Top O' the Mornin' Hodgepodge


1. This week's Hodgepodge lands on St. Patrick's Day. Will you wear green? Eat corned beef and cabbage? Drink green beer? Have you ever been to Ireland? Is it on your travel 'bucket list'? 
Definitely will wear green and eat corned beef but cabbage...not so much. I went to Ireland a few years ago with my SIL and fell in love. Going back for an extended stay is on my bucket list!  I have an "Ireland" tab at the top of my blog, or you can just click here.



2. Something you think is 'worth its weight in gold'? 
Spending time with family.

3. Something that makes you 'green around the gills'? 
Blood. I can deal with poop, but blood? Ewwwww.

4. What puts a 'spring in your step' these days? 
Good news.

5. Write a limerick using one of the following as your theme....March, St. Patrick's Day, Covid, 2020 and/or 2021, the color green, or life lately. Yes, you can do it. 
There once was a lass named Mary
Whose life was just a bit harried.
She couldn't say why
And didn't want to lie
She said "Life is a bowl of cherries"!

6. Insert your own random thought here.  
This week is Spring Break for me, and I can't believe it's already Wednesday. Why is it that breaks/vacations go by so quickly?


Pondering the Hodgepodge


1. March 9th is National Get Over It Day...what's something you need to 'just get over already'?
 Not having things put in the dishwasher the "right" way? Having things in the "wrong" place in the refrigerator? Or maybe you should just read my answer to #4!

2. Something you're currently 'over the moon' about?
The fact that after next year I can take it year-by-year and retire when I want to. That's a very comforting thought.

3. What's something you're 'chewing over' these days? (meaning-thinking over carefully)
I'm drawing a total blank on this one. I'm just living day-to-day and taking life as it comes.

4. The last thing you cooked or ate that was overdone? 
A couple of months ago I mentioned the King Cake that was overdone. I'm still disappointed that what I thought was going to be a really good find in the Small Town was such a let-down.


5. In celebration of hitting volume 411 in the weekly Hodgepodge, give us the 411 on something happening in your life in the next 30 days. 
Hmmmm...well, Spring Break is next week. I plan on doing some spring cleaning and clothes shopping. And spending quality time with CH. We don't have plans to go anywhere; just take it easy around the house and hopefully get some things done.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 
Who's ready for Spring? The Small Town Park is just busting with spring fever! 
Male & female Mallard duck in water
Lenten Roses




 

The Great Adventure 2019: The Ovens Natural Park

 
I'm not sure where CH heard about The Ovens but this was one stop he definitely wanted to make. We spent 2 nights in the park. It was a nice break from trying to see everything. We relaxed, took a hike, and enjoyed ourselves as our time in Canada was rapidly coming to a close.

The Ovens is owned by the Chapin Family. If you remember the song "Cat's in the Cradle", you'll know who Harry Chapin is. That is just part of the history, though. "The Ovens" are actually the sea caves that can be found as you hike the sea cliff trail. They just aren't the kind you can walk in like the ones in New Brunswick.


There is a legend that a M'kmaq Indian paddled into one of the caves and came out 90 miles on the other side of the province. The real history is the Gold Rush of 1861. Sitting on this property was a town of over a thousand miners. Bank, hotels, and stores were in this town. Sadly, the town only lasted 6 years. There is a small museum on site. 

We hoped that our campsite would be right on the cliff, but we had to settle for being right across the road from it. Still, it wasn't a bad spot.
If I remember correctly, there was a water spout not far from our spot, but the campsites did not have electricity. We had a couple of fantastic nights' sleep, and the view when we woke up wasn't too shabby:

Something funny that happened: when we first arrived, I saw what I thought were a couple of people sitting in chairs on an isthmus:
See what I mean? Doesn't that look like 2 people sitting in chairs? Well, as soon as I had the chance I walked over because those people hadn't moved in a long time. This is what it actually was:
At least I provided CH with some comic relief! 
We opted to take the easy way out while we were there and take advantage of the diner that is in the campground. There was music playing (thanks to the Chapin family!) and the food was pretty good.
Overall, the campground was a little rugged. I have no idea what the shower places look like because I decided to really rough it and go without the full day we were there. I will say that the outside didn't look very welcoming! The toilets reminded me of the ones in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park...you know, the ones that don't flush? Yep, those are the ones that were there. Someone left the door open at night & I was a little concerned I was going to surprise some critter. Luckily that didn't happen!
Once again, the beauty of Canada just astounded me. The rocks weathered by the sea were captivating.
We only had one more stop in Canada. 2 more nights and then we would be heading back to East Tennessee. 
       

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