This oak is on the south edge of Carlson’s Quarry in the middle of ground zero of last year’s gypsy moth infestation in Rockport. The leaves were ompletely munched, they leafed out again in August.

Today they look very happy. The overwinter gypsy moth egg masses are about one tenth in number or less of last year. And the ones that were still viable look like this photo. 10-15 tiny holes where the new catapillars crawled out instead of 50-200 holes.

So the rain, hard freeze cycle we had this winter was tough on them and the wet spring is supposedly great for the fungus e. maimaiga. That fungus will be active once these caterpillars get to be full sized and it eats them from the inside out releasing spores from the cadaver.

If you see stiff caterpillar cadavers hanging vertical, leave them be. They will release spores and kill more. If you see the caterpillar stiff and hanging send in a photo and you win a GMG bumper sticker. Start looking mid June. I saw some of the little bastards in Lobster Cove, Annisquam yesterday and the fungus has to wait until they are fat and worth eating.

I did not realize Windward Grille in Essex was open for lunch so I was happy to give it a try based on the recommendation of my aunt. I was a little surprised at how busy it was on for a weekday lunchtime (I love that retirement allows us to do this!), but I took it as a good omen.

My Texas burger was the size of a certain large southern state and it was delicious:

GMG Jimmy got a pastrami sandwich and sweet potato fries:

My dessert was a Windward coffee….mmmmm……Another place to add to our lunch options!

Weber firepit 🔥 Weber tiki torches, projecting onto a ten foot screen hanging off the deck. What a way to ring in summer!

Jane Deering Gallery presents PART II of

A Turning Point | the contemporary landscape continues at Jane Deering Gallery , 19 Pleasant Street, Gloucester. 

Jane Deering Gallery presents PART II of A Turning Point | the contemporary landscape showcasing new works at an opening reception Saturday May 18th from 4:00-6:00pm.  The exhibition addresses the timely question Beautiful world, where are you going? and explores our fragile relationship with the natural world. The exhibition will run through mid-June and includes regional and international artists whose works are held in museum, corporate and private collections: Gabrielle Barzaghi, Deborah Brown, Tom Fels, Paul Cary Goldberg, Jacob Hessler, Jeff Marshall, Adin Murray, Esther Pullman, Steve Rosenthal and Erma Wheeler from New England; Nell Campbell, Gail Pine and Youngsuk Suh from California; Gail Barker, Neeta Madahar and Michael Porter from the United Kingdom. The gallery is located at 19 Pleasant Street, Gloucester MA.  Gallery hours: Friday/Saturday/Sunday 1:00-5:00pm and by appointment at 917-902-4359 or info@janedeeringgallery.com.

With any luck the sun will come out and we can enjoy some of the outdoor, spring activities that we have all been anxiously awaiting to participate in.  In addition to enjoying spring weather, there are some fun events going on as well.

Pick #1: Rockport’s Motif No. 1 Day

MAY 18, 2019 FROM 9AM TO 5PM

Motif No. 1 Day focuses on honoring Rockport’s heritage and future in the arts.

The Motif No.1 Day Festival celebrates Rockport. Poetry, dance, art, live music, interactive art, a 5k & Fun Run, local food (wood-fired pizza, grass-fed burgers and more!), small-batch craft beer and Massachusetts wine — all of it in honor of the red fishing shack that is known around the world as Motif No.1.

FOR MUCH MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE

ALSO READ FULL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS HERE

Pick #2: Birds, Bees & Butterflies 

Families can head to the Cox Reservation in Essex for some kid-friendly fun between the hours of 10:00-1:00.  The expansive views and and natural beauty of the Cox Reservation make it a good pick any day, but even more so when they are hosting one of their many great events.  We’ve found a couple geocaching boxes there as well.

READ HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO RSVP

Pick #3:  Operation: Safe + Boat

This event was such a great time last year and our city’s first responders are looking forward to a large turnout again this year.  Bring the whole family down to Harbor Loop in Gloucester (near Maritime Gloucester, the Building Center, and the Gloucester Coast Guard Station).  There will be several family friendly and important activities going on!

Thank you to the volunteers and, as always, to our First Responders for all that you do.

Pick #4:  Rockport’s EMS Day

Likewise, this is always a fun event for families with young children.  Take the opportunity to get up close to fire engines, rescue vehicles, police boats, and more!

Also take this opportunity to thank those who are always there to take care of us!

This event takes place right on Rockport’s T-Wharf from 11:00-3:00.  Take some time to shop locally and grab a bite to eat with the family afterwards.

As always, for a comprehensive list of family activities, visit our good friends at North Shore Kid

One of the ones Midas touched,

Who failed to touch us all,

Was that confiding prodigal,

The blissful oriole.

Emily Dickinson’s words seem very appropriate for these backyard orioles. I am so happy to see them….for me, this is a real treat….like an orange for an oriole. I will wait patiently for the male to sit still long enough for his photo shoot.