2011- November Snippets

Fort Hill Foliage

In spite of the surprise Halloween Storm that buried much of New England in snow without power for days, we came out of it with only one broken outer windowpane in the Cottage and an A+ on the new generator's first practical test.  The temperatures immediately returned to the UN-seasonable 60's, where it has stayed most of the month, which pleased everyone except hardcore winter freaks like myself who like sipping hot apple cider by crackling fires and soaking the chill away in a hot tub.  Nevertheless, the flannel sheets are on in the B&B rooms and the porch has a ready supply of wood scraps for the fireplace.  The season is still young.

Where's the cranberry sauce?

Otherwise, it's been a "wild" Fall.  We've had wild turkeys waddling around in the yard, throwing caution to the wind about Thanksgiving.  A buck ran full speed down our street in broad daylight with no Elmer Fudd in sight.  A pack of howling coyotes has been on the hunt near our friend's house in North Eastham.  If anything portends the coming of cooler weather, it's when the cats proudly present a mouse that somehow got in.  Our cats are more intent on playing with than eating them, so I usually have to catch them myself and toss them on the lawn to take their chances with the hawks. The chase is kind of like a bad Tom and Jerry cartoon.  Meanwhile, the squirrel count has climbed to 118, and I suspect another chippy's on the loose.

So long, Newfie

On the domestic wildlife scene, which is not as much of an oxymoron as you might think, it is with sadness that I report the passing of Newfie, our black cat, who has been in declining health for quite some time.  He was one of the most lovable and sociable felines we've ever known and had a way of looking you right in the eyes and expressing such humble appreciation for any show of attention that it made you want to be a better human.  When he let us know it was time to escape, we were grateful to be able to provide it for him peacefully and humanely.  If only it were as easy for humans.

When Ron noticed an ad for a no-fee MSPCA adoption weekend, we decided to check it out to see if there might be a suitable companion for our manx, Bob, who has been growing tubby from inactivity.  We made promises not to bring home any cat that didn't steal both our hearts and remained resolute throughout both rooms until the last cage came into view.  An impossibly long, slinky-like, apricot, fluff ball who eagerly licked his approval of us had us hooked before you could say "Macaroni", the name volunteers had just given him.  "New Cat" had been brought in a few days prior and listed on their computer as "Stray Cat".  I thought we might just call him Mac, but after giving it further consideration, we decided on the more dignified, Thomas MacDaniels, and he is slowly learning that the "New Parents" call him Tommy.  

Thomas "Tommy-Can-You-Hear-Me" MacDaniels

You lookin' at ME?

Tom & Bob

Bob made it clear with their first encounter that besides being confused about Newfie's disappearance, he was also horrified and disgusted by this new, fluffy thing slinking around the house.  But, each day grew progressively better as Tommy relentlessly wore him down with fancy, airborne spins, engaging upside-down looks, 0-60 mph sprints that ended respectfully just short of Bob's backside and throaty hide and seek invitations.  Bob's curiosity finally got the better of him and by the end of a week they were engaging in tentative sparring and intense stare-downs.  At the end of two weeks, it was Bob who was initiating Goofy-time and it was clear that there was a new brother in town.  

So, what is there to do on Cape Cod in November?

Salt Marsh near Coast Guard Beach

There are a good many people who prefer to visit off-season who see the advantage of trading trinket shopping and beach weather for the tranquility of coastal towns without the mobs of tourists.  We've been the lucky recipients of visits from out-of-town friends twice this month, and even got a surprise, belated wedding gift.  

Need more entertainment than that?  Well...

Feeling cultural?  The W.H.A.T.'s Julie Harris Theatre has a ready supply of entertainment, from live cabaret to the Cape Symphony, a live feed for the Bolshoi Ballet, play readings and movies. 

Feeling festive?  November's all about the holidays and many towns have Seaside Holiday Activities, decoration contests, bazaars, illuminations and performances.  It's not unusual for Santa to arrive on a boat and feast on clam chowder after listening to gift requests.

Feeling altruistic?  Local musicians pitch in for the annual Yule for Fuel Musical Benefits, and there are many other fun opportunities to help the needy. 

History Buff?  Retrace the Mayflower passengers' first steps of exploration with a National Seashore Ranger.  Or, check out the Salt Pond Center exhibit about the local Wampanoag Indian tribes who greeted them.

Artsy-Time?  Watch the Sandwich Glass Museum create unique ornaments, or see the best of local craftsmen at various open galleries.

All Aboard:  Who doesn't like a model train exhibit at the Nauset Model Railroad Club's Open House?

And, please, don't forget about the annual Eastham Turnip Festival.  This year's winning turnip recipe and the winner of a $200 savings bond was Coconut Mustard Seed Turnip Curry.  Second prize, winning a $100 savings bond went to the Turnip Ice Cream recipe.  

November's also a busy month for thrift and consignment shops as they prepare to close for winter breaks and have clear-out sales.  It's truly guilt-free shopping for good causes. 

Another fine First Encounter Beach Sunset

Thanksgiving in Eastham:

To quote John Lennon, "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."  And, that sums up our Thanksgiving this year.  After officially closing the B&B to reservations for the first time and making our own in Virginia to attend my aunt's 80th birthday, I spent the week here instead on antibiotics and sipping chicken soup and tea.  Disappointment aside in not being able to see family and participate in the celebration, I found quite enough about which to be sappily grateful.  For one, a husband who took it upon himself to make homemade chicken soup for me as close to the way my mom used to make it without her actually being here.  And, if I had to be 'stuck somewhere', I can't think of anywhere more comforting to be than curled up on my couch lazily watching the sun through the tall, dancing marsh grasses, surrounded by soft, purring cats as I drowsed.

On the subject of holidays and feeling grateful, an appropriate enough subject for November, I have this to say:  I'm surrounded by lots of great things that I enjoy, but none that I wouldn't trade for loving companionship and good health.  The holidays have long been taken over by advertisers who sell guilt at the expense of reason and value.  It seems to me there is such a better alternative.  Instead, be an elf, or an angel, or a mench (Yiddish for "a good person").  Trade stress, guilt and a mangled credit card for finding your own creative way to help someone who needs it more than you.  The gift will be yours.  My gift to myself this year is submitting a volunteer application to the Lower Cape Outreach Program.  And, that's another thing about November on the Cape, there's finally time to just think.   Healthy holidays to all! 

The bunny ears are an old cold remedy-try it.