Author: Pat D

Doorways and entrances around town are looking very inviting!

They seemed to have shed their summer radiance at the hand of Jack Frost and Mother Nature.

On the other hand, this is also the work of Mother Nature! The leaves were just spectacular in yesterday’s sunshine.

I enjoyed my dining experience at the Mile Marker recently. I was there for a late lunch/early dinner so it was pretty quiet but I was happy with the menu variety, the service and the atmosphere. The view just makes me smile. As I told GMG Jimmy, this one is getting placed into the rotation as we are often looking for that late afternoon meal.

Gloucester beaches are glorious regardless of the season. From lighthouse views across the water

to the horizon behind

And from the parking lot

To the gentle waves at the edge of the sand

“Being on a boat that’s moving through the water, it’s so clear. Everything falls into place in terms of what’s important and what’s not.” James Taylor

It’s always a treat for the eyes to take a stroll around Rocky Neck. Every single time I explore the area, I find inspiration.

Jones River Salt Marsh is a peaceful location at this time of the year. It’s extra spectacular on a sunny day near high tide.  My crystal ball (I call her CB) reflects some of that beauty.

We recently re-visited the Crane Estate to see how it looks wrapped up in autumn. We were not disappointed. There’s a charge to get in, but it’s such a treat for the eyes we didn’t mind paying money to go toward maintaining that for a everyone.

It was a very pretty fall day and the beach seemed to be awaiting company so it could show off its beauty.

At work on the harbor

It’s starting to look a lot like fall on Main Street!

You may already know that the Lone Gull displays local artwork on the walls, but did you realize the available artwork isn’t only on the walls? I was especially intrigued by the table, as were visitors from Seattle recently!

I made a big mistake in my earlier post about my whale watch this week. I went out with Cape Ann Whale Watch, not Capt. Bills as I stated. I tried to update the post to reflect this but it may not show the correction. I have been out with Capt. Bill before and had a grand experience, as I have with any local whale trip. My sincere apologies. Thanks to Cape Ann Whale Watch and Capt. Bills!

We had a lovely dinner recently at the Topside Grill. We hadn’t been there in a while so I wasn’t sure what to expect. We had friendly, efficient service and a hearty meal. I highly recommend the milk chocolate mousse! Perfect way to end a lovely experience.

Bacon wrapped scallops

Fish Fry

Homemade chicken pot pie with lots of chicken

Apple cider mimosa was very tasty and put me in the mood of the season. Thanks Topside!

I took visitors to Halibut Point recently and we were delighted to see a seal near shore. It did not stay long though we waited for a reappearance.

To make up for the quick view of the Halibut Point seal, I went over to Brace Cove a few days later and got a good long look at several seals resting during low tide. Always nice to see them again!

Gotta “hand” it to East Gloucester! Definitely added interest to the weekend’s studio tours.

Representing Columbus Day Gloucester style

Great take on lunch: the Studio Burger and fried pickles.

This tree at Stage Fort Park brought the Pete Seeger song to mind.  “To everything (turn, turn, turn) There is a season (turn, turn, turn) And a time to every purpose under heaven”

The changing state of the leaves on this tree also symbolizes how I feel about the changing season. Part of me is ready for fall….that part of the tree reaching to the sky and sun. Another part of me (the nice green leaves) wouldn’t mind a few more summer-like days.