August 31, 2020. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Essays and Short Stories.

This old book, Essays and Short Stories, edited by E.F.Kingston was on a table beside Ken's chair in his woprkshop. He had a recler chair which he used often. On both sides of the chair were tables with stacks of books. This old blue book was at the top of one pile. Anna and I brought all his books back to the house. Some were put on shelves over the desk in the office and the rest were placed on the shelves outside our bedroom. Except the one old book. I like short stories so I thought I would enjoy reading some of the stories. Inside the book is a bookmark from Wells Books and Antiques, a wonderful store in Liverpool so I assumed the book came from that store. I put the vbook beside my table but did not open it...ubntil this summer. Much to my surprise I discovered that Ken's name, in his hand writing was on the first page along with the year, 1951, grade 11. It turned out to be a book for matriculartion classes. I have no idea how that book ended up in Ken's workshop. I started to peruse the book and discovered that it is divided into three sectiomns. The teacher could selecxt whatever section the teacher wished. There are notes for each short piece at the back of the book. As I had not used a text book for many years, I decided to start at the beginning and keep on going. The book was published in 1950 so no modern writers are in the book. I also decided that if I do not like the style or content I would just skip to the next piece. So that is what I am doing. So far I have read pieces by Virginia Woolf, Thomas Hardy, Aldouis Huxley and Thomas Raddall. Plus Santanyana. I am plowimng ahead, enjoying a book Ken studied from high school. And I am learning somethings. Thomas Raddall is a Liverpool man. The library was named after him. Ken has a collection of his many books, which are on the top shelf in the office. Ken had read them all but I have read none. But the short story in this book is excellent, which surprised me. I am enjoying this book. The whole thing comes as such a surprise to find that book in the workshop. It is another one of Ken's surprises.

August 30, 2020. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Conversations.

A week ago Saturday, David N. came to measure the letters for Connor. And he stayed for a cup of coffee. And we talked. He said that during the shut down when everone were required to stay home, he did fine, but he missed the conversations he was used to have through out the day. I mentioned that one aspect of Kens death was thst I missed our conversations. Just before he left, we both talked about the summer of 2020 when no visitors could be found anywhere. When he left, he asked if he could pop in to chat for a bit on his way home from work. And he did. Twice this week, David arrived just as I was drinking my orange drink, which I do in the office. We talk while I drink. And I enjoyed every minute. He was born and raised in Liverpool as have his ancestors. The cemetary in Cape Sable Island is full of Nickersons so he knows a lot of history of Nova Scotia. And this evening he called to ask if he could bring me dinner, which he did. He just dropped off a plate of baked ham, potao salad and tomartoes. I enjoyed dinner. During one of our chats, he told me that he cooks each week. Usually he cooks something on the weekend than just eats on what he cooked through the week. Today he baked a ham. David lives in his grandparents home. He also spent the bulk of his childhood in the house. I had been told that he had interited that home, but that was not the case. His grandfather gave the property to the three grancdchildren. David bought out his two siblings. The house is a time capsule. His grandfather had it built in 1932. Nothing has been changed. His grandfather died in 1980. Amazing that everything is as it was when it was built. The kitchen is the same. David likes it just as it is. I believe that I am the beneficiary of David's kindness. He is taking me on as a project to keep me from being lonely. He is a good fellow.

August 29, 2020. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Rain.

Finally, we are getting the much needed rain. It sounds wonderful. I came upstairs at 10 and sat in my comfortable chair intending to read before coming to the computer. But I sat listening to the sound of the rain and was lulled to sleep by the rain pelting on the windows. And I slept in the chair for an hour, something I never do. Rain has been on everyones lips. The waitrtess on Friday mentioned gleefully that we are supposed to get some rain. And the lawn mowing man mentioned last week that business is down because everyone has brown grass that is not growing. Thus not much lawn mowing. He was at the house to figure out what to do with the spave left by Connor. The land is pretty level except for where the keel set so he will fill it in, add top soil and seed the area. And he hoped we wold have rain, which at this point is only a myth, said he. We have not had any substancial rain since I arrived. The only reason why more wells have not run dry is because they had a very wet Spring so the ground has been wet deep down. The rains began at 6 this evening and rained for two hours, a gentle rain. And it stopped so I was fearful we would get no mkore rain. But by 10, when I came up I could hear the rain, but harder. The rain is coming at the windows both at the water side and at the end towards the guest house. And the wind is blowing. The forecast is for the rain to continue all night. I hope that happends. Firstly because we need a really good soaking. And secondly because I love to go to sleep hearing the sounds of the rain. It is a lovely sound, especially when you have a new roof.

August 28, 2020. Western Head, Nova Scotia. The Osprey Nest.

I do enjoy going to a new restaurant. Jan and Larry told us about The Osprey Nest in Petite Riviere. They said the food was excellent, which is high praise. They have high standards. They are only open Thursday through Sunday so Friday is our only day. Friday is Anna's day to cook and it usually takes all morning. But today she was not cooking much so we left home in time to drive the shore and find the new restaurant, which we did. The weather was again perfect so we enjoyed our drive along the shore. It was a lovely drive. And the restaurant did not disapppoint. The place is just up from the shore road, in a new subdivision called Atlntic Breeze. The building is new but tries to look old with old barn siding on the walls and wide plank floors. The waitresses were all dressed in black and young. Also energetic and enthusiastic. Their menu looked interesting. I could have ordered several items and been happy but both Anna and I selected their special. We could have eaten outside on their wide deck but at first I could not see any shade. After we sat inside for a bit I finally spotted multiple umbrellas on the back deck. I want them to thrive. This is the first summer they have been in business, which is a tough summer for business with no tourists from the US or other Canadians. I hope the local folks support them. I was pleased...finally...to try out the newest restaurant on the south shore.

August 27, 2020. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Shelburne.

Once upon a time, Shelburne was a much bigger town than it is now. after the American Revolution, United Empire Loyalists moved to Nova Scotia. Most of them settled in Shelburne. They built big houses with funds they brought with them and they were funded by the British government. But after a couple of years, the funding stopped and as the loyalists did nothing to open businesses, they were forced to move. Many returned to the US. Some moved to Halifaxz but where the town had 10,000. resicents in the early part of the 19th century, now Shulburne is small. Most of the big houses have been restored and are beautiful. The waterfront still has all the old warehouses, which have been used in many movies. Anna had never been to Shelburne so on Tuesday we drove down to check it out. We walked the waterfront, which is nicely done with walkways and signs. Usually there is a place making barrels and another making dories but they were not open. Ken and I always walked the main street but most places seemed closed. We did go into the furniture store who seemed to be doing well. We ate lunch at the Sea Dog Saloon overlooking the water. And we drove home along the coast. Charlotte Lane was not serving lunch. They are open for dinner but that did not help us. We enjoyed the drive in our air conditioned truck and Anna was pleased to see the town. But I thought it was sleepy and was not doing well. But we were glad we went.

August 26, 2020. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Hurricane Laura.

Laura is a big storm, due to hit land around midnight tonight at the border of Texas and Louisiana. It is a catagory 4 storm with winds up to 140 miles per hour. And it is wide, about 60 miles on each side of the eye. It is moving fast so the heavy rain will not last long. But the officials expect a big storm surge of up to 20 feet. What that means is if you live in a one story house and live close to the shore, the surge will go over your house. So this storm is a deadly storm. My friend Alice Anne lives in Galveston on the west end of the island, which means no sea wall. On Tuesday afternoon, she evacuated and went to stay with a friend in a little town called Santa Fe, Texas. Leaving Galverston is not easy. You must use the causeway and bridge to leave the island, which is south of Houston. If you wait too long to evacuate, the rain floods the causeway and you can not leave so early evacuatiuon is necessary. Other friends have gathered as well, all from along the coast. There are 7 people, 7 dogs, 3 cats and 12 chickens. They also have an RV which is plugged into the elextricity of the house. So they are able to accomodate everyone. Alice Anne sent me a picture of her bed which seems to be a pull out couch in an office. So she is inland and high and dry. And they are prepared with many bags of ice, lots of bottled water plus gin and tonic. And they have a new generator. They are set for whatever comes their way. I certainly wish them well.

August 25, 2020. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Risk.

Son David was invited to spend the summer at the cottage with Uncle Ken, the first year my brother in law retired. He flew to Buffalo and was driven by Dave and Irene to the lake. In some ways at the cottage Carol was strict. If you were a child you must either pass a swimmimng test or wear a life vest if you wanted to go in the water orbe on the dock. In other things she was lenient. As long as the children were at home, they could stay up until the board games were over, which often went to small hoiurs in the morning. Marion and Gary stayed in the adjacent cottage and they were always willing to play games. So David played hundreds of games of Risk that summer. Gary always won. So at our 50th anniversary held in Nova Scotia, David wanted to play a game of Risk with Gary. David figured that Gary was older and David had two degrees and was running a successful business. David thouight for asure as he was also older, Gary should no longer win. One evening, a group played Rist in the garage. The game went on a long time. And they had a lot of fun. But Gary still won. David could not believe it. Gary remains the champion of Risk. Too funny.

August 24, 2020. Western Head, Nova Scotia. August.

Ken and I always took our vacations in August. When we moved to Maryland in 1970, we packed up our campming gear and headed to Parry Sound to camp at Ottor Lake with Bud and Mary. They and their three children stayed all summer at their propeerty, living in a camper trailer and a tent while we stayed in our tent. We had a splendid time. With a dock amnd a boat and a fire pit we were set. They had a large dining fly and picnic tables so it was comfortable. Every afternoon we drove into Parry Soiund to see Ken's Mother and Pearl where we drank tea and ate huge numbers of sweet goods, all baked by Ken's Mother. On the way up to Parry Sound, we always stopped for a few days with Dave and Irene in Hamilton. And we stopped to see Carol anmd Ken at their cottage at McCollough Lake just south of Owen Sound. Our pattern was always to leave Friday after work and drive a few hours before stopping at a motel. After a xswim and a good meal we were set for the morning to get to Hamilton, where we would arrive early in the afternoon. This all occured when schools started after Labor Day. By then the boys were finished sports camp and other courses and we were ready to enjoy the good weather with no bugs. We loved camping at Ottor Lake, listening to the loons while we sat around the fire and even watched the northern lights. No doubt about it. August was and is the best month for a vacation.

August 23, 2020. Western Head, Nova Scotia. David N.

David drove over last this morning to look at the size of the letters of Connor. He will mount the letters on a board which we will hang in the garage as a fond memory of boat Connor. He came on his motorcycle. And he stayed for a cup of coffee which we drank sitting in the living room. We have known David for 21 years. At first he was a nice young man and now he is a nice man with curly white hair. We talked about lots of things, one being bald eagles. He said that once upon a time he loved them but now he does not because they have scared away most of the gulls and shore birds. He is a skilled carpenter and has made our coffee table and the drop leaf table in the guest house. Since last summer he has been working at the large log house in White Point Estates. Last summer he told us about the house. It was big, 8400 sq.ft.plus a 3 car garage with an apartment over the garage. Right at the beginning, David told us that the house was being built too close to the water. The owner would not hear the reality of Atlantic storms. We can see the house through our front window. Most homes on that shore have houses with trees beside the houses but this one appears to have no trees close to it. It juimps righjt out at you. Last September during the storm Dorian, the waves washed up to the unfinished house and actually removed the staging/scaffolding and washed it out to sea. David was working at the house and went to the back of the house to avoid being swept away. The owner of the house has a solution. He will pour tons of concrete between the house and the level of the low tide. The concrete will be attached to ledge rock. The he will build a deck in front of the house and on top ofconcrete. The owner is German and knows little of Atlantic storms. But he knows everything, according to David. So I will be interested what happens during our next big storm as to whether or not that house will still be standing. David suggests that we should not bet on the house still being standing in ten years. It will be interesting. I enjoyed our conversation today. One day soon David is coming to get the letters for Connor and bring me dinner, which he will have cooked himself. Pretty nice prospect.

August 22, 2020. Western Head, Nova Scotia. My Reading Lamp.

Last week, the light bulb in my reading lamo burned out in my bedroom. I was unable to remove the shade and the bulb so I waited for Anna. We bought the lamp in 1999 and the bulb has never meeded replacing. Anna discovered that the bulb was a 200 amp bulb which had a large socket. The lamp shade just sits on top of the glass cover. Once the shade was beige but now it was light brown. The lamp was ugly when we boiught it and was still ugly now but we stopped looking at it because the lamp gave great light. At the hardware store, Anna discovered that no bulbs such our bulb are available but she got an adaptor and a new bulb to fit it. Now I am back in business. When Anna removed the shade, she suggested that I did not need the shade at all. In fact, she thought the lamp would look better by itself. So I removed it and immediately wondered why the lampshade was still attached because the lamp no longer looks quite so ugly. Half way down the stand is a cone that provides more light. In fact, when the bulb burned out I used the little cone of light to read. Now the only part of the lamp is that brassy cone. The rest of the lamp looks quite elegent, all by removing an old lamp shade. Once again I ask myself "Why didn't I remove that shade years ago?" Thank heavens for Anna. She is sprucing me up.

August 21, 2020. Western Head, Nova Scotia. My Busy Day.

Today my life was buzzing. Most of the morning Anna cooked while I drank tea and read. Then we ran errands: The bank for cash, gas up Anna's car, buy milk and finally walk at Privateer Park. Lunch at home made by Anna of BLT's each. Then I took a short nap. Next up was my pedicure at 3:30. And the fun began. My truck was finally ready with the new airconditioner. Annd had to drive her husbands truck today because she had left her car here when she took the truck into the garage on Tuesday. But the truck was not ready until this afternoon so she was forcedto drop her busband off at work then drive to work with me this morning. So after my pedicure, Anna and I drove to Bridgewater to pick up her husband at work so we could retriecve my truck, which we did. Finally we drove the two vehicles to their home and then all drove in my truck to Liverpool, which now has a new air conditioning system. But we still had Anna's car at my house so we three drove back to Liverpool to pick up Anna's car. Yesterday evening I suggested on the phone to Anna that we might eat dinner at Lane's to reward all our efforts with the truck. Fortunately, they were free of activities so this evening we three, Abe, Anna and I ate dinner at Lane's. It was a reward for the complications with the truck. We had a grand time. We drank red wine and celebrated in style. My day was busy and productive. And we all had fun.

August 20, 2020. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Dill Pickle Juice.

Last Friday evening I had dinner at the home of friend Sandra. John and Nancy were there too. The evening was delightful and delicious. We sat all evening outside in the screen room. At some time durinmg the evening, John stodd up because his legs were hurting. Our conversation continued but with John standing. Eventually I asked him about his legs. He is prone to leg cramps so we talked abou solutiomns. Eventually I told him about Robbies dill pickle juice solution. Many years ago, Robbie was visiting his brother, who was the coach of a high school football team in Texas. Robbie got a cramp in his leg. Immediately, the brother gave Robbie a shot of dill pickle juice. Acd the cramp went away. The brother coaches in Texas where the weather is hot so the players are prone to cramping in the heat. The solution for the team to stay without cramping was to make sure the boys drank water, plus a shot of dill pickle juice at the first sign of trouble with their legs. In games where the other team suffered from leg cramos, the brothers team had no troiuble with cramping. Robbie has been using dill pickle juice ever since and has often told us about it. Neither Robbie or his bother have no idea how it works. But they swear it does work. So I told John and Sandra immediately found dill pickle juice which John drank. The next day I called friend Joyce to get directions which I passed on to John. I will be interested to find out if the dill pickle juice works on Jojhn's leg cramps. I might even need to use it myself.

August 19, 2020. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Connor.

The first season we were here, Ken and I decided that instead of installing a climber in the yard, we would buy a Cape Island lobster boat that the children could use as their play boat. But we had trouble finding a boat that was sturdy enough. Fisherman here keep their boats forever. We stopped at every house with a boat in their yard to ask if we could buy it. And if they would not sell, which was everyone, did they know anyone who might be willing to sell their boat to us. I told them what the boat would be doing. Finally, we were told of a man on the other side of the LaHave River who had just sold the motor from his boat and jusr mighjt sell it to us. And he did. We immediatly hired a big truck to bring the boat to us and a crane to lift it in place. It was exciting. Then Ken painted the boat primary colors. Next we asked Kate to name the boat. Immediately, with no hesitation, she said that the name of the boat was Connor. And so it was. Bud made the letters and David N. put the letters on the boat. Connor worked perfectly. All the children loved Connor, including the grandchildrten of our friends. The last time it was painted, we were told that the boat was getting rotten. So I knew Connor was on borrowed time. For the past three years we were not able to allow the children to climb on the cabin. Now Connor is gone, taken in a trailer to the land fill. Six trips were required to take Connor away but now he is gone. Now I see only empty space. But I saved the letters and David N. will mount the name on a board and I will hang the name in the garage to remind us of happy days. For 20 years Connor was a happy sight in the yard. But his day has passed. Long live Connor.

August 18, 2020. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Preparing the House.

Getting the house ready to be painted reminds me a lot like getting ready for Christmas. First you must shop and then wrap in addition to all the preparations for the meals. The organizations for Christmas are always much lomnger than the actual event. But without all that effort, Christmas would not be the joyous event that we all know and love. The men have been working for over three weeks preparing the house to be painted. The decks are littered with stuff. First came the scraping, then the repairs of the rotted shingles and trim. All the benches were moived away from the house in order to scrape the shingles behind the benches. That was not done dsuring the last painting. All the downspouts are down. I can not easily walk the deck because of all the stuff scattered here and there. The heavy fog has slowed things down. Now the rain made everything wet. The primer coats has been done. There are more damaged shingles to be repaired. But soon, the paint will be installed and the house once again will look perfect. Lastly, the shutters and downspouts will go up. And finally the trim painted. I will feel as if was Christmas morning.

August 17, 2020. Western Head, Nova Scotia. The Propane Stove.

During the night we got rain. Finally. and it rained all morning too. I was still reading in the living room at noon and realized that my legs were chilly. I checked my phone for the weather report and discovered that the temperarture in Queens Coiunty was 59. I decided that turning on the propane stove in the middle of August was silly, but I turned it on anyway. The wind was blowing hard too. The propane stove warmed me up and dried out the living room. In addition to the heat, the stove looked glowing orange which looked great. I turned the stove off when I went upstairs in the middle of the afternoon to put up my legs. When I returned at 4:30, I noted that the room was again cool, which surprised me because when the room gets warm it generally stays warm. I walked around inside the house to exercise my legs. Outside, the weather was still yucky. I have a path in the house to get enough leg exercises. After four turns around the house I realized that the window was open. So I was busily warming the outside with the Propane Stove. At 10:00 I went upstairs and found the room chilly. By now the outside temperature was 55. So I turned on some heat in the bedroom. After I had started reading, I wondered if my bedroom window was open too. Sure enough, it was. So twice in the same day I have heated a room with a window open, which is definately not clever. But I tell yoiu, that propane stove warmed up that living room immediately, whether or not the window was open. That stove was pretty nice on a damp cool August day.

August 16, 2020. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Sports.

I do love the human interest aspect of watching sports. Today, two stories were of interest to me. Today, the Washinton hockey team lost their third game of the first round on the Stanley Cup. They lost to the New York Islanders. The coach was what the story makes it interesting. First, the history of the Caps was that they always lost in the playoffs. Every year this good team lost early. Finally a coach came along and helped them win the cup. His name was Barry. During the season, he wanted to renew his contract but the team officials told him to wait until the end of the season. Both Barry and the team officials agreed it would be done. But I thoiught differently. I felt that Barry would win the cup but then refuse to sign a contract, thus sticking it to the team officials. After the Caps won, Barry and the team could not agree to the length of the contract. They wanted 2 years and he wanted 5. So his contract expired and he signed the next day with the New York Islanders. So the Caps are one game away from being eliminated from the playoffs again, beaten by their old coach. Now how stupid do the officials feel about their decision now. Serves them right I think. I loved it unfold before my eyes. Stupidity is always rewarded but not always right before your eyes. Jim Herman just won a PGA tournament today. He is 42 and has won three times on the tour. He was ranked 192 this morning. But tonight he is ranked 54 and so qualifies for the FedEx Cup, the playoffs of golf. I had never heard his name. Last year he missed the cut 7 times and other than his three wins, he has never ranked over 28 on any tournament. But here he has just shot a minus 21 to win the tournament today. On Friday he was three holes from missing the cut once again but he birdied the last three holes and made the cut. On Saturday he shot 61 and today 63. And he won the tournament. And made 2 Million Dollars. It is a great story and I loved it when he won. With golf, anything can happen.

August 15, 2020. Western Head, Nova Scotia. The Gazebo.

I love stories with a happy ending. Last evening, I was taken directly to the screened room on her deck. Sandra had invited John and Nancy as well as me for dinner. Anna dsropped me off on her way home and the plan was for John and Nancy to take me home. The temperature in Liverpool was hot but sitting outside was delightful. Sandra lives close to the river so she gets a lovely breeZe most of the time. I admired the screen room and recalled that I had seen it before. But it turned out that this screened room was new. Last summer, hurrican Dorian took down Sandra's screene room. It was actually a free standing gazebo. The first one died of a natural death and the one from last year disintegrated after the storm. It had been new last summer and the fabric itself just came apart. So Sandra took it back to Canadian Tire and was given a full refund. The the first one had survived many years and this new one, everyone agreed, was defective so she got her money back. Unfortunately, they had no gazebos in stock. Early this summer, Sandra installed an umbrells for shade but did not bother to install the gazebo on the deck. Two weeks ago, her neice called to say that Gazebos were on sale. Furthurmore she and her husband would bring the gazebo and install it. John and Nancy came to help so two weeks ago the new gazebo was put in place. It is clever. The gazebo is free standing so sets on the deck and is open to the dining room french doors. We sat outside in a bug free room enjoying the company and the good food. While we were eating appitizers the rain started falling which sounded delightful. Unfortunately the rain stopped. But that gazebo sitting on the deck is a wonderful addition to the home. I ceertainly enjoyed it last evening.

August 14, 2020. Western Head, Nova Scotia. The Riverbank.

Last week I was told by my friend Larry that the Riverbank, the restaurant in Mill Village had just opened for breakfast. Due to the virus, they had not opened this summer season. Normally they close for winter and open in April. They food is excellent and the place is charming so I was pleased they were open for breakfast. I called them for a reservation and to confirm that they really were open for breakfast. I got all the right answers. Yes I could make a reservation and yes, we are open for breakfast but with limited breakfast optiomns. So I called my friend Sandra to see if she could join me on Thursday for breakfast at the Riverbank. "I love going out for breakfast,"said Sandra so we made a date. She would pick me up at 9:45 because they open at 10:00. When we sat down, the waitress brought us their full menu, which surprised me because I thoiught they only served breakfast. In actual fact, they are open from 10 to 2:30 and you can order anything from their menu but they only have one breakfast item on their menu. So I laughed. I got my questions answered but I only asked one question, not the question I should have asked: "Are you open for lunch?" Sandra and I enjoyed our large breakfast. And we sat right beside the window overlooking the river. The coffee was delicious so Sandra bought a pound to take home. They roast their own beans. Next time I will go for lunch, now that I have the correct information. I did laugh at myself for getting correct answers to my incomplete questions. Once again...kept me humble.

August 13, 2020. Western Head, Nova Scotia. The Swiss Chalet.

Every summer, for purposes of nostalgia, Ken and I would eat lunch at The Swiss Chalet in Bridgewater. Years ago in Toromnto, we would dine there with our friends. The food was inexpensive and good. Over the years, when we thought about the Swiss Chalet it always was with a smile. We enjoyed ourselves all those years ago. But we moved to Texas in 1964 where there were no Swiss Chalet restaurants so the memory just stayed in our mind until we moved to Nova Scotia. We were both delighted to find one in Bridgewater. The first time we ate there, Ken asked me why we thought the food was so good. I laughed and suggested that our tastes had changed. But every summer, we made the obligitory meal at The Swiss Chalet. I still ordered exactly what I ate in Toronto all those years ago but Ken ordered from their new expanded menu. Anna and I went there for lunch on Monday and I ate exactly the same orde: half chicken with french fries with double sauce. And I brought half the chicken home to enjoy at supper. I still love their sauce which has never changed and I still think of The Swiss Chalet with pleasaure. They were good times.

August 12, 2020. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Hockey.

I had been watching a bit of golf on Tv, because it was the only sport available. Then I watched a game of hockey. I laughed out loud. I had gone from the sublime to the ridiculous with one switch of the remote. The hockey moved so fast I was unable to keep up withj the pace. It took me awhile to even keep track of the play. Now that I have watched parts of several games I am now enjoying the play. Now I know what people mean they say they can not watch hockey bcause they are unable to follow the play. One evening at David and Suzanne's home, we switched on the Hoiuston baseball game to see the score. Immediately, the Astros scored to even the game. They had scored in the bottom of the 9th, with 2 outs. We decided to watch what would happen but after 5 extra innings with no score we gave up and went to bed. The next morning we discovered the game ended in the 23rd inning. I felt the same way yesterday except this time I watched uintil the bitter end. The Lighjtning was playing the Blue Jackets. Last year, the BJ's swept the Lightning in the first round of the playoffs, even thoiugh the Lightning was expected to play for the cup. Yesterday, after three periods, the score was tied so they played overtime. And they kept going, with no one scoring. Fortunately, the game had started at 2:00. Finally, the Lightning scored but not until the middle of the 5th overtime. So those players played almost 3 full games. One player was on the ice for 60 minutes. They must all be tired today. But it was great fun when the Lightning finally scored. The player who scored the winning goal tried to jump for joy but he was only able to jump up two inched. His legs were done. And so was I.

August 11, 2020. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Masks.

Once agarn, I am merely an innocent bystander for the use of masks. I never commemnt out loud to any people, except to Anna, nor do I criticicise. I just watch...and smile. Last week, the premier of Nova Scotiam issued the rule that everyone in Nova Scotia must wear a mask at all times when leaving their house and upon entering a business. In discussing this rule with George, he thought the rule was getting ready for people to get used to masks, for when they decided to open the border to Quebec and Ontario, yhus getting rid of the 14 day quarantine. I was especially interested because there is no covid infection in Livewrpool or Queens County and only three people have tested positive in Nova Scotia for the past 6 weeks. Now despite no infection, we are told to wear masks. The exception is for people with medical reasons who were allowed to go maskless. Now everyone is wearing masks, for no good reason other than that the premier so directed. Bizarre things are happening. The other day, Bill and Colette came to pick me up for lunch. No masks in use in the car. When we arrived at the Quardenk, both of them put on their masks and asked me to do the same. Unfortunately, I had forgotten mine. We walked the ten feet to the door, entered, and was asked if I had a mask. I said sno, so they had me sign a paper with my name and phone number. We sat down at the table, ten feet from the door, when both Bill and Colette removed their mask. I said not a word and kept my mouth shut. The same drill occured upon leaving. Put on the mask to walk to the car, then remove it in the car. We were ten feet away from one person, the hostess, who was wearing a mask. We were never close to anyone else. The day before, Anna and I drove to Port Medway to visit a new gift shop and an art show. We walked into the art show., which was in an old barn about 24 by 24 feet, along with a small room attached which was about 12 by 12. When we endtered, a lady was standing in the far corner of the main room talking to a friend. I was irritated because she did not even say hello and welcome. She just kept talking. Anna and I immediated to turned into the small room, as far away as possible from the two ladies. After about five minutes, the lady in charge finally acnowledged us bvy telling us ro put on our masks. There were no other people in the gallery so we said, nicely, that we would stay away from them but we did not bring our masks. That was not acceptable and we were told that the officials told us to wear a mask so we must wear a mask. There only reason was to follow the rules in respect for authority. So we thanked them and left. And we laughed. I first saw masks in use in Japan. It is heir custon to wear a mask when you have a cold so we could see a few people wearing masks on the train or on the street. That was 30 years ago. Now the wearing of masks seems to give a person special feeling of being blessed by a higher being. For sure, if you have and infection, you must wear a mask. And if you are close to many other people, wearing a mask will prohibit getting infected. But the use of the mask has taken an a whole new world of reasons, having nothing to infectiomns. I just smaile and shut my mouth.

August 10, 2020. Western Head, Nova Scotia. The Truck.

The truck is old. 1997 Ford 150. When Ken and I bought a new fancy truck, we brought the old truck to Nova Scotia. All winter, the truck stayed in the garage. At that time we were driving so the old truck was only used every so often. Stephen the mechanic would get the truck before we arrived and make sure it is in good working ordewr. Several years ago the the airconditioner stopped working but we did not fix it because we always had the new truck which did have airconditioning. But a few years ago, we started flying so we were driving with an unconditioned truck. But we convinced each other that as we were living in cool Nova Scotia, we were. comfortable when driving. And for the last few years we were unable to take excursions so all was well. This Spring in Mississippi, I wondered if I should buy a new carfor Nova Scotia, so I would have airconditioning in the truck. Also I like the safety features on the Subaru that I use in Mississippi. But I hated to buy an expensive car and keep it in the garage for 9 months. This summer, Anna and I are taking excursions. And the weather is warm. Again I wondered about buying a new car. In the middle of the night last week, light dawned. I should repair the old truck and replace my old airconditioning system. Stephen told me that I needed a compressor plus a few other things, which he assured me would be expensive. So today Anna and I stopped to talk with a mechanic she usws in Bridgewater. He assured me that with only just over 100,000 mikles on the truck and the truck in good condition, i would be smart to put in a new system. And he thought the cost would not be over $3,000. We also stopped in to find the cost of a new Suburu. I made my decision. Anna drove my truck home today and on Thursday the mechanic will first evaluate, then install the new airconditioning syste,. My real puzzle is why it took so long to think about fixing the old truck? Stupidity was the first answer. Then I realized that until this year, there were always guests driving rental cars with airconditioning so we did not need the old truck for excursions. This summer, Anna and I are venruring furthur afield so we need to be comfortable. It took me awhile but finally, my old truck will have a new airconditioning system. Whoopee!!

August 9, 2020. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Trends.

I am but a bystander but I can read. And I talk with people. I do not track the real estate world as closely as I have done in the past but I have observed new definate trends in the market which seems new. People are getting out of the cities and buying homes in the suburbs. For the past 20 years, buyers wanted to live in the city, to be able to walk to restaurants and banks. But no more. New York people are buying in suburbs in Connecticut in order to get out of the city. At the moment, they are not paying any attention to their apartments in the city. The condo market will tank eventually. Lots of people own weekend and summer homes in the Hamptons. Much to the people who have lived there for years, those summer people have moved to the Hamptons permanently, thus making the places crowded. I recently read statistics for tenants who have moved out of their apartments and do not intend to return. I don't know the specific numbers but the number is large. Once it was difficult to see houses in the far out suburbs, now those places sell. Buyers want space. Working at home worked for many people so now they realize that they can work from afar, but they need space. So that is the next trend, which is space. The largest mansions are still a tough sell but the normal large homes will sell. For several years, small was desirable but no longer is this the case. Watching the world go by is interesting. I will be interested to see if the trends continiue after this virus has gone away. I will be fascinated to watch.

August 8, 2020. Western Head, Nova Scotia. The Fly.

Anna makes a cup of tea for us at 4:00. She makes the herbal tea in my pretty teapot, given to me by Christina and Andrew and she serves the tea in lovely poprcelain mugs. During our tea time, we do two things: we discuss the accomplishments of the day and Anna makes sure no flies are in the living room. If she spots a fly on the window, she springs into action to get the fly swatter and kill the fly, which she does. She is lethat with the fly swatter. Then we try to figure out how the fly got into the house. We have not figured that out. Last evening, just before I was ready to go upstairs, I went into the garage to take paper to the recycle bin. As I came into the kitchen, a fly came with me. And he followed me around, flying circles around me. I tried to go up the stairs quickly because I did not wish that fly in my bedroom. But he was faster than me so I closed the door to discover him flying quickly around and around the room. The first thing I do in my bedroom is to turn on all the lights, especially the light behind my chair. It has the best reading lamp in the house. The lamp is ugly. We went looking for a light for the bedroom for me and went to a used furniture store in Liverpool. We told the owner what we wanted and he brought our the lamp. Both Ken and I just laughed ans told him that the lamp was too ugly to place in our new bedroom. He told us that the lamp gave wonderful light, and that once the lamp was in place, we would never look at it again. That was in 1999 and he was correct. I never see it. I just enjoy the good light. As I was sitting in my chair reading, the fly, who had followed me up from the garage, kept zooming around the room. He never stopped, until he discovered my ugly lamp. All of a sudden I heard a zapping and the flying ceased. My ugly lamp had incinerated the fly. And I never did need to try to find the flyswatter. My ugly lamp is now doubly useful. I was pleaased.

August 7, 2020. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Lunch by J.&.L.

Today at 1:00 lunch arrived in my house. My friends Larry and Jan made and brought lunch. I had invited them to go out with me for lunch but Larry said that they never go out for lunch because his cooking was better than the restaurant so he offered to bring lunch to my house. Today was the day. We had a delightful time. We sat in the living room for a glass of wine, which they brought. And of course we caught up with Liverpool life, such as a shark seen in the mouth of the river. Finally we ate their lunch. Salad with a home made balsamic dressing, home made potato salad and chicken, cooked by Larry on his barbecue. Lunch was delicious. But the best part was their conversation and their company. We had a good time. Finally we talked some more in the living room. Jan put away all the leftover food and left in in my fridge so I have several meals ready for me to enjoy. The unusual aspect of lunch today was the scaping of paint. Two men were preparing to paint so the whole time Larry and Jan were inside with me, we could hear the scaping of their tools. Sometimes we could barely hear ourselves. But both Larry and Jan were impressed with the scraping, which seemed thorough. We cartainly could hear the men at work. But we three enjoyed the good food and the evewn better company. I am so very fortunate to have Jan and Larry as my good friends.

August 6, 2020. Western Head, Nova Scotia. The Printer.

I needed help. And no one was here except me. I love all the modern technology that we use but I must be told how to use them. I am not good at figuring things out. That would be a gross understatement. I am hopeless when things do not work properly. Sad but true. The other evening I tried and tried to fix my problem with no avail. Once again, I called my friend Joey, the computer man to come to the rescue. Of course, I call him very late at night, because I know he does not answer his work phone at night. The next day he will either call me or just come out to help. I could not believe I was unable to solve my problem. A normal person would have had no issue, but I was stumped. My printer was out of paper and I could not find out how to figure out where to put the new paper in the machine. Ken left paper but he never told me how to load the machine. I feel sure that Christina would had had no difficulty and neither would Regina. But not me. If I have not been told how to do it, I was stumped. I knew it was ridiculous to call a computer expert to come and load my printer, but I did it anyway. Gill was away and Mary MacD. is not leaving home so I depend on good hearted Joey. And of course, I pay him. Joey arrived at noon and quickly showed me what to do. After he got rid of the paper jam, the printer worked like a charm. He did laugh and told me that he had taught me so many skills that I might not need him anymopre. Unfortunately, that will not happen. For the moment, everything in my world of technology is working just fine. Whew.

August 5, 2020. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Port Grocer.

Today at noon, I felt as if I was having my own party. To my door was delivered my lunch from the Port Grocer: a pumpkin, ginger soup and a bacon and chicken wrap. I coul hardly belive it. Here in Western Head lunch was delivered to me. Yesterday was another beautiful day so Anna and I dove to Port Medway to walk, then have lunch at the Port Grocer. We parked the truck at the little store and walked to the lightouse park. Several folks were sitting eating lunch outside in the front. The park by the lighthouse is lovely so we enjoyed the walk which included the dock. At first glance, it appeared to be have 2 lobster boats docked, but as we walked the dock we counted 9 large Cape Sable Island lobster boats, just waiting for the next season. The little grocery store has been there for hundreds of years. When we first moved here we ate ice cream in the little store. Five years ago three ladies bought it and fixed it. By last year they served a brisk lunch and dinner along with ice cream and groceries. And it has always been a post office. They now only serve carry out. We could not eat lunch in thei little restaurant. But I discovered they will deliver lunch, which I ordered for myself for today. I could not believe I could receive my lunch lunch right at my house. The food was great but the concept was even better. And I had a party, all by myself.

August 4, 2020. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Fog.

Yesterday morning when I looked out the bedroom window I was unable to see the water. The fog was thick. And when I went downstairs I realized I was not able to see the trees either, let alone the water. Usually, as the sun gets upo in the sky, the fog is burned off and the scenery returns. But not yesterday. By mid afternoon I could not see the guest house at all, nor could I see the big trees beside the property. Of course, no waves could be seen, just heard. It was not until late in the sfternoon that I was able to see the ocean and the guest house., and that was through the mist. I never was able to see Gill's house. By sunset, the fog was again thick. We had a lot of foggy days when we lived in Vancouver. I recall wal;king to school in the fog and hearing footsteps, but seeing no one. It was spooky. But then the air polution cleared up with the arrival of gas and oil furnaces and like magic, the foggy days decreased,. Of course, that was after we moved. All along we thought it was just fog but in reality, the wood and coal furnaces were putting stuff into the air that attached itself to the damp air. Amazing. But this fog is not due to polluted air. It is caused by hot land and cold water meeting. Many years ago, friends from work spent 4 day at our house. They never saw the water due to the fog. Yesterday they would have felt right at home. Pea soup fog. Wendy would have loved it.

August 4, 2002. Western Head. Fog.

When I awoke, I could not see the water, the fog was so thick. Downstairs, it was worse. No water. No guest house, no trees. Normally, the fog disappears with the rising of the sun. But not yesterday. The day just made the fog worse. My words with the beautiful scenery disappeared. Just gone. It was not until sunset that I was able to see the water. I never could see Gill's house or her shore. It was all very magical being in my own world.

August 3, 2020. Western Head, Nova Scotia. More Progress.

Sometime before I leave at the end of September, Corror the playboat will be gone. I feel sad about it but Connor has seen better days and is no longer safe to keep in the yard, let alone the children get onboard to play. We imstalled the boat 20 years ago. Kate named him and Bud made the letters to install on the stern. Ken painted him the first time with bold primary colors. And the grandchildren loved him, as did the rest of our friends grandchildren. When the Ely grandchildren left behind toys, we found toys of boats, soldiers and little indian figures. Not a dish in sight. The last time the boat was painted, he said that the next time Connor needs painting, we needed to take an axe to it. Now the boat is falling apart. Even the keel is split. Darrell, who repairs the bicycles, will bit by bit take Connor to the dump. He promised me that the boat will be gone before I leave town. This morning, while I was still in bed, I could hear scraping. The paimnter and his helper had started the long process of painting the house. The first and most important task was to scrape off all the old paint. It will take them several days of scraping before it is time for a primer. After two coats of primer, the painting goes quickly. After two coats of paint, the house will look perfect. Shingles a devilishly difficult to scrape because you must scrape between every shingle. Gill was smart by just leaving her shingles alone where it has aged a lovely dark grey color. Buit our house was already painted white so we pained the new section and repainted the old. We have been painting it ever since. The new painter guarentees his work for 6 years and thinks it will last ten, even on the shore. It is interesting to walk around the house. The north and west side are perfect, almost, while the east and south walls have half the paint gone. No telling how long it will take to finish the job but one thing I know is that it will be done before I leave. This Spring I had a new roof installed and now the house will have a new dress. Progress has been made.

August 2, 2020. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Goodness.

I feel like my Mother writing me another death letter. My friends keep dying. Son David tells be it because of my age. Martin, who owns with Myles the Morton House, died last week. They retired from Ontario, just a few years after us and the bought and renovated the B&B in Milton. They were also active in the community. The home was large and sit on top of a sloping hill ovrlooking the river. Every summer they hosted a band concert on their grounds. And after Kelly died they ran the ukelele festival. When I arrived and asked about them I was told that Martin was ill but at home. But I was quarantined and by the time I could see him he was in the hospital, where of course I was unable to visit. So Martin died without me ever telling him how importnt he was to the community. I will miss him and so will Liverpool. At age 93, my friend Bernard Gray died last week too. He and his wife Kitty were important people for Ken and me. They rented an apartment to us over their hardware store in Toronto. They charged us a reduced rent because they were nice. They also were active in the Salvation Army and they knew Ken was in Medical School while I taught school. We lived there for almost five years. They never raised the rent. Bernie was an active, energetic man. He played in his corps band until just a few years ago. And he played in the Heritage Band. There were 5 Gray brothers, who all played in Salvation Army bands and who all ran one of the Gray hardware stores. When you wanted to join the Heritage Band, the proceedure was to ask is there was space for another player. But when Bernie was going to retire from the Heritage Band, he told no one. Instead, one of his younger brothers just quietly took over his seat in the band without saying anything to anyone. The funny pat was that it took a few weeks before anyone noticed. I thought it was funny. Bernie was active and capable umtil just before he died. At 93, he led a long and full and happy life. May he RIP. He was always a good soldier and he and Kitty certainly helped us get through medical school. I am grateful for his life.

August 1, 2020. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Saturday.

I have not ever gotten used to being by myself all day, especially here where I am used to having friends drop in to say hello. But I have learned to enjoy myself. This morning I talked on the phone for almostan hour with friend Sara Lou. It was just like having a cup of coffee together. I was still finishing my apple for breakfast when Gill wal;ked over to say goodbye. She is spendiong the month of August in New Jersey with Tim, Kate and the children. She will have a good time, plus she will be a huge help with the grandchildren. But when she returns on September 2, she will be again quarwntined for two weeks. As I leave on the 25th, we will see very little of each other this summer. So by 1:00 on thi Saturday, I have been reading and talking. Next I walked around both inside and outsode. And I ate the leftover lunch from Liverpool Pizza for lunch. I always watch TV when I eat my meals, except for breakfast when I read. What a surprise today to watch hockey. These ae complicated by the virus but the Stanley Cup playoffs started today. I watched a period between the Hurricans and the Rangers. Such fun and so fast. After watching golf the last few weekwnds, seeing a speed of a hockey game was startling. So now I have golf, baseball and hockey to watch on TV. Basketball is being played as well but I do not enjoy professional basketball. But now I am in sports heavead. After mynhou test, upstairs I read two chapters of my delightful book. Now afterr I complete my little blog, I will go downstairs, walk a bit outdoors here at home, sit on the deck in the sunshine and finally eat dinner, food cooked by Anna on Friday. While I eat . I will watch hockey and baseball, switching back and forth. And when I am tired of TV I will go upstairs to my confortable bedroom and read some more. So being by myself is not all bad. And I even have charm too.