Author: Nichole S.

Thank you to Paul Horovitz for this stunning photograph of a recent foggy nightfall on the Annisquam.

In the midst of a little two day staycation at the awesome Cape Ann Motor Inn.  It was nice to wake up at the beach this morning.

My boys have been choosing to have their birthday dinners at the Studio for several years now.  Thatcher’s birthday was at the end of May….so there was no dining out for him this year.  I was so excited to see that The Studio was opening just in time for Finn’s birthday over the weekend.  We enjoyed our annual birthday dinner on the deck on Friday night and everything was wonderful.  The staff did a great job and, if I didn’t know so, I wouldn’t have guessed it was their first evening open for the season.  It was a mild bummer to realize that they weren’t doing sushi yet, but the boys were happy to order all of their other favorites…. edamame, truffle fries, fish and chips, calamari, fried pickles, and grilled corn.  Everything was delicious and it definitely felt like summer.  Thanks, Studio!

The pretty awesome Cabaret V is baiting up with Capt. Joe and Sons in the background. Things are always bustling on the working waterfront.

I can never resist taking a photo while going under the Train Bridge or the Cut Bridge on trips up and down the Annisquam River.

We spent a couple of hours on Conomo Point the other day.  It really is one of the most beautiful places I know.  The layers of colors between the grass, sand, water, trees, and sky are breathtaking.

There in the fog stands the Annisquam Light. A bit more difficult to see than usual, but no less beautiful.  Thank you to Paul Horovitz for sharing this photo.

Someone in this fine fishing village must have a fix for this.  Finn asked for a pair of fishing boots for Christmas.  He wanted either xtratuf or Grundens.  I searched kind of high and wide for a Youth pair in his size that wasn’t super expressive.  I was psyched to find a pair at a pretty discounted rate…..and tucked them away until Christmas morning.  As he unwrapped them and saw the label on the box he was pumped.  He threw the box open…..and, well, not so much.  While I ordered a Youth Size 5….what was in the box was a Child size 5 that are, no joke, like six inches long.  They are the cutest little things you’ve ever seen….but, they weren’t going to work for Finn.

So, long story short, as the weather has turned nice and Finn is fishing as much as possible, I remembered that I “owed” him a new pair in his proper size.   We found an awesome pair of Grundens and he’s in love with them!  He’s probably worn them about 7 times and suddenly they are peeling and flaking like crazy.  At first I thought it was a film of salt on them that could be wiped off….but, it’s actually more like a layer is literally deteriorating.   So, my question is, can anyone recommend a product that will bring some life back to them?    I appreciate any help and ideas!  Thanks in advance!

Four years ago Good Morning Gloucester had the privilege of having a long awaited tour of the beautiful new Beauport Hotel before their grand opening.  At the end of the tour we taped a podcast.  After four amazingly successful years no one could have predicted that March of 2020 would arrive and with it bring mandatory closures of all restaurants and hotels….and schools and businesses….and pretty much everything else.

For 85 days we all stayed home, stayed in, stayed away, stayed alert….and worried, bonded, cried, and found ways to live in the new normal.

Yesterday marked the day that some of our favorite places were allowed to open with many new precautions in place.  While we now revel in the fact that we can be together (cautiously), our hearts go out to some of our other favorite places who need to wait a bit longer before they can, in turn, open their doors.

Yesterday we were invited back to the Beauport for a live podcast a couple of hours before they reopened…..a second grand opening of sorts….and one just as anticipated as the first.   Being on the deck, in the sunshine, with friends felt good.  Meanwhile, throughout town, several other establishments were also greeting guests.  As businesses work hard to maintain safety standards and their usual excellence….we look forward to visiting them all.  We appreciate all of the work and planning that has gone into the preparations they have made. We patiently wait for the word that others can follow suit as we know how tough these times have been.

We enjoyed a cocktail and lunch at the Beauport after taping.  All of the new menu items sound phenomenal (more evidence of the hard work done behind the scenes while we were all at home) and the burger and truffle fries that I had were tremendous.  All of the staff were happy, accommodating, cheerful, and appropriately cautious.

The Beauport’s new BSafe plan is being executed parallel to their stellar hospitality. Together they have created an ambience that allows you to feel safe….and spoiled.  It was so good to be back.

For overnight stay reservations occurring through July 6th, please call 

(978) 282-0008 or email info@beauporthotel.com.

Reservations for after July 6th may be made online or by phone. For dining reservations, email 1606@beauporthotel.com, reserve online or call (978) 491-5090.

Finn’s hair grows so quickly so he was definitely hurting for a haircut after almost three months without one.  We went to go see Matt at Blackbear when they opened up last week.  After snapping these photos, I sat in my car to minimize the people in the barbershop and Finn was in and out (mask on) in no time.  It was great to see Matt again and Finn looks like a new man (boy).

We sold our home a couple of years back and have settled into renting for the time being. We found out yesterday that we will need to find a new place to live by August 15th. It is certainly not an easy time to find a new rental for a family of four with a dog on the North Shore.  I’d really appreciate any leads that you may have.

If you know of a home, please let me know.  If you know of anyone who wants to sell, but may opt to rent for a while instead, please let me know.

Forced to get creative….  a high school in Key West, Florida, go figure, handed out high school diplomas to jet ski riding seniors. Take a look at the Somerset Island Prep Charter School. I think, quarantine aside, this is still the way to go.  Good for them.  There’s a nice little video in the link below.

Check out their website.  Seems like a pretty cool little school.

READ MORE HERE:  https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/01/us/jet-ski-graduation-trnd/index.html

Paul Horovitz found this lost gear at the Annisquam Light USCG house and moved it to lawn.  Pretty colors.  KS 805.  Gear isn’t cheap so hopefully the rightful owner will discover it soon.  Thanks, Paul!

GLOUCESTEROPOLY BOARDS are READY for DISTRIBUTION!

A beautiful day on the water and it’s always nice to be welcomed home by the Eastern Point Light.

Gloucesteropoly boards have FINALLY arrived. Thank you for your patience! The GHS class of 2020 has worked tirelessly for the second, and final, edition of Gloucesteropoly! As with everything else over the past few months, production delays, extenuating circumstances, and shipping issues all played a factor in the late arrival of the boards.

BUT – GREAT NEWS!!  THEY ARE HERE!  The Gloucester High School Administration is currently trying to plan proper procedures that will allow the safe distribution of the boards.  PLEASE stay tuned for updates!  As SOON as the distribution date is approved, count on Good Morning Gloucester to share the dates and times!

If you have specific questions, please feel free to contact Tracy Lowthers or Carol Finacey (GHS Class of 2020 advisors).  Their staff emails are listed below.   We look forward to getting these boards to you and we appreciate your support!

Tlowthers@gloucesterschools.com

Cfinacey@gloucesterschools.com

We took a walk in the woods the other day.  Lots of shapes, colors, patterns…..and trees that looked like something else if you used your imagination.

We ordered some curbside pick-up from Minglewood Harborside over the weekend and everything was really delicious.  We got a firecracker roll, some spicy tuna, and avocado/tuna maki rolls as well as some dumplings, truffle fries, and brussels sprouts.

While we wish we were sitting on their deck or listening to music at their new bar, we were happy to be able to enjoy their convenient and yummy food to go.

We took a late afternoon walk in the woods the other night and happened upon this pair of owls.  Oddly enough we were on our way out….just about to head to our car….when the two owls started to call to each other.  We stopped in our tracks and soon discovered that the pair where in two different trees about fifty yards apart.  Soon enough they found each other, sat together for a bit, and then separated again.  I wish the sun wasn’t setting and I could have stayed longer for some better shots….but I also felt like they wanted to be left alone.

Thanks to Paul Horovitz for this striking photo of last night’s sunset from Cambridge Beach in the Annisquam.