Cafe Maplethorpe Blog

I have been trying to blog more frequently, but life keeps getting in the way of describing life.

We started last week with Prom–always a big deal. There was some extra drama because the dress that was purchased many, many months ago no longer quite fit. Because it had been altered by the previous owner, there were no seam allowances available to expand the narrow spots. Our options included some kind of spa wrap guaranteed to temporarily squeeze all the liquid out of the offending body tissue or perhaps wearing a big sweater all night to hide the unzipped back zipper. Hmmm…

Mayor of Bedeque Karen McLenithan to the rescue! Her expert and swift tailoring skills saved the day and Caitlin looked beautiful. No sweater or torso shrinking necessary.

Dressed for Prom!

Last week of school for the graduating class included a Grad Breakfast at Maplethorpe for the 44 students and a dozen staff.

The weather cooperated and we were able to set up outside and host a lovely final morning for the kids and their teachers. Thanks to the many volunteer moms, the kids feasted (quickly) on pancakes, bacon, scrambled eggs and some awesome fresh fruit salad. Then they all sped away to graduation practice leaving us parents to tidy up the mess.

Been doing that for 18 years…why stop now?

Kinkora High Grad Breakfast 2010

Graduation was excellent!

Gym not too hot, speeches not too long, no one streaked the stage naked and all the grads were shined up and smiling. Parents were visibly relieved. Can’t really ask for more than that. Our little graduate is looking forward to a lazy summer before heading off to Halifax in September.

Got the diploma...NOW RUN!

Our herd of relatives visiting for the graduation are on the move back to the States. It was great to have so many of the people we care about visit and enjoy Prince Edward Island. We took in 2 shows in the Small Halls festival, fed everyone lobsters, fresh scallops and mussels and took everyone to the beach. Everyone went home (I hope) feeling like they really experienced Island life.

I have to go get ready to serve lunch! More to come…

What a great weekend!

We worked hard all day Saturday and were loking forward to a fantastic PEI Sunday in the summer. We were not disappointed.

Glorious weather for the CyclingPEI Sunday event, trail ride from the Emerald Train Depot to Borden-Carleton and back. The great thing about these rides is…everything! Well organized, a small entry fee to pay for the food and drink waiting at trail’s end, and the amazing diversity of people. There were parents with tiny kids all the way up to an 87 year old enjoying our magnificent scenery. (I fall pleasantly in the middle of the age array, thank you for asking.)

Melissa and Dianna on the Confederation Trail

I would really like a set of CyclingPEI bike wear…you know, those shorts with the padded bum and the really bright, tight-fitting shirts. First I need to lose about 20 pounds, though. Let’s not talk about that.

Off to Small Halls

PEI Festival of Small Halls June 11-20, 2010

After the bike ride it was time for a good shower, rustle up some grub for the family and off to a Small Halls Concert. We had tickets to the sold-out Songwriters Circle at Harmony House in Hunter River. I have driven past Harmony House for the past few years but this was my first opportunity to go inside. Great venue! Very beautifully transformed from a small church to an intimate concert hall. A lovely night of songs by an ALL-PEI line-up of songwriters, including Rose Cousins, Catherine MacLellan, John Connolly and Nick Gauthier.

Great music and lucky for us the Irving Station at the bottom of the hill stays open late for a quick fill before heading home.

All in all, a lovely PEI weekend, full of family, friends, outdoor recreation, great food and music!