Author: Pat D

Better days are coming. And when they get here, I’d like to be on the water! 2020 water shuttle season passes available now: http://www.capeannharbortours.com

As per discussion on the podcast earlier tonight (April 2), here’s the link to the Cape Ann Take Out, Delivery, and Curbside Pick-Up List from the Cape Ann Chamber: https://capeannchamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Cape-Ann-Take-Out-Delivery-List-3.25.20.pdf

We have found it very helpful!

Additional information at this link.

We made a quick stop at Plum Cove Beach this week and found a curious “structure” made of branches and forsythia.  It was quite intriguing and beautiful. Clearly a fair amount of care and planning went into building it. It was a lovely surprise to see bright yellow blooms on the beach, so thank you to whomever left it for the rest of us to enjoy.

Cape Ann Whale Watch has announced May 16 2020 as its updated season opening, a newly designated date to adapt to COVID concerns. You can check their webpage here or check their Facebook page for additional details. I am disappointed but I understand. Can’t wait to get back onboard for a whale watch!  42 years of great sails!

Sometimes I just crave some wings so we decided on the Hale St Tavern for takeout. Jim got fish and chips. Easy, yummy and very satisfying.

From the Mass.gov COVID website:

BOSTON — Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced several updates related to the COVID-19 outbreak including extending the non-essential business emergency order and guidance for Executive Branch employees until May 4. The Department of Public Health’s Stay-At-Home Advisory remains in effect. The Administration also updated the “COVID-19 Essential Services” categories for businesses and other organizations that provide essential services and workforces related to COVID-19 that are permitted to operate brick and mortar facilities during the emergency.

Essential Services Order: Governor Charlie Baker’s emergency order requiring that all businesses and organizations that do not provide “COVID-19 Essential Services” close their physical workplaces and facilities to workers, customers and the public will be extended until May 4. Businesses and organizations not on the list of essential services are encouraged to continue operations through remote means that do not require workers, customers, or the public to enter or appear at the brick-and-mortar premises closed by the order. This order also prohibits gatherings of more than 10 people until May 4th.

Further details available here.

Great to see this long line of vehicles waiting to purchase fresh local fish!

Today I realized how much I miss our library. The online services are great, but I am missing the microfilm! Yes, I’m a little bit of a geek. I use the online local history resources and make frequent use of Libby to borrow books. But there’s something very special about a visit to your local library and I am sure I am not the only one who would like the library staff to know how much they are appreciated.

I hope you all have a stalwart beacon in your life that you can look toward when the seas get rough. Our area lighthouses provide symbols of “safe harbor” and guidance through storms. So grateful to be here with all of you riding out a global pandemic. Thank you to the Mayor, council members, and to those in public service.

We spotted this killdeer couple at Parker River Wildlife Sanctuary a few days ago and it was a welcome sign that spring really has begun. As of this writing, the refuge remains open, though no facilities like bathrooms are available.  The beach remains open entirely until April 1 when most of the beach will close to protect nesting birds.  Though there is an admission charge, the gate was not attended these last couple of times we have been there. There is a box for you to put your fee in and  you should note no dogs are allowed even in cars. It’s a nice little ride to take if you are feeling trapped and housebound. We see something different each time we go! These killdeer were fairly close to the roadway and easily observable.

Yesterday, Destino’s announced on its Facebook page that it will be closed today Sunday March 29 to allow for a day of rest as well as to take a  “Family Deep Clean Day”. They will reopen Monday for takeout, delivery and curbside pickup 8 AM – 9 PM. I am sure I am not alone in appreciating that they have remained available to us during this time. This picture is from their website:

An alert I received from the new Mass.Gov text alerting system let me know that the state has created a new way for residents to check their symptoms online and get the right care as needed. It’s called Buoy and further information is available here.

This is what you will see after you click the link to “Check your symptoms online” I hope you find this helpful.

Maybe a teeny-tiny bit of “normal” is called for about now. Fishing boats and lighthouses make a photogenic pair. Kind of wish I hadn’t noticed those people out on the breakwater that day ….water splashing over made it look pretty dangerous. Be careful out there!

From Fisherman’s Wharf Gloucester Facebook pagecomes news of a great opportunity to safely pick up some fresh haddock tomorrow Saturday March 28:

Wise words. Do it.

Update from Cake Ann emailed March 25.

We are seeing all kinds of examples of individuals and businesses stepping up the the challenge COVID-19 has presented.  Friends and neighbors are creating and sharing silly or heartwarming videos, solutions, and messages online. Safely delivering foods and services using new methods as demonstrated by our local restaurants and businesses is another example. Even our boss Joey is finding ways to podcast safely.  One fine example of this is Bob Ryan at Ryan & Wood who switched the distillery as needed to produce much needed hand sanitizer! I went up there yesterday to pick up this bottle (which I am predicting someday will go for high prices in antique stores as a sign of the times) and business was brisk.  People were patiently waiting their turn at 15 Great Republic Drive to pick up 1 liter bottles for $30 each.  I expect an entire liter to last through this self isolation. I sincerely appreciate their efforts to help the community.   The inventiveness demonstrated by all is heartwarming and soul-lifting. As Bob says “We’re all in the same dory.” More info here from the Gloucester Daily Times.

Please feel free to share your own examples of stepping up to the challenge.

Another welcome sign of spring: White Farms on the Causeway open for ice cream Thursday-Sunday noon to 8 PM. Yummmmmm….