GRAND MANAN, N.B.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28/10

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:48 AM GMT on January 28, 2010

Overcast, a sliver of red sky behind Ross Island, calm, temp at freezing mark. Looking for rain turning to snow over next day or so, with cold certainly cooler temps for the weekend and clear.

Emily has final exam of this go round today, Rob has similar schedule, but has one tomorrow. They are getting excited about trip to Crabbe Mountain, afternoon trip tomorrow returning Sunday afternoon. Weather appears to be co-operating with clear and cold temps in the offing.

Quiet in the fishery, not much of anything to report. What few traps remain in the water not being tended often, a combination of poor weather,poor price, and poor catch not conducive to 'givin 'er'.

The fundraising thermometer jumped another bit yesterday now @$35K.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27/10

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 3:31 PM GMT on January 27, 2010

My morning entry disappeared for whatever reason, can't imagine it would be something that I would be responsible for.

Great weather this morning with a great red sun over Ross Island, a draft from the West keeping the sky clear, temp on the plus side at 3C, to hover in this range till tomorrow with a gradual decline for the weekend being more seasonable temps.

Kids in exam mode, Rob movies overnight as no school today, Emily overnighting with her buddy, studying I am sure as she has no exam till tomorrow. The kids off to Crabbe Mountain for a weekend of skiing and boarding with thier youth group.

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 26/10

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:53 AM GMT on January 26, 2010

Warm, thick fog can barely see the beach, temp 7C, wind SW @10-15KPH. Threat of showers as the day moves along, above freezing temps the norm till end of the week. Weekend a bit of cold snap then warming up once again.

Yhe rain, warm temps and wind combined to remove the snow cover, the white has been exchanged for dreary brown complete with puddles. Will be able to get around the woods this weekend, and get some of my labour home in the yard.

Kids still in exam mode, no problem yesterday, if the reports we are recieving are correct. Emily has two exams today, Rob one this morning. Once exam is over they are free to go, Rob is usually on the loose pretty early.

Fundraising thermometer moved from $0-$30K over the weekend, the effort just beginning in earnest this week. Unfortunate the weather prevented the premier and our federal rep from coming to the island yesterday to announce the name of the new ferry. We would have had all three levels of government in one spot a chance to get a commitment for the rink to move forward.

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MONDAY, JANUARY 25/10

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:43 AM GMT on January 25, 2010

The severe weather forecast is not far off, this morning raining, SE @ 20-25KPH, 1C for temp. The weather to deteoriate as the day moves along.Gale force winds with the weatherman calling for wind and rainfall warnings and high seas overnight.

Doubtful is the premier and his entouage will make it to the island today. The plan for them to fly, with freezing drizzle currently the case in Fredericton being on the ground the place to be.

A few more traps coming home over the weekend, and some boats out yesterday getting ahead of this weather.

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SUNDAY, JAMUARY 24/10

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:49 AM GMT on January 24, 2010

The ominous red almost crimson sky over Ross Island this morning. Forecast still saying bad weather in the offing by tonight and all day tomorrow rain and wind. At the moment partial overcast, calm, -7C for temp.

Rob out overnight, X-Boxing I presume, Emily in her pit for the evening. Didn't see much of her last evening movies and MSN must assume.

Weather still not cold enough to give the rink ice the final jolt, almost there. Now the weather will be warm for a couple of days losing ground once again. Getting doubtful if we will see a youngster on skates in there this year, what a shame. Goal to insure by next fall it will be up and running.

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 23/10

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:20 PM GMT on January 23, 2010

A weather change to seasonable conditions for the next day or so. Wind from NW @15-20KPH, temp -11C to rise very little till tomorrow afternoon. The weather from California start of the week paying a vist. Lot of wind and rain for a few hours then back to cooler temps by Tuesday.

Rob to basketball till near midnight, Emily had a babysitting gig till don't know when, I was in slumberland when she returned.

Rink volunteers in active mode of fundraising to assist in seeing the arena finished. Substantial funds committed this early, local Rotary Club on side for $15K. The Village will assist, and two levels of government verbal in thier support. When we can get financial commitments on paper goal is to not miss a day next fall that the ice can be available.

A few chores then into the bush for the morning, with the wind can't suggest it will be too warm.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 22/10

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:50 AM GMT on January 22, 2010

Clear, a slight draft from NW, temp -6C, temp to remain on minus side till Sunday evening. A southerly influence with rain for a couple of days the first of the week, then cool temps once again.

Premier scheduled to visit on Monday for an event at the school. The name of the new ferry now under construction in Florida to be announced. No indication that any other awaited announcements, i.e. Nursing Home replacement or finish the arena are on the Agenda. We know they are both going ahead, just no other info of when or in the case of the N.H. what location.

Lots of snow in places, Dark Harbour Road in the 16" range, signifigant for us at anytime especially with the mild temps we had during the storm.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 21/10

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:43 AM GMT on January 21, 2010

Snow has stopped, partial overcast, wind from NW @20-25KPH,clearing trend for the next little while, with well above temps and rain by the first of the week.

Kids off to school this morning, Rob out in the snow most of the afternoon, Emily hunkered down with her grandmother and computer. Business of the village not effected by the snow, road crew able to keep things cleaned up, by late afternoon a combination of ploughing and warmer weather had the roads clear of snow.

Quiet on the fishery front, wind high enough to insure that the boats stay tied up. Not much sense in beating around for the day with the little return that they get from the product at this time of the year.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20/10

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:48 AM GMT on January 20, 2010

Snow, almost rain continues since late yesterday, a breeze from NE @25-30KPH, temp at the freezing mark. Conditions to remain, likly turning to rain as the day moves along. Clearing but remaining warm next few days.

No hubub this morning, the first SNOW DAY this year. The kids were calling for it last night, lamenting they haven't had any this season. As a result they are in thier respective pits catching up on missed sleep I suppose.

One has to be a little skeptical that we are going to get to use the arena at all this winter. Ice just about there, however need a couple of double digit negative temps to make it happen, that not in the forecast for next little while at least.

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 19/10

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:48 AM GMT on January 19, 2010

Overcast, temp -2C, NE 10-15KPH, weather remains unsettled, snow flurries or showers in the offing as the wind swings to southerly influence. Similar weather with a chance of clearing on Thursday in the forecast till weekend.

Fishery news quiet, lobster traps for the most part appear to be on shore. Those with gear off going about once a week, scalloping down to the scratching for a days pay. Sea egging quota pretty well cleaned up with a few boats still at it, not too plentiful this year.

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MONDAY, JANUARY 18/10

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:43 AM GMT on January 18, 2010

A weather pattern change in the offing, warming trend, snow, windy till at least mid week. Currently -2C, NE 35-40KPH, expected to swing to SE and snow by this afternoon.

Weather not doing much for the rink, ice just about there, but can't get the weather to finish it off. Kids of all ages ask me about the status of the ice, anxious to get it on is an understatement.

Rob had an afternoon of sliding, a great weather day for that. Temp cool not cold, lots of sun and no wind, one made to order for such activity.

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 18/10

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:28 PM GMT on January 17, 2010

Coming overcast as the morning moves along a little. A change in the weather temp under a northerly influence at -9C, a slight draft moving the flag. This pattern to remain for a few days, warming up during the day quite cool at night.

Rob out overnight, off to a youth 'hangout day', they called here at 0800 wondering where he was - he had the bacon for breakfest. He was in the shower being somewhere at 0800 in his mind means it is early and you start getting ready at the appointed hour not be on site.

Emily half finding a cold, but seemed quite content to work on the jigsaw puzzle with her best friend, nan, and spend time on MSN.

Good morning in the bush yesterday, got some trees manufactured, snow cover still hard to get around in there. Consequently didn't get any home in the yard, possibly today.

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 16/10

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:23 PM GMT on January 16, 2010

Partial overcast, temp on the plus side at 1C, to slowly decline as the day moves along with a chance of drizzle or snow flurries later on. Overnight to go to the freezing side of things. We have had little sustained wind this past week or so welcome and unusual for this time of year.

Emily out overnight, Rob and his music gang well into the evening making music? Then a few movies and retired to his man pit or cave whatever is politically correct these days.

Lots of scallops found at the Wolves, however now pretty well cleaned up. Forty-two boats on small amount of bottom at one time makes short work of what is available.

Eldest brother arrives in his winter digs this afternoon, notes on computer advise of a great trip and lots of sun and much higher temps. He passes that along for whatever reason I am sure.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 15/10

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:50 AM GMT on January 15, 2010

Overcast, wind SW just a draft enough to move the flag, to increase a bit as the day moves along. Temp on the plus side @ 3C staying in that range today and tomorrow with a cool change by Sunday night.

Eldest brother enroute to Myrtle Beach, appears his arrival will conincide with better temps for the southern U.S. "more seasonable"

Trip to the Big Smoke uneventful, appointment done well before 11AM, a lunch, a short tour for some groceries, and back for the 1:30PM no problem. Far from a full trip each way, travel slowed down for next little while.

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THURSDAY, JAMUARY 14/10

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:16 AM GMT on January 14, 2010

Overcast, cool at -10C,calm, the weather pattern to change to a southerly influence later on today witht temps moderating tomorrow near the freezing mark for highs.

The rink just about there, hopes are that it can get to the final stage, then hold it till the weather co-operates for use. The guys have done a great job and spent coultless hours getting it to where it is at the moment.

A few scallops around, spotty for the most part, however a quantity found around the Wolves. Enough that extra 'shuckers' required to get them ready for market, something that has not occurred for a longtime. Now how long that might last is another story.

A quick turn around to St. John this morning hope to make the 1:30PM home, will depend on how Donna's dads appointment goes.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13/10

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:35 AM GMT on January 13, 2010

Overcast at the moment, expect to clear, calm, temp -11C, will rise into single digits on the minus side. Same weather pattern for next couple of days then moderating on the weekend.

The arena ice nearing the go point, just as the weather is about to moderate. The cold temps should remain long enough to get the job done, then with cold night temps might be able to get the local kids in the skating mode for a few days. The corps group of volunteers have been hard at it for several days flooding and getting it ready.

Haven't spoke with anyone about the scalloping results yesterday. Have got my name in for a few for the freezer, and of course the table right away. Need a bushel to satisfy Emily, besides myself others don't care for it or have an allergy. Emily will eat them raw as well as cooked, hard to get enough on the plate when they are plentiful.

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 12/10

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:44 AM GMT on January 12, 2010

Another nice morning, a slight breeze from WNW @ 10-15KPH, -8C, temp to rise slightly as the day moves along then retreat to double digits overnight. Weather pattern to remain in place with a spike on the plus side on Friday.

The rink volunteers hard at taking advantage of the temps, ice being flooded and making up more each day. If the temps co-operate might get the facility in commence by the weekend. Hopefully this is the case as the season is beginning to slip away. Still no indication of how funding might be provided to get it done to take away the dependance on Mother Nature.

Scalloping fleet be at it this morning, not a bad day for that fishery. Haven't heard what the price might be like, somewhat like lobster fishing if any around the first few days are good then becomes a matter of scratching for a days pay.

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MONDAY, JANUARY 11/10

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:42 AM GMT on January 11, 2010

Good looking morning, calm, -10C, to moderate slightly duirng the day, to remain below the freezing mark. The longrange indicates similar pattern till Friday a spike upwards then back into this type of weather.

A number of watrfowel on patrol infront of the house this mornig. First time in quite awhile they have gathered other than to get some lee from wind.

Believe the first day of scalloping gets underway tomorrow morning. Indications are it will be cool, but not cold and no great amount of wind to contend with.

Kids getting prepared for end of semester exams in a couple of weeks. They will use the time to get prepared I am sure, o yeah.

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 10/10

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:11 PM GMT on January 10, 2010

Partial overcast, a slight draft from NW, temp -10C, not expected to rise much as the day moves along, with a chance of flurries. Weather pattern remains the same for the remainder of the week.

Both kids below decks last night, Emily returned shortly before supper. Rob out most of the afternoon and part of the evening with his music crowd. They are a dedicated bunch, now if it was only something I could understand as music, probably not going to happen.

Did manage to get a few trees manufactured yesterday, getting around in the woods not too bad, but quite a bit of snow in places. The snow cover keeps the ice from forming, unable to get to the historical part of the woodlot, possibly by weeks end.

Arena ice, should be coming along with this type of weather conditions.

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 09/10

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:12 PM GMT on January 09, 2010

Overcast, wind NW @ 15-20kph, -4Ctemp, expect a few flurries, and temp to drop as the day goes along. Nothing too fridig, howver getting into minus double digits overnight for the next few days.

Minus temps might allow the ice to make up in the arena, the water is now well chilled and just barely below the freezing mark is making ice. Would be great to get the place going by next weekend.Kids are anxious to get it on, be great if we could schedule the opening for next November rather than wait for what Mother Nature is going to send our way. Town Fathers and an active volunteer group working hard to make it a reality.

Time to stop the procrastination and venture into the woods, two trailer loads currently in the yard not going to do it for next year.

The drop in temp comes at the same time the scalloping season gets underway, a common occurrence, cold weather, wind and scallops all go together.

Emily out overnight, Rob in his 'man cave' guitars, x-box and movies till all hours.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 8/10

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:47 AM GMT on January 08, 2010

First week of the New Year already past, today a nice winter morning, calm, a bit cooler at -6C to moderate very little, similar temps and clear weather for the longrange.

Trip to Fredericton uneventful, just me my truck and satellite radio coming and going, with a meeting of four hours in between. Boat not full, but nearly so on the two trips I was on. Road condions not a problem, no ice on the trip coming or going.

The arena might get in commence if we can get some sustained cold weather. The winter days are beginnng to slip away, still with no acitivity in our new facility, Mother Nature needs a push from man made means to build and keep the ice, still working on a means to get it done, no financial White Knight rode into the mix as yet.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 07/10

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:26 AM GMT on January 07, 2010

Remains calm with a slight draft from west, temp appears to be among the highest in eastern North America at a mere -2C. To remain overcast with clearing later on and colder weather over the next few days.

Weather comments mainly 'somthing when warmer here than in Florida'. The folks in the southern U.S. enduring the cold then followed up by snow, not just for a little while but several days,

A quick trip to Fredericton this morning, meeting most of the day, probably will bed last boat before return to the nest. The Christmas malaise of government inactivity kicking back gear very quickly. This one of at least two on the go this month.

Kids back in school, not any great grumbling, however no great smiles either.

Off to the boat.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 06/10

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:49 AM GMT on January 06, 2010

Overcast, a slight draft from the west, temp still nice for this time of year @-2C. Not much change in weather conditions int he forecast till end of the week, then to be more seasonable for sevral days.

Kids hiatus coming to a close this morning, Rob into his shower routine. Emily at a preschool sleepover can only imagine what kind of rest the girls managed last night.

Quite a bit of the snow cover has been reduced with the warm temps, odd rain shower, combined with a slight breeze. The major storm that was forecast for the weekend starting to back off some as expected to veer away prior to getting to our part of the world.

Weathernetwork showing the weather bomb that went through here this past weekend now causing some type of problems in the UK, and parts of Europe. Folks in the southern U.S. getting hammered with cold and snow for the next little while.

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 05/10

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:50 AM GMT on January 05, 2010

Remains overcast, with a slight breeze from the west with just a hint of southerly. The fridgid temps heading to the far south not influencing our part of the world till near the end of the week.

The start of scalloping season traditionally has seemed to bring on the true winter weather for our area. The forecast is shaping up to hold to that pattern this time around.

Kids don't seem to anxious to return to the learning institution as they were in the fall. Emily babysitting all day,Rob still attempting to get his machine online, he may have to swallow his pride and get one of the group to assist.

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MONDAY, JANUARY 4/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:37 AM GMT on January 04, 2010

Clouds, wind a slight change to NW, dropped off now @10=15KPH, mild temp 1C to rise with showers possible by later on today. Temps to remain on plus side till at least mid week. An early January thaw appears to be in place.

The rain knocked down the snow to some degree, however with the amount we had will be awhile before I can get around in the woods. The tides are starting to drop back after being a concern around the shore, but nothing like in the Northumberland Strait. I had a bit over the seawall, but nothing too speacil.

Kids at home with one extra, Rob getting excited he was able to get his X-BOX to recognize the remote, however still a step he is missing. I am sure he will find one of his buddies to get him over the final hurdle.

Scalloping next on the fishery agenda, believe it will be next week before the 'line opens'. A number of boats gearing up for the first little while at least, no reports on what the price might be.

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 03/10

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 3:45 PM GMT on January 03, 2010

A bit late getting report online this morning. Had to get a snow clearing first thing. It appears the storm has moved on to other parts of the Maritimes. Clear, wind E@ 15-20KPH, forecasting rain later on today mild and damp till mid-week then clear and colder temps are possible.

Snow amount in our yard the most since we have been here, with the NE wind we usually have been able to have it moved over to the neighbour before it stops. Not the case this time around.

Yard quite a bit smaller after moving the snow, no place to push it, alright if it melts away, but if another storm comes makes it difficult to find somewhere to put the stuff. Snow is melting already on the pavement in yard if have any luck will be clear before the remnants freeze.

Donna & Emily doing a major makeover of her room, bags of 'Stff" amd clothes salvaged for use by somebody else. The room looks great, requires one more coat then put the things back together. They have had a grand time doing the planning and the work.

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 02/10

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:50 AM GMT on January 02, 2010

NE wind persists this morning, 30-35KPH, to increase to gale force till tomorrow afternoon. Various types of watches being broadcast, wind, snow, and costal flooding. Temp -3C to rise near or above zero for this area during the storm.

Forecast is giving lots of snowfall and wind for the mainland. It might be rain for us, but remains to be seen just how high the temp does get over the next day or so. First time I have noticed a storm surge at high tide mentioned for Eastport, a combination of full tides and high winds the culprit.

Quiet day yesterday, did manage to get most of my GRISWOLD creation at least off the lawn. Now need to make room for it in the shed, always a challenge to get it out of the way till next fall.

Both kids home last night, Rob - as expected - up all night on X-Box he was glad to hit the rack early. Emily content to do a bit of puzzle with Donna, and of course her computer kept her in contact with others that are important in her life.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 1/2010

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:41 PM GMT on January 01, 2010

Even got the new date correct the first time out. Seems we are in the midst of receiving a big storm lots of snow, rain and wind. Blowing pretty good right now from NE @ 25-35KPH, overcast with a hint of snow in the air. Temp good at a mere -2C still deciding just where the bulk of the storm is to hit our area.

Great evening/early AM to usher in the New Year, a great meal, music we could relate to. Watched the a New Year in from Halifax, even managed to take in the event from Times Square. Soon thereafter in the bunk, Emily returned home just after we made an appearance.

Was going in the woods this morning, remains to be seen if that is something to consider with the amount of wind to contend with, and the gimp to actually get it done.

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