The Saga of Paul's Walking Stick

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

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

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?

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

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

A Family Visit out West

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

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

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.