Must be spring is really here now that some of our favorite seasonal places are opening. Sharing news from The Lobster on East Main St:

We had some time with our 3 year old grandson this week and decided to go to Appleton Farms in Ipswich for their Tuesday morning Story Time. It was a great decision. There were about six young children in attendance that day ranging in age from infant to 3 years old. The staff was well equipped to handle to children and accompanying adults for a little coloring and reading aloud. We then went up to the barns to feed goats, pet rabbits, feed pigs and visit the cows. The children LOVED it and then we headed back for a final story. It’s an easy ride and you can hang around afterward or visit the on site store before leaving. I like to visit Appleton Farms every once in a while but it’s extra special when you can take a child along.

We have had family for company this week so have been seeking family friendly restaurants. The nine year old asked what that means “family friendly” so I’ll offer my parameters: adequate space for seating squirmy kids; a decent kids meal menu with favorites like pasta or pizza; patient servers. We hit the mark at Vita Bella in Essex recently.

I enjoyed my chicken piccata and Jim got ravioli. The children got pasta and pizza (which were quickly eaten so I didn’t get great shots) along with drink cups with covers! Our server was very patient and accommodating which we appreciated. We will take a family group back to Vita Bella at some point knowing everyone will be happy if the kids are happy.

Some construction in underway at the Stage Fort Park playground! It looks like an amazing project for the benefit of our whole community. I understand Gloucester Rotary is playing a big part in making this happen. Thanks Rotary! It’s looking great!

We went to the Azorean Restaurant on Washington St. recently for dinner to celebrate Jim’s return from an out of town trip. He was looking forward to exactly the kind of meal and experience we got once again at the Azorean. He ordered marinated haddock and I got one of the baked haddock specials. Of course, we also celebrated with dessert. Jilleen was our friendly and efficient server and we enjoyed our evening quite a bit. Again!

We were returning home and I noticed the bright red, pink and orange sky behind the trees across Buswell Pond. What a pretty sight!

I checked a nearby Great Blue Heron Rookery recently and we delighted to find that the herons are beginning their return to the nesting area. I saw 6-8 of them including one pair that had claimed a nest already. I also heard some unusual (for me) bird noises so I put my Merlin app sound recording on and it identified it as wood ducks. I normally don’t care too much about ducks, but I have to say these are a gorgeous species! It’s beginning to look a lot like spring! (*No foolin’)

Sharing photos from Easter morning sunrise at Good Harbor from Cat Cavallini. Thanks Cat and I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday.

Steady progress is being made with the re-construction of the well-known Good Harbor Beach Inn on Salt Island Road. I look forward to its return better than evah! Happy Easter!

I will be at the shop at 44 Main St. from 11-3 tomorrow Easter Sunday in case you have an unexpected need for Thirsty Seagull Gloucester Apparel or Pat D’s Photos gift items. Maybe you’ll just need to get out of the house! Stop in and check things out.

I usually defer to our very own Donna Ardizzoni for Magnolia coverage, but I just had to share some additional wave action near the Magnolia Pier from a few days ago. I hope everyone has a fabulous holiday weekend.

Sharing Facebook info from Gloucester Beaches ( this is a screen shot so link within is not live) Link for more info: https://tinyurl.com/3fn84ecv

I pulled into the parking area of a local business and discovered these sheds which seem to have a story to tell. It’s intriguing to think about their history and develop stories of your own.

I stopped at Eastern Point to watch some wave action and just get a view of the landscape. Surprisingly I was there alone but I enjoyed the time for reflection and photo taking.

We stopped by Machaca on Rogers St Sunday afternoon but we didn’t intend to eat. And then we saw the weekend afternoon appetizer specials! It was time for early dinner/late lunch (linner? dunch?). I had to have the caldo soup (not on the special app menu) as well as the taquitos. Jim had Mexican pizza. LOVED the beef taquitos; just the right portion. Jim very much enjoyed his pizza as did Joey when he arrived as well and finished it up. The caldo soup was perfect for that cold afternoon. What a nice surprise this late afternoon break turned out to be. Thanks Luis and Joe and all the staff for making it great.

Turner’s Seafood in Gloucester on Smith St gets a big shoutout from our friends Susan and Leo….”So today, Leo and I ordered 14 oysters from Turner’s Seafood Market in Gloucester. Asked for them to be shucked and an assortment. I asked that they mark them for me. So here are the results. We are more than pleased. Kudos to the kids at Turner’s. Great job.”

I concur. Photo credits to Susan L!

I’ve been curious about the Power of Play event organized by the Gloucester Education Foundation and since FOB Susan L was planning to volunteer, I decided to drop in yesterday. WOW! The GHS gym was jam packed with activities and families and it seemed the kids were having a ball. One genius move by the organizers was to collect up dozens of empty cardboard boxes and just throw them in a corner for the children to decide how to arrange. There were many other activities and games offered for movement, game play and strategy skills. In short, there was something to please everyone. I even got to say hello to one of my favorite young Gloucestermen. Kudos to the sponsors, the organizers and the many volunteers for this obviously popular free event. See you next time!

We were invited to preview the upcoming “Gertrude Cawein at Hammond Castle Museum” Exhibition and chat with Dr. Gregory Conn, a well known expert on artist Eric Pape. Pape had a number of connections to Gloucester which you will be able to learn by visiting this exhibition Friday April 5 – Saturday April 28. It’s going to be a rare opportunity to view this collection of artwork with the Gertrude Cawein full length portrait as its centerpiece.

But, don’t rely on me. Here’s the release from the Hammond Castle Museum with more details and in depth information:

The “Gertrude Cawein at Hammond Castle Museum” Exhibition Offers A Rare Glimpse into the World of Eric Pape’s Society Portraits

Hammond Castle Museum Brings the Former Annisquam Resident’s Rarely Seen Works Back to Cape Ann with an Extensive Exhibit of Nearly 60 Pieces.

Gloucester, Massachusetts – 2/26/2024– Hammond Castle Museum is proud to present “Gertrude Cawein at Hammond Castle Museum,” a new exhibition featuring the works of Eric Pape (1870 – 1938). A former Annisquam resident and designer of the Tablet Rock Memorial in Gloucester’s Stage Fort Park, this exhibit marks a homecoming for this extraordinary collection of nearly 60 pieces from Pape’s extensive portfolio.

At the heart of this exhibition is the full-length portrait of Gertrude Cawein (oil on canvas, 75 x 52 inches framed), painted by Pape in 1907 and loaned by the Filson Historical Society in Louisville, KY. For the first time outside the Filson, visitors can witness this rare example of Pape’s work as a society portraitist. Upon arrival to the Museum, Gertrude will undergo important conservation by conservator, Timothy Neill, prior to the exhibit opening.

With many pieces on loan from the private collection of esteemed Pape collector and
biographer, Dr. Gregory Conn, this exhibit offers a unique insight into Pape’s multifaceted talents. Renowned as a painter and society portraitist, Pape’s brilliance shines through various mediums, including pencil, pen, watercolors, and oils.
Admission to the “Gertrude Cawein at Hammond Castle Museum” exhibition will include self- guided tours of the Museum. Hammond Castle Museum members enjoy free access to the exhibit. During the school vacation week (April 15 – 19 th ) children aged 12 and under will have free admission to the exhibit with reservation. Virtual tour access will also be offered making this the most accessible Pape exhibit ever offered.

The exhibition not only showcases Gertrude’s portrait but also highlights the intricate world of Eric Pape’s artistry, offering a unique glimpse into Pape’s role as a portraitist and including examples of his celebrity portraits created during the Great Depression. A limited selection of artworks from the Hammond Castle Museum’s previous 2023 “Pape at Hammond Castle Museum” exhibit will also be on display. The three Pape paintings on permanent display within the Museum, including the sole surviving mural of the celebrated artist, “The Wireless Naval Battle of Gloucester Bay,” will also be featured. The Museum Shop will host a limited number of copies of Dr. Conn’s newest biography, “Eric Pape in the New York Herald Tribune,” which delves into Pape’s work as a society portraitist. The exhibition also marks the announcement of
the launch of Dr. Conn’s new website, ericpape.com, featuring free flip books of all five of his published Pape biographies.

The connection between the Cawein family, Eric Pape, and Gloucester runs deep. Madison Cawein, known as the Keats of Kentucky and Gertrude’s husband, wrote a poignant Ode to the founding of Gloucester for the 1907 Gloucester Day celebrations, during which time Pape presented his iconic Tablet Rock Memorial. The exhibition will also feature an elaborate pen and ink drawing by Pape, representing Madison’s moving elegy upon the death of Pape’s first wife, Alice Monroe Pape, in 1911.

Hammond Castle Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built from 1926 through 1929 and incorporated as a museum in 1930, the castle was the home and laboratory of John Hays Hammond Jr. Known as “The Father of Radio Control,” he is one of the nation’s most prolific inventors of the 20th century. Hammond’s extensive list of patents, his work with radio control, and his work on guided torpedoes for the military are on display. The Museum offers tours and numerous educational and cultural events throughout the year. It is also available for private event rentals. For more information, please contact Hammond Castle Museum at 978-283-2080 or visit hammondcastle.org.

Thank you Mary Goldberg for the invitation as well as photo credit for the Madonna and Child photo shown here.

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The beach is endlessly fascinating but especially for a toddler who doesn’t get to see the ocean very often.

Update from Hammond Castle on the Easter Egg Hunt originally scheduled for tomorrow Saturday March 23. Now scheduled for Saturday March 30. I had an opportunity to view ALL the eggs waiting to be hidden! There are so many. It’s sure to be a fun event.