Author: Pat D

I was trying avoid current news headlines as I was scrolling but came across this urgent news from the ABC News Facebook page that I thought you might find…….funny? interesting? I don’t even know what to say except maybe shouting is a more effective technique that could be used in other circumstances (such as annoying Merry Castaways) This is hilarious anyhow. 61 seagulls and french fries….those clever British researchers.

It was very dreary last Monday and we decided to return to Bravo By The Sea on Beach St in Manchester for their Monday special Detroit style pizza. It was exactly the right choice. That pizza is out of this world good! It takes a little longer to prepare but the wait is well worth it….as well as fairly reasonably priced for a dinner for two. It’s worth the short ride to make Monday feel just a little better.

Sharing information from the Kent Circle Tree Lighting Facebook page:

We happened upon this Blue Heron recently. I miss seeing so many of them around but look forward to the winter birds!

In case you are wondering about times and locations for today’s Veterans Day Observances (sharing image from Cape Ann Veteran Services:

We stopped by the new shop at 260 Main St: Nellie’s, Nelson’s sister shop. They have done a great job with the layout and selections offered. I picked up a gift and a sweater for myself. Don’t sleep on the children’s section!

Sharing an opportunity to make a local woman’s difficult situation a little bit better:https://gofund.me/8c0232184

There are many very good reasons to make a stop at Minglewood on Rogers St. For one, they have a Sunday Bar Bites menu that looks like a lot of fun as you are watching the games on their TVs. For another, the Serenitee app gives you random bonus points AND a free birthday entree and dessert. We went with the idea of cashing in our birthday reward. So I had the haddock burrito and Jim ordered a smashburger. AND…(for the sake of the blog)…we ordered the chocolate chip cookie sundae for dessert. We dove into dessert so fast, I forgot the photo. You’re going to have to use your imagination a bit. We always enjoy stopping by Minglewood. There’s always something going on there!

Every now and again, I like to take a walk through the grounds of the Essex Shipbuilding Museum on Main St. in Essex. There’s so much character within and it’s especially pretty with fall colors. If you’re looking for an organization to support, check them out at this link!

Stubby Knowles Landing is a favorite stop no matter the time of year, but fall presents extra special beauty to appreciate.

We went to Tonno on Main St in Gloucester last Monday specifically to try the Petit Portions entrees. It was very quiet when we stopped in, largely due to darkness crashing down so darn early the day after the time change…..and….Monday….Anyhow, the quiet atmosphere did not diminish the experience in any way. The service (as always) was outstanding (shout out to Lindsey and others) and the food spot on delicious. We ordered garlic bread, a salad, chicken parmesan and Sunday Sauce. The portions are perfectly sized for finishing your plate….no steps lost in the preparation or presentation. We also ordered Irish coffee and cannolis so we could linger a bit. A wonderfun Monday evening dinner outing, thanks to Tonno!

Sharing from John Abisamra:

Good morning Pat…hope you are doing well. Can you post the following photo and words in Good Morning Gloucester? Thank you!

“Footbridge to the Heavens”…There are many beautiful places on Cape Ann but this place is a favorite. Even before sunrise there are many cars lined up by the Good Harbor footbridge to watch mother nature’s show. It was a cloudy morning and golden clouds mixed in with the patches of blue sky. The soft light enhanced the colors of the footbridge with some nice reflections on the inlet. The Sherman Cottage loomed in the distance on the right and Salt Island and Thacher Island lighthouse and homes could be seen in the distance on the left. There even was a single egret looking for its next meal. Enjoy!

It’s Lundberg over Verga unofficially in Ward 1.

This is your red-white-and-blue reminder to go vote today. If you have questions about your polling place, hours or the ballot, check out this link to the City of Gloucester Elections page. If you live in Ward 1, I’ll be manning a table there! Don’t forget the PTO Bake Sale too!

In case you are wondering where I will be having dinner the early part of next week….here’s a hint: Tonno Gloucester on Main St.

In honor of the Day of the Dead remembrances, I decided to bring back my Ghost Ship image (taken from Cadillac Mountain in Maine). It’s an interesting holiday and here’s some additional info if interested. Remember and honor your ancestors.

The Ernestina-Morrissey is looking pretty spiffy down there at the Marine Railways on Rocky Neck!

Sharing information from the City of Gloucester Facebook page regarding your opportunity to comment on this project idea. Here’s the link: http://www.mbta.com/projects/water-transportation-study

We took a ride to Parker River National Wildlife Refuge a few days ago and it was pretty quiet there perhaps due to the federal shutdown. But we ran across this delightful group of egrets which came as a surprise to me as I thought most had migrated by now. They were peacefully minding their own business until a couple of ducks starting harassing them. This caused a pair to take off in tandem which looks pretty cool.

When I got home I looked up the collective noun for egrets and they include “congregation” (most common as well as most obvious). Others included “wedge”; “skewer”; and “siege”. But the one I liked best is more humorous “RSVP”……

We went back to The Burn on Main St. recently for lunch on one of these cold wet days. I’ll admit I was in search of some comfort in the form of food or drink! I had the rice bowl with carne asada and Jim got the lunch special fish chowder, burger and beer. The place was pretty busy and the service was friendly and prompt. We both enjoyed our entrees…Jim especially enjoyed the fish in his fish chowder. We look forward to returning.