Vol 36 • No 06
$4.99
November 2023
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Calendar Contest Winners Diabetes Friendly Recipes
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Any mummers ‘llowed in?
CHOCOLATERIE | CAFÉ | SHOPPE 141 TORBAY ROAD | AVALON MALL ST. JOHN’S INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
newfoundlandchocolatecompany.com
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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 Manager, St. John’s Jackie Rice Floor Manager, St. John’s Crystal Rose Retail Floor Manager, Twillingate Donna Keefe Retail Sales Associates Jonathon Organ, Kim Tucker,
Advertising Sales Account Manager Barbara Young Account Manager Ashley O’Keefe Marketing Director Tiffany Brett
Heather Stuckless, Katrina Hynes, Destinee Rogers, Amy Young, Emily Snelgrove, Brandy Rideout, Alexandria Skinner, Emily Power, Colleen Giovannini, Rachael Hartery, Julie Gidge, Austin Wheeler
Finance and Administration Accountant Marlena Grant Accountant Sandra Gosse
Subscriptions Customer Service Associate Lisa Tiller Customer Service Associate Cassia Bard-Cavers Founding Editor Ron Young
Operations Manager, Twillingate Nicole Mehaney Chief Executive Officer/Publisher Grant Young President & Associate Publisher Todd Goodyear General Manager/Assistant Publisher Tina Bromley
To subscribe, renew or change address use the contact information above. Subscriptions 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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winning shots
Contents
NOVEMBER 2023
30 Fresh Tracks: Ron Hynes Tribute Album Wendy Rose reviews the incredible compilation Sonny Don’t Go Away: A Tribute to Ron Hynes
38 And the Winners Are… Your first look at the 2024 Calendar Contest winners!
54 There’s a Map for That
30 a tribute by peers
www.downhomelife.com
The Musical Map of Newfoundland and Labrador is helping preserve and promote the province’s rich musical heritage, one tune at a time. Linda Browne
64 A Hero’s Return Next summer, an Unknown Soldier will be repatriated to the National War Memorial in St. John’s. Nicola Ryan November 2023
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Contents
NOVEMBER 2023
homefront 8 I Dare Say A note from the Editor 10 Letters From Our Readers A Newfoundland-themed wedding, a proud great-grandma, and Downhome in the North Channel
16 Downhome Tours France 18 Why is That? What’s the origin of
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holy mackerel!
the saying “Holy mackerel!”? Linda Browne
20 Life’s Funny Bulletin Blooper Baine Andrews
21 Say What? A contest that puts words in someone else’s mouth
22 Lil Charmers Out & About 24 Pets of the Month On the Prowl
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sounds fishy
26 Reviewed Denise Flint reviews Karen Kelloway’s Keepers of the Pact
28 What Odds Paul Warford’s home life is the cat’s meow
34 Adventures Outdoors Late Blooming Hunter Gord Follett
34 dear ol’dad
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72 remote, and loving it!
features 48 The Altruistic Traveller This Paradise woman has raised thousands for charities while running and hiking around the world Dennis Flynn
58 Newly Minted Milestone
58 that’s mint, b’y! www.downhomelife.com
A design by Mi’kmaq artist Marcus Gosse is the latest to be featured on a silver coin from the Royal Canadian Mint. Nicola Ryan
explore 72 Remote Possibilities Dennis Flynn finds adventure and tranquillity in the tiny south coast community of Rencontre East November 2023
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Contents
NOVEMBER 2023
92 eat well
home and cabin 82 Stuff We Love Memory Keepers Nicola Ryan
84 Ask Marie Anything Interior designer Marie Bishop takes your questions.
82 for keeps
88 Todd’s Table Lazy Cabbage Rolls Todd Goodyear 92 Downhome Recipes Diabetes Awareness
98 Down to Earth The Right Tree in the Right Place Kim Thistle
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110 hard times
reminiscing
116
dangerous duty
104 Flashbacks Classic photos of people and places
105 This Month In History Hugh Abercrombie Anderson
106 Visions and Vignettes Adventures of two young scallywags in an imaginary outport in days gone by. Harold N. Walters
110 Living on Rations A recent discovery of a kind of family heirloom sparked a discussion about wartime hardships. Lester Green
116 Lost on the Indian Ocean
About the cover Dennis Flynn took this photo of a well-kept stage in Rencontre East during his last visit. Read all about his impressions of this remote outport, beginning on page 72.
After a U-boat attack, sailors spent days adrift in small life rafts hoping for rescue. Lester Green
120 Francis Burke, KIA The last Newfoundland officer to die in the Great War Doug Wells
Cover Index
124 Puzzles
Some Mother’s Son • 64 Sonny Don’t Go Away • 30 Escape the Hustle • 72 Calendar Contest Winners • 38 Diabetes Friendly Recipes • 92
136 Colouring Page
www.downhomelife.com
138 Classifieds 140 Mail Order 144 Photo Finish November 2023
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i dare say In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row… When I was in elementary school, this is the time of year when we’d start working on our Remembrance Day poster projects. We’d draw our interpretation of Flanders Fields: white crosses stretched out across the landscape – my first lesson in drawing perspective – surrounded by red poppies swaying in the breeze under a grey or purple or red sky. Never a blue sky, never sunny. Little “m” birds would cross in front of the clouds, and the edges of the page would be trimmed with barbed wire. The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below… We’d memorize John McCrae’s poem, learn the dates and the politics of the world wars, and listen attentively to a local veteran invited to the annual assembly to share his wartime story. Some of us would march with our youth group to the town cenotaph, observe the moment of silence and the mournful notes of “The Last Post” at precisely 11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month. We’d all vow together, “We will remember them.” For all of that, I didn’t really appreciate or understand what these men and women went through – the suffering; the bravery; the fear, hunger, hurt and loss; the love stories; the near misses; being shot, blown up, set adrift – until I began reading their stories in Downhome. So many veterans or their surviving family members, or dedicated researchers, have educated me and other readers over the years, and continue to do so. Thank you all for your service. Thanks for reading,
Janice Stuckless, Editor-in-chief janice@downhomelife.com
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Submission Guidelines and Prize Rules
You could WIN $100! Every reader whose PHOTO, STORY, JOKE or POEM appears next to this yellow “from our readers” stamp in a current issue receives $10 and a chance at being drawn for the monthly prize: $100 for one photo submission and $100 for one written submission. Prizes are awarded in Downhome Dollars certificates, which can be spent like cash in our retail stores and online at shopDownhome.com.*
Submit Today! Send your photo, story, joke or poem to
Downhome, 43 James Lane, St. John’s, NL, A1E 3H3 or submit online at: www.downhomelife.com *Only 1 prize per submitter per month. To receive their prize, submitters must provide with their submission COMPLETE contact information: full name, mailing address, phone number and email address (if you have one). Mailed submissions will only be returned to those who include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Downhome Inc. reserves the right to publish submissions in future print and/or electronic media campaigns. Downhome Inc. is not responsible for unsolicited material.
Hidden somewhere in this issue is Corky Sly Conner.
Can you find him? Look carefully at all the photographs and in the text of the stories. If you spot Corky, send us your name, address and phone number, along with a note telling us where he’s located. Your name will be entered in a draw and the winner will receive a coupon worth 25 Downhome Dollars redeemable at our store, or through our website.
Send your replies to: Corky Contest 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 Joanne Hirst of Torbay, NL, who found Corky on page 113 of the September issue
*No Phone Calls Please. One entry per person
www.downhomelife.com
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Proud Great-Grandma
Here is a picture of my mom, Agnes Gulliver, age 89, reading the September 2023 issue of the Downhome. On page 24 is a picture of her great-granddaughter, Arya Leger, from Montreal with a bowl of blueberries. Mom was so excited to see her in the magazine. Mom has been getting the Downhome for many years and enjoys reading them every month. Caroline Murphy Via email
Happy belated birthday to your mom. The joy people get from seeing people they know in Downhome is why we’ve made reader submissions an integral part of the magazine since day one. For anyone wondering how they can submit their own photos and stories, turn to page 9. 10
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In Love with Your Home
Harvest Time!
My husband Glen recently went back to vegetable gardening, just a bit to keep us going. This year he started a garden at a local spot called Hares Ears, just outside St. Lawrence. He hauled his kelp last fall and tilled the area he wanted to use. Today’s mini harvest included this not-so-mini cabbage! Cynthia Hodge St. Lawrence, NL
Holy mackerel! You’re going to need more that one bucket of salt beef to serve with that head of cabbage! (Speaking of “Holy mackerel!”– Linda Browne investigates the origin of that phrase in this month’s “Why Is That?” Turn to page 18 for a word history lesson.)
www.downhomelife.com
My wife (74 years old) and I (71) made it to your beautiful province August 1 to August 15 this summer and fell in love with your home. We spent three days all told in Hibb’s Cove, Bay Roberts, and 11 days at our brother-inlaw and wife’s sister’s in Lewisporte, and I have never been so happy or content in my life. I am from PEI, but the scenery and people make your home really special. I cried when we left St. John’s and have asked my brother-in-law to get a flight for next summer for three weeks. I enjoy the Downhome and got about 50 [issues] from a Newfoundlander near to us here in Trenton and have subscribed to your book for three years. Both my wife and I read them front to back, and I give them to friends and people I meet and tell about NL, how beautiful and how wonderful the people are. Hope you are able to make out my scribbles, and can’t stop thinking about our great vacation and can’t wait to get back. Don & Nancy MacFadyen Trenton, ON
Thanks for your letter. We hope you get back to Newfoundland and Labrador soon.
November 2023
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Only in Newfoundland
This Place Rings a Bell
My family, all nine of us, left Downsview, ON, in September 1971 or ’72 for my wife’s brother’s wedding. At the time I was working for Canadian National Railway, so we booked a room at the CNR-owned Newfoundland Hotel [in St. John’s] and got a nice discount on a family suite with eating area. At breakfast time the six kids wanted cereal. We’d packed everything but the sugar – and Cornflakes with no sugar was a no go, so I volunteered to go find sugar. Not too far away was a convenience store, where I’d hoped to find a 2 lb box of sugar. They only had 5 lb bags, and I wasn’t going to buy all that for cereal. I guess I looked a little disappointed, as the nice Newfie lady said, “Hold on.” To my surprise, she took a 5 lb bag and cut it in two. But that’s not the end of our adventure. After our visit to St. John’s, we started for home, heading west on the TCH. Along the way, we were passing a big river. The kids wanted to stop and look around, so I pulled over to the roadside where we were safe to get out of the car. Before we were able to look around, three different good Newfies stopped to see if we were broke down. Only in Newfoundland! We love Newfoundland, yes b’y.
Dennis Flynn’s article “This Place Rings a Bell” [September issue] rings a nostalgic bell with me. While growing up in St. Chads in the 1950s, the community was still referred to as Damnable by some folks. We used to go hiking from the north part of the harbour, then proceed to Pissamare, a scenic waterfall on the shoreline, and, being rather adventurous, cross the bar (see attached photo) – a wondrous terminal moraine deposited by an ancient glacier. We’d continue east to the outer coast where we could view Damnable Bay and the narrow tickle leading to Damnable Harbour. A great addition to the Damnable Trail network would be a trail at Damnable Harbour overlooking Ship Cove, the purported hiding spot of the pirate ship. This might just be the trail to the pirates’ hidden treasure. Sid Troke Via DownhomeLife.com
Pirates aside, the Eastport Peninsula is an all-round treasure, isn’t it?
Winston & Vi Gregory Elliot Lake, ON (Originally from Heatherton and Corner Brook)
Even though that was 50 years ago, you’d probably find the same kindness offered to strangers in shops and at roadsides all over Newfoundland and Labrador today.
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Visiting Dulcie Toms We visited Dulcie Toms at her store in Rattling Brook, NL. She has everything in the store. I even got her posing with the Downhome magazine. Rose Noel McIvers, NL
Gut Instinct This photo [on p. 116 of the September issue] is not the site of Quidi Vidi Brewing. Quidi Vidi Brewing is on the other side of the harbour, at the site of the former Newman fish plant. The picture shown is the former property of the Squires family that was sold to Eli Tucker in the early 1960s, and from that point forward was always known as Eli Tucker’s stage, or simply Tucker’s stage. The site shown is now occupied by the Quidi Vidi artist studios. Great magazine; I look forward to my copy every month.
Nice to see you, Dulcie! Thanks for the photo, Rose.
Wayne Connolly Torbay, NL
Thanks, Wayne, for clearing that up for us. Quidi Vidi Gut has seen so much change for such a little place.
www.downhomelife.com
November 2023
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Mainland Bird Bath You can take the Newfie out of Newfoundland, but you can’t take Newfoundland out of the Newfie. This salt beef tub makes an excellent mainland bird bath in BC! Lorrieanne Macleod Elkford, BC
We’ve seen salt beef buckets reused to make slush, carry berries and hold clothespins. But this is a first! Anyone else have a unique use for their salt beef buckets? Submit your photo to DownhomeLife.com or email us at editorial@downhomelife.com.
Newfoundland Themed Wedding My pop was a lobster fisherman all his life. So when I got married, I got him to make me a lobster pot for decoration, and I made some old-fashioned bobbers with his fishing number on them. Proud Newfies. Tiffany Wells Little Burnt Bay, NL
Congratulations on your wedding, Tiffany!
Correction
In the September Food for Thought puzzle on page 133, there is a mistake in the second word of the second line in the quote; the fifth symbol is for the letter “F” when it should be the symbol for “E,” to fill out the word “proper.” Thank you to the readers who notified us of the error. 14
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Sponsored Editorial
Dreaming of Ponies in Goulds Growing up on a farm
in the Goulds, Gail Hansford was surrounded A happy visitor at the farm. by animals and livestock. Her father, Alex Ruby, always kept workhorses. One day he saw Gail riding Luck, one of their large workhorses, and decided it was time to get her a horse more her size. Gail’s first Newfoundland Pony, Jacko, a blue roan, arrived soon after, and it all began from there. Today, Gail and her husband Jim, own Dixie H. Farm in the Goulds with their daughters Abigail and Jessica. Their farm is home to sheep, goats, ducks, chickens, a dog, a boarding facility with a barn full of horses, and a herd of 7 Newfoundland Ponies. A few years ago, Gail and Jim were in the field cutting hay and their conversation turned to the Newfoundland Pony and the breed’s declining numbers. They decided to bring some ponies home to Dixie H., including acquiring their own stallion Thad (St. Jude Thaddeus NPS #677) to start their own breeding program. Since then, their mares have had numerous foals, with one pony even finding a home on the French island of St. Pierre. Over the years, the Hansfords have been involved in the provincial 4H Program, which promotes Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security as a national youth development program. They regularly welcome visitors to their farm and offer learning experiences about farm life. When asked about how pony breeders can be better supported, Gail said that targeted support for new breeders across the province would be valuable in encouraging people to go from being pony owners to becoming pony breeders. “An educational and training program to help new owners become breeders would be great,” she added.
Gail stresses that, “breeding is crucial to their survival. We need more ponies. Without breeders there’s not going to be anything for the future.” Raising ponies in Newfoundland brings unique challenges; as Gail notes there aren’t any grain producers on the island due to our climate, and provincial veterinary services can be stretched at times. Access to breeding stock is also a challenge in a province where ponies can be located hundreds of miles from each other, adding trailering expenses to the costs of breeding. When asked why the pony is such a labour of love for her, Gail stops to think and says, “I’m afraid they’re going to disappear. Then there won’t be any around to see. We’ll be looking at them in a picture book.” Handsome and he knows it!
For more information, please contact: abby_hansford@hotmail.com or 709.364.8279
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homefront Downhome tours...
France
Beaumont-Hamel
Arabella Lewis (Brown) of Kemptville, ON, poses with the tour guide, Jacob from St. John’s, NL, at Beaumont-Hamel.
The Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial site is the largest area of the Somme battlefield that has been preserved. Landscape architect Rudolph H.K. Cochius incorporated touches from home into its design – more than 5,000 trees native to NL, including spruce, dogberry and juniper, were planted along the boundaries of the 30 hectare site before its opening in 1925.
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Canadian National Vimy Memorial “There are so many memorials and cemeteries in this part of Europe. It was a moving experience to be in such a strategic area where so many lost their lives,” write Barry and Julie Glofcheskie of Elmira, ON.
The Canadian National Vimy Memorial was designed by Canadian sculptor and architect Walter Seymour Allward and unveiled in 1936. Located approximately 10 km north of the town of Arras, it stands on Hill 145 – the scene of some of the fiercest fighting during the Battle of Vimy Ridge – and receives approximately 800,000 visitors each year.
Paris Myra Mouland of Musgrave Harbour, NL, and her sister, Joyce, enjoyed a dream vacation this past summer, travelling to Paris from London on the Eurostar.
Under Gustave Eiffel’s strict instruction, the Eiffel Tower is repainted with a thick layer of paint every seven years in order to protect the iron from the corrosive effects of the weather. A specially mixed paint shade named “Eiffel Tower Brown” has been in use for more than 50 years, but next year, the tower will be revamped with a golden hue to coincide with the 2024 Paris Olympics. www.downhomelife.com
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Expert answers to common life questions. By Linda Browne
What’s the origin of the saying “Holy mackerel!”? The English language is filled with a whole host of weird words and phrases. For instance, have you ever found yourself suddenly having a religious experience as you expressed shock or surprise at a situation (perhaps a surprise birthday party, or seeing your bill from the garage) by blurting out “Holy moly!” “Holy cow!” or, if you’re feeling peckish and are a fan of Mexican food, “Holy guacamole!”? (Of course, there are the more unsavoury examples, which we will not dig into here.) Then there’s the well-worn “Holy mackerel!” What makes this particular fish so blessed? Why not “holy trout” or “holy cod” instead? We decided Dave Wilton of the excellent website Wordorigins.org, and author of the book Word Myths: Debunking Linguistic Urban Legends, would be the best person to tackle this question. The earliest example of the phrase that he knows (though there may be earlier ones), he tells Downhome via email, comes from an issue of an old New York newspaper called The Atlas, specifically the January 30, 1853, issue. It reads, “‘Holy mackerel!’ wouldn’t we like to be a collector of assessments in the Street Department? If our friends, who have supplanted the old collectors, just in time 18
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to take this big pool, have many more such jobs to come, won’t they be rich, in three years!” Like so many other popular sayings, there are a few theories floating around regarding the origins of this fishy phrase. According to Michael J. Sheehan of the “Verbmall” blog, which looks at the English language, it might have something to do with the offensive phrase “mackerel snapper,” used to describe Roman Catholics and their former custom of eating fish on Fridays. “The Word Detective” website, which was run by the late Evan Morris, says one of the most common explanations ties “mackerel” to the Old French word for “pimp” (mackerele). The theory is that mackerel (the fish) played cupid by somehow 1-888-588-6353
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leading other fish, namely herring, to their spawning grounds – a fishy story indeed! Wilton, however, proposes a simpler explanation that’s a bit easier to swallow. “Holy mackerel,” he says, “is what is called a minced oath: a phrase where an offensive term is replaced with a nonoffensive one. In this case, turning a potentially blasphemous utterance into a silly or humorous one.” Examples of common “holy X” phrases, he says, include “holy cow,” “holy Moses” and “holy smoke.” And then, there are even more creative varieties. “I recall the Batman television series from the late 1960s where Robin, played by Burt Ward, would utter at least one ‘holy X’ phrase in each episode. Once when stuck in a vat of glue, he uttered, ‘Holy mucilage, Batman!’” Wilton adds. But looking at the phrase in question, he says, “the mackerel has no significance. Like cow, smoke or mucilage, it’s just a word that defuses a blasphemous phrase. The choice of mackerel has nothing to do with Lenten diets or the slang word for pimp. Although that latter one is related to April Fool’s Day as practised in France.” For further explanation, Wilton points to a previous entry on
his “Word Origins” website, where he noted the French phrase poisson d’avril means “April fool,” though “literally April fish,” he wrote. The earliest known use of the phrase, he noted, is from a 1508 poem by French poet Eloy d’Amerval, which includes the line: “Houlier, putier, macquereau infame” – an attempt by d’Amerval to be “punny.” “Macquereau is slang for pimp, but it literally means mackerel, hence the ‘April fish.’ In the 16th century the phrase, perhaps because of this poem, came to mean a go-between or procurer,” Wilton writes. “And, by the way, slang use of ‘mackerel’ for pimp has been part of English slang, too, borrowed from the French, since the 15th century, although it’s not very common in English use,” he explains in his email. So how did “holy mackerel” end up causing such a splash, becoming part of our common lexicon? “It’s probably just a random formulation,” Wilton says. “Someone said it, people laughed and it caught on. There are many such examples in slang... There are patterns that language tends to follow, emphasis on the ‘tends to,’ but no hard-and-fast rules or requirements for logical choices.”
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
Bulletin Blooper A new pastor discovered that one of his responsibilities was the weekly bulletin, and his proofreaders, unfortunately, were the congregants after the bulletin was handed out. Often he would have to make a correction during the service after someone spotted an error. One Sunday morning, the pastor circulated an agenda for an upcoming meeting just as the service was concluding. That Tuesday night, as the meeting began, he noticed one of the church widows sitting near the front. As the meeting opened, the pastor commented that the first item was “church windows.” An attendee immediately pointed out, “Pastor, you made a mistake on the agenda then.” “Why?” asked the pastor. “Because you have ‘church widows’ written down!” To which the widow near the front responded, “That’s why I’m here! I thought you had found me a husband!” Baine Andrews Summerford, 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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“I hope ya g et back door tr s the ots.” – Connie Jan es Burry
Say WHAT? Downhome recently posted this photo (submitted by Janice Keats) on our website and social media platforms and asked folks to imagine what the cat might be saying. Connie Janes Burry’s response made us chuckle the most, so we’re awarding her 20 Downhome Dollars!
Here are the runners-up: “Looks like that cake is made from scratch!” – Paula Burry “You age seven years in one, but I have nine lives, so enjoy.” – Wayne Osmond “I won’t be waiting much longer before I spring my claws into that!” – Janet Dean
Play with us online! www.downhomelife.com/saywhat
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homefront lil charmers
Scenic Route Eleven-month-old Thomas heads home with his moose. Paula Elliott Torbay, NL
Out & About How’s she Cuttin’? Lincoln helps with the woodpile at Poppy’s cabin. Kourtney Edwards St. John’s, NL
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Fall Fun Audrey’s too cute to be-leaf. Latoya Fudge Deer Lake, NL
Kettle Call
This little hunter stops for a boil-up with his lucky mug. Kim Fancy via DownhomeLife.com
www.downhomelife.com
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homefront pets of the month
On the Prowl
Autumn Hues Cooper loves a crisp fall morning. Dwayne White Stephenville Crossing, NL
Orange You Glad River’s ready for the weather on opening day of the hunt. Dalton Harris via DownhomeLife.com
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Fisherman’s Friend Smoke guards the catch on a west coast fishing trip. Timothy Noseworthy via DownhomeLife.com
Sneak Attack Fierce Nugget pretends to be a predator. Shannon Cooper via DownhomeLife.com
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homefront
reviewed by Denise Flint
Keepers of the Pact Karen Kelloway Nimbus $14.95
Karen Kelloway’s Keepers of the Pact is a story for middle grade readers that follows the adventures of three friends who start out searching for hidden treasure and soon find themselves in the midst of events much more exciting, and more complicated, than they could ever have dreamed. What exactly is hidden behind the placid façade of the town they’ve always taken for granted? They’re about to find out. The story is set in Brigus, NL, which is magical enough at the best of times and even more so in this case. Those who are familiar with the area will appreciate the added depths this brings to the story. But personal knowledge of the area is not required, and lacking it won’t inhibit a reader’s enjoyment of the tale. Alistair, Ben and Sadie are quite likable kids who each have their own distinct personality and are true to their own characters, and loyal to each other. They might not always make the right choices, but that’s what makes them feel like real people. The book can be confusing at first, like reading a contemporary story wherein they’re breaking ground on the Eiffel Tower. And some of the motivations behind the characters’ actions, including that of the merpeople, is obscure. But young readers will find plenty to like in this well-written adventure yarn. And many readers will be pleased to see that Kelloway has left lots of leeway for a sequel.
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Q&A with the Author Denise Flint: Why a middle grade book in particular? Karen Kelloway: Middle grades –
DF: Who do you hope reads this book? KK: What’s really fun about Keepers
aged nine to 12 – is a nice age to write for as an author, as you describe what they’re thinking. I had a very storied childhood; we were always making up games and stories. At that age you’re always being creative and finding out about the world, and I find that a really exciting age to write for. There are three anchors influencing my story. Brigus is an historical town, and when I was there what influenced my story was the tunnel – that alone is mystical. When I was researching the novel, I read there was a reported mermaid sighting; and third was the stories of Peter Easton’s pirating activities. So I took those blurred timelines to make the story of three friends looking for treasure.
of the Pact is that it’s not just young readers who are buying and reading the book, but a lot of tourists are buying it because it takes place in a tourist place; and grandmothers and grandfathers are enjoying it because it reminds them of a simpler time. I left out cellphones, and left in friendship and small town and mysteries of the sea.
DF: What’s the most difficult thing about writing for young people? The easiest? KK: The most difficult part is, of course, that I’m not young anymore, so trying to put myself in that young reader’s mindset, and trying to get back to the core values we all have as individuals and think about what that feels like for a young reader. The funnest part for me is I take the historical facts and then I blend in fiction and fantasy, and it’s fun because you can create situations and adventures that I would want – adventures about the sea and merfolk. www.downhomelife.com
DF: What books do you like to read yourself? KK: As a kid I loved the complete Nancy Drew [series] that my older sister had. I would sneak in and take her Nancy Drew books. I think now what we really want is to get back to nature, and that is what I wanted for the kids in Keepers. Raynor Winn’s The Salt Path is a beautiful book I’m reading now.
DF: What has been your author journey? KK: I enjoy writing different genres, that keeps my career evergreen. In my day-to-day job I do leadership coaching and team building, and I wrote a how-to book about advancing your career. When I’m writing nonfiction it’s like I’m writing a documentary: factual, step by step. When I’m writing fiction it’s like I’m writing a script for a movie. I’ve been blessed with both a linear and lyrical brain, and I like to do a bit of both.
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homefront what odds
puss: an update By Paul Warford
If the conversation topic is “small, invasive rodents,” I happen to have a killing machine who specializes in these specifics.
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In previous homes, there were mice. As charming as they are in a Disney film, they’re nothing more than ripe bastards when they’re tucked away in some corner of your drywall; reproducing; scheming; skittering across your belongings to collect the crumbs wiped previously from your mustache. For anyone who has had mice in their walls, you know the sounds of their intrusion: the scratching, the squeaking. Squeaking is especially bad because verbalizing implies communicating, which in turn suggests there’s more than one. When you know the sound of a mouse, you also know what is not the sound of a mouse. To wit, last night around 2 a.m., while I was playing a video game, I heard a thump, as if something fat fell from a short height. This was followed by urgent, muffled scurrying just inches from my ankle on the opposite side of the wall. I knew it was a rat. There’s no other possibility. I could hear the size difference. So, what did I do? Well, if this was four months back or more, I’d have excused myself from the domicile, rented a hotel room and advised my landlord/friend Colin that he’d better get himself some gas cans and a blowtorch. That’s how I’d normally react to a rat in my walls. Last night, however, I continued playing my game. How could I stay so cool and collected? That’s an easy one: Puss was inches from the wall, sniffing, her body as taught as a watch spring. If the conversation topic is “small, invasive rodents,” I happen to have a killing machine who specializes in these specifics. Those of you who’ve been following along will remember that I got my first-ever cat back in May – Gillian Anderson: a medium1-888-588-6353
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hair, all-white, green-eyed dainty lady. Maybe you’ve been wondering how the two of us have been doing? Puss is doing great. She meows when I come home. A long one at first, followed by several extremely abrupt mews, so it sounds like she’s saying, “Hiiiii. Hi. Hi. Hi.” I say it back. It’s a part of the routine now. Sputtering fur from my mouth is also routine now, but I don’t mind. I’ve learned, since becoming a cat person, that cat people are desperate to touch base with you and your feline. I get questions about her from the most unexpected individuals. Like, OK, for example, I was at an after-party for a show some comedy buddies did just a few nights back, and I ran into a woman I’d met from Fogo the year previous. She’s beautiful and I’m single, what can I tell you? Anyways, as soon as we started talking, she asked how Puss was doing. Gillian is an ice-breaker now. She’s still not using the hidey-hole I bought her at the eye-watering price of $70. I have no idea why. Readers may remember she was tucked into a hidey-hole when I met her at the SPCA. The top and interior are soft and plush, while the exterior is rough for scratching. She ignores every aspect of it. When she gets treats I leave them inside or on top of the hidey-hole in the hopes she’ll come around to it; it’s a plate now. Instead, she gets a tremendous amount of delight scratching the sides of my carry-on luggage. I’ve finally moved it to the living room so she can easily www.downhomelife.com
access the bag at her leisure. She didn’t really go for the laser pointer, either. Now, this was a surprise. From the footage I’ve seen on the Internet, cats are rendered slaves to the laser pointer once it appears, and they have no choice but to chase it to their last ounce of diligence. But not Gillian Anderson. After pawing at the dot a few times and understanding it’s not a physical thing, she ignores it completely. Toys have been tricky, in fact, and out of desperation I leave out items to which she’s given even a slight bit of interest. For example, I had a pair of red socks I’d set aside to donate, but one night Puss started batting the balled pair around the floor, so that’s where the socks remain. Other items have included discarded receipts, toilet paper tubes, and even to-go pats of butter from a restaurant. She’s had little interest in the mouse/ball toy a friend gave her, but last week she went mad for a lone vermicelli noodle I failed to sweep off the kitchen floor. I can’t give you fine folks updates all the time; I have to get back to writing on other things besides Puss. That said, if you run into me when you’re out and about, feel free to ask me how she’s doing. 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
Sonny Don’t Go Away: A Tribute to Ron Hynes Produced by Alan Doyle and Cory Tetford
IF YOU’RE GOING TO BUY just one more Newfoundland and Labrador record this year, you can’t go wrong with Sonny Don’t Go Away: A Tribute to Ron Hynes. Produced by Alan Doyle and Cory Tetford, this compilation album features the best of the best of Newfoundland and Labrador’s music scene, performing songs by the best – a statement that’s not up for debate around these parts. A true tribute album, the liner notes made room for quotes from the musicians about the songs they perform and their connections to Ron. Sonny Don’t Go Away opens with Hey Rosetta!’s Tim Baker performing “Leaving on the Evening Tide,” the first and only single released from the album. Tim describes the song as “personal, local, clever, catchy, and it’s somehow heartbreaking and tough and rousing at the same time.” Amelia Curran and Duane Andrews tackle “Dark River,” while Folk duo Quote the Raven covers “Godspeed (Requiem for Gene MacLellan).” Producer Alan Doyle teams up with The Dardanelles for the famous and beloved “St. John’s Waltz.” Tom Power of The Dardanelles shared an amusing story 30
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from his childhood about asking his father if, like the national and provincial anthems, there was a municipal anthem. His father paused pensively before giving this Ron Hynes song that honour. The Once reprise their version of “Atlantic Blue,” dedicated to the lost crew of the Ocean Ranger. “Cryer’s Paradise” went to Jodee Richardson, who had fun putting his own spin on this catchy, uptempo song. “When I listened to the song after Ron passed, it unfurled a different narrative,” Jodee explained. “He had become the metaphor of the song.” While Mallory Johnson often performs “River of No Return” as part of her set, this album’s soft-pop version sees Mallory, rather than bandmate 1-888-588-6353
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Chad Murphy, take on lead vocals. Ron once told Mallory to record a song of his one day. “I’m happy I finally got to do it,” she shared. Ron’s nephew, Joel Thomas Hynes, covers “Last Chance Avenue,” putting an even harder edge on this amazing country blues song.
Greg Locke photo
Ennis Sisters adapt “Lonely Song,” with its “beautiful, haunting melody.” Maureen Ennis stated that “Ron had a wonderful way with words and a truly magnificent gift for telling the stories of the people and capturing the rugged beauty of Newfoundland and Labrador.” Matthew Byrne performs one of his personal favourite tracks, “1962,” while Barry Canning covers my favourite semi-saucy track, “Where Do You Get Off.” This song is also Barry’s personal favourite. He’s been playing it live for years, occasionally even singing it with Ron himself. www.downhomelife.com
“I miss Ron. I miss him not being in St. John’s,” Barry shared. “You can really feel his absence, and you know, he would like that.” Producer Cory Tetford started playing with Ron in the mid-1990s, and later engineered and performed on Ron’s Standing in Line in the Rain, the album that features Cory’s selection, “Shine Like Diamonds.” Cory explained that playing Ron’s music was “such an invaluable lesson in melody, chord structure and, most importantly, storytelling.” The storytelling continues with “Picture of Dorian Gray,” performed by Glenn Simmons of The Wonderful Grand Band and The Fables. Yvette Lorraine’s rendition of “Where Does Love Go Wrong” puts a woman’s touch on this soft acoustic ballad, turning it into soft jazz-pop. Yvette described Ron’s large catalogue of works as “a testament to his determination, commitment and brilliance.” Rum Ragged takes on “House,” creating a wonderful rendition of this Stealing Genius selection. Previously, Rum Ragged covered another Ron Hynes’ song, “Dirt Poor,” on their sophomore album. When asked for permission to record it, Ron gave lead vocalist Mark Manning his blessing – “so long as you all don’t shag it up.” Shanneyganock add their classic trad-rock brand to “If I Left You Alone with My Heart,” with Chris Andrew’s strong vocals giving a new depth to this maudlin plea. Having played “No Change in Me” for audiences all over the world, Fortunate Ones explained that with each performance, “it never ceases to make us feel closer to home.” Of Ron, the duo said, “He was a student of the November 2023
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human condition and was never satisfied until he had painted near perfect pictures of the pain and beauty of existing. Every image pined over, every word in its place.” The clear, crisp, clean vocals that Silver Wolf Band delivers on “Dry” feel like quite a departure from Ron’s breathy, raspy original version, but this approach works for the Labrador band. “It’s like a mountain,” they said of their song selection. “It makes you ponder the frailty and beauty of life all at once, and we were delighted for the opportunity to paint a picture of it.” Mick Davis chose his favourite tune, “Get Back Change,” and recorded
it at The Ship Pub one afternoon. This version features three voices (Mick, Cory Tetford and Alan Doyle) and three guitars. The record wraps up with Kellie Loder’s take on the quintessential Ron Hynes hit, “Sonny’s Dream” – the logical closer for an album of this magnitude. “When I sing about Ron’s Sonny, I think back to growing up in a small town in rural Newfoundland, feeling the same pull toward something more,” Kellie noted. After the final notes fade out, I go to hit play again from the top. Twenty songs by 22 artists, and I still want to hear more. Yes, it’s that good.
Q&A with Tony Ploughman of Fred’s Records When I think of Ron Hynes, I think of Fred’s Records. Working at Fred’s is how I was introduced to Ron’s music, and it’s where I got a master class in Newfoundland music from Tony Ploughman. After nearly 40 years behind the counter at the iconic independent store, Tony is likely the biggest, deepest source of local music knowledge in the province. Through all genres of music, his opinions and tastes are revered and respected. I’ve watched in awe as folks put full trust in him to curate the soundtracks of their lives, buying records they don’t know by bands they’ve never heard of, at Tony’s undeniably expert suggestion. Recently, Tony asked his Facebook friends to chime in on his naming of the greatest Newfoundland and Labrador songwriters who ever lived. Ron Hynes was in his #1 slot. The post – and its heated comment section – caught the attention of
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comedian, author and TV personality Rick Mercer. In his foreword for this album, Rick referenced Tony’s social media musing, noting that “not one person questioned the notion that Ron Hynes was our greatest songwriter. In a land of contrarians, not one soul questioned his place at number one.” After reading Rick’s foreword, and ahead of listening to the tribute album, it seemed logical to ask Tony about Ron’s legacy.
Wendy Rose: When and where did you first hear the music of Ron Hynes, and what was your first impression of him? Tony Ploughman: I first met Ron and
the entire Wonderful Grand Band at a house party on Gower or Bond in
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February of 1982, at the height of the band’s popularity. My introduction to Ron’s music was a cover of his song “Just Like a Movie Scene,” performed by highly established BC folk singer-songwriter Valdy. It was played on the two main AM pop radio stations in NL. I really dug the song, the imagery and the feel. As a guy in his late teens, I could relate to the message. I first heard Ron at The Ship in the late ’80s and instantly found his style compelling. It was obvious he knew how to weave a story in song and hold the audience in the palm of his hand.
WR: Based on your years living and breathing the local music scene via Fred’s Records, what kind of cultural significance does Ron hold here on the island? What about outside of Newfoundland and Labrador, and beyond? TP: Ron’s “cultural” significance is
well documented. “Atlantic Blue,” the Ocean Ranger; “Sonny’s Dream,” a global folk fave recorded by so many it has been thought to be an ancient Irish folk song; “St. John’s Waltz,” I think acknowledged as the official anthem of the city; and, of course, his Lifetime Achievement award and many other provincial awards; a statue on George Street – all of it speaks volumes to his status here. He posthumously received an induction into the Canadian Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, the highest honour achievable – Lightfoot, Tyson, Cohen, Joni, Neil and Stan Rogers amongst them. When Larry Leblanc, Canadian bureau chief for Billboard Magazine and one of the www.downhomelife.com
world’s leading music journalists, called me for thoughts on Ron in 2003, he exclaimed that “Ron, hands-down, is the best songwriter in Canada.” I know from personal contacts that Gordon Lightfoot admired Ron’s work and, of course, Ron influenced virtually every songwriter worth their salt in Atlantic Canada.
WR: Tell us about your experience the night that Ron passed. TP: I was at Fred’s working on the
night of November 19, 2015, when I received a phone call from my friend, Andrew James O’Brien, around 7:40 in the evening, to tell me that Ron had died. I thanked him for the call and told the young staff person, who had no idea of the significance of this event. With one customer in the store, I told the staff they could end their shift. I put on Cryer’s Paradise, cranked the volume and was immediately struck by the prophetic lyrics of the opening track and subsequent warnings in several numbers relevant to how Ron’s last 20 years had played out. I was glassy-eyed for the next 40 minutes. At closing time at 9 p.m., just as “Atlantic Blue” was winding up the last verse, I stepped outside to bring in our sidewalk sign. Staring down Duckworth Street as far as the eye could see – darkness. All the lights out, starting right next door, yet ours were on. I was numb for a moment, and sort of glanced skyward as I whispered, “Thanks Ron,” while the final lines, “my heart is as cold as you, as you” came over our speakers.
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adventures outdoors
Late Blooming Hunter By Gord Follett
The switch from sports to hunting l
was a pretty significant one for my father, but he embraced his newfound outdoor activity with open arms. And pride. A member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame, an honour bestowed primarily due to his success as a race walker, Gord Sr. did not apply for a big game licence until he was in his early 60s. His first hunt, in 2002, was a long and tough one. But when he finally downed a bull moose on what was to be the last day of our hunt in Northwest Gander, I could sense a return of the pride he felt as an athlete for so many years. Now he was a bona fide hunter, just like his six brothers had been for most of their lives. And now he could actually chat with them about their 34
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Above: Eyes peeled as we try to call a moose out from the woods. Left: Gord Jr. and Sr. with the big fella’s bull from his first moose hunt.
trips and the animals they harvested. As additions to his hunting repertoire, “Big Gord” joined me on a couple of rabbit hunts with my beagles in the early 2000s. Plus he harvested a caribou in 2005 – a 14-point doe – and, after a five-minute crash course, drove a quad for the first time during that four-day excursion. I remember flying past him on a woods road as we were heading back to camp one evening, and when he pulled into the driveway, he asked, “What the hell were you doing?” “Ninety-five,” I answered with a chuckle. “You’re nuts, b’y,” he laughed. Dad passed away in August of www.downhomelife.com
2021. I still occasionally visit his and Mom’s gravesite or look through some old photos, which is what recently rekindled the story of his 2012 moose hunt, again in Northwest Gander. I was at the Sportsman office in St. John’s on this Thursday morning in July that year when our receptionist informed me my father was calling. “Gordie, I got another moose licence for Area 24,” he began. “Is that OK?” “What do you mean, is that OK?” I asked. “Is it OK with you fellas? Will I be going with you?” “Abso-friggin’-lutely!” I exclaimed. November 2023
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Dad is about to have his first lesson in skinning a quarter. “And Pete Tucker already told me we can stay at his cabin. This is gonna be great!” We headed off the day before season opening. I was Dad’s side-byside chauffeur and one of his guides on this trip, much of which he spent battling a nagging sciatica pain. But no matter how rough the country we rode or walked, he was with us all the way – with no complaints. I can’t recall exactly how many days before he harvested a bull, but it was longer than we had hoped or anticipated. A few days into the hunt – in the middle of the afternoon – a large, high-on-the-legs bull was standing on an old woods road as we rounded a turn. We tried our best not to cause too much commotion as we hauled our legs over our ATVs and tried to 36
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position Dad for a shot. But by the time he chambered a round in the 30-06 Browning, Mr. Moose had bid us farewell and disappeared into thick woods. We returned to that same spot in the evening, again early the following morning and once more the next day at dawn, trying to call the animal out, but not another sign of him did we see. A large cow and two yearlings were spotted in the distance at different times and locations over the next couple of days, but neither offered a shot. We tried a different system of woods roads the next day, and at 2:00 on this sunny afternoon, a young bull crossed at the bottom of a small hill, 80-90 metres ahead of us, and headed towards a field of tall yellow grass with a patch of birch 1-888-588-6353
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trees to the right (east), where he stopped and curiously turned back towards the noise of our ATVs. Rather than cause an abrupt change in sound and possibly spook the animal, we left the ATVs running while we slowly, quietly got off our machines. Dad chambered a round, put the gun to his shoulder, thumbed off the safety, steadied the crosshairs and fired. The bull travelled just a few metres before dropping. Perfect heart shot. There’s not a doubt in my mind that if Dad were still with us today and reading this piece, he wouldn’t be able to hide his familiar proud, yet shy-like smile. Although I miss him every day and it was tough at times going through photos of our trips for this column, I smile as well and take consolation in the fact that we had a chance to experience these outdoor adventures together.
Beans, wieners and bologna for the boil-up brunch
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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And the Winners are...
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Beauty is in the eye of the beholder – and the Calendar Contest entries our judges had to behold were beautiful. From hundreds of colourful, eye-catching, heartwarming, dreamy images submitted by you shutterbugs, only 13 could ultimately win a spot in the 2024 Downhome Calendar. Here are this year’s worthy winners. Each of them has won 10 complimentary calendars and a 1-year subscription to Downhome.
Signal Hill Sunrise Lori Browne
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January Winner Winter Visitor to Port au Choix Trinda Hamlyn
February Winner A Frosty Day in Quidi Vidi Jim Desautels 40
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March Winner Petty Harbour Mist Scott Udle
April Winner Lobster Pots in Seal Cove Dave Wheeler www.downhomelife.com
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May Winner Fox Kit on the Skerwink Trail John Cartledge
June Winner Sailing by West St. Modeste Tanya Northcott 42
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July Winner A Puffin Dispute in Elliston Harold Feiertag
August Winner Full Bloom in Princeton Llewellyn Wenzel www.downhomelife.com
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September Winner Sandbanks Sunset Julie Baggs
October Winner The Boats of Little Port Jennifer Brushett 44
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November Winner Waiting for a Snack, St. John’s Kelly Butt
December Winner Yuletide Evening in Port de Grave Joyce Morgan www.downhomelife.com
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We’re wasting no time preparing for the next Downhome Calendar, . . . and neither should you! Submit your favourite photos of scenery, activities and icons that best illustrate the down-home lifestyle. We’re looking for a variety of colourful subjects – outports, animals, laundry lines, historic sites, seascapes, hilltop views, and so much more – and photos from all four seasons.
And you could win right away! Downhome staff will select four 2025 Calendar Contest entries submitted November 1-30, 2023, to be put to a public vote at Downhomelife.com. The photo that receives the most votes will be turned into a postcard. The lucky photographer will receive 10 postcards and $50 Downhome Dollars, gift certificates that can be used like cash to purchase products from Downhome Shoppe locations and online at ShopDownhome.com.
What are you waiting for? Submit today, using one of these ways:
by mail: Downhome Calendar Contest 43 James Lane St. John’s, NL A1E 3H3 online: www.downhomelife.com/calendar Must be original photos or high quality copies. Digital photos must be at least 300 dpi, file sizes of about 1MB. We can’t accept photocopies or photos that are blurry, too dark or washed out. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want your photos returned.
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features
for usands world o h t d e s rais d the man ha hiking aroun o w e s i rad and This Pa hile running w s charitie nis Flynn
By Den
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The afternoon sun glistens along an endless series of formidable stone walls and ancient ramparts. I pause to admire the view through an open section of battlements in a hardened watchtower. Smoke rises from a shrine where monks burn aromatic incense, while in the middle distance a tiny village is cradled in the arms of a tree-blanketed valley, beyond which impressive mountain ranges roll in ceaseless waves. Looking back down the way I came, I notice a young woman pause midway up an especially steep set of stairs. She raises her arms overhead with a huge smile as if to say, “Yes this is hard, but here I stand and I am enjoying every minute of it.” I snap a quick photo of Nicole Pike, who’s on this journey with me and participating in a 21.1-kilometre half-marathon on the Great Wall of China in Huangyaguan, in May 2011. We are among a fair-sized contingent of runners from Newfoundland and Labrador attending this international event for a variety of charitable causes. www.downhomelife.com
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Above: Race day at the Great Wall of China in 2011. Right: Nicole with a friend in the Forbidden City. Recently, I met with Nicole for a coffee and to hear about her many running and adventure travels. She lives in Paradise, NL, where she runs Nicole’s Therapeutic Massage and Laser Therapy. When she’s not working, she’s fundraising for worthwhile charities and pairing that with her other passion – travel. Specifically, travel for challenging runs and/or hikes. Since 2004, she’s set foot on all seven continents and raised more than $100,000 for numerous causes, including the Arthritis Society and Diabetes Canada. Nicole politely demurs when I point out how incredible that is. “I don’t really think about it that way, and until you asked and I went back and looked over the trips and what the fundraising expectation was for each event, I had no idea it was that 50
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much. It’s actually been a wonderful journey, reminiscing and looking at old photos of great friends I made and special souvenirs, so that was an unexpected bonus.” So just how rare is her accomplishment? A March 27, 2023, article in the US Sun by global traveller Caitlin Hornick suggests that only 0.02 per cent of people have set foot on all seven continents. And according to the Marathon Handbook website, only about 0.17 per cent of people on earth has run even one marathon. So the per cent of humanity that has done both must be miniscule. What’s 1-888-588-6353
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even rarer about Nicole’s trips is their central aspect of fundraising for charities. I know people who have accomplished amazing travel and running goals, but Nicole’s substantial donations at the same time put her in a class all her own. “I have always had an interest in the world, and I always knew I wanted to get out and see it and explore. I believe the fact that I am very goal-oriented and can delay short-term satisfaction for a bigger and better reward down the road helped me a lot,” Nicole explains. “I would pick a trip I wanted to do, say, a year or two out; research what I needed to do to get ready in terms of the run or the hike; make a plan to raise the money; and then I would train and go about implementing the plan.” Nicole was an active athlete in track sports growing up, she says, but not necessarily a long distance runner. She chuckles when she says, “I may not have looked like a typical marathon runner, but I started slow, followed the programs provided, trained properly and really enjoyed it all. Obviously it must have worked because I kept going back for more.” She adds, “I never worried about the speed too much, and it was a lot more fun that way. I even talked my mom into doing two full marathons in Hawaii and Arizona Nicole’s fundraising has taken her to with me, which was pretty special. some of the most remote places in the We had the best times together. Get world including the Sahara Desert (top), to the finish line upright and smilNepal (top middle), Mount Kilimanjaro ing is always my motto.” (bottom middle) and Machu Picchu in Nicole has wonderful memories from all her trips, including trying Peru (bottom). www.downhomelife.com
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unusual dishes such as gopher in Peru and kangaroo in Australia. She suggests that when travelling, try as much as possible to be respectful of the culture, the citizens and the cuisine of whatever country you find yourself in. “I never turned down whatever was offered to eat or complained about accommodations or customs that were different or new to me. The way I looked at it, this is the home of the people we are visiting and we are all only guests here. So I tried to always be grateful for the hospitality and adhere to how things were done in that particular place, like a good guest should, and I never had any real problems. The reason we travel is to see and experience things that are different from home, and we really miss out if we go and never taste new food or take part when invited in a new-to-us tradition. If we only want to always do and eat the same things, we could save the effort and stay home instead.” One of Nicole’s hardest challenges was climbing the dormant volcano in Tanzania, famously the highest mountain in Africa at approximately 5,895 metres (19,341 feet) above sea level. Located inside Kilimanjaro National Park, it is a major global hiking and climbing destination. “I thought a marathon was a challenge, but Mount Kilimanjaro is on another whole different level. The thin air and the altitude changes made it very difficult, and you had to find ways and strategies inside yourself to keep motivated and going,” she recalls. “The last night, we left at 12 midnight to reach the summit by sunrise six hours or so later, and it 52
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was dark and cold. To keep mentally focused, I started to go through lists of the names of every family member and friend I knew, and it made me feel better – like they were walking with me in spirit and keeping me company and wishing me well. It worked, and what a life-changing experience to stand on top of Mount Kilimanjaro at dawn.” Scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, hiking 110 kilometres in the Sahara Desert in Morocco, and visiting penguin colonies in Antarctica rank right up there with some of her other most memorable adventures.
Nicole has visited all 7 continents, including Antarctica “There is such value added to your life by travel and it truly is a world of wonders. I carry with me a luggage tag I was given years ago that says, ‘See the world, come home for love,’ and that kind of sums it up for me,” Nicole says. “I enjoyed all my trips, but my favourite place is always Newfoundland and Labrador. It is home and where all the people and things I love most are.” 1-888-588-6353
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The Musical Map of Newfoundland and Labrador is helping preserve and promote the province’s rich musical heritage, one tune at a time. By Linda Browne
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No matter where you go in Newfoundland and Labrador,
there’s no trouble finding folks who can carry a tune or play an instrument. Whether it’s a shed or kitchen party, a wedding or a wake, chances are that at some point an accordion or guitar will appear. Music is woven into the very fabric of our culture. Visit practically any community, cove or island in the province and you’ll find a song associated with it, like “Feller from Fortune,” “The Kelligrews Soiree,” “The Northern Lights of Labrador” or “The Cliffs of Baccalieu.” You might’ve heard these tunes time and time again. You might know all the words. But do you know who originally penned them or the stories behind them? These are just a few of the songs included in the Musical Map of Newfoundland and Labrador, a new website that profiles some of our most beloved (and some lesser known) folk tunes while preserving our musical heritage.
She started digging through Memorial University’s Digital Archives Initiative (DAI), “which is amazing,” she says. “It has a huge, huge number of paper documents scanned in, and recordings and articles and theses. And it’s all completely available online for free.” As she pored through songbooks and other materials, “I was getting seriously into the rabbit hole, finding out about this amazing stuff. And it really captured me,” Heather recalls. “But there was still an awful lot that I was just running into by accident, that was hard to find.” A computer programmer who specialized in databases, Heather spent
Trad & Tech Collide A project of the Soundbone Traditional Arts Foundation (a nonprofit dedicated to teaching and preserving the musical, dance and storytelling traditions of Newfoundland and Labrador), the Musical Map is a result of several ideas colliding. It started about four years ago when Heather Patey, a traditional musician who is also on Soundbone’s board of directors, was having difficulty tracking down some different folk songs to sing, outside of the usual repertoire. www.downhomelife.com
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Heather Patey performs at The Rooms in 2019. November 2023
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several months transforming a scanned index from the DAI, titled “Newfoundland Songs and Ballads in Print 1842-1974,” into a searchable, clickable one. From there, she tracked down some of the old songbooks. “Something that I wanted to be able to do was search across all of these sources – from the published works from the collectors who went around Newfoundland and Labrador with tape recorders and paper and pencil in the ’20s... [to] the huge amount of professional recordings that have been done,” she says. “I built this up into a bit of a monster. But I didn’t know what to do with it.” Meanwhile, Jean Hewson, a song instructor with Soundbone’s Vinland Music Camp and director of the Soundbone Folksong Choir, had been working on some musical projects of her own. She began recording herself singing songs in special locations... “like I sang a verse of ‘Pat Murphy’s Meadow’ while standing in Pat Murphy’s Meadow,” she says. Her videos got good feedback on social media. So Jean approached Eric West, Soundbone’s president and artistic director, and proposed the idea to connect communities and folk songs “because it makes the song so much more personal when you’re standing in that space where those events happened,” she explained to him. They married this idea with Heather’s work and, with a grant from the province’s Come Home 2022 Cultural Funding, the Musical Map of Newfoundland and Labrador was born. 56
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Jean Hewson has always tried to connect music to community in her travels.
A Living Tradition Launched at The Rooms in St. John’s in the summer of 2022, with an event that included performances by local musicians, the Musical Map currently includes 52 songs from all over the province, with plans to add more in the future. Visitors to the website (MusicalMapNL.ca) can click on a map pin to learn more about a location and the songs associated with it, or browse a song or location list. Included is the composer of the tune, background information and lyrics. Users can also listen to a recording of the song or watch a video of its performance, with information about the performers included and, in many cases, links to purchase their music. “We wanted to make sure that there were opportunities for the users to give back to the artists… You know, if you like what you hear, go and find the artist and buy their music, see what they’re up to, go and see them perform,” Heather says. Many hands were involved with 1-888-588-6353
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pulling the various threads of the project tighter. Heather developed and maintains the website; Jean is the repertoire and artist consultant; Jane Dennison, who is also on Soundbone’s board and teaches traditional dance at the Vinland Music Camp, is the content researcher and editor (who also had the onerous task of tracking down copyright holders for permission); and Eric coordinated the project while his publishing house, Vinland Music, provided historical notes and lyrics for many of the featured songs. In addition, St. John’s-based musician Ian Foster recorded local musicians performing some of the tunes at his studio, while graphic artist Graham Blair created a poster and web page design for the project. “I think for me, one of the important things was that we really get a good representation of performers from beyond the overpass,” Jean says, pointing to recordings by west coast artists and siblings Daniel and Stephanie Payne, as well as Paul Pike, a Mi’kmaq musician also from the west coast. The Musical Map also highlights musicians who are helping carry the torch of traditional music, like Madison Mouland, a folk musician from Musgrave Harbour who’s also worked as a cultural ambassador with Soundbone. Featured on the map is a video of her performing her original song “Sarah,” a true story about a young woman in the early 1900s who fell ill and died a week before her wedding. “One of the nice things that I kind of appreciated as we were going through the process was the ongoing line of songs and songwriters in that www.downhomelife.com
style that are still telling stories, not just from the past, but from contemporary events and from their own lives. Like Dave Penny... who did a recording for us, and he’s written songs about historical events, but also comedic songs like ‘Chase the Ace up in Bay de Verde,’” Jean says. “That’s the thing I really like about this map… it shows how it really is a living tradition.” The Musical Map of Newfoundland and Labrador, say Jean and Heather, is for everyone, from tourists who want to learn more about the music associated with the communities they’re visiting, to local residents, researchers and youth working on heritage projects.
The Musical Map website covers the entire province. “We would like to encourage people to interact with us, too,” Jean says. “If there’s one thing that somebody would like to see, they could suggest it... the more we hear from people in terms of how they’re using it, or what they found as they were using it, or if they thought of any other information that would be useful, it would be really good to have that feedback from them.” November 2023
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By Nicola Ryan 58
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“A picture is worth a thousand words,” the old adage goes. There’s truth to it. A talented and thoughtful artist can find a way to turn a tale wonderfully told into a visual creation that’s just as captivating. Mi’kmaq artist Marcus Gosse has managed it. His design is featured on the latest collectible coin from the Canadian Mint, part of the “Generations” series celebrating Indigenous storytelling and the art of gifting knowledge. “One of my artistic goals was to be on a coin,” Marcus says. “It was a dream of mine. I always thought that would be great because you’re getting to show the beauty of your Indigenous culture to the world.” Marcus is a member of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band. His grandmother, Alice Maude Gosse (originally Benoit), is an Elder who was born and raised in Red Brook on the Port au Port Peninsula. Now based in Stephenville, Marcus creates art that celebrates the richness and vibrancy of Mi’kmaq culture, though he was still surprised when the Mint came calling. “I was at the Stephenville Mall, having a look around, when all of a sudden I was contacted by the Mint,” he recalls. “They said ‘Marcus, we like your work and we’d love to have you design a coin regarding the Mi’kmaq Creation story.’” He was honoured by the request. “They’re trusting you to try and represent your culture to your best ability,” he says, “and trusting that you will do it with honour and integrity, and bring forth your best product.” Marcus jumped into the project, but had his work cut out for him. “Our Creation story, it’s very beautiful, but it’s very lengthy. Have you got a thousand pages?” he laughs. “I knew I needed to summarize the story and be able to describe it in a visual manner with the different parts.” The ancient story tells of the Creator, Kisu’lk, the Giver of Life, and the seven levels of Creation starting with the formation of the heavens and earth. It describes how Kluskap, the first human being, was www.downhomelife.com
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brought to life with force of lightning; and of Kluskap’s family, who are intrinsically connected to the natural world and the plants and animals that live therein. Marcus’ design distills the story to its essential elements: the seven levels of Creation, the four cardinal directions, the cyclical nature of the natural world and the connectedness between all things.
“I feel it’s important that both Indigenous and nonIndigenous people see the ancient designs that make up Mi’kmaq culture and art, and know what they are,” Marcus explains. “The design took over 300 hours,” Marcus explains. “It took a lot of planning, Zoom calls, meetings with the team, the engraver, the graphic designer, the product manager.” For accuracy, Marcus consulted with Elder advisor Stephen Augustine, Hereditary Chief on the Mi’kmaq Grand Council. “He’s actually a story keeper. His family are the 60
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keepers of that story,” he explains, referring to how traditional oral history is safeguarded and preserved over generations. “So he helped guide the design and made sure that it was historically correct.” In the details, Marcus has incorporated essential elements of traditional Mi’kmaq art including the eight-point Mi’kmaq star, hieroglyphs and double curve designs – elements that Marcus includes in all his art. “I feel it’s important that both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people see the ancient designs that make up Mi’kmaq culture and art, and know what they are,” Marcus explains. “Creator, or God, is in the middle, represented by the Mi’kmaq star. Creator creates the air, the animals, the water, and everything happens from there, the centre. In Indigenous culture, Creator does not take a human form – it’s a spiritual form. So I had to come up with a way of representing Creator in a non-human form, and the seven smaller stars represent the seven levels of Creation.” Since the coin’s release Marcus has seen a fantastic amount of support at home and from abroad. “I’ve had a lot of people in the Mi’kmaq community in Newfoundland buy my coin. They bought one for themselves, their children, their grandchildren. Several people in the United States also have bought these and joined my Facebook group,” he continues. “It’s really nice that Indigenous people from various nations such as, like, the Navajo, the Cherokee, are buying the coin because they appreciate the beauty of traditional Creation stories. I’ve had people from all over the world contacting me about it.” The coins in the “Generations” 1-888-588-6353
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series – which so far include designs from Inuk artist Jason Sikoak and Métis artist Jennine Krauchi – present a unique way of combining art, storytelling and the transmission of traditional knowledge. “I’m very proud of the way it’s able to educate young people,” Marcus explains. “I’ve had kids ask me what Mi’kmaq art is, what the designs are and what they mean. Through things like the coin, and also murals, art, other things, you know, kids are able to understand. I’ve also created colouring books, and the Downhome magazine has given me my own section, ‘Colourful Culture.’ It’s important for people to realize that we have such a rich abundance of Indigenous culture in Canada. And there’s a lot of different, beautiful components of Indigenous culture that are available to explore. “I feel education is very important to helping with reconciliation,” he continues, “and helping Indigenous
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and non-Indigenous people to come together and to maintain a beautiful relationship together. That’s what I’m trying to do with my art.” While Marcus has achieved his dream of designing a coin, he’s far from finished. He plans to continue blending conventional and unconventional artistic techniques to create vibrant art that provokes thought and discussion, and celebrates diversity and spirituality. “I want to get into sculptures, fabricated aluminum sculptures,” he says. “I want to get into doing mobiles inside of buildings – hanging whales and eagles and different animals... I’d like to get into illustrating more books, doing more Mi’kmaq colouring books, and doing more teaching hopefully.” To learn more about Marcus, look him up on Facebook at “Mi’kmaq Art by Marcus Gosse.” And turn to page 136 of this issue to see this month’s colouring page and learn a new Mi’kmaq phrase.
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Three Sheets to the Wind Red Blueberry-Blackberry This full-bodied dry red wine combines the Newfoundland wild blueberry with the grape-like qualities of the Newfoundland wild blackberry in a delightful table wine that pairs well with cheese, steak, wild game, beef and chocolate. Medium
Jellybean Row Strawberry-Partridgberry
The subtle flavour of strawberries present a hint of sweetness that tames but does not diminish the tartness of the Newfoundland partridgeberries. A light-bodied wine that is best served chilled. Semi-Sweet
Krooked Cod Blueberry-Raspberry Only the juiciest and tastiest Newfoundland blueberries and raspberries were picked for this unique sweet-tart wine. These are the fruits of the local hills and wilds, grown in the cool, salty ocean breeze. Take the bait and try it. Don't be a Krooked Cod! Best served chilled or on ice. Medium
Moose Joose Blueberry-Partridgeberry A blend of blueberry and partridgeberry, two of Newfoundland's most popular berries. Full of antioxidants and flavonoids, this wine could be called a health juice - but it contains alcohol, so we'll just say it's berry good for you! Medium-Sweet
www.aukislandwinery.com 1-877-639-4637 Shipping not available to Newfoundland and Labrador and Nunavut. Please visit your local NLC location.
Funky Puffin Blueberry-Rhubarb A blend of Newfoundland and Labrador blueberries and rhubarb creates a wine that is fun, delightful and well balanced. It is a great sipping wine and goes well with cheese and crackers. Semi-Sweet
Frig-Off Strawberry-Raspberry A refreshing strawberryraspberry wine is just what you need. And it makes a delicious way to tell someone else to chill out, or even Frig-Off! Semi-Sweet
AUK ISLAND
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Next summer, an Unknown Soldier will be repatriated to the National War Memorial in St. John’s. By Nicola Ryan
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For almost a century,
the Spirit of Newfoundland has held aloft a flaming torch of bronze atop Newfoundland and Labrador’s National War Memorial in downtown St. John’s, NL. Through all winds and all weather, she’s stood sentinel over the memory of those who offered their freedom and their lives to the Great War. Her gaze is steady, pointed towards the Narrows, where so many young men sailed away to France to meet their fates for King and Country. For all these years, the War Memorial has served as a place of reflection and a centre of historical and emotional significance to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. Recently it’s been undergoing a massive restoration and redesign that includes an incredible element – the addition of a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
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The restoration project was made possible through the efforts of the Royal Canadian Legion, the provincial government, Veterans Affairs Canada and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. It includes upgrades to the granite monument; replacement of the concrete stairs, walkways, curbs and metal railings;
words Known Unto God. One of these unidentified Newfoundland soldiers will be repatriated and laid to rest in a special ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the National War Memorial on July 1, 2024. Comrade Gerald Budden, president of the Royal Canadian Legion – Newfoundland and Labrador Command,
The Beaumont-Hamel memorial in France marks one of the battlegrounds in Europe where the Newfoundland Regiment fought. The Unknown Soldier is being repatriated from a battlefield in northern France.
installation of new and upgraded lighting; and the inclusion of a tomb of granite for the Unknown Soldier as its centrepiece. Some 1,700 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians died in service during the First World War, including the many who fell at Beaumont-Hamel on July 1, 1916. Of those who died, some 800 have no known grave. For a hundred years, as the mud and chaos of the battlefield gave way to peace and tranquility, the unidentified have lain alongside their comrades, tombstones etched with the 66
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recalls the legacy of Lieutenant Colonel (Padre) Thomas Nangle, the military chaplain of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment during WWI who was the driving force behind the creation of the War Memorial in St. John’s. Padre Nangle worked tirelessly to commemorate Newfoundland’s role and sacrifice during the First World War. On behalf of the government, Nangle acquired a large section of the Somme battlefield at Beaumont-Hamel in France to preserve in perpetuity. He also proposed and oversaw the creation of the “trail 1-888-588-6353
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of the caribou,” marking five battlegrounds significant to the Royal Newfoundland Regiment with statues of its emblematic animal rendered in bronze by artist Basil Gotto. Beaumont-Hamel was recently included with 50 other Commonwealth War Graves monuments and cemeteries granted World Heritage status by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). In a press release about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier project, Budden says, “On the eve of the 100th anniversary of the official unveiling
sacrifices of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who fought in all services, past and present,” says the Honourable Steve Crocker, minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, in a prepared statement. “The Newfoundland National War Memorial is a solemn reminder for future generations of those who served and who continue to serve.” The Spirit of Newfoundland and the other figures on the St. John’s War Memorial encapsulate the spirit and resilience of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, and serve as an enduring reminder of
“The return of the remains of an unknown Royal Newfoundland Regiment soldier, who made the ultimate sacrifice during the First World War, acknowledges the efforts and sacrifices of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who fought in all services, past and present…” of our National War Memorial and its component repatriation project, I assure our veterans, past and present, their families and loved ones, that ‘At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, We will remember them.’” The Unknown Soldier is set to be repatriated from one of the battlefields on the western front in northern France. He will first lie in state at the Confederation Building in St. John’s before the internment ceremony. “The return of the remains of an unknown Royal Newfoundland Regiment soldier, who made the ultimate sacrifice during the First World War, acknowledges the efforts and www.downhomelife.com
the sacrifices of war that were felt in every town, cove and outport during those dark days. The preservation of heritage landmarks like the St. John’s War Memorial is vital for maintaining a connection to our past. These memorials not only honour the memory of those who served, but also help educate and inspire future generations about the importance of peace, freedom and the consequences of war. Hopefully the St. John’s War Memorial will continue to stand for another 100 years – a solemn reminder of Newfoundland’s contribution to peace and freedom, a beacon of hope and gratitude as timeless as the flame in the torch held high. November 2023
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The Fighting Newfoundlander Sculpted by British sculptor Captain Basil Gotto, the lifelike Fighting Newfoundlander, with rifle in hand, stands in Bowring Park as a tribute to the Newfoundland Regiment. Cpl. Thomas A. Pittman, a native of Little Bay East in Fortune Bay who survived the battle of Beaumont-Hamel, posed for the effigy. It was presented to the City of St. John’s by the Hon. Edgar R. Bowring and unveiled on September 13, 1922.
The Caribou Cpt. Gotto also sculpted the bronze caribou in Bowring Park in St. John’s. It was presented to the park in 1928 as a gift from Major William Howe Green, as a tribute to the Royal Newfoundland Regiment’s loyalty and spirit of camaraderie. Five identical caribou battlefield memorials were also built in France and Belgium to commemorate Newfoundland’s contributions and sacrifices during the First World War.
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Homecoming Uptown, in Bannerman Park, a bronze sculpture stands in honour of those who went to the front and returned home forever changed. Created in 2018 by sculptor Morgan MacDonald, the inspiration for the soldier depicted was Lance Corporal Matthew Brazil, who survived bullet wounds and attacks at Gallipoli and Beaumont-Hamel to return home to Spaniard’s Bay.
One Hundred Portraits of the Great War Also by Morgan MacDonald, the visages in this bronze installation in Victoria Park were cast from the faces of 100 descendants of Newfoundland Regiment soldiers who fought in the First World War. Morgan explains the piece serves as a kind of living memory, featuring families who have carried pain, loss and pride throughout the last century.
Sgt. Thomas Ricketts Memorial Tommy Ricketts was just 17 years old when he helped the Regiment fight off enemy soldiers on October 14, 1918. His heroism that day earned him the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry that could be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. He later returned to St. John’s and worked as a pharmacist, opening his own drugstore at the corner of Water and Job streets where this monument is located. www.downhomelife.com
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Dennis Flynn finds adventure and tranquility in the tiny south coast community of Rencontre East
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THE BOW OF THE CRAFT
carves a tight turn into the flat calm evening waters as I round the bend into aptly named Little Harbour. Drifting past a waterfall cascading into the ocean, I gain steam to bear down on a stately grey-shingled home. The Chart House, originally built circa 1892, stands in delicate defiance on prominent posts in a fashion that still allows the sea to pass harmlessly underneath it, despite the changing times and tides. I spy where the original kitchen window was ensconced and increase my speed, aiming with greater gusto at the location commemorated in local legends. With 10 feet to spare, I weave away to the west and the stand-up paddle board (SUP) glides beyond the building without incident, intrusion or incursion.
All photos by Dennis Flynn
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Little Harbour Such was not always the case. There is a great tale still being told of a longago collision, a cradle and a contrite captain. There have been variants in the telling over the years, and one popular version was recorded by Newfoundland author Robert Parsons in his book, Toll of the Sea: Stories from the Forgotten Coast: “In the winter of 1922, when Captain John Thornhill of Grand Bank was manoeuvring Vera P. Thornhill close to shore to get her situated for winter mooring, her bowsprit went in through the kitchen
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window on the side of the house. Luckily there were no injuries. The woman of the home, while knitting in her kitchen, was rocking the baby in the cradle with her foot. Vera P. Thornhill’s bowsprit went over the top of the kitchen stove.” The captain of the schooner paid for the damages and anything lost during the incident, and all was well. This scenic community of Rencontre East (often pronounced locally as “Rencounter”), NL, was a famous overwintering location for south
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coast schooners in the age of sail, as a series of islands offers a natural protective ring at the harbour mouth. Today the remote community of around 115 residents is accessible only by passenger ferry from Bay L’Argent on the Burin Peninsula (one hour 45 minutes) or Pool’s Cove on the Connaigre Peninsula (one hour 15 minutes). It’s a beautiful place for those wishing to disconnect from technology and get back to a much simpler way of life for a few days. Seeing me and my friends, who
were paddling alongside in rented kayaks, come ashore, Paul Trickett comes to greet us. Paul and his wife Debbie own Daisy’s Red Café as well as Rencontre East Vacation Homes and Tours. During a side-by-side ATV tour of the community, Paul points out numerous hiking trails, waterfalls, swimming holes, fishing spots, and hidden lookouts for photographers and painters to capture stunning landscapes. I particularly enjoyed an off the beaten track cliff face where images of schooners and names from a century or more ago are carved in the rock. We also make a stop at Judy’s General Store. Pointing out St. Stephen’s all-grade school, Paul says because of their remote location and small enrolment (only 24 students there last year), kids are used to online and distance education, and it hasn’t hampered their success. In fact, it may have helped. “They actually had an
Above: Although remote you can still get a cup of coffee in Rencontre East at Daisy’s Red Café, owned by Debbie Trickett. Below left: A schooner carving left in the rock over 100 years ago. Below right: Students at St. Stephen’s all-grade school are accustomed to online learning.
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advantage during the pandemic because while the rest of the world was transitioning, it was business as usual here,” he says. “One young lady, Lydia Hardy, recently won a Loran Scholars Foundation Scholarship [valued at around $100,000], so being in a small school and remote town can have a lot of pluses if you look at it the right way.” I’ve actually been in Rencontre East twice before. Once was a whistle stop of only a few hours, and another time was a quick overnight in a tent. Both times I only got to briefly see hauntingly beautiful Rencontre Lake, cradled in a valley guarded by steep cliffs. I never had time to explore it. Fortunately, the third time visit is the charm. Paul takes our group in a small boat to the sandy beach and
The stunning cliffs and topography of Newfoundland’s south coast greet visitors on the trail to Rencontre Lake.
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Paul Trickett takes us on a boat tour of Rencontre Lake. One stop on the tour is an abandoned molybdenum mine (below)
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cabins located at the head of the lake. The experience resembles Western Brook Pond in Gros Morne National Park on a slightly smaller scale. While in Rencontre East, I would rank touring the lake very high on the must-do list if the weather and wind conditions allow. “The lake is about four miles long by a half-mile wide and the freshwater that flows into the basin is very deep, going down to 600 feet in places, so it has all kinds of great folklore,” Paul explains on our tour. “There’s one cave where older residents say many years ago, a dog hopped out of the boat to chase a fox, and both animals supposedly fell to the centre of the earth – at least so long a way down they were never ever seen again. “There’s also a spot called the Devil’s Chimney… When the rain and wind conditions are just right in storms, the water flowing off the cliff tops blows back up the ‘chimney’ like smoke, hence the name. It is a pretty unusual phenomenon and something to see.” One of the most interesting stops was near the top of the lake, at the site of a former molybdenum mine, discovered in 1882 by a Mr. Brocton of St. John’s and a Mr. Tilley of Kelligrews, and once known as Ackley City (after one of the company directors). Molybdenum is a silver-grey November 2023
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metal that is important in the manufacture of stainless-steel among other things. According to Wendy Martin, author of Once Upon a Mine: Story of Pre-Confederation Mines on the Island of Newfoundland, “…one permanent legacy of the mine remains: ‘Ackley’ has become the official geological name of the granite in which the molybdenum ore occurs.” Two things are immediately apparent about Rencontre East. First is the total lack of regular passenger vehicles – folks walk everywhere on the gravel roads, or travel by ATV or boat. Secondly, the entire town is incredibly clean and quiet. There is almost no litter; no graffiti; no sirens; no honking horns; no screeching tires; and nobody walking around head down, looking at cellphones. Lawns are mowed; fences
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are painted; fishing stages are brightly decorated and an overall pride of property ownership is on display. The first one to greet me at the ferry was a wagging-tailed furry fellow called Chad the dog, who sashayed up as I stepped off the ramp. Any town where a friendly dog steps over from his owner to meet me so happily, akin to a long lost friend, I take a liking to right away. Of course, the people were equally cordial, and it all adds to the strong sense that this is a special place. It’s summed up in the welcome to Rencontre East sign with the slogan: “Isolated and Loving It.”
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life is better Calm morning in Hickman’s Harbour. Scott Udle, Ottawa, ON
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stuff we love by Nicola Ryan
Memory Keepers
PHOTO OP Share tons of sweet snaps on one Aura Carver digital picture frame. Invite family and friends to download the free Aura frames app to send their photos to your digital picture frame and add to the slideshow display. It’s easy to set up, and with unlimited, cloudbased storage you’ll never run out of space. CA.Auraframes.com
LINE UP What’s not to love about this Umbra Hangit Desktop Metal Picture Display? It looks like a mini clothesline and comes with matching tiny clothespins to hang your favourite photos. Umbra.com
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MEMORY BOX Save photos, tickets, medals or small souvenirs in a shadow box frame like this one from Americanflat. The 8"x10" frame has a depth of 1.5", so you can make an eye-catching collection of your treasures, and the shatterproof glass keeps them safe. Amazon.ca
PICTURE THIS Collect special memories in a keepsake custom photo book. At Newfoundland Canvas, you can curate your photos into a beautifully laid out hardcover book like this one, with up to 48 luxe paper pages. NewfoundlandCanvas.com
PRINTER PERFECT Print your favourite photos with a Fujifilm Instax Mini Link Smartphone Printer. This little device connects wirelessly to your phone and instantly prints super cute mini polaroids. There are also lots of creative features like templates, doodles and frames. Instaxcanada.ca www.downhomelife.com
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Ask Marie Anything Interior designer Marie Bishop takes your questions
Q. With Christmas just around the corner and my to-do list getting longer, is there anything you can recommend to help create a festive look for my living room and dining room without going full-on Christmas in November and without costing me a fortune?
A. Oooh, great question! I love Christmas, and being prepared is one of the things that helps reduce stress as December barrels in on the heels of November. So, I think I have just the thing that may offer you a little time and space to enjoy the upcoming festive madness. A lot of people claim they don’t have a creative bone in their body, but that is totally untrue. Sometimes all it takes is an idea, a willingness to participate and a little guidance. 84
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There’s no better way to add seasonal delight to a space than with an arrangement – of any sort. In the spring it’s tulips and pussywillows; in summer it’s the abundant bouquet; and in fall, of course, it’s colourful foliage with a touch of harvest bounty. Leading up to Christmas, it’s evergreens, pine cones, rosehips and poinsettias. So, here’s what we’re going to do. We’re going to create a few festive arrangements for different areas of your home. Don’t panic, you can keep it to one if that’s all you think you can manage. But I assure you, once you start you’ll be amazed at how great they look, how quickly they come together and how much fun you’re having. You may even be inspired to make extra for your friends and family as early Christmas gifts! First of all, let’s go through the list of what’s needed. You may already have most of it on hand. The vase/container is key: it sets the theme, whether that’s formal, rustic, contemporary, traditional or totally bohemian. And here again, like most things in the decorating world, size matters. For a centrepiece on a large dining room table, you may consider one large oblong or circular container, or even a group of three different sized ones set on a large decorative tray. For the coffee table, a low, wide arrangement may work better, so as not to obstruct the conversation area or TV viewing. A sideboard or hall table can handle a taller arrangement. You get the gist. Dig out any containers hiding in your cupboards just waiting for a new purpose in life. Otherwise, head to your nearest dollar store, craft supplies shop or even thrift shop.
The vase/ container is key: it sets the theme…
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You’ll need floral oasis (the green foam bricks to hold stems in place). Get the Wet Floral Foam; it holds water and keeps stems from drying out. Also on the list: festive ribbon, a can of spray snow, Christmas ornaments, long wooden skewers, glue gun, garden snips, utility knife and the main ingredient – greenery (evergreen branches, holly, pine cones, berry sprigs). Many stores carry pine branches leading up to Christmas, but
a cup of tea, a mug of eggnog or a glass of wine, put on some Christmas music, breathe in the sweet woodsy scents and allot yourself an hour or so of creative pleasure. Let’s get started. Trim the floral
This little penguin bowl (purchased at a dollar store) with the addition of a penguin ornament could be just enough to brighten up a bathroom or small side table. it is so much better and cheaper to cut your own in your backyard or in the wild. (I have a friend who invites me to come prune her massive holly bushes every year – no problem!) Don disposable gloves to avoid getting very sticky fingers from the sap on the stems. Keep all the stems in a bucket of water until you’re ready to use them. Once you’ve collected everything you need, create a work space where you can lay it all out. A kitchen table or counter, or worktable in the shed is perfect. I usually cut a garbage bag open and lay it on the table surface for easier clean up. Now pour yourself 86
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foam to fit the container. A friction fit is best; if it seems a bit loose, cut smaller pieces to fit between the foam and sides of the container. Fill it with water; the more water the foam holds, the better. Like a real Christmas tree, if you keep the branches watered, they should last for weeks. Get a visual of how you want this arrangement to look. Do you want to view it from all sides? If so, make sure to keep turning it as you arrange the stems (a lazy susan is great for this). If you plan to place it against a wall, 1-888-588-6353
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This entirely green arrangement in the sage green pot is the naturalist, eco-friendly look that is really big this year. then maybe you could put some longer branches at the back and shorter ones in front. You can use all one type of branch in your arrangement or an attractive combination – it’s totally up to you. Once you’ve got a relatively abundant amount of branches in the pot and you’re happy with how they look, you can add some decoration. This is the fun part. If you have a theme going – all gold and glitz for instance – add matching ornaments, sprigs or anything theme oriented that suits your décor. Glue a wooden skewer to the ornament, or insert it in the hole where the hook normally goes, then push the skewer into the foam. An
odd number of decorations, such as three, is good. Then you may want to add something special. For a more whimsical look, for example, you could introduce an ornament of a favourite bird or other animal. You could add a bit of ribbon. Finish with a small sprinkle of artificial snow, and you’re all set. There are so many ways to put these arrangements together, it’s easy to create a look that’s festive and personal. I hope you’ll have a fun afternoon creating and that the results bring you and your family pleasure throughout the season. It’s another great DIY way to love your space.
Ask Marie Anything! Got a design question for Marie? Email editorial@downhomelife.com. www.downhomelife.com
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Todd’s table
Lazy Cabbage Rolls
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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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I don’t know about you, but I know about me. There are those times when a recipe called “lazy” rings loud and clear in my ears. As much as I love cooking, I honestly don’t always love it. In this column I have been preaching “cook with confidence,” “love what you are doing in the kitchen” etc. I’m just sneaking you a peek at the crack in my armour and letting you know that sometimes I find it a struggle to put a meal together, especially when the seasons change. Maybe I am being like those politicians who always talk about transparency – I’m letting you see right through me. This is the reason I have chosen a simple but delicious recipe this time around. In a previous issue I featured traditional cabbage rolls; although I don’t make them often, they are certainly a family favourite. Cabbage rolls are great left over, maybe even better than fresh out of the oven, and you can portion them out and freeze them to enjoy some other time when that feeling of “I don’t want to cook today” strikes. This “lazy” recipe gets you that same gutwarming satisfaction of this staple comfort food without the shaping and rolling precision required for the traditional cabbage rolls. The taste is exactly the same and that’s the point, right? Tasty and easy! When it comes to spices, do your own thing with this recipe according to your tastes. It’s fun to experiment and make the dish your own. Personally speaking, for anything with an Italian flavour, and I consider this one Italian, I like adding red pepper flakes for some heat and love fennel seeds for their unique flavour.
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This recipe will yield approximately 6-8 servings – great if you are cooking for a crowd or plan to portion and freeze for later. Feel free to adjust the ingredients if you want to make more or less, it’s totally up to you.
Lazy Cabbage Rolls Serves 6-8 3/4 of a large head of cabbage
2 tsp fennel seeds, optional
1 - 1 1/2 lb lean ground beef (or turkey or pork)
1 tsp smoked paprika, optional
1 large onion, chopped
Ground pepper to taste
2 medium carrots, diced
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 cup parboiled rice
Pinch of red pepper flakes, optional
1 cup water or stock (beef or chicken)
1 tsp kosher salt, to taste
Begin by chopping the cabbage into 1-inch pieces; remove the core during this process. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the chopped cabbage. Boil for about 5 minutes, drain and set aside. In a large pan or skillet over medium heat, sautée the ground beef until brown (no pink visible). Add onion, carrots, garlic, red pepper flakes, fennel seeds, paprika, salt and pepper, and cook for an additional 5 minutes or so. Stir in the tomato sauce, water or stock and rice. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Grease a 9"x13" baking dish and preheat the oven to 350°F. Evenly spread about half the cabbage for the first layer. Add half the beef mixture over the cabbage. Repeat layers of cabbage and beef mixture. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for 1 hour. Uncover, stir and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes. Add more stock at this point if it looks dry. (Some people like to add shredded cheese of their choice at this point. Personally, I like it without cheese.) Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before serving. Another optional method is to cook the rice separately and serve the lazy cabbage rolls over the rice at time of serving. 90
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Todd’s Tips It’s okay to not be overjoyed to cook sometimes. Just find something tasty and easy to get you through. Use spices you love; make it your own. If you are not a lover of cabbage, cut the amount and add more carrots and beef. 1-888-588-6353
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downhome recipes
Diabetes Awareness An estimated one in three people in Canada is affected by diabetes. This is Diabetes Awareness Month, and on November 14-18, Diabetes Canada is offering a free, virtual conference with lifestyle information, workshops, guest speakers and more. Register at DiabetesCanadaConnect.ca. For Downhome readers, they’ve generously shared these delicious diabetes friendly recipes. Find these and more, including dietary information, at Diabetes.ca.
Cream of Cauliflower Soup 2 cups cauliflower florets 1/2 cup chopped celery 1 1/2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 cup evaporated 2% milk Pinch freshly ground white pepper 1 green onion, thinly sliced
In a saucepan, combine cauliflower, celery and broth. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Working in batches, transfer soup to blender (or use immersion blender in saucepan) and purée until smooth. Return soup to saucepan (if necessary) and stir in milk and white pepper. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot (do not let boil). Ladle into warmed bowls and garnish with green onion. Makes about 3 cups of soup; serves 4. Recipe reprinted with permission from Canada’s 250 Essential Diabetes Recipes, Sharon Zeiler, RobertRose Inc., 2011.
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Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie 1 lb lean ground beef 1 large onion, finely chopped 2 tbsp tomato paste 1 can (14 oz / 398 mL) tomatoes 1 cup beef stock Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 lb potatoes, peeled and halved 1/4 cup skim milk 1 tbsp soft margarine 1 cup frozen green peas, thawed 1/4 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
Cook the ground beef and onion in a large non-stick pan over medium heat until browned, stirring to break up beef. Drain off the excess fat. Stir in tomato paste, tomatoes and stock. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer 45 minutes. Meanwhile, boil the potatoes in lightly salted water until tender. Drain and mash together with the milk and margarine. Season with salt and pepper. Preheat oven to 350˚F. Stir the peas into the beef mixture. Spoon into a 1 1/2 quart (1.5 L) casserole dish. Cover with the mashed potatoes. Bake for 25 minutes or until lightly browned and bubbly. Sprinkle with cheese. Return to oven until cheese melts. Serve hot. (Replace some of the potato with carrots and parsnips for a variation of the topping. Simply boil, then mash all together.) Serves 6. This recipe made available with permission by Key Porter Books Ltd. Copyright © 1995 by The British Diabetic Association. The Everyday Diabetes Cookbook.
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Kale, Beet & Chickpea Power Bowls Salad
Dressing
3 cups cooked barley or brown rice 6 cups fresh kale leaves 1 cup fresh beets, grated 1 cup carrots, grated 2 cups canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1 cup almonds, chopped 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 tbsp water 1 tbsp sodium-reduced soy sauce 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese 1 tsp minced garlic 1 tbsp natural, unsalted peanut butter or tahini 6 tbsp canola oil
Make dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together water, soy sauce, cider vinegar, Parmesan cheese and garlic. Blend in peanut butter. Gradually whisk in canola oil until dressing is combined. Set aside. Assemble the salad: In six individual bowls, evenly top the cooked barley or rice with kale, beets, carrots, chickpeas, almonds and onion. Drizzle each salad with 1 tbsp of dressing. Serves 6. Tips: Make this power bowl ahead of time, and pack it for lunch! Simply add the dressing just before eating. Any leftover dressing can be refrigerated and used later for another salad, quinoa, veggie sticks, grilled fish or chicken. It also makes a tasty dip! Recipe courtesy of canolainfo.org, featured in Diabetes Canada’s 2018 Healthy Living Calendar.
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Apple Tart Vegetable oil cooking spray 3 phyllo pastry sheets, thawed 3 tbsp granulated sugar 2 1/2 cups Yellow Delicious apples (2-3 apples), peeled, thinly sliced 1 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp almond extract 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice 2 tbsp soft margarine 1 tbsp apricot jam, heated and strained 3 tbsp toasted sliced almonds
Preheat oven to 375°F. Prepare a 10- or 11-inch tart pan with removable bottom by spraying with vegetable oil cooking spray. Place 1 sheet of phyllo dough in tart pan and press into sides of the pan. (Keep remainder covered with a damp towel to prevent drying.) Spray sheet with vegetable oil cooking spray. Top with second sheet and spray again. Repeat with third sheet. Tuck edges of phyllo into sides of the tart pan so that crust is somewhat even with top of the tart pan. Sprinkle sugar evenly over phyllo. In a small bowl, mix together honey and almond extract. In a large bowl, toss apples with lemon juice and honey mixture. Spoon over phyllo, spreading apple slices evenly in tart pan. Dot apples with 1 tsp dollops of margarine. Bake for 45 minutes, or until apples are tender and crust is golden. Brush top of tart with apricot jam. Allow to cool; sprinkle with sliced almonds just before serving. Serves 8-10. Recipe courtesy of Rosie Schwartz.
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Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables and Chickpeas 2 bunches of broccoli, chopped into florets 1 can (19 oz./540 mL) chickpeas, rinsed and patted dry 1 cup cherry tomatoes (use red, orange and yellow, if possible) 1/4 tsp pepper 2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar 4 tbsp canola oil, divided 1 bunch kale, stems removed, leaves torn Grated Parmesan cheese, crumbled feta for garnish (optional) 1/4 cup chopped parsley for garnish
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, toss together the broccoli, chickpeas, tomatoes, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, vinegar and 3 tbsp canola oil. Pour the vegetable mixture onto prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly. Roast for 20 minutes. Toss the kale with remaining canola oil. Remove baking sheet from the oven and nestle in the kale leaves. Roast for another 5 minutes. Remove baking sheet from the oven. Garnish with crumbled feta or grated Parmesan, if you like. Garnish with parsley. Serve the roasted chickpeas and vegetables with prepared whole-grain pasta, brown rice, quinoa or couscous. Serves 4. 96
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Greek Lentil Salad 1 can (19 oz. / 540 mL) lentils, rinsed and drained 1/2 cup Kalamata olives (optional) 1/2 cup onion, chopped 1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes, halved 1/2 cup green peppers, chopped
1 cup cucumber, diced 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped 1/4 cup canola oil 1/4 cup lemon juice 1 tbsp dried oregano
In a large bowl, combine lentils, olives, onion, tomatoes, green pepper, cucumber and feta cheese. In a small bowl, whisk canola oil, lemon juice and oregano together. Add dressing and parsley to lentil mixture, and toss to coat. This salad can be eaten right away or prepared a day in advance. For a quick marinade, cover the dressed salad and refrigerate for 2 hours before serving. Serves 10.
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The Right Tree in the Right Place BY KIM THISTLE
I learned a lot about trees this summer, working with a couple of municipalities on projects that involved diversity and tree health. I learned that as homeowners and town planners we need to give more thought to what we are planting and where. When walking through a garden centre, you might see a pretty tree and spontaneously purchase it. But have you thought it through? Where will you plant it? What is the finished size of the tree? Is it a fast or slow grower? Will it have messy seed pods that drop onto your car? Sometimes we don’t think about our purchase that deeply and don’t ask the right questions, leading ourselves to future disappointment. For example, you may have a wet area in your yard that you are trying to dry up, so you look for a tree or shrub to fit the bill. Perhaps you decide on a willow. If you do your homework, you will learn that such a tree will seek water wherever it can find it. So, what does it do in dry seasons? Watch out for your water and sewer lines! The roots will make a beeline for the water flowing through those pipes and drains, and the resulting damage can be very expensive. How about that neighbour who’s not quite as tidy about their yard as you’d like them to be? Most people want something that will grow fast to create a screen that hides www.downhomelife.com
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the unsightliness. Beware, trees that grow quickly also have a fast growing and invasive root system. This is a recipe for potential disaster. Fast growing roots can damage basement walls: another expensive repair. How about municipalities? Very few municipalities can afford an arborist to create healthy urban green spaces. A street lined with maples is very pleasing to the eye, but what about when a disease or insect sweeps through town? These pests most often target one type of tree, so if we have the right climatic conditions for tar spot, a great 2023 example, every maple tree on the street is going to look mangy come mid-August. Anyone who has driven across Newfoundland has probably noticed
the Lombardy poplars at the two entrances to “Scenic Green Bay.” These fast-growing trees have a finite lifespan, and they are nearing the end of that now. A few have been lost in recent years. I, for one, would love to see them replaced as they are majestic in this setting – the right tree in the right place. Let’s put them in a different landscape: how about lining Water Street in St. John’s? The wrong tree in the right place. These trees would be nothing but a headache to the city in a very short time. The roots are massive and very aggressive; just think about the damage this would cause to the infrastructure downtown. A diversity of trees such as Linden, HoneyLocust, Burr Oak and Autumn Blaze Maple, would better serve this location.
Here are some things to keep in mind when purchasing and planting a tree or shrub. Look at what height the plant will be at full growth. Avoid planting tall trees, such as maples, under a utility line. A better suggestion would be a common lilac or a larger hydrangea, such as Pee Gee. This would give the coverage you are probably looking for without becoming a source for fires and power disruption caused by power line entanglement. Shade can be a blessing or a curse. Tall deciduous trees with large canopies lower the yard or street temperature tremendously, but they also have an impact on the location of vegetable gardens. Shade trees have enormous footprints that span into the neighbour’s yard, too, so be a good neighbour by asking first or avoiding large shade trees. 100
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Width is also important. Customers will often buy a young, small burning bush and plant it in a flower bed right in front of their house. These babies grow to at least 6' x 6'. Customers have often told me that they purchased a dwarf burning bush – FYI, the dwarf burning bush is the one that grows to 6' x 6'. My husband, a retired landscaper, has something he calls “the hula-hoop test” that I’ve mentioned in previous articles. Imagine a series of hula-hoops placed in your garden space just barely touching; their diameters represent the maximum allowable width of plants at maturity. Oh, always leave at least one foot from your foundation for air circulation.
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Shade trees have enormous footprints that span into the neighbour’s yard, too, so be a good neighbour by asking first or avoiding large shade trees.
Mix up the types of trees you plant in your yard or town to avoid the problems I described above with diseases and insects. If you love flowering crabs, chances are that you will get an infestation of leaf rollers at some point. Mix up the yard by planting other types of trees that the roller does not target, such as flowering dogwood (my favourite – blooms all summer) and Golden Chain (magnificent for a week and then it’s done). Choose trees and shrubs that are targeted by fewer pests. Every plant is susceptible to some sort of problem, but oftentimes there are varieties that are less troublesome. Do your research.
Fast growing trees such as balsam and Lombardy poplars are great when used as wind breaks on the wide open, infrastructure-free landscape. Putting them in your backyard in the city is not such a great idea. At some point they will have to be removed, and that will be costly. With changing climatic conditions (i.e. stronger winds and storms), these huge, fast-growing trees will become more problematic, threatening buildings around them. Choose a slower growing tree that will have a denser heartwood and, thus, take the abuse of increasing winds.
Most importantly, please be considerate of future generations. I have often heard customers say that a certain tree will not be their problem as they won’t be around to see it at full growth. Remember, it will be somebody’s problem. Build up your karma credits and plan your yard or municipality for a long and healthy life. 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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life is better Reflections in Bonavista. Mark Gray, Bonavista, NL
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reminiscing flashbacks
Setting Sail “I would like to find the names of the WWII sailors in this picture,” writes the submitter. “In the second row, third from left is John Mandeville; and in the third row, second from left is Ben Meehan. Both are from Point La Haye, St. Mary’s Bay, NL.” If you have any information, email, write or call Downhome. Malachy Mandeville Via DownhomeLife.com
Base 54 This photo was most likely taken at Ernest Harmon Air Force Base during WWII. Do you recognize these people? If so, please contact Downhome so we can share the information. Susan Herdman Lincolnton, GA, USA
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Peace Time
Soldiers are pictured taking a pause in this postcard sent from Germany by Nathan Fiander of Codroy, NL. Karen Simon Margaree, NL
This Month in History Hugh Abercrombie Anderson was born in St. John’s, NL, in 1890. The son of Amelia Murray and prominent businessman John Anderson, he received his early education at Bishop Feild College before going on to study in Edinburgh, Scotland, and later in Switzerland and France. In 1915, he joined the Newfoundland Regiment and went to Europe, working in the Pay and Record Office in London. In 1919, he was one of nine members of the Regiment to be awarded an MBE for his service. After the war, Hugh joined his brother, John Murray Anderson, in New York City, where the pair managed and produced 29 major Broadway musicals. From 1926 to 1929, Hugh also directed a theatre school; some of the students were Joan Blondell, Bette Davis and Katherine Hepburn. Hugh passed away at his home in Queens, New York, on November 9, 1965. 1-888-588-6353
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reminiscing visions & vignettes
Gnat, do you mind…
Maps?
By Harold N. Walters
Harry had added reason to despise Olsen Tetford’s guts. Not only could Olsen sing like a lark, but also the little frigger could draw like an artist.
In the art class Miss Britt allowed her students on Friday mornings, Harry watched Olsen draw pictures of horses so detailed you could see the flies buzzing around their tails; draw sheep with their butts clearly free of clinker-balls; draw houses with paint blisters visible on their clapboard. At best, Harry could draw the outline of a house whose chimney leaned at an impossible angle away from its steeply pitched roof, or a 106
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motorboat with a lumpy engine house and a stem that crooked like the letter S. Olsen could even draw faces so well it was hard to tell them from snapshots. In one art class, as Harry nearly gnawed his tongue off while attempting to draw a profile of the Two Gun Kid, Olsen drew a full-page portrait of Sally, her eyes a’twinkle and her golden curls a’glitter with sunlight. Seeing the picture, Harry felt the urge to lay siege to Olsen’s 1-888-588-6353
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noggin with a piece of scantling. Harry couldn’t brain Olsen, of course, for fear of being shipped off to reform school. But after Olsen had slipped the picture into his desk and gone outside for recess, Harry swiped it and tucked it inside his shirt against his heart. Harry’s resentment of Olsen’s Godgiven talent (more like Satan-sent, Harry figured) festered like a collarchafed boil. So, when Miss Britt announced a drawing contest, Harry’s sword, so to speak, was already honed and ready to be drawn from its scabbard.
Britt had a chance to say, “Try not to crease your drawing sheets.” Seeing Harry’s paper already mangled, Gnat chuckled and said, “You’m jumping the gun.” Harry glowered at him, and also at Olsen Tetford who was being careful not to dogear the corners of his paper. What Harry muttered into his shirt collar was a very bad word. Saturday and Sunday, the sun pushed away the clouds and burned the fog off Brookwater’s cove extra early, it seemed. And at the end of the day, it held clouds and returning fog at bay just a bit longer than usual.
As Harry nearly gnawed his tongue off while attempting to draw a profile of the Two Gun Kid, Olsen drew a full-page portrait of Sally, her eyes a’twinkle and her golden curls a’glitter with sunlight. Seeing the picture, Harry felt the urge to lay siege to Olsen’s noggin with a piece of scantling. “Everyone draw a map of Newfoundland,” said Miss Britt, “then whoever’s picture is judged the best will win a prize.” Gnat’s hand shot up. “What’s the prize, Miss?” Miss Brett mused. “Don’t worry, we’ll figure something out.” Knowing he had nary a chance of winning, making sure Olsen didn’t win would be prize enough for Harry. Miss Britt handed out sheets of drawing paper. “Sketch a rough draft over the weekend. On Monday I will look at your drafts and make some suggestions, if necessary. After that, finish your drawings as best you can.” Harry commenced folding his drawing paper, readying it to stog into his bookbag, even before Miss 1-888-588-6353
As a result, Harry stayed outside until after dark both days. As he bade Gnat farewell on Sunday night, and thinking he’d finally have to sketch his map, Harry said, “Haven’t seen Olsen all weekend.” “I ’low he’s been working on his map, making even his rough draft perfect,” said Gnat, knowing Harry would wince from that needle. Harry shuffed Gnat away and climbed the porch steps. “What did you say?” asked Gnat when he heard Harry once again addressing his collar. Come Monday morning, youngsters filed into school, their maps drawn on pristine paper… except for Harry, whose paper – despite his efforts to press it flat – remained November 2023
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creased like a bifold door. “Place your drawings on your desks,” said Miss Britt. Everyone did, except for Harry. His drawing refused to flatten, but splayed on his desk like an upsot, legs-up beetle. “Having trouble?” asked Gnat, again with the needle, as Harry attempted to weigh his paper down with books. Harry wore a T-shirt, so lacking a collar to swear into, he simply hissed. Miss Britt stopped at each desk examining and commenting on the various maps. “Nice. Well done. Very neat. Good try.” At Olsen’s desk she said, “Marvelous.” At Gnat’s desk, after she tapped a fingernail on his drawing of a schooner, her only word was “Hummm.” “I can’t draw maps, Miss,” Gnat tried to explain. Miss Britt lingered at Harry’s desk and eventually said, “You may have another sheet of paper. Try not to barbarize it.” Harry harrumphed. He was more concerned with the picture book quality map on Olsen’s desk than he was about getting a fresh sheet of drawing paper. All week, a spare moment here, a spare moment there, Miss Britt allowed her students to work on their maps – or in Gnat’s case, a flotilla of fully rigged schooners sailing on Brookwater Arm. On Friday, Miss Britt said, “You have all done very well,” generously including Harry, who’d toppled his Northern Peninsula into Notre Dame Bay like a broken spar. “Finish up over the weekend.” 108
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At dismissal, something broke in Harry. Perhaps it was the commandment about not being covetous coupled with refusing to let God be the avenger. Following Olsen too closely out the door, Harry pretended to stumble and, as if reflexively to prevent himself from falling, he grabbed at Olsen’s shoulder. Intentionally, his flailing hand missed Olsen and, as Harry fell forward, he grabbed the edge of Olsen’s paper and ripped the map in two – rent it asunder! Jumping to his feet, half of Olsen’s map in his hand, Harry said, “I’m sorry. I’m so friggin’ clumsy.” Yet there was no sign of contrition on his chops. Her face stern enough to chide the Old Boy himself, Miss Britt glared at Harry as she said, “Don’t worry, Olsen. I’m sure you will catch up on a new sheet of paper.” Fortunately, Harry’s shirt had a freshly ironed collar to absorb his expletives. Monday morning’s sun beamed through every windowpane on the south side of Brookwater’s schoolhouse and filled the classroom with sufficient brightness to highlight the maps the youngsters had thumbtacked to the walls. Some maps were drawn in pencil with lopsided bays and arrow-pointed capes. Some were crayoned – royal blue seas, woodsy green forests and egg yolk suns hovering at high noon. “Lovely schooners, Gnat,” said Ugly Maude, giving him a shoulder hug. “Thanks,” said Gnat, shrugging off her arm. Sally sized up Harry’s map, seeking some feature to compliment. The 1-888-588-6353
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Northern Peninsula still threatened to splash into Notre Dame Bay. The Avalon Peninsula clung precariously to Sunnyside like a starfish anchored by a single finger. The boot-shaped Burin Peninsula was buckled and bent like a lady’s laced up boot long since forgotten in a Glad Rags barrel. The island’s interior appeared squoze together like a withered bouquet clutched in a wanton boy’s fist. Forcing a smile, Sally said, “You’ve marked Brookwater on the map. And printed it very neatly, Harry.” Harry, meantime, was looking at Olsen’s map and beginning to simmer like Granny’s kettle on a red-hot damper. Olsen’s Long Range Mountains lay like exposed vertebrae. Fish breached spectacularly in every bay, and seagulls flapped above every harbour. Trees – spruce and fir, birch and witch hazel, juniper and pine – stood tall in the hinterland, their boughs bending in the prevailing westerly breeze. An inset of Brookwater showed all the houses in the village, and … … and tucked away deep inside one of the South Coast’s fjords, partly camouflaged by an umbrella of whale spume, Olsen had drawn a miniature cameo of Sally’s face, filigreed and oval, like a Victorian brooch. When Harry spotted the wee portrait, the simmering kettle came to a full boil and cartoon-like steam spurted from his ears. A mere shirt collar could never contain the vociferousness of Harry’s profanity, the gist of which was a 1-888-588-6353
statement suggesting unseemly factors regarding Olsen’s pedigree. Harry hurled himself at Olsen, tackled him and bore him to the floor where they rolled among desk legs and chairs. Mind that map drawing contest, Gnat? Everyone agreed with Miss Britt that Olsen’s drawing was the winner. Everyone also agreed that Gnat’s drawing was runnerup because it was so realistic you could almost hear the schooners’ riggings rattle and creak. Everyone whole-heartedly agreed that Harry be hauled up by the scruff of his neck and shaken until his teeth clattered like castanets, whatever they might be.
Harold Walters lives in Dunville, NL, doing his damnedest to live Happily Ever After. Reach him at ghwalters663@gmail.com
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reminiscing
A recent discovery of a kind of family heirloom sparked a discussion about wartime hardships endured by families far from the front lines. BY LESTER GREEN
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RECOLLECTION OF THE HARDSHIPS
faced by Newfoundlanders during the Second World War is fading as the years stretch farther out between now and then. There are few alive who remember what it was like to live in those times, and the only evidence of it is held in archives and attics. Recently the Vivian family of Northwest Brook, Trinity Bay, uncovered their family link to a WWII-era government program designed to ensure every Newfoundlander received essential staple foods like tea, coffee and sugar, and to prevent hoarding by individuals. Eighty-six year old Lenvoll Vivian gathered with family after his wife, Zelda, was laid to rest in May 2023. While going through the many precious heirlooms, Lenvoll’s daughter, Wanetta, held up a booklet labelled “Ration Book 2 – Child” with her dad’s name on the cover. She soon uncovered two more just like it. She continued digging until she had six more booklets laid out on the table. Her mind raced with questions for her dad as she closely examined ration books belonging to her father and her grandparents, James and Sarah Vivian.
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Three years into WWII, the Newfoundland government accepted that the war raging overseas would last longer than initially predicted by the Allies. Essential staple foods such as tea, coffee and sugar imported into Newfoundland were becoming more challenging to bring safely across the Atlantic due to the constant dangers of German U-boats targeting merchant ships. To prevent hoarding of staple goods, the government launched a program using the post offices to register and distribute Ration Books to Newfoundlanders. In May 1943, Deputy Food Controller E.C. Price released a public notice to local newspapers warning Newfoundlanders that if they weren’t registered, they must go at once to the nearest Ranger or Constabulary office to obtain the necessary ration cards. Once the coupon rationing program was initiated, it would not be possible for any individuals to purchase rationed commodities.
Lenvoll Vivian
Lenvoll’s parents, James and Sarah
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Under the Emergency Powers (Defence) Act of 1940, permission was granted to subject tea, coffee and sugar to coupon rationing, effective midnight on July 4, 1943. Lenvoll explained to Wanetta that he was six years old when the program started and he got his first ration book. In the following years, two more ration booklets were issued, noting his age on each at seven and eight years.
The registration number GP-2628 was issued to James Vivian and found on all three of his booklets. His address was listed as Gaff Topsails. Lenvoll explained that during the war, his father worked as a section man with the railway, helping repair tracks along the Gaff Topsails. James got the weekends off the first year because it took a day to return home, spend a day with his family, and return to the Gaff Topsails. James then briefly transferred his family to the Gaff Topsails and finally to Northern Bight Station. He was sent to Goobies Station before his retirement. Sarah Vivian’s booklet number was 2A-7937. The address on Book 1 was recorded as “Black or Northwest 1-888-588-6353
Brook via Hillview, Trinity N.,” indicating that the booklets were sent to the post office at Hillview and picked up there by the family. Lenvoll’s booklets recorded the number 2A-7941. He had three older siblings – Jacob, Bram and Maude – which might explain the missing numbers between his mother’s number and his. When the Rationing Order was passed in July 1943, the rationed commodities were tea, coffee and sugar. Later other items were added, including eggs and milk. Initially, the government made an exception for more isolated areas where the registration of individuals proved difficult and delivering food was a challenge, especially during the wintertime. Florence Curtis exemplifies this difference in the Prince of Wales Memoirs 1950-1962. “…Students coming to the residence during the war years were required to hand over their ration books so they could buy food in bulk. Knowing how difficult it was to obtain food in large quantities, the father of a student from Northern Newfoundland offered to pay part of his student’s fee with a sack of sugar. Apparently, in those parts of the island, which were isolated in winter, buying in quantity was permitted…” Elsewhere on the island, each coupon defined a more limited number of rationed items for two weeks, and each booklet was valid for one year. November 2023
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One memorable moment concerning the Ration Books was recalled by Shirley (Smith) Jennings. She was eight years old, and her mother sent her to the store, operated by Emelina Martin, with the Ration Book. Shirley was to get the rationed amount of two pounds of sugar and return home. Borrowing Bert King’s punt, she rowed across the harbour, walked to the store and got the sugar. She also stopped to visit some friends. Unfortunately, she dropped the brown paper bag on the ground while playing and all of its contents spilled out. She had to return home and explain what had happened to the precious sugar. Jim Peddle of Hodge’s Cove told me he remembers the Rations Book. He recalls it contained stamp-like coupons that could be removed. As sugar was limited, his parents sweetened their tea using molasses so the
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children could have the sugar. Wanetta noticed as she flipped through her dad’s second book that coupons for evaporated milk and children’s dried eggs remained unused. Her dad explained that his parents did not need to turn in these coupons because the family had hens for eggs and could get fresh milk. As she held photos of her grandparents, Wanetta reflected on the difficult times her dad’s family must have experienced keeping warm and fed. Her grandfather’s work as a section man caused him to ride the rails to the Gaff Topsails for weeks, taking him away from the family home. Her grandmother and family gathered wood using the dogcat to keep warm. Using the Ration Books for staple foods, and their own garden vegetables and barn animals to put food on the table, they survived a most troublesome time in world history.
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reminiscing
After a U-boat attack, sailors spent days in small life rafts on a massive ocean hoping for rescue.
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ON AUGUST 17, 1943, Newfoundland merchant mariner Ellison Henley Stoyles’ ship, Empire Stanley, was torpedoed by U-197. An urgent telegram arrived at the post office in Hillview, NL, for his dad, David. An experienced schooner captain, David could do little but pray as he imagined his son being tossed about in the Indian Ocean southeast of Madagascar. The Second World War may have started overseas; however, within months it impacted everyday lives in the small outports in Newfoundland and Labrador where young men signed up to fight in Europe. Individuals from the Commonwealth enlisted and began training with the British armed forces, including the Royal Air Force, Royal Artillery and Royal Navy. Others responded to the request for loggers and enlisted as civilians to cut pit props in the British Isles. Another group consisted of those who conducted the fishery in dangerous waters around Newfoundland and Labrador, and those who played significant roles in commercial marine services transporting food, equipment and personnel to Britain and the Allies. Collectively, they were known as the Merchant Navy. Ellison was born on October 20, 1922. His passion for the sea began at age nine, when he sailed to Labrador on his father’s schooner. He spent his nights snuggled inside his father’s bunk dreaming of becoming a sailor on the high seas. So when war broke out, he enlisted with the Merchant Navy and celebrated his 17th birthday in England in 1939, a little over a month after the war began. Ellison Stoyles Records show that Ellison served on several ships, including RMS Newfoundland, transporting troops and supplies overseas. The ship was later requisitioned by the British, retrofitted as a hospital ship and became known as HMHS Newfoundland. It was painted the standard white and bore the marks of the Red Cross. On September 13, 1943, the ship came under attack off Salerno Beach, Italy, by the German Luftwaffe and was severely damaged. A day later, an American destroyer scuttled HMHS Newfoundland. Weeks earlier, Ellison was assigned to the cargo ship MV Empire Stanley. On August 13, 1943, the vessel, loaded with a cargo of coal, left 1-888-588-6353
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Durban on the east coast of South Africa bound for the ports of Aden, known today as the Republic of Yemen, and the port of Beirut, Lebanon. The ship sailed from Durban in Convoy DN-56, consisting of 11 ships that were dispersed the following day. On August 17, the Empire Stanley was 130 nautical miles southeast of Taolagnaro, Madagascar, when it was spotted by the periscope of a German
lashed together were picked up in the shipping lane by the British merchant ship Socotra and transported to Bombay. The lifeboat had gotten separated from them. Ironically on the same day these survivors were rescued, U-197 met its fate when two British Catalina flying boats bombed the submarine. All hands were lost to the sea. The lifeboat containing another nine survivors drifted for 12 days.
Crewmembers jumped into the water to escape the sinking ship. One lifeboat and three rafts were successfully launched minutes before the Empire Stanley slipped forever below the surface, taking 19 crewmembers, five gunners and one passenger to a watery grave. U-boat. The poorly armed merchant vessel was no match for U-197 and was struck by a torpedo that sealed its fate. Records show the impact was intense, blowing the ship’s hatches and projecting coal upward, then raining it down on U-197. Crewmembers jumped into the water to escape the sinking ship. One lifeboat and three rafts were successfully launched minutes before the Empire Stanley slipped forever below the surface, taking 19 crewmembers, five gunners and one passenger to a watery grave. The rafts and lifeboat began retrieving the survivors when the U-boat surfaced and its crew inquired about the vessel name and the whereabouts of the ship’s master. Unknown to the crew at that time, Master Pitditch had gone down with his ship. Twenty survivors on the two rafts 118
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They were finally rescued by the corvette HMS Thyme and landed at Durban, where their journey had begun. Among the survivors was Ellison Stoyles. He had severe injuries to both legs and could not walk. His injuries were attributed to the time spent floating on wreckage before being rescued by the lifeboat. A second telegram was sent to his father, explaining that Ellison was injured, but alive. Ellison spent weeks recovering at a hospital in Durban before being transported back to England and then to St. John’s, NL, in December 1943. He travelled back home by train to the Northern Bight Station. Years later, Ellison’s sister, Susie Barfett, related Ellison’s ordeal on the Empire Stanley in conversation with their first cousin, Chesley Tucker of St. Jones Within. She 1-888-588-6353
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explained that Ellison spent time in a Durban hospital. Chesley explained that he was also in the same hospital, recovering from injuries sustained while serving with the British Navy, but was unaware that Ellison was there at the same time. Over the next few years, Ellison gradually recovered the use of his legs, going from using a wheelchair to walking with two canes, then one cane and finally being able to walk freely again. He could work again, but his injuries would bother him for the rest of his life. He began dating a girl from Trinity, Bonavista Bay, and on April 6, 1949, he exchanged wedding vows with Florence Maude, daughter of Randolph and Martha Brown, at Wesley United Church in St. John’s. They welcomed three children while living in St. John’s, where Ellison was employed as a marine engineer on Newfoundland Railway boats MV Burin and MV Clarenville. He also spent time as 2nd engineer on the sealing vessel Algerine. In October 1953, he moved his family to Bonavista, where he secured employment as chief engineer with the Bonavista Cold Storage company. While living there, they were blessed with two more children. The family was on the move again in October 1958, when the Bonavista Cold Storage company promoted Ellison to marine superintendent and chief engineer at the company’s facility in Grand Bank. In addition to work at the facility, he helped transport several stern trawlers from the fishing port at Grimsby, England, to Grand Bank. After his family settled in Grand Bank, it grew by one more child. In October 1977, Ellison took leave 1-888-588-6353
of work and travelled to the old General Hospital in St. John’s to have plastic veins inserted to improve the circulation in one leg and, if successful, the other leg. He developed complications from the surgery and that, combined with other health issues, took his life. Ellison slipped into eternal rest on January 17, 1978, and was buried at Grand Bank United Church Cemetery. Maude applied for and received her husband’s medals years later. The family passed the medals along to his grandson, Shawn Stoyles, who served with the Royal Canadian Navy and spent time deployed on HMCS St. John’s during the Gulf War.
Ellison and Maude on their wedding day in 1949
On April 3, 2023, 45 years after Ellison’s passing, Maude slipped into her eternal rest at the age of 99 years. She is buried next to her husband. Ellison’s family says their father did not speak about the horrible ordeal he experienced in 1943, but they recall his philosophy on life when he used to say: “I got 30 years or more, more than my shipmates who did not make it. November 2023
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reminiscing
Francis Burke, KIA The last Newfoundland officer to die in the Great War
By Doug Wells Harbour Breton, NL
Francis (Frank) Burke was a young man of
26 when he signed up to fight for King and Country. The son of Patrick and Alice (Mullowney) Burke, originally of St. Jacques, Fortune Bay, NL, enlisted with the 1st Newfoundland Regiment at the Church Lads Brigade Armoury in St. John’s on May 19, 1915. Private Burke had allotted a daily 60 cents from his pay to go to his mother.
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He was promoted to Lance Corporal on June 13, and left St. John’s aboard HMS Calgarian on June 19 for the UK. He was one of 242 recruits in FCompany and arrived at Stobs Camp on July 10. L/Cpl Burke spent about a year training at the Regimental Depot at Ayr, Scotland, after which he was made 2nd Lieutenant. On October 3, 2Lt. Burke left Southampton as the conducting officer of the 11th Re-enforcement Draft, and arrived at Rouen, France, a day later. There further training and preparations were made at the British Expeditionary Force Base before joining the 1st Battalion in the field. Burke and three other officers reported to duty with the 1st Battalion on January 12, 1917. On March 1, Burke was wounded while fighting in the trenches at Sailly-Saillisel. He received treatment for gunshot wounds to his leg and chest at the 2nd Red Cross Hospital in Rouen before being transferred to the 3rd London General Hospital in England on March 9. He was weeks recuperating and was finally declared fit to return to duty on June 15. He spent the rest of 1917 in camp at Barry and Hazeley Down in Hampshire. On January 25, 1918, 2Lt. Burke was promoted to full lieutenant and dispatched to rejoin the British Expeditionary Force. On February 4, he left for Southampton, on his way 1-888-588-6353
to final training at Rouen before joining the 1st Battalion in the field at Steenvoorde, Belgium. By April 1918, desperate attempts were being made to drive the Germans back, and on April 13, C-Company was practically obliterated. Fighting continued in the areas of the Somme and Flanders. On May 18, Lt. Burke took over the training camp at Camiers and soon became part of C-Company. Then on August 8, he took command of A-Company. The Newfoundlanders continued to serve on the Belgian front and the Ypres Salient. The Hundred Days Offensive saw the enemy pushed back and marked the final campaign of the Western Front. While commanding A-Company, during a skirmish near the village of Ledegem, Belgium, on October 14, 1918, Lt. Burke was killed in action. He was the last Newfoundland officer to die during the Great War of 1914-1918. Lt. Burke is buried in the Cement House Cemetery, Belgium – grave reference XVII.D.12. He is also commemorated on page 20 of the Newfoundland Book of Remembrance in Ottawa. He had served for three years and 150 days, and was entitled to the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. His brother, Lance Corporal Leonard Burke, was wounded at Cambrai but survived the war. November 2023
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puzzles
The Beaten Path
Nicole Florent 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 M K E
S S
T
m
J L R
H
T p
H V
U
x
Q
S
E
M
K S
M
n
I S
T
S
S
S M
m x J p L Q R Q H H S m p N N U L C T Q J K T E V M Q T T T R H Q L R H K V U x Q H m Q S x E V
M
T
n
n
S S
S
Last Month’s Community: Trinity 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
November 2023
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Dianne Nickerson 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: • Called Fox Harbour until 1914 • Closely tied to Caplin Cove • The first European settlement in Random Sound • Once a major producer of pickled turbot • Near popular Heart’s Ease Beach trail
Last Month’s Answer: Gander Bay
Picturesque Place NameS of Newfoundland and Labrador
by Mel D’Souza Last Month’s Answer: Tickle Cove 126
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In Other Words Guess the well-known expression written here in other words.
Last Month’s Clue: Each haze possesses an argent underlayer In Other Words: Every cloud has a silver lining
This Month’s Clue: All of us shall bring to mind the others In Other Words: __ ____ ________ ____
A Way With Words THEMONKEYMIDDLE
Last Month’s Answer: Monkey in the middle
Rhyme Time A rhyming word game by Ron Young
1. To take a tire is to _____ a _____
This Month’s Clue
2. To give a wide berth is to _____ _____
FALL LEAVES THE GROUND
3. A sedan type of car is a ____ - ____
Answer: ____ _____ __ ___ ______
Last Month’s Answers 1. shrink a drink, 2. snack pack, 3. cry for pie
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.
’
’
’ ’
’
C E D E E E I B E H E O E E A N L O K D A A G E K L H E K R F P L M P E V H E E R T L I N D I I S T O O T O U U T R H O R E R T T H W R L N T T R H P V F U U N T Y
Last month’s answer: Singleness of purpose is one of the chief essentials for success in life, no matter what may be one's aim. www.downhomelife.com
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Rhymes 5 Times Each answer rhymes with the other four
1. tough
____________
2. shortening
____________
3. sliver
____________
4. poet
____________
5. damaged
____________
STUCK? Don’t get your knickers in a knot! Puzzle answers can be found online at DownhomeLife.com/puzzles
Last Month’s Answers: 1. late, 2. mate, 3. crate, 4. hate, 5. date
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. LETLIT RUBTN YBA
For best results sound the clue words out loud!
2. BEMERE
Mower Thin Nuke Inch Who ____ ____ ___ ___ ____ Hays Lope Oak _ ________ Last Month’s 1st Clue: Lay Dissolve Thin Height. Answer: Ladies of the night. Last Month’s 2nd Clue: Hit Says Mall Whirled. Answer: It’s a small world.
3. BALMCLOPNET 4. NOLO YBA 5. FROMTOC EVOC Last Month’s Answers: 1. Twillingate, 2. Durrell, 3. Herring Neck, 4. Indian Cove, 5. Virgin Arm
A nalogical A nagrams Unscramble the capitalized words to get one word that matches the subtle clue. 1. A COOL TECH ~ Clue: milk changes it, and it changes milk 2. NOON TARTAR TIPS ~ Clue: it’ll move you 3. IRON VENT ~ Clue: they’re always making stuff up 4. IAN ICED IT ~ Clue: when you lose, they win 5. EAR URCHIN ~ Clue: it has one good eye and goes where the wind takes it Last Month’s Answers: 1. disappearance, 2. fishing, 3. television, 4. driftwood, 5. minority 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: plus 1-10: removal 11 12 13 14 15 1-91: preacher 5-10: movement 21 22 23 24 25 6-3: wagon 6-36: arrived 6-56: dromedaries 31 32 33 34 35 11-14: humongous 11-31: vehicle 41 42 43 44 45 12-52: nearly 13-18: try hard 51 52 53 54 55 15-18: downpour 20-18: author 61 62 63 64 65 Flemming 21-24: Cain’s brother 71 72 73 74 75 24-27: swelling 24-54: fibber 26-23: beast of burden 81 82 83 84 85 30-27: turn over 31-36: observe 91 92 93 94 95 33-3: exam 35-15: mongrel 61-41: limb 37-67: post 61-91: tilt 39-36: crippled 63-93: dale 39-69: thin 64-61: wickedness 40-36: fire 65-68: got money for 41-43: firearm 66-68: aged 43-83: of warships 67-64: misplace 46-43: mortgage 69-99: proboscis 46-48: lick 74-77: female horse 48-18: ache 80-77: left 52-56: floozies 53-55: Mr. Linkletter 83-53: molten ash 52-82: spring or neap 83-86: elevator 85-55: swift 54-94: defer 87-89: petrol 56-86: screen out 91-93: golf start 58-55: essence 91-100: non-drinker 60-10: cupcake 94-54: chronograph 60-51: justice
www.downhomelife.com
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9
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100
94-98: whole amount 96-99: story 98-68: acreage 100-10: rapscallion 100-80: tattered cloth Last Month’s Answer
CA R BONA T E D AGA LORD E R E P A N OMA D A O L I I GWP E T I ME T N E C A L PMO C U I L L E C L A P T L AYOLKUN T A A P A S T NGA S B T A L EM I RGU L E V E R Y WH E R E November 2023
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The Bayman’s
Crossword Puzzle 1
3
2
by Ron Young
4
5 6
7
8 15
18
16
9
10
12
13
14
17
19
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23
21
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29 33
35 36
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ACROSS 1. “Come in out of the ___” 3. fox house 5. Irish Republican Army (abbrev) 6. membrane 7. moray 8. “An honest man when there are __ ______ around” (2 words) 15. Davis Strait (abbrev) 17. nimble 18. departed 20. seaweed 21. 5 ____, Goose Bay 23. “_ ______ at this damsel standing longside” (2 words) 25. “__ on wit’ ya!” 26. “A ______ to scrape” 27. _____ Tickle, Labrador 30. Salt Pond (abbrev) 31. General Motors (abbrev) 32. Great Big ___ 33. “If looks could ____” 34. in other words (abbrev) 35. Great Auk’s relative 36. confused 38. roe 40. ___ to it! 42. I_ _ 44. “Fish and brewis and _____ ____ ____” (3 words)
11. none 12. Canadian Liberal Party (abbrev) 13. buddy 14. ode 16. crammed full (colloq) 19. run off 21. craziest 22. farmland (colloq) 24. Stockwood, NL singer-songwriter 27. curve 28. slowdown 29. Charles III 32. “It’s seldom I ___ you in Harbour Le Cou” 35. additionally 36. chimp 37. short for Dorothy 39. gone on arrival (abbrev) 41. “I can’t marry all, __ in chokey I’d be” 43. all right
ANSWERS TO LAST MONTH’S CROSSWORD
DOWN 1. “A star behind the moon tonight – strong ____ __ ____ __ _____” (5 words) 2. “A warm smoke is better ____ _ ____ ___” (4 words) 4. eon 9. made of oak 10. ripened www.downhomelife.com
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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. __ 43
_____ 84373
__ 47
_ 2
___ 929
__ 86
__ 36
_____ 97664
_________ 766384464 _______ 7663663
____ 8436
’
____ 9455
__ 36
__ 48
Last Month’s Answer: Keep your eyes wide open before marriage, and half shut afterwards.
©2023 Ron Young
CRACK THE CODE z
Each symbol represents a letter of the alphabet, for instance =N Try to guess the smaller, more obvious words to come up with the letters for the longer ones. The code changes each month.
_ _ N _ _
\ zkO
B
_ _ _
l iD
LO
N _ _
z\D
_ _ _ _ _ N _ _ _, Q N zkCC
l iO _ _ _
_ _ _
B
LQQ
_ _
ND
_ _ _ _
nkr r
_ _ N
_ _ _ N
h z L
bLB z
_ _ _ _ p N 0k
_ _
ND
Last Month’s Answer: True success is overcoming the fear of being unsuccessful. 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.”
24 hours = _ _ _
tan = _ _ _
crawler = _
_
_ _
ao n i
_ _ _ _
Yo i k
_ _
woman = _ _ _
_ _
`k
ab mxoKm
_ _ _ _
_ _ _
_ _
_ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _
_ _
oz _ _
mxk
mx b vvY
_ _
_ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _
_ _ _
qoK
asvm
bY
b v[ b Y}kvY s` dk _ _
_
z k i s dk
d b vxm
mo
flag = _ _ _ _ _
}kv vs v m
lamp = _ _ _ _ _
_ _
_ _ _ _ _
YKv` smxk
[sq
oz
_
_
_
sv _ _
_ _
}snm
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
x s}} b v kY Y
Last Month’s Answer: To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society. 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 WITH CROSS-COUNTRY CYCLISTS
Last Month’s Answers: 1. Headland, 2. Houses, 3. Fence, 4. Horse’s leg, 5. Tail, 6. Island, 7. Reins, 8. Trousers, 9. Cap, 10. Ern’s hand, 11. Trees, 12. Barn. “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 SCHOOL SUBJECTS
The words can be across, up, down, backward or at an angle, but always in a line.
ALGEBRA BIOLOGY CALCULUS CHEMISTRY COMPUTERS DRAMA ECONOMICS ENGLISH FRENCH GEOGRAPHY HEALTH LANGUAGE LITERATURE
MATH MUSIC PHYSICS PSYCHOLOGY READING
Last Month’s Answers
RELIGION SOCIOLOGY TRIGONOMETRY WRITING
S R K Z T P J H F M N K Y E F Z P N I K P M U P P E M P L R F S N Z P R W N A A X B W P C D B M C U L I J R A D N I A W K X N A D Y T U W E R Y J W O B T M X V B Q W O H X N U H C U R U N L E N G J V A M Q A E W W S R R U T F N R R V T O X S U U C O T I U I L E P L P A U X C K O D W B W A S G T L H E Y O G E M V A L M K H E S Z I G O E I I T O F L G M S K Y N P G N D V Y A L N K T R R B N P M J C E P E G K F C Q N U E X E R O Y V I A E G Y E E H V N M L N M O A E I J J S Q V B B G D V V E A V U D H D E R I M O I Z D M D P V E B R I A Y T L H R C Y G F F I R N D B X D L F F H S A E F R S Y L C S B M T E C O E K P S V U T U E X T T I D T V O H N L K O A G C C H T A Q H P Y A D I L O H J S A M M H Y V T U V I A T M Y L I M A F T Q I T Z V U F A F F E I F U B W N A D W B V I F U L C M E B N G H M X R N P L R K B Z G V E U C E D D C B I N G I P Y I S G E A L Z F S E I R R E B E S E G A I E I
E B G F O J D I Y X J M U C N H B E L W L L U V G C Y K E C Y B W G E N Y R T E M O N O G I R T Z M O M A T H R V J S R E T U P M O C M Y C S Q T B R N B W Z J S R E A D I N G D E R Q M G E C S F Z G O S M B U H S E P A G N I T I R W O H O D D U O H M U A M P P S Y C H O L O G Y H Z I N Q D R A M A I L F R E N C H Z N V X R E L I G I O N I C M Z Z C U G B I O L O G Y B Q H L B H U Z C I N Q U S J S C D F F L G N Z H P X L C I V A Z I B D H S J B D L K D Y G O L O I C O S O M T L R Q D P I I G S W A W P I V D Q H B D X Y S U Y E A B Z W F C Z R W C N F P O R N I K Z Z E Y Y I A R N E R Y I U X M I Y H P A R G O E G M P R K Q C E A G G T S Z A U E P H S I L G N E Y Y B K V W M G S T U L O T J U O G G Y R T S I M E H C D N N K S H L U A A Z N F P H X N R R E K C K Y T Q I V S N K C T R G D O G R S J L W H T L A E H Y K U Z Q Q S A H G E E H B M D U C Q A E E P H Y S I C S M O M P H D M K M 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
November 2023
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Not intended to solicit properties currently under contract
%$#"! $% $# $ %! $
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advertising@downhomelife.com
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Book your ad in Marketplace 709-726-5113 • 1-888-588-6353 advertising@downhomelife.com
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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. $229,000 Contact Fred: 709.427.6371 realtor.ca • MLS# 1261743
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Toll Free: 1-866-586-2341 www.downhomemovers.com
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 www.downhomelife.com
November 2023
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GREAT GIFT IDEAS!
Beaches of Newfoundland
The Horse Doctor’s Daughter: The Early Diaries of
- Carla Smith Krachun
Love & War: The True Story of William and Edith Lundrigan Robert W. Lundrigan
#86654 | $29.95
#86625 | $24.00
#86626 | $26.95
Sea Stories from the Rock - Edited by
Fairy Tales from the Rock - Edited by
The Devil to Pay:
Ellen Curtis & Erin Vance
Ellen Curtis & Erin Vance
#86620 | $19.99
#86621 | $19.99
Lore Isle
The River Murder: A Novel Inspired by True Events Patrick J Collins
- Jiin Kim
#86571 | $14.95
Jane Crosbie - Jane Crosbie
A Thriller - Kit Berlin
#86622 | $19.99
Rage the Night: A Novel - Donna Morrissey #86338 | $24.95
#86336 | $21.00
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
Fleece Lined NL Toque
Fleece Lined NL Scarf
#74448 | $12.99
#74449 | $15.99
Puffins Puzzle
Newfoundland-opoly
#86623 | $24.99
A Fun Game Celebrating Newfoundland and Labrador
Puffin Sunset Crystal Art Kit
Wooden NL Map Bottle Opener
- 500 Piece
#86536 | $9.99
#86537 | $37.99
#85272 | $15.99
TO ORDER CALL: 1-888-588-6353
Fleece Lined NL Mitts
#74450 | $11.99
I Am Moose Puzzle - 700 Piece, Moose Head Shaped
#86540 | $31.99
NL Map Home Ornament #79609 | $9.99
Prices subject to change without notice. Prices listed do not include taxes and shipping. While quantities last.
2311_Mailorder_Mail order.qxd 9/28/23 2:22 PM Page 142
GREAT GIFT IDEAS!
Assorted Kisses
Peanut Butter Kisses
Spearmint Lumps
Spearmint Nobs
#3997 | $4.99
#26991 | $4.99
#4010 | $4.99
Purity Hard Bread - 625g #78947 | $9.50
#26990 | $4.99
Rum & Butter Kisses #16805 | $4.99
Peppermint Lumps #4239 | $4.99
Purity Jam Jams - 470g #18709 | $6.99
Bull’s Eyes
#1085 | $4.99
Peppermint Nobs #4238 | $4.99
Purity Jam Jams 2-Pack - 47g #79557 | $1.65
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
Ed Roche 2024 Wall Calendar
Ed Roche 2024 Vertical Wall Calendar
Plush NL Dog with Bow - 8"
Plush NL Dog with Bandana - 10"
Plush Puffy Moose - 8"
Plush Puffin - 4.5"
Plush Puffin with Bird Call Sounds - 7"
Plush Puffin with Sou’wester - 7"
#85491 | $24.99
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#82854 | $11.99
#85492 | $16.99
#43618 | $22.99
#77360 | $14.99
TO ORDER CALL: 1-888-588-6353
2024 Images of Home Wall Calendar #86428 | $14.99
#82772 | $17.99
#64669 | $16.99
Prices subject to change without notice. Prices listed do not include taxes and shipping. While quantities last.
2311_photo Finish_0609 Photo Finish 9/27/23 5:50 PM Page 144
photo finish
Salt Water Joys!
Claire travels from Calgary, AB, every summer to visit Nanny and Poppy in Port Union, NL. This day it was too cold to swim at this Bonavista beach, but that didn’t stop her from jumping in with both feet! Helen Feehan Port Union, 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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