GRAND MANAN, N.B.

THURSDAY, JUNE 29/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:01 AM GMT on June 29, 2006

FOG, visibility 1/4 mile, SW @ 15-20KPH, 14C temp. Giving rain and wind for this afternoon but with the fog still in place. The term used by the forecater is "fog retreating to the coast", where we are located pretty hard to avoid even when fog retreats.

Last day of lobster season tody, most of the gear is at home. In other times, clear weather, this day woulda be used to look around and locate 'strays', that will not be possible today with the fog.

FUNDY MISTRESS going to work on 8th, quite a few herring at the banks, large sea herring. The larger seiners have been getting them, but herring are staying deep. The moon is on, and this keeps them down in the water.

Summer has started, and kids already pushing the envelope on what they are allowed to do. Had a meeting with them after work yesterday, they now have a clear idea of what is expected from a behaviour perspective. See what transpires, otherwise a long summer for all hands.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:40 AM GMT on June 28, 2006

Fog visibility restricted to approx. 1/2 mile, calm, temp 14C. Forecasting some clearing over the next couple of days, the U.S. fella calling for a fairly good weekend, and Canadian more of the same( as now), we are on the border between forecasting areas, hope for the U.S. to come through.

Fog so thick yesterday some of the fisherman couldn't find buoys to allow them to pick up a string of traps. All have to be ashore tomorrow.

My settings disappeared on this thing when one of my security additions took issue with the WU cookie and sent it away. Think it is under control once again.

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TUESDAY, JUNE 27/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 4:06 PM GMT on June 27, 2006

Lost my entry for this AM, and opening page went somewhere also.

Fog at start of the day, but attempting to clear now, calm, and temp 16C. This is the limit of the good weather until the weekend, but cannot grip too much. CNN letting us know what wet weather is all about further down the seaboard.

Kids still on the move, and gone for the afternoon around the neighbourhood. They have had sevral requests to come over while they have been gone, must be a good sign that they are tolerated by all levels of supervision.

Lobster traps going by the house big time, and can watch the boats infront of the house fishing the ones in close for a haul before they do come home.

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MONDAY, JUNE 25/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:35 AM GMT on June 26, 2006

Rain, fog with visibility less than a mile, temp 13C, calm. This is the weather forecast with the odd exception for the rest of the week. Dreary weather becoming abit of strain on a fellows state of mind, similar to being storm bound in a whiteout.

Rob still out around the island, hasn't slept in his own bunk since school got out. Just got home yesterday, and another buddy wanted him overnight. He will be here tonight as he will be worn out, and need to recharge batteries.

Lobster traps will be coming home hard and fast this week, most fellows baited for the last time and as they are hauled will be put on the boat. The next fishery is wier, netting and trawl for groundfish, and we will have the siener going in a week or so.

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SUNDAY, JUNE25/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:08 AM GMT on June 25, 2006

Thick fog, can't see the beach from the house. 13C temp, calm. Looking to have sunshine by this afternoon, but not too promising at the moment.

Childrens church picnic, but appears it will be held at the church as the beach will be closed in and damp. However if no rain may be held thier as the temp will be condusive to outdoor activity.

Lawn got started on Friday, but unable to get at it since. The last of the flowers and pots have been completed so hopefully they will give us a good show over the next few weeks.

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SATURDAY, JUNE 24/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:23 AM GMT on June 24, 2006

Rain, a farmers rain - down straight and consistent, calm, temp 14C. Long range not looking good with rain as far out as you can see. One thing about it - it sure is green around here.

Emily done well on her report card, but comments of not being up to her ability requires more leaning on from management. However she has a reprieve until fall to enjoy her summer.

First wier to be seined this week - IRON LADY - had approx. 80 hogsheads off to become sardines in Blacks Harbour. A few signs of herring around, but nothing great as yet.

No groundfish landed, but expect a little more effort after next week when the traps are onshore.

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FRIDAY, JUNE 23/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:43 AM GMT on June 23, 2006

Fog, visibility less than 1/2 mile, calm, temp 13C. Forecast is for a damp weekend once again. Seems to be the norm for the weekends so far this season.

Emily returned on late trip from a successful day around St. Andrews on her field trip. She if off to get her report card this morning, and then the summer vacation is officialy underway.

Rob was at a potluck last night, a celebration of moving from elementary to middle school. His report card was very good on the social aspects, and good on the scholastic side also. Now if can get him to concentrate on school as well as relationships will have accomplished something.

Last week for lobster fishing, and still not very good. Anyone averaging a pound per trap is doing well, should be signifigantly higher at this time of year for an average.

Potatos are KENNEBEC and RUSSET BURBANK they grow well in New Brunswick.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 22/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:34 AM GMT on June 22, 2006

Clear, calm with a slight draft from south, temp 15C. Looking for overcast and thundershowers this PM.

First day of summer was a corker, could feel the difference in the air, beautiful sun all day. Finally got my potatoes in the ground, will be touch and go if they produce before the frost gets them, need around 90 days to harvest.

Lots of Lupins in bloom now, but this year is down in quantity from past years. They probably go in cycles like most things in nature.

One of the fisherman reported a single Orca when lobster fishing this week. The whale put on quite a show with breaching and having a grand time. They are rare in this part of the world with the odd sighting over the past few years.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:39 AM GMT on June 21, 2006

Calm, 15Ctemp, morning fog quickly being burned off, anticipate a nice weather day, and the rest of the week is beginning to shape up pretty good also.

Driveway now paved, and with school out in a couple of days the skateboarders are drooling to get on it. No traffic for 48 hours, and then lookout.

Emily off on her field trip in the AM, and is lookng forward to another trip to the mainland. Tonight is her 'prom' from 7-9, so after school preparation with a couple of her friends is in order. I will be the chauffeur, and Donna the assistant getting them ready.

Lobster traps coming ashore more all the time, but another week before the season concludes. Hearing rumours of some outfits in trouble financially, and with no other fishery to fall back on prospects do not look good, if such is the case.

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TUESDAY, JUNE 20/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:36 AM GMT on June 20, 2006

Hazy, temp 11C, SW @ 10-15kph. Forecasting another day of rain with higher temps and possible thundershowers later on.

Trip went well, with some interesting observations by the children. Emily thought shopping with nannie was great as she said " I love shopping with you as it is all about me". When we got back on the island Rob sighed and advised it was good to be home, and out of all that pollution. Where that come from we have no idea.

Tourist traffic picking up as all trips now are practically full of vehicle traffic, and "strangers from away". The whale watching has started, but have not heard of any whales in the area as yet. The Right Whale starts coming into the Bay around this time, but still a distance from the island when they first show up.

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MONDAY, JUNE 18/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 9:23 AM GMT on June 19, 2006

Visibility about one mile in fog, cool @11C, breeze from SW @ 10-15kph. Similar weather forecast for today and tomorrow, but temp to rise along with UV index.

All hands surrying around as a quick visit to St. John, Dr. checkup for Shauna allows an excuse for all to make the trip. Emily has a closing 'prom' to attend so proper attire is required, Rob needs? probably skateboarding 'stuff', Donna to assist in clothes purchases and I get to drive.

Fathers Day gathering nice, but we all commented about the missing chairs. Spoke with Betty last night, sounded OK, but misses Grand Manan and her family here. Is making the adjustment a little at a time.

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SUNDAY, JUNE 18/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:49 AM GMT on June 18, 2006

Clear, slight breeze from SW, temp 13C. Forecasting same with improved temps for the rest of the day.

Fathers Day gathering to be small this year. Donna's mom & dad will be the only extras at the table. Will be BBQing steaks and other treats, Donna will build something for her mother as she refuses to eat off the grill.

Yard work getting in hand, but still a fair bit too get done today. Yesterday set up the easy set pool for children so that took three loads with the firetruck, and the time to assist. Kids eyeing the water, but damned cool for a couple of days yet.

The lawn between here and the shore still saturated, but with the hay knocked down should dry out - eventually.

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SATURDAY, JUNE 17/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:47 AM GMT on June 17, 2006

Clear, slight draft from SW, temp 14C. We had tea and coffee on the verandah to talk over the requirements of the day. I listened to insure that I was given enough to keep the the day occupied, not disappointed.

Pavers in the yard getting the yard ready for paving next week. This is something Donna has wanted since we built the house, and will add to her landscaping results big time I am sure. They had to push over my woodpile to get at some of the yard. Lots of excercise getting that back in place over the summer.

Lawn drying out and will get at it today, and tomorrow will be the first time all completed this season.

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FRIDAY, JUNE 16/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:35 AM GMT on June 16, 2006

Clear, a draft from the west at approx. 10KPH, temp 15C going into the twenties before the day is out. Lots of water still on the field/lawn infront of the house, Donna lamenting how it needs to be mowed.

Lobster season winding down with some traps coming ashore each day. The season is done on 29 JUN. Have not heard too much about fellas trying netting over the summer. Same thing, i.e. price of the catch, fuel costs, number of pounds have not added up to a paying proposition in years past.

Robs' field trip a huge success. The class got to sample all the chocolate they wanted, lots of pizza, and complimented on thier good behaviour. He made sure the compliment was foremost when describing the activites for the day.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 15/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:31 AM GMT on June 15, 2006

Showers, NE@ 15-20KPH, 12C temp. What remains of Alberto is off the coast of Nova Scotia, and influencing our weather till later on in the day. Forecasting good weekend weatherwise.

Rob and his mother off on field trip to St. Stephen, touring GANOG's chocolate factory, lunch a Pizza Delite and return home by three oclock ferry. Quite ambitious to say the least. Emily has her next week, and overnight effort.

Funeral went well, if there is such a thing. Small turnout as his generation had pretty well moved off prior to him. Mom made it through with no obvious signs of distress.

Brothers leaving on 1130 ferry to get back to the mainland, and pick up where they left off on Monday. The visit has been fun, and we are repeating the gathering sometime in August.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:49 AM GMT on June 14, 2006

Wooly,but should burn off quickly, calm, temp 14C since before daylight. Forecasting a nice weekend in the offing. If such is the case alot of work to be caught up on.

Funeral at 1330, Anglican service not long, as mom has requested. Brothers all here now, and meal and abit of a wake last night went well, but a bit too late.

Emily going to the funeral, but Rob is going to pass. They never got to know Scott,he has been away from the island when he was well, and ill when they returned.

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TUESDAY, JUNE 13/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:29 AM GMT on June 13, 2006

Clear for the moment, but indicating cloudy weather not far away. Calm, temp 14C, showers for later on today.

Attempted to mow between here and the shore last night, not good idea. The ground and grass so saturated that kept plugging up the mower. I was off the mower more than being on the thing.

Two of brothers here, and final one arrives later today. Ted stayed with mom, and crowd to gather here for supper. Funeral arrangements appear to be in hand. The brothers are the pallbearers, as Scottie has outlived anyone that could act in this capacity. He would have enjoyed that being the case.

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MONDAY, JUNE 11/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 3:41 PM GMT on June 12, 2006

Clear, temp 11C, calm, a welcome change from the previous two weeks. Weather outlook is much better for the next few days, but the end of the week will reflect the remains of the event now coming ashore in Florida.

Stepfather left this morning at apprx. 0530. He has been in the nursing home system for the past year with advanced stages alzeimhers disease. Not any warning he appeared to catch cold this weekend, but nothing alarming to indicate severe distress. Scottie was in his 87th year, and enjoyed a good quality of life until the end. Sense of humour intact, and liked by all that come to know him at the Nursing home. Funeral on Wednesday, and family members from the mainland are gathering, mom has lots of support, is doing well.

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SUNDAY, JUNE 11/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:26 AM GMT on June 11, 2006

Not raining, FOR THE MOMENT, overcast, calm, 11Ctemp. Obvious more rain in the offing, the radar picture is not good. The front lawn resembles a hayfield and Donna's efforts taking a beating.

Great visit with Arnold and Joanne, they are off on the next ferry. Plan a gathering at thier place in mid-July, our first niece and family moving to Vancouver. We will get together to see them off and a little fellowship in the process.

Girls down to Ivans' house yesterday, and opened the cupboards and face to face with a mouse. Very traumatic for all concerned, instructions are this AM to rid the house of the little fellow ASAP.

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SATURDAY, JUNE 10/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:56 AM GMT on June 10, 2006

RAIN, as they say at times heavy, NE @ 35-45KPH, temp 14C. There are a couple of more days to put up with, and then longrange looking not too bad at all. Will wait and see, as if one could do otherwise.

Betty has her favourite pieces of furniture around her, and almost everthing else. They will have to cull quite abit of the things, but it was the path of least resistance to take whatever she felt was required.

Arnold and Joanne visiting, but looks as if will be housebound for most of the time. This not a bad thing, the girls will be on patrol before too long it sounds. Arnold being a carpenter type has chores mother has decreed need attention, weather permitting.

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FRIDAY, JUNE 9/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:33 AM GMT on June 09, 2006

Surprise it is still raining, however the wind has changed from NE to SE @ 15-20KPH, temp is 10C. Best described as a dreary day and weekend instore.

Eldest brother and wife expected today, but weather iffy, he gets seasick thinking about the trip. He always has been one to avoid the water, but Joanne will no doubt shame him coming along.

Weather has kept the boats tied up, and will no doubt be the case today. SE is nasty, and quite a swell will have built up with the consistent wind over the past few days.

Betty has arrived at her new home. Trip made with no problem, but she is having a little difficulty getting settled. This will no doubt be the case for a few days.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 8/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:57 AM GMT on June 08, 2006

Rain, high winds from NE@ 40-45KPH, temp 11C. Rain expected for the remainder of the week. Donna's efforts are sure taking a kicking.

We planted four new trees, and hard to believe they have an opportunity to get roots down the way they are waving in the breeze right now.

Emily having trouble with science all school year, barely getting a pass. Donna give her a hand and a bribe if she made a 90. I was greeted with a girl with her hand out and a big smile a 92. Surprised herself more than the rest of us, money well invested.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:43 AM GMT on June 07, 2006

Overcast, NE@ 10KPH, temp 11C. Expecting drizzle later on today, and rain till Monday. Lots of moisture for this part of the world, all at once.

Rob did as was expected of him, but found the distance he travelled quite tiring. He had gone to a ballgame last night, but requested I come and pick him up as he was beat.

Lobster catch up this past couple of days, but the demand is still flat. Traps will be on the bank by the 29th until second Tues. in November. A longtime between paydays for some of the boats. Have not heard of any groundfish being cuaght as yet. Wier building on the back of the island ongoing, but no activity on the front of the island as yet.

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TUESDAY, JUNE 6/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:39 AM GMT on June 06, 2006

Calm, harbour like oil, temp 12C, but overcast. Expected to clear as the day goes along, but damp for the rest of the week.

Still one hell of alot of water between us and the shoreline. The water is literally at the grassroots of the lawn, the ground is saturated. The lawn mowing will be put off for another few days and will have to get some cattle in to get under control.

Rob biking to school for the first time, will see if he follows the rules laid down. He can be rather envelope pushing on occasion, given the opportunity.

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MONDAY, JUNE 4/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:34 AM GMT on June 05, 2006

Calm, wooly with visibility less than 1/4 mile, temp at 10C. Finally stopped raining just before dark last night. A lot of rain for our area down, one report 5.4"'s. The front of the house has released the water onto the beach, quite a pond had built up, but not able to drain due to amount of water coming down the drainage ditch.

Quiet weekend, due to weather couldn't get much accomplished outside. Did get the basement ready for more renovations. Expanding the basement apartment, and upgrading some of the infrastructure for them.

Betty must be getting close to Ottawa by now, but they would have had some poor travelling weather yesterday. Have not heard they didn't strike out from Deer Island.

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SUNDAY, JUNE 4/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:08 AM GMT on June 04, 2006

HEAVY rain since yesterday afternoon, NE at 30-40KPH overnight, temp 10C. Forecast is for this to remain until tomorrow morning. Sustained NE, at this level, for this time of year a little out of the ordinary. Most weather has a southerly influence.

Wind and rain taking a heavy toll on Donna's gardening efforts. A number of plants in the windowboxes have broken off and more will follow. Bad for Donna good for Joanne at the Garden Centre so there you go.

Will try the smoker again, if I can find some lee from the wind, will be more patient, no brining.

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SATURDAY, JUNE 3/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:06 AM GMT on June 03, 2006

Rain, northerly @10KPH, temp 10C. Heavy rainfall warning issued for today and into the evening, cedrtainly looks the part out there right now.

Betty left yesterday on the 1130 boat, making a stop on Deer Island prior to moving on to Ottawa sometime next week. Another era has ended, children sad to see her go, but they moved on quickly - within ten minutes or less.

Quiet around the community and at work, almost like a holiday yesterday, no activity on the phone even.

Wandering around the yard last evening, another local lobster buyer dropped in the yard. Shooting the breeze for a few minutes then handed over six great lobsters. They have been prepared, and will freeze the meat as anticipate company over the summer. Donna builds a great lobster chowder, probably the best way to enjoy lobster, so will have the fixins on hand.

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FRIDAY, JUNE 2/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:40 AM GMT on June 02, 2006

Overcast, harbour is oily calm, temp 13C. Rained overnight, and expecting plenty this weekend.

Heat wave in Ontario, we have been spared the heat and the heavy thunderstorms that come with it. Dosen't appear as if we will have any in the forseeable future, which is alright with me.

Betty said farewell at a family gathering last evening. Quite emotional, the last contact with Ivan goes with her, and this felt by all.

The only active fisherman in the family has agreed to purcahse Ivan's Shore property from the estate. The building and wharf have been there since 1928, good to see it remain for what it was intended, a bait shed and workshop.

Lobster news still dismal, but a few herring are showing up on the Novie side of the Bay.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 1/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:42 AM GMT on June 01, 2006

WOOLY, thick for visibility less than 1/4 mile, breeze @15KPH from south, temp 10C. Seems cooler than it is due to breeze and fog.

Kids are still in school physically until end of June. However thier minds have moved on to the summer routine. There are some exams that have to be completed prior to final marks. This is presenting a challenge to get some concentration from our students, will have to wait and see.

A few more lobsters showing up, but season over on 29 JUN hopefully the guys can have a good run this month.

Betty has moved out of the house, and final packing completed today. She will be leaving in the morning to the next phase of her life. The house is now for sale, a sad event for Donna's family in many ways. The house built by her grandparents, many fond memories inside those walls for her.

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