Cape Cod Rock Hopper

Flashback Memory & Fall Tomato-Cucumber Salad

            As I was sitting on the Sea St breach a few days ago I sat up and was looking across the glistening Sound as the sun danced off the gentle afternoon September waters. The air was pleasant and the water was,, well refreshing, and there was a light breeze in the air. As I looked west down the coast I counted no less then 10 Sunfish sails out in the water enjoying an afternoon of sailing, the last of the season I am sure for many of them. How many summers had I spent doing the same thing the last days of August, squeezing in every last opportunity I could get to be out on that boat enjoying any thought of a wisp of a breeze I could muster into that the sail of that boat. I stood up and just watched for several minutes lamenting those times that were so care free and easy. Little did I realize that those where really the good old days when all I had to worry about was another year of high school or a first or second year of college while still living at home. Sailing was such a release for me, I learned it quickly and enjoyed every minute of it, ok well just about every minute of it. Sailing was so much of my summers from my early teens on that I would not have a thought about coming to the Cape without being able to sail. 

But alas, that was yesterday and today is another issue, as I stand watching. Dad did by a Sunfish for the lake he lives on in Michigan and I have been able to enjoy it very much. I have been very thankful for what he has enabled me to continue to do on a smaller scale, but as I watch my heart so longs to be out there on the Sound in my Sunfish, gliding across those glistening ripples and gentle waves. Memories are wonderful things sometimes, yet very painful in others, when you are left holding empty dreams that you had hoped would continue well into the future. The moral to this memory is this, grab hold of your dreams and never let them go. If you let it go, let it be because you wanted to let it go, not because you lost it. So.....

Until that day, someone keep the lamp in the light house lit for me,, (by the way I do not believe that the light on has anything to do with the sharks either.) Have a wonderful day on the Cape,

This weeks recipe is a nice light side dish that combines an old favorite with a slight twist.  

Fall Tomato-Cucumber Salad

•                2-3    medium   Tomatoes - seeded and chopped
•                2-3    medium   Cucumbers - seeded and chopped
•                1       medium   bunch of Radishes, halved and sliced
•                2       tsp.         salt
•                2       tsp.         sugar
•                1/2    cup          vinegar, cidar or red wine.
•                1       tsp.         basil
•                1       tsp          oregano
•                                       ground pepper to taste

       In a small bow, whisk salt and sugar in vinegar till desolved together, add basil and oregano mix and set aside.

       Cut Tomatoes in half, remove seeds and chip into medium size pieces, (larger then if making a salsa relish, but still bite size)

       Cut Cucumber length wise, remove seeds and chop into medium pieces

       Cut Radishes in half and slices into thin pieces.

       In larger bowl pour vinegar mixture over chopped vegetables and add pepper to taste. Place in refrigerator and allow to site for at least 1/2 - 1 hour before     serving. You could also add chopped garlic if you wanted to kick this recipe up little. Hope you all enjoy this twist on an old classic.   

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Sharing Cape Cod & A Toasted Fisherman

        Vacations are an interesting fraction of our life. In some parts of the world they are referred to as going on Holiday or observance or just going on a trip. Whatever you call it wherever you are, we work our behinds off in order to take a few days away from the rate race we call home and work. Some of these excursions are way to long, (these are the ones spent with relatives that you didn't get along with before this reunion), but normally when good, are not long enough and we only wished was even longer if only the money would not have run out 3 or more days ago. Along the way some have found ways to turn their summer retreats into year round residents while the rest of us become envious of having to leave time and time again the place we have come to enjoy so much. So what is my story here, what is my point.
    The Cape has become such an integrated part of my life that the only part of it that does not engulf the Cape is my physical being the majority of the year and my longing for being on the Cape drives the rest of the family to the point of wanting to through me out. Someone at worked asked me just this past week, is there really enough to do on the Cape to go year after year? The only question worse to ask me and get me started talking, is about my love for my Jesus.,, Is there enough, what an opportunity to share my love of the Cape. First for how long, then the beach, then the sights and sounds, then the food, then the, and the, when there was the,,,,,. Finally break time was over and I had no other choice but to end the conversation. Someone else had ask about a month ago, about going and taking kids and the cost involved. Again my button was pushed. I has able to share all the free stuff one could do in these tough economic times. Then in coming years you add little things on as the kids get older financial times become better. I went over places to stay, places to eat, places to shop, places that are a must see and places that can wait till next time. Finally had to get work done so back into my own little 6x6 cubical world in front of my monitor, dreaming of the day I would be back on the Cape.
    Do you feel it, to you see my point here. When you have vacationed somewhere for 44 summers, you don't keep going back when you don't like someplace. You don't keep returning to the same place if there is nothing to do or that interest you. But the Cape is all of that to me. The people we have met over the years, the friends we have made. The restaurants we frequent, the shops we visit and galleries we have to keep up on. Each year it becomes harder and harder to get around to everyone, so that no one is offended that we/I did not stop in and say hello. Each year it becomes harder and harder for me to leave. Then again it would give my wife a  break from my constant obsessing of the Cape. LOL, She has been a good sport and continues to come with me year after year.
    Again my point to all this, when was the last time you were able to share your love for the Cape with someone. When was the last time someone asked you what you thought of the Cape and you got so excited that you nearly talked their ear off. For me,, it is always a pleasure to talk about the Cape the retreat I love to visit. Be open be ready and when someone ask, share your heart with all the Cape has to offer and the fun and the joys that all can have while visiting Old Cape Cod.
    Keep the lamp in the light house lit till I can find my way back. Until we meet again,, Share a Cape Cod smile with someone.           
    I love the first week of the month for recipes. I love to look a the names of all the different kinds of cocktails and just I could publish half of them. Others I would love to know the true story behind, then again probably best if I don't. There are those that have two or three well published names, is this cause someone was too intoxicated to remember the original and just made up a new one on the spot. Oh well, so much for the world of cocktails and their wacky names. This week I am sure several on the Cape have seen one or two of these. Now you can just drink one..
    Have a great time and drink responsibly;
   
        This weeks recipe: A Toasted Fisherman

•         1    shot    Canadian Whisky
•         1    shot    Amaretto
•         1    shot    sweet & sour mix

                And a splash of lemon lime soda

    Mix all together over crushed ice and service with either a cherry or mint leaves.

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We ate where..... & Vanilla Sticks

            As many others have done and will continue to do my condolences to the Kennedy family in their loss. Sometimes the greatest respect come for those who you disagree with the most. I may not have agreed with the stands that Senator Kennedy took but I respected him in his approach and his commitment to what he believed in and his love for this great country he so served. I had thought about remembering those discussions with our friends in Hyannis who knew the Kennedy family, but since I have noted that a couple of different times I will just refer you to reading my past stories. But I think there is one story that as shorter and rather cute. My Mother, my Dad and I were in Hyannis doing some shopping. It was getting a little past lunch time and we were looking for a place to eat. We had asked someone and they pointed us to a small fish and chips place on a side street past the railroad station. As we got upto the shop there was a black limo parked outside. We did not think much of it and went on in. The chauffeur was inside eating his lunch. We ordered and sat down to eat. As we where eating the chauffeur finished his, and on his way out the door the owner of the shop called him by name and said "Tell the Senator I said hello, and don't be a such a stranger, and give my regard to Rose as well."  After we finished our lunch, Dad, as he was always good at doing, went up to the counter and inquired. The gentleman behind the counter confirmed that he was Senator Kennedy's chauffeur and that he would stop in at least once a week and even the Senator would stop in from time to time. My Mother always found it interesting that we had eaten where a Senator had eaten on the Cape. My Mother was always tickled by the little things in life, even when it is as simple as where we ate and who also ate at that establishment.
        May we agree to disagree in our passions and our quests, and may we find respect with others when we choose to walk a different paths in life. The Cape has held to this belief for many centuries and it continue this way for generations to come. Someone please keep the lamp in the light house lit so I can find my way back, only dim it for a few days as we pay our respects to the last Senator Kennedy.

        Through the summer I have tried to stay with no bake cookies, but like the weather not all thing turn out as we plan. And since this season has been a little cooler and we are closer to September then going into July or August I am taking the hint from the wife to using this next recipe. She has only been pushing this for the past 3 or 4 months, so I guess its time to use it. Again another hand written recipe on a 3 x 5 card by her mother that was most likely gotten from one of my Father-in-laws patient's or from one of his staff. So on with the show.

        Recipe of the week: Vanilla Sticks

•         4           egg whites
•         1    lb    powdered sugar
•         1    lb    unblanched almonds (approx. 3 cups finally chopped)
•         1            vanilla bean

    1). Grind almonds and vanilla bean into a coarse powder.
    2).  Beat egg whites & powdered sugar for 20 minutes, ( add powdered sugar a little at a time as you beat eggs
    3). Take out about 1/3 & same for icing.
    4). Add vanilla nut powder to remaining egg white mixture.
    5). Shape into bars (or sticks) on a ungreased cookie sheet and "ice" with hold out 1/3 whites & sugar.
    6). Bake in 275-300 degree oven for 20 to 30 minutes.
        (Note the whites & sugar mixture is a meringue that does get baked on the bar/sticks)

    Great for a late summer or early fall light dessert or just a treat for you and the family. 

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Crabs, Toes and Baked Mussels

        This weeks memory I hope a lot of you can sympathize with me on, although I hope many of you learn from mine and our mistakes. I am not one to go into the water with shoes on. I have tried the water socks, the mesh water shoes, even old sneakers, and I just can not bring myself to wearing things like that into the water. Fins for swimming, sure fine, but once in the water you don't walk in fins unless your trying to look like a silly goose or a dumb duck. Walking in sand in my bare feet has never bothered me, and in fact I enjoy it, (as long as the heat is not baking the bottoms of my soles off). But when it comes to being in the water I like my feet to be out and naked, I want to feel the sand underneath and the tide of the water flowing over top. Seaweed is not my favorite to walk though but I can take it, shells are not always pleasant to step on and on many occasions I have even found the razor sharp ones that choose to pierce through the skin and slice it pretty good. That I do not find enjoyable just for the record. That in a sense I step lightly and normally can feel them under foot and move before I really do something dumb. No what really bothers me are the crabs in the water. Those pesky crustaceans that come looking for my tender toes-ies to grab a hold of and make chopped liver out of them. I get out  past the jetties or I get too close the jetties and those things seem to multiply in great numbers. Kinda like the bunnies of the sea, and when I get into the water they know and can sense my displeasure or (for lack of another way to say it) fear of these these and come to me like sea gulls to a beach picnic. You would think that I would learn just to wear the dumb shoes and be done with it. I know it doesn't  solve all the problems, but they sure do go a long way. But will I ever learn,, unfortunately I doubt it and for some educated crab reading this blog a big hooray just went out to the masses.
       To think that I only run into this problem while in the Nantucket Sound itself, think again. To anyone who has done some swimming or skying in the Bass river will tell you, in past years the abundance of crabs in that river have been understated, please ask my toes. Or what about Swan Pond River or Swan Pond itself. I do believe even in Chatham Harbor I have run into many a crab while putting out and taking in the boat for flounder fishing. Crabs seem to love my toes no matter where ever I am, and until I learn my lesson, they will always seem to have a snack with my feet. Maybe one of these years I'll figure out not to get the point and save myself some grief.     But until then someone keep the lamp in the lighthouse lit so I can find my way back,,,,, permanently.          
       This weeks recipe is an adaptation of one you will find in many seafood cookbooks. It doesn't use that many ingredient, although this one does take a little effort is wonderful to pull off when having another couple or 2 over or you just want to surprise your sweetie with something special, (just make sure she or he is not allergic to shellfish). Take your time on this one and it will be a wonderful delight and you will be for sure the hit of the evening.
   
       This weeks recipe : Baked Mussels

    4+     pds.      mussels, well cleaned, (remember to remove the beards)
    16      oz.        tomatoes drained and chopped, Roma or Plum, (1 can)
    1/3    cup        bread crumbs (I prefer the herb or Italian seasoned)
    1/3    cup        green onion, chopped very finally (you can substitute scallions)
    1/4    cup        fresh parsley, chopped
    1        cup        white table wine (if you can't drink it don't cook with it)
    1        cup        water
    1         tsp        Old Bay Seasoning
    a         pinch   sea salt
    to        taste     fresh ground pepper
                              Extra Virgin Olive Oil

           Place mussels in a large pan, add water and wine, cover pan and steam till mussels open, (remember if any do not open through them out as they are bad). Drain and allow to cool. Once cool remove mussels from the shells, keep half of the shells as you will be reusing them. Once all removed, arrange half shells onto a baking pan and place 2 or 3 mussels into each shell.
           In a bowl combine tomatoes, bread crumbs, green onions, parsley, Old Bay Seasoning, and sea salt, mix well. Place a small amount of Tomato mixture on top of each mussel boat. On top of the tomato mixture a little pepper then drizzle with Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Place baking pan into preheated 450 degree oven and bake for about 4-6 minutes or until slightly browned. This recipe should yield about 16-18 mussel boats. Service Hot.

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Cars that got me to the Cape & 4 Pepper Sauté

5th Anniversary

So on my 5 year anniversary to writing this thing we call an editorial Blog to Memories of Cape Cod, what do I write about? Then I came to me,, how did we get here. No not the circumstances, not what brought us to live the Cape. I mean the cars or vehicles that transported our fluffy behinds over the canal. The objects that were attached to the rubber that met the road called the Cape Cod Highway, or RT 28 or the Old Kings Highway (Rt 6A). And as I thought about it throughout the day it really began to stir my it thinking. In fact to such a point I ended up calling my Dad and talking to him about it as well.
    Dad and I started our conversation off with the normal pleasantries and so forth, and the fact, that he count not believe his "not so good at school son" had been so bless to write for this E-News service for so long. Then the conversation turned to the subject, "Hey Dad, can you remember the first car we took to the Cape?" We had to go back a few years before and get the thinking into drive. " Lets see, we started going in what 65?" Dad said, "If I remember right we were in Parkersburg, is that right?" "Yes Dad" I replied. "Ok well then I traded a White Ford station wagon we got in Maine a few years before for the new Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser, if I remember right, we went down to Huntington, W.Va. to get it right before we left that first summer, it was Gold in color with wood trim and had the big window above the rear seats." Surprisingly I remember that car well. it made the trip to and from the Cape Dad and I figured about 4 years. Dad said, "back then we weren't as smart and thought we needed a new car every 3 to 4 years. Boy were we dumb then, we should have kept it a lot longer, that was a great car." The next car is in question, Dad and I debated this one or awhile and he feels my memory is a little better then his at age 82 now. Honestly I only wish I knew all that he didn't remember I would still be smarter then I am today. Anyway we know it was another station wagon, blue in color. I believe it was another Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. These wagons gave us the room to load up the car in unbelievable ways. Enabling us to take just about everything except the kitchen sink, including the bikes on the rack on the top of the car.
    After that my sisters were gone from the house and we did not need such a big car to haul 5 people's worth of stuff to and from. So Dad got a Green Mercury Grand Marque somewhere about 1975 or 1976. Dad loved this car and kept it till I was out of school and gone from the house. I said to Dad " and that was suppose to be a downsize in cars,, that thing was a boat" Anyway from there he was on his own, with Mom and they have bought Honda Accords ever since starting in 1987 with and 88 model.
    I started with my own road trips to the Cape starting in 1981 with my used 1976 Olds Regency 98, Silver with a Baby Blue interior. The back seat had never been sat in and the passenger seat had been used as a brief case holder. I remember taking Mom to the Cape that summer, as she was dealing with cancer treatments and Dad had to stay back for a couple days. Mom said it was one of the most enjoyable rides to the Cape she had ever had. Only problem is along I-80 we stopped at a rest area, the ignition key and door keys were different and Mom did not realize that. I had given her the key to the door to get into the glove compartment and she set it aside. When we got out I locked the doors,, Oops, door key still in the car and electric windows, that were not forgiving to get a coat hanger into to pop the electric locks. Took us a while but we finally got it with some friendly help. In 1982 I could not afford to keep the Olds so I traded it for a 76 Mustang Gia, that was a fun little car. Unfortunately after the wife and I got married and moved to Philadelphia the transmission went out on it, we were kids and didn't know better and traded it. Oh well, ended up with a 1979 Subaru, that was a great little used car and made the trip to the Cape from Philadelphia in the middle of the night to surprise my folks for a weekend stay that we really should not have done as she was she was about 6 or so months pregnant and I really did not have the money to be spending on traveling and the gas.
    After that we made our way back to Ohio and again got rid of a good car, should have had the head gaskets fixed instead we got a Renault., worst car we ever owned, Had it for three years, and it only made the trip to the Cape once. I don't think it could have made any more even if we could have afforded the trip. From there we traded that for an brand new red 1987 Olds Calais. My wife loved that car and to this day has NOT let me forget it. It was a wonderful to drive, the trips to and from the Cape were comfortable, and the trunk had plenty of room and the back seats were wonderful for longer trips. But me and my wisdom, knew with a new child we needed more room, and any one knows you only keep a car 3 years or it looses value. So I traded it for a brand new 1990 first edition Oldsmobile Silhouette. That vehicle served us more then 10 years and 7 or 8 trips to the Cape. It had great room and loads of space for the kids and all our junk that I had to haul for a weeks stay, as if we were staying for a month. Then there was the Honda CR-V that did its work from 2003 to 2009 and this year the new Honda Accord will take over the duties.
    Each car has its own personality, what we were able to pile into it, and how comfortable or uncomfortable it made the trip. Was it a gas hog, a muscle car, an old station wagon, or a post kids sedan or coupe. So do you remember all the vehicles that got you to the Cape. I just wish they would stop bringing back off the Cape and leave me there. Oh well maybe one of these trips will be the one, Until then keep the lamp in the lighthouse lit till I can find my way back to a home on the Cape.

    This weeks recipe is so simple so summer. I saw this done on an older TV food show and could not remember what all went into it so starting with my own. I am sure there are adaptations to this all over the place since it is so simple, but sometimes we forget just how tasty they can be. Take away anything, add anything, make it healthier, make it spicier, or just enjoy the basic recipe without any extras. So on with the show.

    Recipe of the Week: 4 Pepper Sauté

    4        large     sweet peppers (1 each Red, Orange,Yellow, Green)
    1        large     sweet Vidalia Onion
    1-2    cloves   garlic
    4-8    Tbsp     butter (if you want to be really healthy us Virgin Olive Oil)
    1         tsp        Old Bay Seasoning
    1         tsp        basil
    1         tsp        oregano
                             fresh ground pepper
                             pinch of sea salt  (for a little more flavor us a flavored sea salt)

    Cut peppers into julian strips, Cut onion into into 8 wedges then cut wedges in half length wise again. (as close to julian strips), and crush your garlic as fine as you can get. Start with 4 Tbsp. of butter (1/2 stick) in pan and add garlic along with Old Bay Seasoning, once butter begins to melt. Do not let garlic brown as it will turn bitter. As soon as butter is coating bottom of pan place peppers and onion into pan and sprinkle basil, oregano, ground pepper and salt over top. Add a little more butter if needed, you do not need to over do. Keep Peppers and onions rotating in pan till they are tender not mushy. Serve immediately while still warm.

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Tough Times & Fish House Punch

        My apologies for a bum week in story writing. Today we buried the 3 member of our family in 4 months, with funeral and all, this will be a short story.
    Cape Cod was always a time for relaxation for my Dad as he would leave the church duties to others for the month of August and prepare for the coming year. Dad would read, read and read more, he would plan out his sermon series for the year and get study guides and commentaries lined up that he wanted to use. He would go through hymnals paring songs that were relevant to his sermon themes. Then Dad would read more. Every now and then Dad would call back to the church to see if anything was going on that needed his attention. However Dad always left competent people in charge so he did not have to worry and he could get the rest and studying done that was needed. I can only remember once or twice that Dad had to leave the Cape and go home for a funeral, as most time either the youth pastor or convention's area minister on call or even another local pastor close to the church would take on the few that rarely came while Dad was away. It seemed interesting how things worked out that Dad never had to worry about this kind of thing. The Lord was very good to Dad over the years allowing him that time to prepare without a lot of interruptions, and to spend time with his family.
    My memory here is that the Cape has always been a haven of rest for our family. A place to relax, be able to put the worries of this earthly confines on the self for time, and be able to forget the hustle and bustle of this world.
    For now we just ask that you keep this family in your prayers for strength to go through each day. Even though we have believe in a loving, forgiving, merciful, most gracious God those who are left behind do grieve for those who have gone on. There is a hope for those who believe and trust in Jesus, and we believe and hold dear to this trust in Jesus, not just for today but for our eternity..
    Someone please keep the lamp in the light house lit until I can find my way back to Ole Cape Cod,,,       
    Most the times I have done recipes that have are either shoots, or cocktails, basically single drink recipes. However with summer and backyard parties and hopefully warmer summer days of August this punch bowel of liquid libation will be greatly enjoyed by all.     
    Recipe of the week: Fish House Punch

    36 oz    dark rum
    24 oz    lemon juice
    25 oz    brandy
    4   oz    peach brandy
    3/4 lb   superfine sugar
    40 oz    water

    Dissolve sugar in some of the water. Add juice and the rest of the water. Add liquor 2-3 hours prior to serving and refrigerate. Serve over ice.

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Jellyfish & Jellyfish Drinks

         Ok, so after last week what do we follow up with, well all I can think of is that which is related to our recipe this week Jellyfish. Now the Cape is not prime waters for anything spectacular, and we don't get the rare Portuguese Man of War (which I recently found out was not actually a jellyfish, although is widely thought to be. But the Cape water's (the Nantucket Sound) do from time to time get their fare share of moon jellies, especially if there are storms blowing in or other overly active water current activities happening. I have been one of the lucky ones that has not have the experience of being stung by one of these pesky little critters that they say  has the felling of being stung by a bee. (I don't like bees either, especially the ones that sting). But I have seen many a kid and even several adults that have come hauling out of the water like a some Orca had just shown up hootin' and a hollerin' to no end. Most of us kind of thought it funny, however I am not one to make fun of since I run at the sight of a bee. Anyway jellyfish have always had there interesting moments or times to show up in places I could have done without then. Most of the times when I have been sailing and running into rather ruff seas. I remember looking over the side of the boat wondering if the boat was going to tip over, between the winds and the waves and all of a sudden seeing schools of jellyfish pass me by. All I could think of was ain't no way I'm going into those waters, I don't care if I have to climb the mast of my Sunfish. The only problem to this story is that is just didn't happen once, yet several times over the years. You would think I would watch the weather a little better or watch for changes in the ocean current activities.
    I have also seen on occasion, jellyfish floating by while laying on a float or in a rubber boat when I have been out towards the sandbars that are beyond the jetties. We have watched them float on by and as kids do antagonized these creates of the ocean to see what would happen. Ohhh, big bad bullies we were, but hey what else were we to do while getting more sun then any dermatologist would ever recommend. Anyway, every now and then after a storm would blow through we would find a could jellyfish mixed in with the seaweed that had strewn up on the beach. Again we would poke at it and on occasion dare each other to touch it or try to fling it back into the water.
    But the fascination of jellyfish has always been there and still today continues to spark interest for me today. As I go to aquariums and watch these interesting creatures and notice the differences between them and how they like snow flakes really are different from each other. I have also noticed the difference in sizes and shapes and colors, and in the different waters they occupy. In all of this are interesting living creatures that deserve our attention, to watch out for so not to get stung, but also to be careful as we share there waters and there habitat as we swim and boat in the water off Cape Cod...
    Someone keep the lamp in the lighthouse lit till I can find my way back. Have a great day and watch for our friendly jellyfish.

    This is the fifth wednesday of the month we it is extra month. So with that I am going for a two-for this time and both are called by the same name. We are going drinks this month, Both recipes are documented on many different sights so its take your pick. One is a shot specialty the other a true cocktail, so whichever your fancy, or are just having the heebee jeebies about things and go for both, in either case please drink responsibly.

    This weeks two-for is the Jellyfish.

    Recipe #1: Jellyfish Shooter

    1/2 shot    white creme de cacao
    1/2 shot    amaretto almond liqueur
            Bailey's Irish Cream
            grenadine syrup

    Pour the white creme de cacao into a shot glass then add the amaretto almond liqueur. Float the Bailey's Irish Cream to cover then top off with a few drops of grenadine into it, and serve. Careful you don't get stung by drinking to many.

    Recipe #2: Jellyfish Cocktail

    1 1/2    oz    vodka
    1 1/2    oz    blue curaca
    1 1/2    oz    white sanbuc
       1/2    oz    cream

    Into a Highball glass filled with ice you will want to layer, first the vodka, then carefully float the blue curaca, then next float the white sanbuc, and finally pouring over the back of a spoon add the cream. Stir oh so delicately not to ruin the jellyfish effect, and serve. 

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Sand Castles 2 and Creme de Menthe Balls

            This weeks memory is about sand castles. Over the 4th of July I started seeing castle competitions for all ages and this got me thinking about when I was a kid and my summer afternoons on the beach building sand castles and sand sculptures. Wow what fun. I remember getting the buckets and the shovels and spoons and going down by the waters edge. I would first look to see if the water was coming in or going out, then start to build my castle or sculpture accordingly. Sometimes  it was small and it didn't take long for the water to rush in and wipe it all out. This happened more-so in my younger years when I really didn't understand all the tide stuff. But as I got older I became more aware of my surroundings, and the castles and sculptures become more planned, bigger and further up the water line to try to out last the waves and the tide. It didn't matter the age I just loved to build things in the sand. Then I started to realize that other people were taking notice of the castles and sculptures that I was making and I liked that. And it all became a game. But when all was said and done we just loved to build them and see how long they could stand to the rising water with the change of the time, or in some cases,, survive to many toddlers running up and down the beach not looking where they were running.
    As an adult I still have loved to build sculptures in the sand, however the older I get it seems I either don't take the time or just am too lazy to get done what I once enjoyed and still have visions dancing in my head of images to be created in the sand. Now I sit up on the beach or stand on the end of the jetty or up high on the hill and watch and the small kids run back and forth from the waters edge to where they are have starting building their small castle. They don't care how big or how small, they just pack the sand and stack them up and wait for someone to acknowledge their work, then forget all about it as the water takes it down as fast as it was built. Then there are the older kids who try to set up shop away from the little kids and build methodically towers, and walls, moats, and bridges, and then watch as the details grow. But again when its all over who's will last the longest,, but in the end they all know they will be gone tomorrow. Then there are the competitions with the adults and the masters of sand. The castles, the sculptures, the creativity that goes beyond what we as kids ever could dream of. But in even with these beautiful creations they are not expected to last forever. If not totally tide and wave, then rain and even just human traffic takes it tole and each work returned to its original place on the beach with all the other grains of sand.
    Interesting perception as I have gotten older in life, sometime wondering how we try to hold onto things as adults that we should learn to just let go. With that thought, I am reading a book that touched on this whole theme and got me thinking of this memory of sand castles. With permission from UpWord and the author please read the following story exert from the book, oh ya the rest of the book is even more worth wild reading.
    The book is called "And The Angels Were Silent" by Max Lucado, published by Thomas Nelson 1987, (I write with permission from UpWord and Max Lucado). This is taken from Chapter 17 entitled "Sand Castle Stories". Hot sun. Salty air. Rhythmic waves. A little boy is on the beach. On his knees he scoops and packs the sand with plastic shovels into a bright-red bucket. Then he upends the bucket on the surface and lifts it. And, to the delight of the little architect, a castle tower is created. All afternoon he will work. Spooning out the moat. Packing the walls. Bottle tops will be sentries. Popsicle sticks will be bridges. A sand castle will be built. / Big city. Busy streets. Rumbling traffic. A man is in his office. At his desk he shuffles papers into stacks and delegates assignments. he cradles the phone on his shoulder and punches the keyboard with his fingers. Numbers are juggled and contracts are signed and much to the delight of the man, a profit is made. All his life he will work. Formulating the plans. Forecasting the future. Annuities will be sentries. Capital gains will be bridges. An empire will be built. / Two builders of two castles. They have much in common. They shape granules into grandeurs. They see nothing and make something. They are diligent and determined. And for both the tide will rise and the end will come. Yet that is where the similarities cease. For the boy sees the end while the man ignores. it. Watch the boy as the dusk approaches. Each wave slaps an inch closer to his creation. Every crest crashes closer that the one before. But the boy doesn't panic. He is not surprised. All day the pounding waves have reminded him that the end is inevitable. He knows the secret of the surging. Soon they will come and take his castle into the deep. The man, however doesn't know the secret. He should. He, like the boy, lives surrounded by rhythmic reminders. Days come and go. Seasons ebb and flow. Every sunrise that becomes a sunset whispers the secret, "Time will take your castles." So, one is prepared and one isn't. One is peaceful while the other panics. As the waves near, the wise child jumps to his feet and begins to clap. There is no sorrow. No fear. No regret. He knew this would happen. He is not surprised. And when the great breaker crashes into his castle and his masterpiece is sucked into the sea, he smiles. He smiles, picks up his tools, takes his father's hand, and goes home. The grownup, however, is not so wise. As the wave of years collapses on his castle his is terrified. He hovers over the sandy monument to protect it. He blocks the waves from the walls he has made. Salt-water soaked and shivering, he snarls at the incoming tide. "It's my castle," he defies. The ocean need not respond. Both know to whom the sand belongs. Finally the cliff of water mounts high above the man and his little empire. For just a moment he is shadowed by the wall of water... then it crashes. His tiny towers of triumph crumble and disperse and he is left on his knees,,, clutching muddy handfuls of yesterday. If only he had know. If only he had listened. If only... But he, like most, never listens.............
    Finally thought, its good to remember building sand castles, its even good to build them as adults, but remember the waves will come, the tides will come, don't be caught trying to hang onto something that wasn't meant to last forever, there are more important things that are eternal then one earthly sand castle or sculpture. Think about it..... Someone please keep the lamp in the light house lit till I can find my way home to the Cape,,,
    This weeks recipe is another from my wife's recipe books and is another No Bake. Summertime is not meant for hot ovens and long times in the kitchen, especially when you have blankets to sun on, sounds to swim in and what else but beaches to build sand castle on, with or without your kids. So with that here is another fun cookie (type) recipe.

    Creme de Menthe Balls

    2            cups        vanilla wafers finally crushed
    1 1/2     cups        pecans finally chopped
    2            cups        powdered sugar ( sifted )
    4            Tbsp.      light corn syrup
    2/3        cup        Creme de Menthe (white or green)

    for coating:     granulated sugar

    Mix; Vanilla wafer, chopped pecans, and sifted powdered sugar till well blended (best to do in blender or food processor). In separate bowl mix corn syrup and Creme de Menthe, then add dry ingredients and continue to mix till sticky & stiff. (DO NOT do this mix in the blender or processor as mixture becomes to sticky). Shape into balls, drop into granulated sugar, and place on cookie sheet. Chili overnight. (DO NOT BAKE THESE ARE NO BAKE COOKIE BALLS).

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Rafts & Clam Fritters

I had a story a ready to do up for this week then and a special addition to put in it,, then I left the material in another place so it will have to wait till next week. Please be sure to come back next week, I hope it is worth the wait.
        So the question is what's floating around in the old gray matter this week. Well,, how about rafts and floaters. Before you fall on the floor laughing, stop and think about it. What a memory, these things bring back. First we have to remember all the places we used to get them at. At the Baskins at the corner of Lower County Rd and Shad Hole road, or what about the old 5 & 10 right in DennisPort.

   I also remember getting a couple at the old Bradlees department store. Good grief i had a nickel for every one we have bought over the years I think I might still be pushing a Thousand-air. I remember when we first started coming to the Cape we all had to have one and of course no one remembered to pack the old ones from the year before, and half of those had holes in them anyway from being used on the snow hills over the past winter. Anyway in the beginning they were skinny and short, and made of cheap thin plastic, mainly plane colors, but we all had to have. And in those days we were not smart enough to get them filled with air at the store. No we brought them back to the cottage promising dear old Dad that we would blow them up.

   Ya, doesn't Dad wish he had the other nickel for each time we all said that, cause eventually Dad got stuck blowing up each one of the rafts and by the last one was so winded he almost didn't want to go down to the beach with us, he just wanted to take a nap. Anyway, once we would get down there we all had to take them out and try each one. Of course we all got our lectures about not going out to far, be careful which way the tide is going and the wind is blowing. And don't be horsing around cause someone might get hurt. We all heard them, did many of us listen, heck no. Its was a toy, in the ocean and we were going to have fun. So fun we did have, we played King of the raft, Pirate games, Shark bits, BattleShip and a host of other games. We could make the most of a day in the water just us kids and our rafts.
    Over the years however, the rafts have gotten more sophisticated, they have become longer and wider, (I think from eating all the food we did while on vacation they figured over the years we put on a few extra pounds). They started getting more colors and designs, and each of us had to have the latest move hero or cartoon character that was hot on the T.V.. The material became stronger and sturdier and more durable, (some manufacturer was not thinking to brightly on this one). Then we started to see the shapes start to change to crazy and wild object. I remember when I had to have the Killer Whale, (and I was an adult by this time), what it practical, heck no but it was cool. This time though I remember Dad and him turning blue with the smaller rafts and got smart. Fill'er up I said to the store clerk when they asked if I wanted air. The only problem was then trying to figure how to get this big honking thing in the car to get it back to the cottage. Then there came the Sharks and the Gators and you name it. And before it was all over we had to get the inflatable boats that we could row out in, lay in, turn it over and lay on it and the games for even better, especially if you used the paddles correctly as a water blaster...
    Ok, now who is laughing about my memory, its for real, they bring back some really fun times, at the beach and in the water. Oh ya but one thing you never never ever did was if Mom was out in the water on her raft, you never tipped her over,, that was cause for time out for waaaaay to long of a time for any kid, at any age. Don't mess with Mom and her raft. Ok have a great day on the Cape, grab your raft and head to the beach for me, and before the day is done check the light house lamp to be sure its lit cause I still need to find my way back, the sooner the better. Here is to Old Cape Cod.
    Normally I stay with the recipes from our families books and boxes, however in my traversing my material for this weeks recipe I discovered just how few recipes I have for my main ingredient Clams. The primary recipe I have that comes from the family is Clam Pie and that I used 08/15/07 and I try not to repeat myself. So the next thing I do is go out to the extended family recipes to see if they have anything that I can use, barrow or down right beg or bribe to use. If that doesn't work I will start to look through my cookbooks to see if there is anything that sounds good, has been around for a while and that can be easily modified to fit my tastes. Well that latter is where I am at today, I found the premise of this weeks recipe in an old cookbook that also took its roots from another cookbook that dates back to the mid 1800. As usual I have added a couple things and changed up a couple others but, its a simple recipe that could be found in many older cook books. So with all that said here is my version of:
       
        Clam Fritters

•     4    cups      finally chopped clams, (of course best if using fresh) drain well
•     3    each      eggs, separated
•     2    cups      bread crumbs (for a little added flavor use the Herbed or Italian seasoned)
•     1    tsp        sea salt
•     1    tsp        pepper
•     2    tsp        Old Bay Seasoning
•     1    Tbsp.    parsley finely chopped
•     1    Tbsp.    shallots minced
•     1/2    cup     milk
•              vegetable oil

    Beat egg yolks to a froth, then add in the rest of the ingredients except vegetable oil and mix well. Add enough milk so that you have a thick batter.  Beat egg whites until stiff then fold into batter. If you have a heavy skillet that would be best to use, get hot and put in enough vegetable oil to just cover bottom of skillet. Using a teaspoon or small spoon drop the batter into the pan to fry. You will need to turn once so that both sides are browned.  (If you have a deep fryer could also drop the batter balls into that as well, please consult your manual for length of time to leave in oil). When you remove from pan place on news paper or paper bags to draw off any excess oil. Place in oven to keep warm until you have enough for dinner.

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Arial Banners & Cucumber Salad

You know something that has been around for many many years and that is the banner planes that fly up the down the coast. I remember  in the early years around 1969 or 1970 first really taking notice of airplanes. I became very interested in airplanes in general and was always on the lookout for airplanes. But coming to the Cape brought a whole new meaning to plane watching for a young lad so enamored by these flying machines.  I remember sitting on the beach one early August summer weekend day and hearing that familiar sound. I looked all around the saw off in the distance the plane coming down the shore line. As it got closer I noticed it had a big banner that it was towing behind it and was so excited to see such a sight. It was an older single engine plan, probably an old crop duster or something like that but to a young impressionable kid it might as been a fighter jet or a space ship. Over the next weeks I saw more and more of these wonderful planes and the banners they brought. At that time I was more interested in the planes then in the banners they were towing, but when you have a kid on a beach pointing out, plane, plane, plane to his parents the advertisers just got their moneys worth as every banner got viewed by every adult with a kid on every beach. And every kid got treated to every kind of single engine plane over the years, from old Cub Cadet crop dusters and bush planes, to early Cessnaes and Pipers. Single overhead and under belly winged plans and an occasional biplane would fly by and dazzle all who where there to see.

Over the years my interests have changed and now I have actually become more interested to see how creative the advertising banners have gotten. The planes and the banners seemed to become more prevalent between the 80's and 2000, however after 911 things seemed to calm down a bit, and for good reason. The banners have seemed to compete with each other to who could outdo who in size and the amount of verbiage being used and if they added any designs to the letters. I have noticed as I have gotten older that economic times also has played a great role on how many planes and banners are going by and who is doing the advertising. Some years we have had an abundance of restaurants others have brought condos and time share real estate. Then there are the ever creative liqueur adds which seem to out do the rest hands down. And can I do an editorial like this and not mention those, I love you banners and will you marry me ones. You wonder just how many guys actually got a NO answer cause he really ticked her off that morning by tracking sand back into the bathroom where his girlfriend had just cleaned it for her mother, ouch, LOL.

Anyway I still love sitting on the beach and watching those planes go by, and trying to guess what the next plane's advertisement it going to be. I also love to look up and try to guess what kind of plane they are using and wondering how many summers it has done its job pulling the big banners down the coast line for all the tourist to see. Next time you see one,, give a wave and the give the pilot something to notice, you might be surprised that some of them can actually see the people on the beach.

And until I can get there to wave myself, someone please keep the light in the light house lit till I can find my way back.. Till then always enjoy the Cape. ...        

The recipe of the week was made for a warm sunny summer evening dinner or for the picnic on or near the beach. It is cool, tasty, and easy and can different things can be added or subtracted to suit the tastes of your guests. So look it over add your own ideas and make put a tasty twist to this summertime favorite.

Cucumber Salad

•     2    med-lrg   cucumbers thinly sliced with skins left on
•     1    bunch  green onions chopped
•     1    med  yellow/orange sweet bell pepper thinly sliced in strips
•     1    med-lrg  tomato chopped, the less seeds the better
•     1    cup  sour cream
•     1/3    cup vinegar (preferably cider, white will work however cut back to 1/4 cup)
•     1/2    tsp.  salt (for a zing use a flavored sea salt)
•     1/4    tsp.  pepper
•     2    Tbsp.  sugar

In one bowl put, sliced cucumbers, green onions, sweet peppers, and chopped tomato, cover and set aside. In separate bowl mix sour cream, vinegar, salt pepper, sugar and whisk together. About 2 hours before serving add to cucumber mixture and allow to marinate in the refrigerator. Service chilled. If you allow to marinate for too long your veggies risk getting soggy, and no one wants a soggy cucumber.

As I said add or subtract what you want, my wife normally does not eat tomatoes,, she is the only one in the family who does not but you do what you gotta do. I like tomatoes...enjoy.

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