Cape Cod Rock Hopper

Another Story From My Dad & Crabbies

         This weeks story is just an interesting thought. My Dad and I were together this past weekend as he is preparing to move into a retirement community. We go to talking about the Cape as somehow I always manage to bring it into the conversation. As we were talking about my love for the Cape and the cost of housing today Dad quickly advised not to remind him of the past and some opportunities missed. Now one must know that my Father has never been a financial wizard, has never had a ton of money but has never gone for want or need. My Father has been very blessed to be able to do things most folks will never have the opportunity to do and go places that a lot of us only dream of, and all on a measly pastoral salary and retirement (however his retirement plan is overseen by some of the most respected in the business). So when you understand this, you begin to understand how special coming to the Cape really was when I was growing up. We came because someone gave us a key to their cottage and said "pay me what you can" and really meant it and never expected a dime, although Mom and Dad did some checking and always tried to keep as close as they could with what the area was getting for monthly rentals.
    Over the years Dad said he had several opportunities to buy different places, but because of his lack of financial understanding and more-so lack of disposable finances Dad never made the move to pursue any real estate on the Cape. One of the first places that Dad had the chance to get into was the ground level to some brand new condominiums on Old Wharf Rd. They were built as condo's and not converted hotel space. They have a pool and access to a private beach right across the street, and the views from most of the units can see water without much obstruction. The cost at that time of pre-construction in the late 70's was 29,000. Someone had told Dad if he even just borrow a little for the down payment it would be a wise investment. But Dad did not like to be in debt to anyone and did not want to be put in a position of borrowing money from someone in the church, as he felt and still does that there are those in the ministry that take advantage of some people who are very generous, and Dad did not what that reputation. So Dad passed up that one.
    Then there was a opportunity to buy a cottage in the camp grounds that we used to stay that a cottage became available. Again the people who owned it were willing to work with Mom and Dad on payments and financing. They even had folks that they knew that would rent the cottage when we were not there that were good renters. But again, Dad not wanting to be in debt or feeling that he should take on that kind of financial responsibility.
    Then last one that Dad really remembers and the one that he wishes he could go back and do over again was a retired pastor friend of his lived right on Swan Pond in Dennis Port. Next to his home was an empty lot, Dad says Pastor Hudson said, "Ray, just pay the folks $10.00 a weeks until its paid off, they will be happy to sell it to you and later on in life you can come back and build a retirement home." Dad says to this day if he could have bought anything on the Cape it should have been that piece of land. "But then again if I knew then what I know today", Dad says, "but I didn't."
        Some think my love for the Cape is nuts, many don't understand all of the where's and why's and reasons I do. Some try but never will. Knowing that my love is rooted in someone else's graciousness, someone else's love passed on to me, and someone else's wishes that I could enjoy the finer things of life, then rolled it all into one and was implanted in me that the Cape was where it happened for me. Im still longing, and looking for that day when it will become permanent, but for now it my relay on memories and way to short of visits year after year. Maybe before my Dad is taken to the big sand box in the sky, I will be able to invite him to my house located in the heart of Cape Cod. But until that day someone please keep the lamp in the light house lit so I can always find my way back. Until then,,,,,,
    Recipe of the week is one that comes the wife's Mother's files that she got from one of the nurses that used to work for my Father-in-Law's Podiatric office. It fits right in with the seafood theme we have going for this year and thought this a good place to put it in as  5th week teaser appetizer. So without further ado,, (and no wise cracks here, as this is a family show),
   
        Recipe of the week: Crabbies

•     1             cup        butter - softened (1 stick)
•     1             jar         Old English Cheese spread
•     1 1/2     Tbsp.     mayonnaise
•     1/2         tsp.        garlic salt
•     1/2         tsp.        seasoned salt (this is where I would use Old Bay)
•     1             can        crabmeat - cleaned ( 7 oz can)
•     6             each      english muffins

        Mix together all ingredients (ok minus the english muffins), place in freezer in about 10 minutes to allow to firm up. Spread on english muffins and broil till bubbly. Cut in half and service (or serve whole).