Tag: Newfoundland

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Getting Ready

Dining Room at our Newfoundland inn and spaChristmas was joyful this year, but now that it’s behind us, our focus in on New Year’s Eve. We’re making sure we have everything in line for the experience we’re offering at The Doctor’s House. It’s our first time celebrating New Year’s there, and we’re doing it right, with fine dining by the fire compliments of our fantastic Chef Anna Dohey, live music from local kind of country singer and guitarist Charlie Crocker, and champagne, noisemakers and fireworks at midnight. It should be a really fun, memorable night – so we’re doing the prep work now to make sure it all goes well. Welcome sign at our Newfoundland resort and hotel

Thanks to Leonard Howlett for the great photos. He’s a great Newfoundland artist whose work we now feature in our gift shop at The Doctor’s House – please check it out the next time you visit!

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A Wise Man Indeed

Newfoundlander dressed up as a Wise Man at ChristmasI recently found this old picture sent to us last year by our good friend, Clifford George. He’s one of Newfoundland’s most respected artists, and as you can see, he doesn’t take himself too seriously, instead contributing to nearly every possibly community event with gusto. Last year, apparently, he donned the garb of a Shepherd (or is that a Wise Man?) and looked quite dapper doing so.

Those in the St. John’s area, please note that you can see an exhibit of Cliff’s work, plus that of many equally talented artists, at the Christina Parker Gallery in St. John’s from now until New Year’s. It’s sure to be a show-stopper. Learn more here.

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Tibb’s Eve, a truly Newfoundland Holiday

Santa comes to rural Newfoundland

Happy Tibb’s Eve! If you celebrate tonight by dipping into your holiday rations, then you, my friend, are partaking in the very Newfoundland tradition of Tibb’s Eve.

The tradition of Tibb’s Eve originates on the South Coast of Newfoundland after World War II. At the time, small outport communities were very religious and observed the Advent period as strictly and soberly as they did Lent – ie, no libations, shall we say. Tibb’s Eve, in some places appropriately also called Tipsy Eve, was a loosening of the restraint.

So it became a tradition for men to go to each others’ houses the night before Christmas Eve, where they could ‘sample’ all the goodies planned for Christmas. Lighthearted and humourous, it was a way to extend the season and tip a glass with your neighbours.

So if you have a glass of wine tonight, know that you’re taking part of a time-honoured Newfoundland tradition! Hear hear! And read more about the origins of Tibb’s Eve here.

And of course, we’re all excited for Santa to come tomorrow. This photo was captured by Allison George, who happens to know Santa quite intimately. Lucky girl! And warms wishes to all for a bright holiday.

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Sunset Sunday: Before and After

Shag Rock in rural Newfoundland

These pictures are like life: all the same, all different, all wonderful, and totally beautiful. Shag Rock, before, during and after a sunset – reminding us why we love the Wonderful World of Whiteway.

Thanks to guests, Shag It artist and friend Leonard Howlett for the gorgeous shots. What an eye, or should I say three?

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.