My View of Life on the Dock
I’m not sure annual flowers look any prettier than they do in the early summer days. This is certainly true at the Lanes Cove gardens. I was struck by how pretty they looked and was taking photos when I fortuitously came upon the person who maintains these gardens as memorials. I had no idea it was the work of one person; it is obvious that a great deal of care, planning and some expense has gone into making this area look extra pretty. Thank you for brightening our world in this way!
As much as things change, they tend to stay the same. Mid June is prime time for Father’s Day, graduations and other celebrations. Beaches begin to get crowded and traffic increases. It was the same in 1956 according to this article from the Gloucester Daily Times June 18 1956. Here are some Father’s Day ads for very stylish dads out there.
The Jackson Twins comic strip debuted also and Good Harbor Beach was featured in the first one that appeared in the Daily Times in June 1956. The creator Dick Brooks was a Gloucester/Rockport resident for a time and this strip ran nationally from 1950-1979. His daughter Virginia was also an artist in her own right and she stated: “My father was the creator of The Jackson Twins comic strip. It was based on twin teenage girls and everything I ever did that was bad, yet printable, ended up in that comic strip!” (www.viriginabrooks.com). It’s a small world. June in Gloucester is and always has been a wonder.
We needed a few fresh vegetables and stopped by Lattof Farmhouse Kitchen on Main St. in Rockport since we were out on a drive. I was impressed with the variety and freshness of the fruits, veggies and baked goods at the farmstand. On a previous trip, we were delighted by the Kitchen so a stop at the farmstand was inevitable. The pricing is reasonable, the staff friendly and helpful. Another great option for Cape Ann!
We stopped to try out the new lunch menu at Oliver’s Harbor on Main Street. As always, we were greeted in a friendly manner and we seated and served quickly. I had the BLT, which was substantial. Sometimes a BLT can be kind of skimpy but this one was a monster in comparison to most. It was also delicious. Jim had the steak bomb which is also a winner. Hope to see you at Oliver’s sometime soon!
Take a moment today to reflect on our flag and its meaning to you. The Elks on Atlantic Road will be holding a ceremony today at 6 PM that you are welcome to attend.
It was so pretty, yet a little lonely for the lifeguard chairs, at Good Harbor Beach recently. I thought you might enjoy the view.
As many of you know, Joey and I have a good-natured battle each year over hummingbirds attracted to our respective homes. Each year I win, but that’s beside the point this time. This is our second year using a long red plastic bar with bird-sized holes for feeding filled with nectar to further attract the hummingbirds. It works! It has worked so well that the hummingbirds seem to prefer it to the traditional hanging red glass feeder. As a bonus, it also is convenient for the orioles. The orioles are at a disadvantage in our yard due to a ravenous raccoon stealing the oranges and jelly we put out for them so I guess the Long Bar Saloon makes for their own style of happy hour.
The Gloucester Harbormaster recently posted on Facebook that the public landing at Lanes Cove had been refurbished (see screenshot) so I went down to check it out. It was already being put to good use by a couple of kayakers. Great job by all including City of Gloucester Public Works, Department of Fish and Game, Fishing and Boating Access Bret Sherry along with the Gloucester Harbormaster.
Castaways Vintage Cafe on Main St continues its series of summer weekend markets and fun tomorrow Saturday June 11 and Sunday June 12 from 9-4. Pat D’s Photos will be there featuring some new gift packs and glass prints along with notecards, magnets, coasters and prints. Stop by and say hello! We’d all love to see you. Stop by and get your GMG sticker! If you can’t get there and are interested in any items, message me on Facebook or email GMGPatD at gmail.com
In case you haven’t stopped by 7 Seas Wharf Market Place on Rogers St (at the former sight of the Gloucester House restaurant), let me tell you that you are missing out on a little treat. The wonderful Cake Ann bakery is located there along with the Gloucester House Gift Shop. Cape Ann Auction has a little corner in the gift shop as well, so it’s quite a treat. There’s a warm and welcoming area inside to enjoy your snacks as well as outdoor seating overlooking the working wharf.
We picked up some Goose-Gronk cookies which were perfect and a savory scone from Cake Ann (always delicious). They are also offering homemade dog treats which we got as a surprise for a dog we know……shhh….. Stop down! I think you’ll be glad you did.
Just as Dave Rimmer predicted, the osprey chicks are beginning to hatch at the Lobsta Land nest. As of this morning (Wed June 8), there appear to be at least two hatched and active in the nest with Annie and Squam. It’s very exciting and somewhat addicting to watch the Essex Greenbelt Osprey Cam. One more chick is expected to hatch very soon.
The boulevard was lively with people and dogs for Memorial Day weekend. Here are a few we saw as we took in some people/dog watching time a few days ago.
A screenshot from The Boston Globe. Golden State Warriors tackle Gloucester pronunciation. Maybe it will wear them out before Game 3.
On a bit of a whim, we stopped by Second Glance on Pond Road in Gloucester as we like to pick around and see what might need to come home with us. It’s totally fun to look around and let your imagination run wild. I almost never leave there without SOMETHING useful or decorative. True to form, I found a perfect solution to a little issue we’d been having with kitchenware.
It’s an easy was to support the Open Door’s local hunger relief efforts. It’s a thrift store packed (but not claustrophobically so) with kitchen items, furniture, art, books, clothing and children’s items. It’s easy to donate if you are doing spring cleaning. Stop by and browse!
The Visitors Welcome Center at Stage Fort Park has opened for the 2022 season and I remind you that we welcome visitors and residents alike. If you haven’t been inside the beautiful building yet for a look-see (or if it’s been a while), I encourage you to stop by during regular hours (generally open 9 -6 daily until Columbus Day). There’s a wealth of information available that might surprise you, including the volunteers! Susan and I share the Thursday morning shift and you can stop in to say hello. Other wonderful volunteers man the desks all week. It’s a beautiful spot even if you want to just sit on the newly renovated porch for a bit.
Sharing information from Maritime Gloucester as seen on their Facebook page:
Sounds very exciting!
Anticipation…….it appears the St. Peter’s 2022 Fiesta altar is under construction…..the excitement is building! Thank you!
The Pride Flag was raised at City Hall yesterday by a group of volunteer students following a few words from Mayor Verga and others. A small crowd gathered under threatening skies to hear Ali of Applied Material and Ben Lummis, Gloucester High Superintendent address the gathering to thank them for supporting the LGBTQ community and express the desire that all feel safe and wanted in the City of Gloucester.
It was noted by Mayor Verga that the US flag was at half staff as directed by Gov. Baker in honor of Massachusetts Army National Guard Sergeant First Class William “Bill” Burdick. Therefore the Pride Flag was raised and then lowered and secured so as to fly lower than the US flag as is proper.
Cat Cavallini sends in this information regarding a fundraiser tomorrow Saturday June 4:
Come on down to Robyn’s Grooming this Saturday, June 4th for her monthly Cancer Sucks in Every Color fundraiser. Free nail clinic for cats and dogs from 9-12 at 388 Main St, Gloucester. All donations welcome.
An orange flag was raised at City Hall yesterday as visitors and guests marked National Gun Violence Awareness Day. Many in attendance wore orange to further mark National Wear Orange Day in support of victims of gun violence in the United States. Mayor Verga welcomed guests Bruce Tarr, Massachusetts Senate Minority Leader; Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante; Greg Gibson (Survivor and Activist); and John Rosenthal (Director of STOP Handgun Violence) and others. Thank you to all for attending to raise awareness of this critical issue.
(photos by GMG Jim in Pat’s absence…..thanks Jim!)
