December 31, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Anniversaries.

In 1953, in October, Irene Chalk and David Buckley were married in Vancouver, Brithish Columbia. I attended that wedding. I also was present on their anniversary celebration for their 60th anniversary, held on a cruise ship. The week long journey was a spectacular success. In attendance were all the children, grandchildren and sibling along with their spouses. I have no idea who dreamed up the idea but it certainly was a hit. The timing was perfect. The grandchildren were all either at University or graduate school. Everyone else who were employed were able to take the week of vacation after Christmas. Dave and Irene footed the whole bill. They booked a suite, so every evening all 18 of us met for a cocktail hour in their suite where we shared our daily activities. Then we ate dinner together at two long tables where we switched chairs each night. One especially dramatic event was at the first cocktail party, when grandson Brendan and wife announced to all that Marnie was going to have a baby. It was exciting. Norman just posted pictures of the celebration on Facebook. Or maybe it was Wendy. I was delighted to be reminded of the wonderful anniversary that we all shared in 2003. It was a happy event. Now we get ready to leap into 2021. We have all survived and thrived during 2020. Remembering past joyful events reminds us that more such events are coming, but perhaps not on a cruise ship!!

December 30, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Getting Ready.

For the first time when flying to Mexico, I am taking a bag to be checked. As I will be by myself, I am taking reading material. Beside my breakfast chair has been four books waiting for me to read. Two are non fiction that I have started but not finished. Two were written by friend Brooks who lives down the road. And I am taking several Commentary and New Criterion. They will not all fit in my small roll on case. Usually I take my back pack and the small roll on case with medications. And I always take overnight materials just in case I get stuck in an airport and need to stay in a hotel. But not this year. I am checking a bag. I am always surprised how many details need attention when organizing for a trip. My routine is to put out my case a week or two before leaving. Bit by bit I assemble the object I must take. The list is long and complicated. I must obtail my medications for ten weeks, plus my chemo. Just today I realized I had forgotten to put calcium in the case. Now I counted out the correct number. Everything has been done except for the last evening, when I load the computer and iPad into my back pack. And I have not changed purses but that will be done on Friday. The journey seems simple because my clothes are alredy in the locker in Mexico but i must keep my brain in gear to complete the list of details requiring attention. As Gill has said,"When travelling you must be constantly on duty". And she is correct not only during the journey but also when getting ready. I think I am ready.

December 29, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Housekeepers.

I use a company to provide a person to clean the house. Beverley owns the small company. Teresa (her spelling) is the lady who keeps my house clean. I like her but she is not a particularly good cleaner. For instance, for three visits, the same white marks were on the bathroom floor close to my sink. On the third visit I was forced to point out the objects on the floor. Evidently, when she washed the floor, she just washed right over the white objects stuck to the floor. Also I do not really need someone to clean every week because I do not really get dirty. But I have her come every week because I am only here part time and I want the house cleaned when I return. Also Teresa is plesant. After she has finished her work, she sits down in the living room and chate for a bit, which I enjoy. This week, Teresa is taking the week off so another lady, Missy, came this afternoon. She had a cancellation so was able to come to clean the house. What a difference. Missy is everything that Teresa is not. She really makes the house shine. Clearly, she has been well trained to be a housekeeper. But she did not sit and chat with me. Now I must think about what to do when I return. Should I ask Bev if Missy could clean for me? I think at the moment Missy is fully booked and works for two people every day. Teresa does the same. These ladies work hard. But Missy works harder. I have always been surprised when people stop the house cleaner coming after covid. These people need to work to pay their bills. Missy wore gloves and a mask today as does Teresa. And Teresa has always kept her distance from me. I even have friends who are doing their own cleaning. But not me. As long as I have funds, I will keep these cleaning people employed. But today I noticed the difference from one cleaner from another. Kind of interesting.

December 28, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. The Sun God.

Yesterday morning I was reminded why so many cultures worshipped the Sun as a God. For Mississippi, the nights have been cold, even below freezing. The temperature goes to 28F. We have also had rain and wind storms during the night so most of the leaves are off the trees. This house looks east from the back of the house, so I see the sun across the lake, the one everyone calls the Reservoir. First thing yesterday morning I got up to see the sun streaming into the bedroom and the TV room. The sun brought warmth and light and made everything in my world just a little brighter. The same was true for the living room. I eat breakfast in the chair in the corner, beside the windows. In the winter, the sun shines on my book or magazine. I use a music stand to hold my book or magazine so I can move the music holder so the sun shines on the page, making it easier to read. And the sun keeps me warm. In the winter, the living room in the morning is flooded with light from the sun. And I could easily be convinced of the Sun God.

December 27, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. IIHF.

Every year, The International Ice Hockey Federation runs a world championship for junior hockey. Ken and I pay no attention to junior hockey but years ago, we discovered the tournament and we watched it every year after that. Juniors are aged 16 to 21. Several countries field their national team. The teams are divided into groups, where they play a round robin. The top two teams in each group get into the playoffs, which are single elimination. The tournament is competitive. Every kid wants to win for their country. Many of the players have already been drafted by NHL teams so when you watch, you get to see future stars. Ken and I have always enjoyed the tournaments. I am enjoying it this year This year is being held in Edmonton. All the teams live in the bubble. Germany had 6 players test positive after they arrived so their team had only 14 players dress for their games. After the isolation, the 6 players will be able to join the tournament. In the meantime, Cnada beat Germany 16 to 1. Canada has 19 players on their team who were in the first draft. In other words, they have a stacked team. Canada won the gold last year and want to win again. But repeated gold medals have rare. This afternoon, Cadada beat Slovakia 3 to 1. And one goal was into the empty net. In other words, it was a nail biter. Mexico is not much interestednin cold weather sports so I suspect I will not be able to watch the end of the tournament, which ends after I leave Mississippi. But at the moment, I am enjoying watching these kids play their hearts out. The US beat Austria 11 to 0. But they lost their first game to the Russians. The teams to look for are from Canada, Finland, Sweden and the US. I will be interested to see if I am right.

December 26, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Boxing Day.

When the boys were young we spent Christmas with Dave and Irene at their home, first in Dundas and then Ancaster. On Boxing Day, my sister Carol rented a skating rink for several hours. Family and friends were invited. Of course, every one were good skaters. David and Andrew learned to skate at those events, when they were very young. My brother in law would hold the boys between his legs to hold them up and propel them forward. Now at the rink in Liverpool in Nova Scotia they have frames to allow new skaters to hold on as they move around the rink but in Ontario all those years ago, the strong skaters helped the learners. And the boys caught on. Soon they played with the Wheaton Hockey Club. But it all started on those Boxing Day skating parties, organized by my sister Carol. I was taught that Boxing Day is the day when you boxed up your old toys, which were replaced with Christmas gifts, and you gave the boxed up toys to the poor. It was an English custom. It is a holiday in Canada still. Typically, people devote Christmas day to families. Boxing Day you spend with friends. One difference between a skating party in Ontario and a skating party in Maryland was the speed of the skaters. The Ontario skaters were experts and moved quickly. When we had our skating parties for my birthday at Wheaton ice rink, I always noted the difference...but only to myself. Boxing Day is a good holiday, especially when you can go to a skating party. I remember them fondly.

December 25, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Christmas Day.

No question about it. Today was an unusual Christmas Day. But I have noticed that people seem to be enjoying their Christmas Day, even though the day was different. No big gatherings. Folks are dining by themselves. Presents are dropped off without gifts being opened. Food was delivered and heated up at home. No grandchildren going to grandparents homes for gifts or dinner. The quiet of Christmas was unusual. But it was pleasant. My day was lovely. I talked on the phone to relatives from 10:30 to 1:30. I chatted with Dave and Irene. And I talked to son David. They are enjoying Christmas at the lake, which is a first for them. And I talked with Anne, Kenny and Elise from Vancouver. And I talked with Norm and Diane. All these relaives I dearly love. Last year we were all together. But not this year. Last evening I talked With Wonderful Wendy. Wendy and Ken are not coming to Mexico this year so Ken gave Wendy a tortilla maker for her birthday. This morning they ate a typical Mexican breakfast. The picture looked great. Then Christina and the girls came mid afternoon to bring our Christmas feast. First we all opened our gifts, one by one. We were all pleased. Before dinner we drank a glass of wine sitting admiring and discussing our gifts. Finally we ate a traditional Jewish Christmas dinner: Chinese food. We have done this for several years. It is fun. And the food was delicious. For dessert we enjoyed Carrie's goodies. I had set the table with the good silver and Waterford so the table looked festive. And we drank our wine from colored crystal glasses, which impressed Molly. After they leftin the early evening, I texted with Suzanne and other folks I had missed wishing Merry Christmas. Then I put away all the decorations. My Christmas season has been wonderful. Now it has ended.

December 24, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Christmas Eve.

Christmas Eve Mass at the cathedral in Vancouver was the first Catholic mass I had ever attended. The service was very different from any church service in my life. The service was held in Latin and we were not famiar with the standing, sitting and kneeling. And the incense was unusual for someone brought up in The Salvation Army. I remember we had to watch carefully to figure out what to do. But it was interesting and we enjoyed the service. I lived in Vancouver from 1948 to 1953. A group of the young people from church, The Vancouver Satvation Army Citadel, decided to attend Mass on Christmas Eve. I have no idea who came up with the idea but we were a lively group so somebody came up with the scheme. My sister was in the group along with our buddies. I recollection was that there were about 8 or 10 of us. Ater Mass, we all went to eat chinese food in Chinatown, which was large. Our group often went to eat chinese food after events at the corps so we knew where to go for the best buys. And it was not far from our church. By that time, several of the boys had cars so took us all home. We attended two or three Christmas Eve masses in Vancouver all with the same routine. I bet my parents were happy to finally have us home. But we had had a good time. It is another happy memory of Christmas Eve from my past.

December 23, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Computer Troubles.

I have had no computer difficulties for two years. I have been amazed. But that easy street ended last Thursday evening. All was well as I logged into the computer. The blog popped up, just as usual. But then the screen flashed a time or two. Then it went black. And stayed black. I did everything I knew to breathe life into the black screen to no avail. As I always do when I have trouble I called Clever Christina but she had no words of wisdom. Nothing happening with the computer. Fortunately I am able to write the little blog on my I Pad which is what I did on Thursday night. On Friday Christina stopped in to see if she could help. But again no luck. So even though I prefer writing on the computer, I am able to use the I Pad which I did Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, Christina brought another computer from Ken's office when it became apparent that the electricity or connections would not solve the problem. Ken always kept a computer on both floors so Christina made sure the computer from downstairs would be set up for me. Ever since, I am using the downstairs computer, which is working just fine as it sets on the table in the breakfast room, just as always. My problem is that I must make an appointment with the Apple store to see if the black screen could be fixed. I can not do that as there are too many people around me. So I remembered that Chantes' son Michael had a good friend who owns a computer store so I called Michael. He offered to pick up my computer early Monday morning and take it to his friend, which he did. My problem is that since the computer walked out the door I have heard not a word. It has crossed my mind that I may not get that computer back before I leave for Mexico. I also wondered if I will ever see that computer again. Solve one problem and another comes along. But so far all is well. Two years with no computer issues is pretty good.

December 22, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. A Busy Day.

For me, it was a busy day. My friends from down the street came for cofrfee and a piece of Christina's cranberry cake. Carrie and Brooks have become good friends. They are also interesting and fun. Brooks is writing his forth book, this one about his grandfather who lived in western Pennsylvania not far from the farm. His grandfather spent time in jail for embezeling so he is an interesting charachter. Brooks has never been to that area of Pennsylvanis so they were interested in the topography. They came about 10:15 and left just as my Lyft driver, Forrest, had arrived at 11:30. Perfect timing. I enjoy their company. Forest was here to take me to Sal & Phils for lunch with Lisa. We always enjoyed our time together. She is well organized and energetic, which is a good thing because she has always home schooled their four children. But they send the children for the last two years of high school to an academy just so they can get the kids used to college life. Now their oldest child is at U. of Mississippi in Oxford while their son is at the academy in the 11th grade. Lisa reads a lot. And she is a wonderful cook. So in some ways we are similar and in other ways we are not alike at all. After lunch, Lisa takes me home and we talk a bit longer. Before children, Lisa was a nurse but she allowed her liscense to lapse. So today we talked about what she will do when all the children have left home. Lisa teaches a Shakespeare class with 8 children who are all home schooled. They reay the plays out loud which the kids seem to enjoy. She was wondering if perhaps she could teach English at one of the private schools. Interesting thought. Or she might get furthur training in nursing. When Lisa brought me home she also gave me a Christmas goody bag. Inside was a big loaf of her home made bread. At 4:30, I ate a piece of the fresh bread and butter which was delicious. Lucky me.

December 21, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. A Christmas Coffee.

This afternoon I was invited to a Christmas Coffee at Eleanor's house. The event was perfect. First thing was the Christmas decorations in the house. The huge tree stands in the corner of the living room where we were entertained. The mantel was filled with masses of boughs and nut crackers. The room was spectacular. The living room is always a favorite of mine but at Christmas it shines like a gem. We drank from Christmas mugs made by Lenox. The coffee was poure4d from a tall porceline pot, covered by a fancy tea cosy made my Eleanor. In another china pot was hot spiced apple cider, especially for me. And then on the coffee table were three plates of goodies: sugar cookies, ginger bread med and somthing they call cocoons, a receipe from the grandmother. The goodies were delicious as was the cider and coffee. The whole event was a delight. In addition to the four ladies, we enjoyed the children who came and went. Gabriella showed us her good buys from the Goodwill thrift store. She clearly has an eye for quality clothes. The conversation was lively too. Today was a fitting start to the Christmas festivities.

December 20, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Old Age.

I often hear older people complain about their aches and pains. But I never do. I am just pleased to me 83. My sister Carol would have loved to be 86 right now but she died at age 77. If you were to ask me how I am, I would say that I am fine. But actually I am not fine. There are lots of things I am not able to do anymore so I just need more help to get through my days. Fortunately, in Mississippi, I have a wonderful group of family members, friends and neighbors who assist me with my life. First I have clever Christina and the girls. They help me in millions of ways both practical and socially. Then I have Kshina, who comes to me from Sitters Inc., the group who provided us helpers when Ken was ill. Kashina drives for me and works three mornings a week. My friends keep me company and meet me for coffee or lunch. My group of friends in Mississippi is not large but they are loyal. I also have two good neighbors who are marvellous. And last but not least is my lyft driver. He will drive me anywhere and anytime. I just call him the day ahead and he comes to the door. Then I contact Lyft and Forrest answers the call because he is the closest driver in the area. I have learned to ask for help. My friend Lisa asked me one day how I manage by myself taking airplane rides. After all I have limited vision and am somewhat unstable. I told Lisa that I just ask for help. I have been surprised with the extend of my helpers in Mississippi. After all, we only started to live here part time in 2009. Now, in 2020, I have a full complement of people who help me now that I am old. I am impressed with my family, friends and neighbors. And I am grateful.

December 19, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Singing.

If for no other reason than listening to the singing on TV, Christmas really is the best time of the year. last year, i tagged along with the Sutherlands to attend the Festival of Lights, at Mississippi college. They call themselves The Mississippi College Singers. They sing unaccompanied. And they always sing in tune. The members ofthe choir are all students at MC. Most of them are music majors. And they sing like angels. i discovered them a few years ago when I was looking for music on TV. Eleanor had never heard of them so last year she bought tickets for all of us. This year they had no concert, due to the virus but on TV, they showed selected pieces from the past four years. I listened to 90 minutes of interesting music, some of which I heard last year. They sing tight, difficult harmony, and most were new to me. Of course, the students change but the choir remains about 35 in number. But they are wonderful. They also sing a Spring concert.

December. 18, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Spur of the Moment.

Late yesterday afternoon, I needed to pick up a prescription at the drug store. My across the street neighbor has often told me that she would be happy to pick anything for me, either at the drug store or the grocery store. Instead of calling Lyft, I texted Donna to ask if she had errands to run tomorrow. She suggested I might come with her. And she suggested that we stop and say hello to our former neighbor, Sandy and Archie. Quick as a wink, I texted Sandy. She was delighted for us to come and take tea. Just like that, we had a date. The new house is lovely and we enjoyed our visit. Donna and Sandy drank a glass of wine while I enjoyed a cup of spiced tea. We arrived just after 2 and left at 3:15. I enjoy Sandy and Archie. but they are very busy. And they spend 6 months in Nort Carolina so we do not overlap much. But I always enjoy their company and today was no exception. Our timing was perfect. Sandy and Archie. seemed delighted to see us and as we did not stay too long so they did not get bored. Sometimes, last minute plans are the best. Today was one of those days. We also stopped at the pharmacy on our wayhome. Success.

December 17, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Snow.

For tne children, there is nothing better than snow. For older people, snow is not so good. Right now in Liverpool, Nova Scotia, it is snowing hard. And it is supposedto snow all night. By morning they should have over a foot of snow. What fun for the children and the parents too. George told me this afternoon that he and Shiela were taking the grandchildren sledsing after work. Most Canadian schools are not cancelled due to snow so I will be interested to hear tomorrow whether or not the kids will have a holiday from school. Of course all the anow must be shovelled. it is the law. In 2017, Jackson had 4 inches of snow. it loked pretty. People just stay home and wait until the snow melts. But that does not work in Nova Scotia. Soon the freezing rain would make a hardcrust on top of the snow. When that happens, no one can walk or drive. So by morning, the roads will be plowed and the sidewalks shovelled. And life goes on. Nothing better than a big snow, especially when you are a kid!

December 16, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Christmas Cards.

Memories flood back with every card I write. For instance, I have exchanged Christmas cards with Mary and Ted for many years. Now when I sign the card, I smile. Mary M. worked as one of the two administrators when I was an agent in the office. Mary looked after my business and we got along well. Then I was asked to be the manager and I became questioning to both ladies how we could be more effecient and more productive. Both Mary and Murmie though that nothing needed to change. But I knew changes were coming. Within a few months of changing systems, both Mary and Murmie asked to move to offices close to home. I hired Regina and Carol E. who worked with me for the next 23 years. We invited Mary and Ted to our Christmas parties and we stayed good friends but 6 mon ths after Mary left for the Rockville office, Mary called to tell me that she had made a big mistake and she wanted to return. But I had no position. The first year as a manager, volume was $275,000. with 2 admin ladies and a part time person in charge of advertising. When I retired our volume was $2.3 million with 2 admins and one full time advertising person. Carol and Regina got effecient. Mary died 5 years ago, and last year Ted remarried. Now I receive a card from Dori and Ted. And I smile.

December 15, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Christmas Music.

This evening I enjoyed a Christmas concert from Nashville's Belmont University SchooM of music and Performance. I had never heard about the school but I will tell that those students are talented in every way posible musically. The concert was actually from 2019 but I missed it last year. I will be watching carefully to see if they give a cincert this year but it is my guess the answer would be no. I heard everything from jazz to traditional music and everything inbetween. But no country music. The concert was wonderful. And I knew nothing about the University until tonight. Also this evening I watched an hour program given by American Pops Orchestra, with headquarters in Washington, DC. I knew nothing about them either. They were only founded in 2015 but they are good. They featured Ella Fitzgerald"s 1960 Christmas album which is still popular today. So I got to hear a bit of Ella along with several modern artists who also were excellent. The concert was held in the Meridian Building in DC with a small audiance. The music was great. And finally, last evening I watched the 2020 Christmas concert from the Mormon Tabernacle in Salt Lake City. I was watching for the new concert but thought it might be cancelled. I do not know how they pulled it off but they did, complete with a building full of people. The concert was better than ever and I loved every minute of it. Their productions have always been well done but this years was even better, with a full hour of singing by soloists and choir along with the orchestra. Christmas music on TV is wonderful but you must look hard to find the right time and place. For the past two days, I have been a happy camper with my fill of Christmas music. So even though I will miss concerts this year, I am grateful to hear this great mucic on TV.

December 14, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Trains.

The Smithsonian channel has a program once a week on trains. I seldom see it because the time is not a time I usually watch TV. But today I watched while drinking my orange drink. And I was reminded how much I love to travel by train. Today was all about trains going through pretty places. Not much dialigue. I enjoyed the whole thing. When I was a young girl, train is how you got from one place to another when you moved. We went on the train when moving to Calgary but I do not remember much about that trip, except I know all three children took that trip. Then we moved to Vancouver by train when Dave was left behind to finish his last year of high school. Carol and I shared an upper birth. But the most memorable train journey was when we moved to Toronto in 1953 when I was the only child making the trip. Carol stayed in Vancouver to be in Dave and Irene's wedding the following October. I slept in the top birth while my Mother and Father were below me. But the best part was that we ate breakfast and dinner in the dining car. The dining car was fancy with linen tablecloths and serviettes. And I remember I was able to order two glasses of juice. The food was excellent. I enjoyed that journey and still vividly recall the meals and the sleeping. Now my goal is to travel across Canada on the train from Halifax to Vancouver. One of these years in the Autumn, that is what I will do. I fell in love with trains when I was a girl and never got over it. Now the question is whether or not I am able to take the journey all by myself? Mobility is an issue I am sure. Perhaps 2022 will be the year. I am already anticipating a good time on those trains.

December 13, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. A Quieit House.

On the bar of my house sits a fine Bose radio. It is fancy because the computer controlls the music. You can download the music you want, then play it on the good little radio. My problem is that I do not know how to make it work so I have no good radio in my house. Ken knew how to make it play music most of the time but even when Ken was alive I was never able to make the darn radio work. For me, that works fine because I actually discovered that I like the house quiet. I like to know what is happening outside so I listen to the birds and for the boats on the reservoir. And I try to figure out where the motors I can hear when the leaf blowers are doing their work. I have friends who keep their TV on all day, just for company. My friend turns his set on when he first gets out of bed and it atays on until he goes to bed. He is not the only friend I know who does the same thing. That would drive me nuts. My friend in Nova Scotia keeps music playing on her TV all the time they are not watching TV. And they leave the music playing when they go out. Not me. I have discovered the joys of keeping the house quiet so I will not be quick to buy a real radio where I can actually turn it on and off. Every so often I fiddle with the one sitting on the bar but to no avail. My house will be quiet unless I turn on the TV when I want to watch something specific. I think I am old fashioned!!

December 12, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Christmas 2019.

Timing is everything. One year ago I was getting organized to fly to Ontario to celebrate the Buckley birthdays and the Christmas season. What a good thing we did because this year in Ontario there will be no large celebrations. But last year we celebrated in style. I had a wonderful time. I was part of parties both big and small. Alana gave a tea for the ladies of the family, held at Wendy's home. Alana made all the fancy goodies for the tea complete with fine china tea cups and saucers, just like olden times. The event was elegant indeed. Christmas day we dined with all the relatives at Norm and Diane's home. There must have been 35 people enjoying the good food asnd the company. And we dined out in small family groups too. I feel so grateful that I decided to go last year. This year everything would have been cancelled. But next year in 2021, Dave will turn 90 so I left my warm clothes in the bottom drawer of the guest room dresser just so I can use them next year. I am hoping that this virus will be all behind us. Christmas 2020 will be a horse of another color. Fortunately my timing was impeccable because this year I am staying in Mississippi for the holiday season, both Christmas and New Years. And when the weather gets wet and chilly, I will fly to Mexico where the weather will be 80 degrees. My timing has been good.

December 11, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Faithfulness.

Every morning I sing the hymn about faithfulness. Sometimes I even sing it out loud. I am singinging about the faithfulness of Regina., Every morning early, before I am even awake I receive a text from her. She started the first day I began radiation and she has continued. Every morning I receive a cheery message. Today she told me to have a fabulous Day. "May your cup overflow with Peace, Love, Joy and pure Awesomeness", she said. Now that is a good way to start the day. She always says good morning and always ends with "Have a safe and blessed day". I retired 9 years ago so I have not seen Regina since we moved from Maryland. But we have been in touch via e mail. Bot only now and again, certainly not every day. She still binds my blog every year so we have been in touch on a semi regular time. We worked together for a long time, perhaps 23 years. I did not know she read my blog or how she knew I was taking radiation. But she has been faithful throughout my ordeal, which turned to be much worse than I anticipated. Now I wonder how long she will continue to send me these morning greetings? Will she wait until all my side effects are gone? At work, I could always count on Regina but this faithfulness is remarkable even after all those years apart. I am inpressed. The first thing I do every morning while sitting on the side of the bed is read the text from Regina. Then I sing the hymn about faithfulness. No question, that is a great way to begin a day.

December 10, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Swearing.

Ken and I lived over a hardware store on the corner of Howard and Bleeker Streets in downtown Toronto. We lived there for 5 years. Across the street was a large brick wall with no windows. The young men in the area played hand ball using the wall, the sidewalk and the street. They played for hours. And they had a good time. These were not children but young men. I do not know if they were at school or if they worked but I do know they played a lot of hand ball. They were good athletes. But what I most knew about them was their language, which was terrible. They would use the F. word several times in the same sentence. They used the word as a noun, an adverb, a verb and an adjactive. I just thought these young men had a limited vocabulary so used the same word in several ways. Evidently they all knew what was going on. Fast forward to now. Swear words are now acceptable even on Facebook. These perfectly lady like women use a swear word when describing someone with whom they disagree. The swear words do not even fit. Years ago, young men cursing was no worse than ladies swearing on Facebook. I still think that the lady just does not know enough vocabulary to accurately describe what she was saying. And I always wonder what happened to the loyal opposition? I did not like swearing sixty years ago but it was understandable but I like it even less when ladies swear on Facebook. Unssemly and silly I think. But I am 83.

December 9, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Oh Bother.

Kate has been driving our Ford Escape ever since she got her license. I was able to put her on my insurance policy with only a few dollars extra so it worked out well. But Kate has purchased her own car so no longer needs the Escaps. Kashina would like to buy it but the car is old and needs brakes and a new power steering system so I do not wish to sell the car to Kashina. Christina and I decided to donate the car to The Salvation Army. The problem is the title, which is in Ken;'s name only. In order to donate the car, I must transfer the title to my name. Oh Bother. Christina called the Madison authorities and was told that if I went to the tax office and took the title and a death certificate they would send me a new title in my name. I knew that was going to be too easy so I was apprehensive but Kashina and I drove to the tax office with our papers. First we needed to stay in the car and get in lane one, which we did. When we gave our documents to the lady, she told me that we needed to have any living children sign another paper which needed to be notorized. Even though I had called on Tuesday to be sure I was going to the right place, no one said a word about another document. So now I have sent the paper to David where he will sign and return, all by snail mail. Nothing is simple. Now the Escape is sitting outside at Christina's house, waiting for the title to be changed so we can donate the car. And I bet when we arrive at the same tax office they are going to tell me that the paper was incorrect. What a bother.

December 8, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Oranges.

When I was a chid, every Christmas I received a big orange in my stocking. Fruit was only available during the growing season so eating a big juicy orange Christmas morning was a treat. In addition, we also ate tangerines at Christmas. They were easy to peel and sweet. I loved them. But we could only buy them at Christmas. Now that we are able to buy fruit all year the thrill of a big juicy orange looses its appeal. Perhaps the fruit really is not as good now but perhaps my memory plays tricks. At my front door today was a box of oranges, sent from Pittman & Davis, sent to me for Christmas. I send fruit of the month to my Texas and Mississippi family but I never send any to me. So this year I decided to send myself a gift. The box arrived today. They are big and juicy, just as I thoiught they would be. I will eat every one before leaving for Mexico and I will be grateful for those oranges. But I bet this year there will be no orange in my stocking!!

December 7, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Another Celebration.

And the beat goes on. Tonight, Donna, my across the street neighbor, brought me a surprise birthday dinner. Her husband, Gregg, picked up dinner at Amerigo, and she ordered dinner for me. She gave me a bottle of white wine to enjoy with my birthday dinner. She sent everything: lasagna, salad, bread and dessert. I would only eat one half of everything so I will have meals all ready the whole week. And the wine must wait for another time. Because of the recurrent nausea that comes with the radiation, I must eat small amounts of food at any time. But now I am able to eat proper food, just small portions. Maybe I might even lose weight which will not please the Oncologist. Something good comes from everything. My bout with radiation is a perfect example. I have been miserable and my neighbors Donna and Carrie have been a huge help. They drove me each day that Kashina was not working to drive me and they brought me good nourishing food. We are closer now than we were before. Tonight was a perfect example as was dinner with Carrie and Brooks last night. Now I am not perfect but I am getting better bit by bit. Or perhaps I am managing my symptoms better. These surprises from my neighbors have been delightful. Now I think my celebrations are over, until next year. But I ceertainly have enjoyed my birthday celebrations. I feel fortunate indeed.

December 6, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. 83 Years Old.

I was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on December 6, 1937, thus making me 83 years old today. My brother is older than me. Only Grandma Houghton lived as long as Dave and me in our family. She died at 95. I feel fortunate to be still walking and talking at 83. My celebration started on Saturday when flowers arrived from Suzanne, David and the girls from Texas. I have had a wonderful birthday. Christina, Kate, Mary Frances and Molly brought brunch to celebrate my birthday. We ate Thai food at my request. Christina gave me a cranberry cake for my birthday. And we took a picture of the girls and me, which was fun. Then the girls looked at old pictures. Irene had sent me pictures from Vancouver days which started them on to open the boxes of pictures. I had a happy time during their visit. During the afternoon I talked with the Davids in my life: brother Dave and son David both called to wish me Happy Birthday which I appreciated. Friend Carrie down the street invited me to celebrate my birthday at their place so at 6:15 Brooks came to pick me up for dinner. I enjoyed the wonderful dinner along with the good company. Carrie served shrimp and grits along with a salad and home baked bread. And an apple tart for dessert. My day was complete. I have celebrated all day and for that I am grateful. I

December 5, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Pet Peeves.

Unique is an absolute. There is no need to modify the word but you hear it all the time on TV. I find it silly and irritating. Harry Truman was my model when it comes to behaving as a president. After he completed his terms as president, he returned home and lived in the home inherited from his mother in law. He was definately not rich. "The presidency is not for sale", is what he responded when he was asked to receive large sums of money for a speech. He also once said of another politician who had gotten rich that any politician who becomes rich as a politician is involved in something corrupt. I hate to see these politicians get rich. It is unseemely and I do not like to see it. And I do not like those ads on TV that tell you to call if you owe the IRS. Presumably, the company will negotiate a lower amount. The same is true when you have heavy credit card debt. What about all of us who paid our taxes and always paid off credit card bills. Rewarding bad behaviour is a bad thing and I do not like those ads. I could go on. But enough is enough. My pet peeves are off my chest.

December 4, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. A Delicious Surprise.

I was drinking my breakfast cup of tea this morning when my phone rang. Greta Barbour asked if she could bring lunch to me today. I was delighted. I quickly jumped into the shower but before I was finished dressing, Greta Barbour walked in the front door. The children were spending the day at the farm and GB intended to shop for Christmas but she also wanted to pop in to see me. She brought lunch from a Greek restaurant YiaYia, on Highway 51, pretty close to me. I have eaten there once. Kashina hated the food while I loved it. And GB brought enough food for us to have lunch together. We sat in the living room in the comfortable chairs to eat our delicious lunch. And we talked. Until GB called, I was going to be by mysel all day. But no more. I ate a delicious lunch and enjoyed our lengthy conversation. I am not in love with surprise parties but having lunch spontaneously arrive made my day. My friends are very kind indeed.

December 3, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Travel.

Every day, between 1 and 2, I go travelling around the world, courtesy of PBS. I also eat lunch while watching. Rick Steves has my attention for the first 30 minutes. Earlier this week we visited Etheopia which was all new to me. Another day he spent the whole show on Barcelona. Ken and I spent a few days at the end of a cruise and we enjoyed our visit. Everything I saw on TV was familiar but I loved seeing things again. Today I toured 5 Swiss cities, which meant they moved too quickly to learn anything but certainly were interesting. Joseph Rosendo is the host of Travelscope. I had not seen him before this year but his show is worth watching. He spent the whole program on Zurich which is more to my speed. I had only spent one day in the city so I was happy to learn about the old city. Today he toured the Pacific Highway from Santa Barbara to Big Sur. The scenery is gorgeous. Ken and I drove the same route many years ago so I was familiar with the scenery but the program visited small towns which I knew little about., so I enjoyed the program. Ken and I have travelled quite a bit but many spots are new to me. As I love to travel, but am not able to do much these days, enjoying the two travel shows vicareously whets my appitite and gives me a good travel fix. These two shows are a pleasant hour in my day, thanks to PBS and those two gentlemen. I like them both.

December 2, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Sleeping.

Today I met with Dr. Sheehan, my Oncologist. We decided to wait until I return from Mexico before having another scan. If we do a scan just before I leave, not much could be done before I leave so we are deciding to hope for the best and assume the radiation has erased the growing cancer. Our main topic of conversation was my sleeping patterns. Since beginning radiation, I am unable to sleep, which for me is unusual. So I was prescribed sleeping pills. If I take two, an hour before I go to bed, I sleep. But next morning I feel as if I had a hangover. My legs are shaky and I do not function well. By mid afternoon I begin to feel better. So I have tried gummy bears, which were prescribed to David after his prostate cancewr surgery. He sent them to me by over night courier. I have tried them twice with poor results. I feel even worse the next morning. My neighbor uses Alive PM but they did not work. So now, Dr. S. has prescribed a potent potion. Kashina says that I must take it just before going to bed, while sitting on the bed. She said that you go to sleep immediately. And Dr.S. said I must stay in bed for 8 hours. Seems nasty. Being always optimistic, I assume the effects of the radiation will disappear soon and I can return to proper sleep. But how long oh Lord. How long?

December 1, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Mexico.

Finally, I have booked my flight to Mexico. Every doctor tells me to go. They say there are no medical reasons to stay home. In fact, the warm air might even be helpful. So I am going. I leave Jackson January 3, and return March 11. I will be two months in the condo and two weeks at the hotel/timeshare. My friend Flo on the phone yestyerday commented about me flying by myself. She is nervoius flying alone. But I assuire her that once I turn myself over to the check in people, the airline attendants take good care of me. They get me to where I need to go and make sure I am on the plane. So I am going. My only issiue is company. I am used to having friends and relatives staying with me in the condo. This year, no one is coming so I willbe by myself. I can funtion easily in the resort. Everything is level and I have easy places to walk. Fortunately there is a restaurant at the beach in front of the resort because going to other places by myself will be difficult. Things like shopping will be impossible. The conceirge has offered to shop for me because my immune system will not allow me to be around crowds of people. Even changing dollars for pesos will be difficult because I would need to go to the hotel with all the people. But I can isolate just as well at Playa Royale as I can here in Madison. I just need to figure out how to get things done safely. The temperature will be 80 degrees. And the sun sets right over the Pacific Ocean in front of the condo. Pretty nice.

November 30, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Rain.

When sitting at lunch at the camp outside Tuscon, Arizona where Ken and I were working for the summer, it started to rain. The campers exploded with joy. They cheered and poiunded on the table and laughed with glee. They had not seen rain since the last August and now it was at the end of July. The rainy season had begun and the children were filled with joy. The rain lasted about an hour and then stopped. Every day for about an hour, it rained. The the sun would come out. I had never seen such excitement due to rain. After all, I had only lived where rains come regularly. Right now there is drought in the great plains of the US where the crops are grown. They tell me this on the Rural channel. Brazil is experiencing a major drought, so much so that the price of soy beans in the US has gone up. The expectation in Brazil is that the crop will not be good due to the lack of rain. Who would have thought that the price of commodities in the US is impacted by drought in Brazil? We live in an interconnected world. Since I have returned to Mississippi in mid October the sun has been shining. But all day Sunday it rained, sometimes hard and sometimes light, but always rain. The rain started in the middle of the night and just kept coming. Thursday night late the rains came down and kept on raining all night. Early in the morning I was told that we had big storms and thunder. And a tornado set down mid way between Clinton and Jackson. So finally we now we have enough rain. There is nothing like waking up to hear rain beating on the roof. The skylights in the living room seem deafening. But I like the rain and have enjoyed these two days of rain. Being without rain is miserable. Even the Hill Country in Texas has received a decent amout of rain, which is a great blessing. My friend Wendy tells me that rain is the gift to gardeners. And I believe her. Even though I am not a gardener, I like rain.

November 29, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Football.

Yesterday Susan made history. She was the first woman to play in a mens football game. She kicked the ball. All the commentators on the other college football games were a twitter. They all thought it was a wonder. Vanderbilt had two kickers but they were injured so the coach asked Susan to try out for the job. She was the goalie for the womens soccer team so she has a good leg. She could kick field goals in practice so she suited up for the game. She looked like a football player except she was smaller. Unfortunastely, Vanderbuit did not get close enough for her to try a field goal but she did make one kick to start the play. Everyone was excited on both teams. And the feminists of the world thought it wonderful. My question is this. If women can play on a mans team, why could stop a man playing on the womans team? Makes sense to me. We are already seeing trans athletes set records in womens competition which does not seem fair to me. But no one seems to be thinking about that. Certainly, yesterday was the topic of the day when a woman suited up to play in a major college football game. Now I wonder what will happen next? Probably nothing. Susan has had her 15 minutes of fame.

November 28, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Soup.

Fortunately I like soup because for over two weeks that has what I have been eating. Christina sent home made soup with me after our Thanksgiving feast. The container was large so I have eaten small bowls ever since. She made it from scratch and containes crunchy vegetable along with the broth. It is delicious and I have enjoyed it. Now I must ask her tomorrow what makes for the crunch. My down the street neighbor brought soup which served me for three meals. And the acromm the street neighboe brought over two large containers of vegetable soup that I ate on for a week. So I have been living on soup. Over the years I have enjoyed soups in many countries. In Mexico I order tortilla soup. Every rtestaurant has it on the menu and everyone is just a bit different. But it is always delicious. Maryland is the same. Every menu offers Maryland crab soup and everyone is just a bit different. I always order it. Once in northern Italy we were staying at a ski hill which provided all meals. So you just ate what was brought to the table. One evening st dinner, soup was delivered. Neither the boys or Ken and I could eat it. The taste was terrible although everyone at the adjacent table were devouring the soup. And they were enjoying it. Few people spoke english so we never did learn anything about the horrible soup. When Ken was recovering from surgery in 1963, the Russian lady who lived below us in the house made Borscht and brought us a big bowl to help Ken's recovery. We had never eaten it before but it was delicious. The old couple were kind and encouraged Ken to sit in the sun in the backyard to help recovery. But at least once a week, she delivered the delicious borscht to us, just to help Ken get better. Ken and I always recalled the soup and wished we could taste it again. The taste remains in my memory bank as a favorite soup. I have ordered it in restaurants but it was never as good as the old ladies soup. I like soups of all kinds. Now I look forward to the two servings I still have in the fridge of Christina's home made soup. And I will enjoy.

November 27, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Christmas Wreaths.

Paty lives in Crafsbury, Vermont. Once a year, I speak with Patty and I order wreaths. This year, I was startled to recall that I have been ordering wreaths from Patty for almost thirty years. She and her family collect the pine boughs, cones and berries from their own woods. And she makes the wreaths. She boxes them up and ships them out just before Thanksgiving. I always want the wreaths to arrive before Thanksgiving so she indulges me. In the early years, her children helped. Now the grandchildren do most of the collecting. This year she will make 250 wreaths. My fingers hurt just thinking about all those wreaths. This week I had occasion to call because she still sends the wreaths from Ruth and Ken. I had spoken to her after last years about Ken bening deceasaed but she forgot. Her own husband had died late in September 2019 so she was not really on top of her routines. But we had a longer concersation last week than we had ever had before. She, like me, is now living by herself for the first time in her life. She married at 19. But my hats are off to her. She keeps my list from year to year and she works hard to get the wreaths completed. They are always beautiful and fresh. My friends are happy to receive those wreaths year after year. Unfortunately she is unable to ship wreaths to Canada. But I enjoy my own wreath every year and hope she can continue for many more years to come.

November 26, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Traditions.

Thanksgiving has many traditions. People yravel home to be with their families. Everyone eats the traditional turkey with all the trimmings. But But this year due to covid, the traditions have changed. People are not travelling as much. Thanksgiving feasts have smaller number of people. And Christina and I broke with tradition. We decided not to eat turkey on Thanksgiving day. We ate steak. It was delicious. From now on, our tradition for Thanksgiving will be steak. I ordered the steaks from Allen Bros. Steaks. The last evening I was in Texas Suzanne served steaks from the Allen Bros. I was so impressed by the meat that I ordered the steaks from them for our feast. I must say they were delicious. In addition, Christina prepared cheesy potatoes and green beans. And we ate at Christina's house. She and Molly had just decorated the house for Christmas so everything looked festive. We were festive too. For dessert we ate cranberry cake, made by Christina. Linda, Christina's mother still stays home from the covid so we took our dessert on her back porch and kept our distance. Now we have new traditions for our family. From now on, we will eat steak for our main course and cranberry cake for dessert. No more turkey and pumpkin pie. We have gone modern.

November 25, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Flowers.

Early this afternoon outside my front door appeared a flower anangement. I had looked out the front window to see if the trash truck had arrived. The trash was still awaiting pickup but flowers were waiting for me. The flowers had been sent to me by Suzanne, David and the girls, who were all enjoying Thanksgiving together at the lake. The note told of them sending the flowers to me just to tell me how thankful they are having me in their life. As I had been by myself all day, the beautiful flower arrangement gave me a shining part of my day. I loved them. Sending flowers as a gift are interesting and make no sense. After all, the flowers last a short time and it seems a waste of money. But there is something delightful about receiving flowers from your loved ones. After all, they know already they love you so why would they send flowers telling the same thing. Perhaps I am fragine and not yet back to normal, but receiving those flowers brough a jolt of sunshine to my day. Now this lovely flower arrangement made up of Autumn colors grace my bar and remind me that my family in Texas is thinking of me, which makes me feel better. At this time of Thanksgiving, I am grateful for my family most of all. And today I give thanks for my flowers.

November 24, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Molly at 13.

Today is acually the birthday of Molly. We have been celebrating all along but today is the real deal. Molly is officially 13 years old. We celebrated her birthday at lunch when we took our shoppinjg spree and we ate at the Italian restaurant in the Renaissance. Kate joined us to celebrate. Today at noon, Christina, Kate, Mary Frances and Molly went out to lunch at Sal & Mookies, a casual Italian restaurant in Fondren. They were to meet at 11:00 because Mary Frances was working at the coffee shop at 1:00. Kashina and I crashed the party and surprised Molly. Kashina found a florist in Ridgeland, Marvellous Market, and after our task at Packmail, we stopped for a flower arrangement. We arrived at the restaurant just before they ordered. And we surprised Molly with the flowers. And of course I sang happy birthday all by myself. Everyone except Christina was surprised. Molly was delighted. Kashina and I chatted and visited for a few minutes. Then we left to come home. This afternoon Molly and Christina will take Japanese food to Molly's other grandmothers home. So her celebrations will continue. Tomorrow, three friends will come over for an afternoon of movies and games. And they will eat cranberry cake, which was her request for her birthday cake. Molly is truly 13 years old.

November 23, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. E Mails.

I have always enjoyed the use of e mails. I like the jokes and stories people sent too. But right now, use of e mails is difficult because I receive so many. Sorting them is difficult. My most effecient e mail system was when I was working, where Regina read my e mails and responded the ones she could answer. Then she put on my desk the ones needing attention. In the early years of e mails, I could easily read and respond. But right now, I receive so many e mails every day that I have a problem with sorting and deleting and responding. I get hundreds every day. My present system is to scroll through and read the e mails from friends and relatives, then delete all the rest. I use the system friend Sara Lou taught me to move the e mails and note the ones for deletion. Then I hit the trash and they disappear. When I check e mails every day, the system works pretty well but it takes me at least an hour. But when I am not functioning well, such as the past two week, my e mails add up. On Sunday afternoon I attacked them, using Sara Lou's syste. But all of a sudden, when I was only half finished, all the e mails disappeared. Evidently, at the top is a caption saying delete all. I inadvertantly elimimnated them all both the ones I wanted to save and the ones I had not even seen. So if you e mailed me recently and I did not respond, please contact me again. I feel sure there is a better system of dealing with the hundreds of commercial and political e mails we all receive. But so far, I do not know what that might be. In the meantime, I still enjoy e mails from friends and family. I just need to get rid of all the rest.

November 22, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Kate's First Car.

Kate has been saving her money and yesterday she bought her very first automobile. She bought a white Honda CRV, 2018. She is thrilled. Everyone remembers buying their first car. Ask anyone and they will tell you when and where they bought their first car. And they will go on for a long time telling you what they boiught. And how beautiful the car was, at least in their mind. Now Kate is delighted to have bought her very own car. Kate has been driving our old Ford Escape. It is the car that Ken and I kept in the south, either in Texas or Mississippi. It is a 1996 so it is old plus has lots of miles. But it has been a good car. When Kate was ready to drive, we suggested she drive the Escape as it was not being used. I was even able to add her name on our insurance policy. So all was well. Now she has stepped up to a modern car and she is excited. My plan is to donate the Escape. It is old and has little value so I will donate it to some organization. It is a good reliable car but no one needs to drive it now as Molly is three years away from a need to have her own car. I am sad to give over the Escape because it has been a good car. But I am delighted for Kate. She saved up her hard earned money and now drives a nice car. Congratulations to Kate.

November 21, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. The Holiday Inn.

Last evening, PBS showed The Holiday Inn by Isaac Berlin. I loved every minute. The film is taken of the broadway revival, which closed just a few days after the the film when it closed in 2017. The musical first played in 1942. So the show is modern. But the best part was the dancing. Lots of really fine tap dancing. And of courase, several tunes have become classic. After the film ended, many of the actors were interviewed. The tap dancer who did the fire cracker dance commented that Mr. Berlin wrote the musical so he could write a song for every season of the year, which he did. I have seen this film before but the interesting thing about watching it again was how many songs were forgettable. Many I had never heard them before although I clearly had heard them all before. And for todays standards, the show is long. And the plot is improbable. But it was such fun watching it again. Last Friday evening PBS showed a tribute on Fiddler on the Roof, which I enjoyed too. But this Holiday Inn was a treasure. So much dancing. Hats off to PBS.

November 20, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Radiation.

Now I must recover. The radiation is over. At the cancer center, they actually gave me a diploma, congratulating me on the completion of treatment. Evidently not every one finishes the program. I must admit that the whole process came as a surprise to me. Twenty years ago I had radiation and the only issue was fatigue. But I am 20 years older and the radiation was in a different place. But now it is over. I had lots of side effects. Nausea was an issue all the time. I actually started using the same medication for nausea that I took with my infusion chemotheraph. And my stomach hurt. Fatigue was constant. No energy at all. For two weeks I did not much more than go to radiation every day. Perhaps the worst part was my sleeping. I woke up after two hours and stayed awake. The doctor prescribed sleeping pills but they did not work plus they left me hung over the next day. I have a suspicious that I spent too much time thinking of the side effects. But now it is over and I will recover my energy bit by bit. And I am not taking any more of those wretched sleeping tablets. No scan to be done until the end of December. No point. I am ready to be energetic again. I am counting on it.

November 19, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. May.

No one really wants to go to the Cancer Center at Baptist Hospital, but when you arrive, May greets you as an honored guest. Her job is helping patients get out of their car. But she does so much more. I spotted her the first day for radiation. I had noticed her before because my Oncolgist is in the same building but somehow or other, I did not notice how good she was at her job. She is energetic and enthusiastic when doing her job and she makes everyone feel better. She is a white haired lady of uncertain age. And she is a bit round. She opens the car doors when they drive into to the covered area of the building and she asks if you need a wheel chair. And she takes you into the front desk, chattring all the way. When you are ready to leave, she helps you find the car that brought you. Almost everyone has been driven to the cancer center so there is always a friend waiting. May remembers the car you arrived in and she finds the waiting friend. And she helps you getting into the car. She works hard to do her job well. And she clearly enjoys her work. I am always impressed when people perform ordinary tasks in an extraordinary way. She takes a perfectly ordinary task and turns it into a job that helps everyone, but practically and psychologically. She makes you feel better. And she makes you feel important. It has been a pleasure watching her work. Hats off to May.

November 18, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. The Cutting Board.

I wanted to give a gift to my two neighbors who have been so kind to me during my radiartion. But I was unable to come up with anything clever, until I walked past the cutting board on the island in the kitchen. The board is thick and says "Ken's Kitchen". And it is handsome. On the back of the board is the name and number of the manufacturer so I was hoping the place was still in business. Much to my surprise, the same owner answered the phone. And he remembered my name. He reminded me of the time when he was starting his business and asked to present his product to the agents, which he did. But what he laughed about was that he was given one minute to make his case to the agents at the sales meeting. His product is a perfect gift for buyers. He told me that he still gets orderes from the Gateway agents. And his company is doing well and sells all up and down the east coast. He was delighted to chat with me. And I was pleased that he is still in business. This visit to the agents must have been 20 years ago. So I ordered two of the boards, which will be delivered in ten days. And he gave me a builder discount, just for old times sake. Pretty nice.

November 17, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Flags.

New Zealand does not have a good flag. From a distance, their flag is similar to Australia. A flad must be seen from a distance. And it should distinguish it from any other country. When we were in New Zealand there was much discussion about a new flag. But we were told that the present flag will remain until Queen Elizabeth is no longer sovereign. They even knew their new flag. But recently the good citizens voted down their new flad. Queen Elizabeth was still on the throne. Mississippi just voted for a new flag. It is a good one too. Simple and can seen for a long way. A Magnolia blossom in the center with In God We Trust underneath. When we first moved here, there were discussions about a new flag. The old one was a Confederate flag which was certainly distinctive but was also controversial. Nothing was done. As soon as last Fall, the governor said he did not have the vote to get the new flag approved so no vote was not made. But then along came covid and the riots. Immediately the state legislators voted to remove the Confederate flag. And they formed a comittee to come up with options for a new flag. 5 were selecxted and put out on the internet for a vote. During the last election, the new flag was approved and now proudly flies from the state house and everywhere else. The flad is a good one. Not much detail but very obvious. People seem pleased. During my life time, Canada voted for a new flag. It is a wonderful flag. It is specific to Canada and can be seen from a long distance. Just a great flag. Years ago, a committee was formed to develop a new flag. The options were presented to the people and one was selected. And then denied. Finally the new one was chosen and the population voted. Now the Canadian flag is in the same catagory of the Swiss flag. Simple and distinctive. Pretty good.

November 16, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Sleeping.

All day today I have been stumbling around due to a stupid action I took. Since last Wednesday I have been staying awake at night, tossing and turning until dinally I fall asleep around 5:00. I fo to sleep at the normal time and go to sleep. And I awake up after two hours and stay awake. I do everything including a shower, hot milk and iboprofen. But I stay awake. The same thing happened when Ken was ill in Mexico. The good doctor gave me a little white sleeping pill that worked like a charm. No hang over. Just fall asleep and wake up at six in the morning. I used those pills for 30 days and promply lost them. Christina urged me to call the on call doctor who prescribed me a sleeping pill. I was hoping for a good nights sleep. I took a pill at 10:30 when I went to bed. I woke up at 12:30 wide awake with my restless legs giving me trouble too. So I did a stupis thing. I took another. Whe Kashina arrived I could barely make it to the door to let her in. I slept until 10:00. And I managed to get through my day...but barely. I know better. Now they tell me that I should never take one of those pills after 10. And if I take two, not after 9:00. I still have no idea why I am not sleeping. Perhaps the radiation is winding up my system. Also the radiation Doctor I saw today encouraged me to take the same nausea meds I used throughout the infusion. So I started it this afternoon and will continue throughout the treatments. Only 4 more. I am hoping that tomorrow I will be able to walk a straight line. No double duty tonight.

November 15, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Kind Deeds.

Thursday on the way home from radiation with my neighbor Donna, I mentioned that my stomach hurt and that I was a bit nausiated. The first thing she did when we got home was to bring me two containers of her home made soup. So not only did she did a kind deed by driving me to radiation but she also gave me home made soup, which I have been eating ever since. I eat a small portion at every meal. And one container is in the freezer. Friday, friend Carrie drove me to radiation. Saturday morning we were to go out for brunch. But at 8:00 I was forced to cancel due to lack of sleep and to nausea. At 6:00 that evening, she texted to ask if I would like to have her home made soup for supper. She and Brookes arrived with the soup, a batch of fresh rolls, a loak of home made bread, a tart made of slivered almonds and apricot and a container of chocolate mouse. Such an array of good food. I ate a small amount of soup and rolls. Today with Christina and Molly we ate a piece of the decilious tart. The goodies were indeed a kind deed. I have not been sleeping well since last Wednesday. When I told Christina, she urged me to contact the doctor on call, which I did. I actually spoke to the nurse, who got in touch with the doctor. She prescribed a sleeping pill which she called into the drug store. Of course, I have no way to get it as Kashina and Christina had gone home. So I called my Lyft driver Forrest. He immediately offered to pick up the prescription and bring it to me. No fuss nor muss. I reimbursed him for the meds and a bit more for his efforts. Once again, I observed a kind deed in action. I appreciated these three kind deeds and feel fortunate to have such friends. Amazing really, how kind people really are. I am grateful.

November 14, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Misery.

I seldom admit that anything is the matter with me. If I as asked, I always say walking and talking and that I am fine. And I am, except for all the other things that are the matter. But today I must admit. I feel miserable. This morning I was to go out for brunch at 9:30 but at 8:30 I as forced to cancel. I went back to bed and slept until noon. Greta Barbour called to bring me coffee and have a visit and I had to tell her no. Contacts with friends are important to me and I hated to cancel. But I was not up to the task today. Tomorrow, CXhristina will bring food here as I was not up to a visit to a restaurant. This is not good. I was not expecting difficulties with this radiation so it has caught me unawartes. After all I had radiation in 2000 and I was working. I did put a rollaway cot in the bathroom so I could nap but other than that, all was well. But I am older. And the radiation goes through my stomach. Starting Wednesday my stomach hurts and my food does not seem to digest well. I am keeping up my walking and exercises but not very vigorously. Fatigue seems to be a factor now too. I must get up my resolve to get the easiest tasks accomplished. But the worst thing is that for the last three nights I am not sleeping. I go to sleep and wake up in two hours only to toss and turn. I get up and drink a cup of hot milk. And I take Tylenol. Nothing works. At 3:00 in the middle of the night I took a shower and put hot water on my back and legs, both of which hurt all the time. I feel better just telling you how miserable I really am. Sorry to impose.

November 13, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Christmas Decorations.

This week Bradley installed the outside Christmas lights. They come on at 5:00 and turn off at 12:00. I like them and have kept them on. Ken loved outside Christmas lights so we had a lot. But when Ken could no longer put them up due to Parkinsons, he felt badly so I hired Bradley. They are all white and look elegant and lovely and the lights remind me of Ken's love for more and more Christmas lights, So they please me. Last year I put out no Christmas decorations inside because I was leaving mid December. But this year I asked Molly and Christina to come and put out my decorations. Most were given away but I have two boxes which Molly put out this afternoon. I give her full reign so things are put in unusual places but Molly is happy and so am I. Now the house has just the right amount of Christmas. Usually I decorate the day after Thanksgiving but this year I decided to enjoy the Christmas scene for just a little longer. I feel a bit like the stores and radio stations who are already running Christmas goods and music. I might just do it every year. But for now, I am grateful for Molly for placing objects around the house. They please me.

November 12, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Wandering Moose.

Moose is the older of David's dogs. He has always been endearing. And he has always been smart. He could open the doors into the house from the backyard so if any door was left unlocked to the backyard, Moose would open the door and come into the house something he was not supposed to do. Often he could be found sitting on the leather couch wagging his tail. He is never allowed to sit on the couch. Crush, the yellow lab, would stay on the deck until invited in, even though the door was open. But not Moose. Since they moved into their new smaller yard, Moose has taken to escape. David and Suzanne were out for Halloween dinner. All was well when they returned but the next afternoon, when David was walking the dogs, a yound lady down the street stopped David to comment on his friendly dog. Moose had escaped from the yard and wandered down the back lane. The young lady was having her wedding reception in her back yard. Moose walked around, visiting all the people and left. She did not know the dog but she said the dog was perfectly polite. The family on the other direction stopped by to tell David that Moose actually opened their door into their TV room while they were watching TV. He jumped up on the couch and stayed two hours until Moose asked to go outside so he could go home, which he did. David was not aware Moose was gone because they were out. The man down the street was delighted that Moose opened the door and made himself at home. David was not so pleased. The back yard has a high fence but the wood is light and Moose is able to take it apart. David has made repairs and also added heavy rocks at the bottom of the fence. It is only a matter of time before the fence is replaced. At least Moose knows where he lives. That dog is too clever by far. And funny too.

November 11, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Three Down.

Seven yet to go. Today I had the third radiation treatment. As I had observed before, the radiation department is effecient. When I arrive, I had been told to call a special phone. After I am identified, I am to park and go into the building where the young man will get me immediately. And so that has been happening. I come into the building and immediately the young man takes me to the treatment room. I use his strong young arm to take me. No waiting. No fuss or muss. Donna, my across the street neighbor drove me yesterday and Kashina took me on Monday and today. We leave at 10:40, ready for my appointment at 11:15. And we are home by noon. This evening, I noticed side effects. My stomach hurt and I was a bit nausiated. And of course, you can not avoid the fatigue. But I walked 4500 steps and I took a pill I used for nausea from the time of my infusion chemo. I drank a cup of chicken broth and a baked potato for dinner. Now I am fine. Knowing side effects are always difficult because you always get them. Mostly I ignore the symptoms but not tonight. Tomorrow, Donna will take me again. She would not hear of me taking a Lyft so she will drive twice a week. She is the same neighbor who sends me over dinners now and then. I am grateful for the help of my neighbors. The system is working well. Only 7 more treatments and I am done.

November 10, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Free Speech.

Once upon a time, many years ago, Ken and I moved to Galveston, Texas. People studying and worked at the medical center had come from all over the world and the medical community was small, so people we got to know at the social events included students, residents and professors. The conversations were lively and controversial. It was 1964 after all. But people spopke their mind and no one got upset or angry. Nor did anyone stomp off in anger. Free speech seemed to be in vogue. But soon, several topics were off limits. People got upset if the topic of abortion was raised. And the Vietnahm War. So over the years, free speech was eroded so you had to be careful what you discussed at a dinner party. One evening at a dinner in Nova Scotia, the question of President George Bush was mentioned. I quietly mentioned that his position could be defended. One of the guests stormed into the kitchen and did not speak to me the rest of the night. Another time in the pool at Playa Royale a lady was extolling the virtues of Hillary Clinton. I merely asked what significant events had Hillary done as Sect. of State. The other lady in the water looked at me in horror and anger. And she avoided me. My observation is that you can only speak about a topic with anyone when they already agree with what you are saying. A difference of opinion is not acceptable. Free Speech has disappeared from society. And the culture has been diminished.

November 9, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. My Pantry.

After Ken died, I was determined to eat all the food from the pantry. Over the years, Ken had ordered lots of boxes of food, somw of which we ate and some we did not. So I decided to eat everything in the pantry. I still have a few boxes that I feel sure should be thrown away. Then I was left with an almost empty pantry. No canned goods, no soups, no boxes of rice. So I sat down and replentished my supply at Amazon. But I made a few errors. I am now the proud owner of 6 very large cans of select cut green beans. The cans are industrial size. My pantry looks as if I was running a summer camp. I have figured out what to do. I will open a can and drain the juice. Then put the beans into plastic bags and put them in the freezer. I figure I have two years of canned green beans. In addition I have 24 cants of tune in water. Also 12 small cans of kernal corn. I also have 12 cans of vegetable soup. So Now my pantry looks almost full, although the contents are peculiar. Ken made several errors which we are still living with and laughing about. I have 18 bars of shower soap. And 6 unopened bottles of Plax. Fortunately there are just a few bars of chocolate which Molly still enjoys. But I have turned into Ken, ordering 6 huge cans of green beans. I just laugh when I look in the pantry. One day soon I will gather up my strength and pick up one of those huge cans. But not tonight.

November 8, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. My schedule.

For the next two weeks, at 11:15, I must report to the radiation department of the Cancer Center of the Baptist Hospital. I must budger 30 minutes. The treatment lasts 20 minutes and with setting up and then finishing, I was told to budget 30 minutes. So far, the department was on time and I was given instructions to be on time for my time slot. When I arrive, I am supposed to park, then call the phone number they gave me on a card. They will come out and get me from the car and take me directly into the radiation room. No sitting in a waiting room. I am to wear comfortable clothes with an elastic waistband and a loose fitting shirt wih no bra. And I must stay perfectly still for the whole 20 minutes. Kashina is working Monday and Wednesday so she will take me to my appopintments on those days. My good neighbor Donna, offered to drive on Tuesday and my friend Carrie from down the road has offered to drive on Friday, so I will only use Lyft for Thursday. My calendar is filled in for the two weeks. So I am set. Normally, I avoid reading about the side efects of a procedure or medication but the good radiation doctor told me before I could stop her. Anyway, the side effects are minimal: some fol;ks have difficulty with irritation of the skin and sometimes stomachs get upset. She also told me that the treatment is 80% successful. I am hoping I have nothing else that will cause me trouble. And of course you get tired with radiation. The last time I had radiation arter my lumpectomy they clipped my left carotic artery, causing it to harden, thus causing me to lose my words when the artery was blocked. But I am hoping for the best. Certainly my belly and sides are marked up so my body is ready for them to do their work. For the next two weeks I will be busy. But I am ready.

November 7, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. The Shopping Spree.

When Molly turned 11, I took her on a shopping spree for her birthday gift. Kate started the ball rolling when she turned 11 and Ken and I took the family to Tysons 2 for Kates birthday shopping. Kate, Christina and I went shopping while Ken took Molly in the stroller along with Mary Frances for a walk. They walked to a Godiva chocolate store. Mary Frances still remembers being told by Ken that she could anything she wanted in the store. So our shopping spree was a big hit and we all speak fondly of our shopping trips together. For Molly's gift, I gave her several options. She selected shopping so today was the day. What she wanted was tops for the winter. She has grown taller so her tops from last year are too short. We found everything she wanted in the first store and she is pleased with her choices. Molly is taller than me but she will turn 13 later this month so fitting clothes is difficult. She must have tried on 50 objects and rejected most. But bit by bit she is now set for the winter, which in Mississippi is not very cold. I even bought two shirts for myself. Outside the dressing rooms is a delightful area just for Christina and me to evaluate the fashion show. It even has a chandelair. Our shopper excursions always end with lunch at a fancy restaurant. And Kate joined us for lunch which made the day even more festive. We dined at an Italian restaurant. Molly was pleased with her shopping and her lunch. Nothing pleases a grandmother more than having a happy and content grandchild. Today, everyone was happy.

November 6, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Simulation.

The place is all very high tech, both the machines and the people. Yesterday I was called to come in for the simulation for my radiation. They go through the particulars of where the radiation will go, making sure the two places for radiation will be covered. My appointment was for 10:30 today. Forrest, my lyft driver took me. And we were on time. The radiation department at Baptist Hospital is effecient. I waited one minute before being taken back. After the Ct scan, the technitians wrote on my belly while watching the scan. Today they did the same thing except today they were also manipulating the radiation machine. I lay on a very hard table. My instructions were to stay perfectly still, which sounds easy to do but is not. They would have preferred me to put my arms over my head but I can not do that so my arms were by my side. The machine comes from the right and the left and sometimes was right over my belly. Lots of numbers were called out from one to the other. The radiation doctor came to approve the numbers. And finally they wrote on my belly and side again. The old marks from Tuesday were washed away. They will hit me with radiation from three places, which is supposed to be more effective and causes fewer side effects on the skin. I now have a square right in my middle. Charming. After Forrest took me into the Cancer Center, he drove a gentleman to Madison, then headed back to pick me up. The timing was perfect. I was told that the simulation would take 30 minutes and they were right. I waited 2 minutes before Forrest arrived to take me home. Everyone seemed competant and pleasant. Now my radiation will begin on Monday at 11:15 and and will take in total 30 minutes. The actual radiation is 20 minutes with a few minutes to get set up and finish. The treatments will be for two weeks. Between Kashina, my neighbor and my Lyft dsriver I should be able to get myself there. Once again, here we go.

November 5, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Isolation.

One of the difficulties of being isolated is that you begin to like the isolation, which I am sure is not a good idea. My covid test was on Friday morning and until the test results were given, I was required to isolate myself. The results come back in 2 days but then there were Saturday and Sunday. So everything for the weekend was cancelled. No shopping with Molly and no brunch on Sunday with Christina and the girls. And I was by myself on Monday too. Both Gill and I agreed when we were both quarentined that we kind of enjoyed being without any company. So I did well both in Nova Scotia and here in Mississippi. Kashina was working on Tuesday but she will not be working until next Monday so this week I am again alone. And I am fine. I am practicing for when I go to Mexico. This winter will be exactly the same as the summer, when I had no company at all. So far, no one is coming to visit me. The main difference is that none of my friends are also not going to Mexico so I will not have friends by the pool to talk to. In Nova Scotia I had local friends, plus my helper Anna, who worked two days a week. But this week I am practicing. Tomorrow I go to get the similation for the radiation. Then the radiation will begin next week, I hope. So I must get to the cancer center of the Baptist Hospital every day for two weeks. I will not be alone for those two weeks. Tomorrow, my Lyft driver will take me. I read an article a few weeks ago telling me to be connected as I age. Social contact is what they advocate for living a happy and long life. Biut what then about the quarentine and isolation required by the virus? Could not be good for a person. But both Gill and I have learned to like it. Interesting.

November 4, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Water.

Yesterday when attempting to get into the gate at my Roses Bluff neighborhoos we noted a sign telling us to boil the water. And the gate was roped off, so we turned around and entered at the small gate, which had been kept open. The same boil the water sign was also at the small gate. Kashina and I knew something was up. As we drove by the road we normally had been on Kashina could see that the road had all been ripped up. When we got home, we had no water. Boiling was not an option. We could not even flush the toilets. Water is something we never think about. We know that the water is clean and always available. We are spoiled. In Nova Scotia where we have wells, the water will not run when the electricity goes out so you can not flush the toilets. Generally we know a storm is coming and we fill the tub with water. But here, all of a sudden we have no running water. Fortunately I had a case of bottled water in the car so Kashina brought it in and put it in the pantry, where I am using it. The boil the water is still in force although we did get the water running last evening. Comcast was working at a house just inside the gate when they hit a water main, spewing water everywhere over the road. It flowed for an hour before it was turned off and the water lifted the brick tiles on the road, the one that was just replaced last year. Now we have running water but we are still supposed to boil the water before drinking. Without water to the house reminded me how fortunate we are to be living at this time and place. We have clean water, electricity, internet, television and garbage collection. We live like kings.

November 3, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Popeye.

Someone told me that the fried chicken at Popeye was good but I had never tasted it. But today when I was at the office of the radiation doctor I got hungry for friend chicken. My appointment was for 1:00 which is a difficult time. I was to see the doctor and also have a CT scan so I knew I would miss lunch. I ate a bit of a snack at noon and we left at 12:15 so I did fine but I was hungry when we left at 4:15. Kashina knew about 2 Popeys on the way home so we decided to bring some chicken home. I was hungry for fried chicken, something I have not eaten for months. Drive through is required. The first one we saw had a long line so we went to the one on County Line. I thought we were in good stead because there were only 2 cars ahead of us in line. But the wait was long and I was wishing I had not suggested we go to Popeys. Eventually we gave our order, then paid at the next window. Then we waited. And we waited. Finally the food was brought to the car and we headed home. My early dinner was delicious. I ate green beans and rice and red beans along with the fried chicken. I loved every bite and I bought extra to eat tomorrow. I am already looking forward to eating another biscuit along with the chicken. But the wait was not worth getting the chicken even though it is good. But for now, I will enjoy myself eating my fried chicken. It will be a long time before I have any more and will probably never go to Popeys.

November 2, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Sand Glass.

You will find no sharp edges on the sand glass you find in Nova Scotia. Rather the glass is as smooth as a baby's bottom. I mention it because a friend noticed the small sign on the back of the picture and asked the question, "What is sand glass?" So I explained. During the summer of 2019, the first year I was by myself in Nova Scotia, my friend Ruth, who was staying with me, invited a friend from New Brunswick to visit us for a day and a night. As you would expect, we had a good time. When she got home, she wrote me a thank you note. The card was purchased in Liverpool and was hand made. It was simple but charming. There was a black stem, made by ink. At the top of the stem were pieces of beach glass, collected on the beaches of Nova Scotia. One green colored glass in the middle and seven white encircling the green stone, making it into a flower. I liked the card so I kept in on the desk by the telephone. My intention was to have it framed and hang it in some bathroom. But there are no framers in Liverpool so the card stayed on the desk. In 2020, when getting ready to come home, I decided to bring the card home and have it framed in Jackson, which I did. Kashina found a framer in Ridgeland close to home so thanks to GPS we found the framer and in 6 days the little card was all set to be hung. Now if you visit friend Eleanor, you will find it on the shelf in the Family room, along with china and fancy porcelain. I took it to her when she was having cookies and tea for the ladies. The little card is still charming but now it looks a bit elegant. Eleanor is pleased and so am I. The sand glass has found a home.

November 1, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Home & Comfort.

When we moved into this home in the Spring of 2015, this home was certainly not comfortable. When Wonderful Wendy came to unpack our boxes, no shower worked properly. But soon the plumbing was fixed as were all electrical matters. And the locks worked too. But the house was still not comfortable. Our bedroom and TV room were hot in the hot weather and cold in the cold weather. We realized that the windows in the rooms adjacent to the bedroom and Ken's office had single pane glass, as did the very large window high in our bathroom. So we replaced those windows. And things got better. But the house was still not comfortable. Our bedroom was too hot in warm weather. So we installed a third unit for our bedroom and bathroom. Now all is well. The whole house is comfortable. Chantes installed a light in the TV room because our lighting was inferior. He discovered that no insulation was in the ceiling of the TV room. At one point it was supposed to be a screened porch. Now the whole house must have good insulation because the units almost never turn on. Lst night the outside temperature went into the 40's but the heating system only came on a few times. My home is comfortable and I am grateful we fixed it up. Nothing not to like now. Wonderful Wendy could shower in every bathroom and the showers would work properly. But it was not like that in 2015 in the Spring. But we fixed every problem. Hurrah.

October 31, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Halloween.

Tonight there is a full moon. And it is a blue moon, so tonight would be the perfect Halloween night. But most events are cancelled. Greta Barbour and John had had to cancell their spendid party. Every Halloween night, they invite their friends, neighbors and family to their house for a Haloween party. John cooks a big pot of something deliciopus such as gumbo or red beans and rice. We sit on their porch and eat John's food and drink hot mulled wine. And we eat ginger cookies made by Eleanor. Then we get to hand out the trick and treaters. The children get taken to get their own treats, always with some parent. And we have a good time. But not this year. No party. Many places have told parents to keep their children home. Some areas have said nothing. But I was home tonight and had no children at my door. So apparently Halloween has been cancelled. Mary Frances made herself a costune. Fondren had a contest yesterday and she won the prize for being the scariest. Being clever, she dreams up the most inventive costunes. This year she was Frankenstein's wife. But there were no other parties. She worked at the coffee shop today but her wig was too cumbersome so she was going to wear another costume from past years. But tonight was a perfect Halloween night, with cool weather, full blue moon and an extra hour to sleep. But not this year. Halloween was mostly cancelled.

October 30, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. The Test.

Today I saw effeciency in action. The test was a wonder to behold. Forrest, my Lyft driver, picked me up at 8:35. The Baptist clinic was on Old Canton Road in Jackson, a place I had driven past hundreds of times but never noticed. But the GPS took us right there. At 8:55 we drove in and followed directions, which was to call the number to tell them we were there, which we did. We waited three minutes. My appointment was for 9:00. While I was waiting I called them back with a couple of questions, which they answered. They did not need any cards as my name and dates were already in the system. I must only isolate until I receive the results. Unfortunately, this comes on the weekend so I will not get results until Monday. But when I am at home, my helper can come and stay in the next room. Same for the cleaning lady on Monday. No restaurants or shopping. Too many people. As soon as I got off the phone, a nurse appeared and while I sat in the car, she swabbed my nostril. She was all gowned up with gloves and mask. And I wore a mask too. The test took two minutes. We drove home and were there at 9:15. For sure, that was the most effecient test I have ever had. I was pleaased. As I have no sign of any illness, I feel sure I will test negative. But I await the result. I can check my chart on the internet on Monday to find out how I did. If I did test positive the nurse will call. That would not be good. But for the moment, all is well.

October 29, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. The Walkway.

I keep my eyes on the floor when I walk. I never looked up at the ceiling of the walkway from the kitchen to the garage. My neighbors have a glass enclosed walkway which they have used as a solarian but our walkway is open with lattice work on both sides and a ceiling keeping us from getting wet. Today, two agile young men speaking spanish were making repairs to something that I did not know was broken. I noticed that 2 of the three lights in the walkway had burned out, so I called Chantes, my handyman. I also noticed that one bulb was burned out in the living room. Two days later, he came and while here, checked all the lights. Turned out that three more of the ceiling bulbs in the kitchen were burned out too, so he replaced them all. Fortunately, Ken had kept a good supply in the pantry. While Chantes was replacing the bulbs in the walklway, he noticed that water had been leaking and the boards were rotten. He had me look at the ceiling. Before he replaced the bulb he needed to repair the roof. Then he needed to repair the ceiling of the walkway. It all began as a simple request. Now it is not so simple. But thanks to Chantes and his crew I will have good light in the walkway. which will not leak. Now I am all set with this house. Lots of light and no water leaks in the walkway. I am glad to have Chantes fix the problems. He is a good fellow for sure.

October 28, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Mexico & Decisions.

I have made my decision but have not yet booked my flight. I have gathered information. And for the life of my, I can not find any reason not to go to Mexico. So I am going. But before I book my flight, I must meet with the radiation doctor to map out the plan for my treatment and I will find that out on Tuesday when I meet with the doctor. I want the radiation to be finished before I head to Mexico. So that is my plan. Over the years, every doctor has encouraged me to travel from place to place, even the year when I was required to have my chemo infusion in Mexico. Also the year I was going to Nova Scotia when I was first taking Ibrance, which was not approved in Canada, and no Oncologist would treat me. But the Texas Oncologist figured out a plan, which worked perfectly. After Ken met his Neurologist in Mississippi after we came back from Nova Scotia and Ken was looking better than he left, the Neurlogist agreed that it was bettewr to be up and going, rather than stay at home. All the doctors have agreed that part of my successful recovery has been due to the interest I take in my journeys. "Keep on going," they all say. Which now includes Mexico this winter. The temperature in Mexico is around 80. The breeze comes right off the Pacific and is clean. T%he resort has done the safe actions in place. The beach and pools are open. Even the beach restaurant is open. And every night the sun sets right over the Ocean. I can isolate just as well in Mexico as when I am in Mississippi. So I am going. As I am an American citizen I can also get beack home. And if the airlines cancel my flight I will get another. So I can not figure out any rational reason to stay at home and miss the winter overlooking those sunsets. My mind is made up. I am going to Mexico in January, 2021.

October 27, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. New Appointments.

These new appointments seem to be unending. Yesterday The nurse from the head of the radiation department called to make an appointment with Dr. Soog. My appointment is for November 3, at 1:00. In addition, the doctor requires me to take a covid test before seeing her. And she told me that the nurse from the hospital would call me to make an appointment. Soon the nurse coordinartor called. The Baptist Hospital evidently has clinics all over the city, so it took awhile to find the closest testing site for me. Then we mad an appointment for Friday of this week at 9:00. Kashina does not work this Friday so I will use Lyft. But I was not finished. I was told that I must have a teleconference with another nurse to interview me. That nurse would text me at 3:20, when I would contact the link and agree to use face time during the interview. It was all high tech. The nurse called at the correct time and we talked. She wanted to know lots about where I have been. And she wanted to know about my health. She told me what would happen during the test and she told me how I would get the results. The interview took almost 30 minutes. I did not quite understand her during the conversation but in thinking about the discussion, I think she said that I needed to isolate until I saw the good doctor on the 3rd. As I have three social events over the weekend, that would be difficult. Perhaps she meant I needed to be distant from anyone. Finally I am set to see the head of radiation on November 3rd. Unfortunately, that will trigger a lot more appointments. These appopintments are unending. But if they make me better, here we go.

October 26, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Eyes.

Good news. The pressures in both eyes are perfect. Dr. Kosko, the glaucoma specialist, has told me that I no longer am likely to go blimd from glaucoma. So this is good news. In addition, my eyes have not changed since my last appointment. My vision straight ahead is crystal clear and the peripheral vision is not getting any worse. So that also is good news. What I have is what I will get in the future, so this is good. I can function quite well now. The ripples in the retina in my right eye still makes me see gray sometimes but not very often. As long as things stay the same, I am good to go. Since 2017 I have refused to take a field of vision test. You click a button whever you see the light. But I always fail the test so I refused to take any more. But today I agreed because I wanted to see if my vision was getting worse. I srtill failed miserable but my results had not gotten any worse, so that was good too. My left eye was actually terrible on that test. I could only click the button once, while I thought I had done well with my right eye. Dr. Kosko told me that the test was changed and now is specically designed for people with mild or medium gloucoma, which is not me. So the fact that my right eye was the same tells me that I may be seeing more out of the right eye. I should have talked to the good doctor before I started taking this herbal medication. Robbie read about this stuff and Joyce sent me the video. It is supposed to help eye issues, specically macular gegeneration and maybe glaucome. So I ordered it, and have been taking three of these pills ever day. Today I took an empty bottle to Dr. Kosko. He knew it well and immediately recommemded I continue to take it. Every herbal compound in the stuff is good for eyes, he said. So tht too was good. My appointment with Dr. Kosko was satisfying. Hurrah.

October 25, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. New but Old.

Today for brunch, Christina and I decided to go to Surin, a Thaie restaurant in the Fondren district of Jackson. But when she mentioned it to Mary Frances, she told Christina that the name had changed to Thailicious. As we all enjoy Thai food, we went. Surin was an excellent restaurant but it was big with a large bar and two main dining areas plus an outside patio. It was always busy but it did not survive the shutdown for the virus. I have read that 40% of all eating and drinking establishments in New York City will be closed by the end of the year. This is the second excellent restaurant in the Jackson area to have closed permantly due to the virus. One charming practice at Surin was to bring you soup immediately after you ordered your beverage but before ordereing food. The soup was light and delicious, served in a very small bowl. The first time we went to Surin, Kate ordered a big bowl of souip for her brunch, it was so good. No soup today unfortunately. The new restaurant has taken over less than half the space. The seating is different and there is no bar. They took on the back portion of the place which does not give access to outside dining. Thailicious has been open for two weeks. Fortunately, we decided that the food is excellent, perhaps better than Surin. As is often the case, the restaurant is family owned and run. The man who speaks excellent english was the owner waited on us. Two ladies helped bring the food. Their english was limited. I ordered Pad Thai, because I have eaten it all over north america and know what good pad thai should taste like. Mary Frances ordered it too as all week she was thinking about eating Pad Thai. We both declared it a winner. The folks waiting on us were charming. We were sad to see that Surin has gone but we are delighted to find the replacement which has superior food. Some days you just get lucky.