September 30, 2019. San Antonio, Texas. I Got Here.

I had a delicious dinner of smoked salmon, rice and asparagus. David smoked the salmon and Suzanne prepared everything else. I felt fortunate to be dining with my Texas family. My journey today went as planned. Both flights on time. But it was a long day. Staying at the airport hotel last night worked well. I walked from the hotel to the airport yesterday afternoon, just to be sure I could do it this morning at 5:00. I did not use a wheel chair in Halifax and I did fine. David picked me up at 1:00 and he stayed home all afternoon. The first thing he did was to introduce me to Linc. He is 6 month old and he is a lovely dog. He is obedient and loving. He thinks he is a lap dog and often tries to sit on David's lap. Linc follows David everywhere. It is sweet. Linc already retrieves well. He is much better behaved than I expected a 6 month old puppy would be. He is a good addition to this family. Tonight I hope to get a good night's sleep. The most important item of the day was to get here, and I did. Tomorrow I will be ready to attend Allison's volleyball game which I will enjoy. David smoked lamb chops and pork tenderloins, which I will eat for lunches here. They are all looking after me.

September 29, 2019. The journey begins.

This morning I ate the last bowl of wild blueberries. The timing was perfect because today I am moving on. My journey begins today. I will spend the evening at the ALT hotel at the Halifax airport. Tomorrow morning at 7:00 I fly to Chicago, then on to San Antonio. I am looking forward to seeing my Texas family and the new dog. And I will try hard to make my journey into an expedition not a trial. I hear many folks saying that flying is not fun but I have tried to figure out why. I finally decided that these folks have just taken too many flights and they are jaded. Flying is not easy I know but I am not sure that the experience is any different than 20 years ago. Ken and I have had the habit of evaluating our home when we are about to depart. Because we like projects, we like to be sure the home is better when leaving than when we arrived. This is true for me now. I have had many improvements to this old house, so I am pleased. I had only one misstep and that was with the path next door. Other than that, the house looks good, both inside and out. The last thing I did was to install a big pipe that. bypasses the front driveway. We will need a good rain to see if the driveway will wash out. I hope not. So here I go. This place is beautiful and I look forward to returning in mid June of 2020. God willing.

September 28, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. My last Day.

Today I experienced the best of living in Nova Scotia. Again the weather was glorious, clear and sunny and 65. With a healthy dose of wind. Perfect Fall day. In the middle of the morning, Wendy and Clausen came for tea and to say goodbye.. Conversations with them are always lively and entertaining and I enjoyed their company. After they left, I read the latest edition of the Canadian History magazine. I intend to finish it before I leave. I have studied Canadian history a long time ago so a refresher is always useful. While I ate lunch I watched the TV. I have a wonderful sports package so I can almost always find a game to keep me company. Today I was switching around the college football games which I enjoyed. At 4:30, Mary picked me up for dinner at their house with Walt's cousin Marsh. Marsh is one of those people who you would always wish you could see more often, but you never do. He is an interesting fellow. He just returned from a two week trip to Italy so I enjoyed hearing about his excursions. Mary is a good cook. We are salad, made of apples, cottage. cheese, nuts and a bit of lettuce. It was delicious. Roast beef, scalloped potatoes and asparagus for the main course, and fresh berries and ice cream for dessert. Our dinner was delicious. After dinner we talked in the living room for quite a while. Marsh usually leaves right after dinner but this evening we had a living discussion of places Marsh has not seen. And we discussed the places he would like to see but is unable to visit due to security issues. Then Mary and Walt brought me home. We sat admiring the beautiful skylight and the rough seas. And we three were all pleased we live in Liverpool. My day was a perfect example of my days here. Life is not fancy but is a series of small pleasant events. I have enjoyed my summer here.

September 27, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Liverpool.

In 1999, we purchased our home just outside Liverpool, knowing nothing about Liverpool. But we were pleased to be living close to a town that had a good sized grocery store and a library. I read a book with the history of Queens County, which includes the town of Liverpool. The little book was published in 1892. The last paragraph states that although Queens County is suffering difficult times, the writer assured the readers that because the residents are hard working and educated, the community would thrive. I read this little book in 2000, and I laughed and suggested that it had been over a century and the economy did not seem much better than 1892. But times have changed. When I drove the first time to the house, I saw lots of sold signs. This was unusual. Then at the first Readers' Festival I chatted with two ladies from Chester and they told me of a conversation they had with a real estate agent in Chester, which is the closest town to Halifax. The agent said that she had been showing homes to three couples who were moving to the shore from Ontario. Much to her surprise, they bought in Liverpool. She was horrified. This had never happened to her, so she asked them why. They gave answers: 1. The Astor Theater, which has movies and plays all year. 2. The Queens Place/Emera Center, which keeps the ice in all year, has a hockey team, and brings in big shows. Also they liked the fitness center and the walking paths, both inside and out and all at the arena. 3. The social life. They talked with people up and down the street and everyone told them about the active social life in Liverpool. 4. Finally, they discover that Liverpool has an active intellectual component. Lecture are gives thoughout the winter, Trivial pursuit evenings are held at Lanes, and there are a host of artists and writers in the area. Since we moved here in 1999, many people have moved here to retire. Now the town is buzzing with activity. The retired folks have brought expertise and energy and they are willing to play their part. So now finally, that last chapter in the little history book has come true. Liverpool is doing very well.

September 26, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Country Music.

Fortunately, the series has ended so I can go to bed at a decent time, but I thoroughly enjoyed watching the PBS shows. My brother was smarter and recorded them, and now are watching one at a time in the afternoon. . The movies are really the history and evolution of Country Music and the industry that grew around it. Most of my life I have been listening to these singers so I was interested to find out how these folks got famous. I am always keen to see the early development of talent. During the series we saw 6 and 8 year old children performing and playing. Marty Stuart started touring at age 13 with the Scraggs band. I hope the modern musicians do a better job of looking after themselves. So many died early due to drug or alcohol abuse. I was startled to discover that Hank Williams died at 30. Not good. And I love the early pictures and recordings of the Carter family. The first series done by Ken Burns was wonderful, which was The Civil War. After that early movie, his quality dropped and became political. But this series I really enjoyed, perhaps because I am a history buff and perhaps because most of the artists are familiar to me. And I have heard most of the tunes. No matter what, staying up at night to watch Country Music evolve right in front of me was worth the time. But tonight I am ready to go to bed early.

September 25, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. My Schedule.

Several folks have e mailed me wanting to know my schedule for the rest of the year, so here it is: September 29, I drive to Halifax with Gill. Mr. Gaskell will drive us. Gill flies to Toronto. September 30, I Fly to San Antonio, changing planes in Chicago. I am looking forward to visiting David, Suzanne and the twins at their home. And I am keen to meet their new dog Linc. October 11 I fly to Jackson, changing planes in Houston. I stay at home the fest of the Autumn. December 18 I fly to Hamilton, Ontario for Christmas, where I will celebrate the Buckley birthday celebration. I have never been able to celebrate the birthdays with the Buckley until now. I will stay with Dave and Irene. Fortunately for me, Anne and Kenny from Vancouver will be there too. January 5 I fly to Puerto Vallarta with Wonderful Wendy and Ken. They will stay a month. Rita and Ian hope to join me in PV for February. February 29 I fly to Jackson, Mississippi where I stay until mid May when I go on the St. Lawrence River cruise. Today at lunch I had lunch at the home of Sandra. Nancy and John, the former mayor was there too. Sandra is a wonderful hostess. She is a good cook and often will try a new recipe for guests, which she did today. We ate chicken cooked in the oven with garlic, olives and broth. It was delicious. We all ate two pieces. And we ate rice cooked with chicken broth and peas. Cucumber salad in a light yogurt dressing was a perfect match along with cheese straws. For dessert we ate home made apple sauce and ginger cookies. Delicious. Today was the first time I have visited with Nancy and John this season so I was pleased to see them. I believe this is officially the last of my last chance social event and I enjoyed it.

September 24, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. The Final Visit.

A public sale of the paintings and crafts was held on Saturday in the house of Bernard Bowles, our artist friend. I did not attend as our Gull Bay Group ladies said their final goodby, and were able to select any items to buy. Somehow or another, my brain was not in gear so all I bought was a cat, a pig and a mask. Since then I have thought of several items I should have bought. Cathy and Brian went to the sale on Saturday and decided to return today. Randy, the executor of the estate agreed to return. Several other people wanted to return too. I asked Brian to pick me up to accompany them. I had a wonderful time. I shop quickly so after ten minutes I had selected three paintings: two small pieces of Tony's and one larger one by Bernie. We arrived at 10:20 and we left at !:00. The rest of the time, after paying my bill, I sat in the sitting room enjoying myself, looking at the art and talking to the folks were selecting their art. The time just flew by. The house is also for sale at a price that I believe is too high, but we will see. Today was the final visit for me to see Bernard's home and art. From now on the only items I can enjoy will be in my own home. Ken and I enjoyed many pleasant visits with Bernie over the years. The most impressive part of Bernies legacy was his zest for living and art. He loved creating and he loved his life. He made his income from his art work. He was frugal and happy. He was a happy man. Today I said a final goodbye and a final thank you to Bernie, an artist of note.

September 23, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. The last excursion.

To say that Anna has been a good helper to me this summer is a gross underestimate. She has been wonderful in every department. She helps at home, taking out the trash, making the bed, doing the laundry and unloading the dishwasher. The water reservoir and the tea and coffee pods are always full. My house is in order. She is a good driver so we get our errands done comfortably. She takes me to the arena to walk and walks herself, which she enjoyed. And most importantly, she does everything with good humor. She is a good lady and I have appreciated her company and will miss the two days each week I have spent with her. Today we took our last excursion. First we went to the mailbox and the bank. Next we drove to Greenfield to take two jars to the caterer, Stewart. Next we drove to Bridgewater for lunch, then decided to drive up the north shore of the river and take the ferry, which we did. We drove home my favorite drive, along the river and then the south shore. Finally we decided to get home quickly as we already had made Anna late. But before she left at 5:30, she made sure to make my bed. Anna is competent, energetic and gracious. Now how did I get so lucky?

September 22, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. the Lion King.

In the middle of the morning today I got a call from Karen asking if I would like to go to see The Lion King, the new Disney film. We were all set to see it two weeks ago but the equipment at the Astor was broken. By popular demand, it was shown tonight at 7. I had seen the stage play in San Antonio and had watched the old movie with the grandchildren but the new one has all kinds of high tech things. Gill picked me up at 6:30. The movie was worth seeing. The animals talk and when they speak their lips move, which is very clever. The photography is wonderful but evidently the whole thing is computer generated so perhaps all the animals we saw were not real animals. I must look up some information as how it was done. Lots of funny dialogue and lots of parts never seen on the stage. But we all three enjoyed it even though we knew the whole story. Visually it was lovely and worth attending even if we were not bringing a child. All the other patrons were accompanying children but not us. We three are just enjoying our second childhood.

September 21, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. End of Season.

This morning, Heather called to see if I could go out to lunch today. We decidied a few weeks ago that if she would pick me up, I would pay the bill and we would go out for lunch. She knew I was leaving soon, so today we went out to lunch at the Riverbank in Mill Village. Of course I was delighted and we had a pleasant time eating the good food and talking. She and Ross bought our cottage so I needed an update on the improvements. They are adding 18 feet to the front and digging out a basement where they will have two bedrooms and a full bath. They hope to have it finished by next summer. Last evening we dined at the home of Cathy and Brian. They invited us because we were soon heading south. This evening, our Gull Bay Group went to White Point for dinner, because we will all be leaving soon. This was our last supper of the season. Tomorrow I am taking Anna and her family out for Sunday dinner. We will eat at Paul's. Then we will go to White Point for dessert. Neither Anna's husband or son have seen the resort. And of course, we must have this date before I leave town. Last week I had lunch with two friends who wanted to have lunch with me before I got away. My social life has been booming since I am looking at my departure. It has been fun, attending all these special events. The only problem is the food in my fridge. I thawed food to eat before I left but I have eaten out so often the food is still in the fridge waiting o be eaten. I have asked Anna if she would like to take any food left over and she said yes. My food problem is over. I will just continue to enjoy my social life, which has been the most active of the season.

September 20, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Dinner.

I along with Sandra, Wendy and Clausen, were invited for dinner at the home of Cathy and Brian. He was the builder of the Ely's home and we have been friends with them ever since. Their home is in Eagle Head over looking the Eagle Head Harbour and the Bay. The location is magnificent. Their front patio overlooking the water is the most impressive spot for cocktails that I have ever seen. Brian built the house and it is beautiful. Cathy also has good taste so the interior of the home is well appointed. I had not seen their home for a couple of year so I was again impressed. It is elegant and comfortable. Clausen drove us. Cathy served a seafood casserole. Our white plates were made in the shape of a fish, which was impressive. And we ate squash and a broccoli salad along with the seafood casserole which was loaded with scallops, shrimp and lobster. Everyone went back for a second helping. And for dessert, served on small fish plates we ate an apple dish, with a shortbread crust, almonds, cheesecake, topped with whipped cream. It was delicious. The whole;e evening put my entertaining to shame. The best part of the evening was the conversation. We discussed sleep patterns, natural medicine, PEI and Cape Breton. And a few other things too. These 6 friends enjoyed an evening together. And Cathy cooked everything. I enjoyed the evening thoroughly.

September 19, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Landscape.

Last week I discovered that the path from the bench by the sea no longer is being kept open. The bench is the highest spot on our property and we used to walk and sit looking out to sea. Of recent years, we stopped walking there but we always kept the path cut. At least we thought the path was being cut. Early this week I asked the folks who cut the grass to open up the path. And I asked them to widen the path from the house to the lower deck and yard. In order for me to get to the lower deck I need an arm and the path was too narrow. I was specific with the directions. But the two young men went to the wrong bench on the wrong property. Wendy and Clausen have a hidden path to a lovely bench overlooking the ocean. Isaac, their lawn man had been careful to keep the path open but not to make it obvious. He carefully cultivated the foliage to hang over the entrance. It looked graceful and lovely. But my guys quickly cut them all back, leaving a four foot entrance to the once hidden bench. Horrors. My friends and neighbors were not pleased. I called Wayne who was apologetic but the damage was done. They were clearly on the Ely's property. When I asked him he said they just looked for a path and a bench and started cutting, even though the path clearly did not lead to our lower yard. These things come to try us. I feel sure that Ken would have given better instructions. In the meantime, I can not put those carefully tended plants back in place. I was not pleased but have no idea how to solve the problem,. I just hope the grasses and bushes grow quickly.

September 18, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Surprise Lunch.

My plan for the day was to walk at the arena this morning. I had asked Transit to take me at 11:00 and bring me back home at 12:15. The rest of the day I planned to read and catch up with e mails. In other words, my day would be a bit boring. I had walked 2 laps when Mary and Walt came to walk. They walk 4 or 5 laps. When they were finished Mary asked me to go out with them for lunch, which sounded good for me. They drove home and after I was finished, my driver took me to their home, where I found them in their office doing some business. Soon we headed out for lunch. Port Grocer was the destination. I always enjoy eating there. Over the years, it has changed dramatically, all for the better, so it is a pleasure to observe success in action. We sat in the back on the porch overlooking the yard. You order at the counter and they bring you the food. The menu changes each day with two specials each day. Mary ate seafood chowder which she says is always good. Walt ate a big bowl of vegetable soup while I ate their pulled pork wrap with soup, which was their special. The food was delicious. And Mary paid the bill as I had brought no money. Walt drove home along the shore road which I always enjoy. My day turned into a delight. Unexpected events are always a pleasure. I enjoyed my lunch and visit with Mary and Walt. They are such good friends.

September 17, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Our Hockey Rink.

Dave and Irene say that the Liverpool hockey rink is the cleanest hockey rink they have ever been in. I agree with them. Yesterday I could see why it is kept so clean. Our rink is more than a hockey rink. A walking track was installed around the top of the seats. And on the first floor there is a fitness center with all sorts of equipment. Classes are also held in the fitness c enter. Dave and Irene worked out three times a week. Of course, concerts are held. Last week the national team for women held a camp for those women trying out for the national team. Last week was a busy time at the arena, with games held every night and the drills every day all day. When Anna and I arrived to walk, a man with a cart full of cleaning equipment was waiting for the elevator. He graciously pulled his cart back to allow us to use the elevator. When I finished my first lap, I could see him cleaning the floor with a mop, first washing the floor adjacent to the walking trail. The second lap I noticed he was mopping at the bottom of the stairs close to the ice. By the third lap He was washing the stairs and the floor along the stands. Then I realized that he was just beginning to clean the whole arena. I stopped for a drink of water which I keep on a railing behind the stands. I would have been so discourages to be facing that task and I felt sorry for him. I chatted with him and discovered why the place is so clean. I commended him on his diligence and told him about my families comment. He was bright eyed and told me that the whole cleaning crew was determined to keep the arena clean at all times. "We work hard to keep this place clean," he told me. Rather than feeling despondent that he had to clean the whole p[lace, he was enthusiastic to get the job done. I was impressed. He told me that there was a hockey game tonight and the whole place needed to be ready for that game. He was a man about 45 years old. No wonder that place is always clean and neat. These folks take great pride in their work. This hockey rink is important to the town but when it was being built, it was controversial. Too expensive. Do not need it. It is called Queens Place/The Emera Center. I call it the arena. And I like it. Even the naysayers like it too.

September 16, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Lunch at Paul's.

Paul's German restaurant is the most unusual place in town. I always expect them not to survive the next year, but I would be wrong. The place is small, about 7 tables, housed in a house right at the end of the main street. It has no parking. They serve only German food, which is not the most popular food in the world. And the chef, whose name is Hans, may be the most difficult chef in the world. But here it is, still open and apparently staying solvent. The last time we were there which was two years ago, we were with Dave and Irene. The cook and the waitress had a major argument in the kitchen, which of course we could all hear. The waitress stormed out and slammed the door. Eventually she returned but it took us two hours to have lunch. This season I had not gone there for lunch so on Friday after we walked at the arena I suggested to Anna that we might see if it is still open. I was delighted to report that the food was delicious. Hans greeted us when we arrived and noticed the absence of Ken. He kindly gave me condolences. Anna asked to have her potatoes be half mashed and half fried, which he refused to do. I just laughed. That was just Hans being Hans. In the past years, they had only one menu. No special lunch menu was offered. But this summer we were given a lunch menu with lighter fare being served. I thought that was a step in the right direction. Hans is a good cook, just a bit eccentric. His food is excellent and we enjoyed our lunch. And we both took a box home. I was pleased to see him still in business.

September 15, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Country Music.

One problem living in Eastern Canada is the time zone. The Country Music special, shown tonight, did not begin until 9. And the program runs 2 hours. PBS has been advertising the program for months. This evening I watched the first segment. Tomorrow evening I will watch episode 2. I loved every minute of the first, which dealt with the history of country music. Ken Burns showed many old clips and records from the twenties and thirties. I had never seen these old musicians even though I have heard of them. The history of the Carter Family was fascinating. There were lots of old pictures and recordings. And Jimmy Rogers was featured too. I knew of his songs but not his history. Now I know. The poor fellow had TB and had a career of 6 years before he died in his mid 30's. They played a recording of the young Louis Armstrong playing his trumpet while Kenny Rodgers sang and played his guitar. It was quite beautiful. I look forward to watching the segment 2 tomorrow. But I would prefer being in Mississippi where the time would begin at 7 rather than 9. The program should be worth staying up late.

September 14, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Getting Ready.

Recently, every time I sit to read or watch TV I reach for a blanket to cover my legs. Each morning when I come downstairs I turn on the propane stove to take the chill out of the room. The weather is still beautiful but a bit chilly. There is a nip in the air, which tells me that the time is coming for me to head south. My long time here is almost over so I have started the process of leaving. Today I contacted Eastlink to place my phone, internet and TV on a seasonal hold. For $15. a month I keep my phone number. In mid June, just before I return, the systems will be turned back on. On Friday, Anna and I moved some furniture in the garage, prior to parking the truck in the garage. I have started filling up my little rolling bag with items that must return to Mississippi. My traveling clothes are set out on a chair in the bedroom. On Monday, Anna and I will check out the Guest House before locking it for the season. The fridge in the garage is empty and open, as is the new chest freeZer. My leaving date is September 29th. My flight is early on the 30th so I will stay overnight at the airport hotel. Gill leaves to Toronto on the 29th so we will drive together with Mr. Gaskell, the shuttle striver. I like to enjoy my last days here so I plan ahead so I do not leave everything to the last minute. Somehow I can not think at the last minute so I plan ahead so as to enjoy the process and so I can remember all the details that need attending to. I am well on the way to getting ready for my trip to Texas, followed 10 days later to Mississippi. I feel sure I will not be needing a wool blanket on my legs to keep warm when I sit. I will soon be ready to head south.

September 13, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Women's National Hockey Team.

The best hockey players from across Canada are here at a hockey camp at our arena in Liverpool. They have been here all week. The women are age 18 to 34 and are being evaluated to see who will make the final National team for Canada. It is all very exciting except I did not know anything about it until today. When I walked at the arena today I found them practicing their drills. These ladies were good. There are 49 players at camp. They must be invited to attend. Everywhere around the stands were people taking notes. I talked with a couple of the officials, who told me everything I know. Some ladies who are already on the national team are here. But they will be evaluated along with everyone else. "Just because they are on the last team does not mean they will be on next years team", she said. After this camp, the number will decrease, while they play exhibition games across Canada and against other countries. The Canadian Hockey organization was not happy with the results of the past few years so the ladies are running the show apart from the Men's National team. These women will stay and play as a team before playing at the World Cup of hockey next year. I was excited to see these ladies play. The 49 players have been divided onto 4 teams. Every day they have drills and every day they play a game, all in our arena. I wish I could drive. I would watch every game. Some of those ladies will be playing for the country of Canada next year. So exciting having the tryouts in Liverpool.

September 12, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Wool Socks.

Once again, it has arrived: The season of the wool socks. Up until Saturday, the day of the storm, I was wearing no socks. I wore sandals. But Saturday morning at home the temperature dropped so I turned on the propane stove and put on my wonderful hand knit wool socks. Once again I was warm. Outside now it feels as if summer is over so today I wore a pair of wool socks with proper walking shoes, not sandals. When I first arrived in mid June I put on my woolen socks but after a few days I took them off because the temperature was high enough but now in mid September I feel sure that the warm temperatures will not return. I suspect I am getting the reminder that soon I will be heading south. My mind struggles with the idea that Jackson yesterday had a temperature of 93 while we in Western Head it was 64 degrees. It does not seem possible. In two weeks I fly to Texas while I will not be needing wool socks. But for the rest of my time in beautiful Western Head I will be keeping warm by wearing my wool socks. The season of the woolen socks has begun.

September 11, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. The aftermath.

During the height of the storm, the waves came up to the top of the rocks on the side of our property, and then ran down the back side. The area has always had a rise up to the top of the rocks and a slope down on the backside. But there is no hill of rocks now. The rocks are flat. The shore slopes up as the tide comes up. Now from the top of hight tide marks the rocks are flat. All the rock groins in front of Gill's house have been rearranged. Everything looks different. At the end of Sand Beach Road was a small stream. Now it is a torrent that has gouged a deep path to the sea. This storm made its mark. The water came over and around the wall on the causeway but the wall still stands. Lots of rocks were on the road but the road stayed intact. In Liverpool, one house had a tree fall right in the center of the roof, splitting the roof in two. A car parked in a driveway down by Fort Point Lighthouse had a tree fall on the center of the car. The tires were also blown out, which was interesting. Everywhere you drive in town you see trucks filled with branches heading to the place close to us where you can leave downed branches and bushes. Everyone is cleaned up. White Point Estates still have no power. Port Medway is the same. The home adjacent to the river at Fort Point had three truck full of rocks removed from their driveway. The water came over the big rock wall and brought small and mid sized rocks. And trees are down everywhere in town. To clean up all that mess will take a while. The storm was powerful. Between the wind and the waves a lot of damage was done. Fortunately, no loss of life in Queen's County. For that we are grateful. Now the clean up continues.

September 10, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Lunch with Another Widow.

She lives down the road from us at Western Head. They preceeded us so I have known her for the past 21 years. She and her husband and daughter also are seasonal residents, who lived here when their only daughter was not in school. We were never more than social friends but we saw they at social events and band concerts. In 2016, her husband died so she is a widow. Last summer I invited her and her daughter over for coffee. We had a pleasant visit. This year, they were only here a short time because the daughter is now working, but when I knew they had arrived I invited them for lunch, but only my friend could come as the daughter was too busy getting ready to leave. I was hoping to get hints on becoming a successful widow. Lunch went well and we had fun. But as far as I could find out, she is doing nothing independently since becoming a widow. She has no plans to do anything, except to come up here when the daughter is available. I suggested she spend all summer here but according to her that is out of the question. She can drive but makes no trips around her own home in the US. My opinion is that she is looking for senility to set in. I asked what she does all day and the only part of the day that she described was when she drank her gin and tonic in the evening and makes a thank you to her husband. We enjoyed our lunch but what I learned was not to do when you are a widow. She does not seem to have developed any new life other than her life with the daughter. I do feel sorry for the daughter. My friend needs to get a life.

September 9, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Christmas in September.

The power was restored at 3:30 this afternoon. Anna and I were giddy with glee. We felt as if it was Christmas morning. The real world had been restored. I had been just fine without electricity. I kept the propane stove going all the time to keep the house warm and to heat water in pots on the top. The small pots would never boil but the water got hot enough to make tea. And I used the bigger pot of water to stay clean. The toilets were only flushed as necessary. I ate food cold. Mary Mac kept my phone charged throughout the two days. But this morning Anna and I both went to the MacDonald's home to take a shower. Enough is enough with the dirty hair. After our shower and a cup of hot coffee with Walt and Mary, we walked around Privateer Park and saw all the debris scattered on the walks. The Mersey River had overflowed the banks during the storm and many trees had been uprooted. After our cold lunch, the lights went on. We danced for joy. Anna immediately ran the dishwasher. And she started a load of laundry. But last but not least, Anna made us a cup of hot herbal tea. We had just joined the 21st Century and we were pleased.

September 8, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. The block party.

Sunday morning, Gill and Wendy came by to check on me. Mary and Walt drove out to bring me a charger for my phone, which was out of power. Then Heather brought me a strawberry rhubarb pie. The damage in Liverpool was due to the wind. Lots of trees down in town, including two over the road to Western Head. A power pole came down on Shore Road bring all the lines down. The water came over the causeway which is now covered with stones. But Liverpool did well with no houses badly damaged. At the height of the rain, I had dripping in the mud room but not much. Late in the afternoon Mary came by to tell me that everyone was to bring the meat from the freezer that would spoil and come to the home along the shore that used to be Marks. They have a generator and a big grill. We were to have a big block party. Two families I had not met at all because they moved in last summer so I was delighted to meet them. The food was excellent. It was a great idea. But I returned to a house with no power. Mary and Cliff brought me home in twilight so Was able to easily get upstairs and get ready for the night. Again more reading by flashlight. Again no shower. But all was well.

September 7, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Storm Day.

I woke up at 7:15 to hear the roar of the sea. I knew the storm had arrived. I was expecting Dorian would arrive mid afternoon but the wind was already roaring around the house. And it was raining. I ate breakfast looking at the waves, which were already high. At 10:45 I checked the weather. The storm had damage in Charlston but is now yet in Nova Scotia. I was to expect hight wind and big seas with lots of rain. Then the TV went black. I knew I was in the midst of a real storm.. The power stopped at 12:30. The waves were higher than the morning. While I ate a late cold lunch, I sat at the window looking at the sea. Between Gill's house and mine, the Bay was frothy. The waves were so high that I could not see Gill's house. The sight was extraordinary. The waves were coming from two directions. When they met close to the shore the foam and rooster tails were as high up as my eye level. It was exciting and beautiful. By 8:00 the storm had passed and the sky looked normal. I was amazed at how quickly the storm passed. I ate cold roast beef, potatoes and carrots. I made sure to get upstairs and in my nightshirt before the end of twilight. I used a big flashlight, the same one that Dave and Irene used to get to the Guest House each night. I read using the good light from the flashlight until 10:30. I slept soundly. Ken's sculpture watched over the whole storm. He would have loved watching the waves. They were astonishing in their size. I survived the storm all by myself.

September 6, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Generosity.

This summer, I have been the recipient of generous deeds. My brother and sister in law, Dave and Irene, have always been generous with Ken and me, but this summer they went above and beyond anything in the past. We went out to lunch several times a week. In the past, we alternated paying the bill. Not this summer. They paid for every meal in the restaurant. Of course, after the first three times when I was not allowed to pay the bill I left my purse at home. They bought and installed a new microwave. Our custom is to keep a grocery list on a pad by the back door. Before I could get to the store, they bought everything on the list. And Irene bought me the book from the Readers' Festival. I was grateful for all their gifts. This evening I had calls from friends. Jan and Larry called to see if I wanted to stay with them in town instead of riding it out by the shore. Mary came over to stack the outside chairs and turn over the tables. Gill called to make sure I had enough flashlights with batteries working to keep close to me. And Hettie called to remind me to fill the bath tub with water. These friends gave generously of their time. And they all encouraged me to call them if I needed help. I am certainly fortunate with the generosity of my family and friends.

September 5, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Weather.

The weather on the south shore of Nova Scotia has been almost perfect. Today was a good example. The temperature was 64 degrees. The sky was clear and the sun shone the whole day. The breeze came off the sea. And the long twilight keeps the sunset colors stay almost an hour. The sight from the deck at Western Head has been remarkable. This summer we have had little rain so the good weather has kept us all happy. But the weather is supposed to. change. Hurricane Dorian is coming to Nova Scotia. On Saturday, we will get heavy rain and high winds. And high tides. Everyone has been alerted to keep water and flashlights. Power failures are expected. On Friday I will fill the bathtub so I can flush the toilets. The air is so calm and sea so quiet that trying to think of an angry sea arriving on Saturday does not seem likely. Clausen has been working in DC this week. He is due home on Saturday. No such luck so he has changed his flight for Monday. I am sorry he will miss the storm, as he has yet to see a big storm here. But we are ready to ride out the storm here at Western Head. Now we will wait and see.

September 4, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Pot Luck Dinner.

Our pot luck lunches at Picnic Group were not up to the standard of tonights dinner at Gill's home. Gill organized the dinner. She had a container of pesto sauce made by Mary and given to the family when visiting Gill. But they did not eat it so Gill invited us to come and eat pasta with Mary's sauce. And we chipped in. We ended up eating multiple delicious courses. We were five at dinner. Clausen was back at work in DC so the Gull Bay Group was a group os 5. First we started with warm Brie on crackers and honey, contributed by Gill. I took the left over platters of vegetables and fruit left over for the tribute to Bernie. At the dinner table we ate the pasta with pesto sauce. The basil came from Mary's garden. Next we ate peeled chilled shrimp from Gill's freezer. Wendy had cooked fresh Kale which was tender and delicious. She cooks the Kale with chicken broth, garlic and apple cider vinegar. And served with butter. Mary had cooked and chilled fresh beets so we ate them as a single course. They were tender and tasty. Gill had made a cucumber and onion salad, which was our last part of the main course. Eating one kind of food one at a time was delightful. Gill had cooked stewed rhubarb, and served it warm over a piece of angel food cake and ice cream. The dessert was light, a perfect end of our pot luck dinner. Wendy had never eaten stewed rhubarb, nor had she ever eaten fresh chilled beets. I had never eaten Kale cooked that way. We both expanded our taste buds. Having dinner with the five of us, friends of long standing, was a delight. The dinner was also delicious, a definite upgrade on our pot luck lunches at Picnic Group.

September 3, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. All By Myself.

On Friday evening, all by myself, I hosted a dinner party at home at Western Head. I have guests this year but only when I had house guests where they helped me. This time I got brave and invited friends to dinner even though I had no house guests. I must admit that Anna worked on Friday so she set the table and filled the water glasses. And she set out the appetizers of cheese and crackers and pate. Of course, I did not cook. I had one dinner left over from the caterer so all I needed to do was heat the chicken stew and rice, then serve the plates. First we ate a small salad, also left over from Stewart. And we ate rolls with the main course. For dessert we ate wild blueberries and cream. We were a group of 6, and a very congenial group they were. My friend Sandra was here, along with Loretta and Butch, Mary and Cliff. The evening was easy and fun. By 10, everyone had gone home and the dishwasher was humming along. I enjoyed their company and we all enjoyed the good food. My first dinner party all by myself was a success.

September 2, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. A Still Sea.

Yesterday while sitting on the deck all by myself, the sea was eerily quiet. I went out to admire the sparkling ocean, which was a sight to behold. But then I realized that I had sat down just as the tided was at the ebb. All the rocks were exposed and shiny but there was absolutely no motion on the water. I could have been sitting beside Ponhook Lake rather than by the mighty Atlantic Ocean. There was no nothin in the water but the gulls were busy searching the title pools for dinner. The scene was so unusual that I sat and waited for the waves to return. I have always thought that the tides are a bit of magic. The waves keep coming in and going out twice a day. But yesterday I could see no action. Eventually little waves began to cover the small rocks and eventually as time went on I could hear the waves and the rolling rocks. Again, all was normal. But for that half hour, my deck was silent. No waves. No wind. It was quite a sight with no sound at all. Kind of spooky.

September 1, 2019. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Helpers.

I do have some abilities, but I have none mechanically. I have never been able to figure anything out, not when I was young and not now. My brain stops working. Fortunately, all my life I had help. My Mother could figure anything out and take things apart and put them back together. Then I married and Ken would come to my rescue. At work, Regina was a wonder and could make everything work properly. Wonderful Wendy prowls around fixing things and making everything run in Mississippi and Mal does the same when he is visiting Nova Scotia. Anna can do anything so is a big help two days a week. But mostly I live by myself so sometimes I need help. Friday evening I was hosting a dinner party. I switched the circuit breaker to turn on the fountain but I used the wrong breaker, which turned out to be the fridge. I finally got the breakers correct. But then the fridge started beeping. I did everything I could push but it still beeped. So I called friend Mary, who is clever. I found the directions for the fridge and Mary found the answer. The printing is too small for me. Mary walked to the fridge and pushed the button that tells the fridge that we knew the power was turned off. Like magic, the beeps stopped and the blue light came on. Problem solved. It took Mary five minutes to figure it out. As Mary was one of the dinner guests, we just drank a glass of wine while we waited for the other guests. I am so fortunate with my friends. Hats off to Mary for bailing me out.