August 31, 2015. Western Head, N.S. Friends.

Since Rita and Ian have left, friends are taking pity on us.    Mary and Walt and Larry and Jan have been bringing us dinners.   It has been a fancy Meals on Wheels and I love it.  In a conversation with son David, he admonished me to be sure to eat properly.  I assured him that we were eating like kings, thanks to our friends.

Yesterday at lunch we ate seafood chowder made by Larry and Jan.  Delicious it was with lots of lobster, scallops and shrimp along with fish.   For dinner we ate roast pork, made by Mary,  which she sent with all the trimmings, including applesauce and gravy.  Lunch today consisted of salmon cakes made by Larry and Jan along with coleslaw.  When I left the coffee party at Larry and Jan's this morning they sent me home with cookies for Ken.  They leave for England tomorrow.

While we were eating the left over pork for dinner at 7:00, Mary and Walt arrived with our dinner for tomorrow night, which was a pasta she had cooked for themselves tonight.   Ken and I are living high on the hog indeed!!

August 30, 2015. Western Head, N.S. The Mersey River.

Once upon a time, the Mersey River was an industrial site.  Ships were built on both sides.  Big ships loaded and unloaded from the busy docks.   During the era of the tall ships, the whole harbor was a busy, productive place.   For some reason,  the Nova Scotia ship builders stuck with building wooden sailing vessels, long after everyone else was making ships from steel.   Now the only productive building on the river was the Bowater paper plant, and it shut down last summer.   The town of Liverpool has existed for well over 250 years, with the harbor of the Mersey River the hub of activities.

This morning Ken and I took our walkers along the Mersey River.   The walkway is lovely with the area beside the walk a park.  While we walked we enjoyed the gulls and the water and the islands in the river.   And I tried to imagine what it must have looked like 200 years ago.  Today, we saw no one except for one couple gathering information from the Visitors Center.  I suspect that the smells and the noise would have interfered with our walk.  But today, walking along the shore of the Mersey River was perfect.   We will do it again.  And next summer we will encourage my brother to walk alongside the River.  It is much nicer than walking beside the wall on the causeway.

Ken and I were quite a sight,  both with a walker, with Ken lagging behind and I charging ahead.  We just laughed and kept going.

August 29, 2015. Western Head, N.S. Departures.

Arriving is much more fun than leaving.    In our neck of the woods in Nova Scotia, departures are in the air.   Recently we said goodbye to Rita and Ian who have returned to their life in Ottawa.   And on Tuesday, Wendy and Clausen and their dogs will leave for their Potomac home.  To ease the pain of departing, they will spend two nights at At. Andrew's by the Sea and three night at Booth Bay, so they are looking forward to an adventure as well as a long drive.

Ken and I leave September 8, while Mary and Clif  the same day will fly to Wales to spend ten days before returning to Nova Scotia where they will stay until the end of September.  Soon they too will have gone to Delaware and our houses will be quiet until late spring.   But our summer has been lovely and Ken and I are keen to see our Texas family again.  Then we will leave Texas on October 18 to drive to Mississippi, where our Mississippi family awaits.  I just received an e mail from Molly to ask when we are coming home, so we have lots to look forward to.   But our home here is so beautiful that we always hate to leave.   And with our precarious health we wonder whether or not we will ever be able to return.   But we were here for the summer of 2015 and we plan on being here for summer 2016 too.   We are counting on yet another summer in Nova Scotia.    As we depart on September, I will dwell on our return in 2016 and I will be happy.

August 28, 2015. Western Head, N.S. David T. Wright.

This morning, Gill, Wendy and I visited the home and studio of David Wright.  He and his wife live just along the shore, having moved here from Toronto over two years ago.  I have been so preoccupied with myself the past two summers that it has taken until now for us to meet him and to see his work.   We three spent a wonderful two hours seeing his work.   He is a wonderful artist.

I am always interested in what gets done and what is left alone.  When David and his wife first moved onto Shore Road I was not having many parties and there seemed no reason to knock on their door.  Folks would mention the artist down the road, but I would answer that I had not met him.  Finally, this summer, Gill saw David at a dinner party and he mentioned to Gill that she was welcome to visit his studio.  Last week,  while Gill had stopped by our house to say hello,  I suggested we both ask to come and see his studio.   Gill has been reluctant to visit, because his art is more expensive than we usually buy, so she feels badly to visit an artist and not buy any art.  I assured her that David would love to have us visit to see his work, so immediately, Gill phoned him for an appointment.  Our date was today at 10:00.  He was gracious on the phone.

And he was gracious in person too.   His wife is away visiting her parents but David toured us through the house, all the while seeing his work, which are displayed throughout.   It was stunning to see the expertise on display.  I am so sorry it took us so long to view his work but I am delighted to have met him now.   We have yet another artist in our midst.  And I am delighted.

August 27, 2015. Western Head, N.S. 57th Anniversary.

Today was the day, 57 years ago, that Ken and I were married.   Tonight we celebrated with our good friends in Nova Scotia.    Our cocktail party was small and pleasant.  Neither Ken nor I can manage social events that last for a long time so this time I specified a time period for friends to stop by for a glass of wine.  The time period had a start and a stop time and fortunately, everyone was gone by just after 7:00.  I have never done that before but I have little choice.

And Rita and Ian leave tomorrow morning early, so friends also were saying goodbye.   Both Doreen and Don along with Rita and Ian have looked after us well this summer.  We are grateful for their help. I suspect that Ken and I eat better meals when we have folks living with us.   But we will be by ourselves for 12 days.  Then we leave for Texas on September 8.

Today was a quiet celebration, which both Ken and and I enjoyed.   One highlight was brought by Jan and Larry.  They arrived carrying platters, one of roast lamb and the other of smoked salmon and endives with capers.  Unexpected but delicious.  And the roses from Rita and Ian looked beautiful on the coffee table.   The champagne brought by Wendy and Clausen added a festive touch.  Always frugal Gill gave us a lovely card, unsigned, but with a note inside, so I can re-use the card another time.  Friends have given us much pleasure over our 57 years of  marriage.  They certainly did tonight.

August 26, 2015. Western Head, N.S. American Money.

I am puzzled.  The Canadian Dollar is worth 75 cents less than the American Dollar, which means when I exchange a $100. American Dollar I receive back about $125. in Canadian funds.   When we bought our Nova Scotia home in 1999, the situation was similar.   Our friends bought their lots here, then built their homes here,  in part because of the exchange rate.   The money went further for us here in Canada than we would have had if we had bought in Maine.   Of course we liked the beauty of the place along with the sparse population, but the exchange rate was a big factor in our decision..

But what is puzzling me is that Americans right now are not buying property in Nova Scotia.  I know that the economy is causing anxiety for many Americans, but I am told that the sale of real estate in Maine is active with prices continuing to rise, so why are the Americans not flocking to buy water-front property in Nova Scotia?   The prices are modest, compared to the equivalent house in Maine, and there is an ample supply available.  Just along the shore from us are three homes on the water, ranging from three hundred to six hundred thousand dollars.  And the homes are lovely.

Our friend Walt specializes in the sale of water-front property.  He is selling to Canadians from Alberta and Ontario, but he has few calls from Americans.   One would thing that with the exchange rate in their favor and the prices modest, the clever Americans would flock here to purchase summer homes.  Maybe they will…soon…but it has not happened yet.  Definitely, it is a great puzzle.

August 25, 2015. Western Head, N.S. Paul's Bistro.

The chefs name is Hans but the name of the restaurant is Paul's Bistro.   This new restaurant in Liverpool is owned by Paul and the wife of Hans, who is very German.   I heard about this new restaurant on Monday morning at our coffee and chocolate event for ladies.   Sandra said that their  group had dinner in the restaurant, just for their own group and that the food was excellent.

Today, Rita and I went into the restaurant to see if we could celebrate our anniversary tomorrow evening.  We were pleased.  The small house had been renovated and was clean and tidy and tastefully decorated.  We decided to stay for lunch to be sure the food was good.  We arrived at 12:45 and we were the only customers.   Only German food was on the menu.  Several terms were not normal English words.   Perhaps Hans, who speaks English with a strong accent, wrote the menu.  If so, he needs someone to re-write the menu.  And we looked at the dinner menu too, which includes only 5 items.

Our food today for lunch was excellent.  In addition, Hans is a baker and sells German bread, which we bought.   We made our dinner reservation for tomorrow evening.  The restaurant is at the far end of town and is a difficult spot to find.  I drove past the restaurant several times without realizing that a new restaurant had opened.  They opened last September.  One wonders if they will be open in September of 2016.  I hope they make it but do people really like eating German food in Liverpool?  Hope springs eternal to those opening restaurants.

August 24, 2015. Western Head, N.S. Bruce Smith.

Perhaps it is the long winter.  Perhaps it is the lack of a large population.   Or perhaps it is because talented people prefer to live in beautiful surroundings, but where we live on Western Head, outside of Liverpool, Nova Scotia,  resides very clever people people who make beautiful objects.    All over the Maritime provinces can be found musicians, artists and writers in much larger numbers than be found in any other places we have lived.  

Today, Bruce brought his carvings to our coffee and chocolate event.  His work is beautiful, and is especially impressive when sitting around the dining table where we can manipulate his lovely objects.  He lives just behind Gill and has been for years but it wash't until last September that I discovered his work. Now my dining table is graced by one of his birds and several pieces will return with me to become gifts in Texas and Mississippi.  But what is always astonishing to me is that this perfectly ordinary person can produce such wonderful work.   Of course, everyone is special in their own way but I seem to be surrounded by extraordinary people.  And I appreciate every one of them.

August 23, 2015. Western Head, N.S. The Cottage.

In years past we entertained at the cottage but this year we go by ourselves accompanied by our house guests.   But we still enjoy going there although we don't really do anything.   For instance, today after our Sunday brunch of bacon, english muffins, cheese and coffee, we four drove to the cottage.   The weather forecast seemed promising.

The cottage was quiet and peaceful.  We all took a nap and then read all afternoon.   The only productivity of the day was when Ian went swimming and I sat on the deck by the water.  And Ken walked down to the water and back to the cottage without using the walker.  We also ate a late lunch of home made soup sitting on the deck by the cottage.  There was not another soul in sight, nor any sounds.   It is amazing to be sitting in this lovely spot and be all by ourselves.   I guess that is why we like the cottage.  Today was a good but quiet day.

August 22, 2015. Western Head, N.S. Betty the Cook.

The meal was typically Maritime.   Once a season, Betty comes and cooks a dinner that we would not get in Texas.   The haddock she cooks is fresh, just caught in the morning.  And the fish is served with only boiled potatoes.   The sauce is made with salt pork cut up small with onions.  I don't know what else is in the sauce but it is delicious.  I served it over both my fish and potatoes although Betty told me I was supposed to use butter on the potatoes. Parchment paper lined a deep pot and the fish was poached.   The whole meal was delightful.

For dessert we were served a large square with strawberries and whipped cream, with a shortbread base.  It was light but tasty.  Betty is an excellent cook and we four enjoyed our dinner with Betty and Vinal, all cooked by Betty.   I feel fortunate that our friends are good cooks.

August 21, 2015. Western Head, N.S. Dinner at the Guest House.

Yesterday, the self cleaning oven made the kitchen hot so Rita decided to serve us dinner in the Guest House.  It was great sport.  Ken and I have never lived in the Guest House so we were looking at it with fresh eyes.  And only once this summer had we been upstairs so it was a pleasure for us to enjoy the place.   The old Carriage House was charming and elegant but this new Guest House is more user friendly.  It is a very pleasant place to spend time.

David Nickerson re-made the maple table after the fire so it is beautiful and I enjoyed eating at the table.  And with 8 extra feet of space, the whole place seemed much bigger than just 8 more feet.  The lighting was excellent so Gill and I did a good job with the lights.  The furniture also fits well.  In fact, the couch is more comfortable than in our main house so perhaps soon we will replace our living room furniture.   The art was purchased at an auction but we could stand more, especially over the stairs.  We have two full walls totally void of any art.   But not now.

We did install a second railing to upstairs at the Guest House, something we should have done at the beginning of the season.   A special treat at our dinner was to eat beets from our garden, along with Swiss Chard.  Delicious.  Both were harvested by Rita.   Dining at The Guest House was another simple pleasure that brought us real joy.

August 20, 2015. Western Head, N.S. Ken's Birthday.

Yesterday was Ken's birthday.  He turned 79, which is excellent when you consider that when we married he had a life expectancy of 42.   Ken does not like to have a fuss made on his birthday so his day yesterday met with his approval.     The day was pleasant and low keyed.

We four went to celebrate his birthday at the Seascape, which Ken says has the best fish and chips in the world.   Our lunch was delicious.  We all ordered fish and chips which for Ken and I were the first of our summer in Nova Scotia.  Tradition says we always eat fish and chips at  least once each season, and yesterday was the day.   We drove to the restaurant along the shore,  always a treat.

The rest of the afternoon was spent sitting around the house, where Ken opened his birthday cards, delivered by friends.  And Wendy and Clausen brought over flowers from their garden, which now grace our dining table.

Ken's birthday supper was dining on smoked salmon.   Ken and I along with Rita and Ian sat around the kitchen table eating smocked salmon with creamed cheese and capers on crackers.   These chunks of salmon are not available other than Nova Scotia so it was a treat for all of us to enjoy our Nova Scotia food on this special birthday.  We were delighted to celebrate together with Ken on his 79th birthday.

August 19, 2015. Western Head, N.S. Blueberries.

You  buy them in a five pound box.  And they are delicious.  Living in Nova Scotia in August gives many blessings, not the least is eating wild blueberries.   The blueberries are grown close to the ground on rocky soil.  Each berry is sweet with a strong taste.  These berries are grown in Nova Scotia or New Brunswick and can only be purchased in the last of August and a week or two of September.  The rest of the year we eat the larger high bush berries, which are good but not nearly as good as the small, wild, low bush berries.

They are called wild but they are really cultivated on large farms and harvested by hand which means for lots of stooping.  I read an article recently who said that the best berry pickers are the clam diggers because they are used to working close to the ground.  Last summer, the berries were dry because we had a dry spring and summer, but this year the berries are delicious.  We are about to buy our second box tomorrow.   It is worth visiting Nova Scotia in late summer,  just to enjoy those berries.  Nothing like them in the world.

August 18, 2015. Western Head, N.S. The Boat Trip.

Ken and I stayed home.  Neither of us are stable walking on dry land, let alone on a boat.  Today our neighbors, Wendy and Clausen,  invited the Gull Bay Group on a boat trip,  cruising the shore in a brand new lobster boat owned by Mike, a lobsterman who lives across the lake.   When the boat came to our bay, it stopped right in front of our house and I waved and rang the dinner bell.    They cruised  up the river to Liverpool,  calling friends on the phone as they passed their homes.  Evidently it was great fun.

Lanes provided the picnic lunch which Rita and Ian reported was excellent.  In fact the whole journey was a delight.  They all met at the dock in Port Mouton at 11:00 and returned home at 4:30, so they spent most of the day on the boat.  No one got sick and the fog came and went.  When the boat was in front of our house there was no fog but as they drove away the boat disappeared into the fog.

Ken and I were sorry to miss the boat trip but we did not feel deprived.  We took a hot tub and watched one of our new videos, given to us by Dave and Irene.   We would have enjoyed seeing the boat which is brand new, rigged up with all the fancy technology.  It is 52 feet long and 25 feet wide and is very steady as it churned through the waves.  Now we wish Mike a successful lobster season ahead.  He made 12 people very happy today.

August 17, 2015. Western Head, N.S. A Dinner Party.

Last evening was no exception.  Dinner parties are best if a some one new is invited, at least I have always felt it to be true.   This morning, our friends Don and Doreen had to leave to drive home to Ontario so last evening we invited our Gull Bay Group to dinner, along with Peter, who is building a new house along the shore from us.  His 22 year old nephew was visiting so he came too so we were a dinner party of 15.   And a happy group we were, saying goodbye to Don and Doreen and enjoying each other, all the while getting to know our new neighbor Peter.

Rita and Ian are here too so between Doreen and Rita, we were able to get the evening organized.  I can not entertain on my own any more.  The evening was splendid.  The weather was perfect so we drank a glass of wine on the deck, which was the first time we have been able to sit on the deck for any length of time in the evening.    Our menu was simple:  mixed nuts with the wine, butter nut squash soup  for the first course and lasagna, green salad and rolls as a main course and cheese cake with blueberry sauce for dessert.   The lettuce was fresh from our garden, harvested by Rita, who also made the salad.   She also baked the cheese cake.   Gill commented that the food was perfectly balanced, and it was.   The food looked good and there was not too much of it.  We were all pleased, especially that by 10:00 all the tables were returned to their place and everything was clean and tidy in the kitchen.  Before Don and Doreen left, while the rest of us slept, Doreen emptied the dishwasher and loaded the rest of the dirty dishes.  It was their last task and much appreciated.   Their departure was an excellent excuse to have a dinner party.

August 16, 2015. Western Head, N.S. Shopping.

For the first time in a almost a year, I went shopping.    I was surprised to discover that I had missed it.  When  I was diagnosed with this dire disease,  the good doctors recommended that I stay away from crowds of people in order to avoid infections, so I stayed out of grocery stores.   But yesterday morning, while Doreen was doing the grocery shopping in preparation for our dinner party, I went to the liquor store to buy the wine.   We decided that there would be very few people in the liquor store first thing in the morning.  We were correct.   I had the place to myself.

The grocery store and the wine store are adjacent so when I was finished, I waited for Doreen at the front of the grocery store in the sitting area of the deli section.  And I drank a cup of coffee which was also a milestone as I have not been able to drink coffee.  Don visited the hardware store and joined us for coffee before we headed home.  I was delighted to discover that I actually enjoyed selecting the wine and drinking my coffee.  And no one else was sitting in the dining area so I was alone, but I could watch the people walking by in the distance doing their grocery shopping.   Simple pleasures bring satisfaction once again.  I did not know I had missed the shopping.

August 15, 2015. Western Head, N.S. The Fog.

Wendy loves fog.  This summer she has been very happy.  Almost every morning we awaken to see fog.  When we look out the windows we see only a white mass.   We can see neither trees nor water.   But sometime during the morning, when the sun gets higher in the sky,  the fog lifts and we get to see the ocean and the grass.   I can see why Wendy likes the fog because it is a bit mysterious.  You don't really know what is on the other side.

Many years ago, a friend from work and her family stayed in our house.  We were not there.   During their whole visit, they never could see the sea.  They could hear the waves but they could not see the waves because they were fog bound.  In town, there was no fog and when driving around the province there was no fog but at Western Hear the fog stayed thick all day and all night for the full four days of they visit.  

This summer we have had a lot more fog than usual.   When we drive from town and make the last turn down the hill and see the ocean, we always speculate as to whether or not we will see fog.   This summer we have seen a lot of it.  But we just laugh and know that we will have a temperature of 70 degrees along with the fog.   We are not dealing with 100.  And we are happy along with Wendy.  Fog is no problem for us.

August 14, 2015. Western Head, N.S. Swimming.

Today was a red letter day at the cottage.  I went swimming in the lake.   The day was beautiful so after lunch and a short nap, I put on my bathing suit and sat by the water on the deck and waited for Ian to come down in his bathing suit.  I knew it would be tricky for me to get in and out of the water so I needed a strong arm.   The sky was bright blue with white puffy clouds in the distance and the sun was shining so I knew it was time to get in the lake.

Ian helped me until I was able to float.   I did not actually swim much, just moved around on my back and Ian did not want me going out to the raft where it was deep, but the water was lovely.  Rita, who is a non swimmer, came into the water too, along with the help of two noodles to keep her afloat.  And Ian who is a good swimmer swam to the raft and back.  I did not stay long in the water but it was a milestone.  Today was the first time this summer that I have been in the lake.  And all last year in Mexico I could not go into the pool because of the drain from my chest.  Next time I will swim further and stay in the water longer.  But today was a first step and I was pleased.

August 13, 2015. Western Head, N.S. Hank Snow.

Hank Snow was a local boy who made good.  He was born in 1914, in Brooklyn, just beside Liverpool, our little town.  His upbringing was not easy and at age 12 he left home to work on ships, all the time singing and composing his songs.   During his life time he wrote over 800 songs and his songs were number 1 on the charts for longer than anyone before or since.  He died in 1999.

In Liverpool there is a Hank Snow Museum, held in the old railroad station.   It is worth a visit.  Every Wednesday, Gill used to attend a concert at noon outside the Museum.  People brought their lawn chairs and ate dollar hot dogs and enjoyed a group perform the Hank Snow tunes.  According to Gill, some groups are better than others, but everyone enjoyed singing along.   Everyone knew every song.

Each August for the past 10 years, a Hank Snow Tribute has been held in Queens County.  It started out as a one day event at Summerville Beach.   On August 23 a four day event will be held at the Elmira Center in town.   Performers from far and near will be here to sing and play.  Hundreds of people stay in their RV's.   Concerts are held in the morning, the afternoon and at night, all at the Queens Place Elmira Center.   It is a great facility even with ice at your feet.   This Hank Snow Tribute is a big deal for Liverpool because Hank Snow was a big time musician, who hailed from Queen's County.   Most of his life he lived in Nashville but the locals still call him a home town boy who made good!!

August 12, 2015. Western Head, N.S. Dinner at the MacDonalds.

Mary and Walt are gluttons for punishment.  This evening they invited all 6 of us to their home for dinner.   As usual, our dinner was delicious:  Haddock with shrimp sauce, rice and broccoli.  And my favorite, carrot cake for dessert.   What was special about our dinner tonight was that  for the first time, we dined in the new dining room.   Over the winter, they removed the wall separating the dining room from the TV room.  They moved the dining table right beside the kitchen so now the whole area is open from the kitchen to the dining room to the TV room.  It is bright and airy and beautiful.  And Mary is not isolated in the kitchen when she cooks.

This was the first time we have dined in their home this year, which is unusual.  Mary brought meals to us when we first arrived.  Then we had the three weeks of catering.   And until recently, I was better off staying at home for meals so Mary was careful not to invite us.  But she could tell that with just the six of us,  Ken and I could manage dinner at their home.  So we went early and came home by 8 and all was well.  

Mary is a wonderful cook and much to my surprise, she likes to cook.  It is always a pleasure having dinner at their lovely home.  Tonight is no exception.

August 11, 2015. Western Head, N.S. The Cattle Business.

In Pennsylvania at the farm, we raised Angus beef.  We were a cow calf operation.   We kept the heifer calfs and sold the bull calves.   And we ate the meat too.  Brian looked after the cattle.  During calving season in early Spring, Brian would check on the cows twice a day to see if the cows needed help with  birthing.  Angus cattle have big calves which is hard on the mother cows.   They definitely required attention.   But the calves sold well and of course, the meat of the Angus cattle was delicious so you put up with the extra effort.   And we loved looking at all those black cows and calves on the hillside.  

In Texas, in order to receive the agricultural tax exemption,  you must keep animals on your property, or you must raise crops.   Our friends Joyce and Robbie have always raised goats while my friend A.A. cuts and sells hay at her country home.  We decided to raise Longhorn cattle at our small ranch.   They were bred to look after themselves.   They have small calves so need no help with birthing.  And they are not picky with their food.  We like to look at them too.  They seem to look like Texas.   They basically look after themselves although we give them treats when we are living there.   In dry seasons we must provide extra food so Steve buys hay and feeds them regularly.  And he puts out mineral blocks.    We enjoy watching the calves frolic around but most of all we like the looks of the longhorns on the land.   It seems like we are really in the cattle business.

August 10, 2015. Western Head, N.S. A Bull.

At the ranch in Texas we keep Longhorn cattle.  We like them.  They look nice and seem to fit in Texas.   And we sell them too so we make some money.  Steve, who lives down the road, looks after the cattle when we are not there.  From time to time, he ask Steve to take calves to auction or sell the older cows, so we are always making changes to our small herd.  If we are not careful, our herd will get too big.  Our small ranch will only feed about 10 or 12 head of cattle and as we had a bull and 8 cows, we were always having more calves.

Our bull was getting old, so over a year ago we sold our bull.  But we kept having more calves and discovered that one of the 2 steers was only partly steered, so we sold both of the big steers too.  Unfortunately, a black bull jumped the fence so we soon had a black bull calf, which does not fit with our herd, so we sold it recently for a good amount of money.  We recently sold 3 of our cows to our good friends Joyce and Robbie.   They have always kept goats but the wild pigs are killing their baby goats, which is very discouraging, so they too will be in the longhorn cattle business.    With the new sales, we are down to 5 cows, all young ones.

Now we are getting ready to buy a bull.  Steve has been looking for just the right bull.   We are fussy with our bulls.  We don't want them to be too aggressive or too big but we do want them to do their job and provide us with more calves.   The only way we make money is to sell the calves.  Being in the cattle business is fun but I will be happier when we once again  have own own bull on our ranch.  No black bull will jump the fence when our own bull is protecting his herd.   And the cows will be happier too.  All will be well on the Double D Ranch when we get our new bull, which should happen soon.  We are ready!!

August 9, 2015. Western Head, N.S. Surfing.

Surfing in Gull Bay is not the same as surfing in Hawaii.   But it is still called surfing.  Yesterday, 7 surfers were plying their trade and getting good rides too.   By noon, the waves had gotten higher and the surfers came out to measure the height.  Soon the surfers began appearing.  Their communications skills are such that the message is quickly spread.   Their cars park along the road by the causeway.  They put on their wet suits right on the road, ignoring any cars that pass by.  They do the same thing when leaving, stripping down then pulling on dry clothes before driving off.  They are always polite and friendly and we in turn enjoy watching them surf.

Of the 7 surfers yesterday, 5 were novices and got few good rides.  But two of them were excellent and caught ride after ride.   As we watched, it was easy to pick out the experts.   Isaac, who made our bench is a surfer and a good one.  He was out there catching the waves.  And one of our local GP's, Dr. G. was out there with the group.  When the surf is up, he cancels his appointments.  No one objects.  He is an excellent doctor and he lives here specifically because of the surfing, so everyone cuts him some slack.  It only happens a couple of times a year.

This morning, a group who was staying overnight at the end of San Beach Road met up with Gill.  Turned out the folks were from Annapolis, Maryland,  and heard about the surfing in Nova Scotia.  They had fun yesterday.   So Gull Bay has become known in the surfing world.  What a surprise.

August 8, 2015. Western Head, N.S. Smoked Salmon.

The smoked salmon in Nova Scotia is the best in the world,  or so we say.   They serve it not only the traditional way which is sliced thin and served with capers and cream cheese and onion but also in thick pieces served in strips.   And the smoking is light so has no strong taste.

This evening  before dinner we six had a party, sitting around the kitchen table and eating strips of smoked salmon with capers and cream cheese on crackers and drinking a light Nova Scotia sparking wine.    Rita was the instigator of our party which was another extension of her birthday celebration.   We thoroughly enjoyed our smoked salmon which is Rita's favorite.  In Ontario the thin sliced smoked salmon is available in the stores but not the thick chunks of salmon that can be purchased here in Nova Scotia.  Gill prefers the chunks of salmon too.

Tonight we had a treat where we ate a delicious appetizer and enjoyed each others company, all because we are living in Nova Scotia.   We are fortunate indeed.

August 7, 2015. Western Head, N.S. Ian and Rita.

The area around the pond has had a face lift.  Rita has gotten rid of the weeds and cut back the shrubs and bushes.  Now the Japanese maple tree stands out just as Ken wanted it to be.   Of course, Rita spent so much time on her knees that she became stiff and sore.  Ken suggested that small doses would make her feel better, but that is not her style.  Rita wants the task completed.  The pond and environs look lovely, thanks to Rita.

Ian has been cutting back the roses.  One set of stairs from the deck was occluded by the over grown rose bushes.  But no longer.  Ian has fixed them.   And Ian replaced the burned out bulbs in the garage so now every bulb lights up.  He rescued the gull from the foliage in front of Fisherman Joe so he and Ken could mount it on the stump by the front gate.  It will no longer stay in the hand of Fisherman Joe so Ken has put the gull in a new spot.  Once upon a time an eagle was in that place on the tall stump but a big storm blew it off and demolished the wings.  Now the gull sits there, pretending to be regal and eagle like.  Ian is a big help to Ken.   And Rita just dives in and roots out the weeds and grasses.  Such energy and expertise in our guests is remarkable.   It is wonderful to behold!!

August 6, 2015. Western Head, N.S. Butter Tarts.

Ken loves butter tarts so yesterday Doreen and Rita baked them for him as a surprise.  Doreen made the pastry while Rita made the filling.  They were delicious.   They made twenty four.  Today there are two.   They were perfect,  just like his Mother used to make.  A good butter tart has liquid in the middle so the filling runs out on the plate.  This afternoon Ken ate a butter tart without bothering with a plate and ended up with the filling all over his hand and the table.  It was a perfect butter tart.

People think that a butter tart is similar to a pecan pie but that would not be accurate.  A pecan pie or tart does not have liquid in the center.  It is impossible to buy a butter tart in the US.   In Canada, everyone makes butter tarts and you can buy them in any grocery store or bakery.  And most Canadians are not aware that only in Canada can you get one.   It was not until we moved to Texas in 1964 that I realized that butter tarts are specific to Canada.

The best butter tarts are home made.   We ate them for dessert last evening.  Each of us ate two.  We were fortunate that our cooks can make such delicious butter tarts.  Rumor has it that Doreen still has pastry left over for another batch.  That will make Ken happy.  He has been known to eat three butter tarts in a row for dessert.  They are rich and filling but delicious.  We both love butter tarts.  Hats off to Rita and Doreen.

August 5, 2015. Western Head, N.S. Septic Tank.

Time passes and we forget.  In 2008, the septic tank was pumped out, prior to our 50th anniversary.  Ken decided that it was time we do it again.  Bright and early Tuesday morning, the company truck arrived but we were unable to remember how to access the opening to the tank.  Both of us recalled the deck being installed so we could be sure to easily remove only the one section to get at the correct spot. But the right part of the deck could not budge so we did what we always,  do which was to call George, our builder.

The problem was the screws.  They had rusted over the years and the wood was heavy.   George and the head of the septic company spend several hours taking the deck apart and locating the opening to the tank.   By the afternoon, the tank was empty and does not need to be done for another 7 years.   Next time, the system will be better to remind us when finding the opening.  Only three boards need removing, which Ken has marked.  And a handle has been attached to the opening to the tank, with a rope leading out the side of the deck.   Now we hope that no one comes along and cuts the rope.  Our memories need to be reminded by that rope.

Today the deck was put back together so we are perfect.  That is another task checked off our list.  This is called progress.

August 4, 2015. Western Head, N.S. The Drone.

Doreen was sitting reading in the living room when a small machine appeared outside the window.  It seemed to be looking at her.   Then it flew away.  For the first time, a Drone was taking pictures on our property.  We felt as if we had joined the 21st Century.

Tucker was given a drone for Father's Day.   When he was visiting family and friends in Nova Scotia, he took pictures with his new toy.  The pictures are interesting because they are taken from above the action.   All the Ely Family came to use our fire pit to toast marshmallows.  Once the fire was going, Tucker took pictures using the drone.  It was fun watching this little machine zooming all around the area, going high up over the ocean and then over the house.  But it was even more interesting to see the pictures.  Tucker made a video of their week in Nova Scotia.  Interesting perspectives.   One day the Ely family took a boat ride and you can see pictures of the family eating lunch on the boat when anchored in deep water far from shore.   It looks as if the picture was taken from an adjacent boat that was bigger and ten feel away.  In reality, the drone took the picture.  Wonderful pictures that you could not  take without that little drone.  

This was the first for us, to have pictures taken on our property by a Drone.  I suspect it will not be the last.  We have joined the modern world.

August 3, 2015. Western Head, N.S. Fraud.

I have always thought that if the folks who try to cheat you would take as much effort in legitimate business they would make a lot of money.    These cheaters certainly go to great lengths to try to get your money.  This morning at 8:30, I received a call from a man saying that someone was using my credit card.  He was pretending to be from Visa and said that someone ordered something on e Bay and as I had never used e Bay, they wanted to ask if I had made the charge.

The call was sophisticated but not quite right.  He asked me to get my card to confirm that the card was in my possession.  Then he wanted me to confirm my account number.  Then I was suspicious so refused.  He got cross with me and hung up.  We have been called often by scam artists but it is always obvious.  But this call was different and clever.

Perhaps because we have a land line in Nova Scotia that we have received several of these calls this summer.  We have just won a cruise and all I must do is give them my credit card to get the credit.  Or they tell me they will reduce my interest rate if we just give them my card number.  Those calls are easy.   I just say no but this morning the call was almost believable.   Over the years we have had credit cards tampered with but the conversation with the fraud department of the credit card company is different than the one from this morning.  But it was close enough to make me wonder.

I immediately called Visa and no charges were made on my card so it was a scam and an attempt to get my card number.   These fraud artists are busy and a nuisance.   Makes me think I don't want a land line.

August 2, 2015. Western Head, N.S. An Excursion.

We four took an excursion today.  The day was glorious so we decided to drive along the shore, a trip we have taken many times before but have never driven this summer.  Our ventures away from the house this season have been limited.  Last year we also stayed close to home because I had little energy, so today, with Don driving, we headed out right after brunch.   Our plan was to limit our journey but still enjoy the beauty of the ocean and the river.  And of course, not get too tired.

We drove the shore route through Brooklyn and Eagles Head, through Voglers Cove and Petite Riviere.   The journey took us along the LeHave River,  across the river on the little ferry and finally for lunch in Bridgewater, at the Wave Seafood restaurant.  The drive was lovely.  The sunshine was bright and the sky was blue and all the houses looked beautiful.  And flowers were everywhere.  Today, everything seemed to sparkle.

After lunch we drove to Port Medway to the local store and cafe where we ate ice cream.   We ate by the light house, sitting in the full sun.  The cool breeze made us comfortable.   Our arrival home at 3:45 still meant some of us were able to have a short nap.   When you don't take many excisions, the few you take are extra special.   Today was special.

August 1, 2015. Western Head, N.S. The Weather.

We pretend to be obvious to the weather.  Our conversation never involves complaining about the weather.  Our habit is to ignore it.   But of course we are like everyone else.  We  feel better when the sun is shining.   It is ridiculous but true.

Today was as pretty a day as you could find anywhere in the world.  The sky was blue with no clouds in sight.  In town, the temperature was almost 80 degrees.   The Ely's went to Carters Beach and it was beautiful.  At Western Head, it was 75 with always a cool breeze.  We stayed home and enjoyed the sea and the sun.  Doreen sat in the sun this morning but came in because she was too hot.  This was a first.   Being hot in Nova Scotia is unusual although when the temperature gets over 80 the local folks are uncomfortable but at the shore there is always a cool breeze.  In the 15 years we have lived here we have had only one evening when the dining room was too hot to serve dinner, so we took the appetizers down by the water where there was a breeze.   Then we came up to dinner when the evening cooled down.

Everyone loves a pretty day, including us, so we four spent a delightful day reading and eating and enjoying the weather.  Everyone was smiling.