At Home on the North Shore Fall 2020

A MODERN TAKE ON VICTORY GARDENS FALL BACK IN LOVE WITH COOKING A SWEET AND SPOOKY DIY PROJECT

Fall 2020 Vol. 5 Edition 4 / $4.95

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ON OUR COVER: Everything falls into place for a backyard movie night styled by Allison Gaudett. Wynn Kondraki (with popcorn) waits for the show to start while friends and hosts Finley and Mylène MacDonald play checkers with her brother Lincoln.

PHOTO BY STEVE SMITH, VISIONFIRE STUDIOS

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Inside this issue

Vol. 5 Edition 4 Fall 2020

Cover Story

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Coming Soon: To a Backyard Near You Design your own outdoor theatre with your favourite cast of characters

16

The Inside Story

Departments

10 Little Victories Grown in a Garden

7 Editor’s Letter 14 Off The Wall

First-time gardeners harvest happiness

28 Get Nurtured

by Nature

16 Thresholds

How The Adventure Therapy Project is helping people reconnect

44 To Prune or Not to Prune

Certified Arbourist Jeremy LeClair answers your questions

On the Table

Define your fall with cozy and cute

34 The Library

Healing and connection in The Spoon Stealer

35 Field Notes

Home chef Jill Linquist

Healthy at Home 42 The Nature of Naturopathic Medicine

Sara Jewell is the right kind of busy

40 The Stream

36 Fall Back in Love with Cooking

Three local artists to make you think a little differently

Same boat, different storm

Bicycles, Belts and Bull’s Heads – Daryl Ingram is treading in the right direction

50 DIY

A spooky little DIY not too scary to try

48 Medaling With My Food

Tracy Stuart shares a secret sauce

40 18

The North Shore

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editor’s

LETTER A jar of jam and our new learning curve

few weeks ago, a friend gave me the most divine jar of homemade strawberry jam. I had planned on hiding it in the back of the fridge only to pull it out later this fall when I needed a little taste of summer to remind myself of a few sweet lazy days when the thoughts of the pandemic and the return to questionable schedules still seemed far away.

But as I sit and write my editor’s note today, that jar of jam is long gone, and the few days spent in my bathing suit with my only agenda trying to thermal download the sunshine and wonder what I was going to make for dinner vanished just as quickly.

As much as I would have loved to stretch those easy summer days out for a few more weeks there is another part of me that is ready to fall back into the routine that comes with this change of season.

I still find it hard to believe that we are six months into this new way of living, but as I watched my daughter pull out of the driveway last week to return to her university town in Ontario, I was reminded about how much we all need to reconnect to the things that make us feel like we still have solid ground under our feet. The return to school this fall is one of the most important pillars of resuming to life as we used to know it. Even if you no longer have children in the education system, when school is in it provides an underpinning that all is okay. We all know that things are going to be tricky this fall and as I helped my younger daughter pick out a few masks to co-ordinate with her new back to school outfits, I once again felt the pinch of our new realities. By the time you read this message our young people will be back to school, I hope without too many hiccups, and some of you might have even started to return to your places of work after a long hiatus from these environments. We are all students this fall with lots to learn about what we can or cannot do to continue to keep our communities and loved ones safe. With any learning opportunity there are bound to be mistakes and unfortunately, some of these blunders could have dire consequences no matter how little we think they may be at the time.

With all of this in mind, the fall issue of At Home on the North Shore came together a little differently this time. You will

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notice that we do not have a home story for the first time since we first published five years ago. But what we do have is a true celebration about how we can manifest the lives we want to live; as close to the people that we love and to continue to celebrate the gifts of living in such a remarkable part of this world. I truly am in love with our cover story “Coming Soon: To a Backyard Near You” and the imagination of decorator and writer Allison Gaudett. She has the flair to take what many of us have in our homes and magically transform a space into something new and exciting. As we all spend more time at home, reimaging our spaces can be exciting and fulfilling.

I spent most of the summer preparing simple food and snacks and ordering from local eateries. While I still will be enjoying the fare of local restaurants this fall, I am also getting excited about planning a few small dinner parties. I was inspired by my friend Jill Linquist, who has many talents, and one of them is cooking. She is the first of a series of stories that will show up in future issues about great home chefs and their favourite recipes. And new to the line-up this fall is the feature The Stream written by Debbi Harvie. We will continue to explore ways to divert from landfills and find creative ways to upcycle and become more mindful of the things that can have a new lease on life.

The magazine weaves in a lot of subtle lessons that we can all learn from. From the little victories that come with the harvest of first-time gardeners to the blissful balance found in a new type of busy as told by Sara Jewell in her Field Notes column.

We are all life-long learners. We have some tough homework ahead of us this year and a steep learning curve. We all might need a little tutoring, but I know that we have some very smart people in this big classroom that we call Nova Scotia and we have the wisdom and optimism to write the book that will tell this tale somewhere down the road.

The North Shore

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CONTRIBUTORS

SARA JEWELL In her Field Notes column, Sara Jewell explores the realization she was spending too much time at her desk and not enough time in the garden, and reveals how her chickens are the best teachers when it comes to finding balance in a busy life.

Sara is the author of Field Notes: A City Girl’s Search for Heart and Home in Rural Nova Scotia. www.sarajewell.ca

TRACY STUART I won’t be happy until every last tomato in my summer garden has been stewed, roasted or simmered down into something absolutely amazing. The aromas of Mrs. Ugalini-Martelli’s secret sauce is still lingering in my kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it! Tracy holds a Master of Science degree, a Bachelor of Physical Education degree, and a chef diploma from the Natural Gourmet Institute. Outside of the academic world Tracy is a two-time World Champion and Olympic Bronze Medalist in rowing and has a passion for travel, family, food, and adventure.

AMY PUNKÉ For the past seven years Dr. Amy Punké, has been practicing as a licensed Naturopathic Doctor on the beautiful North Shore of Nova Scotia.

With her earlier education in acute care as a Respiratory Therapist, Dr. Punké’s healthcare training has spanned almost 20 years taking her to Arizona, Toronto and now back to her hometown of New Glasgow. Dr. Punké discusses how stress during these challenging times can take a toll on our mental health.

PHOTO: STEVE SMITH,VISIONFIRE STUDIOS

ALLISON GAUDETT Coastal Nova Scotia in the fall breathes crisp fresh air infused with inspiration directly into this designers soul. This season I vow to embrace warm hugs offered up by my handmade fisherman wool sweaters, relish each steaming hot coffee transported in a locally crafted mug, pause to truly appreciate the breathtaking views that surround us after each bend in the road, and elevate each day at home with purposeful planning and calculated details.

One such experience is captured in “Coming Soon: To a Backyard Near You.”

LORI BYRNE As I picked up the bits and pieces of drift word to make the sweet little spooky house in this issue’s DIY, I reflected on how summer is never long enough. The early summer sunrises find me gazing over the pond, writing on my blog, Farm Fresh Style, before heading off to work as an Interior Designer in Truro. If we’re lucky, the evenings might mean a trip to the local beach, horseback riding for the kids, a hike up Fitzpatrick Mountain or a visit across the yard with neighbours. May your home be a happy sanctuary in the midst of this current storm and I hope that you found many ways to make fond memories this summer.

DEBBI HARVIE September is always filled with excitement from back-to-school to the leaves changing colour and the smell of pumpkin spice in the air. It’s my favourite time of year. It’s also the best time to get on your bike and enjoy the fall colours that so vividly decorate our scenic landscape. And what better way to ride into fall than with Freelander Bicycles. Daryl has some amazing things on the go to inspire the young to the young-at-heart to get out and experience life on two wheels.

SARAH BUTLAND Though isolation can take a toll on one’s mental health, Butland was able to remedy that with a few seeds of hope and goals. Writing the article about Victory Gardens allowed her to reach out to neighbours while staying at home and understand different ways of finding relief.

That, along with a good book such as Spoon Stealer by local author Lesley Crewe, made Butland’s time of social distancing feel like she was surrounded by friends and travelling the world.

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CINDY BLAIR a.k.a. Cindy Lou Design Guru explores her love of décor in the autumn Thresholds feature with a nod to all things cozy. We can all define a warm and welcoming home with the addition of a snug rug or a cherished quilt.

Whether vintage, new or handmade, small changes in your seasonal décor will add feelings of cozy comfort.

STEVE SMITH I hope At Home Fall 2020 finds you and your loved ones well as these uncertain times continue. Like you, I had hoped that Fall 2020 would see us returning closer to our old “normal.”

It is happening, but slowly. We’ve likely got a ways to go yet. So please, take a few moments to enjoy our latest issue of At Home on the North Shore. Lots of lovely stories and people, and it might just remind you of what “normal” was.

Hopefully we’re headed there again.

Stay well and help keep each other safe.

KIM HART-MACNEIL I always love meeting artists that make me think a little differently about how we view the world around us. The fall issue introduces three north shore artists in the Off the Wall feature who do just that. Kim is a freelance journalist and editor East Coast Living Magazine.

The North Shore

INSIDE STORY

Little Victories Grown in History repeats itself with the return of the Victory Garden. First-time gardeners have found purpose and a greater appreciation for food grown in their own backyards. Kim Anderson of Abercrombie, daughters Marianne, Madeline, and pooch Grover, have honed a few new skills growing a variety of veggies.

The North Shore

BY SARAH BUTLAND PHOTOS BY STEVE SMITH, VISIONFIRE STUDIOS

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a Garden

V

ictory gardens were created out of necessity during the First World War as a way to supplement food rations but they’ve grown into much more than that. That the sentiment returned in 2020 should be no surprise to anyone now, though it would have been laughed at in January.

With a pandemic keeping a lot of us at home wondering what would come next, Victory Gardens helped many on the North Shore.

Robert Parker, aka Farmer Bob, of West River Greenhouses saw a tremendous boost in business. Selling out of everything food related quickly and restocking several times, even his suppliers were commenting on how hard it was to replenish due to the growing demand.

Donna Taylor of Frasers Mountain, who admittedly suffers from anxiety says, “this was actually very relaxing for me and helps to keep me focused on something else,” and planted yellow beans, cucumbers tomatoes and strawberries. This was her first time attempting a garden and had her fiancé Mike MacDonald build her raised beds.

Being at home is something we all had to quickly adapt to but the idea of grocery stores not always being able to provide what we needed was top of mind. With restrictions in place regarding shopping, it was easy to understand why people would try their hand at gardening for the first time. A positive aspect of COVID-19 is the idea that it has built a new generation of gardeners.

Supporting your neighbourhood farmer has always been important but now, more than ever, to ensure they stay in business and are available for years to come. The focus on food safety and environmental aspects of buying

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from your neighbour created a demand for local farmers.

While the interest in growing our own food has been blooming for the past ten years, Farmer Bob says the boost was “multiplied by at least four.”

Taylor planted her garden from seed and while she hasn’t tasted the produce yet, she’s eager to give it a try. When asked if she had any advice for others who are hesitating but thinking of starting their own garden she said, “Do your research. We did not research, just winged it. End result... not such a great garden. However, that will not stop us from trying again next year, after doing a little research ourselves.”

While Victory Gardens began in WWI, they were made more popular during WWII when the government encouraged residents to plant food based on the concern with food rations.

The name “Victory Garden” was adopted based on the morale booster and the idea of contributing to the war effort from home.

Now, still with a concern with food security, the real possibility of rising food prices along with the desire to find something productive to do at home, Victory Gardens are back.

With school children home and quickly bored, teaching young minds about where food comes from – not a grocery store – was important, too. Giving them something to focus on, a reason to be outside and learn something they wouldn’t normally do in school gave them a hands-on experience to be proud of.

Kimberly Anderson, full-time employee and mother of two school-aged children, had planned to camp this summer, with places in mind both in Nova Scotia and beyond. With the sense of fear and all the restrictions in place, these plans were quickly cancelled and

The North Shore

INSIDE STORY

Building their own raised beds and planting most of the veggies from seed earlier this spring has been an education for Marianne and Madeline. Both girls have also discovered a few new vegetables that they will now add to their dinner plates.

The North Shore

a new one mapped out. The family of four would grow a garden and now have the time to nurture and tend to it regularly.

Anderson said the activity was very relaxing and used it as her break, her reason to get outside after, like a lot of the population, suddenly adapting to working from home.

Having something to bring her and her children outdoors, away from screens and providing fresh blueberries and peas to snack on.

“My father passed away last fall, and he always had a garden. I miss him terribly, and when I am in the garden, I feel his “presence” and can almost hear him telling me what to do with my plants as I am tending to them. It’s one of those traditions that is grounding me.”

Anderson’s garden is full with over twenty different varieties. They supported their local

nurseries and bought seedlings for the majority while some seeds from previous years were planted. Not all has grown well enough to taste yet, like in Taylor’s garden everything was a learning experience but they both learned how therapeutic growing your own food can be.

What was born out of necessity to ensure families had healthy food on the table circa 1917 during World War I has grown into much, much more. Being as much nutrition for mental health and the soul as it is for the body and physical health. Those who grew their own garden, like Taylor and Anderson, felt a sense of victory with taking control of their well-being during very challenging times.

When first started, Victory Gardens are said to include kale, beets, beans, carrots, lettuce and cabbage. Hearty vegetables that could be used

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in many different ways and reduce waste. Charles Lathrop Pack is said to have organized the National War Garden Commission to encourage families staying at home to help do their part and export more food to allies. At the time all idle land was recommended, included school and company grounds and any available vacant lot.

Much like New Glasgow’s own Community Garden on Provost Street, the growing of vegetables one hundred years ago brought the community together while still staying apart. Carey Allen started the idea years before the pandemic but it has grown into a “Victory Garden” in many ways since.

Everyone talks of the “new normal” and wonders what life will bring when things improve but one thing is for certain, when you plant a seed of hope you bring something to look forward to for months and possibly years to come.

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The North Shore

BY KIM HART MACNEILL

THE PAINTER

OFF the WALL

The North Shore

Changing the way we think about art, three North Shore artists are inspired by local experiences, culture, and the land around them

CHRISTENE SANDESON answers the phone after finishing her morning equine chores, as she calls them. The painter lives and operates her home studio on a plot of land 10 kilometres outside Truro. As of late, her property has inspired her work, especially a particular pond.

“As a child, we had a cottage and I became very good around water,” she says. “I’ve always enjoyed water for what it does; how it can be buoyant, and how it can reflect light, and how light refracts going into it. I’m always also interested in the bottom of the pond or the bottom of the ocean.”

Sandeson’s work bridges the surreal and the real in acrylic paints to offer dream-like images to the viewer. “What surprises me about all of this, throughout all of these years, is that initially I thought people responded more to realist works. Now I’m finding that people are really responding to work that are less real, because I think it gives them more room to insert their own imagination.”

While she says she doesn’t paint for an audience, she knows she has to hook the viewer and make their eye move throughout her piece. “I’m 67. If the art is going to survive beyond me, it has to speak to a wider thought and a wider group of people who might have different kinds of thoughts.”

She sees her move toward surrealistic images as a logical progression.

Years ago, she says, her friend Regina Cooper analyzed it this way: “When you’re first learning, you’re concerned with how do you do it. What are the different mediums and there’s all this learning about the how. As you progress, maybe you narrow your focus a bit. You think what is my main subject matter, what will I create? Then as you get older, I think you start thinking why am I doing this? You have to answer all those questions. I think the how, what, why takes you through different stages of understanding.”

Find her work at christenesandesonart.ca.

Path to the Lake

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THE SCULPTOR

Thoughts and Prayers 2018

THE SCULPTOR

COVID-19 has both slowed and ignited the professional life of BRANDT EISNER. In early spring he saw the shows he had booked for 2020 cancelled as the virus stamped a question mark on the future.

“I was so devastated,” he says, “and then boom, boom, boom, the September shows just completely showed up out of nowhere. That’s a nice little reminder that the end of the world isn’t always the end of the world.”

In addition to participating in and planning a number of group shows this fall, Eisner recently became the curator at the Ice House Gallery within the Grace Jollymore Joyce Arts Centre in Tatamagouche.

“I think it’ll be great for the community to have such a burst of new things that they maybe haven’t seen before and discovering new artists that they don’t know are here in Nova Scotia,” he says.

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Judy became a fixture in LAURA KENNEY’s rugs about seven years ago. She says the tall red-headed woman “wears a black dress because it’s slimming, and so she can be ready for funeral at a moment’s notice. She’s fun and she’s dark at the same time.”

Born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, she grew up in a military family and lived all over the world, but summers spent in Nova Scotia during her childhood. When her husband was accepted to Dalhousie more than 20 years ago, the couple made the decision to call the province home.

Today they live in Truro.

There’s a definite political note to Kenney’s work, though she says she tries not to preach. In her recent work, Judy is physically pushing down on the curve to lower COVID-19 numbers and in another she pulls the Earth along in a little red wagon, destined for a cooler place. The rugs are sad and humorous at the same time. Judy knows the problems are huge, but she’s going to give it her best shot.

“I’m very unaware of this [political side] coming out and that’s the folk artist in me. It’s just blah, it’s just coming out.

I have a thought, I sketch it out, I make the rug and go to the next one. I almost think if you overthink it, you’re gonna scare it off.”

Originally, says Kenney, women would draw their own patterns on feedbags with charred wood and hook their

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Eisner was drawn to sculpture as a child. He started with flower arranging, encouraged by his grandmother while growing up in Chester Basin. “Somebody gave me these old calendars from the U.S. of florists who won these competitions,” he says. “It was like nothing I’ve ever seen. It basically was sculpture using a lot of found objects. It blew my mind.”

As a young queer kid growing up in a small community, Eisner always felt like an outsider.

“A lot of my work talks about the subtleties of how things impact you when you’re a kid. You have to be aware of things that nobody else has to be aware of. Even to this day, I’m very aware of how long walk and you know, how I sit and there are all these small things drilled into you at a young age. This is how a boy acts, this is how girl acts.”

In September, he displayed Fagus Polyporaceae at Arts Place’s outdoor exhibit space in Annapolis Royal. The wavy hot pink fungus represents gay men and boys growing up in rural areas who feel the need to hide who they are for acceptance and safety, but also those who are unapologetically proud and work to educate their communities.

See Eisner’s latest work in a group show at Ice House Gallery until Oct. 7. Find his work and other up-coming shows on Facebook by searching Brandt Eisner Artist.

Holding On

art with strips of old clothing. Later when mass-produced patterns became common, everyone hooked the same standards, like the Bluenose or floral themes.

“A really tragic thing happened,” she says. “With the pattern, everything looks the same and it was more about technique. I can look at a piece and appreciate it, but if I’m not feeling anything from it, I feel like it didn’t do it for me.

Hooking lost a bit there because I think a lot of women lost their voice.”

See Kenney’s latest rugs in a group show at Ice House Gallery until Oct. 7. See more of her work at laurakenneyrugs.ca.

The North Shore

THRESHOLDS

BY CINDY BLAIR PHOTOS BY STEVE SMITH, VISIONFIRE STUDIOS

Fall Defined: your back-to-school lesson on cozy and cute “AUTUMN…THE YEAR’S LAST, LOVELIEST SMILE.” – William Cullen Bryant autumn [noun]: the season after summer and before winter • A time of crisp breezes and apple crisp • The memory of newly sharpened pencils and the smell of freshly raked leaves • Gently fading sunshine and dipping temperatures • Our thoughts turning to all things cozy and comforting

QUIRKY QUILTS quilt [noun]: a warm bed covering made of padding enclosed between layers of fabric and kept in place by lines of stitching, typically applied in a decorative design • Frosty mornings are no match for a beautifully crafted quilt • Spend an afternoon curled up under a cherished throw reading your favourite book Quilt courtesy of Wendy Pehrsson

DON’T PUT ALL YOUR EGGS IN ONE BASKET egg [noun]: an oval object enclosed in a chalky shell

PUT THE KETTLE ON tea [noun]: a beverage prepared from tea leaves by infusion with boiling water • Soothes shattered nerves and makes everything better • Best served in a tea pot with a charming cozy

• A tasty breakfast option kept warm by an adorable egg cozy • Sunday brunch on a glorious fall morning Egg cozy courtesy of Frances Buchan

Tea pot and tea cozy courtesy of Frances Buchan

The North Shore

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IT’S A RUFF LIFE dog [noun]: a highly valuable domestic animal • Your furry best friend deserves a fashionable sweater on a frigid morning stroll • Sit. Stay. Good dog.

From the closet of Panda Blair (Cindy’s pooch)

ALL DOLLED UP doll [noun]: a small figure used as a child’s toy • A stylish outfit is a must for those chilly days spent out of the toy box • Accessorize with a matching hat and mittens Doll clothing courtesy of Frances Buchan

“THE ONLY TIME TO EAT DIET FOOD IS WHILE YOU’RE WAITING FOR THE STEAK TO COOK” – Julia Child casserole [noun]: a large covered dish used for cooking casseroles • Autumn is the best time for hearty comfort food • Created in 1955, the Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole is a classic Casserole dishes courtesy of Cindy Blair

CUT A RUG rug [noun]: a floor covering of thick woven material, typically not extending over the entire floor • Attractive way to add warmth and colour to any room • Keeps your tootsies toasty Area rug courtesy of Angela’s Home Décor

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The North Shore

COVER STORY

BY ALLISON GAUDETT PHOTOS BY STEVE SMITH, VISIONFIRE STUDIOS

Re-write the script for a fun family movie night by creating your own backyard theatre.

STARRING FINELY AND MYLÈNE MACDONALD, ALLISON GAUDETT, ELAINE AND STUART MACDONALD – AKA MEEMA AND POPS, DORIS FRASER – AKA GRAM, BETHANY, LINCOLN AND WYNN KONDRAKI, MOE AND SYDNEY – THE DOGS

The North Shore

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A few bales of hay and you’ve got the best seats in the house. Taking your home theatre outdoors means you always have room for more.

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The North Shore

COVER STORY

ABOVE: Blankets and a fire help keep things cozy

RIGHT: Neighbourhood friend, Bethany Kondraki fills

for grandparents Elaine MacDonald, Doris Fraser,

her glass with a chilled white Nova Scotian wine to pair

Stuart MacDonald and me, Alison Gaudett.

with the crisp fall air.

T

he transitional weather fall serves up has a tendency to quickly nudged me inside to snuggle in and prepare for the winter hibernation ahead. Especially after a funfilled, adventure packed summer.

However, with the world in such unpredictable flux it has been crucial for our family to extend the footprint of our home outward for as long as possible this year. Discovering new ways to find joy and excitement within a stones throw of our front door… or back door and stretch the days even though the sun bids us adieu much earlier.

Our formula for success? Simply reimagining our go-to staple family activities.

Regular dining takes on new life when there is a dress code, patio views, or layered lighting.

Yard clean-up has an ability to take on the form of fun when there is a scavenger list of items to be discovered along the way.

The North Shore

Our personal favourite: movie night turned inside-out. When our notoriously indecisive Maritime weather shows promise of several rain free days we make magic happen in our own backyard with a projector, screen and a scheme. Making it as elaborate as the heart’s desire and time allows.

HOW TO CREATE THE SPACE When planning an interior layout, start by asking yourself what functional needs you want to accommodate and where. I recommend a ‘zone’ approach if you’ll be hosting a variety of age groups with differing attention spans over any length of time. This sets an overall casual tone and as the evening unfolds allowing everyone to gravitate to where they feel most comfortable while freeing you as the host/ hostess to relax and join in on the fun.

ah! Fall 2020 - 20

For our soirée, I wanted to create three distinct zones – food, fireside, and movie viewing – that naturally played one into the next.

First, a rustic wooden table dressed with foraged seasonal branches plays anchor to drop pot-luck contributions.

Second, the crackling fire flanked by patio seating and a camp style popcorn maker for those who want to chat and be handy to the locally sourced spirits.

Third is the drive-in zone that allows the luxury of skipping the actual drive – as well as the lines at the bathrooms. A large DIY sectional sofa made of hay bales, draped with quilts, and customized with an integrated vintage truck side table provides ample seating in direct sight line of the motion picture.

Tips: Literally bring the inside out with items you already own that will help shape outdoor rooms - like durable area rugs and non-precious furniture pieces, bins and baskets, pottery and trays, floral arrangements and decorative accessories. Crisp cool nights will be of no concern if you have enough blankets.

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ah! Fall 2020

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The North Shore

COVER STORY

POT LUCK STYLE

ABOVE: Cherished family dishes and favourite recipes make it to the buffet table.

RIGHT: The movie screen was a gift to son Finley, but a white sheet can make a great surface to project onto.

BELOW RIGHT: Finley gets a little help from Gram a.k.a. Doris Fraser.

Thank you to all the front-line workers for keeping us safe

David C. Whittemore

Investment Advisor

BA, CIM

Let’s Talk: 902-752-5750

We went with a straightforward seasonal comfort-food menu inspired by recipes that felt like home for each of us – homemade mac and cheese, baked beans, honey ham, breads, pickled beets, charcuterie, salads, and pumpkin roll (a family favourite) or individual apple crisps for dessert, all of which could be prepared a day or two ahead to simplify execution.

The menu selection can and should be personal. What feels right for your family and guests?

For us, this list came together mainly because on a crisp fall evening these foods warmed the cockles of each of our hearts, filled our bellies, and reminded each of us of our childhoods.

Conversations led to adults reminiscing as I soaked in the realization that now my children will have similar memories sparked by the same scents due to nights like these.

Eating outside doesn’t have to be precious or fussy. We pulled out trays and baskets and cutting boards for ease of food transport which brought texture and beauty to the table. Pot lucks result in a mix of dishware styles and patterns, which is a perfect eclectic pallet that adds to the casual comfortable feel of the evening if you chose to embrace it.

Just set out an empty bin or basket to collect the garbage and dirtied dishes.

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Manulife Securities Incorporated The North Shore

ah! Fall 2020 - 22

Storing ice and drinks in a copper bin, or whatever you have available around the house is a simple way to get it off your limited serving surface without prohibiting access.

TECHNOLOGY The tech can be as basic to elaborate as you prefer, just like the décor. There are no firm rules.

Our projector is nothing fancy but had excellent reviews for its price point and certainly does the trick.

There are countless options on the market depending on budget and personal requirements such as size and transportability. In addition, you’ll need an extension cord, jump drive or connection to the movie source of your preference, and separate speakers for surround sound if that is available to you.

Though ‘tech’nically not grouped in the above list, the screen is a crucial part to this viewing process. A white bedsheet would more than suffice if that’s what you have on hand. We attached a prepurchased screen sheet to a quick DIY frame that we built from scrap materials for ease of install and removal – keeping in mind that the easier the set-up is the more likely we are to do this again, and again.

The projector was actually a practical gift to our son on his birthday a few years back with evenings just like this in mind.

We also put it to use inside all year.

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ah! Fall 2020

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The North Shore

COVER STORY

CONCESSION STAND A drive-in style movie isn’t complete without a trip to the concession stand – or at least that is what my family would tell you. Which is why it was well worth the effort to set up a secondary food counter near the movie screen specifically for treats. A lantern lit the zone during viewing for visiting snackers to collect popcorn with various topping options, caramel corn, gum balls, and a variety of chocolate or gummy snacks.

I recommend serving kid-friendly drinks and adult-only drinks in separate locations to avoid any confusion. The selfserve kids punch set up worked well near the concession stand for quick access while the movie was rolling. Mason jar cups with straws, labelled with each child’s name, was a simple and effective detail.

LEFT: What’s a movie without a few treats. Allison created a concession stand using an empty vintage dresser.

RIGHT: Little hands can easily help themselves to the kids beverage bar.

BELOW: Keeping adult drinks in their own space.

The North Shore

ah! Fall 2020 - 24

PUMPKIN ROLL INGREDIENTS:

ICING:

3 eggs

8 oz. cream cheese

¾ cup sugar

1 cup icing sugar

cup pumpkin (cooked) ¾ cup flour

¼ cup butter ½ tsp vanilla

1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp cinnamon ½ tsp salt ½ tsp ginger ½ tsp nutmeg INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Grease cookie sheet, place wax paper on sheet.

2. Beat eggs until white and fluffy.

3. Add sugar, beat until thick and light coloured.

4. Beat in pumpkin.

5. Put in flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and nutmeg over the top and lightly beat.

6. Pour into the cookie sheet.

7. Bake at 375° for 15 minutes. *Watch so it doesn’t get too dark.

8. Sprinkle a hand/dish towel with icing sugar.

9. Once removed from the oven flip the pumpkin bake onto the towel carefully.

10. Peel off wax paper.

11. Roll pumpkin bake up with the towel.

12. Put in fridge to cool.

13. Make icing: Beat room temperature cream cheese, butter, icing sugar, and vanilla.

14. When roll is cooled: unroll, frost, and re-roll minus the towel.

15. Slice and enjoy

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ah! Fall 2020

The North Shore

So much to discover,

Photo: Tourism Nova Scotia, Acorn Art Photography

Want help planning your staycation or daycation?

Chat with our friendly travel counsellors online at coastalnovascotia.ca #EasternShoreNICE #NorthumberlandShoreNICE #VisitNovaScotia #CanadaNICE Or pick up a guide at your local Visitor Centre.

Photo: Tourism Nova Scotia, Acorn Art Photography

Be sure to play Staycation BINGO

Several chances to win a prize.

Every time you visit a location on your bingo card, check it o and take a picture.

We are accepting bingo cards until October 31, 2020.

so close to home!

Photo: John Robert Marshall

Photo: Courtesy of Keppoch Mountain

Day trips to dream trips, we have a little something for everyone, all just down the road!

Explore the right Eastern or Northern Nova Scotia activity for you at our website.

www.coastalnovascotia.ca

INSPIRED BY NATURE

INSIDE STORY

The North Shore

How the Adventure Therapy Project is Getting People Outside

BY SARA JEWELL

T

he deaths of two good friends and a demanding job had Mike Hudson tying up his trail shoes and going for a long run to cope with his grief and stress. The more he ran outside, the better he felt. This reminded him of vacations with his wife, Ashley, and their two young daughters when they had no cell coverage or cable TV; they spent all day walking on the beach and sleeping soundly at night.

When he mentioned this to Ashley, she told him she’d noticed that her mood was affected if she was stuck inside too long.

“So we started hiking and spending more time at the beach, and we noticed a difference in our daughters’ behaviours, moods and sleeping patterns,” Mike said.

Ashley is an elementary school resource teacher in Oxford and Mike is a Community Outreach Worker with Schools Plus as well as a basketball coach.

Working in schools has shown them how little kids get outside and explore, and how they benefit from being challenged.

“Most kids talk like they are living in a video game yet have no idea what it is like to take a walk in the woods, to go looking for rocks on the beach or to even lay in the grass and look at the stars,” Mike said.

The couple had two questions: How could they help spread awareness of the benefits of being outside? How could they help people get outside to reconnect with nature and fun?

TOP: Sarah Henley sports her Adventure Therapy Project hoody at the shore.

BOTTOM: When not organizing public events, Mike and Ashley make a point of hiking with their two daughters as often as possible.

ah! Fall 2020 - 28

Friends Ann Harrison and Debbie Field walk the TransCanada Trail through Oxford almost daily.

In 2018, they came up with their answer: The Adventure Therapy Project.

They incorporated the word ‘therapy’ into the name because of their experience with family members who cope with mental health issues using less than healthy or productive ways.

“It’s our attempt to get people outside in nature, too boost their mental and physical health,” explained Mike. “We live in a world full of screens and stress but we’re not telling people to throw away their phones and TVs and move into a hut in the woods. We’re simply hoping they get outside once or twice a week.”

The Adventure Therapy Project started with several youth programs during

In 2019, the Adventure Therapy Project hosted the first March Break Camp for children aged seven to 12 at the outdoor school at the local school. The camp included this fire-building competition.

Responding in extraordinary times.

 Read the full story at: aberdeenhealthfoundation.ca/response

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ah! Fall 2020

As Nova Scotians and the rest of the world grapple with the dramatic effects of COVID-19, we have come to rely on health care professionals and support staff more than ever. Since the pandemic began, the Aberdeen Health Foundation has worked closely with the Nova Scotia Health team to provide rapid and timely support.

To date, $380,000 in funding has been approved for equipment that will provide additional COVID-preparedness for our community.

The North Shore

INSIDE STORY

TOP: Brody Kouwenberg, Cali and Aubree Hudson participated in a fun run in Oxford.

BOTTOM: “The Cumberland Crusaders” running team took part in the Cabot Relay in Cape Breton in 2019.

The North Shore

March Break in 2019, including a guided nature hike, a snowshoe walk, and a campfire. In early December, a day-long “survival skills” program taught kids how to build a shelter, make a fire, and filter water.

“We were worried it was going to be too long outside and too cold, because it was a whole day,” Mike said, “but at the end, the kids said, ‘We should do this overnight’.”

There were comments about ‘letting kids play with fire’ but he said the point of the program is to learn a new skill so there are steps to follow and safety rules.

“There’s that bit of risk which is good for kids so they learn to adapt and solve problems. We don’t let kids problem solve enough,” he added, “and we don’t give them enough credit for how well they problem solve.”

Ashley observed this when the participants were put into teams, given supplies then told to build a shelter.

“Everyone’s shelter was different but they had an explanation for why they did the things they did.”

Both she and Mike are aware of the contrast of their childhoods – when they spent all day outside playing – and their daughters’.

“How many times do we say ‘Be careful’ and ‘Don’t do that’ and ‘Watch what you’re doing’? So we’re not only inspiring kids, we’re inspiring parents as well to let them go out and play and get dirty,” she said.

The Adventure Therapy Project is about benefiting adults as well so Mike and Ashley have found ways to inspire the entire community. While getting outside is about getting away from TVs and videos games, they do use technology to reach out to people.

“We did a walk through the new bunny trail in Oxford and posted it online and now you see other people posting photos of walking the bunny trail,” said Mike.

They also put out a call for ambassadors, people who will wear The Adventure

TransCanada Trail supporters Mike Hudson, Maxine Clarke, Greg Nix and Al Clarke clean up after Hurricane Dorian.

ah! Fall 2020 - 30

The Adventure Therapy Project organized a hike in February

Therapy Project gear and post photos on social media of what they’re doing and where they’re doing it.

“We don’t realize how lucky we are,” Mike said. “Cumberland County is one of the most scenic areas. There’s so much to do. A lot of people don’t know what’s out there, so we try to highlight trails, waterfalls, and beaches.”

The reward for these two parents, however, is seeing the positive impact all this adventure therapy is having on their eight-year-old daughter.

“Aubree’s at the point where she selfcopes,” explained Mike. “She’ll say she needs to go outside and do survival.”

Blue, checks out the bench on

to encourage people to get

the Bunny Trail alongside the

outside even in the winter.

TransCanada Trail in Oxford.

Home cooking starts here.

We still live in very new-to-us times. Things aren’t quite the same as once before. But with all the changes in our world, some things still ring true caring for others and family. Through the fall season, we want to give thanks to all of our friends and neighbours, for all we are doing apart... together. * Offer valid on purchases made in our Westville Road or Denmark locations before December 1st, 2020. This offer is not redeemable for cash or gift cards, nor is it valid toward previous purchases. Offer may not be combined with any other coupons, discounts, offers, or promotions. Void if altered or copied.

Offer valid on in-stock items only. No rain checks issued. Other restrictions may apply.

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Allicia Payne’s border collie,

ah! Fall 2020

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The North Shore

ADVERTISING

Take it Outside on the North Shore Riding the Rails

BY SALLY O’NEILL

This has been the year of the staycation in Atlantic Canada.

Beaches, mountain tops, epic waterfalls, we have it all! Pair with delicious local foods, unique beverages, history, and culture, and you’ve got the trip of a lifetime, right here at home.

Cycling has become incredibly popular. The North Shore is home to a beautiful piece of the Trans Canada Trail, built on the bed of the abandoned Shortline Railway. Once a busy route for transporting coal, the railway travels from Pictou to Oxford through towns, villages, and quaint rural communities bustling with harvest markets, eateries, microbreweries, and historic sites.

The ride between PICTOU AND TATAMAGOUCHE is a wonderful trip, no matter which direction you come from.

If you’re an experienced cyclist, assume a minimum of two and a half hours to go the whole distance, one way. Estimate three hours, or more, if you’re planning to stop and explore. From point to point and back is approximately 110 kilometres. A great day trip can be made going out in the morning, lunching in Pictou or Tatamagouche, and heading back in the afternoon. If more than 100 kilometres is too challenging, or time is tight, here are three possible routes between Pictou and Tatamagouche. (Distances are one-way.)

YOU’LL NEED: a bike with tires that can manage a bit of gravel. Water, extra bike tube and kit, first aid items, mobile phone. (Poor cell service in some areas.)

PICTOU TO SCOTSBURN

SCOTSBURN TO RIVER JOHN

12.7 KM | 45 MIN

22.4 KM | 1 HR AND 20 MIN

WHAT YOU’LL SEE: Waterfront boardwalk and marina, farmland and forest.

WHAT YOU’LL SEE: Bridges, one at Meadowville, and a spectacular long trestle bridge at River John, stunning view of the river.

Fields and forests, beaver dam

DeCoste Performing Arts Centre 99 Water Street, Pictou | decostecentre.ca Pictou Waterfront and Hector Heritage Quay 33 Caladh Ave, Pictou | shiphector.ca Ship Hector Historic, 1773 Landing Site, Brown’s Point (access directly from the Jitney Trail) Uncle Leo’s Microbrewery 2623 NS Route 376, Lyon’s Brook | uncleleosbrewery.ca Pipers Landing Restaurant, 2656 Route 376, Lyon’s Brook | piperslandingrestaurant.com Pictou Lunch Box and Birchwood Campground, 2521 Route 376, Lyon’s Brook. birchwoodcampground.ca (Korean and Asian cuisine) Deb’s Hidden Café 4149 Scotsburn Rd, Scotsburn | debshiddencafe.ca

River John Bridge Access from the Trailhead near the Royal Canadian Legion, 2506 River John Road River John Village | riverjohn.com Yap’s Place Restaurant 1969 NS Route 6, River John (Chinese and Canadian cuisine)

RIVER JOHN TO TATAMAGOUCHE 22 KM | 1 HR AND 15 MIN WHAT YOU’LL SEE: Forests and farmland, wetlands and large sandstone culverts.

Bridges span the Wallace River, French River, Waugh River Tatamagouche Brewery 235 Main St, Tatamagouche | tatabrew.com Creamery Square 39 Creamery Rd, Tatamagouche | creamerysquare.ca Contains the Saturday Farmers Market, Arts Centre, Museum

Chowder House 265 Main St, Tatamagouche facebook.com/pages/Chowder%20House/182100848524164/ UNIQUE STAYS: Train Station Inn 21 Station Road, Tatamagouche | tatatrainstation.com Restored train station with railcar accommodations.

Famous for: Overnight stay in a real historic railcar.

Smith Rock Chalets 310 Fitzpatrick Mountain Rd, Scotsburn | smithsrockchalets.com A woodland lodge perched at the top of Fitzpatrick Mountain.

Hotel-style rooms and cottages.

Famous for: Panoramic hilltop views, hiking trails Pictou Lodge Beach Resort 172 Lodge Rd, Pictou (Braeshore) | pictoulodge.com Premier Atlantic Canada resort on the Caribou Beach.

Hotel-style rooms and cottages.

Famous for: Beautiful, long, sandy beach, “Taste of Nova Scotia” seafood dining Customs House Inn 38 Depot St, Pictou | customshouseinn.ca Restored former Customs Office.

Famous for: Historic architecture

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THE LIBRARY

Cape Breton author Lesley Crewe’s newest book The Spoon Stealer will be stealing hearts in no time. Primarily set in England, like all of Crewe’s stories, this one is about family and, in particular, the North Shore we all know and love.

Much can transpire when someone hosts a writers meeting at a library as a collection of passionate people congregate and form bonds surprising to those who take part. And that’s what happens in Joyce’s memoir class as strangers come together to read aloud their life stories. Emmeline’s was the only one who hooked the listeners and for very good reasons.

Emmeline, among the rest of the characters in this book, and trust me when I say all the characters had a lot of spunk and aspects to be remembered by, were inspired by members of Crewe’s own family.

While growing up in wartime, Emmeline was the youngest of five and had two brothers who went to war while two, for very different reasons, stayed home.

Crewe, with stories of loss and love first with pages of a memoir and then through present day, beautifully laid out the importance of family, no matter if it’s by blood or through friendship. A family war torn and dealing with mental health issues, everyone can relate to the tragic decisions mixed with spoonful’s of kindness that link us all together through trying times.

During World War I and II, those who stayed home were asked to grow what we now know as Victory Gardens, giving those who couldn’t be on the frontlines tasks to do. These gardens fed not only the appetites of those eagerly waiting for word from the soldiers but the souls of those mourning.

Just as it took a spoonful of milk at a time for Teddy, Emmeline’s dearest brother, to rescue a kitten, in a world overcome with negativity it can just be a matter of sharing a tiny bit of kindness from whatever garden you grow to heal the world.

Crewe’s The Spoon Stealer offers that healing and connection we all need no matter the battle we’re fighting. While primarily set in England, everything starts and ends with a small farm on the North Shore of Nova Scotia and, while family is certainly what you make it, this line sums up the story nicely, “He’d called her a little old British lady. But she wasn’t. She never had been.

She was a Canadian farm girl. Whose only family was a dog.”

A REVIEW BY SARAH BUTLAND

TABITHACO.CA PICTOU, NS AS SEEN IN

902.759.7715

BRITISH

HELLO@TABITHACO.CA VALÉRIE LEDUC PHOTOGRAPHY

The North Shore

Visit our website athomeonthenorthshore.ca

ah! Fall 2020 - 34

E

arlier this year, in the Time Before, a friend told me I needed more balance in my life, and she gave voice to the word to describe how I was feeling.

It’s been obvious for the last couple of years that I was spending too much time sitting at my desk and exclaiming too often, “I’m so busy!”

With three freelance jobs, I’d lost the balance between inside work and outside work. I still had my walks, still had time in nature, still turned my phone off at eight o’clock every evening, but it was clear I needed to reorganize my priorities because I was missing one of the most important activities of my life in rural Nova Scotia – gardening.

Cue the pandemic and the resulting shutdown; I went from three jobs to one. Then the mass killings happened, followed by the military helicopter crash, then the Black Lives Matter protests.

There was so much to think and worry about, and plenty of time to do it. It was overwhelming and exhausting.

Since the weather was (unusually) warm and dry, I started going outside every evening after supper to rake the yard. I needed to be outside, away from my desk, away from social media, away from the news.

I needed to quiet the noise in my head. As I raked, I remembered how therapeutic physical labour can be. I rediscovered the satisfaction of seeing immediate results – tidy garden beds and piles of leaves and sticks. I found what I’d been missing – balance.

Once the growing season started, I spent every evening outside working in the gardens, planting and watering and weeding. In just a few weeks, I realized I was busier than ever, but it was the right kind of busy – the balance between words and worms, digging into stories and digging in the dirt, planting ideas and planting seeds.

Albert Einstein said, “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”

We can’t sit all the time. We need to keep moving with the flow of our lives, but we also need, more than ever, to

35 -

ah! Fall 2020

keep moving our bodies in order to calm our minds. Turn off the television and put down the phone in order to go for a walk, float in the ocean, water the sunflowers, pick berries. Whatever lets the body move and the mind rest.

How could I forget the ongoing chore of cleaning the chicken coop? No matter the season, this is a guaranteed break from the sitting, staring, and scrolling work. When I need the sense of accomplishment that comes with physical effort, there’s always the chicken coop to clean.

The chickens didn’t know about the pandemic and the stay-at-home orders. The chickens didn’t know about the unimaginable losses and the national mourning. The chickens continued to do what chickens do every day in every season: poop and lay an egg.

They provide their own unique lessons in balance and calm.

We let a broody hen hatch out a chick, and at least once every day during the weeks the hen and her fuzzy baby roamed the yard, I sat and watched them together. I listened to them talk to each other, and I observed the hen’s work of teaching her chick how to be a chicken – this is how to scratch for food, this is how to watch for danger, this is how to bathe in the dirt, and perhaps most importantly, at least for the observing human, this is how to snuggle in under a wing and rest after a long day.

Ah, but there is no rest for the wicked or the working.

All that planting and watering and weeding means there’s more work to be done, but after the picking and the chopping and the cooking, those jars of pickles and relish and salsa will be nourishing reminders about the power of balance.

The North Shore

ON THE TABLE

jill

LINQUIST

CHEF @ HOME

During the pandemic, many of us have found more time to explore our culinary spirits and discover that cooking is fun! While it has been great to get back to our local eateries this summer, fall just might be stirring up an appetite for more At Home Chef adventures. For the next several issues we are going to introduce you to some great home chefs. Jill Linquist, President of Raging Crow Distillery in North River brings her love for creating great food with a fall dinner menu full of fabulous fall flavours.

The North Shore

When COVID-19 arrived in March we were told to stay in our homes and to minimize our contact with others. Fortunately, throughout the summer we were slowly granted more freedom to socialize with others within our bubble while still generally practicing social distancing. Now the cooler weather will send us back into our kitchens and encourage many to further develop their newly-acquired pandemic cooking skills.

The fall is such a wonderful time of year for those of us who love to cook as is usually the time when menus shift to heartier meals that fill our kitchens with enticing aromas. There is also an amazing abundance of produce at our local farmers’ markets as well as from our own gardens. This makes the fall a perfect time to connect and socialize with friends over an elegant, yet simple to prepare, home-cooked dinner.

My suggested menu for a small, social gathering would be a fresh green salad presented in its own phyllo “bowl,” beef tenderloin in a mustard dill sauce, cauliflower parsnip puree (which I refer to as faux potatoes), green beans, roasted carrots and finished with a wonderful buttermilk panna cotta with caramel sauce. Most of these items can be prepared ahead of time and finished just prior to serving which will provide you the time to socialize with guests throughout the meal.

Be safe. Be social.

ah! Fall 2020 - 36

Fall BACK IN LOVE

with cooking PHOTOS BY STEVE SMITH, VISIONFIRE STUDIOS

PHYLLO WRAPPED SALAD BOWL WITH MUSTARD BALSAMIC DRESSING SERVES 6 PHYLLO WRAPPED SALAD

PREPARATION

3 sheets of phyllo pastry

1. To prepare the salad bowl, lay one sheet of phyllo dough on your

Olive oil for brushing

work surface and lightly brush with olive oil and about a Tbsp of

¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

parmesan cheese. Cut the sheet in half lengthwise. Take the half

3 heaping cups of mixed greens

sheet and fold lengthwise twice to create a band about 1 ½ inches

1 cup of sprouts (optional) 2 ripe avocados peeled and thinly sliced

wide. Repeat with the remaining phyllo sheets.

2. Lightly oil a six-cup muffin tin and fit a band of phyllo inside each

1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved

cup lightly pressing it against the sides. Take six sheets of tin foil and

½ cup toasted pine nuts

crunch them into a ball and place in the centre of each phyllo ring.

3. Bake at 350°F for 5 to 8 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

MUSTARD BALSAMIC DRESSING 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar 1 ½ Tbsp Dijon mustard 1 clove garlic, minced cup olive oil Salt and pepper

Remove from the oven, take out the foil balls and let cool.

4. For the dressing, whisk together the vinegar, mustard and garlic.

Slowly pour in the oil while continuously whisking. Season with salt and pepper and toss with salad greens.

5. To serve, place one phyllo bowl on each plate and fill with dressed greens, avocado slices and sprouts, if using. Tongs are the best way to get the greens to stand up in the bowl. Arrange tomatoes around the bowl and sprinkle with pine nuts. A Balsamic glaze will add flair to the presentation.

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ah! Fall 2020

The North Shore

ON THE TABLE

BEEF TENDERLOIN IN MUSHROOM DILL SAUCE SERVES 6 INGREDIENTS

PREPARATION

4 Tbsp unsalted butter

1. Melt the butter in a 12 inch heavy duty skillet over Medium high heat.

18 oz Cremini mushrooms, sliced ¼ in

Add the mushrooms. Season with salt and cook, stirring occasionally

thick

until golden , about 8 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium, add the

¾ cup minced shallots

shallots and cook until softened about 3 minutes,. Remove the skillet

3 Tbsp Cognac

from the heat and add the cognac stirring to deglaze the pan. Add

1 ¼ cup low salt beef broth

the broth, bring to a boil over medium heat, reduce heat to low and

1 ½ Tbsp vegetable oil

simmer for 3 minutes. Cover the skillet and set aside.

6 – 6 oz beef tenderloin steaks about

2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a 12 inch cast iron skillet over medium-

an inch thick

high heat. Pat the steaks dry and season generously on both sides

5 Tbsp sour cream

with salt and pepper. When the pan is very hot, sear the steaks until

1 ½ Tsp Dijon mustard

a dark crust forms about 4 to 5 minutes. Turn the steaks, and cook

1 Tbsp minced fresh dill

about 5 minutes more for medium rare. Remove the skillet from the heat, transfer the steaks to a platter, tent with foil and let rest for 5 minutes.

3. Scrape the mushroom mixture into the cast iron skillet. Add the sour cream and mustard, stirring until heated through. Stir in the dill.

4. Transfer the steaks to plates, spoon the sauce over and serve. Garnish with fresh dill

The North Shore

ah! Fall 2020 - 38

CAULIFLOWER PARSNIP PUREE SERVES 6 – TO ACCOMPANY BEEF TENDERLOIN INGREDIENTS

PREPARATION

I head cauliflower florets

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add cauliflower and parsnips

2 Parsnips peeled and put into small chunks

and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and puree using an

Milk

immersion blender or place in a blender. Add a small amount of milk until the desired creamy texture is reached. Season with salt and pepper.

Salt and pepper

2. The puree can be made ahead of time and reheated just before serving.

BUTTERMILK PANNA COTTA WITH CARAMEL SAUCE SERVES 6 FOR THE SAUCE

SAUCE PREPARATION

¾ cup granulated sugar

1. Add the sugar, honey and ¼ cup water in a heavy duty saucepan and whisk to

1 Tbsp honey

combine. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally and washing

¾ cup heavy cream

down the sides of the pan with a wet pastry brush, until the sugar dissolves, about

1 tsp vanilla extract

3 to 5 minutes. Lower the heat to medium and boil vigorously without stirring

¼ tsp salt

until golden in colour. If you have a candy thermometer is should read 350°F. Continue to hold for 5 or 10 minutes until the mixture is an even dark colour.

FOR THE PANNA COTTAS 1 ½ cups heavy cream 2 ½ tsp unflavoured gelatine powder cup sugar

2. Once completely amber coloured, lower the heat to a simmer and add the cream in a slow, think stream while whisking. Simmer for 3 minutes , whisking occasionally.

3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and salt. Let cool to room temperature.

1 ½ cups buttermilk 1 tsp vanilla extract

PANNA COTTA PREPARATION

Pinch of salt

1. Lightly spray six 6-8 oz. ramekins with cooking spray.

2. Put the cream in a saucepan and sprinkle with the gelatine. Allow the gelatine to soften for about 5 minutes. Place the saucepan over low heat and whisk in the sugar until the gelatine and the sugar and completely dissolved, 2 to 3 minutes. Avoid simmering and remove from heat if you see bubbles. Off the heat, whisk in the buttermilk, vanilla and salt.

3. Transfer the mixture to a large measuring cup and divide among the prepared ramekins. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate until set, 1 to 2 hours.

4. Serve the panna cottas with the caramel sauce in their ramekins or unmould.

The sauce and the panna cottas can be made one day ahead and refrigerated covered.

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The North Shore

THE STREAM

BY DEBBI HARVIE PHOTOS BY STEVE SMITH, VISIONFIRE STUDIOS

BELT IT OUT! Westville’s Daryl Ingram up-cycles old bikes to tread lightly on the earth

I

t doesn’t take much to see Daryl Ingram’s love of bicycles. The way his voice gets excited when he recounts tales of cycle tours is enough to get anyone interested to go for a spin. So it’s no wonder he’s spent the last seven years salvaging what he can of bicycles, diverting them from the landfill to create unique items and reclaimed bicycles.

Bicycles have always held a certain mystique for Ingram, but it wasn’t until he was dropping something off at the landfill almost a decade ago, that he noticed a beautiful, old bicycle sitting there waiting to be destroyed.

“I just thought, it was such a shame that these beautiful bikes were being discarded for new ones,” recalls Ingram.

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He pulled it from the wreckage with the notion to restore it to its former glory so that someone else might enjoy it and get some use from it.

“The idea was to build bicycles for comfort. I’ve always seen bicycles as a great means of transportation, a way to get people where they need to go in comfort,” he explains. “It’s a third option for people looking to buy a bicycle.”

Ingram says the first option is to go to a “big box store” and purchase a cheap bicycle that might last a year or two and then be sent to the landfill.

The second option is to go to a custom bike shop, but that can get very costly if you aren’t a serious cyclist. This third option, catered more to the commuter

or transportation cyclists, would be to have a reclaimed bicycle that has been stripped down to the frame and restored to almost new condition.

What Ingram soon realized, however, is that while he was saving bicycles from the landfill, there were still so many parts of the bicycle that were being discarded.

“It really amounted to only about 50% of the parts that were being saved and the rest were ending up back at the landfill,” he notes.

That’s when Ingram’s business, Freelander Bicycles, really flourished.

Ingram took some time to investigate and seek out different crafts made from bicycle parts. He first stumbled upon Picasso’s Bull’s Head from 1942,

ah! Fall 2020 - 40

which Ingram refers lovingly to as bicycle taxidermy.

Ingram began taking bicycle seats and handle bars and creating bulls and other animals to sell alongside his reclaimed bicycles.

But it didn’t stop there.

He then realized that he could divert old bicycle tires and use them to create belts.

“I made one for myself and I really liked it, so I decided to keep making them because it diverted a lot of material from the landfill.”

The bicycle tire belts were so popular at local markets, in fact, that Ingram struggled to keep up with demand.

Ingram was able to work with Divert Nova Scotia to get access to their bicycle tire recycle program to get more stock for his belts and now they can be found at Forge Home and Garden in New Glasgow and The Trainyard General Store in Dartmouth.

The buckles for his belts come from thrift store finds and any leftover leather from the thrift store belts is either used to create utility straps or dog leashes and any additional leather aside from that is traded with another local crafter for more belt buckles.

Ingram has also dabbled in creating earrings from bicycle chains with the hope of having one set of earrings for each month of the year for sale, as well as bicycle chain key chains.

“My only limit to growth is my own time and lack of administrative ability,” he laughs.

WHAT CAN YOU DO AT HOME? • Make a milk carton coin purse • Make green bin liners from newspaper • Make bird feeders from milk cartons • Make reusable bags from Kool-Aid jammer packages • Make an egg carton garden Are you interested in learning how to do these crafts and so much more?

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Many people have been doing what they can at home to reduce, reuse, and recycle. But as Sasha Barnard, Regional Educator for Pictou County Solid Waste notes, it’s more than the three R’s now. A main focus for Pictou County Solid Waste and Divert Nova Scotia is to educate people on diverting or repurposing household items so they don’t end up in the landfill.

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The North Shore

HEALTHY AT HOME

P THE NATURE OF

Naturopathic Medicine

BY DR. AMY PUNKÉ

Dr. Amy Punké is a member in good standing with the Nova Scotia Association of Naturopathic Doctors (NSAND) and the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND). Licensed with the College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta (CNDA).

The North Shore

reparing this article has been somewhat therapeutic for me. Like many of you, I am sharing in the different themes created by this time of pandemic. I have experienced moments of grief, loss, fear, helplessness, worry and anger.

In a way, we are all going through the stages of grief that are often identified as denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.

The five stages of grief that were first proposed by Elisabeth KüblerRoss in her 1969 book, On Death and Dying are a part of a framework that helps those learning to live with the loss of a loved one. But as we have seen with the lock-down and the massive change in the world as we know it, many of us are experiencing a sense of loss on many different levels; a loss of community and connection, financial loss, a loss of the arts and culture, a loss of family and support, loss of government resources and aid and, the list goes on.

While the phrases, “We are all in the same boat” and, “We are all in this together,” have become popular when trying to comfort each other -- in reality, this could not be farther from the truth.

I am reminded of a short poem by Damian Barr, columnist and author of You Will Be Safe that went viral on Twitter back in April. His words resonated with many and became a beacon of hope for mental health awareness around the world, “We are not all in the same boat. We are all in the same storm. Some are on super-yachts. Some have just the one oar.”

Indeed, “Issues of health disparities have been present for decades, but the pandemic has placed a magnifying glass on them,” explains Mary Brucker, PhD. In her article In the Same Storm but Different Boats Dr. Brucker reports, “During the pandemic, there has been a disproportionate burden of illness and death among racial and ethnic minority groups. The colour of skin does not mean a genetic difference but, rather, is a surrogate for issues of social determinants of health.”

Cynthia Manley is a Counselling Therapist for children and runs a private practice in downtown New Glasgow. The biggest challenges her clients and families are facing due to the pandemic has been an overwhelming sense of isolation, sense of loss, fear and frustration.

“Parents/guardians are struggling with keeping up routines and having to be so many things to their children: teacher, summer camp counsellor, mental health counsellor, and so on,” Cynthia explains.

“Since school finished in June, those pressures have lessened a little, but there is still a lack of adult time and opportunities to take a break.

There has been so much uncertainty around the coming school year and that is hard on parents as well.”

Hannah MacNeil works with Early Childhood Intervention in Pictou County and is a mother of two young adolescent boys. She has seen a lot more stress and anxiety both with the families she works with and with her own children.

She stresses the importance of communicating with your children. “My son does not like to talk about his anxiety,” Hannah explains, “But we found it helpful if we played cards or a board game while asking him some questions.

This helped take away some of the stress and he was more talkative.”

ah! Fall 2020 - 42

“Children also need to feel heard and know that their feelings are understandable,” adds Cynthia Manley. “Sometimes it’s more helpful to listen to children, name the feelings you hear them expressing, and tell them that these feelings are normal and make sense.”

We, as adults need to listen to our own feelings, too. Try to be gentle and compassionate with yourself, and honour how you are feeling and take time to grieve the losses you have experienced. Avoid social media (or set a time limit) and watch for mindless scrolling online that may lead to feelings of comparison and judgment.

“We know children do well with structure (e.g., routine meals and a set bedtime), and so do the adults,” says Hannah MacNeil. “Your children will mimic you and how you handle your stress. Setting small goals and some self-care can have a huge impact for your health and the entire household.”

Most importantly, know you are not alone. While many of us have been enjoying the changes due to the pandemic – perhaps more downtime time with their family and loved ones – others have not.

Some may feel like their boat is sinking, and they can barely stay afloat.

Here are some important resources: Strongest Families Institute https://strongestfamilies.com/ Provincial Mental Health Crisis and Addictions Crisis Line 1-888-429-8167 NSHA Mental Health and Addiction services https://mha.nshealth.ca/en/coronavirus

“We are not all in the same boat. We are all in the same storm.

Some are on superyachts. Some have just the one oar .”

— Damian Barr

As many of us have begun the ‘acceptance’ stage of the pandemic, learning to adapt to the new normal, many individuals are still in survival mode. As Damien Barr’s poem concludes so eloquently, “So, friends, we are not in the same boat. We are going through a time when our perceptions and needs are completely different. And each one will emerge, in his own way, from that storm.”

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The North Shore

INSIDE STORY

TO PRUNE

OR NOT TO PRUNE THAT IS THE QUESTION.

BY CRYSTAL MURRAY PHOTOS BY STEVE SMITH, VISIONFIRE STUDIOS It seems like yesterday that the first hints of yellow from the forsythia bushes started to cheer up the garden and the hostas unfurled themselves after they made their welcomed return after a long winter sleep. But here we are saying good-bye to one of the strangest summers in recent history and questioning what the fall will bring.

Well, with all of the uncertainty of those opened ended questions At Home wants to share with you some definitive answers about pruning and putting your garden to rest. It worked hard this year!

To find the answers At Home reached out to ISA Certified Arbourist Jeremy LeClair.

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ah! Fall 2020 - 44

AH: Okay Jeremy, the question that everyone wants answered.

When should we prune. Spring or fall?

JEREMY: First of all I want to say, my views are coming from an Arbourist point of view. Some gardeners may see things differently, but I stand firm on what I say.

What season depends on the objective of the pruning but this one goes to spring. Most routine pruning like removing dead or damaged branches can be done any time of year. Most recent studies have shown that trees actually rebound best from pruning during their most active growing periods, which would be spring. On the other hand, some fruit trees that are prone to fungal issues are best to hold off until the major wet period of spring is over.

AH: What trees and shrubs should be pruned in fall?

JEREMY: Mostly shade and street trees can be pruned at any time of year but when it comes to fall pruning it’s not so much about the species of plant to prune but more so the condition of it. With snow on its way, you may want to gear some pruning towards damage prevention. Wet snow and ice can break many branches so by tipping a few back to reduce larger sections from breaking may be a good approach. Russian sage, a small woody plant is one that we always tip back during our fall cleanups. They grow quite lanky and are very fragile so by cutting it back by half you can reduce the chances of larger sections breaking off. We do the same with butterfly bushes. Sometimes you may need to sacrifice some spring flowering by doing some fall pruning if there are some shrubs that are extremely out of control.

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AH: Pruning forces new growth. When does it become too late to prune so plants can harden off in the winter?

JEREMY: Some types of pruning can promote a flush of growth. If your looking to tidy up some of your hedges and shrubs, then I would say you should be fine to clip off the stragglers right up to early October.

If you’re practicing proper pruning on trees then you likely won’t be promoting a whole lot of new growth. Heading cuts, which is not recommended for trees are the types of cut that promote excessive growth. Choose your pruning methods wisely.

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1389 Louisville Road, River John 902 351 2594 lismoresheepfarmwoolshop.com The North Shore

INSIDE STORY

AH: Let’s talk perennials. What should be cut back in the fall or just leave to die off in the winter?

JEREMY: If you have time to cut back some plants then go for it. Hostas, lilies and peonies are all worth cleaning up but some folks will leave sedums, astilbe and hydrangea macrophylla up for winter interest. There are a few opinions on cutting ornamental grasses. We like to leave them up as some have nice structure and are a great winter garden display although they can be very messy depending on the location exposure.

If you have heavy-seeding perennials, you’ll need to decide whether or not you want them to spread. If your Brown-eyed Susans have started taking over the landscape, then make sure to dead head them in the fall to reduce the spreading. Now if you’re looking for that to happen, leave them or collect them and spread the seeds where you would like to see them take off.

AH: Tips for pruning popular shrubs?

JEREMY: Some may have different opinions, but my biggest recommendation would be to put down the shears and pick up a pair of hand pruners. There’s nothing wrong with shearing many shrubs but doing it over and over without any thinning will shade out all interior leaves and make the shrub harder to keep at the desired height. Boxwoods are definitely a plant that can handle a decent amount of shearing but I always hand prune out

entire twigs evenly throughout the shrub.

Allowing light to enter will keep some of the interior leaves allowing for more versatility in what you want the shrub to look like. Some shrubs require very little pruning. Rhododendron for example.

Other than pruning out dead or broken branches you can pretty much leave it be, that’s if you have given it enough room to grow. If keeping it confined is required, always prune a branch back to a lateral to avoid unsightly stubs. Spireas come in many varieties. They can definitely be sheared for a compact manicured look but I prefer them loose and airy so going in to prune out older wood is my approach.

The older stems usually are greyer in colour but have an obvious new shoot coming off of it. Beyond that new shoot is usually a section with spent flowers and dead; cut the branch off directly above the new shoot. This will really thin it out once you have gone through it but after a little tipping back, it will look just fine, especially for several years to come.

AH: What is the biggest mistake people make pruning in the fall?

JEREMY: Cutting back the flower buds resulting in a drastic decrease in spring flowering.

AH: Besides pruning, what fall work should be done in the garden before the snow flies?

JEREMY: I would say raking your leaves is definitely important. Other than keeping

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ah! Fall 2020 - 46

your garden tidy, it reduces the chance for leaves with disease or pest issues to re-appear next year. I use the word reduce because the odds that your neighbours didn’t take the same measures is possible and their leaves could easily contaminate your plants. Maple tar spot on Norway maples is an example.

Wrapping or caging your trees and shrubs are both common practice. Not only will it help to prevent damage such as sunscald, desiccation (drying out) and falling snow from roofs breaking branches but it will help reduce the amount of grazing from deer. We have noticed in the fall that the bucks tend to choose landscape plants to rub their antlers on rather then the thousands of trees in the surrounding woods.

If you have fragile plants in your garden that you would hate to step on once the snow blankets the ground, be sure to highlight it. Maybe it’s adding a tomato cage on it or placing a marker beside it.

AH: Is it ok to use branches and clippings from trees and shrubs for holiday décor?

JEREMY: Well that all depends on how much you harvest. Shrubs such as red osier dogwoods can handle a fair amount of cutting and actually will benefit from rejuvenation pruning in the spring to promote a new growth of vibrant red twigs. So clipping off a bunch before holidays should not harm it at all.

Evergreens are a little different. Cutting

off a bunch of pine bows on a small scale tree will only reduce its needle coverage and limit the amount of photosynthesizing it needs to operate. If you’re looking for pine, hemlock or fir bows, I would recommend supporting your local Christmas tree supplier or asking a friend with a woodlot if you can cut a bit. Most berries are ok to harvest but if it’s coming from your garden, remember to save some beauty for your winter landscape.

AH: Is planting in the fall ok?

JEREMY: It sure is. Spring would be my first choice as that gives the entire season to establish roots but there is nothing wrong with fall planting. Now fall is from September 22nd to December 21st this year sow when referring to fall I’m usually speaking about September and October.

We have successfully planted later than that but why take a chance? If you are planning on putting a tree or shrub in the ground this fall just avoid wet areas. You will likely see that the frost may heave your plant partially out of the ground.

ONE LAST TIP: Pruning trees is completely different than pruning shrubs.

Shrubs can usually handle aggressive pruning year after year, however, with trees you need to be mindful of how much you take off. Each cut on a tree can have detrimental effects to its life and growth.

Be purposeful when pruning trees or ask a professional for advice.

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ah! Fall 2020

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MRS. UGALINIMARTELLI’S

Sauce SECRET

BY TRACY STUART

MEDALING WITH MY FOOD Tracy is an Olympic medalist and has a Chef’s Diploma from the Natural Gourmet Institute for Health and Culinary Arts.

E

very summer during my time on the Olympic team I had the good fortune of spending a month in Italy, a place where we’d call home during our World Cup season. It wasn’t hard to fall in love with the food, although being a lightweight and having to make weight was torturous at times. Watching the heavyweights enjoying homemade pasta and tomato sauce left my mouth watering as I sat among them eating my clean house salad with a bit of protein. I vowed that when my lightweight days were over I’d return to Italy and experience everything that the Nona’s and chef’s had to offer.

Little did I know that during this same time frame, my now husband was enjoying his final semester of university in Florence where he honed his Italian language skills and learned to make the most incredible pasta sauce I have ever tasted.

It wasn’t until two summers ago, when we were harvesting tomatoes from our own garden in River John, that the secret sauce was revealed. As I was picking all the ripe tomatoes Jarret said that he’d like to make the sauce this time around.

I agreed, but was secretly worried since I had not known him to have any interest or background knowledge in food preservation. I distinctly remember watching with a keen eye that afternoon

The North Shore

as he reduced the tomatoes and added his seasoning. He was free wheeling, no recipe, no timers, just a mother spoon and his own taste buds as his guide.

The smell is the house was absolutely divine; the anticipation was killing me.

Then about four hours later, he said the magic words, “it’s ready.” Even now, the mere thought of this first taste makes my mouth water. It was a flavour that awoke every taste bud, to say it was delicious is an understatement. I immediately needed to know the secret, I had to be able to recreate this recipe and share it with others. Jarret shared the story of his homestay family in Florence and how Mrs. Ugalini-Martelli would make this pasta sauce with her eyes closed. The effort was minimal, but the flavour was powerful. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to meet this lovely lady, but her secret sauce lives on in our kitchen.

We’ve reached the time of year where many of you will be harvesting your own home-grown tomatoes. Most will be ripe enough to use up right away, while others may still be quite green but should not be discounted since they too can be turned into an incredible sauce. From my kitchen to yours here is how we’ve learned to minimize waste and enjoy all fruits of our labours in our tomato garden. After

the outdoor temperature dips below 10°C the fruit will no longer ripen on the vine, which means that the green fruit will need a little extra help.

Simply wrap each fruit individually in paper and place them in a cardboard box. Add a couple of apples to speed up the ripening time and store in a dry, cool area at room temperature. Every week open the box and remove any fruit that is ready to eat, or show signs of disease. Freshen the apples if necessary and repeat the process until all of your fruit has come into their own. By doing this last season we were able to preserve an extra ten jars of pasta sauce which we enjoyed into early spring. If you are up for an Italian adventure and are not afraid to free wheel without a recipe I encourage you to try your hand at Mrs. Ugalini-Martelli’s sauce. I will give you some guidelines, but your taste buds alone will be your guide.

itito! p p a Buon

ah! Fall 2020 - 48

HEALTHY AT HOME

Guidelines to Mrs. Ugalini-Martelli’s secret sauce Choose a day where you’re going to be home, since you’re going to need time. Pick bright red tomatoes that are juicy and slightly soft.

Cut them in chunks and throw them in your largest stewing pot (a thick bottom pot is ideal- I use a large Creuset saucepan). Bring the tomato liquid up to a simmer and walk away. On occasion give it a stir. Allow at least two hours to reduce the amount of liquid. Once three quarters of the water is removed, put the tomatoes through a sieve that you’ve positioned over a bowl to catch the pulp free sauce. Use a spoon to push as much sauce through as possible. If you’ve got a food mill then that’s even better; the goal is to remove the seeds and skins.

Transfer this liquid back to your original pot and continue to reduce for at least another hour. During this time the seasoning process begins. Add dried basil and dried oregano to taste. Don’t be scared you know what you like, but keep in mind that the flavour will intensify as the liquid continues to reduce. In the final mile it’s time to add the salt, this will brighten the flavour even more and give you that delicious finish.

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The North Shore

DIY Haunted

Driftwood House

BY LORI BYRNE PHOTO BY STEVE SMITH, VISIONFIRE STUDIOS Summer has come to a close and we are left with buckets of bits and bobs that we collected from the shores of our favourite beaches. So what do we do with it all? Well, you get creative and make yourself some spooky fall decorations, of course!

A haunted house made out of driftwood pieces and other odd bits of old wood makes for a fun way to decorate for fall. Each creation is going to look different based on what treasures you’ve found and what kind of haunted house you want to create.

I’m not a big fan of anything too spooky so my creation is more just a nod to a low-level spook and not a full-on creep. What can I say, I’m a scaredy-cat!

SUPPLIES: Driftwood Weathered old boards Paint and brushes Carpenter’s glue Saw and safety glasses Sandpaper

STEP 1. Gather your driftwood to see what kind of creation you want to make.

My ‘tree’ was the starting point of my haunted scene.

STEP 2. Use a large piece of flat driftwood as the background (my piece is about 13” high and 7” wide) and paint the night sky – complete with full moon and a sprinkling of stars. Let dry.

STEP 3. Cut a board to create the house (my house is 6” high and 3 ½” wide) and paint to suit your haunted house. Let dry.

STEP 4. Sand all the painted pieces to create a more weathered textured.

STEP 5. Using more driftwood, cut a roof and door for your house.

STEP 6. Start gluing the pieces together to form your house, letting the glue dry between additions so the pieces stay in place.

STEP 7. Hang up your haunted house and remember the fond memories of summer while being decorated for fall!

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ah! Fall 2020 - 50

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