Author: Pat D

The first of Annie and Squam’s eggs at the LobstaLand nest has hatched! These are screenshots from the Essex Greenbelt Osprey Cam just a half hour or so after the egg hatched. The second and final egg is expected to hatch in about a week. We will be watching and waiting. We will also be hoping for the best between the two hatchlings born several days apart in the same next. Thank you neighbor Brianne H for the tip! If you squint and look very closely, you may be able to see the chick and the egg.

We left the store and headed over to DeCKlyns on the Harbor Loop for dinner recently. We had not been there yet this season and were happy to return. The atmosphere is lively and the help is friendly and helpful (shout out to our server Nate and his trainee!). The outdoor bar was full and the dining areas were busy on this beautiful late afternoon. We had a fish sandwich and the double burger. We are glad to see them back this season and look forward to returning.

We had not seen this adult eagle in quite a while and I was beginning to worry for its well being. We saw the younger partner of this pair pretty regularly but the adult hadn’t been spotted. But we finally found the adult and the pair together in the area of West Gloucester. I am VERY relieved. They had exhibited some nesting activity and I have hopes for the future for these two.

The library construction is moving right along and the apartments on Middle St at the former YMCA are beginning to look like real apartments!

We were delighted to find that Russell Orchard on Argilla Rd in Ipswich has re-opened for the season. It is hands-down one of our favorite spots to stop, shop and have a little wander. The farm animals were scarce the day we visited but it’s still a great stop for plants, baked goods, ice cream, provisions and wines.

Today May 30 is the original date to recognize Memorial Day (previously Decoration Day for those of us of a “certain age”). I like to take a pause every year on May 30 in honor of the tradition.

There was a beautiful black crowned night heron standing majestically on a branch over a pond along Essex Ave recently. I think he was waiting for me.

The recent rains have made the backyard colors really pop!

Thank you to the small army of volunteers who helped place flags this weekend at the local cemeteries in an effort to recognize all our deceased veterans. This is Beechbrook Cemetery and there were at least a dozen people helping there. Enjoy your weekend and remember our deceased veterans.

It was a very busy morning with school field trips when we took a little stroll on the pier behind Maritime Gloucester on the Harbor Loop. It’s easy to see why students and teachers like the opportunities these field trips provide. The pier is open to the public and the museum will be open this weekend. Check it out!

Sharing Porchfest to celebrate 525 Day in Magnolia today.

A year ago this month, Sebastian Junger came to Gloucester to speak at a Gloucester 400+ event. Last night, he returned as a guest of the Bookstore of Gloucester on Main St to talk about his newest book In My Time of Dying. The book evolved from a near death life changing experience of Mr. Junger’s about 4 years ago. As with last May, his presentation was entertaining, informative and engaging. The City Hall Kyrouz Auditorium was packed to the gills with friends and interested residents for this intriguing topic.

I’ve read the book and am duly impressed (again) with Sebastian Junger’s writing style. He clearly does an overwhelming amount of research into his subjects. In fact, an impressive 19 pages of source material is listed and it’s obvious from the text that he’s done his homework. I noted several medical phrases such as you hear on those doctor shows. Some of them are complicated but he presents them in a way the reader can understand.

He presents the large questions of life and death in a thought provoking, but safe manner. I am of an age where my other retired friends are beginning to die and I’ve suffered several losses recently. It may be that my frame of mind was exceptionally ready to read and contemplate these exact questions. But I think the book will have wide appeal and suggest you put it on your reading list. Thank you Mr. Junger for sharing such personal insights. Well done on the Bookstore of Gloucester in arranging the event!

We stopped by Googans Galley on Martin St in Essex recently to see what was new. We learned they will be celebrating their second anniversary with a special event Wednesday May 29 from 6-9 pm! We are very happy to see this special place thriving. There is seating available which we noticed many people were taking advantage of for visiting or remote work. There are local products available, including Cape Ann Sea Salt! AND there are yummy goodies. Win Win. Congratulations on the anniversary!

Jim and I had made a habit of going to the Azorean on Washington St on Sundays but had fallen out of that tradition recently. And I missed it. Last Sunday we returned after a bit of an absence and we were not disappointed. Jim had the shrimp cataplana and I had lemon chicken (I’m a big fan of lemon dishes that actually taste lemony!). Naturally I am also very happy to see the Spring Sangria special.

The planned boring operation in Blynman Canal is underway and expected to continue today. It seemed to intrigue many passers-by. More info can be found at the Harbormaster’s Facebook page or here.

Sharing some good news from Minglewood. Another sure sign of summer…..

I was out on the water for the whale watch and had the opportunity to take some photos of Half Moon Beach from the water. A few days later, I also got some shots from land (including 2 intrepid plein air painters). Thought you might enjoy the perspectives.

I love having the chance to take photos of various vessels from the water! Here we have Gennet, Ginny & Joe, Ardelle, the Coast Guard, Charles Seabrook, Emily Teresa and Dead On.

I had heard some talk that a pair of ospreys were nesting in the chimney on the famous (and endangered) pink house in Newburyport, so I wanted to go check it out. Though one of the pair was resting on the chimney when we arrived, it flew off shortly after and then I played the waiting game. Since there was a pair out in the fields hunting, I came to the conclusion it was unlikely that they had an active nest on the pink house. I wouldn’t expect them to leave eggs or hatchlings alone for any length of time. But there is definite evidence that some nest building was going on there so we shall see.

The pair eventually returned to the immediate area though neither actually landed on the chimney this time. It was pretty fascinating to watch them circle, fend off smaller unhappy birds and call to each other. Annie and Squam’s life is much easier to follow but this was pretty interesting also. Not sure what the future of the pink house is but it seems we may not be able to enjoy its view very much longer so I take every opportunity to visit.

I took a little walk around the docks in areas I don’t normally go in order to see things from a different perspective. I thought you might enjoy the same.