A lovey trip through history

 

Just a few of the houses

in a historical area

we recently visited.

 

The first is a Bed & Breakfast where

I recently had the pleasure

of staying while in the area.

You may recall from March

that Black Rose and I stayed there. 

 

While enjoying breakfast,  I had

the pleasure of meeting

Landscape painter,

Caren-Marie Michel .  

 

There are just so many beautiful homes

along this 'row'.  

 

Thank you again Clarine,

for sharing your home with a tired traveller.



The Blockhouse

Minister's Island

Because we were so close to St. Andrews from St. George (only 22 km away) and...

Just a short drive across the ocean floor on the bar at low tide will take you to the summer residence of that visionary railway builder Sir William Van Horne.

It contained some fifty rooms, seventeen of which were bedrooms, and a grand drawing room as large as many of today's homes. Of course, there were servants' quarters and a huge dining room as well as a billiard room where his ornate six by twelve table still stands today.

Also constructed from the quarried beach stone is the circular bathhouse where Sir William would spend hours enjoying his hobby of drawing and painting.

Perhaps the loyalist Anglican minister, Parson Andrews whose old stone house (c 1790) still stands and for whom the island was named, felt the same magic that Sir William felt one hundred years later. Now another hundred years has passed and the mystique remains.

Thanks for the tour. Now to drive back across the ocean floor before the tide changes.

GeoCaching

Geocaching (pronounced geo-cashing) is a worldwide game of hiding and seeking treasure. A geocacher can place a geocache in the world, pinpoint its location using GPS technology and then share the geocache's existence and location online. Anyone with a GPS device can then try to locate the geocache.

For those that don't GeoCache pictured on the left is a Travel Bug (Trackable) he's an example of a Hitchiker that is moved from cache to cache. The middle piece of paper tells his story.  On the right is our GPS system.  He was our first Travel Bug find! :)

This Travel Bug is Mr Lemon.  He came from Pennsylvania, United States.  His note says he hopes his Travel Bug goes to every country in the world, but if that does not happen then he hopes it gets to Denmark. He's currently on the move in Canada.

We enjoy Geocaching because it uses different tallents (you have to use a Compass/GPS, able to read and figure out clues, and one of the biggest is that it gives us time in the outdoors (and sometimes indoors) to enjoy and appreciate our country and community.  It's a great opportunity to spend time together as a family and that's why we enjoy it most.  Always bring the camera because you never know what you will find or where you will go. We enjoy it for it's history lessons.  We have learned so much about new places and 'old' places.  We then return home to log our 'finds'.  It's free to join and all you need is a sense of adventure and a GPS.  

Maybe we will see you out and about in this 'new sport'.

We are neo-geocachers, we are newbies to the sport.  The thing is now that we have begun, we have to return to places we had previously visited because when we were there the first time(s) we weren't geocachers. We sometimes wondered why those folks were wondering about looking at the trees or in the bush, and now we know.

CITO - Cache In Trash Out is an on-going environmental initiative adopted by Geocachers to encourage good outdoor civic responsibilty.  While out Geocaching, carry a trash bag to pack whatever trash you find along the trail. 

For more informaiton, please visit http://www.geocaching.com/

 

Red Hatters Unite!

I often hear these ladies (and others) discussing their adventures with the Red Hatters.  In this case, the Snap Dragons are on the street and ready to 'float' in the Community Days Parade.   Wahooooo!   Party on ladies. One just couldn't resist - they were having so much fun! Well, okay, so one lady doesn't look so impressed to have her photo taken. But, oh well.

Out and About with the others

I am off to gather more Blog info and photos...the next few days are 'auto populated'.

Cya when I get back. 

"Beyond the Grave" 3

Please see previously posted "Beyond the Grave" for entire content and explaination. First we had pizza and then we lit the diningroom with many candles........

It has been years since our beloved friend Lorraine died. The mysterious circumstances of her death have never been solved. New information has surfaced that indicates Lorraine was murdered by someone close to her. A séance was held under the guidance of well known Psychic Madame Rose to reveal which one of us is the Murderer!

Suspects: (an overview from our household - Black Rose's Boyfriend's family were the other suspects)

Vanessa Cross, Age 28 (me)
Daughter of Lorraine & Anthony. She is obsessed with the idea that her mother’s spirit will reveal the secrets surrounding her death.

David Cross, Age 40 (hubby)
Politician. Married to Vanessa. He has had a successful political career in the five years following Lorraine’s death.

Madame Rose, Age 60 (Black Rose)
Popular spiritualist and advisor with many wealthy clients. She was Lorraine’s confidante and friend.

Many of asked who the murder was.  Well, simply put, I can't tell you.  Some other reader may want to pick up this game and play a round with their friends.  We all had a great time and it has been suggested to play again (wonderful).  Now, to hit the streets looking for another of these "An Evening of Murder" games by Max Haines.  You see, after you have played it once (there are 17 different ones), you already know who the murder is.....so it's off to find another.   This one required 8 players, but there are others that need more or less peeps to play.  In our case we had ages from pre-teen to adult playing, so depending on the comprehension level and the content.........off you go, find one and have a great time. 

“Beyond the Grave”

It has been years since our beloved friend Lorraine died. The mysterious circumstances of her death have never been solved. New information has surfaced that indicates Lorraine was murdered by someone close to her. A séance will be held under the guidance of well known Psychic Madame Rose to reveal which one of us is the Murderer!
Crime Scene:
Five years ago Lorraine Lockwood, the wealthy wife of prestigious lawyer, Anthony Lockwood, died in her home under mysterious circumstances. An autopsy revealed that she was poisoned with potassium cyanide.

At the inquest, authorities ruled that there was insufficient evidence to hold a trial. Her death was attributed to “person or persons unknown”. The case has never been solved.

The Suspects are:
Anthony Lockwood, Age 53
Husband of Lorraine (the deceased). Senior partner in a law firm and influential in business and the community. Anthony married Jessica Cates twelve months after Lorraine’s death.

Jessica Cates, Age 36
Former Actress. She became Anthony’s third wife. His money and influence has allowed her to live in the extravagant style she was accustomed to.

Vanessa Cross, Age 28
Daughter of Lorraine & Anthony. She is obsessed with the idea that her mother’s spirit will reveal the secrets surrounding her death.

David Cross, Age 40
Politician. Married to Vanessa. He has had a successful political career in the five years following Lorraine’s death.

Susanne Smythe, Age 50
Childhood friend of Lorraine. She is a well-to-do socialite with no apparent means of support.

Madame Rose, Age 60
Popular spiritualist and advisor with many wealthy clients. She was Lorraine’s confidante and friend.

Dr. Thomas Blackman, Age 50
The Lockwood family physician. Once a surgeon in a large hospital, he now has his own exclusive practice and caters to the wealthy.

Shawn Easton, Age 34
Son of Anthony from his first marriage. He lives his life in the fast lane of the racing circuit. Reckless and headstrong, he thrives on danger.

Max Haines invites you to  'An Evening of Murder'. Host a Murder Mystery in your home, invite friends to become the suspects for An Evening of Mystery and intrigue. 

This is how we spent Wednesday evening - the 8 of us playing a Murder Mystery Game.  Skills required - a sense of humor, imagination, curiousity, listening skills and of course, friends & food.

Heading out..........driving along

Yesterday was my mom-in-law's Birthday, so we went 'home' to enjoy time with Family that are visiting from Calgary and Quebec.  Black Rose and I took the 'back way' ...and we saw this Cordwood building that is no longer in use.

  We then visited the home of the gentleman who made her rose that she received for her Birthday. He makes all kinds of things from completely recylced Metals....aren't these the cutest? 

I will post more pictues over the next bit (keep an eye on the side bar). 

Until next time............toodles. 

Black Rose - it's your Birthday!!!

July 1995 (1 year):

Dearest you mean so much to us.  We waited years to be parents not knowing if we ever would be.  The Doctors said we may never become parents and after years of trying - you arrived on a humid, hot July evening.  You are such a happy-go-lucky baby. You are a real gem. You're a joy to have for company and you learn very quickly.  As we reach your 1st Birthday, so much has changed and we've learned so much together.

Written May 2001

Dearest, you have grown so much! You are still a happy child who is very polite and uses her manners (sometimes a bit testy).  You are a real joy to have around.  Today Grandpa was teaching you to skip.  Do you remember?  He had to 'scrunch' to fit in the rope.  Love you Kitten xoxo Mama.

 

At 16 you have become a beautiful young lady of whom we are extremely proud. You truly live up to the meaning of your name 'Lovable Child'.  May you achieve in life that which you set your heart on accomplishing.  We know you will continue to do well as you travel on this journey called life.

Love Mama and Dad

Some of Black Rose's current Beach Glass Collection

Gifts - birthday and otherwise

First we gave him his birthday gift,
supper and cake,

and then he went outside.

He  had offered to mow the lawn...

we didn't want to disappoint. Heavens no!

He hung around

 with his friend for the weekend.
Always nice to hang with friends isn't it? 
What a gift the gift of time is,
don't you think? 

Birthdays.........

I just wanted to share mine with you.  Thanks for stopping by today.  

Happy Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday to a special young man.  Yes, you know who you are.  Happy Birthday - would you like to watch  Phantom of the Opera perhaps?  Or would you rather see..................

Allow me to introduce.....My Dad.

"Taken a long time ago"

I want to tell you a bit about my dad.  Dad is retired, which in this case means that he no longer has to report to work at a specific time of day 5 days a week.  Or, in dad's case, night.  You see, my dad made a career change out of necessity (the company moved their location to another city) when I was in my teens.  He was offered a position that required him to the overnight (graveyard) shift.  With 2 kids in the house, I am now sure that he didn't get much sleep.  I, myself have been a graveyard shift worker for years.  Believe me,  if you have someone in your home (or one you are visiting) who works nights and is trying to sleep: 
1) NEVER whisper - this actually wakes the person as they think something is wrong. 
2) MAINTAIN your normal noise level - voice tone, volume etc.
3) PLEASE do not allow your spoon to 'tinkle' the mug while you stir.  This actually is more irritating then you think. 

My dad hunts, traps, is the local Nuisance Control Officer, four-wheels and likes to fish as well as keeping up with the 'honey do list'. So, as you can tell he's a busy man. BUT my dad always has time for me.  Thanks Dad.

"Partners in Crime"-a step back in time

"The Cottage" - as my friend Gwen calls it

Wow where did the time go? Black Rose and the other 'kids' have grown so much before our eyes. Soon she will be driving off to University. If she chooses. Her heart's still set on Forensic Anthropology.  I came across a photo taken of she and another camper a bit ago. I hope to replicate it this summer to celebrate their 10 years of camping friendship. I think that will be really nice.

We almost moved to the community of St. Martins 11 years ago, but because of employment and such we decided to live where we do and spend as much of our summer as we can there instead.  St. Martins is the only place where you can capture two covered bridges in one picture. It's also home of the Fundy Trail Parkway. The Fundy Trail opens up previously unreachable areas of the Bay of Fundy coastline and panoramic views. The 13 km (8 mile) trail begins just outside St. Martins (with more to open this summer).


We are so fortunate to have become friends with a couple of local artists such as 'My Seaside Friend' Gwen and her partner John along with their family. Thank you for sharing your hospitality with us.


Come to St Martins for a day or two. Stay a week (or more) you can stay at one of the two Campgrounds or a cottage/rental  or perhaps stay at an Inn.

Sea Finds Today

We had the opportunity to 'tramp' the beach for a bit today and these are a few of the things we found. As many of you are aware "Black Rose" and I stroll 'our' beach whenever we can. I found this skull today and brought it back to the 'cottage' with me. I felt a bit like my Seaside Friend, Gwen, she has skulls of various animals that she has collected. I smiled when I found it thinking of her and her various finds.



I shall keep this one - unlike the stingray that day. You know, I have kicked myself ever since for not keeping it. I wanted just to share a bit of our day with you.

Time Together

Last week we put together a fireplace (English instructions please). You know the ones 'some assembly required' which actually translates into "this is in a million and one pieces that are in no way attached or connected".

I recently took part in "Bowl For Kids" where a bunch of folks from various companies and organizations (or a bunch of friends) are allotted a time to bowl to raise money for the Boys & Girls Club. Whew, good thing my peeps sponsored me an amount and not by the point! Ha ha.I had such a hoot doing it that this week I surprised Black Rose's friend and the three of us to a few strings.

Well....we shall be off on further adventures as the weather seems to be getting warmer. Happy Easter Everyone.