Music continued to be a theme for us, after a busy Stanfest & a Jubilee visit late in July, as we found ourselves off to a “Travelling Nobodies” reunion in beautiful “Glenroy” hosted by the Burns family. We had a house full in Cloverville, including the kids and friends, and we kind’ve crashed the gig like retirees who knew better but didn’t care. Great music, lots of catching up with band parents and fun to watch the gang have so much fun! Really… some wicked talent on site which was totally cool!
We tried some “downtime” at that point heading for camp, managing a few stays and a Paige / Brooke visit at the start of the month, but heat warnings that cranked up local thermometers even made things in Upper Whitehead stinking hawt 🥵! We opted, mid-visit, to head for the AC that welcomed us in Antigonish and hung with Emilie and Pete. Pleasant surprise ensued, with a spontaneous visit from Grace & Arman on their way through to Cape Breton. We love visits from the younger set!!! ❤️
Musical engagements also kind’ve took precedent in Week #2 of August! Rehearsals (multiples) with the Hanlon’s had us practicing a dandy set of tunes. We also got to take in some Pete Lumsden at Mike Silver’s retirement party… loads of fun! An overdue check in with friends as well (The Hinchey’s, Druhan’s & the Silver Clan)! We were even treated to the sounds of the local music festival in the ‘Nish while Janie and I lugged topsoil to the front lawn for raking and seeding. Big chore set in motion!
On August 12 we played a concert at the DeCoste featuring Pete and I with Uncles Jimmy & John. Super fun evening… with lots of songs from growing up mixed with new offerings from Pete’s pencil and instrument. Feeling privileged to have been asked to take part ❤️! Good turnout… friends, family and fans on the floor to enjoy the show.
The morning after, Janie and I left with Mom & Dad for a couple of nights of Blue Jays action in Toronto. You can follow along with how that rolled out at Toronto ‘26 if you’re the inquisitive type! We had a great run with the Blue Jays splitting games with the Red Sox, and some adjacent attractions and eats! Sure was nice to be able to take Buzz & Emily, now into their ‘80s, along to enjoy it all!
In the week that followed, we burrowed away at Smelt Lake. A full week of camp life… funny, it almost takes a day or two to acclimatize to the sounds, pace and daily rhythms. We ended the visit with a huge day paddle visiting all our favorite local haunts. Absolutely oozing with nature, with all manner of plant in full glory and birdlife everywhere (even the bats have made a return ❤️).
I believe that we have attended all five Chittyfest gatherings… hosted each August post Stanfest. Loads of music for young and old… and we’ve all had the privilege of watching several young musicians hone their ability to play / entertain. This year Pete did a set and in the photo above he shares the stage with Ethan Chitty. Once again, the “auxiliary band 😉” hung in until the wee hours with a back and forth of songs! Our extended Tatamagouche family always welcome us (and all our foolishness) with open arms and we’re always thankful ❤️ to be invited.
The last true weekend of August was reserved for an @camplumsden gathering of family & friends for Monica’s 25th Birthday. Lots of company (from the kids right through to Buzz who just celebrated his 83rd) to keep us smiling. Swimming, paddling, and washer toss were highlights. Copious amounts of food, drink and campfire fuelled this little engine 🚂! We absolutely loved getting the chance to spend time with the kids, their partners and friends (guest visit with Sis, Curtis & Dad). Great weekend that felt like we were wringing the last drops out of summer.
What a great month you guys had, Chris! It was a treat to spend the night in Cloverville with you. Thank you for having us, and I look forward to more blog posts.<3
You are always welcome if you/when you are in the ‘Nish!!! We did have a very busy summer… I’m secretly looking forward to school reorganizing my days and returning to routine. Perhaps we’ll see you in the fall or maybe a Winter Warmer. Take care and hello to all Monica/Evan’s extended family that we’ve been lucky to meet!
I feel you on that one, Chris! I sure hope we will see you this fall/winter. Have a great long weekend.
You folks as well 👍!