Monday, August 31, 2009
August 31, 2009. 2009. Western Head, N.S. Busy Weekend.
Kate had come to Nova Scotia for the first time, so of course we had to welcome her. Tim is Gill's son, who of course we have known since he was first born, and Kate is Tim's wife. Now while Gill watched our children grow up and married and had children, Gill waited anxiously. She also prepared for the future. Her home here was built to accommodate guests and a full basement for children to play. In addition, over the years she accumulated lots of objects for babies and children, such as rocking horses, she has three, quilts both large and small all with a children's motif, and many many toys and games she keeps in the finished basement. When my grandchildren are staying here, they always want to visit Gill to play with her stuff or to plan an excursion. It was a red letter weekend when Tim and his wife came to visit. Gill's other son David was just married one month ago, so Gill is on a roll of happiness, as are the rest of us. Our four families have watched each other's children grow up so now we feel we were somewhat responsible, being a part of their development. We call ourselves "The Other Mother's".
To welcome Tim and Kate we dined together at Mary's home on Saturday night. The event was festive and exciting for many reason's. First was the welcome. Second was the celebration of Mary and her survival. So many other things could have happened to Mary other than two broken bones in her feet that we all felt grateful. Gill still can not figure out why these two older ladies were out even close to the water, but she does know that if she had been here in Liverpool, she would have been right there with us. Gill had gone back to Toronto for work for ten days so she missed the storm. The third thing was to introduce our friends Pam and John to Tim and Kate. So our first event was the welcome dinner.
Lunch at Mary and Walt's was the second event, held on Sunday 1:30. We wined and dined in their lovely home. Gill and Kate and Tim went on down to see Carter's Beach while the rest of us went home for a nap. I intended to stay asleep for thirty minutes and instead I woke up seventy minutes later. This is the peril of wine at lunch. In the evening, two musical groups performed at the church in town and as Mary was playing the flute in one ensemble, we all attended to cheer and support. It is actually difficult to listen to a concert of brass players because our background with The Salvation Army and brass band excellence means we know a lot more of what the instrument should sound like and sometimes here, the groups fall short of the mark. We try to cheer the effort even though we cringe at the execution every now and then. We always enjoy the concert, at any lever of performance. I refuse to spend my time being only critical.
It was a lovely weekend and we hope Kate and Tim come again.
To welcome Tim and Kate we dined together at Mary's home on Saturday night. The event was festive and exciting for many reason's. First was the welcome. Second was the celebration of Mary and her survival. So many other things could have happened to Mary other than two broken bones in her feet that we all felt grateful. Gill still can not figure out why these two older ladies were out even close to the water, but she does know that if she had been here in Liverpool, she would have been right there with us. Gill had gone back to Toronto for work for ten days so she missed the storm. The third thing was to introduce our friends Pam and John to Tim and Kate. So our first event was the welcome dinner.
Lunch at Mary and Walt's was the second event, held on Sunday 1:30. We wined and dined in their lovely home. Gill and Kate and Tim went on down to see Carter's Beach while the rest of us went home for a nap. I intended to stay asleep for thirty minutes and instead I woke up seventy minutes later. This is the peril of wine at lunch. In the evening, two musical groups performed at the church in town and as Mary was playing the flute in one ensemble, we all attended to cheer and support. It is actually difficult to listen to a concert of brass players because our background with The Salvation Army and brass band excellence means we know a lot more of what the instrument should sound like and sometimes here, the groups fall short of the mark. We try to cheer the effort even though we cringe at the execution every now and then. We always enjoy the concert, at any lever of performance. I refuse to spend my time being only critical.
It was a lovely weekend and we hope Kate and Tim come again.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
August 29, 2009. Western Head, N.S. Timbersports.
We usually see these competitions on TV, but today, right in the park along the river was the National championship. The area was being prepared yesterday but we did not know what was to happen, so this morning, Ken looked up the Queen's County Times on the Internet, to discover that today, at noon, the Stihl Timbersports Series was starting today at noon. The five who win today compete against the winners from the West tomorrow, so tomorrow we get to see the National Champions in the six events.
It was twelve thirty when we four decided to brave the elements and attend the contest. The rain was heavy but we went and enjoyed and cheered. As is the case with most things, seeing the real thing is much more impressive than watching it on T.V. These events are very hard work. We saw the Hot Saw, the Springboard, the Underhand Chop (women competitors), and the Standing Chop. By that time we were chilly and wet so we headed home for a cup of hot tea. It was interesting to see the competitors. They were all fit and energetic as you would expect, but they all seem to have known each other from other competitions around the world. Several competed on the international games last year, representing Canada. It seems that all these groups of special interests get together and know each other well. Last weekend the World Championships for Laser class sail boats was held at St. Margaret's Bay, just south of Halifax, and the weekend before, the women's world Championship for rowing was held in Dartmouth. So this is a busy place for competition, even though it is an obscure part of the world.
It was fun watching the competition, but even more fun eating lunch. We ate hamburgers which very quickly got cold and soggy. By then the rain was falling cats and dogs. And we just had to buy chips, as the firefighters were selling them as a fund raiser. We were forced to eat things one at a time, as Dave and Irene were holding umbrellas. When we bought the french fries, the salt was so damp it would not pour, and the rain very quickly drowned the chips, but we four are gallant soldiers and we ate them all, still cold and soggy and salt less.
Now we are watching the rain fall from the comfort of our home. The storm Dan is heading for the Bay of Fundy but here, all we will experience is a lot of rain, which is a good thing. Our causeway can not stand any more damage.
It was twelve thirty when we four decided to brave the elements and attend the contest. The rain was heavy but we went and enjoyed and cheered. As is the case with most things, seeing the real thing is much more impressive than watching it on T.V. These events are very hard work. We saw the Hot Saw, the Springboard, the Underhand Chop (women competitors), and the Standing Chop. By that time we were chilly and wet so we headed home for a cup of hot tea. It was interesting to see the competitors. They were all fit and energetic as you would expect, but they all seem to have known each other from other competitions around the world. Several competed on the international games last year, representing Canada. It seems that all these groups of special interests get together and know each other well. Last weekend the World Championships for Laser class sail boats was held at St. Margaret's Bay, just south of Halifax, and the weekend before, the women's world Championship for rowing was held in Dartmouth. So this is a busy place for competition, even though it is an obscure part of the world.
It was fun watching the competition, but even more fun eating lunch. We ate hamburgers which very quickly got cold and soggy. By then the rain was falling cats and dogs. And we just had to buy chips, as the firefighters were selling them as a fund raiser. We were forced to eat things one at a time, as Dave and Irene were holding umbrellas. When we bought the french fries, the salt was so damp it would not pour, and the rain very quickly drowned the chips, but we four are gallant soldiers and we ate them all, still cold and soggy and salt less.
Now we are watching the rain fall from the comfort of our home. The storm Dan is heading for the Bay of Fundy but here, all we will experience is a lot of rain, which is a good thing. Our causeway can not stand any more damage.
Friday, August 28, 2009
August 28, 2009. Western Head, N.S. Smoked Salmon.
Nova Scotia smoked salmon is a delicacy. Tonight for dinner, Dave, Irene, Ken and I sat around the kitchen table and ate smoked salmon The table was full of crackers and small rounds of bread, olives, cheeses and capers, and of course, two types of smoked salmon, sliced and by the piece. This was the first time this August we have indulged in a feast of smoked salmon. It was a delicious meal, but did lack a few of the basic food groups such as vegetables and salad.
Our excursion today was to Lockport, a funky little town that was important, once upon a time, but now is a vacation spot., way off the highway, stuck right out into the Atlantic Ocean. The Sunday storm hit them hard too, with their museum closed after being flooded. Their beach is over two minles long and today was covered with sea weed, from one end to the other. Our lunch was large, eaten at our favorite restaurant right on the water across from the fish plant. Sounds awful but is lovely. The day was perfect, just how you want it to be in Nova Scotia. 70 degrees and sunny, with a bit of a breeze. On the way home we stopped for the smoked salmon at the Mersey fish Products in Port Mouton and walked along the docks, admiring the fishing boats and the huge seawall. We need one for the causeway here at Western Head.
Finally, we arrived home to sit on the deck and watch for whales. That is always my excuse to do nothing. This was another lovely day in Nova Scotia. This morning, while I was walking into the post office to mail two letters, two men spoke to me and greeted me with a Good Morning. Nothing out of the ordinary, but very typical of Liverpool. The people notice your presence, even though neither of those men are known to me. It is one of the charms of Nova Scotia. People notice you when you are here. And we notice how good the smoked salmon is in Nova Scotia.
Our excursion today was to Lockport, a funky little town that was important, once upon a time, but now is a vacation spot., way off the highway, stuck right out into the Atlantic Ocean. The Sunday storm hit them hard too, with their museum closed after being flooded. Their beach is over two minles long and today was covered with sea weed, from one end to the other. Our lunch was large, eaten at our favorite restaurant right on the water across from the fish plant. Sounds awful but is lovely. The day was perfect, just how you want it to be in Nova Scotia. 70 degrees and sunny, with a bit of a breeze. On the way home we stopped for the smoked salmon at the Mersey fish Products in Port Mouton and walked along the docks, admiring the fishing boats and the huge seawall. We need one for the causeway here at Western Head.
Finally, we arrived home to sit on the deck and watch for whales. That is always my excuse to do nothing. This was another lovely day in Nova Scotia. This morning, while I was walking into the post office to mail two letters, two men spoke to me and greeted me with a Good Morning. Nothing out of the ordinary, but very typical of Liverpool. The people notice your presence, even though neither of those men are known to me. It is one of the charms of Nova Scotia. People notice you when you are here. And we notice how good the smoked salmon is in Nova Scotia.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
August 27, 2009. Western Head, N.S. Anniversary Day.
Today was the day, fifty-one years ago, when Ken and I were married. Now I know we celebrated our 50Th early in August last year, but that had to do with school schedules, but today is the real day. Today we celebrated by going to the cottage and putting all the furniture back in place. Everything was put away to prepare for Hurricane Bill, including the motor boat. Dave and Irene and Betty and Vinal were coming too. Our plan was to put all the furniture in place and put the boat in the water, then eat a wiener roast lunch down by the water. Betty brought potato fiddle, a dish new to me. The best laid plans. Mary called to tell me that another storm was coming this week, so advised us to leave the furniture in hiding. Of course, Ken and I arrived early, and the furniture was all in place. Again, another problem surfaced. The wind was very high, so we decided to leave the boat in the boat house.
Our lunch was wonderful. The potato fiddle was delicious, always made with new potatoes. Even wieners taste good while sitting around an open fire. The day was beautiful, clear and sunny, the only problem was the wind. It was a lovely way to celebrate our anniversary. My dear cousin-in-law Rita sent us a lovely greeting via e mail. She is very thoughtful, and has a good memory too.
A couple of stories surfaced in town, one told to Cliff, the husband of Mary. The owner of the shoe store in town, Fred, was chatting with Cliff about the causeway, the destruction and the expense of repair. Then Fred told Cliff about this foolish woman who got swept over the causeway into the lake. Cliff never said a word. He certainly was never going to admit that he was married to this foolish woman. Another story was that the woman who went over the causeway lost her $150. shoes, but that someone found them and received a reward. Actually, they were a $6. Crocs that were returned. Both Mary and I feel incredibly fortunate to have come out of it alive. When we think of what could have happened, It sends chills down my spine.
Today we celebrated in the quiet style and enjoyed every minute of the day.
Our lunch was wonderful. The potato fiddle was delicious, always made with new potatoes. Even wieners taste good while sitting around an open fire. The day was beautiful, clear and sunny, the only problem was the wind. It was a lovely way to celebrate our anniversary. My dear cousin-in-law Rita sent us a lovely greeting via e mail. She is very thoughtful, and has a good memory too.
A couple of stories surfaced in town, one told to Cliff, the husband of Mary. The owner of the shoe store in town, Fred, was chatting with Cliff about the causeway, the destruction and the expense of repair. Then Fred told Cliff about this foolish woman who got swept over the causeway into the lake. Cliff never said a word. He certainly was never going to admit that he was married to this foolish woman. Another story was that the woman who went over the causeway lost her $150. shoes, but that someone found them and received a reward. Actually, they were a $6. Crocs that were returned. Both Mary and I feel incredibly fortunate to have come out of it alive. When we think of what could have happened, It sends chills down my spine.
Today we celebrated in the quiet style and enjoyed every minute of the day.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
August 26, 2009. Western Head, N.S. Electricity.
Electricity coming to town must have made a huge differences in the lives or ordinary people. I suspect that nothing in my life time has made such a difference in customs than did electricity, when it came to town. The day of the storm, we fully expected to loose electricity, which in our home means no water. The water comes from a well which runs by an electrical pump, so when the electricity is not in service, neither is the water pumping. We have no problem cooking or reading as we have multiple flashlights and oil lamps and we have gas grills and stoves, but when the water is not running through the pipes, we have a major task on our hands, especially with a house full of people. The toilets will not flush. So we take precautions. The bathtub was full of water, as were six buckets, just sitting beside the bathtub, ready to be taken to the six bathrooms. Iin the event that the bathtub water is gone, the hot tub held lots more water. Six gallons of water sat in the garage, as well as three cases of bottled water for drinking. We were prepared to both drink and flush the toilets, in the event of a lack of electricity.
But think of what we could not do when the electricity ceases to work. The computer stops working, along with the washing machines and dryers, to say nothing of the dishwasher. The cell phones work for a bit, but soon they won't work either, neither the Kindle. It would be back to the nineteenth century, without all the extra people to help at home.
In my lifetime, technology has made many advances, but mostly on the lines of improvements, not so much to dramatically change your life, as electricity did for every one at home. Communications of course are dramatically better, faster and cheaper, via e mail, cell phones and faxes, but we always had telephones and mail service although slowly, so the communications were of a same kind, not totally different. Transportation too of the same ilk. We could get there by train or ship, now we get there faster and cheaper. But when we loose electricity we loose our ability to function in our modern world. Our life style is dramatically different than was the life of a seventy year old before electricity came to town.
In Liverpool, our electricity was only down for two hours in the morning and one hour in the afternoon. Last Sunday, when Hurricane Bill came to town, our lives were not impacted much at all, except for our causeway, which no longer exists. To drive to Gill not takes 26K of driving around the loop. We were fortunate that Mother Nature smiled on us this time and kept the Hurricane out at sea. But we were reminded of how much we depend on electricity.
But think of what we could not do when the electricity ceases to work. The computer stops working, along with the washing machines and dryers, to say nothing of the dishwasher. The cell phones work for a bit, but soon they won't work either, neither the Kindle. It would be back to the nineteenth century, without all the extra people to help at home.
In my lifetime, technology has made many advances, but mostly on the lines of improvements, not so much to dramatically change your life, as electricity did for every one at home. Communications of course are dramatically better, faster and cheaper, via e mail, cell phones and faxes, but we always had telephones and mail service although slowly, so the communications were of a same kind, not totally different. Transportation too of the same ilk. We could get there by train or ship, now we get there faster and cheaper. But when we loose electricity we loose our ability to function in our modern world. Our life style is dramatically different than was the life of a seventy year old before electricity came to town.
In Liverpool, our electricity was only down for two hours in the morning and one hour in the afternoon. Last Sunday, when Hurricane Bill came to town, our lives were not impacted much at all, except for our causeway, which no longer exists. To drive to Gill not takes 26K of driving around the loop. We were fortunate that Mother Nature smiled on us this time and kept the Hurricane out at sea. But we were reminded of how much we depend on electricity.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
August 25, 2009. Western Head, N.S. Full House.
Saturday morning Pat and Mal left for the airport, bright and early. As a former pilot with Air Canada, they have the right to fly stand-bye on any flight, and as there were 9 flights to Toronto that day, they felt sure they could catch a flight. At ten o'clock p.m. Pat called to ask if they could come back, as they were still in Halifax. They rented a car, the last one at the airport, and crept up to bed at midnight. I left them some T shirts and shorts to wear the next day, as their bags had been checked through to Toronto. Pat and Mal had been staying in the Carriage House, with Dave and Irene in a bedroom in the main house. Norm and Diane arrived on Saturday just after lunch and were now in residence in the Carriage House, so Pat and Mal used another bedroom in the main house. Now we have a full house, with every bedroom full, with the exception of the children's room, where we have two sets of bunk beds.
Sunday all flights were cancelled and Monday all flights were full to over-flowing, so today, once again bright and early, they left for the airport. At ten o'clock a.m. Pat called to say that they were just getting on the airplane, so for sure, they will be home today. They both were delighted to be able to see the day of the storm, and we all eight enjoyed our time together. We had a full house, which suits us just fine. Now tomorrow Norm and Diane must leave to drive home so we will be a quiet home again with Dave and Irene and Ken and I rattling around the house. We four might just take a little trip somewhere around Nova Scotia. I always feel a bit empty when everyone leaves.
Sunday all flights were cancelled and Monday all flights were full to over-flowing, so today, once again bright and early, they left for the airport. At ten o'clock a.m. Pat called to say that they were just getting on the airplane, so for sure, they will be home today. They both were delighted to be able to see the day of the storm, and we all eight enjoyed our time together. We had a full house, which suits us just fine. Now tomorrow Norm and Diane must leave to drive home so we will be a quiet home again with Dave and Irene and Ken and I rattling around the house. We four might just take a little trip somewhere around Nova Scotia. I always feel a bit empty when everyone leaves.
Monday, August 24, 2009
August 24, 2009. Western Head, N.S. Disaster for Mary.
It started out innocently. Mary came over to see the high waves. She was on the way to the causeway and I went with her. The waves were huge and noisy. Many other folks were also watching from the road. Every ten feet we would stop and watch the waves, then we would walk closer to the water. All at once a large wave came right over the causeway and poured into the lake. It was awesome to see the power of the waves rolling right over the road. Mary wanted to take a picture so we moved further along the road, still well back from where the last wave breached the road. Mary was looking at her camera three feet ahead of me. While she was fiddling with her camera, I looked out to sea. All of a sudden, a huge wave headed for us. I yelled and turned to run back away from the water but when the water got to my knees and was very strong against my legs I walked with my feet right along the road and finally got to high ground. When I turned to speak to Mary, I discovered that Mary had disappeared.
First I yelled for her but of course, the sea was noisy and no one could hear me. I finally spotted Mary in the lake, floating forty feet from the shore. I frantically signalled to the good folks who had been watching the whole scene, and as Mary swam back towards the shore, two men jumped down the rocks to help her out of the water and up the steep bank. She was bleeding from her arms and legs, fingers and toes, and the bottom of her feet hurt very badly, but she was alive and well. A couple drove her in their truck to our house, then we drove her home, where she tended to her cuts and bruises with ice and water and neosporin. This morning, her foot was worse so she had an xray at the Liverpool Hospital, and sure enough, she has two broken bones in her foot, so now she is in a boot and will be for the next six weeks. But she is a very lucky lady. The waves coming over the road were full of boulders both large and small and I hate to think what would have happened had one of those bolders hit her head. In the lake, the force of the waves bounced her over the rocks, where she cut her arms and legs. Again, fortunately, she did not hit her head, and she did not panic so now she is alive. But for a few seconds, I could not find her anywhere, not in the lake and not on the road and not is the sea. When I saw her head out in the lake, swimming slowly on her back, I felt sure she would make it to the shore safely. The men helping her were very anxious to get her away from the lake, because they feared another big surge of water, thus pushing them all back into the lake. But all went well, although both of us knew we were stupid to be so close to the waters.
This all happened the morning of the storm, Hurricane Bill. Today, the couple who drove Mary to our home found her Crocs, floating on the side of the lake, and returned them to her. She kept her camera in her hand the whole time, but she lost her watch and shoes. Now the only thing missing is her watch. She is a very lucky lady, and so am I.
First I yelled for her but of course, the sea was noisy and no one could hear me. I finally spotted Mary in the lake, floating forty feet from the shore. I frantically signalled to the good folks who had been watching the whole scene, and as Mary swam back towards the shore, two men jumped down the rocks to help her out of the water and up the steep bank. She was bleeding from her arms and legs, fingers and toes, and the bottom of her feet hurt very badly, but she was alive and well. A couple drove her in their truck to our house, then we drove her home, where she tended to her cuts and bruises with ice and water and neosporin. This morning, her foot was worse so she had an xray at the Liverpool Hospital, and sure enough, she has two broken bones in her foot, so now she is in a boot and will be for the next six weeks. But she is a very lucky lady. The waves coming over the road were full of boulders both large and small and I hate to think what would have happened had one of those bolders hit her head. In the lake, the force of the waves bounced her over the rocks, where she cut her arms and legs. Again, fortunately, she did not hit her head, and she did not panic so now she is alive. But for a few seconds, I could not find her anywhere, not in the lake and not on the road and not is the sea. When I saw her head out in the lake, swimming slowly on her back, I felt sure she would make it to the shore safely. The men helping her were very anxious to get her away from the lake, because they feared another big surge of water, thus pushing them all back into the lake. But all went well, although both of us knew we were stupid to be so close to the waters.
This all happened the morning of the storm, Hurricane Bill. Today, the couple who drove Mary to our home found her Crocs, floating on the side of the lake, and returned them to her. She kept her camera in her hand the whole time, but she lost her watch and shoes. Now the only thing missing is her watch. She is a very lucky lady, and so am I.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
August 23, 2009. Western Head, N.S. Hurricane Bill.
I will never be able to describe the wonder that was today. The waves were huge. Time and time again, the surge came right over our stone wall and covered fifteen feet of our grass. The small rocks between our grass and the trees were covered with water. The rooster tails coming off these huge waves just filled the air with spray. The scene was spectacular. The best view of the storm was right from our front living room windows. When the rain stopped, we watched from our deck.
The waves were so high and the surge was so strong that the water came eight over the causeway, time and time again. It looked like a water fall as all the water fell over the road into the lake. All the rocks piled up against the causeway on the lake side just got moved out into the lake, so soon there was a four foot drop right beside the road. Next the road began to erode away, under-cutting the road. Soon the asphalt came away in chunks and then a canal opened from the ocean right into the lake. The causeway from our house over to the church and then up the road to Gill's house is gone. In the ten year since we have lived here, the causeway has been damaged twice in a storm, but even when the road was impassable by car, a person walking had no trouble. Now the road is just gone. It is amazing how Mother Nature takes charge.
We got off easy as far as Hurricanes go. The winds were never higher that 35 mph, and the rain only fell hard for a few hours. The electricity was only off for three hours. By mid afternoon the sun was shining and the waves although high were no longer scary. But the sight of the waves will stay with us for many years to come. Pictures do not come close to seeing the real thing. Everyone in Queen's County came out today to see the angry sea. The cars were lined up all along both sides of the road way past Pierce Point Road. It was a sight to behold. And we had a first row seat.
The waves were so high and the surge was so strong that the water came eight over the causeway, time and time again. It looked like a water fall as all the water fell over the road into the lake. All the rocks piled up against the causeway on the lake side just got moved out into the lake, so soon there was a four foot drop right beside the road. Next the road began to erode away, under-cutting the road. Soon the asphalt came away in chunks and then a canal opened from the ocean right into the lake. The causeway from our house over to the church and then up the road to Gill's house is gone. In the ten year since we have lived here, the causeway has been damaged twice in a storm, but even when the road was impassable by car, a person walking had no trouble. Now the road is just gone. It is amazing how Mother Nature takes charge.
We got off easy as far as Hurricanes go. The winds were never higher that 35 mph, and the rain only fell hard for a few hours. The electricity was only off for three hours. By mid afternoon the sun was shining and the waves although high were no longer scary. But the sight of the waves will stay with us for many years to come. Pictures do not come close to seeing the real thing. Everyone in Queen's County came out today to see the angry sea. The cars were lined up all along both sides of the road way past Pierce Point Road. It was a sight to behold. And we had a first row seat.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
August 22, 2009. Western Head, N.S. Celeste.
Celeste was born in Florida and lived there until she was thirteen. Her Father was an Episcopal Priest. She was a good student at her school. She got top grades. She had a paper due at school and she asked her Father to type her paper, something every child would do. He agreed, but as he was typing he became provoked with the number of errors she had made both in spelling and punctuation. At first, he corrected her errors. Finally, he was so upset with the errors, he typed the paper exactly how Celeste had written it, mistakes and all. The paper was submitted to the teacher and was returned to Celeste with an A+. Her Father was mortified and extremely upset with the quality of the school Celeste was attending so he began to seek alternate schools. As an Episcopal priest, his children were due a scholarship so he enrolled her in Bishop Strachan School in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is an excellent school and she attended school all through High School.
That decision made by her Father changed her life. After high school, she went to Mcgill University in Montreal, and the Lauri at College for Graduate school, finally competing her studies at McGill with her PhD. She met her husband Bob, who was from Montreal, in College and they have lived there ever since. In 1999, Celeste was attending a meeting at White Point Lodge here in Liverpool. While she was out walking, she fell in love with the place. She and Bob came back and bought a lot on the shore in White Point Estates and built a house to be used in the summer. Then two years ago the sold their house in Montreal and moved tp Nova Scotia. They are still employed at McGill but will phase out over the next two years.
I thought it a great story, that the Father, in his attempt tp change the direction of his child's education, would also change the direction of her life. Tonight, Celeste and Bob invited us for cocktails, which included Dave and Irene, Norm and Diane and the both of us. In addition, Pat and Mal are returning. Flights were full and cancelled all day today and tomorrow so they will return until Monday and try again. Now we are eight.
That decision made by her Father changed her life. After high school, she went to Mcgill University in Montreal, and the Lauri at College for Graduate school, finally competing her studies at McGill with her PhD. She met her husband Bob, who was from Montreal, in College and they have lived there ever since. In 1999, Celeste was attending a meeting at White Point Lodge here in Liverpool. While she was out walking, she fell in love with the place. She and Bob came back and bought a lot on the shore in White Point Estates and built a house to be used in the summer. Then two years ago the sold their house in Montreal and moved tp Nova Scotia. They are still employed at McGill but will phase out over the next two years.
I thought it a great story, that the Father, in his attempt tp change the direction of his child's education, would also change the direction of her life. Tonight, Celeste and Bob invited us for cocktails, which included Dave and Irene, Norm and Diane and the both of us. In addition, Pat and Mal are returning. Flights were full and cancelled all day today and tomorrow so they will return until Monday and try again. Now we are eight.
Friday, August 21, 2009
August 21, 2009. Western Head, N.S. Fish Cakes.
This dinner could have been served one hundred years ago or perhaps three hundred years ago, served in the same hall in Part Medway. The meal would have been the same, cooked and served by the ladies of the community, except years ago, the number of people living in Part Medway would have been much larger. The meal was simple but tasty: 2 fish cakes, kidney beans baked in the oven, served with pickled beets, mustard pickles and pickled cucumber along with brown bread. Home made desserts of your choosing, pies, cakes, brownies, cheesecake, all baked by the ladies from the church. The dinner was held as a fund raiser for the church and held in the Community Center just beside the fire hall. In addition, they held a silent auction, followed by a talent show. When we saw the size of the speakers being carried into the building, we decided to drive home the slow way.
Pat and Mal and Ken and I were in Port Medway last week for ice cream. Mal spotted a small flyer announcing the dinner, so we wrote it on our calender to attend. By now Dave and Irene were here too so we all went to help the good folks in Port Medway raise some money. It was fun. As is always the case here in Nova Scotia, we met other friends there and we bought stuff at the silent auction so we were pleased that we attended the event. But Ken was right. The same dinner was probably served hundreds of years ago, served by the ladies of the church, in order to raise some money for some project.
The best part though was the drive home. Brian and Cathy had invited Pat and Mal to see their new home, and encouraged them to come by anytime. After leaving the dinner and walking all around the park at the Port Medway lighthouse, we drove home along the shore, finally going down to Eagle Harbor to see Cathy and Brian. We drove into their yard to discover a dinner party was in progress. Brian and Cathy just welcomed us and toured us through their lovely home, while the guests continued drinking rum and looking out on the water. Next stop was Beach Meadows Beach, a beautiful two mile long beach, with three people on the beach. While driving into the parking lot, three red fox scampered across the road, and continued to cross back and forth from their den in the bushes to a grove of trees. That was a spectacular sight, to see three full sized fox just twenty feet in front of your eyes. Finally, after a short walk on the beach, we headed home, only to watch a beautiful sunset from our deck It was a perfect ending to a pleasant evening.
Pat and Mal and Ken and I were in Port Medway last week for ice cream. Mal spotted a small flyer announcing the dinner, so we wrote it on our calender to attend. By now Dave and Irene were here too so we all went to help the good folks in Port Medway raise some money. It was fun. As is always the case here in Nova Scotia, we met other friends there and we bought stuff at the silent auction so we were pleased that we attended the event. But Ken was right. The same dinner was probably served hundreds of years ago, served by the ladies of the church, in order to raise some money for some project.
The best part though was the drive home. Brian and Cathy had invited Pat and Mal to see their new home, and encouraged them to come by anytime. After leaving the dinner and walking all around the park at the Port Medway lighthouse, we drove home along the shore, finally going down to Eagle Harbor to see Cathy and Brian. We drove into their yard to discover a dinner party was in progress. Brian and Cathy just welcomed us and toured us through their lovely home, while the guests continued drinking rum and looking out on the water. Next stop was Beach Meadows Beach, a beautiful two mile long beach, with three people on the beach. While driving into the parking lot, three red fox scampered across the road, and continued to cross back and forth from their den in the bushes to a grove of trees. That was a spectacular sight, to see three full sized fox just twenty feet in front of your eyes. Finally, after a short walk on the beach, we headed home, only to watch a beautiful sunset from our deck It was a perfect ending to a pleasant evening.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
August 20, 2009. Western Head, N.S. Celebrations.
Yesterday, August 19, we celebrated all day long, from beginning to end. Ken turned 73. Now Ken does not really like to have a fuss made over him and he certainly never wants to be the center of attention at a party, but non-the-less, we celebrated Ken's birthday all day long. Both lunch and evening celebrations were designed for other events so Ken was happy to attend and it was not until the cake was brought at lunch and we all sang that Ken realized that this luncheon was all about him. This is how we celebrated the day.
Dave and Irene and Pat and Mal wanted to take us and all our friends, the Mitchell's, Ely's the Wu's, out to lunch at the Quarterdeck Restaurant. It was Dave's suggestion to host the event, as he correctly stated that these good folks have hosted them at dinners for years, but they have not been able to reciprocate. Also Dave knew that Ken would never want to have a lunch all together just for him. So we all ate lunch together on the porch overlooking the water, eating and drinking to our heart's contents and enjoying every minute. The event served two purposes so Ken was happy.
Two sets of the Ely's guests were to leave for home today and as is our custom, we get together to say goodbye. Last evening we held a cocktail party at our home to say goodbye and to say Happy Birthday to Ken. Again, Ken was happy as he thought that it was a party to say goodbye. Only a few folks knew of his birthday and brought him cards but the rest of the evening we just mixed and mingled. It was a good party. Irene and Pat are both good workers and it took us only thirty minutes to have the whole place back to normal with the food in the refrigerator and the dishwasher running. Three people working makes for quick work. I had invited two new people to the party which is always a plus at a party, so with good food and good company, once again, the party was a success.
In recent years, I have used a caterer to handle the food and the service at big parties, but this year, we just decided to have the party on Monday so I knew I was on my own. I decided to have only four items of food, but have them in abundance, so during the party, I would not need to tend the food at all. I served shrimp, cheeses, Polish sausage sliced thin and pate, with the table loaded with all of the four foods. The food was great and abundant, and Pat, Irene and I were left to talk to the people and occasionally pick up the plates and glasses. Then, when everyone had gone, we sat around the living room, along with Betty and Vinal, eating more of the same food, but calling it dinner.
August 19, 2009 was a day to celebrate. When we married in 1958, Ken had a life expectancy of 42, and here he is at 73, going strong. We celebrated all day, and I believe Ken did too.
Dave and Irene and Pat and Mal wanted to take us and all our friends, the Mitchell's, Ely's the Wu's, out to lunch at the Quarterdeck Restaurant. It was Dave's suggestion to host the event, as he correctly stated that these good folks have hosted them at dinners for years, but they have not been able to reciprocate. Also Dave knew that Ken would never want to have a lunch all together just for him. So we all ate lunch together on the porch overlooking the water, eating and drinking to our heart's contents and enjoying every minute. The event served two purposes so Ken was happy.
Two sets of the Ely's guests were to leave for home today and as is our custom, we get together to say goodbye. Last evening we held a cocktail party at our home to say goodbye and to say Happy Birthday to Ken. Again, Ken was happy as he thought that it was a party to say goodbye. Only a few folks knew of his birthday and brought him cards but the rest of the evening we just mixed and mingled. It was a good party. Irene and Pat are both good workers and it took us only thirty minutes to have the whole place back to normal with the food in the refrigerator and the dishwasher running. Three people working makes for quick work. I had invited two new people to the party which is always a plus at a party, so with good food and good company, once again, the party was a success.
In recent years, I have used a caterer to handle the food and the service at big parties, but this year, we just decided to have the party on Monday so I knew I was on my own. I decided to have only four items of food, but have them in abundance, so during the party, I would not need to tend the food at all. I served shrimp, cheeses, Polish sausage sliced thin and pate, with the table loaded with all of the four foods. The food was great and abundant, and Pat, Irene and I were left to talk to the people and occasionally pick up the plates and glasses. Then, when everyone had gone, we sat around the living room, along with Betty and Vinal, eating more of the same food, but calling it dinner.
August 19, 2009 was a day to celebrate. When we married in 1958, Ken had a life expectancy of 42, and here he is at 73, going strong. We celebrated all day, and I believe Ken did too.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
August 18, 2009. Western Head, N.S. My Band.
"I say, have you ever heard my band play? If you had, you were in for a treat. I know you could hear other bands any old day, but to hear my band play, you would be in for a treat". Now when I was ten or there abouts, I quoted that poem at band concerts, all six verses of it, but sixty or more years later, I can not quite get the words right. The poem was written by a Salvation Army Commissioner, spoofing the attitude of people about their bands, but I played it straight, until I spoke the words about the band playing a Festival Suite at the Sunday morning church service , which they were not ever supposed to do. Every band member would laugh uproariously at that line. Now I can not even remember the whole first verse, but I can recall the feeling of swelling with pride when you speak about "Our Band".
Tonight is the last concert this summer, The Mersey Band will play tonight at the park right by the Brooklyn Marina, across the water from The Bowater plant. The band flourished for years, but had died a natural death ten years ago, when the bandmaster moved away. Three years ago, Scott, one of the young men from Liverpool, returned from college with his degree in Music, determined to continue the banding tradition in Liverpool. He is very energetic and enthusiastic and he has done a great job of building up the band. For two years he has run a band camp every August. This year 20 students plus 7 adults attended band camp, which included my friend Mary and Frances and Loretta. Scott chooses interesting pieces to play at the concerts and his explanations between items are well done, brief and informative. The band is made up of some full time people here for the summer and full timers living in the area, so it is a difficult thing to structure the rehearsals. Some night the kid from college has returned who is a very good trombone player, and some times the trombone player who is a Doctor, is on call at the hospital, so Scott has a difficult job. But I think the band is wonderful. Except I wish they started and stopped together, and I wish the middle of the range was not like muddy waters, and I wish Scott would choose the pieces that every player could do, not just the best players. But I commend him, and I wish him well with the band, because without him, there would be no band in Liverpool. I do like to brag about "My Band".
Tonight is the last concert this summer, The Mersey Band will play tonight at the park right by the Brooklyn Marina, across the water from The Bowater plant. The band flourished for years, but had died a natural death ten years ago, when the bandmaster moved away. Three years ago, Scott, one of the young men from Liverpool, returned from college with his degree in Music, determined to continue the banding tradition in Liverpool. He is very energetic and enthusiastic and he has done a great job of building up the band. For two years he has run a band camp every August. This year 20 students plus 7 adults attended band camp, which included my friend Mary and Frances and Loretta. Scott chooses interesting pieces to play at the concerts and his explanations between items are well done, brief and informative. The band is made up of some full time people here for the summer and full timers living in the area, so it is a difficult thing to structure the rehearsals. Some night the kid from college has returned who is a very good trombone player, and some times the trombone player who is a Doctor, is on call at the hospital, so Scott has a difficult job. But I think the band is wonderful. Except I wish they started and stopped together, and I wish the middle of the range was not like muddy waters, and I wish Scott would choose the pieces that every player could do, not just the best players. But I commend him, and I wish him well with the band, because without him, there would be no band in Liverpool. I do like to brag about "My Band".
Monday, August 17, 2009
August 17, 2009. Western Head, N. S. Concert.
The flyer at our door said "A Summer Evening of Music", Sunday, August 16Th, 7 p,m, signed Pember, with a hand written note to bring your friends. Now Pember is a very nice young woman who spends her summers here with her parents, living in the green house, right along the Bay. We certainly wanted to support her so we all went, although our expectations were low. The flyer stated that entertainment would include the Zion Summer Hand bell Ringers, The Geritones, Zion Church Choir, Karl and Georgia Nolph, Kristopher Snarby, plus a Hymn sing. Again, we expected the choir to be awful and some how or another, the rest of the program would be very amateurish, along with a Minister who talks too much.
What a surprise we got. The whole evening was delightful, so the hour and a half just sped away. The Zion Ringers had sixty bells, and the four players were very busy indeed. Pember was one of the Ringers so we were very pleased we went. The group played four items along with a solo by Pember and I tell you, those four folks enjoyed themselves, but enjoyed it most for the final ring of the bells. They were good and fun for us to watch their expertise. Kristopher is a local , born and raised in Liverpool. His singing is Divine. Clearly he has been singing a long time and been very well trained. When he first went up to sing, a small voice called out "Hi Daddy". Then the trumpet soloist, accompanied by his wife was excellent too. Karl must have been 70, but he played well and his choice for his solos were well within his expertise. The Geritones are usually a male quartet, all over seventy, but last night we had only a duet, but they enjoyed their singing, as did the audience. But the biggest surprise was the choir. Ten men and ten women, all singing in tune and singing with a sweet tone. None of their pieces were church anthems, but were popular songs singing of clear skies and wings, but they were a big hit.
I should have expected such expertise, as the amount of musical talent in the Maritimes is very high, but I did not expect to have every item on the program to be such high quality. Even the Minister in his role as Master of Ceremonies was brief and pertinent. It was a wonderful concert, and the next one on August 30 we will certainly attend. I would listen to Kristopher, the wonderful tenor, anytime and anywhere. He is terrific. I expected to endure the evening, but instead I enjoyed every minute.
What a surprise we got. The whole evening was delightful, so the hour and a half just sped away. The Zion Ringers had sixty bells, and the four players were very busy indeed. Pember was one of the Ringers so we were very pleased we went. The group played four items along with a solo by Pember and I tell you, those four folks enjoyed themselves, but enjoyed it most for the final ring of the bells. They were good and fun for us to watch their expertise. Kristopher is a local , born and raised in Liverpool. His singing is Divine. Clearly he has been singing a long time and been very well trained. When he first went up to sing, a small voice called out "Hi Daddy". Then the trumpet soloist, accompanied by his wife was excellent too. Karl must have been 70, but he played well and his choice for his solos were well within his expertise. The Geritones are usually a male quartet, all over seventy, but last night we had only a duet, but they enjoyed their singing, as did the audience. But the biggest surprise was the choir. Ten men and ten women, all singing in tune and singing with a sweet tone. None of their pieces were church anthems, but were popular songs singing of clear skies and wings, but they were a big hit.
I should have expected such expertise, as the amount of musical talent in the Maritimes is very high, but I did not expect to have every item on the program to be such high quality. Even the Minister in his role as Master of Ceremonies was brief and pertinent. It was a wonderful concert, and the next one on August 30 we will certainly attend. I would listen to Kristopher, the wonderful tenor, anytime and anywhere. He is terrific. I expected to endure the evening, but instead I enjoyed every minute.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
August 16, 2009. Western Head, N.S. Cottage.
The temperature was so high that you really wanted to get into the water to cool down. The good folks who did not bring their bathing suits were really sweating. It was perfect weather for the cottage. Thursday, the weather forecast was for several days of clear, warm days, so Ken and I decided to invite our friends out for a wiener roast at the cottage. I knew it was short notice for a party on Saturday, and I knew mid day was difficult for those who run Inns and B & B's, but we decided to do it anyway. So I phoned all my friends to invite them to a wiener roast at the cottage on Saturday at noon. Betty and Vinal agreed to come to take people for boat rides and Betty to make potato salad, while I went shopping for beer, water, wieners and buns, chips and beans. Cookies for dessert.
It was a fine party. 20 in all, which meant you could talk to everyone. Wonderful weather, perfect for a cottage. But the hit of the day was Jed, the dog of Brian and Cathy. We have known Jed all along, as he accompanies Brian to his work site every day, so when Brian was building the Ely's home, we saw him every day. He is a smart dog, a Springer Spaniel, and although he is 10, he still has a lot of energy and is always ready to fetch the ball he presents you. At work, he lies by Brian's truck, always in the shady side, and announces arrivals to the work site by going over to Brian and barking twice. Even if the machines are noisy, Brian is atterted of the new arrival. Brian asked if Jed could come to the party, because Jed loves lakes. Jed is a very civilized dog, so of course I said yes. I can not count the number of times Jed swam out to fetch his ball but it was at least fifty, every time leaping through the shallow water before swimming our to retrieve the ball. If no one would throw the ball, he played a game by himself. He ran to the top of the ramp, drop the ball so the ball ran down the ramp, then race down and pounce on the ball in the water. Jed was our entertainment for the afternoon. With no grandchildren to watch, Jed kept us amused.
It is always nice having new folks at a party, and yesterday two couples were there who did not know everyone. So yesterday we had all ingredients for a good party. First is lively, interesting people, second good weather, third ample food and drink and fourth activities such as swimming and boating to add to the conversation. We all enjoyed the day.
It was a fine party. 20 in all, which meant you could talk to everyone. Wonderful weather, perfect for a cottage. But the hit of the day was Jed, the dog of Brian and Cathy. We have known Jed all along, as he accompanies Brian to his work site every day, so when Brian was building the Ely's home, we saw him every day. He is a smart dog, a Springer Spaniel, and although he is 10, he still has a lot of energy and is always ready to fetch the ball he presents you. At work, he lies by Brian's truck, always in the shady side, and announces arrivals to the work site by going over to Brian and barking twice. Even if the machines are noisy, Brian is atterted of the new arrival. Brian asked if Jed could come to the party, because Jed loves lakes. Jed is a very civilized dog, so of course I said yes. I can not count the number of times Jed swam out to fetch his ball but it was at least fifty, every time leaping through the shallow water before swimming our to retrieve the ball. If no one would throw the ball, he played a game by himself. He ran to the top of the ramp, drop the ball so the ball ran down the ramp, then race down and pounce on the ball in the water. Jed was our entertainment for the afternoon. With no grandchildren to watch, Jed kept us amused.
It is always nice having new folks at a party, and yesterday two couples were there who did not know everyone. So yesterday we had all ingredients for a good party. First is lively, interesting people, second good weather, third ample food and drink and fourth activities such as swimming and boating to add to the conversation. We all enjoyed the day.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
August 14, 2009. Western Head, N.S. Irish Moss.
The first time Sarah saw them collecting Irish Moss she called out to them, "Why are you stealing our seaweed"? All the little girls were watching the men at work, and finally she could not stand it any more. These men were in small boats, in the ocean rowing just along the shore collecting the seaweed from the rocks right in front of our house. The men very politely called out to her that they were not stealing the seaweed but were collecting from the ocean this specific type of seaweed called Irish Moss, which is used in thickening products such as ice cream, cosmetics and medicines. Sarah understood, but she still did not like them to take our Irish Moss. This was three years ago and every now and then, they do it again.
Today they started across the bay in front of Gill's house. There were two boats. When the boat is full, the drive their boat to a larger boat and transfer their load, then return to more collecting of the Moss. They worked themselves right around the bay collecting as they go. Large wooden rakes are used to gather the moss from the rocks, always at low tide. When the supply of moss is exhausted, they head south, all three boats, to Hunt's Point, where the trucks ship the Irish Moss to the factory that makes the product useful for sale. The first step is the one we see. Ken and I went to the spot where the moss is first sold, and I can tell you that the moss is sold for several dollars per pound, a sum that seems very low, when you can see the work that goes into the collection. This stuff is part of the organic craze.
The men were not able to harvest much Irish Moss in front of our house today. Last summer and fall they had cleaned us out. But it is a nice sight, watching the men labor on the ocean trying to keep themselves holding the boat in place. It always seems to me that two men per boat would be more efficient, but every boat only has one man. Maybe they should hire me as an efficiency expert.
Today they started across the bay in front of Gill's house. There were two boats. When the boat is full, the drive their boat to a larger boat and transfer their load, then return to more collecting of the Moss. They worked themselves right around the bay collecting as they go. Large wooden rakes are used to gather the moss from the rocks, always at low tide. When the supply of moss is exhausted, they head south, all three boats, to Hunt's Point, where the trucks ship the Irish Moss to the factory that makes the product useful for sale. The first step is the one we see. Ken and I went to the spot where the moss is first sold, and I can tell you that the moss is sold for several dollars per pound, a sum that seems very low, when you can see the work that goes into the collection. This stuff is part of the organic craze.
The men were not able to harvest much Irish Moss in front of our house today. Last summer and fall they had cleaned us out. But it is a nice sight, watching the men labor on the ocean trying to keep themselves holding the boat in place. It always seems to me that two men per boat would be more efficient, but every boat only has one man. Maybe they should hire me as an efficiency expert.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
August 13, 2009, Western Head, N.S. Time.
I have been here ten days, and it already seems as if I have been a month. When we arrive, it takes me about two days to live only in the present, here in Nova Scotia, and all other parts of my life fade away. Time passing is a funny kind of thing. A few days can feel like an eternity when you are a kid waiting to go to camp, yet other days just fly away. One thing is true for both of us, that we do not worry about anything except where we are right now. In fact, we don't even think of anyplace except right here. Friends of ours tell us that they worry about their house back home, when they are on vacation, but we we neither worry or think about it. It gives us great peace of mind, perhaps foolishly.
Today just flew away. Ken and Mal decided to strip the carriage house doors. We purchased these large wooden doors, thinking they would look great from a distance, but the sun beating on the doors was hard on the varnish and has already been re-done twice. And we finally decided that the carriage house would look better if both doors were white, rather than one large wood door and one small white door. Now it will be painted white. Mal cleaned Fisherman Joe with a bleach solution, so now arter a day of sun, the painting will begin and will soon be as good as new. I shopped at the Sobeys grocery store. The last two times I shopped at the Atlantic Super Store I was not happy with the service, so today I went to the old store, Sobey's. I never liked to shop there because the ceiling was low and the place was dark, but they removed the false ceiling and added lots more lights. The service was great too, so from now on, I am going to shop there. And they installed a bakery too. Competition is such a good thing. Pat painted all morning, then late this afternoon we went for a walk. Perfect weather for a walk: 75 degrees and overcast but no breeze. At the end of the day we four sat on the deck enjoying the calm seas and looking for whales, and of course drank our glass of wine. Tonight, the ocean seemed more like a large lake than a massive ocean, with not a ripple on the surface. Unusual but very pretty.
Today just flew away. Ken and Mal decided to strip the carriage house doors. We purchased these large wooden doors, thinking they would look great from a distance, but the sun beating on the doors was hard on the varnish and has already been re-done twice. And we finally decided that the carriage house would look better if both doors were white, rather than one large wood door and one small white door. Now it will be painted white. Mal cleaned Fisherman Joe with a bleach solution, so now arter a day of sun, the painting will begin and will soon be as good as new. I shopped at the Sobeys grocery store. The last two times I shopped at the Atlantic Super Store I was not happy with the service, so today I went to the old store, Sobey's. I never liked to shop there because the ceiling was low and the place was dark, but they removed the false ceiling and added lots more lights. The service was great too, so from now on, I am going to shop there. And they installed a bakery too. Competition is such a good thing. Pat painted all morning, then late this afternoon we went for a walk. Perfect weather for a walk: 75 degrees and overcast but no breeze. At the end of the day we four sat on the deck enjoying the calm seas and looking for whales, and of course drank our glass of wine. Tonight, the ocean seemed more like a large lake than a massive ocean, with not a ripple on the surface. Unusual but very pretty.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
August 12, 2009. Western Head, N.S. Fisherman Joe.
The grandchildren named him the first time he arrived in our front yard. He weights over six hundred pounds and is seven feet tall and looks out at sea watching for the storms coming in. He was carved by an artist in town and delivered him to our front yard four years ago. Last year in March the artist promised to come and repaint Fisherman Joe as the paint on the back of the coat had started to peel. Again in early July I stopped to talk with him and again he promised. But our celebration came and went without Fisherman Joe re-painted. Now the artist has moved so I can't even call him or stop by. He also has two paintings of Christina and Andrew which were paid for but never delivered. Now Mal has come to our rescue.
Ever since Pat and Mal have visited us, Mal has worked along side Ken. Ken always has some project or another that Mal can assist, from spreading mulch in Texas to digging potatoes in Kensington. This time, during an e mail confirming their arrival, Mal asked what projects were in store for him. Ken responded that we always have more projects then either time or money, so prepare for projects. When they arrived, we suggested a wonderful project, something that would be very helpful to us, but would provide unlimited tasks in the future. That of course, was re-painting Fisherman Joe. He accepted the challenge gleefully and already had scraped him and cleansed the whole statute with bleach to kill all the bugs and fungus. Yesterday we purchased the paint and this morning Ken and Mal went to the hardware store for extra fine sand paper. After a day or two in the sun, Fisherman Joe is ready to paint. I am so pleased. And I am grateful to Mal for accepting the challenge.
Mal is a very pleasant and polite fellow. Once, when at a party next door, a party that was very crowed, the hostess asked Mal to take his dinner plate to the lowere level, thinking that if Mal is seen going downstairs, many other folks would join him, thus alleviating the crowding. Being a helpful fellow, he went downstairs to eat his dinner, but returned thirty minutes later after eating alone the whole time. He laughed, as did the rest of us, but the hostess was embarrassed. But you do catch the essence of Mal ... he is in all regards, a very helpful fellow!!
Ever since Pat and Mal have visited us, Mal has worked along side Ken. Ken always has some project or another that Mal can assist, from spreading mulch in Texas to digging potatoes in Kensington. This time, during an e mail confirming their arrival, Mal asked what projects were in store for him. Ken responded that we always have more projects then either time or money, so prepare for projects. When they arrived, we suggested a wonderful project, something that would be very helpful to us, but would provide unlimited tasks in the future. That of course, was re-painting Fisherman Joe. He accepted the challenge gleefully and already had scraped him and cleansed the whole statute with bleach to kill all the bugs and fungus. Yesterday we purchased the paint and this morning Ken and Mal went to the hardware store for extra fine sand paper. After a day or two in the sun, Fisherman Joe is ready to paint. I am so pleased. And I am grateful to Mal for accepting the challenge.
Mal is a very pleasant and polite fellow. Once, when at a party next door, a party that was very crowed, the hostess asked Mal to take his dinner plate to the lowere level, thinking that if Mal is seen going downstairs, many other folks would join him, thus alleviating the crowding. Being a helpful fellow, he went downstairs to eat his dinner, but returned thirty minutes later after eating alone the whole time. He laughed, as did the rest of us, but the hostess was embarrassed. But you do catch the essence of Mal ... he is in all regards, a very helpful fellow!!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
August 11, 2009. Western Head, N.S. Excursions.
Our task today was to purchase marine paint to touch up Fisherman Joe. Mal has accepted the project of re-painting the wooden sculpture in our yard, which means we must buy paint. In addition, we wanted to visit the glass store in Chester. Pat and Mal had never been to the store, and we hadn't been there for four years, so our plan was to drive on the highway straight to Chester, wander around there, then take back roads to Mahone Bay and Lunenburg, using the ferry to get home. Mal drove. We left home at 9:30a.m. and arrived home at 6:30p.m. so we had a long, full day with lots of fun.
Chester was charming but expensive and full of people. Tomorrow begins three days of sailboat racing in Chester, so the town was buzzing with people. License plates from everywhere in Canada and the USA. Even the glass store has raised their prices too high for me, so even though we went into many galleries, we bought nothing but lunch. The only marine store in Chester was closed today, probably because they are all involved in organizing the races.
Next we drove to Mahone Bay, which we expected to find no marine store at all, as Mahone Bay is not really a working town. It has lots of stores and restaurants and galleries but not much in the way of workmen. We knew where the yacht store was in Lunenburg, so we headed right there and purchased the paint we needed. Our favorite galleries are in Lunenburg so we toured four of the best but did not buy a thing. The artists tell us that things are a bit slow this year. Certainly we are not buying. I did note that the prices at the Purcell Gallery have been raised, probably because Joseph Purcell is 83 and although he still paints every day, his years for painting must be few. Again, we bought nothing.
On the Ferry ride we saw five loons, quite close to us. Those birds are so big. Port Medway was our last stop on our excursion. The first thing we did was buy ice cream at the general store. For two dollars you get a big dish of ice cream, and can choose from fifteen types of ice cream. While we ate, we walked all around the harbor to inspect the boats and enjoy the new park and light house. Directly home after ice cream, driving the shore road, was the instruction to the driver. Mal was happy to accommodate us.
Chester was charming but expensive and full of people. Tomorrow begins three days of sailboat racing in Chester, so the town was buzzing with people. License plates from everywhere in Canada and the USA. Even the glass store has raised their prices too high for me, so even though we went into many galleries, we bought nothing but lunch. The only marine store in Chester was closed today, probably because they are all involved in organizing the races.
Next we drove to Mahone Bay, which we expected to find no marine store at all, as Mahone Bay is not really a working town. It has lots of stores and restaurants and galleries but not much in the way of workmen. We knew where the yacht store was in Lunenburg, so we headed right there and purchased the paint we needed. Our favorite galleries are in Lunenburg so we toured four of the best but did not buy a thing. The artists tell us that things are a bit slow this year. Certainly we are not buying. I did note that the prices at the Purcell Gallery have been raised, probably because Joseph Purcell is 83 and although he still paints every day, his years for painting must be few. Again, we bought nothing.
On the Ferry ride we saw five loons, quite close to us. Those birds are so big. Port Medway was our last stop on our excursion. The first thing we did was buy ice cream at the general store. For two dollars you get a big dish of ice cream, and can choose from fifteen types of ice cream. While we ate, we walked all around the harbor to inspect the boats and enjoy the new park and light house. Directly home after ice cream, driving the shore road, was the instruction to the driver. Mal was happy to accommodate us.
Monday, August 10, 2009
August 10, 2009. Western Head, N.S. Pat and Mal.
They arrived on Saturday afternoon. After a visit and a chat, I gave them the option of a bedroom upstairs or the Carriage House. As they have happily stayed in the Carriage House many times before, they chose it and quickly settled into their new home for the next two weeks. That evening they came with us to an Open House at the home of Sheila and Ken, a home you can see right across the bay from us. Sunday we spent the whole day at the cottage along with the whole Mitchell family, Cliff and Mary, along with Mitch and Vickie and their three children. It is always nice to have the little ones at the cottage, even though no reading can be done. We all ate lunch together on the deck. Vinal was with us all day too. He and Mal went fishing both morning and afternoon. The weather was glorious and we all had to apply sun screen. The problem with the cottage is that even when the day is clear and sunny, you never feel really hot, so sun burns come quickly if you are not careful.
We were invited to dinner last night at the home of Mary and Walt, along with Gill. Their home is lovely and it is always a pleasure to visit their home. We voted Mary the best cook in town. The problem with dinner at their home is that she serves such good and tasty food that we all eat too much. The appetizers were served outside on their patio garden. So plentiful and delicious that we all ate them. Dinner of spinach salad with mango, followed by lasagna. Terrimisou for dessert. The meal and the company were top drawer, but when I stepped on the scale I had gained three pounds. Now, how can I convince Mary to serve no appetizers and small servings, without hurting her feelings? Home by ten thirty to hot tub, write my blog and then to bed, still full from dinner. I promise, I will never eat that much food again. I even ate two helpings of dessert!!
Today was a lazy day. After breakfast, while Pat and Mal went to town and Ken to the hardware store, I read my book, the last of the trilogy. Pat and Mal have visited us so often both here and Texas and Kensington that we have a drill. Mal is a huge help to whatever project Ken is involved with at the time. Every morning Mal makes the coffee after his run at six. This year we gave them both a project, Pat to paint two paddles for the cottage wall and Mal to paint Fisherman Joe. They are both easy to have around and very helpful too. It is a pleasure to have them visit.
We were invited to dinner last night at the home of Mary and Walt, along with Gill. Their home is lovely and it is always a pleasure to visit their home. We voted Mary the best cook in town. The problem with dinner at their home is that she serves such good and tasty food that we all eat too much. The appetizers were served outside on their patio garden. So plentiful and delicious that we all ate them. Dinner of spinach salad with mango, followed by lasagna. Terrimisou for dessert. The meal and the company were top drawer, but when I stepped on the scale I had gained three pounds. Now, how can I convince Mary to serve no appetizers and small servings, without hurting her feelings? Home by ten thirty to hot tub, write my blog and then to bed, still full from dinner. I promise, I will never eat that much food again. I even ate two helpings of dessert!!
Today was a lazy day. After breakfast, while Pat and Mal went to town and Ken to the hardware store, I read my book, the last of the trilogy. Pat and Mal have visited us so often both here and Texas and Kensington that we have a drill. Mal is a huge help to whatever project Ken is involved with at the time. Every morning Mal makes the coffee after his run at six. This year we gave them both a project, Pat to paint two paddles for the cottage wall and Mal to paint Fisherman Joe. They are both easy to have around and very helpful too. It is a pleasure to have them visit.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
August 9, 2009. Western Head, N.S. Wallace Macaskill.
Serendipity, that's what it was. Gill called at fife o'clock tonight, her voice full of excitement. Could she come over to give us a gift, right now. We are picking her up at just before six to go to dinner at Mary and Walt's home, but she could not wait any longer. So over she came and indeed, her gift was wonderful and surprising. Yesterday morning I knew nothing about this photographer, but now I am the proud owner of a signed copy of a photo, taken by Wallace Macaskill, of the lighthouse in Peggy's Cove, taken in the thirties and colored by his wife. The frame is original. The photo was in the same family home until the estate settled just recently. Now it is in my home. I am so pleased and excited.
Saturday morning, Gill and I toured the Sherman Hines Photographic Museum and The Rossignol Center, both in my town of Liverpool. Both places I have toured several times, but every time I learn something new. We spent a lot of time in a room with information and artifacts about two photographers who lived and worked in Nova Scotia. One of them was Wallace Macaskill. His work was very familiar to both of us. His photo of The Grey Dawn is seen everywhere on cards and prints. He published two books during his lifetime, both of which Ken will try to track down on the Internet, "Lure of The Sea" and "Out of Halifax". It was exciting to see signed photographs of him right in front of our eyes in the gallery. Today at an antique store in Mahone Bay, Gill spotted this photo and bought it on the spot, without even a discussion of price and brought it straight over to our home. I was so excited to see it. Now after Ken changes the wire, it will hang on my wall in a protected spot out of the direct sunlight. This was nothing less than serendipity.
Saturday morning, Gill and I toured the Sherman Hines Photographic Museum and The Rossignol Center, both in my town of Liverpool. Both places I have toured several times, but every time I learn something new. We spent a lot of time in a room with information and artifacts about two photographers who lived and worked in Nova Scotia. One of them was Wallace Macaskill. His work was very familiar to both of us. His photo of The Grey Dawn is seen everywhere on cards and prints. He published two books during his lifetime, both of which Ken will try to track down on the Internet, "Lure of The Sea" and "Out of Halifax". It was exciting to see signed photographs of him right in front of our eyes in the gallery. Today at an antique store in Mahone Bay, Gill spotted this photo and bought it on the spot, without even a discussion of price and brought it straight over to our home. I was so excited to see it. Now after Ken changes the wire, it will hang on my wall in a protected spot out of the direct sunlight. This was nothing less than serendipity.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
August 8, 2009. Western Head, N.S. The Evening.
The evening had two distinct parts, both enjoyable and both special. The first part was dining at The Best Coast Coffee Gallery, the place we used to call The Broad Cove Cafe. Friday night they serve one meal and you pay your money and take your chances. We took the early sitting, as they were full up for the seven o'clock session, so other than dining early, we enjoyed our dinner. Except in Nova Scotia they call the evening meal Supper so we ate our supper at five-thirty, It was fun and festive. The waitress even wore fancy clothes, a black lace top with spaghetti straps, which made her look very elegant indeed. The lady owner chatted with us along with the folks at the five tables, so along with the excellent food, it was like eating at home, except easier. We will go again to their Friday night meals, in fact, we have booked our reservation for next Friday and will take Pat and Mal. We left in time to make the second part of the evening, held at the Wesley United Church in Petite Reverie.
Then and Now, an Evening of Trombone Music, featuring the 'Airin To Blow' Trombone Quartet. It started at seven o'clock and they played all evening, finishing at nine fifteen. It was wonderful. The music was old and the music was new, but these four trombone players played the most difficult pieces and played them well. They are all young, well kind of young, probably between 24 and 30 years old, and all well trained. All have music degrees and all have numerous jobs scraping along teaching and performing and leading. They teach part time at three universities and all play in numerous different groups, so playing for two hours last night was not hard on their lips. They were playing as well at the end as they were at the beginning. I was brought up listening to the sound of the trombone so it was lots of fun picking apart these players. They were all very very good, but some were better than others. The best piece was a newer piece by Flor Peeters, 'Suite Quatuor Pour 4 Trombones', and the last was a Salvation Army piece, written by Neville McFarland,'Singing All The Day'. Unfortunately, the church was not full, but the young folks played their hearts out for the half full church. We who were there appreciated every effort.
Ken commented on the way home that the two parts of the evening were equally enjoyable, which is often not the case. But last night, we just got lucky. I was sorry that my brother was not here and also Mal to enjoy and appreciate the music.
Then and Now, an Evening of Trombone Music, featuring the 'Airin To Blow' Trombone Quartet. It started at seven o'clock and they played all evening, finishing at nine fifteen. It was wonderful. The music was old and the music was new, but these four trombone players played the most difficult pieces and played them well. They are all young, well kind of young, probably between 24 and 30 years old, and all well trained. All have music degrees and all have numerous jobs scraping along teaching and performing and leading. They teach part time at three universities and all play in numerous different groups, so playing for two hours last night was not hard on their lips. They were playing as well at the end as they were at the beginning. I was brought up listening to the sound of the trombone so it was lots of fun picking apart these players. They were all very very good, but some were better than others. The best piece was a newer piece by Flor Peeters, 'Suite Quatuor Pour 4 Trombones', and the last was a Salvation Army piece, written by Neville McFarland,'Singing All The Day'. Unfortunately, the church was not full, but the young folks played their hearts out for the half full church. We who were there appreciated every effort.
Ken commented on the way home that the two parts of the evening were equally enjoyable, which is often not the case. But last night, we just got lucky. I was sorry that my brother was not here and also Mal to enjoy and appreciate the music.
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