June 29, 2013. Western Head, N.S. White Point Resort.

The rustic old building was beautiful, with it's huge fire places  and leather chairs, to say nothing of the pine flooring and walls.    Since 1928, the resort served Nova Scotia well.  We made good use of it's beautiful beach, also the restaurants and swimming pool.  But last June, the whole building was destroyed by fire although all the cabins along the shore were saved.   Today, we four went to the new resort to check it out.  Several of the local folks were not pleased with the new building so we were expecting to be displeased.

Dave and Irene, and Ken and I went today for lunch to see the newly built White Point Resort.  It is lovely with big windows all along the water side of the new building.   There are still two large stone fireplaces surrounded by comfortable leather chairs.  The ceilings are high so the whole place is bright and airy.  The restaurant is as big as the old one and the bar is much bigger.   We four gave the new building  a gold star.  In addition, the food was excellent.  We do not know why the local folks found fault with the new building.   Ken thinks they miss the mould...

We had been told that the last storm had removed the sand from White Point beach.  We assumed it was an exaggeration but today, even though it was pouring cats and dogs,  it was obvious, that when the tide was high, there was no beach, as the water comes right up over the rocks.   Last year, there was fifty feet of sand even at high tide.  But no more.  You can only walk on the beach when the tide is low.   Nature is not kind!!

June 28, 2013. Western Head, N.S. The Fretless.

The group of four musicians were wonderful.   They met at college in Boston and are young, energetic and innovative.    The group plays with two fiddles, a viola and a cello, with the viola passed from one player to the next as in truth, the three are all fiddlers.    We four enjoyed every minute of the two hour program.  

We did not know what to expect.   It was advertised as a young group from the west coast, who sing folks songs and had won three awards for 2012 in Canada, so as Dave and Irene were here, we bought tickets, with the understanding that if it was loud, we could leave at half time.  And if it was boring we could leave.  These musicians were neither loud nor boring.   All four musicians were classically trained,  so they have all the technique in the world with their instruments, but their harmonies were interesting and unusual.   But at heart, the three were fiddlers.   The cello player is also a drummer, but not with this group.

I would agree with Ken, when he said that he had never heard such innovative and interesting fiddle music.   We all four enjoyed the concert, here in the Aster Theater in Liverpool.   I would attend a concert given by The Fretless any time.

June 27, 2013. Western Head, N.S. House Guests.

Years ago, when the boys were very young and lived in Bethesda,  my friend Ann was anxious because her parents were coming to visit from California.  We were at picnic group and Ann said she must return home immediately and clean her house, rather than join us all at Gill's for tea after picnic group, which was our habit.   I thought it was ridiculous as Ann's house was always clean but according to Ann,  her mother always cleaned the house, the day after she arrived, and if her mother found the house dirty, she would laugh about Ann's dirty house, both to the family and friends.  I was not impressed and had never felt comfortable with Ann's Mother, even though we met her many times.

I wanted people to visit me who did not criticize my house.   My own Mother would never have complained about my house work.   I decided early in my life, to enjoy my company and not worry that everything was in perfect order.   My Father taught us to treat guests as one of the family so they would feel comfortable so perhaps my casual attitude to guests was inherited.  Whatever the reason, I enjoy house guests.   I fill the fridge and freezer so I am not required to go to the grocery store often.   The first time the whole family visited Nova Scotia I drove to the grocery store every other day.   We soon bought a large freezer and extra fridge for the garage so now I am happy.

Dave and Irene will arrive soon from Ontario.   We are delighted that they will visit us for three weeks. They will stay in the new Guest House so they have their privacy and we have ours too.  All meals are eaten in the main house.   Actually, they are a big help, especially when we entertain.   We love company.

June 26, 2013. Western Head, N.S. The Cottage.

It is a sweet little cottage.   Today was our first visit of the season.    We went even though it was raining.  Our goal was to take out the sheets and towels and clothes, and to make a list of what we need for the season.

Vinal had put in the dock and the raft so it looked like a cottage but it rained the whole time so we spent no time down at the water and the deck.   The lady who normally cleans the cottage was unavailable so next visit we must vacuum and clean the bathrooms.   Ken will operate the machines while I look after the scrubbing.   And the furniture has not been all removed from the change house, so we have work to do.   We decided that it is easier to do when the sun is shining.

One of the joys of being at the cottage is that we have nothing to do, once it is set for the season.   After my organizing task was completed today,  I read the end of Political Woman, the biography of Jeane Fitzpatrick.   Ken cooked us hamburgers for lunch.   But the best part of the day was the nap.  Both of us took an hours nap.    Pure bliss, taking a nap in a cosy little one bedroom cottage, with no phones or  TV or Internet, listening to the rain.  Pure bliss!!

June 25, 2013. Western Head, N.S. Ladies Coffee Party.

I stole the idea from Christina and her Mississippi friends, but now every year when we arrive, I host a coffee party for the ladies.   And the ladies like it.   The local men meet for coffee regularly in town but the women do not, so these ladies are delighted to attend an only ladies allowed event.   There are differences between my event and the coffee parties I attend in Mississippi, but the spirit is the same.

The goodies I serve are not home made or fancy such as I am served down south.   There, everything is elegant from the desserts to the coffee pots to the china cups.  I buy the goodies from the grocery store and we all sit at the dining table and dig in.   But the coffee was good and plentiful and the food I served was tasty so everyone was happy.

These ladies today are a nice group who are active in the community.   And they never complain, in true Nova Scotian manner.   I stole the idea and I will continue the pattern.  We might even start drinking coffee downtown!!

June 24, 2013. Western Head, N.S. Blossoms.

The flowers are abundant, here in Nova Scotia late in June.   The pond is beautiful with tiny white flowers cascading into the water while the purple and yellow flags standing tall all around.  Going into town, you see large bushes covered with purple flowers and small trees full of white blossoms.   It always comes as a surprise to find so many flowers in bloom late in June.  In the DC area and in the south, the blossoms are all gone long ago.  

In town, the wild rose bushes are in bloom but here at the shore we see only buds on our own rose bushes.  Western Head is cooler than in town.  Global warming has been a major asset to our area, especially as we are only here in the summer.  People in town drive out to Western Head to get cool when the temperature gets to 80 degrees F.   The blossoms stay around longer out here and for that we are grateful.

The gold fish have survived the winter too.  We have five fish.  Right now I am getting them trained.   I want them to come immediately when I drop the food into the water.   It is probably a bad idea for the fish but I like to watch them so I will continue my task.   Gill wants me to weed the flower beds but I think not.  Ken is in charge of the outside world and I don't wish to interfere.   I will merely enjoy the colors of the blossoms.

The Ocean Pond in June

June 23, 2013. Western Head, N.S. The Parade.

It was a perfect length for a parade.    You knew you were in Nova Scotia when there were twice as many pipe bands as brass bands.   The Privateer Days Parade on Saturday at 11:00 was thoroughly enjoyable.    It had a home spun feel to the whole event.  The floats were not fancy or professional and there were no horses.   But there were crowds of people all along the parade route and everyone loved it, from young to old.

We saw a float of our ukulele strummers, playing and singing and we saw a day care  center float surrounded by young ladies pulling young children in wagons.  The best float held a big model of the Privateer Ship The Packett, which was found in the basement of Lane's Inn and restored.   This tall ship model was at least 12 feet long and was in full sail so it was very impressive.   Evidently the model was taken apart and stored in a coal storage area.  and as the model was black, the boat stayed in the basement for ages, perhaps as long as 25 years.  Now it is perfect and proudly appeared for the first time in the parade on Saturday.   Everyone cheered.

 The parade took one hour from beginning to end.    Everyone, including me, left happy.

June 22, 2013. Western Head, N.S. The War of 1812.

The War of 1812 had a big impact on Liverpool.   Many people living here made a lot of money.   The war was between Britain and the United States and it was acceptable to capture the ships belonging from the opposite country and tow it into port and sell the cargo, thus pocketing the profit.   The ship Captain was given the right to capture the enemy vessel by getting a Letter of Marque from the officials.  As Liverpool was a big ship building area, many vessels left Liverpool to capture US vessels.   They were very successful.   These captains were called Privateers.

This evening, we attended a dinner at Lane's Restaurant, celebrating the return to Liverpool of Captain Barrs, who had just returned from a successful trip on the Packett, his fast clipper ship.   We dined on a menu from 1812.   In between courses, the historian from Lousibourg told us the story of the menu and the events, so we got to enjoy the food plus learn a bit of history.  In addition, in costume, we dined with Mr. and Mrs. Sarrs, also Mr. and Mrs. Enos Collins.  Mr. Collins was the richest man in Nova Scotia at that time and funded the construction of the ships.   All the service folks wore clothes from 1812 too.  It was all very festive.

I studied the War of 1812 while in High School in Ontario, and I studied the War of 1812 while studying history at The University of Houston.   The motives and the results were quite different.   But tonight at Lane's, the War of 1812 brought only wealth to the good folks of Liverpool.   And the 1812 menu was delicious.

June 21, 2013. Western Head, N.S. Privateer Days.

June 21 to  23 in Privateer Days in Liverpool, Nova Scotia.   It is a grand event.   Three days full of activities, held in the downtown area in several different spots, are enjoyed by folks from near and far.  This afternoon when Gill and I went to check it was was a bee hive of activity.    At three o'clock this afternoon the Entertainment Tent was full.   It has 500 seats plus plenty of empty space for folks to bring their own chairs.   During the day, the entertainment is free but starting at 9:00, it costs a $8.00 cover fee.  

Nova Scotia has more musicians per capita than any other place I know.   Our town is not very big, but there are 36 different groups entertaining at Privateer Days.  And the groups are good.  Quite amazing really!!   There are vendors selling everything from furniture to jewelry to clothing along with lots of food booths.  Tomorrow morning there will be a parade followed by a full day of activities for both young and old.   A champion log roller will put on a demonstration  and an Historic Encampment u at Light House Park.   Every year brings new activities.  The town was full today with everyone in good spirits.   It is a wonderful event for our town of Liverpool.

June 20, 2013. Western Head, N.S. Sunshine.

Today is as pretty a day as you could possibly find, anywhere.   The sea is calm.  The sun is shining.  Everyone is happy.    An old man in town yesterday gave me a ten minute lesson on the spring weather at Liverpool.   According to him,   it raining every day and when not raining, the sky was overcast so it was cold too.  "No Spring at all", said he.   He was not a happy camper.  

I find it better to ignore bad weather.  The more you talk about the foul weather the worse it seems to be.  Ken thinks that is because we don't put up with bad weather for long so we pay no attention to the rain.  Our plan is to move north and south each year, following the temperate weather.    Seventy five degrees is perfect along with the sun shine.   If inclement weather comes along, rather than complain, we just know that soon we will be moving on so we ignore it.  But when you are stuck with it, people complain.

But today the weather is perfect at Western Head.   I wonder how long it will last?

June 19, 2013. Western Head, N.S. The Quarterdeck.

Tonight, for no reason at all, Gill took Kan and me to the Quarterdeck for dinner.   Somehow or another, unexpected invitations are more fun but I don't know why.   I had just come home from town, after tea with Mary and Walt, when Gill walked over to see if we would join her for dinner at the Quarterdeck.  What a lovely surprise.

The Quarterdeck is in Summerville Beach, just down the coastal road, and sits right over the sand and rocks and water.  When you eat on the porch, the water is right underneath you and at low tide you can watch the shore birds searching for food.   If you are looking for a restaurant with a view, the Quarterdeck would be the place to go.    This past winter,  during a storm,  water came right over the road so this year, all the foundation posts have been replaced under the restaurant and porch and a stone and cement wall installed in front of the parking area.   In past years, the only barrier separating the cars from the ocean was a row of logs.

Fortunately, in addition to the setting, the food is good, as is the service.    We like to dine there but we especially enjoy it when we are unexpectedly taken out to dinner.   It was a lovely surprise.

June 18, 2013. Western Head. Water!

Water we take for granted, here in Nova Scotia.   On Sunday while reading in the living room, I heard a motor coming on, then stop after a minute, only to start up again after three minutes.   It is not a normal sound,  so on Monday we called our plumber, Robbie, who came first thing today.   When he first started working for us fourteen years ago he had just started his own plumbing business and looked about 16.   Now he is rounder and older but unfailingly pleasant, helpful and efficient.

The problem was with the foot valve in the well, so he replaced it but the pressure tank still did not hold the water.   He hooked up a hose to our well at the guest house so we could function in our house, and he arranged to bring an excavator tomorrow to dig up the water line from the well to the pump.  Evidently, the water line is leaking.  Tomorrow at noon, the driveway will be dug up to expose the main water line.  Next Robbie will install a new line, and finally, the excavator will fill in the mess.  For three hours this morning we were without water in the main house which is an interesting experience.   We are used to unlimited water with the twist of a wrist.    Ken and I could move over to the guest house if necessary, plus we have large bottles of water in every bedroom, left over from the hurricanes.   I made coffee from that water this morning.   We could function just fine.

Last evening, Ken and I watched a TV show about slums in India, where women walk an hour to fill their bottles of water.   Today, I was grateful to be living in Nova Scotia where Robbie comes promptly to solve all our water problems.   I am feeling grateful!!

June 17, 2013. Western Head, N.S. Gill's Deck.

Gill built her home just around the Bay from us, where she looks right out to sea from her living room, which has large windows all across the wide room.    And she has decks on both sides of the house.   She has always complained about the railings on the decks, that obstruct the view.    Last summer, her son Tim, suggested that she remove the rail and install steps down to a lower deck, so she did.    George our builder built the deck.   Now the lower deck has railings, but at the top deck you can't see the railings.   It is a perfect fix for an irritating problem.

This afternoon at 4:00, Gill, Mary, Clif and I had the first cup of tea  on the new deck.  It is spectacular, sitting on the deck and looking right at to sea, with nothing in front of you to obstruct the view.  We all loved the improved view.   It is a wonderful small addition to Gill's house.  Now we must take a good look at our own railings.

June 16, 2013. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Norman Buckley.

Norman Buckley was my father and he was a good one.   Not every man who becomes a father ends up as a good one, but mine did, despite having no role model.   My father's father, Harry Buckley, was not a good father in many ways.   Despite having a lovely wife Alice, Harry drank too much which caused much grief to wife and family.  And one of my father's siblings, Stan, ended up in trouble with alcohol too, which also caused stress with family, especially his son, my cousin Ernest.

But my father joined the Salvation Army and became  a  non drinker of alcohol.  I have no recollection of why my father left his comfortable affluent life in Calgary to become a Salvation Army Officer but I suspect it had something to do with his father Harry.   My father was a butcher and owned his own butcher shop.  He wore a coon skin coat, played his trombone, with his Salvation Army hat at a rakish angle.  In pictures he can be seen wearing white socks.   In other words, he was not by nature a conformist, but he joined a military organization, where he was supposed to follow orders.

Fortunately, my father was a good natured soul, and often laughed at foolishness.   At officers Councils, Dad would often escape to take in a ball game.  His excuse was to say, "I have indigestion...  Spiritual Indigestion."  My mother was not pleased who had an easier time following  rules.   But she was not from Leister.   Unfortunately, my father died too young, at 62, from heart disease but he never really left us.   He believed that when he died, he was going home, but for his family,  he still lives on in our hearts and minds as a wonderful, kind father.   I was fortunate to have had such a father.

June 15, 2013. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Overwhelmed.

Gill and I don't understand why we both feel overwhelmed.  We arrive at our house, and for some reason, we feel required to get everything done immediately so we feel overwhelmed by the list of tasks  that need to be done.   Gill is upset with her yard.  It is a mess and the whole thing needs to be weeded so she feels unable to get it done.  Actually, she needs someone to look after her yard.  She hates weeding.

A new company cleaned our house in June.  From top to bottom, they did a true Spring Cleaning so the house is spic and span.  The problem is that the furniture is in the wrong place so the first thing I did upon arrival was put everything in the right place.   The interesting thing for me was why I could not just leave it for another day?    We were tired from the trip and I felt compelled to be moving furniture.

Next I attacked the garage and got it organized and again put things in place.   Finally, I opened my bags and put clothes and medications away.  Only then was I prepared to eat dinner and go to bed.

By today, the sense of being overwhelmed had disappeared.  I have yet to do anything with the outside furniture but I will get to that tomorrow.   It is the first day upon arrival that brings the sense of being overwhelmed.  It is foolishness but it is real.   Maybe  I will get better when I get old, and Gill too.!!

June 14, 2013. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Home Again.

I have been telling everyone for ages that we would be in Nova Scotia on June 15.  It is on our calendar too.   We booked the ferry for June 15 and the hotel in St. John for June 14.  In order to have a leisurely drive, we left a day early, on Monday,  and paid no attention to the calendar.   So today, when I went into the ferry terminal to get our boarding card, the young lady laughed and asked if I was having a senior moment, because we had ordered our ticket for tomorrow.  I laughed and laughed, as did Ken who had come in with me to the terminal.  

Evidently, we had already arranged the days to have a leisurely drive and by starting out early, we just arrived a day early.   The hotel folks did not say a word, but just checked us in.   The young man did ask Ken if we were staying over for the 14th but he said no.   The code for the wifi was Jun 13 which made me wonder as I knew we were taking the ferry on the 15th so we were obviously at the hotel on the 14th.   Oops.

Although it was a mistake, we were both delighted to be back to Nova Scotia and to our ocean home.   It is lovely here.   One day early is a blessing.

June 13, 2013. St. John. N.B. Chateau Saint John.

It is a lovely hotel, the Chateau Saint John.  Our room is spacious and gracious.  Our slow journey to our Nova Scotia home has been delightful.  Today we drove for three hours from Bangor to St. John, right across the countryside of Maine.    With no delay at the border, we were soon enjoying Highway 1 in New Brunswick, where the road is wide and smooth and the traffic almost non existent.  

At dinner tonight I told Ken that we are coming this route every time, just to be able to come to dinner at Billy's Fish Restaurant and Market in downtown St. John.    My scallops and sausage dinner was delicious.   I want to come again.    It was not pleasant to walk into town and we did not want to get in the truck so we took a taxi, which was a smart thing to do.   The down town area is old with narrow streets so we enjoyed the lack of hassle.

Unfortunately, the basketball game will be in San Antonio at 8:00 tonight, which means 10:00 in St. John.  I wish the Spurs well but I doubt I will watch.  Too late for old people!!

June 12, 2013. Bangor, Maine. Traveling.

Rain and more rain today.  Fortunately, we had only three hours in the car, so we slept late and ate breakfast at 10:00 before getting in the car at 11:00.   Ken and I each drove for an hour and a half, until we stopped for the night at our pre-arranged motel in Bangor.   Ken is getting very good at making the decision to book our motel each night.  Now tomorrow we will stay in St. John, N.B. getting ready to catch the ferry on Friday at noon.

The surprise of the day was our restaurant at dinner.   You learn something every day.  It turns out that The Hilton Garden Inn always has a restaurant on site.   Our motel, The Hampton Inn, is right across the street from The Hilton Garden Inn, and the receptionist told us about the restaurant across the street. I had asked if there was an excellent restaurant within walking distance and she told us about the restaurant across the street.  Ken and I were dubious but as it was raining,  we did not want to walk too far.   Much to our surprise, it was a wonderful restaurant.  We shared a flat bread for an appetizer which was light and tasty and for dinner Ken ate duck and I ate salmon.  It was a relief to eat an excellent meal.  It was the hit of the day.

Now tonight we will watch the hockey game.   I am enjoying TV after a month of deprivation.   There are advantages to travel!!

June 11, 2013. Portsmouth, N.H. Diners.

For two evenings in a row, Ken and I have eaten dinner at Diners.  We are not in love with Diners,   but they were within walking distance of our motels.   Getting back in the car was not an option.  The food has been fine but not fancy.   Tomorrow evening we will work harder to find a better restaurant.

The question we asked of each other is "What makes a diner be named a diner?"   Both Ken and I remembered the look of a diner, with silver clad siding with Formica and booths inside,  also with a lot of counter space.   But these diners we visited were more like regular restaurants so perhaps we are wrong.   I must look it up.

Today we had no rain which was a great blessing.  In fact, it was a perfect day for driving, with the sky overcast.  We needed no sun glasses.   Portsmouth is an old town and if there is no rain tomorrow, before we leave we might walk along their water front.   We have just over 6 hours before St. John so we can take our time the next two days.   It is a luxury indeed.

June 9, 2013. Artemas, PA. Farm Creatures.

Small rabbits live under our front deck.   They are remarkably tame.   While we sit and watch, they nibble away at the carrots set out by Ken.  Their babies are about the size of the palm of your hand, while the parents are only 6 inches long, the smallest rabbits we have ever known.  They are very cute, with their red and brown markings and are not a bit fearful of people, which is nice for us but might not be good for them.

This morning, for the first time, our two Canadian Geese went walking, with their goslings, right across our field.  Hurrah for the geese.  They have hatched their eggs.   Their diligence was astonishing.  Since we have been here 26 days ago,  the eggs always had a goose sitting on them.  But not any more.   Now if they can keep the goslings out of the pond, perhaps they will grow to maturity, before the snapping turtle eats them.  Ken spotted a snapping turtle last week with a 15 inch shell which means that turtle is old and smart.

The poor mother deer really wanted her baby to come back into the woods but the fawn was leaping all over the field racing in circles.   The fawn we noted early this morning was tiny with bright white spots.   It made us laugh out loud to watch the mother try to get her baby out of the field to safety in the woods.

For the first time ever,  I saw a pair of bluebirds flying at a tree swallow, trying to send that tree swallow away from their box where they are feeding their babies.  Normally, bluebirds are not aggressive but with babies in the nest to feed, the parents want no part of the tree swallow getting near their nest.   And I saw two Kildeer eating on the corn field.  I have heard their call for several days, but it wasn't until this morning that I spotted them.  Beautiful birds but noisy.

June 10, 2013. Lake Ariel, PA. Rain, Rain, Rain.

It is most unusual to drive through rain all day long.   There was not a moment when it was not raining. And when we were on top of the mountains we were driving through fog, thick fog, pea soup fog.  Unfortunately, I was driving through the fog, but I just slowed down and made sure my lights were on and kept coming.

It is true, that you get smarter when you get older.  Yesterday afternoon, we decided to stop our journey just outside of Scranton, so Ken booked a motel.  It was wise because this motel is full tonight and after five hours of driving in the heavy rain we were ready to get off the road.    After spending a couple of hours on the computer and iPad, we walked to an early dinner at The Twin Rocks Diner, again walking through the rain.  

Tonight we are supposed to have thunder storms with more rain forecast for tomorrow.   Now we must decide how far we wish to drive tomorrow.   Five hours driving today was just about right.  Now we will see if we will be smart tomorrow too.

June 8, 2013. Artemas, PA. Moving Chores.

You would think that we should have a check list  but we don't, perhaps because every place we leave is a bit different.  As usual, I set things out in the spare bed room that are going to Nova Scotia.   I have already organized goods going south in the fall.  For some reason, I can't think at the last minute.   But we are beginning to get ourselves organized to leave the farm.

Today we took the recycled stuff to Clearville.  And my bag with medications is already at the door, ready to load into the car.  In the event of a winter trip to Nova Scotia, I am taking my beaver coat with us now.     You never know when I will be cold at Western Head.   Tomorrow, Ken will make our last fire to burn up our trash and I will check the old farm house and close it up.  And we will visit with the Jay"s to be sure they know we are gone.  We have paid our bill with Gary, our lawn man, also the plumber.

First thing tomorrow morning I will do laundry and change the beds.  The towels I will leave.  After the laundry and the fire, we will be ready to leave on Monday after breakfast.   We are giving ourselves plenty of time to enjoy the journey.  We might even get to see a bit of St. John, the oldest city in Canada.  The art gallery in Portland has a wonderful show right now, so perhaps we will stop to see it too.  But maybe not.  Once we are under way it is difficult to get us stopped!!  But here we go...again.

June 7, 2013. Artemas, PA. New Bags.

Three friends came to visit us in Mexico using new,  four wheeled, very light suitcases.   All three gave their new bags a high rating, and recommended we buy new bags.  Our response was to say that we have good bags and although small, were adequate.   Ken and I did have a conversation about our bags, me saying that we needed to be very careful with our packing due to the size of the bags and the length of our big trip, Ken to comment that we could always buy bigger bags.  That was three months ago.  We said nothing more to each other about bags.

In Hagerstown this week, we stopped by AAA to upgrade our maps.  For several years, we have not carried the regional books from AAA  in the car, but recently, even Ken had missed having them along.  I like to look up information about the towns we are driving through, so we also acquired the books.

While Ken was getting maps, I went to the rest room and discovered that in the very back, they had  those new fangled bags for sale.   I immediately called for Ken to come and look at them.    I made a fuss, because twenty people were meeting with AAA people planning their trip, while I yelled from the back all the way to the front.   We opened up the bags, which are bigger than our old ones and are very light.  And they have the four wheels.  

When we discovered that when you bought one bag, the second bag was half price we were sold.   Now, waiting in a bedroom, to be taken south, are our two identical bags, ready for the big trip.  Whew.  I believe that I can now fit in my fleece vest.

June 6, 2013. Artemas, PA. Bluebirds.

Bluebirds are everywhere at the farm.  Now, in the Spring, the males are in bright blue plumage and are beautiful.   Ken installed ten bluebird boxes and since that time, we see them in abundance.  They had been there all along but now we watch them with the binoculars and we know for sure they are in residence.  From our hill top home, we can watch five bluebird boxes build their nests and feed their chicks.  It is another simple pleasure.

Yesterday while I was reading and listening to Mario Lanza, a thump hit the window which overlooks the deck.   It was a big thump which is not a good sign, and probably meant that a bird had run into the window.     Fortunately, the bird usually lays on the deck stunned but soon flies away.   Only once in the ten years we have lived here have we found a bird die from hitting the window.  Today, when I investigated, I found an immature bluebird slumped on the deck.  It looked drunk, but he was beautiful.  As I watched, bit my bit, he came to life.  First the wings came in close to his body, then the little head was held up high.  Finally, his legs came under him.   Finally, he flew away.   It was a highlight of my day.

June 5, 2013. Artemas, PA. Mario Lanza.

It is astonishing, truth be told.   Very small activities give great pleasure.  For two days, I have stayed at home, inside the Hill House and listen to the singing of Mario Lanza.  We have a package that allows me to listen to everything Mario Lanza recorded.  I have just listened to all discs twice.   He had a wonderful voice.

He is one of two people in my life who provided negative examples to me concerning weight loss.  He died in Italy,  at a weight loss institution, when he was not yet 40.   He had this marvelous voice but was always gaining and losing weight.  His death was controversial but it was probably a combination of medications and starvation that killed him.  Fortunately, he had recorded a lot of music, so we can still listen to his voice.  

It was wonderful listening to his voice.  I do wish he had sung in tune all the time.   His recordings were done in one take and never tweaked or had parts dubbed in to correct the bad parts.  I still enjoyed them all but I won't listen again for several years.    Too many high notes sung flat.

New Corn Rows & Bird in a Box

June 4, 2013. Artemas, PA. Stratford, Ontario.

Ken and I attended performances as often as possible, when we lived in Toronto.   The tickets were inexpensive because Ken was a student.   The Shakespearean Festival at Stratford was an hour and a half drive so we often attended a matinee and an evening performance.   In 1964 we moved to Texas and have not been back since.  But now we are vicariously living life at Stratford. through Slings and Arrows.

Dave and Irene gave us for Christmas the complete set of Slings and Arrows, a comic Canadian series that followed a Shakespearean theater troupe.    Every one knew it was really all about Stratford.   We watched the first set in Texas and  put it away for Murdoch Mysteries,  but now we are watching two shows each evening.   The highs and lows of the theater company are on full display and we are enjoying every minute.   The series is funny and it is sad but it definitely is not boring.   I had never even heard of the series until they gave us the discs but now we are enjoying them thoroughly.

In truth, there is a whole world out there that we know nothing about.   But now we know all about the series Slings and Arrows, thanks to Dave and Irene.

June 3, 2013. Artemas, PA. Hagerstown.

Since 1973, Ken and I have driven through Hagerstown, or we have driver around Hagerstown, or we have stopped to eat a meal in Hagerstown, but we have never spent time there.    We have gotten lost in Hagerstown and discovered new areas, never to be seen again.  Once we came upon  a whole neighborhood of gorgeous Victorian homes, all restored and looking fancy but we have never seen them since.  I don't think it was a mirage.

Today we actually spent money there.   The truck needed new tires so we went to Mr. Tire for four new tires.  We made an appointment yesterday.  They were ready and pleasant and efficient.  While Ken was waiting for the truck, I had a pedicure.    The young man must have been good because he talked me into a super bonus pedicure that cost ten dollars extra.    We ate lunch at the best Chinese Buffet we have ever seen.  Great food.   Both of us had medications to pick up at Walgreen's.  Again, the pharmacy folks were pleasant, efficient and enthusiastic.

Our last chore was to visit AAA for maps.  While there, we looked at new, light,  four wheel cases, which we might just buy for our New Zealand trip.

Hagerstown has improved since 1973.  The down town has been restored and the shopping malls on the outskirts seem bigger every time we visit.  Hurrah for Hagerstown.  Today, it serviced all our needs.

June 2, 2013. Artemas, PA. Demographics.

Demographic changes can impact your life.   Our boys were born in 1968 and 1969, the group of babies born after the Baby Boom years, which ended in 1964.   For ten years, the birth rate was low, and became the so called Generation X.  That was the first time I was interested in demographics.  The impact for the boys was real.  Because there were fewer children, acceptance into school was easier even when applying for Nursery School.  And it continued every step of their life although not obvious to the boys.

For thirty three years in the real estate business, I paid close attention to the demographics of the Washington area, to try to figure out where to spend our time and efforts to help buyers and sellers.   In 1978 when I came into the business, there was no need for luxury large condominiums in Bethesda but when the huge group of Baby Boomers got to retirement age,  there was a big need.  Fortunately, builders had anticipated their need.

Jonathan V. Last has written an interesting book, called  "What To Expect When No One's Expecting."  It is all about fertility and demographics.   His style is breezy and light.  I am almost finished and have enjoyed it thoroughly even though I have kept current on the literature over the years.   The book definitely is work reading.

June 1, 2013. Artemas, PA. The Strawberry Festival.

Everyone we know in Artemas was there, plus several hundred folks we did not know.    The place was hopping.  The Lebanon Christian Church this afternoon held a fund raiser for the Youth Group.  They served fancy sandwiches, such as, sloppy joes, hot smoked sausage with onions, hot dogs  along with potato salad and green beans.  The men and ladies of the church did it all and the community came out in force.

While the food was served, the outside chairs were full too, with people listening to the musical groups, which changed every thirty minutes but never seem to be different.  Most people stay to listen after they eat.

Off to the side of the dining hall are displayed antique cars, brought by the owners who sit by their car and beam...and of course answer questions.  One of the restored antique tractors is owned by Alan Jay.

The best part was the deserts.   Strawberries were served many different ways.   They had huge bowls of strawberries, all ready to be served over ice cream or separately in a bowl or poured over pound cake or biscuits.  And of course, with lots and lots of ice cream.

It is quite a show for a small church.   The service on Sunday is held at 9:30 with Sunday School at 10:45.  The young minister has done a great job building up the interest at the Lebanon Church.  Everyone seemed happy and enthusiastic.  Ken and I were happy to support their efforts.