Author: Pat D

Did you know our Beauport Hotel is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year? Time flies, as they say and the hotel just seems to get better and better. To mark the anniversary, the hotel is offering a number of specials including room packages. We took advantage of that and booked a room for our son and his new wife. They came to visit for the weekend and we thought the Beauport would make a nice mini-honeymoon for them since they didn’t take one yet. Last year, we had a staycation for ourselves also in February so maybe we’ve started a little tradition. Anyhow, the package we booked included a champagne toast and dessert voucher. Our new daughter in law shared these pictures with us (thanks Bekah!) It was a very enjoyable experience for them. Maybe keep in in mind for yourselves or special visitors someday soon. Thank you Beauport staff for helping make their mini honeymoon weekend special.

If you’re from away, maybe you’ll be interested in just how much snow has been removed recently by checking out this video of the snow piles currently at the Good Harbor Beach parking lot. Keep in mind this is not the only location for snow piles, but I do think it’s the largest in the City. The DPW has done a GREAT job with these last two storms within just a few days of each other.

We found this young eagle recently in Manchester waiting for his next meal to make itself known. It soon flew off and circled the cove. Winter is the best time of the year for eagle watchers like myself. Young eagles present such a hopeful sight any time of the year but winter is my favorite time for eagle watching. They seem to be thriving on Cape Ann.

Our son and daughter-in-law visted in the cold and snow this past weekend and we had dinner at the Seaport Grile seeking comfort food and comforting atmosphere. In short, it was a win-win. We ordered a feast including bang bang shrimp, seared scallops, swordfish, shrimp tacos and the gigunda fisherman’s platter. Shout out to Luiz who was our efficient and cheerful server. Our guests were very happy with their choices (especially the Bloody Mary!) and we all left happy and full of delicious food. Cheers Seaport Grille! Locals keep in mind their anniversary celebration coming up in March….stay tuned for details.

Yesterday’s weather created havoc for downtown merchants but today is a new day! Swing by the downtown stores today for some Schweeeet deals. Pat D’s Photos will be open 11-3 . We will extend our deals through Valentine’s Day Thursday and Friday 11-3.

Alert from the City:

Gloucester Parking Ban: Start 12:00pm NOON Today, Sat, Feb, 7th – ends 8:00PM Sat 2/7/26. All cars must be removed from school parking lots by 10:00PM tonight to ensure proper snow removal before school resumes Monday. No East Vets Parking. Check City Website for updates.

This wood carving was created by my very talented nephew and it’s a first edition (which I stole from his mother, my sister). It seemed providence that this beauty came into my life the very weekend that the Lily Jean news was unfolding. We were away as details emerged and the community gasped in horror. Support and assistance was immediately offered without question and once again our fishing families and community came together.

Jim and I were aching to be home as our community was reeling. I came to understand that our desire to return was based in part on the urge to be present, to bear witness and to help shoulder the grief and shock. Shared sorrow is a tie that binds. For us, it feels like a responsibility as a Gloucester citizen to help carry the burden. Not to lessen it, but to embrace it on behalf of all those families past and present who have had to live on and move forward without their loved ones at their sides. Bless us all.

In case you needed another reason to visit our local shops and restaurants, here you go. Pat D’s Photos will be at the Minglewood Market Sip and Shop Saturday Feb 7 from 11-4 and at 44 Main Street Sunday 11-3. Check out our sweet merch for your Valentine!

These photos are submitted by Susan LaRosa as she viewed the full moon rise over the harbor earlier this week. I am struck by how peaceful it is. Thank you Susan!

Pat D’s Photos will be at Minglewood Saturday Feb 7 along with several other local vendors in preparation for Valentines Day. Also just in case you want to get out and “mingle”! Stop by our table and check out some of the sweet items for a loved one in your life.

We stopped by Masconomo Park on Beach St in Manchester to check out the snowfall effects. The blanket of snow doesn’t hide the beauty and peace of the park, even if it did cover up the seating options.

The Dress Code on Main Street has announced it is closing soon. From Facebook:

Just in time to cure the winter blues, Mile Marker on Essex Ave has opened the pool! Call 978-283-2116 to reserve!

We did a little ride around checking out some of our favorite spots in Manchester after the recent snow storm. Low tide in the winter at Tuck’s Point was actually quite beautiful. It allowed me to expore a little further than I usually am able to do and it was so quiet and peaceful!

Sharing from Facebook. Thank you Sefatia.

Minglewood on Rogers St. is a favorite go-to especially during the week. And if they offer a $10 Serenitee discount, well that just makes is all the better. Such was the case after the storm earlier last week. We were greeted like old friends and sat at the bar. We ordered sushi (buy one get one half off on Tuesdays) and wings. It was that kind of night. You can mix up the sauce for your wings so I got garlic parm and orange chili this time (Wednesday is 50 cent wing night). For the sake of boosting this post a little, we also ordered the chocolate chip cookie sundae. Service was excellent (as always thanks Ryan); the food very satisfying and the atmoshere *chef’s kiss*. AND we got a Serenitee discount! Boom! Thank you once again Minglewood!

From Jack Clark on Facebook for all:

Please SHARE this message!
Our Lady of Good Voyage Hall will be open throughout the day, today, starting at 9:00am , for family, friends, and members of the community to gather together around the tragic sinking of the “Lily Jean.”

Countdown to Fiesta Friday: 148 days…….

In case you are from away and are wondering what it looked like about a day after the storm ended, here you go. I saw a report that we got 27” but at my house it seemed closer to 18-20”. Regardless……

My sister Judy recommended that I consider using these props for my photography. I have to say I definitely need more practice but I love the perspective they give at familiar locations. You may see me out and about practicing !