Tag Archives: dogs

Cape Cod Day 2… Beer. More beer. And a sunset at the beach.

 

Heading back to our resort after lunch we stopped in at Devil’s Purse brewery in South Dennis.

 

IMG_8529

 

It’s an unassuming little place in a warehouse, with a beam for a bar…

 

IMG_8530

 

And slab topped barrel tables with no seats. Personally I’m not fond of this concept, but space was limited and they probably don’t want to encourage you to linger.

That being said their beer was good. Very good… and we enjoyed our time there.

 

IMG_8528

 

Sadly, they didn’t do flights which is my preferred way to sample a new brewery’s offerings.

 

IMG_8527

 

But they did offer 4 ounce pours… (at roughly a dollar an ounce!)  and we tried quite a few.

They specialize in European style beer and we specialize in never liking the same one. The Pollock RIP IPA was too bitter for me, while the Shore Laddie blackberry porter was too rich for him. But we both loved their plum saison Season In Hell…. enough to buy a growler to take home.

The tasting room is also dog friendly which is fun.

 

IMG_8532

 

No, Fido wasn’t drinking. His owner just wanted a good picture.

Sound like anyone you know…?

 

 

Back in Hyannis, we decided to stop at the Cape Cod brewery which is by far the largest and most popular.

 

IMG_8537

 

But as with most things, size doesn’t matter.

(Sorry fellas, but it’s true)

 

IMG_8538

 

Saturday afternoon at 3:45 and the place was packed. Though why that was, I really can’t say.

 

IMG_8536

 

When we got to the bar…. we were told they were closing in 15 minutes and wouldn’t be able to do a flight, but we could order a small pour or two.

 

 

Please explain this reasoning, because I’m confused. You do flights, but won’t give us one because you’re closing soon…. but you will pour us multiple smalls.  What’s the difference?

And to that…. closing at 4:00 on a Saturday afternoon. WTH? When we asked why they closed so early on the weekend, we were told it’s because their workers want to have fun too.

 

 

It’s a good thing the entire restaurant and bar industry doesn’t follow this trend….we’d all be forced to have fun at home.

And no one wants that.

 

IMG_8539

 

But, it was beer and we must drink. Which we did, though I wish we hadn’t…

Personal table top ring toss games aside, their beer was as flat and uninteresting as their let’s close early!  business plan. We drank 4 between us and I couldn’t even finish one of mine.

I. Left. Beer. On. The. Table.

Yeah, that’s bad.

 

IMG_8540

 

And yet we had bartenders tell us this is the tourist’s preferred brand.

Okay, they have a gift store.

 

IMG_8541

 

And heavily merchandise their product.

 

IMG_8542

 

But it will take more than that to get me to drink it again.

We drove back to the resort at dusk, remembering that the desk clerk recommended we watch the sunset at the nearby South Cape Beach State Park.

 

IMG_8547

 

So thank you Sea Mist Resort desk clerk.

 

IMG_8546

 

We took your advice.

 

IMG_8543

 

And ended our first full day at the Cape….

 

IMG_8548

 

Surrounded by natural beauty….

 

IMG_8550

 

Fresh ocean air…

 

IMG_8554

 

Beautiful colors…

 

IMG_8555

 

And a growing appreciation for your part of the world.

Cape Cod, Day 2… Hyannis, JFK socks and creative pooper scooping.

 

map2

 

As many of you probably know, John F. Kennedy’s family’s compound is in Hyannis… and when you’re there it’s pretty hard to escape the fact. Streets, housing developments, restaurants…. they’re all named for some part of the Kennedy legacy. So we said if you can’t beat em, join em….. and visited the JFK museum.

 

IMG_8429

 

Unfortunately it was under construction when we visited…

 

IMG_8428

 

So there won’t be any good exterior shots…

 

IMG_8427

 

Or good interior shots for that matter because photography was prohibited. I’m not really sure why, as there were very few vintage artifacts to flash damage. And to be honest, the whole place was disappointing. It consisted of multiple rooms filled with large photos, prints and news clippings that I could have just easily researched online. From my couch, in my pajamas.  The real museum is in Boston… so my advice? Skip this one and drive to beantown.

Unless you’re in desperate need of some  presidential socks…

 

IMG_8426

 

Which I bootlegged a picture of.

Since it was a beautiful day, we strolled to the harbor next.

 

IMG_8442

 

Where the husband made friends with a seagull..

 

IMG_8438

 

Who didn’t seem too pleased with the rules.

 

IMG_8439

 

Being off season and November, the art shanties were vacant…

 

IMG_8440

 

But it must be wonderful to walk there in the summer and watch local artists at work.

 

IMG_8430

 

This time of year the harbor was home to charter and fishing boats.

 

IMG_8446

 

As most of the tourists have fled for warmer ports.

 

IMG_8434

 

But it was a pretty spot to watch the ferry come in from Martha’s Vineyard.

 

 

And enjoy the day.

 

IMG_8444

 

Unless you’re a dog walker….

 

IMG_8445

 

Who apparently have to follow closely behind their pets and strategically aim a saucepan at Fido’s butt.

Good times.

 

 

 

The post in which River goes to a Lobster Festival but can’t eat lobster.

 

The following is proof that my husband can inflict cruel and unusual punishment.

It happened at The 72nd Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland, Maine.

We lucked out and found a parking spot close to the festival, and it was across the street from the Trade Winds resort where I spotted the first lobster.

 

IMG_5645

 

Although it looked more like a demented crawfish…

 

IMG_E5648

 

The stupid thing had teeth!

This did not bode well for the day….

 

IMG_E5610

 

But the weather was perfect…

 

IMG_E5614

 

And we were near the ocean.

It doesn’t get much better than that…

 

IMG_E5611

 

Or does it?

Aaarrgghh!

There be Pirates.

 

IMG_5613

 

Pirates on the boats…

 

tumblr_p70aqw2tsJ1wqhufbo1_400

 

Pirates on the piers…

 

IMG_5617

 

Basically, there were pirates everywhere.

 

d429a24b289ceeef75b74274cad7b4eb--funny-cute-cats-funny-animals

 

IMG_E5609

 

And as much as I tried to avoid it?

 

IMG_E5631

 

There was lobster.

Mocking me and my damned allergy.

 

 

World’s Largest Lobster cooker?

 

IMG_5621

 

Yup… that too.

 

 

We passed lobster rolls, lobster stew, lobster quesadillas, lobster mac and cheese, lobster chowder, lobster Caesar salad, lobster wontons, even lobster risotto balls….

And then there was this:

 

IMG_5623

 

Me…. sitting in a tent, surrounded by people eating lobster.

 

IMG_5625

 

I had to sit and watch my husband as he oohed and ahhed over every last sweet, fresh from the water, dripping in melted butter, bite.

Cruel and unusual to be sure.

 

 

It wasn’t easy.

I tried to find solace in a crabmeat roll…

 

IMG_E5630

 

And the required  I’m at a street festival and have to eat the junkiest, highest calorie  thing I can find  fried dough.

 

IMG_E5632

 

It was good… but it wasn’t lobster.

Cursing my treacherous body,  I pulled up my big girl panties and soldiered on.

 

IMG_E5608

 

We strolled through the art show…

 

IMG_5640

 

And into the lobster trap lined entrance to the craft show.

 

imagesEBGEN1DP

 

Where the husband bought organic natural honey…

 

IMG_5620

 

And we saw a buoy that believed size does matter….

 

IMG_5619

 

There was another tent filled with lobster eaters…

 

IMG_5626

 

And King Neptune….

 

IMG_5627

 

Who looked a little lost.

 

IMG_E5634

 

The King is quite popular at the festival….

 

IMG_E5638

 

And people line up for photos whenever he walks by.

 

Trump - Sinking Ship

 

My lobster-less belly aside, it was a fun day.

 

IMG_E5650

 

And Rockland is a fun town.

Although I have to admit, the children do look a little….

Off.

 

IMG_E5653

 

 

 

 

 

A Blogiversary.

 

Happy 1rst blogiversary to me!

 

 

A little more enthusiasm would be nice but yes, it’s been one year to the day since I joined WordPress.

And while I certainly wasn’t a blog virgin….

 

 

It did take a little time for me to adjust to my new home.

WordPress is a larger and more diverse platform than my previous sites, and though it’s also filled with more businesses and spam than I was used to…. I admit I’m enjoying it more as well.

 

very-nice-we-make-great-time

 

Blogging means different things to different people and my posts have certainly changed over the years. They used to be filled with personal details, family strife, and raw emotion …. but I was burned by that.

 

 

And switched to a light hearted, irreverent look at the world instead.

 

pgps-cover-600-ce3

 

Yes.

That book really exists…

“Go behind the exam room door to experience the secret lives of doctors and patients. Enjoy Pap parties. Meet the Chlamydia Clown. Win a free kitten with your physical! In this laugh-till-you-cry health care handbook, you’ll learn how fun it is to be a doctor–and a patient.”
I haven’t read it…
But feel I should, and report back.

 

Finding a tribe of like minded odd balls has helped me settle in here.

 

 

So to all of you slightly disturbed souls I call friends…

The loons who regularly tune in for my mindless drivel?

 

sean-connery

 

I shall endeavor to provide more of the same high quality nonsense…

And continue to answer some of life’s most difficult questions.

 

upload

 

Did you know…

 

In 1700’s London, you could purchase insurance against going to Hell?

Proof positive there’s a policy for everything.

 

h126EA2AA

 

And yes, it’s that time again.

 

 

Game of Thrones

 

 

President Andrew Jackson’s parrot Poll cursed so loudly during his master’s funeral he had to be removed.

Parrots…

You never know what the little bastards will do.

 

 

The LEGO company was founded in Denmark in the 1930’s.

It’s name is an abbreviation for the words leg godt which mean “play well”.

 

b57

 

A crocodile’s tongue is attached to the roof of it’s mouth so it doesn’t accidentally bite it when snapping down on prey.

 

398ruthf

 

There is a canine condition known as Frito Feet.

It’s a bacterial foot infection that smells like corn chips.

Sorry Fido.

 

 

 

In ancient Greece women counted their age from the day they were married.

This works for me.

I’m 35.

 

h6EA8F74A

 

 

 

The Hawaiian alphabet only contains 12 letters. Five vowels and seven consonants.

You’d think that would make spelling their names easier, but it doesn’t.

 

 

The most common name for a goldfish in America is Jaws.

 

1xfxuv

 

 

 

 

Good grief, what next?

 

I know this has been a “thing” for a while…

But I’m just getting around to mocking it.

Apologies for the tardiness, but there’s just too much crazy out there for a girl to keep up.

A.S.M.R.

Autonomous sensory meridian response.

Definition:

 

 

 

 

 

A.S.M.R.

Because just when I think I’ve seen everything….

Thousands of people step up to prove me wrong.

Epic thrift store finds.

 

I read an article the other day about the crazy things people find at thrift stores. This was right up my alley as I used to post my wackadoodle discoveries as well.

If you’ve never thrifted?

You’ve never really shopped.

I mean really…. where else can you find these treasures.

Searching for fine literature?

 

IMG_4538

 

Find it at the Thrift store.

Not being a musher, I was totally unaware sexual preference was even a factor.

Go figure.

 

When you’re in need of a box of decapitated doll heads?

 

IMG_4539

 

And let’s be honest…

Who isn’t these days?

 

1434377970363

 

 

They’re at the Thrift store.

 

When you’re searching for a little extra something to compliment the dogs playing poker velvet wall hanging in your living room?

 

IMG_4540

 

You’ll find it at the Thrift store.

Shells playing poker are perfect.

 

Fido’s constant shedding driving you nuts?

 

IMG_4542

 

Thrift store to the rescue.

Beat grandma to the punch this Christmas and give her the ugly sweater.

 

Can’t find that just right gift for the dominatrix in your life?

 

IMG_4541

 

Look no more…. your local thrift store has S&M Teddy.

Her heart will melt, and then she’ll whip heart shaped cuts on your thighs.

It’s a win win.

 

And speaking of gifts…

Those hard to buy for people?

They’d love a vomit clock from the Thrift store.

 

IMG_4543

 

Yes, that was the description the person who found it gave in the article.

Vomit clock.

I’m hoping  (really, really hoping)  that it’s just heavily shellacked pebbles in a putrid pink hue.

But hey, it came from a thrift store….

Anything’s possible.

 

7b908e3b07d0143759e827a34ed77cdf

 

 

The Dog Chapel.

If you love animals, grab some Kleenex.

If you don’t… move along, you’re not my people.

IMG_1575

The Dog Chapel, on Dog Mountain, built by dog artist Stephen Hunecker.

IMG_1607

This is Stephen, and his dogs.

The following is the story of his near death experience…

IMG_1602

And a few words about the special space he created.

IMG_1603

I’d heard of this place, but wasn’t quite sure what to expect.

A chapel… for dogs. Okay, got it.

But I hadn’t.

IMG_1609

The pews are hand carved and supported by dogs.

IMG_1590

The stained glass is hand made…

IMG_1592

And filled with dogs.

IMG_1576

But what takes your breath away as you stand in this unassuming little building….

IMG_1599

Is love.

IMG_1605

And an outpouring of grief so heartfelt, I wept.

Non stop, for the entire time we were there.

IMG_1578

The love surrounds you.

Engulfs you.

From floor to ceiling, every single inch.

IMG_1598

People from all over the world come to this obscure little spot on the map to leave pictures and memorials to their beloved 4 footed friends.

IMG_1597

If you’ve ever loved a dog, this place will move you.

If you’ve never loved a dog, this place will move you.

IMG_1594

It was silent, and haunting….. and beautiful beyond words.

IMG_1600

The loss is palpable, and deep.

But the love?

The love is overwhelming and chokes me up even now.

IMG_1596

So I left a memorial of my own, for a very special beagle we had when I was growing up. Hiram… my father’s steadfast companion. Who happily romped the fields and gardens with him in the good times, and lay devotedly at his side through the bad. The dog that was inconsolable when my father was hospitalized with heart attack after heart attack… as if he knew.

Hiram.

His death was the only time I ever saw my father cry.

IMG_1610

Oh, yes…

Yes they do.

The Stephen Huneck Gallery

 

The Dog Chapel has long been on my list of places to visit in Vermont, and while I would have preferred to go in warmer weather and walk the lovely nature trails… we happened to pass the sign so I screamed,  “Let’s go!”

Up a steep hill, and over a narrow and rutted dirt road you’ll find a 150 acre farm.

 

IMG_1574

 

The Chapel…

 

IMG_1573

 

And a frozen, peed upon pumpkin.

 

IMG_1572

 

(I’m guessing dog, but wouldn’t put it past my husband.)

 

 

 

 

There’s also a gallery/shop that houses the owner’s folk art, which as you might guess….

 

IMG_1568

 

Is clearly dog-centric.

There are dog chairs…

 

IMG_1557

 

Dog benches..

 

IMG_1563

 

Dog lamps…

 

IMG_1561

 

Dog borders…

 

IMG_1559

 

Dog railings…

 

 

IMG_1567

 

And dog mounted trophies….

 

IMG_1558

 

Don’t laugh…

It beats the trophy mounted vegetarian on this butcher shop wall.

 

7jyT6IH

 

Even the bathroom was dogged.

 

IMG_1566

 

It’s pretty clear the artist loved dogs.

 

IMG_1569

 

And why wouldn’t he?

 

IMG_1570

 

They’re marvelously talented creatures….

 

IMG_1564

 

 

jeal

 

She’s a peach.

 

Technically, she’s a Hurricane Katrina rescue dog named Peaches who belongs to the farmers across the street…. but yes, she’s a peach as well.

 

IMG_9242

 

They went out of town over the weekend so we had dog duty… which isn’t a hardship because I’m currently petless for the first time in my life due to a husband who wants to travel when he retires next year.

 

IMG_9244

 

I agree Peaches.

Boo and hiss to that.

 

IMG_9259

 

Peaches is a rough and tumble farm dog who dearly missed her father…. and spent an inordinate amount of time looking for him out the window.

 

IMG_9265

 

She couldn’t quite grasp the fact that she wasn’t allowed to cross the road and go back home…. so even though she’s a free range canine, when we had her outside she had to be tied.

 

IMG_9299

 

That didn’t go over very well…

So the first thing she did in retaliation?

 

IMG_9324

 

Yeah.

Peaches – 1.

Alvin – 0.

 

IMG_E9327

 

Peaches is also the only dog I know who enjoys self flagellation.

She picks up her toys and beats herself silly. To the point where I worry she’ll hurt herself.

Naturally she only flagellated half heartedly whenever I filmed, but you get the idea.

 

 

 

Hey, whatever floats your boat.

It kept her occupied, and the chipmunk population breathed a sigh of relief.