A country drive

As noted above (and in spite of any of my Yankee readers' protestations to the contrary ;) )The first Monday in October is Thanksgiving Day in Canada.

Mom O. decided to have a full turkey dinner with all the fixings on Sunday, rather than Monday, and a near-full contingent of the New Brunswick family turned out to devour it, along with its accompanying stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, squash, corn, broccoli, carrots, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie with vanilla ice cream for dessert. Whew!

As you can imagine, then, much of Monday was spent recovering from that. However, we felt spry enough by early afternoon to take a drive - it was such a beautiful day - through the autumn foliage, which is absolutely at the height of its colour and breathtaking right now. The photos, of course, don't do it justice, but I thought I'd share a peek with you.


We drove up the Saint John River Valley towards Woodstock. We took pains to stay off the highway, toodling down every little country lane that caught our curiosity or interest.

We crossed the river at the Nackawick Bridge and began to return home along the north side of the river. Before that return, however, we just had to stop at the World's Largest Axe in Nackawick. Placed in commemoration of the importance of forestry to Nackawick's past (and future - there is still a mill there), it is, um, one big axe. (That is Husband you can't see standing next to the blade. Only you can see him, a bit, if you click on the image.)

It seemed like half of New Brunswick was doing something similar. We passed dozens of motorcycles and convertibles, exotics and antique vehicles, as everyone took advantage of one more beautiful autumn day before it is time for their babies to be put to bed for the winter.

Then when we got home, there was an e-card from my cousin in Nashville wishing me Happy Canadian Thanksgiving. (BIG SHOUT-OUT TO MY ROCK STAR CUZ!) Husband rejoined his Mom and brothers and their families for hot turkey sandwiches for supper. I was all turkeyed and tuckered out so I had some couscous and snoozed with the kitties, then wrote my letters to my MP, Andy Scott, and to PM Stephen Harper, registering my objection to the recent spending cut announcements. Participatory democracy. Having my say.

Family, food, fun, freedom. If there is a better way to spend a weekend in order to really feel thankful for where you live and what you have, I can't think of it.

ronnie