Author: Pat D

As we enter the home stretch for the upcoming holidays, I just thought you might like a little red, white and green break!

We stopped by Long Beach to see the Cape Ann Motor Inn Christmas tree on the beach and were impressed by the festive look at the Inn on Rockport Road. They are clearly ready for you this holiday season if you find yourself short a bed or two while visitors are in town.

It’s looking very festive and Mile Marker One! Did you know the igloos are back for dining? AND there’s a Sunday brunch. Check them out here online as well as along Essex Ave. Put them in your rotation as we have.

Submitted by Helane Prottas. My apologies for not getting this shared sooner!

Jim and I were honored to be able to attend the 2023 Holiday Awards Luncheon presented by Discover Gloucester at the Cruiseport yesterday. Five awards were bestowed to a number of Gloucester’s finest promoters: Alana Horne and Kiley Davis (the MAG-nificent Contributors award); Isabel Pett (Most Valuable Event Planner award); Joey Ciaramitaro (Outstanding Appreciation award); The Gloucester House/Blue Collar Lenny and Dottie Linquata (Exceptional Service award); and Tobin Dominick (the Tobin Dominick Leadership award). A number of friends, family members, city representatives and politicians joined Discover Gloucester members to honor the winners. Here’s a few representative photos:

Pat D’s Photos is having a very special offer for today only (Dec 14 2023) to celebrate Mens Night. These ornaments/ suncatchers will be available for a discounted price of $20 at Castaways tonight from 5-8 PM. They are about 3″ in diameter, beveled glass and ready to hang (stands also available while they last). Stop by tonight or reach out in comments if interested in having some set aside for you. Local delivery also available. Contact Pat D’s Photos at GMGPatD@gmail.com

Sharing information from the Magnolia Historical Society regarding their event Sunday December 17 on Magnolia Ave:

We do not get to Nichols Candy on Crafts Road nearly enough so we made a special stop to shop for some holiday goodies. Stepping inside is the very definition of Winter Wonderland at this time of the year. You just can’t go wrong. And if browsing isn’t your thing, they also offer online ordering. Win Win.

The Beauport holds its Jingle Bar on Wednesdays (hey, that’s today!) starting at 6. It’s a whole bunch of fun in a very pretty setting. Special food and drink menu available while you enjoy piano music. We attended with friends Susan and Leo. Maybe we’ll see you there tonight or any Wednesday in December.

It appears that the bonded eagle pair we have been following recently have decided to spend a little time in Magnolia. They visited our “nesting tree” separately but we hope to see them together soon in the neighborhood. One appears to be a full grown adult and the other appears to be younger. I am calling them Fred and Ethel; you might recall that from a previous post. Here’s to hoping they stick around!

We had a wonderful time for the Middle Street Walk and especially Deck the Docks and Lobster Tree lighting. What a beautiful tree this year! Special thanks to Gloucester 400+ and to Maritime Gloucester for making the day very memorable for so many. Santa thinks Gloucester is full of very very good boys and girls of all ages.

It’s Pat D’s Photos LAST SHOW OF THE SEASON at the Gloucester Elks (Atlantic Rd) today from 10-3. Join us for this very popular event. Many of your favorite vendors and friends will be there including Pat D’s Photos. We will be offering a few special deals along with our new VIVA sets, flags, coasters, puzzles, ornaments, night lights and more! If you can’t make the show, there’s still time to contact me by DM or by email GMGPatD@gmail.com for local delivery in time for the holidays. Check out Pat D’s Photos and Adventures on Facebook or at http://www.PatDsPhotos.com.

I guess I will hop on board with the “dusting of snow” pictures. The dories were nicely dusted on the Harbor Loop. The first snow is always a special wonder.

The Generous Gardeners will be revealing and dedicating the new sculptural planters along the boulevard this Saturday at 3 PM. All are invited to attend the unveiling of the planters sculpted by local artist Chris Williams. I for one, look forward to seeing them grace the Fishermen’s Memorial. More information available here. Saturday is a very busy day but perhaps you can add this event to your day’s itinerary.

The cutest little replacement mini lobster trap tree is occupying the traditional spot next to the police station. I assume it’s holding the spot for future Lobster Trap Trees.

This random fun fact came across my feed and my mind is blown! Am I the only one who didn’t realize this yet?

The tides have been running at their more extreme ends during the recent full moon phase. It’s always interesting during a very high tide to see swimming water fowl when I look out the back porch of our apartment. Here are some views of the recent high tide at Dolliver’s Neck and Old House Cove. Check out the video especially if you enjoy the sounds of the pebbles washing back.

Sharing news from the Happy Humpback Facebook page.

I’ve been up to something fun….. Pat D’s Photos has brightly painted sets of wooden letters spelling VIVA to use to decorate or celebrate. We will be at the Gloucester UU church Sat Dec 9 from 9-1:30 AND at the Elks Sip and Shop on Atlantic Road Sunday Dec 10 from 10-3. These are among the items available. If you see us out and about taking these photos, stop and say hello! I think this is kind of fun. Hoping to see you this upcoming weekend! Reach out in comments or message me if interested in purchase. Limited sets available.

There’s a lot going on in the small area where Middle Street meets Dale Ave in Gloucester. The new housing construction at the former site of the YMCA and the Sawyer Library project seem to be coming along nicely.