Sharing Facebook info from Gloucester Beaches ( this is a screen shot so link within is not live) Link for more info: https://tinyurl.com/3fn84ecv

I pulled into the parking area of a local business and discovered these sheds which seem to have a story to tell. It’s intriguing to think about their history and develop stories of your own.

I stopped at Eastern Point to watch some wave action and just get a view of the landscape. Surprisingly I was there alone but I enjoyed the time for reflection and photo taking.

We stopped by Machaca on Rogers St Sunday afternoon but we didn’t intend to eat. And then we saw the weekend afternoon appetizer specials! It was time for early dinner/late lunch (linner? dunch?). I had to have the caldo soup (not on the special app menu) as well as the taquitos. Jim had Mexican pizza. LOVED the beef taquitos; just the right portion. Jim very much enjoyed his pizza as did Joey when he arrived as well and finished it up. The caldo soup was perfect for that cold afternoon. What a nice surprise this late afternoon break turned out to be. Thanks Luis and Joe and all the staff for making it great.

Turner’s Seafood in Gloucester on Smith St gets a big shoutout from our friends Susan and Leo….”So today, Leo and I ordered 14 oysters from Turner’s Seafood Market in Gloucester. Asked for them to be shucked and an assortment. I asked that they mark them for me. So here are the results. We are more than pleased. Kudos to the kids at Turner’s. Great job.”

I concur. Photo credits to Susan L!

I’ve been curious about the Power of Play event organized by the Gloucester Education Foundation and since FOB Susan L was planning to volunteer, I decided to drop in yesterday. WOW! The GHS gym was jam packed with activities and families and it seemed the kids were having a ball. One genius move by the organizers was to collect up dozens of empty cardboard boxes and just throw them in a corner for the children to decide how to arrange. There were many other activities and games offered for movement, game play and strategy skills. In short, there was something to please everyone. I even got to say hello to one of my favorite young Gloucestermen. Kudos to the sponsors, the organizers and the many volunteers for this obviously popular free event. See you next time!

We were invited to preview the upcoming “Gertrude Cawein at Hammond Castle Museum” Exhibition and chat with Dr. Gregory Conn, a well known expert on artist Eric Pape. Pape had a number of connections to Gloucester which you will be able to learn by visiting this exhibition Friday April 5 – Saturday April 28. It’s going to be a rare opportunity to view this collection of artwork with the Gertrude Cawein full length portrait as its centerpiece.

But, don’t rely on me. Here’s the release from the Hammond Castle Museum with more details and in depth information:

The “Gertrude Cawein at Hammond Castle Museum” Exhibition Offers A Rare Glimpse into the World of Eric Pape’s Society Portraits

Hammond Castle Museum Brings the Former Annisquam Resident’s Rarely Seen Works Back to Cape Ann with an Extensive Exhibit of Nearly 60 Pieces.

Gloucester, Massachusetts – 2/26/2024– Hammond Castle Museum is proud to present “Gertrude Cawein at Hammond Castle Museum,” a new exhibition featuring the works of Eric Pape (1870 – 1938). A former Annisquam resident and designer of the Tablet Rock Memorial in Gloucester’s Stage Fort Park, this exhibit marks a homecoming for this extraordinary collection of nearly 60 pieces from Pape’s extensive portfolio.

At the heart of this exhibition is the full-length portrait of Gertrude Cawein (oil on canvas, 75 x 52 inches framed), painted by Pape in 1907 and loaned by the Filson Historical Society in Louisville, KY. For the first time outside the Filson, visitors can witness this rare example of Pape’s work as a society portraitist. Upon arrival to the Museum, Gertrude will undergo important conservation by conservator, Timothy Neill, prior to the exhibit opening.

With many pieces on loan from the private collection of esteemed Pape collector and
biographer, Dr. Gregory Conn, this exhibit offers a unique insight into Pape’s multifaceted talents. Renowned as a painter and society portraitist, Pape’s brilliance shines through various mediums, including pencil, pen, watercolors, and oils.
Admission to the “Gertrude Cawein at Hammond Castle Museum” exhibition will include self- guided tours of the Museum. Hammond Castle Museum members enjoy free access to the exhibit. During the school vacation week (April 15 – 19 th ) children aged 12 and under will have free admission to the exhibit with reservation. Virtual tour access will also be offered making this the most accessible Pape exhibit ever offered.

The exhibition not only showcases Gertrude’s portrait but also highlights the intricate world of Eric Pape’s artistry, offering a unique glimpse into Pape’s role as a portraitist and including examples of his celebrity portraits created during the Great Depression. A limited selection of artworks from the Hammond Castle Museum’s previous 2023 “Pape at Hammond Castle Museum” exhibit will also be on display. The three Pape paintings on permanent display within the Museum, including the sole surviving mural of the celebrated artist, “The Wireless Naval Battle of Gloucester Bay,” will also be featured. The Museum Shop will host a limited number of copies of Dr. Conn’s newest biography, “Eric Pape in the New York Herald Tribune,” which delves into Pape’s work as a society portraitist. The exhibition also marks the announcement of
the launch of Dr. Conn’s new website, ericpape.com, featuring free flip books of all five of his published Pape biographies.

The connection between the Cawein family, Eric Pape, and Gloucester runs deep. Madison Cawein, known as the Keats of Kentucky and Gertrude’s husband, wrote a poignant Ode to the founding of Gloucester for the 1907 Gloucester Day celebrations, during which time Pape presented his iconic Tablet Rock Memorial. The exhibition will also feature an elaborate pen and ink drawing by Pape, representing Madison’s moving elegy upon the death of Pape’s first wife, Alice Monroe Pape, in 1911.

Hammond Castle Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built from 1926 through 1929 and incorporated as a museum in 1930, the castle was the home and laboratory of John Hays Hammond Jr. Known as “The Father of Radio Control,” he is one of the nation’s most prolific inventors of the 20th century. Hammond’s extensive list of patents, his work with radio control, and his work on guided torpedoes for the military are on display. The Museum offers tours and numerous educational and cultural events throughout the year. It is also available for private event rentals. For more information, please contact Hammond Castle Museum at 978-283-2080 or visit hammondcastle.org.

Thank you Mary Goldberg for the invitation as well as photo credit for the Madonna and Child photo shown here.

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The beach is endlessly fascinating but especially for a toddler who doesn’t get to see the ocean very often.

Update from Hammond Castle on the Easter Egg Hunt originally scheduled for tomorrow Saturday March 23. Now scheduled for Saturday March 30. I had an opportunity to view ALL the eggs waiting to be hidden! There are so many. It’s sure to be a fun event.

Yella on the Water along the boulevard in Gloucester announced their opening for 2024!

We decided to try out the special Senior Lunch menu options at Fox Creek Tavern in Ipswich with my brother and his wife. We hadn’t been there in a while and it was along our bird watching route so we stopped. First thing to note is that you need to ask for the senior menu in order to take advantage of the options. A beverage order is required (beyond water) but that’s generally not an issue for us! There are several items from the regular menu offered in smaller portions at a reduced price. Three of us enjoyed the fish tacos and Jim tried the pot pie. We all left very satisfied with our meals. Just the right size lunch portions so it was a big win. If you’re eligible (65+), give it a try M-F 11:30-4 until May 31. PS they also feature daily specials AND Easter brunch reservations are available.

Family was visiting last weekend and some were interested in checking out the seals hauled out at low tide in the springtime sunshine, so we went down. There were maybe 10-12 seals enjoying a little break. It’s always fun to see them. There were also quite a few birds for our birdwatching visitors.

Saturday afternoon at the Rhumb Line promises to be extra fun. Stop by if you can. Hope to see you there!

Sometimes I take a walk around the block when I am at the store and the library construction project along with the adjacent senior housing project at the former YMCA is fascinating. Here is the progress from a recent walk.

***LATE BREAKING NEWS that pre-applications are being taken for the John J. Meany Senior Affordable Housing through May 1. ***** Learn more here at this link.

We saw our friend the adult eagle along Little River a few days ago enjoying the sun. My limited experience with eagles has taught me that each has its own personality and this particular eagle is a bit skittish. So I am extra careful to keep my distance and remain quiet in its presence so it won’t fly off before I’ve had a chance to watch for a while. It very clearly acknowledged my presence with the stare down you see here. It’s a little unnerving. However, it did stick around while I chatted with a neighbor out for a run with her dog for which I was grateful

Happy St. Patrick’s Day. I consider myself very lucky to be living in Gloucester and Half Moon Beach is one of the places that makes me happiest year round, so I thought today would be a good time to share these. I know some of you out there have many wonderful and warm memories from Half Moon Beach and Stage Fort Park.

Save the date Wednesday May 1 from 4 pm to close for a special fundraiser at Minglewood on Rogers St. Not only will it be Wing Night, but also fundraising to benefit maintenance on our beloved Greasy Pole. I’d call it Wednesday Wing Night Win Win.

I am having a heck of a time keeping up with my Irish Coffee posts (first world problems) but the big day is rapidly approaching so here’s the second installment. First, we have the Irish Coffee served at Oliver’s Harbor on Main St. This one got BIG points not only for the cherry on top but the added delightful rich fruity syrup! Super yummy. The second is from Tonno on Main St. As you can see, this did not include whipped cream but was appreciated for it’s more realistic flavor including the Bailey’s and the Jameson. In addition, it was served in a coffee mug, which I appreciate. The third one was made and served by our very own Nichole, so bonus points right there, at the Rhumb Line on Railroad Ave. Two cherries on top, so double bonus. It was served like coffee should be served….very hot and steamy so win win. Slainte! Hoping to get one more installment in before Sunday! No need to beware the Ides of March with these great choices in town!

The Princess Laura, Angela & Rose and Emily Teresa returning to home port recently. Always a pleasure!

It’s March so it’s time for me to try the various Irish coffee options in the area. I am a little late in catching up with this effort so this post will cover three options. I am open to suggestions so share your favorites!

First, a surprise option at the AmVets is their Irish coffee which is quite good! I like the serving mug which make me feel like I am having my morning coffee. The atmosphere is also a winner.

The second option is from the Anchor Bar in Danvers. You can’t really lose with a cherry on top though drinking from a pub glass isn’t my favorite option. It was delicious and well priced though.

Welcome back to the Gloucester House and the friendly staff! Here’s their version of an Irish Coffee. It’s very satisfying and I’ll have another one day very soon.

I’ve been told using “real” whipped cream is a no brainer but I understand why most establishments cannot do that. Whenever I am asked if I want the whipped cream, I say YES regardless. Where else should I go? Rhumb Line is coming up next in the rotation.