GRAND MANAN, N.B.

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:15 PM GMT on December 30, 2012

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Classic winter storm on at the moment, gale force winds from NW, blowing snow, temp -3C. Wind to remain all day, snow certainly will be blowing, radar indicates the bulk of the storm headed for St. John at the moment. Cold, clear and windy for the start of 2013.

Emily managed some solid food late yesterday, watching some movies with whatshisname, seems her world beginning to return for what passes for normal. Rob home early last evening as snow started about time to go skating, all hands thought best to return to respective abodes and not push the travel issue.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:30 PM GMT on December 29, 2012

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Looking across the harbour decieving of what this way comes once again. Clear, a sllight draft NW, templ a cool -7C. However to change overnight to another visit from a n'oreaster complete with snow and gale force winds for most of tomorrow. Seems 2012 not going out without some acknowledgement it was here.

Emily called this morning, not doing so well, jaws have swollen and more pain, just as predicted. Conferring with nan to get some reassurance things are unfolding as they should, still not interested in relocating households, till she has to midweek.

Some snowcover around the island, nothing like on the mainland. Temps and conditions like this might be able to consider entering the woods for a little workout knocking down some trees for next year supply.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:57 PM GMT on December 28, 2012

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In parking lot in Blacks Harbour freezing rain in St. John then changed to light snow. Now clearing with temp
Just below the freezing mark, wind increasing from NW hope is to be at home before gale force that is forecast.

Emily has checked in early, gums bothering her this morning, to be expected.

Shauna advised power off yesterday for a few hours, first interruption this year.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:49 AM GMT on December 27, 2012

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Looking out the window still fairly calm, nothing falling from the heavens, however next few hours dramatic change with very high wind, starting with snow, but changing to rain by late afternoon.

Boat would be traveling this morning, how many more remains to be seen. Emily assured that her appointment is alright. Added bonus from coming last evening had a chance to visit with nephew, niece and other members of their family, combined with a grand BBQ loin of beef, all good.

Emily set for first thing this afternoon, no sign of apprehension at the moment at least.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:17 PM GMT on December 26, 2012

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Overcast, a cool -7C, a draft from NW, giving a wind chill in low double digits.Storm causing havoc in the southern U.S. will be on site by tomorrow. Lots of wind, appears snow for us, a little inland a snow event, similar conditions on Friday, with a swing in the wind from southerly to northerly. 2012 going out with a bang.

Christmas Day went very well, number at the table is smaller again this year. However a replacement well under construction for attending next year. All hands did very well from Santa's visit, now preparation for New Year in order.

Emily has her wisdon teeth removed tomorrow, to insure we are able to meet the appointment leaving this afternoon. The return tomorrow somewhat in doubt due to high winds, a brief window might be open for Friday morning then a return of high winds makes the trips an iffy prospect. Winter in the Bay of Fundy well in hand for sure.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:17 PM GMT on December 26, 2012

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Overcast, a cool -7C, a draft from NW, giving a wind chill in low double digits.Storm causing havoc in the southern U.S. will be on site by tomorrow. Lots of wind, appears snow for us, a little inland a snow event, similar conditions on Friday, with a swing in the wind from southerly to northerly. 2012 going out with a bang.

Christmas Day went very well, number at the table is smaller again this year. However a replacement well under construction for attending next year. All hands did very well from Santa's visit, now preparation for New Year in order.

Emily has her wisdon teeth removed tomorrow, to insure we are able to meet the appointment leaving this afternoon. The return tomorrow somewhat in doubt due to high winds, a brief window might be open for Friday morning then a return of high winds makes the trips an iffy prospect. Winter in the Bay of Fundy well in hand for sure.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 2:25 PM GMT on December 25, 2012

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A grand start to a Christmas Day, sunny, calm, temp a cool -8C. Conditions to remain similar for the time being, however a drastic change this way comes. Storm warnings for all day on Thursday, with rain and very high winds for a long time. Still wind on Friday, but a change in direction will be a good thing.

Christmas Day starts a little later than a few years ago. The kids seem to be content to wait for a little daylight before getting into the gift opening. That is done, all hands gone to respective corners to contact friends and await the afternoon arrival of dinner guests. Not as hectic as once was, Donna has a great part of the dinner in hand prior to today.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:45 AM GMT on December 24, 2012

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The sleigh driver going to have it cool and windy travelling the Bay of Fundy this evening. Temp -5C, westerly breeze 20-25KPH giving a windchill in low double digits, similar conditions for the next day or so then wind really picks up by end of the week.

Kitchen in commence early this morning, turkey in the oven, fixins ready to be prepared ahead of time. A fish chowder being prepared for evening meal.

Otis will join us for supper, Rob has commitments for evening service at church. The kids have already opened gifts from there other halfs, if you will, just wanted to insure they were aware of how much they appreciated the gifts, thats the story and sticking to it.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:26 PM GMT on December 23, 2012

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A weather change in the making, overcast, a cool -5C, wind a modest 15-20WSW. Conditions to remain similar for the next day or so. A skiff of snow overnight, not enough to cover the brown grass, however an indication it is December.

Christmas week in hand, Donna getting the kitchen wars in commence, Emily assisting. The kitchen a busy spot, best keep a distance to allow things to flow as they should.

Lots of folks home for the holidays, the university crowd pretty well all accounted for. Lots of smiles around when meeting folks that have come home for the holiday.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:32 PM GMT on December 22, 2012

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Rain has let up for a few hours, however to return with a vengenance again this afternoon. Wind is now southerly still 30-35KPH, to remain at that level for the next couple of days at least. Temp 6C, remaining on the plus side till this evening then dipping below the freezing mark ever so slight.

Major search effort for missing fisherman has been reduced to local boats, and checking the beaches. Accident occurred a distance offshore, combination of cold water, tide, and wind impossible to speculate where the search should be concentrated.

Emily catching up on her sleep, nearly twelve hours a day the norm, getting some good food aboard, has her demeanour in much better shape. Sticking close to home the past few months her needs and friends, for the most part, not on Grand Manan.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:53 AM GMT on December 21, 2012

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Temp a modest 1C, a small sliver of red sky behind Ross Island, wind easterly 20-25KPH, storm force by this afternoon from SE, wind to last for next day or so at high levels.

Trajedy in the lobster fishery last evening, man overboard, still missing, accident occurred just after dark. Intensive search from the air with flares, several boats on the water no luck, hellish at anytime compounded so by the time of year.

Extreme weather conditions for next twenty-four hours with winds from SE at Storm Force levels, fortunate not to remains at these levels for long period, however high winds the order of the weekend.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:45 AM GMT on December 20, 2012

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Wind has abated, but not for long, temp at the freezing mark, to hover just above or just below for the day. Wind, rain visiting once again overnight, and for most of the weekend. Wind direction SE moving around to northerly once again.

Ferry remained in Blacks for one trip resuming, and maintaining her schedule, leaving Blacks at 1:30PM. Some travellers making the run, a number of trucks still in the mix.

Eggers might have a shot at working this morning, can't imagine the boats working outside would have lots of holes to deal with for the next little while. The price of lobsters being what they are, unlikely many, if any, will be working in these conditions.

Emily making contact with her school group, resting, txting whatshisname and other members of the posse residing on the 'mainland'. Rob had an extra day off yesterday, remainder of the week no doubt quite tame.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:45 AM GMT on December 19, 2012

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The weather remains, unsettled in a big way, NE gale force at the moment, retreiving wood from the verandah gives the thought one on the tarmac at the airport as a jet prepares for take off. Temp a pleasant 4C, but feels much cooler, rain overnight, let up for the moment. The wind and weather conditions to remain similar for next few days.

Emily below decks, pretty well spent from exams, and farewells from her posse. Trip from Fredericton just in time, snow started as we left the city, places slush on the road, however nearing St.John rain the order of the day. Managed to make the 5:30PM Crossing, trip great given the wind direction and speed. Very little movement, maintained the schedule, impressive, previous vessels may not have been on the run in similar conditions.

No school message this morning, we are in rain, however snow conditions on the mainland have getting around difficult if not impossible in some locations.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:07 AM GMT on December 18, 2012

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Overcast, easterly well established this morning 30-35KPH, windows creaking with the gusts, temp a modest 5C, seems much cooler. Wind and rain the order of the day, still calling for gale force by this afternoon, into tomorrow with some relief from the gale force overnight.

Off to UNB to fetch Emily, she has an exam this afternoon, whether we get home tonight remains to be seen.Plan was to go on middle trip, however with the high wind thought best to at least insure am on the mainland, leaving on first trip this morning. Exam is at 1400HRS trip from Fredericton will be influenced by the weather, calling for rain along the coast, might be messy inland a bit.

Storm system intense for sure, however is slacking off in next day or so. Winter weather still not the order of the day it seems, cold for a day or so, then warmer temps, not a hint of snow, some of the ponds can support a body, expect that to be the case after this system leaves town.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:46 AM GMT on December 17, 2012

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As daylight enter the swamp the promised increase in easterly air movement is being realized, in fine style. Currently -1C temp, mostly overcast, a steady NE breeze 20-25KPH, to increase to gale force by tomorrow. Temps are above the freezing level for the next few days.

Emily has her final exam tomorrow afternoon, weatherman might have us remain on the mainland tomorrow night. The height of the NE gale in the evening, will be what it will be, at least will be on the way home for a few days.

The final week for Xmas underway, thoughts are with the folks down the coast a little in Newtown, Conn.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:19 PM GMT on December 16, 2012

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A cold December morning in commence, a draft from NW, temp -11C, not going to rise much as the day moves along. Easterly influence first of the week, running to at least mid-week, wintry mix enroute.

Quick trip to St.John yesterday allowed Rob to get his shopping completed. Back on the next trip, cleared St.John by noon, just in time I would say, lots of people at the mall.

For an impromtu Santa Parade one helluva presentation, cold as mother-in-laws kiss, but well attended. Lots of lights no wind and stars made quite a back drop to the effort. The gathering at the Complex well attended, grand job for sure.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:10 AM GMT on December 15, 2012

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Clear, cool -5C, NW draft to increase to 30-35KPH as the day moves along. Temp to rise mid single digits, then drop quickly to minus again with wind staying high for next few days.

Emily staying in Fredericton till the exams completed on Tuesday, high easterly for first of the week, with a 'wintry mix' included. Not worth the mind cramps to insure she gets back for the the exam, combined with poor driving conditions, best she remain till she can get home for the holiday. Exams intimadating for her but coming to handle them much better.

Donna's home tour a success had the hundred guests then some, over in a couple of hours.She received many deserved compliments for her efforts.

Rob and I off for a quick trip to St. John to allow him his shopping needs to be completed.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:50 AM GMT on December 14, 2012

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Overcast, calm for the moment, southerly influence beginning for the weekend. Temp 2C, wind to increase 25KPH southelry by this afternoon, with increase temp high single digits, typical Bay of Fundy weather.

Emily has an exam this evening, will pick her up tomorrow for a few days home, then one more next week. Appears lots of travel in the offing while home, appointments, and commitments centered around Quispam it would appear.

Santa Claus parade in jeporday yesterday, cancelled due to low number of entries and weather looking cold. Another group stepped forward, very short notice, organizedm impromptu use of the local complex, parade reinstated, believe Santa has been able to readjust his calendar to make his appearance as was previously the case. Community Spirit, gotta luv it.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:48 AM GMT on December 13, 2012

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Clear, calm, -5C temp, clear with temps over the freezing level before dropping back to slightly below overnight. Similar weather conditons order of the day for next few days.

A quick trip to St. Andrews yesterday, uneventful, a fair number travelling in the morning, come back on next trip lots of room then.

Emily writing today and tomorrow, will make a trip on Fredericton to have her home for a few days, then back to write an exam early next week, then off for the Xmas Break.

Sea Egging reports, odd in the fishing industry, are good,weather, quality, quantity and price lining up on the positive side.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:04 AM GMT on December 12, 2012

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Cool -5C, draft from NW, clear, temp to rise into very low single digits. Similar conditions for the remainder of the week. Still no sign of snow for a White Christmas, certainly the norm this past few years in this part of the country.

Rob involved with the lobster industry last evening, has been managing a few hours each week. Will have Xmas Shoppping funds this weekend when we retrieve Emily for a couple of days before she has to return to finish her exams then off till New Year.

Haven't had any reports on the Sea Egging catch or quality, started locally on Monday, less than ideal conditions to work in, but much better than being offshore.

Community certainly colourful when out for a look around after dark, great to see.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:47 AM GMT on December 11, 2012

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Difference a day makes, total calm, overcast, to clear, temp a modest 5C, with clearing temp to move downward towards the freezing mark, however far from any extremes for next few days, clear and cool seems to be the word.

Donna hosting her annual Xmas Cookie Exchange, an afternoon of fellowship and tall tales I am sure.

Emily into the books, except for yesterday, whatshisname made his way up from Quispam, seems they spent some time catching up on the Xmas Shopping scene. They do seem to really enjoy one anotherc company.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:51 AM GMT on December 10, 2012

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As daylght enters the swamp a strong easterly influence underway, 25-30KPH, spitting rain, 3C. Temp and rain to increase as the day moves along, clearing tomorrow, with nice weather forecast for the remainder of the week.

Phone ringing at 0630 this morning cancelling school, freezing rain on the mainland temp by this afternoon in double digits for the Bay of Fundy. I suppose best to error on side of caution,rather than make a part of the district go and other not due to weather.

Emily has a couple of exams this week, will go and retrieve her on Saturday for a few days at home, then back to UNB for an exam, then Christmas Break routine.

A few boats starting the sea urchin harvest this morning, a limited number of licenses for this fishery. Price is better than last year, no remains to see quantity and quality, other locations on the eastern seaboard have been at it for a few weeks, and has been good for those in the industry.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:08 PM GMT on December 09, 2012

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A sunny morning with westerly 20-25KPH, temp a cool 5C expect to drop back a bit as the day moves along. Some moisture and warmer temps for tomorrow then back to sun and low single digits for temps.

Emily has completed two exams this weekend, much better feeling about them this time around. A couple next week, then home for a day or two then back to complete the first term. She is in a much better frame of mind, feels confident she pulled them off.

Rob has had some hours around the lobster industry this weekend. Trouble for him it is cutting into his time at the arena, coaching and playing.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:30 PM GMT on December 08, 2012

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Bay of Fundy December weather, temp 4C, threat of showers, overcast, calm. Looking for light rain for the weekend, not very Chrismas like, sure saves on the woodpile.

Emily felt she did 'alright' on the exam last evening, checked in with her mentor five times before writing. Another one this afternoon, then mid-week and Friday evening, almost believe she is ready to return to the rock for a 'short visit'.

Rob getting some hours on the lobster car, last evening and tomorrow. Plan is to save his extra hours to do his Xmas Shopping when we go fetch Emily next Saturday.

Christmas displays really something, Woodwards Cove the place to be nearly each home on the drive through lit up. Swallow Tail, halo visible from Pettes Cove would say Ken beefed up his light count, very cool.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:46 AM GMT on December 07, 2012

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Another grand sunrise from behind Ross Island underway, bright red sky,boat making its way out of the harbour, clear, total calm, a cool temp of 9C. Weatherman suggesting southerly influence this afternoon, temp rise to just over freezing mark, showers for tomorrow, temps remaining at best in low single digits on the plus side.

A number of folks travelling yesterday, not as many on the return run as going over. Successful trip by the amount of 'stuff' in the vehicle by the time we cleared St.John. The new highway cuts the driving time by quite a bit, combinded with a reservation for the return trip level of anxiety about getting on non existant, easy to get used to for sure.

Emily has exams this weekend, level of anxiety seems to be on the rise. Consultation with Nan both via txt and voice on the increase, one this evening, which "will be brutal,just so you know", and one tomorrow afternoon. The plan is for her to come home next weekend for a few days then retun to UNB for a final two exams.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:13 AM GMT on December 06, 2012

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Overcast, wind from NW 30-35KPH, blowing hard all night, to let up some as the day unfolds. Temp 1C, not expected to rise any great amount remainder of the day. Similar weather conditions for the remainder of the week, into the weekend.

Another last minute, should be it, trip to St. John for the final preparations for Xmas. Donna has a list, but not overly extensive, or am at least led to believe that is the case.

Managed to check the lights at Swallow Tail Ken has the rail on the tower strung with Christmas Lights. For lack of a better term, very cool, when the lamp is off appears to be a circle of coloured lights suspended in the darkness. Will get a glimpse of it this evening from the water.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:48 AM GMT on December 05, 2012

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Overcast, a warm 10C, possible for showers this morning, southerly 25-25KPH, swinging to NW, clearing, temp dropping by evening to low single digits. Similar weather conditions for the remainder of the week.

Rob had a few hours on the lobster car after school, can't imagine it will be very busy the next couple of days, due to weather conditions.

A few more Xmas Lights coming on, the folks at Swallowtail Lightkeepers Society got some lights from the Village yesterday looking forward to seeing them around Swallowtail the next couple of days. A small indication of the level of work gone into the preservation of the lighthouse. The Village will soon assume ownership of the entire site with the Federal Government have Right of Way to enter the tower to maintain the lamp.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:52 AM GMT on December 04, 2012

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Wind has quit, at least for the moment, total calm, overcast, temp on the plus side. Weatherman suggesting clearing with temps in mid-single digits by this afternoon, still saying southerly and rain for tomorrow but clear and cooler as the week unfolds.

Wind yesterday, don't appear many of the boats give it a try. If you can't get the full day in, at these prices, no sense in leaving the wharf. Need several crates of the critters to allow some of the cash to flow beyond paying expenses.

Council Meeting last evening a Speaker from 'away', commented on the nice cruise over, and allowed the people of Grand Manan enjoyed Christmas Light displays.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:43 AM GMT on December 03, 2012

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A mild 10C, overcast, a slight draft WSW, changing to westerly and clearing as the day moves along. Temp to remain mild, till this evening then decline to near freezing mark, certainly acceptable for this time of year.

Emily returned to UNB, now time to get prepared for upcoming exams, then a few days travelling back and forth from Home to finish up before the Xmas Break. Rob in the final throes of applying for Community College in St. John.

Boats appear to have a half decent day, at the moment, marine forecast was indicating a fair amount of wind for today, and most of the week.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:14 PM GMT on December 02, 2012

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Southerly 25-35KPH, 3C for temp,spitting moisture, calling for showers and warmer temps for the day. Clearing tomorrow with double digit temps well into the week, winter weather in the Bay of Fundy, one extreme to the other in a manner of hours.

Rob loading lobsters this morning, shipping day, all boats from Ingalls Head on the water yesterday. A grand day it was, calm all day, and not too cold.

Emily in Quispam, back to Fredericton this afternoon, advises she took her books along to prepare for upcoming exams.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:11 PM GMT on December 01, 2012

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A nice start to Christmas month, a few clouds, a slight northerly breeze making the -8C a bit more chilly. Wind to swing around to southerly by this evening, temp to rise near the freezing level. Rain for tomorrow and Monday, temps moderate for the longrange, typical Christmas Month on Grand Manan.

Christmas Market underway this morning, lots of vendors, another kickoff sign that Christmas activities are underway. Rob working at a table, his mother and Donna attending to insure they can contribute, if possible.

Complex will be to capacity today, Market and hockey game first thing this afternoon. A facility being well used and appreciated by folks in the community.

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