Saturday, March 28

Going to the Sugar Shack

A true Canadian "cabane à sucre"...(Sugar Shack)

The nights grow longer, the moon is right, the wind makes it's way from the southwest...a Quebec tradition rises with the morning sun. Within a shack among the maple trees sticky hands boil the sweet water. Then one hand fills the glass jars while the other one gets ready to piles the plates and fill the bowls for a family style dinner.

We all joined as light fell behind the maple groves. We were in for a "sweet" night. The fiddler tapped his foot providing a beat for those in need, accompanied by the wooden spoons within the hands of guests. Eager feet, ambitious smiles and laughter filled the room. The smell of pea soup, baked beans,ham and potatoes wafted through the air. Like ketchup to hot dogs, maple syrup spreads over the traditional meal. Heaping stacks of crepes lay in front of us. Without effort my fork slices through, syrup trickles down my chin funny enough I fit right in. I make no effort to wipe it away knowing another one is sure to follow. Sitting back in my chair after inhaling my share of Canada's best I see the pride rising in the chest of the native men. Ancestral spirits keep the Quebecoise humming.

Bouncing out of our seats on a sugar rush we bounce outside. The silver bridal is polished, manes brushed, adorned with bells the horse drawn wagon awaits. Gliding through the woods on this crisp night my husband holds my hand. He reads my mind. I would rather be riding on the back of the horse than sitting within. He pats my leg and gives me a compassionate smiles. My heart melts a little.


One last experience before a visit to the dentist to fill my cavities. Hot syrup is poured over a patch of snow, with a wooden sticks I began to roll the amber goo....I'm not exactly sure what you call it outside of yummy. (It's called Tire sounds like tear. Not 100% sure.)

The collection of water one drip at a time, filling buckets, creating a golden bond for generations to come.



17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Is there no end to your adventures? You are the envy of many. Glad you are able to enjoy some fun times while you still have so much winter. ME:D

Amy said...

Oh man... that sounds like SO much fun! I love crepes! And syrup for that matter. :)

Debbie said...

You do have more fun experiences!

Jill said...

I've never done anything like that before, how fun.

Jules said...

Don't you just love the making of maple syrup?! My family owns a sugar shack in the UP of Michigan. It's fun to make every spring.
Looks like you two have a great time with all your outings!!

Take care!! ;0)

Unknown said...

you are one busy, interesting girl !!

ACR said...

Oh, wow! So much fun!!

Anonymous said...

You are making the best memories!

j said...

that looks like such a good time!!!! and i'm craving maple syruppy goodness and pancakes now. yum!

Dawn Parsons Smith said...

I miss the snow! We used to roll maple syrup just like that! It's tasty!

Your writing is always so beautiful and tranquil! I love it!

Jane In The Jungle said...

I am sooooo envious!
My SIL is from Vermont but I've never made it up there at the right time of year!!

Ryan Ashley Scott said...

It sounds wonderful. I want some of that Tire - maybe a trip is in order...? Love my yummy sugar on a stick.

Cascia Talbert said...

That does sound like a lot of fun. Great photos too! Thanks for sharing.

Alisa said...

That sounds so beautiful- I love the way you wrote about your experience!

MaryRC said...

what a dreamy canadian night! that tire looks yummo! your writing is really starting to swell with creativity ;-)

kalyle said...

Ann I love the new look of the blog! It was so much fun snarfing maple syrup with you <3

Together We Save said...

That sounds so amazing. You have beautiful pictures.