We are so glad that you have found our site... its really amazing when you stop and
begin to comprehend the magnitude of it all, isn't it.
From around the world, or from right next door...we
can visit with one another.
Come along, lets continue this rambling
introduction.
While PJ & I are still fairly new to this whole tourism-business experience, we are so
happy to be apart of it and to learn as we go. I guess that's apart of
what makes us tick...expecting the unexpected. As parents of teens, that
also comes in handy :o)
On a more personal note, the unexpected has proven to be a good thing.
A few years ago, we felt the Lord leading us into a different business
than what we were in previously...a big step of faith was required as well
as a few miracles along the way. Here we are... steps taken and miracles provided!
PJ has always been a fisherman... starting
out when he was just a kid (12 or so). For the first 20 years of his working
life fishing was all he knew (and loved). PJ's dad, and all three of his brothers
are fishermen, PJ's grandfathers were both fishermen and their fathers
before them...since PJ is a Mayflower descendant...no doubt they were the ones that
fished on the way over! I guess my point is that Fishing was (is) in his blood. Its a difficult and demanding line of work, one that takes no less skill
than that of more highly regarded careers...but the work is hard, messy
and most of the time "smelly" so it is ususally not given the due it
deserves. When they were out to sea, long hours were spent working- no coffee breaks, and
somedays no dinner-just work that needed to be done...you know what they say about
time and tide... it doesn't wait for anyone.
With this new cottage business came a major change
for PJ... giving up his fishing job in exchange for a "land" job...it was a major
upset. While the work on land can be demanding, it is also different in many ways. Pj's first 'land job' was in the manufacturing line (fibreglasses) and since PJ is an outdoor person, being 'trapped' in a windowless room mixing gelcoat products was
a shocking change. Out fishing, the day was spend in the elements which were sometimes a blessing/ sometimes
a curse, but none the less he was outside. Even simple things like coffee breaks, and set dinner
hours were a system change... fortunately, somethings you can adjust to easily :o)
Its now been 3 years since PJ took his first "land job"(that's a
distinction we make around here- 'land' job vs fishing... there are just the two categories of work).
and on the cold winter mornings when its blowing and freezing, he's glad he's inside away from the
elements, but in the summer, when the sun is shining and its garden planting time I can still see
that wanton look on his face... he's wants to be OUTSIDE. Somethings just don't change (thank goodness!).
As of April 2004 PJ has started another 'new' business- he is now owner and operator of South Shore House & Home Inspection Services. As a home inspector he is called upon when real estate is being bought and sold as well as when new homes are built or existing homes renovated. Home Inspection shouldn't be confused with 'building inspections' which is a municipal government job and focuses chiefly on building code violations. As home inspector PJ checks for such vital things as rot, broken/ malfunctioning systems (heating, electrical etc), plumbing, overall conditions of roofs, foundations, and any hidden problems a home owner may be able to detect for themselves. His services enable home buyers/ builders/ renovators to make a better, more educated decision about one of the biggest purchases of their lives. Its one thing to buy a $150,000 house knowing it needs $25,000 worth of upgrades/ renovations.... however it is quite a different thing to buy a $150,000 house and be surprised to learn that you now need to find another $25,000 for undisclosed repairs. He is still new to the field, but very much enjoying his new venture.
As with most local women- my work experience has always been with 'land' jobs. My first employment
was with the Royal Bank...I'll just say that I'm not much of a "institution" player... self employment
always looked much better to me- despite its uncertainity! After 5 years of doing the 9 to 5 bankers
job, I left for greener pastures (I still haven't found them, but the search has been fun & interesting....)- I promised I wouldn't gripe against the banks, but they just make it so easy...
my apologies to all you bankers and past bankers reading this.
After leaving the bank, I worked part time doing secretarial/ office work for my Aunt & Uncle in their
boatbuilding business (MCGRAYS ***)... from that all three of us went into the secondhand business,
which led into the SecondHand, Collectibles & Antiques business for us (aptly named "Keeping Up With The Jones'")...which led into the Ebay
online selling business...and in a round about way began our journey into the tourism sector.
(we ended up meeting a lady in the store who was in the tourism industry...and we talked, and one thing
led to another, which led to another....)
My education is in business... having grown up working in my father's general store and then onto
university for an economics major. Growing up I always remember being in the family store... whether it was to have my hand in the bottomless candy jar, or later as cashier/counter help... the 'shop' as it was called was always an important part of our growing up years. The sense of community was very strong and we knew everyone and everyone knew us. I still have very fond memories of delivering groceries throughout the community of Shag Harbour - usually on our dinner or supper hours- to those who for one reason or another couldn't make it to the shop for themselves. I remember standing in many a kitchen chatting and catching up on local events and happenings, for some of the older ladies we might have been the days only company.
I guess these were my first experiences with a form of the hospitality industry. Although as I write that I realize that my family experiences also played a large part in forming the desire I have to be hospitable to each and every person on the 'face of the earth'. My maternal grandmother was well known for her hospitality and welcoming 'open' home. My Mom tells of having an untold number of 'peddlers' spend the night- this was during the hard years in the 40's and 50's when many 'tramps' (as they were then called) went door to door through the communities trying to sell their wares (baskets, books, you name it). Often times they would conveniently end up at my grandparents doorstep, late in the evening without supper and without a place to put their head for the night. Many times others in the neighbourhood told them they would find a welcome at the Smiths... and they did. Grammie & Grampie had a house full of children themselves, but there was always room (and food) for more. I am truly thankful for my heritage... more so the older I get... isn't that generally the way with life. You know the song that says " I wish I knew then what I know now"...
Early on in life I knew that I was destined to work with people, it just took me a few years to realize that being your own boss has definite advantages over working 'for' someone else. We have both been blessed by finding our freedom (I'll use that word loosely) and enjoyment in the hospitality industry.
We are very much looking forward to meeting you and getting to know you. As our 'season' winds down in late fall (though we are open all year) we often look back over the year and reminisce about those we have met and our new friends. You are truly what makes it all worth while!
We have tried to take every care in preparing these homes for you. When we
travel ourselves, we appreciate the best, and therefore we want to offer
nothing but our best to you.
Cape Sable Cottages are deluxe seaside cottage homes and we sincerely invite
you to
"Come, Be Our Guest."
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