From Solar Collectors to Strum Sticks

For over 23 years, on most Thursday afternoons, you would find Dave, David and Ted, the DDT Team, gathered in Ted's workshop to build something. There you could find almost every tool known to humanity. Sometimes in triplicate!

They would build things, complain about the state of the world, curse a few politicians and end the afternoon with a beverage often fortified with rum. The strength of the rum would vary as Ted sailed the seven seas - offering access to a diversity of flavours. 

Construction projects began from a need. For example, Ted needed to haul heavy logs out of the woods, so their first project, a ‘yankee yarder’ winch was built.  Construction plans were discussed. Drawings created. The welder fired up. Metal bent and twisted. There you have it - a powerful piece of equipment ready to move any size log anywhere.  

Earth needed to be moved. So the DDT team built a utility trailer. The strongest utility trailer you will find in NB. A trailer you could tip with one hand.

The trailer was helpful to haul top soil to the manse, move from the manse, haul cedar trees from Brunswick Nurseries to Chickadee Lane and gravel for drainage. 

Trying to ‘live with respect in Creation’ we decided that a passive hot water solar collector was needed. So the DDT Team built the solar collector that stands by our home on Chickadee Lane. (See above)

What next? What about ‘strum sticks’? Again, on Thursday afternoons, the DDT team talked about the possibilities… for a month or so. Yes - the consensus was, “Let’s do it.” So they did. They constructed three strum sticks. Followed up with an inaugural performance with friends. Now that was a night to remember! 

Over the years, together they explored unknown trails on X-country skis, paddled through rough waters, travelled over back roads, while always keeping an eye on what the “I…” are doing on Peninsula crown land. 

Over time the DDT team loved each other through one of the deepest sorrows of life - the death of a beloved spouse. First Ida, Dave’s life partner. Then Sue, Ted’s life partner. Stunned at life and death, Dave, David and Ted sat on the mourning bench with each other.

When David’s marriage died, again the DDT team gathered. When we celebrated new love, the DDT team celebrated with us.

When everything they thought they knew unraveled, when foundations were shattered, they were there for each other. 

These days, there is less construction and more talking. Thursday afternoons may mean a drive to explore something new - like the Burchill Wind farm, Titus’ state-of-the-art dairy barn, or sitting on a lawn chair, eating snacks and exploring the rock formations at Black Beach.

Now in their eighth decade and with failing health for some of the DDT team, Thursday afternoons are quieter, with Tims the destination. Conversations may be less animated. Still, together they solve the world problems, curse a few politicians and love each other… the way that some men often do. 

In peace,

Elizabeth

elizstevenson@gmail.com

506-650-4812