July is Almost a Wrap, as are August and September

                                                                 

Written in JULY, but not published:

This past two weeks have been interesting. Mu hubby had to fly to Ontario to pick up his truck and on his return was quarantined for another fourteen days. What does that mean to a non-quarantined spouse? A few things come to mind.

• staying clear of the quarantined partner
• working on projects from a distance
• running errands- i.e. driving on my own!

I have noticed on Facebook and Instagram a number of black and white images of women with the hashtag challenge accepted and women supporting women. Many of my friends and acquaintances on social media have accepted the challenge to post a portrait of themselves in black and white. 

Rather than post an Instagram picture I would rather write about empowerment from a woman's point of view. I might even find a good picture to post here.

Written in September, and will hopefully be published later today:

To me, empowerment means having personal power. According to Google, my handiest resource which cited The OxforD Dictionary:

Empowerment is a noun which means: 

1. The authority or power given to someone to do something. "individuals are given empowerment to create their own dwellings" 
2. The process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one's life and claiming one's rights. "political steps for the empowerment of women" 

I believe that the first definition implies that power is given to groups or individuals by an external source, while the second definition looks more at groups or individuals taking on empowerment and thereby growing stronger and more confident. 

During the COVID-19 crisis many people believe that they have lost their power because government is dictating things like public physical distancing, mask wearing and isolating for two weeks at a time. This is a valid argument but hardly suitable if we consider the good of the group. Being rebellious against the government recommendations may feel like empowerment, but unfortunately more people will get sick if these measures aren't followed. 

So, to me, empowerment is more personal. As I have travelled through time and space since March, we have grown stronger and more confident in our ability to avoid the disease. I have worn a mask in public, maintained physical distance and socially isolated when necessary (I am now on my fifth two-week quarantine). All this, not because I was forced to, but because it was and is the right thing to do.

 

An image of coronavirus

We have now been off for two weeks because of an outbreak of COVID-19 in Moose Factory. The Chief and Council determined that with people travelling to Moosonee for medical appointments, the risk was too great. Everything has now be shut down for two weeks, including school. 

This past Tuesday night we received an email instructing us to prepare a one-month package of homework for our students. Does this mean that the school will be closed for another month? We do not have an answer yet, and it is now Friday. However, we have been able to access the school for the past three days so that we can prepare these packages. 

The good news is that today there is supposed to be a decision made as to the next phase of the COVID-19 response in our community. Having taken of poll of people around me (from a two-metre distance) there are a few of us that believe the school will reopen. Many others are saying definitely not. 

As I write, I have just hear that a fourth case of COVID-19 is in Moose Factory. Perhaps the school won't be reopening after all. Time will tell and I will try to keep you updated with the excitement that is life in this northern town. 

In the meantime, stay safe and healthy and hug those people within your bubble. 

Until next time, 

Bee Rich

Four months and SO much has changed!

The World's Longest Covered Bridge located nearby our new home

This blog post may be a long one. SO much has happened since I wrote at the end of March. In no particular order, here's what is what since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared.

• New Grandbaby in May
• School Closure
• Professional Development Courses online
• Packing to Move
• Moving to New Brunswick
• Unpacking
• Settling in to Quarantine
• Repairing our Stairs and Decks
• Canada Day
• The Fourth of July
• Exploring our New Province
• Happy Anniversary!

We celebrated the arrival of our daughter's second child, Magnolia Faye on May 14, and although we haven't met in person, we are truly in love with her. The borders are shut down and it just isn't practical to visit Houston, Texas at this time. 

Another result of the COVID-19 pandemic was the eventual closure of all Ontario schools. After taking a nice March Break, I return to Fort Albany for a two week quarantine. Yes...fourteen days in isolation within the confines of a remote fly-in community. On the fifteenth day the Education Authority allowed us to return to our homes in Southern Ontario. The transition to online learning was difficult as I was only able to contact students from my Grade 4 Class through the use of work packages emailed to the school, printed and then distributed by our Vice Principal. 

Ontario in RED

As a Learning Coach and a teacher in the family of schools along the west coast of James Bay I was able to take advantage of a number of professional development activities designed to educate and support teachers during the closures. As a result I now feel better equipped to return to the northern school in August for my final year of teaching. The Omushkego Education Student Success team was a wonderful resource for our teachers, and for that I am very grateful.

Food for Thought

While I was home during the March Break, my husband and I went to New Brunswick to purchase a new place to live. Although we loved the lake, we agreed it was time to leave and begin a new adventure. This involved a lot of sorting and shedding possessions, packing and repacking stuff, cleaning and re-cleaning our house and packing two truckloads of items. Yes, we took two trips- one at the end of April for the house closing and the second in mid-June. As I write, my husband is on his third and final moving trip to bring his own truck here to New Brunswick.

The Second Truck

Some of the packing

The two trips were a little stressful. On the first I drove the 27 foot long truck from Ontario through Quebec and on into New Brunswick. During the second trip I was able to drive the Jeep, while my husband handled the big truck.We were stopped at the borders for each province both times to ensure that our travel was essential. Because our documentation was in order and we were travelling together, we had no real problems along the way. 

Upon arrival at the house we were ordered to stay put for fourteen days, so for both of those periods we unpacked and decided where to put the stuff. As we wheeled out the final shop machine I asked my husband to promise that this would be our final move and if we left, the tools would remain behind. He agreed at that time!

So here are just a few of my favourite spots in our new place (Stay tuned for more blog posts for more. 

One of the five decks- BEFORE

The same deck- AFTER

My new (to me) desk and office space

The view of the Tobique River from our house deck

The laundry room

My husband's office with his father's big two-person cross cut saw

Surprise! A nest of baby Eastern Phoebes-
the three babies flew away with their parents on July 4

The process for repairing the stairs and decks to the river is ongoing. We were going to completely re-do the whole structure, but as we looked more closely we realized that much of the framing is still intact. Consequently, we are leaving some and fixing the rest. Our goal is to complete the work before I head back to school on August 12. Wish us luck!

On July 1 we celebrated a quiet Canada Day as we were still quarantined; however, by the time July 4 rolled around we were able to get out and about for shopping and such.

Our usual flag- O Canada

Our flag on July 4th

On that morning I anticipated a ZOOM call with my family from my mother's side. It was my first ZOOM experience with a large group. Not only was it the Fourth of July, it was also my aunt's 93rd birthday. She always maintained that her real age was 39, so by reversing the digits, she is actually correct. I usually travel down to upstate New York in early July for an in-person visit. However, getting together with sisters and brothers, cousins and their children was an amazing experience. It was facilitated by my Connecticut cousin and his son and everyone got to wish my aunt Happy Birthday. Later, I found this picture of her from ten years ago at our home in Ontario.

The Happy Birthday Girl! 

A number of people have asked us Why New Brunswick? There are many answers. We travelled here on our honeymoon and fell in love with the landscape and the people.We have taken several road trips to the local stores,  the community swimming pool and a few of the Everyone we have met here has been kind, caring, hospitable, helpful and relaxed. The forests, the farms, the fields, the rocks and the rivers give us new surprises each day. And so far, no regrets.

The pool in Plaster Rock is OPEN!
I swim in the far lane several times a week.

Our most recent stop on a trip to the airport in Fredericton

The AXE and BEE

And of course, we had to stop at this brewery

Just some of the unique furniture

The BIG AXE Brewery

Even the washrooms were charming

Finally, tomorrow is our 41st anniversary of our marriage. So happy Anniversary to my amazing husband!

This is US!  Happy Anniversary...

In one year, I hope to be retired from teaching and living full time in New Brunswick.

In case you haven't heard. New Brunswick is one of the provinces in Canada with the fewest cases of COVID-19. I am sure this is because the people here are very conscientious when it comes to quarantine, social distancing and disinfecting. The Big Axe Brewery is just one place where we felt very safe and grateful.

However, we can never be too careful. So,wash your hands, disinfect your surfaces, wear a mask and stay well and safe.

Until next time (and I hope it will be sooner than later),

Bee Rich

To my students....

Dear Arianna, Sam, Liam, Paige, Darrian, Ava, Joshua, Lily, Kanina, Connor, Emma, Gaius, Drake and Jayden,

I was hoping you would stop by at my blog and take a peek.

You should have received the homework package by now. The work may challenge you. If you need help with the reading, ask a family member. If it is too difficult, or you need more work, here are some other ideas to try:

Practice your multiplication facts up to 12 X 12

Practice your division facts to 144 divided by 12

Read a good book, newspaper, news online, or view news on CBC Gem (it's free!)

Practice speaking Cree with your family

Wash your hands with soap and warm water for 2 minutes before you prepare food or eat

Stay away from other people by 2 meters

Stay at home

Wash your dishes in hot, soapy water

Wash your flat surfaces every day 

Write a journal each day. Include the 5 Ws-

• what are you doing?
• where are you staying? 
• what do you understand about the Corona virus also called COVID-19?
• what can you do to protect yourself from getting the virus or passing it on to others?
• who are you spending your time with, either in person or online?
• when do you think school will begin?
• why is the school closed? 

Go to www.oma.ca or google Ontario Mining Association. On a piece of paper list ten facts about Mining in Northern Ontario. 

Remember you are special, important and loved. 

I hope to see you real soon!

Lots of love, 

Ms. Barbara

 PS I think you can send me a message in the comment section below. 

About Blogging, Covid-19 and Distancing

A Tine for Everything

There is a time for everything. How many times have I read or heard this verse from the Old Testament? Perhaps I have taken these wise words for granted. But today, at this time, its true meaning resonates. Indeed there is a time for everything, including world-wide pandemics.

Corona or COVID-19 virus began in late 2019 in China. It was all over the news. Whole cities shut down People ordered to stay at home to prevent its spread. As I prepared for a trip south for the March Break (March 14-21), my understanding was that the risk for Canadians was quite low.

There were signs, however, that I should have recognized and perhaps changed plans to travel. On March 11, World Health Organization declared a global pandemic. The day before my flight, the school decided to close for an extra two weeks because of the virus. The memo advised us to return to the community by March 22.

Consequently I took the trip south to Toronto, Timmins and Ottawa, and then travelled east to New Brunswick with my husband We were away for four days. By the time we came home, our low risk of infection had escalated. On our return trip was we found restaurants closed in Quebec, roads relatively quiet and most newscasts consumed by the rapidly spreading virus. By the time I was to return to the north, several airlines had either changed their flights or discontinued them altogether.

A dear friend picked me up with her skidoo and sled and kept a careful distance away. Upon my return to the house, I read the handwritten and unsigned notice:

Mandatory 15 Day Quarantine

Do not go to school until further notice

Do not go to the Northern   

This was the first time I had seen the word "quarantine" and I expected that the self-isolation was for 14 days. But no matter, I was housebound beginning Sunday afternoon. Now I realize that many travelers have also been advised to self-isolate. First it was for international travelers coming in to Canada. Today there was a Civil Emergency Alert on the Weather Network requiring all travelers returning to Ontario to self-isolate for fourteen days.

Nonetheless, I have almost completed the first week of self-isolation. It has not been so bad. I feel like I have wasted some precious time, but I have also gained some valuable insight. It started when I read this post on Facebook (notice the term quarantine)

Thoughts to pass the time. 

So, I took six separate pieces of paper and made a schedule for each of the six questions.

What am I grateful for? I do keep a gratitude journal, but this experience has made me even more thankful for a variety of both positive and negative occurrences. And as the days have passed, I discovered that my list gets longer each day. In fact there is not enough room on one page to record the many wonderful opportunities that have been created. Just a few: safe flight from Timmins, friends for shopping for me, CBC Radio and CBC Gem, friends who keep in touch, tea from a distance.

I have been checking on several colleagues on a regular basis, but also touching base with some friends I haven't seen for years on Messenger and emails. I chat with my husband several times a day and have contacted family members more regularly.

Though difficult I have let go of several things: independence, freedom of movement, working at school, giving hugs, retirement plans, to name a few.

How am I getting outside? I found out on Thursday that I do not have to be housebound. As long as I keep a two metre distance from others, it's okay to go for a walk and socialize with neighbours from the front deck. I have also been opening the windows and enjoying an abundance of cold fresh air.

Physical distancing while drinking tea and socializing

Canine Friend

An uninvited house guest. 

Movement has been difficult as I injured my back recently, Fortunately, a combination of ice and heat and rest has really helped. I looked online for some low back yoga and found a superb instructor who focuses on safety, so it's all good. I also contacted the health centre to see if it was okay to go for walks. Solo walks wearing a mask are okay. Now I just have to motivate myself to get out. 

My list of beauty is sparse, as I am not the most creative person. I have put together a few cedar arrangements and made a great pot of soup. The other area of that I have enjoyed is capturing a few winter scenes from around the neighbourhood. Who knows, next week I may try something more adventurous.

For now I have a weekend ahead to create a two-week homework package for the students in my class. I hope to be able to do it at home and email the contents to the office. We are allowed to go in to the school for a half a day of homework to do, but I don't; want to be responsible for passing on COVID-19 to my colleagues and friends.

With all this time in isolation, I am thinking about friends, family and people throughout the world who may be as anxious as I am about the future. For now, I am taking it one day at a time.

Until next blog,

Bee Rich

Cedar smells great!

Did someone say it is Spring?

Icy Delight

Sunday Funday

I am hoping that this Sunday afternoon blogging appointment with myself will continue for the remainder of this school year. At present I am teaching in Northern Ontario on a First Nations reserve. I like everything about the place. The cool, crisp and dry winters, the students, the other teachers and support staff and my day-to-day routines.

Learning something new each day

The day begins around 4:00 or 4:30 a.m. with a cup of tea and twenty minutes of meditation, using Headspace, an application recommended several years ago by a counsellor. Following that is reading from George MacDonald's An Anthology, edited by CS Lewis and One Day at a Time, a timeless collection of spiritual advice. After preparing breakfast and lunch for the day I get ready and try to be on the road (quite literally) by sunrise. The walk to school takes a mere 10-15 minutes, depending on the day and varies from a straight road trip or a shortcut on a local skidoo trail. The walk is usually quiet, especially in the winter, as is the school when I arrive.

Looking East from the School

I have always appreciated the early hours in a quiet classroom. The computers work, the photocopy line is short, and work is accomplished without distractions. Putting on some relaxation music in the morning adds to the atmosphere of calm preparation for the day. We have recently had new Sharp 85 inch wall monitors in our classrooms, which serve as a whiteboard, a computer display and a huge movie screen. Setting up several pages to get ready for the day is an enjoyable task.

I think of the unique collection of individuals in my class. Now there are 13 students, with eight girls and five boys. One student is set to arrive back right after the March Break, after transferring to another James Bay Coast school in January. The students are quite lovely and usually eager to work hard, making each day a joyful challenge.

When it feels like -25 or colder outside the children don't go out for recess. Otherwise they have four play time periods outside per day. Twenty minutes before school, fifteen minute morning and afternoon recesses and twenty minutes before afternoon classes. Teachers are outside for each of these periods during the day. I take some time each morning perusing the Weather Network and then debate with colleagues to determine whether it will be a indoor or an outdoor day. It makes for a long day when the students can't be outside. However, when the temperature drops below -30 C, none of us really want to be outside for more than a few minutes.

Snow piles at school

The best days are cold, clear and sunny with no wind. Add fresh snow to the mix and you have a spectacular outdoor recess day. Everyone smiles and the days are usually smooth.

One morning the snow was a little deep and the walk to school was more tedious than usual.  Apparently the one person who ploughs in the winter was out of town. Consequently, several vehicles, including a bus, got stuck in the snow. One colleague was in deep and the primary teachers tried to free her vehicle. Eventually the custodian's truck towed it out. We had fun trying!

Trying to Push

Successful Pull Out

Superb colleagues

On another beautiful day my class was taken out to the Youth Cultural Camp for the day. The students learned to set snares for snowshoe hares and beaded a small piece of hide. You can see from the pictures below that they enjoyed their time out on the land.

Camping  Day

Plough remains

Team work makes the dream work. I have learned so much from the teachers and support staff at our school this year. Recently one of the parents of a teacher came for a weekend visit and a Saturday evening potluck dinner was organized. We ate well and told lots of good stories about life in this northern town. Here is the group shot. 

Saturday Night Live

Finally I am learning about myself and my relationships with colleagues. This picture, found online, reminds me of some growth I have encountered over the past year or so.  

True

Until next time, 

Bee Rich

P.S. The time has sprung forward by one hour. Today is International Women's Day. Tomorrow promises a Super Full Moon (as long as the clouds dissipate). Friday is the 13th. And, March Break starts on Saturday. Lots for which to be grateful!

One of those things...

It’s been almost a year since I have blogged.

Sometimes it takes one of those things to remind me how neglectful I have been.

Months have gone by since last April. Much has happened in our lives. Babies have been born, friends have passed away, feelings have been felt, and ideas have been thought. The circle of life continues.

Easter came and went. The goose hunt slipped by followed by May/June busy-ness and a summer of relaxation and fun with children and grandchildren. School started up again in August. We celebrated Thanksgiving, Halloween, Remembrance Day, Christmas and a New Year and a new decade.

It’s now February. Last week I went home to visit relatives who are unwell over the February Family Day weekend. I was greeted at the airport by my husband and our beautiful female miniature schnauzer, Mika. She was as energetic as ever, pulling on the leash to greet me with whimpers and wiggles. This was on a Wednesday night.

The drive home from the airport was uneventful with Mika cuddled on my lap and a smile on my face. We had no idea what was going to happen just 36 hours later.

We were visiting family on Thursday afternoon and evening. Caught in a snowstorm on the way home, we decided to pull into a motel. It’s always a challenge to find a place that welcomes dogs, but we settled in a room at the Comfort Inn.

The next morning we went for breakfast and then a small nap before heading out. We both called to Mika, who was lying beside the bed. She didn’t respond. We hesitated. Was she okay?

The answer was a firm “No!”

Our beloved dog had died without a whimper, a symptom, or a goodbye. Her body was still warm as we checked for breathing and a pulse. No signs of life. It was a moment of disbelief and then shock.

Thankfully there is something you can do in such a situation. We went to a veterinary hospital and were met by very sympathetic staff members. In short, the animal’s body can be taken in and sent away for cremation. In a few weeks her ashes will be sent to our local vet.

I am now back up north, getting ready to go back to work tomorrow. My husband is not so fortunate, though. His constant companion is no longer accompanying him. Every minute he is reminded of the loss of the best dog we have ever known.

Our Mika - May she rest in peace and continue to be in our hearts and memories forever.

Until next time,

Bee Rich

Countdown to Easter Break

Trail in to the Lake

 The Spring Equinox has come and gone in the north. The people from India celebrated Holi. My class went ice skating. I thought Spring would come by now, but as you can see from the picture above, the temperatures have stayed well below zero.

So what do the First Nations people do during their never ending winter? As the days are getting longer and the temperatures slowly rise, it is time to get outside and prepare for the Spring Goose Hunt. There are snowmobiles pulling huge toboggans, four wheelers and people driving on the Winter roads for possibly the last time. Daylight savings time keeps up the sun up longer in the afternoons and people are more cheerful.

Hiking in to the lake along the snowmobile trail

Setting up the holes

Waiting for the snow to melt into water and the water to boil

Twice now our school has engaged in a school-wide ice fishing day. Once along the shore of James Bay, and yesterday on a small lake much closer to the school. In fact it was a fishing derby. And though no fish were captured, the students and staff had a wonderful time. The wind was strong and snow fell but these people are adaptable and it wasn't long until a campfire was built and hotdogs were roasted. We even used the fire to heat the snow for tea.

 While the teachers hung out keeping a close watch on the children, a game of soccer evolved, wood was gathered, a lighter was found and everyone enjoyed the heat and flames from the fire.

A nice shelter for breaking the wind- 

children gathered cedar boughs to sit upon

Gathering wood

Cooking hotdogs

 Because the water for hotdogs was taking too long to boil, it was decided to gather long sticks for cooking them on the open flame. The fire was right on the ice and melted about six inches down creating a lovely fire pit. The hotdogs were delicious right off the stick or placed on a bun with ketchup.

Eventually the water did boil on the wood fire and the children enjoyed a warm cup of tea with milk and sugar. The teachers stood by hoping for a warm drink and thinking about the hot baths we would take when we got home.

The hotdog rush was over, time to relax and chill

As the fire died down, our leader finally gets his hot dog!

It was a great day!

You may notice that my blogs have become less frequent. This is because the internet at the  teacherages is not too reliable. Hence, I have come in to work on a Saturday to use the school's internet and to communicate.

The lack of internet at home has been a small source of frustration; however, such is life in a northern town. You take the bad with the good, turn your frown upside down and carry on the best you can.

Hopefully it will never come to this!

Until next time,

Bee Rich

PS Only nine more class days until the Easter Break, which this year coincides with the Goose Hunt. I will be home in Maberly for almost ten days!