Author: Pat D

Sometimes you need to do your own self a favor during the holidays so we stopped at Virgilios on Main St. for lunch and treats. Though I was tempted by the hot dish offerings of the day, since it was Monday I asked for a meatball sub. Jim got the St. Joes. We added some bread and cookies and had ourselves a feast. I wish I could share the smells with you! The festive music adds quite a lot. See you down there sometime soon!

I took CB (crystal ball) to Half Moon Beach recently and she looked so pretty I just had to show her off at wStage Fort Park and the beach. If you’re missing summer here in Gloucester, maybe this will help.

I have always enjoyed strolls along Harbor Loop and Maritime Glouceser. At this time of year, it’s pretty lit!

Did you know that Maritime Gloucester on the Harbor Loop has the cutest little shop? It’s full of maritime related goodies and local artisan creations. Even Keith the Wreath likes to shop there! They are open Thursday-Monday 10-4 at this time of the year. It’s also just fun to walk around inside and outside. You should stop down and check it out. SSSSHHH I purchased two surprise gifts there!

We took a ride up Washington St and stopped by Marty Morgan Pottery a few days ago to check it out. It’s a re-purposed garage sitting at the edge of the Annisquam with a lovely, friendly and talented proprietor. You can see from these pictures that the light is just about perfect in this studio. The pottery items available just glow in the light! It’s a very relaxing atmosphere and you are surrounded with beautiful pottery from which to choose. You might find just the right item for someone special. Or just stop by. It’s very welcoming.

Pat D’s Photos will be at the Elks Holiday Fair this Sunday Dec 11 from 10-4 and I hope to see you there. We will be offering holiday cards, glass prints, glass ornaments, playing cards, puzzles, prints and more! It’s such a fun event with some of our best local vendors. Here are some examples. I’ll just note that the 3″ glass ornaments sell very quickly so stop by early or check out Pat D’s Photos and Adventures Facebook page for further details. Support the Elks. Support local. Stop by and mention Good Morning Gloucester for a free magnet.

You can waste an astonishing amount of time gazing at these guys as they loll about at Brace Cove. There were 4-5 seals out on the rocks at low tide on this beautiful day.

Like many of you, we have a dog in our lives that we like to spoil now and again. “We” might be an exaggeration as I don’t think GMG Jim is as on board with the spoiling as I am….so I went to Animal Krackers on Main St by myself recently with spoiling a dog in mind. It’s jam filled with food, treats, toys and other pet related goods. You even get to pet Walter, the giant (but friendly) store cat. Stop down for a little treat for your 4 legged friends.

Nearly dusk on a grey day, some of our fishing vessels return home. Welcome home Jean Elizabeth, Griffin, Cabaret V and Angela & Rose!

I work hard to restrain myself from putting out the holiday lights and decorations until it’s December. It’s a hold-over from those days when the kids were young and overly anxious about the holidays approaching. Anyhow, December 1 rolled around and I felt free to go wild. The first thing I did (after shopping Ladies Day) was to go to the Stevens Coolidge House Winterlights event put on by the Trustees. What a joyful walk we took around the grounds admiring the thousands of lights and the piped in holiday music. GMG Jim thinks it’s the best light display he’s ever been to. I LOVE lights…if it says “lights”, I am checking it out.

As mentioned, it’s an event from the Trustees and 3 properties participate. We went to North Andover for our 4:30 timed tickets. The ride at that time of day is not fun but we enjoyed the event thoroughly. You need to purchase tickets ahead and they are timed (although they don’t seem too strict about the timing of your visit as long as you have the tickets). Discounts for Trustee members. As per usual, I suggest going earlier than later. It was starting to get congested in the lots and on the pathways by the time we departed. The pathways are very well defined and only partially lit. The ground is even but it is a little uneven in some places so be aware if you have mobility issues though we did see wheelchairs and strollers managing easily. Get your tickets early if you plan to go. This event sells out. Great idea for company and children!

A beautiful blue heron was peacefully hunting at Niles Pond recently along with a number of ducks. Apparently the ducks decided they needed to establish themselves with the heron and dive bombed him. It was more of a drive by than an attack, and both species continued along with their business. Kind of reminded me of some of those silly Tik Tok street scenes you see.

The festive weekend event Deck the Docks continues today on Harbor Loop with Maritime Gloucester with a whole bunch of activities and fun. I will be volunteering in the Art Gallery and GMG Jim will be helping with the trees. This year, Maritime Gloucester is offering the opportunity to purchase a tree for a veteran and it’s very easy to do. Just stop into the store and let them know that you’d like a tree to go to a veteran. Easy and fulfilling so give it a thought if you can. Hoping you will stop to say hello to Jim and I. Events run from 10-4. Here’s the schedule:

Saturday, December 3

Store Hours, 10am-4pm

Tree and Wreath Sales, 10am-4pm

Art Show, 10am-4pm

Children’s Crafts in the Classroom and Ice house, 10am-4pm

Justin Reads A Pirate’s Night Before Christmas in the Plankton Lab, 11am

A Visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus with a Photo Op, 12-2pm

Mrs. Claus Reads ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas at the Fisherman’s Shack, 1pm

Daisy Nell Reads The Ballad of Seymour Fogg in the Plannkton Lab, 3pm

The dock is lit!

I hadn’t stopped by Sage Floral Studio on Main Street in quite a while but GMG Jim needed some flowers so I accompanied him. There are so many cute things in that little spot, it’s well worth a stop. Just a feast for the yes and senses. That end of Main Street can sometimes get a little bit less attention but there’s every good reason to check out the stores ALL around Gloucester.

GMG Jim was out of town for Thanksgiving this year and flew back into Logan the Sunday after the holiday. We knew travel that day is typically a nightmare and it proved so once again so we were both glad when he did arrive back in Gloucester Sunday evening. We decided to go down the road to the 525 on Lexington Ave in Magnolia for dinner. It was a perfect choice for a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere. It’s looking very festive in there. Stella was our server and there was also music: Ye Olde Mitchells. People were greeting friends with hugs all around. It just felt right.

I thought a Mistletoe Margarita might work (and it did). Jim had meatloaf and I had chicken piccata. We each cleaned our plates while enjoying the music and the surroundings. A great neighborhood spot for food and good company.

We noticed the Main St Dunkin has reopened after a recent renovation. Thought I would share a little look inside. Looks good! Welcome back!

We are currently experiencing a perigean spring tide, meaning it’s a very high tide that occurs when the moon is either new or full and closest to the earth. I had never heard that term before but I expect you have noticed the higher-than-normal tides in the past few days. Here as some pictures from Little River Public Landing, Good Harbor Beach, Essex Marsh/Farnhams and Essex Ave two days ago at high tide. Some additional information from NOAA if you are interested at this link. It’s been impressive.

Bob Ryan of Ryan and Wood Distillery shared the following update to Facebook. Wishing Bob, his family and staff all the best.

Image borrowed from Ryan and Wood Distillery website.

I hadn’t been to the temporary home of the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main St in Gloucester yet so I stopped by to load up on reading material for the long Thanksgiving weekend. I didn’t expect much out of the smaller space they moved into while renovations were happening but I was pleasantly surprised with what has been done with the space that is available. The space is well staffed, nicely laid out and offers most of the amenities we are accustomed to. There were several patrons there as I wandered around checking things out. The biggest and best surprise (for me) was that the local history department is up and running with at least some of their most popular materials. For me, it’s the microfilmed Gloucester Daily Times! Thanks library staff for making the space pleasant for patrons once again. Don’t be hesitant to give it a try for yourself!

Common Crow on Eastern Ave may not immediately come to mind when you are thinking about holiday shopping, but it’s definitely worth a stop. You will find special (and regular) grocery items for holiday treats as well as an assortment of gift items for all members of your household. I am always surprised by the variety of items available on their shelves. The employees are very friendly and helpful. I asked for something and the worker went into the back to retrieve something for me which I very much appreciated. I went in seeking a specific item and came out with another holiday chore crossed off my list, thank you very much!

This cautiously hunting heron reminded me of that person who sneaks quietly into the kitchen at midnight looking for some leftovers as a snack……. finds some, and pops it quickly into their mouth. Sound like anyone you know?