Author: Pat D

I think it’s going to be the summer of dashed hopes….

Recently posted to the Thacher Island Facebook page:

The Thacher Island Association has made the difficult decision to close BOTH Straitsmouth and Thacher Islands to visitors for the 2020 season.

Kayaks and other types of watercraft will not be allowed to land, and visitors will not be permitted to explore the islands.

The Thacher and Straitsmouth launch service is being suspended for the entire season.

 

 

Here you go! I think it’s time to wave the white flag Joey.  Just a suggestion…..

Mermaid Tales, previously located in the Walgreens Plaza, is moving to 161 Main St Gloucester. This is the former DIVA location.

GMG Jimmy has been working with O’Maley science teachers Amy Donnolly and Dave Brown to create a little gift for me using the Tinkercad program used by 7th graders for 3D printing projects. Today, the dream came true and 3 lovely new little objects were delivered to me to use with my friend CB (crystal ball).  Amy arranged to have my name included in the bottom of one of the CB holders and Dave created the GMG letters on another one. They will each serve a useful purpose and I look forward to including them in future CB photo shoots.

When Amy and Dave aren’t doing this kind of project, they are hard at work printing PPE gear for local facilities. Check out podcast 415 for more details on this fantastic effort.  If you want to support this effort with a donation, here’s the link.  They are not yet quite halfway to their goal, so perhaps this would be a good time to consider this project for a donation. Many many thanks to Amy and Dave for their patience with GMG Jimmy’s attempts at 7th grade projects.

It was a little bit cool but …oh, so pretty…at Good Harbor Beach a few days ago. Longing for summer busy-ness, but kind of enjoying a little bit of quiet time down there.

Here’s a view of the current progress at the site of the Fuller School Project for the new Halyard Luxury Apartments. More info can be found at this link.

If you are like me, you are just starting to dream about making summer plans….July 3/4 near the top of that list. I had dreams of a Beauport Hotel staycation for the fireworks July 3 but that’s not going to happen this year. Totally understandable and not unexpected and now you can make different plans for the holiday.

According to the Gloucester Fireworks Facebook page, the July 3 2020 fireworks are cancelled but they are still in debt from last year’s show, so you can help by sending any donations (even $5) to The Gloucester Fund.

From the Gloucester Fireworks Facebook page:

So very sad to have to report this news. However due to lack of interest in donations coupled with the state of the current situation we are cancelling the July 3rd fireworks this year. For those that still want to help we are in need of over $5,000 to pay for last year’s show. Please donate if you can.

If everyone that has seen our most recent post about canceling the fireworks show this July 3rd sent in just $5, we would have almost enough money to pay off last year’s bills. PLEASE DONATE TODAY! https://www.thegloucesterfund.org/donate/

In addition, the Horribles Parade and Concert are also cancelled according to DiscoverGloucester.com.

This is difficult news but we need to remember we are all in this together and better days are coming for sure.

Image provided on the Gloucester Fireworks Facebook page.

Who’s been missing Stones Pub? According to their Facebook page, they are opening tomorrow Thursday May 14. Call ahead.  Full menu available. They remind us to ask about desserts….

From the Facebook post:

Hello cider donuts and Ice Cider! Russell Orchards has opened for the season with a few changes in place. Some to protect customers and workers like plastic guards. Some for the future like a wine tasting area! It’s still a little chilly, but my heart warmed right up when I saw they were open.

I think this is what fellow GMG contributor Charlene Delaney meant when she suggested red geraniums to help attract hummingbirds. Thanks Charlene! How are you doing over there Joey?

The lovely Roseway is at the Marine Railways along with some other familiar and not-so-familiar vessels on a pretty afternoon.

Retired librarian with lots of time on her hands vs. hardworking Dad with active kids in the house…..hummingbird battle is ON. This morning’s visitors included this beauty. I wonder how it’s going over in the Shire on the other side of the bridge?

Here’s a picture I took recently that resonated and I thought it might for you as well. We’d all like to be flying a little freer like this beauty but she was actually on an essential errand and returning to her nest. Just a while longer. Hang in there!

From the Fisherman’s Wharf Facebook page, an update on hours:

As expected, this chart needed updating about 20 minutes after I first published it last week, so here’s an update as of May 11 2020. I hope you find it helpful but please keep in mind changes to this information are likely. Gloucester restaurants and cafes offering groceries, pantry items or other essentials in addition to their menus:

 

 

 

It was a gorgeous day and nearly high tide when we stopped here a few days ago. It’s one of my favorite stops.

Boston.com announces that Crane Beach is one of 5 Massachusetts properties that plan to reopen in limited ways on May 19! Here’s the link to the full article.  Other properties opening include deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum in Lincoln, Fruitlands Museum in Harvard, Naumkeag in Stockbridge, and World’s End in Hingham; but Crane Beach is my love! It’s like they heard my whispered prayer.

Looking forward to scenes such as these soon:

 

 

My friend Brenda suggested this might make a good Mother’s Day card, so I decided to  make it so! Happy Mother’s  Day to all. It seems a mother’s work is never done even for cardinals.

Egrets apparently indicate that a prosperous time is near or has arrived. I know I always feel very lucky to come upon them.  I am jealous of how graceful they usually look….except maybe when they are windblown like this day. Now I don’t feel so bad if my overdue-for-a-haircut hair gets blown around in the wind!

Mile Marker One Restaurant now open for takeout and curbside pickup! From their webpage

Friday May 8 – Sunday May 10 / Happy Mother’s Day!
11am – 8pm

Each week we will  have a new menu and scheduled times as we move in to the season and as things evolve with the virus guidelines.
We appreciate all your business and look forward to getting out dining spaces back and full menus.

Phone your orders in this week 978-265-3049
Have your Credit Card handy to complete your order. Please wear face mask at pick-up.