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Some people have complained of lack of colour in their gardens at this time of year, but we've been fortunate in our mix of plants. There are still a lot of blossoms in our borders.
Week ending May 4, 2003
A beautiful week; sunny, warm, and great to be outside. But now, late Sunday afternoon, when I should take photographs of the week's progress, its raining.
Oh well, pictures of newly dug garden plots and weed-free beds are not very exciting. So instead of the week's toil, I'll display the weekend's pleasures.
Two friends came over for a weekend visit; Aase and Magnar from Coquitlam. These visits are like a holiday for me too; the shovel stays in the garden shed.
On Saturday we went hiking in Helliwell park on Hornby Island. It was quite windy on the exposed bluffs, as shown in the top photo. But the eagles appeared to enjoy soaring in the head winds.
A lot of the spring wild flowers are blooming now in this unique landscape. The yellow blossoms shown in the picture are not dandelions. And the blues, purples, pinks, and whites along the way were very attractive. Unfortunately I'm not able to identify them. Yet.
These other two pictures are indoors. This kitchen counter has proven to be a very useful design. Its not only a work space and a breakfast table, Aase proves it makes a good coffee bar.
Here's our dining nook. There's a great view out over the waterfront for those who get the seats that Marit is clutching.
This was a very profitable visit, for us. Our guests brought several plants. One was a stunning Pieris Japonica, which I planted this afternoon in the pouring rain. Another was a large potentilla which Marit will situate tomorrow. In addition they brought some wood anemones native to Norway. I believe we'll try to naturalize them in an appropriate location on the back slope.
Really, that was too much. One plant would have been plenty. But thanks very much Aase and Magnar. Want to come back and do it again?
Next week I'll be back in the garden. It should be time to plant most of the crops, including the peas. And there's a lot of area in Marit's cutting garden that needs filling. Back to the dirt next week.
As Magnar was leaving, he said "Back to the real world". I had to correct him; this is the real world. Life in the city, and the activity of the Port of Vancouver are the artificial constructs of mankind.
Week ending May 11, 2003
T-shirt weather, all week. This afternoon the thermometer by the front door hit 21.
Here are a few scenes taken in the middle of the week. The arbor over our front steps will anchor a pair of railings on either side of the steps. The railings are currently being constructed by an iron-working artisan on the island.
It already looks different. Marit has primed, and painted the pillars to match the colour of the house.
She has also been busy painting the garden shed. Here's how it currently appears, after adding the window box, and several coats of paint.
Marit's cutting garden is partially shown to the left. It extends from garage driveway up past the garage shed. It too has changed after she spent many hours planting there today.
This afternoon she casually mentioned "Its so much fun working in this garden without you here to criticize". I didn't realize I was that bad. But that's the idea; I don't participate in that section unless my assistance is requested.
Here's where I've been spending some time. Most of the potatoes have emerged; (All the early "Warba" and the late season "Benje", but only half of the mid season "Yukon Gold" have come through so far.) The carrots, beets, turnips, kohlrabi, radish, and several types of lettuce have been planted. Sugar peas have sprouted. And minutes ago I just completed transplanting the leek seedlings.
Still, the soil temperature hasn't risen high enough to safely sow the beans, cucumbers, or squash. I may have to chance a sowing early next week while the moon is still ascending. (Although I'm really not superstitious).
In the other crops, the rhubarb is flourishing, the strawberries are looking promising, and the raspberries are rallying. I may have some berries to add to my corn flakes in the morning.
As soon as this planting frenzy is over (Oh yes, there's the tomatoes too), the prominent weed beds will have to be tamed.
Eventually the landscape may take on a civilized veneer.
Week ending May 18, 2003
Its all my fault!!
The weather was so great. And the soil was warm enough. On Monday I seeded beans, squash, and pumpkin. And the small tomato seedlings were planted beside their stakes. I'm sure that's what caused the weather to change. A cold front moved through with thunder and hail. The thermometer greeted me with a display of two degrees outside the front door, and the grass was white on Thursday morning. The tomatoes have survived so far under their little tents of "Remay" cloth, but they're not happy. The potatoes, left uncovered, were hit by the frost. At least 1/4 of the early "Warba" plants have been badly damaged; I don't know if the damage was fatal. We'll see.
Between rain showers, I used bricks and paving stones to build the system of paths shown in the top picture of Marit's cutting garden. (Yes, she requested my assistance). She's continuing to spend a lot of time there, and has been adding more and more plants. It'll be quite the sight later in the season, and even more spectacular in a year when the perennials become established and mature.
Today we had our railings installed on the front steps. They were custom made by a local artisan. They're unique; one of a kind. This set of railings consists of 140 feet of steel (about 45 meters) twisted together to form a metallic rope structure. Its quite striking.
Finally, my neighbours with unsteady feet can safely come to visit.
On Saturday, May 17th, we celebrated the holiday by traveling with the Denman Island Garden Club over to Milner Gardens near Qualicum. The various rhododendrons are a major highlight of this woodland garden, and this month is their most spectacular time of display. Some of the rhodos are even bigger than the one Marit is standing beneath here.
When we left, the finances of Milner Gardens was considerably enhanced by all the purchases made by the Denman Island Garden Club at Milner's plant sales.
And this evening as I prepare this website, Marit is outside planting her part of the Milner acquisitions. Yes, they're all going in her cutting garden.
The forecast for tonight is possibly more patchy ground frost. And the Remay tents have been carefully tucked around the tomato plants again.
Week ending May 25, 2003
Temperatures have edged back up to seasonal normals. Lots of clouds, but not too much rain. Most of the time has been spent working out in the yard.
Here is a preview of the floral display that Marit has been creating. I call it a "preview" because it will develop into a much more spectacular site as summer progresses and the plants grow.
There's a lot more development to be done on all the surrounding perimeter too; as soon as I get the vegetable area completed.
Here's Eddie, our dogwood tree. It seems to be trying harder this spring; its blossoms have been in full display for almost a month now. We're hoping it will put on some growth this year.
Good news. The potatoes that were damaged by frost last week have put on new growth and seem to be shrugging off the slight setback. Every one of the little spuds have now emerged and have started their growth spurt. Now the challenge will be to keep them hilled.
Both the bush and the pole beans have just started to emerge. By next weekend it should be apparent whether or not the cold snap caused many of them to rot.
No squash have emerged yet; tomorrow will be two weeks. But one pumpkin seed has just shown a leaf this morning. Strangely enough, other squash seeds are springing up as weeds all over the garden; from the compost that I spread out earlier. I know, I know! The solution seems obvious. But with all the cross-pollination that occurs with these plants, I couldn't guess what the resulting product would be like. The volunteers are terminated!
Cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage have all been planted today. And a tall (very tall) teepee of poles has been erected with 5 pole beans at the base of each of the 6 poles. These beans were given to us 2 1/2 years ago; they were described as "Norwegian Brown Beans". They're a dry shelling bean, for use in soups, etc. It'll be interesting to see how these develop.
And my major accomplishment this week? One more raised garden bed; dug in the worst area of compacted gravel, sifted, amended, and built up with additional scrounged soil. Three full days of effort for another 4x8 foot box of garden bed. This bed had better produce!
Here's how some of our previous gifts have developed. The rhododendron in back is just completing its show of several weeks of bloom. But we've really been wondering about the plant in front. Several of these were given as tiny seedlings last fall. I thought they looked a lot like the plants shown on the TV news last week when police raided a home "grow operation". However I've since determined that our plants are Helleborus foetides (common name is "stinking helleborus"). I think; although they didn't flower last February when they were supposed to.
And one more pleasant surprise; we bought raffle tickets during last week's visit at Milner Gardens and I won a prize. A beautiful tiled paving stone. Now we have to find an appropriate place for it.
Its too nice to step on.
Week ending June 1, 2003
June already. Just think; in less than 3 weeks the days will start getting shorter!
The scene on the left is gradually changing. Marit has continued planting; and is grieving over the transplants that did not survive. The driveway is being edged with curb stones to provide a neater boundary and eliminate an overlap of weeds. We'll need a lot more paving stones to finish.
My progress has been slow; I've been diverted by a new interest. "Shorekeeping"!
The Shorekeepers organization is a volunteer project to measure and monitor the marine ecosystems of our ocean shores. For the past three days a group of us from Hornby and Denman Islands have received training and guidance from the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, (DFO). Here's our group, gathered at Hornby's North End beach, getting some guidance on the tasks we are about to undertake.
The project involved setting out a 50 meter base line along the shore, identifying and mapping out the various habitat zones within the tidal area, establishing a grid of quadrants, and then studying and identifying every living specie within those quadrants.
Here's some of us, divided into teams, mapping and studying each species of seaweed, shellfish, anemonie, crustacean, invertebrate,...in fact anything that wasn't a rock. Since most of us are not professional biologists (only one was), we spent a great deal of time searching through identification books.
What a huge amount to learn! And what an immense variety of life there was in every small segment of that beach!
Those of us from Denman hope to expand the participating group, instigate more training, and develop a monitoring system around our shores.
But, back to the "homestead". Despite the coolish weather, the vegetable garden is growing well. The potatoes are thriving. Tomatoes are...well, growing. Only the squash is reluctant. I've had to re-plant the Hubbard and the Spaghetti Squash.
Hopefully the weather forecast is correct, and we can begin the suntan lotion applications tomorrow. It'll be fun to start complaining about the heat again.
Week ending June 8, 2003
What a change! And so sudden!! Record breaking heat in the first week of June.
We reached 32 degrees and the sudden change has been devastating to the garden. Many of the annual bedding plants that Marit carefully arranged in her garden did not survive. The young plants, fresh from their plastic containers did not have a chance to develop a root system in the marginal soil before the blast of dry heat scorched them. Even frequent watering couldn't help.
Marit is quite discouraged by this setback. Reality checks can be upsetting. To help improve the garden beds we've purchased 8 cubic yards of mulch (composted fish waste and shredded fir bark) and we've been spreading this thickly over all the flower and shrub beds.
Marit has been super busy. She's not only tending the gardens, but she's been painting. All the outdoor furniture is getting new coats of varnish. And the woodshed matches the house siding. And she's even finding time to process the rhubarb crop.
Obviously she's found a new way of nagging; doesn't say anything but sets an example and dares me to match her efforts.
This has also been quite the week for nature sightings on the island. On Wednesday while Marit's "Ladies Walking Group" was eating lunch at a remote beach, two playful mink chased each other just in front of them. Later that afternoon from our deck, we saw a school of porpoise in the middle of Baynes Sound. Unfortunately even with my binoculars I wasn't able to identify the exact species. Later that evening we saw another group of animals swimming closer to the shore. They were a group of five otters; two large, and three smaller. And a harbour seal swam by them in the opposite direction. Even though they were close they ignored each other.
The next day, the observations were not as pleasant. I found a crow had discovered my beans sprouting at the base of my trellissed poles. He'd flown off with a large portion of my future crop. Unfortunately he's also smart enough to recognize what a pellet gun is!
Thank goodness the weather is now a bit cooler. The plants that have survived are looking quite vigorous. (They should after all the hours we spent pouring water over them.) But we don't sprinkle the lawn and its getting brown rather early this year.
We're all getting a little nervous. The forest fire hazard is rated high, and all outdoor fires are already banned. And if there is no substantial rain before the normal dry spell of July, we could be experiencing severe drought on the island. And since we all depend on wells, that is not a good prospect.
Maybe we'll be forced to go off on vacation until the rainy season returns.
Week ending June 15, 2003
As the week ends, everything is more or less back to normal. Some clouds, some sun, temperatures lower than last week, even about one centimeter of rain one night. But we're still way behind in precipitation.
This picture taken this afternoon showing Marit lounging outside is rather misleading. She has been working frantically this week doing her spring cleaning. After all, there is only one week left of spring; after that it would have to be summer cleaning. So the place has to be all spotless and tidy by Friday.
Monday was rather chaotic. Our neighbour, Rudy, collapsed and we were called on for help. A doctor came to the house, and diagnosed it as a stroke. Rudy was taken to the hospital in an ambulance. Marit and I each took turns driving his wife, Anne into the Comox hospital to visit him throughout the week
But apparently it wasn't a stroke; it was a blood infection. And after 5 days of intravenous antibiotics, he was well enough to be sent home. I brought him back home on Saturday.
Today was one of the lowest tides of the year. This picture was taken about two hours after when the tide was coming in.
During the period of low tide, a semi-retired biologist, Mike Morrel, accompanied me along the waters edge and gave me a tutorial on the animal life in the vicinity. It was fascinating. Creatures I had only read about were down there in the mud, under rocks, or hiding in the seaweed. A red anemone that buries itself in a crater in the sand. Midshipman fish that spawn on the underside of rocks, and stay during tide change to protect the eggs. Tube worms in their calcium burrows. Chitons affixed to rocks. Nudibranches in small tide pools.
We had about 2 1/2 fascinating hours. There's obviously lots more to be learned down there. And we didn't really touch on the plant life.
I can see that years of interesting study are available at my front steps, if I choose to pursue it. If only I could find the time. Being retired, I don't have a simple structured life.
Here's the view of our house from the beach. The bushes are trying to re-claim the pathway and the cleared area of the upper slope. They require serious trimming every year.
One of the wild shrubs, "Ocean Spray" will soon be blooming covering much of the area in clouds of small white flowers. Its a great time of year.
Unfortunately the view on the other side of the house is degrading. The lawn. I thought it would be lush and green over the septic field. But that area had been filled with sand and gravel for good perculation. It dries out quickly in the drought and the grass is already very brown.
Maybe we just have to flush more often.
By the was, Happy Fathers Day to all you other dads out there.
Week ending June 22, 2003
This was Denman's big weekend; the annual Home And Garden Tour. Eleven of the interesting homes on the island plus three other sites of interest were opened for viewing. The ferry traffic was very busy for two days with all the visitors coming over for the occasion.
We've had visitors too. Lise and Gary came Friday night, and Erik and Sara flew in from Toronto Saturday morning.
Yesterday afternoon we all we all went to several of the homes and gardens on the tour. Today, Lise and Gary continued with the tour, visiting the remainder of the sites (and and gathering some dangerous project ideas).
Erik and Sara opted to spend their time on the water fishing. They came in for an early dinner, then went back out in the boat again. The result; two crabs as well as some rockfish.
They also found that I had missed one major leak when I repaired damage caused to the boat by the storm last winter. Sara frequently had to bail during during the excursions to stay afloat.
This afternoon with the family all present, we completed the final act for my mother; the scattering of ashes on the property. It was her request that her cremated remains be distributed in the flower beds of our home. It was done, and she now shares the upper yard with Ozzie, our cat who died last year.
This should be a relaxing week. Sara's parents will be joining us on Thursday. I won't be toiling in the yard with shovel and bricks. I get a holiday two when visitors are her.
Even with the clouds we've had this week, its still very dry. No significant rain. So there's going to be more effort required in keeping the plants watered.
Enjoy the summer. It started this weekend.
Week ending June 29, 2003
This was a week spent in the company of our visitors.
Sara and Erik continued to spend many hours each day on the waters of Baynes Sound. I've repaired the worst of last winter's damage to our 12 foot aluminum boat, but they still had to bail water that slowly leaked through the small cracks that haven't yet been caulked.
On Tuesday we chartered "Denman Marine" to try for some salmon. It was still too early in the season for most of the summer runs to have arrived, but there were reports of some fish on the north tip of the island.
Fishing was slow, but we finally connected. The top photo was taken after Sara had been battling her fish for twenty minutes. The skipper is preparing to net it.
And this was the result. A spring salmon weighing 18 pounds. It was Sara's first. And it's bigger than anything Erik or I have ever caught.
Carved into steaks and barbecued over charcoal, it was delicious. (But I'm still jealous!)
Wednesday we spent the day traveling to the west coast, visiting Ucleulet, Long Beach, and the Wickininish Inn. Throughout it all, the weather was great; sunny and warm. The scenery and the view was tremendous. And I forgot to bring my camera.
On Thursday Sara's parents, Wendy and Gordon Mackay, flew in from Montreal and joined us. We had never met before, but by the time they left this morning we felt they were old friends.
Gordon, I hope you picked up some tips on enjoyable retirement living. And how does Denman Island compare with your current destination of Roberts Creek?
Whoops, a flash of lightning just lit up the room, and a clap of thunder rolled along. It's cloudy. Finally.
A good heavy rain would be really appreciated after the extensive June drought. Lets hope.
Meanwhile I'm signing off before we lose power.
Week ending July 6, 2003
They're gone! The violet-green swallows have left the nest. Earlier today the last of the reluctant chicks was being coaxed out of the bird house located just below the satellite dish. (It's parents flew up with food, then darted away without feeding it). This evening the house was empty.
Many weeks ago, chestnut-backed chickadees left our other bird house among the maple trees. The only family remaining is in a third bird house; on the back of the garden shed. And this is a family of bumble bees, not birds. (We welcome their presence and appreciate their hard work pollinating the plants.)
Oh yes, Erik and Sara left last Monday too. Back to Toronto.
Here's the current view from the front gates. The curb is completed on the north side of the driveway. Next, the other side, then a fresh layer of crushed rock to complete the project.
Its obvious, there is still a large degree of "wildness" on the property. And at my current rate of progress, it won't be quickly tamed.
There's been a lot of watering required to maintain our existing landscape. So far its been an extremely dry summer, and spring.
In the middle of this dryness, it may appear strange to be chopping firewood and filling the woodshed. But I realize how quickly time passes, and how suddenly the autumn frosts are going to appear. I may even be a bit late to be splitting the logs for the final drying. I just hope the firewood warms me half as much in December as it has these past two days in July.
Here's another reason some of the property hasn't been cultivated yet; volunteer poppies. I can't dig up these pink beauties that originated over a quarter century ago in some garden back in Norway. There are orange California Poppies in the front, and a few red poppies over by the garden shed. So these areas are left until the plant's life cycles have run their course.
Another hindrance to our activities has been the birds.We have a love-hate relationship with them. I've had to shelter many of the crops; netting over the strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. I've had to salvage old netting used by shellfish growers on the beach to protect their clams. The raspberries smell like low tide.
I've even had to erect wire mesh protection over my beans to prevent the crows from pulling out the young sprouts. Deer aren't the only pests here. Oh well, life is far from boring.
And finally, for anyone considering coming up, the guest room is booked for two weeks starting on the 14th. Welcome back to Canada, Elizabeth. We hope you like Denman Island.
Week ending July 12, 2003
Its just a tease!
The Beaufort mountains on Vancouver Island are very green. But do you thing the rain will cross the sound to Denman Island? Not a chance. Many people are finding their wells near empty a month earlier than usual.
And speaking of earlier than usual, this update has been prepared on Saturday. On Sunday, Marit and I will be in Vancouver meeting Elizabeth Vestli at the airport. Elizabeth will be returning with us on Monday for a two week vacation.
Some people have complained of lack of colour in their gardens at this time of year, but we've been fortunate in our mix of plants. There are still a lot of blossoms in our borders.
In the vegetable garden, the raspberries and the snap peas are nearing their peak production. Marit has been doing a great job staying on top of the harvest. She just completed a batch of jam yesterday. And the frozen peas will be appreciated at our winter dinners.
There's a glut of lettuce; huge salads every day. And at Marit's urging I tried digging some potatoes. Sure enough the Warbas, my earliest variety, are big enough for eating. Unfortunately this type does not seem to stay firm when boiled, so next year I'll be trying a different selection for the early harvest.
For a couple days this week, I've been playing in the dirt again, harvesting rocks and preparing a small raised bed for asparagus next spring. This will be the first of several. Hopefully in the remainder of this year, a number of additional beds can be dug, and the soil amended for planting next year.
And here on the left is my stash of winter wood. I don't care what happens to the price of natural gas. We're going to be warm all winter.
Now, lets all have a collective prayer that the rain can find its way over to this little island in the dark tonight before we surrender to the sunshine again next week.
Week ending July 20, 2003
Vacation time!
I haven't had to do any of the harvest work. Our guest from Norway, Elizabeth Vestli, has done all the work of picking: peas, blueberries, and raspberries. All the bird netting makes the job a little more difficult, but she handles it well. Its nice to have company like this.
Incidentally, the kohlrabi has matured, and the first of the bush beans were picked tonight to accompany the barbecue dinner.
Having guests really is a vacation for me too. We take the time for things we wouldn't otherwise do, like this tour in Helliwell Park on Hornby Island.
I'll have to admit, the stops at all the pottery shops can be a bit trying. But the art exhibit by Elspeth J. Armstrong at Ford Cove was extremely interesting. I may have to go back to it again before it ends on July 25th.
Yesterday we took a trip down to Chemainus to see the murals and tour the city. Its always a fun place to visit.
And I must commend Elizabeth for keeping our local economy strong. She has made many craftsmen here very happy.
In the occasional spare time, while Marit and Elizabeth pursue the wild pottery shops, I've been extending a new flower bed along the driveway. The soil will require massive amendment; I'm going to try adding a lot of sawdust as well as fish compost and seaweed. This will be monitored to watch the effect of nitrogen depletion while the sawdust is composting. Here's hoping it will be sufficiently completed by next spring.
And here's the view that greeted me at sunrise this morning. Its a little misleading; implying rain. There have been clouds, with obvious moisture in them. But the drought continues.
Tomorrow we're scheduled to return to clear sunny skies with temperatures approaching 30 degrees again. All week.
Good thing I'm on vacation.
Week ending July 27, 2003
Her visit was brief; she's gone. As I write these words, Elizabeth is over the Atlantic, flying home.
Here's a scene from the beginning of the week, when our neighbours, Rudy and Ann, joined us for dinner.
On the right, a scene from our trip to Chemainus. Elizabeth is reading the narrative of "the snipe hunters".
We were fortunate to have sunny weather all week; much better for touring the area. One of the excursions we took was a visit to Mount Washington. After riding the chairlift and walking to the very peak, we could see Denman Island below. (Couldn't see our house though.)
One of the great features of Mount Washington is that it is the gateway to "Paradise Meadows", a popular section of Strathcona Park. We went for a two hour hike in the Alpine meadows.
While stopping for lunch at one of the lakes, the birds found us and wanted their share. Their correct name is "Grey Jay" (previously Canada Jay), but everyone knows them as Whiskeyjacks. They are so bold they'll take food right from your hand.
As her expression shows, Elizabeth was very apprehensive about this.
On Thursday, Marit drove her to Vancouver to stay the last few days with Lise; shopping, visiting, and celebrating in the big city.
The past few days here have been uneventful. More gardening, watering, picking, weeding, and my specialty, "digging in the dirt".
The flower bed has been prepared; a large lasagna of layers of seaweed layers covered with a blend of dirt, sawdust, and fish compost. Any plants will need some initial fertilizing until the bedding components start decomposing into soil and humus.
I'd like to start transplanting a few specimens there, but this is probably the worst time to try. Its very hot and sunny all day. And the next couple of days are expected to be real scorchers, possibly the hottest weather of the summer.
It also appears that this will be the second most dry July on record.
Maybe we should just sit under the sun umbrella for a while. When we're not watering the plants, of course.
Week ending Aug. 3, 2003
We are now Extreme!
That's the current level of our forest fire hazard on Denman Island; up from a rating of "High". Everyone is a bit nervous. A fire could easily race through the island and destroy a large percentage of the homes.
Earlier this week, a record high temperature of over 32 degrees was recorded in Comox. Fortunately it has cooled down slightly, but no end can be seen to the drought. Early morning, just after sunrise is the best time of day. The air is actually cool, and so clear that distant details on the mountains can be seen easily. But the haze develops as the day progresses.
After painting the north wall earlier this week, I've decided this is a great time to start improving that side of the house. Its shady and cool there for most of the day. I've just built a low cement retaining wall and intend to install paving blocks level with the bottom of the house wall. Paving blocks are also planned for the rest of this area. It seems like a distant memory, but there used to be a lot of mud between the door and the woodshed last winter.
Marit wouldn't let me take a picture of her working. But she has been undertaking some tremendous tasks; harvesting the vegetables, processing, cooking, freezing, canning, pickling as well as keeping the flowers watered and the weeds pulled. Somehow she even finds time for weaving, and her walking group. Superwoman!
Here's a ground level view of our lawn. Its absurd, but this afternoon I had to mow it. The sporadic weeds that survive drought, and the occasional patches above the septic field, looked too messy. Yes, I think mine was the only sound of a power lawn mower in the neighbourhood all week.
And once again, Marit won the contest for the first ripe tomato, but mine were a close second, just a few days later. I guess we will be feasting on delicious home grown tomatoes, until the first rains bring the dreaded late tomato blight.
From all the weather forecasts, it appears that we'll be having fresh tomatoes for a long time. (I may be willing to sacrifice them for a good deluge.)
Week ending Aug. 10, 2003
CARPENTER ANTS! They're in the walls!
I should say they WERE in our walls; until the exterminator arrived Friday morning and spent three hours eliminating them. Apparently we had two colonies. I was advised the first colony probably moved in before we did; they established themselves during the original construction three years ago.
The exterminator appeared to be very competent in dealing with these insects. In fact, he's the best here! He told me so himself, so it must be true. I'd recommend him highly; "Komox Pest Control", if anyone needs such services. Apparently its a very prevalent occurrence on Denman Island.
In the picture above, he's just finishing the operation with a "perimeter spray" of pyrethrin. Notice the cement work I've started on the north side of the house.
Earlier this week I traveled to the big city, Vancouver. My probate papers had been approved, so my sister and I settled the affairs of mom's estate. That's now completed, with one exception; the sale of a cemetery plot. Sonja will undertake that project.
The picture to the right is of Sonja and John at their 8 acre "retirement farm" in Whonnock. Those dogs are a cross between a German Shepherd and a wolf. They keep the coyotes and the bears away at night.
Unfortunately with these animals plus their two goats, they can't take any time away from home. Sonja has promised to come out for a visit one day, when she can arrange it. They've never seen Denman Island.
Meanwhile back on Denman the seasonal changes continue to unfold. On the first day of August the hummingbirds seem to have left. So did the swallows, including a large flock of 35 barn swallows. (Now we have to rely on the dragonflies to protect us from mosquitoes.)
On our monthly shore bird count yesterday, we found a large number of Bonapart gulls have returned to this area; 250 of them. I was told they arrive just in time for the emergence of the flying termites, which they gorge upon. After my situation with carpenter ants, I'm cheering everything that eliminates termites looking for a new home.
The clouds, shown in the last picture, have been teasing us for a few days. We still haven't had any rain; the showers that have occured in Vancouver have never reached us. The drought continues.
And our status remains "extreme".
Week ending Aug. 17, 2003
Forest fire! Nearby!
Not too nearby fortunately; across the water near Cumberland. A "water bomber" came, scooped up water in Baynes Sound, and dumped it on the fire. A few loads and the fire was out. They caught it while it was still small.
We had a front row seat. The wide angle view of my camera can't capture the drama of the plane coming right toward us after loading water. (You'll have to click on the picture to clearly see the bomber as it turns towards us.) It came very close.
Despite the ominous dark clouds in the above photo, we've had no rain again this week. The roots of the surviving native plants must go very deep.
Lise and Gary visited earlier this week. They stayed for a few days before continuing their vacation tour.
I booked a fishing charter, and forced them to get up at 4:30 AM. The best salmon fishing is at daybreak. We were down to the boat at 5:20 AM; ..... and our captain never arrived. Apparently his truck broke down shortly after he left his house. By the time everything was recovered, it was too late to continue the fishing trip that morning. The next morning, they elected to continue their journey to Victoria instead of trying again at some ungodly early hour for the charter.
They're just loading their car in the picture above; preparing to leave.
Meanwhile, the ants appear to have been eliminated. The stragglers are becoming very rare.
Deer on the other hand, are becoming far more prevalent. (We saw a lot of them on our early morning drive to the fishing charter.) One deer has found it can reach some of our plants by leaning its snout through the wide spacing of our deer fence. I'll have to put chicken wire on the fence to protect a clematis and some cedars.
Here on the left is how the work is progressing on the north side of the house. I'm mixing the cement by hand in a wheelbarrow to form the patio bricks. We're not sure to what extent the bricks will be continued. Perhaps fatigue or soreness will dictate the end of the project.
In addition to maintaining her garden and the house, Marit has been very busy preparing for her trip to Norway next Saturday.
She'll be very annoyed at me for reporting this, but she had a fall yesterday, further damaging her bad knee. She won't be as mobile as she would like to be during her journey, and her suitcases will have to have wheels; she can't carry them.
I hope everything else goes as well as possible for her during her visit.
Week ending Aug. 24, 2003
Forest fires have hit Denman Island too!
Probably a cigarette butt; maybe a campfire. But someone started a fire on the south shore of nearby Chickadee Lake. It could have been disastrous, but a helicopter with a water tank was called in early. Approximately one acre was burned before it was extinguished.
Access is closed everywhere now. Geoffrey Park on Hornby is closed to public access. An outdoor "Rock Concert" on Denman was canceled. Even the small Denman Island Conservancy nature trail has been roped off and closed.
I guess I'm confined to my garden.
Here's Marit a couple days ago with some of our harvest; tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, and green pepper.
She's now in Norway; left yesterday evening from the Vancouver airport. Now the full responsibility for the upkeep falls upon me; including watering, harvesting, and processing. It feels a bit overwhelming.
But there's one pleasant surprise, a light rain shower began a short while ago; nothing measurable but the ground surface shows the dampness. If we can get some more overnight it may help. The temperature has been only 18 degrees too; maybe summer is easing off.
If there's heavier rain up in the mountains I may be allowed access for a bit of hiking. I would like that opportunity this fall.
< Down on the beach, the lease holders are finally starting to harvest their clams. They appear to be harvesting "littleneck" calms by methodically raking through the sand and mud, and gathering them into "onion sacks". These were collected early this morning, and will probably be picked up by later by their oyster skiff; a flat bottom aluminum boat.
After about a week of harvesting, the beach area will probably be seeded by a tank full of tiny clams for next years crop.
Looks like a busy week ahead. There are two evening concerts of classical music at the community hall, and an information meeting about new zoning and plans for the shore line around Denman. Not one free evening until next Sunday.
And some people wonder what they'll do when they retire.
Week ending Aug. 30, 2003
Marit has been in Norway for a week now. But I haven't had a chance to get lonely. My daughter, Lise, came over on Tuesday for some rest and relaxation. She also took over the watering duties for the many flowering beds, and was assigned the cooking tasks for most of our dinners.
Watering the garden is a very significant task now. Its still hot and tinder dry. And the five day forecast indicates even hotter weather lies ahead.
Earlier in the week Lise and I took a trip to Mount Washington, and went for a hike in the Paradise Meadow area of Strathcona Park. It was as beautiful as ever. These mountainous areas in the middle of Vancouver Island appear to have had considerable rain recently. We, in the rain shadow, only had broken clouds. But the park is open and safe. At least there's one area available for us hikers.
Today was Denman's annual Blackberry Fair; the typical fall fair that's always held on the Labour Day weekend. Actually its probably a "less than typical" fair; not too much happening. A 5.6 mile road race. A very small parade. No livestock or handiwork competition. No rides or games. Just a chance to gather in the community field, with local artisans setting up booths around the perimeter. There's live music, and food outlets. Rather low key; the way we prefer to wind up the summer season.
Earlier in the week we had two great concerts of classical music. Tuesday evening was Catherine Ordronneau, piano, and Kai Gleusteen, violin. Friday evening they were back, with the Boreas String Quartet. Extremely enjoyable.
Incidentally, the Blackberry Fair is aptly named. The blackberries have been especially prolific and tasty this year. Of course, picking blackberries is not a simple chore like harvesting beans. These are wild Himalayan blackberries. Picking them is a blood sport!
Another of my activities this week has been the gathering of more firewood. Sorry Marit! I know I have more than enough for this winter. But when its available I hate to pass it up.
I will admit to one problem with this load of wood. Its difficult to steer the old truck when the front heels are lifting off the ground.
Okay, two problems; I also can't cut the wood for a while. With the heat and dry conditions, there are restrictions on the use of chain saws because of a possibility of sparks. And I'm not too eager to cut all these planks by hand saw.
Well, Lise left a little over an hour ago; back to the big city of Port Moody. And to my other potential visitors I say, "no vacancy". Wait until host Marit comes back. I've got three weeks of solitude to experience now.
Week ending Sept. 7, 2003
No, that's not Denman. That's a picture of Circlet Lake in Strathcona Park. The sun is just rising over the surrounding mountains.
Last Wednesday I backpacked there from the parking lot on Mount Washington, through Paradise Meadows. The night was spent in tent and sleeping bag.
After all the garden work and continual watering chores back on Denman, I needed a change of attitude. Strathcona Park was one of the few areas still open to hikers and campers since the mountainous area has had some occasional rain throughout the summer.
After sunrise on Thursday I continued the hike to Mount Albert Edwards. (The distance listed in the trail guide must have been wrong, or else it meant the straight up part). This is the view of the peak after reaching a high ridge. The snowfields here are permanent; remnants of a glacier that covered this area.
The altitude at the peak was 2,093 meters. The view was tremendous; Mount Washington and its ski runs could be seen far to the north. Denman Island lay far to the south east.
The picture below was taken after starting down the slope. It shows the rugged backbone of Vancouver Island to the south west of my location.
Coming back along the route, I saw some large paw prints in a mud patch near the trail. At first glance it looked like someone had brought a large dog. But even though I'm not an expert in tracking, I do know that dog prints show their claws. Cats have retractile claws that do not show in paw prints. These prints did not show any claws.
The trip was a great. The only thing that could have made it greater would have been remembering to bring my foam mattress,...and the insect repellent,.. and the suntan lotion. And maybe my fishing rod; the fish at Circlet Lake were numerous, and up to 18 inches (45 cms.)
But when it was all over, the stiffness, soreness, and weariness reminded me of previous marathons. This isn't as easy as it used to be.
Back on Denman, ... well that can wait until next week. Except to report that some rain finally came last night; about 6 cms. Just enough to wet the mulch on the flower gardens, and make it easier for me to hose this morning.
Week ending Sept. 14, 2003
The good, the bad, and the ugly.
First the bad. These deer are one of the worst nuisances on Denman Island. I've had to close the gate every night to prevent them from eating every tree, shrub, flower, and vegetable in our garden. Recently they began walking in during the day, so the gate has to be closed at all times. Somehow, with the gate closed, I feel like a prisoner on my own property.
This fawn appears to be telling me what I can do with my bad attitude. (I may have compressed the image too much in this "thumbnail". Click on the image for a larger clearer picture.)
And the ugly. Well, I haven't been paying very much attention to the zucchini after Marit left. And this gang of seven got completely out of control.
I think I'll process them for cord wood. After drying, the chain saw should be able to cut them into stove lengths. After all, they have to be good for something.
The good? Well, at least I finished most of the cement work on the north side of the house. Just a few finishing touches that should be completed next week.
The curb work on the other side of the driveway is progressing. Actually its visible behind the zucchinis if the picture is enlarged. I'm beginning to regret putting such a solid base of stones under the driveway, because they have to be pulled out by hand to embed the cement curb stones. Very slow, very laborious.
But the major activity this week has been the upgrading of my computer. Instead of just repairing the failing components on the old, I had the processor and the "mother board" replaced, and additional memory installed Since the old Windows 98 system had become quite contaminated I chose to format the drive and re-install Windows XP.
Recovering all the old applications and data has been a challenge. And stabilizing the system has been almost a nightmare. (One device driver was not XP compliant. I'm trying to contact the manufacturer).
But if are reading this web site, I finally have everything under control.
Did I make it?
Week ending Sept. 21, 2003
Rain! Thunder! Wind! Storm!
That's not referring to Marit's return. Its referring to a weather phenomenon earlier this week that hadn't occurred here for at least 4 months. Over a cm. of rain; half an inch. Great.
But it wasn't all good new. The poor plants, like the sunflowers shown on the left, hadn't experienced winds during their entire growing season. They had no strength to withstand the gale. I guess that's why the season is called "Fall".
Yes, Marit did return safely, shortly after 7:00 PM yesterday; too late to catch the last ferry to Denmand. So we accepted Lise and Gary's hospitality to stay overnight.
But with Marit's "jet lag", (there's 9 hours difference between here and Norway), we were up at 5:00 AM and heading home on the first ferry this morning.
This afternoon she spent many hours in the garden cleaning and "dead heading"; all the things I neglected while she was away. And she pointed out a large potted shrub on the upper balcony that I had completely forgotten. It was totally dry, very brown, and completely dead. Oops!
The scenery has changed. We have some sunny days returning, and may even have to water the plants again. But autumn is taking its grip on the island. Mornings are not the same, and the nights are cooler. It'll soon be time to use those logs stored in the woodshed.
In preparation, I had the chimney cleaned out last week. Those of you living in the city may not be familiar with this ritual, but at least once a year we have to get the accumulated soot and tar cleaned from the chimney walls. Failure to do this would probably result is a chimney fire which could be disastrous. But we're all set now for cool days, and warm fires.
Probably in early November.
Week ending Sept. 28, 2003
Summer doesn't want to leave. We're breaking records.
Yesterday's high temperature of just over 24 degrees was a record for the day at Comox, the nearest weather station. And today was two degrees warmer. I have to bring out the sun tan lotion again.
Here's how the day ended yesterday. At least the nights are cooler, and there's dew on the ground in the morning.
Marit is slowly recovering from the jet lag after her return from Norway. Her sleeping pattern hasn't fully adjusted but its improving.
She's still cleaning up the garden; harvesting the weeds that I hadn't cleared from plant beds.
I've almost finished the driveway curb project. The blocks are all in place, and the fill is being replaced to anchor them in position. Its looking pretty decent isn't it? Next we'll have to weed the driveway, and then get one more load of crushed rock.
The curb project would have been completed this week, but I've been sidetracked onto the project shown below.
These friends, who live a couple kilometers north of us, are having a house delivered to their property on Oct. 6th. And they'll need a cement foundation to set it on. Here's how it looked at noon today.
The two story house, 16 feet wide by 45 feet long, is being barged to the island from Chemainus. It will moved to abut sideways to their current home forming an "L" shaped structure.
I have deep misgivings about correctly positioning the cement foundation to exactly match the footings of house. My history of errors in measurement are legendary. And my ability to misjudge is immense. So I'm alarmed that somehow I have found myself wielding the tape measure and siting the corner pins.
By about this time next week, I will probably be as panic stricken as the lady of the house is now.
Week ending Oct. 5, 2003
Autumn has definitely arrived. Finally. Fog and low clouds have replaced the blue skies and sunshine. And tomorrow, the forecast promises that we can finally stop watering the garden. The rains will return.
Its amazing to realize that its October already; time is flying. And yet, in retrospect the summer seems to have lasted a long, long time. Such conflicting perceptions. The house moving project that is occurring up the road has had a slight reprieve. The utilities need a couple more weeks to coordinate the removal of power and telephone lines across the road. (The house is too big to pass underneath.) So we have more time to prepare the base.
In the picture on the right; forms have been installed for the foundation. The cement will be poured early in the next week. You'll have to look hard to notice the owner, Gerry, and the carpenter, Dave, working in the centre.
Next Wednesday, the house is scheduled to be sail past us on a barge. It'll have to sit on the beach until the road can be made ready.
Back home, Marit used the last afternoons of sunshine to get the front gate primed and painted; all ready for the winter storms. And I added to the mountain of future firewood piled just outside. Later in the season, when gardening and landscaping isn't appropriate, this pile will be cut into stove lengths for next years warmth. (Or maybe for the year after next).
Last Monday we found there is nothing that can be done to improve Marit's knee. Dr. Ellis advised her that the "bone-on-bone" situation can't be improved, and it hasn't deteriorated sufficiently to consider replacement surgery at this time.
She's still coping well, and went for a hike with the ladies last Wednesday on the trails at Mount Washington. Apparently the colours were beautiful, and the scenery the best they've experienced there.
Its too bad the ladies walking group won't allow husbands to join. I've missed some really interesting trips.
Week ending Oct. 12, 2003
Its over! Done! Gone! Summer is just a distant memory. Was there really a long warm dry period?
Earlier this week we had at least 4 to 5 cm. of rain, and last night we had as much again. The winds have been very strong. Power has failed around us, on Hornby, in Courtenay, and Cumberland, but on Denman the lights stayed on. And in the mornings I've started to light a fire in the stove to briefly warm up the house.
On Wednesday I took the small ferry to Hornby during one of the storms. It was exciting. The deckhands were thrown about as they directed the cars loading. The waves continuously surged over my Toyota. Its a good thing it was raining hard enough to wash off the salt water after. Unfortunately when I got to Hornby everything was closed because of their power failure. So I had to turn around and repeat the gauntlet.
Marit's flower garden is trying to hold on. The mild temperatures are keeping it alive, but its being battered. In the picture its not quite so obvious, but the stance of the foliage make very clear from which direction the wind has been blowing.
The vegetables are still producing. Some of the cabbages and cauliflower that barely survived the hat summer have suddenly matured in grand style during these fall days. The potatoes have all been dug and stored in barrels which are buried in mounds of earth.
And I've had to buy a second freezer to accommodate the rest of the harvest.
Here's how the preparation is coming for that house move up the island. On Wednesday a barge was towed to the shore and the house was hauled off and moved to a field. Next week I understand the telephone and the power lines will be lifted along the route, and the house will be moved to this site.
Maybe then the owners will allow themselves a full nights sleep.
And a happy Thanksgiving Day to everyone. For those of you outside of Canada, we celebrate the second Monday in October; a month earlier than in the USA. I guess its because our harvest is completed earlier here in the north. After the superb turkey with all the trimmings that Marit prepared this evening, my belt is a notch too tight.
Week ending Oct. 19, 2003
Be careful what you pray for; you may get it!
All summer we asked for rain, and we finally got it. Day after day. Between storms the rain was less intense, but it kept on coming. Unlike other area of southern B.C., there does not appear to be much damage anywhere on Denman. These potted plants show the worst damage on our property. There was no wash outs, no erosion, no leakage. (So far.)
Today we've had a respite; no rain during the daylight hours. The sun rose to show ... fog. But when the blue sky finally appeared, it was warm shirt-sleeve weather once again. Its been very mild.
Last Monday the winds had abated and the ocean was relatively calm. Mike and I took the opportunity to do the monthly waterfowl inventory along the east coast of the island. (Its almost impossible to spot the swimming birds when there are high waves.) The most prevalent species at each site was Harlequin Ducks. And loons seemed to be everywhere too; (both Common Loon and Pacific Loon). By next month most of the winter population should have arrived.
During the rain filled days we've been sorting through the containers we brought here three years ago and put into storage. Its been quite nostalgic reviewing material that years ago we felt had to be kept and treasured. Of course there were also a lot of stuff that made us wonder "why on earth did we keep that"? There will be an extra bag at the roadside on Garbage Collection day.
This is the house that's being moved to a friends property on the island. Wednesday is big day. Utility lines will be moved out of the way, and the building will be slowly trailered up the road to the site that is being prepared for it. The outline at the back end shows where it will abut to the existing house.
I hope I can get there to watch the show.
Wow, Marit just came in with some home baked apple pie topped with ice cream. Time to quit.
Week ending Oct. 26, 2003
My favorite day of the year!
Daylight saving time ends. It always feels like we get an extra hour of sleep. Its a pleasant sensation, even in years of retirement when I don't have a clock to punch.
Here's how the day began last Tuesday. Full of promise, but its hard to get enthusiastic about outdoor work now. The ground didn't drain sufficiently for digging until the end of the week.
Fortunately I've had some good indoor chores. The Denman Conservancy Association has asked me to maintain its website and I've been spending time putting latest newsletter online. Its a good organization and I'm quite happy to get more involved with it.
The big house move that I've been mentioning occurred on Wednesday. Heavy rain was a feature of most of the preparation activities, and the move was no exception. The rains returned for the event.
Here's the result. The new "annex" has been moved through the mud, into place against the original "character" house. Next, a short "pony wall" will be built on the foundation that was previously formed, and the new structure will be lowered into place. There's still a lot of work to marry the two buildings, but the major panic has been completed.
Sometime later this winter there's a great house warming party being planned.
This is one of the treats of west coast living. Fog! All day. This picture was taken mid afternoon today.
But it hasn't always been fog; Thursday it was smoke. A large tower of black smoke rose directly across the water in Buckley Bay. A large workshop burned down. And the forestry companies have taken advantage of the wet conditions to burn off their logging debris on the mountain sides. All this we can watch from the front room windows.
In the yard, after working up enthusiasm for outdoor chores, all the unripe tomatoes and the few remaining peppers were harvested. Marit has found places to store the various kinds of squash somewhere in the house. And that area of the garden has now been dug and seeded with winter rye. I hope its not too late and cold for rye to germinate.
Poor Marit, she is temporarily without a weaving project. There have been a number of new members joining the Denman Weaving Association and she's had to relinquish the loom for others to learn with. She may be buying her own unit some time. Visitors using our guest room next year may find an interesting piece of furniture at one end of their quarters.
Next week we'll be heading into Vancouver. My old boss at the office is retiring and I can't miss his farewell luncheon. I'll have to bring the message "There is life after retirement; if you can find the time!"
For the diary of previous months, select the month below.
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