A Timeline: The Brigham’s Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream That Wouldn’t Melt On The Counter-

Monday 11/18

Wednesday 11/20

Saturday 11/23 AM

Saturday 11/23 8PM

Sunday 11/24 4AM

Yummy Garden Omelet at GrillFriends

Rick and I like to walk to GrillFriends, 20 Lexington Avenue, Magnolia, Gloucester, MA.  This cafe is comfy, cozy and a wonderful place to see friends.  The food is outstanding.

Discover Gloucester & The Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce Present the 5th Annual Winter Lights on Cape Ann – A Festive Celebration of the Season!

Celebrate the holiday season with the 5th Annual Winter Lights on Cape Ann! Discover Gloucester, in collaboration with the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, invites you to experience the magic of the season in the charming coastal towns of Gloucester, Essex, Ipswich, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Rockport. The festivities begin on Small Business Saturday, November 30, 2024, and continue through New Year’s Day, January 1, 2025.

Cedar Chest’s 2022 Holiday Movie Themed Storefront, Rockport, MA

Businesses across Cape Ann will light up the season with enchanting storefront displays, transforming their communities into a sparkling holiday wonderland. The illuminated streets and festive windows create a beautiful backdrop for exploring, shopping, and enjoying the magic of this special time of year.“

This event brings together the heart of Cape Ann—our small businesses and our community spirit—to create something truly special for residents and visitors alike,” says Steve Buckley, CEO of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce. “We’re thrilled to see so many businesses participating again this year, each contributing their creativity and holiday cheer to make the season shine even brighter.”

The annual Winter Lights Decorating Contest is back, encouraging everyone to explore Cape Ann and vote for their favorite displays. Voting begins on Small Business Saturday, November 30, and continues throughout the season. Winners will be announced in the New Year, and anyone who votes will be entered into a drawing to win a prize.

Fireflies Boutique  during Winter Lights on Cape Ann 2023, Gloucester, MA

“Winter Lights on Cape Ann is one of the most festive times of the year,” says Brittany DiCologero, Marketing Director of Discover Gloucester. “It’s the perfect opportunity to discover what makes our communities so unique—walkable streets, beautifully decorated shops, and the unmistakable charm of Cape Ann during the holidays.”Start planning your holiday adventure today! Find the full list of participating businesses, cast your vote for the best displays, and explore the interactive digital map with event details, local promotions, and more at https://discovergloucester.com/winter-lights-cape-ann/. Brochures are also available at participating locations or downloadable online.

Brass Monkey during Winter Lights on Cape Ann 2023, Gloucester, MA

About Discover Gloucester

Discover Gloucester is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Gloucester as a premier visitor destination. Working collaboratively with local businesses and cultural institutions, Discover Gloucester inspires authentic visitor experiences and fosters economic vitality in the region.

About The Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce

Serving Essex, Gloucester, Ipswich, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Rockport for over 100 years, the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce is committed to supporting local businesses, fostering economic growth, celebrating cultural heritage, and enhancing the quality of life throughout the region.

Holiday Wreath Workshop

Reblogged from the Magnolia Community Center and Library

 

Join us at the library for a wreath making workshop!

https://checkout.square.site/…/V3O2TC6HQ6XW3DPKCDPTERB6…

CHASING FIRE IN THE SKY: Lanes cove

My view driving up Washington St. towards Lanes Cove on Saturday. I had to chase the end and see where it would land.

Of course it takes me to the cove for a better view. It was a raging windy day by the water. It felt like a steady 35-45 mph thumping. It had to have been a gale.

And upon turning down Duley St. I found a special moment. Lanes Cove at sunset never disappoints. And behold, with the wind bearing down so hard I could barely keep my feet steady, this was my reverse view. Pay-dirt.

A wispy dance of color, clouds, and rain painted a glow that could take your breath away. And, so it did.
May we never forget how fortunate we all are to live in such a place of perfect beauty and heritage.

(all iPhone 13 images)

For The St Peter’s Club Open To The Public Italian Cookie Contest and Sip n Shop Karen Sarofeen of Karen’s Floral Design will be selling handmade crocheted bags all sizes just $25 each and silk candle centerpieces and silk Christmas decorations!

The Sip n Shop and Espresso Bar will be open at 4:30. The Cookie Contest Tickets To be A Judge go on sale at 6PM

Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

St. John’s Church will hold an Interfaith Service of Thanksgiving on Monday, November 25 at 4:00 pm at St. John’s Church, 48 Middle St. Gloucester. This service is offered in collaboration with the Unitarian Universalist Church, Gloucester, First Congregational Church, Rockport, Temple Ahavat Achim, Gloucester and First Church, Wenham. Please join us as we focus our prayers, blessings and choral voices on things that unite us. We will be taking an offering of cereal for the Open Door and monetary donations for the Younity Access Center in Gloucester, which offers a variety of services to youth ages 16-25 who identify as LGBTQ+ and/or have experiences with substance use, housing instability, and/or mental health needs. Some parking available in St. John’s parking lot across from 18 Washington Street. Festive reception to follow.

Thank you!

A Return To Nichols Candy

Since we stopped at Turtle Alley for a special gift, it seemed only fair to also go to Nichols Candy when I needed some special sweets for a baby shower. It always feels so cozy and homey in there and the staff is exceptionally helpful. I successfully selected a bucket of sweet treats for the shower and lingered a bit looking at the tempting treats. Thanks Nichols!

Present and Past — pat morss

It’s been slow out there, so here are a few current encounters, and some older ones that remind us of the seasons we have left behind.

Friends have add lifesize India Elephants to their extended family.
Dressed for their welcoming party.
These two USCG boats were performing maneuvers for most of two days.
The winter birds are flying in at Niles Pond – a flotilla of Ring-necked Ducks.
Across the pond, a juvenile Bald Eagle checks out the water birds.
And finds a perch to survey dinner options.
Now back to spring. I wish this hydroseeded lawn had remained turquoise.
A bumble bee doing its thing on a fall hydrangea.
Preening Great Egret at Niles Pond.
Visiting schooner Corwith Cramer anchored in a misty outer harbor.
“I can help you with that little one.”
“I got my dinner.”

Eastern Point from Shore Road at dusk

As our Sunset Club walks Shore Road almost every evening.  It never disappoints.  The sunsets and of course the people we walk with.

Video Lone Coyote trotting on Wingaersheek Beach

Video/photo mid November sunrise, Wingaersheek Beach: Crossed paths with a lone coyote twice. Saw it cut across the parking lot straight up path 1, turn left across the dunes, and climb up out of sight, heading in the direction of the homes on the bluff. About 40 minutes later, I was surprised to witness it now galloping along the water’s edge over to the rocks, pausing momentarily to check out a beachwalker with a dog emerging from path 1, then exiting path 3. Evidently, it had completed a big circle route.