Tuesday, May 14, 2013

THE CANADIAN MOTHER'S DAY


Mother's Day found us doing what Canadians do on a festive occasion:
Breakfast at a Maple Syrup Pancake place...





Some people even had maple flavour sausages!


We were in the middle of a Maple Tree Plantation, with trees actively producing syrup:


This is the modern way to tap the trees ...


and here are the hoses, all running through the forest and to the collection area.


Native Americans traditionally sliced the tree, and inserted a small stick to guide the sap/syrup out into a collection vessel.


Late 1800s technique.


A collection of traditional snow shoes.


We inspected the artistic possibilities of heritage axes ...


and old saws ...


Wooden maple sugar moulds...


and pretty ones made of tin.


Found another fake bird...

No luck in spotting a real red cardinal...


But I did see a robin red-breast today.



Bonsoir!

XXXXX




13 comments:

  1. The saws and the maple sugar moulds look really attractive displayed on the walls.
    Maple sausages do sound a bit strange to me but who knows until you try?
    Hope you find a red cardinal whilst you are visiting Canada.

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    1. I thought this heritage museum had made above-average efforts to effectively display their collections. Many of these places can just look a mess. Must admit I did not try the sausages, but hubs reports they were delicious! Still seeking the elusive red bird ...

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  2. What a fascinating place! I love all the moulds and tins etc. My OH would love the maple sausages but I think even I would too as we both love sticky sausages. x

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    1. The moulds were so pretty, I wish they had replicas on sale. Maple sausages could catch on! x

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  3. I love the maple sugar moulds. I am sure you are having a wonderful time...looking forward to hearing and seeing more. J.

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    1. Those moulds are so attractive. We are of course having the best time with the little ones. Can't keep my mitts off the baby :)

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  4. Patricia, I am so behind reading blogs and see that you have made the trek north. Wishing for you a lovely visit with family. I love maple syrup and understand why it is so expensive after watching a tv special on how it is harvested. Hope you see a red cardinal during your visit!

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    1. Sanda, we enjoyed the trek, including the flight across the States on a clear day, watching the ground and the flight path map. Thank you for your good wishes, and we are indeed having a lovely time with the little family. It will be sad to go home! Any tips on how to attract a cardinal to the back yard?

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    2. Patricia, I have no idea what attracts them to my backyard but I seem to have tons of them this year. They seem to enjoy the berries on my mulberry tree, plus the sunflower seeds I put out during cold months.

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  5. I don't like this new way of collecting the syrup ; it looks too surgical. As for your first photo, it almost sent me into a diabetic coma ! Enjoy your stay !xxxx

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    1. I agree, modern way is far less charming, and geared to an industrial production. While I enjoy the syrup occasionally, it could not be a lifestyle choice for me. I was the one who had the oranges instead of the sausages! xxx

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  6. Mmmm, pancakes with maple syrup.... That looks like a really interesting and enjoyable visit, Patricia. I love all aspects of industrial heritage and maple syrup collection and processing is certainly a rather sweet industry. ;-)

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  7. One pancake was enough for me, and sweet it certainly was, Perpetua. I love industrial heritage too, especially when it crosses over with art.

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