Cosby’s Garden Centre and Concrete Creations in Liverpool NS
Cosby’s Garden Centre and Concrete Creations in Liverpool NS
Cosby’s Garden Centre and Concrete Trails is a wonderful place to visit in Liverpool, NS!
Over 10 years ago, my mom, sister and I headed to Liverpool to take part in a concrete workshop put on at Cosby’s Garden Centre. I made a turtle and my mom and sister made a concrete bird bath stump. It was so long ago that I can’t find the pictures. However, we are all still using our creations in our gardens and will definitely go again!
I had heard all about Ivan Higgins’ concrete creations that were on display behind the garden centre, but had never been, so we decided to go and check it out.
About the Artist, Ivan Higgins
Meet Nova Scotia sculptor, Ivan Higgins as his eclectic imagination comes to life. Ivan’s simply magical and undoubtedly unique concrete creations will not only grab your eye but will capture your soul.
Ivan, an accomplished artist, began sculpting about 15 years ago with his sculptures becoming a natural and powerful extension of his art. His mammoth sculpting projects are a winter tradition at Cosby’s. Friends and customers constantly pop in and out of his ‘greenhouse’ studio in anticipation of watching his musings take shape. It is inspiring to witness his creations acquire form as they evolve from wire and concrete into unparalleled works of art. It is not unusual for Ivan’s employees to assist in the development of the initial pencil drawings for his art.
About the Concrete Trail
The concrete trail is located right behind the garden centre. There are so many winding paths through the woods that you can take your time to meander.
You will be hard pressed to remember that these magnificent pieces are actually made of concrete!
There are so many acrobatic manouevres! They look so real!
Keep a sharp eye, because there are more sculptures hidden in the woods, popping out behind trees!
How does it work?
It is free to visit the gardens!
Take your time to wander the trails. We spent about 30 minutes walking around, however, you could spend much much longer looking at each of the sculptures and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
Children will adore the magical nature of the trail. Just remind them not to touch or climb on the sculptures!
At the end, please consider giving a freewill donation to help maintain the park.
Just give the money to Johnny!
Where to Find Cosby’s Garden Centre
Cosby’s Garden Centre is located just outside Liverpool on Route 3.
There is so much to do and see at this wonderful garden centre! Open year round, make sure you stop and take a magical journey through the woods!
Learn More about Cosby’s Garden Centre’s Concrete Trail
Oulton’s Meats and Martock Glen Farm and Agrizoo in Windsor
Oulton’s Meats and Martock Glen Farm and Agrizoo in Windsor
For the longest time, I had heard that Oulton’s Meats near Martock in Windsor had an agrizoo, but I couldn’t find any more information about. We did some investigative reporting and decided to go check it out.
Here’s what it says on Facebook:
We are a working farm with two provincially inspected abattoirs and an on-farm meat store. We invite you to come and visit our little bit of paradise!
Primarily, Oulton’s is a meat store. They also specialize in exotic meat and therefore have a lot of exotic animals on the farm.
While you are at the meat store, you are allowed to wander around and look at the animals.
Please remember, that this is a working farm. Be respectful of the farm and the animals, and visit the animals at your own risk.
When we were there, there were water buffalo, emu, zebra, llamas, deer, pigs, sheep, cow, horses, lots of birds and fowl and much more!
Depending on your child, you may wish to tell them, or not tell them about the exotic meat available in the shop.
Because there is no admission to go see the animals on the farm, please consider buying something (exotic or not) from the meat store to support the agrizoo.
Location
Oulton’s Meat Market and Agrizoo is located right off Route 14 near Windsor, before you get to Martock.
When you pull up the long driveway, there is a cement building to your left. The entrance is on the side.
It makes for a lovely outing!
Learn more about Oulton’s Meat Market and Agrizoo
Old Fashioned Applesauce Cake
Old Fashioned Applesauce Cake
This old-fashioned applesauce cake is probably one of our all-time go-to recipes of all time.
The recipe came from one of my mom’s friends and I’m sure it’s a lot older than that. I always keep jars of applesauce in the freezer and pull it out to make when we have company. The kids love it, too!
If you don’t like raisins, leave them out, but it’s a great addition to the cake!
Every fall, we go apple picking at our friend’s orchard. Then, I use my aunt’s applesauce maker (which I have permanently borrowed) to boil down the apples to make applesauce. I freeze them in peanut butter jars in the freezer. Each jar is about the right amount for one cake!
Easy!
Eat warm or cold. With ice cream or whipped cream, or alone for breakfast. Any way is a good way!
- 1 C butter
- 2 C brown sugar
- 2 C applesauce
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp lemon extract
- 2 tsp baking soda
- Salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp cloves
- 1/4 tsp all spice
- 3 C flour
- 2 C raisins (optional)
- Pour into a sprayed bundt pan.
- Bake approximately 1 hour in 350F oven.
- Cool for 10 minutes and then turn upside down on a rack to cool until cake drops nicely from the pan.
Everything you need to know about puppy leash training
Everything you Need to Know about Puppy Leash Training
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post to let you know about puppy leash training. Posts like this provide you with great information and help to offset some of the costs associated with having a website!
Leash training can be intimidating to some people, but for experienced dog owners, it is nothing more than a routine. Indeed, properly walking on a leash is just one of numerous things that a puppy will learn during its life.
Although it may seem like basic training, it is a skill necessary for social integration. Puppies that cannot walk on a leash can pose a threat to others and more importantly, to itself.
There are lots of things you need to keep in mind so we decided to invite the puppy expert Lene Kaufmann and to learn about proper dog training from an expert.
Puppy training basics
All puppy trainings have several things in common.
First and foremost, they are meant to develop discipline and good habits in young pets. They will teach them obedience and how to behave in various situations. Like with little babies, these lessons will serve them for the rest of their lives.
It is also a way of developing a relationship. Any type of a training can be either a positive or a negative experience for a young dog; it all depends what you make of it. Owners who disrespect their dogs and beat them will have issues going forward. In fact, it is something that can cause a severe trauma to the animal. You should teach a dog through persistence and repetition instead.
Keep in mind that pets look up to you; they follow your lead and instructions no matter what. Verbal communication can be used for puppy training but to a limited extent. This is why you have to rely on body language. No matter what, try to create a consistent message. If you start using different commands, dog can easily get confused and is less likely to behave the way you wanted it to.
Lastly, try to have fun. While these training are very important, they shouldn’t be stressful either for you or your dog. It is a great chance to bond and create memories that will last for a lifetime.
Here are some specifics when it comes to leash training in particular
How to do a leash training
As soon as your dog is old enough, you should start taking it out.
But the training starts before that. It starts a few weeks prior.
Ideally, a dog needs to learn how to walk on a leash before you go outside. There will be lots of distractions so you at least have to cover some basics. How do you do that? By training the puppy at your own home.
You can either do it within the house or in your backyard. First, put on a leash. Puppies usually resist them strongly but they have to get used to them. Once you put a leash, try walking around together. This will teach a puppy how to walk properly without tripping too much. Still, mistakes are to be expected.
After these few initial weeks, you are ready to go outside.
But as you know, dogs tend to get crazy during walks. A puppy will likely start pulling the leash and this is something you need to stop immediately. You can approach it in two ways: either completely stop or start going in the opposite direction.
When you stop, the dog quickly learns that it should walk according to your pace. In the second case, when you change direction, it leaves a dog confused. If you start going in the direction from which you came, the puppy will become reluctant and less inclined to pull.
You also have to be mindful of lunging.
Dogs tend to lunge at other dogs and people. This is something that needs to be prevented. You can do it by using a command or distracting a puppy. Find a method that will attract its attention and prevent it from thinking of this person/dog.
Conclusion
With these simple tips, you are well on your way to becoming a real dog master. Just be calm, collected and lead your puppy by example.
Adventures with Girls on Boards
Adventures with Girls on Boards
Disclosure: I received an event pass to this workshop for me and a friend, so we could come experience for ourselves Girls On Boards to better understand about stand up paddle boarding and the great work of this organization. All opinions are my own.
The whole idea was to step outside my comfort zone and challenge myself to do something I normally wouldn’t try. I did that this summer. Twice, and both times were with Mia Lockhart.
The first was that I went to an art class with Celine Hambling to paint a whale. Mia was in the class, too!
I am not artistic. Nor am I athletic!
So, my second personal summer challenge was to try stand up paddle boarding with Mia Lockhart and Girls on Board. I wanted to learn more about this amazing organization.
About Girls on Boards
Girls on Boards is a non profit organization empowering girls to love their bodies, trust their core and lead the way.
Our mission: To empower tomorrow’s female leaders by building their confidence today.
Why Girls On Boards?
From Girls on Boards Facebook Page
53% of 13-year-old North American girls are unhappy with their bodies. This number grows to 78% by the time girls reach 17.
As early as the preteen years, girls start to withdraw from activities such as giving an opinion, going to school, going to the pool, etc. because they feel bad about how they look.
By middle school, 40-70% of girls are dissatisfied with 2 or more parts of their body.
Why Stand Up Paddle Boarding?
When you’re out on the water, paddling your own board and soaking up nature you stop worrying about how you look, and you start to feel gratitude for your body and the places it can take you.
The aim is to take groups of teen girls out on paddle boards, off social media, away from cameras and into nature to feel the power of their own bodies. Learning to love what their body can do for them, where it can take them. Feeling their strength, connecting and balancing their core. Opening discussions on what they love and what they love doing and where they want to go. Away from mirrors and pressure.
Women on Boards
Or, as we called it “WOBS”!
Girls on Boards also offer women’s retreats on paddle boards, building confidence and community for women in business and life.
Every woman’s retreat sponsors a teen retreat so that teen girls can go on their trips FOR FREE.
So, not only are we women doing something for ourselves, and helping to build our own confidence, stepping out of the box to try something new, we are also helping the next generation of women!
Our Adventure
I tried stand up paddling boarding once earlier in the summer at a friend’s cottage for about 10 mintues. However, I was in my clothes afraid of falling in, and my dog was running along the shore, and I was afraid he would swim out to me and knock me over. It wasn’t a good assessment.
For this adventure I took my friend Nicole who is always up for anything! She had never tried stand up paddle boarding.
We met up with head of Girls on Board, Mia Lockhart, at the head of St. Margaret’s Bay near Halifax. From there, we got a few on land lessons, but the best way to learn, is by getting on your board!
We started out by paddling on our knees and worked up to crouching and then standing up!
When we all felt confident, we headed through St. Margaret’s Bay to Clam Island, and then back again. The round trip was 9km!
We had several breaks along the way, and could sit and enjoy the beauty and rest our muscles.
“4 hours on the water, away from life, choices and stresses to gain perspective, balance, empowerment and camaraderie.”
Once we got to Clam Island, the water was even warm enough to go for a swim! And the waters were full of star fish and the beach, sea glass!
Stand up paddle boarding is tough, but not impossible.
When you stand up, it takes a good 5 minutes before your brain readjusts to a new centre of gravity and to being on the water, and for you to unclench your toes and knees!
I felt most comfortable when I was kneeling on the board, because I felt like I was in a kayak or canoe, which I often do. However, I tried to challenge myself to stand up and go outside my comfort zone.
I fell in 2.5 times.
One time I turned my head to talk to someone and I lost my balance completely. The second time a fishing boat went right beside us, and instead of going to my knees for better balance, I remained standing, and was knocked off. The 0.5 time, was in very shallow water, I hit a rock, and one leg went in. That doesn’t count as a full fall. I own the others.
The water was warm, we were leashed to our boards, and Mia was right there to help me get back up on the board, so I didn’t feel too much like the beached whale from my art class above!
There are no pictures of my falling off! And, I wasn’t the only one.
I think in my teens and 20s I would have cared or been embarrassed that I fell in. Now, in my 40s, I really didn’t care. You just climb back on and keep on going, proud that you are doing something new.
As Nicole said, “You’ve given birth twice. You can do this!”
Female Empowerment
Before we left shore, Mia asked all to think about something as we were paddling.
“What advice would you give your teenaged self?”
When on the water with the teen girls, Mia has a lot of these conversations and likes to pass on the wisdom of the ages.
We aren’t just going to be paddle boarding, we’re going to be talking about confidence, body love and following your dreams
A lot of us said not to be so hard on ourselves, practice positive self-talk and not to worry so much!
“Thank you, Mia, for an amazing experience! Lucky to be out on the water with this lovely group of ladies!”
When you are out on the water concentrating on staying on board, it’s hard to think about anything else!
“Thank you, so much, Mia Lockhart, for wonderful guidance and leadership! You made us feel comfortable and safe! Appreciate your time and positive energy”
What does Girls on Board offer? Body empowerment and self-confidence exercises. Conversations and opportunities to share in a safe environment.
For women of all ages.
Tips
Based on our experience, here are our top tips for when you go on a Girls on Board trip.
- Bring a change of clothes. For some reason, all I brought was underwear and a sweatshirt. Did I think I wouldn’t get my pants wet? I would stay dry? I didn’t! Bring a whole set of clothes and a towel. Even if you don’t fall in, you’ll need them!
- Wear a tshirt. We wore leggings over a bathing suit, but those who didn’t have a t shirt on over the bathing suit found that the life jacket started to chaff.
- Wear old sunglasses. Luckily I remembered to do this, because I did lose mine the first real time I fell in.
- Change your mind frame. It’s ok if you’re not athletic. It’s ok if you fall in. Challenge yourself. What’s the worst that will happen? You’ll get wet.
- Just try it. Grab a girlfriend. Send your teen aged daughters and spend a day doing something you wouldn’t normally do. Moms, it’s ok to take time for yourself, too!
Upcoming Trips
Girls on Board offers trips for teens, women and private groups. Tours run from spring to fall. Tours happen anywhere from the Halifax area to the South Shore and the Annapolis Valley.
All private tours help sponsor the costs of the Girls on Boards Sponsored teen tours!
To find out about upcoming paddling events visit the Girls on Board website or follow Girls on Board on Facebook.
Make a Donation
Even if you don’t book a trip in support of Girls on Board, you can still help them out financially.
Your funds will go directly to us being able to offer more SUP trips for teen girls. The team is small but their hearts are big and they are committed to reaching as many girls who want to come out and discover the power and their strength on paddle boards.
In the future, Girls on Boards hopes to hire other young women to help lead even more groups on even more adventures!
Donate Here
Need a Massage Afterwards?
Besides being a Paddle Canada Certified Stand Up Paddle Boarding Instructor and yoga instructor, Mia Lockhart is also a massage therapist in Wolfville!
So, if you are feeling a bit sore and stiff after your paddling excursion, don’t forget to book in a massage with Mia.
She will instantly make you feel calm and healed not only on the water but on land. You’ll just instantly feel better with Mia around!
Help your body feel better with Mia Lockhart Massage Therapy Clinic
Learn More about Girls on Board
If you are looking for your next women’s adventure, definitely check out a stand up paddle board workshop with Girls on Board. You will be surprised at how far you’ll come.
Charles MacDonald Concrete House Museum in Centreville
Charles MacDonald Concrete House Museum in Centreville
“In his 93 years, Charles MacDonald was a sailor, sculptor, painter, builder, manufacturer, and a socialist. The Charles MacDonald Concrete House Museum celebrates the life and work of this exceptional man.”
The story of Charles MacDonald is a fascinating one, so much so, when I wrote the scripts for Valley Ghost Walks’ Legend and Lore of the Fundy Shore, he is one of our characters and his story is told.
According to Wikipedia, MacDonald established Kentville Concrete, operating the business according to his Socialist philosophy. In 1916 Macdonald married Mabel Misner and converted the one-storey concrete factory into a two-storey residence, relocating the factory to nearby Brooklyn Street.
It is this house that is now the Charles MacDonald Concrete House Museum.
“When you step inside the house, it is essentially as it was built, with every surface lovingly decorated in painted relief sculpture, paintings and exhibits. From mantle to newel post, chimney to dovecote, the impression is of a magical cottage!” ~Nova Scotian Tourism website
In the past, I’ve been lucky to have a back-stage tour of the museum and have seen the concrete tub upstairs!
It’s a great place for kids to explore, as there are concrete animals everywhere inside
and outside the house.
Make sure you get one of the guides to give you a tour and tell you the stories about Charles MacDonald.
Did you know on his final day of work he handed the keys to the concrete factory over to his foreman, telling him it was now his?
Did you know that Charles MacDonald, during the depression, not wanting his employees to be out of work, had them build whimsical cottages out of concrete at Huntington Point?
Hours and Admission
Months of Operation: July 1 – September 1
Tuesdays-Sundays, 11am – 5 pm (subjec to change)
The museum is free, but free-will donations are accepted.
Location
19 Saxon Street, Centreville
The next time you are driving to Hall’s Harbour or looking for a fun, magical place to visit, pop into the Charles MacDonald Concrete House Museum. See how many animals you can spot. Learn about his socialist practices, and see his creative use of concrete! You won’t be disappointed!
