Day 133- July 31- James Colbeck

There's no better place to spend a long weekend than Keji National Park. Even nicer is it when you have a chance to meet up with old friends under the dark skies, stars, to the glow of a lantern. I ran into James Colbeck in Yarmouth during Seafest. He and his wife Lori, were back for the annual celebration. We talked about getting together for lunch on their visit, but when we discovered we'd both be at Keji for the long weekend, we planned to do our visit up there instead. (They had a lot of friends to visit in Yarmouth, so this worked better for them.)

James was the art teacher at Maple Grove Education Centre, the other junior high school in Yarmouth for many years. As a townie, I always remember thinking how awesome it was for the students at Maple Grove to have a choice in their arts program. In town, we could only take music; which wasn't a big concern for me since I LOVED music class, but I was always saddened for my friends who clearly did not enjoy music class as much as I did and were pretty miserable to the teacher as a result. In my mind, I was jealous that our school didn't have Jim so that all of my miserable, non-musical classmates couldn't do something they loved as much as I loved music. Jim was a hero in our eyes, for being there and giving them a choice we never had.

I was blessed with the chance to get to James a little bit through our mutual connection to Holy Trinity Church. As far as I remember, he and his wife ran the sunday school class plays that we'd do at different seasons. They were always rather elaborate and entertaining. I didn't realize that drama was his background (both in Stratford, Ontario and Antigonish, Nova Scotia) at the time, but later on, I was able to see many of his productions at the local Theatre, the Y'ARC. He has an excellent sense of humour, is an incredibly talented artist, loves people and new experiences and values entertaining very much.

On our visit at the camp, Jim told us many wonderful stories of time gone by. I think he is a fabulous story teller, since he is able to speak the same way that he sees the world, with brightness, life, and in rich descriptions that make you feel like you were there. He's quite a character. Enjoy the pictures!








Theme Song for today: Oh Oh Song by Led Zepplin

Day 132- July 30- Robbie Lemon

What a fantastic weekend to go to Keji. It was rather bopping there, with the big Keji Birthday being celebrated all weekend. Lots of interesting things were on the go; blandings turtle eggs being hatched, black bears were running across the road near the campsite and monarch cocoons were opening up. The first day we stopped in all the cocoons were sealed, we had to go back later for the shot of the amazing butterfly breaking itself out. The cocoons themselves however were really quite remarkable! I didn't realize they were so beautiful- they have a papery thin, clear membrane and a very subtle yet obvious gold thread on one side. It was amazing to think that the gold thread that shone brightly in the sunlight was hinting towards that spectacular contents of the membrane. Just like many people we receive hints as to their inner value from what we see before us, presented to the world. The hint might be a sparkle in their eye, a shy smile, a dimple or wrinkled nose laugh; something that shows they have a vibrant, positive nature under the surface waiting to be discovered when the time is right!




Upon arriving at Keji, we met up with our old friends, Jim and Lori Colbeck. They had visitors at their campsite, Allen, and their son, Robbie, whom I have known since I was a kid at Sunday School. Robbie was a few years older than I but I always remember he and his sister, Pa, around during those first few years in Yarmouth. He's been in Halifax for ages, and I occasionally see him during my visits to the Second Cup in Halifax where he works. Robbie and Allen were staying with Jim and Lori, who were down from their new home in Stratford, Ontario. They seemed to enjoy their weekend of sun, canoeing and hiking the paths of Keji National Park.



Theme Song for Today: Little Bird by The Weepies

Day 131- July 29- Jennifer Parker(Hansen)

Jennifer has been a friend of mine since our days in the Brooklyn Brownie pack many, many (over 20 years) ago! She went to Plymouth school, and I went to Milton so we were never classmates until junior high school when we were both in the very closely knit French immersion class. I don't know if I have ever know anyone who was a more obvious leader type person. She has a charisma and energy that is contagious, an enthusiasm that is undeniable and bubbling, and her warmth and care is genuine and far reaching. Jennifer was the type of person who always treated everyone equally, she always strived to include everyone and make everyone feel important and a part of the group. She was really ahead of her time, before the value and term of inclusion was coined, she was living it everyday. I fondly remember camping events, school trips and class projects that I worked with her on. Never a dull moment.

We parted ways for quite a few years after high school, she went to Acadia and I was in Germany and then to university in Ottawa, but when we reconnected shortly before the 10 year reunion, it was as if not a year had gone by. I will consider her a valued friend for all my life I am sure. We worked together on the reunion weekend, and it was an excellent time working together, brainstorming, planning and coordinating. She is quite possibly the most organized person I have ever met. :)
She married a wonderful and kind man, Nathan, has a beautiful son and is expecting another child this coming year. I wish her all the best and many wonderful experiences ahead!! My photo of the day was prompted by a Facebook message. I had done some baking with my baby brother one day, which I explained on Facebook. She joking said that if I had leftovers just give her a call, so I took her up on it, as we had made tonnes and tonnes of cinnamon rolls. She stopped by on the way home for the sitters and she brought a few home to her family. I took advantage of the visit and made her my photo of the day! Thanks Jenn!!



Theme Song for today: Wonderwall by Oasis

Day 130- July 28- Yoga Girl

Woke up early with the chill in the tent and the warmth of the bright sun breaking through a crack in the trees right above my face. As we prepared breakfast mom noticed a head moving across the still water of the lake. We thought it might be a deer or other animal out in the quiet and then saw a clear front crawl stroke, indicating the creature's human nature. The swimmer swam to the middle of our inlet until it reached the reedy place, that turned out to be shallow enough to easily stand in. There were no sounds other than the occasional croak of the bullfrogs. Very few people were awake and those who were appreciated the stillness enough to keep their voices and cooking sounds to a minimum. Peace is the best word to describe that time of day.

Once in the reeds, she proceeded to follow a full routine of yoga that was absolutely beautiful and calming to watch. I can't say I have done much yoga myself, but her experience and the calm it brought was likely the best commercial I have ever seen for taking up yoga! I could imagine the peace of mind, the stillness that must have taken over her soul as she moved from position to position under the warm morning sun. Talk about refreshing! I had to pass on this picture and hope the peace it brings to me can be passed on to you as well! Close your eyes and imagine yourself in the middle of the lake... breathe deep... Enjoy!






Theme Song for today: Haunted Women by Ladies of the Canyon

Day 129- July 27- Heather Ackles

I had a super wonderful time this summer with all of the new friends I have met, mostly due to Kim Anderson, Natasha Sears-Boudreau and Sandy Killam. Those girls know some pretty fantastic people. I met Heather's hubby, Sandy, first at the New Year's Day Levee hosted by the Chunk of Funk, when Sandy Killam introduced him as her guitar teacher. Heather was also there that evening and they joined us at our table. Heather seemed rather quiet, at first, but I have since learned she can possibly keep up to my loquaciousness if I let her. I came to discover that she worked at a local high school as a guidance counsellor. We talked shop talk for a few minutes, teacher to teacher. She was incredibly sensible, down to earth, kind and funny. I knew we'd be friends from that point. Especially since we discussed the possibility, during our first meeting of Sandy, Heather and I making a girl band. You don't have discussions like that, upon just meeting with any old slacker. I knew she was a keeper!

Since that time, I've really enjoyed hanging out with her any time we have the chance. We created a new game, when we brought together both of our creative sides, a spinny stool and a plastic package of mixed fruit, it's called "Frulette" and is really fun!! We've also listened to some fantastic bands, like "Under the Influence" and played pool to lots of laughs. I look forward to keeping in touch with her and talking to her about all things education and school when we meet again. She's one of those educators that we need more of in the school system, the ones that do education with all they have, constantly reflecting on how to best bridge the gap between the material and the student, and who is there for the right reasons!! I feel a little like kindred spirits with her, except she's a much better actress than I! Hope you enjoy the pictures!





Theme Song for today: Airplanes (feat. Hayley Williams of Paramore) by B.o.B.

Day 128- July 26- Shelley

I met Shelley a few different times at Milo. First time was when I experienced the Dragon Boat for my first time during the Seafest races. We've been out on the lake a few times since that time. Once we had to share a seat and the boat was especially unbalanced that day so I spent a lot of time cuddling up to her when the boat started leaning excessively to the right. We had a great paddle that night, we explored all of the corners of Lake Milo, and even navigated around the sides of the brush to rescue floatation devices and approach random waterfowl. She had a great sense of humour and was a lot of fun to paddle with.





Theme Song for today: Chit Chat by Hannah Georgas

Day 127- July 25- Aunt Elaine

The above picture is of Aunt Elaine, Uncle Doug and his sister and brother in law at Walton's birthday party.



Aunt Elaine just adores my nephews Landon and Walton, but seriously, who wouldn't they are precious. They really like her too, and all the cool toys she has at her house.



I don't really remember meeting Aunt Elaine very much before we moved back to my father, and her, hometown of Yarmouth. We moved back in 1986, when dad got a job in business development. I was starting grade 2. When we arrived in Yarmouth, not only did we meet some cool neighbourhood kids, but we got 7 new cousins, all pretty close to our age. Aunt Elaine had three children, Angela, Suzie and Mark, and Uncle Greg had four, Lisa, Kristen, Michael and Renee. From that first year of being home, a wonderful tradition continued with all of us meeting at Aunt Elaine's for a Boxing Day meal, games for the kids in the basement, and chatting by the adults in the living room. There were many traditions that went along with this meal; youngest at the kiddy table, kids eating before adults, adults only eating in the living room, my dad going for seconds before the others, and discussions of who would be the first to be married or have kids, until my brother took both titles; many things you came to expect and embrace, and love. We've added some neat new traditions along the way, like playing Werewolf (a French card game my cousin Michael brought back with him from France one Christmas) in the basement and shrimp couscous salad that is very tasty and the recipe was compliments of Suzie, who couldn't be home one year. Despite the new traditions, the old ones are never forgotten.

Aunt Elaine played a big role in inviting everyone, every year to her house. I always look forward to the event, it actually trumps present opening time for me now as my Christmas highlight. It is becoming even more and more interesting every year as all of my cousins, and I, have grown up, headed off in different directions, started our careers, and second careers, have taken big trips all over the world or done pretty extraordinary things with themselves. It is very nice every year to touch base, catch up and see where we are all headed next. I really thank my Aunt Elaine for keeping us all close, tight and together at least once every year for close to 25 years now. She is a very special lady and means a whole lot to me and my family. She also played a big role in my parents meeting. After my grandfather and mother passed away, my father eventually ended up moving to Labrador where Aunt Elaine was a teacher (actually teaching my mother's class). Somehow or other, mom met dad and the rest, they say, is history! Thanks for agreeing to be my photo of the day!!


Theme song for today: Vertigo by U2

Day 126- July 24- Linda Deveau

I ran into Linda and her husband, Irvin, after the Fireworks show on Friday evening and she invited me to join them on the Seafest Princess' boat for the Parade of Lights tonight. I knew I was busy in the morning with the YMCA Scavenger Hunt (which my team, the Gabby Girls won after lots of laughs, shenanigans and kilometers traveled) but told Linda I would come to the wharf as soon as I could to help with the decorating. (Above is a photo of Linda and MJ starting to decorate the boat in the morning.)

Linda has been a friend of the family for a while. As I am typically only home during the summers, I normally think of her in relation to the Seafest Pageant since that is where we talk the most. She is an extremely stylish, active, friendly and well spoken woman. I remember when I was in high school always being impressed by how well she presented herself. She had charm, wit, nicely put together outfits, was involved in the community and was well respected by pretty much everyone I knew. I always wanted to grow up to be like her from that little exposure I had to her. Since that time, my opinion has not changed and I have really enjoyed the time we have had to talk and hang out. When I arrived at the boat, she had already finished the decorating because of the help of a few reliable friends. The boat was decorated in the theme of the "Royal Blue Rodeo".

I have included a mix of pictures from the last two weeks of Seafest, of which she plays a very active part on the planning committee. The first one is from the night of the pageant, she helped to promote the West Jet contest, in which Seafest has been in the top three. (Click here and please vote for Seafest if you haven't yet, use all the email addresses you have since it is only one vote per address.) The rest of the pictures are from the festival of lights. Enjoy!! (Thanks Linda for the chance to be a part of the parade and be on the water!! I had a wonderful time as always!!)











Theme Song for today(and our boat): Save a Horse (Ride a cowboy) by Big and Rich

Day 125- July 23- Yarmouth's waterfront crowd

Yarmouth's annual Seafest fireworks happened tonight. There was excitement and energy in the air. The weather was warm all day, and the early evening chill was really quite a refreshing change. The waterfront area usually fills up really quickly. Everyone has a favourite spot- some people love the hill and side of the road beside the old train station Tim Hortons, some hover in the dark area right on the water near the fish plant, others like to be on boats that are usually decorated with lights all along the wharves, and others like me, enjoy being within earshot of the live bands on Parker Eakins or Killam's Brothers wharves. There were little kids on bikes, pre-teens trying to sneak away from their watchful parents, young men and women enjoying refreshments with friends. Then as the sky became a deep blue colour and the line of sunset disappeared away the show began and was enjoyed by all!






Theme Song for today: Boom Boom Pow by Black Eyed Peas

Day 124- July 22- Aunt Andrea and Uncle Greg

We went for dinner at my aunt Elaine's house tonight. Normally Christmas is the big family get-together but since my uncle and aunt were down from Kentville we planned an impromptu BBQ. Due to work schedules and living away, I turned out to be the only one there from "the next generation", as my Uncle Greg (my father's oldest sibling) put it. It was a pretty fun time. We cracked a bottle, or two, of red and had a wonderful time catching up on "the kids", my plans after going back up north, trips and future travels. Aunt Elaine (my father's older sister) and her hubby, Uncle Doug, had beautiful, huge t-bone steaks and some yummy salads. The meal was delicious and we stayed until rather late talking. Uncle Greg and Aunt Andrea, used to live in Yarmouth as well but for the past 6 years they have been in the valley for work. They have maintained a cottage near Yarmouth, so we luckily have been able to see them a little bit more often. Yarmouth is like that. Once you leave for whatever reason, it is easy to think about and feel like it will always be home, no matter how wonderful a place you move to, nothing compares to Yarmouth!


The above picture was the trigger topic to a very good laugh and funny conversation. I learned that the pills from the middle of the table were in fact Vitamin D and not and other sort of pill one might want to have on hand once the kids have moved away. Hope Andrea and Greg have a wonderful last few days of their holiday at the lake! Wonderful seeing them!





Theme Song for today: King Of The Road by Roger Miller

Day 123- July 21- Jill "The Milo Girl"

For the last few weeks I have been at Milo around 4-5 times per week, with my kayaking course and more recently Dragon boating. Jill is one of the friendly Yarmouth Rec. girls that are there pretty much every time I am there. She has a fun loving and has a good sense of humour. We always have lots of laughs before and after kayaking with our small kayak crew. If anyone else wants to have a nice time, twice a week in August, consider the Adult kayaking course. It was incredibly fun and very educational- I feel much more confident and relaxed when I jump in the boat. I also notice a huge difference in my technique, leaving a night of paddling without a sore neck and shoulders as I used to do.


I have also been taking note of a lot of knitting around town. They call it "Knitting Graffiti", I don't know much about it but we even saw a piece knitted on the railing on the way to Doctor's Lake that I saw one night when paddling. Enjoy the pictures for today! thanks Jill for the picture. It was a nice time of night as you can see the warm light of the setting sun, reflected off of Lake Milo through the office window.





Theme song for today: Cold Water by Damien Rice

Day 122- July 20- Angela Carver

The Great Grand Banks Mackeral Toss is a relatively new Seafest event but one that is EXTREMELY popular. I was about 20 minutes late for the start but there were so many teams that I still managed to capture many rounds of flying mackerals. I don't know if I would ever be brave enough considering the stench of the fish and the slimy guts that end up accompanying the experience. Angela Carver on the other hand was one of the defending champs from last year and back for more this year! She never winced at all from the smell or the oozing guts but threw almost all of the fish successfully to her partner with lots of style, only discovering a broken nail after her round was complete!


I don't actually know Angela very well, I would recognize her if we passed on the street but then again, I live in Yarmouth, a wonderfully familiar, friendly little town. We chatted a little bit after I asked her if she could be my person of the day and it turns out our families are connected from way back. Her parents were next door neighbours to my grandparents, and she also worked with my father a few years ago. Hope you enjoy the pictures, I included a few others of some classic "mackeral catching faces". Way to go to all of you, brave souls!


















The third place team, and they were newbies at that, way to go Luke and Zach:




The second place team:




The first place team:






Theme Song for today: Blister in the Sun by Violent Femmes

Day 121- July 19- Grace Bishara

We celebrated Walton's birthday this weekend on a very busy but GORGEOUSLY sunny, warm day. Most of my family and Jessica (my sister-in-law's) family were in attendance. Jessica's brother has three children. They are very sweet, energetic and fun kids. I chose Gracie to be my photo today because she has SO much personality and I really enjoyed her at the birthday. She and I shared carrots at one point as she tested to see if it also made me chew them like a rabbit and say "Ahhh, what's up Doc?" like she did with every bite! Enjoy the pictures and forgive me for the delay!











Theme song for today: On the road again by Willie Nelson

Day 120- July 18- Martine Jacquard and Ginette Surette

Seafest Sunday had always meant boat race in my mind. Typically I would be talking about Rum Running Races or Dory Races, but today included a new and very enjoyable new experience, Dragon boating! The dragon boats were purchased a few years ago and have been at Lake Milo. The first year there were lots of teams showing up at the races, but since then not as many, most not hearing about it till the last minute or not having a chance to try it out before. I invited a few friends along, and when we got there there was around 20 people. We did a practice warm up run altogether in one boat, then came back to the dock to make two teams. Our boat seemed to have a good luck charm, and a lot of determination; even with a few less people we managed to come out on top in both heats. (See photo above of the second race finish line) It is an incredible feeling, that burst of energy for a minute or so, where you know your muscles are burning but you can't stop yourself from going until you hear the drum rolling us past the finish line. I liked the experience a lot, and plan to help get a team, dubbed the "Lady Dragons" for next year. I collected a few names and plan on trying to get the turn out a little bit higher for next year.

After a quick stop at home to dry up, I walked briskly down to the waterfront to enjoy the Rum Running races. Once I arrived, my dad told me I had to make one more team since they had 5 and wanted 6 mixed teams. Our team, had a local doctor, paddling instructor and a few other random people we picked up from the crowd. We did well though placing second and had a time of 7 min 50 sec, 40 sec. behind the first place team. More importantly, we had a wonderful time! Events like the Rum Running has been supported for many years by the participants in the Seafest Pageant. Two of the most upbeat, positive, friendly and bright girls from the past few years are the last two Seafest Queens, Ginette (queen in 2008) and Martine (2009). During the pageants from the last few years, I have had no difficulty picking the front runner in these two girls. Their energy and charm were overwhelming, their intelligence, maturity and ability to speak in front of a crowd, was extremely strong to begin with but has only become better and better over the last few years. Ginette attended the Miss Canada International pageant and was chosen as the First Runner Up to Miss Canada International. I was not surprised at all that she did so well! I also anticipate that Martine will shine this year as she represents Southwestern Nova Scotia in the MCI pageant in Toronto. When you meet these girls on the street or at events like the Rum Running, you can be impressed by their bubbling, friendly, kind natures. I wish them both the best as they continue their studies, enter the work force and continue to volunteer in their communities. We are fortunate to have role models such as these two for the young women of Yarmouth!!

The following photos are a mix from Thursday night's Seafest Pageant and from the boat races today. I will try to explain with captions. Enjoy!



We were teasing Martine and Ginette after the ceremony, trying to convince them to give the ever shy, but faithfully involved, Constable Sebastien on the cheek for a photo. They had the cutest reaction, but did it anyway!! Good sports!








Here are a couple more Dragon boat pictures, enjoy!





Theme song for the day: The Saltwater Room by Owl City