How could I not pull over and take some photos of this stunning sight? Pigeon Cove was gorgeous early yesterday morning…but, holy crap, it was cold out!
Author: Nichole S.
I Sea Smoke
The sea smoke rising around the perimeter of Cape Ann was pretty spectacular yesterday. Here are photos from Rockport Harbor and Lighthouse Beach. Thanks to Paul Horovitz for the great shot from the Annisquam.
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These Guys Deserve a Huge Shout Out!
As my car dashboard read 19 degrees and my dogs could only handle a 15 minute walk before their paws got too cold, I drove by these guys working on a roof in Rockport. Yikes! Kudos to them!
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What Would You Put Here?
While the rest of Gloucester Crossing has been full and pretty busy, this space on the end next to Marshalls has been unoccupied for as long as I can remember.
What would you put there if you had the choice?
Here’s some information about leasing the space through RMD
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Still Kills Me. Holiday Bartender.
I posted this last year, but….after a particularly yummy eggnog drink at a friend’s house last night…it came up in conversation and I thought it was worth sharing again.
I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Matt Catanzano, of the duo Simply Unemployable, at the Improv Asylum in Boston a few times and I could watch this video of his 100 times….only it makes me super thirsty.
Merry Christmas.
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Just No
Stumbled upon this while doing some last minute shopping yesterday morning. Does anyone really need this? As a mother and wife who shares a bathroom with a husband and two young boys, I assure you that this is the very last thing I need in my house! I never get a turn in the bathroom as it is. And then let’s talk about the guy who actually sat for this photo advertisement….. I’m sure he doesn’t get much shit from his friends. No pun intended.
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Pink and Blue
Yet another afternoon when the boys and I couldn’t help but pull over and take some photos on Granite Pier. Pretty colors, right?
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Is There a Rooster on Someone’s Christmas List?
I love these barnyard animal sculptures! I shop at Agway in Danvers for rabbit food once a month or so and I always find myself browsing the aisles. They have wonderful bird feeders, gardening accessories, boots, fishing gear, and more in stock. Last week was the first time that I noticed these fun roosters and goats though.
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Cape Ann Wreaths Across America
Saturday was such a special day thanks to those who made Cape Ann Wreaths Across America a success. After The Pledge of Allegiance and color guard presented by the Gloucester Sea Cadets, the morning began with opening words by co-chair of Cape Ann Wreaths Across America, Amanda Orlando Kesterson, and Cape Ann Veteran Services director, Adam Curcuru. Veterans representing all branches of our armed services then laid ceremonial wreaths followed by a special wreath presented by Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken from the City of Gloucester. Volunteers then placed wreaths on veterans’ graves in Beechbrook Cemetery. Just one hour later, a second ceremony and wreath laying took place in Rockport’s Beech Grove Cemetery.
Many volunteers came out despite the frigid temperatures. Also on hand were State Senator Bruce Tarr, Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken, City Councilors Sean Nolan, Jamie O’hara, and Joe Orlando, as well as U.S. Senate candidate Beth Lindstrom. Judging by the success of Saturday’s event, I hope that next year is even better.
The video below shows the opening ceremonies of the day’s events.
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Hello Coyote
We were driving down Nugent Stretch, from Rockport to Gloucester, yesterday at 10:45 in the morning when Finn swore that he saw a coyote on the side of the road. He made me turn around to prove that he was right….and I was glad that I did. There, rolling around like a puppy in the grass on the lawn of the Sea Lion hotel, was a lone coyote. I drove past him, turned around again, and pulled over safely to take some photos. Yet again only equipped with my iPhone, I sadly couldn’t get great shots, but he was super close and didn’t mind me snapping photos for a little bit before he got up and trotted away to the house next door up on the hill.
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Nichole’s Picks 12/16 + 12/17
Pick #1: Appleton Farm Gingerbread Farmer Decorating
The morning session is sold out but there is some availability in the afternoon session from 1:30-2:30!
Saturday, December 16
Afternoon Session: 1:30-2:30PM
Member Child: $15 Nonmember Child: $25
Contact Information
978.356.5728 x4118
crouillard@thetrustees.org
Join us for some holiday fun on the farm and learn about the origin of this favorite Scandinavian tradition. We’ll start by decorating some delicious gingerbread farmers and cows with a variety of candy and homemade icing. After our creations are complete we’ll snuggle in for gingerbread man story. Finish the experience with a traditional German holiday craft to decorate your own home with. Hot chocolate will be served. Please register one ticket per child.
Pick #2 Winter Solstice Lantern Walk at Ipswich River
Winter Solstice Lantern Walk – Sunday
Sponsored by Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
Sun, Dec 17, 2017 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Members: Adult $9.00, Child $8.00
Nonmembers: Adult $11.00, Child $10.00
Throughout time, people have come together to celebrate the shortest day of the year and welcome the lengthening days ahead. Sanctuary staff and volunteers invite you to join us for this beautiful candlelit event. Lantern making begins at 4:00 pm, followed by some solstice stories and folklore. With lanterns in hand, we will stroll the trails to light up the night. We will enjoy hot cider and cocoa at the bonfire on our return.
Meets in the Barn. Please dress for the weather.
Registration is required.
Register online or call 978-887-9264 to register by phone.
Pick #3 Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke
CANDLELIGHT STROLL – Anchoring “Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth”
December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 & 17, 2017
Saturdays, 5-9 pm. Sundays, 4-8 pm.
For tickets, click here. $5 off per ticket purchased before December 1, 2017.
READ ALL ABOUT THIS EVENT HERE
Candlelight Stroll, an annual holiday tradition at Strawbery Banke since 1979 showcases 350 years of seasonal and holiday traditions against the backdrop of the Museum’s furnished historic houses. On these weekend evenings, the Museum grounds glow with hundreds of lighted candle lanterns, the houses are adorned with thousands of hand-made decorations crafted from live greens and dried flowers and herbs collected from the Museum gardens, and the air is filled with the sound of holiday music and scent of woodsmoke from the bonfire. Its authenticity is the foundation for the claim that the Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth holiday celebration, echoed by Travel + Leisure magazine, makes Portsmouth ‘the Christmas capital of North America.’
Visitors stroll from house to historic house, greeted by costumed role players and performers who recreate the traditions of times past, rediscovering the joys of simpler times. Mrs. Shapiro prepares a Hanukah celebration her 1919 Russian Jewish kitchen. Mrs. Goodwin, her family and servants prepare a Victorian Christmas. Father Christmas, the night watchman, “Mayor Frank Jones” and other role-players make their rounds along the dirt lanes; and the Abbotts await news of their soldier fighting in Europe in the Second World War. Carolers, chestnuts and holiday crafts bring all the sounds, scents and moments for family ‘stopfulness’ to this event that is a cherished New Hampshire tradition. Complimentary refreshments and hot apple cider are offered at the Cider Shed. Traditional hearth-cooking demonstrations, crafts demonstrations, and winter projects for kids provide interactive fun for multiple generations.
Add-on features:
Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond, provides seasonal outdoor ice skating at the heart of the 10-acre living history museum. The rink operates seven days a week, 9 am to 9 pm throughout December and on New Year’s Day, and the months of January and February.
Figtree Kitchen at Strawbery Banke café offers seasonal food and beverages during Candlelight Stroll in the TYCO Visitors Center.
Pickwick’s at the Banke, complements the museum with a shopping experience reflecting Portsmouth’s colonial maritime heritage. Pickwick’s also presents a ticketed, costumed holiday dining experience in Pitt Tavern — visited by George Washington, John Hancock, and the Marquis de Lafayette.
As always, for a comprehensive list of family activities, please visit our friends at North Shore Kid
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On the Fence
About this fence…. I’m sure there is a really simple reason for this fence, but I can’t figure it out. I remember the fence going up at the Blackburn Circle rotary last year too but, while I meant to throw the question out there to GMG Nation, I never did.
So, here it goes…. Why the fence? Who is in the know? Does it have anything to do with the snow? Even if you don’t KNOW the answer, I’d welcome all guesses….as maybe it’ll make me feel better for not being able to figure it out myself.
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Elf Drama
Like many families, we have an elf. Our Elf used to come back to visit the boys on Thanksgiving night and keep his watchful little (creepy) eyes on them each day….and then report to Santa each night for the next 30 days, give or take, until Christmas. It didn’t take me long to realize that 30 days of remembering to move the darn elf was way too much….never mind actually getting creative. So, this year he came back later…and I’m already over it. I’ve managed to get semi creative 1/2 the nights and then simply lamely move him to a new spot other nights. I’d post photos, but I’m too over it to even bother taking pics anymore. That being said, however, I did get a good laugh when I came across photos of Jingle the Elf’s arrival back to Rockport last year.
Last year, he came back to town the night after I found a pair one of the boy’s underwear hanging from a hook in the middle of their bedroom ceiling. Punks.
This is how Jingle felt about that…..never mind how I felt.
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Cape Ann’s 1st Veterans Army vs. Navy Flag Football Game
The same day that brought this season’s first snowfall also brought Cape Ann’s 1st Annual Veterans Army vs. Navy Flag Football game. I am so excited for this to become an annual event! Congratulations to all who braved the elements to play hard and have fun. Much thanks to the organizers and volunteers as well!
And, for those of you who are interested in keeping track year after year from here on out, Saturday’s game ended 14 -12 with a win for Navy.
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It’s Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas…at the Beauport
Christmas at the Beauport is beautiful. I stopped by for an hour the other day while they were still in the midst of decorating. I struggled with wanting to take photos …and wanting to stay out of their way. So, this is all I left with…but, you get the gist. I look forward to going back for a holiday cocktail and to enjoy the holiday ambience again soon.
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Nichole’s Picks 12/9 + 12/10
Pick #1: Middle Street Walk
Pick #2: Cape Ann Veterans’ Army vs. Navy Flag Football
Come cheer on some Cape Ann Veterans as they play in Cape Ann’s 1st Annual Army vs Navy Flag Football game! Should be a fun afternoon! 12:00 pm @ Newell Stadium
Pick #3: Stevens-Coolidge Estate’s Illumination Nights
Come one, come all and see the splendor of our illuminated winter gardens. Many holidays and festivals are based on lights, some even being called a Festival of Lights, like Diwali for Hinduism, Sikhism, and Jainism, and Hanukah for Judaism. Christianity also celebrates using lights, seen on a Christmas tree or in a snowcapped windowsill. Tonight, visitors are invited to explore the grounds of the Stevens-Coolidge Place as they twinkle and shine with holiday lights that brighten the landscape during this holiday season. Pick up a song book and sing holiday songs or simply listen to others as you warm up with hot cocoa and make s’mores around our outdoor fire pit.
This is a three-weekend event. Full event schedule includes:
Friday, December 8 through Sunday, December 10, 5-7pm
Friday, December 15 through Sunday, December 17, 5-7pm
Friday, December 22 through Saturday, December 23 5-7pm
As always, for a comprehensive list of family activities, visit our friends at North Shore Kid
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Cadet of the Year
The Gloucester David G. Ouellet Division of the US Naval Sea Cadets joined with other divisions at the Commandant’s House at the Charlestown Naval Shipyard on Sunday. They worked to support Toys for Tots and were in attendance for the awarding of “Cadet of the Year.”
This year the Navy League of the United States Massachusetts Bay Council recognized the selection of Petty Officer Ryan Litch as the Sea Cadet of the Year.
As the parent of a ten-year old League Cadet who is just beginning his journey with this incredible group of individuals, I am thrilled that Thatcher has a role model as dedicated, well-rounded, confident, and kind as LPO Litch. Litch and the other senior members of the Gloucester Sea Cadets not only guide, help, and teach the younger recruits and cadets, but they give them positive examples to emulate. No doubt it was very motivational for them to watch him being recognized in such a special way.
Congratulations to Petty Officer Litch and his family on this accomplishment. There are great things ahead for sure.
The Christmas Tree lighting on the USS Constitution culminated the days’ activities and was a really special event.
We are very appreciative to all of the dedicated and decorated staff, instructors, and volunteers who make this organization such a positive experience for the cadets.
First four photos courtesy of Christine Litch
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Delicious Breakfast at the New River View Dining Room at Cape Ann’s Marina Resort
Eight of us had an unbelievable breakfast at Cape Ann’s Marina Resort a couple of Sundays ago. We enjoyed many outdoor Sunday brunches on the Bridge Deck this summer, but now that the weather has turned and winter is here, it was time to move inside. The new River View dining room has undergone some really fabulous renovations and is a beautiful, bright, and sunny space. I took a few photos of the new, long and spacious room (particularly the brand new waterfront bar) but I hesitate to post them yet as I know that some parts of the renovations were incomplete. They were, at the time, waiting on a new bar top and new stools. Regardless, I was totally impressed and will certainly be going back soon. I look forward to sharing photos of the space soon as well. Definitely check it out!
Check out our breakfast! Yum!
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Welcome Back, Santa!
Santa’s yearly arrival by lobster boat to our seaport home of Rockport is a day that is celebrated with delight by so many townspeople. It doesn’t get more quintessential New England than this and we were thrilled to welcome him back on Saturday.
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BEST GINGERBREAD HOUSE EVER, Thanks to Sista Felicia!
For those of you who don’t know, Sista Felicia makes the most gorgeous and precious holiday cookie collections you’ve ever seen…in addition to a ridiculously long list of other culinary treats for the tastebuds.
I was so mad at myself for missing out on ordering her Halloween and Thanksgiving cookies…they kind of go like hot cakes….so, as soon as I saw heard that she was putting together gingerbread house kits, I reached out and ordered one!
Hands down one of the best holiday purchases I have ever made. I mean, I knew it would be great….but great is beyond an understatement. The time, care, attention to detail, and holiday spirit that goes into each and every kit is priceless. Finn and I picked it up the other day and were immediately dying to tear into it….but, we patiently waited…although not for long. I was able to hold the boys at bay for two nights, but come Tuesday, they couldn’t wait another second.
As we untied the bow, opened the box, unwrapped the goodies, and spread out the enormous number of treats, candies, intricate decorations, icing, and beautifully baked gingerbread roof and walls the boys’ imaginations starting racing. We have built Gingerbread Houses every year….but, this one takes the cake.
We melted the little hard candies into beautiful stained glass windows and went crazy decorating. The boys worked happily while listening to Christmas carols until we ran out of frosting. My boys were a bit heavy handed with their frosting application, otherwise we could have continued for another hour easily.
The best part is that we still have so many candy decorations left that we can go back this weekend and decorate lots more! The boys want to make a shed and a doghouse.
If you are interested in ordering do so quickly! No doubt these will sell out FAST!
sistafeliciaskitchen@gmail.com
Good Morning Gloucester 