June 30, 2021. Toronto, Ontario, Canada. My Travel Day.

I wonder why a travel day is so tiring. Aftr all, the whole day has been spent sitting or waiting. But I am weary after my day of travel. Thanks to David and Suzanne I had all my ducks in the row entering Canada. I travelled with my Canadian Passport. I had a copy of my negative Covid test and I had the copy of "Welcome to Canada", where I was required to give the location for my quarentine. The officials even wanted the copy of my hotel 3 day isolation. I sailed through all hurdles. Then after clearing customs, I was required to have another Covid test. They will e mail the test to me and when it is negative I am free to go on to Nova Scotia which will be yet another set of officials. But I am here in my pleasant hotel room. My first meal tonight was delicious: salmon, rice and stir fried vegetables. A good omen, I hope. During the first short flight I was reminded of the marvel of flying. Several young children sitting behind me were taking their first flight. They were excited and they discussed every aspect of what was happening and what might happen next. We old folks have been dulled with the thrill. All we thing is the uncomfortable seat or the lack of food. But those young children on their first flight to visit their Granparents in Dallas were thrilled to be on that flight. I forgot my irritation and returned to my enjoyment with the magig of flying. Now I am here and getting established in my isolation hotel. Now my question is how many steps can I take in my small room? I am certainly going to find out.

JUNE 29, 2021. San Antonio, Texas. The New Home.

The new house at 129 East Agarita is lovely. They chose well. It is large enough to fit the family but not so large that you feel lost when Suzanne and David are home by themselves, which they are most of the time. Progrees has been made since my arrival 6 weeks ago. Two chairs were delivered for the living room two weeks ago and last week the new couch arrived also for the living room. Now a new coffee table plus two small side tables have been ordered for the same room. The art has already been hung so the room is gracious. I have enjoyed sitting in the room. At the end of next week the furniture will arrive for the TV room which is all part of the kitchen. It will include a sectional sofa and a chair and ottoman for David. In order to have some furniture in the living room, they used two heavy leather chairs that served them well in their old bedroom. Now they have gone to the third floor where they will stay forever and ever because they are a pain to get up the steep stairs. When they get the date for the new furniture, the couch they are using in the TV room must return to the Guest House along with the coffee tale from the living roo. A small couch that has been useful when we were all here will go to Samantha's room. So furniture must go out of the rooms so other new furniture can be put in place. The most progress has been made in the back yard. Once the last pour of concrete was completed, you can see how the backyard will look....eventually. David wants it done sooner than later because he will be planting in the heat of the Texas heat. I know it is frustrating but I can see definate improvements in the back yard. The front already shows his hand because the front is full of flowers and bushed. He intends to put his cutting garden in the middle of the fronto yard. But that will wait until the cooler weather. I have had a wonderful visit in Texas. And I have especially observed the progress in their new home. I feel fortunate to have been in at the start. The children in addition to David and Suzanne are in love with their new home. And that is a good thing.

June 28, 2021. San Antonio, Texas. Banana Bread.

Last evening when I went up to my bedroom, Samantha was making banana bread. She made a big bathch at the lake a few weekends ago and as there were 4 bananas in the fruit basket she decided to make some more. But first she asked me if I would enjoy eating banana bread for breakfast. Of course I said yes. I went to sleep with the aroma of banana break filling the air. And indeed I did enjoy two pieces for breakfast. She puts chocolate chips in the bread which makes the bread even better. She is a good soul, that Samantha. Next year she will be living in an apartment at the University of Virginia. She will be in a 4 bedroom 4 bath unit with a full kitchen so she will be making her own meals next year. This is a first for Samantha so she is asking Suzanne for tips. Tonight Suzanne cooked a stir fry meal which was delicious and made from left overs. A little curry spiced the whole thing up into a special meal. Now Samantha knows how to cook a meal with left overs with curry. So far she says that the only thing she does well in the kitchen is banana bread. But I bet that this time next year she will be a good cook. Already her banana bread is wonderful. I will eat another piece for breakfast tomorrow. I am fortunate to hve competent, loving granddaughters.

June 27, 2021. San Antonio, Texas. Why We Like the Lake.

I asked Allison this evening why she likes the lake. She told me that there was always things to do, such as water skiing, tubing, swimming and reading. And she is relaxed at the lake. No pressure. No demands. And the nights are dark and quiet so it is easier to sleep. So she loves the lake for recreation and to relax. Suzanne says that everything at the lake for her is easier. The entertaining is casual as are the meals. And she and David do a lot of activities together at the lake such as boating or kayaking. In the city they both work all week. Everyone in the family agrees that the lake house holds a special place in their heart. I like to be at the lake partly because of nostalgia. The four of us put the house together to become the lovely casual house that it is today. But it did not happen overnight. I am pleased with the results of all our efforts. In adition I enjoy seeing bits and pieces of other houses. All the art from the ranch is at the lake scattered around the house so as I walk around I see old familiar pieces or art which I love. Several pots and pans came from the farm and one large soup pot was given to me for a wedding gift. The coasters in the living room coffee table and end tables Ken and I brought home from Costa Rico. So I love to be at the lake party for the history and partly for the present. Sitting on the deck in the cool of the evening remains one of the best places to sit and talk. So I still love the lake house and I have enjoyed my four weeks there. I like the place just as well as the granddaughters. And that is good.

June 26, 2021. Canyon Lake, Texas. Dinner at the Esterak's.

The Esteraks used to live in San Antonio but moved to Austin ten years ago where they now live with their three children. Both Debbie and Heath are attornies. Five years ago, they bought a home at Canyon Lake. The house is not within walking distance but you can see their home at the far side of the bay. All their San Antonio friends have kept in close contact over the years and now that they all have a lake house at Canyon Lake they gather for meals., just like we do in Nova Scotia. Yesterday, Debbie invited ua to their home for a summer dinner. I was included. Debbie served a summer salad but she served it as a buffet. Chicken, fruit, olives, greens, fruit and vegetables were set out in the kitchen counter in bowls, along with various breads. Everyone just took what they wanted for their dinner salad. The idea was excellent and the dinner was delicious. The day was hot so cooking was not appealing but we all enjoyed our dinner. Allison and Samantha are good helpers in the kitchen. Our dinner conversation was lively too. Suzanne with the help of Allison and Samantha made a peach cobbler for dessert. This is peach season in Texas and the cobbler was delicious. Both Debbie and Heath attended U. of Texas so as Texas was playing Miss. State in the semi finals of the College World Series we turned it on and watched the exciting game. But we quit with a rain delay. Texas eventually won that game but lost on the third and final game tonight. Debbie and Heath are good friends not only with David and Suzanne but also me. They always invite me and take time to spend time talking with me, which I appreciate. Debbie is especially interested in visiting Nova Scotia so perhaps some year I will be able to entertain them at Gull Bay. Our dinner last evening was a big hit. I enjoyed the dinner and the company. It was a gold star evening.

June 25, 2021. Canyon Lake, Texas. Progress.

The new bed for the workshop bedroom has been delivered and set up. Of course it is just floating in the center of the room because all the chests and shelves holding tools are still sitting along the walls. But at least the bed can be used. And I believe that Don and Doreen will not mind if the room still looks like a workshop. And the mattress cover and sheets and pillow cases are waiting to be laundered. Of course I still must order pillows and bedspread. The workshop bedroom has also been cleaned. And the new hot water tank is working. The Guest House upstairs from the workshop bedroom has also been cleaned and looks lovely according to Mary. Lynn, Don and Doreen's daughter is driving with them to help with the driving so will probably stay up there unless other guests are coming too in which case I will put the couple in the Guest House and have Lynn stay in the main house with me. The main house has also been thoroughly cleaned, including making up my bed. Jacky is a good lady. The exterminator has made a visit and rebaited all the traps. Stephen has picked up the truck to make sure it is running well for the season. And the tax bill has been paid which is due June 30. The TV, Internet and Wi Fi have been turned on and been checked by Joey. So progress has been made and the house is getting set for the season. Now I just need to get there.

June 24, 2021. Canyon Lake, Texas. What Was I thinking?

After three weeks of having Wendy help me Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 to 1:30 I wonder what on earth I was thinking when I could not think what I would have her to help me. I had never had a helper in Texas and I was not thinking of getting a helper, until we realized that Lyft was not available. And Suzanne and I discovered Caring Senior Service. But I had to be talked into hiring a helper. Now I know how helpful Wendy was to me. Before she arrives I made a list of what things need doing that day. So she was always busy the whole four hours. And the house is better for her efforts. Today was Wendy's last day working with me. I go to San Antonio on Sunday with David and Suzanne. And on the Wednesday I fly to Toronto. But you can bet that the next time I am at the lake I will hire a helper and hope Wendy will be available. I will no longer be so short sighted as to think I need no help. I makes me wonder how many other things in my life I am missing. But no matter. I enjoyed working with Wendy. Today we celebrated by going for lunch at Startz Cafe. And we both ate their special which was chicken fried steak, a true Texas dish. The cafe is owned by a relative of hers. But I still wonder what on earth I was thinking when I wondered what she could do. Amazing stupidity on my part. But I got over it!!

June 23, 2021. Canyon Lake, Texas. Hockey.

Once again, the best team did not win. This seems to be the main story of the playoffs. Tonight, the Tampa Bay Lightning were going to put the New York Islanders in their place and send them home for the season. And the Lightning was ahead 2 to 0 at the end of the 1st period. But the Islanders would not quit. First one goal, then another so the game ended at a tie. And over time was coming. And the Islanders scored less than 2 minutes into the overtime. So game 7 will be played in Tampa Bay and the winner will get to play for the Stanley Cup. In the other series, Montreal was supposed to be the weaker team. But they are ahead 3 to 2 in games. And Las Vegas must win tomorrows game in order to get into the 7th game. If Montreal wins tomorrow, they will be in the Stanley Cup finals. At some point the commentators will stop saying about the best team not winning. Even the players need to stop thinking that way. The better team always wins. I certainly did not expect Montreal and the Islanders might get into the final series. Certainly fooled me too. But it has been exciting.

June 22, 2021. Canyon Lake, Texas. The Nova Scotia House.

Trouble always seems to come in threes. Today I heard of troubles in the Nova Scotia house. First was the hot water heater in the Guest House. Jacky was cleaning and noticed water draining from the bottom of the tank. She turned off the water to the tank and called friend Mary. First thing this morning, Frank the plumber installed a new tank. Problem number one solved. But I was inerested that the hot water tank in the main house has never been replaced while the Guest House is fairly new. Interesting. Next Mary noted a big hole in the wall under a bench in the main house. She spotted it from the deck. The hole opened into the basement. Whatever made the hole went through the shingles, which turned out to be rotted plus the sheathing under the shingle. George came today to pug the hole but he must repair the shingle and the sheathing later as he is very busy. George thinks that a racoon made the hole. Fortunately no critters were found in the cellar and as the hole has been closed, no more should get in. Problem 2 solved. We have had no problems with mice in the main house this year...until now. I changed the exterminator company last summer and he has done a good job. But when Jacky was cleaning she found three dead mice. on the second floor. Mary thinks they came into the house through the hole. Tomorrow the Orkin man will come to rebait the boxes which I hope will look after that problem. I do not like mice in the house although with an old house this is a problem. So three problems in one day. And three problems solved. Pretty good.

June 21, 2021. Canyon Lake, Texas. US Olympic Trials.

I have enjoyed watching the diving, swimming and track and field trials. I have never talked with anyone else to see if anyone enjoys them as much as I do. But I love watching these athletes trying their hardest to get on the US team. I enjoy them in the order that I saw them on TV, starting with the diving which began 10 days ago. These divers are able to do incredible things with their bodies, all the while pointing their toes. But I need the comentators to tell me what is good and what is really good. They all seem miraculous to me. The diving trials are over. The team is ready for Tokyo. Next was the swimming. Ken always said that watching swimming competition was boring because you can not see what the swimmers are doing. But I enjoyed the competition. Some very young swimmers made the team which is always exciting. A 15 year old girl qualified for the team in the 200 m free. It was sweet watching Katy Ledecky give her a hug after making the team. Two Olympics ago Katy was just like that 15 year old. I still do not know what makes some swimmers swim so much faster than others. But it is exciting for me to watch. The swimmers all look so fit and healthy with no fat in sight. The swimming team is also complete. Then came the Track and Field trials which are my favorite. I like the variety of the individual events. And I look for the disasters. The world record holder failed to make the team because he came in 4th and the top three in the finals go onto the Olympics. I do not know and the commentators did not tell me what happened. I like the individual effort for each athlete. And I like the family in the stands cheering them on. I feel badly for those people who worked hard but failed to make the team. The Track and Field Trials will continue on Thursday along with the Gymnastics. These athletes are fit and excited. I look forward to seeing them at the Olympics. I love the fitness and I love the effort. I have enjoyed these US Trials, if only to see them in their uniforms. They all have wonderful bodies which are on full display. Now I wish them well.

June 20, 2021. Canyon Lake, Texas. A Couch Potato.

There are benefits that come with being a Lady of Leisure. Today I was alone with no company, no family and no helper so I turned on the US Open Golf Tournament and kept the TV on all day. For sure I did not sit on the couch all day watching the TV. I did my walking and made my meals and I puttered around a bit but I listened or watched the whole last day of the tournament. It was great sport and until the last few holes, the game was very close. Even a Canadian golfer was in the hunt to win the US Open right till near the end. I was interested how so many of the top golfrs in the world fell apart right near the end. The score board showed many players very close together for most of the day but eventually, nerves took over and finally one golfer won by one stroke. Jon Rahn won the tournament, the first time he had won a major tournament so he was pleased. But he won at the last two holes so the whole day made the playes close together in strokes. The poor fellow who came in second has been in second place for 7 major tournaments. Unbeliebable. I had seen a bit of the tournament since the beginning on Thursday but I have never watched or listened the whole last day of any tournament. Normally I just check every now and then to see what is happening. Then I watch the last few holes. But today I watched the whole day and was interested with how these experienced golfers responded to the pressure of the last few holes on the US Open Golf Tournament. The only man who kept his cool was the winner, Jon Rahn. Congratulations to him. I enjoyed my day of leisure.

June 19, 2021. Canyon Lake, Texas. Scientist Gill.

Gill is upset. The Canadian Prime Minister has announced that the Canadian/US border will be kept closed until July 21. In her opiniom as a scientist, there is no reason to keep the border closed. Vacinated people should be allowed to visit Canada. He evidently gave reasons for the continued closure which Gill says made no sense and those facts have never been tested. In addition, the three day stay at a hotel approved by the government has never made any senae. People flying must have a negative Covid test before boarding the plane. Then when they arrive at one of the four Canadian cities, the passenger must stay three nights in isolation until they have another Covid test. But the incubation for Covid is 5 days so three days in isolation makes no sense, according to Gull. The officials in Canada are not listening and acting on the science. And she does not like it. "Science should determine the rules", said Gill. I have observed for a long time that the authorities only pay attention to the science if the officials agree with the science. Then rules are made based on the science. But if the scientists say something that disagrees with the officials, the science is ignored. Being synical, I long ago noted that the rule makers enjoy the power of making these rules and they are unwilling to give up their power. They enjoy telling people what to do. C.S.Lewis made a statement long ago basically saying that when officials make rules that they tell you are for your own good, those people are worse despots than dictators. We see this in these officials making rules that have no sense at all and certainly are not based on any science. And Gill is not pleased. I must have a Covid test before boarding the plane. When I arrive on June 30, I must stay three nights at the ALT hotel in isolation. I am not allowed to walk in the hall on my floor. But I am able to call the front desk to see if there are few people in the hotel so I can come downstairs and walk outside. Does this make sense? When I arrive in Toronto I must have another Covid test. When I receive my negative test I am free to leave but my flight is on July 4th. And the hotel and food delivery has been paid for and is not refundable. The whole thing makes no sense and never did. The three day hotel was instituted to discipline those Canadians who disobeyed the official orders. Flights were cancelled from Canada to Mexico and the Caribbean so clever Canadians flew to American cities and then went on to their vacations. So the government made it difficult and expensive to get back into Canada. Interesting but true. So Gill an I agree. This border closure makes no sense and the 3 day stay in the airport hotel was never based on any science. Gill is not pleased with the Canadian authorities.

June 18, 2021. Canyon Lake, Texas. Marilyn and Tuppen.

Marilyn and Tuppen have been friends for a long time. We knew each other well in Galveston and we have been friends ever since. As Ken and I left Galveston in June of 1970, we have been friends for over 50 years. And we have visited each other over the years. Today they drove together from Houston to visit me at the lake which I appreciated. They have been here before so they even know their bedroom. Now we are all ladies without a spouse and all live alone. All our men have left us. Tuppen is still working as a physical therapist but Marilyn and I are ladies of leisure. Since they arrived we have had good conversation. First we caught up with each others children and grandchildren. Then we talked about travelling and what was feasable for us. Next we ate dinner which was left over from the Italian Festival from last weekend. We used the trusty microvave to heat up the lasagna and tortelini. This is my idea of cooking. And we ate a salad. Marilyn and Tuppen ate a choclate ball or two for dessert. The evening was lovely and quiet on the deck which was neither hot nor chilly. So we sat and talked some more. Now they have gone to bed because tomorrow is another day. I know we will have a good time. I also know we will eat out at least once because I have only home made soup to eat, along with another salad. Tomorrow we will organize our day at breakfast. Fortunately we have plenty of breakfast food. They are thinking they might visit me in Mississippi in October. I would like that!!

June 17, 2021. Canyon Lake, Texas. Walking.

Walking outside in Texas in the summer is difficult. The temperature is too high for comfort. This evening I took my orange drink to the deck but I turned right around and went back into the air conditioned house. It was 5:30 and the temperature was still 92. So walking outside is difficult for me. Wendy my helper arrives at 9:30 and it is already too hot to walk ourside. In the past, when days are hot, I have walked in a grocery store or a pharmacy but I try to stay away from crowds of people so walking in cogested places are not an option while i am still taking Ibrance. The problem is that my legs give me even more trouble if I do not walk. So I have a problem. My solution is to walk inside. I have a route in the main room upstairs. One lap is 200 steps. I keep track of the number of laps by using the spice bottles beside the stove. I move them from side to side. I use 6 bottles and when all 6 are on one side, I take a bit of a break. It is boring but gets the job jone. I walk between 3000 and 5000 steps each day which I know is not enough but it all I can deal with walking around in the circle of the room. I try to find something on TV so I can listen when walking. So that is my routine in Texas. This works well when I am alone but does not work at all when the house is full of people. But I am alone all week so all is well in the walking department in Texas in June. My system is working.

June 16, 2021. Canyon Lake, Texas. Baseball.

Last evening is the best example of why I love baseball. After the hockey game was over and the swimming trials had finished I switched to the Astros baseball game. I started watching just as the 7th inning had ended so at the beginning of the 8th inning the score was 2-1 in favor of the Texas Rangers. The Astros looked done for the night. Nothing was happening in the 8th. Both teams going out in order. And nothing happening with the Texans in the 9th. The Astros had two outs in the bottom of the 9th. Correa came up to bat where he quickly had two strikes. But them he hit a home run so the game was tied 2-2 and we went to the 10th inning. Then things got interesting. The Texans scored one run so were now again up one run. But in the bottom of the 10th, the Astros first batter hit a double. The next two batters were walked so now the bases were loaded. Altube came up to bat and after hitting one foul ball he hit a home run. The fans and the players went crazy. He had hit a loaded bases walk off home run and the Astros won the game 6-3. I switched to the game just at the right time. And that is why I love baseball. You never know what will happen.

June 15, 2021. Canyon Lake, Texas. A Lady of Leisure.

I have been officially named "A Lady of Leisure". David objected to my term "A Kept Lady" when one of the twins asked me what I Was doing these days. I told them that I do not do anything because I am a kept woman. What I meant was that I am looked after everywhere I go. David objected because he said that a kept woman means that someone was paying the bills of the lady and he reminded me that no one pays my bills except me. He then corrected my verbage and named me officially "A Lady of Leisure". Ken and I earned and saved all the money I now use to look after myself. I am in truth, a lady of leisure. My helpers do my laundry and empty the dishwasher. They drive me to appointments and to run errands with me. Son David manages my investment and makes sure I have funds in my chequing account. Christina pays my bills and helps me with my issues with the computer and iPad. Cleaning ladies keep my house clean. I am left to keep up my walking and to enjoy myself, which I do. But I certainly do not work for a living. When I entertain I take friends out for lunch or dinner so I do not even cook. David agreed that I have worked hard all my life so that I am now in the enviable situation to be called "A Lady of Leisure". I kind of like it.

June 14, 2021. Canyon Lake, Texas. Bruce the Plumber.

Bruce has been our plumber the whole time since we purchased the house, so when I noticed a small amount of water running in the girl's toilet, I wondered if our long time plumber was still in business. Actually, I could not remember his name but my systems bailed me out. Our old telephone book held his name and number. I phoned him. His voice sounded old and he had trouble hearing me. But he remembered the house and he thought he could come by today for the two small plumbing problems. He actually called at 11:30 to say that he had finished his work in Village West, where I live, and asked if he could come right over. I said yes. Now we bought this place in 1996 and Bruce of Canyon Lake Plumbing is still in business. I did not remember that he was really young all those years ago so I knew he must be old. And he was. But he did the job. He came right in and fixed the problems and quickly too. He sat in the adjacent chair to mine when I was writing the cheque and we started chatting. I do not recall ever talking to him in the past but today we had a conversation. He remembered the key we kept in the outside shower for him. That shower is no longer there. And he remembered that we once lived in Maryland, a state he likes very much. And we talked about Galveston. It turns out that he has been and still is, a lifelong Birder. He is active with the birding community in the US. And he knows Jim, the man who sends me the bird pictures every week. When I told David that the plumbing issues were fixed and that Bruce did the job, David recalled that the last time he saw Bruce he thought that Bruce seemed weary and old. Today he was just old. I commented to Bruce that I was pleased to see him. He respended back to me that he would rather have me see him than view him. And we laughed.

June 13, 2021. Canyon Lake, Texas. The Lake and the Twins.

Life for Samantha and Allison at the lake usually includes more people. Suzanne ia there and often Sarah and Abigail. But this weekend there was only David when they went out on the boat. They were not used to driving the boat when some one was skiing so David taught them what to do. Both girls drove the boat all the time yesterday and today so by the end of the day, they were experts. The three of them spent so much time skiing yesterday and today that they all were sore. But they had a wonderful time. And with no food preparation required, everyone was free to enjoy themselves. For a parent, being with two of your children all alone is a pleasure so David enjoyed the weekend with the twins. Both Allison and Samantha are good company. They are energetic and competent and they never complain. They are also always wanting to get better so this weekend they learned to ski on one ski. When they were out on the boat this afternoon David ordered a new ski. The only single ski they have is designed for a big and tall man so now arriving on Friday in San Antonio will be a new ski built for the girls. All three of them enjoyed telling me about buying a new single ski while they were still out on the boat. This is indeed a wonderful life. I of course, enjoyed myself thoroughly, listening to their exploits and their success. I did not go out on the boat. I struggle on dry land with balance so on a boat life is impossible for me, although David urged me to join them. We ate our meals together just sitting around casually. Being with the twins and David at the lake was a delight and a treat. And I have plenty of food in the fridge. I am all set for the week at the lake by myself.

June 12, 2021. Canyon Lake, Texas. The Italian Festival.

Suzanne and Abigail are in Colorado so David was the chief cook at the lake. Samantha and Allison were along to help but David was in charge. Before they left San Antonio, David decided not to cook so he asked Allison to call Gennoro's, the best restaurant at the lake, to order food for the weekend. She ordered lots of food: 3 Pizzas we ate for dinner last night, 3 Gluten free pastas for David, 2 Lasangnas, 3 chicken parmagioni, 3 spaghetti and meatballs, 3 cheese ravioli, 9 side salads, 3 large salads and three boxes of breads. We have enough food for a small army. We are having an Italian Festival this weekend at the lake. The system worked perfectly. When we wanted to eat, we had our own restaurant right in the fridge. Each of us could select what we wanted, take as much as needed on the plate, heat it, and eat it. We did not even need to eat at the same time. Today after an afternoon on the boat the three were hungry so selected their early dinner. I had eaten lunch late so waited until they went out to water ski in the evening until I ate dinner on the deck. Allison had organized the fridge so the food is easily obtained. Now no one needs to cook. And the food is marvelous. I suspect I will have food left over from the weekend so I can eat all week. Some days the idea just works.

June 11, 2021. Canyon Lake, Texas. Abigail and Colorado.

Right now, Suzanne and Abigail are at Winter Park in Colorado. They left on Thursday to drive in Abigails truck, taking two days of driving to get there. Now they are getting Abigail set up in her new room at the staff dorm. After graduating from Furman University Abigail decided to take a gap year and work and ski in Colorado. She was hired to operate a ski lift which operates all year for hikers and skiers. And she will improve her expertise in skiing. She is already a good skier but she wants to get her credentials so she can teach children to ski. And she thinks tha she can work to subsidize her pay as a lift operator. Her routine is to work 4 days than have 3 days off. At the moment she is sharing a very small room with someone she does not know. The company provides the room and also has a cafateria for meals. While she is there with Suzanne, they will check out options for living. But for the moment she will stay where she is. She starts her new job on Monday and she is excited. Winter Park is a ski town with part for tourists who are wealthy and part for working people. This evening Suzanne and Abigail ate dinner at a fancy restaurant. Abigail commented to Suzanne that she would not be dining in that restaurant again until Suzanne and David return. This is an adventure for Abigail. Part of her makes her nervous and part of her is excited. She is spunky and energetic and I feel sure she will have a wonderful time. But on the other hand she has no friends or family in Winter Park so she is on her own. I wish her well.

June 10, 2021. Canyon Lake, Texas. Hockey Playoffs.

"The better team is not winning." I have heard that time after time during this season of hockey playoffs. Every series, the better team lost. Take Montreal. They won the lowest point of any team in the playoffs. All the commentators knew that Toronto would beat them in the first round. The experts never did stop repeating this story. "The best team is not winning." Montreal beat Toronto, the so called better team. In the second round, Montreal was expected to lose to the Winnipeg Jets, because they were the better team. But Montreal swept Winnipeg. Once again, the better team did not win. Then take a look at the New York Islanders. The Caps were the better team but they lost to the Islanders in the first round. Boston was supposed to be the team playing for the Cup. They were a wonderful team and everyone knew they were the better team except the Islanders beat them in the Second round of the playoffs. I have been fascinted to hear the discussions from the experts constantly repeating their mantra: "The better team is not winning." The Colorado Avalanche earned more points than any team in the league. They were expected to beat Las Vegas in the second round. But the Las Vegas team is now in the semi finals. Only Tampa Bay won and was expected to win. They were the better team. And they won. I guess that is why they play the game. On paper, a team might be better but on the ice, the best team always wins. Even if the experts do not agree. Now we have 4 teams in the third round. Three of the teams were not expected in this round, me included. Fortunately I am not a betting person because I would have lost money. Now let the games begin.

June 9, 2021. Canyon Lake, Texas. Workshop Bedroom.

Two year ago my Nova Scotia house was full so I asked the 17 year old twins to sleep in Ken's workshop, sleeping on rollaway cots. We called it their workshop bedroom. They liked it so I decided to turn the workshop into a proper bedroom. The next winter I had ceramic tiles installed and asked Gloria to come to Nova Scotia and turn the space into a comfortable bedroom. However, Covid got in the way. The border closed so Gloria was unable to do her work. And friends and family were unable to visit Nova Scotia because of the 14 day isolation. So no company visited in summer 2020 and nothing got done on the workshop bedroom. My friends Don and Doreen are confident that the rules will change so they are anticipating driving to Nova Scotia from Ontario, arriving July 18. Don does not like stairs and I promised him last year that the workshop bedroom would be ready whenever they arrived. So...I must be ready. Today I ordered a new King bed, which means a matress, box spring and frame. I ordered it from Macphersons, the same place I purchased all my appliances last summer. David N. is making two bed side tables plus a head board and he assured me today that they will all be ready on time. Next I must order all the bedding which will be more difficult I think. Ken belonged to Amazon Prime Ca. but I did not orer anything from Amazon last summer. My US account does not work in Canada. Tomorrow I will figure it out. Gloria is still willing to come and make the workshop into a bedroom but first the border must open. I talked with Gloria today and she is still eager to come. I feel sure that Don and Doreen would not mind if the room still looks like Ken's workshop as long as the bed is in place. But the workshop is coming together but more slowly than anticipated. Progress has been made. And I am pleased.

June 8, 2021. Canyon Lake, Texas. Caring Senior Service.

Now I have another Wendy in my life. She works for Caring Senior Service and she helped me for 4 hours this morning. Suzanne and I first heard about the company at the clinic on Tuesday. I called them immediately and on Friday I met with the lady in charge. Suzanne and I decided that I would be smart to start using them, if only to get me into their system. So I hired a helper once a week, starting this week. Even though I am only here three more weeks, I wanted to plan for the future. And David is anxious when I am by myself all week, espeially when Lyft is not operating. Wendy lives at Canyon Lake and has been her whole life. And she is young, energetic and pleasant. The cleaning people left a lot of clothes either damp or dirty so I got all the sheets and towels clean and dry but left Wendy to fold them. Last week I folded the sheets but did a poor job. Wendy not only folded the towels and sheets but she also organized the linen closet and the towels shelves. But first she made me avacado toast for my breakfast. So I am pleased to have her help. I also asked her to come on Thursday to help me because I need to organize the closet. We brought all my clothes from the ranch but the clothes are not well organized. Wendy and I will fix that on Thursday. Her family moved to the area from Germany in the early 19th Century and farmed along the Gaudaloupe River. They still own a big ranch along River Road, where several family members live in houses on the property. In 1968 her uncle sold the whole area which became Village West, where I live. I am delighted to have a good helper at Canyon Lake, which started when I had pink eye.

June 7, 2021. Canyon Lake, Texas. Lake House Renovations.

The home we four purcased was ordinary and ugly but we lived with it for a year or so mainly because we had no money. Ken and I hired a local architect to come up with ideas and a plan which we liked. When I was talking with my friend Butch about the renovations he urged me to not even ask David and Suzanne to share the costs because by then Sarah had come along and Abigail was soon to be born. He told me that if Ken and I wanted to renovate the lake house we should pay for it ourselves. We started getting bids from Builders and we selected the cheapest and also the youngest. He got the job done and on budget but hidden defects appeared over time. We turned the house upside down by putting one room on the second floor overlooking the water, so living room, dining room and kitchen were open. The lower level now held two maser suites with full bathroom opening on the large deck just below the deck off the main room. We extended the house 8 feet and the decks were large. An ugly shed was attached to the side of the house which we removed. That left us with a guest room, office and large childrens room. When the renovations were complete, the house was just what we wanted it to be. Because Ken and I paid for the renovation, Suzanne and David took over paying the mortgage but for a few years we kept our pot of money. Fifteen years after the renovation was completed, David hired a good carpenter to correct the defects all done by shoddy work. If the rain was beating down and the wind blew from the lake, water seeped in the windows of David and Suzanne's bedroom. But not any more. It was an expensive fix. In the future we will never select the cheapest builder. But the house fits our purposes for both family life and for entertaining. We started with a tacky little house with great acess to the lake. After the renovations, we had a lovely home overlooking the lake but still with easy acess to the lake. We accomplished our goal.

June 6, 2021. Canyon Lake, Texas. Lake House Housekeeper.

Over 20 years ago, we hired Carol to clean our house at Canyon Lake. Her daughter in Law helped her. Her task was to check on the house twice a week to be sure all was well, plus clean the house once a month. She never was a good cleaner but she was dependable so we kept her. And we paid her automatically from our bank account so she knew she was getting incole every month. As time went by, without saying to us, she went to checking the house once a week. Then after a few more years she stopped checking the house at all. But she did clean the house once a month. We never increased her payment because she was reducing her hours every month. She always looked old, even 20 years ago. David installed a motion detector in the house. Evidently, this older lady turned on a radio the minute she and her daughter in law entered the house and kept it at hight volume while listening to hard rock music. We all laughter to think of the sight. But two months ago she died. It took a couple of months before the daughter in law contacted us but eventually we stopped the funds going to her. But now we have no one to clean the house. It was surprisingly difficult but finally David hired two ladies to clean once a month at a charge more than double Carol's salary. They have cleaned once. Tomorrow they are coming again. Evidently they speak no English so life will be interesting. I am not imvolved with directions or payment so I do not know if David wants them to come every month or just whenever they are called. But we will soon find out. I bet this cleaning service will not last for 20 years and I feel sure that they will do a better job.

June 5, 2021. Canyon Lake, Texas. Shrimp Boil.

This evening, 20 friends and family joined to celebrate the graduation of Abigail Ruth Dicke from Furman University. David and Suzanne decided to have a shrimp boil for dinner. Earlier in the afternoon, the kids blew up balloons and tied strings to them. They used helium to make life easy. There were lots of balloons so the lake house looked festive, both in the house and on the deck. At 4:00 the guests began ariving. Earlier in the day it rained but by the time the guests arrived the rain was gone and the rest of the day was clear and beautiful. Perfect for a party. David cooked the shrimp boil outside on a hot propane burner. First he heated the water, then added the seasonings, onions and garlic. Next came to potatoes and the sausage, followed by the corn. Finally came the shrimp. When it was all cooked, the food was set out down the center of three long tables on the deck and people dug into the food, peeling the shrimp and eating the rest of the food with a fork or fingers. It was great fun. The food was wonderful with everyone enjoying the company and the food. It took ages to eat. Finally we ate the cake, ordered by Suzanne. It was a chocolate mousse cake. I do not eat sugar but I ate two pieces. The evening was lovely so people sat on the deck and talked...and talked...and talked. I came inside because the evening was too cool for my shorts and short sleeved shirt. The evening ended after ten, with everyone going home happy. Abigail was the happiest of all. And everyone in the family agreed that the shrimp boil was an excellent meal to serve at a group party. We all agreed the party was a big success.

June 4, 2021. Canyon Lake, Texas. Systems at the Lake House.

Many people advised us against buying a home with our son and daughter in law. I heard horror stories of difficulties between family members who co owned property. My friend Irmgard told me of her experience of inheriting a family home in Maine where once friendly siblings were estranged because of the joint ownership. So we all four had heard those stories. We established systems to prevent any difficulties. First we established a bank account with a pot of money available to use for the expenses for the lake house. Suzanne handled the money. Each couple put equal money into the account. Out of the account was paid the utilities, mortgage and anything that needed to be bought for the house. If the fund fell below $1000, we each added $500. Next we agreed that if anyone wanted to buy something for the house that was under $100. that person could be reimbursed. But if the purchase was over $100. each of the four people must agree to the purchase. And we could reimbursed from the pot. If anyone bought something for the house for over $100., with no consultation, that person just bought the house a gift. Those rules were simple and they served us well. We have had no difficulties with our joint ownership. To the contrary, the house has served us all very well. The children love it. David and Suzanne entertain there regularly and Ken and I have used it as our home base in Texas for the past 25 years. The whole thing has been a huge success. The simple systems certainly helped.

June 3, 2021. Canyon Lake, Texas. Purchasing the Lake House.

Ken and I wanted a place to stay when we visited David and Suzanne and David and Suzanne wanted to have a house at the lake. For both of us we were tight financially. They had no children but David was just getting his business running and Suzanne was a teacher. I had just taken a new job where my income would be substancially less than my income as an agent. We decided to buy the property together, each paying half the down payment and sharing expenses. We bought the house in 1997 or 98. We bought a house that had excellent acess to the lake. And it was a very good decision. When we decided to purchase a home at Canyon Lake, Ken ran off every house and lot that was for sale on the lake. Suzanne, Ken and I went to look at every property for sale. We wanted to look at the acess to the water. First Suzanne and I knocked at the door. If someone came, we told them what we were doing and I gave them my card from Maryland. No other agent was with us. Much to our surprise, many folks offered to show us their home. We noted only the acess to the water. Several homes were on top of a steep drop which as we hoped for grandchildren would not work for us. If no one was at home, we shamelessy trespassed and looked to see the lake access by going into the yard. Ken kept the car running incase we needed to make a quick get away. We three selected five homes to see the next day. We stopped in a real estate office and a pleasant older lady agreed to show us the homes the next morning, which we did. We bought it the next day. The house was not a bit pretty but it had a wonderful path to the lake. And we knew we could fix the house, which we did. We purchased the home before Canyon Lake was trendy. Now we probably could not be able to buy it. But the lake house has been a wonderful spot for our Texas family and for both of us from Maryland. It is now a lovely place and we often congratulate ourselves for purchasing the place when we could not really afford it. Fortunately, we were not risk averse. And we also plan a long way ahead. And for that we are grateful. We all, which includes the children, love this home.

June 2, 2021. Canyon Lake, Texas. Pink Eye.

Monday afternoon, after everyone had gone home, my right eye startd draining. And it hurt. I knew I was in trouble. By morning, my right eye was stuck closed and it was swollen and dark pink. I called Suzanne who found a clinic in Sattler where I could just drop in. I called the lady at the clinic and gave her all my information into their system. I assured her that I would be there as soon as I called for a Lyft. But Lyft has no drivers so after 90 minutes I tried to call a Taxi. But there are none. So I was stuck. My eye was getting worse. I told Suzanne my plight ans she came immediately to bail me out, driving from San Antonio to take me to the clinic. Gold star to her. No waiting at the clinic. The phsician Assistant dignosed my eye as Pink Eye, which was no surprise to me because Samantha had just gotten over a bout of Pink Eye. After getting drops for my eye at the drug store next to the clinic, I had lunch at home, made for me by Suzanne. All was well. My eye was on the way to recovery, although my eye is not perfect yet. But like everything else, something good comes from any difficulty. While at the Clinic, I mentioned my difficulty of getting transportation. They told me about a senior system, similat to the Mississippi and Nova Scotia companies who are in business to help people like me. So I spoke with the lady in charge and on Friday she will meet me at home here to get me into their system. And I think I will hire them to help me a few hours a week, perhaps 5 hours one day a week. Neither Suzanne nor me knew anything about the Loving Senior Care Company. Now we know, all because I got Pink Eye. This is a good thing.

June 1, 2021. Canyon Lake, Texas. Suzanne's Fridge.

Suzanne has left the fridge with food for me when I am alone at the lake. And the food is all organized very nicely. The food is mostly leftovers from the weekend si I know what I will be eating. On the top shelf I will find containers of vegetables and salad. On the left side of the same shelf will be found berries for breakfast. The next shelf down holds leftover meat, smoked by David, all in separate baggies. Tonight I ate two lamb chops. The next shelf down holds supplies for making a sandwich, sliced turkey, sliced ham and sliced cheese, all set to make my lunch. I am set for the week. Last week every day when in San Antonio, I dove into Suzanne's fridge to eat leftovers for lunch. Last week I did not know what I was going to find which makes life interesting. Her fridge is always more interesting than mine so I had fun. No question at all that Suzanne's fridge must be the best fridge in towm.