55 Years of Wedded Bliss

Guests at The Doctor's House in NewfoundlandWe recently had the pleasure at The Doctor’s House of helping this lovely couple, Brenda and Steve, celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary. I had to share the email they sent us after their stay:

“Hi Jerry and Laurelyn,

We have been treated royally by Anna, Joe and Rosemary. We are truly happy to have chosen the Doctors House to celebrate our very special Anniversary. 55 years of wedded bliss! As we were married in Dublin it seemed apt to be in the Irish Doctors House!

We succeeded in doing something that we have not done for a very very long time, which is doing absolutely nothing!! We explored the house and are so impressed to see your progress since we visited on the day before opening and Laurelyn showed us through.

It has been frigid and so we have not been out and about. Anna made us a delicious lunch today and dinner last night was perfect. We are sipping a Pinot Grigio right now in your sunroom. Lots of happy people in the dining room having a Christmas get together. Warm atmosphere all round.

Wishing you both a Merry Christmas and many blessings in 2014.

Brenda and Steve”

To Brenda and Steve, a hearty congratulations again, best wishes, and Happy Holidays – and thanks for the great feedback.

Tuesdays with Murphy: Three Amigos

Three pets in rural Newfoundland

Don’t we make a handsome bunch! Here I am with pals Friday and Molly, cozying up on Joe’s bed. I love it when I get to spend time at Uncle Joe’s – sometimes I even get to sleepover. It’s especially fun because Joe now lives at The Doctor’s House – meaning I get more time to play with Monty the Pony, Rosie the Goat, and all the other four leggeds over there. I’m hoping I’ll be allowed to stay over this New Year’s Eve – I hear they have a fun night planned, complete with a romantic meal by the fire and live music. And champagne at midnight, not that I personally ever imbibe!

New Year’s Entertainment – Charlie Crocker

Planning for New Year's Eve at the Doctor's HouseIf you follow the blog then you probably know that we’re excited about our first Christmas and New Year’s at The Doctor’s House. And that we’re planning what we expect will be a stunning, intimate New Year’s Eve, complete with menu from the lovely genius, Chef Anna Dohey.

And thankfully, The Berry is also a genius, and has arranged for live, musical entertainment, which is why we’re happy to announce that popular, local blues singer and guitarist Charlie Crocker will be joining us. We asked Lisa Day to help us share his musical background here’s what she wrote: ”

Charlie Crocker grew up in Green’s Harbour. He started picking at a guitar when he was around eight years old. He played for dances at the local high schools. He then went on to play professionally with Dick Nolan, Glen Simmons, Ron Hynes, the Ducats in St. John’s and that’s just to mention a few here in Newfoundland. He moved away to Toronto and played professionally up there with Johnny Burke & Eastwind along with Myrna Lorrie, and the Carlton Showband. He has played on stage with Vince Gill and Gene Watson. He presently lives in Green’s Harbour with his wife, Dorothy and is still strumming away.”

We’re thrilled to have Charlie on board, and would be thrilled if you join us. To learn more or make a reservation, please email info@doctorshousenewfoundland.

Sunset Sunday: Snowy Owl, Again

Snowy Owl at Cape SpearYesterday I shared pictures from new friend and Shag It artist, Leonard Howlett, of a beautiful snowy owl at Cape Spear. This one takes my breath away, so it seemed like a good fit for Sunset Sunday. I hope everyone is enjoying themselves as we gear up for the most wonderful time of the year, and that we all have moments of connecting to nature, even when the weather is fighting against us. God bless.

Legendary Coasts at The Doctor’s House

Board Meeting in Newfoudland

Since becoming involved in the hospitality business, The Berry and I have learned lots and reached out to local organizations, and thankfully, there’s lots of support in this wonderful community. Namely, the Legendary Coasts of Eastern Newfoundland District Management Organization (formerly known as EDMO), has been an invaluable resource. I actually became the Vice Chair at our Annual Meeting in November, and we’re excited to continue to work to promote the region.

We recently had a meeting at The Doctor’s House, which was exciting on many levels, not the least of which it being our first corporate meeting here. We got lots of great feedback, which is to be expected when Joe Friday serves dessert trays like this one!Deserts at a board meeting in Newfoundland

Summer Memories

Horses at our Newfoundland resort

Here is a great picture recently sent to me by Paul Davis, Minister of Child, Youth and Family services and a good friend of mine. He took it when he, his wife Cheryl and special friends came out to The Doctor’s House to celebrate his clean bill of health and victory over cancer.

Paul is a singular human being who has done a lot for individuals and the public at large. He is an important part of the Newfoundland mosaic, and it is our honour to count him a friend and to have welcomed him to our Inn.

This picture certainly reminds us of the warmth of the summer sun. Thankfully, winter is better when we’re cozy, and when Christmas is coming. We’re so excited for Christmas at The Doctor’s House this year (all of The Berry’s family is coming) and for the fun New Year’s Eve we’re starting to plan. It’ll be here before you know it.

Dining at The Doctor’s House Now Official!

Chef at our new restaurant in NewfoundlandHere’s the fabulous Chef Anna Dohey (and Rosie the Goat!) who has helped us help The Doctor’s House reach it’s true potential, by running a to-die-for meal service for us each weekend (this weekend, among other choices, included braised lamb shanks with Newfoundland berry wine, for example). Anna is a true gem, and brings lots of experience, including having also run Tea at the Garden at MUN Botanical Gardens.

And we’re thrilled to share that The Doctor’s House is now featured on edining.ca – here’s our listing. Here’s The Berry’s words (not mine!): “Dining at The Doctor’s House promises romantic old-world charm and delectable classic cuisine made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.” Hear, hear.

And I’d be remiss if I didn’t remind you that we now have our New Year’s Even menu planned

 

Tuesdays with Murphy: Santa Claus Parade

Santa Claus parade in rural Newfoundland, CanadaFriday and I had a lot of fun this past weekend taking Jerry and The Berry to see the Santa Claus parade in the Wonderful World of Whiteway. Of course, it was easy to take them, given that the parade swung right by our cottages. As always, there was lots of community spirit and some great floats. Including a fantastic Santa at the end. If you’d like to see some more pictures, please see our Facebook page (which is also a good place to learn about upcoming events and specials, too). Santa Claus parade in rural Newfoundland

New Year’s Menu Set

New year's in NewfoundlandWe’re thrilled to announce that Chef Anna Dohey has planned our New Year’s Eve menu at The Doctor’s House, and it’s going to be a knockout. You can see all the details here, but suffice it to say that lobster and prime rib are involved.

Also, in case you missed us yesterday, we’ll be at the Carbonear Mall from 12-5pm for the next two Sundays. We’re making giving a thoughtful, indulgent gift easy by offering gift certificates , both in dollar amounts and for any spa service or package of your choosing. It’s the easiest way to put pure luxury under the Christmas tree. Details here.