Author: Pat D

My friend and FOB Susan L sent me these beautiful photos of our reward for April showers: rainbows! Seems appropriate for Good Friday and the start of the Easter weekend.

Thank you once again Generous Gardeners! It’s starting to look like Spring will arrive after all. The pansies are an appreciated spot of color in the Boulevard beds. Pansies may appear to be delicate but they are among the hardiest of annuals. There’s a lesson in human nature right there.

Did you know you have options available for the upcoming April 24 Special Municipal Election (regarding 3A)? I will be manning one of the tables next Thursday during regular voting hours 7 AM- 8 PM (not at my own polling place) so I chose to vote early at City Hall. It’s a very smooth and easy process. Early voting hours are regular business hours for City Hall Wednesday April 16 8:30-4 PM; Thursday April 17 8:30-6:30 PM; and Friday April 18 from 8:30-12:30 PM. This and other options are detailed on the City’s website link here. It’s one question and you select between Yes and No.

I took a ride out to Wingaersheek recently as it was a beautiful sunny day. I’m glad I took the ride. It was super relaxing. Ahhhh Wingahhhhh….

Sweet! Downriver Ice Cream along 133 in Ipswich is open for the season (conveniently located across the road from a dispensary haha). I stopped by recently for a little treat. Well, this sundae was a fair size and hit the spot!

I’ll admit Ipswich Butcher Brothers social media got me intrigued enough to stop by recently on my way through Ipswich. Located on High St, it’s easy to swing in on my way to or from points north which is my semi regular route. I picked up a roast beef wrap (which was a pre-prepared daily special) and some macaroni salad. There’s a wide variety of deli meat available along with other interesting products, many of the locally produced. You can call or text your order in ahead of time for pickup which I think is very convenient. Butcher shops are not typically on my list of regular stops, but in this case, I think it just became one.

We are three weeks out from the scheduled re-opening of the Atlantis Oceanfront Breakfast Cafe on Atlantic Road so save the date! May 3rd opening for 2025 season!

I joined the scallop boats and crews in admiring Half Moon Beach on a spring afternoon. It was very peaceful and relaxing.

Surfside Pizza has reopened on Thatcher Road for another season! I stopped by to pick up a (huge) slice of pizza for lunch yesterday. I like to take it down to Nautilus Road and watch over Good Harbor Beach while enjoying the delicious pizza. It’s the closest one to the pizza I remember from my childhood so it holds a special place in my heart. Check them out for subs, salads, weekday specials and more. Don’t forget the ice cream!

I noticed the Vietnam Memorial flags flying briskly in the brief periods of sun a few days ago and paused for a commemoration. I also noticed small signs of spring in the vicinity which I really needed to see after those heavy wet snowflakes reigned down upon us. I hope you find hope in these as I did.

My friend Susan and I recently decided to have lunch at Seaport Grille on Rowe Square. It was the perfect choice on that dreary afternoon. It was comfortable and friendly and reliably yummy. Susan ordered the fish and chips and I got fish tacos. I twisted Susan’s arm and we also got the famous key lime pie for dessert. We left with full stomachs and smiles on our faces. Thanks Seaport Grille for another fine meal!

It’s just me checking things out at the Railways on Rocky Neck. I wanted to see how Adventure was doing!

In response to the loss of the downtown grocery store, CATA has updated some of their policies regarding bags and carts. Thank you CATA! I’m sure this will help many residents.

The Lobster on East Main St has re-opened for the season ! My brother was visiting so we stopped by for lunch. It reaffirmed how happy we are that spring has arrived and the seasonal establishments are back to business. The Lobster hasn’t lost a single step. We splurged on the lobster Cobb salad along with blackened haddock tacos, fish sandwich and bacon wrapped scallops. We cannot wait to get back there again. Delicious!

Also of note in light of an earlier podcast discussion about public bathrooms, I was happy to note the easy-to-determine status for the bathroom availability at The Lobster. Extra kudos on the practical door lock indicators.

The egrets have begun to return, another sigh of spring! This one looked particularly regal.

The Bookstore of Gloucester on Main St is celebrating its 50th anniversary all weekend and all are invited to stop by. I checked out last night’s Open House which was lively and well attended. The fun continues today and Sunday so check the schedule out from their Facebook page. It should be a great weekend to be out and about in downtown Gloucester.

It’s so nice to see so much harbor activity thanks to the scallop season opening up this week. We have also noticed additional activity in the local restaurants, so welcome crew! It’s another solid indicator that the seasons are changing.

Hammond Castle Museum has a new website for us! Check it out. It’s been designed to make planning a visit easier for you. You might want to consider the upcoming Easter Egg Hunt event and this would be a good opportunity to check out the new website. Link here.

We LOVE going to Bravo by the Sea on Beach St in Manchester especially on Mondays when the Detroit style pizza is available. The small seating area is comfortable with easy parking. The service is thorough and friendly. And as if all that wasn’t enough, the Detroit style pizza is outstanding!

I took a cue from Joey’s recent post about the beauty along our harbor behind Maritime Gloucester on the Harbor Loop and went down there myself. I visit that area frequently and there’s always something beautiful to share. On this morning, there was work being done (no doubt volunteers). I recommend this stroll often and I stand by that recommendation once again. PS Will I see you at the Maritime Gloucester Kick Off Fundraiser April 11? Ticket info at this link.