Author: Pat D

We are wishing the entire CODA crew well for tonight’s Oscar presentations! I know I will be watching to see if they win any of the 3 awards it is nominated for: Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor Troy Kotsur. In the meantime, there is a little CODA news to share as you see below. A stage musical!

Better get there today if it’s your favorite Dunkin.

WBZ has reported that a message in a bottle tossed from Gloucester F/V Hannah Boden in 1995 has been found in France. It took nearly 27 years for this bottle to be rescued. I found it interesting that the story notes that a dollar is placed in the bottle to entice the finder to pick it up! Story can be found at this link.

The note screenshot from WBZ:

Screenshot of the story at WBZ.

Not much to say about another glorious sunset as seen in East Gloucester recently. What a joy!

I came across this beautiful eagle in West Gloucester sitting in the tree as if waiting for a portrait session! 500 plus photos later, here are a few. Just stunning. We are blessed that the bald eagle has made such an amazing recovery from being endangered within my lifetime. We can do the same for other at-risk creatures! For additional pictures and story details, check out Pat D’s Photos and Adventures on Facebook.

Some scenes from a gorgeous spring-like day at Lane’s Cove recently.

I met up with Joey at the 1606 Oyster Bar at the Beauport Hotel yesterday and treated myself to an Irish Coffee as created and served by Legendary Irishman AC with a side of entertaining stories. Perfection. Hit the spot with the Bailey’s topper!

I noticed these vessels returning to the harbor over the last few days: Angela & Rose, Amanda & Andy III, William Lynn, Ramblin Rose and one unidentified. Always happy to note the safe returns.

My sister returned to Gloucester after a long absence and we stopped at Essex Seafood along 133 in Essex for lunch. It was a gorgeous day and this counter service icon of the North Shore seemed like the perfect choice for lunch. In addition to a variety of meals, they also have a small fish market open which I did not realize. I had a burger and my sister had a haddock boat, which she loved. We also got a take out sandwich. The outdoor seating tempted me, but it’s so pleasant inside that we ate at one of the inside tables. Business was steady but did not interfere with good service. If you haven’t tried the “new” Essex Seafood, now is a good time!

The fog coated Magnolia and most of Cape Ann one day recently and I found great serenity in the quiet.

My aunt and I went to lunch at Mile Marker recently. While we enjoyed our fish sandwich and tacos, the hit of the outing was definitely the Irish Coffee ! Perfection.

1956 saw Gloucester covered in snow for St. Patrick’s Day. These are a sample of some of the items in the Gloucester Daily Times that day, with one notable exception to remind you to always be searching for that pot o’ gold!

I had not been to Seaport Grille in a very long time when my cousin suggested we meet there for lunch. It was an immediate yes as I had been missing the atmosphere and menu there. Johanna was our server, informed and friendly. Our friend Bex was also having lunch there and it felt a little bit like old home days. I ordered the cheesesteak eggrolls and my cousin shared the fish tacos with her mom. Delish! And the drinks added to the fun. Thanks for the invite Cathy!

I saw a glimpse of a small yellow blooming bush next to the Triton statue at Stage Fort Park recently. My heart leapt in hopes that it was forsythia (completely losing track that it’s only March I guess) but it turned out to be something even more interesting. Witch hazel planted by the Generous Gardeners and helpfully labeled as such. Yes, that stuff you have in a bottle in your medicine cabinet is blooming at Stage Fort Park. Regardless, it’s still another one of those hopeful signs of the changing seasons. Thank you Generous Gardeners for the cheerful sight and the helpful labels.

I can’t stop taking pictures down at the Paint Factory but especially on a lovely day when you can ALMOST taste summer.

Hints of spring to come as winter lingers caught my eye at Buswell Pond recently.

I admit to being a bit startled when I saw this guy along the side of the road on the back shore yesterday. When I realized someone had lost their best friend, I knew I had to try and help a little bit if possible. This purple and white cow (?) has lost its owner and it’s sitting along the side of the road on the back shore near the hotels. It’s looking a little lonely so thanks to the kind soul who propped him up.

Screenshot taken from GloucesterPD.com:

Design of Mine in Gloucester recently advertised some special discounts to celebrate reopening so, of course, I had to go down there ….. for the blog of course….. I had not been there in quite a while (2 years anyone?) and I love their stuff so off I went with wallet in hand. To my delight, GMG contributor Joanne was minding the store and we had a nice chat. I purchased a sweater at a very reasonable price made even better by the application of the mystery discount! Friendly service and interesting items make it a no brainer. Welcome back for the Spring Design of Mine!

This beautiful red barn may only be visible from the Byway if you stand on your tiptoes, but it looked so regal in the sun and snow that I just have to include it. I believe this area is Rockport and it’s a little bit off the Byway.