Author: Pat D

I took a little walk around Stage Fort Park following the recent snowfall. Naturally I had to swing down to Half Moon Beach which is my very favorite. You could almost hear the summer laughter rising and falling with the gentle winter waves.

We met friends for lunch at Kalamata on Main Street yesterday. This little place is a definite win-win. We had a lovely atmosphere in which to catch up unhurriedly as well as delicious food and friendly service. Rose and GMG Jim had the chicken gyro sandwich, Rick had the pork gyro sandwich and I had the chicken gyro salad. The salad is FULL of chicken, fresh veggies and feta with plenty enough to take home. It’s a favorite lunch when I am at the shop, but even better when we can meet friends and chat. Try their soups!

We often travel north looking for wildlife and birds so we travel through Rowley regularly. But we haven’t recently stopped at the Three Sweet Peas Bakery on Main St in Rowley until recently. As usual, we were greeted in a very friendly manner. The cases were FULL of ready to eat treats and prepared foods. We got ourselves a sweet treat and some chicken parm with garlic breadsticks for a future meal. Gotta love it when you don’t have to think too hard about dinner. When you’re up that way, it’s well worth stopping in.

Today is a federal holiday celebrating the legacy of Dr. Marting Luther King Jr. Did you know it’s the 40th anniversary of this federal holiday (which means it’s younger than I am). It’s meant to be a day of reflection and service. I hope you will take a moment for that.

**Also take note that since it’s a holiday, trash and recycling are on a holiday schedule this week** (this seems to slip notice as the week goes along)

A peaceful but muted setting sun from Cripple Cove produced some cool reflections.

The skies commanded attention at sunset recently.

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.