CapeCodToday Blog Chowder

Cheers umassjsp, Minutemen unite. If I weren't voting for John & Sarah I'd be voting for Nugent. Ted Nugent.

Good, drill away baby. Maybe then the Cape won't be paying $3.75/gallon for gasoline when it's $3.20 on the mainland.

People and domesticated animals (ie dogs)are killing the salt marshes.

disgusted,
you are disgusting and should be ashamed of yourself for making such comments.
That's part of the problem, people, not enough SHAME in this world.

Hey there cru,
what happened to shelli? haven't had much time to check the posts but I see her comments have dropped off....

Truro Treasures has typically been held in the Truro Central School area and parking lot, and it is on Rte 6..set back aways, but on the main road through town....and that is rte 6. Highlands is CCNS, they probably want to keep it on town land.

I think Sarah Palin is a fine choice, I applaud her and her family's decision to step into the spotlight.

BTW, am I the only one who thinks she is a dead ringer for the Karen Walker character from "Will and Grace"?

bittersweet,
Do bloggers count? I mean, you ask what are we going to do about it? What CAN we do about it? ANyone have an answer?

Despite your troubles there Mr. Robbins, thanks for digging deeper...enquiring minds want to know.

bittersweet,
I think others have used the word KARMA. What goes around comes around. I'm RC but not practicing and the bible says that whatever you sow, you shall reap. And I think everyone knows that whatever you spread out there, it will come back 100 fold.
Let me tell you something, that is really one of the only things that keeps me going; thats the only thing that keeps me sane out here amongst some of the "characters" sometimes.
They have it coming...
BTW, as for the south, I've spent quite a bit of time in the Carolinas, and let me tell you something, they are still fighting the civil war down there, just no one ever says it out loud, but they are...unbelievable...
Why do the cape towns not come with warning labels?

Ooops. They are self serving. (period, end of sentence)

shell, while it's really nice that Mrs. P opened her place to families in need of the facilites, does this contribute to the septic woes? I mean probably not a vast amount, but I don't think that even that bit of kindness will be enough for some of the boards. Afterall, the boards really do not care all that much, they are self serving,

bittersweet, this is worse than the redneck south, I've never seen anything like it and do not wish to stay to see anymore.

5 Mile Run for the Fallen, how come we did not hear more about it? What a wonderful thing. Kudos.

I can see the teeth on that dog all the way out here...

bittersweet,
I hate to say it, but Massachusetts has become a liberal nightmare. To answer your question, yes, we have gone mad. No one gives two craps about civil rights or private property or human life.
Your screen name sums it up: the Cape is bittersweet; beautiful (I think I;ve used the phrase visually stunning before), thats the Sweet. There are some hideously ugly (in nature) and nasty people here too...that's the Bitter. It makes things all the harder I think b/c we are geographically confined out here.
Beware new residents, beware.

I always wanted that phrase, pogmothoin tattooed on my derriere...makes sense to me.

Shelli,
He sounds sincere...

Mon,
A million years ago I swam AAU, and there are various degrees of the Individual Medley (IM) 100, 200 etc as the Rockhopper says. I thoroughly enjoyed the Marcus Camby days at UMass (ZooMass, the Zoo) in Amherst at the Cage...fun stuff.

Aww c'mon Monpo, some people really like JP...but even I think this is kinda elementary.

Thank you Shelli, for asking the question and thank you Peter for answering: inquiring minds want to know...

I'm sure if the gun were registered prior to the break-in, the answer from the chief would have been the affirmative, not "I don't know."
So there we have it.

lol Mon, lol

tree was bashed down on a local real estate office, microburst maybe?

Yeah, it's not exactly genteel is it? The first time I ever saw it in print was in a magazine called "Jane" that I got a a present for Christmas (ooo, can I say that?)and it completely fun-cused me; I had to have it explained to me (by the person who got me the subscription no less!)

videopaul

MILF = mom i'd like to....share intimate relations with...

They've replaced the men's swim team speedo suits with the super slick body suits, so I guess the skimpy outfit had to go somewhere...right onto the women's volleyball players! Of course if i looked like anyone of the athletes there, I too would be wearing them...LOL

God bless these fine young men and woman, godspeed.

$5500? I thought it said $550? I'll scrape it off for 550, let alone 5500...do they have gold rimmed toilet seats that cost 3K at the station too?

It just took me 1 hour to get through Eastham en route to Wellfleet....

cru,
you can add to that list of pensioners / artistes who were gifted their lovely little >500 K shacks. Some of us have actually had to work for our homes.
None the less, the people I know, artist or everydayman/woman, work. Were not given anything, take nothing for granted and mind their business. I guess we're not "fortunate enough" to have daddy leave us a spanking property. IMO, this is a dangerous thing, this inherited slice of America...I believe it leads to a complacency that lulls one into thinking that all will be handed over on a silver platter, an entitlement if you will.
Now I don't know many of the restaurant owners personally (Bookstore, flemings etc.) but I can see where an influx of change might be disturbing (ie competition) AND I can sense that little air of entitlement...after all "they" were here first, before DD moved in etc.
Capitalist America....when did it become not such a great thing?

oooh! There you are Shelli! Glad you are here. Thanks for the nod, I appreciate it. I can't be anyone but myself, so if it's honest, Oh well...lol.

C'mon. give us a hint about what's coming out soon...all I know is what I see and hear and witness...and well you know, blog.

BOH, EPA, cons comm, they all have their own agenda regardless of what the official word may be...
Oh BTW, it does not just end with the septic people...we called to have our furnace serviced a few years ago...well the oil company never showed. Blew us off, so we thought. Then we get the bill. Turns out the company went to the neighbor's house, serviced that place, and billed us. Threatened to take us to small claims too! The only way we were able to clear it up was to have the driver describe the house, the interior etc.
Where does it all go? Into the sand...along with the many heads of those who choose to bury themselves there.

crusader,
Agreed. The Cape is a fishbowl. The other side of those bridges do not offer anything different really than what goes on here. But the other side does offer a greater geographical escape from everything...it is more open and free, so to speak. This sandbar "traps" people; only one way off if you don't count boats or planes. Of course people will be singled out, fairly or unfairly. Put em in the fishbowl and see who is the alpha / aggressive fish...big fish eat littler fish. Townhall... (shake my head) it's too bad; I've met some FANTASTIC people (and yes some work for the town, salt of theearth they are) and some DEFINITELY NOT so nice people. Do we not have anything better to do than get up in others businesses?

"Can't we all just get along..." Ummmm. Rodney King.

cru,
I've learned very quickly that the town will protect their own at the expense of anyone...I've learned very quickly that it is not what you know but WHO you know. It's too bad, b/c I've eaten at the Bookstore and thought it was a neat place to have; I've eaten at Capt. Higgins (years ago) and liked it, eaten at just about all the restaurants in town at some point or another. I stick to some and avoid others, usually because of WHAT and WHO I know...lol. Ya gotta love the cape....

Shelli!
Can you hook up Peter with the owners? Get their side posted? You probably have better connections......

Peter, don't get me wrong, I'm sure you try to get both sides of the story...I was just hoping Shelli could shed some light. If you don't report / mention it....I really am of the school of thought that thinks you tried but could not get the other side of the story.
If I can get a hold of the parties that I know work there on your behalf, I will. Their opinion )last time we talked) was one of disbelief (as in what are they = Bookstore owners-doing?!)

I was not at that BOH meeting in support of the Parlante's, I was there for other business. I do not know them personally.
I WAS at the ZBA meeting in February that voted 3-2 against the Pearl.. interesting stuff going on in Wellfleet.

cru, I see your point, but I am not aware of other restaurants (or any other businesses) in Wellfleet who have been in violation for so long...longer than this blog or website has been in existence probably for that matter.
What's wrong with competition? If a sitting member of the Wellfleet BOH who happens to own another restaurant in town did not have a problem with the Pearl being in business at that location, why should the Bookstore? Competition is good right?

Exactly ccjon, exactly. Invaded enough in season, why can't locals be left with a little piece (peace) to themselves...

Shelli,
I was at the April BOH meeting when the board essentially let the Parlante family know they were done, finished, not going to extend anymore courtesies to them and their engineer and legal counsel convinced the BOH to give them ONE last chance to make the corrections to the plans. They had a special meeting the following week.

So how come they are not doing what they agreed to be doing? I was at the meeting when she (Mrs ) promised they would not operate over capacity. The board expressed much frustration about having their hands tied back then; why does the family restaurant have so many seats and why do they continue to keep serving so many?

I just really want to hear their version, do you know what it is? A lot of people are going to bat for them, and yes I know some employees there too, but why do they seemingly frustrate the heck outta the BOH?

I know how this has been handled elsewhere. Once upon a time, in a land far far away (well, Western Mass) I was accompanying my friend and her mother-who is wheelchair bound- on a shopping trip, when we circled the parking lot of the local mall in search of an open H-parking spot. One finally opened up, but before we could make it over, a car (without any visible H tags) pulled in. Out hopped a women who appeared to be able bodied, she locked her car and headed into the mall. What to do? My friend called security, who promptly showed up, made a call or two, and had it towed. We then pulled into the spot, H-tag prominently displayed, and proceeded to get her mother out of the vehicle and into her wheelchair. Imagine the look on the other diver's face when she returned with her purchases to find her car gone and another in its place. Really don't know if she was fined, but I know it cost a little bit to locate her car and bail it out of an impound lot.

Good on ya Roberts family!

Thank you Ms. Bowden for sharing this with the community. I am appalled and saddened for you and your daughter. What has happened to society? When the "experts" and LE and DA behave in such a manner? All involved should at the very least be ashamed. Not enough shame in this world, IMO.

codpeace, you crazy!

Thanks Shell. at least no one got hurt (I hope not anyway) That explains the lights out too...

I don't hear any music....

I can still sorta see some lights flashing thru the trees....have not seen anything online yet...

Shelli,
A little off subject, but what's going on at the pier tonight? Cruisers, fire trucks etc...

smahkcep
I agree, a new look for the DA is in order; the doo reminds me of the brush hog thing I have on the front porch to scrape off the leaves, mud snow etc...

Two weeks? and probation? That's it? Prepare for more bat beatings....

Amen, wise, amen

Am I having a flashback to high school English or what?

Cheers Mr. Gerry Nye. Although I believe our children will hsve to deal with the mess, not the generation next....

Didn't Mel Brooks coin the phrase "may the Schwartz be with you" in "Spaceballs"-pretty funny movie...same kind of Schwartz? Please advise.

Wow. The saga continues...

I can't even imagine what this felt like for this family. I get anxious just thinking about it. Thank goodness he's safe.

Kiki and Cru
What a tradegy this is! As for the doc performing the abortion in his office, my best guess is that it was paid for cash, not insurance. If it (the clinic) were an ASC, then I know for a fact that they are highly regulated and he would not have been the only medical staff on site. The AMA (American Medical Association) sets the rules regarding what procedures can and cannot be performed in an outpatient or office setting, especially if the facility / docs are accepting insurances. If a provider performs non-reimbursable procedures (cash only) in an outpatient setting, well then that's another set of guidleines. But if the doc does not follow the guidelines...well it is so sad for the young lady's family. What a waste.
And Cru! Your daughter! Wow, are you sure it was a legitimate cop?! You know how there are wackos out there impersonating the police. I'll leave that last statement for broadbased interpretation.

I think if it were a smaller dog they probably would have done the same thing. An aggressive dog is an aggressive dog. Too bad, pit bulls get a bad rap. Its the owners who foster and encourage that behavior that should be tazered...

I guess if he was not guilty, why did he run? Oh yeah! He was running until he could get all the lawyers to defend him in place, once they were on the payroll, he could do the "right" thing and turn himself in....funny, Mon, but I thought his name WAS Swindle.
PS, would you trut a guy named Windle with all your $$? I'm thinking, No.

Be careful what you wish for is right! That and only in New England (I'm sure there are other places too) can your neighbors tell you what you can and cannot do with your own private property.

Peter M and Shelli,
I totally see both your sides. The homes that are built within the seashore ARE private property WITHIN that entity. I do not view it as losing more of the National Seashore....the land is already privately owned and the property owner(s) abides by the by-laws. If the by-laws are changed, it may well prevent this from "happening" again, although I guess I do not understand "what" exactly is happening. I get that the billboard house was not conventional, yet it was allowed. The whole thing has been grandfathered. Maybe those who initially wrote the by-laws and initiated them are the ones to be held responsible...responsible for time? land value increases? homestyle changes?
It's a big thing and times have changed and either by-laws should change or opinions need to change. I'm not saying one has to like the whole project, but one should respect the private property's owner to do as they wish within the current regs. This should apply to any property and project, IMO.

Shelli,
You know it girl. IMO, there are "victims" on both sides....loopholes created by someone -to-benefit -another- at- some point; and now it has been blown waaayyy out of proportion and the Blasch's have suffered and the town government is divided. What a mess. Sad for all, seriously.

Bopo,
LOL. And I believe you would need a two-seater to take out a tree that size.

nonresidenttaxpayer,
Wow, that's kinda cold. Do you even know these people, personally? Get a hobby? I'm sure their hobby prior to this purchase was not defending their rights and property.
Entire town infuriated? I'm not infuriated with them; my friends aren't infuriated and I(we)live in Wellfleet. I'm infuriated more with the actions of the BOS and their audacity and with the embarrassing situation they have put themselves and the taxpayers $$.
I'm sure the Blasch's are "thrilled" with their purchase and the "welcome" they've received.
Shelli, I agree, let's move on, stop beating the dead horse and try to amend the by-laws for the future. Not sure that they "bought" the loopholes, but I'm sure a very smart (crafty?) realtor pointed out the loopholes and maybe that helped seal the deal...? Maybe.

I've been to a few meetings, and I've come away with the impression that there are many in the town who believe that they "are above the law". Hhhmmmm....

cru and ccnurse,
Amen and I will go hug my kids right now! As my kids get older, its hard to keep things from them (like the Jamie Lynne Spears pregnancy for example) and I am one to explain things in a rational, almost scientific way, but at the age appropriate level. I just make sure to try and keep the nasty stuff (such as the bat-boy terrorizing the family) away from them. But at least I'll be prepared if the questions come.

I too am puzzled by the "choices" of Cape police. Sigh. I guess it is what it is. I appreciate and value all the insight to rearing kids that I have received, I have a long way to go, they are under 10 (we started later).
Maybe, and this is a looonnnggg shot, maybe the court system should take a look at an individuals upbringing (if they don't already, I admit I don't know that answer),if one will argue that, go after the parents or the guardians etc. whom the individuals blame for the problems. Parental accountability long after the child has reached legal adulthood. Long shot I know, but it infuriates me. Everyone feels they are entitled, to something, and / or they have an excuse to hide behind.
E.G.: he pays his rent on time. Well doesn't that just make it all alright!

Shelli & Cru,
See? This is what I am all about. Action = consequence. I really do think it is quite simple in a way: life is about choices. As parents in this "civilized" society, I own the fact that I MUST teach my children about GOOD choices and BAD choices. I must teach them about the consequences to their actions, good and bad. Positive and negative. I have friends who are school teachers (my momma was a teacher for 40 years) and the stories I have been told regarding discipline (or a lack thereof) in the classroom makes me cringe sometimes. I wonder if anyone were to ask this bat-boy's former classmates or educators what they thought of this whole thing, what would their answers be?

To the moon Alice.....:)

Knowing that we've done our best with the kids daily allows us to sleep at night. Ozzie and Harriet, not us either (sometimes a little Dan and Roseanne) but we are content to know that they will have the best life skills we can offer them.

Raise eyebrows? Slightly. Surprised. Not a bit.

Shelli,
The trust is gone for me. Breaks my heart too. It is visually stunning out here, and then reality set in. We will most likely be one of the many families to leave in the future at some point. I felt connected too, but this tiny community is divided. It'll be good for the kids to experience life beyond the bridges.

Margot,
I agree, many ostriches. Many unsuspecting people too I'm afraid. Prior to having kids I came here and thought it was a beautiful place to visit AND live AND rear children. Then I moved here and lived here for a while. A relative of mine questioned my decision to move here, said it would not be a "special" place anymore. I did not realize what she meant at the time. I clearly see what she meant now, a decade or so into the experience. I am trying my hardest to make this environment the best for my kids, but with the flagrant political corruption all around the Cape, woo boy it's not easy.

Buzz,
Cheers to you for teaching your child what consequences are. Too many people in this world (young and old alike I am learning) feel that they can do as they please without consequence. Do as you please, mommy and daddy will bail you out and make it go away. Hand everything to them as a gift. Don't have to work for anything, it's all a given. Enabling a child is one of the most dangerous things to do IMO.
My children will be given a choice, once they are old enough, to work a lobster boat, or construction or go back to WMass and pick tobacco or cukes...get their hands dirty. if they love it, great, if they don't, well I hope they are inspired to achieve other goals.
I broke a neighbors window once as a child, parents walked me over, I had to apologize and use my saved allowance $$ for repairs. I was definitely more careful about my actions after that! That's the stuff that stays with you for life.
Actions and choices have consequences.

I would one of those parents choosing between daycare and gas and home heating oil and astronomical medical bills. yes I have a job (Chatham area, live in Fleet though), yes I sent kids to daycare, but paid for daycare with paycheck, yes I have health insurance, but 100% comes out of my pocket.
I want to make sure that even though hubby and I have made a life better than when we were growing up,our kids will have to work to appreciate all they have in order to make it better for their future children, god willing. They do chores and receive a small weekly allowance. They can spend that allowance on one item monthly and the rest of the $$ is banked. If they want to "play" they have to work. They must use manners and be respectful. Was that so hard to teach? At times it seems like it took forever for them to respond "thank you" "please" and "excuse me", but they do and I am proud of them. It's true I want to go back to bed some mornings and pretend what is was like BC (before children) but that is fleeting and I get up.
Again it's all about choices.

Exactly. Scary that there are so many kids out there born into the chaos that may be their parents lives that the basics of love and caring are neglected. Hubby and I work BECAUSE we care for and love our kids and want them to have what we did not and experience the things in life we did not. At least it gives us the option to afford those experiences...we'll keep trying anyway. Maybe that's the answer, people don't try anymore, they just give up.
BTW, I am glad you find me refreshing, see? I try.

Shelli,
I will be the first to stand up and admit that I can see myself in the statement:
"Yes, my agenda is that children have been put so far down the list of priorities that no one is paying attention to WHY. They are not our #1 priority any more..."
My kids are high up on my list, but it's true, they are not #1, and I need to fix that. I've sacrificed my ideal belief in child rearing in order to work a few hours more per week, take an extra cleaning job, etc., all just to get ahead THAT much further financially. In the long run, will it be worth it to my family? God I hope so. But it has made me stop to take inventory so to speak. I think ignorant hate crimes such as this moron with a bat (and a few drinks in him perhaps? or was he really just an absolute moron naturally?) is that family's ultimate result of poor parenting, poor morals, poor choices, etc. And now unfortunately, the family from NY is affected by that result. Life pretty much is about choices. Moron chose incorrectly / result of poor choices by his parents perhaps?

Maybe that is why we are paranoid.

Shelli,
Thanks for being quick to say to say what some of us (me) are thinking. Re: thoughts on parenting and placing top priority on money instead of family. It's frightening to think that there are so many people in today's society who have no conscience. This ugly case (thugs attacking tourists) just shocks me...and just when I thought I could not be shocked any more...something more insane happens. Amazing.
PS, I too believe that ccnurse needs to explain this last comment further.

Nah, not PO'd, just shaking my head in disbelief.

Are you kidding? This was a hateful, disgusting act upon a family...kids or not, senseless violence against anyone is not funny, nor should one make light of it. Grow up.

There are good people all over Wellfleet, and I'm sure the Blasch's are good people. It will be their home, whether they are there one month or year round. It is their property. They have a right to build their home just as other good people have the right to build their homes, all within the by-laws.