Author: Pat D

Dusk was falling quickly on a recent afternoon and the special effects of the lighting on our Man at the Wheel Memorial statue struck me as being strikingly beautiful. Thought you might agree.

It promises to be the perfect weekend to get out and about to enjoy the variety of weekend activities designed for the whole family to enjoy. The annual Middle Street Walk is tomorrow Sat Dec 14 which ends with Deck The Docks Lobster Trap Tree Lighting on the Harbor Loop. Sunday Dec 15, The Cut will hold a holiday fair organized by Cape Ann Makers Market from 11-4 featuring several of your favorite vendors.

Pat D’s Photos will hold its 2 final shows of the season Saturday at the UU Church from 9-1:30 and Sunday at The Cut 11-4, but the shop will be open next week Wednesday (Dec 18) through Monday (Dec 23) before taking a little break.

It was a foggy and wet late afternoon when I stopped by Maritime Gloucester to check things out. I was intrigued by the holiday lights. It’s always so hopeful and cheery; even more so with the upcoming Lobster Trap Tree Lighting Sat Dec 14. Hope to see you there.

I think most of us really hate that it gets dark so early these days, but at least it gives me a chance to catch the sun setting before I prepare dinner! Eastern Point on a recent December afternoon:

I love the new fencing recently installed at the arch at Buswell Pond along Western Ave!

In case those of you “from away” are missing it:

Some late afternoon traffic on the harbor included Generations, Angela & Rose, and Marilyn Louise.

It was cold but strikingly pretty at Lane’s Cove on a recent afternoon. Thought you might enjoy it too.

David Calvo shares the following opportunity:

We go to Minglewood Harborside on Rogers St regularly in order to enjoy the hospitality and the good food. The comfortable setting and the weekday specials are a particular draw for us, but the top incentive is the welcoming atmosphere. We stopped recently and ordered pork dumplings, a smashburger and the salmon BLT. As usual, right on point–delicious and perfectly done. As a bonus, we had $10 reward on our Serenitee card PLUS earned points which we cashed in! It’s a win-win from start to finish. Do yourself a favor and sign up for the Serenitee Rewards ASAP. Shout out to Ryan behind the bar; Heather and Zach! See you again soon. (And live music…did I mention that?)

Here’s a sneak preview of our beautiful Lobster Trap Tree awaiting its accessories in preparation for Deck the Docks Sat Dec 14. Hope to see you there. She’s looking good!

Gloucester Ladies Day is Thursday Dec 5 and the shop at 44 Main St is ready to celebrate. We have some surprises up our sleeves and here’s an example: buy ANY print from Pat D’s Photos and select a pair of holiday socks or a holiday coozie as my gift to you while supplies last. Prints range from $25-$135 and are available framed, matted or on glass. **Pssst EXTRA bonus: the ready to hang glass prints are 20% off through Sunday December 8** stop by Thirsty Seahull Gloucester Apparel Wednesday-Saturday 11-5. Open til 8 Ladies Night.

We noticed some activity inside and outdoor signage posted at Fish Takes (former Topside) on Rogers St today.

Pat D’s Photos will be at the Gloucester Elks Fair on Atlantic Road Sunday Dec 8 from 10-3. Many of you already know this is a great sip and shop show at a beautiful location. AND so many wonderful vendors will be there with great holiday ideas. These are some of the 3″ glass ornaments we will have available, in addition to notecards, prints, nightlights and more! Stop by and say hello.

How relaxing is this? Well done Cruiseport!

This handsome buck appeared in FOB Susan’s yard a few days ago and she allowed me to share the photos. Sure sign of seasons changing!

Hope to see you at many of the upcoming holiday events!

Recently, I went on another owl tour with a nearby owl expert in search of screech, barred and snowy owls. While we were somewhat successful as you see here, it was disheartening to learn that several of the screech owls we previously located had since died. The manner of death ran from Mother Nature (larger predators) to human intervention (rodenticide). But there always seems to be treasures to find such as these. As an added note, it’s been reported that the snowy I posted several days ago has also since been killed by an automobile. That one hurts especially as it was so beautiful. But **I will repeat what I have previously stated for anyone concerned about the owl’s well being: I have a nice long lens and I zoom with my lens and not my feet in order to respect the wildlife. Some of these images are cropped.

Pat D’s Photos and many, many other fine local vendors will be at Cruiseport Sun Dec 1 from 10-4. Hope to see you there! Have a great day with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving! It’s a short ride until Christmas.

The Happy Tails Shoppe at 186 Main St was recently opened by Lauren so I stopped by to check it out. And you should too especially if you have any dog or cat lovers in your life. It’s a bright space jam packed with all manner of pet necessities and accessories. So many cool items to browse, it’s hard to know where to look at first. Lauren is gracious and helpful. Stop by and welcome the shop to Main Street!