By the Sea

Happy Birthday...

2012-01-26T11:21:00.000-05:00

...to my Mom, who is 92 years young today. (This picture was taken last September while we were visiting.)

May you have many more birthdays, Mom.

Sea Shell Crafting

2012-01-20T15:20:00.000-05:00

Earlier this week, I was invited to lunch and an afternoon of sea shell crafting with Irm and Susan. Irm first treated us to her homemade butternut squash soup, which was absolutely wonderful, and definitely worthy of a second serving. I actually didn't make a craft but picked up valuable tips on how to start a project and work with the glues, etc., from my two experienced crafting friends.

These are the shells that Susan collected on a Florida beach that she brought along to use on the picture frame she was making. I am happy to say that she was kind enough to give us a baggie full for a future project.

Here is Susan busily working on her project, which will be a gift for her friend. I realized when I got home that we were so busy chatting and admiring all the shells, that I did not get a photo of Susan's finished project, a shelled-covered photo frame.

This centrepiece on Irm's table is one of her earlier creations. The vase is full of some very interesting shells, sea urchins, sand dollars, etc. I fell in love with the shell ring at the base of the vase. I hope to attempt to make one, but I know mine will not be as beautiful as this one.

Each time I visit with Irm, I am amazed by her latest creation, like this fish. She designed and created this piece of art from coloured beer caps. It was so interesting.

I now have to go to the local craft shop to get my glue, wreath ring, etc. so I can get busy with my project once I am back in my craft room. I hope I remember all that I was taught.

Grand Strand Shell Club

2012-01-16T12:33:00.000-05:00

Paul and I have been members of the Grand Strand Shell Club in the Myrtle Beach area for the past three years, while being snowbirds here. The Club holds a meeting on the second Thursday of each month (except July, August and December) in the meeting room at the Tupelo Bay Golf Club at 7 p.m. This month the Club celebrated its 22nd Anniversary as a Club.

We have met a very nice group of people and enjoyed great shelling trips to a couple of local area Islands. We hope to enjoy many more years with the Club. Happy shelling...

New Year's Eve 2011

2012-01-01T18:50:00.000-05:00

31 December 2011 in Surfside Beach, South Carolina was sunny and warm so we spent our morning and most of the afternoon out on the deck reading and watching the dolphins in the ocean. The beach was very busy with lots of weekend visitors for the holiday.

The start to our New Year's Eve celebration was enjoying a great meal at our favourite restaurant The Gulf Stream Cafe in Garden City, while enjoying live jazz music in the background. We were joined by our good friends, Shirley, Tony, Maddie and Bill.

We then drove to Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach to enjoy a very colourful display of fireworks. Here we are waiting for the show to begin...

After waiting for the traffic to lift at Broadway at the Beach and doing a little browsing in the shops, Paul and I were invited to join our friends at their resort, The Myrtle Beach Resort, for an evening of celebration at the Cabana near the beach. It was quite crowded and noisy with all those in party mode. Being the driving for the evening, this was my one and only glass of wine for the night!

At 10 p.m. the first toast to the New Year was made so "the older folks" could leave if they so wished. At 10:30 p.m. we requested the DJ to announce a toast for all the Newfoundlanders in the room. I believe there were 8 of us in all. Then at 11 p.m., our table made a toast for the New Brunswick New Year for Paul. Then finally at midnight we brought in 2012 with all of those in the cabana. During the evening we were able to see some fireworks outside coming from the campgrounds nearby.

Our evening finished with drinks and snacks with our friends, before getting home at a very late time for us, of 1:30 a.m. It was fun to be able to share the evening with great friends. May we be able to carry on a similar tradition.

Happy 2012

Happy New Year 2012

2011-12-31T10:44:00.000-05:00

It is the last day of 2011.

Begin the New Year in a very special way

with your family, friends and loved ones.

May the New Year bring you

health, peace, contentment and friendships.

Paul and I wish you a Happy 2012.

Our Christmas 2011

2011-12-26T19:35:00.000-05:00

With a few Christmas cards from family and friends, our "Christmas tree", which is a gift bag we received from a friend, and the special gift under our tree received from Paul's son and daughter-in-law, a nice holiday was had by us.

Christmas Eve here in Surfside Beach was quite sunny so we had our breakfast and coffee out on our deck and enjoyed seeing a few dolphins.

Our tradition for the past few years has been to have meat pie for our Christmas Eve meal, before going to Church. Last year, being our first Christmas in the United States, we went in pursuit of our traditional Canadian meal of meat pie but only got strange looks from the store clerks when we asked if they sold meat pie. This year we thought we could still have a pie, and have more luck to find a fresh chicken pot pie. COSTCO did have the chicken pie, but as shoppers of COSTCO know, all things in that store are BIG! After checking a couple more grocery stores in the area to no avail, Paul went back to COSTCO for the "big one"! Here it is, hot out of the oven.....

Yes, there were leftovers, for Boxing Day.

Christmas morning found Paul in a hurry to open our present from under our tree. The Customs label read "digital photo frame" so all our fingers were crossed that it held wedding photos from Tom and Lisa, and it did! We quickly plugged it in and enjoyed the slide show. What a great present.

Next came our traditional Christmas morning breakfast of omelettes and coffee. I do the cooking but Paul does the clean up.

After a lazy afternoon at home, we headed down the beach to Myrtle Beach Resort to visit with our Newfoundland friends. I was waiting in the lobby for Paul to park the car.

Maddie, our wonderful hostess and cook, was busy in her kitchen preparing a traditional turkey dinner for us.

Here we are (L to R): Tony, Cindy, Maddie, Shirley, Bill and Paul enjoying a wonderful Christmas dinner.

Paul and I were very thankful to have shared Christmas day with our friends, and enjoy this wonderful meal.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T11:36:00.000-05:00

Paul and I would like to wish everyone
a very Merry Christmas.
May the day bring you peace and joy.

Brookgreen Gardens

2011-12-24T15:59:00.000-05:00

This past Monday Paul and I went back to Brookgreen Gardens to enjoy its beauty and peacefulness after all the hustle and bustle of The Nights of a Thousand Candles was over. No matter when you visit these Garden, it is always magical.

These are some of the flowers from the exhibit galleries.

Christmas Flower - Poinsettia

Air Flowers (placed in a Styrofoam ball)

The Gardens still had the decorations in place from Nights of a Thousand Candles. It was actually rather interesting to see the gardens with its decorations in the daylight.

The Oak Garden, with trees more than 250 years old

With the sun shining on these glass hurricane lanterns, it looked like ice. It was so pretty.

The reflection of the lanterns in the water has everyone wondering how this happens. I was told it was the magic of the Christmas elves. I believe....

The Children's Garden was once again one of my favourite places to visit.

Reflection in the fountain

Little rubber ducks in the fountain

Holly Tree

I always enjoy seeing what flowers are in bloom in the garden. I thought it was more like spring in the Garden, rather than winter.

Paul and I have enjoyed Brookgreen Gardens so much, during our visits to Surfside Beach over the past four years, that we have now purchased an annual membership to the Gardens. This will give us more opportunity to enjoy this wonderful place.

Nights of a Thousand Candles (part 2)

2011-12-20T20:36:00.000-05:00

Here I am with my friends ready for a nice evening of entertainment at Brookgreen Gardens, as well as touring the two exhibit halls at the Gardens.

A few of the lanterns displayed in the Garden.

The Jennewein Gallery

Traditional Christmas Tree

Train Set Display

Candy Houses Display

The Noble Gallery

Vintage Carousel Figures

Floral Christmas Tree

Nights of a Thousand Candles (part 1)

2011-12-18T20:41:00.000-05:00

Paul and I were fortunate again this year to be able to attend the Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens in South Carolina. It is an experience that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy if possible. Although I took many photos, it is difficult to capture the magic of the night. There are more than 5,500 hand-lit candles and Christmas lights throughout the gardens and four areas of entertainment to enjoy.

First United Methodist Church Handbells

What a great Christmas sweater!

Ron Daise, telling a Gullah Christmas, in word and song. He has an amazing voice. Gullah is a language based on English, with strong influences from West and Central African languages. It may have arisen independently in South Carolina and Georgia in the 18th and 19th centuries, when African slaves on rice plantations developed their own language.

Ron Daise

The Children's Garden is one of my favourite places to visit during the Nights of a Thousand Candles. It is so magical with all the lights and colour.

A little folk music at the Arboretum Tent.

Jill Trinka

Some of the lights of the gardens

Miller-Rowe Consort with guitar and dulcimer. Excellent performance.

Grammy award winning singer songwriter, Barbara Bailey Hutchison, gave a wonderful performance of Christmas music. She is a performer of alternative folk and children's music. She had a great stage presence.

Lights in the Oak Garden

A "fog" of lights in the grass - amazing display

Candles in the pond

A star in the tree

Paul in the walkway at the gardens

A Little Baking

2011-12-18T19:00:00.000-05:00

Today I decided to do a little baking. Here are our chocolate chip cookies and our banana bread is in the oven.

Our Christmas Newsletter - 2011

2011-12-07T09:00:00.139-05:00

We enjoyed a busy 2011 together, starting off the year with a rather quiet 2010 New Year’s Eve in South Carolina. After dinner at a local restaurant in Myrtle Beach, we enjoyed fireworks at Broadway at the Beach and then returned to our condo rental to enjoy a smooth drink of Grand Marnier on ice outside on the beach walk, while watching fireworks over the ocean from Myrtle Beach in the north and Murrells Inlet in the south.

On January 1, Paul and I moved into a lovely new condo rental at Surfside Beach and settled in for a great three months at the beach. We enjoyed our return to the local shelling club, including a couple of shelling trips with them. On our Morris Island trip, Paul was the envy of all, finding a LARGE Megalodon shark’s tooth.

It was nice spending time with our South Carolina friends, Irmgard and Don. My sister and brother-in-law visited us in February and we made a trip to a Beneteau boat building factory during their visit. Although we are not sailors like them, we did find the tour quite interesting.

Paul had a birthday in February and celebrated it at his favourite new restaurant, Hannah Banana Sunshine Cabana.

Over the winter we enjoyed beach walks, visits to Brookgreen Gardens and making new friends.

After another great winter in South Carolina, on 1 April, we packed up and headed home to Canada. Being in no rush to get back to the snow, which we had lots of last winter in New Brunswick, we decided to spend a week at Williamsburg, Virginia. We enjoyed sightseeing at Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown learning details of the American Revolution period of the USA. We also made numerous trips to the Virginia Peanut Shop.

Colonial Williamsburg

Jamestown

Peanut Shop

After a few more nights on the road, we arrived back in Beresford on 11 April and unfortunately there was lots of snow still about. Paul was quick to shovel off the ice on the back deck in hopes of an early spring.

First Day of Spring!

When spring finally came, it was wet and cool which made getting our yard work done, a slow process. We did manage to dress up our side yard with a little stonework and made a small herb garden, although we did not have a great growing season.

In June we flew out to Calgary for 10 days to attend Tom (Paul’s son) and Lisa’s wedding (25 June). Paul was Best Man for his son’s wedding and it was a lovely day. It was nice to meet Lisa’s family and have some quality time with Paul’s daughter, Tashia.

Paul and I also spent a few days in the Banff/Lake Louise area. It was my first time in the Rockies and we had a great time. We hope to go back some day when we have more time to explore.

Lake Louise

July and August found us close to home this year. We spent time relaxing on our deck and doing some beachcombing down shore at our favorite beach.

In August, Paul treated himself to a “guy weekend” attending the Dutch Mason Blues Festival in Truro, Nova Scotia. Being away from home, he also treated himself to a “guy meal”!

In late August, our friend Giselle visited from Ottawa.It was nice to have time to catch up on news and share beach walks with her. Paul and I had some really great beach finds, including some rare grey sea glass and two glass bottle stoppers.

September found us making an unplanned trip to Brockville, Ontario as my Mom was taken to hospital. We spent 10 days there visiting with her, as well as my sister. I am happy to say that Mom is now doing very well and settled very quickly back into her Residence.

On our return trip to New Brunswick, Paul and I travelled through Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. It was a lovely drive with the fall colours just starting to show.

The start to our fall was rather quiet. We did our usual yard work, spent some quality time beachcombing, and attended a couple local church teas. Also, Paul was involved with the local Rotary fundraiser event for the Portraits of Honour, a tribute to our fallen soldiers in Afghanistan.

After our local Remembrance Day service, Paul and I were on the road again heading for Surfside Beach, South Carolina.

This will be our fourth winter being snowbirds and our second Christmas at the beach.Our first couple of weeks in Surfside Beach were busy.We met up with a couple of our friends from Newfoundland whom are also wintering in the area. We attended a couple of Christmas concerts, enjoyed Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens, a few golf games for Paul, beach walks and of course, shopping. We will be blogging our adventures again this year.

Carolina Opry Theatre

Paul and I would like to wish you and yours a happy holiday season with a peaceful and healthy New Year.

Merry Christmas and a Happy 2012

Children`s Garden, Brookgreen Gardens
Nights of a Thousand Candles

Springmaid Pier Christmas Craft Fair

2011-12-05T11:45:00.000-05:00

Paul and I went to the Springmaid Pier Arts and Craft Christmas Fair this past weekend in Myrtle Beach. Christmas at the beach.....

One of the many craft vendor displays.

It was a warm, sunny day so it was a pleasure to stroll by the vendor booths outside.

We didn't make any purchases but I did come away with some good craft ideas.

Mepkin Abbey Creche Festival, Moncks Corners, SC

2011-12-02T13:20:00.000-05:00

Yesterday Paul and I accompanied our friends, Irm and Don, and their Antiques Club, on a trip to Moncks Corners to visit the 2011 Mepkin Abbey Creche Festival.

There were 94 Creche exhibits on display from all over the world. Here a few that I found interesting.

The grounds and gardens at the Abbey were quite lovely.

This is a sculpture of Mary and Joseph found on the grounds which an artist had carved in the trunk of a fallen tree. It was amazing.

We had lunch at a local restaurant near the Abbey before returning home. We were quite happy that our friends were kind enough to invite us to share this afternoon with them.

Thanksgiving Dinner

2011-11-25T10:27:00.000-05:00

Paul and I enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving turkey dinner with our friends, Irm and Don. This year was our first "official USA" Thanksgiving. Last year we were travelling and spent the day in Augusta, Maine where everything was closed for the holiday. We ate take-out pizza from a cardboard box in our hotel room, with a Canadian beer.

We are thankful to have met and made such nice friends as Irm and Don.

Afternoon on the Beach

2011-11-22T20:36:00.000-05:00

Paul and I spent the afternoon enjoying the beach near the condo.

Our home away from home

It was a great day.

We are Snowbirds Again...

2011-11-21T10:17:00.000-05:00

Portraits of Honour Tour

2011-11-19T12:29:00.038-05:00

The Portraits of Honour Tour was in Bathurst on 7 November.

Dave Sopha has been airbrushing murals and paintings for the past 38 years. The Portraits of Honour mural stretches 10 feet tall by 40 feet wide and features the faces of the 158 Canadian soldiers, sailors and aircrew who have lost their lives in Afghanistan.
Originally started in artist Dave Sopha’s private studio, it quickly grew to require more space and was moved into the studio created at Kin Canada’s headquarters located in Cambridge, Ontario.
Since he began in December of 2008, Dave has painted an average of 16 hours a day, 7 days a week. Despite efforts to have him slow down, Dave cannot seem to tear himself away from his mural. He feels an overwhelming obligation to each soldier, sailor and aircrew, and to each of their families to make each portrait perfect.
Here Dave Sopha is chatting with local soldiers about their experiences with the Canadian Forces.

It is a remarkable tribute to our fallen soldiers.

The Ode of Remembrance

2011-11-07T08:00:00.004-05:00

They went with songs to the battle, they were young.

Straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow.

They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted.

They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them.

Lest we forget.

Remember.....

2011-11-02T20:30:00.001-04:00

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T17:31:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my Craft Room

2011-10-27T14:45:00.001-04:00

Yes, I have been busy this week writing out my Christmas cards - tree, music and all. I have also been busy over the past few months with my knitting, which I love to do while sitting in front of the TV.

One of my favorite items to knit - these baby blankets, which I knit in one piece so there is no assembly or sewing required.

I have been knitting a couple of different style of hats and scarves as well.

I also found an easy pattern for two-needle mittens. I'm not keen to knit with four needles, but it would mean less sewing to complete.

I didn't make these fuzzy friends but collected them over the years. They have been sitting on a shelf in my Craft Room for a couple of years and I now feel that they are all ready for new homes. Although I am sad to see them leave, I know they will find a nice home with a little girl or boy to play with them. I must confess that I did keep a couple of their friends still on my shelf.

You may be wondering what I am going to do with all my knitting. Well, I am sure that it will all go to good homes, as well.

Backyard View

2011-10-18T16:24:00.002-04:00

This is the late afternoon view in our back yard today. The double rainbow, after a sunshower, was an OMG!

Interesting Sky Today

2011-10-15T15:23:00.001-04:00

As we were driving downtown this morning to go to the Shriners Fundraiser Breakfast, we thought the sky was quite interesting. It looked dark and stormy, as well as a bright blue. A very fall day. And I just happened to have my camera in my purse so I took a couple of "drive by" photos, as my friend Elaine would do.

There was also a beautiful rainbow as we neared town but unfortunately I was unable to capture a "drive by" photo of it.

Beach Treasures

2011-10-12T10:21:00.006-04:00

Another great day on the beach for treasures. I can't believe I found two more pieces of the rare grey seaglass. I'm not sure if the round disc is a button or a drawer nob but it was interesting enough to me to bring home.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-10-09T16:17:00.006-04:00

We have much to be

thankful for all year...

but Thanksgiving is that

one special day of celebration

when we consider

all that we have as a Nation,

and as individuals.

A Windy Day at the Beach

2011-10-06T20:54:00.004-04:00

Although it was a cold and windy day, we decided to make a trip to the beach and do a little beachcombing. The whitecaps and waves were great and a good day to take photos. It was an even better day for seaglass! As I was finishing my walk on the beach, I found this amazing glass bottle stopper. I was so excited as this was my second awesome treasure this week. It is said that things come in threes, so there must be one more treasure out there waiting for me!

Here is my dedicated beachcombing partner.

A sample of a beach treasure in the rocks.

As we were leaving the wharf area, the skies were very interesting over the water.

There is never a bad day at the beach.

Downshore....

2011-10-02T18:24:00.003-04:00

Although it was a windy and gray day, Paul and I decided to head downshore for a drive and get a little fresh air. It is always interesting to drive along the coastal route.

We stopped to see this pony and its foal, but the foal seemed camera shy and hid behind.

Going downshore means time on the beach for us. Although it was windy and cool, we had a great stroll and found lots of treasures.

And these are my finds of the day. It was a great day for seaglass (mermaid tears).

These are my rare treasures, according to the seaglass charts. And the large grey one in the centre of the photo is my best find ever. It was an "OMG" find, as grey is very rare and this piece is almost perfect quality! So exciting...

On the drive home we took the highway as it was a little quicker and we were anxious to get home in time to cook our evening meal. We got to enjoy some of the fall colors along the way. The photos are not the best of quality as they were taken through the car window while driving over the bumpy roads of Northern New Brunswick.

We love the freshness and the colours of the fall. It is our favourite season.

Blue Jays

2011-09-25T11:36:00.005-04:00

The Blue Jays have finally found our feeders this year.

Beachcombing Again

2011-08-24T09:16:00.003-04:00

Another great day at our favorite beach and more treasures. Today I found several pieces of blue, a small piece of pink, two purple, a couple pieces of pottery and what looks like a handle from a dish. I never get tired of being on a beach.

It was a windy day so the waves were rolling in. Awesome sound...

This is our friend Giselle looking for a natural walking stick.

More treasures being collected.

I can't wait to get back there. Everyday is a different experience.

Peaceful Evening on Beresford Beach

2011-08-23T11:07:00.005-04:00

A Great Day with Giselle

2011-08-21T14:10:00.007-04:00

Our friend Giselle is visiting us for the week so we decided to take her on a beachcombing trip downshore to our favorite beach. What a great day for treasures. We found the most number of rare colours of all our beach trips ever!

The orange seaglass is a first find for me for this very rare colour. We also found grey, teal, citron and mauve, along with many small blue pieces.

I even found this interesting piece of white seaglass shaped like a boot.

This is Giselle's total collection for the afternoon, including a rock the shape of a boot.

This is Paul's neatly arranged collection for the day.

And here is my afternoon collection. What great fun.

A friend of ours asked if a bottle factory had exploded at the beach or if we had a glass sniffing dog with us! I think Elaine is due for a trip to our favourite place.

After a long, hot afternoon of strolling the beach, we were ready for a great barbecue meal, which was prepared by three cooks. Notice who is at the table with fork in hand first, all smiles!

After dinner we sat out on the deck being entertained by the Hummingbirds at our feeders.

A very enjoyable day for all.

A Tour of our Yard

2011-08-12T20:51:00.012-04:00

Come take a little tour and enjoy the blooms in our garden this week. A lot of my perennials have already bloomed for this year with mostly coneflowers, black-eyed susans and tickseed to see. Because of all the rain this summer, we have a wonderful crop of wildflowers on the perimeter of our yard, which we enjoy.

Sedum (donated from my sister's garden)

Shasta Daisy

My New Garden Ornament

Tickseed

Pearly Everlasting

Orange Jewelweed & Tansy Ragwort

Fleabane

Indian Grass

Cattails

This marsh plant I have not been able to identify in my wildflower books

Purple Loosestrife

Buttercup

Another unidentified wildflower

Robin's nest

Fireweed

Another unidentified wildflower

Raspberry

Raspberry and Thistle

Coneflower (donated from my friend Giselle's garden)

Black-eyed Susan, with Bee

I love walking about our yard every day to see what new treasures are in bloom. It always amazes me what can come from a little seed when you add soil, water and sunshine.

The Saga of Paul's Walking Stick

2011-08-07T18:16:00.003-04:00

As our family and friends know, Paul loves to have his "favourite" walking stick when taking a stroll on the beach or along a wooded trail. This favourite walking stick was a $5 purchase while we were on vacation in the Dominion Republic a few years ago so its value is not monetary but sentiment.

Well this week the favourite walking stick has had a little adventure, and so have we. On Friday afternoon Paul and I decided to take a drive along the Resources Road (known to local people of the area) and look for some wildflowers to plant in our yard. We had some luck and found several nice plants which we brought home and planted in the back corner of our garden, hoping that they will root. It is a little difficult to see them in this photo, but they are there.

Well if you read my post from yesterday you will know that we took a stroll on the beach but Paul discovered when he went to the back of the car to get his walking stick, it wasn't there. We knew we had it when we were in the woods and that I was probably the last one to hold it. I asked Paul to give it to me to protect me from "the bears" while he went back to the car. (We had seen moose tracks on a previous trail.) I guess with all the labour of digging up the plants we thought I must have put the stick down on the ground. I was hoping we would find it in the garden shed when we got home from the beach, but no such luck.

So after breakfast this morning we decided to take a drive back to the wooded area where we hoped to find Paul's walking stick. This wooded area had been used for campfires so we were anxious to get back there quickly before someone found the stick, or even worse, used it for firewood! Rain was forecast for today so after checking the radar and weather channel we headed out hoping to out smart the rain. The first part of the drive was fine with just cloudy skies, and a black bear crossing the road! See I was right about needing the stick to protect myself from being eaten by a bear. As we drove closer to the possible location of the stick, the rain started and it poured but that was okay as I went prepared with my "short long rubbers" and my umbrella. Today was the first time I got to wear my new boots that I purchased in Newfoundland on our trip last fall.

I am happy to report that I found the stick. It was no worse for its night in the woods, only a little wet. Although we were both more than a little wet, we jumped back into our vehicle and headed home. Well the rain got heavier and heavier and then there was a flash of lightening and rumble of thunder and to top it off, a moose decided to cross the road.What a day! We arrived home safely, with the stick, and this was the view from our back door.

Only a day fit for the birds, and here they are - at our feeders.

And here is the proud and happy owner of the darn stick.

I am happy that the adventure had a happy ending but this is the third time this darn stick has tried to leave home; once in Mexico and another time in a restaurant. I think we need a string tied to it or some kind of an alarm.

An Evening Stroll

2011-08-06T21:25:00.001-04:00

It was such a nice evening that Paul and I decided to spend a little time strolling Beresford Beach. Here we are, well at least our shadows.

Here's Paul enjoying the sound of the waves lapping the shoreline.

And what would a stroll on the beach be without a little beachcombing. Today we both found a piece of blue seaglass which is a rarity for this beach, along with several other nice pieces. We were also picking up these small yellow shells. We refer to them as Irm shells as we are collecting them to our Carolina friend, Irm, who owns a vast collection of shells, and these will be a nice addition.

The ducks were also enjoying the beach today. They were playing in the water and when Paul went to take their picture, they thought he had food for them so they all marched out of the water and started to follow us down the beach. They soon turned back when nothing was offered.

Seaglass

2011-08-01T09:55:00.001-04:00

This past week Paul and I spent the afternoon at our favourite beach area looking for mermaid tears, or more commonly called, seaglass.

Paul had some nice finds as you can see in the next photo. He had several nice pieces of dark green, lots of blue, a piece of pottery and a "blue" marble.

I found many nicely rounds white pieces, lots of blue but my treasures of the day were two pieces of citron and my RED piece of seaglass. Beachcombers will understand the feeling of finding these rare color pieces.

Another successful day at the beach.

What is This Beautiful Creature?

2011-07-23T10:43:00.003-04:00

Yesterday morning when we looked out of our window we saw, what we thought to be, a leaf or piece of plastic on our back deck. When I went out and took a closer look, I discover this beautiful insect, but I had no idea what it was. It was quite large for a moth-like insect, with a wing span of probably 3 inches. The colour and detailing of the body were amazing.

It quietly stayed on our deck and did not seem to mind me being close by.

Unfortunately this blog entry does not have a happy ending. Later in the day we found that this beautiful creature had not lived, so we put it to rest in the willow trees nearby.

An Afternoon Near the Ocean

2011-07-15T19:41:00.015-04:00

This afternoon we decided a little time away from the house was needed, so we took a drive north along the scenic route (134). We stopped at the wharf at Petit-Rocher to have our snack and enjoy the ocean.

We never seem to get tired of the view of the Bay of Chaleur.

My Summer Gardens

2011-07-07T09:46:00.011-04:00

A Family Visit out West

2011-07-04T19:26:00.010-04:00

Last week Paul and I were in Alberta enjoying family time prior to Tom and Lisa's wedding.

Paul and his daughter, Tashia

Paul with his son, Tom

Tom, Jeannine, Gordie, Lisa, Paul, Tashia, Me and Louise

It was nice to spend time together.

Father's Day

2011-06-17T21:07:00.005-04:00

The Father's Day tradition is centered around the honour of one's paternal influences (fathers, grandfathers and step-fathers). Here in Canada it is celebrated on the third Sunday in June. Most families plan activities like a breakfast, barbecues, dinners, and sports games. Many families settle for a long distance phone call if they live apart.

This is the last photo I took of my Dad, Hayward, about a year before he passed away. In the fall we made a trip to a pumpkin and apple farm near Ottawa.

My Dad passed away almost nine years ago and there is not a day that goes by that I do not think of him and miss him. I remember his big smile and how he would throw back his head and give a big laugh at something he found funny. I would give anything to hear that laugh now. Whenever I hear the hymn "How Great Thou Art", I think of Dad singing it while getting ready for Church and I would go with him. One of my fondest memories is that if I was out somewhere with my Dad and he had to introduce me, he would say, "this is our baby". I was the second born so that made me the baby of the family for sure, but I was in my 40's and he was still saying this. It made me laugh then, and still does when I think about it. He was a kind and caring Dad to my sister and me.

As we get older we understand that family, and life, are very previous and should not be taken for granted. I think this is something that our young people do not realise. I wish I could share this Father's Day with my Dad, but he will be in my thoughts.

Dad, you will be in my heart forever. xo

Miramichi Garden Tea

2011-06-16T20:45:00.002-04:00

This afternoon I went to Miramichi with my girl friends to attend the 24th Annual Miramichi Hospital Auxiliary Garden Tea fundraiser. Mrs Fitzpatrick opens her house and gardens to host this event for the public. It was my first time attending, and a very enjoyable event.

Some of the guests sat outside in the lovely garden near the river, but we choice to sit inside.

Our first cup of tea of the afternoon was poured by Joanne, from the Hole 19 teapot.

Here are my tea friends: Joanne, Audrey, Vera, Dorothy, Jean and Mona. I'm taking the photo.

Our Garden Tea lunch consisted of: chicken, potato salad, jelly salad, greens, fruit, fresh rolls and dessert was an assortment of cookies. We enjoyed chat and several pots of tea.

A lovely way to spend a sunny afternoon with friends.

A Long Walk

2011-06-16T09:53:00.003-04:00

Last week Paul and I wanted to escape the black flies that have invaded our yard, so we went for a long walk at our favourite beach area downshore.

It was so peaceful there strolling along finding seaglass and NO flies to bother us. I did not want to come home.

What's for supper?

2011-06-11T19:18:00.003-04:00

We have been cooking on the barbecue quite a bit lately and we wanted a change for supper this evening so I decided I would make lobster rolls. We made a trip to our local fish market and purchased a tub of lobster meat. This makes the process easier as I don't have to shell lobsters and we get more meat per pound for our money - which means larger lobster rolls!

There are two size meals in our house:

- the gal meal; and

- the guy meal!

Delicious.

~~~

Recipe for Lobster Rolls (makes 3 to 4)

1 pound lobster, cut into small pieces
1 large celery stick, finely chopped

1 green onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup light mayo, (or to taste)
a squeeze of fresh lemon
salt and pepper, to taste
lettuce, optional
hot dog size rolls

In bowl, mix first 7 ingredients together.

Lightly butter outer sides of rolls and place in a non-stick fry pan to toast, turning side to side, as necessary.

Spoon mixture into hot, toasted rolls. Serve with potato salad or homemade oven fries.

Bay of Chaleur

2011-06-11T10:00:00.006-04:00

I took this photo from our back deck this morning. At the end of our back yard and across the marsh we are able to see the boats in the Bay of Chaleur, near Beresford Beach.

I hope this boat has a fresh catch of lobster aboard as we are making a trip to the local fish market this afternoon. I'm making lobster rolls for our evening meal.

Enjoying my Gardens

2011-06-07T12:20:00.002-04:00

My friend, Elaine, asked for an update on my gardens so I thought the best way to do this for her was to take photos this morning and post them on my blog.

Enjoy your tour...

I love all the great colours in my garden today.

From My Garden Today

2011-05-29T15:26:00.007-04:00

Across the marsh

What all this rain has produced

From My Garden

2011-05-25T17:30:00.002-04:00

A tulip from my garden today

Beresford Beach Today

2011-05-21T14:50:00.003-04:00

It's a windy day on Beresford Beach. Lots of drift wood has washed up on shore again. I could see the white caps from our back deck so I drove down to take a closer look. It was too windy to walk...

From Our Garden This Morning

2011-05-19T09:45:00.008-04:00

The sun is finally shining here in Beresford this morning and the temperature is in the double digits so we headed outside with our coffee.

It was so nice to sit and enjoy the birds singing in the trees and at our feeders.

Sparrow
American Gold Finch (male) Red Wing Black bird (male)

My daffodils have been in bloom since April but some of my tulips are finally open.

The female American Gold Finches were busy on the sock feeder and the bird bath.

And while I enjoy more of my garden today, Paul is off for his first game of golf at the Bathurst Gowan Brae course today. I hope he doesn't come home with too much sand on his shoes!

Where is Spring?

2011-05-16T10:16:00.002-04:00

Our weather is still wet and rather cool for this time of year. My gardens are still far from being in bloom so I went into my photo collection to look for photos from previous years, taken at this time. I needed to see a little colour in my garden, rather than all those little green leaves poking up through the ground.

Mr Sunshine please........

The History of Mother's Day

2011-05-07T07:01:00.004-04:00

I was thinking about Mother's Day which is this Sunday, 8 May, 2011 and wondered where the holiday originated so I went on the Internet to do a little research. I found a sad, but interesting story.

The concept dates back to the 1600's in England but the modern version of Mother's Day took form in the early 20th century, thanks to Ann Marie Reeves Jarvis and her daughter Anna. When Ann envisioned Mother's Day it was more about community service. It wasn't about thanking your mother for all she did.

Ann Marie died on the second Sunday in May of 1905. After she passed away, her daughter Anna made it her mission to make Mother's Day a holiday - not only to honour her mother, but all mothers.

On the second Sunday in May of 1907, Anna held a small memorial service for her mother in Grafton, VA. The mourners present received a white carnation, which had been Anne Marie's favourite flower. Anna organized another service a year later, and this service is generally accepted as the first official Mother's Day event.

The full story, which is quite interesting, can be found at this link.

The story explained the tradition of wearing a white carnation if your Mom has passed away, but I was not able to find out where the tradition originated of wearing a red carnation if your Mom is living. It may be that white symbolises peace and red symbolises life and love.

When I was about five years old, I took part in a Mother's Day Sunday School programme at my church. I had to learn a little verse and wear a red carnation for my Mom. I still remember the verse, as does my Mom:

"For the dearest Mother in the Nation

Today I'm wearing my Carnation"

This is my Mom and I will be calling her this Sunday to wish her a Happy Mother's Day.

Happy Mother's Day to Moms everywhere

Lobster Season in New Brunswick

2011-05-04T19:10:00.013-04:00

Last week Paul and I spent the afternoon on one of our favourite beaches enjoying the sound of the waves and looking for treasures.

The first of May is the opening of the lobster fishing season in northern New Brunswick. At the wharf at Stonehaven there were lots of lobster pots, both the new style (wire) and the old style (wooden).

We chatted with a couple of the local fishermen who are still fishing, even though they are well over the age of 70. They say there is no experience like being on the water at sunrise.

The fishing boats were all tied up at the wharf awaiting the first day of lobster fishing.

Well, the first catch of the season was successful and our table is set for a feast. We like a simple menu of potato salad, fresh bread, wine, beer and of course - big, juicy lobsters.

I can't think of anything that tastes as yummy as the first lobsters of the season. What a great meal it was...

Finally...

2011-04-24T13:47:00.005-04:00

spring flowers in my garden. I have four daffodils in bloom today, Easter Sunday. It's a start. Hopefully I will have another 140 to enjoy.

Happy Easter

2011-04-22T16:10:00.004-04:00

Easter is known to many of us as the sacred celebration of Christ's resurrection.

We also associate Easter with spring blooms of tulips and daffodils, and of course chocolate bunnies.

We do have the chocolate bunnies, but our spring flowers are a little delayed. I checked today and it looks as though I will have two daffodils in bloom for Easter Sunday.

Common Redpolls

2011-04-21T10:30:00.000-04:00

With all the snow we had overnight, the Red Polls were looking for food, so they came to visit our feeders this morning. We enjoyed watching them.

Where is Spring?

2011-04-20T18:10:00.002-04:00

Does this look like Spring to anyone? We have a snowfall warning tonight for Northern New Brunswick for 20 cms of snow.

The view from the front door over our front yard and front deck, about an 1/2 hour ago.

Last night Paul and I talked about having a barbecue for dinner tonight. This is our back deck, and the snow is still coming down.....

My Spring bulbs are so confused, and so am I.

Colonial Williamsburg

2011-04-16T19:25:00.000-04:00

Paul and I spent a second afternoon touring Colonial Williamsburg. Our first stop was the Capital Building, the center of political and social life of Virginia for most of the 18th Century. The original building was constructed in 1705. At the beginning of the American Revolution it was used by British forces and later dismantled for its materials. This period-dressed lady gave us a very informative tour of the Capital Building.

Although the building has been restored, this is the original Governor's chair from 1750.

It was a warm, sunny Spring day so we continued our stroll along Main Street.

Another building that we toured was the Apothecary. In colonial times the Apothecary was more than simply a druggist and practiced as a doctor. Paul and I both enjoyed the history of Colonial Williamsburg. But we must confess, we especially enjoyed our trips to The Peanut Shop. There were so many samples available - yum yum.... We did buy a few treats to bring home.

First Visit to Williamsburg, Virginia

2011-04-07T20:40:00.001-04:00

On our journey home, Paul and I decided to spend a week in Williamsburg, Virginia. We had heard it was quite an interesting place to see and it was. On the first day of our visit, we were fortunate to see the Fifes & Drums March from the Capitol along Main Street of Colonial Williamsburg. This area is a restored Historic area of the city and was the centre of political events in Virginia leading to the American Revolution.

While touring the historic area, you travel back in time to the late 1700s and all volunteers and workers remain in character of that period. This lady was sitting outside the milliner and tailor building and another sitting in the window doing her stitching.

One of the weavers gave us a demonstration of how to spin yarn. It made me think of my school friend Linda, who is a current day weaver and lady of yarn. Some crafts don't change over time. Of course being Spring here in Virginia, the gardens were of great interest to me. We visited the Colonial Garden to enjoy the colourful blooms. This is Bruton Parish Church, which is still an active church, with a service every Sunday and housing special events. The history of this church was interesting with rules such as having to attend a service once a month or be punished. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson attended this parish.

Paul and I also took a tour of the Governor's Palace. Our tour guide was giving us a little history lesson before we enter the Palace.

At the entry was quite a large display of weapons which was very ornate.

The building was quite lovely with large sills, a crystal chandelier and ornate woodwork.

To end our first day of our visit in character of the historic period, we had dinner at the King's Arms Tavern. Although a pricey meal we enjoyed the total experience.

At the Visitor's Centre you have the opportunity to rent period costumes and many of the children do. Here outside the Tavern is a couple in period costume, waiting for their reservation.

The Tavern was quite lovely inside and Paul was reading the story of its history.

We were offered an appetiser of chopped Virginia Ham, corn relish and pickled watermelon rind, which was delicious.

Virginia is well known for its peanuts. There are 250/350 million pounds produced annually in the USA so when I saw peanut soup on the menu I decided to order it. Although delicious and I enjoyed my first experience very much, I found it quite rich and would limit my diet.

Our main meal was Virginia Ham, chicken breast with fruit sauce, corn stuffing, sweet potato and beans. It was an awesome meal.

While we enjoyed our meal, we were treated to music by a fiddler, who played a couple of Scottish tunes.

Yes there was also dessert included with our meal but we smartly took it home with us and enjoyed the pecan pie and rice pudding the next evening.

There was still lots more to explore at Colonial Williamsburg.

On the Road Again

2011-04-04T08:59:00.003-04:00

We travelled from South Carolina, through North Carolina, stopping at Jacksonville for lunch and then on to Virginia. It was a quiet drive through the back roads of North Carolina. The trees had spring blossoms.

At one rest point, we saw these fashions hanging in a store window. We thought them quite interesting and a little "out of fashion", at least where we live.

A peaceful Virginia back road.

Then we hit the Norfolk area, with bridges and underwater tunnels.

In we go...

...out we come, thank goodness.

We are looking forward to being in Williamsburg and exploring Colonial Williamsburg.

Fishing on the Beach

2011-03-31T11:05:00.001-04:00

Brookgreen Gardens - Springtime

2011-03-28T16:26:00.002-04:00

A little more of the magic of the springtime beauty of Brookgreen Gardens.

50th Annual Canadian-American Days, Myrtle Beach

2011-03-25T14:39:00.006-04:00

Last week (14-20 March) was the 50th Annual Can-Am Days Festival sponsored by the area Chamber of Commerce and RBC Bank (Royal Bank of Canada), in the Myrtle Beach area. This is a week that we have been enjoying for the past three years and always look forward to.

On Monday afternoon we went to the Inlet Square Mall in Murrell's Inlet to enjoy a concert series featuring The Top Hat Marching Orchestra and No Strings Attached from Burlington, Ontario. There was a great turnout and the music was very enjoyable.

Then we enjoyed a little local flavour with the Mixed Creed Gospel Quarlet. Another very enjoyable performance.

On Tuesday evening we went along to the Beach Church to hear a little east coast and Irish music. We were first entertained by The Beaton Family, with Andrea Beaton, her Dad Ken and Mom Betty Lou, from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Joining them was Kimberly Fraser, also from Cape Breton, but now living in Boston. It was a great concert with lots of great fiddle music, toes tapping and hands clapping.

Searson, an Irish band from Ottawa, Ontario followed. Another very lively performance. Maybe a little too lively for the older folk in the audience...

Wednesday was the 17th Annual Wildlife and History Day at Huntington Beach State Park. Since we are "snowbird" members of the local Grand Strand Shelling Club of the area, we offered to help in the morning with our shell display at the Park.

Not only do we display shells, from the local area and worldwide, but some members bring along their display of sharks teeth.

Our friend Irm, always has such lovely displays. She is such a creative person. Here are several of her new displays, featuring all local beach treasures.

Crab Shells

Star Fish

Sea Urchins

There were other activities on the grounds of Atalaya, including music by a local musician, Wendell Matthews.

This year Park Ranger Mike needed bird decoys painted so people were asked to volunteer to paint. These decoys are put in the north end of the park to entice birds to nest in the area. It was nice to be able to help out. Paul was very quick to paint several rows of decoys.

Here we have a local Park Ranger doing her part.

And then our friend Irm, stepped in to do her part.

It was a fun week and we enjoyed meeting and chatting with people. The dates are marked on our calendar for next year.

A Leisurely Day

2011-03-23T19:42:00.003-04:00

Wednesday is our regular breakfast morning out and here we always go to the Prince Creek Diner where the food and service are great.

After breakfast each Wednesday, we usually do a day trip or exploring in the area. It was rather hot this morning and neither of us like heat very much so we decided to drive some of the back roads to check out the early spring blooms and the landscaping of new houses being built in the nearby subdivisions.

First we spotted this Blue Bird flying about and we have only seen a couple of them while here, so we stopped to take a photo.

Our next stop was to admire these lovely trees in bloom in this garden. Unfortunately our photo does not do it justice.

As we were driving along, we could see these beautiful purple blooms intertwined amongst the large trees and even covering the electrical wires. At first I thought they were lilacs, by the fragrance, but when we stopped to take photos I realized that they are not lilacs. I have to ask my Carolina friend the name as I could not find them on the Internet.

Our next stop was at the Lowe's Hardware Garden Centre. We enjoy walking through all the flowers and trees, but also found it a little sad, as I am unable to take any plants back across the border into Canada. It is also amazing to see how inexpensive the trees sell for here in the USA. I always have garden envy here.....

This is a peach tree in bloom. Yes, only $24.98!

Flowering Pussy Willow

Calla Lily

These red and white petunias remind me of Canada because of the colours.

Columbine, one of my favourite plants

I thought the leaves where quite interesting on these plants.

It is difficult to believe that people in the south are enjoying all these beautiful spring blooms today, while people in the north are dealing with winter weather.

Windsurfers

2011-03-22T11:11:00.011-04:00

The weather this past weekend in Surfside Beach was sunny, warm and windy. Our nearby neighbours decided to do a little windsurfing. We sat on our balcony and enjoyed their experience.

The first surfer with the black kite was airborne within seconds and was halfway to the Pier before I could get a photo of him.

The second surfer was a little more in control and we enjoyed a display of his great lifts.

He was moving with great speed in the high winds and heading south.

We never saw them after and wondered where they landed.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-17T12:02:00.001-04:00

I hope everyone is dressed in green today and out celebrating with beer and good Irish food.

We are heading out to O'Keefe's, a local pub in the area, to enjoy some lively music.

Happy St. Paddy's Day

Bluegrass Festival, Surfside

2011-03-12T16:14:00.001-05:00

Surfside Beach held its 2nd Annual Bluegrass Festival today and Paul and I were there to enjoy it. It was a nice day to sit outside in the sun under the palm trees enjoying local bluegrass music and snacking on barbecue pulled pork sandwiches. While we were there, two bands performed.

The first band we heard was Sawgrass.

The second band was The Morris Brothers. They played a more traditional bluegrass music.

It was nice to see a good turn out for the festival and everyone looked to be having a fun time.

I know that this cute guy enjoyed himself.

And so did his sidekick.

The younger members of the audience had a great time for sure, dancing, doing chalk drawings on the street and just being kids.

We hope to attend again next year.

Nice Day...

2011-03-12T10:03:00.001-05:00

Brookgreen Gardens - The Blooms

2011-03-08T20:08:00.001-05:00

This is my second post on Brookgreen Gardens. I now want to share some of our photos of the blooms in the gardens during our visit this week.

This is a photo of the Oak Garden which is our favourite area. We love to walk through and, at times, sit on the bench under the massive oak trees, and enjoy.

Pansies

Poppies

Dianthus

Primrose Jasmine

Snow Drops

Camellia

Narcissus Tazetta Daffodil

Daffodils

Narcissus - Ice Follies

Reeves Spiraea

Flowering Quince

Ornamental Cabbage

Bloodroot

Japanese Camellia

White Daphne

Paperbush Plant

Magnolia Tree

Eastern Redbud Tree or Judas Tree

Star Magnolia Trees

Rosemary

Okame Cherry Tree

I hope you enjoyed the blooms in Brookgreen Gardens, although photos cannot capture the true magic of these gardens.

Brookgreen Gardens - Bird Watching

2011-03-06T20:23:00.004-05:00

Our favorite place to spend time while in South Carolina is Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet. No matter how often Paul and I visit there, we find it a magical place. We love to spend time walking through the gardens enjoying the beautiful seasonal blooms, strolling the natural zoo area and bird watching. In December there is a special program called "Nights of a Thousand Candles", a must see event.

Although Paul and I take hundreds of photos each time we enjoy the gardens, it is impossible to capture its magic, and beauty, but we keep trying. In this blog entry I am sharing photos of the birds that we enjoyed.

Gray Catbird

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Tufted Titmouse

Savannah Sparrow

Carolina Wren

Cedar Waxwing

American Robin

Blue Jay

Carolina Chickadee

Northern Cardinals

Male Cardinal

Female Cardinal

During our last two visits to the Gardens, the trees were alive with birds and it was fascinating to watch them. We enjoyed probably 20 to 30 Northern Cardinals at one point. Brookgreen is known to be one of the best birding areas.

In another blog entry I will post photos of the blooms we enjoyed. It will be quite difficult to decide which photos to post as I have so many favorites.

Saturday at the Beach

2011-03-05T09:33:00.002-05:00

A Great Birthday

2011-02-19T08:54:00.006-05:00

Well, the birthday guy had a great day (17 February), so he said. He started his morning requesting a homemade omelette and coffee for his breakfast and then relaxed for a couple of hours on our sunny deck reading his newspaper and watching the ocean waves.

We took a long beach walk together and enjoyed the view of a couple of dolphins swimming close by.

The afternoon and evening were spent at Paul's new favourite place, Hannah Banana's Sunshine Cabana in Murrells Inlet. Unfortunately the sun and wind did not cooperate as much as we could have liked so we only were able to sit outside for a little while, but long enough to enjoy a couple of cool beers and appetizers.

It is such a great place on the intercoastal waterway and we were able to watch a couple of boats go by. This one, being a local shrimp boat.

We didn't get to enjoy a colourful sunset that evening, but the sky was lovely, just the same.

We moved our little party inside once the sun went down. Their bar has quite a selection of beverages. My sister even tried a pumpkin liqueur. It was a little too spice flavoured for me.

We enjoyed a meal of great burgers and then I drove the birthday guy and my sister home.

I shouldn't say this, but - we ate so much food at dinner that we had to postpone having the birthday cake at home until the next day. Which was a good thing!

Here's to many more birthdays together cutie.....

Beach Activity

2011-02-17T14:35:00.002-05:00

These pictures are for my horsie friend, Mavis.

I think of her any time I see the riders on the beach.

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-13T11:01:00.001-05:00

Wishing everyone a

Happy Valentine's Day

with their sweetheart,

family and friends.

Enjoy the little

things in

life.