Author: Pat D

A very tricky rescue operation was performed out on our deck recently…….

Update from George’s on Washington St from Facebook:

Winter home for Captain Obvious.

I have made a tradition of going out into the snow and stomping out a Valentine’s Day heart for GMG Jim each year. This year, the extra snowfall made a special playground for the wildlife in our back yard, so I used the paths created to form this year’s heart. It delights me to think the animals helped with this year’s heart. But I had to chuckle when I came across one spot in which poop was left behind. So GMG Jim’s Valentine’s Day heart also includes a very specially deposited greeting from the wildlife. Happy Valentine’s Day to all!

I wanted to try a different location for a roast beef 3 way so we stopped by Gloucester Pizza and Roast Beef on Eastern Ave for lunch. I was pleasantly surprised to find several tables available in a neat, open and well lit area so we sat down. We noticed it seemed to be a popular stop for the working crowd. The menu has lots of choices and the service was efficient and friendly. Keep in mind I am not a foodie and Joey doesn’t trust my judgement but my roast beef sandwich was tasty and satisfying. It’s an acceptable 3 way for a pizza place…….(from someone who only knows what makes her stomach happy)….. We look forward to returning with our grandchildren due to the seating and menu choices.

Did you know our Beauport Hotel is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year? Time flies, as they say and the hotel just seems to get better and better. To mark the anniversary, the hotel is offering a number of specials including room packages. We took advantage of that and booked a room for our son and his new wife. They came to visit for the weekend and we thought the Beauport would make a nice mini-honeymoon for them since they didn’t take one yet. Last year, we had a staycation for ourselves also in February so maybe we’ve started a little tradition. Anyhow, the package we booked included a champagne toast and dessert voucher. Our new daughter in law shared these pictures with us (thanks Bekah!) It was a very enjoyable experience for them. Maybe keep in in mind for yourselves or special visitors someday soon. Thank you Beauport staff for helping make their mini honeymoon weekend special.

If you’re from away, maybe you’ll be interested in just how much snow has been removed recently by checking out this video of the snow piles currently at the Good Harbor Beach parking lot. Keep in mind this is not the only location for snow piles, but I do think it’s the largest in the City. The DPW has done a GREAT job with these last two storms within just a few days of each other.

We found this young eagle recently in Manchester waiting for his next meal to make itself known. It soon flew off and circled the cove. Winter is the best time of the year for eagle watchers like myself. Young eagles present such a hopeful sight any time of the year but winter is my favorite time for eagle watching. They seem to be thriving on Cape Ann.

Our son and daughter-in-law visted in the cold and snow this past weekend and we had dinner at the Seaport Grile seeking comfort food and comforting atmosphere. In short, it was a win-win. We ordered a feast including bang bang shrimp, seared scallops, swordfish, shrimp tacos and the gigunda fisherman’s platter. Shout out to Luiz who was our efficient and cheerful server. Our guests were very happy with their choices (especially the Bloody Mary!) and we all left happy and full of delicious food. Cheers Seaport Grille! Locals keep in mind their anniversary celebration coming up in March….stay tuned for details.

Yesterday’s weather created havoc for downtown merchants but today is a new day! Swing by the downtown stores today for some Schweeeet deals. Pat D’s Photos will be open 11-3 . We will extend our deals through Valentine’s Day Thursday and Friday 11-3.

Alert from the City:

Gloucester Parking Ban: Start 12:00pm NOON Today, Sat, Feb, 7th – ends 8:00PM Sat 2/7/26. All cars must be removed from school parking lots by 10:00PM tonight to ensure proper snow removal before school resumes Monday. No East Vets Parking. Check City Website for updates.

This wood carving was created by my very talented nephew and it’s a first edition (which I stole from his mother, my sister). It seemed providence that this beauty came into my life the very weekend that the Lily Jean news was unfolding. We were away as details emerged and the community gasped in horror. Support and assistance was immediately offered without question and once again our fishing families and community came together.

Jim and I were aching to be home as our community was reeling. I came to understand that our desire to return was based in part on the urge to be present, to bear witness and to help shoulder the grief and shock. Shared sorrow is a tie that binds. For us, it feels like a responsibility as a Gloucester citizen to help carry the burden. Not to lessen it, but to embrace it on behalf of all those families past and present who have had to live on and move forward without their loved ones at their sides. Bless us all.

In case you needed another reason to visit our local shops and restaurants, here you go. Pat D’s Photos will be at the Minglewood Market Sip and Shop Saturday Feb 7 from 11-4 and at 44 Main Street Sunday 11-3. Check out our sweet merch for your Valentine!

These photos are submitted by Susan LaRosa as she viewed the full moon rise over the harbor earlier this week. I am struck by how peaceful it is. Thank you Susan!

Pat D’s Photos will be at Minglewood Saturday Feb 7 along with several other local vendors in preparation for Valentines Day. Also just in case you want to get out and “mingle”! Stop by our table and check out some of the sweet items for a loved one in your life.

We stopped by Masconomo Park on Beach St in Manchester to check out the snowfall effects. The blanket of snow doesn’t hide the beauty and peace of the park, even if it did cover up the seating options.

The Dress Code on Main Street has announced it is closing soon. From Facebook:

Just in time to cure the winter blues, Mile Marker on Essex Ave has opened the pool! Call 978-283-2116 to reserve!

We did a little ride around checking out some of our favorite spots in Manchester after the recent snow storm. Low tide in the winter at Tuck’s Point was actually quite beautiful. It allowed me to expore a little further than I usually am able to do and it was so quiet and peaceful!

Sharing from Facebook. Thank you Sefatia.