Author: Pat D

Well, this is a welcome sight this morning! Pretty Ardelle out on a sail.

National Geographic shares some amazingly wonderful photos and information about animal dads. It might make a nice Father’s Day past time. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads of all sorts out there.

Image snipped from the National Geographic for Kids website in the Animal Dads Gallery.Photograph by Suzi Eszterhas, Minden Pictures

 

 

It’s was perfect for an early summer lunch: steak bomb and a chicken salad wrap. Charlie’s is always a great choice. Watching the rest of the world head to the beach from their outdoor seating: priceless.

Sharing info from the Mayor: Residents only at Good Harbor Beach We will be monitoring for capacity at GHB and will close Beach to all walk-on’s if too full high tide is 11:59 am today and there is limited space.

I just needed a little nature viewing recently. Lucky for us, the weather has been wonderfully cooperative. And Niles Pond views are pretty and peaceful. If you’re viewing from afar, enjoy!

Tonno Gloucester plans to reopen next Wednesday June 24 for indoor and patio dining as part of Phase 2.2 in the COVID plan. This is very exciting news not just for Tonno but for all of us who think al fresco dining can be a little bit too fresco sometimes. You can use Resy.com to make the online reservation.

From their Facebook page:

We are Very Excited to announce that we will be reopening Wednesday next week for indoor and patio dining. For the last few months we have been preparing to host our customers and friends for a dining experience that is safe, fun and inviting. We will be offering our new menu with the same service that you always expect from us. You can make reservations online for now as our phones are not answered during the day. We hope to see you, your family and friends when you are ready.

New menu! Indoor dining! Summer’s starting to look up. Image borrowed from Facebook page.

I am sure owners Chuck Newman and his sister Joanna Newman are saying “Finally!” to themselves now that their new shop at 184 Washington Street, Crystal Cottage Candies, has opened. They had planned to be open for Valentine’s Day but circumstances, including coronavirus stalled the debut until this week. They are billing themselves as Crystal Cottage Candies & More. In addition to candies, donuts, muffins and cakes; the “More” includes things like turkey legs, chicken wings, and a ham/potato dinner they plan to feature tonight. They are expecting to include florist services as well as a produce market, so keep your eye on that! They can be found on Facebook for updates etc.

Lovely to see that Pauline’s will be open this weekend in time to celebrate Father’s Day! Pauline’s Gifts is located at 512 Essex Ave Gloucester. 978-281-5558 with questions or for curbside service. See you soon Pauline!

I was delighted to see Fireflies thrift and consignment shop at 100 Main Open this week as I strolled downtown. We have new babies coming into our lives and I’ve been waiting on tenterhooks to get back in there! Mary nicely assisted me with my purchase and a Stacey agreed to let me share some pictures. I got a snowsuit on clearance and a sparkling onesie for less than $20. All protocols in place without feeling overwhelming. Win win.

The Studio announced on its Facebook page that they will be reopening Friday June 19 at 4 PM with HALF OFF FOOD all week. Limited seating so reservations highly recommended. 978-879-4896. Look out Rocky Neck, here we come!

They are also looking for help front of house and back of house. Check out the Facebook link for application information.

Image borrowed from Facebook page.

 

 

I was drawn in by the red, white and blue shirt hanging on the outside rack. I left with a cute child’s outfit, a new gaiter style neck scarf, and a new bandana for the dog in addition to the shirt! Stacey and Isabelle were very friendly and helpful. The place is packed with great ideas for this upcoming Father’s Day. Take a minute to stop by. They are open and following all protocols.

In case you missed feeding time on the Essex Greenbelt Osprey Cam, here’s a couple of screenshots. One parent brought food to the nest and you can see 3 little baby bobbing heads in there if you look carefully. If it were up to me, I might call them Larry, Darryl and Darryl. Check it out at http://www.ecga.org.

All three osprey chicks have very recently hatched in the nest behind LobstaLand! The osprey parents, known as Annie and Squam are tending to their newly hatched chicks and can be followed on the Essex Greenbelt Osprey Cam linked here.

There is also an article in the Boston Globe describing a little of the nest’s history and fascination.

Take a look and welcome the new chicks to the world. Screenshot taken just a few minutes ago:

We each needed a treat recently. GMG Jimmy went for the chocolate chip ice cream at Whte Farms and I opted for an apple cake from Cake Ann. Just what the doctor ordered.

Gov. Baker announced that 52 testing sites across Massachusetts will be available to those who have attended large gatherings in the last two weeks (think protests, among others). Testing will be available Wednesday and Thursday this week (June 17 and 18) FREE. You are strongly encouraged to get tested if you’ve been in a large gathering recently. Results will be provided to each participant and you will be encouraged to share those results with your doctor.

It is available to everyone and will be provided FREE of charge. You do not need to have symptoms. Although I do not see a Gloucester location, there are plenty nearby. List and further information from Mass.gov/covid-gettested. Some sites are appointment only, so check ahead.

If you’ve been wondering if you should be tested, this is your opportunity!

Organizers have decided to do their best to continue the tradition of the St. Peter’s Novena even in the absence of the traditional June festivities. It has been announced on a Facebook page devoted specifically to Novena 2020 (search St. Peter’s Novena Gloucester MA 2020)  that the novena will begin tonight, Monday June 15 at 7 PM and be available on YouTube.  Further details and information available at this link. 

From the Facebook page:

However, we would like to continue the tradition of the novena to coincide with the feast day of St. Peter. The first day of the novena will be available on YouTube Monday, June 15 at 7 PM. All are welcome to join us. Please go to YouTube and search St. Peters Novena Gloucester MA 2020.

Donations for upcoming Fiesta celebrations are welcome and can be sent to :

St. Peter’s Fiesta Committee
PO Box 3105
Gloucester, MA 01930

This year’s novena is devoted to praying for the eradication of COVID-19 and to pray for all that have been affected including families, victims, health care professionals and others. You are welcome to comment on the Facebook page with your own intentions.

Great news for those of us that love Eastern Point. Mass Audubon announced recently that it is now open for local visitors. A reminder to check local restrictions and guidelines before you visit any of the sanctuaries. Other sanctuaries have also opened. Mass Audubon provides additional information at this link.

This picture is kind of old, but, then again, it’s been awhile since I’ve been there!

As I have mentioned several times, we have lots of wildlife right in our backyard and we watch all sorts of critters throughout the days and seasons. Recently, we were treated to a short deer story develop in the marsh. These two appeared in the late afternoon sun out in the marsh acting a little bit like strangers cautiously checking one another out. The smaller one approached the bigger one and got a hoof-cuff for its trouble. I understand this is one way white tailed deer express dominance. Looked to me like it worked………

It’s Flag Day. Fly ‘em if you’ve got ‘em.

There are some very pretty spots along the byway in and near Essex including Cox Reservation and Main Street.