GRAND MANAN, N.B.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 30/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:40 AM GMT on January 30, 2007

Clear, calm with slight draft from West, -11C temp did not fall to the depths forecast, there is a twelve degree difference in temp - in our favour - between here and St. Stephen, a mere 45 miles as the crow flies.

Always good to hear what is coming after a guitar lesson, next week METALLICA. Literally heard rumblings out of the basement from yesterdays effort. Emily getting back on track for piano, but still a struggle to get some practise time out of her.

A small amount of ice in the harbour, but will go with the tide. Have no large amount of ice so far this season, which is a good thing.

No definative word on how Butch is making out this past couple of days.

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MONDAY, JANUARY 29/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:57 AM GMT on January 29, 2007

Clear, slight breeze from NW, with a temp of -8C.Forecast for seasonable temps with sun until end of the week. Daylight coming in the swamp noticably earliar a slight harbinger of things to come.

A note this morning from WU friend in Dallas advising he is about ready to get his rose bushes ready for the imminent change to spring weather. Many weeks before any preparation required in this part of the world.

Alice left yesterday AM, a fine lady, has been having health issues for quite sometime. She will be missed, a person that has been in Donna's life since she was born.

Lots of skating yesterday, at the rink a good crowd. A bonfire and skaters on Whale Cove pond. The temp was just right, a beautiful day for the activity.

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 28/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:22 PM GMT on January 28, 2007

Calm,-8C temp, overcast. Ice that was infront of the house pretty well left with the tide.

Emily out to another location last night, have seen her only a few minutes since breakfest on Friday. Rob out all day, couldn't stay overnight as requested - didn't feel well. A little investigation showed he had consumed seven cans of pop since supper, where he was staying parents out and teenager supervising - so the boys had at it.

No report on Butch yesterday, anticipate this means no change in his situation.

Finally got in the woods yesterday for the afternoon, first time since last spring. Great to be back at it, kept looking around as Ivan always showed up when I first got started as they say on Wood Island " I felt his presence".
Enjoyed the afternoon, didn't accomplish alot, but surveyed the trees I will take. Now must get the ATV gas tank repaired so can get it going.

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 27/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:05 PM GMT on January 27, 2007

CRISP again this AM, -14C, calm - a good thing - windchill currently not a factor, wind expected to increase from the north as day progresses. Looking out the window lots of sea smoke coming over the back of Ross Island. No smoke in the harbour the first ice of the winter almost to the centre. There will be lots of ice the cold snap is forecast for most of next week.

Emily out overnight, Rob was to go skating at local outdoor rink, however with a windchill of -36C showing on the gauge opted for a movie instead.

Material for the renovations showed up yesterday with a promise to be here at the first of the week. Most of the material is gathered, hopefully once get started will stay until done. This cold weather will keep his crew on inside jobs for sure.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 26/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:45 AM GMT on January 26, 2007

CRISP this morning, temp -16C, NW @ 25-30KPH giving a windchill in the -35C range. Not much rise in the temp anticipated as the day or week moves along. The sea smoke is already sky high as daylight starts to make an appearance.

Rob finally got his new snowboard boots, just in time I would say, not to snowboard but to keep his feet warm. Quite a contrast in what is being promoted in the stores, all the seeds out now, optomistic to say the least. That along with the seed catologues coming in the mail is an indication to start planning for spring planting.

These extreme temps will keep the boats tied to the wharf until it moderates. Also should have no problem getting arouund in the bush, if I can get it started.

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THUSDAY, JANUARY 25/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:54 AM GMT on January 25, 2007

Partial overcast, calm, cool at -9C what little draft there is from the NW. Temp to remain below 0 for the next couple of days.

Trip to St. John was good. Visited with Butch for a couple of hours, for the most part he was on the bit, participated in the visit, and joked. No indication of what the long range is for him, obviously a very sick individual.

Donna did some power shopping for the renovations, good thing we opted to take the truck. Purchased two rooms of flooring, had no problem with traction that stuff very heavy in that quantity. Home Depot had bedroom furniture end of the line so 'saved money' there. Went for supper locked the doors, from habit left keys in the ignition. Forty dollars later enjoyed the meal, with Butch's daughters, and of course the patriarch.

The fourth trip home a boon, allowed a more relaxed time in St. John. Only four vehicles on the trip, but ten got off in Blacks, will become more popular as time goes by. The new terminal requires some minor modifications before can be put into service.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:11 AM GMT on January 24, 2007

Overcast, calm, -9C for temp, forecast to moderate to 0c range by this afternoon. Looking foreard undecided if snow enroute or not.

Quiet in the fishing area, all inshore lobster gear ashore, with some reports of deep water traps starting to kick in around North Head.

Fire at Richards shore yesterday at noon. Shed remains standing, but extensive damage, probably will have to come down. They had traps outside close to the building no apparent damage to them. Traps and rope in the shed would have to be in doubt.

Off to St. John to see Butch, no update last night. He has been moved to isolation, don't know what that entails, but will shortly.

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 23/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:39 AM GMT on January 23, 2007

Overcast, -5C with a slight draft from north. A skiff of snow overnight, but not amounting to much.Clear and seasonable temps little wind for the rest of the week.

Now being exposed to more 'culture' DANI CALIFORNIA by RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS, still mo interest in Willie NELSON. Emily returned to the piano - her comment she was a little rusty, so will stay with it for awhile longer.

Butch still in hospital, prognosis is not good, a minimum of information seems to be available as to what is exactly taking place. We are going to St. John tomorrow to see him, those that have are not encouraged as to his well being.

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MONDAY, JANUARY 22/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 5:07 PM GMT on January 22, 2007

No server early this morning, noon here now. Clear, temp has moderated to -8C, a northerly draft of wind 5-10KPH. Outlook for the next few days, temps in this range.

Kids back at school routine with music lessons later on in the day. Rob still enthusiastic on guitar, piano for Emily not the case. Hope she regains her interest even I can tell there is potential when she applies herself.

Fisherman out today gathering up remianing traps, and some scalloping. Report of a few halibut being landed last week, early for that fishery. However with options limited alternatives come to the fore. Sea Urchin fishery just about caught on front of the island. A further quota available for 'back of the island'. The back of the island has not proven to be great in the past.

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 21/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:08 PM GMT on January 21, 2007

COLD windy, temp -11C windchill a balmy -34C,winds from the west 45-50KPH with higher gusts. Positive side clear with partial clouds. This weather pattern with a little moderation expected for the rest of the week.

Rob out overnight, Emily fighting a head cold, enjoyed the opportunity to have just she and her mother watch movies during the evening.

The fellow from Virginia showed up yesterday, as expected an interesting journey to get here. Flew out of Washington, D.C. His flight to Bangor camceled due to weather. Flipped to Phillie, a commuter to Bar Harbour, then drove up here. His return to the mainland would be not too bad with wind in this direction.

Should have no excuse to keep out of the woods next week, did get my chainsaws to work. The four wheeler may present a little more of a challenge, old, leaking gas tank, which is metal.

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 20/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:21 PM GMT on January 20, 2007

Partial cloud cover, windy at 35-40KPH from West, temp -3C. Forecasting wind and cooler temps as the day moves along.

Rain hard for most of yesterday, snow just about cleared up once again. The temps will allow for some skating over next few days, with the wind this high not much fun out in the open.

Have not heard from the potential property buyer, the drive from Bangor would have been a challenge. The way it was blowing last night the late trip from Blacks would have been an experiance, especially for a new traveller. Lots of action and dark makes for an interesting trip sometimes. She did not make the first schedule trip yesterday, from Blacks, due to high winds and high tide when she would have been back here.

Rob out for the day and night, he is looking forward to getting sprung. They both were confined to barracks all day yesterday due to weather conditions.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 19/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:46 AM GMT on January 19, 2007

What a difference 48 hours can deliver in weather patterns. Today gale force southerlies, rain warning in the forecast. Currently 2C, rain, wind from the south at 45KPH, as the sun makes an appearance the wind is greeting it with gusto in the form of higher gusts.

Kids another weather holdiday, for some reason, the weather for our area is rain and wind, a common occurrence for our community.

Another fire on Cedar St., next to the 'crack house' burned in July. Not a local group of concerned citizens responsible. A resident of the place has been taken into custody on various charges, the arson possibility still under investigation. Local consensus is that fire inentionally started.

A fellow flying to Bangor from Virginia to look at property from Ivans' estate that is on the block. He picked a hell of a time to come to our part of the world, will be like this for most of the weekend. Hope is a good sailor, providing the boat makes her later trips.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 18/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:39 AM GMT on January 18, 2007

Calm, cold at -18C, temp rising as day moves along with heavy rain in the forecast for tomorrow. One of those beautiful sunrises over Ross Island, with a new twist the reflection is off the ice that has formed along the shoreline.

Great snow for sliding, Rob has taken full advantage, couldn't coax his sister to participate. Emily involved in a jig-saw puzzle with her grandmother, not about to leave that to get cold with her brother.

Had to get yard plowed, second time in past 14 winters. Most times the snow has blown across the road, this time no wind to move it along.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:51 AM GMT on January 17, 2007

Talk about seasonable weather, clear, -19C wind from NW @ 20-25KPH with higher gusts, making will chill factor around the -30C. The deep freeze to last for today, and a forecast of rain by Friday.

Vapour high in the harbour, can just see the top the trees on Ross Island. No fishing activity in weather like this, and with the wind a dangerous combination.

Another fire of a residence on Cedar St. yesterday afternoon. Not a repeat of July, but fire apparently is suspicious in nature. Possibly the responsibility of one of the occupants. Fortunatly no injuries, house/trailer a total loss.

Kids spent some of the evening on "Maggie's Hill", getting some sliding in. Temp cold, but didn't deter them or the crowd that was there, vaugley recall temp never a concern when a sliding party underway.

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 16/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:43 AM GMT on January 16, 2007

Overcast, temp -1C, draft from NW, but with sunrise wind increasing. Our touch of winter weather was pretty good, but not extreme. A fair amount of snow, sleet and a touch of freezing rain. Colder temps expected overnight and next few days.

School cancelled at noon yesterday, due to road conditions. Roads were treacherous by afternoon, especially when one off the main road. Expect in the excess of ten inches on the ground - great for snowboarding.

Scallops are scarce with a couple of hundred pounds being the standard. Have no idea how much 'looking around' has taken place as weather has not been co-operative.

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MONDAY, JANUARY 15/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:43 AM GMT on January 15, 2007

Overcast, 15-20KPH from NE, -4C creating a -16C windchill. Winter Weather Advisory in place for the area, the closer you get to the coast sleet and freezing rain probable along with snow. Freezing rain not a good thing, appears the children are off to school despite 'impending storm''.

Nothing definative from Butch as yet, he was having supper and reading newspaper on the weekend, generally feeling well.

Renovations not on the go as yet, gathering of materials, ordering carpets well underway.

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 14/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:21 PM GMT on January 14, 2007

Overcast, calm, -1C, looking for snow flurries, and colder temps over next few days.

Finally got in the woods, but only on foot. A few loads down from last year that have piled up, will get them out once the ground freezes. Beaver have been in the area where I have been cutting, but level of water seems to be down. If that remains will get some of the older trees before they go down.

Rob out with his guitar, one of his friends got one, his mother allowed Rob to stay overnight with his guitar. He is now the authority, willing to teach his buddies. Can imagine the 'music' level once they got set up.Emily babysit in the morning and 'hungout' there until summonsed home to get some schoolwork completed.

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 13/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:11 PM GMT on January 13, 2007

So much for seasonable temps/conditions. Currently 6C, rain, wind SW @ 15KPH. However forecast shows by this evening things could be changed downward. The influence of the severe cold out west must be making its way along with some snow for Mon/Tue.

With the amount of water in the field there will be no shortage of ice once Mother Nature decides that is the way she wants to go.

Emily had her first babysitting job last evening. Had a great time, and recieved cash also.Goes again this morning for a couple of hours. Right to bed when she got home so she would be rested to go this morning.

Skateboarding gang at it till after 9:00PM, Rob had a buddy overnlight. Once skateboards retired PS2 underway, did not see either one of them all evening.

Have no word on amount of scallops on the go, we have not bought any as of yesterday morning. Not a good sign that many around. Early in the season to be scratching for a days pay.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 12/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:43 AM GMT on January 12, 2007

Windy this AM and overnight, 35KPH with gusts to 55KPH from SW. Temp much warmer than yesterday at 4C, a possibility of showers before the day is out.

Butch seems better, no consultation with physcian as yet. More tests today to determine what is going on. Lots of people travelling caught up on local news from other perspectives - probably referred to as gossip in some segments of society, but men never engage in such activity.

Skateboard park in the yard up to eight boys of all ages yesterday. Now requesting more gear to set up, had to say no as we do have vehicle coming and somewhat like drivers test getting in the yard now.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 11/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:12 AM GMT on January 11, 2007

Clear, cool at-7C, with a northerly breeze 10-15KPH, blew hard all night. The temps are becoming more 'seasonable' as each day goes by.

Off to St. John this AM getting, combining business with checking on brother-in-law. Donna's dad going along so he can get as close to firsthand info as he can. Goal is to return on the 5:30 this evening, will see what is accomplsihed getting to St. John via St. Andrews adds an hour to operation.

Regular skateboard park in the yard afterschool. Acquired a couple of devices from Rob's friend over the weekend as we have more pavement, see a couple of more showed up yesterday from somewhere. Lots of kids, as long as they helmets on - at least - have at it. Rob showing me a stunt he 'landed' before, coming down elevated ramp at at least 30degrees onto the pavement. I watched he didn't land it, asked if he was alright, as he lay on the cold pavement not moving, just the fact that he didn't land it was his reply. He did admit he was a hurting unit for a few minutes. Thank heavens for a helmet.

Emily 13 next month, her time being spent how to best celebrate this right of passage. Most importantly who will be invited to this socail event - O my.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:38 AM GMT on January 10, 2007

Calm, clear with bank of clouds to the east, 0 degrees temp. Remaining a little above average, becoming more seasonable with a possibility of snow over the weekend.

Donna's brother flown out yesterday has been in local hospital since Sat., further diagnosis required to get a handle on what is going on.

No word yet as how the scallop opening went, but noticed sevral of the boats moving off from Duck Island Sound pretty early in the day, not a good sign.

Guitar up and going, learned Rob had attempted to 'improve' the performance of the instrument. He at first denied the small damage was his fault, but fessed up pretty quick. His instructor will do the fixing from now on, all in agreement.

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JANUARY 9/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:40 AM GMT on January 09, 2007

Clear, 4C temp, breeze from sw @ 10-15KPH, much better than forecast yesterday. The fellows going scalloping will have a better opportunity to have at it, looks clear but breezy for the rest of the week.

Hopefully the kids will get back into the swing of school today, can't see any clouds.

Robs guitar had the doctor getting properly set up, one string broke,all strung too tight, fortunate that the neck was not snapped off. Should be seranaded this evening with music from the basement.

Gas prices on the rise, around $1/litre locally. CAD down compared to USD, a good thing when exporting to the Boston market.

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MONDAY, JANUARY 7/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 4:43 PM GMT on January 08, 2007

Checked and another installment into cyberspace. The weather even forecast is now underway. Temp 4C strong winds from East @ 25-35KPH with gusts forecast in the 60KPH range for the next twenty-four hours. A check on radar reveals whole eastern seaboard having similar weather.

First day of school, took kids found the school in darkness. School cancelled due to 'pending storm', anticipating snow on the mainland, but only rain for this island. Decision to close school made at district level no local conditions considered. This is becoming a common occurrence, have to wonder if it is part of rationale that if one part of district shuts down all must?

First day of scalloping tomorrow, and weather conditions will not be the best to say the least. No idea of what price is at this time, our input on the marketplace does not influence price. It will depend on how much the big players have on the market when ours are ready to go.

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 7/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:00 PM GMT on January 07, 2007

Clear, cooler at 4C, westerly 15-20KPH, with lots of wind expected next few days, a slight drop in overall temp expected. The temp yesterday was certainly spring like with lots of fog and rain overnight.

Rob out overnight, a change before the grind of school starts tomorrow. All hands, including the adults are prepared for the change, not a problem.

A fellow on the beach at daylight, digging for daily bread, clamming. No idea of price, and they aren't too plentiful right here, but no competition for what is available.

Renovations ready to get underway tomorrow, but will wait and see when the contractor shows. His only commitment was "very soon", once he does commence will stay till it is completed, let us hope.

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 6/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:06 PM GMT on January 06, 2007

Rain ,a balmy 10C, SW @ 10 KPH, warm temps to continue for a number of days, wind to accompany it of course.

Children getting a little tired of being home all the time, whether they would admit it or not time to resume school. The prospect has entered the conversation the last day or so from the pair of them.

The cat and the interloper still getting acquainted, no signs of aggression from either one, curiousity, but Lily has no experiance and is as big as the dog it seems. As a result Lily segregated for most of the time, of course she has lots of affection from Shauna and kids so not hard done by.

Seiners have been getting herring off North Head, has been a large body to work from have not heard last couple of days how they are for size. Not much local market for fresh bait as lots of traps ashore and most of the remaining fishery in deep water.

Both brothers safely in Myrtle Beach, even through the e-mail can see the contented smiles.

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FRIEDAY, JANUARY 5/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:37 AM GMT on January 05, 2007

Overcast, calm, temp 4C, looking for showers and rain until tomorrow afternoon. Lots of wind in the forecast for the first of the week.

Haven't got a tree down for next years' wood as yet, fortunatly haven't made a hole in my inventory due to the mild weather. Won't get in this weekend as rain anticipated.

Renovations getting underway with upgrades to Shauna's and childrens accomodations in the basement. Wet weather gives the contractor an opportunity to work inside with more of his crew, good for him and good for us.

Spring cleaning on our level in commence with painting and a change of some of the fixtures. An annual occurrence a bridge to working outside, I must say not my responsibility Donna makes the decisions and gets the work done, works for me.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 4/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:48 AM GMT on January 04, 2007

Total calm, a sliver of red sky over Ross Island reflecting off the harbour, a far cry from the last few days of wind. Temp 2C expected to rise to 8C, warmer next few days. Takes the winter down each day like this in a hurry.

Thanks for the rat advice, do believe he has expired. However remains to see where the remains are, hopefully in the woodpile, but if in the walls could be a problem once it starts to breakdown, have had conflicting comments on that possibility.

Myrtle Beach had to let us know weather great, and have been on the golf course already in balmy conditions. Hope it continues for them.

No skating as ice now suspect to say the least. One of the positives from the Cedar St. occurrence is the community is moving forwrd on a much needed sports complex, which will include an all weather rink.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:39 AM GMT on January 03, 2007

Clear, calm, -1C temp. Wind blew hard well into the night,looking pretty good for today. A good opportunity for some of the traps to get ashore as scalloping starts on Tuesday.

Rodent still around yesterday, tripped the better rat trap, cleaned up on all the bait, then must have gone to his abode. More bait and traps reset will see what today brings.

One brother set up in Myrtle Beach on New Years Day, other leaving this AM. Expects to arrive early on Saturday, good travelling weather down the eastern seaboard for the next few days.

Kids minds starting to turn to returning to school to catch up on what everyone has been up to I suppose. Funny can't recall wanting to return, is possible that it is lost in the mists of time - doubtful.

What ice was available for skating now covered in water, but a day or subzero temps should make the ponds A-1.

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 2/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:45 AM GMT on January 02, 2007

Overcast, a balmy 5Ctemp, a westerly breeze 15-25KPH, clearing with breeze for the next couple of days in the offing.

A wet breezy day for the first day of 2007, fortunatly did not manifest in freezing rain as it started out to be. Temps were mild, and rained all day into the evening. Making for a wet Sunday type of atmosphere.

Three seiners had twine out mid afternoon off the light at North Head. Early in the day for that excercise, possibly an indication of the number of herring that are around.

The rodent cleaned up on more bait yesterday, have not checked today. The thing has quite an appetite to ingest that amount and still be around ,he had made his way between the walls in the basement New Years Morning, but becme quiet after banging on the wall.

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NEW YEARS '2007'!!!

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:30 PM GMT on January 01, 2007

Overcast, wind swinging to the south hitting 20KPH as daylight takes hold, temp -1C. Some nasty weather and wind expected over next few days.

Great evening ushering in the New Year, good food, lots of variety, a beverage or two and conversation all over the place. No problem staying awake to watch the ball fall in New York, an hour after New Years started in our part of the world. Traffic seemed light all night, a good thing.

Rob out overnight, and Emily had a friend in to help celebrate. All hands were down when we come home.

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