Heyy, I thought this was Riverport, not Rose Bay!

Riverport, NS

May 26, 2012

Shot on the way out to the wharf to catch some mackerel.  

I didn't realize the water caught so much of the setting sun.  I tried to turn the highlights down so the sky wasn't so blown out.  Some day I'll learn how to do masked levels adjustments...

Blomidon Field

Blomidon, NS

June 2, 2012

It was an odd weather weekend back in early June.  The previous day was decidedly chilly, but the next day the sun was shining and we were on the road.

The Apple Blossom Festival was preparing for the big parade and we had our sights set on Kentville to soak it all in.

Windows down, arms pretending to be planes while we wizzed past fields showing first sprouts.  It was that kind of Saturday.  Just the antidote for a wet and chilly day like today. 

Minas Basin Moonrise

Blomidon Provincial Park

Blomidon, NS

June 1, 2012

Time to take a break from all those shots from across the pond and head over to the Annapolis Valley.

It was a gorgeous evening to watch the moon rise over the Minas Basin.  Wolfville's lights can be seen in the distance.  Heck, you can even see a few stars in the night sky.  This shot was taken from the entrance to the provincial park (hence the light cast from the street lights in the foreground).

Blomidon is a fun park to visit, mostly car camping though like most provincial parks there are a small number of walk-in sites.  The view of the Minas Basin from the park rarely disappoints.  Many of the campsites have a view of the basin and have a nice breeze which helps keep the bugs at bay.  That also means it can get pretty chilly, we were bundled up that weekend but enjoyed the break from the black flies.

If you have time, check out their network of walking trails.  If you are lucky you will be able to spot Five Islands Provincial park and Parrsboro on the North shore of the basin.

Scotland: Glasgow Subway

Glasgow Subway Car

Glasgow, Scotland

June 19, 2012

During our short stay in Glasgow, I was glad I managed to get one trip on Glasgow's Subway.  While it was a 'wild ride' (the cars rock back and forth a lot), I think I must've held my camera on an extreme angle when I captured the above shot.

Believe it or not, it is the third oldest underground metro system in the world.  Approaches to some stations are still on an uphill, to assist the cars in braking.   As you can see, the cars themselves are tube shaped.  Mind those short entrances when you board the cars.

We noticed construction activity at several stations, which surprised my native Glaswegian guide.   For a subway system that was opened in 1896, I'm sure any upgrades are a welcome sight.

The subway run consists of two rings, both underground.  One runs clockwise, the other anti clockwise.  Simple! Sure, there are likely problems with timetables....but the subway map is pretty easy to understand.

Scotland: The Hunterian

Glasgow, Scotland

University of Glasgow

The Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery

June 19, 2012

This place screams "I am a museum!", doesn't it?  Feast your eyes on The Hunterian, Scotland's oldest public museum.  It is home to the largest single holding of the works of the famous Scottish Arts and Crafts/Art Nouveau designer; Charles Rennie Mackintosh.  Sadly, that exhibit was not open the day we visited the museum.  Frownie faces all around.  

Luckily we managed to amuse ourselves in their permanent collections.  The exhibit of The Antonine Wall was of particular interest to me, mostly because we had been talking about Rome's influence in Scotland the previous evening.  Like most people mistakenly assume, Rome's outer reach did not end at the infamous Hadrian's Wall.  I loved looking at the Roman coinage, garment artifacts, weapons, etc..  The inscribed tablets and other pieces of stone which date The Antonine Wall were also very interesting.

The admission to this museum was free, as was the Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh.  Apparently these are funded by council tax.  Civilized, that.

Scotland: Olympic Fever

Edinburgh, Scotland

June 18, 2012

I wouldn't say that people were feverish about the olympics 'down South'.  There were plenty of adverts in cities, on the telly, etc.....and this awful thing.  It seemed very out of place in Edinburgh, maybe it was because we had just walked down from the castle, I don't know.  I do know that when we rounded the bend and saw this, we all exhaled a disgusted sigh.  

I am rather pleased with how the buildings lined up inside the rings.  I wish I could say that composition was intentional, errrrm, it was not.

Scotland: The Cuillins

Glen Sligachan

Sligachan, Scotland

June 22, 2012

In the heart of Scotland's Isle of Skye (or just plain 'Skye', as the locals call it) lies The Cuillins, one of 40 national scenic areas in Scotland.  I hope you can understand why from this shot.  Stunning.

We hiked up the Glen for a couple hours, towards the hill you can see on the left in the distance.  That peak is named Marsco, it is part of the Red Hills/Red Cuillins.  The Red Hills are mostly composed of granite, compared to the Black Cuillins (you can see the base of them on the right hand of the shot) which are mostly basalt and gabbro.

This area of Scotland is a popular destination for ramblers, hikers and climbers.  If you are up for a challenge, you can complete the Black Cuillin Traverse. This takes you from Glenbrittle in the West, to Sligachan in the East. 

It's no wonder that Skye was used in the opening sequence of Prometheus, its landscape has an otherworldy feel.  

It was an amazing hike up the glen, I wish we could've ventured further.  If you happen to find yourself in Sligachan.  Stop, go for a ramble and recuperate in the Sligachan's excellent pub afterwards.

Iceland: Keflavik International Airport Scooter

Keflavíkurflugvöllur

Keflavik, Iceland

July 1, 2012

It was odd to begin celebrating Canada Day in Iceland...2012 was that kind of summer. Luckily it was also the same day as the Euro 2012 final which gave us something to do as we killed time in Boston, waiting for our return flight to Nova Scotia.

While we queued up for the first leg of our flight home, I noticed this sleek piece of industrial design leaning up against the window. Had a child left it there by accident? No, this is an official scooter for IGS. They run the terminal's 'nordic deli' restaurants and bars as well as aircraft handling for the airport.

Sadly, I missed the opportunity to snap a shot of another IGS scooter that had the front of the scooter modified to carry trays of food . Next time....

What's on this weekend? New Ross Christmas Festival! Breakfast! Desbrisay Open House!

New Ross is the place to be this weekend for all things Christmas.  Hebbs Cross has your greasy breakfast fix, back to New Ross Friday and Saturday for a community supper.

Breakfasts

Dec. 8
Hebbs Cross Fire Department
7:00am - 11:00am,
Homemade baked beans, eggs, hash browns, bacon, sausage, toast, tea, coffee, juice. 

Price $7, children $3.

Suppers

December 7

Community Supper
New Ross Legion

4:30pm - 6:30pm,
Come and taste all the delicious foods that makes up a Pot Luck meal. 

Adults $9.00; 5 - 12 years - $4.00 and those under 5 years eat at no cost to you. 

There will be Christmas crafts and Surprise Packages for sale, and perhaps baked goods.

Dec. 8
Turkey Dinner & Supper
Forties Community Centre

11:30am - 1:30pm,
Turkey dinner with all the trimmings. 

Adults $10; 12 and under $5; under 5 $2.50. 

Proudly part of the New Ross Christmas Festival. 

Call 689-2612 or 689-2000 for information.

Community Events

Dec.8
Craft Fair and Tree Decorating Contest
Forties Community Centre

10:00am - 4:00pm,
No admission. 

Proudly part of the New Ross Christmas Festival. 

Call 689-2612 or 689-2000 for information.

Dec. 8
Christmas Craft & Gift Fair
New Ross Consolidated School

10:00am,
A large Craft & Gift Fair featuring 40 vendors.

Festival Stage performers and Demonstrations of traditional crafts. 

Light lunch available and door prize draw.

Dec. 8
Christkindlmarkt - part of the New Ross Christmas Festival
Bandstand

4:00 pm,
A little German Christmas Festival for those who miss them. 

A part of the New Ross Christmas Festival. 

Featuring German sausage, Pancakes and cookies with other genuine German goodies.

Dec. 9

DesBrisay Museum Christmas Open House
DesBrisay Museum

2:00pm - 4:00pm,
Crafts and games for the kids, face painting, gingerbread decorating, Jelly bean game.

Christmas Carol singalong, Christmas trivia games, door prizes, apple cider, punch and Christmas Cookies. 

Bring a food bank donation.

Mommy....where do socks come from?

Sock knitting machines

Halifax Crafters Merry Beary Market

Olympic Hall

Halifax, NS

Dec. 1, 2012

While perusing the offerings at the recent Halifax Crafters winter market, I did a double take after I passed a stand selling socks.  What did I just see?  Wait...was that a machine that makes socks?!?  It sure was!

From what I've gleaned online, this is a P.T. Legare Circular Knitting Machine.  Check out the many varieties of these time saving devices here.  

If you'd like to learn more about the crafter who owns this machine, check out this interview with crafter Rosie Smith on the Halifax Crafters' site.

Congrats to the organizers and crafters for another successful craft show!

Scotland: The Lonely Walk Home

Glasgow, Scotland

June 19, 2012

I spotted this fellow on the cab ride home after a hard day's work of boozing and dining in the West End.  As you can see, this area was semi-industrial. At the time, his suit and tie apparel seemed like a nice contrast to the surroundings.  

Scotland: Food, Glorious Food!

Glasgow, Scotland

June 19, 2012

Sometimes it pays to ask.  I spotted this nice display of fish while walking somewhere in the West end of Glasgow...I entered the store and asked in my most polite voice, if I could please take a photo of his fish on display.  The shopkeeper shrugged and said yes.  

It's not the most exciting shot ever, maybe I was just excited to see some mackerel fillets in the window.  At any rate, I'm glad I took 'mundane' shots of grocery store shelves and shots like this one.  If anything, I regret that I didn't take more!

What's on This Weekend?

A bit of everything on either side of the county line this weekend.  

If you find yourself in Halifax this weekend, be sure to check out Halifax Crafters Society's Beary Merry Market!  They were voted best craft show for 2012 by the readers of The Coast, whoop!

Breakfasts

Country Breakfast
Chester Basin Fire Hall

7:30am, 

Various menu selections

Teas/Luncheons

Christmas Bake Sale and Soup Lunch
Trinity United Church Hall, Mahone Bay

10:00am,

Ham and Bean Luncheon
Saint James Anglican Church Hall, Mahone Bay

11:00am,
Adults $9, children 5- 12 years $5, under 5 free. 

Proceeds to support First Steps Early Intervention, a home based program for pre-school children with developmental challenges.

Suppers

Milton Community Christmas Supper
Milton Memorial Hall, Milton, Queens County

4:00pm, 

Turkey Dinner with all the trimmings coffee tea juice and dessert
$10.00 per person, Under 5 years old FREE  

Dine in, take out, or delivery in the Milton area

Scotland: Sausage Dinner @ Mario's Plaice

Mario's Plaice

Glasgow, Scotland

June 19, 2012

If you find yourself in the West End of Glasgow, hankering for a feed of chips or a deep fried slice of pizza...head over to Mario's Plaice.

After several pints and whisky chasers at the Òran Mór Whisky Bar, my Glaswegian guide took me to this joint for a sausage dinner.  This consists of a deep fried, battered sausage and chips (of course!).  

I have little experience with chips for comparison but I found them tasty and they did their job well....soaking up the alcohol.  The shopkeep was nice enough to put a fresh batch down for us and kindly let me lean behind the counter to snap a shot.  I'm glad I asked.

Scotland: Òran Mór Whisky Bar

Òran Mór Whisky Bar

Glasgow, Scotland

June 19, 2012

During a mid afternoon drinking session, always remember to stop and stretch. No one wants to throw out their back while sipping a wee dram of Talisker, right?

To quote the Òran Mór website: "Formerly Kelvinside Parish Church, Òran Mór, Gaelic for 'great melody of life' or 'big song', is a thriving arts & entertainment venue in the heart of Glasgow's West End." 

This was a really nice place to sit in a booth (err...pew?) and sample some fine cask ales and my first proper whisky!  

Stay tuned for shots of the deep fried sausage dinner that followed shortly thereafter....

Scotland: Glasgow Central Station

Glasgow, Scotland

June 18, 2012

While waiting to catch a train home, I started snapping candid shots in Glasgow's central train station....then I got busted by this nearby commuter. 

Scotland: Blokes

Edinburgh, Scotland

June 18, 2012

I should probably count myself lucky that I didn't get 'messed about' for taking this shot of these two blokes strolling down a lane, soaking up the sun.  It was one of the only days I regretted not wearing shorts, so much for that rainy Scottish weather!

Iceland: Hipsters

Reykjavik, Iceland

Kolaportið Flea Market

June 30, 2012

Hipsters, hipsters everywhere....

The global scourge of hipsters has not left Iceland untouched. Check out this greasy hair, indoor sunglasses wearing dude thumbing through a bin of vinyl. 

 No, Icelandic hipster, don't buy the Toto album!!!!

File under: food pr0n

July 03, 2012

Lunenburg, NS

Barbecue all the things! 

The Big Ex: Who Needs Sunblock?

The Big Ex

Bridgewater, NS

July 25, 2012

Clearly, these guys were not worried about the harmful effects of the sun's rays as they strutted around the exhibition grounds on this fine, sunny day in July.  

Does anyone know why a Newfoundland flag was flying from the building in the background?  I sure don't.

Lines

Rose Bay, NS

Oct. 17, 2012

A common sight these days, geese on the move.  Somehow I got them to line up nicely with....lines.  words.

A tractah that does burnouts? Read on...

Some cheap scrapin for today's post.  Gotta love brake burnin' tractahs!

Lahave: Pay Phone

Lahave, NS

Nov. 12, 2012

A dying breed, take a good look at this pay phone....it's getting harder and harder to find 'em.

As this recent article pointed out, all it takes is an extended power outage to remind us of the importance of  this 'archaic technology'.

Must get a shot of this one at night, while the sign still lights up!

Iceland: Kolaportið Flea Market

Kolaportið Flea Market

Reykjavik, Iceland

June 30, 2012

Our last full day in Iceland started out with a trip to the local flea market. Rack upon rack of used clothing filled the space, with hordes of bargain shoppers bumping shoulders to find the next great deal.  Hipsters thumbed through boxes of vinyl and tourists like myself soaked it all in.

This woman was knitting away in her little corner of the market, blissfully unaware of your's truly taking her photo.

Stay tuned for more shots from the flea market!

Sappyfest 7: Backyard BBQ

Sappyfest 2012

Sackville, NB

Aug. 4, 2012

A candid shot from the backyard gig at Sappyfest 7.  Thanks to the president of Mount A. for letting us use the space!  The cool, soft grass and shade from the nearby trees were enjoyed by all in attendance....gad damn it was hot.

What's on this weekend? Breakfasts! Chili and Chowdah! Bake Sales! Turkey!!!

Saturday is chock-a-block with community grub....breakfasts on either side of the river...several bake sales..the always delicious St. Luke's hot luncheon...and heck, even a turkey supper 'up home'.

Breakfasts

November 10

Hebbs Cross Fire Department, 

7- 11 a.m.

Homemade baked beans, eggs, hash browns, bacon, sausage, toast, tea, coffee, juice.  

Price $7, children $3.

November 10
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church at Central United Church hall, Lincoln St., Lunenburg, 

7:30- 11:30 a.m. 

Menu: Eggs, hash browns, bologna, bacon, juice, sausages, beans, tea, coffee and toast. 

(Bake Sale Table & Take-outs are available) 

Adults $7, children (6-12), $3.50, children (5 and under) free.
This will be our last breakfast until February 2013. It has been our pleasure serving you!

Teas/Luncheons

November 10

Coffee Party and Bake Sale,

St. Andrew's Church, Rose Bay

10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Adults $7; children 12 and under $3; under 5 free.

Saturday, November 10

Christmas Hot Luncheon,

St. Luke's Church Hall, 12713 Rhodes Corner, Hwy 3

11 a.m.- 1 p.m.,

Menu: Chili, Corn & Fish Chowders and Turkey Noodle Soup with Buffet Desserts. 

Adults: $8, 5-12 yrs: $4 and under 5 free. 

Bake Sale.

Community Events

Saturday, November 10
17th Annual Christmas Craft and Bake Sale, 

Branch LaHave Community Hall, 1758 Lower Branch Road,

9:30- 2:30. 

Free admission, canteen, free gifts. 

Information: 543-2079, 543-9611.

Suppers

Saturday, November 10

Turkey Supper

Epworth United Church, New Germany,

4- 6 p.m. 

Adults $12, children under 12, $5 and children under 5, free.

Sappyfest: Hiding from the sun

Sappyfest 2012

Sackville, NB

Aug. 5, 2012

This image was taken on a very, very hot Sunday in August.  As you can see, folks were scrambling for any available shade, especially the small group in the foreground.  It's hard to see, but in the background there is also a large crowd hiding under the shade of a tree.

It was the heat that eventually broke me that day and left me scurrying to the dehumidified coolness of my car as I drove back to the South Shore thinking of diving into the cold Atlantic ocean...

Nocturne 2012

Nocturne 2012

Halifax, NS

Oct. 13, 2012

A sample of an art installation I checked out at this year's Nocturne Halifax.  There were many radios on platforms like this one, playing various radio stations.  Some radios were semi enclosed in 'booths'.  As one wandered around the space, some broadcasts began to take on stereo sound when one stood between two radios broadcasting the same frequency.  At other times, one would affect the broadcast, simply by one's body interfering with the radio signal.  I made the cardinal sin of touching the installation, the radio didn't have 'mega bass' cranked up, I couldn't help myself!

If you haven't checked out Nocturne before, mark it down on your 'must attend' list for 2013. It's a great way to experience Halifax, at night!

The Big Ex: Out and About

The Big Ex

Bridgewater, NS

July 25, 2012

This old fullah was out for a stroll near the main gate, soaking in the gorgeous and sunny day that was July 25th.  

Scotland: From Tarbert to Scalpay

Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides, Scotland

June 26, 2012

I snapped this shot from the window of a moving van on the way back from Scalpay. I guess I shouldn't obsess with perfect shot taking conditions when I can take decent shots like this one. Heck, this one was an afterthought. I liked the look of the building in the foreground and only managed to capture an image after we had passed it. Turns out, it was a great vantage point since you get a nice view of the winding road through the rocky hills of Harris.

Scalpay, or Sgalpaigh na Hearadh (Scalpay of Harris) is a tiny island close to where the ferry lands in nearby Tarbert. It is well worth a visit, stay tuned for more pics of our hike to an abandoned lighthouse on Scalpay, on of the highlights of our trip!

Iceland: Hurrah for Hveragerði!

Hveragerði, Iceland

June 29, 2012

Just another gorgeous day in June, in the hot spring hills above Hveragerði.

You can see a small cloud of steam on the left.  It was puffing out stinky, sulfur/rotten egg smells the entire time we were there.  The amazing terrain and vistas more than made up for the smell(s). ^_^

Scotland: Harris Peat Harvesting

Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides, Scotland

June 26, 2012

A close up shot of peat harvesting from one of our many jaunts between Tarbert and Leverburgh.  I can still smell that acrid peat smoke in my nose!  

This was a common site in the Hebrides, where many people still heat their homes with peat.  

Here's a short video that illustrates the process.

Two bald eagles, sittin' in a tree

Riverport, NS

Oct. 18, 2012

F-I-S-H-I-N-G.  Actually, they were just sitting there, enjoying the amazing, warm Fall day.  What a beaut!

What's on this weekend? Turkey! Corned Beef! Kohl Canon! Chowdah!

Sorry early risers, no breakfasts this weekend.  Thankfully, no shortage of suppers!

I get the odd person wandering to my blog after searching for "Kohl Canon".  Since there's the annual Kohl Canon supper happening this weekend, I'll just re-scrape this explanation from an older blog post:

"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.
The awesome Colcannon song!:

"Did you ever eat Colcannon, made from lovely pickled cream?
With the greens and scallions mingled like a picture in a dream.
Did you ever make a hole on top to hold the melting flake
Of the creamy, flavoured butter that your mother used to make?"

The chorus:

"Yes you did, so you did, so did he and so did I.
And the more I think about it sure the nearer I'm to cry.
Oh, wasn't it the happy days when troubles we had not,
And our mothers made Colcannon in the little skillet pot."


Suppers

Saturday, October 27
Annual Women's Institute Turkey Supper
North Brookfield Community Hall,
4:30- 6:30 p.m. 
Complete turkey dinner with pie and sweets for dessert. 
Adults $12, children 5-12 $6, under 5 free.

Saturday, October 27
Kohl Canon Supper,
Basement of St. John's Church, Chester Basin, 
4:30- 6:30 p.m. 
Ham, baked beans, brown bread and rolls, apple crisp for dessert. 
Adults $10, child 5- 12 $3, under 5 free. 
Takeouts available

Saturday, October 27
Turkey Casserole & Dessert Buffet 
Brooklyn Baptist Church
5:30 P.M.
Tickets: $10.00
Proceeds for Church Purposes 

October 28
Corned Beef and Cabbage Supper
Hebbs Cross fire dept.
4-6:30 p.m. 
Includes dessert, tea and coffee
Adults $10; children 5-12 $5; under 5 free.
Everyone welcome.

October 28
St. James Lutheran Annual Soup and Chowder Supper,
Branch LaHave community hall. 
Rolls, apple crisp with ice cream and beverage included.
4-6 p.m. 
Adults $8; children $2; under 5 years free. 

Love where you live

Upper Kingsburg, NS

Oct. 19, 2012

Love the bands of colour, light and shadows in this one.  I shouldn't need to remind myself to walk down the road and soak in this vista, but I do.  

The Big Ex: Laughing the Day Away

The Big Ex Dining Hall

Bridgewater, NS

July 25, 2012

These two women were having a good time serving up a delicious corned beef dinner this summer at The Big Ex.

A little levity at the workplace sure goes a long way!

The Big Ex at Night

The Big Ex

Bridgewater, NS

July 25, 2012

After a riveting evening of watching miniature pony races, I snapped this shot from the stands before leaving the exhibition grounds.  

My favourite fish and chips stand is in the foreground: Italy Cross and Middlewood Fire Department!

What's on this weekend? Many breakfasts! Salt cod! Roast Beef! Baked Ham! Sauerkraut!!!!

Breakfasts

Sat. Oct. 20
Bridgewater Fire Hall

7-11 am
Eggs, bacon, beans, toast, hasbrowns, coffee, tea, juice.
Only $6 for adults; 12 and under $3; 5 and under eat for free. Come, bring your friends AND your appetite!
Takeout available

October 20

Parkdale/Maplewood Hall

7-10:30 a.m. 

Home smoked bacon, eggs, homemade pancake with pure maple syrup, sausage, toast, juice, tea and coffee. 

Adults $7, Youth $3.50, under 5- free. 

Information, Joanne 644-2877.

October 20, Saturday: 

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.

Saturday, October 20

Fireman's Breakfast. 

Petite Riviere fire hall,

8- 11 a.m. 

Full menu, adults $7, under 12 $3, under 5 free. 

Information 688-2117

Sunday, October 21

Chelsea Fireman's Centre,

7:30 until 10:30 a.m. 

Adults $7, children 5 and over $3.50, under 5 free. 

All proceeds for the Chelsea and District Fire Department.

Suppers
Oct 20 - 

Blandford Community Centre Saltcod Supper, 

4:30- 6 p.m., 

$12/person.

Saturday, October 20

Harvest Supper and Sale,

Holy Trinity Anglican Church hall, 78 Alexandra Ave., Bridgewater, 

4:30 - 6:30 p.m. 

Adults $10, children 12 and under $6, under 5 free. 

Menu: Baked ham, scallop potato, baked beans. 

Tickets at door or call 543-2651, 543-9959 or 543-1357

Saturday, October 20

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

Sunday, October 21

Oktoberfest Sauerkraut Supper,

Forties community centre, 1787 Forties Road, New Ross. 

4-6 p.m. Doors open at 4 serving starts 4:30

Sauerkraut, sweet pickled pork, mashed potatoes, dessert. . 

Adults $10; 5-12 $5; under 5 $2.50. 

Sponsored by Canadian Heritage. 

Entertainment by "Notes from Home" Myrna Reeves, Richard Eldridge and Agnas Clinton. 

Call 689-2612 or 689-2000 for information.

Iceland: June 29, 11 pm

Reykjavik, Iceland

June 29, 2012

11 pm local time

This is what 11 pm looked like wayyyy up north in Iceland on June 29th.  Barely a week after the longest day of the year, sunset is a relative term.

Technically, the sun set ~midnight that day and rose at ~ 3 am.  In between those hours, there was enough daylight to read a paper outdoors!

A sleeping mask was a must, I noticed many apartments with tinfoil in the windows.  I'm assuming it was used to block out the daylight.  Perhaps there are some people trying to block HAARP  signals or mind control rays as well?  

I'm so glad we got to experience continuous daylight as a part of our trip.  By the end of our journey, it was starting to fry my brain a little bit.  Our first night back in Nova Scotia came with a welcome sunset and them beautiful stars in the sky.

What's on this weekend? ANOTHER breakfast in L'burg, Fall luncheons and horse/oxen plowing!

Lunenburg lucks out with another breakfast this Saturday.   Or, drive out to Blandford and grab some early morning grease.

Fall is in the air, there are a couple luncheons to fit the season including one in First South to celebrate the 125th year of their little church.  Congrats!

I hope I can check out the horse/oxen plowing competition, sounds interesting!

Breakfasts

Saturday, October 13
Served by St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church at Central United Church hall, Lincoln St., Lunenburg,

7:30- 11:30 a.m. 

(Take-outs are available) 

Adults $7, children (6-12), $3.50, children (5 and under) free. 

Menu: Eggs, hash browns, bologna, bacon, juice, sausages, beans, tea, coffee and toast. 

Come enjoy a good breakfast and fellowship with your family, friends and neighbours.

Oct 13

Blandford Community Centre breakfast, 

9- 11 a.m., 

$6/person.

Teas/Luncheons

Saturday, October 13

First South United Church Soup Luncheon. 

Celebrating our 125th year

11:30 - 1 p.m. 

Soups & chowders, desserts & variety of cakes. 

Price $8. Everyone welcome.

October 13

Harvest Luncheon and Sale,

Wesley United Church Hall,Petite Riviere,

12-2pm, 

Adults $9.00,Children under 12 $4.00,age 5 and under free. 

Variety of Casseroles,salads,pie and ice cream. 

Silent Auction,Bake Table and Flea Market Table. 

Proceeds for the UCW

Community Events

October 13

South Shore Plowing Competition, 

680 Waterloo Rd,

Starting at 9 a.m. 

Horse and oxen classes. 

Spectators welcome. 

For information call Lyndon at 685-2938

Full of Fall Foliage

Site D

Kejimkujik National Park, Nova Scotia

October 8, 2012

Last weekend was a gorgeous last gasp of mild weather.  Camping at Site D was a lovely way to spend Thanksgiving with friends.

I am greatly saddened and frustrated by the Federal Conservative Party's gutting of the National Park system.  Not only does it impact me and my friends who regularly frequent the park between Oct. 9th and May 24, but also my friends who are employed at the park.  

Anecdotal accounts suggest that the science research program at Keji has been gutted.  I hope that is not the case.  Park staff used to visit local schools to educate children about wilderness appreciation, forest biology, etc..  Apparently Environment Canada funding for that program (controlled by ex-Global news anchor Peter Kent) has also been cut.

Please consider helping non-profit group efforts such as the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society.  We are witnessing the dismantling of our shared parks heritage.  Their 2012 parks report is particularly disturbing. 

Sorry to be a wet blanket, but them's the facts.

Scotland: Isle of Harris....wait, this is Scotland?

Somewhere on the A859 between Tarbert and Leverburgh

Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides, Scotland

June 26, 2012

When I imagined travelling to Scotland, my mind was filled with images of craggy highlands, mountain tops enshrouded in fog, scotch broom and heather and other regional stereotypes.  I did not expect turquoise waters and white sand beaches!

Such are the delights that await you if you travel to the Outer Hebrides.  Well, the Western shore of the Isle of Harris in this case.  

The drive along the A859 is a windy affair of single track road from Tarbert to Leverburgh. After climbing up the rocky hills from Tarbert; where you can witness peat being 'harvested', you descend to the coast and are greeted with vistas like this.  I tried to stop uttering travel brochure cliches such as: "awesome", "breathtaking", "a symphony of colour", etc. but it was a losing battle.  I was happy to concede to the amazing Scottish countryside.

When we weren't gazing out at the sea, we were keeping our eyes peeled for sheep.  Sheep on the hills, in the ditches, on the shoulder of the road and....in the road.  As you can imagine, we sampled various cuts of lamb during our stay in Scotland.  Delicious!

I have a feeling there are other pockets in the Hebrides that are equally stunning. I feel fortunate that I was able to experience this one.  I never did get in the water, though...Next time!

St. Norbert's Big Breakfast Review

St. Norbert's Big Breakfast

United Church Hall

Lunenburg, NS

Oct. 6, 2012

Another first for me, this weekend was my first nosh at the infamous St. Norbert's Big Breakfast!  Even the people who sat near me couldn't believe it was my first one.  But I digress.

While this breakfast is hosted by the local Catholic church, in a demonstration of inter faith cooperation, it is held at the nearby United church hall.  Awww, group hug!

Similar fare as the Riverport fireman's breakfast.  You are presented with a choice of eggs (pick a style, they'l probably make 'em), pancakes, beans, sausage, bacon and toast.  I wasn't planning on a large amount of physical activity that day so i got a relatively 'small' plate.  My physician might disagree with that assessment.

Cheerful staff quickly attended to me with a platter of juice glasses.  The small kind that you'd imagine used in psych wards.  I went for the cranberry sugar nectar rather than the usual offerings of apple or orange juice.

I dutifully filled out my order with the supplied pencil and waited for my grub.

The man opposite me queried me on my county origins.  Once I established my Lun. County 'street cred', we traded notes about Simpson's Corner, home to his grandparents.  This was neither his first, nor his last Big Breakfast.  I could have been the only first timer in attendance that morning.

It was a who's who of Lunenburg, several entrepreneurs and 'mompreneurs' were spotted as well as mayoral candidate Ron Stockton and many other familiar faces about town.

The grub was hot and greasy, as advertised.  The beans had a nice touch of sweet to 'em and the bacon was crispy.  I could've handled a little more 'toast' to my toast, but the soft bread made it easy work to sop up my runny yolks.

I managed to get a shot of mission control, though in retrospect I wish I had taken some shots that showed more of the wood panelled wall that surrounded their cooking nook:

All in all, a respectable entry in the community grub category.  A welcome way to spend a Saturday...morning.

What's on this weekend? Breakfast, it's what's for dinner (and breakfast). Also, Turkey!

Start prepping your stomach for a Thanksgiving dinner with several Saturday morning breakfasts held all over this great county of ours.  

Do you loooove turkey?  Then head across the county line to Caledonia for a turkey supper (Saturday).

Sunday's lone event is a breakfast in Vogler's Cove, sounds like fun for the whole fam damily.

Breakfasts

Saturday, October 6, 

Italy Cross, Middlewood and district fire hall, 

7- 11 a.m. 

Adults $6; children 5-12, $3. 

Everyone welcome.

Saturday, October 6

Pinehurst hall,
7 - 11 a.m., 

Adults $7, 5-12 $3, under 5 free. 

Proceeds for the hall.

October 6

Chester Basin Fire Hall

7:30-10:30 a.m.

Various menu selections.

Saturday, October 6

St. Norbert's Big Breakfast

Central United Church Hall, Lincoln St, Lunenburg. \

Enjoy eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes and beans with beverage of your choice. 

$7, children $4

Sunday, October 7., 

Pumpkin Fest, 

Vogler's Cove hall/playground. Breakfast, 

8 -10. Hash browns, ham, eggs, toast, beverages, $6; 5-12, $3; under 5 free. 

Pumpkin weigh-off 10:30. 

Activities to follow

Suppers

Saturday, October 6

Turkey Supper, 

4:30-7 p.m

Caledonia United Church

All home-made food,

Adults $12; children $6; under 5 free.