HardyWares Preserves

10/07/2026

One week in — Larry’s 1st physiotherapy ❤️

Today was Larry’s first physiotherapy appointment since his knee surgery.
It was lovely seeing Krista and Rachel again at Sherbrooke Hospital.

Krista said, “It just seems like yesterday!”

Last December/January Krista and Rachel helped Larry through his previous knee surgery and we made great strides (pun intended).

Of course, Krista and Rachel already know about my spreadsheet and my 14 phone alarms keeping Larry on track with his exercises. There was plenty of good conversation, a few laughs, while Larry showed off doing his exercises.

They were genuinely surprised — and very pleased — with how well Larry is doing just one week after surgery. They were impressed with how much he can already bend his knee and how well he is walking with his walker.

As we were leaving Krista noticed his walker was much too low.

She adjusted it to the proper height, and what a difference that made! Sometimes it really is the little things.

Larry left that appointment with almost a skip in his step — encouraged by their comments, proud of the progress he’s making, and definitely feeling more confident we are on the right path.

These are the little victories that need to be celebrated in this lengthy recovery. Especially with Krista and Rachel cheering him on ♥️

10/07/2026

We love the fact that our jam is available on beautiful at Shop Emerald Isle

So juicy, so sweet 🍓.
Even better on toast 🍞.

10/03/2026

❤️ A Saturday Update…

Larry’s recovery is going remarkably well — we’ve established a routine.
I have two spreadsheets made and at least 8 alarms set on my spare phone to keep us on track. ⏰

There are still weeks of recovery ahead of us: daily exercises, elevating, icing, breathing exercises - but already we are seeing small victories which feel like large milestones.

We are grateful for all the resources that work together to get Larry to this point - now it’s our turn. Our turn to do our part in this recovery journey.

The days can be long.

Sometimes it feels like we’re simply putting in time between one routine and the next.

But we do everything together.

I coach.
I cheer.
I count leg exercises.
I prepare meals.
I set alarms.
I nag a little (I mean remind) 😊

We’re in this together.

Thursday, the phone rang.

It was our friends Reg and Cher, checking in.

“We’re driving to Antigonish on Saturday. We’ll pop by for a visit — and we’ll bring food and w**e.”

Wonderful - a visit to look forward to.

“That’s awesome,” I said “can’t wait to see you”

Then the surprise - Reg went on to say…

“And we want you to know we’re available to go to Prince Edward Island for you to collect your deliveries.”

I was shocked.

“Really? Really you would do that for us? Are you sure?”

“Absolutely. We’d be happy to.”

And today they arrived.

With homemade sourdough bread, homemade chicken soup, lobster macaroni and cheese, two bottles of w**e, non-stop conversation and some belly laughs. Cher is one of the cheeriest people I know!!

It was exactly what Larry needed.

A good visit.
Good food.
Lots of laughs.
And the timing was perfect - it fit right in with Larry’s routine.

As they were leaving, I asked them again about delivering and they said, “Oh yeah, we can do that for you - no problem.”

We’re saving the w**e for the day Larry is feeling well enough for us to open a bottle, raise a glass and toast to his recovery - and toast good friends.

To Reg and Cher, thank you for the reminder that it takes a village. We are fortunate we have a circle of good people in our lives who care about us.

To everyone who has checked in, sent a message, commented and sent positive vibes!!

Thank you.

We are feeling very, very fortunate. ❤️

Much love,
The Hardy’s

10/03/2026

Wheatons ♥️

10/01/2026

Just a wee Larry update… ❤️

I picked Larry up at the hospital yesterday, and before we could head home we met with the physiotherapist, nurses, pharmacy and, of course, his surgeon.

Dr. Passad explained to Larry just how rough his knee had been — basically crumbled, with no cartilage left.

It’s amazing how he continued to work right up until his surgery — loading and unloading the van, making deliveries - he just continued on.

We took the scenic route home

Not intentionally. 😂

When we left the hospital in New Glasgow, I wasn’t sure whether I should turn left or right, so I used my Google map app.

Easy peasy.

The lovely Google voice told us
“There is a road closure. This is your shortest route.”

Hmmm, I thought smugly - this is why one should always check Google Maps, you never know when there is a traffic hold up or construction.

I followed the instructions, made one U-turn and happily carried on.

We were chatting away when, somehow, I missed an instruction to turn right.

Maybe I should turn around? Nope. Google Maps is rerouting - it’s all good.

And…

For the next half hour, we toured the gravel roads of Antigonish County. 😂

Mind you there was a beautiful lake, farms, gorgeous homes and trees just starting to turn colour - under different circumstances I would have found this enjoyable.

But yesterday, with Larry’s newly operated knee and me trying to navigate gravel roads while avoiding potholes, it was anything but enjoyable - more like sheer panic!

I was basically praying for pavement.

Eventually, we found the 374 and got back on track. We only added about 20 minutes to the journey — which all things considered was not so bad.

Next stop was Sheet Harbour for medication and then, finally, home.

Getting Larry up the front steps was a struggle, but he made it.

I have his bed set up downstairs, and he was very happy to get into it.

Once we were inside, we decided that was quite enough excitement for one day. A bit of a struggle but Larry is determined and he managed.

We took it easy for the remainder of the day - he had been through enough.

Today we start a routine — physiotherapy, rest, medication - I made two spreadsheets to keep us on track. I will also set up timers and with the experience of his previous surgery we will manage by celebrating the small victories.

Thank you, as always, for all of your encouragement, prayers, messages and well wishes.

Reading them to Larry has become one of the highlights of his day. He is genuinely touched by every single one.

We’re home. We’re together. And we’re taking it one step — very carefully — at a time. ❤️

09/29/2026

And here’s Larry…

Larry entered the hospital at 11:00 am

It would be after 6:30 pm before I would see him again.

He was taken into the operating room at 1:30 pm

For the next 2 plus hours he was under sedation as the surgeon performed his miracle work.

It’s all good - Dr. Passad said his knee was in pretty rough shape and recovery will take a little longer this time. But he is pleased with the outcome.

Larry is in good spirits - a little dozy still but managed to talk to my mum on the phone for a few minutes.

Thank you everyone who reached out with well wishes - I read every email, every message and every text to Larry.

He wants you to know “they mean a lot and he’s grateful for everyone’s concern.”

A HUGE shout out to my mum who has been our rock. She has been preparing frozen meals for us and insisted on paying my hotel tonight.

Thanks again everyone
Much ❤️
The Hardy’s

09/28/2026

We love our retailers - they waste no time getting our shipments unpacked and on the shelves. Make sure you pop into Happenstance Ltd. the next time you are in Antigonish

09/27/2026

Sunday Morning Musings

Moving the production of HardyWares Preserves to a new facility means we can reclaim our space.

Starting with a coffee nook, and if you have followed our journey you will already know how much we enjoy our morning coffee. ☕️

The past 3 days have been a whirlwind, as we travelled and rattled about in the big old van making deliveries. 🚚

The Prince Edward Island Preserve Co. worked extra hard ensuring we had enough product to fill the van.

This is the fun part of what we do - showing up to our retailers with cases and cases of freshly made preserves to fill up empty shelves.

Not to mention traveling across our beautiful province taking in all the amazing sights and scenery.

Our retailers all tell us this has been a fabulous year - with tremendous local support and tourists from all over.

We worked especially hard these past few days - getting up early and arriving home late.
Huge shout out to my mum who prepared some delicious homemade meals for us and a freshly made bed.

We are now enjoying a wee bit of down time as Larry prepares for surgery on Tuesday. A second knee replacement and this time he will be “putting his left leg forward” 😊

09/26/2026

How cool is this??
HardyWares Preserves Million Dollar Relish made it to the 1st Canadian Park Golf Open Championship!

Yes, today in Rines Creek, Nova Scotia - History was Made at Rines Creek Park Golf

And check out the photo - our Million Dollar Relish even managed to get a cameo photo with the championship trophy.

Congratulations to Brad Cruikshank and Haleigh Daigle, who can now officially claim the title of Canada’s Park Golf Champions! 🇨🇦🏆

Local MLA John A. MacDonald was also there to celebrate. He has the distinction of hitting the very first ball at Rines Creek Park.

Million Dollar Relish — surely a shoo-in for Best Supporting Condiment! 🏆

09/22/2026

Cape Breton LOVES Green Tomato Chow

If we cannot make the trip to Shop Emerald Isle in Sydney to deliver - Natalie will meet us halfway or even drive to our facility to pick up.

It’s just an example of the behind the scenes extras a small business will do to ensure they meet customer’s needs.

I mean as Capers where would we be without our chow?

Hardy Wares chow, can’t live without it!