Oh the Summer Time is Coming, BUT!! Before it does…………..

Hello all, it has been awhile since I have posted a blog, sooo I guess it is time to comment on some things going on in Newfoundland and Labrador. Yah know, this is a wonderful province, no tornados, seldom a hurricane, no earthquakes, just a drop of rain, lots of snow and cool temps. We do have unparalleled nature and landscape, amazing history in a safe and secure environment so I think we have it all right.

The summer of 2008 is going to be a very memorable one!! Concerts, theatre, tours,and  museums, for more info on this please check out http://www.baccalieutourism.com/

Congrats to Danny Cleary!!

I posted about Danny a few months ago concerning his broken jaw and to support him (February 28 2008), I bet he do not think about that ordeal as of late, and good for him for that.

Hr. Grace are preparing for a amazing day of celebrating his accomplishment, it will be a gathering of the curious, proud and the crazy.

Mayor Don Coombs has been doing a great job waving the Hr. Grace and NL banner as the only community that will be able to boast a native son as a Stanley Cup Champion. It is great for the spirit and great for the local economy.

I do have to mention that Danny grew up on the same road as my family and was part of growing up in rural NL, “Da River”

Congrats to my old coach (Danny’s father Kevin) his cheer was always what it took to win (T.E.A.M!!!)

“Da River”

Riverhead for me and many others was a magical place in my adolescence, with a population of 3 or 4 hundred people it was the home of so many teenagers during the weekends…at one time there were three arcades opened at one time and as a result people would come from all over Conception Bay North. I do hear many still frequent Doyle’s Lane, the place where campfires and gatherings ran free, it was a great place to live. The pride of the River is still prevalent, there is a connection when you meet an old friend, and I consider it special.

Before the Summer Comes….

Before the summer comes I want to thank Danny for puttin Newfoundland and Riverhead Hr. Grace on the map and I look forward to seeing you on Canada Day. Am proud of you.

Come Home Year in Da River

I just want to mention that the summer 2009 will mark the first ever Riverhead Come Home Year for those who would like info on this please e-mail me and I will pass along your contact info, it should be great.

 

God Bless

Ron

Blogs , Songs and Penitentiaries

It has been awhile since I have written a blog, so this is a potpourri of items on my mind.

Uncle Mose in Bay Roberts

In the town of Bay Roberts we are getting ready for a hectic summer filled with events for all!! In the coming weeks you can check the town websites for all the news as we launch Bay Roberts Tourism and Events www.bayroberts.com . Of course this is my personal blog on my thoughts and what interests me, meaning it is not “job related”. Now that does not mean I can’t comment on the town’s initiatives cause I can.!!

I want to direct you to a blog that is of major interest to many others and me; it is solely dedicated to Ted Russell and his works of Pigeon Inlet. I am sure those of you who have grown up in Newfoundland know the works of Ted Russell , his writings depict a time in Newfoundland and Labrador’s history that was innocent but so real. I grew up with the eighties TV version which was not an accurate depiction of his works, but it did lure me to the magic of rural Newfoundland culture

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Bay Roberts has taken a step to bring Ted’s writings to a new level for all to see. I am so honored to be part of this process and I invite you to visit www.unclemose.wordpress.com and http://www.pigeoninlet.ca

New Great Big Sea CD

I have heard lately that Great Big Sea will be releasing a new CD this summer. I enjoy their roots CD’s as it profiles our culture and keeps it in the forefront.

Jackeasy

I have had the opportunity to sample a musical piece from a threesome from Conception Bay North called Jackeasy. They have played O’ Reilly’s in St. John’s on a number of occasions and have a pure sound. Three of the gentleman are members of one of the newest but very talented groups in Newfoundland, Greeley’s Reel. The song I refer to was penned by the late Stan Rogers, Loch Keeper,it is simply amazing. Veteran vocalist Jack Smith’s voice sets the stage for this national treasure; I am so looking forward to writing about this release in the near future.

The High Kings

On the international scene, I had the opportunity to listen to a group called The High Kings. This band seems groomed but yet talented, I was impressed by the harmonies and stage presence. If you check out youtube you will get a real taste of what will be one of the best celtic bands in the world, personally I feel they are the reincarnation of the Clancy Brothers with Tommy Makem. Take a listen and judge for yourself, I want to hear from you on this if it interests you. www.thehighkings.com or http://youtube.com/watch?v=TV05CrUOaoc

One note is that Martin Furey is the son of one of my celtic idols Finbar Furey. Another member of the group is Finbarr Clancy, Bobby Clancy’s Son from the famed Clancy Brothers and has toured with them over the years, what a connection !!!!!

Penitentiary in Harbour Grace?

On a last note, for those interested in the goings on in Conception Bay North and the possibility of the Penitentiary coming to Hr. Grace please come to the information session at the Harbor Breeze this Wednesday night. For more information on this please visit www.baccalieutrail.ca

Take care

Ron

Happy Easter !!!!

Over the past number of days I have been commenting on St. Patrick as a celebration of Ireland, but of course it is also a religious observance. I would be remise if I did not comment on the most significant day in the liturgical calendar, Easter. First and foremost tomorrow is a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, it is a time of joy and a time for renew.

I always felt a certain connection to this season, trying to deal with the death and resurrection of Jesus was at times difficult to grasp as a young boy, especially with the Easter bunny coming the night before. This year will not really smell like spring in Newfoundland but as a young boy, combining the religious observance, the Big Bunny and thoughts of spring was amazing. I think it is important to not forget the real reason for the season.

Easter Bunny

For children the Easter Bunny is a major part of the Easter season. Some research mentions the Bunny back in the 1500’s in Germany.

Here is an excerpt from http://www.holidays.net/easter/bunny1.htm

“The Easter bunny has its origin in pre-Christian fertility lore. The Hare and the Rabbit were the most fertile animals known and they served as symbols of the new life during the Spring season.The bunny as an Easter symbol seems to have its origins in Germany, where it was first mentioned in German writings in the 1500s. The first edible Easter bunnies were made in Germany during the early 1800s. And were made of pastry and sugar.The German settlers who arrived in the Pennsylvania Dutch country during the 1700s introduced the Easter bunny to American folklore.”

I wish everyone a blessed Easter season.

Ron

Wasn’t that a PARTY!!!

Well another part of the St. Patrick’s Weekend Celebration has come and gone. It was a great afternoon and evening. The weather held out for those who had to travel to come and we partied till the wee hours of the morning. I was so pleasantly surprised with the arrival of some family and friends that I was unsure if they were going to be able to make it or not.

See our St. Patrick’s Day Photos

My cousin Brent Hurdle, Patrick Foley, Bro in law Jason and myself supplied some music for the evening while my wife Lisa kept the party going with plenty of games and food for all. The food consisted of Irish stew, fish cakes, chili, and pineapple pork among other tasty treats. Thanks to me mudder in law Bessie Noel, sis in law Lois Clarke, and Juanita Tobin for bringing food along, it was much appreciated. Thanks to Brian Tobin and Perry Bowering for helping me finish the outdoor decorations. For those working tomorrow tune into our official Internet music channel of the Delaney’s http://www.liveireland.com

I promised some music, please have a listen to some of the Furey’s this song is amazing, poor ole Eddie is now gone but it is great to see them all together, this link will lead to more songs of one of the greatest Irish bands of our time. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNd6zhZ_iPc

Thanks for helping keep the tradition alive!!

2 more sleeps till St. Patrick’s Day!!!!!!Ohhhh so close

Ok , I am not going to keep this long, but!! I do want to show you the passion of the St. Patrick’s Day season. Below are pics of my working friends Perry (Me buddy),Christine, Ian and our boss Edwin Fradsham, he looks good in a Paddy’s Day outfit…my buddy and fellow Newfoundland Irishman Patrick Foley gets certainly in the mood, thanks Pat.

My heart goes out to you and your family for the loss of your mother, god bless, please enjoy this observance, I am sure from what you tell me she would love it.

Take a look at the pics and enjoy this time of year. I will be posting other pics over this weekend…My children are so excited…!!!!!Pssttt and ya know what? so am I!!!!

 

God bless

Ron

St. Patrick’s Day Part 2

In anticipation for the season of St. Patrick’s Day I am listening to some amazing music from Ireland tonight. I have a broad musical taste, but my favorite is certainly Celtic music. I love the lyrics, the stories about the plight of the people of Ireland. I think before I go on I need to point out that I am not condoning all that happened during the “Troubles” in Ireland but I will say that it had a great effect on its people, past and present, who keep alive the traditions and way of life of the people of “Erin”

Finbar Furey

Some of the greatest performers and songwriters who keep the tradition, luckily enough are still alive including: Finbar Furey, Phil Coulter, Ollie Kennedy, and Johnny McEvoy to name a few. Take the time to seek out their songs, as you will be surprised as to the songs these gentlemen penned. I wrote one of my first blogs about the music of my youth, the music of Ireland was alluring, the harmonies kept me interested. The music of Tommy Makem , The Clancy’s and The Furey’s had the greatest impact on me. I was saddened to hear of Tommy Makem’s death in September. He was a amazing song writer, one of his greatest songs is Four Green Fields, it has been recorded by so many over the years but in my opinion his version remains the best. I am adding a previous posted segment of my first blog that talks of Tommy.

I remember driving home from Sunday morning mass listing to the “potluck show’ on our local radio station during the early eighties. The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem were a main stay in rural Newfoundland, certainly captivating to a young boy who got lost in the lyrics of the songs of Ireland.During the late nineties my brother and I teamed up with a talented base player - Ian Chipman of Spaniard’s Bay NL, who was a founding member of our group Erin’s Call and long time musician and song writer Paul Martin (brother of Larry Martin, founding member of the Juno Award winning Irish Descendants) of Winterton NL. During our musical career Tommy’s influence was prevalent in many shanties and ballads we sang. In 1998, we had our first opportunity to actually meet Tommy during a show in Bay Roberts , it was a humbling experience for us, as he was our idol , a mentor, and soon to be our friend. There were many groups on the roster that evening , including friends from Ireland, Evans and Doherty, who now reside in Nova Scotia. Another person person present that day, who I respected and who passed on during 2007, was Dermot O’Reilly, member of Ryan’s Fancy , Dermot called Newfoundland and Labrador home for years along with Fergus O’Byrne who still continues the legacy of Irish Folk music. Last, but certainly not least, was Gregory Donaghey, former lead singer of the world renowned Carlton Show Band. The evening was amazing; as it was an opportunity for us the merge artistically with some of the greatest Celtic groups of our generation.Tommy was a gentle soul, one who certainly shared his passion for song and story, he empowered us to continue to write and in time produce our recording Erin’s Call.My brother Barry and I stopped by the local coffee shop after the show, and to our surprise Tommy was there relaxing before his trip back to his hotel. Long time friend, Leo Puddister, asked us to sit and talk. We were so taken back by his sense of calmness and willingness to share his ideals of folk music, we will never forget it, and certainly we will never forget him.

Grace - A love story

Tommy Makems’ Four Green Fields is one of my favorite songs, but I have to admit that there are many songs that stir my feelings towards my ancestors and their music. The most romantic but sad story is of Joseph Mary Plunkett and Grace Gifford. Joseph Plunkett (1887-1916) was a scolar and poet, but he was also involved in the Easter Rising of 1916, he was the youngest of signatories of the proclamation of the Repubic of Ireland. Joseph Plunkett suffered from ill health and he had an operation for glandular tuberculosis only days before the Rebellion, he left his sick bed to partake in the failed attempt to overthrow the occupying English. He was to be married to his sweetheart Grace Gifford on Easter Sunday but was called to the uprising. They were married in Kilmainham Gaol (Jail) just hours before his execution. The song that tells of this story is called “Grace”, please take a listen to Jim Mc Canns’ version, it is my favorite. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZzEy5zBeEw

One more interesting piece to this historical event is that Joseph’s Aide de Camp was a young man called Michael Collins. Johnny McEvoy wrote a stirring ballad about the “Big Fellow” (It is a great movie staring Liam Neason)

God Bless

St. Patrick’s Day Countdown!!

St. Patrick’s Day

 

Ok, for those of you who do not know me all that well, I have to admit I am a major freak for St. Patrick’s Day.

 

 

It is true it is a religious observance in the Catholic Church, but in Newfoundland and Labrador especially, it is a truly wonderful celebration. I await the day with such unbridled anticipation; it almost eclipses Christmas (almost!!).

 

For those of you who would like to start at the beginning, please take a look at this website, it will give you a closer look into the Saint who started it all. St. Patrick, the patron Saint of Ireland, http://www.theholidayspot.com/patrick/historyofpatrick.htm

Our Planned Celebration

 

St. Patrick’s Day is a planned celebration in our home, the children are taught to embrace the season and to learm more about their ancestors, (it do help drive away those winter blahs). We usually have a party at our home with plenty of fun, family, friends, games for all and yes, the music. My wife Lisa spends hours researching games that children and adults can play, most of these are of education value that helps all understand more about this holiday.

 

 

 

For me the countdown to “Padddy’s Day” started weeks ago, but now it is soon time for me to start the decorating, we decorate both inside and outside, this ensures the festive atmosphere is clearly displayed.

Over the next 13 days I will be posting some ideas on how you can become a part of this celebration of Ireland with your family and friends.

St. Bridget

Do you know there is a lady patron Saint of Ireland? Her name is St. Bridget [Brigid] Her mother and father were actually baptized by St. Patrick, her observance day is February 1^st, for more information go to: http://www.stbridgetofireland.org/ ) .

My brother Barry was facinated by this discovery and wrote a beautiful song called St. Bridget.

The Fairies

What wonderful folklore, the fairies!

 

As a child my mother had me frightened to death over the fairies. We were always warned about if we went into the woods and got lost turn your jacket or sweater inside out, or keep a piece of bread in your pocket, especially if the fog rolled in while picking berries or just exploring in by Fairy Hill in Riverhead, Harbour Grace

 

All towns in the Conception Bay North Area have their own fairy stories. Below is a photo showing Hibs Cove, Port de Grave. You can see where fairies hang out, especially when the fog rolls in!

 

 

 

I know for the most part these pieces of folklore kept the youth of the day in check, but it was passed down generation after generation and for the most part what is spoken about to this day is still the same in parts of Ireland. Back some months ago I had the opportunity to sit in on a short seminar hosted by the Baccalieu Trail Tourism Association, they had two guests from Ireland. The event was a real eye opener for me as I listened to the gentleman explain how he interviewed students and some adults regarding fairies and folklore, the astounding part about it was the connection from Ireland to Newfoundland, it was almost spookie. I also found the comments from the room and especially the students of our local school very interesting. It prompted me to research the phenomena of the Fairies, if you like learning go to: http://web.ncf.ca/bj333/faries.html .

 

One of my friends and web designer Margaret Ayad is a fellow fairy buff , I know she has a great deal of information on this topic, maybe she may share some more insight into amazing subject (in the comment section).

 

 

These are so much to discuss around the topic of Ireland and St. Patrick’s Day, I look forward to hearing from you and any traditions you may have on this topic.

 

My next blog will center around the music and the food of Ireland.

God Bless

Newfoundland Friends

The year 2008 has had it ups and downs, apparently, some of our most watched friends have hit bumps and some have hit triumphs.

D’Arcy Broderick

He is a person who I call a friend and who just suffered a stroke, our thoughts and prayers are certainly with him. One of the most talented musicians in Newfoundland and Labrador AND! in my opinion, has the greatest voice ever in traditional music.

As a founding member of the Irish Descendants and backbone of the Fables, D’Arcy has already left his mark on Newfoundland and Labrador. I think I have everything he has ever recorded including some tracts I had the honor of recording with him. I wish his family well and my prayers are will the clan.

Danny Cleary

The comeback kid, some had the dude down and out, but I am sure all were on their seats cheering him on during last years Stanley Cup push and his amazing current season. I was FLOORED when I received the news his jaw was shattered in a game , for the love of Pete!!! I met his uncle Scott(my Riverhead friend) and Francie Reynolds in the Halifax Airport a few weeks ago when the unfortunate accident happened !!! He was and is having an amazing YEAR!!!!!!….I am sure his family and the River is so proud of him, I know I am. I am also so thankful he had the opportunity to prove his talent, 40 points is a major milestone and I feel confident that he will rise to this challenge and over come it. Now if I could only get a signed jersey for my office!!!

Good luck Danny

Gordon Pinsent

A wonderful actor with a list of acting credits as long as my arm!! I think I first seen him in the Beachcombers or maybe it was the Forest Rangers in the 70’s. For some reason, not even knowing he was from Grand Falls Newfoundland and Labrador his persona lured me to every character he portrayed. With the major success of the movie “Away From Her” it has placed the characters and of course Gordon in a place that I knew he was familiar with. Sarah Polley is a brilliant director ,most would know her from Canadian TV…Road to Avonlea but her credits are far reaching.

Good luck to Gordon and our Canadian counterparts for the up and coming Genies.

God Bless

Gene Simmons why!! Take Care BRITNEY!!

OK, I would like to go back to comments, and even a rant on some issues of the day.

This blog is called “Why Gene Simmons” and Take care Brittney”!!!! Yes, this is a major departure from the warm fuzzy feeling of the Christmas season, and well it was the reason I wished this “blog” to be constructed.

Say it isn’t so Gene baby

I watched in utter dismay a few nights ago when Donald Trump fired Gene, at first I was thinking this couldn’t be happening as he was so overpowering, confident a true business person and for the show so marketable, he made the show!!!! But after thinking it through, I do see that in my opinion, he wanted to leave, Trump was not in his class, and well the ties had to be cut. Trumps daughter was glum and tried to be as self righteous as her father, but had a face on her like a smacked arse (pretty but too intense), it seems as though they were surprised in Genes comments!! They knew full well what he was going to bring to the table, and was one of the reasons for the amazing ratings…. I really think he grew tired of the show and wanted to bail, it had to be the reason. Anyway in my eyes Gene is king, he did link with a Newfoundland lady. COME ON GENE BRING YOUR REALITY SHOW TO THE ROCK!!!! I will bring you around and we might even make money!! Just image!!! A Gene Simmons park in “DILDO!!!” I get shivers thinking about it everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!

Poor ole Britany

I will not spend a great deal of time on this BUT…. wow, this is getting crazy!!! If I had people chasing Me I am sure I could call some one and say, emmm hey, I am being stalked…. but for some reason it is cool to stalk Britany, I cringe when I see the papapoopie chase the lady down, this week one of which got arrested for following her. It is about time…I know they look for attention, and it fuels the industry, but do anyone care about human life, about her children? Our society is imploding, with the advent of groups taking out their anger with our southern friends and our Canadian troops giving their lives for the greater cause…and then we have to turn on the TV and watch the saga of a lady pushed to the brink? People, it is time to lay off, we are not on this earth long enough to allow this to happen, those children who have done nothing wrong, need to be given a break. I am not writing this to point fingers or take sides, but when I see the paper and people almost risking their lives for a pic? There is something wrong, someone needs to speak out. I guess I am trying to but I get 100 visits a day, so…I guess this will go unheard and we will have to watch what goes on the boob tube or do we…? How about the next time we see a story on her we turn off the TV, or not buy the tabloid, maybe that is what it is going to take to get these people to back off.

Gene, I look forward to watching and following your career, don’t forget to bring Shannon back to NL with your kids dude!!!!!!!! Brit….chicka, come to the rock, we will put you up at Woody Island Resort or the Klondyke Hotel so you can chill….although I am not sure you would like it….I would hope so….for your kids.

I would also like to wish my big bro Ken a happy Birthday!!!

Take Care,

 Ron

Old Christmas Day and the Mummers (Jannies)

Hey all!!! Happy Old Christmas Day to you and your families.  Even though the day might be met with a sense of melancholy for some, and I guess for some it comes and goes with out evening knowing, which is sad. Old Christmas Day for me is a day to soak the last little bit of the Christmas season so I will have plenty for the rest of the year. Traditions in Newfoundland and Labrador are huge, and some of which includes the visitation of the Mummers or in certain areas are called Jannies. It is a huge part of our culture and has probably been brought to us from our English and Irish ancestors. In this blog I will talk about the Jannies and as well the history of Old Christmas Day according to my research.

 Mummers (Jannies)   

Mummers have been a huge part of Newfoundland culture for a very long time. I can remember the anticipation of the bang on the door, sometimes I was so afraid as I did not know who was coming, but we knew soon enough the visit would mean singing and music for a short time, it was a great way to go to sleep, after we stole a look to try to see who there were. Mr. Andy Short and group were the most anticipated group of mummers, I use to be so nervous, but excited at the same time, I would almost jump out of my skin when I saw the hobby horse, it was frightening, I was not sure if it was going to get me. I would love to see it again, maybe the family still has it somewhere.

The mummer movement is celebrated all over the world, each country celebrates it in many different was. The largest celebration is probably in Philadelphia, they have a huge mummers parade with thousands of dollars of prizes, there is a great deal of info on their site http://mummers.com. Apparently the practice of mummers goes back of over 400 BC.

During my research I found over 14 countries that celebrate some form mummering.

I am hoping that Bay Roberts will actually host a festival based on mummers, I think Newfoundland and Labrador celebrates it best!!

 Old Christmas Day Old Christmas Day is celebrated in many ways, parties, mummers visitations, and of course church. The date in the church calendar is the day of Epiphany whish is a Greek word meaning appearance; it is the night that the Wisemen witnessed Jesus for the first time.“ The observance of Epiphany actually goes back farther than the observance of Christmas. It was known to have been celebrated before 194 AD, while the observance of the Nativity, in the form of Christmas, did not actually catch on until the 4th century AD.” (http://www.telliquah.com/OldXmas.htm )”

Please take a look at the above link, I found it amazing as the history of the day was new news for me.

I love everything about the season and I love Old Christmas Day, thank you so much for reading my Christmas blogs and I hope you read and pass on my other blogs throughout the year.

God Bless

Ron