{this moment} Inspired by Soulemama- A photographic moment from my week
Thanks to Jim for this moment :)
Thanks to Jim for this moment :)
Friday, September 10, 2010
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
St.Andrew's, New Brunswick
One brief night in St.Andrew's was still enough to show us that we LOVED this town.
We stayed at the Picket Fence Motel which was an easy bike ride from the "downtown" and would be just as easy to walk. The motel was really quite nice and very, very clean.
*Photo by Jim
We had arrived with enough time to enjoy an evening bike ride to the wharf and around town.
Low tide
We had a great dinner at the Harbour Front Restaurant and learned a great lesson at the same time:
Do not think you can go out for a nice sit down dinner with your babe when they have already patiently sat through 6 hours of driving.
I guess we weren't thinking... In the end we were taking turns walking him around the restaurant while the other rushed through their dinner.
We went for coffee in the morning to the Sweet Harvest Market where I had a Fieldberry Scone, and Jim had one of their cinnamon buns.
Whether "World Famous" or not, they were seriously yummy.
A morning bike ride was well in order. Despite the need for jackets and the fog (which was actually even kind of pleasant in itself), it was really refreshing. A bike ride is always such a nice, slowed down way to enjoy a new place. We enjoyed seeing the difference between the high tide of the morning and low tide from the night before. The water level had risen by 27 feet at the wharf by this ride.
*Photo by Jim
*Photo by Jim
We also browsed a couple of the cute shops, of which there were many.
One of the locals told me that it is a ghost town in the winter, but everyone quite likes it that way. It can be so busy with tourists in the summer, that the peace and quiet of walking down the main street in the dead of winter is something they all appreciate. I can definitely imagine how peaceful it would be.
A bit more time, and we definitely would have done a whale watching tour from here. It is the perfect time of year for it.
The locals are super friendly, the houses so cute, the food delicious, and the views spectacular.
A re-visit is in our future!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Has anyone used Priceline before?
We recently used it for our first time spending two nights in Halifax, Nova Scotia. We scored a very nice hotel for $70 per night, staying at the Mariott Harbourfront Hotel which is usually around $200 per night.
On this website, you select your desired star rating, and then name your price where it is either accepted or declined. You do not know what hotel you will be staying at until after your price is accepted. We used this same site for our visit to Portland, Maine which begins tomorrow - fingers crossed that our hotel there works out to be a decent place!
One thing we learned about "fancy" hotels: the more you pay, the less you get. We can't complain as the room was lovely, spotless, and had a proper (washed) duvet on the bed... BUT no wireless internet in your room, no breakfast included (which seems to be the norm for most places we stay), no free parking, $6.00 bottles of water on your dresser (note: ALWAYS read everything in a pricey hotel) - you get the idea. I feel like we got more out of a $10 a night guesthouse in SE Asia, than from this hotel, but I digress...
We had a great view of the harbour, and were in easy walking distance of the downtown.
We enjoyed some great food. We tried Beaver Tails for our first time - a sweet fried dough pastry that started in Ottawa, Ontario - Yummy.
If you are a seafood lover, which generally I'm not, there is no better place than the Maritimes. I do enjoy, and did enjoy, a tasty pile of fish and chips.
Went for an hour's sail along the waterfront and around George's island on the Tall Ship Silva
Rode our bikes along the boardwalk
Took a walk up to the Citadel and enjoyed the views
Chilled out in the Public Gardens
Paid a visit to The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic which I feared would be just "a bunch of boats". Indeed it was, but in a very cool and interesting way if you can imagine it. ;)
There was an exhibit on the Titanic - Halifax was the nearest seaport to the disaster with rail connections according to the museum, and 150 of it's victims are buried in Halifax cemeteries.
There was also an exhibit explaining the Halifax explosion of 1917. Neither of us had any idea of the magnitude of this disaster. According to the Museum over 1900 people perished, and over 6000 were left homeless. You can read about it here.
I wish we had more time. We would have loved to take a boat over to Peggy's Cove, a ferry across to Dartmouth, and there were some really cute little shops I wouldn't have minded browsing through. We both know there will be a return visit to this great city!
We recently used it for our first time spending two nights in Halifax, Nova Scotia. We scored a very nice hotel for $70 per night, staying at the Mariott Harbourfront Hotel which is usually around $200 per night.
On this website, you select your desired star rating, and then name your price where it is either accepted or declined. You do not know what hotel you will be staying at until after your price is accepted. We used this same site for our visit to Portland, Maine which begins tomorrow - fingers crossed that our hotel there works out to be a decent place!
One thing we learned about "fancy" hotels: the more you pay, the less you get. We can't complain as the room was lovely, spotless, and had a proper (washed) duvet on the bed... BUT no wireless internet in your room, no breakfast included (which seems to be the norm for most places we stay), no free parking, $6.00 bottles of water on your dresser (note: ALWAYS read everything in a pricey hotel) - you get the idea. I feel like we got more out of a $10 a night guesthouse in SE Asia, than from this hotel, but I digress...
We had a great view of the harbour, and were in easy walking distance of the downtown.
We enjoyed some great food. We tried Beaver Tails for our first time - a sweet fried dough pastry that started in Ottawa, Ontario - Yummy.
If you are a seafood lover, which generally I'm not, there is no better place than the Maritimes. I do enjoy, and did enjoy, a tasty pile of fish and chips.
Went for an hour's sail along the waterfront and around George's island on the Tall Ship Silva
Rode our bikes along the boardwalk
Took a walk up to the Citadel and enjoyed the views
Chilled out in the Public Gardens
Paid a visit to The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic which I feared would be just "a bunch of boats". Indeed it was, but in a very cool and interesting way if you can imagine it. ;)
There was an exhibit on the Titanic - Halifax was the nearest seaport to the disaster with rail connections according to the museum, and 150 of it's victims are buried in Halifax cemeteries.
There was also an exhibit explaining the Halifax explosion of 1917. Neither of us had any idea of the magnitude of this disaster. According to the Museum over 1900 people perished, and over 6000 were left homeless. You can read about it here.
I wish we had more time. We would have loved to take a boat over to Peggy's Cove, a ferry across to Dartmouth, and there were some really cute little shops I wouldn't have minded browsing through. We both know there will be a return visit to this great city!
Sunday, September 5, 2010
The "Story Girl"
Since I was a little girl I have read and loved many of the author Lucy Maud Montgomery’s books. Her books are timeless, and her characters endearing. I own many of her titles. I had thought all but, after dedicating an entire day on Prince Edward Island to visiting as many Anne or L.M.Montgomery sites as possible, have learned otherwise. There are several books still needed to complete my collection. I believe them to be a collection worthy of keeping to read and re-read.
I used to want to be her. Even at the age of 8, the year I received my first typewriter, I would dedicate hours to writing. The Emily series were my absolute favourite. How Emily would take detailed, descriptive notes of her surroundings, and her relatives. It was the beginning of my need to always carry a notebook with me – a natural progression for any aspiring writer.
One of the things that drew me to her stories, and still does, is the time period. I love the 1800’s and early 1900’s simple, handmade way of life. Visiting these sites and getting to peek into that way of life made for an awesome afternoon. I believe that is what allowed my hubby to tolerate a full day of it as well! ;)
I will now bombard you with the details of this beautiful past that I loved the most!
The photographs were taken in Prince Edward Island at Green Gables in Cavendish, The Anne of Green Gables Museum at "Silver Bush" in Park Corner, and the Birthplace of Lucy Maud Montgomery in New London.
Links from the L.M.Montgomery Institute:
Her Life
Her Works
"In this world you've just got to hope for the best and prepare for the worst, and take whatever God sends."
~L.M.Montgomery
I used to want to be her. Even at the age of 8, the year I received my first typewriter, I would dedicate hours to writing. The Emily series were my absolute favourite. How Emily would take detailed, descriptive notes of her surroundings, and her relatives. It was the beginning of my need to always carry a notebook with me – a natural progression for any aspiring writer.
One of the things that drew me to her stories, and still does, is the time period. I love the 1800’s and early 1900’s simple, handmade way of life. Visiting these sites and getting to peek into that way of life made for an awesome afternoon. I believe that is what allowed my hubby to tolerate a full day of it as well! ;)
I will now bombard you with the details of this beautiful past that I loved the most!
The photographs were taken in Prince Edward Island at Green Gables in Cavendish, The Anne of Green Gables Museum at "Silver Bush" in Park Corner, and the Birthplace of Lucy Maud Montgomery in New London.
Links from the L.M.Montgomery Institute:
Her Life
Her Works
"In this world you've just got to hope for the best and prepare for the worst, and take whatever God sends."
~L.M.Montgomery
Friday, September 3, 2010
Postcards From P.E.I.
Poutine - A specialty in Quebec made up of french fries and cheese curds smothered in gravy. Healthy AND Delicious! ;)
P.E.I's red earth
My first lobster boil. Not a fan. Quite a crazy process for just a couple bites. It was fun though. The little guy was very wary of the live lobsters. He would get very upset when Jim or I picked one up. :(
Just a glimpse so far...
xo
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Road trippin'
Much has happened and many miles have been covered since my last post on Friday.
We left home late afternoon on Saturday, reaching Montreal by about 11:00pm (of course I can't stop there without a visit to Simon's - it's just a clothing department store, but it exists no where other than Quebec, and different is always fun. Of course, I bought myself a little something!
Sunday found us driving through the beautiful state of Maine. We'll be passing back through with a 2 night stop in Portland on our way home. We had a couple brief stops for play, and snacks and then ended our day in Bangor.
Monday morning was a surprisingly slow moving morning, and by the time breakfast had found it's way into our bellies and we were back on the road it was around one in the afternoon. We ended up reaching our final destination at about 10pm. A long day for sure, but a good one.
So, now that's us safe and sound in Prince Edward Island. What a beautiful province. I visited when I was twelve years old, and had really great memories of it, but seeing it a second time around has beat out my memories - It really is stunning.
My brother-in-law's family cottage is right on the ocean and a perfect escape. They visit every summer - not a bad way to spend a couple weeks!
We woke early this morning and went for a bike ride to a nearby lighthouse. A really chilling way to start a day.
We have a lot to cram in to just a couple of days, and more planning still for the days that follow P.E.I. so the rest of the week will likely be far too busy with good times for posting, but I may have a chance to drop a couple postcards on here once or twice...
xo
We left home late afternoon on Saturday, reaching Montreal by about 11:00pm (of course I can't stop there without a visit to Simon's - it's just a clothing department store, but it exists no where other than Quebec, and different is always fun. Of course, I bought myself a little something!
Sunday found us driving through the beautiful state of Maine. We'll be passing back through with a 2 night stop in Portland on our way home. We had a couple brief stops for play, and snacks and then ended our day in Bangor.
Monday morning was a surprisingly slow moving morning, and by the time breakfast had found it's way into our bellies and we were back on the road it was around one in the afternoon. We ended up reaching our final destination at about 10pm. A long day for sure, but a good one.
So, now that's us safe and sound in Prince Edward Island. What a beautiful province. I visited when I was twelve years old, and had really great memories of it, but seeing it a second time around has beat out my memories - It really is stunning.
My brother-in-law's family cottage is right on the ocean and a perfect escape. They visit every summer - not a bad way to spend a couple weeks!
We woke early this morning and went for a bike ride to a nearby lighthouse. A really chilling way to start a day.
We have a lot to cram in to just a couple of days, and more planning still for the days that follow P.E.I. so the rest of the week will likely be far too busy with good times for posting, but I may have a chance to drop a couple postcards on here once or twice...
xo
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Busy Bees
My week is lacking in the blog world, but very, VERY full in the real world. We have been prepping & packing for yet another journey, running about gathering up things we need, catching up on necessary appointments, sewing up something special for a friend's little baby soon to be in this world (I'll show next week post-baby shower), writing a few long overdue letters (I love mailing a letter, almost as much as I love receiving one), some Etsy browsing - and ok yes, some Etsy buying, a wee bit of baking, and just trying to do a little house cleaning (I love coming home from a holiday to a clean house).
Today, we had a visit to our local library to stock up on guide books about the Maritime provinces of Canada. We have struggled with our itinerary because of course we want to see absolutely EVERYTHING in 2 weeks time but obviously cannot, and we don't want to push it too hard for the little guy's sake. Hey, I would be pretty crabby if I were buckled in to the same position for any great length of time! We want to make sure our driving days aren't too aggressive, and that we have time to stretch them out for plentiful stops so our son can enjoy a bit of run around time in between those sits.
Choosing what to give up on an adventure is one of the most difficult things, but really when it all comes down to it the less you do can actually make the trip. You can immerse yourself in the things you do choose to do without feeling time pressures and stress - which we all have enough of in our regular day-to-day living.
So here we are, making a few last minute decisions. Thank God for the internet when it comes to planning a journey. Being able to connect with others on various forums to hear what their particular must-sees are is very valuable.
A couple of spots we rely on regularly are:
Bootsnall
and
The Lonely Planet's Thorntree forum
The planning and anticipation of a trip are a pretty awesome part of the whole process.
This is my busy bee at the library. He just loves to move things around and organise which is what he is all about here.
If you aren't currently traveling or planning to, you should muster up a serious dream trip. It's the best kind! When we aren't away, we're most definitely dreaming about it...
xo
Today, we had a visit to our local library to stock up on guide books about the Maritime provinces of Canada. We have struggled with our itinerary because of course we want to see absolutely EVERYTHING in 2 weeks time but obviously cannot, and we don't want to push it too hard for the little guy's sake. Hey, I would be pretty crabby if I were buckled in to the same position for any great length of time! We want to make sure our driving days aren't too aggressive, and that we have time to stretch them out for plentiful stops so our son can enjoy a bit of run around time in between those sits.
Choosing what to give up on an adventure is one of the most difficult things, but really when it all comes down to it the less you do can actually make the trip. You can immerse yourself in the things you do choose to do without feeling time pressures and stress - which we all have enough of in our regular day-to-day living.
So here we are, making a few last minute decisions. Thank God for the internet when it comes to planning a journey. Being able to connect with others on various forums to hear what their particular must-sees are is very valuable.
A couple of spots we rely on regularly are:
Bootsnall
and
The Lonely Planet's Thorntree forum
The planning and anticipation of a trip are a pretty awesome part of the whole process.
This is my busy bee at the library. He just loves to move things around and organise which is what he is all about here.
If you aren't currently traveling or planning to, you should muster up a serious dream trip. It's the best kind! When we aren't away, we're most definitely dreaming about it...
xo
Monday, August 23, 2010
Weekend!
Summer is coming to an end, and in my mind it is coming quickly. We will make the most of what is left for sure and squeeze in as much camping as possible.
This weekend was spent at Darien Lake. It was a very nice weekend, though it POURED rain all Saturday night and Sunday morning. It rained so loudly (the sound only elevated by the fact that we had a tarp over our tent - Thank God!) that I could barely sleep most of the night with anxiety. I went outside several times and our site looked flooded in areas which didn't help my thought process. I was sure the tarp would overload and collapse on us, so I kept going out to lift the tarp and encourage the piles of water to run off, I also imagined one of the nearby trees being struck by lightning, a flash flood - don't actually know how that works but it sounds pretty crazy-, among many other things. Wow, how the mind works hey? Sometimes it is so difficult to control our own thoughts.
Anyways, it WAS a nice weekend. ;) We had lots of relaxing by our fire, lazing around reading (& crocheting), eating great food, and even going on a couple rides and for a swim.
Which brings to mind our ride on the Ferris wheel which also stressed me out. WHAT is my problem?? Growing up, my mom only ever went on the swan boats, the kiddie cars, and occasionally the "Ghoster Coaster" at Canada's Wonderland - a sort of kids, toned down coaster. Guess maybe I'm headed that way...
It's not the height that freaked me out. It is the big question mark that surrounds every ride, who created it, and how long will it last??... A broken ride that high up?? Ok the height is a little freaky too!
Now that I think of it, having an antsy little boy next to me may also have contributed...
A very plain and simple, tasty salad I made with grape tomatoes, sliced
cucumbers, chopped red peppers, fresh basil, fresh chives, fresh parsely, and goats milk feta cheese.
Our camping brekky this weekend was oatmeal which I have been making regularly at home for myself and the little guy. I add raisins, chopped apples and a cinnamon stick for the full time the oats are cooking. Very delicious and healthy.
I have always wished I liked marshmallows more. Watching people cook them over a fire - it just looks fun, but I never really enjoyed the eating part, or the gooeyness all over my hands factor. My AHA! moment of the weekend was S'MORES! Graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallow together?? What's not to love? (PS. It's GOT to be dark chocolate.)
I think this may have been my first time having S'mores and mmmmm.. won't be the last.
Ahhhh....
My blanket-to-be smells a little campfire smokey now, but when it's finished (next year!) I'll give it a good washing ;).
xo
This weekend was spent at Darien Lake. It was a very nice weekend, though it POURED rain all Saturday night and Sunday morning. It rained so loudly (the sound only elevated by the fact that we had a tarp over our tent - Thank God!) that I could barely sleep most of the night with anxiety. I went outside several times and our site looked flooded in areas which didn't help my thought process. I was sure the tarp would overload and collapse on us, so I kept going out to lift the tarp and encourage the piles of water to run off, I also imagined one of the nearby trees being struck by lightning, a flash flood - don't actually know how that works but it sounds pretty crazy-, among many other things. Wow, how the mind works hey? Sometimes it is so difficult to control our own thoughts.
Anyways, it WAS a nice weekend. ;) We had lots of relaxing by our fire, lazing around reading (& crocheting), eating great food, and even going on a couple rides and for a swim.
Which brings to mind our ride on the Ferris wheel which also stressed me out. WHAT is my problem?? Growing up, my mom only ever went on the swan boats, the kiddie cars, and occasionally the "Ghoster Coaster" at Canada's Wonderland - a sort of kids, toned down coaster. Guess maybe I'm headed that way...
It's not the height that freaked me out. It is the big question mark that surrounds every ride, who created it, and how long will it last??... A broken ride that high up?? Ok the height is a little freaky too!
Now that I think of it, having an antsy little boy next to me may also have contributed...
A very plain and simple, tasty salad I made with grape tomatoes, sliced
cucumbers, chopped red peppers, fresh basil, fresh chives, fresh parsely, and goats milk feta cheese.
Our camping brekky this weekend was oatmeal which I have been making regularly at home for myself and the little guy. I add raisins, chopped apples and a cinnamon stick for the full time the oats are cooking. Very delicious and healthy.
I have always wished I liked marshmallows more. Watching people cook them over a fire - it just looks fun, but I never really enjoyed the eating part, or the gooeyness all over my hands factor. My AHA! moment of the weekend was S'MORES! Graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallow together?? What's not to love? (PS. It's GOT to be dark chocolate.)
I think this may have been my first time having S'mores and mmmmm.. won't be the last.
Ahhhh....
My blanket-to-be smells a little campfire smokey now, but when it's finished (next year!) I'll give it a good washing ;).
xo
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