Riverport wharf: at night

Four second exposure
F/6.3
ISO 400


I love how it makes the boat in the background look like a toy, very unreal.  Man, the water was still that night!  Caught a couple herring too. ^_^

Fresh Lobster

Spotted on Riverport a week ago, on my drive back from the wharf.

You know you live by the shore when....

Ah, the rites of spring; Large item pick up day has arrived.  It's later than usual this year, I guess I was one of the few who got the memo.  Folks have been putting out their large items to be whisked away, by men who walk with a limp, for about a month now.   Along the shore, a common item to be discarded is the icon of coastal living; the lobster trap.  


This isn't something you are likely to see along the roads in New Germany, let alone in Bridgewater or even Lunenburg.  But as you get closer and closer to the villages and hamlets where people actually fish for a living, you begin to see more and more fishing gear on the side of the road.  Metal lobster pots, wooden ones (which further up the shore would be sold to tourists), buoys and other nautical goods are on offer.


I'll save my comments on large item pickup day for another time, let's just say I have been thoroughly enjoying the show.   If I have my way, you will be seeing my new show, "Lunenburg County Pickers" in the near future.  Stay tuned!

Smoked Kiack

Smoked kiack ('technically this is an alewife, a shad/river herring within the genus Alosa) can be found at roadside stands this time of year.  I found this beauty at a farm market in Liverpool a couple weekends ago.  It tastes as good as it looks!  This was my first time dealing with a whole smoked fish that had scales.  It took a while to figure out how to extract the delectable smoked fish, but once I did...heaven.


If you see folks with long handled dip nets, hauling fish out of rivers this time of year, they are dipping kiack, also known as gaspereau in these parts.  While some are smoked and sold to adoring fans like myself, most are used as bait in lobster traps/pots.


So, if you see a hand scribbled sign at the side of the road advertising "kayaks", "kiacks", "smoke kiack", etc..don't be alarmed.  Stop, go in, buy some (preferably in the filleted form, I learned my lesson) and let the party in your mouth commence.

What's on this weekend? 5 breakfasts & 1 brunch! Horse/Ox Pull! Variety Supper! Turkey!!!

Well, well, well....how many wells does it take to fill a lake?  Lots going on this weekend, especially for breakfast.  See for yourself!

First horse/ox pull of the season (that I've noticed) in Lake Centre.  Stop by Village Nursery on your way there and pick up some plants, why dont'cha?

Turkey supper in New Germany is usually good, though the last time I went the folks in line were loading up their plates like it was their last meal....stand your ground!

Also, check out Gloria's big, jeezly 'ole yard sale in LaHave on Saturday (next to the post office).  Chances are, it will be hard to miss....

Have a great weeekend, ya'll.

Breakfasts

May 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

Saturday, May 26

Newfie Breakfast, 

Chester Basin Legion. 

7:30-10:30

Menu selections and take-out available.

Saturday, May 26

Conquerall Bank Fire Hall, 

Pancake and Sausage Breakfast. 

8- 11 a.m. 

Donation to Muscular Dystrophy.

Saturday, May 26. 

Firemen's Breakfast, 

United Communities fire hall, Cherry Hill, 

8 - 11 a.m. 

Adults $7, children 5 -12 $3.25, under 5 free.

May 26- 

Blandford Community Centre, 

9- 11 a.m. 

Adults $6, children $3.

Sunday, May 27 

Brunch, 

Mahone Bay Legion

10 a.m.-1 p.m. 

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

Community Events

Saturday, May 26 

30th Annual Horse and Ox Pull,

Lake Centre/ New Cumberland Hall. 

Pull starts at 12:30, there will be a canteen.

Raindate: May 27. 

Suppers

Saturday, May 26 
30th Annual Horse and Ox Pull Variety Supper

Variety supper, 4-6 p.m. 

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

May 26,  

Turkey Supper, 

Epworth United Church, New Germany, 

4- 6 p.m. 

Adults $10; children under 12 years $5; and under 5 years free.

You can whip their cream....

It's funny how things look different, a couple hours down the shore.  Flowering shrubs are a couple weeks ahead of us and the dairy choices have an unfamiliar option:  Cook's Dairy.


For starters, I LOVE the graphic design of their packaging.  The big and bold numbers, the extra large 'S' in Skim Milk and of course their palette of colours.  


Cook's Dairy is a familiar sight in the southern end of the province, but travel only a few hours up the coast and it is nowhere to be seen.  This is truly a locally owned and operated company.  Its roots date back to the 1940's and judging by how many places I saw it on offer, it is still going strong.


I am regretting that I didn't take more pictures of their products while I was on the French Shore, but that will have to wait for another sojourn later this summer.  I should also sample some of their products...next time.

What's on this weekend? Bacon, bacon, bacon.

Looks a lot of the  fire departments in the are hosting breakfasts tomorrow morning. Fill up on bacon and enjoy the great weather for this long weekend, folks!

Breakfasts

Saturday May 19
Bridgewater Fire Hall
7:00am to 11:00am.
Cost $6.00, $3.00 for under 12 and under 5 eat free.

May 19,
Parkdale/Maplewood hall,
7-10:30 a.m.
Adults $6; youth, $3; under 5 free.
Homemade pancakes, real maple syrup, sausage, bacon, eggs, toast, juice, tea, coffee.

May 19, 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, May 19
Fireman's Breakfast
Petite Riviere fire hall
8-11 a.m.
Full menu,
adults $7, under 12 $3, under 5 free.
Information call 688-1174

The dandelions are taking over

I'm cool with that, especially when they grow beside big, blue blocks of colour!

Birding: Great Egret

Last weekend, I spotted this Great Egret hanging out in Romkey Pond (just behind Hirtle's Beach).  It did not move much that afternoon.  I guess it found a good fishing spot and was content to stay put and fill its belly.  These are a rare sight in this part of the world.  


I wish I had set up my tripod to get some clearer shots, this one was shot from the car with me leaning over the passenger seat to shoot out the window.  

Big 'ole Forsythia

I marvel at this massive forsythia bush on my daily commute.  Unfortunately, I didn't catch the blossoms at their peak.  I included the shed in the shot to give a sense of the sheer size of this roadside shrub.  Not your average forsythia, that's for sure!

In case you live under a rock and don't talk to your mom that often...this Sunday is Mother's Day (you already sent her a card, RIGHT?!?).  There are a couple of options on Sunday, if that's how you roll....the suppers at the Forties hall won't leave you hungry!

The Daffodil Tea in Petite is always great, reports say the same about the breakfasts held at the Lunenburg United Church hall.

Have a great weekend everybody, and don't forget to call yer ma'!

Breakfasts

May 12 

Hebbs Cross Fire Department, 

7- 11 a.m

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

Price $7, children $3.

Saturday, May 12 

Central United Church Hall, Lincoln Street, Lunenburg,

7:30- 11:30 a.m. 

Menu: Eggs, bacon, sausages, balogna, hash browns, beans, toast, juice, tea and coffee. Takeouts available. 

Adults $7, children 6- 12 $3.50, under 6 free.  

There will also be a Bake Sale Table. 

Start your Saturday off right with a delicious breakfast and some sociable fellowship. 

Saturday May 12 

Pancake Breakfast

Bridgewater fire hall

7:30- 11 a.m.,

Includes: pancakes, bacon or sausage, tea, coffee, juice. 

$6. 

Support First Steps Early Intervention a home based program for young children with developmental challenges.

May 13. 

Mother's Day Breakfast. 

Chelsea Fire Hall, 

7:30- 11 a.m. 

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

May 13 

Mother's Day Champagne Brunch,

Chester Basin Legion. 

12:30-2:30, 

Tickets, by May 8, 275-2577

Teas/Luncheons

May 12 

Springtime Luncheon and Sale,

Bridgewater United Church, 87 Hillcrest Street. 

11 a.m.-1 p.m. 

Craft & plant table, trinkets & treasures table, Wee Wisdom Cookie Sale. 

Adults $8, children $4.

Saturday, May 12, 

Daffodil Tea and Sale, 

Wesley United Church, Petite Riviere, 

2-4 p.m. 

Bake, plant and white elephant tables. Silent auction. 

Menu of sandwiches and little cakes. 

Adults $8; children $4; under 5 free. Proceeds for UCW.

Suppers

Sunday, May 13 

Mother's Day Supper.

Forties Community Centre, 1787 Forties Road, New Ross.

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

Chicken, potatoes, vegetables, dessert, tea, coffee. 

Adults $10, 5- 12 $5, under 5 $2.50. 

Call 902-689-2612 for information. 

Blossoms....blossoms everywhere!

Gorgeous azaleas abound everywhere in Lunenburg County these days.  Last weekend, I spotted these shrubs  in full bloom, lining the driveway to the Bayport Cemetery.  You can see shadbush trees blossoms in the background.  


Shadbush are aptly named, since their blooms coincide with the annual shad fish run.  Shadbush (aka serviceberry, wild pear and its latin name; Amelanchier) fit in to that weird category of 'shrubs that can grow to the size of trees'.  


Shadbush are blooming everywhere right now, they are pretty easy to spot.  If you see small white blossoms (5 petals) on shrubs/trees in the woods right now, they are likely shadbush.  A beautiful counterpoint to the electric, lime green of new buds and leaves.  Stay tuned for shots of this new growth, set against the grey/brown of trees that have yet to unfurl their lovely leaves....

A beautiful day in the neighbourhood

I had to act quickly to get a shot of this local fisher returning to the wharf.  I didn't realize that I'd captured the nice 'c' shape of his boat's path towards home.  Spotted in Lower Rose Bay, or whatever this place is actually called.  >_<

What's on this weekend? Roast Turkey! Fish 'n' Chips! Spring Tea! Breakfast!!!

It's a hot turkey dinner battle royalle this weekend.  


Head on up to Canaan to the little red school house or swing on down to the coast for the Rose Bay supper.  Both suppers are great.  Lots of choices for breakfasts, suppers and even a tea this weekend.  Find one near you and support your local community groups!


Breakfasts

May 5, Saturday. 
Italy Cross, Middlewood and District fire hall, 
7- 11 a.m. 
Adults $6, children 5- 12 $3,


Saturday, May 5
Pinehurst hall, 
7 - 11 a.m. 
Proceeds for the hall.


May 5, 
Country Breakfast
Chester Basin fire hall
7:30-10:30 a.m., . 
Various menu selections.


May 5
Bridgewater Masonic Society Breakfast, 216 North Street. 
7:45- 10:30 a.m. 
Eggs benny, eggs and bologna.
Adults $7, children 5 to 12 $4.50, under 5 free.


Teas/Luncheons


Saturday, May 5
Spring Tea. All Saints Lutheran Church, Newcombville, 
11 a.m.- 1 p.m. 
Adults $6, under 12 $3, under 5 free. Assorted desserts., Bake table. 

Suppers


Saturday, May 5, 
Hot Turkey Supper. 
Little Red School, Canaan. 
3:30- 6 p.m., 
Adults $10, 5- 12 $5, under 5 free. 
Bake table available.


Saturday, May 5
Roast Turkey Dinner,
Trinity United Church, Rose Bay, 
4:30- 6:30 p.m., 
Adults $12, children $6, under 5 free, 
Take-outs available, call 766-4752.


May 6, 
Fish and Chip Supper. 
Italy Cross, Middlewood and District fire hall, 
1- 3 p.m. 
Supper 3- 6 p.m. 
2-piece fish and chips $10, 1-piece fish and chips $5. Assorted cakes for dessert. 
Takeouts available 
Proceeds for new fire hall.

Home and Shrubbery: Forsythia & Flowering Quince

Spotted on the Mason's Beach Rd, just outside of Lunenburg.  Loving all the flowering quince bushes that are starting to bloom!

There's critters in them thar hills...and ditches

I spotted these muddy footprints crossing the road the other day.  Looks like this lil' critter managed to cross the road without getting hit....this time.

Backyard Birding: Song Sparrow

I'm really enjoying bird watching lately.  I often sit in the car and shoot birds at the feeder, or in this case, in a brush pile.  


Next challenge will be to get some shots of the elusive Rose Breasted Grosbeaks that have visited our feeder!