December 31, 2021. Ancaster, Ontario. Moving On.

Tomorrow we three fly to Mexico, on a direct flight from Toronto to Puerto Vallarta. All being well, we will watch the sun set from our own balcony in Playa Royale. The sun going down over the horizen on the Pacific Ocean is a sight to behold and we are looking forward to be wearing sandals and shorts and enjoying 80 degrees. We are organized. Wendy has done all the requirements for us to board the plane and to get into Mexico. The Mexican government has put the immigration form on the internet which Wendy has done for all of us. And we have our boarding passes too. We are set. Our original flight was to be 9:30 but a month ago the time has changed to 7:30 which means we must leave on the limo at 4:00am. But we arrive at noon in PV which means that by 1:30 we should be eating lunch at the beach restaurant at Playa Royale, my resort in Nuevo Vallarta. Rachel, Norms youngest child will stay in Wendys house, along with her husband and son, who is 18 months old. Rachel and family have returned to Canada from Thailand after teaching there for several years. They have been here in Hamilton for a yar, waiting for a work permit for Ranjeth, all the while staying with relatives. Until the work permit arrived, Rachels husband was unable to get a job or a drivers license. But now he is set. And their little family will enjoy living in Wendys lovely home, as well as looking after the cat Muskoka. To get ready to move us along, we have been trying to empty the fridge. This afternoon, Dave & Irene came over for tea and to eat up the last of the wonderful cheeses we are on Christmas day. Yesterday for lunch I ate red beans and rice. For the last two night we have enjoyed roast pork along with the vegetables that Ken cooked along with the pork. By now, we have eaten all the leftover food and now the fridge is ready for Rachel. We are moving on.

December 30, 2021. Ancaster, Ontario. Roomba.

I have heard about them and I have read about them but I have never seen them in action until this afternoon. Wendy has one. And she actually uses it all the time. It is a robot vacuum cleaner and it actually works. This clever little piece of business seem to know where it has been and where it is going next. While i was sitting reading in the family room, Roomba cleaned the room, going all over both the carpet and the hard wood floor. Once it had wandered the whole room several times, it went into the kitchen to do its job. Then onto the dining room. Somehow or another, Roomba knows not to go down the basement stairs and i have no idea why. The little machine keeps going until it runs out of battery, or when the job is completed. It also stops if it gets stuck. When it is finished vacuuming the rooms, it returns to home base to be stored, all by itself. But the machine is not perfect. It can not fit under most chairs. And Wendy complained today that the kitchen was not properly cleaned so she swept the kitchen floor herself. The room where I was sitting got three times the room but when it was in the kitchen I could only hear it running a short time. And it gets stuck under chests. But Wendy only needs a cleaning service once a month because Roomba vacuums each week. I have no idea how it works but now at least I have seen it in action. Roomba is a remarkable bit of business and certainly helpful for anyone who needs to keep a house clean. Beats vacuuming yourself even if Roomba is not perfect. But for me, I will stick with my cleaning lady. i am old fashioned I guess.

December 29, 2021. Ancaster, Ontario. Muskoka, the Cat.

All cats and independant but Muskoka the cat is more independant than other cats. Muskoka is 4. She never liked their other cat, C.A.T., the one that just went to kitty heavan. They never liked each other but they never actually had a fight. They just stayed away from each other. Muskoka does not like children so when kids are in the house, the cat disappears somewhere in the house. Even Wendy can not find Muskoka. Forest is Alana's dog. When Forest is visiting, Muskoka does her disappearing act and is never seen until Forest leaves. Muskoka refuses to eat from her bowl on the floor if Forest is in the house which he does many times. So Wendy and Ken must put the cat food up on a table so Muskoka can eat. I have been here two weeks and only yesterday Muskoka would allow me to pat her, and I like cats. Most of the time, I seldon see Muskoka. She is a beautiful cat with four white paws and a white face with grey markings and a body mottled with black, white and grey. But when we three sit on the couch to watch a DVD, which we have been doing this week, Muskoka streaks across the floor and jumps on Ken's lap, all set to watch with us. It is the most astonishing scene. I have not seen the cat for hours and all of a sudden, the cat somehow knows that we are going to watch TV. Now it is true that we watch TV after dinner but that clever cat must be watching us even when we do not know where the cat might be. Muskoka stays on Ken's lap until the end of the show. But before any of us move, the cat jumps down and runs away. Somehow or another, Muskoka knows when the end has arrived even though the music and the credits are still running. So is Muskoka also watching the show? Who knows. But that cat is clever and pretty and I like that cat Muskoka.

December 28, 2021. Ancaster, Ontario. Getting Together.

As children get older, getting family members together becomes more and more difficult. For instance, David, Suzanne and the four children are skiing at Winter Park this Christmas because Abigail is working there in Colorado for this gap year after college. She is required to work during the holiday season, so the whole family went to Colorado rather than celebrating without Abigail. They are having a wonderful time with many feet of new snow since their arrival. But it is just a matter of time before some family member will not e able to gather together. My brother Dave's 90th birthday was an extra special celebration and the family gathered in force. In attendance were all three children and their spouses, in addition to all 7 grandchildren and their spouses, plus 3 great grandchildren. There was no problem getting the family together for that event. People came from Vancouver and Montreal just to be together and celebrate Dave's birthday. And another event to get together will occur in Montreal in October. Ariel, a granddaughter, will be married to Rob On October 22. So let the good times roll. The family will get together for yet another celebration. I hope I will be able to attend. I like these celebrations.

December 27, 2021. Ancaster, Ontario. Dead Televisions.

After dinner on the evening of Christmas day, we 5 were sitting haveing a pleasant conversation in the living room. All of a sudden, we heard a few crackles folloed by a loud bang. All the lights went out. We were having no storm or snow. But we lost our power. Wendy immediately went to get two coleman lanterns which provided plenty of light and our conversation continues. Ten minutes later, the lights came back on and all was well. Wendy received no text from her power company about the outage so we never did know what happened. Our life continued. Last evening, on Boxing Day, Wendy, Ken and I decided to show another episode of New Tricks. We had watched two episodes this week and I was enjoying them so we the three of us sat on the couch in the TV room all set for another show. Even the cat Muskoka was sitting on Ken's knee in anticipation of the show. But the television would not work. The screen looked as if it was 1950 and the screen was fuzzy. Immediately, Wendy realized that the television got fried with a bolt of electricity when the power was lost. They could do nothing to make it better. No show for us last night. Both Wendy and Ken checked their phones, trying to find a store with the correct size. And of course, they are looking for a set on sale. Best Buy had the correct set and for the best price so on line, Wendy ordered the set to be picked up the next day. Wendy paid for the set last evening to be held for this morning. When Ken and Wendy arrived at the store this morning, they called the store and they stayed in the car while the workers brought the set to their car. After identication was checked, Wendy and Ken came home with their new television set. Wendy reported that the whole purchase was easy. Who said that the olden days were better than today. The only problem of course was they were not expecting to replace a television set that was working perfectly well. A surge protector was in place with the old one but it did not work. That television set was just demolished. This evening, the new set worked like a charm. And I got to see another episode of New Tricks. And I enjoyed myself at our movie theatre.

December 26, 2021. Ancaster, Ontario. Dinner.

Both Wendy and Ken do not mind cooking. In fact they both ejoy both cooking and baking. And both have been making my favorite foods. The first night for dinner Ken prepared a ham with all the trimmings. We were a table of ten and both the food and the conversation was excellent. The next day Ken prepared lentil soup. When you start with the dry lentils, the process is lengthy so Ken was working on the soup all day in bits of time. We ate the lentil soup for dinner. It was worth every bit of effort because the soup was delicious. We ate think sliced break which was perfect with the soup. The next day, Wendy used the bone from the ham to make split pea soup, a French Canadian dish and a favorite of mine. Again, it takes all day. The broth takes hours to simmer. At the same time and in a different pot Wendy boiled the split peas. And of course, flovored them. Eventually they two were mixed together with yet more seasonings. Again we ate the soup for dinner. Two days later we had another bowl for lunch. And in the freezer is a container of the same soup that they will enjoy when they return from Mexico. The weather will still be cold so a bowl of steaming split pea soup will make their day. A few days later Ken prepared red beans and rice. Again he started from scratch, first putting the red dried beans in the presure cooker, then continuing the beans in an open pot, which he seasoned through out the day. And then he cooked the rice in a big pot. Finally, the rice and the beans were joined together in a dish. I ate my whole bowl and loved every bite. I really enjoy red beans and rice which is a New Orleans dish. Ken has figured out how to cook great red beans and rice. All day, in bits and pieces, Ken worked on our dinner so I got to enjoy the different smells. But the best part was eating my dinner of red beans and rice. I have enjoyed and appreciated my meals here with Wendy and Ken in Ancaster. They are indulging me. Pretty nice.

December 25, 2021. Ancaster, Ontario. Christmas Day 2021.

Wendy, Ken and I had a wonderful day, full of good food, reading and opening presents. Every few hours we repeated the sequence. First food. Next the same routine but sometimes in reverse order. Our day was lovely. First we drank coffee. Next we ate fresh baked cranberry muffins baked by Wendycame along with bacon cooked by Ken. Then we opened our stockings. Santa even found me here to stuff my stocking full of goodies. After a bit of reading and another cup of coffee we opened presents to each other which is always fun. Alana is a nurse and works at the hospital so she is exposed to Covid so she could not come to open gifts of dine with us. Also Norm and Diane invited everyone to their home for Christmas dinner but the rules only allow 10 people for each home so we split into two groups for dinner. At Wendy's home was to be the three of us along with Dave and Irene. Dinner was to be catered so Norm brought us our dinner yeaterday. Alana picked up her dinner for her and Nick while the five of us dined quietly tonight at 6:00. Wendy picked up Dave and Irene at 3:00. First we ate a platter of cheese and crackers along with a drinl of sparking water. Then we five opened more presents. We opened gifts from each other along from Norm and Diane so the gift opening lasted a long time. We had fun. Finally we sat down for our Christmas feast. We got stuffed. Eventually, well after 9:00, Wendy took Dave and Irene home. They were tired but happy. My Christmas day 2021 was a delight.

December 24, 2021. Ancaster, Ontario. Christmas Eve Customs.

In 1962, my Mother gave Wendy Buckley a book, which has been read every Christmas Eve from that day to now. It was The Night Before Christmas and Rudolph, adressed to Wendy in my Mothers lovely script. In 1975 for Christmas, the book was given to my sons, Andrew and David, inscibed by Wendy. And in 1989, in my printing, the same book was given to Wendy's daughter Katey. The book is much mended and is much beloved. This evening for our Christmas Eve dinner we ate Tourtiere, a French Canadian dish traditionally eaten on Christmas Eve. In the past only the French Canadians served this traditional dish but now is eaten by the English Canadians too. Two years ago when I last celebrated Christmas here I also was served Tourtiere but I had forgotten. It ia made in a deep dish pie plate with pastry on the bottom and the top, and filled with cooked ground pork and beef along with onions and seasonings. Ken served it with brussel sprouts and mustart pickles. It is a very tasty Christmas Eve custom. The Texas family always dine on Mexican food on Christmas Eve. We often went to Christmas Eve service, then return to eat a feast of Mexican food, which Suzanne picked up at their favourite Mexican restaurant. And always, everyone was allowed to open one gift, the one that Santa delivered early and which always contained pajamas. Last thing before bedtime, Suzanne would read their copy of The Night Before Christmas. This year they are skiing in Colorado so I do not know what they are eating tonight. Every family all around the world has a tradition for Christmas Eve. At our house tonight, as we have no young children at Wendys house, our stockings are filled. But we will not open them until morning. I promised Wendy.

December 23, 2021. Ancaster, Ontario. The Couple.

We chatted while I was waiting at the gate to fly to Charlotte. They were in front of me looking at the board over the gate, which told of a flight 15 minutes before my flight. Normally I do not talk much to people at the gate. I keep my nose in my device or I watch the people. But most of the time I am silent. But not last Wendesday. I commented to them about the puzzle on the board. "Clearly, this is not correct," I said to them. We were supposed to leave 15 minutes after the flight to Fort Worth. I had already checked the monitor in the walkway and it still said gete 3. The husband went back to the big monitor and it still showed gete 3. No one was at the desk. So we started talking while waiting for an official to come to the counter. We already knew we were both going to Charlotte but after that, they were heading to New York. They were a young married couple, perhas 30 or so. This was their first trip to New York and they were excited and a bit scared because everyone has been telling them about the crime. They had tickets to a show and the rest of the time they intended to just wander around downtown and perhaps do a little Christmas shopping. The had to return to Jackson Sunday evening. Both were born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi but he had no accent at all while she had a Mississippi drawl. He has no idea how he got to have no accent. Then he asked me where I was going, which was Toronto. Immediately his face lit up. "I would love to go to Canada," he said. "I work for a company whose headquarters is London, Ontario. They hired me on line three years ago and I do all my work on line. But I have never visited London." Then he asked me if I had ever been to Nova Scotia, telling me that he has read about Nova Scotia and really wanted to spent time there. Well, I just laughed and told my story about Nova Scotia. And I gave him my cell phone. The worker arrived at the gate. The husband found out that we had been moved to gate 4, just across the hall so over we went. And we ended up sitting on the other side of the space so I never talked with them again. It was a gem of a visit and I remember them well. As they were passing me while I was in the plane and they were heading to their seats, he patted my shoulder and said to me,"I have your number in my phone." And we both laughed. The only problem is that I never learned their names. But I will recall this little oonversation, waiting for the plane to Charlotte.

December 22, 2021. Ancaster, Ontario. Travel Woes.

I left and arrived on time but during that time, I encountered three issues that could have caused me grief. Fortunately, all went well and disaster was avoided. 1. When going through security, the man pushing my wheelchair Bruce, took my computer, i pad and cell phone in a bin along with my glasses and pen. On the other side, he gave me everything. I put my phone, glasses and pen in my pocket. Bruce put my computer and i pad in my backpack. and he left me at my gate. I was about to take out my i pad but instead, I received a text so I removed my phone and discovered that the screen had changed. It turned out that Bruce had switched phones. I now was unable to do anything. Bruce had just come on duty and after a couple of phone calls to Bruce from kind people at a food stand, he returned my phone and all was well. 2. In Charlotte, waiting to board the plane, a group arrived to check our credentials. All passengers were required to provide the Covid test and the Arrive Can form. Evidently, my test was just a few hours to be legal so the official told me that I needed to leave the airport and get another test. That would have been a nightmare. I suggested that as I was a Canadian and had a Canadian passport, I could take the test in Toronto. They were happy at that point and stamped my boarding pass. And all was well. 3. I was in my hotel room at the ALT hotel. It was late and I was tired but I wanted to put away my passports from my pockets. I could not find my Canadian passport. I looked everywhere. I called the man who checked me in to ask if he had forgotten to give it back to me. He assured me that he gave it back to me. And he told me to slow down and to look carefully, treating me as a child. So I did. The lighting in the ALT hotels are poor so I turned on my phone light and sure enough. I found the Passport on the floor, just below where I removed my sweater. Onc again, all was well. My trip was uneventful, except for thos three near disasters. I left on time and I arrived on time. All was well.

December 21, 2021. Ancaster, Ontario. Pets.

Pets have a much shorter life expectancy than humans so a cat that is 17 years old is not long for this earth, which means that a family who loved and nurtured that cat for all those years will soon be sad. It is a sad fact for any pet owner. Neice Wendy had two cats. One of them was actually owned by Katey, who recued the cat as a kitten. Many years ago, when Katey moved into an apartment in Toronto, the cat was left with Wendy, who has loved that cat ever since. When I arrived last Thursday, it was clear that the cat was ailing. She would sit staring at the wall. And she stopped using the litter box which was in the basement. She also had lost weight. Two weeks ago, the vet prescribed medication which did not seem to work, so on Monday, Wendy had an appointment with the Vet at 4:45 to ask hard questions. The cat was black. When you called the cat's name, it was pronounced "See eh Tee" with the emphasis on the last sylabble. It sounded exotic or perhaps French. But in truth, the name of the cat was C.A.T. See eh tee. It took me a long time to figure out her real name. The vet suggested that the cat was either senile or had a brain tumor. Evidently, 50% of cats become senile in their old age. Who knew. But in truth, the vet told Wendy that there was no cure. After a phone call with Katey, the cat was put down. C.A.T. was not enjoying her life so the kindest thing to do was to send the cat to cat heaven. But now we have only one cat in the house, Muskoka, who fortunately is young. Wendy shampooed the basement carpet for the last time. We are all grateful that everyone enjoyed and loved that black for 17 years.

December 20, 2021. Ancaster, Ontario. A Tea Party.

The table looked beautiful, set with fancy china and silver. A large tray of sweets was at one end of the table and a tray of freshly baked cranberry bread, home made by Wendy, was at the other end of the table. Canadians know how to serve a fancy tea. Once again, the table was full of Family members, all to celebrate Irene's birthday. She turned 88 today. Ten of us sat at the table drinking tea from our fancy cups, eating our delicious sweet goods. We looked like proper ladies and gentlemen. The whole affair was elegant and delightful. The most important part of the tea party was that Irene was pleased. She is always an attentive hostess but today she allowed other folks to look after her. Anne and Wendy looked after everything and Irene allowed everyone to serve her, which was not normal. Irene is always waiting on the rest of us, which we appreciated. But we were all happy to see that Irene, for once, was not in charge of pouring tea or passing the goodies. Today she was the birthday girl. And I think she enjoyed it.

December 19, 2021. Ancaster, Ontario. The Big Boat.

Brunch today was wonderful. Today was Wendy's birthday so I took most of the family out to brunch to a Korean/Japanese restaurant in Ancaster, very close to home. the place is new and small so we pre-ordered our meals. we were a group of 12. They were ready for us when we arrived at 11:30. I had ordered appetizers. We needed to sit at two tables of 6 so I requested two large platters for each table so we would be able to arrive and start eating. The big wooden boat was the hit of the day. The boat covered the middle of the table, which itself was impressive. But what actually brought awe was the sashshimi and suchi that filled the big boat. It was just as good eating as it was looking at it. The food was wonderful. But the presentation was even better. The other platter was the tempurs and spring rolls. And after a cup of tea, came our main meal, which we had ordered the day before and called in by Wendy. Finally was brought a dish of melon and thinly sliced apples, all beautifully presented in a lovely bowl. The brunch was delightful and the food delicious but what we will remember is the big wooden bowl full of Japanese food. Once again, a celebration to rememberwith with my family.

December 18, 2021. Ancaster, Ontario. Snow.

There is nothing in life more beautiful than coming down in the morning to fine 2 inches of fresh snow. Everything is covered with fresh clean white snow. The scene gives a sense of magic to the world. The bushes are covered with snow as are all the trees. The railing and fences were outlined with snow. Wendy's back yard is lovely at any time, but with the two inches of snow it is even more dramatic. The best part was that we only got 2 inches of snow. Then it stopped. The bad part was that the snow turned to freezing rain. Today was the day for the party so everyone was fearful of the slippery roads. But in Ontario, they know how to handle snow and freezing rain. Eric shovelled the walkway and driveway in front of the house and by the time people were arriving at 2:00 the roads had been de-iced so guests and relatives had no trouble getting here. The party was a great success. My brother Dave was pleased. He selected the food and chef Ken cooked marvelous appetizers. I of course, talked all afternoon to family members who I had not seen for over 2 years. Old friends were there too. Wendy's house worked well for a large party. She too was pleased that the party turned out so well. The start of the day set the tone for the whole day. Two inches of freshly fallen snow made the whole day prfect. I knew I did not need to venture outside so I was delighted with the snow and spent quite a bit of time just enjoying looking outside at the snow. Once again, I just got lucky.

December 17, 2021. Ancaster, Ontario. The First Supper.

Last evening, we ate the first family dinner together. Two thirds of the family gathered together at Wendy's house to eat a delicious dinner prepared by Ken B. Of course, I was there along with Dave and Irene, the oldest members of the clan Buckley. The next generation consisted of two of their chilren, Kenny and Wendy and their spouses Anne and Ken. Both children's children were at dinner too, Katey and Alana (Wendy's daughters) and Eric and Elise who are the children of Kenny and Anne. Two signifigant others wee here too, hailing from Vancouver, Dallas and Salome, who we hope will join the family soon. We were mississing Brock, the husband of Katey who was unable to attend due to visa restrictions. Nick, the buddy of Alana was working. We missed those who could not attend but we were a happy group who had come from far and wide to gether together to celebrate Dave's 90th birthday. My parents would be pleased with the group. I only hope they are looking down from heaven to watch the show. Being around young people is always a great pleasue for me. These 6 young people, with whom I shared dinner, were lively, enthusiastic and interesting. They are all in their upper 20s and 30s. Two are in graduate school, Elise and Sal. The rest are well educated and have good jobs. The rest of the family, consisting od Normans three children, are gathering too, Ariel from Montreal and Brendon with family from Vancouver Island. The last, Rachel and family arrive tomorrow. My mother and father would be delighted with the size and expertise of this family. Every one of my brother's children and their children will sttend Dave's 90th birthday celebration. Tomorrow will be a special day. And our first supper last evening was a delight. I feel so fortunate to be here.

December 16, 2021. Ancaster, Ontario, Safe and Sound.

I am at Wendy's lovely home. I arrived at noon today after spending a restful night at the ALT airport hotel. Since my arrival, I have enjoyed a cup of herbal tea, talked with my grand nephew Eric who arrivd from Vancouver yesterday, and I have eaten a bowl of delicious lentil soup, made by Ken B. Alana, Wendy's daughter has taken the Vancouver family to view Niagara Falls. But the clan is gathering. This evening, everyone will be coming here for dinner so I will get to see Katey, Elise, Kenny and Anne and Dave and Irene. And of course, I am now connected with the wider world via the internet. Soon I will go upstairs and organize my bedroom. Getting organized in a new place is difficult to me so I must get organized slowly. But once I am set up, I will be set for the duration. I have already learned the first floor. I know to stay away from the stairs to the basement. Wendy and Ken will look after me. When you travel, things happen to you, some I do myself and somethings out of my control. Three times during my travel day yesterday could have caused me trouble, but did not. I arrived safe and sound and on time in Toronto. These days, this is a minor miracle. Now I look forward to my visit for the Buckley Birthday celebration. We will be celebrating my brother Dave's 90th birthday, my sister in law Irene's 88th birthday. neice Wendys 64th birthday and nephew Kenny's 60th birthday. All worth celebrating. I am delighted to be part of the party.

December 15, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. On the Road Again.

Today I travel, first to Charlotte, then on to Toronto, where I will stay the night at the airport hotel. Travelling these days is always an adventure. But with any luck, all the puzzle pieces will fit together and I will arive at the hotel late tonight in Toronto. Many many different people must do their job properly in order for me to get from here to there. And to arrive on time would be a miracle. But I am hopeful. Kashina was here this morning to help with last minute tasks such as putting out the trash and doing last minute laundry. She has now left. I have paid Chantes for the roof. He is now doing the last of the garage. After completing the clean up, he hopes to be done by 1:00. So all is well. After completing todays little blog, I will pack up the computer and put the bags by the front door. Chris, my Lyft driver will take me to the airport. But before that, I must shower. Now I hope for an ordinary, everyday set of flights. And I will hope that evryone does a good job. I will enjoy the journey.

December 14, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. New Roof.

The crew started work at 7:30 Sunday morning. A host of people were on my roof, ripping up the old cedar shingles. They were noisy. I feel sure that there is a noise ordinance on Sundays but no one said anything to me, but I was surprised. This house was built in the early 80s. Most houses have already replaced the roofs even though cedar shake roofs are supposed to last the life of the house. My garage was already leaking and a tree took down the peak of the garage. I decided to put on another roof. Sunday morning they started. Chantes was the contractor and he arrived with a lot of people, including two women in the crew. They worked until 6:30, already in the pitch dark. Monday was the same. All day with lots of people. By the time they left, the area around the house was clean, which pleased me. Monday the crew was smaller but they still worked a long day. Today they hoped to be finished but half the garage needs to be done. Reroofing a house is a big job. And expensive. But if it lasts another 40 years I will be happy. They need to be finished before I leave tomorrow at 11:30 so I can pay them. All the houses in this area were built with cedar shake roofs. And the rules require it. But when the insurance companies no longer insure houses with cedar shake roofs, the home owners association agreed to use an engineered shingle roof. All the new roofs use that material. Now I am one of those with a new roof. No leaking garage for me. Fortunately, the weather was perfect for roofing. Sunny and 65 degrees. I just got it done in the nick of time before I leave town. Hurrah for Chantes.

December 13, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Papers.

In order to get into Canada you must have papers. Multiple papers. The same with Mexico. On Sunday I took a Covid test. Christina made an appointment at a private site just for Covid tests. So first we made the appointment which was for 1:05 on Sunday. First I registered and paid my money. $165. They guarantee results within 24 hours, which I could get on their portal or pick up a hard copy after they call with the results. This morning, when doing errands with Kashina, we stopped in to get the hard copy. They were efficient and I was pleased. You must also be sure to carry your vacination paper when entereing Canada. If you have not been vacinated you must isolate for 14 days. I carry my vacination card with me in my purse so I am set with that. And you must receive permission from the givernment of Canada. Christina ordered on line to receive the official papers authorizing me to visit Canada. She looked up ArriveCan and filled out the form with ALL the necessary information. I was told that they only issue the papers three days prior to the travel day. For that we paid some money. I did not receive any papers so today I started looking and discovered that we had been scammed. The Canadian government does not charge for the papers. Some company pretending to be the government takes all the information, takes your $65. but never provides the papers because they are not part of the government. It is a scam. This evening, Wonderful Wendy was able to input my information to the real government web site and now my paper is on the printer downstairs. I will retrieve it tomorrow. Christina is upset that she fell for a scam. But there was nothing to tell you anything that seemed suspicious. Neither of us knew about the charges. I am disputing the charge with my credit card. Now I think I have my papers in order. I watched a bit of a show about police states, showing all the papers required for everything. Pictures could be seen from movies taken in East Germany, Russia and other iron curtain contries. Interesting how similar we all look.

December 12, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Our Christmas Party.

For almost all our married life, Ken and I hosted a party closest to my birthday. So in some ways, it was my own birthday party, but in other ways, it was the start of the Christmas season. For years, we hired the Wheaton Ice Rink, and invited our friends and their children to skate and drink hot chocolate and eat donuts. Then our closest friends came back to our house for soup. When we moved to Mississippi, we hosted a party because we wanted to say thank you to the friends who had been kind. For the first couple of years we had the party at a Mexican restaurant. Then we started to use the Yacht Club. We have always invited our friends and their children. Last evening I hosted the party at the Yacht Club. Last year I was not able to have the party due to Covid so many of the children I have not seen for those two years. In the past, I have asked the children where they prefer to have the party and they always vote for The Yacht Club so from now on, I will stay there. For me, it is close to my home and Christina just stops to pick me up, so it is easy. And the facilities are excellent. Every year I select a different menu, usually better than the last, Definately, the food last night was the best. Wonderful appitizers and carving stations of beef tenderloin and ham for dinner along with vegetables and a Greek salad. Little squares for dessert. The party was lovely. And I was pleased. The Christmas celebrations have begun.

December 11, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. My Shower.

I love showers. I was not brought up with showers. We had one bathtub in our house. When I was swimming at pools, I always took very long showers growing up. In fact, my friend Joyce and I swam every week at the swimming pool of the residence for single women the WCTU, we spent so much time in the hot shower that the little old lady in charge would come and admonish us to get out of the shower. I did love those showers. Now of course, I have been showering for many years but I still appreciate showering. Most especially I like the shower I use at my Mississippi home. When we first moved in, the shower was terrible. The water pressure was weak and there were no hand holds. The plumber fixed the pressure and Chantes our handyman installed the bars for holding on. Ken kept insisting yet another bar to hold on. Now it is perfect for me. One bar is outside the shower so I can hold on while getting in. All four sides of the shower have a bar to grab. So whereever I am facing, there is a bar for me to grab. It is perfect. This Mississippi shower is my best shower so I will miss it when I am gone. Not having bars to grab becomes increasingly important. The Mexican shower has no hand holds at all so I just use the wall to steady myself. But here in my Mississippi home, my shower is perfect, thanks to Ken, who kept adding more and more bars. I appreciate every one.

December 10, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Neighborhood Christmas Party.

Every year in Roses Bluff Subdivision a Christmas party is held. Last year of course, it was cancelled due to Covid, but this year the party was held in the house next door. The folks who organize the party keep it simple. and inexpensive. This year the odd numbered people were asked to bring a dish. Next year the even numbered folks bring food. And everyone brings something to drink. They always have good parties, I am told. And it is easy to organize. I was unable to attend. In fact I have never been able to attend the Christmas party. Since we moved in, in 2015, Ken has been diagnosed with Parkinsons which made it difficult to get to the parties in the dark. And most years, I have been taking chemo, which messes with my immune system so my solution is to stay away from groups of people. Even though the party was held right next door and my neighbor would have escorted me there, I could not mingle with all the people. So I stayed home by myself. On their way home, Donna, my across the street neighbor brought me a plate of food and left it at my front door. When she got home she texted me and I put the plate of food in the fridge. Today I ate the left over food for both lunch and dinner. There was so much food, which fortunately was very good. I enjoyed every bite. In addition Donna brought a plate of desserts. For breakfast this morning I ate a piece of home made pecan pie. Actually, I only ate half. I do not eat sugar, and there I was eating the pie which certainly had sugar. I caught myself in time. I was sorry to miss meeting people but I certainly enjoyed the food. Maybe next year I will be able to attend. Lets hope so. They had a good time.

december 9, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Celtic Woman.

PBS is back raising money so they show special programs to get people to send money. Many of them I enjoy but mostly I am irritated because I miss their regular program. The other evening they showed Celtic Woman. The program was lovely. Three young ladies with beautiful voices singing Irish songs. Plus one violinist with red hair. All four ladies were beautiful and they sing like angels and wore lovely long gowns. And they sang out of doors in beautiful settings.. The best part might have been the pictures from around Ireland. The program was called Postcards From Ireland so as the postcards were read aloud, the scenery could be seen from the same area as the postcard. Then the ladies sang a song about that place. It was a wonderful reminder of our visits to Ireland. The ladies sing with that clear sound which is beautiful. But after a few songs, I felt that they all sounded the same. Eventually they included a few men and other ladies to acompany. And then came the bagpipes and finally the dancers, which made the program more interesting. I enjoyed Celtic Woman. They sang and played like angels.

December 8, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Lists.

December must be the mother lode for lists. Starting on December 1 and ending on January 1, the lists seem endless. Just when the first list has been completed, another one is just behind. And with a trip in the middle, the lists are doubled. Both the Christians and Jews confront a daunting list of things to do in December. I have finished my list for Christmas. My cards are ready to mail. The bags and gifts for the grandchildren are ready. I took the gifts to the Texas family to Packmail and they are gone. I have given nuts to my friends and the gifts to my neighbors are ready to be delivered. Kashina will deliver them on Monday. I order food for both families and they have been ordered with some things already delivered. When Wendy and Ken visited me this summer, I sent birthday and christmas gifts back with them in their car to Ontario for my family. The Christmas gifts need to be put into bags. No Christmas bags could be found this summer in Liverpool. But my Christmas lists are complete. Now I must work on getting ready to go to Ontario. I leave in a week, on December 15, so I have time to complete my lists. I do better if I collect my belongings early. The day before travel is difficult for me. So far I have set out my small case plus backpack. And I am trying to decide whether or not to take a case for books and magazines. I set it out. I have clothes in Ontario and I have clothes in Mexico so all I need to take with me will be medications, and necessary items while in Ontario. I have a beaver coat in Ontario. And Wendy has ordered me boots. My list is not too long. I already set out the Canadian and Mexicam money. Tomorrow I will have a pedicure, which is on my list. And today Kashina picked up my prescriptions. I am coming along nicely. I still must have a covid test, which will be done on Sunday. At the beginning of December, thinking of wht needs to be done can be overwhelming but only if you look at all the lists. My solution is to only look at what needs to be done today. Then bit by bit, I peck away at my tasks. So far this month I am doing well. Now I must put out my bathing suit because I just realized they were not on my list. Oops.

December 7, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Pearl Harbor.

I have always thought that Japan made a stupid mistake by bombing Pearl Harbor. Within 6 months, the US had built the largest navy in the world, greater than all other countries combined, including our allies and our enemies. Up until the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the attitude in the US was to continue to isolate themselves from the war. But the bombing changed everything. This bombing occured 70 years ago on December 7th. Many folks remember my birthday because it was the day before Pearl Harbor. This evening on TV, Dr. Hanson discussed Pearl Harbor. He is an expert on the Second World War. He reminded everyone that the attack was unannounced. No declaration of war by the Japanese and no warning. According to him, the Japanese expected to turn the Pacific Ocean over to the Japanese and the US would continue to be isolationists. But they were wrong. Evidently, there was to be 2 bombing raids but the Japanese thought that the whole American fleet had been demolished after the first bombing run. Again they were wrong. Several American Commanders took their ships out to sea, thus saving their ship. And after the President spoke, calling December the day of infamy, the citizens rallied around the president. And the US entered the Second World War. I have often wondered what would have happened if the Japanese had not bombed Pearl Harbor. And I also wonder what would have happened if the Germans had not attacked Russia. Of course, when dealing with crazy people, they do crazy things. But we know the end of the story. I have asked myself this question: "What were they thinking?" Both actions started their demise. This all happened 70 years ago.

December 6, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. My Birthday.

Today is the most important day of my life. It was the day I was born. I was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada because my parents were in charge of the Dovercourt Corps of The Salvation Army. Evidently, I was an easy baby, which is often the way with a third child. My father called me sunshine. Now, 84 years later, I am an easy adult. And I retain my sunny disposition, which has been a great blessing all my life. Today was a splendid day. My friend Linda came to visit me this morning at 10:30, to help me celebrate and to drink a cup of tea. Next I went out for lunch with friend Lisa. We ate at a Greek restaurant new to me. Great food and good conversation. Lisa both picked me up and drove me home. First thing this morning, Kashina and I drove to Packmail, to send the Texas Christmas gifts On the way home we stopped at Walgreen pharmacy where Kashina selected the last gifts for the Mississippi bag of goodies. Teresa my cleaning lady cleaned the house, which on a birthday is a real treat. The rest of the day I either talked on the phone to the important people in my life or I read e mails and texts. Modern communication is a real joy. So my day has been lovely and I have gotten to enjoy being 84. So far so good.

December 5, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Birthday Celebrations.

Tomorrow is my birthday. I will turn 84. Today we celebrated at our family brunch by eating at Manships Restaurant, perhaps the best restaurant in Jackson. Kate, Mary Frances, Molly and Christine were all in the mood to celebrate and celebrate we did. They serve an appitizer complete with smoked salmon, nuts, avacado and a few other things. Ususally we order one , but today we ordered two. And we ate the whole thing. Now that is called celebrating. And after eating our main meals, we ate dessert. It is not often you turn 84. In life, the little things often bring the greatest pleasure and being together with the girls beaming with joy certainly gave me great pleasure. Christina brings me home after brunch. Today we took Molly home to study and to pick up my birthday gift. Christina made the first cranberry cake for thanksgiving at the farm when Kate was 4 and Mary Frances was a baby. Christina has been making that cranberry cake for me every year. The cake is delicious and I like it very much. Also she helped me with several things that were difficult for me. And she did them all. I appreciate Christina's competance and I appreciate her willingness to help. This hour attending to my requests was another birthday gift. The celebrations have not ended. Tomorrow Linda Creath is coming for coffee. And I will have lunch with Lisa at the Strawberry Cafe. Nifty turning 84.

December 4, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Global Warming.

The earth has been cooling and heating ever since our world has formed. The hysteria concerning our human impact of a warming world is the issue. But what is never written are the positive impacts of a warmer world. In past centuries, many people died trying to find the Nort West Passage. Now, for some summers, the passage is open, but you never hear about that event. Commercial vessels can sometimes ship cargo across the top of the globe thus saving thousands of dollars for avoiding the expensive Panama Canal. Cruise ships are taking bookings to go throught the Northwesr Passage. This is a good thing. Even Wester Head is more pleasant in th summer. When we first moved we were told that Western Head was too cold and we would never be able to sit on our new deck. It is true that we are at least 10 degrees cooler than Liverpool, but that too is a good thing. While people in town swelter at 85, we are comfortable at 75. So Western Head has now gotten trendy. The limit of crops has snuck up too. The farmers can grow their crops furthur north. Not a lot. But a little. The animals and the birds have always adapted or evolved with the changing of the weather.. They either adapt of become extinct. We find fossils of animals are now extinct. They lived and died long before humans roamed the land. Yet the doomsayers are constantly telling us that humans are causing global warming which will make extinct birds and animals. I am not buying it. Much impact of a warmer world is positive. But no one ever admits this. I enjoyed sitting outside for lunch yesterday. I am a fan of global warming.

December 3, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. A Splendid Day.

Today was exactly the same as a good summer day in Nova Scotia. The sun was shining with not a cloud in the sky. The tempersture was 75 degrees. And this was December 3rd. My neighbor and I went out for lunch, something we planned a month ago. We decided that due to the weather, we would eat at a restaurant with outdoor seating overlooking the reservoir. The place we selected was fairly new, across the spillway and a place I had only been to once. But Donna and her husband had dined there many times but always by boat. The restaurant has a large dock area so when they were boating or fishing, they came to that reataurant for lunch. During the Covid when restaurants had no indoor seating, they put tables up and down the large dock area so people could be distanced from everyone, which I thought was clever. The menu today was interesting so I will want to return. My lunch was delicious. But the best part was that I brough home with me an avacado stuffed with frest tuna, which I ate at supper time. Hit the spot. My day got started with coffee with friend Greta Barbour at 8:30. She intended to go Christmas shopping today so she started her day with me by bringing two cups of coffee, which we both enjoyed. I always like her company. That was a perfect way to begin my splendid day.

December 2, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Tea With Friends.

This morning my friends Eleanor and Jim came to visit. Yesterday afternoon Eleanor texted to ask if they could come for coffee at 10:00 on Thursday. Jim was not working today so he wanted to come too which pleased me. I had seen Eleanor since my return in October but I had not yet seen Jim. Coming to see me is an act of kindness. They live in the country so just getting here makes for a 45 minute drive. It turned out that we did not drink coffee. Jim had had his fill of coffee already and Eleanor joined me with a cup of tea, using a pod to make the English Breakfast tea. I had set out a variety of nuts but we ate not a thing. They brought a beautiful large poinsettia which now looks perfect on the hearth. It was the first of the season and will probably be my last as I leave on December 15. All we did was talk. It was Eleanor who first suggested I ask Chris to take me for my excursions so they wanted to know where we had gone. So I gave them a blow by blow. And they were not up to speed with my health so I needed to bring them up to date. We talked about the Christmas music, which I will not be able to attend due to my immune system. And finally we talked about their four children. They stayed until 12:30. I enjoyed their company for sure. Before I leave town, I have been invited to their house so I can see their home decorated for Christmas. We just must make a date. My friends indulge me by visiting. And I am grateful.

December 1, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Outing # 3.

The Delta holds a special place in the heart of all Mississippians. I am not sure why. Today Chris and I went to the Delta to see two potters but we only visited one. We had a great day but we ran out of time to visit the second potter. The day was perfect with full sunshine and 72 degrees. And we enjoyed driving in the Delta, which is flat. Ken and I have driven in the Delta several times and for our money, the most important fact is the land. It is flat. Perfectly flat. No hills. No valleys. Just flat. Everytime I see the Delta I forget. Today I remembered. The Delta is flat from just above Vicksburg to almost the state border, it is called the Delta and it is flat. Christ always drives on highways less travelled. Our route was lovely, driving through country roads and many farms. We were heading to Marigold, the home and business of the most well known potter in Mississippi. We were intending to go to Bayou Mound, where Petters Pottery can be found but we ran out of time. The name of the potter escapes me but his place was interesting. The store inself did not have a huge inventory. But what they had on display was beautiful. Behind the little store is a garden with lots of places to sit to enjoy the birds and fountains. I could have bought lots of those beautiful objects but I restrined myself and purchases only two, both to be given away. Evidently they sell out every day even though there is not a sign to be found outside. Another person commented to me that you need to have a bit of magic just to find the place. The family also runs a charming little restaurant just around the corner in the tiny town. No sign there either. The place was quiet and restful and the food was excellent. After lunch, we headed home, returning the same way we arrived, on the small highways. Even then, we arrived home at 4:30, having left at 10:00. I love to drive the backroads of Mississippi and Chris is happy to indulge me. He also enjoyed the day. Today was another successful outing, today driving the Mississippi Delta. I enjoyed every minute.

November 30, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Leaves.

Autumn leaves are different in the south. The large oak tree in my front yard just drops it's leaves after they have turned brown. No bright orange leaves as I saw on the oak tree in front of my house in Maryland. And the leaves come down over a long period of time. It will be late in January before all the leaves are on the ground. I miss the autumn foliage. There is nothing as good as the Ontario Fall with the red leaves of the maple trees. And the oranges and yellows are equally as beautiful in Maryland. All the hills at the farm in Pennsylvania were a thing of beauty. And I miss them. People in Mississippi often comment on the changes of the leaves in the fall. I just agree to be polite but I do not really see the difference. One ginko tree in my subdivision turned a beautiful yellow. I had not noticed it in the past. That is because folks tell me that the ginko tree does not turn yellow every year. Sometimes the leaves just turn brown and drop to the ground. But here we have had many chilly nights when the temperatures were at freezing. And the ginko turned a beautiful yellow. I always feel sorry for Lanny, the young man who tends to my yard. He blows and rakes the yard for months. Perhaps I will get to see Autumn foliage next Fall on my train trip across Canada. But for now, the only images are in my mind.

November 29, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Dangerous Living.

I knew it would happen and today it did. Every day I do something dangerous. And every day I come out unscathed, until today. I keep a large glass of water beside every chair. With my shaking hands, that is living dangerously because at any moment I could knock over the water. In addition, I drink my orange drink in the TV room. If that glass tips over I would have a big mess on my hands. So far, I have been extremely careful and have not spilled a drop. I also often drink a glass of milk with lunch. That too would be a mess if I spilled. But until today, all was well. I ate lunch watching my travel programs with a full glass of water on the table beside me. At 2:00, after the second program ended, I jumpd up and hit the full glass. I had sent the big glass flying with water everywhere in sight. My first thought was gratitude that I spilled only water. My second thought was how to sop up the water. My vision is terrible so just finding the water on the floor is difficult. In addition my pants and the chair were soaking. But I figured it out. I used a large bath towel to put on the floor to mop up the water. And I used a thick hand towel to wipe up the table and the rest of the water on the floor, at least the water I could see. Next I took a nap in Ken's leather recliner chair, and covered myself with a quilt to keep me warm. I figured out that over time I would dry, and I did. The towels are draped over the bathtub to dry. By tomorrow, all the water will be dry. But I was fortunate that I spilled water and not my orange drink or milk. Some days you just get lucky even when I live dangerously every day.

November 28, 2021. Madison, Mississippi.. Nature.

Wednesday evening PBS shows a series they call Nature. Here in the central time zone it comes on at 7:00 which is a perfect time for me. The photography is always excellent. But some programs are down right remarkable. Just this week they showed a program about a man who lived a full year with wild turkeys. The whole thing started innocently when a farmer friend brought a bowl of wild turkey eggs on his porch. He quickly borrowed an incubater and after putting the eggs inside, he proceeded to turn the eggs twice a day, which is what the mother turkey would do. But for two days before they hatch, the mother stops turning the eggs. His problem was timing. He did not know when the eggs were laid. The whole hour was fascinating. He became the mother of the chicks and they followed him everywhere. Fortunately the chicks were born with a lot of instincts, such as eating immediately and communicating with each other. At every stage of the life of the chicks, they knew what to do. At first he had made a roost for them, in a type of room. But one evening they refused to go inside their roost but instead took to a tree where turkeys stay the night. Eventually they all returned to the wild but it was a fascinating year for the man. And I enjoyed the hour program on PBS. He has also written a book about him and the turkeys. I am always amazed to know what people do with their time. This is a perfect example.

November 27, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. The Modern World.

"The good old days",is a term you hear all the time. I see videos of life in the 50s, as if everything was better before the inventions of cell phones and social media outlets. But I am not buying it. We live better lives now than any one has ever lived. Even Kings and Queens did not enjoy the comforts that we take for granted. Texting is the most useful tool. I noticed this year that many of my friends have moved. They are of the age when they are moving into retirement homes. I know they have moved but I do not know the new addresses. I could call them. Or I could wait to receive their Christmas cards with their new address. What I did was text asking for the new adress. And boom. Immediately I have all my cards addressed. The whole thing took me twenty minutes. It was then I decided I live in a pretty good world. Texting alone is a bonanza. Christina and I text all the time when we need decisions. It is faster than using the phone. I ask a question and she texts me back immediately. No fuss no muss. Problem solved. I know we have problems in our world in North America but there is nothing we can not solve. For my money, I will take the modern world over any other period of my life. Even the cars are better. And of course the communication. I may sound like a Pollyanna, but I like life today. And that is my story today.

November 26, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Thanksgiving Day Activities.

In years past, we always went to the farm and as we had no television, we watched no football. Since we now live in Mississippi, our Thanksgiving day activities never change. First I watch the Macy's parade while I eat breakfast. If dinner is later, I always look at at least part of the dog show. And the rest of the day I eat dinner and watch football. I watch very little football these days but on Thanksgiving, it seems unpatriotic not to watch football. It is such an American thing to do. I enjoy being a couch potato for one day a year. One year when the boys were in junior high school and we were staying in town for Thanksgiving, they were invited to play in a turkey bowl, hosted by their friend Billy. It was one of their family tradition to host a turkey bowl. The father had one as a kid so Billy kept the tradition. David and Andrew had been invited before but we were always out of town but this one year, they went to play. But they were never invited again. They were laughing and happy when I picked them up because their team won. Billy's team did not win. David and Andrew ended up on the same team and as they were both tall boys, their team had the advantage when catching the ball. Over the years, they laughed about the game every Thanksgiving day. Now, I do not need to wonder what I will do on Thanksgiving day. I dine with my family and I watch television. Some good.

November 25, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Thanksgiving Day.

We have started our own tradition. For the second year in a row, we boycotted turkey. Instead, we ate steak. And we liked it. I have served turkey and all the trimmings all my life. Even when I was not really cooking, I would buy the turkey dinner at Primos, a local restaurant. Then follow their directions for heating all the food. But last year, because of Covid, the only family at Thanksgiving dinner was going to be Christina, Mary Frances, Molly and me. Kate was working. When Christina and I were discussing what to eat at our feast, she admitted that she did not really like turkey so we decided to eat steak. And we made our menu: I would order steaks from Allen Brothers Steak House and Christina would prepare cheesy potatoes and green beans. We were set last year. Our dinner was easy to prepare and easy to clean up. Plus we were not loaded down with left over food. So we were so successful with our Thanksgiving dinner last year that we decided to do it again, except this year Linda Creath joined us as well as Nelson, Christina's brother. We gave them no choice. We just told them we were eating steak. I ordered the steaks from the same place as last year and Christina cooked my favorite cheesy potatoes and green beans. Again our dinner was a hit. We also ate at Christina's house again. She reported that compared to preparing turkey and all the fixings, preparing our dinner was easy. Now we will always eat steak for Thanksgiving. No point breaking our tradition.

November 24, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Outing # 2. Flora.

Once upon a time, Flora was an important town. My friends Eleanor and Jim live close by. In the middle of the 20th Century, it was busy but then the highways improved and the small town died bit by bit. By the time we first visited Flora in 2009, it was on its last legs. There was still a few places but it was dusty and quiet. But not today. It was buzzing with activity. Chris, my Lyft drive, and I took our second outing today. He had told me about three restaurants just opening in Flora and a butcher had relocated from furthur south, so we decided to check it out. Chris picked me up at 11:00 and we drove on back roads all the way through the countryside. The weather was glorious: sunshine and 68 degrees. We drove past the driveway of Eleanor and Jim and we drove into Flora. I was astonished with the activity. There were cars all up and down the street. It was busy. It looked nothing like 2009. First we visited the butcher store. It is a family run operation and the meat comes from their family farm. I bought sausage but other folks were buying beautiful looking steaks and chops. It was an amazing modern yet old fashioned butcher shop. Next we went to a barbecue place for lunch. It was busy too. The food was delicious. Chris brought us home another route, equally as charming and always on back roads. I enjoyed the drives in the country and I enjoyed seeing Flora thriving. My second outing was another success. Next time we want to go and see Mississippi potters. Chris will look them up.

November 23, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Another Celebration.

Today I had the last of 10 radiation treatments. To celebrate the end, Kashina and I went out for breakfast to a Waffle House. It is not fancy but the food is good. I am always interested that from the outside, the place looks exactly the same with lots of yellow. But inside the place is black and white tiles and is spiffy. They must think that the old look appeals to people but for my money it just looks dowdy and old fashioned. Inside is nifty and modern. I received a diploma for being an excellent patient. All the staff bade me a joyful goodbye. I am pleased to be finished even though the staff were excellent. My plan of action to survive the radiation worked well. I took the anti nausea when necessary, which ended up to be only four times. I rested twice a day, thirty minutes in the morning and sixty minutes in the afternoon. And I distracted my self by keeping busy. Kashina bought chicken broth and chicken noodle soup, which I was forced to eat a year ago but I did not once need them. So compared to last year, I did very well. Also Kashina worked each day I had radiation which helped. So now I am finished which you must agree is a great blessing. To celebrate I ate a waffle, sauged patties, hash brown potatoes and coffee. Delicious.

November 22, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Christmas Cards.

I know many folks no longer send Christmas cards. But that would not be me. I enjoy receiving cards. I have a pattern which makes no sense. First I look at the envelope to guess where it comes from. Return labels makes it easy. But I also look at the stamp and the official stamp from the post office it was mailed. Then I open the card and read the pictures. Finally I look at the name. I especially like the notes and the family pictures. Every card takes me at least 5 minutes to enjoy before picking up the next card. If I am in a rush, I just do nothing with the cards and wait until a quieter time. Kashina wants to help with my cards which I am working on right now. As I leave on December 15 I must get busy. She has already put on the address labels and she wants to stuff the envelopes. But I write a note on every card and as I am still addressing envelopes I am not ready for the cards. I think I will ask her to read the adresses to me from my list. My vision is difficult so perhaps she can help. I love reading the notes people send so I think I should return the favor. I am not in love with long letters included with the Christmas card, the ones who give me way more information than I need. I like the notes to be short and hand written with just the main details of the past year. I have just re-read all the cards from Christmas 2020. And I enjoyed them every one. And I know I will enjoy receiving the cards from Christmas 2021. I hope my friends enjoy my cards and notes too. But first I must buckle down and write those cards. I am trying.

November 21, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Scam Artists.

Who knew there were so many crooks in the world? Every week I receive calls on my cell phone trying to trick me into providing them information about my accounts. They are a big nuisance. In addition, my phone alerts me that a scam artist is on the line, so I do not answer the call. Or my phone will tell me that a telemarker is calling. So I click off the line. But some times a call will get through. Just this week a man called telling me that he was from Amazon and asking me is I had just ordered something from Amazon that cost $999. Of course I did not. So he told me that in order to get rid of this person using my account, he wanted me to log into my Amazon account. I was suspicious so started to ask questions, such as what credit card was used and why could Amazon not correct the charge. After a few minutes of questions from me, he hung up. I immediately contacted my Chase Visa folks who connected me with Amazon. I learning good information. Evidently Amazon never phones a customer unless they are making a follow up call. They would e mail if problems are spotted. Of course, no charges had been placed on my Amazon account. The crook on the phone just wanted to learm my credit card number and my Amazon number too. But I fooled him. Almost every week i receive calls wanting me to sell or rent my two weeks in Vidanta, a resort in Nuevo Vallarta. They are eager to send me an offer to buy my ownership. I do not really know if this is a real offer or not because I never speak to these folks. Several years ago the person on the phone would tell me that they were from Vidanta but now they tell me they work with a real estate brokerage and that they have several million dollars to buy the time shares. And they tell me that my owndership is worth a lot more than I paid for it. I am told by Vidanta that they never sell or lease so they tell me this is a scam. Evidently what they want is to send me an offer via e mail. If I accept their offer, they send me a deposit, which of course would be to my account. But I do not play their game. I quickly say NO. I never knew that so many people out in the world are crooks, wanting to steal other peoples money. An old lady such as me must be constantly on alert to these crooks. Certainly, they are a nuisance.

November 20, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Celebrations.

This evening we officially began the holoday celebrations. Molly turns 14 on Wednesday but we celebrated her birthday tonight when we went out to a family dinner at Elys, a wonderful steak house. Kate was off work and both Molly and Mary Frances are out of school so the timing was perfect. A birthday is always worth celebrating but a 14th birthday is especially noteworthy. And we celebrated in style. Molly selected the restaurant. She had only been to that place once when we all went there with wonderful Wendy and friend Ken. Molly remembered the food and the ambiance. The place was special as was the event. So all except Molly drank a gin and tonic. Next, Molly opened her gift from me, which was a surprise to her: a set of soundproof ear phones and case. Mary Frances bought herself one last year and Molly has wanted one ever since. She thought that she would buy it with her gift card from Amazon, the one she receives for me for Christmas. So she was surprised. All through dinner we told funny stories about Molly when she was young. When we ran out of Molly stories we told stories of all the girls. Both Kate and Mary Frances were full of tales about each other and of course Molly. Only with immediate family can these tales be told and the dinner tonight was perfect for such renderings. And of course, the food was supurb. When you add it all together we started the holidays in style. The whole evening was festive. But most importantly, Molly was pleased. And so was I. Molly's birthday dinner was delightful and delicious just as we had hoped. Sometimes things do not seem festive or special but tonight it did. We all had fun.

November 19, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Threes.

All my life i have been told that bad things come in three. I have no idea if this is merely superstition but over the years when I hear about two people dying, someone always says that you will soon hear of a third. Mostly it seems to be the case. This week, I was told of three good friends who had trouble and I immediately said to myself that no other friends would have trouble because now I have had three. And I laughed. These troubles did not occur at the same time but I heard about them on the same day, so I counted the three together. My friend Freddie broke his leg in Switzerland. He was parking his motorcycle and it tipped pinning his leg against the lamp post and crushing his leg. He spent 6 weeks in the hospital and six weeks in their apartment in Switzerland. Finally they returned just last weekend to Maryland. He will gain leg strength before they drive to Florida for the winter. My friend Pat fell in her home and broke her leg so she ended up in the hospital. Just today she has gone home which pleased her. Now she must also gain strength. And she must try to never fall again. My friend Marg had a stroke. She was in the same hospital as Pat in Barrie. In fact for a couple of days they were in adjacent rooms. When the nurse learned that Pat and Marg had known each other since kindergarten she moved their beds into the hall so they could eat dinner together. Marg has also now at home and is doing well. Recovery after a stroke takes time. It must be my age that three good friends had recent troubles. Fortunately, all three friends are doing well. Whew.

November 18, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Guest Rooms.

Years ago when we lived on Franklin Street in Chevy Chase View in Maryland, we had a lot of company. Our guest room was on the lower level, but above ground. The pool was just outside. Before guests were coming, I checked the space to be sure that all was in order. Then I read an article about guest rooms, which said that everyone should sleep overnight in their guest room and shower too just to be sure that everything was comfortable for guests. Ken thought it a good idea but I said it was a waste of time. But Ken prevailed and we slept overnight in our guest room. Much to my great surprise, I discovered deficiencies. The shower curtain had two broken hooks. The lamp beside the couch was not plugged in and one bedside lamp had no bulb. I certainly was wrong. I should have used that system here in Mississippi. After company left this past weekend, I now have a new higher toilet sitting ready to be installed. The old toilet was so low that a normal person struggled to get up, let alone my older friends. The sink is no longer attached to the wall so it will be fixed. And no lights worked in Ken's office. No problem during the day time because there are windows all across the side but at night, the only lights that worked were in the bathroom. So that too will be fixed. My guests had to put up with inferior accomodations. The next time they come, all will be well. No one had mentioned these things in the past, but fortunately, my friends spoke up. Repairs will be made, but a little too late. The next guests will find the guest room better. And that is all that matters.

November 17, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. The French Open.

Today I spoke to my friend Lahn, a good friend who I first met playing tennis at the Aspen Hill Tennis Club. One of the things we spoke about was their trip to attend The French Open, obviously a few years ago just before Covid. Her husband Mark spotted tickets on the internet so he bought them, even though they were expensive. They organized their flights and a place to stay and off they went, tickets in hand. Trouble started when they went into the stadium. Everyone was asked for identification when they turned in their ticket. Then they were both asked to come with an official into an office. They were there for 30 minutes. Immediately they were told that they had done nothing wrong. But the person to sold them the tickets broke the law. The officials wanted to know everything about how they obtained the tickets from the first internet offer to getting the tickets. Evidently, at the French Open, the only way a person can obtain tickets is from the official site of The French Open. No one was allowed to resell their tickets. My immediate question is who made that policy? It seems ridiculous. What is the matter with making a little extra money, especially if you are unable to attend? Lahn and Mark enjoyed their French Open experience but they did not enjoy their 30 minute interrogation. Although they were told repeatedly that they had done nothing wrong, the whole tone was uncomfortable and they did not like it. But most importantly, they were missing 30 minutes of the tennis match. Now that was not fair.

November 16, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. A Comedy of Errors.

The ovens were not working so when I returned from Nova Scotia, Chantes came to measue, then went to buy the ovens at Lowes. Our system has been for the cahier to call me when Chantes is checking out and I would give them my credit card number. We had used this system many times in the past with no trouble. I used American Express and the charge was denied because the computer thought I was still away. I used my Chase card with no trouble. When I called Am.Ex. they explained the issus and after my explanation, they said they would approve the charge. Of course it had already been paid. They also told me they would send me a new card with a new number, which they did. Within an hour of using my Chase card, someone tried to buy something in Target. The Chase folks called me and denied the charge. So they sent my a new card. The next day someone tried to pay their AT&T bill, which was denied because by then I had a new number. The same day, my AmEx card number was used to buy something at a fashion place. After all this, Chantes and I decided that we could not use our old system to buy supplies. In place, I would write a cheque for the correct amount so he could pay the bill. The ovens took four weeks to arrive. When Chantes and Michael went to install them, they discovered that the ovens were too wide. Chantes measured correctly and ordered properly but the ovens that arrived had to be returned. Lowes were not able to obtain the proper size for months. Chantes ordered the correct size at Home Depot and he came by with the bill. I wrote him a cheque but Home Depot rejected it. I have no idea why. This evening, Michael and I drove to Home Depot to pay for the ovens which are supposed to arrive in 10 days. At every step of this process, errors have occured so no telling what will happen next. I am hopeful that the ovens will arive in a timely fashion and that Chantes and Michael can get them installed. I am optimistic for no good reason except habit. Stay tuned.

November 15, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Outing Number One.

We drove on the Natchez Trace. The weather was perfect for a drive in the country yet we met almost no other cars. Our destination was Lorman, a tiny town with a country store famous for their fried chicken. They advertise that their fried chicken is the best in the world. Chris had never been there and neither had I so were both keen to go. And we had a good time. It was my first outint with Chris and I hope it will not be my last. The country store is in a very old building full of objects to sell. Scattered around the large space are tables big and small. In an adjacent room is a buffet loaded with food, including their famous chicken along with everything else you could ever eat. A couple run the restaurant. Their 2 year old daughter was there too. Their food was good. Lots of soul food and we enjoyed our meal. One interesting aside occured when we walked in. We were told to go to the rest room and wash our hands. One couple objected and were told that the health department required them to have everyone wash their hands before getting food from the buffet. The husband said that the health department allowed them to stay open but only if everyone washes their hands. Interesting and unusual. Next we drove the backroads of Lorman, none of which were paved. Then we drove around Alcorn State University, right down the road.. The campus was lovely with beautiful buildings and dorms. Alcorn State is 150 years old but we discovered an older College called Oakland College, which had just one large building and is now a part of Alcorn Col State. We drove home on Natchez Trace and enjoyed it just as well. I got home just before 3:00 which meant we had been gone 5 hours. I enjoyed my first outing with Chris. Next Monday we will drive to Flors and poke around that area. Several restaurants have opened up in Flora so we will hae lunch. Fortunately Chris enjoys going to new places which is a blessing for me. Today our outing was perfect. We both agreed.

November 14, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Bragging vs Truth.

My Mother always said that if what happened was true, it was not bragging, it was just atating a fact. So I am not bragging about Mary Frances. I am just stating the facts. Today we celebrated. On Thursday, Mary Frances successfully defended her senior honors thesis. Not only did she pass, but she received a 100 points. She was thrilled. And exhausted. Mary Frances is an English major. The honors program required her to do it in two parts. Half was research and the other half was original writing dealing with her topic. Her topic was Paradise Lost and Frankenstein. Evidently she compared and contrasted the writers attitide on women. Now who ever thought about that in those books? We celebrated at Saltines. Last week Mary Frances could not come to brunch because she was working on her thesis. But today her thesis is behind her...and she is thrilled. So we drank Samosis. In addition, Molly was accepted at Jackson Prep, the same school attended by Mary Frances. In order to be accepted, the prospective student must take an adnission test, which Molly did not enjoy. So she was a bit anxious. She is also concerned about the school because Mary Frances had such a stellar record that she is fearful they will expect her to meet the same standard. Christina and I assured her to just be Molly, and do the best you can. Very few students could ever keep up the standars set by Mary Frances. Once again in her academic program, Mary Frances has passed the test with a perfect score. I am so pleased for her..but I am not bragging. I am merely stating the facts. But the best part of Mary Frances as far as I am concerned is that she loves her Grandmother. And for that I am grateful.

November 13, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Winter.

At night, winter comes to Mississippi. Tonight the temperature will drop to 36, which is as cold as it usually gets. During the day, the weather is perfect, with temperatures in the high 60s and the sun shining the whole day. But at night I feel pleased that I switched to heat on the thermostats. I feel as if winter has arrived because for the first time this year I put on my evening attire. I look quite a sight. I wear thick wool socks that come to my knees. And I put on the large flannel plaid nightshirt that Ken purchased many years ago. He bought 2 but he never wore them. They were too hot so they were left in his drawer. I took them over after he died and I wear them in the evening when I am watching TV. I keep the thermostat in the bedroom lower than the main house. As my TV room is adjacent to the bedroom, the room is chilly so I don my big flanned night shirt and heavy socks and stay warm and cosy. But I must look ridiculous. I never wear Ken's plaid flannel nightshirt to bed. It is too hot. But I use them as my evening gown. Just calling them my evening gown makes me feel special even though I look odd. Now I know for sure that Winter has come to Mississippi because I am now wearing my evening gown. Nifty.

November 12, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Marilyn & Tuppen.

Marilyn & Tuppen have come to visit. They live in Houston. On the way they stopped in Baton Rough to visit friends. They arrived here juat around 1:00. First they ate lunch of rotissery chicken, tomatoes and cucumber. And Marilyn drank a cup of coffee. They sat at the breakfast table while I sat in my corner chair. And we talked. We have been talking ever since. We had a lot of catching up to do. The last time I saw them was when they visited me at the lake house this Spring. Our arrangement works out well. Tuppen is thin and fit so is a very helpful person to be with. She is the only one of us who has excellent mobility so she is the one who brings us wine and takes the dishes to the kitchen. She brings both of their belongings into the house and takes everything down to the guest room. And when we went out to dinner I held her arm. Marilyn walks with either a cane or a walker. So Tuppen is a huge help. We decided to go out to dinner and I suggested Amerigo but when we arrived they had a waiting list so we went to Sal&Phils which we all decided was a superior choice. It was not crowded and our meals were great New Orleons food. Delicious. We all three met in Galveston. This evening we tried to figure out how we got to be friends in 1967,68 and 69. We never did figure out how we got together but we did. And we have been friends ever since. I always enjoy talking with my old friends and I am delighted they have come to visit me. Tuppen still works full time as a phsical therapist but we all agreed that we were slowing down. But we are still walking and talking and making plans. And we are still pleased to be together.

November 11, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Christmas Lights.

My outside Christmas lights were installed yesterday. I am like a child in a candy store. Every time I look at them I smile. I know it is early but the lights are all white so they kind of look like ordinary lights. And I am leaving on December 15 to spend Christmas with my family in Ontario, so I wanted them up early. I got my wish. They come on automatically at 5:30 and go off at midnight so all evening, I see them from inside the house. And I like them. Ken loved outside Christmas lights. He installed them early. And every year, after Christmas, he bought more outside lights when they were on sale. Our houses were always decorated to the hilt. Sometimes they were a bit garish but Ken did not mind. The more the merrier in his mind. This home in Mississippi was the first house Ken did not install the exterior lights. Even in the condo he spread lights outside on our little patio. But by the time we moved into this house, he was unable to install any exterior lights. And it made him feel bad. Bradley installed out regulat outside lights. When we moved in, no outside lights worked. There were wires and lights everywhere, but nothing worked. So we hired Bradley, a nie young man who specializes in exterior lighting. And he did a good job. When he stopped by, I casually asked if he did anything with holiday lights. He laughed and said that he has a separate company to install Christmas lights. So I hired him on the spot. And I also asked him to put up holiday lights for Christina. He uses his own lights. He sets them up and removes them and stores them for the rest of the year. When Suzanne heard of the gift of the light instalation for Christmas she thought it a great gift, so I found a company in San Antonio to install their lights too. It is a nice gift to the families and they appreciate it. But no one appreciates the installations more than me. Ken wa delighted when the lights went up here at our Mississippi home. I like them too.

November 10, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Doing Better.

I am determined to do better this time. The first time I had radiation years ago I did fine. I worked every day so had many distractions. The only thing I did was to put a cot in the bathroom so I could rest if necessary. I breezed through. Last year when I was required to have radiation I thought it would be the same, but it wasn't. I did not do well. My stomach hurt. I was nauseated much of the time. I was pretty miserable and actually had to cancel a couple of lunches. This time, I thought a lot about what happened and I have made some plans. This is my plan. I will rest more during the day. This morning after my first treatment I lay down for an hour before lunch. And I took an hours rest in the middle of the afternoon. I will continue my walking and exercises, no matter what. And I am organizing distractions. I am taking an outing with Chris on Monday and I am having lunch with friend Lisa next Thursday. Tomorrow I am having lunch with my neighbor Donna. I am starting to work on my Christmas cards. Kashina will work every morning of the work week and will drive me to every radiation and also help me at home. She rememberes that last year, I ate a lot of chicken broth and chicken and rice soup. She will be sure to keep nourishing food in the fridge all ready to eat. So far, my plan has worked. I have completed treatment one with nine to go. I am all set to do well. So here we go... Now I will see how if it all works as planned.

November 9, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. A Disease to Manage.

The Oncologist in Mexico was the first person to speak about my disease over the long haul. I had just met her and I was in her office to have my infusion chemotherapy. She was young and optimistic. And she mapped out my future. She told me that in the world of today, breast cancer is a disease that can be managed, just the same as diabetis. Her English was understandable but I had to listen carefully to her words. But she mapped out my plan. "First you will continue your infusion, which is strong. When your pleural effusion has gone along with the mass in your chest, you will switch to an oral chemotherapy, which you will be on and off for the rest of your life. But you will have a full, active live while you manage your disease". No one else had said that to me but she proved to be correct. While I was in her office, a lady came in to pick up a package. The good doctor told me that the lady was picking up her oral chemo. She looked healthy. She had her hair. I was looking at my future. She also told me that at the moment, there was no actual cure for my disease. But she pointed out to me a long list of other dieases in the same category. Even headaches she told me. There is no cure. But we manage our headaches. And she told me that my disease would be managed too. So now I continue along my path to manage my disease. I continue on Ibrance which has removed most cancer from my bones. And a year ago I took radiation treatments which removed a big cancer from my spine. Now tomorrow I will go for radiation to get rid of the new cancer in my sternum. All the while I live and enjoy my life. My disease is not cured. But it is being managed. My young Mexican Oncologist was correct.

November 8, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Meeting with Radiology.

One of the side benefits of being forced to undergo medical procedures is that I get to know new people. Last Thursday I met with the chief of radiology at the Cancer center of Baptist Hospital. I had met her last year too and I liked her this time all over again. She is another of these young lady doctors that have been looking after me. When Ken was in medical school, only two ladies were in his class. Now over 50% of medical students are women and I have enjoyed their competence and their enthusiasm. Dr. S., the radiology chief, showed me on the computer the spots that were glowing on my bone scan. And she told me the problems. Right behind the part of the sternum that shows the cancer is part of the heart so she will perhaps use a type of rays that do not penetrate all the way through the body. So I was told that I would have 10 treatments but it will take a few days to figure out what to do. Then we will begin. But first I must have a CT scan on the same day, not to be read by a radiologist but to use the location of my internal organs. The young man who gave the test is also pleasant and helpful and told me what will happen. And he marked my belly and my sides. I still have the marks on my belly from my first radiation from years ago, the one that clipped my carotid that caused me to lose my speech. I am a bit sensative about radiation. For some reason, the technitions are all men. I wonder why? As soon as I get the phone call from the radiologist, I will begin my treatments. Fortunately, I have great faith with all the people helping me. So now I await the phone call. And then I will begin.

November 7, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Excursions and Chris.

Ken and I had many drives into the country where we took the roads less traveled and poked around to see what we could find. We did this everywhere we lived. And we enjoyed every one even when we did not come upon interesting things. We always found places for lunch. In Mississippi, the smaller highways are excellent and the towns are charming, so Mississippi is a great place to wander around. But now Ken has gone. When Kashina started to help me, I asked her to take me on excursions. She is an excellent driver. And I had a book telling places to visit. We took several outings but her idea of an excursion is to drive the interstate highways to see something specific, then come home immediately using the shortest way. She will do anything to help me but her anxiety is high meandering around in the country. So I gave up. Also she asked to work three short days, which eliminated excursions into the country. Chris, my Lyft driver, helped me into the Mills house for the Halloween party. I introduced him to Eleanor when she came outside to greet me. Later in the evening, she asked if I had taken recent excursions with Kashina and I told her my problem. She asked if Chris would be interested which I thought was a good idea. So the next time he drove for me I asked him. I was delighted with his response. And he even came up with two or three places I would enjoy. Now I am waiting to find my radiology schedule and then we will make a date for our country excursions. My friend David N. in Nova Scotia was a perfect person to take me out because he also enjoys driving on the roads less travelled. Now I find out that Chris does too. I am very excited with the prospect of getting out into the Mississippi countryside and just poke around. We have not yet figured out how to compensate him but I am sure we will. Chris is a good driver and is willing to hit the road with me. Whoopee.

November 6, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Treating Myself.

I got quite a lot accomplished today. I opened and organized the boxes that arrived yesterday. And I took the cardboard boxes to the recycle bin in the garage. And I took the containers that were full of frozen meat to the garage too, ready for Kashina to take them out on Wednesday for the trash collector. All that takes time and energy and I was pleased to be able to clear out the kitchen. For lunch I ate a bowl of soup but I noted that the fridge was empty of cooked food. For dinner, I was going to need to cook something. I have a freezer full of frozen cooked vegetables. And I have boxes of frozen meat from Omaha Steaks. But late this afternoon, while drinking my orange drink and watching a football game, I decided to treat myself. I just did not feel like cooking so I looked through a drawer holding advertisements from restaurants, expecting to find a Pizza place. But first I came upon the chinese restaurant that is closest to me. I called them to see if they would deliver. When she found out where I lived, she said YES. So I ordered. The food arrived in 20 minutes, which pleased me even though I would not be ready to eat for an hour. All evening I indulged myself. First I ate half of the hot and sour soup. After a hald an hour, I ate Kung Pow chicken with rice. I ate a third of that dish. And lastly, I ate the salad they sent. I had ordered a salad with shrimp but I left the whole box for another day. I figure I have enough food for two more days. All evening I enjoyed my food and complemented myself with every bite. My friend Butch always orders his meals from restaurants, but I do not. I heat the food from the fridge. But not tonight. I treated myself.

November 5, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Timing.

Some days I just get lucky. Yesterday and today my timing was perfect. Yesterday my Lyft driver Chris, brought me home from meeting the head of radiology. We pulled in my driveway just after 3:30. On the way in, I had spotted a UPS truck and I wondered if packages had been left at my front door. Sure enough, two large styroform boxes are at my door along with a small cardboard box. I knew exactly what was in those two big boxes. Frozen vegetables. Immediately I knew I would have difficulty getting them into the house. Christ saved the day and took the boxes one by one into the house and up on the bar. Whew. Problem solved. Today, as I was walking up the walkway after getting out of Linda's car, a young man spoke to be from behind me. He starlted me but when I turned, I could see his Fed Ex truck. And I could see that he was holding a stack of boxes. I quickly opened the door and he kindly took all the boxes on the bar, which fortunately was empty. So once again I did not need to carry all those boxes into the house. Lifting heavy boxes from the ground level is not easy for me. Sometimes it is impossible. Just opening the boxes and sorthing things out is hard enough, but for two days in a row, I had help. And for that I was grateful. Timing is everything.

November 4, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. The Surprise Prayer.

This morning at 9:15, Chantes, the handyman called to say that he was at my house. His son was on the way with the ovens. I was pleased and while we waited we sat in the living room and chatted. Chantes has been our handyman since we moved in, Spring, 2015. He has become one of the family. Or rather, I have become part of his family. His son Michael works with Chantes, along with Michaels wife. I know that Chantes is a good Christian and works at the church. Michael is overtly Christian and is sometimes a lay minister at their church. I like them both and they like me. Chantes ordered the ovens four weeks ago, to be delivered in two weeks but now at four weeks they have arrived. We are all pleased. They will install the ovens on Monday. When Michael arrived, Chantes and I had been talking about my prospective radiology treatments, so when Michael came into the living room, he asked about it. So I told him. By then both men and the daughter in law were standing while I was sitting on the couch, still wearing my night shirt. When Michael heard that the cancer had returned to my bones, he immediately said,"This is a need for prayer. Let us bow our heads." And he immediately said a prayer for me, right then and there. And not a short prayer either. He spoke a beautiful prayer and I thanked him. But after the ovens were left in the garage and they left, I thought about the fact that for the first time in my life, I had my handyman and his crew say a special prayer for me in my own home. We had just held our own little prayer meeting. I must admit that it was a big surprise.

November 3, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Brunch.

I am never sure if doing the same thing each week constitutes a rut. If so, we are in a rut. Every Sunday, Christina and the girls meet me for brunch. Sometimes the older girls are not able to join us. Kate works night so if the is working Saturday and Sunday nights, she must sleep. And Mary Frances works at a coffee shop close to her dorm so sometimes she can't come. But we always enjoy our brunch with Molly, Christina me. The conversation changes depending who is at the table but brunch is always enjoyable. Ken and I started the routine the first time we visited Mississippi. And we have never stopped so I guess we are in a rut. But it is a pleasant rut. For instance, last Sunday we selected Sal&Phils because we wanted to have oysters. We always select the restaurant during the week. I got there first and ordered oysters on the half shell. Just as the oysters appeared, Christina and Molly appeared so we downed those oysters quickly. They were big and juisy and delicious. We all three ordered red snapper. Our meal was wonderful and we enjoyed discussing things important to an eighth grade student. Every Sunday we go to a different restaurant. And we ususlly meet at 11:15. Kashina has taken to dropping me off, then going on to her own home. Her eating patterns mosly do not include the food we like to eat. She enjoys the company of the girls but mostly she does not like the food. Our routine with brunch is a splendid idea. This coming Sunday perhaps we will eat Thai food. We know just the right place. But no matter where we will go, I know we will have a good time. Everyone enjoys our Sunday brunch, especially me.

November 2, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Radiation.

On Thursday I have a meeting with the head of radiology at the Baptist Hospital Cancer center. And they will do a mock up as to what will be done. Yesterday I met with Dr. Sheehan, my Oncologist, and she recommends radiation. The bone scan showed a lesion on my sternum plus another spot on my back rib. I Ibrance does not seem to be making them go away so she suggests radiation. It worked last time so we hope it will work again. The last time I had radiation was not so easy for me. I was not expecting to have difficulty. I assumed that I would get tired so I was not ready for an upset stomach and other side efects. This time I will be better prepared. And I will probably get more rest. I will find out my routine on Thursday. Last time I had two weeks of treatment every day except Sunday and Saturday and I expect it will be the same. But no matter what, I will soldier on. I am not prepared to give up. So here we go.

November 1, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Habits.

I have been taking the same medications since I had the stroke and lost my words. That was a long time ago. I have a box for the morning meds and another for the evening. To keep them straight, my evening meds are in a blue box. I take the pills first thing in the morning and last thing at night. Just last week when taking my evening pills,, I noticed that my morning container for the day was still closed. In other words, my carefully cultivated habit of taking my pills first thing in the morning let me down. I had not taken my required medication that morning. Habits are helpful but every so often those habits let me down. And I have no reason why. Last evening I had a similar experience. Christina drove me home. It was late. I immediately took my evening meds. And then turned on the baseball game which was just beginning the 8th inning. Much to my pleasure, the Astros were ahead. I watched to the end of the game, took my Ibrance and crackers and promptly went to bed. Since I turned 70, I have been writing my little blog late every evening. But last night I forgot., which has only happened once or twice in the past. Unfortunately, I did not fall asleep so at 2:30, as I was reviewing the events of my evening to try to figure out why I was still awake, it dawned on me that I had forgotten my habit to go to the computer to write my wee web log. So I got up and went to the computer and completed the task. Habits are useful but last evening my good habit let me down. And I have no idea why. Interesting.

October 31, 2021. Madison, Mississippi. Halloween Party.

Every year, Greta Barbour and John host a Haloween Party. They invite all their friends and family members along with their children to their home for dinner. While the children go out trick or treating, the parents talk and eat and drink. I have attended their parties each year and enjoyed every one. John cooks something southern, each year something different. And they serve hot mulled cider. Because they live in Mississippi, the weather is pleasant so most of the time is spent on their porch. Their neighbors up and down their street are also invited. The young folks love it as to the adults. It was a splendid party. I sat in the corner of the porch and enjoyed the action while I ate, drank and talked. This year John cooked chile made with smoked meat. It was delicious. And every year Eleanow bakes ginger cookies which seem to be better every season. Last year the party had to be cancelled but not this year. The children got to go out for their trick or treating while the adults enjoyed themselves. I drove to the party with my Lyft driver, Chris, and was driven home by Christina. It was 10:30 when I got home, happy as a clam.