Jiggs Dinner



Jiggs dinner (ramblingmomma03.blogspot.com)



With the passing of Easter not that long ago, I figured it's about time I talked about Jiggs Dinner. Now this dinner is not only for special occasions, sometimes its whenever you feel like it, but it's a garantee that come thanks giving, christmas, easter or any other special holiday, you know what your going to be eating.

A jiggs dinner is when you boiling carrots, cabage, potatos,turnip, collards, a bag of peas pudding in a big boiler with salt beef. You also would cook a turkey and/or a roast/duck/other bird, depending on the number of people you'd be having over.

The first thing to be added to the boiling water is the salt beef, because alot of the times (though depending on if the bucket of beef you get is a good one or bad one), the water must be "freshed up". This means taking away some of the water made salty by the beef and adding fresh water. After the beef gets cooking, you add the pudding bag full of split peas to the water. Then you add your carrots, cabage, turnip and collards. The last thing to be added is the potatos because when they're done, so is everything else! Below I've made a list of cooking time for the vegetables. The time in the brackets is how long the water has been boiling before you add the vegetable)

Cabbage & Collards 40 minutes (1 hour, 20 minutes)

Turnips& Carrots 30 minutes (1hour, 30 minutes)

Potatoes 20 minutes (1 hour, 40 minutes)

After two hours everything should be done and all that's left to do is scoop out and sort the vegetables. Serve with fresh home made bread, pickled beets, stuffing and gravy. Any left overs can be mashed up and eaten the next day as hash.

Here's a link to the actually recipe. http://www.food.com/recipe/jiggs-dinner-15129

Bon appetite! Until next time me duckies!

The Purity Of Newfoundland

 

syrup (thecornerstoreonline.netfirms.com)



Purity is a widely known brand in Newfoundland. I'm not quite sure how well its known in other places, as I've known it all my life growing up with a Newfoundland family. Purity has a range of products from cookies to fish and even a drink flavor. Im sure you've all heard about the new Mio that you add to your water to make it taste better? Well, Purity already had that covered with their syrups. It's called a syrup because its really sweet so its not a good idea to add a whole lot unless your looking for a sugar high. The syrup is very popular with kids because of its high sugar content (Im speaking from personal experience) but now I find it too sweet for my liking, although I do have some now and then as a treat. The syrups come in many flavors such as blueberry, strawberry, raspberry, cherry, orange and fruit punch. I've only ever had the blueberry and strawberry ones myself.


One of my favourite Purity products is the Jam Jams (see below).  They're a soft cookie with jam in the middle, good to have with tea or by itself as a snack. Another one of my favourites are ginger snaps. Very good with tea.


I could go on for awhile about all the products of purity but that would take awhile. Please visit the following site to see all the great stuff and maybe try some! http://www.purity.nf.ca/product.html

jamjams

The Flags of Newfoundland


 







modern newfie flag, (wikipedia)

The Newfoundland flag shown on the left, was designed by a Newfoundland artist named Christopher Pratt. The flag was introduced in 1980 and was approved by the house of Assembly of Newfoundland and Labrador on May 28th the same year. The flag was flown for the first time on June 24, 1980, also know as Discovery Day (June 24, 1497). Discovery Day commemorates John Cabot's discovery of Newfoundland.
The flag was chosen because it has a lot of symbolism. For example, the blue triangles represent the union jack and Newfoundlands' British heritage. The two red triangles represent the two parts of the province; the island of Newfoundland and the mainland Labrador. According the Pratt, the artist of the flag, the gold arrow points towards a bright future and when the flag is hung vertically, it become a sword to represent the sacrifices of the Newfoundland military. The red triangles and the gold arrow form a trident which stand for Newfoundlands' dependence on fisheries and resources from the sea.

The flag below, is known as the Newfoundland tri-colour. It's Newfoundlands' unofficial flag. The origin of this flag is unknown but it's believed to have come into being in the 1840's. A recent scholarship suggests it was first used in the 1870's by the Roman Catholic fraternal organization the "Star of the Sea" association and shortly became more popular with St. John's and other catholic groups.The green, white and pink flag is used more for the tourist industry, whereas the blue, red, and gold flag is the official flag of Newfoundland.

Unofficial newfie flag, (flagspot.net)

Now when you see these flags flying high anywhere, you'll know where they're from.

Until next time me duckies!

 

George Street



George street (wikipedia)



     In Newfoundland, there a place where the people go to experience the "night-life". This is called George street. George street is two blocks long and is occupied solely by bars, pubs and restaurants. Traffic is not allowed on George street except in the mornings to allow the various establishments to restock. It is known for the most bars and pubs per square foot in North America and has bars that are also open later than other bars throughout Canada. The street becomes its busiest late at night (around midnight) and will stay busy until early morning (around 6am) despite the absence of alcohol.


George street festival (canada-photos.com)



     The street is used for the celebration of Mardis Gras in October, even though it is not celebrated in most other places until February. The largest celebration on George street is the George street festival, celebrated in August, which last six days. It is rumored to be the the largest festival of its kind with over 120,000 people taking part over the six days.

     The street used to be six blocks in length but with the addition of the St. John's convention centre, it has been divided into George street and George street west. George street west is occupied by many residences, businesses and a church, whereas George street is where the night life happens.

I'm sure George street is going to be on many of your lists of things to do, so have fun but be responsible.

Until next time me duckies!

What a Pretty Pony!



Newfoundland Pony, Photo from: animalswecare.com



 The newfoundland pony is a small but sturdy horse with strong small hooves. It has a short thick mane and a thick low set tail. They come in a variety of coat colours, the most common being brown. They can range from 11-14.2 hands in height and wiegh between 600-1000 pounds.



 The Newfoundland pony is prominatly descented from the Exmoor. Some of it's other ancestors include the Welsh pony, New Forest pony and the Galloway pony (extinct).

Extinct Galloway pony. (wetearth.wordpress.com)





 The Newfoundland pony was used for plowing, assiting with gardens, hauling fish nets or wood and transportation. The invention of machines took over the ponys' job and therefore the population diminished.

There are less than 400 newfoundland ponies, making them classified as critically endangered by Rare Breeds Canada. There was once known to be around 12000 Newfoundland ponies roaming Newfoundland. The populations declined quickly in the 1960 by the introduction of machines like ATVs and snowmobiles. The Newfoundland Pony Society was formed in 1979 with less than 100 Newfoundland ponies remaining. In 1997, the goverment of Newfoundland and Labrador enacted the Heritage animal act, making the ewfoundland pony the provinces' first heritage animal.
Breeders of the Newfoundland pony outside of the province of Newfoundland are allowed to continue owning and breeding their ponies but no Newfoundland ponies are allowed to be exported off the island of Newfoundland. There are still not as many Newfoundland ponies as there once was but the populations is slowly increasing.
Now you've learned something about the Newfoundland pony! Want to learn more? Check out the Newfoundland Pony Societys' website. (http://www.newfoundlandpony.com/)
Until next time me duckies!

It's a Bear! No, It's a Dog..?

Newfoundland dogs are huge. They are typically black, white with black, or very rarely, a deep brown. Though personally I have never seen a brown Newfoundland dog. However, the traditional Newfoundland dog is black. They have long fur that protects them from the cold ocean waters surrounding Newfoundland. This is why they were used to save sailors from drowning in the harbour.

Newfoundland dogs that are part of families with small childeren have been known to "save" the childeren from drowning in pools by taking the kids out of the water. The dog doesn't know you're just having fun because its instincts are telling it that it has to save you.

Photo from: landseer-ect.com





Newfoundland dogs are very master orianted. They have one master and are very loyal. These dogs are not typically aggresive. Keep in mind that a dog's behaviour is a reflection of its training. Because Newfoundland dogs are so big, it is highly recomended that you start training as soon as you can. They're already really big puppies!

Now if you ever choose to get a Newfoundland dog, or choose to visit Newfoundland, you'll have a better idea of what to look for, and what it is you might encounter.

Until next time me duckies!

So You Want to be Newfie B'y?

Becoming a Newfie or Newfoundlander is accomplished by a process called "Screeched In". It's a tradtion usually performed when a newfie marries a non-newfie, or if your parents are newfie, but you were born on the main land. There are a couple things you need to do when being screeched in. And it's not for the faint of heart.

1. Choose the master of ceremonies.This is typically a newfoundlander as you would normally have your family and friends gathered around to watch the ceremony. And unless you just wanted to be a newfie because you think it's awesome ( and your right! ) you would have newfoundland relatives close by. If there are no newfies around just choose a person who likes to hear their own voice. The master of ceremonies is responsible for reading the instructions and making sure the steps are followed correctly.

2. Preparing the screech. Screech is a type of rum specific to Newfoundland. Choose your favourite and pour it into a shot glass. You can have it mixed or not. That's up to you!

3. Kissing the cod. Yes, it's exactly what you think it is. You now have to kiss a fish, but not just any fish. A cod fish. This represents the goodbye to those you sailed away from to get the rum. Dont worry, the fish doesn't mind getting a bit of love.

4. Receiting the screechers creed. If you need some translations, check out my What Did He Say? post.

Everyone: "From the waters of the Avalon, to the shores of Labrador,

We've always stuck together, with a Rant and with a Roar.

To those who've never been, soon they'll understand,

From coast to coast, we raise a toast, We love thee Newfoundland!"

Master of Ceremonies - ask your audience: "Is ye a Screecher?"

Audience Replies:"Deed I is me old cock, and long may your big jib draw!"

5. Drink the screech rum! Now you get to taste the famous Newfoundland screech. Ready? Go!

6. Fill out this certificate by clicking on the link below.
http://www.screechrum.com/ScreechInCertificate.pdf
Or if you want a slightly more detailed version of this tradtion check out the following link. It's where I found the screechers creed.
http://www.screechrum.com/screechin

What did he say?

Newfoundlanders or Newfies are well know for their strong accent and unique sayings. I've gathered up a few of what I beleive to be the most common. Slang and sayings vary from town to town so some of the following may be different depending on your location.

‘ow she getting on b'ys?  - How are things going or how are you doing?

Mind your mouth now - Be careful  of what your saying

Oh me nerves! – Oh my! Or Oh my gosh! Typically said when someone get you rifled up

You’re as slow as cold molasses - you’re really slow

Stay where ure at till I comes where ur to – stay there until I get there

Shut up ya prate! – be quiet!

R one? - said between fishermen, asking did you catch any fish

Nar one -  the response given when asked if you catch any fish

Where are you going me son - where are you going?

Going for a boil up - going to have a cook up on the beach

Holy catfish! - Holy crap or holy cow

Thick as pea soup - visibility is poor. Usually refering to fog

Scuff and scoff - Dance and a dinner

Long may your big Jib draw - A good wish for the future, wishing you good luck

Yur stund as me arse - your not too bright

Yur too big for your britches- your too full of yourself

I allows - sarcastic way of saying "yeah right" or "sure"

Newfoundland pitcher plant. Photo from: www.downhomelife.com

Here are some words you may have never heard of before:

Barmp - to honk your horn

Barrisway - a lagoon or pond

Chummy - equivelent to "thing"

B’y – buddy or the newfie equivalent of ‘Eh’

Lun - shelter from the win

Bonnet - hood of a car

Stage - a shed or work area by the water

Sunker - a rock just barley under the water. A hazard to boats

Dunch bread - bread that didn't rise

Clumpers - pans of ice

 Reckly - soon or later

Stages by the water.  Photo from: hockeyindependent.com

Until next time me duckies!

Welcome to Newfoundland!

Throughout this blog, I'll be posting twice a week on things unique to Newfoundland, it's culture and the people who live there. Things from the Newfoundland pony to jigs dinner and everything in between! I'll also be clearing up any misconceptions related to Newfoundland so feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions or any ideas you'd like me to cover. All I ask is that your polite about it.

To start us off, just a little bit of history. Then we'll get into the good stuff!

On March 1st, 1949, the island of Newfoundland joined Canada. Newfoundland is part of the province Newfoundland and Labrador and is also the furthest eastern province in Canada. It was first just a summer fishing port and was illegal for people to live there all year around until 1610. Its founders were mostly Irish who came over because of the potato famine. But there were also a lot of English, French, Portuguese, Scottish, and Native people who lived there prior to the Irish arriving. Of course, now all Newfoundlanders have a bit of each somewhere in their family history.

Newfoundland was settled on the industry of fishing. Being an island in the ocean, fish were abundant. However, years of over fishing has caused the main work force to suffer dramatically, and therefore, alot of people have moved away to the main land to find work.

Signal Hill overlooking St John's. Photo from: www.legendtours.ca

The capitol of Newfoundland is St. John's. Not to be confused with St Johns, New Brunswick. Mind the apostrophe at the end. Another famous place would be Signal Hill, located in St John's where the first transatlantic wireless transmission was received from Cornwall, UK on December 12th, 1901.

Hopefully you've learned a little bit about the history of Newfoundland and are looking forward to some other newfie tid bits! Until the next time me duckies!