My View of Life on the Dock
When driving past the Burgess & Mackey Funeral Home over the course of the past several months (maybe even years as I can’t remember when they closed) I found myself wondering what would happen with the property. A couple of weeks ago I was surprised to see that it was all of a sudden all but gone. In one day’s time the building was demolished. The final photo is what the lot looked like just this morning.
Now I find myself wondering what will be built in that space? Does anyone know?
Heading home on the Annisquam on the last Sunday of 2018. What a way to savor every last moment of the year. Thanks to Paul Horovitz for another beautiful photo and always being our eye on the Annisquam.
The days that the Gloucester High School Fishermen come to lend some hands (and feet) at Cape Ann Youth Hockey’s Learn-to-Skate program are always so special for the beginning skaters! I don’t have a high school skater yet….and my boys have long since graduated from Learn-to-Skate, but I can remember fondly how special they thought it was when they got to skate with the “big kids.” I also remember them grinning ear to ear upon seeing those same big kids working at Talbot Rink’s Open Skate hours. Wicked hero worship. The day one of those High School skaters remembered Thatcher’s name (that happened to be taped across the top of his helmet, but I’ll never tell) was probably a pivotal day in his young skating career. I am very certain there are plenty of parents in the Cape Ann program who fee the same way.
So, this past weekend a new group of High School skaters came to the rink to have some fun with Cape Ann’s newest skaters….and the smiles tell you all you need to know!
Huge thanks to the Fishermen for creating new memories and being such great role models!
Last night’s sunset looked just like a Patagonia ad.
While very true…they are still my guilty pleasure.
The magnificent beauty of the views across the Annisquam never get old. Thank you to Paul Horovitz for sharing these with us.
Yikes. Evidently this is a thing. I somehow stumbled upon Pretend-to-make-your-siblings-disappear videos last night. Mean, you say? Absolutely. Funny though…..totally.
It is NOT nice out there today. Winter doesn’t begin until Friday, but it sure feels wintery today.
From the deck of the Annisquam Yacht Club. I love this fun little Christmas tree. No doubt it looks a wonderful when it is shining bright at night. Thanks to Paul Horovitz for another great Annisquam photo.
Every year we are on the epic adventure of finding great light displays. My boys spend so much time at the hockey rink in Gloucester and we’re lucky to be able to drive down Reynard Street this time of year to admire their wonderful holiday spirit.
Please send along information about other neighborhoods….near or far, that you know of! We’re looking to take a nice ride on Saturday night!
Saturday and Sunday! Read more HERE
Please read more to learn about all of the fun and exciting activities that will be taking place. Much thanks to the organizers, volunteers, and participants! What a fun holiday weekend.
Just some of the fun…
Print-your-own event at Rusty + Ingrid
A book signing at the Paper Mermaid by the author of A Day in Rockport
Meet and Greet with puppies from Cape Ann Animal Aid at the Good Dog Gallery
Jam Making Demo at Seven South Street Inn
Indoor Farmers Market
Horse Carriage Rides
A showing of A Christmas Carol at 7:00 pm for FREE at the Shalin Liu
and much, much more….. Not to mention all of the great shopping one can do!
With the new warming tent and JP Licks hot cocoa next door, this is a fun way to get the kids outside and knock off some holiday shopping at the same time.
NEW: This holiday season, the gardens at two of our most popular historic homes, Naumkeag in Stockbridge and The Stevens-Coolidge Place in North Andover will sparkle with thousands of shimmering holiday lights. Each weekend features performances and activities for the whole family, from the young to the young at heart. See something new throughout the season.
Don your coats, pull on your boots and join us for a new family tradition!
Please note: paths may be muddy and slippery, please wear appropriate footwear. No handicap parking available at Naumkeag though drop off at the front driveway is permitted.
Select a date below to purchase your tickets
Entrance to the gardens is ticketed in 15-minute increments between 5-8PM. Upon selecting a date below, you will be prompted to select an arrival time. Please be prepared to arrive 10 minutes prior to your ticketed entrance time to help expedite the check-in process.Members: $12
Nonmembers: $17
Children 12 and under: FREE
Ever changing and always magnificent….two very different photos of the same view across the mouth of the Annisquam River. Thank you to Paul Horovitz for sharing these with us.
If the Christmas decor at the beautiful Beauport Hotel doesn’t get you into the holiday mood, I don’t know what will.
If this isn’t a magnificent way to start a day, I don’t know what is. Much thanks to Paul Horovitz for this beautiful photo.
If you look closely you will find a lighthouse, a fishing boat, a seagull, the Greasy Pole…..and obviously an inviting fire pit on the gorgeous deck of the Beauport Hotel. A few of my favorite things.
That’s a whole lot of bling. Four World Series trophies.
Thatcher gets to do some unbelievably cool and special things as part of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps with the Gloucester Sea Cadets – David G. Ouellet Division.
Participating in the commissioning of the USS Hudner on Saturday at Boston’s Black Falcon Pier nears the top of the list. I couldn’t stay, so I stole photos from Thatcher, LTJG Robert Pallazola and Joanna Edith. Thank you!
The Gloucester Sea Cadets had the opportunity to witness history, pay tribute to heroes, and be in the presence of so, so many including, just to name a few, Mayor Walsh, Governor Baker, State Senator Bruce Tarr, both the Hudner and Brown families, MANY Congressional Medal of Honor recipients, and even General Joseph Dunford, the highest ranking military officer in the United States military and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Having just lost President George H.W. Bush made this ceremony even more poignant.
Commissioning marks the formal entrance of a ship into the U.S. Navy Fleet and is the point when the ship changes from being Pre-Commissioning Unit
(PCU)THOMAS HUDNER to being USS THOMAS HUDNER.
I am so thankful that he had this opportunity and that he is a part of such a tremendous organization.
The video below shows the entire commissioning ceremony and you can read more about Medal of Honor Recipient CAPT Thomas J. Hudner, Jr., USN HERE
Have you seen Main Street?! Downtown Gloucester is looking absolutely gorgeous! I can not wait to take a walk and photograph all of the beautiful holiday window displays. I am so appreciative to the businesses who went above and beyond to decorate their storefronts to spread holiday cheer.
Here is just one of the many amazing displays. Get downtown, do some shopping, and feel the holiday joy!
Get ready to VOTE for your favorite decorations during the “Downtown Gloucester Holiday Window Contest”! We have 72 participants… you read that right, 72 participants in the contest in 5 categories!
The voting starts this Friday, Black Friday, November 23 and continues through December 20th! So starting Friday, get downtown and check out all of the great decorations and Shop Locally! Forget the Malls!
Downtown Gloucester is where it is at this holiday season!
Go to the following Facebook page to view all of the contestants and the categories and to VOTE: DOWNTOWN GLOUCESTER HOLIDAY WINDOW CONTEST.
December, yikes!
A hight light of everyone’s holiday season is when Santa comes to town by lobster boat in Rockport Harbor. Events happening between 1:00-5:00 pm. Santa’s arrival, photos with Santa, singing of carols, and the ceremonial tree lighting!
Where else can you see Santa arrive by lobster boat? Santa will arrive at Rockport’s T-Wharf on Rockport Harbor on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 1:00 PM, following a brisk lobster boat ride across Sandy Bay. Then Santa will climb up onto a Rockport Forest Fire truck and proceed along T-Wharf and Broadway to Spiran Hall (at the corner of Broadway and School Street) led by Rockport cub scouts. This year Santa will be able to linger a while to visit and have photos taken with the children at Spiran Hall until the Tree Lighting Ceremony begins. Then Santa will head over to Dock Square to greet the crowd and kick off the Tree Lighting festivities, before climbing back onto the fire truck to begin his long return journey to the North Pole.
The Tree Lighting Ceremony will get underway at 4 PM welcoming Santa and the public to Dock Square with carols and a stirring rendition of “Christmas in Rockport” performed by the Dock Square Carolers.
The Chairperson of the Board of Selectmen will offer official greetings from the Town and will conclude the ceremony by pulling the switch to light this year’s Rockport Christmas tree.
Friday, 5-8PM
Saturday, 10AM-4PM
Sunday, 12Noon-4PM
Member Adult: $10;
Member Child: $5;
Nonmember Adult: $20;
Nonmember Child: $10;
Ipswich resident: $10 with proof of residency
Visiting Castle Hill at Christmas is a time-honored tradition for many New England families. Don’t miss this year’s spectacular “Christmas by the Sea”. Each room in our 1920s mansion is festively decorated by florists, designers, garden clubs, or volunteers. You’ll find live music and dance, fresh baked cookies and cider, a treasure hunt, family activities, and a visit with Santa.
Make Friday, date night with evening tour hours, a cash bar, light appetizers, and festive music.
Come with friends on Saturday for great decorating ideas, shopping in the Castle Hill gift shop and Harbor Sweets pop up cafe, and more.
Bring the children on Sunday to visit with Santa, take photos, and hunt for sea-themed items in our holiday treasure hunt.
Schedule of Events
Friday, November 30, 5-8pm
Piano music by Robert Allison in the Drawing Room
Cash bar with beer, wine, and our own holiday punch in the Drawing Room
90th Anniversary of the Illyria 1928-1929 South Seas Expedition on the Third Floor
Saturday, December 1, 10am-4pm
Christmas by the Sea treasure hunt
90th Anniversary of the Illyria 1928-1929 South Seas Expedition on the Third Floor
10am Ipswich High School Bel Canto and Chamber Singers directed by Abigail Frost in Drawing Room
11am Ipswich High School Carolers in the Gallery
12Noon Ipswich Middle School Clarinet Choir in the Butler’s Pantry
1pm Ipswich High School Jazz Orchestra directed by Sean Lee in the Drawing Room
2pm String Quartet music featuring Michael Hamill, Carlos Heymann, Alice Newell, and Ann Ward in the Second Floor Bay
2pm Solstice Singers directed by Marybeth Dyer in the Drawing Room
3 pm Ipswich Moving Company’s Youth Dance Ensemble in the Drawing Room, Dining Room, and Stair Hall
Sunday, December 2, 12noon-4pm
Christmas by the Sea treasure hunt
90th Anniversary of the Illyria 1928-1929 South Seas Expedition on the Third Floor
12Noon-2pm Visit with Santa in the Second Floor Bay
12Noon Ipswich High School Honors Brass in the Drawing Room
12Noon Ipswich High School Honors Clarinet Quartet in the Dining Room
1pm Ipswich High School Chamber Orchestra directed by Michael Coelho in the Drawing Room
1pm Venti in the Dining Room
2pm Phoebe Bright in the Dining Room
3pm North Shore Ringers directed by G. Paul Naeger in the Drawing Room
Browse the holiday cheer and try your luck at winning the tree of your choice! More than 60 beautifully decorated trees will be raffled off to benefit the Ipswich Humane Society!
Marini is proud to host the Ipswich Humane Society’s 5th annual Tree Jubilee. Be a participant in this years Tree Jubilee. Decorate a Wreath or a Tree and donate it to the Ipswich Humane Society to be raffled off during the event at Marini Farm.
This is one of the Humane Society’s biggest fundraisers to help differ the increasing costs of the shelter. Although the event is free to view… 100% of any raffle purchased goes directly to our four legged friends.
Event Details
Tour the gallery of beautifully decorated trees and wreaths donated by local organizations, families, and businesses — then choose the ones you want a chance to win!
More than 60 spectacularly decorated trees and wreaths will be raffled off (decorations and all!) at the end of the Jubilee. You never know what our donors will decorate their trees with!
2018 Gallery Viewing:
Hours:
Friday, November 30th – Noon – 8pm
Saturday, December 1st – 10am-8pm
Sunday, December 2nd – 10am-7pm
Friday, December 7th – Noon – 8pm
Saturday, December 8th – 10am-8pm
Sunday, December 9th – 10am-3pm (EXTRA DAY!!!!)
Winners Pick-Up:
Date: Monday, December 10th
Time: 4pm-7pm
Where:
Marini Farm
259 Linebrook Road
Ipswich, MA 01938Admission: FREE!
Raffle Chances: $5/10 chances
As always, for a comprehensive list of family activities please visit our friends at North Shore Kid
It’s funny how some holiday traditions are tried and true over the years and some happen very spontaneously and somehow become ritualist when you’re least paying expecting it.
Watching the Polar Express on Thanksgiving Night is a tradition that I started intentionally and one that we look forward to every year. Heading to the Beverly Tree Farm the day after Thanksgiving to find our perfect tree is also something that we chose as a tradition and are sure to repeat each year in the hopes of building memories for the boys. Christmas wouldn’t be the same without my mom’s coffee cake….and my boys look forward to pulling and kneading the dough for their fried dough after opening their stockings each year.
The Great Light Fight….well, that is a tradition, maybe just as special to the boys, that has just kind of happened….with no planning, no forethought, no intention.
So….last night, there we were again, all of sudden snuggled on the couch watching the new season of The Great Light Fight. I grabbed Finn at the hockey rink after his practice, cooked brussel sprouts upon his request, and then hunkered down to watch the first episode of the new season of the Great Light Fight. I didn’t know it was on….hadn’t bothered to actually check any kind of programming….but, when Finn somehow heard a promo, we were both pretty excited. Thatch rolled in an hour later and plopped himself down immediately. And then, just like last year and the years before that, we started our familiar routine of choosing which light display we liked the most, who we thought would win, how they might spread more good cheer with their winnings….and where we might drive to see some lights this weekend.
It is so, so silly….but yet someone these often quirky strangers, these Captains of Christmas and Directors of Decorations, always manage to teach Thatch and Finn something about the true holiday spirit and about family ties and bonds. One contestant said last night, “The family who displays together, stays together.” No doubt.
I’m happy that while those families share their traditions with their communities….and now national television….we can at least pop a squat on the sofa and have a mini tradition of our own.
Sometimes the littlest things are the best.
The Great Christmas Light Fight showcases the wildest and most spectacular Christmas displays in America. In each one-hour episode, four families from all around the country decorate their homes to the extreme in the hopes of winning the coveted Light Fight trophy and a $50,000 prize, with a total of $300,000 given away for the season. As the temperature cools down, the competition heats up when families invite us from out of the snow inside their homes to witness their fanatic Christmas décor for the very first time. In addition to all of the stunning inside/outside displays, the first ever “Heavyweights” episode will showcase light shows that have grown too large for any home.
Good Morning Gloucester 