Peter Smith – 2019
Raised in outport Newfoundland in a town of 65 people, I pursued a post secondary diploma in Information Technology right out of High School. Graduating into the recession of the early 80s, with a student loan at an interest rate of 13.75%, with a diploma, but no clue how to apply for a job or contacts to rely on, led me back home, and eventually into the hotel business from the accounting side.
Eventually tiring of a job I didn’t like, I made the decision to go back to school, and moved to Nova Scotia and back into the career I really do love, a Web/Database developer. I’ve always been a geek at heart, but yet I love the rural life I grew up with. Fishing, hunting, camping and the great outdoors are still loves of mine, even if I don’t pursue them as often as I once did. Sports were always a big part of our lives, and I played many (badly) and loved them all.
I’ve never lost my love of home, and will always be a country boy no matter how long I live in the city. Keeping those memories alive, and sharing them with those who may be interested led me to start blogging here. This little corner of the net is a spot for my recollections, stories, and re-tellings of others I’ve heard from back home on Random Island, NL. Hopefully you’ll get some insight on life in outport Newfoundland at least from the time frames I know of. Have also started a wiki about it, that likely will never be complete, but its hopefully something others can add to as well.
I have portfolio site of sorts, which is more devoted to what I do, from apps to websites, to attempting to write. You can check that out at thepetersmith.com. Sometimes I blog there about other topics; politics, rants, sports, or whatever might catch my attention.
I am also a gadget and technology aficionado. A Sci-Fi and Fantasy devotee. Like to experiment with cooking and barbecuing.
I’m the cat that curiosity hasn’t killed yet. I am interested in nearly everything from ancient history to modern gadgets. Always curious about walks of life and how people live and lived.
The journey is the destination, learning never ends, and I’ll never grow old if I never grow up.
Love
- Grilling,
- Cycling,
- Cooking.
- CFL and NFL football,
- Formula 1,
- Monty Python
- Black Adder
- Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
- and any absurdities you can think of
I’m eclectic and random as hell. Thanks for dropping in.
I am writing a book on Bed and Breakfasts in NL. To date 40 BnBs have agreed to submit a recipe. I do not have a recipe for Traditional Corn Beef Meat Cakes. I would like your permission to include the recipe in the book. Please reply at your convenience. Thanking you in advance
You’re welcome to use it. Thank you
Hello Peter
I grew up in Grand Falls and lived much the same way you did on Random Island. I spent a lot of time in the woods, hunting and fishing. Your story about getting a fire going and having a mug up in the woods struck a chord with me. Your story about meeting Dot, also struck a chord, as I met my Libby in a provincial park at 18. We had fifty wonderful years together until she too passed.
Thank you for those lovely memories! Although, I live far from home, it will always be a part of me.
Just came back from Elliott’s Cove and the sad task of emptying my parents Homestead for sale. Although I have chosen Nova Scotia as well Newfoundland and
Random Island in particular will always have my heart.
Love your stories and reflections and keep them coming!