December 31, 2017. Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. My Shoes.

Help can be found in the most unexpected places.  When I was walking to our room last evening, I could hear a clunking from one shoe.  The soles are rubber.  There should have been no clunk.  When I took off my shoe I realized that most of the sole had come unattached and the clunking sound was the heel hitting the floor.  I was irritated because I brought only one pair of shoes.  In one week, we will move to our condo where we have multiple shoes in the locker.  Ken also could not find a pair of sandals in Mississippi.  We laughed and suggested that we both might need to visit a shoe store even though both of us own enough shoes.

This morning, on the way home from breakfast at the Mall, we stopped by to have our picture taken for our membership cards.  The young lady was pleasant so I asked if she had glue and showed her my shoe. She assureds me that the maintenance man had a glue that would fix anything so she called him for help.  We were to sit and wait for five minutes.  The Mexican minute was worth it.  The young man took my shoes, removed the old glue and installed a new bunch of glue.  Now my shoes are perfect.  And Ken has decided he will wear his  shoes all week, for he never gets in the water.  Some days you just get lucky.

December 30, 2017. Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. The Journey.

We were just about to b hoard our flight from Dallas to Puerto Vallarta and were already at the front of the line to pre board when the lady said we were in for an hour delay due to mechanical problems.  The brakes needed to be replaced.  So we sat down.  Our lay over in Dallas was to be just over 2 hours which was perfect to get us from one gate to another.  I had been delighted and surprised when  we had been on time with every step occurred at just the right time.

Instead  of an hour,  we were delayed for three hours.  Not a soul complained which I thought was amazing.  No whines from either children or adults but for us, 5 hours sitting at the gate was difficult. When we were told we would wait another two hours, I went to buy food, which turned out to be chicken tenders and French fries at McDonalds.  Ken and I did well with the wait and during the flight.  Our service was excellent and the food was good and we arrived in good health and spirits.

But our brains were not functioning well.  Ken was unable to pull up my wee web log but we got here which is the most important part.  And I organized our place.  We are staying for a week at the Hotel/Time Share where we are in easy read h of many restaurants.  We will enjoy ourselves.

December 29, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. White Pelicans.

Ken identified them first.  In fact he spotted them early this morning and came to tell me about the large flock of white birds in the center of the reservoir.  They were wheeling around in the air and landing on the water.  Another huge flock of ducks were with them, harassing them for their food.  When I first saw them I thought they were snow geese but when they came closer to the shore, Ken could tell they were white pelicans.  I was excited.

In Mexico on the west coast we have many many brown pelicans and some white ones too.  But I had never seen a white pelicans even though I have looked long and hard.  My friend Pat, a birder from Toronto, spotted some in Puerto Vallarta at the same time as I was there, but I missed them.  Now I have seen a huge flock.  There must have been several hundred along with many ducks.  I never was able to identify the ducks.  I needed my friend Alice Anne or Pat to figure them out.

White pelicans are bigger than brown, and they do not dive for their food.  They eat off the top of the water.  The browns dive from a high height which is exciting to watch.  The white pelicans are beautiful and are wonderful flyers.  I wonder why they came here?  We have never seen them here before.   But now I can rest easy because I have now seen a white pelican, right from my own living room.  Amazing.

December 28, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. The Shopping Trip.

Kate tried on 50 garments.  Mary Frances tried on 6.  Molly eagerly kept bringing Kate clothes to try on, while Christina and I sat and evaluated.  We all had a great day.  For their Christmas gift, Ken and I gave Kate and Mary Frances a shopping expedition.  Last year we did the same thing and it was a big hit.  We also learned that the Thursday after Christmas is a wonderful day to shop because everyplace was having sales.  Of course, this year we went shopping the Thursday after Christmas and yes, we did very well with the prices.

Last year Molly stayed with Linda but this year Linda is still recovering from a cold so Molly came with us.   She turned out to be a big help.  But before we left home, I told Molly that she could select one object to buy as she already had received her Christmas gift.   But she was much more interested in selecting clothes for Kate than in choosing for herself.  In fact, after we visited three stores and the girls were finished their shopping, Molly still had not selected anything to take home.  But she decided she wanted a fleece and fuzzy jacket just like the one Kate bought and was wearing.  So back we went and finally bought a garment for Molly.   I was so cheap I reminded the clerk that their policy was that if you bought a second of the same garment, the next one was 40% less than the sales price.  And she did.

When all the clothes were put in the car, we went for lunch, a new restaurant called 356.  Delicious.  Kate returned home with 8 garments and Mary Frances 6.  The next activity was to be a fashion show.    Great fun shopping with your grandchildren.  And they loved it too.

December 27, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. Brodie.

Brodie was a classmate of Ken's at U. of Toronto.  He and Ken could not have been more unlike both in their background and personalities.  But they were good friends.  He and his family were friends of mine too.  Brodie lived in residence downtown but his parents lived just north of 401 and he used his family home as a place to have parties.  His parents had emigrated to Canada from England before their 3 children were born and they lived in the same large home from the beginning.  Brodie was the youngest child.  Brodies father was a neurologist/psychiatrist.  And he was  eccentric, as was Brodie.  Getting to know that family was an eye opener as to how the other world lived.

Brodie was hosting a dinner party at his parents house.  I offered to go early to help.  I had been to their home many times so I knew his mother.  When I arrived, I asked to set the table.  I had no idea who had set up the tables but when I arrived all three tables were in place, along with white linen cloths.  The party was a seated party for 36.  Three tables were to be used, one in the enclosed glass porch, one in the living room and the dining room table.   Mrs. E. opened a buffet and lifted out a set of sterling silver, which I used.  I asked if we should use the stainless kitchen cutlery for the rest, but she quickly removed a second set of silver, which I used.  Then there was another.   I noticed yet another set in the buffet, that we did not need to use.  I had never seen so much sterling silver in one house in my life.  And we used the crystal and the good china.  Brodie had hired someone to come after the party so no cleanup was required.  All those years ago, when I was in my early 20's, I learned how to really throw a big party with all the fine objects.

Brodies parents lived 2 blocks north of highway 401.  The highway needed to be expanded so the government was busily buying the properties, including Brodies parents home.  But the father would not sell, even though the price for the sale kept going up.  Finally, every other house between them and the 401 had been bulldozed, yet they still stayed.  Then the construction began and it became difficult to access the house.  And there were no street lights.  Brodies parents were not young.  Finally, the 3 children sat down with the father and convinced him to take the offer.  But the father was not pleased.  We did have one final party at the house but parking was difficult due to all the mud.  Watching the whole story which took over 2 years was interesting.  I was always grateful for knowing Brodie and his family.

December 26, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. Christmas Trees.

We bought our Christmas tree when the trees first arrived in the lots.  Ken put it outside in a bucket of water to keep it fresh, until we were ready to set it up, which was right after Thanksgiving.   We had our first real tree the last year we were in Galveston, which was Christmas 1969.  My friend Martha made us decorations and then right after Christmas, I bought decorations on sale at a very nice store in town, decorations I have used ever since.

In the early years of buying a tree we would all go together to select the perfect tree, but Ken is so exacting with his choice that the boys and I refused to accompany Ken when buying the tree so he happily went alone.  Over the years, he realized that the tree farms trim their trees so every tree is perfect.  Ken learned to bring home a tree still wrapped in mesh because it was so easy to carry.  Ken got smart over time.

Ken took responsibility to set up the tree and put on the lights.  My task was to put on the decorations.  And Ken lit up the outside of our house.  There has never been enough exterior lights for Ken.  Our houses glowed at Christmas.   I have chatted with many women about Christmas customs and tasks and everyone has told me that the lady of the house puts lights on the tree.  Both Suzanne and Christina put the lights on the tree, but not me.

Removing the decorations is always the task of the mother.  Very often, when we were away after Christmas, I would ask Elvia, our housekeeper, to remove the decorations and she did.  After many years, I discovered that she did not enjoy the task so I stopped asking her.   Putting decorations out is much more exciting than removing them.

Today, I removed all our Christmas decorations from the house.  It took me thirty minutes.  Pretty nice.

December 25, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. Gratitude.

The concept of being grateful requires constant reminders.  Even me, who is by nature optimistic will catch myself with wishing something that is impossible.  But I quickly return to being grateful for what we are doing.  We have spent many many Christmas Days, and every one has been wonderful.  The good thing is I can recall so many of those days which gives me great pleasure.   Our days are quieter now but no less pleasant.

Since Andrew died, Christina and the girls have come to our home mid afternoon  on Christmas Day to open gifts.  Then we go to our neighborhood Chinese restaurant for our Christmas dinner.  Christina orders the food ahead of time so we just arrive and the food flows to our table.  The friendly lady owner is always thrilled to see us each year.  And neither Christina nor I have any cooking and cleanup.  I just read another story about Chinese food and Christmas and the Jews, which has been happening for a long time.   As my heritage showed almost 2 % Jewish, I qualify to eat Chinese food on Christmas Day.  In past years,  I did not know about my heritage so we just ate Chinese food for fun but now we are merely following the old Jewish custom.  How times change.

Gratitude is a state of mind.  I am fortunate to have many things to be grateful for, from family and friends to homes and travel.  Now I am grateful for having had yet another Merry Christmas.

December 24, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. Traditions.

Christina's mother Linda, takes all her family and us for a Japanese dinner on Christmas Eve.  It is a wonderful tradition.  Son Peter and family are in town from Boston for Christmas and son Nelson and family live here in Jackson, so all the children and grandchildren and us as extended family gather for a feast.  The event is festive and exciting.   The church service is held at 4:00.  Everyone attends together, then we meet at the restaurant at 6:00.   Christina picks us up to take us to the restaurant. Nelson preorders the food so the minute we arrive, the food starts coming.  No decisions.  We can just talk and eat.

The truth is that Linda does not really like Japanese food but she knows that for her children and grandchildren, it is their favorite food, so she goes along with their desires.  Unfortunately, tonight Linda was not feeling well so she missed the event, as did daughter in law Bethany.  But the rest of us had a swell time.   Kate, Mary Frances and Sophie sat at the end of the table interspersed with the adults while the three young children sat at the other end.  It made for some interesting conversations.    I feel fortunate to be invited to the Creath family Christmas Eve feast.  Great food and good company makes for a lovely evening.   And a wonderful tradition.

December 23, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. Harold Arlen.

"Over The Rainbow,"  "Stormy Weather,"  "One For My Baby," "My Shining Hour,":  I know them all and so does everyone.  But I did not know they were all written by Harold Arlen.  But now I know because I am reading a biography of him written by Walter Rimler who also wrote a biography of George Gershwin, which I read.  I enjoy reading biographies for many reasons.  I like to learn how people became successful.  And I am basically nosy, so I enjoy see how people lead their lives.

Many years ago in Vancouver,  we would often go walking after dinner.  Twilight had descended so the interior lights in the houses were on but the shades were yet not pulled.  My Mother was irritated when folks pulled their drapes because if they did, she could not look into their living room.  We called her "Nosy Rosie".   She just laughed.  Ken has commented many times that one reason I was a successful real estate agent was because I was basically nosy.  I enjoyed getting to know everything about the buyers and sellers when I worked to help them buy or sell a house.  And I enjoyed seeing the homes.  After all, for the period of time my clients worked with me, I knew more about them than their siblings.   And I think that is the reason I enjoy biographies.  Basically, I am nosy and I am certainly enjoying the Harold Arlen book.

December 22, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. Christmas Preparations.

The key to enjoying Christmas is to plan ahead.   In years past, I would have all shopping completed well ahead of December.  I enjoyed shopping for gifts for family and friends but I hated the crowds.   That left me with time to attend social events without the anxiety of a long list of items needing attention.  What is funny now with my life is that I still get everything done long ahead of time, but now we have few social events to attend.  What I do is find new concerts for Christmas on TV.  In other words, I am looking for things to do rather than as in the past of feeling somewhat in a panic to get at the end of my to do list.  I laugh at myself.

We will have a lovely Christmas in Mississippi.  Tomorrow I will take a small gift of nuts to my neighbors.   Christmas Eve we have been invited by Linda Creath to dinner at a Japanese restaurant.  The whole family of the Creath will be there along with Ken and me.  Christmas day Ken and I will open our gifts at home by ourselves.  Then Christina and the girls will arrive to open their gifts before we eat our Christmas feast in the Chinese restaurant just down the road.  We are following the example of the Jews.  So Ken and I will enjoy our non frantic Christmas.  And we will be happy for all our happy memories.

December 21, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. Things to Amuse.

Ken does not like to have a toilet paper roll on his left side so he has purchased those nifty items that hold extra rolls while the roll itself is stuck out an arm at the top.  I like them too.   He has purchased them in every bathroom where the toilet paper roll is on the wall on the left side.   For this house, this year he ordered two, one for the bathroom in his office and one in our master bathroom.   But I find the roll attached to the wall on the left side easier for me so I always use the old fashioned roll.

We go through a lot of toilet paper and I have always thought that Ken used it up.  But right in front of my eyes was an investigation into who uses the most toilet paper.    Once I realized that Ken always uses the fancy new fixture and I the roll on the wall, I kept track of who used what.  A new roll went onto both fixtures.  I watched to see what was happening.  Of course, Ken had no idea of my experiment and never will.  But to my great surprise, my roll needed replacement much sooner than Ken's.  In fact, I use toilet paper at twice the rate of Ken.  What a surprise.  The moral of the story is that it does not take much to keep me amused.

December 20, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. The Appointments.

Everything was in order when we checked in at the Imaging Department at 3:30.  Kate drove us and we were early.  The receptionist had difficulty finding our names in the computer which surprised me but I was patient, fortunately.   After she asked us our birthdates, she finally found us, only to tell us that our appointment was for 9:00 this morning.  I assured her that we were told 3:30 but when I looked at my pocket calendar, the 9:00 time was bold as day.  Whoops.

But we got lucky.  We were both able to have our procedure immediately and at the same time while in the morning we were to be seen 30 minutes apart.  Evidently they had several cancellations this afternoon so Ken had his echo cardiogram and I the sonogram of my carotid arteries done very quickly.  We ended up getting home 65 minutes after we left.  

I must admit that I never did admit to the receptionist about my mistake.  When we got home I checked my big calendar and sure enough, 9:00 was the correct time.  Both Kate and I got fooled.  And I have yet another reason to be humble.

December 19, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. The Scans.

This morning, Kate drove me to my appointment with the Oncologist.  She was more anxious to hear the results than me so while we were waiting,  we speculated about the results.   The scans were taken yesterday so we knew the doctor would have a copy of the results, which we suggested could show more cancer spots in my bones,  smaller spots that were there 6 weeks ago, or no change at all.   And we wanted to see the results of the blood work, taken this morning.

Well, we got lucky.  No additional cancer spots on the scan.  And smaller spots than 2 weeks ago scan.  The Ibrance is again working.    My blood counts are not normal but are not terrible.  So I am good to go.  When in Mexico, I must check my blood counts once a month and report back to her.  And that is all.  We have an appointment for new scans the day after we return.   I already have 3 months of Ibrance to take with me.  Kate was thrilled to hear the results and so was I.

These scans are invaluable but I would wish to never have another.   I thought when we returned from Texas that I would be able to talk the good doctor into a once a year scans but the cancer had returned so that was not an option.  I had seen 6 clear scans.  Now I am back to the same drill, which I would just as soon not do.   But I put up with them because so much information is gleaned from the scans.  Now we go to Mexico with no scans.  I will enjoy.

December 18, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. Buckley Birthdays.

You must admit it is unusual to have four birthdays in a family of 5.   One could ask,"What happened to Norm?"   First comes father Dave on the 18th, followed by daughter Wendy on the 19th, then mother Irene on the 20th and finally son Kenny on the 22nd.  All in December.    Now they always celebrate the birthdays together, which has become a lovely tradition.  Last year for Dave's 85th birthday everyone came from far and wide to celebrate together.  This year, Ken stayed in Vancouver.  Yesterday,  the family joined together for dinner at the home of Dave and Irene which has been their custom.   Pretty nifty for the family to gather together just a week before Christmas.  And a great idea to celebrate the four birthdays on the one day.  So efficient.

Many years ago, Ken and I arrived at the Buckley home for Christmas to discover that Irene had just given birth to Kenny.  Hospital visitation was over but Ken, the medical student, had a stethoscope and a white lab coat so Dave and Ken went to the hospital to see Irene and the baby.  No one at the hospital said a word to them even though it was late.   We at home soon got a blow by blow description of the beautiful baby Kenny.  Irene was somewhat surprised when they arrived.  My parents were at the home as well so it was an exciting time.  We are all still celebrating,  except we are in Mississippi and Vancouver and Montreal and Bankok.    

Hats off to the Buckley Family for starting this most unusual celebration.   Some year soon we will join them.

December 17, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. North American Rivers.

North America has been blessed with it's rivers.  From my high school geography classes to my travels in Canada and the US, I have marveled at the rivers.  One of my goals has been to travel the great rivers.  It is on my bucket list.   So far, we have only travelled down the St. Lawrence River, but only from Montreal.  That was 1963.  Not much progress has been made.

When we were both retired, Ken, knowing of my interest, looked up modes of travel on the great rivers.  It turned out to be impossible.  No-one was running cruises in North America.  But not any more.  The American Cruise Line gives trips on the Ohio, the Mississippi and the Snake.  We have booked ourselves down the whole Mississippi River from St.Paul to New Orleans.  We have started to be serious with my quest.

The other night when I was downstairs doing my exercises with the weights, I found a TV show about the Hudson River.  I always watch TV to distract me.  Did you know that BYU has their own channel?  Surprise to me but here it was, a program called "On the Edge of the World".   Starting in New York, they went right up, giving interesting history and facts about the Hudson river.  I loved it.  Once upon a time, Ken and I took the train from DC to Halifax.  The most interesting section was the part from New York to Montreal, where the train runs beside the river.  The journey was spectacular.  Clearly, the railroad company got the best real estate.  The American Cruise Line runs a short cruise up the river from New York but it is short, a total of 5 days up and back.  I guess if we want to for further we must hire a boat with a driver.  Perhaps we could get on the Erie Canal and get to the Great Lakes.  Now that would be a trip.  I think I am dreaming but I did love the show.  The Hudson River is again clean.  Progress.  I want to go!!

December 16, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. The Orange Drink.

Yesterday I spilled a whole glass of my orange drink, the one I drink every day to keep me regular.  Even since I have been required to take chemo therapy, I must consume the orange drink every day.  Up until now, I have never spilled it but yesterday I really did a job.  Orange drink was all over the table, the floor and the quilt on the floor in front of Ken's chair.   Everything on the table got wet too. The glass was big and full and after it spilled, the glass was empty so the orange drink was everywhere.  Kept me humble at least for while.

Since we have returned to Mississippi, I have started to use a tall plastic glass for my orange drink.  The base of the glass is heavy but the bottom is smaller than the top and I have thought several times that I could easily tip it over.  And I did.  In the past and in Nova Scotia I use a disposable cup and from now on I will put the big heavy glass back in the cupboard and use a red disposable cup.  I have should known that Murphy's Law would kick in.   I knew I was living dangerously.  But no more.  It took me thirty minutes to clean up the mess, which included washing the quilt and drying everything on the table.    Grrr.  

December 15, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. Christmas Music.

You may have seen the video of the fight over the baby Jesus at a church pageant.  The preschool class was singing Away In The Manger, while 6 of the children were sitting pretending to be the shepherd, wise men and Mary and Joseph, with of course, a doll in the manger.  One of the shepherd, who was 2, decided to pick up the baby Jesus and dance with the doll.  Mary would have none of that.  She was 3, so she got up and pulled the doll back and put it in the manger.  But again the 2 year old picked up the doll again and danced around.  Then there was a scuffle for control of the baby Jesus, until finally, one mother came and retrieved the 2 year old.  All the while, the rest of the class continued through all the verses, singing away as if nothing was happening.   It was charming. And very funny.

The music on TV has started.  The Mormon choir presented their concert on TV tonight from Salt Lake City.  Wonderful choir and interesting concert with a guest tenor who was Spanish.  He had a big voice and also narrated The Little Match Girl.  I am sure the concert will be repeated on PBS.  For musicians, Christmas is a busy time.  The choir members sang with no music so they had memorized all the words and their parts.  Ken was impressed with their memories.

Tomorrow evening at 7:00 the choir of Mississippi College will present their Festival of Lights, held in the chapel on campus.  That is the school that Kate attends so perhaps she will be at the concert.  I heard their concert of last year and it was excellent so I am looking forward to the program tomorrow.  The choir is small, about 30 but they sing with great beauty and style.

Every day I check to see what music is coming on TV.    I do love Christmas music.

December 14, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. Appointments.

Every time we see a doctor we are forced to make another appointment in the next week.  It must be a rule.  Ken had another procedure with the skin surgeon to have two more cancers removed from his legs.  The stitches were removed on his forehead too.  He will have one big scar and one small scar, which Ken says is no problem.   Now we must come back in two weeks to have the stitches removed in the legs.   He is again holding ice packs on the two wound for 10 minutes of every waking hour.  And he must keep his legs up and elevated.

This afternoon we both had appointments with the Cardiologist, Dr. Cotton.  We like him.  But now we must have another appointment before leaving for Mexico to have two tests: an echo cardio gram for Ken and an ultrasound of the right carotid artery for me.  So our days will be filled with more appointments.

Fortunately, Kate is home from University so we have hired her to drive us.   Having grandchildren is always a blessing, but having a granddaughter who is willing to drive us is a true blessing.  And we get to visit with her too.  Kate picked us up this morning at 6:30 in order for Ken to make his 7:00 appointment.  She waited with us and drove us home.  This afternoon, she came back at 1:45 to get us to our appointment at 2:30.   On the way home we stopped for prescriptions.  Next week I have appointments on 4 different days and Kate will drive me each time.  With the surgery on both legs, Ken would have difficulty driving me but Kate is saving the day.  Ken and I are fortunate to have Kate so willing to help.   I feel pampered and I like it.

December 13, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. My Breakfast Chair.

The window to the lake is beside me.  My chair is in the corner.  All morning, the sun shines on the side of my chair.  Depending on the time of the day, the sun warms my left arm and gives my magazines bright light which makes reading easy.   As the morning advances, the sun leaves my magazines but still keeps me warm.   Having breakfast in that chair is one or the quiet pleasures of my day.

Fortunately, I discovered early in my life  that small pleasures give great pleasure.  As I am old, the small pleasures are especially important.   Starting my day having breakfast in the sun is a wonderful way to start the day.  Sometimes I read in that chair all morning and only leave to get another cup of tea.

Another small pleasures today was an unexpected call from my friend Wendy.  She just called to say hello.   And I enjoy opening Christmas cards.  Ken and I spend most of our time at home but we have enough simple pleasure that we are kept happy with ourselves and each other.  But my days begin eating breakfast in my corner chair enjoying the sun and the light.   It is one of the pleasures of my day.

December 12, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. Lost Friends.

I wonder what she looks like now?  I would love to talk with her.  Mary was the adopted child of Salvation Army officers, Major and Mrs. Martin.   They were stationed in two of the cities where we lived, Calgary and Vancouver and we saw a lot of Mary.  When we moved to Toronto, Mary visited us several times, always staying with us.  My sister Carol, Mary and I were good buddies.  And then we lost her.

Mary's parents were older when they adopted Mary.  They did not fit the mould of a Salvation Army officer.  They were quiet and gentle.  They loved Mary and she loved them back.  Major and Mrs. Martin were appointed to Vancouver to be a visiting evangelist in BC, which I always thought was interesting because neither was a good speaker.   They would spend a week at a corps and hold meetings.  One of the things he did was paint.  It was odd.  While he painted, Mary sang and played the piano.  In between verses, he would speak while he painted.  Mary never complained and seemed happy to help her parents.  I would have hated it.  Because her parents were often away, Mary stayed with us and had a lot of fun.

Mary was the same age as Carol and when she turned 16, she was given a mini minor auto.  We three had a wonderful time in that little car.  I have no idea how her parents could afford that car but they did.  Mary was multi talented.  She sang beautifully and she played the piano well.   She did well at school and became a nurse.  We were not aware, but she visited us so she could see her boyfriend Don, who was also the son of SA officers.  I went to school with Don in Toronto and he never seemed appealing to me but Mary married him after he finished medical school.  They moved to St. Catherines and he became an authority in athletic medicine. and opened his practice.  For a few years, we exchanged Christmas cards and then everything stopped.  Don and Mary had several children,  but at a young age, despite being thin and fit, Don died of a heart attack.  My sister tried hard to keep in touch with Mary but she did not seem interested.  Her Salvation Army was behind her.  But we had such fun together over the years that I do not really understand.   Mary is another long lost friend and I miss her.

December 11, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. Oxford.

Diane and Gary have made good use of their time in Mississippi.  Every morning we chat over coffee, their second cup and our first.  We rise late while they are still waking up on Maryland time.  Then they are off to explore.  Today they drove to Oxford, Mississippi, the home of The University of Mississippi and Willian Faulkner.  The town itself is charming with a stately center square.  On one corner sits one of the 10 best bookstores in the US,  called Square Books, certainly worth a visit in it's own right.   They drove around the campus and ate a delicious lunch at one of several 4 star restaurants in town.

Oxford is about a two hour drive from Jackson so it was a long day.  Gary missed his nap.  But they arrived home just in time before dark so we had time to chat before our dinner made by Lourdes, our Cuban cook.   They leave tomorrow morning so they will need to return to Mississippi in order to see Natchez and the Mississippi shore.  But they covered a lot of ground.  A short visit to the Mississippi Craft Center yesterday made them appreciate Mississippi artisans.  The quality of the work is amazing.  Now we hope they will return another year.  We enjoyed their company and of course, Diana is a huge help at home.   Gary changed a light bulb too, which we appreciated.  They might even visit us in Nova Scotia next summer.  And they both like our home here in Mississippi.  They approve of our lifestyle here.  Their visit was enjoyed by all.

December 10, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. A Full Day.

What a day.  For breakfast, Diane cooked canadian bacon and scrambled eggs.  Actually, it was mid morning before we got mobile and ate.   Immediately, Gary, Diana and I went to the pharmacy to pick up Ken's prescriptions.  Then it was off for lunch in the country at the wonderful Sutherland home.  Eleanor graciously invited us so Diana and Gary could see their home.  Greta Barbour and John  were there too along with Christina and the girls so we sat down to a beatifically decorated table as a party of 14 with the children at one end and the adults at the other.   Christmas decorations were everywhere and the home looked beautiful.

Eleanor is an excellent cook.  We ate chicken and artichokes and salad with chocolate mousse for dessert.  What a meal.   Before lunch we drank spiced tea and egg nog in the living room.  After lunch we enjoyed the fire in the living room while  continuing our conversation.  Our visit was delightful.  Good food and good conversation is a fine combination.  Ken again missed the event.

Our neighbors on Roses Bluff had invited us for a glass of wine for 5:00 tonight.   They had enjoyed chatting with Gary and Diana at the party last evening so they asked us to come and see their home and visit.  Sandy and Archie are good neighbors but we overlap here briefly throughout the year.  Our visit was short but sweet.  We left with a wonderful chocolate dessert, made by Sandy, which was our Christmas gift for the season.

We four finally sat down for dinner at 8:00.  The day was full and we were all happy.

December 9, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. The Best Laid Plans.

Poor Ken.  Last evening at dinner we discovered that he was bleeding from the wound from the surgery on Thursday morning.  We all read the instructions sent home, telling what to do when bleeding starts,  and at first the bleeding seemed to stop so he went to bed.  But the bleeding got worse through the night.  By morning he was in a mess.  Diana removed the bandages to find where the blood was coming from, and cleaned up the dried blood which was everywhere.  And I called the doctor.

We followed his instructions but the bleeding did not stop so the good doctor met us in his clinic at 10:00.   The problem was that I can not drive and Ken can not see through the blood coming down his face.  Diana and Gary helped.  Their plan was to see the Delta and the BB King Museum so they drove us to the office.  While driving there, I contacted Kate, who then kindly picked us up to bring us home.  The timing was perfect.  Ken was coming out just as Kate was driving up.

The final instructions from the doctor was for Ken to stay quietly for two days, using ice compresses for ten minutes of every waking hour.  Ken informed the doctor that we were hosting a party that night.  "I do not think so," said the doctor.   Ken of course, thought that he would be fine for a short time but when we left for the party, Ken was taking a nap, so we quietly slipped out of the house.  When we returned at 9:30, he was still in bed.  His plan was to come to our party but life turned a corner and he stayed home.   We missed him, but what can you do.   The best laid plans...

December 8, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. Dinner.

Tonight we ate dinner in our home with Gary and Diana, along with Christina, Kate, Mary Frances and Molly.  We were a jolly group of eight.  In truth, Ken was not able to finish dinner with us because the bleeding from his surgery started bleeding so he was forced to elevate his head and keep ice packs over the wound.  Kate, the nurse in training tended to him.  After all she is the most experienced nurse at the table.  Ken commented to me that Kate has different hands than she did a few years ago when she was helping do something else.  Ken said that she already has the hands of a nurse, which is interesting.

When I invited Christina for dinner, she asked me what she could bring.   I said nothing.  "For dinner we are eating ham and whatever else Diana decides to eat," said I.  Diana is an excellent cook and a generous soul so I knew she would not mind helping.  Diana and Gary also shopped for the vegetables and salad.  For dinner we ate cheesy potatoes, broccoli and a salad all made by Diana.  The dinner was delicious just as I knew it would be.  Kate remembered having dinner with the Dittos at their country home in Artemas.  She even recalled what we all ate.  What Kate most remembered was that Diana was a wonderful look, which she is.

Mary Frances has her biography on her mind.  To help, Gary regaled us  with stories from work dealing with me.    I have no idea whether or not MF can use any of the stories but they made us all laugh.   This was a special dinner with special people.   Everyone enjoyed themselves except poor Ken who was in bed trying to get the bleeding to stop.   Nothing is easy.

December 7, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. The Weather.

Snow is falling in San Antonio, enough to build up of snow on the cars.  Perhaps tomorrow they will be able to build a Texas snowman.  Ottawa has had no snow yet this year, and San Antonio has already had it's first snow.  Of course, by Sunday it will be 70 so the snow will be gone.  Suzanne sent pictures of their yard with the snow covering the deck and the bushes.  I wonder what the cold weather will do to David's garden?

Here in Mississippi, the outside temperature at our home is 41 degrees with a low coming of 26.  And we also are supposed to get snow slush mixture over night.  This weather is crazy.  My friends in Maryland tell me that it is snowing as we speak.  Winter is coming early this year.

Tonight, on the weather channel, the temperature was warmer in Liverpool, NS than in San Antonio.  Gary and Diana arrived safe and sound this evening.  And the GPS got them to our home.  Clever lady.   We have been talking since their arrival.  Happy times.  But crazy weather.

December 6, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. 80 Years Old.

No Big 0 Party this year as we held when I was 70,  but I celebrated anyway.  I have had a wonderful birthday.  From flowers delivered to the door to boxes of goodies arriving on my doorstep, I have been lavished with love and affection.  Christina came with the girls after school to bring me my favorite cake, the cranberry cake she has baked for us  from the first year she moved to Washington.  And the e mails and text messages have warmed my heart, along with the phone calls.  I have enjoyed myself every minute of my birthday.

For lunch we dined at a new Japanese restaurant, called the Edo.  A few weeks ago, I had spotted it on Ridgewood Road,  right at the end of a small strip mall, and requested to Ken that the next time we were going out for lunch to try that new place.  Of course, we could not remember exactly where we had been driving, but Ken found it.   The food is excellent.  The Mississippi family also enjoys Japanese food so we will return with them soon.  And this evening we watched part of a hockey game while eating our light supper. The Caps beat the Blackhawks, which always pleases me.  While switching channels, we also saw some Aerial Ireland, a reminder of our visits there.  Beautiful scenery.

For my birthday in 2014, no doctor was suggesting I would likely celebrate my 80Th birthday, so my birthday today is especially sweet.  Here I am, definitely not fading away.  And I am still walking and talking.  Pretty nifty.

December 5, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. Company.

Company is coming.   We are excited.  They land at 5:45 pm on Thursday and will rent a car and drive to our house.  Getting from the airport to our house is a bit complicated so I suggested they use the GPS.  I could not begin to give directions.  Last Christmas, I received their card, saying that the writer of the card was definitely going to see us in 2017.  But they did not come to Nova Scotia and they did not come to Texas so as the year began to be over, I wondered if I would read the same note on their card.  No.  They will arrive on Thursday for a long weekend, staying in our home.

They selected this time period so they can attend my birthday party on Saturday night.  Every year around this time, we have a party.  We invite our Mississippi friends and their children.  The party is always right around my birthday but I never say a word about it.  But this year, the party is to start the Christmas season, and for my 80Th birthday.  And Gary and Diana will be there.  We are holding the party at the Yacht Club, just down the road.   Everything is set.  Company is coming and the party is coming.  We are excited.

December 4, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. The Serviceman.

When he called to say he would be at our home in 30 minutes, I detected an interesting Mississippi accent.  And when I suggested he call if he got lost, he laughed and said that if he gets lost, he will find a boat and come in the backyard.  I laughed and awaited his arrival.  And I knew I wanted to hear him talk.  His accent was so strong I could barely understand him on the phone.

When he arrived, he went straight to the fridge.  I tried to get him to talk to me about the problem but he said almost nothing.  He just got to work while I waited for an opportunity.When he had completed his task, I asked again what was the matter and he gave me a detailed explanation.  I did not actually care.  I just wanted to hear him talk.  It was delightful.   Once he started to talk to me,  I could not get him to stop.  We talked Mississippi politics.  And we talked insurance fraud.

He has his own company and he makes repairs for a home owners warranty company, which is why I got to him.  Last year we took out a warranty and this was the first time to need anything repaired.  He told me lots of stories of people who wanted him to say that the air conditioner must replaced, when it really only needs a coil.  He said he has been offered many bribes which he refuses and reports it to the warranty company.  "Cheats are everywhere", says he.    We must have chatted for 20 minutes.  It was such fun listening to his accent. which is country white Mississippi talk.  I wish I could mimic his accent.  Andrew could have done it in a heart beat.    But not me.  Listening to him talk was worth the price of admission.  Plus now my fridge is repaired. Today I won in every direction.

December 3, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. Neighborhood Party.

Every Christmas, our subdivision holds a Christmas party.  Folks tell me it is lovely.  But we have never gone and I can not figure out why.  It is easy because the people with odd numbered numbers take a dish and the next year it switches.  And you are supposed to take something to drink.  This is the third year that we have stayed home even though we are in town and with no other appointments. We just do not go which makes us very unsocial.

Part of it was practical.  It is dark when we would be going which is difficult because we can not see where we are going.  Tonight the party is being held three houses away from us so we could easily walk.  I did think about asking the neighbors across the street so we could walk with them, with me holding their arm, but company arrived at their house yesterday so they probably will not be attending.  The first year that we lived here the party was held on a cove at the other end of the neighborhood and getting in and out with the car would have been difficult.  We drove by a few days prior to the party.  Getting in and out was difficult in the day light without being full of other cars so we decided to stay home.  And my immune system makes life difficult, so mostly we decide to stay home.

We have lots of excuses.  Ken has trouble hearing in noisy crowds so conversations are difficult.  But I suspect that we have gotten out of the habit of going to social events.  When my immune system was non inexistent, we turned down most invitations.  We have just gotten into the habit I think.  I read an article this week telling advice on how to be happy when retired.  One item on their list was to accept every invitation and attend every party.  We have broken the rules.  But we are happy anyway.  I actually like staying home.

December 2, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. Winter.

Mississippi is chilly.  Outside right now the temperature is 55 degrees.   In the middle of the night it will go down as far as 45.  So it is chilly.  I have put flannel sheets on our bed so we are cosy at night.  I actually mailed the sheets from the ranch in Texas.  We sold the ranch including the contents but we had listed stuff we could take.   Along with a few objects of sentimental reasons, I brought the flannel sheets we used in the top house.  I liked them.  Ken thought I was nuts.  But now he is happy to have those flannel sheets on our bed.  

And I have borrowed Ken's long sleeved flannel night shirt.  He has two the same kind, which is made of the black watch tartan.  Handsome.  They sat on a high shelf so I rescued one for myself.  He has yet to switch to long sleeved night shirts although he has several.  When he saw me wearing it tonight, he suggested we should take it to Nova Scotia, where he spends lots of time feeling chilly.

Everyone wears boots here even though it is not cold and there is no snow.   Tomorrow at brunch I will note that most people both young and old,  in the restaurant will be wearing boots.  Lots will be lined with fleece.  Our three grandchildren wear boots all the time.   Molly did admit when I asked that yes, sometimes her feet sweat.  Fashion begins early.   I wear no boots.  But I have more coats and jackets that I will ever use.   I am all set at home with my flannel sheets and gown.  I am set for winter in Mississippi.  I actually feel chilly too.

December 1, 2017. Madison, Mississippi. The News.

My goodness.  Every time I turn around, some other famous person has been fired, mostly for bad  behavior of a sexual nature.  The news has gotten interesting.  The question to ask is why is this happening now?   The suggestion seems to be that social media is the reason.  Secrets can no longer be kept hidden.   In the olden days, facts of behavior were rumors but those facts never hit the press.  It was known that an attractive woman should never be alone with Ted Kennedy,  and that FDR and JFK had affairs.  Also LBJ.   Even Cokie Roberts agreed that Conyers was a bad actor for the past 20 yers.  And of course the ladies who tried to tell the world about Bill Clinton were castigated and an attempt made to make them foolish and promiscuous.   The press covered all that behavior hidden.

And the Congress evidently had a slush fund to pay off folks who were blowing the whistle.  Who knew?

My friend Marilyn  and I decided that we were both not beautiful, and so received no sexual aggressive behavior directed our way.  Both of us worked along men our whole life but never experienced attacks.  Now I am learning that we were in the minority...or maybe not.

The company, L&F, in order to protect their workers, always kept at least 2 walls in every office to be windows, so no one could say after the fact of what went on inside the office.  It was smart.  Both men and women must protect themselves from those who make mischief.  And of course, what about the assumption of innocence until proven guilty?   That has gone out the window.  We live in interesting times.  The news are never dull these days.