The Community Calendar

 

Conditions at 6:00 am: 13' and overcast
Expected later: 17' and rain

What a great idea. When I first moved here, I noticed the calendar that Brenda has on her kitchen wall. On  it for each day, are the names of people in the community who are having birthdays or anniversaries. So when Brenda sent me a link earlier in the week with the name of the lady who was looking after it, I emailed her. So I dropped by the school last night to pay my $10.00 and to give her my information. So in 2012 our birthdays and anniversary will be on it as well. I also included the three grandchildren's birthdays only because they've met some of the people in the community and because they'll get a kick out of seeing their names on the calendar. I thought it was a great idea when I first saw it and it's a great fundraiser for the school. It's something unique that I've never seen before.

Last night I chopped up and strained the grapes from Michelle's vines and put the juice in the fridge. It needs to cool thoroughly to prevent crystals from forming, or so the recipe tells me. I'll make the jelly tonight but I'm going to change it up a little bit. I picked up some large bottles of 100% pure juice to add to the grape juice to vary the flavour a bit. One bottle is wild berries. I think that should add something to vary the result. It will be a bit of an experiment but I think it should work.  We'll let you know!

It's looking like the weather is going to be a little better on the weekend than originally forecast so Brenda and Bernie should have a lovely drive in Cape Breton.  I noticed last night on my way home that a lot of the trees around here are starting to look quite beautiful.  I love how gorgeous they look when the sun shines on them - and we may get that opportunity over the weekend.

Well, that's it for this week - have a great weekend everyone and see you on Monday!

It's warming up again - a little

Conditions at 6:00 am: 10' with a few clouds
Expected later: 15' and cloudy

It's going to get warmer over the next couple of days but rainy. Guess we can't have it all. Brenda and Bernie are planning to travel to Cape Breton to see the fall colours - hopefully it will be better weather over there.
I did my first training shift last night at the store. It went well but it's hard to really get the feel for it without real customers and real groceries. We'll spend a couple of hours training on Saturday then we'll each be assigned a mentor to stay with us for the rest of the day while we actually do cash. Most of the time it's pretty simple as the bar codes scan. It's the items with no tags or the weird produce with no stickers we have to identify. But there is a system for looking stuff up so I think it will be fine. It's also the unusual stuff like coupons, etc where you have to push all kinds of buttons. I know it will get faster with experience but I hate that rushed feeling when you don't really know what you're doing and people are waiting on you. But I'm sure it will be fine.

I talked to Lloyd yesterday and he made it back from St. John's.  He came home with a bag full of frozen fish but no partridgeberries this year. They were just way too expensive.  I suggested he pick up several jars of lingonberry  jam from Ikea before he moves out here. (that's the Swedish name for partridgeberries). One of Lloyd's favorite things is the meatballs at Ikea and whenever we would go there, that was his favorite reason for going. Well yesterday, I was reading my newest edition of the Food Network magazine and, lo and behold, there was a recipe for the meatballs. Ikea wouldn't give up the recipe but the Food Network Kitchens were able to re-create them so they are "spot on" so the article says. So Lloyd, here you go- let us know the results:

Almost Famous Swedish Meatballs
For the Meatballs:
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1/3 cup minced white onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp ground allspice
Kosher salt and freshly ground white pepper
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
3/4 pound lean ground beef
1/2 pound lean ground pork
1 large egg, plus 1 egg white, beaten
Vegetable oil for brushing

For the Gravy:
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups low sodium beef broth
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup heavy cream
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Lingonberry jam, for serving (optional??? - I think not!)

1. Make the meatballs: Put the breadcrumbs in a large bowl. Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, allspice, 2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp white pepper and cook, stirring, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the milk and Worcestershire sauce and bring to a simmer.Pour the milk mixture over the breadcrumbs and stir to make a thick paste; let cool. Add the beef, pork, egg and egg white to the bowl and mix until combined.
2. Brush a baking sheet with vegetable oil. Roll the meat into 1 inch balls and arrange on the prepared baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least one hour.
3. Preheat the oven to 400'. Bake the meatballs until cooked through, about 20 minutes.
4. Make the gravy: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, whisking until smooth. Whisk in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce and bring to a simmer.  Add the cream and meatballs. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer until the gravy thickens, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper. Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with the parsley and serve with lingonberry jam, if desired.

Another successful cooking class

 

Conditions at 6:00 am: 2' and a clear, bright full moon in the sky
Expected later: 13' and a mix of sun and cloud

Well, another great class was held last night. We made pizza, with two types of dough from scratch, and they turned out great. We also tried some onion rings in the oven but they were pretty bland. I'll have to work on that one some more. But the pizza's turned out beautiful. We tried two types of crust - one with yeast and one without. They were both pretty easy to make and yielded a very good crust but the one with the yeast was by far the favorite. Being a recipe with yeast, it was surprisingly quick to make - no major rising time required.

We topped our pizza's with tomato based pizza sauce, green peppers, tomatoes, onions, cooked italian sausage meat and mozzarella cheese. We did a second one with basil pesto for the sauce and then topped it with marinated artichoke hearts, feta cheese, a little mozzarella and a sprinkle of parmesan. I really enjoyed that one but only because I eat pesto frequently and I'm not a bit fan of tomato based sauces. Some were a little reluctant to try it but in the end they decided it was okay as well.

All in all it was a great night and we were actually done a little earlier than usual. We were cleaned up, the stuff loaded in the car and driving out of the parking lot by 8:48.

Here's our favorite crust recipe:

Quick and Easy Pizza Crust

INGREDIENTS:

1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast 1 teaspoon white sugar 1 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)

2 1/2 cups bread flour 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS:

1.	Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). In a medium bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
2.	Stir in flour, salt and oil. Beat until smooth. Let rest for 5 minutes.
3.	Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat or roll into a round. Transfer crust to a lightly greased pizza pan or baker's peel dusted with cornmeal. Spread with desired toppings and bake in preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Let baked pizza cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Sandy and Brenda's great adventure!

Conditions at 6:00 am: 9' and clear
Expected later: 11' and sun

On the New Brunswick side

What a great weekend! Saturday morning I worked at Toyota and then went to work at the store after. I was there until 7:30 then picked up the things I needed for Tuesday night's class. I went home and let the dog out and then wondered about whether or not they would need help at the Rec Centre as it was now 9:00. So I thought - what would James do? He would probably have said "Grandma, you have to go - what if they still have lots of work to do?" So I went over there but they were pretty much finished. I helped dry a couple of things but there was really not much to do. But as I wasn't working on Sunday after all, it did give Brenda and I a
chance to plan something for the next day. She suggested we try the Sunrise Trail in Nova Scotia and I said sure, let's give it a try. So bright and early Sunday morning we headed out. We probably didn't put on as many km's as we usually do on a Sunday but the prospect of going 'off island' is different. After checking oil, and looking the bikes over well, we were off. We stopped in Borden to set off the bikes and stretch a bit before heading across the big bridge. And what an experience that was. It was a little scary as it was quite windy  and just increased as you approached the high point in the middle. By the time we reached the other side we were both glad to be off the bridge. It was a little stressful but we made it! After that experience, the rest was a breeze. We stopped at a gas station a little way past the bridge and filled up and picked up a chocolate bar to snack on. Then we were off. It's a lovely ride as you have long stretches with views of the water.  Our first stop was Pugwash, where we spent quite a bit of time touring a lovely gift shop.  There were two young girls minding the store and there was music playing when we walked in - The Beatles - and that's what played the entire time we were there. I commented to one of the them about how much I liked their choice of tunes and they said they loved them. That always surprises me when I meet such young people who absolutely love the Beatles.

A mountain of salt from under the Strait

When we were done there, we headed out to Tatamagouche for lunch. When we got there we stopped at a lovely little place on the main street. They had a patio outside and since it was an absolutely gorgeous, warm day, we really had no other choice but to sit outside. The food was great and we really enjoyed sitting there enjoying the sunshine. But alas, the ferry was calling so we headed out. We passed all kinds of places that we would have liked to stop and explore but that will be for another time.
We arrived at the boat just in time to load. Needless to say, we timed that one pretty closely. Our boat ride was good except for the fact that the Cows Ice Cream shop was closed for the season so we had to be happy with tea and cinnamon rolls and yogurt. Before we knew it, we were back on the island for the trip home. It was a bit cooler when we got off the boat and we were glad we had our chaps with us. All in all, a really great day - something we will definitely do again next year.


View Larger Map - The Sunrise Trail

Monday wasn't quite as warm and a little windier so we were fortunate to have had such a great day on Sunday. I spent my day baking bread and something for dessert for supper at the Van Gaals. I made some crepes and an apple and cranberry  filling for them, with apples from our trees out front. They turned out not too bad, with a little whipped cream on top. Brenda and Bernie worked really hard all day painting the wall on the house that faces the driveway. I had a little bit done at the top earlier in the week and when I arrived last night it was all finished. It looks great with the two adjacent walls done. Now you can really see how the whole thing will look. ( I should have taken my camera and gotten a picture). We had a wonderful roast chicken dinner with all the trimmings and I'm ever so grateful they invited me over. It was a lovely Thanksgiving for me.

One more thing- Sir Paul got married on Saturday - I guess my invitation got lost in the mail!

Was that s**w yesterday?

 

Conditions at 6:00 am: 3' and snow pellets .
Expected later: 8' and sunny

First recorded snow of the season

Yesterday was yet another day of rain and strong winds. But thankfully this morning, the winds have died down. When  I went out at lunch yesterday there was wet snow falling on the car and when I was walking across the parking lot at the Superstore it was hailing, beating painfully against my face! Fortunately things are going to get much better on the weekend.  When I let the dog out this morning, it was raining but I did notice some little piles of snow on top of the tarp on the wood by the back door.
******************
So I went and picked up my official cashier's uniform at the store yesterday and finally met Lori, my supervisor. We've spoken on the phone quite a number of times so it was nice to have a face to put with the voice. Brenda and Bernie are going to the Trailside tonight to see Ron Hynes and will stop by and let the dog out on their way. One of the downsides of a part time job is the fun things I may miss from time to time. So I'm saving on both counts - I'm making a bit of extra money to put into my savings account and I'm not spending any. I just have to look at my ratty old kitchen window and remind myself it's those kinds of things I'm working towards.  I think I'll also enjoy interacting with people at the store but we'll see how that goes. I know there will be a bit of a learning curve.

Lloyd is flying out to Newfoundland this afternoon to visit his brother, and Patti is working all weekend, so Greg and the kids are going to the cottage. We'll all just have to be thankful in our own way where ever we find ourselves.

I've had the wood stove burning for the past couple of days so it's nice and comfortable in here this morning in spite of the cool temperatures outside.  But I shouldn't need to light it again for at least another week as the temperatures are going to be in the high teens again starting tomorrow and most of next week. I found September and October very cold my first fall here so I'm not sure if it was particularly cold or I just wasn't acclimatized yet, but now it has to get quite cold and damp before I feel the need to light the stove. They might make an (almost) islander out of me yet!

It looks like the worst is over

Conditions at 6:00 am: 4' and light rain
Expected later: 7' and light rain but the winds have diminished to only 60 km/hr

It was a wild day yesterday and all through the night but the worst seems to be over. We experienced very high winds all day and night and very heavy rainfall. I heard there were all kinds of accidents on the roads in town yesterday but miraculously, we never lost power, either in town at work, or at home although there were some outages in isolated pockets. On my way home last night I saw a dump truck with the trunk of a large tree in the back that had probably fallen somewhere. Driving home was a challenge as you were fighting the wind all the time and once in a while a heavier gust would hit the car and physically move it so you had to really focus on keeping on the road. But I made it home safely and everything was still standing so we can't ask for more than that.  I lit the stove and turned on the fireplace and Cooper and I just curled up on the couch and caught up on some TV. But by the weekend we should be back into the sun and up to 20' again.

On my way home I actually thought about going out to Lakeside so see the beach but I wanted to get home to make sure everything was okay. I heard Brenda and Bernie went out to Savage Harbour to see what was going on.

When I was talking to Brenda, she told me about she'd seen something on the news about a historical event that occurred in 1851 called 'The Yankee Gale' that was a devastating storm that was almost the exact date as this storm.  I suppose today because we have weather forecasting, mass communication, etc we know in advance when a bad storm is coming. In those days it would have just happened without any advance warning. It's ironic that it's almost the exact same day. I did some searching online and there's all kinds of articles about it containing newspaper reportst, but American cities wouldn't have received the information for several days.

From the collection of T.W Stewart

An old painting depicting "The Yankee Gale"

The Third of October, 1851, brought perhaps the greatest marine disaster in P.E.I. history. The afternoon was warm and still..... the sky heavily clouded. The north and north west had a lurid, glassy appearance about sunset. It was a Friday, perhaps the best remembered Friday in P.E.I. history. A violent gale and wind arose from the East-North-East, which continued for two terrifying days. Before it was over, the New England fleet, fishing off our shores was devastated - nearly 100 vessels were wrecked or stranded, and hundreds killed.


It is a story of Island compassion, and of Islander's rallying to help others. Islanders flocked to the shores to aid in any way they could, homes were opened to the survivors, and Island graveyards became the final resting place for many an unknown mariner. For many years, the wreckage dotted our shores, some surviving well into the 20th century. Many a New Englander lost family members to the gale.

From Hazard’s Gazette of Tuesday last.

(Note by T.W.Stewart.: October 7, 1851).

On the night of Friday last, and throughout the whole of Saturday and the following night, we were visited with a gale of unusual violence, from the E.N.E., and violent storm of rain, almost unparalled in the history of this Island; from the loss of ships accompanying it, and altogether so far as loss of life which has taken place. Owing to the difficulty of procuring accurate information from all the Districts on the North side, we are unable to give anything like a correct account of the extent of havoc occasioned by this terrific visitation, but as far as we have been able to do so, will give the results of our enquiries.

THE ISLANDER, Friday, October, 10, 1851.

Violent Gale

On Friday night, the 3rd inst., a most violent gale of wind and rain arose from the E.N.E., which continued varying at intervals, the following two days. The loss of life and property among the shipping is almost incredible. The whole of the coast on the north side of the Island is strewed with wrecks and dead bodies! Our present number contains a list of some of the wrecked vessels. We are unable as yet to give a correct account of the whole; indeed there are many that will never be heard of, having ran into each other and foundered at sea. The wrecks are chiefly American vessels fishing on the North side of the Island.

N.Y. DAILY TIMES, October 13, 1815.

Further Particulars of the Storm and Marine disasters on the Coast of Nova Scotia
The latest telegraphic despatches from Pictou, and letters from the scene of the late fearful storm in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and along the coast of Prince Edward’s Island, state that the whole shore is strewed with wrecks of vessels and the dead bodies of their crews.
At the village of Cavendish, (P.E.I.) the bodies of twelve persons had floated ashore. The body of a man with a boy lashed to his back came ashore at Rustico. There is reason to believe that over 100 bodies have already floated to the beach.
Between three and four hundred sail of American vessels succeeded in getting safely into harbor just before or during the gale.
The schrs. Florence of Gloucester, Oceana of Hingham, Lake of Cohasset and Hannah Branch of Newburyport, arrived at Pictou subsequent to the storm to repair damages. One and all give the most dismal accounts of the storm.
(Here our correspondent gives the names of a large number of "vessels ashore - crews saved," which vary from previous accounts only in a slight degree) he, however, adds to the list, the following: "Golden Gate, of Kennebec; Forest, of Newburyport; Triumph, of Cape Elizabeth."
In the list of Vessels ashore, with loss of life," our correspondent says: "A vessel grounded to the westward of Cohead [Covehead], and immediately after, went to pieces. All on board perished. Sixty barrels of flour and some dry-goods floated ashore from the wreck."
Two vessels were sunk, near Stanhope - names unknown; crews, doubtless, all perished. Five of the crew of the schooner Harriet, of Castine, were saved - six lost.
The schooner Franklin Dexter, of Dennis, lost her crew often men. Subsequently, five persons, perfectly naked were picked off her sides.

THE MASSACHUSETTS GLOUCESTER NEWS, October 23, 1851.

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND - We mentioned in our last, that the Lieut. Governor of Prince Edward Island, had issued a proclomation directing all officers of the Revenue, Magistrates, and other subjects of Her Majesty, to render all aid in their power to the unfortunate fishermen of the United States who were wrecked on the Northern coasts of that Island, and especially to exert themselves for the preservation of property, and its restoration to the rightful owners; but it appears from what we learn of our fishermen who have returned from the scene of the late disaster, that the proclamation, though evincing the generous humanity of the Lieut. Governor, was unnecessary; for they all speak in the warmest terms of gratitude, for the universal hospitality and kindness they and all the ship-wrecked men received at the hands of these generous and humane Islanders. In the midst of the storm they were on the beach to render every aid in their power to save life. After it had abated they cheerfully offered their services to assist in the preservation of property. They bore from the wrecks the bodies of those who had perished, at their own expense prepared them for the grave, and administered to them the last sad rites of humanity. Nor was this all; they opened their doors to those who had no shelter, fed and clothed the destitute, and bestowed upon the sufferers generally every possible assistance which could alleviate their misfortune, and every possible attention that humanity could devise. At the instance of many of our returned townsmen, our exchanges in Halifax, and the P.E. Island papers are requested to make known to their readers the feelings of grateful remembrance in which the wrecked fishermen of Gloucester will always hold the generous hospitality extended to them in their misfortunes.





Another piece of Island history I didn't know before.

A wild and stormy day ahead!

Conditions at 6:00: heavy rain and 12' and 30 km winds
Expected later: heavy rain (up to 45 mm), 12' and up to 100 km winds

Our winds should get heavier by this afternoon so it could be interesting. Hopefully everything will still be standing when I get home tonight. Of course, strong winds this time of year are especially dangerous because of the leaves still being on the trees. But my trees have stood there for a good many years and hopefully this one will be no exception.

We had a great cooking class last night, although it was a busy one. I had made the crock pot stuffing in the morning to take with me last night and I think everyone enjoyed it. We then made pastry in the food processor and Lesa brought hers along to give it a try. We just might get those out of the boxes yet! While Lesa and Peggy made pastry the other girls made the filling for our pumpkin pies. Then everyone had a hand at rolling out the dough and putting it into the little pie pans I had brought. I with I had remembered to bring my camera because they had lots of fun decorating the edges of their pastries. Once the pies were in the oven to bake, we concentrated on the cranberry sauce and the carrot soup. We may have been a little optimistic in terms of the amount of work that could be completed because we barely got out in time. The carrots were barely cooked so the soup was not quite as smooth as it should have been but the flavour was good. They got the idea anyway. Everyone ended up taking their pies home because we didn't have time to eat them. Hopefully they enjoyed them. We covered a lot of stuff and I'm really impressed with some of the questions that are being asked. It's a really great group this year. We were missing a couple of people but it was good. Our friend Helena joins us after her Yoga class and I think she's also really enjoying it.

Brenda came over before class and helped me load everything into the car and then she drove me home and helped unload again in the rain, so that was very helpful and I really appreciated it. She even helped me put stuff away. I told her I usually just put the stuff in the fridge that needs to go there and then the rest stays on the counter until Wednesday night, so it's nice to have it all put away when I got up this morning.

So now I'm off to fill the tub with water in case the power goes out later.

Here are the recipes from last night:

Pumpkin Pie

2 cups brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon mace
4 eggs, slightly beaten
1 28 ounce can pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup whipping cream

Plain Pastry

Thoroughly mix together brown sugar, salt, spices.

Stir in slightly beaten eggs. Stir in pumpkin until well mixed. Stir in evaporated milk and cream.

Bake at 450 for 20 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 and bake 25 minutes more or until filling is set and crust is browned.

I've always found this recipe makes way more filling than needed for one pie shell. I usually fill two.

Perfect Processor Pastry

3 cups all purpose flour

1 tsp salt

½ cup cold butter, cubed

½ cup cold lard, cubed

1 egg

2 tsp white vinegar

Ice Water

In food processor fitted with metal blade, combine flour and salt; process to mix. Using on/off motion, cut in butter and lard until mixture resembles fine crumbs with a few larger pieces.

In measuring cup, beat egg until foamy; add vinegar and enough ice water to make 2/3 cup. With motor running, add egg mixture all at once; process just until  dough starts to clump together and form a ball.

Remove and divide into 3 portions; press into balls. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes or for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.  Let cold pastry stand for 15 minutes at room temperature before rolling out. Makes enough for three 9-inch single crust pie shells.

Curried Carrot Soup

Makes: 24 hors d'oeuvre portions (6 regular servings)

INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon canola oil
2 teaspoons curry powder
1 medium garlic clove, smashed
1 (1/2-inch) piece ginger, peeled and smashed
1/2 medium onion, coarsely chopped
1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch-thick rounds
1 medium bay leaf
2 1/2 to 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1/2 cup canned coconut milk
Toasted unsweetened coconut flakes, for garnish (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS
1.  Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. When it shimmers, add the curry powder and
garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

2.  Add the ginger, onion, carrots, bay leaf, and broth, increase the heat to medium high, and bring
the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer until the carrots are soft when
pierced with a fork, about 20 minutes. Discard the bay leaf.

3.  Working in batches, process the soup in a blender until smooth. (Be very careful when blending the
hot soup, as steam could blow off the blender lid.)

4.  Pour the soup into a clean pot and return it to the stove over medium heat. Stir in the coconut
milk and adjust the seasoning as needed. To make appetizer portions, serve small amounts of soup in
shot glasses or demitasses. Garnish with a few flakes of toasted coconut, if using.


Note: This soup can be served hot or cold. If you’re serving it cold, you may need
to thin it with a little water.

Crock Pot Stuffing

12 cups cubed bread

2 cups chopped celery

1 large onion, chopped

¼ cup fresh parsley, minced, or 1 tbsp dried parsley flakes

1 ½ tsp summer savory

1 tsp poultry seasoning

1 tsp salt

½ tsp pepper

½ cup butter or margarine

1 cup chicken stock

Combine bread crumbs, celery, onion and parsley. Sprinkle seasonings over top.

Melt butter or margarine and drizzle over crumbs.

Add chicken stock and mix well.

Place in crock pot and cover.

Cook on low setting for 6 to 8 hours.

If you prefer a very moist dressing, add up to ½ cup more chicken stock. If a dryer stuffing is desired, add up to one more cup of bread cubes.

Cranberry-Orange Sauce

This simple Turkey Day side beats the heck out of its canned cousin. Make an extra batch to go with the leftovers.

Ingredients:

• Zest and juice of 1 orange
• 1/2 cup sugar, plus more if desired
• Pinch salt
• One 12-ounce bag fresh cranberries, rinsed

Directions:

1.      In a medium saucepan, heat 1/2 cup water with the orange zest, orange juice, sugar and salt over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the cranberries and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the cranberries burst and the sauce has thickened slightly, about 7 minutes. Sweeten with more sugar, if desired. Let the sauce cool to room temperature before serving