Author: Pat D

We started our New Year’s Eve at the Talbot Rink watching our very own JV Boys Ice Hockey team. A couple of our favorite GHS students play for this team and we wanted to cheer them on and show our pride. The team came away with a decisive win 5-1 over Beverly. Though these photos aren’t great largely due to the wonky lighting at the rink, I thought some of you might enjoy this photo dump. Great job team! We look forward to watching the development of your team.

So long 2025 and welcome 2026. Jim and I wish you all the very best in the upcoming year with just enough disappointment to allow you to cherish the joys. It’s a lot to ponder when you think about the past year and anticipate the new one, but don’t put extra pressure on yourself because of the date on the calendar. In the meantime, I hope you can appreciate just a few more pictures of our beautiful Lobster Trap Tree this year; some taken at angles you may not have previously seen.

Our fishermen work even after dark and it’s quite a beautiful sight from the water. Thank you! Fair winds in 2026.

We were out and about and decided to stop at Destinos on Prospect Street for some lunch. I enjoy the Buffalo Checken Finger platter (hooray for skinny fries!) and Jim always likes the salad bar options in addition to his sandwich. This time he choose the weekday special of fried haddock. Did you know they have weekday specials now? Anyhow, the place was hopping as expected but school vacation was also at play. If I were a parent of school age children, I’d pick Destinos also as a way to get them out of the house during vacation! We enjoyed our lunch and look forward to returning.

We noticed quite a bit of signage down on Rocky Neck, which is a little bit sleepy at this time of year. But there is still quite a bit going on! 51 Rocky Neck, Joe’s Fish Prints, Salted Cod and more.

Jim and I were fortunate to have our friend Chris Langathianos offer to take us out at sunset for a look at the Lobster Trap Tree from the water. The water was very calm but the air was frigid. He was kind enough to take us out anyhow and we are very appreciative. The tree looks extra special from the water. This view is one of the reasons I love having the tree at the current location on the Harbor Loop. Cheers Chris L!

Sharing an update from The Cut Facebook page; Bravo at The Cut starting January 8th:

Pavilion Beach visitors at low tide on a frigid Boxing Day.

I recently heard from FOB David Collins who currently lives in Florida but he keeps close track of Gloucester goings-on. He’s allowing me to share this correspondence with you:

Also, seeing Catherine’s post a few days ago of the vintage life-size Santa reminded me of a vintage Santa Claus I have among my wooden Santas collection – although this one is made of metal rather than wood. I decided to use the Santas as my main decorating vehicle this year and the so-called “seated sleeping Santa bank” is the centerpiece in one area of my living room.

I had pretty much forgotten I had it and his paint is a bit worse for the wear these days. When I turned him over, I was sort of surprised to remember that it says on a plate area on the back that he was from the Cape Ann Savings Bank Gloucester, Mass. “Serving the Thrifty Since 1846”.

When I did an on-line search, I discovered that a number of US banks in the 1950s gave out these metal Santa Claus banks, so it isn’t at all unique. There are also variations of it, some probably much newer, out there, too. BUT I really like having something from my old home-town and from my boyhood as part of my Christmas decorations some 70 or so years later.

Thought you might like seeing it.

Also from sometime in the 1950s and still a part of my holiday decorations is a lighted wooden star that a friend of my parents, Bill DeCoste, made for us. Anyone who was around back then might remember it as being on our house on Stage Fort Avenue over the 3 living room windows and visible from the Cut Bridge. It had orange bulbs in it then. When I use it now I have to keep it indoors as the wiring is a bit wonky – but it still works, again these nearly 70 years later. It has red, white and green bulbs in it today but they photographed here as nearly the same color as the orange bulbs that my father had in it when we lived in Gloucester.

Here it is up close.

All my best wishes to you and Jim for a wonderful, and wonder-filled, Holiday Season! And thanks again to you both for being a part of the dedicated GMG team that keeps people like me informed on what is happening in our beloved Gloucester. 

David

Wishing you all a lovely holiday. Thank you to so many of you who have supported our efforts at the shop and who follow Good Morning Gloucester. We live in an amazing community . Jim and I feel grateful every day for all of you welcoming us and making us feel truly at home where we belong. I hope you all experience peace and joy as one year wraps up and another begins.

Maybe you’ll have a little bit of extra time over the next week or so while children are home from school. How about watching a movie from our hometown? Sharing this post from Cape Ann Motor Inn Facebook page (what a good idea!). Feel free to share any additions! Now go pop some popcorn and settle in!

Sharing information from the City of Gloucester Facebook page:

We hadn’t stopped by The Azorean on Washington St for some time so it was a special pleasure to return for dinner recently. The menu has changed a little since our last visit and they now offer afternoon tapas specials which seem like a great option as you see in these photos.

I tried the chicken saltimbocca. I usually have another dish but this seemed very tempting and I was not disappointed! Jim had baked stuffed shrimp and you can see they are quite large. For the sake of this blog (haha) I decided to have the chocolate mousse for dessert and Jim tried the carrot cake. It was a lovely dining experience especially in the midst of the hustle of holiday prep.

It’s become a weekly habit to stop by The Gloucester House Pub on Rogers St Sunday afternoons when we finish at the shop. It’s warm and inviting, comfortable and also offers a great menu and friendly service. I was delighted to note that chicken parm has been added to the menu and I am here to report that it is EXCELLENT. The sauce is a sweeter sauce, the chicken cutlet sized just right and is perfect for a winter afternoon. Highly recommended. Jim got the turkey BLT and we took half home—large portion. See you there soon!

We all know how Joey feels about dogs……I had some AI fun crafting Joey’s Christmas card.

Santa is visiting Castaways on Main St til 11 today. Stop in!

Our new notecards will serve very nicely as Chirstmas cards if you still need some! I just love this view of the West End of Main St. These will be available at the shop today from 11-5 and Monday/Tuesday Dec 22-23 from 11-3. We will also be one of the many fantastic vendors at The Cut tomorrow Sunday from noon-4. There are still nightlights, ornaments and glass prints available for your gift giving needs.

The countdown to Christmas is getting real. Pat D’s Photos will be at 44 Main St THREE more days before Christmas: today Friday Dec 19 from 11-5 as well as Monday and Tuesday Dec 22-23 from 11-3. In addition, we will be at The Cut Sunday Dec 21 from noon-4 PM, so you have 4 opportunities left to peruse our gift ideas before the big day. You can always reach out in comments or by messenger (or email GMGPatD at gmail) to make arrangements as needed. We will plan to be out of the shop from Dec 25-mid January.

Some of your favorite downtown stores plan to stay open late tonight to help you with your holiday preparations. Keep an eye out on their social media or maybe give a call to check if you want to know specific store info. We will be open 11-5 today and tomorrow at 44 Main St.

Sharing information from the Causeway Facebook page. Stop by along Essex Ave and check it out today or tomorrow.