No matter how old I get, or how long I live in another place in this world, Falmouth, Massachusetts will always be my home.
It’s funny because growing up on Cape Cod, I just thought everyone had the ocean at their back door to be their own magical play ground.
I grew up in a house a mere five minute walk to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Surf Drive Beach. My mother claims I could swim before I could walk, and that from the moment I met the ocean, something calming happened to me.
I know I loved being at the beach. Mom would pack a cooler with drinks, Peanut Butter and Marshmallow Fluff sandwiches and chips. By the time we sat to eat the sandwiches, they were always a little sandy, but you know, I just didn’t care.
There were days the sun failed us, and I would swim anyway, until my lips were blue and Mom would drag me out. And the days it rained…I know I was unhappy because the very best spot in the world was either on the towel by the shore or in the water!
So my sister and I drove by our old house on Clipper Lane, and noted Mom’s Lilacs are all gone now. We drove to the end of the lane, and the fence I hit with my bike (when I was learning how to ride a two wheeler) was still there. I teased Mel that she really should have taught me how to use the brakes as well as ride my blue Schwinn Bike!
We drove along Surf Drive from Falmouth to Woods Hole. Some things have changed, but there is this amazing Cape Cod style home, with graying shingles and blue trim and shudders. All around this house were flower beds and a little further down the hill was a small pond. This house has been just the same all of my 57 years! It quite literally took my breath away!
There was also Nobska Lighthouse. I recall the sound of it’s fog horns, during my youth. I would lie in bed at the end of my day, as the fog rolled in, and listen to the deep groan of the horn.
You must get the feeling that I love Falmouth very much and that I always will. It is home. It is where I was married (both times) and where my babies were born.
Yes, how lucky I was, to grow up where the grass was always green, the ocean always welcoming, and the sand always felt warm against my skin.
Wonderful post. Makes me smile. There’s just so much happiness, youth, summer, sun and sand.
Thanks for sharing those wonderful memories and pictures!
I loved the sister time down on the cape! We should do that every year! Love YOU, Mel
I miss Woods Hole and Falmouth. Love how is seems o still have that home feeling even after being in Alaska for 38 years. I remember my Mom telling a story how she missed the fog horn so much when we were in California my uncle taped it for her and sent it to her; she was born in the family home in Woods Hole. So glad you guys got to spend time together.