...welcome to Philip's Fan Club!

SOME REMARKABLE NEWFIES

"You laugh at me because I'm different!

I laugh at you because you're all the same!"

Philip would never laugh at someone's differences. In fact, he doesn't see them. But if anyone could laugh because he's different...Philip could. Because he is different!. Just ask his family...his friends...his fans!

It's that unique difference that has endeared him to so many...in Ontario...in Newfoundland...and now here in British Columbia. He captures the hearts of all those who cross his path...and never lets them go!

Take for example the girls at the A&W in the mall next to the ladies fashions store where Diane worked. We had just arrived in Newfoundland...located the nearest A&W...made it our 'fast food favourite'...and ate there with great zeal and regularity! (A&W has always held a special attraction for Diane and me, as we spent a good portion of our dating years parked at the 'drive-through' on Ontario Street in St. Catharines...the personally-delivered serving tray securely fastened to the half rolled-down window of my '57 Chevy...the delicious scents of 2 steaming teenburgers, hot 'homemade fries, and crisp, perfectly battered onion rings ravaging our sensory receptors...the refreshing taste of ice cold frothy root beer appeasing our thirsty palates...and the sweet sensual sounds of Bobby Darin romantically soothing the pounding hearts of two young and foolish teenagers in love! To this day we hold hands, wax nostalgic and get teary-eyed every time we pass an A&W...no Whopper or Big Mac ever did that!).

We've always encouraged Philip to order and pay for his own meals at restaurants...it's a good learning experience. He struggles with the 'cash/change-back' thing. Baseball stats? - no problem!...last week's hockey scores? - no problem!...cash in hand? - big problem! The girls at this particular A&W found Philip delightful, entertaining, and, like his father, irresistible! (Diane's not reading this, is she?). They really got caught up in his financial dilemma...and loved to help him. So taken were they with Philip that they showered him with loads of 'freebies' at his first birthday in Newfoundland...and Christmas was just as bountiful! Philip...food...and friends...what a combo!

That same birthday was celebrated at The Ice Breaker Lounge...just up the street from our place. We often went there to shoot pool, play the VLT machines...and sip some fine Newfoundland Black Horse beer (me, not Philip...all he drinks is Pepsi, Coke or President's Choice!). When his birthday came around, they went all out! Street sign well-wishes...free pop...chocolate cake...and pretty girls!

Nora was the owner's sister and tended the bar. Philip thought the world of her. She and Tim (her husband) became good friends and around the time we moved to BC, they moved to Alberta. We keep in touch via E-mail and now this blog. Wonderful memories...wonderful people...Philip sure knew how to pick 'em! (hi Nora...just so you know...the rocks over on this side are pretty heavy!).

Here's Chris, the owner of Ice Breakers, enjoying Philip's party. He loved to tease Philip. Every time we'd go there Chris would tell Philip that a cute young gal had been asking for him..."just left a few minutes ago!", he'd say. Philip would get so annoyed. First of all, he wasn't interested in girls (or so he'd say...he put quite the squeeze on Nora, though!), and he suspected Chris was just messin' with him. "Hey Philip, let's go down to Breakers", I'd suggest. "Is Chris going to tease me again?", he'd ask. "No he won't!", I'd assure him. Down we'd go...walk in...and sure enough..."Hey Philip!", Chris would yell across the room..."a cute young gal...!" Never failed...we loved it! (guess who didn't?).

Upon our arrival in Newfoundland Philip was introduced to several of Diane's uncles and aunts. Uncle Rudolph lived just up the street and we visited there often. When told he was going to meet this particular uncle, Philip chuckled and commented, "like Santa's friend?" (referring to Rudolph the Reindeer). We said yes and stressed that he was not to make mention of this keen observation of his...it might prove embarrassing. Well no sooner were we in Uncle Rudolph's house and Philip started. You could see the tension...he was bursting to get it out! Finally Diane asked, "What is it, Philip?"...to which he immediately blurted..."Rudolph...like Santa's friend?". Well we laughed. And Uncle Rudolph gave him the biggest hug and assured him, "Yes, my son, just like Santa's friend!" (one more of those 'gotta get it off my chest' moments). They were 'best buds' after that!

Philip and I used to play a lot of darts...consequently he became very good at it. His accuracy paid off over the years, for whenever the carnival came to town, he would 'score' big-time at the dart throwing game...amazing the 'carnies' as balloon after balloon was popped. He would come home laden with his useless, cheap, nickel-and-dime winnings and with great excitement share his wealth with the rest of the family! And, of course, in Newfoundland he had to show Uncle Rudolph exactly how it was done!

Another uncle Philip endeared himself to was Uncle Howard. He and Aunt Claudine lived in Mount Pearl, just outside of St. John's...about 2 hours away. They had a cabin in Western Bay and would come out periodically to fish and visit family. As soon as Philip heard they were in the area, he wanted to see Uncle Howard. He'd grab 2 cans of pop and off we'd go. Now he always insisted that we give him at least 15 minutes alone with Uncle Howard first...so they could catch up on all the latest hockey scores, trades, etc., and enjoy their drink together...'cause he knew once mom and Nanny showed up...he'd never get a word in edge-wise! (he was no ordinary fool!).

Philip was 26 when he met Uncle Howard, who was then 80. They hit it off right away...only Philip was quite concerned. You see, his 'Opa' had died at age 82 (1999), and to this day Philip is convinced when one reaches that age...they're toast...history...gonzo! Well, once again, he had to 'get it off his chest', and informed Uncle Howard just how close he was to that ominous age. Last year Uncle Howard turned a healthy 84 and made sure word reached Philip here in BC that he'd made it well past 82 and was doing just fine! Philip sighed with great relief!

One of Philip's favourite fan club members is the jolly old guy in the red suit. It seems he follows the Scorekeeper wherever he goes...and Philip is certainly impressed. He has struggled for years with the 'Santa' concept...senses the scam...acknowledges the ruse...but...in early December, without fail...returns to 'the scene of the chime'!

And why not? He met 'Rudolph...loves the colour red...thoroughly enjoys the festive season...and delights in the magic of family and friends and food...and presents! (did I mention presents?).

So bring on Christmas!