Author: Pat D

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.

The fog settled in for several hours last week and so I went seeking some different atmosphere for some of the “same old” scenes. Here’s Motif resting in the fog from a couple of different angles. as if in a winter slumber awaiting the onslaught of summer visitors.

This was taken about 10:30 am with high tide still more than an hour away.

Congratulations Flavia Ryan on the official opening of Grover Tree Spa at 28 Washington St! The Greater Cape Ann Chamber held a ribbon cutting Friday afternoon and wished the new business well. A representative from Senator Tarr’s office brought a proclamation on behalf of the State; Mayor Verga also presented a proclamation. Councillor Jeff Worthley was also able to attend in addition to family members and friends. For more information click here. A wide variety of services are available in a comfortable relaxing setting. I suggest you check them out!

There’s a hint of spring coming soon so maybe you are thinking about your garden and outdoor plans. Or perhaps you realized Easter is right around the corner and you’d like to give a little gift to someone special. Either way, Pat D’s Photos has you covered with these 12.5″ x 18″ garden flags. You can order them here or stop by the store at 44 Main St to see for yourself. We will be open today Saturday 11 -5 and Sunday 11-3. As always, free delivery to the Cape Ann area!

Sharing information from Vee Chipperini and Brenda Leahy:

Mark your calendars… March 29th is National Vietnam Veterans Day. Please join us at 11am at the Vietnam Memorial for a wreath laying ceremony in honor of the service and sacrifices of Veterans who during Vietnam Era hosted by Cape Ann Veterans Services and Vietnam Veterans Committee.

ALL Veterans and their spouses/partners are welcomed to join us following the ceremony for a Veterans Luncheon at the Gloucester MA Elks Lodge #892. Hosted by the Elks Veterans Committee members. Please call 978-325-5730 (Cape Ann Veterans Services) to RSVP.

I noticed these intriguing stone designs recently at Crab Beach. What a lot of patience those represent!

We noticed new signs at the storefront next to Bananas on Main St. Looking forward to a new business just up the street from our shop. The new venture at 80 Main will apparently feature antiques!

The fog settled in at Buswell Pond recently and made for some interesting images.

We noticed this signage on Main St at the former location of Sugar Magnolias. Looks like we’ll have a new dining option on Main Street!

We took a 3 hour ride to the Shepaug Bald Eagle Observatory in Southbury CT one rainy gloomy day last week seeking out eagles. It’s a well designed observation area near the Shepaug Hydroelectric Power Station manned by knowledgeable and friendly volunteers. There are opportunities for bird watching above and beyond the majestic eagles too. That was a good distraction because it was gloomy and rainy so the eagles were deterred from visiting. We did observe one eagle flying in to hunt, feeding at waterside and in a tree but it was from a pretty good distance as you can see here. Can you see the eagle in flight?? (It’s there I promise you)

Anyhow, 6 hours round trip and only one distant eagle. We returned to Gloucester and immediately located the pair we’ve been following near Little River as if they wondered where we had been. Up close and personal right in our hometown. Lesson learned.

We came across this very cool buoy shack while we were in Maine recently. Of course because we were not far up the coast and because Maine is well known for lobsters, we expected to see similar landscapes. And we did, but this particular shack could probably serve as a graphic definition for the word “ramshackle” ( which is a great word by the way). I just found it fascinating as it seems to be on the very edge of falling apart.

It’s always interesting to take a little walk around the Maritime Gloucester Pier on the Harbor Loop. On this day, the gig rowers appeared to be doing some reorganization so their oars were out and made for a a striking sight. The pier is open to the public and available throughout the year.