A Day of Remembrance

…November 11th was always a difficult time for my Dad

I found that as Dad got older he became more sentimental. As the years passed he found Remembrance Day especially difficult as he remembered his friends and comrades who died in World War II. He always felt that he couldn’t mourn publicly because he served on the wrong side and this often led to periods of depression come November. For a man who was usually so chipper and positive this was difficult to watch. Dad passed away three years ago. Today I honour his memory and all the young men and women who have died in war, regardless of what side they served on. I know that this may not be a popular stance to take in light of the current upheaval in Ukraine and Gaza but I ask that you respect my choice to remember in my own way.

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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.