Handyman Tip - Fridge Front Door

 An adpt video for New Years Eve.

Liquor Stories - The Pilot Episode

 They can be funny, or sad, take your pick

Ron James comic - Back Home in the Maritimes 2014

 Another by product of our home, great comics, entertainers Ron James

Irish Potato Pancakes

This recipe I got from my copy of Out of Old Nova Scotia kitchens.
It was a good way to use up the leftover mashed potatoes and stuffing I had.

First Christmas - Stan Rogers - Live

 I'm off to work in Japan, so no day off on Christmas eve this year. This song hits hard at times. So I'd like to dedicate this to all the Atlantic Canadians who are away from their home on Christmas. Peace.

Stan Rogers - At Last I'm Ready For Christmas

 A pretty good tune I've heard from this great icon.

I found stuffing!

As my wife always has to work on Christmas, we will have our family traditions on December 23. On my way home, I stopped at a foreign food store and found this

Rednex - Cotton Eye Joe (Official Music Video) [HD] - RednexMusic com

 This is the type of music which would have been popular in my home town pub, luckily, I was in Japan when this came out.

Sunday morning breakfast: Back Bacon sandwhich

Its a chilly Sunday morning, and what better way to wake up then to have a tasty breakfast.

 Making the sandwich

 Bagel, with Colby-jack cheese, back bacon, breakfast patties, eggs and chili-garlic mayo sauce.

 The sandwich ingredients.

Shattered City (The Halifax Explosion 2003) Part 1-2

 The CBC produced this movie and was shown on television back in 2003.

December 6, 1917: The Halifax Explosion

I must mention this. Halifax has never forgotten the terrible tragedy this caused to the city.
I remember in the house I grew up in had a crack in it from the shock wave.
One of the ladies in our church had been a small child when it happened.
There are no longer any survivors but we can't forget what happened.

I FOUND REESE'S PEANUT BUTTER CUPS IN JAPAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 Ok, sorry for the all caps on this post, but finding this candy over here, is like striking gold!
We went to Costco in Chiba-New-Town and they were selling these. So my wife let me get a bag for Christmas!
My wife got a bag of Lindor Chocolates. Pictures to follow.

Sunday meal: Hodge Podge

The cookbook my dad gave me when we were home in the fall of 2013. Published by Nimbus.

Today's main meal was Hodge Podge. Now, this dish is supposed to be served with fresh summer vegetables, but, I thought it would be good to have it on a fall day.

Fried up some pork chops, also used the drippings to make a sauce for the vegetables.

The veggies boiling

 and I couldn't resist buying a brownie mix on Friday. They've all been eaten by 4pm.

Beef stew from home

 I had a Club House Beef Stew seasoning package from my trip back to Nova Scotia in the fall of 2013. It took me a year to find a half decent roast in Japan.

 The leftovers tuned into a pot of beef stew

 after adding some of the beef gravy, it took on this hue. In the other pot I boiled up some Italian Raviolli. I added these to individual bowls. The pot fed the family all day. 

Another bit to fight the homesick blues, and missing another hunting season.

RMR: Rick Goes Cod Jigging

 A part of Maritime and Atlantic life which changed so much.

Terry Kelly - A Pittance of Time (Official Version)

 Terry Kelly's tune for Rememberance Day

RMR: Rick and Log Rolling

Tour Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia

 My friends in Annapolis Royal produced this video. Good on ya Alan! This area really is a great place to visit. As well, my Dad is the piper!

RMR: Rick and Lobster Fishing

 Lobsters!

George and Rosemary

 Another Canadian classic animation from the National Film Board

The Sweater National Film Board of Canada (1980)

 Though this is set in Quebec, it would fit most Canadian and Maritimer town.

Bluenose II - Planking

 Part of the restoration project of the Bluenose II but since many of the men who used to build these are gone, it has taken a new generation to learn the old trades, and the restoration is way behind schedule.

Canada Vignettes - Bluenose 1921-1946

 Part of Nova Scotian and Maritime pride.

Prince of Wales Fort in Churchill - Manitoba, Canada

Bad Drivers of Nova Scotia 4

 Careful, he's watching you!

A good idea of how we should obey the rules of the road, and drive safely!

Ho Ro Mo Nighean Donn Bhoidheach

 a beautiful Gaelic ballad sung by the surviving members of the Rankin Family. Sadly, another member, I believe Cookie tragically died of Cancer.

The Rankin Family_Fiddle Medley

 A good tune in memory of the fiddler of the Rankin Family who was tragically killed in a car accident in 1999.

Gaelic Medley - The Rankin Family

 Another of my favorite Cape Breton groups, The Rankin Family. This groups was really big from the late 1980s up to the late 90s. Unfortunately, two of the members have passed away, one in a car accident and the other from Cancer.

Darling Be Home Soon

 One of my favorite Cape Breton groups, The Barra MacNeils.

This tune was very popular back in the mid 90s.

Canadian Thanksgiving 2014 in Japan

This is one of those holidays which makes me homesick, so I am doing something about that.

Today we are having pumpkin pie, mashed potatoes with bbq chicken, bread and cheese, washed down with tea and coffee.
 Pictures to follow

 A bit of Maritimer pub food, a plate of Onion Rings and Fries, and Shake N Bake BBQ Chicken

Nickelback - Edge Of A Revolution (Main Version)

 The main version. Nice to see a rock band trying to engage the younger generation as to the current situation of the world.

More food from home: Bacon butty as inspired by the Canadian Bacon cookhouse, Halifax, Nova Scotia

 Ian and Leena enjoying my version of a bacon butty. I fried up some back bacon, a sausage patty and put a slice of colby jack cheese on a plain bagel for them.

Mine I jazzed up with peanut butter! 

Canadian Bacon Cookhouse www.canadianbaconcookhouse.com 

Rod drumming Japan Highland Games 2008

 Though this video was taken in Japan, it was a close to a Highland Games as I could get back home.

The Places in Between - Back to Nature - Nova Scotia Tourism

 Nova Scotia's Eastern Shore, my home region of my ancestors is in this region

Welcome to the Town of Stewiacke, Nova Scotia

 The town I grew up in.

The History of Swear Words (feat. Trailer Park Boys) | Mashable

 Not for children, but for those of us from home, this can be funny, unless you find swearing offensive.

MAGIC! - Don't Kill the Magic

Another popular song from this group for the Summer of 2014. They are from Toronto, but hey, they are Canadians.

MAGIC! - Rude

A popular tune this summer in Canada. Nice to see another Canadian band getting air time!

Piping in the Head Table Guests

 My father piping for one of the Robert Burns dinners in Nova Scotia

Rob in Kennetcook

 One of the summer festivals in rural Nova Scotia.

14 Problems Canadians Know To Be True

 Oh yeah, and it really does get to us.

Cows Ice Cream - Why It Tastes So Good!

 It really is that good! My wife wants some more, but we'll have to wait until we return on a trip home.

Man v. Boom - A BOOMBurger Presentation

 The burgers there really are that good! I miss it.

The Red Green Show - Campfire Song Ep. 6 "Smell the Gundpowder"

 Hunting season is coming, wish I could be home

John "Mr. (Jim) Lahey" Dunsworth (Trailer Park Boys) on CBC News Nova Sc...

 Luckily, TPBs are still going strong and are going to come back!

1980s commercials from Nova Scotia

 WOW these bring back memories.

Nova Scotia References

 I'm not sure if I posted this, but its funny

Catch a glimpse of Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador

 One of my corporals in the 78th Highlanders was from Newfoundland and was telling me about hiking 4 hours into Gros Morne park and just got to the base of the hills. I was like, ok.

Camping in Newfoundland and Labrador

 This looks like fun, if you're a camping type person. A buddy of mine from Port Union can't stand going camping as he can't believe people would pay money to go out and try to sleep while getting rained on, getting bit by bugs and wondering if bears will eat your food or you. But that's the fun and adventure part.

A bit of a stick in the mud if you ask me, but he's a funny guy.

Find Yourself, Newfoundland and Labrador

 Now technically, Newfoundland and Labrador are not part of the maritimes, but Atlantic Canada. But it's just about one of the most beautiful places in the world. I went there with my mum back in 1982

2013 NEW BRUNSWISK SPRING BLACK BEAR HUNT

 New Brunswick also has good hunting.
Most big game hunting in the Maritimes is either Black Bear, or White-tail deer.
Moose and Caribou were the traditional big game, but both were hunted out of the area.

Shad Fishing Nova Scotia

 Fishing is a big draw to the Maritimes. There are thousands of spots to fish, either river, or coastal.
Thanks again to Outdoor Nova Scotia for the posts.

Nova Scotia Duck Hunting 2014

 Another tourism demographic is hunting and fishing. To those of you who do not understand rural life, do not make negative comments. Many families depend on hunting and fishing to help put food on the table. And many farmers are require that as a conservation effort, hunting helps balance the
population.

Thanks to Outdoor Nova Scotia for posting these.

The Red Green Show - Fishermen ep. 267 "Education"

 This makes sense.

Home food: Hamburgers and gravy with mashed potatoes

 On Sunday, my wife felt she needed some protein to help her gain some more energy. She really likes my hamburgers in gravy with mashed potatoes.

So we went to a Japanese supermarket, got what they call Hamburger Helper (which is spices and bread crumbs to help your burgers stay together), potatoes, and onions.

I then whipped up a really good maritimer supper. Everyone, including my kids want me to make again. Simple home food, helps cure homesickness, which I get in the summer.

Rock the Boat Music Fest!

 A plug for a Maritimer music festival some of the best music you can hear!

Billy Joel - The Downeaster "Alexa"

 This may be about Long Island, but there is a lot of history between our communities especially concerning fishing. Many Maritimers lost their livelihood when the Northern Cod fishery was closed in 1992.

Red Green Summer Poem "Running through the Sprinkler"

 My Dad's favorite Canadian TV character.

Halifax to Bedford via Bedford Highway / Trunk 2

 One of the routes I used to drive when I grew in Nova Scotia. Thanks to Cpt. Schmit

Keeps ya dry

 I got the sou'wester when I went to PEI last fall. My rain suit I bought here in Japan. The British DPM pattern bag cover I bought from www.cadetdirect.com My head was dry! I was a bit damp inside, but that may have been from the sweat as rainy season is so humid and hot!

Just Passing Through Caption Contest!

 mind the language, but a funny bit of Maritime humor

The Canadian Rockies and Paries

Driving up the highway my brother in law took these shots. Reminded me of how beautiful Canada is.

 Lots of cattle farms

Not many trees 

May was always my time for a Chinese food feed

 I always used to have a big Chinese food feed the type we have in Canada on my birthday. This was my son and I last September when we went to Truro Mall, in Truro, Nova Scotia.

I really miss Egg Rolls. 

Ians birthday bbq 2014

Ok, so my yard is not in the Maritimes, but I'm putting this up in the hopes that everyone back home can enjoy the upcoming Victoria Day weekend.

Aselin Debison - Moonlight Shadow [HD]

 This was her big song. From what wikipedia has mentioned about her, she's now either studying to be a teacher or is one.

Aselin Debison - Rise Again [HD]

 Another lovely song by this talented young woman with another song from my home province, but a different region. In fact, for many Capers, Cape Breton could be considered seperate from Nova Scotia.

Aselin Debison - The Island [HD]

 Lovely young lady who has a great voice. She became popular over here in Japan about 6 years ago but was mislabled as an American singer! She's now a university student back in Nova Scotia. This song made me cry like a baby, and I'm not from Cape Breton but the mainland!

Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

I had no idea I would find myself in Calgary, Alberta, or Banff National Park this week. However, my mother, Bernice Rutley was killed in a car accident, thus I am here for her funeral on the weekend.
In an attempt to keep it at bay, my sister, brother-in-law, step-father and step-sister took me sight seeing today.

The pictures were taken by my brother-in-law while in my step-sister's pickup.  First is the sign into the park. Next we have the CPR Hotel which hosts many guests including celebrities. The statute is of the man who built the CPR through the rockies. Then a shot of my step-dad and me outside the hotel. The conceriege was a really friendly fellow from Jamaica! His kilt is Maple Leaf tartan. The ballroom behind me is designed to look like a Scottish manor. Last shot of me is with a nice rug with a Rampant Lion. We had lunch at a Tony Roma's. I had a steak and rib combo and then proceeded to burp my way back to Calgary with the family, I had to keep rolling the windows down. All in all, a nice way to take our minds off our loss.
I was also able to get my wife and kids t-shirts, pens, and Girl Guide cookies. The shop girls were from Hiroshima and Osaka Japan, so I tipped them with 100 yen coins which made them happy as they have been over here for 2 years.

Swearnet: The Movie Official Trailer (Green Band)

 a classic way of Maritimers who have found something they like, what they can do, and then export that to the world.

Cuban chants traced to Sierra Leone - BBC News

 A bit of a Nova Scotian connection to this as Sierra Leone was established with Africans former slaves who choose to fight for the British during the American Revolution and the War of 1812. As well, the Jamica Maroons were also involved.

A Barca: Spanish village given away for free! BBC News

 A similiar situation in Spain which has happened in the Maritimes all to often. Communities with an economy based on one industry, and it slowly fades from exhistence. Looks like a wonderful community, and it has a great idea, just hope that they can restore the place once again. The music is from the Spanish celtic culture.It's either Basque or Breton or Gallician. Anyone who can correct me, please comment politely.

More home food from Canadian Living Cooking collection 1991 for Easter Sunday 2014

Tonight's dinner is Chicken con Queso, which I have made before and is very tasty.


For Christians, Easter is a big celebration. However, Japan is not that big on Easter. I guess the low amount of Christianity in Japan doesn't help. However, as this festival is something close to my heart in memories, I've decided to make this for our dinner.

 The cookbook recipie with a bag of Tortilla chips

the con Queso baking in the oven

 BBQ chicken pan fried style.

Dessert is touched off with Dare Maple Cream cookies and Choclate Fudge ones. Lack of Choclate Bunnies and food coloring means no eggs again. Better luck next year.

Hi. My name is New Brunswick.

 Since my blog is called Maritime Union, I should include the other maritime provinces. I've visited New Brunswick about 8 times. Mostly the Saint John and Fredricton and Moncton areas, as well as Sackville.

More reasons than ever to come to PEI in 2014

 The PEI government's 2014 promotion to add the hype for the 150th Anniversary of the Charlottetown Conference, which led to Canadian Confederation in 1867. Though Prince Edward Island didn't join until 1873.

2013 Tourism PEI Promotion

 Time to post some other provinces in the Maritimes. This is where we went in September, 2013. I have been there at least 10 times since I was a child.

The Places in Between - A Place of Sea and Song - Nova Scotia Tourism

 Another tourism spot for Nova Scotia, this one focusing on the Acadian shore in south-western Nova Scotia.

Bangers and Mash British and German pub grub

 Once upon a time, I worked in a pub as a cooks assistant. I also did a lot of eating and drinking at pubs back home. One of my favorite dishes was bangers and mash. These bangers are Johnsonville Cooked Brats. I've broiled them in my oven. 

 Being Irish, I cook a lot of potatoes. I've perfected my mash as garlic and margarine.  

 Also being Canadian, Maple syrup is something which also gets used when I make veg. This is my maple butter carrots which I got from the Canadian Living Vegtable cookbook, and also from my late grandmother.

 This is my onion gravywhich I got from Canadian Living. It's actually called Lots of Onions and I've caramalised the onions in a mixture of various sweet things.

Bluenose II and Tall Ships Festivals Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

 A big part of maritime provinces history is connected to the sea, trade and sailing ships. It's not a cliche when they say wooden ships and iron men and women who worked on the ships, and on the shore dealing with all trades with the sea.

Celtic and Gaelic Culture, Music and Festivals in Cape Breton Nova Scotia

 My culture background is Celtic, both Scottish and Irish. This is a very big cultural event in Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotia History - Nova Scotia Tourism

 Several of my friends are in this video production from the province of Nova Scotia. The gunner firing the noon gun and the final sentry at the Citadel was one of my squad mates when I was in the 78th Highlanders and 3rd Brigade, Royal Artillery. As well, the Frenchman at Port Royale is a fellow reenactor who worked for Parks Canada for many years.

The Places in Between - Nova Scotia Tourism

 The 2014 Nova Scotia Tourism promotional videos showcase what is great about my home. Hence why my wife and kids had such a good time last fall, and where we want to retire.

The Places in Between - Sheep, Chefs, and Sugar Moons - Nova Scotia Tourism

 I was able to take my family here back on our trip in the fall of 2013. My Dad and I piped and drummed in this area for many summers.

The Places in Between - The World's Most Beautiful Drive - Nova Scotia T...

 I have been to Cape Breton many times, and regret that I have yet to take my wife and kids there, this will be the next trip home. Thanks to Nova Scotia Tourism.

Repair Shop "Edgar's Furniture" (+playlist)

 You have to hand it to Graham Greene, a great actor. Thanks again to Red Green TV

Handyman Tip "Garbage Can Cannon" (+playlist)

 Here's the crazy thing, my Dad looks like Red Green. Thanks to Red Green TV for these. Helps with the homesickness.

Blue Jays Dreams of 2014

 Some guys from PEI debating how well the Jays will do. Thanks to Jeremy Larter for making these.

United Breaks Guitars Song 3 - "United We Stand" on the Right Side of Right

 The third and final song Dave Carrol used in his point to United.

United Breaks Guitars Song 2

 The second song Dave Carrol wrote due to his problems with United.

United Breaks Guitars

 One of the most interesting ways music was used to make a point from Maritimers. Thankfully, my United flight was fine.

Driving Nova Scotia Highways 107, 118, and 102 - Dartmouth to Truro (+pl...

 Thanks to CptSchmidt for posting these videos. This is the route I would drive everyday when I was a university student at Saint Mary's University from 1992-96. When I returned to Nova Scotia in September, 2013 the highway was still the same. Ah good memories. This was also one of the first modern 4 lane highways built in Nova Scotia during the oil boom of the 1970s. As a young boy, I remember this being built.

Patting the cat back home

My son really enjoyed patting this cat Mittens last year when we visited my Dad

I miss having a cat to play with. This feline was very well behaved, considering he had to contend with 4 people it didn't know.

Reporters blown off-camera during live blizzard update

 Ah yes, spring in Nova Scotia!

Indian Legends: Glooscap (Ojibwe)

 Another bit of MikMaq culture.

Millbrook First Nation

This was a great place I took my family to. I grew up in Stewiacke, Nova Scotia. Stewiacke is a name from the Migmaw language. I had an interesting conversation with one of the interpreters, a young Migmag fellow. He was interested in my family as we're Japanese-Canadians. He was interested in visiting Japan in the future.

Rum Barrel Races and Piping (+playlist)

 This video is where he was playing in Maitland, Hants County, Nova Scotia. He's wearing what an officer of the 78th Colchester and Hants Regiment might have worn, as their uniforms were modeled off of the 78th Rosshire Buffs, which had been in garrison at the Halifax Citadel from 1869-71 and the local militia regiment decided to emulate them.

Entertaining at Toney River (+playlist)

 Pipe-Major Robert L. Redden playing in Toney River, Pictou County, Nova Scotia. My Dad has his own business playing for communities, weddings, Highland Dancing, receptions, funerals, graduations.

piano party

My Dad playing at a kitchen party in the Musquodoboit Valley of Nova Scotia

Saint Patrick's Day Parade Halifax 2013

 Since I left my home in Nova Scotia, they have now begun a Saint Patricks day parade. This was the 2013 version thanks to Web design Halifax

Johnny cake with chicken gravy (+playlist)

video of what I made for dinner

Johnny Cake, with chicken gravy and fries

My family is sick. So time to make some down home food.
I'll have to take a video clip and post it for supper.

Great Big Sea - Captain Kidd (+playlist)

 Another great tune from GBS. This group has a way of taking traditional tunes, and making them sound interesting for younger generations. Another group which became popular while I was a student. I watched them live at Legends bar outside Kentville Nova Scotia around 1994.

Great Big Sea - Come and I Will Sing You (The Twelve Apostles)

 Music from my other favorite east coast band Great Big Sea. Good for Lent.

Rawlins Cross - Long Night

 This was one of the most popular songs when I was at university back in the 1990s. I still have their CD.

Rawlins Cross - Memory Waltz

 One of the best responses to the collapse of the Northern Cod fishery. Just as I began my university studies, this happened. Over night, 40,000 atlantic canadians lost their jobs.

Nova Scotia Food and Wine

 Another reason for me to want to go back home. My family got to have wild blueberry pancakes, right out of my father's field.

Nova Scotia Culture - Nova Scotia Tourism

 This is what we like to do on Saturday nights, or whenever we can get together.

Invited Aboard 2014 TV Commercial

 This years tourism advertisement.

Take yourself there: Nova Scotia Tourism - 2013 - Television Commercial

 This was produced the year we finally got to go back, close to ten years after having to return to Japan.

Nova Scotia History - Nova Scotia Tourism

 My friends are in this video, the French fellow from Port Royal, and the gunner firing the noon gun at the Halifax Citadel and the last 78th Highlander sentry. I worked there in the summer of 1995 and 1996.

Visit Nova Scotia 2012

 This is the province where I am from, and where my heart always is. Even my wife who is from Japan wants to retire there.

Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia

 This was close to where I grew up in Central Nova Scotia. I miss it everyday. Well, maybe not the winter with the ice, snow and cold.

Canadian Living Cherry Cheesecake muffins

It was a Sunday, rainy so I dug out my cookbook and looked for a recipie I hadn't tried yet.


After going to the local foreign food shop, I got some cookies, cherry jam, and whipped up a batch of these muffins.


My wife noted that they were very filling. Another good easy thing to make. The recipie I was able to make 6. Good thing as that was the size of my muffin tin.

RMR: Rick and Jann Arden at the Donkey Sanctuary

 One of the best entertainers to come out of the East meets again with one of the best of the west.

Thanks to RMR.

01 - A Mhairi Bhoidheach

 Another great Cape Breton Nova Scotian singer, Mary Jane Lamond. Thanks to The SongsandSingers for posting this video.

I was given this CD as a gift from a good friend of mine, an fellow Nova Scotian English teacher who found it at Tower Records Shibuya in the International section on a sidewalk sale, as many Japanese wouldn't know her. It was a gem, and he knew I'd enjoy it.

Natalie MacMaster and her kids, 2013 Dublin Irish Festival

 This is Cape Breton Nova Scotia's own Natalie MacMaster with her children playing in Dublin, Ireland in 2013. This is the type of music which you can hear all over Nova Scotia, and when Maritimers get homesick, this is what many of us want to hear. Thanks to MrPeabodyPA2 for posting.

Just Passing Through - Episode 1 - Alberta Bound

 A little less then family friendly but right some good! Many a good spud islander has had to go down the road.

Canadian Living Cookies

This next recipie is Honey Oatmeal Cookies. I've decided to use honey nut cheerios to make the flour.


I used a granola cereal and a honey nut cheerios to make the flour mix.


My wife actually liked eating them! WOW, she usually doesn't like oatmeal. But then again, they really are not oatmeal at all.

Snommegeddon aftermath 2014

 A great experience for my children to actually go sledding in Japan. I have just heard as well, that Japan will have another snowfall tomorrow night! Nooooooooooooooooooooooo

More food from home, Peanut Butter Cookies

Many many years ago, while living in Nova Scotia, Petro-Canada, our local gas station had a series of cook books put out by Canadian Living.


The Canadian Living Cooking Collection was a series collection of 8 cookbooks. Their Muffins and Cookies book (1991, Madison Book Group, Toronto) has a Peanut Butter Cookies recipie. So today, with time on my hands, and a bit of a sweet tooth, I've decided to bake them.


Ten minutes in the oven, and they taste pretty darn good!

Snommegeddon in Chiba 2014

snowing just like home.
On the next day, a Sunday, my wife, children, in-laws and the neighbors then had to shovel the snow off our streets. In this part of Japan, there are no plows. I saw one front loader going up a main street when I was walking home Saturday afternoon.
I took my kids out sledding, and their friends have come over. Then, an announcement was made that due to the snow problem, the school lunch program is cancelled for Monday, so the children have an extremely rare day off from school! This is most unheard of here. But back in the Maritimes, many children greet a storm with the 99% chance of a day off from school.
Since my son's playmates want to come over tomorrow, I will watch them if I also am not called into work. As most of the train lines are still affected, I may also be of.

Pub food version one

When I visited Jack Astor's Bar and Grill last September, one of the dishes I tried was Pulled Pork Poutine. Basically bbq pork, on french fries, with cheese and gravy.


Well, it's a bit of a flight to Halifax from here, so I tried making my own.


Once I can upload pictures, I will do so


 The poutine we got from The Battered Fish, just in case the kids didnt like the fish and chips.


making my own poutine

My own chipolte mayonaise made with Tartar sauce and Blairs Sudden Death Sauce

The end result, with bbq pork on top. This was my version of pulled pork poutine. The beer is a non-alcoholic black made by Sapporo Beer. This was a good food to eat during the winter when I was home.

Toad in the Hole - In the Kitchen with Stefano Faita, some comfort food

Toad in the Hole - In the Kitchen with Stefano Faita




I decided to make this for my family tonight, as my kids love the sausage, and I wanted some home food. It's supposed to snow over here in Japan, so I thought I'd make something from home.

Pipe-Major and Drummer Sgt. Redden Medley 2

 My father and I playing pipes and drums with my son doing some arms drill.

Piper Robert L. Redden and Drummer Rod D. Redden medley

 Traditional music you can hear in the Maritimes. Played by Pipe Major Robert L. Redden and myself, Drummer Sgt. Rod Redden

Restaruants which are great for families and just a good time

Montanas www.montanas.ca is one of my favorites. It's great for the kids as they are given crayons and can actually draw on the tables as the table clothes are actually paper. I've put pictures up previously. I had their cookhouse platter, peppercorn sirlion, my son thad the kids ribs, my daughter had the kids grilled cheese, while my wife tried the side Ceasar salad.

Look at all the drinks daddy!

Jack Astors www.jackastors.com is another fun place which I posted pictures of previously.
Their inhouse rootbeer is great. When I went there, I tried their beer and cheddar soup, pulled pork poutine, my cookie ate my brownie,

Boston Pizza
www.bostonpizza.com was also a good place. I had their medium bacon-double cheeseburger pizza,  and boneless wings

Franks Pizza in Stewiacke, had one of the best Lebanese pizzas and donairs, known as kebabs everywhere else,

The Kentucky Fried Chicken in Stewiacke also has some of the best KFC anywhere!

Tim Hortons, www.timhortons.com is one of the best places for coffee and donuts anywhere.

The Ho Lucky Chinese restaurant in Stewiacke is also a nice little mum and pop take away as well as sit down. They also provide children with crayons

Curry Night or Stew

Sure, curry is not native to the Maritimes, but recently, while back home, I noted at Atlantic Superstore (www.atlanticsuperstore.ca) that they now carry Sharwoods and Patiks curry pastes.


While back here in Japan, I make curry when it's cold. I also used to make curry for my wife and I when we were going out. So it's very nostalgic for us.

"Vermont" Curry due to the fact that apple and honey from this region are added.

Some Irish stew which I make

However, Beef stew is something more akin to what we have back home. I was able to pick up a small bit of beef today and have made it into a stew.

Club House Beef Stew seasoning

Stew in the pot. Quite good too. Even my wife who doesn't eat meat like it, though she gave me her pieces of beef.