Hallowe’en Update

just too much going on

I had every intention to report on our Hallowe’en experience last week but every time I turned around there was something else going on that took me away from the computer.

This year’s Hallowe’en was exceptional. I don’t really know why….it was a cold night and everything around here was last minute. Last minute decorations, last minute pumpkin carving and last minute decision to dress up. Maybe it was exceptional for me because I wasn’t here last year to open our door to the little ones (first time in 45 years).

On the day I quickly put out the few decorations that I had and I cleaned out the pumpkin. Normally I can’t be bothered to do anything with the seeds because no one eats them but this year I looked up a recipe and added a few more spices than I normally do. They were delicious and my husband and I and anyone who has come to visit has been slowly emptying the bowl of spicy goodness.

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When Kevin returned from his dentist appointment he quickly carved out a Jack o lantern design and I put the candy and chips in bowls. Then I went upstairs to put together my costume. Nothing very original but I found a witch’s hat from the dollar store that I liked. I pulled out a black dress, black long sleeve shirt and a black shawl. The fun part was putting on the make-up. I was going for a more glamorous witch this year.

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As it was getting dark I place candles inside the pumpkin and Kevin found some spooky music that he attached to speakers to broadcast from the porch. I was all set. Now it was time to wait for the first trick or treaters. Here was the first customer:

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All in all it was a great night and we had a record turnout…80 kids. That may not seem like a lot to some of you but we’ve had fewer than 20 in some years.

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Cee’s Which Way Challenge in Black and White

thanks to Cee for hosting the Which Way Challenge https://ceenphotography.com/2023/11/02/cwwc-any-which-way-in-black-and-white/

All the images are from our trip to the East Coast.

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Are You Ready for Hallowe’en?

certainly people in my neighbourhood are

As much as I’d like to have more decorations for Hallowe’en, I was shocked at how much money people are paying for their spooky lawn decor. I thought I could find some items on sale yesterday but there was either nothing to choose from or everything was still regular price. Many of the decorations, especially the large ones, were well into the hundreds of dollars. Maybe I’ll check out the stores after the 31st and see if there are any deals to be had for next year.

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Weekly Prompts Weekend Challenge – Found

thanks to Sue W and GC for hosting Weekly Prompts https://weeklyprompts.com/2023/10/21/weekly-prompts-weekend-challenge-found/

Sue wrote a very interesting article on her blog that she found in the Guardian. It’s well worth a read. My contribution is literally things that I found on my recent trip to the East Coast.

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Old fashion snow shoes in Sherbrooke, Que.
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Stephen King’s house in Bangor, Me
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Shells on the beach in Bouctouche, NB
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Lobster Traps in Alma, NB
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Gourds at the Green Pig in NB
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Pink tractor at the Green Pig
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Sou western hat at Peggy’s Cove
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A Pyramid of lobster traps decorated for Hallowe’en in Lunenburg, NS
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Beer taps with educational themes in Windsor, NS
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Skeletons hiding in wineries in Wolfville, NS
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Turquoise cannon and cannonballs in Annapolis Royal, NS

Road Trip – Days 8 and 9

day 8 was Winnie’s birthday

After a full day, celebrating Winnie’s birthday (breakfast at Steve’s Diner, a trip to the Green Pig and a party with a piñata, sushi for dinner and birthday cupcakes) we packed our bags and bid farewell to Moncton and New Brunswick.

Leaving New Brunswick
Hello Nova Scotia

Our next destination was Halifax, Nova Scotia. In comparison to Moncton, Halifax had a much bigger city feel and was very hilly. Our hotel was right downtown near the water’s edge but navigating the hills and the construction aggravated the sciatic that I developed that morning when packing and moving my luggage.

I knew that I needed Naproxen but I only had Tylenol with me. Unfortunately the drug store right by the hotel was closed on the weekend so I made due with what I had. Not wanting to miss out on exploring the area close to the hotel I ventured out with Kevin. We headed over to Durty Nellie’s for an early dinner and to catch the World Rugby match between Ireland and New Zealand.

The food and drink were very good, the game was exciting but heartbreaking ( Ireland lost by one point) and the company was excellent.

I thought that the Guinness might have helped ease the pain in my back and legs but it became very evident on the walk back to the hotel that my condition was worsening.

In that short walk to and from the hotel I did manage to capture some of the interesting architecture.

Day10….relief (continued)

A Fun Day at the Green Pig

it is much more than a corn maze

Last year in September, The Green Pig Country Market in Salisbury, NB, burned down. Earlier this year the owners started to rebuild and when we arrived last week they had a great selection of pumpkins and a variety of squash.

After Winnie’s special birthday breakfast we drove to The Green Pig. I thought we were just going to a corn maze but it turned out to be much more. Apart from the market and the corn maze they had a great play area for kids of all ages.

A fun Day was had by all the rain held off till we got back into the car.

Day 7 – A Day of Rest

….after 6 days of driving we decided to take it easy and explore Moncton and shop for birthday presents

We also decided to forgo the hotel breakfast and drove to a bakery that Gaelan introduced me to on my first visit to Moncton. At Copain we ordered coffee and some of the best croissants we’ve ever had.

Then we drove to Michael’s and bought two frames for art that we had gifted to Gaelan and Winnie and some art supplies for Winnie’s birthday.

After shopping I dropped Kevin back at the hotel and I went to Gaelan’s house to do some laundry. When Winnie came home from school we drove to Bulk Barn and picked up some candy and a piñata for her birthday.

That evening Kevin and I had a date night and went into downtown Moncton for a great meal. We went to the Tide and Boar where we shared a plate or Smokey wings. They were so delicious and so big that I had second thoughts about what I wanted for my main course. Our waitress suggested that we share the plate of seafood pasta, a T&B salad and the dessert. It was perfect.

The restaurant is actually a brew pub and the dessert we had was a deconstructed ‘beeramisu’. The topping was made with a reduced stout. Surprisingly delicious!

Day 6 – Fundy Trail Parkway

another beautiful day….perfect for a drive

We left in the morning and headed for St. Martin. Once we got off the highway the drive was very hilly and curvy. We stopped at a roadside snack-bar and enjoyed a light lunch.

Once re-energized we continued our drive to the Fundy Trail. Along the way we drove through a covered bridge.

When we got to the entrance of the Fundy Trail Parkway we paid a fee to drive on the parkway but it was well worth the money. There are dozens of lookout points and numerous walking trails. You could spend an entire day there. The vistas are breathtaking.

There are also several waterfalls but we chose to only check out one because it was the most accessible (unless you wanted to get closer…..the stairway was very steep).

Close to the end of our drive on the parkway we stopped at the Interpretation Centre and I took advantage of the End of Season sale and bought myself a cosy fleece jacket. Also the tide was going out so I walked along the seabed and collected some dried seaweed.