Joe Friday’s Bridie

Newfoundland pony at our Newfoundland inn and spaLooks like Joe Friday can add another title to his resume – ‘Horse Whisperer!” Well, maybe that’s going a little far – but he is starting to form a relationship with Bridie, this beautiful resident at The Doctor’s House. I see a great friendship in both of their futures!

I try not to promote (too) heavily on the blog, but I think some of our readers might be interested: our realtor Mark Glynn is offering a Facebook contest to win a night at The Doctor’s House. Enter here, and you might get to meet Bridie in person! Horse at our Newfoundland Inn and Spa

Tuesdays with Murphy: For the Dogs

Golden Retriever plays at our Inn grounds

People often tell me I could have been a show dog, and who am I to argue? Alas, it’s a working life for this dog, making sure our guests are happy and taken care of. But if you’re a dog lover, you might be interested in a dog show coming up, alerted to us by Albert Legge, who’s good friends with Jerry and The Berry. Please see below (above is me exploring the some of grounds of The Doctor’s House in early spring, by the way!):

Also if you love dogs and you would enjoy watching dog shows come along on Saturday and/or Sunday (Aug 31 and Sept 1) Admission is $2.00/adults $1.00/children under 12 or $5.00/family. There will be 4 dog shows (morning and afternoon both days) and a Junior Handling Show as well. There will also be a Silent Auction! This event is sponsored by the Conception Bay Kennel Club… Please share this message with anyone who might be interested.

Shag It Boys

Shag It Boys

Here’s Lucas, Matthew, Brady and Ethan – thanks to Lisa for getting this great shot on what was clearly a great night. These guys were our first guests at the Shag It, and they remain our best customers. They’re awesome boys, and it’s always a treat when they come into the store. They have their own spot in Jack’s Corner, liking the day bed. We’ll miss them when school starts!

Ocean Delight Sunset

Ocean Delight SunsetOcean Delight Sunsets – falling in love with this view is what started us on this journey, with Ocean Delight, The Doctor’s House, now the Shag It Cafe and Gift Shop. How can you see this and not fall in love, not figure out a way to spend more time here?

Budding Saturday: Trinity Property

Trinity Property

Another Saturday, another stunning photo from Bud Vincent. This is of a property in beautiful Trinity. Here’s what Bud had to say about it: “Last week while doing a photo shoot for the Trinity Historical Society, I took this photo.. I was told today, that this property is owned by a couple from Singapore. They come to Trinity for two months each year just to enjoy the town, its people and the overall peacefulness…The entire house has been re-done and refurbished … Wicked.”

Wicked indeed!

Kudos for Newfoundland – and The Doctor’s House

Fence at The Doctor's House

We’re working hard, like so many of our colleagues and those at organizations like EDMO, to meccanize the Baccalieu Trail. There’s really so much beauty out here, so close to St. John’s, that it’s a shame anytime people overlook this part of the province. I know it has changed my life being out here, and I feel called to share it. That’s why we’re happy, humbled and proud all at the same time for the positive support we’ve received this summer in opening The Doctor’s House Inn & Spa and the Shag It Cafe and Gift Shop. We couldn’t have done either without our great employees and support from our community.

That’s why we’re happy, humbled and proud all at the same time for a few recent articles. Anyone interested in a review of the current state of tourism in Newfoundland will enjoy this article from Vacay. They talk about how much they loved their trip to this province (who doesn’t?). And they loved The Doctor’s House,  calling our ambiance “old world without being cloying.” Hey, we’ll take it!

The Compass also did a piece on us and the Shag It that we love. Again, we’re thrilled and honoured to be receiving even a little small bit of recognition for what we’re trying to do. And what are we trying to do? Help people fall in love with the Wonderful World of Whiteway, just like we did!

 

My First Screech In

Jerry Screeching In

Last year, Joe Friday was our Screecher. I’ve now taken over, with one Screech In under my belt (a Screech In is a fun, irreverent way for outsiders to become honourary Newfoundlanders – kissing a cod may or may not be included!). Many thanks to Ann and Zofia, and Herb and Linda from Petawawa, for being our guinea pigs!
Getting Prepared

Indeed I is, me ole cock

Newfoundland Steak

Cod Tongues and All

Film Crew at our Newfoundland cottage rentalsCooking cod tongues with a film crew at our Newfoundland cottage rentals

With thanks to EDMO (Eastern Destination Management Organization), we had a film crew at the cottages from Travel Guy TV (TGTV) from Toronto . It was Frank Greco and his team, who are filming a new show to add to their series called ‘The Travel Guy.” This series is currently being broadcast on Discovery World HD.

They were here over 4 hours. Clifford was our ambassador. He cooked cod tongues and talked about Heart’s Content, Heart’s Delight, Heart’s Desire, Dildo, and other unique community names along the Baccalieu. It was an exciting day, we were excited and grateful for the opportunity to share our story. Stay tuned – we’ll let you know when it airs!Film crew filming at our Newfoundland cottages on the Atlantic Ocean

Tuesdays with Murphy – Let Me Kayak!

golden retriever and a kayaker on the beach in Newfoundland

Mike Crane has done lots over the past many months to help Jerry and The Berry with their many endeavors. And he likes to kayak after work – Whiteway is a great spot for it. I just don’t know why he won’t let me come along for the ride – I always comes down to the shore to try to beg one!

Remembering Alice Batko

Sentimental Newfoundland Vacation

Please take a minute to read this beautiful article written by Terry Roberts in the Compass. It describes a beautiful experience we got to share last week.

Terry Roberts of the Compass Newspaper created the name ‘Alice in Newfoundland’ when he came to interview Ann Firman and Zofia Perry, two of our guests staying in the Blueberry. From Whitby and Oshawa, respectively, they booked the cottage last November for them and for Alice – their mother. Then on Dec 23, Alice suddenly passed away.

The daughters decided to bury her ashes in, Newfoundland, a place she loved so much – more than any other place she ever visited. So they kept the reservation, sprinkling her ashes on the beach in Whiteway and in the waters off Shag Rock. Alf, my guardian angel, and I took Ann and Zofia out to Shag Rock for the ceremony in the evening.

Ann and Zofia said Alice was a private person, but she would have loved all the attention. Terry did a great job on the story (as above).

Although I didn’t know Alice she will now be part of my life forever. As Tennyson once said, “I am a part of all that I have met.” Many a night as the sun paints the sky behind Shag Rock – due west – I will think of Ann, Zofia and Alice. She is home here in Whiteway. I will not forget being part of such a wonderful ceremony.

Here is the card they gave me about Alice – I would like for it to be said about me:

When I’m gone:
When I come to the end of my journey
And travel my last weary mile,
Just forget if you can that I ever frowned
And remember only the smile.

 Forget unkind words I have spoken;
Remember some good I have done,
Forget that I ever had heartache
And remember I’ve had lots of fun.

Forget that I’ve stumbled
And sometimes fell by the way.
Remember I have fought some hard battles
And won, ere the close of the day.

The forget to grieve for my going
I would not have you sad for a day.
But in summer just gather some flowes
And remember the place where I lay.

And in the shade of the evening
When the sun paints the sky in the west
Stand for a few moments beside me
And remember only my best.