Author: Pat D

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.

These made me think of Joni Mitchell’s Both Sides Now:

Rows and flows of angel hair

And ice cream castles in the air

Feather canyons everywhere

Thanks, Gloucester!

Jim and I have made it a habit to go to the Azorean on Washington St. for our main meal on Sundays. Sometimes our main meal is earlier in the day (some call it lunch time) and sometimes it’s later. Regardless, we ALWAYS feel welcome and we are never disappointed in our meals or the service. Recently, Karina was our server and we had one of the specials: haddock and shrimp florentine. YUM. Make sure you check their specials if you go. Jim had one of the pizza, which I have noted previously may be one of the most underrated pizzas in Gloucester. Thanks Azorean for giving us wonderful Sunday dinner.

We went back down to pretty Half Moon Beach the day after the snow storm. It was sunny and pretty that day and that beach is one of my favorite photo stops. I wasn’t the only one with the same idea so you may see similar pictures elsewhere!

Here are a couple of headlines from February 1956 Gloucester Daily Times. Does it feel a little bit like history is repeating itself with news about vaccinations for children and Gloucester tuna fishermen?

This lovely little barn in Manchester might actually be a garage but its design is certainly barn-like, so it gets a spot in this series! A bonus sighting of a Great Blue Heron across the way added to the beauty of the stop.