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.