But, my question for the day is, what do you do to honor those who lost their lives 9 years ago today? How do you remember?
Samstag, 11. September 2010
9 years
Today is September 11. It seems hard to believe that 9 years ago today, the unthinkable happened. Our world was rocked. I think this day sparked a deep change in thinking of every person. Some positive changes have been made as a result, like more awareness and more security measures. Sadly, most changes in activity and thought have been marred by hate and misunderstanding. Sad on so many levels. This year seems sparked with especially hateful and especially controversial activities.
But, my question for the day is, what do you do to honor those who lost their lives 9 years ago today? How do you remember?
But, my question for the day is, what do you do to honor those who lost their lives 9 years ago today? How do you remember?
Sonntag, 29. August 2010
Our last full day at the Cape
The greatest surprise on Wednesday morning definately had to come when Joern called me down to the water. Here's who we found hanging out at the water's edge happily enjoying the view and the yummy grass:
We stayed at the beach until around 1:00, enjoying the beautiful weather, and Joern, brave enough to go for a swim.
Afterwards, we headed out to north, into the arm of the Cape, to Truro Vineyards.
Unfortunately, we missed the last tour by about 30 minutes, but we were able to do a wine tasting.
After we got to P-town, we went to the Whydah Pirate Museum. Yeah, Pirate Museum. It doesn't seem very me, but I went there last time I was in the Cape, with my pirate-loving cousin, Elizabeth. It turns out that the museum isn't as much a pirate museum, as it is a museum devoted to the Whydah, a ship that had been captured in 1717, by "Black Sam" Bellamy and a host of other pirates. The ship became the flagship of Bellamy and his men. It wrecked off the coast of Cape Cod. The museum focuses on the history of the ship, as well as pirate-life in the 1700s. One visit, and you have an entirely new understanding of pirates of the time.
After our visit to the museum, it was dinner-time. It was so enjoyable to sit on the deck overlooking Provincetown Harbor.
After watching the bunny for a while, we jumped into the car and made our way back to Nauset Beach.
We quickly found out that when you arrive at the ocean, and this is the extent of the swimming, it is a sign. The bad weather the previous evening did a really good job of bringing in lots of very fresh, very cold water to the beach. Brrrr!
We stayed at the beach until around 1:00, enjoying the beautiful weather, and Joern, brave enough to go for a swim.
Afterwards, we headed out to north, into the arm of the Cape, to Truro Vineyards.
Unfortunately, we missed the last tour by about 30 minutes, but we were able to do a wine tasting.
The tasting was very informative, and we got to try every wine they offer. Truro Vineyards had some delicious wine, but we decided we couldn't purchase very much, so we purchased two wines that were very unique. We purchased a Sauvignon Blanc, because it seemed to be the perfect summer wine. We also purchased a Cranberry Red, which was a delicious red, with a hint of cranberry. For this New England Thanksgiving lover, the Cranberry Red will definately make its way into our Thanksgiving enjoyment this upcoming year!
We then drove around for a while, taking the back roads up towards Provincetown.
After we got to P-town, we went to the Whydah Pirate Museum. Yeah, Pirate Museum. It doesn't seem very me, but I went there last time I was in the Cape, with my pirate-loving cousin, Elizabeth. It turns out that the museum isn't as much a pirate museum, as it is a museum devoted to the Whydah, a ship that had been captured in 1717, by "Black Sam" Bellamy and a host of other pirates. The ship became the flagship of Bellamy and his men. It wrecked off the coast of Cape Cod. The museum focuses on the history of the ship, as well as pirate-life in the 1700s. One visit, and you have an entirely new understanding of pirates of the time.
After our visit to the museum, it was dinner-time. It was so enjoyable to sit on the deck overlooking Provincetown Harbor.
After an enjoyable dinner of lobster and steak, we headed out towards Race Point Beach for our final Cape Cod sunset. Race Point Beach itself is gorgeous and wild, located at the tip of the Cape. The sunset was incredible!
I guess not only humans enjoy the sunset off Race Point. Quite a few seals actually passed by while we were there.
After a mesmerizing sunset, we stopped back in P-town for some ice cream and just to enjoy the town.
Tuesday in the Cape
We headed out to Nauset Beach on Tuesday morning. Another cool thing about Orleans is that because it is so centrally located, it also has ocean-side beaches and bay-side beaches. Joern and I both loved spending time at the ocean in Rockport, so we decided to spend the morning at the ocean-side beach.
We had a great time, but left when the fog rolled in.
After buying some lotion and aloe gel, we decided to check out Skaket Beach, which is the beach on Cape Cod Bay. I was so happy too that we got there at low tide. I really wanted to see a Cape Cod Bay beach low tide.
We spent the entire day between two beaches. It was lots of fun. For dinner, we headed out on Route 6A, the street that runs the entire length of the Cape. Joern saw a barbeque restaurant in Wellfleet.. Joern loves barbeque, so we couldn't turn away.
Joern loved his dinner, a ribeye steak with garlic smashed potatoes.
I still regret my choice, a terryaki glazed wood-plank grilled salmon. Way too sweet-bleh! Fortunately, my Maine wild blueberry ale more than made up for the meal.
After dinner, it was another ride. This time, we found ourselves at Nauset Light Beach, in Eastham. It had been a cloudy and rainy evening, but we were not disappointed by the sunset that evening either.
A full day at the beach was tiring, and we were a little sunburned. So, after our little ride, we headed back to the hotel. Of course, we decided to stop off for an ice cream first at the Ice Cream Cafe!
We had a great time, but left when the fog rolled in.
After buying some lotion and aloe gel, we decided to check out Skaket Beach, which is the beach on Cape Cod Bay. I was so happy too that we got there at low tide. I really wanted to see a Cape Cod Bay beach low tide.
We spent the entire day between two beaches. It was lots of fun. For dinner, we headed out on Route 6A, the street that runs the entire length of the Cape. Joern saw a barbeque restaurant in Wellfleet.. Joern loves barbeque, so we couldn't turn away.
Joern loved his dinner, a ribeye steak with garlic smashed potatoes.
I still regret my choice, a terryaki glazed wood-plank grilled salmon. Way too sweet-bleh! Fortunately, my Maine wild blueberry ale more than made up for the meal.
After dinner, it was another ride. This time, we found ourselves at Nauset Light Beach, in Eastham. It had been a cloudy and rainy evening, but we were not disappointed by the sunset that evening either.
Afterwards, we headed over to Coast Guard Beach, also in Eastham.
A full day at the beach was tiring, and we were a little sunburned. So, after our little ride, we headed back to the hotel. Of course, we decided to stop off for an ice cream first at the Ice Cream Cafe!
Dienstag, 17. August 2010
Cape Cod Part I
During the last week of our trip home, Joern and I headed up to Cape Cod for four days. The great thing about the Cape is that it is so unique in terms of its location and beauty, and it is so close to home.
We headed out on Monday morning, and after a stop at Wal-Mart and the outlet center in Westbrook,CT, we officially hit the road around 2 pm. Traffic was great, and by 4:30, we were crossing over the Sagamore Bridge and officially entering the Cape.
Unfortunately, it isn't too easy to take a picture on a bridge from a moving car, but this is the Cape Cod Canal underneath us as we cross the bridge:
We headed towards Orleans, which is located approximately in the center of the Cape. Lots of people advised that this would be a good place to stay for Joern's first trip, because of its central location, you ´can reach all areas of the Cape in well under an hour.
Finding good deals on hotels in the Cape in the summer is like finding a needle in a haystack, but we got relatively lucky. We stayed at the Cove Motel in Orleans. Not bad. The view from the hotel was particularly beautiful.
Once we got checked in and freshened up, we decided to do a little exploring before dinner.
Dinner was at the Lobster Claw, a pretty popular family style restaurant in Orleans.
I have to admit, my dinner was a bit indulgent, but a very welcome taste of home. I had a lobster boil dinner, which included lobster, corn on the cob, and 12 steamed clams. I haven't had steamers in years, and boy, were they just as delicious as I remembered!
Joern decided that he wanted to go for a ride after dinner. We headed up towards Provincetown, which lies on the tip of the Cape. We found ourselves at Herring Cove Beach near P-town, just as the sun was setting. Turns out going to the beach and watching the sunset is a hobby at the Cape! Of course, I quickly learned why watching sunsets is so popular there!
We drove through Provincetown before heading home. It was a beautiful night!
We headed out on Monday morning, and after a stop at Wal-Mart and the outlet center in Westbrook,CT, we officially hit the road around 2 pm. Traffic was great, and by 4:30, we were crossing over the Sagamore Bridge and officially entering the Cape.
Unfortunately, it isn't too easy to take a picture on a bridge from a moving car, but this is the Cape Cod Canal underneath us as we cross the bridge:
We headed towards Orleans, which is located approximately in the center of the Cape. Lots of people advised that this would be a good place to stay for Joern's first trip, because of its central location, you ´can reach all areas of the Cape in well under an hour.
Finding good deals on hotels in the Cape in the summer is like finding a needle in a haystack, but we got relatively lucky. We stayed at the Cove Motel in Orleans. Not bad. The view from the hotel was particularly beautiful.
Once we got checked in and freshened up, we decided to do a little exploring before dinner.
Dinner was at the Lobster Claw, a pretty popular family style restaurant in Orleans.
I have to admit, my dinner was a bit indulgent, but a very welcome taste of home. I had a lobster boil dinner, which included lobster, corn on the cob, and 12 steamed clams. I haven't had steamers in years, and boy, were they just as delicious as I remembered!
Joern decided that he wanted to go for a ride after dinner. We headed up towards Provincetown, which lies on the tip of the Cape. We found ourselves at Herring Cove Beach near P-town, just as the sun was setting. Turns out going to the beach and watching the sunset is a hobby at the Cape! Of course, I quickly learned why watching sunsets is so popular there!
We drove through Provincetown before heading home. It was a beautiful night!
Freitag, 13. August 2010
My cooking desire
I guess we ate out too much when we were home, and then spent the past few weeks eating Vesper (the German answer to dinner, veggies and bread and deli meats.) Or maybe I can feel fall coming. Whatever it is, I find myself longing for good, homecooked food.
Besides spending my last week of freedom visiting friends and more house plans, I want to cook!
I want to make pasta sauce and hummus. I would also like to make more foods that can be frozen, like the pasta sauce. When I made pasta sauce last year, it lasted us a good 4 months, and so yummy!
So, I am scouring the internet while I watch the Gilmore Girls, looking for yummy, summer-produce recipes. I am hoping to talk Joern into going to the market tomorrow, for some yummy fruits and veggies.
I'll post with my market finds and of course, I'll post my creations!
Besides spending my last week of freedom visiting friends and more house plans, I want to cook!
I want to make pasta sauce and hummus. I would also like to make more foods that can be frozen, like the pasta sauce. When I made pasta sauce last year, it lasted us a good 4 months, and so yummy!
So, I am scouring the internet while I watch the Gilmore Girls, looking for yummy, summer-produce recipes. I am hoping to talk Joern into going to the market tomorrow, for some yummy fruits and veggies.
I'll post with my market finds and of course, I'll post my creations!
Samstag, 31. Juli 2010
Our second week home
During our second week home, we continued shopping, and preparing for the container's arrival on Thursday the 15th. We also had a little traveling to do, as Joern found a yo-yo company in Fall River, MA that he felt would be a wonderful potential supplier. Joern set up an appointment with the company on Monday morning at 10 am. We left at 7, and made our way up I-95 to Fall River. The trip was quick and uneventful.
When we arrived in Fall River, we quickly found the company, thanks GPS! And I decided that I would go to the meeting as well, instead of sitting outside in the car for who knew how long. It was so cool as we entered the building, to find the following:
We met first with the sales director, who showed us around the facility, and described the products. He then brought us back to the conference room, where we met with the president, and all four of us talked about the plan and vision to get the product on the market here and to foster sales growth. It was so interesting, and the everybody we met from the company was so nice. They seemed so level-headed. I have to say, Joern's parents' business is so incredibly interesting!
After our meeting, which was surprisingly long, we decided to stop in Newport before heading home. We love Newport. Altough it is well known for the gigantic houses dotting the coastline, I really enjoy all the little shops along Bannister's Wharf, and the general atmosphere in Newport.
After lunch, we took a lovely ride out to Ocean Drive to see the houses, and the beautiful Altantic vistas.
We came home to a message from the shipping company that the ship was overbooked, and our container would need to be moved from Thursday to the following Monday. Slightly frustrated we accepted that the container would not come for another 4 days after we expected.
At my godfather's cookout on Sunday, we brought up the fact that were were looking for crown molding while we were home. My godfather, who happens to be a carpenter, quickly jumped on this discussion, and offered to purchase crown molding for us at the lumber yard he works with, and to provide it to us at his cost. We spent a good portion of that evening disucssing crown molding and looking at samples. We agreed to meet my godfather at the lumber yard on Tuesday morning.
I quickly learned on Tuesday morning that if you are overwhelemed by decision making, it is not such a good idea to go to a lumber yard to look at crown molding, and baseboard, and beadboard. There were so very many choices! My godfather was able to help us narrow down our choices, and let us bring home some samples.
We also headed back out to the outlets in Riverhead on Wednesday. After 7 or so trips back and forth to Long Island, with truck-fulls of furniture, it finally rained. Fortunately, we had my father's car, fully closed. The five medicine (3 white, 2 espresso) cabinets we purchased all fit nicely inside.
photo from www.restorationhardware.com
While at the outlets, we also purchased a fab set of pots and pans from All Clad. We can't wait to use them on our new oven!
After 6 months of knowing we could always run out to the outlets and pick up one more piece of funiture for the house, it was a strange feeling to leave Long Island that day, knowing that the container would soon be coming and we would be finished with this furnish the house experience.
When we got home on Wednesday, we headed back to my godfather's house, where he gave Joern a lesson on mitre cuts for the crown molding. He spent quite a bit of time showing Joern how to cut the crown molding, as well as gave us lots of tips on installation.
Somewhere along the way, we made it Joern's favorite restaurant, Five Guys Burgers and Fries. Not the healthiest, but sure tasty twice a year!
Saturday night, we headed to Waterford, CT to the Speedbowl. I must admit, 15 years ago, I was humiliated to go to the races. Now, it has become a fun Saturday night, and a good way for my dad and I to spend time together when I'm home.
Sunday was busy, but lots of fun. We started off at Bruegger's Bagels with my dad's breakfast crew. Over the years, my father has formed a special friendship with a bunch of, mostly retired, engineers who have their morning coffee and bagel at Bruegger's. Joern and I call it the Stammtisch, which is a German term for a table in a restaurant that is reserved strictly for regulars who gather often to drink beer and talk. My dad's Stammtisch is similar, but gatherings occur in the morning and involve coffee instead of beer: the American version. The group has come to know Joern and myself well, and it is always fun to say "hi" in the morning.
We then headed to South Benson Marina in Fairfield to spend a couple hours on my godparent's boat. Growing up, both my dad and godfather had boats. Since they are best friends anyway, we often would head out on Sunday, drive somewhere, and tie the boats together for the afternoon. I have many fond memories of lazy Sunday summer afternoons laughing with my godparents, and a very spry little me, who loved to jump between the two boats.
My father has since sold his boat, and my godfather has since upgraded. Their boat is really beautiful, and perfect for a drive out on the Sound. We headed over to Westport to Cockenoe Island, a popular spot for boaters to hang out. It was perfect timing when we arrived, because the water was little more than waist-deep, so it was great for cooling off without worrying about washing away.
After some swimming, we had lunch, and chatted for a while. We were out about 5 hours. It was so much fun, and such a wonderful way to share a piece of my childhood with Joern.
We ran from the boat back to Trumbull, to another cookout. This time, the cookout was held by one of my dad's friends from the bagel place (his Stammtisch.) It was really enjoyable to meet and chat with the many people there. The food was great and a fabulous way to round out our second week at home.
When we arrived in Fall River, we quickly found the company, thanks GPS! And I decided that I would go to the meeting as well, instead of sitting outside in the car for who knew how long. It was so cool as we entered the building, to find the following:
We met first with the sales director, who showed us around the facility, and described the products. He then brought us back to the conference room, where we met with the president, and all four of us talked about the plan and vision to get the product on the market here and to foster sales growth. It was so interesting, and the everybody we met from the company was so nice. They seemed so level-headed. I have to say, Joern's parents' business is so incredibly interesting!
After our meeting, which was surprisingly long, we decided to stop in Newport before heading home. We love Newport. Altough it is well known for the gigantic houses dotting the coastline, I really enjoy all the little shops along Bannister's Wharf, and the general atmosphere in Newport.
After lunch, we took a lovely ride out to Ocean Drive to see the houses, and the beautiful Altantic vistas.
We came home to a message from the shipping company that the ship was overbooked, and our container would need to be moved from Thursday to the following Monday. Slightly frustrated we accepted that the container would not come for another 4 days after we expected.
At my godfather's cookout on Sunday, we brought up the fact that were were looking for crown molding while we were home. My godfather, who happens to be a carpenter, quickly jumped on this discussion, and offered to purchase crown molding for us at the lumber yard he works with, and to provide it to us at his cost. We spent a good portion of that evening disucssing crown molding and looking at samples. We agreed to meet my godfather at the lumber yard on Tuesday morning.
I quickly learned on Tuesday morning that if you are overwhelemed by decision making, it is not such a good idea to go to a lumber yard to look at crown molding, and baseboard, and beadboard. There were so very many choices! My godfather was able to help us narrow down our choices, and let us bring home some samples.
We also headed back out to the outlets in Riverhead on Wednesday. After 7 or so trips back and forth to Long Island, with truck-fulls of furniture, it finally rained. Fortunately, we had my father's car, fully closed. The five medicine (3 white, 2 espresso) cabinets we purchased all fit nicely inside.
photo from www.restorationhardware.com
While at the outlets, we also purchased a fab set of pots and pans from All Clad. We can't wait to use them on our new oven!
After 6 months of knowing we could always run out to the outlets and pick up one more piece of funiture for the house, it was a strange feeling to leave Long Island that day, knowing that the container would soon be coming and we would be finished with this furnish the house experience.
When we got home on Wednesday, we headed back to my godfather's house, where he gave Joern a lesson on mitre cuts for the crown molding. He spent quite a bit of time showing Joern how to cut the crown molding, as well as gave us lots of tips on installation.
Somewhere along the way, we made it Joern's favorite restaurant, Five Guys Burgers and Fries. Not the healthiest, but sure tasty twice a year!
Saturday night, we headed to Waterford, CT to the Speedbowl. I must admit, 15 years ago, I was humiliated to go to the races. Now, it has become a fun Saturday night, and a good way for my dad and I to spend time together when I'm home.
Sunday was busy, but lots of fun. We started off at Bruegger's Bagels with my dad's breakfast crew. Over the years, my father has formed a special friendship with a bunch of, mostly retired, engineers who have their morning coffee and bagel at Bruegger's. Joern and I call it the Stammtisch, which is a German term for a table in a restaurant that is reserved strictly for regulars who gather often to drink beer and talk. My dad's Stammtisch is similar, but gatherings occur in the morning and involve coffee instead of beer: the American version. The group has come to know Joern and myself well, and it is always fun to say "hi" in the morning.
We then headed to South Benson Marina in Fairfield to spend a couple hours on my godparent's boat. Growing up, both my dad and godfather had boats. Since they are best friends anyway, we often would head out on Sunday, drive somewhere, and tie the boats together for the afternoon. I have many fond memories of lazy Sunday summer afternoons laughing with my godparents, and a very spry little me, who loved to jump between the two boats.
My father has since sold his boat, and my godfather has since upgraded. Their boat is really beautiful, and perfect for a drive out on the Sound. We headed over to Westport to Cockenoe Island, a popular spot for boaters to hang out. It was perfect timing when we arrived, because the water was little more than waist-deep, so it was great for cooling off without worrying about washing away.
After some swimming, we had lunch, and chatted for a while. We were out about 5 hours. It was so much fun, and such a wonderful way to share a piece of my childhood with Joern.
We ran from the boat back to Trumbull, to another cookout. This time, the cookout was held by one of my dad's friends from the bagel place (his Stammtisch.) It was really enjoyable to meet and chat with the many people there. The food was great and a fabulous way to round out our second week at home.
Abonnieren
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