Category: Uncategorized

Aquinnah and 25

  Rather than reinvent the wheel, I’m stealing words from Wikipedia below… I hope you don’t mind.  Our favorite beach on the Vineyard is Moshup Beach, just below the Gay Head cliffs, now known as ” Aquinnah”… a town located on the most rural location of the island. We love it for it’s rugged natural beauty.  Because of all the rocks, I don’t recommend it for swimming.. but bring your beach chair, suit for dipping and a good book and you’ll find peace in abundance.  There is a hike from the parking lot way down to the beach itself, but it’s a pretty walk at that… and you can drop off the day’s supplies right near the beach before you park in the lot.

“The population of Aquinnah was 311 at the 2010 U.S. census. It is known for its beautiful clay cliffs and quiet natural serenity, things which have become less common in the heavily populated Northeastern United States. Below the clay cliffs is Jungle Beach, named for the lack of clothing worn. It’s one of the few nude beaches left in the U.S. More recently, it has become celebrated as a center of Wampanoag culture and a center of pride and tradition among members of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head, who make up about one-third of the town’s voters. This area is one of the earliest sites of whaling, done from shore by the Wampanoags, long before the 19th century industry of whaling became the major maritime industry of Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and New Bedford, Massachusetts.”

  The nude beach, to be clear, is all the way down at the end of the cliffside beach.  We don’t go there, but if you’re so inclined, go for it!..  We stay at the other end where suits are the norm.  Unless I suddenly wake up in a supermodels body, you won’t catch me bare-assed on the beach, ever.  Pardon the french.

The directional signs on the island roads, some very rural.. look like this. 
No trip up island is complete without a stop
at Alleys General Store in West Tisbury…where you will find everything and anything
piled high, floor to ceiling. Kids of all ages absolutely love this place
and if you’re headed to the beach, you’ll find all that you need right here.
Heck, I’m pretty sure if you’re headed to Europe you’d find the necessities.
So let’s head on down to the beach…you won’t believe the beauty that awaits…

I wasn’t kidding – 

The beach below the cliffs is called Moshup’s Beach, named after a giant sachem who used to lead the tribe in days of old, of whom many myths are told. The ocean is a rare aqua color here with waves heights that are above average for the area.
Are you feeling the love yet?
This island is magical if you get away from the crowds.
Did I tell you this is our 25th Anniversary year?
It was nice to get away alone together to reflect on our relationship
and bring it back to just the two of us for a few days, no work hassles, 
no bills or phone calls or interruptions of any kind.
We got along wonderfully and relaxed like we hardly ever do. 
(although my calves are still aching from all the hiking.)
Have we had 25 perfect years?  Hell no. 
We are two of the most stubborn italians you’d ever come to know, 
and we’ve had our share of rocks along the shore. Some were big ones.
But we have managed to wade through the waters together
and have found a rythym, an ebb and flow that work.
Honeymoon – 1988
Still crazy after all these years…

Lighting the Night

 Edgartown Light is probably one of the most photographed..
an easy walk up Water street and out onto a sand spit at the edge of the Harbor..
Station established: 1828; Current lighthouse tower built: 1881
 (moved from Ipswich in 1939); Automated: 1939
Construction material: Cast iron
Tower height: 45 feet; Height of focal plane: 45 feet
Original optic: Fourth order Fresnel; Current optic: 250 mm (solar-powered)
Characteristic: Flashing red every six seconds

Next stop… The cliffs at Aquinnah (aka Gay Head)

To Edgartown we go

  When we visit Martha’s Vineyard, our favorite town to call “home” is Edgartown. If you’re staying in town or even on the outskirts, everything is within walking or biking distance. The shopping and dining can’t be beat and the ambiance of the old whaling captains homes, white clapboard and cedar shingle, brick sidewalks, street lanterns and abundant gardens is reminiscent of a very prosperous and gentler time.

  Regarding the island, MVOL.com has this to say… “The 100 square miles of Martha’s Vineyard are home to six separate towns which have evolved six unique personalities since the first arrival of English settlers to the Island in 1642. The Island, with its beautiful beaches, nature preserves and historic villages, is a magical place to visit at any season. But one of the most unexpected delights for many newcomers is the rich variety and unique charms of these six individual towns.”

  “In 1642, Rev. Thomas Mayhew, Jr. led a group of families to start a colony on the island after its purchase by his father Thomas Mayhew. Originally called Great Harbor, it was incorporated in 1671, and is one of the two original towns on Martha’s Vineyard, along with Tisbury. The town’s current name is in honor of Edgar, the young son of James II of England who died at the age of three in 1671.

   Edgartown is well known as having been one of the primary ports for the whaling industry during the 1800s. Ships from all over the world would dock in its sheltered bay and captains would build grand mansions for their families. As more economical alternatives became available the whaling industry began to decline. By the beginning of the 20th century, its influence on the tiny town which had made its fortunes through the industry, was ended.

   Today the town is more known for tourism, as well as the site of Chappaquiddick, where Ted Kennedy’s infamous incident took place in 1969.”

 Lets take a stroll… and pardon the pic quality.. all shot with iphone.  Hey, I got lazy.

On this visit, we stayed at the Kelley House,  which has been in business since 1742 and is a registered Historic Hotel of America.  Warm fresh baked cookies and milk are served from 8 to 9pm every night in the lobby, and there’s always a fire in the fireplace.

If you’re a shopper, Edgartown is the place for you.
and ooooh, the FOOD!!!
(veal over smoked gouda mashed potatoes with crisp onions and roasted brussel sprouts)
– Eleven North on Water Street
Water Street, along the harbor…

We found our fixer upper!  Too bad it’s still
WAY out of our price range, even in this condition.
Way.
The Fallon Inn

Roses and flowers everywhere…
Some of these homes can be rented.

Just across the water below you can see Chappaquiddick,
a quick two minute ferry ride across the harbor.
The Hydrangeas of summer are
 just beginning to bloom…
Heading up Main Street….
Urns and pots of flowers on stoops everywhere…
The Steeple of the Old Whaling Church
One of the many Inns… 

Churches of all denominations…
The old Whaling Church from the Street…
Lanterns line the streets…
The staircase at Edgartown Book…
Main Street Diner…
Love the decor!!  If I could open a bloggers cafe where we all could meet,
this would be it –
My favorite omelet..you gotta try this at home!
The Vermont –
apple pie spiced cooked apples, cheddar cheese and sausage..
-may not look pretty here, but oooh man is it good.
As mom would say… “food for the Gods”
~~~~~~~~~~~
If you’re still with me here, come back tomorrow
 and we’ll head on outto the lighthouse. 
 As always, thanks for stopping by  –

Just for Joan

 I found Joan’s blog when searching for info on Martha’s Vineyard.
Turns out, she loves it just as much as I do and has spent much time
with family there over the years.   She has stumped me many times with her
snippets, and so I thought I’d return the favor.
See previous post and come along to the Vineyard…
Joan, these photos are for you, let’s see if you can guess them all correctly.
Where were these photos taken?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
A clue for the above…
7.
8.
9.
10 .

Ferry over to there…

…with us, won’t you?
The guy and I took a four day hiatus over to Martha’s Vineyard.
This is our 25th Anniversary year and we figured we were due.
The kids stayed home with the critters, and did a fine job
as caretakers. Mom stayed at the house just to give
me Peace of Mind. I still have a teenager here, don’t ya know.
The manchild was a bit disgusted with the idea of a babysitter.
I explained that he did not have a babysitter,
we had an overseer of the happenings and the comings and goings at the homestead,
 that’s all.
Anyway, if you’ve been reading this little blog for very long, you know I’m a freak
with the camera and I have a ton of photos to share.
If you’re so inclined, join me for the next few days as I share with you this
wonderful place just a few hours from here.
First thing I noticed was the bomb/drug sniffing dog  and handler weaving through the traffic
at the ferry as we were waiting to board with the car.  That’s something we’ve not seen here before.
Someone noted the President will be visiting soon, maybe this is an early precaution.
The ferry ride over to the Vineyard is necessary unless you plan to fly in.
There are several boats you can take, large and small.
It’s about a 45 minute ride and comfortable.
If you’re planning a trip and want your car on island,
make sure you make reservations in advance so there’s room for your car on 
the days you want to go and return.  There is also bus and taxi service on island
and several car rentals.  Jeep and corvette!
We live near Long Island Sound in Connecticut, so our beaches and the waters
are not quite the blue hues we see in Massachusetts. 
The water here is so deeply blue- green -navy hued
and refreshing – the Ocean.
This is the Island Home ferry, docked at our destination, Vineyard Haven.
From here our first stop is usually The Black Dog Tavern,
where we have a delicious lunch and greet the two black dogs that represent the original namesake.
They’re waiting for me to throw a stick or a rock,
which they roll around in the water with their feet until it’s in shallow enough water
 for them to pick up with their teeth.
The interior of the tavern hasn’t changed much in many years.
For more info and history on the Black Dog in a previous post, visit here.
Tomorrow I’ll take you to Edgartown….

Goodbye Good Fella

 We don’t watch many TV programs around here, but one that we followed faithfully because it was just so well done, was The Sopranos.  We grew up in Italian families and I was raised on Staten Island, just over the bridge from Jersey, where the show was “homed”.  Anyone living on island was  aware of the NY and NJ mob presence, thankfully unaffected for the most part.  The series was so authentic, and the characters so well cast.  Tony Soprano was a lovable hate-able character , thanks to James Gandolfini.  He was just as effective in other rolls, and ironically, a big hearted teddy bear of a personality in real life.

  Here at This Old House we are so sad to hear of his passing.
Good bye, big guy.  You are dearly missed already.
********
We’ve got some good stuff going on for the next week..
so I’m taking a blog hiatus to keep up with it all.
You know I’ll be back with pictures to share.

a Reflux Remedy

When I was younger I could eat anything.
Hot wings, hot stuffed cherry peppers, pizza,
coffee, Enchiladas, horseradish anything,  stuffed jalapenos!
Now?
Not so much.
Dang this acid reflux.
I have found a remedy that helps when I’m in the throws
of a flare-up.  I had to pay a whopping $95. for the report that
swore it had the saving grace, the remedy to beat all remedies
for sufferers of Acid Reflux.  The Cure!
Yes I was suckered.
But the remedy does actually help.
I drink it as a morning tea.
Now I have to warn you, it’s not palatable to everyone..but I happen to like it.
Adding more honey to your taste preference helps.
Here it is.   I’ll save you the $95.
2 tbs. Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar
(with the Mother – which means the “pulpy stuff”.)
2 tbs. (or more) Honey
Put this in a mug and add hot water to make a “tea”.
Sip until gone.
Speaking of all these delicious foods…
here’s a link to a recipe I found this morning over at Sam’s place… YUM!
 

Making Hay and other stuff

  Sometimes a good post title just doesn’t come to me. Case in point above.   Anyway… despite all the rain and rain and more rain we’ve been getting, yesterday was a clear blue sky with a light breeze… good day for making hay.  The hay equipment was dropped off last week, pulled out yesterday and the fields were mowed.   Just before the rain returned for an evening shower, good enough to drench it.  

What it needs now is time to dry before it’s picked up with the baler.
Unfortunately, we’re supposed to get more rain later today.
*sigh*
Making hay ain’t easy.
Kinda like love.  There’s all those annoyances you’re not expecting, don’t ya know.
Anyway.. yesterday morning we woke to a Rosy glow at about 5:30 am…
The knockout roses matched the hue…
It’s my favorite time of  day, especially the early summer mornings
when most of the world is still sleepy
Up at the barn, Opie says…
this is NOT my best angle.
Senior Max and  mini Coady discuss the hay and rain situation…
Every day when I approach the barn I stop at the gate
to lay my hand on this heart rock.
Love lives here, at This Old House. 
Impatiens I planted at the chicken coop below.
I haven’t had to water them in weeks.
Henrietta, my lovely vintage mini Cochin out looking for bugs..
…While Snow, Dorothy and Autumn relax and take dirt baths under the pine tree 
in the front yard.  They are all here in this picture.
Do you see all three?  Look closely, all are actually touching in the picture.
Kudos to the person who sees all three correctly.
Snow is truly a beautiful chicken.
A large Cochin.
I’ll leave you today with my basket of flowers on the front steps.
I’m a big fan of something that says “welcome” at the entrance to a home or property.
Something that speaks of happiness.
When I see a home void of any kind of adornment,
I can’t help but think of it as a sad house.
Adornments don’t have to be extravagant…
it can be a little stone bunny with a small pot of geraniums..
or a sign that says Welcome..
or a flag, a wreath, anything that speaks to the occupant.
What speaks of YOU at your ‘front step’?.
It’s a new day all, make it a good one…
and as always, thank you for taking the time to stop by.  

Mending Fences

Dad came for dinner last night
and it was an evening filled with reminiscing, laughter
and casual conversation.  Comfortable conversation.
I agreed with his political rants this time…
because it makes no difference that I believe something completely different.
It matters more at this stage of the game that we had a polite discussion.
Frankly, he didn’t even notice my change of allegiance.
I listened to the old stories for the 100th time with eager and new enthusiasm.
Because someday he won’t be here to discuss them.
We are polar opposites in some ways,
and oh let me tell you how we clashed over the years.
No, on second thought, I’ll spare you.
And…  I’d be misleading you if I didn’t admit that on occasion
when I’m being particularly stubborn,
my husband has a tendency to call me “Lou”.
(in his older years, my father has become very patriotic. This flag is always on his car.)
In any event, regardless of the many years of discontent
and the struggle I had with this particular relationship,
I’m realizing, when it’s OVER, it’s OVER.
And we never do know when it’s going to be over,
so… I’m taking advice I was given years ago.
Make peace with the differences, forgive the slights,
let go of the residual hurt…and mend the fence.
Be the bigger person.
Do this FOR YOU.
And I think I’m accomplishing something here.
You know why?  It feels good.  It feels right.
I doubt I’ll regret it down the road.
If you find yourself in the same situation, do yourself a favor.
Mend the fence. 

M & M’s

We stopped at the BIG BARN
to visit K and Max after dinner out last night….
..and Dad spent a little time bonding with daughter’s horse.

Max & Mike, my favorite M & M’s…