Author: Pat D

Paul and Cristina have just opened their Rhea Pizzeria Napoletana at Stage Fort Park! Open Saturday – Wednesday 1-6pm featuring bread, focaccia sticks (super yummy), and pizza! Their mobile food truck style service features appropriate music and accessories for added enjoyment. They are friendly and the food is delicious. Give it a try!

Windblown eagle on watch in West Gloucester this week. Didn’t seem to mind the cold wind as much as I did.

Must be winter is really coming to a close when our local seasonal establishments begin to reopen. Hammond Castle on Hesperus Ave in Gloucester reopens today April 1 2022 and take note of the opportunity for Gloucester residents to get a free tour on Tuesdays. The Easter Egg hunt is sold out but feel free to join them on Saturday April 30 for the official ribbon cutting and opening ceremony to celebrate their 47th season!

Screenshots from today’s Gloucester Daily Times:

I stopped by Cox Reservation in Essex recently and noticed a new (to me) option to follow an audio trail. Brilliant idea! It’s already so special there, an audio guide only enhances the experience. We also found an “eagle” I had not noticed previously in the form of a stone bench. Just additional proof that when you think you have seen it all, there are new discoveries to be had! And spring is a great time for such discoveries. Even my CBs enjoyed the visit!

According to Variety and other sources, Apple has agreed to release CODA to be shown in 600 theaters across the country. Our very own Gloucester Cinema is selling advance sale tickets (they are going fast) for shows starting tomorrow and for 2 weeks. If attending in Gloucester, you are advised to purchase tickets online as soon as possible and to arrive early for your showtime. If you are “from away”, this is a chance to watch this beautiful story on the big screen. I hope you get the chance to see it. Cheers CODA and Gloucester!

I find the blues of spring to be very poignant. Summer blue: exhilarating. Winter blue: hopeful. Fall blue: rejuvenating.

That time a future Best Picture premiered in Gloucester……

If you have ever considered volunteering at the Welcome Center at Stage Fort Park, this might be the year to take the leap. It’s easy and fun as well as enlightening. Carol is a great coordinator, very easy to work with. 3 hours a week throughout the summer season but if you need to miss a shift, that can easily be arranged. Contact Carol if interested. See you at the Welcome Center!

Nearly 100 years ago, the official unveiling of the iconic Fisherman’s Memorial statue was held on our beloved boulevard. Fortunately, some video footage was saved. Unfortunately, this clip is covered by licensing restrictions but you can click this link to watch it yourself. Take a few minutes to watch, especially as we approach the 400th anniversary of our fair City! In the meantime, here’s a screenshot from the University of South Carolina Moving Image Research Collection (MIRC) so you know you are in the right place if you visit the site.

Aging gracefully it seems:

We are wishing the entire CODA crew well for tonight’s Oscar presentations! I know I will be watching to see if they win any of the 3 awards it is nominated for: Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor Troy Kotsur. In the meantime, there is a little CODA news to share as you see below. A stage musical!

Better get there today if it’s your favorite Dunkin.

WBZ has reported that a message in a bottle tossed from Gloucester F/V Hannah Boden in 1995 has been found in France. It took nearly 27 years for this bottle to be rescued. I found it interesting that the story notes that a dollar is placed in the bottle to entice the finder to pick it up! Story can be found at this link.

The note screenshot from WBZ:

Screenshot of the story at WBZ.

Not much to say about another glorious sunset as seen in East Gloucester recently. What a joy!

I came across this beautiful eagle in West Gloucester sitting in the tree as if waiting for a portrait session! 500 plus photos later, here are a few. Just stunning. We are blessed that the bald eagle has made such an amazing recovery from being endangered within my lifetime. We can do the same for other at-risk creatures! For additional pictures and story details, check out Pat D’s Photos and Adventures on Facebook.

Some scenes from a gorgeous spring-like day at Lane’s Cove recently.

I met up with Joey at the 1606 Oyster Bar at the Beauport Hotel yesterday and treated myself to an Irish Coffee as created and served by Legendary Irishman AC with a side of entertaining stories. Perfection. Hit the spot with the Bailey’s topper!

I noticed these vessels returning to the harbor over the last few days: Angela & Rose, Amanda & Andy III, William Lynn, Ramblin Rose and one unidentified. Always happy to note the safe returns.

My sister returned to Gloucester after a long absence and we stopped at Essex Seafood along 133 in Essex for lunch. It was a gorgeous day and this counter service icon of the North Shore seemed like the perfect choice for lunch. In addition to a variety of meals, they also have a small fish market open which I did not realize. I had a burger and my sister had a haddock boat, which she loved. We also got a take out sandwich. The outdoor seating tempted me, but it’s so pleasant inside that we ate at one of the inside tables. Business was steady but did not interfere with good service. If you haven’t tried the “new” Essex Seafood, now is a good time!

The fog coated Magnolia and most of Cape Ann one day recently and I found great serenity in the quiet.

My aunt and I went to lunch at Mile Marker recently. While we enjoyed our fish sandwich and tacos, the hit of the outing was definitely the Irish Coffee ! Perfection.