July 31, 2018. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Mary and Clifton.

Last evening, Mary and Cliffie came to dinner to visit with us and to see Dave and Irene. Our dinner was pleasant as often happens with old friends. Ken and I have been friends with Mary and Clif since 1971. We went down the Grand Canyon together in little wooden dories and we travelled to Alaska together with Wendy and Clausen. And for years we spent a week at Nags Head the last week of May along with the children. They are good friends so dinner together was delightful. And as Dave and Irene have visited us every year in Nova Scotia they are friends too. Nothing like spending time with old friends. We differ politically so we do not discuss politics. In fact we are different in many ways. But we are friends. We have watched their children grow up and thrive so every time we see them we must catch up with their boys and grandchildren. Perhaps that is what binds us together. We love them dearly. When the four families bought and built homes next to us eighteen years ago, Mary commented that what we are doing is putting us in a place where every summer we will watch each other die. We all laughed and agreed. But decided that there are worse things than being with friends as we ebb away. But we are all enjoying ourselves and each other at Western Head. Last nights dinner was a perfect example.

July 30, 2018. Western Head, Nova Scotia. The Look.

The whole look of Nova Scotia is different, which is one of the things that appeals to us. Start with the foliage. The trees are small compared to the trees of Mississippi and Maryland. Even the tallest trees are not very tall. When the place was first settled by the French in the 17th century, the pine trees were tall and wide. But when they were cut down, the trees that have grown since have not grown to the same height. I have no reason why. And there are flowers everywhere. The growing season is short so every home is loaded with blossoms. The dogwoods last in bloom for over a month. The look of the shrubs are different too. When we are in Nova Scotia, we know we are in someplace else. The weather is different too. Ever since we have arrived we have seen fog. Every day the horizon was no where in sight due to the fog. But today, all day, the air was clear. And it was beautiful. The air on the shore is always a little cool. And we always have a breeze. Today the temperature at home was 75 degrees. Tonight it will be 60. Last evening Ken and I had trouble going to sleep but when Ken opened windows so we could listen to the waves we fell asleep immediately. Not only the look but also the feel is different here in Liverpool, Nova Scotia. A few days ago, I asked Ken if he is pleased that we came this summer to Western Head. Very few people were pleased to have us leaving Mississippi. But Ken responded to my question to tell me that he loves the fact that everything here is different. And everything in the house and property is personal. And different. So Ken is delighted to be here, And so far we are both thriving. Living here is good for both your health and spirits. The look and feel is so different...and delightful.

July 29, 2018. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Paul's Bistro.

Drama in the kitchen today. At 1:30 we four arrived at Paul's German restaurant. No one was in the restaurant itself but the deck was full. One waitress was looking after everyone. She graciously took us to a table and brought us menus and water. We had eaten at Paul's several time so we knew Hans, the very German cook and owner of the restaurant. Paul is the owner of the building, which is a little house. So we drank our water and read the menu. While we were waiting, the waitress was scurrying out to the deck with food as well as having the customers pay their bills. While we were waiting, four people arrived to have lunch and selected a table close to the kitchen. We all noticed them because they were very heavy. And as they passed by us, one man commented that he had forgotten his wallet. So we waited and then we ordered. And we waited. The waitress walked with a heavy step. We had all noted it. She burst in from the deck, stomping into the kitchen and spoke loudly and crossly to the cook. He answered back with an angry voice. The waitress stomped out to the deck and again came back with more angry words to Hans, both of them speaking loudly, screaming with each other. I thought the waitress would leave but she stayed. But the four over weight people quietly and quickly left the restaurant. They decided that this place was not a good p[lace today. Ugly words were said in loud voices. Drama in the kitchen over heard by us. Eventually we got our dinner, which was delicious. But we were served our meal at 2:45. Ken was famished. It turned out that the new machine for credit cards was not working properly so the waitress was having difficulty having the customers pay their bill. She walked into the kitchen and angrily threw the machine onto the work counter, which made Hans angry. Words were exchanged. It did cross my mind that I could help them with some words to manage their anger. But we just laughed and drank our water. And we four thanked our lucky stars that we do not run a small restaurant. It is not often you get to hear first hand the drama in the kitchen.

July 28, 2018. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Update.

Today we are without a helper. Katie comes five days a week so today we are on our own.. This afternoon Ken walked by himself to his workshop and poked around for a bit. Then he walked back to our home and walked around Fisherman Ken both to admire it and to look over the plantings. When Ivan installed the statute he also cleared out the plantings and exposed the rocks, so Ken was anxious to check it out. Our day went well with no problems. The Internet has been giving us trouble. Joey came to fix it up this week but last night it quit. Eastlink told me that we are getting a signal to our house so our router must be the problem. Unfortunately Joey does not work on the weekend. Ken turned the router off and on a couple of times and it started working but now it has quit. We will see if my little blog will publish. If not, I will save it. Many folks have suggested that we should stay home but Ken commented last night that everything is so different that he is energetized by the place. So far, we both are pleased we are here. And we are enjoying being with Dave and Irene. Had we not come to Nova Scotia we would never have been able to see them. So far, so good. And Ken is thrilled when he sees Fisherman Ken. It by itself was worth the journey. Now we will keep our fingers crossed.

July 27, 2018. Western Head, Nova Scotia. White Point.

The resort has been in business since 1928. Now it is bigger and better than ever. Ever since we moved here we have made use of White Point despite the spotty food and service. We loved the beach and the view and the rabbits. The grandchildren loved the indoor pool with the hot tub. They would swim in the cold ocean then run to the hot tub to warm up before playing in the indoor pool. And they have lots of activities for children. The main building was old as were the cabins overlooking the water. We put up with all the old stuff because they had a terrific location. Several years ago the main lodge burned down. The new one is in a similar style, but better. And they added an executive chef. Now the food is excellent and the service top drawer. We four went there for lunch this week. We all agreed that the new is better than the old. They must be doing something right because the place is packed. The parking lot was full and one office girl told me that they are booked solid all summer. They now stay open all year. White Point is our favorite spot to dine even though the dining room is noisy. Next time we will arrive at 1:30 rather than 12:30. An adjacent table of 18 were noisy. Three generations of the family were spending the week there and the children were delightful but excited. Thus noisy. Sometimes it takes a big fire to make improvements. After all, in order to have a rainbow you must first have fain. We feel fortunate to be living close to White Point.

July 26, 2018. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Mystery Meals.

Every afternoon, a young woman comes into our garage and puts items in the refrigerator. She drives to us from Mill Village. Our dinner of the night is contained in the pots and pans that have been placed in our fridge, along with a paper telling us what we will eat that night, with the directions for reheating. The food comes already cooked. All we must do is heat it up and serve the plates. Normal people might not like not knowing what the caterer will serves us for dinner, but we love it. Every evening we eat a mystery meal. This is the third year we have hired the same caterer. Our system of not knowing our meals started by accident. David organized the caterer the first year. They were so slow in sending David menus he told them to just select food and deliver the food, which they did. We were a table of 18 every night. It did not matter what we would be eating but it certainly mattered that the food was delivered. The system worked so we continued the routine. They decide our meals and then cook and deliver the dinners. Fortunately the food has been excellent, so we are happy. And we have fun wondering what will be brought to us each day. Our dinners are delivered five days a week. We are on our own on the weekend. All this week we have enjoyed our dinners. If we are having company I just tell them the number the day before. We leave the pans and dishes in the garage which they pick up when they deliver. Our system is fun for us and also for them. They always buy fresh that day, so they enjoy figuring out what to cook for us that night, depending on the fish or the meat available. Mystery Meals work for us!!

July 25, 20189. Western Head, Nova Scotia. The Emira Center.

Yesterday for the first time, we visited the Emira Center. The place is wonderful. It is clean and cool, which on a hot day brings pleaasure. The idea of building a new hockey arena was controversial, especially when they added a fitness center and a walking track. Despite the hostility, the arena was built and is super. In the center of the building is the hockey rink. The ice is kept in all summer, which keeps the place cool. Skating is open many days a week and hockey teams practice and skate through the summer. Big events are held in the arena too. The ice is covered with wood and chairs installed. A Hank Snow concert will be held this weekend. Around the top of the ice arena they put in a walking track, made of rubber so it is easy on the legs and joints. Walt and Mary walked there every day through the winter and have continued in the summer. The track is level and safe and cool. The whole place does not look like a hockey arena. It looks fancy and clean. Although the Center is five years old, yesterday was the first day that Ken and I went to walk their track. Katey drove us and walked with Ken while I just walked. Just over 4 loops equals one kilometer. I can walk well when the ground is level and am not far from a wall. Ken is the same. He also did his exercises at the center. Today we went again. We were both pleased. Dave and Irene go and work out in the afternoons in the fitness center while we go in the morning. They are also pleased with the cleanliness and their modern machines. As Dave said, "The place does not look or feel at all like a hockey arena". Liverpool is fortunate to have this lovely facility. I only hope it stays solvent.

July 24, 2018. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Earth Angels.

My friend Mary MacD. gave me their number. I knew we needed helpers for Ken in Nova Scotia so I asked Mary for help. She called the VON who in turn referred Earth Angels. I called them both. The VON provides only nursing help but Earth Angels can provide both help at home ands also medical assistance. I spoke with the lady in charge in Bridgewater and arranged a meeting the day after our arrival. We agreed to having a helper 5 days a week, from 9 to 5. The worker will assist us in doing anything we need during the hours she will be working with us. She will help us both and assist with the running of the house. Our helper was to begin Monday. Wow. Our helper, Katey is a dream come true. No sitting by our Katey. So far she helped me arrange the furniture, worked with Ken with his exercises morning and afternoon, driven me on errands, set the table both days for our dinner, walked with Ken at the sports facility in town where there is a walking track, unloaded the dishwasher, reminded Ken of his medications and generally helped us to do anything we need. She is a dream come true and just what we needed in Nova Scotia. Ken is independent but he often gets stuck putting on and off clothes. When we are alone, I am the only one who can help so I end up going up and down stairs frequently. As we had been alone since Thursday, by Monday I was weary. I was ready for Katey to help. She is pleasant and enthusiastic and encouraging to Ken. In other words, she is an angel to us in our world in Nova Scotia. What can be better?

July 23, 2018. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Fisherman Ken.

Many years ago we bought a folk art statute for the front yard. The figure was 6 feet tall and was clearly a fisherman, wearing a slicker and hat, all yellow. The grandchildren named him Fisherman Joe. He was beautiful and was a welcome addition to our yard, which could be seen from the road. Three times, Joe was painted by Mal. The last time, Mal said that he would only paint him again if we dried him out. But Fisherman Joe was too heavy so we allowed him to die a natural death. This winter, he was taken away. We commissioned Ivan to make a sculpture for a replacement. We talked through every possible options. We thought about a girl flying a kite, or seals or a whale. Eventually we decided on another fisherman. Then Rita suggested we ask Ivan to make a model of Ken. Ivan thought it was a grand idea so Rita took pictures and sent them to Ivan. When we were in Texas, Ivan asked for profile pictures which were done by Suzanne. We wondered if we would ever get to see Fisherman Ken in person.,. On Thursday evening, as Mr.G. turned into the driveway, Ken spotted the sculpture, complete with a yellow slicker and hat. We were both thrilled. Ivan has done a marvelous job. He turned a picture into a 3 D sculpture which actually looks like the Ken of old. Fisherman Ken is alive and well on Western Head, Nova Scotia. It is a marvel!!

July 22, 2018. Western Heads, Nova Scotia. Lanes.

Lanes Privateer Inn and Restaurant was the first place we ate when we came to look for property. Being new to the area, we asked our young waitress about privateers. She laughed and said she had no idea but told us to visit the lighthouse down the road, where they would tell us all about them. So we did. The building at Lanes is big and old but well maintained. Their food was good but not exceptional. The most important thing was that they were open as it was January. Susan Lane owns the place, having inherited it from her parents when they retired. Her parents themselves inherited the place from their parents, so Lanes has been in the family for three generations. Susan has made changes. The restaurant has been moved to the back overlooking the river and outside patios have been built so guests can eat outside, The rooms ha e. been redone and what was once the restaurant is now used for special events. Their flood is still acceptable. Fresh baked biscuit are served immediately which are delicious. Tonight, David and Irene along with Wendy and Clausen dined at Lanes tonight. They allowing us to eat in the old restaurant which is quiet. We were the only folks in the room and we loved it. Lanes is important to us. Their food is predictably decent and the service always good. The most important aspect of going to Lanes is that they are always open and stays open year after year. We like to patronize them so we are sure they will stay solvent. Going to Lanes is like putting on an old slipper. We all feel better if we finish eating at lanes. When Robbie Joyce stayed in our house years ago, they ate at Lanes every day to eat chowder. Certainly worth the visit. I feel sure we will spent many happy meals this summer at Lanes. Tonight was the beginning.

July 21, 2018. Western Head, Nova Scotia. The Comforts of Home.

Life is comfortable here in Nova Scotia. This morning before we came down for breakfast, Mary and Clif came by bring a big bottle of water plus several bags for our bin for left over kitchen scraps. Our well was cleaned and needs 24 hours to settle before drinking the water so she brought a large container so we would not run out. Gill brought us a big container yesterday but Mary did not want us to run out. At 12, Gill brought by a loaf of dark break from the open market in town. We chatted for an hour. In mid afternoon, Walt came by bringing new keys. Walt and Mary open the house before we arrive so we do not carry a key. When I could not find a key for the guest house before Dave and Irene arrived he knew he needed to get me a set of keys. So we visited a bit. At 6:00 Heather called to say she had just baked pies and she wondered if we would like one, as she had made my favorite, Strawberry rhubarb. Of course I said yes, so over she came. They purchased our cottage. They have been busy working, putting in new flooring and putting in a closet. They are so pleased to have bought it and are still excited. This morning we awoke to fog and the fog horn. The fog got worse. Then it rained. By mid afternoon the sun came out but soon the fog came in again. For an hour we had strong winds, followed by more sun. Today was the perfect motto of "If you do not like the weather right now, just wit. It will change.". And Irene and Dave had gone shopping this afternoon and came home with fresh corn which we ate for supper and was delicious. Irene and I served food purchased at the grocery store: chicken pot pie for us ands shepherds pie for them. Our life here is comfortable and Dave and Irene are comfortable guests. Ken has been busily doing things that make our life easier. Soon we will have all our comforts of our Mississippi home along with our good friends. Pretty special.

July 20, 2018. Western Head, Nova Scotia. The Gathering.

The event was wonderful. Today at lunch was the gathering of the clan. Mary made quiche, Gill brought a huge delicious salad in a most wonderful wooden bowl while Wendy and Clausen brought my favorite pie, strawberry rhubarb pie. My sole contribution was to set the table and to stay out of the kitchen. The food was brought to our home, which made it easier for Ken. The event was to welcome us to Nova Scotia. It was a festive occasion. For a good while it was nip and tuck s to whether or not we could make the journey. But here we are. George our builder came this morning to help with several tasks. He is a skilled carpenter but today he painted a new railing, hammered down two loose boards on the deck and changed lights in the garage. And he put together my cutlery drawer, taken apart by the cleaning folks. In the middle of lunch we heard a bang coming from the basement. WE ALL jumped. Mary and Gill took a flashlight to the basement to investigate while I called George. He came immediately and discovered that two jacks had fallen over. By 4:00, he had installed two new posts and jacks and concrete bases. Our house will not fall down. Darrell came this afternoon to take the furniture to the deck and organize the garage, with me telling him what to do. He did the job in 30 minutes while I have had taken all afternoon. So today was the gathering of our friends and of our workmen who help us survive here in Western Head. Now we are in good order.

July 19, 2018. Western Head, Nova Scotia. The Rich Life.

As Bob Hope once commented, "Being rich does not make you happy, but it certainly can make you comfortable." Today we lived the life of the wealthy. We flew from Jackson to Halifax on our own private jet. Our flight took three and a half hours. Our shuttle driver drove right to the plane. After arriving at 3:30, we were home at 5:30. The pilot cleared customs for us on the phone. No one ever looked at our passport. The whole process was enough to wish we were truly rich and could fly on a private jet every time. The whole experience was delightful. I knew life would be different immediately when we arrived early at the air office. We were early. Our instructions were to arrive twenty minutes before departure, which I has asked to be 10. We arrived AT 9:20. When April went in to find out what to do with the bags, the attendants immediately came out to get them. And when we walked in the building, the pilot came to greet us. He told us that the plane was getting fuel but as soon as it was complete, we would leave, and we did. The attendants drove Ken in a golf cart while I walked the 200 yards. A three steps up into the airplane and we were set. We had a cooler of beverages between our seats and from time to time snacks were brought to us. The blankets were warm and cosy as was the pillow and I slept well. Our lunch was lovely, ordered by us from their caterer. Even though our flight was easy, we were tired upon arrival at Western Head. But we are delighted to be here in Nova Scotia. Our flight today has spoiled us, and we liked it.

July 18, 2018. Madison, Mississippi. All Set.

All the ice cream had been eaten in our house. It must be time to get out of town. All the food cooked on Thursday has been consumed. We have no food left in our fridge and just a few items left in the freezer. Our cases for the cruise have been ready for days and today I closed up our small roll on bags full of medications. The only things left tomorrow morning is to have breakfast, put anything we have forgotten into our backpacks and head to the airport. We are leaving Mississippi for the rest of the summer. When we arrived at the end of March both Ken and I thought we might never be able to leave Mississippi. We were OK with that. Our home is lovely and we are able to function easily here. But Ken wanted to go to Nova Scotia and has been working hard to get strong enough to go. Also we comissioned a new sculpture for the yard at Western Head, called Fisherman Ken and Ken wanted to see it installed. So we are going. April will drive us to the airport. Then return our car and put it in the garage. Christina will pick it up and take it to her home. Once a week she will drive it to our home to pick up the mail and check on the house. Everything is set. I have one load of clothes to fold before taking my Ibrance. Then I will go to bed. Our summer plan is ambitious. I hope for the best.

July 17, 2018. Madison, Mississippi. A Close Call.

Normally after I finish my swim, I put on my cover up and walk home, dripping wet. Everything is wet including my towel and my cover up and my shoes. As I am always alone in the pool, I got the great idea of removing the straps from my shoulder and put on my cover up. Then remove my bathing suit down beside my feet. This was all decided when I was in the pool completing my exercises. It seemed like a great idea. My plan was to allow my bathing suit to drip beside me in a chair so I would not need to drip across my floor at home. So I implemented my plan. But I had a problem. As I put my hands up to put on my shirt/cover up, the straps fell off and my top fell to my waist. Next my shirt got stuck on my shoulders as I was wet. It seemed like an eternity before I was able to pull down my cover up/shirt. For a while, I was exposed to the elements but eventually I was decent. I sat and let my suit rip, then walked home, without getting everything wet. My system worked but I was just lucky that no one else had come into the pool area while I was taking off my suit. It would not have been a pretty sight. I am 80 and overweight. What else do I need to say? I had a close call.

July 16, 2018. Madison, Mississippi. The Rain.

Late this morning I took letters to our mailbox for the mailman could put them up when he delivers the mail. It is a useful service. I pull out the red marker on the side to signal I have mail to be picked up. I was also intending to deposit a few things to leave in the recycle bin, which would be picked up today. As I was walking out the door, I thought to myself that rain would be coming soon. By the time I was half way to our mailbox I was feeling rain. And it got worse. I walked across the front of the yard to the trash bin, which I had put out earlier. And the rain continued to fall. By the time I got into the house I was soaked to my skin. I was wearing shorts and a light shirt so the air-conditioning felt chilly. Within 5 minutes the rain had stopped. I had left the house and was outside a total of a few minutes and I got soaked. My timing was perfectly terrible. I did laugh. The next time I sense rain coming I will stay inside. But then late this afternoon we had a huge storm. Thunder, lightning and heavy rain which continue over an hour. Notices came on the TV about the storm. I was pleased to be home. I sat in the middle of the living room as far away from the windows as possible. And I watched and listened to the storm. These Mississippi storms are unbelievable. Flash floods in the area. Scary.

July 15, 2018. Madison, Mississippi. The Fire.

Our friends Tom and Joyce had a fire at their house. Everything burned, including the new bunk house, the garage and the main house. They have been left with just the clothes they were wearing. They had been shopping and returned to find only ruins. Fortunately, no one was hurt but everything must be rebuilt. What a mess for them to deal with. They live on one of the Kiwartha Lakes east of Toronto and close to Peteborough. Their location is remote, which was one of the issues for the firemen. Their son Tommy lives with them and was home at the time. He described an explosion in the garage, which burned quickly and set both the bunk house and the house on fire. Fortunately he got out. Ken and I had our Carriage House burn in Nova Scotia but it was not our primary resident. Imagine all the photos, files books and clothes, all burned to ashes. And they over 80. Their house used to be their cottage. After they retired, they moved to the cottage and have been living there ever since. For me, the most interesting part of their purchase of the cottage occurred when Tom won a lotery. He had purchased a ticket on a whim and he won. His name was published in the Toronto paper, which caused a big stink in Salvation Army circles because Salvation Army people are not supposed to gamble. I thought it was funny, and fortunately did Tom and Joyce. With the lottery funds they bought the cottage which their family and friends have enjoyed. Now our hearts go out to them as they go through the painful process of rebuilding.

July 14, 2018. Madison, Mississippi. Shoes.

Shoes last for a long time, at least, mine do. But every so often, my shoes let me down. After our ladies lunch, Christina took me to the bank to get cash for the trip. When walking into the bank, holding on Christina's arm, looking like a proper lady, the whole sole of my left shoe fell off. All of a sudden I was limping. It took a few steps to figure out what had happened but eventually, Christina rescued the sole and put it into the car, after which we proceeded into the bank, pretending that I was not wearing half a shoe. I was amazed how an inch difference from one shoe to the other causes problems with your gait. But I proceeded as if I looked normal. When I was back in the car and inspecting my shoe I could see that the whole sole had been unglued so I intended to have the shoe repaired. Christina asked me how old was the shoe and I had to admit that the shoe must be 25 years old. The shoe was a light brown flat sandal made of leather. When I got home and showed the shoe to our new helper Kaila, she noted that my right sole seemed to be coming apart too. When I checked it, the front of the sole broke in two. My shoes are now in the trash. I even know what happened to that shoe. I took the shoes to the ranch and kept them in our top house. One summer, the air conditioner in the second floor did not work so the temperature got high, causing the glue to fail. One night when we were out to dinner at Karen and Jacque's home down the road, my black sandals fell apart bit by bit. Big hunks fell off whenever I walked around the house. My great pair of black sandals went into the fire and Karen graciously picked up my mess. That was many years ago. I do believe that I had not ever worn those brown sandals since we brought them to Mississippi from the ranch and the hot room. But I hate to see good comfortable leather shoes die. I am easy on shoes so I expect them to wear forever, even when I do not wear them anymore. But my light brown sandals are now in the trash. I bet I never miss them but I am still irritated.

July 13, 2018. Madison, Mississippi. Planning.

The task is big. We leave next Thursday and return October 27. Our medications must be adequate to last the whole time, which is 101 days. But we are ready. A few days ago I made up Ken's pill boxes and realized that I was short three medications so I talked with the pharmacy. Because I had just obtained a 90 supply two weeks ago, they were required to ask the insurance company for vacation override, which was done. Today I picked them up so his medications are set in his case. I hope I counted correctly. My medications are ready too, except for my Ibrance, the chemo therapy. I must reive the last month of meds deliver to me while in St. Paul. As we are only there one day, it might get difficult. To celebrate our 60th anniversary, Ken and I booked a cruise down the Mississippi, leaving St.Paul October 9 and arriving in New Orleans October 23. We booked the cruise a year ago and for a while we thought we might have to cancel. But we are going. What that means is we must take a case each with us for clothes we will use on the cruise. I do not want to use clothes from Nova Scotia and have them end up in Mississippi so we are set with our cruise cases, which required careful planning as we are taking one small case each along with our even smaller bag for medications. Again, I hope I have remembered to take everything we need. My last task is to take the Mark Twain book from the bookcase and put it into my case. I intend to read Life On the Mississippi as we drift down the mighty river. My planning and implementing is now over.

July 12, 2018. Madison, Mississippi. Ladies Lunch.

Having lunch with the ladies is pure pleasure, especially when you eat in a good restaurant. No part of the event was stressful. I invited Eleanor, Greta Barbour and Christina for lunch at the Ameriga restaurant, which is just down the street from us. In order to enjoy a ladies lunch, all you do is invite the people, make the reservation and enjoy the event. I do not need to set the table nor cook or tidy thee house. These three ladies are our best friends in Jackson so seeing them together is always a treat. All I have to do is show up, and enjoy the conversation. Christina picked me up. We had much to discuss. Jim ha been sick with his diabetes which had been out of wack and Greta Barbour had just returned from their July 4th visit with John's parents at their cabin on the beach. John's Mother had the children make a journal each day. She had brought paper and lost of stuff to put into the journal, including stickers and strings and markers. The children loved it. Now they have a wonderful souvenir. We talked children and we talked Mississippi, both topics dear to my heart. I am always interested in what these home schooled children do all summer. I found out that they are busy. The twin boys work part time at the local country club. All the children attended camp. Evelyn is next week attending sewing class at church. All sorts of activities to enjoy for the summer. Two weeks ago all three Mihls children went to camp so Join and Greta Barbour seen their time paining their bedroom and moving furniture. Greta Barbour inherited her Mothers bedroom furniture is it was in stalled, which meant moving chest around to the children's rooms. All simple pleasures. This morning, Kate, Mary Frances, Molly, Christina and I had a pedicure. When they brought me home, and came in to visit with Ken, Kate discovered that the ladies were going out for lunch. She reminded me that as she was 21 years old, she actually qualified as a lady. But we just laughed. Our ladies lunch was delightful, with good food, interesting conversation with not a scrap of stress. Pretty nice.

July 11, 2018. Madison, Mississippi. Pleasure.

On days when the weather is hot and sultry, which means is not fit to walk, I go to the swimming pool and do my exercises in the deep water. But when it appears that a storm is coming and I am not able to swim, I stay home and walk inside. I walk around the interior of the whole house. You would think it would be boring, but as I walk I look at objects acquired over the years and I smile. By the back door I walk on our first Persian rug, purchased when we lived in our first home on Lancaster Drive. Then I walk through the kitchen past the stove. I have utensils in a hand made piece of pottery, given to us by Dave and Irene. And I smile at the hand painted tray, given to me by Miss Tomlinson. No one but me who sees that try knows anything about Miss. Tomlinson. But I know. And it pleases me. On the walls I recall each purchase of each piece of art. In our early days of travel when we had few funds, we brought back small water colors, so we have numerous pieces which reminds me of each lovely place in the world we had visited. And I enjoy the fact that Mary Frances hung all those small gems of work. And the whole arrangement pleases me. Of course, when I walk by the windows to the reservoir I stop to marvel at the beauty. Over the bookcase I see a picture of Grandma Houghton, taken when she was a small child. Over my desk sits a picture of the twins as babies and glow with gratitude in having twin granddaughters. Every object in our home has a story, mostly known by only me. No one is interested except me. But when I take my walk inside my house, every item brings me great pleasure and I am never bored.

July 10, 2018. Madison, Mississippi. The Trial Run.

Next Thursday on July 19 we fly to Halifax on a direct flight in a private Lear jet. The trip is expensive but at this time of our life, we have no options. We are biting the bullet. We do not leave from the same commercial terminal. The address was unfamiliar to us so today April plugged the address in her GPS and we went to find it. We did not wish to fumble the day we were leaving. Our route took us across the Spillway and along back roads, which pleased us because we had no traffic. When we arrived at our correct destination, April went in to be sure we were in the right place. Our journey took 20 minutes. Now we are happy. Our plan was to stay out for lunch as a reward for our good behavior. April over the years has eaten out a lot as her grandmother likes to dine out and April keeps her company. April suggested The Longhorn restaurant. They are a franchise. We had eaten at a Longhorn in Hagerstown on the way to the farm so we knew they were acceptable. Both Ken and April ate steak and a sweet potato while I ate salmon and mixed vegetables. We all ate the whole thing. But no dessert. The day was lovely except hot. When we arrived home we all agreed that we had accomplished everything on our list: we found the location for our plane, we ate a delicious lunch and we enjoyed a pleasant ride, with April driving. Our excursion was successful.

July 9, 2018. Madison, Mississippi. Stupidity in Action.

How did she think she could get away with it without incurring consequences? I have been wondering and have no real answer except I think Kendria thought we were easy and would not pay attention to our accounts. When I confronted her with her behavior, she was apologetic and wanted to bring the money over on Thursday. But the damage was done. I never wish her in our home again, even though she was sweet to Ken. Last week, Ken received an e mail from American Express saying that his credit card had been used by a remote location. I contacted Am.Ex. They investigated and told us the $375. was paid to Watkins Auto Store. Neither Ken nor I had purchased anything there. I knew the wallet had been in my purse except the time I gave it to Kendria when I was not accompanying Ken for his clinic exercises. Ken only uses Amazon Prime when he orders on line, never his American Express card. Both Ken and I knew there was fraud involved but I never dreamt of Kendria. When I spoke to the accountant at the Auto store he told me that the payment was called in by Kendria Carter so I texted Kendria but she did not respond immediately except to accept responsibility and to apologize.. My next call was to Cindy, the company providing our helpers. Next call was to the Auto store and finally to Am.Ex. We will be reimbursed the funds but for Kendria, she has lost her job. The auto store had filed fraud charges with the police. When she eventually phoned, she was keen to bring over the funds on Thursday but it is too late. The damage was done. What on earth was she thinking? Had she come clean before I found out we would have perhaps allowed her to pay us back but she thought she was going to get away with it. After all, she made her payment on June 25. She must have been on pins and needles ever since. Ken said that was why Kendria was being so helpful and friendly the past few weeks. It is a fascinating store but a totally stupid act on her part.

July 8, 2018. Madison, Mississippi. The World Cup.

This 2018 World Cup has been exciting. In years past, the teams seemed to play as to not lose so much play involved defense. But not this year. Great offensive plays and much action. The games were not boring a bit. I expected not to enjoy many parts of the games. I must admit that I never played soccer so the fine parts of the game escape me. I do not know a lot about strategy. But I know I hate it when the players kick the ball back to the defense. Time after time. I hate it. But this World Cup had plenty of goals and shots on the goal with many spectacular saves by the goalies. And I have been happy because the traditional powers are out. No Germany. No Spain. No Brazil. No Argentina. The four semi finalists are England vs Croatia, and France vs. Belgium. So we will have a new champion. Germany won last time four years ago. My question is who selects the songs the fans sing and how do they end up singing in tune? Both in the round of 16 and the quarter finals the English fans sang "God Save the Queen," time and again. Does everyone stand? And what are the other songs being sung by other countries fans? Is it also a national anthum? I need some knowledgeable person to fill me in with the details. This Gold Cup has been the best ever. All the commentators agree with me!!

July 7, 2018. Madison, Mississippi. Family.

Yesterday we had lunch with Christin and the girls at our home. Our time together was exciting because they had been away in Maine for ten days. While they were gone, we felt like we were on an island. But when the family returns, we feel comfortable and at home. The feeling is interesting because we do have other good friends here who I know would help us if needed but there is something about being around the family that gives confidence. One thing that brings pleasure is the activities of the children. They have many and different ideas so when we are together we can pick their brains. They are out in the world while we just observe it from our home by the reservoir. Tomorrow we will see them again for brunch. Kate suggested we return to Cantina Laredo, a new Mexican restaurant in Jackson. We visited it a couple of months ago and now we will return. And we will enjoy it too. The girls and Christina are always ready and excited to go out for lunch with us and for that we are grateful. I feel sure that a time will come when their activities intrude so they will not be able to join us for lunch, but at the moment, we will enjoy their energy and enthusiasm. And we are grateful that they are all willing to join us. There is nothing better than dining with the family.

July 6, 2018. Madison, Mississippi. Eye Drops.

The folks controlling the eye drop business are clever. Each little bottle of eye drops has a different color top so when the eye doctor tells you what to do with the drops, he called the drops by name but also by the color of the top. I have been taking eye drops for ten years and am used to the different colors. The system is clever. Whenever I visit an eye doctor, I come home with a sheet of paper telling me instructions for my drops, first the name of the drops followed by the color of the lid and then what eye. The system is clever and works well. Dr.Oh, who performed the last procedure on my right eye, must think I am daft. As you must know, I am often in error but never in doubt. Wednesday was a perfect example. The nurse asked me what drops I was using so I told her I did not recall the name but the bottle had a white top. She asked me if I was certain it was white. "Absolutely," said I. When the doctor came she asked me the same question and I gave her the same answer. Then the doctor asked me if the drops were milky white and I said yes. Then she asked if I was using Durozol and I said I did not think I was. She asked me again if I was using the milky colored drops and I said yes. Then I asked her if I had been using the wrong drops, but she said I was fine. And I came home. When I went into the bathroom I looked at the only bottle I had been using and it had a red top. Now the bottle was white but the top was definitely red. And I laughed. Both the nurse and doctor think I have lost my memory and am daft. Now I know. The eye drops I am using is red. Fortunately the doctor knew about the milky color so she figured it out but was too polite to say anything. I see her in November. I wonder if she will remember? I will certainly ask.

July 5, 2018. Madison, Mississippi. A Pleasant Surprise.

Visiting the Apple store is not pleasant. First off, the place is always crowded. And when you arrive, you are greeting by a person who assigns you to a technician who will help. But first you must wait. When David and Suzanne took some of our things into the Apple store they waited thirty minutes. You can make an appointment on line but it is always for tomorrow or the day after. But I was desperate because my phone refused to take a charge. For two weeks my phone was not behaving. Sometimes it would charge and sometimes not. So I fiddled with it and used different cords. But I knew I was going to be forced to visit the dreaded Apple store. Last evening my phone gave up. This morning I was out of power with no way to get a charge. Kendria will drive me but we do not leave Ken alone so he agreed to come out for lunch, then wait while I tackled the sApple Store. I was expecting to wait so we had decided that Kendria could drive Ken home and come back for me when I called. I walked in and was immediately assigned to a young man. No waiting. I gave him my tale of woe. He checked my phone and told me that something was blocking the connector to the phone. He took a small tool from his pocket and removed lint from my phone. And like magic, the phone charged immediately. I was stunned. Ken and I both thought we would need a new phone. But no. It took five minutes and there was no charge. It was a very pleasant surprise. Today he Apple Store deserve a gold star.

July 4, 2018. Madison, Mississippi. The Celebration.

The fireworks went on and on. The whole thing was beautifully done, with singers doing their patriotic songs with fireworks bursting in the sky, all behind the Washington monument. Both Ken and I enjoyed the whole concert, celebrating the birthday of the country from the Washington Mall. The concert lasts 90 minutes and moves along quickly from one group to the next. And PBS repeats the concert immediately after, just in case you missed the first part. Ken and I and the boys along with my sister Carol and her sons attended the concert at the Mall in 1976. It seemed to be a patriotic thing to do. We enjoyed the concert and the crowds and the fireworks. Everyone was orderly and had fun. But this years concert was better and bigger. And the fireworks topped any other year. I was happy to enjoy the concert in the comfort of our TV room. In our home it was 76 degrees. On the Mall in DC it was still 90. Great music, great wireworks with not a minute of boredom. Ken and I enjoyed the concert from the Mall. And we enjoyed the pictures of the monuments which are beautiful. I enjoyed visiting them all but I am happy to live away from the action. I enjoy the size of Jackson. Hats off to the folks organizing the concert. It was a top drawer production.

July 3, 2018. Madison, Mississippi. Our Day Helpers.

April and Kendria help Ken every day. They have done so since we returned from Mexico at the end of March. They have become part of the family. Ken calls them his assistants. April helps with the bird feeders and the electronic stuff. And Kendria thinks of Ken as her grandfather. The other afternoon she cut his toe nails. I did not know she had done it until Ken told me, so I thanked her. Ken has a problem with his toe nails. He can not have a pedicure because his feet keeps jerking and I can not cut them because of my tremor. Poor Ken tries to do it himself. But Kendria came to his rescue. Kendria told me that she never had a grandfather so she treats him as her own, which is very nice. Just yesterday she commented to me that she will be very sad when we go to Nova Scotia. "You are part of my own family now," she said. The reality of our situation is that our day time helpers have very little to do. Ken is confident walking around the house. He dresses himself both morning and evening and he bathes himself. They keep his water bottles full and remind him of his medications. But mostly, Ken is on his own. Tomorrow we will have no helper. We are trying it out to see what we need in Nova Scotia. We know we need help through the week, but we suspect we can function on our own on the weekends. This Saturday we will also be without April or Kendria. Our helpers are quiet so do not intrude on our life. But we prefer being alone. Tomorrow will be the first day thin year that Ken and I have been by ourselves during the day. We are grateful for the help. But we are delighted to be able to be on our own. Progress indeed.

July 2, 2018. Madison, Mississippi. Image.

When people think about Mississippi, they think the 60s and the Civil Rights violence. The image of Mississippi has not changed. The reality is very different. The fact that the races get along and actually like each other must be the best kept secret in the nation. People are polite and well educated. And Jackson and the surrounding areas are pleasant places to live. But when you hear people speaking about Mississippi the words you hear are backward, racist and poor. For me, the image is so different to the reality that I wonder what needs to be done to change the image of Mississippi to bring it up to date.. Lots of writers live in Mississippi. And artists and musicians too. Festivals abound. Oxford has more than 40 writers living and writing in Oxford in addition to all the writer who have either moved or died. I can talk about writers with anyone as this society is well read, more than any place I have lived. PBS produces a half hour program each week called Conversations. The host talks with a person who has done something. I try to watch each week as a way to learn more about Mississippi. The guests are all living in Mississippi. The guest last week was a writer who lives in Oxford. He writes plays and books and film scripts. He spoke of the famous people he had written for. But he has always lived in Oxford even though he wrote for producers working in Los Angeles. I forget his name but the conversation was fascinating. The host asked a final question of the writer, saying, "What would you would like to be done in your future?" The answer surprised me. He said that he wished the legislators would spend some money to change the image of Mississippi and to give out the message about Mississippi, describing the pleasures of working and living in Mississippi. I agreed with him. Mississippi has never gotten over the violence of the 60's. It is time to change the image to the reality of the present day.

July 1, 2018. Madison, Mississippi. Canada Day.

Happy Canada Day to all Canadians. It is a day to celebrate. I wonder if it is celebrated in Quebec? From time to time I still hear sounds of separation. Nova Scotia at the time of Confederation was not in favor of becoming a part of Canada. Joseph Howe at first supporters the union of Upper Canada and Lower Canada. But when he saw the fine print, he was opposed. It was a close call. Tye relationship of Nova Scotia with New England States was much closer than with Ontario and Quebec so many folks wanted to join the US as another state. But when it was put to a vote, the union prevailed probably because the majority of the residents were on the british payroll. Today, many folks have relatives in Connecticut and Mass. Until 1919, people could go and come across the border at will. It is interesting to listen to the old time residents who are still firmly connected to the US, much more so than in Ontario. Over the years, Canada has done many things well, so living there is a pleasure. Now we wish them well in the future. Happy Canada Day Canadians.