Rockport, MA

After Piera, Gabriella and I wandered around Bearskin Neck, we popped into a little shop and had an ice cream. The buildings are lovely. Old and salt crusted, rustic but still colorful. This lantern seems to be in the perfect spot to do its own version of people watching. Here it is, from the wide-eyed view of the lamppost!

Lobstah

This July, I wanted to visit my husband's 2nd cousin, who was with a group of students from Italy going to Boston. They had stayed about two weeks and I caught up with them on the last few days. One of their trips was to Rockport, way north of Boston. BearSkin Neck. We had a wonderful time and Piera (Frank's cousin) and her friend, a fellow teacher/chaperone had lamented that they came all of this way from Italy and didn't get to taste what a lobster was. They had checked restaurants in Boston and, surprise, were overwhelmed with how pricey it was. Asking around, we found an inexpensive, family place. With just an hour to spare, we went in and we ordered. They were absolutely delighted to taste this goodness from the sea. I had baked crab, which was also so, so good. Can't you just taste it? Piera is on the right and forgive me, I can't recall her friend's name. I think it was Gabriella or something so beautifully Italian and lyrical.

Skittles

Photographing some children of a friends that I know on Long Beach Island. With these rashguards, they look like little skittles, lined up along the shore. There was nothing more fun at the shore, when we were kids, than sitting there letting the waves lap at our toes. Of course, the sludge at the bottom of the bathing suit made the rest of the day interesting! Fond memories of a warm, summer weekend make me almost forget that it is ten degrees outside!

the shack

A fond, fond memory for me is Long Beach Island, New Jersey. This little strip of beachie goodness starts with a greeting from the causeway, as you are heading east...toward a beckoning ocean. You can smell the ocean, hear the gulls and get a little rush in your throat. On your right, you spy the official harbinger of your vacation on LBI...no, not Ole Barney...it is this shack. A ramshackled building that reminds you of crusty old men, hip waders on, ready to find some dinner the proper way. They are going to rebuild this building, last I heard. I'll have to keep everyone posted. Here is a view as the sun was rising in the morning sky. Makes me warm thinking of it!

Where is That Corner?

We all know that spring is right around the corner. Sometimes, I need a little reminder. Hope this helps you to feel a little "spring" in your step.