Author: Pat D

A mysterious package was waiting for us when we returned from our weekend trip. There’s nothing much more exciting than an unexpected surprise like this! I am so sorry I didn’t tape the actual box opening because this was an amazingly thoughtful and fun gift. If you want to see for yourself, stop down at 44 Main St this week Thurs Aug 14 from noon-5; Friday and Saturday 11-5 or Sunday 11-3. Thank you very much Pam! (*yes, Joey I know it’s portrait mode ….. chose that for IG….*)

Get your tickets for the weekly Tuesday Schooner Challenge event including our very own Schooner Ardelle and Isabella. We took family visitors out last week as the sun set on hazy skies and the wind blew gently. Sounds pretty good, right? Participating in the Schooner Challenge allows you to help the interns “learn the ropes” and get sea time. PLUS there’s a discount available on Tuesdays. So check out this link from Maritime Gloucester on the Harbor Loop. Maybe we’ll see you there! Guaranteed fun.

We had company in town in time for Margarita Monday last week so we had to focus our search for a location based on a dog-friendly venue. We were very happy to have Hershey join us for our margarita celebration at Blue Collar Lobster on Rogers St. The margaritas (yes, plural) hit the spot and the vibe was perfect for our family gathering.

Sorry…not sorry….here are some more egret photos from the Maritime dock. I just can’t stop myself since the light is just right along with other colorful elements to add to the beauty. I could watch them all day and I was fortunate to be able to share these guys with my bird loving brother and sister-in-law Chris and Lori!

We received this beautiful bouquet and boutonniere with ruby flowers to celebrate our 40th anniversary from FOBs Susan and Leo. This very thoughtful gesture is much appreciated and we hail Sage Floral on Main St for providing flowers that still look pretty fresh a few days later. The bouquet was designed like a wedding bouquet which made it extra fun. The ruby colors are outstanding. Thank you Susan, Leo and Sage Floral!

Recently we drove to Newburyport just to wander around a bit because we hadn’t explored that area in a while. We had lunch at The Port Tavern on State St in Newburyport and enjoyed the experience enough to share it with you. It’s an Irish Pub that is deceptively large. The street view doesn’t do justice to the inside, though the outside seating was tempting. Jim got bangers with fries and I had the shaved beef sandwich. The beef wasn’t quite “shaved” the way I expected, but the sandwich was very satisfying especially since I prefer sandwiches that are mouth-sized and not Paul Bunyan style. It was pretty quiet in there that day and the service was very good. I think we’ll put it on the list for the Irish Coffee tastings in March!

We were pleased to be gifted this lovely personalized hanging plaque designed by our very own Pauline of Pauline’s Gifts on Essex Ave. Many of you know Jim and I recently celebrated our anniversary and we held a little party to celebrate. Many friends and family members joined us including my thoughtful brother and sister-in-law (Hail Chris and Lori). They are the ones that contacted Pauline’s and consulted with her about designing a perfect personalized gift which now proudly hangs at our home. Pauline hit all the marks featuring the Schooner Ardelle, our twin lighthouses and more on a slate tile. This photo doesn’t do it justice but if you need a special gift, contact Pauline for ideas and input. Her website link is here and you can find her on Facebook/Instagram as well. Thank you Pauline, Chris, Lori and everyone who took time to wish us well.

From John Abisamra:

Join Cape Ann Artisans on Saturday, August 9th, for their Summer Mini-Tour! Visit seven unique studios between 10AM and 5PM and experience stunning works in photography, pottery, sculpture, and more—all during Massachusetts’ tax-free holiday weekend. Explore artist profiles online and plan your visit here: https://capeannartisans.com/

I was able to get down to the Maritime dock along the Harbor Loop at a good time to capture an egret seeking a meal. These birds are so elegant and yet fiercesome hunters. A close look at the feet remind you they descend from dinosaurs.

Breaking News: Magnolia 525 Tavern on Lexington Ave is now open on Mondays. The minute I heard that, I added them to our Margarita Monday rotation. I enjoyed a pomegranate margarita last Monday to celebrate. Jim ordered the pizza with cauliflower crust as they were out of regular dough at the moment. It was an experiment and he savored it (honestly I think he was a little surprised to enjoy the taste!). I had chicken parmesan and it was very filling and tasty. 525 is the neighborhood pub you might need whether you realize it or not.

Can you believe this is us 40 years ago?? (**for a certain population, 1985 seems like only about 20 years ago…..*) Jim considers the date more to mark his first visit to Gloucester on our honeymoon than a wedding anniversary, so here we go. We are very happy to be together here in Gloucester and grateful to so many of you who have welcomed us so warmly.

Please stop by our tent at Reed Park to say hello and browse some of the new items available. We’ll be there 10-4 along with MANY other vendors stationed throughout Manchester so it’s well worth a little ride. Pat D’s Photos looks forward to seeing you!

We took a little ride around town to watch the sunset from different angles. It did not disappoint.

During my shifts at the Stage Fort Park Welcome Center, I regularly recommend a stroll around the Maritime dock on Harbor Loop to visitors seeking some “real” Glosta sights. And here you see why I recommend it so highly. If you haven’t done so lately, maybe it’s time.

We found our eagle friend on a favorite branch recently in West Gloucester. It’s always a treat to see them, isn’t it?

We went down to the Paint Factory to check out the sun setting recently and noticed some work apparently underway on the chimney. There’s always something going on down there.

We celebrated Margarita Monday at the Azorean on Washington St last week. We can almost always count on running into someone we know there and such was the case last week! It’s one of the reasons we like to go there. I got the house margarita (refreshing) and we ordered dinner: Azorean steak tips were a first for me….won’t be the last…very good! Jim had a seafood cataplana with plent leftover for another meal. The relaxed atmoshere and delicious food makes it one of our favorites. Maybe we’ll see you there next time!

Pat D’s Photos will be at the Festival By The Sea in Manchester next Saturday Aug 2. There will be vendors stationed all over Manchester next Saturday and we encourage you to check it out. It’s not verified yet, but we expect to be located in Reed Park near the railroad tracks adjacent to Masconomo Park so stop in and stay hello. It’s a great event. I know some of you are thinking about Christmas already ……. The Shop will be open today Sunday 11-3; Thurs July 31 from noon-5; Fri Aug 1 from 11-5.

Our various flags around town sure look pretty in the summer sun.

An acquaintance recently suggested that I really needed to get down to the Fisherman’s Memorial because the flowers were really outstanding, so I did just that. I noticed there were pink markings on two of the cenotaphs marking them up. It was more that just chalk (which I could have cleaned up myself) so I contacted SeeClickFix to report it. So many people have mentioned to me that they are unaware of this reporting service, that I thought it might be beneficial to share my experience. It’s available online at this link or you can download an app. It works best with one or two photos to verify the issue you are reporting so be prepared with that, otherwise it’s quick and easy and VERY effective. I received notification just a few hours later that the issue had been addressed. If you see something the City should address, check out SeeClickFix.