The Squamidian Report – Aug. 11 / 07
Issue #272
Also in this issue:
North Nova News
A Note From Ewan
The Ontarion
Hi All,
Ok, I guess I said that I’d write a bit about the get-together down at Nova Scotia Sus’s place, so here goes. First off, a big thanks to Sus for hosting the event. She went to a lot of work. There could have been more people turn up but more did turn up than I thought might. My group was from the furthest away. Brother Tim made the trip on his Hog. I would have loved to do it on mine but it would have been almost seven thousand kilometers each way. Who has the time?
Many managed to stay at Sus’s or in the ‘guest house’. We stayed up at the Stonehame Lodge, about 10 minutes away on top of Fitzpatrick Mountain. Nova Scotia is full of hills called mountains, beautiful rolling and green, often covered with trees or blueberries. There was a nice view out over to the coast, Pictou Harbour, the Northumberland St and even PEI. They have a dozen or so rooms in a lodge plus about a dozen cabins or chalets. The chalets were quite nice with all the housekeeping stuff needed to make a stay comfortable. I must say though, they couldn’t begin to compare to Warren and Janice’s chalet, both in comfort and in view.
On two of the evenings we sat around a wood fire at Sus’s and played our instruments and did the old tunes. On our last evening there we had our jam session up at our chalet. Nice starry night to add to the enjoyment.
Time was just too short to do much but we did manage a quick day trip up onto Cape Breton Island. Didn’t have time to do the Cabot Trail but we did get up as far as the Bras d’Or Lakes. Our last day was spent down in Halifax where we did the Maritime Museum and toured through the old fort up on Citadel Hill. Tuesday morning found us at the airport for the flight back to Vancouver. Halifax airport is almost 40 clicks from the city so we stayed in a motel out by the airport. Made getting there at 7:30 easier.
Don’t know why but Sue got flagged as someone who needed to be checked extra closely by security. They patted her down all over. I’d get slapped if I tried that. I guess it was because she has enough medication with her to start her own pharmacy. Once through security we boarded our plane for Toronto where we would do a switch to the one that would take us to YVR. The plane from Toronto to Vancouver was completely full and had a different seating arraignment than expected so people had to be moved around. The person in charge decided to give Ryan and Emily’s seats to some complainers and put the kids up in first class. So they traveled in comfort and style while we sat back in the crowded cattle corral. But we did get to Vancouver and on home. Always good to get home. But wow, I don’t recommend anyone flying from coast to coast unless you have an iron butt. It makes for a lot of captive sitting.
Once home we just took it easy a bit to recover from all the traveling. Did a few short toots on the bikes and basically just relaxed.
doug
****
The reunion went off with flying colours!!!!!
Peter and I had just spent a wonderful, restful week sailing in and out of little coves and marinas around the Bras d’Or Lakes in Cape Breton.
At Port Hawkesbury I got in
my car and hurried home, ahead of the boat, so I could prepare for our company
I knew were coming any day. I was so
excited about spending time with everyone.
When I arrived I realized Beth and Jamie and family had beat me to
it. They had driven straight through
from Ontario and since no one was around they had to break into my Dad’s
house. This has been our second
break-in by relatives, so as long as it is only relatives, we don’t mind. That evening Carol and Al arrived. For some strange reason I still had to work
for three days (Tues. to Thurs.) so everyone pitched in and helped mow lawns,
cook meals etc. We were all busy.
Between Thursday and Friday
mostly everyone had arrived, Tim on the Harley, Ewan and UU in a nice SUV,
Evelyn and Sharon, Doug & Sue, Ryan & Emily, Heather & family. On
Friday most people scattered around the countryside exploring and doing the
tourist thing and then we all met for our first barbecue. It was great seeing all those friendly faces
and we got to know each other all over again. For Heather and her boys it was a
very moving experience to meet more of their new-found family. I was most impressed how all the kids, (Beth
& Jamie’s and Heather’s) made friends immediately. They spent time catching frogs and playing
tag and even helped at the barbeque (and were so polite!). They loved to be involved. After our meal we gathered for a sing song
with four guitars, Doug on the mandolin and Ryan on sticks or anything else he
could make a beat with. It felt really
good and everyone said they enjoyed it.
The weather was terrific and
great for seeing the sights of the area like beaches and sidewalk cafes. Some
of us met up at Stonehame Chalets for a hike along the Fitzpatrick Mountain
Trail that leads to our home. By late
afternoon we all gathered for our second night of good food and great
company. Ward and the guys gathered
rocks to make a fire pit on the lawn, arranged all the picnic tables in a
circle and that’s where we sang our songs until the smoke got to everyone and
we had to move onto the patio. We took
some group pictures but by the time we thought of it darkness was setting
in. Even though the weather was good
the sky lit up frequently with flashes of lightening from a distance storm
making it a spectacular evening. Our
music blended beautifully and we had improved 100%.
Sunday we gathered for a
pancake brunch. Ben (Ward’s son) and his girlfriend Rin from Calgary, finally
arrived to join our reunion. Heather
and her boys, Bobby, Wyatt and A.J. were heading home to Edmonton that
afternoon. So we all said our farewells
and promises to keep in touch and see each other soon. That evening we gathered up at Doug and
Sue’s chalet for a final hootenanny.
The panoramic view from up at Stonehame is spectacular. The sky was clear so you could see all the
way to Prince Edward Island, Pictou Harbour and New Glasgow area. The stars came out and a big yellow quarter
moon. It was breathtaking. Later we settled into the chalet for some
jamming. This was our last night with
Doug, Sue, Ryan and Emily. It ended all
too soon. I plan on a trip out west in
February so I’ve not too long to wait.
Monday was another day of
people leaving. Ewan and UU said their
goodbyes and promises to come back. Tim
took off on the Harley for a trip around the Cabot Trail and then we were lucky
to have him back for another night before he boarded the ferry to P.E.I. and then on to New Brunswick via the
Confederation bridge. Beth and Jamie
managed to get in some trips to Cape Breton and Peggy’s Cove during their
stay. Peter took almost everyone
sailing and they all came back exhilarated by their experience. Peter let Duncan steer the boat and now he
is hooked on sailing. Chris Brubacher
finally arrived from Banff at the tail end of the reunion.
Last night we ended the
reunion with a big bash at Dad’s house.
More good music and everyone joined in for great songs like American Pie
and House of the Rising Sun. You could
say we raised the roof. Beth is such a
beautiful singer. We all felt we want
to do this more! I will be going
through withdrawals for awhile after having so much company and not sure if I
can take the quiet but the memories will still be here for a long time. Thank you everyone for making this reunion a
great success. This was supposed to be
short but how could it be!
Sus
This is Nick’s message:
I’ve been having a great time. I’ve been catching frogs with that net AJ
sent me. I’ve also been playing video games do you play any video games? I want to come to Nova Scotia again
sometime.
****
Hello
all,
Of
course there are lots of things to talk about, but now is the time to thank
everyone for such a great time in Nova Scotia. I was really looking forward to
seeing everyone who could make it, but I also knew that UU and I needed some
time just on our own too. I planned it so that we would end at the reunion
instead of begin there. Otherwise I'd never leave! I guess Carol and Al are
still out there and I'm envious.
We
were lucky enough to have three nights in Halifax, three near the Cape Breton
Highlands and three with the East Coast Brubachers. I could have used one more
day in Halifax, about three more days in Cape Breton and at least a week longer
with the family. But I'm not complaining at all, I feel really lucky to have
been able to go. We didn't try to do everything, so we could just go slow most
of the time and enjoy. I try to see each of the things that I didn't get to do
as just more reasons to go back, much sooner this time. It had been about 16
years since I'd visited, and no way will I let it go half as long before I
return.
Sus
really put forth a lot of effort to make the weekend worth while and it sure
paid off for the rest of us. Ward's enthusiasm and warmth also added a whole
lot. Peter took us out for a sail, and that was a real treat. Just describing
those last few days could fill one of my extra long letters so I won't go on
and on. The people were the best part, naturally, but after that I'd have to
say the music was a big highlight. You would think that these Brubacher
musicians played together all the time. We even sang along a little. They each
have their own style, and they do sound good together. It's pretty amazing to
hear them together from BC, Ontario and Nova Scotia.
The
first couple of nights were interesting also because as we listened to the
music and chatted away we were also treated to a thunderstorm without any rain
coming our way. Okay there were a few drops on Saturday night, but not much at
all. For two nights and the whole day in between it seemed to just rumble away
without any consequence. The night was lit up by the lightning, and the distant
thunder provided a base line to go with the musicians. It was one of those
times I felt strange simply because I couldn't play along with them. They
really can weave together some magic old songs.
I knew
it had to be safe despite the rumbling because even Carol felt okay about going
to the beach!
Unfortunately
UU wasn't well on our last evening, so we missed a sweet session, and a few
goodbyes. But I did later get a hold of Ward & Mae, as well as Ben and
Chris too. Chris and I didn't get to meet face to face, but we caught up a
little on the phone and that was fine. I was remembering some of the little
adventures that he, Ben, my brother Jamie and I had out there when we were
kids. It's changed a little, but not much, and certainly not for the worse. Of
course there were a few people missing that we can only remember, but they were
there too. They never left in a way.
Next
time I'll pick as many blueberries as I eat, I'll stay longer and I'll remember
to ask about having a look at that black pearl too. Next time I'll take a
little more time to look at the paintings. Next time I'll stay long enough to
do nothing at all for a while.
Hopefully
I'll see all of you soon, whether you made it out east or not this time.
With love,
Ewan
P.S.
Doug, where can I get that album that you put on? I mean the mountain music
one!
****
Hello
everyone!
Well, we
finally got some rain to help the farmers with their crops here in southern
Ontario. We’ve had a wonderful and sunny summer so far but with so much
sunshine and very little rain, the farmers have had to use pumps and miles of
piping to irrigate their crops from ponds located on their own properties. They
say they were at the final week of availability of water from their own sources
when the rain fell this past week and saved the day. The crops are said to be
doing ok this year but are not plentiful by any means. This rainfall has given
them a much needed shot in the arm and hopefully we’ll get another soaking
every week for the next few weeks to secure the fall harvest. This not only
makes the farmers smile but should make the general public happy as well. The
more plentiful the crops are, the less they cost the consumer. The other main
bonus for having an abundance of fresh produce and fruit grown right here in
Ontario is that we can trust that it is fresh. Who knows how long the food
imported from the USA and other countries has been in storage and transit
before it reaches our stores and is placed for sale on the shelves. Ontarions
love to support our own farmers but if they have no product to sell we still
have to eat and that means eating imported foodstuffs. Carole and I were up to
the St Jacob’s Farmer’s Market two weekends ago and there didn’t appear to be
any shortage of home grown crops. I guess from what they are telling us now,
Ontario crops will be ok for sure now that we’ve had some rain. This is the
time of year that Carole loves since it means that the time for her annual
canning is drawing near. She loves to can so we have a selection of preserves
to last us through the winter. She cans pickled beets, dill pickles, pearl
onions and hot and sweet peppers. She also makes the greatest salsa and chili
sauce you’ll ever taste. I pity people that only have the local grocery store
from which to obtain their food. If everyone had access to home preserved
treats like we have they’d know what I mean. It really is a treat to be able to
zip down to the basement and bring up a jar of whatever you have a hankerin’
for even in the dead of winter. MMMMmmmmm
mmm!
*
It’s been
a great summer for taking runs in the MGB. Last we were going to take a run to
the beaches area of Lake Huron or maybe even up the Collinwood shoreline of
Georgian Bay. Once the morning rolled around and we rose early to prepare for
the drive, we found it to be getting very warm and humid very early. We talked
about it and decided to make the drive in the Jeep instead. At least that way
we’d have the air conditioning if we needed it. BOY did we need it! By the time
we hit Arthur to head north on hwy 6 we had the air on full blast. We had even
decided to take Bailey our toy Poodle along. We have a seat that hangs from the
headrest of the rear seat that is made for a dog. Bailey has ridden in it many
times but not for any great distance. We figured he’d whine for the first few
minutes and then settle down once he realized he couldn’t sit up front with us.
Well, he whined alright, all the way to Mount Forrest. Carole finally decided
climb into the back seat and keep him company. I guess when he’s with us and
being paid attention every waking hour at home, it’s hard for him to understand
why he can’t be with us when we’re in the car. The seat is designed to keep
your dog safe if you happen to have to slam on the brakes or if someone rear
ends you. I said to Carole that he’d probably be quiet as a mouse once we were
headed for home. For some reason he can sense that no matter how far away we
are. When I take him out for a walk, he’s always a little funny on the walk
away from home but as soon as you make that turn for home, he’s a different
dog. I figured he just knows from repeated trips over the same route just when
we’re at the point that we start back toward home. We laughed when I said he’d
know it when we were heading home, even from way up in Owen Sound. We drove
through Owen Sound and into Southampton. I figured we’d take a walk on the
beach and see if we could find the site of the war ship that we’ve heard about
over the past couple of years. I’m sure you remember the one that Brian
mentioned in one of his recent “Shores of Lake Huron” write ups! We parked in
the public lot at the edge of the beach and as soon as we exited the car, we
were confronted by a sign that read NO DOGS ALLOWED ON THE BEACH! Oh well, we
happened to be at an end of the beach that was covered with stones and larger
rocks. We were the only people within 300 yards in any direction. I guess most
people prefer to be on the sandy parts of the beach. We took Bailey out to the
waters edge anyway. We always carry baggies to pick up his poop if he has to go
so we figured a quick dip in the lake for our hot feet and his little paws
wouldn’t hurt anything. We were right, he loved his short romp in the shallow
water. He had never been near such a large body of water before but wasn’t shy
about entering it at all. We were only in for about 10 minutes and then wrapped
him in a towel and carried him back to the car. I said to Carole that as soon
as we returned to the car and drove away from the beach he’d be a different
dog. It was like someone flipped a switch! We put him in his seat and he
immediately settled down and never made another peep all the way home. Of
course we made a couple of doggie break stops on the way home and stretched all
8 legs. Oh ya, I must tell you that we were unable to see the spot on the main
beach where the war ship is buried and figured we were just too far away from
it while in the parking lot to see it. I would have thought the town would have
erected a sign near the parking lot indicating the location of such an
important artifact but I guess they don’t think it’s that important. We had a
pleasant ride home and were very glad we had taken the vehicle with the air
conditioning. The day turned out to be a 34c day with a humidex that was more
like a 44c day. Whoever thought of putting AC in vehicles is a true genius
indeed!
Once we
reached home and had settled in for the evening, I decided to take a look on
the computer for an update on the war ship of Southampton. This is something I
should have done before even heading north for the day. As it turns out, the
ship was totally excavated and reburied way back in 2004 after they took
pictures and measurements of its skeleton. Apparently if they had left it open
to the air, it would have disintegrated in a few months. The archeological
experts in charge of the dig allowed the waters of Lake Huron to rebury the
remains of the ship so it would be preserved by the sand until they can come up
with the 3 million dollars they’ll need to excavate and remove the ship and to
restore it for display in a new addition to the local historical museum. They
figure it’ll take another 5 years or more before that will happen. So our trek
to the shores of Lake Huron to see this historical vessel was a waste of time
but we still enjoyed the drive and the day out. Maybe next time we’ll take the
MGB and leave the D O G at home! LOL!
*
Guess
that’s it for this week!
Thanks
for tuning in and I look forward to talking to you all again next time in The
Ontarion Report!
Bye for now…GREG.
PS:
Something To Think About>
“The dog
was created especially for children. He is the god of frolic.”
Henry
Ward Beecher 1887.
****
The Family and the Squamidian sites:
http://members.shaw.ca/doug_b/ and http://www.thedougsite.ca
Have a good one..
the
doug
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