Cape Cod Christmas

Living near the sea is something this desert farmgirl promised herself she’d never, ever take for granted. After eleven years of being docked bayside I am still in awe of the power of the sea to calm any rough waters I may come in to. This month in particular has left all of us feeling adrift in the wake of the Sandy Hook tragedy. All I know is that we have to keep on walking in love and faith and do our best to shine our brightest when it’s our turn in the sun. Those in darker, stormier times need our rays of hope to guide them in their journey back to the light. And so, in true farmgirl fashion that is what I intend to do. Before we jump into that sleigh for our ride over the Sagamore Bridge let’s join hands in a prayer for peace and hope.

Then it’s off to Cape Cod for some Christmas spirit BEACH STYLE!

I think we could all use a little escape don’t you?

One of my very favorite towns on Cape Cod is Sandwich, Ma.  Incorporated in 1639 and named for Sandwich, Kent, England, Sandwich is the oldest town on Cape Cod and one of the oldest towns in the United States, settled by European immigrants nearly 150 years before the American Revolution. It has all the charm of a quaint New England seaside community and then some! Lucky for us it’s only a ten minute  drive from here! I hope you’re not afraid of heights! We have to cross the Sagamore Bridge over the Cape Cod Canal to get there!

That’s my handsome yankee and Max getting some exercise along the 8 mile paved bikeway that runs the entire length of the canal on both sides. From the top of the bridge you can see where the open sea spills into the canal.

No boats today sisters… Sorry about that! Well, here we are! I told you it was fast!

Sandwich has some of the best little shops, BnB’s, Tea Houses, Thrift Shops, Consignment shops and restaurants. Everywhere you go Old Glory is there to remind us where we’ve been and how blessed we are to live in America. Home of the FREE!

Sandwich is especially quiet during Christmas. Tourist season is long gone leaving the streets and sidewalks clear for the locals ( and a few off season visitors) to move about freely.

Now we know where to go after we’re done shopping!

Do any of you like country primitive decor?

I couldn’t help but think of Shery, our Ranch FG Blogger when I stepped inside this store.

It’s prim heaven I tell ya!

Two of my favorite buildings in Sandwich are The Painted Lady Bed and Breakfast

and the Belfry Inne and Bistro. Each guest room features a large stained glass window and a hot tub large enough for two!

The winter garden on the property is lovely. The purple ornamental cabbages really pop in an otherwise colorless time of year.

I spotted this cute little kitty walking by the local pet store.

Dried grass plumes and berries mixed with greens are common seasonal decorating fodder on Cape Cod.

There are even a few local farmstands still open.

Crow Farm is a local farm. Right now they are featuring FRESH baked pies and seasonal arrangements. This one below has some dried sea lavender tucked in amongst the greens.

Well sisters, I could sit here with my coffee and chit chat with you all day but I’d better close for now! I’ve got more elfing to do around the old homestead and I’m sure you do to! As always thanks so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed your Cape Cod Christmas escape! If you ever visit Cape Cod I hope you’ll look me up for a cup of tea and some sight-seeing in Sandwich, MA. Wouldn’t that be fun?

In the meantime, my sea captain and our crew wish you a healthy, happy Christmas with those you cherish most.

Until our next shoreline visit!

BEACH BLESSINGS AND PEACE BE WITH YOU!

See you in 2013!

Much love,

Deb # 1199