We were at the quiet end of Crane’s Beach last weekend and saw these little bird dwellings in the dunes.  The area was fenced off to protect the Piping Plovers….which I obviously read all about in posts written about the plovers at Good Harbor Beach.  I can’t lie though…I didn’t realize that they build homes in the sand like this.  Must be true, correct?

As a friend said, it is very reminiscent of adobe homes in Mexico.  Smart little birds.

Because, well it is 7/11, don’t forget to visit your local 7-Eleven store and grab your free small Slurpee today. Maybe make a purchase while you are there as well.

Sushi, yummy drinks, lots of laughs, good friends AND this view!  Come on.

Driving from the Newburyport area home to Rockport the angry skies seemed to be following me.  Gorgeous, but chilling.  Here is the scene that was unfolding above the Essex River and off across the marsh towards Wingaersheek.

The juxtaposition of beginnings and endings and excitement and sorrow, struck me profoundly yesterday morning as I stood, torn, between two very different scenes unfolding around me in complete (and utterly opposite) unison.

T-Wharf, Rockport….8:00 a.m.

To my right (starboard), eager and bouncing junior yacht club members worked busily preparing their sailboats for transport to their very first regatta. Up the ramp. Like a little hive of worker bees they happily grabbed their sails, tillers, centerboards, and optis and helped sailing instructors and parents load up their boats for transport to Manchester Yacht Club.  They were clearly excited, yet keenly aware that the air was thick and heavy. Something looming. Among them, my Thatcher.  I was trying to be present for him. Water, snacks, suntan lotion, life jacket.  Take a moment….say a little prayer. Opti on my roof, ratchet straps tightened, loose ends wrapped…ready to go. Take a moment….say a little prayer.  A circus of children ready for a new beginning. A couple of summers’ worth of hard work culminating.  Noise, chatter, laughs…happy.  Take a moment…say a little prayer.  

To my left (port), ready…prepared for action…. First responders, emergency personnel. Four police cars, three ambulances, Harbormasters, and more.  As we were loading sailboats on…to the left, stretchers, medical bags, life saving equipment was being taken off. Down the ramp.  T Wharf closed….no further entry.  An accident on the water. Take a moment…say a little prayer.  Sirens, lights, a choreographed dance of professionals ready to help…and save.  No happy frenzy….instead, standing alert and poised for action.  Take a moment….say a little prayer.  Waiting, watching the entrance to the harbor….for the victim to arrive. Rescue boat, Harbormaster, lights….closer, closer, closer… arrived. Take a moment….say a little prayer.  

In the end, one seasoned fisherman had just taken his last trip.  Simultaneously, six new sailors were off to their first race.  Rockport. Life on the water. Beginnings and endings….excitement and sorrow. Starting whistle, final alarm. 

Take a moment….say a little prayer. 

What an exciting few days!  Beginning Friday afternoon we were blessed to be surrounded by some of our very favorite friends and family members.  From impromptu gatherings that lasted well into the night, to the perfect quintessential small town parade parade, to an exquisite event that we had to leave far too soon…but were thrilled to be able to attend….we have laughed and counted our lucky American stars.

One birthday party, three parade parties in 3 different towns, two epic beach days with such great friends, fireworks, and a bonfire…..  The Schraffts are tired, but so happy.

Just think of all of the fantastic bags Regina is going to be able to make with that giant pile of sail!

I drove by Again and Again in East Gloucester Square the other day and had to turn around and park to snap a photo after that massive pile caught my eye.

Visit Again and Again HERE or stop by the shop and check out their inventory!

Rockport’s Congregational Church is having a pretty significant remodel. It has been interesting to walk by and see the progress.  This week it was literally in pieces.  Not an easy job so kudos to those making it happen.

Studio Crepe is announcing some delicious new flavors and some new extended hours of operation! To do so, they are handing out some pretty great free samples on the side of the street on Railroad Avenue. Get down there while they’re still available.    If you haven’t been the Stdio Crepe before, put it on your to do list for sure!

Or…in this case…Good Morning, Deer!

My friend and I were out for an early morning walk/run and encountered this little deer crossing the quiet street down on Eastern Point.  It seemed completely unfazed by us and actually followed us for a few steps as we began to walk away.  Nice way to start a day for sure!

Photo credit to my friend, Diane Linn for snapping and sharing this photo since I didn’t have my phone.

The Annisquam Yacht Club Float on Saturday at noon.  Thanks to Paul and Betsey Horovitz for sharing this beautiful photo!