I was certainly pleased that the big storm that was lurking offshore last Sunday decided to bypass us. Sunday was cold but bright and beautiful with sunshine and blue sky. The temperature hovered in the teens throughout the morning.
There were a few days that the wind was really blowing the snow from the last storm around. Hugh had to get out the snowblower to get rid of some of the drifts in the pathways. My brother, Steve McLain, has a driveway that is mostly open at the end and drifts in quite a bit, so he was dealing with that, too.
I spoke to Judy Bishop from Yarmouth the other day. She had a chance to catch up with Phil House. She got to hear him play one of her favorite pieces on the organ, “There is a Balm in Gilead.” The following is a few lines from the lyrics-
“There is a balm in Gilead
To make the wounded whole
There is a balm in Gilead
To heal the sin-sick soul
Sometimes I feel discouraged
And deep I feel the pain
In prayers the holy spirit
Revives my soul again”
I try to update the visitors at the birdfeeder each week. The only excitement until Sunday was the Red-bellied Woodpecker stopped by for lunch. On Sunday, the Hawk showed up. The little birds like the Chickadees seem to pay no attention to him other than the occasional sideways glance. The bigger birds like the Blue Jays are much more wary and try to hide out in the nearby bushes. Not sure if the hawk had any luck but he disappeared and the birds returned for their breakfast.
We received word that on January 31st our granddaughter, Sidney Chapman, participated in a Track and Field event for Franklin Pierce University. The team broke the University’s record for the women’s 4x200m relay.
Gilead Historical Society
Pete and Claudia Risbara donated a 1913 Grand Trunk Railway System Time Table that they found in their house. They own the former Ed and Maude Gillander house and Ed worked for the railroad for many years. The chart gives information on westbound and eastbound trains such as the names of the crew, the train and engine numbers and the names of the towns on the route. A few years ago, they graciously donated a conductor’s hat that belonged to Ed. The hat is on display in the 1851 Railroad Station, and the chart will join it when the buildings are opened this summer.
Historical Note: Photos from the Collection of Emeline V. Heath. Currently in the GHS archives.
Got any news? Email chapmal@hotmail.com