Downhome April 2025

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$4.99 April 2025

Vol 37 • No 11

Origins of April Fool’s

Sea to Sea for PTSD

Enticing Easter Eats

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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 Dillon Collins Assistant Editor Nicola Ryan Editor Lila Young

Warehouse Operations Warehouse / Inventory Manager Carol Howell Warehouse Operator Josephine Collins

Art and Production Art Director Vince Marsh Illustrator Mel D’Souza Illustrator Snowden Walters

Retail Operations Retail Manager, St. John’s Jackie Rice Retail Floor Manager, Water Steet Crystal Rose Retail Floor Manager, Avalon Mall Jonathon Organ Retail Floor Manager, Twillingate Donna Keefe Retail Sales Associates Kim Tucker, Destinee Rogers,

Advertising Sales Account Manager Ashley O’Keefe Marketing Director Tiffany Brett

Emily Snelgrove, Alexandria Skinner, Colleen Giovannini, Emma Luscombe, Rebecca Pevie, Morgan Powless, Adriana Hann

Finance and Administration Accountant Marlena Grant Accountant Sandra Gosse

Subscriptions Customer Service Associate Jennifer Kane, Dakota Buckley

Founding Editor Ron Young Operations Manager, Twillingate Nicole Mehaney Chief Executive Officer/Publisher Grant Young 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 Pen names and anonymous letters will not be published.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

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48

way back when

Contents

APRIL 2025

38 NEW: Ties to Home The Newfoundland Aura Dianna Brown

48 In the Sunny Long Ago Gerald S. Doyle’s extraordinary colour photos of old Newfoundland Nicola Ryan

76 The Plastic Problem

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Marine debris in NL’s waters Todd Hollett

94 Downhome Recipes Enticing Easter Eats

easter treats www.downhomelife.com

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Contents

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homefront 8 Between the Lines A note from the Editor

10 Letters From Our Readers Remembering Juergen Schau, the Puffin Man

14 Downhome Asks Some of our favourite callouts and responses from our readers on social media.

16 Downhome Tours Central America

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down south

18 Then & There Recent news, notes, events, anniversaries and more from across NL and beyond.

20 Why is That? What’s the origin of April Fool’s Day? Linda Browne

22 Life’s Funny Tech Tantrum James Day

22 dang IT

23 Say What? A contest that puts words in someone else’s mouth

24 Lil Charmers Nautical and Nice 26 Pets of the Month Picture Perfect Pups

28 Book Nook Downhome dives into the latest and greatest in Newfoundland literature

30 What Odds Paul Warford’s no spring chicken

32 Fresh Tracks Wendy Rose reviews With Violet’s Saturday Nights In Your Sunday Best 4

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56 there and back

Braeden King photo

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36 The Labrador Current The People You Play For Nathan Freake 42 In Your Words The Ham Wars

a healing journey

Cyril Griffin

features 56 There and Back Again Health and Travel with Dr. Mike Wahl Dillon Collins 62 A Healing Journey One man’s battle with PTSD leads him to help others – from sea to shining sea Pam Pardy

explore

42 it’s on!

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68 Shifting Seas How rising ocean temperatures are impacting Newfoundland and Labrador lobster populations Jamie Marie Lewis 74 What’s In A Name? Graveyard Cove Dale Jarvis April 2025

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here comes trouble

home and cabin 84 Stuff We Love Easter Treats Dillon Collins

86 Ask Marie Anything Interior designer Marie Bishop takes your questions.

90 chili time

90 Everyday Gourmet Chili con Carne and Cheddar-Corn muffins Andrea Maunder

102 Down to Earth Here Comes Peter Cottontail Kim Thislte

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106 days gone by

reminiscing 106 Flashbacks Classic photos of people and places.

107 This Month in History 108 This Month in Downhome History 112 A Boy from St. Lunaire About the cover Shifting seas and changing tides are at the heart of our April issue of Downhome. Taken in the town of Salvage on the Eastport Peninsula by Dave Wheeler, our cover photo begs the question of whether or not our relationship with the sea is changing.

Cover Index In the Sunny Long Ago • 48 Health Explored • 56 Shifting Seas • 68 & 76 Origins of April Fool’s • 20 Sea to Sea for PTSD • 62 Enticing Easter Eats • 94 www.downhomelife.com

Part One: Building a Foundation Lorne Compton

116 Molly’s Bravery Elaine (Murphy) Hickey

124 Puzzles 136 Colouring Page 138 Classifieds 140 Mail Order 144 Photo Finish April 2025

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between the lines

They say that a change is as good as a rest.

They also say that change is inevitable, but is that necessarily a good thing? As observed by one of this month’s in-depth features on rising ocean temperatures and the impacts on marine life (in this instance, lobster) change is not always welcome.

Though, in many cases, it’s exactly what’s needed.

Take for example our chat with professor, author and traveller Dr. Mike Wahl, whose adventures across the globe in search of answers to health and happiness have epitomized the idea of branching out to better yourself within. Change can be as minimal as a fresh coat of paint or a refreshed shelf (looking at you Marie Bishop), or a full-on rest of mind, body and soul and a mission/turned purpose that takes us across a great nation (see Pam Pardy’s emotional and heartwarming “A Healing Journey”). Here at Downhome, we’re changing too. In an effort to keep things fresh for our readers, we’re always looking to add new and creative voices. Join us in welcoming columnist Dianna Brown and her wonderfully authentic expat musings “Ties to Home,” as well as tipping our hats to the legendary Dale Jarvis, who will continue to spotlight hidden gems of Newfoundland with the returning “What’s in a Name?” community spotlight. Enjoy, and as the great Stephen Hawking said “intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.”

Dillon Collins Editor-in-chief

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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 Courtney Peckford of Paradise, NL who found Corky on page 78 of the February issue!

*No Phone Calls Please. One entry per person

www.downhomelife.com

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February 2025 Issue A Hidden Ancestry This story caught my attention. I have family roots in Leading Tickles and Point Leamington going back to the late 1790s. I am unaware of my family’s connection to the Beothuk, but I was fascinated to read this story.

Below is my connection to the Rowsells: My great-great-great grandparents were James T. Wells and Sarah Rowsell of Exploits Island. They are both buried in Church of England Cemetery, Lower Harbour, Exploits. James Wells was born in 1790 and died in 1871, and Sarah Rowsell was born in 1796 and died in 1847.

Family folklore has James T. Wells leaving Christ Church, England as a young boy and going to live with an uncle in Leading Tickles. His father was deceased and his mother was still living in England.

James Wells went to live and work with the Rowsell family of Point Leamington. He married their daughter Sarah Rowsell. They settled on Exploits Island and raised their family there.

The information I have is that Sarah’s parents were Thomas Rowsell and Sarah Meacham and she had two brothers, Thomas Rowsell and William Rowsell. I do not have any birth dates or other information for them, but I’m hoping this is accurate.

Karl Janes Newmarket, Ontario (formerly of Deer Lake)

Thanks for sharing Karl! We’re always fascinated to see the throughlines that sometimes carry out between our stories and readers across the island and beyond. Do any of you readers have a connection to the Hidden Ancestry piece or any others we’ve recently published? Let us know at editorial@downhomelife.com 10

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Remembering Ron Young I just received my February issue of Downhome and was saddened to read about the passing of Ron Young. I am a Newfoundland expat living in Ontario since 1971. In the summer of 1988, my wife Barb and I were living in the west end of Toronto, not far from 23 division where Ron was a police officer. Barb worked as a waitress within a ten-minute walk of our apartment. One night around 10:30, after realizing that she was late getting home, I went to the balcony and looked across the park that separated our building and the plaza where she worked, at the same time hoping that she hadn’t taken that shortcut after dark.

I could see the beam of a flashlight bobbing around and watched as it came closer until I could distinguish that it was Barb, walking slightly behind a cop. I went downstairs to

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meet them and by the time I got there, the cop had retreated back through the park. I could tell that Barb had been crying, but at the same time, she was smiling.

She explained – while she was preparing to go home, someone stole her wallet from her bag, which contained over $200.00 in cash.

Although the money was significant to her, what really hurt was the fact that whoever had stolen from her had to have known her and was probably someone who she considered a friend.

Anyway, it was reported to the police and Ron showed up and decided to walk her through the park on the off chance that her wallet and ID may have been discarded by the thief. No such luck of course.

Barb expressed to me her sense of loss and betrayal at the time and how Ron, a stranger, had quickly renewed her faith in humanity and made her

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smile through her tears on a short walk through the park. Barb passed away in 2010. She never forgot that kindness, as she spoke of it often, and neither have I. I would like to express my condolences to Ron’s family and friends.

Looking forward to you fine people continuing his legacy.

Andrew (John) Rolfe Cambridge, ON (formerly Badger, NL)

Thanks so much for sharing Andrew.

Ron leaves a large legacy behind here at Downhome and we love hearing stories like these.

Re: Baby in the Mailbag Enjoyed reading the story in the Downhome about the baby in the mailbag. In 1995 my family visited the site of the SS Ethie. While there we met Hilda Batten. She told us she was the baby that was in the mailbag. This is the picture we took in 1995 with Hilda and my two children. She was 77 years old at that time.

Irish Descendant My name is Carol O’Brien (nee O’Keefe) from East End Bell Island.

My husband Richard is from Lance Cove. We have been in Ontario for 64 years, but you keep us close to home every edition of the Downhome (formerly Downhomer) we read together.

I am sending this photo of my grandson, Thomas McKinnon, in the hopes that there might be a way for you to add it to the March/St. Patrick’s Day edition. This little Irish descendant will be dancing and singing at our house, which is a tradition for the O’Brien family on Paddy’s day.

Thank you for considering!

Carol O’Brien Cambridge, ON

Rose Noel McIvers, NL

Thanks for sharing Rose! Another great connection to one of our recent articles. Keep them coming, folks!

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Happy St. Paddy’s Thomas. We received this submission after our March issue had gone to the presses, so hopefully this means just as much! Hope all hands had a grand time!

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Remembering Juergen Schau: The Puffin Man Juergen Schau, a beloved adopted son of Newfoundland, the Puffin Man, and film executive, passed away shortly before his 80th birthday. He is mourned by his wife of 56 years, Elfie Schau, and will be remembered lovingly by his many friends, whom he regarded and treated as family.

Born in Germany, his heart found a second home in Witless Bay, Newfoundland, where he and Elfie, a skilled artist in her own right, spent their summers surrounded by the ocean, seabirds, family and friends who loved them dearly.

Juergen was the managing director of Columbia TriStar Film in Germany and Austria for over a decade. He was equally at home with some of Hollywood’s biggest names and the little Puffins of Witless Bay. Juergen was famous for saying “Julia Roberts here, puffin there.”

Known as the Puffin Man to many on the Southern Shore of Newfoundland and beyond, Juergen and Elfie were the creators of the Puffin Patrol, which encouraged people to be aware of the impact of bright lights on baby puffins (pufflings) who were drawn to the shore and were being killed on the roads. The Puffin Patrol is a conservation initiative that has saved thousands of birds and will live on as part of Juergen’s legacy of care for the environment of his adopted home.

Juergen said, “When you live in Newfoundland, it’s normal, you have the ocean, the birds. But when you come as a foreigner, from away, you have a different view. Be proud about your country and your environment. Protect this, please.”

Juergen exuded warmth, charisma, and interest in people and places. He always made you feel like a friend. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten by those who were privileged to have known him. We also know that he is up in heaven making friends with the mighty and the humble, and all of the animals.

Karen Wade photo

Melissa (Melvin) Babel Toronto, ON www.downhomelife.com

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Asks How do we learn? From you, dear readers.

Downhome routinely takes to social media to pose all manner of questions to our followers. From favourites to memories, opinions and everything in between, Downhome Asks, and you answer. Here are some of our favourite callouts for questions and responses from our followers.

What is the funniest thing your child/grandchild has said or done?

Years ago, when one of my granddaughters was about four, I was dating this nice man and he would stay over every other weekend. It so happened she would be staying over on the same weekend. Anyway, one day she wanted to know why her Aunt’s boyfriend couldn’t sleep in her Aunt’s bedroom. Of course, I said “Not until they are married,” not thinking about me sleeping with my boyfriend. So the next time they were together, pop, as she called him, was cooking breakfast.

I hear the granddaughter ask “Pop, do you have any intentions of marrying my grandmother?” He said yes and she said, “Until that time will you please stay out of her bedroom.” Out of the mouths of babes.

Anne Lynch Vincent Easter Sunday, years ago, Trinity Anglican Bradford. Kneeling at the communion rail with three-year-old Jeremy. A truck rumbles by an open window to our right. Not quite in full control of his speech yet, he pipes up, “look Mom a big fruck!”

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When my granddaughter was threeyears-old I bought her a snack pack from Mary Brown’s, she was eating away at the chicken drumstick, and when she finished the drumstick she said, “Grandma I have it eat right down to the wood.” lol. She’ll be 19 in July.

Darlene Lane

When she was about four-years-old, my granddaughter, who was sleeping over at the time, was looking out the window. She turned to me with a very solemn look on her face and said “Nanny, it’s a jungle out there and I’m just a fart in the wind.” Struck me funny. She’s 16 now and I remind her about it from time to time and we have a chuckle. A cute memory.

Valerie White Parker

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What can you do to make someone’s day brighter?

I keep my mouth shut.

Ray Cheriton

Shovel their driveway or bring them a cup of hot chocolate or just smile and tell them how nice they look.

Delores Gabriel Pay for their meal in the Tim Horton’s line.

Lisa Grandy Just be kind to all retail staff this weekend. Well, really be kind always anyway.

Connie Pipes The students at Main River Academy in Pollard’s Point certainly put a lot of smiles on some of the residents in the White Bay Area. The school went around to all three communities delivering a special treat to all widows and those living alone during Christmas, as well as making a visit to the senior home to deliver treats. Here is a picture of my daughter and her cousin delivering a treat to my mother-in-law in Jackson’s Arm. Hats off to the school for doing this.

Adrienna Osmond

What’s one food that you can’t stand, no matter how it’s prepared?

Liver! And I never tried blood pudding that my grandfather told me about many moons ago, but I’m certain it would make me barf!

Robin Fry Cabbage rolls. It’s a no-no for me!

Carole Larouche Anything fermented!

Janet Locke

Gotta be salt meat.

Ray Cheriton

Salt fish. That’s gross.

Krystal and Allister Alfredo chicken parm. Turned my stomach carrying our daughter. I still hate it, but she loves it!

Ronda Raymond Gosse Avocado.

Jessica Abbott

Green, red or yellow beans!

Debbie Watson Pea soup dumplings!

Leo Gosse

Only one? LOL. Asparagus!!

Sharon Ings

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homefront Downhome tours...

Central America

Belize

Ann Parks of Bridgewater, NS enjoyed a stop in Belize while cruising the western Caribbean in 2024.

Belize, located just south of the Yucatán Peninsula and bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the east, is often called the jewel of the Caribbean. The country is made up of over 400 tiny islands called cayes, which are best explored by boat. But be warned: according to Belizean superstition, swimming on Good Friday is considered bad luck – you might just turn into a mermaid!

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Costa Rica “The El Avion Restaurant is built around a C-123 military cargo plane that was shot down over Nicaragua in 1986 with an American crew and laden with arms as part of the Iran-Contra affair,” writes submitter Norm Paterson. “We had lunch there on a recent trip to Costa Rica to visit with family.”

The Iran-Contra affair was a political scandal in the United States that centred around arms trafficking to Iran facilitated by senior officials of the Reagan administration. The Cold War-era plane, now converted into a trendy pub and restaurant, is located in Manuel Antonio and offers a superb spot for sipping cocktails while watching the sun set.

Costa Rica Joan Murray of Prince Edward Island shares a Downhome subscription with her daughter-in-law.

“While she had snowstorms every day,” Joan writes, “I was sitting beachside in Liberia in +30° enjoying reading about Newfoundland.”

Liberia is a charming city located in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. Known as the White City due to its whitewashed colonial-style buildings, it serves as a convenient hub for exploring some of the country’s most beautiful beaches and national parks. In Costa Rica, Holy Week (Semana Santa) is a week of vacation and festivities, so book your stay early. www.downhomelife.com

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homefront

Then&There

Downhome catches readers up on major recent news, notes, events, anniversaries and acknowledgements across Newfoundland and Labrador and beyond.

Brier Returns to St. John’s

Curling Canada has announced that the Montana’s Brier will be played at Mary Brown’s Centre in St. John’s from February 27 to March 8th, 2026. The Brier last touched down in St. John’s in 2017, with Newfoundland’s own Team Gushue winning the tournament. “I don’t think it’s a secret that winning the 2017 Brier in my hometown was a career highlight, and I’m ecstatic that we have another chance in 2026 to host, and hopefully our team can play in, the Montana’s Brier,” says Brad Gushue.

“There’s so much pride in our province and our city, and I really do share in the excitement today. It’s going to be an amazing event, and I’m already counting down the days.”

Overhaul of Correctional Services The provincial government has passed a new correctional services act and regulations to replace the Prisons Act (1967) and Corrections Act (1975). The efforts have been described as “a significant step towards a modern correctional system that prioritizes safe, secure, and improved conditions for inmates and staff.”

The regulations detail procedures to accompany and operationalize the Act including the inmate disciplinary process, inmate health care and correctional facility discharge procedures. They outline staff duties, inmate rights, rules governing inmate conduct, and circumstances under which some rights may be restricted.

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Targa NL to Race Past Major Milestone

This September, Targa Newfoundland will hit a major milestone, with teams competing covering the 1000th stage since Targa launched in 2002. Robert Giannou, Targa co-founder and owner, says that will happen on the Eastport Peninsula portion of the rally. “This is a fantastic milestone in a province not known for motorsports,” says Robert. “It represents a lot of time, a lot of effort and a lot of joy in Newfoundland communities. It’s a remarkable achievement. I’m not sure any other rally in North America has achieved 1000 stages and we have one of the best – if not the best – safety record over 23 years.” Visit targanfld.com for more information.

NL Ramps Up Recruitment Efforts

Newfoundland and Labrador is bolstering its efforts to attract new recruits and support existing paramedicine staff. Among the incentives is a skills advancement program for emergency medical responders to advance skills to become primary care paramedics, a tuition relief program for primary care paramedic students and advanced care paramedic students and an educational travel subsidy for paramedicine students when travel is required for laboratory and clinical education.

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Expert answers to common life questions.

By Linda Browne

What’s the origin of April Fool’s Day? Have you ever woken up on the first of April to make a cup of coffee, only to find someone has swapped the sugar for salt? Or maybe you arrived at your desk to find all your things rearranged or upside down or wrapped in foil, which made you question your sanity. Congrats – you’ve been April Fooled!

The tradition of fooling our friends with practical jokes on April 1st goes back centuries. But where and how did it begin? As with so many traditions and celebrations, no one seems to know for sure. But there are several theories.

In his book The Origins of Popular Superstitions and Customs, originally published in 1910, T. Sharper Knowlson says some writers trace the origins to a nature feast, or the vernal equinox (also known as the March equinox), “and through Nature to a starting point in Christian history.”

Knowlson notes that British scholar and historian Thomas Maurice, in his book Indian Antiquities, “speaks of the first of April as the ancient feast of the Vernal Equinox, equally observed in India and Britain. He goes on to say that the date was held as a high and general festival, ‘in which an unbounded hilarity reigned through 20

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every order of its inhabitants; for the sun at that period of the year, entering into the sign Aries, the New Year, and with it the season of rural sports and vernal delight, was then supposed to have commenced.’”

Maurice also mentions “the Huli Festival” in India “when mirth and festivity reign” among Hindus of every class. A feature of this festival “is to send people on errands and expeditions that are to end in disappointment, and raise a laugh at the expense of the person sent.”

It appears that “All Fools’ Day,” Knowlson continues, “is not a British or even a continental monopoly,” mentioning the French phrase “Poisson d’Avril,” which literally means “April fish.” According to an article by folklorist Stephen Winick on the Library of Congress’ “Folklife Today” blog, the first reference to this phrase is from a 1508 poem by Eloy 1-888-588-6353

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D’Amerval. “However, from the context, we can’t be sure if the author was referring to April 1 or to fools in general,” Winick writes.

“The idea of the ‘April fish’ seems to be the fact that fish were plentiful and hungry in the spring, and thus easy to catch—an ‘April fish’ was more gullible than a fish at other times of the year,” he adds.

Writer and former physicist Charles Panati dives deeper in his book Panati’s Extraordinary Origins of Everyday Things, suggesting April Fool’s originated in 16th century France under King Charles IX. New Year’s Day celebrations, which were held on March 25, the advent of spring, “ran for a week, terminating with dinners and parties on April 1,” he writes. But in 1564, he continues, “in beginning the adoption of the reformed, more accurate Gregorian calendar, King Charles proclaimed that New Year’s Day be moved back to January 1.”

“Many Frenchmen who resisted the change, and others who merely forgot about it, continued partying and exchanging gifts during the week ending April 1. Jokers ridiculed these conservatives’ steadfast attachment to the old New Year’s date by sending foolish gifts and invitations to nonexistent parties.

The butt of an April Fool’s joke was known as a poisson d’Avril, or ‘April fish’ (because at that time of year the sun was leaving the zodiacal sign of Pisces, the fish),” Panati explains.

However, Winick doesn’t put much stock in this theory since Panati, he says, doesn’t provide concrete

evidence, while also noting that “As early as 1507, books were printed in France which indicated that people were beginning the year on January 1.”

As for the first direct reference to April Fool’s Day, Winick says that can be found in a 1561 poem by Flemish writer Eduard De Dene where “a nobleman sends his servant on crazy, fruitless errands. The servant recognizes that he is being sent on ‘fool’s errands’ because it’s April 1.”

Winick also points to a 1771 diary entry from a young woman in Boston, which describes an April Fool’s prank played by her father upon her mother three years prior, that “shows that the holiday was known in Canada and New England by the same era.”

By the 19th century, he adds, “the holiday was widespread and popular, so that references to it were frequent in newspapers...”

These days, April Fool’s Day is embraced not only by everyday folks but also by big businesses, brands and the media (Google “1957 spaghetti harvest” for a taste of a hilarious hoax from the BBC). So if you notice something “fishy” going on, remember to check the calendar.

The Swiss spaghetti harvest is still a classic April Fool’s hoax

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

Tech Tantrum My brother-in-law was very nervous about using the internet as it was brand new to him. He got a few pointers and decided to try it for himself. He was doing ok until a flashing message came up on the screen saying ‘you have made a fatal error and it’s irreversible’ … it was a computer-generated voice and he couldn’t stop the message. He panicked, ran with his laptop out to his wharf and threw it over. It was years later before he used the internet again.

James Day via downhomelife.com

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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ell ‘dibs’ “ You can’t just y, Sharon” ee on the wholeifetr r Dalley – Jenn

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

Here are the runners-up: I SAID I HAVE A HEADACHE! - Brandie Crant I saw you eyeballing that cute little robin! - Ray Cheriton You did what with my partridgeberries?! - Kelly Anderson-Lessard

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

www.downhomelife.com

April 2025

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homefront lil charmers

Coastal Cutie

We’re falling for Van, hook, line and sinker.

Holly Smith Conception Bay South, NL

Nautical & Nice Shellfish Selfie Three-year-old Jackson snacks on a crustacean sensation.

Emilie Harris Burin, NL

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Seaside Snooze Sweet Charlotte is dreaming of a day on the water.

Chelsea Pike Paradise, NL

At Poppy’s Stage

Levi preps the pots at Poppy Brian Barry’s stage.

Holly Barry Placentia, NL

www.downhomelife.com

April 2025

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homefront pets of the month

Picture Perfect Pups Furever Friends

Winnie and Winston make a delightful duo.

Brandon Kenny Lewin’s Cove, NL

Mutts About You Sweet Nova’s the best bark buddy.

(Picture by John Dobbin)

Crystal Blackburn Woodlawn, NS

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Puppy Love 8-week old Maple is pawsitively adorable.

Brittany Barry via Downhomelife.com

Hop To It Lola’s the cutest doggie bunny ever!

Tina Mills Bishop’s Falls, NL

www.downhomelife.com

April 2025

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homefront book nook

Downhome dives into the latest and greatest in Newfoundland literature, running down must-reads and offering recommendations for your next book binge!

In the Shadow of Tungusuak Chris Buckley Brack and Brine $24.95

In Chris Buckley’s true, first-person narrative of a daring expedition through northern Labrador’s Torngat Mountains in 1980, two brothers journey through the mountains, glaciers, rivers, and meadows of the land now known as Tongait KakKasuangita SilakKijapvinga, the Torngat Mountains National Park, northern Labrador. In the Shadow of Tungusuak is a rare, true story of travel inland from Nunatsiavut’s famous coastal fjords. “Buckley laces together a narrative that flows like a braided river across the wild landscape of northern Labrador,” shares Anders Morley, author of This Land of Snow.

“Among loving descriptions of the austerely beautiful and singularly lonely Torngat Mountains are moments of struggle, humour, and fraternal tenderness, and a lingering sadness over our collective inability to let truly wild places just be.”

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Downhome Recommends Most Memorable Outdoor Adventures Edited by Gord Follett

The one that didn’t get away. What makes for a memorable adventure? For some it’s sticking it out and landing a big catch or stalking an elusive bull, for others it’s about the memories made along the way with the people who matter most. In this anthology, editor and frequent Downhome collaborator Gord Follett compiles a collection of stories from outdoors people spanning the province, encompassing everything from the biggest catch to that first time on a river.

World War II Shipwrecks of Newfoundland: In Pictures Chris Power World War II Shipwrecks of Newfoundland: In Pictures brings readers under the surface of the cold North Atlantic to the ghostly remains of ships sunk off the coast of Newfoundland.

Diver and photographer Chris Power’s breathtaking photographs offer a rare view of iconic World War II shipwrecks, all of which are considered war graves.

Impressions of Newfoundland: The Art of Ting Ting Chen Ting Ting Chen This collection selects the works of photographer Ting Ting Chen’s landscape photos and fine art portraits. As a newcomer to Newfoundland, she uses her unique perspective in photography to show her impressions of this province, to reveal the bonds between people and places, and to tell the story of how she found her home and muse in Newfoundland.

Visit shopdownhome.com for these and other great titles. www.downhomelife.com

April 2025

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homefront what odds

spring chick

By Paul Warford

Everyone I meet – absolutely everyone – believes I’m at least ten years younger than I am.

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I can see myself across the booth, in the reflection of the mirrored support beam here in PJ Billington’s, Marystown. Tonight is showtime with my buddy Michael Lynch, but in the meantime, I’ve got words due with you fine folks, so I’ve tucked myself to one side for a chat before the hoopla unfolds.

Speaking of hoopla, this hotel has it in abundance this weekend. There’s a hockey tournament happening somewhere within the Marystown jurisdiction, and every Sidneywannabe under sixteen from here to Cormack and back to Trepassey is in this building, running around. (What a racket.) This is precisely why I’m cozied into the very back of the hotel restaurant, desperately trying to distance myself from the meandering youth and exuberance.

This should segue us into today’s topic quite nicely because my birthday happened recently.

You didn’t make it to the party! That’s okay. As always, you can forward all belated birthday gifts to the Downhome offices on my behalf at 43 James Lane in St. John’s. Anyway, just turned 43 and I know what you’re thinking, girl: time don’t be long goin’, and I couldn’t agree more.

I pondered as much yesterday while I sat with some comedian friends and my parents for an impromptu lunch at Mad Rock Cafe. I was physically there but not quite present since I had to listen in on a Zoom meeting I was obligated to attend, but I could tune into that with one ear while trying to follow the table’s conversation with the other. In little time, Dad and Lynch were in deep conversation about Joey, Confederation, and all the rest of that foggy mess from the annals of our province. Dad can talk about Newfoundland all damn day, and Lynch was hanging on every word while I observed and 1-888-588-6353

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half-listened. I felt great pride for my dad as he regaled Mike and Andy Kay, both of whom were entranced with his every morsel of recalled history. Dad’s been retired for nearly 30 years, but he can still teach when given the opportunity.

I look like my dad, or so I’ve been told about ten thousand times. If I had a dollar for every time I heard, “You looks just like your fadder!” or “He’s Mike’s boy” as a kid, Dad and I would have our own mansions by now. I’m getting older, though, so I don’t hear it as much as I used to. The boy’s in his 40s and Dad’s 80-odd. Time don’t be long goin’.

That said, however, my genes appear to be putting up one hell of a fight as we move along. Now, I’ll be the first to tell you that I’m no tortoise (average lifespan, 80-150 years). I’m no Greenland shark (average lifespan of at least 250 years), but, for whatever reason, I appear to be aging well. They tell me at the mall, they tell me at the grocery store, they tell me wherever I go. Everyone I meet – absolutely everyone – believes I’m at least ten years younger than I am. This has been going on for a while. Frankly, people aren’t even polite about it.

“You’re not 43!” they’ll cry out when they hear the news from a friend in the room. “I would’ve said you were 28!”

Sometimes I even produce my I.D. just to calm them down, like some sort of bizarre trip to the liquor store where you’re trying to prove you’re not as young as you look.

Now, to other geezers out there reading this, I suppose my fresh-faced www.downhomelife.com

situation probably sounds pretty good. “It must be nice,” you might be thinking, “to be aging so well.” I shouldn’t argue with that. But please don’t assume this repeated reaction is always a welcome one. I mean, sure, it’s nice to have a bunch of 20somethings at a trivia night thinking you’re almost as young as they are when you’re nearly as old as their parents, but when they realize the truth, well, that’s when it loses its charm. It’s nice to appear young, but that doesn’t make you any younger. I look 28 to some people, but I’m not 28. Not even close. When the individual learns my actual age, then I magically gain a decade before their eyes. I still look young to them, but now my opinions – my frame of reference – skyrocket to my genuine age, and that disparity cascades to the fore and becomes perhaps even more apparent. “This guy doesn’t know anything about Pokemon. This guy has never played Roblox, Minecraft or Fortnite. This guy doesn’t listen to Chappell Roan. This guy’s actually pretty old.”

My smooth skin doesn’t shrink the age gap. Instead, it gets wider every year. But I look at the bright side: when it comes to dating, looking ten years younger ain’t half bad.

Paul Warford began writing for Downhome to impress his mom and her friends. He writes and performs comedy in Eastern Canada.

Follow him on X @paulwarford April 2025

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fresh tracks

new music talk with Wendy Rose

Saturday Nights In Your Sunday Best With Violet

THE HARD WORK IS PAYING OFF for East Coast-based alternative pop group With Violet. From starting in small clubs to playing major stages like Iceberg Alley and George Street Fest, the five-piece band is worth watching as they ascend to new heights of stardom.

Sarah Newell (vocals/saxophone), Pete MacDonald (vocals/keyboards), Matthew Cadigan (guitar), Spencer FitzGerald (bass), and Hunter Madden (drums) released their sophomore record Saturday Nights In Your Sunday Best in 2024 to rave reviews.

Outside of their home province, the band is gaining steady traction, hiting number two on British Columbiabased radio station CFUR’s Weekly Top 30 Canadian College Community Radio Chart. Their single “That Boy” climbed to number 23 on Nova Scotia’s CIOE East Coast Top 30 list.

The album opens with “Gravity,” with a jazzy saxophone intro leading us into this pop song. Clean, crisp vocals, layered vocal effects, and simplistic drums preface an obscenely catchy chorus. “You got a hold on me, you are you are, you are my gravity,” 32

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the band sings together.

A wailing guitar riff kicks off “That Boy,” giving the tune a bit of a hard rock edge, with the commanding presence of saxophone delivering an 80s vibe at times. The impressive vocal range and capabilities remind me of UK rockers The Darkness, with the captivating energy of Canadian radio rock legends Arkells. In the outro, the band drops their instruments and sings the chorus acapella, clapping as percussion. Even on the fade out, the energy levels of this group remain persistent.

“As Per Usual (Beautiful)” has a Steely Dan dad-rock vibe. Toning it down a notch from the toe-tapping party tracks we’ve heard so far, mellow sax, jazzy drumming, and relaxed vocals create a new atmosphere while keeping the audience 1-888-588-6353

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engaged and energetic.

For “Not News,” Sarah Newell takes on lead vocals, with her smooth, silky voice complementing a seriously funky bassline. Sarah shines with a particularly powerful saxophone solo on this track.

“Blue Skies” leans more into alternative pop. The somewhat soft vocals showcase a slightly different side of the band, while the keyboard takes an opportunity to shine.

Acoustic guitar leads us into “The Things You Didn’t Say,” a soft and

Heavy electric guitar on “Ex’s and Oh’s” makes this track a very alternative pop song, with elements of early punk rock. Sarah returns on lead vocals, with Pete joining for a slower, dreamy chorus punctuated by a squealing guitar solo. This song feels like a lost Joan Jett and the Blackhearts track, and continues to prove With Violet’s capability to genre hop while still maintaining their own distinct and cohesive sound.

There’s a Japanese city pop sound to “Mountains Are Calling,” with funky

sombre selection. My mind draws parallels to slow songs by Electric Light Orchestra, and I’m surprised by just how many diverse groups I’ve been reminded of throughout this experience.

For “Keep Up,” the smooth, jazzy 1970s-esque Steely Dan vibe continues, with a slight disco flair, while “Toxic Tiffany,” a track about a girl giving off “candy apple red” red flags, gives more of a folk-rock sound reminiscent of The Doobie Brothers.

saxophone and bass making this yet another song that you just can’t help but nod along with.

The band revisits their track “The Things You Didn’t Say (Acoustic)” on the album closer, with Sarah once again on lead vocals on this strippeddown version.

If you have the opportunity to check out With Violet, I’d recommend hearing Saturday Nights In Your Sunday Best live on a Saturday night, while wearing your Sunday best, if possible.

www.downhomelife.com

April 2025

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Q&A with the Artists Wendy Rose: How, when, and where did With Violet form?

With Violet: We’re With Violet, an alt/pop band made up of five friends from St. John’s, Newfoundland. The band consists of Sarah Newell on saxophone and lead vocals, Pete MacDonald on keyboards and lead vocals, Matthew Cadigan on guitar, Spencer FitzGerald on bass, and Hunter Madden on drums. We formed out of a shared love for creating music that blends diverse influences, resulting in a unique sound within the alt/pop scene.

Our journey began about five years ago, and since then, we’ve had the privilege of performing in some exciting shows, venues, and festivals, building lasting connections through our music and energy on stage.

WR: Saturday Nights in Your Sunday Best was released in the spring of 2024. What kind of feedback have you received from fans and peers?

WV: Saturday Nights in Your Sunday

Best is our first full-length album, and the feedback we’ve received has been incredibly positive. We got a stellar 34

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review from Tony Ploughman at Fred’s Records, which meant a lot to us. Tony and the team at Fred’s are such a vital part of the St. John’s music scene, so having them review our album was truly special. The album was produced by Matt Dines and David Shears of Hurricane Music, with our lead single, “That Boy,” produced by Dan Adams. We couldn’t be prouder of this album!

WR: Just a month after your album release, you performed at the Iceberg Alley Performance Tent, opening for Barenaked Ladies and Tokyo Police Club. Later in the summer, you performed at George Street Festival with Down with Webster and Neon Dreams.

Wow! Tell us a little about those concert experiences and what these opportunities mean to your band.

WV: Opening for Barenaked Ladies

and Tokyo Police Club was an absolute dream start to our summer. We had an amazing crowd come out to support us as the opening act, and we were so grateful for that. The energy in the tent that night is something we’ve been chasing ever since. After 1-888-588-6353

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the show, we got to hang out with some members of Tokyo Police Club and their crew backstage, which was an incredible experience. Connecting with bands that have been touring for so many years was truly inspiring. Ed Robertson from Barenaked Ladies even gave us a shoutout during their set, which felt surreal. We wrapped up the season by performing at George Street Festival, opening for Neon Dreams and Down With Webster.

Over the years, we’ve seen so many

WR: Your rising star status is being recognized in the local music community, with five MusicNL Award nominations. With Violet snagged the win for Group of the Year and Alternative Artist of the Year – Congrats! What was it like to find out you had received these awards?

WV: Being nominated for five MusicNL

awards in 2024 felt like a win in itself.

Winning two of those awards had us pinching ourselves for a few days afterward to make sure we weren’t dreaming. Getting up on stage and accepting the awards in front of so many friends and artists we respect and admire was an unforgettable experience. Winning the MusicNL Group of the Year award two years in a row is especially meaningful – we’re incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished as a band over the last few years.

WR: What’s on the horizon for With Violet in 2025?

WV: We’re thrilled to announce

bands we admire perform on that stage, so getting the chance to play in front of such a packed crowd was a major highlight for us. Playing at an outdoor festival like GSF was a dream come true, and it’s definitely something we hope to do again in the future. www.downhomelife.com

that we have a brand new EP coming out, titled With Violet With Friends. This EP is a cool collaboration project where each track will feature a different artist.

It’s filled with the same groovy, punchy hooks that our fans know and love, with some exciting new twists thanks to the amazing artists we’re working with. We’re also hoping to hit the road in the summer of 2025, touring all across Newfoundland and parts of Atlantic Canada.

We’re excited for the year ahead and can’t wait to keep working with our team at Hurricane Music to bring new music and exciting shows your way!

April 2025

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homefront

the Labrador current

The People You Play For

By Nathan Freake

In my life, there have been two specific moments when hockey has deeply moved me on an inexplicable emotional level.

The first was when I was around 10 years old. I was a shy, quiet kid, who, like many my age, was completely infatuated with hockey. I made the Lab West Lakers Peewee A hockey team that year, and we travelled to Montreal to participate in the Canadian Cup hockey tournament.

Around that time, a team from Conception Bay South was in town for another tournament in the city, and our coach, Dennis Drover – largerthan-life and Montreal Canadiensobsessed – did his best to line up both teams for an exhibition game. It also 36

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happened that the only arena in the area that was not booked solid at the time was the Bell Centre.

I was – and always will be – a Leafs fan, but to get the chance to play at a real NHL hockey rink where all the greats I grew up watching had skated before was indescribable. And Dennis made it happen for us all. And what’s more – he coached us to victory in the tournament, too. It was the first time that I could recall being a part of something bigger than myself, and if you knew Dennis, he had a way of making a lot of people feel that.

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Three years ago, after Dennis’ passing, a few of his former players, Tyler Hollett and Josh Roache, took up the mantle as convenors of The Dennis Drover Memorial Hockey Tournament, aimed at honouring his passion for sport and fun. Last year, the 2nd annual tournament, was the second time that hockey had deeply moved me, this time, beyond comprehension.

A late pick up for the uniquely ironically named “Hockey Moms,” I found myself sharing a dressing room with a ragtag group of pals, some of them former students of mine. I was the old guy on the team (I feel like that a lot lately). From the get-go, I knew we were bound for a weekend of laughs and good fun.

After the final buzzer of our first game, we returned to the dressing room and I expressed my confusion about a player on our roster who had been missing from the game. Brayden King, BK, as his buddies called him, a quiet, work-like-a-dog kid, had tragically passed just hours before the tournament began. Upon hearing the news, my heart sank, and I was speechless. The room fell silent.

“Well,” one of the guys started. “Let’s get it done for BK, boys.”

And that was all it took.

Throughout the tournament, I had the privilege of watching his friends solemnly carry themselves with an infectious drive to win, dedicating every minute played in honour of their

buddy whom they had grown up with, who played every shift he ever had with heart and determination. Before the championship game, it was a collective decision among the boys that, if we won, the prize purse would go straight to the family of BK. And that’s exactly what happened.

As the late pick-up – the old guy, the teacher – I cannot tell you how much it moved me to see how these young men carried themselves that day. It was a pleasure to watch from the backseat as my teammates honoured their friend as best as they could. I will never forget it for the rest of my life.

Labrador West is a unique place where everyone knows everyone, and have a strong, collective sense of identity in the place we share.

Whenever you’re in need, there’s always a community of support to fall back upon.

That weekend, celebrating the life of a man who made community everywhere he went, it couldn’t have been written more poetically to see the lives of two great men honoured so sincerely.

I am lucky enough to have been coached by Dennis Drover, and been a part of BK’s team. Because of them, I feel I am a better man, and I can’t thank them enough.

The 3rd Annual Dennis Drover Memorial Hockey Tournament will take place this April in Labrador City.

I have no doubt the heart of our community will grow a little bit more because of it.

Nathan Freake is a writer and educator from Labrador City. For any inquiries, you can reach Nathan at thelabcurrent@gmail.com

www.downhomelife.com

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homefront ties to home

The Newfoundland

Aura by dianna brown

Although I moved away 25 years ago, it feels like yesterday I lived in Newfoundland, likely because l surround myself with everyday reminders in my home. A vast collection of seashells and sea glass sit in mason jars on my bookshelves. The air is scented with freshly brewed screech coffee beans on weekends. My shelves and walls are decorated with landscape photographs and vibrant artwork by local artists. NTV plays on the television. At night, a hot cup of Tetley tea with a splash of Carnation milk accompanies a little Newfoundland music. Guests are greeted by a brightly-coloured jellybean row mailbox on my front porch, just to name a few.

In the ’90s my Pop always had a Downhome magazine handy and it was a treat to read the stories, look at pictures, solve the riddles and find the missing pictures. The magazine has followed us to Calgary all these years later, with a current copy always on my Dad’s armchair – another one of our strong connections to home.

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As I work through my second novel, Saltwater Stranger, I am also tied to home with my writing. I always think about stories I’ve heard, and thoroughly enjoy immersing myself in the culture I love so much, even if it is just research and recreations in my mind. These keepsakes, experiences and pastimes infuse my life with so many fond memories.

However, it’s the people I meet with a ‘Newfoundland Aura’ that truly keep me tied to home.

This aura surrounds anyone I have met from Newfoundland; whether they reside on the island or have uprooted and moved to the mainland.

Whenever I share with a mainlander that I’m from Newfoundland, their face lights up to share stories of their experience on the island or the delicious Jiggs dinner they once shared with a neighbour. It’s always a www.downhomelife.com

positive experience, with a curiosity and longing to visit the island.

However, it’s very different meeting another person from Newfoundland while living out west.

Like a sixth sense, I am convinced that expats can reciprocally recognize the net of energy cast out naturally by other Newfoundlanders, which has a bit of a magnetic force that draws us together. I believe this aura radiates from the Newfoundland spirit with an energy field broadcasting resiliency and strength; empathy and kindness.

There’s such a strong connection when I meet someone from home, it’s like an ember in the eye that ignites and catches fire. There’s an instant recognition that leads to squishing as much conversation as possible into each brief passing-by. There’s a surge of reciprocated stories, and shared experiences, along with the puzzle of piecing together where you’re from and trying to figure out if you know the same people.

We often find our stories align, of happy and sad times, learning many outmigrators had to leave the island for better work opportunities, despite their fierce desire and effort to stay close to family.

One evening, I crossed paths with a serendipitous gem of a woman while waiting in a grocery store checkout line. Her warm lilting dialect instantly brought me back to where I came April 2025

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from. She asked me how my year was going, and when I asked her in return, she replied each day is a blessing, and the bad days always come to an end. I looked at her with such joy. Not only did she sound just like my Nan, but she reminded me of my Nan’s motto: This too shall pass. Take it one day at a time. She always had a positive outlook amid good and dire times.

The Newfoundland aura that some people carry offers a flicker of light and warmth when you are plugging away in the hustle and bustle of a sometimes cold and disconnected city.

I think inherently, most outmigrators are on the lookout for a familiar face in a faceless crowd, and there’s an innate longing to spot someone from home.

To meet someone by happenstance who shares the same emotional attachment to a province with a rich

history – a place that will forever hold a piece of our hearts – is magical.

These meetings always leave me with a sense of renewal that grounds me, reminding me of who I am and where I come from. It also leaves me with a sense of belonging.

I can’t explain it, but there’s something about being in the presence of another person from ‘back home’ that momentarily lightens a heavy load and brings you back to heartwarming times.

If you are living away and feeling homesick, keep an eye open for the things that remind you of Newfoundland and keep that Downhome on an armchair, just like my Dad. Most importantly, take comfort in the people around you, and emit your own Newfoundland aura, to attract others who are also bursting with pride for our beautiful province.

Dianna Brown is a hockey mom, an elementary school teacher and author of two novels: Saltwater Joys and Saltwater Stranger. She was born in Gander, currently resides in Calgary, and loves to visit her hometown, Kelligrews, C.B.S. You can reach her at diannabrown.tiestohome@gmail.com 40

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homefront from our readers

THE NEWS IS OUT. WAR HAS BEEN DECLARED.

If you don’t believe me, just check your latest grocery store flyer. Now, you can see for yourself, it’s on the front page, almost dead centre.

Thank God it won’t start until Thursday, we still have 48 hours to prepare. Only 24 hours if you live outside Trinity South, cause we get our flyers a day earlier here. Yes, it’s true. The hams are on sale again.

Less than a dollar a pound, or whatever that is in kilograms. Food has gotten so expensive the eggs are delivered by armoured car – and that was before the carbon tax, now that same armoured car comes with a military escort. Don’t laugh! I was held up at the gas station last week for almost an hour while they refuelled the armoured car. There were a dozen soldiers there and each one had an assault rifle. They must have rented the rifles from some American tourists who figured they wouldn’t have any use for them until they went back home, and why not make a little money on the side?

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I’ll never forget the last time this happened, it was over a year ago. You would think the grocery store chain would have learned their lesson from that. Guess it’s true what people say, ‘That crowd’s gone mad for money.

They’ll never get enough.’ Then there’s that nice young man who advertises for the cheaper brands, saying they’re every bit as good as the more expensive ones. He could be right about that, but I’ve been checking it out myself and sure enough, the ingredients are the same, it’s just the amount of actual product is less. I can remember when many families owned their own cow – sure today you’d have to be a millionaire to own your own cow, and the cost of guarding it 24/7 would be impossible for most of us.

Even I know a cow’s worth more dead than alive. Sure a laying hen is worth

its weight in gold and a pork chop costs a day’s pay if you’re working a minimum-wage job.

Back to the matter at hand. War has been declared! So what do we do to prepare for it? We could do the really smart thing and avoid the supermarket until the sale is over – that way we’re sure to be safe from harm. But then the freezer’s almost empty and payday is still three weeks away. You could plan to be there early and avoid the rush like you did last time, but remember, the lineup was a quarter of a mile, or whatever that is in kilometres, and every one of those seniors there was armed to the teeth.

Some even had walkers to go with their canes. (Don’t think I’m making fun of older people, I’m over seventy myself.)

Sure, there’s Aunt Lizzie from down

I’ll never forget the last time this happened, it was over a year ago. You would think the grocery store chain would have learned their lesson from that.

www.downhomelife.com

April 2025

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the north shore, she’s one of them with the walker and the cane. I saw her coming out of two different Bingo halls last week and she wasn’t using either of them, not to mention on Sunday when she was coming out of the church. Sure Mavis up the bay is just as bad, and don’t get me started on old Mary down the harbour.

Now, I know I shouldn’t be picking on the women, because their partners in crime are just as bad, waiting at the automatic checkout with the empty cart. Take Fred, Aunt Lizzie’s man, for instance. They’ve been married going on sixty years and he’s eaten so much of that cheap ham his veins and arteries are hard. Aunt Lizzie got a deal signed with the local cement company – they’re going to use them to reinforce the concrete drainage pikes when he dies. Seems they’re twice as strong as rebar for less than half the price. A whole new spin on being an organ donor. Who would have thought of that, except maybe some homegrown entrepreneur fresh out of MUN? 44

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Just so you know I’m not some old fool who doesn’t know what he’s talking about. I’ll tell you what happened the last time there was a Ham War around here. Now, as they say on the evening news, some of the information in this story can be disturbing to some, so please keep this story out of the reach of small children or religious fanatics. As a disclaimer, I have to say, that I myself was not close enough to the scene to be considered an eyewitness, but I was close enough to confirm that the details are fairly accurate. And, no offence to Aunt Lizzie, but I can confirm she was one of the principal suspects in the unfortunate incident that took place.

It was early on a Thursday morning in spring, just last year. There was a long lineup, but Aunt Lizzie and her co-conspirator, Fred, were fifth in line (this is not Aunt Lizzie’s fault, she did tell Fred to speed up several times on the way up the shore, she doesn’t know what it is about him and those whales he’s always looking to see).

Now, Aunt Lizzie, she’s like the cat, 1-888-588-6353

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and those tennis balls on the walker make it almost impossible for the average human being to hear her coming. She’s even given her cane a fresh coat of varnish since they had those turkeys on sale before Christmas. She maneuvered herself in front of the cooler where the hams were on display, turned sideways there with the walker in front of her and the shiny cane behind. And lo and behold but she hasn’t developed a

The official cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head caused when the young man’s body was thrown against the canned soup display with violent force. What caused said violent force was determined to be the young man’s wet cowboy boots making contact with the freshly polished floor.

Although the medical examiner and his young assistant agreed on the exact cause, they were at odds on whether it was Chicken With Rice or

The sign says “Limit 2 to a Customer” but no worries, Fred has his own debit card because his pension checks go into his own account.

So this means at least four hams. serious twitch in her left arm that caused the cane to fling itself up and down uncontrollably, thus blocking off the entire cooler from other customers. The sign says “Limit 2 to a Customer” but no worries, Fred has his own debit card because his pension checks go into his own account. So this means at least four hams. Fred has already removed the spare tire and jack from the trunk of the car. It was a perfect plan, almost.

It seems no one thought of the young man home from Alberta for the first time since he left right after trade school years ago. The same young man who thought all he had to do was reach into the cooler and grab a ham… www.downhomelife.com

Beef and Barley that caused the fatal blow.

Aunt Lizzie and Fred stood by in shock.

But, there were several customers nearby, myself included, who noticed Aunt Lizzie was holding her cane at the wrong end and the twitching in her left arm had stopped. Thank goodness the unwitting young man had long hair – the RCMP crime lab in Ottawa was able to confirm his identity in less than two weeks.

Down at the Fifty Plus club where we all gathered no one said anything out loud, but silently we all agreed that the young man was an unfortunate casualty of the Ham Wars.

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Submit your favourite photos of scenery, activities and icons that best illustrate the down-home lifestyle. We’re looking for a variety of colourful subjects – outports, wildlife, laundry lines, historic sites, seascapes, hilltop views, and so much more – and photos from all four seasons.

This is your chance to get in on our most popular reader contest and try to woo the judges into choosing your photo for the 2026 Downhome Calendar. These calendars are seen by tens of thousands of subscribers and displayed all year long.

What are you waiting for?

Submit today, using one of these ways:

by mail: Downhome Calendar Contest 43 James Lane St. John’s, NL A1E 3H3 online: www.downhomelife.com/calendar Must be original photos or high quality copies. Digital photos must be at least 300 dpi, 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

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Gerald S. Doyle’s extraordinary colour photos of old Newfoundland.

By Nicola Ryan

www.downhomelife.com

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When Gerald S. Doyle bought a Ciné-Kodak movie

camera at Macy’s in New York City in 1938, the 16mm film was expensive and had to be sent away to Kodak for processing. One roll could produce just 30 seconds of silent footage. But those early cameras had an exceptional thing going for them: Kodachrome.

Twenty years before colour snapshots became common, amateur filmmakers like Doyle could shoot movies in Kodachrome’s vivid tones. The new camera became Doyle’s constant companion on his annual travels around the island aboard the Miss Newfoundland, and the striking images he captured offer a rarely-seen glimpse into Confederation-era Newfoundland. Remarkably, Gerald’s son John W. Doyle, has collected some 300 of these photos into a new book, In the Sunny Long Ago.

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“My father shot these films between about 1938 to 1955, he died in ‘56,” explains John, noting that Gerald was the local agent for popular brands of household goods and home remedies, which was the reason behind his many travels.

“They were this big collection, there’s 190 rolls of film – those little yellow boxes of film. You put it in your camera and wound up your camera and you could shoot for thirty seconds

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and then you had to wind it up again.

The big limitation on it was that this early Kodachrome film was only good in sunlight. It was what they used to call a slow film; it wasn’t very sensitive to light. And so the positive outcome of that is everything my dad took a picture of is a sunny day. I mean, I’ve looked through all these pictures, and it’s the sunniest depiction of Newfoundland you’re ever going to see,” he adds with a laugh.

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“Let’s say my dad shot 20 seconds of kids in a boat,” he explains. “Within that, basically, is the same picture twenty times over, almost. Once you decided to use that shot, then you got to go in and say, well, which one of these is the most interesting? Which one has, you know, the most kids looking at the camera, or when is the oar just hitting the water? So that kind of thing takes time.”

The photos in the book are individual frames extracted from those colour films, laser-scanned for high resolution – a meticulous process.

“It took a long time to actually determine if it was possible and then to go through them – if you look at them as individual pictures, there’s literally hundreds of thousands in the collection,” John says. “The image on the film is about the size of your thumbnail, literally, and so to get it to go in a book you’d have to blow it up thousands of times and these aren’t high-definition, you know. But, www.downhomelife.com

amazingly with modern scanning techniques developed in the last decade, it became possible to get all the detail that’s in these original images.

“Let’s say my dad shot 20 seconds of kids in a boat,” he explains. “Within that, basically, is the same picture twenty times over, almost. Once you decided to use that shot, then you got to go in and say, well, which one of these is the most interesting? Which one has, you know, the most kids looking at the camera, or when is the Continued page 55 April 2025

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oar just hitting the water? So that kind of thing takes time.

“What I love about them is the softness that the images have – they have a slight soft edge – and the colours. Kodachrome was famous for that. There’s actually a song,” he adds with a laugh, humming a few bars of the classic Paul Simon tune. “As I’ve said many times, when my father discovered Kodachrome film and he combined it with his intense love of Newfoundland as a country, as a place, it was a perfect marriage.”

pictures of old broken-down houses of course, it’s a certain kind of beauty, right? But this a rare opportunity. Dad was a familiar visitor, and you can see that people are comfortable in front of his camera. It gives the pictures a personal quality.”

John also notes that these may be some of the only existing images of many of the smaller communities and almost certainly the only ones in colour.

“Thank goodness, you know, for my father’s foresight or his love of

Many depictions of Newfoundland’s past evoke a sense of loss. Images of abandoned houses, beached boats and empty harbours make it difficult to imagine those days gone by. However, the photos taken from the deck of Doyle’s boat showcase lively, bustling scenes: men, women and ponies at work, children playing, shops and gardens and boats of all shapes and sizes. It’s amazing to see the past brought to life in such an exuberant way.

“That’s exactly why I wanted to do the book,” John says. “Because that’s how I feel. I don’t mind people taking

Newfoundland – he got these pictures.

It’s in many ways, a playful Newfoundland that you don’t often see. There’s work there for sure, but there’s people having a good time. I mean, the kids in boats! Tiny kids looking absolutely adept, as they were.

I can’t help but think of what we might call Newfoundland character, without getting sentimental about it. When you learn to balance yourself in a boat, don’t you think that teaches you something about life?”

In the Sunny Long Ago is published

by Flanker Press and will be available in June 2025.

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features

Health & Travel with Dr. Mike Wahl

BY DIL L O N C O LL I N S

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IN J.R.R. TOLKIEN’S

epic fantasy The Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins desired adventure. And for his sins, he’s granted one.

For Dr. Mike Wahl, professor of medicine in the Division of Biomedical Sciences at Memorial University, explorer, filmmaker and public speaker, globe-trotting adventures on and off the beaten path have dominated his adult life. He’s been the envy of the Bilbos of the world, off on great adventures, collecting lessons every step of the way.

Braeden King photo

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“My father was a bit of a traveller. He was a geologist, so I grew up hearing stories of him. My grandfather was in Africa after World War II with diamond mining. My whole family were travellers, so it wasn’t a foreign concept,” Mike shares with Downhome. “When my dad passed, I started to travel out of interest. And then when my company got acquired and I decided to take a different path, I had some time. So I decided to go learn about how to make myself as healthy as possible.”

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Dr. Mike Wahl’s new book Health Explored takes the reader around the world to discover different health and wellness practices.

Across five dozen countries and major hubs of the world and counting – from Bhutan to Deli, Morocco and Okinawa – Mike chronicles his travels in the much-praised television series Health Explored. Whether uncovering the healing power of water to exploring meditation, forest bathing, and human performance, Health Explored is part travel diary, part in-depth exploration of global health practices.

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“It’s incredible,” Mike says first of his experience in the Torngats. “I’ve been all over the world, I’ve been to almost 60 countries. And of all the places, there’s no place more stunning.” to educate audiences on the diversity of wellness traditions and how these practices can be integrated into our own lives to promote a happy and healthy lifestyle.

“The book itself really stems from the fact that when we do the show in 22 minutes, it’s a visual medium, you have to keep it relatively top-level. You have to keep it quite simple for the audience to grasp it. But I was writing a journal the whole time and I was gaining these really profound insights,” Mike recalls.

“I started to make notes. And then the book became an outlet where my personal philosophies were changed and what I gained out of it. There was a lot more in-depth, more www.downhomelife.com

philosophical. And Braeden King (photographer, director and fellow world traveller) is not only a videographer, but he also has his camera strapped to him at all times. Not only did we have hours and hours of footage which we could screen capture, but he was taking photographs the whole time. So this is sort of the behind-the-scenes of what happened, what I gained out of it personally and then what he saw with his own lens.”

The collection, released this past January, is bookended with a pair of life-changing trips to Labrador, beginning with the Torngat Mountains, known as The Place of Spirits, and ending with Nain in Northern Labrador, where melting ice paints a April 2025

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dire picture of climate change and its ripple-effects on culture and an entire way of life.

“It’s incredible,” Mike says first of his experience in the Torngats. “I’ve been all over the world, I’ve been to almost 60 countries. And of all the places, there’s no place more stunning. There are cliffs twice as high as the CN tower.

You know what I mean? You’re just so small. Everything’s so grand.

“It was very eye-opening. I got a real taste for culture and an aspect of culture from our community that I might not have been exposed to before. And I also found there was a real willingness to share that for people that were there because when you were there, you were there with the intention to learn,” he adds, reflecting on ah-ha moments he gleamed from his duel Labrador excursions.

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“One of the things that stood out to me was when we got to this beautiful glacier lake, there were two sides to the mountain and we’re so far north the sun really comes on an angle, right? And one side was green and lush in the sun and one was kind of dirty and not growing. It was in the shade all the time. And you realize that it’s the same hill. One’s exposed to the things it needs and one is kept away from the things it needs and one is thriving and one’s not. And often I feel like sometimes we have the potential to have health or happiness, but we just aren’t reaching for the things that will help us grow. That was a really important moment for me.”

Mike pairs his travel diary-esque explorations with tips and insights while incorporating advice from experts he’s met along the way.

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book as opposed to the expert, which is really kind of refreshing,” he says with a smile.

Through all his experiences – both foreign and domestic – Mike has taken away lasting insights that have helped shape him personally and professionally. Health Exposed is his way of giving back through honest truths.

“There’s a lot of vulnerability in that book about loneliness, about other things, and I think sometimes it’s not just the adventure, it’s the insights and the realizing that maybe I need to shift something myself. And then when I’m giving advice, I’m actually taking my own advice,” Mike admits, delving into some of the main fundamentals of his teachings which he hopes he can reflect to his home province.

“I think fundamentally health and happiness are inseparably linked. It’s awful hard to be happy if you’re unhealthy. Yet somehow this is the important thing for Newfoundland and Labrador. We are happy. We have the happiest province in the country if you were to measure it on scale, yet we

are the most unhealthy province in the country. The hardest thing to get is the happiness. The easiest thing to get is the health. So my entire career, everything I do is trying to make health behaviour accessible, not exclusive.

“We have the tradition, the music, the laughter. We have modern medicine, but sometimes we go too far into modern medicine and we forget about the way we used to live that was good for us. The physical activity, the connection. So if we can find this blend of modern medicine that keeps us alive and healthy, but with the preventative things that made us Newfoundlanders and Labradorians that were good for us, then we would have a real advantage over almost anywhere else in the world to be wildly healthy. And that sounds really like pie in the sky. But I’m telling you, we have it all here.”

Health Explored: A Journey In Happiness, Healing and Humanity is available now through Breakwater Books. For more on Dr. Mike Wahl visit mikewahl.ca

Braeden King photo

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By Pam Pardy One man’s battle with PTSD leads him to help others – from sea to shining sea

Canadian Armed Forces veteran Chad Kennedy

has experienced tremendous hardship. After serving his country, Chad transitioned into a career in law enforcement, working with the Alberta Sheriff Highway Patrol. Attending to emergencies on the scene as a first responder began to take a heavy emotional and psychological toll.

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Chad decided to begin his journey after a particularly traumatic experience while serving as an Alberta Sheriff Highway Patrolman

“For years, I battled persistent anger and debilitating anxiety until I finally reached a breaking point and sought professional help in 2018. I was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety – invisible wounds that had been silently ravaging my mental health and overall well-being,” Chad admits.

The trauma continued to mount when, in July 2020, Chad responded to a devastating incident in the Canadian Rockies: a tour bus had crashed, and lives were lost.

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“You just keep pushing forward. You don’t talk about feelings or anything because of that stigma. And now I was seeing death again at this horrible bus crash. It was finally too much.”

Despite the support of his loved ones, Chad realized that those closest to him couldn’t truly understand the torment raging within.

“I was in a place where I couldn’t talk about things, so I developed a suicide plan in my head, but at the same time, I didn’t want to let people down by succumbing to that PTSD 1-888-588-6353

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demon,” he admits.

In what he calls ‘a drunken stupor,’ instead of ending his life, he announced on social media that he would walk across the country to raise awareness of PTSD and start the conversation with his fellow public safety professionals and those in the military. The next morning, his declaration had become a mission.

“I felt this was something I needed to do, and I needed to hold myself

public safety personnel, military members, and veterans.

Through this powerful journey, he hoped to not only raise vital funds for treatment but also establish educational programs to help loved ones better comprehend the invisible scars that so many of these heroes carry.

“Walking from Cranbrook, British Columbia, to the East Coast was a great plan, but I still hadn’t found my

“I felt this was something I needed to do, and I needed to hold myself accountable and carry through with it.” accountable and carry through with it.

I didn’t know what it was going to look like or what it was going to be like, but I knew we had a problem in this country if I couldn’t talk about what I’d gone through in the workplace because of the stigma. Something needed to be done about it.”

Resolved to turn his pain into purpose, Chad set his sights on planning his ambitious vision: to walk across Canada alongside fellow warriors, raising awareness of PTSD and mental health issues plaguing www.downhomelife.com

purpose. I couldn’t define myself. And it wasn’t until just outside of Ottawa in 2022 that I found my purpose. My purpose is to help other people,” he shares, explaining that it’s like when someone is feeling ill and finally has a diagnosis.

“Whether it’s physical or psychological – when we have an answer as to what’s going on, there’s almost that relief. It’s like, yes, now I know what’s going on, and I can move forward. It took me a lot of kilometres and a lot of steps to have that one moment that April 2025

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helped me feel better. After that, I was able to open up more about my story.”

In the law enforcement world, there’s talk of brotherhood and sisterhood, he adds, but a lot of people will leave the room when the talk turns to mental health.

“That’s something I think we still need to work on as a society because we’re human beings. Our uniform

journey on the picturesque shores of Pelee Island, Ontario.

“This east-to-west trek will shine a spotlight on the essential work of our public safety personnel, while also providing much-needed support, resources, and community to the families who stand beside them.”

He’s excited to ‘step off’ in St. John’s, he said, mostly because his last

doesn’t define us. I still have friends who died by suicide. A lot of us do in this community. And post-traumatic stress happens and we are afraid to talk. We’re afraid to be judged. We’re supposed to be these superheroes in uniform, but if we’re not taking care of ourselves, there’s no way we can take care of anybody else,” he says.

With the first cross-country walk completed, Chad planned for the next.

He says that 2025 will indeed be an epic year as the team once again travels through Eastern Canada, starting this time in St. John’s and finishing their first part of that

experience in this province was so positive.

“Newfoundland is the definition of community. They are people who take care of people, whether they’re within their community or they come from away. The hospitality there was so amazing,” he says.

At the heart of this epic journey is Chad himself, whose personal mission to inspire others to speak openly about the profound impact of mental health challenges, PTSD, and operational stress injuries within the public safety, military, and veteran communities, is a powerful one.

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His vision to walk across Canada and share his raw, vulnerable story of trauma, healing, and resilience may have been born in a moment of crisis – mere moments before he planned to take his own life on August 2, 2020 – but that vision has already helped others start the conversation.

“I hope this next cross-country trek will empower more individuals to break the silence, encourage others to reach out for help, and let

www.downhomelife.com

people know that they are surrounded by a community that understands, empathizes, and is committed to their wellbeing.”

All profits raised will directly benefit mental health initiatives tailored to supporting public safety personnel, military members, and veterans, including those living in Canada’s northern territories with the powerful rallying cry of “#neveralone.” For more, visit www.seatoseaforptsd.ca.

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explore

Shifting Seas How rising ocean temperatures are impacting Newfoundland and Labrador lobster populations

By Jamie Marie Lewis

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Across the globe,

rising ocean temperatures caused by climate change are creating new, and often challenging, conditions for marine species. CLIMatlantic (a hub for climate services) predicts that by mid-century, ocean temperatures will increase by 1.9 C – the side effects of which include decreased oxygen, ocean acidification, and less sea ice. One species in particular, however – at least in the nearterm – has responded to the challenge of warming oceans off of our coasts in a surprisingly positive way.

Katrina Noel photo

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The American lobster (Homarus americanus), found off the coast of the island portion of Newfoundland and Labrador, has seen a marked increase in recent years – especially in terms of landings by fisherpeople and survival rates, with reported landings in 2019 reaching the highest level seen in a century.

According to Elizabeth Coughlan, an aquatic resources biologist at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), this phenomenon is not just a result of warmer temperatures. It could signal a larger shift towards more favourable oceanographic habitat conditions for the American lobster off our coasts.

Inhabiting nearshore areas around the island of Newfoundland and along the Strait of Belle Isle portion of the Labrador coast, the American lobster tends to thrive in rocky marine environments where it can find shelter, explains Elizabeth, but it can also live in sand and muddy seabeds. Historically, the species has thrived here.

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fishery. After years of conservation efforts, the fishery reopened in 1976, albeit with limited licenses.

One of these conservation practices, carried out voluntarily by fisherpeople, includes placing a vnotch in the tail of spawning female lobsters and returning them to the ocean. Years later, lobster is reported as the third most valuable species in the province in terms of exports.

“One of the most significant changes affecting lobster populations in Newfoundland is increased ocean temperatures,” Elizabeth says, highlighting that in recent years the trend of increased lobster landings in the region has been linked directly to warmer water temperatures.

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Predicted Increases to Sea Surface Temperature Newfoundland Mid-Century (°C) End of Century (°C)

+1.9

+4.7

Labrador Mid-Century (°C) End of Century (°C)

+1.3

+4.0 Source CLIMAtlantic

and Labrador in recent years. In our recent stock assessments, this increase has been linked to increasing trends in water temperatures,” she explains.

As ocean temperatures rise, they create more favourable conditions for lobster growth, particularly during their earlier life stages.

Warmer waters allow for increased

clarifies that “lobsters (in Newfoundland and Labrador) exhibit small movements associated with seasonal changes, and their activity and movement are largely localized.”

Local studies have confirmed this pattern, showing that Newfoundland lobsters typically remain within their local habitats, making only modest seasonal adjustments.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, lobsters are not known for large-scale migrations. Instead, their movement tends to be localized, dictated by seasonal changes and environmental factors.

survival rates of juvenile lobsters.

This, in turn, can lead to healthier overall populations of the species.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, lobsters are not known for largescale migrations. Instead, their movement tends to be localized, dictated by seasonal changes and environmental factors. Elizabeth 1-888-588-6353

While lobsters in Newfoundland and Labrador are not known to migrate in large numbers, Elizabeth adds that “There have been studies showing there is larval drift and connectivity of lobster populations in the Gulf of St. Lawrence (Western Newfoundland).” This suggests some limited connectivity between lobster April 2025

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populations in nearby regions, but there is no evidence to suggest that lobsters are migrating in significant numbers from the northeastern United States or other areas along the east coast. So while the marked increase in population can’t be directly attributed to changing migration patterns, one thing that can affect their likelihood of surviving the juvenile stage of their lifecycle is ocean warming.

The marine heatwave that occurred in the summer of 2023 is one such isolated event that may have influenced lobster populations.

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Marine heat waves are temporary, but intense increases in sea surface temperatures can profoundly affect marine life.

This heatwave likely had both direct and indirect effects on the local marine ecosystem. Elizabeth states that, for lobsters, “observed improvements in catches are likely due to a rise in the survival rate of lobsters during their initial life stages.”

It’s possible, then, that the unprecedented sea surface temperatures seen offshore in 2023 could have influenced the growth and survival rates of juvenile lobsters.

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Their vulnerability to colder environmental conditions means that these warmer temperatures can create environments more conducive to their survival. In the short term, these increases in sea surface temperatures could potentially lead to greater abundance in the fishery.

Despite the potential short-term positive effects seen on juvenile lobster populations, marine heat waves can pose immense challenges to sea life. The impact of heatwave events on food sources and the distribution of other marine species remains to be seen, but will become

clearer, says Elizabeth, as DFO continues to collect data in the coming years. She hopes that the stock assessment planned for 2025 will shed more light on how these extreme temperature events affect shellfish populations.

This warming trend is particularly important in the context of climate change. As global temperatures rise, marine ecosystems are experiencing shifts in species distribution and behaviour. At least for now, the warming waters off of our coasts are providing this species with a more hospitable environment.

Dave Wheeler photo

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explore

what’s in a name?

By Dale Jarvis

Emily Harbour, Labrador, is located on Brig Harbour Island, just north of Groswater Bay. It was a spot popular with fishing schooners prosecuting the Labrador fishery, many of them operating out of Conception Bay, Newfoundland.

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In 1949, a 15-year-old girl named Louise left Conception Bay to work as a cook at her father’s fishing room in Emily Harbour.

Louise spent most of her days there alone. After she had been there for about a week, she went down on the stage one morning and heard a young woman’s voice say, clear as day, “Louise, when are you going home?” There was no one to be seen.

The next day she went back out on the stagehead. Once more, the unseen person called out, saying “Louise, when are you going home?”

The girl thought to herself, “I have to go and find out about this.”

Off she went, exploring, and found a little cove with a beautiful sandy beach. Not more than fifty feet back from the beach were three grave markers.

Each day, she returned to the Cove and placed wildflowers on the three old graves, before sailing back to Newfoundland at the end of the season.

Later, her father told her that back in the 1800s, a family had died in Emily Harbour of smallpox. From that day to this, that lonely beach on Brig Harbour Island has been named Graveyard Cove.

Emily Harbour, Labrador in the 1960s

Heritage NL Photo

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explore

Newfoundland and Labrador, with over 16,000 km of coastline, has 343 active harbours, the most in the country. Many communities were built around the coast and many residents still rely on the ocean for their livelihoods. Unfortunately, the marine environment faces many daily threats, including those posed by marine debris.

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Jonathan Rose photo

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85% of shoreline waste in Newfoundland and Labrador is composed of plastics Marine debris, especially plastics, is everywhere from surface to seafloor, even in Arctic Sea ice, with an estimated 8 million tons entering the ocean globally every year, and these numbers are rising.

Canada produces an astounding 3 million tons of plastic waste annually and 80% of that plastic is land-based.

It was estimated in 2010 that 4.8 to 12.7 million tons had been dumped and would increase to 100 to 200 million tons by 2025. In Newfoundland and Labrador alone 85% of shoreline waste is composed of plastics.

The distribution is very uneven in this province and does not indicate any regional hotspots and Labrador does not have less marine debris, just less accessible areas. There are smaller-scale beaches, called loading beaches, on the island, such as Terrenceville and Arnold’s Cove, that have unusually high plastic accumulation, with other beaches squeaky clean.

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Marven Anstey, who has a strong background in aquaculture, recounts that “while travelling through picturesque communities of Fortune Bay East on the Burin Peninsula, I become acutely aware of the visual pollution of plastic waste, consisting of an unlikely assortment of drinking and oil containers and a myriad of other clear and coloured plastic thoughtlessly tossed in uncaring fashion, that had accumulated on this particular beach. Out of curiosity and a resolve to determine the constituents of all this pollution, I sauntered along the beach. I noticed that the formerly transparent containers had transformed into opaque faded remnants of their original state through inevitable erosion from wind and wave activity.”

He recalls that everything around him was “decayed into a pathetic mess.”

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capital by negatively impacting water quality, habitat, recreational and commercial fish stocks, marine navigation, and the natural beauty of the coast. Most plastic waste found in Newfoundland waters originates locally, and evidence of dumping continues.

Most of this dumping occurs around wharves, mostly within 20m.

Plastic originating here has even been found in the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, Portugal and Spain.

to the problem. In response to these concerns, the government of Newfoundland and Labrador introduced an extended producer responsibility program that provides the collection of used oil and glycol filters and containers.

Plastics are classed into two types macropalstics, greater than 5 mm, and microplastics, smaller than 5 mm. Macroplastics are larger items that can kill or impair marine animals, cause entanglements,

Macroplastics such as abandoned fishing gear can kill or injure large marine life such as whales.

Marine plastic pollution threatens Newfoundland’s marine life. Harbours providing habitat for many commercially important fish continue to be dumping grounds for harmful debris with Fisheries and Oceans Canada indicating that in some harbours it’s almost impossible to see the natural bottom because of the layer of garbage. The Harbour Authority in Burin feels that the lack of places to dispose of nets and other fishing debris has contributed 1-888-588-6353

impact tourism and pose vessel safety risks. Abandoned, lost and discarded fishing gear, often called ghost nets, trap and entangle animals, cause habitat degradation, damage active fishing gear and present navigation hazards.

Some birds, such as Northern gannets, incorporate derelict fishing gear into their nests which has led to entanglement and strangulation of chicks and adults.

Macroplastics are also detrimental April 2025

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to the province’s only turtle. Leatherback sea turtles migrate here every summer to forage on jellyfish. Entanglement in fishing gear poses the risk of injury and drowning, while ingestion is also a concern as turtles may mistake a floating plastic bag or sheet for prey. Once ingested, the plastic cannot be digested or expelled from the body and simply stays in the turtle’s stomach, filling it and leaving no room for food, leading to starvation and eventual death.

Mr. Anstey’s observations of the opaque containers were the begin-

kilometre, much higher than a decade ago. These tiny particles cannot be removed once they enter the ocean. Microplastics aren’t just in the surface water but are eventually colonized by bacteria and algae, sink and are even found at extreme depths.

Microplastics get inside marine animals as they feed and through their gills when they breathe.

Particles have been detected in more than 100 marine inhabitants from massive whales to minuscule zooplankton.

Defined as 5 mm or less, microplastics enter the aquatic food chain and are easily absorbed into animal tissue

nings of microplastics and he realized that “these once useful items may now form a newly added component of ocean water.” Over time, wave action, weather conditions, shorelines and ocean substrates break them into smaller and smaller pieces that are often ingested by mammals, fish, birds and invertebrates, accumulating into the food web with consequences to wildlife and human health.

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Of all the species, filter-feeding baleen whales and basking sharks appear to be the most affected as they ingest huge amounts of plastics and toxic additives while gorging on plankton. Many additives have similar effects as hormones, impairing fertility and in extreme cases causing males to grow ovaries.

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Steve Spracklin photo

damaged and become inflamed due to microplastic ingestion.

Researchers at Memorial University say there are far more microplastics in Newfoundland waters than previously thought and most of it comes from here at home.

“They’re pretty much intact when we find them, if you put plastics in the ocean they shred up pretty fast,” says Max Liboiron, explaining that she has seen a variety of local plastics from fishing gear to kitchen garbage bags inside animal digestive tracts.

When the plastic is eaten, chemicals go into tissues, accumulate, biomagnify and become more concentrated as they move up the food web. A survey of 1000 cod in inshore and offshore waters along the east and south coasts indicates that 2.4%, just over 1 in 150 fish, ingested plastic.

Seabirds also showed signs of significant plastic ingestion with one study indicating the discovery of plastics in the stomachs of dovekies, Northern fulmars, herring gulls, black-backed gulls, black-legged 1-888-588-6353

kittiwakes, shearwaters, puffins, thick-billed murre and common murre.

Microplastics are dangerous to humans as well with the most common route into the body through ingestion with food. It’s believed that we ingest as many as 39,000 to 52,000 particles annually.

Studies have linked microplastics with rising obesity rates due to reduced lipid digestion, intestinal and digestive issues, metabolic disorders, gut bacteria imbalances, neurotoxicity, cancers, DNA damage,

Microplastics have been found in a variety of seabirds, including gulls, kittiwakes, puffins, dovekies and murres

cognitive declines, heart disease, endocrine disruption, decreasing male fertility and embryo developmental issues.

What can we do? Organizations like CPAWS NL (Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society) and Clean Harbours Initiative have dedicated time and resources to curb the impacts of marine waste on our ecosystem. Tips: Return all waste used at sea back to shore, reduce plastic use and educate yourself on useful alternatives.

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life is better Evening light in Howley, NL William Russell Newfound Drone Productions

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HOME and Cabin

stuff we love

Easter Treats SEAL THE DEAL If you want the cutest, cuddliest and most unique gift for your special someone this year, you can’t go wrong with a seal fur bunny from Always in Vogue.

Made with natural and ethically sourced seal fur, these one-of-akind creations are described as being “perfect for little ones exploring the world or your inner child who needs a hug.” alwaysinvogue.ca

FLOWER POWER Bake in style with the Mason Cash In the Meadow measuring spoon set from Hillhead House in St. John’s. Embossed with delicate florals and foliage in four calming colours, this four-piece set is made from chipresistant stoneware and will make a perfect addition to any kitchen.

The flower handles are ergonomic and easy to hold, just in case you want to get the kiddos involved in the baking. hillhead-house.com

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BUNNY LOVE If you’re like us and have a serious sweet tooth, you’ll want to sink your teeth into something satisfying this Easter. You could opt for candy, tarts, pies or ice cream, but chocolate and Easter go together like peanut butter and jelly! Try out Downhome’s own bunny buttons. Don’t worry, they’re just chocolate-coated raisins that will have you hopping back for more! shopdownhome.com

DRAWING INSPIRATION There’s something about Easter and the spring season that gets the creative juices flowing. Whether painting, sketching or drawing, flex your creative muscles with the Concord Table Easel Box Richeson from the Art Cansel in Mount Pearl.

It’s ideal for workshops, dorm rooms, travelling or studio work, holding canvas panels and pads up to 33 inches high. artcansel.ca

COMING UP COAST Every now and then you can have your cake and eat it too. Such is the way when shopping local. These coastal lichen earrings from Kind Seas out of Bonavista draw inspiration from the beautiful lichens that adorn the rocky and rugged coastal trails of Newfoundland. Handmade in sterling silver, the design process begins with intricate sketches that explore the “delicate, winding forms of these natural wonders.” Gorgeous. kindseas.ca www.downhomelife.com

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HOME and Cabin

Ask Marie Anything Interior designer Marie Bishop takes your questions

Q. There are a few areas in my home that I use for display. I have two floating shelves in my dining room/kitchen area and a bookcase in my family room. What should I put there without making it look too cluttered or staged?

Display areas always pose a challenge because there’s a fine line between hitting the right balance and overdoing it. But having said that, they’re also spaces where you really get to be creative and tell your story.

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Let’s tackle the bookcase first, mainly because it has a more functional purpose. As the name suggests, the original use of a bookcase was to store books.

However, times have changed.

Today’s bookcases are as decorative as they are functional and while they are great storage spaces, they don’t need to look dull.

Curating a bookcase requires a bit of thought. So, let’s start with the bookcase itself. If you’d like to make it a statement piece why not dress it up before you show it off? You could give it a coat of paint, either the same colour as your trim or the colour of your walls. If the bookcase is made from solid wood and you’re happy with the finish then by all means leave well enough alone. But even then on the inside, you could use a subtle wallpaper on the back wall, install shiplap or even attach mirrored glass to it. This will give it depth and add light to the room.

Because this bookcase is in your family room, I’m guessing there are certain items that you would like to keep close at hand for easy access such as board games, decks of cards, or you may often read books.

If there are young children there’s sure to be a collection of toys as well.

A lower shelf is a good place for these items and if they are in decent shape they’ll be fine on their own. If they’ve received a little too much love, you can store them in decorative bins.

Wicker or rattan is my favourite. It just adds a lovely texture and touch of warmth.

Next you’ll need to gather all the

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items you’d like to display in the remaining space. I’d recommend a variety of interesting things such as pottery, sculpture, art, plants, some books, of course, elements of your favourite hobbies and travel adventures. Choose pieces that are meaningful to you and showcase your personality.

Once you have all the items in one place, it’s a good idea to set them into groups that have a common theme.

For instance, if you have a few books on houseplants, you could display them with some of the plants you have as well as a nice watering can. If there are some holiday keepsakes you treasure, why not group them with a few framed photos of that time and place and books relating to the history or geography of that area?

Pieces of sculpture or pottery can often stand alone depending on their size and interest factor.

If lighting is an issue why not add a small decorative lamp, though you’ll need access to an outlet unless it’s battery-operated. Or some beautiful pillar candles that can be set on timers may give enough ambient light.

If the bookcase doesn’t go to the ceiling you can use the top area for display as well. Artwork or a mirror on this top space adds another dimension of light and interest. This is also a great place for trailing plants such as ivies or spider plants, as long as you can access them for watering.

Play around with the arrangement, keeping in mind the most interesting visuals will offer variety in height and texture as well as positive and negative space.

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because you’ll stand back and be very satisfied with how it looks. Here are a few examples from Pinterest, a great source for ideas.

Next, your floating shelves. This will be a little easier, simply because there’s less space to fill. Given they are in your eating area I would treat them like a sideboard, of sorts.

Books that you display here could be food-related. Maybe you have a few nice candle holders which could add height as well as light to the space. Real and battery-operated candles add a lovely ambience to a dining area. And some greenery, especially a few herbs, would be a wonderful addition along with a few pieces of art.

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Shelving doesn’t have to be just for decor or art.

Greenery can add some life to any arrangement.

I find floating shelves are great for seasonal display as well, without overdoing it. You can always add tulips and pussy willows for spring, a few small pumpkins and gourds for fall and a garland with frosted ornaments for Christmas, so why not add a few festive touches to the seasons?

Best of luck with your creative project. There’s no right or wrong way to create a wonderful display. Have fun with it, let it tell your story, and enjoy the process as well as the end result. There’s always a reason to celebrate your home, family and surroundings. There’s always a reason to love your space. www.downhomelife.com

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the everyday gourmet

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the everyday gourmet

By Andrea Maunder

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

www.downhomelife.com

Every time I make a batch of chili, I am reminded how much I enjoy tucking into a good bowl. We think of it as something simple we can mindlessly throw together with ingredients we generally have. I’m sad to say I’ve been served some disappointing chilis over the years – from thin and acidic, to under-seasoned, too heavy, or even too sweet.

As anyone who has taken cooking classes with me knows, I preach that balance is the key to delicious food. So, we’ll focus on making really deadly chili – but the tips apply to any simmered dish, sauce, stew or soup you might make.

Chili is so versatile. I nearly always opt for either vegetarian, or with lamb – which I find richer-tasting, but somehow lighter, than ground beef. But you can use any ground meat (or even chunks of meat – though the process would be a little different), veggies, beans and types of tomatoes you have on hand. Other ground meats come naturally leaner, but if you’re opting for beef, go for lean so you don’t have to worry about draining off excess fat.

I have used every kind of canned bean and lentil over the years. Traditionally, I use onion, garlic, celery, green peppers and mushrooms, cut in a size that fits nicely on a spoon. But at times, I’ve added zucchini, eggplant, corn, sweet potato, squash and pumpkin. We think of red kidney beans as chili beans around here, but black or pinto beans are my first choices.

I think chili needs diced tinned tomatoes and some sort of plain tomato sauce. I like the simplicity of passata (Italian strained pureed tomatoes) as it contains only tomatoes and salt. A little tomato paste is nice to have in the initial searing stages, but not critical. It adds a natural sweet richness.

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Chili Powder, as found in the spice section, is actually a blend of spices that can vary depending on the producer, but generally contains some variety of ground chilies (usually cayenne), paprika, cumin, oregano, garlic and onion powders, and sometimes cinnamon and salt. I love it as a good base, but always add extra spices to achieve complex flavour. And it’s important to bloom the spices in the oil near the beginning before adding the liquids.

This does several things – toasts and enhances the flavours, distributes the flavours well throughout the dish (as fat carries flavour) and prevents a gritty or powdery texture from uncooked dry spice.

My secret, though, is to add a little chocolate. A square or two of a dark chocolate bar, a handful of semisweet chips, or a tablespoon or two of cocoa powder will transform your chili from delicious to extraordinary.

If using cocoa powder, add a small pinch of sugar, too. Nobody will identify the flavour of chocolate, but everyone will notice something special.

You can serve crusty bread or rolls, but I think chili just begs for cornbread or muffins. I prefer to bake muffins because they bake faster and stay moist longer. Slicing day-or-twoold cornbread can be a crumbly affair.

So, I’ll include my simple recipe for corn muffins for you.

Chili con Carne Serves 6-8 generously 2-3 tbsp veg oil 1 medium onion, cut into small dice 3-4 stalks celery, cut into 1/4" dice 1 very large or 2 small jalapeños, seeds removed and chopped into small dice (more or less, to taste) 1 lb ground meat of your choice 2-3 bay leaves 2 tbsp chili powder 2 tsp ground cumin (more to taste) 1 tsp ground coriander 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste) 1 tsp dried oregano 2-3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tbsp tomato paste 1 large cans diced tomatoes (796ml) 1 500ml bottle/tetrabox passata (or plain tomato sauce in can or jar) 92

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1 to 1 1/2 cups water (more or less, as needed) 1 tsp kosher salt – to taste 227g package button mushrooms, left whole if small, halved or quartered, depending on size 1 large or 2 smaller bell peppers – green or coloured, chopped into 1" pieces 1 396ml can black beans, drained and rinsed 1 ounce dark or semisweet chocolate, chips or 2 tbsp cocoa 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro – plus more to garnish Optional garnishes – as above

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In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat oil over med-high heat. Add chopped onions, celery, jalapeño and bay leaves and sauté a few minutes to get them softening. You are not looking to brown them, so adjust heat as necessary.

Add the meat and sauté a couple minutes to start the browning, stirring.

Sprinkle the spices over, and continue to stir-sear. Add oil if needed. Add the peppers, mushrooms and garlic and sauté another couple minutes, then add tomato paste and stir to brown a moment or two. Then remaining tomato products. Season with some salt. Bring to a simmer and add the beans. Stir, reduce heat to simmering, cover and allow to cook 10-15 minutes, until the meat and veg are cooked, stirring every so often so the beans don’t stick to the bottom and burn (they want to). Keep an eye and add water as needed. Add the chocolate. Taste and season again, if needed. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for another 10-15 minutes. The sauce should be thick and chili will look chunky and meaty. If the sauce is too thin, allow to simmer a little longer to thicken. Remove bay leaves. Stir in chopped cilantro. Serve hearty portions in bowls with whatever condiments or garnishes you like.

Cheddar Corn Muffins Makes 12 1 1/2 cups white flour 3/4 cup corn meal 2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda 1 tsp kosher salt 3/4 cup vegetable oil 2/3 cup sugar 2 eggs 1 398ml can creamed corn 1/2 cup water 1 1/2 cups shredded old cheddar Preheat oven to 350. Grease muffin tin. Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl, and whisk to combine. Whisk wet ingredients together in a separate bowl to start to dissolve sugar and to break up eggs. Stir wet into dry ingredients. Stir in 1 cup of the cheese. The mixture should be thick but still flow from the spoon. If needed, add a little water to create a medium-thick batter. Spoon evenly into prepared muffin pans and sprinkle on the remaining cheese so each muffin gets a bit. Bake 18-22 minutes until baked through and slightly browned. A toothpick will come out clean when done. Allow to cool a couple of minutes – but not completely, as they are easier to remove when allowed to “sweat” in the pan. I always go around the edges with an offset spatula or butter knife before lifting them out to a cooling rack. Split and slather with butter. They freeze quite well and reheat exceptionally well in the air fryer. A few minutes on reheat setting at 350. Fantastic with chili, delicious anytime. www.downhomelife.com

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HOME and Cabin

downhome recipes

Enticing Easter Eats Fill your table with fantastic family-friendly fare this Easter. From decadent desserts to mouth-watering mains, Downhome runs down some top-shelf recipes that are bound to satisfy your gathering.

Crispy Fish and Chips 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into strips 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp salt

1 tsp ground black pepper 1 cup milk 1 egg 1 quart vegetable oil for frying 1 1/2 pounds cod fillets

Gather all ingredients. Place sliced potatoes in a medium bowl and cover with cold water. Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper together in a separate medium bowl. Add milk and egg; stir until batter is smooth. Let stand for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large pot or electric skillet to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Drain and pat dry potatoes. Fry in hot oil until tender, about 5 minutes; drain on paper towels. Dredge cod in batter, one piece at a time, and place in hot oil. Fry fish in batches until golden brown on all sides; drain on paper towels. Monitor oil temperature, increasing the heat as needed to maintain 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Fry potatoes again in hot oil until crisp, 1 to 2 minutes; drain on paper towels. Serve and enjoy! Yields four servings.

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Pistachio-Crusted Rack of Lamb 2 racks of lamb, trimmed 1 tsp herbes de Provence salt and ground black pepper to taste 1 tbsp vegetable oil 2/3 cup chopped pistachio nuts

2 tbsp dry bread crumbs 1 tbsp melted butter 1 tsp olive oil 3 tbsp Dijon mustard

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Generously season each rack of lamb with herbes de Provence, salt, and pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Place lamb into the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Stir pistachios, bread crumbs, melted butter, and olive oil together in a small bowl; season with salt and pepper. Spread mustard over the fatty side of the lamb, then press the pistachio mixture into the mustard. Bake in the preheated oven until the crust is golden and the lamb is pink in the centre, 20 to 25 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the centre should read at least 130 degrees F (54 degrees C) for medium doneness. Transfer lamb to a plate and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Yields four servings.

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Decadent Deviled Eggs 6 hard-boiled eggs 2 tbsp mayonnaise 1 tsp white sugar, or to taste 1 tsp white vinegar 1 tsp prepared mustard

1 tbsp finely chopped onion 1 tbsp finely chopped celery 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste 1 pinch paprika, or to taste Green onion (optional)

Gather all ingredients. Peel hard-boiled eggs. Slice eggs in half lengthwise and remove yolks; set whites aside. Mash yolks with a fork in a small bowl. Stir in mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, mustard, onion, and celery; mix well and season with salt to taste. Stuff or pipe egg yolk mixture into egg whites. Sprinkle with paprika and garnish with green onion if desired. Refrigerate eggs until serving.

Yields 12 deviled egg halves.

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Easter Eggs Benedict 4 slices Canadian bacon 1 tsp white vinegar 4 eggs 1 cup butter 3 egg yolks

1 tbsp heavy cream 1 dash ground cayenne pepper 1/2 tsp salt 1 tbsp lemon juice 4 English muffins, split and toasted

In a skillet over medium-high heat, fry the Canadian bacon on each side until evenly browned. Fill a large saucepan with about three inches of water, and bring to a simmer. Pour in the vinegar. Carefully break the four eggs into the water, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the whites are set but the yolks are still soft. Remove eggs with a slotted spoon. Meanwhile, melt the butter until bubbly in a small pan or the microwave. Remove from heat before butter browns. In a blender or large food processor, blend the egg yolks, heavy cream, cayenne pepper, and salt until smooth. Add half of the hot butter in a thin steady stream, slow enough so that it blends in at least as fast as you are pouring it in. Blend in the lemon juice using the same method, then the remaining butter. Place open English muffins onto serving plates. Top with one slice of Canadian bacon and one poached egg.

Drizzle with the cream sauce, and serve at once. Yields four servings.

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Carrot Cake Frosting

Cake 2 cups white sugar 1 1/4 cups vegetable oil 4 large eggs 2 tsp vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp baking powder 2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp salt 3 cups grated carrots 1 cup chopped pecans

1/2 cup butter, softened 8 oz cream cheese 4 cups confectioners’ sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 cup chopped pecans

Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Grease and flour a 9"x13" pan. Beat sugar, oil, eggs, and 2 tsp vanilla together in a large bowl with an electric mixer until well combined. Mix in flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in carrots. Fold in pecans. Pour into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely. To make the frosting: Beat butter, softened cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla together in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Stir in chopped pecans. Frost the cooled cake. Yields 1 (9"x13") carrot cake.

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Lemon Bundt Cake 1 cup butter, softened 2 cups white sugar 5 large eggs

2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 1 large lemon, zested

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease and flour a fluted tube pan (such as a Bundt). Beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer in a large bowl until light and fluffy. The mixture should be noticeably lighter in colour. Add eggs one at a time, alternating with flour, allowing each egg and portion of flour to blend into the butter mixture before adding the next. Stir lemon juice and zest into flour mixture until batter is just combined; pour into prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean, 45 to 55 minutes. Yields one cake.

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Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler 8 cups chopped rhubarb 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries 2 cups white sugar 2 tbsp all-purpose flour 3/4 cup brown sugar

3/4 cup quick-cooking oats 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 cup butter Vanilla ice cream (optional)

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 9"x13" baking dish. Combine rhubarb, strawberries, white sugar, and 2 tbsp flour in a bowl; spread into the prepared baking dish. Mix brown sugar, oats, 3/4 cup flour, and cinnamon together in a bowl; cut in butter with 2 knives or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over the rhubarb mixture. Bake in the preheated oven until the cobbler is bubbling and lightly browned, about 45 minutes. Serve hot or cold. Top with vanilla ice cream if desired. Yields 1 9"x13" cobbler

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Hot Cross Buns 1/2 cup water 1 (.25 oz) package active dry yeast 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature 2 tbsp white sugar 1/2 tsp baking soda 1 tsp salt

1 tsp ground cinnamon 1/3 cup margarine, melted 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 2/3 cup raisins 1/2 (16 oz) container prepared vanilla frosting

Measure the water into a large bowl and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let stand for about five minutes to dissolve the yeast. Stir in the buttermilk, sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and margarine. Mix in one cup of flour until well blended, then stir in the raisins. Gradually mix in the remaining flour until the dough is stiff enough to take out of the bowl and knead on a floured surface. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about five minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turn to coat and cover with a towel. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and divide into 18 pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place it in a greased 9"x13" baking dish. Cover loosely with a towel and allow to rise again until your finger leaves an impression when you poke the dough gently, about 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Remove the towel from the buns. Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Spoon the frosting into a small sandwich bag or pastry bag. Snip off the corner and squeeze out frosting to make a cross on top of the buns when cool. Yields 18 buns.

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down to earth

Here Comes Peter Cottontail

BY KIM THISTLE

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I spend all winter

oohing and aahing at the bunny tracks in my yard and occasionally am lucky enough to spot one of the furry creatures hopping by my living room window. These sightings are always followed by a ‘Luh! Ain’t that the sweetest thing?’ Then I spend all spring, summer and fall cursing the creatures. Anyone who lives in the country and tries to have a garden can relate to what I am saying. It does not take long for one of these varmints to do serious damage.

Now, I know that there are many readers out there just waiting to pounce on me for calling them ‘rabbits’ when in fact, what we Newfoundlanders often call ‘rabbits’ are actually Snowshoe Hares. That’s a mouthful when writing an article so I will be politically incorrect and call them rabbits. Or bunnies.

Sounds so much cuter, don’t you think? Mind you, I am sure that when some of you witness the damage they do you are not thinking about calling them anything remotely close to cute.

Even the most puritan of souls may be driven to let loose a few oaths. The question that has often been posed to me is ‘How do I keep them out of my garden?’ The answer to that is, ‘Good luck with that!’ Looks like this is going to be a short article.

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All joking aside, there are a few things that will help with the battle. Prevention is the key.

Fencing will definitely help but it needs to be buried deep enough that they cannot burrow underneath, about four-six inches. Remember that these creatures are wonderful jumpers so be sure that it is at least 3' high.

Cages can be made with chicken wire to cover the beds, but of course that is costly.

Netting works as well.

Bunnies hate the smell of onions and garlic so be sure to include those in your garden plan. Put them next to the things they find most appealing such as lettuce, peas, kale, and broccoli.

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Plant some highly scented plants that will help mask the aroma of the things they find yummy. Herbs such as lavender, catmint, sage and thyme will help distract them.

Rabbits like to nibble on the leaves of hostas but they hate begonias. Try planting these compatible plants together.

There are many animals, including rabbits, that nibble on the bark of trees in the winter. Wrapping chicken wire keeps them at bay. Be sure to loosen the wire as the tree grows or it will become embedded in the bark and eventually girdle the tree.

Encouraging predators such as birds of prey and foxes can be helpful, but if you have chickens this creates a different set of problems. Sigh.

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Remove piles of rocks, tall grass and brush piles as these are areas they like to hide from said predators.

Scarecrows or shiny objects such as aluminum pie plates and wind chimes won’t go astray, but they will become desensitized to them in a short time.

Dogs and cats will certainly scare away rabbits and other small animals but always remember that for every action there’s an equal and opposite reaction. Do any of us want our pets digging in our gardens?

Repellents such as blood meal have some success. This doubles as a nitrogen boost but be careful not to overuse it or it may burn your plants. Be wary of commercial repellents as they may not be food-safe. There are lots of recipes for homemade repellents online. If you go this route, be sure to reapply regularly, especially after a rainfall.

Megan Webb photo

Try this recipe for a homemade repellent: • 3 hot peppers • 3 large onions • 1 whole bulb of garlic Soak overnight in a covered container.

Next morning, strain the solids and use the liquid to spray on your plants.

The smell will make your eyes water and your nose run, so be prepared.

If all else fails you can threaten to put them in a pie. That worked for Flopsy, Mopsy and Cotton-Tail, but that mischievous Peter was always one to tempt fate. He lives, still, in my garden and I have promised him that one day he will end up in the soup pot.

Kim is a horticultural consultant, a retired garden centre owner and a dedicated garden enthusiast!

Got a question for Kim? downtoearth@downhomelife.com

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reminiscing flashbacks

School Days “This is a photo of my kindergarten class at Notre Dame Academy, Grand Falls, for the year 1952-53,” writes the submitter. “There were 67 of us with one teacher!”

Jerome Jesseau Corner Brook, NL

Three Men and a Dory Freeman Reid, Harold Carter and Alman Carter on Codroy Island in 1959.

Karen Simon via Downhomelife.com

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The Flying Floursacks The Ogilvie Flour Company’s team in the St. John’s commercial hockey league came from behind to win over the defending champion, Pepperrell Air Force Base, in 1956. “My husband, William (Bill) Jones is the player on the back far left with his arm around the coach,” writes the submitter. “He lost two front teeth that memorable night.”

Georgina Jones Smith Falls, ON

This Month in History The screw steamship S.S. Anglo-Saxon, belonging to the Montreal Ocean Steamship Company and helmed by Captain Thomas Burgess, left Londonderry on April 17, 1863 to sail towards Quebec. When off the rocky coast of Cape Race, where it was probably intended to land the latest telegrams, the vessel encountered ice and dense fog. Captain Burgess ordered the ship to half speed and consulted his charts, determining that they should be roughly twenty-seven kilometres south of Cape Race, but was regrettably mistaken. Strong winds thrust the wayward ship against the rocks and the AngloSaxon was wrecked around noon on April 27th, 1863.

Of those on board, 237 people were lost, making this one of Canada’s worst shipwrecks.

The remains of the drowned passengers now lie in Clam Cove, about four 4 miles southeast of Cape Race. A neat fence and inscription mark the place.

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reminiscing

For over 35 years, Downhome Magazine has been at the heart of all things Newfoundland and Labrador. A comforting, familiar and constant presence in our province’s media climate, Downhome has been a name synonymous with ‘home’ for over three decades and counting. In this Month in Downhome History, we dive through our archives to give readers snippets of days gone by, highlighting major events, unique facts and the stories that matter to our readers.

April 1990 Volume 2 • Number 11

Stephenville: Last year Air Canada pulled its jet service out of Stephenville, and since then there have been no jets landing here. This will all change on April 29th. Starting then, Air Atlantic will commence a spring and summer service with two jet flights arriving and departing daily to Gander, St. John’s, Halifax, Montreal and Ottawa. Air Atlantic’s new jets are four-engine models, called Bae 146s, built by British Aerospace. Air Atlantic is a fast-growing airline; it started with 36 employees and now has 450. In the first year of operation, it carried 100,000 passengers while last year it totalled 450,000.

Stephenville mayor Cec Stein has been rallying for the increased service. When informed of Air Atlantic’s expansion he commented “Our job is not finished yet. We hope someday to see a direct flight right into Toronto.”

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April 1995 Volume 7 • Number 11

Ottawa: Women are having fewer babies and people are living longer. Those two trends will determine the look and changes of Canada’s population over the next 40 years, says a Statistics Canada study released recently.

The demands of an aging population will have repercussions throughout society, the study says.

It could mean an overburdened healthcare system and a deterioration of services. And immigration will become “a major issue” if Canada is to counterbalance the effects of a population that is not replacing itself by reproduction.

St. Lewis: The investigation continues into the Feb. 9 shooting of a polar bear in the coastal Labrador community of St. Lewis. Wildlife officials received a call late in the evening that the bear was wounded after being shot by a resident of the community. Following the incident, the bear wandered out on the bay to a nearby island.

It was spotted walking around in circles on the bay. Fisheries officers and the RCMP monitored the situation until wildlife officials from Happy Valley-Goose Bay arrived on the scene.

When officials arrived at the scene and assessed the situation, the decision was made to put the animal “out of its misery.” No decision has been made on whether or not charges will be laid against the man who shot the animal.

Reprinted from the Labradorian by permission.

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April 2000 Volume 12 • Number 11

A Tacoma, Washington adventurer is planning to celebrate his four-month break from active duty with the U.S. Air Force in true adventurist form.

He’s planning to circumnavigate the island portion of Newfoundland and Labrador in his kayak.

Ken Campbell is scheduled to begin his trek on May 25, 2000 and he expects to need about 100 days to complete it. He will carry with him in the kayak a tent, a single-burner stove, a water purifier and two bear-proof containers of food. He’s also carrying a VHF radio so that he can reach the Canadian Coast Guard if he runs into trouble … the longest uninterrupted stretch he must face is 15 nautical miles of open water.

Antigonish: Memorial University’s female varsity volleyball team posted a perfect 20-0 record to sweep the Atlantic Universities Atheltic Association championship. The unblemished Atlantic season advanced Memorial into the national university championships with Canada’s top eight teams entered. Susan Mosher was named to the national second all-star team, the Atlantic playoff all-stars, and was selected as the Atlantic regular season Most Valuable Player while Jennifer Humber was the Atlantic playoff’s MVP. Jennifer MacDonald of the Head Room in St. John’s has been named North American hairstyling Artist of the Year. The talented 24-year-old was selected at the North American Hairstyling Awards in Los Angeles.

Elsewhere, Kippens native Don Benoit, who now resides in Sudbury, Ontario, earned the gold karate medal for the men’s senior division of the tenth Super Grand World Games in Niagara Falls. Benoit, 50, is a top-level karate instructor and contestant.

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April 2005 Volume 17 • Number 11

More than 1,000 fishermen and plant workers lined the steps of the Confederation Building in March protesting a “raw materials shares” system for the crab industry. Fisheries Minister Trevor Taylor introduced the two-year pilot program, saying it is necessary to stabilize an industry hampered by disputes over prices. Taylor says the new system gives plant owners a guaranteed percentage of crab quotas while determining crab prices by audits of actual returns in the marketplace. Meanwhile, the Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union is calling it a return to the old merchant system, putting more power in the hands of buyers by eliminating competition and preventing fishermen from setting their own prices, and warns that set quotas could mean more plant closures. About 5,000 people work in the crab industry, which earns $1 billion annually and accounts for more than half of the province’s entire fishery.

Eider ducks and other seabirds covered in thick oil were found in March washing ashore on the Avalon Peninsula, many of them near the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. According to the Canadian Wildlife Service, 1,200 eider ducks have been confirmed oiled. Conservationist Bruce Turner says the spill must have occurred near shore where duck populations thrive. It was determined the oil was dumped with the bilge water of a large tanker or container vessel, but as of press time, the guilty ship had not been found.

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reminiscing

Part One

Building a Foundation

By Lorne Compton

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This song was inspired by our grandson Connor.

Connor has been fighting cancer for several years now undergoing chemo and surgeries. He has faced all of these challenges with dignity and strength.

Straight Into The Storm

Chorus

If your ship’s foundation’s sturdy & the planks are firm & strong, The cracks are caulked completely, to withstand what comes along, You can sail upon the ocean, from the minute you are born, When life dictates direction, takes you straight into the storm.

Chorus 1

I was born into a family, with love they did surround, A community to raise me, good people did abound, They were there to teach me, what was right and wrong, So that no matter where I went, I’d always belong.

Chorus 2 As I grew older and other places I did go, My hometown foundation, ensured that I would grow, To know what was around me, to help me understand, That my life long decisions, stemmed from the boy to the man.

Chorus 3 When I started a family, had children of my own, My hometown foundation, shaped how they have grown, Like all other families, we’ve had sorrows and joy, But I always remember, my life as a boy.

Chorus 4 As time quicky passes and my time on earth seems short, I remember our travels, stops in every port, When our troubles surround us, I recall where I was born, My hometown foundation guides me, straight into the storm.

Alasdair Pilgrim photo

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summers in Indian Tickle, then Since writing this song, I looked eventually moved to Goose Bay for back at where it came from. My wife my last year of high school. Shortly Cathy reminded me that it came after graduation, I joined the Air from my own life experiences and my Force and for the next 20 years start in a family and community. She travelled extensively to various reminded me that, from the day we countries on joint missions with our met, I knew who I was and where I NATO partners. came from. I am a Compton, not just I lived in Germany for five years as from Newfoundland and Labrador, an Air Force member supporting but St. Lunaire (now St. LunaireGriquet), on the tip of the Great Northern Peninsula. She reminded me that over the years my passion for this place has inspired others to visit.

While this song was inspired by Connor, it’s a tribute to my family, hometown and the wonderful people who were, and remain, such a huge part of my life. This is confirmed every time we visit and really hit home during a Come Home Year when I saw people I had not seen Lorne (left) and his older brother for 30 years. All of the Tom cleaning fish in 1981. connections were still European Operations and was in there.

Germany when the Wall came down For 20 years or so we visited the St. and witnessed what that meant to Lunaire area most summers, but also both sides. I also went to the Gulf travelled much of Newfoundland and War in 1990/1991 supporting a joint Labrador. And while our visits have Operation with the Qatari, American, been less frequent recently, my British and French Air Forces. appreciation for St. Lunaire is as After 20 years I decided to leave the strong as ever.

Air Force and join the civilian world.

This story has taken 60-plus years Since that time, I have worked in to fully develop, but started the many industries, from Aerospace, to minute I was born. My actual time in food production, industrial valve and St. Lunaire was short. I spent several

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pump distribution, overhead door distribution and servicing, recycling and others. I have negotiated contracts, travelled extensively throughout Canada and the United States, spoken at industry conferences and been in the boardrooms of many large companies as a presenter or adviser. Not once have I felt out of place.

When I look back and recall the various experiences and how many

Lorne and his wife Cathy share a snowball with Lorne’s sister Betty during a visit to her grave in St. Lunaire in 2005. Snowballs were Betty’s favourite treat.

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times I was the new guy, I do not recall being intimidated or uncertain.

I just went in and was myself. As I reflect upon this it dawned on me that it is because of where I came from and the start I had in life in St. Lunaire. From my own family to the community, I realized that I have known who I am since I was 10 or 11 years old. I had formed my character and belief system very early in life, influenced by the people and environment of St. Lunaire.

While I certainly adapted to the ever-changing world, despite the passage of time, what did not change was my belief that the humble foundation I started with was the basis of how I lived, treated others and conducted myself.

I’ve taken St. Lunaire on travels across the world. It’s deeply rooted in my character and beliefs, ensuring I meet every challenge head-on. When I knew I was right I never backed down. Some would say I’m stubborn, and they are correct, but that stubbornness, tenacity and humility come from the belief system developed growing up in St. Lunaire.

That humble foundation has been the guiding light, resulting in a wonderful life and a wealth of experiences that still drive me today.

It’s a legacy I leave for our sons Jim (Collette) and John (Alicia), plus our grandchildren Gabreille, Connor, Emma, Evelyn and Nicolas.

Stay tuned for more insights and memories of Lorne’s travels and time growing up in St. Lunaire and Newfoundland and Labrador in future issues.

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reminiscing

by Elaine (Murphy) Hickey

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I am compelled to recount and share this true story about the heroism of our cousin Molly Burke, to whom we owe an enormous debt of gratitude.

As the eldest of eleven children born to Leo and Emma Murphy of Mount Arlington Heights, NL, I can remember my mother telling me this story many, many times about the day she nearly lost my youngest sister, Linda, in an event almost 50 years ago.

My father, Leo Murphy, was a fisherman who was born on Crawley’s Island, just across the harbour from Mount Arlington Heights. Every year, he would ritually go back there in spring to beach his motorboat on the sand and paint the boat and do repairs to the underwater seams, mostly with oakum and pitch.

On this particular occasion, Dad had a dory tied onto the boat so he could row back to the mainland and wait for his boat to be completely dry and out of the water. On his return trip, he took my sister Linda, aged five, and my brother Blaine, aged four, with him to give Mom a break as she was home with a two-year-old and a new baby.

Mount Arlington Heights with Crawley’s Island in the background

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He pulled the dory up on the sand, halfway out of the water, and left the children on their own to play alongside. He got busy and distracted and didn’t realize the tide had started to rise. He knew nothing until Blaine screamed out to him that the dory was floating away. My father couldn’t swim, so he was left on the beach screaming out for help, hoping someone on the mainland side would hear him, a mere 300 metres away. No one did, and I can imagine his panic over his little girl sitting in the boat, quietly drifting away.

He raced along the beach, telling her to stay seated and not to stand up, as she could fall overboard.

I’m sure his hope was that as she was drifting down the harbour towards the rocky beach below our house on the mainland side, that someone would see her in the boat. That someone was my mother, who, for some reason, had stepped out on the house deck at the exact same time that Linda was floating past. She screamed, and Aunt Helen’s daughter, Molly Burke, who lived two houses over, heard her and came running. Molly raced back to her father’s wharf, untied his dory, and took off rowing towards Linda.

In talking to Molly recently, she explained that Linda was probably ten or fifteen minutes away from crashing into the rocks at the area called the Wild Cove. As Molly approached, she was afraid Linda would get excited and jump up in the tiny boat. So Molly started talking to her in a calm voice, telling her to stay 118

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seated and let her tie the two boats together so that she could bring her to her mommy. Apparently, Linda was a good listener and did exactly as she was told.

Molly towed her back to my dad’s wharf where my mom was waiting anxiously on the beach for her. Then Molly rowed over to Crawley’s Island and gave Dad the good news about

Elaine with some of her Murphy family siblings the rescue. Mom and Dad never forgot what Molly did for them that spring day. More than one life was affected that day by her selflessness and generosity. Molly’s capacity to act and help is the quality of heroism that saved our family from the unthinkable.

On that day so long ago she was definitely our family’s hero!

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when shall these things be, and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and the end of the age Matthew 24:3

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1. Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there shall be famines and pestilences (plagues) and earthquakes in diverse places. Matthew 24:7, Mark 13:8, Luke 21:10-11 2. And this gospel (good news) of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

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life is better Salvage Beach in Trinity, NL Bernice Goudie St. John’s, NL

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puzzles

The Beaten Path

Dennis Flynn 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.

G E S H T m M L R H T p H V U x Q A J T H m H R S U E T M V E H M U T L H B M L M L p N R U A m J S H x Q M T E p R S T A m Q D H R T M V J H A V p U x H M

J

n

S

n

T

n

S

I

n

S

Last Month’s Community: Makkovik 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

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April 2025

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Lorraine Winsor original 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: • At the end of the Road to the Isles • Between Fogo and Moreton’s Harbour in song • Its summer festival mascot is a codfish • It comprises two islands joined by a causeway • Early French fishermen called it Toulinguet

Last Month’s Answer: Portugal Cove-St. Philips

Picturesque Place NameS of Newfoundland and Labrador

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

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

Last Month’s Clue: All occurs for a purpose In Other Words: Everything happens for a reason

This Month’s Clue: Where a desire exists, so does a method In Other Words: ______ ______ _ ____ , ______ _ ___

A Way With Words PARKING PARKING

Last Month’s Answer: Parallel parking

Rhyme Time A rhyming word game by Ron Young

1. A tough poet is a ____ ____ 2. Thin nectar is _____ _____

This Month’s Clue

THE BRIDGE

WATER

3. An oolong plant is a ___ _____

Answer: ______ ______ ___ _______

Last Month’s Answers 1. twice as nice, 2. far star, 3. sail mail

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.

L E A D E H D H B E E A F F D C D E B A B B I I G O O F O T L E I E E D H N E E R S D O N D O N H O U T U O F N H S S O O F T T H E S E R N W R S T P U U L T Y W T

Last month’s answer: A real hangover is nothing to try out family remedies on.

The only cure for a real hangover is death. www.downhomelife.com

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Rhymes 5 Times Each answer rhymes with the other four

1. pony

____________

2. trail

____________

3. separate

____________

4. rough

____________

5. regret

____________

STUCK? Don’t get your knickers in a knot!

Puzzle answers can be found online at DownhomeLife.com/puzzles

Last Month’s Answers: 1. spry, 2. cry, 3. fry, 4. dry, 5. try

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. WTHEPOR

For best results sound the clue words out loud!

2. RUINB YAB MRA

Apparel Owe Furs _ ____ __ _______

3. STHORWDAWN

Up Hearse Annul Come Pewter _ ________ ________

5. TROP UA RABS

Last Month’s 1st Clue: Up Arrows His Hers.

Answer: A pair of scissors. Last Month’s 2nd Clue: Abe At Chill Harp Hearty.

Answer: A bachelor party.

Last Month’s Answers: 1. Buchans Junction, 2. Millertown, 3. Howley, 4. Badger, 5. Sheppardville

4. SLOILCN VCOE

A nalogical A nagrams Unscramble the capitalized words to get one word that matches the subtle clue.

1. CAN EDICT ~ Clue: you couldn’t do it on purpose, even if you tried 2. ROAD TIN ICY ~ Clue: it knows the meaning of life and everything else 3. A QUIET DEAN ~ Clue: it’s just not good enough 4. ACHE TIER INN ~ Clue: the passed on passes it on 5. RAISE TONING ~ Clue: quit starts with this letter Last Month’s Answers: 1. carpenter, 2. numerical, 3. microphone, 4. automobile, 5. bifocals 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.

1-31: fuzz 1-91: barber 2-32: oak 3-33: mature 5-1: nativity 8-38: record 9-39: achievement 10-1: placenta 10-6: later 10-8: astern 10-30: everything 10-100: insinuation 11-14: dry 15-18: bluefin 18-38 gorilla 20-17: slender 23-25: granddad 25-22: pontiff 25-27: pan’s pal 30-25: small computer 30-50: limb 34-14: pea place 34-31: equal 34-32: urinate 34-37: tempo 35-15: likely 36-33: headland 41-50: soliciting 41-43: tin 41-61: sliced 45-47: donkey 46-6: scrub 46-96: noiseless 47-27: place 47-50: croon 52-58: bartering 55-52: dash 55-57: noise 62-92: Rome burner 64-67: man www.downhomelife.com

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66-61: bemoan 66-63: crippled 66-70: minimum 67-70: sunrise direction 69-39: dispatched 70-50: kid’s game 72-75: wickedness 73-76: despicable 73-93: big tub 75-55: boy 78-98: tabloid 79-76: genuine 81-83: epoch 82-85: uncommon 84-64: can edge 84-87: lease 89-87: club

91-93: decompose 93-43: saloon 98-96: aquired 100-91: mediator Last Month’s Answer

T E E TOT A L E R HAG I GR I ND E E T AMA E R E A D R EWE S A H P L A E T AR E T I L BO ADN E T E DORR F ADN SME T A L T N E R A P B OWI E NRA E L C L L A R I NGL E AD E R April 2025

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The Bayman’s

Crossword Puzzle 1

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by Ron Young

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ACROSS 1. nemesis 3. paddle 5. Worldwide Web (abbrev) 6. carpet 7. small “rolling” fish 12. property parcel 13. “If I didn’t knock __ down, I staggered it.”

15. original (abbrev) 16. “___ __ Newfoundland” (2 words) 18. breakfast 20. I dos 21. faucet 22. “You’ll never __ the man your mother was” 23. Robert’s Arm (abbrev) 24. sprawling 26. Tickle Cove (abbrev) 28. unclothed 30. ship’s mast 32. wireless radio inventor 33. “Foolish __ odd socks” 34. Pa’s mate 35. iron-bearing rock 36. boisterous play (colloq) 38. off the ___ – remote 40. rodneys 42. git 43. ___ Paulo – Brazilian city 44. “Head, shoulders, knees and ____” 46. rudder 48. “___ no man steal your lines” 49. companionless 50. Dominion ___ – lager

11. seine 12. small, choppy wave (colloq) 13. in other words (abbrev) 14. pitch 17. sailing into the wind 18. state 19. The Big Land 22. Bachelor of Arts (abbrev) 24. movement to end violence against women and girls 25. toilet paper (abbrev) 26. tropical vegetable 27. invent 28. early Scandinavian visitors to NL 29. Association of National Advertisers (abbrev) 31. “friend” in St. Pierre et Miquelon 32. unruly crowd 37. “Check out my new __” – hairstyle 38. celebration 39. what 7 Across do 41. toddler 43. Saddle Island (abbrev) 45. steamship (abbrev) 46. Toronto (abbrev) 47. __ Cummings, poet

F O B ANSWERS I R E TO LAST S E A MONTH’S H T CROSSWORD A L E N O R D O B U AM A DM I R A L DOWN R A N D Y I N G E A C E 1. Home of the “skin boot church” on E C E N E V E N I N G the Northern Peninsula (2 words) W I L L U S I T L E 2. creepy “European” insect I E A T E C 4. “__ shucks!”

S AM P L E D V A L L E Y 8. past D O L E R A A O N E 9. missing S A S M A L L WO O D 10. “__ know him boiled up in a pot of D E C K H A N D N C soup” G O E V E N T I D E H E www.downhomelife.com

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DIAL-A-SMILE © 2025 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. ___ 843

_____ 96778

____ 4283

__ 86

______ 288225 _ 2

____ 4263

__ 47 __ 63

_ 2

____ 8463 _ ____ 4 3278 ______ 387464

_ ____ _ _ _ 2 4272 3 3 7

Last Month’s Answer: Never argue with a doctor; he has inside information. ©2025 Ron Young

CRACK THE CODE

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

_ _ _

3Yn

_ _ _ _ _ 0 2 m Kn

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ S S

m 3Q _ S

HQ

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mQ

yYC3 _ _

mh

xb2

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YCkkm hn QQ _ _’ S

_ _ _

_ _ _ _ _; K m 3C

L

_ _ _ _ S ; n nkQ _ _ _ _ _ _

l b 3 m bh

Last Month’s Answer: There is no cosmetic for beauty like happiness.

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© 2025 Ron Young

Food For Thought

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

dawdle = _ _

frolicked = _ _ _ _

_

ym w

cease = _ _ _ _

fears = _ _ _ _ _ _ _ `wsKI k

hv Iz

m

confirm = _ _ _ _ _

curiosity = _ _

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w[ mez k

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mKIy

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mea

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c av]mz Ise

hv myIz V

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x c[Iq V

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]mxs[z ca

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zwc

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I wes[ me] c _ _

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` sx c [z V

Last Month’s Answer: My aim in life isn’t so much the pursuit of happiness as the happiness of pursuit. www.downhomelife.com

April 2025

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Different Strokes

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

ERN AND COAL BIN IN BURGEO

Last Month’s Answers: 1. Beam, 2. Sleeve, 3. Player, 4. Lamp, 5. Garage door, 6. Cap, 7. Arm, 8. Scoreboard, 9. Spectators, 10. Net, 11. Hockey stick, 12. Goalie “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

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HIDE & SEEK SHOWER

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

APRIL BABY CADDY CAP CURTAIN

DOORS GEL GIFT HEAD METEOR

PRESSURE SNOW STALL THUNDER WEDDING

O G E X V Y O Q D Q P J V T C C F E T C M Y A H Z Y K H Q D Q O Z F C Y J X R T U F Y O H U D K U Z Z S E P G E I X G E P X L E F R R S X A I K M F B Z Q C P W U T H J R T T O P I M R T U P B L J N N J K U E G T B A E F E I C K G X B Q A R K E V C K Z P U H M E E S D R H D C W T Z O T A I V U X Z P Y B Y I P Y S C N J U N N N P A H J Y L N W Y K B B G D S H U Q N C K W Z W U H Y H Z J N A V N N D K I D B R R Y X O W E M H H H K D M V K B L P M A D N A E K Q U Y M W D I P U D T I Z P H K I Q I E I K C D O O R S F S D Y O M U S W N X J E H W E H Z Z U D W C S B Z A I L I Y V X Y D F E V S T G I N C R C V T B V L C N W G P L T X G I O T M J W J X J U O A L A U L N G X U D Y O W Q B A U T Q I T K B V T E P B L B X Y T C G Z O H P L X V C I K A G Q H G K T Y P Q O P D Q D A O R L P K R S G P S F G A B F R E O B U C C R O G U L K A G I Y B T O X F U F B F G M G I P F C G C W T U Z N M G B Q T

Last Month’s Answers

G N Q X U O K H S X M K V C X X P Z W X S T C C R C O Y E T U F D H W Q Z W H V E B I W H S L S Q L X D I Y E D R A L G A E X P A L S X E J Q A L T T H H Z V W R X Q D V O U I S A M U U F R U T P Q C P T Q V W V X W R A Y Z M H Y Q U X R X K Y R U I K Z K T D A B E A I W A K S N F O I R O Q P D E F N O C U P Q X A E E N R N G W H M L V R L W S D H S I H P V C S X G O R S L V N H X O Q N D I M A T U G L I Z O S S O M T A C X R G S C V X I L V J I W E N N D M W N R H D W D S B A R C Q G F M I E E S T M I Y Z Z S F S G G T I V H Y O L Z R M D M J G W O H Q U Q G H N S Y F O E Z X R W E E A Z X E A B H C U B Y A C B T Q U S N A E B P Z M U S V G G U K C J L M Q I R Y R S M S H Y G P A X G X S G I J Q U B R O D N M Y S T M L Y Y P M R Z F B B J A V B Z O F J L W V F T V V T N O E L K P Q E D D D O C C M P C T N M R B Q I V C M S C P R F P C R B B K V A T D X E W I J L Y N X H R C X Q F I K X

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.”

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April 2025

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in Happiness, Healing, and Humanity - Dr. Mike Wahl PHD

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2504_photo Finish_0609 Photo Finish 2/19/25 10:00 AM Page 144

photo finish

Last

Light

The setting sun provides an extraordinary backdrop for the Three Sisters.

Wayne Whelan Bay Roberts, NL

Do you have an amazing or funny photo to share?

Turn to page 9 to find out how to submit.

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