GRAND MANAN, N.B.

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:48 AM GMT on November 28, 2011

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The weather still does not reflect the date, just after sunrise, temp 11C, wind 15-20KPH WSW at the moment attempting to get SW to bring some rain for a few hours, sun one day rain the next forecast for the week.

Weekend decorating pretty well finished the outdoors, Donna getting in the mode to attack the interior. Driving around one notices a number of homes with trees up and decorated.

Busy weekend at the complex, Christmas Market on Saturday, arena going at the same time. Yesterday the Boys & Girls Club along with the arena in commence made the Parking Lot much to small for the second day in a row - one has to wonder what the community did prior to the complex being in existance.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:17 PM GMT on November 27, 2011

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A bit different weather this morning, still overcast, a draft from NE making the 5C temp appear much cooler. Overcast the order of the day, rain in the forecast overnight and for tomorrow.

Have a few last minute adjustments to my outdoor Xmas effort then should be able to attempt to keep it all going. Has been suggested the guys on the Space Station can see our yard, it does have a glow to it alright.

A few boats out yesterday, weather good, just a sign the catch has dropped off, an excuse for an overset to allow for a better return when they haul.

Christmas Market a success by the numbere of folks that were attending all the hours it was on the go. Seventy tables alot of variety to chose from, lots of good food and crafts the mainstay of the vendors.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:15 PM GMT on November 26, 2011

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A calm, overcast, 6Ctemp morning underway, sky attempting to clear, temps expected to rise near if not into double digit temps by this afternoon. Similar conditions for tomorrow, gotta luv it.

A busy weekend in store, Donna made a trip to St. John yesterday, local Christmas Market gets underway this morning with seventy tables to view. Emily babysitting this morning, I will attempt the final decorations be set up, Rob and Emily has hockey this afternoon.

Lobster price a bit better this week at $3.60/lb., heavy on the bit better, catch remains constant but no reports of tons being landed by any of the boats.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:30 AM GMT on November 25, 2011

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A morning with no wind, a cool -3C, overcast, forecast for near double digit on the plus side with clear skies later on. This for today and tomorrow with another system slated for Sunday, mainly rain event - so far.

A good day for the guys to get on the water, has been rugged this past several days. Haven't heard the latest price, lots of fisherman shaking thier heads and wringing hands on how things can continue at such a low price.

Weekend required to finish my outside work, a fair number of homes ready to go now, looking good. Have noticed a few trees in various windows, getting into the spirit in lots of time.

The ferry made all her trips during the storm, can't imagine many travelling roads on the mainland treacherous at best till yesterday.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:51 AM GMT on November 24, 2011

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A HAPPY THANKSGIVING to the folks south of the 49th, enjoy the day.

The worst has passed, looking across the harbour under overcast skies, northerly now a mere 20-25KPH., temp -1C, looking for sun with a very slight increase in temps. The weather for the weekend till Sunday, at least, looking not too bad with temps near the double digits on the plus side.

Weather fairly wild most of the day yesterday, wind gale force for most of the day and well into the night. A mixture of snow and rain, eventually turning to snow, a skiff of white stuff remains. The folks on the mainland have lots more to contend with for sure. Don't know if the boat made all trips yesterday or not, even if it did travel on the mainland would have been difficult at best.

School never opened yesterday, however if you were at the rink would have had no idea that weather was a factor on the outside. Kids showed up for thier alloted times, complete with parents and various other members of the community peeking into have a look. The new heated area very popular, heat and a great view of the ice great draws for the folks.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:54 AM GMT on November 23, 2011

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unwelcome change in the weather underway, school has been cancelled in anticipation of a large N'or easter. Lots of precip, currently rain and snow mixed, hopefully will be a rain even for us, however 25CM of snow forecast and high winds for the mainland. Temp now 1C, NE 20-25KPH expect to be gale force by this afternoon.

Lots of traffic, full trip yesterday on the 5:30PM trip, left a dozen vehicles and three tractor trailers. Surprising number for the time of the week, and lots of boats still fishing. The ferry large enough to make it appear hardly anybody aboard once they spread out to the various locations.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:49 AM GMT on November 21, 2011

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A change in the weather, wind has changed from SW to NW, with a drop in temp currently -1C expected to reach mid single digits, breeze 10-15KPH with a rise near 20KPH in the forecast. Similar for next day or so.

Arena had good crowd for afternoon Family Skate, parking lot full most of the afternoon. Regular schedule starts today, well anticipated, many schedules floating around the house to insure all hands are aware when they are to be on the ice.

Friend I set traps with in for visit, advises the great catch we had the first day dropped dramatically next day. Have been fairly consistent at the reduced level since then. Areas in the north of the district doing much better than they have historically at areas much closer to shore - go figure.

Overnight in St. John to attend one day conference in the morning.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:10 PM GMT on November 20, 2011

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Another morning of southerly ifluence, yesterday the draft turned to near gale force for most of the day. This morning SW 25-30KPH, lots of stuff rolling up on the Ross Island shore, temp a plesant 10C, overcast skies.

Managed to get a start on the Christmas Decorations, holding the ladder with one hand and lights blowing around, interesting on occassion. Might be able to get a few more lights in place this morning.

A few boats out yesterday at the beginning of the day, however by early afternoon pretty well all had tied up, no place to hide from the wind, especially down this way.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:12 PM GMT on November 19, 2011

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Another nice looking morning underway, not as spectacular as yesterday, but a 'keeper'. A slight draft from SW, a warmer 4C, clear, expect to rise to high single digits before evening.Similar outlook for tomorrow.

Rink opened for the public yesterday, with no school a great number of youngsters took advantage of the 'first' skate of the season. Formal 'schedule' to be implemented first of the week, great deal of anticipation from 'kids' of all ages the order of the day, i.e. "when is it my turn to play hockey". Rink had a couple of private rentals last evening, before a 'pickup' game later on in the evening.

Fisherman very discouraged about the price for lobster. Novie comes on the first of the week. Suggestions that they will not be fishing past first week in January till later on in the spring, floating around. A reach for all hands to agree, some boats must get what they can - no matter the price.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:31 PM GMT on November 18, 2011

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Have bounced this mornings discourse off into cyber space, a great sunrise over Ross Island with a brilliant red sun, calm, a seasonable -1C temp, calm. Temp to rise near double digits, but will not reside there long before dropping back, similar conditions the order of the day for the weekend.

Lobster price come in @$3.25/lb, not much enthusiasm for that price. The catch remains high, but once it begins tos drop back can imagine traps will be finding thier way ashore earliar than in past years.

Rob and Emily off school today, Rob involved with Driver Ed - classroom. He believes a waste of time as everybody knows the rules of the road and proper driving techniques should come naturally. He is 16 tomorrow, now to get him a chance to write his permit to allow Drivers Ed driving hours the next step.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:51 AM GMT on November 17, 2011

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Another nice one this morning, without the sun, showers overnight, expected to clear with temps to remain in double digits till this evening. Currently a balmy 10C, calm with a slight indication of a southerly for later on.

The increased activity around the complex now over, finished the 'shoot' shortly after supper yesterday. All hands, professionals and local, pleased with the effort, glad that it is done. Will be a few weeks before the final product is completed. Rob on the payroll for his effort last couple of days, once the ad is completed and if he is included the term 'residual royalties' come into play. Certainly new concepts for him to be aware of, not that it means a bunch at the moment, he has a cheque, an exclusive parts of a hockey uniform and the fun of participating.

Fisherman pay day today,not a great deal of anticipation of what the amount will be. Already suggestions that if price low won't be long before the traps come ashore, can't afford to go at it at low prices.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:50 AM GMT on November 17, 2011

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Another nice one this morning, without the sun, showers overnight, expected to clear with temps to remain in double digits till this evening. Currently a balmy 10C, calm with a slight indication of a southerly for later on.

The increased activity around the complex now over, finished the 'shoot' shortly after supper yesterday. All hands, professionals and local, pleased with the effort, glad that it is done. Will be a few weeks before the final product is completed. Rob on the payroll for his effort last couple of days, once the ad is completed and if he is included the term 'residual royalties' come into play. Certainly new concepts for him to be aware of, not that it means a bunch at the moment, he has a cheque, an exclusive parts of a hockey uniform and the fun of participating.

Fisherman pay day today,not a great deal of anticipation of what the amount will be. Already suggestions that if price low won't be long before the traps come ashore, can't afford to go at it at low prices.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:47 AM GMT on November 16, 2011

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A grand sunrise this morning, a large red sun just getting up over Ross Island, another to file in the 'minds eye' for sure. Total calm, reflection from Ross Island halfway across the harbour, a more seasonable 2C, still expected to double digits before the day is done. Weather clear for the next little while, temps remaining good.

Lots of activity yesterday with the commencement of the 'shoot'. Rob involved all day, returns this morning for the hockey game aspect of the story. Can't imagine how they will get all this material down to a 30 second effort and have it make sense. Interesting to say the least. Today will wrap it up, and things get back to whatever passes for 'normal' tomorrow.

Donna and Patsy have had a successful time in thier Cross Border foray, will slowly make their way to the border later on this afternoon.

The boats will be at it in full swing this morning. Reports indicate the catch remains high, today should be when the cheques for the last weeks catch are known. No optimism on the price, one of the only industries I know where the product is landed without knowing the price till the following week. Virtually no difference in price no matter which buyer you decide to deal with, has been this way as long as I can remember.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:31 AM GMT on November 15, 2011

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A balmy 12C, damp, wind SW 15-20KPH, not expected to change much for the next few days. Wind now a factor for the remainder of the week, fairly stiff changing from SW to Westerly as the week moves along. Temps to decline a bit then rise again by the end of the week.

Today and tomorrow is the 'shoot', scheduled to start at 0630 this mornig, having kids enroute to the rink in the dark of morning. Rob and his crew to report at 0900, don't know what he is doing today as the hockey segment not till tomorrow. He had a bonous of three hours on the ice yesterday doing their big goal scoring effort.

Donna and her buddy a change of pace for early Christmas Shopping overnighting in Bangor. Quite liking it, in the past have been at my brothers in Moncton this time of year, however they have moved to Miramachi forcing the change of plans.

Not many boats out yesterday due to the weather, probably go today, no let up for the weather in sight.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:23 AM GMT on November 14, 2011

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A small change in weather conditions, still mild at 12C, overcast, wind southerly 10-15KPH, looking for the possibility for showers. Similar weather pattern for the next few days.

Most of the boats out yesterday, taking advantage of the great weather, and avoiding what is expected for today. Haven't spoke with anybody in the know to learn how the catch is holding up.

Contractors come back a day early to finish the mezzenine to the degree if it is not completed to at least give the illusion. Shooting of the ad begins in the morning, could not have any activity in the area other than 'spectators', guess somebody on a ladder putting up ceiling tile not common at a hockey game.

Clearing the lot for the Nursing Home appears well in hand. Trees pretty well down, now the removal of the top soil to prepare the 'pad' will commence in the next few days. Great to see, and the location looking better all the time.

Updated: 11:24 AM GMT on November 14, 2011

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:14 PM GMT on November 13, 2011

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Grand looking morning, total calm, bright sun, temp on the decine curretnly down from 2C to the zero mark. Southerly influence this way comes with temps to rise into double digits, a bit of moisture and wind in the forecast.

The MARS commercial topic this weekend, Rob had his moment with 'wardrobe' an impressive hockey sweater, a mean looking bearded fisherman with in sou'wester holding a hockey stick ready to play the game. He got on the ice for the first time, probably the highlight to the whole excercise.

Emily returns later on today, having a grand time, already planning her next foray to the big smoke.

Very few boats out yesterday, weather bad, many doing the thing this morning, with the forecast of bad weather first of the week.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:53 AM GMT on November 12, 2011

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Lots of sun this morning, after rainy blowy day yesterday. More seasonable with temp 2C, being pushed around by 20-25KPH westerly giving a windchill of -1C. Temp to rise near double digits, windy till tomorrow. Looking forward southerly influence and double digit temps once again in the forecast.

Boats out yesterday, more like the season, high winds, large swell and waves making the labour more like work. Indications are the catch remains good.

Ice making at the rink coming along, nearly ready for the cameras to do thier thing Tues. & Wed., hoping to have the public on the ice by next weekend. Lots of pent up skaters and hockey hours need to be let out. Rob has an appointment with 'wardrobe' at 1PM, must say he is beginning to show some level of anticipation of how this will come down.

Emily ensconshed in Quispam, a brief txt upon her arrival, nothing much since. Believe she has other interests than the old folks I guess.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:40 PM GMT on November 11, 2011

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A dreary and wet day underway, the rain continues, warm 13C, foggy, at the moment calm, weatherman advising of high winds this afternoon, letting up overnight, and clearing for the weekend.

Emily enroute to Quispam, Rob still working the lobster car, had a long day yesterday, has today and tomorrow for this go round. He is having a good time, now a forklift pilot, it has an engine and moves forward, gotta be good.

The MARS BAR effort really moving into high gear, schedule for the shoot Tues. and Wed. The focus points is the mezzinine built due to the generosity of the MARS people. A bit of a rush to have it completed or at the very least appear to be completed for the shoot. Rob and those chosen to participate report tomorrow for 'wardrobe', have seen the the sweater and logo, impressive to say the least.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:50 AM GMT on November 10, 2011

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A change in the offing, currently becoming overcast, a slight draft southerly, temp a balmy 10C. Forecast is for Gale Force by tomorrow, today rain by this afternoon near gale force southerlies.

Another ideal day on the water, got 'hauled around', all 375 traps, last one hit the washboard just at dark. Believe the catch was higher than last year, alot of this due to the fact able to walk around with being knocked down due to the wave action. Lobster all good quality, quite a few berried ones in a couple of locations, unusual at this time of year. Not much to report in the wildlife area, didn't have a great opportunity to gaze, did sea a couple of seals looking for bait they steal out of the traps, a nuisance to say the least.

Rob worked on the "Lobster Car" after school till early this A.M. They had in access of 120 crates for three boats, a good catch with 100lbs per crate.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 9:47 AM GMT on November 09, 2011

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Second day of the Lobster Season remains unseasonable, on the plus side, a cooler 1C this morning, CALM, clear. Outlook once again to remain clear, temp to rise into low teens, weather to continue for at least the next day or so. A big bonous. Quite a bit of traffic going by already going further off shore to haul gear I suspect.

Our day went well, good crew, even if somewhat long in the tooth, enough young blood aboard to take up the heavy lifting. No beating about because of the waves, pleasant all day. Head down ass up got the job done in fine style. Noticed gannets well up in the harbour, fishing and just looking about, a solitary loon, a porpoise and various ducks and other birds enjoying the goings on throughout the day.

Rob had a good day, employer had them assist loading various fisherman, getting ready for the boats to come in. The teasing back and forth great fun, feels he give as good as he got. Back to school today, however will be on duty at 4PM, till the boats report in, should be a bit more hectic and muscle building by the time he gets his frame home tonight.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 9:52 AM GMT on November 08, 2011

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Rare weather for Setting Day, calm, warm and outlook very good for next few days. Temp a very warm 10C, clear, makes for a safer day getting the traps in the water.

Time 0550, lots of traffic heading to the wharf, all boats leave at 0700, traps will be going overboard for most of the day. We will make three trips, late afternoon is when we have completed the trips over the past few years. Bigger traps and older crew might be a part of the reason.

Rob working on shore, all day yesterday and today, no doubt will be on the Lobster Car tomorrow after school. The lobsters will be coming in sometime after dark, and will be working well into the night getting things ready to ship the next day.

Large contingent of MARS BAR ad types in evidence, more trickling in all the time. An interesting process to say the least.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:16 AM GMT on November 07, 2011

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On a roll weather wise, clear, calm, a balmy 3C, temp to rise into double digits as the day moves along. Similar weather in the forecast for the next few days, great for setting traps.

Lots of activity, little enthusiasm in preparation for opening day tomorrow. Off to haul traps to the wharf and load the boat, that process will take the morning, then a matter of waiting till 0700 tomorrow, all hands underway at the same time.

MARS BAR crew drifting in to prepare for the shoot, next week is the dates set aside to have the rink portion done. Rob is apparently one of the guys on the hockey team, another little experience to file.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:02 PM GMT on November 06, 2011

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A grand looking morning underway, bright sun, a draft from the south warming things up a bit. Now 4C anticipated to get into the double digits as the day moves along. Similar temps and weather conditions for the next few days, great for setting traps.

Lots of activity at all the wharves, a number of boats loaded, but can't get them in the water till 0700 on Tuesday. The fellow I go with load in the morning, and load the other trips on trailer ready to go on Tuesday. He has done it many times, lots of hands, albiet some of them getting some time on them, makes things move quickly.

Rob set to work with one of the buyers on shore, he would rather be setting and hauling, however needs employment during the summer. Best to secure his position.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:24 AM GMT on November 05, 2011

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Morning a cool 1C, 15-20KPH northerly, sun attempting to make it through the cloud cover. Still looking good for the weekend, with temps nearing the double digit mark and clear skies by this afternoon.

Ice in the rink underway, a good number of volunteers participating, initial layers in, ice and lines painted, now getting some clear layers over the paint before the Zamboni is brought in to do the heavy lifting. Lots of interest of the progress, wanting to know when they can get on the ice.

Tomorrow the call back people for the MARS BAR ad will be re-interviewed for the final cut. Still on schedule to shoot mid-November. The construction of the mezzinine well in check, next week preparation to install the geo-thermal for the heating, awesome.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:49 AM GMT on November 04, 2011

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A bit of weather change for today at least, overcast, threat of showers, a slight southerly influence in the air movement. Temp 6C, not expected to get much if any highter. Looking good for the weekend and beginning of the week.

Ice making started in earnest yesterday, volunteer group, have the lines on, ice painted, next step to get the zamboni in commence to allow quicker and multiple flooding. No indication of how long will take to get the ice prepared for activity. The kids, of all ages, are ready to go at a moments notice. The MARS BAR people begin to arrive this weekend to prepare for the commercial shooting in a couple of weeks or so.

Fishery news now concentrated on Lobster Fishing and reported low price. Not the level of enthusiasm of years past for the season to get underway, depressing to say the least.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:45 AM GMT on November 03, 2011

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As daylight enters the swamp, a nice one it is, a slight draft southerly, already 6C headed to the midteens by afternoon, with sun the order of the day. Similar conditions for the next few days the order of the day.

Quick business trip to St. Andrews yesterday, a grand day for a little sail and short drive. A number on the ferry, however with the increase capacity seemed almost vacant when you looked about the seating area. A grand vessel to travel aboard with lots of opportunity to look outside, did see one solitary whale playing in the channel.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 9:17 AM GMT on November 02, 2011

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Clear, calm, a cool -3C, nice temp expected as the day moves along in the low double digits with clear skies. Similar weather pattern in place for next few days.

Ice making not in commence but the facility now ready to start. The construction underway, all closed in allowing the workers to remain out of the cold. Folks dropping by to see the construction are more than impressed. The MARS BAR contribution will be beneficial to the community for years to come. Kids getting more than a little anxious to get on the ice. Stats are indicating the biggest portion of participants young ladies of all ages, with every bit of enthusiasm as the 'boys', no longer a male dominated game, at least in our community.

Career trip busy, Rob still not found a direction," all very confusing". Emily reports he had a nice social time. She has an interest in Engineering as a consequence of the trip and will be exploring that very quickly.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:45 AM GMT on November 01, 2011

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A grand looking morning in commence, calm, a cool -2C, sun has not made an appearance over Ross Island as yet, but strong indications it is not far away. The weather for next few days listed as similar, will certainly take it, saving on the woodpile.

Both kids off to Career Days on the mainland, with stops in St.George, St. Andrews and St.Stephen, if my information is correct. They more interested in having the day on the mainland than what is actually going on at the various locations. Emily is a graduate this year, believes she has a direction, Rob on the other hand has not mentioned a goal in life as of this date at least.

Reports of the ferry crossing Sunday afternoon suggest she is a good sea boat, wind in the 50 plus knot range, no problem. She had no movement and no problem maintaining her usual speed. That means the girls will be able to move their no travel days due to weather conditions a bit higher on the wind scale.

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