Author: oceandelight

What an amazing day we had at the Devotion Bridal Show. All said, 509 brides attended this annual event, and it’s possible Jerry talked to all of them! We know he gave out all our lovely brochures, met some other vendors and, most importantly, had a wonderful time meeting so many happy brides. Looks like the word is getting out about Weddings at The Doctor’s House, and we couldn’t be happier!

You may remember that I am the Director of the Legendary Coast of Eastern Newfoundland. Well, late last week I met with other directors, as well as people from Tourism Culture and Recreation, Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador, Business Culture Tourism and Rural Development, and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. We identified tourism priorities  for the province and worked on our Destination Development Plan.  It was a very productive day with some very intelligent, motivated individuals.

Over the years Laurelyn and I have become very passionate about developing tourism in a sustainable way and sharing this beautiful province we have with the world. People come to Newfoundland and Labrador for our Culture and People, for Nature and Wilderness, and History and Heritage.

So we spent the day trying to figure out how to best to deliver on all of this and how to engage all the stakeholders such that our visitors’ experiences and expectations are not only met, but exceeded.

One of the themes that stuck with me was based on the quotation by C.S. Lewis: “ You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”  I think he wrote that for me. Working in the tourism industry has been a new learning experience that I value highly.

As Thomas Watson said, “To be successful you have to have your heart in your business and your business in your heart.”  And the Wonderful World of Whiteway and The Doctor’s House are most certainly in the my heart. Please stay tuned to the blog here, as I’ll be sure to keep sharing more about how we are helping develop tourism for our wonderful province.

Mimi and Shadow – 2 out of count-em 4 cats who have AGREED to live with us – have just been spayed. They’re outdoor cats, so it was imperative they get the operation before the Spring – they’re already itching to get out. They found it a little stressful, of course, but they’re doing well, healing well, and ready to get back to their regularly scheduled hunting and playing. Next up on the spay schedule: Monkey and Zoe!

Maybe you can tell from my impromptu desk in the background, that the Shag It is far from fully operational at this point. But here’s a teaser of things to come! The Berry recently turned some leftover moose pasta sauce into her fabulous, more-ish Maritime Casserole (her own recipe, learned and perfected in P.E.I. many moons ago). I added some James Taylor, and together we had a fabulous evening. With good food, good company, lovely music and a  great setting, how could we not?

Be sure to follow the Shag It on Facebook so you don’t miss the open this year!

Here’s  my oldest daughter, Adrienne, celebrating her recent birthday.  She turned 35. I was 30 on that spectacular day she was born.  She is everything a father could have asked for; I remember when at 14 she came and hugged me and said, “Dad, I love my life – Thank You.”

She is remarkable and I’m not just biased – she was just promoted to Director, Workplace Wellness for Healthcare Corporation of America – Virginia (a big deal).  And she holds a Master’s Degree in Health Promotion with a certificate in Gerontology (perfect for me) from Virginia Tech. This week she’s heading to an important seminar in Nashville where I know she’ll shine.

Clearly, I’m smitten – like I am with all three of my beautiful daughters. I just wish that she lived closer, but I am grateful to live in the era of Skype! If you have grown children, I’d love to know in the comments – are they doing what you imagined they’d be? If they live away, do you stay in touch as much as you’d like?