Day: December 11, 2011

HERE AND THERE

When I was a kid, I spent my summers

near my grandfather’s farm in Port Benjamin,

in upstate New York. Port Ben wasn’t a port

anymore, not since 1900 when

the train replaced the D & H canal.

 

Anyway, the Rondout Creek ran near our house

and provided a great place to play, fish,

swim and have adventures that are with me

sharp and clear after more than sixty years.

 

To get to the creek, we had to cross a

hayfield, which, if recently mowed, was tough

on our bare feet , climb down the creek bank on

a rickety staircase and cross the muddy

bottom  land on a wobbly wooden walk.

 

Here’s the point. While walking Atlantic Street

the other day, as in a foggy dream,

I found that old boardwalk spread over the

flooded soggy salt marsh, no doubt trod by

kids with sixty years of adventures remembered.

 

Marty Luster

Rocky Neck Mug Ups were always a great time, but I think the quaintness of Annisquam and close proximity to Christmas made this holiday Mug Up extra special.  The turnout was great, and people brought some amazing contributions to the fare.  Paul Morrison’s bluefish pate was the best he’s made yet; Kim Smith’s truffles were to die for (well not really die, but they were incredible), Donna Ardizzoni made this cream cheese and chocolate chip ball with ginger snaps to spread it on, which didn’t sound immediately appealing to me, but was so delicious; Wendie Demuth baked Christmas cookies, as did others, but I didn’t see who brought them; Jenn Cullen brought some great Sugar Magnolias muffins, Fred Bodin brought some great treats from Plum Cove Grind and Marit from Bayview made an incredible tomato pie (see picture); Pete and Joyce Chamberlain brought a delicious cheese pie; Schooner Adventure’s Joanne Souza came in with something, but I didn’t see what.  There were many other things that appeared on the table, but I don’t know who brought them, so don’t know who to acknowledge and thank.  Henry Allen was in the house, as was Alicia and Mike, Father Green, of course, Ed Collard, Marty & Barbara Luster, Greg Bover, Sue Lovett, Val, Judith, and our beloved Joey made the long trek over from the dock.  Some visitors from Annisquam included Cynthia Kennedy Sam, Martha Bentley, Sarah Hackett, Tom O’Keefe (who was the last to leave, staying to help me clean up – thanks Tom), Kris Bengston.  There were more people, but I’ve already lost track.  It was a great time and a wonderful way to share the holiday season with a bunch of really great people.

I want to send a special thank you to those of you who made purchases while you were here.  I greatly appreciate your support.

Don’t forget about the GMG Christmas Party this Saturday, December 17th at 7:00 pm at Bodin Historic Photo, 82 Main Street.  Joey is providing the pizza – BYO beverage of choice and anything you might like to contribute to the party fare.

E.J. Lefavour

What’s Christmas without a FARTING Snowman?

The LobstahCrackah Ballet: A new Cape Ann holiday tradition

presented by Henry Allen Theatreworks, Cape Ann

  From the company that brought you SONG OF THE SEA and GREASY POLE, THE

  MUSICAL comes a wild and crazy Cape Ann spoof of The Nutcracker! This fun,
  fabulous romp into a fantastical dream world is a wonderful way to
  celebrate the holidays with your family and friends!

  When Uncle Drawsumbuttah arrives at the mayor’s house for the annual

  holiday party, he brings with him his own flavor of Cape Ann magic! You
  will meet Madame Mayor Kirkbaum and her family, the fearsome Gull King, the
  Lobster Pot Fairy, Waltzing Whales, Dancing Scrod, The LobstahCrackah
  Prince and much, much more!

  Cast includes local actors ages 5-80 all from the Gloucester, MA area.
  Director Henry Allen has brought original theatre to the North
  Shore/Cape Ann area, giving us plays and musicals inspired by local folklore and history.

  Real theatre for real people.

  Play dates: December 15 – January 1st
  Times: Thursday – Sat @ 7pm & Sundays at 2pm and 7pm
  (including Christmas & New Years!)
  Location: The Cape Ann "The Annie" 1 Washington Street, Gloucester MA
  Wheelchair Accessible
  $15 (recommended donation)
  Reservations: 978-704-1269 or write to Henry@HenryAllen.org for more
  info and to purchase gift certificates to the show.

Saturday Morning’s Full Moon

Christy Juckett writes-

Hi Joey,
After reading GMG this morning and Paul’s note about an eclipse, I ran out with my camera and got shots from Niles Beach. The sliver was due to clouds and not the eclipse – this is what Wiki said: "The eclipse will occur Saturday morning, before sunrise over North America, and the moon will set before the eclipse is completed. Only Alaska and northern most Canada will be able to witness the entire event."
The graininess is from low-light & an old camera – no photoshop here!
Enjoy!
Christy