March 4, 2009. Western Head, N.S. In Canada.

You know you are in Canada when your glass of water is brought to you in the restaurant without any ice. We know we are in Nova Scotia in March when the journey out to the hot tub seems to take a long long time. And when the sea is boiling and the waves are high, we feel at home, even though we are cold as ice. Everything was in perfect condition when we arrived yesterday afternoon. The winds were high as was the surf, and the water was all frothy, as if someone whipped it up with a mixer. It was a great sight. All my habits kicked in to try to keep warm, my wool socks and my turtle neck shirt and my corduroy pants, but even with all of that, I was cold all evening. Walt and Mary had invited us to dinner to welcome us home, and as she is an excellent cook, an invitation to her home is always a treat, so we never ever turn down the invitation. Dinner was wonderful, roast pork with numerous vegetables, ice cream and fresh strawberries for dessert. The food was great, but the best part is seeing them again. They both looked good. Mary reported to us that they both have been trying to stay fit. Both have lost weight. Of course, both Ken and I have not lost an ounce since we were last here in October, but we will try harder the next time to try to match them with the fitness routine.

The mail here is interesting. Our life style is so peculiar that many events just pass us by without realizing what has happened. One letter that we received here in mid February was a bill for our household insurance, due February 29. Fortunately we were here March 3, which means that the policy will not lapse until March 29, so we were able to pay the bill over the phone to renew the policy. But what would have happened had we not come just at this time period? Ken asked the nice lady at the Insurance Co. if perhaps they could e mail us if anything happens with the policy, but it seems they don't have a system for that. She agreed that their old policy of mailing the bill to the home owner is not working in the modern world, so she will ask the bosses to institute a new program and try to enter the new world.

Today the sun is shining even though the temperature is below freezing. Today I wore a heavier shirt and a very heavy hand knit sweater, so I am finally warm. We were the only customers at Lane's for breakfast, and the woman who was looking after the front desk was also waiting on the table in the restaurant, so I guess tourists have not arrived in Liverpool this year. Mr. Gaskell who drives us from the airport told us that White Point Resort rented four rooms last weekend. Normally, many business meetings and conferences stay at White Point in the winter and early Spring, but I guess all businesses have cut down on expenses. A new Hotel is under construction in town out by the highway, which will give White Point some competition. This is a good thing. Now we are here and all set up, with food in the frig and fruit in the fruit bowl. Vinol and Betty have just this afternoon, arrived home after their month in the Carolina's, so they will come for dinner. I am using up left over food from our last trip here, so they will be the first candidate for left over frozen food. We will enjoy, no matter the food!!