My View of Life on the Dock
Not the ones that you find on golf courses, soccer/lacrosse fields, and baseball diamonds….but, they yummy kind. Because I know you’re all super interested, here’s my new favorite snack. Golden Berries…aka, Cape Gooseberries, where have you been all my life?
“Tangy, tropical, sweet” Pretty much sums it up.
If, for any reason, you want to learn more read here or here
Enjoy the delicious food and cozy atmosphere at Magnolia’s 525 next Tuesday, April 30th, and simultaneously help support the hard working girls on the Gloucester High School Lacrosse team!
A portion of earning between the hours of 4:30 to 9:30 will help raise funds to support their efforts this year. You enjoy a great meal and company of friends….while helping the team enjoy a great season.
Read more about 525 HERE and take a peek at their menu and beverage list!
We hope to see you there!
Fog in the distance over Wingaersheek and Ipswich Bay, but signs of spring and green grass in the Annisquam. Thanks to “our eyes in the Annisquam”, Paul Horovitz, for sharing a look at this morning’s daybreak.
This photo of a sea turtle swimming off a remote beach near Puerto Adventuras checking out Thatcher as intently as Thatcher is checking it out makes me smile every time I see it. I hadn’t found time to go through our GoPro footage until last night and I was so happy to see that we captured a little of the magic. I love that my boys and the other children we were traveling with were so eager to hop off the boat and swim with these wild turtles…. as well as some stingrays….many of whom were giant!
Salty kids….hopefully they made some memories that they won’t soon forget.
We spent last week down in Akumal, Mexico and are feeling pretty lucky to have enjoyed a fun and somewhat relaxing week in the beautiful sunshine. We absolutely ventured off of our resort and felt nothing but safe and welcome while enjoying some local restaurants and traveling to and from activities and day trips.
A sure sign of warmer days ahead. This is Spring Cleaning when you are a boat owner. Thank you, Paul Horovitz, for capturing this moment.
Thank you to Paul Horovitz for this absolutely beautiful photo of the Annisquam Yacht Club at 6:30 Wednesday morning.
Thatch and I spent some time walking around Assembly Row the other day to grab some things for our upcoming vacation. First of all, it is really nice up there….tons of shopping, lots of green outdoor spaces, some riverfront park area, walking/jogging trails, and a nice variety of places to eat and drink…..plus the large movie theater.
But, I digress. This post is about this cute little number. Bonzer….one way trip car sharing. “A new and easy way to get around the city with eco-friendly cars”
I was intrigued so I checked out their website HERE
Every once in a while a bird will fly into the lobster traps that we have stacked in the yard…..and inevitably, like a lobster, get caught. Finn has taken it upon himself to check the traps each time we come home to make sure that hasn’t happened.
As soon as we pulled into the driveway yesterday I heard “uh oh” from the back seat. Finn threw his backpack, lunchbox, and jacket on the lawn (wet and muddy as it was) and sprang into action.
His smile at the end kills me. He’s a salty kid. He takes the lobster gear seriously and he’s always so happy to help a little friend in need.
Shortly before hopping on his flight back to his home, Gloucester, England, Jamie…..well, Adventureman…sent me this “Thank you to my home-from-home letter” and asked me to share it here on Good Morning Gloucester. He has also posted it on his own social media for his fans around the world to see, but wanted to be sure that everyone here, in our Gloucester, also knows how thankful he is.
So, to Gloucester…his new “home away from home”…. with love from Adventureman. (but, before you read on….I am taking the liberty of reminding you that it is never too late to donate. You can do so here… https://www.adventureman.org/donate/
Ok…back to his thank you letter…
My ‘home from home’ thank yous.
Sorry I’ve been pretty quiet. After leaving Gloucester, Massachusetts, I had to race against time, to drive down to Miami for a talk – where a company wanted to give a big donation in return for me sharing my story.’
On the road trip, my energy levels crashed. While Anna drove, I drifted in and out of sleep four days in the passenger seat, like a nodding dog, dribbling over myself.
Anyhow, enough of the dribbling. More importantly, the finish of my run was just so damn special – there’s a lot of thank yous to make.
Let’s be honest, having hundreds and hundreds (and then some!) of adults and kids running alongside me, wearing capes, doesn’t just appear – it needed energy to make that happen!
And, it all stemmed from the team at Good Morning Gloucester, including Joey Ciaramitaro, Nichole Wadsworth Schrafft, and Pat Dalpiaz, who shouted out on their awesome podcast and blog to rally the local people.
It also helped having the backing of the Gloucester Mayor, Sefatia Romeo Theken, who really got the community behind the run too. (I know Sandy Jimson from the UK was hot on the telephone as well, calling everyone she could, including the Mayor.) I know that the Gloucester Police Department also helped out with arrangements and made sure that we had escorts to the big finish line which was pretty cool.
During the last few hundred metres of the run, Kerry McKenna and Ringo Tarr at Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce made a big effort by bringing out speakers to play ‘Eye of the Tiger’ – which as you can imagine, totally helped to build the energy on the final stretch.
As I crossed the finish, there was an enormous banner with hundreds of signatures on it which melted my heart. That was made by James and Anna Eves at Cape Ann Giclee. So a big thank you to them!
On the night that I finished the run, Ray Johnston and the staff at the Beauport Hotel put me and Anna up for the night. It was seriously posh and just amazing.
After the run, Loran Caputo and Brad Pierce at the Cape Ann Motor Inn put me, my friends and family up for a whole week. It’s a hotel situated on a quiet beach which was just what we needed after all the madness.
On our last night in Gloucester, Maggie and Joe Rosa cooked us up an awesome dinner and they were totally fine with my Dad eating like a savage caveman, with half the food going into his beard.
(If I’ve missed anyone out, I’m so sorry, you know who you are and you’ll forever be in my heart!)
My final thank you, is to everyone who came to the finish. I know people flew across the country, drove for hours, and some even came from the UK. You all made the last few days so special. And of course, everyone that donated.
As most of you know, my hometown in the UK is Gloucester, and without a doubt finishing in Gloucester (Massachusetts) was the best decision ever! I was genuinely made to feel like Gloucester, MA was my hometown for real.
So thank you, thank you, thank you to Gloucester, Massachusetts – which will always be ‘home from home’.
Celebrate spring by building a bluebird house with your child. We’ll supply all the materials and instruction to build a nest box for Eastern Bluebirds and Tree Swallows. These wonderful nest boxes also attract Black-capped chickadees, Tufted Titmice, House Wrens, and woodpeckers. A short slide presentation will introduce families to the natural history and behavior of birds in Massachusetts, and we’ll discuss where and how to place your nest box. Dress for the weather because we will take a short walk to look and listen for bluebirds.
Members:Adult $20.00, Child free
Meets in the Barn. The fee is per family and includes one kit. Extra kits may be purchased for $12 each and must be ordered when you register. Please bring a hammer and dress for the weather.
Thursday, April 4, 2019 – Sunday, May 5, 2019
Many performances available including Sensory Friendly Performances
BIG APPLE CIRCUS is thrilled to announce that real-life wonder women will take the reins of the 41st season, led by new ringmaster Stephanie Monseu, for their annual Boston-area appearance, playing the Boston area this spring at Northshore Mall, Peabody.
Playing under the Big Top, the show will run from April 4 – May 5, 2019 and will feature a new Mirror Room VIP experience leading into the Big Top tent, with craft circus treats and entertainment for all ages.
World-renowned for its one-ring, intimate and artistic style – where no seat is more than 50 feet from the performers – BIG APPLE CIRCUS is passionate about revitalizing the circus for modern-day audiences with unique and astounding human feats in the ring and enough sizzle outside the ring to entertain guests from the very moment they enter.
This year, audiences will enter the BIG APPLE CIRCUS where adults and children alike will experience new pre-show thrills and sample a dizzying array of culinary delights! Upgrades to the food selection include bespoke, organic circus classics for all ages, and beer and wine for adults.
The 41st season promises another extraordinary show filled with BIG APPLE’s roster of superhero talents, ready to incite jaw-dropping awe and sheer joy in audiences of all ages.
As always, for a comprehensive list of family activities, please visit our friends at North Shore Kid
Because you can’t safely take photos and drive, I had Thatcher take a photo of “his island” the other day. How can you not be distracted by the beautiful views while driving along the back shore?
Thatch’s team fell a little bit short of the Championship today, but this video makes me smile (for a few different reasons). This is Don. Don is also known as “AdventureDAD”…..father to Jamie McDonald… Adventureman. Many members of this team ran the very last little bit of Jamie’s truly unbelievable 210-marathon/5,500 mile solo run from Washington State to Gloucester alongside him and were there at the finish line in their CAYH shirts this past Wednesday. When Don heard that they had a championship game three days later, he told them that he was going to be there to cheer them on….because they were there to cheer on his son.
Wouldn’t you know that this morning he reached out to coordinate how to make it happen…even though he was due to fly back to England shortly after the game.
This is a dad who supported his son through some scary younger years when Jamie was afflicted with a rare disease that stole him of his mobility. This is a dad who supported his son when, thank goodness, he fought and prevailed and decided to then dedicate himself to raising money for sick children. This is a dad who has since supported his son during some absolutely monumental adventures….. including the upcoming 7 day straight, world record breaking, treadmill run. And this is a dad who is a man of his word who also wanted to cheer on and support this team…our sons and daughter.
I’m so glad the team had a chance to hear from him (and his bloody brilliant accent)….even if they don’t fully get why it is so cool that he took the time.
You can still DONATE HERE https://www.superherofoundation.org/donate/
Thanks to a gracious Gloucester Police escort I was able to have a front row view of Adventureman’s final six-mile dash from Manchester-by-the-Sea to Gloucester’s Stacy Boulevard. After having followed his journey for quite a while now, watching him run those final miles was amazing. I have lots of video to edit, but wanted to share these photos tonight.
His solo United States Super Run may be over, but his fundraising goals are not. Please consider donating right now.
I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Adventureman and his team at Sweeney Park in Manchester-by-the-Sea at 6:00 tonight (Monday) to absolutely zero pomp and circumstance. It felt a little weird to meet them with no real grandeur, but…as we all know…that is because we are saving the giant welcome for WEDNESDAY at 4:00 pm. Tonight was about a quiet finish….as they prepare for a day of rest and most likely LOTS of reflection. It will be nice for the group to take some time together before sharing their tremendous finish with the city of Gloucester, the far reaching social media universe, fans around the world….and, of course, their beloved Gloucester, England.
They landed at Sweeney Park clearly spent, but in super good spirits….hugged, danced and sang a bit (there may have been a harmonica…it’s kind of a blur)….and then went about the business of tending to Caesar and their gear. Speaking of Caesar….he (it?) was safely tucked away at a neighbor’s house (THANK YOU if you are reading…you know who you are) and then we tended to the task at hand…Dinner….and maybe some drinks. Thanks to Callas for a great night!
Dinner out with this crew was exactly how you might expect it to be. Hysterical….crazy fun….and like Thanksgiving dinner with dear old friends. Joey, Pat D. and I were so happy to sit down and break bread with Adventureman, his phenomenal dad, the unbelievable support team, and a new friend who ran the last 30 miles with them. You couldn’t ask for a kinder, funnier, and more gracious group of people….and we can’t wait for you to meet them all on Wednesday.
Thanks to the amazing generosity of some good people who will be named later, the team is getting some great rest and are further planning their monumental finish. PLEASE be sure to be there to celebrate them and this epic adventure. And, if you’re able, consider making a donation to help the sick children that Jamie (Adventureman) cares so deeply about. DONATE HERE
Some of my favorite video of the evening is Joey schooling the group about the Greasy Pole….after they had schooled us on the sport of cheese rolling and a quick rendition of “Michael Row Your Boat Ashore” after Joey suggested that they might be interested in taking a dory out for a row tomorrow (after running 210 marathons). Gloucester, England and Gloucester, Ma have a lot to learn from each other….such as some vocabulary differences (but that’s a post for a different day).
Welcome to Cape Ann, Adventureman! We are SO HAPPY that you are here!
The Rockport Middle School Jazz Band, under the direction of Anthony Covelli, is fortunate to be able to perform in the incredibly beautiful Shalin Liu. On Wednesday evening the crowd was delighted to hear some very talented student musicians play in such a gorgeous venue….in front of an amazing backdrop.
Sunday, March 24th: 11:00-2:00
Cost is $5 per family
Back by popular demand, the Power of Play festival will be returning to Gloucester High School’s Benjamin Smith Field house on Sunday, March 24th, and is open to all Gloucester Public School District students and their families. Featuring fun for all ages, the program will include arts and crafts activities, giant board games, Legos, field games, family games, yoga, dance and much more.
This performance culminates a two-week course bringing students to Gloucester Stage Company (GSC) for an intensive experience in theatre production, on stage and backstage. In addition to acting, students participate in all aspects of production, including box office management, lighting and set design, auditions and casting, costumes and props. Actors, assistant directors, stage managers, designers, and marketing and sales are all part of what it takes to stage an original production, which is what the students do on the GSC stage as the culmination of their theatre experience.
The GOLDEN GOOSE AWARDS is a World Premiere play written by Katie Oberlander (Mastermime, Out of Circulation), presented at Gloucester Stage Company Friday, March 22 at 7:00pm and Saturday, March 23 at 2:00pm. The show is approx. 80 minutes. Tickets are $15 and Students $8 – available online:
Join us as we wrap up the maple sugaring season with our Spring Flapjack Fling. Bring your family and friends for this special breakfast and enjoy the fruit (OK, sap!) of our labor and our maple trees on some delicious pancakes. Flapjacks with our own maple syrup, along with fruit, orange juice, coffee, tea, and milk are on the menu.
March 23, 2019 (Saturday) 8:15am – 1:00pmLocation:
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, Topsfield MAInstructor:
Sanctuary Staff and VolunteersAudience:
All(suitable for children 0 & up)Members:
Adult $17.00, Child $14.00Nonmembers:
Adult $17.00, Child $14.00Nonmembers can join today during checkout and take immediate advantage of member prices.Join us as we wrap up the maple sugaring season with our Spring Flapjack Fling. Bring your family and friends for this special breakfast and enjoy the fruit (OK, sap!) of our labor and our maple trees on some delicious pancakes. Flapjacks with our own maple syrup, along with fruit, orange juice, coffee, tea, and milk are on the menu.
The breakfast sitting is 45 minutes, followed by an hour-long sugaring tour to see and learn about the transformation of sap to syrup.
Breakfast & Tour
Times:
8:15 am, 9:15 am, 10:15 am, 11:15 am, and 12:15 pmFee:
aduts $17 members and nonmembers
children* $14 members and nonmembers
* Babies on laps are freeSugaring Tour Only
A limited number of spaces are available for the sugaring tour only (sorry, a breakfast-only option is not available).
Times:
9:00 am, 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 1:00 pmFee:
adults $10 members, $11 nonmembers
children ages 3 & up $8 members, $9 nonmembers
Children under 3 are free and should be in a backpackInstructions and Directions:
Meets in the Barn. Dress warmly with warm waterproof footgear for the sugaring tour (you will be outside for an hour). Children under 3 are free and should be in a backpack for the sugaring tour.
Registration is required.Register online or call 978-887-9264 to register by phone.For your own security, DO NOT send credit card information via email.For more information, contact:
As always, for a comprehensive list of family activities, please visit our friends at North Shore Kid
Thirty-five Harborlight Montessori 4th-8th Grade students have taken up residency at Gloucester Stage Company for two weeks. As one of Harborlight’s new Experience Week programs, this group of students has been learning all aspects of theater production in preparation for their World Premiere performances of The Golden Goose Awards. The Golden Goose Awards was written by Harborlight’s very own Performing Arts Director and published playwright, Katie Oberlander. The collaboration between the staff at Gloucester Stage and the staff of Harborlight Montessori has come to life with this fantastic Theater Education experience. Tickets to the 3/22 and 3/23 performances are available for purchase on Gloucester Stage Company’s website.
This two-week theater education session is one of several options that Harborlight students, as well as students not currently enrolled at Harborlight, can select from to supplement their academic year coursework. Robust Experience Weeks have been carefully designed to enhance students’ learning and provide them enriching opportunities during typical school vacation weeks. Harborlight is thrilled to be working with some amazing community partners….like, in this exciting case, Gloucester Stage Company!
For more information on other Experience Weeks, click HERE
With Spring on the horizon the warmth of this morning’s first light in the Annisquam also gives hope of longer days and warmer weather. I think I can, I think I can. Thank you to Paul Horovitz for capturing it for us!
Current situation in the Florida Keys off of Islamorada….making sure Finn’s line gets tight.
Good Morning Gloucester 