GRAND MANAN, N.B.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 29/08

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:49 AM GMT on December 29, 2008

Clear, a warm 3C, southerly 10-15KPH, longrange changing again. Cold temps starting tonight for the rest of the week.

Kids out overnight, they appeared glad to have the change of venue having been cooped up in the house because of the weather. Imagine will have an extra body or two this evening to reciprocate and give the other folks a respit.

Not much activity this weekend on the fishery front, when possible a few more traps retrieved and landed home till at least spring time.

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SUNDAY DECEMBER 28, 2008

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:45 AM GMT on December 28, 2008

Another dramatic turn in the weather, thick fog this morning, a slight southerly breeze, 6C for temp to rise into double digit as the day moves along. Long range forcast giving above freezing temps for the most part well into the New Year.

Yesterday lots of snow with SE, late in the day turned to rain, no ploughing required.

Emily back at the babysitting routine last night, has been hired for New Years Eve. By the time we journey on the next ortho trip she will have sufficent funds to take advantage of some of the remaining sales - at least this is what I have been told.

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DECEMBER 27.2008

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:44 AM GMT on December 27, 2008

Snow on the go soon to turn to rain, southerly ever so slight. Rain and mild temps the expectation for next several days, into the New Year.

Emily has one of her cronies overnight, Rob surfaces just once in awhile he is intent on bettering his drumming skills on the GUITAR HERO BAND.

All hands quite loggie yesterday still putting the meal at rest, and eating leftovers. The big day is past now it is a straight go to clean up on the sweets before the New Years resolution to cut back is imposed.

A number of traps made it home yesterday, the next fishery is scalloping once again. Price being quoted fairly good @$8/lb. Historically there have not been any amount these past years, certainly not a saviour from the low lobster prices.

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BOXING DAY 2008

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:49 AM GMT on December 26, 2008

Clear, not enough northerly to move the flag - the first time in several days, cool -7C. To remain cool and clear overnight then southerly influence bringing above freezing temps, and rain for two or three days.

Quiet around the place last night early in the evening, no sign of movement so far this morning. The dinner was great all hands enjoyed the variety and quality of the presentation for sure.

Soon be time for another annual ritual the gathering of next years firewood to begin. So much moisture down travel in the areas I go will require lots of assistance from mother nature to make the ground solid enough to get around on four wheeler.

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MERRY CHRISTMAS 2008

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:01 PM GMT on December 25, 2008

Santa must have had a bit of an ordeal completing his rounds in the Bay overnight, stemming a stiff southerly wind and lots of rain. No indication of that we have had any snowfall, another green Christmas in our case brown. Temp 6C rising to double digits, lots of wind, temps double digits dropping below freezing overnight.

Rob tossed and turned since 0330 finally getting his mother and sister to open things downstairs around 0500. They didn't patrol here till 0630, Emily has new camera, clothes and games. Now discussing with Donna how things should be worn as not to be in conflict.

Rob has GUITAR HERO BAND being set up for the day, along with a hard guitar case has made his Christmas a success. The game being set up within short order of opening of the gifts.

Donna has a litte more bling to add to her collection, as I have also. A successful day to say the least.

Dinner set for early afternoon, mom coming late morning, her gifts under the tree. The remaining will drift in early rather than late I hope.

A MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL THAT STOP BY - HAVE A GREAT ONE.

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CHRISTMAS EVE 2008

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:52 AM GMT on December 24, 2008

Santa going to have a difficult evening navigating the Bay, strong wind SW temp -5C rising to the plus side going from snow, freezing rain to rain, showers and clearing for tomorrow. Cold then warm in the offing for next sevral days.

Kids getting a little anxious, Rob prowling looking under the tree, Emily and her group carroling last evening, singing carols on her way to bed. It appears be it cool or not the season still has an effect, great to share with them.

Donna getting the feast underway this morning, turkey and stuffing manufactured today. The cabbage rolls and wild rice ready for final cooking in the AM along with a couple of pies. Her kitchen approach akin to a military operation, and get out of the way while in commence.

My duties will be a 'yes dear' as they come up, and insuring the appropiate beverages are on hand for whomever.

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23/08

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:55 AM GMT on December 23, 2008

The wind has abated to the 20-25KPH level from the west, cold at -9C, sea smoke making up in the harbour, with fingers of ice leading from shore forming as the tide rises. Wind and variable weather patterns the order of the day till Xmas Day - rain and high winds for Xmas Dinner.

Emily out overnight, weather has not been good for sliding. The snow now has a thick crust from the freezing rain, if one fell would be similar to running your face over pavement.

Donna making some last minute deliveries today, turkey in fridge thawing, mince pie ready for baking, pumpkin to be constructed. Hope the weather dosen't hinder the old folks attendance. They are all looking forward to the gathering, the cooking is the greatest draw I believe.

No mail or paper yesterday, mainland digging out from the storm, boat did not make the first trip yesterday due to heavy seas and wind.

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 22/08

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:51 AM GMT on December 22, 2008

Something akin to sleeping in a windtunnel overnight, continuing this morning. Highest gust 88KPH @ 0330. Blowing a consistant 50-60KPH now, temp -4C, windchill-22C.
Similar temps/conditions over next 24 hours with rain and high in double digits for Christmans Day.

Wind has swung to SW from N last evening,see some of the strings of lights flapping in the breeze. The snow that some down - for the most part kept on going into the bush before any of it would stop. Going to be a weather week, same going on across the country - lots of snow on the west coast with cold temps not a usual occurrence at anytime of the winter season.

Power off overnight, when and for how long unable to say, was there when conscious this morning.

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21/08

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:19 PM GMT on December 21, 2008

First day of winter certainly living up to the season. Cold @-9C, wind from the north @ 15-20KPH, a few flakes falling as daylight takes hold. Weather to move to blizzard like conditions later on today and overnight. High winds and snow even a hint of rain mixed in, rain a possibilty by Xmas Eve.

The Santa Claus parade a huge success, obvious great effort put into the floats. The tally for floats in the 30 range, bar set pretty high for the next time around to meet or exceed this years entrants. Emily part of the school float, she was pretty glad to get off as weather very cold.

One more concert this morning, shojld be it for this season. The storm should hold off just long enough to get back in the house and hunker down for the next 24 hours.

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20/08

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:20 PM GMT on December 20, 2008

Windy northerly 25-35KPH with higher gusts, -8C giving a windchill in the -22C range. Unsettled weather for next week cold weather, snow possible major storm tomorrow, rising temps with rain likely by the time the old guy gets his sleigh underway.

Sea smoke sky high behind Ross Island, slight amounts in the harbour, wind takes it away too fast to notice. If not for the vapour possible it is clear overhead.

Rob and a small group of his peers out overnight, five of them would give any mother a challenge to keep under control. Emily 'sleeping in' busy day once she gets started concert practise, final preparation on the float for the 1st annual Santa Claus parade this evening.

Economic realities continue to be negative, lobster price remains too low. Young families making preparations to move to the mainland to secure employment.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19/08

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:44 AM GMT on December 19, 2008

A cool westerly breeze this morning @ 20-25KPH, -7C, clear. To remain cool and brisk for next couple of days,quite a snowstorm down the coast, expected to run offshore before it gets up this far.

Flight to Fredericton uneventful, great visibility, a differnet perspective from 3K feet. Twenty-five minutes as opposed to several hours one way no icy roads during the day or moose on the highway after dark to contend with.

Kids last day of school till the New Year, anticipation of Xmas Day beginning to enter the conversation. Not cool @ thier level of maturity to show too much concern of what might show up under the tree, or have no doubt thier requests will be met.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18/08

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:42 AM GMT on December 18, 2008

A nice contrast from yesterday, clear, calm, a cool -7C. Similar conditions to remain for the next couple of days at least. A nice snow cover from yesterday will remain, possibly till the old guy pays his visit.

Snowing fairly heavy when we hit Blacks, snowing fairly heavy when returned to Blacks via Moncton. Road fairly heavy with snow, however traffic moved along fairly well once outside of St. John. Freezing rain while in the compound waiting for the boat. Boat cancelled last trip lost time during the day due to rope in the bow thruster requiring a diver to make it right. Certainly no difficulty getting a seat or room on the car deck.

A quick afternoon flight to Fredericton scheduled on Village business in the offing, nice looking day for an aerail view of the Bay.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17.2008

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:19 AM GMT on December 17, 2008

Weather change in motion, NE @ 25-30KPH, overcast with snow in the forecast for the mainland changing to rain for the Fundy Coast. Clearing overnight for next couple of days.

Donna and I off to Moncton with into a weather advisory for snow. Front moving quickly through appears we will be in and out before it becomes too much of an issue. The wind to die down and change direction during the afternoon as the front moves off to the east.

Sea egg licenses in full swing, price remains good with quality holding up. Licenses are limited with a much reduced quota from years past, the only bright spot in any fishery won't last too long.

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16/08

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:50 AM GMT on December 16, 2008

Overcast, calm, warm @8C gradually dropping to the minus mark by evening. Wind to swing to northerly with an easterly influence. Overall wind not expected to be too high a welcome change from this past sevral days.

Trip to Moncton on, reservation made Donna will get her opportunity to insure the final touches for Xmas are completed to her standard.

Weather will allow more gear to come ashore, price going down each week looking at $3/lb range locally. Some on the mainland reported in $2.85 territory, far from viable. Quite a few being sold direct to man on the street. At $5/lb a bonous for the fisherman and a deal for the customer.

Rumours of local businesses dependant on the fishery beginning to lay people off, a new phenomon for our community.

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 15/08

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:49 AM GMT on December 15, 2008

Overcast, sotherly breeze 20-25KPH higher as the day moves along, temp 3C to rise toward double digit and rain expected today and tomorrow. Weather pattern in and out with possible snow and rain on different days of the week.

The cold deep freeze in the west looking to visit over Xmas Week for quite a few days. Currently -30C range with any wind quite uncomfortable, can attest have the T-shirt.

Plan is for a day trip to Moncton on Wednesday to capture remaining gifts at brothers with a go around for the last look before Xmas.

Dozen lobster from good friend yesterday in the pot within an hour of being on the bottom. Meat frozen one chowder for today and a few more as the winter unfolds, can't beat it.

Sea urchin price and quality good around $1.40USD better as quality goes up. Next fishery scalloping in January, price not great there either.

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14/08

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:10 PM GMT on December 14, 2008

Quite a drop in temp last 24 hours, -9C at daylight, calm, clear, a few wisps of sea smoke evident as the sun starting to show over Ross Island. Southery influence by this afternoon, temp to rise with rain in the forecast first part of the week.

Both kids below decks last night, Emily out for the evening. Rob attempted some sk8boarding yesterday sun was out, but cool along with wind chill soon drove them to other endeavours.

A few more traps coming ashore yesterday, with the weather being as it has not much activity of any kind taking place on the water this past few days.

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13/08

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:40 PM GMT on December 13, 2008

Overcast, attempting to clear, wind NW 20KPH, temp slightly below the freezing mark, to decline slightly as the day moves along. Clear for the weekend then rain first of the week once again.

Rob out overnight, Emily recovering, pretty well it seems, from sore throat during school yesterday. Emily had to forgo at least two opportunities to babysit as result of illness.

Donna and Shauna to join mom at Nursing Home for dinner celebrating the season. The activities and care for the residents is a credit to the entire staff.

Shooting for mid-week to make the final foray before Xmas to the mainland. Longrange weather seem to be in the right place at the moment.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12/08

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:51 AM GMT on December 12, 2008

Weather change once again, thick fog, 6Ctemp to rise double digits, gale force southerly into the evening. Wind to remain with us for next few days, if not gale force in the close proximity.

Weather co-operated coming and going yesterday. The boat filled on our trips, fellow citizens doing the same activity. Trip a success, shopping right up to the moment to leave town, most of the travelling funds left at the stores.

One more trip to Moncton in the offing, long range dosen't give an opportunity till at least mid-week. Nothing like going down to the wire to add a little pressure to things that 'must' be accomplished.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2008

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:27 AM GMT on December 11, 2008

Temp has dropped to -3C overnight, a slight draft from NE, can expect a bad 'wintry mix' tonight into tomorrow. Lots of freezing rain inland, snow, then rain, appears we are into the rain only.

Travelling today with the Xmas crowd, a small weather window today, appears we should be back on our turf by the time the system winds up for the storm. After the system moves through, seasonable once again

Some traps will be coming home today, not much going on in the lobster world, combination of price and weather, not good. Sea urchin fishery underway this week, no idea on quality or price.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2008

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:51 AM GMT on December 10, 2008

Overcast, lots of southerly 45-50KPH @ dayllight, nice temp 9C. As the day moves along wind remains till night, shifts to northerly temp to decline, this is the weather pattern for the weekend, northerly cooler and wind.

Weather window for tomorrow will get one part of the crowd for a few hours at the mall. Two weeks from today will give it an awful rub for getting the shopping done.

Quite a run on Ross Island with 26' tide should keep it off the lawn, looking out the window water just under what passes for a sea wall before getting on the lawn.

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9/08

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:48 AM GMT on December 09, 2008

Calm for the moment, red sun poking up over the trees on Ross Island partially obscured by the cloud cover. Cold over night in the -13C range, no wind for a change. Southerly gradually taking over with rain and temps in double digits on the plus side over next couple of days.

The weather not co-operating in getting the children and thier mother for a look at the malls. Possibly a chance on Thursday, then next week Donna and I might get to Moncton for a quick trip as we have things there for pickup. The window is closing for sure.

Boats will be fishing today still no let up in the market place as far as price goes.

New ferry announced yesterday, delivery May 2011. The current vessel carries 60 auto equivilants with 300 passengers. The new one will carry 80 auto equiv. and 360 passengers. The current vessel combined with the new one on the run during the summers season will be able to move in the excess of 1000 passengers.

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,MONDAY, DECEMBER 8/08

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:51 AM GMT on December 08, 2008

Winter like this morning, high westerly winds gusting 45KPH, temp -7, overcast. A week of rain high temps, high winds once the southerly influence takes over.

A little sea smoke evident in the harbour this morning, the first of the season, more than lekely the fresh water influence from the rain yesterday.

Kids getting ready for Xmas projects lots of music engagements, between church and school.

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SUNDAY DECEMBER 7/08

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:30 PM GMT on December 07, 2008

The beginnings of a nasty weather day getting underway, rain, easterly starting to ramp up already gusting to 35KPH, temp 5C. This is the weather pattern for the next sevral days, lots of wind, rain and when temp drops freezing rain or snow.

More trap grear going by the house yesterday, not a good thing or an indication that the normal fishing season pattern is being followed. Strictly and economic decision due to poor price, wharf talk suggesting after Xmas no sale fpr lobster at any price.

The limited sea urchin fishery starts a week tomorrow, that will give some boats an opportunity to help salvage a bad winter. The quota per license not great, however with the CAD in the $.80USD range will boost the price per lb.

Kids home last night, Rob invited out, however just not quite over the cold he has been harbouring this past week kept him in his own digs.

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6/08

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:18 PM GMT on December 06, 2008

A KODAK moment looking out the window this morning, water calm, red sky with the sunrise, Ross Island reflecting towards the house - impressive. Temp -8C to remain similar till later on in the day with some wind expected. Most of next week poor weather in the offing.

See some traps coming home can expect many more to do the same, price this week dropped to $3.25/lb. The number of fishing days being cut back by many of those fishing to cut expenses, many of the traps will be on the bank by Xmas. Still no time frame for a change in the economic conditions to start to rebound.

Both Emily & Rob below decks last evening, Rob quite a head cold, Emily just putting it behind her. Donna also suffering, however see the butter out to soften for preparation of more season cooking, time is waning.

Temps like this and if we had a concrete floor in the new complex the preparation to make ice would be a reality.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4/08

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:58 AM GMT on December 05, 2008

Overcast, 5C with a slight draft WSW, temp to decline during the day, with rain. Overnight temp to be below freezing, outlook for miserable weather for sevral days.

Donna and Patsy have increased thier threshold tolerance for travel in windy conditions. Just as they were leaving for home wind changed direction making the trip over not bad at all. Trip reported to be a success, with the majority of the Xmas Shopping completed.

Lobster price on decline this week, edging toward the $3/lb level. That will certainly insure the bulk of the traps will be coming home, not possible to make it work a combination of price and fewer lobsters speak for itself.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3/08

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:42 AM GMT on December 03, 2008

Partial overcast, calm, -3C to rise just above the 0 level as the day moves along. Fairly nice seasonal weather anticipated till the weekend, another winter storm possible.

Lobster price remains at $3.50, article in paper last evening describing the fishery in Nova Scota practically shutdown in hopes of a higher price. Buyer stating no market in the U.S., locally indications none gone south of the border since before the Thanksgiving Holiday last week. A bleak and short season, with no better prospects for the forseeable future, bet will be no bailouts at this level.

Donna and Pasty enroute to the mainland for a sleepover, combined with a small amount of mall crawl. This annual event off by about a month, should get them going for the Xmas Season. The shopping pressure should be relieved, then it is cards, cooking and delivering before the day is gone by.

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2/08

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:46 AM GMT on December 02, 2008

Overcast, breeze 25-35KPH from SW, 6Ctemp, appears as if rain could revisit during the day. Cooler temps holding off till end of the week, then freezing temps return.

See Bugs mentioned cool in the Carolinas, but qualified it by saying 'especially in the shade', not a statement that influences our temps at this time of year.

Word from Novie is that vast majority of lobster fishing not going to traps until at least a price of $4/lb is on the table. The price being offered similar to local over the past couple of weeks. Catch down signifigantly in Novie, and continues to decline locally.

Donna and Patsy getting underway in the morning for an abbreviated Xmas Shopping excursion, there appears to a weather window open to accomadate the trip. I beleive they can endure a little more wind than a week or so ago, nothing is done in the shopping realm - so am told.

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 1/08

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:56 AM GMT on December 01, 2008

Christmas month opening with a typical Maritime late fall day, strong NE gusting to 25KPH, 7C temp, similar forecast for next couple of days. Some relief from the wind Wed., and Thur. with mild temps.

Rob and his group participated in a recital with all the groups taking music lesson last evening. The Wesleyan Church experianced budding talent with some alternative types of music. The recital well attended, and enjoyed by all.

The lobster catch declined dramatically last week, could be the stormy weather or they have moved along quicker than usual. At any rate with the size of the catch, and the price do not make it a viable occupation.

The local B&G CLUB held their annual telethon this weekend, have not learned of the tally. Going into the event some trepidation for the success due to local economy, and a wait and see how the Club fits into the new complex.

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