Author: Pat D

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.

Here’s some of the wonderful wildlife we saw at the Parker River National Wilidlife Refuge last week. Although it may have seemed quiet at the refuge, the critters just go about their business as usual.  We enjoy our trips to Parker River and I do plan to renew my membership.

Bird watchers in the vicinity told me this is a Cooper’s Hawk.

I was surprised to find the Great Blue Heron.

We came across this guy recently and I was thrilled. Capturing a photo like this has been on my bucket list for a while now! Wish granted, thanks to Cape Ann’s eternal beauty.

Stay tuned for the release of today’s podcast for the story: the Ralph-cast podcast.

It was one hundred years ago today that the war known as The Great War, World War I, ended. This war had taken a great toll on the world, and it was no different for Gloucester. Not only did the war rage, but so did the Spanish Flu Pandemic. The headlines every single day told of another loss to war or disease.  So I am certain this headline from Nov 7 1918 was a very welcome sight.

And, a few days later on Nov 11 1918, the Gloucester Daily Times published this:

And, although the 100th anniversary of this profound event may go somewhat unnoticed, the staff at Sawyer Free Library are (as always) right on top of things, offering this display of war related items and various media. One of my Facebook friends shared a link to an audio recording from the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month. It’s short and definitely worth a listen.

But perhaps the greatest headline of all was this one. One year later, Armistice Day was first recognized. It later became Veterans Day as the country found itself involved in other wars and acknowledged those who served. Thank you to our veterans and active military today and in the past.