Joey, I thought I would share some of my post storm photos. Sky was fantastic. www.judithmphotography.com
Judith
Category: gloucester
Sunbathing ~ Seal Style!
Seals Sunbathing in Winter at Brace Cove
I counted a half dozen seals having a rumpus of fun sunbathing on the rocks at Brace Cove this past week. They were clearly enjoying themselves–all that blubber must keep them well-insulated against the frigid air temperatures!
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Birds of Cape Ann: Divers or Dabblers and the Green-winged Teal
Female Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca)
While filming at Henry’s Pond in Rockport I at first thought I was seeing a pair of pint-sized, or immature female Mallards amongst a mixed flock of full grown Mallards and American Black Ducks. But no, upon closer examination, their behavior was different from that of the much larger Mallards. They stayed together, the two females, foraging for food along the pond’s edge. When one flashed her brilliant emerald green wing, I realized it was no Mallard but the beautiful Green-winged Teal.
Like the chubby little Bufflehead, the Green-winged Teal is similar in size, about 13-15 inches in length.
I find it interesting that, based on their style of foraging, ecologists assemble waterfowl into several groups.“Dabbler” ducks skim food from the surface, or feed in shallow water by tipping forward to submerge their heads (which is exactly what I had observed while filming the petite Green-winged Teal). “Diving” ducks propel themselves underwater with large feet. A few dabblers may dive, but for the most part, dabblers skim.
Dabblers that we see in our region include Green-winged Teal, Mallard, Mottled Duck, Blue-winged Teal, Gadwall, and Northern Shoveler. Diving ducks are the Canvasback, Redhead, Ring-necked Duck, Greater Scaup, Ruddy Duck, Masked Duck, and American Wigeon.
A third category, which includes Buffleheads are called “seaducks.” American Black Duck, Eiders, Scooters, Harlequin Duck, Oldsquaw, Goldeneyes, and Mergansers are encompassed in the seaduck group. Read more about Dabblers vs. Divers here.
In the above photo of a male and female Mallard in the foreground, and Green-winged teal in the background, you can see how close in color are the feathers of the females of the two species. The wing pattern is subtly different and you can also see the difference in size between the two species.
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I have been organizing research and lots of photos for our Birds of Cape Ann series. Upcoming stories will feature songbirds, including Mourning Doves, American Robins, and Northern Cardinals, shorebirds of every size and shape including dabblers, divers, and seaducks, and I’ve planned a post just on bird food to grow in your gardens to attract our fine-feathered friends. As I often remind my readers, “When you plant, they will come!”
Male Green-winged Teal image courtesy Wikimedia Commons
Birds of Cape Ann: Buffleheads
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Coyote Capture
Today was the third day in a row that I have spotted a coyote at high noon. Three different North Shore towns, three sightings. This time I had my camera with me and it was easily accessible. In the new literature on living with coyotes that I have been reading, there is a great deal of misinformation. The first myth that should be dispelled is that they are nocturnal!
If you spot a coyote and manage to capture a photo of it, send in the snapshot and we will post it here. Email to kimsmithdesigns@hotmail.com
Coyote (Canis latrans)
The three locations are: Tregony Bow, Rockport; Grapevine Road, Hamilton; and Mt. Pleasant Street, Gloucester.
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Giuseppe’s Ristorante to host a Fundraiser Event for the Rockport Middle School Chorus’ end of the year school trip. Live music performed by John Rockwell.
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The LobstaCrackah Ballet extended another week!
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In The Battle For Most Picturesque Photo Location Who You Got Between The Burnham House In Essex and Motif No 1 and The Paint Factory
So Anthony Marks Photo This Morning Of The Burnham House Got Me To Thinking…
In The Battle For More Picturesque Photo Location Who You Got Between The Burnham House In Essex and Motif No 1 in Rockport and The Paint Factory in Gloucester.
At One Time I might have said the Paint Factory but it’s such a mess now you’d have to put it out of the running. The Burnham House In Essex has the Natural surroundings thing going for it. Rockport’s Motif No 1 is nice in it’s own right and probably has the most world wide cache.
Here’s a shot of Motif No 1 from Matthew Green-
aaaand The Paint Factory from Manny Simoes-
Let’s run a couple different polls-
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Join Chef Matt Beach at the Chef’s Table Sunday, January 12th at 6pm: 4 Openings
There are four openings for Chef Matt Beach’s Open Chef’s Table. The menu and accompanying wines look absolutely beautiful and, after having sampled Chef Matt’s Warm Apple Tarte Tartin, I can honestly say I would go just for the tarte alone!
Treat a date or guest to a lovely evening of warm and wonderful hospitality, and an equally as wonderful dining experience!
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My First Article is Up for the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism!
My first article for the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism was posted today. The article is part one (highlighting fall and winter) of a two part series about our Harbortown Cultural District. Part two showcases events that take place during the spring and summer, for example, the Feast of St. Joseph, St. Peter’s Fiesta, and the Schooner Festival, and will appear early this spring.
MOTT Article
Gloucester HarborTown Cultural District
Part One
By Kim Smith
I stand on a rooftop facing east toward Gloucester Harbor. Brisk autumn breezes and fresh salty scents lend color to the air of the moment. I can see far out to the Dog Bar Breakwater and Eastern Point Lighthouse, and still further beyond to the white diamond-studded sparkling sea. I see a single seagull arcing through the sky followed by hungry bevies chasing vessels. But it is the view of the harbor’s inner beauty that causes me to standstill and absorb all that I see. The beauty is in the mix of large fishing ships and smaller lobster boats powering through the water—coming and going—in and out to sea; the beauty is in the mix of flat-topped boxy ice buildings, the old Paint Factory, hipped-roof homes, and fish shed peaks; the beauty is in the mix of ships’ masts and riggings, hulls painted shiny red, ochre, and marine blue, new wooden docks and weathered wharf pilings, and everything playing to a soundtrack of gull cries and ships’ engines.
Surrounding the harbor is a blanket of golden hills, made rugged from granite outcroppings formed of earth’s crusty movement long ago, glowing golden from the angled sun’s light and brilliant fall foliage. Saffron tree ribbon circling the harbor runs into silhouettes of neighborhoods with bright sandy beaches that meet ultramarine water. I turn to the west, and looking north and south are the densely packed rooftops of nineteenth- and twentieth-century gables, pitched in shapes and sizes manifold, their architecture mirroring the many cultures and centuries that have shaped this city’s skyline.
This is my adopted city, Gloucester. Like many New England cities and towns Gloucester has riches thought unique to their community, but unlike many hometowns Gloucester’s richly varied and thriving cultural community is grounded from the inside by a framework created from families long associated with her working waterfront. Abounding in maritime heritage, Gloucester is the oldest seaport in America; Gloucester is home, too, to Rocky Neck, the nation’s oldest art colony. For over four hundred years her beauty and bounty have attracted fishermen and artists alike. Along with Rocky Neck, Gloucester’s Harbortown Downtown district is a designated Massachusetts Cultural District; Gloucester is the only city in Massachusetts to boast two such cultural districts! Throughout the four seasons visitors from near and far travel to Gloucester to enjoy her beautiful shores, take part in her fiestas and festivals, dine on fresh seafood, meet her friendly people, and explore her arts, architecture, and entertainment.
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Savour Wine and Cheese Shares Their Fabulous Tuscan Vegetable Soup!
Kathleen Erickson Shares Her Out-of-this-World Delicious Tuscan Vegetable Soup! Thank you Kathleen. I know what I am making for dinner tonight!
Photo Courtesy Kathleen Erickson, via Sally Cameron, from the blog “A Food Centric Life”
Vegetarian or vegan, only 150 calories per serving.
Ingredients
4 T. olive oil
1 1/4 cup eggplant, peeled and cubed (small Italian or Japanese)
1 can diced fire-roasted tomatoes, undrained (14 1/2-ounce) (I like Muir Glen organic)
2 T. concentrated sun-dried tomato paste (in the tube)
1 cup fresh baby portabella mushrooms, sliced
1 c. onions, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 small summer (yellow) squash, coarsely chopped
1 small zucchini squash, coarsely chopped
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning, dried
1 tsp. Himalayan pink salt (or to taste)
1/8 tsp pepper
2 cups vegetable stock (homemade or Emeril’s)
1 cup dry red wine
1 14 oz. can Cannelli beans
2 T. fresh basil chiffonade
8 tbsp Raw Pecorino Toscano Senesi cheese, freshly grated
Cooking Directions
I like to do this in two pans. In one pan, drizzle 2 T. olive oil, sauté mushrooms and remove. Add chopped eggplant and drizzle a little more oil if needed. Sauté until cooked through. In the other pan, drizzle 2 T. olive oil and sauté onions, garlic, summer squash, and zucchini until partially cooked. Add the cup of wine and cooked eggplant. Simmer until most of the wine is evaporated. Add vegetable stock, diced tomatoes with liquid, all the seasonings and the beans. Simmer on stove top for 20 minutes. Add the mushrooms and the fresh basil. Ladle into soup bowls and top with Pecorino cheese and crostini if desired.
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Don’t forget about our VB6 presentation and taco night with Dr. Marcus Marlow who is flying here from Chicago just to meet with us and help us understand the power of a whole foods, plant-based diet in achieving optimum health. For those who expressed interest, I sent out all the main details of Savour and beach gourmet’s VB6 program. Here is a link to the document, in case you want to pass it along or are simply interested in what we are doing this winter.
We meet on Thursday, January 9 at 7 p.m. for a discussion of the program and a sample of the food – tacos with homemade tortillas and all the “good-for-you” fillings. Be sure to confirm with me if you want to come Thursday night.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Erickson Morgan
Savour Wine and Cheese
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Andrew Clark joins The Thursday night blues party @ The Rhumb Line this week 8-11…1.9.2014
Dave says,
This week we have returning that Tootin’ Torquemada of the Tenor, Mr. Andrew Clark. A.C., as he is often referred to, has just returned from a whirlwind tour of the Caucasus, sailing back by way of Varna with several huge boxes of his native soil aboard, finally settling down at his Carfax® Abbey in Haverhill, Ma. The entire crew disappeared en route. The police may come.
http://www.andrewclark.us/
But, seriously, folks, A.C. is a master of musical chicanery, often twisting tuneful chestnuts into pretzels for your musical deportation. Quite a brain there, and always a surprise lurking in the corner pocket. He’ll be backed up by that jackhammer of a drummer, Mr. Roger Brocklebank, teacher and effusive retainer of lyrics to songs you never thought you’d ever have to play. Even for money. Billy Loosigian, wearing chaps and spurs, will be twirling his guitar-like lasso hoping for top prize, and spitting thru his two front teeth. Lessons available. I’ll be off to the side, playing Renfield and nibbling the wings off eighth notes and begging for mercy. It’s still 8 to 11, with time off for good behavior.
Also, for you of the underemployed persuasion, The good Old Salty Jazz Band is at bat next Monday from 1 to 3.at the Rose Baker Senior Center next to Drunken Donuts downtown. Come on down and enjoy a bowl of Jello with the smart sounds of the Roaring Twenties. EMTs on duty. Don’t laugh: you’re closer than you think.
And as usual , Thank you all for your continued support. Just looked at my cobwebbed storage shelf, and it’s my eighth year at the Rhumb Line! I’ve been up all night and I’ve got proof! Where did the time (and my mind) go? What am I talking about?
THE RHUMB LINE BAR & RESTAURANT
40 Railroad Ave.
Gloucester, MA 01930
phone: 978-283-9732
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From Chief Smith: Help the Fire Department Protect You
Help the Fire Department Protect You: Shovel Fire Hydrants
“In a fire seconds count,” said Gloucester Fire Chief Eric Smith, “so help your fire department protect you and your neighbors but removing snow from nearby fire hydrants.” Fire officials are urging those who are able to do so, to shovel snow away from fire hydrants in case access to them is needed quickly.
Clear Snow from Furnace and Dryer Vents
Keep outside furnace, hot water and dryer vents clear of drifting snow, to prevent flue gases from backing up into the home and creating a carbon monoxide hazard.
Clear Snow from Vehicle Tailpipes
Last winter, two children from Boston died from carbon monoxide while sitting inside arunning vehicles where the tailpipe was clogged with snow. Doctors from the Boston Public Health Commission have created an educational video on CO poisoning that addresses this particular risk.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Yy9zXsaeCA
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Eastern Point Lit House Second Sunday with Eric Pinder at The Hive
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Sawyer Free Library Pajama Story Time Tonight
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Wednesdays with Fly @ The Rhumb Line ~ Special guest: Inge Berge
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GMG FOB Mary McLoud Tucker Sharing Stories
Mary Tucker Apple Cranberry Pie
GMG FOB Mary McLoud Tucker (whose Mom was a Wonson) sends a lovely note, sharing her connection to Gloucester. Thank you so much Mary. We contributors are so appreciative of your participation in the blog and of your always kind and thoughtful comments.
Mary writes, “Yes, I know where Plum and Highland streets are located in relation to Mt. Pleasant Ave. My mother was a Wonson. She was the grand daughter of George Marble Wonson. Growing up at the end of Lantern Lane with all of her relatives houses up Marble Road. A couple of summers ago, with the help of the owner of Rocky Neck Accommodations (who lived in a Wonson house), I was able to locate the path on what was the Wonson farm property that walks you out to the back shore. Wondering if your walks have ever taken you down that path. I thought better of doing that walk by myself!
My father grew up in the Victorian house at 130 Mt Pleasant Avenue. The house has been renovated a couple of times and sold last summer. While in Gloucester, I stopped by and spoke with the selling owners. Happily they inquired about the history of the house and I was more than happy to answer their questions as we toured the much changed and renovated house. The house I remember had two front doors. In order to enlarge the living room the front door and entrance were removed ~ however the door was still intact and in the garage! At the end of our visit, and many laughs, Rosa Ladd gave me the front door to my grandparents home at 130 Mt Pleasant Ave. It was a thrill to have the door with me. As my nephew took the door out of the truck and into my yard I anxiously looked through the same glass my grandmother looked through to greet her three sons as they came home from war.
I do return to Gloucester, with some variation of family, every summer. Trying to follow the path of “The Gift” by Marty Luster.
View of Brace Rock from Dales Cove House
So, to move along, last summer for our summer vacation I rented Dales Cove House that faces Brace Cove. Attached is a video of the view from the porch. if you have not been to the house you may enjoy the view from the other side of Niles Pond.
Happy New Year Kim. Your photos, posts, and philosophy have brought me so much pleasure ~”
Last summer Mary and her extended family had all come together for her brother’s memorial. Mary writes, “The night before we sailed, on the Lannon, to enter my brother Dave’s ashes to the Gloucester sea, we had a family dinner. The gifts on the table were for each family attending. Wrapped in McLoud plaid, the plaques say “HOLD FAST TO YOUR DREAMS.” “Hold Fast” is the McLoud family motto. It was a wonderful family evening.”
All Photos Mary McLoud Tucker
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No One Injured, But the Good Harbor Beach Footbridge Took a Beating
SUV Crashes Into Gloucester Good Harbor Beach Footbridge
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WALKER CREEK BAND THIS FRIDAY AT GIUSEPPE’S! 8-11pm. Don’t miss it and please call us if you would like to reserve a table for 6 or more or to be put on our call ahead list! 978-879-4622
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Music Around Town ♪♫♪ January 6-12, 2014
click photo for music info
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Ferry Hill Cottage- Can anyone date it?
Joey, I thought you might like to post this. This cottage is on Ferry Hill on the bank of the creek leading to Montgomery’s Boat Yard. Happy New Year, Marty Daley
Good Morning Gloucester 