June 30, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Social Life.

Today we ate lunch at Lane's Privateer Inn, the first of many social events we will attend in Nova Scotia.    We are fortunate to have our best friends within walking distance of each other.  Also we have several local friends.  We tend to entertain each others company and invite our Liverpool friends to our events too.  For sure, we have a more active social calendar in Liverpool than we do in any other place.

Today our friends from Western Head met for lunch at Lane's, the first time we have seen each other since last fall.  The occasion was joyous as we have survived and thrived the whole year.  In the past, we always entertained in each others homes but now we mainly eat in restaurants.  For Ken, eating lunch out is easier than at dinner.  Also we like to patronize Lane's and want them to stay in business.  Their food is always good and sometimes it even gets to excellent.  Their seafood chowder is the best in town.   We like to go regularly.  

Twice Mary and Walt came to saw hello to us but Ken and I were both upstairs so we did not hear them.  Finally this afternoon on the third time we sat and chatted with them.  Walt looks great.  He has stopped dialysis totally and he feels good.  Of course he is thin but he has come a long way in the past year.  I was delighted to see them both.

So now here we go.  Dave and Irene arrive on Sunday and will stay in the Guest House.  Our social life in Western Head has begun.  Let the good times roll.

June 29, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Flannel Sheets.

There is nothing better on a cool evening than sleeping on flannel sheets.  In Nova Scotia, we keep flannel sheets on the bed all year so when I crawled into bed last evening I breathed a sigh of relief.   The bed was warm.  Evenings are cool here, even in the summer so we keep the windows open most of the time and keep warm with our flannel sheets.   And we use a quilt made by Eleanor to keep warm too.

Because we were driving when we first moved here, I brought good flannel sheets with us purchased at Bloomingdales.  I loved them but eventually the bottom fitted sheet ripped.   I  replaced it with a set from town and it was awful.  Then Ken ordered sheets on line but when they arrived they were not flannel.  In addition they sent 2 fitted sheets.  The company sent a new full set but in the meantime, Ken ordered the proper set of flannel sheets.  Before we came this year, I could not recall what flannel sheets we were using but the minute I saw the bed I remembered.   At the Top House at the ranch I have a good set of flannel sheets that I used in the winter.  I almost brought them with me but fortunately, they would not fit into my little roll on case.    The set is now on a shelf beside my bed in Texas, ready to be taken to Mississippi, where they do have cool winters.

I love getting into fresh sheets.  When I was young, my Mother dried sheets outside and the new sheets smelled heavenly.  And I also love getting into bed when the evening is cool and the sheets are made of cotton flannel.  That is my idea of heaven.  Simple pleasures make for a happy heart.

June 28, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Home at Last.

Every year we forget and every year we are reminded just how beautiful this place is, especially on a sunny day.  The weather was perfect for arrival with full sun and a stiff breeze making  the white caps flash out at sea.   As you drove up the driveway, the beauty of the scene took your breath away and we were happy to be home, here at Western Head.

Our home here is not large but is charming, even though a bit overfull of objects.   Everything was in it's proper place, the same place as we left.  The cleaning folks moved a few tables but basically the house looks perfect.  Our friend Mary McD. even filled our fridge so we ate quiche for a late lunch, to go along with the cherries.  Ken for supper ate tiny potatoes.  I was supposed to go downstairs to eat my fair share but I will stay upstairs.

After we ate lunch and read the mail, we both came upstairs for a nap.  I slept for 45 minutes, starting at 7:00.  The next thing I knew, It was 9:30.  Goodness.  Too late to eat anything.  The waves can be heard through the windows.  Ken has turned on heat in the bedroom so feels cosy.  All is right in our world in Nova Scotia by the sea.

June 27, 2017. Newark, N.J .On The Way.

Everyone has arrived before us.  Mary and Clif have been there since early June.  Gill arrived yesterday and Wendy and Clausen arrived this afternoon.   Ken and I are on the way to join up with our friends at Gull Bay.  Today we flew from San Antonio to Newark.  The connection for the flight will work if everything is perfect but twice we got stranded in Newark, so now we book a room at the airport Marriott to stay overnight.  Tomorrow we leave at 11;00.  Mr. Gaskell will pick us up and by late afternoon we will be at Western Head.

I have never quite understood the pleasure we have when staying in a hotel.   Perhaps it is because we have nothing to do.  And of course, the room is clean and tidy.  We read and watch TV and we nap.  I ordered room service for a late lunch.  We are enjoying ourselves doing nothing.   And we  are getting well rested for our journey tomorrow.  Soon we will be at home in Nova Scotia.  And we will all be together again.

June 26, 2017. San Antonio, Texas. A Farewell Dessert.

We did it.  Everything on our list has been done so we can leave Texas with a light  heart.  We are leaving a couple of things to do for Suzanne and David but they pretend to not mind.  We must return the two boxes for the TV and the Internet but the boxes we were promised have not arrived so we must leave it to Suzanne.  And they will also remove all the art and sculptures from the ranch.  And of course, David will attend and sign for us at settlement of the ranch.  But everything on our list has. been checked off.

Samantha baked today and made gluten free brownies.  Suzanne served them with berries and whipped cream.   Allison baked a vinilla bunt cake, which looked delicious but did not want to come out of the pan.  Finally, quite a bit of the cake stayed in the pan.  She dug it out and reattached it to the cake, then covered it with a lime icing and drizzling over the while cake.  As our farewell swan song, we had the option.  Both were delicious.  I ate the cake with berries and whipped cream which was delicious.  I ate the brownies this afternoon, just to make sure it tasted good.  Ken as is his habit, ate a bit of both desserts.  It was a fitting ending to a wonderful visit.  Now we head north.

June 25, 2017. Canyon Lake, Texas. Winding Down.

The sounds in the lake house are deafening.  Everyone has gone except us.  First the big girls left for their jobs at camp.  With hugs all around and wishes for safe driving, they headed out in two trucks, Abigail and friend to stop at home to pick up the friend's car, while Sarah driving straight to camp.  Abigail works in the kitchen so although she is supposed to be there at 12:30, nothing bad happens if she is late.  Sarah as a counselor, must be on time to find the list of the campers who will be in her cabin and to greet them when they arrive at 1:00.  Sarah is enjoying her job.  Abigail is ready to be done with chopping fruit and vegetables.  Neither girl expects to return.  They have bigger fish to fry.

Last weekend, David accompanied Abigail to Furman University for orientation.  Unfortunately, David was ill but insisted on attending.  Fortunately, Abigail loved Furman so is eager to start college.  While sitting on the deck last evening before dinner, we discussed automobile accidents.  Abigail had backed into the truck for the man cleaning their pool, so she told us all about it.  In addition she described the accidents that Suzanne was involved.  Abigail is spunky and funny so the conversation was hilarious.  Ken finally told of the three times I had backed into the same car, which was parked directly across from our driveway.   In the same place I backed into a brand new fancy red sports car.  The young owner was not pleased.  Abigail felt a bit better with her backing, after she heard about my exploits all those years ago.

Late this afternoon, David and Suzanne, Allison and Samantha left for home.  That was when our home fell silent.  Tomorrow we drive to San Antonio to return the rental car and spend the night with our Texas Family.  As usual, we enjoyed them enormously.  In addition, they all look after us.  We are fortunate indeed.

June 24, 2017. Canyon Lake, Texas. The Day at the Lake.

This morning was weird.  No children were at home.  Ever since we bought this home on the lake we have been surrounded by girls, but this morning all the girls were at camp.  The four adults sat around drinking coffee and talking adult talk.  It was certainly unusual.  But shortly after lunch, people began appearing.  First Reed, come from the day from San Antonio.  Next Samantha and Allison, followed by Abigail and a friend and finally Sarah with two friends.  We went from no girls to 7.  And wonderful girls they all were.

Our afternoon was lazy. 4 girls and Suzanne went on the boat with friends, the twins and a friend took a monster nap while David, Reed and I sat on the deck talking.  It was all easy and relaxing.  Ken came and went to the deck.  Cheese and crackers ended the afternoon prior to a dinner organized by Suzanne.  Strawberry shortcake  ended our delicious dinner.   After Reed left, all the girls and adults sat in the living room talking.  The conversation was delightful, especially for oldsters such as us.  A day at the lake is a delight and we enjoyed ourselves immensely.  Nothing was fancy or profound but I believe everyone from young to old benefitted by this day, this day at Canyon Lake.

June 23, 2017. Canyon Lake, Texas. A Dinner Party on the Lake.

One family is from Dallas and have come to pick two children up from camp tomorrow.  They are staying overnight with friends from Austen who bought their lake house last year.  Once upon a time,  all three families lived in San Antonio and met at St. Luke's Episcopal Church.  The children have know each other all their lives so getting together is always a special event.  Of course, our two older girls are working at camp, and three of the other children were campers at the same camp so we had a smaller group.  But it was a cohesive group and they had a wonderful evening.

Ken decided to stay home and David is recovering from the flu so Suzanne and I along with Allison and Samantha held up the Dickie end of the dinner party.   The food was excellent.  Fajitas and salad, with grapes for dessert.

Our hosts access to the lake is steep.  Half way down was a fire pit but sitting around was difficult because the terrain was rocky and uneven, so they built a deck with a fire pit in the middle.  After dinner, all the kids went to make so'mores.  By that time at night the air was pleasant after such a hot day.  The deck is an excellent addition to their lake house.  We are fortunate that we are always invited to these group dinners.   I had met the two couples before so was happy to see them again.  My  evening tonight was splendid thanks to the kindness of David and Suzanne's friends.  I feel very fortunate.

June 22, 2017. Canyon Lake, Texas. DMV.

We had no choice.  Both our driver's licenses would expire soon, Ken in August and me in December.  As we are both over 79, we are required to renew our licenses in person.  Knowing what we know about the DMV in any jurisdiction, we were not looking forward to the visit.  But what actually happened came as a surprise.  We got lost.

The GPS in our rental car could not accept the address but Ken had been given instructions yesterday in the restaurant so we felt comfortable finding it.  We followed the instructions precisely but the DMV was nowhere to be found.  We asked for directions again, but to no avail.   We knew we were in the same general area as the DMV because everyone told us we were close by, but after three trips up and down the same section of the highway we finally went into an office of engineers who gave me a map from the computer.  And we finally found it.   We left home just after 10:00 and  arrived at the DMV at 11:30.  The journey should have taken us 20 minutes.

Our time at the DMV was short.  The people were polite and kind and we spent a total of ten minutes renewing our licenses.  I even passed the vision test.  Ken and I were dreading the wait at the DMV but it turned out our drive was the part that exhausted us.  On the way home we stopped at McAllister for lunch.  And we are a chocolate chip cookie for dessert, our reward for good behavior.

June 21, 2017. Canyon Lake, Texas. The Deck Furniture.

A knock sounded from the front door.  I knew who it would be because I was expecting the return of 7 chairs.  The young man had picked them up the day after we left the lake for the ranch.  On the phone, he promised to return them before we left.  He was as good as his word and I was delighted to see them.

Ken and I selected the deck furniture with one goal in mind, which was to be sure the furniture was heavy and sturdy.  We four bought this house well before Sarah was born.  When she was very young, she had the habit of organizing the chairs sitting on the deck.  Before we bought the real furniture, we were using light plastic chairs, which Sarah was able to move at will.  When she could barely walk she would push the chairs around into some pattern known only to her.  When we asked Suzanne what we should select, she urged us to buy heavy furniture, and we did.  That was over 17 years ago.

The only weak link was the sling seats, which were fabric.  Every year or so, a seat would rip or come apart.  Ken would repair the seats but a couple of years ago his hands could not pull, so the chairs waited on the corner of the deck.  When we arrived this year we found three chairs sitting on the end of the deck awaiting repairs.  Ken got on the internet and found a place outside Austin that repairs outside furniture.  It was a dream come true.  The young man not only makes the repairs but  picks up and delivers.  David and Suzanne found 3 more chairs with a rip, so along with the chaise lounge the young man in our absence picked up the damaged goods.   They look great.  We are happy as clams, all thanks to the internet.

June 20, 2017. Canyon Lake, Texas. Texas Heat.

Last evening before dinner, we three sat on the deck, enjoying the Texas heat.  There was not a breeze in sight and it was hot.  Ken and I were reminding ourselves why we spend summers in Nova Scotia. Marilyn was enjoying a Texas evening.  The wine was good, the air was still and we were getting used to Texas evenings.

This afternoon after lunch, we had to stop by the drug store to pick up one more prescriptions for Ken.  Earlier we had obtained the rest of our medications needed for our time in Nova Scotia.  The temperature was 94 but I decided to wait in the car while Ken went after his meds.  Once again, I  was experiencing Texas heat.  The car was not in the shade so even with the windows fully open the car was hot.  Actually  intensely hot.  I kept asking myself why I was remaining in the car when the Walgreen's store was pleasantly air-conditioned.  Fortunately, Ken was not long so I got a respite from the heat.

When we first moved to Texas in 1964, two things impressed us.  Driving the length of the concrete seawall every day was always a treat for the eyes.  And sitting outside in the evening without wearing a sweater was new to us and we loved it.   Texas heat keeps us indoors but every so often we remind ourselves of the intensity of the climate here.  Ken reminded us to. soak up the heat because today in Liverpool the temperature was 58 degrees and we will soon leave the Texas heat.  It is time.

June 19, 2017. Canyon Lake, Texas. Friends.

I have been blessed by my friends.  They add riches to me every day of my life.  Today Marilyn drove from Houston to visit us at the lake.  We have been talking non stop since her arrival.  We pick up precisely as we left off the last time except this visit we are all missing Richard, who died last year.  Richard was interesting and also interested in everything and everyone around him so we miss his spirit.

Marilyn has a busy productive life.  She lives in her old house of 40 years which she loves and she attends plays, opera and movies on a regular basis.  She walks for an hour every morning and at least  twice a week volunteers to drive elderly folks who can no longer drive, so she is making her contribution to the world even though she is retired.

Today we talked about the dismal situation of many public s schools and we tried to figure a solution.We decided to introduce competition into the public school systems.  In Ontario, there is two school systems, public and separate(Catholic) schools.  A tax payer can allocate tax funds to either school system.  It has worked beatifically in Ontario so why not here?  Both Marilyn and I agree with that.  And we have caught up on our children and grandchildren and our mutual friends.  As we have been friends for over 45 years, we have followed each others families.  And we are still friends.  Now that is a great blessing.

June 18, 2017. Canyon Lake, Texas. Home #3.

When we moved to The Medical Center in Galveston, we were given the opportunity to live in the school apartments, built specifically for married students and Residents..  They were inexpensive and convenient but when we saw them, we turned them down.  They were fine but tiny and the living room furniture was plastic.  As we would both be earning a salary, we decided to look elsewhere, and we did.

 A brand new apartment complex was just  ready to be rented, one block from the beach and an easy walk to the hospital.  And it was rented furnished so it was perfect for us.  The living room and dining room was adequate in size and the bedroom was fine too.  The kitchen was tiny.  By standing in the kitchen I could reach everything without making a step.  That kitchen was efficient.  We lived there for 2 years.

We rented the first floor unit on the left side.  The complex was in a U configuration.  On the top floor on the right side moved in Alice Anne from Arkansas, who came to the school for her Residency in Pediatrics.  We became friends.  She wore her hair long and she played and sang her guitar.  I was working as a recreation therapist in the division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry so it was not long before I asked her to sing and play for en evening program.  The kids loved her as it was the 60's and Joan Baez was popular.  At the beginning of the evening, she had a little song introducing herself to the kids/patience.  Then she went around the group in order, asking each kid their name.  The hour evening sing along ended.  Alice Anne returned to her original song of introduction but instead she said good night to every kid by name.  There would be 20 to 30 patients at a time and I never once saw her make a mistake.  Amazing display.  She played once a month the whole time I worked there for 3 years.

Every home has had a special aspect of living.  With home #1 it was the generosity of Bernie and Kitty.  In home #2 it was the kindnesses of our elderly landlords.  This home #3 was special because Alice Anne has been a life long good friend of ours.  The apartment was just fine but friendships lasting a life is invaluable.

June 17, 2017. Canyon Lake, Texas. Progress.

Had I been doing it all myself, it would have taken all week to unload the car.   I wore myself out loading the car at the ranch.  The result was I got a good old fashioned cold, the one with the running eyes and nose, along with the lack of energy.  All I wanted to do was to sit down, not drag stuff from the car.  But I worked away, as did Ken.  Yesterday morning Ken was up unloading at 6:00.  Once the belongings were into the house, I could organize but getting the things from the car was difficult.

David bailed us out.  When we arrived on Thursday David told us he would come on Saturday morning bringing groceries and completing the car.  He was as good as his word.  Pitiful but true but he completed the task in thirty minutes.  Now I have been busily putting away all the stuff we brought.  I have made major progress organizing the pantry and our bathroom.  Just one major cabinet is a mess in our bathroom and for that I need the small boxes Ken ordered.   And on Monday the carpenter will come so we can efficiently build shelves and shoe racks.

Hats off to David for all his help.  His three or four hours here was a godsend for us. And of course, we always enjoy his company.  I do enjoy making progress.

June 16, 2017. Canyon Lake, Texas. Hair.

When you visit a barber, you can expect a haircut that makes your hair look like a man.  And the price is right too.  For $30. total, both Ken and I had our hair cut.  Now we are no longer shaggy.  In fact, we have very little hair

Ken's hair is easy.  It curls.   Even now, if he were to allow his hair to grow longer he would have curls all over his head.  A few months ago,  he bought a hearing aid on the internet and his long curly hair interferes with his hearing.   The battery makes a buzzing sound when the hair rubs against the aid, so he was desperate for a hair cut. For several years after we married I cut his hair but one  day he gave instructions.  I never said a word but the next time he asked for his hair to be cut, I made an appointment.  Today the lady barber cut his hair short.  Now his hearing air does not buzz.

All my life I have had easy hair.  Wash it in the shower, blow it dry in 30 seconds and I was set for the day.  And my hair looked acceptable.  Then I lost my hair and put in a request for red, curly hair, whenever my hair grew in.  My request was denied.  My hair has grown in straight with the color of  ash, and with no body at all.  I had no idea what to do with this ridiculous hair.  My solution was to wash my hair, brush it, then never look in the mirror again for the rest of the day.  When I inadvertently saw my hair in the mirror, I was horrified.  My hair was all over.  I began to look at other ladies of my age who had straight hair.  They looked fine but they always wore their hair a little longer so I decided to let my hair grow a bit longer.  Neither Ken now I have had our hair cut since January in Mexico, which would be 5 months growth.   But the longer my hair grew the worse it looked so finally I could not stand the feel of all that hair in my eyes.

Both Ken and I went together to the barber.  We got lucky with no one to wait.  Now we are both no longer shaggy, which pleases us.  Ken's hair looks great but mine may grow on me.  But at least my hair will not get in my face in Nova Scotia.  And certainly the price was right.

June 15, 2017. Canyon Lake, Texas. We Made It.

The car was loaded.  We could not have pushed another item into any corner.  In order to get us organized and ready to leave the ranch this morning, I put things in the car bit by bit.  Four days it has taken for me able to load.  Even then, today were multiple trips for me up and down the stairs and in and out to the car, so by the time we arrived I was inclined to leave the car to unload until David comes Saturday morning.  But after a bit of a rest, I started to  haul stuff in, but the car is still pretty  full as I just got a dint of the work.

Every item that comes into the house has to find a new place.  In addition, new organization  is required in order to find room.  Our clothes are still in boxes but we brought lots of stuff with us.  For instance, I brought two Queen sized quilts plus two lap size quilts, in addition to a big wool blanket.  Now where will I put  them?  And we brought all the medications from two big cabinets, which must be incorporated into our already full bathroom cabinets.  So a big organization must be done.  But we will get it done, bit by bit.

The most important thing is that we made it to the lake.  I sat outside before dinner on the top deck, nibbling almonds and drinking a glass of water.  It is a lovely place and we like it here.  In addition, David had a second railing on the stairs and on the interior halls.  Also hand grips were installed in our bathroom so we can function at the lake very easily.  Now this home is again  our only Texas home.  Fortunately, it is lovely too.

June 14, 2017. Harper, Texas. The last night.

We have owned country property since 1973.  When this ranch is sold on July 27, we will no longer have the opportunity to walk for an hour on our own land.  And we will no longer have the quiet of the country.  We will miss the ranch but we are ready to move on.  Owning this piece or property gave us great joy and we have hundreds of happy memories to sustain us.

This evening we ate dinner with Joyce and Robbie at their home.  We have shared many delicious home cooked meals. all done by Joyce.  We were not noting this meal as a last supper because they also have fractional ownership at our Playa Royale so we will dine together in the future, but in Mexico.  We were fortunate they invited us for dinner because we had just run out of food.  We take an almost empty cooler back to the lake.

Today the movers packed our clothes and books and took them to David and Suzanne's garage.  The car is loaded with more stuff to go to the lake.  Even the Longhorns are sold.  Tomorrow we drive out the front gate for the last time.  And I will be cheerful.  Forward is our watchword!!

June 13, 2017. Harper, Texas. Sentimental

I don't think of my self as sentimental but sitting on the dining table ready to be packed tomorrow would tell you that I am.  Three objects give me away.

!. When I was going through a drawer in the bathroom, I found a jar of Noxema.  I do not use Noxema.  I have never used Noxema, but my Mother did.  When she died, my sister Carol and I sorted belongings in her apartment.  In the medicine cabinet I found a blue jar of Noxema cream.  I popped it into my bag and it has been in my bathrooms ever since.

2. I have no use for this set of dishes but they were a wedding gift from Phyllis Braund, a family friend from Peterborough.  For many years I used them for my best even though they were not fine china.  When Ken gave me good dishes, I began to use them for everyday.  The pattern is a pretty bamboo.  When I inherited Miss. Tomlinson's dishes, I put the bamboo on the top shelf, until we built the Top House where we use it all the time.  I like using these dishes and I was not prepared to leave them behind.  Maybe one of the twins will want to use the dishes in their first apartment.  

3.  Also being packed is a set of silver.  This set is not sterling and they have been used for 59 years so are scratched and dented, but for many years, that set was my best silver and was always used in the dining room.  My sister and then husband gave us that silver as a wedding gift.  As she was a Salvation Army officer at the time, she must have stretched to buy the set for us.  Once again, I have no real use for that silver set, but it is being packed tomorrow.  Perhaps I will put the set in with all the other flat ware at the lake.

There is no practical purpose to keep those objects, but every tine I see them it makes me smile.  For sentimental reasons only I am keeping those objects with me.  They are part of my history.

June 12, 2017. Harper, Texas. Organizing.

The packers and movers are coming on Wednesday morning bright and early.  As we sold the ranch complete with homes and contents, we do not need to worry about selling the furniture but we do need to remove our personal belongings.  We excluded the books, art, sculptures, telescope, electronic equipment and selected dishes and cutlery.

So far, I have placed on the dining table of the Top House all that will be packed.  They will also pack our clothes in the closet and chest, plus shoes.  I have also started loading stuff in the car.  Our medicine chests were full as was the cabinets in the bathroom.  The contents are now in the car, with a couple of containers to go down the stairs.  I can not walk down the stairs without holding on with at least one hand so carrying is difficult.  I was quite a sight trying to take down the stairs a waste basket with supplies from the bathroom.  It was too heavy to carry in one hand so I ended up going down the stairs backward, lifting the container and moving it down two steps.  Ken would not be pleased but it is now in the car.  I made sure the next one was much lighter.  Ken has gone through drawers and cabinets.  We are making progress.

The boxes will be sent to the garage of David and Suzanne because we must organize at the lake house.  The closet needs attention and the books culled before we can install our clothes and books.  Fortunately, David and Suzanne offered to come and take all the art from both houses.  I am not sure if they realize how much there is, but at least we do not need to box up all the art.  I am also not sure what they will do with all the paintings.  We will find out soon.  We are on our way.

June 11, 2017. Harper, Texas. The Sale.

We were told to expect the ranch to sell in 6 to 12 months.  And we were not thrilled with the system of marketing.  After all, using the multiple listing system successfully for over 30 years made me a believer but now we bought into the broker specialist program.  We were apprehensive.

But we did know a thing or two about selling property so Ken and I made decisions.  The broker gave us comps.  We selected the bottom os his range.  Overnight, I thought about the price of $849,000. and decided the price was too close to a million and we needed to have a 7 in the price.  I talked with Ken and to son David and we agreed on $799,000.  So the ranch went on the brokers web site last Tuesday.  On Wednesday we were told to expect a showing at 5:00.  Our broker came too,  even though the buyer had a buyer agent.  The agent and buyer came back in Thursday to drive the part of the ranch they had not seen with the broker.

An offer was registered on Friday morning and by dinner time, the contract was ratified.  We had a few counters but ultimately, I suggested to Ken that often the first offer turns out to be the best, so we accepted the buyers final offer.  The offer was an as is condition sale with no inspections.  And he is buying house and contents so we do not need to sell or move the furniture.  We excluded the art and books   Settlement is July 27.  David will attend.

Now here is the interesting part.  Our broker automatically sends via the internet his new listings to every agent who has inquired or shown one of his listings.  And this purchaser told his agent to only show me properties under $800,000.  So the brokers system did work and my hunch about price was correct.  Now we can get along with our life although folks have suggested that we priced it too low.  But we are happy.  Our ranch is under contract.

June 10, 2017. Harper, Texas. Jan.

Jan took us to The Longhorn Cafe for lunch to have our farewell meal.  She even picked us up even though we drove right past her place on the way to the restaurant.  Jan has always been en excellent rancher neighbor.  There are half dozen friends near the ranch that you could call on to help.  They are loose but tight knot community.  We three enjoyed ourselves at lunch.  She even might visit in Nova Scotia.  But not this summer.

Jan is an amazing lady.  She runs her ranch all by herself.  And she is 82.  Her husband died before we moved to the ranch so we never got to meet him but the two of them built their own home well before anyone was worrying about conserving energy.  The home is charming and eccentric, which fits Jan perfectly.  We have always been friends since the first time we met.  She is energetic and enthusiastic and never complains. Even though we don't see her often, we will miss her when we move from our ranch.  Today after lunch. when she dropped us off, there were hugs all around.  Jan is quite a lady.

June 9, 2017. Harper, Texas. Home #2.

When Ken was going to be an Intern,  he was to be working every other weekend and every other week, where he was required to stay in residence at the hospital.   Our neighborhood was not perfect for a lady living alone so we rented a flat in North Toronto.  An older Polish couple owned the house which was a typical Toronto home, brick with 2 floors.  The second floor had been made into an apartment, which was lovely.  The neighborhood was safe and the apartment was spacious.

We hired a mover which Ken looked after while I was teaching.  The first night we slept in the place we received a call from the police asking if we owned the blue Volkswagen across the street, because if we were, it no longer had any tail lights.  The police spotted someone just leaving the car.  When they investigated they realized we had no lights.  Evidently the rear lights can easily be removed.  Ken and I laughed because for 5 years we lived in a so called bad neighborhood with no problems but the first time we move to a safe place, we are robbed.

Ken had major surgery just as he started his internship.  When he came home from the hospital he weighed 120 pounds and was white as a sheet.  I was teaching during the day and our kind landlord brought him nourishing soups every day, chicken soup, borsht, goulash.  Anything to get him healthy.  It was a true act of kindness.  And they encouraged Ken to sit in the backyard in the sun, which he did regularly.  And the landlady often sent us up desserts,just setting them outside our door in the little vestibule.

We enjoyed our year in our lovely flat but we decided to move to Texas, because the lung surgeon recommened to Ken to do his Residency someplace warm.  We selected Texas.   The choice was excellent but we were sorry to leave our kind landlords.  They made our flat a special place to live.

June 8, 2017. Harper, Texas. La Quinta.

Ken and I were expecting a step up in accomadations when we checked into Ta Quinta in Fredericksburg.  Last year after staying at our favorite motel in Fredericksburg, Ken thought our room was musty.  I suggested we explore other moderately prices places, so he did.  Much to his surprise, La Quinta was top rated.  This last Tuesday is the first experience and it was disappointing.  When I first booked the room, I noted that it was more expensive than the last two motels so our expectations were even higher.  More money should equate with bigger room and/or better service.  Much to our surprise, there was neither.

I kept looking at the room and trying to figure out what was the matter.  Perhaps my expectations were too high because my complaints were small, but those complaints were irritating.  1. There were not enough outlets with none by the beds.  They had added outlets on the front of the desk but on the front where you could barely see them.  2. There was no table beside the only comfortable chair. so no place for a glass of water or the phone.  3. The only place to watch TV was in bed.  It was impossible to watch TV from the only comfortable chair.  4. The bathroom was large, but with a tiny vanity around the sink with not enough space for both of our stuff.  4. The breakfast room was too small.  Many people were forced to take food back to their room.

The staff was pleasant and the room was clean.  But we will not be returning to La Quinta any time soon.

June 7, 2017. Harper, Texas. A Two Dessert Day.

Yesterday Ken and I had our own little food festival.  We arrived in Fredericksburg with enough time to have lunch before my 1:00 appointment.  Seeing Dr. Cohn means lots of waiting.  We drove along the back road and when driving north on Highway 16, I noticed a new restaurant, just as we were discussing where to have lunch.  This restaurant had once been a hamburger place but a year ago, it closed..  I noticed the new name so we went in, only to discover the wonderful smell of Italian cooking.  The food was delicious.  Both of us ate our whole lunch.  And we ordered dessert without even sharing.  Bella Sera is the name.  Definitely worth another visit.

We were late deciding where to eat for dinner.  Ken looked up restaurants and decided on The Old Mill, a place we have not been for years.  By the time we arrived it was 8:00 but still bright day light.  Their food was excellent.  We both ate an appetizer, main course and dessert.  Their food is excellent but the best was the butternut squash soup.  By the time we left it was pitch dark.  Ken does not drive at night.  Half way home he reminded us both why he does not drive at hight.  Not a good experience.

We ate at two fine eateries yesterday.  It was a bonanza of dining.  Two desserts in one day!!  What a treat.

June 6, 2017. Fredericksburg, Texas. www.mikedail.com

We are in uncharted territory.  Our broker for the sale of the ranch does not use multiple list.  Instead, he is affiliated with several other Texas organizations specializing in the sale of ranch and country property.  So anyone can find the information about our ranch  at his web site or on www.landsoftexas.com.  I am told that ranches for sale get lost in the multiple listing services so the brokers who sell only ranch and country property do not multiple list.  Mike Dail has been in the business for ages so I guess his system is working.  We will see.  Today the information was posted on his site and tomorrow we have two showings set for late afternoon, so something is working.

Today I had an appointment with Dr. Cone, my Ophthalmologist in Fredericksburg.   For the first time, he was happy with my vision.  Usually he is full of doom and gloom about my eyes.  Last time I saw him in the Fall he said I was a week or so away from going blind.  But now I can see well.  He was smiling that he was able to spur me into activity and surgery.  He has dismissed me too.  From now on, I will be followed by the glaucoma specialist and surgeon, Dr. Flynn.   Even though I have no peripheral vision, I can see well straight ahead.  He gave me a high five!!

June 5, 2017. Harper, Texas. The Top House.

The Top House is everything one would want in a retreat in the country.  The ranch house is sturdy and functional but right from the start we knew we would need to build a new home for ourselves on top of the hill.  The ranch house has no view from inside the house but from the Top House we can see in every direction.

We had the house designed in the german tradition of the Hill Country, where there are porches on each floor.  In addition we put porches on the front and back.  The views go on forever.  The house is small and selfish, with one bedroom and one full bath on the second floor.  The first floor has a half bath.  The dimension is 24x32 so is large enough but not too big.  The first floor is one room with everything together.

We thought that the Top House would be the last house we would furnish and our main expenses in life were over.  Both boys had finished graduate school.  We selected furniture by what we wanted not because we were operating on a limited budget as we have done in Nova Scotia and the lake and in our first homes, so the furniture here is elegant but sparse.  And the art is beautiful.  Over Ken's desk is a painting of boys playing hockey on an outside rink, just as he had done all his boyhood.

We will be sorry to leave this house but there is a time to buy and a time to sell.  This is that time.  We purchased the ranch in 2001.  Now we do not know how long this ranch will take to sell but while we are here, we are enjoying ourselves.  We love this little Top House.  It is a beautiful place to live.

June 4, 2017. Harper, Texas. Brunch.

We had been there before.  When we arrived with Joyce and Robbie I realized how much I had forgotten.   Kerrville is a small city but the golf and country club was as beautiful as any club in any city in North America.   The dining room is large and gracious, overlooking a putting green.  The service was excellent, in true Texas style.  And the food was superb.  Both Ken and I ate roast beef.  Today we ate three courses.  Ken has lost 20 pounds this last year.  Todays meal will set him back to gain some pounds which is a good thing.

The whole property was once owned by the Shriner Family.  The spelling may be wrong.  At one time, the husband was in the oil business, plus several other businesses and he owned a large department store in town.  He donated lots of money to found the University named after him, and of course he owned a big ranch in Texas, the YO Ranch.   The dining room and club house were once their home.  At some point, he donated the land and mansion to develop a golf club.  The surrounding land became a subdivision.  Nice to be rich and to do good things.  

We enjoyed our excursion to Kerrville  with Joyce and Robbie.  Robbie drove.  It is definitely a blessing to have generous friends who take us out for lunch.  You can't beat good food and good friends.  Great combination.

June 3, 2017. Harper, Texas. Steve.

Every time we come home to the ranch another light has burned out.  The cleaning service leaves lights on in rooms you never notice, such as the front closet, and now this year the light in the shower was out.  Showering in the almost dark is not easy. The first task Mal does after arriving in Nova Scotia, is to replace every burned out light bulb.  You have no idea how helpful that is.  But Mal is not here.

Steve looks after our cattle.  He works for the County roads department but also works for lots of other people too.  He is competent and pleasant and always polite.  He has the look of a Texas cowboy. Because he works outside he is deeply tanned.  And I have never seen him without a can of beer.  After we arrived on Wednesday, Steve came by the Top House to say hello.   We chatted a bit about the 4 calves.  When he was leaving, he said to be sure to call him if we needed any help.  This afternoon I texted him to see if he could replace some bulbs.  He came within 30 minutes.  It took him 10 minutes to replace 6 bulbs.   Shortly after he left, I showered in the light.  Thank heavens for Steve.

June 2, 2017. Harper, Texas. Our Homes.

Today we listed our ranch for sale.  I was reminded of our first home in Toronto in 1958, which we rented for $70. a month.  We rented from Bernie and Kitty Grey, who owned the Hardware store,  directly below us.  They attended the East Toronto Salvation Army Corps and they rented to us at a discount, just because they were nice.   The original plan was for me to help in the store for two hours a day, but I was teaching and was unable to comply but they did not change our rent.  In fact they never raised the rent for the 5 years we lived there.  Kitty and I exchange e mails regularly and we are still good friends.

Ken and I enjoyed living in that apartment.  The ceilings were high and the windows were huge.  My Aunt Margaret gave us old heavy long drapes which worked perfectly.  Years later when returning to Toronto we drove past our old apartment on Bleeeker Street and found the same drapes on the window but with new tenants.  People living in our neighborhood were students, prostitutes and bums.  But it was safe.  Anytime we had anything to discard was merely left outside the door on the sidewalk.  It was gone by morning.    That apartment was convenient and affordable but it was a far cry from living in our Top House in Texas at the ranch.  But it got us started and was our home number one.  We lived there through difficult times but our five years there became the foundation of love and hard work that has served us well.   Now hats of to Bernie and Kitty.