A "trip" to the Cape

I can remember some great summers traveling to what I called "The Cape," to visit with my grandparents, Pat and Josephine Tocci at their cottage in Parkwood Beach. When I drove onto Kingwood Street just past Ray and Ginny's little red cottage, I knew I was there. My grandfather and Uncle Jim Cioffi would be sitting at the picnic table out back, each drinking a bottle of Black Label beer when I arrived late Friday afternoon. Grandpa would tell me the pasta would be ready soon. I couldn't wait! When I entered the cottage through the porch, you could smell the sauce cooking. Grandma was in the Kitchen cleaning up the mess he had made at the stove. "Your grandfather made a mess again" was the first words out of her mouth. "Shut up Josephine" could be heard coming from outside. Nothing ever changed! It was always the same bickering.

After a great pasta dinner complete with Grandma's Jello and fruit for dessert, I walked up to Aunt Dora's and uncle Jim's house. The first person I saw was old Auntie sipping on a brandy (for medicinal purposes only). Her Mexican Chiuawa, "Chico" would be lying across her chair growling because she wanted to sit, and he wouldm't let her, showing his teeth like a wolf ready to attack. He never budged and always won, except for the one time Jean Sammarco couldn't take it anymore and threw him off the chair, he went flying across the room. Thank goodness Auntie was in taking a nap when that happened.

Uncle Jim would be at the sink opening up some quahog's that were freshly picked earlier that day, and Aunt Dora was at her stove preparing another gourmet meal. They would always ask me to stay and eat dinner. I never refused.

Friday night was Poker night at the Cioffi's. Al and Laura DiBello would be there telling stories about the ghosts living in their cottage. Pat and Josephine would be arguing about who's turn it was next to play, and Aunt Dora would be bringing out incredible home made cakes and pies for snacks when it was time to break from the game. The fun we all had during those special days will never be forgotten. What memories! I could go on and on. My favorite part of my trips to the cape is still the memory of "never losing" to Marcia when we got together and played word games like like Scrabble and Boggle. Oh, how she tried each time to win, but never was able to succeed. I still hold the title of Grand Champion after all these years. Sorry Marcia!

If anyone else has a memorable story they want to share with all of us or just wants to update us on any gossip, email a copy to Donna or myself and we will post it here for you. We welcome all of your comments too!

Thanks for checking in.