Tuesday, December 28, 2021

David Cohen and Big John McNeil

Today we present two very Canadian things, one involving a very high profile American of all things.

David Cohen, the new American Ambassador to Canada, was recently seen purchasing a beavertail. 


This has become a bit of a rite for new American ambassadors, and they don't have very far to go from the embassy to purchase a beavertail in the nearby Byward Market. I am not sure if the precedent existed before a certain man by the name of Barack had one in 2009, although I suspect not, but it does seem to have become a thing ever since then. Or maybe not when Trump's man was here; I just don't know.

You may be forgiven for wondering about beavertails. I mean, we know that beavers are a Canadian symbol, almost as iconic as the maple leaf. But really now, it is one thing to pick up and admire a nice maple leaf, but you would be forgiven for wondering what one would possibly do with a beavertail. And what about the poor tail-less beaver?

Well, one eats it, of course. But . . . it is not what you think!

The BeaverTail is a fried dough pastry that is sold in a variety of flavours. Most flavours of BeaverTails are topped with sweet condiments and confections, such as whipped cream, banana slices, crumbled oreos, cinnamon sugar, and chocolate hazelnut. (Wikipedia) 

 


Eh, if that isn't enough Canadiana for you for one day, here is a good ole Canadian fiddle tune for yiz eh. Not long ago, I posted Maple Sugar, and Big John McNeil is another very popular fiddle tune here in The Valley

I didn't even go looking for Big John, but one day, YouTube decided that I needed to see it, so it sent me the link. Since we've recently talked about fiddling, I might as well share it with you as well. It includes some Valley step dancing when the kids put down their instruments for a bit. Enjoy it, eh.


Here's a delightful version of an older guy and group playing in a trailer. I think is a better rendition. Look at his feet going. I love this one because it is so authentic and genuine. It is pretty well the way that fiddling was meant to be or at least how it often is or was in The Valley


Fun, eh.

16 comments:

Boud said...

Dancing and fiddling at the same time! Yes, that was fun

William Kendall said...

I occasionally stop at that particular outlet for one.

Goldendaze-Ginnie said...

"fiddling" always makes think of you AC !

DJan said...

Thanks for giving me an idea of what a beavertail actually is. They look great! And I'd have one if I knew where to buy it. :-)

Barbara Rogers said...

Great fiddling there! And what we call clogging. Thanks for a cool start to my morning, but I do want to eat a beavertail now!

Karen said...

The beaver tail title was given to a pastry that many of us make. Grant's grandmother used to make them for him. When he was looking for a little side hustle, he named them beaver tails, simply because that's what they looked like, and sold them at the Killaloe Fair. The Killaloe Sunrise flavor, has always been, and always will be, my favorite.
The two youngsters step dancing live in my area. Dexter and Serena are quite well known around here for two so young.
Any more upper Ottawa Valley lore I can dredge up the roots for ya?

MARY G said...

Our neighbour, Brien Paul, was waked and buried with fiddle music and clog dancing in the aisle. He was a square dance caller among his other talents. It was his oldest grandson and partner who supplied the fiddle and guitar music. They did Maple Sugar, among others. Gidday, the Valley is alive and well.

Marie Smith said...

Love Big John. We know that one on the east coast too. Great to see the kids keeping up the traditions!

Margaret said...

I would eat several of those beaver tails! Yummy. My older daughter loves Banjo Christmas so that's the music we listened to at the holidays. Not my favorite but it was OK. I do love the fiddling as a former violin player!

Tabor said...

you have reminded me of the wonderful musicians, dancers and singers that I have encountered during times I visited Canada. What a wealth of talent you have. I also think I would like a beaver tale and I am embarrassed to write that I do not know who our Ambassador to Canada is!

Vicki Lane said...

Great videos! Love the dancing!

Red said...

Funny thing! No beaver tails in western Canada. So I'll have to try one if I ever get to Ontario again.

The Furry Gnome said...

Hard to beat a good beavertsil! As long as you don't go for any of those exotic flavours....

Jeanie said...

Hello and Happy Christmas Week. I see your name on many bloggers I follow and thought I should make a visit! I've enjoyed looking down your posts of family visits and holidays but decided to comment on this one -- I had no idea what beaver tails were (in the culinary sense, at any rate). Since I am your neighbor to the South, (Michigan) I thought this should be something I should know and try next time I get over the border to visit my friend who lives in London. They look delicious! And it appears we have the same taste in mysteries and music as well! So, I send good wishes for a very happy new year to you and your family!

Rita said...

Glad it wasn't a real beaver tail--lol!
We have a lot of fiddlers in the US, too. Very similar and always so upbeat! Loved the kids clogging, too. :)

Jenn Jilks said...

I haven't had a beavertail in ages!