busted

Sometimes when I'm not home and Nick misses me, he plays with my shoes. <3

nick officially loves provincetown

As much as I miss being on vacation, Nick misses it even more. He's been homesick for Cape Cod ever since we got back to Michigan. It's his third time going out to Provincetown, but his first time being this torn up about coming home. I can't wait to take him on vacation in August. Hopefully he'll have another great time. Here he is looking out over Cape Cod Bay.

midwestern summer skies don't know who is and who isn't on vacation

So, the vacation's nearly over and we're creeping up on Toledo, listening to oldies on Sirius. Here's what Ohio looks like rolling past our window, somewhere south of Sandusky. Reminds me of the drive between East Kansing and Kalkaska, back in the 1980s.

old cape cod

So, today was our last full day in Provincetown for our 2009 stay. We walked a little bit into the east end then headed downtown, just enjoying the weather and scenery. This morning, Nicky won the heart of a woman who was in the market for a dog, due to one of hers passing and the other being lonely, and decided she'd probably go dachshund. Nicky's a great ambassador. This evening we ran into Vanessa from City Video and caught up for the year, talking music/t-shirts/America. Given the good people vibes today and befriending Jennifer and Kim from NY, Ryan and Ariko from ON, John and Dennis from FL, Chaz also from FL, Tom from Boston, Vanessa, Angus, and Ken from Ptown, etc., I'm thinking this place might be the most friendly place I've ever witnessed. It truly is amazing just how nice and genuinely caring everyone is while here, and how conducive it is for harmonious living. Again, to
quote my friend Amy in Providence: Provincetown's ethereal. I'm gonna miss this place. Until next year.

still ethereal

Oh, how I love Cape Cod. Even when it's cold and rainy, it's a pretty magical place as long as you've got good company and love in yr heart. The sun came out for the first time yesterday, and today was a model June day in Provincetown, Mass. We trudged up to Race Point Beach this afternoon and walked in the cold Atlantic Ocean, where we saw a live horseshoe crab as it was washed up on the shore. A couple moments later, he found his way back to the ocean. It was a beautiful experience just watching. Tonight is dinner at Ciro & Sal's. Another beautiful corner of Cape Cod. I love it here.

jon's view at sal's place

After walking past it for years, I finally had the pleasure of experiencing Sal's Place on the west end of Provincetown. I've been a big fan of Ciro & Sal's over on the east end of town, and due to my loyalty there, I felt guilty about going to Sal's post-Ciro restaurant. Plus people told me it was bad. Au Contraire. It was delicious. And our waitress, Katia, was excellent with my vegetarianism and strawberry allergies. She hooked me up. I only wish I would have given it a try eight years ago so I could have been enjoying it all these years. Oh well.

travelling dachshund

We're on the road to Cape Cod and had to pull over to use Ohio's toilets. Being the trooper that he is, Nick did his business in the rain. He's cute when he's wet. God bless him.

l'art

Though it's nowhere as cute, guess who my muse was for this piece. Aww.

a good egg

This egg was found in the middle of my driveway, nowhere near a tree or nest. Yet, this little pre-born fellow found his way to a spacious, sunny area. Quite resourceful. I just hope he moves through the world without missing the yolks back home too much, and maybe visits them during the pauses of the high life. I admire the independent spirit as long as it understands the connectivity between us all. Chin up, lad. You'll do OK.

kiss me i'm dachshund

Nicky went to the groomer this morning, and boy is he looking fluffy and elegant. He's got that wonderful ginger/vanilla/pine smell, too. How regal.

happy birthday Nick!

Today is Nicky's sixth birthday and boy has he been loving it. He got a visit from my folks, a trip to Selby's, and a couple car rides. Now we're home, resting. Maybe we'll watch Lady and the Tramp. This guy is such a blessing.