June 12-June 26, 2008

Two weeks have passed and much has happened in the Bay. I had to leave for four days for family business and when I returned WHAT a difference. On June 18, George picked up two young lads, one from Nova Scotia (Alex "Wharf Rat") and one from Manitoba (Kelly "Prawn Bait"). They have been working hard, learning construction and renovation. The barge/store is really coming along now. The windows are in and one of the new doors, as well as the ranch board on the outside on one side. The inside is being cleaned up and George and the boys are busy getting the inside sheeted with OSB. These two boys have been really helpful and are very energetic. They both were involved with Katimavik this past year. This is a group of people who basically volunteer in different communities for 3 months at a time. They are fed and housed and given a token pay (not very much). It is a life experience for them. We met Alex and Kelly through our daughter Christine, who worked with Alex at the daycare in Peace River, when the group was in Peace River.

Many critters have appeared in the yard as of late. We had several black bears at different times. We watch them come across the estuary and basically wait as we know they will come into the yard. They like our grass out back. There was a small one (probably just kicked out of the den by momma), who wondered in from the cistern area out front. He was soo cute! but it was still a bear. We forgot to get a picture of him before we chased it away. We do not believe that he will back for some time. We really scared him as he really jumped!

Yesterday, a bigger blacky (George figures 4 or 5 years) came up from the well area towards the front. We watched him for awhile. We called our dog (Bear) to have her chase it away. She came to the front deck, looked at us and went back under the backdeck. I guess she did not see or smell the bear. Some watch dog!! We scared this one away as well. Our neighbor, Doug (who turned 76 on June 13) tells us that the black bears are easy to train. He says they make good neighbors. The grizzly on the other hand is a different story he says! Doug is a wealth of information about the history of the area and we enjoy his company immensely. We have him over for supper quite often, when he is not busy running errands and getting the mail for everyone.

Last night there was a doe in the yard. I watched her come across the estuary and she was in the back yard. She was sure eyeing up my garden!!. George hurry up and finish that fence already! She saw me and decided not to linger. She went to go down the beach by the estuary, but when she got only a little distance she really jumped and decided to walk in the water to the point. Later in the evening we saw her in the front yard and she was eyeing up my glads. We just talked to her and she decided to leave. She just sauntered away towards the well.

The weather has been so-so. It rained all day yesterday but the next week is supposed to be quite nice and hot. We need the heat for the garden and flowers. Everything is a little stunted right now as the spring has been too cold.

Must go and mow the lawn now. It is a never ending chore but I really enjoy it and find it quite relaxing.