Bluets in Bloom, or Quaking Quaker Ladies

Blue bird nesting box Azure Bluets, Quaker Ladies, Houstonia caerulea Field ©Kim Smith 2014Bluebird Nesting Box and Bluets

At this time of year, when you pass by a field with patches of white, stop and have a closer look. The Bluet’s tiny florets are actually a dreamy azure blue; the little bunches also “quake” in the seasonal breeze! Also called Quaker Ladies, the sweet petite blossoms attract Little Carpenter bees, Green Metallic bees, small butterflies, and the Meadow Fritillary Butterfly (Boloria bellona). Both nectar and pollen are the pollinator’s floral reward!

Azure Bluets, Quaker Ladies, Houstonia caerulea -2 ©Kim Smith 2014Azure Bluets (Houstonia caerulea)

Azure Bluets, Quaker Ladies, Houstonia caerulea ©Kim Smith 2014Ipswich River Canoers and Bluets at Willowdale Estate

 

Gloucester Harbor Shuttle 2014 Maiden Voyage

The Gloucester Harbor Shuttle by Harbor Tours made its maiden voyage with Captain Pete at the wheel and his brother as first mate.

We also had a big greeting from Frankie at Capt. Joe’s (note Frankie is doing ALL the work by himself)

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Lion’s Tooth – Beauty or Beast

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The lowly dandelion (meaning lion’s tooth because their leaves resemble the teeth of lions), a bright sign of spring to some, a beastly invasive weed to those trying to maintain manicured green lawns or clear walkways.  I love dandelions myself, and how can you not respect the tenacity, strength and determination of a plant that makes its way through concrete!

E.J. Lefavour

http://www.hobbithousestudio.com

SURFCAMP – What could be more fun?

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BRICKHOUSE SURFCAMP Is a five day program and costs $595
THE $595 INCLUDES:

  • Five days of supervised board training and surf lessons.
  • All boards, wetsuits and training equipment.
  • Transportation to and from some of New England’s most beautiful beaches.
DATES Session 1: July 7 – July 11
Session 2: July 14 – July 18
Session 3: July 21 – July 25
Session 4: July 28 – August 1
Session 5: August 4 – August 8
Session 6: August 11 – 15
BRICKHOUSE BOARD WEEK
  • We will get our students in the water as much as possible. Therefore, it is a completely mobile event. We go where the waves are!
  • Will enhance participants’ skills in all three board sports: surfing, skating and snowboarding.
  • Will improve participants’ physical fitness.
  • Will educate students about the ocean, waves, weather and surfing.
  • Will educate students about ocean safety.
  • Will introduce students to new equipment. And most importantly, will give participants a week of fun in the sun doing what they love to do!

We just signed John up for this camp.  They pick up and drop off at Good Harbor Beach.  Check them out here.

Davio’s….A Good Call.

My mom, sister, and I went to Davio’s for an early dinner on Saturday to celebrate Mother’s Day together.  We made a reservation, but upon walking in, decided to sit at the bar since it was fairly empty and the dining room was filling up quickly…and was kind of loud.  Besides, when Mom says, “Do you want to eat at the bar?” you do it!

We split 5 items from the “Piccoli Antipasti”, “Marchi”, and “Piatti Del Bar” sections of the menu.  All of it was incredibly fantastic.  The sangria was perfectly amazing also!!!  And then….came the dessert cart.  Bliss!

Davio’s Lynnfield

Tiramisu....BAM!
Tiramisu….BAM!
Triple Crazy Unreal Stack o' Fun (that may not be the real name)
Triple Crazy Unreal Stack o’ Fun (that may not be the real name)
Caprese Salad....perfect!
Caprese Salad….perfect!
Crispy Goat Cheese Balls with Truffle Honey Glaze
Crispy Goat Cheese Balls with Truffle Honey Glaze
Shrimp Spring Rolls
Shrimp Spring Rolls
Perfect little plate served with bread
Perfect little plate served with bread…which we attacked before I snapped the photo
Sangria, baby!
Sangria, baby!

Pet of the Week- Woof

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Hi!  My name is Woof!  I am a seven-month-old, white-and-tan male kitten.   I am residing and relaxing at the Cape Ann Animal Aid, located at the Christopher Cutler Rich Animal Shelter in Gloucester.  Check our website at: CapeAnnAnimalAid.com

I love it here.  I have friends to play with, toys, big windows to look out, music and great staff and volunteers!  Please stop by and visit me soon.  I am dreaming about my forever home and I can’t wait to have a family to love.

Just remember, my name is Woof, but I am a cat.

Tuesday May 13th , 2014 Cape Ann Weather..

Marine Forecast :
Small Craft Advisory :
Tue E winds 10 to 15 kt. Gusts up to 20 kt in the morning. Seas 2 to 3 ft.
Tue Night SE winds 5 to 10 kt. Seas 2 to 3 ft.

Well say goodbye to the 80’s and hello to the 40’s / 50’s today through Thursday , Sun / clouds / winds from East … Lows Tuesday night in the 40’s to lower 50’s .. With continued onshore wind .. precipitation chances increase Thursday night – through Friday Night with a chance of a round of thunderstorms and period of heavy rain .. Temps warm through the 60’s later in the week …

Hourly Forecast :

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Extended Forecast :

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