September 5, 2018. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Bernard Bowles.

We arrived to find the china pot and cups all set out ready for our tea party with Bernie. Everything looked elegant and the tea was delicious too. Ken had wanted to chat with Bernie so we decided to ask if we could come for a cup of tea which he was delighted to oblige. I had called him at eleven this morning and gave hime the option of us coming in 45 minutes or mid afternoon. "The sooner the better," said Bernie. I had also warned him that Ken had no staying power and our visit would be relatively short. I also tried to prepare Katie as to what she was going to hear and see. Bernies home is eccentric. Today was the first time I had actually sat in his living room to admire his new look. I knew from his e mails that he had painted every room and switched around all his art. The new look is muted with the walls a mellow yellow but in the kitchen, living room and front hall. Last year each room was different, with the kitchen orange, the living room red and the hall green. His art shows well. Of course, sea gulls still hang from the ceiling of the living room, the snowflake Christmas ornaments on the kitchen ceiling and a hundred birds on the ceiling of his studio. So his home is muted but still a remarkable sight. He is still not painting. He said he is being domestic, making relishes and freezing vegetables. And he enjoyed sitting on his deck in the sunshine. He did make 18 charming cards, all; done on the three hot days when it was too hot to work outdoors. He iS 85 years old and fit. And he has oodles of energy and enthusiasm. He is a tonic. Katie was charmed by him. She loved seeing his home and seeing his art. He loves his life. It was a pleasure to spend 90 minutes with him today.