Storm Before the Storm, White Horse Beach, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

A few hours before the rain was expected to begin associated with a passing tropical storm, I went to the beach to make these three images. There were a few hardy souls in the water but not very many. (Click any image to view a higher resolution version).



What you can't see or feel in these images is the 30+ mph winds with higher gusts, and the stinging needles of wind-driven sand on my face and legs.



I think I'll go back home and experience it from a distance.   Life is good in Manomet - even during storms.

Note:  The first two images above are composites using the Photomerge software in Elements 14. The bottom image is a regular panorama from the built-in camera function.

Hot Rod, Gellar's Corner, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

Gellar's Service Station has been operating in Manomet since 1926.



I drive by almost daily and sometimes see something unusual and of interest - like this fancy hot rod.



I don't know what it is but, with so much engine to power it, I expect it moves like a rocket ship.

"Arsenic and Old Lace," Dress Rehearsal, Priscilla Beach Theatre, Priscilla Beach, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

Priscilla Beach Theatre (PBT) is currently featuring the comedy classic, "Arsenic and Old Lace," on the Barn Stage. Originally, this run was scheduled for only five shows but, theatre owners and guardians Bob and Sandy Malone added another performance to try to meet the strong demand.

This show is directed by Stephen Benson, co-directed by Meg Benson, and produced by Bob and Sandy Malone. (Note of interest: director Stephen Benson was a performer here at PBT in the mid-1970's!)

This story was written in 1939 and premiered in 1941. "The zany dark comedy tells the story of drama critic Mortimer Brewster, who just wants to get married to the girl next door. But standing solidly between Mortimer and matrimonial bliss is the wackiest, weirdest family tree that ever grew! His two sweet aunts, Abby and Martha have developed murder as their favorite hobby. Cousin Teddy sports a pince-nez, a handlebar moustache and regularly charges up San Juan Hill! And horrid brother Jonathan has just arrived from an asylum with a new face (ala Boris Karloff). It's "Home Sweet Homicide" as Mortimer tries to thwart the police, conceal a corpse, curtail anymore killing, and convince Elaine that a wedding with a man who is drowning in such a murky gene pool could be a lifesaver." Source: PBT website.



These images were captured during the final dress rehearsal and are presented in the order of occurrence within the show. (Click on any image for higher resolution view).

Contact PBT either online or by phone at 508-224-4888 for tickets or information.

In October, PBT will close out the 2016 performance season with the the musical comedy, "First Date," on the Barn Stage for a five performance run. The fall Children's Workshop will also offer, "Music Man, Jr." on the Barn Stage in late October.

Season tickets for next summer go on sale December 1. (Individual ticket sales will follow a few days later).

Here's the lineup for Summer 2017:

"The Marvelous Wonderettes" in May,
"Nunsense" in June,
"West Side Story" in July,
"The Producers" in August,
"All Shook Up" in September, and
"Little Shop of Horrors" in October.

Support local, live theatre in our community. Come out to PBT - you'll be glad you did!

Summer Big Surf, White Horse Beach, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

A bigger surf than normal kept all but the heartiest of swimmers out of the water on this summer day at the beach. White Horse Beach is in the foreground, Priscilla Beach in the distance. This time of year the surface water temperature runs about 72 degrees F/ 22 degrees C - warm by New England standards. (Click on image for higher resolution version).

Monet's Garden, Pinehills, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

It's not Giverny, France but, the Mirbeau Inn and Spa in Pinehills, has created a Monet inspired garden.......



......that provides a pleasant setting for an outdoor lunch on a summer's day......



.....or to hold your wedding rehearsal dinner......







....... on cooler days, you can just sit by the fire and enjoy the world.

Cambridge Carnival, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

"Cambridge Carnival is a colorful and festive celebration rooted in African traditions. This free festival is celebrating 24 years this year and is considered a Cambridge Institution, and is the largest festival in Cambridge with thousands of attendees. The highlight of the festival is a grand costume parade accompanied by rich rhythmic musicality promoting all types of cultures. Participants can be seen as revelers masquerading through the streets in dazzling handmade costumes, dancing to the beat of the Carnival. The festival is also an opportunity to celebrate Cambridge’s diversity, enjoy international foods, and purchase multicultural crafts from around the world!" (Source: Cambridge Carnival Website, http://cambridgecarnival.org/).



At the end of the long parade through the very windy and sunny streets of Cambridge, I was impressed that this happy and friendly man indulged me for one last photo. I think he would have rather taken off his costume and sat down to rest a bit. Thank you, my friend!



The woman above, Miss Carnival, led the parade. I am always partial to anyone who wears a full range of fruit on his or her head!

"Cambridge Carnival is the most unique event in the City of Cambridge. It is planned entirely by the community for the community. The organizing committee works hard year-round to plan an event that is inclusive, engaging, and reflective of the city’s diversity. The event is organized by a non-profit volunteer community organization made up of a diverse group of individuals. Members of the group either live and work in Cambridge or run local businesses and have a desire to promote, preserve and share the history and culture of the Caribbean and Carnival traditions based on the models of Trinidad and Tobago and Brazil. The festival is a vehicle to bring together Cambridge’s diverse community for a spectacular annual costume parade and celebration." (Source: Cambridge Carnival).



The participants range from very young.......



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...... to young adults.....



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....to the exotic and young at heart.



The largest and most ungainly costumes were the responsibility of  the adults. These out sized works of art were particularly hard to manage this year in the brutal wind that gusted through the parade route.



It was a lot to maneuver but, they seemed to always have a smile to share.



Even at the end of the parade route where I visited many of them, they had one last brilliant smile to share.







The costumes weren't just two-dimensional front views - most had elaborate rear details, too.



One last smile.....



....before she finally gets to remove the costume and take a break.



This gives a good illustration of some of the internal structure for the heavier and more unwieldy costumes - a three-wheeled trike helps the participant keep it balanced through the long parade.



What a wonderful group of happy, friendly people on a beautiful late summer day in Cambridge.



As they turned off the parade route after passing the reviewing stand, their support vehicles and crews parked by the MIT Stata Center to load it all up until next year. What a great event!