Thanks to Joe Friday for this beautiful picture of the sun setting over Shag Rock – he really has a great eye for photography and you’ll see lots of his work throughout the site. But more importantly, as I’m reflecting on this ending year, thanks to Joe for all his hard work, and for coming out here to share this life with us. And thanks to Laurelyn for her dream that led us out here, for her relentless efforts to keep us going. Thanks to our fabulous guests who make it all worth it, who write us great reviews on TripAdvisor and sometimes even start to feel like family. Thanks to Alf, Hilda, Clifford, Shirley, Lisa, Albert, Renee and all the other wonderful people who have welcomed us into this new community with open arms and given us more than one leg-up along the way. Thanks to Murphy for lifting our spirits every day. Thanks to my daughters, who are my inspiration and my sounding boards. And thanks to everyone who reads this blog, for when you comment here and on Facebook, and if you voted for me for the Canadian Blog Award. Looking out on Shag Rock each night with all these blessings, how can I be anything but grateful?
The Loon … and You???
Wine, a view, a warm place to watch the snow fall. It’s hard to believe I haven’t lived in the Wonderful World of Whiteway my whole life. We’re making it easier to share the experience with you with a New Years Special and a contest to win a free stay here. I hope some of my blog readers are able to take advantage and enter the contest – you might read about the cottages, but you gotta see ’em to believe ’em!
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
You know I like to keep this blog Ocean Delight-centric, but since it’s Christmas Eve I hope you’ll allow me this personal indulgence. If you know me, you know nothing compares in my life to my three beautiful children. And some of my dearest Christmas memories are of reading them ‘The Night Before Christmas’ on Christmas Eve. When they were younger, they listened in rapt attention – and when older, as you can see, I felt a little more free to add my own irreverent verses. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas, and that you enjoy your families as much as The Berry and I do and are creating some lasting memories. Merry Christmas from Ocean Delight.
Budding Saturday: Awaiting Christmas
You may remember that I’m starting a new Saturday tradition of promoting Newfoundland art on this blog. If you’re an artist or know or love one who’d like to be featured, please email us! In the meantime, I’m sharing some pictures captured by one of the best Newfoundland photographers I know – Bud Vincent. I love how he’s able to capture the beauty in all things, big or small, winter or summer. And especially Christmas!
Getting in the Mood
With the freshly fallen snow as the back drop, it’s been so fun decorating our home – especially now that my daughter is here to help. The moose stew, Christmas music and fireplace all make for the perfect Christmas around the bay. Life is good.
Yes, Laurelyn, It is Going in the Living Room
Clark/Jerry: We’re kicking off our fun old fashion family Christmas by heading out into the country in the old front-wheel drive sleigh to embrace the frosty majesty of the winter landscape and select that most important of Christmas symbols.
Audrey/The Berry: We’re not coming all the way out here just to get one of those stupid ties with Santa Clauses on it are we?
Clark/Jerry: No, I have one of those at home.
***
(Perhaps sadly), no movie captures my approach to Christmas quite like Christmas Vacation. What can I say – I like to go all out and for better or worse I’m a big family guy, so I identify with Clark! And now that we’re living in rural Newfoundland, I came one step closer to the movie – we cut down our own tree.
With The Berry, Joe and Murphy along, we set out to find the perfect tree. It is just a bit smaller than the infamous one from the movie, but still stunning. We’re waiting for my daughter to stay with us before we decorate – I can’t wait!
And remember we still have a contest to win a free stay at the cottages – make sure you add your name to the list. Maybe you’ll be out in this winter wonderland with us!
Tuesdays with Murphy: Bowering Park
Well, if you read Jerry’s Man Hands post last week then you know Jerry was busy with renovation work, and believe me – the dust was flying. And all the while I rested listening to Christmas music in front of the fire place downstairs – living the dog’s life. Those humans – have they got a lot to learn.
So I finally convinced Jerry to take a break and take The Berry for a walk in Bowering Park – very altruistic of me. It was supposed to be all about them, so I pretended I didn’t enjoy bounding through the trails, splashing in the Waterford River, and exploring where my previous humans used to take me. But I really couldn’t contain myself when I saw the ducks. I really wanted to catch some – must be genetic.
Ah! Bowering Park – it really is the jewel of St. John’s.
First Real Snowfall
We have been decorating and running around taking photos after the first snow fall. Wow! It sure is gorgeous on a different level. It actually makes me appreciate winter – and that’s a very new appreciate for me! Everything crisp and pristine, everything Snow White. I’m even smiling while I shovel (for now at least!)
And my daughter came home for Christmas yesterday, so things are looking good here at Ocean Delight.
Sunset Sunday: My Church
I told you watching the sunset is my version of church – and I even have the stained glass – ain’t it beautiful? Glorious sunsets here bring Doreen’s (The Berry’s mother) beautiful gifts to life. They remind me of the days I went to an actual church ( I was Altar Boy of the Year for 5 years in Torbay) when the sun would pour in through the stained glass windows and set my imagination to flight.
Thanks Doreen for the beautiful panes – they are gorgeous and we notice them every day. It is hard to believe so much pane can bring so much joy.
Budding Saturdays: Our Island in Winter
Since moving to the Wonderful World of Whiteway, I have made good new friends, and many of them are artists. But one of the best artists I know is an old friend – in fact he got me my first job when I was 14. Bud Vincent has an eye for photography unlike anything I’ve seen, and a love for capturing the beauty of this province. He often emails me such stunning pictures (a few of which are scattered over this site), that it seems a shame not to share them. So he has inspired me to start a new Saturday tradition – of showcasing the wonder of this province through the work of our talented artists. I think mostly I’ll be featuring Bud’s work – but if you or someone you love have something to share, please send it along!
Thanks again to Bud, and enjoy these seasonal shots. Check out his site or contact me if you’re interested in prints. (And don’t forget our Win a Free Stay Contest – we have our own winter wonderland out here you could be enjoying this winter for free!)
