GRAND MANAN, N.B.

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:46 AM GMT on November 29, 2012

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A grand looking morning, harbour a millpond, sliver of red sky behind Ross Island, a cool -2C, not expected to rise much, however sun in the forecast. Similar conditions till Sunday, then appears southerly for a couple of days, rain and warmer temps.

Lobster fishery now in a routine, the frantic rush to get them in the water and first few days of hauling now complete. Weather permitting another day at the office in most cases, catch remains consistant, price not so good.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:47 AM GMT on November 28, 2012

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Seasonal conditions this morning, a stiff NE breeze 20-25KPH, overcast, temp holding at the 0C level, with the breeze much cooler. Similar conditions to remain with possibility of sunny breaks later in the day.

Rob played lobster buyer last evening, catch steady. A grand night to look out over the water, moon, still dead calm. Looking out over the Bay at Swallow Tail counted twenty boats working. First time that many boats in such a concentrated area around North Head, quite a change from lobster effort of just a year ago.

All quiet at UNB, plan is for a bus ride to Quispam this weekend, exams start shortly into December, Emily coming home by mid month for a few days at least.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:48 AM GMT on November 27, 2012

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The wind has quit, a grand sunrise over Ross Island, temp a cool -9C, will rise to low single digits, before dropping back. Next few days looking good, but cool for quite aways out.

The boats should be at work this morning, a couple of days overset due to weather after a week of steady hauling should be a good thing. Catch slowly getting to the levels of last year daily landings lower at the outset, however has been consistant at a good level enabling a recovery of numbers for most boats, it seems at least.

Evening patrol reveals more festive yards coming to life, weather has been condusive to outside efforts, great to see.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:41 AM GMT on November 26, 2012

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The windy, cool, but clear weather in commence. Temp @-4C being pushed around by a WSW breeze 25-30KPH, didn't let up overnight. Similar conditions for the remainder of the day, westerly breeze to let up later on with good conditions, but cool for the week.

GRISWOLD effect remains standing, have enough lines on the stuff that could hold the house if need be, some of the decor does like to move, given the opportunity.

Rob now has the opportunity to dedicate himself to school, career as a lobster grunt on standby, will be called when and if required.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:10 PM GMT on November 25, 2012

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November has arrived, a cool -1C being pushed around by westerly breeze 25-35KPH, not much improvement expected other than sunny breaks. Similar conditions for the next few days, with a mention of snow by midweek.

Managed to get most of my GRISWOLD creation in place, before the weather change. When the switch went the lights come on, a few minor corrections and additions over next few days should be in place for the festive season. Donna on has put the house on the Tour for Art Gallery, she busy preparing for that event, 100 tickets all sold,

Rob returned on afternoon boat, went to work, out of the house this morning, expect must be shipping. Catch still spotty, price heard at $3.50, far from enough to make a living for sure. Emily a quiet weekend on campus, no doubt a trip to Quispam in the offing next weekend.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:09 PM GMT on November 24, 2012

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Change in the weather, as forecasted, in commence, the sun disappearing behind the clouds, the SE breeze becoming a bit more intense, still nothing major. Temp is a mild 12C, to rise a bit, with showers by this afternoon.

Having our morning coffee/tea in the sunroom a couple of large deer moved off the beach onto the lawn, stayed for quite awhile then made their way across the road into the woods.

Emily hunkered down in Fredericton for the weekend, still not much communication suspect she managed to find 'something' to fill the evening. No word from Rob, one must assume the evening went as planned. Will no doubt hear from him just before he needs a pick up.

Time to get at the GRISWOLD thing, many homes already lit up, hopefully the showers hold off and allow me to get most of my 'decorations' into some semblance of the season.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:49 AM GMT on November 23, 2012

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Another nice morning, however southerly influence obvious, red sun obscured by a bit of cloud cover, a harbinger of a damp weekend. A draft from SSW, temp a mild 6C, to move into double digits as day moves along, showers for the weekend.

Rob still spending after school on the Lobster Car, catch still far from what it should be. He is travelling St. John a formal dance at UNB St. John, driving hours tomorrow, return for afternoon shift buying lobsters tomorrow. Emily disappointed in results of her mid terms, brought home that university has little resemblence to high school.

Warm enough last evening, first time that I can recall not stoking the fire before turning in for the night, a fire this morning should be enough till tonight.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:49 AM GMT on November 22, 2012

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The grand beginning of the weather day continues for the week, total calm, bright red sun reflecting of the mill pond harbour, temp -1C. Weatherman advising southerly influence for the next few days, temp into double digits, sun till the weekend then showers for the weekend.

A Happy Thanksgiving to the folks south of the border, a much bigger celebration than our Thanksgiving Day for sure.

Rob still spending evenlings on the Lobster Car, catch not coming ahead very fast. The boats have had nearly a week of good weather, on some days great weather to overhaul gear. Some boats did take yesterday off to give themselves and the gear a chance to take a breath.

Emily well under control as contact down to a brief txt this past couple of days.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:51 AM GMT on November 21, 2012

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Another brilliant red sun over Ross Island, NE breeze 25-30KPH with some higher gusts, temp says 7C, however with strength of the wind much cooler. Temps to rise slightly, sun to remain, wind to diminish as the day moves along.

Rob working after school, catch a bit higher again yesterday, still far below what has been expected this early in the season. The price still unknown, possibly today or tomorrow the cheques will be written.

Emily has regained her compusure enough to make some possible suggestions for gifts she might like under the Xmas Tree. She has rebounded from her trauma quite well.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:46 AM GMT on November 20, 2012

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A brilliant red sun showing over Ross Island, harbour flat calm, a cool -7C, heavy frost makes quite a white contrast to red reflection of the high water. Temp to rise mid single digits, sunny, similar conditions remain in the forecast for the remainder of the week.

Rob spent time at the Lobster Car after school, he assures us he is caught up in his school work, metnions the catch looking better, still aways to go before to catch up what has been `normal`this past few years.

Emily wrote two mid-terms yesterday, quite an experiance for her. She had high anxiety almost unable to write, feels she did not do well on either exam, constant contact with Donna in attempt to get things under control.

Otis continues to amaze a full day of doctor, shopping and socializing never slacked a moment the whole time, great at 91 years and counting.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:06 AM GMT on November 19, 2012

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Clear, a cool -6C, calm for the first time in a number of days, remaining clear with temp to rise into middle single digits, still similar for next little while.

Grandson, Rob a big SEVENTEEN, today, not a longtime, however can't seem to recall when he wasn't underfoot. His career with the lobster fishery closed for daytime hours, time to get caught up in his school work. His report the catch better than First Day, however still didn't sound to great this early in the season.

A trip for Dr.'s appointment in St. John for Donna's dad, a long day for one 91yrs. He enjoys the going, however by end of the day he is wiped. Donna travelling, a bit of last minute Xmas things on the list, there will be a couple more of these trips as the day gets closer. Emily making noises about getting her some of her posse here for a visit in the near future.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:17 PM GMT on November 18, 2012

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Clear, persistant northerly breeze, 10-15KPH, a cool 0C, temp to rise mid single digits as the day moves along. Similar conditions with a let up on the wind for the next several days.

Yesterday managed to haul 365 traps, between tide and daylight ten remains for an overset. Had a good crew, able to keep a pretty good pace on the short lines first thing in the morning. Cool and slatty, must have put on a few extra miles trying to remain upright. Listening to the radio catch very disappointing in lots of locations, so bad some boats called it quits early, and ties up. Tides still full, hope is they aren't crawling due to the tide conditions. My body hasn't rejected me totally, however they way the muscles feel it is strongly considering such a thing. Going 362 days between such effort, along with age, quite a challenge for the frame.

Rob off already to deal with last nights purchases, shipping sometime today is the usual. Fresh lobster not an inventory item to have hanging around for any length of time.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:02 AM GMT on November 17, 2012

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Clear, cool 2C from the north at15-20KPH, wind to remain, temp to rise into higher single digits, similar weather condtions for the next few days.

Three trips, a large crew, got the traps in the water without trouble. Weather conditons almost ideal, will be on the water waiting for daylight to show the buoys, will head down and ass up till we either get hauled around or dark overtakes the operation. The next great unknown is the price, lots of expense, also for many households this part of the season represents a large part of the years income.

Rob reports to the work station at 4PM, will be busy handling the catch when the boats start coming in after the day on the water.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:01 AM GMT on November 16, 2012

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A breeze from north, far from the past days of high winds, a cool 3C, clear with partial clouds later on today. Temp to rise into mid single digits, wind to pick up some as the day moves along.

SETTING DAY at 0700, the traffic already going by the house, will have my coffee and muster at 0600. Season scheduled to start on Tuesday past, crews anxious to get the gear in the water. Conditions today much more safe for all concerned.

Rob working around the wharf for the day, lots of gear to move off to the lobster car. Some boats will haul later on today once the gear is in the water. Once we have our gear in will wait till daylight tomorrow before having a look.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:43 AM GMT on November 15, 2012

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Seasonal weather conditions comes to mind, overcast, NE 25-35-KPH, temp 3C. Wind Advisory in place till late this afternoon. Wind to remain in northerly quadrant for next several days, however beginning to slack back later on tonight.

SETTING DAY tomorrow morning at 0700HRS, will be much better, however still some wind and cooler temps to contend with, not too the dangerous level that has been the case all week.

Lobster Fisherman protest has resulted in a Conference Call with the Federal Minister of Fisheries this afternoon. The hope is to at least obatain a moritorium on the sale of local licenses outside the district till the matter can be discussed at the table.

Rob still working getting ready for the fishery, he has missed school so far this week, will have some catching up to do next week for sure.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:47 AM GMT on November 14, 2012

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A change in the weather, temp wise, high teens yesterday this morning a mere 3C. Wind increasing from NW, now 15-20 KPH expected to be in the 40 KPH range by noon, clearing, more seasonal temps and weather conditions to be the order of the day for the next few days at least.

SETTING DAY stood down once again, high winds in the forecast for tomorrow also. Nova Scotia boats left yesterday, after confrontation with local fisherman. A complex issue, historicaly, in the lobster fishery a resident of a community has fished the local waters. Thus keeping the financial rewards in the local economy, each license supports a minimum of three families directly, reported as many as nine licenses now on Novie boats.

Rob still working getting prepared for when the Fishery does kick over, no doubt will be working a few extra days over the weekend. Back to school next week for sure.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:47 AM GMT on November 14, 2012

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A change in the weather, temp wise, high teens yesterday this morning a mere 3C. Wind increasing from NW, now 15-20 KPH expected to be in the 40 KPH range by noon, clearing, more seasonal temps and weather conditions to be the order of the day for the next few days at least.

SETTING DAY stood down once again, high winds in the forecast for tomorrow also. Nova Scotia boats left yesterday, after confrontation with local fisherman. A complex issue, historicaly, in the lobster fishery a resident of a community has fished the local waters. Thus keeping the financial rewards in the local economy, each license supports a minimum of three families directly, reported as many as nine licenses now on Novie boats.

Rob still working getting prepared for when the Fishery does kick over, no doubt will be working a few extra days over the weekend. Back to school next week for sure.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:44 AM GMT on November 13, 2012

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What little hint of sun now disappeareda behind the cloud cover, a warm 13C, southerly wind increasing, last look gusting to over 30KPH, giving high winds for the day into the evening with rain for next day or so.

SETTING DAY delayed for at leat today, will make a decision for tomorrow by late this afternoon. The weather expected to swing to a northerly influence, but still strong for most of tomorrow. Conditions gradually improve towards end of the week. The delay, for what I have heard, not a big issue, the full tides, combined with high southerly not a combination that harkens well with overloaded boats, no place to hide to get the traps int he water.

Emily returned to UNB yesterday, having scooped an extra day in Quispam, classes cancelled. Rob seeing his full of lobster crates, off this morning to get some odds and ends prepared for SETTING DAY, whenever that takes place.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 4:05 PM GMT on November 12, 2012

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A balmy 15C, sunshine, a southerly breeze 25-35KPH to increase as the day goes along, rain and more wind in the forecast for the next few days.

Baited and loaded traps this morning, however appears the weather may delay the Opening Day for the next few days. A meeting being held today to make a decision if to wait for better conditions, weather for next few days not favourable for getting the gear in the water.

We had the crew in plenty of time this morning made short work of the traps. All are baited, first trip aboard the boat, one trip on the whart final trip on the trailers ready to go.

Rob working with gear for M.G. FISHERIES getting ready for the catch when the gong does go. Lots of activity with some boats still getting gear ready.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:09 PM GMT on November 11, 2012

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A grand looking morning, not a breath of wind, a cool -5C for temp, bright sun. Southerly influence to begin later on today, rain by Tuesday with too much wind in the forecast.

A day to set traps would be this morning for sure, however still a couple of days to go. Calling for rain, wind in the 35-35KPH range, not a good chance for sure. Wind in the forecast for most of the new week, at least at this moment.

Emily doing well in Quispam, return to UNB later on this afternoon. Rob resting and getting prepared for work with the lobster crew next week, a busy time for sure.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:20 PM GMT on November 10, 2012

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Clear, cool temp 3C, westerly breeze 15-20KPH, temp to remain down for the weekend, similar conditions till first of the week.

Setting Day weather not looking the best, temps will be great in the double digits and rain possible. Winds from south and high, at the outset from the south, might be going down as the day moves along and the wind shifts. Full tides also making the effort more weather dependant on how things hit the bottom.

Emily in Quispam, bus ride went well, she certainly misses her independance from the vehicle. Rob working next week on shore involved with local lobster buyer, busy week for him, but a bit of cash flow can't hurt.

Time to get a bit more serious about GRISWOLD decorating, too soon to turn anything on, but takes a bit to get the 'stuff' out there. The weather is cool, but no snow will help in getting it done.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:49 AM GMT on November 09, 2012

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N'oreaster remnants remain, overcast, a cool 4C, wind from NE 20-25KPH, lots of rain overnight,suggestion of clearing as the day moves along. Temps to remain cool, quite warm by first of the week, with a southerly flow in the forcast.

Ferry never missed a trip, accounts suggest she handled the weather very well, lots of white water to give her a ride once in awhile.

Emily travelling by bus to Quispam for the weekend, whatshisname providing the fare. Emily subtly sending some suggestions she has located on KIJII, nice to dream, at leat for the moment not in the cards.

Prepartions for Setting Day down to small things, just enough left to do to get the day in, makes the time go along better.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:48 AM GMT on November 08, 2012

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Nasty one continues, nor'easter still intact, wind is letting up some, lots of rain, temp 4C. Wind steady 30-40KPH, last evening gusting to 85KPH, sustained in 60-65KPH, no snow for us, believe some on the mainland.

The folks in the New York area getting a bad one again, further loss of power, wind, snow and cold, not good.

Girls returned on the early afternoon trip, managed to be ahead of the heavy wind, no problem, trip a success. A 'few' items remain, however a start on the festive season has been accomplished.

Emily busing to Quispam for a weekend visit, not her favourite mode of travel for sure.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:37 AM GMT on November 07, 2012

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A cool -1C, wind from NE to be gale force by this afternoon. Rain this evening strong winds till late tomorrow along with damp conditions. Warming up for the weekend.

The shoppers returning on 1:30PM trip rather than this evening, appears a wise choice as they should be home before the effect of the high winds kick in. According to accounts the trip was good 'preliminary' getting ready for Christmas needs.

The seemingly endless campagain for the U.S. President concluded, for the moment, with a victory for the incumbent, OBAMA.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:42 AM GMT on November 06, 2012

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Sun in abundance this morning, temp at the 0 degree mark, being pushed around by a slight draft from the north. Temp to remain cool for next day, similar weather conditions as SANDY to end the week, however not as severe. Wind, rain and mild temps the order of the day leading into the next week.

Seems things are fine in Bangor, they managed to get around a bit yesterday, encountered some snow fall on Route Nine, tis the time of year.

Rob to Career Fair on the mainland, an annual trip, I would think for many of his group a chance to travel and have some junkfood is the highlight of the excursion.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:29 AM GMT on November 05, 2012

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Overcast, calm, a cool 3C, high to remain in single digits. Possible sun over next couple of days, mid week warm temps and rain possible.

Weather co-operating for the girls annual foray, the first preparation for Christmas. The second annual to Bangor, used to be start in Moncton then make thier way home in a couple of days.

Emily back at LADY DUNN, her weekend a success, has mentioned it is difficult without her own wheels, for the first time.

The next week will be ramping up with gear going to the wharves and last minute preparations for Setting Day on 13th.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:09 PM GMT on November 04, 2012

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Overcast, sun attempting to get a foothold,could go either way. A ray of sun over Ross Island, harbour being pushed around with a breeze from NW 15-20KPH. Temp a modest 8C might make into double digits, then cooler temps prevail for remainder of the week.

Only communication from Halifax, a short txt announcing she was at MICMAC MALL, obviously a must seen for a first time visit to Halifax.

Did manage to get some of the lights on the house, before temp and weather conditions made it a chore. A bit of a first for me.

Teams from mainland put quite a show at the arena, large pot luck supper very well attended, another game this afternoon.

Updated: 2:05 PM GMT on November 04, 2012

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:52 AM GMT on November 03, 2012

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Calm, overcast, temp 9C, expected to be the high temp drop as the day moves along. Clear and cooler in the forecast next week, becoming seasonal as they say.

Cooler temps the order of the day, I have procrastinated long enough to make the putting up of Xmas Lights a cooler event, literally speaking. Will get a few out of the boxes today, probably will linger long enough to make it a challenge to get them up befor end of the month. Rob already shuddering as the GRISWOLD season approaches.

Emily visiting in Halifax this weekend, a first for her, part of her posse have a family gathering she has been invited to the event. Back to Fredericton tomorrow, quite a trip for a party.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:48 AM GMT on November 02, 2012

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Calm, overcast, calling for rain/drizzle till this evening, 9C for temp. Weatherman suggesting temps gradually becoming more seasonal with highs in single digits, but sunshine for the weekend.

Ferry trip yestereay a first, ability to make reservations coming and going no in effect, also WI-FI for most of the trip between Blacks and North Head. The system coming into the 21st century, albiet not embraced by all, I am of the belief the conveinance will sooon bring the doubters onside.

Emily off to Halifax with a member of her posse for the weekend, Rob no idea of any plans so far this weekend, if such is the case might learn just before or after the fact.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 9:10 AM GMT on November 01, 2012

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Fog, calm, already 13C, conditions to remain static for the day, gradually becoming seasonal over the weekend. Clear and cool by Saturday, seems another day of this type weather then temps and conditions to become more 'seasonable'.

Very quiet in the way of spooks, never have had a great number seems less this year. Kids have lots of parties and dress up prior to the actual day as a consequence by evening it is old news.

A quick trip to St.John, a few things to pickup before getting the grounds ready for Xmas Decorations. Also a preliminary for Donna's Cross Border with her buddy first of next week.

Emily reporting in last evening, off to Halifax with one of the posse this weekend. Certainly likes to keep on the move, then has suggested she would like to come for a weekend prior to Xmas Break, all good. Rob playing hockey twice a week, have another addition from White Head those nights, he also involved with coaching twice a week, busy on the ice.

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