It's Friday July 31st and I've been remiss in my blogging duties fer two days now, b'ys. So today's entry will be covering the two. Just so you know, I am sitting on the outside porch of the Lady Slipper offices, I have a hummingbird at the feeder bout 5 ft away, a chipmunk sun bathing on the step behind me and a little itty bitty bird on the railing, within arms reach. I feel Mother Nature-ish today.
So on Wednesday, we went up to the North Cape, where the St. Lawrence meets up with the Northumberland Strait. Quite the sight to see where the two waters meet, a lot of erosion going on since not as much ice forms in the winter months due to global warming. What used to be called the Elephant's Nose is no longer there. We walked along the sand, taking pictures of the cliffs, tidal pools and red sands. We grabbed a bite at the Wind and Reef Restuarant after taking a quick "boo" through the Canadian Wind Enery Interpretive Centre. These wind combines are freaking huge and as I've said before. I had my first PEI Hot dog that day (the Islanders call it a lobster roll) and it was some good.
Before that we stopped in Little Tighnish and wandered around the harbour where we could see all the lobster traps, bouys and boats getting ready to head out. Snapped us up some good phot-e-graphs before moving on to Royal Star Fisheries where we gots Gordie his traditional Royal Star T-Shirts for only 8 bucks. On to town where we picked up the Prince Edward Potato Vodka infused with wild blueberries before heading over to this very old church called St. Simon & St. Jude's. The church was built in 1862 and it is overwhelming beautiful inside. There is a shroud that has the Face of Jesus appearing on it when you take a picture. You can't see it with the naked eye. We were gobsmacked by the beauty of the altar, ceilings and simply everything.
We ambled down the coast line stopping in Miminigash, a quaint little fishing town (lobster), driving past all the potoato fields, warehouses and the like. Every chance we'se got, we stopped and took pictures, even at Skinner's Pond to take pictures of Stompin Tom's birthplace.
Quite the day... but that's not the end. That evening, the host and hostess of the cottages, James and Nellie, gathered all 5 cabins and served up some piping hot Fresh PEI Mussels in a tomato broth along with soda biscuits and homemade buns. I even tried me a mussel and it was some good. Gordie keeps telling me he'll make a Maritimer outta me yet.
So,we wake up Thursday morning to Brother John and Brett stopping by (lovingly called the Mafia) to get Dallas and go fishing with Uncles Leonard and Lloyd. Since the rest of us were on a quest to get us some souveniers, we jumped into one car and headed off on a new adventure; the South Shore scenic drive. We stopped at the glass bottle house (made entirely of recycled beer, wine and pop bottles; they must been thirsty people. This drive took us down into Summerside where we walked the Spinaker's Landing and then stopped for a bit to eat. Heading North we stopped in New Ananan to visit a Wrought Iron Artisian's gallery before heading to Malpeque to visit an Oyster man. Again, we entered into a harbour that housed lobster boats and the world famous Malpeque Oysters. After scoring some oysters, it was time to head for home cause early in the morning, Frank and Gordie made a run for Tighnish to get us some lobster for supper.
Stopping at the Price Chopper in Bloomfield Corners we secured butter and buns to help aid us in our ingestion of the 12 lobsters purchased. Borrowing a pot from Nellie and a custom made burner, we cranked up the water till she boiled, cooking us up a pot of fresh lobster (of course Frank had to crack, break and source the meat out for me). We ate lobster and oysters, along with a cheeky merlot, until we could eat no more. Between 7 of us; Gordie, Patty, Kayla, Dallas, Brett, Frank and I we got through 9 and an arf. That there was a PEI meal!
Frank, Gordie, Kayla, Dallas and Brett made arrangements to go deep sea fishing back in Malpeque on Friday morning. Since they had to get up and go before 6:30 (it's an hours drive back) we all turned in early for a change. Patty and I were to go errand-ing to get everything needed for the fruit plate and make sure we knew where to go for the meet and greet being held at the O'Leary Legion on Friday night. We are gearing up.
The weather has been outstanding, some rain but that just cools things down. It is very humid here so I've got me a big do of hair - I looked rather "frightened" in all the pictures. Having a marvelous time and look forward to more adventures. Gotta stop eating all this good food - me clothes are getting rather... tight.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Doing the Touriesty Thing
Well me b'ys we'se been out and about, up West in PEI. Off to West Point Lighthouse to get our pictures took. We lined up John, Patty, Frank and Bob in their McKenna Family Reunion shirts, in front of the lighthouse and took about 50 pictures from everyone's cameras. Then it was by family, grandchildren, outlaws and finally the lot of us. After that it was off to the G & E for lunch - OMG it was like walking into a 70's restaurant. Food tasted like it was made in the 70's too!
Dallas wasn't feeling so hot so off Mom, Dad, Dallas and Uncle Bob went to the doctors to make sure all was good, We took Nana, Carlie, John, Cathy and Brett and headed off to the Price Chopper in Bloomfield Corner, to get us dinner fixins. Yes, that's right, we had everyone back to our cabin for dinner, again. Worked out well, picked me a cucumber out of the greenhouse, along with oregano and thyme. Chicken was some good on the barbie. After much wine and beer, we sent six home and fell into bed with a plan for the following day. (Dallas was given the green light in the health department).
So, we are off on Wednesday to the North Cape which is on the St. Lawrence Gulf. We are going to search for lobster to have a feast on Thursday night. Amongst all the other sites,sounds and smells of the island.
We've started hearing that family is arriving. Uncles Leonard and Lloyd are here and Carole Ann has come up west. So far, it looks like 143 of us are gonna be getting together on Friday night to start the festivities.
I can't get over the beauty of the land here. Weather has been outstanding, about 22-25 everyday, along with the island breeze. Tomorrow shall be a fun day filled with exploration, great food and tons more pictures.
There I was gone. Until we talk again, I bid you ado.
Dallas wasn't feeling so hot so off Mom, Dad, Dallas and Uncle Bob went to the doctors to make sure all was good, We took Nana, Carlie, John, Cathy and Brett and headed off to the Price Chopper in Bloomfield Corner, to get us dinner fixins. Yes, that's right, we had everyone back to our cabin for dinner, again. Worked out well, picked me a cucumber out of the greenhouse, along with oregano and thyme. Chicken was some good on the barbie. After much wine and beer, we sent six home and fell into bed with a plan for the following day. (Dallas was given the green light in the health department).
So, we are off on Wednesday to the North Cape which is on the St. Lawrence Gulf. We are going to search for lobster to have a feast on Thursday night. Amongst all the other sites,sounds and smells of the island.
We've started hearing that family is arriving. Uncles Leonard and Lloyd are here and Carole Ann has come up west. So far, it looks like 143 of us are gonna be getting together on Friday night to start the festivities.
I can't get over the beauty of the land here. Weather has been outstanding, about 22-25 everyday, along with the island breeze. Tomorrow shall be a fun day filled with exploration, great food and tons more pictures.
There I was gone. Until we talk again, I bid you ado.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Summerside of Life
Frank and I alone in a cabin, in Fortune Cove, PEI. What fun was that? After spending the morning resting up we decided to go back to Summerside, and finish where we left off on Sunday. But this time, I got to drive the newly coined Peety Cruiser and b'y the snapping, I did. Frank spent most of the drive (45 mins door to door), hanging out the windee snapping some pho-tee-graphs. PEI has some amazing wind combines sourcing new power. So, we did all we could to get as close as possible to snap some photo's. Although I fully support the use of these wind combines, it is so freaky to see them when you are on the two lane highway (one lane each way). You think they are going to fall over.
When we reached Summerside we wandered around Spinamakers Landing through all the trendy artistic stores. There are metal stars or flowers on so many of the houses here, I was bound and determined I was gonna get me a flower - until I found out the price. $100.00 for a metal (size of a tire), flower to go on the side of my house - I don't think so. Dang! So to ease my pain, we went in search of the Prince Edward Distillery - makers of the potato vodka infused with wild blueberries. My pain stayed with me when we searched through nearby Borden and could only find some wine. Although we did get to look at Paderno cookware, hand made in PEI, and a fan fave of Frankies, we purchased none of the above.
We did get to look at the Conferderation Bridge. $42.50 to cross over and leave the island, zippo to get back on.
After much texting back and forth we finally caught up with Patty, Gordie, Kayla and Dallas. Soon followed by John, Cathy, Carlie, Brett and Nana. Burgers were tossed on to the bbq, beer opened, fire pit started and away we go. Darkness fell, wine was opened and before you know it, we was empty and it was time for bed.
Tomorrow we are going to West Point Lighthouse to reinvent the photo of 1964 of John, Patty, Frank and Bob. This time we will also add the grandchildren, spouses, outlaws and the lot of us. Petit Guy won't be making the trip with us though. I found him playing with my lingerie after drinking all night. His reputation of being a dirty bird, follows him to PEI. I think this is what happened when we took him Paris.
When we reached Summerside we wandered around Spinamakers Landing through all the trendy artistic stores. There are metal stars or flowers on so many of the houses here, I was bound and determined I was gonna get me a flower - until I found out the price. $100.00 for a metal (size of a tire), flower to go on the side of my house - I don't think so. Dang! So to ease my pain, we went in search of the Prince Edward Distillery - makers of the potato vodka infused with wild blueberries. My pain stayed with me when we searched through nearby Borden and could only find some wine. Although we did get to look at Paderno cookware, hand made in PEI, and a fan fave of Frankies, we purchased none of the above.
We did get to look at the Conferderation Bridge. $42.50 to cross over and leave the island, zippo to get back on.
After much texting back and forth we finally caught up with Patty, Gordie, Kayla and Dallas. Soon followed by John, Cathy, Carlie, Brett and Nana. Burgers were tossed on to the bbq, beer opened, fire pit started and away we go. Darkness fell, wine was opened and before you know it, we was empty and it was time for bed.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Looking for the Slipper
We left our little room in Charlottetown, to begin the trek to Lady Slipper Cottages; our new home for the next 6 nights. However, before we did that, we needed to find the first thing in the morning cup of coffee - a really good one - so we headed to downtown Charlottetown. Lo and behold a Starbucks! Last time we were here, 3-4 years ago, PEI's version of the starbucks was in the art gallery - and it sucked. Still better than Timmy Ho's (in my opinion). This Starbucks has only been open for 1 year and is the only one in PEI. It's Tim Horton's on every corner here and they are all lined up, no taste in coffee these East Coasters.
After coffee, we decided to start heading west to O'Leary and Alberton where our place is. But we got lost in Charlottetown - go figure.After a good 45 minutes trying to figure out where Hwy 2 was, we made a break for it. We stopped in Summerside for lunch ($33.00 BUCKS!!) and drove to Alberton to the world famous "Revelo" restaurant - which was closed. Everything is pretty much shut down up west on a Sunday. We were able to go the Price Cutters around 4 to get us some breakie stuff, but we were close - store closes at 5!
Spent the remainder of the day, settling in, playing cards and waiting on family to stop by. Which they never did! We wandered around the property, down on to the beach and walked the red sands. Kinda weird walking on red sand, it is suppose to be grey dammit!
Our little cottage is quaint and shall do the 6 of us just fine. It has everything we need, a little rustic but very clean and tidy. Safe place to lay our heads.
Tomorrow we head for Summerside, Borden and Carlton. Frank wants to work out at the local gym in Alberton so I will try and find one of them there internet cafes so I can blog in style. I think things are pretty quiet right now, but the heat is starting to rise, so things are gonna fly.
We are also on the hunt for homemade potato vodka infused with wild blueberries as well as Pure Juice and moonshine. Could prove to be a very interesting day.
Lee
After coffee, we decided to start heading west to O'Leary and Alberton where our place is. But we got lost in Charlottetown - go figure.After a good 45 minutes trying to figure out where Hwy 2 was, we made a break for it. We stopped in Summerside for lunch ($33.00 BUCKS!!) and drove to Alberton to the world famous "Revelo" restaurant - which was closed. Everything is pretty much shut down up west on a Sunday. We were able to go the Price Cutters around 4 to get us some breakie stuff, but we were close - store closes at 5!
Spent the remainder of the day, settling in, playing cards and waiting on family to stop by. Which they never did! We wandered around the property, down on to the beach and walked the red sands. Kinda weird walking on red sand, it is suppose to be grey dammit!
Our little cottage is quaint and shall do the 6 of us just fine. It has everything we need, a little rustic but very clean and tidy. Safe place to lay our heads.
Tomorrow we head for Summerside, Borden and Carlton. Frank wants to work out at the local gym in Alberton so I will try and find one of them there internet cafes so I can blog in style. I think things are pretty quiet right now, but the heat is starting to rise, so things are gonna fly.
We are also on the hunt for homemade potato vodka infused with wild blueberries as well as Pure Juice and moonshine. Could prove to be a very interesting day.
Lee
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Good Morning Charlottetown
Lord tundering jesus, we made er boys! Late last night we pulled into this cute little drive up... motel and got ourselves a room. No coin operated bed though. Darn! We made a stop at Carole Ann's for a cup of tea and slice of home made raisin bread. That was 11:30 - PEI time! Spent time with Carole Anne, Claudia, Uncle Leonard, Frank's Mom, brothers John and Bob,sister in law Cathy, niece Carlie, nephew Brett and Claudia's Granddaughter Vanessa.
In case you don't know, we travelled with Frank's sister Patty, his brother in law, Gordie, niece Kayla and nephew Dallas (aka Salad).
Flight was relatively uneventful, got into Toronto at 7:00 p.m., walked off the plane, over two gates and walked onto another one! How easy was that? Left Vancouver on a beautiful sunny Saturday morning, pulled into Toronto to rain, arrived to Charlottetown in darkness.
I was right! Still get off the plane and drag your sorry arse across the tarmac into the terminal. Hang on though, the big difference is that they unload the suitcases and bring them into the terminal! How lucky is that! Progress. And cause for celebration, we didn't get locked out of the airport and we weren't the last ones to leave. However - we got stuck with a PT Cruiser for a car. How unlucky is that!
Petit Guy was bursting at the suitcase to come out. He was a tad upset with us when we wouldn't stay and play cards well into the night. As it was we didn't get to the motel until after 2:00 am. He's still not talking to us. But, it might help if we unzipped the suitcase and let him out though. Oh well.
So today we are off to find Lady Slipper Cottages and get ourselves settled. Buy us some groceries at the Need and get er done and who knows, we might even get in a clam dig. Frank still upset that he didn't get in a raw oyster treat last night (eww, food issues here!)
Yeass, that's right, wese off fur the day, by the jesus b'y.
Love to all,
Lee
In case you don't know, we travelled with Frank's sister Patty, his brother in law, Gordie, niece Kayla and nephew Dallas (aka Salad).
Flight was relatively uneventful, got into Toronto at 7:00 p.m., walked off the plane, over two gates and walked onto another one! How easy was that? Left Vancouver on a beautiful sunny Saturday morning, pulled into Toronto to rain, arrived to Charlottetown in darkness.
I was right! Still get off the plane and drag your sorry arse across the tarmac into the terminal. Hang on though, the big difference is that they unload the suitcases and bring them into the terminal! How lucky is that! Progress. And cause for celebration, we didn't get locked out of the airport and we weren't the last ones to leave. However - we got stuck with a PT Cruiser for a car. How unlucky is that!
Petit Guy was bursting at the suitcase to come out. He was a tad upset with us when we wouldn't stay and play cards well into the night. As it was we didn't get to the motel until after 2:00 am. He's still not talking to us. But, it might help if we unzipped the suitcase and let him out though. Oh well.
So today we are off to find Lady Slipper Cottages and get ourselves settled. Buy us some groceries at the Need and get er done and who knows, we might even get in a clam dig. Frank still upset that he didn't get in a raw oyster treat last night (eww, food issues here!)
Yeass, that's right, wese off fur the day, by the jesus b'y.
Love to all,
Lee
Monday, July 19, 2010
5 more sleeps and the world has gone crazy
Ack! Time is flying by and I am running out of time to get all the things done that need to be done. I mean, come on. fingers, toes, hair and clothes where does a girl find the time to get it together? Then I've got to do this all for Frank too! Don't have to worry about Petit Guy. He was packed the day we showed him the tickets.
Only 5 more sleeps before Frank and I head from the everyday world of work, stress, home, stress, to the laid back, red sands of my hubby's native land. Anne of Green Gables, here we come. We are both excited for some serious playtime: eating seafood, playing frig your buddy, sneaking onto the tobacco fields, trying the wines at the one winery, spending time in Charlottetown (I can't wait to eat at the Pilot House) and just having some downtime with family. This could even be the time that we start planning what our next stage of life is going to look like. Could be trouble brewing! Let's hope our family can help steer us in the direction of solid decision making. You never know, we could come back saying we'se moving.... hold on... da ya think?
I think the next post will be that of our arrival into the one kiosk, still walk across the tarmac and drag your luggage with you airport of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.
There they were, side by each, gone!
Only 5 more sleeps before Frank and I head from the everyday world of work, stress, home, stress, to the laid back, red sands of my hubby's native land. Anne of Green Gables, here we come. We are both excited for some serious playtime: eating seafood, playing frig your buddy, sneaking onto the tobacco fields, trying the wines at the one winery, spending time in Charlottetown (I can't wait to eat at the Pilot House) and just having some downtime with family. This could even be the time that we start planning what our next stage of life is going to look like. Could be trouble brewing! Let's hope our family can help steer us in the direction of solid decision making. You never know, we could come back saying we'se moving.... hold on... da ya think?
I think the next post will be that of our arrival into the one kiosk, still walk across the tarmac and drag your luggage with you airport of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.
There they were, side by each, gone!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Countdown to PEI - 10 sleeps
So it's ten days from now that Frank, Petit Guy and I board a plane bound for Charlottetown. We are starting to plan what we need to take so it's time for the ever popular list making on things to wear, wash, purchase, pack and what not.
Petit Guy is very excited about meeting new people and seeing new places. He is gonna try some lobster, go to Stompin Tom's place on Skinner's Pond, attend the meet and greet at the O'Leary Legion - we need to figure out which chips we're gonna take - and maybe go across Confederation Bridge.
I loaded this picture of Petit Guy and his version of packing for the trip. Someone's ready to go!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
11 days to go
Welcome back to my blogging escapades. This year's story will be about the McKenna Family reunion back in Prince Edward Island. Land of potatoes, red sand, tobacco, lobster and Anne of Green Gables and guess what - Petit Guy is back travelling with us.
In just 11 days, you shall hopefully share in our journey around this island and read with pleasure, joy and amazement the trouble Petit Guy shall get himself into.
We miss you travelling with us Lisa. But our adventures are far from over, you, me, Frank and Petit Guy have many more miles to cover
Today is July 13th and my name is Leanne. Come follow me.
In just 11 days, you shall hopefully share in our journey around this island and read with pleasure, joy and amazement the trouble Petit Guy shall get himself into.
We miss you travelling with us Lisa. But our adventures are far from over, you, me, Frank and Petit Guy have many more miles to cover
Today is July 13th and my name is Leanne. Come follow me.
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