Author: Pat D

Scrumptious feast at Seaport Grille this week. We treated ourselves and are not the least bit sorry.

Helpful info that came on the accompanying wet nap

GMG Jimmy stepped into the World of Weber with his very first charcoal grill! (Thanks to Joey)

With instructions from Joey, off we went to Fosters. They were very helpful and we enriched today’s receipts a bit.

Then to the grocery for some planning and preparation. We see that Weber is everywhere!

I’m expecting great meals in my immediate future. FOB Paula Ryan O’Brien also got her first Weber grill today—–coincidence???? I think not…..

When we need to return to New York, it’s comforting to bring a little bit of Glosta back with us. Thank you Destinos , Cake Ann, Cape Ann Olive Oil, Design of Mine!

During a recent podcast we mentioned Jerome Rand’s recent return to Gloucester after an almost 9 month voyage during which he circumnavigated the globe. Joey wondered if there had been other such voyages with Gloucester ties.  Of course, this set me off to research.

The simple answer is yes, there have been other such voyages.  The most prominent I could find are Captain Irving Johnson’s voyages in the pre-war 1930s on the schooner Yankee from his home port in Gloucester.  Yes, that was plural…voyages.  He and his crew made seven total trips around the world, the first three on the 92 foot wooden schooner Yankee from Gloucester.  Here is a link to an article you might find as interesting as I did.

As I noted, these were 18 month trips with a good size crew.  I found a ship manifest at Ancestry listing some of the crew from the 1939 voyage listing actor Sterling Hayden as a member of the crew.

 

His wife Electa (Exy) usually accompanied him as a crew member, though I do not see her on this list.  These trips are well documented if you are interested including this book available at Amazon.

Mr. Rand’s voyage, however, was a much different experience.  He traveled solo on the Mighty Sparrow and without any additional technology to assist.  He also traveled non-stop making the journey in about half the time of the Yankee’s trips.  Wow.  Kudos to all with that innate urge to sail and challenge themselves.

Pond residents and visitors soaking up the sun. Good time for a snack.

This listing of remakes/sequels reminded me that 2³ = 8. Maybe Ocean’s 8?

 

Prepping for the Fourth. This is monstrous in size! Loving the topper.  Enjoy your holiday!

He may have been over-served this past weekend. We wish him well in his recovery.

Sunday morning at the Square:

Did you ever wonder how they got the Greasy Pole flag in place? Here you go…. Thanks, guys! I think it’s cool I got to see the flag taken down Saturday night and back up again on Sunday!

And, to top things off…..looks like they add MORE grease

What Fiesta? What Saturday morning? Still gotta work.  Still gotta fish.

Congratulations! Well done.

Recently seen anchored off the Back Shore.   Any input on the green, yellow and orange flag will be appreciated!

These pages are part of an article from The Century Magazine published in October 1886 called Gloucester Fishers. I found it on eBay several years ago and had to have it.  I didn’t know what to expect beyond the detailed description of various facets of Gloucester fishing and fishermen.  The sketches alone are worth whatever investment I made at the time. But, as my Irish luck would have it, there was a great big treat hidden within.

You will notice some highlighted sections which I cropped for easier reading. Captain John Bentley of the Schooner Paul Revere is a direct ancestor, which I knew very well at the time. But this article points out that his father-in-law Martin Costello was part of the crew as cook, a fact I did not possess. This gave me the gift of my great great grandmother’s maiden name! This little piece of the multi-page article also gave me insight into the role of the cook on a shipping vessel of the time which I found fascinating.  I thought you might too.  No ordinary sailors indeed.

Spotted on the dock by the Maritime Heritage Center. Imagine what they have seen!

Opposite images: Upside down, right side up.  Old and new.  Retired and Active Duty.

These photos from Joey’s office speak to how the magic happens for GMG and the podcast. Believe it or not, it’s not always Weber grill-side!

As always, we were in search of a blog post so we visited the Crane Estate to view the modern maze structure recently installed on the site of the former maze at the mansion. This artwork is called TunnelTeller by its artist Alicja Kwade. It has concrete walls and steel tubing highlighted by spheres of various sizes. These spheres are polished stone and placed strategically around the maze area.  It’s not a complex maze, you will not get lost.

Peering through the steel tunnels gives an “other-worldly” effect contrasting the steel and concrete with the trees and sky.

It’s an interesting piece that will be on display for several months. Admission to the estate for non-members such as ourselves is $15 (free on weekdays to Ipswich residents) and can be applied to Crane Beach parking ($25 in the high season) if you are so inclined.

We had a relaxing dinner at 525 in Magnolia recently.

They have a special cocktail selection that is raising money one drink at a time to repair the pier. Of course I had to help out!

Clam chowder, fish tacos and pizza!

Anyone know what’s up with these signs posted along 133 between Gloucester and Essex? They appear in order of the planets beyond Earth and have a little replica attached. I’d love to hear more.

Now sing along and have some fun

My name is Jupiter I am covered in clouds

I’m the fifth planet from the sun

My giant red spot is a raging storm

As for size I’m the biggest one

 

My name is Saturn I am brown in color

I’m the sixth planet from the sun

My outer rings are extremely thin

They’re made of dust and icy chunks

My names Uranus I am blue in color

I’m the seventh planet from the sun

Humans have named me the icy planet

Because I am the coldest one

My name is Neptune I am blue in color

I’m the eighth planet from the sun

I have too many storms in my atmosphere

And I’m the furthest planet from the sun

Lyrics from The Planet Song by Kids Learning Tube