Author: Pat D

I have decided it might be “safe” to release these items back into the general household inventory after being stockpiled throughout the last year just in case. Toilet paper, however, remains in the stockpile until further notice…….how does your stockpile look these days?

A recent light snowfall shows itself at St. Peter’s landing.

From FOB Bex Borden, a golden sliver of a moon over the harbor recently. Lovely! Thanks, Bex!

The blue and white were blindingly beautiful at Buswell Pond a while ago. I thought it might be a bit dreary this morning and this could brighten things up a bit.

I came across this interesting article in the Travel/News section of National Geographic online. I had not heard a potential explanation for the gorgeous light we always seem to enjoy here, so thanks Oliver Barker for the insight! Click here for link. You may have to supply an email address to read whole article online.

When we get called to podcast, off we go. Last Tuesday we live-streamed from Mom’s Kitchen on Commercial Street. Cozy setting, varied menu, friendly service are hallmarks for Mom’s. I hope you saw us there! I just had to share a few pics of my yummy BLT and surroundings. Such a gem right here in Gloucester!

We took a ride to Ipswich River Craft to take a peek behind the curtain, which Pamela was happy to provide. It’s pretty fascinating to see nautical signs at all steps in the creation process. We ordered our own car magnets and will await their arrival! Thanks, Pamela for the gracious tour. Check out the website for additional pictures and ideas.

From the Gloucester Daily Times: People age 65 and older, residents and staff of low-income and affordable senior housing, and individuals with two or more health conditions that put them at higher risk from COVID-19 will be able to start booking vaccine appointments Thursday, as the state shifts to the next priority group in its phased immunization plan. Additional information here.

Cape Ann SUP in Essex is under renovation over the winter months and will become Cape Ann SUP + Surf Co soon! Stay updated at their website. It’s looking pretty impressive so far.

As we were leaving yesterday’s podcast from Mom’s Kitchen (great BLT!), we set the GPS to go to Ipswich River Craft to pick up an order. We defied the GPS voice and took 133 toward Ipswich. As she was repeating endlessly “Route recalculation” “Route recalculation” and we were trying to tune it out; an eagle suddenly flew alongside us to land in a tree near the tracks near Tony Tally’s. It was as if it was trying to redirect us also. Which it did since we followed it and stopped for some pictures. It was calling so loudly I was sure its mate was over my shoulder. It flew off in the general direction of the water alone still seeking its partner. So, I guess it pays to go off the recommended path sometimes! And right in West Gloucester saving a drive to Medford!

Going Live at Mom’s Kitchen…..

We recently sent our daughter this “exploding” cake. It was meant as a surprise but I accidentally ruined the butterfly surprise. That actually turned out to be a blessing because I had the opportunity to ask her to record the box opening. It was a fun gift that cost about $60 to send….well worth it for this occasion. You may have heard Joey recommend I share this video for your enjoyment, so here goes the surprise! Check them out at http://www.SendACake.com.

We were treated to a few antics from the seals at Brace Cove recently. I hadn’t seen them in a while so it was fun to be “reunited”. We observed come cavorting and some “hey, this is my side of the rock” behavior.

GMG Jimmy’s go-to romantic gesture is to find eagles for me, so that’s what we set out to do yesterday in Medford. It’s a little bit of a drive to Mystic Lakes State Park in Medford, but we almost always see interesting wildlife there. And yesterday was no exception. We had only been there a short time before this banded eagle flew from the nesting tree to perch for a while before taking off over the mostly frozen lake, have a picnic on the ice then return to the tree for some preening and watching. It was quite a show! Gotta hand it to GMG Jim for the Valentine’s Day WIN. For some additional eagle pictures and details, please feel free to visit my Facebook page Pat D’s Photos and Adventures.

An almost invisible additional star was a blue heron hanging out on the shore, very well camouflaged and nearly overlooked. He was a little slow moving, perhaps because of the cold. I was pretty surprised to seem him come so close.

I hope you find the opportunity to share some love today!

Sights you do not expect to see on the horizon in February on Cape Ann include a sailboat out by Thacher Island. The winter sky made a very pretty backdrop. Made me think of summertime activities though, so …..

Triton saw his shadow recently. He’s one of the several watching over us every day; including Man at the Wheel and Fishermen’s Wives statues. Honestly, I never quite know whether 6 more weeks of winter is good news or bad news. Is is ONLY 6 more weeks or is 6 weeks longer than it is supposed to be? Regardless: rain, snow, sleet or hail…they watch over us.

We had great luck finding some of our favorites at Salisbury Beach State Reservation yesterday morning. This red tailed hawk brought its prey to a nearby branch allowing us to observe up close. The snowy owl was further away, but sitting prettily in the sandy snow. Oddly (in my mind) there were more people watching ducks than the snowy; which, of course, allows the snowy some extra peace. I highly recommend a ride to Salisbury Beach on a nice winter day. There is no admission charge, plenty of walking space and parking along with lots of wildlife to observe.

The Yellow Sub Shop on Pleasant St. is offering homemade cookies dressed up for Valentine’s Day at a very reasonable price! Stop by to check them out. You need to pick up lunch anyhow…