Author: Pat D

One week until the famous Cape Ann Makers Market at the Cruiseport!! You’re going to want to put this one on your calendar. Two floors filled with local vendors and their wares. Pat D’s Photos will be there along with our friends Donna Ardizzoni (Ardizzoni Photography); Deanna Fay (Hold Fast); and Anna Eves (Cape Ann Sea Salt) and many more! Perfect opportunity to knock off some of those items on our gift list and say hello to friends and neighbors.

Everybody’s favorite wreath, Keith, is out and about town. He’s ready for any selfie you might want during store hours at 44 Main St. Welcome back Keith! I know some of you out there were missing him……PS he has his own Instagram account KeithIsAWreath in case you want to check it out. He’s seen here saying “so long for now” to the boulevard garden beds and at 44 Main St.

Joey’s recent post regarding white tail deer in rut at this time of year brought back to mind this massive battle we witnessed in November 2018 at the Parker River Wildlife Refuge. These young bucks were clearly displaying rut behaviors in this extended battle at high tide. They each got soaked, it appears that one came out with a damaged antler though they each demonstrated fierce buck behaviors. I posted about this at the time (here’s the link) but this seems like a great opportunity to share some additional photos and details. When they finished, they were each panting and shaking off the water. At one point, I got such a stare-down that I was preparing to flee using my monopod as protection. It did not come to that and we were at quite a distance, but it was still memorable. Watch out for deer especially at this time of year.

We came across this pair of eagle recently in West Gloucester not far from a nest I presume will soon be seeing some activity. Bald eagle in our area generally begin their nesting season in December. This time period includes nest preparation and courtship. We always hope for eggs sometime early in the new year. This scene may be a prelude to another eagle family developing in our area this season. Fingers crossed.

The season of craft fairs and shopping events is upon us. I know many of you are interested in the local craft shows so I thought I would share where Pat D’s Photos will be if not at 44 Main St. This is not an inclusive list of all local events, but this is where you can find GMG Jimmy and I in our bright pink shirts between now and Christmas. This is what we have scheduled so far:

Sat Nov 29 Cape Ann Makers Market Cruiseport 10-4

Sun Nov 30 Marketplace at Minglewood 11-3

Sat Dec 6 Holiday Show Gloucester Elks 10-3

Fri Dec 12 Manchester American Legion Sip and Shop 5-9 PM

Sat Dec 13 UU Church Gloucester Holiday Fair 9-1:30

In addiiton, we’ll be open extra hours at 44 Main St for the upcoming Ladies Day Dec 4 and Mens Day Dec 11 so mark those dates!

We expect these nightlights to be very popular and I recommend getting yours early to avoid disappointment. Here’s a customer comment on their order:

We have been watching the development of the Marshview Farm General Store on Main Street in Essex for several months and were thrilled to learn they opened for business and few days ago. We had to take a look and it’s not your typical farmstand! The space is open and welcoming with views to the river. We saw numerous local products including cider, fresh vegetables, wine, bread and more. There is also some seating with a river view. Parking is easy and there was plenty of assistance available. I suggest swinging in and taking a look for yourself next time you’re in Essex.

Extra special experience today at the Gloucester House!

We were glad to see the annual tree from Shelburne arrive in Gloucester a few days ago thanks to the efforts of Ringo, Joe, Nick C and Nick D. The 32 foot fir has been set up and is preparing for the annual parade to be held Sun Nov 30 at 3 PM with the tree lighting as the event’s conclusion. This tree tradition is in its 31st year thank largely to Ringo Tarr. It’s a blessing for the entire community to get to view this bright shining example of friendship between Shelburne and Gloucester. Keith the Wreath just had to get out there to greet the tree to the neighborhood.

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!