Fallin’for Maple

To keep with the fall theme we went to the “Fallin’ for Maple” festival.  

We met Kevin and Pam there and did the walk around.  So many people came to this remote place into the woods.  It is always interesting to see how Tamworth can draw the crowds.

Soon we were joined by the rest of the clan and Sarah was happy.  Forty venders lined the area, selling their products.

The drawing point for many was the horse drawn wagon.  We purchased the tickets and stood in line.  The little guys were excited, waiting for their turn.  Finally, it was our turn.  We climbed in and found our seats.  

The questions started coming.  

“How come the cars are driving on the road that the horses are going on?”

“How come it smells like poop?”

“Did we bring snacks?”

And then there were questions from the bigger people…. “What’s the lines in the fields?”

I smiled and explained that it was the hoses that collect the sap.  This group needs to come back in the spring and experience the whole maple syrup experience.

After our “Fallin’ for Maple” time was done, our fall theme continued for the day.  Ron was off to sing at an “Applefest” and Sarah and I watched the Maple Leafs game.

Maple, apples and hockey…that’s fall for you!!

Meet & Greet

Our small community had a tragedy happen earlier this week.  A death is always hard but when it happens in a small village it touches a lot of people in a deeper way. We are new here and didn’t know this individual but our hearts go out to the family and friends that are affected by this loss.

A community “Meet and Greet” had been in the works for several months.  It was organized by some local business men and clubs to help newcomers connect to the locals.  

The question was asked, “should the event still continue after a community has suffered?” The organizers felt that they needed to follow through with their plans to show that as a community, we stand together.

We walked to the area and could feel the grief.  People were talking in hushed voices, voicing their sadness.  The barbeques were hot and the table was laid out with treats and drinks.  

New and old members visited on this beautiful afternoon and into the evening.  There was a sense of strength as those that grieved were able to share memories with others.  The conversation floated to questions about new connections.

I chatted with an older man who had gone out west with my dad when they were in their teens.  Ron and a local realtor reminisced about connections from 40 years ago.  I met a young couple that had just moved from British Columbia.  He was a local guy moving back and she was a BC girl.  Their dogs drew me to them and their personalities kept me talking.

When we thanked our hosts and said our goodbyes, we had a little more sense that we have come home.