Cape Cod
My parents started renting a place at Cape Cod when I was in my teens. We would go once a year and later, twice a year. They gravitated to East Sandwich and they moved from teeny tiny cabins up to 5 bedroom houses right on the ocean. We loved our times there so much.
By the time we were married, they were at the bigger houses, so George and I had our own bedroom with sliding glass doors to an upper deck overlooking the ocean. It always took my breath away, year after year. When the kids came along, we introduced them to wonderful times there. They have fond memories. We all love the ocean.
Before we had kids, there were so many more gift shops on the Cape to visit and we loved looking for fun souvenirs. There was a seconds candle shop and other shops always greeted you with the smell of scented candles. Of course, there was saltwater taffy too, in so many different flavors.
My parents had their favorite fish places but George and I gravitated to "Cooke's Seafood". We always thought it was the best fish and chip we ever had--onion rings too.
My parents, being the grandparents, treated the grandkids (and us) to many rounds of mini golf, always adorned with cool designs from story book type displays to the infamous Pirate's Cove. We also enjoyed Ryan's Amusements where we raced cars around the track. We also made great memories with bumper boats and cars. My Dad had quite a competitive spirit.
I think the favorite part of the entertainment, though, was the hours (and money) spent at the arcade. We all (except George) loved trying to win games and earn tickets to be turned in for pretty poor prizes. A big draw for my Mom was the claw machines. She taught us all how you don't just put the tokens in and guess. No, you needed to study the placement of the stuffed animals and their relationship to those around them. Did they look available, but could the claw really grab enough of them? If they were too stuffed in, you had to forget it. Learning her techniques benefitted us quite a number of claw machine stuffed animals. It was such a thrill to hold your breath as the claw machine slowly carried it to the drop off point--hoping it wouldn't lose it before the drop, which did sometimes happen. We all shouted with joy when it made it. I think we all have a special "bond" with claw machines.
I know my kids fondly remember my Dad going out on the beach with a bag of bread and summoning every seagull within a mile. Before leaving the Cape we used to stop at this pond and traditionally feed the ducks. My parents loved birds. Of course, later we learned that bread wasn't the best thing for them.
There was kite flying on the beach too and sadly, the tale has been retold of the time George lost a kite to the ocean. My Mom would tease with a pouty voice, "You lost my kite!" They never let him live it down.
For me, the treasures of the beach were my rewards. I have always loved rocks and the smoothness, the shapes, the colors, the patterns, all just attracted me. I would come back with heavy laden pockets or use the never-ending supply of plastic bags that my Mom had received from my Uncle when he worked at one of his jobs and they weren't needed any more. In cleaning out my parent's house, I found there were some bags still left!
But the biggest beach treasure was finding sea glass. The most common ones were green but occasionally we found brown, white and a rare blue. I spent hours looking down for the glimmering glass in the sunlight. Mom used to joke, "You can't leave until you find a piece of sea glass." If that were true, George would have been there a lot longer than me. Poor George had a hard time finding sea glass. It was only in recent years that he has become more proficient--or is it luck? I am sure he is not as persistent or diligent as I am to hunt for it and that makes a difference.
Another fond memory of Cape Cod times was just sitting around the table having a meal or playing games--cards or other games almost every night. Those were such special times.
The other most satisfying reward of an ocean view is seeing the sunset or sunrise there. I am always in awe of such a site, the feel of the ocean breeze and the waves gently flowing back and forth. I always imagined they were taking away the bad in life and bringing in the good--if only it were that easy, but it does refresh my soul.
I am glad George and I share the love of the ocean and have had countless walks together on many beaches.
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