Author: Pat D

Our friend Pauline of Pauline’s Gifts on Essex Ave is offering this new design of the Riverdale-Annisquam Coach as an ornament in limited numbers. Sales will benefit Friends of Seacoast. Get yours today!

I took a walk around the Marine Railways on Rocky Neck to check out the trawler Mr. Pete. I always can find something interesting and worth a share down there.

Hmmm……I’m intrigued…..More info and details here.

We went up to the Paint Factory because the sky was so pretty and I wanted to see the Gloucester skyline from that side of the harbor. What we found was a construction project underway and a whole bunch of dirt! We also saw a couple of large pleasure vessels docked there. Nice to see progress and usage over there. The sky looked pretty cool too.

Sharing an update regarding new date for Community Safety Day from the Gloucester Police Department:

Blackburn Brewfest is scheduled for Saturday Sept 16 at Stage Fort Park from 1-5 PM. GMG Jim will be assisting with the parking and I will be helping with tickets so be sure to say hello. Support the Cape Ann Community Foundation by stopping by. Tickets available for designated drivers as well as tasters. Food and beer with over 20 local breweries and live music !! Tickets and additional information available here.

I image this is the elevator shaft for the future John J. Meany Senior Housing complex at the former YMCA on Middle St. Further information available at this link.

The dahlias along the boulevard are looking spectacular and speak so well of the City and it’s citizens, many thanks always to the Generous Gardeners. But it’s not just the dahlias…..there’s amazing choreography to the selected plantings done each year and those deserve some applause and attention too. All of it seems to be more beautiful since Sept. 11 2001.

It’s always great to get feedback from our followers. Sharing photos sent from Cat Cavallini in response to Friday’s skies and storm clouds. She says:

“hey pat I loved and appreciated your GMG photos this morning of the storm coverage! I barely made it back kayaking from 10 Pond  to Niles Beach and it was a stormy scary blast I was shocked how windy it got when I finally made it back to shore. Gotta love the weather up here it’s magnificent!  have a great weekend. 

Cat”

Pat D’s Photos has new items available including these wonderful indoor/outdoor flags. Each is 28″ x 40″, printed on both sides of very durable cloth and ready to hang. These feature local scenes and will make great holiday gifts–easy to mail if needed, though we deliver to Cape Ann for free. Further information is available at my website Pat D’s Photos or by contacting me through Good Morning Gloucester or at my Facebook page Pat Ds Photos and Adventures. We do not have a storefront but you never know when you might see us “Pop Up” somewhere!

Sharing information from Chris Maney regarding the upcoming Cemetery Rededication at Clark’s Cemetery (Centennial Ave) Sat Sept 16, another Gloucester 400+ event. The event is free but you are encouraged to register here. Rain date Sept 17.

I’m throwing my hat in the ring with the Friday afternoon storm clouds around the harbor. So interesting how they changed as I went from State Pier to Rocky Neck to Good Harbor. Timestamps on these only range about 30 minutes.

I don’t know if you noticed that Mile Marker is now open on Mondays and Tuesdays for lunch, dinner and drinks on the deck. On Labor Day Monday, it seemed like a good spot to celebrate the unofficial end of summer and unofficial end of Margarita Monday (I was reminded that summer doesn’t officially end for a couple of weeks, so…..). I had the baby back rib appetizer and Jim loved his turkey chaffle sandwich. And, of course, a margarita: strawberry watermelon! I told the bartender to surprise me with a fun flavor and it was perfection. Mile Marker deck is a great place to meet new friends and hug old friends but I don’t know how long the Monday/Tuesday opening will last so maybe get down there ASAP. We might see you! **And before someone asks: Mile Marker is on Essex Ave. Let’s see who reads to the bottom of the post **

Felix’s Family Farm in Ipswich on Lowes Lane (formerly Tip Top Tulips/School Street Sunflowers) has their spectacular sunflower field now open. They expect to be selling tickets for a few more days but NOW is peak. Tickets are only $10 and available online (I believe you can also pay at the gate). This is a great experience for families, children, lone adults like myself. Paul’s theme this year is FAMILY and signage is sprinkled throughout the peak bloom sunflower paths. There are a number of photo opps along the way including alpacas and cows. Felix’s Family Farm offers yoga, glamping and more. It’s family run and very friendly. It’s well worth a little ride. In the meantime, enjoy a little sunflower sunshine.

We decided to go back the 525 on Lexington Ave in Magnolia for dinner recently. It’s one of the places we like to go for a cozy, friendly, neighborhood atmosphere. There is seating inside and outside, though I usually prefer indoor seating. The food is consistently good and the service always efficient and friendly. I had chicken piccata and Jim tried the garlic shrimp pizza. It was a lovely relaxing dinner and I look forward to going back. Maybe we’ll see you there!

What’s a group of schooners called? Maritime Gloucester Schooner Festival of course! Here’s a few from over the wonderful event last week that I just thought you might enjoy. Until next year……

While we were out on the water re-creating this weekend, our local fishermen were hard at work. It seems logical to thank them especially on this Labor Day. Here’s Ramblin’Rose, SeaWeed, Trapper John, Bounty Hunter III, Hallett Cameron, Margaret and one unidentified F/V. Cheers, thank you all, and Godspeed.

Thank you Maritime Gloucester for including us in the Greet the Fleet sail aboard the Schooner Ardelle! It was a beautiful afternoon to be on the water to greet Adventurer, Denis Sullivan, Strombus, Tyrone, Resolute and American Eagle. We saw the Schooner Adventure out there as well with our very own Donna Ardizzoni on board. These are only a bare fraction of the wonderful sights we saw. Shout out to former Gloucester resident Gayle Anderson-Gram and her husband Bob Gram currently of Rhode Island who make annual trips to Gloucester for SchoonerFest!

We have been looking forward to Vita Bella opening in the former Windward Grill in Essex (Eastern Ave). They have only been open for about a week, but we decided to give it a try. Our experience was one of a well run longstanding restaurant with very few opening week glitches. Honestly, I was expecting a few little issues but we had none. The inside is refreshed with the layout basically the same as I remember from the Windward. There was a decent crowd there for a Tuesday evening. Kristina was our attentive and helpful server.

Jim had a side salad and the Bolognese. I had ravioli with a sausage side dish. We also ordered the crostini app (which as you can see, was very generous in portions). We each enjoyed our entrees and brought enough home for another meal. We each had a drink and the bill was very reasonable. We thought the menu was nicely varied and we are intrigued to try Vita Bella for lunch someday soon. Give them a try! They are ready for you!

Sharing information regarding cannon signaling Labor Day Weekend: