GRAND MANAN, N.B.

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:51 AM GMT on December 31, 2010

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A KODAK moment looking out over the harbour, total calm, red sky, remnants of a large jet trail over Ross Island, temp near the freeing mark. Temp to rise on the plus side with showers and fog in the forecast for the first few days of 2011.

A number of waterfowl gathered up, just sitting around in small groups, discussing how to bring in the New Year.

The arena transformation nearly complete by the end of the day yesterday. Two fellows from St. Andrews come over and trained the volunteers on this end. The ice is now painted white, the lines and circles down, impressive doesn't do it justice as a descriptor. ZAMBONI will be delivered next week, another long anticipated item in this process. Remains to be seen if the final flooding can be done to allow opening this evening. Many of the volunteers will be on the water today, taking advantage of the dramatic change in weather.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:49 AM GMT on December 30, 2010

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Barometer on the rise, temp cool -5C, driven by NW @15-20KPH gives a winchchill of -10C, remaining clear. Temp to rise with rain possible over the weekend. The local weather suggesting another nor'easter possible for Monday.

A few boats now on the move, most if not all the eggers at it yesterday. A few boats going today to have a look for lobster gear. The weather might have moved some around, well over a week of severe conditions can change fixed gear locations in a hurry.

Rob out overnight,Emily hunkered down, even attempting to get some homework completed.

Rink crowd working hard to get the ice ready for tomorrow, certainly for the weekend. Ice now ready for the master from St.Andrews to help paint the surface and put down the lines. A tedious and time consuming excercise, but the volunteers more than up for it.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:28 AM GMT on December 29, 2010

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The cold north wind continues to get our attention, albeit at a much reduced rate. Wind from NNW @ 20-25KPH, temp -7C giving a wind chill factor of -12C. The cloud cover has left, sun attempting to show itself over Ross Island, no waterfowl evident so far this morning.

A few boats dragging for urchins yesterday, a very confined bit of bottom to work with due to the weather conditions. The wind continues to diminish, expect more activity on the water over next few days. No lobster landed since well before Christmas Day, not only locally but Nova Scotia hit by the same weather conditions.

The mainland still digging out from the snow that accumulated with the latest storm. Surprising contrast here, we have no snow Ingalls Head, drive to Seal Cove a few inches till the Deep Cove area. Deep Cove has snow, but a lesser amount for sure.

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

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Nor'easter has now turned to norwester, cool @-8C, wind still 35-40KPH, slowly moving off, however can expect significant wind till the New Year.

Harbour less stormy looking with wind going towards the Ross Island Shore. A few waterfowel huddled near the waterline attempting to get some lee from the high winds.

Rick volunteers out in force yesterday with the first of the flooding complete. The clean up of the area looked after, first flooding a success, a lot of smiles in the building as a result. The master ice maker scheduled to be here tomorrow to teach the finer art of painting ice, lines and ice making, will be a crash course for sure.

Wind keeping the fleet tied up, no place to hide, and certainly no thoughts of going offshore. The ferry tied up yesterday, might make a run today as wind from NW, and slacked up a little.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:08 PM GMT on December 27, 2010

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Must be Monday, another monstrous nor'easter in commence. Temp just above freezing, as the sun comes up the wind seeming to intensify. Consistent 75-80KPH, one gust @97KPH a few moments ago. We have had rain so far, but near the transition point for snow. Weather pattern to stay in place for next day or so.

The harbour feather white, another indicator that it is Monday. Have had about a year's worth of a 'feather white' harbour over the past month.

We lost power sometime overnight, when or for how long don't know. Did manage to get the coffee built to start the day.

Plan to start the annual wood harvest placed on hold till this system passes, not even procrastination this time, weather keeping me from getting underway.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:31 PM GMT on December 26, 2010

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Overcast, with an ominous looking sky, calm, temp -3C, not to last for long. The mess further down the east coast this way is headed. Barometer steady at the moment, forecast goes right by Gale Force to Storm Force tonight into Tuesday morning. Winds still will be northerly with a mix of rain and snow for us, no doubt snow on the mainland.

A great dinner yesterday, with the family, mom managed to join us, but asked to return to the Nursing Home as soon as the meal over. With this being her 93rd Xmas she did well, enjoyed herself, but likes her familiar surroundings after a short time away.

Time to insure the woodbox is full, and a bit of water in reserve prior to shutting down tonight.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:53 PM GMT on December 25, 2010

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MERRY CHRISTMAS all, here on the little Rock in the Bay of Fundy, partial overcast, still northerly winds 20-25KPH, temp a cool -6C, seasonal temps, no snow cover. Another weather BOMB this way comes for Sunday-Tuesday another nor'easter high winds with a chance of snow.

The first Christmas can remember not having somebody milling about long before daylight. Household got on the move around 7:30AM, loot now being evaluated and new pieces of electronics being installed.

A solitary figure on the bar, no doubt harvesting a feed of clams to go with Christmas Dinner later on today. The first clammer have seen for sometime. The recent heavy rainfall means most places closed to digging due to the freshwater.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:52 AM GMT on December 24, 2010

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A wee bit different looking out over the harbour, wind still a factor, however wind from NW @ 20-25KPH, a bit of a respit. The weatherman indicating gale force to quit early this morning. Cloud cover beginning to break up, sunny and cool for the weekend. Longrange another few days of high winds for the first of the week.

A skiff of snow overnight might give the Fat Man an opportunity to use his sleigh tonight. Outside looking a bit more like the season, could use about the same amount to hide the brown grass to really make it fit.

The ice making underway with the arena cooling down quite fast. The concrete slab still on the plus side - late yesterday, ice crowd anxious to get r done, some even on Xmas Day, a bit much to ask.

The boat has continued on her schedule, great for the folks getting home for the holiday, damned unpleasant trips. However the level of disappointment not making the run would be one of those Christmas Memories one wouldn't like to remember.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:48 AM GMT on December 23, 2010

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The high winds continue, northerly 35-40KPH, too rise to gale force level once again. Forecast suggests this wind to continue late tomorrow, once was supposed to be letting up today. Temp still on the plus side at 2C, overcast, wintry mix once again in the forecast for today.

A couple of things from Special Council Meeting, Budget for 2011 adopted, no increase in tax rate, managed a bit of surplus. From the surplus Council voted to send $10K for the Flood Relief Fund to our neighbours on the mainland. After the Meeting the ice making machine turned on. Target is to have the facility in commence by New Years Eve, might be a bit ambitious to do so, always nice to have an Objective.

Kids off school by noon, these two not attending for the morning session, sleep seems to be more important.

Fishing at a standstill with the exception of those fellows dragging for Sea Urchins. They find a bit of lee and work till the tide or wind direction drives them. The best price for the roe is this week, with a limited quota goal to get best price rather than quantity to the marketplace.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:48 AM GMT on December 22, 2010

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No rain, temp 2C, wind waffling between NW & NE, not too bad at the moment @ 20-25KPH, weatherman both U.S. & Canadian, telling gale force and rain till tomorrow at least. The longrange indicating wind till next week.

Folks to the east of us really taking a hard one, with tidal surge, sustained gale force winds and rain. The further east you get the worse it seems. PEI being hit with 100KPH plus winds for the next several hours.

The ferry making her runs yesterday, can't imagine too many travelers on the run. However the season dictates that to be home your choices of waiting for better weather getting limited.

Fishing pretty well at a standstill, with a northerly no place to hide from the elements.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:51 AM GMT on December 21, 2010

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First day of winter coming on strong, 5C for temp, overcast, wind NNE @ 45-50KPH expected to reach and maintain gale force winds till tomorrow. Snow for the Fat Guy has gone, giving his sleigh a challenge when he visits on Friday.

Travelling alerts being issued for eastern parts of the Province, wind, rain and tidal surge expected in the Shediac areas of the Province. Weather going crazy in many parts of the world this week.

Arena should be ready to kick over this week, a large crew on site yesterday. The crew is from PEI, some wanted to return today, the rest by late tomorrow. The trips on the ferry would be unpleasant, if she decides to make the runs at all.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:50 AM GMT on December 20, 2010

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Another Monday morning with an ominous sky, temp on the rise, now -1C, breeze picking up from NE currently 25-30KPH, wind to increase to gale force by tonight, snow changing to rain, overnight and most of tomorrow, so much for a White Christmas.

Kids in school till Thursday, the Xmas Break takes them into the second week of January. Hopefully will have the arena ice up and going, plan is to have the machine on if not today then by sometime tomorrow. The holidays will make it difficult to get the folks here to assist putting the ice in properly, but with the group involved will present just a bit of a challenge not a show stopper.

Flood victims in and around St.George/Bonney River still getting out from under the mess, and now more rainfall warning have been issued. Warnings a little further north in St. John, but just a slight change will bring the brunt over the effected area in a hurry.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:21 PM GMT on December 19, 2010

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A great one this morning, total calm, bright red sun showing up over Ross Island. A few waterfowel moving through the little bit of sea smoke making up. Temp -7C, to rise near the freezing mark. Severe wind and rain headed this way later on tomorrow, and lots of northerly at least till the old guy tries his sleigh ride.

Santa Claus Parade last evening, ideal conditions, cool, but not cold, moon lighting things up, no wind. The parade had many floats, lots of work went into the preparation, kids found it great. After the parade Open House at the Community Centre, live music, and show and tell at the arena for those that haven't dropped by, a grand community evening for sure.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:32 PM GMT on December 18, 2010

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A cool -7C, slight draft from NW, as the sun makes an appearance a few wisps of sea smoke in the harbour. Similar weather next day or so, lots of wind in the forecast along with a possibility of showers first of the week.

Emily babysitting this morning, most of the day it sounds like. Both kids at home last evening, unusual, didn't see them too much. A combination of video games, and electronic communication gets them in their own space pretty quick.

Arena very near throwing the switch, anyone that has just visited the facility can't believe this is on Grand Manan. Some of the less enthusiastic about the project impressed at the very least, and for the most part supportive of the project.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:52 AM GMT on December 17, 2010

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Clear, calm, a cool -7C, the weather pattern remains in place, and will be for the next few days. The snow cover has changed the landscape from a dreary brown to a very nice seasonal Christmas Card picture.

Arena nearing completion, an extra large crew on sight getting the finishing touches to the place. A chance can start constructing the ice this next few days. A process that will take some time as we have no experienced personnel in the wings. Have to ask people from the mainland to assist, Christmas Week a difficult time to expect that to happen.

Fishing has settled into a routine, big catch days falling off. The boats dragging Sea Urchins have had good weather after Monday, level of catch unknown.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:35 AM GMT on December 16, 2010

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A change int the weather, more of a reflection of the time of year. Currently a few flurries, a cool -6C, slight draft from WNW @10KPH. Similar weather conditions for next few days, looking across the harbour at Ross Island see a boat heading out, nice Christmas Card thought.

Trip to St. John reveals Emily requires more teeth time, her retainer broke a couple of weeks ago, one tooth slipped in that short time. Another special retainer for a month then see if braces are necessary or not. Surprisingly the new retainer has done some good in just a few hours.

Boat about full on both trips, travellers from the St. Stephen area reported on the flooding. Aftermath there and in St. George area will take lots of time and money to make it right. Travelling to St.John other than the rivers flowing like spring time no evidence of problems.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:07 AM GMT on December 15, 2010

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Overcast, a skiff of snow showing this morning, temp at the freezing mark. A little breeze from NW @ 15kph, possibility of showers, however clearing and cooler in the offing for the weekend.

We handled the deluge well, communities on the mainland suffered damage to roads and infrastructure. Repairs will be longtime in some cases, we are not prone to such amounts of water from the heavens in such a short time.

Emily has a final check, I think, at ortho this morning. The whole gang wandering about ready to make the trip, and do some shopping after the appointment. A busy day, should be the last 'planned' trip before Xmas. Donna and her friend were thinking of making a run, however with weather and family commitments not likely to happen.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:50 AM GMT on December 14, 2010

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The heavens have healed, at least for the moment, no rain, excessive amounts last twenty-four hours a large understatement. Overcast, temp dropped to 8C, wind picking up once again from SE @20-25KPH. Wind direction to change northerly then to westerly over next few days bringing clearing and cooler conditions.

Looking across harbour, swells coming up on Ross Island seems the full length. Can hear the surf on the beach at the Anchorage, and running up infront of the house, nasty offshore indicators.

Sea Urchin fishery postponed yesterday, first time since the fishery initiated many years ago. Water damage extensive on the mainland - school cancelled late yesterday because of the weather. Today here just another December morning - so far.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:49 AM GMT on December 13, 2010

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Daylight in the swamp taking a bit longer this morning, a warm 11C temp, the wind swinging to SE, currently in the 20-25KPH, to increase to 70-80KPH range by afternoon. Rain and wind warnings in effect till late today, letting up overnight.

Received a lobster feed yesterday, a hard time getting to the trough once cooked, Emily can put some of them away in a hurry. Excellent lobsters, full of succulent meat, lots of mayonaise, and piles of meat hard to beat.

The snow cover we had long gone, pond making up between here and the seawall, will be a couple of days before this system passes along. Folks on the prairie still well stuck in winter, cold and snow, guess will suffer through this mess in silence.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:16 PM GMT on December 12, 2010

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Bright red sun showed up over Ross Island quickly being lost by cloud cover. Temp 2C a brisk 20+KPH breeze from NE giving a temp of -2C. A storm this way comes with winds 50-60MPH tonight into late tomorrow. The American advising 20' waves for tomorrow.

The snow took a beating yesterday, with a gently breeze and plus temps took quite a bit away. My yard still needs attention, did not get a plow on the initial snowfall, makes for lots of frozen ruts.

Emily has her certificate from Driver Training,appointment locally in January. She hasn't suggested that a trip to St. Stephen might expedite things, will wait and see.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:25 PM GMT on December 11, 2010

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Overcast, the odd flake falling, calm -1C, to rise on the plus side, with more flurries a possibility. Temp to rise next few days, along with rain well into next week.

Emily schedule to have her last driving lesson this morning, leaves on 11:30 trip, unless weather a problem on the mainland. She will now have her hours in, and be eligible for a drivers test after 19 DEC 10, a mixed blessing I am sure.

Rink Crowd cleaning the concrete surface prior to starting the Ice Machine. Require some carpentry work to be completed before we can get serious, big push to be ready for Xmas Break in some fashion.

A few lobster traps coming home, other baiting for the final go round before they come home till spring fishing.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:44 AM GMT on December 10, 2010

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Partial overcast, cold -10C a NW breeze @ 15+KPH gives a windchill of -15C, to remain cold for next day or so then a sharp rise into the double digits and rain by first of the week.

Yesterday Blog done, but failed to send, up early for a trip to Fredericton, must have hit the wrong button after my discourse put on the screen. Surprised to find many empty spaces coming and going, the 5:30 trip no where near a deck load.

Arena glass installed, plan is to have the ice surface area cleaned and start the ice making process this weekend. Goal is to have the ice going for the Xmas Break, ice maker from St. Andrews has made himself available to assist the local volunteers. ZAMBONI on standby ready to come this way with a couple of days notice.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:50 AM GMT on December 08, 2010

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Calm, a cool -5C might rise to just over freezing mark, similar weather conditions till the weekend, possibility of more precip at that time. Certainly Christmas Card like looking out over the harbour at the moment.

Kids off at noon, a very short school week after the snow day is factored in. Doesn't seem to cause them any concern, all hands appear to have things to do with the free time available.

Lobster fishermen no doubt be at it today, a few toughed it out yesterday, some come home once they got outside. One of those weather patterns no resemblance on land to what was going on on the water.

The arena thing seems to be moving at a snails pace, with the glass going up yesterday. The crew has not done it before, they now have a system, and expect things to move along fairly quick.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:49 AM GMT on December 07, 2010

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Fine snow, if it was warmer would be drizzle on the go at the moment, a further covering of snow overnight, temp -2C to rise on the plus side, calm. Southerly influence over next couple of days no mention of rain, will probably be the case for the island.

No school cancellation this morning, kids stumbling around getting ready to go out into the elements. One thing about it, first thing in the morning things pretty quiet, not much conversation, just long faces.

Fisherman might get the day in, off shore still a bit nasty would be the order of the day. The few boats with Sea Urchin Licenses gearing up to go at it next week, no idea of the price as yet.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:47 AM GMT on December 06, 2010

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Believe the meteorological term is'wintry mix', snow on the ground, temp @0C, rain attempting to take over, a hell of a mess, not rain, not snow. Rain in the forecast for next couple of days. A fair amount of wind WNW 35-40KPH, plough has been out earliar, heavy mess to move.

Of course there is a silver lining if you don't have your homework done, school has been cancelled. The kids must have sensed that have not been around so far even to check, a version of 'Don't Ask Don't Tell'.

Lobster price holding,however was surprised to learn boats fishing single gear catch has dropped right off. The off shore trawl fisherman still doing very well. A different season inshore started best ever, but with no warning seemed to have quit or moved off to deeper water.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:16 PM GMT on December 05, 2010

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Overcast, looks as if the heavens could open up at anytime. A breeze @ 20KPH from SW, expected to pick up as the day moves along, 4C temp. Cool if not cold weather in the forecast by the end of the week, rain till that change takes place.

Kids busy, Emily babysitting most of the weekend, Rob bonding had a friend for movies last evening, opposite gender. Just the two of them, apparently didn't require any moral support to carry it off.

Be great when the arena is up and running, will be an opportunity for young people to 'hang out' someplace other than home.

Outdoors just about done, if rain holds off last of the animals should be grazing by this afternoon. Time seems to be at a premium to get these little chores complete.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:27 PM GMT on December 04, 2010

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A windy, damp, drizzly day, underway at the moment. Wind from ESE @25-30KPH, temp a modest 7C, but with dampness seems much cooler. Similar weather for next several days.

Trip to St. John went well, could have made the 1:30 trip, however Otis not scheduled to be ashore till spring. We did a tour of the area surrounding the city, he was a welder in the drydock during the war, and out of the way spots in Charlotte County. We both enjoyed the tour, and he related many stories from over sixty years ago. His memory remains good for long ago, the more recent times are becoming more difficult for him to call up when he wants them.

Hope remaining decorating, outdoors, can be accomplished in between showers this next couple of days,not looking good.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:11 AM GMT on December 03, 2010

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Overcast, drizzle, a slight draft easterly, temp 6C, appears this is the weather we will have well into next week.A brown Christmas season for sure.

A trip with Donna's dad for an eye appointment in St. John, will probably have the afternoon to put in for travel. Unlikely to make the 1:30 trip home.

Arena looking good, boards on, painting about complete, glass starts first of the week. Once the glass is up the rink crowd can begin putting in the ice. Looking good for completion by Christmas Break.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:36 AM GMT on December 02, 2010

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A different sky this morning, overcast with a red hue showing through here and there. Rain/drizzle, easterly 15-20KPH, temp 8C, seems much cooler due to the dampness and wind. This weather to stay in play till weekend, and possibly into the new week.

Donna and her buddies have the tree completed, as usual a great effort. A few more seasonal displays and the house will be ready completed. She purchased a huge Poinsettia from Joanne, don't know if I have seen one as big or better proportioned. Now the secret will be to keep it going, we do have a habit of bringing about their demise rather early.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:50 AM GMT on December 01, 2010

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Christmas month starting pretty nice, a grand red sun beginning to peek over Ross Island, a breeze from NE @15-20KPH, temp on the plus side, to rise into high single digits. Rain and plus temps in the forecast for the next several days.

Christmas Tree has lights on, a mere 1K, I am told. Decorating takes place over a few pots of tea today, as a group come in to assist in the process, a good day to be at work.

Boats in and out of Bonny Brook picking up bait, taking advantage of high water this morning. This the only activity in the harbour from this vantage point, not a bird to be seen.

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