After shooting the breeze for a while and grateful to be out of the rain and cold, we traveled to Upper Gullies near Conception Bay South for Jim’s favorite chicken and chips at Denver’s. It definitely hit the spot and Candace got still another tour of places many Newfoundlanders haven’t seen.
We stopped at Curling Drive on the way back to St. John’s, hoping to finally get in touch with Candace’s roommate. This time we met with success! She had been suffering from a migraine and was out of it during the day, spending the day in bed. All hands felt better to know this person actually existed, but we decided not to move her stuff in at 11 PM. She’d stay at Jim and Lillian’s for the night, my home away from home. But a Saturday in St. John’s would not be complete without a visit to Erin’s Pub, which we enjoyed. Candace settled down on the sofa at Jim’s much to Gypsy’s delight. The cat took quite a shine to her!
Sunday, August 6th
I had volunteered for Sunday at the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival and was given the job at the Main Gate for the first morning shift. Candace came with me and Lionel had no problem with her standing watch with me, so we positioned ourselves at the Ticket Booth. I saw some people I knew as well as some of the performers. Wow! I hadn’t realized that Colleen Power was pregnant! She looked like she was about to pop any minute! I love talking to tourists who think I’m a native. The look on their face when I tell them I’m from Philly is priceless! Karen, the security guard who stood at the Main Gate was great company.
When we got off our shift, we decided to go back to Candace’s house and unpack finally. On our way out the door, I was hailed by Stan Pickett. I was surprised he remembered me from 2 years ago – the last time I volunteered at the Folk Festival. Stan was performing at the festival. He stunned me the last time I saw him because he was in the oral tradition session, singing instead of playing accordion. Stan is a premiere accordionist, and can be seen playing on Tuesdays at Auntie Crae’s on Water Street with Frank Maher and others.
We got Candace unloaded and she collected her key to the house from her roommate. Then she had a strange request – teach her how to go shopping. She been shopping many times before, of course, with her Mom but had never had to make a list from scratch. I helped as best I could, asking a lot of questions about things she needed and those which her roomie would supply and then we were off to Sobey’s to shop. After we put away her groceries, we both went back to Jim and Lillian’s and were greeted by a wonderful Newfoundland brunch – fried bologna, sausage, eggs and home fries. Jim pulled up some archive tapes of the pre-confederation debates to listen to. They were fascinating and we had a great discussion about Canadian nationalism, Confederation and independence.
Then Candace went 'home', Jim did a radio interview from Erin's Pub and I took a ride on the Southside. I love the view of the city from here and took plenty of photos. It was a really nice day for being outside. So much better than the day before! I wore a teeshirt in the sun whereas the day before, I trekked around Newfoundland in a tee shirt, a sweatshirt AND a jacket. And was still chilly. |
