Author: Pat D

Although the storm didn’t produce much snow, there were significant winds and waves. This was the situation at Bearskin Neck in Rockport this afternoon about 2 hours after high tide. Pat and her iPhone got a little saltwater shower.

We went down to the Marine Railways on Rocky Neck for a look around in the calm before the expected storm and found it to be quite busy down there. It appeared our beloved schooner Adventure was preparing to leave the railways while the Meridian was getting work done. Thanks for the tip Liza! It’s ALWAYS interesting to see what’s happening there.

Sharing information from the City regarding an update on the trash collection schedule this week.

We had not been to Common Crow on Eastern Ave in a LONG time, but I needed a couple of items I thought they might have so we stopped by recently. And once again, I found myself a little gobsmacked by the depth and breadth of the offerings available. The staff was ready to assist with the questions I had and while I did not find exactly what I went in for, I left with a couple of treasures for the apartment. If you haven’t been there, it’s worth a stop even if you don’t think you’re “into” natural organic products. There’s something for almost everyone there.

Grover Tree Spa is now open at 28 Washington St (located in 7-11 plaza next to Midori). It’s a lovely relaxing space offering things like facial or body massage; tattoo removal; waxing, microdermabrasion; lash lift and much more. The owner/operator Flavia Ryan is trained and certified to consult with you on your specific needs so stop by or give a call!

We had a such a great day at the store today for Glosta So Schweeeet that I’m going to extend my special offer through tomorrow. We will be at the store 11-3 tomorrow Sunday Feb 11 and Pat D’s Photos will give you a free notecard of your choice with a $20 minimum purchase! If you couldn’t stop by today, please stop in Sunday before you settle in for the Big Game. Here are some of the notecards available for you to choose from.

Along the shore at Long Beach, the sea foam seemed to be playing bumper cars.

We went to Manchester By The Sea for dinner recently and it was very pretty downtown.

We were very happy to be able to attend the Tequila Dinner at Machaca on Rogers St last night. This special ticketed event featured Volans and G4 tastings paired with a 5 course dinner. We were treated to some tequila education and advice, which we both sorely needed as we are not tequila fanciers at all. We enjoyed the food offerings especially the Gordita and the Shrimp Aguachile. The Tres Leche cake was outstanding.

The courses were served to a full house at a nice pace for conversation and food enjoyment. We were joined by Chris L., Jamie M, Nichole W., and Donna R. Luis, Joe and his staff did an outstanding job. I understand they are planning another for April. If you are the least bit intrigued, I recommend you consider it. We know nothing useful about tequila but now we do. It was easy to pace the tastings and I did not feel completely done in by the tequila. That kind of surprised me and might be useful for you to know. ** thanks to Nichole Wadsworth for the assist with the food photos***

We thought it would be fun to take Bravo By The Sea in Manchester up on the offer to provide one free beverage with a dine in experience Mon-Thursday, so we stopped by Monday evening. We were greeted by our friendly server Sari and comfortably seated in the separate side room on Beach St in Manchester. There were a moderate number of other diners enjoying a Monday meal. We ordered a BLT and a meatball sub. The bread and sauce on the meatball sub were just perfectly suited to my tastes and Jim ate every bit of his BLT. Sari was attentive and efficient and let us know early on that we could take advantage of the special offer, which was welcome news. We enjoyed the meal and the atmosphere. and encourage you to consider it especially on a Monday when many places are closed.

Thank you Sclafanis (Washington St) for offering DIY cannoli kits! Even this Irish girl could make a passable plate of treats for Jim. Rachel Ray has nothing to worry about but I can easily assure anyone out there who might be intimidated that this kit made it super easy and fun. Not to mention delicious…….they are available at the store or by preorder in kits of 6 ($24) or 12 ($42).

Pat D’s Photos will be participating in the special event Glosta So Schweeeet promotion this Saturday Feb 10. Come on down to 44 Main St and get yourself some of these schweeeet headbands or sunglasses! You, too, can look as sharp as Chris and Jim! Free notecard with$20 minimum purchase. Enter our raffle drawing just by stopping in. I have some pretty schweeeet Valentine’s Day gift ideas.

Construction is well underway at the Main St location of the Gloucester Police Station and District Court. We did notice that the lovely little “teaching” lobster trap tree remains onsite for anyone missing the real thing. From Construction Manager W.T. Rich: Set for a construction start in June 2022, the project will consist of interior and exterior renovations to all three levels of the structure and will feature exterior envelope improvements, interior renovations, various critical building systems replacements, and the installation of an emergency generator. I am sure the improvements are much needed and will be well appreciated upon completion.

We were delighted to go back to the Cove Cafe on Washington St. yesterday when we needed a little lunch and a few sweet treats. The lemonade bar is out of this world and Jim scarfed up the ricotta brownie. I also got an Italian sandwich. It’s a cozy little deli style place filled with fun menu items and friendly staff. They offer hot and cold food and daily specials. We won’t wait so long to return for the next visit!

Our friend Susan L recently celebrated a birthday so she had a free dinner and dessert added to her Serenitee account. We decided to go to Minglewood Harborside on Rogers St to “cash in”. Bonus, it was wing night (GREAT deal, GREAT wings). In case you were unaware, Minglewood offers specials each weeknight you should consider when making dinner plans. It’s a warm and friendly atmosphere, made even more cozy with the fireplace and music. This evening, there was a special event in the Captains Courageous Room (something to keep in mind for your future events) so it was hopping in there. Hoping to see you there soon! Thanks Minglewood for a great evening with friends.

This weather graphic from WBZ was very hopeful to me. We are apparently coming to the end of solar winter, the darkest period of the year. I suppose that’s the reason for Groundhog Day. We will now begin to see earlier sunrises and later sunsets, for which I am very grateful. The darkest period of the year in combination with the recent dreary weather has been challenging for the photographer in me as well for my general outlook. So it may not feel like it, but we are beginning the swing into spring. **Clocks spring forward Mar 10**

On Sunday’s podcast, we briefly talked about the shrieking of the gulls on Main St. I believe Joey mentioned he hadn’t noticed that too much from our vantage in the West End. That’s all that needed to be said before the gulls began to party.

Sharing news of an exciting promotion from Bravo By The Sea on Beach St in Manchester. We plan to take advantage and hope to see you there!

Sharing information about a unique opportunity Sawyer Free Library is offering to Sign the Beam anytime from 10:30 am – 2:30 PM Feb 1-3.

It’s not Chris + Joe, but we have fun at 44 Main St!