Stay Calm… LONG WEEKEND ahead!

Yep! The September long weekend that represents the END of SUMMER starts today!

Relaxing weekend, last beach weekend, last camping trip, family gathering, picnic…or is it a WORK weekend? Labor Day weekend, what is it for you?

For many it will be the last hurrah before school and Fall routine, BUT for me and my house… David will be working!!! Today and tomorrow on our son’s roof, re-shingling. And Sunday and Monday …long days…at Michelin.

For me (and Abby girl) ..I am hoping for a relaxing weekend.  No cookin’, No cleanin’, Just chillin’ 😀

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These are PERFECT days!!! Not too hot , not too cold, breezy and blue skies.IMG_8139IMG_7842

Relaxing weekend

 

 

Remember the Victory

…but maintain the PEACE!

A Respect to History…Determination to Safeguard Peace.

This is my East coast Canada blog. I haven’t blogged much about our life in China on this new site. But today I need to. ( And in reality it is part of Canada too)

On September 2, 1945 Aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, Japan formally surrendered to the Allies, bringing an end to World War II. It was a day of Victory! 

Supreme Commander MacArthur  signed on behalf of the United Nations, declaring, “It is my earnest hope and indeed the hope of all mankind that from this solemn occasion a better world shall emerge out of the blood and carnage of the past.” Ten more signatures were made, by the United States, China, Britain, the USSR, Australia, Canada, France, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, respectively. Admiral Chester W. Nimitz signed for the United States. As the 20-minute ceremony ended, the sun burst through low-hanging clouds. The most devastating war in human history was over. The next day, September 3, 1945 the Japanese Army in China officially surrendered. Victory Day was set for September 3rd.

Today, September 3, 2015 marks 70 years!!! This year China, in Beijing capital, is commemorating this Victory Day with a huge parade and display.

Living in China, I heard many accounts from our Chinese friends ( and family) the horrific accounts of war, the barbaric cruelty of the Japanese to the China people. There was and still is so much hurt from that war.

I sat for hours last night watching and listening to CCTV Live from Beijing as dignitaries from countries arrived and were greeted by Chinese President Xi Jin Ping. I watched as invited Veterans from World War II arrived and as preparations were made for the big celebration. I continued to watch as Beijing’s military was inspected by President Xi and then the amazing parade and display of China military and troops and China’s “hardware”, they brought out the “big guns” for the very first time to be displayed to the world. I watched in awe, at the 70 gun salute, and the fly past of the many helicopters and fighters that were in Beijing skies. I was thinking… I have been there right at Tiananmen Square, I have walked those streets…oh how I wish I was there today… I felt like history was being made in front of my eyes.  I felt proud for my Chinese friends, especially the ones that have been soldiers in their younger days. It was truly a display of Chinese innovation in their military!

And the Canadian connection as far as China is concerned. It was mentioned many times through the broadcast. Norman Bethune…the Canadian doctor and surgeon that helped the Chinese people so much during World War II. China has not forgotten this, and always show great appreciation and respect. Living in China as a Canadian, I heard many thank yous from elderly Chinese people for Bethune’s contribution. Chinese Soldiers from Bethune Medical University marched in the parade today and one of Norman Bethune’s relatives was invited and present at the celebration.

Like I said it was AMAZING!!!

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And you ask why people ( especially Chinese) always pose for pictures like this?

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It is V for VICTORY!

Freshly sharpened pencils

Today is the first day of class for many high schools in the province, and tomorrow the elementary classes start. I miss this exciting time of year. Either to be teaching, or especially the first day for my kids heading back to class. Alas…the years go by quickly!

Well, James is still in school ( finishing up a business course this year), but this week he’s on a much needed vacay and doesn’t go back to class until after the long weekend.

On this first day of class and a brand new year of possibilities…

I am sending you a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils…

Here’s to a great year students!!

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It’s S’morelicious

Well… what can I say?

It is the last weekend of August which I guess in my books kinda means the end of summer, although not “officially” until September 23rd. It just gets busy. Kids go back to school this week, programs and activities start up, temperatures are cooler…it’s just different. Gone are the lazy days of summer. David keeps saying he’s got to get out on the bike more!!! He took a drive down to Blue Rocks. It was a perfect night for a photo, full moon and all.

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So to say goodbye August weekends and to get ready for September and Fall, we had a campfire and of course s’mores. S’mores are summertime treats. Ooey gooey roasted over an open campfire marshmallow sandwiched in between two graham crackers and oh, don’t forget the little piece of chocolate tucked in there too that melts ever so lightly because of the heat of the marshmallow. Oh yum!!!

This is the inaugural campfire and marshmallow roast! Our backyard renovation still ongoing, but some things complete. I know summer is over but having a fire within town limits is a little more difficult than country living ( we attempted a couple times). But it’s ready and we’ll use it in to the fall and winter too.

Tonight was  S’morelicious!

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Lunenburg County is dry!

If you NEED gas today you just may be out of luck!

no gas

LOW prices and gas shortage at the refinery right now means that on this beautiful sunny Saturday, when folk are hittin’ the roads for some last weekend of August adventure before school starts…

well let’s just say I hope you gassed up BEFORE today because there’s NO GAS in Bridgewater!

  
PS. We got some this morning just in time.

Enjoy your last gorgeous weekend of August 2015!

A summer of seafood

How can you not enjoy the goodness from the sea when you live on the East coast?

There is no question I LOVE SEAFOOD!!!! I could eat it everyday. Lobster, scallops, shrimp,squid, haddock and salmon. And probably in that order. I love clams and mussels too however I don’t think they like me. I think I’ve developed a sensitivity so I am a little more cautious eating them(but I will on occasion) oh..and a little sushi.

Summertime and backyard picnics and quaint seaside restaurants eating outside of course, are a great time to enjoy the “catch of the day”

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There is nothing like fresh maritime seafood!!!!

Delightful

I LOVE our summer adventures. Out in our car and off to adventures unknown…

IMG_7728We stopped at interesting little spot for lunch this weekend. It gets great reviews!

DSC08152And no wonder!! This is the kind of bakery and deli that makes David drool. We shared a Montreal Smoked Meat sandwich, one of the deli’s specialties. We sampled the sugar pie ( delish) and each chose a treat and a coffee for the road. Owners Jacques & Carolyn, natives from Montreal Quebec have the perfect spot. They look after the main dishes and the baked goodies are made daily by their daughter with fresh ingredients, no preservatives and high quality. YUM!! I want to go back for sure. If only we lived a bit closer…but then again maybe not a good idea.

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