Summer Solstice and More.

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Welcome summer! Come on in! 

Officially this morning at 11:57 am!


In addition to the summer solstice, today we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day - a day set aside to celebrate indigenous culture and indigenous contributions, past and present, to our province and country.


The windmills you see to the left are an example of indigenous peoples vision to build a greener world. 


As you leave Saint John on Hwy 1 heading west, you will see how the landscape is changing. For decades the horizon has been dominated by Coleson Cove’s twin smoke stacks. Today, ten swirling windmills of the Burchill windmill farm, now stand tall on the horizon of the unceded Wolastoqey territory. Together they symbolize a greener future and a wonderful illustration of the changing nature of New Brunswick's energy. 


Neqotkuk First Nations is the majority owner in partnership with Natural Forces, a private independent power producer, and the federal government.


When all ten windmills operate the Burchill windmill farm can produce 42 megawatts of power. That’s about 15 percent of the energy needed to keep the lights on and businesses running in Saint John. 


It is anticipated the turbines will produce some level of energy at least 85 to 90 per cent of the time. 


For those in the Saint John area, it is worth the drive to explore the windmills up close. From Lorneville, take the Pisunawtik Road which wraps around several of the windmills. 


The future is here. 


































There’s more… 

As we celebrate the Summer Solstice the Spirits of dear friends hover near. Friends like Ida MacPherson, who will be rejoicing at the sight of the windmill farm. 


Last year Ida and Dave gathered with us around a bonfire to mark the changing season. (Like people have done for centuries, it is our custom on June 21 Eve to gather around a bonfire and celebrate.) Who knew it would be the last time we would see Ida as she died suddenly early July!  


The butterfly stitching you see above is one of Ida’s creations. It hangs near our dining room table as a reminder how precious and fragile life is. 


Summer solstice is a good time to intentionally reflect on the past six months and dream about hopes for the next six months. However you mark the day, be bold. Dream something that others may call 'impossible' even 'ridiculous.' 


Like the windmills, who knows what dreams will be realized. 




Comments

  1. GraceJune 21, 2023 at 3:26 PM

    Beautiful art work. A great review of the Windmills. Sometimes their propellers remind me of a seagull. (Just my imagination)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thoughts from Chickadee LaneJune 30, 2023 at 3:05 PM

      Thank you Grace. Ida created magnificent pieces of art. She was intent on creating a butterfly that actually reflected what she saw. Love your image of propellers as seagulls.

      Delete
  2. AnonymousJune 21, 2023 at 3:31 PM

    Nicely said. Thank you, Elizabeth

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousJune 22, 2023 at 10:15 PM

    Enjoyed this read, windmills and the butterfly art.

    ReplyDelete

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