Author: Pat D

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.

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.