GRAND MANAN, N.B.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:47 AM GMT on December 29, 2009

Getting back to more seasonable conditions today, yesterday worthy of mention, temps and sun almost spring like for most of the day. This morning snowing with a strong north-easterly air flow @20-25KPH. Temp to plummet once this clears later today, a low of -16C tonight, with similar temps for next couple of days then warm for the weekend.

Emily out overnight, let us know she might be back by New Years, they have a grand time when they are together. Don't believe things slow down too much as Haven has six sisters to assist in keeping things moving.

Rob in his 'pit' for the night, no doubt a good thing as sleep has been late in coming with his new acquistion in hand.

A number of traps going by the house yesterday, lots of the inshore stuff must be accounted for by this time.

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 28/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:26 PM GMT on December 28, 2009

Lots of sun, clear, a draft from West, 5Ctemp, forcast to have temp drop near freezing as day moves along. Still calling for showers, not looking that way at the moment.

Both kids home overnight, now the push on to get the new electronics to operate wireless. Bit of a challenge for one that is more than a little challenged in this area, and the other impatient, reads only a bit of the instructions then overly frustrated when it does not occur. Will search out a 10 year old to get it done properly.

Christmas flurry pretty well past, still catching up on rest, been great weather to accomplish that.

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:58 AM GMT on December 27, 2009

Bright red sky this morning over Ross Island, lots of easterly 25-30KPH, temp 2C to rise near double digits with rain for today and tomorrow cooler by mid-week. Typical Christmas weather in this part of the world.

Rob out overnight once again, X-Box marathon underway I suspect. A couple of his other cronies looking for him last evening also. Emily busy babysitting till too late to entertain invites to crash anywhere but here own pit.

Yesterday fairly quiet, aftermath of the previous weeks catching up on the old folks. Merely sitting and watching some football proved to be a great way to pass the evening. According to all tell all hands in the family had a good time, visits and feast with immediate members of their family went very well.

A few fellows out yesterday getting traps home before this next breeze, and preparation for scalloping next month.

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 1:05 PM GMT on December 26, 2009

Sun attempting to make an appearance this morning, a few flurries overnight, NE breeze persists at 20-25KPH. Weather patterm to give us some southerly influence then mid week go cold for the longrange, good for making ice.

Christmas Day quite uneventful, mom got to visit for the afternoon. Visited Donna's folks, her mom not very well, but enjoyed her day.

Rob and his peer group pretty well all equipped with X-BOX after Santa's visit, the vital card to go online missing in most cases will be next week before that can be purchased. He out overnight with his controller to do battle with at least one other buddy.

Emily has a guest in residence, they were giggling well into the night. At least the music was not too loud as we did manage to have a good sleep.

Now the routine changes to getting into the woods, and dismantling by GRISWOLD creation for another year. Along with the assertion that I will mark the boxes telling where the lights, decorations were displayed this year, O yeah.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:42 PM GMT on December 25, 2009

Santa made the trip with no weather problems in this area, overcast, calm, temp -3C, looking for a few snow flurries later on today, clear for the weekend.

To all a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS, thanks for dropping by with the great comments and graphics, much appreciated.

The excitement level down from previous years, in years past kids start roaming at 0400HRS to get at the gifts under the tree. Was 0700 before they made an appearance this morning, but they had been moving around quite a bit prior to that. Also the amount of gifts down as electronics was all that was requested, they have been retrieved and now in various stages of commenc, probably out of sight till much later this morning.

Visiting Mom yesterday, she almost immediately advised that she wished to join us for dinner today, will pick her up near time to dine welcome for us and her. Donna's folks unable to make the trek this time around, but we will visit them shortly to see that all is well with them today.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:49 AM GMT on December 24, 2009

Santa will require wheels on his sleigh if this weather persists till tonight, 35-40KPH NE, rain, temp 2C, forecast is for snow by this afternoon. Temps to remain on the plus side for the next little while, snow cover still remains from the weekend.

Donna at it this morning getting some of the preliminary dishes out of the way for tomorrow. Niece and her husband the only extras as of this moment. The gifts about ready for moving around the various locations this afternoon.

Rob has healed quite well, yesterday he and his buddy on ATV and managed to get it stuck. Required my assistance getting them out of the snowbank, they appear to think that a fourwheel drive can go wherever they feel it should. They just managed to insure it was stuck real good, not just a little bit.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:59 AM GMT on December 23, 2009

A skiff of snow overnight, temp -7C, barely enough breeze to move the flag from the west. Snowfall warning in effect for the area, radar indicates more towards the head of the Bay this time around. Should be a white Christmas with temps looking good just around the freezing mark for the next few days.

Rob fell while skating last evening, lots of pain, thought might have broken his wrist. Hospital trip revealed didn't appear to be the case, a little ice, ADVIL, and bandage had it under control by late last night. Will see what it is like the morning whether a follow up with an X-ray is required. Hard thing for a guitar player, and a hopeful X-Box recipient to be down to his wrong hand of the two.

All hands waiting for Christmas Day, not with the level of anticipation of years past. Kids getting older, weather has been less like the season till this week, and the strong probabilty that our parents not in a physical position to join us during the day and for Donna's traditional dinner.

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:41 AM GMT on December 22, 2009

Overcast, NW persists this morning @25-30KPH, temp -5C winds makes it seem much cooler. Appears Santa should have no problem with his sleigh this year, another snowfall warning issued for tonight, and most of tomorrow. A suggestion that might involve rain or 'mixed percipitation' for a short time.

Trip to the ortho uneventful, once you were 1/2mile from the shore no evidence of snowfall, none encountered during the day. A fair amount of wind coming and going, however never felt it on the boat, she laid over and stayed there.

Emily's tin grin is gone, and as a result has been flashing her new smile at every opportunity. Retainers in place, no return visit for six months. She is very pleased with the results, but finds the absence of the tin a bit 'wierd' after all this time.

Did not have a great deal of 'free time' to get some last minute items cleared up. By the crowd at the 'mall' would appear a large portion of the population has last minute itmes on thier minds also.

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DECEMBER 21/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:03 AM GMT on December 21, 2009

Winter is officially on site, yesterday was a prelude to announce its arrival. Blizzard like conditions for the afternoon and well into the evening. A fair amount of snow accumulated in the yard.
This morning breeze NW25-30KPH, -5C with wind chill in the -17C range. Trend to warm up and edge by the freezing mark with moisture in the offing for tomorrow.

Have an ortho visit this morning, Rob has graciously offered to remove the snow in my absence with the aid of my ATV. Not likly to happen he has not had the shakedown on how it is done, probably too slow for his liking after being at it for a short while.

Will be taking the truck this morning, roads will be a bit snow covered, at least for the first part of the trip I suspect.

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:16 PM GMT on December 20, 2009

Sun reluctant to make an appearance this morning, heavy overcast, high winds NE 35-40KPH, temp -5C with this wind the windchill will be quite a factor. The blizzard to the south of us still deciding if it will be off to the east enough to give us a dusting or a dumping, will soon know.

Emily has ortho appointment in the morning, has announced no matter what the weather we are going. The braces are due to be removed, she is anxious after 18months to have it done.She along with her braces buddy will make the trip, if weather persists will take the truck.

Rob returned to the fold last night, did not see any of him, probably the first opportunity for him to get a rest and hit the bunk.

Santa Claus parade last night, a great success, some imaginative floats, weather ideal parade route lined with lots of kids.

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:46 AM GMT on December 19, 2009

Remains clear, cool @-10C, with a breeze from West 20-25KPH, brings the temp down to the -20C range this morning. Forecast indicates similar temps for next couple of days then showing a bit of rain possible for days leading up to Christmas.

Lots of people travelling yesterday, boat to capacity on the two trips we were on. Shoppers and university students making thier way home for the holiday.

Our trip went very well, quite relaxed stores were busy but crowd seemed to be getting thier chores done with no delays.

Emily in St. John overnight, Rob out around the countryside before we arrived home. One more trip prior to Christmas, weather permitting to get Emily's braces looked after, plan is to go Monday, however a large snowstorm this way comes.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:08 AM GMT on December 18, 2009

Clear, cold @-14C, still a good breeze from NW @20-25KPH, appears to be dropping back a little this morning. Similar weather pattern for next few days, possibly a little moderation for Santa Parade tomorrow evening.

Emily travelling today for an overnighter in St. John her good friend entering one of the first milestones of her Passage, Sweet Sixteen.

We are enroute to Calais for a look around, for the day. Brother not in residence till later today, probably will pass him in the night this time around. Still will deliver the seasonal requirements.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:49 AM GMT on December 17, 2009

As daylight begins the level of sea smoke increases with it, not sky high in the harbour appears to be on the back side of the island. Temp -16C being pushed by 20-25KPH westerly makes it much cooler. Similar temps till the weekend, remaining clear till at least first of the week.

Cold enough overnight that some of the saltwater ice has begun to form near the shoreline. A flock of waterfowel bunched up near the shore almost lost in the vapour.

Kids concert last evening, had a meeting didn't attend, however seems to have gone on quite well. Rob and his group played a tune so he was pleased.

Cross Border foray on for tomorrow, borderline NW breeze in the forecast, but letting up during the day. Forecast same for Monday to get Emily to the ortho, and the 'last minute' shopping completed. Busy time of year, it seems there is always something left to be done.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:51 AM GMT on December 16, 2009

Overcast, breezey WNW @35KPH, -1C for temp. Possible snow flurries next couple of days, wind to stay in this range, and temp to drop well below freezing. Long range looking for cold temps.

Busy trip yesterday,boat filled to capcity both coming and going, no strangers on these trips. Housekeeping chores before Christmas, kids from university pretty well home by this time. It is the time of year that folks are beginning to gather.

A little cross border foray in the plan for Friday, just Donna and I weather looks as if it might co-operate, there is some wind in the morning, but letting up as the day moves along.

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:13 AM GMT on December 15, 2009

Calm, ground fog, a slight draft from the west, temp on the plus side to rise today with rain in the forecast as the day moves along. The western deep freeze appears to be moving this way within next couple of days. Daily highs to be well below the freezing mark.

The "Rink Crowd" have the water in the arena in good time to take advantage of the cold weather. A few sustained days of frigid temps might give them a headstart on maintaining the ice for awhile. We are still totally dependant on what Mother Nature is willing to provide for ice making capability.

A shopping trip to St. John with Shauna and Rob for today. Weather to co-operate with winds to start this evening, just a bit of rain during the day.

The "Cookie Exchange" and fellowship went well, lots of nice dainties to get the eating season off the ground.

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 14/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:41 AM GMT on December 14, 2009

Overcast, mild, wind from the north 10-15KPH, temp to remain above freezing for next couple of days. Indications that current deep freeze on the prairie could start heading east in the next few days.

No waterfowel infront of the house this morning, a large flock has been present when high winds the order of the past few days. Four Canada Geese on the seawall for most of yesterday afternoon, first time since early fall.

Sea Urchin fishery in commence today, weather shouldn't be a problem and temp not a problem. Haven't heard what kind of a price they can expect as yet.

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:39 AM GMT on December 13, 2009

First morning in many that no gale force winds to greet your day. Westerly 10-15KPH, temp on the rise -2C, warming up with a rain in the forcast for this evening. Forecast for week just about anything temp, wind, rain or snow that one could ask for.

Rob out overnight, Emily attended a social event at the school till quite late. They continue to have a busy schedule, the school work remains something that is difficult to manage it seems.

The weather should allow me to repair the GRISWOLD World damage, did manage to get some it back together yesterday. However high winds, cold temps not conducive to hanging off a ladder for very long. Once off the ladder must be aware of which way it is going to fall over to avoid getting it on the back of the legs.

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:11 PM GMT on December 12, 2009

Clear, lots of wind from the west, temp -9C, with the 35-40KPH draft makes it more like -17C. This is the forecast for the weekend, no change in temp till early next week. A brief southerly brings temps above freezing then back down in fine style.

The Rink Crowd have the liner in place, flooding the surface, fans now have the arena temp barely below the freezing mark. The hope is to have an ice surface for Christams will see what Mother Nature has to say. The volunteer effort to get the arena prepared well supported, some great photos on various Facebook sites, and well known photographer Peter CUNNINGHAM has some pictures posted on his site.

The constant high winds continues to take a toll on my GRISWOLD creations. Donna's favourite fir tree sucuumded to the wind, ground to wet to allow the roots to hold it up. The tree at least twenty feet tall, not to be replaced very quickly. The snowmen have thier heads secure the hats keep moving, Santa's sleigh sliding around with no reindeer, something to do this morning.

Emily out overnight, Rob below decks for a change, basketball, this afternoon. The teams are from Perth-
Andover, the ferry trip must be an experiance for them, probably one they could do without.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:44 AM GMT on December 11, 2009

Partial overcast, strong WNW wind 35-40KPH, temp -2C windchill makes it around -10, suggestion that a bit of snow might be possible as the day moves along. Clearing and colder overnight, much the pattern for the weekend.

The snow mostly disappeared after the rain yesterday, lawn is now brown once again, just a trace where there were drifts to start the day on Thursday.

Not many lobster being shipped to Boston this week, fleet tied up yesterday, don't look favourable to leave the wharf till the first of next week.

No announced plans for the kids so far this weekend, they want to travel next week consequently the decree has been issued all school commitments for next week to be completed by this weekend or no travel.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:48 AM GMT on December 10, 2009

Overcast, wind WSW at 20-25KPH, forecast for gale force till at least tomorrow evening, temp 2C rising 6-8C then dropping back later on this afternoon. Longrange giving lots of wind, but clearing and colder for the weekend.

The 'red sky in the morning sailor take warning' weather statement true in spades yesterday. Snow mid afternoon, near blizzard conditions, during the evening rain, gale force gusts near 90KPH for the max. Ferry tied up for later schedule trips, don't know if weather or other considerations the reason.

The wind raised havoc with my GRISWOLD world, a couple of the snowmen appear to be decapitated, by time to turn in the bulk of the lights were out. Hopefully the lighting problem a result of the wind causing the plugs to come apart at a cruicial spot, lord knows there are plenty of opportunity for that to happen.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:48 AM GMT on December 09, 2009

Sailor take warning sky over Ross Island this morning, calm just before daylight, now NE draft underway, temp -6C. Gale force upgraded to Storm Force by late this afternoon, going southerly snow changing to rain, for the next day or so. Wind in the forecast well into the weekend.

Ortho/Xmas shopping off till next week, dosen't seem to be much complaining, all hands aware of the bad weather coming at us. Weather watch on for the first of next week, time is beginning to wind down before the big day for sure.

Deep freeze continues on the prairie with Killarney showing a cool -32C this morning, crisp is one descriptor that comes to mind.

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:50 AM GMT on December 08, 2009

Becoming overcast, calm at the moment, cool @-2C with what little draft we have from the north. Temp to remain near freezing for a high, lots of wind starting tonight, and going till end of the week. It is now winter weather pattern.

The ortho trip for tomorrow to be rescheduled, easterly gale tomorrow going southerly gale on Thursday then back northerly for the weekend and freezing once again. The shopping on the mainland window for last minutes items beginning to close a bit, love working under pressure.

The lobster I was attemptig to save a portion of, going to school as Emily's breakfest. The last of the chowder gone, Emily had a fair portion as snacks waiting for the chowder to be made, to say she enjoys her lobster a bit of an understatement. Rob on the other hand not so inclined or scallops, Emily can devour as many of them as are prepared for her.

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 7/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:42 AM GMT on December 07, 2009

Clear, calm, temp -3C forecast is to stay in this range for today. Weather in the form of easterly gales by Wednesday, lots of wind for most of the week it seems.
The snow remains this morning, thought we might have it gone yesterday afternoon, the temp dropped just enough to stop the melting process, very seasonal looking across to Ross Island.
Emily has an ortho for Wednesday, the whole group to travel for a Xmas Shopping finale, however with wind forecat in that range will no doubt have to put it off for another day.
Lots of waterfowel in near the shore again this morning, seems to be a harbinger of weather pattern changing to the worse.
Sea egg harvest starts mext week, my lobster benafactor involved in this fishery, he is planning on bringing some of his lobster gear home this week. It is difficult to do fisheries justice at the same time. Price of lobster seems to be on the rise last report $4.50/lbnot great, but much better than last season.

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:48 AM GMT on December 06, 2009

The Winter Weather Watch dosen't need to be on the lookout the weather has arrived. There has been an accumulation of a couple of inches or so overnight. Lots of wind driving the snow 30-35KPH norterly, temp right at the freezing mark, remains to be seen if the snow will hang around.

The snowplow has been rumbling by just before daylight, the first time of the season.

Both kids out overnight, Emily gone since Friday, becoming a weekly event. They will drift back by early afternoon, to do thier homework without prompting I am sure.

Received a treat last evening, eight nice lobsters, lots of meat in them. A large mixing bowl to be looked after, Emily can eat as much as I can, to save some for another day will freeze a couple chowders worth.

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:10 PM GMT on December 05, 2009

A weather change in the offing, calm, overcast, temp 3C, forecast contains a winter weather watch for the weekend. Lots of wind, mostly rain looks like for the Bermuda of the Maritimes.

Enily out overnight, Rob returned to the fort late between basketball tournament, and music concert or what passes for music he was occupied.

Lots of waterfowel in evidence this morning, and a couple of folks clamming on the bar as the tides are still full.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:54 AM GMT on December 04, 2009

Clear, calm, a bit cooler @4C, temp to rise a little during the day, weekend looking a bit damp at the outset. Longrange giving cooler temps in the offing.

Full tides and a southerly wind brought the harbour much closer to the house yesterday around noon. Harbour made it near the flagpole before receding, a couple of tons of rock weed on the seawall and lawn, combined with logs and other floatsam makes for a mess on the lawn.

A great looking sunrise underway over Ross Island, now see a few folks clamming on the beach. Quite a number of on the beach mear dark last night infront of the house, don't have any idea how they are making out.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 03/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:51 AM GMT on December 03, 2009

April like showers and temp@9C this morning, southerly 15KPH. Showers to continue for the day, clearing tonight temps remaining nice till the weekend when they take a dip.

The weather not condusive to the making of natural ice in the arena. The 'Rink Crowd/Volunteers' getting the rink ready for flooding with hopes that cold weather will soon be here. No word from our political types on assisting in acquiring ice making ability for the arena, obvious no go for this winter season.

Price for lobster this past week holding in the $4/lb range, not good, the only positive is price has not declined. Catch is dropping back signifigantly, as it always does this far into the season.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:52 AM GMT on December 02, 2009

Clear, a slight breeze 10-15KPH westerly, temp cool overnight now beginning to rise with the sun @2C. Rain this way comes with double digit temps for the next couple of days then dropping back to near freezing mark over the weekend and beyond.

Not much life evident in the harbour, waterfowel gone south, and those that winter here on the outer islands. They will show up here when the weather drives for a chance to get out of the weather.

Donna into the baking mode, same as each year feeling the presssure of having 'nothing done' in the baking area. The house nearly ready for the season, hard to get that behind you and bake at the same time. It will come togehter in plenty of time.

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:48 AM GMT on December 01, 2009

Christmas month getting undereway with overcast sky, northerly 5-10KPH, with the possibility of snow for the mainland, temp at 0C. Temp rising with rain, into double digits over next couple of days.

Telethon for the Boys&Girls Club a huge success with the final tally at $34K plus. The local branch of the Scotia
Bank's efforts accounted for over half the final amount. A great sign of support from the community overall, especially considering the state of the local economy.

The vaccination for the general public, steady all day. Donna & Shauna went last evening tally then around four hundred. I would expect the combination of students, priority groups and now the general public will find the majority of people have had the shot.

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