The Cottage

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

We just returned from kayaking on a smooth as glass, Jordan Bay.  All the windows are open and the breeze is blowing through the cottage. Now the Bay water is ruffled and all the curtains are fluttering.  I'm out here in the sun room with my feet up.  Every window is open.  Sun is streaming in the south windows.  I can hear birds calling and the surf crashing against the rocky shore.  

 

The Sun Room

Grandview Cottage

The cottage is not much to speak of.  When we came here looking for a waterfront property, our focus was on the property.   We knew that in order to buy a property so far from home that it had to be inspirational.  Having this cottage on this particular property was a bonus. If there was no cottage, it would be difficult to enjoy the property, so we are thankful it came with the land. 

Living Room

We were told that this building was moved to the site many years ago.  It's first life was a retail store.  It's an odd little place with only one door, two bedrooms and one bath.  It does have lots of windows

Living Room

Looking at the cottage interior on the internet when we were still in Texas, it appeared to be a jumble of rooms with odd pieces of furniture.  There was no clear definition of the space so we did not know what to expect.  Plus, there was wallpaper EVERYWHERE, including  the toilet.  Our first order of business was to remove as much wallpaper as possible and to paint the interior white.  

Twin Bedroom

Prior to our arrival, November 1999, we had contacted Walter at Shelburne Furniture and ordered a Queen bed, double futon and a twin bed.  We also ordered a new wood burning stove.  When we arrived that Thanksgiving week that's all we had.  I had sent up some boxes of supplies (bedding, pots and pans, etc) so we also had cardboard boxes to use as tables.  Our rental mini van had a removable bench seat that we brought inside to expand our seating area.  That trip we worked on stripping wallpaper and investigating the property.  

Master Bedroom

Wood Burning Stove and Found partial Weathervane

We found the ruins of an old building up on a hill in the woods behind the current cottage.  At one time the cliff was used for garbage disposal.  Peter discovered an ancient metal strainer and pottery on a ledge, just over the cliff edge. Various other odd items turned up like the bench we use as a coffee table in the sun room.  They don't make benches like this in China!

I remember that Lobster season opened while we were in town and Joyce had us all over for a bountiful lobster feast.  Who needs turkey when you can have fresh caught lobster for Thanksgiving dinner?

We returned the following summer and I started in earnest looking for furniture.  I did it the Shelburne way of being referred to places to find good used stuff.  On a drive in the country with Dan and Lisa we stopped at a Barn Sale.  Asked if there was any furniture available and low and behold was invited up into the attic of an ancient house to retrieve a nice old oak dresser.  It's sitting to my right, here in the sun room.  We use it to store some of our DVD and video collection.  We have never had a cable connection so we have yet to watch Canadian TV.  For some reason the cable stops before our property and then picks up again well after our property.  Now that we have wireless internet we can stream videos and that works just fine. Failing internet,  we have lots of  DVD's and videos for backup entertainment

Barn Sale

At another sale on another day we found our living room furniture.  It was old and the fabric was worn, but we eventually had it all recovered.  It's perfect for the cottage because it's small scale and rather Cottagey.   Other pieces were picked up here and there, a couple of old trunks, a coffee table, chairs and a table.  We broke down and ordered a larger table for the kitchen from Sears Catalogue in order that we can all fit around comfortably.  The table is roomy,  even if the room itself is a little tight..  

The bath is inconveniently located directly off the dining area, but the window in there contributes to the cross breeze.  Every year we make plans on how to renovate the place.  We have gotten as far as a new roof (2011) new well (2013) new windows, screen door and siding (2000).  We are just not here long enough to do anything really major.  It would be wonderful to blow out the ceiling and open the living room up.  As it is Peter can reach the fire alarm just by extending his had up to the ceiling.  When he's here, Dan just about brushes the ceiling with the top of his head!  

Of all the things we could do or should do or want to do, my top item is a screened porch off the front of the cottage. I realize that a screened porch is not really practical.  But just think how wonderful it would be!  Also,  part of me wants a bigger kitchen and part of me just loves the little kitchen just they way it is.  OK, so you can stretch your arms out (not completely, but kinda of)  and touch the refrigerator and the stove with each hand.  The cottage kitchen is the definition of a one person kitchen, with squeaky old painted cabinets and mint green Formica counter top. Yes, it only has two drawers, but there is a efficient small oven, cold as ice fridge and freezer and a dishwasher, too!  I'll admit that I love it in spite of the curling vinyl floor and limited counter space.  We have cooked up some memorable meals in this little kitchen.  Plus, tons of jam and lots of fruit deserts.  Just writing about my little kitchen makes we want to go make a Blueberry Pie! 

Wild Things!

July 31, 2013

Last night we looked out the window and this is what we saw.  We have had deer visit in the past, but usually not so close to the cottage.  She hung out grazing for a long time.  When the wild blueberries vanish overnight, I now know who got them.  It was not birds or a raccoon, after all!

We have had many Wild Visitors over the years but unfortunately, not many photographs.  Wild animals are elusive.  You may spot one and before you lay hands on a camera, the animal has vanished into thin air.  

One morning I woke early and sat at the window.  Something small and grey ran across the lawn.  It was a grey fox! Another afternoon we returned home from town and saw this fellow waddling across the yard:

On clear nights we like to walk the property after dinner, before dark.  One evening we noticed something very large in the Bay.  It was shaped like a "V" in the water.  Had a Whale gotten lost and ended up in Jordan Bay?  We kept watching, hoping it would breach the water surface or maybe blow a waterspout.  No luck.  We never did discover what it was.  A Nova Scotia Lock Nest Monster, perhaps?

Our first trip to visit the property was November 1999.  That very first night I  remember looking out the bathroom window after dark and seeing an Owl outside sitting on the ground.  Somehow, seeing  him was a sign of good luck for our cottage.   On that first trip, Dan and Lisa spent most of their time down on the rocks exploring.  They were amazed to find masses of starfish in the water.  We have yet to come back in November so I do not know if the starfish appear every winter or were there just to welcome us that first visit.  

Queen Rock, Kayak view

On Kayak trips we have seen fish and lobster in the water.  It's illegal to take a lobster, so we just buy ours at Mr. Fish.  However, it's fun to see them from the kayak.  Out on the kayak we do occasionally see seals.  One time, Peter and Dan ran into a pack of seals near The Sisters, two prominent rocks Northeast of Blue Island.  They wanted to get close to get a good look but they did not want the seals to charge the kayaks.  That was a exciting water excursion!

Seal Scull with bullet hole found on the rocks

Oh, and let's not forget that occasional snake.  Fortunately, there are no poisonous snakes in Nova Scotia, so you can really enjoy a snake when you see one. . . .

And of course, there are the birds.  We see ducks, loons, gulls and ravens on a daily basis.  There are Robins, Cedar Waxwings and Finches.  Humming Birds are a favorite.  Last night we sat out on the concrete deck and watched a Osprey take a very high nose dive to catch a fish.  It was perfectly choreographed,  but, alas, I did not have a camera.  The North American Bald Eagle makes an appearance every summer.  Although not an uncommon event, it's still amazing to see an Eagle, large and majestic soaring above. 

Courage, Part Two

Spoiler Alert!  If you have not read Courage, an earlier entry, kindly do so before reading Courage, Part Two. 

We had to think fast.  Following the Man Overboard rule, Peter climbed up higher on Queen Rock and kept an eye on Courage.  I took off running up the hill to get to a phone to call Rudy.  We were both yelling HELP! HELP! HELP! at the top of our lungs.  

Now, keep in mind we are on 18 plus acres of land fronting a very large Bay.  We hardly ever see a boat out on the Bay and when we do it's a big deal:  Look!  Boat on the Water is called out whenever anyone spies a boat on the water.  It's an amazing event to see a boat.  We see more birds in a single day than boats in a given week.   We thought Courage was lost to us, but that did not stop us from yelling, HELP!  

A Rare Boat on Jordan Bay

 I ran up the hill, with my heart pounding in my ears.  Then, out of a corner of my eye,  I noticed something small and dark on the water speeding our way.  It was a dingy.  A DINGY!  The man at the motor pulled up alongside the cliff and asked me what was the matter.  I explained our plight and then the dory took off to Queen Rock.  The occupants on the boat consisted of a local Fisherman, his son and his son's friend.  When they arrived at Queen Rock, the boys scrambled off the dingy and Peter jumped in.  The next thing I knew the Fisherman and Peter were speeding across Jordan Bay in an effort to save Courage. 

Jordan Bay from Queen Rock

While they were gone I stood there with the boys.  The Fisherman's son had a fishing rod and cast and caught one mackerel after another.  With each catch he flicked the fish off the hook and into a rock crevice tide pool.  The friend did all the talking.  He told me that the Fisherman was really good at catching fish, and his friend was, too!  He went fishing with them all the time, but rarely caught a fish.  He was happy just to be out on the water with his friend and his friend's Dad enjoying the water and watching them catch fish.  I told the boys they were always welcome to fish on Queen Rock.  We were so grateful for their help.  After the Fisherman's son caught about a dozen mackerel I could see the dingy with Courage, bobbing behind heading our way.  I could not believe my eyes, they had arrived in time to save our little red boat!

Queen Rock

When they returned Peter and I got on the sailboat, the boys with all the fish got into the dory.  Just as the sun had almost set, the Fisherman towed us to a mooring at the western Breakwater near our cottage.   We thanked him and offered to pay him for his help, but he would not hear of it and headed home with the boys.  We secured Courage and rowed ashore in our little inflatable.  Peter went in search of the property/mooring owner.  I ran up the lane, down the road, to our driveway (approx. 1800 feet long)  for the car.  I grabbed paper & pencil in the event we needed to leave a note about tying up at our neighbor's mooring.

The Driveway though the Woods

I remember running up the Breakwater Road (approximately 2000 feet long)  as the sky darkened and thinking that I could run right into a Bear or God knows what else?  When you are a small town girl from New Jersey, it's freaky to be out in the forest after dark.  Did I mention that I was all alone? Talk about an alive moment!  Not to mention that I am not a runner.  But I have to say, as darkness fell,  I was highly motivated to not stop, but just keep running until I was safely back at the cottage.  

After I got the car and picked up Peter we returned home and called Rudy.  He thought we were pretty funny.  The next day we waited for low tide and took turns out in the bay trying to attach the buoy to the anchor.  This involved swimming out and diving down about 8 feet.  No big deal in a swimming pool, but this was Jordan Bay, filled with a very strong current, fish, lobsters, seaweed and rocks.  Plus, the water was icy cold!  Between the two of us we secured the anchor to reset the mooring.  At last, we were back in business.  

I guess this story clearly illustrates what I meant when I told you about Nova Scotia Fishermen. They really do catch fish and they really will help you out, at a moments notice. 

Intermission

Sunday, July 28, 2013

And now, a brief Intermission to update all who wrote to express concern over our lack of a washing machine.  They say a picture is worth one thousand words:

We did go to town Thursday, July 25,  and directly to Shelburne Furniture and Appliances LTD.  Our friend and neighbor, Walter owns the place and he not only gave us a great deal on a made in the U.S.A., GE Washer, but he and his brother in law arrived by 3:30 pm, the next day and delivered and installed the brand new machine for us.  I highly recommend Shelburne Furniture for all your furniture and appliance needs.  Tell Walter Nancy sent you . . . :-)

My world has expanded!

Of course, there is always a catch, as the discharge drain was clogged.  Lucky for me Peter decided to climb under the sun room and create a new connection with a new section of pipe and by Friday night we were washing clothes in our cottage.  Another first for Grandview!  

Peter has also been monitoring the well and in spite of the laundry, dishwasher and shower (I took two on Thursday!), the water level is remaining strong and high.  Hallelujah! 

Courage

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Had it not been for the sailboat, we never would have met Rudy.  Rudy has been our friend and Nova Scotia mentor since the beginning.  A Shelburne native and fisherman, welder, gardener, and Jack of All Trades, Jim O'Connor, aka, Rudy is a man of many talents. 

It all started with an  advertisement in the lower front page of Shelburne's weekly newspaper, The Coast Guard.  There was a small photo and the line Sailboat for Sale.  The ad caught Peter's eye and so we made a call to meet the owner and go and see the vessel.  It was moored in a quiet pocket of Shelburne Harbour. 

The boat was a centerboard, Mouette 19, designed by G.William McVay,  made in Nova Scotia by Paceship Yachts, LTD.  It had a bright red hull and aluminum mast. For Peter, it was love at first site and it did not take long to strike a deal.  Now, to get the little red boat to Jordan Bay from Shelburne.  The boat came with a trailer so it was suggested we ask someone with a truck to tow it to our neck of the woods.  This is where Rudy comes in.  

We were told to call Jim O'Connor, but please call him Rudy.  It was suggested that he might lend a hand/truck.  We called Rudy and he invited us for a visit.  We all hit it off and under Rudy's direction we made a plan for the little red boat.  Rudy towed the boat, helped us launch it and he guided us through the somewhat dangerous process of raising  the mast.  All this was done at Lower Jordan Bay, near Locke's Island.  Not only did Rudy help us tow and launch, but he also helped us create a mooring for the boat just off our low tide only, sandy beach. 

Before we could get the mooring in place, there was a list of items needed.  Many necessary parts Rudy found by rummaging in his barn.  The most important part of the mooring was the largest part.  Amazingly, Rudy had a very large anchor in his front yard.   For the missing pieces I was given a list and  the task of finding the necessary parts.  So began my first Shelburne shopping experience.  Much like trying to find that computer part (and I'm still waiting to hear from Sheldon) I got the grand tour of every possible boat supplier in town.  Shelburne may be a small town, but it is an active fishing and boating community.  There were lots of places to visit.  The tour included Bower's Machine shop.  My memory is not sharp enough to adequately describe the interior of this active, ancient machine shop.  Suffice it to say, I walked in was immediately in awe. I have never seen anything like Bower's before or since that day. 

Sadly, Bower's has since closed with the downturn of the economy.  However, Shelburne Shipyard has several large, new contracts to build Canadian vessels and I can only hope that the shop will reopen.  I understand that when the machine shop closed,  Mr. Bower turned off the lights, waked out, locked the door and left everything in place.  

Not to digress, that day, after visiting Bower's I also visited Government Wharf and every conceivable supplier of boat parts, even some that were not immediately an obvious place to stop.  That's what happens when you re guided by the kindness of the Shelburne shopkeepers as to where to go and who to see. You really visit everywhere in and around town.  I was lucky enough to find most of the items on the list including the only two available PFD's for sale, in town. Go figure, I found them at the Garden Center. 

The next day at low tide, Rudy and Peter set the anchor with the bright bobbing orange buoy.  The only thing left to do was to launch the boat, install the mast and sail away from the Breakwater to our new home base on Jordan Bay. 

Maddy's Cove, Jordan Bay

The next morning, we walked/ran to the breakwater as there was no way to retrieve the car once we were on board the boat.  We arrived, donned our lifejackets and cast off.  It did not take long for a dingy to pull alongside and tell us we were headed for some unforeseen trouble.  The fisherman in the dingy threw us a line and towed us to open water where we needed to be to get to Jordan Bay.  We were amazed by his kindness and very thankful for his help.  

We quickly learned that this act of kindness is the norm and not the exception for anyone on the water in Nova Scotia.  Once at sea in Nova Scotia you are part of a brotherhood unmatched anywhere else on the water.  Everyone looks out of you even if you do not realize they are there.  Even if you do not realize you may need help!  In all our years sailing and power boating in Florida and Texas we had never experienced anything like the generous nature of the fishermen of Nova Scotia, Canada. 

We raised the main sail and off we went tacking our way to Jordan Bay.  Upon arrival we moored at our buoy and used a toy inflatable boat our realtor, and friend Joyce, had unearthed from her basement and given to us.  The little inflatable was really meant for a swimming pool, but we managed to get ashore.  Wow!  We had a little red sailboat moored just a walk from our cottage. 

After that there were many sailing adventures on Jordan Bay.  The bay winds are variable and most days we reefed the sails and still were almost knocked down.  It was the most fun we have ever had.  Racing around the bay clears your mind for only the task at hand.  No worries about work, children, or anything else, for that matter.  You might describe sailing on Jordan Bay as a true alive moment.  A small, swift sailboat, close to the water racing along at a high rate of speed is an experience hard to match.  We loved our little boat and so we named it:  COURAGE.  

One evening  the wind was blowing out of the Northwest as we sat in our Muskoka Chairs out on the lawn enjoying a glass of chilled Nova Scotia white wine and the bay view.  Peter suggested we walk down and visit the boat.  So we did just that.  It was a sparkling evening with the wind blowing and the sun slowly sinking orange and pink in the Western sky.  We climbed down the rocky embankment and up onto Queen Rock.  We surveyed the water, shoreline and sky.  We drank our wine and smiled at each other.  Then, we realized something was off.  Something was not quite right.  No, it could not be possible.  Where is the sailboat???  It's missing from the mooring.  No way anyone would steal it.  We scanned the bay and saw something small and red bobbing all the way across almost on Lockeport's rocky coast.  Courage  had slipped the mooring and was about to slam into the rocky shore on the other side of Jordan Bay.  

 

To be continued . . . .

The Well

Thursday, July 25, 2013

After years of putting up with a hand dug, shallow well, at the suggestion of our plumber, we contracted to have a new well dug.  When I mentioned this to our neighbors, Ralph and Brenda Miller, Ralph said about 30 years ago he and his Dad helped Peter Strange, the former owner, with the well one day.  They climbed down in it and found an old corn cob pipe. Ralph imagined that a farmer was drawing water one day and dropped his pipe.  Amazing that it had survived in the well for all those years. 

Summer 1999

When we first arrived here about a dozen or more years ago we wondered about the outhouse.  It's a rather deluxe design with two seats and windows to take in the water view.  One early vacation, we discovered the hard way that having an outhouse was extremely useful.  The weather had been sunny and hot and we had all been out on the sailboat.  I cannot remember exactly, but the first person in the shower was out of water before rinsing off.  The well was dry.  OMG! I remember giving Lisa a broom and asking her to sweep out the outhouse.  In spite of a fear of spiders, she did a good job and the old outhouse was now ready.  This promised to be a new and memorable experience for the family from away.

Lisa on Queen Rock, Summer 1999, age 11

 

Dan on Queen Rock, Summer 1999, age 14

The plumber did arrive and got the water going again, but on and off over the years we could expect the well to go dry.  We instituted a system of bottled drinking water to save on the water level, but with the lack of a good well, we have been lugging  laundry to Carolyn's Wash All in town.  We do have a dryer at the cottage, which is helpful.   I would not mind lugging the laundry except that Carolyn's Wash All, was shiny and new in 1999 and every summer is less and less of a pleasant experience.  Although not my favorite destination, I generally stop there first and have the washers timed to the exact minute.  You can can a lot done during the 40 minute cycle.  

Chris the plumber suggested two different companies to dig the well and one is owned by Rudy's nephew.  Even so, Peter negotiated hard at getting the price of the job to a reasonable number.  On Monday it rained so there was no action on the well.  On Tuesday, the big back hoe arrived and the crew cleared the area around the old well.  Wednesday, the job began.  Peter hung out most of the day to watch the progress with an old man on the job.  Mo, explained the process.  He deemed the depth of the dig to be excellent and that the water would be plentiful for years to come.  Yesterday at 4 p.m. The Well Crew departed for the day and Peter came inside.  He casually mentioned we would not have any water, hot or cold, until sometime on Thursday.  ICK.  No shower tonight, glad I did an easy Yoga session.  
 

Once the trucks had cleared the drive I took off to get the laundry done, pick up a few things at Woodworkers Home Hardware and buy the deep sea scallops we have been dreaming of.  As I left, Peter was at the old well with a bucket on a rope filling empty water containers with water for washing, etc. inside the cottage till the well was connected and complete.   The well guy, Colin told us to call the plumber for a final check of the system before the well was finalized on Thursday.  So, we called, and called, but of course, there was no answer.  This morning I got Chris's wife on the phone and although she indicated he was very busy, she would get a message to him as we did not have water.  Excellent!  And now, as I write, Chris has arrived to save the day.  The well guys are not back yet, but since we have their backhoe, I imagine they will turn up sooner or later . . . 

The only thing left to do now is to convince Peter that today would be the perfect day to go to town and buy a new washing machine! Wish me luck . . . 

White Caps

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

We woke this morning to a roiling bay.  The white caps were are far as the eye could see.  Rain was falling and the fog drifted in and then out and in again.  Obviously this was the perfect day to stay home indoors and snuggle up with a good book.  

I had started Little Altars Everywhere by Rebecca Wells last night.  After reading the paper and answering a few emails, I returned to the book.  We spent most of the day like this until I decided it was time to clean more blueberries and make more jam.  After making jam,  we planned to head to the grocery to buy fresh deep sea scallops for dinner.  Just as the final jam jar popped, the rain came pouring down.  The decision was made to cancel the trip to town and survey the pantry.  

After discussing a variety of unusual options for dinner we settled on Pasta and Lentils with Spinach.  If you have never made Lentils, in favor of Progresso Lentil Soup from a can, you are missing a lovely dinner or side dish.  

Sort the lentils looking for small stones or other debris.  Place in a colander and rinse with cold water.  Set aside.  Mince, garlic, onion, celery, and carrots and saute in a pan or pot until soft.  Meanwhile, put a large pot of salted water on the stove to boil.  When the vegetables are tender, add the lentils and cover with water.  Season to taste, bring to a bowl then lower the heat and simmer until the lentils are tender, about 20 minutes.  Chop up some fresh spinach and add to the lentils.  Stir in and let the spinach cook until wilted.

When the salted water is boiling add pasta.  We favor Ditalini, but any type, on hand will do.  Cook the pasta al dente, drain and toss in a bowl or the pot with olive oil.  Spoon the pasta into a dinner bowl, top with the lentils and serve with grated Italian cheese.  This dish is full of vegetables and high in protein.  Super easy and rather quick.  Perfect for a damp, rainy day.  YUM!!

After dinner, clean up, take the dogs out in spite of the rain then put your feet up and get back to that good book.  In spite of the weather it was a great day, after all! 

Wild Blueberry Day

Monday, July 22, 2013

It's such a great day today; sunny and cool.  Perfect for picking wild blueberries.   After Yoga I dressed in protective clothing (wide brim had, overalls, boots, long sleeve shirt and work gloves) and headed out to the bluff with two stainless bowls in search of blueberries.  Everyone that picks wild blueberries has their own different technique.  Our friend Rudy uses a Cranberry rake. Some pick one at a time.  I favor the two bowl technique.  

I pick my spot and place the large bowl at the edge of the field.  Then, with the small bowl in hand I wade carefully into the field of berries.  Looking for large clumps of fruit, I place the small bowl under the berry stem and carefully brush the ripe berries into the bowl.  I do get  unripe berries in the mix, but make an effort to carefully try to leave as many unripe berries as possible on the stem to ripen another day.  

No photograph can convey the pleasure of berry picking on the edge of the cliff  in view of Jordan Bay on a cool sunny day. If necessary, years past, I have picked in fog and rain to get enough berries for jam or a pie.  The berry plants are mixed in with Bayberry plants.  Just touching the Bayberry sets off the sweet smell of Bayberry mixed with salt air.  The background sound is small waves crashing on the rocky coast.  Sea gulls are calling in the distance.   An occasional Loon sounds somewhere on the Bay.  As the berries can be found all over the property, each location is different for a different experience.  Picking by the Roses and Bird Bath is different from the cliff as picking along the driveway is different from the Rose area.  

The best berry spot today was on the cliff side edge of the property.  Using care not to get too close to the cliff, berry picking requires patience and the ability to kneel or squat in the field.  This is were Yoga gives me an advantage.  Once the small bowl is full I wade out and pour the berries into the larger bowl and then place the large bowl at the edge of the field where I head back into the field.  I went back and forth and managed to cover about 500 feet of the property.  The large bowl filled up quickly, or did it take hours?  I have no idea, but when it was full I took a break.  

The next step is cleaning the berries.  Rudy recommended I spread the berries out on a sheet or towel and let the wind blow off all the grass and leaves, then it's time to hand clean.  Generally, I work the berries over at least three times before washing and measuring for the jam process.  

If you have never made jam, it's really easy and fun.  The important thing is to prep all equipment and ingredients in advance.  Measure the sugar with a cup measure.  Clean all the jars and lids and ready them in a line on the kitchen counter near the stove.  I use liquid Certo and follow the directions for cooked jam.   Once I make my jam any berries I pick thereafter, will be for pancakes, pie or cobbler.  Blueberry muffins are great, too!  It's illegal  to bring fresh fruit across the U.S., Canada border, so if I pick wild blueberries in Canada we eat them or I make jam. Since several jars are already spoken for, I hope to make two batches, if I can gather enough wild blueberries for the job.