Day 119- July 17- Chris Brown

Seafest Saturday was a little busier for me than usual. Normally my day starts closer to 10 with the Bubble Gum Blowing contest, but this year I volunteered to help with the Sheila Poole 10K run. I was given the job of "T-Shirt Police" since there was only enough shirts for the first 100 that signed up for the run. By the time they were ready for the starting gun there was 237 registered runners, one of the biggest turn outs.

One of the runners, I came to find out was my cousin Chris. He is my mother's eldest sister, Maxine's son. He's been living in Yarmouth for many years now with his wife Jean, who is from here, and their two children. Chris was doing his first 10K run at the Sheila Poole race and did extremely well! He finished with the same big smile that I remember from our visits to Nanny's trailer in Lower Barney's River, N.S., when we were kids. Chris and sometimes his brother Stephen, would show up as the cool, eldest cousins of the family on motorcycles. We'd be excited if we could at least sit on the motorcycles or extremely luck if they'd take us for a ride around the field.

Congratulations Chris on your excellent race! He finished in just over 50 minutes. The first picture below is of all of the runners that were participating in their very first 10K run. All of them started, all finished! Nice work folks!! (Chris is on the far right, standing up.)









Theme Song for today: Always on the Run by Lenny Kravitz

Day 118- July 16- Chad Brannen

Friday, as Seafest begins. Sidewalk sales along Main Street, people milling around everywhere. Fireworks cancelled due to fog, but I had a nice day all the same! I planned to try out Dragon boating at a training session at 6 pm at Milo. I knew there was races on Sunday, so I wanted to see what it was all about.

Unfortunately only three of us showed up in addition to the coach, Mark. Dragon boats are heavy, so unfortunately we couldn't try it out as mostly fairly new beginners to the idea. Instead of wasting a perfectly nice evening, we grabbed a couple kayaks and a canoe and went for a paddle around the lake to check out the Dragon Boat race course. That's the night I met Chad, because other than Mark and Judi, he was the only other one to show up for the training. He works with my sister-in-law, Jessica, at Sobeys but also seems to be at the Milo Boat house an awful lot. After a short paddle around the course, including a "race against time" to see how many strokes it would take to go from start to finish on the Dragon boat 300 m course (I took 173 against a little wind); Judi and Chad tried the racing kayaks out, very successfully I might add.

Since that night I seem to run into Chad all over the place. He participated in the Sheila Poole 10K, then he was at the Dragon boat races and I convinced him to join the team for the Rum Running races as well. He's a great sport and seems to really enjoy anything that comes his way! I'm sure we'll run into each other again soon! Hope you all like the pictures!!









Theme Song for today: Rat Race by Raine Maida

Day 117- July 15- Linda Surette

What a day to be in Yarmouth! I LOVE the start of Seafest and especially a warm sunny day like we had today!! As I walked to the gym I happened upon the children's parade and Mayor's BBQ in Frost Park. I wandered around snapping some pictures of the people, entertainment and beauty that Yarmouth holds. One of the beautiful people I saw with two little girls in toe was Linda. Linda works in the town hall, but I knew her from my first few days in Yarmouth in 1986. She lived across the street from our house and her daughter Jennifer was a year older than me. If it wasn't for Jennifer, I wouldn't have been at all excited about moving from a small, closeknit neighbourhood in St. John's, NFLD. Jennifer, and the promise she brought me of friends my own age, gave me something to look forward to during my move. Our school, Milton Elementary, was just as close knit as our old street had been. It was a small school, but it had huge heart and BIG school spirit. There was one class per grade, 30 or so students maximum, and one floor of classrooms. We had one room that covered for music, library, lunch room and even the gym! (PS it was the size of the other classrooms!! We were creative back then!!) Everyone seemed to know everyone else and the parents were very involved in making the school run smoothly. It was an awesome place to grow up.

I caught Linda a little off guard with this photo but she is stunning and I don't think you could ever take a bad picture of her!! Thanks for saying yes Linda, hope you and the girls had a great time at the picnic!! I've also included some pictures around town yesterday. There was positive energy, lots of joy and SWEET old vintage cars!! Hope you enjoy the pictures!!
















Theme Song for today: Hot Fun In the Summertime by Sly and the Family Stone

Day 116- July 14- Patti Robinson Verran

Patti is a new friend. She was the third person in our kayaking course at Lake Milo and is a real hoot. Judi and I met her last week on our first night of training with Mark. We have our class twice a week but from the first class this gal was a natural. I unfortunately missed the time when she tried a racing kayak, since I had a birthday party after our session. I know she'll probably go far with it if she tries. Her kids are also doing a kayaking course as well in the mornings, they were there the first night with her husband and were super into it.

On our latest paddling night the four of us paddled against the post-rain currents up through Milo, middle lake and to the small island in the middle of Doctor's Lake. The techniques and tips that Mark has shown us has made the experience of paddling much more fluid, easier on the body and quite fun. If you have the chance on Monday or Wednesday next week, drive by Milo between 6-7 and check us out- from the shore I am sure our little group looks rather graceful out there on the water. I don't know much about Patti but she is very kind, has a wonderful sense of humour, loves taking adventures whether it is a road trip to Ontario or a camping trip to Keji. I can tell she really appreciates being active and embracing life. Thanks for the picture Patti- hope you and the family have a wonderful summer!!



Theme Song for the day: Black bird by Foo Fighters

Day 115- July 13- Seafest Princesses 2010

The Seafest pageant is a top notch, very popular event during our local summer festival, Seafest. Every year it draws a diverse group of young women from across the Tri-County area. Some people have a negative view of "pageants", which is not helped by TV shows like "Toddlers & Tiaras" that my mom loves watching. Having been involved in photographing the event and participants for the last, I don't know how many, years, I have seen the incredible results of the experience. The girls who take part in the competition are assessed in fitness, academic achievement, public speaking and community involvement and volunteerism. Some of the girls appear in the beginning to be lacking a lot of self-confidence or esteem, and when you meet them again after a few months of being involved in the pageant and helping with different functions throughout the year, they are typically more confident, glowing, more effective communicators and successful students or workers.

The girl, who is awarded the crown and title of Seafest Queen 2010, will be very active in events, celebrations, festivals, community fundraisers and other public service opportunities throughout the year. They then gain the title of Miss Southwestern Nova Scotia that qualifies them to run in the Miss Canada International pageant. This title includes a scholarship for their education as well. Yarmouth and the women that we send have always had a very high standing and earned much respect from that national contest. In fact, this year the winner of Miss Canada International and the first runner up was both won by former Seafest contestants/Queen, Bridget Nickerson and Ginette Surette respectively. It is no surprise to us, having seen the incredible experience they gain from their year as Seafest Queen, and from their interactions with the local coordinator, Linda Deveau, who epitomizes poise, grace, confidence, volunteerism and character. (Just wait for Linda, I PROMISE I will try to capture her for this blog someday soon!!)


This year like every other the candidates were incredibly special girls. At the end of the night, Miss Friendship was awarded by the girls to Chelsea Fitzgerald, first runner up to the Queen was given to Nicole Harrington (who also won the award for top Academic performance among the girls) and the new Seafest Queen for 2010 was given to Ariel Smith (who also took home the fitness award). Ariel's parents were extremely proud of her and I know she will make this community proud. As other years, the pageant finished with a group photo (see above) of all of the committee, judges, contestants, helpers, alumni and then smaller group shots of different combinations to archive the night. Here are a couple of the shots I took, enjoy! (**PLEASE note, I am posting this a little later than the 13th, clearly since the event only took place on Thursday, July 15th, I was in need of someone for today, so I chose them since they have been helping get Seafest off the ground all week long.**)













Theme Song for Today: Modern World by Anouk (Hilarious and awesome lyrics... LOVE her voice, attitude and music)

PS PLEASE VOTE for Seafest on www.westjetfestivals.com. Click on register in the top right hand corner and vote, only one vote PER EMAIL ADDRESS, hint hint!! Help us get some added exposure nationally!!

Day 114- July 12- Gabrielle Doucette

Busy days of summer! Tonight I had lots on the agenda; workout right before supper, quick bite, kayaking course at Milo, then Gabrielle's birthday party at Doolys with the girls. We chatted over a drink at first, then enjoyed a little two on two pool. Gabrielle and her colleague versus Sandy and I. We were fairly evenly matched, well, more like Sandy and I had some pretty lucky shots! Ha ha ha! It was a great time as we always have out together!

I met Gabrielle for the first time on Valentine's Day. How romantic, I know! I was meeting some of my other friends, such as Natasha and Sandy, and their husbands, at the annual Chunk of Funk birthday bash. Sandy invited her and her husband, Flav to come along with our crew. I knew she was a pretty cool gal when she and Sandy actually managed to convince me to go out on the dance floor for a few songs, a very difficult task. I also really appreciated her sense of humour when her ice water with lemon arrived with a coffee creamer floating in it, we had lots of laughs over that one- "Order the lactose free milk next time!" (See photo below for evidence!)



Gab has tonnes of energy and charisma. I think that is why I like her so much, she is almost always up for any plan. Whenever I talk to her she is always on the way to hockey or coming home from ultimate frisbee or planning her next trip to the cottage for seadooing and swimming. I'm glad that Sandy introduced us. When the group of us gals get together I always leave with a sore face from laughing so much. Gabrielle seems to really enjoy everything that she does, she seems to embrace life, her family, her friends and every experience that life brings her way. I love her positivity, it's something I have always valued in my own life and it means a lot to find it in someone else! She's the kind of person I like to surround myself with! Hope you had a fab birthday girl!! Thanks for the pics!



Nah, she's not a show off... Oh wait!







Theme Song for today: California Gurls (feat. Snoop Dogg) by Katy Perry

(This song comes on the radio all the time and when it does I can't stop singing along, it makes me feel like summer, road trips and laid back, fancy free time on the beach!)

Day 113- July 11- Sandy Ackles

Sandy and his wife, Heather, were kind enough to give me a lift yesterday. They are pretty wonderful people, who are fairly new to Yarmouth, as in, they weren't here when I was in school. I met them as well from the local music scene. Sandy was working the day I bought my sparkly pink bass and amp, then I started seeing his face around with different groups. My friend Sandy, who is taking guitar lessons from him, introduced us officially at a Chunk of Funk gig and the rest is history.

It is kind of a small world sometimes, how we all have odd ways to connect with other people. As I got to know Sandy and his wife, Heather better, I found out that Heather works in a school as well. It also turned out that they purchased the home of some very, very dear friends of my family, the Colbecks, with whom we would spend every Christmas Eve, until they moved a couple of years ago.

In regards to music, Sandy is a "jack of all trades". He began playing many years ago as a bass player, but seems to have the ability to play any instrument and fit into any style or group. He has a great personality and has a very unique walking style of groove when he plays that is a joy to watch! He currently plays most often with a band called, "Under the Influence" with Steve Berryman and Jeff Allen. Thanks for the pics Sandy!








Theme Song for Today: Diddley Daddy by Bo Diddley

Day 112- July 10- Thea and Roy Atkinson

My year off has been an incredible time. I had originally planned donning a backpack and being on the road in an around the world holiday, stopping in Europe, dashing to Africa, stomping through Asia and the Middle East, swimming around in the Caribbean and hiking mountain peaks in South America after cruising different cities and sites around North America. Needless to say, this didn't happen as I had planned, mostly due to the house I purchased as an investment. However, in hindsight, I am very glad that it didn't exactly work out the way I had planned. As a result of being home for much more of the year, I had the opportunity to meet and get to know some pretty special people in Yarmouth, that I now consider friends!

Thea is one of those people, (as well as Sandy, Natasha, Gabrielle, Heather, Kim, and many others) Thea and her husband Roy are big in the extremely talented Yarmouth Music scene. Roy is a great guitar player and Thea is modest about her musical abilities, which I think she must possess in abundance, but is as shy about her talent for photography and writing. She has spent many hours taking pictures of bands and has a very good eye. I also learned today that she is a fantastic cook and has a knack for the BBQ! Hope you enjoy these pictures! I apologize profusely for the very over the top picture of Thea and I. I seem to have been unable to control my excitement for Barbie Jam, good times!







Theme song for today: Mustang Sally by The Commitments

Day 111- July 9- Danny MacIssac

I've been an avid follower of Danny's band for the last few years. I saw them a few times on the waterfront in Yarmouth before making the connection of who they were. I went to school with Danny's younger brother Mike. Mike was one of the more trendy, musical, cool guys in our class during those years. I didn't really know Danny back in those days, but his musical talent is something to be admired.

Having had the chance to listen to Danny and his band, The Chunk of Funk, it's insane how good he is on the guitar. He plays it like it is an extension of his own arm or something. He sings with a lot of soul and tonnes of humour as well; his "off the cuff" method of changing up a song to be about someone in the audience is really fun to witness. Music seems to be a part of his essence in a way that frees him up to play just about any instrument and sound like a professional. As creative as he is with his music, he is also a creative entrepreneur and can build just about anything I think.

As I get to know Danny better, I have learned about how kind, open hearted and gentle he is. He appreciates people and genuinely cares about how people are doing. He's a hugger and likes to take time for people when he sees them. I am glad to have a friend like him. I added a couple links from Youtube of his playing. The photos on this post are a mix of recent and new pics of Danny, enjoy!








Check out the Myspace link as well, and if you have a private function in Yarmouth that you need music for, I guarantee you won't be disappointed by the Chunk of Funk!



Theme Song for Today: Miss you by The Rolling Stones

Day 110- July 8- Susan Amon

What a day, AGAIN! I knew it would be a day of new tan, or burn as it would turn out... I slept in a bit late and tried to get a jump on finishing up a few blog entries. I also was checking out some real estate websites, seeing what was out and about. I could tell even by 10 that today would be another scorcher.

I had a loose plan with Susan to go to her house on Doctor's Lake to go kayaking. She called and we settled on 1 pm, she'd pick me up and we'd head out of town to her place. We got out there and the lake was rather choppy. Many more waves than even last night at Milo. We were not deterred and paddled out towards the Manor Inn, fighting constantly against the wind to go where we wanted to. The sun and water were warm and I couldn't have imagined a nicer place to spend an afternoon. We were out on the Lake for over 2 hours I think. It flew by. Sue and I always have really awesome discussions. We talked the entire paddle about family, real estate, politics and life. I've enjoyed having these moments the last few summers connecting with her again. She was my grade four teacher and I grew up with her son, Chris. Our elementary school was small, and our class was very close knit. I will always fondly remember her class and the school events, like pioneer days, that we attended while in grade 4. Sue is creative, open and caring. She is adventurous as well and recently started learning to drive a motorcycle. I'm always interested in hearing what she's been up to every time we get together. Enjoy the picture! I snapped them after our paddle. Notice the beautiful painting by one of my former classmates, Beth Sweeney, dedicated to Susan's son.





Theme Song for today: Gaspereau Valley by Ryan Cook

Day 109- July 7- Mark "Runner's Attic" Hubbard

I spent most of today trying to get some housework done. I tried to make a quick trip to the YMCA in the afternoon and the workout was challenging as the humidity was brutal even inside the gym. It feels overwhelmingly like a typical Ontario summer, which is pretty ironic since it will be my first summer in over 10 years that I didn't at least visit Ottawa. Then the humidity and over 30 degree temperatures came here anyway! I cannot escape it!

One of the ways I have been coping is my kayak course. Tonight was my second session with Mark and we learned even more great tips and tricks. The night was a bit foggier and the water was a little more choppy than Monday night, but with the new skills we learned I found it a very enjoyable ride. Mark lead us in some exercises on the water, and directed us in a one kilometer loop around part of the lake. He's extremely natural on the water and makes even the narrow, racing kayak look rather easy. I appreciate his sense of humour, his knowledge of paddling and his willingness to spend time and energy investing in people. Don't get me wrong, this is a job for him, but in general, he is the type of guy that really enjoys interacting and getting to know people. He works on Main Street and I don't think there is a time I have passed his store without having a conversation with him. He loves talking to people, finding out how they are doing and sharing his own experiences with them. I couldn't imagine a better way to end a humid, hot day than to be hanging out on the water, amidst the cool breezes with fun people like Mark. Enjoy the pictures!










Theme Song for today: Black Water by The Doobie Brothers

Day 108- July 6- Judi Rosee

Watched Eclipse tonight with Natasha and Judi. Last night was the first evening of our kayaking course. Judi and I decided it would be something fun to try. I had kayaked a bit at Keji and with Susan Amon out at her house once two summers ago and really loved it.

Eclipse was the first of the Twilight movies that I had read the book for before watching the movie. t was really nice to know the background story for the things shown in the film. I felt it was a pretty good depiction of the book, which was a difficult text to try to get the richness through. Judi is a fan and after I watched the last movie she lent me the book so I could find out what happened next. She's going to bring Breaking Dawn for me tonight, so now I can finally find out what happens at the end of this miniseries.

Judi is a friend of my mother's from her former job at the Yarmouth Visitor Information Centre. She worked in the currency exchange when mom worked in the information side. We've had many bonfires at the beach throughout the past few summers. She's always up for a walk or a movie, as long as it isn't too late, since she usually works really early in the morning. One thing that Judi LOVES is cats and she has some pretty cute little ones, a kind that I can't remember the name of but with the flat faces. Enjoy the pics! (The following pictures are from our bonfire on the weekend.)





Theme song for today: Train by 3 Doors Down