Murray Corner 09

There is something a bit magical about childhood memories. Mine are scattered between Ireland & Canada, but alot of them are quite strong. One in particular is visiting a place called Murray Corner. In retrospect, I think we spent alot less time there than I originally thought - but its about quality not quantity so I will carry on regardless.

My grandmother, Granny Seaman, owned a little cottage on the Northumberland Strait, a place known to us only as Murray Corner, no such thing as a street name or number in those days. It was white with red (doors, trim, wood shed??). To get to it, I recall a view of an endlessly long straight road which ended metres from the water at a store that sold all sorts of stuff from ice cream to fishing tackle (not much as changed - it is still there

and still does!). Hang a left at the store and not far down that road, turn into the bushes and there were maybe half a dozen little cottages dotted along the endless grass verge that backed onto 'The Shore'.

My most vivid memories are those that involved my cousin Deb and her cousins, Catherine & Christina - playing dress-up, chasing sandbars, looking for jellyfish and of course Lobster Boils. So it was a real treat to go back again this year (I have been there a few times in recent years) and meet with Deb & Catherine & Christina - and for all our kids to get to know each other.

Sadly, our grandmothers cottage was sold out of the family but C & C both have cottages down there where they spend a few weeks each summer, and Deb stays at her Aunt Janie's place. The Shore is closer to the cottages than it was 30 years ago due to erosion and there numbers on the cottages and street names on the laneways. But the bonfires continue to instill a sense of magic and the marshallows taste as good as I remember. As for Lobster Boils, well that's a story for another day - check back in a few days for more.

PS I know I am emotional at the best of times and I hate saying Good-bye but I was literally in tears leaving - not entirely sure if I was just overwhelmed by the memories, or the thoughts of DJ being part of the fourth generation to enjoy it, or sad about what I missed out on years ago! Whatever it was, it was great to see the girls again - and you too Darryl.

Pictured here, DJBerger & DJ Bolton