Work, in earnest, began outdoors June 2nd on a long dreamed outdoor refurb in the back area at home. We had used that area of our property widely when we’d first moved to 204 Cloverville to schedule family BBQ’s, host the odd birthday party and even just sit in the summer shade. After some investigation, Janie and I took the plunge to contract some initial landscape work and create a “push” to restore that area. Over several days the contractor did a great job getting us moving in the right direction… a nice landing area outside the back door where we can sit and enjoy the propane fire pit. Looking forward to more improvements, and maybe taking some of the development on ourselves.
Ah, and the “Boys Camp Weekend” convened this year in early June… later than usual. Lots of excellent homestyle music, yummy food off the smoker, refreshments and stories that seem to last until the next session. A merry group of 5 gents, all with instrument, in the wilds of Guysborough County. We’re all getting a little older… but somehow that sheds and discussions pick up exactly where they left off. It’s a group that accepts each of the parts that arrive, warts and all (especially me 🙃), at this particular time of life. Bugs were serious… but everything else found a pretty good landing spot! Until next time guys 😉!
Janie was on deck at home the first Sunday, as we anticipated the last phase of the solar install, panel placement & final inspection. Looking forward to following along via Phone App and gather feedback on potential harvest of some June sun (to hopefully temper the December power bill). We got closer, but still work to do before completion. Loving the look of the new panels and anticipating with great interest what we can begin to expect as a draw when wire is connected, diagram inspected and data collected. We’ve had our own solar set-up at camp for almost a decade… we know the value in both economics and convenience and are hoping for a similar result.
Janie also got an amazing surprise later in the week at DrJHG Awards Night, being named a Loran Teachers Building Leadership Award (Article outlines history of Award) which recognizes educators across Canada that have had a profound impact on their students’ educational and personal development. Ms. Lumsden isn’t exactly fond of this sort of recognition, but it was a welcome opportunity to celebrate the collage of efforts Janie quietly completes on a daily basis at school and she so very much deserves the accolades. It helped that her nomination was submitted by former student Hilus Keay and was, importantly, from the heart! Thanks to the DrJHG event organizers and Hilus for the wonderful, and uplifting, mid-June surprise and opportunity to celebrate 💓!
Speaking of school, June marched onward… for myself, it was IPP Meetings, Reports, and keeping my “boys club” at school held together. For Janie, it was the stuff of marks, graduation, scholarships, yearbooks, and the time honored rituals that take Grade 12’s to the next phase in their lives. Each year we say goodbye to staff that transfer or retire, a new set of students arrive and others move to the next stage of their education… schools are dynamic and transition is ongoing. Even though both of us are well into our careers and much of that is second nature, there are always special moments at year end that grab at you and help one return to that place that was the impetus for teaching at the start. We endure in this ancient helping profession.
Intermingled in the month was a 58th birthday, Father’s Day (every day here 🤫), camp trips and festival volunteering, which propelled moments for both reflection and productivity. And how about “Johnny Ace”, sliding into retirement but always managing to keep “the group” glued together. Amid all the chaos I found myself at a Billy Bragg Concert in Halifax mid-June for some hardcore folk with Andrew, Troy and Peter. Great show… but perhaps even better was the opportunity to hang out with everyone for a day! We considered that a start to the musical adventure that would be coming this summer!
Solstice weekend brought another event this year… our first real bear encounter at Camp Lumsden! What we think was a yearling passing through (after being chased off by boar) did damage to the back of camp, fridge, and finally porch screens. A long awaited visit with Scott and Darren was perfectly timed as we took it on as a project and replaced boards / shingles at back of camp. Fortunately, it doesn’t seem like anything is in permanent trouble (although monitoring fridge). Powerful animal… an important reminder that we only borrow space from the natural environment when being so exposed in the remoteness of Guysborough County.
Lastly, at month’s end, we were elated with the surprise engagement announcement of Pete and Emilie! Emilie, in all important ways, has been part of our family since she and Pete met while BEd students at StFX. She carries a calm and pleasant presence that’s natural and consistent, and she’s an excellent educator. Together, they make a very capable couple… we are all better when Emilie is with us. Welcome aboard and congrats to you both 💍!!!
Such is June… a frenzy of milestones, celebration and work! It’s the treadmill to summer and a well deserved break (sort of 🤔). School in the rear view mirror generally means we’re looking through the windshield at Stanfest! How does it go… “A change is as good as a rest”? Regardless, the month pushed Janie and I pretty hard, and some summer days and “us projects” were next on the list!