I just arrived back to my home in Florida after a three week vacation in St John's with my husband, Arthur. He is originally from Brooklyn, New York. This was his first real vacation in Newfoundland and he certainly experienced firsthand good old fashioned Newfie hospitality. During our visit we also wanted to spend a good deal of time with my 94 year old mother who is now in a nursing home. We wanted to take her for drives to places she had not been in years due to her sight and hearing and mobile disabilities. So on Sunday August 11, we picked her up and headed to Quidi Vidi Village around 1:30 PM. We parked in the lot next to the Quidi Vidi Brewing Company and my husband got out to take some pictures. I stayed by the vehicle with my mom, she now needs a wheelchair and was not able to do any walking. Mom and I were chatting, and of course, since she has a severe hearing problem my voice was louder than normal. I noticed a man sitting in front of the Quidi Vidi Brewing Company. He eventually moved toward us and asked what I was shouting about on this beautiful sunny day. I motioned to my mom, and told him that she could not hear well so I had to raise my voice for her. My husband returned just about then. The gentleman, Ed Soper, in a friendly manner came to the car and proceeded to joke with my mom, asking her for a date and to go parking. We shared that we were on vacation from Florida. From across the parking lot I heard another man, Wayne Baker, shouting to us as he made his way towards our car, jokingly telling us not to believe anything Ed Soper had to say. We all stood around for a few minutes talking and laughing. These two men were apparently very good friends. Then Wayne said he had to rush back to the stage as he had corn beef and cabbage dinner on the stove and needed to check it. As he walked away, I mumbled out loud, " I wonder where he lives, I'd love to show up for dinner". Ed Soper said, well now come along with your mom to the stage and join us for a scoff, Wayne always cooks enough for an army. Mom was sure she would be imposing, and told me and my husband to go ahead and she would wait in the car. But I was adamant that she would join us. We found a parking spot right next to the stage named Doo Drop Inn, unloaded the wheelchair and headed to the stage. What a great surprise for us to hear the Newfie music playing as seeing Ed’s wife Joan, dancing inside with a man named Brass. The smell of the dinner was making my mouth drool but it wasn't quite ready yet. As we waited we were entertained as Ed played the ugly stick, everyone was playing jokes on each other. Several other people gathered at the stage also waiting for the Jiggs Dinner. Eventually dinner was done and dished up for all to help themselves. Corned Beef, Cabbage, Peas Pudding, potatoes, carrots, turnip and dumplings was the menu Wayne prepared. We shared stories and jokes for the whole afternoon. We all sat around the stage chatting for hours as if we had known each other for years. Joan spent a lot of time with mom and making her feel very welcome. It was a magical day for all of us. My husband was in awe of how friendly and hospitable our new friends treated us. I just said, now you know what I am talking about when I tell you about the unique and wonderful people of Newfoundland. I want to thank Ed, Wayne and Joan especially for making this visit so special for us. We hope our paths cross again in the not too distant future. Thank you so much for retaining the unique hospitality and values we all remember to be part of the Newfie tradition.   Submitted By: CAROL ANN PATON