GRAND MANAN, N.B.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 29/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:48 AM GMT on October 29, 2007

Partial overcast, a steady breeze from the west @15-20KPH, a cool 3C would put today in the seasonable temps range. Long range indicates cool temps with breezes at the week moves along.

Kids below decks at least on the appointed hour last night, not much discussion after the hectic weekend they both enjoyed.

The CAD trading this AM at $1.04 against the USD, dizzying heights from a very few years ago. Not a good thing for the upcoming lobster season, most of our market is in Boston, further hit for the guy on the water.

Donna's dad has been in the woods each day of the hunting season. From his tree stand has seen a number of animals, but not interested in the harvest as yet, gets more enjoyment out of the observation.

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:03 AM GMT on October 28, 2007

Los of wind and rain overnight, this morning calm, slight draft from SSW, temp 12C, partial overcast. The forecast is beginning to resemble the season as the week moves along. Highs in single digits, and lows have a - infront of them.

Kids have been busy returned from the excursion on the mainland yesterday AM, Emily out overnight at birthday party. Rob attended a concert till 10PM,however once he got in the house did not see him, in the rack for some much needed sleep.

Reports from BUGS shows good weather in the Carolinas, brothers will start getting itchy feet once the weather begins to have a nip in the air.

Bait traffic seems to have let up, fellows will attempt to get some fresh as close to setting day as possible.

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:36 AM GMT on October 27, 2007

The red sky now giving way to overcast, wind picking up from SE. Temp 11C, to rise mid teens with rain as the day moves along.

Children returing on the first boat this morning, can imagine will not be a rested lot for a couple of days. Emily's group had no plans for sleeping, schedule was to be at CRYSTAL PALACE at 0400 this morning, before the drive to Blacks.

Yardwork slowly getting underway, most of the dahlias out of the ground, giving them an opportunity to dry out before going to the basement. May require another lawn mowing before the stuff goes to sleep for the winter.

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:49 AM GMT on October 26, 2007

Another picture sunrise over Ross Island, harbour total calm, only disturbance is the waterfowel making a few ripples on the water. Temp right at 0c, frost is evident on the vehicles this morning.

Both kids travelling this afternoon, all hands packed and ready to hit the road. Return first boat in the morning, a packed overnight for sure.

A good trip to St.John yesterday, a fair number travelling, but not a full boat on each crossing. More going over on the last trip than the previous, a change in traffic patterns to some degree.

CAD remains high trading this morning @$1.03 against the USD. Gas on the mainland $.99.9 -$1.01.9, here selling at $1.03.9. In Maine price increased $.08 this past month around $2.85 USD, still a bargain for this side of the border.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 9:10 AM GMT on October 25, 2007

No daylight in the swamp as yet, overcast, total calm, temp 9C. Clearing as the day moves along, with cooler temps overnight.

Travelling this morning, Donna's father making a trip to the big smoke, going along for the ride. A good looking day to travel for sure.

Rob and his cronies resurrecting the music, with a practise after school in the works. No problem to know he was back at it as the house was vibrating until suggested he slack up a bit on the volume.

Some deer being taken, have no idea how many. The weather conditions continue to favour the hunted, lots of leaves, and warm.

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:48 AM GMT on October 24, 2007

Blew hard yesterday, into the evening, calm this AM, overcast, temp a pleasant 13C. Still calling for rain for next couple of days, nice on Friday with moisture for the weekend.

Kids are on the move overnight on Friday, Emily to Moncton with a youth group from White Head. Rob to a Christian Rap gathering in St. John with local youth groups. The itinary for both amitious, not much down time - if an- for the entire trip.

The dahlias and other bulbs coming out of the ground. Hard weather for them to dry, at least they will be cleaner when stored for the duration.

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:47 AM GMT on October 23, 2007

Daylight reluctant to come to the swamp this AM, overcast, 15KPH southerly breeze, temp 14C. Looking for drizzle before the day is done with an increase in the wind.

Deer season with rifle underway yesterday, have not learned of any taken as yet. The weather very warm, with lots of leaves remaining on the trees giving the advantage to the deer.

CAD remains high going back and forth between 2-3 cents above parity with USD. Cross border shopping north to south now underway in grand style. The tend will continue as the Xmas Shopping Season is about to commence.

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 22/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:48 AM GMT on October 22, 2007

Clear, calm, nice 13C as the sun shows over Ross Island. Looking for high teens for temp today, temps remains above normal, but moisture on the way for the remainder of the week.

Flock of geese just under the seawall, must be waiting for complete daylight before coming ashore. They like the lawn, until Samson puts the run to them. I encourage him to keep them under control as they aren't very good on the lawn, taking roots and all.

Local fishery news remains quiet, just the annual anticipation of the upcoming lobster season. Opens second Tuesday in November this year as far into November as possible.

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:06 AM GMT on October 21, 2007

Nice sunrise over Ross Island shining into the room, clear, a breeze from south at 20-25KPH, temp remains great at 12C this AM. Expected to go into high teens as the day moves along, with a forecast into the 20's next couple of days. These temps sure is easy on the woodpile.

Both children under the roof overnight, just one guest. Rob out 'movie night' close by until 10PM with a large group of his peers, sounds as if the gathering alot of fun.

Have begun to retrieve some of the bulbs, even before the frost They have given it up for this year, becoming dormant without the influence of the frost.

Not a great turnout for the bean supper, however did turn a profit. A great variety of 'baked beans' had been donated, all tasted great. Give them the taste test for my own curiosity, one of the advantages of being in the kitchen.

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:02 AM GMT on October 20, 2007

Nasty in the harbour as daylight comes to the swamp. A strong 35-45KPH wind from SSW, a nice temp @15C, lots of moisture down overnight. Forecast to move through quickly with possible sun by this afternoon, already appears to be lightning up behind Ross Island.

Emily out overnight, Rob home with no guests for a change.

Beans and Wieners Supper in support of the Boys & Girls Club today. Donna building some beans, will see where I fit in when I deliver them. Money to assist in daily oeprations of the Club. The final plans for the Community Centre coming together, once finalized more fundraising will be the order of the day.

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 1:32 PM GMT on October 19, 2007

Overcast, calm, current temp 9C, anticipating some moisture moving into the area before days end.Clearing late tomorrow.

MISTRESS not in her spot at the wharf must assume she is enroute to NFLD. She has been a mainstay for the Ingalls Head wharf for a number of years, to be replaced in the New Year be a larger seiner currently under construcion.

Looking for a few scallops today to put in the freezer for winter consumption. Always a great treat, along with the odd lobster and fish makes for a fantastic casserole.

Rythem of local fishery pretty well given over to the upcoming lobster season. Great if the weather resembled what we continue to enjoy for another few weeks, historically not the case.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:51 AM GMT on October 18, 2007

One of those morning sunrises that change each time you blink. Absolute calm,high tide, crimson sky reflecting off the water, temp a bit cool at 3C, expected to hit high teens as the day moves along.

Long range temps above normal, with a little moisture over the weekend. The dahlias getting a bit tired by this time, but still producing, no frost to tell them the season is over.

I hope yesterday was the last mowing of the lawn for this season. The fun has gone out of it, and is now a chore. Also used up the last of the mower gas so must be done.

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OCTOBER 17/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:45 AM GMT on October 17, 2007

Clear, calm, 6C for temp. Anticpating a rise to the mid teens before turning down to a possible frost overnight.

Travelling away from the shore a short distance one sees a great difference in the colour of the foilage. Near Fredericton would think must be as good as it is going to get. With the sun yesterday the hills seemed to be glowing in some locations.

The ferry full both in the morning and evening trips we were on. A few strangers in the group, mostly locals making the trip. Good chance to visit and hear some hunting stories as the deer season underway for bowhunting, next week or so for rifle.

A few waterfowel in the harbour this morning, a number of geese been on the lawn this past few days. Samson will put the run to them after he is assured they won't carry him off.

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 9:06 AM GMT on October 16, 2007

Clear, slight northerly draft this morning, temp 5C, not expected to get above low double digits today.

Emily out overnight, as no school again today. Rob returned home at suppertime last evening, a full day with his cronies, mostly war games, can't get enough time to do both.

Travelling today, having a look at second hand ATV. Have used up one Ivan handed down fifteen years ago. Have convinced myself can justify the purchase as it will soon be time to get in the woods. The finished product has to be transported one way or the other. Rob is certainly infavour, but he has been advised the keys will be in my possession. The proposed purchase too much for him to handle, especially unsupervised.

Still some fresh bait showing up, salt bait must pretty well be put up by this time. MISTRESS appears to be stripped, ready for her departure to the big rock.

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 15/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:29 AM GMT on October 15, 2007

Clear, cool at 4C, a slight draft from WSW. Temp to climb to the low double digits as the days moves along. Overnight temps now becoming more 'seasonable'.

Appreciate the acknowledgments of my 60th, had a quiet day, but did have the desire to go to be a bit earliar than usual, a sign of something or another - I wonder.

Children off from school today and tomorrow, teachers conference. Rob out overnight, a combination of sk8board, and another battle of air ball was the order of his day. Emily returned in the afternoon, and hung pretty close her grandmother.

Emphasis pretty well on prepration for the lobster season next month, a few boats going up the Bay for scallops. Price for scallops believed to just around $6/lb. Need alot of scallops to make a payday at that rate.

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:15 AM GMT on October 14, 2007

Overcast, just a hint of the sunrise over Ross Island this morning, harbour oily calm, temp a cool 5C. A little rain overnight, just enough to dampen things a little more.

Entering my sixth decade today, a milestone of some type I suppose. At any rate the alternative ain't that great.

Emily out overnight, Rob got to babysit the dog, haven't seen him as yet, can hear the TV, they must be bonding at some level.

Donna is on the first boat this morning mentioned that she might require some help getting her 'stuff' off the boat.

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13/05

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:07 AM GMT on October 13, 2007

Not bad this AM after a nasty yesterday, lots of wind and rain until suppertime. Clearing with cloud cover over Ross Island, slight draft from SW, 10C temp. Sun and clouds for today with cool temps.

Lots of water between the front of the house and shore, should be lots to give the lawn a good drink before it retires for the winter.

Donna enjoying her visit, expects to catch an early boat tomorrow. The serious shopping trip is with her life long friend early next month. The primary Xmas purchases will be in hand on that trip. I am sure a couple of shorter forays will be required to insure all is well for the season.

Rob has a guest overnight, Emily babysitting the dog so that he is not too 'lonely' in nannies' absence. The boys willbe at the park early this AM, as one of their role models, a young fellow from the mainland, is going to be there.

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:37 AM GMT on October 12, 2007

No sunrise visible this morning, overcast, humidity suggests near rain, good breeze from north at 30-35KPH, nice temp 12C. Been awhile since we have had wind at this level, a sign of things to come.

Donna had a good trip to Fredericton, visits along the way, but still managed to check out the mall before settling in. I am sure today will be more relaxed when the 'go to town'.

Daylight taking its' time showing up these days, more so when it is overcast. Time change a month away as yet, Halloween will be well into darkness when the goblins hit the street.

Fishery news quiet, a few herring around, other than that the focous on lobster next month.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:52 AM GMT on October 11, 2007

Partial overcast, northerly 10-15KPH, a pleasant 12C this AM. Expecting some wind as the day goes along, and moisture for tomorrow and Saturday.

Donna off this morning for a few days with brother and wife near Fredricton, a semi-annual trip for her. Weather is co-opperating for her, and looks good for her return on Sunday.

Have had the new stove going in the evenings, great heater so far. Superior to the other one, but it had been in place for fifteen seasons, no doubt a little worn out over that period.

Baiting some pockets this AM, a little diversion for sure, looking forward to it.

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:46 AM GMT on October 10, 2007

Overcast, 9C, total calm, the harbour oily calm, the only disturbance on the water is the wake the ducks making as they go about thier business.

Rob back on deck this morning, the day confined to barracks with no computer, etc probably more discomfort than his illness.

The promised moisture not too far off by the look of the sky, damp for next few days.

MISTRESS made on final trip last night to get the last of her quota. She is destined for NFLD, not to return. A sixty-five hour sail from here to her new home port.

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:44 AM GMT on October 09, 2007

Partial overcast, slight draft from N, temp 9C expected to get into mid teens for a high today. Still great temps for this time of year, long range is more 'seasonable' in its outlook.

Rob just reported in sick, no school for him today. Seems to be a bit of bug going around, sems to be his turn. His group spent 8 hours straight at the'park' so can imagine he is a little rundown.

Some wier fish still being captured on the back of the island, don't believe much going on the front of the island.

Frost warnings in the forecast, Maine trees inland now at thier peak for 'peeping'. The report stated that along the coast another week to reach that level. I would think our trees at least that far off, along as no wind strips them in the interim

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 8/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:08 AM GMT on October 08, 2007

Clouds again this morning, beginning to break up with sun coming up over Ross Island. A cool 4C,just a slight draft fromthe west. Expected to clear once again, but temps to remain on the cool side.

Waterfowel around this morning, patrolling back and forth infront of the house feeding on whatever is in the water for them. Hear the geese as they go over, but none landing not a bad thing as they sure do a number on the lawn in more ways than one.

Thanksgiving gathering enjoyed by all, come hungry went home more than full. With all the bounty not a great deal of leftovers to deal with over the next day or so.

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:13 AM GMT on October 07, 2007

Overcast, 15KPH NW. 10C temp. Clearing as the day moves along. A similar weather pattern as yesterday,a day certainly for one to enjoy.

Thanksgiving gathering here today, with Donna's dad celebrating his 86th birthday as a bonus. Mom will join us also, when the three parents are in attendance represents 261 years quite an average age for sure.

Rob out overnight, Emily spent a quiet evening on the phone, cuts down on incoming phone traffic.

Dahlias producing in abundance, looking a good as they have at anytime. Lawn needs attention, but a little rain coming before I can get at that.

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:29 AM GMT on October 06, 2007

Partial overcast, calm, 11C, weather changing to possiblity of moisture over the holiday weekend. Still unseasonable on the plus side for temps. Yesterday a rare thing for us mentioned as the 'hot spot' in N.B. Temp in the mid 20's around the noon hour.

Procrastinated long enough, and harvested my potatoes yesterday. Not a bad return this year, but a fair number of hills nothing but pebbles. This definatly the latest that have left them in the ground.

Emily has an overnight guest, Rob again at the 'park' until later in the evening. The park a gathering spot for quite a large group of at least two dozen. Not a large swing in the age mostly Rob's peer group - will be interesting to see how long they move forward before it is not 'cool'.

Preparation for lobster season well underway, boat haul up full with lots of painting and repairs underway.

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:49 AM GMT on October 05, 2007

Clear, absolute calm, temp 10C, a beautiful sunrise over Ross Island. No waterfowel activity in the harbour that can be seen from this window at least.

The unseasonable 'summer like' conditions in place for at least another day or so. No great temp drop anticipated in the long range forecast - will take it as long as we can.

Lobster bait still coming ashore as time gets closer, the MISTRESS only has small amount of quota remaining. Once this season is done she is destined for Newfoundland, to be delivered there before the end of the month.

Sk8board park still a happening place, early darkness is what shuts her down each day in this type of weather especially. Rob gets his homework done, eats supper as early as he can and gone till just before dark.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:43 AM GMT on October 04, 2007

Fog can at least see the water, a slight draft from SW, temp a nice 14C. Temp expected to rise into low 20's as the day moves along. Nice weather for next few days at least till the start of the holiday weekend.

Hunters returned last evening, have had no update on the success of the trip, other than having a great time. Donna's dad now retired as of end of September, not bad at 87 years, with two careers behind him. A teacher, upon retiring from teaching starting a boat building company.

Lobster bait still being landed, have no idea how much more is required. Bait very expensive now, as a result being sourced wherever best price can be found.

CAD remains a little above par for the USD, a new thing the last time was around 30 years ago. Gas prices in the $1.03/litre range. Our price the cheapest/least expensive in Canada between here and Winnipeg, Man. The price in northern U.S. states ranged in price from $3.15-$2.85, most places over $3/gal.

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:00 AM GMT on October 03, 2007

Thick fog unable to see the water, calm, a nice temp of 13C. This the forecast with drizzle for next couple of days with a nice Thanksgiving Day weekend headed this way.

As OGAL mentioned the conversation is heading toward the Christmas Season, dosen't appear to have the same impetus for our groupl as a few years ago. However electronics have been mentioned a couple of times as a must have.

Lobster bait on the move the MISTRESS has landed at least two loads this week, would have to believe sevral more tons required to meet the need. The price of lobster in view of the strong CAD a big concern, reduced price and higher expenses dosen't make for a good combination.

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:54 AM GMT on October 02, 2007

Overcast, calm, nice temp of 12C this morning. The sun that was offered has been removed from the forecast with a partly cloudy for the next few days. Temps remaining unseasonable on the plus side.

New woodstove given a chance last evening, seems to be a great addition. The previous stove burning too hot, and were not comfortable leaving it going overnight. This is the latest in the fall the stove has not been required on a more regular basis.

A week ago we were just leaving Bismarck, N.D. headed this way. Time sure does "slip slide away", as it has been stated before.

Emily has asked to take piano lessons once again, with a different teacher. First lesson yesterday, seems to have gone well.

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 1/07

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:41 AM GMT on October 01, 2007

Clear, calm, beautiful sunrise over Ross Island, cool at 5C, expected to get to mid-teens as the day moves along. Overnight temps getting down, but daytime highs more than respectful for this time of year.

Getting back into routine after being away slowly coming about. Kids getting ready for school, etc. the morning traffic underway.

Not a great deal going on in the local fishery news, fellows getting gear ready for lobster fishing. The bait parade should be underway soon.

If weather is like this 'upriver' the hunters will have great conditions to test thier hunting skills. Opening day this morning at daylight.

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