Boundless

A few weeks ago, a fellow blogger*

https://pattietierney.blogspot.com asked about the most unusual thing my husband and I have seen on our walks around the island. After giving it some thought, and talking with my husband about it, we decided the most unusual thing is a horizonless sky. 

Such a sky occurs when, due to atmospheric conditions, sea/land and sky blend together and appear as one. Fog can cause such conditions, sometimes resulting in a white out or a scene like below:

I photographed this shot from Cabot Beach on setting day in 2018, as the fishing boats headed out to set their lobster pots for the season. A light on Fish Island hangs in the air as a bird flies above it all.

Snow can do the same as we see here on Prince Edward Island when drifts of snow cross the open fields.

So, we see horizonless skies periodically but the most unusual one was this shot of two fishing boats headed out Bedeque Bay in Summerside in April of 2017. The sea was calm and the cloudless sky reflected in the water. The wake of the boats disturbed the surface of the water behind them. But ahead…

To me, the scene is a symbol. The world ahead of the boaters is boundless, with endless possibilities and opportunities. Into the unknown they go, trusting in their experience, training and skill to handle what’s ahead. We are the boaters.

What do you see?

*Pattie’s blog features a wonderful combination of amazing table settings for every occasion, recipes, personal stories and beautiful photographs. The blog is an oasis in a troubled world. Check it out!

P.S.

I choose to see the world this way. The reality of the threats we face in the world today can be overwhelming. I am aware but choose to focus on a better future and work towards it.

Waiting to happen

It was a cold week across North America and Prince Edward Island was no exception. As I write, outside it feels like -32 C. Needless to say, our exercise has been at home.

One day, when it wasn’t quite as cold, we ventured forth for some groceries. On our way home, we witnessed an accident which could have easily included us had my husband been quicker on the gas.

We were at the head of the row of cars waiting for the light to change to turn left. There was a car to my right, headed straight through. When the light changed, that car pulled out before us. Out of nowhere, a car sailed through the intersection, and hit that car on the driver’s side, spinning the vehicle around in the road. The driver didn’t brake at all going through the intersection.

R and I were speechless for a few seconds. Then he made the turn and pulled into the side of a snowbank so he could park somewhat off the busy road to help. He weaved his way through the intersection between the moving cars, all of which continued on their way. Both drivers were shaken, the one who was hit had experienced the deployment of the air bags. R helped open her battered door and called 911. A passing RCMP officer stopped to help. R came back to the car when the ambulance arrived.

R has never hesitated to offer help in whatever situation we have encountered. Usually I am there with him too. This time the car door was in the snowbank and I couldn’t easily get out. I was so thankful however. My greatest nightmare is being first upon an accident scene where people are badly hurt. It gives me nightmares.

Later that day, when we told our daughter about the accident, she had seen photos of it on Facebook. I know that such photos can be helpful in accident investigations but I would never photograph an accident scene. All I can ever think to do is hold good thoughts for everyone’s survival. I could not imagine seeing a scene on social media where a loved one was dead, dying or injured. 

One never knows what a day will bring. Enjoy every day!

Wait five minutes

The past week was a mix of winter and spring weather, sometimes on the same day. This forecast from Environment Canada details the mix of weather we had one day:

“Cloudy. 30 percent chance of flurries in the morning. Periods of snow or rain beginning near noon. Risk of freezing rain early in the afternoon. Fog patches developing in the afternoon. Snowfall amount 2 to 4 cm.

Wind becoming east 20 km/h gusting to 40 in the morning. High plus 1.Wind chill minus 7 in the morning.”

Part of the weather lore in eastern Canada is ‘If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes.’ So true!

We also had a beautiful day, without much wind, partly cloudy and temperature above zero. Such a day brings walkers to the boardwalk to enjoy the unusual winter conditions. 

The view to sea was stunning, showing the amazing power of nature as the Northumberland Strait is ice covered as far as the eye can see. 

However, one can’t help but notice the human contribution to the scene as the Confederation Bridge is visible in the distance, the world’s longest bridge over ice-covered water. The texture of the clouds appeared to mirror the ice. We stopped to take in the beauty of the day and chat with fellow walkers.

That same day, the sentinel Blue Jay was ready to send out the alarm if any food is dropped for the birds. It watched from its perch by the bridge.

We stopped to take in the beauty of the day and chat with fellow walkers.

We had two days of rain this past week too and lost all of the snow. Not for long though as the next day, it was back. The temperature will drop further this week.

The mix of weather keeps us wondering what each day will bring. Such a pre-occupation is far better than focussing on the news these days. 

Have a great week!

Early January

We had bitterly cold temperatures for the early part of last week and then the temperature rose for a mild spell. The Black Ducks which had abandoned the frozen salt marsh are back for a few days enjoying the milder temperatures.

This one looked happy to be back.

The ice in the bay is melting again, at least until the temperature drops this coming weekend.

The Blue Jays along the boardwalk entertained walkers this week. A flock quickly gathers when generous walkers leave seeds for them.

Mourning Doves have a communal roosting area where they are protected from the worst of winter weather. It is hard to photograph them but five are visible in the following photo.

Over the years, we have come to know people who walk the boardwalk when we do. One such couple, in their nineties, has been walking in the mall since the weather turned so cold. However, it was good to see them this past week when the milder temperatures drew them outdoors again.

Northerly winds lined the tree trunks with snow on a maple-lined street in one area of Summerside. 

The shots of colour in the equipment in the nearby playground really stand out in the winter grey and white.   

Finally this week, as we pulled in our driveway yesterday, a neighbourhood Red Fox sat on a lawn across the street. I managed some photos of the animal with the window down 

and noticed crows gathering on the wires over the fox.

The fox watched as I left the car, unperturbed by my presence as I photographed it. Then all of the crows started cawing, loudly, and the fox appeared stressed.

It took off back into the nearby field. 

The murder of crows acting to move the fox along was amazing to observe.

Let’s hope there are wonderful surprises in the world this coming week. We need some! 

Welcoming the New Year

We spent much of four days last week with family and had a memorable time. Our grandchildren came for an overnight visit and the better part of two days which my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed. 

During their previous overnight we had asked them what special meal they wanted this time. Chicken corn chowder was the request, a new recipe for us but a favourite of the kids. Their step-father, a trained chef, does a great job on a recipe the kids first had at daycare and remembered fondly. 

The girls helped me chop the vegetables and get the chicken ready. The youngest, a boy, helped measure and add everything to the pot. We had fun tasting the Jalapeño peppers this time round.

We started the day with pancakes made by the eldest grandchild, supervised by her grandfather. Meal prep and time are some of our favourite activities with the grandchildren. 

New Year’s Eve with the whole family involved a variety of snacks and games as we waited for the count down. New Year’s Day included gifts and brunch followed by games again. The children had been out of the province for Christmas, so we exchanged gifts on New Year’s Day instead.

When the grandchildren stayed overnight at our house, they re-discovered the book their great grandparents had read for them in 2012.

How I remember that day! At that time, we had one grandchild, and my husband’s parents had come to visit and spend time with her. We had mentioned recordable books and during that visit, we recorded Frosty the Snowman. Little did we know that there would be two other great grandchildren to hear them read about Frosty.

The day of the recording, my father-in-law was emotional as he read his lines. You could hear it in his voice as he thought of how his young great grandchild could hear him read the story    long after he had passed.

He died the next year. By that time, his second great grandchild had been born, another girl whom he held briefly before he died. Two years later, a boy was added to the family.

As I sat with the children while they listened to their great grandparents reading to them, again I heard the emotion in their great grandfather’s voice. I could see how touched the children were now, just like their great grandparents were when they recorded the book. 

These books are a treasure and a great way to connect generations in one’s family. They are available on-line and are well worth the cost. We consider the one owned by our family to be priceless.

Our walking was confined to later in the week along the boardwalk when wind and cold felt like -25 C. However, we persisted. One day, ours was the only car in the parking lot. With the cold temperatures, the bay is full of ice again, as far as the eye can see.

Finally, my hope for peace in the new year is off to a terrible start! I fear for my country! I fear for our world!

Take care.

December twilight

 

Last week was a quiet though enjoyable week for us here in Summerside, Prince Edward Island. Early last week, I drove my friend to an appointment in Charlottetown, about 60 kilometres away. The difference in the weather in that distance was noteworthy as we drove through blizzard-like conditions with snow and drifting. There was lots of snow on the ground in Charlottetown. Meanwhile in Summerside, up to Christmas Day, we didn’t have snow.

However, the early part of last week, there was still a great deal of ice in the bay. One morning, we spotted the Canadian Coast Guard Icebreaker, *Ann Harvey in the bay. 

She is a light icebreaker and we usually see her in port this time of year prior to the arrival of a cargo ship. Sure enough, a cargo vessel, the Oslo Bulk 3 came into port that night and stayed over Christmas. The vessel blends in with the dock in the muted December light.

On cloudy days, twilight is a good description of the light we have when the sun doesn’t shine. It creates conditions perfect for crepuscular rays through breaks in the clouds which were visible as we walked the boardwalk on Christmas Eve. Seeing the rays always reminds me of the hymn Silent Night, particularly the line, “glories stream from heaven afar.” It was lovely to see the rays on Christmas Eve.

The Bald Eagle pair was enjoying the area last week too, one in its sub-let from the Osprey 

and another along the boardwalk near the marsh. 

These were two different birds, according to the eye markings present in the first one and absent in the second. Sadly, another of the trees the birds frequented has succumbed to the high wind in the last week.

While the snow returned Christmas Day, the wind was off-shore again, taking ice out of much of the bay. It will be back shortly if current conditions continue.

The Blue Jays along the boardwalk entertain walkers every day. They especially enjoy 

peanuts and always have a sentinel watching to alert others when peanuts are left for them.

We had a quiet Christmas and rested up for festivities this coming week. Our grandchildren will be staying overnight tomorrow and we will celebrate with the family on New Year’s Eve and Day.

Have a great week. Enjoy the celebrations, if you partake.

Peace!

*The ship’s namesake, Ann Harvey, was a young girl from Isle aux Morts, Newfoundland. Ann, with her father, brother and the family dog, rescued passengers and crew from two distressed vessels near their community in the early 1800s.