You're sure to fall in love with old Cape Cod...

A couple of days ago I made a trip to the Cape to help out my elderly aunt. I think the Cape is one of the prettiest places.

 I didn't have too much time to take photos,
but I did manage to snap a few to share with you.

This particular trip made me think of my parents quite a bit. The talented Patti Page, who made Old Cape Cod such a hit, passed away just a few weeks ago. She also sang The Tennessee Waltz, which was the first song my parents danced to the night they met. And although it's a sad song, they considered it their song.

I think they were doing a polka, rather than a waltz, in this photo!

I love all these old 1950's photos.

It was such a crisp, clear day. Unfortunately my dirty windshield, along with the obtrusive telephone poles and electric lines, ruined this photo. I wish all utilities were underground. It would sure make for more aesthetically pleasing photos!

This is Edward Gorey's old neighborhood. It's a beautiful street.

It was frigid on this particular day so I'm afraid I was a very lazy photographer, snapping photos from inside my warm car rather than venturing outside.

The Edward Gorey House is a fun place to visit if you ever find yourself on Rte 6A in Yarmouthport.

I believe it re-opens for the season on April 18th.

I had to get a shot of The Doubtful Guest, trying his best to stay warm in his snazzy red striped scarf.

I know a lot of you are also suffering with frigid temperatures. By Monday we should be in the midst of a heat wave here in Massachusetts (or at least it will feel like one) with temperatures reaching the high 30's. Can't wait!

Before long, the sun had set and the sky turned a beautiful, deep blue at dusk. The moon, although not full, was so beautiful and bright.

I'll leave you with a YouTube video of Patti Page singing The Tennessee Waltz

(for you, Mom & Dad)

I'm linking up with Claudia at Mockingbird Hill Cottage for a Favorite Thing Saturday this week.

Have a great weekend, everyone! Stay warm!

Donna

A rose is a rose is a rose....

...unless it's a New Dawn rose!

My New Dawn rose bush is finally starting to take off!

It's taken quite a while, but it was worth the wait.

The pale pink buds open into...

...the most amazing roses, creamy white with just a hint of blush.

They look so beautiful...

...paired with small aqua bottles 

(like this old Mellin's Infant Food bottle I found at Fairground Antiques years ago).

While visiting a relative on the Cape last week, hubby and I stopped for lunch 

at a wonderful restaurant in East Dennis, The Marshside.

And just look what was blooming profusely!

I don't know what I enjoyed more, my lunch or the gorgeous shrub and flower gardens 

surrounding the restaurant.

 Trellis after trellis overflowing with New Dawn roses... Be still my heart. 

I wonder if mine will ever look this good? 

(Are you drooling, Claudia? I know you love New Dawn as much as I do!)

Does your heart skip a beat for hydrangeas rather than roses?

Then you are in for a treat!

So many colors, and all so beautiful!

(click any photos to enlarge)

As if the gardens out front aren't enough, this is the view of the marsh...

...looking through the floor to ceiling windows that line the back of the restaurant.

Wouldn't it be wonderful to live in one of those houses way off in the distance 

and wake up to this view every day?

In closing, I thought I'd share my incredible lunch with you (photos, at least :)

A side salad...

...followed by the baked seafood casserole, green beans, and rice pilaf.

It was all d-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s!!!!!

Here's a link to The Marshside's website. 

If you find yourself on the Cape, I highly recommend it!

I'm linking to Tracie's Cottage Garden Party at the lovely Fishtail Cottage

and Cindy's Show & Tell Friday at the beautiful My Romantic Home.

Have a wonderful week, everyone!

Donna

Sweet Cape Cod in September...

This past week I made a quick day trip to beautiful Cape Cod to help a relative run some errands, and the weather could not have been more gorgeous!

I don't think I have ever seen hydrangeas as beautiful as the ones I see on the Cape!

Having arriveded on Cape a bit before my aunt expected me, I thought a trip to the beach might be a good idea...

How right I was!

The beaches that were packed just weeks before...

...were virtually empty now that the kids are back at school.

There were a few people here and there... Some relaxed, read books, and enjoyed the view...

... while others flew kites. I'm so glad I had a bit of time to visit the ocean. There is nothing like it to refresh the soul.

And then it was time to head to my aunt's... Look at the cute bunny that greets visitors to her front door.

She lives in a beautiful home...

...and I always love coming to the Cape to visit her.

There's someone else I love coming to visit...

Is this not the cutest face ever?


Yes, indeed. I think it is!

The house inside is so warm and inviting... An eclectic mix of colonial, traditional, and contemporary... The fireplace off the kitchen is the perfect place to relax with a cup of hot tea on a chilly day...

And the sunroom is the perfect place to relax when you want to take in the views outside...

The living room is always so cheerful and flooded with natural light...

The diamond pane windows were the inspiration for the windows we put into our family room addition 21 years ago.


Then it was off to run errands... I snapped a few photos while we were out and about... We stopped by this marina and I just loved the flag rippling in the breeze...

...and we made a quick detour off of Rte. 6A so I could snap a photo of the Edward Gorey House (which is a FUN place to visit, although we didn't have time today!).

And finally, with all of our errands completed, we headed to The Marshside restaurant in Dennis for supper.

If you are ever in the area, be sure to stop in.

The gardens surrounding the restaurant are gorgeous...

...and the marsh views are stunning. And can you believe I forgot to take photos of our food? You'll have to trust me... My baked scallops were to die for and my aunt loved her lobster mac & cheese (which had HUGE chunks of lobster meat!)...

I left the Cape right at sunset. I think the Cape must be one of the most beautiful places on earth! I hope you enjoyed coming along with me!

We are on a roll of fantastic weather! I hope you are all enjoying September!

Donna