Perhaps I am just imagining, but the seals that were at Brace Cove several mornings ago appear to have a much different pattern of spots on their coats than the Harbor Seals we typically see hauled out on the rocks. I know that Harp Seals are also seen in our area at this time of year and read that the juveniles molt in interesting patterns. The two pinnipeds on the far right have very large irregular patches and the seal on the left seemed half the size of the other three with an almost pointed snout. Is it a different species or a young seal I wonder? Looking at several sources to id and I am still puzzled. Would love to hear from our readers. Thank you so much!
These Photos Leave Me Cold
PHOTO BY CAROLINE HAINES

Eastern Point in early afternoon
PHOTOS BY BRIANNE HURLEY

Annisquam Ice

Annisquam Cold

Out The Window
PHOTO BY ABBIE LUNDBERG

Patterns created by wind on ice at Goose Cove reservoir.
Thanks to you all for these beautiful but cold, cold images. If anyone else has taken outstanding photos of the cold, forward them to me and I’ll post them on GMG.
Marty
editormard1@mac.com
Another beautiful day hanging at Magnolia Pier

Getting ready for the Valentine’s Podcast

It’s going to be one fun action packed podcast! Stay tuned tomorrow for the Valentine’s Day Podcast!
Live, laugh, love 💜
Call for Entries

2016 Spring Art in the Schoolhouse
April 8, 9 & 10
Call for Entries
Acrylic, Fine Crafts, Mixed Media, Pastel, and Photography
Recieving: Tuesday, April 5, 4 to 8 pm
Reception: Friday, April 8, 6 to 9 pm
Pick-Up: Sunday, April 10, 12:30 to 2 pm
Requirements
People’s Choice Award
All work must be for sale
All work must be completed within the last two years
All work must be original, created within the past two years, and conceived by the artist
No wet paintings
Framing Requirements
Acceptable hardware for wood frames: screw-eyes or d-rings
Acceptable hardware for metal frames: hardware that screws secure in track (not sliding)
No saw tooth hangers, spring clips, tension mounts, standing photo frames, or pop-in frames
Register Online
to pre-pay your show entry fees prior to receiving.
100% of all proceeds support the Blynman Schoolhouse Restoration Project as well as associated MHS administrative activities. Visit our website for more details.
AMAZING RED-TAILED HAWK CAPTURE!
This photo from Isabella and Stephen Bates was submitted as possibly a Peregrine Falcon however, I think it is a Red-tailed Hawk. Please write if you can confirm or correct, much appreciated. Isabella and Stephen shared that the hawk was feeding on the suet when it picked up the feeder in its talons and carried it away!
Nemes Band Tonight @ MinglewoodAtlat43 9pm 2.13.2016 You Don’t Miss Them!

Crazy 4 Cookies @The Cave Cheese Shop!
Rick dreaming at the New England Boat Show
Gloucester Smiles ~ 155
Breaking News! Sista Felicia’s 3-D Valentine Cookies On Sale Today @The Cave Cheese Shop Glou Ma!
Lobster 101 HarborLAB at Maritime Gloucester
More Cape Ann Community News-
http://www.capeanncommunity.com

HarborLAB: Lobster 101
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, 2016, 6:30 PM TO 8:00 PM
REGISTRATION : $25 MEMBERS, $30 NON-MEMBERS
AUDIENCE: ADULTS
Join our adult HarborLAB and learn about one of Gloucester’s notorius marine invertebrates…Homarus americanus, American Lobster. Participants will learn about our native Gloucester Harbor lobsters through dissection and microscope use. This is not your high school bio class. No formaldehyde. No grades. No experience required.
HarborLAB will meet in the Sarah Fraser Robbins Classroom easily accessible down the walkway towards the pier. Click here to register.
Live Fish Tales: The Tattoo Stories
Live Blogging: Fish Tales @ Short n Main
CAKE ANN’S RECIPE 4 LOVE!
A sampling of some of Cake Ann’s cupcakes that are available for your Valentine sweethearts.
Cherry vanilla cupcakes with buttercream frosting
Chocolate with salted caramel cupcakes
Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting
Cake Ann has extended their hours. They are open Valentine’s Day, and every Sunday, from 8am to 2pm. Cake Ann is located at 214 Eastern Avenue in Gloucester
How Do You Photograph COLD?

With the coldest weather of the season upon us, send me your best photo of “cold.” I want to see pictures that make me shiver and run inside. Subjects might be people reacting to the cold or scenics that evoke a deep freeze or any imaginative approach you care to choose.
Send photos to <editormard1@mac.com> and I’ll post them here at GMG over the next few days. Please include your name for proper credit.
The Golden Hour

They’re Out There. Nuts!
Art Exhibit at Essex Shipbuilding Museum
There is an art exhibit at the
Essex Shipbuilding Museum
Feb 16, 10-5 daily.
The opening is Friday from 6-8PM.
It is an interesting show with work by Charlie Carroll, Virginia Eaton, Barbara Donnelly, Lindsay Hopkins Weld, Jay Havighurst, Lynne Havighurst, Katherine Richmond, Connie Sweet, Alison Taylor, Kristen Wilson,Constance Vallis, and Katherine Fitzgibbon.

The Artful Birdhouse: An Auction of artist-created birdhouses, Auctioneer State Senator Bruce Tarr
The Artful Birdhouse: An Auction of artist-created birdhouses, Auctioneer State Senator Bruce Tarr, Sunday, February 21, Preview: with light refreshments and Champagne punch from1-2 PM, Live Auction at 2:15 PM.
The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck, 6 Wonson Street, Gloucester, MA 01930
Gallery hours, Thurs-Sun, 12:00-4:00 PM
Tickets are $10 per person available online beginning Wednesday, February10 through Saturday, February 20 until 5 PM at http://rockyneckartcolony.org/event/the-artful-birdhouse/
Tickets also available at The Cultural Center gallery from Thursday, February 11 through Sunday, February 14. As space is limited, early purchase is suggested.
“The Artful Birdhouse,” in the entertaining and capable hands of auctioneer State Senator Bruce Tarr, offers more than 20 original, artist-created birdhouses by auction on Sunday February 21, preview beginning at 1:00 PM, live Auction 2:15 PM. Engaging the charm and appeal of birdhouses as a foundation, the imagination of friends and members of the Rocky Neck Art Colony soars in whimsical, modern, traditional, fantasy and completely unexpected “artful” birdhouses. The following artists have donated their time and talents for an auction of their birdhouse creations in support of Mass Audubon and in conjunction with the “For The Birds” avian-art exhibit at The Cultural Center.
A highlight of the event is the featured item: A private naturalist walk with Mass Audubon’s Chair of Natural History and Field Ornithology Chris Leahy. With broad expertise in birds and insects, and an engaging communication style he leads many international tours. Winner may invite up to 10 guests. The value is “priceless.”
Artists contributing to the auction event are Kathy Gerdon Archer, Deborah Barnwell, Carol Mansur Benesh, Lisa Carlson, Joy Dai Buell, Elizabeth Gauthier, Rachel Gauthier, Joy Halsted, Jane Keddy, Mindy Lind-terk, Ron MacNeill, Tom Nihan, Sinikka Nogello, Christy Park, Hans Pundt, Kenny Riaf, Sally Seamans, Betty Lou Schlemm, Pam Stratton, Karen Tibbetts, and Karen Tusinski among others.
A portion of the day’s event proceeds will support Mass Audubon’s mission to protect the flora and fauna of Massachusetts.

















