Vol 36 • No 04
$4.99
September 2023
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Storytelling Festival Turns 20
Back to School Recipes 31 Reasons to Love Libraries
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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
Warehouse Operations Warehouse / Inventory Manager Carol Howell Warehouse Operator Josephine Collins Shipping/Receiving Clerk Jennifer Kane
Art and Production Art Director Vince Marsh Illustrator Mel D’Souza Illustrator Snowden Walters
Retail Operations Retail Floor Manager, St. John’s Jackie Rice Retail Floor Manager, Twillingate Donna Keefe Retail Sales Associates Crystal Rose, Jonathon
Advertising Sales Account Manager Barbara Young Account Manager Ashley O’Keefe Marketing Director Tiffany Brett Finance and Administration Accountant Marlena Grant Accountant Sandra Gosse
Organ, Erin McCarthy, Kim Tucker, Heather Stuckless, Katrina Hynes, Destinee Rogers, Amy Young, Emily Snelgrove, Brandy Rideout, Alexandria Skinner, Emily Power, Colleen Giovannini, Rachael Hartery, Julie Gidge, Austin Wheeler
Subscriptions Customer Service Associate Lisa Tiller Founding Editor Ron Young Chief Executive Officer/Publisher Grant Young
Operations Manager, Twillingate Nicole Mehaney
President & Associate Publisher Todd Goodyear General Manager/Assistant Publisher Tina Bromley
To subscribe, renew or change address use the contact information above. Subscriptions 1-Year term total inc. taxes, postage and handling: for residents in NL, NS, NB, PE $49.44; ON $48.58; QC, SK, MB, AB, BC, NU, NT, YT $45.14. US $54.99; International $59.99
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
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a damnable place
Contents
SEPTEMBER 2023
42 Pet of the Year Meet the winner, an extraordinary animal friend!
52 Fiona Followup Pam Pardy checks up on some folks she introduced us to last year, after post-tropical storm Fiona upended their lives.
70 This Place Rings a Bell Investigating the lore, legends and landscape that help define the upcoming Damnable Trail Festival. Dennis Flynn
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hometown show www.downhomelife.com
76 You Are Here Come From Away comes home to Gander with a brand new Newfoundland production. Nicola Ryan September 2023
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Contents
SEPTEMBER 2023
homefront 8 I Dare Say A note from the Editor 10 Letters From Our Readers Gushing Over Gushue, Birthday Greetings to Pop, and a Tasty Success
18 Downhome Tours Dubai 20 Why is That? Why are moths attracted to light? Linda Browne
22 Life’s Funny Deadpan Delivery Pat Day
23 Say What? A contest that puts
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triple threat
words in someone else’s mouth
24 Lil Charmers Freshly Picked 26 Pets of the Month Creature Comforts
28 Reviewed Denise Flint reviews Where the Crooked Lighthouse Shines by Joshua Goudie
30 What Odds Paul Warford knows the sound guys are always listening.
22 delivery id
32 Fresh Tracks Wendy Rose reviews Cereal Milk’s The Long Drive Home 36 Adventures Outdoors Guides: A League of Their Own Gord Follett 40 In Your Words The Truth is Past Ivan J. White
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berry bounty 4
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58 seeing the light
features 58 Life in Focus How photography and social media set Cory Babstock on a new path. Jason Sheppard 66 Lighting the Fire Special Olympics torch bearer Andrew Hynes personifies heart and perseverance. Dillon Collins
explore 82 Talk of the Town For two
82 gifts of gab
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decades, the St. John’s Storytelling Festival has been helping preserve and promote this traditional art form. Linda Browne
88 Libraries for Life Thirty-one things to check out for free at your public library, and most of them aren’t books. Nicola Ryan September 2023
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Contents
SEPTEMBER 2023
104 kiddie fare
home and cabin 92 Stuff We Love Exploring Indigenous Cultures Nicola Ryan
94 Ask Marie Anything Marie Bishop
100 Todd’s Table French Onion Soup Todd Goodyear 104 Downhome Recipes For the Kid in Everyone
92 steeped in history
110 Down to Earth The Real Beauty of Rugosa Roses Kim Thistle 6
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116
way back when
118 a bitter berry
reminiscing 116 Flashbacks Classic photos of people and places. About the cover Cory Babstock likes photos that tell a story. This one tells his. Read about how photography brightened his darkest days (p. 58), and check out his amazing portfolio at OldBonesPhoto.com.
Cover Index Pet of the Year• 42 Welcome to the Rock • 76 Stronger Than the Storm • 52 Life in Focus • 58 Storytelling Festival Turns 20 • 82 Back to School Recipes • 104 31 Reasons to Love Libraries • 88 www.downhomelife.com
117 This Month in History The myth of Corte-Real
118 Visions and Vignettes Adventures of two young scallywags in an imaginary outport of days gone by. Harold N. Walters
124 Puzzles 136 Colouring Page 138 Classifieds 140 Mail Order 144 Photo Finish September 2023
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i dare say
Does anyone else remember their first camera? Mine was a Kodak Instamatic that took 126 film. I loved that camera, not just because it took pictures, but also because it allowed me to look at the world through a different lens. I was the youngest in my class, with a pageboy haircut and big glasses. I was the “brainiac” and my dad was a teacher. Yeah, I got picked on in school. When teasing, or anything, got me down, I’d escape to the woods or the beach and turn my focus on the beauty I could see through the camera lens. I, like many readers probably will, immediately identified with Cory Babstock, when he speaks of finding the light on his darkest days by hiking with his camera. Read his inspiring story (and swoon over his photos) beginning on page 58. Resilience and perseverance are themes that resurface in several of this month’s features. It’s felt in the words of Port aux Basques residents, reflecting on what they suffered last September and how they’ve carried on since (“Fiona Followup,” page 52). It underlines the essay by Ivan J. White, a Mi’kmaw from Flat Bay, about growing up Indigenous in Newfoundland, and Truth and Reconciliation (“The Truth is Past,” p. 40). And it defines Special Olympian Andrew Hynes (“Lighting the Fire,” page 66), who believes strongly in following your dreams. “Don’t listen to other people if they doubt you, just don’t listen to that,” he wisely advises. Aside from photography and philosophy, people find emotional support in their pets, mental relief in cooking and gardening, escape in reading and writing. If you need them, seek out healthy outlets for pain and helpful tools for finding peace. Maybe you’ll even find some in this issue. And, kids, don’t let the bullies win! Thanks for reading,
Janice Stuckless, Editor-in-chief janice@downhomelife.com 8
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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 43 James Lane St. John’s, NL, A1E 3H3
mail@downhomelife.com www.downhomelife.com Deadline for replies is the 25th of each month.
Congratulations to Debbie Richards of Port aux Basques, NL, who found Corky on page 70 of the July issue!
*No Phone Calls Please. One entry per person
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Pop Kearley
My grandfather (the whole town calls him Pop Kearley) turned 96 on August 17. He loves life and can be seen driving around Fortune with his little dog riding shotgun. Last weekend he and his son, Kevin, went fishing. Pop Kearley will take every day on the water that he can get. We’re very proud and blessed to have such an influential man in our lives. Jeremy Pierce Fortune, NL
Happy belated birthday, Pop Kearley! 10
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Gushing Over Gushue Thank you, thank you, thank you for the six-page article on Team Gushue with all the team photos [July 2023 issue]. My friends and neighbours all want to read it, so I told them to go out and buy their own book. Too many times they fail to return my treasures. I certainly enjoy my Downhome, especially the fun puzzles in the back. Evelyn Sutton Queenstown, NB
We’re glad you enjoyed the curling coverage, Evelyn. Team Gushue has a legion of loyal fans, and with good reason!
Error Report I just read my July copy, and I am sure you will be deluged with reports on the error on page 52. I was surprised to see it, as there have been articles
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before on these sinkings, and at least one on the group arranging dives on the sunken vessels. All four ships were sunk at the anchorages off Bell Island – none were sunk at the piers, as was described in the July issue. Just imagine the havoc that would have caused to the shipment of ore if the piers were blocked. One torpedo did strike the pier, but the ship there had moved after dark so the torpedo missed it. That was in the nighttime attack in November. I was a youngster there at the time, but I remember the daylight raid and the survivors being taken to the surgery. As usual, I enjoyed the issue. Lester Taylor Via email
Thank you, Lester, for making that important distinction about a significant event in NL history.
September 2023
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Simply Heaven
Downhome Famous
[Re: Todd’s Table, “Oven Baked Salmon Fillet,” July 2023]. Our salmon was .438 kg and we followed your advice to the T. We only threw in a few onions alongside the fillets and cooked it 20 minutes, not 18, not 22, LOL. Anyway, the end result was simply heaven, and so juicy and topped with the taste of honey and brown sugar. Many thanks for your great recipe.
… As a child, so many copies of The Downhomer came through our household, even back when they used to be delivered by hand, door-to-door by my cousin, Barb Bemister. The toilet paper holder/magazine rack in our bathroom would be full of them alongside The Newfoundland Herald for your entertainment in the days before smart phones. My parents haven’t changed much. The bathroom magazine rack still stands in the “Cape Cod by the Sand” in good ole Ragged Harbour. The days of The Newfoundland Herald may be gone, but the Downhome still got us, and I can’t wait to take my place next to the porcelain throne. Immense thanks to Downhome magazine and Wendy Rose for the awesome feature. I am over the moon!
Betty & Matthew Semple Via email
This month, Todd tackles French onion soup. Turn to page 100 for the recipe and the cooking tip he swears by for making the best French onion soup.
“Gram” Credit In a Newfoundland music article in your May issue, production for a Melvin Russell song, “Gram,” was credited to me when credit should go to Stanley Gallant Jr. (formerly of Stephenville). Also, I am happy to say I am still an “active” musician as opposed to “former.” I really enjoy reading your magazine! Neil Bishop Via email
Evelyn Jess Via Facebook.com
You’re welcome, Evelyn. Congratulations on your music success! Evelyn Jess was the featured artist in Wendy Rose’s “Fresh Tracks” music review in the July issue. Turn to p. 32 to see who Wendy is listening to and talking to this month.
That mention of “Gram” was part of a larger article called “This Month in Downhome History.” For 12 months we ran old articles from the 1988-89 Downhomer magazines to mark our 35 years in publishing. The full article titled “Celebrity Report,” which we reprinted in its entirety, first ran in May 1989. Hopefully, these corrections were made back in a later 1989 issue – if not, they were a long time coming! Thanks for fixing the record, Neil. Continued on page 14 12
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Nice to See I always enjoy seeing my photos show up in the Downhome magazine. This photo of Trinity is in the July 2023 issue. It’s unusual to see such calm conditions in these parts, so it’s always a treat when we do. Trinity is such a beautiful town, a place where I’ve spent much time and created many beautiful memories, ones which I will hold near and dear forever. Thank you, Downhome magazine, for sharing my photo in your magazine and with your readers. Sheldon Hicks
Via Facebook.com Thank you, Sheldon, for submitting such beautiful photos to DownhomeLife.com.
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.
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life is better Lobster pots in Smith’s Harbour, NL Dave Wheeler, Grand Falls-Windsor, NL
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homefront Downhome tours...
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Burj Khalifa Megan Wood of Cochrane, AB, poses for a nighttime snap beneath the towering Burj Khalifa.
The Burj Khalifa in downtown Dubai is the world-record holding tallest building ever built. With a total height of 829.8 metres (2,122 feet, just over half a mile), it was completed in 2019. It also holds world records for having the most floors – 163 – and highest nightclub. 18
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Museum of the Future Brian Dooley, originally from Carbonear, NL, poses at the Museum of the Future.
The eye-catching Museum of the Future is an exhibition space located in the Financial District. Its goal is to promote technological development and innovation, especially in the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence. The calligraphy-shaped windows form an Arabic poem about Dubai’s future.
Downtown Dubai “After moving to Dubai, I was thrilled to have my sisters Vanessa Cassell and Cheryl Cassell visit from home,” writes submitter Terri Whitt of Cottlesville, NL.
It seems hard to believe, but Dubai was once a small fishing settlement in the Arabian Gulf. Established in 1833, it’s since grown to be a spectacular modern metropolis of three million people and more than 200 nationalities. www.downhomelife.com
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Expert answers to common life questions. By Linda Browne
Why are moths attracted to light? As the day fades into night and you flick on your porch light, you might notice more than stars hovering above you. Are you familiar with the old saying “like a moth to a flame”? Indeed, nothing seems to be more appealing to a moth than a bright light. While we often tackle word and phrase origins here, this month, we’re swapping etymology for entomology as we try to better understand this seemingly peculiar behaviour. We talked to Joseph Bowden, a research scientist with Natural Resources Canada’s Canadian Forest Service in Corner Brook, NL, who helped shed some light on the topic. (Bowden gave a talk about moths this past spring at an international symposium hosted by Butterfly Conservation, a UK-based non-profit dedicated to conserving butterflies and moths.) We have about 5,500 known species of moths in Canada (including around 500 species in Newfoundland and Labrador), Bowden says, and not all of them gather towards light. And it’s not just moths, he adds, that are “positively phototactic” (attracted to light). Other insects, including many beetles, caddisflies (aquatic insects) and wasps, are as well. “But moths are sort 20
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of the most conspicuous groups,” he says, with 160,000 species known globally, compared to about 17,000 species of butterflies. There are a few misconceptions flying around about moths, one being that all moths are nocturnal (active at night). There are some diurnal (active during the day) species, Bowden says, including the Virginia Ctenucha moth – a striking species with a metallic blue thorax and orange head – which exists here on the island. And while moths often get blamed for having a buffet in people’s closets, only a couple of species (more specifically, their larvae) munch on clothes, and we don’t have those in NL. “We also don’t make a lot of clothing out of organic materials anymore,” Bowden says, which is what they tend to go for. Scientists and researchers have long used light traps to attract moths and other night-dwelling insects for study. So what is it about light that they can’t 1-888-588-6353
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seem to get enough of? There are a few theories. One is that insects like moths use the moon for navigation, so when they see light from another source, they get confused in their orientation, Bowden says. Another is that they flock to light as it makes it easier to find food and/or mates. (A piece published on Penn State University’s website also notes that moths may mistake artificial UV light for a food source, since many feed on flower nectar, which reflects UV light.) So is there a general consensus as to why moths love to party by your porch light? “The currently accepted idea is that we don’t know, unfortunately,” Bowden laughs. “But the bottom line is that they do exhibit these behaviours where many of them, the nocturnal ones especially, are attracted to light. Particular groups, as well, are attracted to particular wavelengths of light, so that’s becoming clearer.” On that point, a 2013 research article published in Biology Letters (an online journal published by the Royal Society) compared how macromoths reacted to shorter wavelength (SW) versus longer wavelength (LW) lighting. It concluded that “SW light attracted significantly more individuals and species of moth, either when used alone or in competition with LW lighting.” Thanks to artificial lighting, our skies are brighter than ever, which is unwelcome news for our fluttering friends. “Light pollution is happening, and for many organisms, birds and
other things that navigate at night by light, it does create an issue,” Bowden says (which is partly why the Royal Astronomical Society has established a number of Dark Sky Preserves throughout the country). The research article mentioned previously notes that for moths, artificial light can potentially disrupt their foraging and breeding, and increase their risk for predation, among other things. Another research article published in the same journal in 2017 says, “Artificial night lighting is often considered a driving force behind rapid moth population declines in severely illuminated countries.” And those declines are bad news for everyone, since moths play an incredibly important role in the ecosystem. “They’re doing a lot of important ecosystem services out there like pollinating a lot of the flowers,” Bowden says, noting some research out of the UK that suggests moths might be more efficient pollinators than bees because they spend more time on flowers at night. “They’re also an important food source for migratory birds and bats and things, as well.” Moths are also the canaries in the coal mine, as they offer clues about the health of our environment. “They rapidly respond to temperatures; their physiology is directly driven by external temperatures,” Bowden says. “So they are indeed like barometers for climate change or barometers of biodiversity.”
Do you have a burning life question for Linda to investigate?
Turn to page 9 for ways to contact us. www.downhomelife.com
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homefront life’s funny
Deadpan Delivery My friend called the hospital when his wife went into early labour. When the doctor was on the line, my panicked friend told him that his wife was having the baby right now and he didn’t know what to do. In a calming tone, the doctor said, “I will help you, so listen carefully. First of all, is this her first child?” My friend answered, “No, this is her husband.” Pat Day Corner Brook, 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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“What’s g you all b ot out of sh ent ape?” – Curt & Jo-ann Thorne
Say WHAT? Downhome recently posted this photo (submitted by Brenda Genge) on our website and social media platforms and asked folks to imagine what the kid might be saying. Curt & Jo-ann Thorne’s response made us chuckle the most, so we’re awarding them 20 Downhome Dollars!
Here are the runners-up: “This fish is broken!” – Kay Jenkins-Boyd “They said you rolled in... but I don’t see any wheels.” – Steve Spracklin “This fish has shrunk. I want a bigger one.” – Heather Harding
Play with us online! www.downhomelife.com/saywhat
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homefront lil charmers
Buckets of Fun
Brayden has a fruitful afternoon picking blueberries by the bushel. Janine Hyde Gull Island, NL
Freshly Picked Hello Fresh! Arya’s got a bountiful bowlful of fresh berries in Twillingate. Crystal Leger Montreal, QC
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Best Day Ever Seven-month-old Benjamin taste-tests the treats. Courtney Park Gander, NL
Some Sweet! Little Willow is sweeter than all the blueberries in Pouch Cove. Brenda Strickland Conception Bay South, NL
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homefront pets of the month
Lucky Duck Ducky’s living in the lap of luxury. Leah Wells Bloomfield, NL
Creature Comforts Lizard King Mr. Gus is a very regal reptile. Samantha Ardern Conception Bay South, NL
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Ferret It Out Curious Pip loves to play on words. Pamela Wheaton Fort McMurray, AB
Hoppy Days Buster the bunny enjoys the city view, too. Lisa Hogan Mount Pearl, NL www.downhomelife.com
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homefront
reviewed by Denise Flint
Where the Crooked Lighthouse Shines Poems by Joshua Goudie Illustrated by Craig Goudie Breakwater Books $19.95
Joshua Goudie’s latest book, Where the Crooked Lighthouse Shines, is a collection of nonsense rhymes and doggerel that can’t help but make you smile. After a perfectly preposterous (in the best possible way) introductory poem, the stories each focus on some aspect of Newfoundland folklore. There’s a tale of a boy pulled to the bottom of the sea to be turned into dinner by the giant cod he was trying to catch. There’s one about a little girl being driven crazy by visits every night from the old hag. Another deals with the dreaded Wild Baloney, which has “spikey hair, teeth everywhere and scaly, dry pink skin.” Eww. Many of the poems have an underlying message of hope. It’s okay to be different. It’s okay to keep on trying – you can do it, even if you think you can’t. Other people (like little sisters) can have a lot more going for them than you might realize. (And, of course, never sneeze with a knife in your hand.) This book begs to be read aloud. The cadence and rhythm are as much a part of the composition as the words and the story. Even if you’re reading silently, your brain inserts the proper beat to every line. Illustrations by Craig Goudie, who also happens to be the author’s father, enhance the stories, making them both creepier and more ridiculous at one and the same time. There’s really no way to review such a book. So I’ll simply implore you to go have a look.
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Q&A with the Author Denise Flint: What draws you to this particular kind of writing? Joshua Goudie: When I started thinking about doing another book, I went back to the books I loved as a child, and I remembered Dr. Suess and Shel Silverstein. There’s something about rhyme that’s really exciting. I describe it as sprinkling breadcrumbs down the trail, and it’s a nice way to drive you [the reader] in. I enjoyed the process. Trying to fit within the structure of the rhythm was something I really found rewarding and something I hope to come back to.
DF: Who is your audience? JG: I’ve written two children’s books, and I wanted to have a universal book for people with an interest in Newfoundland. People from away are always looking for a bit of Newfoundland to take back. I think of my books as love letters to my home, and I want to tell these stories about our province. But for this book I was becoming more aware of how the world is becoming an anxious place, and I wanted this book to be something for children who are feeling nervous or scared. Every story has a character from Newfoundland folklore, but I didn’t want the characters to be scary. If you want to appreciate it as 10 silly rhymes that’s fine, but I’m hoping that kids who are experiencing hard times will find it of some comfort.
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DF: Which poem was the most fun to write? Which one do you like to read aloud best? JG: The poem that was the most fun to write was one I thought was no way going to make the book: the one about the wild baloney. It came from my father, and he said ‘you have to include this,’ and I was dead against it. One day I was thinking about “The Cremation of Sam McGee” [the Robert Service poem], and I thought maybe that’s the way to include it – gritty story with a ludicrous character. I had so much fun writing that poem. “My Nan is a Changeling” is my favourite to read aloud. It’s the poem that connects with listeners and readers the most. I just finished doing a library tour, and afterwards people would come up and tell me how much it meant to them. This was a poem I would have benefited a lot from hearing as a child. It is quite a hopeful poem without beating anyone over the head with a message.
DF: Your dad did the artwork. What’s it like working with him? JG: This is our third project together, and I know people say you shouldn’t work with family, but I disagree. I don’t see why you wouldn’t choose to work with someone you love and whose work you admire and respect. We seem to work very well together. I originally came to him with a style of art I was thinking of, and it started out this way. And he started trying things a little different, and then we went with full colour and then the book came alive. September 2023
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homefront what odds
sound on By Paul Warford
The whole experience is a bit awkward and no one makes eye contact, but these are the hazards of the sound person’s job.
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The more I work in film, the more tips and tricks I can pick up and pass along to anyone wanting to begin their own foray into the film business. It’s not for the faint of heart – you’d better be emotionally OK with 12-hour days and a diet of granola bars and coffee from an urn. Today’s lesson: be wary of those sound guys. The sound department of a film shoot is like an extremely exclusive club you don’t necessarily want to join, but you’d at least like to better understand. What are they doing with those gigantic electronic devices, for example, which they wear via harnesses that rest at their belly, like some sort of bizarre pregnancy? They’ll stand to one side as the calamity of movie action unfolds around them, perfectly calm, quietly observant. Every now and then, if you watch closely, they’ll reach down to that mobile jumble of diodes and green-and-red levels and tweak a single knob an eighth of an inch, then return to watching and waiting, looking slightly more content after making their adjustment. During winter shoots I envy them their heated vans as they sit inside, cramped knees-to-shoulders with those electronic conglomerations in their laps. They huddle with their headphone cups covering one ear as they chat and laugh amongst themselves, still tweaking the odd dial as the need arises. To see them conjures images of FBI agents in movies, parked curbside in an unmarked vehicle where they use electronic devices to listen in on the bad guys hatching schemes in the derelict two-storey across the street. And this, dear readers, circles us back to today’s lesson: the sound guys are always listening. They’re privy to the juiciest gossip on any film set, from Bonavista to Hollywood, because they can hear what everyone is saying. 1-888-588-6353
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…the sound guys are always listening. They’re privy to the juiciest gossip on any film set… When the sound technicians wire you for sound, they tape a small microphone to your outfit and sometimes stick the cord to your chest to keep it in place. As it’s happening, you can’t help but feel as though you’re a new recruit for the Secret Service. The process involves snaking a weighted wire down the length of your leg to plug it into a battery pack Velcroed to your ankle. The whole experience is a bit awkward and no one makes eye contact, but these are the hazards of the sound person’s job. The horror film company I roll through town with, GRIND MIND, is six men strong at its founding core, with talents falling into various film necessities, such as direction (Shane), special FX (Justin), acting (yours truly) and so on. Sound, for our group of misfits, falls to Johnny, a Botwood native of the highest character – a measured, patient man who loves two things in all their forms: music and horror. Johnny lives and works in Saskatchewan; I was grinding for two years before we even met face-toface. Shane and John have had to work in tandem across the country, with Shane sending him footage so he can add the creaks, groans and eerie violin strings that make your skin crawl when you watch a spooky film. www.downhomelife.com
Through GRIND MIND I’ve come to learn just how absolutely crucial music and sound are to horror movies. So, too, is Johnny crucial to us, an emotional and professional lynch pin who helps us excel as a group while also making our audiences squirm in their seats. We were lucky to have him in our midst for a couple of weeks this summer, a much-loved fly on the wall during filming. I’d watch him every now and then, headphones on, patiently waiting and – sure enough – he’d sometimes reach down and tweak a knob. During our most recent GRIND shoot, I asked Blair – our boom mic man and another Botwood native – if we might need a lapel microphone as backup to the one he was using. “Pretty sure this’ll do it, man,” he replied in his ponderous lisp. “With this thing I can hear you swallow from across the room, so…” So, if you have gossip to share on a film set, disclose it in the bathroom. 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
The Long Drive Home Cereal Milk
LIKE ITS NAMESAKE, Cereal Milk’s new musical offerings are
deliciously sweet. The Long Drive Home kicks off with “Breakfast at Cadby’s Soirée,” a short instrumental piece that leads us seamlessly into “About a Week.” Heavy bass brings us to the opening verse of this alternative pop song. As we hit the chorus, fun, repetitive guitar riffs chug along with the lyrics. “We’ve seen it all, and now it’s time to go. And we’ll forget about it, in about a week or so,” Jordan Shears sings. If you’re not already bopping your head and tapping your toes along with Cereal Milk, “Dancing in the Rain” will get you there. The early emo scene influence is more recognizable on this track. As someone who was never a huge fan of emo/screamo and still prefers emo-pop over other variations of the genre, I found myself thinking that this plinky little song could have made the cut for my mid-2000s, 512 MB mp3 player that maxed out at around 100 songs. Choice cuts only. Coming in at just over five 32
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minutes, the album’s fourth track, “Montreal, QC” is the longest on the album. Cereal Milk slows things down a little on this love song, but adds in some funky and danceable interludes between verses and choruses. “Didn’t sound those horns, didn’t follow through. I could never say, I didn’t love you,” the lyrics explain. This track’s lyrical content reminds me of the Lord Tennyson quote: “’Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.” There’s a reason that this phrase from an 1850 requiem has reached proverb status, and Cereal Milk does well with this theme. “Atlantic Skyline” begins with dreamy piano. Simplistic but captivating guitar melodies accompany the verses. The band’s love of emo and math rock is especially noticeable here, with catchy solos 1-888-588-6353
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sprinkled throughout. The album’s title track marks the mid-point of the album. “The long drive home, when your mind starts to wander off the road. The long drive home, but I’ve got my shield, and a thousand suns on my back,” the band sings. The track kind of encapsulates the record’s entire vibe, as explained by the band themselves: “These are songs about finding a home. About accepting past mistakes. About moving on. It’s an album about the long
Jordan Shears drive home from work.” My personal favourite from the record is “Second Night Out,” a catchy, funky piece with horns and memorable little melodies throughout. Again, my toes are tapping and my head is bobbing, and it continues on through the next track, “Smile and Nod.” www.downhomelife.com
Like many artists, Cereal Milk found a romantic notion in unstable tectonic boundaries in the lyrics of “Trouble on the Pacific Faultline.” Margo Guryan did the same in her cult-classic 1968 song, “California Shake,” and other artists, like altrocker Natalie Merchant and folk duo Shovels and Rope, have also been inspired by California’s shifting continental plates. Locally, Amelia Curran penned a song titled “San Andreas Fault” on her 2012 album, Spectator. “When We Move” kicks off with heavier guitar than found on the rest of the album, and it invokes memories of the early emo-pop scene. The band plays around with vocal effects on this track, creating a slightly different sound that still feels cohesive with the rest of the album. Up next is “An Exercise in Cyclic Principle.” This song stood out to me as particularly interesting, as its lyrical content blends emotion with math formulas. “When four meets five somewhere down the line, anxieties are multiplying,” Jordan sings, repeating, “From simple sum to complex derivation” as the song begins to fade into an instrumental outro. The album ends with “My Favourite Punchline,” a morethan-slightly self-deprecative song that may have been better served sandwiched in between some more upbeat tunes. It’s an interesting choice for an ending track, but it will inspire you to hit the repeat button and listen to Cereal Milk’s The Long Drive Home again. September 2023
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Q&A with the Artist Wendy Rose: Who is Cereal Milk, and how did this band come into existence? Jordan Shears: Cereal Milk started as
a solo project and has since turned into a five-piece (self-prescribed) emo indie rock band from St. John’s, NL. At its core, the songwriting and performances you hear on the new album were written by me, Jordan Shears, and/or my brother, Matthew Shears. Older local music fans might remember our earlier band, Rafiki, who used to regularly play downtown St. John’s, too, and some of those songs even ended up being recorded for the first time on The Long Drive Home. Revisiting those songs, in particular, was a lot of fun. The project began as an excuse for me to record music for the RPM challenge and make some connections. The challenge turned out to be so much fun and it really grew from there. Like many musicians, we’ve both had songs lying around for years – some have been played live 20 times, and some have never left an iPhone recording. The Long Drive Home is a collection of songs both old and new that we wanted to share with the world.
WR: Your self-titled debut album was released in February 2022 as part of the RPM Challenge. What inspired you to take on the RPM Challenge last year? JS: Completing the RPM Challenge
was always the carrot at the end of the stick for me – I’ve always been both tempted and intimidated by the
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possibility of writing and recording 10+ songs in a month. I set out to start recording last year’s RPM album alone but quickly managed to incorporate Matt’s involvement on some tracks. The theme for that first album was “collaboration” and consisted of many different artists from all over the world who played or sang parts here and there. It was an experiment in songwriting, self-discipline and one’s ability to effectively Google search recording techniques.
WR: Can you tell us a little about your creative process in making The Long Drive Home, from writing to recording to mixing/mastering to the final product? JS: The new album was actually an
RPM Challenge entry as well, though it was about half-comprised of older, unreleased songs that had been rerecorded and reimagined within the month of February, along with a whole bunch of new stuff, too. Under such time constraints, we had to be really good at working around each other’s schedules, as far as getting Matt’s parts done and ready for mixing. [These songs] were written over a period stretching as far as 15 years, though every song has gone through drastic changes to structure and arrangement, and we took a lot of liberties with extra instrumentation. It was also an exploration of trying different genres as well – incorporating emo, East Coast indie rock, folk and math rock into one package. All the tracks were recorded and performed 1-888-588-6353
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at my home studio in Bay Roberts, and all the tracks were mixed and mastered by myself, too. As a home recording artist with limited resources, knowledge and equipment, I had to get really clever with some of our recording techniques, and a lot of it came down to feel and making the songs sound good on the worst speakers we had.
really local acts right now that we would love to share the stage with – Greta & the Goldfish, El Toro and Swimming would be three that come off the top of our collective heads. If we’re really opening up the question though… Buddy Wasisname, Cereal Milk and Hey Rosetta! would be a really eclectic performance on George Street.
WR: Do you plan to play live shows? If so, what would be your dream local line-up to play with? JS: Following the release of The Long
WR: Now that we’ve put that out into the world to manifest, what’s in store for Cereal Milk for the rest of 2023? JS: We’ve got a bunch of new songs
Drive Home, we started slowly piecing together a five-piece band with the goal of playing our first show by the end of the summer of 2023. We can’t wait to be able to get out there and play some of these songs live, as we’re having a blast putting them together during our rehearsals. Be sure to follow us on social media for any upcoming live shows or news on that! A dream local line-up? That is a fantastic question. I’m going to act super casual and pretend like I didn’t ponder this question for a long time before answering, but there are some www.downhomelife.com
coming together in the studio at the moment, building off of the sound and direction we took when we completed The Long Drive Home, and are regularly practising for our first live show later this year. I wouldn’t be surprised if a new track or two will make its way to streaming platforms before the end of the calendar year, too! We also just dropped a very limited physical release of The Long Drive Home, which can be purchased at Fred’s Records in St. John’s as well as through our Bandcamp website. September 2023
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homefront
adventures outdoors
Guides: A League of Their Own By Gord Follett
Up until 2021, I never bothered to apply/register as a fishing and hunting guide. First off, I could never picture myself sitting in a boat or on a rock eight or 10 hours a day while my client was having the time of his or her life catching prime brook trout and hooking Atlantic salmon. And I really didn’t think I could hold back my emotions if, after working like a dog all week trying to find an impressive bull moose for my sport, my client passed on an 18-pointer because he was looking for a 20. No sir, it wouldn’t have been in me to smile and say, “Oh, OK, that’s fine, Mr. Smith. Let’s try to find you a bigger one.” And trust me, folks, it isn’t at all uncommon for Newfoundland and Labrador guides – often described as the best of the best – to experience such demanding clients. Oh, the stories I could tell from chatting with guides over the years, many of whom I consider friends today. Theirs isn’t 36
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an easy job, despite their incredible qualifications and genuine love for the outdoors. As I approached my mid-60s and entered into semi-retirement a couple of years back, I thought back on my mainland friends and family and their occasional “hints” to take them 1-888-588-6353
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fishing and small game hunting when they visited on vacation, saving them the average daily guide fee of $250$300. (For those unaware, non-residents must avail of the services of a registered outfitter for big game hunts, which generally cost upwards of $6,000.) I finally took that formal step and registered as a guide. Not that I’m opening myself up to guiding offers here. Believe me, I’m not. I have every intention of continuing my own outdoor pursuits at my own pace until my body no longer allows. But I could probably be persuaded now and then to take an ol’ mainland buddy or long-lost cousin for a day of salmon fishing, for example, without charging them a fee. It wouldn’t be the first time, but it wasn’t a mainlander either. My first
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unofficial big game guiding experience was actually about 25 years ago. It was a favour for a good friend, Sean Kearsey, and we’ve often joked about it being a “record-fast” moose hunt. Sean was living in Torbay at the time, and the Grand Falls-Windsor native wasn’t overly familiar with Moose Management Area (MMA) 33, Salmonier, for which he had a bullonly licence. Having hunted partridge and fished for trout in the Salmonier-Colinet area numerous times over the years, I had some idea of places we could look for an animal. Though I cautioned Sean that we may have to make a dozen or more day trips before finding and harvesting his bull. At 7 a.m. on opening day, we turned left off the TCH onto Salmonier Line
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and into Sean’s MMA. Twenty minutes later we made a right turn onto Colinet Road, and within a short distance, I spotted a relatively new woods road to my right. “Let’s see what’s in here,” I remember saying as my Chevy pickup left the pavement. We inched our way along, searching both sides of the road, until after not much more than a kilometre, the trail ended. “They must not be finished with the road yet,” I said while turning the vehicle around and heading back out. We hadn’t gone more than 150 metres when a young bull came out of the woods and stopped on the edge of the trail, probably 90 metres in front of us. Sean quietly slid out of the truck, raised his rifle and fired. BOOM! The bull dropped where he stood. “I don’t believe this!” I said after congratulating my buddy. “You got your animal half an hour into the hunt on opening day, and we’ll be heading to the butcher’s by lunchtime.” I’m the first to admit we were extremely lucky that day. “Pure fluke,” I’ve often called it, even though my buddy made a fine shot to ensure we didn’t have to search the woods half the day for a wounded animal. Since then, I’ve been on dozens of
Sean harvested this Biscay Bay bull in 2013 Gord Follett photo moose hunts. The majority of them have taken between four and 16 days before finally harvesting an animal. I truly enjoy a couple of moose hunts each fall and can’t wait to head out in search of the largest member of the deer family. But to have the pressure, as a professional guide, of finding the “right” animal week after week during the season? Nah, I think I’ll pass on that job – too much for this fella. The majority of guides – particularly big game guides – not only work hard, but they also have an incredibly vast knowledge of all things outdoors. I’m not in their league. And I’m OK with that.
Gord Follett was editor of the Newfoundland Sportsman magazine for more than 30 years and co-hosted the Newfoundland Sportsman TV show for 15 years. Email gordfollett@gordfollettoutdoors.com.
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homefront in your words
The Truth is Past
By Ivan J. White, proud Mi’kmaw, Flat Bayer and father
I will start with an appropriate introduction, one that connects me to both the people that claim me and the land that sustains me. My name is Ivan Joseph White (Ivan J.). I am the son of Ivan and Joanann White; grandson of Gus and Susan White, and Theodore and Pauline Tobin. My family, although extremely large, is incredibly close. We are tied together by the love we know for each other and the values of sharing, inclusivity and collaboration. Growing up in the Mi’kmaw community of Flat Bay, I was surrounded by friends and family, and never once felt unsafe exploring the lands and waters there. When I tell you it was different from your experience, you may not trust that it was. So I will preface this with words like “unique upbringing” and “this is not your story,” as they are my favourite ways to express how different it really was. In general, Indigenous communities, if they have been recognized at all and not left in obscurity or as background noise, have been recognized through a settler lens – and that perspective is locked in the past, in stereotypes. To allow you to see me, and to subsequently recognize my community, I will start with what I know as Mi’kmaw culture, the culture I grew up with in Flat Bay. I am 40 years young, and I will tell you that culture was not feathers, smudge, pounding on drums or dancing. No one did this. The survival of 40
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a people resulted in difficult decisions, including the termination of knowledge sharing around the language – which was completely lost in the late 1970s with the death of Mary Francis-Webb, a midwife to hundreds of families from the tip of the Northern Peninsula to Cape Ray. She was a strong Mi’kmaw woman who spoke four languages and will be remembered in perpetuity for the strength of her character that was matched only by her ability to heal. Difficult decisions left us with huntergatherer, some agriculture, and a whole lot of barter and sharing knowledge skills, and stories, as culture. Mi’kmaw culture is about actioning a genuine love and care for others in the community that most people would only write about, or experience, through fiction. For most of the population on the island of Newfoundland, there is an innate capacity to be able to speak of their experience and ability to “live 1-888-588-6353
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off the land.” I won’t, and can’t, argue this as a falsehood. But the experience and abilities we share as a circumstance of living, and surviving, on this island are not the same as the identity that I grew up exploring and experiencing in Flat Bay. It was fundamentally different. It was holistic. A story, whether fiction or nonfiction, was as valuable as the mending of an axe handle or a bag of vegetables. Connecting and growing together through story means something to my people, and I feel it always will. My home has endured a multitude of hardships: isolation, exclusion and oppression make a good overarching trilogy of themes in chronological order to describe these hardships. But it remains strong, friendly and open to this day through the Bay St. George Mi’kmaw Powwow; the Flat Bay Band’s implementation of social and economic programs beyond basic services; and groups of volunteers who bring people together to
make Flat Bay much more than a community – they make it home. Flat Bay has always provided a great sense of belonging and comfort to me. It taught me the importance of sharing, and I give back and promote those values with the work that I do now for, but never without, them. Truth and Reconciliation to me, represent the past, present and future. The truth of the past is that we all hear and acknowledge the shared history from the Indigenous perspective. My story, my family’s story, my community’s story, my nation’s story, are all valid pieces of our collective story – humanity’s story. Reconciliation makes the present and informs the future, where we must all work together to share, include and collaborate on making sure the next seven generations know they belong and have the knowledge to survive, grow and do the same for as far as we can imagine into their future.
Ivan J. White, Mi’kmaw from Flat Bay, is the Indigenous education specialist with Memorial University’s Office of Indigenous Affairs. He writes from his home in Shallop Cove, shared with his wife Crystal; two kids, Bella and Ivan Jacob; and their fur babies Chess, Checkers and Juno. Seven generations, or 840 years, is a Pan-Indigenous concept that helps us perceive the future and think of ways to preserve the good things we have and do for the people who will walk Mother Earth in future.
www.downhomelife.com
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features
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Earlier this year, Downhome asked again for your
stories of incredible pets for our Pet of the Year Contest – and boy, did you deliver! We received a slew of stories about beautiful companions offering love, bringing comfort and brightening our days together. A number of them were awarded honourable mentions, as you’ll discover on the following pages. Their stories range from hilarious to heartwarming, and sometimes a mix of both. But first, it’s time to meet this year’s winner. She was chosen above all for her friendship, determination and bravery. Here’s the story of Sue the English setter and her human, Deborah Scott.
A Hero Named Sue Sue is a five-year old English setter. She lives in Marysvale, NL, with her mom, Deborah. “She’s gotten me through a lot, the good girl,” Deborah says. “I lost my husband last year and then she lost her bigger brother. So it’s just me and her now, and we’re doing OK.” But things were far from OK one night last summer. In August of 2022, Deborah owned a cabin on Bonne Bay Pond and was in the process of turning it into a permanent home – until those plans suddenly went up in smoke. “August 12th, last year,” Deborah recounts in a hushed voice. That night was the first time Deborah had been out socially since her husband passed away. “I had a couple of friends over for supper and we went to visit at another cabin. About 11 o’clock I came home and got settled away, got in bed, and went to sleep.” Sue and Deborah
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Sue usually curls right in under the blankets and snoozes quietly, but this night, Deborah says, she was agitated. “She started jumping on me and barking. In my sleep, I just sort of pushed her aside and told her to be good, but she kept at it and kept at it and kept at it.” Eventually, Deborah sat up to see what Sue’s problem was. She was shocked to discover the room was filled with smoke! “The whole cabin was black with smoke,” she says. “We crawled out, literally crawled, and 10 minutes after we were out, it was fully engulfed.” 44
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In nothing but pajamas and bare feet, Deborah took off to a nearby cabin for help, with Sue right by her side. The RCMP called the Southside fire department, but by the time they arrived, the cabin was a total loss. The probable cause was an electrical fire. If it hadn’t been for Sue, the loss would have been much more tragic. The bond between Sue and Deborah is stronger than ever. “She’s everything to me,” Deborah says. Sue loves to run for miles and go for rides in the car. She’s devoted to Deborah’s two grandsons, who call her Sue Magoo because she’s so silly. She has a lot of allergies, so Deborah makes her special vegetarian treats (romaine lettuce is her favourite), and she loves to stroll around the pond. Though after a small snafu involving a bird and the kayak, Sue hates getting in the water. “She’s very lovable,” Deborah laughs. “She’s with me wherever I go.” And how do you thank a dog for her heroism? “Give her everything she needs,” Deborah says simply. “Squeeze her, love her, that’s all you can do! I just look at her sometimes,” she adds with a laugh. “She can be a nuisance, and I just say, ‘Well, you did save my life!’”
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Most Mischievous
Life with Leo By Jeanette Riles
My cat Leo, is 19 years old. When people ask what kind of cat he is, I always say he’s a baycat. A friend found him, his mom and siblings living outside in Northern Bay. His mom and siblings went to the SPCA and eight-week-old Leo came with me. He spent his first night in the back corner of the closet with his little mews keeping me awake the entire night. When he was eight months old, on his way to be neutered, he escaped his carrier and ran away. He wriggled his way under the hood of a car for shelter. Ten hours later, I was shaking a bag of cat treats and calling his name when I heard his mew. We had to remove the alternator to get him out! When Leo was 11, I went to Florida and he went to stay with a friend. Five days into my trip, she messaged saying she couldn’t find him. I flew home early. Once again I shook the 46
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treat bag and called his name. I could hear his little mew – it was coming from inside the wall. We had to cut three holes in the Gyproc to get him out! He loves to eat shiny things, especially ribbons and strings. The first time he had eaten so much I measured it at 12 feet long! I have literally pulled ribbons from both ends of him! (For those reading, please do not do this! I didn’t know at the time how dangerous it is for an animal.) In September 2021, it was because of his love of eating strings that we discovered he has a thyroid issue and now takes medication two times a day and is in kidney failure. I don’t know how much time we have left with each other, but I will cherish every moment. 1-888-588-6353
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Best Storyteller
Molly, In Her Own Words
(Submitted by her mom, Shirley Sooley)
My name is Molly. I was born in northern Ontario. My birth momma had been chained outside, sick and frail, when she gave birth to me and my three siblings. Kind strangers took us in and promised to find us fur-ever homes. When I was eight weeks old, I was told about this family who really needed me. So I set about to rescue them. These people were in their 70s, almost too old, according to the rescue agency. But I knew I could turn things around for them. This old couple needed to know that they had more energy than they realized, and a reminder that training a “slightly large” dog was good exercise, physically and mentally. Speaking of “slightly large,” they assumed that because I looked like a black Lab puppy that I would grow up to be a mid-sized dog. But I knew I could be so much more than that! The DNA testing they had done, after a few months of my surprisingly rapid growth, verified that my exotic gene pool consists of French Mastiff and Bernese mountain dog. Strangely, my dad was not impressed with my fancy genetics, saying he hadn’t signed up to raise a small horse. My mom, however, was thrilled because there’d be so much more of me to love. Since I moved in 10 months ago, our home looks so much better. It now has character, with my teeth carvings in chairs, table legs and baseboards. Mom says I don’t even www.downhomelife.com
shed – I “emit magical sparkles of joy and happiness glitter.” Dad does not agree, but he still takes me for the best walks around our farm property, off leash. When I chase chipmunks into the woods, he has this awesome loud voice and I know he loves me by the way he shouts my name: “MOLLY, YOU BETTER GET BACK HERE RIGHT NOW!” Yup, I’m pretty contented here, and I know they need me. Even if they are old, grey and wrinkled, I love them with all my heart. I’m so glad I could give them a new “leash” on life. Mom says it’s important to her that I share some things that she has rediscovered in our time together. This is what she’d like you to know: All life is precious. Don’t judge a book by its cover. Love at first sight can be very real. Never underestimate your ability to influence another life for good, no matter your age or how humble the place from which you’ve come. Growing a loving relationship is not just “a walk in the park.” It takes time, patience and forgiveness because we all make mistakes. Not everyone is going to like you. Greet them with a smile and a tail wag anyway. The world needs all the kindness we can share. September 2023
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Best Spirit
Remi’s Gift
By Nancy Brown
We are a family of three living in Gan-
der, NL. In 2016, I was browsing on NL Classifieds and found a family was looking to rehome a purebred black Labrador Retriever. I messaged the family and asked if he was certified as a purebred. I was told that he was born with a birth defect – a cleft palate. He was a healthy and happy boy, and never had any surgery to repair this defect. He drinks his water a little differently than other dogs and sometimes sneezes if food makes its way up into his palate. Our reason for snatching up this handsome boy was mostly related to the fact that he had something in common with my husband and daughter, as they were both born with bilateral cleft lip/palate. They have both undergone multiple surgeries and have adapted in their own ways to their facial differences. We felt it was fate to bring Remi into our home. He is now 10 years old and is such a good boy. He is loved by everyone who meets him.
Most Courageous
Valkyrie the Brave By Boyd Saunders My girl Valkyrie will be four years old this
year. We got her in Sussex, New Brunswick, and since the first day we got her she has been our everything: she comforts us when we are sad, warms us when we are cold and is the kindest floof ball. She is a complete sook – but brave. We live on the top of the Northern Peninsula in a little town called St. Lunaire. Last spring, we had two polar bears come up on our back deck and try to get into our house. Valkyrie was outside on the deck at the time. She stood up to them and wouldn’t let them in. Meanwhile, I rushed out there wearing just my shorts at 6:30 in the morning, trying to drag her back in the house. All I was thinking was if she falls into them they are going to kill her – and I’m gonna die with my underwear on, fist-fighting two polar bears! But it would be quite the story on my headstone: Newfie dies fighting polar bears bare handed in his underwear, avenging his beloved dog.
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Most Compassionate
Meatloaf, Mister and Big Guy By Peggy Snow In 2018, I was introduced to Meatloaf at the
Exploits Valley SPCA. A big orange and white boy, his previous owners had tossed him outside. He was battered and bruised when we first met. A few months later, he came to live with us. Three weeks after Meatloaf came home, a little black cat appeared at the back door. When I opened the door he ran. I put some food out for him and later in the afternoon it was gone. At 7:00 that evening, Meatloaf sat in front of me and cried several times. He led me to the back door where this little black cat sat outside. When I opened the door with food for him, he ran to the deck’s bottom step and hissed at me from his safe distance. I started calling him Mister, a name he knows well now. Since that first fall he’s had a heated house on my back veranda and a heated pad under his food. Meatloaf comes to get me or will wake me up whenever Mister arrives, sometimes at three or four in the morning. In 2020, Mister brought a pregnant young lady cat with him. In early October, Mister and his lady brought the kittens to my heated
house out back. I found her owner, and she came to retrieve momma and the babies. For the last 15 months Mister’s had another friend he brings for food. I call him Big Guy, but he was very skinny when he first arrived. I think it’s fair to say that Mister is alive today because Meatloaf cared enough. Meatloaf is a hero to Mister and Big Guy, and every day or night he forces me to make their life just a little better. He forces me to be better. He has more character than most people.
Mister
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life is better Some day on clothes. Jillian Murphy, St. Andrew’s, NL
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features
Pam Pardy checks up on some folks she introduced us to last year, after post-tropical storm Fiona upended their lives.
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The clean-up to repair the wreckage caused by post-tropical storm Fiona on Newfoundland and Labrador’s southwest coast continues, a grim reminder for those directly affected on that September day. No one understands better, perhaps, than the mayor of Channel-Port aux Basques, Brian Button. “There’s not a day that Fiona hasn’t been a topic of conversation or hasn’t been something that someone from the town has had to deal with,” the mayor admits. The infrastructure damage left by the historic storm that struck the town on September 24, 2022, was “catastrophic,” he adds. As it raged, Fiona brought with it powerful rains, massive waves and a devastating storm surge that washed more than 20 houses into the sea. Strong, damaging winds with gusts up to 134 km/h were recorded in Port aux Basques. “Just today I was on a conference call with the province about the work that continues, and many residents are dealing with different situations as it relates to their own property. www.downhomelife.com
And, you know, Fiona came with not only a lot of infrastructure damage, but with emotional turmoil as well,” he says. Mayor Button wishes he could find a way to forget, if only for a brief while, he adds solemnly. “I think that’s probably one of the things that I struggle with most. This has been pretty impactful on all of us, myself included. Mental health, for a lot of people, has deteriorated because of the impact of the storm. There’s been so many ups and downs, and I feel the reality of that probably more now than I did back in October and November, right after Fiona,” he explains. But amid the wreckage, many also uncovered overwhelming gratitude, September 2023
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drawing strength from their good old-fashioned Newfoundland-style sense of humour. Take the photo of Krystle Collier that went viral last September. Krystle had lost her home, narrowly escaping the storm’s wreckage herself, the night Fiona struck the town. Next morning, when she returned to what was left of her property, Krystle spied her refrigerator poking out of the rubble. In
outside for just a moment, but was almost instantly struck by a rogue wave and nearly drowned. “Some days are good and there are some days I just got to sit in my chair and try to calm myself down,” she shares honestly. If she hears water running sometimes, the memories of being trapped come back to haunt her, she admits. “Most days I tried to get up and go
“There’s been so many ups and downs, and I feel the reality of that probably more now than I did back in October and November, right after Fiona.” Channel-Port aux Basques Mayor Brian Button
that candid snap seen around the world, Krystle triumphantly held up two salvaged White Claw beverages she had been hoping to enjoy that weekend. “It sure has made me laugh a lot to look back on how all that played out,” Krystle reflects. But beyond the laughter, it’s been the support of others that has helped the most. “Friends and family helped us. We have been supported so much by people that are close to us,” she adds, tearing up. Area resident Jocelyn Gillam understands that sentiment all too well. Jocelyn, now 63, almost lost her life in the storm. As angry waves lashed the shoreline, Jocelyn stepped 54
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on. I got my family and I got my husband, so you just got to go on for them,” she says, her voice cracking with emotion. Jocelyn adds that she knows that “everyone has been through so much… The area where I grew up, there’s nothing there. One side of the road is gone. And you look sometimes and say to yourself, ‘I really can’t remember who lived there anymore,’ and that’s so sad.” It’s devastating to see house after house torn down because they couldn’t be repaired, she adds. “Everybody works hard to build their lives, and it’s all been taken away in the saddest way.” Friends of hers lost their home, 1-888-588-6353
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Krystle Collier’s photo of her retrieving White Claw drinks from her destroyed home went viral. Today, she is grateful for the support from her family and friends.
A tattoo on Krystle’s forearm reminds her she is ‘stronger than the storm’
escaping with only the clothes on their back, and another friend lost her life, taken by the storm and washed out to sea. “Some days I sit there in my chair and I think, ‘Why did God save me?’ ‘Why am I still here?’” Jocelyn admits. “Then I think, ‘He must have kept me for a reason, so I better do my best every day.’” Jocelyn and her husband Brian just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary, and she said that day was one of celebration.
Left: Krystle looks forward to enjoying White Claw in their new home someday. Above: A note Krystle wrote on New Year’s Eve 2022 www.downhomelife.com
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The view from Jocelyn’s home on a calm day. During the storm, she was standing steps from her house when a wild wave swept her off her feet and trapped her under a vehicle. “It was the first day I can honestly say I didn’t think about Fiona, not once. But most days I question so many things. Like, why did I go outside that day? I went out and I looked over across the sea and I could see the weather coming. But I was nowhere from my own home. I felt safe. In a blink, a wave just took me off my feet,” she says. While she still goes for therapy on her leg, on the day we spoke Jocelyn had been doing her usual weekly floor scrubbing – on her hands and knees of course. She laughs. “Well, you know what? I come out in the mornings, and I goes over and I stands in the window, 56
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and I says, ‘Fiona, you’re not bringing me down today.’” While she knows she’s resilient, Jocelyn explains that nothing has been easy since Fiona. “At first, there were days I didn’t dress. I didn’t even shower. I couldn’t. I didn’t have it in me. I just couldn’t do it.” But now, she puts her best foot forward each and every day – like everyone else in the town tries to do, she says. “We are Port aux Basques strong. This is our home and will always be our home. I say to my husband, ‘If the time comes and we got to go, where are we going?’ We love it here. What happened to us all that day was Fiona’s fault. That’s the only 1-888-588-6353
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thing we got to blame. It’s not the town. It’s not the people in it. Fiona was nasty to us that day, but we’ll get through this.” Jocelyn has words of advice for anyone facing a hurricane or posttropical storm. “Don’t be nosy like me. Stay inside. Go somewhere safe. Don’t think it can’t happen to you, because it can.” Mayor Button understands where Jocelyn is coming from. Once you’ve been through a disaster, you finally get it, he says.
having some struggles, and it must be so difficult. I wouldn’t want to be in their shoes.’ Well, we found ourselves in that exact situation, and we still find ourselves today still just trying to get through it.” Things have gotten better, but there’s still a long road ahead yet, he adds. Krystle agrees, but she says the main thing is that people are healthy, and they are safe and are preparing for the future. Her family of four currently resides in a home owned by
Jocelyn and Brian Gillam recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. “It was the first day I can honestly say I didn’t think about Fiona. Not once,” Jocelyn remembers. “No one really knew just how big of an impact Fiona was going to have. The day after, once we had a chance to see what we were up against, we knew that it was going to be a very big hill we were going to have to climb and this wasn’t going to be done in a short period of time.” As much as anyone or any community can prepare, it’s never enough, he adds. “There’s nothing that can prepare you for the real thing. We watch things on television and we see events that are happening, whether it’s forest fires or flooding, and we all say, ‘My God, these people must be www.downhomelife.com
her great aunt and uncle. While they will be there for a while yet, Krystle’s family has plans to move into a new home in the near future. “We have decided to rebuild in a newer part of town, far, far away from the ocean. It’s like a new outlook on life and we are excited to start the process,” she shares. One of her first plans once they do move in? Krystle says with a chuckle, “Perhaps I’ll aim for round two of that photo once I’m moved into our new home – a photo op of a White Claw in my new fridge in my new home. Let’s see what happens.” September 2023
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features
How photography and social media lifted a man from some dark times and set him on brighter, successful path BY JASON SHEPPARD
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CORY BABSTOCK is known
as one of this province’s top photographers.
But it wasn’t a career path he had originally been travelling. Cory, who holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, found employment in management for 30 years, eventually managing a major Atlantic Canadian building supply retail company. www.downhomelife.com
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Cory Babstock’s adventures with photography began when he started sharing his hiking photos on social media. That is, until a serious workplace injury in 2018 damaged his lower back and led to two spinal surgeries. It also forced him out of his job in retail. Many months later in early 2020, having been fully healed and cleared for work, Cory was close to landing a job with Parks Canada – then the COVID-19 pandemic hit. With little to no income coming in, he and his wife, Darlene, who was also off work, were forced to declare bankruptcy. With no real prospects on the horizon, Cory got severely depressed. Looking back on the situation now, he admits that he may have even felt suicidal. “I was having some pretty dark thoughts during that time,” he shares. “Looking back on it now, it is scary, but at the time it felt completely natural.” To help shake those dark feelings, Cory took up hiking – or at least as much as he could with his back injury. During these walks he’d take 60
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photos of the sights with his cellphone, which he shared over social media. Right away, his followers began commenting on the uniqueness of his photos, which often featured old abandoned structures, boats and houses. Darlene noticed an uptick in her husband’s mood each time he posted his photos as the “likes” began to grow. “My wife took notice that my photography hobby was one of the bright things going on for me,” Cory says. Despite the couple being in hard shape financially, Darlene managed to produce a few hundred dollars to purchase a digital camera for Cory. From there, the more images he shared online, the more people grew interested in not just viewing his images, but also buying them. After selling so many copies of his photos, Cory convinced himself that this could be the answer to his finances. What Cory captures, what his fans 1-888-588-6353
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love, is the unique and striking imagery found in Newfoundland and Labrador scenery. Today, Cory works with Newfoundland Photo Tourism, where a small group of photographers – local, American, European or from the mainland – tour and take photos of St. John’s and outlying areas such as Bonavista. They, too, are drawn to that “something
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special” the province offers. “One thing I stress to these groups is what we have that other areas don’t is space and… age, the history, and that carries through in the photography, especially in some of the smaller outport towns.” Cory very rarely refers to himself as a photographer. He prefers the term Continued on page 63
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“visual storyteller,” as he likes to inject a narrative of some sort into each of his images. He adds it is not necessarily a narrative he creates, but one that invites the viewer to create their own, whether it invokes feelings of nostalgia or drama. One popular photo by Cory depicts a bed in an old salt box house with sheets pulled back and old-fashioned wallpaper on the wall. “The story there is ‘Who is the last person to sleep in that bed? Why is it empty now?’” he says. “So, you tell yourself a story about that empty house and why did the last person not take the time to make the bed. That engagement between photo and viewer is much more meaningful to me than just looking at something.” When he sees any photo, Cory says, he appreciates those that draw him in to see something different each time he looks at it.
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A NEW PERSPECTIVE Cory’s social media followers no doubt noticed a difference in his posts in recent months, as he began to open up about his personal life: his physical health, financial worries and mental health struggles. “I felt it was important for myself as well as others to be as open and frank with what was going on with me, physically and mentally, as possible,” he offers. “My generation of men were told to shut up and get through it.” He felt this path he was embarking on would benefit him in a more successful way by sharing his journey with his followers, the ones who initially came to him by way of admiring his photography. “I considered sharing my work with others a form of therapy.” 64
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In doing so, he discovered there were many other people sharing the same journey. Once Cory learned that, he felt a lot less alone during a difficult time. “When I lost my health, I was in mourning much the same as if I lost somebody from my life. And I did indeed – I lost myself,” he says. Today the irony is not lost on him that the one thing a photographer counts on in their work, the light, is what pulled him out of that darkness he had found himself in. Today, Cory keeps his online followers in the loop regarding his health journey by posting what he calls a Healthy Living Update each week. On this July day, Cory shares that he is down to under 290 lbs, more than 60 lbs lighter than his starting weight of 350 lbs just 89 days ago. 1-888-588-6353
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Cory says the response to his health posts from his online friends has been “fantastic.” Many have even reached out to offer support, whether it was through financial donations or to inquire about purchasing his work. He credits such goodwill to his willingness to be open about his life. “Men have reached out to me to say they’re glad I spoke out about my struggles because they feel it, too. To know that I might have helped others in their mental health journeys, that’s a huge reward. That, to me, is the most satisfying part of this journey.”
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Find Cory Babstock www.oldbonesphoto.com.
at
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features
Newfoundland’s Andrew Hynes personifies heart and perseverance, earning a global spotlight in Berlin, Germany. By Dillon Collins
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To persevere is defined as the ability to continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty. Perhaps no young athlete across Newfoundland and Labrador embodies heart, fortitude and perseverance quite like Andrew Hynes. Andrew – a 35-year-old Special Olympian based out of Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s – was born with the multi-system disorder Williams Syndrome. Yet his tenacity, good-natured attitude and heart has propelled him through more than 25 years of success in athletics. His latest and most personal accolade saw the veteran of local and national sport journey across the globe for an opportunity reserved for an elite few. Andrew and his longtime friend, Lynette Wells, were selected to be a part of the torch run leading up to the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin, Germany (June 17-25, 2023), representing the Law Enforcement Torch Run Special Olympics for Newfoundland and Labrador. The duo were two of only 110 participants from around the world in the torch’s final leg – with Andrew being one of only 10 athletes, and the only selection from Canada. “It’s pretty mind-boggling what happened over there,” shares Andrew in a recent sit-down with Downhome. “It was a pretty emotional experience for me as an athlete and as a person. My parents couldn’t come with me, so I was there all by myself. But I knew that the person who went over with me was going to take care of me, and I knew that I was going to have great people surrounding me.”
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Andrew’s relationship with Lynette goes back over two decades. The pair were originally selected as torch runners for the 2022 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Kazan, Russia. Those games, however, were cancelled amidst the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Shaking off the disappointment of events beyond their control, Andrew and Lynette applied and were selected for the prestigious honour in Germany. Andrew – a longtime dedicated Special Olympian in his own right – was over the moon to represent his country and home province overseas. “I just got goosebumps from you saying that actually,” Andrew shares of the reality of being the only Canadian athlete selected to carry the torch. “It’s mind-opening, it’s crazy. Like, there’s so many good Canadian athletes in Canada and they picked a guy from a small community in Newfoundland. I mean, we don’t get recognized very much for sports and stuff down here in Newfoundland, but we’re going to get recognized for this, that’s for sure.” Embraced by his fellow torchbearers and the hordes of athletes represented at the games, the experience was monumental for a young man who overcame no shortage of hardship to reach it. Andrew’s mother, Corena Boland Greeley, a superb athlete herself and longtime rower, recently overcame stage four bowel 68
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cancer. Her perseverance helped propel Andrew during his 40 km trek across nearly four days. “It’s pretty amazing to see my mom doing so well now,” Andrew shares proudly. “I went over to Germany and it finally came time for me to go. She was really happy for me. And so was I. So it’s really nice.”
Andrew and Lynette in Berlin, Germany Back home with his torch in tow, Andrew has endeavoured to share his own piece of sports history with his family, friends and home province. “I was wondering what I was going to do with it, and I actually got it and I was like, man, I’m going to go here, I want to go there. I want to take [the torch] because it’s not only for me, 1-888-588-6353
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Andrew in Berlin with his fellow torch bearers for the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games. Andrew was representing the Law Enforcement Torch Run Special Olympics for Newfoundland and Labrador. it’s for everyone else who got me there,” Andrew says. Watching his mother and the extended Greeley clan at the lake – a legacy family in Newfoundland’s rowing culture – Andrew was bitten hard by the sports bug at a young age. Individual achievements would morph into a love of team sports – from track and field to floor hockey and soccer – where Andrew would suit up for Special Olympics Canada in a series of national games across two decades. “Going down to the pond and watching my mother race, and watching my step-father race, and his family are so involved in it. I was www.downhomelife.com
a little kid just going down and watching my mom race and watching her row. I wanted to get into sports. And once that opportunity came around, I went into sports and got my own medals. Yeah, it’s pretty cool,” Andrew recalls proudly, searching for a moment for advice he’d pass on to budding sports hopefuls. “You just need to keep going. Don’t listen to other people if they doubt you, just don’t listen to that. Just fight and go to the gym. Working out really helps. If you go to the gym, you put in the work, good things will happen. So keep working out and keep grinding, and it will come.” September 2023
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explore
Investigating the lore, legends and landscape that help define the upcoming Damnable Trail Festival. BY DENNIS FLYNN
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of a horseshoe-shaped cove drifts beneath my feet and curls up like sleeping cats into small dunes that trace the curvature of the beautiful beach. Greenish-blue waves roll ashore and a warm breeze jostles tree tops under the unblinking eye of the sun as I pass through a great bone entranceway made from skeletal parts of some long ago fallen leviathan. Heading inland and uphill, I reach a wooden platform where a sovereign flag holds sway.
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Previously known as Silver Buckle, supposedly after a fashion accessory dropped here by a pirate long, long ago, it is now known to residents and visitors to the Eastport Peninsula as Sandy Cove, Bonavista Bay. I’ve explored this captivating part of the province on bicycle, on foot over hiking trails, and by water on a standup paddle board. And I’ve still not experienced all it has to offer. Recently added to my bucket list is the Damnable Trail Festival, which debuted last September. It returns this month, running September 22-24,
establishing itself as an annual event for the region. “The response from residents and visitors has been overwhelmingly positive; we registered about 600 people last year and anticipate around 1,000 for this year,” says Lori Moss, tourism coordinator for The Road to the Beaches region and Damnable Trail Festival event organizer. “The Damnable Trail development was a volunteer-run initiative years in the making [in partnership with ACOA]. Retracing the steps of the
The 15-km coastal ridge trail connects sandy cove (above) with the town of salvage
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The Coastal Ridge Challenge adventure race is a popular event for all during the damnable trail festival. Lori Moss photos original settlers, turning old walking paths into hiking trails, has been a major boost for our region. With sweeping coastal views and rugged coastline, people come from around the world to hike here, so a festival celebrating it and everything our area can offer was a no-brainer.” An anchor event of the Damnable Trail Festival is the Coastal Ridge Challenge 22 K Adventure Race
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1. Sprucey Hill Trail (gazebo), Salvage 2. Museum Trail Lookout, Salvage 3. Mountain Ridge Trail (from Sunday Avenue), Salvage 4. Round Head Lookout, Salvage 5. Doctor’s Pond boardwalk, Salvage 6. Net Point Lookout, Salvage 7. Old Harry Cove (on a tree), Salvage 8. Southern Head Lookout, Salvage 9. Coastal Ridge Trail (CRT) Edythe’s Lookout (on a tree) 10. CRT The Barrens (Sunshine Hill, on a tree) 11. CRT Barrow Harbour 12. CRT The Gorge 13. Wild Cove Park (gazebo), Salvage 14. CRT (on a tree towards Sandy Cove end) 15. Sandy Cove Head Lookout (by the flag pole) 16. Old School House Trail (on a lookout), Happy Adventure 17. High Tide Trail, Eastport 18. Chuff’s Bight, Sandringham 19. Ken Diamond Trail (Puff N Blow), Glovertown From Instagram: @Damnabletrail 74
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along the trails. With the surge of interest in ultramarathons and trail running in this province, it’s easy to understand why it is has sold out very quickly the past two years. Trail runners I spoke with really enjoyed the entire festival last year and gave high praise to the race itself. Lori says, “The running and hiking community is so hardcore and supportive in Newfoundland and Labrador. We’re thrilled to be part of it and to offer the race as part of the festival.” The Damnable Trail is a network of paths covering the Eastport Penin-sula and Glovertown, Lori explains, “with some you can string together or pick a short trail for a quick jaunt. Our most challenging trail is the 15-km (one way) Coastal Ridge Trail connecting Salvage and Sandy Cove. That’s the one most 1-888-588-6353
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The damnable trail system includes several paths around the community of salvage damnabletrail.com photo
people are curious about. It’s an advanced trail, but we encourage all experienced hikers to try it!” Aside from the trails themselves, local history and folklore are huge sources of entertainment and fascination for visitors to the area. “Everyone asks where the name ‘Damnable’ came from, and like all things in folklore it’s a hotly debated topic,” Lori says. “The story we heard goes that a pirate ship was hiding in the St. Chad’s bay from the English when someone accidentally rang a bell onboard the pirate ship and alerted the British vessel to their location. Of course, someone yelled ‘Damn the bell!’ and it became part of our local vernacular, with the bay now known as Damnable Bay.” Knowing this story, a fun addition was made to the trails. There are 19 www.downhomelife.com
bells strategically placed along the trail for hikers to find and ring, to mark the conquering of a particular section. The full list of bell locations and some hints for finding them can be found on the organization’s website, along with a schedule of events that include activities, music and food for folks of all ages and varied abilities and interests. Lori says, “We encourage people of all ages and backgrounds, not just hikers, to come explore with us. The area is so rich in history and sights, whether you hit the trails or not, you’ll still ‘have a time!’ as we say. We especially enjoy seeing families come: getting kids and youth outside and active is a big goal for us.” Learn more about the Damnable Trail Festival and the trails on the website: DamnableTrail.com. September 2023
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explore
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“ARE YOU HERE IN TOWN TO SEE COME FROM AWAY?” I ask the friendly-looking guy with the British accent in the airport lounge. I’m visiting Gander, NL, to see the buzzy new production of the hit musical and overheard him chatting with his friends. “Oh!” he laughs. “We’re in the show!” Turns out I had just run into Stuart Hickey and Timothy Matson, stars of the show, along with Timothy’s wife, Kiersten Noel. We’re in the observation area at the International Terminal in the Gander Airport overlooking the chic lounge, and we have a grand gab. It’s a beautiful day in mid-July, the show’s just had its official opening, and I’m in the very spot where it all started.
WELCOME TO THE ROCK Come From Away, the award-winning musical written by Tony nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein, tells the true story of the 6,579 passengers, eight dogs, nine cats and two rare Bonobo chimpanzees stranded in Gander after the fateful events of 9/11. It’s about kindness and camaraderie in extraordinary circumstances, and it’s told with a good dose of humour, highlighting the easygoing friendliness of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. It was a blockbuster hit on Broadway and all over the world, and now for the first time, a full production of the show’s being staged in Gander – and they’ve pulled out all the stops. www.downhomelife.com
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The legacy of 9/11 is found all throughout the Town of Gander. Above left: One of the displays in the observation area of the airport. Above right: Some children’s drawings express the lasting impression the event made on locals. Producer Michael Rubinoff says that right from the show’s earliest beginnings, there was always a dream to bring it to a hometown audience some day. “That was definitely a dream,” he says. “Bringing the concerts here was just so fantastic, but to be able to take an extended period of time with this new production and give people who didn’t get a chance or were unable to travel far to see the show, to see it close to home is incredible. And we wanted to make sure that if we were going to do this here, it was going to be a worldclass production. Yes, you’re in Gander, but you could be sitting in 78
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Toronto or New York or London.” At the helm is a new director, Jillian Keiley, a Newfoundlander and former artistic director of the English theatre at the National Arts Centre. “Jill is the artistic leader with a team that includes a number of Newfoundland designers,” Michael continues, “and it’s an incredible international cast made up of people from the Broadway production, from London’s West End, and some of the best actors in this province and across Canada.” Newfoundlanders in the cast include original Broadway star Petrina Bromley, Peter Halley, Shelley Neville, Clint Butler and others. Michael notes that even for those 1-888-588-6353
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Above left: Letters and cards of thanks from all over the world are on display at the North Atlantic Aviation Museum. Above right: Newfoundland and Labrador is the only place outside the US where you’ll see steel from the destroyed World Trade Center. familiar with the show, the Gander production will be fresh and new. “It’s a production that is through the lens of Newfoundlanders. It has a different momentum, a different sense of welcoming to it, because so many of the folks involved in creating it are from the province,” he says. “It’s really something unique.”
SOMEWHERE IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE Before the show, I tour around a bit to see the sights. As I putter through Gambo, I see a Come From Away banner fluttering proudly near Joey’s Lookout. There are others in Gander, Appleton, Glenwood and Lewisporte, www.downhomelife.com
celebrating the towns that pitched in to help. There are also poignant reminders of the tragic events – a piece of steel from the twin towers gifted to Appleton, children’s illustrations on a letterbox outside Gander’s Town Hall, and cards of thanks from all over the world on display at the Aviation Museum. Everywhere I go, towns are welcoming and folks are friendly. “I’ve spend lots of time in Gander, and it’s really thrilling to be here with this project,” Michael had said. “To, you know, not just hear from our audience in the theatre, but everywhere we go around town, people staying at the hotel, or in line at the September 2023
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Jumping Bean or at a restaurant who are just so generous in sharing how much they’ve enjoyed it. It’s pretty special being immersed in the community and to have that direct feedback on a theatre project. It’s pretty cool.” As I rack up the kilometres on the odometer, I also get a sense of wonder at how miraculous it was that when 38 planes carrying nearly 7,000 bewildered people urgently needed to land, here hidden in trees and darkness (as the song goes) was Gander – an airport town, Crossroads of the World – willing and able to receive them.
I AM HERE Later that evening, back at the Arts and Culture Centre, the lobby’s crowded and I can’t help but chat with the folks around me to learn what drew them here. I strike up a conversation with Phyllis Wilson, Agnes Kennedy and Helen Kennedy, who are friends and neighbours from Trepassey, NL. They tell me they play cards together and saved up for a special vacation that included a stop here at the show. Don and Jo Dupasquier are from Canberra, Australia, and are wearing official Come From Away Australia T-shirts. Jo tells me she’s seen the show twice, in Sydney and Canberra, and they just drove in from St. John’s today to catch the performance. “My little brother lives in CBS, so we’re having our family holiday here,” explains Don. “We were trying to get tickets to the show, but they were all sold out.” He holds up a 80
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The show draws fans from all over the world. Don and Jo Dupasquier are visiting NL from Canberra, Australia, where they’ve already seen it several times. sparkly gift bag. “Luckily for me, I managed to squeeze a few from somebody – and that’s why I have a gift for this person!” Stephen Prest from the Washington, DC, area tells me he’s seen the show 17 times. “The show did out-oftown Broadway tryouts in Ford’s Theatre in DC,” he says. “And I saw a Washington Post article and I thought to myself, ‘9/11 what a horrible idea for a musical!’ But then in July of 2017, I went to Broadway at the recommendation of a friend, saw it on Broadway and fell in love immediately. I thought, this show is just life-changing; it restores your faith in humanity.” I see Michael chatting and laughing 1-888-588-6353
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Above: Fans settle into their seats in the Gander Arts and Culture Centre. The walls of the auditorium are covered with some 2,200 knitted squares from the Warm Embrace Project (left). those days in September 2001. They received over 2,200 squares, which were used to decorate the auditorium and the set – a special tribute to the compassion extended to the “plane people” by local communities.
FINALE
as I make my way into the auditorium to find my seat. The walls are adorned with brightly coloured knitted and crocheted squares, the kind you’d sew together to make a quilt. They’re the result of the Warm Embrace Project. Earlier, the NL production team had invited people to knit a memory square and share their stories and experiences from www.downhomelife.com
The show was a hit. When the first song crashed to an end – “Welcome to the rock!” – buddy, the place went up. I’ve never heard a roar like that from a crowd in a theatre before, and that momentum kept up right until the very end. Everyone involved should be endlessly proud of such a tribute to kindness and humour, community and connection. It’s a tale of what was lost, but more importantly what was found – here, in the middle of nowhere. September 2023
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Two decades of telling tales at the St. John’s Storytelling Festival
seem to have a knack for spinning yarns, whether it’s sitting around the kitchen table or fire pit, standing in line at the grocery store, or any place at all really. And depending upon the teller’s ability, it can be tough to distinguish between fact and fairytale – and that’s all part of the fun. 82
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Renowned actor, writer and storyteller Andy Jones performs during the 2019 St. John’s Storytelling Festival at Gower Street United Church.
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Gary Green grew up around stories and shares many of them in appearances around the province. Here he spins a yarn at the Cape St. Mary’s Performance Series pre-pandemic. Like many folks, Gary Green grew up surrounded by stories. Many of them were shared by his mother, who grew up in Griquet on the Great Northern Peninsula. “My mother was an incredible storyteller,” he says. “She always had an anecdote of one kind or another.” In those days, people of all ages would gather round to be enthralled and entertained. In more remote communities, it was an especially pleasant way to pass a few hours. “While everybody told stories, there were always a few recognized masters of the tale, and people would naturally congregate over to those particular people’s houses,” Gary says. Sometimes these stories imparted pearls of wisdom that could potentially save lives, like the fairy stories that helped keep children away from the cliffs, or from wandering off and getting lost in the woods or fog. Then there’s the cautionary tale of the “Boy Haulers” (who 84
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also go by “Dickie Scrunch” or “Billy Baker,” depending on who you’re talking to, Gary chuckles) that he learned about in Battle Harbour. These water-dwellers would grab unsuspecting victims by their ankles and haul them in if they got too close. But as time treads on and technology evolves, so has the way in which we tell our tales. Gary, who grew up and lives in St. John’s, recalls childhood summers spent in Griquet and Quirpon, where travelling entertainers would come by on coastal boat. “They would bring a little generator with them and a movie projector and a half a dozen movies, and they’d set up in somebody’s twine loft. And for a night or two... you could go up and for 25 cents or something, go in and sit on a bench in the twine loft and watch a couple of hours’ worth of movies or shorts… that was your other source of storytelling,” he says. Funny thing in Newfoundland, 1-888-588-6353
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Gary muses, “I think the storytelling tradition waned... with the oncoming of roads and electricity; the fairies dried up and, in some ways, the stories dried up as well.” But Gary kept on honing his storytelling chops. Over the years, he’s brought stories into the classroom to help illustrate lessons at Memorial University (where he was assistant professor in the Counselling Centre), and shared stories with visitors in Battle Harbour National Historic District in Labrador and aboard the schooner/tour boat, J&B, in St. John’s. These days, Gary is a soughtafter storyteller who has performed at events, conferences and festivals all over the map, as well as in TV and audio productions. He also teaches others the craft at the Vinland Music Camp and the St. John’s Storytelling Festival. The latter is a celebrated annual event that brings together the
finest storytellers from the province, the country and beyond. It has been helping stoke the storytelling flame for two decades now.
The festival’s story began at the Crow’s Nest Officers’ Club in downtown St. John’s. Once a place where allied naval and merchant officers during the Second World War would relax and share stories of their own, it’s now a living museum and a National Historic Site. Renowned folklorist Dale Jarvis, then a student at Memorial University, began hosting monthly story circles, drawing talented local tellers. Eventually the circles grew, and in 2004, the nonprofit St. John’s Storytelling was born. The group organized and hosted their first festival that year. Since then, “it’s certainly become a desirable festival for people from
The late Chris Brookes, beloved storyteller and radio documentary maker, hosts a story circle at the Crow’s Nest Officers’ Club in 2016. www.downhomelife.com
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Audience members gather for an event at the Quidi Vidi boathouse during the 2019 St. John’s Storytelling Festival. away,” says Gary, who also sits on St. John’s Storytelling’s program committee. He points to actor Jack Lynch as an example, one of Ireland’s top storytellers, who featured at the festival a couple of times. “There’s lots of people from England, United States and across Canada who want to come and perform here every year as part of the festival. So it’s helping to draw in new and different kinds of tellers, and that’s all important to help the local community grow and experiment and develop.” This fall, from September 26 to October 1, St. John’s Storytelling will ring in their 20th festival at The Hub on Merrymeeting Road, a fully accessible location. Among the guests are
acclaimed Toronto-based storyteller Dan Yashinsky, who will be launching his latest book, The Golden Apples, at the festival with local publisher Running the Goat Books & Broadsides; and Louise ProfeitLeBlanc, a celebrated storyteller/ story-keeper, artist and cultural educator of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun First Nation in the Yukon. (Other performers were still being confirmed at the time of writing.) St. John’s Storytelling is partnering with other local organizations to host events during the festival. These include a story walk at the Botanical Garden; an afternoon children’s show, as well as a Tea and Tales for seniors, at the A.C. Hunter Public
The festival attracts storytellers from all over. Above left: Shayna Jones weaves a tale in 2019, and Tzu-Hao Hsu (right) hosts a story circle during the 2022 festival. 86
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Library; an evening show at The Rooms; and a Folk Night at The Ship Pub with the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Arts Society, a group with close ties to St. John’s Storytelling since its beginning. (The festival has also inspired some participants to look into starting similar events elsewhere in the province.) “We try to cover the whole spectrum,” says Karen Carroll, president of the St. John’s Storytelling board. A
Karen Carroll, president of the St. John’s Storytelling board in character storyteller and recitationist (who released an e-album of original recitations in 2021 called Molasses and Homemade Bread) born and raised in Carbonear, she was introduced to the art of storytelling by her mother and maternal grandmother, a lay midwife who “was really like a healer,” she says. “She knew all the herbs that grew around; she could make poultices, charm warts. And she would often tell stories. “No matter where you go here in this place, you will find people who are excellent storytellers. You can sit and listen to them all day,” she adds. www.downhomelife.com
“Storytelling really is woven into everything in our culture.” Besides the festival, St. John’s Storytelling runs events throughout the year, including a monthly storytelling circle (currently held at the Battery Cafe), workshops for emerging and established tellers, and programming for folks of all ages. The organization strives to be as inclusive as possible, Karen says. Last year, for instance, they hosted a show featuring LGBTQ2S+ storytellers, and another featuring deaf storytellers in American Sign Language. The past few years has seen the organization embracing newer technologies, like podcasting, bringing the traditional art into modern times. They’ve also held online storytelling sessions with schools. And during the pandemic, they hosted their festival through Zoom, which “allowed us a huge audience all over the world,” Karen says. While the way in which we tell our tales might transform over time, one thing that’ll never change is their importance to the human experience. “Telling stories is universal… we listen to stories all day long – radio, TV, plays, whatever – and we don’t give up on it at night because when we go to sleep we dream, [and] we tell ourselves stories in our dreams,” Gary says, adding, “… when we stop telling the stories, the stories die and essentially we forget who we are and why we’re here, where we’re going. The stories can sometimes be the markers on the trees that guide us through life in some ways.” To learn more about the St. John’s Storytelling Festival, visit www.storytellingstjohns.ca. September 2023
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check o t s g in -one th your public y t r i h T free at f them out for , and most o library ooks b la Ryan aren’t By Nico 88
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Where
can you get free tickets to a Growlers Game, seeds for your garden and a radon detector? You might be surprised to learn that the answer is... at the public library! There are 96 public libraries throughout Newfoundland and Labrador offering so much more than just books. To inspire you, we’ve compiled a list of 31 other unexpected things to discover at your local library. All you need is a library card!
Check It Out Borrow eBooks and audiobooks for your eReader through the Libby app. Browse thousands of newspapers and magazines from around the world on PressReader. Find seasons of your favourite show on DVD. Check out movies, documentaries, and films from the National Film Board of Canada. Try out a new board game – the library has more than 300 in its collection. Gamers, master a small collection of video games that work on Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. Hone your chops on guitar, keyboard, accordion and other instruments available from the Sun Life Financial Musical Instrument Lending Library. Turn up the volume – well, borrow CDs and crank them up later.
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Set your sights on a Birdwatching Backpack - everything you need to get started, including binoculars and a field guide to bird identification. Grab a Cabin Six-Pack before you head to the country – six NL books in a handy grab-n-go package. For the whole gang, Book Club Kits include 10 copies of a single title plus discussion questions. Did you know that household CO2 monitors are available through a partnership with Community Access to Ventilation Information (CAVI)? Radon monitors and Kill-A-Watt monitors are also offered.
Storytime resource kits for kids include quick kits and book bundles. Browse the collection of seeds in A.C. Hunter’s Seed Library in St. John’s and pick up some new seeds for your garden. Under the weather? COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests are available. Connect Pass: book a pass for free admission to a wide range of provincial parks, historic sites, recreational facilities, museums, art galleries, performing arts shows and sports games across NL.
Get Connected Staff can assist with applications for the Home Heating Supplement Program. Take part in a health information session in person or online from anywhere in the province. Get computer/internet training to learn computer basics, word processing, email, internet browsing and researching, and social networking. The Digital Library’s HelpNow offers live tutor access for homework help. On the job hunt? The Digital Library’s JobNow provides help for every step of the job search process. 90
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Access the internet for free on your personal device through the province-wide wireless hotspot network. Bring your ideas to life: The state-of-the-art Shed Maker Space at the Labrador City library is equipped with 3D printers, laser cutter engravers, a 3D scanner, two high-power video editing workstations, and multiple software programs including Autodesk, Fusion 360 and Adobe Suites. Learn a new skill: Information sessions on taxes and money management, wills and estate planning, internet safety, fraud awareness and more are held throughout the year. Learn a language: Get access to language courses with Rocket Languages through the Digital Library, including French, German, Mandarin, Korean, Portuguese, Russian and American Sign Language (ASL).
Join In Bring the kids. Most branches offer programs for kids including drop-in Baby Time, Play Time, Lego free play and Tot Time. Early literacy storytime programs help children get ready to read. Kids can learn the basics of robotics, electronics and programming with cool maker kits like Ozobots, Beebots and Squishy Circuits. Some branches host hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) and maker programs for school-aged kids to get the creative juices flowing. www.downhomelife.com
Join a group. From knitting to zine-making, creative writing and a queer book club – there’s something for everyone. Be entertained! Attend a screening of short films, a 30-minute pop-up concert, a book launch or author signing.
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HOME and Cabin
stuff we love by Nicola Ryan
Exploring Indigenous Cultures DRESSED TO A TEA Prior to the 1950s, the Innu of Labrador were migratory, travelling seasonally to the hunting grounds. On the journey, children would carry their share of the load by bringing along handcrafted dolls stuffed with a reserve of loose tea. Find similar traditionalstyle dolls at the Craft Council of NL. Craftcouncilnl.ca
FLYING COLOURS The work of artist Marcus Gosse of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation includes a series of educational colouring books. Each beautiful illustration includes the Mi’kmaq word for the subject, the phonetic pronunciation of the word, and the English translation. Colour together and learn about the beauty of Mi’kmaq culture! (Turn to p. 136 for a sample.) Search “Mi’kmaq Art By Marcus Gosse” on Facebook.
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SEWING SEAGRASS Grassworking is a traditional artistic skill of the Inuit in Labrador. Items are made by painstakingly sewing dried saltwater grass into tight coils. Handmade bowls, baskets and mats are popular items sold at the Craft Shop in Rigolet. Search “Rigolet Craft Shop” on Facebook.
CROSS COUNTRY In 1822, Mi’kmaw guide Sylvester Joe of Miawpukek First Nation led an explorer in search of the last remaining Beothuk camps on the island, in this creative retelling of Cormack’s journey by Mi’sel Joe and Sheila O’Neill. Atlanticbooks.ca
MOMENT OF TRUTH September 30 is National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. Wear a locally designed orange shirt to honour the children who survived Residential Schools and to remember those who didn’t. For more information on Orange Shirt Day and its significance, visit First Light’s website: Firstlightnl.ca www.downhomelife.com
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HOME and Cabin
Ask Marie Anything Interior designer Marie Bishop takes your questions
Q: I am allergic to most houseplants, but I love the way they brighten up a space and bring life and energy to a room. Can you recommend any artificial plants that come a close second?
A: That’s unfortunate about your allergies. I totally get it. My son had allergies growing up and there was a list of things we had to avoid. Fortunately, houseplants are a pretty easy fix. There is a wide variety of fake foliage to choose from, many that can pass for the real thing, but you must choose carefully. With the exception of orchids, I’d shy away from most fake plants that have flowers on them. Unless you’re decorating for a wedding, or creating a seasonal vignette, they usually don’t pass the close-up inspection of authenticity. Orchids, on the other hand, seem to have bridged that gap, with their shiny leaves and firm petals. The other 94
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fake flower that seems to bring some realism to its space is the tulip. Used seasonally after our long, dreary winter, real and artificial tulips add a burst of much needed colour to our lives. As much as I love real plants, there are advantages to decorating with artificial ones. The obvious one, of course, is they require almost no care or maintenance. They do need to be dusted regularly with a damp cloth; otherwise, you ruin the illusion – the dullness of dust is a dead giveaway. Another bright side to artificial plants is they don’t die when you go on vacation and your house sitter, neighbour, roommate or relative forgets to water them. They won’t ruin your hardwood floor or table top if they’re overwatered. You won’t lament the money you’ve spent when they die for whatever reason. And they won’t outgrow their space no matter how long you have them. In fact, they continue to look great until you decide it’s time to change things up again. So now it’s just a matter of which houseplants to choose for which areas, and where to get them. The first step is to assess your space and decide where you would like some greenery. This will make it easier to choose the right type and size of foliage. For instance, if you are accessorizing a bookcase, you may want something that trails down over the shelves a little. An ivy or feathery fern is perfect for this situation. For an end or side table, a grouping of three offers a pleasing arrangement. Choose three different sizes and leaf
Orchids are among the few fake flowers that could pass for the real thing.
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Group three different plants in similar pots to create a pleasing side table arrangement.
shapes and put them in a similar type of pot; this will unify the grouping and create an interesting display. For a coffee table or dining room table, you might choose a large orchid centrepiece. If you have an empty corner that’s crying out for company, invest in a large, beautiful pot and purchase an artificial tree to fill it. Make sure to cover the fake soil with some real soil or sphagnum moss to create the illusion of reality. Many furniture stores display artificial plants and trees with their room arrangements, but they are rarely for sale; they are there merely to create a cosy, homey vibe. Therefore, my first choice to purchase artificial house plants would be Michaels. They always have a great selection of sizes, shapes, succulents or leafy varieties. They have wonderful trees in a wide range of heights and fullness. And the
best part is, they often run a buy oneget one free sale. This is the best time to invest because your money will get you twice as many plants. One of the keys to buying plants that look real is to give them a close examination first, so buying online isn’t the best option. Some of the wide-leaf plants are almost fabric like and therefore develop frayed edges over time – not a good look. It’s good to have some leaves that are shiny, such as a jade plant, and some that are duller, like cactus. The long, thin leaves of a spider plant work well with the full triangular leaves of a fern. Variety is the key to an eye pleasing arrangement, one that will feel right and bring a smile and sense of joy. Well-chosen artificial arrangements are a great way to bring colour and energy to your living environment – a great way to love your space.
Ask Marie Anything! Got a design question for Marie? Email editorial@downhomelife.com. 96
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1. Nation shall rise against nations, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines and pestilences, (plagues) and earthquakes, in diverse places. Matthew 24:7, Mark 13:8, Luke 21:10-11 2. And this gospel (good news) of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. Matthew 24:14, Mark 13:10 3. When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place (whoso readeth, let him understand). Matthew 24:15, Mark 13:14, Luke 21:20 (Also Daniel 12:1-4, 2nd Thessalonians 2:3-11, Revelation 13:5-8) 4. For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days be shortened, there should no flesh be saved. Matthew 24:21-22, Mark 13:19, Luke 21:22, 1st Thessalonians 5:1-3 5. Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light. Matthew 24:29-30, Mark 13:24, Luke 21:25-27 6. And then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. Matthew 24:30, Mark 13:26, Luke 21:27, 1st Corinthians 15:20-28 7. And GOD shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. Revelation 21:4, 1st Timothy 6:13-16 This page is sponsored by an anonymous reader
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life is better Sunset in Sandbanks Provincial Park, NL Julie Baggs, Burgeo, NL
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Todd’s table
French Onion Soup 100
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Todd’s Table By Todd Goodyear
When he’s not dreaming up or cooking up great food, Todd Goodyear is president and associate publisher of Downhome. todd@downhomelife.com
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Minced onion, beef stock, toasted bread and cheese… mmmm. I know how I feel about these few simple ingredients: I know I’ll be feeling total pleasure because French onion soup is in my future! This wonderful, heartwarming soup served up in restaurants all across Paris and in kitchens everywhere first appeared on tables in the 18th century. Often cupboards were found bare and all could be found were onions, butter and champagne. From this, the recipe began to take shape into what we enjoy today. Now, I have to be forthcoming with my general experience in restaurants. For me, most restaurants serve the soup with too much onion, cut too thick; too much cheese; too much bread and simply not enough broth. It’s like they portion this up in soup bowls and stick them in a fridge, then later microwave a portion, add the bread and cheese, and place it under a broiler for a few minutes and serve. Rubbish, I say! My preference is lots of broth, served piping hot with not too much cheese. Yes, I am particular about my tastes, especially when it comes to French onion soup. It has to be right in order to give you the heartwarming feeling of total soup bliss. The most important ingredient for the success of this dish is time. Seriously, the onions have to be cooked slowly and reach the point of caramelization. This is a chemical process that happens when the sugars in the onions reach a certain temperature. This takes time and patience, and in the end will yield the right colour and flavour in your soup.
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French Onion Soup Makes 4-6 servings
6 large red or yellow onions (3 lbs) 4 tbsp olive oil 3 tbsp butter 1 tsp sugar 1 tsp coarse kosher salt 2 cloves minced garlic 3/4 cup vermouth or dry white wine 8 cups beef stock 1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp black pepper, or to desired taste 3 tbsp brandy (optional) 8 thick slices of french bread or baguette 1 1/2 cups Gruyère, mozzarella or other melting cheese Parmesan cheese for sprinkling
Peel and thinly slice the onions. When finished, you should have approximately 10 cups of onion. In a medium to large pot, heat 3 tbsp of the olive oil over medium heat and add the onions, giving them a good stir to coat them in oil. Cook the onions for 20-25 minutes, stirring often until softened. Increase heat to medium high, add remaining olive oil and all the butter. Continue to stir often and cook until onions start to brown. This will take anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes. Sprinkle with the sugar to help with the caramelizing process. Add garlic and salt, and continue to stir and cook until onions reach a deep brown. Add the vermouth or wine to deglaze the pot. Scrape up the bottom and sides of the pot with a wooden spoon. There’s lots of flavour in what’s stuck to the pot, believe it or not. Add the beef stock and the thyme. Bring the liquid to a simmer, cover and turn the heat to low; cook for about 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the brandy, if using. Preheat oven at 450°F. Brush both sides of the bread slices with butter and lay them on a lined sheet pan. Toast until light golden brown. Right
before you’re ready to spoon the soup into bowls, turn the bread over and sprinkle with the Gruyère/ mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Return the sheet pan to the oven and bake until the cheese is bubbly and lightly brown. Ladle the soup into a bowl, lay one or two pieces of toast on top of the soup and serve. If you have oven-proof French onion soup bowls, you can prepare the last step a little differently. Ladle soup into bowls. Rather than toast the other side of the bread with the cheese on the sheet pan, put the bowls of soup on the sheet pan. Lay the bread toasted side down atop the soup, sprinkle with cheeses and place in the oven under the broiler until the cheese browns and bubbles. Remove and serve.
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Todd’s Tips Take the time to brown those onions. Time will depend on the pot, the heat and, believe it or not, the onions, so be patient until you reach that deep brown colour. Always cook with confidence. 1-888-588-6353
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HOME and Cabin
downhome recipes
For the Kid in Everyone In September, many of us are getting back to meal routines – quick breakfasts, packed lunches and easy weeknight dinners. Here are some tasty ideas to appeal to the kids, and kids at heart, in your household.
Taquitos 4 (7") flour tortillas 1 – 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced 1/2 cup salsa
1/2 cup shredded cheese (TexMex or your favourite) 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
Divide ingredients among 4 tortillas; on each, lay down a spoonful of salsa, top with chicken and cheese. Roll up tight, tucking in the ends as you go. Lay wraps side by side in a lightly greased 8”x8” baking dish or in the basket of an air fryer. Brush tops with BBQ sauce. Air fry at 350°F for about 5 minutes (until wraps are crispy outside and heated through). Or bake in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes. Transfer wraps to plate and let stand for 3-5 minutes before serving. Use sour cream, plain Greek yogurt or tzatziki for dipping. Serves 2.
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Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 4 tbsp vegetable oil 1 tsp paprika 1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried oregano 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp pepper 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. In a bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt and pepper. Gently toss chicken pieces in the oil mixture until well coated. Add breadcrumbs to a resealable plastic bag. Toss chicken in with breadcrumbs, seal the bag and shake it to coat the chicken. Place chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them for air flow (you’ll have to cook in batches). Cook at 400°F for 5 minutes. Flip pieces over and cook for another 5 minutes. Chicken should be crispy and cooked through (to 165°F on a meat thermometer). (In a conventional oven, bake chicken on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until chicken is fully cooked – all white inside and juices run clear, and internal temperature reads 165°F.) Serve with your favourite dipping sauce. Serves 4.
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Veggie Fries 1 small turnip 1 medium carrot 1 medium beet 1 medium potato 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp ground black pepper 1/2 tsp paprika 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Preheat oven to 350°F. Peel vegetables and slice like shoestring fries. Soak them in cold water for 10-15 minutes, drain and pat dry. Combine oil and spices in a medium bowl and whisk well. Add fries and toss to coat evenly. Spread fries on a parchmentlined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through to brown both sides, until veggies are crispy on the outside and tender inside. Serve with an extra dash of salt and pepper, if you like, and your choice of condiment or dipping sauce. Serves 4.
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Broccoli Mac and Cheese 1 broccoli head, cut into florets 2 cups elbow macaroni 4 tbsp butter 3 tbsp flour 3 cups milk 1/2 tsp dry mustard (or 1 tsp yellow mustard)
1 1/2 tsp pepper 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and rinse. In another pot, steam the broccoli until bright green and tender. Preheat oven broiler to 500°F. Grease a 2 quart casserole dish. In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook until roux is thickened. Whisk in milk and cook, whisking often so milk doesn’t burn on the bottom, until sauce is thickened. Whisk in mustard and pepper, then 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar and all the Parmesan. Whisk until cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Transfer sauce, macaroni and broccoli to a greased casserole dish. Stir to combine everything well. Sprinkle top with final cup of cheddar and place dish under the broiler for about 5 minutes, until top is bubbly and slightly browned (watch closely as it can quickly burn). Serve hot. Serves 4-6 www.downhomelife.com
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Breakfast Funcakes 1 1/2 cups flour 3 tbsp sugar 1 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt 1 1/2 cups buttermilk 1 egg 3 tbsp coconut oil, melted
Garnishes: Banana slices Strawberry slices Sliced almonds Blueberries
Sift together dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, blend the buttermilk, egg and coconut oil together. Add the wet to the dry and mix until just combined. (Note: do not over mix – lumps are OK.) Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add enough coconut oil to evenly coat the bottom of the pan. Use an ice-cream scoop to drop batter into the hot pan, keeping pancakes about 1" apart. When bubbles start to form on top of batter and edges start to dry out a little, flip the pancake. Cook until pancake is puffed up and springs back when lightly poked. Use the garnishes to design your owl, using the photo as your guide. Use the banana slices and blueberries for eyes, the strawberry slices for wings, a strawberry piece for the nose, and sliced almonds for the feathery breast. Serve with pancake syrup and a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt. Makes 10-12 pancakes.
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Blueberry Banana Oatmeal Muffins 1 cup flour 2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/2 cup lightly packed brown sugar
3/4 cup rolled oats 1 medium banana, mashed 1 cup milk 1/4 cup melted margarine 3/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
Sift flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon together. Add sugar and rolled oats. In a large bowl, beat together banana, milk and margarine. Add dry ingredients to wet and combine just until moistened. Fold in blueberries. Pour batter into greased or lined muffin tins and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, or until lightly browned and a cake tester comes out clean. Makes 12 muffins.
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HOME and Cabin
down to earth
The Real Beauty of
Rugosa Roses BY KIM THISTLE
Lorraine Winsor photo
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With limited hours in the day and summers being so short, who has time for high maintenance plants? Trying to keep a hybrid tea rose looking like the ideal Pinterest post is near impossible without constantly monitoring and controlling aphids, sawflies, spider mite, powdery mildew, black spot and more. Wouldn’t your leisure time be better spent smelling the roses rather than fighting for them to bloom? That is the charm of the old-fashioned rugosa rose. You will recognize it as the bushy, fragrant rose in the older gardens around Newfoundland and Labrador. It’s a low-maintenance, highly rewarding garden shrub that is loved for its beauty, its fragrance and its deliciously edible uses.
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Planting and Growing Tips Give these plants lots of room to grow. They will get to be 4-6 feet high and wide. They are thorny, so plant them where they will not be snagging you when you walk by. Don’t worry about amending the soil. These plants are growing in sand dunes in Siberia. Well-drained soil is essential, though, so avoid areas that are not well drained. Young plants do need regular watering until the roots develop. They prefer full sun but will grow in some shade. The shadier the area, the fewer the blooms.
Reasons to love the Rugosa Rose Its fragrance is heavenly. It blooms all summer. And I mean, all summer. It makes a fabulous hedge or screen. It is fast growing. It helps stabilize soil and will actually grow in sand near salt water, thus giving it the nickname “Saltspray Rose.”
You will need heavy gloves to work on these plants, preferably long ones designed for handling thorny plants. Encourage reblooming through summer by deadheading spent flowers. This can be done by pinching off the fading blooms with your fingernails. If you’re an avid gardener, you probably don’t have fingernails, so you will have to resort to using pruning shears.
Common Problems
It doesn’t mind the wind.
Oh, gee. There are hardly any…
It thrives on neglect.
Shrub roses are susceptible to insects such as aphids, but they rarely suffer the unsightly damage that aphids can do to the hybrid tea family members.
It’s remarkably resistant to diseases and barely affected by insects. It grows in poor soil and does not need fertilization. It grows in zones 2 to 9. You’ll have a hard time beating that! The flowers, leaves and rose hips are all edible.
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Diseases such as black spot and powdery mildew are rare but can be prevented by keeping the foliage dry and giving them good air circulation. These plants can be invasive, as they spread by suckering. If you do not want the plants to spread, be prepared to dig up the suckers in the spring. 1-888-588-6353
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Jerome Hollohan photo
So Many Uses for Rugosa Roses These plants make a wonderful hedge, especially in areas where it’s difficult to grow other plants. You’ll often see them used in areas along major motorways, as they can tolerate the abuse of road salt, pollution and snow buildup. Make potpourris and perfumes. Spread petals in a thin layer on a tray or cookie sheet and leave them in a warm, dark spot to dry for two or three days. Once completely dry, store them in a glass container. Make a tea by using 1 teaspoon of the dried petals or 2 teaspoons of dried buds. Cover with boiling water and let steep. (You may use fresh rosebuds, but you’ll need to experiment to get the strength that you prefer.)
Make rose butter, rose petal vinegar, rose petal honey, rose petal jam, candied rose petals, rose petal cookies and many, many other rose petal recipes. The internet is full of them. Rose hips are the red seed that form once the flower dies. It looks like a small apple. There are many recipes for hips including rose hip jam, rose hip jelly, rose hip syrup, rose hip chutney and even rose hip ketchup. The benefits of eating rose hips and drinking rose hip tea are many. They are high in antioxidants and are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, calcium and iron. They are also purported to help reduce joint pain and promote healthy looking skin.
If you gave up on roses because they’re too much work for so little reward, I encourage you to try rugosa roses. They have all the beauty and benefits of a great garden plant. The only thing painful about growing them is their thorns! Kim is a horticultural consultant, a retired garden centre owner and a dedicated garden enthusiast!
Got a question for Kim?
downtoearth@downhomelife.com www.downhomelife.com
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reminiscing flashbacks
Quidi Vidi
We think this photo submitted in 2008 shows Quidi Vidi before this structure was transformed into Quidi Vidi Brewing. Do you recognize it? Jackie Dunn Oromocto, NB
Keels
This is what Keels, Bonavista Bay, NL, looked like in the 1950s. Judy Allen Holden, MA, USA 116
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Petty Harbour “I took this picture of the former Edgar Chafe property in Petty Harbour in August 2006,” writes the submitter. “It was designated as a property of historical interest, and as such was being beautifully maintained. It’s now the home of Chafe’s Landing Restaurant.” John Cornick Halifax, NS
This Month in History On September 8, 1965, with Premier Smallwood looking on, Portuguese Admiral Henriques Santos Tenreiro unveiled the statue of explorer Gaspar Corte-Real that stands prominently near the Confederation Building in St. John’s, NL. Sculpted by Martins Correia and touted as a tribute to the centuries-old connection between the Newfoundland and Portuguese fisheries, the piece is not so much concerned with Corte-Real – who by all accounts landed erroneously in Labrador and intended to sell captured Indigenous people into slavery before his ship was lost on the voyage home in 1501 – but with Portugal’s image. At the time, Portugal was under the right-wing regime of dictator António de Oliveira Salazar, and NATO allies were vocally against it and calling for the granting of independence to its colonies. The myth-building of Corte-Real as a hero was designed to extend Portugal’s influence internationally, and was largely the work of Eduardo Brazao, National Secretary of the Ministry of Propaganda. 1-888-588-6353
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reminiscing visions & vignettes
Gnat, do you mind…
Poison Berries? By Harold N. Walters
“Guts to eat one,” challenged Slab Elliot. Harry studied the half-dozen bright blue berries in the palm of his hand. He jiggled them a little bit, considering Slab’s dare. “They’re poison berries,” cautioned Sally. She stood spotlighted in a sunbeam slanting through the treetops into the otherwise shady droke. “He knows,” said Gnat, surely hoping Harry would accept Slab’s challenge. “Go on, guts,” said Slab. The straggle of ragtag Bun Town rowdies behind him tightened into a knot, like dogs watching their master’s hand as Harry rolled the berries on his palm. “Don’t be foolish, Harry,” said Sally. Ugly Maude moved towards Harry as if intending to bat the berries from 118
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his hand. Gnat got between Ugly Maude and Harry. “Leave him alone,” he told her. “I don’t ’low they’m poison,” said Harry. “That’s an old wives’ tale. I heard a feller from Horse Cove ate some one time and they didn’t hurt him.” “Eat one then,” said Slab, another dab in the face with the gauntlet. Harry jiggled the berries some more and looked around the glade at the scattered clumps of shiny berries (Clintonia borealis, but Harry wouldn’t know that until sometime later when he saw a photo in The Great Big Book of Slightly Toxic Plants) topping tall stalks that grew up from wreaths of glistening leaves. Perhaps seeking a way to weasel out of Slab’s dare, Harry chinned at the 1-888-588-6353
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patches of red bunchy-berries growing among the, admittedly, exotic looking poison berries. “If you eats them you’ll have to get your appendix out,” he said. Deflecting distraction, Slab said, “Never mind them old crackerberries. I still dares you to eat one of the ones in your hand.” Conscious of the berries cupped in his palm, Harry glanced at the worried look on Sally’s face, at Ugly Maude’s shaking head, at the glean of expectation on Gnat’s traitorous chops. And he glared at Slab and his pack of Bun Town hounds.
chucking rocks at beachy-birds running in and out of the waves, Harry’s eyes sprung wide open and his brow suddenly leaked sweat. Pain drilled his belly, and he clutched his stomach. “What’s wrong with you?” Gnat said when Harry buckled over like a folding pocketknife. “Gas ping,” Harry tried to speak, but instead he spewed his guts out on the landwash. At the sounds of heaving, Sally and Ugly Maude straightened up from their search for saltwater glass. Harry hurled again. Pinching his nose, Gnat inspected
Harry turned green, as green as the mouldy crust on the bottled jam in Granny’s under-the-stairs cupboard. His eyes strained open and bulged from their sockets like the eyes of a capelin squoze in a wanton boy’s fist. “Frig it,” he said. “I’ll eat ’em all.” Quicker than Granny caught the whizzle, Harry shuffed his hand against his face and dumped the whole handful of poison berries into his gob. Sally’s jaw dropped. Ugly Maude’s head shook as if to say, “Harry, b’y!” Gnat rocked on his heel, watching, waiting and grinning just a smidgen. Committed to his decision, Harry commenced to chew. In unison, Slab’s pack squeezed forward. Harry glutched mightily and, for better or worse, the chawed-up poison berries slid down into his gullet. Slab danced a jig. “You’m going to be poisoned!” he said and gleefully ran off deeper into the woods, his hounds in tow. An hour later, while he dodged along Brookwater Beach aimlessly 1-888-588-6353
Harry’s upchuck and poked flecks of berry skin with a stick. “You’m poisoned,” he declared. Harry turned green, as green as the mouldy crust on the bottled jam in Granny’s under-the-stairs cupboard. His eyes strained open and bulged from their sockets like the eyes of a capelin squoze in a wanton boy’s fist. Sally scravelled to rub Harry’s back. Refusing her comfort, Harry bolted, one arm cradling his guts, one hand grabbing the arse of his jeans. He fair dove into the bushes up from the beach. “Short-taken,” announced Gnat. “Poisoned for sure.” “What are we going to do?” Sally looked to Ugly Maude as if she might have a remedy for Harry’s malady. “Leave him alone for a spell,” said Ugly Maude, “and see what happens. September 2023
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He was crazy to heed that Slab Elliot.” Wails like a tomcat bawling sounded from the bushes where poor old Harry suffered the scutters. “He’s getting the poison out of him,” said Gnat, biting off a chuckle. “Stop it,” said Sally. Inching closer to the bushes, Ugly Maude inquired, “How are you making out, Harry?” The tomcat wailed at a higher pitch. “Perhaps we should take him to Aunt Sissy,” said Sally. “She might know what to do.” If anyone knew the antidote needed to cure a silly, poisoned bay-boy, Aunt Sissy Hatt, the Brookwater witch, was the one. Harry staggered from the bushes, reeling like a disembowelled, drunken man. Gnat gripped Harry’s collar and steered him up the beach. “We’m taking you to see Aunt Sissy Hatt.” Whimpering, Harry allowed Gnat to guide him up from the landwash. “What’s wrong with him?” Aunt Sissy asked when Gnat and the girls hauled Harry into her porch and sat him on the woodbox. “He eat poison berries,” said Ugly Maude. “And he threw up,” said Sally. “And he took with the trots,” said Gnat, grinning. “Put him on the daybed,” Aunt Sissy instructed. Curled up like a stabbed flatfish, Harry moaned and groaned while Aunt Sissy examined him. Because she was the Brookwater witch and understood things like poison, she was not alarmed. “Why did he eat poison berries?” “Slab Elliot called him guts,” said Gnat. “Silly, boy.” Aunt Sissy sat in her 120
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rocking chair and put it in high gear. Her eyes, filled with a look of arcane knowledge, scrutinized Harry and tallied up the details of his misery. “I ’low I got just the cure for him,” she said after a minute, and put the brakes on her rocking chair. Sally seemed pleased. Aunt Sissy opened the door of a tall pantry sideboard. Its shelves were lined off with… well, witchy things, Gnat reckoned when he saw their contents. Bottles and vials of mystical powers and murky potions filled a couple of shelves. Knotted sacks like wee moneybags, their bellies bulging with – probably – ghastly lumps of dried-up small animal parts, filled other shelves. There was a smell of musky earth, like the tainted air from – Gnat could only imagine – one of those whited sepulchres he’d heard Reverend Bottle rant about from the pulpit. Harry lay still and quiet. From squinted eyes, he watched Aunt Sissy select pinches of this and spoonfuls of that from the shelves and heave them into a double saucepan on her stove. And all the while, she mumbled and chanted. She stirred until the brew boiled and bubbled and emitted a beastly stench. Harry moaned afresh. Not from agony brought on by poison, but from fear of Aunt Sissy’s soup. “A swallow or two of that stuff will fix you up in jig time,” said Gnat when he recognized Harry’s trepidation. Sally sat on the edge of her chair, concerned about Harry’s recovery. Ugly Maude watched over Aunt Sissy’s shoulder and – who knows? – considered the possibilities for her own calling in some distant future. 1-888-588-6353
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“’Tis done,” said Aunt Sissy, laying aside her wooden spoon, now stained the barky colour of bog water from stirring the curative concoction. “We’ll let it cool a bit, Harry, before you drink it.” Harry whined like a nauseated pup.
Five minutes tick-tocked past on Aunt Sissy’s cuckoo clock. “Now then, me son, sit up and get this down in you,” Aunt Sissy said. She pushed a mug of her fetid frothing infusion into Harry’s hands, steadied it with her own gnarled fingers. Although uncertain what they were, as the mixture touched his lips, Harry thought of hemlocks. “Drink it all.” Aunt Sissy tipped the mug bottom up. Like released dam water down a sawmill’s chute, the entire dose of bitter elixir swamped Harry’s gullet and flooded his poisoned belly. Harry reared up off the daybed like a proverbial scalded cat. His eyes stretched to the size of fancy 1-888-588-6353
dinner plates. He beat his chest like a great ape echoing Tarzan’s yodel, then collapsed back onto the daybed like a boy poleaxed. “He’ll be alright,” said Aunt Sissy. Harry slept. His belly no longer gurgled. His bowels no longer clenched. He dreamed a dream that caused his lips to twitch with a vengeful smirk. He dreamed of Slab Elliot and a boiler of chowder – a chowder of stewed-up sculpin heads.
Mind that, Gnat? The time Harry ate the poison berries, and learned a lesson about accepting dares and the foolhardy folly of dismissing old wives’ lore? Harold Walters lives in Dunville, Newfoundland, doing his damnedest to live Happily Ever After. He has eaten worse things than poison berries. Broccoli, for instance. Reach him at ghwalters663@gmail.com
Harold Walters lives in Dunville, NL, doing his damnedest to live Happily Ever After. Reach him at ghwalters663@gmail.com
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puzzles
The Beaten Path
Veronica Stockley 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.
M
J
K
E
S S
T
B
J L
O
H
S
p
n
H V
K
x
Q
M
M S
J
T
T
E
L K
R J S A K S H R V T
B H
A
p S S R p K x Q G J A L n
E
H
A V M M S
B
B
L A
x
n
p
M
T
E
J
K
x
H
H
Q
M
S S
M
R M
Q
K
B
J
Last Month’s Community: Cape Broyle 124
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Sudoku
from websudoku.com
Last month’s answers
?
Need Help
Puzzle answers can be found online at DownhomeLife.com/puzzles
www.downhomelife.com
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Karla Gould 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: • Located on New World Island • Formerly called Goshen’s Arm • Name relates to local fishery • Coaker founded the FPU here • Home of the Dory Festival
Last Month’s Answer: Port au Choix
Picturesque Place NameS of Newfoundland and Labrador
by Mel D’Souza Last Month’s Answer: St. Lawrence 126
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In Other Words Guess the well-known expression written here in other words.
Last Month’s Clue: Observe that thing that the feline hauled inside In Other Words: Look what the cat dragged in.
This Month’s Clue: Yours truly snoops using my own miniscule orb In Other Words: __ ___ ____ ___ ______ ___
A Way With Words YOUR BREATH SAY IT
Last Month’s Answer: Say it under your breath
This Month’s Clue
SEE
SEE
Answer: ___ ____ _____
Rhyme Time A rhyming word game by Ron Young
1. Yesterday’s diet is a ____ ____ 2. An evening boxing match is a _____ _____ 3. To put on a wrap is to ____ on a _____ Last Month’s Answers 1. sandy candy, 2. shell fell, 3. crabby cabbie
Scrambled Sayings 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.
’ E F I I M I I R M
M E E M C A L L A C A A E U A E D N C H A N H N O S A S O E F C I E V E M E E L E T O U T U R Y R U S H I L P N S T S P Y Y U M N R U T T X
Last month’s answer: In youth the days are short and the years are long. In old age the years are short and days long. www.downhomelife.com
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Rhymes 5 Times Each answer rhymes with the other four
1. connected
____________
2. overdue
____________
3. delighted
____________
4. criticized
____________
5. ranked
____________
STUCK? Don’t get your knickers in a knot! Puzzle answers can be found online at DownhomeLife.com/puzzles
Last Month’s Answers: 1. just, 2. must, 3. crust, 4. dust, 5. lust
Tangled Towns by Lolene Young Condon and Ron Young
Unscramble each of the five groups of letters below to get 5 Newfoundland and Labrador place names.
Sound out the groups of words below to get a familiar expression.
1. GAST ROUBRAH
For best results sound the clue words out loud!
2. GOOF
Abe Hey Debt Wrap _ ______ ____ Con Fur Answer Whom ___________ ____ Last Month’s 1st Clue: Aid Arrive Her Slice Sins. Answer: A driver’s licence. Last Month’s 2nd Clue: Weaker Tool Hater. Answer: Week or two later.
3. MADNODI SANDIL 4. LIVESLNOTE 5. ROWHOOD Last Month’s Answers: 1. Sandringham, 2. Eastport, 3. Salvage, 4. Happy Adventure, 5. Sandy Cove
A nalogical A nagrams Unscramble the capitalized words to get one word that matches the subtle clue. 1. DINS WOW ~ Clue: no matter where they sit, they have a view 2. A SPREAD ~ Clue: they march to the beat of their own drums 3. CABINET LORE ~ Clue: a party with a purpose 4. SLY HARE TIC ~ Clue: there’s such a thing as too funny 5. RETRY RIOT ~ Clue: politicians and dogs both mark it Last Month’s Answers: 1. unemployment, 2. distraction, 3. village, 4. airport, 5. veranda 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 2 3 4 5 1-5: gore 1-10: tracking dog 1-21: Founding Father 11 12 13 14 15 Franklin, to his friends 1-91: charitable 21 22 23 24 25 6-10: beset 6-36: mend 31 32 33 34 35 7-27: belongs to us 8-48: citified 41 42 43 44 45 14-34: father 12-14: guided 51 52 53 54 55 12-42: molten ash 20-18: make mistake 61 62 63 64 65 21-23: old horse 23-25: crack 71 72 73 74 75 25-21: heathen 25-27: equal 30-10: killer Bundy 81 82 83 84 85 32-52: vehicle 37-34: oozed gore 91 92 93 94 95 37-39: terrible 37-57: ship front 39-9: drat! 61-91: fasting time 41-48: holiday 64-66: damp 41-50: traveller 64-84: victory 43-13: wire enclosure 68-70: foot digit 43-45: feline 71-73: leprechaun 45-5: lukewarm 75-45: lease 50-47: Nevada city 75-71: firearm 52-54: profit 77-57: drag 54-94: string 80-77: cobbler’s tool 55-57: neo 82-52: kin group 55-59: more modern 82-84: dupe 57-54: departed 86-66: matched group 58-56: female sheep 86-90: frighten 59-89: howl 87-89: vehicle 60-30: spoiled child 91-100: extrasensory 60-57: make beer 93-63: attic 61-31: adorelent 93-91: rent
www.downhomelife.com
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95-45: mom or dad 95-98: walkway 98-48: hurry 98-78: owns 100-10: rejoiced Last Month’s Answer
A L I E NA T I ON D EGRUO P E EO V O T E R OME T I E S UAC T E L A T N I P S EHTOL C T NUOCON S E E U S NN I RA TML RU B E T S E RO F E RA P OEM I N E R E CON S I D E R September 2023
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The Bayman’s
Crossword Puzzle 1
2
by Ron Young 3
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ACROSS 1. “A warm smoke is better than a cold ___” 3. “__ _ strode ashore from my schooner close by” (2 words) 5. seine 6. young fox 7. opposite WSW 8. Royal Engineers Reserve (abbrev) 9. salmon harvester 16. identification (abbrev) 18. ______ of Belle Isle 19. nobody (2 words) 21. fishing premises 22. “Where the ________ sail and the foghorns wail” 24. make a mistake 25. that woman 27. compass pt 28. Humber ___ 29. your (colloq) 30. emmet 32. that fellow 33. mine 35. dined 36. not against 37. whip 39. “Lonesome as a gull __ _ rock” 40. Society of United Fishermen (abbrev) 42. “__ _ son of a sea cock, and a cook in a trader” 43. ____ bread – made with raisins and/or molasses 45. struggle 47. footwear 49. opposite NW 50. “Slow __ cold molasses” 51. Ocean Ranger 52. camping shelter DOWN 1. sparks (colloq) 2. freezing rain (colloq) 4. net www.downhomelife.com
10. Joe Batt’s ___ 11. molasses (colloq) 12. Marine Institute (abbrev) 13. “one way or the ____” 14. Path ___ 15. Fox ____ 16. motel 17. dire 18. apologetic 20. I ___ you 21. lots 23. “Old as Buckley’s ____” 26. _______ Neck 31. Mandela to his friends 32. trustworthy 34. “__ ___ as ever a puffin flew” (2 words) 35. gone by (colloq) 36. enemy 38. “I __ sick enough to be in three hospitals!” 40. straits (abbrev) 41. “_ _ 2 sweet 2 B 4 gotten” 44. sogged 45. Sop’s Arm (abbrev) 46. Roman two 48. buddy N O W E R A W T F E E O A R U C H N H A D U N D E R W E A R B D L O L L Y O H A D O L E A M N I P P E R N O V N A G N E E R A N W I D R O N G E G G E R L M B E D H R E E V E S E G C R O O K E D P A L I K E O E E M I N I N U N N A K E D S L A P T A R T S P Y T U N E
ANSWERS TO LAST MONTH’S CROSSWORD
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DIAL-A-SMILE © 2023 Ron Young
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. _________ 247478627 ____ 9436
___ 968
____ 9484
__ 47 ___ 289
___ 843
____ 8463
________ 77373687
___ 843
_____ 66639
____ 6398
____ 9327
____ 3766
Last Month’s Answer: I don’t want to upset you, but life would be the same without you. ©2023 Ron Young
CRACK THE CODE t
Each symbol represents a letter of the alphabet, for instance =S Try to guess the smaller, more obvious words to come up with the letters for the longer ones. The code changes each month.
_ _
_ _ _
7Q e
i e _ _ _ _ _ _ HB l ke Q S _ _ _ BB l
t
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_ S
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7t
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_ _ _ _ _ _ _ Z7zzy e
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Last Month’s Answer: Success and failure are both part of life. Neither are permanent. 132
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Food For Thought
© 2023 Ron Young
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.”
concealed = _ _ _
hawkers = _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ i `s s `o}
large = _ _ _ _
closest = _ _ _ _ _ _ _ V ` o ` }f
angry = _
_ _ _ _
renowned = _ _
_ _
_ _ _
kz s
b
y
Y y}f
_ _
_
fk ` _ _
y
hdo _ _
_
_ _ _ _ _
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_
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iod i ho Yybn` _ _ _ _ _ _
_
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hy z b no`
Last Month’s Answer: Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn't know you left open. www.downhomelife.com
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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 BOARD A FLIGHT TO HALIFAX
Last Month’s Answers: 1. Apartment building, 2. Tent, 3. Boy, 4. Ern’s legs, 5. Trees, 6. Oar, 7. Shirt, 8. Boat, 9. Man missing, 10. Sculpture, 11. Skirt, 12. Hat “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, 212 Pine St., Collingwood, ON, L9Y 2P2
134
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HIDE & SEEK LEARNING
The words can be across, up, down, backward or at an angle, but always in a line.
ASSIGNMENT BOOKS CERTIFICATE CLASSROOM COURSE DIPLOMA DISCOVERY EDUCATION EXAM GRADE HOMEWORK IMPROVEMENT INTELLIGENCE INTERNET
LABORATORY LIBRARY ONLINE READING RESEARCH
Last Month’s Answers
SKILLS STUDENT STUDY TEACHER
S E D V O Q A T B W J Y A J W A B C I V E X I H Y U H T A P M S I B G W X R T B V R A E I S T O O B O M O S O Q W M C I X A E J G E I X C B H E Q A O J H P I H O Z M H L N E M V S T D O V K X Z O G U D W K G J A P U A K L O A T R M Q N C N P G R G H S F V R J L K S L Q V Z C A P P J Z O E S A U E F A Q V M W L Q Z L G M R I U K H J J A E W Y C F L G L S Y A S A Z E C S L G C L C G B V R C Y F K A H Z S E T V L C N R N I D O L A V Q P C L Q W O B F C M R E U O Z G C N E A M S T R T O S I E U C S G Q M E R M N N E D S D U P V O W S L N M W P E Y X L Z E B I A H A J T J B A Y N A F E U B S J A V R E S I C S R W R B R L H S W O T J S S X T F E M S F Z R E A G E X E C A O S S Z U J Y Q E W S I D E D L A Y Q P I G Z T C M I F D N E C S E D D C D D Y W Z N Z W V B L M X Q T A K X U K F X N B Z P M U L S D O O W K U N H C V B W N Z B A N T R B G M P S V D W W P R X K B E F L U R E P E L L A N T
I E V Y U O Q M C Q G E F C R O X F Y B Y N I Z E Z T F A X E M H O M E W O R K W I Z R E I T N A O C U N I O J K B F T Z U A W C C N F L Q E R I E C V H K E P M W F L Y R M I C K L T E D O H F N H O Y A Q F M P A I F S D M K O G A E S L T S E U V B O Y N J C N B X E A P U L V B S L G R A D E Q I X R G L K B R G W E R M N T Q U S L H G S L L I K S Y C V P A K I I O A O O O S C R I Q Y O E U B A Z N R K R H W B V S I A D L E V O G Y R E A D I N G A K Y P R N E U T S I M R P X O E K O Y R Q S K Q C I K G O M C A M S A T L V I M N L T B E L Y E B Z N J W E K C U C C I Z G U Z D C V A N S L S T O W T B N E U O O B F E I M S C V E J R F E U T R O T E T P D E V A I F B P V B A D B K O F A R U I K F R I E B E V C V X E W Y X J S L Y B I R C D N S H N Z E R V A X Y M Q E H W N V N J A M C K E I F B E D Y Y T Z U R E H C A E T M Y T L X H M N V O J T N E E V C Q I O N L I N E Q H N P I R S T A L www.downhomelife.com
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Colourful Culture
The drawing on the opposite page
is the work of Newfoundland Mi’kmaq artist Marcus Gosse, a member of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band. His grandmother, Alice Maude Gosse (nee Benoit) is a Mi’kmaq Elder from Red Brook (Welbooktoojech) on the Port au Port Peninsula. Marcus’ work has been exhibited in the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia in Halifax; The Rooms Provincial Art Gallery in St. John’s, NL; and the Canada 150 Art Show at the Macaya Gallery in Miami, FL; and his work is in private collections around the world. He has generously offered a series of colouring pages that run monthly in Downhome. Each image depicts a NL nature scene and teaches us a little about Mi’kmaq culture and language. Each colouring page includes the Mi’kmaq word for the subject, the phonetic pronunciation of the word, and the English translation. And you’ll notice a design that Marcus incorporates into most of his pieces – the eight-point Mi’kmaq Star. This symbol dates back hundreds of years and is very important in Mi’kmaq culture. Marcus’ Mi’kmaq Stars are often seen painted with four colours: red, black, white and yellow, which together represent unity and harmony between all peoples. Many Mi’kmaq artists use the star, and various Mi’kmaq double curve designs, to decorate their blankets, baskets, drums, clothing and paintings. To download and print this colouring page at home, visit DownhomeLife.com. To learn more about Marcus and find more of his colouring pages, look him up on Facebook at “Mi’kmaq Art by Marcus Gosse.” 136
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www.downhomelife.com
September 2023
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SUPERB OCEAN VIEW Not intended to solicit properties currently under contract
50 Bayview Rd • Springdale Icebergs, whales, and world-class boating are at the doorstep, with an eastOCEAN FRONT VIEW facing view overlooking the Springdale harbourfront in Notre Dame Bay. 3 Bedrooms,1.5 Bathrooms $249,900
Contact Jeff: 709-673-5795
%$#"! $% $# $ %! $
For details see MLS# 1257237 on realtor.ca
Call Warren 709-427-0821 $189,900
57 MAIN ROAD HICKMAN’S HARBOUR,NL
Book Today 709-726-5113 1-888-588-6353 advertising@downhomelife.com
HICKMAN’S HARBOUR, NL • WATERFRONT 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1,800 sq. ft. split level on private 1.4 ac. lot in picturesque Hickman’s Harbour, Random Island. Property features a 16' x 20' shed, paved driveway and waterfront with stage and wharf. A perfect summer or retirement home - just a 40 min. drive to shopping, services and hospital in Clarenville. $215,000 For more info & photos contact: efmarsh40@gmail.com 138
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Movers & Shippers Ontario to Newfoundland and All Points in Between
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arent58@hotmail.com www.ar-moving.ca
A Family Moving Families Professionally and economically Coast to Coast in Canada Fully Insured
Announcements
Linfield
It is with great sadness, yet immense gratitude for a beautiful life together, that I share the news of the passing of my best friend, soulmate and love of my life. Beloved husband of 45 years to Marion (Cushing). Lloyd’s greatest joy was his family, his four girls Teresa (Brendon), Pam (Cam), Diane (Dave), Sharon (Mark) and his pride and joy, his 7 grandchildren Simon, Bradley, Tyler, Demi, Carleigh, Matthew, Kailey and his Great Granddaughter Avery. Left to mourn him is his sister Marie and her children Karen (John), Steve (Darlene), Mike and their families. Dave (Marie) who is his cousin but more like a brother and his best friends Jack Perry and Lloyd Pelley. Also Marion’s family, James (Sarah), Gary, Paul (Lynn) and Christine (Peter). Lloyd had a lot of friends and cousins who will also mourn his passing in Toronto and Twillingate, Newfoundland. He grew up in Twillingate and loved the many summers we spent in our cabin by the sea.
Newfoundland Owned & Operated
Contact: Gary or Sharon King
Toll Free: 1-866-586-2341 www.downhomemovers.com
A&K Moving Covering all Eastern & Western Provinces and Returning Based from Toronto, Ontario Discount Prices Out of NL, NS & NB Newfoundland Owned & Operated 35 Years in the Moving Industry All Vehicles Transported
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Movers & Shippers 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 September 2023
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GREAT GIFT IDEAS!
The US Military in NL: From WWII to the Cold War Jean-Pierre Andrieux
#85791 | $34.95
Mallard, Mallard, Moose Lori Doody
#80036 | $12.95
Eyes in Front When Running - Willow Kean #85619 | $22.95
Sun, Seed & Soil:
The Grounds Cafe:
Tips & Techniques for a Northern Garden - Dan Rubin
Seasonal Dishes from Murray's Century Farm - Nick Van Mele
#85735 | $34.95
#85734 | $34.95
NL Knits for Little Ones: 15 Original Patterns Designed for Children - Katie Noseworthy
The Rock Box
#85667 | $29.95
Chores: Poems - Maggie Burton #85620 | $19.95
- Don McKay
#85644 | $15.99
Let It All Fall: Underground Music and the Culture of Rebellion in Newfoundland 1977-95 Mike Heffernan #85479 | $26.95
ORDER ONLINE: www.shopdownhome.com
Prices subject to change without notice. Prices listed do not include taxes and shipping. While quantities last.
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MORE SELECTION ONLINE www.shopdownhome.com
The Merchant’s Mansion
Courageous Endeavour
- Brad Dunne
- Paul Conway
#85457 | $19.99
#85456 | $22.95
Cooking Up a Scoff:
Dictionary of Newfoundland and Labrador - Ron
One Man’s Journey: Mi'kmaw Revival in Ktaqmkuk Calvin White, Chief and Elder #85577 | $26.95
Traditional Recipes of NL - New edition with extra recipes
Young & Illustrated by Mel D’Souza
Downhome Four-Way Crosswords - Ron Young #54058 | $6.99
Downhome Laughing Matters - Ron Young #46852 | $14.95
Downhome More Laughing Matters - Ron Young #57231 | $14.95
Jokes From the Rock Vol. 1 #73619 | $10.99
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#34047 | $19.95
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GREAT GIFT IDEAS! Sherpa Blankets 50" x 60"
Newfoundland Tartan #75517 | $44.99
Newfoundland Map #75516 | $44.99
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NL Flag Place Names #75518 | $44.99
Musical Mummers #75515 | $44.99
Sou’Wester Newfoundland - One size #85044 | $12.95
Authentic Newfoundland Souwester Medium #463962 • Large #463963 • XLarge #463964 $59.99 ea
ORDER ONLINE: www.shopdownhome.com
Prices subject to change without notice. Prices listed do not include taxes and shipping. While quantities last.
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MORE SELECTION ONLINE www.shopdownhome.com
NL Flag T-Shirt
Keep Calm T-Shirt
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NL Sayings T-Shirt
Yes B’y Says It All T-Shirt
Hard Case T-Shirt
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Happiness NL T-Shirt
Yes B’y T-Shirt
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No Friggin Way T-Shirt
Home Ladies’ T-Shirt S-XXL
#74396 | $19.99
2309_photo Finish_0609 Photo Finish 7/26/23 3:49 PM Page 144
photo finish
Saltwater
Sunset
The perfect end to a brilliant day on the water in Port Anson. Kim Fowlow Port Anson, 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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