The night sky tonight sparkles. The Milky Way jumps out at you. We can see more stars here than we see in the Hill Country of Texas and you know that the stars are big and bright, in the heart of Texas. Here on the shore, the night sky is even better than in Texas. Part of the reason is the clean , unpolluted air. Another is the lack of lights. Looking out at the Atlantic Ocean you see nothing but black and looking up at the sky you see millions of stars. It is a spectacular sight.
Of course, not every night is a perfect evening to see the stars. Often all you see is fog, But when the air is clear, and the night is dark, you can bet that the place to be is the coast of Nova Scotia.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
August 30, 2011. Western Head, N.S. Good Taste.
I always wonder where good taste comes from in a person. You know when you see it in a person by the choices they make, but I don't know how they got that way. Last evening we were invited for dinner at the home of Brian and Cathy. Now Brian is a builder and one would expect a solid, lovely home, situated on land overlooking the ocean but how does in happen that the inside of the home is beautifully decorated too. Every object is lovely and fits into the whole sense of the home.
If they lived in San Antonio or Bethesda I would assume that a decorator had put the home together with all the objects fitting together. But no decorator lives in Liverpool and I know that Cathy has purchased every object herself. Most of the artists are local. The whole house is exquisite but comfortable. Every time you look in another spot of the home you come upon another lovely object. It was such fun to spend the evening in their home.
But I did always wonder about the choices. Some people just are born with good taste I guess.
If they lived in San Antonio or Bethesda I would assume that a decorator had put the home together with all the objects fitting together. But no decorator lives in Liverpool and I know that Cathy has purchased every object herself. Most of the artists are local. The whole house is exquisite but comfortable. Every time you look in another spot of the home you come upon another lovely object. It was such fun to spend the evening in their home.
But I did always wonder about the choices. Some people just are born with good taste I guess.
Monday, August 29, 2011
August 29, 2011. Western Head, N.S. The Weed Whacker.
Rita loves to work in the garden. Every day she harvested the vegetables from Ken's garden to eat for dinner. Then one day, while we were sitting beside the fish pond, Rita got down on her hands and knees and began weeding the garden around the pond. Gill had suggested a couple of weeks ago that the area needed weeding but I commented that Ken has become tolerant of weeds so it was unlikely to be weeded. But Rita could not stand it any more.
We called her our weed whacker. I spotted her before breakfast and I spotted her before cocktails. There she was, down on her hands and knees pulling out the weeds. She found plants buried under the weeds. After giving the plants sun light, they then doubled in size over night. A half an hour here and a half an hour there and soon the whole area was clean of weeds and looking beautiful. Ken and I are grateful for her efforts and the plantings are grateful too. Now they can breathe. But now Rita has left for home. What then?
We called her our weed whacker. I spotted her before breakfast and I spotted her before cocktails. There she was, down on her hands and knees pulling out the weeds. She found plants buried under the weeds. After giving the plants sun light, they then doubled in size over night. A half an hour here and a half an hour there and soon the whole area was clean of weeds and looking beautiful. Ken and I are grateful for her efforts and the plantings are grateful too. Now they can breathe. But now Rita has left for home. What then?
Sunday, August 28, 2011
August 28, 2011. Western Head, N.S. Planning Ahead.
We are as ready as possible. The bathtub is full of water, as is the laundry tub. Six pails are full of water an the bathroom floor of the first floor. All the outside chairs and tables have been turned upside down. We are ready. It seems that we will miss the full force of the storm. But we will have rain and wind and high tides.
We are also planning ahead for the celebration for our 55th anniversary in 2013. So far, all we have done is think and talk. The place will be Texas, at the ranch, in October, over the holiday weekend. The ranch is west of Fredericksburg, close to Harper, in the Hill Country. Suzanne will talk to friends about caterers and David will research trailers and RV's. We will install a bunk house for the girls this fall when we are there, but the main plans will be put in place in the fall of 2012. The talking and the planning are the most important part of any event, so we are well underway. Now we must keep thinking and keep talking before we begin implementing the plan. It is never too early to plan!!
We are also planning ahead for the celebration for our 55th anniversary in 2013. So far, all we have done is think and talk. The place will be Texas, at the ranch, in October, over the holiday weekend. The ranch is west of Fredericksburg, close to Harper, in the Hill Country. Suzanne will talk to friends about caterers and David will research trailers and RV's. We will install a bunk house for the girls this fall when we are there, but the main plans will be put in place in the fall of 2012. The talking and the planning are the most important part of any event, so we are well underway. Now we must keep thinking and keep talking before we begin implementing the plan. It is never too early to plan!!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
August 27, 2011. Western Head, N.S. The Storm is Coming.
No one is paying attention to the storm called Irene. It is interesting to observe the lack of anxiety in the population. Everyone here tells us that the storm is definitely not coming here. Meanwhile, my friends in the Washington, D.C. area tell me that the stores are out of bread, milk and water. I made a reservation at Lanes for brunch on Sunday and she took my phone number, just in case the power is out and they can't cook. But it certainly is not causing much panic here in Nova Scotia.
Tomorrow we will celebrate our 53rd anniversary at Lane's Privateer Inn. Ian and Rita wanted to take us out to dinner tonight but instead we will celebrate tomorrow morning. Today we spent the day at the cottage, a fine place to enjoy an anniversary. The weather was perfect. We stayed all day, including dinner. The water was warm for swimming, and Vinal, Rita and Ken went fishing all afternoon in the boat. Ian kept the fire alive all day. It was a lovely day and perfect for our anniversary.
Tomorrow we will celebrate our 53rd anniversary at Lane's Privateer Inn. Ian and Rita wanted to take us out to dinner tonight but instead we will celebrate tomorrow morning. Today we spent the day at the cottage, a fine place to enjoy an anniversary. The weather was perfect. We stayed all day, including dinner. The water was warm for swimming, and Vinal, Rita and Ken went fishing all afternoon in the boat. Ian kept the fire alive all day. It was a lovely day and perfect for our anniversary.
Friday, August 26, 2011
August 26, 2011. Western Head, N.S. It is Down.
It only took one day and one large machine. Now I don't need to look at it anymore. The Carriage House has been taken to the land fill. Truck after truck was filled with the debris. Gill came over to watch it come down and we four watched from the dining room. We were thrilled to see it come down, after looking at the wreck of the building all summer. Now it is gone.
I am surprised at the lack of emotion watching the place come down. George, the builder, commented that it took him eight months to build it and twenty hours to bring it down. He was more upset about it than us I think. Now we all just want the new building finished by next summer. I have a lunch riding on the completion date with Gill!!
I am surprised at the lack of emotion watching the place come down. George, the builder, commented that it took him eight months to build it and twenty hours to bring it down. He was more upset about it than us I think. Now we all just want the new building finished by next summer. I have a lunch riding on the completion date with Gill!!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
August 25, 2011. Western Head, N.S. Weeding.
The older Ken gets, the more he will tolerate weeds. The other day, Gill and I were sitting by the pond and Gill commented that the garden around the pond needed to be weeded. My response was to tell her about Ken's attitude to weeds. But today, Rite weeded all around the front and side of the pond. She found hostas that were lost in the weeds. It looks lovely but now the rest of the area around the pond needs weeding. And Rita and Ian have gone to Bridgewater.
Claussen and I agreed this morning that it was dangerous for us to weed the garden because we would pull out the good stuff and leave the weeds. The truth is, weeds are whatever you do not want in the garden. Some of the so called weeds are pretty. Plants treasured in parts of the world are considered weeds in other spots. I actually prefer the flower beds all neat and tidy but it is Ken's garden so I leave it alone. For many reasons, it is dangerous for me to weed.
Claussen and I agreed this morning that it was dangerous for us to weed the garden because we would pull out the good stuff and leave the weeds. The truth is, weeds are whatever you do not want in the garden. Some of the so called weeds are pretty. Plants treasured in parts of the world are considered weeds in other spots. I actually prefer the flower beds all neat and tidy but it is Ken's garden so I leave it alone. For many reasons, it is dangerous for me to weed.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
August 24, 2011. Western Head, N.S. Pubnico.
Pubnico is a little spit of a long peninsula and it is all French. The area was settled by the french early in the seventeenth century and successfully farmed and fished, until the English booted them out in 1755. But the good people of Pubnico managed to get back home and by 1762, were allowed to openly return to their homes and farms. It was the only part of Nova Scotia where the exiled french were able to return and own their own homes and farms. In the other areas, the land was given to new English settlers and when the french returned, they were required to find other places to farm.
A small museum gives a taste of life in the Acadian world both new and old and an Acadian village gives you some sense of how these folks worked and lived. The modern Pubnico is neat as a pin with the houses in perfect repair. The modern Acadians have great joy in their lives. The hand work we saw at the museum was the best we have seen in Nova Scotia.
Gibson's wharf has over one hundred fishing boats, the largest fishing fleet in the Maritimes. Gibson's cafe was wonderful. For dessert, we stopped at Charlotte Lane in Shelburne.
We left at 9 and returned at 6. All four agreed that the trip was well worth the time. Interesting and informative and fun.
A small museum gives a taste of life in the Acadian world both new and old and an Acadian village gives you some sense of how these folks worked and lived. The modern Pubnico is neat as a pin with the houses in perfect repair. The modern Acadians have great joy in their lives. The hand work we saw at the museum was the best we have seen in Nova Scotia.
Gibson's wharf has over one hundred fishing boats, the largest fishing fleet in the Maritimes. Gibson's cafe was wonderful. For dessert, we stopped at Charlotte Lane in Shelburne.
We left at 9 and returned at 6. All four agreed that the trip was well worth the time. Interesting and informative and fun.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
August 23 2011. Western Head, N.S. Irish Moss.
It seems there is a ready market for the sea weed harvested from the rocks in front of our house. The three small boats come by regularly and gather the Irish Moss, along the shore, right over to the rocks by Gill's house. It seems it has a thickening ingredient, used in ice cream and make up, especially where the term organic is advertised. Until recently, no one bothered with Irish Moss sea weed, but for the past few years, these little boats have been busy on our shore.
Last year, the children were playing on the rocks down by the water when the boats appeared collecting the seaweed. The children were not pleased to see these men in small boats taking the seaweed from the rocks, so Sarah called out to them "Why are you stealing our seaweed?" The men just smiled and kept working but the children raced up to report the theft. We explained that we own above high tide, but the men were working at low tide, so the seaweed was available to anyone who had a license to harvest seaweed.
Actually, the good people of Liverpool think that the harvesters are taking too much Irish Moss. Certainly, the children do not like it, but I rather enjoy watching these men in their little boats wrestle with the sea until the boat is full and loaded down with seaweed. Once last week, the tide went out, leaving one boat up on the rocks. Two other boats pulled him off, but it was not easy. One thing I know for sure is that I am glad I do not harvest Irish Moss for a living.
Last year, the children were playing on the rocks down by the water when the boats appeared collecting the seaweed. The children were not pleased to see these men in small boats taking the seaweed from the rocks, so Sarah called out to them "Why are you stealing our seaweed?" The men just smiled and kept working but the children raced up to report the theft. We explained that we own above high tide, but the men were working at low tide, so the seaweed was available to anyone who had a license to harvest seaweed.
Actually, the good people of Liverpool think that the harvesters are taking too much Irish Moss. Certainly, the children do not like it, but I rather enjoy watching these men in their little boats wrestle with the sea until the boat is full and loaded down with seaweed. Once last week, the tide went out, leaving one boat up on the rocks. Two other boats pulled him off, but it was not easy. One thing I know for sure is that I am glad I do not harvest Irish Moss for a living.
Monday, August 22, 2011
August 22, 2011. Western Head, N.S. Fog. Fog Fog.
If you look carefully at the picture of the fog, you will see our home and the Carriage House, just like Brigadoon appearing out of the fog. Shirley and Ted rented the house beside Gill, (actually, Gill owns the house,) and they took a picture of our house in the fog, taken from the shore. They gave the picture to Ken for his birthday. Great picture.
The fog here comes and goes. Some days, the fog just pours in from the sea. It is a lovely sight. Wendy loves the fog and calls their home 'The Fog and Bog'. In town, the sun will be shining but when you turn the last corner and look out at sea, all you can see is fog. You never know what is coming next. Except you know that sooner or later, the fog will come in and you will not be able to see the trees or the ocean. But you can still hear the sea. Lovely sight. Lovely sound.
The fog here comes and goes. Some days, the fog just pours in from the sea. It is a lovely sight. Wendy loves the fog and calls their home 'The Fog and Bog'. In town, the sun will be shining but when you turn the last corner and look out at sea, all you can see is fog. You never know what is coming next. Except you know that sooner or later, the fog will come in and you will not be able to see the trees or the ocean. But you can still hear the sea. Lovely sight. Lovely sound.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
August 21, 2011. Western Head, N.S. Ian and Rita. Cousin.
We are not quite sure how it happened, but we met Rita only at Ken's Mother's funeral in 1986, even though they married in 1972. Ken knew Ian as a kid and one year Ken lived with Ian's family in Sudbury where Ken worked at the mine where Ian's father worked. Ian was five years younger than Ken, and when the brothers Ray and Ian visited Grandma Dickie in Parry Sound, Ian hung out with Keith while Ken played with Ray. But since we first met at the funeral, we have become fast friends.
It was really stupid because Rita and Ian lived in Pittsburgh in the late seventies while we lived in Maryland and went to our farm most weekends, which was half way to Pittsburgh. Their children were grown up before we met them, so we missed all those years together. But we are not missing them now. Rita is everything I am not. She is a good cook and she makes quilts. She babysits for her grandchildren. She speaks French. In the kitchen we make a marvelous team. I suggest and Rita does it, quick as a wink.
Ian works on our wheel every day, bit by bit getting rid of the smoke and charred wood. We are having fun watching it get clean. And we are enjoying our visit with Rita and Ian, making up for lost time.
It was really stupid because Rita and Ian lived in Pittsburgh in the late seventies while we lived in Maryland and went to our farm most weekends, which was half way to Pittsburgh. Their children were grown up before we met them, so we missed all those years together. But we are not missing them now. Rita is everything I am not. She is a good cook and she makes quilts. She babysits for her grandchildren. She speaks French. In the kitchen we make a marvelous team. I suggest and Rita does it, quick as a wink.
Ian works on our wheel every day, bit by bit getting rid of the smoke and charred wood. We are having fun watching it get clean. And we are enjoying our visit with Rita and Ian, making up for lost time.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
August 20, 2011. Western Head, N.S. Annapolis Royal.
First the name was Fort Royale, named by the French when settlement began in 1604. But by the mid eighteenth century, the English came along and re-named it Annapolis Royal. In the past, it was an important commercial center, but now it is a charming, well kept town, catering mostly to tourists.
Today and tomorrow, the town of Annapolis Royal is holding an art show, called 'Paint The Town'. It was a clever idea. Fifty artists painted outside, all around the town. "Artist At Work" signs were posted, so as we walked around the town, we could stop and chat with the artist. The art work, when completed, was posted at the Legion and at 5:00, the silent action came to an end. Or, we could just purchase any piece of art at the price set by the artist, without regard to the silent auction. It was fun. And we purchased!!
The best seat in town for lunch was at Leo's. We sat outside under an umbrella and enjoyed our soup and half sandwich in the 72 degree heat. Clever idea, this 'Paint The Town'.
Today and tomorrow, the town of Annapolis Royal is holding an art show, called 'Paint The Town'. It was a clever idea. Fifty artists painted outside, all around the town. "Artist At Work" signs were posted, so as we walked around the town, we could stop and chat with the artist. The art work, when completed, was posted at the Legion and at 5:00, the silent action came to an end. Or, we could just purchase any piece of art at the price set by the artist, without regard to the silent auction. It was fun. And we purchased!!
The best seat in town for lunch was at Leo's. We sat outside under an umbrella and enjoyed our soup and half sandwich in the 72 degree heat. Clever idea, this 'Paint The Town'.
Friday, August 19, 2011
August 19, 2011. Western Head, N.S. 75th Birthday.
Ken turned 75 today, so we had a party. Fifteen friends came to celebrate and dine with us. It was all very pleasant and friendly.
When we married in 1958, Ken's life expectancy was 42. Turning 75 is quite an accomplishment for him. Normally, he does not enjoy the fuss of birthdays, but tonight was low keyed and easy and he liked it, I think. It was a congenial group. I served dinner at two tables so the conversation was comfortable. I know my friends prefer dinner seated at one long table but I prefer the small groupings, with six people at one table and nine at another.
We served smoked Nova Scotia salmon with cream cheese and capers and crackers as the appetizer , salad made by Mary McD. for first course, followed by Penni pasta with marinara sauce and meatballs for main course and ice cream birthday cake for dessert. Good, nourishing food. Easy to prepare and serve. It was a good night to celebrate Ken's important birthday.
When we married in 1958, Ken's life expectancy was 42. Turning 75 is quite an accomplishment for him. Normally, he does not enjoy the fuss of birthdays, but tonight was low keyed and easy and he liked it, I think. It was a congenial group. I served dinner at two tables so the conversation was comfortable. I know my friends prefer dinner seated at one long table but I prefer the small groupings, with six people at one table and nine at another.
We served smoked Nova Scotia salmon with cream cheese and capers and crackers as the appetizer , salad made by Mary McD. for first course, followed by Penni pasta with marinara sauce and meatballs for main course and ice cream birthday cake for dessert. Good, nourishing food. Easy to prepare and serve. It was a good night to celebrate Ken's important birthday.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
August 18, 2011. Western Head, N.S. The Garden.
Tonight we will eat Swiss chard, yellow beans and turnip, all from the garden. For lunch we ate radishes from the garden. This is the time of year when we eat out of the garden. Already we have eaten squash and onions. Rita and Ken went rooting around the garden and came back to the house with their buckets full of produce. They even came back with two tomatoes.
It is old yet new to go to the garden and being the food directly to the table. Ken and Vinal have worked hard and now we are reaping the benefit of their hard work. Even the potatoes taste better when eaten the same day they are dug. Ken won't harvest the vegetables until just before they are cooked. He thinks they taste better that way. As we speak, Rita is cutting the Swiss chard for dinner.
We are so surprised to have such a good garden close to the shore. The garden is in an area protected on four sides, so when the sun shines, the plants are hot but without much wind, so the vegetables flourish. We are very fortunate to have a good garden right in our back yard.
It is old yet new to go to the garden and being the food directly to the table. Ken and Vinal have worked hard and now we are reaping the benefit of their hard work. Even the potatoes taste better when eaten the same day they are dug. Ken won't harvest the vegetables until just before they are cooked. He thinks they taste better that way. As we speak, Rita is cutting the Swiss chard for dinner.
We are so surprised to have such a good garden close to the shore. The garden is in an area protected on four sides, so when the sun shines, the plants are hot but without much wind, so the vegetables flourish. We are very fortunate to have a good garden right in our back yard.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
August 18, 2011. Western Head, N.S. Leaving Time.
Most of my house guests have left. They departed this morning at 8:00. And Wendy's family next door have left too. The house felt like a morgue. So at 10:00 we four, who were left behind, decided to go to Lockport for lunch. It is odd how we quickly accustom ourselves to being around a lot of people so that when those people leave, we feel almost lonely.
My solution is always to get active, so we drove to Lockport with Ian and Rita and ate lunch sitting by the shore. We also walked around the dock and inspected the fishing boats. The town is tiny so we walked the main street, which took five minutes, and Rita and I bought a rug, made by the sheltered workshop folks.
After cocktails at Gill's at five, we were back to our old selves. Leaving time is always a difficult time. But not for long.
My solution is always to get active, so we drove to Lockport with Ian and Rita and ate lunch sitting by the shore. We also walked around the dock and inspected the fishing boats. The town is tiny so we walked the main street, which took five minutes, and Rita and I bought a rug, made by the sheltered workshop folks.
After cocktails at Gill's at five, we were back to our old selves. Leaving time is always a difficult time. But not for long.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
August 16, 2011. Western Head, N.S. Approved!!
We have been approved!! The insurance company has approved our plans to rebuild the guest house. The new building will be 8 feet wider than the Carriage House, and it will look very ordinary. The Carriage House was a beautiful place but it was really a bit of a Folly, so the new structure will be called The Guest House.
It will even have a closet or two and a larger kitchen. The bed will be king size too, and it will have a deck. It will be more comfortable than The Carriage House but not nearly as dramatic or beautiful. It will be done with funds provided by the insurance, so we are happy with that fact.
The Carriage House will be torn down totally next week and the construction will begin in earnest. Gill and I have a bet about when it will be completed. I win if the building has an occupancy permit by July 1st. The clock is ticking!!
It will even have a closet or two and a larger kitchen. The bed will be king size too, and it will have a deck. It will be more comfortable than The Carriage House but not nearly as dramatic or beautiful. It will be done with funds provided by the insurance, so we are happy with that fact.
The Carriage House will be torn down totally next week and the construction will begin in earnest. Gill and I have a bet about when it will be completed. I win if the building has an occupancy permit by July 1st. The clock is ticking!!
Monday, August 15, 2011
August 15, 2011. Western Head, N.S. Helpful Children.
I am sure these children have been given instructions on how to behave as good guests. And I am sure these children are not always as perfectly behaved as they have been with us. But, I don't really care. All I know that these three children have been a pleasure to have in our home. In fact, they havebeen a big help to me.
They are polite and quiet. They clear the table and help to set the table and fill the water glasses. Everything I ask, they do, and quickly too. Being around three willing children are a huge asset to me and the parents, as a bonus, always clean the kitchen after the meal. My life is easier with those children and their parents visiting us.
Now I know why the farmers always wanted many children to help with the chores. It might have been difficult, with three children in the house for ten days, but it has been only a pleasure, all because these three children, Justin, Emily and Daniel, have been taught well by their parents and grandparents. These helpful children can visit us any time.
They are polite and quiet. They clear the table and help to set the table and fill the water glasses. Everything I ask, they do, and quickly too. Being around three willing children are a huge asset to me and the parents, as a bonus, always clean the kitchen after the meal. My life is easier with those children and their parents visiting us.
Now I know why the farmers always wanted many children to help with the chores. It might have been difficult, with three children in the house for ten days, but it has been only a pleasure, all because these three children, Justin, Emily and Daniel, have been taught well by their parents and grandparents. These helpful children can visit us any time.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
August 14, 2011. Western Head, N.S. Something Good.
I believe that something good comes from everything, even though that 'something' might not be to my liking.
For instance, my sister-in-law, Wilma, is a perfect example. When Ken's brother was diagnosed with a recurrence of his cancer, I knew I could do little to be helpful to either Keith or Wilma, who live in Brandon. I decided that if we lived nearby, I could stop by for a cup of tea just to say hello and to give Wilma a break from caring from Keith, but as I live far away, I would do the same by e mailing Wilma a short note every day, just to say hello. So I did and Wilma appreciated the break in her day. My e mails were not profound or important in any way but they merely interrupted her day and provided a change of scene, without leaving home.
Sometimes Wilma would respond but mostly I just sent some words her way, telling what we were doing. The good part of a difficult time has been that Wilma and I are better friends. Now, Wilma and I correspond regularly and she is sharing in our lives more than ever in the past, as I am with her family and friends. It is certainly true, that in this difficult sad event for all of us, Wilma and I have cemented our bond. And that is a good thing.
For instance, my sister-in-law, Wilma, is a perfect example. When Ken's brother was diagnosed with a recurrence of his cancer, I knew I could do little to be helpful to either Keith or Wilma, who live in Brandon. I decided that if we lived nearby, I could stop by for a cup of tea just to say hello and to give Wilma a break from caring from Keith, but as I live far away, I would do the same by e mailing Wilma a short note every day, just to say hello. So I did and Wilma appreciated the break in her day. My e mails were not profound or important in any way but they merely interrupted her day and provided a change of scene, without leaving home.
Sometimes Wilma would respond but mostly I just sent some words her way, telling what we were doing. The good part of a difficult time has been that Wilma and I are better friends. Now, Wilma and I correspond regularly and she is sharing in our lives more than ever in the past, as I am with her family and friends. It is certainly true, that in this difficult sad event for all of us, Wilma and I have cemented our bond. And that is a good thing.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
August 13, 2011. Western Head, N.S. The Fish Pond.
It is hot here at the shore. The good folks in Texas or Mississippi would not think it was hot, but sitting on the deck in the sun, you feel hot, so this afternoon, the best seat in the house was by the pond. Mal. brought two lounge chairs right by the pond and Ken is sitting on the padded bench, and Pat and Mal and Ken are reading in the shade by the pond. It is a lovely spot.
Feeding the fish is remarkably rewarding. The fish are well trained to come to the surface immediately. We have five large gold fish and five medium sized fish and one very small fish. They all come immediately to eat. When we first arrived, all fish raced for hiding but bit by bit, they figured out about the food so now they come immediately to the top whenever I approach the pond. This is probably not a good idea as the herons and eagles can see the fish too and could promptly eat them. We have given up on fish in the pond at the lake in Texas. The herons eat them almost immediately. Perhaps here the fish are more protected but so far all the fish are thriving and surviving.
And the foliage around the pond has grown so now the fish pond is surrounded by flowers. Ken has done a good job with the plantings. At the moment, sitting by the pond is the best seat in the house.
Feeding the fish is remarkably rewarding. The fish are well trained to come to the surface immediately. We have five large gold fish and five medium sized fish and one very small fish. They all come immediately to eat. When we first arrived, all fish raced for hiding but bit by bit, they figured out about the food so now they come immediately to the top whenever I approach the pond. This is probably not a good idea as the herons and eagles can see the fish too and could promptly eat them. We have given up on fish in the pond at the lake in Texas. The herons eat them almost immediately. Perhaps here the fish are more protected but so far all the fish are thriving and surviving.
And the foliage around the pond has grown so now the fish pond is surrounded by flowers. Ken has done a good job with the plantings. At the moment, sitting by the pond is the best seat in the house.
Friday, August 12, 2011
August 12, 2011. Western Head, N.S. The Best Coast Coffee Cafe.
Friday night they serve dinner with a fixed price and a fixed menu. It is rather nice to see what will arrive at the table. Pat and Mal and Ken and I went to dinner tonight. The evening was beautiful and we wended our way along the shore for our early dinner at 5:30. Because we were dining so early, for lunch we ate an ice cream sundae and a piece of bread. By dinner time, we were famished in fact, Ken had the shakes, eating too many carbohydrate.
Dinner was delicious, the best they have done. Spinach dip with crackers, chicken divine with carrots and broccoli and Swiss chard, with stickier pudding for dessert. Delicious.
The sunset and full moon made the drive home perfect, except I was driving so could not see much. So many artists live in Nova Scotia. We stopped on the way home at Port Medway and came upon a showing of photographs, by a local photographer. Wonderful pictures. I did not buy a thing, but you never know what is just around the corner showing more bits of beauty.
Dinner was delicious, the best they have done. Spinach dip with crackers, chicken divine with carrots and broccoli and Swiss chard, with stickier pudding for dessert. Delicious.
The sunset and full moon made the drive home perfect, except I was driving so could not see much. So many artists live in Nova Scotia. We stopped on the way home at Port Medway and came upon a showing of photographs, by a local photographer. Wonderful pictures. I did not buy a thing, but you never know what is just around the corner showing more bits of beauty.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
August 11, 2011. Western Head, N.S. A Day at the Cottage.
It is a perfect spot for children and active adults. Once again, I am pleased we own that little cottage on the lake. The weather was almost perfect with alternating cloud cover and sunshine but no wind, with the temperature a comfortable 72 degrees. No reason to complain about the weather today.
We all went this morning after breakfast along with Vinal who came to take the men out fishing in the boat. The kids swam and sat on the raft and used the kayaks and paddle boat. The ladies swam. Our late lunch was hot dogs and hamburgers, cooked on the grill down by the water. The big fire made by Mal. kept us warm coming out of the water.
It was a lovely day at the cottage. And tonight the sky is clear and the moon almost full. Our cup runneth over!!
We all went this morning after breakfast along with Vinal who came to take the men out fishing in the boat. The kids swam and sat on the raft and used the kayaks and paddle boat. The ladies swam. Our late lunch was hot dogs and hamburgers, cooked on the grill down by the water. The big fire made by Mal. kept us warm coming out of the water.
It was a lovely day at the cottage. And tonight the sky is clear and the moon almost full. Our cup runneth over!!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
August 10, 2011. Western Head, N.S. The Paddles.
They look wonderful, hanging on the walls of the cottage. They were painted by Pat A. and brought here by Susan and Tim in their car, but like everything else, the paddles have history.
When we first saw the cottage, two paddles were hanging on the walls of the living room. The owners hung them after celebrations were held at the cottage and the guests signed the paddle, giving them a memento of the happy events. The owners were told by their real estate agent that the paddles should be left, because they were attached to the walls, so the sellers asked us if we wanted them left on the walls. Ken and I assured them to take the paddles but that left four brackets, which we kept, to avoid the mark on the paint.
One day, Pat asked about the brackets, and when told the story, offered to paint two paddles for us. That was four years ago, so last summer, Ken and I bought two inexpensive paddles and sent them back to Ontario for Pat to paint. She had forgotten all about it. But now they are complete and hanging on the cottage walls. They look just great. One painting is even a picture of Ken tending the fire!!
When we first saw the cottage, two paddles were hanging on the walls of the living room. The owners hung them after celebrations were held at the cottage and the guests signed the paddle, giving them a memento of the happy events. The owners were told by their real estate agent that the paddles should be left, because they were attached to the walls, so the sellers asked us if we wanted them left on the walls. Ken and I assured them to take the paddles but that left four brackets, which we kept, to avoid the mark on the paint.
One day, Pat asked about the brackets, and when told the story, offered to paint two paddles for us. That was four years ago, so last summer, Ken and I bought two inexpensive paddles and sent them back to Ontario for Pat to paint. She had forgotten all about it. But now they are complete and hanging on the cottage walls. They look just great. One painting is even a picture of Ken tending the fire!!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
August 9, 2011. Western Head, N.S. The Fire Pit.
It was the first fire of the season. Tonight, we served wine and snacks down by the water. The evening was overcast but it was pleasant and cool. Tim made the fire, the Ely's brought their dogs, and a good time was had by all.
I don't really know why fires are so pleasant to be around. But they are. Sitting in the Adirondack chairs and watching the surfers in the ocean makes you think that all is well with the world. Add five children and eleven adults and you have a good small party. David bought the wood last summer and we are still using his wood. Great fire, good friends. Lovely time.
I don't really know why fires are so pleasant to be around. But they are. Sitting in the Adirondack chairs and watching the surfers in the ocean makes you think that all is well with the world. Add five children and eleven adults and you have a good small party. David bought the wood last summer and we are still using his wood. Great fire, good friends. Lovely time.
Monday, August 8, 2011
August 8, 2011. Western Head, N.S. Company is Coming.
We like company. Today we still have Dave and Irene so one bedroom is full. Pat and Mal. arrived at noon. Then at 4:00 Susan and Tim and their three children will arrive. Susan is the daughter of Pat and Mal. The children will use the bunk beds in the children's room and Tim and Susan will use the other bedroom, but tonight, Pat and Mal will sleep at Gill's house. The Carriage House no longer functions as a bedroom so our friend Gill will bail us out, something we appreciate.
Tomorrow, Dave and Irene return to their home in Ancaster, Ontario, so Pat and Mal will return to us and take up residence in their room here. Normally, they stay in The Carriage House, but not this time.
We are delighted to have children visit this year. The kayaks and canoes have not left the boat house this summer so I hope they get a workout now. I will miss Irene. She is a great help, and Dave is always paying the bills when we eat out. But tomorrow they must leave us, just in time for our next visitors. We are so fortunate that we like company!!
Tomorrow, Dave and Irene return to their home in Ancaster, Ontario, so Pat and Mal will return to us and take up residence in their room here. Normally, they stay in The Carriage House, but not this time.
We are delighted to have children visit this year. The kayaks and canoes have not left the boat house this summer so I hope they get a workout now. I will miss Irene. She is a great help, and Dave is always paying the bills when we eat out. But tomorrow they must leave us, just in time for our next visitors. We are so fortunate that we like company!!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
August 7, 2011. Western Head, N.S. Organizations and Annual Meetings.
Our little cottage on Ponhook lake is in a small subdivision called Moosehorn Estates. When the area was first built, the developer established an organization with by-laws that every one must sign when they purchase their property. Today was the annual meeting of the Moosehorn Estates Lotowners Association.
All the organization does is maintain the two mile road, from the highway into the properties so the only real business is the discussion about the road. But today, the sparks were flying. It was amazing to hear the good folks swear at each other, all because someone had a party last evening and someone else could hear the music. Great age differences of course but I was still surprised to hear this hostility in a country place, in a remote part of Nova Scotia and in Canada, where I thought that everyone was polite.
Of course, the President is not used to running meetings and allowed multiple conversations at the same time and certainly was unable to deflect the hostility. But I was surprised. Next year I will not miss this meeting for sure.
All the organization does is maintain the two mile road, from the highway into the properties so the only real business is the discussion about the road. But today, the sparks were flying. It was amazing to hear the good folks swear at each other, all because someone had a party last evening and someone else could hear the music. Great age differences of course but I was still surprised to hear this hostility in a country place, in a remote part of Nova Scotia and in Canada, where I thought that everyone was polite.
Of course, the President is not used to running meetings and allowed multiple conversations at the same time and certainly was unable to deflect the hostility. But I was surprised. Next year I will not miss this meeting for sure.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
August 6, 2011. Western Head, N.S. Ken Barby.
Ken Barby is my brother-in-law, the husband of my sister Carol. He is 86 years old and healthy and maintained their home on McCullough Lake, south of Owen Sound, Ontario. The only bow to age was not plowing the driveway during a snow storm. Paul, a neighbor, used his tractor and blade to remove the snow but Ken cleared the walkway and the path to the wood shed using the snow blower. In the summer, he puttered around with the lawnmower and weed whacker. And of course, he always kept the fire going in their wood stove. In other words, he was active and useful.
But last week, he fell in the yard and could not get up. Carol had an ambulance take him to the hospital in Owen Sound. It turned out to be an infected leg. When in hospital Ken suffered a massive stroke. Now several days later, he is just beginning to become responsive and trying to smile and talk. Living by the lake will no longer be an option for Carol and Ken but up until now, it has served them well.
Life is very unpredictable. One day you are healthy cutting the grass and the next moment you are in the hospital fighting to say a word. In the past, Ken was just like the bunny who kept going and going and going. Now we will cheer him on with his recovery.
But last week, he fell in the yard and could not get up. Carol had an ambulance take him to the hospital in Owen Sound. It turned out to be an infected leg. When in hospital Ken suffered a massive stroke. Now several days later, he is just beginning to become responsive and trying to smile and talk. Living by the lake will no longer be an option for Carol and Ken but up until now, it has served them well.
Life is very unpredictable. One day you are healthy cutting the grass and the next moment you are in the hospital fighting to say a word. In the past, Ken was just like the bunny who kept going and going and going. Now we will cheer him on with his recovery.
Friday, August 5, 2011
August 5, 2011. Western Head, N.S. Women and Responsibilities.
I have lived through the years of women seeking well paying jobs. And I have lived through the years where women were seeking equal pay for equal work. I taught at the time when a teacher was paid differently if you were married or had children, not degrees or years you taught. Economically, women are better off then ever.
Recently, I have been told by three women, who are married and have children, that they have decided to sever the marriage. I can not say enough of the foolishness of that behavior. I believe that when you have children, you are obligated to maintain the family unit and together, husband and wife raise those children. The idea that the woman has the right to decide to no longer be married is irresponsible.
I believe that women must make their own life outside the family unit while retaining the family unit. Women have the responsibility to remain married and to work out with their spouse any issues giving problems. Physical violence of course is a different matter, but in the three women I mention, we are not talking about anything except that the woman was not happy. I say "Get over it. Suck it up and find things that bring joy". There is no excuse for women to terminate their responsibilities. None.
Recently, I have been told by three women, who are married and have children, that they have decided to sever the marriage. I can not say enough of the foolishness of that behavior. I believe that when you have children, you are obligated to maintain the family unit and together, husband and wife raise those children. The idea that the woman has the right to decide to no longer be married is irresponsible.
I believe that women must make their own life outside the family unit while retaining the family unit. Women have the responsibility to remain married and to work out with their spouse any issues giving problems. Physical violence of course is a different matter, but in the three women I mention, we are not talking about anything except that the woman was not happy. I say "Get over it. Suck it up and find things that bring joy". There is no excuse for women to terminate their responsibilities. None.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
August 4, 2011. Western Head, N.S. The Weather.
It is always changing. Each part of the day is different. The weather in the town of Liverpool is not the same as out in Western Head. Sometimes at the cottage it is dramatically different than at the shore. It makes life interesting and difficult.
In Jackson, Mississippi it is 102 degrees in the shade. At Western Head, Nova Scotia, the temperature is 65 at high noon, the heat of the day. Ken is working outside wearing a jacket. For us, we are happy to have 65 degrees but if I was looking for summer fun on the beach and was here for only one week, I would not be so happy. The Ely children and grandchildren have had rain and cool the whole time they have been here.
You just can not predict the weather. But you can predict that the weather will soon change. It is part of the charm and difficulty of living in Nova Scotia in the summer.
In Jackson, Mississippi it is 102 degrees in the shade. At Western Head, Nova Scotia, the temperature is 65 at high noon, the heat of the day. Ken is working outside wearing a jacket. For us, we are happy to have 65 degrees but if I was looking for summer fun on the beach and was here for only one week, I would not be so happy. The Ely children and grandchildren have had rain and cool the whole time they have been here.
You just can not predict the weather. But you can predict that the weather will soon change. It is part of the charm and difficulty of living in Nova Scotia in the summer.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
August 3, 2011. Western Head, NS. The Cocktail Party.
One thing always leads to another. First, Dave and Irene drove to Port Mouton to purchase smoked salmon. Next we called our friends the Ely's to join us for a glass of wine and smoked salmon. In residence at the Ely home is five adults and five children so with the four of us and the ten of them, we had the makings of a real party.
The children were perfectly behaved, sitting at the kitchen table for their cocktails and helping themselves to the smoked salmon and cheese and crackers on the dining room table. In between eating and drinking, they played outside on Conner. And they inspected the house, which I thought was interesting. They asked to see upstairs, and when I told them "yes", up they went to check out every room. Only once did someone jump off the top bunk.
It was a lovely, casual cocktail hour. The Ely family are like part of our own family, we know them all so well and enjoy them so much. It is lovely to have good friends as neighbors, so we can have a cocktail party with short notice. And in addition to the company, the smoked salmon was delicious!!
The children were perfectly behaved, sitting at the kitchen table for their cocktails and helping themselves to the smoked salmon and cheese and crackers on the dining room table. In between eating and drinking, they played outside on Conner. And they inspected the house, which I thought was interesting. They asked to see upstairs, and when I told them "yes", up they went to check out every room. Only once did someone jump off the top bunk.
It was a lovely, casual cocktail hour. The Ely family are like part of our own family, we know them all so well and enjoy them so much. It is lovely to have good friends as neighbors, so we can have a cocktail party with short notice. And in addition to the company, the smoked salmon was delicious!!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
August 2, 2011. Western Head, NS. The Fundy Tides.
I know we have seen it before and we have read about it all our lives, but it is not until you are confronted with an endless expanse of mad flats that the 50 foot tide becomes reality. The tides along the Fundy Bay are unequalled in the world. We drove along the end of the Bay, at the south and north shores of the Minas Basin where the Bay gets narrow and all that water is squeezed together during the high tides, raising the water level up to 50 feet.
At Advocate Harbor, we observed fishermen lifting the lobster pots out of their large fishing boat. The boat was sitting on the mud bottom about 25 feet below the dock. They were using a power winch to raise up the pots. My brother David chatted with the men. They told him that when the tide comes in, the boat will leave, to retrieve the last of the pots as July 31 at midnight the lobster season ends on this coast. After three hours, when the tide is full, the men must step up to get onto the boat. At the moment, the mud flats in front of us stretch as far as you can see. The open water is a long way away.
It is an amazing sight and worth the short trip these past few days. It is kind of a freak of nature.
At Advocate Harbor, we observed fishermen lifting the lobster pots out of their large fishing boat. The boat was sitting on the mud bottom about 25 feet below the dock. They were using a power winch to raise up the pots. My brother David chatted with the men. They told him that when the tide comes in, the boat will leave, to retrieve the last of the pots as July 31 at midnight the lobster season ends on this coast. After three hours, when the tide is full, the men must step up to get onto the boat. At the moment, the mud flats in front of us stretch as far as you can see. The open water is a long way away.
It is an amazing sight and worth the short trip these past few days. It is kind of a freak of nature.
Monday, August 1, 2011
August 1, 2011. Western Head, N.S. Home Again.
On Saturday, when driving near the Minas Basin, we heard a siren. Very soon we could see a person stopping traffic with lots of cars parked beside the highway. Now we were driving on a main minor highway but two cars were stopped on the road in front of us. Ken suggested that we had been stopped for a parade. I scoffed. Surely they would not stop all traffic for a parade? The sirens were joined by other sirens and they kept the sirens running.
Walton was having their annual Field Day and the athletes and floats and fire trucks were on their way to the playing field which happened to be right across the street from us. We could see the procession across the river in town as it was winding their way along one street and down another to finally cross the bridge and drive into the park. And people were walking in the parade. It was all very small town North American. Ken was correct. It was a parade.
It seems in the Maritime Provinces, each summer, every town or city holds a Field Day. We saw signs every where we went. Certainly, the whole town of Walton was out to watch or participate in the parade. And they only held us up for twenty minutes!!
Walton was having their annual Field Day and the athletes and floats and fire trucks were on their way to the playing field which happened to be right across the street from us. We could see the procession across the river in town as it was winding their way along one street and down another to finally cross the bridge and drive into the park. And people were walking in the parade. It was all very small town North American. Ken was correct. It was a parade.
It seems in the Maritime Provinces, each summer, every town or city holds a Field Day. We saw signs every where we went. Certainly, the whole town of Walton was out to watch or participate in the parade. And they only held us up for twenty minutes!!
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