Author: Pat D

We took a walk along Rockport Harbor and noticed some pretty cool examples of “beautiful industry” (a thread on this blog that I used to enjoy very much). I thought you might like these as well. I found myself humming “Chain Gang”.

Because I like to challenge myself now and again, I decided to join a recent “Paint Afternoon” held on Lexington Ave in Magnolia organized by Sue Wheeler of Arts Abound. Audi Souza patiently led about 20 of us through painting a seascape with acrylics. Many of us (shooting my hand in the air) are total novices so patience and humor were key elements for success and Audi did a great job managing all of us. Additional art and paint classes are being organized and I suggest you check Arts Abound Magnolia on Facebook for further information and updates. Upcoming artists include Sue Ingram and Ann Klein. With questions or to register email: artsaboundmagnolia@gmail.com. Sue is very responsive. My own “creation” is nothing to hang on a wall, but it’s all mine. Here’s the seascape goal we were aiming for and I end with my partial project before it went totally awry.

We were fortunate enough to win a gift card to the Bradford Tavern on Haverill St in Rowley so we went for dinner a few days ago. It’s a little bit of a ride, but it was a nice day and we wanted to go back and visit them again. The atmosphere is rustic and we sat near the fireplace. We noticed young families as well as older couples so the menu and atmosphere pleases a wide range of diners. We had pretzel sticks for appetizers. I ordered French Onion soup which was nice and beefy the way I prefer. Jim had sushi (which I did not get a good picture of) and I had blackened Gloucester haddock tacos. I also treated myself to the “Boozy Coffee Flight” (yum!). It was an enjoyable dinner experience and we drove home happy and full.

We saw online that the Appleton Farm Store in Ipswich/Hamilton was making room for maple products and therefore were having a little clearance sale on limited items until the end of February. So, off we went! I am always impressed by the variety of items available in the store. We came away with some jam, biscuits, salad dressing and sparkling tea drink. In addition to the sale items there is an additional 10% discount available by showing your Trustees membership card. Give it a try when you have a chance but make the effort to get there before the end of February to take advantage of this sale. It’s a good time to visit the Farm and the maple products are already on the shelves!

On Presidents’ Day, I happened upon the seals resting in Brace Cove. They seemed to be enjoying the day the way most of us were: in the sun and near the water. I chatted with a couple of other seal admirers while there listening to the seals bark and watching them maneuver for comfort. There seemed to be about a dozen of them along with some other birds and ducks. For more pictures and further story details, please check out Pat D’s Photos and Adventures on Facebook.

Sharing information from Sclafani’s Italian Bakery on Washington St in Gloucester. Thank you GMG Jim for the update and photo! PS Today’s sasitza bomb and chicken soup are out of this world!!!!

Although it later turned into a beautiful day, the clouds were a bit threatening when we drove down to Tuck’s Point in Manchester yesterday. I thought it was still pretty, especially the gazebo. Hasn’t it been a glorious start to vacation week for the school families?

Friends from New York were visiting for the day so we met them at the 525 in Magnolia for their new brunch! It was a great excuse to relax, laugh and enjoy our meals served by Stella (thanks Stella!). We had the quiche, breakfast tacos, eggs benedict and French toast. Oh yes, and then there was the coffee ……. Great take on brunch. The regular menu is also available. The Jazz Brunch will be returning in early April, so stay tuned. PS: it’s super easy to make online reservations! Thanks Erin, Paul, Jake and Keirsten! According to them (and ourselves): 100% recommended.

I guess this is how you maintain the trees at a well hidden cemetery! We came across this tree trimming project at Cove Hill Cemetery (AKA Lane’s Cove Cemetery) in Lanesville adjacent to Lane’s Cove a couple of days ago. A large crane facilitated the branch removal once it had been removed by the handy guy in the tree with his saw. Then the branch went into the wood cutter. I was very impressed by the whole process and am pleased to know care is being taken at this cemetery location.

My sister is visiting so we went off to seek some photo opportunities. It’s hard to resist the character and colors of the resting lobster traps. CB (Crystal Ball) wanted to pose so Paula took some shots I thought you might enjoy. Thanks FOB Paula Ryan O’Brien! A little behind the scenes “how the magic happens”.

A little reminder of some of the shops at the Whistlestop Mall in Rockport including Crackerjacks, Sir Pennycandy’s, Carrie’s Barber Shop , Fix It Shop, Apothecary Suil Crow, and Whale’s Jaw. See you there!

Here’s a sight I haven’t come across in a while: hard working clammers at Conomo Point this week.

I took advantage of an opportunity offered by the William Haskell House and the Gloucester 400 to participate in a guided tour of the historic William Haskell House on Lincoln Street in Gloucester last Sunday. It was VERY interesting. It was a lovely spring-like day and our guide Vijay took 5 of us who had signed up previously on a 1 hour tour of the house and grounds. He stated he was doing 6 tours that day and they were all filled up. It was a “pay what you wish” event so no money was paid until you decided what you’d like to give. It was well worth the donation and the time. If you have any interest in Gloucester history or house history, I think this is the tour you want. It’s the most complete replication of a house from 1680s you can hope to experience. The donations collected will go toward further restoration. It is advertised as a lodging and Vijay told us they are considering hosting events as well. Well worth checking out! We were transported straight back to the early days of Gloucester and it was fascinating.

I hope each of you gave a little extra love today and received the same in return. Meanwhile, I found my first beach glass at Pavilion beach while setting this scene for you.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, we were fortunate enough to be able to get a little tour of the house my Dad grew up in on Haskell St. The current owner, Jeff Martin, had found a number of items in the attic walls when he did some renovations, including some old letters.

The family name on the letters is Goodwin and they were previous residents at the house around 1900. Since I have Goodwins in my family tree, he graciously allowed us to take them with us. The household in the 1900 census included father Charles, Mother Catherine, Daughters Ellen and Clara, Wm. Reed and his wife Mabel. A very loyal reader David Collins graciously provided the image of the census record as well as some background information to prove I am related to these Goodwins. THANKS DAVID!!!

They are a delightful example of sibling communications and I think could be compared to texting today. I thought you might enjoy the following transcription from one of the letters dated Aug 18 1896. It’s a treasure.

Most delightfully, this letter includes primitive drawings labeled The house where Ed lives and Chas house. Also figures labeled Pork, Margarita Ann, Charlie calling car for Ipswich and Mabel G. I cannot identify these for certain, but Mabel G is probably another sister. Elena married Frederic Riggs and perhaps that is Ed (?)

I also heard from Jeanette Marchant who lived near Elena “Gert” Gertrude Goodwin Riggs (husband Frederic) in later years. It’s lovely to hear from the readers, so thank you very much.

I have been doing these Barns Along the Byway posts since 2019 and still haven’t run out of interesting barn structures along the Essex Scenic Byway. Over the years, some of the barns I’ve highlighted are more modern and others are older. Some are still standing and some are not. Some are prominently seen from the road and others are more hidden. This one in Essex is set back a little bit from the road and more easily seen when traveling one side of the road than the other, but I just love its character. The one things each of the barns I post have in common is their character, as seen through my eyes. I hope you feel the same.

We often drive north to the Newburyport area and therefore find ourselves going through Rowley regularly. We’ve been curious about Three Sweet Peas Bakery on Main St in Rowley and so we stopped by yesterday. WOW! It’s a small shop just jammed with goodies of all sorts in nearly every cubby and corner. There are baked goods, sandwiches, prepared foods, frozen foods and more! There’s a small seating area in case you want to linger. The staff is friendly and helpful. You’re going to need to plan a little time just to look around and ponder your choices. We came home with a scone, sugar cookies and cheese ravioli! It is certain to become a normal stop on our trips in that direction.

I didn’t think the newly located Vietnam Memorial at Stage Fort Park could look any better, but I was wrong. New pergolas have recently been installed and lighting will be coming also. It looked especially pretty in the fog as the sun rose yesterday.

When we visit the Paint Factory, I am usually looking at the surrounding beauty with more of a “macro” viewpoint. We went up there on one of our recent gray days and I took a more “micro” view. If I hadn’t told you where these were taken, would you have known?

I guess it’s another follow up to a recent post, this time from Nichole, regarding the 1606 Beauport! We were gifted a generous Greater Cape Ann Chamber gift certificate for Christmas (thank you Charleen and Chris!) and we had been considering what fun things we could do with it. The list of participating businesses or services is extensive and we had as much fun perusing it as we did actually spending it at 1606! It’s a very thoughtful gift should you ever need an idea.

Anyhow, we met our friend Bex at the bar to catch up. I ordered the short rib tacos, Jim got the Harvest Burger and Bex ordered the Mussels Poutine. We enjoyed a leisurely meal getting caught up on each other’s adventures. Lovely evening made even better with the Greater Cape Ann Gift Certificate!