May 31, 2017. Harper, Texas. Appointments.

This morning I saw Dr. Flynn, the eye surgeon from San Antonio.  He and his crew come to Kerrville on Wednesdays so I saw him there.  When I first met him, I was on the cliff, very close to falling over and becoming blind but today, we both agreed that together we have made progress.  I can see 20/25 in each eye and my pressures are within normal range.  I need no eye drops.  Of course, I see nothing out either side of my eyes, but straight ahead I am close to perfect.  He is pleased.  Now I must see him in three months when we return.

Dr. Stotz, our long time neurologist in Fredericksburg, saw Ken today.    That appointment also went well.  Dr. S. thinks Ken is handling his situation just fine.  Ken was able to pass all the dexterity tests plus the memory tests too.  Except Ken could not remember whether it was May or June.  Ken was remembering that when he would make rounds and ask a patient for the date and day, he always had to ask a resident if the answer was correct because Ken never did know the day or date.  He did know it was Wednesday.  No need to change any medications for Ken.  His advice to Ken was to just keep on doing what you are doing.  And keep going.

So our appointments went well.  Of course, neither of us either look or feel perfectly well.  But we are walking and talking and doing everything we are able to do.  Tonight we will sleep in the Top House in our beautiful bedroom.  Getting here was an accomplishment.

May 30, 2017. Kerrville, Texas. The Hampton Inn.

Ken has been experimenting with modest priced motels.  Some time last year when we were staying at our favorite Comfort Inn in Fredericksburg, Ken thought our room seemed a bit musty.  That very night, he looked at the rating for all other motels.  We have been using a different motel ever since.  Much to his surprise, La Quinta has the top rating but we have yet to use it, at least not yet.  Next week I have doctor appointments on adjacent days so we will probably stay the night in Fredericksburg, but nor in The Comfort Inn.

Our drive from the lake to Kerrville was just over an hour.  We left just after noon.  I loaded the car with our small cases and backpacks, along with the food that Suzanne had kindly set out in the fridge for us.  I can not carry a loaded cooler out to the store  so yesterday David put 2 bags of ice in the cooler and put it in the car.  Today I just carried the food to the car in bags, which I was able to carry on my shoulders.  On stairs, I must hold on to a railing.  His  system was great.  The ice was still frozen and  I was able to load up the car.  David and Suzanne also took our car to fill up with gas so we did not need to stop today.

The Hampton Inn is just fine.  The room was ready when we arrived so we took a nap before going out to eat.  Ken was still asleep before I was hungry so I ordered a big pizza and salad along with cheese cake, which was delivered in 20 minutes.  We now have enough food to eat all evening so we are now in our night shirts and will stay in our lovely room.  Tomorrow my appointment with the eye surgeon is for 9:30 so we must be up to have breakfast before heading to the doctor.

We arrived at The Hampton Inn at the same time as a storm.  I got drenched just getting my backpack out of the car.  On the elevator, a man wearing leather clothes had just driving through pelting rain.  It was definitely not a good day to be driving a motor cycle.  He said he was pleased to be at his motel, safe and should.   We too were pleased that we got as far as Kewrrville with only one short rest stop.  Progress.

May 29, 2017. Canyon Lake, Texas. The Quiet House.

Everyone has left for San Antonio and the house is extraordinarily quiet.  But we are busily getting organized,  ready to drive to Kerrville tomorrow.  I have the last laundry in the machine.  My roll on is standing by the front door, ready to be loaded into our rental car tomorrow.  David and Suzanne have been helping us all weekend.  Today they filled our cooler with ice and put it into the car.  Tomorrow U will carry the food from the fridge to the car, bit by bit, after first draining off any water from the cooler.

Tomorrow our plan is to stay in Kerrville at The Hampton Inn as I have an appointment with eye  surgeon on Wednesday, the one who was displeased we were leaving town.  My appointment is at 9:30.  Ken has an appointment with his neurologist in Fredericksburg at 1:00.  Then we will drive to the ranch.

Last year, David urged us to consider selling the ranch.  We agreed it was a good idea, until we got to the Top House, when Ken decided a definite NO.  But our situation this year is different.  I can not drive and Ken can only drive a short distance so getting to the ranch is now difficult.  On Friday we are meeting with a realtor and we will see about what to do next.  David loves the ranch but the twins will be home for three more years so getting there is difficult for them too.   But we will enjoy our visit to the ranch this time and I suspect that the ranch will be slow to sell.  So here we go.

May 28. 2017. Canyon Lake, Texas. Group dinner.

The dinner was delightful.  All three families contributed and we used paper plates. So cleanup was minimal.  The friends and their children we know and love so out dinner together was extra special.  Combining resources is always a good idea for a meal and tonight was no exception.  Debbie brought appetizers and a salad while Bonnie brought appetizers and another salad along with pepperoni for more appetizers.  David cooked pork tenderloin on the grill while Suzanne cooked sruffed papers purchased from Costco, along with two containers of macaroni and cheese.  The food was delicious.

The children sat at one table for 6 while the adults sat at the dining table.   The conversations at both tables were lively.  One of Bonnie and Wade's sons Ben is being married in two weeks.   He brought a load of stuff from Austin and joined us for dinner.   It was a treat to see and talk to him.   He and his new wife will be moving to DC, he to take a job and his wife to go to GW University to pursue her PHD in Physical Therapy.

These folks are good friends and all have houses on the lake.  The best part of dinners together is always their conversations.   Each adult has a different occupation so the outlooks are different.  When you include Ben, the newly graduate from U of Texas, you really have different courses of action.  A main topic ov conversation was what will happen with employment when robots take over.

Tonight was another pleasures from life at the lake.  Good food and good friends makes for a lovely evening.

May 27, 2017. Canyon Lake, Texas. A Typical Day.

To day was a normal day at the lake with nothing fancy going on but everything pleasant and interesting to me.  Right now, Ken and I are at home along with Moose to look after us and the house.  Everyone has gone to a wonderful Italian restaurant, meeting friends from across the lake for dinner along with the children.  Ken and I elected to stay home as it is easier to eat at home especially as the reservation was for 8:00.

First thing this morning turned out to be 9:00.  Mornings are always quiet.  David immediately went fishing, using the poke boat.  By the time I wandered upstairs, Suzanne had the coffee pot full while she was reading on the deck.  The morning was foggy and cloudy so the deck was pleasant.  We face east so usually we use the deck in the afternoon but today the deck was warm but with no sun.  Suzanne and I were companionably reading which was pleasant indeed.

One by one the girls appeared.  Eventually, Suzanne, Allison and Samantha went out on the kayaks while David and Abigail worked on the jet skis.  Sarah and Abigail took a jet ski ride and soon the friends across the bay came to pick them up in the boat.  It was a pontoon boat so all 11 of them were comfortable.  Everyone took a tube ride.  The afternoon was spent relaxing and enjoying the water.  Ken and I read and watched the boats, of which there were many.

Shortly after 6, they arrived home for a visit with us and for showers.  By 7:45 they were gone.  The  4 girls looked darling heading out for dinner wearing their shorts and short skirts.   The day was a typical day at the lake for both the family and for us.  At our age we are happy to watch from the shore.

May 26, 2017. Canyon Lake, Texas. The Lake.

Living at the lake is free and easy.  This evening, our family assembled bit by bit.  First came David with Moose so first we opened all the containers of food and filled up the fridge.  Then David and I sat on the deck drinking a glass of water and talking while Ken took a nap.  Next came Sarah and Abigail from camp so now we were four sitting and talking on the deck.  Finally, Suzanne, Allison and Samantha arrived with more groceries from the store which needed to be put away.  When that was done, we ate dinner, which was sushi from the grocery store.  The food was perfect because people could help themselves and eat anywhere they wanted.

But eventually we all ended up sitting on the deck talking.  No one had anything that needed to be done so we were relaxed and enjoying ourselves.   We have just come inside at 11:00 which means we have been talking since 8.  We had the best time.  I actually just listened because everyone was regaling me about events  that occurred during their trip to France, which was 3 years ago.  Abigail still had pictures on her phone which prompted many memories, which were hilarious.   Sarah had been in college last year so this family have not been together often recently.  Today they made up for lost time and we all enjoyed ourselves, both old and young.  The lake house is a wonderful place to relax. We four are so pleased with ourselves that we bought  it all those years ago.  It has served it's purpose well.

May 25, 2017. Canyon Lake, Texas. Leftovers.

On Thursday I ate a delicious lunch at David and Suzanne's home.   Everyone left for work or school while Ken and I stayed at home and enjoyed ourselves and the house.  My instructions were to help ourselves for lunch, so I did.  I discovered a remarkable number of leftovers.  I ate the most eclectic lunch, comprised of cold mashed potatoes, guacamole, two types of olives  and cold chicken.  It was delicious.  Ken ate left over Italian food from the night before.  So we both enjoyed leftover food.

I know people who never eat leftovers.   I can't imagine why not.  I love them especially when I can root around the fridge opening every container and then put together a feast of cold food.  When I attended North Toronto Collegiate Institute,  I often walked home from schoolwith Fairie Halsey, the only daughter of Mj. and Mrs. Halsey, who were long time friends of my parents who were all Salvation Army officers.  They lived on Davisville Avenue, just a few blocks from us.  We always stopped to say hello because their containers were full of baked goodies.  Mrs. Halsey would always invite me to look in the fridge to see the goodies.  I discovered that I loved looking into other peoples refrigerators.  I also enjoyed her brownies or cookies or butter tarts. and sometimes left over chicken.  It was great fun.  Perhaps that started my pleasure , looking into other peoples fridge.

 I have never gotten over the pleasure, always looking for some treasure.  That mashed potatoe container was tucked right at the back of the fridge on a lower level, so I am sure that soon it would be put into the trash.  But I loved it.  What a find.

May 24, 2017. San Antonio. Dinner.

Dinner for six:  that is what we enjoyed last night.  Sarah has already gone to work at camp, this week to learn all about how to be a good counselor for her cabin and Abigail at the b each with friends from school.  We enjoyed dinner with Samantha, Allison, David and Suzanne.   During our delicious dinner, Allison commented that the small number at the table would be normal both this summer and next year because both Sarah and Abigail would be at college.   Furthermore, she laughed and said that she was going to enjoy just two girls at home.  We all laughed but she was probably correct.

Now we leave and drive to the lake.  Yesterday we picked up a car  rental from Enterprise, which we will keep until we return to San Antonio at the end of our visit.  As is her custom, Suzanne set out a care package to have us take to the lake so we will not need to shop for groceries.  Everyone will arrive on Friday for the long weekend, including Sarah from camp.   We will have a glorious and easy time at the lake.  The girls have already put out food  in the car.  We will soon be on the road.  Our visit with our Texas family has been delightful for which we are grateful.

May 23, 2017. San Antonio, Texas. Water.

Yesterday morning I awoke to hear digging.  We have not been told by David or Suzanne about any construction in their yard so I assumed the workers were in the street so I paid no attention.  Ken looked out the front and saw men working on the street.  We ignored them which was a mistake.  At 10:30, the doorbell rang.  Ken had just told me that he was taking a shower while I was reading while drinking my second cup of tea.  I was wearing my nightshirt and robe.  The man told me that the valve in the water system needed replacing so the water would be off for about three hours.  I quickly alerted Ken.

No one else was home so being without water for 3 hours was no problem.  Every 2 hours the nice working man came to the door with an update.  I asked them about time and he always told me "The water will be on in 2 or 3 hours".  Every time the same story, which I laughed.  Neither of us had showered.

When the water will not run, lots of things do not work.  Soon the girls began appearing.  Abigail went to the gym to shower.  Sarah and friend Grace just forgot about showering and went to camp.  I drank cranberry juice.  Between the house and the office/garage there are 5 toilets.  By the time the water was finally turned on at 6:00, we had only 1 toilet left to flush...No dished could be run nor wine glasses washed.  And I refused to dress, and instead wore my robe all day and evening.  We have never lived without running water in our houses except in Nova Scotia when the well ran dry.  But there we were always prepared with bottles of water.  But not yesterday.  No water meant no water.   It was strange.

May 22, 2017. San Antonio, Texas. The Stanley Cup.

What a surprise.  The Nashville Predators will play for the chance to win the Cup.  They beat the Anaheim Ducks tonight in Nashville.  This is the first time in the history of the team that they have been in the finals.  The fans screamed their heads off.  We four watched the whole game which was tight until the very end.   Of course, the Spurs basketball team was playing tonight too so we switched back and forth regularly but that game was not competitive and we finally gave up and kept the hockey game on because that game was exciting.

16 teams were in the playoffs.  Of all those teams, the Predators were ranked 16th.  The Washington Caps were ranked number 1 but they lost in the second round.  Chicago was thought to be a contender for the cup but the Predators beat them in the first round.  You just never know what will happen when you get into the playoffs.  Now Ottawa must beat Pittsburgh twice in order to get into the final which I suspect will not happen.  But we will see.  But at the moment, the fans from Nashville are celebrating, and so are we.  This win has been a big surprise for us.

May 21, 2017. San Antonio, Texas. Travel Day.

Flying used too be fun but now it is merely tedious.  But we arrived in good spirits, safe and sound at the home of David and Suzanne.  Ken had just started a nap when everyone arrived with a huge array of breakfast tacos for lunch.    Ken napped away while the rest of us devoured lunch.  Everyone was there so I spent a long time asking questions of the girls.  I do not know if they enjoyed being interrogated but I certainly did.  The weekend was exciting, especially for Abigail, who on Friday graduated from high school and on Saturday celebrated her 18th birthday.  Now she is like every newly graduated 18 year old,  ready  to make all decisions for herself.

All went well with our flights.  Now we will recover for a day. while enjoying the lovely home.  During our absence, old dog Crush died so dog Forest is all alone.  Now he spends more time in the house which I like because he is a sweet dog.  He has always had the habit of coming up to you in a chair and placing his head  on your leg, just waiting to be petted.  Of course,  I continue patting him until he finally wanders off.  I can report that all is well with the Dickie Family in Texas, including the lone dog Forest.

May 20, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. The Friendship.

Many times when sitting on our deck a big blue boat passes our home.   Some times the boat is crowded with young people swarming over the boat.  Sometimes there is loud music and dancing on the top deck.  It always looks like fun, especially at night when the whole boat is lit up like a Christmas tree.   One day shortly after our arrival, one of us suggested to the other that we should book this party boat too, just for our own family and friends.  Ken looked up the information on the Internet and I called for information.

I asked Cheryl what time would be best for their family as they have 7 children and she said noon,  so the very next day I called for a reservation.  This dates, May 20, was the last Saturday available this Spring so I reserved it immediately.  We were lucky.  Christina e mailed everyone  "save the date" and a few weeks before the event she sent the proper invitations, also via e mail.  The whole event was remarkably smooth.

Because we were going out from 12 to 4, I thought that box lunches would suffice so after talking to a couple of caterers, I ordered our lunch from Broad Street.   The head of catering was helpful, suggesting we have half sandwiches in the boxes.  We just ordered more than the number of people because we have some tall boys.

The event was a big success.  Both children and adults seemed to be delighted to be out on the water.  It was especially enjoyable to see our home from the water.  And we were lucky with the weather too.  The idea was a good one and entertaining was easy.  I feel sure I have never before had an event for 50 with less fuss or muss.    Now tomorrow we leave for Texas.

May 19, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. Abigail Ruth.

Today was a red letter day for Abigail Ruth.  She graduated from the Episcopal School of San Antonio, commonly known as TMI.   Next year she will attend Furman University in South Carolina.  Right now, her world is her oyster.  She is all smiles in every picture.  Academically, TMI is a tough school.  A student must work hard in order to achieve a good grade.  Abby has the additional load because she has some level of dyslexia, but she has learned to work hard and be diligent no matter the task, something that will stand her in good stead over the coming years.   Even more importantly, she has great spirit and spunk.

Watching these girls grow up has been a great pleasure in my life.   They are all beautiful and pleasant to boot.  One day many years ago, we were discussing something with David and Suzanne about Abby and one of her accomplishments.  I was complimentary.  David laughed and said, "Just to be clear Mother.  You believe that your grandchildren are exemplary in every way."  We all laughed, but I agreed and said that all my grandchildren are perfect in every way.   They certainly are with Ken and me, helping in every way possible.  We love all 7 dearly and are pleased with their accomplishments.

So hats off to Abigail Ruth Dickie, the recent graduate  of The Episcopal School of San Antonio.  We are very proud of her success.

May 18, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. Trees.

Tonight while we were eating dinner, we heard a loud crash.  Ken thought at first a big bird had hit the window but when I investigated I could see a tree branch had come down and had landed on the roof, ending up in the courtyard beside the fountain.  There appears to be no damage but I have not yet actually looked at the roof.  We love all the trees on our property but I have always hated branches overhanging the house.   There are 32 trees on our property, some big.  The tree trimmer cut back many limbs but we still have big branches above the roof, which is not good.

In the south, tree shade is a huge factor with the cost of air-conditioning.  I can see why people planted all the trees.  The trees in the front provide total shade for us in the afternoon.  The same for the water side in the morning.  We are shaded.  Winter time with the lack of leaves does the opposite so our house is warmed by the sun both front and back, thus saving us money for heat.  We do not want to cut these big trees down at the front of the house.  But I also do not want a big limb coming down on the house.  We must investigate our options.

May 17, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. Getting Ready.

Today I spent the whole day in my robe, just puttering around.  I finished reading the book about the Civil War battles fought in Mississippi and I am well into the Home Front.   I cleared up my e mails and did laundry.  I have discovered that doing laundry is easier if I do it one basket at a time so I do one load every few days.  I ran the dishwasher and unloaded it.   Other than breakfast when Ken gets his own, I organize both lunch and dinner, which I did today.  And I showered, but I did not dress.  I just put on a different robe.

The most important part of the day was that I began preparations to leave.  As Ken and I use wheel chairs in the airports, I must keep small bills available in my pockets.  I had already gone to the bank and obtained lots of small bills, now I have them organized for my pocket with enough left over for the return journey.  The number of money we go through on a day of travel is always amazing.  But I am ready.  Also my clothes for travel are set out on the chair in the bedroom.  I have set aside the items to go to Nova Scotia.  Now the only thing I must do is to pack my carry on and backpack, but first I must decide what to bring.  I have 2 days to get ready.  Saturday we are entertaining friends and family on The Friendship, a big party boat that cruises around the Reservoir so I must be ready on Friday as we leave very early Sunday morning.   But I am well on the way to being ready which makes me happy.  I hate to be rushed.

May 16, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. Company.

For the last two months we have been living at our lovely home in Madison, Mississippi and we have had no house guests.  This is unusual for us.  In Mexico we have company almost the whole time we are there.  In fact we often have both guest bedrooms full.  The same is true for Nova Scotia.  A good friend asked last week when they could visit us in Nova Scotia and I had to tell them only one week was available at the Guest House, and that was late in the season.  Texas is the same as Mississippi.  No one wants to visit us in Texas, either the lake house or the ranch,  except for our friends Marilyn and Richard.  Now that Richard has died, I wonder if Marilyn will visit?  Time will tell.

This season in Mississippi was supposed to be busy with friends  in our house  but none of the folks who were intending to come ever appeared.  Ken and I have laughed about our lack of house guests and we are wondering if Mississippi is not appealing to people.  In fact, I suspect that Mississippi is still thought of as it appeared during the civil rights era in the 60's.  The state still gives people a bad taste I think.  Our friend John mentioned to me recently that the best kept secret about Mississippi is how well the races get along.  You never hear or read about that in the press.   Ken and I have survived and thrived all by ourselves in Mississippi but it is certainly unusual not to have friends living in our home.   But we have enjoyed ourselves for sure.

May 15, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. The Playoffs.

The first round of the hockey playoffs was exciting and interesting.   With 16 teams playing, every night there were several games so people like me could flip back and forth between games.  And there was always a late game from the west.  I loved the first round.   The second round was less enthralling and I am not sure why.  I would watch for a few minutes of a game then get up and do something else, before returning for the score.  I certainly am not able to sit through a whole period, let alone the game.

Now that they are with only 4 teams, I am even less interested.  Tonight, Pittsburgh is playing Ottawa, and I watched 2 sessions of Antique Roadshow on our television set on the lower level.  Soon I will watch the end of the game.  Perhaps I have watched too much hockey and perhaps the teams that I wanted to win have lost.  I was cheering for Edmonton because I love the speed of their game.  Ottawa hockey is effective but boring.  And I suspect that the Ducks will bash the Predators as they did for the Oilers.  Maybe that is why I am bored with the games.  I like goals and right now the score is 0 to 0.

My wish for the hockey league is to have a bigger rink so the players have room to skate.  And I want a bigger goal.  If I had a magic wand I would get rid of icing and off sides.  At the moment, Ottawa is doing such a good job of their defense that the skilled players can not strut their stuff and score.  But the game is boring, so I will not watch.  But the first round was a blast and I enjoyed the games thoroughly.

May 14, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. Mothers Day.

Today seems almost as if it was Christmas.    Lots of friends and family sent me greetings on the internet e mail service and even folks giving me gifts.  I think people are more hospitable in the south.   I have enjoyed the attention and the goodies.  And a nice long conversation with son David was a treat too.  Our day has been pleasant.

This morning Ken and I together watched 30 minutes of Aerial America, which was on Tennessee, and 30 minutes of Mississippi Roads, all on TV.  First off, Ken cooked bacon and toast and cut up lots of strawberries.  Delicious breakfast and a wonderful way to start the day.

Christina and the girls, along with Linda, came for our Mothers Day lunch.  Christina and I decided to avoid the busy restaurants and stay home so Christina ordered chinese food and picked it up on the way.  After lunch we sat on the deck until they were forced to leave because the big girls had a choir practice art 4:00.  Our day was delightful, just as a Mothers Day is supposed to be.    

May 13, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. The Bathtub.

Bathing in our bathtub is an ordeal.   I refuse to get in because I am fearful of getting in and out.  Ken has taken several steps so he can enjoy his soak in the tub but it has not been easy.  In addition, two of us are required to be sure he does not slip.  The process is so difficult that it is funny.

The first time he used the tub he ran out of hot water so he turned up the temperature on the hot water heater.  Now I must be careful doing dishes because the water is scalding.  But today he could fill the tup and still did not run out of hot water so he was pleased.

He installed 2 hand grips on the side of the tub and he bought a sturdy stool with high hand rails that he uses to get into the tub.  Next he bought a chair that sits in the tub.  It lowers him into the tub and also reclines him.  Fancy and useful.  Now he has everything he needs to bathe, except he needs me beside him to be sure he does not slip.

Our tub is beautiful but ridiculous and impractical.   Two steps are required to get up to the tub.  Three sides are surrounded by lovely tiles.  The first time I saw the tub I said to Ken that I was never going to get into that ridiculous tub.  But I was wrong.  I got in once after we got the electric chair.  Ken felt sure I could get in and out easily but he was wrong.  I am never getting in again.  Ken loves to soak in this gigantic bathtub, even though it takes a big operation with both of us on duty.  To top it off, the switch for the jets is on the outer wall so I am required to turn it on and off.   Whoever designed this bathtub should be strung up.  We will not change it though.   The next owner can redo the whole bathroom.  We just laugh about it.  And Ken does enjoy his soak in the huge tub.

May 12, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. Magnolia Trees.

The magnolia trees have been in bloom for the past few weeks.  The blossoms have been magnificent.  When I walked today I could smell the blossoms all along my walk.   The biggest trees seem to have lost most of their blossoms but the smaller and newer trees are still full of blossoms.  Some of the smallest trees, which would be about 8 feet tall have so many blooms that I can not see the leaves.  Perhaps they are a different type of tree although they all look the same, only different in size.  I do not remember if the magnolia tree is the state tree or if the blossoms are the state flower but Mississippi is called The Magnolia State, and for good reason.  The trees are everywhere.

The first time we drove into Mississippi from Alabama along highway 20 the trees were in bloom all along the highway.  They were in the median and on both sides of the highway.  The welcome was warm and we loved the sight of all the blossoms in bloom.  When the blossoms are out, I notice all the trees but when the blossoms are gone, I never notice how many magnolia trees exist in the Jackson area.

At our last house in Maryland, on Franklin Street,  right between the top and lower garden was a huge magnolia tree.  It was magnificent and produced hundreds of blossoms every year.  We watched it carefully because the tree was old but every year it thrived.  I did learn that when I picked a blossom and put it inside in water, the blossom turned brown the next day, so I learned to leave the blossoms on the tree, where they belonged.  Now we enjoy the magnolia trees here in Mississippi, even from our own house, because we have a small tree in our property.  Pretty nice.

May 11, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. The Cruise.

I have been asked for specifics on our Mississippi River cruise and I promised I would put the information in my wee web log, so here it is:  American Cruise Line, October 9 to 23, 2018.   The boat is The America and the cruise is called The Grand Heartland.  We begin in St.Paul, MN and end in New Orleans, LO.   For more information or to join us for the cruise you could call 800-460-4518.  And that is all I know.

We spent the better part of the morning with our Geriatric specialist, Dr. Cathy Gregg.  I am in good shape, except for my legs and eyes but I can function well and I certainly am walking and talking.  My medications are easy and few.  Ken on the other hand has a long list of medications so takes ages to review them with the good doctor.  And he has lost 20 pounds since he was last seen by the doctor one year ago.   So she is concerned and wants to see him again in 6 months when we return.  He also had blood drawn so his numbers could be checked.   As I told Cathy, Ken is pretty much house bound.  He will not drive at night at all and he can not go anywhere where he would be stuck in place.  He does not seem to mind staying home.  In fact he enjoys it,  so all is well.  He just runs out of steam regularly.  At home, he puts his feet up for a bit, then he is back doing something useful.

Having an appointment with Dr. Cathy Gregg is not like going to any other doctor.  Cathy is a good friend of Christina and her husband Bo fished with Andrew regularly.   And they always come to our parties, so visiting her is just like spending time with a friend.   It is all very pleasant and civilized, except she still asks those difficult questions asked by doctors.  We always enjoy seeing her but Ken was tired by the time we got home.  This is our last doctor appointment this time in Mississippi.  Hurrah.

May 10, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. The Attic.

Years ago in Nova Scotia, when I sat in the living room I often could hear slight pitter patter of feet in the ceiling.  The sounds were very quiet and infrequent but I knew something had gotten into the wall and in the ceiling between the floors.  We looked everywhere to find a hole in the basement.  And we installed blown in insulation to the basement.  But I still could hear the scurrying.  Then one day I looked out the window and a cute red squirrel was sitting on the rail.  Then he ran down the path to the lawn area and suddenly disappeared.  Ken discovered that a drain coming out of the basement, which ends in the center of the walkway, once held a screen over the end.  But it had been partly moved so those cute little red squirrels were able to run up the drain  and into the house.  Once we covered the drain, the scurrying ceased.  We were pleased.

This time in Mississippi, every so often I could hear  sounds in the attic.  It was always right at the edge of the roof so I was not really sure that a squirrel was not on the roof but I wanted to be sure, so this week, the exterminator came and got up into the attic.  He found no evidence of squirrels but he did show me rodent trailings.  He put out lots of bait and the next time he is here he will look more carefully to find any hole.  The sounds could be heard about once a week.  Ken never did hear them.  Now every time the exterminator comes to treat the house for bugs, he will also check the attic.  I do not want to have any sounds coming from the attic anymore.

May 9, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. Making A Plan.

Apparently, many people have difficulty making a plan.   Just this week, two different folks have mentioned that they had always wanted to go to Nova Scotia, but so far they had not been able to get there.   "I would love to go to Nova Scotia", is what they say, but they do nothing about getting there.   The estate planners commented to us that most of their older clients have often mentioned about making a life style just like us, but they do nothing about doing it, even though the clients have lots more money than we do.  The lack of planning is what interests me.   Friends will e mail and tell me they are definitely coming to visit, and I tell them dates,  then I never hear from them again, until the next Christmas card when they will once again tell me we would definitely see them next year.  It is fascinating.

My response is to say nothing.  I understand that lots of people do not really enjoy traveling, which is fine, but then do not pretend that you want to go.   I often think I should teach a short course on making a plan and implementing that plan.  It is not rocket science.  It is merely deciding what you want to do then gather information.  Next, make decisions as to time and money.  I just kind of shake my head and smile and agree, that going places is difficult.   Actually, going places is lots better than staying in one place but these folks will never know because they do not start with a plan.   Seems elementary to me.

May 8, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. The Backyard.

Our neighborhood is called Roses Bluff.   Before the dam was built,  which made the reservoir for Jackson's drinking water,  a pretty park set right beside the Pearl River.  The park was full of roses, including the area on the bluff.  Of course, the park is underwater along with the roses, but we are left with an attractive backyard.  Our house sits high over the water and to get down to the dock requires an effort.  Ken makes the journey most days as a way to look at the property and to get some exercise.  

I like to sit on the deck in the comfortable chairs, but only after I have had a little walk.  The late afternoons are lovely.  The breeze keeps away any bugs and the sun is behind the house so i often drink a glass of water and watch for the birds and boats.   Today was no exception.  While I was enjoying my water, Ken eventually joined me after his hike up from the dock.  He is much better at spotting birds.  There is a bird feeder on both sides of the deck so we can see the birds up close, which pleases us.  Makes all Ken's efforts worthwhile because it feeds the birds as well as keeping us happy.   Our backyard would be useless for children because there are no flat places to run but for us old folks, it is perfect.  We are enjoying our backyard here in Mississippi.

May 7, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. Odds and Ends.

Ken and I have booked our river cruise down the Mississippi River, leaving from St. Paul October 9, 2018  and ending 15 days later in New Orleans.  All being well, we hope to fly to Hamilton September 20 and attend Katey and Brock's wedding September 22.  We are excited.

Gill leaves Nova Scotia for Florence, Italy,  May 12.  For a month she will be taking a course on the Renaissance.  She will also spend a long weekend in Venice and another long weekend in Rome.  Great trip.  She will love it.

Today I talked on the phone for ages with my friend Phyllis.  I was delighted to hear her voice and find that they are both well.  Freddie turned 81 today.  They are busily planning more trips, one to the Pacific Northwest.  It was a great pleasure sitting on the deck all by myself chatting away with Phyllis.  We miss them.  Mid June they go to Switzerland for the summer.

This morning at 11:15, we met Christina and the girls at Table 100, a lovely restaurant in Flowood.  Over a year ago we had brunch there but had forgotten it until Kate suggested we try it again.  None of us could recall what we ate the last time so perhaps it was 2 years ago.  My memory of the restaurant was the white linen table cloths.  Today the food was excellent and the place was full.  People have discovered it.  As usual, we had a wonderful time.  Mary Frances has a few more exams before she will be finished for the season.  Next Sunday is Mother's Day.  To avoid the crowds , we will eat lunch at our house.  Christina will order ahead and pick up Chinese food.  And that will be our last brunch for the season.  We leave for Texas May 21.

May 6, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. Pedicures.

Having granddaughters is wonderful in many ways.  One of the nicest is having pedicures.  Yesterday Kate and I had one together.  She had finished her second year at Mississippi College so to celebrate, we went for a pedicure and went out for lunch.    Sometimes we all go together for a pedicure, so we look just like ducks in a row, all 5 of us in a line.   My toe nails needed cutting so Kate indulged me by picking me up and joining me for a pedicure.  Now we are both set for the summer with pretty toe nails.

For lunch we went to a wild wings sports bar, mainly because the parking was easy and convenient.  Kate is good company, lively and energetic with nary a complaint.  So I enjoyed my time with Kate.  She also looks after me getting in and out of the restaurant.   When I enter a dark restaurant after coming from bright sunshine my eyes are slow to accommodate to the change of the light so for several minutes, I am mostly blind.  I just take her arm and she guides me to our table.  I have many blessings in my life, not the least being my wonderful grandchildren.   Kate seems pleased to be going out with her elderly grandmother and for that I am grateful.  I had a good time celebrating with her and I hope she did too.  Gold star to Kate.

May 5, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. Our 60th.

Planning a big event takes almost 2 years, especially if you are not living in the place of the party.  Starting a year ago, I started talking to family members about celebrating our 60th wedding anniversary, which will be in 2018.  My head was full of options but everything I suggested met with resistance.  Nothing seemed to be a good idea.   So I stopped thinking about it and I told everyone that we were not having a big event.  I suspect in the back of most peoples minds was the reality of whether or not either Ken or I would still be alive to celebrate.   But I knew that Ken and I would celebrate, even if we were celebrating alone.

I have always wanted to cruise the great American rivers.  Up until now, it was impossible, unless you hired your own boat and crew.  The American Cruise Line now offers river cruises on American rivers, so today I checked the internet and the telephone to discover that a cruise exists going down the whole Mississippi River, from St. Paul to New Orleans, a journey of 15 days.  My prayers have been answered.  We intend to fly from Nova Scotia to S.Paul and cruise all the way down the Mississippi, beginning October 8, 2018.   One boat from beginning to the end.  Small new boat for 150 passengers, with a balcony.  I have not booked it yet but we will probably do it tomorrow.  I am delighted.

May 4, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. The Birdfeeders.

Ken has had trouble keeping the feeders full, what with all the rain and the wind.   One of those cute little furry creatures bounced and bounced and made the feeder fall to the ground, when of course, he ate all the seeds.  People hate them around the feeders but they are so clever I kind of like them.  The feeder they knocked over was supposed to be free of any creatures except small birds.  For a month, it worked.  Once the little furry creature jumped onto the top of the feeder and promptly fell the two stories to the ground.  It never tried again, until this week.

The feeder is fancy and made of plastic.  It has a bell top that is bigger than the holder of the seeds.  Little birds can get in-between the top and the bottom but the bigger birds can not, nor can the little furry creatures.  The feeder is suspended on a pole from the railing of the deck.  The little birds loved it because they could stay in the bowl with the seeds and no other big bird could get at them.  But while Ken was watching from our bedroom, the little clever furry creature ran along the pole to the top, where it proceeded to bounce it up and down.  Eventually, it feeder came apart and the bottom half fell to the ground so the creature ran down to eat the seeds.  Ken has yet to find all the pieces but eventually, he will and then will return it to the proper spot.  but this time we will grease the pole to keep that clever little cute creature from demolishing our feeder.  

Yesterday a new feeder arrived in a box.  One feeder broke during the last storm so this new one is heavy and more substantial.  And it will be held on a pole in the front of the house close to the fountain.   I will be happy because I will be able to watch the birds while I work at the sink.  We have yet to figure out how to deal with the little furry creatures and our new feeder.  We must be smarter then them, but we are going to find out!!

May 3, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. Ladies Lunch.

Today I invited 5 ladies for lunch.   Our event was delightful.  I always think that a social event is more lively and interesting if the guests do not know each other, and that was the situation today.  Two of the ladies I met at Susan M.'s home when we had lunch.  The four of us just hit it off and we had lots of fun.  Near the end of the lunch, I suggested that the next time we meet for lunch will be at our new home, so we did.  Of course, it took me over a year to get us together but finally we did.  In addition, I invited Christina, my wonderful daughter in law and her sister in law, Katy.  We had a splendid time.

We do not entertain much at home here so today gave me an excuse to use the crystal, silver and china. The dining table looked lovely.  And the food was even good!!  But the most important item was the people.  Except for Christina and me, the other four ladies are from Mississippi.  In fact they are for many generations Mississippians.  They are very rooted to Mississippi and would never consider moving.   We discussed the question of whether rooted in place is genetic.  Lanette and her husband own a condo in Oxford.  They both attended school there and attend all the games so many years ago they bought a condo, with enough space so the children and grandchildren can visit them there.  She laughed because now that she has 2 grandchildren at school at the University, she is having too much company.   One grandchild came over and Lanette was already in her robe.

Entertaining at noon is a good thing to do.  We drank lemonade before lunch and the meal was simple, of salad followed by Lourdes' chicken soup with key lime pie for dessert.  Light and easy and quick.  Everyone was gone by 2:30.  And the best part was that everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.  But they all do wonder how Ken and I can cheerfully pick up and move every few months.  I did not tell them that both of us have a bit of ADD.

May 2, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. Whoops.

Just when you have all your ducks in the row,  somethings interferes.  Elizabeth is our very good cleaning lady.  And she drives me when I have errands and Ken is not able to drive.  She is a fairly young lady, perhaps in her early 40's.  She has worked for us for 2 years and is by far the most compulsive cleaning person we have ever had.  But she has had a series of health incidents or accidents, none of her own doing, so we are patient.

Last Tuesday she fainted on her way to come here to work.  Turned out she was in the process of passing a kidney stone so after some time in the hospital her stone passed and she went home.  I was without a clean house.  Today she was coming but her arthritis flared up and she had swollen joints.  The doctor gave her stronger medicine and told her to rest so once again my home is not clean.  And both last week and today Ken took me on my errands..

Unfortunately, tomorrow I am hosting a  lunch for six ladies.  They will find a not pristine home.  Our life is complicated and it takes time to put all the puzzle pieces in place in order for us to function.  Here we are, one pieces of the puzzle has let us down, but no fault of her own.  I have always felt that the time you clean at a party is after, never before.  One hopes the guests are looking at you and not the crumbs on the floor.   Truth be told, this might be the least of our problems, so we will just proceed and hope she will be better next week.  If not, I must find someone else to get us clean.  Lourdes has offered!!

May 1, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. School Funding.

Ever since I read on Facebook the comment about the foolishness of cutting funds to the Education Department of the Federal Government, I have been pondering the issue.  The person who wrote the comment is a pleasant lady who I like very much, but I wanted to remind her of two things.  First off is the fact that increased funding does not equate with high quality schools.  The cost per student in DC is higher than any other school system in the nation.  Secondly,  the states are the responsibility of schools, not the federal government.

In Ontario, there are two school systems, both funded by taxpayers.  Once a year, people can decide to send their tax dollars to the public school or the separate school.  Parents are free to send the children to the Catholic Schools, called The Separate Schools or to the Public schools, which are non-denominational.  So the parents have choices.  In addition, most school systems offer other options, such as French inversion schools, or science and math schools, or schools for the arts.  Of recent times, other groups have requested tex dollars be sent to other faiths, but to no avail.  When we lived in Ontario I would often ask about the funding system but no one knew the answer.  But when I read the biography of Sir John MacDonald,  I got the answer.  Two chapters dealt with the controversial policy, but the decision was made in the mid 19th Century and has never been changed.

Manitoba also funded the two different schools but that policy was changed in the 20th Century.

I recently read an interesting acticle in Commentary, which said that in the early 1800's, Protestant, Catholic and Jewish schools were funded by tax payers.  But that did not last long.  The emphasis of separation of church and state eliminated the policy of funding religious schools.

The funding of schools is complicated with a long history but as schools are critical to the success of the nation, we better get it right because we need only excellent schools.