Author: Pat D

I just love a day with blue skies and sunshine even if it is about 25 degrees outside and this is always a favorite spot from which to observe the sun, shadows, sky and water.

It was pretty choppy on both sides of the breakwater at Eastern Point last week. I like to document the waves breeching the wall so that visitors believe me when I caution them to be careful down there! For additional photos and details, check out Pat D’s Photos and Adventures on Facebook.

Our very own Cape Ann Sea Salt was one of the companies featured in a recent Boston. com which can be found here. We are very proud to note Cape Ann Sea Salt is a prominent feature in our pantry as it boasts being made 100% from Cape Ann sea salt. Well done Anna and James Eves!

Good news from the Cape Ann Museum that library hours have expanded to allow researchers more time to work. The Cape Ann Museum library and archives hold a special place in my heart as that is where I finally located the breakthrough documentation I needed to allow Gloucester fisherman John Handran to receive the recognition he deserved. This is a Twitter screenshot with details:

And, in additional good news for researchers everywhere, the 1950 US Census will be released in just 39 days! It’s a 72 year wait for the census to be released and it happens only every 10 years so many researchers have itchy fingers to research this latest census release. What will you be wanting to know from the 1950 census???

The award winning film CODA, filmed largely in Gloucester and up for 3 Academy Awards (including Best Picture!) will be available FREE in selected theaters around the country next weekend Feb 25-27 2022. Although it appears Gloucester is not one of those selected cities, it will be shown in Brookline and it would pay to check to see if it’s near wherever you are. I highly recommend seeing it, especially on the big screen. To check for tickets in your area click here.

From Deadline.com:

The ticket availability screen looks like this for the Gloucester area:

The Department of Public Works for Gloucester has shared the following information you may find useful as of today Feb 19 2022.

These were taken at high tide the day BEFORE the winds were supposed to ramp up earlier this week. I got myself a nice sea water shower in the frigid air. I didn’t mind.

Bishcho on Main Street remains a favorite for a filling lunch with a great people-watching view! I prefer the Italian sandwich while Jim likes to get soup and a half sandwich. In this case, Italian Wedding soup and tuna sandwich. It’s a perfect spot for people watching while you eat. Give it a try if you haven’t yet.

It was deceptively cold in the sun under beautiful blue skies earlier this week when I noticed by snow blankets on some of our favorite sights. The contrast of the sun, snow and blue skies was irresistible.

Once again, we found ourselves at the 525 Tavern on Lexington Ave in Magnolia for dinner and once again it was a great experience. On their website, 525 calls itself your local tavern; a description that really fits the bill along with the note that it’s a “hidden gem”. Comfortable bar and table seating, friendly staff, good food and drink each and every time that we go. For us, it’s right up the road and we look forward to our visits. This time we ordered a pizza and Jim had a burger. Though I did not have it this time, I also love their French Onion soup. Worth stopping by even if you have to drive over the bridge!

I know the weather has taken a turn, but I have recently been noticing a few hesitant signs of spring coming along! The light is changing, the birds are singing and there are occasional gorgeous days especially this one last week at Good Harbor Beach.

A hopeful sight on Main Street at the location of the former Halibut Point Restaurant where some renovations and spiffing up seem to be occurring. Very excited to learn what this will be!

Seems appropriate to show off some of our fleet for Valentine’s Day including Titan, Captain Dominic, Ramblin Rose, Rizla II, Tight Lines and Stanley Thomas.

Since we won’t be podcasting this morning, I thought some of you might like to see what it looks like behind the scenes when we take the podcast on the road. These are from recent livestreams at the Beauport, Passports and Mile Marker One. Each sight has its own setup and lighting requirements and its own personality. We had a great time at each of these and would like to especially thank Ray and Destiny (Beauport); Eric (Passports) and Patrick (Mile Marker One). And here’s how the magic happens when we are on the road:

We stopped by the Happy Humpback in Magnolia to have breakfast for lunch (thanks for that idea Jess!) It was very nice to see locals stopping by and especially another restaurant owner in support of local business. Great to see you Nick from Bravo! Another winning meal! Jim had the Good Harbor sandwich and I had a waffle along with a yummy lemon bread treat! Hope to see you there soon!

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.