Christmas in the City

It’s rare that I have a weekday off, but this time of year, I indulge in a day or two before Christmas to appreciate some down time. Living Life Uptown, when I am away from High Water Cottage, I am lucky to have the best of both worlds! Kings Square before the bustle of the day begins.

When we sold our suburban family home, we were unsure whether we would like living in the Saint John core. It seemed, well, a place where nobody really WAS; an area that merely housed a municipal building or two and maybe a restaurant if we needed to meet friends centrally. I could not have been more wrong! Strolling up the street on my way to my destination, I realized just what a quaint and unique city we have… it truly is a treasure! Oh, to be able to peek into the secret spaces behind these beautiful doors! We really DO have the most magnificent architecture!

The Trinity Royal district with details from days gone by – it’s lovely to see homes being restored ( 🎶 if I had a million dollars …🎶)

There is no doubt – restoration in the central core is not for the faint of heart. ‘They just don’t make ’em like they used to” rings true. The expense and effort to which homeowners and developers must go is significant (as we have learned from High Water Cottage, renovation is always more expensive than new construction…but in certain instances, it’s worth it!) The brownstones are my absolute favourite; when I stroll past, I often fancy myself in Boston or New York…in bygone days, at the height of the shipbuilding era, imagine the elaborate parties and social scene in Saint John at this time of year! The sheer size and ornate facades of these residences stand as a testament to that time and it is gratifying to see the value people place upon it as they commit to such restoration. I am sure it is an all-consuming venture, but I am appreciative as I take in the streetscape on my morning stroll.

It’s been a great move to join the ever-growing number of persons, in all demographics, who ‘Live Life Uptown’. Of course we enjoy country living, but when we are here, we stroll to the theatre, take a five-minute walk to meet our friends at a restaurant, or host a pop-up cocktail party before events such as Uptown Sparkles or gallery hops throughout the year. And we continually meet acquaintances who excitedly announce that they, too, have relinquished their homes in the ‘burbs in favour of the new, trendy (dare I say?) freedom of the urban lifestyle.

The rosy pink early-morning sky, as King Street opens and the business district starts up. We have some fantastic boutique stores – shop local!

My destination this morning is special – I have a breakfast date! And so, I head to the City Market, a place that has figured in my memories all my life. I am old enough to remember walking through the market as a young child, when sawdust covered the floor and sides of beef flanked right and left of the aisle. The market was cold inside and it had a particular scent – the scent of years and long ago….I can’t describe it, except to say that anyone who shares my memories knows EXACTLY what I mean. Every spring, a lady would sell May flowers at the top of the market, tucked into a corner just outside the large, swinging double wooden doors. To this day, I can evoke the delicate scent of those tiny flowers (remembering all of these scenes is the most wonderful meditation😃).The restored wrought-iron gates; such a wonderful job done on preserving this treasured building.SO pretty this time of year! The beautiful swags highlighting the ship’s-hull ceiling, the colours and smell of fruits and veggies, the aroma of baking bread and fresh-brewed coffee… we Saint John-ers take this WAY too much for granted!

I happened upon this interesting juxtaposition – childhood memories vs where I live now 😉

My husband and I have found a new treasure in the market – H&S Meats and its proprietor, Scott Scichilone. Being British, my dear husband loves his cheese, and Scott has a wonderful selection, all served with a smile and great service! We definitely recommend that you pay a visit (and ask for the Dragon Cheese….😉)

Of course, everyone has a favourite haunt and Slocum & Ferris is mine! I only have one word to say that explains it all…right-out-of-the-oven cinnamon buns (ok…that’s technically more than one word, but you get it. ❤️)

And so, I finally reach my destination, and my date. This morning, dear ol’ dad and I are taking a few moments during the hustle and bustle, just to check in with each other. Although the visit is short, and we will see each other at the family party later this evening, the market is a perfect place to sit and rest a bit, reflect on how blessed we are and to reminisce. All in a place that always has and always will continue to make memories. That’s what our story is all about.