Author: Pat D

We were VERY happy to get to go to Tonno Gloucester for dinner tonight on Main Street. Online reservations were easily made, all servers were appropriately masked and tables separated. My lemon drop was OUTSTANDING….kudos to the bartender! Jim ordered the Chicken Milanese, which is what I had intended to order so I changed mine to the Sunday Spaghetti. Is that something you do too? Change your order so that there are different meals on the table? I don’t know why I do that, but it certainly worked out for me. We also ordered the garlic bread with prosciutto (a must have). Paulo served us efficiently and in a friendly manner. It was a lovely evening and I am so glad Tonno is back!

This is the sunrise that greeted us yesterday morning. There were birds singing and even the early morning temperatures were relatively mild. We had a big day ahead of us, so this was a great way to start! The iPhone does a wonderful job!

We noticed a new traffic light installed (but not yet functional) on 133 in Essex in front of the new Public Safety Building. Pictures of the construction available at http://www.essexma.org. I imagine it will be working soon, so be aware.

I just love our boulevard guardians but especially following poor weather.

A friend shared this clip recently and labeled it “Vaccine Side Effects After Your Second Dose”. Looks like a dance of joy to me, and although I didn’t see reactions quite as animated following second doses at the clinic I recently worked, the joy was totally apparent……..

She does her thing while I was doing mine volunteering in Salem this week:

Here are a couple of examples of recent signage seen as we were driving around. Like many others, we regularly check for the window sign at the Flying Dragon in Essex. I rejoiced to see “Bald Eagles” since we had spotted a group of 4 recently nearby: 2 adults and 2 younger ones. I presume it may have been a family group. Flying high, proud and free over the marsh, it was inspiring as always.

Additional signs also from the Flying Dragon in Essex and the mile markers found at Ipswich River Craft…another product of theirs!

We had not stopped at Jalapenos on Main Street in quite a while and when I saw the advertisement that Margarita Day is today Feb 22, I knew (for the sake of our loyal readers) that I needed to “preview” their margaritas!!! My usual go-to at Jalapenos is the frozen raspberry margarita, but it was just too cold for me to order that so I went with cranberry. Served in a GIANT glass. Jim had chicken flautas and I had a steak fajita. The food was delicious and efficiently served by masked waitstaff. Tables are separated appropriately and all precautions we have come to expect are in effect. There were lots of take out orders being prepared. It was a lovely relaxed evening with friendly staff and we won’t wait so long to return this time.

“I don’t know, what do YOU want to do for dinner tonight?”

We saw these beautiful swans last week in Medford. One appeared to be trying to camouflage by stepping into the snow to hide. The younger swans were feasting on berries from the shoreline bushes. I hadn’t seen them eat anything except seaweed before. They were just going about their business as if the eagle wasn’t right on the other side of the dam showing off his ice fishing skills for us. It’s a great spot for bird watchers.

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!