Author: Pat D

I like to try new restaurants and I keep the Serenitee restaurants at the top of that list for obvious reasons (rewards and points for example). Not one of them has disappointed me so we decided to take the half hour or so ride up 133 to give The Spot in Georgetown a try.

It was easy to find, easy to park. We were greeted warmly and served efficiently by Nathaniel. There’s a large bar area with some seating as well as a separate area with tables. When we arrived, it was fairly quiet but soon filled up. Several young families were there which indicates a friendly atmosphere and menu for a wide range of customers. I had the Rueben and Jim has the chicken sandwich. We each cleaned our plates and were too full for dessert. I am glad we took the ride to give this a try. We will return. Thanks Serenitee for the friendly atmosphere and delicious foods in each location.

Martin Luther King Jr Day is a good opportunity for some reflection. Watching the sea wash in and out again on its steady pace allows your mind free for contemplation. If you can’t watch in person, perhaps these will suffice for today.

I recently ordered this rack from Amazon for a little less than $50. The sale included an offer for “expert assembly” costing an additional $125 (you read that right…$125 to expertly assembly a towel rack…) I offered Jim a beer and it was assembled in about 10 minutes. It’s a crazy world we are living in……gotta wonder who orders $125 expert assembly for a towel rack? I will admit, there have been some late Christmas Eves when I would have gladly paid for toy assembly…….but not a towel rack. Really Amazon? C’mon…….

A very high tide recently cloaked Lane’s Cove on a pretty January day. Exciting, pretty and a little bit intimidating.

A while ago, I posted some grey day photos that included this location at the Little River Landing so I thought it only fair to post some of the same scenes from a sunnier day as the water was starting to freeze.

We decided to give the newly opened Happy Humpback Cafe on Lexington Ave in Magnolia a try the other day. Jim got a breakfast sandwich–the Half Moon; and I tried the Italian Grinder. Breakfast and lunch are each served all day, which solves an issue for Jim and I! Counter service is efficient, seating is comfortably arranged, and all needs seem to be anticipated with available condiments etc. Follow them on Instagram or Facebook. Online ordering available here. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Congratulations Aaron and staff!

There was also a stark difference between a stormy day and a sunny day at St. Peter’s Square. I’ll let you figure out which was which (hint: grey=stormy)

One day it was snowy, windy and grey. The next day sunny and calm but cold. Good Harbor Beach at high tide in the snow and low tide in the sun less than 24 hours later. I love this place we call home.

The Lobster Trap tree looked extra pretty following the snowfall! I don’t know how much more time we have to enjoy it this year but it has certainly brought a great deal of joy to date.

Register in advance for the flu or COVID vaccine clinic to be held at the Rose Baker Senior Center on Monday Jan 10.

Some scenes from the snowfall earlier this week featuring some of our favorite statues. It was a little bit grey out there but our friends held up admirably. Additional pictures from that day can be found on my Facebook page: Pat D’s Photos and Adventures if you are interested. Check it regularly!

The recent high tides collided with stormy weather and winds recently. Here’s view from the ocean side of the boulevard wall. The ocean is mighty!

It was a very pretty January day at Half Moon Beach this week. I wasn’t alone in that 4 young guys were also there seeming to contemplate jumping off the rocks into the water.

According to an alert shared by Trains.com, commuter rail service between Gloucester and Rockport is scheduled to resume in May. Full article here.

Construction has begun on the temporary bridge over the causeway in Essex on 133 to facilitate the replacement of the current bridge. This temporary bridge is expected to be completed by the spring for use throughout the new bridge project construction. The new bridge construction is expected to begin this summer and continue until Fall 2023. None of this is expected to cause disruption in traffic through Essex on 133.

The sun came out to greet the high tide at Good Harbor Beach this week!

The recent grey damp days were starting to get me down so I went out looking for some inspiration. Despite the dreariness, there are still many bright spots to find out there if you seek them. I discovered that once you start looking, they are pretty easy to find AND make the day seem decidedly less grey.

Some inspiration to start your week from Mark Twain, Scottie Mac and Joey C. Probably not the combo you were expecting, but from Mark Twain: “Dance like nobody’s watching; love like you’ve never been hurt. Sing like nobody’s listening; live like it’s heaven on earth.” Thank you Joey and Scottie for the reminder.

Our very own GMG Jim (then 17) posed next to Betty White (then 50) on Jan 1 1973 to recognize his participation as only 1 of 2 New Yorkers in the McDonald’s All American Band as they performed for the Rose Bowl parade. When the shocking news of her death reached us (I always smile a little to think that a death at an advanced age like 99 can be a shock……but, twas so this time) we we scrambled to find this memory. Presumably the other woman is Rose Bowl Queen Salli Noren. The Rose Bowl game pitted Ohio St vs USC. and the undefeated USC Trojans prevailed.

I think both Betty and Jim aged well! Betty White was as American as the McDonald’s All American Band and she touched many lives. We will remember her fondly though I am kind of glad to see the back-side of 2021.