Visit to Random Island

Our friends Katie and Brad, who have a similar moving-to-Newfoundland story as ours, invited us to their place on Random Island. Although we'd seen quite a few pictures, we'd never been there in person. Many things contributed to this....they'd only recently purchased it in the summer, followed by major renovations, then Hurricane Igor (Random Island was one of the hardest hit areas...thankfully they were all ok). Then work, busy schedules, that pesky winter weather again....and well...here we are at Christmas.

During a recent phone call to wish each other a Merry Christmas, Katie extended an invitation for us to visit. With a couple of free days and such great weather (for winter), we figured it would be a great time to go. With 8*C (46*F) - 9*C (48*F) all day long, it made for a nice drive.

We'd never been to Random Island. One thing we noticed was the effects of Igor were still evident after all of this time. Even on the highway there....road signs were snapped off...sometimes bits of rubble around...other times not.

Once on Random Island, we could see all the places the road had been washed away. Unbelievable. I can only imagine what it was like in the days and weeks immediately following the hurricane.

We arrived at Katie and Brad's and had a wonderful visit. Their house is really nice. Being right on the water, it has an incredible view! The kids all hung out together while the adults sat around and chatted. Katie made a delicious lunch (actually...it was a dinner)and we enjoyed that while enjoying their beautiful view and great company.

Some pictures....

This is Katie and Brad in the front with Josh and Kassidy in the back (as well as Robbie the dog ;)



A group shot.....with one of the kids (who shall remain nameless) doing his usual thing of making a face just at the precise moment (in between the time the button has been pushed but before the picture is actually taken....not sure how he times it so well...but he does...)




This one is a bit blurry (but no funny faces anyway)




It was a delicious dinner and a great visit!

Thanks, guys!

More visiting

We're always amazed at the number of people we run into who've had reasons for moving to Newfoundland that are similar to ours. Many in our own town fall into this very category.

Shortly after we arrived here in Pouch Cove, I was searching on-line for info about the town. I wanted to send links with pictures back home to our friends and family. While searching, I came across a website which contained beautiful pictures of Pouch Cove. Turns out....the owner of the site was also here because of similar reasons to our own.

We'd met Bob and his wife Po at various functions around 'town' (our town...as well as 'town'...which is really St. John's). At the last one, they invited us to their place for a pre Christmas visit.

Despite the heavy rains and high winds...it was a great visit. We always enjoy talking to people who 'get' and 'see' the same beauty of Pouch Cove as we do. Great conversation and Bob showed us his beautiful photographs he's taken. (Bob's site can be found here...lots of amazing photos)

Great visit guys!

Christmas week

With Larry working most nights and weekends, there's not a lot of time left for visiting. Throw winter weather or the threat of winter weather into the mix...and well....it limits us even further.

This week has been different on all fronts though. Larry's work has all but stopped for the Christmas holidays and we've been having fantastic weather! Well....for December in Canada anyway....no snow and fairly warm temps. Even with the rain....we'll take it.

We spent Monday with our friends Joan, Keith, Jacob and Ben. They had a yummy turkey dinner, complete with salt meat and roasted chestnuts (first time I had ever tried them). Did I mention it was yummy? :) The boys played together, while Brittney hung out with the adults.

We all enjoyed the day and evening....thanks guys! (sorry...I didn't have my camera with me...so no pictures and I need to ask permission first)

Christmas, 2010

Christmas Eve -- Our family tradition is to have a special dinner, followed by a family sing-song and each opening one present before the kids hit the hay. I used to be the one playing the piano for everyone to sing, but since the kids can now play the piano...they do the honours.

Jake taking his turn




Brittney



Here we go....get ready to sing...




Oh no...look at Dad....is he for real? ask the teenagers...(just as a fyi....Larry loves to shake things up a bit by acting goofy...it makes the teenagers unsure what to say ;)




Oh c'mon Dad.....you're not going to act that way all night...are you? Tyler trying to remain cool





Come on, Brittney...SING!!!

Oh Dad....Puleeezze!!

Tyler still trying to remain cool




O.K..fine.......I can sing by myself...




Ahh...two thumbs up....we finally got him to stop singing.

Tyler can now safely crack a bit of a smile





Not so fast.....I can pose just like all those stars do...see?

Oh mom....can you make him stop?

Even Tyler can no longer remain cool...




Brittney's turn at the piano...




Warming up for round two.

Jake is certain he can not only handle his Dad's goofiness....but outdo him...




Oh no....they've gone to the piano....I'm stayin' here




Having the words is much better...means Larry doesn't have to make up his own...





O.K...Tyler is here...not sure for how long




Tyler is almost certain these people cannot be related to him




Is there any question in anyone's mind where Jake gets it from???




Jake opening his one gift on Christmas eve. Only a gift card...he picked the wrong one to open





Jake had trouble sleeping, so he slept with us. I told him if he got up early, he was to take a picture of the clock, so I'd know what time he got up. When I woke up at 5:50....he was not with us. He was however, on the couch with the tv and the Christmas tree lights on. He showed me the picture....here it is....that *IS* 1:02 a.m. (I think he dozed a bit on the couch though)





Self-portrait at 1:02 in the morning. Does everyone look this wide awake at 1:02 a.m.? I'm fairly certain I don't




It's about 7:00 a.m. Tyler is still not sure about being up at this time...




Oh well....might as well join him...





Brothers chillin on Christmas Day...









Another tradition in our family...the candy table.



Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - ELLE

Laura Hillenbrand, Well known author of Seabiscuit also suffers from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Excellent article about her struggles with this, found here:

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - ELLE