Dorian: Our First Hurricane

No damage to our home, but the garden took a hit, especially the pole beans.

Our first hurricane was very exciting... of the dangerous and scary kind. It was also a good learning experience from a preparedness perspective.

Dorian, a post-tropical storm by the time it arrived in Nova Scotia, had the strength of a category 2 hurricane, the first one to hit the province since 2003, and our first since moving here in 2014.

Deadly Dorian came ashore north and east of us on Saturday, Sept. 07 at 6:15 pm with sustained winds up to 165 km/hr. In our area of southwest NS the winds were not as strong, buy they were still screaming in a way I have not witnessed before. 

Our power failed at 2:30 pm Saturday, before landfall, as the winds started to rise, and we were caught off guard.

It was surprising to be losing power so early, and while the winds were still relatively minor. Because of this, I did not get the bathtub filled with water. Unsurprisingly, water turned out to be our limiting factor.

The power stayed off for two more days. That meant "that the pump don't work cause the vandals stole the handle", as Bob Dylan put it. We were fine, but it made me wonder, "what ever happened to the hand pump on wells"? 

If our well had a hand pump in the yard for emergency purposes, we would have been fine. That is something I am adding to the list for our future dream property.

By the time the power failed I had already filled 40L of drinking water, which was adequate. Our ever-helpful neighbours brought over about 50 litres of water that really made a difference comfort wise for sanitary purposes. They have a generator, making pumping water possible for them.

Everyone was looking out for everyone else, and together we got through it. 

We used a single burner backpacking stove to cook on during the outage, and even managed to make pizza in our cast iron fry pan. As the storm raged outside, and the rain slashed against our windows, we dined on hot pizza, which was a good moral booster.

By sunset the shrieking winds were calming down. Dorian left a darkened and eerily quiet landscape behind. 3 days without power and modern conveniences felt more like a week. 

It was a few more days before internet was restored. It is just now feeling like life is returning to normal, whatever that means these days.

We did not beat our record for power outages (5 days on the west coast after a 155 km wind during a winter storm), but Dorian was a good reminder of what life might be like in a lower energy future. Or after the apocalypse.

It was quiet, and the night sky was outstanding. We played guitar and sang instead of listening to music on the computer. Life was good, but decidedly more difficult, and we became keenly grateful for the things that we take for granted when the power is on.

Next time we will be better prepared, and next time might be soon. Hurricane Humberto is on its way. 

Here we go again.

This broken old maple tree is just down the road from us.

The Scrap Art Of Sam Hundley

I think that one of the most honourable art forms is that of creations made from found objects. It is also one of the most democratic. Anyone can do it, because the materials can be found anywhere, and are free. 

I like the idea of not having to buy anything for your art... or anything else. 

Scrap art is also the most hopeful art form. So much in modern society ends up tossed out before its time. Found object art recognizes that waste, brings some of it back, and gives it new life.

Imagine being such an object, laying in the dust, only to be rescued because some special quality you possess caught the attention of an artistic eye looking for interesting, unloved objects. 

Joy! 

Saved, perhaps to be useful once again, which is something all objects strive for in their very being. Every thing (and every one) has a special purpose to fulfill. 

The artist feels that certain objects shouldn't be destined for the fossil record and forgotten, but should instead be picked up out of the dust and elevated to the lofty status of "beautiful artwork". 

And if not always beautiful, at least it is interesting and thought-provoking.

Such is the case in the scrap art of Sam Hundley. His creations are whimsical and witty, as well as strangely beautiful. 

These pieces are odd and imperfect, and they remind us that we are, too. 

Less Struggle, More Peace

I have many moments of peace at home.

There is no need for me to go anywhere,

except perhaps out to the garden, 

or the backyard woods,

or the couch 

for a nap.



There is so much to do right here in my house,

like contemplate a red, juicy tomato I grew myself 

sitting on the windowsill,

or sitting quietly and 

listening to the wind and rain outside.




At these times I know deep down that

the fewer material distractions I have,

the happier I am.




Less stuff equals 

less needless struggle.

Less needless struggle means

more peace.