Author: Pat D

The Gloucester Harbormaster’s office has announced a new kayak rack will be installed at the Stubby Knowles landing. To reserve your spot or for more information click here.

Screenshot from Harbormaster’s Facebook page announcement:

Spring has sprung at the heron rookery near Georgetown. I stopped by on such a warm day that it seemed some of the adult herons were compensating for the heat by panting and wing spreading. There are babies in most of the nests; as well as some adult pairs still getting nests prepared with sticks and other material. There are several nests in this rookery and I saw evidence of maybe a dozen chicks. Always a great treat.

There was another photographer there who had fallen just as I arrived and was having difficulty getting back up. I was attempting to assist when a young man drove up. I asked for help and he seemed hesitant at first but when I explained someone had fallen and was struggling, he jumped right in to help. So, thanks Good Samaritan! I hope the photographer is back on the trail again soon.

As pictures of the May 13 Sebastian Junger Gloucester 400 event had already been posted, I originally decided to refrain from commenting on the event (thanks for the photos, Scottie!). But then, life intervened in the form of disheartening and heartbreaking news relating (in part) to crimes of hatred and COVID numbers. And I began to reflect back on the words spoken by Mr. Junger and the emotional impact it had on me at the time began to resonate in an even bigger way. He spoke to the importance of human dignity and the fragility of life. These themes hit me right in the heart and then hit again even harder a few days later as I learned of the shootings in Buffalo. Human dignity is essential and life is far too fragile to waste time. Thank you Mr. Junger for the powerful reminder. I am very happy I was able to attend and congratulations to the Gloucester 400 for a great event. (PS May I suggest seeking Sian Heder’s return to Gloucester for a similar event? I expect that’s already been considered ……)

The sun and the fog seemed to be playing tag with each other a couple of days ago. It was clear and sunny at my house in Magnolia, but Good Harbor Beach was covered in swiftly moving fog. It was a little eerie, but still totally stunning. A fair spring day to celebrate.

We took a ride out to Parker River Wildlife Refuge recently and saw some of our “usual” suspects (killdeer, hawks etc) but were further rewarded with some rarer sightings. We found a vulture feasting along the side of the road and we also noticed a small mammal which appeared to be napping in the branches of a roadside tree. Of course, I researched what small mammals sleep in trees and was able to eliminate panda, jaguar, orangutan and Sumatran tiger from my list……I believe this to be a raccoon! Something I have never seen sleeping in a tree roadside. Parker River is a nice little ride and sometimes you get bonuses like these.

A new group is forming at the Sawyer Free Library to study, share and learn genealogy research tips and tricks and ALL are invited to attend. The group will be made up of beginners as well as experienced family historians and is open to all interested. First meeting Saturday May 21 at 10 AM in the Friend Room at the library. Contact Local History Librarian Julie Travers with questions.

Cape Ann Blossoms A Celebration of Spring will be open for its last day today Sunday May 15 from 10 AM – 5 PM at the Cape Ann Museum on Pleasant Street and I would encourage you to go! The Museum has paired local floral designers with works of art held in the Museum and challenged them to create floral pieces to complement the art. Genius! Gorgeous! As I have mentioned, I am a sucker for spring flowers so this exhibit drew me right in and I was not disappointed. You are encouraged to make a reservation unless you are already a member. Tickets available here. It’s beautifully done and I encourage you to stop by today. I do have a favorite but that’s my secret to keep……

We returned to the Howard Blackburn restaurant on Main Street, recently opened in the former Halibut Point location. Amber was our server and Noah was behind the bar working his magic. We were warmly greeted so it was an immediate feeling of homecoming. I ordered the burger and Jim had the Italian Fish Chowder (which he has been waiting for!) and the Twinlight Smokehouse haddie. We were NOT disappointed! My Royal Gift was indeed a lovely gift to accompany our meal. We are very glad to see a restaurant at this location and plan to return often.

Pat D’s Photos will be at the outdoor Elks Spring Craft Fair Sat May 21 along with several other favorite local artisans. Plan to stop by the Elks parking lot along the back shore to see these products (and many others) from Pat D’s Photos. I feature notecards and prints (printed at Cape Ann Giclee); along with glass prints, magnets, puzzles, placemats and coasters using local images. Please make plans to stop by that day and introduce yourself! Donna Ardizzoni, Cape Ann Sea Salt and Hold Fast Company are some of the others you will see all in one stop!

I was VERY happy to welcome “our” eagle pair back to Magnolia! It’s the first time I have seen the pair together here in Magnolia in several weeks, though others have reported their presence recently. One was in the nest that they had been visiting previously though I did not get a good shot of that one this time. The other was in a nearby tree and appears to have a band on each leg, so I feel confident this is the same pair that had been here previously. Welcome back beauties!

The red tulips are a perfect choice to surround Triton. It seems he is welcoming spring.

One of my favorite things about spring is our favorite services and establishments re-opening for the upcoming season. We were delighted to see that Russell Orchards in Ipswich is open and ready for you to visit. Always a fun spot for children, I noticed what I think is a new play area near the pond. All our favorites have returned along with some new temptations. This is a regular stop for us and maybe we will see you there soon! Sorry, Joey, no donuts for you this time…….

We are happy to see Pauline’s Gifts on Essex Ave open for the season just in time for a spring refresh of decorative home accessories, jewelry and more. Pauline’s is more than just a store. It’s a meeting place; it provides community support (especially for military); and it’s just plain fun. Always fun to catch up with Pauline! See you there soon I hope. Open Tues-Saturdays; every responsive to email and phone calls.

The Fort is a great place to watch the action in the harbor. There’s been a lot of activity recently. Here’s to Hurricane Indie, Joy Frances, Clean Sweep, Rylee Finn, Darth Vader and Relentless.

We went to Jalapenos on Main Street recently because we enjoy the food and the atmosphere, but also because they were hosting a fundraiser for the Gloucester High Softball team. There was quite a robust turnout and I hope the team met their goal. It’s really nice to see local businesses helping locals reach their goals. I am proud to know that many of Gloucester’s businesses support the community in so many ways.

I tried the steak fajitas and Jim had pork carnitas. I love the salsa and chips (cannot stop munching on those!) and my favorite is a frozen raspberry margarita. Thanks Jalapenos!

***Added news since I wrote this post is that Jalapenos is now offering Great Marsh Brew!**

I am a sucker for spring flowers, in particular tulips so I jumped on the opportunity to visit the Spring Bloomfest at the Stevens Coolidge House and Gardens in North Andover recently. Things have changed there since my last visit about 4 years ago, so it took me a minute to realize I had visited this very festival earlier. Honestly I was a little underwhelmed by the spring blossoms but delighted by the rainbow-ribbon themed decorations which seem so very appropriate for a spring day.

The Bloomfest is sold out but soon (May 16) the grounds will be open for normal admission and you might want to give it a try. The house is open to the public and there’s a thorough self guided tour you can take advantage of. Plenty of helpful staff is also available. But if it’s mostly tulips you love, take a stroll on the boulevard!

Sharing news from the City if Gloucester Facebook page:

It is definitely worth the short ride into Manchester to try out the Antique Table on Central Street if you haven’t been there yet. It’s been several months since our last visit but they have not missed a step in their menu or service. We made online reservations with ease. Claire was our server and she offered appropriate suggestions and careful attention to our needs. Thanks Claire!

I had chicken florentine and Jim ordered ravioli with meatballs, which we both enjoyed very much. I tried a French martini with Claire’s recommendation and it came in a frosted glass! Bonus. We tried the cannoli for dessert which was the right ending along with the Italian coffee. It’s nice to be getting back out and about in the evenings while there is still some light!

It’s a lovely spot for contemplation and gazing out to the horizon. My CB (crystal ball) looks great amongst the rocks and enjoyed a bit of a salt water bath.

There was a beautifully peaceful sunset glowing over Plum Cove recently. Maybe this will be a special gift for those from away missing the salt water and the sea air.