August 22, 2008. Western Head, N.S. Turning into Good

Ken and I have just had two delightful days. Over the years, we have gotten really good at making a wonderful interlude into what others would say would be a big nuisance. It all started by solving one problem, only to find that we had another very irritating problem on our hands. At the cottage, we replaced a wood for a propane stove. Two gas cannisters were installed, each 100 gallon tanks. In July when we noted that the tanks were empty, Ken called for the propane to be delivered, only to be told that there was no delivery service to Ponhook Lake. So he called other providers with the same results. He was irritated, that the company would install these large tanks and then not service them. They told us to bring the empty tanks into their place in Bridgewater. It turns out that no one in Liverpool will fill these tanks either, so we really had no choice. Yesterday was the day for a trial run. We brought one empty tank with us from the cottage in the truck, the last day we were there, so we were all set. The day was lovely, so I suggested that we drive along the shore, then along the river to Bridgewater, which we did. We stopped at the Cove Cafe for ice cream and pie in the morning, and to see Tom at the Joy of Antiques. The ship building shop right across from them had burned to the ground last week. It was a sickening sight. About that, Ken asked me if I knew when this Scotia Propane was located, and I said yes, so we headed right to where we both knew to be the right place. Except they were not there.

Now Bridgewater is a bit like Hagerstown, in that we have been there hundreds of time, but we still get lost. Not really lost, but certainly not where we wanted to be. We called the company for directions and we followed their instructions to the letter, except we were lost again. After two more phone calls, we found them and they could not have been nicer. On the phone they told us that the man who could fill the tank was out on a service call, there- fore, we must leave the tank. I was not pleased, and I think I was rude and obnoxious. By the time we found them, the man was back and could fill the tanks. Right next door to them was a coffee roasting plant so I was able to purchase some fancy coffee for friends. So it worked out after all, even though it was a nuisance. With the tank full, we drove straight to the cottege, and by driving the truck very close to the location of the hook-up,Ken was able to connect the one full tank, and put the empty tank on the truck. We sat by the water and did nothing at all but enjoy the peace.

On the way home, we stopped to see the finished gift for Gary. Barbara was home and was more than happy to show us this charming cottage by the river. Gary was thrilled and has worked hard to clean out the shrubbery to allow a view of the water and the rocks. It was about six oclock in the evening, so we three sat on the porch and drank a glass of wine. While we were there a pair of Osprey were souring and swooping over the River, but best of all, a Bald Eagle was sitting on the top of a tall Spruce tree, waiting to find supper. Just as we were leaving, the black ducks wander up to be fed. Now all this water life was never seen by Gary and Barbara prior to the construction of this little cabin. It is just amazing how so much can come from something so small.

When we finally got home, we discovered that a package had been delivered, but not left, so tomorrow we must once again drive to Bridgewater to collect the package, and while there, fill the second tank. Today we did it, and another lovely day we had too. Lunch at our favorite restaurant in Mahone Bay, and back roads to the cottage, followed by a swim and a good read. We ate dinner at the cottage, then home for a hot tub.

Now I do not know where this ability comes from, whether learned or inherited, but I do know, that almost anything can turn into a pleasure, if you keep your eyes open to see the charm. It is a great blessing, to ignore the irritations of life and just deal with them, while all along you spot the pleasure. Ken and I have just spent two delightful days, doing tasks that we thought were a huge nuisance. We won the lottery today and yesterday.