The {New} Island Way of Life

“You never know what peace is until you walk on the shores or in the fields
or along the winding red roads of Prince Edward Island
in a summer twilight when the dew is falling and the old stars are peeping out
and the sea keeps its might tryst with the little land it loves.
You realize that youth is not a vanished thing but something that dwells forever in the heart.”

– L.M. Montgomery

 

 

As I sit here writing this entry, there is a great big sea sparkling out my kitchen window, framed by my grandmother’s lace curtains, which she gifted me when we left Ontario. There is much to write about, so much that is is a bit overwhelming to write it all done. I can write and say that we all truly are enjoying our new home, new province, new farm and new surroundings. There have been so many blessings and little gifts from God that it just amazes me. Our father truly does take care of His children.

 

Every morning, the sounds of the fishmerman heading out to the cove to begin their workday draw me from my slumber. Faithfully, the men load their boats into the waters every morning at 4:30 a.m.  Our area is very popular for clams and oysters and we are told lobsters, as well. I love that the traffic on our road is a range from fishermen to farmers with large hay wagons, loaded down with the winter’s supply.

 

We have been busy setting up house, fixing up the barn (still not finished), buying a cow and calf, settling in the chickens, children and dogs … planting the garden — vegetables and flowers alike! – and attempting to find those lost items  that seemingly vanished during our large and hasty move.

 

But one of the first things to set up was the hummingbird and bird feeders and some wind chimes, family photos on the bare walls and flowers into the empty beds. Home must look and feel cozy – no matter if we have just moved or not.

We are taking every Friday off to explore and do something fun as a family. These cliffs are just down the road from us – such a beautiful sight …!

 

The wildflowers have been in full bloom since we arrived — arraying the island roadways in amazing colour and beauty. The lupines bloomed in front of our house and the girls and I were so excited to see the vibrant colours!

Although some would shudder at the hefty change of moving provinces– especially with a large family —  I would suggest … if strings are tugging on your heart, pray and follow God’s leading. You do not know what adventure is in store for you and your family! Step out in faith.

 

“If nothing ever changed, there would be no butterflies.”

 

I will be working on keeping the blog updated over summer – I apologize for the delay. Life has been so wonderfully full! I am feeling very, very blessed … right now, dinner time calls, but more to come … soon … after I shake the sand from my feet, dry off the baby from his dip in the ocean and water my flowers and red-soil vegetable gardens!

 

July 19, 2021 - 10:24 am

Liette Girard Gillian. It is so nice to hear from you and see the pictures of your precious family. I’m so happy that you are loving the island. It is beautiful. God bless you are all the family. P. S. Spécial hi to Abby. Love you all.

July 16, 2021 - 6:57 am

Teresa Gigi, I could simply picture all the lovely things you wrote in the post, what a great writer you are! I could only imagine the sounds of your lovely morning,I bet you can hardly believe your there. What a beautiful family photo in front of your new home. I look forward to all the many post this summer. Hugs to you sweet friend!

July 15, 2021 - 7:46 pm

Lynnea Hi Gigi,
I found this remedy in the laundry section of the book “Home Comforts” by Cheryl Mendelson. “Red clay can be rubbed with a paste of vinegar and table salt. Leave for 30 minutes. Launder with hottest water safe for that fabric and bleach. Repeat if needed.”
Back in those days I did use bleach but now I do not ~ I wonder if a bleach substitute might work instead of liquid bleach, or a natural detergent booster such as borax.?
I hope you find something that works for you!
~Lynnea
P.S. This book has so much helpful information about housekeeping. She also wrote another book on the subject of Laundry – perhaps there is more info in that one.?

July 14, 2021 - 6:56 pm

Gigi Lynnea, I did not know there were other places with red soil. How fascinating! YES, it is very challenging to get the stains out of clothing!

July 14, 2021 - 6:56 pm

Gigi Melanie, I did not know that – maybe one day we will meet up again in the east. New Brunswick was quite beautiful as we drove through! Gorgeous!

July 14, 2021 - 6:55 pm

Gigi Thank you, Michelle. I have loads to write – just need to find the time!

July 14, 2021 - 3:58 pm

Michelle Your writings and photos are ALWAYS very encouraging!! Thanks so much for sharing your life and thoughts!!

July 13, 2021 - 10:27 pm

Melanie Gillian! Just decided to check in and see if you were still writing your blog and I come to find you’ve moved down east!!! Congrats! I was born in New Brunswick so the east coast holds a near and dear place in my heart! Glad to see you all are settling in nicely!

July 12, 2021 - 10:14 pm

Erin Lynn Don’t be overwhelmed to write! We are thankful for any little tidbit on your beautiful family and lovely new home!!!

July 12, 2021 - 7:58 pm

Lynnea So good to read about and see the loveliness of your family settling in and exploring the sights and scenery at the new homestead!
I love that one of the first things you did was hang up the hummingbird and bird feeders. We have been steadily refilling the feeders and birdbath for our beloved bird friends. It’s a blessing watching them and tending to them!
We are having a very hot and dry summer, so seeing the pretty flowers and lush green grasses is refreshing! 🙂
When we lived in Georgia years ago we had red soil but everything grew so well there…it was somewhat difficult at times keeping the redness from being tracked into the house! 🙂
Thank you, Gigi, for sharing the blessings❤️
~ Lynnea

July 12, 2021 - 12:07 pm

Kristal Gillian, those cliffs are breathtaking! How fun to have so much to explore and discover together. I hope to hear more about what led to this exciting move! I sent you an e-mail around the time you moved (bad timing I know). Please let me know if you need me to re-send it. 🙂 Have a wonderful week! -Kristal

July 9, 2021 - 1:55 pm

Christina How lovely it all looks and sounds! Congratulations on your new farm. Home is where your heart is they say and your heart (mine too) shines for God and your family. Many blessings. I can’t wait to read more.

July 9, 2021 - 4:12 am

Gigi Yes, Laura, I am praying for you. You know how to reach me if you need it… ((Hugs))

July 8, 2021 - 10:42 pm

Regina Shea It’s good to hear from you. I enjoy reading your posts.Your children are getting so big!

July 8, 2021 - 9:21 pm

Laura Jeanne Dear Gillian, as usual your post brought tears to my eyes.

Your life, and your family, and your new surroundings are all just so beautiful. I’m so glad that you have been so richly blessed. And I truly look forward to more blog posts from you this summer filled with your gorgeous photography.

May I please be bold and ask you to say a little prayer for me tonight? I’m going through a bit of a hard time. God knows why. <3