Downhome February 2024 by Downhome Publishing Inc

Vol 36 • No 09

$4.99

February 2024

2402-Cover-NL_0609-Cover-NFLD 12/21/23 1:10 PM Page 1

Catch Up with Eddie Eastman Hockey Night in Isle aux Morts

The New Doyle’s Almanac

2401_TOC_0609 index.qxd 12/20/23 1:33 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, Drew Oliver, Kaitlan Lewis, Emma Luscombe, Rebecca Pevie

Finance and Administration Accountant Marlena Grant Accountant Sandra Gosse

Subscriptions Customer Service Associate Lisa Tiller Customer Service Associate Cassia Bard-Cavers

Operations Manager, Twillingate Nicole Mehaney Founding Editor Ron Young Chief Executive Officer/Publisher Grant Young President & Associate Publisher Todd Goodyear General Manager/Assistant Publisher Tina Bromley To subscribe, renew or change address use the contact information above. Subscriptions 1-Year term total inc. taxes, postage and handling: for residents in NL, NS, NB, PE $49.44; ON $48.58; QC, SK, MB, AB, BC, NU, NT, YT $45.14. US $54.99; International $59.99

Canada Post Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement #40062919 The advertiser agrees that the publisher shall not be liable for damages arising out of errors in advertisements beyond the amount paid for the space actually occupied by the portion of the advertisement in which the error occurred, whether such error is due to the negligence of the servants or otherwise, and there shall be no liability beyond the amount of such advertisement. The Letters to the Editor section is open to all letter writers providing the letters are in good taste, not libelous, and can be verified as true, correct and written by the person signing the letter. Pen names and anonymous letters will not be published. The publisher reserves the right to edit, revise, classify, or reject any advertisement or letter. © Downhome Publishing Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada.

Printed in Canada Official onboard magazine of

February 2024

1-888-588-6353

2402_TOC_0609 index.qxd 12/21/23 1:44 PM Page 3

the good ol’ hockey game

Contents 90 snack time!

FEBRUARY 2024

52 Joy to the World Elaine Dunphy’s “wellderlies” are aging at their own pace, and having a ball while they’re at it. Linda Browne

62 Classic Fun This month, February 16-17, all of Isle aux Morts will turn out for the annual Winter Classic hockey weekend. Nicola Ryan

90 Downhome Recipes Couch Snacks

114 Mr. Carnation How Walter Bray brought Carnation Milk to Newfoundland and Labrador. Nicola Ryan

www.downhomelife.com

February 2024

2402_TOC_0609 index.qxd 12/21/23 2:08 PM Page 4

Contents

FEBRUARY 2024

homefront 8 I Dare Say A note from the Editor 10 Letters From Our Readers Hiking with dogs, a fishery flashback, and a duck hunting tale

16 Downhome Tours USA 18 Why is That? What does the phrase “bat out of hell” mean and from where did it originate? Linda Browne

20 Life’s Funny Desperate for Direction

16 visiting Beantown

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

22 Lil Charmers Sweet Sidekicks 24 Pets of the Month Happy Valentine’s Day!

28 Reviewed Denise Flint reviews Kevin Major’s newest mystery Five for Forteau

Miss Direction

30 What Odds Paul Warford tackles a new build

32 Fresh Tracks Wendy Rose reviews Brookfield Line’s debut record, Pick Me Up 36 Adventures Outdoors Nonmandatory Madness Gord Follett 40 In Your Words Tale of Two Théas théa Nation 4

February 2024

24 puppy love

1-888-588-6353

2402_TOC_0609 index.qxd 12/21/23 1:44 PM Page 5

70 go explore

features 44 Amazing Animal Trivia Wildlife technician Todd Hollett shares some of the wildest things he’s learned about animals.

48 Eddie Eastman: 50 Years of Country Music The Terra Nova native reflects on his award-winning career and hints at a return to his roots. Pam Pardy

58 Doyle’s Almanac Another Doyle carries on a tradition of recording and sharing Newfoundland folklore. Nicola Ryan

explore

48 living legend www.downhomelife.com

66 Perchance to Dream The show goes on for a celebrated Shakespearean theatre company as it settles into its new home. Dennis Flynn 70 Caching in on NL How a geocacher explores Newfoundland and Labrador Glen Morry February 2024

2401_TOC_0609 index.qxd 12/20/23 1:33 PM Page 6

Contents

FEBRUARY 2024

82 this is cake?

home and cabin 76 Stuff We Love Spill the Tea Nicola Ryan

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

82 Artfully Delicious From struggling mom to celebrated baker, the story behind Catherine’s Incredible Edibles. Kim Ploughman

86 The Everyday Gourmet French Onion Soup Andrea Maunder

96 Down to Earth How to Stretch the Growing Season Kim Thistle 6

February 2024

76 put the kettle on 1-888-588-6353

2402_TOC_0609 index.qxd 12/21/23 1:48 PM Page 7

108 end days

reminiscing 102 Flashbacks Classic photos of people and places.

103 This Month In History E.J. Pratt

104 A Dark and Stormy Night Love and duty can make you do crazy things, like trudge home late in a blinding snowstorm. Eric Horwood

About the cover This photo of a caribou at Port au Choix, NL, was taken by reader Trinda Hamlyn. To find out what’s so special about a caribou’s (reindeer’s) eyes, turn to our cover story on page 44.

108 Ghosts of the Kyle Dead in the water for more than half a century, the Kyle still has the power to summon the curious. 118 My Father, the Tinsmith Rex Cotter

Cover Index

124 Puzzles

Mr. Carnation • 114 Stay-in Snacks • 90 That’s Wild! • 44 Catch Up with Eddie Eastman • 48 Hockey Night in Isle aux Morts • 62 The New Doyle’s Almanac • 58

136 Colouring Page

www.downhomelife.com

138 Classifieds 140 Mail Order 144 Photo Finish February 2024

homefront_1_Homefront - Letters 12/20/23 3:07 PM Page 8

i dare say

This was a long time coming, though the time flew by fast. This February edition marks my 24th year with Downhome right to the issue. The first magazine I worked on was as editorial assistant for the March 2000 Downhomer. And this February 2024 issue, as Editor-in-chief, is my last. I never imagined I’d be doing this for so long, but when you love it, why would you stop? I’ve said this many times, but it always bears repeating: this magazine is such a unique entity. It’s like a living thing that pulls you in, wraps you up, gets into your heart and under your skin. The staff here, the contributors and readers out there, all get the sense that this is something special. It’s something heartfelt that belongs to all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians (and wannabes) – it reflects us, contains us and connects us. I can’t imagine doing anything more rewarding as a magazine writer and editor, and I’m grateful to all those, past and present, who made my day job such a gift. I’m eager now to enter a new phase of my life, and I’m excited for the new Editor-in-chief, Dillon Collins. He’s inheriting the most engaging and supportive readership a magazine editor could ever hope for. Please make him welcome, and if you want to say hello, email him at dillon@downhomelife.com. Thanks for reading, Thanks for writing, Thanks for everything,

Janice Stuckless, Editor-in-chief

February 2024

1-888-588-6353

homefront_1_Homefront - Letters 12/20/23 3:07 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 Nate Wall of Deer Lake, NL who found Corky on page 74 of the December issue!

*No Phone Calls Please. One entry per person

www.downhomelife.com

February 2024

homefront_1_Homefront - Letters 12/21/23 1:50 PM Page 14

Fishery Flashback How many Downhome readers have seen scenes like this around the outports of Newfoundland and Labrador? This was a regular sight in Lower Jenkins Cove, Durrell, NL, a century ago. There were usually two men in the small boats and four or five in the trap skiffs that made a living from the fishery. No unemployment insurance in those days. Max Stuckless Burin, NL

Isn’t it something when the things that were just a part of living become a part of history instead? Did the person who took this picture realize how valuable this rare glimpse would be in the not-so-distant future? Thanks for sharing this look back to a different time, Max. We are always interested in seeing and sharing readers’ flashback photos. Turn to the Reminiscing section to see more in this issue, and see page 9 to learn how to submit your own photos and stories.

Dear readers,

Would you like to comment on something you’ve read in Downhome? Do you have a question for the editors or for other readers? Submit your letter to the editor at DownhomeLife.com/letters or write to us at 43 James Lane, St. John’s, NL, A1E 3H3.

February 2024

1-888-588-6353

homefront_1_Homefront - Letters 12/20/23 3:08 PM Page 15

homefront_2_0609 index.qxd 12/20/23 3:14 PM Page 22

homefront lil charmers

Sweet Sidekicks Precious Moments Baby Madison and kitty Felix cuddle up. Kerri Johns Pouch Cove, NL

Puppy Love Delani gets kisses from big brother Blaze. Lynn Delaney Port Hawkesbury, NS

February 2024

1-888-588-6353

homefront_2_0609 index.qxd 12/20/23 3:14 PM Page 23

Love in the Air Howie and Charley play in the snow in Churchill Falls. Kelsey Hayley Bonavista, NL

Tiny Duo

These two cuties are best buddies fur-ever. Casey Francis Grand Falls-Windsor, NL

www.downhomelife.com

February 2024

homefront_2_0609 index.qxd 12/20/23 3:14 PM Page 24

homefront pets of the month

Canine Cupid Flirty Boss knows he’s the goodest boy. Monica Lovell St. John’s, NL

Happy Valentine’s Day Paws and Kisses! Who wouldn’t love a smooch from this sweet doggie? Katie Rice Labrador City, NL

February 2024

1-888-588-6353

homefront_2_0609 index.qxd 12/20/23 3:14 PM Page 25

Puppy Loves Decked out Delilah, Harley & Ellie Mae pose for a Valentine’s paw-trait. Steven Lockyer Lewin’s Cove, NL

My Feline Valentine Kitties Dora and Peanut are a purr-fect match. Hope Roberts Triton, NL

www.downhomelife.com

February 2024

homefront 38_47_Homefront 2 9/27/23 4:05 PM Page 46

homefront 38_47_Homefront 2 10/26/23 5:08 PM Page 47

We’re wasting no time preparing for the next Downhome Calendar, . . . and neither should you! Submit your favourite photos of scenery, activities and icons that best illustrate the down-home lifestyle. We’re looking for a variety of colourful subjects – outports, animals, laundry lines, historic sites, seascapes, hilltop views, and so much more – and photos from all four seasons. This is your chance to get in on our most popular reader contest and try to woo the judges into choosing your photo for the 2025 Downhome Calendar. These calendars are seen by tens of thousands of subscribers and displayed all year long.

What are you waiting for? Submit today, using one of these ways:

by mail: Downhome Calendar Contest 43 James Lane St. John’s, NL A1E 3H3 online: www.downhomelife.com/calendar Must be original photos or high quality copies. Digital photos must be at least 300 dpi, file sizes of about 1MB. We can’t accept photocopies or photos that are blurry, too dark or washed out. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want your photos returned.

homefront_3_0609 index.qxd 12/20/23 3:26 PM Page 42

homefront_3_0609 index.qxd 12/21/23 1:53 PM Page 43

life is better Skating in Conception Harbour, NL Lorraine Winsor, Paradise, NL

62_WinterClassic_0609 index.qxd 12/21/23 3:30 PM Page 62

explore

February 2024

1-888-588-6353

62_WinterClassic_0609 index.qxd 12/20/23 3:50 PM Page 63

Foster Hewitt’s familiar sign-on crackles over the airways. It’s Saturday night, “Hockey Night in Canada,” and all across Newfoundland and Labrador, fans are crowding around radios and TVs to follow the play-by-play. Our long, cold winters lend themselves well to the greatest game you can name. Outdoor shinny on frozen ponds and harbours has been a popular winter pastime for generations. More than one youngster with a borrowed stick has coasted down the ice dreaming of Maple Leaf Gardens. He shoots, he scores!

www.downhomelife.com

February 2024

62_WinterClassic_0609 index.qxd 12/20/23 3:50 PM Page 64

Preparing the ice rinks in Isle aux Morts Vic Lawrence recalls winters growing up in Isle aux Morts, a town on the southwest coast not far from Port aux Basques. In the 1960s and ’70s, the fish plant was in full swing and the town was thriving. “It was busy and there was a lot to do,” he says. “In the wintertime, one of the things we did was play hockey on the pond. We used to play with skates on, but when kids our age showed up and wanted to play, everybody’d take their skates off and we all played with our boots on.” Isle aux Morts had a population of about 1,200 in the 1980s, and then the tough 1990s saw about half its residents relocate. Most folks who live in the community now commute on a rotational basis for work elsewhere in Canada. Despite these changes, one constant remains – the town’s unwavering love for hockey. Vic is one of the organizers of the annual Isle aux Morts Winter Classic – a hockey tourney that invites the community to come together for some traditional shinny fun, no skates required. 64

February 2024

“The first year we had it was back in 2014,” he says. “I live in Halifax now; I don’t live there any more. I decided to try to get together with the boys and see if we could have a game on the pond like we used to do when we grew up.” Vic’s plan was a sure shot. That first weekend brought together 36 people on Laurie’s Pond. Now the Winter Classic is a highly anticipated tradition. “We don’t use skates or anything, we just use boots so anybody can play,” Vic says. “Eight years we’ve been doing it now and it’s grown every year, and it’s gotten bigger and bigger. Now we do a Friday with the kids and Saturday is adults, both men and women.” This year’s Winter Classic is being held February 16 and 17. Isle aux Morters living away will make an effort to come home for it. “People come from everywhere, too,” Vic says. “A lot come from St. John’s and the Halifax area, and we have people come from Ontario, New Brunswick, Alberta. The people that come from 1-888-588-6353

62_WinterClassic_0609 index.qxd 12/20/23 3:50 PM Page 65

far away usually come for a week or more then.” In a long frosty winter, the event is something to look forward to and everybody gets involved, giving the event a festival flair. Friday is the kids’ hockey day, with snacks and prizes provided. That evening, Barry’s Lounge hosts Draft Night where adult teams are chosen and the Honorary Captain is introduced, followed by live music and dancing. Games start bright and early on Saturday, and teams look great in their matching jerseys. It’s all for fun and no one keeps score. For safety reasons, the event has been moved from the pond to the Marine Slipway. (Remember, never walk on ice that is less than 10 cm thick.) And no downhome event is complete without a good scoff. For lunch, the Seniors Club serves up pea soup. “Then we have a load of guys from town and they show up with a ton of moose burger meat,” Vic chuckles. “One guy makes a ton of moose burgers and we barbecue them on the pond. And that’s all free for the

taking. Another guy, he makes up a load of fish cakes, same thing, and they’re available for anybody.” The Winter Classic is also a great fundraiser for several community groups. Prize draws and hockey pools raise thousands of dollars for the Holy Spirit Church Fund, the Volunteer Fire Department, the Seniors Club and the Community Centre. “Everybody comes out; it’s the whole community,” Vic says. “Even the old folks will come out and watch, and sit down and have a moose burger or a fish cake. We have a warming tent there with a little stove in it, so then when it gets cold you can go in and warm up. We have outdoor fires, too, so a lot of folks come down and sit and watch, and they love it. Everybody’s wearing a smile all weekend long.” Isle aux Morts has seen many changes over the years. But each February the Winter Classic brings the town together again like the old days: out on the pond, where the love of hockey and the joy of togetherness take centre ice.

Players from the 2023 Isle aux Morts Winter Classic www.downhomelife.com

February 2024

AukislandDPS_0609 index.qxd 11/23/23 8:47 AM Page 104

Available at NLC locations province wide

AukislandDPS_0609 index.qxd 11/23/23 8:47 AM Page 105

Three Sheets to the Wind Red Blueberry-Blackberry

This full-bodied dry red wine combines the Newfoundland wild blueberry with the grape-like qualities of the Newfoundland wild blackberry in a delightful table wine that pairs well with cheese, steak, wild game, beef and chocolate. Medium

Three Sheets to the Wind White Rhubarb

Jellybean Row Strawberry-Partridgberry

The subtle ﬂavour of strawberries present a hint of sweetness that tames but does not diminish the tartness of the Newfoundland partridgeberries. A light-bodied wine that is best served chilled. Semi-Sweet

Funky Puffin

Blueberry-Rhubarb A name that brings to mind a sparkling sea whipped up by fresh, cool breezes. This subtle wine is crafted from locally grown rhubarb, lending it a refreshing, crisp ﬂavour with a hint of tartness. Pairs ﬁnely with traditional Newfoundland dishes, poultry and pork. Medium

Moose Joose

Blueberry-Partridgeberry A blend of blueberry and partridgeberry, two of Newfoundland's most popular berries. Full of antioxidants and ﬂavonoids, this wine could be called a health juice - but it contains alcohol, so we'll just say it's berry good for you! Medium-Sweet

www.aukislandwinery.com 1-877-639-4637

Shipping not available to Newfoundland and Labrador and Nunavut. Please visit your local NLC location.

A blend of Newfoundland and Labrador blueberries and rhubarb creates a wine that is fun, delightful and well balanced. It is a great sipping wine and goes well with cheese and crackers. Semi-Sweet

Frig-Off

Strawberry-Raspberry A refreshing strawberryraspberry wine is just what you need. And it makes a delicious way to tell someone else to chill out, or even Frig-Off! Semi-Sweet

AUK ISLAND

82_CatherinesEdibles_0609 index.qxd 12/21/23 1:58 PM Page 82

HOME and Cabin

February 2024

1-888-588-6353

82_CatherinesEdibles_0609 index.qxd 12/21/23 1:58 PM Page 83

a 40-year-old woman sporting a splash of pink hair has a hankering for telling colourful stories. However, Catherine Sansome of Indian Cove, on New World Island near Twillingate, is no ordinary storyteller. Her creativity manifests in the form of cakes created to celebrate someone special. She is so skilled at her craft that she was crowned top baker in Canada in 2022, making her not just a celebrity baker in her hometown but across the country as well. We catch up with Catherine via phone one recent Friday at lunchtime. Her children are still in school and she’s in between errands. “I have a very full life,” she laughs, as we launch into our discussion about her home-based business selling her signature cakes and other sweet treats like scones, cupcakes and cookies. Growing up, Catherine learned to bake with her mom, grandmother and aunts. “This instilled a love of baking,” she says. And she was always artistic, even painting murals in her youth. When she discovered the baking shows on the Food Network and saw what people were making, she was hooked. By 2009, she was fully into cake decorating. Around that time she was a single mom to two very small children and living in Gander. “I didn’t want to be www.downhomelife.com

a single mom on welfare. I had to support my family,” Catherine says, explaining how her baking business got its start. “I knew I had a knack for it, and it just flourished from there.” Posting pictures of her beautiful creations to social media really helped boost her sales. By 2012, Catherine had moved to Indian Cove with her new husband, Jamie, and his three teenage daughters. Here, the baker maintained her home business under the name Catherine’s Incredible Edibles. The next year, tragedy struck when the family home, including the bakery, was destroyed by fire. She credits the wonderful support of family and the community for getting her back on her feet in a year. As her business was rebuilding, Catherine was setting her sights on baking competitions. She applied for February 2024

82_CatherinesEdibles_0609 index.qxd 12/21/23 2:00 PM Page 84

Some of Catherine’s creations are so detailed it’s hard to believe they’re actually cake until they’re cut. but didn’t make “The Great Canadian Baking Show.” Rather than being deterred, Catherine says, “It was my first toe dipping in this arena and I was hooked!” In 2019, NL celebrity baker Aaron McInnis (Man versus Cake and Happy Belly) invited her as an assistant on Food Network Canada’s “The Big Bake: Halloween Season,” which she deemed “an amazing experience.” The following year, Catherine led her own team, taking two other bakers with her to a competition. While they didn’t win, she remarks that “it was a whirlwind of emotions.” Her big moment to shine came in late 2022, when Catherine was chosen for individual competition on CTV’s “Holiday Cross-Country Cake Off.” What got her in was a creation based on a story about herself. Her cake was 84

February 2024

topped by a figurine of Catherine juggling family life, a home and her cake business, right down to her face dimples and piping bag tattoo on her right arm. The cake florals represented each of her children, with a blackberry bus for her son, as well as two butterflies for her grandbabies and a bee for her grandson. “It won the judges’ hearts over,” Catherine says with pride. She was flown to Toronto for the live bake-off competition. In the first round, she designed a cake with the theme, “The Greatest Gift.” With a whimsical Christmas tree cake, Catherine paid a touching tribute to her daughter Kylie, born at 9:31 a.m. on Christmas Day. In the final round, Catherine showcased a Christmas wedding cake that 1-888-588-6353

82_CatherinesEdibles_0609 index.qxd 12/20/23 4:18 PM Page 85

represented her and her husband, and who they are as a couple. “I blended the traditional, which he is, with me being non-traditional, especially with my bright pink hair.” It was the winning entry. Catherine says her husband always believed she would make it to the top and win. “What he said came to life!” she exclaims. “It was amazing. I was lost for words… I couldn’t believe it… I cried...” With the $50,000 in winnings, Catherine further invested in her dream by finishing the “bare-bones” bakery attached to their house. A self-taught cake maker, Catherine shares that building relationships is a big part of her business, which is why she still has devoted clients in Gander and as far away as St. John’s. For those aspiring to follow a similar fondant footpath, she advises to “Never give up!” She adds, “It will be a trial-anderror process. Just do lots of research, and study what other bakers are sharing for free online. And get yourself a good turntable!” One of her most challenging, and certainly most famous, creations was a cake made for her father-in-law’s birthday a few years ago. It had a uniquely Newfoundland design: a turr dinner (see top photo on opposite page). “It is his favourite Sunday tradition. The idea only popped into my head that day,” she recalls. Complete with veggies and gravy, it was the perfect homage to him. Folks, evidently, love seeing and tasting Catherine’s imaginative and delightful creations. And Catherine loves making sweet dreams come true, from a cove by the sea with her family – the icing on her cake. www.downhomelife.com

February 2024

92_DHRecipes_0609 index.qxd 12/20/23 4:25 PM Page 90

HOME and Cabin

downhome recipes

Couch Snacks Whether enjoying movie night with your valentine or watching the game with your buddies, you gotta have good snacks. Here are some homemade finger foods so tasty they’ll make you want to stay in every night.

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers 1/2 cup cream cheese 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

6 jalapeño peppers, halved lengthwise, seeds and membranes removed 12 slices bacon

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Mix cream cheese and cheddar cheese together in a bowl until evenly blended. Fill each jalapeño half with cheese mixture. Wrap with a slice of bacon and place on baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until bacon is crispy. Makes 12 poppers.

February 2024

1-888-588-6353

92_DHRecipes_0609 index.qxd 12/20/23 4:25 PM Page 91

Buffalo Chicken Dip 4 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded 1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, diced 3/4 cup buffalo sauce

1 cup ranch dressing 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Combine chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese in a slow cooker; stir everything together well. Cover and set to LOW heat for 3-4 hours or HIGH heat for 1-2 hours. Check on it and stir every 30 minutes. When the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated (no lumps), sprinkle the last 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over top, cover and cook until cheese is melted. Serve warm with chips, crackers or veggies for dipping. Serves 12-16.

www.downhomelife.com

February 2024

92_DHRecipes_0609 index.qxd 12/20/23 4:25 PM Page 92

Caramel Popcorn Balls 10-12 cups popped popcorn 1/2 cup unsalted butter, diced 1 cup light brown sugar, packed 1/4 cup light corn syrup 1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp vanilla extract Pinch salt Mini M&Ms, chopped nuts, dried fruit, etc. for your favourite flavour combo

In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave butter, brown sugar and corn syrup on high for 1 minute. Stir and cook 2 more minutes for chewy popcorn balls. If you like crunchy popcorn balls, cook 1 minute more. Stir in vanilla and baking soda at the end. Have popcorn ready in a large bowl. Pour caramel over the popcorn and stir to coat every piece well. Stir in candy, nuts, fruit etc. Let cool a little before handling. Using greased hands or palm-sized squares of parchment paper, press popcorn mixture into 2-inch balls and lay on a piece of parchment paper. (Optional: drizzle balls with melted chocolate and let it set.) Wrap each ball in plastic wrap, or keep in an airtight container, for up to a week. Makes about 20 balls.

February 2024

1-888-588-6353

92_DHRecipes_0609 index.qxd 12/20/23 4:25 PM Page 93

Chocolate Bark 1 bag white, dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate chips (about 2 cups) 1 tbsp vegetable shortening Various toppings (eg. chopped nuts; dried fruit; M&Ms or Smarties; crushed candies; mini peanut butter cups; mini Rolos; cracked pretzels, bars or cookies, etc.)

Line a 10" x 15" pan or cookie sheet with wax or parchment paper. Place chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat at halfpower in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until chocolate is melted and smooth. Spread chocolate in an even layer on the wax or parchment paper. Sprinkle with desired toppings. Place in the fridge to chill until chocolate is hard, then roughly break into pieces. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks (ones with cookies or pretzels may get stale sooner). Makes about 12 servings.

www.downhomelife.com

February 2024

92_DHRecipes_0609 index.qxd 12/20/23 4:25 PM Page 94

Peanut Butter Balls 1/3 cup melted butter 1 1/2 cups crunchy peanut butter 2 tsp vanilla extract 2 3/4 cups icing sugar, sifted

1 1/2 cups crisp rice cereal 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 3 tbsp vegetable shortening

Melt butter and peanut butter together. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Add icing sugar and mix well. Fold in crisp rice. Form mixture into 1" balls and place in the fridge until set hard. Meanwhile, melt the chocolate and shortening together gently, just until smooth. Using a fork or toothpick, dip the chilled peanut butter balls in the chocolate and place them on a parchment-lined pan. Place pan in the fridge for cookies to set. Makes about 2 dozen balls.

February 2024

1-888-588-6353

92_DHRecipes_0609 index.qxd 12/20/23 4:27 PM Page 95

Beer-Battered Onion Rings 3 cups flour, divided 1 egg, separated 1 1/4 cups beer

1/4 cup butter, melted 1/4 tsp salt 3 large onions, sliced into rings

Sift 2 cups flour into a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolk and then mix in beer, butter and salt. Slowly stir the egg yolk mixture into the flour and mix well; set aside for about 40 minutes. Heat deep fryer to 350°F. In a small bowl, beat the egg white until stiff peaks form. Gently fold egg white into the batter. Dip each ring into the remaining 1 cup flour and then the batter; deep fry rings until golden coloured. Drain on paper towels or and serve hot. Serves 6.

www.downhomelife.com

February 2024

98_Down_to_Earth_0609 index.qxd 12/21/23 11:39 AM Page 100

98_Down_to_Earth_0609 index.qxd 12/21/23 11:39 AM Page 101

life is better Sun glow in winter Carol O’Quinn, St. John’s, NL

102_Flashbacks_0609 Home Front.qxd 12/20/23 4:35 PM Page 102

reminiscing flashbacks

Diggin’ Out It was a snowy morning in St. John’s when this shot was taken. Frances Buckley St. John’s, NL

Snowy Snapshot Aunt Irene Ball and Gerard Philpott pose for a pic in this wintry scene from 1962. Gennie Philpott St. John’s, NL

102

February 2024

1-888-588-6353

102_Flashbacks_0609 Home Front.qxd 12/20/23 4:35 PM Page 103

Downtown Trail

This photo from the Centre for Newfoundland Studies Archives shows the view of Water Street, St. John’s, looking east from Hunters Cove sometime in the late 19th century. Centre for Newfoundland Studies Archives

This Month in History Poet Edwin John (E.J.) Pratt was born February 4, 1882, in Western Bay, NL, son of Fanny Knight and the Rev. John Pratt, a Methodist minister originally from Yorkshire. E.J. Pratt’s first volume of poetry, Newfoundland Verse, was published in 1920. In the 30 years that followed, he published 13 volumes of poetry and served as editor of Canadian Poetry Magazine from 1936 to 1943. Many Newfoundland schoolchildren will recall the lines from his lyric poem Erosion, “It took the sea an hour one night / An hour of storm to place / The sculpture of these granite seams / Upon a woman’s face.” Pratt is considered one of the foremost Canadian poets of the first half of the century. He died in Toronto in 1964. 1-888-588-6353

February 2024

103

108_Kyle_HeberMcGirk_0609 Home Front.qxd 12/20/23 4:42 PM Page 108

reminiscing

Dead in the water for more than half a century, she still has the power to summon the curious BY DENNIS FLYNN

Artwork by Tina McDonald

108

February 2024

1-888-588-6353

108_Kyle_HeberMcGirk_0609 Home Front.qxd 12/20/23 4:42 PM Page 109

The battered iron railing

relinquishes remnants of paint akin to a snake shedding splotches of skin. They cartwheel out to sea under fair weather clouds, aloft on a gentle west wind. Along an upper deck, a carpet of green grass fingers upward to cover teak wood and metal flooring. High above, the crow’s nest has been commandeered by a brace of cormorants that gaze at me with studied indifference. Even after more than 50 winters since her demise, she’s still a sight to see. The Kyle broke her moorings in a February 4, 1967, storm and ran aground on a bed of mussels at the Riverhead in Harbour Grace. Measuring 67 metres (220 feet) in length, 9.8 m (32 ft.) in width, and 5.5 m (18 ft.) in depth, the 1,055-tonne steamship was built in Newcastle-on-Tyne, England, by the firm of Swan Hunter and Wigham Richardson. She was launched on April 7, 1913. Last year I visited with Heber McGurk, then 91, of Carbonear, NL, to talk about the SS Kyle. Heber worked aboard the Kyle from 1962 to 1965, and he has an incredible collection of colour slides taken with his camera during those last few years of her working life as a sealing vessel.

1-888-588-6353

February 2024

109

108_Kyle_HeberMcGirk_0609 Home Front.qxd 12/20/23 4:42 PM Page 110

Heber McGurk, 91, holds up a sealer’s tally stick and the projector for showing his rarely seen colour slides from the heyday of the SS Kyle. “I was Quartermaster and Master Watch, plus I did basically whatever else was needed, including taking care of medical supplies and providing basic first aid,” says Heber. “My wife gave me a little camera, and if there was anything interesting going on with the Kyle I’d take a few pictures so I could show her and my friends and family the slides when I got home.” Today, he’s offered to bring those slides out of storage and give me a rare look inside the famous Kyle. While the old projector is warming up, Heber produces a small piece of notched wood and asks me, “What would that be if you were writing home?” I guess it must be some type of a tally stick for keeping track or score of something. “It is indeed a tally 110

February 2024

stick, but a very special type of one, and to the men on the ice it was definitely no game,” he says. “This was how they kept track of the seal pelts they harvested.” Heber’s tally stick was about 10 inches long and an inch square. A sealer would put a notch in one corner for every 25 seal pelts he put down in the hold of the vessel. Four notches carved in the tally stick meant 100 pelts. Finally images appear on the 1-888-588-6353

108_Kyle_HeberMcGirk_0609 Home Front.qxd 12/21/23 1:36 PM Page 111

screen, and after an assortment of boats and sealers at work on the ice fields, a photo pops up of several gentlemen having a game of cards in the saloon of the Kyle. “On this photo I can tell right away the sea is calm, since the table is relatively level and there are no metal rails in the centre of the table to hold the dishes in place.” To prove his point, Heber shows me a similar photo on a much stormier day. The rails are there as he promised and the table is at a steep angle. Even simple tasks such as having a meal on rough waters took inventiveness. When a photo slide taken in the iconic smokeroom on the Kyle (as commemorated in the famous 1950s

radio play by Ted Russell) comes up, Heber identifies the people in it as a crewmember named Charlie; a lady named Inga and her husband Charlie Weir, a helicopter pilot; and the helicopter mechanic Roland Howell. Heber explains, “Captain Guy Earle was pretty forward thinking, and he had a Spartan helicopter hired on a few seasons at the ice. This was a tremendous advantage in scouting and spotting the main herds of seals from the sky, and also in airlifting loads of pelts from a cable below the copter and landing them on the ice back near the ship. They would not drop the pelts directly on the Kyle decks because they were afraid the cable would get caught in the ship’s rigging, but it still beat hauling loads

Playing cards in the saloon. Sitting is Chief Engineer Ernie Pike of St. John’s; standing are Eli Dowden and Lewis Simms of Carbonear; and finally the man with the cigarette is a news reporter from Ontario.

Right: In the smokeroom on the Kyle. (Left to right) Roland Howell, the helicopter mechanic; Charlie, a Kyle crew member; Inga and her husband Charlie Weir, helicopter pilot.

1-888-588-6353

February 2024

111

108_Kyle_HeberMcGirk_0609 Home Front.qxd 12/21/23 1:37 PM Page 112

During a trip in 1963, the Kyle was covered in inches-thick ice from frozen sea spray. The extra weight and threat of falling ice were hazardous to sailors and had to be removed. It took several days for the crew to clear all the ice.

of heavy pelts long distances over the rough ice by hand.” Particularly intriguing to me are the images from 1963 of the Kyle shrouded in ice from sea spray. “It was constant danger and effort to keep her clear during times of heavy ice buildup,” Heber notes. “It may

not seem like too much of a problem sitting here in my living room now, but sometimes the ice would be so thick that a one-inch steel cable would become three or four inches thick. The extra weight could damage the ship, or pieces could fall off from up high and hit people. If we let it get too bad, it could even cause a ship to roll and turn over in a big sea. So, of course, we took to the task of beating it off as quick and safe as we could. With the lifeboats and davits frozen in there’d also be no way to launch a

Sir John Crosbie

112

February 2024

1-888-588-6353

108_Kyle_HeberMcGirk_0609 Home Front.qxd 12/21/23 1:38 PM Page 113

lifeboat, so we couldn’t allow that. The ice coating looks pretty in pictures, but it represented hard work and risk, and we were glad to be clear of it – even though it took the sealers nearly four days to carefully get it all off the Kyle that time.” Another fascinating image Heber captured was when the Kyle came to the assistance of a large vessel, the Sir John Crosbie, in 1964. “The Crosbie was a big, grey, steel ship and carried her own helicopter on a platform on her stern deck. She got damaged somehow and was taking on water, so we came alongside and tied up and put men and pumps aboard. When she was finally fit to go, she

managed to get back to St. John’s for repairs. But that was normal stuff, and I know they would have done the same for us if we needed help.” One final iconic image stays with me as I say my thanks to Heber and depart. It is the men of the Kyle standing in a semicircle on the barrack head near the bow in 1965, watching the icebreaker D’Iberville carve a path through a heavy floe for the Kyle to follow. Backs to the camera lens, faces forward and forever focused on the Great Front ahead, they remain ghosts of the Kyle who live on forever through the wonderful stories and slides of Heber McGurk.

Crew of the Kyle, in the spring of 1965, watching the icebreaker D’Iberville carve a path through a heavy floe for the Kyle to follow.

1-888-588-6353

February 2024

113

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

2403_Mailorder_Mail order.qxd 12/20/23 1:51 PM Page 140

GREAT GIFT IDEAS!

Devilfish: When Giant Squid Ruled the Northern Sea - Jenny Higgins

#87511 | $34.95

Admit Strangers: Forgotten History of the NL Press Gallery Association - Michael Connors

#87552 | $22.00

Downhome 25 Years The Highlights of our Journey So Far - Softcover

#48748 | $19.95 $9.97

A Company of Rogues

Five for Forteau

- Trudy J. Morgan-Cole

- Kevin Major

#87489 | $22.95

#87490 | $22.95

Dictionary of Newfoundland & Labrador

Downhome Gallery Cookbook

- Ron Young

#38455 | $19.95 $9.88

#34047 | $19.95

Downhome Reflections - Pictorial - Hard Cover

#36228 | $27.95 $10.48

East Coast Crafted - Beers, Breweries, and Brewpubs of Atlantic Canada - Reynolds/Moran

#73475 | $39.95 $10.88

ORDER ONLINE: www.shopdownhome.com

Prices subject to change without notice. Prices listed do not include taxes and shipping. While quantities last.

2403_Mailorder_Mail order.qxd 12/20/23 1:51 PM Page 141

MORE SELECTION ONLINE www.shopdownhome.com

Any Mummers ’lowd In Tea Towel

Anchor Tea Towel

Lobster Tea Towel

#77316 | $7.99

#65085 | $7.99

#48613 | $7.99

Sailboat Tea Towel

Kitchen Sayings Tea Towel

Moose Tea Towel

Newfoundland Map Fleece Throw

Newfoundland Sayings Fleece Throw

#48614 | $7.99

Puffin Tea Towel #65131 | $7.99

#65130 | $7.99

#75516 | $44.99

TO ORDER CALL: 1-888-588-6353

#65083 | $7.99

#77814 | $44.99

Prices subject to change without notice. Prices listed do not include taxes and shipping. While quantities last.

2403_Mailorder_Mail order.qxd 12/20/23 1:51 PM Page 142

GREAT GIFT IDEAS! Spice Things Up for Valentine’s Day!

Ragin’ Bayman Spicy BBQ

Atlantic Ocean Salt

Duck Spice

Taste of Home Spice

#79465 | $8.99

#77374 | $8.99

Steak & Burger Spice #77377 | $7.99

#79802 | $8.99

Cod Spice

#77379 | $8.99

Moose Spice

#77378 | $8.99

#77375 | $8.99

Purity Gift Box

Purity Gift Pack

#79290 | $59.99

#78550 | $23.99

ORDER ONLINE: www.shopdownhome.com

Prices subject to change without notice. Prices listed do not include taxes and shipping. While quantities last.

2403_Mailorder_Mail order.qxd 12/20/23 1:51 PM Page 143

MORE SELECTION ONLINE www.shopdownhome.com

Some Sweets for Your Sweetheart

NL Sayings Chocolate Bars - $6.99 Each | 50g

Assorted Chocolates 15 Piece Box - $29.99 Each | 200g

Jigs’n’Reels

Smiling Land

Explorer

Quiet Cove

Assorted

Wildberry Chocolates

Nut & Caramel

Milk Chocolate Assorted

#38954 | $29.99

#38955 | $29.99

#37750 | $29.99

TO ORDER CALL: 1-888-588-6353

#38957 | $29.99

Prices subject to change without notice. Prices listed do not include taxes and shipping. While quantities last.

2402_photo Finish_0609 Photo Finish 12/20/23 2:00 PM Page 144

photo finish

Winter

Radiance

The sun sets in a blaze of orange after a long blizzard. Julian Earle Twillingate, NL

Do you have an amazing or funny photo to share? Turn to page 9 to find out how to submit. 144

February 2024

1-888-588-6353

2402-Cover-NL_0609-Cover-NFLD 12/21/23 11:41 AM Page 3