July 31, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Excursion 2.

Ken stayed home, but we three ventured out.  Lunch at the Quarterdeck was excellent.  The items we selected  were tasty.  Both the food and the service was superior to our lunch there two weeks ago with Dave, Irene and Ken.   The setting is superb, overlooking the ocean.  Today the weather was perfect so the beach was spotted with people, who even went into the water.  A group os 6 teenage boys took a big raft out behind the breaking waves.  They played for ages in the cold water.  It seemed that they had taken an anchor with them because they stayed in place.  Their antics amused us all during lunch.  Our waitress took our picture in the deck, which you can see on Diane's Facebook.

The Sculpture Garden behind Cosby's Garden store is astonishing.  We three wandered over the whole place in wonderment.  Ivan has added 17 statues since last summer.  It just grows and grows.  We had the place to ourselves.  Both Norm and Diane liked it as much as me.  I am always amazed at what one person with a grand idea along with a back hoe and tractor can do with a piece of land.

Then we had a cup of ice cream at the Dixie Lee, a fitting end to a lovely afternoon.

July 30, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. An Excursion.

The road is familiar but still beautiful, the shore road from Liverpool to Bridgewater.    For most of the way, we drove beside the ocean with the never ending scenes of rock and water,  and of course the lovely homes we saw along the edge of the water.  Then we gradually turn to drive along the Lahave River.  Definitely, it is my favorite drive and the first time this year.  I must have driven that route a hundred times, but it never gets old, especially when nephew Norm is driving.

First we stopped to see the information on Coffin Island.  Next was Beach Meadows.  We explored right to the end of Ragged Harbor, that raw and isolated spot.  We still see homes along the shore.  Next stop was Port Medway for a lunch of lobster sandwiches with an ice cream for Ken, followed by a stop at the pottery at La Have.  The potters work is beautiful.  Ken wants to buy one of his big pots but I think they are too big for our little home.  The last stop on our excursion was the bakery and craft shop.  We shared a date square.

Then it was home straight along the highway.  The weather was glorious on our excursion.  We enjoyed our company and our explorations.  Our excursion today was splendid.

July 29, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Our Market.

Our Saturday market in Liverpool is small.  But it is charming.  Norm, Diane and I visited the market this morning and enjoyed ourselves thoroughly.  The first thing we did was buy bread and a pastry.  My nephew directed me not to pay for the bread because it was to be his treat.  Poor Norm did not know that I had ordered 5 loaves of bread and 8 quiches.  His bill turned out to be almost $100.  Horrors.

The best part was sitting on a picnic table drinking coffee and eating an almond croissant.  Worth the drive to the market.   We were sitting close to the children's play areas.  The good folks who organize the market were wise because they placed the tents for the vendors all around the play area so while the mothers shop at the market, the children play.  The atmosphere was happy and lively.  And one table offers crafts for the children, helped by two teen age girls.  Clever.

The contrast with the Mexican market and the Liverpool market is dramatic.  The tents for the vendors in Liverpool came to a total of ten while in Mexico there must be at least 100.  This market is sweet.  And you can see everything in less than hour.  We three loved our market.  And the quiche we ate for dinner was delicious, all payed for by Norm.  Gold star for Norm.

July 28, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Waiting.

David had to wait almost an hour waiting for the Kerrville Title to prepare the settlement sheet. They were not diligent with the details.  For instance, 20 minutes prior to the 2:00 settlement, they called for our social security numbers because the mortgage company had not yet sent the payoff.  But the settlement did occur.  Now we are having trouble getting the funds wired because they say it must go to a trust account.  Interesting.

Once upon a time, many years ago when I was a real estate agent, I was attending the settlement for my purchaser, who had just graduated from law school.  Prior to the event, he warned me that he would read every page he was required to sign.  I had been told that many times but usually after a few pages and after discussion with the attorney they realize that the forms are boiler plate and have been used millions of times, so they stop reading every page.  But not my buyer.   There were no problems to be resolved.  He just needed to read every page.  I thought his wife was going to kill him.  The settlement went on for ever.

Fortunately, the office was in a house in Tacoma Park, with trees outside the windows.  While we sat and waited,  a family of sparrows could be seen in their nest.  While we watched for those hours, one by one the birds fledged and left the nest.  It was thrilling.  I have always been grateful for that purchaser for forcing us to sit quietly for so long because we got to see something that I had never seen before or since.  Waiting does have rewards.

July 27, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Settlements.

Our ranch settled today, thanks to cell phones and e mails.  Kerrville title did not plan ahead so yesterday they were in a panic.  But between all of us, we were able to accomplish the task.  A document was sent to us from our estate planning company.  We went to the attorney in town to have our signatures motorized and we e mailed it to the Title Company.  So David signed all the papers and it is done.  We already miss that place but the new purchaser is overjoyed, so we are pleased too.

Settlements go well if everyone does their job in a timely fashion.  Kerrvill Title was slow to pick up the case until the day before settlement so we were forced to jump through hoops, all at the last minute.  But it got done and on the same day as in the contract.  Despite my original anxiety about our real estate agent who was not on multiple list, he proved to be capable and confident so his system of marketing worked well.  Now the ranch is a happy memory.

July 26, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Settlements.

Always, issues arise just prior to the settlement.  Our water in the main ranch house stopped working last week.  Yesterday the well man made the repairs and this afternoon e mailed the invoice to the Title Company to pay the bill from the proceeds.  The purchaser wants to be sure the bill is paid, I am sure.   We are complete on that score.

This morning was the first time the Title Company looked at the case, even though we had warned them the title was being held in an estate.  They went into a state of panic.  They needed to read the trust and they needed to send the trust to their head attorney to be sure we could settle using a Power of Attorney to son David.  At the end of business today they were still unclear of how to proceed.  I have urged David to call them before leaving San Antonio for the 10:30 settlement.  I will call first thing in the morning to see what needs to happen to expedite the settlement.  The contract states the title of the ranch is in a trust and two weeks ago we alerted them again, but the day before settlement they request the trust.  Fortunately, The trust folks e mailed it to them, but they are not used to reading trusts, which is long, and they are fearful of making a mistake.  Thus the panic.  Had they looked at the case a few days ago life would have been easier.  Our real estate agent is fed up with them, which does not really help.  I believe they will figure out a solution.  After all, we settled the ranch with a POA and it was in a trust.  So here we go.

July 25, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Gull Bay Surfing.

The surfers were starving for good waves, until today when they came to Gull Bay.  Last evening the rains came, followed by high wind.  By morning, the surfers were checking for wave height and by noon they were surfing, 5 right in front of us and 4 out on the point in front of Peter's house.  The waves were not high but they were steady, so the surfers could pick up the wave a long way out and ride it right to shore.  

They all wear wet suits so they stay in the water for a long time.  And they stay out surfing until almost dark.   They must love surfing because it is still cold, even wearing a wet suit.  We love watching them and pleased to see them back surfing at Gull Bay.  We hope the surf is up tomorrow too.

July 24, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Pat and Mal.

Tomorrow, Pat and Mal fly home to Barrie.  Every day since their arrival they have been looking for large waves.  But to no avail.  The Atlantic Ocean has been calm.   Looking out to sea reminds you of sitting by a lake.  No storms, no surfers, no big waves.  But on the other hand, sitting outside was delightful.  Sometimes they moved lounge chairs around the house to sit in the shade.

Mal has changed every blown out light bulb.  He completed his task yesterday afternoon when another bulb blew out at the top of the stairs.  Every morning he unloads the dishes before going for a run or bike ride.  And he sets up the coffee pot so all we must do is push the botton.  And Pat helps in every way.  They are great guests and are welcome back anytime.

Today, Gill invited us for a farewell lunch for Pat and Mal.  Gill has become a good cook and a gracious host.  She made a cold cucumber soup which was delicious.  She also made sour dough crackers and home made bread.  And for dessert she baked a poppy seed loaf.  The seals arrived to her rocks today so we were excited to see their return.    The view from her house is spectacular so seeing it again is a pleasure.  Tomorrow we will be all by ourselves.  Our home will be quiet for sure.

July 23, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. My Phone.

Last week, Ken and I drove to the cottage, the first time we have seen it since last September.  We first deposited our trash in the Moosehorn Estates bins, then we inspected the cottage.  Fortunately, we still like it.  The place is small and rustic, and is a perfect retreat for the two of us.  We ate the lunch we brought and we took long naps.  Then we drove home.

Pat and Mal had driven to Mahone Bay and Dave worked out at the gym while Irene read.  We all arrived home at about the same time.  When I put away my belongings from the backpack, I realized I had left my phone at the cottage.  I had placed my phone on the trunk we use as a blanket chest, specifically so I could see it when we left.  There was no hope to return quickly as we were looking at a busy few days so I was without my phone.

Normally, this would not be a problem.  I don't get many calls here and I get e mails on my iPad.  But the timing was terrible.  Our ranch settles on Thursday the 27th and we had just been told that the water was not working in the main house.  I had called Pat L to investigate and I knew he would call with either good or bad news.  Finally today, we four drove to the cottage.  The weather was perfect so we enjoyed our drive in the country and our lunch.

And I retrieved my phone.  Poor Pat had called me 6 times and sent ever more frantic voicemail messages.  Something is the matter with the well.  The man will go tomorrow.  Pat was fearful for my health because I am prompt to return his calls and texts.  Now I am back in business with my phone.   And I hope the water will be working by settlement.  This is another example to keep me humble, leaving my phone at just the wrong time when timing was critical.  All resolved now.

July 22, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. A Perfect Day.

First, the weather today was perfect.  Warm and not much wind.  The ocean was calm.  The wind was from the north, which is unusual in July.  Pat and Mal went to the market in town this morning and discovered the the temperature in town was cooler than in Western Head.  And the wind in town was strong too.  They had a cup of coffee and a pastry at the market and the wind almost blew over the vendors tents.

Next we ate a final lunch with Dave and Irene, this time at Lane's Privateer Inn.  Wendy and Clausen joined us.  When I made the reservation I asked to dine in the library.  They indulged me so we 8 enjoyed the room all by ourselves.  The food is predictably acceptable.  It was my turn to buy lunch but before I could object, Clausen paid the bill.

This evening was the second installment of the Readers' Festival in Port Medway.  The visiting author was Darrel Greer.  For the first time since I have been attending, the place was not sold out.  But the audience was more energetic and enthusiastic than I had seen before.   Irene bought a book of his essays for our Canadian library which pleased me.  For the last few years I have enjoyed reading essays.  As usual, the reception was delightful

Best of all, we were home by 9:00 to see a beautiful sunset, a fitting ending of a perfect day.

July 21, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Our Town.

How long does it take to walk the whole Main Street?  In our town of Liverpool, if we go into every interesting store, it will take you an hour.  Pat and I did not rush and we shopped too but we were done quickly.  That is the blessing of our town, and also the curse.

Late last summer a new shoe store opened in our town.  I can not imagine they will stay in business because they sell expensive shoes.  Their shoes are beautiful and trendy and well made.  Clearly they are catering to the summer seasonal residents.  But maybe not.  Liverpool is becoming a retirement community so perhaps enough wealthy folks live here to support such a store.

The next store we entered was an upscale consignment shop.  They sell new object too.  Pat bought a cute dress for $10,  while I bought a pink night shirt which was soft and light weight and cosy.  I am wearing it now.

Lilith sells upscale women clothing.  Pat and I enjoyed looking at the beautiful garments but we did not buy anything.  Too expensive for our pocket books.  This is the third year in a row this business has thrived.  The owner once worked as a dresser for wealthy prominent people.  She and her artist husband moved here 4 years ago.  He paints and she runs the store.  She clearly has a good idea for fashion because her clothes are beautiful and expensive.  Once again, there must be enough wealthy people to buy her clothes.  Nifty stuff.

We toured the gift store in the Pharmacy, along with the Adja Gallery.    Not much new in either place.  But we ate lunch at Oscars.  But that will wait for another day.  Mal met us for lunch and also paid the bill.  Liverpool is a great little town.  You tour the Main Street, eat lunch and be home in under three hours.  And we spent a total of $20.

July 20, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Lunch at friends.

Mary and Clif invited all 6 of us for lunch at their home.  Dave and Irene leave on Sunday and Pat and Mal on Tuesday so this was a goodbye to the four.   Lunch is the best meal for us for about ten different reasons.  Mary said it is easier for her too so we were all happy.

Mary's yard is magnificent.   Flowers are everywhere.  And they are all wildflowers.   She started with nothing.  Just weeds and grasses and rocks.  Bit by bit she transplanted wildflowers from beside the road.  And friends donated shrubs and other flowers.  She has no grass around the house.  Just masses of flowers.   She moved the stones to make paths.  Now she thinks she might begin transplanting to make more space.  But not until next year.  Right now her yard is at it's peak.  I was delighted to see it again.

Of course, the lunch was delicious, all made by Mary.  All in all, we enjoyed the good food and the good company.  Good friends all.

July 19, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Irene.

Irene will need a rest when she returns to Ontario.  She has been attending to our every need along with Dave's.  Each afternoon around 4:00, the caterer delivers our meal and puts the food into the fridge in the garage.  Instructions are written on the covers telling us what to do.   Irene's habit was to come from the Guest House each evening around 5:00 to set the table and put the food in the oven.  She calculates the times for each container and makes sure dinner is ready around 7:00.   Everyone is happy.  In addition she always filled the water glasses and pitchers, adding the ice just before dinner.

I was feeling guilty so started to set the table early in the afternoon, so when Irene arrived, the table was set.  But Irene is being helpful and wants to ease my load so now she sets the table right after lunch.  Ken has been ordering lots of stuff from Amazon so we have many boxes collecting in the garage.  Irene broke down all the boxes so when we went to the cottage and were ready to load our trash in the truck, all the cardboard was stacked on the table ready for Mal to place in the truck bed.

No person has ever lived with us that is as helpful as Irene.  My Wonderful Wendy is the daughter of Irene.  Wendy learned everything from Irene.  I have known Irene since about 1950.  We have never had a harsh word.   She has shared my life ever since, along with Ken and the boys.  Irene is quietly  competent.  We have enjoyed having them visiting us here in Nova Scotia.  But now she will need to return home and have a good rest after looking after us here.  Gold star to Irene, my sister in law who is at the top of the list of wonderful guests.

July 18, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Our Band.

Our band is getting better.   And it is getting bigger.  The four of us who attended tonight's  concert from our house at the Brooklyn Bandshell  all agreed.  And the director selected music that was interesting and with great variety.  The concert lasted just over an hour which was a good thing because it was beginning to get cold.   The best part of the evening was the number of young people who have joined the band. They still have a long way to go until they are really good but they have made progress.  We enjoyed the concert tonight and were delighted with their improvement.

In past years, the music selected was much too difficult for the ability of the players so listening was sometimes painful.  The band members have always been enthusiastic but now we are seeing skill developed.  Tonight, the flute section had important sections where they were playing all by themselves.  Pretty nifty because our friend Mary is one of the 2 flute players.  We cheered extra hard.  And the oboe section was excellent.  No mud in that department.

The band is busy.  On Saturday they march in the Milton Day parade and in the evening will provide the music for the evening fund raiser.  The Swing Band will be playing on Sunday afternoon at the Lighthouse Park in Port Medway.  That group comprises the best players from the band so they are really good.  We are proud of our band and we wish them well.

Jul7 17, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. A Normal Day.

The day was foggy.  Every day since Dave and Irene arrived we have had fog for at least part of the day.  The fog horn can be heard all day and all night.   We like it.  There is no fog in Liverpool but here at Western Head we have had lots of fog.   By the afternoon, the fog gets burned off by the sun, as it did yesterday.   I went out to sit on the deck at 4:30, assuming that the fog would lift as it did yesterday.  But as I sat, the fog came in so that  soon I could not see the Guest House.   Amazing sight being surrounded by fog.

The group gather on the deck, all wearing fleece jackets.  At the lake house in Texas the temperature was 95 F.  Gill came by to say hello and chat on the deck.  Our evening had begun.

This morning, Pat and I walked to the Ely's home to see the dogs and drink a cup of tea.  Mal had gone sailing with Mary.  Ken was working in the yard.  After lunch, Dave went to the gym to work out.   The Smith's came to say a quick hello.  Joeleen, the caterer,  met with me at 3:30 to review the numbers of people for the rest of the summer.    Dinner was scrumptious.  Our day was a normal pleasant day in Western Head.  We feel fortunate being here, even though I am still wearing woolen socks!!

July 16, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Port Medway History.

Port Medway was a busy place in the 18th and 19th Centuries.   There was a pulp and paper mill and a fish processing plant.  The wharf was much bigger than now, with many fishing boats tied up.  Up the Medway River gold was discovered, so for a while there was a gold mine.  The biggest surprise was the number of resorts, renting bungalows for $5. a week to families to enjoy the country life and to fish for salmon and tuna.  Until 1945, Part Medway was a happening place.  Then it slumbered for 40 years before it was rediscovered.

This weekend and next, the good folks of Port Medway held a history show.  many many old photographs were displayed on boards in the community center.  Gill saw it yesterday and called this morning to urge us to attend, so we did.  At least Pat, Mal and I did.  Many of the homes in the pictures are still being lived in, except now they have all been modernized and refurbished.  The old pictures were fascinating and enlightening.  Who knew?

The day was perfect so after seeing the history lesson we walked up to the grocery store that serves ice cream.  That place was full of people too.  The ice cream was delicious and once again, it appears that Port Medway has become a happening town.  

July 15, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. White Point Resort.

The place was busy.  Today was the day to go out for lunch, and as Pat and Mal had not seen the rebuilt dining room, Dave suggested we eat there.   The old place burned down almost two years ago.  The fire was spectacular and was all over the news and internet.   The fire could even be seen from Western Head, although we were not here at the time.   The new place is beautifully done, with modern touches but still with the stone fireplaces and of course wonderful views of the ocean.

When the place reopened, they hired a new executive chef which turned out to be a good move,  as the food is interesting and unusual but not weird.   When son David was searching for a caterer, he phoned the new chef, who called David immediately and made a few suggestions, which proved to be successful.  We are using the same caterer this summer, the third summer in a row.

The parking lots at White Point were full.  A wedding was being held later in the afternoon.  The lounge had many folks sitting in comfortable chairs and chatting.  Many people were on the beach.   In other words, The White Point Resort is thriving.   To get into the resort, you must drive across  two fairways of the golf course, which brings it's own charm and danger.  Fortunately, the food is the best thing at White Point, followed by the beach.  And the new building is beautifully done.  Even though we ate there a week ago, we were delighted to return.   According to our friend Mary, it is the best place to dine in the whole county.  High praise indeed.

July 14, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. A Mystery.

Mal brought the blueberry cheesecake from the garage fridge and put the tray on the buffet.   I picked up the whipped cream from the same fridge and put the container into the kitchen fridge.   Next we sat outside and drank a glass of wine.  Pat and Mal arrived yesterday so we six were enjoying ourselves outside in the lovely weather when Gill stopped by to say hello.  By 7:30 we were ready for dinner.

First we ate the delicious berry salad followed by chicken fetticini and garlic toast.  Then it was time for dessert.  I was putting the cheesecake unto the plates and asked Irene to get the whipping cream.  But she could not find it so I went to look.  I was looking for a round container clearly labelled with a  plastic lid.  I also could not find it.  So everyone went looking.  We looked everywhere, even the trash.  Our home is not big so with 6 people searching every corner and shelf we were still unsuccessful so we ate our dessert without the whipped cream.  Ken was beginning to think that I had lost my marbles.

Everyone went to bed while I watched a baseball game.  And I was thinking through my steps and  recalled placing the whipped cream in the kitchen fridge.  So I removed a bunch of stuff to the garage fridge and looked at everything in the fridge.  Sure enough, a square container with a red lid was in the fridge at the top corner, clearly labelled whipped cream.  I told everyone that the container was round about 6 inches deep when in reality it was 2 inches deep with a red lid.

We called it the mystery of the disappearing cream with all 6 of us searching the kitchen and garage, giggling all the while.   Now we will all be able to have whipped cream on our breakfast cereal.  The best part is my marbles, which are all in place.  But I was totally wrong about the container because last week the whipped cream was in a round container about 6 inches deep with a clear plastic lid.   I just did not notice!!  But the mystery is solved.

July 13, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. A Simple Excursion.

Our excursion today was simple but delightful.  On our way home from the airport, our driver Mr. Gaskell, told us about a new market/restaurant in Milton.  This old town is inland along highway 8.  We drive right through Milton on the way to the cottage and we have friends who live there but we had never seen the new place even though it opened a year ago.  Mr. G. gave us directions which I paid no attention to.  I knew Milton was a small place which we would easily find.  But I was wrong and we were forced to stop a passing walker for directions.  Our goal was lunch.  Again Mr. G. said they had simple but good food, and that the place was small.

When we finally found the little place it was about a quarter mile off the highway.   The parking lot was empty but of course it was late for lunch.  The little house is made of stone and is cute.  Inside, the owners have made it very attractive, with a ceramic tiled floor and cute sayings hanging on the wall.  And board and batten siding on the lower side of the walls.   The place smelled like food and welcoming.   Ken ate fried clams and onion rings while Dave and Irene ordered fish and chips.  I ate a chicken burger made with a curry sauce.  I ordered it because curry in Nova Scotia is not common.  The service was excellent, friendly and efficient.  We ate everything on our plates.

When we left, we bought a whole pie to take home for dinner.  We have desserts from the catering only on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and as Pat and Mal were going to arrive we wanted a special dessert.  We four were happy campers.  The little place was charming.  We will go again.

July 12, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Paul's Bistro.

For the third year in a row, Paul's Bistro remains open for business in Liverpool.  As this is a German restaurant, I wonder how it survives.  German food is certainly not the most popular food in the world.   Yesterday, we four went to Paul's for our late lunch.  Much to our surprise, the food was delicious.  We not only ordered a full meal but we ate every bite.    Some how or other, we forgot that a meal was coming to our home for dinner so we ordered a full meal and ate the whole thing.  Then we remembered that dinner was coming.  Oops.

Paul's restaurant is at the far end of town so can easily be missed.   And it is in a converted house so is inconspicuous.  The decor is attractive, with each room in the house another spot for dining.  They have a total of 8 tables indoors plus a front deck with 6 tables.  This small restaurant is open 7 days a week.   Last year we went to Paul's only once, and that was for lunch.   The chef, who is German came to talk to us about our food, and when we left, he came outside to stop traffic so we could back our from the driveway.  He is a full service chef for sure.  And if you order 24 hours ahead, he will bake you good old German bread that you can take home.   We will go there again and order bread when I make the reservation.  I hope he survives.

July 11, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Hodge Podge.

Tonight for dinner we ate Hodge Podge.  Until we moved to Nova Scotia this dish was unknown to me.    I understand it is also made in New Brunswick and Newfoundland but in Nova Scotia it is popular snd not at all in Ontario or British Columbia.  Years ago, the dish was made with the first harvest from the garden.  Now most folks here only make in early summer, thus the caterer sent us Hodge Podge for dinner tonight.

You use a variety of new vegetables: snow peas, new potatoes, green beans, yellow beans and small carrots.   The first time I ate it at a friends home I was given the old time recipe, which was a quart of cream, a pound of butter and seasonings to taste.  Now people use milk for the broth and a small amount of butter.  No meat at all.  You heat the milk, add the vegetables to cook slightly, season,  then eat.  It is delicious, a true Nova Scotia delicacy.

July 10, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. N.S. Real Estate.

Walt and Mary came to our home for dinner tonight.  They have been in the real estate business in Nova Scotia for almost 40 years.  Their specialty is water front property.  We are not experts but we have lived here part time for 18 years so we have seen markets wax and wane.  Thirty years ago buyers were mainly German.   They preferred living on a lake or river.  Twenty years ago the Americans came to buy vacation homes, always on the bold Atlantic ocean, just like us.  Ten years ago the folks from Alberta were buying water  front property.   There were times when nobody was buying second homes.

Our little town has become a retirement destination.  Lots of folks have retired here from Ontario.  My brother and sister in law have visited us each summer.  Tonight at dinner, Dave commented on the beauty and charm of the area.  He wondered why it is not better known?   This is a question I have always asked myself.  We love it here.  And I know the area is growing but most Canadians have never set foot on the province, let alone Americans.  The society is civilized and the people are polite and friendly so why don't people buy here?  It is a puzzle.

Yesterday the temperature in San Antonio was 101 degrees.  Here by the ocean it was 72.  The air is clear and clean.  This is the perfect spot to spend the summer.  The ocean sparkles and is always changing.  For us, we do not really want hordes of people pouring into the province but the working people could stand more action.   But that does not appear to be happening.  We will just enjoy the place but we do wonder why there are not more people buying here on the shore.  Living here is delightful.

July 9, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Port Medway Readers' Festival.

Helen Humphreys was the guest writer at the first of 3 events called The Readers' Festival.  Helen read from three of her works, one called Apples, to be published in September.   I have not read her work but as I bought two of her books last evening, I will certainly enjoy her work now.  She was delightful.  For 30 minutes she read, then she answered questions.  She started out her working life  writing poetry.  It shows in her choice of words, even when speaking.  One of her books is about the Napanee River, just north of Kingston, Ontario.  The river is the protagonist.  I can't wait to read it.

Six of us drove together from Western Head, all driven by Wendy.  After one hour of the program, everyone retreats down the road to the Fire Hall where the volunteers provide a light meal.  Our evening was festive and fun and as usual am astonished by the quality of the event, organized and run in this tiny old town.  The event is impressive and all 6 of us thoroughly enjoyed our evening at The Readers' Festival at Port Medway.

July 8, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Rhubarb.

Today I ate a bowl of stewed rhubarb.  It was delicious.  Yesterday,  Ken pulled the rhubarb from our one plant beside the well.  He cut up the stalks and put the cut rhubarb in a big pot.  I added a small amount of water and put  the pot to boil.   After an hour or so I added sugar to taste, then simmered the pot for a few minutes.  Finally I set it beside the stove to cool.  Eventually I transferred the stewed rhubarb to a  container, labelled it, and put it in the fridge.  This morning for breakfast I ate a big bowl.

My Mother knew I liked rhubarb so she almost always kept a bowl in the fridge.  One Saturday evening I had returned home late.  Everyone was asleep so I was carrying my shoes in my hand.  I also was carrying a book and a bowl of rhubarb, to eat as a late night snack.  As I clicked on my light switch, the bowl of rhubarb fell onto  the chair, which was unfortunately covered with clothes.  I had a mess on my hands.  My solution was to leave the rhubarb where it was and go to sleep, which I did.  I have no recollection of what I did the next morning but I can still recall that spilled rhubarb.

My favorite dessert is a strawberry rhubarb pie, with ice cream.  Every northern home had a rhubarb patch.   We can not grow it in either Texas or Mississippi.  But from time to time, I can find it in the grocery store.  It was a treat to find that our own rhubarb patch was ready to be harvested.  Eating a bowl this morning returned me to my youth.  More nostalgia.

July 7, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Art in Nova Scotia.

Since we have been living in Nova Scotia, we have been acquiring art produced by local artists.  Bit by bit we have filled our walls with beautiful pictures.   We have discovered many artists living within 50 miles of our home.  Last year, our friend Frances was attending a party.  She asked if she could come all by herself so she could take a good look at the art quietly.  When the rooms are filled with people, she has had trouble focusing on the walls.  Today was the day.

Yesterday I invited her to come for lunch today at 1:00 but to come at 11:30 so she could view the art all by herself, quietly with no interruptions.  So she did and it was a great success.  On the main level, Frances asked me questions about the artists and where we acquired the pieces.  I enjoyed looking carefully at the beautiful pieces, big and small.  When she went upstairs, she was on her own.  She loved our big crow by Bernie,  also the pigs by the sea, painted by Denise's sister Kate Holmes.

The event was also a time for Dave and Irene to see Frances again.  Our lunch was delightful: seafood chowder with a salad and crackers,  and cookies and tangerines for lunch.  I am always amazed at the number of artists we enjoy in Nova Scotia.  Frances is too.

July 6, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia Life.

When driving in Nova Scotia you will see two things in almost every home.   First is the clothes hanging on the line.  Most homes have clothes dryers, but every one hangs their clothes out to dry, so you see long lines of clothes every where you look.  I am told that there is an order for hanging clothes but all I know is they are decorative blowing in the breeze.  When the sun shines, everyone puts their clothes outside to dry  but even on dull days you see the lines full of gaily dancing clothes.  People like the smell of the clothes drying in the sun.  And Nova Scotians are frugal.  They do not want to waste energy if not necessary.

The second thing you see is stacked wood.  They are experts at putting the wood into an orderly fashion where it will stay dry but is easily available.  Many homes have wood sheds, where the small building is full to the top with cut wood.  It is impressive to see these 8x10 sheds all ready for the stacked wood.  You see stacks of wood close to the home beside the garage or at the back of the yard.  There are multi rows of wood all stack to four foot height.  The men in the family really do know how to stack wood so the wood will not fall over even when you remove some wood.  It is impressive.

On the way home from town today, I saw a pile of wood being unloaded in the driveway.  I can guarantee that the next time we drive past that house that wood will be neatly stacked, all ready for the winter.  The climate of Nova Scotia does impact the culture.  Unless you make the wood ready for the winter, you would freeze from the cold.  For hundreds of years, if you lived here you looked after the wood.  Now although everyone has a furnace fueled by oil or  gas, every home has a wood stove that runs all winter.  It is culture.  If you see lots of clothes outside on the lines and you spot stacked wood, you are probably in Nova Scotia.  So just enjoy.

July 5, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Living by the Shore.

Yesterday we had to call George, our builder.  Three of our doors would not open.  Living beside the ocean has it's charms, but also it's problems.   The doors would not open because the metal doors from the garage had rusted.  And one hinge was so rusted it was coming apart.  This all caused by the salt in the air coming off the ocean.  The damp air does not appear to be full of salt but it is.  My friend Mary who lives two houses along the shore from us, has a solution.  And it works.  Before she leaves for the season, she takes a big bottle of vaseline and coats all the metal surfaces with the stuff. She covers the outside door knobs, metal light fixtures, hinges and everything she can find that is metal.  When she arrives, she brings a rag so she can open the door.  So far she has not needed to replace anything, not even the hinges.

George came to our rescue.   The long tern solution is to replace three doors but in the meantime, the doors now open properly.  But it is temporary.  George thinks the repairs might last five months or five years.   Time will tell.  Now we can get out of our master bedroom to the deck and leave the garage out of the two doors.  We were down to always using the big garage doors.  George is a wonderful worker and he always help us when we are in need.  Now all is working at our home on Shore Road.  But you know it will not last.  Always something needing attention.  But we are enjoying our situation now.

July 4, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Shirts.

Up until now, my favorite shirt with a message was  given to me by Ken, the shirt that says,  "She Who Must Be Obeyed".   But I never wear it because it is a sweat shirt and too hot for the summer.  In the years when we came in the winter, I wore it with pleasure.  Now it stays in the closet waiting for us to return during cold weather.

On Tuesday I was given a new best shirt.  It says, "Never Underestimate an Old Woman Who Loves Books And Was Born In December".  Today I wore it with pride.  Dave and Irene brought it for me, after seeing it on the Internet.    The graphics also includes a picture of a tea cup.  This t shirt is perfect for me and is light weight so I can wear it in the summer.

I have a drawer full of t shirts but I wear the same 4 or five each week.   When we first moved here I bought shirts with stuff about Nova Scotia.  I have a shirt with lighthouses, and with whales and one with Canada printed across the front.  I even have some old Sentinel Title Company shirts that Bernie gave us when we went to Puerto Vallarta all those years ago.  I hate to cull the old favorites.  But now I have a new pretty shirt with a good message.  I plan to wear it every time it is clean and will send thank you words to Dave and Irene.  Great gift.

July 3, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. The Caterer.

Our first dinner with the caterer tonight was a winner.  Small individual lasagnes, garlic toast, and a wonderful Caesar salad.  And all the perfect size.  We four finished every bit.   In years past, we were given too much food so this year I asked them to reduce the amount of food.  This is the third year we have used the same caterer but Faye the manager in charge is not working this year so I was anxious, especially when the cook Joleen had the day wrong for our arrival.  They offered to make us a lunch box when we arrived, which they had done the past years.  When we arrived with Mr. G. no lunch box was anywhere to be found.  Joleen had the wrong day.  I was fearful without the organizational skill of Faye.

But this afternoon, when Joleen brought the food, I sat down with her and went week by week to be sure what was needed and for how many people.  The schedule is actually difficult but I think we are now on the same page.  We have also decided to only have desserts three times a week.  When we  invite other dinner guests, I can merely let her know the day before.  We are set for the summer.

Our system works beautifully.  They decide on the menu and cook the food.  Then they bring the food to our house late afternoon and put the food in the fridge, along with directions for heating.  After dinner, we clean the kitchen and place their clean dishes in the table in the garage.  Every evening, we get another surprise.  And the best part is that Dave and Irene will pay the caterer.  What a winner!!

July 2, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Dave and Irene.

They have visited us in Nova Scotia every year since we moved here for the summer, except last year they were unable to come due to medical issues.  But this summer they have arrived and will stay for three weeks in the Guest House.  Ken and I are delighted they are here.  They flew in from Hamilton in mid afternoon and arrived at our home at 7:00.  The beauty of the Guest House is that they can hang around reading in their pajamas drinking coffee and eating breakfast and never bother to see anyone.   It feels like a regular vacation rather than visiting relatives.

When we first told Dave and Irene what we had purchased in Nova Scotia, Dave checked the map and called back to say that they could not easily get there from Ontario.  He was correct but they managed.  For years they drove but now they fly.  They both look great.  After dinner, we commented that Irene was the only able bodied person in the group.  And we laughed.

Good families are wonderful.  Dave and Irene have been part of our lives for a very long time.  And through all those years, we have never had an unpleasant moment.  I read of families having fights but not my family.   They have been helpful to us in many situations over the past over 60 years.  Ken and I are grateful to have Dave and Irene visit us this summer as we missed them last year.   Now let the summer fun begin.

July 1, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Neighbors.

No where else we live do people stop by to say hello, but it happens at Western Head.  Today around one o'clock Gill came by to say hello.  She and Mary had gone to the market down town by the river and on the way home she stopped by.  Ken had already had lunch and gone upstairs so Gill and I had a good old visit.  Soon Ken came back down and the two of them talked about medical things but I enjoyed just chatting about Florence and her visit to New York.  It was an unexpected pleasure in my day.

Around four o'clock, Walt and Mary brought us a container of freshly made soup.  Mary made the soup for lunch but there was enough left over for us and for Walt's aunt who is 92.  No time for a real visit.  Just a pop in with the soup and to say hello.  Yesterday afternoon they came for a proper visit, so we were able to catch up on Walt's health.  They both look great.

Thursday afternoon, Wendy and Clausen came over to bring the dogs and to say hello.  It was chilly outside so we chatted in the garage.  Tenor was not pleased being in the garage.  Something made him anxious bo Clausen took him home.  But it was wonderful seeing them here in Nova Scotia.  And Cliffie came by on Thursday too.  The visits are never long but I like them.  One of the pleasures of living in Nova Scotia is being within walking distance of our good friends.   I especially like it when they pop in to surprise me especially now that I am unable to drive.   It is just another simple pleasure in my life.