Author: Pat D

We had a lovely dinner at 525 in Magnolia recently, which included the free entertainment of two toddler girls at the next table with their crayons and toy animals. We scored a colored picture of Queen Elsa!

I had the Classic Burger and Jim had Cobb Salad, both of which we enjoyed very much.

Then our lovely waitress Sandra brought my “Happy Ending ” (their words, not mine! Haha) Spanish Coffee. It was another great local dining experience. We’ll be back, 525.

A very nice man on the train platform greeted us with a map and helpful suggestions. It is a VERY quiet day here but we are told there are deep post holiday discounts. Lunch to get organized then look out shops!

We decided to take advantage of the $15 (one way) Amtrak Downeaster rates for January and are on our way to Freeport today. After a little confusion over parking, we easily navigated the Woburn station for the 9:23 departure. Availability of Dunkin’ Donuts was a plus.

We are currently on board. I am having a coffee in the lounge. There’s WiFi, electrical outlets, reclining seats, tray tables for our comfort on the 2.5 hour ride north.

My (indoors) happy place at Sawyer Free Library is the local history section, which has recently been reorganized. Not only do I get to do lots of digging around in old newspapers, but I also get to go downstairs and borrow books recommended by staff. Win Win. Thank you Sawyer Free!

The GMG podcast was recorded this morning at the Rhumb Kine (kudos to Carl for the drinks!). Fred told a number of entertaining stories and let listeners know there’s an event room available upstairs for groups up to about 70 and gave us a tour. Gorgeous room designed to make you feel like you’re aboard a boat! Perfect setting for an event. Thanks Fred!

Just love watching the sky and clouds change as weather develops. It seemed especially dramatic just a few days ago.

It was a pretty afternoon in Annisquam earlier this week, made truly gorgeous by the eagle we sighted. It was being harassed by a seagull……imagine the nerve!

Fun event tonight at the Beauport Hotel: Cliquot In The Snow. Still time to come on down! Scheduled til 10 PM

Pebble Beach was calming and beautiful on a recent afternoon. I found myself all alone…amazing. It’s a special place.

I guess it was time to tidy things up around the harbor. A variety of dredging pictures taken yesterday:

Nice day for a dredging!

A handsome hawk appears to be guarding the iconic pink house in Newbury.

HaHa! Not sure why this story from the BBC resonates…..I’m imagining triceratops trying to navigate the rotary…….

Chris Hollingshead Photo

Here’s the link for the full story: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-hampshire-35579159   Thanks to my friend Kristin for sharing this!! Great photo Chris Hollingshead..I’d love to capture this kind of wildlife sighting.

OK, so maybe a better title would be “Hearse House Along the Highway”, but I didn’t think that had quite the same ring to it……. It’s still quite pretty in its own way.

I took a little walk through the Railways on Rocky Neck recently. There’s always something to look at down there!

Renovations are underway at 24 Harbor Loop, former home of Capt. Bill’s Whale Watch and Cape Ann Oil. It appears the Chamber of Commerce will be moving to this location, although no official announcement has yet been made.  It’s looking like good progress is being made down there!

I hope I’m not giving away any secrets, but the first baby born at Addison Gilbert in 1950 was announced on the front page of the paper that year. January 1 was a Sunday that year and Monday must have been the holiday because the first paper available on microfilm at Sawyer Free Library was Tuesday Jan 3 1959. Four sets of twins born the previous year! First baby of the year news is still celebrated 70 years later.

Celebration of culture and history is one of the most blessed facets of life in Gloucester. One of these celebrations are the mosaics on the Americold building downtown. Their origin story can be found here. Ever since the most recent one was installed, I’ve wanted to get an up close and personal view. I thought you might enjoy the same.

Post polar plunge libations at the Crow’s Nest today. What a start to 2020.

We had a very cozy meal at Cape Ann Brewing recently. It was a Saturday night and we weren’t the only ones with the same idea for a relaxing evening. I had ribs and GMG Jimmy had the seafood stew. So happy to see Ryan and Wood Distillery products being offered! We were also super excited to see national news coverage of the Final Plunge for Pete at Good Harbor Beach. Always a good time!