Island Living

Well we did it. Traveled to PEI for the weekend. The last trip for the season. Boo hoo! Left Freddy Beach at 8 pm and made it across the Confederation Bridge through high winds. To Canoe Cove but we couldn't get in the camp road; the gate was locked. So we had no choice but to park on the road and set up camp. Not alongside the road -- ON the road, since there was no shoulder. Doug tried hooking up the generator to the RV so we could get heat for the night. No such luck. Not enough juice. So we piled on the blankets on the bed like two peas in a pod in the Princess and the Pea's bed of bedclothes. And had a great sleep, despite the 45 degree Fahrenheit temperature inside the RV. I made coffee the next morning by boiling water in the tea kettle on the propane stove and pouring it in the electric coffee pot, letting it drip naturally into the pot below. We drank that beautiful coffee in bed. It was much too cold to sit at the table. We finally made it outside where it was a bit warmer and took a hike to explore the land. We found some people and finally made our way down a road to the camp and plugged into the electricity. The next night our temperature came up to a balmy 66. Just like Florida. I led music all weekend long and had some awesome musicians play with me. I love a good band. I love a good island. I love a good man. That good man and I returned on Sunday night to the mainland, with yet another experience under our belt.

Looking forward to one last hurrah with our beloved home away from home -- our motorhome. Will it stay warm enough for us to enjoy one last weekend before putting our 'toy' away for the winter? Stay tuned....

Memories of Summer

My life is so varied that I can't even believe it some days.

 Like this week: coming back from Coldstream (wherever that is), where we had the 5th annual Thanksgiving Family weekend, joining up with R & S who were using our house for the weekend, preaching at a local church where I'm serving as the 'interim pastor', to radio shows and software, studying Genesis, and teaching music, counseling and walking with friends, business oppportunities, childrens' book publishing calls, meetings with the elders to brainstorm 'fun' nights, to sitting with my father watching "Parenthood" on TV (which was dealing with breast cancer tonight), to talking to a friend about her friend that was just diagnosed with breast cancer.

 And then I sat down at the computer to blog and saw this email:

 "Hi Deb, Just a note to let you know you are of the hook for singing at the Sea Dogs Game this month, they found someone else, their loss. Thank you for offering, L."

 This makes me laugh, because I could just see me singing "O Canada" at centre ice at the Sea Dogs game in Saint John. Maybe next year.

Is my life full of variety?  I think so!   One minute I'm laughing and the next I feel like crying for someone....

 "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you"

This is your Life by Switchfoot (with lyrics)

Jazz for Cows -- I love it! Thanks, Ann

It's so hard to post on a blog when you've forgotten your user name and password. That's why I have friends like Carolyn, my webmaster. She worked and searched and found the details we needed in an old email. Says she doesn't delete anything. What a woman. She said she needs to start a business being a troubleshooter. I think she's right! A person could have her on retainer. So, if you're having trouble with your computer or website, let me know and I'll send her your way -- for a fee, of course...LOL I'm in the midst of teaching, waiting for a student to come from cross country races. Tis the season for cross country running. Wish I was doing that again. Running through the woods, against your friends, stumbling over tree roots, feeling the cool fall air. Oh those were the days. Well, I guess I could put it out there -- anyone want to go cross country with me? You're never too old to run, are you?

Email change

In case you want to email me, take note of my new address: debmac700@yahoo.ca. We had to change our provider after the big move. Went to Grand Manan last week for a few days. Spoke at Harvest House and did some singing, too. Thanks for all who attended and provided for us while there -- you know who you are! Our home away from home.

My shoulders ache. My neck aches. Do you suppose the weight of the summer is upon them? Advil, Tylenol and a heated 'magic bag' do not help. I need a good shoulder massage. Oh well, perhaps sleep will help. We are now giving tours of the new property, not official tours, but tours nonetheless, so come along and see "Heartland Fredericton." This morning I led worship at church and spoke as well -- "Heavenly Minded." Can we be heavenly minded while being on the earth and doing earthly things? Yes -- it IS possible. We have been raised up with Christ Jesus. Colossians 3:1-4 -- check it out.... I hope I have a heavenly sleep.

Wow, time flies when you're having fun and building a house, playing with grandchildren, home renos, camping trips, hikes, family, family, family. Everyone is settled back to where they should be -- Granny & Jed in their new home, which is attached to ours with a beautiful Doug-built sundeck; Natalie, Aiden and Sarah are almost in The Pas, the Southshore Sister finally made it back to the southshore, and Doug and I are trying to adjust to the new normal. It was a wonderful, chaotic, family-filled, renovation summer. Now to try and get ready to work. I cleaned the downstairs level today like a workhorse, so I can try and focus on the tasks ahead of me this fall. You know how that is? When you're house is not in order, it's hard to get your brain in order. I'm a tad weary. But Jed & Granny are settled and happy.

We hiked to the Hearst Lodge, deep in the woods of St. Martins. Yes, we hiked -- 2.7 kilometres, along the Big Salmon River. A challenging hike it was, and 4-year-old Aiden hiked 3/4 of the trail. Natalie had Sarah in a backpack and Doug packed Aiden the remainder of the way. What a blessed sight when we saw the Hearst Lodge come into view, made our way toward the log lodge, and the rain started -- a downpour. "Come in, come in out of the rain," the host called. She served us water and coffee -- weary hikers. It was a real accomplishment. We were tired that night! Now we are home, and Heartland Fredericton is growing each day. Pippin and Uncle made an appearance on Sunday and it was a really nice visit. I wished they lived here in the city again. Tonight there are twelve people staying here -- Deb, Doug, Natalie, Aiden, Sarah, Paul, Brenda, Luke, Afton, Ivy, and Granny & Jed. Two RVS and people sleeping in every available space, including the floor. A picnic tonight on our mini-campground with invited guests, Charlotte, Willard, Mason, Becky and Joel, which made 16. A deck-building operation is underway this week, and what a deck it is. Mom & Dad are still not living in their house, but the company promises it this Friday. We'll see. They promised last Friday, but alas, other projects seem to be taking precedence. What happened to a man's word, anyway? We have quite a daycare operation happening here as well, along with Cousin C and her children next door. It's like the Old Woman and the Shoe Explosion. A woman like me keeps very busy looking after all her little children. Tomorrow I am 53. I can't believe it. But I am happy and blessed to still be alive -- that God would grant me many many more years to live on this blessed earth.

We are having a retreat in St Martins. been here since Monday and it is beautiful..having a nice rest. We even have rest time every afternoon. Natalie and the kids in the RV and me and Doug I our recliners outside. Mom and Dad are holding down the fort while the finishing touches are done on their new home. soon, Granny, and you will be in your new home in Heartland Fredericton. tomorrow we hope to go for a hike with the kids in backpacks. I wonder how that will go? "I wanna a snack, I want down, I want a drink, I want!". keeping children sure makes one weary. Next week we get a couple of Jon's kids to keep, too!

Welcome, Home!

We had a week without children. Sometimes we forgot about them. Natalie lived in a wedding bubble, as she did all things wedding related. And what a beautiful wedding it 'twas at Killarney Lake Lodge on Sunday. A wedding with tears, as Becky married the man God prepared for her -- Joell Gallant. Natalie's best friend from the time they were toddlers. A new chapter in their lives. Doug and I took a flying trip on Monday to PEI to pick up Aiden and Sarah from Nanny & Grampie DuBois. Since we also had been up late at the wedding dance, we struggled to stay awake, taking turns driving, although Doug drove the most. It was a sweet reunion to see Natalie greet her kids and have Sarah snuggle into her Mommy's embrace. Today is the big day -- Granny & Jed's house arrives today. It is now on its way from Sussex. 10 o'clock is the arrival time. It's like we are arriving for a big baby to make its entry onto our property. I'm sure I'll take a photo or two of this momentous occasion in our family's history. Granny & Jed -- are you excited??

Took a two day trip to Prince Edward Island. How beautiful -- I had forgotten how pretty the island is. We left Aiden and Sarah with Nat's parents-in-law. It's strange being here in Fredericton without children. Natalie is busy doing 'wedding week' for Becky's wedding. We're so excited for our Becky, a second daughter. Sunday is the big day for Becky Horsman to marry Joell Gallant! Heartland Fredericton is shaping up quite nicely and we are all still living in trailers and houses here on our land. Granny & Jed are doing well, considering they are living in a small trailer. Their new house is due to come next Wednesday -- exciting! Condolences to Cousin Els, who lost her mother unexpectedly last week. Her mother has 88 great years here on this earth, and now she sees her Saviour.

Campobello Island

Just got back from a week at Edith Lank Christian Camp in beautiful Campobello Island. Down by the bay, where the watermelons grow, we parked our 'Big Rig' among the flowers, LA LA LA LA LA LA Alicia with her Volks Van and four children, me and Natalie in the big rig with her two children, Doris in a cabin, and that made 10 people in our little tribe at Mothers Camp. What a chore feeding everyone breakfast in the big rig (our RV). Fun and games, and lots of mess and laughs and fun and a few temper tantrums, even sickness. Many mothers, grandmothers and their children -- a bigger camp than last year, probably about 50 campers and staff at least. I taught twice a day and played all day.

Here are some pics:

Good-Bye and Welcome Home

Sitting here in our campground here at 105 Claremont. Mom & Dad are settled in their trailer, Doug and I in our motorhome, Natalie, Aiden & Sarah and Brenda in our house. Now we are all together. We have made a campground courtyard of sorts, complete with swings, easy chairs, and mini lights strung on the big storage trailer housing Mom & Dad's furniture. Even a beautiful garden to boot. A swimming pool for the kids and a badminton net -- what more could you ask for? And a canoe on Doug's 4WD, should we want to haul it over and go for a canoe ride on the St. John. All is calm, and now waiting for their house to close next Wednesday. A smooth transition so far. I had a little cry this morning in my old bedroom as I said good-bye to our family house of 50 years. Granny & Jed are doing OK so far. Next week, the construction guys will be here to prepare the land for the new house to arrive a week later.

One Direction - What Makes You Beautiful (5 Piano Guys, 1 piano) - ThePi...

What a busy summer! Whew! And so hot...we came home from St Martins last Thursday and have been working at Mom & Dad's house ever since. The Southshore Sister made her way up from the southshore, and we have been purging stuff from Jed's shed, moving furniture (we call ourselves 'Wallace the Mover'), driving to the dump, to the town of 'Debris,' which is part of the landfill plantation. At least that's what the guy in the booth tells us where to go -- "Go to Debris." OK, sir, we'll go to Debris. I drive that trailer up the mountains of garbage til I get to the sign that shows where Debris is. Getting familiar with the village of Debris, we are. Going there in the morning, too. It is so hot and we are weary. And not finished yet. It will take us all week long, until we have Jed & Granny safely transported up to Heartland Fredericton. They will live in their Puma trailer until their new house arrives at the end of the month. Natalie & kids come on Wednesday from Manitoba. They will also live here. And the Southshore Sister is living in our bedroom. We are in the motorhome in the yard. I have a feeling we will have a family reunion here this summer. LOL

We are now in St Martins with our motorhome, enjoying some much needed rest, after two weeks of work -- me in Bristol at Camp S and Doug in Nova Scotia and Freddytown working on projects in the evening for people, and his day job. I had a great time at camp and a wonderful time with the staff during the week of staff training, and of course with 52 seven to nine year olds and 54 five to six year olds. so cute.... I also had some interesting encounters with birds and rodents while there, which I will post about at length soon. The rodent issue is still in progress, whilst the bird love affair has ceased for the time being. More later. We just finished a great campfire, and Doug is snoring. Nite