In December 6, 1917 a huge explosion rocked Halifax.
The SS Mont Blanc, a French cargo ship fully loaded with wartime explosives, collided with the Norwegian vessel SS Imo in the Narrows, a strait connecting Halifax Harbour to Bedford Basin. A fire on board the French ship ignited the cargo causing a cataclysmic explosion that destroyed the Richmond district of Halifax. About 2000 people were killed by debris, fires, and collapsed buildings, and another 9000 were injured. A huge disaster for Nova Scotia and it’s capital Halifax.
South of the border in Boston authorities learned of the disaster via telegraph, and quickly organized and dispatched a relief train. A winter blizzard following the explosion delayed the train, which finally arrived in the early morning on December 8, and immediately began distributing food, water, and medical supplies. Numerous personnel on the train were able to relieve the Nova Scotia medical staff, most of whom had worked without rest since the explosion occurred.
In 1918, Halifax sent a Christmas tree to the city of Boston, A gift, a thank you , a remembrance for all the help that the city of Boston provided immediately after the disaster.
In 1971 this gift of a Christmas tree was revived by the Lunenburg County Christmas Tree Producers and later taken over by the NS government. Knowing the symbolic importance the tree represents to both cities, there are specific guidelines for selecting the tree. It must be a balsam fir, white or red spruce that is 40 -50 feet tall with a beautiful green color. The trees are often chosen from open land privately owned by local ordinary people. People that love the tradition of this gift and are truly honoured that “their tree” for Nova Scotia’s gift to Boston.
This year’s tree was cut TODAY! This morning at 10:30. And then tomorrow there will be a special send off with love and special wishes from Grand Parade square in Halifax
Bill and Andrea MacEachern of Lorne, Pictou Co. are the donors of the 49foot White Spruce that is approximately 72 years old. The tree will be delivered to Boston city to it’s place at the Boston Commons to be lit at the tree lighting ceremony on December 3.
Today was so great! Usually Monday is a slow start. lots of coffee and cleaning. Today I was off and running…meeting my friend for a day of shopping and adventure. You just never know when we’re together. It’s so much fun!
First stop, West LaHave and a peak at her new home with the most awesome view of the water. I could sit there for coffee everyday. Love the wharf and buoy’s hanging…
Then off roading with faithful Bessie on the back roads to Old Town Lunenburg to browse the shops and a bite to eat. We both love shopping and are a dangerous combination. Lunenburg is a great spot to pick up special one of a kind Christmas gifts and I will definitely be stopping back for a few things.
Wanda is so creative and wanted to show me where her creativity begins…
Haha, lots of fun pics 🙂
A new beach for me…Oxner’s beach to pick up some drift wood and interesting things. Lots of inspiration to create!! What a great day, a PERFECT start to the week. And only one thing missing…
I know I know…all the opinions are out. When to, when not to, after this day, before this day, not too soon…
But honestly, it is REALLY up to each individual what and when they choose. I don’t mean any disrespect whatsoever. I am so very thankful and feel blessed to live in Canada where brave men and women fought for our freedom and I am thankful that we do remember , pay tribute, and celebrate that every November.
And for me, I do usually wait until after Remembrance Day only because it’s closer to the middle of November and usually by then it’s a bit colder and most of the signs of a beautiful Autumn have disappeared and it just “feels” more like Christmas. I know even the words “feels like Christmas” is up for debate. In Canada, for me Christmas feeling and mood is… cooler weather, crisp frosty mornings and powdery light dustings of snow. However when we lived in Brazil, it was hot, sometimes rainy, beach weather with powdery white sands. It was a real effort to get in the mood of “feeling like Christmas” that year. But fun to decorate and not worry about snow affecting the decor on my patio! haha
So today…the bins are out and I have begun. Just a little, taking my time, enjoying the Christmas music that is now once again added to my Playlist for the next 6 weeks or so, and cleaning my house well, room by room and adding touches here and there that will make things look and feel like Christmas. It will take a few days because I’m not doing it all in one day but I’m enjoying it.
My first baking was done yesterday ( gotta get the fruitcake done early)as I watched the Remembrance Service in Ottawa. And I even did a little shopping online to be delivered in the next few weeks. And so little by little Christmas merrymaking has begun.
Isn’t it just the most wonderful time of the year? Brr…and today “feels” chilly, it “feels” like that time of the year 😀
to see and capture Autumn’s brilliant color in all it’s glory.
It was such a beautiful day. A great day for gardening, a walk, a drive… I really can’t believe the temperatures are so nice for mid October. This week colors are peak. It really would be perfect to see the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton this week.
Well…better enjoy it because who knows what this winter will bring once it finally gets cold and snow season starts …this was the 9 day forecast when I checked this morning. Monday doesn’t look so great… ( say it isn’t so)
If you are lucky enough to live in a place where there are seasons…you will know that this time of year is one of the most spectacular! The colors are AMAZING!!!! The leaves put on quite a show.
I am thankful we live in Canada. While all the trees and their colors together are beautiful, I am a little partial to the red Maple.
Here are a few pics of the beauty around me this weekend on our Canadian Thanksgiving Long Weekend…
My husband loves jams and jellies. Homemade are the very best, and when we browse markets, that is some of the first things he looks for.
Last week when we were on vacation we finished up the backyard project ( well at least for this year). There are still some unfinished major things that will happen next year. But last week we bought some shrubs, one being a chokecherry bush that was full of berries.
David got the bright idea that he wanted to make chokecherry jelly. He did some research and these berries are very high in antioxidants. He wanted to take advantage of that and even went back and bought a second bush. ( Although I’m not sure how healthy it will all be when he adds 5-6 cups sugar to it for jelly)
Now the jam making…
It’s his thing and I’m not getting involved except to take a couple pics and give a little advice (& help when needed) in the kitchen.
And voila…7 little jars of chokecherry jelly!And quite tasty on toast.
Four ships! That’s right, four cruise ships in the Port of Halifax today. That’s a lot for a small port. And not only ships…PEOPLE!
I love cruising. It is one of my favourite ways to vacation. To be in our home province and in our city when there are 4 cruise ships visiting is exciting to me. I said to my husband if we lived right in the city I would want to work in that industry somehow. It excites me. Actually tourism is so interesting and I love meeting and talking to people visiting our province and I absolutely love cruising, so the two put together would be a really fun job.
This year is a great year for the number of cruise ships coming to the Port of Halifax. Just look up Cruise Schedule for Port of Halifax and you will see. A lot of days 2 and 3 ships. Some days 4 and actually on October 1st there will be 5 ships. That is so terrific! So many people visiting our beautiful province.
We were in the city today and actually made a point of going to the Port and then went to the Dartmouth side to get a picture of all four ships together. Two Royal Caribbean ships, a Holland America ship, and our favourite a Norwegian Cruise Line ship ( the Dawn).
It’s a lot of fun to go down to the Pavilions on cruise ship days. It’s the only time the shops are open and I like browsing. We had a great day and even grabbed a late lunch at the Seaport market.
The back drop looks different when there is a cruise ship in port. Oh…to be cruising!!
Unique, unspoiled…tucked away at the end of a rocky beach. A trail that is 6.5 km round trip. It consists of marine, terrestrial and wetland ecosystems. Both sides have steep cliffs and tidal pools, shale beaches and just AMAZING views along the shoreline. Just a perfect little walk for such a gorgeous afternoon!
And where is this unique place? It is Hirtle’s Beach And Gaff Point.
As promised back in May…Here is my second edition RESULTS page of the quest to find the BEST fish & chips places in Nova Scotia. As you know last summer we did this and in the Spring we decided there were just so many places we didn’t get chance to try that we would do another post.
Fish & Chips is a staple food along the South Shore of Nova Scotia. We LOVE our fresh haddock. There are so many great spots along the coast where it is a feature on the menu. So just where is “the BEST”… the best tasting, the best presentation, the best value for your money?
If you want to check out last year’s list you can click on the link below:
And after lots of study and careful consideration…:) Here are the 2015 RESULTS
May 24~ The South Shore Fish Shack, Lunenburg …revisit
We were here last year, their first season open and we loved it. So back we went. Now this was only the second weekend open this year and once again we thought the fish was fabulous. Cooked to perfection and so delicious. They’ve switched up a bit from being served in boxes to served in baskets ( I like the boxes better) and they also switched from bottles of pop to fountain pop ( not a fan) I don’t drink pop but David does and he much prefers his COKE in a can or bottle, but hey they’ve got it right and serve COKE! The South Shore Fish Shack is wonderful and I know we will go back again. PLUS the view on a summery night is amazing!
May 30~ The Turkey Burger, Cookville ( just outside of Bridgewater)
I think Turkey Burger has got EVERY restaurant in the province beat for portion size. Their servings are HUGE!!!!! I remember eating at the Turkey Burger as a teenager…vanilla milkshake, cheeseburger and fries would be my order back then. Tonight I had a milk shake… and David & I ordered the 3piece fish & chips. The milkshake is large and made with real ice cream and so thick and delicious. And the three piece fish…well, we could feed our WHOLE family with that order. The fish was fresh and flaky, so tasty good. This restaurant is a MUST for anyone visiting the area.
July 5~ revisit~ We were impressed with Turkey Burger on May 30th, so when our nephew and his wife were visiting from Ontario we wanted to treat them. However, our second visit wasn’t quite as good. Portion sizes are huge…they were impressed! But the fish was a little overcooked and batter a bit greasy this time. I think I’ve tried enough fish & chips here and will try something different. BUT the milkshakes are THE BEST ( I had one again)
Our son and nephew enjoying the fish & chips 😀
June 7~ The Wharf Wrap Restaurant, Eastern Passage
The Wharf Wrap Restaurant in Eastern Passage is located by Fishermen’s Cove. The restaurant itself is nothing to look at but we’ve heard rave reviews how their Fish & Chips are “the best” so of course, I wanted to go. We ordered the one piece and added a piece of fish to share. Just like last week at the Turkey Burger, portions are HUGE!!! We couldn’t believe it. How can these restaurants afford to serve such large pieces of fish. The batter on this fish was a little different. Its a cracker crumb/batter with “secret special seasonings” that only the owners know. I guess it’s a family secret that even the chef’s don’t know entirely. Well, it was different BUT oh so delicious!!! It is served with fries and their special pineapple flavour coleslaw. Once again we were not disappointed. YUM!!!
July 2~ Pearles in Paradise …revisit
This is always a favourite when we go to the valley. No complaints, just ALWAYS the same VERY good fish!! That’s why we go back.
July 2~ The Dockside, Digby
Not a fan! Digby is known for it’s scallops and they were delicious but we have had much better fish and chips. The best thing was the view, right on the waterfront, overlooking the scallop trawler fleet.
July 5~ Lanes Privateer Inn, Liverpool
This was a pleasant surprise. A spontaneous lunch stop with some of our family on the way through to the beach. I took took the opportunity to see what the fish & chips were like. They were REALLY good! Home cut fries with lightly battered fish. A perfect lunch, especially when enjoyed on their garden terrace!
July 7~ Acadian Fish & Chips, Hammond’s Plains Road
We have seen this restaurant on our way through to the airport, city or to David’s brother’s place and always comment we should try it! Vacation time is great for eating out. I love their decor outside, lighthouse and little fisherman. It’s a family owned and run business. They serve home cut fries and nice servings with a lemon wedge, tartar sauce and coleslaw. The service is super fast and they are very friendly. A great spot!
July 9~ The Battered Fish- Halifax Waterfront
It was ok. I love the waterfront so eating takeout with a view is so much fun BUT we’ve had better fish & chips.
July 10~ The Blarney Stone, On the 103 in Hebb’s Cross
A small licensed family dining restaurant that has been serving customers since 1983. With a diverse menu offering east coast specialties such as fried clams, fish and chips and other great home style meals like hot sandwiches and burgers. This place is ALWAYS packed and it’s been years since we visited.
Like I said this spot is BUSY!!! The food is great. David & I shared the 4piece fish and chips which was enough for us. The fish was normal portions but lightly done, flaky and not greasy. The chips were just regular ( not hand cut, so nothing special) David did have a side of sweet potato fries which were delicious. A great little spot for good food!
July 18~ Tastee Freeze, Hebbville
This is not the place to get Fish & Chips, it’s a wonderful spot for soft serve ice cream. That being said we just wanted a quick take out of fish and chips to take to the waterfront in our town to enjoy and the Tastee Freeze is just 5 minutes away. We thought we’d give it a try. We’ll be back, we love this spot…but for ice cream!
August 2~ Food Truck Fish & Chips, Huey’s at Halifax Waterfront
Food Trucks set up at the Waterfront during the Busker’s Festival. We had to try Fish & Chips from one. Huey’s was the one that had fish & chips. The experience was cool. The chips were home cut fries which were excellent but the fish was way too much batter for the fish. Oh well…
August 15~ Food Truck Fish & Chips, Irene’s at Chester Yacht Club
Chester Race Week and Chester Village is a busy spot!! A few food trucks were there to help with the event and all the people. We finally got chance to go on Saturday the last day of the races, and had lunch at the yacht club overlooking the harbour so we could watch a bit of sailing. Our food truck choice…Irene’s. Again, not the best fish & chips around but we loved the atmosphere and relaxing lunch.
August 30~ AND for a third time this summer, revisit the Turkey burger in Cookville.
This time was much like the very first time we went. HUGE portions, cooked to perfections. Actually this time even though I didn’t take any pictures ( totally forgot) James, David and I shared the 3piece fish and chips and it was more than enough for lunch!! So I highly recommend this place. If for some reason it’s not quite what you expect the first time, give it a second chance. Now that this year’s Fish & Chips quest is finished, we need to try some of there other dishes! 🙂
So this year instead of going until middle of October with my search, we finished the end of August by returning to a favourite. I am just getting around to getting this blog post ready. There are still so many more places in our beautiful East Coast province that serve this delicious meal, and yes we will keep ordering “Fish & Chips” as we travel about. There are also some other tasty seafood dishes worth mentioning…chowders. lobster rolls, crab cakes, fish cakes, scallops, clams, mussels…hmm…next year I may be on a different quest.
We’re loving these gorgeous days in September and October before cold weather hits. Hope you get chance to go for a nice drive and have lunch or dinner at a local spot.
Merry Christmas Boston…and THANK YOU!
Haha, lots of fun pics 🙂
Just An East Coast Girl 