Author: Pat D

The tulips at the Tip Top Tulips Farm in Ipswich (take the road right next the Dairy Queen and follow your nose to the tulip field) are in full bloom and they are spectacular. We went yesterday and the field was full of families, senior citizens and young couples. It’s a great photo opportunity in an open friendly atmosphere. Open daily, but on the weekends there are some additional activities such as goat yoga (?!?!) and farm animals. There were a lot of visitors but we did not feel crowded. Tickets are reasonably priced.

We had purchased some presale tickets which allowed us to pick-our-own tulips (15 with each of these tickets) or they are $1 each. It’s an efficient operation with parking assistance as well as help packing up your blooms. I am a big fan. It would be a GREAT Mother’s Day activity. Looking forward to returning for the sunflower field,

Happy May Day! What do you recall about May Day from your childhood? Anything special? We used to gather wildflowers (often dandelions as I recall) to leave anonymously on neighborhood door handles. If we were feeling pretty lucky, we added some penny candy. I personally have never done a maypole celebration but saw one recently and was reminded of the celebration of May’s arrival. I don’t think these things happen much anymore. I am pretty sure they are only vague memories for my own children. I miss it!

Here’s some virtual May Day flowers and a maypole for you. Happy May Day! Now I am humming the song from Camelot…..you know which one…..

You might remember I mentioned choppy seas and grey weather the day we went out on our Whale Watch with Cape Ann Whale Watch. The less than desirable conditions did not stop our fishing vessels from doing their jobs. So the pictures may be a little dark but most were taken from the Hurricane II as we left the harbor and they were returning: Alanna Renee, Fisheye, Amanda May, Josephine L, Colette Ivy, and Fisherman Pride.

This small white bird hopping around our yard this week caught my eye, though I was uncertain what it was. A friend of a friend (thanks Scott!) identifies it as a leucistic song sparrow, apparently somewhat rare but not as rare as an albino of that species would be. I will be closely watching the backyard to see what develops out there. It’s been spotted for a couple of days now, though it’s not every day there’s a small white bird in your yard! There are surprises everywhere!

I always like to take a walk on the Harbor Loop to the docks behind Maritime Gloucester. There’s always something going on down on this working dock and it’s a great spot to watch the fishing vessels depart and return. Sometimes you even get greeted from an upstairs window (Thanks Mike DeKoster for the idea for this post!). Great spot for locals as well as visitors. Opening again soon following some improvements.

We found this interesting “Rock with a Message” near the Paint Factory this week and thought you might be interested. I actually believe there’s probably more than one message here and the creator seems to have placed it carefully for our enjoyment and consideration.

Lobsta Land on Causeway Street recently reopened for the season and we were eager to get back down there for dinner. I highly recommend making reservations as it was quite busy even during the week for an early dinner. (I had trouble with the online reservations but made the reservations by phone instead) I had one of my favorites: blackened haddock. Jim chose the haddock chowder and a lobster roll. I tried the blackberry margarita (very tasty..just right on the sweet and sour balance). We do love the atmosphere there and are looking forward to the deck dining when the weather improves.

There’s something quite melancholy about a kite stuck in a tree. We found this at Stage Fort Park and could only imagine that it ruined a child’s afternoon outing recently. It’s been such good kite weather though I don’t blame anyone for trying.

I was anxious to get out on Cape Ann Whale Watch’s Hurricane II, but wanted to plan my outing carefully watching the weather conditions. BUT they had such a successful first outing that I just had to go out on Sunday despite the “Choppy Seas” warning and the grey skies. (not to mention the cold!) I was very glad I went.

Though we did not see a repeat of some behaviors seen the day before, we did get to watch a happy young calf breaching several times seemingly with great joy and abandon. We saw many whales including mother/calf pairs; more seals than I have ever seen out there; and a pod of dolphins as guides. Their interns (shout out Keirsten) are stellar at the education portion of the trip and the naturalist Tina was friendly and informative. The seas were, indeed, choppy, so an additional shout out to friend Jake for helping me stay firmly on my feet.

I easily made online reservations at Cape Ann Whale Watch; parked in their lot on Main St and relaxed in their care for a couple of hours. See additional story details and pictures at Pat D’s Photos and Adventures on Facebook. I hope to meet you out there someday! Even if you’ve been on a whale watch, each is unique and entertaining.

Oliver’s Harbor on Main Street is has recently added pizza to their menu for Monday-Thursday so Jim and I went to check it out. We always feel very welcome there and it was nice to return once again. I tried a blackberry sangria, something different for me and quite tasty. We ordered seafood dumplings and the sausage bomb pizza. The pizza is something a little different than the other pizzas in town and has its place among them. I am not a foodie (as you all know) so I cannot specify what makes it a little different but we both enjoyed it and plan to return to try another. Thanks to our server Melanie and the whole Oliver’s staff for making us feel like old friends. (GMG Jim really was happy despite how it appears here!)

It was a great day to windsurf along the shore of Good Harbor Beach in the wave action a couple of days ago. Anybody else whistling “Let’s Go Ride a Kite”?

The early blooming tulips on the boulevard seemed to radiate a special glow in the later afternoon sun recently. I just had to share the beauty as we await the remaining tulips to bloom in their own time. Once again, thank you Generous Gardeners! PS: they accept donations online.

It’s that time of year again! The local whale watches are opening and beginning to take trip reservations. Cape Ann Whale Watch opens their season this weekend on Saturday April 23 and I cannot wait to book my first trip of the season. These are some sample photos I have gotten in the past as these trips have usually been VERY successful with multiple sightings and expert guides. Hoping to see you out there soon!

The flowering trees and bushes of springtime hold a special place in my heart so I find myself actively seeking places to go and feast my eyes and soul. Long Hill in Beverly fit the bill on a pretty spring day this week. This Trustees property is well worth the short drive. It’s like you step into another world when you approach the campus.

The property was still half decorated for Easter festivities and full of young children on Patriot’s Day. I stuck close by the house and gardens. The house has recently been opened for visitors and it’s worth the quick walk through. Though still only early spring, the gardens are springing up hopefully. If you haven’t been recently, some changes have been made to the entry and it might not look familiar to you. The friendly guide at the gate offered directions and an explanation. There’s a new event tent near the house which will add to the opportunities to enjoy this property. Worth the short ride!

Minglewood Harborside on Rogers Street recently announced that they will be open for lunch on Mondays so we went right down to check it out. We were NOT disappointed!! Several other customers joined us in the early part of the afternoon for lunchtime goodness. I ordered the smoked chicken tacos and Jim got a Cobb Salad with blackened chicken. Perfect lunchtime treat. Very excited to see this news, especially since it’s Margarita Monday season!

Pauline’s Gifts on Essex Ave has announced her 2022 reopening date: April 26. One week! Looking forward to going back and browsing all the wonderful selections. 23 years young.

When you are entertaining visitors, there are numerous activities and restaurants you can suggest. (I’m thinking of Nichole’s recent post asking for suggestions). When one of those visitors is a toddler, you start to look differently at some of the “standard” suggestions. The weather’s temperament and the child’s temperament must align for the most successful outings. We had a few of those last week and I’d like to share some of the ideas in case it helps you out in any way.

We visited Good Harbor Beach where the baby bee-lined to the ocean like a baby turtle seeking the water. Then plopped down at the edge of the cold water and surprised himself. (*So, be prepared with extra clothes). We stopped at Toodleoo’s for tea and toys. Sweats of New England had a cool sidewalk sign to tempt children and their fingers. We made a stop at Minglewood to meet family…always a hit. Pasta at Tonno also made for happy faces.

You might say “It’s a toddlin’ town…” and you would be right! I hope you all enjoy any holiday or vacation visitors to our fair city.

Our daughter was visiting last week with our grandson and I wanted to introduce her to the wonder that is Tonno Gloucester. I was a little hesitant to take a toddler there but I needn’t have wasted that energy. The staff was welcoming and accommodating and our little Schooner clearly enjoyed himself and his food. I had Chicken Milanese and Amy ordered the Sunday Sauce. Perfect and delicious, as always. Thank you our server Sarah for her excellent care and special attention to the baby. Now it’s a favorite for them too!

FOB Susan LaRosa shared her pictures of the almost full moon rising over the harbor this week. Lovely! Thanks for sharing the beauty Susan. Happy Easter all.

We have the company of my daughter Amy and our grandson Schooner (our nickname for him) this week which has been delightful. Amy works as an educator at the zoo in her hometown so a trip to the zoo with them seemed a natural choice. The drive to Franklin Park Zoo took maybe an hour so it’s definitely do-able. Though it was a little rainy that day, our luck took a turn when we were told it was opening day for their new outdoor gorilla exhibit! The family was out and about seemingly showing off.

The Zoo is a great take for families and children. Some exhibits are not yet open as they are waiting for a warm-up, but we were easily able to entertain ourselves for quite a while. I bought tickets online ahead and it was very convenient. Link here. I would put it on the consideration list for vacation activities. No, Amy will not be available as a tour guide……..