Elections, Winners and Irishmen

Wow, it has been a long time since I have posted to my blog. I apologize for that, but the summer was hectic for me as I am sure it is for the most of you. In the near future I will be posting some pictures of our summer travels, it was a wonderful July and Aug, even though the weather at times sucked.

I have to take a minute to talk about the next few months, as most of you do know I love the fall season, the sights, sounds and smells make Newfoundland and Labrador a destination of choice for many Europeans and persons from the United States. It is a safe and natural environment that is sought after the world over.

Harper and da boys!!!

Well another election has come and gone, I am sure you all have your opinion on the outcome; the one thing I am happy about is that it is not a long and drawn out campaign. We listen to comments about how one is going to help the common man and how we will have the better health care system. OK OK I said it, the health care system, with not enough nurses, not enough specialized doctors and the long waiting room times sickens me. Sometimes I think it would be better to be in a pay per use system, at least we should not have to wait for 5/6 hours for someone to attend to the sick. In some countries if you have a minor injury down there you still get a MRI, up here you need a letter from God for a speedy X-ray, there is something wrong with that. Well that’s my rant about the health care system for now, I am sure it will pop up in the future.

Speaking about the common man, Fabian Manning was a person who stood for the common good of the riding, and I think he worked very well within his means. I wish him well with in the Harper government as I do hope he will be looked after.

Prime Minister Harper with Fabian Manning

Jack Harris, NDP, St. John's East

Ryan Cleary

Mr. Andrews, congrats for the victory, I have to be honest, I do not give credit to Danny Williams for your victory, over the past 2-3 years I have watched you ensure everyone was familiar with you, you grew to know what was the need of the area and you met the challenge with a youthful conviction that was welcomed.

Congrats to Jack Harris on his NDP victory and better luck to Ryan Cleary, who ran for the NDP in St. John ’s / Mount Pearl.  I know he would have been a great voice for Newfoundland and Labrador in Ottawa.

Avalon North Wolverines

International Victory in SAR Scene 2008

Avalon North Wolverines - SAR Scene 2008 Winners

Jumping to other winners, I have to congratulate the Avalon North Wolverines for their international VICTORY in the Sarscene, hosted in St.John’s this week. They have traveled and competed across this wonderful country of ours for some years and now are National and International Champions. It is comforting to know that the Trinity and Conception Bays have some of the most advanced trained persons in Canada and abroad sitting in our back yard.

SAR Scene 08 Rescue Mission

The Irish Coarst Guard

One of the most amazing days I personally have had in a long while was to have had the opportunity to meet members of the Irish Coast Guard. They were true gentlemen who embraced the people of Newfoundland and Labrador; from the first moment I was introduced to them I knew they were so much like us. The accents are much thicker but the pride for their home , family and for a good time was very similar to us Newfoundlander and Labradoreans.

I would like to thank Niall Ferns for the wonderful mementos from Ireland as I do hold the place of my ancestors in high regard and do hope one day to travel there (maybe sooner rather then later). Charles Cavanagh was very talented in making a St. Bridget’s Cross for me (thinks I left that at the Search and Rescue building!!, darn bowling*s*) . I heard form Perry Bowering that the Irish took third place in the competition so hats are off to you guys are well.

Irish Coast Guard

Tiocfaidh ár lá and Beannachaí Dé

Ron

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

Christmas, Doyle’s Lane and the Bog

I can remember a time in my youth when cold nights and walks were the norm and anticipation of visitations of the Jannies was prevalent. I remember inhaling the Christmas air of Riverhead and walking the streets till we joined our friends in Doyle’s Lane, fires flickering, voices carrying the seasons news drifting in the air, the feeling of the season keeping a smile on our faces.  Those days in my memory were cold and clear, and we enjoyed them so much, the crunch of the snow and the smell of the smoky chimneys are still engrained in my mind with each visitation to the place of my youth.

We gathered regardless of age. It was a time to be together in our small town, the flickering lights of the fire dancing across our face as we decided the evening’s events. We all knew it was cold enough to go to the bog, to slide across the ice to celebrate the Christmas season and to be warmed by the fire on the hill. I remember Cyril Jordan, Ronnie Hickey, Danny White, Chris and Terry Miller and others sipping the forbidden brew that seemed to help in a difficult time for one of our friends. It is a time I will not forget, and would never wish to, it was an age of innocence an age of true friendship; for me a true meaning of the season of Christmas.

I can remember an evening we met some Jannies by Dick Doran’s house. They were just getting started, of course urging us to join them. But at the time we had plans made and wished all good night, watching their silhouette go smaller and smaller as they left us.  We had an evening to spend at the bog.

For some reason, I do not think today’s youth visit our special winter place, and it is indeed a pity as it is a place in my mind I will always remember.

If the weather is cool enough, please visit Riverhead and the bog, have a skate, and if you listen closely, you still might hear our laughter and think of the good times we had.

 God Bless.