Author: Pat D

We took a little walk around downtown harbor areas to see what we could see. It was a quiet morning but work’s still gotta get done!

By now, I think you know Minglewood on Rogers Street is one of our very favorite local restaurants. We stopped by recently after a little holiday shopping for the perfect ending to the day. There are extra precautions in place but it did not feel restrictive—just welcoming and safe. As they say, there’s always something going on at Minglewood, and now that I’ve seen the post about their Patti-tini, I’m going to have to get back there soon!

Borrowing their image:

And my own from our meal: Short Rib sandwich and Tuna King Roll:

This photo of our Christmas tree 4 years ago popped up in my memories today and I smiled. That’s a nice thing about memories……..

A mask-hack you might find helpful: When the eyeglass chain I had been using to keep my mask around my neck broke, I was a little frantic for a quick fix. I attached safety pins to each end of a necklace and VOILA! Problem solved. A necklace and safety pins make a pretty and functional way to keep my mask nearby. You’re welcome. Please share your own mask hack in the comments!

The afternoon following the storm actually brought the sun out for a while and the light on the waves off the back shore was really stunning.

From Good Harbor Beach and Old House Cove, some videos showing post-storm action.

Eagles were soaring over the marsh behind our house in Magnolia just prior to the storm and we have high hopes they might nest nearby. I first spotted one flying by carrying something (food or maybe nesting material) and chased by several crows. Then, a bit later, I saw a pair in a nearby tree perch. It’s SO EXCITING to see these guys every single time. Keep your eyes open!

Our friend Bex (Cape Ann Handywoman) sends this report. Spooky! Be smart out there today.

I awoke tonight feeling there was a full moon. Nope just light of the harbor reflecting the water in the air of upcoming stormTaken by my iPhone11pro. No flash. Feel free to share Bex 

We hit the jackpot this week in our travels looking for wildlife. We found 2 snowy owls in separate locations here in Essex County on a bright sunny (though cold and windy) day just before the predicted snow storm. You will notice one of them was in the distance, but we had him all to ourselves, a minor miracle with so many seeking a chance to view them. The other had a fair amount of company and attention but seemed fairly tolerant.

Some updates from City Hall include the following to date: parking ban beginning tonight Wed Dec 16 at 6 PM. No school in Gloucester tomorrow Thursday Dec 17. Further details available here.

We stopped by the recently opened Brazilian & Hispanic Convenience next to Walgreens on Rogers Street. We were greeted in a very friendly manner by Jonas and Alex who offered any assistance we might need. The store is bright, cheery and well stocked as advertised with Brazilian and Hispanic food items. I encourage you to stop by and check it out!

The Gloucester 400 Medals, designed by Beth Swan, are now exclusively available at the Brass Monkey at 85 Main Street for $40. We went to the Brass Monkey yesterday to hear a little more about these beautiful commemorative medals designed to celebrate Gloucester’s 400th anniversary in 2023. Mayor Sefatia, and Gloucester 400 co-chairs Ruth Pino and Bob Gillis (Bruce Tobey was not in attendance this time) discussed some of the history of the medal design and selection. All proceeds will benefit the Gloucester 400 Anniversary Celebration. We learned quantities are limited and that they are going fast. There was an order for 15 medals waiting for pickup; and, as we were standing there, a customer ordered 3! I encourage you to stop by the Brass Monkey sooner than later to get yours! The medal is just gorgeous and is giving the Gift of Gloucester.

Video from yesterday’s event posted to Good Morning Gloucester yesterday and here’s a link if you are interested. We met Beth Swan’s husband who showed us the medal given to Beth as an example to study. What an interesting afternoon!

LAST CALL! Order MiniLobsterTraps NOW for Xmas delivery.Hey there folks. It’s Bex here. I am writing this post for PatD to post on my behalf. Thank you so much for your support of my handmade mini lobster traps! I just participated in a very successful pop-up shop with my peeps at Hold Fast Company and Cape Ann Sea Salt. But I know it was geographically unavailable to many of you who follow GMG.
My inventory is currently low but my website correctly reflects orders I can fulfill by Wednesday December 16 so they can arrive within the critical Christmas Day window. International orders are not possible at this time.
If nearby, you can select “Local Pick-Up” for no shipping costs. I have found Lobsta Land on Rt 128S is an ideal location for a hand off. Stay safe and healthy. Wear a mask.
{tight} *virtual* hugs Best, Bex

http://www.MiniLobsterTraps.com and on Facebook link here.

I just stopped by the Holiday Pop Up Shop at the Last Stop 273 East Main Street and it’s a fabulous setup. My loot includes a large potholder, lip balm, drink infusions and sea salt! Where can you get such a variety unless it’s local? Come on out. It’s a beautiful day to shop local.

Time is starting to run out to get your own mini Lobster Trap Tree in time for Christmas this year. Bex Borden tells s that orders paid by December 16 will get in the mail to customers by Dec 21. Local pick up is also available – there is an option on this site for that: https://www.minilobstertraps.com/shop

Get yours today! We just love ours. It’s a great way to support local!

This weekend is your last chance to enjoy a meal at Tonno before they temporarily close. We went last night and enjoyed chicken Milanese and Sunday Pasta. The Ladies on Main drink was a wonderful treat, as was the food and service. Online reservations through Resy made it very easy.

My dreams of seeing another glorious sunset (with camera in hand) came to fruition a couple of nights ago at Eastern Point. Here are some of the shots. We certainly live in a breathtaking setting!

I have also recently introduced a new Facebook page to highlight further stories of our adventures and accompanying photos. Additional pictures of this sunset are available there along with some others. This kind of Facebook interaction is new to me and we will see how it develops, but I am hoping it can co-exist with my GMG blogging. Anyhow, if you are interested in additional pictures and stories, please follow Pat D’s Photos and Adventures on Facebook.

We came upon the Wesleyan Cemetery on Wesley St in Riverdale on a recent drive-around and had to go back and explore a bit. Find A Grave listed two requests for photos and off we went in search of those gravestones.

According to my copy of A Guide to Cemeteries in Essex County, Massachusetts from the Essex Society of Genealogists (1991), the Wesleyan Cemetery is private and has been run from about 1805 (it’s noted with a ? so I assume that’s an educated guess) but it does not feel like an “old” cemetery. It is small and well kept. Pathways are clear and there’s an interesting mixture of old and more modern gravestones. As you will see in the pictures, older grave sites have modern markers which indicates to me that someone in the modern era wanted those people to be remembered.

The Guide also says: “Sawyer Free Library (Gloucester) has a list of the original proprietors. Wesley Tucker is the treasure of the corporation and has lot owners’ names, but no listings of burials except what can be see on stones.” I did note a Wesley Tucker tombstone from recent years so I am hoping his vault of information hasn’t been lost. Regardless, thanks to Wesley Tucker for his efforts!

Although we did not find the stones we sought, I did run into an old “friend” in the Tyne family plot: Gordon A. Tyne whom I featured in a Memorial Day post you can find here. You will see that in the pictures below. It’s a wonderfully comforting place and I encourage you to stop by.