Author: Pat D

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.

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!