Free Sunscreen

This is such a great idea and I am so thrilled that the Red Sox have put these around the park courtesy of RaceCancer Foundation.

Read all about RaceCancer here:   www.racecancer.org

WE RUN FOR BEER & KICKING CANCER’S ASS.

RACE Cancer Foundation fights cancer through action and prevention. We produce kick-ass events to raise funds and awareness for organizations dedicated to kicking cancer’s ass. Our Sunscreen Squad fights skin cancer by bringing free sunscreen dispensers to outdoor events across New England. Based in Boston, RACE is a Massachusetts non-profit organization and federally recognized as 501(c)(3) tax exempt public charity, EIN# 27-1859289. Donations and contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by law. If you would like to contact us or request a beneficiary grant application for your organization, please drop us a line via hello[at]racecancer.org.

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A & B Burgers

I finally made it to A & B Burgers on Cabot Street in Beverly the other day.  I had always meant to go when they were in Salem after hearing such great things from so many friends, but never did.  Now they are just a couple of miles away from where I work and it still took me several months to pay them a visit.

Several of us went Friday evening after work.  We had a great time and a pretty yummy burger.  I’m a sucker for sweet potato fries….and my blood orange margarita was pretty refreshing too.  For the record, I went with the Sweet and Salty Burger.  Burraga cheese, fig jam, bacon, and arugula.  Kind of tremendous…if you’re in the mood for a burger.

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Hang Glider?

While spending an afternoon at Cape Hedge Beach the other day, this kind of rare sight flew (or glided) overhead.  I’m guessing it was a hang glider…..which, I kid you not, I always thought was called “hand gliding” until yesterday….or maybe a microlight.  It was hard to see in the sun and my iPhone couldn’t zoom in too much.

Anyone else see it?

 

Sculpture Walk

The boys and I went up to Meredith, New Hampshire earlier this week to spend some time at a friend’s lake house.  As we walked into the town of Meredith for dinner one night we I was stricken by how lovely it was to be able to appreciate some gorgeous art installations along the way.  34 sculptures in all dot the lakefront and beautify the town.  For the 3rd year in a row the town of Meredith has welcomed artists from throughout the Northeast to display their work as part of the Meredith Sculpture Walk.  Since its beginning, some of the sculptures have actually been donated to the town to serve as permanent art to be appreciated year after year.  Many others are refreshed yearly….giving new artists the opportunity to participate and residents and visitors the opportunity to appreciate new pieces of art.

It reminded me of our very own Gloucester HarborWalk.  Something else that I am completely in love with.  If you have not taken the opportunity to complete the walk and read the 42 stories that tell Gloucester’s rich history, you really should.

READ MORE ABOUT THE GLOUCESTER HARBORWALK HERE

READ MORE ABOUT THE MEREDITH SCULPTURE WALK HERE

Below is a map of the Sculpture Walk and just a few of the installations

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Nichole’s Picks 7/30 + 7/31

Pick #1:  Gloucester Country Fest

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Gloucester Country Fest
Stage Fort Park
Gloucester, MA

Cassadee Pope, The Houston Bernard Band, and Southern City Band!

July 30, 2016
Gates open at 11:00
Show starts at 12:00
 
Tickets go on sale
May 13 at 10:00am
Tickets purchased in advance
$30.00  at Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce
33 Commercial Street, Gloucester
Tickets purchased at gate
$35.00

Pick #2:  B. Good Festival at the Farm

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Festival at the Farm is about connecting a community around great live music and delicious, local food and drink. And then giving back all the proceeds to our community together.

There’s no better time to do it than on a Summer afternoon. No better place than on a beautiful farm with a picturesque hill as the backdrop.

The farm provides natural good vibes with plenty of elbow room, a huge dance floor, and sprawling lawn for picnics, games, and booths where you can meet our farmers and charity partners. It’s about creating a community event that’s good for all — music lovers who want to jam, foodies who want to eat delicious food and drink craft beer, and kids who want to run free.

We’re out to do some good by delivering good times for everyone on the farm. 

READ MORE ABOUT THIS EVENT AND PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Pick #3:  See The Whales

One of my very best friend’s husbands, whom I adore, told me the other day that he has never seen a whale!  Wait, what!?   Hailing from Connecticut and having lived on Cape Ann for well over a decade….how is that possible!!  Sorry, T!

So, if you’re like him…. it is time.  Even if you’ve seen 1,000 whales, it could never be enough!

 

Cape Ann Whale Watch

Capt. Bill and Sons Whale Watch

Seven Seas Whale Watch

Yankee Fleet

 

As always, for a more comprehensive list of family activities, please visit our friends at North Shore Kid

What’s Up with the Spraying?

Who can tell me why they have been spraying the train bridge each and every time I have gone under it this summer?

I have passed under the train bridge 10-12 times this summer and each time someone has been spraying the tracks…or maybe the wood.  Sometimes the bridge has been open…and sometimes it has been closed…so that doesn’t seem to make a difference.

I’d kind of love to know.

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A Little Bit Torn

Some of you may remember that I wrote a post back in May about T.C. the Bear, from the Minnesota Twins, and how he surprised my son, Finn, with a pretty fantastic gift package after meeting him at Wally’s birthday party.

Here it is…in case you’re interested

https://goodmorninggloucester.wordpress.com/2016/05/23/mascots-are-totally-real-and-i-love-them/

So, imagine my surprise when Finn’s birthday rolled around 4 weeks later and he received a 2nd gift box in the mail.  One that said, “Surprise!  Happy Birthday!” I really couldn’t even believe that someone would go that far to make Finn happy. And, Finn…well, he was ecstatic.  I’m not sure I’ve ever seen him beam so much.  Finn’s a pretty lucky kid on many levels, but to have made a connection with someone like TC all on his own and to be remembered twice, in such a big way, by his new friend was beyond cool for him.

Not surprisingly, Finn was so smitten with TC (as was I) that I promised to take him to a Twins game at Fenway.  My brother actually got the tickets and treated us to a great day at the park yesterday.

If you follow the Red Sox you may know that they beat Minnesota on Thursday 13-2.  But then, unbelievably, they lost Friday 2-1….and dropped out of 1st place.  They lost again on Saturday.  Sunday was the last of a four game series.  Finn was psyched for the game, but was feeling a little torn.  He wanted to support his home-town team…a team that he loves unconditionally….but, he also wanted to appreciate all that TC gave him and wear his Twins shirt, hat, etc.  The horror.

With blessings from TC via email, Finn ended up wearing his Pedroia shirt and Sox hat…and cheering for them to win…but, that doesn’t mean that TC the Bear isn’t his all-time favorite bear in the world.  The Red Sox won in the end, 8-7.  And, while TC was off in St. Louis celebrating FredBird’s birthday, Finn was psyched to see the Twins play.

Thanks again, TC, for going above and beyond to spread happiness and to further Finn’s love for baseball.  You’re one of a kind.

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Nichole’s Picks 7/23 + 7/24

Pick #1: Appleton Farms

Appleton Farms has 4 great events coming up this weekend!  (Please click on the name of the event to learn more).

Saturday brings  Rise and Shine Little Farmers and Butter in the Barnyard

Sunday’s activities include Fun in the Farmyard and Meet the Machines and Summer Picnic.  

CLICK HERE TO LEARN ABOUT EACH EVENT AND TO REGISTER

 

 

Pick #2: Newburyport Brewing Company ReggaeFest

Saturday, July 23rd 12:00-7:00.  Tickets 21+ $10, Kids are Free

READ MORE ABOUT IT HERE

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Pick #3: Revere Beach Sand Sculpting Festival 

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READ ALL ABOUT IT HERE   http://reverebeach.com/sand-sculpting-2016/

This year’s festival will run Friday, July 22nd to Sunday, July 24th, 2016 and has a theme of Science, Technology, and Innovation. The event will highlight Massachusetts as a leader in the development and implementation of new and emerging technologies and discoveries by showcasing the innovation that is happening right here.

Hours for the 2016 Revere Beach International Sand Sculpting Festival on Friday, July 22nd and Saturday, July 23rd are 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Sunday, July 24th 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. It is recommended to use the MBTA and public transportation to and from this event. The MBTA Blue Line can be taken to the Wonderland or Revere Beach stops. Free parking and shuttle service to the T will be available at Suffolk Downs. Parking is also available at the Wonderland Garage.

 

For a more comprehensive list of family activities, please visit our friends at North Shore Kid

Had My 1st Beer at Top Dog

My husband, Finn, and I went for a bike ride throughout Rockport yesterday while Thatcher was out sailing.  We stopped at Top Dog for lunch and, after hearing that if I were to order a beer it would be the 1st one they poured that day, I had to have one.  Mind you it was 1:30 in the afternoon…and perfectly acceptable.

Super yummy lunch and a very cold beer.

The last photo shows a VERY happy customer raving to the owner and cook about the fact that her fried clams were the absolute BEST she has ever had.

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Outriggers

I was lucky to catch a small part of the Blackburn Challenge the other day.  I wasn’t able to find our very own Paul Morrison and RD, but I did chance upon these pretty cool 6 person outriggers headed under the Cut Bridge.

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McCartney, Weir, and Gronkowski?

So, I could go on and on about how unbelievable it was to see Paul McCartney play at Fenway Park last night….and I probably will in tomorrow’s post…but, for now….  Here is a tidbit of something you are not apt to see again in this lifetime.  Paul McCartney, Bob Weir, and Rob Gronkowski performing Helter Skelter….on stage…in Center Field…of Fenway Park.  Just saying.

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Navy Weekend

Gorgeous… and I love their names.

Courage, Invincible, Gallant, Daring, and Warrior

Please read all about the many activities happening at Rockport’s Navy Weekend this weekend.

http://www.rockportusa.com/festival-event.cfm?id=1552

http://www.rocnavcom.org/

 

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Sails, Salt, Cigars and Rum

We had such a nice sail on the Thomas E. Lannon last night for the 8th Annual Cigar and Rum Cruise.  Much thanks to the crew of the Lannon, Ryan and Wood Distilleries, Paul Giacalone, and of course Joey, for making the night such a success.

Nichole’s Picks 7/16 + 7/17

Pick #1: Hammond Castle Renaissance Fair

July 16th and 17th 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

ADULTS = $15.00
5-11YEARS = $10.00
4 & UNDER FREE

“Come and enjoy
Live Music, Magic, Comedy,
Knights, Storytelling, Plus our Artisans and Vendors”

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CLICK HERE

http://www.abbadiamarefestival.com

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PLEASE NOTE: FOR FAIR … PARK AT STAGE FORT PARK AND RIDE FREE SHUTTLE TO THE CASTLE.  DO NOT DRIVE TO CASTLE DIRECTLY AS YOU WILL BE TURNED AWAY.  

 

Pick #2:  Connors Farm Blueberry + Raspberry Festival

For more information PLEASE CLICK HERE, CONNORS FARM, DANVERS

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Saturday, July 16, 2016 – 9am to 6pm (Rain date Sunday, July 17, 2016)

$7.95 Admission per Person, 2 and under are free.

(A Portion of the Proceeds Benefit Local Animal Shelters)

Note: Everyone must pay the $7.95 fee for entrance to pick your own and all festivities.

Activities Included with $7.95 admission: Music, Jumping Pillow, Farm Animals, Hayrides, Cow Train, Grain Train, Duck Races, Pedal Carts & more!

Additional charge for:Food, Blueberry and Raspberry desserts, BBQ Food, Pick Your Own Blueberries and Raspberries, Pony Rides (10am to 4pm) and Face Painting.

 

Pick #3:  Summer Moon Native American Pow-wow

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CLICK HERE

http://www.mcnaa.org/

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SUMMER  MOON  POW-WOW
A TRADITIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURAL-EDUCATIONAL EVENT

SAT. & SUN., JULY 16-17, 2016

Endicott Park
57 Forest Street
(look for signs to get to pow-wow parking lot across from Saint Richards Catholic Church)
Danvers, MA  01923
11AM – 5PM

Host Drum:  Iron River Singers              Invited Drum: Urban Thunder Singers
Emcee:  Dave Weeden

Drumming and singing will be performed by the Iron River Singers and the Urban Thunder Singers.  They provide music for the dancers.

An interactive educational workshop with Claudia Fox Tree, M.Ed. – Arawak (Yurumein) will take place. There will be conversations about First Nations People (Native American) identity, culture, and history. On one day you will learn about assumptions that perpetuate stereotypes and myths, and how to expand ideas about Native American history, and the begin to explore the role of language and the power you have to change inaccurate stories about the First People of this land. On the other day, you will discover and learn about First Nations female role-models and their contributions to contemporary society and Native American history and culture. The workshop will begin around 11:30 AM each day. 

Music and songs will be performed by Medicine Mammals, a vocal harmony group. They will share traditional and contemporary Native songs accompanied by hand drums, rattles, guitars and rain sticks. (Sat. they will sing a cappella with rattles and hand drums; on Sun, the full band will play.) 

Join in some of the inter-tribal dancing. The public is always welcomed and encouraged to share in these dances especially the children.

Sit back and enjoy the various dance-style demonstrations inside the Circle. They will include the lady’s fancy shawl dance, jingle dress dance, grass dance, crow hop, lady’s traditional dance, men’s traditional dance, and others.  You will also see a small group of youth dancers taking part in the Circle.  Give them some encouragement (not monetary) for showing so much pride in their culture.


Have the children take part in craft making (antler tip necklaces) and storytelling with Loril and Peter around the tipi.

Self directed Native games will be set up around the tipi too. Some of the games includeHoop Game, Pine Cone Toss, Corn Cob Dart Throw, Standing Ones Game, etc.

Kerri Helme will also offer craftmaking at her table near by – corn husk dolls and traditional clay pinch pots.

Vendors will be selling their arts & crafts. A sampling of the items include wampum jewelry, beaded jewelry, silver and turquoise jewelry, carved bone jewelry, cedar feather boxes, paintings, tipi lamps, leather goods, fans, Native-themed clothing and hats, bamboo musical instruments, ponchos, rattles, blankets and so much more.

A few Native artisans will be set up demonstrating their intricate craft work.  Stop by and watch bead looming techniques by Rhonda Mills; finger weaving by Marlene Lopez; quill work by Yolanda Smith; leather hair ties by Keiko Moreno; and drum making by Strong Oak.

Taste some of the traditional Native food and some American fare for sale by “Silver Moon”.  A few of the foods include Three Sisters Rice (rice, beans corn & squash); Fry bread, Seafood Chowder, Fish Cakes, Strawberry Moon Tea, as well as hamburgers and hot dogs.

We will have a resource table that will include information, event flyers, newsletters, membership applications and other information that might be of value and interest to you. We will also be selling T-shirts with the organization’s logo which represents The Circle of Unity, The Four Directions, The Pipe of Peace, and The Feather of Brotherhood.

Raffle tickets will also be on sale at this table. You will have a chance to win two admission tickets to Six Flags New England.  The drawing will take place on Sunday (July 17th).  You do not need to be present to win.

ADMISSION:
Adults – $5.00
MCNAA Members and Seniors: $4.00
Children: 4-12 years – $3.00

Children 3 and Under – FREE

Parking:  FREE

The Pow-wow is “OPEN TO THE PUBLIC”  –  Everyone is Welcomed!

Bring a lawn chair or a blanket for seating! 

 

As always, for a more comprehensive list of family activities, please visit our friends at North Shore Kid

Muffin and a View

If someone were to ask me what my favorites foods are, I’d have to say a really good cheese, sushi, a perfectly ripe watermelon, a delicious piece of fish, and the cranberry nut muffin from Helmut’s Strudel in Rockport.

So, as often as possible, I steal away solo or with the boys (who worship at the altar of the raspberry cream croissant) and grab a quick treat at Helmut’s on “the Neck.”

Last week, Finn and I enjoyed a quick muffin and croissant on our own….only to be interrupted (happily) by Thatcher who arrived on his bike on the way to his early morning sailing lesson.

Monday, prior to heading off to work for a few hours, I hit Helmut’s on my own and ate my muffin at the end of the new Rockport Breakwater.  A great way to organize my thoughts and do some strategizing before leaving town to start my day.

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Top Dog AND Beer….Does it Get Any Better?

I took an early morning drive to snap a quick photo of the new seating area at the Top Dog on Bearskin Neck this morning.  While there I had a nice little chat with the owner.  He told me, after inquiring about Joey, that they have a new yellow awning coming to shade the area I had just photographed…and, oh, the small fact that they’ll soon be serving beer.

I’m sorry if you don’t share my enthusiasm, but come on!  A loaded dog or fried clams, cheese fries, AND an ice cold beer on “the Neck.”  Quintessential Summer!

Evidently, for now, they’ll be serving Sam Summer, Harpoon IPA, hopefully some Cape Ann Brewing Company beers, and Switchback from Vermont.

Good times.

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A Trip Down the Annisquam

I absolutely love taking a slow trip down the Annisquam River.  It never gets old.  I started to wonder the other day how many people who live on “the island” have maybe never enjoyed the same scenic boat ride.  Some day soon I’ll use the GoPro and make a video, but in the meantime, here are some of my favorite homes, etc.