Summer Finale

Last Saturday we held our Summer Finale Open House. In addition to the traditional wagon ride, Mass, and potluck, we also held a tree-dedication ceremony in honour of the late John Shannon, a great friend and benefactor to Waupoos. Many of John’s family members, friends, and former colleagues joined us to celebrate his memory. Since John was so involved in the ministry of Waupoos, the event also attracted many former farm resident families who had been touched in some way by his service. It was moving to see so many people gathered for the ceremony and to have such great attendance at our Mass and potluck. After dinner, we were treated to a concert given by two local musical groups, Grace Note and the Hallelujah Gospel Choir. We also managed to raise some money for the farm through the sale of commemorative leaves, to be pinned on a tree that Sabrina had painted and displayed in the lodge. All in all a great event!

  

The next day we had a bunch of friends over to celebrate the September birthday boys, Liam, James, and our nephew, David. It rained all afternoon, but we managed to have a good time anyway. Sabrina painted kids’ faces for a solid three hours and we had a great potluck lunch, followed by a Super Disco Dance Party (Brendan’s words!)!!!

After such a full and busy weekend, it’s been nice to have some quiet days at the farm. Liam and I have started our home kindergarten and are both enjoying it. James wants to participate too, of course, so he gets to colour while we do our workbook, and listen to the stories we read.

We’re trying to savour these warm days, spending as much time outside as we can. On Wednesday we took a walk along the Mer Bleue boardwalk with some friends. The fall colours were out in all their splendour and we were there early enough that the mist was still lifting off the bog. The boys loved seeing the little spider webs stretched between bits of moss and low trees. It was both peaceful and vivifying to be surrounded by so much beauty. The boys ensured that I didn’t lose myself in contemplation though: Liam insisted on pushing Callum’s stroller, which he did haphazardly, and I never felt I could quite trust James not to jump into the marsh.

Today Brendan is busy tearing siding off our house so that new stuff can be put on next week. I’ve been gifted with some free time to write while the boys have been either playing outside or napping. Simple joys.