Month: April 2019

Pure TATAMAGOODNESS!

On 22nd April 2019

Adventure is the best way to learn.
Unknown

Today’s adventure has us going to a small village called Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia. It is located on the Northumberland Strait, fairly close to Truro (the hub of Nova Scotia). We are checking out property and houses in the area. We have started to look at land and the possibility to build a house, as we haven’t found anything for sale that we really like. We checked out land in New Glasgow, on the Brule Shore, Brule Point, Malagash, Seafoam, Sand Point and Barrachois Cove. All fairly close to the town of Tatamagouche.

You may be wondering how looking for land has us ending up in a brewing company. Well, we decided to check out the area/town to see if it had all the amenities one would need, and there is a sign that says BEER-is calling you. Now, it would be just rude not to answer so we went in and checked it out at the Tatamagouche Brewing Co. This family owned and operated microbrewery is in the heart of town and it won the Atlantic Canadian Brewery of the Year in 2018! So……. one had to check it out and it was it was “Pure TATAMAGOODNESS”. We didn’t get a chance to see any more of the town this day, as we needed to get back to Momma Bears for supper. And you know we will be back.

Annapolis Valley

By Momma Jo

On 18th April 2019

In Places We've Been

You must go on an adventure to find out where you truly belong
Susan Fitzmaurice

Well, today’s adventure has us picking up Beck and going on a little road trip to check out a house in Margaretsville – a rural community in Annapolis County, on the bay of Fundy. Apparently, population 212. This used to be a very busy port during the 1900s, but now very, very quiet. There is a lighthouse, which was once believed to be on our 5-cent stamp in 1967, a wharf which is no longer deemed a necessity, and apparently a small art store which was closed today (it not yet being tourist season). The house we checked out was amazing with a million-dollar view of the bay and access to the beach with two waterfalls. Of course, we had to explore that!

As you know, adventure is not only about the scenery but about the restaurants you find and the food you can experience. Today’s culinary journey took us back to Port William to a new place “The Noodle Guy” … which was rated number 1 by the Curated Magazine – it serves “Artisanal Pasta for the Valley”. So, pasta and a number 1 rating means we need to check it out! We had the “Shells” – with zippy local sausage in a creamy wine, chipotle & asiago sauce; the “Ravioli of the Day “ which was Mushroom Sage and Sausage & the “Noodle Guy Stir Fry”. All dishes were very reasonable prices and amazing flavors – we wanted to lick the plate; if only we were home!

After a long walk on the dyke path we headed to the Church Brewing Company for a beer. It is a brewery, a restaurant and a concert venue all in one. Remember “Brew Good, Do Good”! This newly renovated church into a pub has become a great success in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. The place was packed, but we managed to get a chair at the bar. It is really good to see that a beautiful historical church like this one is still a place for people to congregate with friends and family; a place to make great memories. Jenna, the bartender, was fabulous! We wanted to drink Nova Scotia craft beer as we always try and support the local but their own brew was not quite ready yet. So, we drank the following craft beer – Amarzen Grace from Big Spruce Brewing, the Pineapple Wheat from Heritage Brewing Co, Dekorum from Tatamagouche Brewing Co, and the Que Onda (Tequila Barrel Aged Gose) also from Big Spruce Brewing. All Nova Scotia beer!! We really should get our livers checked after all this beer!

One last stop before heading back to the Gingerbread Inn. La Torta – Woodfired Pizzeria – the Carne Trio (mozzarella, local chorizo, Italian sausage, andouille & fresh parmesan) for Steve and the Tuscan (goat cheese, sun dried tomatoes, artichokes olives and roasted garlic) for Jo. It was great being the only people in the place, as the cook gave Jo a great tutorial on how to make a perfect pizza! And perfect pizza it was!!!

How does it get better that this?

Sticky Toffee French Toast

By Momma Jo

On 16th April 2019

In Places We've Been

Well believe it or not we are headed down to Acadia to pick up Rebekah, as she is just finishing her first year of university. Yep, another road trip. The weather through Québec was awful. Freezing Rain and SNOW!!! It’s the 16^th of April where is SPRING???

We persevered. Our goal was to hit Fredericton and have fun at the Delta, as Steve still had a few free hotel stays to use up. The nice thing about this is that they upgraded us to a suite. The Westmoreland Suite, suite 417 – a very large one bed room suite – this gave us access to the cocktail bar for free munchies! And Momma Jo was in her glory as Chef Chris Taylor was making Fresh Sticky Toffee French toast with Flambéed sauce. She actually got a private lesson on how to make this…. Gordon Ramsey Eat your heart out! It was so cool to have a private cooking lesson and it was delicious too!

Steve’s experience in the lounge wasn’t as positive, as while the food was free, the alcohol not so much … Really Steve? a $13 glass of wine!!

The second part of our journey had us on the Glooscap Trail in Nova Scotia to check out houses in River Herbert, Nine Mile River, and Fox Harbor. We even checked out this really nice place with a spectacular view – Diligent Harbor has beautiful scenery for sure. The resting spot tonight was Debert, Nova Scotia at Momma Bears – “Food and Family Fun” – Amazing home cooked meals, good family atmosphere and loads of laughter. It is so good to be home!

To Pack or Not to Pack, that is the question…

By Momma Jo

On 12th April 2019

In Places We've Been

We left the boxes behind and went for a drive. Destination Almonte; a small-town west of Ottawa. We heard there were new subdivisions being built that had some nice bungalow designs to check out.

Our first stop had us run into the CHEO bear. Steve has always been a huge supporter of the CHEO campaign and actually dressed up as the CHEO bear once for a fund raiser. So of course, this was a photo op!!

Well, our first pass through the model homes gave us some great ideas for a house that we would want, but not located here – Nope Not here! The prices were insane and the lot sizes way too small. We got really spoiled living out in Greely. Ok, this is depressing let’s go explore the little town.

Spring run off overflowing the dam with thunderous sounding water flow certainly describes the dam situation in Almonte. The river is extremely high this year! Yikes I definitely would not want to be on the water!!

Heirloom Café and Bistro – “World Class dining in small town Ontario:” Well World class dining …Ok let’s give it a try! We met up with our good friends Daphne and Trent to check out this Bistro Out. This little gem is located in a restored heritage building at the bottom of Mill Street in Almonte. We lucked in to getting the last table – very busy spot – if you ever want to check it out, reservations might be in order. We tried their specials Mac & Cheese with kale and bacon, the Lamb Burger and the Soup of the Day which was Top Shelf Gin, Ginger and Carrot soup. Had a local beer from Stalwart Brewing Company and finished it all off with a more than Decadent Peanut Butter and Dark Chocolate Ganache Tart. Now, I am not a food critic by any means but this food was excellent. The flavor profiles were exquisite. (I have to stop watching Master Chef!) The food was great and the company was a lot of fun. Remember: How does it get better than this?

It’s A Dog’s Life

By Max

On 10th April 2019

In Events

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.
Rodger A Caras

Well, my humans have been home for 6 days now, and have managed to stay focused on finding a place to live and pack. How very boring for me! So today they took me on our first little adventure in some time.

Wow! This place smells so good! It’s like there’s hundreds, thousands of other animals around. Whoppee! It’s the nice woman with the white coat and tons of treats! She’s talks so nice to me and gives me a treat every time I do what she asks!

Off to a great start with my weight being good for my age. Feeling good! Oh, oh! She’s putting that where?? Not again! No treat is worth that but they do taste so good!

Well, that was fun, for the most part. Off now to check out the new Greely Foodland store. No dogs allowed! What gives? Looks nice from out here but not a lot of smells.

They must be really bored or procrastinating big time! Why else dress me up in glasses? Time for kissess!!! Maybe I can get some more treats!

Oh well, it’s a dog’s life after all.

PS. They left me alone again, as Mom is off to some Music Trivia event and Dad with the Greely Lions. I’d really like to meet those pussy cats!

Exploring Grand Pré

By Momma Jo

On 2nd April 2019

In Places We've Been

Well the sun is shinning again – got to love Wolfville. Today we started with a walk around the Acadia Campus and checked out the K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre and the Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens. This building is spectacular inside and out. Just the entry way with the gigantic columns make you appreciate the architecture. The Grand Hall where the students were studying is massive and bright, the research facilities and green house in the back was informative and interesting. The things the students were researching gives hope for a brighter future for our environment. Then a walk around the Botanical Gardens even now at the end of Winter was enjoyable! We checked out other habitats including the Walled Garden, the Medicinal and Food Garden and lastly the Conservatory. One can just imagine how spectacular this would be in the spring or summer! Will definitely check this out when we bring Rebekah back in the late summer.

Grand-Pré National Historic Site – Canada’s 16^th World Heritage Site (2012). This monument commemorates the history of the Acadian people. The building was closed but we did have the opportunity to walk the grounds. Of course, also to take pictures of the statue of Evangeline and the iconic memorial church.

We also ventured a little further down to the road to the Grand Pré Beach, definitely not the day for a swim but some nice views of the basin and Cape Blomidon, a great time for rock collecting and Kodak moments for those of you who remember Kodak!

Bad Apple Brewhouse is our next stop! We had the “core” flight, with the Mosaic DIPA, the Black Currant Cider and Brett Pear Cider. However, not on tap was our favourite was the Cranberry Cider. Nevertheless, we did purchase the “Mosaic Double IPA” (in honor of their son Hunter who has Mosaic Down Syndrome) as it has all of its profits are donated to sending kids with special needs to Camp Brigadoon. We were also impressed with the fact that the owners were staffing employees with “all abilities” so that all feel included. Last stop for the day was to participate in the Burgers Wars (a fundraiser for Campaign for Kids). Or last stop was at the Church Brewing Company and their Holy Smokes Burger – with a slogan “Brew Good, Do Good” – How can one go wrong?…More on this place in a latter blog!

Out of Order

By Momma Jo

On 1st April 2019

In Places We've Been

Today’s goal was to check out Halls Harbour. In the summer this is a very picturesque busy little stop. But today not so much. All the little businesses are closed but we still had access to the harbour. It was a very cold and windy day; waters were a little rough and the waves were loud and crashing into the shoreline. Not necessarily the most relaxing sound. The wind coming off the ocean was a rude awakening to what the fisherman sometimes have to put up with. God love them for that! Definitely not something I would want to do. It is different to see the boats and all the traps on the side of the harbor. At least you know these fishermen are safe today.

We headed more inland in the search of Berwick and a bathroom. Now, for miles we felt that we were lost and the thought of turning back did come about but we kept going forward. I was ready to stop the car and go on the side of the road in a farmer’s field! (Men definitely have the advantage in this situation!) At last a gas station in the distance! Nova Scotia’s version of Corner Gas. The pumps looked all closed up but we did check it out – scary little place, Bathroom Out of Order……OH NO!!, Breathe Jo! The lovely lady behind the counter said sign was to keep the men and the workers down the road from making a mess in her bathroom! (Now the ladies have the advantage!) We were so grateful we bought two big bags of Covered Bridge chips. Felt obligated to buy something, and besides we know a few University kids who would gobble them up in a minute.

Berwick…Found It… what a cute little town! Found this adorable little shop “Market between the Mountains-General Store”. Filled with locally made products, bees wax candles and melts, woolen products, dryer balls, beach glass paintings and more!! Knowing that I am moving is great reason not to buy anything. Whew, I Showed some restraint, but Daphne on the other hand ……

Next stop North Mountain Fine Coffees – Remember support the locals. Kids are done school for the day so time to head back. A stop at Annapolis Cider company to celebrate Rebekah’s birthday together. I have to say the signature flight for $5 with the three different flavours is the way to go – “the classic” is just that, a classic! Nice and crisp. But for something different we tried the Hopped Pear all very refreshing. I mean we are in the valley – one needs to have the apple cider right!! And they have a tractor for kids big and little for photo ops. How does it get better than this?!

Happy 19th Birthday Rebekah!

By Momma Jo

On 1st April 2019

In Events

Today is a double post day as I felt Rebekah’s 19^th birthday deserved a post of its own.

Breakfast at the Gingerbread Inn Bed and Breakfast. The hosts Brigette and Beat Schmid were kind enough to let us have Rebekah down for breakfast too. So, after her day of studies we hit a few places she wanted to be able to go into and order legally on her own. First stop NSLC to stock up! Second stop; Annapolis Cider Company for a classic flight with corn nuts. She was kind of disappointed that no one carded her…maybe they recognized her face!! Next Stop the Port Pub & Bistro – Ocean Blue Cocktail at Happy hour – Yes, they asked for ID!!! Scallops, fish cakes and Crème Brule. How does it get better than this?!

Happy Birthday Rebekah!

Month: April 2019

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