50 Days of Remembering 50 Years Day #23

Collections

George's mother collected spoons and salt and pepper shakers. My Mom collected elephants, Beanie Babies and postcards. My Aunt collected Hummels. My Grandmother collected knickknack shoes or slippers. It was just a thing that evolved. Someone would declare something they liked and everyone would often give that person that themed gift at Christmas or birthday. And such collections grew and grew.

My Mom was the fulfiller of collections. If you said you liked a theme, she would forever grow your collection. For me it was lighthouses. I have a pretty great collection of lighthouses--tiny ones and ones that are electric and light up. I had a lighthouse cookie jar and lighthouse dishes. 

It was easy for us to find a souvenir spoon wherever we went for George's mother. I don't know how it started but George had gotten probably a handful of key chains and it was decided he was collecting them. He did put them on a display board and amassed quite a few. That was another easy gift to find. 

Ben collected nutcrackers for a while and Tiffany fancy dolls. Ben was also into baseball cards and other cards and some comic books. Tiffany's biggest collection was these adorable little miniature figures. We thought they had been lost in our basement or attic but a few years ago I found them and happily gave them all back to her one Easter. 

I don't know how many people still collect things of a particular theme. Of course, we have had to tell everyone "No more!". George gave away most of his collection to another collector. I've halted the growth of mine, but have not yet started purging, but after going through my mother's elephants, I probably should do that. Oh, the fun my family is going to have going through the things I save. I think the first thing I saved was paper--yes, paper. I had a paper drawer in my dresser and used scrap paper for writing. I didn't want to be without something to write on. 

I have always had a fascination and can't resist a good rock--one with character. And of course, there are my couple of jars of sea glass--all the pieces were hunted down and captured--a prize from hours of walking the beach. Now I have my Mom's sea glass too. Oh, and I collected stamps from when I was a child--foreshadowing my future postal job? 

George doesn't really collect much else, unless tools and screws and things like that count. He does have a small classic model car collection that my parents helped him with, but then he said, "no more". He has a perfect little display. 

I don't know what makes some of us have that inner drive to save. Why am I a collector (don't call me a hoarder!)? Maybe optimistic people see the potential in everything--like my paper collection, as a child and now other things for craft supplies for the grandkids, or there are other things like George's tools and screws and things that can save us from buying more in the future. Lighthouses are a saving beacon reminding me of Jesus being the light of the world. I like what they represent. Photographs deliver precious memories. Rocks and sea glass are found treasures. I feel like I "earned" them. I have justifications for everything. I still maintain people who collect are optimistic.  

Yes, we have collections. I know we can't take it with us, but it's a hobby and I think it releases dopamine and makes us feel good. I know the minimalists don't understand but I do know it's an internal thing and I also know, this is just an earthly pleasure or curse, whichever way you look at it.  

"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and rust do not destroy..."

Matthew 6:20

50 Days of Remembering Day #8

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. 

"Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it."

Psalm 98:7

Niantic Weekend

Everyone was so friendly on the Niantic Bay Boardwalk. This one woman when she learned it was our anniversary asked if we wanted our picture taken.
We stayed at the Niantic Inn, a short walk to this boardwalk.

 There is a little beach area and a nice little park to the right.

 This is taken from the park area.

 Both George and my shadows in this one.

Back to the boardwalk.

 Each one of these benches is inscribed in memory of someone.

 This was my favorite quote on a bench. For a scavenger hunt, go here and read all the benches and find the one with a typo--what a shame.

Right near the boardwalk was this great 50's style place called Gumdrops & Lollipops. They sold old fashioned candies and fudge and ice cream besides breakfast and lunch. We are so glad we discovered this on our first day there, because it was the best home made ice cream ever! This way were able to enjoy it both days. It just may be worth the hour and half drive to get it again!

We did collect sea glass and I couldn't resist picking up a couple of rocks. How do you like my nature made bookend?

THE SMALLEST BEACH IN THE WORLD

I don't know if that is true, but that's what I am calling it. And yes, I did! Not only did I find a piece of sea glass on this beach, so did George!

SEAGULLS WE MET

THE ROCKS

This woman who spoke with us when we were walking on the boardwalk, told us to be sure and see the heart shaped rock. She told us approximately where it was and we did find it. Funny, how some people would not appreciate this, but she told someone who she had no idea, loves rocks.

I was joking with George that I should ask her if she saw the piano rock.

 Maybe a piece of Stonehenge?

 Rocks have such character.

I was curious as to how the whole coast by this boardwalk is filled with rocks, but wondered how they avoided this small sandy area.

 A heart shaped puddle indentation.

And not to forget the "whale rock" I found at Haley Farm State Park.

Another place we ate and the beautiful mural.

A seagull walked in the wet cement! Poor guy must have had to clean off his feet in the water. Interesting how his steps line up between the shadows of the railing.