Christmas Day

The leadup to Christmas for the White/Wright household was much more organised this year than for this time last year when we had flown from Australia, been off loaded in Montreal because of a snowstorm, loosing our luggage in LA and finally arrived in Fredericton 23 Dec. This meant we only had 1/2 a day on Chrsitmas Eve to shop. So after the events of last year and the rush it entailed we were determined that we would be much more organised this year which we are happy to say was the case.

It was made much easier because we were able to plan and enjoy time with the many friends we have made since our arrival. We have mentioned throughout the year the wonderful hospitality and generosity that has been extended to us by the nice folks in this area and in the photo above you will see a lovely foral center piece given to us by Debbie to brighen up the house and add some Christmas cheer.

Our Christmas festivities commenced on Christmas Eve when we attended the 6.30 pm Church of England service with Debbie and George following which we all went to Kathy and Doug's house across the road for Christmas Eve party at their home. This was a very pleasant evening meeting with their family and friends.

This was our second Christmas in Cananda and we had a wonderful day. Jacqueline and John joined us for dinner (supper) and stayed overnight departing after a late breakfast on Boxing Day consisting of blueberry pancakes, bacon and eggs.

Megan and Bryn, their two lovely Golden Retrivers also joined the party and for some 30 mins or so after their arrival Murphy finely stopped barking and growling at them and they all got along very well. In fact after they left on Boxing Day Murphy continued to look for them.

We were all in good form on Christmas night and Jacqueline who has a great sense of fun inducted us into the Newfoundland (NFLD)tradition of "being screeched in' as when we had visited NFLD earlier this year we had escaped this tradition. John had also escaped this tradition so he was also initiated.

Being 'screeched in' follows the ritual of wearing a sou-wester hat, kissing a fresh fish on the lips followed by drinking a shot glass of Screech Rum. You will see from the photos what we mean. The fish is generally a large Cod but we were fortunate to kiss a very fresh Rainbow Trout. The trout nicknamed Newfy ended up being our evening meal on Boxing Day and he was delicious.

We hope that you have all had a great festive season and may the New Year be a good one for you.

With all of our best wishes Bev, Ross and Murphy

Dinner Theatre & Pre Christmas

Well its almost Christmas and while we are a day behind you all in Australia we are thinking of you and wish you a joyous Christmas and a happy new year. But before we get to Christmas Day we have continued to enjoy wonderful times with our lovely Canadian friends.

Last update we shared with you our evening at Kings Landing with our friends from this side of Fredericton so now we share with you the evening we spent with Jacqueline and John our friends from the other side of town.

Jacqueline was responsible for finding the house we now reside in and was outstandingly generous by accepting the numerous boxes we sent over from Australia ready for our arrival. Over the year we have shared many happy times with Jacqueline and John who is discharging from the Canadian Military after many years of service.

Following are a few photos of one of the funniest nights we have been to since our arrival. Jacqueline and John shouted us the evening out at a Tea House which has a dinner theatre. The playlet was loosely around the birth of Christ but Incorporated Canadian humour at its best. You will see from the faces of the players the fun they were having which was transferred to the audience resulting in peels of laughter.

The generosity provided to us from the friends we have made here has made living here so pleasant and we truly feel right at home in their lovely country.

Last week Debbie and Bev spent several hours over 2 days as volunteer gift wrappers in the Regent Mall with the money donated going to improving the diagnostic equipment at the hospital. It was a busy time but so much fun as the shoppers who availed themselves of this service were very chatty and full of good humour.

Will provide another update after our Christmas dinner of New Zealand leg of lamb, chicken stuffed with prunes and Camembert & wrapped in prosciutto and baked veggies followed by ice cream fruitcake. This is our Australian response to the traditional turkey dinner served over this way. It will obviously be accompanied by great aussie wines.

Have a great Christmas.

Ross, Bev & Murphy

First Snow & Kings Head Inn

Hi All,

Now that the semester has finished we are getting back to being social again. This is the first time that Ross has taken on a full-time student load and it will definitely be his last, from now on part time only.

As you can see we had our first snow for the season on 6 December and it has snowed on and off since. The pond in the middle ground is now frozen over but not enough for skating yet.

We had about 12cm initially so clearing to ensure we can still access the Bar-B-Q was not a real problem.

This shot give a better indication of the depth and you can see Murphy having her first play in the snow for the season - she really seems to enjoy it and will stay out as long as we let her.

On the 8th of December we went out for a Christmas dinner at the historic site of Kings Landing about 40km from here in Fredericton. We had a three course meal with the main being a choice between turkey, prime rib roast and goose. Ross tried the goose because it was something not tried before and genuinely enjoyed it.

This shot is of Doug (our across the road neighbour) and Ross trying another local speciality - hot apple cider with spiced rum. A great way to start the night.

The entertainment was in keeping with the historic nature of the location and quite reminiscent of some of the folk nights held in the old pubs in the Rocks in Sydney. The musicians were highly competant and professional.

The venue holds around 120 people and is generally booked out - it is that popular. We had to book a month in advance but it was really worth it.

They also have a gift shop that sells festive decorations, so it seemed like an appropriate place to have a shot taken.

We will have another update before Christmas showing our visit to a small local dinner theatre with our great friends Jacqueline and John.

Cheers Ross and Bev.

P.S. We have been in Canada exactly 1 year today.