Author: Pat D

I underestimated how much I miss seeing our schooners in the local waters. I was attending the recent fundraiser for Maritime Gloucester and spied Isabella approaching for a special visit to the Gloucester House. My heart sang. I hope yours does too and perhaps you will consider helping Maritime Gloucester reach their goals in support of the upcoming 40th Schooner Festival Labor Day weekend 2024.

We took a ride up 133 and 1A toward Parker River National Wildlife Refuge a few days ago and had quite a few bird sightings along the way. Each sighting on its own would have made for a good day, but to find so many special sights was a big treat. It gave me real hope for spring. We saw “our”eagle in West Gloucester, a screech owl along the route, a pair of Great Blue Herons at Parker River, as well as glossy ibis and egrets in Rowley.

When we stopped in Rowley for the large gathering of egrets and glossy ibis, a very nice man called me over when he saw my camera to point out the yellowish bird amongst the egrets far out from the roadway. He told me this was a cattle egret, my first sighting! Although the photos are pretty cropped, you can clearly see the yellowish coloring of this single bird. Thank you sir! What a treat. One trip offered up so many beautiful sights. I love our Cape Ann and area!

Sharing news from the Lobster Roller Facebook page:

Sharing information from the Castle Manor Inn Facebook page. Looking forward to this breakfast option coming back.

I needed an ice cream sundae to accompany me while watching the eclipse recently so we went over to Long Maid near Long Beach. Boy, was that sundae good eclipse company! AND Surf Side Subs is now open as well on Thatcher Road. Enjoy your spring.

Do you need to check out some nautical oddities and other aquarium/marine tools or supplies? Maritime Gloucester on the Harbor Loop is offering items up for sale tomorrow Saturday April 13 from 9 am – 1 pm. Stop by and help them take some of this stuff off their hands as well as support their efforts. Plus you might get exactly what you need at exactly the right price. RSVP and more info at this link.

Yes, you saw the headline correctly. I stopped by the library this week and noticed a display offering a seed exchange. What a great idea! I did a little digging and found more information at this link about how the library is marking Earth Day throughout April. Check it out. I know many of us are starting to think about gardens and outdoor activities….. AND Happy Library Month to all the wonderful staff and librarians out there.

We went out to Georgetown to check on the Great Blue Heron nests recently. Though there weren’t many herons in sight at midday, I did notice a number of them sitting pretty low in the nest, which I think could mean they are sitting on eggs. Many of you may not agree, but I find this to be exciting news! I also noticed that a couple of the nests such as one you see here, seem to be smaller in size. I believe this could mean they are newer nests and perhaps not yet completed and ready for a new family. I look forward to checking again on their progress. It’s so nice to start to see our migrating birds return.

Maritime Gloucester is preparing for its 40th (40!) Schooner Festival this year and they need the help of the community by way of a fundraiser scheduled for tomorrow April 11 at the Gloucester House from 5:30-8:30. There will be raffles, entertainment and a light buffet. Did I mention FUN? I mean, GMG Jim and I will be there and hope to see you too. More info and tickets available at this link.

I am not alone in feeling a little down in the dumps after the recent string of grey, cold, wet days. So I was very happy to see a sunny day with mild temps but I REALLY needed to feast my eyes on some COLOR. We stopped at Gordon Florist and Greenhouses in Ispwich and boy, was that a treat! Color exploding everywhere. Friendly staff, bright and healthy plants–you can’t go wrong.

I was very excited to see some activity in the Osprey nest near Lobsta Land through the Osprey Cam provided by Essex Greenbelt (link here). If you follow the notes provided (scroll down for the latest additions), it seems the experts are unclear on which osprey this might be, but it’s very exciting to know they are starting to return to the nesting areas. Keep your eyes peeled! We should expect to see a couple sometime soon. These are screenshots from this morning.

If you have eclipse glasses, here’s a way to do further good with them. Thank you Cape Ann Whale Watch! I love this idea.

My first sighting of tulips in bloom this spring. This view gives me such hope. I hope it does the same for you. Happy Eclipse Day!

We decided to stop at Gloucester House on Rogers St to see if the Buffalo Scallops had returned to the menu. And YEAH! They had and we each ordered scallops. Jim’s were pan seared and mine were Buffalo style. Perfection topped off with a dessert from Cake Ann. Just the right end to the week. Thanks. Gloucester House!

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!