All in the Family

Shag It Pride

Just like this time two years ago I never thought I’d be in the tourism business, this time a year ago I never thought I’d be in the restaurant one. The Shag It Cafe and Gift Shop is open, with lots of success, but also lots of learning already under our belt. Barely a week in, we’re still working on the ins and outs, but thankfully, our view, our fabulous and tasty menu, and our fun gifts, seem to be doing the trick. We’re grateful to our friends, neighbours, guests and community for supporting us so far.

I’m also very grateful because our opening happened to coincide with a visit from my daughter, Kathryn, who lives in BC. She came with her boyfriend, Victor. Both rolled up their sleeves and pitched in – it’s true what they say, many hands make light work. When your family’s involved, it’s light work indeed. And a pleasure, too.
Shag It Pride

Red Hat Ladies at The Doctor’s House!

Guests at our Newfoundland spa resort

You know I like using this blog to share special stories from our guests – well, get ready to start seeing some guests from The Doctor’s House now, too! I don’t spend quite as much time there (I hold down the fort at Ocean Delight most days!), so Rosemary got this picture and told me about the wonderful ladies who make up the Red Had Edison Club. I’m told it was one of the friends’ birthdays, so they surprised her with a night at The Doctor’s House. They said it was important to spend time with your girlfriends because they are the ones who will always be there for you. Judging by the stories my daughters tell me, I think they’re right!

Puffins, Puffins, Puffins

Puffings by Bud Vincent

My daughters just love puffins – and really, who doesn’t? In fact, I know of my daughters goes on whale watches in Newfoundland, more to watch these little guys struggling to take off and fly so cutely overhead, then she does to see the whales.

So puffin-watching is quite popular in Newfoundland, and so is puffin photography. Every gift shop in downtown St. John’s sells postcards and posters adorned with the little guys. But I have to say (and I’m not biased!) that these pictures, from good friend and great photographer Bud Vincent, are some of the best I’ve seen. Enjoy!
Puffings by Bud Vincent

Birthday on the Bay

Birthday Girl on the Atlantic

So much going on to be grateful for. Most importantly – my daughter and her boyfriend, Victor, are here to visit for a week. And, the recreational food fishery has started – bring on the A Wake at Last and the fishing! We celebrated Kathryn’s birthday yesterday with a boat trip and it was just what the doctor ordered. Picnic, fishing, presents (Kathryn loves her Shag It apron, now available since this is our first week open!), and time with loved ones. What a treat.
Shag It Gift

Tuesdays with Murphy: Pony Up!

Golden retriever and Newfoundland ponies at Newfoundland Inn and SpaNow that Jerry and The Berry are getting The Doctor’s House up and operational (for our June 1st open), I have a fun task – getting to know all the Newfoundland ponies (there’s three of ’em) that make the Inn and Spa home. Normally I have no problem with my fellow four-leggeds, but Newfoundland ponies are proud and different, and there was definitely an intense initiation period. I think I’m starting to win them over. Good thing, too – Bridie just joined the family, and Clifford George thinks she’s pregnant. I’m going to have to work hard to become the leader of this big pack!Golden Retriever and Newfoundland ponies