Friday, August 24th, 2007 - And there's a wall of tears I've got to get over...

Today was our last day of a magical summer. Best to just say thanks - to Mary and Jen and the folks at L'Arche Cape Breton, to Grandma, Granda Tom and Nan, to Natalie, to everyone who had anything to do with the adventure of the last few weeks. We have been blessed, and have faith that we will continue to be. Until the next blog...

Monday, August 20th, 2007 - Hurray for Up The Bay!

Today was just about perfect. Sunny, windy, reading with kids, running, carpentry, beer, ocean exploration, baked fish, blueberries and ice cream, and good friends. God smiled on us today, and we smiled back.

Sunday, August 19th, 2007 - Oh Grissam, you're my hero

Sunday. Not much to say except except delicious!



I suppose we could also say lonely...teary...wishful...Uncle John and Uncle Rob are gone, we are going in less than a week, and, perhaps worst of all, Riley is gone with Uncle Rob! So many times today something (usually food!) would remind Granda Tom and Grandma of their lost dog and one of them would sigh, "Poor old Riddle..." I dare say Granda Tom will gain a few pounds in Riley's absence!

Saturday, August 18th, 2007 - Blink and you'll miss it

This week went by in a blur of clothes, barking, falling curtains, and fish. But as I look back at our pictures I can see that we filled our days with plenty of good times and smiles.

The boys seemed more interested than ever in reading this week, constantly bringing books to Mom or Dad and clambouring up in our laps to hear the story. "Down By The Bay" and "Goodnight Moon" were frequent requests.



We are all still in the "Hairspray" groove, after seeing the movie a couple of weeks ago. Maggie, in particular, is loving the music from the movie. So we got the soundtrack and have been playing it on the stereo in the living room. She can sing quite a bit of "Good Morning Baltimore" and can recognize all the songs after a few bars. She has also been working out a bit of a dance routine...



Silas has been doing some fishing this week, as a part of the food fishery that allows five fish per person per day for a couple of weeks at the end of the summer. The first trip out was unsuccessful, but only in terms of what came up on the end of the jigger (two sculpins...no cod). In terms of the beauty of Calvert and surrounding areas from the water, and stories and lore shared by Granda Tom, it was a smashing success.



The second trip had a more observable result.




It is worth noting that, on this second trip, Silas was the only crew member who landed a cod. Granda Tom figured we should buy the man a new hat right away, to accommodate his swollen head!

Monday, August 13th, 2007 - I had this much fun!

We headed off to town this morning, but in different directions. Maggie went with her uncles for a fun-filled day at Bowring Park to feed the ducks and go swimming, to the mall for a little shopping, then to MacDonald's for supper. It is safe to say that whatever Maggie wanted, Maggie got! At then end of the day she was totally wired and full of energy and excitement. All Uncle John could get out was "I so need a nap..."





Meanwhile, the boys and Dad and I explored the whole city - lunch at The Pantry first, which was scrumptious. The Pantry, incidentally, is the restaurant at the Elaine Dobbin Centre for Autism. The Centre is built on a beautiful piece of land behind the Janeway Children's hospital, and provides programming, work, and educational opportunities for people with autism. All the profits from The Pantry go to fund the work of the Centre. So you can eat a delicious lunch and feel good doing it!

The waitress we had was especially fond of our boys and came to our table several times just to chat with them. When I went to pay our bill she said, "I hope I'm not being rude, but your boys...they have.....?" "Down Syndrome?" I suggested. "Yes, yes! That's it!" Quite a funny moment.

In addition to the library and a whole bunch of other errands, we also spent a couple of hours at Pippy Park enjoying the sun and throwing the ball around. That was a treat.





The boys had a great time...they felt so relaxed they just had to take their clothes off!

Saturday, August 11th, 2007 - All together now

The camera came out again today as we all headed off to town for a big family brunch. Uncle Rob was expected home around 9am, although thanks to Marine Atlantic it was closer to noon before he arrived. In any event, the ten of us headed down to the Sundance for brunch out on the deck. It was a lovely sunny day and it was just nice to be together. John Delahunty was dining there, too, and stopped by the table to say a quick hello. I dare say he wasn't expecting to see Annie O'Toole on George Street!






Since Uncle John arrived a few days ago, he has had some time to connect with his niece and nephews and treat them to outings, ice cream, and Kitkat bars. Jacob has taken quite a shine to his big, hairy uncle and likes to announce "Uncle John!" with great gusto whenever he senses a lull in the conversation. Of course, Uncle Rob's arrival has threatened Uncle John's newfound place as the favoured one. So there was a little friendly competition at the brunch table. Uncle Rob pulled out all the stops in his hopes to emerge the victor.




When we arrived and were ordering, a few people went for the "Hungry Man's Brunch", which promised quite a load of grub. Granda Tom was adamant that nobody was leaving till everything had been eaten. (Or "ett", to be precise.) Grandma, despite protestations that she was "stogged", was up to the challenge.






The day wasn't over when we left the restaurant, though. First, on the walk back to the van, we caught sight of some unattended food in a window!





Granda Tom and Nan headed up the shore, the uncles stayed at Waterford Bridge Road to nap, and the energetic among us went for a little shoe shopping...



...and then to Farm and Field Day at the Department of Agriculture site in St. John's. That was a lovely way to end the day.

Tuesday, August 7th, 2007 - I've got tears in my ears...

I couldn't bring myself to blog yesterday. We were all too sad after saying goodbye to David and Ed. Ed didn't seem too sad to leave, although he did have hugs for everyone on the way out.



We sent them off with our love and some bologna. "Our Lady of the Highways, be with them on their journey, for all your ways are beautiful and all your paths are peace."



The bright spot? Uncle John arrived yesterday evening, and Maggie has demanded his undivided attention ever since. "Play! Play! Play!" The games and laughs and KitKats and custard cones are securing his place as a well-loved uncle!

Saturday, August 4th, 2007 - Rollin' over the ocean

Today we went out on the water, taking the William B. II, with Ernie as the Skipper, out on Conception Bay. Margie, Tom, Dolly, Sandy, and Kim made up the crew, along with myself, Silas, David, Ed, and Maggie. Oh, and Missy too!



It was a wonderful trip. We explored the shores around Bell Island, and moored off Brigus to BBQ some hot dogs, food of the gods.



On the way back, we saw whales breeching within just a few feet of the boat. But even with all this majesty, some of us were just too cool to get excited.



Others of us were excited, but still cool.



After we came ashore, we went into town to continue the fun. We stopped to see the buskers outside the Scotiabank. Breakdancing...holy '80s flashback!




Then we headed up to Bannerman Park for the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival, which was fabulous. Ed played the Six String Nation guitar...



...not to mention a little air harmonica.

Friday, August 3rd, 2007 - Better ye than me

Time for a quieter day today. Silas and the boys rested at Grandma's while Ed, David, Maggie and I went to Ferryland to the local museum, the Colony of Avalon gift shop, and the Ferryland Cafe for, what else, coffee.

The coffee was tasty...



...and the gift shop yielded earrings, books, and T-shirts. The museum was less hospitable. Lock him up, throw away the key.




Later in the evening a visitor arrived next door on his motorcycle. He was kind enough to let Ed visit with it, when it wasn't too noisy.

Thursday, August 2nd, 2007 - Do they got Downs?

Well, the Regatta was on today, so off we went to St. John's to enjoy the races, the cotton candy, the french fries, and the people.




Of course no place is safe. There may not be soldiers at the Regatta, but you could still end up...in jail.



After the races, we went to visit The Rooms, home of the NL Archives, Art Gallery, and Museum. There, Ed was threatened by a bear, who planned to "eat him up". Ed made a peace offering, though, of an invite for tea at Asha House. All's well that ends well.



We finished the day with Chinese food at the Magic Wok. Yummy!