Yepper… First day back was an astonishing Sept 1st, which seemed incredibly early for return. Regardless, we steeled ourselves for several days of Prep/PD and a Thursday student arrival. As per usual… we hit the ground running, rolling with the usual technology, administrative and student led dysfunction that inevitably gets sorted. Even though we are both in the twilight of our professional teaching time, there remains that excitement to meet our students and work with colleagues from past and present. Pic above is of Janie’s clean start after Student Council landed 🫣!
Next note is a lemons to lemonade attempt! The boys and I had been working diligently toward a fun-filled Labour Day Weekend. The concept was to have a Waterfront Band Reunion… the old trio getting back together for a public appearance in Canso with purpose, as cancer fundraiser. I suppose, buried even deeper, was the curiosity in finding out what we remembered, what we had learned, and that always addictive moment when you make music with others. All was set, with several rehearsals having occurred, gear assembled and bookings made. Even had some folks that were headed to Canso to attend.
Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other ideas… Rainfall Warnings ⚠️, power outages and a long list of cancellations brought all into question. Common sense prevailed (outdoor venue) and it would be a total reboot for another day! We were all a bit bummed… chin up though, as we headed for Halifax to check in with family and make the most of a long weekend. Food, family, an impromptu music evening and some city exploring kept all hands occupied. Big thanks to JP for letting all this land on his doorstep!
Weekend #2 of September brought all kinds of productivity!!! Ms L was full on with Mary Beth into the preserves, and lots of salsa and mustard pickles were the result. The kitchen smelled awesome on Sunday… we sampled the salsa (no 6 day wait at Chez Lumsden) and it was excellent. Perhaps more bottling in the weeks to come 🤔! I spent a Friday/Saturday at camp engaged in that seasonal switch including storage and return of all the things that don’t over winter, while prepping for colder days. Camp kitchen packed up, raft ashore, garden prepped, shower packed up, guitar dragged home… along with new wood cut, blocked and piled. An industrious weekend capped by a big Jays ⚾ win!!!
By mid month school was well underway… we had “Meet the Creature” meetings put to rest and I got to see a couple of my kiddos from last year which was great. I was lost in paperwork with prep for IPP’s for my gang not following regular curriculum. That’ll come to a head in October when we have a first set of individual parent meetings for myself, and marks due for Janie. We also got signed up for October Conference (thnx to Janie navigating registration) which always seems a wild ride!
On Weekend #3 Ms L and I tested a hot tent setup in the backyard… basically our bell tent with a wood stove placed inside (the tent has a hatch for flue pipe). Super fun… Very cool little bit of glamping I’d call it! Had morning coffees ☕️, another kink 😴 and then a little cook up of ham & eggs 🍳! We hope to do some late season (maybe even winter) camping for an October or November outdoor activity. Research is required, as I’m a bit stymied when looking for places to actually camp. It seems using the stove in Provincial camping areas is contrary to rules and regs, and camping does not seem to make the list of outdoor activities permissible on crown land. Stay tuned!
The last weekend of September Janie headed for Halifax… events scheduled for her with Erin’s 19th B-Day Bash and some “special” shopping with Emilie. Further, Janie usually checks out Costco and Gateway to round out the trip and pick up bulk items & deals that we can manage at tiny 204 Cloverville. Thanks to Eileen’s vehicle, I sailed into Camp Lumsden for a couple of days of straight up chores… Raft / Kayaks / Wood Stores. Also worked to get cameras all functioning as expected… after getting a nice “Bobcat” hit during the week. Colder mornings already leaning in, with fall 🍂 colors reflecting in the shallow waters around Smelt Lake. The last day of the month, provincial Truth & Reconciliation Day, was a quiet (except for construction next door at Bill’s) day at home to recharge. Although a “Jays-less” post-season, we’re ready to see what October brings 🎃!