Welcome, Krista D. Ball
Up until recently, the only thing I knew about Newfoundland was they had a big dog. Then I met Krista D. Ball and realized there was so much more to this rugged landscape.
So sit back and enjoy the view. It's time for a little armchair vacation.
Please welcome, Krista D. Ball.
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Vacations are something I don't get to enjoy nearly as much as I'd like. First, I have eight cats (you read that right), so it's a challenge ensuring that they are looked after. Plus, I have the dog and the step-kids. Going away isn't that easy these days.
Last year, my vacation was spent heading back to Newfoundland, Canada. I grew up there and my parents are still there. Sadly, that vacation was to visit my mother, who'd had her leg amputated with no sign of escaping the hospital.
Please welcome, Krista D. Ball.
~~~~
Vacations are something I don't get to enjoy nearly as much as I'd like. First, I have eight cats (you read that right), so it's a challenge ensuring that they are looked after. Plus, I have the dog and the step-kids. Going away isn't that easy these days.Last year, my vacation was spent heading back to Newfoundland, Canada. I grew up there and my parents are still there. Sadly, that vacation was to visit my mother, who'd had her leg amputated with no sign of escaping the hospital.
This year, we're facing the reality that my partner has yet to meet my family and, so, we're heading back there. In fact, I'm writing this blog post ahead of time for Maria so that she can get this post up before I take off (don't worry, I'm back in town!).Normally, going back home isn't a vacation to me. Perhaps it's been tainted by the recent hospital visits and family deaths. However, with my partner having never even seen the province before, I have this renewed vigour about the entire trip. After all, how many places have a Viking settlement, two UNESCO World Heritage sites, and areas where five distinct aboriginal cultures passed through the area over a 7500 year period? Not to mention the seafood.
What was once an obligatory trip, along with the sad realization that my parents aren't immortal, has become a really fun planning adventure! I'm rediscovering all of the awesomeness of the province that bred me, plus the historical and cultural richness that it has the offer.
Plus, it's been a reminder of where my crazy sense of humour comes from. That road sign? Honest to all deities it's an actual, government-installed road sign warning visitors that moose are really that bad assed.
How can you not feel refreshed visiting a place like that?
Tomorrow, I'll be back on my own blog talking about where my ideas come from. I'd love to see you there! www.kristadball.com/blog
Tomorrow, I'll be back on my own blog talking about where my ideas come from. I'd love to see you there! www.kristadball.com/blog
Comments
Newfoundland is one province I've not been to before. That sign is a hoot. Having family coast to coast in Canada I think you ALL have a wicked sense of humor :) Maybe it's something in the air?
What a bittersweet trip though, going back home for a good-bye while seeing home through the refreshing eyes of a newcomer. {{hugs}}
Maria, only you would open a blog post on a location with a dog named the same, LOL
I love those dogs! They're humungous.
The neighbours just bought an above ground pool for their kids. The kids were screaming and jumping into the pool. The Newfie dog next door freaked right now, jumped the fence, jumped into the pool, and dragged one of the screaming kids out of the pool and dropped her on the ground.
Once the kids realized what was happening, they ALL started screaming in the water and the dog dutifully dragged each and every one of them out.
In the end, they had to build a rather large fence between them and the dog was bought his own pool.
Maria you are not the only one that did not know more about Newfoundland than the giant beast they call a dog! I like big dogs but not quite that big, even your boys are too much for me simply because they are more agile than I am anymore...
We survived the heat, sending you some pictures from yesterday soon...
--those neighbor kids were smart.
And that Newf was so good. I love hero dogs.
Ref: Newfoundland
The funny thing about Newfoundland is that I never think of it as being part of Canada. It always seemed independent and apart from Canada.
Sherri: Maybe can pull the boys off the trampoline. :)
Mike: I'd go for the moose.
Newfoundland sounds fab -- though cold! anywhere with moose automatically equates as cold in my simple Aussie mind.
I'm glad you're finding joy in going back
-- and I've just scrolled back for another look and laugh at the "beware of the moose" roadsign!
Newfoundland is cold, but not nearly as cold as other parts of Canada. It gets a lot of snow, like a LOT of snow, but the winters are still mild. Around 20 degrees warmer than Edmonton. Though, that's not saying a lot, I suppose...