Author: Pat D

Today’s front page of the Boston Globe features our mild mannered boss Joey C ! If you squint you can find Scottie Mac and Jimmy. Way to represent. Thanks for the heads-up neighbor Brianne!

Even though the day was dark and drear, the Sail GHS program is fully underway for another season. Definite bright spots out in the harbor and a certain sign of spring. More info on the program can be round here.

We ventured out to the Georgetown rookery to check on the Great Blue Herons and it appears they have begun to return to their nests once again! Another sure sign of spring. Though it was chilly and dreary on this visit, I saw about 7 herons in nests seemingly awaiting their partners.

The beautiful Phyllis A is resting and waiting for its next transition at the Rocky Neck Railways. The Phyllis A organization recently announced it was ceasing its efforts at restoration after 17 valiant years. Story here. In the meantime, we can still admire her.

We have been fortunate to come across this pair of eagles in the West Gloucester/Magnolia area. I feel pretty certain it is the same pair. The adult is sporting two bands so that’s a big clue. But I am feeling a little anxious about the other adult presumably part of this family since we haven’t seen a second adult yet. Anyhow, (thanks to a heads up from our landlord) we finally caught a pair hanging out on a dreary day recently. One was screeching quite loudly as we approached which is an amazing sound. As you will see, the adult took off with a branch as if for a nest.

The other photos are taken in West Gloucester a day or so later near the river. The adult seemed to be trying to teach the juvenile to hunt. It went out to the river, got a fish and brought it to shore. When the juvenile joined up, the adult wasn’t willing to share and landed in a tree very nearby where I was observing. You can see the prey in the eagle’s talons in this cropped image. Welcome back, my friends. Stay a while please. Pat D’s Photos and Adventures on Facebook has further details and images. Check it out and maybe give it a follow if you like what you see.

We came upon this beautiful coyote recently at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. To our surprise, as we watched, it came closer and closer to those of us along the roadway. It carefully calculated risk and distance then eventually took the leap in order to cross the roadway. I guess it wanted to go to the beach: which is why this coyote crossed the road! It really is a gorgeous example of coyote. For additional story details and more images, please check out Pat D’s Photos and Adventures on Facebook. There’s an extra surprise there!

I have been surprised by many different scenes as I look out over the marsh from our apartment, but this sight is currently holding the number 1 spot for surprises: someone climbing the old Coast Guard tower apparently for kicks.

You may have seen that the historic replica of the Tea Party Ship Beaver recently launched from the Maritime Railways. Some wondered if she would return. The updated location is just across the harbor at the Marine Railways on Rocky Neck. She looks pretty smart sitting there along with so many other fine vessels.

As many of you know, Sclafani’s Bakery on Washington St recently underwent some inside renovation for the benefit of its many customers. New flooring and a new seating area are among the improvements. They are back and better than ever! Stop down and check them out.

We have long been intending to stop at Googans Galley on Martin St in Essex and we finally took the short detour off our route to stop in. It was very well worth the visit! Matthew greeted us warmly and took Jim’s order for a scone (yum). I picked up some mulling spices which I am unable to find elsewhere. The location is larger than it appears from the outside, bright and open. There are a few options for those that want to eat and sip while watching the world go by outside. One enthusiastic customer was doing just that as we arrived. It’s a great take for treats, sandwiches and some prepared foods. Don’t forget to check out the freezer case and the pantry items. Well worth a stop!

Harriet Webster Pier on the Harbor Loop was abuzz with activity this morning as the historic replica Beaver was launched into the harbor. The process was understandably slow and careful but enthralling all the same. Following please find 3 clips demonstrating the various steps taken with this exciting launch. All hands were on deck and ready to assist including the Meridian and crew, who did an outstanding job.

If you only have time for one clip, I’d suggest spending it on the third and final clip. Great examples of teamwork and skills.

Sure signs of spring at Stage Fort Park: Generous Gardeners at work, crocuses in bloom and road construction.

There’s so much natural beauty around us that sometimes we might forget to take the time to study the foundations of our livelihoods and hobbies. This is the view from the State Pier.

I took some family members to Brace Cove to check out the seals over the weekend and they were there in all their glory so it was a big treat for our visitors. Then, lo and behold, we were blessed with 3 soaring eagles circling overheard as if to check out our activities. Welcome Spring! For additional photos and story details please check out Pat D’s Photos and Adventures on Facebook.

I looked through my Gloucester Daily Times newspaper collection from 1956 in search of some coverage of St. Joseph’s Day to offer up for you this year. I did not find anything relevant that I though you might enjoy, but I did find these with some familiar family names including Gilardi, Pallazola, Meuse, FrontieroGleason, Frigard, Ellis, Kennedy, Halloran, Daley, Montagnino, Calomo, Burnham, Aiello, Polizzia, Remeika, Unis, Pratt, Lattof, Orlando and Salah. The senior recognition photos always seem to look the same! Regardless, I hope you St. Joseph’s Day is blessed.

Eoin Vincent and Motif Roasters is donating $4 for every bag of coffee sold until April 17 to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. This is a great time to take advantage of this very generous offer! Here’s a link for Motif Roasters. Thank you Eoin!

I’ve had my eye on this classically tired barn along Washington St for quite a while. It seems to just beg for its story to be told, so here’s a prompt in case you want to pick up pen and begin.

For my final 2023 blog post featuring Irish Coffees around town, I present Stones on Main St. In my mind, it’s the closest thing Gloucester has to an Irish pub so it’s logical to try their Irish Coffee and feature it on St. Patrick’s Day. This double Irish coffee had all the necessary ingredients and is presented in a drink glass, which I love. As a bonus, it’s very yummy. Thanks Stones! I’ll have another…….

To summarize the Irish Coffee series, I have featured Minglewood, Tonno, Mile Marker, Blue Marlin, Gloucester House and Stones. This is a perfect representation of the choices available though I have not tried them all! I wouldn’t turn a single one down. If you crave the most Irish vibe, I’d go with Minglewood. Blue Marlin is among the top choices for a dessert-like Irish coffee. Mile Marker’s is perfect and proper and the most creative take in this bunch. Gloucester House version was a lovely surprise on a cold afternoon. Tonno also really hits the mark for a dinner wind-down before you leave the coziness of the establishment. Stones seems like the most authentic atmosphere so I cannot select a favorite. It depends on your mood at the moment. Try them all! See you next year for more!. Enjoy your day.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Maybe you haven’t noticed how Gloucester shows off its green side! Slainte!