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.