A shanty by the sea..

I shall go back again to the bleak shore
And build a little shanty on the sand
In such a way that the extremest band
Of brittle seaweed shall escape my door
But by a yard or two; and nevermore
Shall I return to take you by the hand.
I shall be gone to what I understand,
And happier than I ever was before.
The love that stood a moment in your eyes,
The words that lay a moment on your tongue,
Are one with all that in a moment dies,
A little under-said and over-sung.
But I shall find the sullen rocks and skies
Unchanged from what they were when I was young.

Edna St Vincent Millay

I have been trying to get a photo into this but can't do it..grrrr

Happy Thursday all.. Celidih tonight and Gabe and Amy arrive on Saturday.. Hope all is well with everyone.. Heading to the beach today IT'S HOT!!!!!

Tuna season opened today

The boats are on the water chasing the giant blue fin..One caught so far..Tonight heading up to Neufrage for dinner at "the Shipwreck" with Julie , JJ and Ella. Maybe a fish will come in while we are there. Tomorrow is Ceilidh night..then gear up for Gabe and Amy's arrival.. Can't wait to show them off to everyone.

Tuesday

There are moments here when I go a bit "buggy"..I have decided that I am definately addicted to my computer. I find myself pacing and watching the clock till it gets to 12:00Noon when I can dash up here and get my fix. LOL.. Next year I am definately getting a lap top before I come. Anyway this weekend Gabe and Amy arrive..they will help my "buggyness" I'm sure. I have read 4 books since arriving..attended numerous music events and a wedding..Walked the beach, swam went out on a boat..several times.. ate lots of great food and had some great beverages. I've met new folks and had some laughs. PEI is beautiful I find it peaceful..and helpful for me to find myself. I am reading "Vanishing Acts" at the moment.. todays quote is this"I have done that,' says my memory. 'I cannot have done that,' says my pride, and remains inexorable. Eventually, memory yields." Thoughts to ponder on a Tuesday..I hope that memory will not yield...

Monday, monday..

So this morning I listened to the weather..sunny they said..got the "chores" done early.. drove to Souris checked email..wrote email..went to the liquor store stepped out..it was pouring rain. Headed back to Kingsboro still raining..so headed up to the community center instead of the beach.. I MISS MY COMPUTER!! Next time I am not coming here without a lap top. Anyway I guess my Monday comment holds.. Monday, Moday..can't trust the day.

More wedding shots

Another lovely day.. all is well in Souris and Kingsboro..Sitting in Julies kitchen my home away from home, away from home...Happy Sunday everyone..

Weddings and shine punch.. what a blast

Had a great time yesterday. Melanie Chaisson married her sweetheart Chris Ashman..they wedding was beautiful..and the dinner delicious. The dance kicked off with a great set of tunes played by Uncle Kenny, Dad Peter and cousin Darla. People got up and danced without hesitation..It was a blast. All of "us girls" dance till literally they closed the doors at 2:00AM. Had a blast..and by the way at least 5 glasses of shine punch and several glasses of wine.. Our chant for the night was "Shine or wine thank you very much!! " Heading out West tomorrow for a French Festival ..J. J. and Peter are playing as well as many others! Have a great weekend all! Pictures to follow.

Thursday

Thursday

Where is the time going??? Tomorrow there will be an island wedding. Melody Chaisson is marring her sweetheart.. Dinner and dance will be a blast I'm sure. Pictures will be up by Monday. Today hope to get some painting done then head to the beach for a walk and a swim. Not sure what's up for the evening..probably head down to the field for a visit. I have to find Pebbles and Darren and give them the photo I took of "wee laddie Ryan" It came out so nice when I blew it up..got it into a frame for them.. Sooooo everyone have a great day..and check in later for up dates and photos. Gabe and Amy so happy to hear all the paper work came it can't wait till I can take walks with you guys on Elliots Beach.. AMY YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE IT HERE.. and Gabe they are looking for a baker at the Rite Bite... LOL...

Wednesday

Kind of a gloomy day today..rain..wind and clouds..spending quality time with laundry today.. The things we have to do. Out to dinner tonight with Dawn and Donnie..hoping for sun on Thursday. Friends may arrive tomorrow and another festival this weekend. Heading "out West" to Abrams Village..a French Festival..should be a good time..

Happy "hump day"...

Rollobay revisited

32 years ago Joe Pete Chaisson and his parish priest , now Bishop Faber, sat and had a talk. They decided that something had to be done to save the traditional fiddle music on PEI. A group was formed and a plan made.. A festival would take place in a field in the hamlet known as Rollobay..it would be held on the third weekend of July and proceeds from the festival would be used to provide free fiddle lessons for young and old alike on PEI.

The first festival was held in the field the stage was a hay-wagon..and the crowd of determined souls made sure that the festival went on..and it did.. This year saw a lager crowd for the weekend whit peole from across Canada and the US in attendance. Featured performers were Cape Breton greats Andrea Beaton, Shelly Cambell, Troy MacGuliivary and Chrissy Crowley. Allan Dewar gave his touch to the piano and Sandy MacIntyre brought his guitar work to the stage. PEI great Richard Wood and of course all of the Chaisson clan added to the day and night.. The young fiddler Chad Mooney, from St Catherines, PEI was one of my favorites..his style is so pure that without any doubt he will be one of the great ones in years to come!

A tune writers circle was a new addition to the weekend.. A group of musicians sat and shared tunes and stories about the tunes. All of which are destined to become the tunes played by future generations.

A dance followed each evening concert and featuter traditional set dancing as well as waltzing and "rock n roll".. A weekend full fo great music, dance and song.

The highlite for me was the last performance on the last night. J. J. Chaisson took the stage. He is the grandson of Joe Pete and his fiddle playing has wowed crowds actross Canada and into the US. He first took the stage at Rollobay when he was 5 years old and was joined this year by 3 year old Ryan MacKinnon who will start his lessons this fall. What a moment.. I'm sure Joe Pete was watching and smiling.. "THE TRADITION LIVES ON"

So anyone looking to attend a great festival that will set your heart on fire.. "Rollobay where old friends meet" is the place to be. As kids run and roll down the hill in back of the stage. Not realizing that in just a few years their own children will be doing the same thing.. It is the place to be for sure!! See you there next year on the third weekend in July!

Rollobay

32 years and counting. This festival has one purpose..to keep the tradition alive and growing. This weekend anyone lucky enough to attend saw that happen. From the stage to the tune writers circle. The tuning room, and the trailers in the field. Every where you looked you found music. Amazing talent and promising young folks..This festival is one that everyone who claims a love for Celtic traditions should attend. The Chaisson Family started this event 32 years ago in a field on a hay-wagon, with one purpose..to save traditional fiddle music. I think they have done it! Well done well done.


Monday, Monday can't trust it..folks And as I sit here awaiting the tale end of Hurricane Bertha...I can say all is well and I'm smiling..

Day two Fiddle Festival

The tradition lives on.. youngsters and their grandparents..live and dance in the Celtic traditions.

Sunday

Ella and Mia..enjoying some tunes..



Troy MacGullivary



Andrea Beaton..one of many extraordinary fiddlers...


The fiddle festival started yesterday..and I must say it is one of the best in years. Extraordinary talent, great crowd..not too much sun..Great friends,,good beverages. The dance last night was a great ending to a perfect day. Today the sun rose to a clear sky with a light breeze.. I made breakfast and headed into Souris to get this thing up for everyone to enjoy. I've added a few photos of some of the highlights which I will expand on later. Have a great Sunday..

Table is set and ready for company

Susan and company are on the road today.. Lovely up here hoping it will hold for the weekend! Doing laundry today..then relaxing.. Maybe making some sauce..for pasta.. Gotta order up some mussels for a big feed tomorrow evening. Happy day everyone

Gordie Sampson

What a night..Gordie is amazing he just transports you to another place with his lyrics and his guitar. J. J. joined him during the second set and all hell broke loose. At one point..J.J. was thanking Gordie and said "I have been in awe of you since I was knee high to a grasshopper"..Gordie broke up laughing and said "Now that is hard to imagine..and I'm still knee high to a grasshopper".. What a pair.. Great night.. Now on to the fiddle festival. Weather today is a bit muggy..but just a few showers..The water is warm..and all is well in Kingsboro and beautiful downtown Souris...

Monday, Monday...

Tonight heading to see Gordie Sampson in Mt Stewart.. Should be a great time. Great company, great food and great music.. what could be better???
The fiddle festival looms on the horizon.. and the entertainment looks GREAT!!! Quite a few Cape Breton fiddlers.. ( Troy Macgulivary, Andrea Beaton and Shelly Cambell).. and lots of great island myusicians of course. Hoping for a not to hot but rain free weekend. I am going to have some photo's up for you to enjoy by tomorrow. Take care and reemeber Monday, Monday can't trust that day..

Sunday sunday

Yesterday was great went for a drive to Georgetown to see the "Bluenose" out to dinner and then for a sail on J. J.'s boat. Today heading to Souris harbor for the "Regatta" and to hear J. J. play. Tomorrow night Gordie Sampson's show and then Susan arrives. Looking forward to partying down all weekend!! Vic and Susan see you soon!!!

In the library

So all is well here on PEI.. last night went to visit some old friends..and before I realized it was 10:30 too late to get to the dance.. But that was fine. Todday found the computers down and panic set it! Luckly the library was up and here I am. Heading to the beach this afternoon.. Must cut this short inoredr to get a bite to eat before I head to Red Point... More tomorrow if the coumpuers are working.. AHHHH life in the country.. Not sure about this.. could easily get bored...Not really just kidding...

HOT SUNNY SAFE

All is well on beautiful PEI. Sitting in Julies kitchen using her lap top..Tonight we are heading to Monticello should be a blast. Travel up was fine a few short delays..but no real problems. THE MOSQUITO'S are AWFUL this year.. they nearly carried me away. Anyone coming up BE PREPARED. Bring repellent or full body armor..LOL

Happy Friday all...

Thursday....

When you read this I'll be on "the road again".. heading North east to PEI. Plan on a 5:00AM departure... Should be at the house by 8:00ish.. Can't wait.. Friday morning I'll be walking the miles between Elliot's and the Basin. Friday night heading to Monticello for an amazing dance with Howie MacDonald, Molly Rankin and Brenda Stubert. .....Then next week I get to see my "guy" Gordie Sampson.. at the Trailside.. Then Susan and Vic arrive and on and on... PAM I HOPE YOU and ZOE COME. on the 26th...Then the "Fam" arrives in August....Looking forward to "walking" with Donna and Dawn....Hanging with J. J. and Julie and just having FUN!!! See everyone else in August... But check in I'll be doing this every day.. May have to skip Thursday..travel day. But this will take its place. I MISS YOU CHELSEY,MOLLY, MORGAN GABE , AMY and BETH.. see you in August...

Happy Thursday everyone else...

Wednesday

Next week at this time my buddy Susan will be on the road heading north to the warmest waters this side of the Carolina's. Some folks think I'm nuts to say that but it's true. While some people love the mountains, and some love the desert, I have to say I love and really really need to be close to the ocean. I have found two spot so far in my life that make me feel a sense of AHHHH..Those being Camden, Maine ( where you have both the mountains and the sea) and number one Prince Edward Island. No mountains on PEI but red cliffs that drop into clear clean water and white sandy beaches. Beautiful peaceful land and delightful people.

I know there are many places on this planet I haven't yet seen. I know that beaches in the Caribbean are amazing, I know that the Andes in Chile are a site to behold. Some day maybe I'll set foot in those places. I know that the Greek Islands are magnificent and Paris... AHHHH..I know, I know. But for me right now. PEI is my little piece of heaven on earth and I can't wait to go HOME!!!

2 Days...will I survive????

Wacky Tuesday
So today I'm going to get my new "DO".. I'm going for a razor cut that will let me spike it if I choose. Also thinking I'll do a bit of "blonding" on the tips or perhaps a few "streaks" AHHH to be sexy and sixty... Hey why not if you got it flaunt it I say.. But I don't , yet anyway.. But I'm working on it..folks I'm working on it!!

Have a great Tuesday...ONE MORE DAY IN THE USA!!!!!

Monday, Monday....

I am actually running through this Monday.. I am sick to death of this cloudy, yukky, hot and sticky weather we have been stuck with for almost a solid week now. I NEED SUN or I"LL GO TOTALLY NUTS!!!
Today I am "cleaning" surprise, surprise. Pulling out the bags for the trip North and starting to get organized. I am so looking forward to getting back to the Maritimes. On Friday this week there is going to be a killer dance in Monticello..some of Cape Breton's best( Howie MacDonald, Molly Rankin, Brenda Stubert) will be fiddling up a storm in a lovely little log-house.. Next week we will be seeing our friend Gordie Sampson on Tuesday evening. I cannot wait..it is always a pleasure to see him. Then we gear up for the festival weekend. 4 days and nights of the best traditional Celtic fiddles around. ALWAYS A BLAST!! I'll be putting up pictures and reports on all and everything. So everyone.. Monday, Monday..can't trust it..so stay safe and smile lots!!!

Sunday..3 days till we get outta Dodge..

Spent the day with Chelsey.. breakfast at our favorite breakfast joint.. MEMO'S.. then headed to Westfield..we painted the dining room, moved the furniture around,while Dan moved her lawn and "whipper-snipped" as they say on PEI. Then he came in and put up a new chandelier in the dinning room.. IT LOOKS LOVELY. She has been hard at work ..in the past three weeks we did over Morgan's room, Molly's room together. .Chelsey painted the stair case and wrote inspirational words on each kick plate.. painted the front door..took apart a malfunctioning garage door and learned how to service her ride on lawn mower. That's my girl, powerful independent young woman. LOVE YOU CHELSEY!!! So very proud of all that you can do..you amaze me!

BORED..what to do???

I think I'll set out to capture the elusive "squirrel spy" . These beasts have gained notoriety lately due to charges leveled against the English by the Iranian President, who claimed that Great Britain was using "Spy Squirrels" in his country. I have noticed that the population of squirrels has doubled here in Agawam this summer and I have seen many very strange sites..



I caught site of the above mother squirrel early in the morning just last week and was able to take this picture just before she dashed into the bushes near the school yard. Highly intelligent this species has found many "human" like ways to survive here in Western Mass.




While out for a ride one evening just last week I was able to catch a shot of this little guy enjoying a ride on the Connecticut River. I can't quite make out what that is on his back.. Could it be a weapon? Gee, maybe we have some sort of training ground in operation here in Western, Massachusetts.

I took a bit of a break just now to get breakfast cleaned up and was able to take yet another shot of an interesting looking squirrel. This little guy was standing right out in our yard near the bird bath. He seemed to be watching the bank next door. Should I be worried. Maybe the bank hired him to watch those lazy workers. I'll assume that.




What ever is happening here I will have to say that I somehow feel safer knowing that I am being watched over by an ever growing army of "soldier squirrels" They are alert, ready and able. Teaming them up with my gangster chickens may be something I will consider in the future. I wonder who I should call?



Remember wherever you go whatever you do..the spy squirrels are watching YOU

Independence Day..4th of July...what does it mean?

Picnics? Fireworks? Travel? The beach..! Many things to many people. I think like so many other holidays the meaning has been buffed over and lost. For those of us living in the USA it is the celebration of our nations birth as an independent nation. It should be a time to remember the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The document that spells out what our nation stands for. That document gives me the right to write this blog..Gives you the right to worship in the place you choose. Gives all men and women the right to live in freedom. But with those "rights" come responsibilities..

Somewhere along the line and I feel especially within the past 8 years a new spin has been put on this story. Somehow politics has turned patriotism into a religious experience. Somehow WE the PEOPLE have lost control of our nation. It's time to take things back and we can it's not too late.

Enjoy your day everyone..Celebrate in whatever way works for you!

Thursday..one more week

So yesterday I spent the day mulling over what I was going to write about today.. I started out with the idea of talking about yet another creature.."The detective squirrel' or the Spy squirrel.. I scoured the Internet for photo's and had some great shots and funny thoughts.. BUT!!!!! then I was hit with another idea.

WHAT IS THE CLOTHING ITEM THAT ALL WOMEN DREAD SHOPPING FOR???



THE BATHING SUIT!!

I have spent the last 4 months working hard to dump some disgusting weight. Yesterday I headed out to purchase a new suit. Haven't owned one for probably 18 years. I usually wear a tee shirt and shorts. ( long baggy shorts LOL) However, the moment was here! The unveiling..was terrifying. Any woman reading this knows what I'm talking about. You grab a suit, looking over your shoulder to make sure know one is checking out the size,you head nonchalantly to a dressing room..ONE THAT LOCKS.
You slip out of the baggy sweats you are wearing, close your eyes and pull on the suit. With any luck it will not get stuck at your knees causing the circulation in your legs to stop. With even better luck it will be TOO BIG! Guess what IT WAS TOO BIG.. So out I marched right past those skinny ass blond bimbos with my TOO BIG SUIT, dropping it on the table and I proudly picked up another one, a bit smaller, a bit flashier and dare I say it a bit SEXIER!

Now I think I will need to hire some sort of body guard. Only to keep me from pigging out on ice-cream. I'm still not going to be turning many heads. LOL

Wednesday..hummmm what to write..

After yesterday's post I really have to come up with something good.
This morning I awoke to loud noise from the bank next door. Two workers were taking down the brick wall that surrounds the AC units. They had a small "steam shovel" and a dump truck. I started watching and couldn't figure out why they were doing things in such a strange way. OK, now you have a machine built for construction and destruction. Right? Sooo why are you removing the bricks by hand placing them one at a time into the bucket of the steam shovel? Maybe to save the bricks from damage I thought. Nope because then they just dumped them into the truck without any care at all. OOPs now we have three men and a woman in discussion, pointing, nodding, smiling. Hummmm how much are these folks being paid?

So its been almost three hours the wall which was about three feet high and maybe pushing it 6 feet long on three sides is almost down. Two men , at one point three and a steam-shovel to take down a little wall.. three hours. Oh gee now they are trying to take apart the wooden gate. A sledge hammer, use the sledge hammer boys good lord they are leaning on the fool thing and having a discussion with the woman again. Our dollars at work.. Remind me to close my account there.

I thinks it's time for the gangster chickens.

Gangster chickens available for hire..

THE BOSS otherwise known as "Coop"

MOM the brains behind the operation


DISGUISED as a cartoon this guy packs a wallop! His name is James Dean..

I have always joked about wanting to have my own private "hit-man". A person that could be available to take care of situations and or people who caused trouble in my life. However not wanting to put too much responsibility on just one person I have decided to create and train a team of "gangster chickens". They work for "chicken feed" and are reliable in most situations. They tend to shy away from people who frequent fast food restaurants with signs that sport the face of a bearded man.

They love to travel and will gladly enter into any country necessary to get the job done. Also they can at will turn back into cute little roosters or hens ( if a rooster or hen can be considered cute )and drive people crazy crowing and clucking. Either way can work.

So give me a shout if you need these guys. Remember they work for "chicken feed"..