GRAND MANAN, N.B.

FRIDAY, JUNE 29/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:20 AM GMT on June 29, 2007

Partial overcast, westerly 10-15KPH, 14C. Looking to remain cool/clear for the holiday weekend. Good for the celebrations and Rotary BBQ on Sunday.

Kids remain on the move, Emily at a bonfire last night with her peers. Rob home after ballgame last evening, booked for overnighters till Sunday. Have to write things down so we know where they are it seems. Ballgames remain fun for all participants win or lose. Games well attended by parents and grandparents, good social gathering for sure.

Final day for getting selling lobsters today, weather is co-operating, although did blow hard overnight. A number of the boats have thier gear on the bank as of yesterday. Next on the agenda for some is groundfish, a fresh pollack will be welcome, should one show up.

Shed fast coming together, shingling should be completed today, large door and electrical remains, long weekend for the crew will be Tuesday before we see them after today.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 28/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:21 AM GMT on June 28, 2007

Heavy haze, calm, mixed with fog, Ross Island coming into view as the sun gets more power in it. Humid, temp 19C already with a high forecast in the mid 20's

A thunder squall went through 0130, lots of rain, wind, lightning, noise. I guess I was the only one aware as had to close the windows because of the rain. Give the lawn and gardens a well needed drink.

A few young ducks and parents out for a swim this morning, the first that I have seen. The gulls will be around trying to get a meal once they are noticed I am sure.

Great day on the water yesterday, not a breath of wind, downside not many lobsters. Went for a hundred traps got them all, had them in the yard by early afternoon. Great fellows to work with, having lobster chowder today, if can keep Emily out of the main ingredient before it is prepared.

Received a nice note from a fellow WU'er advising the current issue of THE NEW YORKER magazine has an article on the events on Cedar Street almost a year ago. Will look for the magazine next opportunity.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 8:13 AM GMT on June 27, 2007

Clear, calm, the sun not quite up as yet, a sultry 18C this early. The U.S. weatherman giving an 'air stagnation' warnng till late tonight, not a common occurrence in this part of the world. This explains the haze that been around for the past 24 hours.

A good day at least at this time to pick up traps. A large number have come ashore. Of course the report is that the lobster is beginning to move - as if they knew it was opportune to do so fewer traps to contend with.

Donna had a good day on and across the border, very hot and humid. Drove with top down and a/c on, an economical way to travel for sure. No problems with traffic on the boat with the expanded ferry service things move along very well.

Rob home with his guitar playing friend overnight, had a concert here for most of the afternoon. Glad the neighbours and quite a distance to say the guitar playing was loud would be an under statement. Kept the shore birds at quite a distance I noticed.

Emily out overnight, had a nice afternoon after the dentist, they went to the beach, had supper at KEYSER'S CAFE to top it off, if only one could keep it that way for them.

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TUESDAY, JUNE 26/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:01 AM GMT on June 26, 2007

Hazy across the harbour this morning, southerly 10KPH, still a cool 10C, anticipate low 20's before too long.

A large number of traps in the harbour, as far as Chalk Island Cove on Ross Island. Overall the catch has been spotty, some doing quite well, and others a poor spring. The price of scallops down to around $5/ib. Large landings from the Carolinas on a daily basis flooding the current market.

Donna off for the day to St.Stephen with a friend, once appointments over with a chance to cross border shop. Expect they will make a day out of it with no problem.

The Black Boat on the run now also, a ferry every two hours, during the day, coming and going. A great chance to travel, the commercial traffic down as a result lots of deck space for passenger vehicles available, on most trips.

Rob and his guitar out overnight, another buddy has the same passion for the intrument, glad they were jamming there not here. He finally consented to have his locks shorn, much better.

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MONDAY, JUNE 25/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:52 AM GMT on June 25, 2007

Clear, calm, nice temp @ 16C, no activity in the harbour this morning. Forecast is all over the weather map over next few days, possibilty of fairly good weather week is in there.

Rob had a grand time over the weekend, even returned with a little coin in his pocket - a first. Emily spent afernoon at church picnic, and youth windup.

Traps to come home this week, the last day to sell lobsters 29th. Going at least one day to help friend and son bring them home. Had to decline one day due to Donna having a commitment to friend and a dentist appointment thrown in the mix.

Some wier building going on, have no word if any behind the twine on those that are fishing.

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SUNDAY, JUNE 24/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:18 AM GMT on June 24, 2007

Partial overcast, slight draft from SSW, nice temp @14C. Forecast has changed from real nice to 'maritime type weather' next few days, damp.

Rob reported in unexpectadly last evening, his host thought it a good idea. A good day at the pool, as far as can be learned. He has been going straight out since he got there. Emily home, soon crashed after getting home, not a peep since, catching up on rest for the next go round I suspect.

Attempting the smoker this morning, but saving some of the meat to go on the regular BBQ. This in case the smoker once again gives the meat a total kipper like taste. Pork with apple chips as the wood on the menu.

Shed coming along, roof shingled, now needs to have windows in, wrapped, cedar shingles, electrical next week then I can move in. The fellows keep reminding Donna the entrance is a 'man door', and govern herself accordingly.

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SATURDAY, JUNE 23/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:06 AM GMT on June 23, 2007

Clear, draft from west @ approx. 10kph, 14C. Morning beverages on the verandah, still traps in the harbour with some being hauled at coffee time.

Kids spread out overnight, Rob on the mainland till tomorrow evening, Emily at a friends probably till suppertime at least. Emily travels next weekend for a week in Moncton. Emily barely beat her brother on the yearly average, both done well. Emily into Grade 8, Rob Grade 7.

Local economy still has not leveled off with more long term jobs/personnel reported being laid off. With the end of the lobster season more seasonal positions will be similarly affected.

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FRIDAY, JUNE 22/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:11 AM GMT on June 22, 2007

Clear, total calm, 14C temp. Looking for nice temps and similar weather conditions for remainder of the day. Reflection from Ross Island almost to mid-harbour.

Three yards of mulch to move around over the next few days. Boat fairly busy on the trips we were on, mostly local travelling. Commercail traffic has taken a downturn, reflecting economic changes, passenger traffic has increased in the same time - go figure, hopefully it is not the exodous but return trips of locals being counted.

Report Cards today, no anxious times discussing the outcomes, just negotiating remuneration on level of average achieved.

Rob on the move this weekend, upriver with a buddy. Last boat tonight, returns Sunday night. He has no swimtrunks, real loud, he hopes the pool is open so he can show them of. Emily on the side till next weekend then she has a date for a few days in Moncton.

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FIRST DAY OF SUMMER 07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 9:28 AM GMT on June 21, 2007

Fog, visibility less than 1/2 mile, cool 10C, calm. This is weather for next couple of days. A nice farmers rain overnight, the vegetation seems to have responded to the drink already, nice and green.

Nice day for a little trip to St. John, to pick some essentials I am sure.

Lupins starting show more all the time, so far don't seem to be the abundance have had in the past years. Have not seen any large fields of them in bloom as yet.

Attended committee meeting last evening dealing with the Community Centre. The proposed complex appears well along the financial commitment path, awaiting confirmation from the two senior levels government. Once the formal announcement the fund raising efforts will commence. Will require quite alot of financial aid, outside the the funds to be announced, to have the rink complete with artificial ice from the outset. It is the goal of the various committees to have the project as good as possible, with the funds available at the time of the building of the complex.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:38 AM GMT on June 20, 2007

Overcast, total calm, temp 14C,looking for showers and rain for the next few days. A little moisture would be nice, but a sustained bout is not required.

School is completed for the year, report cards to be issued on Friday AM. Those that show up today are eligble to attend the dance this evening. Rob has decided to sit this one out, for whatever reason. Emily insuring that her opportunity is not in jeopardy, already to go this AM.

A few traps making thier way home this past few days, a combination of end of season and few lobsters make the decision to come early easiar.

A quick trip to the mainland in the offing tomorrow, require another load of mulch, Donna going along for the 'change of pace'.

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TUESDAY, JUNE 19/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:35 AM GMT on June 19, 2007

Clear, a slight draft fron north, temp a nice 12C in the sun on the verandah. Looking for a nice day with a chance of cloud and showers overnight, and for the next couple of days.

A couple extra kids overnight, no school today, hard to say when they will surface. Must say did not hear from that last night, after coming home from a meeting.

A lawn maintenance day for sure, got the bulk of it done yesterday. A very nice day, but wind did not let up all day, combined with the sun made for day to get a burn.

Cement for the shed poured, exoect construction to commence today. Hopefully this is the last of the capital expenditures for awhile.

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MONDAY, JUNE 18/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:26 AM GMT on June 18, 2007

Clear, a breeze from NW @ approx. 10-15KPH, temp a nice 15C looking for highs in mid-twenties. Forecasting nice weather until end of the week.

Fathers Day a success a great meal, fellowship, and nice gifts/gadgets for the BBQ. A little more relaxed than Saturday's gathering had just Donna's folks extra for dinner.

Expect traps will start making thier way onshore in the next few days.Lobsters still far from consistant, haven'y heard of any wiers doing anything past few days.

Children last few days of school/play, they go today partail tomorrow, and off till report card day on Friday. Another summer routine is about to hit town.

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FATHERS DAY

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:28 AM GMT on June 17, 2007

Clear, slight draft from SW, temp 14C. Weather looking good for next little while, a good thing as the lawn is getting a bit out of control.

Bugs comment about golf should be appreciated by golf crowd, will insure brothers are aware of WODEHOUSE.

Donnas Dad & Mom will join us today for dinner, BBQ in order once again. Yesterday had sufficent for those that were here, but nothing left over. The average age would be around 80 years, we thught appetites might be not so great, WRONG. Donna cheated and added a tin of beans to the homemade, hardly that amount left, 5lbs hamburger, dozen and half of large hotdogs, dozen sausages all devoured, great time had by all.

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SATURDAY, JUNE 16/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:04 AM GMT on June 16, 2007

Overcast, calm, 12C. Deciding if we will have showers or partly sunny at the moment. Forecast is for both all depends where you check on the internet.

Hopefully the weather will not change to the worse for a few hours. Betty's family is here to spread her ashes with Ivan's at the ledges. The round trip approx. three hours, with most of the participants not being familiar with a sail of this length weather co-operation would make things much better.

Kids out overnight, don't know if they will be returning for the family gathering here this PM when we return from the voyage or not.

Fishery news does not change, not much of anything going on at this time.

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FRIDAY, JUNE 15/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:45 AM GMT on June 15, 2007

Clear, with a bit of haze in the harbour, wind still a draft from the north, 12C, a forecast high of 23C, lower along the coast for today and next couple of days.

Lobster fishing not improving much, fellows I speak with looking to next species to help make a season, herring or groundfish. If these fish are going to be around they will be showing up pretty soon.

Robs baseball team still having problems finding a win, but certainly have been competitive. The games are fun to watch, the boys are good sports, enjoy the game and competing with their peers.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 14/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:48 AM GMT on June 14, 2007

The anticipated change for better weather still apparently on hold. Wind northerly 15-20KPH, cool 10, overcast conditions. Calling for it to clear as the moves along.

Robs haircut plans fell through, his potential date advised that it was nice thought, but not a requirement to move forward. As a result long hair still in place.

Lobsters still a disappointment for some of the guys. One fellow ready to start bringing his traps home early to avoid any further discouragement.

A few more strange vehicles showing up all the time, at least that is a positive.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:43 AM GMT on June 13, 2007

Overcast, cool at barely 10C, northerly wind has the flag out straight. Supposed to be clear, warm, not the case at the moment, can only hope.

Brother returns to his digs this AM, furniture completed. The weather has not been condusive to introducing me to a formal game of golf. Will fub along on my own for a bit, and then go from there.

Did manage to get at the lawn once again, the rest can wait for a couple of days, weather permitting.

Kids anxiously awaiting for school to end, the junior prom quite a topic at this time. Rob has asked a friend, she has accepted, but he needs to have his haircut to seal the deal. It was something(haircut) I was attempting to get done with no success, now it is a priority, all depends where the suggestion comes from I guess.

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TUESDAY, JUNE 12/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:24 AM GMT on June 12, 2007

Overcast, showers overnight and at times fairly heavy. Wind NW @10-15KPH, clearing, temp a nice 14C.

Latest capital project underway, with a 'shed' under construction. The renovations took away most of the basement, as a result my treasures farmed out wherever I could beg floor space. Pad done yesterday with forms for the footing to be attempted today, weather permitting.

Arnold arrived yesterday with a set of golf clubs, book and encouragement to take up the game. Will give it a go, the other three certainly enjoy the game. Don't know if we will get on the local course today or not, windy and damp at the moment.

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MONDAY, JUNE 11/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:32 AM GMT on June 11, 2007

Overcast, brisk northerly breeze, 16Ctemp,chance of showers in the forecast. A very nice weather day yesterday, with the same type of forecast, will take it everytime.

Eldest brother and wife coming this AM for a couple of days. Visit with mom, and Joanne has a knack for restoring furniture, sure enough there is something here for her to work on.

Both kids had an active weekend, as both crashed by nine o'clock with no suggestion that this would be a good idea.

The only two local seiners remaining in the haul up getting prepared for the herrying season. Other signs of a change in the fishery seasons high flyers freshly painted, and a number of boats rigging for scalloping.

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SUNDAY, JUNE 10/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:00 AM GMT on June 10, 2007

Mostly cloud, draft from north, temp 14C. Possibility of showers for next 24 hours. Long range looks very good with sun and nice temps.

Kids out around the community overnight. Robs grandparents have thier pool ready, he hopes they can get in it today. The weather will dictate if that is going to happen or not.

See some traps on the way home, fellows gearing up for scallops another area must be opening in the next few days. Suspect some of the fellows will try netting next month, have no heard if any groundfish in the area.

Yard coming together, still some dahlias to find a spot for. The bulk of the preparation and planting is complete, even managed to get spuds in the ground yesterday.

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SATURDAY, JUNE 9/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:18 AM GMT on June 09, 2007

Once again clear, mild at 15C just enough draft to limply raise the flag. Great once again having morning beverage on the verandah. A few waterfowel coming in, and fellow hauling traps infront of the house, another one of those mornings for the minds eye to retain.

A few lobster beginning to show up, fellows going pretty hard to get the last of the season to be as productive as possible. A few herring in one of the weirs, and the seiners starting to land a few for packing.

Yard work getting caught up, and will put my potatos in before the day is done. A check of the archive reveals that almost two weeks early from last year.

Today is the start of the mini exodous of the childrens peer group. Two families on the move today with six children moving from the local school. More rumoured to be on the move over the summer months. A reflection of the local economic realities.

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FRIDAY, JUNE 8/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:36 AM GMT on June 08, 2007

One of those mornings one endures days of fog to have a beauty like this. Oily calm, 12C, not enough air movement to make the flag even shudder.

No waterfowel evident, some of the young should soon be showing up infront of the house. Appears the brant have moved off to their summer nesting grounds, have not noticed any this week.

Robs ball team had a breakthrough last evening - the teams first win in two seasons. The boys were very pleased with themselves, two of the members from the team are moving this weekend. The team dedicated the win to them.

Out of the loop on the fishery side these days, not aware of what the scoop is this week.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:42 AM GMT on June 07, 2007

CLEAR, a brisk NW breeze around 20KPH, temp a pleasant 12C. Looking forward to good weather for next few days.Will allow some the lawn to be chopped down to respectable height.

First broken wrist on the sk8board apparatus in the books. A broken wrist, one of Rob's best buds. Rob was there, he didn't cry was the most awesome reflection of the ordeal. The wrist bone snapped, and almost punctured the skin trying to get out. He is off wheels till August, this is the most painful outcome of the whole affair, can't imagine being sidelined that long.

Donna has the windowboxes on the back of the house in place. Now can concentrate on her moveable pots to fill in various open spots.

School down to the last two weeks, needless to say not much constructive on the minds of our students, just counting the days till summer break is here.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:49 AM GMT on June 06, 2007

Thick fog, vbisibility just past the shoreline, a slight draft, flag wrapped around pole can't decipher direction, hopefully westerly. Temp still cool at 8C, hoping for clearing by afternoon, looks brighter overhead, but not on the surface by a long shot.

A few more lobsters making the trip to Boston, a good thing in view of the fact the season soon coming to a close.

Donna has one of the windowboxes dressed, weather not condusive to getting into the swing of things. Almost a chore in these conditions, rather than a labour of love.

Potatos the next bit of planting I am responsible for, have them ready. The ground is ready, a little break in the weather is all that is required to get the deed done.

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TUESDAY, JUNE 5/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:43 AM GMT on June 05, 2007

Drizzle,fog, SE @ 10-15KPH,9C temp. This type of weather for the next day, a change overnight with sun for the next couple of days with nice temps.

Have not spoken with anyone about the fishery this past few days, lots of the fleet at work yesterday. The season is begining to wnd down.

Kids speculating on teachers for next fall, this year not complete. At least they are confident they are moving on.

Appears a number of the kids peer group are moving to the mainland over the summer. The downturn in the local economy starting to have an effect in the community.

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MONDAY, JUNE 4/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:44 AM GMT on June 04, 2007

Drizzle, cool @8C, brisk breeze from NE, the influence of what is left of TD Barry. However this is the type of weather we can anticipate for most of the week. Certainly brings the green out on the lawn.

Hydro been given OK to increase rates by 10% as of next week. Increase is across the board, will be a challenge for industries relying on hydro for energy source. Means a $30/month increase for this household.

CAD is still on the rise, near $.95 this AM. Will be interesting to see when and where it will stop. Strong dollar partially driven by high cost of energy worldwide, and our reserves in that area.

Continue to have problems posting on the blog, have for last few days.

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SUNDAY, JUNE 3/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:09 AM GMT on June 03, 2007

Overcast, rain overnight, showers anticipated for the next sevral days. Currently 10C with brisk breeze still from NNE, sufficent to hold the flag out stragiht with no problem.

CAD continues to rise over $.94 this morning. Fuel price has dropped to $1.14/locally and $1.12 on the mainland. The price in Calais was $3.09 USD and $.90/litre CAD. Still quite a swing in price, but narrowing as our dollar continues to rise in value.

A few strangers from away showing up, early but mostly the front end of the boomer crowd I would suspect. To develop the shoulder months for tourism in our area would help as the main dates are still the summer season. One of the whale watching operations on the go, but have no idea of any whales in the area.

Rob has some road rash on one of his arms from the park, and couple of face plants to report. Still has all his teeth, and his new glasses have proven to indeed be shatterproof.

Windowboxes, regardless of weather conditions to be completed ASAP, the plants are beginning to outgrow the containers they come in.

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SATURDAY, JUNE 2/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:37 PM GMT on June 02, 2007

Overcast, a sprinkling of moisture this evening, temp 12C, a slight draft from north, still calling for moisture for the next sevral days.

A very nice couple of days on the mainland. Caught up with brother, BBQ a beer or two, and the girls did some cross border shopping. Border busy with traffic going into the U.S. The wait time not bad approx. 20 minutes. Photo ID required on each crossing. The nessecity of a passport going to be fact no matter how much one fails to see the need. No ID asked for when coming into Canada, obviously the threat is heading south.

The sk8board park standing room only when we come by this afternoon. Lots of smiles and camaradarie in the group, no alpha group or individual in evidence when I checked on it this evening.

Did see Rob for a moment this evening he come home long enough to get the doughnuts and clothes for an overnighter. Emily moved out on her bike this afternoon, Donna delivered her clothes for her overnight this evening.

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