Author: Pat D

We wandered out to Rafe’s Chasm yesterday and were rewarded with spectacular views. Except for this. Really? Whatever message you were intending by this, the only message I read is that you’re an …… wait, this is a family show…… Please, folks…… defiling nature serves no one.

Off my soapbox and onto the spectacular views provided by Mother Nature:

Dozens of seals were hanging out at Salisbury State Reservation recently. They are so entertaining and I couldn’t stop taking pictures! One seemed especially joyful frolicking and leaping around the others.

An inviting sight, although it makes me a little nostalgic for summer.

My crystal ball (CB) around town. Can you identify these Cape Ann locations? These are almost too easy.  I’ll challenge you more in a future post!

Because the pictures did not post to Facebook, here are a couple more from yesterday’s adventure at Parker River watching two bucks tussle in the marsh at high tide.

We came across these two bucks having themselves a wrestling match in the marsh during high tide at Parker River! One appears to be a 6 pointer and the other a 4 pointer, but with a damaged antler. I don’t know when the antler damage occurred, but they tussled long enough for it to have happened at the time. It was very dramatic!

I was going through my photo files and came across this picture of the Aaron & Melissa II taken recently. She sure looks pretty here. We are sorry for the loss but thankful the crew members will be able to celebrate the holidays with their families. An interesting account can be found here.

A little exercise from your school days: compare and contrast the following shots taken recently.

Maybe by this time in the holiday weekend, you need some “swan zen”. Brought to you by the swans at Parker River.

They don’t seem too concerned about their immediate future. Special wishes for a warm and Happy Thanksgiving to all GMG readers. Now go help in the kitchen.

Great dinner at the Windward Grille last weekend.

Shrimp Lemoncello appetizer

Haddock Rockefeller (delicious!) and Haddock Piccata. When the menu said the haddock was baked, I was expecting a casserole dish, but was delighted with this.

Salmon with Dijon mustard sauce was enjoyed as well. The portions were generous.

And, my favorite part, coffee drink for dessert. We hadn’t been to the Windward in a while, but we were very happy to return.

There are many different signals that the seasons are changing.  Around town recently:

And these young ladies are just too cute so here they are again!

One of my favorite hidden treasures for everyday Gloucester pictures is from Solomon Jacobs Landing. Well, I guess it’s not “hidden” any longer…..

This one is for FOB Paula Ryan O’Brien and her son Tim:

These envelopes do not stuff themselves. Gloucester Stage recently requested assistance in preparing for an upcoming mailing so I went over to help out. Fellow volunteers Cindy and Deborah checked, folded and stuffed right along with Stage employees Billy and Melody.  There was a specific order for the envelope items, but if yours is backwards,  consider it a little hello from me.

Melody and Billy didn’t mind their photos taken, but Cindy and Deborah declined.  They were diligent and hardworking on behalf of the Stage Company, so thanks for spending your afternoon in this manner!

Holiday Delights is coming! Always a popular show, so get your tickets ASAP.

One night only! Tickets here.

As I drove my favorite “drive-around” route, I was thinking about the imminent Thursday night storm. Although I was pretty sure this weather event wasn’t going to rise to my definition of STORM for Gloucester, I did take note that everything looked calmly prepared for whatever the immediate future held. By the time you read this, we’ll all know the outcome!

Old House Cove this morning. The conditions for photography are not the best and this is about as close as I cared to get anyhow. Wow!

Are you checking your “household necessities” in preparation for your Thanksgiving feast? Here are some from the Gloucester Daily Times November 16 1932:

Although I expect my “electric percolator” to be put to good use, I’m kind of hoping I will not need a “breakfast set” for the company.

Welcome to Gloucester lovely Christmas tree after your long journey.

We discovered Sandy Point on our trip to Parker River Wildlife Refuge recently by following the Parker River road all the way out to the end.  It is certainly an interesting place to visit! It’s small and littered with driftwood and other washed up paraphernalia, but has a “peaceful easy feeling”.

Cripple Cove is a small hidden treasure that speaks to Gloucester’s personality.  On a dreary day or in bright sunshine, it’s a sight to behold.

Personally I feel the sunshine presents the true glory of this area.