This week I discovered that “Going on the Pip” or “Pipping off” (two seemingly opposing actions – on vs off) is a Newfoundland slang.

From Wikipedia: Truancy – List of Slang Expressions

From: Brian Carey Photography – The City of 10,000 Colours

1. Fries, Dressing and Gravy
   Ask for this anywhere else and they give a look like you asked for motor oil as a condiment. I will have to start making it myself. Hopefully Ches’s will survive without my patronage.
2. 

   Zip-lining over Steady Brook Falls

   Trail Systems
   This is something almost everyone in this province takes for granted. We have some of the most beautiful trails in the world. I never ever came close to completing the East Coast Trail despite my fancy map.

3. George Street
   One of highest concentrations of bars in the world, this really needs no explanation from me. Whether you want to let loose and ‘giver to the liver’ or want to relax and have a pint at a pub, this place has something for everyone.
4. Jiggs Dinner
   Not sure what I am going to eat on Sundays as a substitute for jiggs dinner.  Maybe I can get my folks to overnight some jiggs on Saturdays?
5. Beer
   Newfoundland beer is a staple in my diet. I know while I am away I will seriously consider couriering NL brews to the mainland. So delicious.
6. Hospitality
   Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have made a name for themselves through their hospitality. I doubt any other place in the world would let masked people into their homes with wet, mucky boots on and still offer them drinks. I’m referring to mummering btw.
7. Destinations, oh so many places to explore
   I’ve traveled most everywhere in the province and there is still so much to discover. Northern Bay Sands, Gros Morne, Marble Mountain, Trinity, O’Derin, The Spout, Golden Sands, Terra Nova, Cupids… I could actually go on and on. This should be a blog post in and of itself. If you are in Newfoundland I recommend you take some time and visit parts of the province outside of St. John’s.
8. Sayings and slangs
   Whadda’yat? From what I understand most people outside of the province will have no idea what I’m saying, even when I try to speak slow.
9. Weather
   Opps, that’s a typo.
10. The Ocean
    Even when you can’t see it you can feel it in the air. It will be hard to adjust.

Addendum: It should go without saying that I will miss my friends, family, and family dog. Those items rank higher than this list can go.

Edit: Eversweet Margarine was the old number 9 until I learned Eversweet Margerine is available in Toronto.

With a record-breaking warm December and a January that is shaping up to be as good or better I have only one thing to say:

“Global warming? Take a seat Al Gore.”