Author: Pat D

I received a lovely selection of pop up wildlife from my children for Mother’s Day. They know how much I enjoy studying our backyard birds as well as bigger raptors. It’s a really cool gift. Maybe they make them in hummingbirds? Someone send one to our boss Joey please.

Here are the updates from this past week’s podcasts. These first time Gloucestercasters (“virgin podcasters”) are asked what sub they would order if on death row. They are also asked what would their last restaurant meal be. Here are this week’s answers to those searing, thought-provoking questions……. thanks to everyone for participating!

Here’s the previous week’s list for reference, because who doesn’t want to reference last week’s answers?

We stopped briefly at Pebble Beach recently to soak in some of the relaxing sights and sounds of the waves and the gulls. Except to take these pictures, we stayed in the car to ensure social distancing. We had been out and about looking for potential blog material and we stayed just a short time. But it was long enough for a driver passing by to shout a suggestion that we “go back to f***ing New York”. So much for humanity and understanding on this person’s part. For myself, I hope I always remember how isolation has felt. I hope I always remember to reserve judgement as we don’t know the other person’s story. And I hope I’m never heard shouting the F word in public………

So  here’s some actual relaxation I do hope to remember and repeat.

Some pantry items now available as well as hot prepared food! Oh, this looks wonderful especially with Mother’s Day coming right up. Order online at www.toasttab.com/TONNO

OR another tempting option:

Thanks to Mayor Sefatia for the great idea! I put together a chart of Gloucester restaurants currently offering limited groceries, pantry items or other essentials in addition to takeout menu items.  I am sure this is not complete and I will take suggestions for corrections and additions and post updated lists as needed. I don’t need to remind anyone how rapidly everything is changing so please be patient with these efforts to supply complete information.

Fishermans Wharf now has their own Mobile Seafood Market from which you can pick up fresh seafood. Drive up order at window or call ahead orders 978-281-7707. Please stay in your vehicle. Cash and Credit accepted. Awesome. 

Here’s another great option for your Mother’s Day dinner. The Village Restaurant in Essex is offering a “Heat and Eat” Takeout menu in addition to their regular menu. Order by Friday by calling 978-768-6400 or message them on Facebook.  YUMMMMMM but time is running out to place your order.

I cannot tell you how happy I am that this current state of isolation and social distancing is occurring as winter turns to spring. Spring brings birds back from their winter homes to our backyards.  Certainly, some have stayed all winter and others are back for the season. I even spotted a hummingbird but didn’t have the camera handy. BUT these are regular visitors outside our big back window.

We were glad to see the Azorean had made their menu available for takeout.  And I’ve enjoyed sharing the various restaurants offerings especially during this period of isolation and curbside services.  A recent comment on a previous post stated the food pictures weren’t appealing and I had to agree to a certain extent. Meals in take out containers on my kitchen counter do not offer the same photo opportunity as a nicely plated and presented entree at a dining establishment.  But I’m going to share those take out meal photos in hopes that, soon, you’ll see much improved food photos.

Lemon chicken at the Azorean is one of my favorites and sorely missed. We also ordered Buffalo chicken tenders to have for a future lunch. Scallop casserole rounded out the Azorean experience in our humble apartment. Here’s the link in case you are interested. 

It was a very busy day on the water last weekend when the weather was glorious!

The St. Peter’s Committee has reluctantly decided to cancel June’s Fiesta activities this year in concern for everyone’s health and safety. I think we all expected this and realize that many of the traditional Fiesta activities would put people at risk. A two day event is being considered for Sept 12-13 2020. We appreciate all the pain and consideration the committee has endured in making this decision.

Here’s the link for the Gloucester Daily Times article. 

I have truly appreciated every single encouraging sign or display that people have created and shared over these last 100 weeks or so (just seems that way I guess).  They are all over the place and I thank you all. These are among the 2 biggest I have seen so far:

On the river:

This sign may not have meant to be an isolation encouragement, but I took it as such all the same. Thanks Cape Ann Museum.

Here’s the latest and greatest list of Cape Ann Take Out, Delivery and Curbside Pickup options last updated today May 4 at 2:11 pm, so keep in mind it’s probably got some changes pending. Great job, Chamber staff!

Retailer list link here last updated April 27

Groceries, Markets, Pharmacies, and Convenience Stores link here last updated April 24.

Financial Institutions and US Postal Service link here last updated today May 4.

Members Helping Members link here. It’s an awesome list.

TAKE OUT list has grown to 9 pages, so please be patient with all the images.

We noticed Oliver’s Harbor on Main Street had reopened for takeout and it was welcome news! In addition to lunch and dinner, they are also offering breakfast Saturday and Sunday 8 AM to noon. We ordered eggplant spinach ravioli, which tasted much better than this picture shows 🙂 , as well as the burger because I was looking forward to the super yummy fries.

They use an online ordering service which we tried for the first time and I have to say I was pleased by how easy, direct and thorough it was. Here’s a link to Toast Tab.

I see they also have a a Mother’s Day special available for preorder by a May 6 so if you see GMG Jimmy, give him the heads up. Follow Oliver’s Harbor on Facebook for updates. They are very good about getting their news out there! Welcome back!

Captured my first Baltimore Oriole of the season in the backyard this morning, right on time as they are expected to return the first part of May. We have also sighted a hummingbird, but the camera operator wasn’t on top of her game at that fleeting moment. Welcome back orioles and hummingbirds. What a great treat first thing this Sunday morning!

Boulevard tulips bring sparkle on a misty afternoon.

From the Azorean Facebook page: the restaurant is open for take out 11:30 AM – 7 PM every day.

Welcome back Azorean! We are happy to see you!

The Essex Greenbelt Osprey Cam for the osprey nest behind LobstaLand is now live! Click here for the link. We have been stopping by to check on these ospreys and have been quite entertained by their daily activities. In fact, I think we happened to witness some attempts at mating. We also caught (I believe) one of Essex Greenbelt staff’s reported attempts to get the camera up and running for all of us! Thanks to you all! Watching on the osprey cam will be much better than these far-away photos.

I was VERY happy to see a Minglewood offering takeout. We ordered fish and chips, baked haddock and garlic Parmesan wings……oh, they were so good. What a treat. Menu available at http://www.minglewoodharborside.com or call 978–281-0223. You won’t be sorry.

Great news to share from Destino’s Facebook page as well as in the Gloucester Daily Times today:

💥💥 DESTINOS WILL REOPEN MONDAY!!💥💥

We are excited to be back serving you on Monday, 5/4.
Hours 11am- 8pm
Preparing all you favorite menu items.