“HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL”
Have you ever wondered what this saying actually means? Well, I looked it up and found this: when you continue to hope that something will happen, although it seems unlikely—like spring… in Canada. But! March is here and with it my restless ambition to wear shoes without socks. In the meantime, here are my top five picks for turning our cabin fever into a springier version of seasonal delirium.
FIRST IT’S FLOWERS
I know at least one other person who hates taking down the Christmas tree as much as I do. Lucky for me it’s my partner. There is a definite moment in time (like now, don’t judge me) when my clinging to Christmas is replaced by the claustrophobic outrage I feel having a shedding nine-foot fir tree in my living room. This is why come spring, I thank God for flowers because they fill the void left by the removal of such an impressive green beast. Thankfully, Dahlia May Flower Farm never disappoints. Melanie’s coolers are stuffed with bunches of colourful spring blooms that make their way to the farm stand in carefully crafted arrangements. Open for on-site sales as well as contactless doorstep deliveries to surrounding communities. Yesssss!??
THEN COMES FOOD
Ahhhh food. My second favourite F-word. And have you heard the news? Quintelicious is back, baby! The 2021 spring Belleville edition is upon us. Twenty-one restaurants are participating for the entire month of March and holy moly things are looking good. Hmmm, March has 31 days. Coincidence? Or genius planning to ensure we have a few extra days to try every spot on the list? And since it looks like my partner-in-food and I won’t be making our annual (incredibly gluttonous) trip to New Orleans again this year we’ll be stuffing our faces around town pretending as much. Not a bad second fiddle that’s for sure. Now let’s all manifest on the likelihood of Porchfest happening this year, too.
THIRD IS A SUGAR FIX
Putting sugar third shouldn’t indicate that I don’t love it whole-heartedly. I often prioritize it over the other foods and eat my dessert first just so I have enough room for it. Is maple syrup a healthier option? I can’t say for sure, but I can’t stop myself from adding a splash anywhere I turn in the kitchen. I put it in my coffee, my smoothies (I really mean milkshakes), my baking and my salad dressings. Heck, even my pasta sauces get a splash. So, it’s good news from Bata Maples Sugarbush in Quinte West. The trees are tapped, the sap is boiled and the syrup bottled. The best way to get some is to text or call 343-645-6405 or message them on Facebook and place your order.
Did you know? Maple syrup is an Indigenous invention
generously taught to
early French settlers.
FOUR IS FOR THE BIRDS
I didn’t know I was an ornithologist, only because I didn’t know the word existed before reading the Bay of Quinte Discovery Guide 5th Edition. It means one who studies or is an expert on birds, for those of you living under a rock like me. I will admit that I am more of a student than an expert, but my interest and complete obsession with these feathered friends runs deep. And I’m not alone; I have heard more people talking about birds than ever before. I guess staring out of our windows during a lockdown is proving to be a good source of entertainment and education. It makes sense then that The Birdhouse Nature Store in Brighton is high on my get-out-of-the-house-for-any-reason list.
FIVE IS FOR GARDEN GOODNESS
I know, I know, it’s too early to start my seeds, but guess what? That’s my business! In my defense can I just say, “I LOVE GROWING THINGS!” Both my mom and dad have green thumbs and so by that math, I should have two. Every year I plant way too much, way too early. But you know what? I have yet to regret any of it. I start with a plan that’s all neat and tidy, on a piece of graph paper even. The outline is always realistic and within my spatial limits. But then a visit to Thrashers Garden Centre in Belleville and the whole thing blows up in my face. Have you seen their seed racks? I mean, come on! It’s like a candy store for us garden geeks and the seeds are here early for 2021, so really it’s their fault.
CLICK TO THE DISCOVERY GUIDE LIBRARY
Learn about the fish, birds, bugs, flowers and the humans that live here. It’s nature’s paradise around these parts. Surrounded by water with a rich history in agriculture and national historic sites scattered throughout, the Bay of Quinte has an unexpected plethora of things to do, learn, eat and drink. Read all about it!
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