www.Surfline.com

Well, we’re hoping that Earl stays 100 miles off the coast of Montauk and if that’s the case, you’ll just need to plan for Rainy Day Activities.  Here’s some things to do:

1-Watch the storm!  Listen to the news to see if it is safe to head outdoors.  The beaches will be wild but stay away during high tides when they’re predicting the water will be at the dunes- Friday 5:20, Saturday 5:41 am and 6:15 pm.  Stay away from heavily wooded areas.

2-Bring the Kids to the Montauk Yacht Club for Surf Craft on Friday from 10-2 and 5-7 pm.  You can schedule a massage, dine or head for the bar.

3- Go to Rick’s Crabby Cowboy Cafe for Rainy Day Bingo in the afternoon.  Call to make sure they’re open.

4- Go to Captain Kid Toys or one of the stores in town for crafts, puzzles, books and games and hunker down inside.

5- Go to the Montauk Community Center to play in the Gym.

6- Spend a little time in the Montauk Library and read up on the history of Montauk.  Make it a game with the kids!

7- If it’s too scary to venture out to a restaurant, get some of your Montauk faves to go and have an indoor Lobster and Clam Bake!

One of the pearls of wisdom that he gave to me years ago was to “Tend to my garden”.  This was when we were in Italy together passing a beautiful home garden area.  He said “whether its literal or metaphoric, keep focus on the things that nourish you, enrich you and ground you”.   Those words have spoken to me time and time again over the past years and then again this summer as I took it more literally.  Having not been a seasoned gardener, I heard his words as I tried to keep focus on something when I had the distractions of illness and disease right before me.  I was so happy to bring him zucchini and herbs because one of his favorite things to do was cook and eat with his family.  We made it a point up until his last day to eat with him and “break bread together”.

My father became sick in May of 2009, just one month after I dreamed up KidMontauk.com and I’ve had these two journeys paralleling each other since then.  They both fed each other in a strange way.  Dad gave me the courage to try new things, to take chances and always speak my voice.  He told me to “follow my bliss” at a very young age, something I encourage anyone to do now.  I feel so honored to have been his child and will live in his light always.

August is the time that we enjoy the beautiful harvests from our gardens or local farms.   We now reap the benefits of our efforts but the gifts that we receive from our plantings come throughout the process.

Looking back, my garden gave me a sense of accomplishment and a very grounding sense even when we were out there on chilly, wet, spring days, a type of morning that is so hard to even imagine now.  Seeing the first seedlings come up made my girls squeal with delight and over time as the garden took on many forms and phases, I watched my children, husband and I share in this fulfilling sense of pride and still curiosity for what will unfold.  There were lessons learned like not to plant potatoes next to zucchini because they have an adverse effect on each other we lost some crops and took chances with growing corn and, well, lucky us, we got some of the most beautiful corn on the east end of LI.  My older daughter has been inviting guests down to see our untamed adventure with great satisfaction and joy as she has taken ownership at the age of 4.   If you have ever given or received something grown at home, you understand the nourishing feeling you get from the transaction with a friend or neighbor.

The Celebration- whether you enjoy your harvest alone, with family, friends or the larger community celebrate the good earth and its bounty.  Just the other day friends of ours had what they call FOTLAS “Food From The Land And Sea”- a potluck dinner where everyone brought something grown, caught or brewed on Eastern LI.  It reminds you of what life is all about- sharing with those you love and taking time to celebrate our gift of life and the good earth we live on.  Preparing for the dinner was therapeutic as well.  Knowing my Dad was on his final days and being so far from him for two days was as difficult as you could imagine.  My sole purpose for being in Montauk was to spend time with my children after not seeing them for a week.  To prepare for the dinner, we grilled eggplant and zucchini.  While I cut the vegetables, my girls both had a food “paint brush” and painted all of the veggies with oil and vinegar.  Not only did it keep them busy for an unusual amount of time, they also had so much fun while actually assisting me and contributing to the meal to come.  It was lovely.

The day after my father died, I tended to his back yard garden because it was one of the many tasks left undone.  It was very comforting.  And now as I continue on after this great loss, I will hear these words of wisdom from my father and keep gratitude with me.

Photo: Courtesy of Patrick Smith, squarefootagefilms.com.

Have you seen the talent at the Montauk Skate Park? These kids (and adults) are serious about boarding and biking!  It is something to see and maybe try…but bring your helmet, it’s required.  I’d say ages 8 and up but I do know a sassy 5 year old that could burn it up there.
The park is open in season from 10am -10 pm.  Bring your kids, it’s not always crowded.  The park closes when it rains. On South Essex- make a left when driving East on Main Street and go up one block….on the left.

Air and Speed
795 Montauk Highway (Main Street)
631-668-0356

O’Neil Bikini $52
O’Neil Surf Shorts $38
Quick Silver Surf Shorts $52
Quick Silver T $18