Fleet Moves' Walk to Dyer Pond Jolts Senses

Performance Art Comes to Wellfleet

It is so exciting to have performance art happening in Wellfleet.

Check out what took place next to Farm, at the Left Bank Gallery, or rather, the side wall of the Left Bank Gallery, in the first of a number of the "secret location" dances staged by Fleet Moves. "Slow Falls" was choreographed by Abigail Levine. A lot of pedestrians on Commercial Street yesterday, what with the excellent weather, and they all stopped to watch. What in the world were those women doing? I spoke with Anne Freyss who commented that the stark silence and slow movement outside was quite a contrast to what was happening inside the gallery, where guests were drinking wine and popping appetizers into their mouth while chatting with strangers and admiring the "In Our Wake" exhibit, but perhaps that was the point? Watch for clues posted around town for the Fleet Moves scheduled happenings over the next three days.

Another Letter Published by Cape Cod Times

"This week another banner went up on Wellfleet’s Long Pond Road bridge. The banner reads 'Thanks NStar for not spraying Cape Cod.' At the tourism roundtable in Provincetown, I asked Governor Deval Patrick for his support regarding NStar’s plan to spray herbicides under the power lines. Rep. Sarah Peake, sitting at his side, explained the situation to the Governor. I learned that a pilot project is in place for Cape Cod. For the moment we do not need to worry about our sole-source aquifer’s becoming contaminated with toxic chemicals. Our drinking water is still safe to drink. Rep. Peake explained that she and Senator Dan Wolf are waiting for the smoke to clear following NStar’s merger with Northeast Utilities. I want to thank NStar for its willingness to push 'pause.' I hope the utility company’s next move will be to hit 'stop.'

Wellfleet, for the Fourth of July? You Betcha!

Happy Fourth of July!! Everyone in town tomorrow will notice the beautiful posters for my eBook that have blossomed on doorways and windows. Above, Hatch's produce stand. And, below, a shot of the window at Hatch's fish store.

I plan to march in the Wellfleet parade, so please say hi if you see me. Feel free to shout at the top of your lungs, “Love your blog!” I have had two invitations: march with Cape Cool or the Recycling Commission. You can’t miss me. I plan to wear the cover of my eBook.

Usually I report on the parade. I love the parade. But, not today. Marching means the impossibility of shooting photos of the floats as they pass by.

I decided, in today’s post, to mention some changes that are coming to this blog. First off, we are moving. Not me and Sven. The blog will be moving, archives and all. My brilliant techie son has created a separate site for Wellfleet Today. It may take his less brilliant mom time to figure out how to post, and I hope you will be patient with me.

Remember how I asked everyone who follows to recruit ten people to buy Wellfleet, An Insider’s Guide to Cape Cod’s Trendiest Town? There will be ample opportunity with the crowds of July and August around to find potential readers. Anytime you see someone with an e-reader, tell him or her about this wonderful new book that has won raves on Amazon. Well, you don’t have to say that, but something to that effect. And tell them to buy it from my author’s site.

I actually did exactly what I just described today, in front of Karol Richardson. A woman sat on the step, with her Kindle open. When I told her about the eBook, that it cost only $2.99 and that 75% of the proceeds were going to the Food Pantry, she immediately bought a copy.

So, be the first to convince ten people to buy the book and you win a prize. The prize is pretty cool. No, it is not a stay at Chez Sven. I will announce the prize around July 18, in two weeks. (A similar item will be auctioned off at the Preservation Hall Travel & Art Auction July 22.) Recruit ten people and provide me with their names. The first person to do so, wins. You do not need to live in Wellfleet to participate. Entries are allowed internationally. The prize can be shipped worldwide. This contest runs until noon Monday 23 July 2012. The winner will be announced on or before Wednesday 25 of July 2012. Good luck!

Wellfleet Jingle, Jingle, Jingles All the Way

There was an amazing amount of interest in my post last week about "mystery shells," which I find at Duck Harbor. Then, I took a walk with Alice at Lieutenant's Island and mentioned the shells again. Above, the roof of a birdhouse, from one of the Preservation Hall birdhouse auctions. Let me share a comment that I received yesterday by email:

"Hi Sandy. I believe the name of the shell that you have featured in your blog is a jingle shell. Your blog is great! And, thank you so much for donating 75 per cent of your new e-book's proceeds to the Wellfleet Food Pantry. We really welcome it. Our clients' needs have increased by 40% this past year."

This email was from Bev Warren, a volunteer at Wellfleet Food Pantry.

As you enjoy the restaurants of Wellfleet this summer, you might want to consider making a donation to the Food Pantry, too. Find details on this post from 2010.

Getting Married? Choose Wellfleet's Prez. Hall

Many of us have fond memories of Wellfleet, but none are as cherished as those of the people who choose to get married here. I’m always thrilled to see a bride in town, dressed in a long satin gown, posing for photos on Uncle Tim’s bridge, where Sven and I were married almost 15 years ago. In the past few years, a number of wedding venues have become available locally. Brides can be married at Winslow's Tavern, Holden Inn, Chequessett Yacht & Country Club, or Preservation Hall, which seems even more perfect for having once been a church.

I was able to experience the excitement of a Wellfleet wedding two Saturdays ago when Gigi Ledkovksy, Preservation Hall Event Coordinator, invited me to a reception for newlyweds Charlotte Agger and Asa Palley. Charlotte looked radiant. The couple graciously allowed me to take their photo. The wedding, reserved for family, had taken place on a beach near the summer home of one of Charlotte’s uncles. A second uncle lives in Wellfleet year-round: David Agger practices deep tissue and relaxation massage at Quiet Mind Studio.

Here David and his wife are greeted by Gigi. Buses brought the wedding guests to the reception from Mayo Beach. While Gigi chatted with David, I lifted the elegant ribbon draped across the Prez. Hall driveway so the wedding party could proceed towards the huge white tent where lively music had begun to play. “Simple. Charlotte wanted simple,” Gigi told me later. “She only wanted to get married outside, by the water. Some people get carried away. One couple brought in furniture.”

In my mind, I saw the moving men, installing couches behind Prez. Hall where the elegant tent now stood. That’s what is great about wedding receptions. They can be as simple or as fancy as the bride and groom desire. Charlotte’s mom, Paula Agger, took time away from her latest project – the renovation of the former home of one of Wellfleet’s most famous citizens, Lorenzo Dow Baker – to welcome friends and family, in town to celebrate Charlotte’s wedding.

“It’s been a big year for the Aggers,” Gigi said. “Painting all the rooms in a house and organizing a wedding.”

At most Prez. Hall weddings, either the bride or the groom has long-time ties to Wellfleet. They have lived here, or spent summers working here. “Rosa Miller, that was our first wedding a year ago. She’s the bride on that wedding brochure you’re holding,” Gigi told me as we undid the ribbon again for a couple stragglers, who had opted to come by car. “Rosa Miller worked at Hatch’s. We have fewer destination weddings, but they do happen."

“Oh, my goodness!” a passerby whispered to a companion. “There’s a party going on at Prez. Hall!”

Gigi offered the passersby a smile. She must get this reaction of shocked pleasure and pride a lot from the Wellfleetians who happen to be on Main Street when wedding guests arrive. This year Preservation Hall is booked for two weddings in June, one in July, one in August and four in September. Prez. Hall depends on wedding revenue to survive. “Every year we need to raise a substantial amount from rentals to meet our operating budget. Weddings are a great way to do that,” Gigi said. “People started asking about getting married even before this building had been torn apart. It took a leap of faith at first, to say, This is where I want to have my wedding next year.”

No longer. It was obvious to me that a Preservation Hall wedding has become something for little girls to dream about as they walk into the ice cream shop, across Main Street. Asa was so supportive of his beautiful bride. At first, he walked around holding her train, while guests snapped a few final photographs. The wedding party took shelter under the tent during the thunderstorm that raced through later in the evening.

Massachusetts is one of the first states to allow gay marriage. Two brides were married in Prez. Hall in 2011. Two more brides will get married this year in August.

“Part of the mission of Preservation Hall is to have an economical impact on local businesses,” Gigi said. “The weddings accomplish that. The Aggers are using Sumptuous Foods, based in Orleans today, but many of our weddings, in the past, have featured Mac’s Parties and Provisions. We often use flowers from Kelly’s. Guests stay at the B&Bs. But then, you must know that?”

I nodded. We often receive requests for accommodation from people attending summer weddings in town. Anyone considering getting married in Wellfleet can pick up a brochure in the Preservation Hall foyer. The Aggers were pleased they did. “'This was perfect,' Charlotte said,” Paula Agger told Gigi breathlessly. “What more do you want to hear from a daughter?”

Wellfleet on Dwellable

Ten Tips for Innkeepers

Happy July! We have guests from Sweden and France right now. The Swedish woman told me she is so glad she kept looking until finding Chez Sven and Wellfleet. The Frenchman, married to an American, told me he used to say he had never met an American who spoke French as well as his wife, but he cannot say that anymore!!! Hem, hem. This being said, bilingualism is not really necessary for innkeepers, but it doesn't hurt.

Check out these tips for innkeepers in 2012:

1.) Give your new sheets to older couples and folks staying alone.

2.) Clean as if all your guests hailed from Germany. They will leave the room just as spotless.

3.) Freeze extra coffee cake. That way you always have some on hand.

4.) Don’t book weekends until summer because if weekends are booked early, you will not be able to accommodate guests who want four or five nights, including a weekend.

5.) Don’t book an efficiency cottage with kitchen to a father with two teenagers unless you have a whole day for cleanup after their departure.

6.) Don’t mark off days as booked on the availability calendar until you have received payment.

7.) Carve out periods of down-time and treat yourself to the occasional funky restaurant, like The Juice, above.

8.) Look upon guests not as an invasion of your personal space but rather the opportunity to meet and get to know new people.

9.) If you eat an early breakfast, don’t eat anything while guests are having breakfast or you will end up overweight.

10.) Take on only as much work as you can handle. If you do everything yourself, three rooms of guests at one time is quite enough.

Zen Moment: View While Watering

Exploring Lieutenant's Island in Wellfleet

Lieutenant Island is a part of Wellfleet that was unfamiliar to me until Thursday. Last year, Alice, a regular blog reader, offered to give me on a tour. We started out at her beautiful home, which offers quite a spectacular view from the roof deck, above.

Water on three sides! It was extraordinary to see Great Island to the east, and tiny cars on Route 6 to the west. Here Alice points towards the one house that was believed to have been moved to the island from Billingsgate. The other dwellings are much more modern. Many have been renovated several times over the past twenty years.

The island is supposedly named after an early inhabitant, a Native American. Wellfleet Conservation Trust explains the full story on its Box Turtle Wood and Marsh Conservation Area web page: “Offshore across Loagy Bay, lies Lieutenant Island, a name adopted from a 17th century resident, an American Indian named Lieutenant Anthony. According to Durand Echeverria’s A History of Billingsgate, Anthony claimed to be the sachem of the Punonakanits, a tribe historically located in Billingsgate, lands that are part of present day Wellfleet. Local lore has it that he was the last of the American Indians in this area, and had contact with an English Lieutenant. Observing the respect the lieutenant received, he named himself Lieutenant. When asked who owned the land, he said: ‘I own it, I am a Lieutenant.’”

Alice and husband Julian are retired but have been coming to Wellfleet, and, in particular, Lieutenant's Island, since the 1980s.

(For those of you who are not familiar with Lieutenant Island, access is via a narrow bridge, shown here.) The couple used to stay in Truro, but always brought their kids to Wellfleet for our marvelous Fourth of July parade. Then one day, a real estate agent said, “There’s a house available in my favorite place in the world.”

Access is via a private road, so I do not recommend anyone try to duplicate this itinerary unless invited by a resident. Check out the narrow bridge. Also, knowledge of the tides is crucial.

The sand path, bordering the marsh, was pockmarked with fiddler crab holes and strewn with dried salt hay. I admired a huge horseshoe crab shell, discarded by its owner, and marsh grass, to our left. Alice said the blue boxes are set up in the marsh to discourage green-headed flies. There were none out yet.

We reached the southern tip of the island, where several people, knee-deep in a rushing stream, were catching crabs for bait. A brisk breeze began to blow. Alice pointed out that the island has a lot of history. Her son found a Dutchman’s pipe on the beach. The son's friend found an arrowhead. So, both Dutchmen and Native Americans were early residents. What Alice and I found were jingle shells.

We proceeded north towards a house that was perched at the top of the dune. Alice told me erosion has been a problem for the owners, and their rock embankment is no longer as ship-shape as it had been when originally installed. I couldn't help but wonder about the cost of installation of this sea wall. Sea walls are controversial, but let's save that topic for another post. We saw a pair of kayakers in the distance. There was only one family sitting on the beach in beachgoing-mode. Alice said there were many more in season.

A rogue oysterman pushed a wheeled contraption. Every once and a while he would lean down and pick something up. Clam? Oyster? Don't know.

A mother left her three blond children on a ridge of clay, playing with shells.

It occurred to me this was the real benefit of Lieutenant Island: privacy, not worrying about one’s kids, playing in shallow water. They showed us their treasures as we walked past. On the way back, I spotted blooming cactus and these unusual orange flowers (Does anyone know the name?) Thank you, Alice!

Have you ever visited Lieutenant’s Island?

Crossing the Bridge ....

Tomorrow we are going to cross this bridge and explore Wellfleet's Lieutenant's Island. For today, I invite you to stop by the Grub Street Daily and read my post about why I decided to write an eBook, another type of bridge.

Banner Reporter Praises E-book on Wellfleet

Do you have your copy of the Provincetown Banner yet? Open to page 16. There I am, looking very much like my brother. The headline reads “Local writer touts ‘trendy’ Wellfleet in new e-book.” Reporter Marilyn Miller did an excellent job of informing her readers about the first e-book written exclusively on Wellfleet: “Cape Cod travel guides typically describe all 15 towns, but Grabbe focuses intensely on Wellfleet, and digs deep to provide information.”

You can read a review of the e-book on Irene Levine’s blog More Time to Travel.

Now, if that review and Marilyn's article don’t make you want to read Wellfleet, An Insider’s Guide to Cape Cod’s Trendiest Town, I don’t know what will. What? You don't have an e-reader? Never fear. My son tells me that it's possible to read e-books on a computer. Find directions on my author's site, fifth paragraph down.

If you are visiting this blog for the first time, please check out some of my earlier posts this spring to get a flavor of Wellfleet in off-season.

We do activism on behalf of the environment.

We attend local events, like the Prez. Hall Birdhouse Auction.

We share innkeeping secrets and personal milestones, like Sven's discovery of a first cousin he had never met, a man known across Sweden for his excellent work in television.

We take walks.

We admire photos of beautiful Wellfleet.

Where in Wellfleet Are We?

Only Amy ventured a guess, and she was not far off. Yesterday I made it to the shindig the Harbor Stage players threw for B&B owners and enjoyed a glass of white wine in the company of Lewis, Brenda, Amanda, Jonathan, Stacy and Robert. First off, I was surprised by how young these actors are. For some reason, I had assumed them to be veterans of the first days of WHAT, so how could they be in their thirties? Does not compute, although Amanda did tell me she had been in some of the WHAT productions for kids. Anyway, they are a busy bunch and have transformed the decrepit venue at the harbor into a marvel. The walls of the lobby and backrooms are freshly painted, creating an inviting space for anyone who happens by. As for the stage, I was astounded by the detail and effort that had gone into creating the 19th century world of Hedda Gabler, their first production of the summer. These actors are jacks-of-all-trades. Not only do they paint and stencil. The men installed salvaged parquet floors over a two-day period. The set looks amazing, intimate, and extremely inviting. According to our guests Ann and Tim, who saw Hedda on Saturday night, the team also can act. With a rave review under their belt from Cape Cod Times, they are on their way. What’s more, they plan to make the theater as green as possible. I asked Amanda about competition with WHAT, and she explained relations are quite cordial, that WHAT even lent the Harbor Stage Company two doorknobs for the set. Hedda Gabler will run until July 14th, Wednesday through Sunday. Tickets are $20.

Mystery Shells Make Duck Harbor Visits Worthwhile

I have always loved these shells. Yesterday, when I visited my friend Femke, I spotted a whole basket of them on her porch. It may take a while to drive to Duck Harbor, but these shells make the trip worthwhile. I love to search the beach for shells. Now, anyone who collects shells knows that this amount, a basketful, represents numerous trips out Chequessett Neck Road. There are not many available on the beach there, and usually the take is less than a fistful. They shimmer in the sunshine. There’s something about their fragility that moves me. They're precious, like rare coins in a fantasy world for little girls. Femke’s husband told me that his family collects these beauties. Some family members use them in the creation of jewelry. I've also heard of a woman who glues the shells around a mirror as a border, and someone used them for the decoration of a birdhouse roof at the 2011 Prez. Hall Birdhouse Auction. After so many years of admiring these shells at Duck Harbor, I realize I do not even know their name. What are they called? Does anyone know? Why are they so scarce? Do you collect shells while at the beach?

How to Enjoy Your Wellfleet Getaway

How to get the most out of a weekend away? That’s easy. Come to Wellfleet. Book a room at Chez Sven. Swim in Dyer Pond. Go see a play or two. Read my e-book.

The couple above did not stay with us because they live here. Say hello to Jonathan Fielding and Brenda Withers, two of the six movers and shakers at Harbor Stage. They dropped by with an invitation to a get-together planned Tuesday late afternoon, a “Hospitality Open House.” I hope to be able to attend. Plays at Harbor Stage are only $20. Now, that’s a steal. You will shortly learn why …

This weekend some delightful return guests arrived sweaty, hot, and tired and immediately headed for Dyer Pond. By Saturday, they had relaxed. Worries were forgotten. On Sunday, Ann and Tim fairly floated into the breakfast room. They were already talking about their next visit.

Here are a few delicious quotes from Ann:

Saturday morning: “It’s nice to come here and chill out. Tim said to me, ‘Sandy must put something in the air.’ A chill-out drug.”

Saturday afternoon, after a bit of shopping: “There’s a store, a few shops down from Marketplace. I got a summer shift, I got a blouse, I got a wallet.”

“For me, Seagull Cottage is perfect. It’s private, and beautiful, and rustic. I love that there are different levels. And, the art!!!!”

This couple has now stayed in all three of our rooms.

Friday night they went to see The Consequences at WHAT and loved it. Saturday night they got tickets for Hedda Gabler at Harbor Stage and loved it even more. I think the adjective used was “spectacular" theater.

It’s great when guests are this happy. As soon as they get home, Ann and Tim plan to download my e-book about Wellfleet. Have you gotten your copy yet?

Blogger Publishes First E-Book on Wellfleet

This weekend is special for me because my first book has now been published and you, my dear readers, are the first to know. Last week I mentioned the photo shoot. Everyone was very curious about why I was having my photo taken. The reason was I needed a professional photo for my new author’s site, created by my son Paul Boutin. The “white” photo is still up, Sven’s favorite, and it is growing on me. Photographer Steffen Thalemann took a number of photos, including a series where I hold a pink umbrella. For the time being, we will content ourselves with a photo that shows me in the National Seashore, on the path leading to Duck Harbor, one of my favorite places in Wellfleet, above.

I was moved by the comments left on this blog, how Wellfleet means so much to so many of you, how you get through the rest of the year by checking in here to stay in touch with “your favorite place in the whole wide world.” Now you can carry Wellfleet around with you on your e-reader. Yes, I have written the first e-book about our favorite town.

The first question that comes to mind is probably how to obtain a copy. Very simple. If you have an e-reader, go to my author’s site and download the eBook. This page provides installation instructions. We decided to keep the price low to give anyone who is hesitating an extra push.

The second question is how can I help Sandy sell her eBook. That’s easy. Tell everyone you know. Shout it from the closest dune. Since 114 people follow my blog at last count, how about everyone convince 10 friends, who also love Wellfleet, to download the eBook? That makes over 1000 copies sold the first week. Can we do it? Let’s try. The proceeds go to a good cause. I am going to donate 75%, after tax and expenses, to the Wellfleet Food Pantry. The other 25% will go to Paul, in thanks for his help, so that he can increase the amount of organic fruit and veggies he buys every week for my grandkids.

If you do not own an e-reader, never fear. It is also possible to read Wellfleet, An Insider’s Guide to Cape Cod’s Trendiest Town on an iPhone. Since I have neither, I have not had a chance to check out the text again and admire the photos. I hope you like them. Let me know what you think.

Walking to a Wellfleet Kettle Pond

“How do we get to Dyer Pond?” (I provided directions.) “What time does PB open for dinner?” (“5:00 for dinner. Can I help you make a reservation?”), “Do we need a beach sticker today?” (“Not today, but Saturday and throughout the summer until Labor Day, yes, everyone needs a beach sticker.”) Yesterday I felt like I was answering questions all day long. Two of our couples are from France, so I’ve actually been answering many of the questions in French. These two French girls, for instance, went biking, using the map of Wellfleet that I provided. They love it here. Who wouldn't? Wellfleet is so beautiful. We also have return guests who were hot and sweaty upon arrival yesterday. They couldn’t wait to get into Dyer Pond. After a swim, they headed for the ocean, which was, and I quote, "As flat as a pancake." Then it was off to dinner at Winslow's Tavern. Ah, for the life of a tourist ...

Should Wellfleet Eliminate the Marina Benches?

What!, I hear you cry with indignation. Why in the world would Wellfleet consider removal of the marvelous memorial benches that line the marina walk? The answer, according to yesterday's P-town Banner, is someone sued. Someone managed to trip while walking (clumsy!) and fell into a bench. Therefore, everyone else, including the infirm and the elderly who love the marina walk, may be deprived of a place to sit and watch shellfisherman at low tide, birds, and boats. The Banner will be conducting a poll to ask readers whether the town should keep or remove the benches. I hope you will be numerous to vote in favor of the benches. I called Town Hall this morning and was told removal is highly unlikely. But anyone who feels strongly about this can send a letter to the Board of Selectmen.

Wellfleet Innkeeper Serves Organic Foods

Time to talk organic food again. Last time we did that I was making organic green smoothies. Summer is here, as of yesterday, and it’s hot. Too hot. Wilting-flower hot. I just produced a bowl of fresh fruit for my guests. At Chez Sven, we try to serve as organic as possible. Anyone who has been reading this blog for a while knows that organic trumps non-organic any day. The problem is that obtaining organic fruit, in summer, in Wellfleet, can be a challenge. Hatch’s secures a nice selection, when their food source offers it. Wellfleet Marketplace also has a few organic bins in the produce department. It's more expensive, I hear you call? If we all ask for more, there will be more and the price will come down. (While you’re at it, ask Paul to put up a larger sign on the door to remind customers to bring their own tote bags!)

When I see guests return to the B&B with a couple peaches, I cringe, because I know they are laden with pesticide residue. Now the Environmental Working Group has published a new food summary in time for summer. This year strawberries drop down to #5. (Anyone remember how many pesticides non-organic strawberries can contain?) Peaches screech in at #4 on the Environmental Working Group ‘s Dirty Dozen. Number 3 is red peppers. Two is celery. (Always buy organic celery, especially if you have children.) This year the biggest offender is apples. Americans eat so many apples and often forget to peel them. I buy organic apples and peel them. I was surprised to see domestic cantaloupe on the Clean 15 list. Read all about the conclusions and their consequences on Global Post.

Have you been heeding my warnings and buying more organic food? Do you choose restaurants that serve organic food?

PS. The Senate is voting on the Sanders amendment today to require the labeling of genetically-modified foods. Please call your senator's office and make your opinion known. Everyone living in Massachusetts can use this easy formula from Food Democracy Now.

Update: The labeling bill was defeated. Check out how your Senator voted and voice your opinion on his/her vote, again. I just called Senator Brown and told his office I'm voting for Elizabeth Warren in the fall.

Akaka (D-HI), Yea Alexander (R-TN), Nay Ayotte (R-NH), Nay Barrasso (R-WY), Nay Baucus (D-MT), Nay Begich (D-AK), Yea Bennet (D-CO), Yea Bingaman (D-NM), Nay Blumenthal (D-CT), Yea Blunt (R-MO), Nay Boozman (R-AR), Nay Boxer (D-CA), Yea Brown (D-OH), Nay Brown (R-MA), Nay Burr (R-NC), Nay Cantwell (D-WA), Yea Cardin (D-MD), Yea Carper (D-DE), Nay Casey (D-PA), Nay Chambliss (R-GA), Nay Coats (R-IN), Nay Coburn (R-OK), Nay Cochran (R-MS), Nay Collins (R-ME), Nay Conrad (D-ND), Nay Coons (D-DE), Nay Corker (R-TN), Nay Cornyn (R-TX), Nay Crapo (R-ID), Nay DeMint (R-SC), Nay Durbin (D-IL), Nay Enzi (R-WY), Nay Feinstein (D-CA), Yea Franken (D-MN), Nay Gillibrand (D-NY), Nay Graham (R-SC), Nay Grassley (R-IA), Nay Hagan (D-NC), Nay Harkin (D-IA), Nay Hatch (R-UT), Nay Heller (R-NV), Nay Hoeven (R-ND), Nay Hutchison (R-TX), Nay Inhofe (R-OK), Nay Inouye (D-HI), Yea Isakson (R-GA), Nay Johanns (R-NE), Nay Johnson (D-SD), Yea Johnson (R-WI), Nay Kerry (D-MA), Yea Kirk (R-IL), Not Voting Klobuchar (D-MN), Nay Kohl (D-WI), Nay Kyl (R-AZ), Nay Landrieu (D-LA), Nay Lautenberg (D-NJ), Yea Leahy (D-VT), Yea Lee (R-UT), Nay Levin (D-MI), Nay Lieberman (ID-CT), Yea Lugar (R-IN), Nay Manchin (D-WV), Yea McCain (R-AZ), Nay McCaskill (D-MO), Nay McConnell (R-KY), Nay Menendez (D-NJ), Nay Merkley (D-OR), Yea Mikulski (D-MD), Yea Moran (R-KS), Nay Murkowski (R-AK), Yea Murray (D-WA), Yea Nelson (D-FL), Nay Nelson (D-NE), Nay Paul (R-KY), Nay Portman (R-OH), Nay Pryor (D-AR), Nay Reed (D-RI), Yea Reid (D-NV), Nay Risch (R-ID), Nay Roberts (R-KS), Nay Rockefeller (D-WV), Yea Rubio (R-FL), Nay Sanders (I-VT), Yea Schumer (D-NY), Nay Sessions (R-AL), Nay Shaheen (D-NH), Nay Shelby (R-AL), Nay Snowe (R-ME), Nay Stabenow (D-MI), Nay Tester (D-MT), Yea Thune (R-SD), Nay Toomey (R-PA), Nay Udall (D-CO), Nay Udall (D-NM), Yea Vitter (R-LA), Nay Warner (D-VA), Nay Webb (D-VA), Nay Whitehouse (D-RI), Yea Wicker (R-MS), Nay Wyden (D-OR), Yea

Photo Shoot in Wellfleet? Yes, Indeed!

Last week I did something fun, and you will soon learn how it is related to Wellfleet and this blog. A professional photographer took my photo. Steffen Thalemann has shot celebrities like Sebastian Junger, Ethan Hawke, and Bill Murray. Steffen was accompanied by his wife Christine Fromm, a fashion designer. The two Germans had stayed at our B&B in 2007. Sven and I were delighted to have them back. Since we could not travel to New York, they came to us. Every woman dreams of being a model. Guess what? I quickly learned having your photo taken by a professional is hard work. I realized that fact when I posed for a headshot. But, let’s back up a couple days ...

I chose Wednesday for the photo shoot because I had an appointment with the hairdresser that day. It was cloudy, misty and not warm at all. First Christine did a very gentle application of make-up, which I have not worn for a dozen years. She is dabbing my cheeks with powder, above, and positioning me for the first photo, below. Christine assists Steffen artistically. It was great to have her encouragement as I took my place beside our blue steps. Click, click, click went Steffen’s camera. Click, click, click. Should I smile? Act flirty? Wear a smirk? Look serious? Assume the wisdom sixty-five years of life bestow? Try to look younger? Click, click, click.

“That’s beautiful,” Steffen called out from the brick walkway, busy trying to find the best position, changing his lens, looking down to avoid knocking over a flower pot. Click, click, click.

He took photos of me sitting on the eighteenth-century settee as well, dressed in a marvelous floaty gown I bought several years ago at Karol Richardson. Christine draped the scarf I purchased for my daughter’s wedding around my neck. Click, click, click. Surely there would be enough photos soon?

“When he gets started on an idea, there’s no stopping him,” Christine confided.

“How about the beach?” Steffen exclaimed. “Do you mind going to the beach?”

“Ah, no, but it’s raining.”

“Bring an umbrella. The light at the beach is awesome, even in the mist.”

Off we went to Duck Harbor, after a bit of clowning around with Lucas, the couple's son. Fortunately the rain let up for an hour. Two hundred photos later Steffen was very pleased with – my umbrella. It became our main prop. I don’t go walking on the beach very often in an elegant Karol Richardson gown, holding a pink umbrella, but who cares? The photos are perfect for an article about me. Problem is, I’m not famous yet. What I need right now is a headshot.

So, the next day, with the sun shining, Steffen, Christine and I went at it again. Click, click, click. I posed among the flowers. Click, click, click. I sat in a chair in the garden, with Christine holding the reflector to focus the perfect light on my face.

“Sweet! That’s beautiful. Just like that. Yes.”

By the end of the afternoon, I felt exhausted. We did one last series by the shed door. It did not seem like the perfect place to pose, but hey, I’m no expert. The “white” photo was the result. Good job, Steffen!

Right now we have this photo, the one Sven likes best, on the bio page of the new author’s site my son Paul designed. What do you think of the "white" photo?

Cape Cod Life Announces 2012 Winners

Every year Cape Cod Life Magazine holds a contest to choose the best everything on Cape Cod. Readers make nominations in a diverse range of "Best of" categories, but not Best Blog. Hmmm. Wonder why? I’ve already suggested the creation of a blog category, since it is 2012 and 6.7 million people publish blogs. Not necessarily every day, the way I do. Cape Cod Life even awards a walking/bike trail and a park/nature area. Place-blogs can be a way of staying in touch with Cape Cod all year long. I think we should be able to vote for them on the Reader’s Choice Ballot. What do you think? How about everyone give a call and ask Cape Cod Life to add a blog category for 2013?? (508-419-7381)

Congratulations to Wellfleet's 2012 gold winners:

Bakery: PB Boulangerie Bistro

Children’s Shop: Abiyoyo

Farm Stand: Hatch’s Produce

Fine Arts Gallery: Left Bank

Flowers: Kelley’s Flowers (My flower garden isn't bad either.)

Gift Shop: Periwinkle

Motel: Even’Tide

Nightlife/Music: The Beachcomber

Rainy Day Activity: Wellfleet Drive-in Theater

Restaurant Reachable by Boat: Mac’s Seafood at the Pier

Shop for Arts and Crafts: Wellfleet Flea Market