You haven’t lived here if you haven't
. . .
You haven't lived here if you haven't tried the homemade desserts (and
the biggest and best muffins around) at Betts' Village Family Restaurant and the fish 'n chips at Betts' Canteen (the best
fish 'n chips around). Kevin Betts is the owner of these wonderful eating establishments and they are both located in Doaktown.
Cheryl, Kevin's sister, manages the restaurant. You must meet this brother and sister team, as they add the character and
atmosphere to the restaurant and canteen. When you enter the door you can usually hear one of them laughing and Kevin is usually
greeting you with a welcoming "Whoop" from the kitchen. Everyone loves them and the excellent home cooked food just tops it
all off. Don't miss out on this wonderful Miramichi Memory!
-- Bernice, Kyle & Shane Price, New Bandon, NB on the Miramchi River
YOU HAVEN'T LIVED ON THE MIRAMICHI IF YOU HAVEN'T
. . . listened to fiddle music & danced the Lancer.
. . . had a good feed of smelts in season.
. . . played Auction 45's.
. . . asked someone, "How's she goin'?" and had them answer, "The very
best!"
. . . gone to a wake!
. . . eaten "botten" bread.
. . . enjoyed eating big fat molasses cookies.
-- IK, former Miramichier
One of my fondest memories and a tradition for me when I land home includes
"running" the roads to see how long it takes for everyone in Sunny Corner, Strathadam, Red Bank, and Newcastle (they will
always remain thus to me) to realise I am home. The celebration takes place when I have had the opportunity to hug all those
near and dear to me and we can sit down to a feed. Which of course includes much food, music, conversation, laughter, beverages,
and the odd card game or two!
Best regards to all those I love,
-- Glenda Carleton-Shubat, Thunder Bay, Ontario
Dear Editor,
I
haven't lived on the Miramichi for the past 12 years, and now reside in Kansas City Missouri.
I miss:
Fiddleheads and fresh first of the season trout, Mayflowers and the May
2-4
party weekend.
Smelts and why they always taste better at my Mother’s, I don't know why.
I miss:
Hearing my Mom sing at 5:30 in the morning when she is making enough of
a breakfast for two families.
Raise dough pancakes and that unexpected extra person for dinner that she
always seems to be prepared for.
Home made bread and drinking tea out of teacups.
I miss:
Having tea at every meal and for some reason Bologna from Henderson's store
in Chatham Head tastes better, put it with potatoes and voila a full meal.
That teapot that never seems empty, no matter whose house you visit.
Stories of what things used to be like always seem much more romantic over
a cup of King Cole Tea.
I miss:
Fish and chips from Dixie Lee, seafood of any kind. Living in the Midwest
you take your chances, it might be on the menu, but they sure don't know how to cook it. Lobster, whole clams, Scallops, you
name it, I miss it.
Joe Louis cakes and Humpty Dumpty chips, Smarties and Jersey Milk bars.
My American husband says hands down Vachon makes the best snack cakes he has ever had. He finally had one in October and said,
" I understand why you miss these (Joe Louis) so much.
Cheese whiz, Habitant Pickles, Poutine Rappee, Poutines from Ed Sub, pizza
from pizza Delight, any home cooking I can get my hands on that’s local.
Fish Cakes and Chow Chow, Home made bread, Ringalos, Kerr Halloween Candy,
and Chicken bones. Another one of those "can’t live without" my American husband loves (Thanks MOM!)
Playing
crib at the Low Tide and watching hockey on the big screen. No matter how much fun you think you are going to have at the
Opera house, you are always too old.
I miss my friends I have had for 25 years. Those who know you, I mean really
know you and won't blink and eye to tell you like it is. No one knows me better and it always feels like putting on an old
comfy sweater.
I miss that "just knowing what’s funny without saying a word", a look that is passed between my
friends and family. That we just get it and laugh until we can't breath. No one else can make me laugh until I want to pee
my pants like my family can.
Walking across the Morrisey Bridge and holding on for dear life when a truck full of wood
goes across. (Praying that one of the logs doesn't fall off) CFAN, and getting asked over and over again if I need a ride
while taking a walk.
Ballgames at the Chatham head Ball field, JMH/Miramichi Valley Hockey games.
How a house party always end up in a kitchen.
I miss saying, "Hello
how are you?" to someone and hearing "Oh the very best."
How bright the moon looks on the river at night no matter what time of
year it is.
I have seen Fall colours all over the U.S. and nothing touches the splendour of the Miramichi. How high
the snow banks are, or how beautiful and lush the river is in the springtime.
I could go on and on, it’s so dear to my heart and I cannot wait
to visit soon!
Warm regards,
-- Angela Goguen-Stocktad
What is it that makes living on the Miramichi
a unique experience for you? If you no longer live here, what is the first thing you long to do when you return for a visit?
What do you miss the most? Email your suggestions or essays to editor@breadnmolasses.com Type You Haven't Lived in the subject line.
