What a difference a year makes! This weekend was the 1 year anniversary of whenThe Berry and I first came together to Ocean Delight, these stunningly beautiful ocean-front cabin rentals.
The Berry had already been and wanted to bring me back. She wanted to come for a weekend, but I love St. John’s and was able to negotiate coming for just one night. But the Wizard of Shag Rock (or Shagarella, his bride – a.k.a. Lisa Day) cast a spell on us, and we learned the previous owners were planning to sell. On a whim, we put together a business plan that would forever change out lives.
We abandoned other careers, moved in together and moved out here to the Wonderful World of Whiteway. We have worked like Murphy’s (Murphy’s our new dog by the way!) and it is only the beginning. We have made new and wonderful friends, and we love them and we love it here. Life is like a Disney ride and I don’t want to get off!
My body is full of bruises from all the physical work (and I never bruise), but I am healthier by 20 years. Strong, healthy and free – is there anything else to ask for?
So to celebrate we planned a romantic night in our boat under a crescent moon – anchored and floating away on A Wake at Last, rocked to sleep by the Atlantic Ocean. Gear stored, engines set, we set our coarse for Bay Bulls Island and headed out to sea. But the excitement was soon swamped when both engines dies about two miles past Shag Rock (obviously we had done something to upset the Wizard!).
It was Alf and Hilda who came to the rescue – Hilda telling us that the Awake at Last must have gone back to sleep. They towed us back to the safety of the shore – a little disappointed but happy to have such wonderful friends.
Naturally inclined to make lemonade out of lemons, we lit a fire on the beach, roasted marshmallows and wieners with friends Alf and Hilda, Lisa and Randy, and Joe Friday, told a few “boating and captain” jokes and shared stories over wine and starlight. And sweet Murphy got a night in heaven, playing in the water with lots of people to throw him sticks.
A good night and a good time, and a metaphor for our new life at these Newfoundland cottages – it doesn’t always go according to plan, but with good friends and the right attitude, you make things work. Throw a beautiful dog and Shag Rock into the mix, and you’ve got the recipe for paradise. 
For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Murphy. I see my humans writing away on this computer every day so I thought I’d give them a break and try my paw at this blogging thing. Maybe if they like it, I’ll keep writing blogs from time to time.