Lahave ferry crossing video

Stumbled upon this short video of a crossing of the Lahave River via our beloved cable ferry.

psst, only tourists pay $5.25 to cross, those 'in the know' buy a book of 10 tickets for ~$12

Well, if you are looking for a church supper or other community fundraisers this weekend you might be out of luck. Head in to Bridgewater for a fireman's breakfast. It has been ages since I've attended one of their breakfasts. Posts will be sporadic for the next couple of weeks. Hope everyone has a great Xmas break!

Breakfasts

Saturday December 17

Firemen's breakfast

Bridgewater Fire Hall

7:00am to 11:00am.

Cost $6.00, $3.00 for under 12 and under 5 eat free.

Maitland Christmas Tea: Hustle and Bustle

This image was captured during the raffle portion of the Maitland Christmas Tea.

I am regretting not buying a raffle ticket, but who am I to rob these folks of those great prizes?! Whatever they were....

Jolly holly

Call it what you like: Nova Scotia holly, Canada holly, winterberry or its 'proper name': Ilex verticillata. I can't get enough of this shrub!

This year has been a particularly good one for berry production. Next time you are driving around, keep a keen eye on ditches and other wet areas beside highways. Chances are you will spot clumps of these gorgeous, scarlet berries.

When harvesting these for decorations, leave some for our feathered friends. They love to feast on the berries and are an important winter food source for many many species of birds.

Mo' Trees 'n' Headstones

I wonder if this conversation ever plays out at this tree yard?

"Hey honey, let's stop and get a Xmas tree"

"Sure....this one's nice.....

(stubs toe) OUCH!

Oooh, look honey.....headstones!"

Meanwhile....in the burg of kings

For once, I walked up this road while the shadows lined up with the road. ^_^

'Tis the season

Nothing says Christmas trees like funeral headstones.
Spotted in Loonieburg...though I think there is a headstone 'dealer' in B'wat that also sells Christmas trees. What gives?

Skipping across the ferry

Sunday afternoon, returning to the east side of the Lahave.

Lovely light as the ferry emerged from the shadows....and this father and daughter scene.

'Nuff said.

What's on this weekend? Halifax Crafters!! Chowdah! Turkey dinner AND supper!

If you need gifts for the holiday season, make your way to the Olympic Center this Saturday and Sunday for Halifax Crafters. No tole painting, no painted rocks. I promise. See their giant poster below for more info.

On the locavore front, breakfasts galore, chowder, turkey dinner and supper.

This last item might not make sense to those who aren't native bluenosers....around here, lunch is often referred to as 'dinner'. Supper is supper.

Enjoy the weekend, looks like it's shaping up to be a beauty.

Breakfasts

Saturday, December 3
Candlelight Breakfast,
Pinehurst hall,
7- 11 a.m.

December 3,
Country Breakfast.
Chester Basin Fire Hall.
7:30-10:30 a.m.,
Various menu selections.

Saturday, December 3,
St. Norbert's Breakfast.
Lunenburg Cultural Centre, 114 Fox Street, Lunenburg.
8- 11:30 a.m.,
Bacon, sausage, eggs, toast, pancakes, baked beans, juice, tea, coffee.
Adults $7, children $4 (12 and under).

Teas/Luncheons

Saturday, December 3,
Annual Christmas Food Sale with soup lunch,
Trinity United Church, Mahone Bay,
10 - 2,
$5.

Suppers

December 3 and 4,
Turkey Dinner and Supper,
Forties community centre, 1787 Forties Road, New Ross.
11:30-1:30 and
3-4:30,
Turkey dinner, with all the trimmings.
Adults $10, 12 and under $5, under 5 free.
Proudly part of the New Ross Christmas Festival.

December 4,
All You Can Eat Seafood and Corn Chowder Supper.
Riverport fire hall.
4- 6 p.m.
Adults $10, children $5, under 5 free.
Cakes for dessert.

Maitland Christmas Tea - The Raffle

It's raffle time at the Maitland Christmas Tea.

Somehow I missed out on buying tickets for that. I have no idea what was being raffled off...but hey, it's all for a good cause!

Maitland Christmas Tea - The Tree

A shot of the hall which hosted the Maitland Christmas Tea last Sunday.

The Christmas tree was balsam'y and fragrant, as it should be. A pair of stuffed angels are hanging out on the wall, waiting to be claimed by a lucky raffle ticket owner...

Maitland Christmas Tea - The Sweets

Oh, the sweets. Sweets so sweet, they make your teeth hurt....in a good way. Sweets that make you diabetic in one bite.

The butter cookie was 'melt in your mouth' perfection. A tart square that had rhubarb in it was a pleasant surprise. A slice pumpkin cheesecake was sinfully tasty.

Paired with delicious, strong tea. I can think of no better way to spend a warm November afternoon.

Maitland Christmas Tea

Apologies for the gruesome state of my plate. My camera's lens fogged up after an evening of sitting in my cold car. By the time the lens cleared off, I had finished half of my cold plate!

Chicken salad from scratch, scrumptious potato salad, cheese and cucumber slices.... This plate did not leave me wanting. Add to that, the festive tablecloth and boisterous sounds inside the Maitland Community Hall...this was quite the event!

More pics to follow...

What's on this weekend? Christmas Tea! Breakfast! Chowdah!

If you don't have plans on Sunday, be sure to head over to Maitland for their Christmas tea. They serve up some of the best tea in the county. Plates of squares and sweets will arrive at your table until you beg for mercy (or say no thank you). If you are lucky, you can score a $2 pair of hand knit mittens.

Regular breakfasts are happening in Lunenburg and Cherry Hill as well as several chowder luncheons.

Enjoy, folks!

Breakfasts

November 26,
Royal Canadian Legion #23, Lunenburg,
7:30-11:30 a.m.
Adults $7; ages 5-12, $3.
Takeout available for pick-up $7.50. 634-4215

November 26.
Fireman's Breakfast,
United Communities fire hall, Cherry Hill,
8 - 11 a.m.
Adults $6, children 5 -12 $3.25, under 5 free.

November 27,
Brunch,
RCL Br. #49 Mahone Bay,
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Adults $7; children $3; under 5 free.

Sunday, November 27,
Brunch.
Masonic Hall, 216 North Street, Bridgewater.
10 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.
From "scratch" pancakes, beans, fish cakes, etc.
Adults $7, children 5- 12 $4.50. All welcome!
Takeouts available 543-2886, 541-0059

Teas/Luncheons

Saturday, November 26,
Chowder Luncheon,
St. James Parish hall, Mahone Bay.
11:30 - 1:30 p.m.,
$8,
Bake table, craft table.
Sponsored by St. James ACW.

November 26,
Christmas Luncheon,
Middlewood United Church (just past Exit 16),
12-2 p.m.
Homemade soups, chili, chowders and desserts.
Music provided by the Uke Mates.
Adults $8, children $4, under 5 free.
Bake table with lots of homemade goodies.

November 27,
Annual Christmas Tea.
Maitland Community Hall,
11 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.
Chicken or ham salad plate, tea, coffee, sweets.
Adults $8, child $4.
Bake table, Chinese auction, gift packages, miscellaneous items.
Tickets on box of groceries and quilt.
For information 624-9416

November snow got you down?

Fear not, gaze upon the autumn hues of this Loonieburg landscape, and exhale.

Pastoral sunset

Couldn't pass this one up, I'm glad that I pulled over!

Christmas is coming town!

Spotted on the mean streets of L-town.

Swagger

Have you ever heard people refer to 'swagger' and not know what they mean? These kids have swagger, lots of it.

Spotted this summer at The Big Ex, of course!

Dash to dine!

A diner rushes to catch the last sitting of the St. James Anglican Roast Beef Supper.

St. James Anglican Roast Beef Supper - main course

The wait was worth it. All the 'greatest hits' were in attendance: boiled carrots and peas, mashed potatoes and turnip and of course, roast beef with gravy. Pickled beets and coleslaw were on offer as well.

Best thing of all? No dishes!

I can't keep track of all these storms

I do know this shot was taken Oct. 30th, whether or not this windy day/storm had a name, I cannot say...as a local surf shop owner would say: "...typical Hirtle's beach closeout...."

Mile high meringue

Superb coconut cream pies, just look at that meringue!

I tried and I tried, but I couldn't stop the highlights from 'blowing out' after adjusting the white balance. Practice makes perfect, clearly I need more practice.

The table of earthly delights

Mountains of meringue and other delicious things were on offer at the recent roast beef supper at St. James Anglican in Mahone Bay.

I had to ask about one item on the list of desserts: the 'Impossible Pie'

A kind lady explained to me that it is called Impossible Pie because it does not have a pastry, but creates its own 'crust' while baking.

Somehow I got distracted and ordered pumpkin pie instead, FOR SHAME!

A busy evening at the Anglican church hall....

Another shot from a roast beef supper several weeks ago.

The father served as maître d’ for the evening....as you paid and found a place to wait (hopefully in a chair along the wall), he would notice new folks in the queue and take your name and note how many were in your group.

He was in good cheer as he scurried around the hall, organizing who sits where. Every so often, you would hear him ask the waiting diners: "KNICKLE....4?" A party of four would rise to their feet and quickly be ushered to their seats.

We arrived just as the 'first sitting' finished dining, each sitting usually takes about 30 minutes to finish their meal. What looked like a long wait ahead of us, was only about 10 minutes as wave upon wave of folks took their last sip of tea and made their way out of the hall.

More pics to follow, stay tuned!

St. James Anglican Roast Beef Supper

A glimpse of the crowd in the St. James Anglican hall for a tasty roast beef supper.

What's on this weekend? BIG Breakfast! Christmas Teas! Roast Beef! Corned Beef & Cabbage! Spaghetti!

I feel like I need to loosen my belt after reading about all the great foodie events this weekend! Too hard to choose, find one in your neck of the woods...get out and support your local community groups!

Breakfasts

November 5, Saturday,
Italy Cross, Middlewood and district fire hall,
7-11 a.m.
Adults $6; children (5-12) $3. Everyone welcome.

Saturday, November 5,
Pinehurst Hall,
7-11 a.m.
$6/ person.

Saturday, November 5,
St. Norbert's Big Breakfast is back, the first Saturday of each month at the Lunenburg Cultural Centre (Presbyterian Hall) on Fox St.
Adults $7, $4 children under 12.
Come out for eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, beans, juice, coffee and tea.

November 5,
Country Breakfast.
7:30-10:30 a.m.,
Chester Basin Fire Hall.
Various menu selections.

Teas/Luncheons

Saturday, November 5,
Souper Christmas Lunch & Sale
Hebb's Cross Fire Hall
9 am - 1 pm
Homemade: Soups, Chili, and Chowder, rolls, biscuits, dessert, coffee/tea.
Adults $7.00 Children 6-10 $3.50 Children 5 & under free.
Just shopping? NO ADMISSION! BAKE TABLE, CHRISTMAS CRAFT TABLE, CHRISTMAS "NEW TO YOU" TABLE. Come join us for a fun filled day.

Saturday, November 5,
Christmas Tea,
All Saints Lutheran Church, Newcombville,
11 a.m.- 1 p.m.
White elephant, craft and bake table.
Dessert, variety of pies.
Adults $6, under 12, $3 under 5 free.

Suppers

November 5,
Roast Beef Supper,
4 - 6 p.m.,
Mahone Bay Baptist Church.
Mashed potato, turnip, carrots, peas. Cake for dessert. Tea, coffee.
Adults $10, children 5 - 12 $5, under 5 free.

Saturday, November 5,
Chelsea community centre,
Homemade Spaghetti Supper
Caesar/ garden salad, garlic bread/ rolls, dessert and beverage,
4:30- 6:30 p.m.
Adult: $8, child: $5, under 5 free.

November 6,
St. Andrew's Anglican Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner,
noon to 2 p.m.,
West Northfield Community Centre, 227 Feeners Corner Rd.,
adults $10, under 12 $2

Sunday, November 6,
Roast Beef Supper,
East Port Medway community hall,
4-6 p.m.
Adults $10, children 12 and under $5, under 5 free. Take-outs available.

Sunny Lahave Crossing

Just another gorgeous day on the Lahave Ferry, in search of waves. Sadly, none were found that day....

Bluenose Academy on a sunny day

I am very happy with how this photo turned out. Luckily there were nice clouds in the sky and it was sunny. Also, loving the blocks of colour on the exterior.

Banksys stencil art in Lunenburg?

Nope! Not by Chuck Testa either....just a local construction company. Nice work, boys!

What's on this weekend? L'burg Legion Breakfast! Kohl Canon Supper! Harvest Tea!

From teh intarwebz, an explanation of the Kohl Canon supper:

"Kohl Cannon can be made in various ways, depending on whether you are Irish, German, or Scottish. No matter how it is made, the eating of Kohl Cannon was a common custom on Halloween. In it would be buried, well wrapped in waxed paper or foil for today's world, 4 favors. A penny (for wealth), a button (for poverty), a ring (for marriage, and a matchstick (for spinsterhood). Much excitement was aroused, especially among the young lassies who were hopeful that the Kohl Cannon would foretell their future happiness! This recipe is the Scot's Way!"

Also, this interesting Wikipedia entry for Colcannon.

Happy Hallowe'en everyone!

Breakfasts

October 29,
Royal Canadian Legion #23, Lunenburg,
7:30-11:30 a.m.
Adults $7; ages 5-12, $3.
Takeout available for pick-up $7.50. 634-4215

Sunday, October 30,
Brunch,
Mahone Bay Legion,
10 a.m.- 1 p.m.
$7.00 adults; $3.00 children; under 5 free

Teas/Luncheons

October 30,
Harvest Tea,
Western Shore fire dept.
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Choice of Squash soup, fresh corn chowder, turkey barley soup, dessert, tea and coffee and rolls.
$8.
Raffle tickets for sale on a cake donated by Ashley Joudrey.
All welcome.

Suppers

Saturday, October 29.
Kohl Canon Supper.
4:30- 6:30 p.m.
Basement of St. John's Church, Chester Basin,
Ham, baked beans, brown bread and rolls, apple crisp for dessert.
Adults $10, child 5- 12 $3, under 5 free.
Takeouts available

Monochrome(ish) Mahone Bay

For once, I didn't need to do any adjustments on this shot. That never happens.

Mahone Bay, Oct. 22

Luverly Lunenburg

Loved the sight of these fluffy clouds in front of all them there cirrus clouds, hope you love 'em too.

The red building is the construction site that is: Bluenose Academy.

What about medium sized dogs on a gentle leader?

Don't say you weren't warned.

What's on this weekend? Roast Beef! Sauerkraut & Sweet Pickled Pork! Chowdah! Corned Beef & Cabbage! Salt Cod! Turkey!

Wow, when it rains, it pours. Literally (this week) and figuratively!

This is a hard weekend to choose an event, TONS of great choices..they are all great. Go out and support your local community group and have some great food while you're at it!

Breakfasts

Saturday, October 22.
Fireman's Breakfast,
United Communities fire hall, Cherry Hill,
8 - 11 a.m.
Adults $6, children 5 -12 $3.25, under 5 free.

Saturday, October 22,
Newfie Breakfast,
Chester Basin Legion.
7:30-10:30
Menu selections and take-out available.


Saturday, October 22,
Parkdale/ Maplewood Hall,
7- 10:30 a.m.
Bacon, eggs, sausage, pancakes, local maple syrup, toast, juice, tea, coffee.
Adults $6; youth $3; under 5 free.
Info: Joanne 644-2877

Teas/Luncheons

Saturday, October 22.
Harvest Luncheon and Silent Auction.
Wesley United Church, Petite Riviere,
11 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Menu: Casseroles, salads, rolls, assorted pies and ice cream.
Adults $9, children under 12 $4, under 5 free.


Suppers

October 22,
Annual W.I. Turkey Supper,
North Brookfield Community Hall,
4:30- 6:30 p.m. \
Come enjoy a full turkey dinner with pie for dessert.
Adults $10, children 5- 12 $5, under 5 free.

Saturday, October 22,
Roast Beef Supper.
St. James Anglican Parish Hall, Mahone Bay.
4:30- 6:30 p.m.
Adults $10, children 5- 12 $5, under 5 free. Takeouts available

October 22,
Salt Cod Supper,
Blandford community centre.
4:30-6 p.m.
Adults $10, youth $5, under 5 free.

October 23,
Hebbs Cross fire dept. Corned Beef and Cabbage Supper,
4-6 p.m.
Includes dessert, tea and coffee.
Adults $10; children 5-12 $5; under 5 free.

October 23,
Sauerkraut Supper,
Forties community centre, 1787 Forties Road, New Ross,
4-6 p.m., doors open at 4, serving begins at 4:30.
Adults $10; 5-12 years $5; under 5 free.
Sauerkraut, sweet pickled pork, mashed potatoes, dessert, tea/ coffee.
Call 689-2612 for information. Sponsored by Canadian Heritage.

Sunday, October 23,
Annual Soup and Chowder Supper.
Branch LaHave Hall (1758 Lower Branch Road).
4- 6 p.m.
Apple crisp with ice cream for dessert.
Adults $8, 5- 12 years $2, under 5 free.
Proceeds: St. James Lutheran Church, Branch LaHave.

Look who I met yesterday....

Spotted yesterday in a field on my lunch hour walk...it had the whole field to itself, and as you can see...no shortage of apples to feast upon. ^_^

L'burg landscape

I like the hues of blue and shapes and lines in this scene...just another day in the 'burg.

Valley blur

I had the pleasure of being the passenger on the drive from Annapolis Royal to Halifax this past Sunday.

I was shooting photos out of the window and lucked out with this low shutter speed shot. ^_^

Bluenose Academy construction update

The building is coming along, the exterior looks to be nearing completion. I like the red siding they have chosen on the 'west wing'.

I don't know what the chimney stacks and the 'westeel' hopper is for. I'm assuming the school will be heated with corn cobs or some other farm waste?

What's on this weekend? Firemen's breakfasts! Brunch! Harvest Luncheon! MEATBALLS!

Breakfasts on offer Saturday and Sunday, you have no excuses. The Italy Cross/Middlewood Harvest Luncheon is always great, hearty bowls of soup, chowder and chili and delicious desserts. The meatball supper in Newcombville sounds excellent as well. Have a great weekend everyone!

Breakfasts

October 15,
Riverport and District Firemen's Breakfast,
7:30- 11:30 a.m.,
usual menu,
$7 adults; $3 children 6- 12; children 5 and under free.

October 15,
Fireman's Breakfast.
Petite Riviere fire hall,
8-11 a.m.
Full menu,
adults $6, under 12 $3, under 5 free.
Information call 688-1174

October 16,
Chelsea community centre,
7:30-10:30 a.m.
Adults $6; children 5-12 $3; under 5 free.
All proceeds for fire dept.

Sunday, October 16,
Brunch
Masonic Hall, 216 North Street, Bridgewater.
10 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.,
Pancakes, sausages, beans, fish cakes, bacon, eggs, hash browns, brown bread, tea, biscuits, etc. Adults $7, children 5- 12 $4.50.
All welcome. Takeouts available.

Teas/Luncheons

October 16,
Harvest Luncheon.
Italy Cross, Middlewood & District fire hall,
11 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Menu: Soups, chowders, chili and cakes for dessert.
Adults $7 children 5- 12 $3.50.
Proceeds for ladies auxiliary.

Suppers

October 15.
Lutheran Church on Highway 325 in Newcombville,
5- 7 p.m.
Meatballs with sauce, potatoes, carrots, beets, applesauce, cakes, strawberry shortcake.
Adults $7, 5- 12 $4, under 5 free.

Posture, boys!

"Mommmm! Tell him to stop standing like me!"

Spotted at this year's Conquerall Bank Fire Dept. Planked Halibut Supper.

None can resist the charms...

Of the reptile handler. Spotted back in July at The Big Ex.

The big mooooove!

A local herd of cattle, getting a change of scenery (and pasture)...ambling down the road past our driveway. Moooooove along, bossy!

Sung to the tune of Manic Monday

Just another Rose Bay sunset, awesome clouds last night!

Mess of mountain ash berries

Trying to capture as many shots of mountain ash as I can before the foliage whithers, enjoy.

What's on this weekend? Breakfasts! Oktoberfest events in New Ross!

A surprisingly small number of events to choose from this weekend...if you aren't at work on Monday, it might be worth the drive to The Forties for that Thanksgiving dinner, I want to check out that Oktoberfest harvest sale!

Breakfasts

October 8,
Hebbs Cross Fire Department,
7- 11 a.m.
Homemade baked beans, eggs, hash browns, bacon, sausage, toast, tea, coffee, juice.
Price $6, children $3.

October 8,
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church (at the hall), 114 Fox Street, Lunenburg,
7:30- 11:30 a.m.
Adults $7, children (6-12) $3.50, children 5 and under free

Community Events

October 10,
Oktoberfest Harvest Sale,
Forties community centre, 1787 Forties Road, New Ross.
9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Homemade pickles, Annapolis Valley apples, fresh vegetables, Krispi Kraut sauerkraut and delicious country baked goods will be available from different vendors.

A new addition to the many items available is local "Home Farm" sausages in gourmet flavours.

Step back in time and enjoy a free sample of head cheese made from a time-honoured, Lunenburg County recipe. Call 689-2612 for information.

Suppers

October 10,
Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Dinner and Supper,
Forties communtiy centre, 1787 Forties Road, New Ross,
11:30-1:30 and 2:30-4:30.
Enjoy home cooking at its' best. We are serving delicious, traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings, dessert and tea and coffee.
Adults $10, 5-12 years $5, under 5 free. Sponsored by Canadian Heritage.

Go play in our dirt pile!

Spotted behind EADS Composites Atlantic...parking lot or factory expansion....both?

What's on this weekend? Pig Roast! Tea Party! Many, many suppers!

The turkey suppers in Canaan are always great, worth the drive...I'm sure it's also worth the drive to Caledonia for another turkey supper. That pig roast is tempting, as is the tea party at the DesBrisay Museum. Stay dry this weekend, folks!

Breakfasts

October 1,
Italy Cross, Middlewood & District fire hall,
7- 11 a.m.
Adults $6, children (5- 12) $3.

October 1,
Pinehurst Hall,
7-11 a.m.
$6/ person.

Teas/Luncheons

October 1,
Chowder and Soup Luncheon
St. John's Lutheran Church, Mahone Bay,
11 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Pies and cakes for dessert.
$7.

October 2
DesBrisay Museum
2-4 pm
Enjoy a tea party straight from old London town with traditional English folk music, a menu of assorted teas and punch, tea sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, fruit tartlets and assorted squares.
Tickets are $10 per person, and include entry to the fall exhibit, 'Dish it Up', and one entry in the 'Tea Party Delight Basket' raffle, to be drawn that day. (value $150). Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance.

Suppers

October 1,
Hot Turkey Supper.
Little Red School, Canaan.
3:30- 6 p.m.,
Adults $10, 5- 12 $5, under 5 free.
Bake table available.
Proceeds: three local churches.

October 1,
Bean and Ham Supper.
Pleasantville & District Fire Department,
4- 6 p.m.
Beans, ham, potato salad, brown bread and pie.
Adults $8, children $3, under 5 free.

October 1,
Bean and Salad Supper,
West Northfield Community Centre, 227 Feeners Corner Rd.
4 to 6:30 p.m.,
Adults $8, under 12 $2.
Proceeds: Anglican Parish of New Germany.

October 1,
Pig Roast,
Petite Riviere fire dept.,
4:30-6:30 p.m.
Salads, baked beans, homemade rolls, warm apple crisp with ice cream.
Adults $15, children 5-12 years $7, under 5 free.

October 1.
Chinese Supper.
East Dalhousie Community Centre
4:30 p.m start.
Adults $11, 5- 12 years $5, under 5 free.
Proceeds: Anglican Church. Takeouts available at 4 p.m.

October 1,
Turkey Supper,
Caledonia United Church.
all home-made food,
4:30-7 p.m.
Adults $12; children $6; under 5 free.

Mmmmore marvelous mountain ash

I'm trying to shoot as many pics of the mountain ash trees in my neighbourhood before the nice green foliage fades, enjoy!

Go for the four corners!

Bingo players spotted at this year's Big Ex.
I.........32. I.......three, two.

What's on this weekend? Variety Supper! Breakfasts! Roast Beef! BBQ Salmon and more!!

I know where I'm eating dinner on Sunday, First South Variety Supper, YEIAH!! Seriously, it's worth checking out. Be prepared for a wait....Find the closest meal and support your local community groups! Have a great weekend, everyone.

Breakfasts

September 24,
Breakfast at Royal Canadian Legion #23, Lunenburg,
7:30-11:30 a.m.
Adults $7; ages 5-12, $3. Takeout available for pick-up $7.50.
634-4215

Saturday, September 24,
Newfie Breakfast,
Chester Basin Legion.
7:30-10:30,
Menu selections and take-out available.

Saturday, September 24.
Fireman's Breakfast,
United Communities fire hall, Cherry Hill,
8 - 11 a.m.
Adults $6, children 5 -12 $3.25, under 5 free.

September 25,
Brunch,
Legion Br. #49 Mahone Bay,
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Adults $6; children $3; under 5 free.


Suppers

Saturday, September 24,
St. Mark's Anglican Church, Annual "Fish Fry,"
Western Shore fire hall,
noon- 6 p.m.
Dinner includes haddock, fries and coleslaw.
Prices: 1 piece, $5.50, 2 piece, $7.50, 3 piece, $9.50.
Desserts available plus flea market and bake table.

Saturday, September 24,
Roast Beef Supper,
St. Luke's Church Hall, 12713 Rhodes Corner, Hwy 3.
4-6:30 p.m.,
Cakes for dessert.
Adults $10, 5-12 years $5 and under 5 free.
Fundraiser to support the Halifax Hospital Chaplaincy.

Saturday, September 24,
BBQ Salmon Supper,
Broad Cove hall,
5:30 and 7 p.m.
$15.
BBQ salmon (with ham alternate), spinach salad, potato salad, cucumber salad, dessert.
Tables both floors.
Tickets available at the door or phone 677-2209.

Sunday, September 25,
Variety Supper,
Grace Lutheran Church, First South,
4-6 p.m.
Adults $10, children $5, under 5 years free.

Conquerall Bank Fire Dept. Annual Planked Halibut Supper Review

Conquerall Bank Fire Dept. Annual Planked Halibut Supper
Aug. 21, 2011
Conquerall Bank, NS

It was a humid Sunday in August, as we arrived in the fire hall parking lot. I was expecting a fire fighter directing traffic, but sadly the crowds had not arrived and there was no need for someone to coordinate the parking.

Who knows why these suppers are crazy one year and slow the next? There was a competing roast pork supper in Lahave that day. Perhaps the winds had blown from surf to turf? No matter, we were determined to feast upon planked halibut. Have I whetted your appetite? Then read on....

Before we went in, we ventured behind the fire hall to see the halibut cooking in front of the open fire. Folks were sweating, especially those whose job it was to tend the fire, like this 'fullah':



Some commented on the small size of the halibut fillets, while others chatted about the dwindling supply of that fine fish...others, stood beside their pokey stick and looked manly:



We were lucky to witness a plank get removed from the fire and made ready for the dining hall. Wire cutters at the ready, the men began the slow task of releasing the delicious halibut from its wired prison:



It was too much to bear, we needed to eat that fish! We headed inside. The room of chairs that in years gone by had been filled overflowing with hungry diners lay vacant. We quickly made our way to our seats. I love the custom place mats they print up for their summer events:



Before long, a very, very sweaty server greeted us, took our tickets and before we knew it, flavour country had arrived:



When you have a formula as good as this one, you don't change a thing. Some of the best mashed potatoes I have ever tasted were on my plate. How do they do it? Perhaps it's better to leave good things, like those scrumptious scoops of starch, a mystery. A simple slice of cucumber and tomato graced the plate and....sweet baby reekris, that halibut.

Some in the hall felt the need to complain that the fish was slightly dry. Others, like myself, didn't feel the need to critique the meal, as if they were dining in a four star restaurant. The 'secret sauce' the dehydrated workers had basted on the fish made for a delectable skin on the generous portion of halibut before me. Dining bliss.

We cleaned our plates, leaving room for pie of course! The coconut cream was the only selection made from scratch, it did not leave us wanting.

Before long, the staff started clearing tables around us as we realized...that was our cue to leave.

Another successful outing, at least for our dining party. Here's hoping for a better turnout next year!

Magnificent Mountain Ash!

These gorgeous shrubs, some the size of trees, are currently laden with gorgeous red berries. Stop and soak in the vibrant complimentary colours if you spot a good specimen.

I'll be posting more shots of mountain ash in the following weeks, stay tuned!

Woo HOO! A cool 20 thousand views!

I'm sure quite a few are my own, checking how the blog is looking...or people coming to my blog by accident...but still, 20k, I'll take it!!

Thanks to all the returning readers, I always appreciate the comments and feedback, keep 'em coming. ^_^

Here's to another twenty thou'!

Just another gorgeous sunset in Rose Bay

Had to pull over and snap some shots on the drive home...what a sunset!

What's on this weekend? Baked Beans! Bacon 'n eggs! Roast turkey and beef! Baked ham! Fish 'n' chips and other delectable offerings!!

Do you like food? If so, you will be a happy camper this weekend!

Lots to choose from Sat. and Sun...take your pick of breakfasts, both are great.

The bean and salad supper is usually just that, so don't be expecting much else. ^_^ The Blandford suppers are always a treat. If their canteen at The Big Ex is any indication, the Italy Cross fish and chip supper stands to be excellent. The roast beef supper in Newcombville roast beef suppers are great comfort food as well...

Breakfasts

September 17,
Riverport and District Firemen's Breakfast,
7:30- 11:30 a.m.,
usual menu,
$7 adults; $3 children 6- 12; children 5 and under free.

September 17,
Fireman's Breakfast.
Petite Riviere fire hall,
8-11 a.m.
Full menu, adults $6, under 12 $3, under 5 free.
Information call 688-1174

Sunday, September 18,
Brunch,
Masonic Hall, 216 North Street, Bridgewater.
10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Pancakes, sausages, beans, fish cakes, bacon, eggs, hash browns, brown bread, tea biscuits, etc. Adults $7, children 5-12, $4.50. All welcome.

Suppers

Saturday, September 17,
Bean and Salad Supper,
Pinehurst community hall,
4- 6 p.m.
Adults $8, children $3. Proceeds for New West Pine United Church

September 17,
Turkey Supper,
4:30-6 p.m.
District #1 Blandford Community Centre.
Adults $10, children $5, under 5 free.
Doors open at 3:30 for bake table. Proceeds to St. Barnabas Church.

Saturday, September 17,
Baked Ham and Variety Supper,
North Brookfield Hall,
4:30- 6:30 p.m.
Free will offering. Takeout service available.

September 18,
Fish & Chip Supper,
Italy Cross, Middlewood and district fire hall.
3-6 p.m.
Cakes, strawberry shortcake and strawberries and cream for desserts.
Adults $10, children (5-12) $5.

Sunday, September 18,
Roast Beef Supper,
Newcombville fire hall,
4- 6:30 p.m.
Menu consists of roast beef with mashed potatoes, peas, carrots, gravy and assorted pie for desert.
Adults: $10, children 5-12: $4.50. Under 5: free. Proceeds for fire department.

That;'s my kind of bus

No Yum Yum Bus at Crescent Beach last weekend, *sob*....

Step right up!

To be honest, I have never heard a carnie utter those words. I wonder if this guy has heard of sunblock? Methinks....no.

Carnies wanna have fun too, ya know...

This was my only mild success with speed blur shots at The Big Ex this year. Not that much speed blur, but at least I captured the elation of a carnie riding the 'ole pirate ship.