Author: Pat D

The Board of Health voted unanimously to drop mask mandates in Gloucester public and city buildings as of midnight tonight Feb 11 2022. Anyone who feels they prefer to wear a mask is perfectly welcome and encouraged to do so. Let’s go everyone!!!! Thank you Board of Health members for their service throughout this difficult time.

Effective today as posted on Twitter.

There’s always something going on down at the Cape Ann Marina. These days that includes building/repairing the bulkhead. Take extra care driving around there.

I took a little walk on the Hammond Castle grounds (Hesperus Ave) on a recent grey morning and found peace and beauty. Although the museum is closed for the winter, the grounds can be viewed during regular business hours and it’s worth a stop-by. I look forward to the spring re-opening for their 47th consecutive season! In the meantime…….

I decided to try the Turkey Rueben sandwich I’ve been craving at Cape Ann Coffees on Bass Ave for lunch recently and it was exactly what I was hoping for. Though I love sloppy Ruebens, this was easily handled by hand without mess or flatware. I had just the right balance of sauerkraut and dressing with the turkey. In short, I loved it. They also have lemonade (a favorite not always available mid winter) despite being a coffee shop. The chocolate cupcake topped off the lunch very nicely. There’s a nice display of artwork for sale (currently exceptional photographer Skip Montello) and brisk business. An intense discussion of local history was occurring at a nearby table which was informative and entertaining. Maybe you don’t think about Cape Ann Coffees for lunch and maybe you should.

The tundra that is Niles Pond and area during frigid weather seemed like an endless frozen paradise.

I have new magnets in my Pat D’s Photos inventory which have been well received so far. They may make a nice Valentine’s Day surprise (just one week away now!) at only $5 each. They are 4.5″ x 5″ and will look great on your refrigerator! I will be happy to meet you locally for delivery or message me here with questions. Follow Pat D’s Photos on Facebook for updates and additional information. Thanks to everyone for the support so far!

The sun was deceivingly gorgeous while the temps and winds were downright unfriendly at the State Pier yesterday. Always worth a ride down there though.

Serenitee dropped a free appetizer on our account this week to celebrate 2-2-22 (yes, it’s that simple) so we decided to go back to Cala’s on Beach Street in Manchester for lunch. It was a good decision on a dreary day. The restaurant was hopping at lunchtime but we were seated quickly and Brooke served us in a friendly manner. Jim had the daily flatbread (free appetizer) and I had a chicken quesadilla. It was relaxing and the food was delicious. The menu has a nice variety and there are daily specials after 4 PM. The appetizer for lunch was a great deal, so thanks again Serenitee! I highly recommend joining their rewards program. It couldn’t be easier and the rewards are well worth it.

Turtle Alley Chocolates on Rogers Street in Gloucester reminds us that “Life is Short. Sin a Little.” So we stopped in search of a few little Valentine’s Day treats. As always, we found a variety of gift items (chocolate and non chocolate) and helpful staff. I got what I wanted plus a treat for myself and it didn’t break the bank. It did feel a little sinful.

Since yesterday was 2-2-22 and I was expecting to see more reference to it in my various feeds, I thought it might be fun to take a look at 3-4-56 as covered by the Gloucester Daily Times. Turns out 3-4-56 was a Sunday, so no paper but as I looked at the next day’s paper, I came across a couple of interesting tidbits I thought you might enjoy. Take a look at the gas prices!

Crews spent midnight hours clearing and reducing massive snowpiles from Main St downtown along with other shopping areas to make it more accessible to shoppers and residents. Some snow remains, but it is vastly better now after a hard night’s work. Thanks all!

We met friends for lunch at the Azorean on Washington St recently. We were greeted like old friends, served efficiently and allowed to enjoy a leisurely visit with our friends. It’s a great spot for dinner OR lunch! Jim had the fish sandwich, I had a burger and our friends had mousse for dessert. As a bonus, I tried the Irish Coffee on Irish Coffee Day and I’ll be having another someday. I don’t always think of the Azorean for lunch, but it’s at the top of my list now!

Some post blizzard views from a frigid Lane’s Cove.

I feel certain this morning’s sunrise will look very different, but this is the progression of the sunrise from a few days ago on a frigid morning. Stay safe and warm everyone!

We noticed a new enterprise coming to the former Ellen’s Harborside restaurant on the T Wharf in Rockport. I’m intrigued!

We are grateful to be in the city my ancestors lived and worked in. And evenings like this just seal the deal.

We met up with my cousin for lunch at George’s Restaurant and Bar on Washington St recently and it was a lovely relaxing experience. We needed some time to catch up and the staff was patient with us while serving us in an efficient and friendly manner. I had the Buffalo Chicken Wrap (I am a sucker for Buffalo chicken); Jim had a Western omelet and my cousin chose the Chicken BLT wrap. The food was just right in serving size and flavor balance. It’s a great little neighborhood setting and we look forward to returning.

Some of our boats at rest and under sail; including Battle Wagon, Stanley Thomas, Capt. Joe and Mariss & Julie.

Valentine’s Day is approaching fast and you might be thinking of ways to show your love to someone special. Pat D’s Photos has new images available on notecards, prints, coasters, notepads, puzzles, mugs and placemats available for local delivery or shipping! The prints and notecards are printed locally at Cape Ann Giclee and they are amazing! I think your special someone will very much appreciate the local touch. Here are just a few of the most popular and newest images available. More details available on Facebook at Pat D’s Photos or at Pat D’s Photos website.