Back Home With Two-Year-Olds

Lots to catch up on - the rest of our Maritimes trip and turning two.

Here are a few photos from Shelburne, NS. I just finished reading The Book of Negroes, which inspired me to lead an expedition from Halifax to the little town where many of the "Black Loyalists" were brought during the American Revolution. Besides being a fun trip with the kids, and an interesting bringing-the-book-to-life experience, it also made me a little nostalgic for a path not taken - there was a time (many moons ago) when I thought I was going to be a scholar of African American history.

- Jacob on the left. Both considering chasing the ducks. In front of one of the Shelburne museums. Ten thousand people were shipped here by the British and I'd be surprised if 1000 residents remain. Many returned to the States, presumably somewhat with tails between their legs as their loyalty to prosperity won out over loyalty to the crown.

- at the cemetery in Birchtown - the not-so-nice end of the bay where the blacks were sent. What's better than a gate to climb?

- I'll tell you what's better. A bridge to throw stones off.

This vacation included the places where we've agreed to write our 3rd and 4th novels - Quebec City and Mahone Bay. Here's a photo of the latter - as pretty as Lunenburg but maybe a little less kitschy.

In case anyone's keeping track, (1) neither of us has begun a 1st novel, (2) we would both love to write but fear a lack of talent, (3) both agree that whoever starts writing first can steal the other's ideas, (4) the 2nd novel will be written in Paris, (5) the 3rd novel will be written in Mendocino, California, and (6) the 1st novel will obviously have to be a big bestseller to finance the rest of these plans.

If anyone wants to blackmail us for being sellouts, here's the photo. Two sixteen hour drives led us to some desperate times, including a McDonald's stop. Here's Jacob ironically sporting the latest in anti-capitalist fashion.