten feet in front of you. By the time I got onto the beach...

Now that was some good TV!

2011-05-20T18:43:00.001-04:00

Honor Flight

2011-05-12T12:33:00.000-04:00

Please help if you can.

Charlie recommends watching this....

2011-05-09T00:16:00.000-04:00

JD my heart!

2011-05-05T20:18:00.005-04:00

Sometimes one knows when something is right.
Perhaps you find a heart in the sand, while walking together on the beach one day.

Sometimes you just know. From the very first moment you met.

A Gift

2011-05-03T22:08:00.004-04:00

An Artist at work....

2011-05-02T17:16:00.002-04:00

Lieutenant Island is one of many beautiful spots on Cape Cod. This photo was taken about a month ago.

Inspiration knows not the weather, as I witnessed this work of art being created on a very cold and windy day.

Thank a Soldier

2011-04-30T20:47:00.004-04:00

~Tissue Alert~

Shamelessly stolen from blog buddy Old NFO.

Their sacrifices are immeasurable.

In the Chair Behind Me.....

2011-04-30T18:26:00.002-04:00

Sometimes picture taking has it's rewards. While flying into Fort Myers, I was happily snapping photos of the spectacular aerial views out my miniature airplane window. Beautiful sweeping shots of great green expanses, deep blue oceans and a sky of wispy clouds all around us. I happened to turn just so.... and captured a tiny little angel, riding in the chair behind me. The best photo of all.

In The Company of Strangers

2011-04-28T17:12:00.002-04:00

While walking along the beach in Fort Myers, I spied a couple sitting up near the edge of the dunes. They looked like regular beach goers, not the typical tourists. They were seated in beach chairs, a cooler between them. He had a local newspaper in hand, she had a paperback book. They were speaking with another gentleman when I approached them to ask if they would take my picture, yes - I was playing tourist! They asked where I was from, where I was staying; general pleasantries. After a bit of conversation she, (Judy) took my camera and said she'd snap off a photo for me. Richard (the other gentleman) decided that he should be in the photo as well. Who was I to disagree? So here, in the company of strangers, I am forevermore recorded digitally, standing on Fort Myers beach!

What Kind Of World Do You Want?

2011-04-26T14:42:00.000-04:00

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T06:48:00.000-04:00

Wishing you all a wonderful Easter day - a day for new beginnings!

Beware Smart Phone Privacy Risk! (especially for children)

2011-04-20T00:35:00.000-04:00

God Bless America!

2011-04-15T11:50:00.000-04:00

Something to think about.....

2011-03-28T12:31:00.000-04:00

Sometimes it's all about the View.....

2011-03-27T05:14:00.006-04:00

Another Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood!

2011-03-19T03:27:00.004-04:00

The Dawn of a New Day

2011-03-18T20:23:00.000-04:00

The Best Calzone on Cape Cod

2011-03-15T10:54:00.003-04:00

These folks make you feel like part of the family... Great Food, reasonable prices and a warm welcoming atmosphere!

Falcone's Family Restaurant&Family Pizzeria!

Uncle Kracker - Smile (lyrics)

2011-03-12T09:49:00.002-05:00

For you JD! :)

At the risk of offending..... I still had to share this one!

2011-03-11T15:01:00.001-05:00

A Good Catholic Joke

The Pope and Obama are on the same stage in Yankee Stadium in front of a huge crowd.

The Pope leans towards Mr. Obama and said, "Do you know that with one little wave of my hand I can make every person in this crowd go wild with joy? This joy will not be a momentary display, but will go deep into their hearts and they'll forever speak of this day and rejoice!"

Obama replied, "I seriously doubt that ~ with one little wave of your hand? Show me!"

So the Pope backhanded him and knocked him off the stage!

AND THE CROWD ROARED & CHEERED WILDLY!

Kind of brings a tear to your eyes, doesn't it?

Happiness is ......

2011-03-11T13:43:00.005-05:00

More of the Lower Cape.... Spectacluar!

2011-03-05T01:42:00.003-05:00

The Lower Cape - A Day To Remember!

2011-03-04T16:09:00.004-05:00

More photos to come.....

Once in a Blue Moon

2010-07-28T12:34:00.005-04:00

Name That Bird!

2010-07-23T02:17:00.000-04:00

This little woman showed up at the base with four cute babies in tow.... we are still trying to identify her! We've thought she might be plover, we thought she might be tern... but we have yet to find an exact match for her! Any bird lovers out there that might want to take a guess? Nest is in an open field (air field) and they play on the pavement, darting and dashing about through the apparatus doors at the fire station. The mother will flail about if you get near her babies, trying to draw your attention to her and away from them.

Out and About On Cape Cod

2010-07-18T19:32:00.004-04:00

Sunny Skies

2010-07-03T19:50:00.004-04:00

We've had some great weather these past few days! I'm back to work, and because it's summertime, we're working double shifts and days off are in short supply this week! I've pretty much recovered from the health issues, just trying to find a moment to get back to the gym. (My newest passion!) I'm grateful for all of your comments, good wishes, etc. It's so nice to see you are all still hanging out in the blogoshpere! I'm hoping to have some time off by the end of this week and the plan is to do some fishing, some more fishing and maybe I'll even do some catching!

Here's a photo I snapped as I left on of my favorite places to eat (Up The Creek Again)... he was just hanging out and let me take several shots of him... this one is the best of the bunch...

Have a happy, safe Fourth of July and if you get a chance, thank a soldier, vet, volunteer... they're the reason we CAN celebrate our freedom!

Under the Weather

2010-06-30T11:03:00.002-04:00

I've been just a bit under the weather folks, nothing too serious, but it's prevented me from my usual adventures! I'm on the mend and hoping to get out there today to find something interesting to bring back to share with you....

Hope you all are well and happy!

A Whales Tale of Adventure

2010-06-24T10:27:00.007-04:00

The morning storms had passed, the skies still a bit cloudy, but the sun was shining! We headed out to Stellwagen Bank, where the whales are known to feed. Out of the harbor, following the channel markers, we passed Sandy Neck village which is accessible only by SUV or by boat. Ironically, the lighthouse at the tip of Sandy Neck had once used whale oil to light the lantern.

Once we were out passed the tip of Provincetown, we located a pod of whales.

We were very lucky today.... saw a lot of whales, beautiful weather, and of course being out at sea!

A Whale of a Tale to come.....

2010-06-23T10:36:00.003-04:00

I'm headed out this afternoon to board a whale watch boat out of Barnstable Harbor. So far the weather is co-operating and my camera battery is charged and ready to go! My experiences with this type of trip in the past have proven that it is rather difficult to get good quality photos of the allusive beasts but I'll do my best! Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises are the folks who operate out of Barnstable Harbor so hold onto your hats folks... I'll be back with some hopefully good shots and a whale of a tale to tell!

A New Beginning

2010-06-22T01:00:00.003-04:00

One never knows when things will change, doors open, the wind shifts, new opportunities arise. I have a desire to write again... perhaps because summer is here and the world is once again warm and beautiful here! No promises, just the glimmer of a chance that I might find some spare time to write again, to share photos again, to reconnect with those I felt a compelling connection with....

Adieu...

2009-12-22T01:36:00.003-05:00

I'm shutting the blog down folks.... at least for the time being.

With the hours at work and life in general, it's just too much to try and keep up with at this point. (and do it justice) I just want to say that I appreciate all your comments over the past two years... very much! I will still be lurking about...so don't be surprised if I show up in your comments from time to time!

God Bless,

and Best wishes for the holidays.

I'm speechless.....

2009-11-30T09:53:00.001-05:00

Spectacular Sunsets of the Past

2009-11-29T00:31:00.004-05:00

Some of these were taken with a cell phone camera, so the quality is greatly lacking. What I find interesting when I look at these is that I remember where I was, what mood I was in, what the weather was like for each and every one of these photos. (except the 3rd photo which was taken by my daughter and who has given her permission for it to be posted here.) I remember who I was with, if I wasn't alone, and how the beauty of the sunsets, each different in their own way, made me wish I could paint them on canvas, just as they appeared in front of me.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

2009-11-26T09:42:00.000-05:00

I'm very grateful for all my family and friends, especially my daughter, who makes me proud every day. My thoughts and prayers are with those who are serving our country today - God Bless you and keep you safe.

Gone to the Birds

2009-11-24T12:29:00.000-05:00

Lately, when I take my walks, I've noticed an increase in activity of the local gulls. They seem to be anxious for something to happen, either the weather to change or for some tasty morsel to drop from the sky! I sometimes take bread down to the lake to feed the ducks and loons but most of the time it's the gulls who enjoy the meal.

A Walk on the Wild Side...

2009-11-22T14:06:00.003-05:00

Last light....

2009-11-22T04:51:00.003-05:00

I've been gone too long.
Headed home,
to sit by the fire
and dream of things to come....

A Trip to Green Briar Nature Center = An Extraordinary Jam!

2009-09-17T19:53:00.006-04:00

Green Briar Nature Center

Wings of Freedom Tour

2009-09-16T23:09:00.004-04:00

The Pics are a bit of a jumble but here's what was at hand to see today at Hyannis Airport:

A B-17 Flying Fortress
A B-24 Liberator
and a TP-51C Mustang

What an experience being up close and personal with these marvels of WW II!

Mellow Yellow

2009-09-05T19:56:00.005-04:00

These are a few shots of the lake at sunset. No touch ups, just pure natural color!

The Point of No Return

2009-08-21T05:04:00.002-04:00

Yesterday afternoon I was invited to take a boat ride out of Barnstable Harbor. It was so hot and muggy, I couldn't wait to be on the water, with the cool ocean breezes! We zipped across the water, out past the lighthouse at the tip of Sandy Neck. When the tide is low, sand bars emerge from what seems like the middle of nowhere! That's where we landed, on one of those bars... and took a nice long dip in the cold ocean water. What a lovely treat!

It was very hard to leave such a beautiful spot!

Hawk on the Hose Tower!

2009-08-18T11:59:00.001-04:00

2009-08-15T18:58:00.002-04:00

My new goal. Isn't she beautiful? I figure about six years I'll have enough saved!

911 Info

2009-08-04T21:47:00.001-04:00

If you call 911 by mistake, DON'T HANG UP before we verify that you are okay! If you don't stay on the line you may get a surprise visit from your local police department. Most police have protocols that require a response on hang ups and abandoned calls. Some may call you back, some may send an officer. You may be able to avoid a visit if you just stay on the line! Even if you hang up before you hear it ring, the 911 lines are designed to recognize and connect those calls. So please STAY ON THE LINE if you dial 911 by mistake!

Alive and Well..... Just up to my ears in Summertime!

2009-08-04T09:48:00.003-04:00

Been working, sleeping, cleaning, swimming, walking the beach (when I can) and generally not spending a lot of time online..... I do check in on folks occasionally.... just being more of a lurker than a commenter. I'm guessing things will slow down a bit in the fall, so I'm keeping a journal of things I'd like to share with you! Stay well, and hope you enjoy your summer!

Cockatiels and Cocktails!

2009-07-15T16:19:00.003-04:00

Bird and Birdette have become fast friends. At first, Bird nearly lost his mind over her. I kept them separated, in different cages, only because I wasn't sure if Bird would know how to be social. Bird had spent over 10 years basically by himself. I was afraid that he might try to harm Birdette. When he first met her, he was very excited, paced back and forth on his perch, constantly emitting a soft squawk every minute to two minutes. ( He still does it, even now!) I eventually introduced them while they were outside their cages. Bird is very smitten with her, has eyes only for her and is totally devoted to being her friend. She, on the other hand, could care less if he fell off the face of the planet. Whenever he gets a bit too much for her, she lets him know it with a slight nip (never really touches him, just makes the motion). Today I ingeniously put the two cages together so now they can visit each other, or retreat to their own cage. They seem quite happy with the arrangement and I am quite happy to sit and watch their interactions and antics.

Birdette is in the foreground (the larger of the two) and of course Bird is in the background...

Hope all is well with everyone today.... I'm headed out for an adult beverage to cap off a very beautiful, sunny, summer day off!

2009-07-07T20:51:00.001-04:00

One of my favorite fishing spots... Scudder's Lane. What a beautiful day we had yesterday! On a whim I stopped by to see if anyone was around. As you can see it was deserted. Those who have boats had already gone out. I dipped my toes in the cool water and sat for a few minutes in the warm sunshine. Not for long though... had to head back to reality and an evening shift at work. It rained today but I'm hoping for better weather by Thursday.

My home computer is still disabled!

2009-07-06T13:23:00.002-04:00

It may be a couple of days before I'm able to post from home....
Interior house painting is very, very disruptive!
My house is in complete disarray; boxes and furniture piled into the middle of the rooms w/tarps covering everything. I can't find the book I was reading and my cat thinks we are moving. My computer has been disconnected and is in parts... monitor here, printer there; it's just plain painful! I'll be sending a post here and there via cellphone but the quality and quantity may vary! I'm still able to visit your blogs while times are slow at work,(something of a rarity, now that it's summertime!) I'm at the library now, and the call of all these books around me is too great.... I have to go explore! Later gaters!

2009-07-04T08:24:00.001-04:00

2009-07-02T14:17:00.001-04:00

Bad storms In New England! From the deck of Hemispheres Restaurant in Sandwich by the canal, We missed the hail here but other parts of the Cape got hit with quarter sized hail! There's a lull in the storm now, getting ready for round two!

A Pause for Station Identification.... or The Painters are Here and The Computer needs to be UnPlugged and Moved.

2009-06-30T07:34:00.000-04:00

Back in a couple of days folks.... Don't have too much fun without me!!

2009-06-28T23:16:00.001-04:00

This is where I'd rather be... instead I'm working a double shift!

Something to Say!

2009-06-22T17:00:00.001-04:00

I don't know who she is, but DANG! I found her here.

Whining in the Rain.....or is it time to build the Ark?

2009-06-22T08:14:00.008-04:00

The weather here in the northeast has been incredible. We have had only three days of sunshine in the who month of June! Go HERE if you think I'm joking! Normally, this kind of thing wouldn't really tear me up, but I've been on vacation (using up comp/personal/holiday time before they take it away!) and it doesn't look like I'm going to get a break!
So, besides fishing in the rain.... I've run from the grocery store to my truck in the rain (pushing a loaded cart with bad wheels)..... I've dodged raindrops at outdoor bbq's, puddle jumped in the mall parking lot, and I think I might be coming down with SAD !
I haven't been to the Wellfleet Drive-In like I wanted to do.... or been mini golfing, whale watching, or laid in my hammock in the back yard! My friend and I have postponed a trip to Martha's Vineyard for the last three weeks because each Monday we look at the week's forecast and go... "nope, no way, it just ain't happening!"
Here's the forecast for the next three days:

There's no defense but an umbrella!
I love Henry Wadsworth Longfellow... this guy nailed it when he said, “The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain.”
Amen brother!

Happy Father's Day......

2009-06-21T07:20:00.000-04:00

To all those wonderful men out there, who stepped up to the plate, opened their hearts and gave of themselves to become the silent heroes of their children, and to those who also took on the children of others, may God Bless You and may you have rich rewards; love, respect and honor.

Happy Father's Day!

Engine 175 - Orleans Fire Department

2009-06-15T21:37:00.001-04:00

Along 6A

2009-06-09T16:52:00.019-04:00

Route 6A is considered to be Cape Cod's most historic and scenic highway. The highway is approximately 62 miles long and has many names; Old Kings Highway, Main Street, Sandwich Road, Shore Road, Commercial Street, and Cranberry Highway, depending on what town you're driving through. The present day 6A was once an Indian trade route, traveled on for thousands of years. When the pilgrims arrived, they used it for their carts and wagons, which widened the path. With the emergence of cars in the early 1900's, the trail changed again and is now a tourist attraction! It often follows along the coast and passes through seven Cape towns. I began my photo-journey of Route 6A in the Village of Barnstable, near Phinney's Lane.

TheCoast Guard Heritage Museum used to be a US Custom House and then a Post Office before becoming a museum.

This is the "Oldest Wooden Jail in America".

Across the street from the museum is the Barnstable Unitarian Church.

The church's history dates back to the 1700's but this structure was built in 1907.

The Bacon Farm dates back to the Boston Packet days,(1800-1875). It was owned by Isaac Bacon, a local farmer who sailed his crops of onions up to Boston in his own ship.

There are a lot of streets and lanes off of 6A that lead to the sea... My father used to bring us here to fish when we were kids.

The Post Office in Cummaquid is very small!

I had never been down Mill Lane before, so an adventure awaited! The road takes you by Hallett's Mill Pond.....

before bringing you to another section of Barnstable Harbor,called Mill Creek.

I found an old barn with a thatched roof.....

and Keveney Lane had a one lane bridge!

Here is just one of the many Cape Cod fashioned houses along 6A.

This is a restaurant called the "Gingerbread House", it was built by Captain Frederick Howes who became a famous clipper-ship captain, the master of the clipper-ship "Climax".

"Kitty-corner" across the street from the Gingerbread House, on the south side of the street, is a classic old fashioned Drug Store run by the Hallet-Clark family. They are direct descendants of the original Hallet who settled this area about 350 years ago. It is the only "authentic" ice cream parlor on Cape Cod. Upstairs is a museum containing lots of Hallet memorabilia, some of which belonged to their relative Captain Bangs Hallet.

The Old Yarmouth Inn was built in 1696!

This is the Kelley Chapel, built 1873, the building was intended to provide a place for families of the South Yarmouth fishing community to worship and learn scriptures.

It wasn't open so I peeked in the windows and took these through the thick-paned glass.

This place sits next to the chapel and is currently operational!

The Captain Bangs Hallet House is a must see on the 6A tour.

A ship's anchor, buried in ivy....

A handmade tomato plant cage.....

One of the largest magnolia trees on the Cape....

Beautiful flower gardens....

The back of the house, with the magnolia tree to the right. I believe they grow grapes back here as well.

Last, but not least, is the First Congregational Church,built in 1870.

You can also include my previous posts of Bass Holeand Bone Hillto this stretch of 6A, as well as a hundred more stops that I didn't make along the way. This particular stretch of 6A was merely 10 miles of the 62 miles that makes up The King's Highway on Cape Cod! I'll be doing more photo-journeys as the summer progresses and time allows... Hope you enjoyed this one!

Bass Hole, Yarmouthport

2009-06-09T16:09:00.004-04:00

Bone Hill - Long Pasture

2009-06-05T08:40:00.010-04:00

Bone Hill is one of my favorite fishing spots on the Cape. I went down to check it out at low tide this morning because I hadn't been down there since last fall and I wanted to see where the new holes were.

This little Cape Cod House sits next to a main house, so I'm not sure if it's acutally lived in... but it wouldn't surprise me.

Bone Hill is also the location of a Wildlife Sanctuary and as you can see, a small goat farm!

The fishing holes constantly change because of the storms that blow in from the northeast, strong winds and water currents. It's important to check out the "landscape" at low tide so you can find the spots that the fish like when the tide is high.

I found this strange circular mark as I was walking across one of the sand bars.

I followed it for about 12 feet and found these guys!

Two horseshoe crabs, waiting for the tide to come in!

I also discovered some tiny treasures scattered about....

These two spots look pretty good!

The beach in this section turns very rocky.

This boulder is mostly underwater at high tide.

Time to head back.... sure hate to leave!

A Day at Sea

2009-06-04T07:33:00.005-04:00

My fishing buddy invited me to try my luck at catching some bluefish yesterday morning... so on the early morning tide we jumped into his Carolina skiff, and headed out in search of our next meal.

Our launch was from West Bay Harbor in Osterville.

The water was calm, just a slight wind, and to make it even better... the sun was shining!

There had been a threat of thunderstorms, so we had to keep an eye on the sky. We found the bluefish, lazily swimming on the top of the water.... but couldn't get them to bite on any lure. Popper, Kastmaster, not one bite!

As the T-storms neared, the wind came up, blowing cold out of the north, and the waters turned choppy. We ducked in behind Sampson's Island to get out of the wind. Just as we did, the sun came out again, so we took a slow troll up the channel.
After deciding that there just wasn't going to be fish on the menu, we headed back into the harbor, north wind blowing straight at us. The boat handled great, and in no time we were back on shore, packing it up.

Undaunted, we opted for clamming a bit later in the day, at the tip of Sandy Neck Beach.

The sun did peak in and out of the clouds while we were there, but I didn't take any pictures until after we had dug the clams. By then... well, you see how quickly the weather changes here!

Yesterday, I took these pics of Barnstable Harbor.

It was low tide, and the water was making small ripples near the shoreline.

The summer cottages are beginning to open up and I could hear a roofing crew banging their hammers nearby.

The beach roses are in full bloom this week... very lovely!

Shamelessly Borrowed.....

2009-06-01T11:25:00.001-04:00

From Snigs Spot
A lesson on Socialism:

An economics professor at a local college made a statement that he had never failed a single student before but had once failed an entire class.
That class had insisted that socialism worked and that no one would be poor and no one would be rich, a great equalizer.
The professor then said, “OK, we will have an experiment in this class on socialism. All grades would be averaged and everyone would receive the same grade so no one would fail and no one would receive an A.
After the first test, the grades were averaged and everyone got a B.
The students who studied hard were upset and the students who studied little were happy.
As the second test rolled around, the students who studied little had studied even less and the ones who studied hard decided they wanted a free ride too so they studied little.
The second test average was a D! No one was happy.
When the 3rd test rolled around, the average was an F.
The scores never increased as bickering, blame and name-calling all resulted in hard feelings and no one would study for the benefit of anyone else.
All failed, to their great surprise, and the professor told them that socialism would also ultimately fail because when the reward is great, the effort to succeed is great, but when government takes all the reward away, no one will try or want to succeed.
Could not be any simpler than that.

A new Bird of Paradise..... We hope.

2009-05-26T08:00:00.003-04:00

I have a cockatiel. I've had him since 1998. His name is Bird. Yes, I know, it's not too original but his name fits him perfectly. Over the years I have tried to tame him, much to his distress and my frustration. After several years of un-sucess... I stopped trying and since then we've lived in peace and harmony. Except of course when he hears the crows crowing. He hates them, and in some earlier part of his life before life with me, he must have had a scare of some sorts involving crows. Anyhow, Birds life has been very secluded, quiet and I would imagine very lonely. Today, that's all going to change. I was contacted by the Animal Rescue League last Saturday. They've got a three year old female cockatiel who needs adoption. I thought about it, all weekend... did I want the noise in the house? Did I want the added cost, care etc. of another bird?

I've already named her.
Birdette.

I'll be back in a bit... got to go pick her up.

Happy Memorial Day!

2009-05-25T16:37:00.002-04:00

Thanks to all our soldiers and veteran's for your service and dedication to our country!

2009-05-24T16:53:00.000-04:00

Happiness is a beautiful flower!

The Sound of Music Train Station

2009-05-21T10:33:00.002-04:00

I don't normally succumb to just posting videos on the blog... but for the second day in a row I found something worth sharing! Hope you enjoy this as much as I did!

Sound of Music Train Station @ Yahoo! Video

My New Cellphone!

2009-05-20T14:34:00.001-04:00

H/T to my friend Whitey!

2009-05-20T03:16:00.000-04:00

Just a few more flowers of Spring......

2009-05-14T16:20:00.002-04:00

I'm not sure what this little guy is, but he looked rather odd sitting on the side of the road... He's probably a weed, but looked more veggie-like? Perhaps a wild head of lettuce!! Ha ha!

Around Craigville

2009-05-12T11:29:00.004-04:00

I took a quick drive down to the beach for a walk this morning, just before the thunder started to roll. Couldn't resist taking a few shots before leaving. I thought you might like the view too!

This is from the hill above the beach, where the Craigville Conference Center is located.

I'm off to do chores before going into work... have a great day!

2009-05-04T13:49:00.007-04:00

Not much news worth repeating on this end... Charlie is doing well and is back outside roaming the yard and scoping out the woodpile for mice. No ill effects from his ordeal, save for one of his nine lives being used up!
I'm in the process of getting interior painting estimates, a unexpectedly difficult process. I didn't think it would be that hard to actually get a painting contractor to submit a bid. I've had 6 contractors come out, walk through the house, promise an estimate in a day or two, and voila... nothing. One bid. The house is very, very old. It needs a fresh coat of paint. Some minor repairs. I do not expect it to look like the Taj Mahal, but the one bid I did get made me laugh out loud. Apparently this contractor didn't really want the job. His bid was so high it was almost insulting. So the quest continues, and maybe with a little luck I'll find someone who actually wants to work. (And one that is reputable, reliable and licensed!)

Yesterday I stumbled upon an article from June, 2008 about how Oklahoma passed legislation regarding their state being a "Sovereign" state.

Under the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and, according to these resolution's own language, each of these states is "serving notice to the federal government to cease and desist certain mandates."

The Tenth Amendment states, "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people."

Traditionally, this language has meant that the federal government is limited in its scope and cannot usurp the sovereign powers of states. In recent decades, however, as the size and reach of the federal government has expanded, many have come to question whether Washington has stepped on states' rights and gotten too big for its breeches.

I wish I had paid more attention in school. I had to go back to my American History books and look for it... yes, there it was. Each state is already a sovereign state.

Charles Key, the Republican state representative who authored the resolution, told WND that he introduced it because he believes the federal government's overstepping of its bounds has put our constitutional form of government in danger.

Oklahoma State Rep. Charles Key

"The more we stand by and watch the federal government get involved in areas where it has no legal authority, we kill the Constitution a little at a time," he said. "The last few decades, the Constitution has been hanging by a thread."

Follow thislink for more information about other states doing exactly the same thing.

I don't know about you but I think it's about damn time.

I also read somewhere.... and I can't find it now so I can substantiate this claim... that Obama has approached several senators to discuss repealing the 10th Amendment.

Thanks for all your comments.... as always, I look forward to hearing from you.

Just a Touch of Spring

2009-05-02T16:21:00.002-04:00

Things started to sprout, bloom, awaken, and change last week! A welcome change to what we've been looking at for the past six months! The pics aren't that great, (taken w/cell phone) but wanted to share with you what I see on my morning walks....