Provincetown 2026 - Our Vrbo

 Thursday, September 17, 2026

The house we're staying in Provincetown was built in 1840 and is 186 years old.

The house has been divided into 3 units - one per floor.

The house has a deep connection to Provincetown's maritime and hospitality roots, operating for decades as a tucked-away sanctuary in the heart of town.

Constructed around 1840, the property consists of a main residential building, a free-standing cottage, a large historic barn, and an expansive vegetable garden.

For over 30 years, it was famously known and licensed as Rose Acre, a beloved women-only guest house and artist refuge. It was highly regarded by visitors for its quiet, garden-oasis atmosphere despite being located just steps from the bustling Commercial Street.

While records from the 19th century are held in deep historical archives, the property's mid-to-late 20th-century ownership is well-documented:

Capt. Loring A. Russell Sr. & Etta Robar Russell (1952–1989): Captain Russell, a prominent local figure who owned the Provincetown Ice Company and captained the fishing vessel Loretta R., purchased the home in 1952. He and his wife lived there for nearly four decades.

  

Rosemarie A. Basile & Carol J. Noyes (1989–2022): They acquired the property from the Russell estate in 1989, established the Rose Acre guest house, and operated the Rose Basile art studio on-site. They lovingly maintained the 5-family compound for 33 years before placing it on the market.

   

Provincetown 2026 - We Made It

 Thursday, September 17, 2026

The high speed ferry got us from Boston to Provincetown in about an hour and 15 minutes. Scott, Milton, Warrren, Gary, Dale, and I hoofed it to our Vrbo.

Provincetown 2026 - Boston

 Thursday, September 17, 2026

Comin' in for a landing.

Provincetown 2026

 Thursday, September 17, 2026

Up, up, and away. Off to Provincetown.

Arizona Trip July 2026 - Day 9: The Last Day

 Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Last day today. We leave this afternoon. Decided to squeeze in what was supposed to be my second cigar last night but my plan was thwarted by the haboob. 

I've enjoyed my daily cigars. 

We were in baggage claim by 10:30 pm.

Arizona Trip July 2026 - Day 8: The Big Haboob

 Tuesday, July 13, 2026

Lots of running around today. Lunch at Chipotle. 

Stopped in to have a visit with Brenda and Irv to say good bye since we won't see them tomorrow. Irv finished the puzzle he's been working on the last few days. Picked up one more cigar. Did some grocery shopping for dinner and too pick up some things to restock the pantry. 

Also picked up some more Knob Creek for John since I depleted what was left in his bottle. Was gonna make it a two-cigar night, BUT...

Another one of these came in as I was on my first cigar.

This photo was taken at 7:18 pm.

And, HOLY BUCKETS, this one was taken only about 5 minutes later. 

7:23 pm

7:24 pm

I've never seen anything quite like this outside of a movie. 

Arizona Trip July 2026 - Day 7: Spiders, Old Fashioneds, and Dust (Oh My!)

 Sunday, July 12, 2026

Brenda called this morning saying she had gotten what she thought was a spider bite and was concerned it was going to get infected so she asked if we'd take her to urgent care. We went over to check it out. Brenda was able to speak to her doctor. She sent them a photograph of the bite on her leg. It was a pretty angry looking wound. The doctor saw that there were signs it wasn't as dangerous as we thought it might be. The doctor phoned some antibiotics to the pharmacy. Dale and I said we pick them up after we got some lunch. 

We went to a place called Peoria Artisinal Brewery and had some brunch. I got a couple old fashioneds.

For dinner Dale made some cod. He cooked it up in a skilled with tomatoes, capers, onions, and some white wine.

After dinner I sat by the pool for my daily cigar. 

Dale came out to join me as I finished up my cigar and we watched the sky. 

Were startled by a notification on our phones for a dust storm warning.

We came in just as it was starting to get dusty but most of it was farther south from us. We had tirimisu from Safeway for dessert. Gawd was it good.