May 31, 2022. Windsor, Ontario. Geography.

I thought I knew quite a bit about the gsography of southern Ontario. After all, I spent 11 years wandering around from piller to post. And i always loved maps. But all my routes from one place to another have been by roads. Now I am travelling by water. And the routes are not the same. And infinitely more interesting. For instance, we have just cruised the whole length of Lake Erie. We have been docked all day in Windaor and my balcony looks across to Detroit. Now the next task is to get into Lake Huron, and then along to Georgian Bay. But I have no idea how to get from here to there. I know that The Detroit River is here somewhere. But I have no knowledge of the geography of the area. But soon I will find out where to go. i knew about the St. Lawrence Seaway to get from the river to Lake Ontario. And I knew about the Welland Canal to get from Lake Ontario into Lake Erie. But in my ignorance, I have no clue about getting into Lake Huron. Soon I will know everything!!

May 30, 2022. Lake Erie. Cabin 327.

My singe cabin was just fine. It was pleasant and well appointed. And it had the right price. When Gill takes a cruise on the unard, she stays in her own cabin, butshe pays double the price. Both DavidandI had a single cabin each. And our cabns were fine. But cabin 327 is better. The hotel managr took pity on the both of us and moved me to 327 which is right next door to David in 329. That means that we can visit on the balcony and eat our meals on the good sized table on my double balcony. Bigger is better in this instance. So life is better now. In addition, my new cabin is much bigger. i can actually walk on the four walls of the cabin and not just up and back as I had been doing in my 321. In my single cabin I had two chairs. Here in 327 I have two chairs but one is bgger and more comfortable. The desk is bigger. And there are more drawers. The bathrooms are identicle as are the closets. And of course, the ged is big. Aod I am enjoying the luxury of space. I have always enjoyed large spaces, but never more than now. Cabin 327 feels as if I am living in a mansion.

May 29, 2022. Going from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie. Locks.

Our afternnon and evening has been delightful. i was moved to a big cabin adjacent to David so we sat outside on my balcony and watched the locks. Ao far a total of 5 to get us up the Niagara Falls. Very interesting. We watched us lift the bridges to allow the ahip to pass. We watched the traffic waiting. Certainly a fascinating eveninf. And our situation has improved too with the ability to have conversations that were more than on the phone. And of course my cabin is big which is nice. A young man brought all my atuff from my old cabin to the new. It took me 5 minutes to set it up. Our dinner on the balcony was supurb. we sat at my balcony outside at my table and enjoyed the scenery. Now we are set. Things are looking up.

May 28, 2022 . Toronto, Ontario. Ships Food.

one of the best aspects of life on this ship, Pearl Mist, is the food. It is wonderful. and fortunately, the portions are small, especially the soup nd appetizers. and dessert. even when the food is delivered to us in the cabin, the food reminds us how fortunate we are. For instance, this evening for dinner I ate grilled salmon with rice and vegetablles. First i are soup, vegetable broth with bits of chickem. Delicious. i passed on the stuffed calamari appetizer. I always pass n the desserts except tonight I ate a late of cheese and crackers. Every meal is better than the last. I selected haddock for lunch along with a salad. and at breakfast i ate a piece of quiche, sausage, croussants and a fruit plate. In the kitchen they have one executive chef who is 52 along with an assistant who is 40. All the other cooks are toung men from the Phiilipines, all in training The food has great variety and taste And certainly is a highlight of our day

May 27, 2022. Clayton. And at sea. Fog.

Driving along the south shore of Lake Ontario was spectacular. New York waterfront is full of beautiful, large summer places, each one bigger than the other. And the boat houses too. I could count the chairs on the docks and the decks, we were so close. I am told that Clayton is a charming town. Three excursions were held today: one to visit a vinery, one to take a walking tour of old town Clayton and the last to take a three hour ride in a glass bottom boat. We left Clayton at 4:00, heading to Toronto. At first we cruised along the shore but not close enough to count the chairs. Soon we headed out to sea. And then we hit the fog. Wendy would have loved it. The fog is so think that I could barely see the water three feet away. I hope they have a radar because you certainly can not see anything. Kind of spooky. I have never travelled the waters of Lake Ontario so this is a new experience for me which I enjoy. Now I am confined to my cabin, I am seeing a lot of Lake Ontario close up and personal. And we are heading to Toronto in the fog.

May 26, 2022. Clayton, NY. Accidents.

The average age of the passengers in the Pearl Mist is 78 so one would expect accidents have ocured. And they have. Patty, the lady who often eats with us fell doen the last two stairs on her way to dinner after the cocktail hour. Fortunately she grabbed the railing but she skinned her knees and arm and wrenched her shoulder. The second day on the cruise, a man fell up the stairs, hurting his nose and knee. When in Quebec City a man in his 90s went to the hospital in an ambulance with heart failure. We watched his wife accompany him, carrying their cases. Their cruise was over. In addition, the man in the adjacent cabin to David cut off the ends of his fingers when they were smashed in the door to the balcony. He went to the hospital and now is wearing a big bandage. The doors are heavy and I am extremely careful when holding the door to go in or out. All three doors in my cabin are heavy and need careful treatment. Those are only the accidents that David was discovered from his conversations with the other passengers. But as he can no longer attend the excursions, we may never know what has happened the rest of the time. We drove along the coast on Lake Ontario today to finally dock at Clayton, NY. I saw hundreds of beautiful summer cottages and boat houses. We stay here in this charming town before cruising tomorrow afternoon to Toronto. Beautiful weather.

May 25, 2022. Montreal, QC. Unusual Punishment.

Last evening, just before going down to dinner, David started coughing. So he went to his room to take a Covid test. Two couples just adjacent to our cabins tested positive for Covid the third day on the cruise. Although we all took a test before boarding, those four had been travelling together just prior to the cruise. Every passenger tested negative. But no more. The infection spread like wild fire. At least ten percent of the passengers have tested positive. Including me. The solution is to keep all passengers who test positive to isolate in their cabins. And when one passenger tests positive, the spouse must also isolate. Montreal is an interesting city but David will see nothing. No excursions. Canadian rule requirws ten day isolation. Now David and I both have single cabins, which means very small so it will be a trick to walk enough steps in a cabin measuring 9x18. And no more walking on the 6th floor where you are outdoors in the clean air. Every day we order our meals which are delivered to our room, which we eat all by ourselves. Fortunately, we all have balconies so we can at least get fresh air. So now we must figure out how we can survive all by ourselves. The only medic on board is a nurse and she has Covid. Fortunately, most symptoms are mild because there is no treatment on board the ship to treat Covid. My Oncologist told me to stop taking Irance for 10 days. Then start again. So here we go. Another chapter in the saga of unusual punishments.

May 24, 2022. Quebec City, QC. Excursion.

Everyone enjoyed their excursions in Quebec City. Of course, there is lots to like in Quebec City. Ever since we left the Maritimes in Nova Scotia, David has taken the excursions, sometimes two a day. Yesterday after the afternnon trip, he stopped by to give me an update and told me all the sights and sounds. Too many people on the bus for me to attend. But David has enjoyed the information and also getting to know more and more people. He did comment that there were several anti English digs, which he ignored. He also thought that perhaps he was too sensitive to the derogatory comments. And once again, the internet would not work as we cruised to Montreal. I must get a bit amarter and use the internet during the daytime, when we are docked in town. But I thought that as were are always in sight of land, the intenet would work fine. But I was wrong. So here we go.

May 23, 2022. Saguenay, QC, Saguendy River Gorge.

Yesday we spent all day at Saguendy. But first we cruised up the Saguendy River Gorge. And we took both journies during the day light. I watched both ways and it was a magnicent trip. The land goes straight up from the shore and one would wonder how the trees took hold to grow. But grow they did. And sometimes on the top I could see builings. I had never gone up this river and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Lots of rocks. Lots of waterfalls. Lots of trees. WHEW. Then the internt would not work when I went to write my little blob. But now all is well. The cruise up and down the Saguenay Gorge was worth the price of the whole cruise. It was a wonderful day.

May 22, 2022. Baia-Comeau, QC. The River.

In 1963, Ken and I took a freighter cruise to speed on recovery from his surgery. We left from Montreal, and headed down the St. Lawrence River for Bermuda and the Carabean. The River was magnificent. And the river was perfect. We loved every minute of the trip, espeicially the river section. We have always wanted to take the journey again, but this time up the river. I am doing it now. This morning, I heard a fog horn, which was not a good sign. All morning, I could see nothing but fog. I just laughed. In addition, this cruise ship stops during the day so the guests can see the quaint little towns. And we cruise during the evening and the night. Thus I do not see much of the river. We left Comeau after dark. We are heading to Saguenay, arriving during the early morning. Again, I will not get to see the river, just the towns. I was reminded of our drive down the west coast of the US. We specifally drove the coastal highway to see the Oregon Coast. We could hear the ocean but because of the fog we never actually saw the ocean. We just laughed and kept on driving. We had to get home to Toronto. So the sides of the river are beautiful but I can only see it in the dark. So funny.

May 21, 2022. Gaspe, Perce Rock this morning. Now at Sea.

Now we are back in Eastern Time zone, heading up the St. Lawrence River. Tomorrow we dock at Baie Comeau, QC. Todays eccursion as interesting. They took the group out for 5 hours. I of course could not attend. Too many people on the bus all together. Ken and I drove the Gaspe peninsula in 1962 so I do not feel deprived But tomorrow will be new for me so I would not go.Instead I will stay on the boat and walk my laps on the 6th deck, outside in the clean air.

May 20, 2022. Ils de la Madelaine, Quebec.

The day has been glorious which evidently is unusual on the islands. Ihe two excursions were delightful, as reported by David and our other friends. People have lived there from the 16th century. But the place is small but charming. David would like to come back again. He would take a ferry from PEI and stay a few days. The houses are painted bright colors and everything was pristine. The we left just after noon, heading to Gaspe. We have been crossing the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The water has been calm with no high wind. David spotted many Minke whales, also dolphins. And lots of birds. We are driving slowly which is very pleasant. Today we turn our clocks back as we are again in Eastern Time zone. Tomorrow is Gaspe.

May 19, 2022. Charletteown, Prince Edward Island. Covid.

This evening when David and I were going down to dinner, we saw the nurse walking down the stairs with a stethescope around her neck. Our intention was to go to the 5th floor to take a look at the harbor, which we did. When we were looking over the railing we spotted an ambulance coming toward the ship, which is never a good sign. But we went down to dinner after enjoying the lovely evening and the charming harbor. When we went into the dining room, we noticed that the wait staff were all wearing masks. It turned out that the ambulance was there to take a man and his wife to the hospital. He had tested positive for covid. Before we were able to get on the boat we were all tested negative for covid. We were tested at the hotel in Portland and the others were tested getting on the ship. If you tested positive you did not get on the boat. But now a man has tested positive. All stall immediate were required to wear a mask. And at dinner, we were given the drill. Immediately after dinner we were told to go to our cabin and stay until we were tested. And we were asked to wear a mask. The entertainment was to be heldtonight but before anyone could get into the lounge, you must be tested at the door. If you wish to go to sleep early, the testers would come to your cabin at 6:30 tomorrow. No one could take an excursion tomorrow without taking a test. The officials are working hard to keep everyone safe. And we are asked to mask. Interesting.

May 18, 2022. At Sea. Best Laid Plans.

All day long, we have been at sea, cruising up the east coast of Cape Breton Island in order to go down the western side of the island on the way to visit Prince Edward Island. The original plan was to go through the lock at the Canso Causeway and stop today at Pictou. But the lock is still not finidhed with the repair so all last evening and today we have steamed north in order to arrive in Charlottesville tomorrow morning in PEI Last evening going across open ocean was rocking and rolling. But now we have turned the corner and we are in calmer waters. It has been pleasant watching the outline of Cape Breton. No one has complained. Today, the cruise directors kept everyone busy with games, lectures and entertainment, except for me. I stay away from the people. So far David is pleased with the cruise. He is thrilled with the food and the service. And he has fit right in with the people. He certainly knows many more people that me as he is friendly and pleasant. And he has been taking the tenders into town so he has met lots more people. I on the other hand, stay away from people except when folks join us at our table. David is made for cruising. He is polite and interesting and as he is one of a few people in their sixtees, folks are happy to talk with him and enjoy his company. So all is well and we are both pleased with our cruise. Now we are heading to PEI.

May 17, 2022. Halifax, Nova Scotia. Fog.

Ever since we left Portland we have been in fog. Bar Harbor fog was so thick that the internet would not work, and ever since, we have been in the thick of it. This has been a shame bacause the folks on the ship could not really see Lunenburg at all. Today, one of the excursions this morning was to Peggy's Cove. But of course, it was raining and foggy so they could see very little of the cove and they barely could see the lighthouse. People were disappointed. We are docked but I can barely see the dock just across from me. I elected to stay on the ship. Walking in the rain and fog did not seem wise. Three new friends who hve dined with us severak times were first signed up for the same cruise in 2021 for the Fall. When they called to set up the cruise for 2022, someone suggested that they might prefer the May cruise because they were told that the flowers would be better. So far they have almost not been able to see land, let alone flowers. Who ever gave them that advice was wrong. The weather is much better in late Sptember. They are hopeful that the sun will shine in the St. Lawrence Seaway. We will see. No one suggested to them that Nova Scotia was foggy in May. David and I of course are just ignoring the weather. David continues walking around the towns and I just stay on the boat. All is well with us. We know fog.

May 16, 2022. Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Pearl Mist.

My ship is small. 160 passengers. And they have 12 single cabins. I fully expected to live in a closet but instead the cabin is lovely and faily spacious with everything I need to function easily. I have a single bed. And I have a balcony. The ship has two reception area and several outside areas which will be inportant when we go up the St. Lawrence River. So far, since we left Portland we have had fog. Both at Bar Horbor and Lunenburg we have been anchored and the tenders shuttles people in for their excusions. Both places David went in town and just wandered around. I stayed on the ship. The dining has open seating, which could be a bit of a nightmare for me. But the first time we entered the dining room for lunch, I selected a table in the far corner of the room, thinking that people would not walk right down to the last table. My purpose was to get away from the other paople. So David and I sit at the same table for every meal and so far only three people have joined us for two meals. And they sit at the far side of the table. Perfect. Perfect. My balcony is small but adequate. I went to sit outside this afternoon but it was chilly so I came back in. The staff is enthusiastic. And the meals are supurb. Everything about this ship is ship shape. And I am pleased with the cruise so far. Tomorrow we cruise to Halifax where the internet will be better. I believe that we will be at a dock not at anchor. At Bar Harbor we were anchored far from the shore and the Internet would not work. I hope we will not have any more problems with the Internet but you never know. So far both David and I are pleased with the cruise. So here we go.

May 14, Pearl Mist, At Sea. Our First Day.

Our boat is rocking and rolling, going from Portland to Bar Harbour. The two meals we have eaten in the dining room have been supurb so David and I are happy with our food. And we are delighted with the service. This evening, when I called the receptionist for the password to get on the Internet, rather than giving me the code, she asked if I would like someoneone to come and connect me. Within 2 minutes, a young man came and did the job. So now I am connected and I can write my little blog. Cruise ships have never been able to get the passengers in the boat in a timely fashion. Today was no exception. But after a pleasant tour of Portland, we checked into the ship and soon were in our cabins. David is just down the hall from me, both in single cabins. I expected to find my cabin tiny but it is pleasant and comfortable. And with Davids help, all my belongings have been put away. After lunch and the safely drill, David and I sat at the stern of the ship, outside, and watched as we left the port of Portland. I always enjoy watching the town receed bit by bit. The weather was glorious and we enjoyed sitting outside with the sea breezes keeping us cool. Our long awaited cruise has begun. It is a miracle.

May 13, 2022. Portland, Maine. We are Ser.

David N. arrived this evening in Portland. And I came yesterday, so we now all set for our cruise. It has not been easy. Daid's first plan was easy. His daughter offered to drive him to Portland. But just a few momths ago his plan changed. His daughter took a new job and she was needed to be in PEI for traininf. The ferry does not start until May 19, so he was stuck. He needed to fly. In order to get from Halifax to Portland he was required to fly ro Toronto, then a second flight to Boston. And finally a 2 hour bus ride to Portland. Unbelievable. But he is now here, all set to board tomorrow. We are both delighted. This year is the third time I was expecting to take the cruise. The first year was 2020, the year of Covid. Same as last year. But this year, we will sail tomorrow. Today for 4 hours, Sharon and I talked. It was as if we had been together all through the years. We actually worked at the summer camp in 1960. But we have kept in touch. And today I heard her interesting jobs as a Salvation Army officer. For instance, she opened up the Russian training college after Russia opened up to chrisrian groups. She has hadN interesting life.We had a wonderful time and I enjoyed our visit enormously. And now, after a goodnights sleep, we board the pcruise ship.. We had a greapt time and I enjoyed her visit enormously.

May 12, 2022. Portland Maine. Travel complete.

i am here in my room in Portland. Moving into a new place is extremely difficult for me. I strugfle with finding things in the room. My hotel room is pleasant and cosy but I can not find plugs. And the lighting is never good enough for me. But i am here. Ane i ordered pizza and a salad for dinner so i am well fed. and i have put things in its place to function tonight and tomorrow. The first evening of travel is probably why people do not trave. But I know that tomorrow will be better. All the plans went well today. i was well looked after. After we waited at gate B4 for an hour, the gate was changed to gate A10. I still had my wheel chair so I started pushing the chair, using it as a walker. A man stopped me and asked if hecould push me. So i accepted his offer. It was actually a long way. It turned outrhat he coached lacross for a living so we had a good conversation avout lacrosse. i was unable to onnect to the Internet so Iam using my ipad. Tomoreow I will not be tired so I will tryagain. But Iam here in Portland. Tomorrow i meet friend Aharon. And Davidwill arrive tomorrow evening to. Saturdaywe board the cruise ship. My summer has begun.

May 11, 2022. Madison, Mississippi, Moving On.

The temperture in Jackson today is 91 degrees F. Tomorrow it will be the same. My timing is impecable. I am heading north. Tomorrow I will fly on Southwest to Portland, Maine. On Friday I will visit my old friend Sharon Berry, who I last saw in 1961. Ken and I worked at the camp just outside Sharon, Mass. Sharon worked there too and we had a great time. We have kept in touch and I will see her after all those years. On Saturday I board a cruise ship, The Pearl Mist. We will cruise up the St. Lawrence River to Toronto, then continue around the Georgian Bay and the Great Lakes. Finally, on June 10 I fly to Halifax. And Mr. G. will drive me home to Gull Bay. Today I have been finishing up last minute tasks. Kashina let me down this week so I was on my own. Today I did laundry, took out the trash, ran the dishwasher and put the last items in my carry on case. The larger one is at the front door. I was thinking that I could do without a helper, now that Chris is willing to drive me. But after today, I will keep Kashina. Christina finished my Arrive Canada form so I am all set tomorrow. Chris will pick me up to drive me to the airportat 7:00. I will be ready!!.

May 10, 2022. Madison, Mississippi. The Mississippi Sports and Orthopedic Clinic.

Yesterday I was discharged from the Mississippi Sports Clinic. My Achilles tendon is still swolen but does not hurt when you touch it. But I can still feel it when I walk. The same young doctor lady checked me and told me that a recoverey from that tendon takes a long time. So I am supposed to have patience. I am not to keep the heel lift in my shoe, which I have not been doing so all is well. But she gave me an interesting piece of advice. I am to watch excessive walking. I did not question her but what ever does that mean. I can not stop walking so I just said nothing. And thanked her for her help. If my achilles still hurts when I return in mid October, I am supposed to return to have a second look. It certainly is not perfect. I can still feel it hurt every so often. I should have no feeling in my tendon. And I do. The Mississippi Clinic is wonderful. I never have to wait. The staff is pleasant and well trained. The whole place is amazing. I have been impressed. Christina agrees. Molly is now taking her phsical therapy at their Madison office. And they have used all three offices with her treatment and surgery. Hats off to the Mississippi Sports Clinic. I have been pleased with their care for me.

May 9, 2022. Madison, Mississippi. My Physical Therapy.

Even though I thought the exercises were whimpy, I think that working with the therapist twice a week increased my leg strength and my balalce. So that is good. I enjoyed Beth, my therapist, who lives in my same neighborhood. We talked while she put me through my paces. And I did the same exercises a third time in the week. As the exercises require no equipment, I will continue them all summer. So I enjoyed getting to know Beth and I enjoyed getting stronger. Today was the last day with Beth. She did her last test and asked tons of questions. And she discharged me from her care. The only negative part of the experience was the scheduling. Their system for organizing the home visits is difficult. Every time she comes, she arrives at a different time of the day. I like to be on a schedule but with their system, you can not count on anything. She always calls before she comes but it is not the same date or time she told me last time. At the beginning, I tried to run my schedule around their schedule. But I soon learned to ignore their times because Beth always changed the time she told me the last time. At first I was irritated but I got over it and just made my own plans. Then Beth was forced to dance to my time. When I talked to Beth about her scheduling, I realized why life was so difficult for her. Their system is terrible but I am not going to fix it, although it could be fixed. I just went about my business. Most times Beth came by at the end of her day, which was fine with me. Now I am done with physical therapy. And I must do my exercises on my own. But I will keep in touch with Beth. She is a nice young lady and a hard worker.

May 8, 2022. Madison, Mississippi. Mother's Day Brunch.

Christina and I knew that all the fancy restaurants would be full because everyone wants to go out for brunch on Mother's Day. So we selected Sal&Phils, which has wonderful food but is definately not fancy. They serves seafood, New Orleans style. They open at 11:00 so we decided to get there right when they open. We had no trouble finding a table for 6 but an hour later, they had a waiting list so we did well by going early. Our brunch today was the last hurrah, celebrating Mary Frances and her graduation. We wwre still in a festive mood so we had a lot of fun. First we ordered 3 dozen oysters. Then Molly and David ordered another dozen. It was a speed contest and Molly won. She ate 8 before David could eat 4. David peeled shrimp , a whole pound while I ate a bowl of gumbo, my last gumbo before Nova Scotia where the food is not a bit spicy. So we enjoyed our Mother's Days brunch with good food and excellent company. I feel very grateful that David and Suzanne came for the graduation. And of course, I was delighted to see them too. Our weekend was wonderful.

May 7, 2022. Madison, Mississippi. A Day of Celebration.

Today was a day for joyous celebration. Mary Frances graduated from Millsaps College this morning. The day was perfect for the outdoor ceremony, held on the college grounds. Mary Frances has had a stellar experience at Millsaps and today she won yet more awards. We are proud of her. After the ceremony, we gathered for Japanese food at Christin's home. The Creath family and the Dickie family sat around the table and devoured the delicious food, which was provided by Linda, Christina's mother. We were a happy group. And we sat and talked all afternoon. Mary Frances loves Japanese food so it was her request to celebrate with Japanese food. David and Suzanne made a quick trip to their hotel for a change of clothes and for me to put my feet up for half sn hour. Then we 6 ate dinner at Ely's Bistro, a wonderful steak house quite close to home. Molly suggested the restaurant and it was a good choice. The service was excellent and the food delicious. We all left happy and very full. Both David and Suzanne and I gave MF her gift of congratulations at the restaurant so along with the good food and the gift giving, we had an evening of celebration which pleased Mary Frances. AND...David paid the bill. So nice.

May 6, 2022. Madison, Mississippi. Graduation.

The clan is gathering. Mary Frances will graduate tomorrow from Millsaps College. David and Suzanne have come for the celebrations. I was so pleased to see them walk in through my door this evening. Both of them worked this morning but this afternoon they flew from San Antonio via Houston. And they arrived at my house at 6:45. They will stay at their favorote hotel and they will use my car for the weekend. This evening, I did what I do best: I ordered dinner from my favorite Chinese restaurant, The Ding How. They usually do not deliver but as I live close by, they deliver to my house. And I ordered extra food so I will not need to cook all next week. The timing was perfect. The food arrived and five minutes later, David and Suzanne walked through the door so the food was still piping hot. And we sat around in the living room and talked while we ate. It is always a pleasure spending time with them. I was so pleased to see them again. Tomorow morning they will go to the graduation. I will stay home and watch on the Millsaps Facebook web site. There are too many people gathered together for me to risk infection, even though the ceremony will be outside. So I will miss it but I will still swell with pride when Mary Frances walks across the stage to receive her diploma. I am very proud of her. She has worked hard at College. We will continue the celebrations all weekend. And I will report back.

May 5, 2022. Madison, Mississippi. My Social Life.

For the most part, my social life revolves around lunch. Most weeks consist of having one or two lunches with friends. This week was a good example. On Wednesday, Chris my Lyft driver drove me to the pharmach to get my prescriptions for the trip, and we went out for lunch, which he always enjoys. We ate Mexican food, which was excellent. Once a month, I go out for lunch with Donna, my across the street neighbor. We make the date for next month when sitting in the restaurant this month, just to be sure that we get together regularly. Today was our day to have lunch together. Even though it was Cinco de Mayo, we decided not to eat Mexican food because we knew the Mexican restaurants would probably be crowded. Instead we ate at a fancy Thai restaurant, new to me. The restaurant was perfect. It was quiet. The service was excellent. There were linen tablecloths and napkins. And the waitress was a student at Millsaps College, the school where Mary Frances will graduate on Saturday. The waitress heard us talking about the graduation and she asked us about our connection to Millsaps. She did not know Mary Frances. The waitress was a sophmore. We enjoyed talking with her. Our food was delicious and the ambionce was supurb. Unfortunately I do not recall the name. But we enjoyed ourselves. Then Donna brought me home and always makes sure I am safely inside my house. These luncheons out give me great pleasure and I am grateful that my friends indulge me by spending time with me. I am fortunate indeed.

May 4, 2022. Madison, Mississippi. Oops.

My list of potential teams was incomplete. What was I thinking? I forgot totally about the Nashville Predators. I feel sure they will not survive the first round. They barely got into the playoffs. The team this year was disappointing. Sometimes they played well and other times they were awful so I almost never watched them play. And the Dallas Stars will not get out of the first round, I feel sure. But we will see. And I did not give the team who the Florida Panthers will beat for the Stanley Cup. My choice to get into the final is the Calgary Flames. Theyare a group of tough players so I think they will get deep into the playoffs. Other commentators are picking other teams, so we will see. Already games have been surprising. No one expected that the Caps would beat Florida in game one. That is why the games are played. On paper, the results are obvious. But when the games begin, anything can happen, and that is why the playoffs are so much fun. If you like watching hockey, you are in hockey heaven. I am having a blast.

May 3, 2022. Madison, Mississippi. Port.

My friends Lisa and Henry gave me a bottle of Port. I took their family our for lunch and the next time Henry was in the wine store, he bought me a bottle of Port. We had discussed wine and I mentioned that I like Port. It has been sitting on the bar ever since, thinkin that Suzanne and I might have a glass to celelbrate when they are here next weekend. My physical Therapist, Beth, noticed the bottle and asked about Port. She and her boyfriend enjoy wine but she had never heard of Port. So I told her and I suggested that as she lives in my own subdivision, perhaps she and her boyfriend could come and have a drink with me. So they did. This evening, after Beth put me through my paces, Cody came down and we drank Port. They liked it. Then they walked down to the dock and they liked the yard even better than the Port. We had a good time. Before I met Cody, I was not impressed. According to Beth, he does not really like to travel. And he has not been vacinatted for Covid even though he works full time as a phsical therapist. So I expected not to like him. In addition, when he walked into the front door I realized that he was very good looking. I have a bias against handsome men so I had three reasons not to like him. But we had a good time. We talked about the neighborhood and Port. And hockey. And they finished up three quarters of the bottle of Port. And when they left, Cody offered to help at the house if needed while I was away. So he is not all bad!! In fact he was pleasant and I enjoyed their company. You just never know what is around the corner.

May 2, 2022. Madison, Mississippi. The Stanley Cup.

The playoffs begin tonight. I am predicting what teams will not advance beyone the first round. And I will predict the winner of the Stanley Cup. In the past, I am often wrong but I do it anway. Fortunately, I never gamble so I have no money on the line, which is a good thing. Even thought Toronto has a skilled team, I think that once again they will not get out of the first round. Tampa Bay is too motivated, And the pressure is on Toronto to win. Washinton also will not advance especially if their big star is still injured. Also I predict that Boston will lose in the first round. And even thought the team is skilled, The Edmonton Oilers will not advance. History is not on their side and I think they will play tight. I think that Pittsburgh will not get out of the first round either even though they have players who have experience in the playoffs. And St. Louis Blues will also go home after the first round, even though I like their uniforms. Many experts are not of my own opinion. But I will stick with my losers. And I predict that the Florida Panthers will win the Stanley Cup. The first round is always the most fun. So here we go.

May 1, 2022. Madison, Mississippi. Painting/Television.

Last Thursday I was invited for lunch. My friend Susan held a ladies luncheon party in her new condominium. She and her husband sold their large house and moved into a condo, which is charming and spacious. But it has few rooms. It has a living room, dining room a kitchen, one full bath and another powder room plus a small den they use as a library. Being nosy, I wondered if they watched television in their bedroom as there was no TV in the living room and the little den is small. Eventually I asked. Susan picked up the remote and turned on the television, while we were sitting in the living room. On the wall was a painting with a frame, opposite the couch. And like magic, the painting on the wall became the television. I was amazed. Susan and Bill own wonderful art which is beautifically hung on their walls. The painting on the wall fit right in. I would have never guessed that the painting on the wall would become the television. I had never seen or heard about this system. No longer do you need to watch a black screen in the family room or living room. You can have a painting hung on the wall. Then turn on the painting which becomes the television. I loved it.