For Mother’s Day, I thought  a little tribute to my Gloucester grandmother Catherine Pierce Ryan might be in order.  My memories of her are a little vague, but stories from friends and family help round out a picture of one of those wonderful moms you see portrayed everywhere at this time of year.

Catherine was born in Gloucester just a few days into a brand new century, in January of 1900, daughter of a fisherman.  She was in the middle of the pack of 12 children born to William and Edith Pierce.  She married Paul Ryan in 1923 and raised 3 sons through war and Depression years.  She worked at the Bass Rocks Golf Club as a cook and also worked for the school in the cafeteria.  By all accounts, she was a great cook and very kind to those in need. Though I did not get to spend a great deal of time with her, I consider her to be a great role model as well as a wonderful representation of a daughter of Gloucester.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers out there who helped shape our lives.

Wolf Hill is a delightful stop for anyone basking in spring fever.

We took home a new bird feeder and seed.  Made some new friends right away.

I’ve been asked the share that the ZBA will be making a site visit to the former Espressos at 116 East Main St Saturday May 12 at 9 AM. The buyers are proposing construction of 10 multi family units on this property.  The link is here from the city web site.

It is my understanding that the ZBA has questions about the set-backs, height and overall density of the proposed development. The plan is for the construction of   to build 10 units each with 2 BR and 2 car garage on first floor. These units are geared towards seniors and retirees. They will be clustered into 3 buildings and one will be set aside as Affordable Housing and will look identical to the others.  This meeting is open to the public.

Google map of the area:

Current photo of the property:

What a way to spend an afternoon! Half price food, sunshine, great waitstaff….gotta love it. Oh, and the libations………

CB enjoyed the view

Table for two. Unwelcome company

No sir. Not for me, but good on you Sir. On the boulevard today.

This guy seemed to be saying “One if by land, two if by sea” to guide our way through the fog.

This post if for my sister Mary Jane.

The 1917 Gloucester City Directory indicates the hours the Post Office is open: 6:45 AM to 8 PM (!!!!) AND on Sundays 2-4 PM.  No wonder there were so many clerks and carriers.

Also,  5 mail pick ups per day!

These appear to be mailboxes perhaps from those years, still in use today.

Those were the days, we might sigh to ourselves. However, upon reflection, I begin to consider that technology has allowed 24/7 online access to a number of mail or shipping options.  Technology has also allowed for text messages and emails to overtake physical letters, notices, bills etc. in speed and convenience.  What a difference this past century has made!!

I like to drive around town just to see the sights.  These are some I saw on a recent day’s drive around the Cape and beyond.

A favorite stop to catch some boats at rest Harbor Cove

Also at rest, but on the Annisquam

Scary leftover winter damage and erosion at Salisbury Beach (yes, I leave the island now and again)

It does pay to look up once in a while.  Perhaps a juvenile red tailed hawk.

Two of the three swans I spotted at Parker River Refuge

Ipswich lines and reflections that enchanted me that day

Enjoying the breakwater on a recent spring day:

Bikers on the breakwater:

This small cemetery along Western Avenue caught my eye especially as the forsythias began to bloom and I realized the cemetery was embraced all around by these beautiful yellow blossoms.  A little research shows this private cemetery is called Washington Cemetery and was established in 1839. It was quite a lovely stroll in the early morning light on a recent spring day.

I had seen the Cressy memorial and nodded a bit to myself since Cressy’s Beach is in the vicinity.  Built to honor Eva Cressy Pebworth, who died a mere two years or so after her marriage to Richard Russell Pebworth.  I wonder if forsythia were a favorite of Eva’s.

Thanks for the input! Please note: Oysters are $1.25 at Capt. Carlos.  Also Franklin Cape Ann has added Monday nights from 5-6:30PM regularly!

Updated May 1.

I was fortunate to be on Saturday’s 7 Seas Whale Watch where there were multiple sightings of at least 4 whale species: humpback, minke, sei and fin. They were demonstrating their feeding habits which the naturalist, Jay, narrated competently for us. I must also mention all the seabirds we also saw, in particular the gannets and their aggressive diving for food, creating a spray that from a distance, I mistook sometimes for a whale blow.

I have been on a number of marvelous whale watches from the various companies around town, but never before one on which there were more than could be counted. Although naturalist Jay told us there is no better time of year for a whale watch than another, I am now convinced early spring is the best! All those hungry whales trying to fill themselves up was an amazing learning experience.  If you haven’t been, I suggest you go. There are lots of deals to be had with a little bit of homework, so just go!

Capt Bill & Sons opens season May 19 http://www.captbillandsons.com/

Humpback breaking the surface to find greedy gulls

You can see the baleen on these whales which filters their food.

The fog crept in and out very quietly yesterday morning. I could see it racing across the fields at Stage Fort Park, but could not capture the movement with a mere camera. I’ll leave it to your imagination.  Fog shrouded the harbor though and it reminded me of Carl Sandburg’s poem:

When I know that Seaport Grille is at the end of my long drive from New York, I feel as though I found that legendary pot of gold.  Especially fond of the Seaport Coffee, which I may have mentioned in the past…….  Anyhow, yesterday’s stop at Seaport Grille was improved immensely by the fact that my cousin and her girls were also there for dinner! It so happened that I was led to the next table and there was my cousin! Serendipity in action. I could have been seated elsewhere.  She could have decided to go elsewhere. Instead, we were able to share a great meal. I am very happy to be back home.

I returned to the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary to show Jim the delightful sights.  It was another great experience. Here are some of our new friends.

Spring’s late arrival this year put my mind back to the previous “shoulder season”, fall 2017 and I realize how much has changed around town since then especially at the beaches. Fall was very nice this year and brings some sweet memories.

It was monarchs before it was Snowy Owls

The boardwalks and the footbridge hadn’t been beaten up by the vicious storms yet:

Trees were still standing and holding tight awaiting harvest done by hand and not by wind

AHHH.  Sweet memories only 6 months old.

If you have ever considered having a DNA test done, this is the time to do it.  Ancestry’s DNA test is only $59 until April 29. The regular price for this test is $99.  This is the best deal I’ve seen for this test so if you’ve been thinking about it, I suggest you take advantage now by going to Ancestry.com

There are other testing companies to consider, so do your homework but this is a really great deal.  I am not benefiting from this unless I gain a new cousin from one of you!

We recently spent a relaxing afternoon at the Boat House Grille Bar on Rt 133 in Essex.  GMG Jimmy ordered the meatball appetizer — the meatballs are huge! I thought he had a meatloaf on his plate.  The bartender was friendly and helpful in just the right amounts.  They serve white zinfandel, so that’s a plus for me.  We will definitely be going back.  I suggest you join us.

I noticed they are hosting a number of fundraisers, one coming up soon on May 8.  I’ll be keeping my eye on these events also.