Author: Pat D

It’s New Year’s Eve again…..I, for one, will be happy to see the end of 2024 which was a year in which I lost 5 close friends from my New York life. Our Gloucester life continues to be stellar but I will miss my dear friends. As we look toward 2025, I wish the best for all our followers in the coming year.

A couple of people have approached me to ask for calendars. I will have a few more arriving soon and if you’d like me to set one aside for you please reach out in comments, messaging or email GMGPatD at gmail.com. The 8 x 11 wall calendar features my favorite Cape Ann photos from the past year and a limited number will be available. These are some sample pages. First come first serve. ($25)

We like to stop by Jeff’s Variety on Eastern Ave once in a while for lunch and sometimes just because it’s a friendly neighborhood shop. True to its name, you find a variety of items available along with an inviting atmosphere. PS consider the catering whenever you might need some help with a party! It’s a win-win. The roast beef sub is my go-to. Thanks Jeff and staff!

We were tired and chilled and Machaca on Rogers St seemed like the perfect choice. We like to eat at the bar and there was a football game on (of course, isn’t there ALWAYS a football game on at this time of the year?). We were immediately served warmed chips and salsa (the salsa is totally addicting BTW). Jim ordered the special Chiles Enogadas which was VERY intriguing and delicious. I got a fajita style taco plate with steak–the menu warns you that there is no sizzling plate so I suppose they get asked that a lot. Fried ice cream for dessert “for the sake of the blog post”. Anyhow, it was all very yummy and satisfying. If you haven’t been there in a while, put it in the rotation.

We prefer to go to Seaport Grille on Rowe Sq. during the winter months because it’s generally less crowded but we stopped by for lunch on a random weekday and it was packed and hopping! The buzz of activity energized me so it was an added bonus to a wonderful lunch experience. Jim got the shrimp plate and I ordered an Italian panini. OF COURSE we got the key lime pie for dessert…..you really cannot go there and miss out on that key lime pie. Despite the busy lunch crowd, we were served efficiently and the food hit the mark. We brought home enough for another meal. See you at Seaport soon!

As I mentioned yesterday, we were in Rockport recently doing a little shopping on Bearskin Neck. I noticed several interesting fixtures over the doorways along the way. These are mostly light fixtures, but they speak to the long history of Bearskin Neck as a popular spot for strolling, visiting and shopping. I can’t remember what crime thriller movie it was, but the master criminal noted “People never look up for things” and it’s a good reminder. Thanks Bearskin Neck shop owners!

We found ourselves in Rockport recently and stopped by Fleur Cuisine on the T Wharf for lunch. Hands down, the most gracious hosts in the area. We sat at the bar, we were warmly greeted by smiling Daphnee. It was pretty busy in there for a weekday afternoon but that didn’t mean we weren’t treated like we were the only ones there. I had the hibicus margarita (a taste of warmer climes on a cold day) and a burger. Jim ordered comfort food tomato soup and grilled cheese. Though I forgot to take a photo because I was so happy, we also got the famous Caribbean chicken wings…..BEST wings EVAH. A lovey experience and you’ll feel all warm and happy inside as you leave.

Many of us will be enjoying special time with friends and family today and in the coming days so I wanted to take a moment to thank so many of you for your support of Pat D’s Photos especially since we opened the shop. Lots of you have stopped by our table at a show or popped into the shop and mentioned that you follow the blog and the podcast. It’s heartwarming to hear that you all are really out there paying attention! I am grateful for all of my customers and hope to see you come back soon. Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!

Here’s a sampling of what you would have seen one hundred years ago in the Gloucester Daily Times. In some ways it’s a changed world and in others, very much the same.

Annisquam looks especially pretty with all the lights at this time of the year. I’m particularly drawn to the Annisquam Bridge and its lights. I checked out a little bit about the history of the bridge to learn it was originally built in the Civil War era and had a drawbridge section. It was completely rebuilt in the 1940s, closed to vehicular traffic in the 1960s. After rehabilitation it was re-opened for pedestrians in 1987. The things this bridge must have seen! Just up the street is the beautifully decorated Village Hall. It could be a holiday card.

I hope you can tolerate one more Lobster Trap Tree post but Keith insisted on stopping by and having his photo taken. As you may be aware, the new location is between the Harbormaster’s Office and the Coast Guard Station on the Harbor Loop. Such a festive, well constructed tree decorated with buoys painted by locals. Don’t forget you can Tag a Trap if you’d like to help financially.

Pat D’s Photos just received a shipment of new ornament suncatchers just in time for the holidays. These pretty glass ornaments are about 3″ wide and come with a ribbon for hanging. The shop at 44 Main St will be open today Saturday 11-5; tomorrow and Monday 11-3 OR we can deliver locally for free. Delivery can be made in time for Christmas if ordered before Monday Dec 23. Order here or reach out in the comments. Stop by the shop …we’d love to see you.

Some of you may remember Keith the Wreath. He’s a little beat up but he still likes to make stops around Gloucester to see what’s new. He began his tour this year at the Maritime Dock which is decked out for the holidays. If you’re looking for a way to feel merry and bright, start here. If you’d like to meet Keith and perhaps have your own picture taken, stop by 44 Main St until 5 today and Sunday/Monday 11-3.

Update from the Salty’s Bagels Facebook page:

Save the date. This event is a must-do.

It was till dark when I woke up a day or two ago so I decided to chase the sunrise. I went down to the Harbor Loop to see our beloved Lobster Trap Tree at the break of day. Except for the ever present drone and a couple of early morning walkers, I found myself alone as the dawn broke.

I noticed several tags attached to traps which I presume are a result of the fundraising campaign to “Tag A Trap” which you can find at this link if you are interested. Thank you sponsors and event organizers for this beautiful testament to our local fishing industry.

We saw this Lobster Trap Tree at Yankee Fisherman’s Co-Op in Seabrook NH recently and decided to stop for some comparison purposes. Although their “star” intrigues me, Gloucester’s Lobster Trap Tree is hands-down, no-question superior. Nice try, Seabrook!

Christmas and Hannukah and winter holidays are coming at us like an out of control steamroller. We can help at 44 Main St today Wednesday Dec 18 through Saturday Dec 21 from 11-4 and Sunday/Monday (Dec 22/23) from 11-3. We offer a number of Gloucester related gift ideas including hats, hoodies, belts, prints, ornaments, nightlights and more such as you see here. Feel free to reach out with comments or questions. Here are some examples available from Pat D’s Photos.

We’d had a long day during the Middle Street Walk festivities including the UU Holiday Show and the Lobster Trap Tree Lighting and I was craving a quiet comfortable dinner experience. There are so many fine choices, but this time we went to 525 on Lexington Ave in Magnolia. We were greeted warmly, seated and served in a friendly efficient manner. (Shout out to Kirsten). I had the chicken saltimbocca and Jim ordered the hearty meatloaf. The experienced warmed us up inside and out, as it always has. Did you know they offer brunch on Sundays too?? Thank you Tamie and Larry!

Downtown Main St is such a pretty sight especially with extra lights and open shops! Maybe you’re nostaglic for this view…….

I received an ear.ly Christmas gift from Jim recently to help “fancy up” our outdoor tree set up: a new bird feeder from Pauline’s Gifts on Essex Ave! It’s gorgeous and a great complement to our holiday outside decor. I’d been bugging him to get the bird seed replenished and he’d been holding off because he had the new bird feeder hidden away. Apparently the poor songbirds in our yard added to the chorus and he relented and presented the gift early. I’m glad to have such a beautiful locally made item displayed proudly for this holiday season. Thanks to all who have been shopping locally. It means a great deal to each and every shop. Special thanks to Pauline for her wonderfully creative gift ideas.