Vol 36 • No 05
$4.99
October 2023
2310-Cover-NL_0609-Cover-NFLD 8/24/23 4:21 PM Page 1
The Ghost of Banks Meadow
Mother Nature’s Monsters The Dream Traveller
2310_TOC_0609 index.qxd 8/24/23 3:23 PM Page 2
life is better Published monthly in St. John’s by Downhome Publishing Inc. 43 James Lane, St. John’s, NL, A1E 3H3 Tel: 709-726-5113 • Fax: 709-726-2135 • Toll Free: 1-888-588-6353 E-mail: mail@downhomelife.com Website: www.downhomelife.com Editorial Editor-in-Chief Janice Stuckless Assistant Editor Nicola Ryan Editor Lila Young
Warehouse Operations Warehouse / Inventory Manager Carol Howell Warehouse Operator Josephine Collins Shipping/Receiving Clerk Jennifer Kane
Art and Production Art Director Vince Marsh Illustrator Mel D’Souza Illustrator Snowden Walters
Retail Operations Retail Manager, St. John’s Jackie Rice Floor Manager, St. John’s Crystal Rose Retail Floor Manager, Twillingate Donna Keefe Retail Sales Associates Jonathon Organ, Kim Tucker,
Advertising Sales Account Manager Barbara Young Account Manager Ashley O’Keefe Marketing Director Tiffany Brett
Heather Stuckless, Katrina Hynes, Destinee Rogers, Amy Young, Emily Snelgrove, Brandy Rideout, Alexandria Skinner, Emily Power, Colleen Giovannini, Rachael Hartery, Julie Gidge, Austin Wheeler
Finance and Administration Accountant Marlena Grant Accountant Sandra Gosse
Subscriptions Customer Service Associate Lisa Tiller Founding Editor Ron Young Chief Executive Officer/Publisher Grant Young
Operations Manager, Twillingate Nicole Mehaney
President & Associate Publisher Todd Goodyear General Manager/Assistant Publisher Tina Bromley
To subscribe, renew or change address use the contact information above. Subscriptions 1-Year term total inc. taxes, postage and handling: for residents in NL, NS, NB, PE $49.44; ON $48.58; QC, SK, MB, AB, BC, NU, NT, YT $45.14. US $54.99; International $59.99
Canada Post Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement #40062919 The advertiser agrees that the publisher shall not be liable for damages arising out of errors in advertisements beyond the amount paid for the space actually occupied by the portion of the advertisement in which the error occurred, whether such error is due to the negligence of the servants or otherwise, and there shall be no liability beyond the amount of such advertisement. The Letters to the Editor section is open to all letter writers providing the letters are in good taste, not libelous, and can be verified as true, correct and written by the person signing the letter. Pen names and anonymous letters will not be published. The publisher reserves the right to edit, revise, classify, or reject any advertisement or letter. © Downhome Publishing Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada.
Printed in Canada Official onboard magazine of
2
October 2023
1-888-588-6353
2310_TOC_0609 index.qxd 8/24/23 3:23 PM Page 3
96 feelin’ blue
Contents
OCTOBER 2023
42 The Sweetest Gift A Ukrainian family discovers the sweetest way to give back to the community that welcomed them with open arms. Pam Pardy
50 Feeding the Mainland Masses Ex-pat finds customers hungry for a taste of home Kim Ploughman
110 gone but not forgotten
www.downhomelife.com
96 Downhome Recipes 6 Very blueberry treats
110 The Days of the Dew Drop Inn This family-run restaurant was a Topsail landmark for more than 30 years. Nicola Ryan October 2023
3
2310_TOC_0609 index.qxd 8/24/23 3:23 PM Page 4
Contents
OCTOBER 2023
homefront 8 I Dare Say A note from the Editor 10 Letters From Our Readers Jack’s dream, hooked on love, and a trip down memory lane
16 Downhome Tours Southeast Asia 18 Why is That? The origins of garlic breath and deadlines Linda Browne
20 Life’s Funny Sticky Situation Rose Noel
21 Say What? A contest that puts
10
hooked on love
words in someone else’s mouth
22 Lil Charmers Fall Foodies 24 Pets of the Month Happy Halloween
26 Reviewed Denise Flint reviews Lore Isle by Jiin Kim
28 What Odds Paul Warford’s singing his heart out
20
all caught up
30 Fresh Tracks Wendy Rose reviews Outskirts by Grand Falls-Windsor’s Tom Pinsent Band 34 Adventures Outdoors The Power of Volunteers Gord Follett
38 The Dream Traveller How a Port au Choix man’s dreams became the stuff of legends Kim Ploughman
24
pirate pooch 4
October 2023
1-888-588-6353
2310_TOC_0609 index.qxd 8/24/23 3:23 PM Page 5
74 freebies!
68 off roading
features 54 The Fearful Five Some of Mother Nature’s nightmarish creations Todd Hollett
58 The Ghost of Banks Meadow Dale Jarvis
explore 62 A Brew with a View Bay de Verde Brewing Company is serving up suds and community spirit. Linda Browne 68 Best Kind Adventure motorcycling in Newfoundland Lee Perkins 74 Free for the Picking Check out these reader photos of foraged foods. www.downhomelife.com
October 2023
5
2310_TOC_0609 index.qxd 8/24/23 3:23 PM Page 6
Contents
OCTOBER 2023
84 bright style
home and cabin 82 Stuff We Love Appetizing Apps Nicola Ryan
84 Ask Marie Anything Interior designer Marie Bishop takes your questions.
90 Five Things Worth Chewing On Enjoy these morsels of
90
fish or not fish
information about traditional NL food
92 The Everyday Gourmet Andrea Maunder
102 Down to Earth A Time to Reap Kim Thistle 6
October 2023
1-888-588-6353
2310_TOC_0609 index.qxd 8/24/23 5:52 PM Page 7
108 way back when
reminiscing 108 Flashbacks Classic photos of people and places.
109 This Month in History Joan Blondell in Gander
116 The Power of Perseverance About the cover These Blueberry Parcels inspired the rest of our blueberry recipes (beginning on p. 96) – sweet treats to go with a nice cuppa tea.
Cover Index Sweet Inspiration • 42 The Dew Drop Inn • 110 The Ghost of Banks Meadow • 58 Mother Nature’s Monsters • 54 The Dream Traveller • 38
The incredible life story of George C. Rowe Nicola Ryan with Elizabeth James
124 Puzzles 136 Colouring Page 138 Classifieds 140 Mail Order 144 Photo Finish
www.downhomelife.com
October 2023
7
homefront 08-19_Homefront - Letters 8/24/23 3:24 PM Page 8
i dare say
Other people pack extra clothes when going on trips. I pack snacks. I recently went to an all-inclusive – all you can eat – resort for a week, and I still packed snacks, just in case. Am I the only one? When I was a kid on family road trips, I’d be the one asking, “How far to the next restaurant?” I’m not finished clearing up from one meal before I’m planning the next. It’s no wonder I like growing and making my own food – what if there’s a supply shortage? It also might explain how much I’ve enjoyed presiding over this special issue of Downhome, filled with stories and pictures of food! You’ll find references to food in every segment of this issue. We have letters about fishing for cod and salmon; a feature about a resilient baker from Ukraine, and how her cakes are connecting her to the community; in Explore, we visit a new craft brewery and get inspired by readers’ foraging photos; in Home and Cabin we have a bevy of blueberry recipes; in Reminiscing we travel back to the heyday of the Dew Drop Inn, home of the best fries in Topsail; and in Puzzles, as always, we have Food for Thought. There’s a lot to digest in this magazine. Take your time and savour every bit. My hope is to have you coming back for more! Thanks for reading,
Janice Stuckless, Editor-in-chief janice@downhomelife.com
8
October 2023
1-888-588-6353
homefront 08-19_Homefront - Letters 8/23/23 5:21 PM Page 9
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 Miriam Aho of Sault Ste. Marie, ON, who found Corky on page 51 of the August issue!
*No Phone Calls Please. One entry per person
www.downhomelife.com
October 2023
9
homefront 20-29_0609 index.qxd 8/23/23 12:29 PM Page 22
homefront lil charmers
Gardener’s Delight Ryland hauls a heaping harvest from his veggie garden. Deneika Goodyear Carmanville, NL
Fall Foodies Good as Gold Daelen holds a handful of freshly picked bakeapples. Krista Cox Harbour Grace, NL
22
October 2023
1-888-588-6353
homefront 20-29_0609 index.qxd 8/23/23 1:39 PM Page 23
A Bite to Eat Two-year-old Grace tucks into a tasty cold plate at Bunny and Pop’s house. Brenda Giffin Upper Tantallon, NS
An Apple a Day Sweet Melody is the apple of our eye! Natasha Goodyear Gander, NL
www.downhomelife.com
October 2023
23
homefront 20-29_0609 index.qxd 8/23/23 12:29 PM Page 24
homefront pets of the month
Eye Matey
Cookie has her eye on you this Halloween. Jaelyn Brenton Marystown, NL
Happy Halloween Isn’t She Boo-tiful? Penny the pygmy goat flaunts Halloween fashion. Hannah Boyd Fairbank, NL
24
October 2023
1-888-588-6353
homefront 20-29_0609 index.qxd 8/23/23 12:29 PM Page 25
Too Cute to Spook Harley, Ellie Mae and Delilah are all ready for trick or treating. Steven Lockyer Lewin’s Cove, NL
Pumpkin Pal
Marshall waits patiently for a Halloween treat. Annette Tatchell Mary’s Harbour, NL
www.downhomelife.com
October 2023
25
homefront 30-37_0609 index.qxd 8/24/23 10:51 AM Page 40
life is better The boats of Little Port, NL Jennifer Brushett, Burin, NL
homefront 30-37_0609 index.qxd 8/24/23 10:51 AM Page 41
60_GhostStory_0609 index.qxd 8/23/23 2:03 PM Page 58
features
off Newfoundland’s northeast coast, has always had a strong storytelling tradition. Stories were often told in the winter, in the fishing sheds where gear and nets were mended, and where punts were repaired and built. At times, storytelling took on an almost competitive quality, with one man telling a tale and the next man trying to outdo him.
58
October 2023
1-888-588-6353
60_GhostStory_0609 index.qxd 8/23/23 2:03 PM Page 59
www.downhomelife.com
October 2023
59
64_BaieDeVerdeBrewery_0609 index.qxd 8/23/23 3:48 PM Page 62
explore
The province’s 21st craft brewery is serving up suds and community spirit. BY LINDA BROWNE
62
October 2023
1-888-588-6353
64_BaieDeVerdeBrewery_0609 index.qxd 8/23/23 3:48 PM Page 63
It’s an overcast, yet pleasantly warm summer’s day in the town of Bay de Verde, NL – a treeless, picturesque fishing village located just a two-hour drive from the province’s capital city at the tip of the Baccalieu Coastal Drive. It’s also incredibly quiet, save for the sound of waves crashing and seagulls wailing overhead. Tucked between two sloping hills (which make you feel like you’re standing at the edge of the earth), with the whales splashing in the harbour below, it’s easy to see how someone could become enchanted and start a new life here. Such is the case with Kim Sutton and Reg Gervais. They moved in and started the Bay de Verde Brewing Company – a new business that’s helping bring the community together while adding to the area’s growing tourism offerings.
All photos by Linda Browne
www.downhomelife.com
October 2023
63
70_TravelDiary_0609 index.qxd 8/24/23 3:38 PM Page 68
explore
Adventure motorcycling in Newfoundland By Lee Perkins
68
October 2023
1-888-588-6353
70_TravelDiary_0609 index.qxd 8/23/23 2:30 PM Page 69
Being an expatriate of Newfoundland,
the words always echo in my mind: “You never know how good you have it, until you don’t.” I have been a motorcycle enthusiast my entire life and have travelled throughout North America on some of the most scenic byways and highways that Canada and the continental US have to offer. One of the most exhilarating ways to experience Newfoundland’s natural beauty is by taking to the gravel roads and trails on an adventure motorcycle. The island’s new pole line on the Northern Peninsula, Buchans to the Burgeo Highway, and the former Newfoundland Railway bed (now T’Railway linear park) all make for amazing day rides or overnight excursions.
www.downhomelife.com
October 2023
69
76_Foraging_0609 index.qxd 8/23/23 2:32 PM Page 74
explore
Feeling peckish? Newfoundland and Labrador is a forager’s paradise. In fields and forests, beaches and bogs, there’s no shortage of tasty treats to be had if you know where to look. Check out these photos submitted by our readers for inspiration.
74
October 2023
1-888-588-6353
76_Foraging_0609 index.qxd 8/23/23 2:32 PM Page 75
Blueberries in Botwood Ian Gidge St. John’s, NL
www.downhomelife.com
October 2023
75
84_marie_0609 index.qxd 8/24/23 10:58 AM Page 88
84_marie_0609 index.qxd 8/24/23 10:59 AM Page 89
life is better Heart’s Ease Beach Trail, NL Cory Babstock, Clarenville, NL
106_Down_to_Earth_0609 index.qxd 8/23/23 2:53 PM Page 102
HOME and Cabin
down to earth
A Time to Reap BY KIM THISTLE
102
October 2023
1-888-588-6353
106_Down_to_Earth_0609 index.qxd 8/23/23 2:53 PM Page 103
You have worked like a little ant all summer to grow your winter food supply. You have outwitted the cabbage moth and the cut worm, cursed on the root maggot and lost your mind with the slugs. All that, and you still have vegetables to harvest. Now is the time for gratitude… and more hard work! It is difficult to decide how to best store your harvest. Bottling, drying, freezing or cold storage? It depends on what you have grown, how you will use it and, last but not least, what you enjoy doing. If you don’t like kitchen work, chances are you won’t be standing over a hot stove making jams and pickles. Since it’s October, this article will concentrate on root vegetables. We will leave the bottled dilly beans and kimchi for Andrea Maunder (Downhome’s Everyday Gourmet) to take up the torch. First things first. Not all root vegetables need to be harvested. Carrots and parsnips actually get sweeter with age. If your soil drains well and there is little chance that these items will rot, leave them in the soil and harvest as needed. I swear you can taste the sunshine on these when pulled out of the ground midwinter.
www.downhomelife.com
October 2023
103
04_Central_Outdoor 2007 4/10/23 3:53 PM Page 58
04_Central_Outdoor 2007 4/10/23 3:53 PM Page 59
118_Georgerowe_0609 Home Front.qxd 8/24/23 11:17 AM Page 120
life is better Sunrise at The Dungeon Provincial Park Sheldon Hicks, Bonavista, NL
118_Georgerowe_0609 Home Front.qxd 8/24/23 11:17 AM Page 121
DH_subAdDPS-3_0609 Home Front.qxd 3/22/23 3:27 PM Page 122
Now more than ever a Downhome subscription is a great value. Not only do you save over $20 off the cover price, you receive: 1 Year (12 issues) OF DOWNHOME
Free WALL CALENDAR Free EXPLORE TRAVEL GUIDE 2 Issues INSIDE LABRADOR †
††
†††
}
All for just
$42.99 + applicable taxes
12 issues for $42.99* or 36 issues for $107.99*
Save up to $120 when you sign up for 3 years! Delivered with December’s issue. ††Delivered with June’s issue. Canadian mailing only. ††† Delivered with a spring and fall issue. *Plus applicable taxes
†
Tony McGrath photo
DH_subAdDPS-3_0609 Home Front.qxd 3/23/23 2:28 PM Page 123
Sign me up for a Downhome subscription Name:____________________________________________________________________________ Address:__________________________________________________________________________ City:__________________________________________ Prov/State: ____ Country: _______________ Postal Code: ____________________
Phone: (
) _________________________________
E-mail: __________________________________________________________________________ ❏ Cheque Enclosed*
❏ Credit Card
❏ Invoice Me
❏ I would like to send a subscription as a gift.
❏ Moving? Update address below.
Please send Downhome magazine to who I have listed below.
Card#:_______________________________________________________ Expires: ______ /______ Name:____________________________________________________________________________ Address:__________________________________________________________________________ City:______________________________________ Prov/State:_________ Country: _______________ Postal Code: ____________________
Phone: (
) _________________________________
SIGN GIFT CARD FROM: _______________________________________ * Valid in Canada on a 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. ** Valid in Canada on a 3-year term. Total inc. taxes, postage and handling: for residents in NL, NS, NB, PE $124.19; ON $122.03; QC, SK, MB, AB, BC, NU, NT, YT $113.39; US $159.99.
Send to Downhome, 43 James Lane, St. John’s, NL, A1E 3H3 or call 1-888-588-6353
ORDER ONLINE TODAY! www.joindownhome.com
2310Mktplace_0609 Marketplace.qxd 8/23/23 5:02 PM Page 138
Not intended to solicit properties currently under contract
%$#"! $% $# $ %! $
709-726-5113
advertising@downhomelife.com
1-888-588-6353
Book your ad in Marketplace 709-726-5113 • 1-888-588-6353 advertising@downhomelife.com
138
October 2023
1-888-588-6353
2310Mktplace_0609 Marketplace.qxd 8/23/23 5:02 PM Page 139
HICKMAN’S HARBOUR, NL • WATERFRONT 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1,800 sq. ft. split level on private 1.4 ac. lot in picturesque Hickman’s Harbour, Random Island. Property features a 16' x 20' shed, paved driveway and waterfront with stage and wharf. A perfect summer or retirement home - just a 40 min. drive to shopping, services and hospital in Clarenville. $229,000 Contact Fred: 709.427.6371 realtor.ca • MLS# 1261743
Movers & Shippers Ontario to Newfoundland and All Points in Between
A&K Moving Covering all Eastern & Western Provinces and Returning Based from Toronto, Ontario Discount Prices Out of NL, NS & NB Newfoundland Owned & Operated
Return Loads from NL, NS, NB, QC, ON at a Discounted Price
905-424-1735
arent58@hotmail.com www.ar-moving.ca
35 Years in the Moving Industry All Vehicles Transported
416-247-0639 aandkmoving@gmail.com
A Family Moving Families Professionally and economically Coast to Coast in Canada Fully Insured Newfoundland Owned & Operated
Contact: Gary or Sharon King
Toll Free: 1-866-586-2341 www.downhomemovers.com
Movers & Shippers Rates start at $175 for a 1 col. x 2" ad. Call Today! 709-726-5113 Toll Free 1-888-588-6353 Email advertising@downhomelife.com www.downhomelife.com
October 2023
139
2210_Mailorder_Mail order.qxd 8/24/23 3:56 PM Page 140
GREAT GIFT IDEAS!
We’d Rather Fight Than Eat: A Novel - Jay McGrath
Seventh Son: My Road to Success: A Memoir - Jim Scott
#86218 | $21.00
#86120 | $21.00
Much May Yet Come to Pass - W. H. Bishop #86118 | $21.95
The Life and Times of Harve Bishop: NL’s Country
Mischief in High Places: The Life and Times of
Singer Songwriter - Harve Bishop
Sir Richard Squires - Ted Rowe
#86122 | $19.95
Called Upstairs: Moravian
Closer By Sea
Inuit Music in Labrador - Tom Gordon
- Perry Chafe
#85849 | $49.95
#85850 | $24.99
A Time and Season for All Things - Kenneth Ball #86119 | $21.95
#85866 | $22.95
The Hippie Pirates - Lana Shupe
#85848 | $15.99
ORDER ONLINE: www.shopdownhome.com
Prices subject to change without notice. Prices listed do not include taxes and shipping. While quantities last.
2210_Mailorder_Mail order.qxd 8/24/23 3:57 PM Page 141
MORE SELECTION ONLINE www.shopdownhome.com
Christmas in Newfoundland: A Sgt. Windflower Book - Mike Martin
#77993 | $16.95
Christmas in Newfoundland Vol. 2: A Sgt. Windflower Book - Mike Martin
#83078 | $19.95
Mummer’s Song: CD Enclosed - Bud Davidge #4055 | $16.95
Santa is Coming to Newfoundland
The New Recruits
#60474 | $22.95
- Steve Smallman - Hard Cover
#79693 | $16.95
A Newfoundland and Labrador Christmas Wish
A Moose Goes A-Mummering - Lisa Dalrymple
Rock Recipes Christmas - Barry C. Parsons
- Necie
#79611 | $16.95 $6.00
#53807 | $18.99
#52955 | $12.95
TO ORDER CALL: 1-888-588-6353
- Gina Noordhof
A Puffin Playing by the Sea: 12 Days of Christmas in NL - Gina Noordhof
#53792 | $16.95
Prices subject to change without notice. Prices listed do not include taxes and shipping. While quantities last.
2210_Mailorder_Mail order.qxd 8/24/23 3:57 PM Page 142
GREAT GIFT IDEAS!
#42540 | $21.95
Downhomer Presents Newfoundland Christmas - Various Artists - CD
Homebrew Christmas Various Artists - CD
#10699 | $21.95
#34833 | $21.95
An Outport Christmas Various Artists - CD
Hand Painted Mummer with Ugly Stick Wine Glass
#36449 | $21.95
#73793 | $21.99
Hand Painted Mummer with Violin Wine Glass
2023 Clarenville Christmas Ornament
Hand Painted Mummer with Violin Glass
Simani - Any Mummers Allowed In? CD
#85342 | $18.99
#78649 | $21.99
#73794 | $21.99
Hand Painted Mummer with Ugly Stick Glass #79648 | $21.99
ORDER ONLINE: www.shopdownhome.com
Prices subject to change without notice. Prices listed do not include taxes and shipping. While quantities last.
2210_Mailorder_Mail order.qxd 8/24/23 3:57 PM Page 143
MORE SELECTION ONLINE www.shopdownhome.com
Carnation Milk Ornament
Fussell’s Cream Ornament
#79659 | $6.99
#79658 | $6.99
Good Luck Margarine Ornament #79667 | $6.99
CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS
Purity Hard Bread Ornament
Purity Lemon Creams Ornament
#79669 | $6.99
#79664 | $6.99
Newfoundland Screech Ornament
Tetley Tea Ornament
#79670 | $6.99
#79668 | $6.99
TO ORDER CALL: 1-888-588-6353
Purity Jam Jams Ornament #79666 | $6.99
Vienna Sausages Ornament #79657 | $6.99
Prices subject to change without notice. Prices listed do not include taxes and shipping. While quantities last.
2310_photo Finish_0609 Photo Finish 8/23/23 3:28 PM Page 144
photo finish
A-Hunting We Will Go
Father and son cross a brightly coloured bog in search of moose. Carla MacIsaac Robinsons, NL
Do you have an amazing or funny photo to share? Turn to page 9 to find out how to submit. 144
October 2023
1-888-588-6353
2310-Cover-NL_0609-Cover-NFLD 8/24/23 4:21 PM Page 3