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