Cape Cod Rock Hopper

Fashion Time & Bermuda Salad

One of the current blogs has mentioned the lack of "fashion" for the folks in the article. This has brought some wonderful and wild memories back to mind of our days on the Cape. We were never wealthy but my Mother made sure my Father and I were always dressed in the best. Sundays were always a day for church and wearing our Sunday best. While at the Cape just because we were on vacation was not an excuse to show up in God's house looking like we just dragged ourselves out of bed or had walked in from the beach or off the golf course. (Please don't take office for today's fashions and trends).

In the 70s the fashions were colorful and bright and Mom had made Dad and I leisure suits, and we were known as the sherbet twins. Dad's suit was a lime green color and mine was a raspberry color, and for the times we were the envy of Sunday morning church-goers. Mom quite often would be wearing a white pleated summer dress that she had made for herself. Mom was a skilled seamstress and often made her own cloths that rivaled anything that could be bought. She also made dress shirts and pants for Dad and I and neither one of us ever had a problem wearing what Mom made us. Mom made those suits for Dad and I but she did not care much for making them and would only make another 1 or 2 suits for Dad and I before she passed away, one of those being for me a bright LEMON YELLOW suit that even to this day people who know us will still ask me about it.

Coming to the Cape also meant it was time to go stock up on clothing as we could shop at the outlets. We would take one special day and drive to Fall River to visit all the outlets that flourished there through the 60s 70s and 80s and Dad and I would go suit shopping at the Anderson Little outlet for the next seasons clothes. We could always count on being able to stay up on the current fashions without busting the budget. And Mom could feel that she was being prudent with the finances. We were never highfalutin', we never pretended to be part of the hobnob set.

We were simple folk who enjoyed being dressed well when we needed to, and Mom made sure of that. Other then that we were and still are today just normal simple-dress people.  Nice slacks and jeans, skirts and pants tees, blouses, and polos, an occasional tie, and yes even a suit every once in a while. Oh yes, my t-shirts, mostly Cape Cod, one might think I like the place or something. We don't do high dollar deck shoes with the costly khakis and monogramed oxfords with the sweater around the neck. Hey, if that is your style go for it, but that is not out style.  Dressing well yes, dressing to look good yes, dressing to show off or to flash the cash, no way. But fashion and Cape Cod will always be something that is of my memory remembering what my Mother used to make for my Father and I so that we looked our best especially when on Cape Cod.

Todays recipe: Bermuda Salad --- This is another specialty from my wife's mothers folder. A specialty of her sister and her father and me, but because there is not a great love for blue cheese in the house we do not get it often. I still like it though even though my wife does not realize it. Oh well, if you like blue cheese and olives you will love this one, and it makes a nice size batch.

Marinade: Put all ingredients in a jar and shake well

•     1  cup  salad oil
•     1/2  cup  Heinz Tarragon Vinegar
•     2  tsp sugar
•     1 tsp salt
•     1/2 tsp paprika

 Salad

•     1 head cauliflower separated
•     1 whole  Bermuda onion thinly sliced in rings
•     1/2  cup sliced stuffed olives

For later use

•     1  small head lettuce shredded
•     4  oz  crumbled blue cheese

In a bowl layer ingredients and pour marinade over the top. Let marinate overnight.  Immediately before serving add 4 oz crumbled blue cheese and 1 small head of lettuce shredded.  Toss all together and service.