Founder's Day Celebration, Shelburne, NS, Canada

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Woke this morning in time to see the fog roll off the water.  It rained last night and now the sun is peaking through the clouds.  

As soon as I get the call from Sheldon, I plan to go to town to pick up the computer part and check out Founder's Day.  Every year the celebrations get better and better.  I will be looking for the British Troops and local Pirates while strolling Dock Street.Last year there were lots of characters wandering around Dock Street adding to the atmosphere of Founder's Day.

Peter with Pirate

Tall Ship in Shelburne Harbour

Dock Street

Fogged In

Sunrise

Friday, July 19, 2013

I woke this morning to an overcast sky.  The fog was right up to the front window.  We are sitting here having coffee reading the paper.  A little while ago, we could hear rain on the roof.  Now, the rain has stopped and the fog has receded across the harbour.  I can see the rocky coastline of Lockport, again.  It's still very misty down by Enslow's Point, but the view to Blue Island is pretty clear.  There is an old Nantucket saying, Fog Happens.  Well, it happens in Nova Scotia, too!  The fog always adds a touch of  mystery to the atmosphere.

Waiting for Low Tide and the Sandy Beach

Last night while walking the dogs we started to find the blueberries.  The property generally bursts with wild blueberry plants.  Last summer there was a severe drought and I do not remember picking one berry.  Some of my local friends are already suggesting that I give them a jar of wild blueberry jam, if I'm inclined to make it.  It will take a few more sunny days until the berries are ready for harvest, but I hope to be able to pick berries, clean them, and make jam.  It is so easy and fun to make jam.  Plus it makes the cottage smell  good .

From this position in front of the window I can see the tide coming in and the wind blowing from the Southeast.  Last night the sky was clear.  The stars were out shined by a very vivid, bright half moon.  We often watch the moon through the sun room windows.  Next week it will be full and very special if there are no clouds to obscure the view. 

Moon Rise 2012

Today is a good day to hang out.  After Yoga, I plan to tidy up the place and maybe Peter will make a small fire in the wood stove?  I keep thinking there is something I should be doing, but in fact, there is nothing in particular on my agenda.  It takes awhile to shake off having a routine.  By the time I am used to no routine, we will be headed back to Hobe Sound and the routine!

I did finish the Glass Castle.  Reading that book reminded me of a friend who I used to share books with.  Gerri Kraft was a RN and lived in Niskayuna, NY back in the 1980's when we lived there, too.  Peter worked with Terry, Gerri's husband at GE R&D.  Gerri was a good and true friend.  Fun and full of life.  If I found a good book I would pass it onto her.  She would read it and always returned it to me.  But,  before returning it, she would write her thoughts about the story inside the the book.  It was such a thoughtful thing to do and it deepened our connection.   We both had our children around the same time as each other, which was another strong connection.  

Gerri was a nurse at the local hospital and an amazing horse woman.  She could ride any horse in the area and was often called on to exercise a variety of horses at the local barn.  I envied her this great ability and affinity with horses.  Gerri loved to travel. She loved Terry and her beautiful daughters, Rachael, Anna and Mary.  Terry and Gerri traveled a lot before they had children.  After we moved to Ft. Worth, TX, they came to visit us with their girls, for a long weekend.  We had so much fun.  During their visit I learned that Gerri had been diagnosed with skin cancer.  She survived the disease for about 8 years and then died from the illness.   I still think of her and I still miss her.  It's funny how some people touch your life so deeply that you can never forget how special they are to you.  No matter the time or the distance.  

While I have been writing this the fog has come and gone.  Now I can see the water and the sun is out.  The Lockport rocky coast is still obscured, but slowly it's coming into view. Sea gulls are soaring over the property and it's warm enough to open the front door and the windows.  What's that old saying, "If you do not like the weather, just wait a minute and it is certain to change!"

Grandview Cottage

Monday, July 15

Having departed Hobe Sound, Thursday evening after Yoga, about 8 p.m. we headed out on our road trip to Nova Scotia, Canada.  Although a long trip, it was good as the weather was overcast and cloudy for the entire drive.  Sunday morning we arrived in St. John, where we always encounter fog. It was amazing to pull up to the ferry to a clear blue sky sunny day!  

We walked the dogs on the beach by the ferry and they met a pet pig named Smokey.  All was well, then suddenly Nutty's eyes rolled back into his head and he collapsed.  He had low blood sugar.  Luckily,I had syrup and Nutra Cal.  Took him to the car and he was conscious and was able to lick one and then the other and also water.  It took about 45 minutes before Nutty was himself, again.  Scared us very much.  About 6 months ago, one morning he collapsed and passed out which prompted a trip to Dr. Smith.  That's how we learned about the possibility of low blood sugar in small dogs.  I always have Nutra Cal in my "dog bag", even when I take them out on a walk.  

One minute Nutty was fine, barking away at people and the pig, then wham! he's on the verge of a convulsion.  Freaky to say the least!

Now he's tucked in next to me as I write.  The wind is blowing through the house and the wind chimes are chiming.  You could fly a kite in here!  Just lovely.  Thursday starts the Founders Day's celebration.  We spent most of today getting organized; getting supplies, etc.  We plan to stay until August 14 so that's four weeks which is something we have never done before. 
 
Tuesday, July 16
This a.m. Peter made coffee and then woke me up.  After coffee we walked the dogs on the property as it's another breezy beautiful day.  After walking we practiced Yoga.  Peter did pretty well for a new Yogi.  After Yoga, he went out to work in the yard and I hopped on the Nordic Track for cardio exercise.  

              

After a shower I am headed to town in search of a cable to make streaming movies on the TV more efficient.  In true Shelburne fashion, the first stop, the Video Store, did not have the part.  They sent me to a second place, a Computer Store.  I pulled up and a bunch of locals hanging out under a tree asked it I was headed to the computer store?  Yes, well, then come back in an hour as Sheldon just left for lunch.  You just missed him!  So I went in search of a second computer store up by Tim Horton's.  No luck, but I had time to kill and not wanting to eat a donut at Tim Horton's, I pulled into the lot for a little Country Craft shop just across the street. 

In the Garage was a nice lady using a table saw.  Impressive!  Very friendly she stopped and walked into the shop with me.  On the porch was some very cool birch bark chairs and a bench.  You know the kind with most of the tree branch used as part of the design (should have taken a photo).  Then I went inside and there were several rooms filled with all kinds of wood crafty items.  The lady said they had a wood lot, cut their wood and made everything by hand.  I had to buy something so not wanting a sign, from their room filled with signs (floor to ceiling) a sample of one of the many signs is:  Don't Worry, Changing the Toilet Paper Roll Does Not Cause Brain Damage!  I settled on several different items that make great gifts and then I made my purchase as I wanted to support their business.   Of course, before I left I met her husband and the three of us talked about all things Shelburne:  aquaculture, the ferry, the hot weather (70 degrees)and the fact that Shell Oil will be drilling in Shelburne Basin (deep water) for Oil and Gas which will improve the economy.  Thank God they said that Jordan Bay is not a oil target as it's too shallow!  YEA! Plus their visits to Florida and where we stay out here and how long, etc. . . .

I spent about $30 and got lots of crafty wood items and then headed back to the Computer store.  Sheldon was still not back from lunch but this time I was invited into the store to wait.  When he came he said he sold the last of what I needed the day before.  To try the other computer store and if I had no luck to call him and he would order the part for me.  He directed me to my next stop which was on Water Street near the Woodworkers Home Hardware store. The guy at this computer store said, no, he did not have the part to try the Dollar Store, he buys that part there all the time as it's the cheapest place to by anything in town.  Good advise.  I headed to the Dollar store.  

Searched the Electronics section at the Dollar Store but could not find the part so asked the women who worked there and they said they had not seen that part in 6 months!  Oh well, I called Sheldon and placed an order for the part.  On to Bargain Giant for some containers for tomato sauce that I made yesterday for pizza last night.  Then onto Sobey's (grocery) to buy my birthday dinner.  Peter had given me a list of what to buy as he is cooking over the campfire for me tonight.  

At Sobey's I checked all the cakes but there was no one around to help me so I pressed onto the fish department where there was no one to help me so I got granola and yogurt then went back and waited at the fish department.  I waited and waited and finally a lady shopper stopped and suggested I walk to the meat department to ring the bell.  Could not find the bell but found a door and a nice lady came out and helped me pick out a piece of salmon and some beautiful deep sea scallops.  I wanted 6 scallops, but she could only find 4 that passed her approval, so I went with four plus two giant shrimp at her recommendation.  

While she packed up the selection we chatted about how she likes scallops cooked and how her husband eats them raw.  Once all was priced and ready  I went back to the bakery where a lady was air brushing a cake.  I stood and waited for her to notice me.  No luck, changed position, no luck, finally, like any loud American, I called out over the counter.  She then helped me with a small "quarter size" deep chocolate cake.  I found candles and the little plastic holders that are no longer sold in the US.  Scooped up 4 packs so I will always have them for birthdays and checked out.

Parked the car and the dogs ran down to the hill to great me.  Peter appeared and helped bring in the packages.  Now I'm in the sunroom reading The Glass Castle which is hard to put down.  I think the book gave me the idea to BLOG about our vacation and so I started to put all this down, first in a letter to Lisa, and now to share with you all.  It's another lovely day!  Bright and very breezy.  The plumber should be by any time now to plumb up an outdoor shower for us.  We bought the half moon shower rod like at Mars and a outdoor fixture with us to set up a great outdoor shower here!  Happy Birthday to me!

 

 It's New Year's Eve, December 31, 2012.  My resolution will be to work on my blog!  I still want to write about my Gram, Lucy Lista, and I want to do a page devoted to my Mom's "Eleanorisims", which are things that she said to me that pop into my head from time to time.  However, today, I want to share some photographs of things that I like and also things that I believe.

Starting with what I like.  For our rental cottage I have been working on the four back to back vintage bookcases since we turned he property into a rental.  The bookcases are ever changing, but this winter I reached a point with them that makes me smile:

There is one more shelf to share.  It's the blue shelf, but I have to get the photo oriented correctly before I post it.  What I enjoy most about the shelves is although the books are ours for many years, everything else has been found here or there.  Some of the shells were found on the beach, others at Thrift stores.  Little paintings are true found treasures.  

To start the New Year off I have also decided to post a message I sent to my Hobe Sound Yogis.  It's advise about exercise.  It's my own personal philosophy based on my own experience as a person with very little talent, or natural ability, but a lot of will to try!   I can place myself inside all the people who struggle with exercising because I am one of them.  The difference is my will to never give up!  

I think to have a happy, healthy life one must have balance.  In other words, enjoy a glass of wine, but not the whole bottle!  Do not smoke as smoking effects your lungs and makes everything around you smell.  Smoking can also affect your energy level.  It's addictive and hard to quit, but the benefits of leaving it behind are so great that you must find a way!  I know, as I am a former smoker!!

Weave exercise into your life so that it's not a chore, but just part of your very existence.  Eat a balanced diet of real food vs. processed food.  Be mindful of what you eat.  Be mindful of how you treat other people when you are driving, walking, or just bumping into someone in a store, etc.  Smile first!  Always smile first!

Here is what I sent the Yogis:

Dear Hobe Sound Yogis,

Happy New Year!  It's raining on the Florida west coast this morning.  A great day to read the paper!  The following are several interesting articles for your consideration.  

As we approach the New Year and make resolutions for better health and fitness, let's all remember, especially, in Yoga, to take our time setting poses.  To listen to our body and do only what feels good and makes sense.  Make adjustments for your personal comfort.  Make a goal to gain control of your body through Yoga.  Yoga should never hurt your body.

In other words, customize  your Yoga Practice to yourself.  During the hour, lay down, slip into Child's Pose or simply stand at the top of the mat when you feel the need or want a break.  Never push beyond your personal comfort level.  Build your practice over time.  Consider a new pose and maybe try part of it, vs the full version.  Build the pose over time with the realization that you do not need to do the extreme version of the pose to benefit from the pose. Use the balance bar, wall, or sturdy chair to assist balance.  

Strive to create your very own unique practice, vs a practice that looks like another Yogi in the class.  Some arrive at Yoga after decades of dance and gymnastics training.  We cannot expect to have that type of ability without the background.  However, we can achieve satisfaction from creating our own unique practice using our own personal ability.  

If you are using Yoga to recover from an injury, take it slow.  Follow your doctor's advise and use extra caution.  Common sense and patience is required to build strength and flexibility after an injury.  Listen carefully to your body!

If you are planning a new fitness regime for your New Year's resolution, take it slow and mix it up.  Walk, bike or swim to develop cardio fitness.  Start your cardio program with 5 - 10 minutes a day and slowly increase to 15, 20, and eventually  30 minutes or more.  Try a new group exercise class, but build up your ability over several weeks vs. on the first day. Go into the gym and learn a new machine or all the equipment with the help of a Personal Trainer. To stay motivated beyond the month of January, find a fitness buddy to work out with.  Try to build exercise into your daily routine:  walk to the quick store, ride your bike to the beach.  Take a flight of stairs.   Be creative when doing chores.  

Most of all have fun!  Make it a priority to enjoy yourself and laugh and have fun.  Stay active in ways that suit your personal style so that it's not "exercise", it's just your life, your routine, your way of living and having fun.

I look forward to seeing many of you on January 3, 2013.  Have a safe and Happy New Years Eve!

Namaste!

Nancy

ANOTHER LOVE STORY

After remembering Eleanore and Mitty's Love Story, my thoughts now wander to yet another Love Story.

It all started with a slim gold wedding ring and a text message. “Hey! Mom!  You know that thin gold ring you gave me a long time ago?  The inside is  engraved  . . . TIFFANY . . . and there is more engraving that’s Nov. 3, 1914 PGL to LMD . . . what’s the story behind this???   It’s AWESOME!!!

Lucy Mary D.

Paul George L.
playing poker with Paul George L.

We were traveling in the car.  My husband of 31 years was driving, as I read the two text messages from our daughter out loud.  He immediately suggested his grandparents.  As their last name began with a "D".  I said, “no way, your Mother only gave me one piece of jewelry and it’s in the safe deposit box.  That ring came from my mother’s things.  Remember when she died and my sister kept both Mom’s and Gram’s diamond rings, and gave me that box of “junk” jewelry?  The ring I gave Lisa in High School was from that box.  Humm. . . PGL to LMD.  Paul George L. to Lucy Mary D? ” That would be my grandfather to my grandmother back in November of 1914.  At that time they lived in a small coastal town on the Jersey Shore.   Could this small ring be telling us their Love Story?  

In 1914, to buy a Tiffany ring Paul would have taken the train to NYC from Long Branch, well over an hour’s ride.  Not to mention, maybe also a ferry ride each way to get to New York City to buy a wedding ring.  From the size of the ring he obviously did not have much money, but he wanted to give Lucy a good ring and is seemed only Tiffany’s would do.  To confirm the story, when we returned home later that day I called my Aunt and Uncle.  Yes, Paul George L.  married Lucy Mary D. November 3, 1914!

We will never know if Paul  really did travel to New York City to purchase the slim, gold ring for his beloved.  No matter how he acquired the ring, this is the way I choose to remember them both.  Sadly, I never met Paul as he died when my mom and her brothers were young.  As a young widow, out of necessity, Lucy, our Gram, went on to be a full time working mother and career women at a time when very few women left home to support their families.  

Lucy

I promise to share   Lucy's remarkable story on another day.  It was only by chance that I passed the slim gold ring to Lisa.   I am thankful that by doing so, we uncovered Lucy and Paul's Love Story.

WAR TIME LOVE STORY

We fly our flags this weekend to honor our fallen heros.

We owe a great debt of thanks to all the veterans of the U.S.A.

As I think about what Memorial Day means, I remember this World War II, Love Story.

My parents met before the war. Like everyone else, when Pearl Harbor was attacked,  Mitty enlisted.   He must have taken an aptitude test because before he shipped out, he was sent to Telegraph School.  There are photographs in Mom's old album of Dad's first day at school and then at graduation.  Upon graduation he received his assignment and went directly over seas.  For months, Eleanore and Mitty wrote letters back and forth.  At some point, Dad had leave in the U.S. and landed in Kansas City, MO.  He asked my mom to get on a train and come as fast as she could to Kansas City, MO.   He asked her to marry him. 

War Time Wedding Portrait of Eleanore and Mitty

Eleanore grew up and lived in a small New Jersey coastal town.  At that point in her life, I believe the farthest she traveled from New Jersey, was to New York.  It's hard for me to imagine her taking a train across the country.  I do think her love for my father made her brave and strong.

At Sunday dinner, she announced to the family that she was going to Kansas City to marry her beloved, Mitty.  My Aunt Frances, Gram's sister and  family matriarch, said:   "No, you are not getting on a train and traveling alone across this country!"  

Lucky for my Mom, her older brother, Alfred was at dinner.  He stood up,  and firmly told Aunt Frances, "Eleanore loves Mitty.   As far as he was concerned, she was getting on the next train to Kansas City to go and marry him." That day, Uncle Alfred became the head of the family. Although Mom was close with both her brothers, I now understand why Eleanore so loved and adored her big brother, Alfred.

Dad on his ship at work sending and receiving coded messages.

I am sure that Uncle Alfred put Eleanore on that train and Mitty met her at the station in Kansas City.  They married, like so many other couples did at that time.  She stayed with him until he shipped out again, over seas.  

Happy Newlyweds strolling in downtown Kansas City, MO

Uncle Alfred in uniform

Younger brother, my Uncle Joe in uniform

Uncle Joe in the field

Uncle Alfred

Eleanore and Alfred as children

We were a lucky family.  My dad and my uncles all survived WWII.  They came home and each went their separate ways.   In spite of the distance separating everyone, the family remained close.  I have great memories of visits during holidays, vacations and birthdays.   Eleanore and Mitty remained together until his death from heart failure in 1972.  Eleanore was never the same after he left us.  She eventually succumbed to cancer in 1981.  When I think of them I always see them together: happy and completely in love.

Mitty

Eleanore

ABOUT SEWING . . .

In my last post I mentioned I had been sewing.  Over the years, I go in and out of sewing.  It started when Lisa was small and I decided to make her a dress.  

Then we planned a Birthday Party at a Chocolate Factory, and I decided to make aprons for all the party attendees.  

Then years passed and I did little or no sewing except for a Halloween costume or two, until I started practicing Yoga, again and taking a Yoga Teacher Certification course.  Then I came up with my Yogi Bags.  The Yogi bags started because I was practicing Yoga with friends in my neighborhood.  We often rode bikes to each others home to practice.  How do you carry a Yoga mat on a bike?  So, I made a simple bag for myself, and then  bags for friends, then more elaborate bags, and on and on.  

The Yogi Bags are fun to make and I learned a lot about sewing by making them.  From time to time someone needs a bag and I have a nice selection to offer.  

Earlier in the blog I posted about a small bag I had found as inspiration  to make my own small Pocket Bag.  Using fabric on hand, I eventually morphed the small Pocket Bag into a big Pocket Bag.  This is what they turned out to be:  

The bags are fun to make and like my Yogi Bags, they have one on a kind vintage buttons.  No two are exactly alike (I cannot do anything the same way, twice, anyway) and they all carry the Good Karma Yogi Bag label!  Like the Yoga Mat Bags, they are fun/addictive to make.  All it takes to get me going is some fun fabrics.  

If you are interesting in sewing, but have never sewn before, I will share with you a bit of advise from an old friend from Boston, MA,  Alice Ann.  She always said, "half of sewing is ironing."  Turns out that this is very true!  Wash and iron your fabrics first and then continue to iron all through the project.  If you can iron a straight line you can sew one, too!  

When my bags become a big business you all can say you knew me when . . . .  Now, instead of messing around on the computer, or with the sewing machine, I must focus on getting my real house in order!