had the perfect plan! As any savvy parent would appreciate, I found something that was not only fun but was educational too! We decided to take a tour of the Glooscap Heritage Centre & Mi'kmaw Museum at the Truro Power Centre located in Millbrook.

The ambiance, and Russian inspired furnishings, and décor of our chalet was unlike any other I've experienced in Nova Scotia, and it created the perfect setting for our family retreat!

If you have ever been to the Town of Oxford you've probably seen the friendly giant wild blueberry greeting you to the "Wild Blueberry Capital of Canada." Nova Scotia is the largest processor of wild blueberries in the world!

Could the waters still be warm at this time of year or were these kids freakishly insensitive? Sara saw the look in my eye and could tell that the curiosity was getting to me, so she dared me to go for an evening swim.

We inched down the driveway as Ben's little dog "Max" darted in and out of view in front of our car. I was scared to death that I was going to run over the little thing! Max is a fluffy little Japanese Chen who quickly won us over with his tricks and adorable charm.

Ok, so you might not travel to Nova Scotia for the Smurfs, but I am almost certain that the all-new "Gutsy" Smurf is wearing a Nova Scotia tartan in that movie. Coincidence?...I think not!

With the kids our semi-formal supper became more like an episode of Survivor as we took our turn eating the pansies cut fresh from the Inn's garden.

Upon arrival we were greeted by park staff: a wildlife interpreter and a couple of peacocks. One peacock roused the crowd by perching on top of the washroom building while the other proudly presented the sign at the park's trail-head.

If you have the opportunity to visit Joy Laking's Gallery you have to check out her really cool lamp made of seaweed, ask her how "Herkammer" the marionette's doing, and get the scoop on why she doesn't sign her name to paintings inspired by dreams.

Full-bodied and lusty, with a hint of impulsiveness...no, this is not how I'd describe myself (...close though). This is the description of the newest wine I had the privilege of tasting recently at Jost Vineyards in Malagash called "4 Skins".