Friday, November 24th
Well, one more season aboard Cat Tales awaits. But first, for those of you who read our weblog but do not otherwise know what we’re up to, here is a synopsis of what we did in Canada (mostly New Brunswick) over the last 7 months. Weather wise, it was the wettest summer we could remember, with the water totally enveloping the beaches of Grand Lake most of the time. Dawn was quite busy managing the estate of her mother, who left us last September. She was co-executor with her sister Kathy, and predominantly had to work with a lawyer, an accountant, The Canadian government (CRA), and a couple of investment advisors to consolidate and distribute the funds as directed. It resulted in many trips to town and a lot of enjoyable lunches with Kathy. Almost done – so if you didn’t hear from her, you were not in the will ;-).
She also has been quite busy with pickleball with new and old friends from the Minto area. She says if her mouth isn’t sore from laughing, it was an abnormal session. Her monthly book club sessions are also fun for her, and typically followed by a glass or two of wine. A two-week trip to Ontario in the fall to visit with all three remaining sisters was also a big hit.
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| Kathy, Valerie, Dawn & Lorna |
I finished the renovation on a 14-foot rowboat that was originally manufactured in Minto by Maritime Fibreglass around 70 years ago. I took it down to the fibreglass hull (which also had to be well patched) and rebuilt the frames, gunnels, floor and seats using the WEST (wood epoxy saturation technique) epoxy process. Once assembled and faired, I painted it using the Petit EasyPoxy system. The interior is a cream-white while the hull is a pretty sea moss green. Using the boat for exercise is actually fun, but I need a rear-view mirror – and will get one!
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| Laurie’s spring project! |
I’m continuing to enjoy a history hobby, which includes researching, writing, trips to the Archives, and great new friends online. As well, I get together with some guys in the cove once per week for a few drinks and pool games – on a rather poor table with “house rules”. The cottage, all wooden exterior and windows, does take some time each summer, as do the many trees on the little lot. A major cottage event was the installation of a metal roof, finished just before we left.
Dawn and I left the cove for a trip to the Amherst area to attempt to bicycle the Chignecto Ship Railway bed. It is a major heritage site and the history intrigues me. We also went down for two nights in a campsite at the St. Martin Shanty-Fest with friends. It was an experience, and great to get together, but the event was underwhelming. We will not be entertaining you with shanties next season! We also enjoyed day trips down the valley and to Fundy National Park for hikes with friends.
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| Bald Peek Trail, Welsford, NB with Leo and Jo-Anne |
As always, we enjoyed local walks, Hobie sailing, time with family and friends, and great community meals. Notable visitors included my brother Paul and his wife Alida, and nephew Peter and his adult children Emilie and Dylan.
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| A new roof for the house and the shed. Can’t wait to hear it on a rainy day! |
Okay, after this is posted, I can let you all know about our “Steadily depressing, low-down, mind-messing, working in the boatyard blues”. Okay, it was not so bad, but check back for it.
