Turkey time already?

When Garett and I returned home from an outing this afternoon, we were greeted by these 7 turkeys strolling down our driveway. Before leaving the yard, they pecked the heck out of my once beautiful petunia planter, which WAS still in full bloom...they also left a few reminders of their presence!

Watercolor...

I once again took watercolor classes this summer...this is my class painting of Nauset Light in Eastham.

A blast of color...

 

The hydrangeas and lilies have been absolutely beautiful the summer!

Wine tasting...

During a recent visit from my dear friends Lorna and Judy, we enjoyed the "aroma and bouquet" of a wine-tasting session at Truro Vineyards. Great fun and yet another glass for my collection!

Lunch at Chatham Bars Inn...

Last Saturday I had the pleasure of lunching with my sisters-in-law at the CBI Beach Side Grille. This is the second year we have enjoyed each other's company for our, hopefully, "annual birthday luncheon." You know how difficult it can be to get together at various times of the year for such celebrations, so we decided to do it "once a year for all!" The weather was beautiful, the food delicious, the company delightful, and the view - well - what could be nicer that sitting alongside Chatham Harbor on a summer day!
Until next year....Happy Birthday dear sisters!!

A tangled Cape...

This past week I have been working on this zentangle-inspired piece.
Cape Cod is always an inspiration for me
and taking on this challenge has definitely given me a closer look
at this beloved "arm" of Massachusetts.

A new year's sunrise...

My friend Nancy and I went to Nauset Beach early enough this morning
to witness this most beautiful sunrise.
Surprisingly, there were quite a number of folk on the beach doing the very same.
Could this be a new year's ritual for some...watching the first sunrise of the year?
Luckily the weather was fine...mild temperature and little wind.
May this be a preview of what 2011 holds for us...beauty, splendor and awe!
Happy New Year, friends!!!

Rounding out the day....

What better way to end a girls weekend than with oysters on the half-shell. There's nothing better than a few Wellfleet oysters and a glass of wine - and a crab cake (not particularly Capeish, but delish nonetheless). Now we're off to see a movie before heading back to Canton.

Strolling with Lorna on Nantucket

Yesterday Lorna and I visited Nantucket for its annual Christmas Stroll; part of the island's month long celebration of Christmas. I find that the many Christmas trees along the streets, decorated by youth groups and school children, to be one of the most charming and welcoming parts of the stroll. Each tree dons a display themed to the island, and what could be more appropriate than whales?!
Nighttime brings another layer of ambiance to the setting...so lovely and quaint.
It was an enjoyable day with an enjoyable friend.

Another class painting as demonstrated by our instructor, Eileen Smith.

Sunset over the flats...

This painting was an exercise in using a mask to create the waves and splash...and creating grasses a blade at a time...

Boat at rest....

Happy Birthday, Chris!

The Nest was a hub of activity on Saturday as we celebrated Chris's 30th birthday. Buttons the Clown even stopped by to make balloon hats and toys and paint faces. Lots of fun, food and fellowship!

Dune shack

Having passed by this dune shack so many times when we have driven out over sand, it was a pleasure to paint...

Bye, Lorna...

I know I've said this before, but one of the greater pleasures of having a summer home on the Cape is being able to share it with friends and family. The last few days have been days of fun, fun, fun with my dear friend Lorna. We talked, ate, drank, talked, swam, sunned, talked, shopped...well, you get the idea...we did all the stuff girl-friends do! Her 'significant purchase' this visit was a Trollbeads bracelet, which is absolutely stunning! As a matter of fact, I may just have to start one of these gem collectors for myself!

Well, Lorna is gone now...the house feels strangely empty and quiet...but wait!...who's that coming up the driveway?!?!

Sunday Worship

One of the finer joys of summer on the Cape is Sunday worship at the beach. Hosted by the local Methodist church, this early morning service has been a tradition for many years and is well attended by locals and visitors. Worship always begins with a hearty hymn sing and time for silent meditation; and being the beach lover that I am, nothing is more satisfying and fulfilling for me than hearing God's voice reflected in the sound of the waves, wind and shore birds. Prayers, scripture, and a meaningful message are always central in this worship service, along with musical offerings and more hymns. If you ever find yourself on Nauset Beach at 7:30 on a Sunday morning, please join us in the gazebo - you'll be glad you did!

Beach glass

Wow! It's been way too long since I have posted and I hope to be more regular from here on out...

Much to my delight, the past weeks have been busy with visits from family and friends. Whether at the beach or lounging at home, time with loved ones always passes too quickly. Fortunately, our weather is improving - lots of sunshine and less rain. Our nights continue to be cool, providing perfect sleeping conditions. Imagine, mid-July and the air conditioner hasn't even been uncovered!

A recent walk along the shore with my daughter-in-law yielded this bounty of beach glass. The piece of golden amber is especially beautiful - an uncommon find to be sure!

A nature walk...

It may not have been the seashore, but it was a wonderful walk nonetheless! On Wednesday morning I joined a group from the Museum of Natural History for a pleasant trek through the trails of Beebe Woods in Falmouth. Once a privately owned estate, the densely forested acreage of this conservation area provides well maintained & marked trails for nature walking. I delighted in seeing many lady-slippers in bloom and renewed my appreciation for the beauty and rich color of the moss which skirted the trails. The kettle pond we encountered (The Punch Bowl), which was once thought to be "bottomless," enhanced and reflected the beauty of this incredible place. My thanks to our guide, Connie, for transporting us and introducing me another Cape Cod gem!

Whale watching...

Garett and I had the pleasure of doing some whale watching yesterday. We departed from MacMillan Warf in Provincetown at 10 am, aboard the Portugese Princess II of the Dolphin Fleet. The trip to Stellwagen Bank passed quickly as we traveled out of the harbor, the shoreline providing beautiful scenery along the way. Before long we were being entertained by the many whales we encountered as they surfaced, breached, rolled and flapped their tails in the chilly waters of the Atlantic. Much to my surprise, there was always a whale in sight! After about an hour of watching these beautiful creatures, we headed back to the harbor.

While on the trip we met a couple from N. Carolina who were visiting Massachusetts to attend a wedding. They were doing the whale watch to fulfill a lifelong dream...I think they got their dream's worth!!!