Author: Pat D

More time around the house has me looking through old pictures. Here’s the Italian Princess, Grace Marie and Michael & Kristen docked in the harbor 20 years ago!

They are doing it again: From Fisherman’s Wharf Facebook page:

**Update**
Drive-Thru “Pop-Up” Event – Sunday 4/05/20

Scallop and Haddock Drive-Thru “Pop-Up” Event
Sunday, April 5th, 2020
Starting at 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
37 Rogers Street, Gloucester, MA

I mentioned on the podcast that HBO is offering free streaming of some of their most popular shows including “The Wire”, “Sopranos” and “Veep” and I recently discovered the news is even better than that! You need to access these through the Roku Channel on your streaming device, the mobile app or on the internet at http://www.therokuchannel.com.  Selected Warner Brother movies are also being made available along with episodes of “Sesame Street”. Here’s a link with details on which shows and how to access them.

When we stopped at Charlie’s Place for our takeout, another customer commented that she didn’t know Charlie’s was open but was very happy to find out that it was. For that lady and everyone else who might not realize, Charlie’s is open for takeout and it’s worth the call! Lobster Mac and cheese for me, hot caprese sandwich for Jim! Call 978-281-5002

CB has been enjoying the nice weather we have had these last couple of weeks, even if her activities are restricted. We are carefully following guidelines so we can all remain as healthy as possible for as long as possible and we hope you enjoy these CB Around Town Early Spring pictures. Can you match the locations which include Annisquam, the Fort, the Back Shore, Niles Beach, Dolliver’s Neck and Brace Cover?

Thanks to Jen Holmgren for the heads-up on the availability of city trash bags and bulk item stickers at the Gloucester location of the Building Center.  Please note hours and that orders are prepaid by credit card. Call your order in 978-283-3060.

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.