My View of Life on the Dock
The Parking lot at Stage Fort Park is temporarily closed today Friday Sept 25 until 3 pm for an event. It appears to be a police training. Make alternate parking plans for Stage Fort Park until 3 pm today.
We stopped briefly at Plum Cove to see how she’s displaying her fall pride. I’d say it’s looking good! Mostly birds and bird watchers on this day, and each were busy tending to their concerns.
We supported a couple of small local businesses in recognition of Small Business Week (ok, we were going to these places anyhow because we love them and it just so happens to be Small Business Week……) Lunch at Sherry’s with our friend Donna Ardizzoni and husband Rick: wonderful and cozy as always! Then off to Russell Orchards to see what’s new for the fall. We came home with quite a treasure trove of goodies including cider and donuts. But it’s also apple picking time so there were lots of families. Pumpkins are plentiful so we know autumn has arrived. We also brought home a variety of New England Hard Ciders and will report on those in a few days! We;ve seen the Darryl Length advisement previously, but it’s well worth repeating.
I stopped by Wingaersheek Beach on a nice calm morning last week 9no hurricanes in this post, sorry). School is in session so mostly there were very young children there with their families enjoying the post Labor Day peace.
The Cape Ann Chamber announced Sept 21-25 2020 as Small Business Week, designed to support and recognize resilience and creativity in this difficult economic period. Their blog post has further information and is available here.
I participated by visiting The Bookstore on Main Street in Gloucester. I was seeking some books for my grandson as well as for myself. Arwen was minding the counter and was helpful in assisting me. I happened to be the only customer, but a few more are allowed at a time as per COVID protocols. Use of sanitizer is encouraged and I felt very safe. Thanks to The Bookstore and Arwen for providing services in this time of need.
It is unusual to spot an osprey right in our backyard near Dolliver’s Neck, but we were treated to this surprise visitor yesterday. I was even more delighted to see he brought his meal along with him! You can see him gripping it even in the tree branch. An appropriate way to end summer, I guess. You are welcome back anytime, buddy!
We are excited to see this news from Charlie’s Place Facebook page:
Charlie’s Place is happy to announce that we will be opening for INDOOR dining on Thursday, September 24th at 11AM for lunch and dinner in accordance with CDC guidelines. We look forward to seeing everyone then!!
We look forward to returning soon. A recent menu board borrowed from Charlie’s Place Facebook page:
We returned to the Antique Table in Manchester by the Sea for the first time since January. It felt very much like a before/after COVID scenario. We loved it the last time we were there, but got caught in the pandemic before we could return. It was equally wonderful, even with necessary protocols in place.
Jim had Gnocchi Basilico and I ordered Haddock Francese. We each cleaned our plates and would reorder the same except for the other tempting menu items. The bread and drinks were lovely additions to a marvelous dining experience. The atmosphere is welcoming including the background music! Special shout outs to our server Laura and Oscar for their friendly attentiveness. I left feeling very happy and satisfied. It is definitely worth the short ride. We will return soon!
Stunning day yesterday. I hope these brighten up your Monday.
The annual Gloucester Rotary Calendar Photo contest deadline has been extended to Sept 27 at 12 PM (I believe that’s noon….I looked it up 🙂 ) As you may remember, the Gloucester Rotary Club offers a calendar full of local phots as a fundraiser each year. This year’s theme is “Community”. As is needed with contests such as these, specific rules and guidelines need to be followed and you can further details here. You can find The Gloucester Rotary club online at http://www.gloucesterrotary.org or on Facebook. If you have a photo you think expresses Community and falls under their guidelines, you have a week to submit it prior to the deadline.
Image borrowed from the Gloucester Rotary website:
I have a soft spot in my heart for softball. We spent a couple of decades involved with softball at the local and state level in New York before we moved to Gloucester. We miss it still so when we get a chance to watch some, we do. This Gloucester travel team played at West Parish yesterday and we got a glimpse of the future! Great job coaches and players!!! There’s some talent coming down the pike.
Pirates were spotted around noon today at Cressy’s Beach. Pirates with cell phones……..well done, mateys. Celebrating Talk Like a Pirate Day perhaps?
We had a comfortably relaxed dinner at the new Office at George’s. The former ice cream spot is nicely transformed into pub style dining. Sandwiches, wraps and dinner platters are served by friendly staff in a welcoming atmosphere.
I couldn’t resist trying the margarita flight offered by bartender Michael. There are two sweeter versions (Cherry Ice and Blue Hawaiian) and two citrus selections ( Apple Lemon and Orange). Michael is tracking everyone’s favorites for future cocktail selections. It’s nice to know customer preferences are being taken into account!
Jim ordered the mountainous Breakfast burger and I tried out the Buffalo wings. The wings were great:saucy and meaty. The Buffalo sauce did not disappoint.
The place was busy, but appropriately distanced and sparkling clean. Prices are reasonable. At a nearby table, dessert was clearly a big hit. We will return. Thanks Rachelyn and Michael!
When visitors ask where they should go, I always recommend the Harbor Loop. I think it’s beautiful in so many ways and tells one of the stories of our fair city. So, I took a ride down for a look around recently.
I had lunch with my favorite aunt at Seaport Grille this week. Now that Labor Day is behind us, we were able to get seated inside quickly and efficiently for a weekday lunch. Tables are distanced and all protocols appear to be in place. Jennifer served us in a friendly manner taking our order for a fish sandwich and a cheeseburger. I talked my aunt into my favorite dessert there: Seaport Coffee….yummmmm……Thanks Seaport Grille for a lively lunch experience.
Just when we need a little extra kindness, the fifth MosiacGloucester panel was installed a few days ago on the Americold Building. Like its four other companions, it is named after Dogtown Boulders: Kindness joins Use Your Head, Never Try Never Win, Help Mother and Courage. More information about the panels and the project can be found here.
These panels are designed to tell some of the stories of Gloucester so I am including some close-ups that contain just a few of the local references. They are quite beautiful and I encourage you to take a closer look.
Several surfers were taking advantage of the waves earlier this week at Good Harbor Beach. It’s always fun to watch the surfers, but I kept getting distracted by how magnificent the waves were!
The City of Gloucester recently posted the following alert for Friday Sept 18- Monday Sept 21:
National Grid is committed to delivering safe, reliable natural gas service to its customers. To make improvements to their gas distribution system, they will be replacing a section of the gas main that runs underneath the railroad crossing on Maplewood Avenue.
For their crews to work in this area safely, it will be necessary to close the railroad crossing to vehicular traffic. The roadway will be closed beginning on Friday, September 18th through the early morning hours on Monday, September 21st.
Although the roadway will be closed, care will be taken to provide access to the businesses and residences in this area. Detour signs will be placed in advance of the closure.
We regret the temporary inconvenience. Should you have any questions, please contact National Grid’s Customer Service at 1-800-233-5325.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Image copied from City Alert and available in pdf format here.
There’s always a lot going on down at the back shore and yesterday was no exception. I thought some of you “from away” might enjoy a reminder.
Seen at McDonalds in rural upstate New York recently, I was gratified to see someone has a sense of humor about all the floor markers we are living with these days. I’d like to send coronavirus to the corner to think about what it’s done……
Good Morning Gloucester 