GRAND MANAN, N.B.

WENESDAY, NOVEMBER 29/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:35 AM GMT on Νοέμβριος 29, 2006

Drizzle, temp 5C, SE @ 10-15kph. Looking for same type of weather all day. Wind to increase over next couple of days. However the fellas should get a couple of days in before the next good blow, Friday & Saturday.

Fishng down to a routine now, the initial flurry is complete. Catch holding up well, and noticed traps being hauled infront of the house before daylight. Never any traps up in here in the fall, always the tail end of the spring season.

Will have to wait and see what the catch is like in SW Nova to get an idea of what the impact will be on the marketplace, the supply just become a lot more in the buyers favour.

Decorations staying on and in place so far, have some more to finish up this week. The additional will put a strain on my electrical capacity for sure.

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NOVEMBER 28/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:51 AM GMT on Νοέμβριος 28, 2006

Overcast, steady easterly breeze from NE @35KPH, temp 4C. A liitle more wind than forecast, and giving same for most of the day. Wind in the forecast for the rest of the week, on some days marginal for fishing.

Jeff has his Xmas tree lit up on the end of his wharf across from home. Very nice to see, in the dark seems suspended as no lights other than the tree are near it. Nice to look across the harbour and see it in the morning, Donna calls it the best seasonal decoration she has seen.

The lobster catch still holding on, today will be the first day for the fleet from SW Nova to get an idea of what is in store for them. The spring fishery in some areas not good, hopefully will turn around this season.

Rob informed me that they have posted audition dates for the band, FUSION. Initial response from the girls, and one male hopeful(singer). The drummer and guitar spots are secure, drummer very good, and Rob knows one song on guitar. No overtures to his sister to join in with the keyboard.

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:38 AM GMT on Νοέμβριος 27, 2006

Partial overcast, calm, harbour millpond like,5Ctemp with that being the high forecast for today. Rather unsettled weather coming next few days, but rain instead of snow with good temps for this time of year.

Have most of the outside decorations hanging off trees, lawn and house. Plugged them in, and they remained on for the evening without blowing a breaker. Will see what happens with abit of moisture, and wind to test my efforts.

This will be the final day off for the children as the run towards Xmas break gets underway. A Xmas shopping trip thrown in will shorten the wait for the holidays.

Looking to be a good weather week, for the most part, to allow the fellows to get more hauling days completed. The catch continues to hold up, and the quality has been very good, very few soft shells. SW Nova sets this week, and the majority of the lobsters going on the market will come from that area.

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:17 PM GMT on Νοέμβριος 26, 2006

Overcast, temp 7C, 10-15KPH southerly. Still unseasonable warm, howver checked my archive for a year ago, making same observations then as now.

Getting ahead on the outside decorations, now must get electrcity to them all. I quite often start with the wrong end, no matter much I preplan my moves, makes for some interesting extension configurations.

Will attempt to get the rest of the decorating completed today, and Donna starting inside. Some possibility that brothers could land here next weekend to see mom, and a little fellowship. tTo eldest head for S.C. by end of December, part of the snowbird migration, till April.

Some herring around, some coming ashore for lobster bait. Not a common occurrence for this time of year. Some caught in numbers enough for a trip to CONNORS BROS. for sardines.

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:07 PM GMT on Νοέμβριος 25, 2006

Clear, cool @3C with a breeze from NE @10-15kph. Looking for a nice day, with overcast tomorrow.

Rob got his hands on an electric guitar with a friend on drums. They spent the afternoon 'jamming', must say the sounded pretty good. Rob can play by ear, and picks away until it comes together. I now know there is a song SMOKE ON THE WATER.

Lots of wind yesterday, no boats out, some for last couple of days. Catch has been holding up, with a price of $5/lb paid to the boat, a combination of supply and demand, and high CAD.

Plan is to harvest salmon Dark Harbour on 3 DEC with a regular schedule until all cleaned out, sometime early spring.

Christmas Market today, Donna waffling whether she will be able to go, not feeling well this AM.

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:49 AM GMT on Νοέμβριος 24, 2006

Overcast, rain showers, Ne @ 20-25kph, temp 5C. Looking for gale force during the day, and subsiding this evening, with a drop in temp.

Have most of my Xmas decorations for outside overhauled, and will attempt to get them in place this weekend. Yards around the community starting to light up, more each day. The temp will be cool enough that my hands will be cold, instead of getting it ready when the temp is warmer.

Set to fill in this morning, but weather dictated we stay home. No lobster fishing today, a mixed blessing. Enjoy going, but the frame rebels for a couple of days after. I suppose if I put a few days back to back would eventually harden up.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:49 AM GMT on Νοέμβριος 23, 2006

Overcast, NE @ 10-15kph, temp 3C. Forcasting a sunny day in this area. Good weather for the weekend.

Donna returned and some of the stores must regretted not seeing them today. Between the two of them they had to return just to unload as the cargo space in the van was nonexistant. They had a grand time over the four days, great fellowship, a good thing.

Lobster catch is up over last year, but have had more 'hauling days' this first week, as the weather has co-operated. Looking for a breeze today and tomorrow so some will have an overset, and the fellows can take a well needed breather.

Report cards come in showing both children great social animals, and good students. However need to apply themselves more to realize full potential. The goals have been set, i.e. bribes in place to reach potential.

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:26 AM GMT on Νοέμβριος 22, 2006

Overcast, calm, -2Ctemp, I believe this is the first minus temp have recorded at daylight this year. To remian cool overnight, but temps to be on plus side for the next few days.

Report card day today, will be interesting to see how that plays out. Emily has had no homework or projects this fall, but maintains that she gets it done at school,ummm. Rob has homework, but very dilitary dealing with it, test results from the pair of them have been good to very good. Will wait and see.

Donna leaving Moncton this morning to make her way home. They have to stop in St. John for the day to insure they have left nothing off the list. After three days of intense mall crawling one has to think they have covered all bases, but what does the male mind know about shopping?

Lobster catch still very good, price influenced by supply and demand. The processors have what they need at present, and U.S. Thanksgiving reduces the demand. The turkey takes the brunt of culinary choices this week.

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TUESDAY, NOV EMBER 21/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:31 AM GMT on Νοέμβριος 21, 2006

Overcast, 2C temp, westerly 10-15KPH. Clearing and cool for the remainder of the day. Cool temps for tomorrow, but warming on Thursday to double digits.

Donna reported in last evening, and having a grand time. The shopping is going well, and even mentioned the amount spent already. I suppose this is to prepare me for the final tally, and reduce the level of my reaction. Still a month to go and another couple of trips on the books already. The children will be well looked after on Xmas Day. I must say thier requests have been modest, but electronic, thus can be pricey.

Fishing news still on the positive side, with good weather and catch being the topic of conversation. The next thing is the price to be set as tomorrow the first lobster cheques will be issued. The value rise of the CAD in relation to the USD has a big impact on the price. Two or three years ago the exchange was in high 30's now around 14.

Have some of the yard decorations in place, will finish this weekend. A number of yards lit up already. I get the stuff all in place, then the challenge is to get electricity to it all.

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:22 AM GMT on Νοέμβριος 20, 2006

Partial overcast, calm with a slight draft from SSW, wind expected to go westerly and be clear. Temp 2C with a high around 6C. The overnight temps going down some, but still rebounding nicely during the day.

Commuity somewhat in disbelief in the results of the TRIAL, awaiting the sentencing to learn if the desparation at the root of this will be considered at that time. Unlike the American system the jurors are not allowed to talk about thier deliberations. The general public will never know how they arrived at the decision to convict.

Donna having a grand time, yesterday was intended to be a day of 'looking'. She reported in that a lot of her shopping, for the kids, had been completed, all at exceptional savings of course. That was before they left St. John for Moncton.

Practically all the fleet at work yesterday, a good weather day. The weather looks favourable all this week. The traps will be shifted around, and overhauling gear as much as possible the name of the game.

Plan to harvest salmon from Dark Harbour first week in December. Price good for whole fish, and fillet price fairly strong also. The will allow taking advantage of the Christmas bump in commodities such as Atlantic Salmon.

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:03 PM GMT on Νοέμβριος 19, 2006

Calm, overcast, temp 2C. Temps for seasonable and will be for the longrange as far as we can see. No amount of wind in the forcast, a good thing.

The jury returned a guilty verdict on four of the FIVE. However not all charges resulted in a guilty verdict. Two were taken into cutody, and all hands to be sentenced on Dec. 4th. A rather hollow victory for the 'system', if the system had not been so dysfuntional these five young men, and the community would have been spared this travesty. It is my opinion that all charged with responsibilty of administering the 'system' failed to do so, at all levels.

Donna and friend have a great day to travel. Of course the only concern is the 90 minute sail to the 'mainland'. Once there it can blow or do whatever, they feel that a return trip is always possible - sometime.

Body - two days after the fact - still asking what I put it through, not bad just muscles I forgot were there and should be used a little more.

Lobster catch up over previous years, now to see how long the level of catch will be sustained. The decline in landings decreases daily the level of decline is what one is looking for.

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:08 PM GMT on Νοέμβριος 18, 2006

Slight cloud cover, sun peeking through across a millpond harbour, nice picture. Temp 6C, no wind, a welcome change. Looking for more 'seasonable' temps over next few days, cleaar and minimal amounts of wind.

Rob looking forward to a good day, four cronies to help celebrate 11th birthday over noon then an afternoon of skateboarding. He is hoping for cash then he can convert that into much needed skateboard accessories. He is now hoping for snow, it will be too cold to skateboard outside, to change to snowboarding.

Donna and her longtime friend off to all WalMart stores between here and Moncton tomorrow. The plan is to return by Wednesday, the trip takes on military like planning, complete with 'recononasance'(phonetic) patrols prior to any purchases. They have a grand time and look forward to the foray weeks ahead of time.

Fisherman will have a grand day on the water today, one observation new to our part of the world. Young women aboard at least two boats, and doing just fine. Some imports from 'away' left after one day on the water, not the weather -work is too hard.

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:48 AM GMT on Νοέμβριος 17, 2006

Overcast, drizzle, temp 12C, southerly breeze @20-25KPH. The forecasted southerly gales have not materialized, will allow the fellows to get another day of fishing in if it remains as is.

Put in a full day of deck hand, and not just banding yesterday. Soon realized that 363 days of the year at a desk, and then ask the body to do hard work makes the old frame protest. Sore all over upper body, am glad was so weary otherwise would have trouble getting and remaining to sleep.

Our catch was good, not the best, not the worst he has had for opening day. Lobsters not everywhere looked terrible in some locations and real good in others, this was the case with inshore gear also.

Meeting with Minister of Transportation last night, fourth trip, year round for the ferry to start this Saturday. This improvement in our service many years lobbying the various governments of the day to achieve, and combined with the announcement of new and biggar ferry for 09' all positive for the well being of the community.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 09:34 AM GMT on Νοέμβριος 16, 2006

Fog, calm, 10C temp. Looking for a good day on the water, but southerly gales by midnight tonight.

There was some doubt yesterday that the weather would co-operate for setting traps. Day improved from the onset, and one of the better days to get gear overboard was the result. The temps good, and wind light. We made three trips to get gear overboard, no load too heavy. One boat towed in with engine failure before setting a trap, but with help from others that had set believe most of his gear did make it to the water.

Ivan's final request to be released by the ledges on opening day was completed. We stopped by Western Ledge for a few moments, with the swell running up on the ledge, near where he always had a string of traps and with a few comments let him go. His wish that it was rough, cold, and windy did not come to pass. He wanted to get in my face, and make it miserable for me one last time, he told me this with a smile of course.

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 09:44 AM GMT on Νοέμβριος 15, 2006

Fog, 10C, 15-20KPH from SW. Looking for this type of weather for tomorrow also, then another windy one on Friday, all from the south.

A much better day to set traps, but anticipate quite a swell to deal with for the three trips it will take to get the traps in the water. Traffic heading to the wharf starting to pick up now with an hour and fifteen to go before we can leave the wharf.

Weather has been something else, night before last thunder and lightning, lots of wind, heavy rain, and very little cool weather to date. Get the wood fire going, and have to open the house to let him the air - too hot.

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NOVEMBER 14/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:39 AM GMT on Νοέμβριος 14, 2006

Rain, easterly @30-35KPH, appears to be coming on as the sun gets up. Overnight had a gust of 50KPH on my guage, but that will soon be surpassed by the looks of thimgs. I have been told that had the higher readings you can add 10KPH to the speed when offshore away from the influence of the land.

Opening Day stood down until 0700 tomorrow, gale warning, at this time to be over late afternoon, with signifigant wind into tomorrow, but diminishing all the while. Ivans' ashes will remian ashore for one more day, he will be released on the final trip of the day at Western Ledge, as he insisted. No indication of price or demand as yet, always an unknown till the catch starts coming ashore.

Trial continues today, and expect to be in the hands of the jury by weeks end. Lots of support for the FIVE within the community. Nothing has been revealed in the trial to diminish or question the support.

Donna and buddy starting to watch weather as the annual boost to the financial well being of box stores to commence on Sunday.

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:57 AM GMT on Νοέμβριος 13, 2006

Overcast, NE20-25KPH, temp @ 10C. Forecasting gale force winds late on in the day, and to carry on all day tomorrow. Easterly swinging around to SE, not good at all.

No definitive word on the whales, and what effect they will have on opening day. It is probably a moot point for at least 24 hours due to the weather. One scenario is the box, with no gear within that box, thus allowing the gear to get in the water, and for the most part local fisherman would be able to fish thier traditional area with no conflict.

The whales are between here and the mainland with the ferry having to change course on occasion to avoid them. Quiote unusual to say the least.

Trial continues, from media reports the FIVE are being well represented. A difficult decision for the 12 people on the jury.

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:03 PM GMT on Νοέμβριος 12, 2006

Overcast, calm, temp 11C. Forecasting rain as the day moves along, and for the next few days.

Still forcasting signifigant levels of wind for Tuesday, Easterly and Southeasterly. Wave heights in the 9'-10' range. This level is a consideration with a boat load of traps has to be taken into consideration. Temps are still unseasonably warm with highs in the duble digits for the next few days.

The authorities are worried about the number of 'right whales' still in the area, and the conflict lobster gear will cause after Tuesday. The whales historically are well south of here by this time year migrating to winter grounds off Florida. Meeting held last night with officials and local fisherman to discuss the issue. Possibility of delaying 'opeming day' is one of the points for discussion. Any delay will not be welcomed as the start of the season is as far out date wise as it can be according to regulations.

Kids both home this weekend, Rob invited out overnight. However with the amount of skateboarding this past couple of nights felt it prudent he be in his own bunk to recharge.

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:15 PM GMT on Νοέμβριος 11, 2006

Clear, calm, Oc temp. A great sunrise this morning with sevral ducks going by the shore, making quite a snapshot. Forecast for the weather to change to rain by tomorrow.

Sevral boats loaded, and more will be today, ready to go. Weather, wind wise, looking a little better with the level of wind being a little less than forecast yesterday. Looking good for first couple of days hauling also, a rare occurrence, if it comes to pass.

Another evening of skateboarding at the rink, 27 kids and sevral interested folks in attendance. The school gym full as basketball tournament underway. An illustration that if facilities are available they will be utilized.

Trial stood down for the weekend, resumes on Tuesday. A few defence witnesses took the stand yesterday, they would have missed the opening day of lobster season , had they not been accomodated. Judge stated the decision would be in the hands of the jury by next weekend.

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:42 AM GMT on Νοέμβριος 10, 2006

Clear, temp 10C, draft from West. Forecasting some wind over the next couple of days.

Long range is now getting towards typical 'setting day' weather. Temps are good, but wind from the SE in the 20-25KT range, not very good with a boatload of traps. All eyes will be on the weather forecast until the 14th.

Long weekend for the children as Rememberance Day is tomorrow, and not on a school day. They are looking forward to the extra time off.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:40 AM GMT on Νοέμβριος 09, 2006

Heavy rain, good temp at 12C, breezy @30-35KPH, with gust in the high 40's, from NE. Looking for lots of rain through the day until tomorrow, then clearing and becoming cooler.

Trial unfolding very methodical, but the Crown's witnesses certainly would appear to have credibility problems. The Crown is coming across as badgering some the Crown witnesses, would think counterproductive appraoch.

Report card conversation entering into daily discourse, I suppose a heads up. Both seem fairly confident all is well in that deaprtment. The results, of course, will have an impact on thier social activities post report card.

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:38 AM GMT on Νοέμβριος 08, 2006

Rain, calm, temp 10C. Heavy rainfall warning out for the next 48 hours. No amount of wind forecast, temps next week looking good.

The trial is moving into the thick of things now, the alleged victim has been testifying last couple of days. The defence is having little trouble casting doubt on his credibility, and will no doubt do more when thier witnesses are called. The press/TV coverage continues to be extensive.

The town council have voted to move forward, ASAP, on the design, funding, and construction of a community sportsplex. A need the community has had for decades, and even more so in this day and age.

Lots of activity around the wharves, and still fresh lobster bait being landed. POLLY B had some yesterday, and quickly gobbled up.

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:42 AM GMT on Νοέμβριος 07, 2006

Clear, calm, 0c temp, heavy frost overnight. Giving nice temps for the rest of the week, low teens for highs, near O for the lows. Good for the firewood pile, and will consider getting into the woods after the hunting season is past.

Traps going by to the wharf, the longrange looking good for temps, but no indication of wind that I can find.

Sign of the economic stress in the community the loss of two small businesses this past week. A family restuarant, and a lobster buying business. Both local families, and represented a number of jobs that in the present climate doubtful to be replaced. The decline puts a hell of strain on the lobster fishery to generate economic stability for the island.

Robs' guitar still going well, his new lesson includes THUNDERSTRUCK. A check on GOOGLE reveals this is a song by Ossie OSBURNE, O joy. Emily is getting enough of the repetition, and when I suggested this might be practice she advised that such was not the case he kept at it without prompting, and far too long to qualify as practice.

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:36 AM GMT on Νοέμβριος 06, 2006

Rain, cool @3C, calm. Rain would no doubt be snow on the mainland.

Started checking out Christmas lights yesterday, seeing which work and those that don't. Sevral years put them up, and a string in the middle would be out, have cut down on that frustration, but not eliminated it for sure.

Long range giving good temps, and moisture, no indication of wind level or direction for opening day.

GRAND MANAN FIVE, trial resumes today. Sevral of the volunteer firemen to testify first thing. The ones that I have spoken with reluctant, but realize they must answer the summons.

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:00 PM GMT on Νοέμβριος 05, 2006

Clear, cool at 1C, calm. The harbour quiet, with no wildlife in evidence.

Rob was successful in his first 'board' competition, coming in third in the second grouping. He was very proud of himself, along with beating out his nearest competitor by only one point made it quite an evening. A good group in attendance with parents, grandparents and interested spectators there for the whole evening. An indication of the level of participation one cana expect and a multi purpose complex.

Emily out for the night, prior to that inviatation showing up she was looking forward to supporting her'brother' and hanging out at the rink. I believe there is a 'boarder' or two other than her 'brother' she might want to see how they made out also.

Lots of traps on the wharf with available space at some locations pretty well used up. The bigger traps create a bigger footprint in a hurry. Longrange giving good temps, but no indication of temps as yet.

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:54 AM GMT on Νοέμβριος 04, 2006

Clear, calm, very nice sunrise over Ross Island as we were having our tea & coffee. Heavy frost overnight, temp 1C with a high of only 4C predicted.

Reports of eiders showing up already, they are visitors that arrive in January/February, no idea why the change in travel plans.

The trial of the FIVE getting national coverage, and lots of local interest. The community is watching the reports on testimony with great interest and scrutiny, no new revelations as yet.

Rob out overnight with a long day of skateboarding coming up. Casual this afternoon, with a competition this evening. He will have no problem crashing when that is all behlind him.

Lots of traps on the wharf, and longrange is indicating good temps, but no indication of wind level as yet.

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:44 AM GMT on Νοέμβριος 03, 2006

Picture taking sunrise, calm, cool with temp at 0c, temp dipping negative zero next couple of days.

Donna not going today, her travelling companion not well. She will have to wait for a couple of weeks to get going. Too bad as a great day on the water.

Fishing boat lost due to fire near Campobello yesterday afternoon. The fellows aboard got off onto another boat with no injuries. The source of the fire unknown, just listening to the event as it unfolded on the boat radio.

Another weekend of skateboarding in the offing, and lots of interest in that fraternity.

The first day of the trial of the GRAND MANAN FIVE underway before judge and jury. Trial expected to last approx. two weeks. The defence has not denied the house was burned, and the events did occur. They have taken the position that the FIVE acted in self defence. Jury selection was difficult with over two thousand summons issued. The final two jurors had to be literally scooped off the street as the three hundred or so that were there for selection amounted to only ten being accepted.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMEBER 2/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:52 AM GMT on Νοέμβριος 02, 2006

Calm, overcast with a hint of fog, 11C for temp, but temp to decline as the day progresses. Fog just over the trees on Ross Island.

Donna and Joan making a quick trip to Fredercton tomorrow for an overnighter. Joan's daughter having a show with her photography at one of the galleries, a show of support. They might also make it to a store.

Some lobster traps on the move to the wharves, over the next few days the wharves will become full of traps in prepration for the big day.

Have heard of no damage at the salmon sites due to the weekend weather - a good thing.

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1/06

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:56 AM GMT on Νοέμβριος 01, 2006

Overcast, calm, 11Ctemp, has been raining overnight. Temp to fall as the day moves along, but overall nice few days coming up.

Children had a great time, and returned with far too much sugar. Emily stayed longer, and as a result had more booty. We had a few goblins, but not a great bunch. The houses are few along this stretch and time better spent right in Grand Harbour.

The emphasis now on Christmas with some discussion this morning on choices. Donna and friend will be doing the annual trek to Moncton in a couple of weeks to get things started. The plan, weathe permitting, is to leave Sunday after 'setting day'. The return date is left open.

Donna's dad and his friend still deer hunting almost every day. Have'seen' quite a few, but not the right one as yet.

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