Monday, July 27, 2009

By Boat


It's a long time since I've had such a fun day as yesterday turned out to be . Boats full of people gathered for an annual poker run to aid the Northumberland arena. Each boat called at four ports to receive five cards and the best poker hand won.

I'd estimate thirty to thirty-five boats were present at a selected site to spend the finale. Most had coolers, barbecues, stereos, water toys, and lots of happy party-goers. Children and dogs had fun, went for swims, lay on water lounges, and visited back and forth on other boats with their keepers.


Our boat had sixteen aboard and we had a ball. The brave ones got towed behind the boat on a boating tube. My daughter is in the middle of the threesome shown above. I think I was the only one not in for a swim. I may go for one at my own beach later to try and cool off after supper. It is hot and humid today, more;so than yesterday. We share good food and lots of fun times. This is what summer is meant to be. The ride back to the home port was wonderful with the setting sun and promises to meet again next year.


This calls for boat songs does it not? One of my all time favorite pieces of music is Phoebe Snow's version of the Ira Gershwin song, There's a Boat That's Leavin' Soon for New York. In my opinion it is the best version of the song out there. I also like the Holmes Brother's version of Lyle Lovett's song, If I Had a Boat. Hope you like them too and I hope you get a chance to get out on a boat this summer.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Summertime - Busytime


Just returned from a quick two day trip to Halifax, pictured above. Unbelievably, I did not use my camera once on the other side but got these quick shots from Dartmouth this morning. I accompanied my daughter and her best friend at the last minute and was so glad that I did so. I visited my friend who is in hospital there for most of yesterday and went to a Pride-sponsored one-woman play last night with my best friend who lives there and her long term (over 20 years) partner. I stayed with them and so did the girls after their accommodation plans fell through. I had a wonderful time partly for the spontaneity but mostly for the time spent with dear friends and family. There's nothing like it.

Also from the music pile today are a couple of songs from the outstanding Patty Griffin. A couple of songs that remind me of the trip are You Are Not Alone and Long Ride Home.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Still July


Life has been very busy. My two youngest and I have been on a road trip to visit my dad and brothers and sister and their families. It's not often we all get together without a wedding or funeral being the occasion. We had lots of fun and the kids did the driving so it was wonderful to be the passenger for a change.

Iron and Wine bring the music today. Here's Such Great Heights to reference crossing the Confederation Bridge that links PEI to the mainland and Sea and the Rhythm.

Sunday, July 05, 2009

Pansy and Patter

The weather has been filled with showers for the last couple of weeks but the weather has been pleasant enough otherwise. If we're not having a shower, it's warm and the sun may be peeking through. I've enjoyed it. I've been busy with company and got to play tourist a bit. I went to Cavendish, our most famous tourist area, for the first time in 19 years. I cooked huge lobster and had beer which my brother paid for so that was a nice treat. I'm now waiting for my daughter to arrive from her drive across the country. Probably more lobster and beer will be in order. I am certainly looking forward to hugging my girl.

A few new links for your ponderation:

I've been listening to lots of music. I know I play Bettye LaVette quite often. It's because I'm so taken with her. Here are a couple, How Am I Different and Thinkin' Bout You. They are two of my favorites.