Author: Pat D

It was a very pretty January day at Half Moon Beach this week. I wasn’t alone in that 4 young guys were also there seeming to contemplate jumping off the rocks into the water.

According to an alert shared by Trains.com, commuter rail service between Gloucester and Rockport is scheduled to resume in May. Full article here.

Construction has begun on the temporary bridge over the causeway in Essex on 133 to facilitate the replacement of the current bridge. This temporary bridge is expected to be completed by the spring for use throughout the new bridge project construction. The new bridge construction is expected to begin this summer and continue until Fall 2023. None of this is expected to cause disruption in traffic through Essex on 133.

The sun came out to greet the high tide at Good Harbor Beach this week!

The recent grey damp days were starting to get me down so I went out looking for some inspiration. Despite the dreariness, there are still many bright spots to find out there if you seek them. I discovered that once you start looking, they are pretty easy to find AND make the day seem decidedly less grey.

Some inspiration to start your week from Mark Twain, Scottie Mac and Joey C. Probably not the combo you were expecting, but from Mark Twain: “Dance like nobody’s watching; love like you’ve never been hurt. Sing like nobody’s listening; live like it’s heaven on earth.” Thank you Joey and Scottie for the reminder.

Our very own GMG Jim (then 17) posed next to Betty White (then 50) on Jan 1 1973 to recognize his participation as only 1 of 2 New Yorkers in the McDonald’s All American Band as they performed for the Rose Bowl parade. When the shocking news of her death reached us (I always smile a little to think that a death at an advanced age like 99 can be a shock……but, twas so this time) we we scrambled to find this memory. Presumably the other woman is Rose Bowl Queen Salli Noren. The Rose Bowl game pitted Ohio St vs USC. and the undefeated USC Trojans prevailed.

I think both Betty and Jim aged well! Betty White was as American as the McDonald’s All American Band and she touched many lives. We will remember her fondly though I am kind of glad to see the back-side of 2021.

Thanks for riding along with me for 2021, a year many of us found challenging. It seems appropriate to share these photos taken on Middle Street last week in front of the Trinity Congregational Church. This hawk sat there as if thinking about entering the church and allowed passers by a good look. It seemed like it might be some kind of message for us to find him there like that sitting so patiently so I checked on the superstitions about seeing hawks. There are too many to share, but the one that spoke to me was from here:

Spread Your Wings and Expand Your Consciousness

When you have a hawk sighting, it’s a sign from the spirit realm that you are ready to take on a larger, more powerful expansion and vision of your world. The hawk symbolizes a need to start looking forward, envisioning your path ahead, and perhaps even preparing for a greater role in life. You could end up leading a group or church, becoming a parent or just finding a wider audience for your talents, gifts, and ideas. A hawk sighting is a direct message from the angels and the Great Spirit that the time has come to spread your wings, to fly higher, and to expand your vision.

Here’s to looking forward in 2022! Cheers and Happy New Year to our followers.

Remembrances of the past year 2021 are something I would rather avoid, so I turned the clock back to 1971 to take a look. If you are like me, the math that tells you that was 50 years ago seems suspect, but I am assured it is correct. The fall news was full of the election to City Council which ended up in a recount. (Hmmmm….. so far, my avoidance technique isn’t working….) I learned that the city’s mayor (a ceremonial position at the time) was selected from among those who won the City Council election. For the 1971 election, this was Robert French. Anyhow, also in the news was the controversy over the “long hairs” and their worthiness as high school athletes! It was well worth a little trip down memory lane. Here are some examples from the Dec 31 1971 Gloucester Daily Times. Maybe you need an escape too.

“Honey, I’m home!” The Pioneer, Jennie n Rose and the Cameron D have recently been spotted returning to harbor. I love watching the fishing boats but most especially I like to watch them return safely.

I received some additional information regarding the damage to the whale tail sculpture at the Paint Factory. They are seeking assistance with repair:

Hi Pat!

Thanks for the post on the whale tail. Yes, unfortunately the tail snapped in the bad October storm we had. If you want to get the word out, we could use a volunteer with welding supplies and experience to help us put it back together. If anyone is interesting in helping they contact me at apensarosa@whale.org or 978-281-2814 ext. 100.

We really appreciate it. Happy Holidays!

Alicia Pensarosa

Assistant Director, Ocean Alliance, Inc. 

32 Horton Street, Gloucester, MA 01930

apensarosa@whale.org

978-281-2814 ext. 100

www.whale.org

Buzzfeed includes CODA in their list of “Best Movies” they watched in 2021! I am guessing this is not the only such list we will be seeing CODA listed on as it is such a great movie. I highly recommend you watch, especially if you love Gloucester.

It was chilly but sunny at Wingaersheek on a recent December day. Just me and the tide.

We visited our friend Bex recently and she reported there’s a Cooper’s Hawk hanging around in her neighborhood and she commented on its distinctive call. About a half hour later, we heard an unusual bird call on Rocky Neck and tracked it down to this Cooper’s Hawk. I don’t know what their range is (I am a mere Bird Nerd and not an actual birder) but it seems possible this is the same hawk as reported by Bex. I am including a clip of the call. in case you are interested.

It was a beautiful afternoon and the back shore waves shone especially bright in the low sun. No matter if you are near or far, I hope you had a wonderful weekend and take some time to reflect on all the beauty around you.

Keith the Wreath is coming to the end of his “season” so we just wanted to share one last post to say Merry Christmas to you all and to thank you for the comments, the follows and the support. I hope your day is filled with hope and joy.

The winter solstice was very kind, allowing us to find our fist TWO snowy owls of the season. One at Parker River Wildlife Refuge and one a little further north (thanks to a tip from a fellow photographer). We also got to see a juvenile eagle and a peregrine falcon at Parker River (IDs by an actual birder so……) Thrilling as always and a great early Christmas gift! I hope all your wishes come true this holiday season. For additional pictures and details, be sure to check out Pat D’s Photos and Adventures on Facebook.

It appears the new beds have been placed on the boulevard near the Fishermen’s Memorial! They look a little lonely without soil but I look forward to seeing them in the spring full of color! Thanks to all involved!!!

We were visiting the Paint Factory this week and noticed the famous Deborah Redmond sculpture of a whale tail experienced some damage. I am assuming the recent storms and fierce winds played havoc with this piece which has been standing tall for at least 3 years now. Here’s a “before” along with “current” pictures. It’s a little sad but it still seems tall and proud to me.