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.