Author: Bridgette Mathews

Th fact that the summer is coming to a close makes me physically ill, so I’m just going to go into denial until every last skiff is out of the water!

 

 

 

The Pink House has been part of the landscape of Newburyport since the 1920s and although it is empty and has remained uninhabited for quite a while, it welcomes you  whenever you are heading to Parker River Wildlife Refuge.  This house is one of the most photographed and painted houses around and it has recently been rumored to be slated for demolition, although there is a organization, Save the Newbury Pink House,  working to save it.   The house is presently owned by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and managed by the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.  I know you are all probably getting tired of my night shots, but summer is the best time to stay out late….since it’s warm and all…so here is yet another night photo of The Pink House!

This was a “one and done” 30 second shot over the Essex Marsh last night.   It was close to midnight and I was heading home and could not resist stopping, even though I’m a sissy when it comes to being out at night alone….the reflection of the house and the twinkling stars are what gave me a boost of courage lol!  

We are starting to feel the cool air of fall coming in so I’ve been taking in a lot of the beautiful blooms we have around us right now!  

I’m back after a super busy, tiring but invigorating week away!   I love visiting new places and this past week I spent time with New England Photo Workshops and some photo friends walking and photographing the streets of Old Quebec City.  We put in lots of miles taking in its beauty and hope to get back there again some time soon!   I would definitely recommend putting it on your bucket list.   Lots of restaurants, street performers, unique shopping, old world architecture and a very safe & clean.

You can’t really go anywhere in Quebec without a view of the impressive Chateau Frontenac built in 1893 which is one of the most photographed hotels in the world.

The old world architecture made you feel as though you were in France or Italy with many small neighborhoods.   You could do a book just on the doors of Quebec!

If you go, make sure you tour the Citadel and watch the changing of the guard.

So much to see and do around every corner!

Trying to squeeze all I can out of my days off so my suitcase is repacked and my camera gear is in the car.  Floating my way up to Quebec City for some Photo fun with friends for a few days!  Happy Hump Day!

We have some good friends who are Yankee fans and despite their poor judgment in baseball teams we have enjoyed a little friendly rivalry.  About 8 years ago we thought it would be fun to start visiting different ballparks.  It started with the Baltimore Orioles (which other than Fenway is my favorite so far) and since then we’ve seen both NY parks, both Chicago parks, Toronto, Houston, Dallas, Philadelphia and this year we came to Cleveland.   So far we have seen 11 out of 30 parks and done as much touring, eating and drinking in each area as we could lol!  Next on the agenda is finishing up the east coast with Washington, Georgia and Florida!  It’s a great way to visit the country!  Today we see the Red Sox take on Cleveland 😋

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Saw a little touch of a rainbow before the thunder yesterday but didn’t find my pot of gold 😋

This skiff was resting in the marsh off the river waiting for the tide.   Kind of like us waiting for the 5 o’clock bell to ring on a Friday!   Have a great weekend kids!

After a 30 year hiatus, my husband decided to pick up his golf clubs again and well….let’s just say… he doesn’t have the rebound the ‘body of 30 years ago’ did.    After doing a little research he thought he would seek out Gretchen Hill at Saltwater Massage who specializes in neck, body and back pain.   After his first appointment he was hooked!

Gretchen at Saltwater Massage is passionate about her work always looking for better ways to relive her clients stress and tension.    Check her out at saltwater massage.com

We are having some beautiful summer nights!  Even the pups are enjoying them 😊

It was so nice to get out of work last night and head down to Plum Cove beach for some dinner and a sunset with friends.   Last night I took the lazy way out and just set up my camera and put it on time-lapse while we sat and relaxed with a beautiful view!  Enjoy!

The colors last night after the sun set were more than photos could capture and the horizon just seemed to glow.   Here is my view last night from Lighthouse beach.

Monday as I was runnning (ok…more of a wog….well….military shuffle?) I was holding my phone and it slipped out of my sweaty little hands and landed face down on the concrete.  At this point I began to pray to the iphone gods, which in my defense, has worked in prior mishaps, but apparently I have used up my iphone-a-friend requests because when I picked it up this happened….

Thankfully, since I can’t have nice things…there is Al Millefoglie at iCracked.com who not only replaced the screen but did it in an hour!   I dropped it off because he lives down the street but he will even schedule a time to come to you and fix it fast!   So if you are like me and are prone to iphone mishaps CALL HIM!  You can also check out his facebook page!  Thanks so much Al!!

The Gloucester Harvest Music Festival is coming up on September 17th and they are accepting applications for Vendors to set up during the event.   It is a $30.00 donation to the Addison Gilbert Hospital Citizens Fund for your space (you bring your own tent and table).    If you are interested, contact Alex Kadim, alexkadim@gmail.com for the Sponsor Pack.   Check out their website for the musical lineup!

Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary in Natick is part of the Mass Audubon Society and runs along Indian Brook and the Charles River.  It’s a beautiful easily groomed walk teaming with wildlife and a place to put on your list of places to visit!

These neat and tidy stickers are available at the Gloucester Harbormaster’s office located at 19 Harbor Loop.   I’ve got mine!  Like them on facebook and stay up to date!