Twachtman Plaque, 1937

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The long-gone bronze plaque (top) commemorates oil painter Twachtman and his studio. The head of Wonson Cove is in the background. The photo on the bottom is the exterior, photographed in 1936, when it was Oharra's "Come See & Shop."
The long-gone bronze plaque (above) commemorates oil painter Twachtman and his studio. The head of Wonson Cove is in the background. The photo on the top is the exterior, photographed in 1936, when it was Oharra’s “Come See & Shop.”

John Henry Twachtman Studio in 1913

Renowned American painter John Henry Twachtman (1853-1902) spent the last years of his life depicting Gloucester scenes. In this photo, his studio is called the Grace Hazen Studio, later that of O'Hara, with the Harbor View Hotel in the background.
Renowned American painter John Henry Twachtman (1853-1902) spent the last years of his life depicting Gloucester scenes. In this photo, his studio is called the Grace Hazen Studio, later that of O’Hara, with the Harbor View Hotel in the background.

Three Musketeers, a Dog, and a Tree

Chiwawa Pip, Book Designer Steve Bridges, Block Party Organizer Valerie Markley, Chef Debbie, Demakis, and a Norfolk Island Pine all came unannounced to visit me. All old friends, and the pine tree never left.
Chiwawa Pip, Book Designer Steve Bridges, Block Party Organizer Valerie Markley, Chef Debbie Demakis, and a Norfolk Island Pine all came unannounced to visit me. All old friends, and the pine tree never left.

Propellor Department

On Rocky Neck in Gloucester sits the Gloucester Marine Railways, in operation since 1859. Large vessels can be hauled out of the water for repair, painting, or tied up to the piers. Even a casual stroll through the "Railways" yields interesting photos. Schooner Adventure is also berthed there.
On Rocky Neck in Gloucester sits the Gloucester Marine Railways, in operation since 1859. Large vessels can be hauled out of the water for repair, painting, or tied up to the piers. Even a casual stroll through the “Railways” yields interesting photos. Schooner Adventure is also berthed there.

Rockport: Baba Yaga was Here!

A children's folk tale, written about 300 years ago, is titled "Baba Yaga." IIt takes place in the Slavic countryside in the vicinity of Russia. I read it in high sxhool and Baba Yaga's magical hut made an impression on me, When the witch wanted to go somewhere the hut sprouted chicken legs and scurried along. The painting of a dog on a doghouse in Rockport reminded me of Baba Yaga and the hut: https://goodmorninggloucester.wordpress.com/2014/03/26/dog-house-rockport/#comments
A children’s folk tale, written about 300 years ago, is titled “Baba Yaga.” It takes place in the Slavic countryside in the vicinity of Russia. I read it in high sxhool and Baba Yaga’s magical hut made an impression on me. When the witch wanted to go somewhere, the hut sprouted chicken legs and scurried along. much to the horror of children.
The painting of a dog on a doghouse in Rockport reminded me of Baba Yaga and her hut: https://goodmorninggloucester.wordpress.com/2014/03/26/dog-house-rockport/#comments

The Gift that Keeps on Quacking

My friend Paul Morrison visited last weekend, followed by five of his rubber ducks. He gave me the ducks as a get well present. Research scientist, fisherman, Paul is also an excellent cook.
My friend Paul Morrison visited last weekend, followed by five of his rubber ducks. He gave me the ducks as a get well present. Research scientist, fisherman, Paul is also an excellent cook.

Meet the Therapist

A visitor came into the room to see my room mate, accompanied by his adorable dog. I asked if I could pet Zoie. With a short command she jumped onto my bed, licked my hand, and snuggled down for a nap. She's a "therapy" dog, trained and certified. Dogs like Zoie can relieve stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mood. In recent years, therapy dogs have been enlisted to help children overcome speech and emotional disorders. Therapy dogs are now common at many disaster sites. As a patient fighting cancer in hospitals and in rehab, I can honestly say: "God Bless the owners and their dogs."
A visitor came into the room to see my room mate, accompanied by his adorable dog. I asked if I could pet Zoie. With a short command she jumped onto my bed, licked my hand, and snuggled down for a nap. She’s a “therapy” dog, trained and certified. Dogs like Zoie can relieve stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mood. In recent years, therapy dogs have been enlisted to help children overcome speech and emotional disorders, are now common at many disaster sites.
As a patient fighting cancer in hospitals and in rehab, I can honestly say: “God Bless the owners and their dogs.”

Visit

Joey Ciaramitaro and Donna Ardizzoni visited to wish me well. It was energizing to see them walk in together! It won't be long before I can call on them.
Joey Ciaramitaro and Donna Ardizzoni visited to wish me well. It was energizing to see them walk in together! It won’t be long before I can call on them. 

Stranger in a Strange Land

Poor Merri is beside herself. She's on a perch outside the cage, in our dining room hutch,  Our fragile little parakeet is away from her family and famlliar surroundings. Are the oyster knives to carve her upon the serving platter? What’s going on here and what do her body languarge and expression say?
Poor Merri is beside herself. She’s on a perch outside the cage, in our dining room hutch, Our fragile little parakeet is away from her family and famlliar surroundings. Are the oyster knives to carve her up on the serving platter? What’s going on here and what do her body languarge and expression say?

Watching Black and White Birds

I saw two large black birds in a nearby tree, too large to be crows. Today, a big seagull was perched on the peak of a roof. The bird had an injured leg, just like me. For the homie, it''s do or die time. I balance my laptop while in bed, trying to not bend my legs and cause pain. Homie flew away, and I write this and wait for my physical therapy.
I saw two large black birds in a nearby tree, too large to be crows. Today, a big seagull perched on the peak of a roof. The bird had an injured leg, just like me. For the homie, it”s do or die (fly) time. I balance my laptop while in bed, bending my legs and causing pain. Homie flew away, as I write this and wait for physical therapy. These are the hands we have been dealt.

March Snow

During my time laid up in the hospital, I really appreciate storms. They make the days more exciting , and give me a chance to compose interesting photos. Soon enough, I'll be able to put on my coat and venture out into the weather.
During my time laid up in the hospital, I really appreciate storms. They make my days more exciting, and give me a chance to compose interesting photos. Soon enough, I’ll be able to put on my coat and venture out into the weather.

Our Friend Marty, Special in Many Ways!

It's always good to see Marty and his wife Barbara. We are former New Yorkers, born and raised in the Manhattan area, lived in upstate NY, and ended up here in paradiise: Cape Ann. But a love of photography is the the glue of the friendship between Marty and I. Every day ar 5 pm, I eagerly view his posts on Good Morning Gloucester.
It’s always good to see Marty Luster and his wife Barbara. We are former New Yorkers, born and raised in the Manhattan area, lived in upstate NY, and ended up here in paradiise: Cape Ann. But a love of photography is the the glue of the friendship between Marty and I. Every day ar 5 pm, I eagerly view his posts on Good Morning Gloucester.

Jack London’s Sea Wolf?

Last night a friend and I watched "The Sea Wolf." released in 1941. The Warner Bros. black & white film starred Edward G. Robinson and Ida Lupino. The movie is set on the three masted schooner "Ghost", which looks like a schooner photo I have in my collection. After research on Google, I don't think there' a match. Based on a novel by Jack London, I believe the locaton is the Pacific West Coast.
Last night a friend and I watched “The Sea Wolf.” released in 1941. The Warner Bros. black & white film starred Edward G. Robinson and Ida Lupino. The movie is set on the three masted schooner “Ghost”, which looks like a schooner photo I have in my collection. After research on Google, I don’t think there’ a match. Based on a novel by Jack London, I believe the locaton is the Pacific West Coast.

Mardi Gras Spirit Lifter

It was haircut time for me. Fortunately, I could get a wash and cut in the rehab facility. I wheeled myself into the 'Beauty Salon," where Patty of Rockport styled my hair as I sat in my wheel chair.  A true haircut of opportunity.
It was haircut time for me. Fortunately, I could get a wash and cut in the rehab facility. I wheeled myself into the ‘Beauty Salon,” where Patty of Rockport styled my hair as I sat in my wheel chair. A true haircut of opportunity.

Breakfast in Rockport

This photo was taken from my kitchen window one year ago. Spring brings promise, and I'm looking forward to it. If you think this is not an American Robin, please let us know.
This photo was taken from my kitchen window one year ago. Spring brings promise, and I’m looking forward to it. If you think this is not an American Robin, please let us know.