Author: Pat D

I walked around Stage Fort Park on a recent sunny morning. It was glorious. I always like to see what the beaches look like as they await summertime. Half Moon did not disappoint, although the chair seems a bit lonely standing guard without children at its feet.

Updated Sunday March 3rd to include Cape Ann Brewing Prime Rib on Sundays 4 PM to close $18.

A lifetime of storm warnings in rural New York has conditioned me to certain rituals of storm prep. These habits are hard to break so off I went to collect up comfort food and drink to prepare for this weekend’s snow. Critical stops include Stop and Shop, Bischo and Virgilios. Bring it on! I’m ready to hunker down.

Adventureman’s latest update indicates he is in Delaware and “only” 17 marathons away from his finish line here in Gloucester, so plans are being made to greet him Glosta style. Hopefully you remember he is running the perimeter of the United States to raise money to treat sick children. We hope you can join us one way or another.

We are seeking runners interested in escorting Adventureman into town. I know there are many runners out there on our local streets who might be interested in participating in this huge event to demonstrate Gloucester’s welcoming nature. We expect him to arrive Wednesday March 27, though it could be a day earlier or later: we will keep you posted on the date and the route. Please contact us at GMG, or by commenting on the blog or Facebook with questions or comments.

We are also in need of host families for about 7 people total: one group of 3; and 4 others coming in from “across the pond” to support the hometown boy from Gloucester England. We expect it to be a couple of nights. Please contact us at GMG, or by commenting on the blog or Facebook, or by emailing me at pdalpiaz19@gmail.com if you can host our visitors.

Looking forward to welcoming this guy to Gloucester! Thank you Mayor for your help! Please join us.

If you look closely for the details at a scene like this at Crane Beach

You’ll see how busy it is even on a cold winter day.

And perhaps you’ll even be rewarded with this

Sing it with me, you know you want to…….classic Doors “Riders on the Storm”

Yummy treats Sunday night at 525.

It looks like a hawk couple have decided to nest in our backyard! We are excitedly watching for progress. This is the hawk couple. We think they are Red Tails but are open for opinions from those with better knowledge.

Chamber of Commerce Irish Sweepstakes event March 13; only 400 tickets available and Joey and I have this one! Looks lucky to me. I got this one at the Chamber office. Will I see you at the Gloucester House?

Crystal ball meets Folly Cove on a pretty day.

It was a little grey following the snowfall, but still quite pretty in Magnolia. We even found a sign of spring in these buds.

Views of Lanes Cove from a different perspective.

Mr. Swan and his friends seem to be having a great time recently on Henry’s Pond. It was nice to see him again! I even had a chance to “introduce” him to some young men who happened by and were curious. So heartening to know young people are interested in nature and wildlife.

It was a gorgeous day and the beach was shining like a newly crowned princess.

I hear Starbucks and CVS are coming to Gloucester Crossing. You can see the skeleton of each here.

From a press release issued by the Rogers Street Theatre:

Award-winning works by Pulitzer prize playwright Lynn Nottage and Gloucester’s former poet laureate John Ronan come to downtown Gloucester’s Rogers Street Theatre February 23-24. The Saturday evening performance and Sunday matinee also include two staged readings from Rockport New Year’s Eve’s ten-minute playwriting contest. The theme of the weekend is “Couples.” The plays contain mature language and subject matter, and more than a few surprises.

Tickets for both the 7:30 PM Saturday February 23 performance and 3 PM Sunday February 24 matinee are $20 and can be purchased online or at the door. For more information on Rogers Street Theatre at 68 Rogers Street, or to purchase tickets go to:  www.RogersStreetTheatre.org  

Testing out the camera on my new phone. Annisquam is perfectly pretty for this.

On Route 133 in Ipswich and open year round! We were drawn in by the sign promising homemade pie and we were not disappointed. Nicely set up, local businesses represented (Virgilios for one!) And the pie pleased the taste buds. I recommend stopping by.

I recently attended one of the Beauport Hotel’s Fireside Chats featuring Lise Breen discussing Gloucester’s ties and history with slave trade. It was informative and interesting, especially since I learned there are additional Fireside Chats scheduled. Jeanne Hennessey, Director of Communications for the Beauport was hostess and let us know the upcoming dates and topics:

February 25 (Monday) Prudence Fish will be discussing Gloucester’s oldest homes.

March 4 (Monday) Tales and Ales (now that sounds intriguing!)

March 18 (Monday) Andrea Bodner from Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute (GMGI)

6:30 – 8:30 pm Space is limited so email concierge@beauporthotel.com to reserve your seats. Make sure to mention your name and how many will be in attendance. Light refreshments (yummy) are offered. This series is sponsored by the Beauport Hotel, so kudos to them! (photo used with Beauport Hotel permission and taken by Jeanne Hennessey)