August 31, 2018. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Larry and Jan.

Ken called out, "Go straight". Katie was driving us home from the walking trail and we were just at the corner when we turn right toward Western Head. But Ken called out again but the second time louder. The third time was the charm and Katie drove straight although she thought he was having a spell of sorts. But sure enough, Ken had spotted Larry and Jan walking from the lighthouse and Ken wanted us to say hello. They have returned to Liverpool and we were delighted to see them. After a brief hug and chat, we invited them to share with us tonight at our mystery meal. and they did. Jan and Larry live in Ottawa but own a big house on Main Street. They walk to the lighthouse every day and chat with people along the way. Because of their friendliness, they have a whole set of friends we do not know, which is fun. Most folks in those lovely homes are full time residents and know lots of the town so we catch up on the Liverpool activities. Except tonight, we were busy catching up with the activities from the last year. It was a good thing they came to dinner tonight because a family wedding will be held in Halifax next weekend and 20 family members will stay with Jan and Larry, which means Larry will be cooking for 20 for three days, three meals a day. Whew. We were happy that Ken spotted them on the road and that we continued along the road to chat with them. I could not imagine why Ken was so adamant with his directions. But he was correct. We like Larry and Jan and Larry and Jan like us. So we have a mutual admiration society. After their big wedding, we will see them before they leave town again but we were delighted to spend a few hours with them tonight. Some days you just get lucky.

August 30, 2018. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Coffee With Fran.

My plan here was the same as in Mississippi: I invite a friend to come and have a cup of coffee with me. The idea is splendid. I get to visit with a good friend and they do not spend all their day. On Tuesday morning, Fran came for coffee. I had not seen her this year so we had lots to talk about, which included her gorgeous garden and our productive vegetable garden. Many years ago, Fran and Kelly rented a house down the road from Gill. I stopped in to ask them to come to a party and they did. We have been fast friends ever since. Next they bought a home in White Point Estates and bit by bit turned a dreary yard into a bit of heaven. But it was hard work, Kelly died three years ago so Fran needs help with her garden. She has two ladies helping each week. And a man helps when heavy tasks are beyond her. Fran is a busy lady. She plays in the Swing Band, The Mersey Band, and the Ukulele Strummers. And she sails regularly with Mary. She is lively and energetic and a pleasure to be around. During our coffee, we talked about our difficulty harvesting our vegetables. She wondered if her helper Joe would be interested. He was working in her garden while she was with me. The next morning, she called to say that Joe would be pleased to help and would take any vegetables we do not need. So today Fran brought Joe and picked him up on her return from Bridgewater. They left with her car full of vegetables to take home. And we will pick him up on Monday to complete his cleaning up task. Out of one cup of coffee comes a good deed. In years past, we have donated extra vegetables to the food bank but our problem this year is the harvesting. Joe has helped us out and was delighted to get all the produce. Ken and I are delighted that the vegetables will be used and Joe was even more pleased to get the produce. He lives along our loop on Western Head Road and lives with his brother and mother. I feel so fortunate that I invited Fran for coffee. One less problem is solved.

August 29, 2018. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Blueberries.

Local blueberries are in the stores. It is worth coming to Nova Scotia just to eat the local wild blueberries. The berries are small and succulent, so much more flavor that the big berries we buy all year. Those berries are high bush berries, so much easier to pick. The berries we eat now are grown close to the ground which require bending over to pick. But they are delicious. We buy them in 5 pound boxes. When we first moved here, the big box cost $10. Now, 19 years later, the same box costs $20. But it is worth every penny. I eat a bowl of these tiny blueberries for breakfast with milk. Ken loads his cereal with them too. For lunch I put blueberries in the salad. And for dessert after dinner I crush the berries over ice cream. You can not imagine how tasty these berries are. As soon as they arrive in town we buy a box. and when we are getting low we buy another and another and another...until they no longer available. Three years ago the early spring and summer were dry and the berries were not juicy, which was disappointing. But this year they are delicious and we are eating up a storm. Most people freeze the extras but we just keep eating. We feel so fortunate to be enjoying the local blueberries this season. They are just as good as I remember them in my mind. And we are enjoying every mouthful.

August 28, 2018. Western Head. Our Garden.

Ken has kept a garden here for over ten years. When he dug up the area prior to planting he was surprises . The top soil was almost three feet deep. Along the driveway on the rest of the land we have about two inches of good soil but in the area on the far side of the guest house he dug up wonderful dark soil. Ken thinks that in the years when the area was farmed, the owners must have kept a garden in the same spot. Over the years, Vinal dug sea weed into the garden making the soil even better. Now our garden grows wonderful vegetables. Last year Gary who oversees our yard planted the garden. Vinal could no longer tend to it. We left with oodles of vegetables still to be harvested so we asked our caterers to gather them and they did. Today Ken and Katie harvested in the garden. They brought back beets, cucumbers and squash. We have had enough beans to feed all of Liverpool but unfortunately they are past their prime. Our problem is the harvesting. Ken can not pick up anything from the ground and Katie is not really a farmer so much of our produce sits and waits. The garden has it's own climate. It is surrounded on four side so protected from the wind. This afternoon, while I sat on the deck in the cool breeze, they were sweating in the garden which is surrounded by trees on three sides and the guest house on the fourth. It is quite a remarkable garden. But next summer we will ask Gary to plant no beans. And no peas. But we do love the tomatoes, cucumbers, beets and potatoes. Also squash. But not many. My task for tomorrow is to find someone who would love fresh vegetables. Our garden is flowing over with vegetables.

August 27, 2018. Western Head, Nova Scotia. 60th Anniversary.

This evening we celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary. We celebrated with our good friends in our own home. We enjoyed it. Walt and Mary brought us a dozen red roses and our fellow DWEMs had all signed a lovely card, orchestrated by Mary Mitchell. The evening was warm and endearing. I was pleased I had not ignored the date. I was intending to put together an event celebrating our 60th but everything I suggested got quickly shot down. Eventually I got irritated because everything I suggested was not acceptable. The cruise we wanted to take with everyone was too long. The multiple parties in different cities was thought to be too complicated. Soon I quit trying. I ha started the organization almost three years ago. Nothing pleased anyone. Not David and Suzanne and Christina and certainly not Ken. I finally decided that no one wanted me to organize an event when I might not live long enough to enjoy the party. At the time I was full of cancer in my bones. Before Ibrance, cancer in the bones had never disappeared. Once I realized what they were thinking I stopped thinking about it. But over a year ago, we booked a cruise down the Mississippi River to celebrate our 60th. We booked the largest cabin on the boat. Even if we will not take excursions, we will sit on our balcony and watch the great river. And I will read Mark Twain. But tonight we quietly celebrated with our good friends. Clausen gave a clever toast. And I toasted our good friends. We all felt grateful to be together again.

August 26, 2018. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Seafood Chowder.

Every restaurant in Nova Scotia serves seafood chowder. Every cook in Nova Scotia makes seafood chowder. But every time you taste another chowder, it tastes just a little bit different. Different, but delicious. I do not know if it is official but seafood chowder should be the food of Nova Scotia. My friend Mary makes wonderful seafood chowder, On Friday at noon, she invited the DWEMs for lunch. She was serving her chowder. Of course we all accepted because it is the best seafood chowder in the world. We have all tasted it before and we were eager to sample it again. Our lunch was delicious and fun too. Walt and Mary have expanded and screened in their back deck so we sat enjoying their new room before lunch. What a success. We all enjoy projects but their screened deck is a splendid addition to the house. It overlooks their magnificent garden and is a beautiful place to sit to take in the garden. Ken could not finish his chowder so asked to bring it home. This morning for brunch, I cooked scrambled eggs using the left over chowder. It was delicious the second time too. It is always a treat eating a meal cooked by Mary but it is a special event when we eat Mary's seafood chowder. We were in hog heaven.

August 25, 2018. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Sense of Humor.

The older we get, the more we need a sense of humor, especially when ill. All modestly disappears and your sense of humor saves the day. For Ken, today was a perfect example. We were sitting outside. Ken was chilly so went into the garage to pull on a pair of warm long pants, which were lined with flannel. He had been wearing light shorts but a warm jacket. After we sat for a bit, he decided to do his exercises. I went to watch the golf. After twenty minutes, I heard him call my name. But his voice was muffled so I came quickly. I found him standing at the door coming into the garage, giggling like a child. The front wheel of his walker was in the garage but he was unable to step into the garage. He was stuck and found it funny. I could not get to the deck to help, so I went into the house to come out the door from the dining room. I still could not find anything funny but I knew he was stuck. What had happened was funny. As Ken lifted the front wheels of the walker over the threshold into the garage his pants fell down and were down around his ankles. For several minutes he had tried to free his feet but eventually called for help. He thought it was funny and so did I. He could not move forward or back because his feet were tangled in the warm pants. He looked ridiculous. Finally I freed his feet so he was able to continue into the garage laughing all the way. Fortunately, I was close by. The moral of the story is that Ken does well with his sense of humor and a good wife. Both essential to his well being.

August 24, 2018. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Arrowroot Biscuits.

I have returned to my childhood. Every night before I go to bed, I eat four Arrowroot Biscuits. My brother Dave got me started. The chemotherapy Ibrance must be taken last thing at night and must be taken with food. I have never eaten before going to bed so this was difficult for me. I tried yogurt and I tried bread. And I tried fruit. But I began to have indigestion when going to sleep. In Mexico I started eating plain crackers which seemed to agree with me. In fact, every night before going to bed, Rita would give me four dry crackers, another of her kindnesses showed to me by her. When we were in Mississippi, I followed the same pattern of eating crackers with Ibrance. Dave and Irene bought a box of Arrowroot Biscuits. They are low on salt so Dave with his restricted salt diet enjoyed munching on them. The first night we were here, I ate stale crackers but the next night I noticed the box of Arrowroot Biscuits in the pantry and took four up with me to bed. I enjoyed them and in fact laughed every time I ate them. Irene had complained about the size of the box so the next time they shopped they bought a big box at Sobey's, the other grocery store. It contained twelve packages of biscuits. I take a whole package upstair with me which lasts me six days. Poor Dave never did eat any of their biscuits. I took over the box. I suspect that babies are not eating Arrowroot biscuits anymore. Chunks break off in their mouth which could choke them. But I crunch away on my biscuits every night. They taste good and they cause no indigestion. I think I have enough until we leave, thanks to the generosity of Dave and Irene. I have read that the older we get, the more we return to our childhood. For me that is certainly true. I eat four Arrowroot Biscuits every night at bedtime. And I like it.

August 23, 2018. Western Head, Nova Scotia. The Tenors.

My evening was delightful. PBS was raising money and The Tenors were performing. Once upon a time there were four Canadian Tenors but now there are just three tenors and they call themselves The Tenors but they are still Canadians, I think. I enjoyed their concert while sitting in our little TV room all by myself. They seem to be able to switch from pop tunes to classical opera without missing a beat. I was impresses. I did laugh. They have added a few dance routines just like the old doo op groups used to do. They look a bit ridiculous but they are popular so folks must like their dance routines. Certainly the whole concert was not boring a bit. Except, I switched to a ball game during the fund raising parts. My new super sports package gives me every baseball game being played so I get to pick and chose. This week, I am watching a bit of every team I have not seen this year. Of course, I never watch a whole game but I like to see a bit of several games. I now know how long PBS will be doing the fund raising part so I click back to the tenors at just the right time. My evening was a delight listening to the Tenors and watching baseball, two of my favorite activities. Nifty.

August 22, 2018. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Hank Snow Festival.

All last week we were unable to attend the walking track at the Emera Center because The Hank Snow Festival was being held. This was a big deal for Liverpool. Hundreds of RVs were parked in the park opposite the Hank Snow Museum with spill overs parked in the parking lot of the arena. Every day and evening, different music groups performed in the arena. Boards were put over the ice so attendees must be prepared for cold feet. Starting on Thursday at noon, the Emera Center was filled with music. The first three days of the week were used to set the place up. Over 70 different groups performed, mostly from the Maritimes but also from the rest of Canada and the US. Gill attended on Thursday evening, which was a tribute to Hank Snow and Hank Williams. And and Sarah checked out the daytime show on Saturday but deciddd to go and be a tourist not listen to music. Hank Snow was born in Brooklyn so every year a festival has been held in his honor, even though he left at age 14 never to return. For several years, the event was held at the Fair Ground in Bridgewater. But three years ago, a large RV part with all facilities was build across the parking lot from the museum, held in the former railroad station. Liverpool was buzzing last week, which is great for the town and for the Emera Center. But I missed our walks so I am pleased the Festival is over. Yesterday we walked which reminded me why I enjoy walking there. The track is level and rubber with a railing close at hand. And the place is cool. Now our routine will not bode interrupted which pleases me. By all accounts, the Hank Snow Festival was a big success which pleases me. But I am pleased it is over.

August 21, 2018. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Gull Bay.

Gull Bay is the name of our little bay. This afternoon late, I sat on our deck and enjoyed the beauty of the place. The weather was a perfect Western Head day with the sky a bright blue and clear and the breeze just a hint of cool so sitting by myself I was neither hot nor cold...just like the baby bear. I was happy. Soon Ken joined me and we marveled at the beauty of the place. And we wondered why more people do not visit Nova Scotia. Even most Canadians do not travel to Nova Scotia. Americans do not even know where it is. Mostly I am required to describe where we live for the summer. Most folks have not a clue. At the far end of our bay zits the green house. Hettie and Pember, who live there in the summer, came for coffee this morning. Husband Elbert died almost two years ago. And from my deck I can see Gills house. We used to be able to see people sitting on her deck using the binoculars but the trees have grown so she also is unable to check out what we are doing on the deck. Over the years, if she was having a drink on here deck by herself she would check to see if we were doing the same and she would come over and join us. Nice. Our little cluster of friends is a miracle. Hettie asked me today how we all ended up here. The story is long and I have told it before but the whole thing is wonderful. Yesterday when I was enjoying the deck, Wendy walked over with the dogs and we three chatted for thirty minutes. And Gill walked by on her daily walk and we chatted for a few minutes. Gull Bay is a lovely place, made even better by our friends both old and new. Of course, we have been friends with the owners of the Green House since the first summer we were here. Gull Bay is a fine place.

August 20, 2018. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Mike and Joy.

A man I did not know knocked at our front door. I found a blond man about 45 standing looking at me. He had a pleasant face. He asked if I was Ruth. He said he had not met me before but he and his wife had eaten dinner in my home. I knew immediately he was one of Carol and Ken's friends from the Salvation Army. I invited him into the kitchen. We had a pleasant conversation about Carol and her friendly ways. Carol and Ken always attended services in either Liverpool or Bridgewater. My sister was an outgoing person. They often had their new friends home for dinner. Mike told of sitting on the deck enjoying the sun and the sea. He and his family also enjoyed the hot tub. What he really wanted to know why they no longer came to Western Head so I had to give him the news that first Carol died and Ken also 4 months later. Carol would have been 83 now had she lived but she died at age 77. But what I enjoyed the most while talking with Mike was the kind stories he told about Carol. And he told of her competence. He said we would arrive and sit chatting outside with nothing set out for a meal, until Carol would go inside and within 5 minutes Carol would call us to dinner, with the feast set out on the table. He was complementary of both Carol and Ken and their whole family enjoyed getting to know them year after year. Then they stopped. Mike drove by this morning with his work and noticed our gate was open so he came in to see if I was there. I miss Carol as does Mike and I enjoyed hearing his happy memories of Carol and Ken and their annual visits to our home here in Western Head. Carol and Ken came here every year, usually in the autumn. We overlapped a week, then Ken and I left them to enjoy themselves, which they did. Chatting with Mike about those happy times wee an unexpected pleasure for me. I was pleased.

August 19, 2018. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Happy Birthday Ken.

Ken has never much enjoyed celebrating his birthday but we did it anyway. We held parties both large and small. For several years after we married we would be traveling so almost always forgot about to notice at all, let alone celebrate. Once we were on the plane to Winnipeg to attend Darlene's wedding in Brando. Ken showed me the date on our customs card but I still did not remember it was his birthday. But when we called Wilma from the hotel, the first thing out of her mouth was "Happy Birthday Ken", Oops. Since we have been in Nova Scotia in August, I have always celebrated his birthday. A couple of years ago we took friends to Lane's. I remember it well because it was the last time I saw Kelly Yesky before he died. He told me he had a sore back but within weeks he had died from pancreatic cancer. Life is fleeting. Ken enjoyed his birthday today. Andy made a delicious brunch this morning and tonight we had dinner at home with Sarah and Andy and Walt and Mary. For dinner we ate whatever the caterers sent us. Ken was hap[py with his birthday dinner. We stuck a candle in the banana bread they sent for dessert and sang out loud and clear. Ken never expected to be 82 so he is delighted with his dinner tonight. And he is aiming for 90. Happy Birthday Ken.

August 18, 2018. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Just Wondering.

Ken and I have been involved with young women since we arrived home from Mexico. At our age and being retired, we do not get to know many young women. What I have been wondering about is how those young women are doing in 2018 compared with fifty years ago. In other words, what has the sexual revolution and the women right movement done to the lives of these young women we have gotten to know well? My observation is that these women are struggling. Our present helper, Katie, is single. For three years she lived with a man, whom she thought would be her life partner. But when she got pregnant, he left. Now she has a two year old, trying to earn a living while raising her daughter. Life is difficult. She works with us until five. She lives in Bridgewater. If she is late to pick her daughter up by six, she is fined $5. for each two minutes she is late. The sexual revolution has not served her well, in my opinion. And the women movement has not affected her a bit. In Mississippi, several young ladies were single mothers with no husband in sight. They all struggles with money and time. Families are closer there so are helpful, but for most of the young we knew life is a grind. They seem to have been led down a path where rewards would come. But so far, the joy has not come. My sample is obviously small but I have just been wondering about these young women. Are their lives better or worse that in earlier years? Just wondering. I have no answers.

August 17, 2018. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Sailing Away.

All was calm and bright. Mary and Gill sailed Mary's sailboat into the slip, never turning on the motor. The sailing had been lovely with plenty of wind to move the boat along but not so much to make them nervous. The day had been perfect. Mary stepped onto the dock at exactly the same time that a big dog raced down the dock toward her. Mary thought the dog was going to attack her and as he jumped, she dropped the rope to the boat. The sails were still up. Gill was still on the boat and even though Gill has sailed with Mary many times, Mary is the one who knows how to sail the boat. So Gill is sailing away from the dock, hollering to Mary to tell her what to do. This all happened in the twinkling of an eye. I wished I had been there with a video camera. It must have been quite a sight. To make things worse, one of the lines got tangled so before Gill could do anything to right the boat she was forced to untangle the lines. Eventually Gill was able to get the boat turned about and eventually Mary got aboard and sailed the boat to bring it back to the dock. And all was well. After the fact it was funny, but at the time, Gill thought she was heading out to sea all by herself. The sails were up and the boat was ready to sail and it did. But not for long.

August 16, 2018. Western Head, Nova Scotia. So Nice.

The evening was beautiful. Andy, Ken and I were sitting on the deck enjoying the warm air. The water was calm but waves although small could be heard. And the gulls were screaming. Sarah was at the Guest House. I was drinking my orange drink, Andy was drinking tonic water on ice and Ken was sipping on his jug of juice. The scene was serene. At 7:20, I stood to go in to turn on the oven. Andy told me to just relax because he had turned on the oven. When he went to get his drink, he read the directions for dinner. Without saying a word, he had taken over the kitchen. Soon he put the dishes of food in the oven and at 7:40 he asked me to call Sarah to say dinner was ready. So we went in to organize but it was all done. The hot food was on the stove top and the plates were ready. Sarah and I served the plates. We ate well: spare ribs, potatoes and yellow beans. Chocolate cake for dessert. Without lifting my finger, the dinner was prepared. Andy had come in and taken over the kitchen without saying a word. What a good fellow. So nice for the hostess. For many reasons, Ken and I are delighted that Sarah and Andy are here with us in Nova Scotia.

August 15, 2018. western Head, Nova Scotia. E Mail.

For the record, my e mail address if frdickie@me.com. My friend and former dentist called me this afternoon, specifically to get Ken's e mail address. Mark had read an article about Parkinsonm's Disease and he wanted to send it to Ken. Now that he has both our e mail addresses, he can continue to keep in touch. I enjoyed chatting with him and with Susie. Since they sold their house along the shore from us we do not see them anymore. Now that he has our e mail addresses, we will be set. When talking with Mark, we laughed together about his mermaid. When he turned an important birthday, his friend Susie gave him a fancy voluptuous mermaid. She bought her in Nova Scotia and sent it to him at his home in Maryland, for which he was required to pay a hefty fee to customs official. So an already expensive mermaid was made even more expensive. Then Mark decided to keep her at his house by the shore. When he was checking my teeth, I offered to bring her with us in the truck, which we did. We had no trouble with customs because Susie gave us the original sale receipt, showing the purchase in Nova Scotia. The "gorgeous" mermaid hung from the ceiling of his house. When Mark sold the house, it turned out that the purchaser did not want to keep her so Mark had a maintenance man from Lanes to remove her and ship her to Maryland. She now lives in his study. And he laughs every time he looks at her. I get great benefit from e mails. When my immune system was very low and when Ken was ill in Mexico, my friend Wendy e mailed me every day just to say hello and to send healing hugs. Now that I am cut off from many friends the e mail system is my life blood. My friends and family keep in touch with us via e mails. I have no wish to return to the good old days. I like the e mail system so keep my e mail address at your elbow. I like to receive each and every e mail.

August 14, 2018. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Sublime to Ridiculous.

First the ridiculous. We arrived at the Quarterdeck for lunch today to be greeted by our artist friend Bernard. He was having lunch there too and csme over to hug us. When I introduce them to Stacy and Joe, he invited them to come to see his art, which they accepted. They had seen his work and were keen to see his studio so they went. We tried to warn them to set a time limit with Bernie but somehow they forgot so they stayed a long time. But they loved it. The whole inside of the house is ridiculous, with birds and gulls hanging from the ceiling . Wonderful but ridiculous. They loved their visit with Bernie. They loved his art and his enthusiasm and his energy. The whole experience was ridiculous. And amazing. Then Stacy and Joe went to the Sculpture Garden behind the Cosby Garden shop. That whole scene was sublime. The hills, rocks plantings and sculpture was beautiful and restful. Ivan made the whole thing with 50 sculptures dotted around the woods amidst lovely foliage. The whole place is remarkable. But to find such beauty and talent in the midst of little Liverpool is especially amazing. They chatted with Ivan and found him to be humble and unassuming and gentle. Joe and Stacy loved the sculpture but they were perhaps were even more impressed with the landscaping. "Obviously a master planter planned this garden," said Joe. They loved the place and took many pictures. They went from the ridiculous to the sublime and enjoyed them both.

August 13, 2018. Western Head, Nova Scotia. New Friends. Old Friends.

Stacy is new to us. We are enjoying getting to know her. We have spent all afternoon and this evening talking. so we have been able to cover a lot of ground. Ken and I enjoy getting to know new friends so we have enjoyed our time with Stacy. Along with being an interesting lady, she is also a big help getting the dinner organized both before and after dinner. Anyone who can find the tupper ware containers and put the leftovers in the fridge deserves a gold star in my books. And she loves what she has seen in Nova Scotia. We are delighted to be getting to know Stacy. Joe is an old friend. We started to work in the same office of Snider Bros.in 1981. We worked in the same office until I retired in 2010. We have been friends all through those years. I have not seen Joe we left the farm. Joe came to help at the farm when I was organizing stuff to take to Mississippi and Texas. He helped me load the Persian rugs into the truck. We have had a good old gab fest trying to figure out who was doing what and where. It is wonderful to see How looking so fit and thin. He has always had a great spirit, which he has retained. Tomorrow, Joe and Stacy will visit the town and see the sculpture garden behind Ivan's garden shop. And they might even visit Bernie, our artist friend. Stacy collects art and loves some of Bernies pieces. Ken and I are delighted to see our old friend Joe and our new friend Stacy. Getting to Nova Scotia is not easy but they did it, just to visit us. We are delighted they are here.

August 12, 2018. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Sponsoring Refugees.

Canada has a system that allows people to sponsor a refugee Family. Our friends Barbara and Gary told us about it two years ago. They along with another couple sponsored a family from Syria. Since then, I have found more about it. And when I had coffee with Barbara, she filled me in the progress of their family. I believe that Canada is the only country in the world that allows private groups to oversee refugees. Up to 5 people can form a sponsorship group, where you are responsible for the funding of the refugee for two years. In order to qualify, you must have funds deposited to pay the expenses of the refugee. Evidently there are many thousands of groups have taken up the task. There are church groups and private groups. In addition, the government also pays for the other refugees in Canada. Barbara and her group were responsible to find housing, employment and supplies. As one would expect, the success of the private groups exceed the government refugees. The husband that Barbara and Gary sponsored knew Gary when Gary worked in Iraq many years ago. Gary spotted the name on a list of people wishing to come to Canada. The husband was an engineer and the wife was a physician. They had one child. That family is doing well. They already could speak English. The husband got a job immediately, due to Gary's connections and the wife is studying to take her medical exams. One year after their arrival, the sponsoring group no longer needed to give money to the family, so it has been a great success. The other couple in the group who live in Halifax had previously sponsored a family but that family struggled with English and employment. And they have 6 children so accommodation is difficult. But they are now doing well enough to pay their own bills. This system of private sponsorship is interesting and successful. I wonder why other countries are not adopting the program?

August 11, 2018. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Hot Tubs.

Our hot tub at our ocean house is sold. This afternoon Ken and I sat on the deck on a beautiful day while the hot tub was being drained prior to moving it out. I want it gone even though I have always loved our hot tubs. Our location is especially beautiful as we overlook the ocean. And no lights can be seen anywhere so the stars on a clear night are magnificent. But we are both fearful of falling getting in and out so I want the hot tub removed. Now that the tub is drained we have no worries. Often we were tempted to have a hot tub in the evening, which was our habit but we restrained ourselves and stayed in our bedroom. Ken and I have owned a hot tub for 40 years. Our first one was purchased at a charity auction in DC for the princely sum of $1,000, which included installation. We had a hot tub at the farm and also the lake house in Texas. And one of the first things we did when we purchased our Nova Scotia home was to buy a hot tub. At one time we had 4 tubs to maintain. Now we have none. Time has marched along. We both would love to have a hot tub. Our legs would feel good. But getting in and out is too dangerous. Our hot tub is sold. The purchaser gave me cash. Now he just needs to move it. We must keep our minds focused on the fact that we have not fallen. And we recall with pleasure all the times we enjoyed luxuriating looking at the night skies. Fortunately I have vivid picture in my mind. We have enjoyed our hot tubs. But we are moving on.

August 10, 2018. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Empty Houses.

There are no lights in the Guest House tonight because Dave and Irene have got home to Ontario. They left just after lunch. Now they are safely home and sleeping in their own bed. They are the best of guests and we will miss them. Tomorrow I will go to the guest house and remove the towels from the dryer and put them away. Irene has done everything else. She has changed the sheets. And the old sheets have been laundered and put away ready for our next guests. And she cleaned the place too. Pat and Mal left yesterday so our home is empty too except for the two of us. They too have changed their bedding and started the laundry. Katie put them in the dryer so now everything is in place. They too are best guests who help in everything direction. Many afternoon Pat made us all a cup of herbal tea, I will miss that touch. Every morning Mal unloads the dishwasher. Now Katie will do it. And both Irene and Pat were helpful in the kitchen. Irene pretty much took over heating up our mystery meals each evening. Both Irene and Pat cleaned up the kitchen after dinner. I helped but was not the person in charge. But tonight I did it all myself. And I missed our family and friends, not only for their companionship but also their assistance. Our houses are empty.

August 9, 2018. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Hockey Camp.

All week our Emera Center played host to a Hockey Camp. Boys and girls were in the same camp and was for ages 8 to 12. This afternoon we stayed to watch. The first thing I could tell was the expertise of the skating. This kids could really skate, at least it seemed so to me. Ken and I walk laps around the top of the hockey rink. Once a free skating was held for families which includes children and parents and another time a skate for only adults was being help. Watching the hockey camp was lots more fun than the other activities. I stopped during my walking to ask a young couple about the camp. They gave me the basic program. The kids practice morning and afternoon, with the morning for skating only and the afternoon for skills and shooting. They told me that there were 7 girls. But I could only find four. Of course, with the helmets and full equipment it was difficult to tell the boys from the girls. But I did spot four long pony tails. Their first drill of the afternoon was to skate a pattern around the rink, going around each circle twice then continting to the center, then to the end. Finally returning down the other side of the rink, always carrying a hockey stick. Next they did the same pattern but skating backwards. Next the pattern was the same but. carrying a puck. They were to keep their heads up so as not to run into any players. I am not an expert but I could see that the boys skate faster. I commented to the couple who answered my questions about the speed of the skaters. The lady agreed with me that the kids skate very well. "Of course," she said, "They have all been skating since 2 years old, and they spend hours each week on their skates. No wonder they are good skaters." Both Ken and I enjoyed watching those kids learning their craft of hockey and having lots of fun. When it was hot outside, it was cool in the rink. They were working hard and having a blast. We enjoyed watching them at their hockey camp.

August 8, 2018. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Lelithe.

Sandra named her clothing store after her mother, who lives in Jamaica. Lelithe is the name. In my wildest dreams I would have never imagined a women's high end clothing store in our town of Liverpool. But here it is. And it is thriving. Yesterday Pat and I shopped there. She was looking for a fancy outfit to take on a cruise. And she found one. Also a nifty rain coat. I was not shopping but came home with three dresses, one pair of black pants and two tops. Today Dave and Irene went in and came home with two outfits and two tops. They were both pleased with their experience. When Pat and I were there yesterday, a lady came in to say hello and to try on the 20 articles that Sandra had put aside for her. "I have driven hundreds of miles to try on these clothes", said the lady. So Sandra has a niche. And she has a good idea so ladies who can afford it come to her store to shop for clothes, which are beautiful. Sandra and her artist husband David moved here 5 years ago from Toronto. She opened her store and David painted. Sandra was a professional dresser for famous people, working all over North America. For three months they live in San Miguel in Mexico. But they were ready to get off the fast track and during a vacation in Nova Scotia, Sandra fell in love. They sold their Toronto home and bought and renovated a home just along the shore from us. Now we have in our little sleepy town this wonderful ladies clothing store along with Sandra ready and able to give you advice. The whole thing still seems to cry out "Tilt". But here it is. And I love it and wish her well.

August 7, 2018. Western Head, Nova Scotia. The Seascape.

Dave and Irene say they make the best fish and chips on the south shore. Today we six went there for lunch. And we enjoyed it. Seascape is a place you would never enter unless you had been told it was good. The location is on highway 3 and has been in the same place for three generations of the owners. The restaurant is in a small house with one half a restaurant and the other half a convenient store. They also sell beer. So the restaurant is small but cute. They have Nova Scotia tartan table cloths covered with glass. They make their own rolls and pies. They have a loyal clientele, which is a good thing because highway 3 was the old highway. The province extended the main highway 103 so the main traffic now bypasses the Seascape. But it is a destination restaurant so folks who know about it will come, but travelers coming from the ferry to Halifax to Cape Breton would never see it. But we know where it is and we go there to eat, because my brother says they have the best fish and chips on the South Shore.

August 6, 2018. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Shoes and Homes.

Most of the time, when entering a home, Canadians will remove their shoes, just like the Japanese. So it becomes a habit. Tradesmen always remove their shoes. Everyone does if the weather is wet. So as a guest in a home, you must prepare and bring socks or slippers. I do not like to walk in bare feet in someones home, so I always wear socks. If the weather is fine and the ground is dry, the host will often tell you to leave on your shoes, especially if they know you are an American. But most of the time, everyone removes their shoes inside the front door. Yesterday, Mary and Clif invited the six of us for lunch. Pat and I wanted to walk. As it had rained during the night, I knew I must remove my shoes so I could not wear Tevas. Instead I wore my walking shoes and socks, so I would have covered feet. For the first time this season, I wore a pair of wool socks. I love my ten pair of wool socks. They were all hand knit by ladies from Liverpool and they were made with fine wool with 15% nylon. They wash perfectly yet they are warm. And I have them in many different colors so they are fun to wear, I wore multicolored blue socks to match my blue pants, I was happy to remove my shoes so I could show off my blue wool socks. The winters bring snow and slush in many parts of Canada,so I suppose the custom began due to the weather. No Canadian would ever wear boots in someones home, as they do in Mississippi. The boots go off at the door and the light shoe appears from a purse which then is worn inside. It is not a fetish. But everyone does it as a matter of course. If you are a Canadian, you will take off your shoes inside the front door. Nice custom IO think.

August 5, 2018. Western Head, Nova Scotia. This Evening.

Tonight was perfection by the sea. The water was calm and looked like a lake not a mighty ocean. There was no breeze. The visibility was unlimited. Sitting outside after dinner was perfect in every way. I sat for ages looking out at sea watching for whales. But I could see no whales which pleased me. Perhaps I enjoyed it so much because it was unexpected. Pat and I walked over to the Mitchell's home for lunch. On the way we realized that our shirts were getting damp due to the fog. By the time we arrived the rain had started to really make us wet but fortunately we had arrived. Dave and Irene drove over and Mal brought Ken. Noon time is a better time for Ken so folks are inviting us for lunch rather than dinner, which is a kind gesture. Our lunch was delicious: home made soup, salad and fresh bread. Cookies and tea for dessert. Our visit was a delight. Perhaps we enjoy these visits because we thought we would not be able to come. So we cherish every visit. This afternoon we sat outside but it was breezy so if the sun was behind a cloud I felt chilly. But after dinner sitting on the deck was wonderful. It clearly was the best evening since our arrival. Definitely, there is a God.

August 4, 2018. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Saturday Market.

They call it a Farmer's Market but most of the venders are not farmers. The Market is held in Liverpool right beside the Visitors Center and along the Mersey River, so it is a perfect location. Saturday morning at 9:00 people come for coffee and a pastry and enjoy their breakfast sitting on the picnic tables. Then they shop. The place closes at 1:00 and by that time most items are sold. The number of tents is small compared to the market across the street from us in Mexico. But it is cosy. The bread stall is popular. He is a French baker from Mahone Bay and his bread and pastries are delicious. He is popular and sells out every week. There is always a tent selling vegetables and fruit. And usually a man sells frozen lamb. And there is handcrafted objects such as jewelry and pottery. But everything is done on a small scale. A musician is always playing. The whole scene is very simple and pleasant. People like it and is a good addition to the Liverpool scene. But I wonder why they don't call it the Saturday Market rather than the Farmer's Market? As best as I can tell, the only farmer is the one who raises sheep or perhaps the vegetable seller. But I am not in charge, thank heavens. In town on the Main Street is a sign in a window telling that five women are opening a bakery and pastry shop. I wonder whether or not the baker will be effected at the market. I hope they open soon. Liverpool needs a bakery. The last one closed three years ago. Liverpool is a small town. But pleasant. We like it. And we like the Saturday Market too.

August 3, 2018. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Remembering and Forgetting.

My Texas family must think I am daft. I remembered on the 31st of last month that Allison and Samantha had their birthday on the 31st, so I called Allison on her cell phone to give an effusive birthday greeting. And I asked her to give the same greeting to Samantha. As I could not find Samanthas number, I texted Suzanne to tell Samantha I had called. Suzanne thanked me and told me she would tell Samantha. So all was well. I had covered my bases. The only problem was I was remembering the wrong event. The twins birthday is in August. What I had forgotten was the wedding anniversary of David and Suzanne which was on July 31st, 25 years ago in Houston. I realized my error in the middle of the night last night. Suzanne did not say I word to me about me mixing up the dates. I suspect that she thinks my remembering and forgetting is flawed. My sister Carol has regaled people over the years with stories about me when I was young. The problem was that I had no recollection of the event. The tales always told stories about me getting into mischief. Perhaps I just forgot them all. And I clearly recall a story I have told about my brother and father which my brother says did not remember ever happening. But I remembered. I did not think I have trouble with my short term memory but perhaps I am loosing my grip. Certainly my family in Texas think I have gotten a little dotty. Remembering and forgetting seems selective at 80. Now I must tell Suzanne I have gotten it all straight. In the future I will trust the records not my memory. But I did think the whole thing was funny. Certainly too good too keep to myself.

August 2, 2018. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Fog.

Fortunately Ken and I like fog. As I write, the fog horn is sounding its mournful reassuring sound. Two weeks ago we arrived in Nova Scotia. For the past two days, we have had brilliant weather with sun and blue skies. The rest of the time we have had fog. But only in Western Head do we have fog. Liverpool has been clear. Once you take the last turn in the road and come down the last hill, you see the fog. Sometimes it is so foggy you can not see the water or the guest house. We have had fog in the past but never for so many days in a row. Wendy loves fog. Their home is called The Fog and Bog. She thinks that fog has an etherial quality and a bit mystical. All sound is muted and the air is damp. Pat came home from her walk this morning with her rain jacket covered with water even though it was not raining. The fog has settled on her jacket making it wet. Fog reminds me of the movie Brigadoon which I loved. As I grew up in Vancouver I often walked to school through fog. I still recall the sounds of the steps as people approached. I could hear but could not see the people until the last minute. Evidently Vancouver has less fog. When the air was cleaned up, most fog disappeared. Once Jane and Mike and their three girls visited our Nova Scotia home. During the four days they stayed here they were never able to see the Atlantic Ocean due to the heavy fog. They could hear the waves but not see them. Most people prefer to see the beautiful sunny days and we do too. But we also love the foggy days too. We are right now living in a fog bank. The sight is unusual. We just laugh and comment that Wendy is happy. But Clausen is waiting for the sun.

August 1, 2018. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Pat and Mal.

Katie our helper thought it was a joke until she saw Mal on the step stool changing the lights in the laundry room. Pat and Mal arrived last evening around 5:00. We six ate a delicious dinner together and caught up on the latest family events. I have known Pat most of my life and Mal about half of it so they are long time Salvation Army friends. And they are good friends with Dave and Irene too so we always enjoy having the six of us together in Nova Scotia. Pat and Mal have visited us most years in Nova Scotia as have Dave and Irene. So we have a good time together. Mal has always worked along with Ken with whatever project Ken is working on at the time. In addition, Mal has always replaced our light bulbs. If a bulb blows out, we wait until Mal is coming. One of our bulbs in the living room burned out and I said in front of Katie that we will wait until Mal comes. We all four laughed. She could not imagine that we would expect a house guest to replace our burned out lights. But she was wrong. This afternoon Mal replace three lights: one in our shower, one in the living room and one in the laundry room. Now Katie knows it was no joke. Mal either takes a bike ride every morning or runs the loop, after which he unloads the dishwasher. And now he has replaced our burned out bulbs. Tomorrow he will do the same in the guest house. No wonder we invite Pat and Mal every year to come to Nova Scotia. They are perfect guests.