Well, Greer got home from Ontario (visiting our son and her brother) and the next day Ken arrived and then Emma was home for the weekend as was Gray. Everybody but Jess. Anyway, yesterday we all went to Graynole (Mum's and Dad's Summer house in Keirsteadville, NB) to celebrate Dad's 85th Birthday. A fun day with family from all around (we are not a big clan) and excellent food - most of it from Mama George's (kinda a home cooked meal/country type restaurant not too far from Keirsteadville). We all had a terrific time - especially the Birthday Boy!

Happy Birthday Dad,
P.

With Greer away and Emma working at Summer Camp I picked up my folks and aunt and we went to Fredericton to visit my other aunt and uncle. It is Canada Day and so the table and cakes all had Canadian Flags stuck in them. We had a good day - especially the older members of the family who don't see each other all that often. It was tiring though. Mike, Sue, and Hannah were also there.

Happy 142nd Birthday Canada,

Peter

Today, despite the rain, members of the River Valley Ground Search and Rescue did a fund raiser in Quispamsis. Car Wash (yep! a car wash) and a BBQ(yep! that too!). It went very well despite the weather. Some of the members of the Rothesay Regional Police Force dropped by and lent their support. You can see that one of the Coroners was also present. A little weird for some folks that cars were being washed by members of the regional SAR group and a coroner but, hey, there ya go. Actually, that particular Coroner and I are both members of the RVGSAR. I also got to get my new wheels cleaned.

Stay dry everybody!
Peter

I had to go into the city of Saint John the other day. I stopped to pick up a coffee and there was a sign that summer was finally arriving in our area - the first cruise ship of the season had docked earlier in the day. I've never been on a cruise - maybe some day.

Happy Sailing,
PiratePete

Diocesan Synod has ended. The best one I have ever attended. Very sane! The picture is of the front table (that's our Bishop in purple) and the hangings show some of the talent in the diocese. The one on the right is called The Light of the World and was designed by one of our parishioners. Our parish (Hammond River in Quispamsis) shared a table with the Parish of St. Mary's in Fredericton. Their Rector is my old and dear friend (and sixth cousin!) Ian Wetmore - that's us in the other photo. Greer and I billetted him, too. We did lunch together the third day of synod and guess where we went? Yup, the Saint John Ale House!!

Blessing all,

Peter+

Not a great shot but I seem to insist on taking photos in the dimly lit Saint John Ale House with my cell phone camera. Anyway, this is an old friend, Todd Braisted, from New Jersey and the most passionate Mets fan I have ever know. Todd and I have known each other for more than 25 years and although we have stayed "in touch" we have not actually seen each other for 17 years! We spent a great afternoon eating and drinking (well, what do you expect at the Ale House?) and just having a great old conflab.

It was really great to see you ole buddy,
Huzzah!
Sgt. Gillies

Back to the Ale House. (What would we do without it, eh?) We celebrated Greer's Birthday on Saturday. Ken joined us as he was just back to his place in Maine having spent several weeks in North Carolina. Greer hoisted a wine, Gray a 7Up (nothin' does it!), while the rest of us chose a Macausland's. A lovely day it was.

Peter