August 31, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. The Surf Was Up.

At the first light of day the surfers were out.  By the time we looked, there were 8 surfers wearing black garb.  The waves were high, probably 8 feet.  As the day wore on, the waves decreased in intensity so by six o'clock, the surfers were gone.  When you first look out at the Bay, is is difficult to tell if there are seals or surfers but on closer inspection or when the surfers sit on their board you can clearly tell there are not seals.  And of course, when they stand and catch a wave right into the shore you can tell for sure that they are not seals.

This morning the surfers got long rides.  I think they were the experts.  By mid afternoon, the surfers were having trouble catching the waves.  White Point has a surfing school and I think the students were from that school. They were struggling to stay in front of the waves.  Of course, watching from our deck is easy but being out in the cold water is a whole other ball game.  But at least the surfers got another bout in the water.  I certainly watched their antics and am pleased that Irma sent us high waves without lots of rain.  It was another perfect day at Western Head.

August 30, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. A fierce Day.

Finally, we are getting lots of rain.  Tropical Storm Irma is off the coast of Nova Scotia, bringing rain and more rain.  All afternoon and this evening I needed to wear a rain coat.  And it is chilly.  Unfortunately, the surf was not up but tomorrow the surfers are hoping and praying for high waves.  We will see tomorrow morning whether or not the surfers will be out in our bay.

When we arrived this evening to the home of Mary and Walt for dinner, Walt had the gas fireplace on to keep the damp and cool away.  The heat felt great and reminded us that autumn is just around the corner.  We ate a Canadian Thanksgiving dinner in August.  Mary is a good cook and tonight she prepared a typical turkey dinner with all the trimmings.    Perfect dinner for a cold damp evening.  And as usual, the conversation was lively.  Larry and Jan were there too.  Some how or another, we got onto the topic of tax assessments.  The day itself is fierce but tonight all is well.  l am inside in my warm bedroom and the heavy rain is outside, and we are high above the water so flooding will not be an issue.   Poor Houston.

August 29, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia, The Hot Tub.

We have owned a hot tub since 1980, when we lived on Old Spring Road in Kensington.  My friend Coleen was running the first charity fund raiser and auction benefitting the new Ronald McDonald house in Washington, D.C.  As Coleen knew we had attended lots of auctions in Pennsylvania, she asked us to keep the bidding active.  The organizers were fearful of having silent buyers.  The hot tub came up for auction, with a list price of $4500.   Andrew opened the bidding at $1000.   I had nodded to him to get it started.  But everyone laughed that a kid was bidding for the hot tub, and they stopped bidding.  The auctioned banged his gavel and Andrew had won the hot tub.  The price included delivery and set up, so for the cost of a new electrical outlet and $1000. we were proud owners of a new hot tub.  We loved it and have enjoyed our hot tubs ever since.

Late this afternoon, Ken and I got into our hot tub in Nova Scotia for the first time this season.   It is an understatement to say that we enjoyed it.  Last summer we installed a used hot tub, smaller that the old one that we removed because it was leaking.  I wanted to do without a hot tub and had already asked George our builder to fill in the tub.  But Ken agreed to the used smaller tub so it was installed before summer of 2016.  The kids used it every day but Ken and I used it only twice because getting in and out seemed difficult and dangerous.

This season, I waited for Ken to ask about getting into the hot tub.  It took until today for him to make the suggestion.  Before dinner but after anyone was likely to stop by, Ken and I took off our clothes in the garage and clambered into the hot tub.  I was delighted to note that both of us were able to easily get in and out.  He had George install a railing to help us get in and out.  Ken had turned the rail with handle into the tub which make life easier.  I must say that the tup was delightful.  We both wondered why we had not used it before now.  Now we will see if we use it before we leave for the season.

 

August 28, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. The Perfect Day.

The weather today at Western Head was perfect.  The sun shone all day.  The breeze was modest with just enough wind to keep you cool but not enough to blow you over.  And the ocean was calm.  When we returned from the cottage and turned the last corner to go down the hill to the causeway we both exclaimed with the beauty of the scene.   The weather today at Western Head was as good as a day can possibly be.  It was perfect.

So after getting organized at home I went for a walk to the Ely's who live next door on the other side of the woods.  I always walk on the road because the path is uneven and I am fearful of doing it on my own.  Also the road is a longer distance and longer is always better.   We drank tea from my favorite cups that have pictures of country life and who came from Wendy's grandmother.   Wonderful tradition to drink tea with good friends using antique family cups and saucers.

To put the icing on the day, Heather brought us a blueberry pie.  She said it was for our anniversary.  We ate a piece for our late lunch.   Today, there were more reasons than one to be living at Western Head in Nova Scotia.

August 27, 2017. Pleasantfield, Nova Scotia. 59th Anniversary.

For several years in a row after we married, Ken and I were on our way home from our summer jobs so we would arrive home without noticing that we had both forgotten Ken's birthday along with our anniversary.  So it became a habit not to make a big deal with either events.  Eventually, we decided that was foolishness so we began to celebrate both.  This year we have regressed back to our former life.  On Ken's birthday, Alice Anne, Ken and I went to dinner at Paul's Bistro in Liverpool but that was because it was the last supper for Alice Anne.  Today we did nothing special to celebrate our 59th anniversary.  And we were perfectly happy.

The most interesting aspect of the whole day is that no one called or e mailed to wish us a Happy Anniversary.   Ken and I forgot too, until mid afternoon.  Eventually I called David and Suzanne so the could tell us greetings.  Near the end of August is an odd time to remember an anniversary so we totally understand.

Next year will be our 60th but instead of having a big party for our friends and relatives, Ken and I are being selfish and will take a cruise all the way down the Mississippi River.  I had many suggestions for a big party on the 60th but everything I brought out was shot down so I finally gave up.  This year, we are celebrating together at the cottage and next year we will also be together but on the Mississippi River.   We will be perfectly happy next year too.

August 26, 2017. Pleasantfield,, Nova Scotia. Caladonia.

Today was the first time we had driven to Caledonia.   Several hundred years ago, the hardy people who moved there had to be careful.  There were bears and Indians to contend with.  In addition, they were required to clear land to grow food.  Any level piece of land was named a field,  so we live in Pleasantfield.  We drove through Middlefield and if we had turned right we could have driven to Greenfield.  On the way to Caladonia we drive through South Brookfield and then Brookfield.  Those people were on a roll.

The early settlers came to cut down trees and to farm the land.  Caladonia became the largest of the small towns.  It is still a small town but still very cute.  We ate lunch at The Hallow Log Cafe, where $15. will buy a lunch for two.  In town there is an excellent Pharmacy and also a Hardware store.  The population has shrunk since 1950 but the homes are still in excellent condition, even though many homes are old and large.  Our plumber lives in Caladonia.  The small grocery store I am told is expensive but it a perfect size for me.  After lunch I went in for milk and honey and it took me 3 minutes.  When I was  checking out, the lady mentioned that they also have local honey which is cheaper, so I asked her to get me one of the local honeys.  I should have purchased two the first time because we are out of honey at both the cottage and at the ocean.  Pretty good service from this expensive small grocery store.

Ken has been able to make the Internet function.  The cottage seems much more pleasant with the Internet up to speed.  In fact, the cottage is looking good.  The day is beautiful.  When we arrived, Paul, who lives down the road was pulling his boat using our boat ramp.   And shortly after we arrived, our neighbor stopped by to chat when he was about to put his boat into the water using our ramp.  We have the best ramp in Moosehorn Estates and we have no problem having folks use it.  We talked so long with Gary that his wife Joyce came to see what had happened.   Today we feel at home here at the cottage.  And Ken had no trouble driving to Caladonia and then back to the cottage.   We must think hard about selling.

August 25, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Spur Of the Moment.

When I looked at the dinner brought to us by the caterer, I knew there was too much food, so I called our friends Walt and Mary to see if they would like to join us for dinner.  They were just on their way home from Bridgewater and Mary had not yet done any dinner preparations so my timing was perfect.  Spur of the moment dinners are delightful perhaps because of the unexpectedness of the event.  We four were pleased to be together.  And the dinner was delicious.

We have all been monitoring the storm in Texas.  Harvey is a big storm and even though the storm will hit land near Corpus Christie, the whole of the Texas coast is expected to have heavy rain snd wind.  In some places they are talking of 2 to 3 feet of rain.  Canyon Lake is expected to flood as is San Antonio.  The River Walk has already placed sand bags to keep the water out of the restaurants.  Alice Anne has evacuated from Galveston, which was smart because once the rain begins, the causeway off the island gets flooded and you are not able to get off the island. And it is expected that the storm will just sit on land for several days.

Walt is a news junkie so I know Walt will be carefully watching the news about the storm.  We intend to go to the cottage tomorrow where we have no TV but we can follow it on our phones.  Our Texas family is ready for the rain and wind and I suspect they will stay home.  Now we will watch and wait and hope.

August 24, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Friends Jan and Larry.

We have not seen them since last August so tonight we had to catch up on the whole year of activities.  They came for dinner which for me is easy.  All I must do is to set the table and fill the water glasses, then put the food in the oven at the appropriate time.  I never know what the caterer will cook, even for guests, but I assume that our guests are here to visit, not because of our fine dining.

Jan and Larry live in Ottawa and they love to travel.  This Fall they will spend time in England, then Italy.  They also love fine wines so they will have a wonderful trip.  They have renovated a big old home in Liverpool, which is gorgeous.  I once spilled a glass of red wine on a white chair.  Fortunately, it was slip covered.  Even after that disaster we are still good friends.

After dinner and our conversation in the living room, Jan and Larry insisted on cleaning up the kitchen.   When they left, the dish washer was running and the table was clear.  They really are good friends indeed.

August 23, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Storms.

The weather forecast in Western Head is always only 50% correct, which obviously means half the time the forecast is wrong.   Today we were to have thunder storms late in the day along with heavy rain, but not until after 8:00.  Instead we had heavy rain all day, along with very high winds but nothing after dark.  Even the wind has stopped blowing.

There is something about waking up hearing the rain that makes you want to stay in bed.  It was definitely a day to stay at home, even after I got up.   The wind was shrieking around the house with the rain pouring down so both Ken and I decided to stay in our night shirts and putter around home.   The day was wonderful.   I read and cleaned up my emails and read some more.  I also phoned several businesses to give them a change of address.  I am always surprised these little tasks take so long to complete.  Ken gives me the information and I get the job done.   Today was the day to clean the desk.

Alice Anne is home in Galveston only to begin organizing for Tropical Storm Harvey.  They expect lots of rain but not much wind.  So far at Western Head they have forecast 3 big storms but we have had nothing.  Today was a perfect day to stay at home and stay warm and cosy.  I always feel sorry for the little birds during these heavy rains and high winds.  But for me, I was a happy camper listening and watching.

August 22, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Political Conversations.

Perhaps it was always difficult to have differing opinions and discussions without resorting to voices being raised.  Now it seems to be impossible.  Today, violent actions have appeared on the streets when parties think you are not agreeing with them.  The situation is not good.   Just wearing the wrong hat can cause you harm or heckled.  In years past, politicians could be friends with other party members.  They even had dinner together and sat beside each other at White House concerts.  But not now.

Ideas are not discussed.  When an issue arises that other folks think is wrong, they attack the person, telling them they are stupid.   Alice Anne and I are in different sides of the isle but we enjoyed several discussion about politics in the US.  No one raised their voice or got excited.  But that was unusual in the world of today.  I do not know where this will end but the situation is not good when a group can shut down speakers just because they do not agree with the message.  Twice today I have read articles about the coming civil war in the US.   Since before the Primaries, I have put my head in the sand and refused to pay attention but now things are getting serious so perhaps I should pay more attention.  The political world of today is interesting and dangerous.

August 21, 201`7. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Old Friends.

We have been friends with Alice Anne since 1964.   For us, her visit to us was splendid and I hope she feels the same.  Her decision to stay close to our home was made the first day she arrived and she stuck to her plan.  She went looking for birds at Sand Beach, right at the end of Gill's street.  But the best thing occurred when we saw the Gannets at the Western Head lighthouse.  Last evening while sitting on the deck we again saw 20 or so Gannets way out at sea.  They even flew along our shore not too far away.

And she confirmed that the little ducks in front or our house are indeed Eider Ducks.  I was not sure myself if I was correct.  And we do have Ravens here.  I see them but the bird book says we are out of their range.  A.A. says my book is out of date.

After one last lunch together today at White Point, Alice Anne left for the airport to catch her flight tomorrow.  Getting up very early and driving with a deadline is difficult so she will have a lazy evening at the airport motel and be ready for her flights tomorrow.  First she flies to Montreal, then direct to Houston.  No airline fly direct from Halifax to Houston.   A.A. was helpful to us.  She always drove and today she helped Ken carry a heavy chair down the back stairs.  No friends like old friends, my Mother always said.   We will miss her presence in our life every day but we will see her again in a few years, maybe even in Nova Scotia again.  She approves of the Guest House!!

August 20, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Thinking and Checking.

This afternoon with Alice Anne driving we drove to Mill Village to check out a house for sale on the Medway River.  We have been checking out the little homes on the Mersey River in Milton.  Our friends from the cottage , Heather and Ross, told us about a home that had been for sale, so we checked it out.  It would have been almost perfect, but it sold the day before.  And another one had just sold a few days before.  The little home in Mill Village will not work because the access to the river was difficult.  but the price was right.   We had a great time exploring the back roads.

What we are thinking about is the cottage.  Ken does not enjoy driving and the ground between the cottage and the lake is uneven which makes life difficult for me.  Perhaps we will sell the cottage and buy a small home in Milton on the river.  It is 20 minutes  from our ocean home.   That part of the river is good for kayaks and canoes and is a pretty, clean river.  We want a small house with good access to the river and a nice yard.  In the house we want two bedrooms and two bathrooms.  And of course a garage.   So we have been looking.  Unfortunately, Milton is a small town so the number of homes is small,  And two sold recently.

We are thinking about what to do next.  Should we sell now and hope a home will come on the market?  Or do we wait?  If we sell now, what would we do with all the boats?  Perhaps we will do nothing.  Ken and I must figure it out.

August 19, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. 81 Today.

Ken never dreamt that he would be 81 so he is delighted.  To celebrate, we ate dinner at Paul's restaurant in Liverpool.  When we married, Ken had a life expectancy of 42.  Now here he is at 81.  Of course, he never dreamt that he would have a type of Parkinson's disease.  We three dined  by ourselves in our own room so it was quiet so easy to converse.   Ken was pleased with our good dinner all by ourselves and Alice Anne was delighted to join in the celebration.

Ken likes heat but today was anything but warm.  A.A. commented that today was a winter day in Galveston.  The rain started last evening and continued all day.  And the wind blew so white caps could be seen at sea.  Between the wind and rain and 60 degrees, it felt like winter even here.  It was a great, blustery day.  On the way home from dinner, we drove to see the Western Head lighthouse to see the waves and the rocks.  Indeed, the waves were crashing in on the rocks but what was most unexpected was that we see 20 Gannets wheeling around and diving for their food.  This is only the second time we have seen them close to shore.  We can often see them well out to see but only once before did we see them in front of our house.  The sight was marvelous.  Turning 81 and seeing the Gannets is certainly pretty special.  

August 18, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. No Storm At All.

Isaac reports that surfers have come from far and wide, hoping to have big surf.  The forecasts have been for 6 foot waves.  The storms way out at sea were supposed to send us lots of big waves and winds.  Yesterday we had a few hours of high wind but when we arrived home expecting to see big surf all we could see was flat water.  It looked as if we lived by a lake.

Alice Anne was also hoping for a big storm to be able to see what high waves look like on the bold Atlantic Ocean.  She knows all about storms on the Gulf of Mexico in Galveston.  We were all set to see the waves crashing over the rocks at Western Head lighthouse.  It is quite a sight.  But not much to see without the big waves.

This summer, the ocean has been calm and quiet.  Only one day have the surfers gotten in the water.   For the last three days, the forecasters have been promising storms but every morning we wake up to flat water.    You could be fooled into knowing that the Atlantic is always calm.   We know better.  But for now, the surfers are disappointed and so are we.  We got no storm at all.

August 17, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. The Big Surprise.

The day was glorious but windy.  After a session with the attorney to have papers notorized, we three drove to The Quarterdeck for lunch.  Alice Anne had kindly agreed to drive.  The restaurant was full so we sat on the deck.   A.A. bought a hat for Ken as the sun was bright.  We sat enjoying the sun and the surf.  But the wind got stronger.  Our water glasses were on the table along with the menus.  Suddenly a large gust of wind knocked over the menus and two of the water glasses.  Everyone jumped.

These items did not just get knocked over.  They flew through the air past Ken's ears.  It all came so quickly you could not tell it was actually happening.  Fortunately, no one got hurt although Ken was soaked and had a foot full of water.  The people at the adjacent table brought over all their napkins  to wipe up the mess.

The waitress suggested we should move at the picnic table around the side, which we did.    From then on we were safely out of the strong wind.   A.A. was so startled by the big spill that she ordered a gin and tonic.  Our meal was delicious.  We all three agreed that we were living a spectacular life.

August 16, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. The Haircuts.

The little girls was excited, sitting in the big chair to have her hair cut.   She was on the opposite side of the salon to me but I could clearly hear her questions.   I had arrived for my 11:15 pedicure appointment, having been dropped off by Alice Anne.  Actually, I should have arrived at 11:45, the proper time.  Instead I drank a cup of good coffee and watched the action and called A.A. to pick me up later than planned.

The child's mother was sitting watching the hair cut, and every so often, admonishing the child to speak quietly.  The little girl asked about everything the lady was doing.  Why do you use the comb so much?  How short will it be?  Will my hair be the same all around?  Will I be able to wear a pony tail?  The list was endless.  As I watched and listened, it was clear that this visit to the hair salon was the first.  And I noted lots of hair on the floor.   The hair was left just below the ears.  When the little girl was finished, she skipped around to get her sucker.  I guessed that she was 6 and cute and personable.  After she was finished, all the hair was swept up, which was a lot.  The little girl picked up a c hunk to take home.

Next up was the Mother.  Her hair was also long, but the plan was to be cut short too.  Evidently, the mother and child had made a plan.  Then I was ready to go in for my pedicure.  But I got the added bonus at observing this little girl's first hair cut.  In the past, the mother had just trimmed the ends.  I did wonder about the decision.  Girls today are all wearing their hair long, so what prompted the decision.  I will never know but I enjoy watching the excitement.  

August 15, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. She Almost Won.

With 8 seconds to go, A.A. held the winning bid on a spotting scope.  Her bid was $125. with her top bid up to $350.  The scope retails for close to $600. so it would have been a good buy.  Time elapsed and A.A. thought she had won and was already celebrating.  Normally, a Congratulations pops up on the screen, but no sign appeared.  Finally a notice appeared to say that the scope was purchased for a price of $450.  She had lost.

Alice Anne and I were sitting in the living room having a glass of wine and talking and she remembered about the spotting scope.  She owns one exactly the same as the one being sold on eBay, When she first checked tonight, there was 12 minutes to go until the end of bidding.  We continued talking.  I suggested that time must have been over so A.A. checked to discover the 8 second time remaining.  Evidently, 8 buyers electronically posted their bid just at the last minute.

On the one hand, she did not need to spend the dollars but at her last bid it would have been a steal.  I had never been involved with an eBay auction, and as I love auctions, I enjoyed the process.  We had fun especially when we thought she had won. You must admit, we live in a wonderful world.

August 14, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Never In Doubt.

I was sure that The Seascape was on Highway 103.  But I was wrong.  First we went to the Quarterdeck for lunch, but a sign on the door stated that today lunch would not be served  so we decided to drive a bit further to go to The Seascape.   I had driven down highway 3 with Norm and Diane and I had not seen the little restaurant.  Ken from the back seat assured Alice Anne that we should drive a bit further to find it.  But I was sure we needed to find 103..

"Never in doubt.  Often in error".  That describes me.  After going out to highway 103 at exit 21 and driving 5 miles south, we all agreed to turn around, return to highway 3 and find the Seascape, which we did.  

Until last year, highway 3 went into 103, but not any more.  103 has been extended and bypasses several towns, such as Hunt's Point and Port Mouton.   Now highway 3 ends with several big rocks.  But highway three is still there and our favorite fish and chips restaurant is still there, just as  always. We three ate a late but delicious lunch.   In the future, I will be able to find The Seascape Restaurant, which I now know is on highway 3.  Ken knew all along!!

August 13, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Alice Anne.

Her arrival was to be 6:30 in Halifax and she was not wanting to drive to Liverpool partly in the dark so Alice Anne decided to stay overnight.  But she left it to the last minutes.  Expedia said all motels close to the airport were full but one room remained which was at St. Vincent University in Bedford.   She was to share a bathroom.  The cost was $27.  She booked it.

After she cleared customs and got her rental car, it was dusk.  She plugged the address into the GPS in the car and headed out.  She missed a road or two but finally arrived at the correct address, which was the address of the main building of the university.   There was not a soul in sight so she drove around the campus and finally found a young man, who quickly pulled up the dorm room on his phone who then gave her directions.  All was well but by then it was pitch black.  The room was fine, especially for the price.  Clever for these universities to rent the dorms when the university is closed for the summer.

This is the third time A.A has visited us in Nova Scotia but she was confused with the signs from Halifax.  She thought she was going to the south shore but the sign said 103 was going west.  Unfortunately, Nova Scotia sets at an angle.  After a stop or two to be sure she was on the correct road, she arrived at our home at 10:00.  I was not even downstairs so the poor lady had no one to greet her except Ken who was having breakfast in the kitchen wearing his night shirt and who did not hear her knock.  She had to phone me to say she was on the deck.  

We are delighted  she is here.  Unfortunately the fog descended just as she arrived.  Sunny days are surely ahead.

August 12, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Home 5.

Our dog in Galveston was a Saluki, the fastest dog in the wold.  But our Cindy was alone all day so we decided to get another dog to keep her company when we were both at work.  A friend from work, a psychiatrist also owned Salukis and had just had a litter of puppies.  He also owned a house close to the hospital with a good sized yard that was for rent.  Ken and I went to look at the puppies which was a mistake because we loved them all. And our friend was willing to rent us his house, which was partly furnished.    Before we turned around, we were the proud owners of two dogs plus would soon move into our new home.

When we lived in that home, it seemed spacious but when we drove past the house a few years ago it seemed very small.  But it was perfect for us.    Ken rode his bike to the hospital and our three dogs loved the yard.  Eventually the boys were born while we lived there and we had wonderful neighbors.

We had been told that the house had central heating.  What they mean is that a central heater is in the middle of the house.  The air conditioner worked well.  Fortunately the winter in Galveston was mild so the central heat was adequate.  One winter it actually snowed and we could see people up and down the street cleaning the snow from their cars using spatula.  Too funny.

We enjoyed our time in that house and we remained in that comfortable home until we moved to Bethesda in 1970.

August 11, 2017. Pleasantfield, Nova Scotia. Bummer.

Thursday afternoon we drove to the cottage, expecting to stay 2 nights and come home on Saturday.  Last week at the cottage, the internet would not work.  Ken ordered some fancy piece and when he attached it and turned the internet on, the computer worked beautifully so all was well.  On Friday afternoon, Ken decided to clean up the wires and immediately the system failed so we were left without any internet, which did not please us.  He has brought all the instructions home so he can figure out what is the matter.  So no e mails yesterday and no blog.  Bummer.

August 10, 2017. Pleasantfield, Nova Scotia. Heather and Ross.

Talking to Heather and Ross makes coming to Nova Scotia worth every penny.  They were born and raised in Liverpool and their accents are delightful.  Late this afternoon they walked across the street to say hello, saying that they would only stay five minutes.  But both Ken and I enjoy listening to their accent so we kept them talking on and on.  They finally left after 90 minutes of conversation.

They live in Milton but own a cottage across the street from us.  They have always used the public dock and beach four lots over but we encouraged them to use our beach and boat ramp.  Their grandchildren love our dock and raft.  We like people to use the place as acivity is a good thing in a house that is mostly empty.  Ross cuts the grass and Heather cleans our little cottage.  We used to pay them but now they are using our facility so much they will not charge us.  Nice neighbors.

Last year, Heather and Ross brought us a strawberry rhubarb pie to our ocean house.  By the time they had not yet left our yard, I was eating a piece.  This week, Heather sent over a peach pie which was also delicious.  In fact, Ken and I were just finishing our last piece of pie when they came over.  Of course, they had just finished dinner while we were just eating a snack.  They thought we were  eating dessert.

Heather and Ross are good people.  And their accents are unusual and charming.    When Graham met Ross when he brought the pie, Graham asked about the accent, thinking that Ross was from some far away place.  But no.  They both have lived their whole life in Milton and Liverpool.  They speak as the locals speak.  We love it..  

August 9, 2017, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Trying Again.

Last week at the cottage was not pleasing to me.  The weather was hot so we really needed to get into the water but no one else was there so I was anxious that I would not be able to get out of the water by myself.  I am unstable on level ground, let alone trying to get out of the water with it's rocks and uneven sand, so we stayed out of the water.  And we stayed hot.

The second issue was the double bed.  We slept in a double bed for twenty years but now that we sleep in a queen bed I find the double uncomfortable.  When I came into bed last week I found Ken stretched over the whole bed.  Moving him was not easy.  Also the bedroom is very small which I do not like.  We came home after one night.

Lastly, the internet was not working and we do not know why.  The company said the signal was connected.  Ken has ordered another router so we will see if it works tomorrow.  Neither one of us will be pleased if our service will not work.

Tomorrow we will try again.   I think I have figured out a way to get out of the water easily so if Ken will come down to the water with me I will try out my system.   Ann and Graham leave tomorrow so we once again will retreat to our tiny cottage by the lake.  We will eat left over food and not cook.  I have cancelled the caterers for Thursday and Friday night so we will see if I can last two nights in that tiny room.  Normally I love the cottage but not last time.  Tomorrow we will try again.

August 8, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Ann and Graham.

Today at noon, Ann and Graham treated us at White Point Resort.  The four ladies were original Picnic Group members in the early 1970's and we have been fast friends ever since.  Ann and Graham live in Durango so we do not see them often but when we do get together it as though we have never been apart.  Graham has retired from his Oncology practice but Ann still paints most wonderful pieces, at least she does whenever she has the time.

They are busy people.  In Durango Graham bikes regularly and he goes skiing every day when there is enough snow, which is all winter.  They have four children so visiting them regularly is almost a full time job in itself.  They are also active in their Unitarian Church.  The most important aspect of their life is their enthusiasm and their love for their family and friends.  That has never changed over the years which is why we are such good friends.  We have not seen them since our 55th anniversary at the ranch in Texas so Ken and I were delighted when they decided to visit us in Nova Scotia.  Tomorrow, Graham will sail with Mary while Ann will sketch and visit galleries in town.    They are enjoying the privacy of. the Guest House along with the beautiful view.  We are pleased they are visiting us along with our friends.  Seems like old times back in Bethesda.

August 7, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Ami McKay.

Ami McKay is publishing a new book, "The Witches of New York."  Last Saturday she came to The Readers' Festival in Port Medway to read from her new book.  She is charming, well read and accomplished as well as being a good writer so I enjoyed the hour with her at the last festival of the season.

She was born in Indiana but now lives on the north shore of Nova Scotia along with her husband and children.  She had read at the festival several years ago, just when she had published "The Virgin Cure".  I had enjoyed her presentation the last time  and I was not disappointed now.  I have also read her first novel "The Birth House", which won lots of awards.  She is a clever interesting writer and I am now about to attack the new book.

Ann and Graham came with us with the group from Western Head.  They were as impressed as I am about the event, that a tiny town on the coast of Nova Scotia holds these interesting events with these top notched writers, all of whom who have some connection with the Maritimes.  We all enjoyed the stimulating event.  And as usual, the lunch served after the hours of discussion was delicious too.  

August 6, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. The Dinner Party.

Over 40 years ago we all attended Picnic Group every week, at least the ladies and children did, but tonight, Gill and Mary had a marvelous dinner party for those of us who are in Nova Scotia.  Our friends Ann and Graham are here visiting us from Durango, Co. and tonight we celebrated our friendship.  It was great fun with excellent food and conversation.  Before dinner, some of us sat on Gill's deck enjoying the waves crashing on the shore.

Tonight at dinner were 4 members of picnic group along with their spouses.  In addition, one of the children, Tojo, now grown up was there along with his wife and 2 boys.  And Al and Oba were there, along with Peter too.  We were a lively group of 14 who all sit down together.  Tojo toasted the grandparents.  Gill toasted the picnic group and I gave a toast to our two hosts, Mary and Gill.  The diner party was splendid.  The 2 chidden were on their best behavior and the adults were delighted to be together again.   The evening was a great success.

August 5, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Home # 4.

A breeder had an undersized dog on his hands.  The bitch was too small to show so Ken was asked at the hospital if he needed the dog for research.  Ken liked the dog so called to ask me if we wanted a dog.  We were thinking about getting our self out of our selfish mode of living because soon we wanted to think about having children and we thought that looking after a dog would be an interim step.   But to have a dog we needed a yard.  At the same time I was at our dentist in Galveston and he happened to mention that he had a home for rent.  He and his wife renovated this small 2 bedroom house and had lived in it for two years but his sister and brother in law died in a car accident and he and his wife were guardians of the 3 children.   Ken and I went to look and rented it immediately.  It was certainly the cutest home we had ever lived it.  And we brought the dog into our lives.

There were two aspects about that home we loved.  First it was modern and cute, with one room for living and eating and two bedrooms.  It was a perfect home for us.  It was modern inside but ordinary from the street.  But the best thing was that we lived directly across the street from The Magnolia Grocery.  The older couple who ran the place was wonderful to us.  I could go over before work and select the groceries.  They would bring them over and put them into the fridge and freezer.  The system worked beautifully.   In addition our new home was just a block away from our friend Eleanor Porter.  We enjoyed the house which was just a couple of blocks from the seawall.   Our homes were getting better, step by step.

August 4, 2017. Western Head. The Guest House.

Ken and I are grateful for our guest house.  It has allowed friends and relatives to visit with us yet be private too.  We have just spent a week with my nephew Norm and his wife Diane.  They are busy people and we have never been able to spend much time with them but with the guest house, they were comfortable to visit with us but also have a good rest.  We saw them for lunch and dinner and talked long and hard.  We thoroughly enjoyed their visit.  I feel sure they would not have come without our guest house.

Having guest just 100 yard down the road from us makes life easy for everyone.  Dave and Irene stayed in the guest house this year for three weeks.  Again, they enjoyed their privacy but also visited with us for lunch and dinner.  Now our good friends Ann and Graham have just arrived and will stay in the guest house.  Ann is an artist and I feel sure will sketch from the deck.  I am so pleased that our friends and relatives are able to enjoy Nova Scotia as well as visit with us.  We did a good thing when we built the guest house.

August 3, 2017. Western He'd, Nova Scotia. Helen Humphreys.

Helen Humphreys was the first writer to talk at our Reader's Festival.   She was excellent.  I had not read her before even though she has published 8 novels and two books of fiction.  Her speaking style was personable and charming and careful.  I knew right from the beginning of her talk that she would be sparse with words.  She started out as a poet so she is careful with words.  I loved her address at the festival and I love her writing even more.

At the cottage I read "The Evening Chorus" and loved every minute.  The story is complicated but because of her sparse language and her attention to the feeling of the character, we readers are easily able to figure it all out.  And she does it all in 288 pages.    This is a wonderful little book.

Right after the reading at the festival, I read her "Nocturne", a tribute to her brother who died at 45.  She addresses her brother in the book, telling him what she has done and what is happening, now that he has died of cancer.  It seems maudlin but it is not.  It is a wonderful tribute to her brother.

Helen Humphreys is a wonderful and careful writer.  In September, she will publish a book about apples, part fiction and part non-fiction.  I intend to read it.

ASugust 2, 2017. Pleasantfield, Nova Scotia.

The internet let us down. at the cottage  Apparently, according to Eastlink, the signal was fine but we were not able to use the system, despite hours of Ken's working on it.  Finally we gave up.  After staying at the cottage all day today Ken and I returned to our ocean house, where the air is cool and clean. The cottage was hot.  We are happy to be back by the shore.

August 1, 2017. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Coming and Going.

We have enjoyed having Norm and Diane visiting us by the shore.  We had not seen them since our 55th anniversary and we did not have much time to talk with them then.   But our situation has been perfect.  They are staying in the guest house and enjoy their privacy and the beauty of the view.  The deck has the best view anywhere in the property.  Every morning they go for a walk to Sand Beach, a distance of just over 2 miles return.  We see them during the middle of the day and always for dinner. It is a real treat to be able to spend as much time with them.  Tonight we talked to 10:30.

For some reason, the internet is only working intermittently at the guest house, so they must come over to our house to respond to their e mails.  That gives us more time to enjoy their company.  They might not be as pleased as us with the internet.    Today they met friends for lunch in Lunenburg.   They ate at the restaurant in the Museum which they said was not good, which was a shame because there are lots of good restaurants in Lunenburg.

But now they must leave tomorrow to drive home.  When they leave, the house will feel empty so Ken and I will drive to the cottage for the night.  It takes me awhile to get used to the empty house so we will get out of town to enjoy our tiny cottage.   They return to a home that just completed a large renovation so much work awaits them.  I am so pleased they came to visit and were able to have a rest by the sea.  Nothing better than sleeping beside the ocean.  Now they are going and we will miss them.