Downhome June 2021 by Downhome Publishing Inc

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Take a bite out of these

BURGERS

$4.99 June 2021

Vol 34 • No 01

NL’s Rising Country Music Star

Homegrown Herbs to Savour

Family of Charmers

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life is better Published monthly in St. John’s by Downhome Publishing Inc. 43 James Lane, St. John’s, NL, A1E 3H3 Tel: 709-726-5113 • Fax: 709-726-2135 • Toll Free: 1-888-588-6353 E-mail: mail@downhomelife.com Website: www.downhomelife.com Editorial Editor-in-Chief Janice Stuckless Assistant Editor Nicola Ryan Editor Lila Young Art and Production Art Director Vince Marsh Illustrator Mel D’Souza Illustrator Snowden Walters Advertising Sales Senior Account Manager Robert Saunders Account Manager Barbara Young Marketing Director Tiffany Brett Finance and Administration Junior Accountant Marlena Grant Accounting Assistant Sandra Gosse Operations Manager, Twillingate Nicole Mehaney

Warehouse Operations Warehouse / Inventory Manger Carol Howell Warehouse Operator Josephine Collins Retail Operations Retail Floor Manager, St. John’s Jackie Rice Retail Floor Manager, Twillingate Donna Keefe Retail Sales Associates Crystal Rose, Jonathon Organ, Elizabeth Gleason, Erin McCarthy, Marissa Little, Elizabeth Gauci, Kim Tucker, Heather Stuckless, Katrina Hynes, Lynette Ings, Stef Burt, Ashley Lane, Sarah Bishop

Subscriptions Customer Service Associate Cathy Blundon Founding Editor Ron Young Chief Executive Officer/Publisher Grant Young President & Associate Publisher Todd Goodyear General Manager/Assistant Publisher Tina Bromley

To subscribe, renew or change address use the contact information above. Subscriptions total inc. taxes, postage and handling: for residents in NL, NS, NB, PE $45.99; ON $45.19; QC, SK, MB, AB, BC, NU, NT, YT $41.99. US and International mailing price for a 1-year term is $49.99.

Canada Post Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement #40062919 The advertiser agrees that the publisher shall not be liable for damages arising out of errors in advertisements beyond the amount paid for the space actually occupied by the portion of the advertisement in which the error occurred, whether such error is due to the negligence of the servants or otherwise, and there shall be no liability beyond the amount of such advertisement. The Letters to the Editor section is open to all letter writers providing the letters are in good taste, not libelous, and can be verified as true, correct and written by the person signing the letter. Pen names and anonymous letters will not be published. The publisher reserves the right to edit, revise, classify, or reject any advertisement or letter. © Downhome Publishing Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada.

Printed in Canada

Official onboard magazine of

June 2021

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Garry Dallas photo

history below

Contents 56 air mail

JUNE 2021

56 Working Class Pigeons At one time, pigeons were a hard-working part of our longrange communications. Dale Jarvis

64 Diving into History Expert divers share their favourite shipwreck sites in Newfoundland and Labrador. Dennis Flynn

78 Love Letter to Newfoundland A reader shares why this place holds her heart and feels like home. Donna Henrici

94 Everyday Recipes Flipping Over Burgers

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June 2021

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Contents

JUNE 2021

homefront 10 I Dare Say A note from the Editor 12 Letters From Our Readers COVID art projects, more mysterious lights, and Downhome’s dream birthday bash

22 Downhome Tours Readers explore Newfoundland and Labrador with Downhome

12 COVID colours

24 Why is That? Do our noses and ears grow as we age, and is there a “wrong side of the bed”?Linda Browne 26 Life’s Funny A Case of Moosetaken Identity Fred Perry 27 Say What? A contest that puts words in someone else’s mouth

28 Lil Charmers Fishing Fun 30 Pets of the Month Class of ’21 32 Reviewed Denise Flint reviews A

teacher’s pet

Private Heaven and interviews the author, Dave Eagleston

34 What Odds Paul Warford’s just kidding

36 Fresh Tracks Wendy Rose talks with Justin Fancy about his new album, Sure Beats a Good Time 40 Guest Column Falling’s No Fun Carla MacInnis Rockwell

40 take care

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bonavista bounty

features 44 Life After Loss A homage to the legacy of five men lost at sea Mariah Pardy

50 A Healing Legacy Her grandparents were charmers, and this former RPN has found her own healing ways. Nicola Ryan

explore

74 More to Sink Your Teeth Into Discovery Global Geopark on the Bonavista Peninsula joins a global food movement. Kim Ploughman

charming couple www.downhomelife.com

June 2021

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Contents

JUNE 2021

solar solitude

home and cabin 84 Stuff We Love Take a Seat Nicola Ryan

90 thai this

86 Made in the Shade Attractive ways to keep cool at home and at the cabin Marie Bishop

90 The Everyday Gourmet Thai This Lobster Andrea Maunder

100 The White’s Emporium How beachcombing led to a creative career change Chantel Murrin

104 Down to Earth Homegrown Herbs Kim Thistle

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110 campus life

reminiscing 108 Flashbacks Classic photos of people and places 110 1930s University Life Elizabeth (Bradbrook) Batstone About the cover This Conception Harbour whaler is a towering reminder of all the ships that have grounded and sunk off our rugged shores. Dennis Flynn took this photo for his story about top 10 shipwreck dives, beginning on page 64.

116 Little Girls, Big Dreams Growing up in Little Bay Islands in the late 1940s and early ’50s Carolyn Strong

124 Puzzles

Cover Index Take a bite out of these burgers! • 94 LIfe After Tragic Loss • 44 10 Fascinating Shipwreck Sites • 64 NL’s Rising Country Music Star • 36 Homegrown Herbs to Savour • 104 Family of Charmers • 50 www.downhomelife.com

136 Classifieds 140 Mail Order 144 Photo Finish

June 2021

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Is there a “wrong side of the bed” to get up on? p. 24

Like the reader-submitted photos in this issue? Browse thousands of them whenever you want at DownhomeLife.com.

June 2021

A love letter to NL from a couple pining for “home” p. 78

Digital Downhome Read Downhome anytime, anywhere on any digital device. Sample it for free on Issuu.com!

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Submission Guidelines and Prize Rules

You could WIN $100! Every reader whose PHOTO, STORY, JOKE or POEM appears next to this yellow “from our readers” stamp in a current issue receives $10 and a chance at being drawn for the monthly prize: $100 for one photo submission and $100 for one written submission. Prizes are awarded in Downhome Dollars certificates, which can be spent like cash in our retail stores and online at shopDownhome.com.*

Submit Today! Send your photo, story, joke or poem to

Downhome, 43 James Lane, St. John’s, NL, A1E 3H3 or submit online at: www.downhomelife.com *Only 1 prize per submitter per month. To receive their prize, submitters must provide with their submission COMPLETE contact information: full name, mailing address, phone number and email address (if you have one). Mailed submissions will only be returned to those who include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Downhome Inc. reserves the right to publish submissions in future print and/or electronic media campaigns. Downhome Inc. is not responsible for unsolicited material.

Hidden somewhere in this issue is Corky Sly Conner.

Can you find him? Look carefully at all the photographs and in the text of the stories. If you spot Corky, send us your name, address and phone number, along with a note telling us where he’s located. Your name will be entered in a draw and the winner will receive a coupon worth 25 Downhome Dollars redeemable at our store, or through our website.

Send your replies to: Corky Contest

Congratulations

43 James Lane St. John’s, NL, A1E 3H3

to Don Dalton of St. John’s, NL who found Corky on page 88 of the April issue.

mail@downhomelife.com www.downhomelife.com Deadline for replies is the end of each month. *No Phone Calls Please. One entry per person

www.downhomelife.com

June 2021

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i dare say

I remember the first time I saw The Downhomer. It was… unexpected. It was the early 1990s and I was home for the weekend. It was a girls’ night out in Twillingate. We were having a few drinks at a friend’s house before going to the bar and you wouldn’t guess what we were doing. The Bayman’s Crossword. Yup. A bunch of 20-something girls were gathered around the kitchen table trying to fill in the blanks with Newfoundland words and place names. I asked what newspaper it was (it was in tabloid format then), and someone said, “That’s The Downhomer, b’y. Ron Young puts it out.” I didn’t know Ron Young then, either. But by January 2000, as a new journalism graduate, I was working for him and his son, Grant, and proofreading those puzzles was part of my job. The thing I realized pretty quickly is how rare and unusual this publication is. I’d never imagined readers being so personally involved in the content, or being so reliant on its prompt and regular delivery. Our phones ring off the hook anytime the postal service or the Gulf ferry are behind schedule. The office atmosphere has always been tight-knit, but the readership, too, are like family. Even though we’re just a little magazine, we know that what we do is important to those who enjoy it. Over the years I’ve seen people reunited, community mysteries solved and wishes come true through Downhome. And in the past year, I’ve seen staff and readers come together stronger than ever to support each other through this pandemic. Our magazine, retail and wholesale staff have been blessed by interactions with the best customers. All the kind words, friendly phone chats, cards and letters of support and thanks, membership renewals and product orders have really kept our spirits up and our hearts full. As we mark 33 years this month since the launch of The Downhomer, thank you Ron, thank you Grant, and thank you readers the world over. Janice Stuckless, Editor-in-chief janice@downhomelife.com 10

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A lot has been written this past year about living with COVID-19, mostly from adults’ point of view. But what do our young people think of it all? We’re offering anyone under 20 to share with us their view on the pandemic by writing a story or poem about it, or drawing or painting a picture that tells us what this past year has been like for you. What stands out? What has affected you most? What will you remember about this when you’re all grown up? We’re accepting your stories, poems, paintings and drawings – anything creative really – until June 30, 2021. We’ll publish them online and in upcoming issues of Downhome. Entries will go into a draw for a free one-year subscription to Downhome of your very own (one drawn in May and one in June). At the end, there will be a grand prize draw from all entries for a gift pack of goodies valued at approximately $300!

Submit your entry today! (little kids will need a parent’s or guardian’s help): By email: editorial@downhomelife.com

By mail: Downhome Pandemic Pictures 43 James Lane, St. John’s, NL, A1E 3H3

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COVID Through the Lens of a Six Year Old

We love Downhome. We are fortunate to have family and friends in Newfoundland and the opportunity to visit each summer. Your magazine is an exhale each month from the moment it arrives on the doorstep, and truly a family affair (our six-year-old and nine-year-old love looking at the photos, the spot the difference game and locating the connor). Thanks to the entire team at Downhome for continuing to showcase all that makes Newfoundland one of the most cherished places and most genuine people on our planet. Jeff Gaudet & April Glavine Moncton, NB

This picture was drawn by six-year-old Bryant Gaudet. He was the first to enter our Pandemic Pictures contest launched last month. It’s clear that the pandemic has made an impression on him and that he has the talent to express himself. 12

June 2021

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Our Pandemic Pictures callout is open until June 30. We welcome all forms of artistic expression from youth under 20 – paintings, drawings, poems, essays, anything creative. We’ll publish as many as we can and we’ll draw from all entries each month for a free one-year subscription. At the end of the contest, one youth will win a grand prize of down-home goodies (candies, books, art supplies etc.) worth around $300! Send your own Pandemic Picture to Downhome, 43 James Lane, St. John’s, NL, A1E 3H3. Or email it, like Bryant did (with his parents’ help) to editorial@downhomelife.com.

Arthur Priestman Cameron Arthur Priestman Cameron was a popular entertainer in Newfoundland in the 1930s and indeed over the 20 previous years. As John Williamson noted in his letter (January 2021), he

www.downhomelife.com

was a Yorkshireman who was advertised as “singing peculiar songs in his own peculiar way.” Similar statements appear in many advertisements by The Nickel Theatre – obviously, he was an added attraction for the movies they were offering. Four lines from the song John mentioned appeared at the end of an article by Brian J. Wadden, “Early Days of the Motor Car in Newfoundland.” While that is another story, the article notes that on June 16, 1905, “all the automobiles (7) in the City (St. John’s) were out the Topsail Road.” The four lines ascribed to Mr. Priestman are: They laughed at Ma They screamed at Pa When he went to Topsail In our first motor car J.R. Smallwood lists Mr. Cameron as a radio singer and entertainer in a necrology of prominent people in the Book of Newfoundland (Vol.3). Dr.

June 2021

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Stanley Carew, in an article about growing up on Bell Island, wrote, “who can forget the English music hall style of Arthur Priestman Cameron singing his own compositions.” Mr. Cameron’s name appeared in The Nickel Theatre advertisements at least as early as September 13, 1913. The Nickel ad of January 5, 1914, said this was his “Eighteenth Farewell Week” and listed songs for each night. The titles suggest their style, e.g. “A Thing He Had Never Done Before,” “Poor Thing,” and “Let Her Drown.” Advertisements for both the British and Nickel Theatres show him performing in 1915. One 1915 article stated that he had sung at the British Theatre for 30 weeks and every song he sang was new. By 1925, he had become the “energetic” manager of the People’s Theatre on Bell Island. He continued to be popular at various events and on radio. His poem, “Newfoundland,” appeared in The Veteran, May 1936. Mr. Cameron died February 19, 1942. His obituary stated that he was a WWI veteran. He had married Miss Ethel Hann on January 7, 1914, and had one son and three daughters. Doug Chaytor Halifax, NS

Thank you, Doug, for filling in the history of this interesting performer and character of the early 20th century.

My COVID-19 Project I watched a commercial about homeless people in St. John’s, NL, which inspired me to learn how to crochet and, in turn, provide blankets/throws to the homeless shelters in St. John’s. This picture shows what I have done since October. I am looking for restrictions to lift, so I may personally deliver them. Sharon Topping Trepassey, NL

This is a beautiful display of comfort and warmth, and a lovely response to our question about pandemic hobbies. Well done, Sharon. Continued on p. 16 14

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Found on Facebook We asked our Facebook friends a hypothetical question:

You’re invited to Downhome’s birthday party, what do you bring with you? More than 200 people RSVP’d to our imaginary party with what they’d bring. We drew a name at random and awarded Tracy White Sheehan a free one-year membership to Downhome and a $20 shopping coupon just for answering our question. Here are some of the responses. If we could only do this for real, knows it wouldn’t be a time! Donna Burge Pot luck. Turrs and salt meat, all the veggies and a steamed blueberry pudding with brown sugar sauce. Turr gravy. Pot of moose soup with doughboys. Partridgeberry pie. Seals flippers with baked pudding. Stewed fish with dough boys and, last but not least, tons of baked beans. Roxanne Matthews Bardon I’m bringing my Mom. She loves the Downhomer and she’s been living in a retirement home for almost a year now, and with restrictions, it’s been a tough one. Time for a party! Corina Drake I’d bring arms for hugging, feet for dancing, a big appetite and a journal for everyone to right a hello or yarn in… Barbara Davis An iron frying pan which has lots of scrunchins, cod tongues and cheeks. Blueberry grunt for desert. Ta die fer. Linda Burton Toutons, molasses, and the works for breakfast – it’s gonna be an all nighter! And Jiggs dinner for supper... Mary Miller-Whiffen Seafood chowder, homemade rolls & a bottle of Golden Wedding.

June 2021

Rhoda Leyte Newfie hors d’oeuvres with Vienna sausages, cheese and pickled onions. Patsy Chaffey Humby I’d bring thank you cards for all the Downhome staff for birthday gifts. You all deserve it. I’d probably bring you all some Newfoundland rhubarb slush, too. Cecilia Ann Dodge A chair with a throw, along with a cup for Tetley tea. Fish cakes and mustard pickles, along with a loaf of molasses bread and a tub of Eversweet butter, Christmas cake and a camera for some great pictures. Oops – forgot the better half! Teena Collins Gillard Purity strawberry syrup, Caramel Log bars, nacho cheese Crunchits, roast chicken chips, Crush lime soda pop, Snowballs. Linda Peddle I would bring my 84-year-old mother – she loves the Downhome magazine – a big old pot of pea soup with dough boys. Suzi Brown Dury My mom and her set of spoons. She’s missing home, just turned 90. Kerri Miller I will bring my Newfoundland dog for everyone to pet and cuddle! 1-888-588-6353

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Pandemic Painting This is how I spent our isolated days of COVID: I painted our boat shed. We love spending time on my wharf. Amy Fudge Ming’s Bight NL

What a way to brighten your days – and your neighbours’!

~ Notices ~ 9

DEWLING 9

Barry Robert Dewling, 57, passed away after a brave battle with cancer at the Dr. Leonard Miller Centre, Sunday, February 7, 2021. Born November 10, 1963 in Toronto, Ontario, Barry’s heart and soul always belonged in Newfoundland. Predeceased by his Mother (Eileen Dewling – nee Bannister of Port Rexton, Newfoundland) and his Father (Robert Dewling of Trinity East, Newfoundland) who both died in Toronto, ON in 1989. Leaving to mourn, are his Daughter Emily Eileen Stanley-Dewling (Carol), Brother Brian (Deborah), his Sister Sandra (Don), Nephews (Thomas & Eric) and his dear friend Shirley Taylor plus many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and Friends. Barry’s creativity was captured in his lyrics and his photography. A walk on the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean (Topsail Beach|Robin Hood Beach), photographing maritime life, collecting CN/Marine history of Newfoundland, singing on a stage and spending time with his beloved daughter were some of the happiest times in his life. Barry always enjoyed some good ’ole Canadian and East Coast music, a proud Canadian, a proud Newfoundlander and he was most proud of being a father to Emily. He also proudly showed off pictures of his first child, Jessie-Ann who was given up for adoption and who is being raised by a great family. If you would like to make a donation in Barry’s memory, please consider the Canadian Cancer Society or www.MusicCounts.ca to help build accessible and sustainable music programs for in-need schools and communities in Canada. www.downhomelife.com

June 2021

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Mysterious Lights I was delighted when I read about the mysterious lights that both you [Janice Stuckless] and John Gillett had seen some years ago. I also saw two lights back in December 1963, on the road leading from the TCH to Hampden in the White Bay area. After finishing up a job building a bridge in Sop’s Arm, my buddy, Ernie Sullivan, and I were on our way home for the Christmas holidays. It was a nice evening with about an inch of light snow and not a vehicle track on the road. We were driving along until we approached a bridge that was closed for replacement or repairs. There was a temporary bridge installed downstream a short distance as a detour. Suddenly, there was a set of headlights facing us from the opposite side of the bridge, though several hundred feet away. The lights disappeared, so we parked and waited, thinking that the vehicle was passing on the detour

route. We waited a short while, thinking that it was having trouble on the slippery snow that had fallen. But we soon discovered that there was no vehicle and not a track to be seen. Ernie was very uneasy that it was an omen of some kind, a warning for us on the way home. When we arrived at St. George’s, he wanted me to stay for the night, as it was getting a bit stormy in that area, but I wanted to continue on. The gas stations were closed by that hour of night, but knowing the area he got a Mr. Hayes to open up and fill my tank with fuel for the remainder of our trip to the Codroy Valley. I never told very many about what we had seen, but when I did tell them, very few seemed believe it. Frank Gale

Stephenville, NL Talk about a night to remember! Thanks for sharing your spooky story, Frank.

Dear readers, Would you like to comment on something you’ve read in Downhome? Do you have a question for the editors or for other readers? Submit your letter to the editor at DownhomeLife.com/letters or write to us at 43 James Lane, St. John’s, NL, A1E 3H3.

June 2021

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Sponsored Editorial

Brittany & Cory Hodder with Abby

Brittany Hodder and Abby

MEET ABBY of GANDER BAY

There was a time when Gander Bay had hundreds of Newfoundland Ponies. They were a necessary part of rural life and people depended on the hardworking pony for their survival. They hauled firewood, timber, kelp and rock, and also provided transportation for their owners on back or by cart. Healthy numbers persisted till the 1970s. After that, the Pony saw its population drop sharply due to replacement by ATVs, anti-roaming legislation, exportation for meat, and owners actively encouraged to geld their stallions. Brittany and Cory Hodder are the proud owners of a 12-year old Newfoundland Pony named Cappahayden’s Abaigeal #712 (aka Abby). They have had her for three years now and Abby has two foals named Lily and Frankie. Brittany lives in Gander Bay where her hobby farm keeps her busy. Along with Abby, she has a horse named Joey, two fainting goats, chickens and ducks. “I didn’t grow up with horses but always wanted one; I love animals - anyone who knows me knows that,” said Hodder. “I heard great stories about Newfoundland Ponies, their history and what they did for us. But now they are in danger of becoming forgotten because people don’t use them like they did in the past. It’s important to keep the breed going because they are a critically endangered species. It is our turn to help them,” she added.

Abby loves attention and Hodder takes her for walks in the community. People will stop to pet her and comment that you don’t see Newfoundland Ponies around anymore. Newfoundland ponies are renowned for their intelligence and great personalities; Hodder calls Abby her ‘pocket pony’ and says she has brought so much joy to their lives. One way to help the Newfoundland Pony is to breed them. Hodder has plans to breed Abby but that’s also a challenge. You need stallions to keep a breed going. Sadly, stallions are hard to find on the island, as many people geld them because stallions can be harder to handle. Breeding plays a big role in the future of the Newfoundland Pony. For now, Hodder will continue to enjoy all the joy that Abby brings and maybe in the not-too-distant future, she will keep her bloodline going with a foal.

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Cal Samson • Anne Alexander • Cathy Evans • Adele Fulford • Barbara Critch• Lisa Thorpe • Bobbi-Jo Moss Debbie Pittman • Henry Rowsell • Gert House • Emma Sacrey • Chantel Walsh • Andrea Legaarden Amanda Lambe • Mike Pretty • Shellie Reid

June 2021

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C E L P E L P D P S M C M r K C K M T

Donna O’Leary • Patsy Canning • Geoff Pike • Wendy Hatherley • Jennifer Shears • Judy Lovett • Glenda Smith Michelle Saunders • Crystal Brown • Collette Baker • Kelly Saunders • Julia Menecola • Claudine Strickland Deborah & Anthony Whitty • Syretha Hynes • Kelly Gibbons • Suzanne Buckley

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June 2021

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homefront Downhome tours...

Newfoundland & Labrador

Downhome Resettled

“I see many pics of people taking the Downhome far and wide, but I take mine to the resettled community of Grand Bruit on the southwest coast each summer when we go to visit,” writes Paulette Hann of Burgeo, NL. Located west of Burgeo and accessible only by boat, Grand Bruit was once a destination for English and Jersey fishermen and settlers. The last locals left their homes for good in 2010, drawn away by outmigration and government resettlement assistance. But a lucky few return each summer to visit and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of this isolated outport. It’s recognizable for the roaring waterfall that divides the harbour and gives the community its name – “Grand Bruit” means “great noise” in French.

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Uplifting Project

Patrick Clarke poses in front of the new lift bridge being constructed in Placentia, in this 2015 photo submitted by Helen Clarke of Hearts Desire, NL. The new Sir Ambrose Shea Lift Bridge, the only vertical lift bridge in the province, is a modern work of engineering that replaces the old bridge first opened in 1961. Spanning the Placentia gut, it connects the communities of Placentia and Jerseyside, and allows vessels in Northeast Arm to access Placentia Bay. Construction, completed in September 2016, took seven years of planning and design, three construction seasons and a price tag of nearly $50 million.

Mount Musgrave ATV Tours

Cheryl Quigley and her travel companions take in a beautiful view from the top of Mount Musgrave near Steady Brook. Located near the southern side of the Humber River valley, Mount Musgrave stands 546 metres (1,791 feet) above sea level and was named in honour of Sir Anthony Musgrave, a colonial governor of Newfoundland. Environment Canada’s Doppler weather radar, a type of radar used to monitor and analyze precipitation, is located at the summit. www.downhomelife.com

June 2021

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Expert answers to common life questions. By Linda Browne

Why do our ears and nose seem to grow as we age? A lot of things happen when we reach our advanced years: we get older and wiser (so they say), our hearing and eyesight diminish, our stature gets smaller, and certain appendages appear to get larger, namely our ears and nose. You might remember as a kid sitting upon grandpa’s knee and thinking “What big ears you have!” sort of like Little Red Riding Hood to the big bad wolf. But is it true that our ears and nose continue to grow as we age? The short answer is no. According to Health Beat newsletter, published by the Flushing Hospital Medical Center in Queens, New York City, “The truth is that yes, as we age, our nose and our ears do get bigger, but not because they are growing.” The culprit here is gravity, they explain. Our ears and nose are made of cartilage (tough, connective tissue consisting of specialized cells, fibres and an intercellular matrix), and while some may believe that cartilage never stops growing, this isn’t the case. “Cartilage is made of collagen and other fibres that begin to break down

June 2021

as we age. The result is drooping. So what appears to be growth is just gravity doing its job. Our noses and our earlobes sag,” making them appear larger, the newsletter states. “Adding to the misconception is what happens to other parts of our face. While our nose might sag, our cheeks and lips actually lose volume, making everything else look comparatively larger.” As with many things in life, aging (and drooping) is something that we just can’t avoid. So you may as well embrace your beautiful body, wrinkles, sags and all.

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Why do we say someone “got up on the wrong side of the bed” if they’re cranky? Maybe it’s a situation that you’ve encountered on more than one occasion. You’re sitting and enjoying your breakfast when all of a sudden, your significant other schleps into the kitchen with one slipper on, bed head in full swing, looking, well, a little less than pleasant. “Well, someone got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning!” you might joke, only to get a dirty look in response. Why do we say that? Is there a “right” and “wrong” side of the bed to get up from? According to Dr. Matthew McGlone, a professor in the Department of Communication Studies at the University of Texas in Austin, the origin of this particular saying goes way back. “The phrase ‘get up on the wrong side of bed’ seems to have arisen from the ancient conflation of handedness with morality,” he writes in a recent email to Downhome. “According to this superstition, the ‘right’ and ‘left’ sides of a bed (or any person or object) are ‘right’ and ‘wrong,’ respectively. This spatial equation can be traced through the origin of all four terms. ‘Correct’ and ‘right’ derived from Latin rectus, meaning ‘straight.’ ‘Wrong’ is Old English for ‘crooked’ or ‘twisted’ (like ‘wring’), terms which might be used to describe the gait of someone with palsy or partial paralysis (leftadl in Old English, which led the way for ‘left’ to mean ‘weak’ or ‘clumsy’ in

Middle English).” Of course, like with so many other things in Western culture, many credit the Romans with giving rise to this particular idiom. “The famed American philologist E. Cobham Brewer claimed that ‘wrong side of the bed’ derives from an ancient Roman superstition that you should not rise from a reclined position with your left leg because that was the weak and/or immoral side,” McGlone says. “If we assume that the coiner slept on their back, I suppose that makes sense.” Interestingly, some have suggested that the opposite might be true – that the right side of the bed is actually the wrong side. A few years back, an iron supplement company surveyed 2,000 people and found that those who got up on the right side were more likely to feel tired and grouchy than their left-leaning counterparts. But perhaps take this with a grain of salt, and sleep on whatever side feels comfortable for you.

Do you have a burning life question for Linda to investigate?

Turn to page 9 for ways to contact us. www.downhomelife.com

June 2021

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homefront life’s funny

A Case of Moosetaken Identity One Saturday evening near dusk, I decided to go into the backyard of my parents’ home in rural Newfoundland to clear away some small trees that I had cut down a few months previous. I would toss them into the woods beyond the property. After a few minutes, of tossing branches and sticks into the trees, I heard a voice from the lot next door: “What’s that? Sounds like a moose up in the woods!” I wondered if they might have just heard me, but I said nothing in reply and kept working. I heard the voice again, saying to his buddy who’d just arrived on the scene, “There’s something up there in the woods! Sounds like a moose or a bear!” Soon a small crowd gathered next

door, all of them sounding concerned that a wild animal was thrashing in the nearby woods. Then one of them suggested, “Sure, throw a rock in there!” Fearing a pummeling from a barrage of igneous projectiles, I figured it was time speak up. So, I called out, “It could be a fellow clearing away a bit of brush!” A voice came back, “Yeah! It could be that, too.” Fred Perry St. John’s, NL

Do you have any funny or embarrassing true stories? Share them with us. If your story is selected, you’ll win a prize! See page 9 for details.

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ou’r e “I know y follow I in there… ter.” it you on Twathy Crewe –K

Say WHAT? Downhome recently posted this photo (submitted by Heidi Scarfone) on our website and social media platforms and asked folks to imagine what this cat might be saying. Kathy Crewe’s response made us chuckle the most, so we’re awarding her 20 Downhome Dollars!

Here are the runners-up: “This is my version of SkipTheDishes.” – Charmaine Warren “You guys related to the Finches on Hamilton Ave?” – Don Okeefe “Worm-A-Gram!” – Rick Whitten

Play with us online! www.downhomelife.com/saywhat

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homefront lil charmers

Fishery Student Rory Balsom gets a lesson in cod filleting from Pop. Garfield Balsom Southport, NL

Fishing

Fun Fishy Request The submitter’s granddaughter gets Poppy to kiss the fish. Stephanie Walsh Fleur de Lys, NL

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Oh My Cod! James and his grandpa Jim caught this big codfish off Old Perlican, NL, in 2019. James Duggan Paradise, NL

A Dandy Dory

Conner loves his dory built by Dad! Jason Barnes via Downhomelife.com

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homefront pets of the month

Student Council President Finley’s school spirit shines in this bright pic taken in Brigus, NL. Nicole Emberley Mount Pearl, NL

Class of ’21

Most Likely to Succeed Marley helps her human study for an MD. Kylie Goodyear St. John’s, NL 30

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Valedictorian Frank is top of the class in his homemade tartan tie. Morgan Bragg Port aux Basques, NL

Most Athletic Jasper’s a champ at jumping and splashing. Michelle Neilson Corner Brook, NL

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June 2021

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homefront

reviewed by Denise Flint

A Private Heaven Dave Eagleston

Solstice Publishing US $17.99 / US$7.99 Kindle

A Private Heaven is the true story of two brothers, Marve

and Dave Eagleston, the author. It begins with Dave, a young American fresh off a tour of duty in Vietnam in the 1970s coming to Newfoundland and Labrador to embark on a career as a bush pilot, flying helicopters all over a province he’d never even heard of before landing the job. He grapples with his new life and his wife’s clear discontent with the situation – loving the job but seeing the toll it’s taking. There are lots of anecdotes about flying famous people around and the dangerous situations he often finds himself in. The reader gets a really good sense of the times and insight into the work. This alone would have been enough to make for a good story. But it’s only half. In the other half of the story, Marve comes across as the yin to Dave’s yang, the chalk to his cheese. Marve couldn’t seem to catch a break; his father was incredibly abusive, his mother was completely ineffective and his future was bleak. He finally found acceptance in the criminal underworld and spent a good portion of his adulthood bouncing in and out of jail. In many ways, Marve’s story is the most compelling of the two. Seeing him through the eyes of a younger brother, you can’t help liking him and rooting for him. It’s ironic that the two stories are linked so closely together, since the brothers themselves slowly drifted further apart. At its heart, this is a story about redemption. The only question is: “whose?”

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Q&A with the Author Denise Flint: Why did you format your story this way, with Marve’s story interspersed with your own? Dave Eagleston: Mainly because my brother’s story was so much on my mind at that time, and since I was in Newfoundland and communication was so difficult in those days, I had absolutely no control over anything he did; and I wanted to paint a picture of the struggle he put up and had been through in his life. I thought along the lines of my brother was a problem that I couldn’t fix; he was something that was going wrong that I couldn’t repair. And it’s always on your mind what’s going on with your immediate family. I decided to write it as a parallel story because it was taking place about the same time.

DF: What does the title mean? DE: It comes from a term that my brother used. There was a place that we used to sneak into and walk along the creek and come out inside an area of a cemetery that had not been used yet… we’d sit there and talk a lot when we were little kids and we got away from our father, who was abusive. And later on, when my brother was incarcerated, he told me he called that spot a private heaven. I just thought that was fairly meaningful.

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DF: What made you decide to write this memoir now? DE: Newfoundland and the story of going there and living there was so meaningful to me, and I believe people write better when it’s something you’re passionate about. I retired and had time to start and finish a couple of projects.

DF: Why did you choose this particular time in your life to write about? DE: I guess because of the transition. It was a huge transition going from a helicopter pilot in Vietnam to becoming a bush pilot, and I don’t think I’ve had a transition like that in any time in my life. My family was young at that time, my children were young – one of them was born there. It’s the story of someone trying to find his way.

DF: How did you choose the end point for the book? DE: I guess the end point was basically right about the time I was, for the first time in my life, in a stable situation. I was flying offshore with the large Sikorsky helicopters and home with my family every night, and that particular part of our life seemed to be over. The dramatic part was with my brother, the emotional part was with my family, and that seemed a nice resting point. Families go up and flatten out, and things improve and go down again. It’s a work in progress.

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homefront what odds

who am I kidding? By Paul Warford

By the time If you’re the youngest in your family, your hands. Okay, now all the older sibI was doing the raise lings: raise something your younger sibling same stupid stuff values above their heads and taunt them with it. in high school Doesn’t that take you back? They just brought my latte at Common that Brian and Grounds in Grand Falls, where I sit and strain Colin had done, my eyes at the unlikely words ejecting from myI’m writing a children’s show. I am part of a my parents sim- self: team making a children’s show. “How did that ply didn’t have happen?” you may be asking. Beats me. My wife, the same energy Andie, finds new projects around St. John’s the way some kids find bugs under rocks. She conto chastise me vinced some suits to give her a shot, and sudabout it. denly I have a writing gig on my hands. Don’t call

the nepotism police, though; I’ve been hired because I’m a writer, not because I’m a husband. To be honest, Andie helps me find most of the jobs I get. (In fact, it was Andie who encouraged me to reach out to Downhome for opportunities some seven years ago…) So, how do you write a kids’ television program? I dunno, but I’m learning. My ardent TV watching as a child has been paying off (finally). I think back to the shows I once enjoyed myself as a keen lad with ruddy cheeks. “Sesame Street,” “Size Small” and others play on in the annals of a memory that grows fuzzier with each passing year. However, the tone of these relics still echoes faintly in my brain, and I can recall the factoids, the enthusiasm, the bright eyes and big smiles. The takeaway words are often “energy” and “joy.” I could use both, frankly, during these COVID times. I was the youngest in my family of three smelly boys. I’m sure the other final additions out there reading this will agree: being the youngest ain’t all it’s cracked up to be. As adults, the youngest

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is always remembered as the one who “got away with everything.” They’re right to say this. By the time I was doing the same stupid stuff in high school that Brian and Colin had done, my parents simply didn’t have the same energy to chastise me about it. Besides, by the time your third kid makes the same mistake as the previous two, the offense probably doesn’t seem so offensive. I admit, this was a perk. However, while sipping beers and merlots, the recollecting adults forget how the youngest had to beg for everything. If I wanted a ride, I had to ask for it. If I wanted something from a high shelf, I had to ask for it. If I wanted to watch something on TV, I had to ask one of my brothers to move – you’re kinda like the family’s panhandler. “The youngest is asking for change again; he says he wants to buy candy.” Anyway, the debate of who got the shaft most consistently in childhood can be argued for generations to come. My point in all this is that I’ve never been great at communicating with young people. The reason, I think, is pretty simple: There was never anyone around who was younger than me. The Warford family is small with few cousins, and they are all older than me, too. So, I had no opportunity to chat with or bully smaller children. This changed when I began substitute teaching, of course. By then, I

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could bully whoever I wanted. That’s a joke. In fact, even when teaching I found the younger children far more intimidating than the older ones. You could stick me on a stage tonight in front of 1,000 people and I’d be perfectly comfortable, but shutting me in a room with 30 five-year-olds was quite scary. I promise you all, I’m not exaggerating. Of course, kids aren’t that scary. In fact, they’re rather straightforward. They like talking about things they’re interested in, they like snacks, and they like speaking at whatever volume they please, decibels be damned. They’re sort of like adults; they just require more patience, more time and more interaction. So, this is how I write the children’s show. I make sure the host asks them about their favourite things and, of course, always listens for the response from the children at home. After all, everyone likes to be heard. As for all you other “babies” of the house, chin up! Perhaps you spent your childhood wedged into the family sedan’s middle seat, but when we're all old, at least we'll still be the youngest. Paul Warford began writing for Downhome to impress his mom and her friends. He writes and performs comedy in Eastern Canada. Follow him on Twitter @paulwarford

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fresh tracks

new music talk with Wendy Rose

Sure Beats a Good Time Justin Fancy

HAILING FROM CONCEPTION BAY SOUTH, NL,

it’s hard to know whether to call Justin Fancy a townie or a bayman, based on his proximity to the province’s capital city. There’s one title that Fancy holds without any debate: award-winning yet still-rising star in the Newfoundland and Labrador country music scene. Fancy released his debut album, Sure Beats a Good Time, in September 2020. Working within COVID-19 restrictions, capacity was limited, but Fancy worked with Corner Brook’s Steady Entertainment to live-stream the show, which boasted an opening act by comedian Shaun Majumder – an impressive feat for an emerging artist. And just two months after the album release, Fancy spotted his name on the list of nominees for the 2020 MusicNL Awards, which he went on to win – not bad for a debut album, wha? The first song on the record is the title track, “Sure Beats a Good Time,” and it’s obvious within 30 36

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seconds of this seven-song, 24-minute album that this is some good and true country-rock. Fancy has a thick country twang, singing about universally relatable topics like friendship, selfdoubt, making love, getting excited for Friday nights, and just generally making the most of life. Fancy slows things down a bit on “Your Memory,” but the pace picks up again on “Makes Me Wanna,” Fancy’s most recently released single. In midApril, Fancy released the accompanying music video, starring Big Brother Canada 7 star Samantha Picco (local music lovers may also recognize her from Chris Andrews’ “Candy” video). A personal favourite from the album was “Stop Lovin’ You.” This fourth 1-888-588-6353

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track is where Fancy really bares all, showing deep emotions in his lyrics. “There are things that I learned to do in spite of the feelings that I had for you. There’s no turning back but I have to stay, I built up my walls since you went away. There’s nothing left for me to sing, I’ve driven myself to stop loving you.” Another slower tune, “Wonderworld,” is more in the traditional country/western vein. The fantastic fiddle playing on this track makes it stand out on the album. “Figure This Out” is a perfect fit for a country radio playlist, with its catchy hook and simplistic chorus. It’s an easy tune to sing along with, even on

the first spin. The album closes with “Lovin’ Man,” an emotional piece about a father gifting his son with a guitar. Though I’m unsure if it’s autobiographical, after interviewing Fancy and listening to his album, I think it’s pretty obvious that these lyrics come straight from the heart – and from this rising country star’s past, which is certainly helping to shape his future. In the coming months, fans can get hyped for another single from Sure Beats a Good Time with an accompanying music video. However, the real excitement comes in 2022 – when Fancy expects to release a second album or EP.

Q&A with the Artist Wendy Rose: Did you grow up listening to country music legends, or was this a genre you dove into on your own accord? Justin Fancy: Country music has always been a huge part of my life ever since I

can remember. As a teenager, everywhere I went there was country music on in the car, at home; and as technology advanced it became a whole lot easier to access the older songs. I remember looking up the Top 100 country songs of all time and downloading them one by one. When I started to learn how to play guitar at the age of 13, I was obsessed over the stories the songs told, the chord progression, the crying of the steel guitar, and other musical and lyrical elements that made up the songs. www.downhomelife.com

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Ritchie Perez photo

I remember playing around campfires at campsites at an early age, entertaining the older folk with a mixture of traditional Newfoundland and Irish music, but mostly country and western songs. I grew up around country music in my hometown of Conception Bay South, and I credit my friends and family for that.

WR: Where do you draw your inspiration from when writing? JF: I certainly write from personal

experience and emotion, and I think listening to country music inspired me to be able to write such vulnerable songs. It’s not easy to talk about or express your emotions, especially when sometimes they are based on bad experiences you’ve had with relationships, or with life. My most recent country music hero, Luke Combs, was the one who changed it all for me. His songs, his 38

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talk about breakups and raw emotion, and really opening up to his fans was very inspiring for me, and I can say that he was one of the main reasons I finally got the courage to release this music. Listening to music that was a lot older than me, I was and still am so amazed at how open and beautifully vulnerable country songs were back then… I think growing up and being able to relate to these songs really taught me how to write and try and do the same for others. 1-888-588-6353

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WR: Sure Beats a Good Time earned you two 2020 MusicNL Awards – Country Artist of the Year and Rising Star of the Year – as well as a nod from the ECMAs for Inspirational Album of the Year. What was your reaction to these wins and nominations? JF: It’s just an amazing feeling to know that your fans and the music community are watching the success and the amount of work that has gone into this. It takes a great team in the background to sustain a career in this industry, and I have to acknowledge them at every opportunity possible. The awards motivate me to continue this journey, and I’m forever grateful for the recognition.

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WR: There’s no doubt that a pandemic is definitely a strange time to launch a music career, but do you have any parting wisdom for any emerging musicians who might be hesitant to take the leap right now? Aside from, you know, advising them to definitely make branded face masks? (Genius, btw.) JF: I think it’s very important to make

a plan, pandemic or not. Do your research, develop industry relationships and seek their advice on what they think is best... The biggest mistake I find [is] independent artists… [who] just release a song with no plan and hope that it’s the next top 40 Billboard hit. The song could be the best song in music history, but without the proper promotion and plan, the song won’t be heard.

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homefront guest column

A lucky escape from injury, after three falls in one day, led to this cautionary tale. By Carla MacInnis Rockwell

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Several days ago, I fell, and I fell, and I fell again!

Three falls in a single day is a record for me, one I hope never to repeat. Any one of those falls could have thrown me into a major medical crisis. The last time I fell and sustained a very serious injury was in 1985. In a darkened hallway in my New Brunswick apartment, I tripped over my black cat, who was lounging in the doorway to my bedroom. Down I went, partway into the room, landing just inches away from the edge of an antique spool bed. I was knocked unconscious, though only briefly. Rescued by a neighbour, I was taken to a local hospital overnight, and then transferred to Northern Carleton Hospital in Bath, where my dad was a doctor. Turned out I had dislocated my left, dominant elbow. I have mobility challenges due to cerebral palsy, and without a sound elbow, I could neither use crutches nor propel the hospitalissue wheelchair. So for my safety and recovery, I stayed in hospital for a month. My mother was also a patient at the time and Dad was enjoying this turn of events, asking her if she wanted a roomie. It took almost a year of weekly range of motion therapy to get full elbow function back. From that point to this, when I sustained the triple falls, I had taken a few tumbles, but was never hurt. You might be wondering how I managed to land on the floor three times in one day. Well, I was surprised, too. www.downhomelife.com

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My home is well organized with “touch spots” available for hands to land as I move about. I have a grab bar in the shower and on either side of the therapy tub enclosure. My basement stairs have a railing on one side, with a medical grade grab bar mounted on the wall above; another bar is

again! I fell to the right this time, wrenching my neck and right shoulder and doing a number on my full spine. Ouch! Like before, I hoisted myself up. Nothing broken. No bruises forming. Mr. Malcolm, service dog in training, stayed out of the way. I carried on with making the coffee, focusing my gaze

Hours later, I returned to the kitchen to make coffee. And when my hand automatically reached for that familiar, trusted touch spot, I fell again! mounted on the opposite wall above the open space where there is no railing, positioned farther along, to allow me to descend the last few steps to the den floor with that physical support. In the kitchen where I’ve cooked for 30 years, a well-used touch spot was the fridge door handle. Some time ago, the top part of the handle developed a hairline crack, which then spread. On the day of my great falls, the first happened when I touched the handle for balance. It suddenly spun forward and was no longer fully attached to the door. I fell, hands outstretched, head thrust back to avoid a floor strike. Both knees hit the floor – hard! Luckily, I was not hurt. Hours later, I returned to the kitchen to make coffee. And when my hand automatically reached for that familiar, trusted touch spot, I fell 42

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on the handle on the freezer. That would be my new touch spot. I kept looking at it until my brain set the pattern of movement. But then, on a third trek to the kitchen, I had the most serious fall of the day. Reaching out reflexively yet again for the now gone fridge door handle, I landed to the left, again slamming both knees on the floor. The elbow I had dislocated decades earlier took a solid strike. Pain shot through my arm, so I was a bit slower getting up, but I did it. Over the course of the day I experienced only slight pain in the chest: muscle strain. Fortunately, nothing serious. Strategic touch spots are just one of the adjustments I’ve made to reduce my risk of falling. At 66 years of age, I still have remnants of the “startle reflex” of babies, common in those 1-888-588-6353

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with cerebral palsy. I’m able to control it as I’ve developed the ability to filter many sounds that would normally trigger a startle and cause me to lose my balance or fall. For example, turning off the phone ringer contributes to my upright mobility. Stair climbing has always been a challenge, more so as I get older; thus, my weekly physiotherapist visits. I have very good range of motion in my legs, all things considered, which I attribute to my decades-long practice of healthy eating, particularly focused on nutrition that contributes to maintaining bone density. Also, purposeful stretches throughout the day allow me to continue to do things so many do with ease. I know my limitations and don’t tempt fate by going beyond my body’s range. The fridge thing was a total fluke. I’m not a faller. Anyone of any age can accidentally, suddenly fall. We can’t predict outcomes. What we can do, as we age, is ensure that we keep our body as fine tuned as possible, especially if we live with any sort of pre-existing condition or comorbidity. Aging in place in the golden years can be a challenge, especially for those with limited resources to modify living spaces to accommodate changes to movement and mobility.

It’s important for old gals such as me to ensure that oft-used spaces in the home are safe and free of obstacles that may cause a fall. Falls with subsequent hospitalization due to fracture is common after the age of 60, and those of us with ongoing challenges to mobility have to be extra vigilant much earlier in life. It’s said that falling once doubles the chances of falling again. Be careful out there.

Carla MacInnis Rockwell is a freelance writer and disability rights advocate living outside Fredericton, NB with Miss Lexie, a rambunctious Maltese, and Mr. Malcolm, the boisterous Havanese. She can be reached via email at carmacrockwell@xplornet.ca.

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features

A homage to a harbour that carries the legacy of five men lost at sea By Mariah Pardy

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Tragedies happen every day,

but when one strikes a small town, everyone feels it. On February 3, 2003, a dark cloud of grief rolled in and covered the small fishing town of Musgrave Harbour. It was the day that families lost their brother, father, grandpa, husband, friend, and so much more than what mere titles can express. What was supposed to be just another duck-hunting trip turned out to be the last these men would take together. Six men headed out on the water. Only one returned home. Drowned at sea were Roger Hann, 36; Draper Fahey, 24; Irving Faulkner, 59, and his two sons – Danny, 35, and Darren, 31. Irving’s other son, Dion, 38, managed to swim to a nearby island where he was rescued by passing fishermen.

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Roger Hann

Draper Fahey

I was six years old at the time, and I remember it as the first time I saw my dad cry. He had just gotten the call from back home that a boat had capsized and his former classmates, friends and neighbours had drowned. Nine years later, my family and I moved to my dad’s hometown of Musgrave Harbour, and I become great friends with some of the kids and grandkids of these men. Today, those children are grown up and some even have kids of their own. I did not get to know everyone affected personally in my three years in Musgrave Harbour, but a few have become great friends who I know will be lifelong. One thing I can say about all of these people is that they share in this tragedy and they all continue to be a shoulder to lean on for each other. My best friend, Amanda Goodyear, is the granddaughter of Irving and the niece of Danny, Darren and Dion. She has a family of her own now, but reminisces on what could have been.

“Anyone who knows our family knows how extremely close we all are. I really wish my Pop was around for all of the big events because I know he would have never missed them,” says Amanda. “My skating competitions, school concerts, graduation and so much more. No matter how far away it was from Musgrave, he travelled from one side of the island to the other with us. Now I have a son and a daughter of my own, and I would have loved for him to have met them. My son is five now and he asks questions about his Pop Faulkner all the time. We know he’s still here, even though we can’t see him. Of course, this goes for my Uncle Danny and Darren as well.” Amanda’s cousins, Danielle and Katie-Lynn Faulkner and Alex Viselli, all daughters of Danny Faulkner, share different memories of their father. Danielle was only three years old and Katie-Lynn was six months old at the time of Danny’s death. “My dad and I were very close,”

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Irving Faulkner and sons Danny and Darren says Danielle. “I don’t remember a whole lot from my childhood. It’s been really hard because I wish he could be there to see each milestone.” Says Katie-Lynn, “Everyone says that my dad’s love for his girls was so strong and he loved to show us all off. It’s been a battle to say the least, always wishing he could be here to watch us succeed with each milestone and support us through everything that comes our way.” Their older sister, Alex, was 15 in 2003, so she holds a more vivid range of memories of her father. “Unlike my sisters and cousins, I was fortunate enough to have more memories of him from my childhood,” says Alex, reminiscing. “He was loving, protective, silly and adventurous. He would do anything for his girls. From the age of six, I lived in Toronto with my mom, so I only saw him during the summer and some March breaks. But those times with him were filled with so much love and fun. He did everything he www.downhomelife.com

could to always keep me smiling, from a fridge full of lobsters to fast rides on the four-wheeler.” I was also lucky enough to know Kyle Faulkner, Darren’s son, when I lived in Musgrave Harbour. I’d look forward to seeing Kyle in the highschool hallways; if you were having a bad day, you weren’t anymore because his smile was contagious. The one thing I know for sure is that he has a smile just like his dad. “I have many memories, but some of my favourites would be when we would take our Ski-doo to the cabin and rabbit snare together. I cherish these memories because I still enjoy to do all of these things that I first did with my dad,” says Kyle, who was five years old when his dad died. “This situation made me realize that anything can be taken away at any time, so it is important to appreciate each day we have on this earth.” Roger Hann lives on in his two sons, Josh and Tyler Hann. Josh was 14 and Tyler was 3 when their father passed. June 2021

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“My dad was a kind, easygoing, hardworking and loving person – everyone tells me that I am just like him,” says Tyler. “I’d love for him to see how much I have accomplished and endured in my life. There’s been countless times where I’ve felt like I haven’t had a leg to stand on, but I always got back on my feet and pulled through because I know he would be proud.” Draper Fahey did not have any children, but he is remembered as a kind man who is deeply missed by his family. Another dear friend of mine to this day is Myles Faulkner, the son of Dion. Myles’s story is different from the rest. His father survived, and something that he lives with to this day is the “What if?” question. “I have learned so much from my dad. If he had not lived I probably wouldn’t do the things that I do because I wouldn’t have learned how to hunt or how to boat. He has taught me how to do all of the things we love, and it makes it even more special that we can do these things together. I know that he lives his life for me and wants me to enjoy my life because, despite everything that has happened, he does the things he loves and I think he enjoys his life,” says Myles. “I’d love for Pop to see that I fixed his Argo and that I’m still using it. For Uncle Danny to see that I’m a diver just like him. For Uncle Darren to see how Kyle turned out and how we are still such good bud-

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dies. I think they would all be very impressed with the fact that Dad has continued to enjoy life despite experiencing such a loss.” A year after the accident, Dion fixed up the boat that once held such a painful memory. He used it to create new and lively memories for his son, nieces and nephews, and friends of those lost. That boat was used until three years ago, and now that engine runs Myles’s boat.

The only survivor from that fateful day, Dion Faulkner, with his nephew Kyle and son Myles One thing I’ve learned from the experience of my friends is that tomorrow is never promised. And I got a real glimpse of how strong individuals have navigated the bumpy and unpredictable road of life after loss. I am inspired by how they have all prevailed from this hardship and how the families of all the men lost have made sure that their legacies live on.

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life is better Sunrise at Spillars Cove, NL. Sheldon Hicks, Bonavista, NL

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features

Her grandparents were charmers, and in recent years, this former registered practical nurse has found her own healing ways.

By Nicola Ryan “As a child, I always felt different,” says Nadine MacDonald Authier on the phone from her home in Ontario. “I always felt like I didn’t fit in.” All photos courtesy Nadine MacDonald Authier

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Growing up in the late 1960s in Corner Brook, NL, and later in Ontario, Nadine might have been described as having a vivid imagination. “But it was a little bit more than that,” she says. “I could never figure it out. I would get visions. I would close my eyes and see things in my mind – images, random faces, random scenes – and I didn’t know what they meant.” Not wanting to stand out, Nadine chose to stay quiet about the visions. She carried on, married and started a

thing. And then I thought, could there be some truth to it?” Nadine started to search for an explanation and was intrigued at where she ended up. “I started looking things up, and when I started to do that, Reiki always seemed to be there.” Reiki is a form of therapy often called “energy healing.” Advocates say it can help enable relaxation in the body, reduce pain, speed healing and reduce symptoms of illness. Nadine felt instantly drawn to the practice. “It was almost like a spirit-

Nadine’s paternal grandparents, Ralph and Mary MacDonald of Howards, near Corner Brook, were widely considered to be “charmers.” family, and enjoyed a career as a registered practical nurse. It wasn’t until later in life, after the deaths of some close family members, including her father, that Nadine started to experience strange things again. These visions occurred more frequently. “I didn’t feel the sense of anything sinister or anything bad,” she explains. “It was almost like [the visions were] there to tell me somewww.downhomelife.com

ual awakening,” she says. The visions had led her on a path of discovery. “Everything sort of came to light. It’s like I developed a clear feeling to pursue this.” As Nadine dove into the study of Reiki, she spoke with her relatives about her experiences and her family history. Soon, what had at first made Nadine feel so different gave her a new sense of belonging. June 2021

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Nadine (centre) with her family at her first communion in the 1960s.

Nadine’s paternal grandparents, Ralph and Mary MacDonald of Howards, near Corner Brook, were widely considered to be “charmers.” Charmers are said to possess a gift for healing. They offered seemingly magical treatment or a form of faith healing for a variety of ailments including warts, toothaches, skin conditions and bleeding. While some would dismiss old stories of charmers and miraculous cures as superstition, charming was an important part of folk medicine in rural Newfoundland and Labrador. Many communities had no doctor, so all sorts of practitioners without professional training gave medical care. “My mom says that my grandmother was a very kind soul with a welcoming heart,” says Nadine. “She had a strong presence and powerful healing abilities.” (Accounts of Mary and Ralph’s special abilities were recounted in “The Healing Gift” in the October 2011 issue of Downhome and “A Couple of Charmers” in the April 2012 issue.) 52

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One story in particular surprised Nadine. Long ago, there was an incident on the railway where a man put his fist through a glass window. The people on the train could not staunch the blood flowing from his arm. They stopped the train and tapped the telephone line to get an emergency message to Mrs. MacDonald. Shortly after that the man’s arm stopped bleeding. “She wasn’t physically there beside him,” Nadine says. “I said to my mom ‘That’s distance healing.’” Distance Reiki expands the practitioner’s ability to transmit energy beyond physical touch. In other words, it’s a way to offer Reiki without the recipient being in the same room, or physical location, as the practitioner. Nadine was struck by the similarities she could see between her grandmother’s charming and the talent she was developing at Reiki. For example, she tells of a lady with multiple sclerosis who had been visiting her for Reiki sessions. She had been dealing with macular degeneration, 1-888-588-6353

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with bleeding behind the eye, and needed treatment. After three Reiki sessions, she went to her eye appointment. The doctor said that not only had the bleeding stopped, but there was no evidence of it being there at all. “I’m not saying it’s because of me, but she felt that the Reiki contributed to her body being able to heal,” Nadine says. In another experience, a woman had recently recovered from a serious surgery and was going to Reiki sessions with Nadine. It’s understood that a charmers’ magical skill resides in their hands, and Reiki practitioners use a technique called palm healing – placing their hand lightly on or over a person’s body, transferring universal energy or life force energy through their palms in order to encourage emotional and physical healing. “After the session she said, ‘I can’t believe the heat coming from your hands,’” says Nadine. “She said it was the most unbelievable experience

that she’d ever had.” Nadine is clearly full of wonder at the power of Reiki and the impact it has had on her life. “Reiki has given me such a sense of purpose,” she says, “and if I can help people, then that’s what I want to do.” You don’t hear about charmers much these days. Their services aren’t sought out as much now that you can more easily pop out to the doctor or pharmacy for modern medicine. Maybe you don’t believe those old superstitions, and think that traditional ways of doing things should be abandoned and forgotten. But traditions are always evolving. Could Nadine’s healing talent at Reiki be a gift inherited from her grandparents? Could this be a new way to carry on an old tradition in a more modern world? It’s a mystery, but it’s one Nadine’s ready to explore. “I truly believe my grandmother guided me to take Reiki,” she says. “It’s as if I was meant to carry on this practice of being a charmer and be true to myself.”

Nadine and Skylar at home in Hamilton, ON.

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Submit your favourite photos of scenery, activities and icons that best illustrate the down-home lifestyle. We’re looking for a variety of colourful subjects – outports, wildlife, laundry lines, historic sites, seascapes, hilltop views, and so much more – and photos from all four seasons. This is your chance to get in on our most popular reader contest and try to woo the judges into choosing your photo for the 2022 Downhome Calendar. These calendars are seen by tens of thousands of subscribers and displayed all year long.

What are you waiting for? Submit today, using one of these ways:

by mail: Downhome Calendar Contest 43 James Lane St. John’s, NL A1E 3H3 online: www.downhomelife.com/calendar Must be original photos or high quality copies. Digital photos must be at least 300 dpi, files sizes of about 1MB. We can’t accept photocopies or photos that are blurry, too dark or washed out. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want your photos returned.

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features

They may just be city park regulars now, but one time they were a hard-working part of our long-range communications. By Dale Jarvis Engraving of homing pigeons, with messages attached. Harper’s New Monthly Magazine, No. 275 (April 1873)

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“Meeting a tame pigeon is unlucky.

If a single pigeon cross a lady’s pathway she may anticipate sorrow as near, but two together is a sign of coming joy, three promise a wedding and four a birth.” George Patterson of New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, recorded this old belief in an article called “Notes on the Folk-Lore of Newfoundland,” printed in the 1895 Journal of American Folklore. Patterson was a collector of superstitions and folk beliefs, and gathered many of his stories from a Judge Bennett of Harbour Grace. Today, we are more likely to think of pigeons as a pest than as a way to foretell the future, but regardless of how you think of them, they have an intriguing history in Newfoundland and Labrador. I figured if anyone would be able to introduce me to the world of pigeons it would be Jared Clarke, owner and operator of Bird The Rock, a company specializing in custom bird and ecological tours. Jared grew up on the northeast coast of Newfoundland and was introduced by his grandfathers to the outdoors at a very young age. He became interested in birds while working for a local conservation group, and started his own business to share his love and knowledge of local birds and nature.

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June 2021

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“The pigeons we are familiar with here in Newfoundland and Labrador are technically rock pigeons, which are native to Africa but introduced worldwide,” says Jared. “There are, of course, many species of pigeons and doves worldwide, living in a variety of habitats – some of them quite beautiful and sought-after by birders.” Rock pigeons have an amazing innate homing ability, and over generations they were selectively bred for their ability to find their way home over long distances. In the

pigeons for the seal hunt. Two years later, Captain Sam Blandford steamed away with his trial pigeons in search of seals. When the seals were spotted, two birds were let loose. One was sent off on the 20th of March, the other on the 2nd of April. Neither pigeon was ever seen again, thus ending the experiment and the far-too-brief history of seal hunt pigeons. During the First World War, homing pigeons were an important part of military communications. Even the Royal Newfoundland Regiment

Archie, a stuffed carrier pigeon from the First World War found at the Admiralty House Communications Museum in Mount Pearl, NL. Note the message cartridge on his leg. pre-radio era, these homing or carrier pigeons became important messengers, relaying notes in small cartridges strapped to their legs. In 1894, a scientifically minded writer suggested an idea to the St. John’s press: that carrier pigeons might serve a use during the seal fishery. It was proposed that ships carry pigeons that could then be released to announce where seals had been found on the ice. Inspired by this, Job Brothers & Company imported a number of trained 58

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had its own flock. You can see a wartime pigeon for yourself at Admiralty House Communications Museum in Mount Pearl, NL. Museum manager Sarah Ryan would only be too happy to introduce you to Archie. “Every day I come into work, and I say ‘Good morning, Archie,’” says Sarah. “He’s right by the main door, so he’s the first artifact that I see. And he is my favourite.” Archie is, of course, a stuffed pigeon, part of the museum’s display on communications history. He was 1-888-588-6353

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donated to the museum by board member Dr. John Williams. Archie is a fairly historic bird, having participated in the Battle of the Somme in 1916. He is perched proudly in his display case, showing off the tiny, lightweight aluminum canister in which he carried important battlefield messages. “Pigeons were used when there was no other way to send a message,” explains Sarah. “If they could send a runner or someone on a motorcycle, or use a telegraph, then they would do that. But when those options were not available, then that’s when they’d send the pigeon.”

The brave little birds were known to deliver their messages despite heavy barrages of artillery or the use of mustard gas. “There are so many stories about these courageous pigeons,” says Sarah. “There was one particular pigeon that flew through poisonous gas to let others know not to advance. And then, only when the officer read the message, did that pigeon take his last breath and succumb to his injuries.” The use of pigeons by the military continued throughout the First World War and into the Second. During WWII, the United Kingdom used an estimated 250,000 homing Continued on page 61

A field manual from the First World War details instructions on how to attach a message capsule to the leg of a carrier pigeon.

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Passenger Pigeons One species you won’t see on Jared Clarke’s Bird The Rock birding tours is the fabled passenger pigeon. Once, their huge flocks numbered into the billions of birds and darkened the skies as they flew by. Native to much of eastern North America, it was believed their range once extended as far east as St. John’s and as far north as Labrador. On Tuesday, August 22, 1775, explorer and colonist George Cartwright encountered a pair by the mouth of a small brook, at the foot of the Mealy Mountains. Even at that time, the numbers of passenger pigeons in North America was starting to decline. Cartwright, who shot one of the pair, noted in his journal for that day, “I believe they are very scarce.” The pigeons flew in flocks so large that hunting them was simple. Waving a pole into a cloud of the lowflying birds was enough to kill some,

and before long, a commercial pigeon industry had boomed. The easily caught pigeons were valued for both their meat and feathers, largely used for pigeon feather beds. These were so popular that for a time in one Quebec community, every wedding dowry included a bed and pillows made of pigeon feathers. In 1822, a single family in New York killed 4,000 pigeons in one day to be used for bedding material. These beds were popular in 19th-century Fortune Bay, NL, for an intriguing reason: it was believed that sick and

Earliest-known published illustration of a male passenger pigeon, by Mark Catesby, 1731. 60

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elderly people were unable to die lying on pigeons’ feathers. If the feathers were removed, they would die more readily. By the 1860s, sightings of the bird in Newfoundland were noted as being rare, though they had been formerly abundant. The St. John’s newspaper Evening Herald noted in December of 1890: “A while ago the so-called ‘passenger pigeon’ flew by millions in the Ohio Valley as far east as Massachusetts. Now but a very few of them are left. They have been shot by wholesale, and while they lasted, were commonly utilized for shooting from traps.” Today, the clay targets fired skyward during trap shooting competitions are called “pigeons,” a sad reminder of the fate of thousands of these unfortunate birds. When supplies of passenger pigeons ran low, industry turned to other species, including Newfoundland and Labrador’s golden plover and Eskimo curlew. Hunters slaughtered curlews just as they had pigeons, and the flocks dwindled rapidly between 1880 and 1890. In January of 1912, the Evening Telegram described both the passenger pigeon and the Eskimo curlew as “doubtfully existent.” On September 1, 1914, a female passenger pigeon named Martha died at the Cincinnati Zoo in Ohio. She was roughly 29 years old, and not once in her life had she laid a fertile egg. She was the last of her kind. The last confirmed live sighting of an Eskimo curlew in Canada was in 1932, in Battle Harbour, Labrador. The last one on record, a single bird, was seen and fatally shot in Barbados on September 4, 1963.

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pigeons to deliver messages, including notes sent to spies behind enemy lines. This is where Jim enters our pigeon story. I first heard about Jim from Robert Burgess, owner of the historic Burgess Property in Whiteway, Trinity Bay. He, in turn, first heard about Jim from his cousin, Annie George. “Oh, I can hear your grandmother now, shushing the pigeons,” Annie had told him during a visit, prompting him to do some digging into family history and leading him to the story of his Uncle Will and Jim the war pigeon. “As the story goes, our uncle was out fishing,” relates Robert. “He was up around Backside Beach, and he spotted a wounded pigeon on the beach. As he was going ashore, he picked up the pigeon and brought it home, and it had a capsule on its leg. This was during the Second World War, and so he mailed the capsule in to the government.” His civic duty done, Uncle Will was left with a lame pigeon that really couldn’t fly very well. The family named the pigeon Jim and kept him (or possibly her) as a pet. “Uncle Will kept the pigeon in the house,” Robert describes, “and he had a nesting box, if you would, out in the yard and the pigeon would be in there. I was still doubtful about the story, and my cousin who lives down in Winterton gave me a picture of the pigeon on the old porch that was on the front of the house. The porch went in the late 1950s, and there’s a wooden spar to support the antenna wire that goes up in the corner for the battery-operated radio. This was before we had electricity, so the picture is probably from 1956 or ’57.” June 2021

Courtesy Robert Burgess

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Jim the pigeon on the Burgess Property Where Jim came from was always something of a mystery. No one knows what was in the capsule on Jim’s leg because it was unopened, and there was some suspicion about Jim’s allegiances. “The family folklore is that we didn’t know if he was a German pigeon or an Allied pigeon,” says Robert. “I wish we could answer that! Did the German U-boats have pigeons? I don’t know! What did he find out there? Did the capsule have stuff about certain boats or shipping lanes? I have no idea! Maybe the folklore will be that Jim didn’t understand what we were saying because he was from Germany!” Jim flapped around the Burgess Property with his one good wing for a decade or more before he flew to the Great Coop in the sky.

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After the war, the use of carrier pigeons declined, though pigeon fanciers continued to raise them to race competitively, something that still happens today. Jared from Bird The Rock directed me to one story about a bird taking part in a race from Morocco to Portugal. The racing pigeon ended up badly off course, eventually landing in Patrick’s Cove on the Cape Shore of Newfoundland. Perhaps the pigeon went looking for Portugal Cove South instead of Portugal proper. “Pigeons garner a range of feelings from people,” says Jared. “Many people see them as pests around our cities and towns, but others really love them and enjoy feeding them at the local ponds and lakes, for example. They can be very entertaining if you give them a chance!”

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life is better Cabin life at its finest. Georgann Collins, Frederickton, NL

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explore

EXPERT DIVERS SHARE THEIR FAVOURITE SITES IN NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR BY DENNIS FLYNN Garry Dallas photo

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THE ANCIENT SHIP’S WHEEL

hung suspended betwixt the curving bleached bones of a great whale, bound together by aged chains and a brass shackle. Above and beyond it, the salmon-scaled sky in foreboding steel grey tinged with black clouds warned of a fast-moving storm bearing from the northeast. It was perfect shipwreck weather and imagery. Dennis Flynn photo

That roadside display in Conception Bay North is gone now, but I’ve never forgotten how it made me curious about the remains of all the sunken ships around Newfoundland and Labrador’s coastline. How have they held up? What do they look like now? Where are the best preserved sites to see underwater? Ocean diving is a rewarding experience in this province for those trained in it. Two of the most experienced local scuba divers are Rick Stanley, owner of Ocean Quest Adventures in Conception Bay South, and Neil Burgess. Neil and Rick are both professionally certified divers and members of the Shipwreck Preservation Society of Newfoundland and Labrador (SPSNL). These are their top eight favourite dives, plus two more that remain even on their bucket lists.

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SS Rose Castle

THE BELL ISLAND SHIPWRECKS

In two separate German U-boat attacks during WWII, four iron ore carriers were sunk at Bell Island, where the mine was a strategic source for the Allied war effort. Sunk in 1942 were the Strathcona and the Saganaga on September 5, and the SS Rose Castle and PLM 27, a Free French ship, on November 2. In his dive career, Rick has logged more than 400 dive hours to those wrecks alone. He’s unable to pick a favourite of the four vessels. “I really can’t dive one without wanting to do all four. They are where I got my start and are very important pieces of history almost in my backyard, so I feel very strongly about them all.” Neil, however, notes, “The SS Rose Castle is my favourite wreck of the four off Bell Island. It is the deepest and most intact. Seeing the radio gear in the Marconi shack is one highlight. Another is seeing the remains of a German torpedo on the seafloor just behind the stern of the ship. I’ve done a half-dozen dives on this wreck, and each time I see something new and surprising.” Ellen Cuylaerts photos

PLM 27

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THE “PAYROLL PLANE”

In July 2008, Ocean Quest and a group of visitors from the UK, Germany, France and Canada discovered a lost seaplane wreck at Battle Harbour, Labrador. Chartered in 1942 to carry payroll to the remote settlement, the Catalina Flying Boat went under the waves when both depth charges exploded. The plane’s engine and propeller were found; the fuselage remains undiscovered. Rick adds, “This one is not a ship, but is an amazing wreck dive just the same and is among my favourites since it has a very interesting historical tie-in to other famous shipwrecks. I have been told the anti-submarine Catalina Flying Boat would normally have been patrolling in the Conception Bay area, but it sank off Battle Harbour, Labrador, the same day [September 5, 1942] as two of the Bell Island wrecks. The plane was carrying a crew change to work on a Loran Station off Cape Charles, and while landing on the water one of the depth charges went off and blew the wing off. When the plane listed to the one side, then another charge went off. Fortunately, the crew and passengers got out, but the pilot and co-pilot went down with the plane and a $5,000 payroll for the base in a briefcase.” While they found pieces of the wreckage, Rick says they didn’t find the $5,000.

HMS Raleigh HMS Raleigh was only a year old when it ran aground in fog on August 8, 1922, near the Point Amour lighthouse in southern Labrador. Apparently, the senior officers onboard had wanted to try some salmon fishing at Forteau. Eleven of the crew of 700 drowned trying to get ashore. The wreck remained visible for several years to all ships passing through the Strait of Belle Isle, becoming an embarrassment to the Royal Navy. The British salvaged and later destroyed the shipwreck using naval gunfire in the late 1920s. Neil has not yet dove Raleigh, but adds, “This shipwreck has been completely demolished by explosives and www.downhomelife.com

HMS Raleigh with crew ashore at Point Amour, Labrador Courtesy Nick Carter

wave action. Yet, much remains to be seen underwater. Steel plates from the hull, brass hardware and many large artillery shells are scattered over the wreck site. Next year will be the 100th anniversary of the loss of HMS Raleigh, and I would like to help organize an expedition to dive the wreck with the Shipwreck Preservation Society.” June 2021

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THE POLLUX & THE TRUXTON Driven upon the rocks in a fierce storm, the USS Pollux was wrecked off Lawn Head and the USS Truxton at Chambers Cove near St. Lawrence as they travelled in convoy on February 18, 1942. Local residents were able to save 186 sailors, while 203 succumbed to the waves and the elements. “These are challenging and deeply moving sites to reach and dive,” says Rick. “The remarkable true story of Lanier Phillips, survivor of the sinking of the USS Truxton, is world famous and I highly recommend reading accounts of his experiences.” Neil explains why he picks the USS Pollux as his favourite of the two. “I was part of a team of divers who relocated the wreck of USS Pollux just below the sea cliffs at Lawn Head in September 2020 with Ocean Quest Adventures. It was exciting to see the remains of this huge ship for the first time. It was also sobering to think of the horror those sailors experienced on this spot during WWII. Severe wave action has torn the shipwreck completely apart. Scattered over the seafloor, we saw deck guns, a boiler, parts of the propeller shaft, 500pound bombs, huge gears and thousands of pieces of metal hardware [padlocks, coat hooks, cutlery, bolts etc.] that were part of the ship’s cargo going to the American naval station at Argentia.”

Chris Power photo

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CONCEPTION HARBOUR WHALERS Rick says, “This is a very unusual site, as three large metal whaling vessels that once belonged to a Norwegian named Captain Johan Carlson Borgen are sunk beside the shore in relatively shallow water next to each other [the two others are supposedly farther out the bay in deeper water]. Whaling has, of course, been banned in Canada since 1972, but we love to share the site and tell the story as part of our heritage and culture. There is even a harpoon gun still attached to the deck of one of the underwater ships divers can visit. It is quite something. The vessels are so close you really dive all three in the one trip, and storyboards on site give more information about the ships.” www.downhomelife.com

Dennis Flynn photo

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HMS Tweed HMS Tweed was an 18gun Royal Navy sloop-ofwar that ran aground in fog at Shoal Bay on the southern Avalon, close to the famous coastal landmark “The Spout,” on the East Coast Trail. It happened on November 5, 1813, and resulted in a loss of 67 (or 70, there are varying reports) out of 122 on board. It was escorting a convoy of sailing ships from England. Neil recounts, “I thoroughly enjoyed my one dive on the wreck of Tweed. There are many cannons and cannonballs, an anchor and dozens of iron ingots spread over the sea floor. There is nothing visible left of the wooden ship. The wreck site is very exposed to ocean swells, so diving can only occur when the seas are calm.”

HMS Saphire HMS Saphire (often misspelled Sapphire) was a Royal Navy fifth-rate frigate with 32 guns. Her captain burned and sank her to prevent her being captured by a French fleet in Bay Bulls on September 11, 1696. The shipwreck was surveyed and partially excavated by underwater archaeologists from the Newfoundland Marine Archaeology Society (NMAS) in 197375 and by Parks Canada in 1977. Neil says, “This is the oldest shipwreck I have ever dived on. I found it amazing to be looking at cannons on the wreck that were more than 300 years old. The stories they could tell. I also thought of the 40 French sailors that may have died aboard the Saphire, when the fire reached the powder magazine and the ship exploded.”

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Cannons from HMS Saphire Neil Burgess photo

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Dickinson collection

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RMS Ascania A Cunard ocean liner built in 1911, RMS Ascania was requisitioned by the Royal Navy in the First World War. It was used first as a naval hospital ship at Gallipoli in 1915, and later as a troopship crossing the Atlantic. RMS Ascania ran aground in fog just off Petites (near Rose Blanche) on June 13, 1918, on a voyage from Liverpool to Montreal in ballast. The crew of 191 and eight passengers were all rescued by a patrol boat. The ship broke up and was a total loss. Neil notes, “Although this shipwreck has been torn apart by wave action, the huge size of the pairs of boilers, propeller shafts and steering quadrants are incredible. I could not help but be impressed by the massive scale of this wreck. Dozens of large artillery shells were also scattered around the site, which tended to sharpen my attention.”

Neil Burgess photo

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June 2021

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REMAINING DREAM DIVES RN SUBMARINE P514

The Royal Navy submarine P514 was stationed in Newfoundland during WWII to help train Royal Canadian Navy crews in finding submarines with their ship’s Asdic (now called sonar) equipment. In the early morning of September 21, 1942, the British sub was sailing on the surface from Argentia to St. John’s, escorted by the corvette HMS Primrose. South of St. Shott’s, the minesweeper HMCS Georgian was waiting to escort a convoy to Sydney when it spotted an unknown submarine on the surface in the fog at 3:00 a.m. and rammed it at full speed. The submarine sank with no survivors. The submarine was P514 and its Royal Navy crew of 41 were all lost, including 21-year-old Ordinary Seaman Albert Edward Lidstone from St.

John’s. This tragic wartime accident was caused by a lack of communication between the British and Canadian naval headquarters in Newfoundland. Both Rick and Neil list this as their top dream dive site. Neil says, “Submarine wrecks have a special fascination for me. There are no other submarine wrecks at a shallow enough depth for diving in Atlantic Canada, so this wreck is on my bucket list. Since the wreck of P514 is a war grave, I am only interested in seeing and taking photos of its exterior.”

ISLE AUX MORTS ASTROLABE

This is a European shipwreck from the mid-1600s that scuba divers discovered near Isle aux Morts in the 1980s. Two brass astrolabes they recovered from the wreck are displayed in The Rooms in St. John’s. Underwater archaeologists from NMAS surveyed the wreck and identified four cannons, several anchors and part of the wooden hull of the ship, and recovered 170 smaller artifacts. The origin of this shipwreck is unknown. It might be Basque, French or something else. Neil notes, “The artifacts recovered from this shipwreck are amazing, and the mystery surrounding the origin and possible route of the ship only add to its allure. I look forward to diving on this wreck that could be 350 years old. Even more, I would love to organize a further excavation of this wreck to learn more about its purpose, its crew and where it came from.” Neil Burgess photo, courtesy of The Rooms Corporation

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Kim Ploughman photo

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Kim Ploughman photo

beams as a star destination, dating back to its early days of migratory fishing to recent times as a hotspot for leisure travellers seeking spectacular seascapes and culture galore. In July 2020, the region was designated a UNESCO Global Geopark due to its tremendous geological heritage and earth history. Its geology has a 560 million-year-old history and includes some of the best-preserved Ediacaran fossils in the world. In fact, the Discovery Global Geopark preserves a dramatic transition in earth history – the rise of animal life. This captivating territory covers 280 kilometres of coastline and includes 1,150 square kilometres of land that stretches from Ireland’s Eye to Tickle Cove and all the areas in between (Route 230 and 235). Within the Geopark enclave are 10 geosites, including trails and beaches, which showcase the region’s diverse geological, natural www.downhomelife.com

and cultural diversity. (Dozens of other sites will be revealed in coming years, including ones not accessible to the public, as they remain research sites.) More recently, in March 2021, Discovery Global Geopark announced it had joined a growing Geopark food movement called GEOfood. The global network aims to link local food enterprises, while promoting awareness about geological heritage, cultural traditions and climate change issues. Discovery is among the first of Canada’s five Geoparks to participate in this initiative outside the European Union. With these two distinctions, the Bonavista region’s star appeal has truly been uplifted to the world stage of geology and food tourism. June 2021

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To be labelled GEOfood, products must be made with food with attachments to the area.

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GEOfood Movement In a recent phone interview, Bonavista Mayor (and chair of the Geopark Board of Directors) John Norman explains the new geoproduct movement was spearheaded by Magma Geopark in Norway and is focused on local foods within Geopark borders. In fact, GEOfood is a registered brand in the Norwegian National Register and is now widespread across Europe. Norman’s group, led by Geopark manager Cyndy Stead, initiated discussions with Norway to steer the Discovery Geopark into the GEOfood groove. He notes there was a lengthy list of criteria to become a member of this prestigious international food brand. To be labelled a “GEOfood,” the product must be made in the Geoparks and be accompanied by the story of the product and the local 76

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geology and history. “This is a natural fit for the Bonavista Peninsula, as unofficially there are plenty of sustainable foods here in this region,” Norman enthuses. He points to the abundance of fish, berries and foraged products, and the many cottage industries that have sprouted from these products. The annual two-day Roots, Rants 1-888-588-6353

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and Roars food festival is a good example, remarks Norman, of an existing unique cuisine and cultural experience. For Norman, coming under the GEOfood brand is a “major opportunity” for food producers, restaurants and local farms. “When combined with our small manufacturing enterprises and the nearby agriculture scene in buffer zones like Lethbridge, we can now move forward to create GEOfood labels and a future Geoinspired menu program for local restaurants, accommodations and tourism operators,” he says. Norman also envisions opportunities to diversify and strengthen businesses that export online. In a March 3 news release, Norman stated that, ultimately, “By promoting local food production activities in our local communities, we look to increase the awareness of the importance of the earth, our landscape and our cultural heritage.” www.downhomelife.com

Like many industries, global and local tourism has been racked by the pandemic. Norman admits, “It’s bad timing, but has given the Geopark more time and wiggle room to finetune the process.” Once international travel resumes, Norman is confident many communities will be ready and waiting. Meantime, the virtual Geopark Café Series and small town hall sessions will be held for local producers, harvesters, restauranteurs, grocers, farmers markets and accommodation providers to kickstart this journey to better connect communities and their food offerings – as well as give residents a sense of pride over their geological heritage. “When all these foods are merged under the same umbrella, it can’t hurt that we are all rowing the same boat under an international brand,” says Norman. An official opening for the park and its GEOfood labels is tentatively set for July. June 2021

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explore

By Donna Henrici Elgin, Illinois, USA

June 2021

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that said that in the crazy times of 2021, come Valentine’s Day we should write a love letter to a place we miss being, things we miss doing, people we miss seeing. This was an easy one for me. The place, things and people I miss are everything Newfoundland. I actually feel a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye just thinking about it. Let me start at the beginning and give you a shortened version of why this feels like home to me and my family. Many years ago we used to see pictures and hear stories from my sister-in-law of a place that seemed so far away. It was not really on our radar back then; our travels were taking us elsewhere. Then in October 2014, my husband decided on the spur of the moment to go with her on her trip, a fun sibling getaway. He came home a different person. He had all the pictures and stories, and a light in his eye that was new. We

made a family decision to make that our vacation in May 2015. He was so excited to share this magical place with us. We landed in St. John’s, checked into our hotel for the night and set out on our George Street adventure. We were Screeched-in, listened to some great music and ate some amazing food. We were already in awe of how nice everyone was. Someone asked us, “Are you here for

All photos courtesy Donna Henrici

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family? Business?” No and no. “Then how did you end up here?” We have found that you don’t go to Newfoundland without intention to get there; it is not just a quick drive over the border! The next day we left St. John’s to begin our journey to the most beautiful bay town named Trinity. This began our true love story. When we turned a corner on the road leading into Trinity, I started to cry. I wasn’t even sure why. It certainly was beautiful, but I think my heart was just preparing me for all that was to come. We stayed in the cutest little blue house that is part of us now. The first time in it, I was just in awe. My husband took me upstairs and told me to close my eyes. He led me into the master bedroom and said, “When you open your eyes, this will be the view you see when you wake up in the morning.” I opened my eyes and could not believe how beautiful it was looking out on the water. More tears. We met the Gow family who work in hospitality in Trinity; they rent out several homes for owners, plus they have their own B&B and a wonderful restaurant called the Twine Loft. We walked around town to discover the playhouse we have enjoyed many times since, the marina with its own restaurant and shop, several other shops and churches. The best were the extraordinary views from so many vantage points. We loved sitting outside looking at the water. It’s so quiet you can’t believe it – there are no crickets! We were in love, hook, line and sinker! Every trip we have taken since, we explore different places in the province. The list is long and we still 80

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have so many to see. We have gone to little towns to eat, see puffins, shop. We even explored Gander where the famous Come From Away play was inspired. On 9/11, they accepted 38 previously unscheduled planes to land, holding approximately 6,800 people! The kindness and hospitality they showed to these people during their week there was unlike anything I have ever heard of. On our 2017 trip we celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary. As we do for many of our milestones, we decided to renew our vows again. Our daughters were with us and helped plan a most memorable day. We went to a high spot that has a random deck for viewing in Trinity. We were, of course, wearing our matching Alan Doyle shirts (he is Newfoundland royalty), and my daughter made me a ring of flowers for my hair. My other daughter read some vows for us and took some amazing pictures. We even shared a slow dance. It was a day we will never forget, looking around and seeing the water and the sky and all the beautiful pieces of this town we have grown to love. It has become a yearly goal to spend time there. It is like a best kept secret that we are happy to share! So now we wait. The pandemic has prevented us from returning to www.downhomelife.com

where our hearts belong. We had a trip planned last summer, rescheduled to this summer that likely will also not happen. Anyone who knows us knows this is hard for us. It isn’t a matter of jumping on a plane or in the car and dashing off to our vacation, nor is it something that can be easily substituted. There may be other destinations on our bucket list, but nothing that we feel can compare to Newfoundland. So this is my love letter to Newfoundland. I love the province. I love the sights and the beautiful hiking trails. I love the restaurants and bars. I love the people. I love the way I feel when I am there. So we wait, and we will wait as long as it takes to be back to a place that, for us, feels like it holds our heart, that feels like home.

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life is better Evening paddle in Little Bay Islands Daniel Rumbolt, NL

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stuff we love by Nicola Ryan

Take a Seat INSTANT SUN SHELTER This RIO pop-up shelter gives protection from the sun wherever you need it and is roomy enough for two large beach chairs. Portable and compact, it features a light aluminum frame and includes stakes and sandbags to keep it from blowing away. It’s also recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation and provides UPF 50+ sun protection.

TRAVEL HIGH CHAIR Inglesina’s Fast Table Chair is an excellent alternative to bulky high chairs for babies on the go. Compact, easy to use and washable, this lightweight chair fastens to any table using twist-couplings. It features a high backrest, a comfortable padded seat and an integrated carrying bag.

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BYO SEAT Don’t let the small size of this 2 lb ALPS Mountaineering stool deceive you. Its powder-coated steel frame, durable polyester seat and reinforced centre support system can hold up to 250 lbs. It plants firmly on any terrain, including slanted rocks and forest floors, so it’s ideal for fishers, hunters, wildlife photographers, or anyone who needs to sit a while.

NYLON HAMMOCK Ticket to the Moon hammocks use ultralight parachute nylon for unbeatable comfort and strength. This fabric is flexible, breathable, anti-mildew and hypoallergenic. All hammocks are customizable online – choose from over 25 colours that can be mixed and matched to create the perfect design – or pick one up at Hempware in St. John’s, NL.

EASY RIDING Essential for long car rides, the Everlasting Comfort Wedge Car Cushion is popular and affordable. The high-density memory foam supports your tailbone and seat, and the wedge design eliminates pressure points and minimizes thigh and leg pain. “Road trip!”

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Made in the Shade

Attractive ways to keep cool at home and at the cabin BY MARIE BISHOP

Finally, a project we’ve been waiting for: how to create a shady oasis from the hot summer sun!

It’s a challenge most of us relish and look forward to with great anticipation. When the temperatures climb and the clouds drift apart, that beautiful yellow orb brings a welcome warmth to our surroundings. It’s like having your batteries charged or your solar panels topped up – you feel rejuvenated. Soon enough, you’ll be 86

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wondering how to create some shade in your outdoor space, where you can sit and enjoy your surroundings without melting into a puddle. The shade you create can be as simple as a wide-brimmed hat or as complicated as an elaborate pergola or tea house. In order to determine which option works best for you, make yourself a project checklist where your answers help you form the solution. Will this space be permanent or temporary, stationary or mobile? Should it offer shelter from the wind as well as shade from the sun? Will this be a DIY project or are you hiring a contractor? Do you have a budget in mind or is this part of the annual

gardening allowance? These are just a few of the questions you may want to consider before you dive in. The most popular and probably least expensive option is a PATIO UMBRELLA. If you plan to move it around with you – because you do a lot of camping, for example – you will want one that is fairly portable, one that collapses and sets up easily and has a carrying case. If you plan to plant it in your outdoor dining space at home or at the cabin, then it’s worth the investment to get one with a heavy base and very wide span. Make sure it has some sort of tether while open to keep it from swinging around in our balmy breezes.

AN ATTACHED AWNING

is a great permanent solution, especially for a patio on the sunny side of the house or cabin that has no other shelter or shade. It can be rolled back into its cassette for winter and unrolled as needed in summer. There are multiple options for sizes, fabrics and colours. You may be able to find a local supplier or a retailer who can order one in for you. Of course, many options are available online throughout Canada and the US. This is a great idea for the deck or patio that is attached to the building. But if your special place is down in the garden, you’ll need to explore other possibilities.

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If you are lucky enough to have tall leafy trees that can accommodate a sitting area beneath the branches, then look no further. Nature has done all the hard work for you. All you need to do is assemble a few comfy cushioned chairs and a small table, then grab a good book and a refreshing drink, and relax. How about a dining tent? It’s a fairly simple solution which can serve as a play area for younger kids, as an eating area, as well as a shady place just to relax and enjoy the view.

A PERGOLA is a lovely addition to any garden. It’s a structure similar to an arbour with the addition of an open or closed roof. It can be a delightful architectural garden feature, created to support climbing plants and offer summer shade with comfy seating.

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Budget permitting, you could go one step further and construct a GAZEBO OR TEA HOUSE. Simple or elaborate, this outbuilding can be used year round to offer shade, shelter and an oasis for viewing the garden, the sunrise or sunset, or relaxing any time of day. Whichever option works for you, I sincerely hope you have many hours to sit in the shade and enjoy a wonderful, sun-filled summer.

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the everyday gourmet

Thai this

Lobster 90

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the everyday gourmet By Andrea Maunder

Andrea Maunder is the owner and creative force behind Saucy & Sweet – Homemade Specialty Foods & Catering.

r www.downhomelife.com

It’s such a treat when local lobster season is open. Most years, it closes by the end of June, so around this time, I am thinking of another feed or two. Owing to our colder waters, the meat of Newfoundland lobster is extra sweet and, for most people, pretty rich. I find myself craving a little balance in the form of acidity, herby freshness or spicy heat. I am conflicted about presentation. I love the ease of a juicy lobster sandwich or creamy bisque, but I never fail to be impressed by the plated presentation of a lobster in the shell – the spectacular crimson colour and joy of seeking out the most succulent bits up in the body. Either way, you don’t have to call me twice to the table. Thai and Vietnamese cooks have been combining citrus juice, herbs and chilies with seafood for generations. One of my most poignant food memories is being surprised by the full taste bud activation of lime juice, mint leaves and red chilies in a chilled squid salad – my first Thai food experience decades ago in Los Angeles. I had never thought of eating squid in that way and it was a revelation. While we remain at home dreaming of exotic locations, here’s a recipe that takes Newfoundland lobster on a Southeast Asian holiday. First, let’s talk about overcooked lobster, a crime committed too often. Once lobster is removed from the steam or boiling water, its shell is essentially a warming oven, so the residual heat can take lobster from succulent and sweet to chewy and dry surprisingly quickly. And you really don’t need to submerge them completely in boiling water: three or four inches of well-salted water in the bottom of a good-sized pot with a tight-fitting lid is enough. If you have different sized lobsters, start with the largest at the bottom and add the smallest on top. (In a

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steamer pot, the lobster will all be above the water line, but follow the largest to smallest rule.) Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the lobster to the pot and clamping on the lid. Start timing when the water returns to the boil. A 1 lb lobster needs no more than 6-7 minutes; add 3 minutes per subsequent pound. In Newfoundland, the majority of marketed lobsters are 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds; cook those for 7-8 minutes. My favourite bit, the tamale (liver) up in the body is black when raw and turns green when cooked. The meat will be barely opaque, and have a nearly opalascent shimmer. That’s cooked enough. Remove from the pot and set aside to be cool enough to handle. If using in a sandwich or salad, place lobster in the

fridge or an ice-water bath to cool down quickly. It will also cool faster if you break it apart. Most of the ingredients for this dish can be found readily, though I’ve included a couple of authentic ingredients that would be wonderful to use if you have access to them. In this province, we seldom see fresh lemon grass. An excellent substitute can be found in tubes of herb purées. Earth Garden brand makes lemongrass purée that is excellent. Fish sauce (a salty seasoning made from fermented fish) is a traditional ingredient, but unless you cook a lot of Thai or Vietnamese food, it might languish in your pantry. For this recipe, I’ve included light soy or tamari. If you have fish sauce, substitute 1 teaspoon.

Thai-inspired Lobster Salad 2 (1 1/4 lb) lobsters 4 oz dry rice noodles, ideally medium-thick (soaked to rehydrate according to package and drained) 2 green onions, sliced thinly on the bias (diagonally)

Zest and juice of two limes. Additional lime, quartered, for garnish 4 tbsp rice vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar will do)

1 (3" long) cucumber, chopped julienne (thin matchsticks)

2 tsp light soy or tamari sauce (light in colour and texture; if you only have regular, use less)

3-4 radishes, finely julienned

1-3 tsp sugar, to taste

1/2 cup snow peas, julienned

1 tsp fresh ginger

1/2 of a carrot, julienned

1 small clove garlic

1/4 of a red pepper, julienned

1 tsp lemongrass purée (or 1/2 tsp lemon zest)

2 tbsp each fresh herbs – mint, basil and cilantro, coarsely chopped (reserve 2 sprigs of mint for garnish) 2-3 fresh Thai red bird chilies, sliced thinly on the bias (optional, or use jalapeños) 92

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1 tbsp vegetable oil 2 cups salad greens Toasted peanuts, toasted coconut, crispy onions (optional)

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Cook lobsters as directed above, cool and remove meat from the shell, trying your best to keep the claw meat intact. (Make stock now or refrigerate/freeze bodies and shells to make later.) Remove the “vein” from the tail, then chop the tail and knuckle meat into large bites. In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice and zest, rice vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, and soy/tamari until sugar is dissolved. Finely grate in the ginger and garlic. Add lemongrass and whisk again. Taste and add sugar if too sharp. Add soy or salt if needed. Remove 1 1/2 tbsp of this to a small bowl and whisk in 1 tbsp of vegetable oil. This will form the dressing for the salad greens. Place the lobster tail shells on individual plates. Place the salad greens at the joint part of the tail. Drizzle greens with dressing. Add noodles to the lime-vinegar mixture and toss to coat. Remove them, draining off excess liquid, and place half in each shell. Reserving the claw meat, toss the chopped lobster, vegetables and herbs in the lime-vinegar mixture. With tongs, allowing excess liquid to drain, place vegetable mixture on top of the noodles. Swish the claws through the lime-vinegar mixture and artfully place on top. Garnish with a sprig of mint, wedge of lime, and your choice of peanuts, toasted coconut and crispy onions. A glass of well-chilled dry rosé, sparkling wine or crisp, light beer will complete the luxurious tropical vacation vibe. Serves two generously as main course

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Lobster Stock Don’t waste the lobster shells! Use them to make this stock that you can freeze for use in future seafood chowders, bisques, sauces and soups. To make stock:

1 tbsp vegetable oil 1 bay leaf 1 sprig thyme 1 tsp black peppercorns Handful of leafy bits from a celery heart Handful of carrot peelings 1 green onion (or quarter of a small yellow onion, skin on) 1 lg clove garlic, smashed 1 tsp fennel seeds Set a 3-quart pot on a burner set to high heat. Add all the ingredients, plus the lobster bodies and shells. Use a wooden spoon to smash the shells. Let sear a couple of minutes, then add water until it is a couple of inches above the shells. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Turn off heat, let stock cool, then strain it and store in the freezer.

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everyday recipes

Flipping Over Burgers! Hoping to be declared the burger king or queen at the next backyard BBQ? These burgers will have your guests flipping over your skills.

Beef Burger with Focaccia Bun 1 lb ground beef 1/2 tsp cumin 1/2 tsp ancho chili powder 1 tbsp Montreal steak spice 2 eggs 1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 cup fine bread crumbs Focaccia bread, cut in half to make buns Mayonnaise Tomato Lettuce

In a bowl, combine ground beef, spices and bread crumbs. Mix together thoroughly and form into either two or four patties (depending on how large you like them). Fry burger patties until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Keep patties warm while toasting buns. Spread both sides of toasted buns with mayonnaise. Add burger patty and top with tomato and lettuce. Serve immediately. Yield: 2-4 burgers

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Sweet Potato & Black Bean Burger with Lettuce “Bun” 4 cups cooked sweet potato, mashed 1 can black beans, drained 1 tbsp smoked paprika 1 tsp onion powder 1 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp cumin 1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tsp kosher salt 1 1/2 cups cornmeal 1 1/2 tsp flax meal 2 tbsp water Olive oil for frying Large lettuce leaves (any lettuce will do, Boston Bibb is a nice one)

Mix together flax meal and water in a small dish and set aside. Mash black beans roughly and add to sweet potato. Add all spices and cornmeal to sweet potato mixture and thoroughly mix together. Add flax and water mixture and thoroughly combine. Allow mixture to sit at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes to firm up. Form mixture into 16-20 burger patties. Fry patties in a small amount of olive oil, in a heavy-bottomed frying pan, over medium-high heat until deep golden brown and somewhat crispy. Wrap each burger in 1-2 lettuce leaves. Yield: 16-20 burgers

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Pork Schnitzel Burger with Pumpernickel Bun 4 boneless pork chops, pounded to 1/4" thick 1 cup flour 1 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp celery salt 1 tsp smoked paprika 1/2 tsp pepper

1/4 tsp salt 3 eggs 1/4 cup milk 1 cup panko bread crumbs 8 slices pumpernickel bread Spicy mayonnaise Canola oil

Pat pork chops dry with a paper towel on both sides. In a bowl, sift together flour and all spices. In a second bowl, whisk together eggs and milk thoroughly. In a third bowl, place the bread crumbs. Take each pork chop and dredge it in the flour mixture, and shake off excess. Dip it in the egg wash, and let excess drip off. Coat it in bread crumbs, then repeat the egg wash and bread crumbs steps once more. Deep fry each pork chop (schnitzel) in oil set to 350°F until deep golden brown. Spread mayonnaise on pumpernickel bread slices. Place each schnitzel between slices of pumpernickel and serve immediately. Yield: 4 servings

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Sweet & Spicy Chicken Burger with Waffle Bun 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless 4 Belgian waffles, lightly toasted Lettuce

1 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp smoked paprika 1/2 tsp black pepper 1 tsp kosher salt

Dredge

2 eggs 1/2 cup milk 6 shakes Tabasco sauce 1/3 cup pure maple syrup

1 cup flour 1/2 cup cornmeal 1 tsp chili flakes 1 tsp onion powder

Egg wash

Dressing 1/3 cup mayonnaise 1 tbsp white sugar 2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar 1/2 tsp dry mustard pinch of cayenne pepper

Sift all dredge ingredients together in a bowl and set aside. Whisk all egg wash ingredients together thoroughly in a separate bowl and set aside. Dredge the chicken breast in the flour mixture, shake off excess. Dip the chicken breast in the egg wash and let the excess drip off. Repeat this process two more times, and then end with a fourth dredge in the flour mixture. Deep fry the chicken breast in 350°F oil until golden brown. Remove chicken from the oil and place on a rack in a baking dish. Finish cooking the chicken in the oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. For the dressing Whisk all ingredients together thoroughly and adjust the sweetness/acidity to your preference by adding more sugar or vinegar. Assembly Place a chicken breast on one waffle, drizzle with dressing, add lettuce, and top with a second waffle. Serve immediately. Yield: 2 servings

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Vegan “Pulled Pork” Burger with Sourdough Bun 1 can jackfruit, young, packed in brine 1 cup onion, sliced thinly 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce (your favourite kind) 4 sourdough buns 2 cups green cabbage, shredded 3/4 cup carrot, grated

Coleslaw Dressing 1 cup vegan mayonnaise 1/4 cup white vinegar 2 tbsp white sugar 1/4 tsp celery seed 1/4 tsp kosher salt 1/4 tsp black pepper

Mix all dressing ingredients together in a large bowl. Add cabbage and carrot. Mix well to make a coleslaw and refrigerate until ready to use. Drain and roughly chop jackfruit. Heat oil in a large, heavybottomed pan over medium-high heat; sauté onions until caramelized. Add jackfruit and toss to combine with onions. Reduce heat to low-medium, and once the jackfruit has been heated through, add BBQ sauce. Gently simmer this mixture on low heat, occasionally mashing and breaking apart the jackfruit to create a more shredded look. Once the sauce has reduced by about half, and the fruit has been shredded sufficiently to resemble pulled pork, remove from heat. Divide the mixture between the four buns, top with coleslaw and serve immediately. Yield: 4 servings

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Pork Burger with Brioche Bun 2-4 brioche buns Butter, softened for spreading on buns

Apricot Chutney

1 lb pork, ground 2 eggs 1/2 cup fine breadcrumbs 1 1/2 tsp garam masala 1/2 tsp chili flakes 1 tsp kosher salt 1/4 tsp black pepper

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup shallots, small dice 1 cup dried apricots, diced 1 1/2 tsp fresh garlic, minced 1/2 tsp fresh ginger, grated 1/2 tsp chili flakes 1/4 tsp black pepper 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp celery salt 1/4 tsp smoked paprika 2 tbsp white sugar 5 tbsp white wine vinegar 1/4 cup water

For the chutney Heat oil in

For the burgers Mix all ingredi-

heavy-bottomed frying pan over medium heat. Add shallots and lightly sauté until translucent. Add apricots, garlic and ginger; sauté lightly for an additional minute. Add remaining spices and sugar, and continue to cook until sugar begins to caramelize and sizzle. Add vinegar and swirl pan to deglaze. Add water and gently simmer over low heat until the chutney has the consistency of chunky jam (10-15 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

ents together thoroughly, and divide into 2 or 4 patties. Fry in a small amount of oil until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Assembly Very lightly butter the buns, and press them buttered side down into a hot, dry frying pan to create a light crust. Lay a burger patty on each bun and top with apricot chutney. Serve immediately Yield: 2 – 4 servings

Burgers

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It’s easy to understand why a province as colourful as Newfoundland and Labrador is home to so many artists. There’s inspiration everywhere you turn. For local artist Jon White, it was a family trip to Twillingate in the summer of 2018 that inspired him to get creative. After an outing to a nearby beach resulted in a small haul of colourful sea glass, he had the idea to turn those natural materials into pieces of art, which ultimately led to his new business, The White’s Emporium.

All photos courtesy White’s Emporium

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Originally from Newtown, also on Newfoundland’s northeast coast, Jon is a nurse by profession and spent most of his career nursing offshore. That changed when he began running the Emporium full time in September 2020. His shop is online, operating from The White’s Emporium Facebook page. He specializes in carved driftwood art often surrounding Newfoundland themes, but if a customer has a specific idea in their mind, he will create it in his home-based workshop in Twillingate. “I probably have one of the best views when I step outside,” says Jon, whose house overlooks the harbour. “It’s not hard to get inspiration when you live around here.” Jon says before the COVID-19 pandemic, Twillingate was frequented by tourists and had a certain liveliness that he found attractive. After visiting his sister, who’d moved there in 2015 to teach, he knew it was the perfect rural town for him and his wife and their three small children to call home. The Emporium became a way for Jon to feed his creative desires while supporting his family. “All my interests kind of marry into one thing, which is the Emporium,” says Jon, explaining that he makes and sells more than just driftwood art. He also works with sea glass and 102

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textiles, and he’s been working on his power carving skills. Jon says that having a creative outlet was something he was craving. As someone who grew up in a construction family, the hands-on aspect was

Jon White peeks from behind one of his driftwood whale pieces. an important part of that. He says he’s very fortunate to be in his current position. “I don’t consider this work, it’s like doing a hobby for a living. There is no bad part about coming to work out here. You’re using your hands, 1-888-588-6353

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being creative – I couldn’t be happier,” says Jon. He regularly makes some happy customers, too. Kelly Hynes reached out to Jon about creating a very personal, sentimental piece in honour of her father, who passed away in December 2019. Kelly is originally from Shoal Harbour and says her dad’s favourite place to be was by the water. “My dad loved the water. Everything about him was about the water. He had a boat, he had a cabin that was on the water, he fished all the time – he just always loved the water,” she says. Kelly worked with Jon for about a month on the details for this specially commissioned artwork. She says Jon captured everything she envisioned and more. The piece Jon made for her is of the shoreline where her father’s ashes www.downhomelife.com

were spread (see above photo). In the foreground of the scene is a white dory. The boat’s reflection on the water, in Kelly’s eyes, looks like a piece of heaven shining through. “When Dad died, written in his will actually – and he always said it – ‘if you ever want to feel close to me, go to the water,’” says Kelly, holding back her tears. “It’s my personal commemorative piece as a reminder of him.” Jon says he always tries to work very closely with his customers and that being able to create pieces that hold memories for clients is the most gratifying part of the job. He often thinks about his work carrying on through the years. “That, to me, is gratifying: that your work is putting a positive impact on people’s lives and helping them remember certain people or places,” he says, “something that can be carried on for years to come.” June 2021

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HOME and Cabin

down to earth

Homegrown Herbs by Kim Thistle

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Growing herbs at home has really caught on in recent years. Since “The Covid,” there seems to be an explosion of new and adventurous chefs and gardeners who are headed down the Martha Stewart highway to flavour diversity. At one time, customers came to The Greenhouse looking for summer savoury and parsley. Now they come inquiring about lemon balm and cilantro. YES!!! Herbs are no longer the things you dry and store in your cupboard, or the green stuff that you push to the side of your plate. They are being recognized for the taste explosion they are. There are numerous annual, biennial and perennial herbs that we can grow here on the Rock. First of all, let’s touch briefly on the meaning of those three words.

Annual A plant that grows through one season and then dies, never to be heard from again. Sometimes these plants drop seed after they flower and may sprout back again the following season, but you must have the correct conditions for this to happen. Biennial A plant that takes two years to complete its biological cycle. It grows the stems, leaves and roots in year one and flowers the second year. The flowers turn to seed, drop where they are in the garden or are carried by wind, birds or animals to grow in an unexpected place. Those of you who are backcountry hikers have probably wondered “How did that foxglove end up here in the middle of nowhere?” Now you know. A plant that reliably regrows in one spot every year. This type of plant regrows from the original root.

Perennial

Now that we have that straightened out, let’s talk growing with some of my favourites. www.downhomelife.com

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Summer Savoury An annual herb that is easily grown from seed. You may start these indoors in early to mid-May, or seed them directly into your garden. Although the flowers are edible, you should harvest them before this stage for the most intense flavour. Savoury may be eaten fresh or can be dried and used all year. It is an easy peasy herb to grow.

Basil This annual herb seems to be the popular kid on the block. It loves heat, so I grow mine in a pot on my deck so that once the nights turn cold, I can easily bring it inside. It is fairly easy to grow from seed, but you can also purchase starter plants at your local garden centre to give you a jump on things. This herb is a heavy feeder, so be sure to fertilize it; organic fertilizers will enhance the taste of any edible plant. As soon as you see signs of flowers beginning to form, pinch them off. Your plant is trying to go to seed so it can reproduce and die. You can trick it for a while, but eventually, the leaves will become smaller and tougher and it will continue to try to flower to complete its life cycle. Time to buy a new one. 106

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Cilantro This interesting annual produces the herb (cilantro) as well as the spice (coriander). Cilantro likes cool conditions and soil that is high in organic matter. It is best planted from seed early in the season; once the hot days of summer hit, the plant will “bolt.” This means that the treasured leaves will become lacy and have a soapy taste. A flower head will then form and the flowers will turn to seed. These seeds may be eaten green (when the flavour is most intense), or harvested when they are brown and dry to be stored and used as coriander. The root is also edible; it’s used in making Thai curry pastes as well as cut up for use in stir fry. I like to plant a few cilantro seeds in the garden, wait 10 days and plant a few more and repeat. This way I have a constant supply all summer. 1-888-588-6353

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Parsley Chervil This is one of the four traditional French fine herbs. It’s related to parsley and has a very mild licorice flavour. It is, from my viewpoint, underutilized. This fast-growing annual is easily grown from seed in a cool, moist area of your garden. It will bolt quickly if grown in a hot spot. Seed it early in the spring, as you would cilantro, and again in late summer for a fall harvest. The delicate flavour of this herb is delicious in green or fruit salads.

Thyme There are many types of thyme, but my favourites are French cooking thyme and lemon thyme. Both are woody perennials that will tolerate extremely cold temperatures. It can be grown from seed, rooted cuttings or plants, and it likes a hot, sunny location. Prune it after flowering to keep it from getting woody. Both lemon and French thyme are delicious chopped up and mashed into butter and spread on meat, fish or bread fresh from the oven. www.downhomelife.com

Parsley is slow to germinate and takes a long time to grow from seed, so purchasing plants will give you a head start. Parsley attracts several species of wildlife and is a host to the larvae of swallowtail butterflies. It also attracts bees and other nectarfeeding insects, so planting amongst your vegetables will help pollination. Parsley will hold onto its crisp green leaves throughout the winter and you can dig the snow off to harvest all winter long.

Customers often tell me that they would love to have an herb garden but they don’t have space. Herbs will fit into existing gardens and can even be grown in pots on your front step. A few rosemary plants amongst your flowers in your hanging basket or the beautiful grey/green leaf of sage in your perennial garden will complement the beauty of your flowers as well as provide a delightful fragrance. Even if you are not an adventurous cook and do not plan to use these plants for food, they are a must for attracting beneficial insects and providing food for pollinators. Kim Thistle owns a garden centre and landscaping business on the west coast of the island. She has also been a recurring guest gardener on CBC’s “Crosstalk” for almost three decades. June 2021

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reminiscing flashbacks

School Days The submitter thinks this postcard might show a class at the old school in Glenburnie, Bonne Bay, NL in the 1950s. Do you recognize anyone in this photo? Let us know – see page 9 for the best ways to reach us. Clyde Reid Corner Brook, NL

Stephenville Sisters Patsy, Joan and Mary Bourgeois of Stephenville, NL, pose together in the late 1940s or early ’50s. JC Williams Washington, USA 108

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Teacher’s Pets This 1936 photo shows students at the old Poplar Road School in Deer Lake, NL. Susan Herdman Lincolnton, GA, USA

This Month in History You can hear the excitement in the voice of CBC host Bill Herbert on a sunny June 18, 1959, over the imminent arrival of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, at the RCAF station in Torbay, NL. The first event of the royal couple’s first official tour of Canada was carried live on television thanks to a newly completed “microwave network.” It was the first live telecast made from the province, and the cameras were rolling as the Queen and Prince Philip were received by Governor General Vincent Massey and Prime Minister John Diefenbaker. It was a momentous event. Jubilant crowds and curious onlookers lined the parade routes in St. John’s, Gander, Deer Lake and Corner Brook hoping to catch a glimpse of the royals’ limousine. A special excursion train carried sightseers and picnickers to see the royal couple depart from Ernest Harmon Air Force Base in Stephenville the next day. The Queen and Prince Philip would go on to travel more than 24,000 km, visiting every province and territory in Canada, and open the St. Lawrence Seaway. 1-888-588-6353

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reminiscing

The author’s father, Sydney, in his school days.

A father’s diary tells a different side to the man his daughter knew By Elizabeth (Bradbrook) Batstone 110

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It had never occurred to me when I was growing up to wonder if Dad had been a dedicated student. He had graduated from Queen’s College, proudly wore the college hood on official occasions, and was an ordained priest of the church, so I had just assumed that he had been a serious student, one with his nose in the books most of the time. But his diaries tell a different story. Turns out he was just like any other student in his early 20s – full of fun, involved in sports and eager to have an active social life with his friends. Even so, it seems that if ever there were an embodiment of the term “recalcitrant student,” Sydney Bradbrook was it. His fervor to become an ordained minister, strong though it was, apparently did not spill over into his day-to-day study habits once he got to Newfoundland from England and settled into Queen’s College on Forest Road in St. John’s. To be fair, he did go to all the classes and lectures, and he was almost always present at the numerous daily services held in the chapel. He also seemed to be faithful to his own times of private prayer – though much of that private prayer appears to have been in the form of imploring God to help him pass his exams. He wrote in his diary on January 30, 1936: “I find it hard to settle down to study. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. I must not trust entirely in my own powers but will trust in God to help me.” Considering the fact that it took him five years to graduate from a 1-888-588-6353

four-year program, I think it’s fair to assume that God decided it was in the best interest of Sydney’s personal and spiritual growth to withhold divine intervention and let him sink or swim on his own. And for a while he most certainly did sink, at least academically. March 30, 1936

“Really can’t believe that the exams start tomorrow. Nevertheless they do. Glanced through some points on Doctrine.” Thursday, April 2

“New Testament paper. Didn’t do very well. Went downtown and did some shopping.” Today we would call that retail therapy! It’s important to point out that Dad was not lacking in intelligence. Far from it. He was a voracious reader, but apparently, textbooks had little to offer his creative mind and active June 2021

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Queen’s College graduating class of 1936 imagination. He was also an eloquent writer and a deep thinker, capable of producing cogent arguments on all sides of any topic that might be up for debate. As leader of the Queen’s debating team he excelled in this cutthroat intellectual activity, regardless of which side of the topic he was called upon to argue. But the world, both inside and outside the walls of the college, offered an abundance of exciting and interesting things to lure him away from the tedious humdrum of academia. The list of other things that occupied his time is breathtaking in scope. Top on that list was the movies. St. John’s in the 1930s and ’40s boasted three large cinemas: The Capitol, The Nickel and The Star. These theatres showed all the latest Hollywood offerings, and it was a rare film that came to the city that Dad did not go to see. He was off to The Capitol on 112

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May 25, 1936, for an afternoon matinee, for example, to see Strike Me Pink. He recorded later: “…first time I’ve seen Eddie Cantor. He seems all right, but the picture was not very good.” And then on the 28th he went to see The Bishop Misbehaves, for which he gave this review: “It was a very enjoyable film, telling what happened to a delightful Bishop who had a craze for detective yarns.” If there was a double feature available, and there often was, he’d see them both. Dad’s love of the movies never waned, and that love seeped into our lives as we grew up. All three of us girls developed that same “addiction” to the movies, not only to seeing them, but also to analyzing and talking endlessly about them. The Saturday night movie was always the favourite topic at the Sunday dinner table in our house. One thing that did come as a 1-888-588-6353

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complete surprise to me from reading Dad’s diaries was the extent to which he had been involved in sports during his college years. The father I knew from my childhood had zero interest in sports, other than hiking and wilderness expeditions. But while at Queen’s he records that he acquired skates, cross-country skis and snowshoes for winter sports. He learned to play hockey and even helped build a makeshift rink on the college grounds. He went regularly to hockey games, and when he wasn’t able to go in person, he listened to the play-by-play on the radio.

He also spent increasing amounts of time with his ever-growing cadre of friends around the city. Gladys Grant and Stella Anderson were two of his favourites. Neither one was a romantic interest; they just loved spending time together. He’d go over to the Grants’ on Hamilton Avenue

January 14

“Jack and I went out skiing over on the golf course. Conditions were very good and we had some great fun.” January 21: “We played our

first game of hockey this afternoon. Later went downtown.” January 23:

“Went downtown and bought new skis.” February 14:

“Listened in to the hockey match. The Canadiens, having recovered their land legs (they came here on the SS Belle Isle), they put up a much better game and won 96. It was an exciting game.” Once the winter was over he switched to football, the game we call soccer. The American version of football was what he knew as rugby. He even enjoyed a round of golf from time to time. 1-888-588-6353

Gladys Grant and Stella Anderson were among Sydney’s closest friends while he was studying in St. John’s. for supper, and that would be followed by an evening of cards, sometimes Auction or 45s, but mostly Bridge. Then he’d be so late leaving to walk back to the college that the doors would be locked when he got there. This happened so frequently that he eventually decided to ensure that the Common Room window was unlocked and left slightly ajar before he went out. In that way, he could June 2021

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climb in undetected when he got back without having to rouse anyone to let him in. Honestly, Dad. You climbed in through the Common Room window “as usual”? Even now the idea of this makes me laugh out loud! Dad was present at the many historic events unfolding during that era in St. John’s history, and he vividly described each one. He was at the Colonial Building, for example, at the time of the April 5, 1932, riot against Newfoundland Prime Minister Sir Richard Squires. He called it “an exciting but dangerous situation.” Four years later, on January 22, 1936, he was there when Governor Walwyn read the proclamation to the gathered crowd that Edward VIII had ascended to the throne of England. “At noon, the Governor, looking a splendid figure in his naval uniform, came out on the steps of The House with his wife and a party of other eminent people and read the proclamation. It was an historic occasion I shall long remember.” Regardless of what was happening around the city, he wanted to be part of it. Having read in his diaries about his many extracurricular activities while in college, and all the antics he got up to, I came to understand something important about him. Along with maintaining a deep spiritual life, he truly believed that having fun, being active and developing lasting friendships were essential parts of being a wellbalanced person. One of his favourite sayings was: “All work and no play makes Jack a dull 114

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boy.” I have always been thankful that he taught me that! In the end, despite all the distractions, Dad passed all the required exams and graduated with distinction. He was ordained deacon on January 31, 1937, and served the first part of his diaconate at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in St. John’s. On September 1, he moved to the parish of Lamaline. Later that year, November 28, he was ordained to the priesthood. Thus he began his life work, faithfully serving the people of outport Newfoundland until his retirement in 1979.

Sydney was ordained a deacon in 1937 and served the first part of that role in St. John’s.

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life is better Fogo Island boardwalk Kayleigh Batten, Corner Brook, NL

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reminiscing

Little Girls, Big Dreams Growing up in Little Bay Islands in the late 1940s and early ’50s By Carolyn Strong

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The end of the school year

in June heralded the beginning of summer. Our cousins, Margo and John, would soon be arriving from Twillingate to spend the summer with us again. We couldn’t wait! I was the oldest of our family of four children, and now we would be six.

John was my age, but being a boy, he fit in with my younger brother Bill and his friends. They spent time on the wharf, out in punts, stabbing flat-fish, doing boys’ stuff. Margo was three years younger than me. She played dolls mostly with my younger sister, Barbara. I was never into dolls that much, but I did spend a lot of time sewing dolls’ clothes on my grandmother’s treadle

All photos courtesy Carolyn Strong

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The author and her siblings (right) looked forward to being reunited with their cousin Margo (below) every summer.

sewing machine. Margo and I bonded on a different level. We spent hours each summer planning the rest of our lives. We were going to find two brothers to marry. We knew how many children we would have, we had chosen their names, but we also had chosen a career – nursing most likely, in case our husbands were ill and we had to work. We might be poor, we said, in which case we would save money by making dresses for our little girls using sugar sacks, with embroidery added on their front yokes. The sugar sack cotton was much softer than flour sacks, which could be used for other things. We had already started 118

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our hope chests, using these readily available cottons for pillow slips and dresser cloths. We would make floor mats from brin bags. And there was this new magical liquid wax on the market, Glo-Coat, which was perfect for linoleum and didn’t need polishing after it was applied. I remember 10year-old Margo saying, “We might be poor, but we would be clean.” We knew how many children we’d have because there was this fortunetelling tradition whereby you suspended a threaded needle over the underside of your wrist. The needle would swing one way to indicate a boy, and then stop. Then it would swing the other way for a girl, and stop. It would indicate the order of their arrivals. Boy, boy, girl, boy, and so on, in a specific order, until the needle stopped swinging. After marrying the two brothers, 1-888-588-6353

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we would have twin houses, connected by a bridge from her back door to my back door. Front doors were mostly for decoration. Over the years we spent a lot of time in the Blue Room of our house, playing the piano and singing. Roots Pleasant Hours was our music book, and we sang from the old Sankey hymn book – hymns like “Beyond the Sunset,” and “The Ninety and Nine”

important came, we would head straight to the Blue Room to the piano, and play and sing songs like “Star of the East,” “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” and “Harbour Lights.” The more important they looked, the louder we sang. Margo remembers, “Your father was taking this man out in boat, and we were sure he was [or very likely could be] a talent scout. We asked to

Margo remembers, “Your father was taking this man out in boat, and we were sure he was [or very likely could be] a talent scout. We asked to go along, and we sat on that boat and sang our hearts out.” about the little lamb who had gone astray from its flock. My dad often had visitors. Some were important business people who arrived by passenger boats from the Big Cities like St John’s and Corner Brook. Margo suggested they could be talent scouts. Each time someone

go along, and we sat on that boat and sang our hearts out. Probably couldn’t be heard over the engine. Maybe that’s why we never got the call. Certainly not for the lack of trying... or talent.” At other times in the Blue Room, we listened to performers on our

The author’s family visiting with relatives on Little Bay Islands 1-888-588-6353

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Little Bay Islands in the 1940s

gramophone, like the McNulty Family singing Irish songs. Sometimes we used our fingers to wind the records backwards to produce very funny tunes. I don’t think this lasted long once our parents got wind of it. We probably eventually wrecked the gramophone and the records. But who knows, we thought: one day the offspring of the McNulty Family, somewhere out there in the Great Big World, might be spinning our records backwards with their own fingers. Life magazine arrived on a regular basis in our house. In it, I read about this child actress, Margaret O’Brien, who was a year older than me. As I knew all about her life in Hollywood, I thought she might like to know about mine in Little Bay Islands. So I started writing letters to her. On the envelope I wrote: Miss Margaret O’Brien, Hollywood, USA. I would tell her about jigging fish, catching sly-conners, cutting out tongues, putting lobsters to sleep, jumping off the wharf, and other interesting tidbits in our lives, which I was sure they didn’t do in Hollywood. 120

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A few weeks later I received a letter with a photo of her enclosed. Here she was with her braids wrapped around her head, as I wore mine. Her typed “letter” appeared to be a form letter with no reference to mine at all. My mother said she probably didn’t even read my letters; it was most likely her secretary who sent these letters. “Oh no,” I said. “She forgot to put her letter inside the envelope.” So off went another letter to her, with the same results. After a while I just gave up. Another magazine we had, for children, was the US publication, Wee Wisdom. It had a whole section on pen pals. One day, when I was 9, I studied our globe and I thought it might be fun to have a pen pal on some other island, far, far away from Newfoundland. I chose New Zealand, and my pen pal would be Norma from the North Island. I remember in one of her early letters, she asked if we could get bubble gum in Little Bay Islands. She had read about bubble gum but it wasn’t available in New Zealand. I felt so 1-888-588-6353

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very privileged that we had bubble gum. We weren’t so backward after all, I thought. So off I went up to Uncle Rich Jones’s shop with 20 cents and bought 20 pieces of bubble gum. On the way home I opened the bag and chose one to chew, to make sure it was fresh and that it still made bubbles. It was, and it did. Back home, I found a small box for all the remaining pieces. I went to the post office and Aunt Phyl (the post mistress) told me I had to fill in this important and foreign customs form. I wrote “bubble gum” as its contents, and

– Hollywood, to be specific. Movie stardom beckoned. I had a camera, and in those days film had to be mailed to Toronto for processing. We had a bright idea: maybe someone in Toronto processing the film would see us as potential... he might know someone in Hollywood... and we would soon be on our way! We took glamour shots of each other in the garden, posing like Lana Turner and Rita Hayworth. In one of our early photos, in the background there were brother Ted, 4, and cousin Gerry Ann, 3, looking very puzzled. A very distracting background, we

We took glamour shots of each other in the garden, posing like Lana Turner and Rita Hayworth. then there was this space for writing in the value. What would I do? I wanted to write “20 cents,” as that would look better that “19 cents.” But what if someone somewhere checked its contents, counted the pieces of gum and found only 19. Would I end up in jail? Pay a fine? Have to leave Little Bay Islands never to return? So I decided I would be honest and, being very embarrassed, I wrote “19 cents” in the little space. I gave her the money for postage and it arrived safely about a month later… all 19 pieces. I visited Norma once in New Zealand, and she came with me to Little Bay Islands twice! She says it still makes her laugh when she remembers our bubble-gum story. By our preteen and early teen years, Margo and I were becoming more interested in the outside world 1-888-588-6353

thought, so very early one morning, we got the ladder out and climbed onto the roof of our house. There we found nice lighting and the sky made a beautiful plain background. We knew how to bend a knee up and place our hand under our chin: perfect posing. We would make the grade. After this most recent photo session, we hurriedly mailed the film to Toronto, and patiently waited for our offer to arrive in the mail. No such luck. Just the printed photographs came back. And so our young lives continued in subsequent summers, each year exploring another idea on how to become famous, imagining our weddings and our nursing careers. What beautiful summers we shared in Little Bay Islands. What beautiful memories we made, all the while dreaming of what could be. June 2021

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OVER $20s in saving ! by joining

Now more than ever a Downhome membership is a great value. Not only do you save over $20 off the cover price, you receive: 1 Year (12 issues) OF DOWNHOME

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puzzles The Beaten Path

Joey Jenkins photo

By Ron Young

Block out all the letters that are like other letters in every way, including shape and size. The letters that are left over, when unscrambled, will spell out the name of the above community.

R M J

G V

A p

U M

S p

S M J J B T

G S

A E

m M

T D

L R

p S

L M

A L H S

M G m

Last Month’s Community: Deer Lake 124

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Sudoku

from websudoku.com

Skill level: Medium Last month’s answers

Need Help

Visit DownhomeLife.com/puzzles for step-by-step logic for solving this puzzle

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Nancy Molloy photo

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Downhomer Detective Needs You After more than two decades on the Urban City Police Force, Downhomer Detective has come home to rid Newfoundland and Labrador of a new threat – cunning thief Ragged Rick. A real braggart, the slimy criminal sends DD a blurry photo of his surroundings plus clues to his whereabouts just to prove he’s always a step ahead. DD needs your help to identify where in Newfoundland and Labrador Ragged Rick is hiding out this month.

Use these 5 clues to identify where Ragged Rick is now: • Europeans settled here in the 1700s • Central to the Tuxtun and Pollux story • Soccer Capital of Canada • Home of the province’s first fluorspar mine • Location of a wind farm

Last Month’s Answer: Conception Bay South

Picturesque Place NameS of Newfoundland and Labrador

by Mel D’Souza Last Month’s Answer: Tilting 126

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In Other Words Guess the well-known expression written here in other words.

Last Month’s Clue: Turn a protracted tale into a condensed one In Other Words: Make a long story short This Month’s Clue: Your estimation is as worthy as mine own In Other Words: _____ ______ __ __ ____ __ _____

A Way With Words ANGLE LENS

Last Month’s Answer: Wide angle lens

This Month’s Clue

OUT st JUNE 1 Answer: ___ ___ _ ____

Scrambled Sayings

Rhyme Time A rhyming word game by Ron Young

1. To spontaneously dip is to _____ on a _____ 2. To ride a dirt road is to ______ over ______ 3. A nicer restaurant is a _____ ______ Last Month’s Answers 1. cloth moth, 2. funny bunny, 3. ride the tide

by Ron Young

Place each of the letters in the rectangular box below into one of the white square boxes above them to discover a quotation. Incomplete words that begin on the right side of the diagram continue one line down on the left. The letters may or may not go in the box in the same order that they are in the column. Once a letter is used, cross it off and do not use it again.

G H E O O B D E C A P A F E E D H C A I I T I H R O E G H C E T E R H E E M E E L O T S T O J P O T T O T T H I R S L T V T U U R U T U Y V

E E O U

N N S S

Last month’s answer: When you smile, you don't only appear to be more likable and courteous, you appear to be more competent. www.downhomelife.com

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Rhymes 5 Times Each answer rhymes with the other four

1. gone 2. confusion 3. platter 4. wander 5. meditate

____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________

STUCK? Don’t get your knickers in a knot! Puzzle answers can be found online at DownhomeLife.com/puzzles

Last Month’s Answers: 1. elect, 2. deflect, 3. reflect, 4. select, 5. expect

Tangled Towns by Lolene Young Condon and Ron Young

Sound out the groups of words below to get a familiar expression.

For best results sound the clue words out loud!

Shim Hairy Dent Whom Honey ___ _______ ____ _____ Thy Felt Hour ___ ______ _____ Last Month’s 1st Clue: Know Whiff Fans Herb Huts Answer: No ifs ands or buts Last Month’s 2nd Clue: Bee Foreign Halved Her Answer: Before and after

Unscramble each of the five groups of letters below to get 5 Newfoundland and Labrador place names.

1. GHELNIS ROBURAH STEA 2. YBA ED EUAL 3. RNADG EL ERPIRE 4. EQAJCUS OTIENANF 5. CREELVEERLINT Last Month’s Answers: 1. Taylor’s Bay, 2. Allan’s Island, 3. Lords Cove, 4. Lamaline, 5. Point au Gaul

A nalogical A nagrams Unscramble the capitalized words to get one word that matches the subtle clue. 1. TAUPE ARCH ~ Clue: it goes up when you go down 2. TASERS MESS ~ Clue: she’ll keep you in stitches 3. MAN BRUISE ~ Clue: it can sink and swim 4. GULF SOFTENERS ~ Clue: nothing comes to mind 5. PANEL TAXI ON ~ Clue: always makes excuses Last Month’s Answers: 1. addition, 2. cupboard, 3. guitarist, 4. dentures, 5. veterinarian 128

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Four-Way Crossword F o re Wo rd s • B a c k Wo rd s • U p Wo rd s • D o w n Wo rd s By Ron Young

Unlike regular crosswords, in Four-Way Crossword each letter is not necessarily related to the letter in the adjacent row or column, but is part of one or more words in some direction. 1-10: line of work 1-91: wipe out 3-5: mug 5-25: urinate 5-65: secret look 7-5: faucet 11-13: beg 11-14: bulge 16-19: lymph gland 17-19: poem 18-15: accomplished 18-48: challenge 21-25: rent 21-91: educated 24-27: chair 24-44: boy 29-27: cap 30-10: charged particle 32-35: stole 32-62: steal 35-5: hold on to 36-39: abrupt 39-19: that one 39-35: vehicle 40-35: hit 41-47: defile 43-13: wander 46-16: glance over 46-44: wickedness 46-48: her 47-77: crewmember 47-49: chicken 49-79: fascist 54-51: prod 60-58: vehicle 61-70: regroup 61-91: merit 63-67: wind instrument 64-62: fish eggs www.downhomelife.com

100

67-65: old horse 69-89: pimple 71-73: plus 73-43: wall opening 73-77: supped 77-75: lair 78-48: yearn 78-98: Edgar Allan 80-78: backtalk 80-100: allow 84-64: tree 84-87: brimming 89-86: fee for use 91-100: steep cliff 92-62: rational 92-95: blemish

93-73: food fish 95-65: spoke 96-46: begs 100-10: boob tube Last Month’s Answer

CA O L MU MS A T N I DN E R E R R E

R A G G E B O A O C

I CA DOT EMR A P O RAD OR E R I C C S U GOA ON S

T UR R E A A I N E L U HE R ADA HO P PMA T A L I D E

June 2021

E T A R E P U C E R

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The Bayman’s

Crossword Puzzle 1

by Ron Young

M 3

4 5 6

7 14

15 19

28 32

35 37

38 44

130

10 17

22 26

June 2021

39 45

M 48

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ACROSS 1. “I wish I’d never taken this excursion around the ___” 3. atmosphere 4. Northern Arm (abbrev) 5. not any (colloq) 6. “Long may your big ___ draw” 7. confidence 10. resorts 14. immediately 16. next to Davidsville (2 words) 19. unemployment insurance (abbrev) 20. serial number (abbrev) 21. foot digit 22. registered nurse (abbrev) 23. Tickle Cove Brook (abbrev) 25. “spook” agency 26. Outer Cove (abbrev) 29. a place in NL and OR 31. Logy Bay-Middle Cove- _____ _____ 35. metropolis 36. The __________ Soiree 38. “It’s for her own good that the ___ purrs” 39. in other words (abbrev) 40. “Buy a ___ broom in May and sweep your best friend away” 43. “What’s on the __?” 45. “___ of the mornin’ to ya” 47. Strait of Belle ____ 49. “Stay where you’re __ till I comes where you’re at” 50. the language of St. Pierre et Miquelon 51. “She searched Cape ____ and every place” DOWN 1. colour of pitch 2. next to Lark Harbour (2 words) 4. northernmost community in Labrador 5. New Jersey (abbrev) www.downhomelife.com

7. beside Happy Adventure 8. alongside Monroe (2 words) 9. “good day __ clothes” 10. “He’s __ thin he has to turn around twice to make a shadow” 11. the island where the Bounty mutineers died 12. apply oil 13. calm part of a river (colloq) 15. victory 17. Parson’s Pond (abbrev) 18. Corner _____ 24. boiled hard tack 27. pool stick 28. rhymes with neighbouring Brighton 30. Lance Cove (abbrev) 32. tender loving care (abbrev) 33. fill with joy 34. Crow Gulch (abbrev) 37. “salt” in St. Pierre 41. et cetera (abbrev) 42. sorrow 44. jack __ all trades 46. Pigeon Cove (abbrev) 48. emergency room (abbrev) A R N S E A H E R L U S N N O I N O F F N L D S T E A MA U G K U P L B U L

ANSWERS TO LAST MONTH’S CROSSWORD S H O R A A E P A R T T I N R R S I E O A T P E V A N C L B I R

E H R O R I D L M O S T A P U F E R N R D S

A R G O S

V E N E D O E D R D G I T E F I N I R A N E MO D E N

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Pick the right letters from the old style phone to match the numbers grouped below and uncover a quote which will bring a smile to your face.

’

__ 46

___ 668

_ _ __ 5 8 78 ___ 949

_____ __ 27484 64 _ __ _ __ _ 8 35 5 46 4

’

_____ 96873

’

__ 46

’

___ 968

_____ 97664

Last Month’s Answer: Yield to temptation. It may not pass your way again.

CRACK THE CODE t

Each symbol represents a letter of the alphabet, for instance =T Try to guess the smaller, more obvious words to come up with the letters for the longer ones. The code changes each month.

_ _

_ _ _ T _ _

b l 3 tY l

_ _ _

T _

m YY

_ _ _

_ _ T _

DZ tk

_ T _ _ _ _

Y t kl \ K _ T _ _ _

K t l\ 3 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

0 YX\ K

l Yh

Last Month’s Answer: Arriving at one goal is the starting point to another. 132

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Food For Thought

Each food symbol represents a letter of the alphabet. Find the meanings to the words then match the letters with the food symbols below to get a little “food for thought.”

bovine =

pain =

dead =

_ _

hoa

cow farms=

_ _ _ _

xKnm

movies =

_ _ _ _ _

_ _ _ _ _ _

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

[s b n b k Y

cutlery =

_ _ _ _ _

z b d iY

_ _ _

[khksYk[

_ _ _ _ _ _

_ _

b ]kY

_ _ _

i k i on b kY oz oKn

_ _ _ _ _

d b ]kY’

_ _

sv[ _

_ _

_ _ _

_ _

oz oKn aonVY

_ _ _

oKn

_ _ _ _ _ _ _

hov m b vKk

_ _ _ _ _

[kk[Y _ _

_ _ _ _

a b dd

_ _ _ _ _

b v o mxknY

Last Month’s Answer: You can go anywhere you want if you look serious and carry a clipboard. www.downhomelife.com

June 2021

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Different Strokes

Our artist’s pen made the two seemingly identical pictures below different in 12 places. See if you can find all 12.

ERN AND COAL BIN IN THE GARAGE

Last Month’s Answers: 1. Waterfall, 2. Fisherman’s shed, 3. Roof, 4. Streetlight, 5. Window, 6. Boat landing, 7. House missing, 8. Shoal, 9. Oar, 10. Ern’s hand, 11. Jacket, 12. Cuddy “Differences by the Dozen”- A compilation of Different Strokes from 2002 to 2014 (autographed by Mel) can be ordered by sending $9.95 (postage incl.; $13.98 for U.S. mailing) to Mel D’Souza, 21 Brentwood Dr., Brampton, ON, L6T 1P8.

134

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HIDE & SEEK NL ISLANDS

The words can be across, up, down, backward or at an angle, but always in a line.

BACCALIEU BELL BRUNETTE CARBONEAR CHANGE COD DILDO FOGO FUNK GRANBY GREEN GREY HAWKE HORSE KELLYS KILLINIQ LONG

F J W F N Z P T W B G L B B E J O F

N E E R G Z R L C R D Z I D M N L T

H X O E X H O R S E N I P R C E B E

F U W Q H N S F M F N H L M L M O Y

M U E H C A R B O N E A R D U E K D

RANDOM SPOTTED SQUARE TRUMP VENISON WADHAM

MERASHEEN NEWFOUNDLAND ODERIN PUFFIN QUIRPON RAMEA X B T M I C R O C H I P R E Y D P H

Last Month’s Answers

N L H B I P Y Y F F T G F Z O R I D

U E J J H R D U S F F I Y L M A T P

www.downhomelife.com

W D W J P D N H G I E K T F G S Q U

B R C F Y K I L L I N I Q O K H A F

T L Y Z O U D Y J W B F V G Q E S F

J X W D B U E W X J B K S O R E U I

B C X O G J N U M A H D A W R N T N

H T J W W Q I D S Z B D K M I A C S

R Y U B B A N D W I D T H E M E I K

V P S A Z Y B U B X K D I L M A F Y

V E N I S O N R L E S Q M V C S Q I

Z H V I A Z V C G C J K L X E T I J

S T A J U E N I L N O S V T D D W L

T V N I W B A C C A L I E U E U P S

D W H B R Y D T Z O G L R F O D X J

B O B Y S N O P C E U V I B M E P M

I O D G R M S A X N N F B G A U G Y

J G M L C O M P U T E R C D S N R X

V U D A B A H U T Y M Z E B T Q O S

N N Q Y E E I O R P Q D N R A Q N L

D R W E I Z Z F C B O L W T E M G T

S J J A A R D R M E I A E H U N O L

K J R E T N I U S A D A S Q N X R Q

I S V C B R H I N G A D L M R I A U

G R E Y E U L O E R H Z A I Q M L E

B K M D E S I B L E O B A M E N M F

H N A W Y Y I S B M L B T S H T M N

B Q S Y D Z L A P C E W R X L R C K

T I A U J X L T E Y N M I N T E I S

E L W A J A M S E I W M G S E R N E

V Z D Z D Q E S L E K P O P H O Z R

L R I A D M S B K B O P I Z P N G N

C E O U E A M X L Z D K D Z O E A F

A X M O O H B L A E O N M R E U T C

H P S N G H Q U T N E M H C A T T A

I Y L I N I E Q I F A C E B O O K N

U C D Q C W G Y M N R N G R A N B Y

F H N M L T B R O W S E R Z Q C X K

D G A R O H D T H W B I A N G F K T

Z W E T T E N U R B R A N D O M R W

June 2021

I M U O A S O F T W A R E V Q G P Z

T R T U H E N O H P T R A M S C Q K

B H Q D G M B U E R A W L A M I N N

D I P J A B Q U D E T T O P S C B R 135

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LOG HOME Brigus Junction Only 35 min. from St. John’s.

Not intended to solicit properties currently under contract

Side-by Side Included! %$#"! $% $# $ %! $

Over 4000 sq. ft.

5 Main Street, Deer Lake

Downhome Real Estate

Call: 709-636-1230

Book your ad today 709-726-5113 1-888-588-6353

Building For Sale 4800 Sq. Ft. on Two Levels. Built in 1989. Zoned Commercial and Residential. Business Optional. $150,000

Five bedrooms, three bathrooms, garage, heat pump, Pacific Energy woodstove, artesian well, developed basement and just 3 minutes from TCH.

$449,500

Call Dean 709.689.4228

Licensed to do Business in Ontario.

Mortgage Agent # M18002662 FSCO# 12728

FOR SALE • GEORGE’S LAKE, NL

Fully Furnished, 9 bedroom and 9 bathroom (4 are Ensuites). Year-round access country living. Includes 3 garages, wharf, direct access to groomed trails, fishing, boating and hunting. Call 709-649-7322

$575,000 Property Guys #94738

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY FOR SALE • FLEUR DE LYS, NL

Million Dollar Ocean View! Excellent property for a tourism related investment such as accommodations. Two Story - 6700 Sq. Ft. Reduced Price $200,000 Contact: walshmildred@gmail.com 136

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1.35 ACRE

FOXTRAP ACC ESS ROAD

FOR SALE

Foxtrap Access Rd, Civic #28 Conception Bay South, NL Level Land. Mature Trees. 5 min. from three saltwater marinas and shopping. 15 min. from St. John’s and Mount Pearl. Asking: $239,000 Contact Paul: 709-682-9142 paulbdawe@hotmail.com

Cottage For Sale King’s Point All seasons, custom design log cottage sheltered setting at top of bay. 2 bedrooms,1 bathroom, wheelchair accessible. $249,000 www.propertyguys.com/listing/nl/king-s-point/104494 Contact: 709.632.7194 | 709.640.0070

Marketplace

709-726-5113 1-888-588-6353 advertising@downhomelife.com

Discount Storage St. John's, NL 709-726-6800 www.downhomelife.com

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Movers & Shippers FIVE STAR SERVICE Without The Five Star Price! ★ Local & Long Distance Moves ★ Packing

Voted CBS Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year

A Family Moving Families Professionally and economically

★ Door-to-Door Service Across Canada ★ Replacement Protection Available ★ NL Owned & Operated

MOVING INC.

Coast to Coast in Canada Fully Insured

709-834-0070 866-834-0070 fivestarmoving@outlook.com www.fivestarmoving.ca

Newfoundland Owned & Operated

Over 25 Years Experience in the Moving Industry

A&K Moving Covering all Eastern & Western Provinces and Returning Based from Toronto, Ontario Discount Prices Out of NL, NS & NB Newfoundland Owned & Operated

Contact: Gary or Sharon King

Toll Free: 1-866-586-2341 www.downhomemovers.com

SAMSON’S MOVING Let our Family Move Your Family Home

Newfoundland, Ontario, Alberta and All Points In Between Newfoundland Owned & Operated Fully Insured, Free Estimates Sales Reps. in Ontario and Alberta

Movers & Shippers

35 Years in the Moving Industry

Andy: 416-247-0639 Out West: 403-471-5313

aandkmoving@gmail.com

Moving Ontario to Newfoundland and All Points in Between Return Loads from NL, NS, NB, QC, ON at a Discounted Price

Fully Insured

905-424-1735

arent58@hotmail.com www.ar-moving.ca 138

June 2021

Call Jim or Carolyn - Peterview, NL 709-257-4223 709-486-2249 - Cell samsonsmovers@yahoo.ca www.samsonsmovers.ca

Moving you from Ontario and Newfoundland... or any STOP along the way!

DOWNEAST CONNECTION

Rates start at $175 for a 1 col. x 2" ad. Call Today! 709-726-5113 Toll Free: 1-888-588-6353 Email: advertising@downhomelife.com

709-248-4089 905-965-4813

Hawke’s Bay, NL (collect calls accepted) downeastconnection@yahoo.ca

1-888-588-6353

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GREAT GIFT IDEAS!

Alone on the Trail

Maggie and Hero

#79994 | $21.00

#33660 | $13.95

- Emily Hepditch

Supermarket Baby - Susan Flanagan

#79704 | $22.00

Cooking Up a Scoff:

Traditional Recipes of Newfoundland and Labrador

#79297 | $14.95

- Margaret O’Brien

Star’s Isand:

Where Newfoundland Ponies Roam - Margaret OBrien

#41722 | $14.95

This is How It Is

Instructor

#79785 | $19.95

#79784 | $22.95

- Sharon King-Campbell

East Coast Keto 2: More Tips & Lessons to Help Simplify Your Ketogenic Lifestyle - Bobbi and Geoff Pike

#79811 | $14.95

- Beth Follett

Rough Justice: Policing, Crime, and the Origins of the NL Constabulary, 1729-1871 - Keith Mercer

#79798 | $39.95

Prices listed do not include tax and shipping

2106_MailOrder_Mail order.qxd 4/28/21 9:35 AM Page 141

MORE SELECTION ONLINE www.shopdownhome.com

Purity Goodie Box #79290 | $49.99

Purity Peppermint Candy Nobs #4238 Candy Barrels #49556

$4.50 each

Purity Kisses Assorted #3997 | Peanut Butter #4010 Rum & Butter #16805

$4.50 each

Downhome Candy • $2.99 each Puffin Poop (Yogurt Raisins) 100g #46793 | Caribou Poo (Chocolate Peanuts) 100g #46794 Moose Droppings (Chocolate Almonds)100g #46795 | Cod Tongues (Peach Slices) 80g #78020

Newfoundland Seasonings • $7.99 each Ragin' Bayman Spicy BBQ 100g #79465 • Moose Spice 100g #77375 Steak & Burger 100g #77377 • Atlantic Ocean Salt 160g #79802 • Maple Smoked Salt 160g #79803

TO ORDER CALL: 1-888-588-6353

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GREAT GIFT IDEAS! PLANK ’ER DOWN

COLOURS OF ST. JOHN’S

Hand Painted Key Rack Row Houses Assorted Colours, 10" x 3 1/3"

#59826 | $24.99

Hand Painted Coasters Row House Set of 4, 4" x 4"

#59827 | $24.99

Kids’ Mini Button Accordion #74074 | $54.99 Kazoo #77738| $4.99

Hand Painted Wine Glass Assorted colours

#72979 | $16.99

Hand Painted Row House Mailbox #47594 | $99.99

Tin Whistle #77736 | $7.99

COLOURS OF NL

NL Tartan Pot Holder #79850 | $4.99

NL Tartan Apron #79851 | $14.99

NL Tartan Tea Towels - 2 pack #79849 | $7.99

Prices listed do not include tax and shipping

2106_MailOrder_Mail order.qxd 4/28/21 9:35 AM Page 143

MORE SELECTION ONLINE www.shopdownhome.com

Unisex T-Shirt - NL - Whale, Seagull, Puffin, and Sailboat

Unisex T-Shirt - Newfoundland Rocks

Sizes S-XXXL

#74946 | $19.99

#45193 | $19.99

Unisex T-Shirt - Pirate Republic

Sizes S-XXL

Ladies T-Shirt - The Rock

Sizes S-XXL

#78962 | $49.99

#78746 | $49.99

Sale!

Ladies T-Shirt - Yes B’y

Ladies T-Shirt - NL Map/Sayings

Sizes S-XXL

#61604 | $19.99

#74690 | $19.99 $14.99

TO ORDER CALL: 1-888-588-6353

2106_photo Finish_0609 Photo Finish 4/29/21 9:02 AM Page 144

photo finish

Heading

Home

John Pinsent of Brighton, NL, marks another lobster season done as he takes up his pots and heads home. Karen Pinsent Brighton, NL

Do you have an amazing or funny photo to share? Turn to page 9 to find out how to submit. 144

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