Another beauteous sunset set over the beautiful Shag Rock, off the shores of the Wonderful World of Whiteway. Captured from our oceanfront cottages. If you want peace of mind (and believe me, no one needs it like I do!) this is the spot. Hope your Sunday is relaxing and reflective – I hope mine will be.
New Special Combo: Jewels of the Bay
No matter what the weather does now, at least we can say it’s Spring! And with all the sunshine that’s bound to come our way, we’ve just announced our new Summer Special. We’re calling it the “Coastal Combo: Jewels of the Bay.” For a special price, guests will be able to combine a stay at our cottages with a stay at The Doctor’s House, and complimentary Tea for Two at The Doctor’s House as well. Find out all the details and make your reservations here.
Mark Your Calendars
I’d like to give a heads-up for a Special Luncheon coming up this November. It’s for the Irish Loop Chamber of Commerce, and I’ll be speaking about the tourism industry and everything my partner, Laurelyn Berry, and I learned getting here. You don’t have to be a member to join this great networking event, and I hope to see some of your there.
It’s taking place on November 26 at the Bidgood’s Plaza in Goulds. I’ll remind you again as we get closer to the date, and you can see contact info below. 
Tuesdays with Murphy: Big Four Leggeds
I had to borrow a picture from Jerry’s friend, Newfoundland photographer Bud Vincent, to share on the blog today. Have you ever seen four-leggeds as majestic as this? They sure make me proud to be on their team.
Moose are quite populous in Newfoundland, of course, and visitors who are driving our roads should know to be mindful of them. Or, if you’re on the Terra Nova Golf Resort as Bud was when he got these pictures, perhaps you should be mindful when you tee-off, too!
On the Rocks!
There is beauty all around us and it is free. I took this picture in front of the house. I was watching a beautiful sunset and looked down at my feet. Wow – simple beauty in simple things.
Keep it simple is a good philosophy – “the main thing to remember is that the main thing is the main thing.” We had a great weekend at the Shag It, we’re excited about our new weddings planned at The Doctor’s House, and now that things are a little slower, we can catch a breath and figure out how best to use our time in the Wonderful World of Whiteway. How sweet is that!
Tuesdays with Murphy: This is the ‘Off’ Season???
Boy, am I glad I’m not Jerry or The Berry – those two work like dogs, I tell you! Thankfully, my fellow four-leggeds and I (including my new little brother, Friday, who is doing great, by the way!), get some rest here and there. But Jerry and The Berry spent all weekend at a wedding show in St. John’s (they’ve hired some consultants, are renovating our big barn and will have The Doctor’s House ready for parties of up to 200 by this summer).
I thought after all that work, they’d need a minute to rest. Not so! Now Jerry’s off to Clarenville for a conference for the Eastern Destination Management Organization. I don’t know much about EDMO, except from what I overhear. And that’s that they’ve been instrumental to our success at Ocean Delight, so for that I guess I’m grateful! I think Jerry will be talking more about their great new website, The Legendary Coast, soon!
Thanks to the Wonderful World of Whiteway
This will probably be one of the busiest Thanksgiving’s ever, thanks to the special Turkey Dinners we’ll be serving at the Shag It. But it is also a year filled with blessings and so many reasons to give thanks. The Berry and I have each other and work that we love, and beautiful families both near and far. And of course, we’ll be forever grateful for the day when we made the fateful decision to start our Ocean Delight journey.
Shag Rock still takes my breath away. When the sun sneaks up over the back country, it pours it light on it, our muse. They play with each other all day. Shag Rock is made alive by the many colours the sun paints it as it moves in and out the bay. It is constant and constantly changing. So I call this the Wonderful World of Whiteway for a reason. If your spirit needs a lift, there is spirit-lifting magic here – and I am thankful for it everyday. And may God bless you and your family this Thanksgiving weekend.
Thanksgiving Plans at the Shag It
We all like to indulge and give thanks – that’s why everyone loves this upcoming weekend, and the opportunity to spend extra time with loved ones. I’m putting on my Marketing Cap (borrowed from The Berry!) to get the word out about our specials this weekend at the Shag It. It’s our first holiday at our new cafe and we’re excited about it.
Saturday night, we’ll be offering a 3 course meal, starting at 7pm. Enjoy soup or salad, ham with scalloped potatoes and veggies, and choice of dessert, for $24.95 per person.
We’re also very excited about our plans for Sunday. Compliments of Chef Robert Piercey, we’ll be offering two sittings of a full, 3 course Thanksgiving Turkey dinner (one at 12:30, one at 6pm). It’s $29.95 per person, and we’ll have the cafe beautifully decorated for an elegant evening. Why slave in the kitchen when we can do it for you!
Anyway, if you’d like more information or to make a booking, please call Joe at 588-4649. I sincerely hope to spend time celebrating this weekend with you, and, regardless, wish you a cherished holiday with cherished family and friends. Enjoy your long weekend!
Rosie the Flying Goat
We are loving Rosie the Goat – she is such a sweet addition to our Ocean Delight/The Doctor’s House family. And … it turns out she can fly!
Joe went to the barn to check on her the other morning and she wasn’t in her stall. Somehow she had flown over the 5 foot gate! Then Perry went in and found her in the rafters of the barn, overhead. We couldn’t believe our eyes.
We put her back in the stall, and without running she sprung up and over the gate into the main part of the barn. Then she jumped up on the edge of the horses’ stall and then into the rafters – in about 3 seconds – like a monkey.
When we got her down, she hopped over the half door to the barn into the yard. And she seemed to be smiling (with her cute, mischievous grin) saying, “you can’t catch, I’m the gingerbread goat.”
But she didn’t run – she just waited there for me to take her for a walk with Murphy. She loves humans and other animals, and loves walking with Murphy and me. Goats are herd animals, and she cries like a baby when she is left alone.
I have to say, of the animals I have known, she is the most amazing. She walks by my side, comes when she is called and is very playful. Imagine – all that in a goat! Or should I say, a flying goat!
The Berry’s Birthday
We recently celebrated Laurelyn’s 49th (again) birthday. Her son, Adrian, and I cooked brunch yesterday – waffles, moose sausages, bacon, and ham, and all the fixins. It was quite the meal, as we celebrated family and blessings.
Later we took Murphy, Friday (our new golden retriever!), and Rosie for a walk at The Doctor’s House, again revelling in our many blessings.
We finished the night with dinner at the Shag it – a wonderful place designed by The Berry, and more to celebrate again. We’re quite lucky, and I love when special occasions like birthdays come along to help us stop and reflect a moment on all the important things in life. It’s a great feeling!