My Birthday party a few days late 2015

I turned 42 on May 27th. I waited until today to have my party

Tis Nova Scotia is my home

I love it as no other. Where man is free to ply his trade, and each to each his brother. The Hills and Glens that I love well. The rolling surf that charms me. The lakes with speckled trout lie still and all is peace around me. In summer warmth and winter cold. In fog and storm and sunshine, whater it's mood me heart is here and will remain for all time
(The Hills and Glens collected by Dr. Helen Creighton)
This song has a special place in my heart for I learned it as part of a school singing contest when I was a third grade student back in 1983.
My wife and I are preparing our trip to go home and were remembering all of the places we miss.

My hometown of Stewiacke, Nova Scotia, half-way between the equator and the north pole.

The old train station and the dayliners. This shot was taken in the 1980s. I found it on wikipedia

(courtsey of NS Tourism)

VIA Rail's The Ocean, the train which goes between Halifax, Nova Scotia and Montreal, Quebec.

Ketchup Potato chips

Poutine

and Donairs! (all photos were found with google search)

 

Back to Inzai, and preparing to return to Nova Scotia

My daughter was really upset that we didn't take her back on Wednesday, so we packed a tobbagan and went back.

We then went to Starbucks and had a Vanallia shake.
We came home and had gratin and garlic toast. Not a bad Sunday.
Then we began to plan our trip back to Nova Scotia.
(nsonline.com)

(reepedia.com)

Saint Andrews day 2011

I had planned a Nova Scotian style kitchen party since our massive earthquake of March 11 to pick up the spirits of my friends, family and I. Eventually, it turned to November before I could get it together.
So Sunday November 27 became the date.

I must thank my head teacher Komatsu-sensei for taking the pictures. As most Japanese enjoy taking pictures of food, this shows what we ate, which was Acadian Fricot using Farmer John's herbs from Kings County, Nova Scotia, and burritos. (Ok so not so Scottish, but I did have Walker's short breads, and Robertson's Mincemeat)

My co-worker Trevor Cooms who surprised us with his Jews Harp and Harmonicas

My good self with my sticks and practise pad and my friend Andrew Gilhooley on a set of John Walsh miniature pipes.

Not to be outdone, Trevor had to pick up Komatsu-sensei's mandolin. Since this party, he's now gagging to get one himself, he's a pretty good player.

Apart from drumming, I also sing folk music. This must have been one of the slow tunes I was singing. Will ye go tae Flanders

So then my son Ian decided to get in the music. He plucked away. Not bad for a little guy.

While the musicians played our other guests enjoyed, tea, drinks, and food. Andrew MacKay, our newest teacher in our division enjoyed a little taste of home. In the back round are my wife, friends daughter Sara and my little girl, Leena

My little girl Leena who insists on always wearing pink.

Ian checking out Trevor's knitting. And the harmonicas.

It was a fun afternoon, which we hope to repeat in a few months.