Author: Pat D

Since I am going to miss the 40th annual Schooner Fest this weekend, I have been trying to “absorb” schooner experiences any way that I can. Last week we took a lovely sail with the Thomas E. Lannon and were entertained by Chris + Joe. Several friends also came along on this practically perfect sunset sail. If you haven’t gone on a schooner sail recently, this is the weekend to do it! Highly recommended any time but especially during Schooner Fest. Check Maritime Gloucester for details. Thank you Heath for another amazing experience on the Lannon! **You may notice these photos resemble a recent post from Nichole, who also documented the event in her special amazing way** Thanks for the inspiration Nichole.

Submitted by Cat Cavallini and Doug Johnson:

PRESS RELEASE:

“This Saturday, 8/31 there will be a reception at Annisquam Studios, between 3:00pm – 6:00pm. Come see paintings by Keith Rendall, Jill Goldman-Callahan, and Marti Reed, along with the work of ceramicist Bob Callahan. Food and refreshments served.”

We took a late afternoon stroll around St. Peter’s Town Landing where I found it to be quite pretty. I thought you might enjoy it too.

Submitted by FOB Susan L; sunset shots from the Lobster in East Gloucester. Glorious! Thank you Susan and Leo! I love the window reflection.

The kick off concert for the 40th Schooner Festival is scheduled for Wed Aug 28 at The Cut with Booty Vortex! Get your tickets here: https://thecutlive.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=92

The construction of the Sawyer Free Library seems to be coming right along. The expected completion date is early 2025 so that’s coming right up! For more information on the project, check out this link. In the meantime, the staff is doing a great job at the temporary location on Main St above Mystery Train!

It might not come to mind first when you think Margarita Monday, but it’s well worth a spot on your list: George’s on Washington St. We enjoyed a late lunch accompanied by a strawberry margarita at the bar and we will be doing that again it was so much fun! It happened to be pretty quiet in there when we stopped by but that didn’t stop the level of the service or meal enjoyment. I had a fajita bowl and Jim enjoyed his quesadilla.

Some favorite night time images on the water that I thought you might like. The lights one the dark water are among my favorites. Darkness can make the common seem uncommon.

I got tipped off that the Ernestina Morrissey was at the Railways on Rocky Neck getting some TLC (thank you Liz). While there, I met up with Janet, a loyal FOB and fellow schooner fan. What a joy to be included in tips, greeted warmly at a photo location AND up close and personal with a massive schooner! We love where we live.

When I saw the bevy of surfers enjoying the remnants of Ernesto, I couldn’t help but wonder what a group of surfers is called. Is like an animal grouping: a murder of crows etc?

Anyhow, it’s good to note that beach enthusiasts should check to make sure their favorite beach is open before leaving the house. We’ve had a number of closures recently that appear to be storm related. The Gloucester Beaches Facebook page is a good place to start.

We decided to stop in at Cape Ann Lanes on Gloucester Ave for lunch at Laneside Pub and Brewery. It wasn’t quite nice enough to eat outside, but there is outside seating available. We had some brew and snacks including pizza and an appetizer assortment platter. The place was hopping with families bowling and enjoying the games as well as the grub! When you enter, you are greeting in a friendly manner and service is prompt and efficient. It’s a nice little break if you are seeking such.

We are not the only ones who like to stop here and just watch for birds or enjoy the serenity. It’s especially pretty draped in a little fog.

Pat D’s Photos has a special offer on Fungia Face Dog Toys until the end of the month while supplies last. These sturdy rope pull toys feature Joey’s fungia face and are available at a reduced price until the end of the month while supplies last. Stop by 44 Main St or order here. I plan to be at the store Thursday 1-5 pm; Friday and Saturday 11-5 pm and Sunday 11-3 pm this week. Reach out or stop by if interested. We always offer free local delivery.

Blue Fungia Face Dog Toy

Sturdy rope pull toy available at a reduced price while supplies last or until the end of the month.

$14.00

Yellow Fungia Face Dog Toy

Sturdy rope pull toy available at a reduced price while supplies last or until the end of the month.

$15.00

Red Fungia Face Dog Toy

Sturdy rope pull toy available at a reduced price while supplies last or until the end of the month.

$15.00

Another week has gone by and it’s Margarita Monday again. This time we went to the Lobster and I got “Summer’s Naut Over” … a nicely spicy margarita with a summery touch of pineapple and mango. We also ordered the lobster cobb salad (a gorgeous creation) with the special smashburger of the day. We were able to sit at the bar and had friendly, efficient service. It’s quite a nice treat to have the Lobster available!

We enjoyed a little fog and haze greeting us a couple of mornings ago…….

We decided to take a ride to Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury a few days ago to see the sunflower field. The field was a little past peak so that was a small disappointment but the 50 min ride up there did not go to waste. They have a great farm shop AND lots of kid friendly (free) activities including a trike playground, chickens, equipment to explore and more. If you have children looking for some thing to do, you might consider taking the ride with them. It will provide a couple of hours of free entertainment.

We’ve had so much fun on the Tuesday Schooner Challenges from Maritime Gloucester that we had to go out again last week. It wasn’t the prettiest day, but it we were still out on the water with some of our favorite local schooners. We were aboard Isabella with AJ as our captain and Amanda as crew. The Ardelle and the Thomas E. Lannon were also participating. Always fun and a great take if you have guests in town.

I chased the sun around the harbor a couple of nights ago. It had been raining a bit as dusk approached but then the sun popped out in time for some interesting skies. I am sure many of you will recognize these locations. The sights included a small rainbow across the harbor which you can barely see in these photos as I only had my phone with me.

Maybe some of you have followed my travails with putting together the mini block Lego-style puffin that I recently purchased from Pauline’s Gifts on Essex Ave. This is the final result. He looks a little pixelated due to the teeny tiny mini blocks used to construct him: 443 of these according to the 31 steps of instructions! There was more than a little bit of swearing and searching on my knees for fallen pieces but we got there! I challenged my Facebook friends to guess where we would end up over/under on pieces at completion and I thought you all might be interested in the results. Drum roll…….there were 90 (!!) EXTRA pieces left over! I found that astonishing. Pauline has suggested I work on the lobster next and I think I’m going to take her up on it. This puffin will reside at 44 Main St. Open this week Thursday 1-5; Saturday 11-5 and Sunday 11-3. (Taking Friday off with company in town).

Cat Cavallini submits these photos and reports “You’ve probably seen this on Main Street! I’ll check it out just for the name.” Thank you Cat!