Tag: Newfoundland

Posted on

TGI-WWW

There was lots of work waiting for us after our return to the cottages yesterday. In the next few days we have to move furniture, (see truck above, those pieces in the back feel permanent), get the satellites fixed,  finish some painting, decorate, and, most exciting of all, welcome guests. It’s been a labour of love, but certainly lots of the labour part!

We were told that in the dead of winter there was no point in being open, but we’ve been lucky to get a lot of positive response from the community. Because really, winter is the perfect time to have a getaway – it’s when you need one most, and we’re accessible (with fireplaces!). So we’ve used this season to learn the business, which is great, and we’ve had some bookings, which is even greater.

With all the work planned this weekend it doesn’t quite feel like TGIF, but at the end of the day when I can enjoy this view from my window, it’s TGI-WWW, the Wonderful World of Whiteway.

Posted on

Paint the Town Pink

Last night, as the observant can tell from the background of this picture, Laurelyn and I took full advantage of being back in town to hit up the Avalon Mall Empire Theatres. And we also took full advantage of Pink Shirt Day to show our support for this great anti-bullying campaign. I don’t have school-aged children (too old!) or grandchildren (too young!), so I only really learned about this campaign through the social media that I’m now using to promote our cabins.

For years we’ve been hearing about how powerful Twitter and the rest can be, and I’m now really starting to appreciate how influential it can be in raising awareness – not just as a business tool, but for anything you’re passionate about. I love that kids today can build up a network of supporters. It doesn’t answer every problem (and certainly creates some new ones), but I can only imagine what such an anti-bullying campaign would have done in Torbay in the ’50s and ’60s.

(And by the way, the movie we saw was Safe House and it was excellent! Is Denzel awesome or what?)

Posted on

Community Networking

I spent yesterday at the Canadian Legion in Carbonear, as a board member at an all-day meeting for the Mariner-Regional Opportunities Network (M-RON). This organization is devoted to economic development of the Baccalieu Trail region, and I have been more than happy to dive head first into it (as that’s kind of my modus operandi).

Yesterday was an “Opportunity Management” training session put off by the Regional Economic Development Board. The province has moved to a Performance Based Funding model, where regions get funding based on performance (hence the name). I think this is a good approach, and the seminar was to teach board members how to manage opportunities to maximize funding.

Living in a community means being a part of that community. Now that we are in Whiteway, I want to use my years of experience in whatever way I can to make a contribution to this part of the province.

I’m new to blogging so I almost forgot to whip out my camera and get some shots of the board. And I must be new to photography because most of what I took came out blurry. Here’s the few that came out:

Above is Jennifer Davis, board Member and owner of the beautiful Sophia’s Heritage Inn in Carbonear, with Clyde Wells (no, not that Clyde Wells, and no, not that anyone’s ever made that joke before!), board member and owner of equally lovely Skipper Ben’s B&B in Cupids.

Jennifer chatting with M-RON executive director, Karen Davis (no relation that I’m aware of!).

Big smiles from Clyde and M-RON chair, Gordon Stone. Good times had by all!

Posted on

Newfoundland Neighbours

I’ve only made a handful of posts on this blog so far and already this is my second lauding the warmth of Newfoundland neighbours. We’ve just been in Whiteway a few months, and already we’ve met scores of fascinating and friendly people we’re proud to call friends.

These pictures were sent to us by one such new friend, Albert. He’s from Whiteway, one of the organizers of the Spring Hare, a dog trainer and avid photographer (see above – just stunning), and an all around good guy. In 2009 he took these pictures of our Chalet – the yellow building up top is where Laurelyn and I live, with the Cranberry Guest Suite attached to the left side – and our view of the sunset.

Albert had these great pictures of our place he thought we could use, so he shared them. That’s what we do in Newfoundland – we anticipate the needs of our friends and neighbours, and we share. That’s how we’ve survived, and that’s why we love our new home in Trinity Bay.

Posted on

This Wine’s For You

Here’s the wine I’ve had to set aside for our Leap Year Promo – ‘buy one, get one night free’ for anyone who books by the end of February for the offseason.  The first five bookings get a free bottle of wine (or a box of chocolates, guess how many went for wine!).

It’s been great learning about the tourism industry and now trying out new ways to encourage guests to come visit – we love this place and want to share it. I’m living proof that you can teach an old dog new tricks – at least as long as the dog is having fun.

Posted on

Catch a Wave

[wpvideo CgyN2OB1]

[wpvideo 9OFBKSlP]

Joe and I are turning Trinity Bay into the next surfing capital. All you need is gale force winds, boxer shorts and toilet seat covers, and suddenly our coast looks just like California’s!

(Note, we don’t reccomend this to the non-crazed – those waves could be dangerous!)

Posted on

Byrne Up on the Beach

In Newfoundland, we like to have what we call boil-ups on the beach, cooking fish and anything else good. Well, today, my brother, Joe, and I had a ‘Byrne up’ on the beach before the weather turned bad. Similar to a boil up, except we skipped the fish and went right to the Bud Light – can you blame us?

That’s Joe in the first picture (and Shag Rock in the background). Some people think that of all my brothers (and I’ve got plenty), we look the most alike. All I know is he has been a huge help these past few weeks, staying at the cottages while we had to go back in town, and painting and redecorating like a madman. If you come to stay at our cottages and love them (I think you will), then you’ll likely have Joe to thank for that!

Posted on

Heart’s Delight in Heart’s Delight

We’ve been so busy updating the cottages – painting, redecorating, adding furniture – that we barely got to acknowledge Valentine’s Day last week, let alone celebrate. I actually spent that day painting the Blueberry Cottage with my younger brother, Joe – hardly romantic.

So tonight The Berry (Laurelyn) and I are going to Heart’s Delight to take make good on its namesake. Flower, wine, roses, and romantic dinner is planned. We are finally taking advantage of our own Valentine’s Special that we spent so much time promoting!

Maybe tomorrow we’ll see if Clifford George will take us out for one of his famous sleigh rides: [wpvideo Hi3wVDHn]

 

Posted on

St. John’s Week

Although being born in Torbay, I’ve been a townie my whole adult life. And I love St. John’s – not many cities in North America are so unique or have so much history. Here’s a shot my daughter took on her last trip home.

That being said, I can’t be happier that today is not only the middle of the regular week, but also the middle of my ‘St. John’s week’ – the 3 nights we spend in town. We still have business here, but, thankfully, The Berry (my pet name for Laurelyn) has rearranged some things at work so we can spend more time in the Wonderful World of Whiteway.

Meaning, tomorrow we head back to Ocean Delight. What a delight.

Posted on

A New Dawn

 

I am here in my heart’s delight (near Heart’s Delight) in WWW – the Wonderful World of Whiteway. After almost 62 years chasing my dreams, I have settled here in rural Newfoundland – what we Newfoundlanders call ‘around the bay.’ I have changed career paths many times, and I’ve had a magnificent journey. I have made lots of mistakes, but have got a few things right, too. I’m confidant these new ocean-front cottages with my partner, Laurelyn, will be one of the ‘rights.’

Now that I have a new home overlooking the sea, and a little (but not a lot!) more time to reflect, I’m inclined to sit with my coffee and write. I want to share what this new beautiful life in Trinity Bay is teaching me.

So I thought I could start a blog. Yes, a blog! One based on my many years of education, employment, fatherhood, and now, most importantly, as a Happy Inn Keeper promoting all that Newfoundland has to offer – I always knew this island was unique, and now I want to share that passion.

So, please stay tuned as I nurture this new career and these new cottages and explore the Wonderful World of Whiteway.