Author: Pat D

This should improve any fowl moods out there. Just a couple of neighbors talking over the fence in Magnolia.

What an inspirational sight it is to see the Schooner Thomas E. Lannon out in the harbor! Not only is it a great photo opportunity from shore, it’s a great take for visitors as well as residents. You get out on the cooler water and view the city from the water. The public sails take only about 2 hours and there are several special themed sails all summer long. Check it out at their website here.

Over the years, there have been a number of different GMG stickers available for the asking. I found this blue metallic one recently and it got me thinking about some of the other older versions. So, we went looking and here is what we found over the course of just a few days.

If you’d like your own sticker in its current slick die-cut version, send a SASE to Joey at 95 East Main St. Gloucester MA 01930. If you’d like to share a photo of your sticker, please feel free! Email it to Joey and it will probably get posted with your name!

The Gloucester Stage Company has moved its productions to the Windhover sight on Granite Street in Rockport and is currently presenting Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery. Other productions this season will also be offered at this outdoor venue. I wasn’t certain what to expect for such a setting, but the Stage Company well prepared for their visitors and subscribers. Parking help is offered by volunteers (thanks to Ellen, an FOB and my parking assistant) and after a short walk, you can be seated in the same arrangement you would find inside at the Stage Company! Bug spray is offered but you might want to prepare in advance to protect yourself as needed.

This particular drama featured only 5 actors; three of them playing several roles with numerous personalities and accents (so kudos to them for their versatility!). The story is somewhat comedic, almost slapstick yet with enough serious undertones to be engaging and entertaining. Unique pieces are a hallmark of the Gloucester Stage Company, and this certainly falls in that category. Special congratulations to the cast who performed professionally through some light rain, distant lightning, and even a short power outage. The show runs through July 25 and last night was sold out, so plan to get your tickets early.

The cast photos are by Jason Grow and used with permission of Gloucester Stage.

We recently saw acquaintances Vito and Maggie of Gloucester who introduced us to their High Popples Little Library and I got thinking about the various others we see as we drive around. From the Little Free Libraries website, I was surprised to learn there are quite a number of them registered in our area. I had a book to donate, so we went for a ride and found these in Magnolia, at Fishermen’s Pier Landing, and on High Popples as well as Summer Street and St. Louis Ave. I say “Part 1” of this segment because there are enough more for an additional post someday! Thanks to all who build these (kits available on website), maintain and donate books to this neat effort to share the love of books and reading. *I especially like the Pooch Parking accessory, Vito and Maggie!*

The Last Stop on East Main Street has recently held a ribbon cutting to mark their reopening. I went down to pick up a sandwich for Jim….he’s really been missing their pastries and sandwiches. It’s renovated on the inside and is looking great. A limited number of indoor and outdoor seating is available and I was glad to note that it was quite busy when I stopped by. The turkey sandwich has hearty bread and “real” turkey slices! Give them try!

Despite the dreary days recently, the state pier scenery is brightened up by some spiffy new colors.

Our beautiful beaches were all but deserted as the weather did not cooperate for beach-going over the holiday weekend. One egret took the opportunity for some peaceful foraging at the creek at Good Harbor Beach. I guess he doesn’t care about bacteria levels…….

Red, white and blue flying proudly all around us. Happy 4th to you all.

We enjoy watching the working boats going out and coming, including Razzo, Griffin, Lori B., Catherine M., Silver Lining and (of course) Stanley Thomas. Stay well, crews and captains who work despite weather and holidays. Happy 4th to you all.

We had lunch inside at Mile Marker One partly to get some relief from the heat, but it’s always a good take no matter the weather. It’s so tastefully elegant yet relaxing inside and drew a lunch crew including families, senior citizens, tourists and locals. I had the chicken salad (without the bread for a lighter meal) and Jim had the turkey chaffle sandwich which he enjoyed very much. Taylor was our server and she dealt efficiently with all her tables. The view was interesting since it was such a busy day on the river. Give it a try especially if you haven’t recently.

Cape Ann SUP and Surf is now open at all locations, including this one at our own Pavilion Beach. Several people were enjoying some time on paddleboards during the recent heat wave. I already admire the instructors, but I especially admire that apparently they can instruct while going backwards in order to face their students! This is something I have always wanted to try and one day you are going to see me out there!!!

The fireworks and concert originally scheduled for Saturday July 3 have been postponed to Monday July 5th as per Gloucester Fireworks Facebook page:

These screenshots from the osprey-cam hosted by Essex Greenbelt show 2 hungry osprey chicks being fed by one parent as the other looks on from a short distance. It is reported that 2 of the 3 eggs hatched and it’s not likely the third one is viable. If you are feeling a little less than motivated during this heat wave, take some time to watch this entertaining webcam out in the marsh behind LobstaLand.

Many of us were treated to a stunning rainbow yesterday afternoon. Wow! So bright and beautiful as seen at Stage Fort Park. Totally worth getting wet feet and phone.

Our trip out to Thacher Island was primarily to see the lighthouses up close, but there’s a whole lot more out there than just the twins. Here are some additional scenes from Thacher Island on a summer morning. Have you booked your trip yet? Thacher Island Association

Since we are facing another year without most of the traditional Fiesta activities, maybe looking to the past will help. From the Gloucester Daily Times 65 years ago:

One of our favorite Sunday dinner destinations is Oliver’s Harbor on Main Street. Indoor and outdoor seating with great street views is available in this relaxed atmosphere. If you prefer the bar area, it’s beautiful and equipped with several big screen TVs. The service is always friendly and efficient. Thanks to our server last Sunday, Hannah, we had a wonderful dinner experience. I ordered the sirloin and Jim got scallops and a Berry Cob Salad. I nearly forgot to take a picture of the salad, so this photo isn’t representative of a FULL salad but it represents the yumminess! Some kind of pear pie rounded out Father’s Day for Jim. Thanks again, Oliver’s!

It’s so peaceful watching our schooners sail by. The Ardelle is a beauty! Their webpage seems to be a little outdated but I imagine you can call for updates regarding public sails.

Here are some pictures of the Paint Factory that you usually don’t get to see. These are mostly taken from the waterside on a beautiful night recently celebrating World Ocean Day.