She didn't ask to be born....

Front runner for the saddest face at this year's Big Ex. I saw her standing alone on the midway, drenched in ennui and I had to take the shot.

Just another gorgeous sunset on the Lahave

That is all.

Ominous clouds hanging over Bayport

More interesting clouds hanging over the Lighthouse Route this week...shot Monday morning.

Return of the angry carny!

Short kids trying to sneak on the pirate ship. Angry carny is having none of it.
I think I've created a new meme. Look out intarwebz, angry carny gon' git'cha!

Sunset contrails

Inbound Halifax air traffic contrails at sunset, spotted at Hirtle's Beach a few weeks ago.

You kids with your mp3's and your 123's

Another candid shot from The Big Ex midway. I imagine this scene went something like this:

"Want to go on this ride?"
"Whatever...let me update my tumblr first..."

Sun. Aug. 21 - Freakin Planked HALIBUT Supper, you heard me.

Hope you don't have plans for Sunday, because you should plan your day around this event. That is all.

Conquerall Bank Fire Department Planked Halibut Supper

August 21, 2011

4:30pm to 6:30pm

Conquerall Bank Fire Department

2228 Conquerall Road, Conquerall Bank

Phone: 902-527-0078

Adults $15 Children $6 and under 5 free

Come in, sit down, relax and enjoy a good “down home” meal!

Let the members of the fire department serve you a generous portion of Planked Halibut that is slightly salty from being cooked slowly in front of an open fire and basted with our secret butter recipe.

Included with the portion of Halibut you get Old Style mashed potatoes, a roll, Cole slaw and a fresh slice of tomato and cucumber.

You will be served Coffee or Tea and a piece of pie for desert from our selection of homemade pies.

Angriest carny at The Big Ex?

Methinks yes. This guy was not taking any crap from short kids trying to get on the pirate ship. He had his hands full.

The drive home...

Saturday evening on the Lahave.
As Stephen Wright would say, "nice night for an evening."

Sometimes, even a parking lot can look beautiful

Especially when there is a gorgeous sky as the backdrop. Shot in Bridgewater, Saturday evening.

The 'ole spit 'n' polish

This ride was closed for....sanding? I'm used to seeing carnies kicking rides, not delicately sanding the midway patina off 'em, so it goes.

Saddest face at The Big Ex?

Quite possibly, sure looks like he could tell some tales...

Sappyfest 2011

This summer was my first visit to Sappyfest, certainly not my last. It was an incredible weekend, a great lineup of musicians, attentive audience (there for the music, not just to party) and friendly folk all around.

I didn't take many pictures that weekend, except for this one.

Shot across the street from my car, this nondescript strip of pavement quickly became an impromptu hangout and camping spot for festival goers.

This group of music fans, sitting on the stairs behind an permanently parked tractor trailer...painting and/or drawing in the warm afternoon on Sunday....pretty much sums up my Sappy experience.

I was impressed by the lack of hassle by the cops, especially with so much open alcohol in plain view. Also, Sackville bylaw enforcement appeared to turn a blind eye to the folks who were camping in the narrow strip of grass behind this parking lot. A refreshing change.

Not so rosy bay

Heavy clouds were hanging over us on the drive home last Tuesday. Once we hit Rose Bay a sliver of sun appeared under the clouds.

Hard and soft

The ditch beside EADS Composites Atlantic caught my eye on a lunch time walk. I lingered for a moment, soaking in all the nice yellow and white flowers and grasses growing in abundance.

It was only when I looked at the image on my computer that I noticed the clouds and the contrasting hard lines of the factory, enjoy!

What's on this weekend? Blueberries! Roast Pork! Hodge Podge!

There are several fireman's breakfasts on offer this weekend, to tantalize your taste buds. If you find yourself out Caledonia way, check that roast pork supper! If I have my way, I will be heading to the Forties for that blueberry supper...they had me at hodge podge and cucumbers/cream! It couldn't be more South Shore if it tried!

If you are unaware of hodge podge, now is the time to get familiar with it. Head to your local farm market, pick up new potatoes, beans, carrots, shelled peas and onions and have at 'er! Here's a recipe, deeeelish!

Breakfasts

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

August 6,
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.

August 6,
Chester Basin Fire Hall.
7:30-10:30 a.m.,
Various menu selections.

Suppers

August 6,
Roast Pork Supper.
Masonic Hall, Caledonia,
4:30- 7.
Adults $12, 5- 12 years $8 under 5 free.

Sunday, August 7,
Blueberry Supper,
Forties community centre, 1787 Forties Road, New Ross.
4-6 p.m.
Hodge-podge, ham, cucumbers/cream, variety of blueberry desserts to choose from.
Doors open at 4, serving starts 4:30.
Adults $10; 5-12 $5; under 5 free.
Phone 689-2612 for information.

The Big Ex 2011: The fullahs....

The first rule of hanging with the boys in the stands and watching the horse pull: no smiles.

The Big Ex 2011: The folks....

I had a great time at The Big Ex this year, wandering through the animal and craft barns, checking out 4-H projects and all the funny belt buckles and hats for sale.

This year I decided to focus on the people. Here are some folks checking out a horse pull.

Big Ex demolition derby - V8 class

I'm gutted that I missed this on Sunday, what a ruckus!!!