Author: Pat D

These two photos were taken 2 hours apart down at the dock yesterday. What a day!

We were pleased to be able to have lunch at Yella on the Water at 25 Western Ave one weekend afternoon. I had especially been looking forward to the wings. We sat inside as the sun was pretty hot even though there was a brisk breeze. Seating is available on the deck and under an adjacent tent as well. Kelley was a warm and efficient server, anticipating our needs with great precision.

I had the wings and a chicken kebab, Jim went with fish tacos which he raved about. The strawberry shortcake was outstanding and a fitting end to a lovely experience. Owner Danielle stopped by and let us know most of the food is obtained locally and the bar liquors carefully curated. The extra care to detail shows and makes this a go-to. 

The Hammond Castle Museum has recently announced its reopening plan scheduled for July 16. From their press release:

Hammond Castle Museum To Open for 45^th Season On July 16th

 Advance Purchase of Timed Tour Tickets Will Be Required For First Time in Museum’s History

Gloucester, Massachusetts – Hammond Castle Museum will open to the public for its 45^th Season on Thursday, July 16, 2020. In keeping with the health and safety guidelines set forth by the State of Massachusetts, the museum will only offer on-line tickets sales for timed tours to access the interior of the museum. Tickets may be purchased at: hammondcastle.org.

The 2020 Season schedule has been extended to offer more opportunities to visit the historic site. It is as follows:

• July through October: Open daily with tours beginning at 9:30 am and running every half hour with last tours starting at 3:00 pm Mondays through Thursday and at 2:30 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
• July and August: Thursday Evening Candlelight Tours at 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm and Spiritualism Tour at 9:00 pm
• ‘Carry In-Carry Out’ Picnics in July and August with advance purchase of any of the Candlelight Tours. Reservations are required.
• November and December:  Open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10 am to 2:30pm

It looks like a very exciting season ahead and we are hoping to visit soon. In the meantime, we visited the grounds on a foggy afternoon. It’s always lovely there. We appreciate being allowed access until the reopening. Timed tickets available here.

Stones Pub has decided to close temporarily. We are disappointed but understand the myriad of difficulties the current environment causes. Hoping to see you again soon!

The Dining Rooms at the Castle may not be the first place that comes to mind for dinner, but you should consider putting it on your list. We went with friends on a weeknight recently. It was quiet but it’s a very relaxing setting. The room is quite pretty.

One of us had some dietary restrictions and Chef Dan Lavalla came right to our table to check with her so he could create something suited to her needs and tastes.  She reported her haddock dish was very good….it looked good! 

We ordered clam chowder which was just the right texture for Jim and every spoonful held deliciousness. Our entrees included steak tips, haddock, chicken piccata and scampi. It was all wonderfully presented and prepared. Chocolate lava cake finished off the evening meal! They are open for dinner Wednesday-Saturday; for lunch Wednesday-Friday; and for breakfast Saturday and Sunday, located at 141 Essex Ave. More information on their website here.

We took a whale watch tour on the Hurricane II yesterday to experience the whales (of course) as well as to experience the COVID era whale watch. Their tours are currently running at 30% capacity which means about 100 people. All must wear masks unless seated, the crew sanitize high-touch areas every half hour. Six foot distances are marked to assist with keeping your distance while aboard and most passengers seemed to be compliant and aware. Measured boarding and debarking are in place. It was my first experience with a larger sized group so I was a little wary, but I felt safe especially outside in the fresh air while under sail.  Tickets and additional info here.

We saw 5-6 whales, including a mother/calf combo. We thank Capt. Johnny, Jessie, Cole, and Kaitlyn (I am sorry I did not catch all the names) for the great trip during which we felt safe to observe Bayou (tail slapping)  and Spell, who was lunge feeding. We also saw mother humpback Twine and her 2020 calf.  The day out there was a little bit grey but we did get a few good shots.

This deer and I stopped to watch each other carefully on my walk on Dolliver’s Neck yesterday. He stomped his warning to me once or twice then huffed and snorted his warning to the rest of the deer family as he fled the scene.

Lunch at the Mile Marker! Crab dip and chips, fried clam sandwich and a fish sandwich made up our late lunch. It was basically our meal for the day. Oh, and libations: Mile Marker Monday Margarita!

It is very nice to see this sign recognizing the Back Shore for conservation status.  Thank you to the City, Save Our Shores and Greenbelt for preserving this.

I received a very nice surprise recently in the form of a gift from my brother and his wife following their visit here during which I was heard to rant about how hard it can be each day for the lefties of the world. Every single design is engineered for right handed use, not surprisingly as this is the majority of the population.  Only an estimated 10% of us are lucky enough to be left handed.

And it’s OK.  I am left handed but learned to do many everyday tasks with my right hand with tools made for right handed people: scissors, measuring cups, can openers, even brooms to some extent. Even those “statement ” coffee mugs are backwards for lefties…wise words of wisdom facing the wrong way in a left hander’s grasp. Mostly it’s OK but some thing still trip me up after all these years. Measuring cups are high on that list. I know some of you are wondering “How can you do measuring cup wrong??” Try it. Put that cup in your left and and take a look at the measures. Thank you.

Anyhow, my angst was acknowledged in their gifting of a number of items from The Left Hand Store. What a treat the oven mitt, the kitchen tools and the measuring cup especially are!!! Mostly, thank you for acknowledging the issues…….. so here’s a shout out to Lori and Chris and left handers out there (FOB Paula Ryan O’Brien and neighbor Rick)! Can I get an “Amen”?

Today I met Richie Cassola, still lobstering at 70+ years of age. Thanks for letting me take your picture! I love his hat.

We also met the rare calico lobster recently brought in by Mark Davis and he had some quality time with CB (crystal ball). It’s how lobsters do playdates! Thanks to Capt Joe and Sons!

This guy is guilty of nectar thieving in the first degree! He even looks guilty. We have been bothered by this raccoon stealing hummingbird nectar on a regular basis. Our neighbor Jim caught him and I’m told he’s been transferred to a new home. No, not in Joey’s neighborhood. Joey needs no further excuses for his hummingbird failures.

Here’s the thief and his victims. Thank you neighbor Jim!

Back down to the pier to watch the boats come in. This time we feature Web II, Osprey, My Grace and Tribiah Lee.  It was a lovely afternoon for a little “pier re-view”. We are always happy to seem them coming home.

Always interesting down at the dock! I love feeling as though I am smack in the middle of Glosta fishing history.

The Azorean seemed a good choice to wrap up the holiday weekend. We sat inside and took note the plexiglass has been installed between booths. They are unable to offer the bread and oil just yet, but Jim’s chicken with butternut squash ravioli was a big hit! I ordered some pizza despite the lady at a nearby table stating stridently that she was NOT having pizza for dinner….haha..no judgement because I thoroughly enjoyed mine!

Caught the Holy Mackerel at work recently.

Some of you may remember we had a hawk nest in the backyard last year but they did not return to that nest this year and we have been seeing fewer hawks than usual. Lately, however, I have noticed a hawk watching me from the old Coast Guard tower nearly everyday on my walk. I like to think he waits around for me.

Anyhow, a little story developed recently as the hawk was harassed by red winged blackbirds and forced to move his perch twice to avoid them. It’s my understanding that bigger birds do not chase the smaller ones away when they are being harassed in order to save energy needed for hunting and daily life. I understand, but, c’mon Hawk…a little talon or beak action in their direction might give you a break…….

These pictures tell some of that story from Dolliver’s Neck.

We had a wonderfully relaxing (and very safe and clean) dining experience with inside seating at Tonno recently. We were warmly greeted and seated inside as requested, along with 4-5 other parties at the time. The outdoor seating was tempting but honestly I wanted to see the inside again! It’s such a warm welcoming setting. All table distanced appropriately and all staff were masked. Contact tracing information is taken upon arrival in a precautionary measure.

The service was friendly, gracious and efficient even when I spilled my drink…….We ordered the garlic bread appetizer with prosciutto. Genius combo! It was a great way to prepare for the chicken parm and the lobster rigatoni special ( with Capt. Joe’s lobster). Each entree was prepared perfectly and delicious. I forgot to take the cannoli dessert picture but they were creamy and very tasty. Looking forward to summer at Tonno! See you there.

It’s been a year so far, hasn’t it? I am feeling patriotic but not celebratory this year. I am grateful to be here in Gloucester where I feel safe and protected by the majority of people I see in masks and socially distanced.

So, as a little distraction from COVID and to concentrate on our flag: Did you know the famous George Cohan song You’re a Grand Old Flag was the first from a musical (George Washington, Jr.) that sold over a million copies of sheet music? Don’t lie, you’re humming right now aren’t you? You’re a grand old flag, You’re a high flyin’ flag, And forever in peace may you wave.

Here are some pictures of flags from around town over the last couple of years. And, (your bonus for reading the blog) a picture of how I will be celebrating the holiday this year. Stay safe. Stay apart. Fly your flag.