Category Archives: canada

HRM Bike Week 2009

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I love my bike. Last summer I even did a tribute to “My new love”. The challenge of climbing a hill, the thrill of screaming down. Gearing down, gearing up.

Biking to work can be tricky. Halifax streets can sometimes be tough to maneuver but the reward of arriving to work on pedal power feels nice. Coffee tastes better.

So when I heard that HRM Bike Week 2009 is May 29th to June 7th, my pulse quickened like I was biking up Quinpool Road from the Rotary.

There are all kinds of interesting things planned. Like ride your bike to participating small businesses and receive discounts or board any Metro Transit Harbour Ferry or MetroLink bus (certain routes apply) with your bicycle and travel for free during Bike Week. There’s even a Family Picnic on the Commons that’s free from 12:00noon – 2:00pm for people and kids who enjoy cycling in Halifax and those interested in cycling as a family.

Here’s the full schedule for HRM Bike Week 2009.

Watch for the 2009 Edition of the HRM Bike Map – Bicycle Routes and Trails

See you on the street!

NS Eastern Shore boats and buoys

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IMG_0006I grew up in a small fishing village along the eastern shore of Nova Scotia. There where four fishermen in the bay, Guy Boutilier, Jackie Borgel, Guy Power and Peter Connors. Just as the buds on the trees are a sign of spring, so was the launching of the fishing boats in the bay. Men from our community as well from the neighbouring bay were called to help launch the boats from their winter berths to slide down the wooden ramps into the water. Another season had begun.

As kids, we’d set the alarm for 4:30 a.m., head down to the government wharf to meet the fishing crew. My first time was when I was 12. It would also be my last time. I was never so sick in my life. An appreciation for the life of a fisherman was gained that morning as I thought to myself “this must be what it’s like to be near death”. Guy Power was a kind man who thought if he stopped the boat and let me jig mackerel awhile, that I might feel better. Nope.

Driving along the gravel road to Taylor Head Beach lobster buoys dotted the rocky coastline. Locals could tell which buoys belonged to whom by their colour and number.

Two fisherman have since passed away (the two “Guys”) and younger men have taken on the livelihood. Now there are only two boats and they exclusively lobster fish.

April Showers Bring Mayflowers

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The Mayflower (Epigaea repens) or Trailing Arbutus, is the provincial flower of Nova Scotia.

mayflowers in Nova ScotiaEarly spring you can find these tiny pink flowers in many areas but they are very hard to find. It seems like you have to know where to look for them and when you do, you need to move away the foliage to see the flowers. My sister and I always go to the same place where we are guaranteed Mayflowers because it was where our mother went to pick them.

As a child, early May meant that Mayflowers would be arranged in a bouquet on the kitchen table. Their sweet aroma can really fill a room. I remember one time my parents heard on TV that Mayflowers were good to eat. Soon after wards, I’d pop a bloom or two into my mouth. One time I polished off an entire bouquet (except the leaves).

mayflowers in Nova ScotiaThe name comes from early American settlers, after their ship which carried them to North America in 1620. It was the first flower of spring to welcome them after a long, cold winter.

They grow along the east coast of North America and I’ve always seen them in wooded areas or cemeteries.

2009 Summer Camps in Halifax

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Do you have any plans for the kids this summer while you are at work? Are you a bit like me and panic at the thought of “what am I going to do?” Well, since I don’t have the benefit of an 8 week vacation, here are ideas I’ve gathered and am sharing with you. BTW, this format is similar to one I put together for 2009 March Break Camps.

If I am missing any camps, please let me know and I’ll add it to the list:


Halifax City Soccer Club
Mini Soccer Skills Camp (U6yrs, U8yrs & U10yrs)
Soccer Skills Camp(U10yrs & U12 yrs)
Full day and half day camps at Wickwire Field
Contact: Halifax City Soccer 453-0741

Canadian Parents for French – Nova Scotia
Camp du Soleil – CPF-Dartmouth
Registration info: campdusoleil@gmail.com
Camp Grenouille – CPF-Eastern Passage / Cole Harbour
Registration info: mattandtesa@eastlink.ca
Camp Lac Chocolat – CPF-Halifax Peninsula & Mainland South
Registration info: ardefen@hfx.eastlink.ca
Camp Joli – CPF-Bedford/Sackville
Registration info: cpf_bedford@yahoo.com
Residential camps are being held out of town.

Halifax Recreation
These camps fill up super fast.

Pier 21
Walking the Line
Choose from morning or afternoon (or both) half day camps. Multicultural crafts, games and activities from the hottest countries near the equator.

YMCA Day Camps
Sports, games, and outdoor activities to creative art and special events. Weekly themes add a special touch
Phone: 902-425-9622 ext. 235

Dalhousie Summer Camps
Their recreational camps have been expanded this year to include a variety of climbing camps in addition to the favourites: Aquatic Adventure, Mini University and Shakespeare by the Sea theatre camps. Spaces are limited.
Phone: 494-2002 or 494-2049

SuperNOVA at Dalhousie
I like how these popular science and engineering camps give you their registration status (i.e. 75% full)

Armdale Yacht Club
Youth Sailing Programs
Phone: 477-4617

Saint Mary’s Camp of Champions
Summer Camps for boys and girls
Phone: 420-5429

Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
Summer Art Classes
Students can attend week-long sessions of full or half-day classes. Organized lunch time supervision at a nominal fee is provided for students attending full days.
Phone: 424-7542

Artech Camps at Dalhousie
State-of-the Art fun and high-tech creativity! For kids and youth from 5-16 years old. Choose from adventure camps, video game design, robot camps, animation/ claymation and Flash animation camps.
Phone:1-877-530-3177

MSVU Athletics and Recreation
From Holiday Hoopla to Ready, Set, Get Wet!
Phone: 457-6420

Unicorn Theatre
Summer Drama Camps
Campers will take part in numerous creative activities, and will perform in one of two musical plays for parents and friends each Friday afternoon.
Located at Head of St. Margaret’s Bay
Phone: 857-2121

Discovery Centre
Hands-On Science Camps
Your kids will not only have fun but get a funky yellow bucket hat!
Phone: 492-4422

Mad Science Summer Camps
Calling all Junior Scientists
Phone: 454-0863

Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron Youth Sailing
Junior Sailing Programs
Phone: 477-5653

Bedford Basin Yacht Club
Youth Sailing Program
White, Bronze, Silver Sails
Phone: 832-2292 or 835-3729

Claytime
Summer Camps
Week-long camps include 3-themed ceramic, pottery projects that inspire fun & teach a variety of pottery painting techniques.
Phone: 443-6300

Maritime Conservatory of the Performing Arts
Summer Music Camp
Music Theatre, Young Ensemble, Chamber music, flute, musical mischief, voice, the joy of singing and much more.
Summer Dance Camp
Art and Creative Drama, Dance Intensive, Beatrix Potter Ballet and lots more.
Phone: 423-6995

Camp Fusion
Presented by Green Choi Kwang Do- a self-defense focused martial art. Camps also include swimming, yoga, crafts and games.
Phone: 441-3469

Centre for Entrepreneurship Education & Development (CEED)
Break Into Business Camps
Held in Hammonds Plains, Cole Harbour Place, Spryfield Library and CEED office, Halifax Shopping Centre
Phone: 209-4504

Alderney Landing
Children’s Fine Art & Theatre Camp
Art Camps – The Creative Ocean and Pirate’s Week
Theatre Camps-Stage presence, voice props, and all aspects of theatre.
Phone: 461-8401

Euro Futbol for Champions Soccer Camp
An elite soccer training camp in HRM this summer. They are affiliated with the world famous AC Milan soccer club of Italy and their coaches come directly from Milan to deliver their training technique and philosophy to the youth of Nova Scotia.
Phone: 832-1470

Let’s keep this list growing, send your additions and I’ll add them to the above list. Thanks!

Jost Vineyards

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“Wine is bottled poetry.”
– Robert Louis Stevenson

The welcome area at Jost Vineyards in Malagash, Nova ScotiaI love wine. That’s why, when my sister suggested that we take a trip to Malagash to visit Jost Vineyards, I got excited. I’ve heard great things about visiting this winery, especially in the summer when they let you stomp grapes in a barrel. In April though, this visit would be purely sampling wine and visiting their showroom and gift shop. Fine by me.

One time I asked a manager of a wine store in Halifax did he have a wine that was his personal favourite. His answer amazed me. He said, “Any wine made here in Nova Scotia.” When I asked why? He said, “Because I can taste the soil, I can taste Nova Scotia.” Neat response eh?

I can’t say that I’ve tasted salt water or blueberries but I’ll keep trying 🙂

Jost Vineyards IcewineBack to Jost, since moving to Nova Scotia from Germany in 1970, Hans Jost and his family have been gaining a lot of success. In 1999, Jost’s Vidal Icewine received accolades at the All-Canadian Wine Championships as Canada’s Wine of the Year. Jost Vineyards was the first winner outside of Ontario and British Columbia since the competition began 20 years earlier. Also, in 1999, the Vidal Icewine won the Andy Brandt Trophy for Best Dessert Wine.

When traveling around Nova Scotia, stop into one of the many wineries and have a taste of Nova Scotia.

Link:
Winery Association of Nova Scotia

Tatamagouche: The day the women went. Part 2

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Tatamagouche, Nova ScotiaMy last post was about a day trip to the village of Tatamagouche. From holding adorable baby bunny rabbits at the farmer’s market to an impulse purchase of earrings at Holly’s Jazz and Jewels later, my sister and I stepped into The Chowder House for a quick bite. Judging by the lunch crowd, we thought for sure we’d be in for a long wait but were pleasantly surprised with efficient service.

Raven Gallery in Tatamagouche, Nova ScotiaBefore leaving town and onto our next stop, we took a quick jaunt into The Raven Gallery. At the front door we were met by owner/director Sharon McKenna who hurriedly hung up the phone to welcome us. The collection of local art was impressive and Sharon spoke with passion about how, after 6 years of opening the gallery, she is proud to say that 95% of the art on her shelves and walls is from Nova Scotian artists. In fact, Sharon likes to concentrate on works from artisans from the three counties of Pictou, Cumberland and Colchester.

Also impressive was the wall of “Young Artists” who are given prime space near the front of her store. This demonstrates how serious Sharon is about teaching art to budding artists. She said how, as a dyslexic student, her teachers encouraged young Sharon to use art as a way to learn and express herself. As a result of her artistic expressions, Sharon gained a scholarship and formally studied art thanks to resourceful educators. Now, this national award winning artist and book illustrator wants young
children to see art as a communicator and a confidence builder. “I want to give these kids a place to show their work, to be proud of what they’ve done”.

In case you were wondering about her dog, Sharon said it was at the vet.

Tatamagouche: The day the women went. Part 1

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Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia signLast weekend, my sister and I decided to take a road trip. Even though we had a day jam-packed full of errands, we wanted to venture along the North Shore and brake for whatever caught our eye. My daughter groaned and reluctantly agreed to come with us.

Tatamagouche is where the hit series The Week the Women Went was taped last summer and aired on CBC-TV this past winter. After stopping for a quick picture of the village sign, we realized it was Saturday morning and the Farmer’s Market would still be open.

The Tatamagouche Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings in TatamagoucheWe entered “Creamery Square“, a new heritage development, that houses an interactive heritage centre (re-opening summer of 2009) and the weekly Farmer’s Market. Once inside one of the big red buildings, you were greeted by tables of homemade soaps, jewelery, fresh baked pies, meats, clothing and the most enormous brownies I’ve ever seen. I was told that a local woman combines cake and brownie recipes. As with many Farmer’s Markets across Canada, it is a regular meeting place for locals and a place to stock up on tested-til-perfect food items.

Holding a bunny at Tatamagouche Farmer's MarketAfter my daughter drew a picture at the kids art table (they gave a prize to each young artist), my sister noticed bunny rabbits near the front entrance. The owner had black, white, and brown bunnies for children to hold gently and pose for a picture. Instantly, what my daughter was convinced would be a boring day, turned into an awesome one.

Guest Post: Curry Cream Mussels

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This week I am not on the “Right Coast” but near the west coast (the other right coast), in Alberta. Knowing that I likely wouldn’t be as near a computer as usual, I asked my friend and fellow-blogger Kristen to do a guest post.

Kristen is passionate about eating great food and making it. Her blog with bite is about savouring every bite. Kristen is a supports locally grown food, Halifax restaurants and appreciates the art of cooking (and baking).

Here’s Kristen’s post:

This past Friday afternoon, I was thrilled to find out that Superstore had mussels on sale; 5lbs. for 5bucks! I immediately phoned my best gal Maria to see if she was available to celebrate such a deal. When I got home, 5 lbs. of these tasty shellfish in hand, I decided to make a creamy sauce to coat ’em.

Curry Cream Mussels
Nova Scotia Mussels with Curry Cream Sauce
Ingredients:
5lbs. mussels, cleaned. Throw away any with broken shells
1 sm. onion or 1/2 large
2 cloves garlic
3 tbsp butter
1 c. heavy cream
1tbsp. Curry powder

Method:
In a large pot, saute onions and garlic in butter on med-low heat. Add curry powder and stir to make sure all the veg is coated. Add cream and heat until just incorporated. Remove from heat.
In the same pot, place the mussels and pour the curried cream on top. Cover and steam on Med. heat, about 15-20 minutes until the mussels open. Note: Do not eat mussels that haven’t opened on their own!

Gotta love the image of a big pot of steaming mussels!

Nova Scotia pot of Steaming Mussels

Read more yummy posts from Kristen’s blog with bite

Further info: How to pick your own mussels

Springing Forward: Atlantic Daylight Time

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Fall Back
Spring Forward

Halifax Town ClockLoosing an hour of sleep is something I can live with because it’s a signal that warm summer days are ahead. If it means that I can get an extra hour to get stuff done during daylight hours, like biking, then that’s okay too.

Which makes we wonder, why do we change our clocks twice a year?

In the late 1700’s, Benjamin Franklin suggested the practice but it took a few years to adopt the idea. In fact, it all started in Germany in 1915.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Daylight Saving Time (DST) accomplishes three things:

1. It saves energy. When we’re awake, we’re more likely to have our TVs, dishwashers, and lights on (among other home appliances). By shifting the hours we’re likely to be awake to correspond with the daylight outside, we’re less likely to have the lights on, so we use less electricity.

2. It saves lives. When people’s waking hours correspond with daylight hours, they’re safer. Traffic accidents, for example, are less likely when it’s light out.

3. It cuts down on crime. Crime tends to happen after dark. As is the case with accidents, people are less likely to fall victim to crime when their waking hours are synced up with the sun.

Moving clocks ahead in the spring can have an opposite effect. There can be more heart attacks in the week after springing forward — especially during the first three days of the week. Also, with the rise of use in air conditioners, that has to have an effect on things somehow.

In 1984, Fortune magazine estimated that a seven-week extension of DST would yield an additional $30 million for 7-Eleven stores. Slurpee’s?

Since 1966, most of Saskatchewan has not observed daylight time and stays on Central Standard Time all year round. Areas of Quebec east of 63 degrees west longitude do not change to daylight time and remain on Atlantic Standard Time year round. Pockets of Ontario and British Columbia do not use daylight time.

Confused between Daylight and Saving?Atlantic Daylight Time is used during summer in Atlantic Canadian provinces (Atlantic Saving Time during the winter). Many other time zones alternate between standard and daylight as well.

I have to admit, I was fascinated with what I found while researching this post. I always thought DST had something to do with farmers. In fact, when Canada started Daylight Saving Time during the First World War, farmers disliked it.

As well as remembering to change your clock on Saturday night, don’t forget to change the battery in your smoke detector.

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Halifax Town Clock photo credit: Darrell Theriault via Flickr