Only in Gloucester!

Only in Gloucester! The two ads appeared side by side in yesterday's Gloucester Daily Times. National Geographic is looking for new tuna boats, captains and crew who are tough and outgoing. We've got plenty of fishermen just like that here. www.WickedTunaCasting@gmail.com The Seaport Grille menu, left, lists their weekly specials. My favorite is the lobster roll with fries (slaw can be substituted). It contains the meat of one lobster served in a fresh Virgillio's roll and is priced at $9.95. Seaport also has the best view of Gloucester's "working harbor."
 These two ads appeared side by side in yesterday’s Gloucester Daily Times. National Geographic is looking for new tuna boats, captains and crew who are tough and outgoing. We’ve got plenty of fishermen just like that here. http://www.WickedTunaCasting@gmail.com
The Seaport Grille menu, left, lists their weekly specials. My favorite is the lobster roll with fries (slaw can be substituted). It contains the meat of one lobster served in a fresh Virgillio’s roll and is priced at $9.95. Seaport also has the best view of Gloucester’s “working harbor.”
While dining at the Seaport Grille one night, I saw a huge tuna being offloaded across the channel under the movie lights (right). It's great to live here. www.cruiseportgloucester.com
While dining at the Seaport Grille one night, I saw a huge tuna being offloaded across the channel under the movie lights (right). It’s great to live here. http://www.cruiseportgloucester.com

Rockport Harbor, 1934

Two mackerel seiners are tied up at Rockport's Bradley Wharf in front of Motif No. 1.  The boats are the Rosie and the Joe D’Ambrosio.
Two Boston mackerel seiners are tied up at Rockport’s Bradley Wharf in front of Motif No. 1. The boats are the Rosie and the Joe D’Ambrosio.

Cribbage High Rollers

My roommate here at the rehab plays cribbage once a week with his friend, a facility volunteer. They play for fun and share gourmet jelly beans during the game. Cribbage was a popular card game in 17th century England, where it's the only game allowed to be played in pubs for money. The US Navy Submarine Service has long called cribbage its "unofficial pastime." I've got to try it...
My roommate here at the rehab plays cribbage once a week with his friend, a facility volunteer. They play for fun and share gourmet jelly beans during the game.
Cribbage was a popular card game in 17th century England, where it’s the only game allowed to be played in pubs for money. The US Navy Submarine Service has long called cribbage its “unofficial pastime.” I’ve got to try it…

Harbor Cove, circa 1930

The fishing fleet is tied up in Harbor Cove about 1930, between Downtown and The Fort. The Gloucester Oil Supply Company is nearby, and a notation on the negative envelope refers to the Schooner Mayflower in the photo. Can you find it?
The fishing fleet is tied up in Harbor Cove about 1930, between Downtown and The Fort. The Gloucester Oil Supply Company is nearby, and a notation on the negative envelope refers to the Schooner Mayflower in the photo. Can you find it?

It Must be Jelly, ‘Cause Jam Don’t Shake Like That!

Here in the rehab, we're served toast or English muffins with breakfast, accompanied by a tiny .05 oz. sealed cup of so-so jelly. It made me think: I didn't know the difference between jelly, jam, and preserves. Quite a few people I asked didn't know either, especially guys. Here's what I use now and how they differ. -Jelly (L): Cooked fruit juice with sugar and thickened with pectin. -Jam (M): Crushed fruit cooked with sugar. Pectin is in the fruit. Less of a gelled texture that jelly. -Preserves (R): Cooked fruit with sugar. Fruit is in medium to large chunks.
Here in the rehab, we’re served toast or English muffins with breakfast, accompanied by a tiny .05 oz. sealed cup of so-so jelly. It made me think: I didn’t know the difference between jelly, jam, and preserves. Quite a few people I asked didn’t know either, especially guys. Here’s what I use now and how they differ.
-Jelly (L): Cooked fruit juice with sugar and thickened with pectin.
-Jam (M): Crushed fruit cooked with sugar. Pectin is in the fruit. Less of a gelled texture than jelly.
-Preserves (R): Cooked fruit with sugar. Fruit is in medium to large chunks.

The Old Castle, circa 1930

The Old Castle in Pigeon Cove, Rockport, was built in 1712 by Jethro Wheeler. Constructed as a residence, this rare early First Period saltbox is on the National Register of Historic Places. The old Castle (150 Granite Street)) is owned by the Sandy Bay Historical Society http://www.sandybayhistorical.org/Castle.htm. It's open to the public in July and August.
The Old Castle in Pigeon Cove, Rockport, was built in 1712 by Jethro Wheeler. Constructed as a residence, this rare early First Period saltbox is on the National Register of Historic Places. The old Castle (150 Granite Street)) is owned by the Sandy Bay Historical Society http://www.sandybayhistorical.org/Castle.htm. It’s open to the public in July and August.

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Hello Birdie!

Last week my friend Catherine and her family gave me a stick-on bird feeder for my window, along with a bag of wild bird food. Janet installed it last Saturday, May 3rd. I was told that birds will discover the seed banquet in a few days to a week. I can't wait to say "Hello Birdie!"
Last week my friend Catherine and her family gave me a stick-on bird feeder for my window, along with a bag of wild bird food. Janet installed it last Saturday, May 3rd. I was told that birds will discover the seed banquet in a few days to a week. I can’t wait to say “Hello Birdie!”
So when will I see the first bird in my new bird feeder? The closest comment to the actual bird observation will be a rubber duck, signed by Mr. 'RD' Paul Morrison.
So when will I see the first bird in my new bird feeder? The prize for the comment closest to the actual bird observation will be a rubber duck, signed by Mr. ‘RD’ Paul Morrison.

Winter is Broken – Spring has Come Once More

It takes a few back to back beautiful days for winter to hightail it, and for spring to claim the season. It's here!
It takes a few back to back beautiful days for winter to hightail it, and for spring to claim the season. It’s here!

Fred, the Pet Groundhog

There's not a lot of wildlife in Rockport, except for coyotes. This afternoon I saw a large rodent peek out from the alleyway between the Kohl generator and utility building. A Google search to ID the animal led me to this: "This is my pet groundhog, Fred. Ok, he's not my pet. Fred just looks adorable, lives on my property and eats all the food growing in my garden. Come to think of it, Fred sounds like my kids! Fred has the most luxurious coat - deep rich brown, underlayed with soft black and highlighted with a silver grey. He reminds me of a couple of beautiful fabrics from Norbar." Photo and text from: http://thefocusondesign.blogspot.com/2010/07/color-series-this-is-fred.html
There’s not a lot of wildlife in Rockport, except for coyotes. This afternoon I saw a large rodent peek out from the alleyway between the Kohl generator and utility building. A Google search to ID the animal led me to this: “This is my pet groundhog, Fred. Ok, he’s not my pet. Fred just looks adorable, lives on my property and eats all the food growing in my garden. Come to think of it, Fred sounds like my kids!
Fred has the most luxurious coat – deep rich brown, underlayed with soft black and highlighted with a silver grey. He reminds me of a couple of beautiful fabrics from Norbar.” Photo and text from: http://thefocusondesign.blogspot.com/2010/07/color-series-this-is-fred.html

Our First Stealth Warship

On April 12th, 2014, the 610 foot long US Navy Destroyer Zumwalt was christened at the Bath Iron Works in Maine. My friend Bob Rubin of Rocky Neck (https://goodmorninggloucester.wordpress.com/2013/01/01/tradition-on-rocky-neck/) attended the celebration with his camera. The ship's namesake is the late Admiral Elmo 'Bud' Zumwalt, Chief of Naval Operations from 1970 to 1974. USS Zumwalt is the stealthiest and most technologically advanced ship in the world.
On April 12th, 2014, the 610 foot long US Navy Destroyer Zumwalt was christened at the Bath Iron Works in Maine. My friend Bob Rubin of Rocky Neck (https://goodmorninggloucester.wordpress.com/2013/01/01/tradition-on-rocky-neck/) attended the celebration with his camera. The ship’s namesake is the late Admiral Elmo ‘Bud’ Zumwalt, Chief of Naval Operations from 1970 to 1974. USS Zumwalt is the stealthiest and most technologically advanced ship in the world.
The Admiral's daughters Ann and Mouzetta break a bottle of bubbly to christen the USS Zumwalt.
The Admiral’s daughters Ann and Mouzetta break a bottle of bubbly to christen the USS Zumwalt.
Destroyer Zumwalt under construction at the Bath Iron Works. The ship will go to sea in 2016. Cost: $3 billion dollars.
Destroyer Zumwalt under construction at the Bath Iron Works. The ship will go to sea in 2016. Cost: $3 billion dollars.
Numerous groundbreaking features are built into the Zumwalt, among them: Tumblehome or reverse bow to slice through waves and reduce the wake; No windows or portholes; Composite superstructure; Crew of 130, which is about half that of similar warships, and no external antennas. USN Captain James A. Kirk's futuristic destroyer's stealth features will also make the ship appear as a Gloucester fishing boat on enemy radar.
Numerous groundbreaking features are built into the Zumwalt, among them: Tumblehome or reverse bow to slice through waves and reduce the wake; No windows or portholes; Composite superstructure; Crew of 130, which is about half that of similar warships, and no external antennas. USN Captain James A. Kirk’s futuristic destroyer’s stealth features will also make the ship appear as a Gloucester fishing boat on enemy radar.

 

Thanks for Your Thoughts

During my recovery, I received many cards and gifts from friends wishing me well. Every single one is appreciated. Here are a few creative and unique examples. Clockwise from GMG's Rubber Duck: sign from a young Gloucester man, jigsaw puzzle from Florida folks, Easter card from Rockport's Alamo, another street sign from a Gloucester kid, as well as the blue 'Get Well Soon' background. I am getting well, and wish you all a Happy Easter. Fred
During my recovery, I received many cards and gifts from friends wishing me well. Every single one is appreciated. Here are a  few creative and unique examples. Clockwise from GMG’s Rubber Duck: sign from a young Gloucester man, jigsaw puzzle from Florida folks, Easter card from Rockport’s Alamo, another street sign from a Gloucester kid, – as well as the blue ‘Get Well Soon’ background. I am getting well, and wish you all a Happy Easter. Fred

Twachtman Plaque, 1937

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The long-gone bronze plaque (top) commemorates oil painter Twachtman and his studio. The head of Wonson Cove is in the background. The photo on the bottom is the exterior, photographed in 1936, when it was Oharra's "Come See & Shop."
The long-gone bronze plaque (above) commemorates oil painter Twachtman and his studio. The head of Wonson Cove is in the background. The photo on the top is the exterior, photographed in 1936, when it was Oharra’s “Come See & Shop.”

John Henry Twachtman Studio in 1913

Renowned American painter John Henry Twachtman (1853-1902) spent the last years of his life depicting Gloucester scenes. In this photo, his studio is called the Grace Hazen Studio, later that of O'Hara, with the Harbor View Hotel in the background.
Renowned American painter John Henry Twachtman (1853-1902) spent the last years of his life depicting Gloucester scenes. In this photo, his studio is called the Grace Hazen Studio, later that of O’Hara, with the Harbor View Hotel in the background.

Three Musketeers, a Dog, and a Tree

Chiwawa Pip, Book Designer Steve Bridges, Block Party Organizer Valerie Markley, Chef Debbie, Demakis, and a Norfolk Island Pine all came unannounced to visit me. All old friends, and the pine tree never left.
Chiwawa Pip, Book Designer Steve Bridges, Block Party Organizer Valerie Markley, Chef Debbie Demakis, and a Norfolk Island Pine all came unannounced to visit me. All old friends, and the pine tree never left.

Propellor Department

On Rocky Neck in Gloucester sits the Gloucester Marine Railways, in operation since 1859. Large vessels can be hauled out of the water for repair, painting, or tied up to the piers. Even a casual stroll through the "Railways" yields interesting photos. Schooner Adventure is also berthed there.
On Rocky Neck in Gloucester sits the Gloucester Marine Railways, in operation since 1859. Large vessels can be hauled out of the water for repair, painting, or tied up to the piers. Even a casual stroll through the “Railways” yields interesting photos. Schooner Adventure is also berthed there.

Rockport: Baba Yaga was Here!

A children's folk tale, written about 300 years ago, is titled "Baba Yaga." IIt takes place in the Slavic countryside in the vicinity of Russia. I read it in high sxhool and Baba Yaga's magical hut made an impression on me, When the witch wanted to go somewhere the hut sprouted chicken legs and scurried along. The painting of a dog on a doghouse in Rockport reminded me of Baba Yaga and the hut: https://goodmorninggloucester.wordpress.com/2014/03/26/dog-house-rockport/#comments
A children’s folk tale, written about 300 years ago, is titled “Baba Yaga.” It takes place in the Slavic countryside in the vicinity of Russia. I read it in high sxhool and Baba Yaga’s magical hut made an impression on me. When the witch wanted to go somewhere, the hut sprouted chicken legs and scurried along. much to the horror of children.
The painting of a dog on a doghouse in Rockport reminded me of Baba Yaga and her hut: https://goodmorninggloucester.wordpress.com/2014/03/26/dog-house-rockport/#comments

The Gift that Keeps on Quacking

My friend Paul Morrison visited last weekend, followed by five of his rubber ducks. He gave me the ducks as a get well present. Research scientist, fisherman, Paul is also an excellent cook.
My friend Paul Morrison visited last weekend, followed by five of his rubber ducks. He gave me the ducks as a get well present. Research scientist, fisherman, Paul is also an excellent cook.