This summer, we were captivated by the breathtaking beauty of Canada. Reconnecting with friends from past travels, we enjoyed fantastic moments together and created cherished, unforgettable memories.

Niagara Falls from the Canadian side…finally!

We had a great visit with Lynn and Brad and a wonderful time exploring Toronto.

And we had the good fortune to see an outstanding performance of Tina Turner the Musical

There are no words to describe the amazing experiences we had over our 15 days in Newfoundland. Our journey began in Pasadena and ended in St. Johns, with numerous stops along the way, including a ferry ride and an overnight stay in Saint Pierre, an archipelago of France. Every day was flawlessly planned and just perfect.

During our provincial exploration, we spent a night at Betty and Gid’s place. Jay and I stayed in their charmingly converted old post office, now a beautiful cottage. We had fresh crab and scallops for starters and Fisherman’s Brewis (a local specialty) for the main dish and baked apple tarts for dessert. Elizabeth brought a curry chicken salad, and carrot cake. It was truly an honor to meet Betty and Gid

Before heading to St. Pierre, we spent the night at Spanish Room Manor B&B in Marystown, where our host Claudine serenaded me with a special Newfoundland version of Simani’s “Anniversary Song” to the tune of happy birthday. In St. John’s, we enjoyed a delightful birthday dinner with Meryl and Marilyn. Hughie prepared an excellent salmon dish and Elizabeth’s dessert was amazing. The next morning, we crossed to Bell Island via ferry for a tour of the Island led by Myrle, we started out at the mines. While in the mine, Geraldine, our guide surprised me with a birthday song at the shaft where the flooded area met the mine which was arranged by Myrle. At the café, Teresita and Bonnie sang another birthday tune. We had an amazing meal at Dick’s Fish and Chips. After an exciting and adventurous day we headed back to the condo at St. Johns. Hughie mentioned the day before that we would spend the evening in town at an Irish Pub for our last night in town; little did I know, that was not the real plan!Back in St. John’s, the Mummers showed up at the door then we spent the evening enjoying music and food at Marilyn and Myrle’s place. Jay and I were officially “screeched in” by Meryl, and the night ended with a birthday toast and gifts. It was a truly wonderful way to celebrate my birthday and our last evening in Newfoundland.

What are mummers? Mummers are people who dress in disguises and visit homes in Newfoundland and Labrador during Christmastime to perform and socialize. The tradition is also known as mumming or janneying.  Jay was so fascinated by this tradition, he kept saying he will be back for Christmas. Little did we know, this was part of the surprise Elizabeth and Hughie had planned for our last day in town. I was so surprised by the whole event I never took a photo of the group!

What is getting “Screeched In” ? It is a ceremony in which the initiate recites a verse, eats a piece of bologna takes a shot of screech, and kisses a cod. The participant then gets a certificate declaring their honorary Newfoundlander status. The Screech-In ceremony was devised by a man named Myrle Vokey. Myrle was a Canadian teacher who came up with the idea in 1974 as part of a Canadian Teachers’ Federation Conference.

On August 17th, we received heartbreaking news from Hughie, Myrle had passed away. His heart was too weak for any intervention. This marked the loss of a dear friend and the end of an era for many. We are deeply grateful to have known such a wonderful human being. According to Hughie, so much was made of the thousands who he made honorary Newfoundlanders, and interestingly Jay and I have the distinction of being the last two Myrle screeched in, an honor we would trade in a heartbeat to have him back. His passing was widely covered, reaching local, provincial, and even national Canadian news.

It is with much sadness, love and gratitude for a life well lived that the family of Myrle Ivan Vokey shares the news of his passing on August 17, 2024.  Myrle’s life overflowed with love, adventures, service, and songs.  His devotion to immediate and extended family, friends near and far, enriched the lives of all who knew and loved him.