Whoa!  Put the brakes on, Father Time!   This Spring is flying by so quickly, too quickly, and we have too many projects to accomplish before the boating season swings into action!!!!  A "new" (read "old, but new to us") crewhouse is being added as part of our floating circus, and we are in the middle of its rejuvenation.  A rather cute little home is emerging from beneath the layers of accumulated grime.

I saw one of the first mud swallows yesterday, winging between Indian Island and the cookhouse, searching out the ideal location to begin home construction.  They are so beautiful with their midnight blue vests and magenta breasts.  We will be especially grateful for their presence on the docks this year as the mosquito population appears to be of Boomer proportions!

One other item of note... we are the process of upgrading the website and there will be some nice changes coming soon.  This do-it-yourself system has worked all right up til now, but I can't quite seem to get it looking like the image in my mind.  So, I am turning to better trained folks for assistance!  (One must be willing to admit their limitations and to delegate where necessary, eh?)

We want to thank the boater friends that have already been in touch with us, letting us know they are coming our way, and also giving us the inside scoop on the Seattle and Vancouver Boat Shows.  With the state of the economy, we were concerned how this would affect many of our guests, but we are encouraged by the trickles of information we've received. 

What can you expect from Jennis Bay this summer?  What will be new and fresh and exciting?   There will be many changes to the foreshore layout for starters (not necessarily bigger, but better), plus great new selections of souvenir clothing in the giftshop, and the addition of no-charge "Bring n'Braai (BBQ) potlucks every Friday and Tea and Scones Sundays!   But have no fear!  You may count on the same warm, inviting hospitality, good food and fellowship, peace and tranquility (except during the scurry leading up to our Cajun feast - ha!) and the beautiful scenery you have come to expect!

Our docks and trails are waiting for you (so is Bravo)!

Allyson

Busy, busy, busy...  catching up on homeschooling, tearing down old things and building up new.  Repair and maintenance, spring cleaning and brush cutting.  Whew!   Lots to do and lots to look forward to in the new 2009 season.   Especially seeing our boating friends once again!

Finally, old man winter has released his icy grasp and we are seeing the signs of Spring all around us.  The hummingbirds have just made their appearance and are enjoying the early flowers.  The daffodils and hyacinth are showing their colors and my raspberry shoots are poking up hopefully from the warming soil.  Ah, I enjoy this time of year.

Spring brings with it the promise of continuing life, refreshing and renewing.  Even though many aspects of life this year are difficult (economically for several folks), we can still hold on to our hope that time continues to march forward, bringing hope and strengthening our faith if we let it.

Not a lengthy entry, but definitely more timely that usual, eh?

With a smile in my heart,
Allyson

No!  I'm not ready!  I refuse to acknowledge that one year has passed (almost) since my last blog!  Argh!  Shame, shame!   Okay.... I'm in denial.  But I did warn you all, and "infrequent" means just that.

It is Seattle Boat Show time this weekend.  We could not be there this year, due to crew scheduling and a host of other very good reasons.  But we are there in spirit and hoping that some kind souls will spread the word in our absence and perhaps influence a friendly boater to wander onto our website... hint, hint, nudge, nudge, wink, wink.   It would have been wonderful to go and see everyone and get involved in the excitement.  But, alas, we took a month off in December and are still rectifying the "issues" (putting it gently) that cropped up in Jennis Bay during our absence.  Wilderness winters are not kind to plumbing, electrical systems and newly erected storage sheds...  Since our return we have dealt with more snow, more ice, less water and less contact with the outside world, than previously experienced, and it is a real challenge.  We often ask each other to "please remind why we chose this lifestyle, again?" 

Thank you to everyone that sent lovely Christmas greetings!  It cheered our hearts to return to five weeks of backlogged mail and find that many notes were tucked in among the bills and mundane paperwork.  Some folks were kind enough to write and send pictures from their warm southern locales (making us jealous - ha!) and we received a terrific Cajun CD, as well as books and goodies to brighten our isolated existence.  You cannot begin to realize how much those notes and well-wishes mean out here in the boonies.  It really does encourage us to continue our efforts!

Again, I am closing this blog far too soon, with the usual lame excuses (have to get going, back to my real life again).  But I trust you will understand (all you people waiting for the next installment with bated breath) and forgive me.

I hope you have enjoyed the updates to the site, as well as the new gallery page.  Many photos were submitted by our visitors (maybe one from you?) and you can see the talent that comes to our docks :-)

Cheers for 2009!  Until you read again...

Allyson

Oh, I have been negligent with my blog, haven't I?  But then again, I did warn you, gentle reader, with the title of my blog page, eh?  

It is the last day of January, 2008.  We are snow-bound in our little cabin, just the four of us.  I for one am suffering a bit of cabin fever, feeling the lack of space and communication, and almost paralyzed with the "to-do" list running through my head.  What to do, in what order?  After our two months in Idaho, I am behind in homeschooling Orion and Charlie.  However, in spite of me those two continue to thrive and grow, reading whatever they can get their hands on, and developing their inquisitive minds.  Tom is busy with his solitary outdoor projects, and keeping busy. 

Now for my confession... My mind is cluttered with thoughts of the 2008 Presidential election in the States!  I have been pretty apathetic when it comes to politics, but this race has caught and held my attention.  So much is riding on this one.  There seems to be only one clear choice, someone who will uphold the Constitution, repair our tarnished "empire-building" image overseas, begin righting our economic wrongs and attempt to restore adherence to the Founding Fathers' original intent.  You may consider me crazy, but I support Ron Paul.  Check out his website, read the issues, and use your own judgement (not that of the talking heads on those "oh-so-honest" television networks, sarcasm intended).  www.ronpaul2008.com  

When enduring bouts of insomnia, I read everything I can get my hands on regarding US history and economics.  Usually this is enough to put anyone else to sleep, but I devour this information.  Then, when my brain is full, I can then read something light and trivial (like O'Brien's Fortunes of War - just kidding) and drift off to sleep soon after.

Jennis Bay is beautiful right now, with the snow frosting the trees and the gorgeous sunrises in the morning.  I am grateful to live in such a scenic location.  I just pray we can get some significant projects accomplished before the boating season begins.  'Don't want to disappoint anyone...

Perhaps I will write again soon... perhaps?  Until then, goodnight and Godspeed!

Allyson

Ah yes, the old Nat King Cole song.  However, we were not lounging on the beach, tanning and drinking icy beverages.  No, not us.  We have been rushing around like little ants... busy, busy, busy.  The sun has been out and it has been uncharacteristically warm for British Columbia!  The panabode has been a hot box lately and we found respite only down on the floats where a faint breeze blew to cool our weary brows.  Then, blessed event!  It clouded up last night and the rains fell to refresh us all.

I took the opportunity today to work on the computer.  What joy was mine!  No, really.  I was glad to have an excuse to tackle long-overdue desk work.  Worked on our marina flyer and several other items.

We have already had several boaters at our docks and if they were any indication of what is yet to come, we will have a wonderful season in 2007!

Just a short blurb, for we must switch to inverter power and get to hanging shelves in the giftshop.  Much to do, and so little time in which to do it!  Ah me... with such weather I would love to cuddle with the children on the couch and read the afternoon away...  Oh, and clutch a good cup of Earl Grey tea, too!

Grateful for every moment,
Allyson the infrequent blogger

May 2nd... an hour of sun, days of rain.  Ah, me.  It is now hailing as I write this, sounding like Orion is dropping case after case of BB's onto our metal roof!  (not very soundproof, our cabin)

Our first boaters of 2007 arrived Sunday afternoon and brought some much needed sunshine with them.  The Bizarre and Reflections from Kelowna, B.C. were the early birds this year.  And I tell you, if they are any indication of what we should expect this summer, we will be in for a great time.  The children were instantly charmed with both sets of visitors, and demanded I take them to visit so they could present some of their artwork.  Not wanting to go empty-handed myself, I quickly whipped up a batch of M&M, chocolate chip and walnut cookies.  (They were still warm when we delivered our goodies!)  We so enjoyed our time with our first guests and were greatly encouraged by them.  

Tom has had some bad news lately about his beloved Cajun Papa (grandfather) in New Orleans.   Papa is in critical condition in the hospital in Jefferson County and not expected to live much longer.  So... my husband will be traveling down south for a week under very sad circumstances.  We do not know if Papa will make it until Tom can see him.  Our thoughts and prayers are with our loved ones in New Orleans right now.   

This is one of the most difficult parts of living in such an remote area.  One is quite far from those most dear.  We had debated the point in detail prior to moving to Jennis Bay.  Both Tom and I have relatives that are advanced in age and we often wish we lived closer.  However, is it best to try and make your dreams a reality and endure the separation?  or to live closer to family and only dream of what could have been?  We chose to "go for it" and take the difficulties with the joys.

Well.. it is past the children's bedtime.  Tom is snoring and my eyes are blurring...  I haven't been a regular "blogger", just not enough hours in the day to accomplish everything on my to-do list AND sit down to write at night.  I don't even know if anyone is reading this... but if you are, I hope you understand.   Goodnight.

From Jennis Bay,
Allyson (Major) Allo

It is hard to believe we are already in the middle of April!  As I get older, time just seems to speed by at a faster and faster pace.  I try to enjoy each season, each stage of life, but nothing lingers long enough before it fades into memory.

So far this year we have had many challenges for this city family.  Computer crashes set us back, as did an extended working trip away from Jennis Bay, frozen water pipes, fierce winter storms and unexpected delays of various shapes and sizes... whew!   Then before we knew it, Spring arrived!  And with it came air that is intoxicatingly full of life, the sound of hummingbird wings, the bright fragrance of cedar and salt, and the thrill of flowers bursting open, their faces turned to the sun.  Ah, life!  Just when we need encouragement, God gives it in abundance!

I am both excited and nervous for this new boating season.  Excited to see old friends and meet new ones, hearing their experiences and sharing adventures.  Excited to learn and grow.  Then on the other hand...  Nervous because progress on our place is so slow... the lease is taking longer than expected, we have no buildings erected yet...  I wonder "Will people see any tangible change?"  "Will my family be able to cope with everything?"  "Have we done enough?"  And then the eternal question:  "Will Bravo ever learn not to do his business on the docks!" (Ha, thought I'd throw that in for a little comic relief!)

So... those of you who will be visiting in 2007, know that we are trying our best and want you to have a wonderful experience here with our family.   Everything is not perfect yet.  We are still in the learning curve and have many steps to take yet on this wild and wacky journey!  Thank you for being a part of it and sharing the road (or waterways, rather) with us!

May this Spring bring many occasions for joy in your lives!

Peace until we meet,
Allyson

Wow!  We had such a mild winter last year... only two instances of the white cold stuff!  So far this winter we have had several weeks of blustery snow.  Once we accumulated over a foot!  The children had such a good time.  Using a little innovation, they quickly converted a smooth, round plastic garbage can lid into a "Rocket Sled" and sped down the large rock in front of the cabin.  Even Tom joined in on the act.  Me?  Well, it takes a lot of prompting for me to leave my nice warm nest and brave the frigid blasts!  But I did and had a real treat!

This winter has also brought many challenges for our family, the greatest of which is dealing with the intense isolation.  Praise God for the internet and e-mail!  Cabin fever often threatens break out... We were blessed to have been able to take a trip south to Idaho to see family just before the Christmas storms hit.  Tom and I are going to be taking turns every month to see who gets to take the coveted trip into "town" (Port McNeill) for supplies and a little rejuvenation.

Must run... homeschool classes with the children are calling...
Allyson