A Nor'Easter for my birthday!

It's been an interesting weather week here in Gloucester.  A nor'easter hit with a bit more impact than I think was expected.  Though it didn't feel threatening in any way, the wind blew ferociously and the rain came in sheets.  When we went out to take the pictures, I had to anchor myself carefully.

It was pretty impressive and we did get to observe some of it from the Elks Club where we had lunch with Uncle Peter and his girlfriend Andrea.  It's been great to spend a little time with Peter, especially since we missed him the last time we were here.  He's full of great stories I can't wait to share.

Jim arrived last Saturday to start his extended stay (and finish mine:) ).  His brother Robert and wife Bobbie came also for a few days so we had a good time showing them around.  I had a very nice birthday--I've decided I very much like spending it here.  And Paula is on her way this weekend for a visit which everyone is looking forward to. 

Our time here is wrapping up and I feel very settled.  My bloodlines are full of sea air and family stories.  I've begun to recognize people on the streets and in the stores so it's probably time to return home!  See you on the other side.

Report from the Gloucester Front

I am collecting all sorts of stuff I can't wait to share but it will need to wait til I get back to my scanner at 2682 Colesville Road.  Today I went to the library at the Cape Ann Museum and dug up Dad's high school yearbook.  CLASSIC stuff in there, let me assure you.

As some of you know, Paula and I follow a blog called Good Morning Gloucester, Joey Ciaramitaro is the host.  He works off the dock that is at the base of Haskell Street (remember that BIG hill?).  By coincidence, I came across a newspaper article in a 1938 Gloucester Daily Times that described the marriage of two sisters--one of the couples I'm pretty sure are his grandparents Joseph (his name) and Felicia (his sister's name).  I printed it for him and decided to deliver it.  Unfortunately I kind of forgot that people WORK on the dock and I interrupted him unloading fish into some guy's truck so I did not linger.  The fish wasn't the only reason.  But I did introduce myself and leave the article for him.  I would want someone to do the same for me.  He may have used the paper to wrap fish.  If he did, I think we'll hear about it on the podcast. 

We are very happy with the apartment. 

Daytime

Evening

 

 

I haven't seen much of the kids this week but I have babysitting on my calendar for Friday and Saturday!  Jim and I went to the Elks with Tim for Oktoberfest -- I think you saw the Facebook picture but here you go again

We had chicken schnitzel and Timothy's company.  Priceless.  The band that played was the same band that played at Giuseppe's on our last visit!!!!!

We went to Boston University to watch a Harpursville alum play against them for her UConn team.  UConn won in a shootout after double overtime.  I was a good test run for my planned trip to Boston tomorrow by train and subway.  Wish me luck. 

When Jim comes back this weekend, it will be for his 10 day visit.  His brother Robert and wife Bobbie are planning to come for a few days so we'll get to be the guides this time.

I forgot to mention that I went with the kids to the Topsfield Fair and had a blast.  Their parents allowed them to "win" plastic trumpets that tooted all the way down the midway.  It made everyone smile as they marched by.

This is me after the Tilt-a-Whirl

First October 2014 Gloucester Report

As you know, I am spending most of this month in Gloucester.  I'm lucky enough to have all the time in the world to do family history research to my heart's content and still share the weekends with Jim.  Already I have gotten a great deal of cool information to share.  But most of that is going to have to wait until I can access my scanner.

For now, here's a little treat for your eyes:

These were taken at the Cape Ann Marina Fall Fest -- also featured on Good Morning Gloucester for those that follow Joey (Paula!).  It was drizzling but still lots of fun.  This is the "home" marina for Wicked Tuna and we always check out the FV (fishing vessels) when we stop by there.

Our first night we decided to have dinner at Giuseppe's, a restaurant we hadn't been to in a while.  We were having a drink at the bar while we waited for Tim and Emmy to join us.  A woman was celebrating her 94th birthday so Jim offered to buy her a shot to celebrate.  She refused (which is when I knew she wasn't related) but was quite charming and Jim flirted her up pretty good.  We were telling this story to Tim and Emmy after we had been seated when a man approached the table and asked Jim if he was the guy that offered the birthday lady a drink.  He thought it was a cool thing to do, so he left his gift card saying it had a little left on it for us to apply to our dinner.  He said he was paying it forward.

I thought it was a nice turn of events after my recent efforts to do the same until we heard the very next day that Giuseppe's had unexpectedly closed its doors for good!  Makes me wonder if that guy knew something we didn't......and I hope the place we have Jim's birthday dinner will still be open the next day.