Nan’s Table at Christmas and a wonderful Boxing Day Gathering!!

I have a great deal to be thankful for, both past and present.  In reflection, I have to say that I hold dear my visits to my grandmother and grandfather’s house at Christmas.  I especially liked it in the later years when we got to the age of being asked to the table for a spirited game of 120’s.  The game and fellowship was fantastic, the food, the drinks and atmosphere, I will always remember.  It is where I learned to hone my talents as a card player, my girlfriend at the time (and now my wife) was always in my Grandfathers favor.   If anyone else placed the wrong card, there would be a frown, but for Lisa? (Liser, as my pop would say)… she could do no wrong.

It was amusing to watch and listen to the banter in the kitchen that was always over-heated and freshly painted for the Christmas season.  Munching fruitcake and sipping a beverage as we watched Pop’s frustration from the cards that were laid. He always got up, walked around his chair, he would sit and his luck was changed (he hoped).  He also commented about little green angels (which my Grandmother found very amusing and gave her signature laugh).  Those evenings were always so cozy, secure and filled with laughter.  It was always a nice way to spend those days of Christmas without the hustle and bustle of the commercialism of today’s Christmas.

For those of you who are fortunate enough to have your moms, dads, grandparents still alive, sit back, inhale the air, take in the smells, the sounds and tastes.  Look to the right and left of you, wish them a Merry Christmas and remember them in the time that is present.

Boxing Day Gathering and the “Tablecloth of Family and Friends”

Boxing Day at our home is a gathering of family and friends.  The sounds of chatter and our children playing is welcomed as it is during all of our events.  It is the time of year we have the largest group of family and friends gathered together.

We started a new tradition during St. Stephen’s Day (Boxing Day).  It is a ” tablecloth of Family and Friends.”  We ask all who visit to sign the cloth.  They can just write a greeting, trace their hand or draw something that means a great deal to them. W e do ask for their signature and the date so all can remember accurately.

This year’s celebration had a great deal of family and friends visit, almost 50 persons visited our house.  Our niece and family came for a visit.  It was very special to have Abby, Chris and Nathan with us. Nathan was a charmer and everyone was enchanted with the new addition to the Noel (Bakogeorge) clan.

We were so blessed this year to have my best buddy’s sister home and her boyfriend (Wendy and Jamie Brooke).  They both feel part of our family as we have fond memories of past years (and partiers )with them.  They signed the table cloth and I will remember their presence at the Delaney table.

I would like to leave you with some pictures of the Boxing Day Party, including the Bay Roberts Christmas Carolers and Lisa’s dad.  He is the life of a party and still has the energy of a 30 year old.  The children and adults will always remember his zest to help make this amazing holiday special. I can only hope I can instill his love for family, friends and fun to those I love during this festive time of year.

Take care, God Bless and I hope you like the pictures.

Ron

Future Irish-Newfoundland Star

Christmas Sweaters, Christmas Cake, and Clingy

Mr. Noel Dancing

Bay Roberts Christmas Carolers

Tablecloth of Family & Friends

Tibb’s Eve and other Ramblings – 2009

Tibb’s Eve

Well here we are, most of you I am sure have all your Christmas preparations taken care of. I am almost there but with the hectic season,  I am trying to play catch up. The wind and wet weather is playing havoc with my outside decorating so it looks as if it will be Tibb’s Eve before I can complete my Christmas tasks. There is so much that I can write about as I have also been behind in my Christmas blogs, but I will centre in on the 23rd, Tibb’s Eve, which I celebrate with family and friends.

Tibb’s Eve is a old observance of preparedness for the Christmas season.  It is a time of sampling and ensuring all is ready for this most holy of seasons as well as for the preservation of Newfoundland traditions, the fruit cakes, purity syrup, and… for some the making and tasting of home brew.

There is a explanation of Tibb’s Eve in the Newfoundland Dictionary seen here: http://www.heritage.nf.ca/dictionary/azindex/pages/5010.html

Over the past few years, I have posted comments about this day on this blog and it has remained the most visited page as many like to read and know about it. I hold it dear to my heart as it reminds me of the past , especially my Grandfather who introduced Tibb’s Eve to me , my brothers and sister.

New Grange

I know I am missing the Winter Solstice by a few days, but I have to comment 0n it as it has major historical significance to the people who observed the 21st of December.  New Grange was constructed by a farming community over 5000 years ago making it older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids.

New Grange - Aerial View

An ancient temple, it was a place of astrological, spiritual, religious and ceremonial importance, much as present day cathedrals are places of prestige and worship where dignitaries may be laid to rest.  The most interesting piece to this is that it was only illuminated around the Winter Solstice.  During December 19th – 23rd the sun was positioned to allow the sun’s rays into its narrow chamber.  This year almost 39,000 persons registered for a lottery selection process that would allow the winners entry into the chamber.  During May of this year I had the opportunity to crawl through the narrow passage way and stand where this took place.  It was amazing to be there, I will never forget it.  

 

OK…now for Christmas

 

I always love Christmas music especially from our local musicians, this year I did find a treat from one of my favorite singer and musicians, John Curran . He has taken many Christmas standards and given then a celtic twist, if you get to a music store over the next few days; pick up a copy of “May Your Days be Merry and Bright”

John Curran - Christmas

Stay tuned over the next few days for some pictures and thoughts of this Christmas season.

In the mean time, if you are in the Bay Roberts area, please visit our Christmas park and Visitors Pavilion, especially if you are looking for a place to find Christmas.  It is all around us, we just need to look for it!!!

Look at the Town of Bay Roberts Website for all events in the town.  It includes the schedule of events, photos, YouTubes, stories, and recipes.

www.bayrobertschristmas.com

Visit to Ireland

My wife Lisa and all around me know that my trip of a lifetime would be to travel to Ireland.

That dream became a reality a couple weeks ago as I journeyed with the Avalon North Wolverines Search and Rescue to tour the Emerald Isle. The primary purpose for the trip was educational and competitive in nature as the group toured a great deal of the country to meet with their Irish colleagues. I had the honor of interacting with and learning from the many zones of the Irish Coast Guard. they hosted our group with perfect precision and made our trip life altering, well at least for me.

I had my visions of what I wanted to see, some prompted by songs , stories, history , scenery, and even the fantastic marketing and age old branding of the country many of our ancestors called home.

I have to admit with much excitement that my expectations were met and exceeded. I have to thank the gentleman who visited Newfoundland back in October 2008 and who in return hosted us in fine style. I will thank them many times throughout the next few blogs, yes, the next few blogs as it is impossible for me to present all the pictures taken by us in one posting.  It would not do the trip and experience justice.

Pictures do tell a thousand words but I can’t wait to tell you all about the amazing two weeks!!!!

Our first day was filled with much history and sightseeing.   Dublin is a hot bed of culture, arts, and commerce.  It was very charming in many aspects;  I bet one could spend a two week vacation exploring this wonderful city.

Wolverines on streets of Dublin

Irish Parliament Building

Dublin Castle

Wolvervines in front of Dublin Castle

Kilmainham Gaol Chapel was the setting for the marriage of Grace Gifford and Joseph Plunkett. They were married,  only allowed minutes together before Joseph was taken away to be executed in the morning for his part in the Easter Rising of 1916.

Inside Kilmainham Gaol

Kilmainham Gaol Chapel

This was a emotional place for me as it confirmed its reality, it was no longer a song. The song “Grace” has been sung by many, but in my opinion no can sing it like Jim McCann.

Guinness

Newgrange, older than Stonehenge and 500 years older than the Pyramids.

Victoria Day Weekend

Ok this is a start, I will be posting some pictures next week, but going camping tomorrow , have a good Victoria Day weekend, a holiday is a holiday *W*

Danny Cleary

Congrats to Danny Cleary first star of the game tonight!!!!! Go Red Wings!!!!!
Take care
Ron

Old Christmas Day and Reflections

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This Christmas has been hectic but amazing, for my blog , I have seen a huge amount of readers from all over the world! The blog even got to # 57 on the fastest growing blog on WordPress.com, a far cry from last year.

In my last official blog of the season on Old Christmas Day I can’t help but reflect on the many joys that I have been a part of in 2008. First and foremost I am so grateful to have all grandparents of our children; sometimes we do not acknowledge this till it is too late, I for one treasure this. Who knows what tomorrow will bring so it is nice to stop, look, smile and make memories for the next year. I am also happy for the many friends and family I have around me, I do indeed feel lucky and blessed. It is so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season, and it is fine to do so, as long as we really remember the real reason for the season, religious wise and family wise.

Please take a look at some of the pictures of the season, most of you will not know the people but you will understand the connection to family and friends at this joyous time of year.

Snowman with friends.

(By the way, here are the numbers for the greatest Newfoundland Christmas song!! Thanks for voting!!!!!!

	The Mummers Song (Bud Davidage)	23	38.33%
	Hello Mom and Dad I’m Coming Home For Christmas (A. Frank W)	17	28.33%
	Heading Home For Christmas (Con O’Brien)	6	10%
	Christmas in the River (Barry Delaney)	4	6.67%
	Christmas in the Harbour (Gary O’Driscoll)	3	5%
	I’ll Be There Christmas Eve (Ron Hynes)	3	5%
	Christmas Tree Eyes (E and W Coles)	2	3.33%
	Merry Christmas From Home (Kevin Collins)	2	3.33%
	Thats What Christmas Means To Me (Greg Walsh)	0	0%

Please keep a watch for news on David Phelps coming back to Newfoundland in May through Play Time Concerts , www.playtimeconcerts.com !!!!!

God Bless!!

Ron

Tibb’s Eve!!

Tibb’s Eve!!

 

Well today is another Tibb’s Eve, a observance of many around the world. In Newfoundland and Labrador it is celebrated as the “sampling” of the cooking, decorating, painting(renovation) and purchasing or making of Christmas Spirits of the Christmas season, it is a time to ensure all is right and ready!!!!!

I have so many fond memories of my brother and I taking our grandfather to “do” his business before Christmas. It all ended with a dram at his house. This was indeed a special time for me as a young man as I did not get to partake in a taste of Christmas grog often. I knew that it was at this time that all events had culminated into what was Christmas for me.

Ron and Perry Tibb's Eve

 

I have attached my last year’s blog about Tibb’s Eve as it has been the number one viewed page on Delaney’s Rant in the past 12 months. Have a read, absorb the culture and comment if you wish.

Ok, I was not sure if I would get the opportunity to post another blog, especially since I did post one a short while ago. Well, I just finished decorating my house and my buddy Perry’s, I guess as you can see from the picture we did take a chance to warm up and talk about the season. I really look forward to decorating every year since I came to Coley’s Point, Bay Roberts.

While finishing the lights, I mentioned to Perry about our custom in Riverhead, Hr. Grace to celebrate “Tibb’s Eve” which is tomorrow (December 23^rd). Historically, it is a observance that has been around for a great deal of time, for me growing up in rural Newfoundland I think of it with deep affection as my grandfather Arthur Hurdle instilled the significance of the day to us.

In the Newfoundland Dictionary there is a long explanation to what “Tibb’s Eve” is, but as I read through it I do see where is originated as it pertains to my Grandfather. If interested, please read the following link http://www.heritage.nf.ca/dictionary/azindex/pages/5010.html

For my family and my grandfather, it was a day of sampling the brew that was seldom present during the rest of the year. For “Pop” we would take him to the liquor store, and of course would go back to the homestead and sample the purchase. My wife Lisa just purchased new glasses for Christmas entertaining, some of which were small 4 oz glasses. My grandfather would call them “Legion Glasses” and would give us a “grog “or a “dram” of whatever he had to toast Tibb’s Eve. I never knew the total meaning, but I did love spending time with him and Nan. They are now gone for years, but I will never forget this tradition and I will enjoy keeping it alive. One part of the tradition that I have not stopped and those of my brothers that are still around still do it, we go to his grave side on Christmas Eve and toast to him and our family members who are now gone. I love it, it is a major part of Christmas, it is a calming place, I find it fulfilling and I will do it for as long as I can, and it is a part of Christmas for me.

For those of you who have not heard of Tibb’s Eve, please learn of it, have fun with it:; it is part of our heritage and part of our family.

Take Care

Have a wonderful Tibb’s Eve regardless what it means for you and your family.

(I am holding off on releasing the winner of the Christmas music poll as there is some time to vote, please read three blog posts down)

Ron

A Children’s Winter and other seasonal songs.

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Well we are a few days closer to that special time of year, the radio ads are getting more intense and I know that the annual “Boxing Day Sale” is just around the corner!!! One thing I do like about the Christmas season in 2008, it is how accessible information is about Advent, Christmas, Tibb’s Eve, Boxing Day,and Mummering. All we have to do is Google something of interest and you will probably find it. Next week I will be posting another blog about Tibb’s because it has been the most visited post since I started blogging in late 2007, and I love it because it meant so much to my grandfather. I will also write about mummering as it is a huge part of Newfoundland culture and is observed in many countries around the world.

I digress, getting back to the accessibility of information for this time of year, I wanted to touch on some youtube selections that I think you would find useful. Please click on those that interest you and pass them on, especially a youtube clip from Dermot O’Reilly. Children’s Winter

Mummers

The current # one song on my poll on the previous post is the “Mummers Song” , it strikes a chord with everyone attached to out province or wish they were; it is innocent and reminiscent of the past. For those of you who have never heard it, please have a listen as it is still practiced in rural Newfoundland and is a delightful part of the full celebration of our Newfoundland Christmas.(Its not too late to vote, results will be announced next week during the Tibb’s Eve Blog.

Mummers Song

Now I do know I have been profiling local Christmas music but I would be remise if I did not comment on some others I love.

David Phelps will be back in Newfoundland at Holy Heart, produced by my company for a fundraiser for a local church. His voice is indeed one of the greatest in the world and yes, he will be performing back in NL on Mother’s Day Weekend.For updates on his visit visit www.playtimeconcerts.com

Please take a look at David Phelps version of Oh Holy Night:

On a closing note, I would also like to tell you about some wonderful sites that host Christmas music:

• www.181.fm and
• www.live365.com

Seek and enjoy. If you know others please post them to me as you can never have too much Christmas music.

Take care.
Ron

Getting ready for Christmas and my favorite Christmas Author (Press here to comment)

The smells of baking, the sounds on the radio, the new access to sights and stories of the Christmas season via the internet give us a sense of this wonderful time of year. I love the preparations, the anticipation that is associated with everyone getting all excited to celebrate the most holy but yet the most commercialized time of year. I look around rural Newfoundland and Labrador and see the lights, and I read of the programs and events that help promote each community. It is difficult to totally embrace this time of year sometimes because for the hectic lifestyles we all live. Over the years I have been in search of books, TV shows, music and magazines that help me keep Christmas close to me. I do think this blog helps me “center” my energy to celebrate this season. I do have a small story to tell you regarding my search to find and get ready for Christmas.

Christmas Joys - Susan Branch

I visited a book store a few years ago to look for a book filled with ideas of celebrating the season, there were many there of various shapes and sizes offering many ways to become embraced with this observance. I spied a small white book that for some reason I had to pick up, I think I liked the cover and the font it was so cute…(not sure if men can say cute, but I did *L*) after opening the publication called Christmas Joys by Susan Branch, I was captivated by the ideas of food and crafts, but I think the suggestions of how to make the holidays special your children had the greatest impact on me. I have been using the book for years but then lost it, I have to admit I missed it but thank God awhile back I found it again, (It was packed with the Children’s books!), I got reacquainted with it and thought I would try my luck so I googled to see if the author had a website. Well she do, it is just as informative as her books although I do like my hard copy. I e-mailed the site to ask if I could mention her in my blog, I was surprised to receive a reply so quickly, but the best surprise was that Susan herself contacted me. She agreed to let my link to the site and to mention her here. If you have a opportunity to visit the site www.susanbranch.com I think you too will be impressed as much as I was (Thanks Susan!!).

In keeping with the Christmas season I would like to introduce my first official Christmas Poll, please vote for your favorite Christmas Song from a Newfoundlander and Labradorean, pass it on to your friends and watch the results.

I hope all your Christmas preparations are going well and you take the time to really enjoy the real meaning of Christmas.
Ron

The beginning of Advent (press here to comment)

Advent Wreath

This week marks the beginning of the Season of Advent, a time of preparation and reflection for the coming of Baby Jesus. This year I took the time to research Advent and the Advent Wreath a little more; I found many interesting websites, most mention the origin of the Wreath dating back to pre- Christian Germany.

Regardless of when it started it has been a part of my “preparing” for the season since I was a boy. I can remember in middle school having to gather around the Advent Wreath every morning in the main hall of St. Columbus Elementary, singing songs and listening to scriptures read by the Nuns. Although we all loved the opportunity to get out of the classroom, this had a special meaning to me. The gathering around the wreath is still a big part of my family getting ready for the coming of the Christ Child. One of the candle holders keep breaking off so I trouble my friend Perry to keep coming down to fix it with his sodder gun. Well it broke again tonight, so I am waiting for him to come to the rescue yet again.

Advent Candles

The preparation season, Advent, is just as much a major part of our home as the 12 days of Christmas. Probably more as there are not many who even know about celebrating the full twelve days of the Christmas , but that rant is for another day!!! Please take a look at the following links of this holy Advent Season and pass it on to those who celebrate it.

I do wish to make mention of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Nativity Collection

December 4-14 – Award-winning Nativity Set Showing
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 75 Central Street
Nativity Set collection “Come Let Us Adore Him” 5:30 to 9:00 PM
The display is open to the public free admission
If inclined, bring a non-perishable food or gifts for the “Gifts for Christ Christmas Tree” for the families in need.

It is an amazing presentation of Nativities from all over the world, you will be humbled and filled with the spirit of Christmas!!

Lighting Candles

I have found some interesting websites linked to Advent, the first one is from Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advent_wreath

http://www.kencollins.com/question-10.htm

http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/religion/re0132.html

I hope you enjoy the reading and the links.

God Bless

Ron

Christmas is just around the corner (press here to comment)

Ponderings

Christmas Wreath

Well, here I am sitting at my laptop thinking about all the things I have to do to get ready for the Christmas season. It seems that most of us are guilty of preparing earlier and earlier for the festive season.

As I travel throughout Bay Roberts and area I see houses decorated and trees decorated and lit. Is this because everyone likes the warm cozy feeling we all get this time of year or is it that they like all the chores and preparations over and done with before the Christmas rush is upon them? Maybe it is a bit of both, the malls get so crowded and the lines are so long this time of year AND the weather has been so mild they would be fools not to take the opportunity to decorate their lawns in the comfort of the current temperatures. For whatever the reason, it is very evident that Christmas is indeed right around the corner.

The Bay Roberts Festival of Lights

Planning for this year’s festival has almost concluded, most of the preparations are ongoing and will be finished (with any luck) on Friday. The launch of the biggest Christmas Festival in Newfoundland and Labrador will take place this Monday at the Wilbur Sparkes Recreation Complex. Last year saw thousands of people from all over the region gather for our largest opening ceremonies/tree lighting in the history of Bay Roberts. For those of you who could not make it please take the time to get out and witness this community event, please make the effort, you will not be disappointed.

Some of the special features of the opening are the Illumination Parade, a night time parade of children and bright floats that make their way from Amalgamated Academy to the Complex, the children love it and it is a sight to see. Other attractions of course are the school choirs, a visit from Santa, family fireworks and last but certainly not least is the lighting of the Christmas Park. Our park is unique and one of only a few in Atlantic Canada. Click on the youtube link for a closer look at the park as well, for a look back at a past Festival of Lights check out or visit www.bayroberts.com for a full events list for Christmas 2008.

In the coming weeks I will be writing blogs on Advent ,the Christmas season, Tibb’s Eve and the Christmas Song top ten (Newfoundland addition) Once again I will be looking for your input into the greatest Newfoundland Christmas songs of all time.

One last note

Last week I traveled to Springdale for meetings with the Newfoundland and Labrador Economic Developers Association. The meetings were productive and educational (of course) but what made the event amazing were the accommodations. Some of the lucky ones of the association got to stay at the Riverview Inn

Riverview Inn, Spingdale

This is a 4 ½ star facility nestled on the banks of the Indian River in scenic Green Bay, Springdale Newfoundland. I researched the Inn before travelling there to ensure the stay will be a pleasant one. That was an understatement, from the moment I drove up the quaint roadway to my first site of the building I knew I was in for a treat. The rooms were huge and tastefully decorated with modern yet rustic appeal, the customer service of Danny and Susan was fantastic, from the min I arrived I was called by my first name and was told that they saved my dinner for me as I arrived a little late. I was also pleasantly surprised with their food, both meals were wonderful, it was easy to tell they were made from scratch, their desserts were also made “in house” and were delicious. It has all the amenities needed for meeting or events and I would recommend it highly for your next trip to the Springdale area. Thanks Todd for reserving my room!! To take a look at this gem of a facility or to book a getaway, visit: www.riverwoodinn.ca

Thanks

Ron

 

 

Twas the Night before St. Patrick’s Day

It’s the night before St. Patrick’s Day and all is quiet in the house, the children are tucked in their beds with the thought of school in their heads. As nice as a long weekend is, and especially for my kids had Friday and Monday off, it still do not seem like St. Patrick’s Day when most of the celebration is done on the weekend.

Now, for me, I do love this time of year as it is a time to shake the winter blaws and to look forward to the spring season that is approaching very quickly. The celebration of Ireland has taken on an extended period as it is now celebrated for days on end as the holiday is not on the specific date of St. Patrick’s Day. So we get a large taste….and I mean taste of this special time of year when everyone (well almost) claim to have some Irish blood in them. I really enjoyed this weekend as it was filled with food, music, dance and most of all family and friends. We try to ensure everyone who graces our door enjoy themselves. As much as I wish the celebration can be observed totally on the specific date we did have a wonderful event. In this blog I will have some pictures of the party and some music and even a recipe to share. If you have a few pics or special stories of your special St. Paddy’s Day please add them to my comment area.

I had the opportunity this evening to read a book to my son it was called The Night before St. Patrick’s Day by Natasha Wing. When I started to read , it was obvious it was very much like The Night Before Christmas, but it gave my son a new appreciation into the folklore that surrounds this celebration.

The Night Before St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick’s Day Pictures

The Night Before St. Patrick’s Day

As you can see from these pictures I do get into the spirit of the season, the kids like that “dad” is being silly, but it allows me the opportunity show them that this observance is special and there s much to learn. We have fun teaching them about the folklore, music and food of this celebration of Ireland.

My own Colcannon Recipe

5 Med potatoes
2 Med onions
6 cups cabbage
1/2 package of regular bacon
1/3 cup of fresh milk
1 table spoon butter
Pinch of salt and pepper

Boil potatoes in a medium pot for 15 minutes, drain and let cool. In a medium non stick frying pan fry the bacon till the fat is basically rendered out, place the bacon on a paper towel. Drain the bacon fat from the pan and then use the pan for the frying of the cabbage and onions, cook on medium heat till softened(15 min), then combine the boiled potatoes, bacon, butter and milk to the mixture and cook for a additional 15 min on medium heat stirring frequently and serve with your favorite drink.

note: before serving the dish , some like to ensure the ingredients are mashed , no chunks…but that is your preference.

Mmmmm ok am hungry now, I think I will make this tomorrow!!

The Frying Pan song

There is a song from one of the greatest bands in Ireland “The Furey’s”. They have wonderful songs and stories and are known for their ballads, but I have been taken up with a song about a gentleman who gets himself in trouble with his wife when he comes home under the weather, and well she advises him of her displeasure but introducing him to her “well used frying pan” Please enjoy.

Avalon North Search and Rescue Wolverines.

Over the next few weeks I will try to keep the blogs coming as I am traveling with the Avalon North Search and Rescue Wolverines. This is a local troop of men who freely give of themselves to search for lost persons on land and on sea. They recently won the National/International Search and Rescue Championship and because of a bond they have made with the Irish Search and Rescue Team they will be traveling and competing in Ireland during the month of May. I have the pleasure and honor of traveling with them, it has been a dream of mine since a boy , it will be a very special time for us all and I look forward to the opportunity to report back to you during our travels.

On behalf of my wife Lisa, my children Maggie and Kaegan, I wish you all a wonderful and blessed St. Patrick’s Day