Author: Pat D

Sunday March 8: Spring Ahead. Hallelujah! We got this far……

I noticed a post from Stone’s featuring a drink called “Black Velvet” and I was intrigued. When we were there for dinner recently I ordered one. I understood a Black Velvet to consist of Guinness and prosecco or champagne but the drink I got was Guinness and cider also called Black Velvet (*although one of my favorite bartending experts Bekah tells me her bar calls it a Bruised Apple….more appropriate*). Regardless, I gave it a go. Wasn’t my favorite combo if I’m honest but it was nice to get geared up for St Patrick’s Day right at Stone’s on Main St.

Jim ordered sausage peppers and onions and I got the garlic parm wings that were on the specials menu. I remember getting the specials wings previously and they are YUMMY. And, in order to kick off my occasional and random Irish Coffee posts, I ordered that as well. The Stone’s Irish coffee came in a good size mug with Bailey’s and whiped cream as ordered. I will say this Irish Coffee is “sturdy” in portion and alcohol content. Definietely a win-win. Slainte Stone’s!

Sugars Mags had announced they plan to open late this month or early next month on Main Street ! *Happy Dance* And they are hiring! Drop resume off Friday March 6 if interested at 64 Main St (formerly Oliver’s Harbor)

Don’t forget to vote today! Polls open 7 am – 8 pm but keep in mind that school is in session so that may affect traffic congestion and/or areas within the schools open for voting. Voters in Ward 1 and 4 should take special note. If you aren’t sure of your polling place or ward, check at this link: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/elections-and-voting.htm

The day before the most recent storm, I decided to stock up on take out in case we lost power or were a little bit stuck at home. Since Poseidon’s is on the way, we choose from their menu offerings. I ordered online (easy peasy) and the pickup was ready right on time. We got a variety of items including pizza, salad, sausage roll, and soup. I have to pat myself on the back for the preplanning because it worked out great. We were among the lucky ones who did not lose power but we felt we should stay off the roads and out of the way of the various work crews. In a bonus surprise, because Poseidon’s is located at the one way traffic lights at Centennial and the Boulevard, it was actualy easier than usual to pull up for pickup, swing around the little block to wait for our turn to go over the bridge. Thank you Poseidon’s! Remember they are open during the brdige work.

On Tuesday March 3 the Special State Primary will be held and polls will be open 7 am – 8 pm. Take note Wards 1 and 4 of the change of area within your polling place as noted below. The locations aren’t changed, just the room assignments. I’m sure there will be adequate signage directing voters to proper areas. Take note that school is in session and certain times of the day might experience traffic congestion. Plan accordingly.

I have a DIY wood frame kit (which contains two frames) to give away first come first served. They are 16 x 20″ and appropriate for prints, posters, embroidery and needletpoint as advertised on Amazon. I simply ordered the wrong size and hope someone out there can make use of them. They will be at 44 Main St this weekend Saturday and Sunday (Feb 28 and March 1). Stop in or comment here if interested. FREE!

We stopped by Good Harbor Beach to check out the waves following the storm. It was low tide but still beautiful A number of people had their dogs out there enjoying the day. The footbridge was blocked off as well as unplowed. There seemed to be evidence that the storm had breeched the boardwalk but that didn’t stop some from walking across regardless. I expect the barrier is down by now if it’s been deemed safe.

It was particularly pretty on Rocky Neck the morning after the storm. Carry on Rocky Neck!

The day after the blizzard was crazily beautiful with sunshine and snow covered trees everywhere. For those of you who aren’t “on island” here’s a little bit of what it looked and sounded like. For additional photos check out Pat D’s Photos and Adventures on Facebook.

When we return home after a trip, we often like to make our first meal back somewhere comfortable and welcoming. There are several favorites in that category, but most recently we stopped at 525 Magnolia on Lexington Ave. I had one of the specials seafood scampi and Jim ordered fish and chips. The scampi was particularly appetizing as well as delicious. Jim brough home half his fish and finished it the next day. We are unfailingly welcomed like old friends and consistently served wonderfully satisfying food. It’s a win win.

Maybe you’re wondering how plowing priorities work for Gloucester….from the City Facebook page:

Update from the City regarding trash collection week of Feb 23:

We were delighted to find no fewer than 3 eagles at Salisbury Beach State Reservation recently. If you keep your eyes peeled at this time of the year, you can often spot bald eagles. Each of these appeared to be younger eagles, making it a little harder to spot without the signature white head and tail. One was perched at the boat ramp, keeping a careful eye on the squawking gulls. This one registered displeasure with the fly-bys vocally which was pretty impressive and distinct.

For additional story details and more images, check out Pat D’s Photos and Adventures on Facebook.

From Frank Margiotta’s City Councilor Facebook page regarding the upcoming March votes (March 3 primary and March 31 election). Take note Ward 4 voters.

What a glorious morning ! We love where we live. Hang in there throughout the approaching weather. Spring IS coming.

I noticed a suggested packing list (must be my theme this week) that included bringing a nightlight along on your trips when you stay in a hotel or motel. GREAT THINKING! And guess where you can get your auto light sensor nightlights to throw in your suitcase? 44 Main St! Open Saturday and Sunday this week (Feb 21-22) from 11-3. Stop by! Oh….and Joey’s hats too…..

Begging to differ, New York Times and whomever came up with these packing numbers…..Here you see an example of how many of what kinds of items to pack for a one week trip in accordance with a 5-4-3-2-1 plan. I kind of agree with the ratios, but not the actual numbers. For a one week trip, I am packing AT LEAST 8 pairs of underwear. (* I am guessing I am not the only woman who packs extra underwear for “just in case” even though I have literally never needed it*) Five pairs for a week? That’s not my style and I’m guessing many of you agree. The tops and bottoms/pants I can live with but I’m probably only packing one additional pair to shoes to the ones I am wearing. The extra underwear can take over the space the second pair of shoes takes up in the luggage. Not putting one of Joey’s poms in the suitcase either…I am wearing it proudly. What do you think of these suggestions for a week’s trip?

We were intrigued to see a new pizza and ice cream place open on Martin St in Essex recently so we checked it out. Salty’s Pizza and Ice Cream is a small walk in shop (no indoor seating) currently focusing on pizza until the snow and weather are friendlier for ice cream outings. The offer pizza and a couple of salads and drinks from a cooler. The service was friendly and there were some pickups while we waited for our “Paul Revere” pie. The ingredients were fresh, the sauce was more savory than sweet, the pizza size was 12″ or so. We enjoyed it and will likely go back as it is conveniently located for our return trips after heading north for bird watching. Looking forward to taste testing ice cream too!

We stopped by Joe’s Fish Prints on Main St to say hello to Joe recently. There’s all kinds of cool stuff going in in there! It’s worth a visit if you are out and about. Here’s the link for more information: Fished Impressions.