September 4, 2015 - December 1, 2015
The good thing about selling most everything you own is that you don't have much to move. We packed our suitcases (which were picked up in Chicago) and easily settled into our furnished rental house in St. John's. Then we registered the kids for school just a few days before it started.
The kids were a bit nervous to start at new schools. Fortunately for Maeve, we met a family from Ireland when we were looking for houses. They had a daughter Maeve's age and she attended the same school. We planned an outing to the nearby park so the girls could meet. Maeve took comfort knowing someone her age before the first day of school. They even ended up in the same class.
School started and it was rough adjustment. The kids were just not used to the different styles here. The easy adjustments were shorter school days and no homework....yes, no homework. They can give some, but it is generally whatever wasn't finished in class. No reading logs, no math pages, no writing assignments. Somehow though, the kids still found things to complain about. Once they found a good friend or two, things got better.
On weekends we continued our family hikes. Signal Hill is always a favorite (may have to adjust to spelling favourite now that we are here). We can walk to Signal Hill from our house. There are always great views on a clear day.
A break mid hike
Always time to pose
The very narrow part of the trail....you don't want to slip here.
The narrows...where the ships enter the harbor.
Lots of stairs too
September was a beautiful month in Newfoundland. We hiked on another trail in Witless Bay.
A spot called Tinker's Point
The rocky Newfoundland coast
Since we live downtown, we can walk to the shops and the harbor. We live on a very steep road, so the trip back home can be exhausting.
Maeve ready for the uphill haul up our street
A cruise ship in the harbor four blocks down our street.
A visitor basking in the sun on our patio
September is also blueberry season in Newfoundland. You can find wild blueberries almost anywhere. Everyone has their special spot. We found a great scenic location at Cape St. Francis. Liam generally eats more than he saves.
Blueberry picking....with a view
A nice view...actually we were looking for our way back to the car.
Most of our haul....quite a bit enjoyed during the picking
Fall evenings were lovely for walks. You never know what you'll see.
lovely full moon in St. John's
Full moon at harbor view
stunning sky during an evening walk
Once the kids were settled in school and Michael was at work, I had time to walk around by myself. I would head to Signal Hill about once a week. I enjoyed meeting local folks and some interesting foreigners from the docked cruise ships.
Some interesting characters in St. John's. Someone's riding pal at the top of Signal Hill.
Common Newfoundland sayings....covering chocolate bars.
Beautiful Fall day on local trail
Halloween traditions are alive and well in St. John's. Liam decided to represent Chicago well as a gangster.
December hit and so did the snow. It's going to be a long winter. Stay tuned.
First frost and a bit of snow. It's just the beginning.