That's a wrap... 2011/12/31 15:54

That's a wrap, another year of fun at Ulgedook Cottage. This picture was taken on December 31st, during a VERY brief visit to retrieve a sweater and turn off the power. I hope 2012 brings another year of joyful adventures on the South Shore.

As part of our holiday festivities, we arranged an evening sleigh ride with Glenn Slaunwhite's Belgians, and were treated to a truly wonderful event. Accompanied by twelve close friends, we travelled along darkened trails, and gazed at the starlit skies, A stop at the pre-lit bon-fire allowed us time for weiner roasting, and sipping on sweet hot chocolate.

If you want a ride of your own, contact Glenn Slauenwhite at 553-0379.

Community is Christmas

In late November, the Region of Queens Municipality issued its annual challenge … to gather together and decorate an outdoor Christmas tree in your community. The response was terrific, with 15 communities taking part.

This year’s theme in East Port Medway was "Community is Christmas," and the tree was simply decorated with colourful lights, large ornaments, and a long ribbon that was signed by community members.

You can view all the community Christmas trees on the Region of Queens Recreation Department facebook page at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Region-of-Queens-Recreation-Department/223315181054341?sk=wall

A sad day

Today is a sad day, as a favorite get-away burned to the ground. The main lodge at the historic White Point Beach Resort was destroyed that apparently started in the kitchen. Over 60 firefighters from ten fire departments fought the blaze, but only the stone chimney stood after all the fire was extinquished. The following pictures were scooped from someone's facebook page.

SeaShell landed

After a brief sail through the air, SeaShell is now resting on her cradle at the Brooklyn Marina. She’s a wonderful boat and, as the previous owner has advised, I will treat her well and she will do the same in return. Our ventures this summer were brief but memorable, particularly the delivery from Shearwater to Brooklyn (for which my thanks to my father will be everlasting).
Hopefully we get to enjoy more time on the water next year.

Kejimkujik Seaside

How we love our province... and all that it offers!

Today, we ventured for the first time to Kejimkujik Seaside Park by Port Joli. What a spectacular place. After hiking a two kilometer trail that "passes through dense coastal forest, beside bogs rich with orchids, over coastal barrens," we reached the sandy beaches at the coast. We are convinced that the seal lounging on a small rocky is a Parks Canada paid employee who poses for the benefit of visitors.



The path to.... ???

Trees evidently require more nutrients than sand offers.

Btw, if needed, you can spell HELP upside down as d73H

Rest and relaxation

Although we enjoy the cottage mostly for leisure activities, a property does require some maintenance - particularly one that is 105 years old. This year’s projects were many and varied in our minds, but few and specific in reality. During June, Susan dedicated herself to craft a beautiful quilted table runner, and I spent some time throughout the summer removing old putty glazing from the windows. Special thanks go to my brother Danny for caulking the windows, and to Tim McKinnon (our contractor) for providing the staging.

Susan stitching her creation while Joel idly observes

the finished product

brother Dan, busy at work (Thanks Dan!!)

Queens County Seafest

Queens County Seafest is a shark/fish derby run from the Brooklyn Marina, that has become a premier event in the province.

I quote: "From humble beginnings in 2000, Queens County Seafest has become one of the most popular community events in Nova Scotia. It is an exciting homecoming event for dozens of former residents, and attracts visitors to the province from across North America. For shark fishermen in Nova Scotia, Seafest is an event that can not be missed."

While fishing is for the participants, spectators can enjoy concession booths, arts and crafts shows, a children’s play area, a beer tent, and plenty of live local entertainment. The Plank Salmon Supper is a popular Sunday event. And spectators revel in viewing the catch of the day.

This year’s Seafest ran from Friday, August 26th through to Sunday, August 28th, and drew crowds as participants and spectators.

See more at: http://www.queenscountyseafest.com

A good catch.

The onlooking crowd.

Invaluable gift

We are indebted to our good friend Marlene Crammond, who crafted this gorgeous rug hooking of the Wesley United Church (now Ulgedook Cottage). The art piece now hangs on our livingroom wall, appropriately placed above the pulpit. Thank you Marlene for such a wonderful gift!!

Attractive chick

Perhaps our attractive guest to Ulgedook Cottage is beautiful Buddy - a colouful Conure Parrot and companion to our friend Glennie.

Learn more about Conures at: http://conure.ca/

a real star!

SS SeaShell

Sometimes Susan questions why I purchased SeaShell, and when I'll sail her. Well, as evidenced by this photo, Susan has become quite comfortable at the helm, and I have become her crew memeber. Some may say that, "she wears the pants," in the boat. I agree that she is an able sea-person. In fact, I can now call her "Skipper Susan," and the boat can be renamed as "SS SeaShell"... aka: Skipper Susan's SeaShell.

SeaShell Branding

To go with the new boat (SeaShell) is a new branding, that will be adorned on various garments. Have a look at our first t-shirts.

New Garden Tent

In an attempt to escape mosquitos, Susan has erected a new Garden tent, which offers an escape from flying pests, and also quiant quarters to escape the rain or hot sun. Measuring 10'x10', the tent makes an ideal and comfortable retreat for 3-6 persons. I quite like the new outdoor addition.

New interior photos

Check out the new interior photos taken in June 2011, posted under the Photo Gallery on the left panel, under the gallery name of "Ulgedook - inside 2011."

Or click here: http://s86.photobucket.com/albums/k86/jbaltzer/Ulgedook%20Inside%202011/

Summer is upon us

and we’ve been enjoying every possible moment at Ulgedook Cottage. We were joined by company on two separate weekends (Andrea and Pete on June 18th; Kevin and Lynn on July 9th), and enjoyed conversations, laughter, and great food.

We welcome any guest at anytime, because the more the merrier. Come join us.

SeaShell

On June 3rd, I bought my first-ever, new-to-me sailboat (Challenger 23') from Rob S. at Shearwater Yacht Club. The boat, named SeaShell, is in excellent condition, and I was very excited with the acquisition. However, the need to deliver boat to Liverpool (140 kms) was overwhelming.

I finally departed on Sunday July 2nd with a sailing friend (John H.), but we motored to Sambro. My father accompanied me for the next two days, and we successfully motored the boat to Liverpool through fog, wind, and heavy seas. Quite the journey, and SeaShell is happy at its new home at Brooklyn Marina.

I look forward to sailing the boat for the first time in the coming weeks.

APB: Spring Missing

It has been nearly two months now since the sun passed northward across the equator, marking the vernal equinox. Despite the fact that March 20th marked the first day of Spring, we have little to show for improvements in weather. Yes, the days are getting longer in terms of daylight. However, weeks of cloud cover and persistent rains have thwarted a great deal of outdoor enjoyment. And this coming Victoria Day long weekend is typically considered strong evidence of the coming of summer in another month. Hopefully the weather will change soon to allow for more outside activies, Until then, we still have lots of tasks to do inside Ulgedook Cottage.

Start of cottage season

Looks like Easter Weekend (April 22-25) may be the start of our cottage season. Weather is good, and the sewer and water can be started up for summer. I certainly look forward to going down to Ulgedook on a regular basis.

"watch and wait"

... a compelling video produced by Susan, reflecting her perspective of coping with my second battle against cancer in 2010... NK/T-Cell, Nasal Type, Lymphoma (look it up).

You can also view this video on YouTube at: "Watch and Wait"

Addendum - May 17, 2012

"Not Me," another video produced by, for which she states:

“The caregiver experience is full of ups and downs when a loved one has a serious and chronic illness. This brief video poem describes some of the frustrations I felt at one point in the health care journey.”

You can also view this video on YouTube at: “Not Me”

Convenient Sleigh Ride

Susan surprised me for Valentine’s with a romantic sleigh ride. And surprisingly, it’s located only about ten minutes from Ulgedook Cottage, in Somerset (just outside Italy Cross).

For our initial tour, there were just the two of us, other than the sleigh driver Glenn Slauenwhite. But we had so much fun that we had another tour the following week, and were joined by nine family and friends.

Great scenery and fellowship made for a great time, which was topped off with a campfire with hotdogs and marshmallows.

If you want a ride of your own, contact Glenn at:
Slauenwhite's Belgians
543-6742
354-6065