2013 - Wicked Awesome August

WELCOME TOURISTS!  There's a bumper sticker occasionally seen around here that I've always found a little distasteful.  It sneers, "I'm not on your vacation".  Although one can't help noticing that when vacationers outnumber locals, our small, quiet towns can seem like a free-for-all, I give kudos to Eastham's Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Jim Russo, who reminded members this month that "tourism is the driving force of Eastham's economy".  This is not the first time Jim has encouraged us to take the high ground on an issue and it's a pleasure to see someone gently nudge the weary locals by stating the obvious; in this case, don't bite the hand that feeds you.  We are truly grateful not only for the tourists who visit our B&B, but for everyone who contributes to the financial well-being of our neighbors.  We are actually on your vacation and we hope you have a nice one and come back!  

ROSES, ROSES, EVERYWHERE! - across from Eastham's town green

off the beaten track in Orleans

The other day, when a motorist stopped me in a parking lot to ask if I was a local, I stifled a silly grin and got out what I hoped was a nonchalant "yup" and some requested directions to a lumber store.  After almost four years as a year-rounder, one would think life would adjust to the mundane, but I still wake up feeling like a kid in a candy store.  I barely approach the 15 generations of Cape descendants that some folks around here claim, but I do feel a little more qualified this summer to claim local status since I've now suffered through some of the not-so-sweet initiations, like deer ticks and poison ivy.  There's nothing like a whole itchy month of August to earn a "local" badge.      

"Poison Ivy"

New England is pretty passionate about their sports teams, but after last year's disastrous Red Sox performance, I've held off bringing up the subject.  When your team comes in dead last for the season, there's nowhere to go but up, and so far, that's what our Sox have done, currently jockeying for first place.  Of interest though, was the July 31st game against the Mariners.  Bear with me...tied in the 9th inning and seeming to battle on endlessly, we finally succumbed to sleep before the end of the game.  But, in the morning we were elated to find out that the Sox had finally won in the 15th inning, which made it truly the longest game of the year, beginning in the month of July and ending in the month of August!  GO SOX!    

Hallowed ground of Fenway Park 

Through the Calamine-pink tinge of poison ivy, I've been focusing on some of the simpler pleasures that come from the feel and smell of sheets and towels fresh from the dryer and precisely tucked in for the next guests.  The satisfaction of stocking the kitchens with lots of fresh fruit and exotic yogurt flavors.  The delight of being able to open the windows and doors for some fresh Canadian air.  My new hibiscus making itself at home in the garden with its plate-size white blooms.  Taking the back roads to find pictures waiting to be discovered.  And, my new air conditioners that keep me as comfortable as it gets with a wicked rash.  Simple pleasures are always there for the finding.  

more simple pleasures

August guests came from as far away as France, England, Canada, Texas, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts.  We've had our second engagement in the Studio (at least that we know about) and we host the second generation of guests whose parents traveled here from the UK two years before.    

Peaches apples, tomatoes and cukes-the gardens keep giving.

It's not Fall, yet, but I did see the first couple of brown leaves make their descent on a gentle sea breeze.  The new garden is providing tomatoes and cucumbers for several families and the peaches from our tree are magically turning into jam by my beach plum jelly connection.  Stop and Shop has their first tempting colorful shipment of chrysanthemums.  Regardless of whether residents never want summer to end or they can't wait, August malaise settled over the area like a thick, foggy marine layer.  And, desperate people still call without much hope of finding last minute Labor Day reservations.  These things don't lie.  You can count on Fall and the slower pace it brings being right around the corner.      

Last days of sailing Camp in the Orleans Town Cove