Springing into Summer (May 4 -31, 2020)

Star Date May 31, 2020. I saw a meme yesterday effectively congratulating the 2 astronauts for making the good choice to leave earth.. So sad, so true, so to the point. 

I'm not going to dwell on the chaos which appears to be reigning in the US on so many levels on my blog. Suffice it to say, I hope more lives aren't lost and that the US finds a way through this quagmire. In Canada and around the world, I hope what is happening opens more eyes to racism and white privilege. Both are definitely rife here too. I also believe one bad apple or situation doesn't spoil the whole bunch - we need to continue respecting our police forces and find positive ways to effect change.

We are all the same animal

Stay Safe and Be Kind - Let's turn 2020 around

Day to day things haven't changed much here. Spring has definitely sprung. Leaves are on the trees, fields are greening up and we've even been to the beach once. The island is still closed to non-essential travel outside of people who own seasonal properties and commit to self-isolating for 2 weeks when they arrive.

Scott watching over the gardens

Asparagus plants going in

We reorganized the kitchen in anticipation of working here on rainy days, 

putting most of it into the hall and new hall closet.

 A customer Ninja'd me - had not heard of this when it happened but turns out to help the local economy and I think just to surprise and bring some joy to others we are encouraged to "Ninja" people with a small gift.. giftcard.. surprise.. whatever. This customer surprised me when I helped her take what she bought to her car. It's supposed to be an undercover type thing and she told me not to tell anyone I'd seen who she was. No worries - couldn't tell you who it was now anyway.. just a very nice lady and fun surprise. Now the idea is to pay it forward.

I was "Ninja'd"

Strangely it's been a very dry spring so more work has been happening outside. Our screen room and deck are beginning to take shape. The deck will be 12 feet wide and run 26 feet out from the house. 16 feet in the screen room area, 12 feet is regular deck with a BBQ bump-out / Grillzebo.

First days work - not leveled up yet.

Joists in place

My last haircut was March 18th, the day hairdressers closed up. 

It has been getting a bit long, heavy and unruly.

COVID hair

Lobster season began 2 weeks ago (2 weeks later than normal) however the buyers have very low quotas so fisherman are looking to sell off their "overstock". Going price is around $4./ pound with some asking as low as $3. and others more. Scott and his mom love lobster so we bought 25 pounds from a friend (he gave us more) and spent an afternoon last weekend cooking and freezing lobster. I still haven't tried it but it was fun to see Scott and Veda enjoying them.

 Not sure if I've mentioned this before. Everyday on my way to work I pass Buffaloland. In 1973 Alberta gifted PEI a herd of buffalo to commemorate the 100th anniversary of PEI joining Confederation. They live on a 100 acre preserve. Several years ago PEI felt the cost was not justified and were going to close it. To protect the animals, Moonlight Sanctuaries PEI (Monks living in PEI), took over ownership of the preserve. They also run a horse and a cattle preserve.  I know, Monks and Buffalo on PEI??? Not what you expected. What can I say, it's an interesting place LOL!! This year the big news is the herd gave birth to 10 calves... the most in a long time. It's great seeing them playing.

A few of the calves relaxing

Grazing the spring grass

While Scott was grading the back yard he came across this brass padlock. It is in such great shape if we had the key, it would open and work. These were made between 1877 and 1895.

He also filled in the well with more dirt and planted our first flowers. 

Eventually there will be flowers around the well also. Baby steps.

Tractor is always useful

Freshly planted

 We've been enjoying gorgeous days with unseasonably warm weather.  Scott has the main post and beam structure for the screen room done.

Thursday past was my day off and finally got my haircut. It's a lot windblown in this beach picture but I'm so happy to have had it cut.

We didn't stay at the beach too long once the wind came up but was fun anyway

The farmer cultivating out front yard is putting in carrots this year. Love seeing the rows.

Our own gardens are growing too. Seafood compost to be added shortly - they were all out

of cattle and sheep manure.

Look closely - asparagus
(to be enjoyed in 3ish years)

Tomatoes

Salad garden - Scott has been watering - looking forward to a bit of rain

Not much exciting happening at work - lots of paint and everything else being sold. 

Not a bad place but I mostly look forward to getting home.

Here's a few more deck shots from further away.

Bump out on the left is for the BBQ Grillzebo

Screen room structure from the front yard

And from the back

The blackflies and mosquitos have both been vying for blood over the past 2 weeks. 

Extra incentive to get the screen room done.

Looks like COVID will keep our kids away this summer but hopefully things will open up in the fall.  Whenever anyone is finally allowed to visit, we'll be ready and looking forward to it.

Lots of Love - Stay Safe