August 31, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Lunch With Chris and Henry.

I had a delightful time. Chris and Henry picked me up at 12:30 so I could take them out for lunch at the Riverbank in Mill Village. On Monday, Anna and I stopped by at their house so I could invite them out for lunch. They accepted my invitation and as we were leaving, Henry asked if we would like to see his newest project which h was in his workshop. It turned out to be an old motor sitting in all it's glory with all brass parts shining bright along with the copper. The motor looked like a gem. He bought it for $100. in filthy condition. He took the whole thing apart and cleaned every part. And he put it back together. Henry thinks he will build a boat for his wonderful little motor. We three enjoyed our lunch on Thursday. They bought the blue house at Scott's Bay five years ago. They have made major improvements to the house plus building a free standing garage and workshop. And they have worked hard with the community, volunteering their talents to several organizations. They are a welcome addition to this town. I have been with them at several social events but never talked with them both at any depth so I was pleased to have the opportunity to pick their brains. We drove home along the shore road which is always a treat for me. I have enjoyed my system of inviting friends out to lunch, providing they will pick me up. Thursday lunch was definitely a hit.

August 30, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Super Dinner Party.

Hosting a dinner party for 12 is no easy task. In fact, it is a lot of work. My friends Walt and Mary took an the job and ended up giving a dinner party to beat all dinner parties. All twelve of us had a wonderful time. The conversation was lively. The table looked wonderful. The evening was a big hit in every direction. We started on their new screened porch, which we had never seen before. The appetizers were as usual delicious and ample. Sitting outside and looking at the beautiful yard from the new porch set the tone of excitement that never stopped. After an hour drinking and eating we adjourned to the dining room with the beautifully set table. The cream table cloth was lovely, setting off the green water goblets. We ate salad and fancy bread, followed by delicious lasagna, made by Mary. I have no clue how it was made but Wendy commented that the lasagna was the best she had ever tasted. Mary made an open apple dish called a grandier. Of course served with ice cream. Then we adjourned to the living room to continue the lively discussion. Of course, I spilled tomato sauce on the beautiful new table cloth. The event was special for everyone and at many levels. We were all delighted to see Walt looking so well and helping throughout the meal. Dave and Irene were leaving for home on Wednesday. Larry and Jan did not know everyone well which brings a level of interest to a party. They have sold their Ottawa home and will be living in Liverpool full time so we had fun with that. All in all, we all had a wonderful time and were late leaving. None of us wanted to break the spell. Many thanks for all the efforts of Walt and Mary. The evening was wonderful.

August 29, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. The Storm.

Mother Nature so far has played a trick on its. All week a storm was predicated to come to the South Shore this afternoon. My phone told me so this morning. First a storm at 4:00 followed by rain all afternoon and through the night, finally stopping at dawn. I went out to lunch with Henry and Chris and we were pleased to be home before he storm. I have been waiting all afternoon. We need rain. Several folks have dry wells, which is not good. I felt like I was in Texas with everyone praying for rain. An all night rain would be perfect. The weather man was predicting heavy rain this evening, which they thought would cAuse flash flooding. But they have been wrong so far. At Western Head we have fog. The fog horn is working hard but no storm nor any rain, which is disappointing. We want the rain but we especially love the storms. The sea is wild and the waves crash into the shore. It is exciting especially when the lightning hits over the ocean. Wendy and Clausen have never been her during a big storm. They missed Hurricane Bill when Mary was swept over the causeway. But the tropical storm Dorian may come far enough north next week. But for today, we have a big bust. So far, no storm and no rain. What a bummer.

August 28, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Details, Details.

Just when you think every possible detail has been dealt with when someone dies, more things need to be added to the list. This week in Nova Scotia a replacement card was sent in the mail. I noted a card for Ken so I called to have his name removed from the account. Not so easy they said. Ken was the primary account holder so I must open my own charge card. And it could not be done over the phone. Also in the middle of the night I realized that we had never notified Canada Pension of Ken's death. We both receive $100.a month so all this year we have been receiving his pension into our account. Now I must inform them and pay them back the money. But I foolishly did not bring a death certificate so David e mailed a copy. I can now proceed. On Monday I met with the bank, BOM, to apply for a new credit card. They needed my Canadian passport and a death certificate. This Friday I go back again with the two items to complete the application and to contact the pension folks. After I receive my new card with the new number, I must contact the vendors for the automatic payments for utilities. I hope this can all be done before I leave on the 30th of September. I thought that all details had been looked after. But I was wrong. Now I wonder what else will come down the pike that I have forgotten. Life is complicated even with a wonderful son who has helped with most of the details. I am a lucky lady.

August 27, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Bernard Bowles.

If you ever wanted to own a piece of Bernies crafts, or one of his or Toni's paintings this would be the time. Next Tuesday, we will have a gathering of his friends at my house. Wendy will scatter his ashes along the shore in front of our homes. She will do it with the same joy as he lived his life. Then we will drink a toast, and nibble on little sandwiches. Then we will go to Bernies home to look at his crafts and paintings for the last time. And we will have an opportunity to buy crafts and art. If anyone has any interest please let me know. I could store the objects until you pick them up next summer. Bernie had a wonderful zest for life. He loved his life and all the objects he had created. We will celebrate his life on September 3. And we will have the opportunity to purchase more of his creations. This will be a biter sweet event.

August 26, 2019. Western Head, Nov Scotia. Val.

Val is a friend of Pat's. They got to be friends at Aqua Fit in Barrie. Three years ago Val moved from Barrie to Antigonish in Nova Scotia. Last summer when Pat and Mal were in Nova Scotia, Val met them at the airport for breakfast. This year Val drove the four hours to visit Pat here in Liverpool. She stayed at Lane's Privateer Inn but she came to dinner with us each evening. I enjoyed getting to know her and hopes she comes again. Val lived and worked in Barrie and lived in a lovely town house. But after she retired she began to tire of the traffic so she thought she might move to a smaller community. But her daughter was transferred to Halifax. And then the daughter moved to Antigonish. Val spent two months visiting her daughter in a little rental and much to her surprise, Val liked it. She said that the people were friendly and busy, so she returned to Barrie and sold her town house and moved to Antigonish. At first she intended to live right in town but there is a University in town and during the winter the students can be noisy so she bought a little trailer just out of town. And she has taken up painting. She said the county is full of artists so she started to take lessons. She sells her pieces too. I liked several things about Val that I thought were appealing. She never once complained. And she was enthusiastic about her new life in Nova Scotia. She also spent no time telling us what she had done in the past. Her thoughts were on the present and the future which I found refreshing. She was also delighted to see another part of Nova Scotia. I was pleased that Val came to visit Pat and that I got to know her. Now I look forward to seeing her next summer.

August 25, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. A Lunch to Celebrate.

Dave and Irene invited the Gull Bay Group to White Point for lunch today. The whole event took on a festive spirit. We arrived at about the same time, with Gill driving with Mary and Cliff and our folks being driven by Clausen and Wendy. We all sat down at about the same time. Immediately Dave ordered mimosas for everyone, and he proposed a toast to "the best friends in the world", which is true. Then we nibbled on nachos and gaucamola and chips. The whole spirit had a party atmosphere rather than just being taken out for lunch. Our lunch was as usual at White point, excellent. Between the eight of us we only ordered three dishes: three ordered a corn salad, three hamburgers and two fish tacos. By now I have the menu memorized so do not even need my reading glasses. The service also was good. Dave ordered the appetizers because he knew the kitchen is slow so by the time our lunch arrived we had nibbled away at the appetizers. As usual, our conversations were lively and after our lunch was finished we sat talking. I broke up the party when I could sit no more. Everyone enjoyed our lunch together. Dave and Irene should get a gold star for providing such a lovely event, which was enjoyed by everyone. Hats off to them.

August 24, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. The Art Show.

Every year the good folks in Port Medway put on an art and craft show in August. The artists and craftsmen sell their objects, 25% going to the community for improvements in the little town. We have been going to these shows for many years and have noted an increase in the quality of the work. The work is impressive although Gill commented that there is a good reason why some paintings sell for $100. while others are selling for $2,000. Anna and I toured the show on Friday. I was especially keen to see the show because Cathy Mourre had three pieces of her rug hooking in the show. Cathy does beautiful work but you never see her efforts except when you visit her house. Up until now, she neither shows or sells her work. Now I am a proud owner of one of Cathy's hand hooked small wall hangings. Of course, I am having trouble finding where to hang it. But I am delighted to have Simon, the shore bird. Over the years the show has raised enough money to renovate the old century which had been overlooked over the years. They renovated and moved the Port Medway light house. And they restore an old building that now is used as part of the art show. With matching funds from the province, the rock was was installed and the dock repaired. All this happened because a few folks in Port Medway had an idea and got busy. Anna and I walked around the light house, then up the road to the Port Grocer for lunch. My walking was done at Port Medway. I did buy a pair of hand knit slippers and a calendar but resisted the lovely wooden bowls. Anna and I enjoyed seeing all the art and crafts on display, all at this little community. Impressive.

August 23, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Wild Blueberries.

My memory plays tricks on me. I know the wild blueberries that we are able to buy in August taste better than the regular blueberries we eat through out the year, but not until you taste them again each year do you realize how wonderful these berries really are. The berries are tiny. But they pack a punch. I always wonder how such flavor can be found in these small berries. Tonight as we were sitting in the living room eating ice cream and blueberries, both Dave and I recalled how great these berries really are. This year's crop is excellent: juicy, succulent and full of flavor. The box of 5 pounds can be purchased at Cosby's garden shop or at the grocery store. They only last a few weeks. I keep a bowl washed in the fridge ready to eat at every meal. I eat a bowl of blueberries and cream with breakfast and again at dinner. I never get tired with the flavor. I like the regular big blueberries but they do not compare with the wild blueberries from Nova Scotia. It is worth coming to Nova Scotia in August just to eat the wild blueberries. Every year I forget, until I taste them again. Once again, I am in blueberry heaven.

August 22, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Seascape vs World's Best Clams.

Irene and Dave have always voted Seascape as having the best fish and chips, while Christina and the girls prefer The World's Best Clams restaurant. Last Thursday, Dave and Irene ate lunch at the Seascape restaurant in Port Mouton, so today we three ate lunch at the little place in Hunt's Point, which is actually called Seaside Seafood. Our plan was to break the tie. The ambiance at the Seascape is charming. The little old house has been running as a restaurant for three generations by the same family. The table cloths are made of Nova Scotia tartan. And they have air conditioning. The World's Best Clams, which you can read on their sign is old and funky with lots of wood. But it is not charming. And you must carry your tray to your table after you have ordered at the counter. They have a tremendous carry out business. Right off, before we ate a bite, we decided that for us old folks, Seascape is a better restaurant where you sit and are served. I ate fried clams, which were good but Dave and Irene ate fish and chips. They soon voted for the Seascape. Their fish was more flaky and the batter lighter, which they preferred. So our vote was for the Seascape as having the best fish and chips. I suspect that the Mississippi girls like the soft ice cream at the World's Best Clams, which gives their vote to that restaurant. But the verdict is in from the old folks. Seascape has the best fish and chips in town.

August 21, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Dinner with Walt and Mary.

Dave and Irene had not yet seen Mary and Walt this season, so we invited them for dinner tonight. By now we are all old friends so the evening was easy and fun. Walt and Mary arrived at 6:30 and left at 8:30 so it was not a late evening, which pleased us all. After dinner we five sat in the living room while health issues were discussed. The most important fact was that we are all here walking and talking and not complaining. We did get lucky with our dinner. Our caterer brings us a mystery meal every evening. He always brings extra food so Irene and I decided not to increase the number of dinners from 3, on the assumption that dinner for three could spread to five. And it did. Stewart brought us six big fish cake, plenty for five. And he sent Cole slaw, beans and brown rolls, baked today. The amount of the food was just perfect. We still have one fish cake in the fridge for some nice lunch, along with a little coleslaw and beans. For dessert we gave options: apple pie, ice cream or wild blueberries and milk. Tonight was the first of the season of the wild blueberries. They were tiny but tasty. Dave spotted them on the sign outside of Cosby's garden center so we make a quick U turn and Irene bought the 10 pound box. Our dinner was delightful. We three all felt that Walt looked better than last year. Progress has been made.

August 20, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. A Luncheon Excursion.

Dave, Irene and I took a delightful excursion today. We went to the Riverbank Grocery in Mill Village for lunch. The location is beautiful, just as the Medway River bends. As you sit in the little restaurant you watch the river running past your table. The scene is quite charming. The restaurant is owned and run as a fund raiser for Penny Lane, a day care center for challenged teens and adults. Many of their clients work at the market and restaurant, depending on their abilities so it is heartwarming to see these folks earning a wage. The most important aspect of the Riverbank is their menu and their food. Last year, the Port Medway Grocer was taking away the lunch customers so someone at the Riverbank upgraded their menu. Now it has the best menu anywhere in the area. Irene and I ate a wrap with chicken, cheese and avocado which was delicious. we could have ordered several items from the menu and been happy. We made a reservation for 1:30 but the place was still full when we arrived. To come home, we drove along highway 3, the Lighthouse Route, the slow road to home. Believe it or not, we were stopped for ten minutes for road construction. The day was beautiful and we enjoyed meandering home the slow route. But we made it home and all three agreed on our delightful excursion, which was not fancy but was very pleasant.

August 19, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Empty House.

Once again, the old house is empty except for me. Pat and Mal have returned to Ontario. Dave and Irene will be here for another 9 days but they live in the Guest House. We have lunch and dinner together but the rest of the time the house is quiet. Now I must get used to living alone again. And I must muster up all the positives of living alone. But not yet. I am still in the midst of missing Pat and Mal. They were both helpful to me while they were here for the 13 days. Pat assisted with the kitchen and the dining while Mal went around fixing everything he could find. He is a helpful fellow. And they are both welcome guests, which is why we have invited them here year after year. But now they are gone and my old house is empty. This is OK but it certainly is different.

August 18, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Weekend Entertain meant.

Pat and Mal leave tomorrow so this weekend we had a wonderful string of events. Friday evening Mary and Cliff invited the five of us for dinner in their home. Their home is lovely and it is always a pleasure sitting in their living room and dining room. Mary served a summer dinner of hamburgers, yellow and green string beans and fresh corn on the cob. The corn was delicious, purchased at Valeries market in town. It was local corn. For dessert we ate fresh fruit with yogurt. All five of us commented on the way home how much we enjoyed our evening which was partly due to the good food and partly to the good company. On Saturday, Pat and Mal took us to the Quarterdeck. The setting is beautiful, right at the edge of the water but last year the food was not very good. I had already been there this year and reported good food so we tried it again. Fortunately our food was excellent so we were pleased. As an appetizer for all five I ordered lobster poutine. We ate the whole thing. The weather was perfect and again we enjoyed our food and the company. Today, Wendy and Clausen took the five of us to White Point Resort, which is reliably excellent. There were lots of people on the beach and in the water even though the fog kept coming in and going out. I ate their fish tacos, a favorite of mine. Dave and Irene drove with Wendy and Claussen in their big car and enjoyed the comfort and the conversation. Once again, we enjoyed our lunch together. Thanks to Mary and Cliff and Pat and Mal and Wendy and Clausen for keeping us so well entertained this weekend. Our meals together were delightful. We will miss Pat and Mal when they leave tomorrow. Having good friends is wonderful.

August 17, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Liverpool Farmers Market.

We started the day at the market by eating a croissant, baked by the French Baker. The coffee was delicious too. I sat on the seat of my calker enjoying breakfast and watching the scene at the Farmers Market. The place is charming. Vendors have roofs formed into a large square, with the sand box and swings at the center and many picnic tables spread around. I counted 16 vendors, selling a bit of everything. Then at 10 our Mersey Band began playing. Everyone sat and stood around enjoying the music and visiting. The place was charming. Lots of children and dogs along with the older set too. I can walk perfectly well on level ground but on grass I must hold an elbow, or use the walker. I am independent with a walker so today we took one for me. I was able to wander around seeing each vendor, then walk to the end of the park to see the car show. So many antique cars, some of which we drove ourselves during the day. With the Hank Snow Tribute and the Car show in town, Liverpool was hopping. While I was sitting by myself listening to the band, a very young child was keeping the beat to the music. He was perhaps 2 years old or younger. While I listened, I watched the children on the swings with the grandmothers pushing them. The whole scene was beautiful and charming. I met most people I know in Liverpool while listening to the band. Soon Wendy and Clausen along with Pat and Mal returned from the car show, which was at the far end of Privateer Park. Today was my first visit to the Farmers Market this summer, but it will certainly not be my last.

August 16, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. New Appliances.

My kitchen looks totally different and new, all because every appliance is new. The look is totally different. I certainly did not intend to replace every appliance in the kitchen but that is what I did. And much to my surprise, the kitchen looks great. It all started innocently enough when the fridge stopped working. The only counter depth refrigerator at MacPherson's was a stainless, so I bought it. All the appliances were white. Next was the microwave. Dave and Irene bought a stainless replacement, which when it was installed above the white stove looked odd. Finally, Mal convinced me that having all appliances installed at the same time made sense because they could outlive me. So I replaced the inferior washing machine and the stove I always hated. Now that everything is in place I love the look. And everything works well. No longer do I have to juggle to get all the plates in the dishwasher. And the stove and microwave work perfectly. I am delighted and grateful for Dave and Irene for their generous gift of the microwave and to Mal who convinced me it was in my interest to replace the dishwasher and stove. He should have been in sales. Now I am smiling every time I walk into the kitchen. You can't beat that.

August 15, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Desserts.

Ever since Dave and Irene and Pat and Mal arrived I have offered them the same options for dessert. We could select ice cream and cookies, apple pie, Pecan pie or carrot cake. Each person could select what they wanted. I was interested to see what people selected. Every evening after dinner, we all laughed that the options never changed. But as we ran out of things, our options shrunk. First we ran out of pecan pie. We ran out of it on Monday. The apple pie was gone by Tuesday. And on Wednesday the whole carrot cake was gone, which pleased us all. Our only choice for the next evening was ice cream and cookies. This afternoon, Dave and Irene went in search of dessert and they stopped in at Atlantic Sands, the new place where I bought the pies and the cake. The lady baker had just made a coconut cream pie. In fact it was not finished. So they paid for it and came back in an hour. In the meantime, they ate lunch at Seascape, our favorite place to eat fish and chips, which they ate. One piece remains of the new pie. But it was delicious. We were all pleased they had gone in search of a new dessert. We have eaten about enough of carrot cake.

August 14, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. The Hank Snow Tribute.

Our town is hopping. The Hank Snow Tribute begins tomorrow. The ice in the arena has been covered. Chairs are set up for all the people. Rv's of all sizes have been set up in the big field beyond the Hank Snow Museum. And the parking lots for the Best Western and the arena have many trailers and RV's parked. Fancy cars have been arriving all day and soon will be parked on Privateer Park all along the river. Lots of new people are in town to celebrate the music of Hank Snow. Hank Snow was born and raised in Brooklyn, the town next door to Liverpool. But he left at age 14, never to return. He made a good living with his talents, singing, playing his guitar and writing songs. Eventually he ended up at Nashville and never left. Every two years a festival is held in his honor. All day Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning the arena will be filled with music: every hour a different group will perform. For $70. you can buy a pass for the weekend and listen to your hearts content. Pretty good price for all that music. Or you could buy a ticket for the day, for $28. I hope the arena will be full. For myself, I will stay away from the crowds. Saturday morning we will go to the Farmer's Market and look at the fancy old cars. We will go to Port Medway for lunch tomorrow. All the restaurants in town will be jammed. This Hank Snow Tribute is a big deal for our little town. People come for all over the US and Canada. I will be cheering from afar but I wish them well.

August 13, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. New Microwave.

On Friday Dave and Irene bought me a new microwave for the kitchen of the main house. Last year there were problems with the old one but I was not quick to replace the defective one because it worked most of the time. Finally, tDave and Irene offered to buy a new one. I assured them that it was not necessary but on Wednesday, the day they arrived, the microwave stopped working. I had blown it up by heating a big bowl of mashed potatoes. I was forced to heat the pork roast in the oven. I finally had to admit that I needed a new microwave, so the bought one for the house on Saturday, which I appreciated. Two of George's workers came to install it this afternoon. It matches my new refrigerator, which is stainless. The kitchen looks fancy. In addition, no one has ever had any faith in the stove. The oven is slow to heat up and does not stay at the right temperature. The top elements work fine but the top is white so difficult to keep clean. This morning I bought a new stainless stove, which will be delivered tomorrow. The dishwasher is one I have always hated. 20 dinner plates will not fit into the dishwasher and the top shelf can not be changed for long stem glasses. It is 15 years old so I talked myself into buying a new dishwasher too, also in stainless. Mal convinced me that with all appliances new the same year, I should not need to have anything breakdown during my life time. So tomorrow, the dishwasher and stove will be delivered and installed. My kitchen will look great and we will no longer stress about the oven or the microwave when preparing dinner. Now the only issue will be my bank account.

August 12, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Christmas 2019.

I intend to spend Christmas 2019 with Dave and Irene at their lovely home in Ancaster. I have not been with the Buckley family at Christmas for many years so I am looking forward to the festivities, including the Birthday December celebration. This year for the first time I will be included as one of the December birthday folks. On Jan.4, Wonderful Wendy and Ken will accompany me to Mexico on a direct flight from Hamilton to Puerto Vallarta. When Wendy invited me, I was delighted. But it is not without complications. I do not wish to take a suitcase full of winter clothes to Mexico where they will stay for eight weeks. Also my winter clothes are old. I have not lived in cold weather for years. Ken and I have been following 80 degrees, staying out of cold weather. My solution was to buy new clothes at Lilithe, the lovely little dress shop in Liverpool. The owner Sandra helped me. Now she will ship the clothes to Dave and Irene's house, when they leave here to go home at the end of August. When I return to Mississippi at the end of February, Wendy will ship them back to me in Mississippi. Problem solved. I will take few garments with me from Mississippi which should fit into my little rolling case with my medications. Boots I will borrow but I will retrieve my beaver coat from Doreen and wear it through my visit to Ontario. My new clothes will be comfortable and warm even thought they are few in number. So I am all set. Planning ahead has always been my strength!!

August 11, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Esi Edugyan.

How can a person so be so accomplished at such a young age? Esi has already won two Giller awards. And she is 41. Esi read at our Readers' Festival on Saturday evening. In addition to being an accomplished writer, she also is cute and personable. Her long black curls cascade down her back. Reading from her latest book, Washington Black, was a delight. Esi was born in Calgary whose parents moved to Canada from Ghana. At high school she was urged to study creative writing at the University of Victoria, which she did. But to keep her Mother happy she said she was studying journalism. Her Mother was fearful of her daughter becoming a writer. But it worked out. She is married to a poet who works at the same university and they have two children. She accepted the invitation from the Festival boards because she had never been to Nova Scotia. She and her whole family stayed a week. Esi is worth remembering. Her first book was "The Second Life of Samual Tyne". The second was "Half Blood Blues". And her latest is "Washington Black". She tells good stories. And she is a wordsmith. Every word is carefully selected. Esi is a writer worth watching. I was astonished with her expertise and her accomplishments. It will be fun following her career.

August 10, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Malcolm.

This evening Mal drove us to the Readers' Festival. Everything was carefully planned. He dropped Irene, Pat and me at the door when we arrived while he parked the car, carefully parked so he would be facing in the correct direction for the reception. When we three came out of the building, his car was sitting in front ready to pick us up. We drove straight to the fire hall where he quickly found a parking lot. We were the first people to go through the food line. Success. And it was all due to Mal's planning. In addition, we arrived early in order to get a good seat. The place was packed. We were home by 9:15, thanks to Mal. Since Mal has been here he has replace the dead lightbulbs everywhere in the house both inside and out. He will reattach the red light on the bicycle that fell off when Kate had an accident on the bike. He lifts heavy objects in and out of the oven. He has reset the microwave once or twice. And of course he drives us everywhere. Every morning after his run or bike ride, he unloads the dishwasher. In other words, he is a thoroughly useful fellow to have living in the house. Fortunately, he and Pat will be visiting me for two weeks here at Western Head, along with Dave and Irene. I am a lucky lady.

August9, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Gill's Party.

Gill celebrated her 75th birthday last December. Her family wanted to celebrate it in Nova Scotia. But December is not a good party month in Liverpool so the decision was made to have the birthday party in early August when everyone would be there. Last evening we enjoyed the party. Both of her boys and their wives were there along with her two beautiful granddaughters. It warmed my heart to see Gill walking around holding her 3 year old Essie. Two friends from school with their families were there along with all Gill's friends from Western Head. It was a grand party. Gill's home this week was full, with one couple staying in the Ely's baby bog. For Gill it was a dream come true. Years ago, the four families bought and built our homes here, three of us had grandchildren who visited. Gill was wonderful with our grandchildren. Gill kept working on the rocking horses that would be driven by her grandchildren. The problem was that her boys, David and Tim were not yet married. But she had faith. She bought toys and crib quilts. And lots of little yellow ducklings. Her faith worked. This week her house was full of four little girls and three couples. She was in hog heaven, enjoying every minute of the week. The party was well organized. The wild flower arrangements done by Mary from her garden were beautiful. The food was excellent. Tim spoke kind and true words about his Mother Gill. And Mary gave a toast. The dancing was lively. The party was splendid, held at the Mersey Point Community hall. The whole party warmed the cockles of my heart. It was a dream come true.

August 8, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. The Blue Bag.

When I leave Nova Scotia, I go to Texas to spend 10 days with David and Suzanne and the girls in San Antonio. The volleyball season will be in full swing so we will not be going to the late. As all my clothes are at the lake house, I planned ahead and brought a few clothes and left them with David and Suzanne in my bedroom. I carried my clothes in a blue sports bag with a Merrill Lynch logo on both sides. I used that bag for years when I played tennis. My raccquet and balls were kept in the closet ready for my next game or drill. Over the years it got beaten up but was still in good enough shape to bring some of my belongings from the farm to the lake house. I fount it on the corner of my closet. I was the perfect size for my clothes. Last week my friend Sara Lou sent me a picture of her bag. Last week, she had used the bag for carrying linens to and fro to the family reunion at their cabin in North Carolina. It looks pristine with the Merrill Lynch logo shining bright. Every time she uses it she thinks of me and she laughs with happy memories. We were given those bags she thinks in 1984 in Aruba as a welcome gift when the top agents were taken for a trip. When Merrill Lynch first bought Snider Bros. they treated agents the same as stock brokers. The first trip for top producers was to Hawaii and was lavish. The next one was to Aruba where we were given those blue bags. The powers that be learned quickly and the trips became less expensive but were still good. So Sara Lou and I are still using those blue bags after all those years. And we both smile and laugh about all the happy memories.

August 7, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Ploughman's Lunch.

While driving on the shore road with Ruth and Anna a couple of weeks ago I spotted a little store with people sitting at tables in front. We had already had lunch at the Port Grocer in Port Medway so we did not stop. My friend Sandra told me that it was a little place called The Ploughman's Lunch. Today, with Mal at thew wheel, we stopped for lunch. I thought we had missed it because I thought I had seen it at either Vogler's Cove or Broad Cove. Just when we thought we were out of luck the little place appeared. It is charming. The place had been a grocery store in early years. The counters and cabinets and shelves belonged to the 19th century. Inside there are a few tables and chairs. Young people are running it. As we ate we listened to music being played on an old record player using vinal records. They serve just a few options for lunch which includes a ploughman's lunch. They also sell bread and sweet goods. We ate inside and noticed the traffic coming and going with people picking up lunch or bread. This was the second year they have been in business. It is a welcome addition to our little restaurants.

August 6, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Leftovers.

Fortunately, I love eating left overs. Since Ruth left last Tuesday, I have been working away at eating the food left over from the caterers food he left for us. First I ate the risotto with shrimp and lobster. I served myself at three different times before it was gone. Next I alternated the two left over dishes: beef and vegetables served with rice and meat loaf, potatoes and beans. Three meals from each leftover dish. Last evening I ate the last of the food which was perfect timing because Stewart was to deliver dinner for Pat and Mal and me this afternoon. At noon today I ate a sandwich of cold turkey which was the first meal I have not eaten leftovers from the week when Ruth R. was here. Today I ate the last of the nanimo bars. Ruth had been doling out the bars each day for the both of us but I was left with almost half the container. They are delicious. But they have lots of chocolate so I must not eat them at dinner. But at noon Ruth doled us both four little squares each so I did the same after she left. I should have put them back in the freezer for a later day. My fridge is now empty of leftover food. But it will soon fill up again with more delicious food. I hope we do a better job of eating the food the first time. But I was lucky that I was well fed when I was by myself. Fortunately, company is coming today and tomorrow when I will no longer eat leftover food. But those leftovers served me well.

August 5, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Dinner at The White Point.

The best place to eat at White Point is in the lounge. The windows are big so if you are lucky you can sit at one of the six tables looking out to the sea, the beach and the rocks. And there are lots of other tables just behind the window tables. When I have lunch at White Point I always go either early or late so I can sit at one of the tables at the window in the lounge. So far I have always been in luck. Mary and Cliff and I went to White Point for dinner. They picked me up at 6. When we arrived, all the choice tables were full so we decided to eat in the main dining room, named the Elliot Room, We asked for a table by the window. But for some reason, the windows in the dining room are smaller than in the lounge so the view is not nearly as good. And our table was round and pulled away from the window to accommodate the fourth person. I was disappointed with our table. But the food was excellent. This was the first time I had eaten dinner at White Point this season so I was pleased with the menu. My scallops were delicious and Mary and Cliff ordered the two curry dishes on the menu and they split them. The service also was excellent and we enjoyed our dinner. For some reason, the dining room is noisy. Two tables with children were close by. I wished we had selected a table in the lounge, even though we would not have been by the window. One of the pleasure of living in Nova Scotia is that the twilight lasts a long time. When they drove me home at 9:15 it was still light. Our evening was delightful at White Point. I am so pleased White Point Resort is in business here on the South Shore.

August 4, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Butch.

Butch is a good fiend. For 6 years in Bethesda he was my Manager. And he was a good one for me. As far as management styles go, Butch was a custodial manager. He was unfailingly pleasant and fun and he was not prone to change anything. Then Butch was asked to take over the Potomac office and I was asked to be the manager of his old Bethesda office, So we attended all the conferences for managers and we had a good time. Butch had fun with our numbers. For the first couple of years Butah would call Regina to compare our volumes. But soon we started to beat them. Soon we buried them so it was no longer fun. I was an activist manager, always trying to get more efficient so we left the Potomac office in the dust. But custodial managers make good managers for many agents. And when he moved to the Annapolis office that office thrived too. Butch was always on duty from 9 to 5. He always remained friends. Today I talked with him on the phone. He is ailing. Since I retired, we have chatted every six months. But now since he is housebound I call him more often. He is living by himself in a rental condo overlooking the water in Annapolis. Two months ago tests were done after he fell which required him to be in bed for the medication. At the end of a month he could not walk. After being in a rehab hospital a month he is home. Therapists and nurses come but not every day. He still is unable to drive. He orders grocery from Whole Foods and dinner from restaurants. He is walking with a walker. His two brothers do not live close to him and they come every month. But Butch is isolated which I think is not good. His brain works well and he spends time with his investments but all he does every day is walk to the mailbox in the condo. And he does his exercises...most of the time. I told him on the phone that he will get better and regain his strength. After all he is only 73. Call him if you know him. He is a sociable guy. I wish him well. His number is 410-991-4094. But pleas, do not tell him that I let the cat out of the bag.

August 3, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. A Movie.

Every weekend at the Astor Theatre a movie is shown. Two years ago the equipment was modernized so we get first run movies here in little Liverpool. This morning Gill called to see if I wanted to go with her and Karen. Since I have become a widow and since I do not drive, I always say yes to any invitation. It is my new rule. Gill picked me up. Then we stopped to pick up Bruce. Finally Karen and friend Bev who is visiting got in. It was just like driving car pool. In order to fit everyone in the car, Gill got in the back seat with me and Bev while Bruce drove with Karen in the front seat. As we pulled up to the theatre, Karen commented that the empty parking space meant that few people were at the movie. And she was correct. As I hate crowds, I was delighted to know that there were only 9 people in the theatre. On the way to town, no one knew the name of the movie. And I don't remember now. But I enjoyed it. The story line tells of the dreams of a country singer who lives in Glasgow and wants to go to Nashville. There were loads and loads of songs both by the young lady and on her ear phones as she walked. We even heard some Patsy Cline tunes. So I enjoyed all the singing. Plus several original songs by the star. All the actors were Scottish. In fact often we could not hear what was said, especially by the children. But the singing was done with no accent which I thought meant that someone else was singing the songs, not the actress. I watched for the credits to see if someone else was given the credit for the singing but to no avail. Whoever did sing had a great voice so I enjoyed the singing. The protagonist goes to Nashville but comes home to headline a show in Glasgow. All ends happy, back at home in Scotland. For me, it was another great night at the movies.

August 2, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Bernard Bowles.

Bernie has died. I will miss him and his test for life. Two weeks ago Anna and I visited him at the rehab section of the Bridgewater Hospital. He was looking forward to living at a private nursing home in Yarmouth, which he did after a few days. His situation at that time was difficult because his left arm would not work. As he was left handed that meant he could not paint. He enjoyed the Yarmouth home for four days but began to have stomach troubles so he was admitted into the Yarmouth hospital. He could not stop vomiting. After Ct and Pet scans it was determined that Bernie had cancer in the stomach and lung. As he was too weak for surgery he was given palliative care where he died in his sleep this morning. Bernard was an artist to the core. He never stopped creating something. He had one job but quit at age 21 to become a full time artist, which he did. He earned his living his whole life by selling his paintings and his crafts. Because he could not afford to buy supplies he used recycled objects. I have his fish that were made from meat containers. His birds and gulls were made from paper mâché. The ornaments were made from the lids of cans. His imagination never quit. But now he has gone. Bernie loved his long and successful life as an artist. He enjoyed everything he did both with his art and with his garden. Fortunately I have several of his paintings which I will treasure even more now that he has died. He was an amazing man. RIP friend Bernie.

August 1, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Lunch at the Riverbank.

The Riverbank Cafe is run by Penny Lane, the day care center for challenged young people and adults. The challenges are both physical and or mental. Many of their people work at the Riverbank, performing tasks up the level of their competence. So it is a special place. It is also the place that catered for us for the past three years, but not this year where they are having problems with staff. Penny Lane took over the little grocery store and turned it into a restaurant. The location is perfect, sitting right beside the river. After the place was cleaned up and painted, it was open for Sunday brunch. Then breakfast and lunch was added. Now in order to get a table you must go early or late. I asked my friend Karen out for lunch on Tuesday. I knew Ruth R. was leaving early, which makes the house too quiet. She suggested the Riverbank because she knew I had not been there this summer. I was delighted to see the cute little place again. I was especially delighted with the menu which had a lot of variation. I could have chosen three or four items but finally settled on a wrap, which was delicious. Along with a cup of soup my dinner was complete. Native Nova Scotians always eat dinner at noon even if they are eating a sandwich. If you are a person from away, you eat lunch. When the Riverbank first opened, their gift shop was charming with delightful objects that were not expensive. But no more. I do not know who is in charge of the gift shop but they should be replaced. There was nothing to buy. But the restaurant was a hit. I will go again.