Author: Pat D

This barn on Granite Street in Rockport is not technically on the Scenic Byway, but it is “close enough” since it’s quite striking. Especially handsome in fall splendor.

It’s just two weeks until the next Cape Ann Makers Market at the Magnolia Library featuring many of your favorite local artisans. Like it or not, it’s time to think about the holidays!In only 2 weeks, Thanksgiving will be over and we will be heading down a fast lane to the holidays. Pat D’s Photos will be there and we hope you stop by to say hello. Here are some of the images I will be featuring on notecards, mugs, puzzles, ornaments and other fun stuff!

We had not been back to Essex Seafood on Essex Ave since they reopened a while ago and have been wondering if the magic was still there. We met friends for lunch and the magic remains! The new interior is open, clean and still smells new. The menu had all the familiar favorites on it and the staff was friendly and accommodating. One of us needed gluten free preparation which was provided simply and without hesitation. There is outdoor seating available and the inside is very comfortable. We had a lovely lunch with friends in a relaxed atmosphere. Great spot to meet people.

The traps are in and the tides are high. Taken at Lanes Cove recently, a favorite spot.

I did not expect to find a Veterans Day post at the Dunfugin Ramp yesterday, but here we are remembering the service and sacrifice of Edwin Haselgard, who has a memorial at the Dunfugin Ramp. I looked into his story a bit and was quite moved by it. Here’s one version by a Robert Drexler you might find interesting. Each of these stories pulls at your heart in gratitude to the veteran and to their families. I do not know the story of how Edwin’s memorial ended up at Dunfugin, but I find it beautifully appropriate.

From Facebook today, Destinos announcement:

Here are some views from around town taken at or near high tide this week. I understand these can sometimes be referred to as King Tides which is a non-scientific term for “very high tide” so it’s perfect for me (non-scientific). These are taken from Essex Ave, Dolliver’s Neck Freshwater Cove and Good Harbor Beach. I was amused by the message painted on the footbridge handrailing (too long to get in one shot) indicating that picking up dog poop and putting it in a bag and then leaving it behind is an indicator of poor mental health. Also non-scientific…….

I love my new gift from Joey C! Even though I do not consider myself a birder, it has been pointed out to me that I could, indeed, be a bird nerd, so I will be leaning into that from now on. Thank you Joey! (GMG magnetic car stickers from Ipswich River Craft)

It was a gorgeous autumn day at Half Moon Beach recently. It was a bonus to find some painted rocks awaiting discovery. Well done to the artist(s)! I left them for the next explorer, because you might just need to go down there on one of these beautiful fall days.

We watched as the Meridian assisted the Patriot into the harbor escorted by the Coast Guard today. Presumably the Patriot became disabled and the Meridian lent a hand along with the Coast Guard. It appears everyone is safe in harbor now. Cheers Patriot, Meridian and Coast Guard!

We stopped at the Farm Bar and Grille in Essex last week because we had not been there in a while. Despite that, the warm atmosphere made us feel like we just left yesterday! Cozy and comfortable was the perfect lunch solution for us. Friendly service, yummy food and good company rounded out the experience. Thanks once again Farm Bar and Grille!

I attended the ground breaking for the new street hockey rink being built at Stage Fort Park. There were several families and dignitaries in attendance as well as representatives from the Young Legends organization. It was clear to me that street hockey played a special role in the lives of many. Although no ground was actually broken yesterday, we did learn what the future rink is expected to look like and an update that it is hoped to be operational next spring. They will take the winter months to allow the ground to settle and renew work in the spring. The pandemic and the supply chain problems have driven costs up significantly but Carl and Danny of Young Legends are still optimistic for a Spring 2022 opening. This project has involved the City as well as other organizations working together toward this goal for our children. If you would like further information or to donate, click here.

The new Young Legends Street Hockey rink groundbreaking at Stage Fort Park is scheduled for today Saturday Nov 6 at noon. All are invited to attend though it appears SOME groundbreaking has already occurred. For more information regarding the project click here. It’s an exciting new addition to all the great facilities available to our youth.

There’s something special about the look of barns especially in the height of fall color. This very handsome specimen seems to embrace the autumn sunshine. And, right across the street, these turkeys seemed to be a little bit camouflaged even though they were sitting on the stone wall oblivious to the fact that Thanksgiving will be upon us soon! Classic New England fall afternoon!

The Bradford Tavern in Rowley has reopened under new owners and new management! According to their Facebook page, the owners of the popular Fox Creek Tavern have purchased the Bradford Tavern on Haverill St and it reopened just last week. We happened to be driving by and hungry, so we stopped and were delighted at our experience. I was especially happy to note that Gloucester haddock was used in the blackened fish tacos I ordered. Jim got an Italian panini sandwich and ate every bit. He also enjoyed the Hoisin meatball appetizer recommended by the server. The Rosemary Grapefruit margarita hit the spot for me.

The setting is basically the same as you may remember. We sat in the bar area and it was comfortable, well lit with spacious seating. It was our server’s very first day and she did admirably (I am sorry I did not take note of her name). There were a fair number of customers for Monday lunch and all seemed to be enjoying their experience as well. We will be returning and hope to see you there!

A new shop has opened at 13 Railway Ave in Rockport and it is sure to bring a smile to your face when you visit. Sir Pennycandy’s Apothecary is a small shop tucked away in Rockport and offering a WIDE array of treats. I smiled the moment I opened the door. We were greeted by owner Brenda and her son Jet. There are “penny candies”, drinks, baking mixes, flavored popcorn, baked good, fudge and more treats for you to peruse. When we visited, a man was there with a young girl who’s eyes were as wide open as they could be. Another older couple came in as well demonstrating the wide interest in these items. Brenda tells us gift baskets and event favors can be ordered as well. It’s well worth a visit as a treat for your eyes and your stomach. They can be found on Facebook.

My friend Susan LaRosa alerted me to the double rainbow showing off over the harbor just as our little ghosts and gremlins were preparing to go out trick or treating. Thanks for these, Susan!

And from my end of Hesperus Ave (also alerted by my neighbor Bryanna!)

It was wonderful to see an eagle pair return to Magnolia just after the recent storm passed. It felt as if they were checking up on how we were doing. The conditions weren’t ideal for photos or for flight but they put on quite a show for us. I suspect this is the same eagle pair we have seen over the marsh in the recent past. Regardless, it brightened by day without power by quite a bit.

It’s been perfect for comfort food these last few days which we found served to perfection at the Village Restaurant in Essex recently. The apple cider sangria was very refreshing and I loved the French Onion soup. Jim had the fish stew and broiled seafood combo. I had the chicken parm. It was perfect for the damp chilly fall evening. Thank you Village!