Author: Pat D

The shop will be re-opening this weekend Saturday Jan 17- Monday Jan 19 from 11-3 after taking a bit of a post holiday break. Pat D’s Photos is restocked and ready when you are. These are some of the nightlights available and Joey has some new hats to offer. We are starting our 3rd year on the West End and hope you’ll stop by to say hello. Time flies when you’re having fun! As always, if you see something you are interested in but can’t make it to the store easily, comment here or reach out. We always deliver free locally.

Sharing information about Art Haven’s Buoy Pick Up Party (all 900 of them!)

From John:

“Viva San Pietro!”…In reviewing my photos on a rainy day, I came across this. One of the highlights of 2025 for me was to attend the St Peter’s procession. It is such an amazing and colorful procession with the men dressed in white outfits with green and red ribbons while carrying the statutes and confetti flying everywhere. Here the one man is pointing in the direction of a bystander whom they will stop in front of and pay their respects. They will shout out “Viva San Pietro” and the crowd will follow in unison. I love living in Gloucester and appreciate all the colorful celebrations. Enjoy!

As you may have heard, Stones Pub on Main Street is open every day now for lunch starting at 11:30. We joined Joey there to check it out. We enjoyed some of the ever-present popcorn as we looked over the menu. I had Carolina Wings which were on the specials menu and Jim had the fig panini which were excellent. We topped off the meal with a piece of wonderful carrot cake. A great lunch in a comfortable warm atmosphere. We will return!

Sharing news from Jeff’s Variety Facebook page: seems like a great deal! See you there.

I visited City Hall last week on the first Monday following the inauguration of our new Mayor, Council and School Committee members. City Hall was as peaceful and serene as I usually find it leading me to appreciate the empowerment behind a smooth transition between administrations, councils and school committees across the state and nation.

Our schooners are in various states of hibernation until the 2026 season arrives. Rest up Ernestina Morrissey, Isabella, Ardelle, Adventure and Thomas E. Lannon.

The recent super moon brought very high tides to the coastline. Here’s Nile Beach and Good Harbor during this moon phenomenon.

I was unexpectedly alone for lunch recently and decided to stop by Kings Roast Beef on Main St. I got a Junior Three Way and a chef salad for later. The sandwich was message, but outstanding. Mostly though, take note of this GIANT chef salad covered in yummy roast beef. It’s priced on the high side but totally still a value since Jim and I each got dinner out of it. Joey joined me shortly and enjoyed his own meal but I think this chef salad gets a chef’s kiss!

The Stubby Knowles landing seems to encompass all the hopes and possibilities ahead for 2026. Seems especially true in the winter months.

Sharing exciting news from Machaca on Rogers St. $3 Bar Bites Tuesday-Sunday from 4:30-5:30 with purchase of cocktail or margarita at the bar.

Hopping on the sharing our top favorites from the past year as we look forward to the New Year: here are my personal Top Ten from around Cape Ann in 2025. Some of these you will see in new Pat D’s Photos items when we reopen January 18 to celebrate our third anniversary. Thank to all of you for your continued support at 44 Main Street. If you have any thoughts on what you’d like to see on a new nightlight, print or notecard feel free to comment there or reach out.

Sharing information regarding the start of the work at the Cut Bridge that could affect you: starting Wednesday Jan 7:

We joined our friends Susan and Leo at the Boat House on John Wise Ave (133) in Essex for a late lunch/early dinner on New Year’s Eve. We were seated quickly though the place was pretty busy with others thinking in a similar manner. The customers seemed to be in extra jolly spirits. We were thrilled to meet a familiar serving face in Madeline though she wasn’t our server. We also ran into a guy wearing familiar head gear in the form of one of Joey’s hats! They are everywhere!

We ordered a clam plate and an oyster plate for Susan and Leo. Jim had one of the specials Salmon Caesar Salad and I got broiled cajun haddock. The meals were served promptly and were at appropriate temps and DELICIOUS. There was a mountain of both the clams and the oysters. Susan especially enjoyed the onion rings. For the sake of the blog and celebrating the end of the year, we ordered the carrot cake for GMG Jim. It was a large slice and he brought some home. In all, we were very happy with our meal and the service.

We started our New Year’s Eve at the Talbot Rink watching our very own JV Boys Ice Hockey team. A couple of our favorite GHS students play for this team and we wanted to cheer them on and show our pride. The team came away with a decisive win 5-1 over Beverly. Though these photos aren’t great largely due to the wonky lighting at the rink, I thought some of you might enjoy this photo dump. Great job team! We look forward to watching the development of your team.

So long 2025 and welcome 2026. Jim and I wish you all the very best in the upcoming year with just enough disappointment to allow you to cherish the joys. It’s a lot to ponder when you think about the past year and anticipate the new one, but don’t put extra pressure on yourself because of the date on the calendar. In the meantime, I hope you can appreciate just a few more pictures of our beautiful Lobster Trap Tree this year; some taken at angles you may not have previously seen.

Our fishermen work even after dark and it’s quite a beautiful sight from the water. Thank you! Fair winds in 2026.

We were out and about and decided to stop at Destinos on Prospect Street for some lunch. I enjoy the Buffalo Checken Finger platter (hooray for skinny fries!) and Jim always likes the salad bar options in addition to his sandwich. This time he choose the weekday special of fried haddock. Did you know they have weekday specials now? Anyhow, the place was hopping as expected but school vacation was also at play. If I were a parent of school age children, I’d pick Destinos also as a way to get them out of the house during vacation! We enjoyed our lunch and look forward to returning.

We noticed quite a bit of signage down on Rocky Neck, which is a little bit sleepy at this time of year. But there is still quite a bit going on! 51 Rocky Neck, Joe’s Fish Prints, Salted Cod and more.

Jim and I were fortunate to have our friend Chris Langathianos offer to take us out at sunset for a look at the Lobster Trap Tree from the water. The water was very calm but the air was frigid. He was kind enough to take us out anyhow and we are very appreciative. The tree looks extra special from the water. This view is one of the reasons I love having the tree at the current location on the Harbor Loop. Cheers Chris L!