Party Time - September 30, 2000

Before some of the people who have been building the house disappear from the area Stephen and Marja decided to give a party for them and the residents of Passage Island.

Then it was time for Stephen to speak about the building process.

Stephen speaking about the house building and those that took part.

After welcoming everyone to the party, Stephen started talking about the help he and Marja had received from people. First, he thanked the volunteers, his father, Dan, who had moved from Halifax in April of this year, partly to help with house, and also Paul and Jodi, who were at that time cooking hamburgers on the BBQ. He then went on to talk about those who had been helping for the summer months.

First it was Chris. Chris has helped many times before this year, sometimes digging trenches only to then have to move it slightly. All the summer assisters had been competing to see who would be the brownest before the end of the summer. No one seemed to be a clear winner, even though there had been competition to see who could get the roof work as opposed to inside work. A tube of sun-tan lotion was the prize. Also, as Chris often seemed to be drinking pop, and had a tendency not to finish them, he received a case of one of these Coke.

Next it was Lockwood's turn for some comments. Lockwood had from the start never wanted to work more than 4 days per week as he was finishing off his master's degree. After this was finished he was still looking for the right work opportunity, and was not sure whether or not he would return to his native Ontario. A binder on How to Job Search was the first gift for Lockwood. Other gifts included a jar of pickles, and a mirror. The latter was to assist him putting in his contacts when he stayed on the Island overnight. He used to use Marja's mirror until that broke, and then he had to use pots and pans or windows - none of these was that good!

Next it was Mike's turn. Mike was a real asset to the team as he was the only one who had built a house before and he had built two. He is also studying construction. Mike often used to stay out at the Island but when he did not he would drive to and from home in his sporty gas-guzzling car. He always told us where to buy the cheapest gas and what the price was as of today. One of his gifts was a model car, which would use a lot less gas! (He also collects model cars.)

Josh was the last of summer group. Josh always arrived at work with a cup of coffee in one hand and a cigarette in the other. (His father noted that this was hereditary!) He then proceeded to drink part of it and leave the remainder somewhere in the house. His first gift was "today's cup" - half empty as usual. Josh would return home for lunch break and then come to find the others at the cabin afterwards. He always wanted a lemon "drink" - mostly made with lemon crystals and a little water. He was presented with his own large can of lemon crystals. Josh was going to be the first one leaving town and was going off to Ontario early in October.

Finally it was time to acknowledge Bill. Bill has been the site consultant throughout the project. Often Bill would request a new drawing which Stephen dutifully went off to produce on his lap-top computer and the printer in the cabin. All drawings were done on re-cycled paper, and as a consequence were all quite small. Bill always complained about their size and his gift was a magnifying glass.

Bill hiding behind a wall receiving his magnifying glass.

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