Author: Pat D

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.

Some scenes from the Taste of Cape Ann event this week to benefit the YMCA follow.  It was well attended and offered a wide variety of samples from many local establishments such as Mom’s Kitchen, Mile Marker, Ryan & Wood Distillery, Cake Ann, and Trio (some of my personal favorites) as well as many others.

It was great to see so many YMCA representatives helping out! Thanks, Ryan and Nick.

We spent our Sunday like many Gloucester families: Sunday morning in the sun at the stadium and Sunday afternoon at the hockey rink. We were watching the Mites D Cape Ann Youth Hockey team and saw hockey action that belies their youth status! Go Fishermen.

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Go Fishermen!

Some Gloucester High School students met up at the Beauport Hotel for pictures prior to their semi formal earlier this week.  The dresses made me jealous for my teens, the guys cleaned up very nicely and the parents/grandparents were proud enough to get a little teary-eyed. The Beauport makes a wonderful backdrop for their pictures. I was lucky enough to get some nice pre-formal shots. Thanks for letting me sneak in there!

Things were hopping at Newell Stadium on Sunday when we stopped by to watch Fishermen Youth Football D team face Lynnfield. I think the future of Gloucester football is looking bright.

The new stands were full and the concession stand was open and ready:

The cheerleaders were enthusiastic and led by coach Stacy. The players provided some great football action for the fans.

Thank you to the coaches and volunteers for making this happen for the players and cheerleaders.

Taking a look around the square on a dreary day, I notice there is still beauty everywhere I look.

I hope you have or will vote. I used to believe my vote did not matter too much, but recent events have proven me wrong on that count. I’ll be driving 5 hours to cast my vote…that’s how important I believe it to be.  Now getting off my soapbox…….

AHHHH…..just breathe. This level of zen doesn’t just happen everywhere!

A reminder that we turn back the clocks tonight and end Daylight Savings Time. Over the years, this ritual has been moved around on our calendars for various reasons. I found an interesting example in the Gloucester Daily Times microfilms available at the Sawyer Free Library.

From the Gloucester Daily Times Sept 26 1938. You will note this article states the reasoning for continuing Daylight Savings Time an additional week because “The railroad, however, is on eastern standard time and so it the post office, a condition made necessary by the new train schedule.” 

And then, a few days later, on Sept 30 1938, another tidbit “The governor issued the proclamation after he had received an appeal from the flood executives pointing out that an extra hour of daylight would aid the flood victims in clearing up their property.”

Flood victims? Yes, (and some of you are ahead of me on this) due to the Hurricane of 1938:

It was a chaotic time for all, but hopefully our transition this weekend will be calmer. See you an hour later on the morrow!

Thank you Morning Glory! It was just the fuel I needed for my long drive. Friendly service, good food, comfortable atmosphere adds up to a winner.

Apples and wine are two words that I like seeing in the same sentence. Add “festival ” and we have a winner!

And who wouldn’t feel welcome at this entrance?