Author: Pat D

It was a lovely afternoon when I took a ride down to the Manufactory. Several sights caught my eye and I present them here. Pretend it’s a panoramic.

I had a great experience at Passports for lunch recently- the mimosa was especially refreshing. I’m told that was due to the orange juice, so I made sure I got plenty of vitamin C with the pastrami sandwich.

Strawberry shortcake makes me think “summer”. Deliciously made at Charlie’s with warm (!) biscuits and a mound of whipped cream. A couple of passers-by said “Boy, that looks good!” I am glad I asked for the whipped cream. Thanks, Charlie’s!

I was checking on the bridge construction project for our interested readers and came upon a big surprise: traffic lights changing to RED. Then came the familiar clangs and up went the bridge for the first time in a while in my presence. It was up quite a while and I presume they were testing something; I am guessing the construction is on schedule as planned.

I was happy to realize Lobsta Land is now open as I considered where to have dinner and I was apparently not the only one! I went early in the evening and found myself among many others with the same idea. It was like “Old Home Days” as workers and customers greeted each other happily but briefly as the staff was hustling around trying to accommodate everyone. It was great fun to watch.

The Cajun Blackened Haddock was delicious! I did ask them to go light on the spices since I don’t like my mouth to be on fire overtaking the haddock flavor. It was just the right blend for me. Looking forward to returning with GMG Jimmy!

I’ve been going through some of my photo files and though you might enjoy a few of my favorites. I think they scream “Gloucester!”

The neat, clean lines of dories are  consistently appealing to my eye and I hope you enjoy these I’ve taken over the years:

There’s something inherently beautiful about working boats on the water. But, I don’t have to tell you that, do I?

Ayn off Shore Road Magnolia

Risky Business leaving Rockport. Bugs, Sweat and Beers.

Sarah Ann coming home.

Even swans feel the need for a spring cleaning. There’s just something so beautiful about these wonderful birds on a sunny day.

Sure was nice seeing some color out on the water recently. Must be spring!

Clambers on the salt marsh had plenty of gull spectators.

I took a ride toward Wingaersheek Beach and spotted two egrets dining in the marsh. I was so happy to see them again, I had to pull over and take these pictures. I noticed the prominent green coloring near the eyes and found out later that this is a sign of their breeding season. If I had known that sooner, I would have put the camera away for their privacy!

Thank you all for coming out to support the efforts of Adventureman to raise awareness and money for sick children. We are honored he chose Gloucester for this incredible finish. Gloucester showed him what we are made of. Thank you all! Special thanks to Mayor Romeo Theken, the police, Beauport Hotel and Ray Johnston, the Rosa family, Cape Ann Giclee and James and Anna Eves, Kerry McKenna and the Chamber of Commerce, Ringo Tarr, Nichole Schrafft and family, Joey C and family, all our runners especially the children…….the list goes on and on….I LOVE GLOUCESTER!

It’s getting real folks! These guys came from Canada to join Adventureman! Welcome to Gloucester.

After nearly a year of running the perimeter of the United States raising money for sick children, Adventureman Jamie McDonald is scheduled to complete his 5500 mile journey right here on the boulevard in Gloucester around 4 PM today. We sincerely hope you can join us as we welcome him to Gloucester and congratulate him on his super hero efforts on behalf of sick children.

He will be running from Manchester to Gloucester. Those wanting to join him for his last few miles are welcome to meet up at Robert Sweeney Park for a 6 mile run (around 2:30 PM); Hammond Castle around 3:45 PM or Stage Fort Park around 4 PM. All are encouraged to watch for him along this route to cheer him on, but we’d really like to see a big crowd this afternoon at the Fisherman’s Memorial Statue for this historic event. Let’s give him a true Gloucester welcome.  Reception to follow at the Beauport Hotel and all are welcome.

To donate: https://www.adventureman.org/donate/

Beautiful and breathtaking Crane Beach on a recent spring day. I was told by the attendant to expect to see horses and a hauled out seal. I saw neither but my heart was still full from this piece of nature’s perfection.

We like to go antiquing and one sure sign of spring is when the shops start expanding their hours. Howard’s Flying Dragon in Essex May not be familiar by name, but it’s location is well known for the window messages it shares with the world. I check the window every time we drive by.

You can see their message this past weekend was Then and Now. It drew me in! And look who greeted us; Beatrice-showing every bit of disdain any self respecting cat does quite naturally.

As you can see, the place is jammed full of stuff old, new and delightful.

It’s one of our favorites and I look forward to returning. I was told their winter hours will end this month,so….yahoo!

Iconic AND gorgeous! Pretty darn good food too.

Patiently waiting

I had begun to wonder if our backyard hawk couple had abandoned the nest I reported on earlier, when I caught them in there again. Now I have higher hopes they will lay their eggs here, especially since I observed one of them chasing off the turkey vultures! Wish I had caught that with my camera! It was pretty epic watching lone smaller hawk defending nest from big bad vulture.