Comments: We found land

I hope you have a lovely vacation. Let's see some worsted weight sox.

Posted by Anne-Marie at August 5, 2008 10:18 PM

Ah, Briggs and Little. We love that too. It's a workhorse of a yarn that'll keep your feet warm through the worst of the big hair days.

My hair gets gigantic in Newfoundland too. It's a wild soul/wild hair thing. That's my story.

I'd wish you a grand time at the Regatta, but that's a given.

Posted by Dorothy at August 5, 2008 10:23 PM

In the first photo, it looks like there is a tornado in the distance over Cape Spear! Enjoy your holiday.

Posted by Kati at August 5, 2008 10:24 PM

It looks absolutely beautiful! Enjoy your time with your family.

Posted by Pam R. at August 5, 2008 10:24 PM

Nursing + Knitting = The best of all possible worlds!

Wish I could be there to enjoy! Can't, of course, :..( but love enjoying vicariously! ;)

Posted by Brandy at August 5, 2008 10:36 PM

Thanks for taking us on your vacation with you!

Keep having grand fun. We just went to Texas (105 degrees F - don't know what that is in Celsius, but I don't think the number is as high!), so rainy and a bit chilly sounds refreshing!

Posted by Juliet in Grand Rapids at August 5, 2008 10:36 PM

Oh, I hope you will take a picture of the rowing action! I used to row in college and miss it so. It's always nice to see others rowing and spectators enjoying it.

Posted by Robyn at August 5, 2008 10:38 PM

I love the bright, colorful row houses too! Thanks for sharing!

Posted by Suzanne at August 5, 2008 10:40 PM

Do I get credit for recognizing Cape Spear yesterday? Have a great time and don't forget ice cream at Moo Moos.

Posted by Sue Burton at August 5, 2008 10:41 PM

Since I am never likely to visit that part of the world,I really enjoyed your description and pictures.Thank you for sharing your holiday, and I'm looking forward to the Regatta. Is Newfoundland in America? - not Canada? - you referred to it as "North America". My geography is sketchy, quite obviously! (I'm many thousnads of miles away, in a different hemisphere).

Posted by maureen at August 5, 2008 10:41 PM

WOW! Sounds like a lovely holiday! I, too, get excited when my kids get into stuff. It's so FUN to see what interests them!

Posted by Gina at August 5, 2008 10:42 PM

hope you have a wonderful vacation.
the pictures are just great!! make me want to move there.! and I live in florida.
where it is hotter than hot

Posted by lori at August 5, 2008 10:44 PM

D'oh, of course it was Cape Spear! I've even been there. How could anyone not be taken with the row houses, I ask you? Or with Briggs & Little. I lurrrrve it, even though I just finished a sweater with it and picked out a bale of hay from it in the process. mmm. wool.

Posted by Glenna at August 5, 2008 10:48 PM

That looks like a fabulous place to spend some time! Have a great time with your family and enjoy the regatta. We'll be waiting to see some worsted weight sock pictures.

Posted by Barbara A.M. at August 5, 2008 10:54 PM

Quick! Sneak back to the shop and buy a grey XXL gansey. Bet they have one that's finished. Nobody will ever know.

Posted by Presbytera at August 5, 2008 10:58 PM

HI you may like to go check this site out. They are busy examining this as I write.

Cheers


http://www.tepapa.govt.nz/TePapa/English/CollectionsAndResearch/CollectionAreas/NaturalEnvironment/Molluscs/ColossalSquid/ColossalSquidGallery.htm

Posted by Beverley at August 5, 2008 10:58 PM

I'm enjoying your vacation. Maybe if I turn down the thermostat really, really far, I can pretend I'm there, too. We're supposed to get a break in the heat tomorrow. After about three weeks of over 100 F every day, tomorrow isn't supposed to get out of the 90s! Yeah! (All it takes is a minor sub-hurricane level storm!)

I had to check out Briggs & Little before commenting. I love following your links to visit all the wonderful stores, designers, etc, that you talk about. I've gathered sooooo much great info that way. I'm still working my way through Twisted on-line magazine that you mentioned the other day. WOW! What a great site!

Posted by Beverly from Texas at August 5, 2008 11:03 PM

Cuckold's Cove! There must be a very interesting story behind that name.

I hope you make Joe some fabulous worsted weight socks. They'll be quick, compared to your others!

Posted by MicheleLB at August 5, 2008 11:19 PM

Oh holy crap, I'm happy right now.

I was reading this post, and I just looked at Robb (the future husband, and father of Lucy, whose smile you enjoyed at WEBS), and said "I know where we can go for a honeymoon!" (this has been a topic of significant argument in our household).

He looks at me in that way that men look at women when women start talking about weddings.

"Newfoundland. It's beautiful, there's ocean for me, and no sun for you!"

He rolled his eyes. "I'll think about it," he says.

That's more than he's said for anywhere else. Please don't disabuse me of the no-sun notion if I'm wrong. :)

Hooray!

Posted by Kristine at August 5, 2008 11:21 PM

This is *exactly* why I always say when I'm Queen I shall make Newfoundland the center of the universe.

Posted by Jocelyn the Calgarian at August 5, 2008 11:24 PM

Ahhh the joys of worsted wt socks! When I needed to knit a pair of Alpine socks to go with the Lederhosen I made my Joe in less than a week I turned to worsted wt yarn. You can see a photo here http://stringativity.blogspot.com/2007/09/4-days-til-oktoberfest.html

Hmmm I wonder if a link will post in comments. :o)

Posted by Tracy at August 5, 2008 11:30 PM

Are you going to George St. to check out the music? Last summer, I brought some knitting. My sister and cousins frowned; I knit, and had to answer many questions.

Posted by maureen at August 5, 2008 11:37 PM

I love those brightly coloured old row houses! how cool!
with that weather & scenery if you didnt say where you were i would have said you could be in Scotland *lol*

Posted by val at August 5, 2008 11:38 PM

I can't be the only one totally amazed by your daughters' wearing long sleeves in the pictures. It was 97 degrees here today. What i wouldn't give for a little long sleeve weather.

Posted by Logan at August 5, 2008 11:50 PM

The squid! So cool! When/if in London, go see their squid, too, at the Natural History Museum. It's in the same room as some of Charles Darwin's actual specimens.

Looking forward to seeing some grand socks.

Posted by twinsetellen at August 5, 2008 11:51 PM

Did Joe get a haircut? He used to have long hair, correct?

Just curious.

Posted by Mea at August 5, 2008 11:53 PM

To those (like me) who are lacking in our Canadian History what is the special significance of Newfoundland? It looks gorgeous. It has knitters, nice people and beautiful houses. And what more?

Posted by Jesse at August 6, 2008 12:02 AM

I love St. John's - makes me homesick for the year I spent renting one of the little houses glued onto the cliffs in the Battery neighbourhoud - I'd sip coffee at my kitchen table and watch the storms roll in, or the icebergs drift through the narrows. I had an apartment overlooking Quidi Vidi for a couple of months, but I loved the Battery best. (Also I feel dumb now, because of course I should know where the picture was taken... I spent many happy hours hiking the area with my puppy.)

Posted by Ruth at August 6, 2008 12:02 AM

Thanks for the virtual tour. I loved it! Newfoundland is a really wonderful place. Hope you have a grand vacation.

Posted by Eileen at August 6, 2008 12:15 AM

Newfoundland!...I need to go there (it's a long way from Alberta). The austere beauty of the place. I was just reading about Trinity, Nfld today.

Briggs & Little worsted gray & ivory 'threaded' is THE guys' sock yarn. (i need to post a photog') It makes amazing ragg-wool-type socks. Navy or Deep Olive with cream heels and toes are pretty classic too.

happy vacation!

Posted by trevor at August 6, 2008 12:19 AM

1. Congrats to the winners. Dang it.

2. The row houses ARE cute. And Meg was cute to be taken with them. And you're cute to be taken with Meg's being taken.

3. It wasn't the mist making your hair go all out. It was that your blood alcohol level was too low. Next time, try some good beers, and just see if your hair doesn't behave better.

4. Worsted weight socks? Do you have any idea how many fewer stitches you would have to knit if you made Joe's socks out of worsted weight instead of sock yarn? It hurts just to think. So much time. Good thing you like him.

5. Glad to see you're having such a great vacation. Thanks for taking the time to keep your fans updated.

Posted by Kathy in KS at August 6, 2008 12:21 AM

Cool! I got Qiddi Vidi, but not the Cuckhold part. Oh well. Do I get any points for my heart breaking every time I think of you being there and not me?

Speaking of NONIA, we bought an unbelievable hooked wall hanging at NONIA when we were there in 1999.

Ah, gotta love summer in Newfoundland, where 23 degrees is a heat wave. I could totally live there - I'd do it in a heartbeat. Jim's got family land in Salmonaire on St. Mary's Bay - we could build a knitting retreat...

Posted by leslie - queen of cracksilk haze at August 6, 2008 12:25 AM

Sounds like you're having a delightful time; NONIA looks like a great shopping opportunity that supports an even greater cause. And I'm with your girls on those brightly colored houses: I'd also have fits of joy with a whole street of cheerful houses like that.

Posted by Vis Major at August 6, 2008 12:27 AM

Be sure to hit one of those lively pubs in St. John's with the Irish Descendents or another Irish type band. I've never had so much fun in a pub as there! I got a kick out of Joe's comments about the socks. Newfoundland has to have the nicest people I have ever met. Looking forward to tomorrow's adventure.

Posted by Anita at August 6, 2008 12:28 AM

Newfoundland. On my list of places I need to visit. It was even before I read your first essay in KnitLit Two and realized that Newfoundlanders are like Northern Minnesotans in their attitudes towards winter. One embraces arctic wind chills -- by getting out there and skating in it, by God!

And one must support nurses and knitting. That is such a cool story.

Worsted weight socks? You've been together how long, and he only shares this now? I think he might get a few more pairs as a result (after a certain amount of grief is given).

Posted by Cathy-Cate at August 6, 2008 12:52 AM

My parents lost one of us at the regatta every year. Cotton candy and the jumping castle! Good memories.

The bittersweet Newfie joke:
How can you tell a Newfie in heaven?
He's the one who wants to go home.

And it's so desperately true. I miss it.

Posted by Elisabeth at August 6, 2008 12:53 AM

Ok I don't usually comment but I must admit to being vastly, vastly amused by Joe's reaction to worsted weight socks. I hope you don't mind but there is a really good chance of those exact words ending up on a t-shirt over a picture of hand-made socks.

Posted by Emmie at August 6, 2008 12:54 AM

Mmmm, worsted wool socks are the best. Warm and cozy. When worn with your favorite pair of Birk clogs, toes will stay toasty warm.

Posted by Lesa at August 6, 2008 12:58 AM

It looks wonderful there! I have to ask - lots of big black dogs around?

Posted by Patti at August 6, 2008 1:08 AM

careful, the squid looks like he's just sleeping. =/

love the bright houses, they look so happy!

Posted by Kristina at August 6, 2008 1:36 AM

Worsted weight yarn is handy for big foot socks. My Joe is just a baby, but with size 9 and a half EEEE feet, at age 11, I am sure his feet will get much larger.

Posted by PICAdrienne at August 6, 2008 2:16 AM

"kitty vitty" in which accent, though? :D Since I'm British, I pronounce my T sounds...! (So I read it 'KiT-ee ViT-ee')... or did you mean 'Kiddy Viddy' as all the americans around me would say? I have succeeded in confusing myself!

Also, I wanted to say... your blog is incredibly inspiring. I've not been knitting for very long, but reading through some of your archives has made me feel so adventurous and bold - I've even knitted (last week) my first pair of socks! (Worsted weight, incidentally. I am uncommonly proud of them. I did an improvised 'happy sock dance' at their completion, and now my husband thinks I am quite mad!)

Have a wonderful holiday. I look forward to many more inspiring and witty posts by you. Thank you! :)

Posted by Liz at August 6, 2008 3:10 AM

Am really looking forward to checking out that knitting/nursing site.
Beautiful and dark up there- how lovely. Am looking foward to seeing pics of the regatta!

Posted by Judy at August 6, 2008 4:39 AM

LOL, figures about the hubby falling for worsted weight socks. Mine is the same way. I am enjoying vacationing vicariously through you.

Posted by Tracey at August 6, 2008 5:43 AM

oh - if you like that squid check this Colossal Squid out. It is currently being readied for display in our National Museum Te Papa. It is _humongous_ (sp?)
We even have "squidcam" so we can follow the process in all it's glory - and a doco about it will be on Discovery channel on 31 Aug apparently.

best photo to give an idea of scale that I could find is in this post http://blog.tepapa.govt.nz/2008/06/23/does-my-mantle-look-big-in-this/

Imagine knitting socks for those tentacles *g*

I love those bright houses too :)

Posted by EnnaVic at August 6, 2008 6:21 AM

I knew it was Newfoundland. My heart ached when I saw the pic. Sigh. Enjoy every living second of it. Breathe deeply. Fortify yourself until you can return again.

Posted by Kellie Mcglade at August 6, 2008 6:44 AM

i wish nonia's site was working - the knitted goods look lovely.

Posted by denise f in c'ville, va at August 6, 2008 7:22 AM

Is it your influence or his just growing up in Canadian winters that has made him into a person that can appreciate a fine handknit sock?

Posted by suburbancorrespondent at August 6, 2008 7:42 AM

What a great vacation! Reminds me of the vacations my family used to take when I was growing up--only more interesting. Or, it could be that I find those sorts of things more interesting now that I'm a grown up.

Posted by Sarah at August 6, 2008 7:50 AM

Did you stop by Woof Designs yet? I always end up there, buying spools of bright yarn that I don't know what to do with when I get them home. They just sit there, looking pretty.

Posted by Steph VW at August 6, 2008 7:59 AM

Looks like a lovely place, in spite of the weather!

I just have 2 words for you- pony tail. :)

I can relate.

Posted by Vicki at August 6, 2008 8:10 AM

Wow!! How beautiful!!! I think we should all come for a visit! :)

Posted by Knit Witch at August 6, 2008 8:19 AM

and will that sock in progress be a typical sock or a 'sock that really knows what a sock should be'?

enjoy the Regatta

Posted by Christy at August 6, 2008 8:26 AM

Damn your making me homesick. I always loved the Regetta when I was little. Hey you should check out the new yarn store. I can't remember what it is called but it was far from downtown. Hamlin road I believe. Have a great time and hey there are so many whales around now that I am sure you can get a great sock and whale photo shoot happening.

Posted by Krista at August 6, 2008 8:36 AM

Don't forget to check out Devon House! And when you're done there, walk down the street a bit and have a touton or two, or a fish cake or two at Classic Cafe! YUMmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Posted by Krista at August 6, 2008 8:39 AM

Oh, I'm totally with Megan on the colorful row houses. I've see the same type of thing in photos of Copenhagen, and when I went to Ireland. Love it! I can just imagine what it would look like inside, with a cozy kitchen and fireplace.

St. John's looks great. Maybe I should consider it for a vacation in the near future...

Posted by Samantha at August 6, 2008 9:15 AM

"worsted weight socks"
To me, hearing that words form a big feet guy... the highlight of my vacation, I tell you!

Sounds like you are all having a great time. So many bloggers are having their summer vacation! Me, being in the southern hemisphere, still enjoy sweater time, but sure like to live vicariously through your vacation posts!

Posted by Andrea at August 6, 2008 9:17 AM

ah big hair. I grew up in Brooklyn near a bay. As a teen I thought the answer was to have my hair straightened. HA! 6 hours of chemicals and pulling and big rollers and $$. Then during whatever date I had that night the hair just went back to normal. arghhhh Didn't take me long to figure out I should spend my baby sitting money somewhere else.
Looks like a great vacation.
Please remind us in a week or so of NONIA again. Wanted to support them but their site is under construction.
Namaste from cool, breezy partly sunny upstate NY

Posted by Susan S at August 6, 2008 9:19 AM

I'm green with envy. It looks like a wonderful trip.

Posted by Samantha at August 6, 2008 9:23 AM

Ohmy, does that bring back memories! I spent many summers with my grandmother in Harbour Grace as a child, and most of the town made pilgrimage to Quidi Vidi for the Regatta.

Posted by AuntyNin at August 6, 2008 9:27 AM

Damn, I love Canada.

Posted by Catherine at August 6, 2008 9:28 AM

Oh, wonderful trip! Definitely a place on my ever expanding list of places to visit before I die. (Has been for a while.)

Lucky you!

Posted by Sue at August 6, 2008 9:36 AM

Yes, I knew it would be a place where I wanted to be, wherever it was. It sounds glorious. Enjoy your vacation!

Posted by Eliza at August 6, 2008 9:37 AM

well hopefully we get the Regatta tomorrow - the tease of a day off, only to have to be at the office instead is just mean!

hope you're enjoying your time here in newfoundland - sounds like you are. two years in and the bright coloured houses still make me smile too.

Posted by jen c at August 6, 2008 9:53 AM

Ah Newfoundland, first contact with European settlers. I'm going there one day very soon. It will be an almost spiritual journey. L'Anse Au Meadows is on it northern tip.

And who among us would not love to have that wall of sweaters awaiting us in our closet. sigh.

Posted by Needles at August 6, 2008 9:55 AM

Have you kissed a cod yet? I'm dying to go to Newfoundland soon.

Posted by Kathode Ray Tube at August 6, 2008 10:03 AM

I think I'm in love with Newfoundland. The pictures show me everything my Scottish soul loves: dank gray weather, lovely little villages by the sea, and KNITTING! And what a great name: New-found-land.
I think it's my new-found-love. Have a great time and buy *tons* of yarn!

Posted by Violet at August 6, 2008 10:07 AM

Beautiful row houses...their Southern US sisters are nicknamed Painted Ladies (Victorian non-row houses, but very similar colors).

Worsted weight socks...well, that is just about what my son absconded with (STR Heavyweight Jailhouse rock). Maybe they are macho man socks in that weight? It will certainly go alot faster.

NONIA tickles me silly. I LOVE it. I am a knitting school nurse, the home ec teacher who taught me to knit (continental too) in 1974 was a retired nurse and many other knitters I have been taught by and fallen across are nurses. Or maybe it should be many of the nurses I've met knit. Because they do.

NONIA's web-site is also "coming soon" at the moment. Do we know what's up with that?

Sounds like a lovely time is being had by all.;-)

Posted by Melinda at August 6, 2008 10:11 AM

HOW long have you been knitting socks for Joe and you just clued into this?? You must be lacking the lazy gene - I started my kids on these since they were so quick and rarely knit them anything else. They're their hockey socks.
Want to go to Newfyland SOON.

Posted by Lise at August 6, 2008 10:12 AM

Oohh... I'll go to Newfoundland for the knitting.... wish they did mail order. Rats, darn phooey. I'd buy from NONIA if they'd let me. Wouldn't we all!

Posted by Marjorie at August 6, 2008 10:28 AM

I really had a good laugh over Joe and the socks. I fixed carrots for my husband 2 or 3 times a week the first 10 years we were married because I thought he loved them. One day he announces that he "really doesn't care for carrots". I asked him why he hadn't spoken up before and he said he was just glad I cooked for him. Men!!!

Posted by froggyruth at August 6, 2008 10:34 AM

what a wonderful trip! am very jealous :)

Posted by beth at August 6, 2008 10:51 AM

Oh Stephanie, I can't even tell you how jealous I am of your glorious gallavanting. It looks so inviting to me...I have always been a cool weather girl, partial to cozy sweaters and jeans, hot coffee and rain. MM... It's too hot here in Kelowna!!
I hope you have a wonderful time with your family, and I look forward to more pictures with bated breath!

Posted by Amanda at August 6, 2008 11:13 AM

STEPH, I was JUST there on Saturday!
WHOA.

Also, I found your book in the wild in Twillingate, at the Twillingate Museum of all places.

Also, three big skeins of B&L... that's no longer there. ;)

Posted by wenchlette at August 6, 2008 11:14 AM

Worsted weight socks! I always make these for my DH, and he just loves them. Every time I go to an unfamiliar yarn shop and tell someone I'll be using this yarn for socks, they give me a blank stare ... sometimes they mutter about not knowing anyone would use THIS yarn for SOCKS! A couple of times the socks have come out a bit larger than I had intended (I know, I know, gauge swatch!), but last winter, DH broke his leg, and guess what? All those beautiful oversized socks looked beautiful over his cast, and kept his exposed tootsies nice and warm!

Posted by Lyn at August 6, 2008 11:16 AM

I know you are calling the weather questionable but those gray, murky-weather photos fill me with envy. I am not a native Californian and even after 15 years of living here, I can't get used to the "clear, hot, sunny" summer routine of Northern California. We rarely see even one drop of rain from late April until early October. So yours looks like the perfect vacation to me!

Hope ya'll have a wonderful time!

Posted by Kristy at August 6, 2008 11:35 AM

Welcome to St. John's! You might love visiting the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador, at 59 Duckworth Street, opposite the Hotel Newfoundland. They have a shop loaded with excellent local craft (pottery, wood, & textiles lots of knitting and felted items - knit/felted and wet-felted (the latter is what I do). There's also a free gallery on the 2nd floor of the Craft Council with the current show: Annual Members' Exhibit. Check it out! More info about the Craft Council at www.craftcouncil.nl.ca . I also recommend The Sprout restaurant - deliciously vegetarian, at 364 Duckworth. Enjoy your holiday!

Posted by Trine in Newfoundland at August 6, 2008 11:42 AM

Maybe the houses are so brightly-colored to compensate for the drizzle?

One of the things I love about reading your blog is learning about the wonderful places in Canada. Sadly, I know more about the history of obscure places around the world than I do about our lovely neighbor to the north. Have a good vacation, and hopefully the weather is cooperating for the regatta -- it's pouring here in Philly. . .

Posted by Shel at August 6, 2008 12:00 PM

You gotta love any type of healthcare founded on knitting.

Posted by Melissa at August 6, 2008 12:02 PM

As Melinda, I'm wondering about the Nonia web site. Yeah, I can knit my own, but to purchase a couple of "little things" to support such a historic outfit! Oh, I can SO do that. Any idea when the site will be active?

Thanks and I hope you enjoy your stay. Here in north central Mass. it's about 18-c (66F) and raining - probably just like you! :D

Posted by Leslie in Mass at August 6, 2008 12:08 PM

Oh, oh, oh, OH! We have friends who moved to St.Johns in the spring, who live in one of those quaint row houses (not one of those pictured, but just a stone's throw away), and we have been vicariously discovering the wonderfulness of Nfld through their eyes...We can't wait to visit, but are afraid we might not come back! You're not helping! (Don't stop!)

(PS - did Joe cut his hair?)

Posted by MrsQ at August 6, 2008 12:17 PM

People in dark wet places know how to paint their houses! Charming row houses! My parents live in a small town in a rainforest in Alaska. They too paint their houses bright beautiful colors to brighten up dreary days.

Posted by Jess at August 6, 2008 12:19 PM

Want. To. Go. To. Newfoundland.

If you are looking for excellent live music while you are there, I highly recommend Great Big Sea! They are from the area, and their live shows are nothing short of amazing. High energy & really fun.

The areas you've posted pictures of look like such inspiring places for knitting. I can't wait to see more! Hope you are having a fabulous time!

Posted by Jodi at August 6, 2008 12:44 PM

So Joe IS there and it IS home. I was more right than I guessed! Enjoy. I find myself wanting to come touch all that beautiful knitting.

Posted by AlisonH at August 6, 2008 12:46 PM

My boyfriend is utterly delighted with worsted weight socks, too! He never wears the tiny fingering weight size-one-needle stranded socks I've knit him, but he wears through worsted weight in no time flat.

This is how you know these men are meant to be with knitters.

Oh man, has Megan ever seen the painted ladies in San Francisco? (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Painted_ladies) She would plotz!

-K

Posted by KathyB at August 6, 2008 12:50 PM

As fast as you knit, you could have a month's worth of socks knit up for Joe in no time. I have to agree, worsted weight socks, knit cuff down, stockinette, with a slip stitch heel look just so... solid, dependable, and comfortable, Thanks for all the links in your post, I'm taking a little photo vacation this afternoon!

Posted by Sharon G at August 6, 2008 1:01 PM

Isn't it interesting and somewhat reassuring that no one has ever seen a giant squid alive? They live in very deep and dark and cold water and then they wash up on the shore, dead... this according to my 6 year old's reading material and obsession with large oceanic creatures. Everything I need to know I learned in kindergarten, the rest I learned reading to my kids. :)

Yea, for worsted weight socks! Wouldn't it have been nice if he could have expressed himself so clearly years ago?!?! Men.

Posted by heather at August 6, 2008 1:02 PM

I actually have some briggs and little fingering weight in the stash. Nabbed from my aunt when she moved into a retirement home. I wondered if it would be scratchy for socks...

Posted by JoVE at August 6, 2008 1:10 PM

Between you and my sister (who also splits her time between Toronto and St. John's, btw, and keeps sending me gorgeous pictures) I am totally jealous. I must make the trip someday soon! I plan to use your reports on your trips (this one and the earlier one (was it in 2004?)for help in planning our trip. My husband (who was in St. John's once for a conference and loved it) says someone told him that the houses are all painted a bright and different colour so that you can find yours when you came home at night from the pub! Enjoy your holiday!

Posted by Debbie at August 6, 2008 1:23 PM

Yeah, that's the name I was trying to come up with when I called it something rhyming like that! It is the most gorgeous place from your past and present photos that I am making my husband take me there soon! I think he could drop me off and I could stay forever and be very content!
Sounds like the perfect vacation and fun is being had by all.

Posted by Pat DeLeeuw at August 6, 2008 1:27 PM

Thanks for sharing your vacation with us. The photos are wonderful and I feel as if I part of the family!

Posted by Tweeweiler at August 6, 2008 1:35 PM

Wow, beautiful pics. I'm dying to get to Newfoundland some day - my grandparents were from there. Your pictures & stories make me want to go more.

Posted by Mama Cat at August 6, 2008 1:47 PM

thank you for the pictures. New Foundland is a place I haven't been to yet - it is on the very top of the 'must list'. The weather sounds wonderful. Pix of big hair?

Posted by cecelia at August 6, 2008 1:47 PM

I've been wanting to move to Newfoundland, the only place in the world I really want to travel to. ( preposition ending, bah!) I very much want a blue house just like the one in Meg's picture. It is my dream!!! People think I'm weird, though.

Posted by samm at August 6, 2008 1:53 PM

Stephanie, are you getting a commission from the Canadian tourism bureau? You're doing a better job of enticing me than the billboards advertising Canada currently in residence in the subway here in San Francisco!

Posted by bekala at August 6, 2008 1:55 PM

Cool - think those row houses are right across the road from mine!

Glad to hear that you'll be taking in the Regetta. They say the sun is supposed to come out by Friday....

Worsted weight socks are kind of the "thing" in Newfoundland. I guess traditionally the priority was for warmth and a quick knit. No time to fuss with fine yarn.

Have you checked out Wool Trends yet?

Posted by Kelly at August 6, 2008 2:20 PM

Oh look now you've gone and made me very homesick... I've been away for 25 years with not very many visits back of late - thought I didn't care until I saw your pictures. Now I'm feeling blue and will have to work on another pair of thrumbed mitts to cheer myself up - I'm working on four pairs for the nice Quebec family that have billeted my son off and on most of this summer while he chases his bicycle racing dreams.

Posted by Sheila at August 6, 2008 2:37 PM

Hi Stephanie...the girls in the store told me you had been in yesterday, sorry I missed you. Our website will hopefully be up and running again in early September...it really needed an update. We do a lot of mail orders and make many custom orders so if any of your readers want to contact us they can reach us by e-mail at nonia@nf.aibn.com As you have seen we make socks, hats, mitts, sweaters etc. for infants to adults and have been doing it for 88 years now...we are still a non-profit cottage industry with approx. 200 home based knitters across the province. We bring NONIA handknits to Christmas Craft shows in Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg (first time), Ottawa & Halifax in Nov./Dec. and would love to see any of your readers there.
Enjoy the rest of your vacation in Newfoundland and hopefully you'll get a few warm days.

Posted by Judy Anderson / Manager at August 6, 2008 2:39 PM

Sounds like a splendid day indeed. Newfoundland just got added to my list of places to travel to before I part the earth. Thanks for the inspiration!

Posted by Lou at August 6, 2008 3:01 PM

Is recommending Great Big Sea to a Newfoundlander the North American equivalent of carrying coals to Newcastle?

Posted by rams at August 6, 2008 3:02 PM

Ah Briggs and Little. A great bastion of Canadian wooly virtue. *contented sigh*

Posted by jamie at August 6, 2008 3:31 PM

I really enjoy the glimpses of Canada that I get from your posts. Thank you so much for sharing.

Posted by Linda at August 6, 2008 3:40 PM

Hooray, hooray! Nothing like "mucking about" at work rather than working!

The mist is definitely what's making your hair huge. When we get that out here on the Left Coast, we call that the "Pacific Facial". It's doing wonders for your skin!

Posted by Diane at August 6, 2008 3:48 PM

NONIA is the greatest idea in the world! I should move to Canada.

Posted by Susan at August 6, 2008 3:52 PM

Wait! Where's the picture of the yellow house with pink and purple trim? Got to see it!

Posted by Gretchen at August 6, 2008 4:47 PM

What a beautiful place. I wish I lived there. I could see myself in a brightly painted row house.

Posted by Samina at August 6, 2008 4:49 PM

Someday we'll take the ferry from Cape Breton to Newfoundland -- it looks beautiful. In the eagle picture above, is that Joe with short hair? Wowza, what a change!

Posted by Rhonda from Baddeck at August 6, 2008 5:19 PM

But aren't the giant squids awesome! I mean seriously. One of the biggest ones is like... the length of those 18 wheel trucks. Seriously. Awesome. How long did it take humanity to make a massive, inefficient thingy that destroys the environment? And squids and most things that live in the sea are supposedly what humans evolved from. Nature is ahead of the game. Clearly. Which is why the squid is awesome. (Haha I got so off track.XD)

Posted by Convivialiddell at August 6, 2008 5:22 PM

Is that Joe in the pictutres? Did he get a haircut? We get to see the girls' new cuts...where's Joe's new haircut photo? It looks good from the back anyway!

Posted by deb at August 6, 2008 6:28 PM

Oh my gosh! What lovely pictures!

I was born in St. John's, Newfoundland, but I haven't been back since I was a newborn.

I'm happy to see that I was born in a place that has been so scenically-blessed.

I CANNOT wait to see more pictures of my birthplace.

I'm glad you're having a lovely vacation!

Posted by Nathalie at August 6, 2008 6:34 PM

I certainly hope the sock didn't hear Joe's comment.

Posted by Dolly at August 6, 2008 6:42 PM

That looks like such a beautiful place. I'm sitting here, day dreaming about going right now. You are such a lucky woman.

Posted by Jane at August 6, 2008 7:15 PM

Ah, but will that sock in progress be worsted?

I love those row houses as well. Kind of reminds me of Wysocki's prints. Lots of color.

Have fun tomorrow!

Posted by Daniele at August 6, 2008 7:37 PM

so many lovely sights
hopefully i will find pictures
of the regatta on the web some where

how do you keep from buying out
the store well onward my dear

Posted by elizabeth a airhart at August 6, 2008 9:09 PM

I would love my hair to get huge, I have fine, straight blonde hair that goes way flat!

Posted by Carol at August 6, 2008 9:26 PM

The row houses ARE really cute!

Worsted weight socks? Huh. Well, that would never have occurred to me. Seems kinda weird to me, but I guess I can see that someone might like them. Heck, you could probably knit a pair of those in about two minutes.

The humidity's been a lot lower than normal here for this time of year. My hair is way less curly than usual. It's starting to freak me out. Come on, rain already.

Posted by Riin at August 6, 2008 9:52 PM

God bless men who appreciate handknits and worsted weight! Dear Himself bragged to his fellow quarry workers just this past winter about the socks made by moi, and how toasty his toes were. Size eleven feet. Oh, yeah. Worsted is good.

Posted by silfert at August 6, 2008 10:01 PM

Cold and gray?! I'm so very jealous, it's like one of the circles of hell here, I've just moved to New Mexico, about an hour from the US/Mexico border, and the sun is *relentless.* I'll take cold, gray, with a beautiful view like that any day. ^_^

Posted by Erin at August 6, 2008 10:22 PM

Did you by any chance wander by the harbour today where 5 young lads arrived to cut a ribbon having biked across Canada from Tofino BC this summer to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy--amazingly one of those young men has MD and not one to sit around and mope about it, he and his buddies organized this fund raising effort. You can read about their adventures @ movingmusclesride.ca--the July 17th post is sure to touch the heart of any Mum--read it and you'll see what I mean... Enjoy your time in Newfoundland, a truly magical place!!

Cheers, Barbie O.

Posted by BarbieO. in Montreal at August 6, 2008 10:31 PM

When I was a child I thought that Briggs & Little was the only brand of 100% wool yarn in existence.
(And the only yarn that was mostly wool plus a little nylon --- yes, for socks.)

Janey

Posted by Janey at August 6, 2008 10:44 PM

ooh, I am just getting caught up on your blog now and am psyched about your trip -- we're leaving for St John's in a few days! Two weeks on 'the Rock', doing a driving tour with twin 5 year olds and a very patient husband who has agreed to make time for yarn shopping while doing all the driving....
If you will still be around next week, by all means drop me a line -- crossoversdairy@yahoo.ca -- maybe we Torontonians can meet up in NF somewhere for a drink and a knit :-)

Posted by Barbara at August 6, 2008 11:52 PM

A great novel and read about Newfoundland: The Colony of Unrequited Dreams by Wayne Johnston.

Posted by Sarah at August 7, 2008 8:50 AM

I, too, love the colorful rowhouses. Of course.

Worsted weight socks are just plain wonderful. I have tiny feet and I even sometimes go up to aran weight... they are so squishy and cushy underfoot.

It gets cold here, but colder where you live. Perfect. How nice to know that fat yarn is well-appreciated by your sweetie!! Full speed ahead.

Posted by LynnH at August 8, 2008 12:26 PM

your girls are really beautiful kids (young ladies, if they prefer)! my pal insists that if i would only go to newfoundland but once, then i would move it to the top of my "most favourite province list", thereby ousting PEI. i'm not sure about that, but your pics and enthusiasm do make the idea enticing!

Posted by christine m. east of toronto and back home after a month in europe! at August 8, 2008 5:45 PM

Your earlier post should read "... in all its glory ..." (no apostrophe).

Posted by Lyn at August 9, 2008 12:18 PM