June 30, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. I am All Set.

 Finally, I am all settled in.  Today Anna and I cleaned up all the mail that was stack on the desk.    Now everything is in order.  It has taken a week.  Tomorrow evening I will have been at Western Head a week.  My case and all the medications have been put away.  The little cat is now in the closet awaiting  my journey back to Mississippi.  My back pack also has been put into the closet.  Anna put the furniture from the garage out on the deck.  Eventually we will be able to use  the deck but so far we have had nothing but rain ad cool weather.

Anna organized the garage so everything is in the proper place.   All the objects that were set away for the winter out of the sun are now back in place.  So the whole house looks normal  My chargers are now in their correct spot.  So I am able to function easily.  Now I can just enjoy the summer.  Pretty nice.

June 29, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Fog.

I like fog.  It is a bit spooky.  I live by the ocean.  I can hear the ocean.  But this year, since my arrival, I have been unable to actually see the ocean most of the time, due to the fog.  When I lived in Vancouver,  I experienced lots of fog.  When walking to school in the fog, I could hear footsteps across the road but I could see no-one.  I just could hear the steps.  It was kind of spooky.  This fog is not spooky at all.  I just like it.

Fortunately, Chris is not bothered by the fog.  He does not really mind the rain.  It has rained very day and every night since we arrived.  Fortunately he brought a rain jacket because he has need to wear it every day.  He says he does not mind either the rain or the fog.  He just ventures out every morning exploring.  Yesterday he spent 2 hours in the sculpture gardens.  And he was duly impressed.

I hope before he leaves on July 8th he will see some sun.  He has not even been able to walk on the beaches due to the heavy rain.  We meed rain here in Nova Scotia.  The Spring was dry.  So we really want the rain to keep coming.  I am hoping we have at last a bit of sun.    But there is no reason to fret.  I actually enjoy the rain and the fog.  Eventually, we will have a sunny day.  I have promised Chris.

June 28, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Jan & Larry.

 Chris and I were invited for lunch by Larry & Jan, good friends who now live full time in Liverpool.  Today was the first time to be sing them this summer, so it was an exciting event.  I have eaten at the lovely big old house on Main Street many times.  It is always a special event.  Both Larry and Jan entertain graciously and the food is always exceptional.  Today was no exception.  Chris and I had a grand time.   We arrived at the appointed time of 1:00 and we got home at 4:30.

We started by talking while we sipped a glass of wine in the living room.  And we ate shrimp  While Jan and I talked, Larry gave Chris a tour of their old and renovated home.  And we talked some more.  I had not seen them since last Fall when I left so we had a lot of topics to cover.  Next we adjourned to the dining room where Larry brought out a big platter of salad.  It looked beautiful and was full of olives, ehhs, tuns, tomatoes, beans and of course, greens.  It was delicious.  And fresh bread, which I did not eat.  Lunch was delicious.

Our lunch with Larry and Jan was everything I expected.  I enjoyed every bit eand every moment in their beautiful home.  They are good friends and I was delighted to see them today.  Once again I feel fortunate to be here, enjoying myself with my good friends.  It was a special event.

June 27, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Our Dinners.

 Tina cooks our dinners at her own home on Main Street down by the lighthouse.   In the late afternoon, she goes into the garage and puts dinner in the refrigerator.  On Monday she left two dinners.  I got a text from Tina telling me what we will be eating for the two nights.  And she gives me directions which I pass on to Chris.  It is a wonderful system.  Tina is an excellent cook.  And we do not need to go out to dinner.  All we need to do is to heat the food and eat it.  Clean up is easy because she sends the food in aluminum foil and which was can throw away.

The first evening we ate baked haddock topped with tomatoes and shrimps, surrounded by mussels.  The pan looked beautiful.  And tasted even better  And we ate vegetables.  Tonight we dined  on  curried chicken with brown rice and lots of vegetables.  All noiste  and delectable.   We sit in comfortable chairs in the living roommand enjoy dinner, cooked by Tina.  I feel so fortunate to be having Tina cook our dinners.  She certainly is the most experienced chef in Liverpool.  I can't believe my good fortune.  This has been a good start to our meals for the summer.  And so far all is well thanks to Tina.  So here we go.

JUNE 26, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. My New Mattress.

Last summer I had a difficult time with my back.  I was unable to get out of my bed without great discomfort.  So half the summer I slept in a recking chair in my bedroom that David and Suzanne bought me when they were here in July.  As my mattress and box spring were purchased 24 years ago, I decided to buy a new set.  I did not know if my back was caused by the bed or not.  But I decided not to chance it.

In May of this year, I called MacPhersons here in Liverpool.  I described to them what I wanted in a bed and they told what the had in stock.  And I bought a mattress and box spring, sight unseen.  It was delivered soon  after.  They  took aaa the old set.  I am happy to report that I have slept on the bed for two nights.  And all is well.  No hurting back.  No trouble getting up from the bed.  So I am pleased with my new purchase.  Some days you just get lucky. 

June 25, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Recovery Restaurants.

 Today after a travel day I call a recovery day.  Today, Christ and I took life easy.  Friend Mary came to say hello at 9:30 and she made me a cup of tea.  To start our recovery we went to Lanes Privateer Inn for brunch.  We intended to go for breakfast but the time we got there it was 11:30 so we ate brunch.  And our food was delicious.  I ate haddock cakes and poached eggs and Christ ate a traditional fried eggs and bacon with brown bread.  He said the bacon was the best bacon he had ever eaten.  We were happy with our first step of recovery.

We both took a long nap.  We intended to go to hear the band at the Privatter Days but the day got away from us.  We had food to eat at home but instead of organizing dinner, we went to the Quarterdeck restaurant.  The reservation was for 7:00 which was still light and bright.  We sat right by the window overlooking the water.  That restaurant has the best view in town.  We both ordered traditional Nova Scotia food.  I ate mussels as an appetizer and scallops for dinner.  Pan scared scallops and vegetables.  Christ ate a cup of chowder, followed by fish and chips  He was pleased.

Now we will call it a night.  We both agreed that we have recovered from our journey.  The good restaurants certainly helped.

June 24, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. A Long Day.

 This was one of those days when everything goes as planned.  No trauma.  Just like clock work.  Everyone did their job.  We left on time and arrived on time for both flights.  Quite amazing.  And Mr. Gaskell was waiting for us at the Halifax airport.  We arrived home at just before 6:00 Halifax time.

But both Chris and I are weary.  Chris picked me up at 4:00 this morning for our 6:00 flight to National airport.  We had a two hour layover so ate a tasty breakfast before boarding our flight to Halifax.  American has never taken that flight before  And it only flys on Saturdays.  But it was a great flight.    Everything went according to plan.  No lost bags or walker either.  So we are pleased to be here.  Chris was a big help both during the flights and also since our arrival.  He is staying in the Guest House.  After a good nights sleep, tomorrow we will explore.    Then on Monday, Anna will be here to help me.

But the most important thing to say tonight is that we made it to Nova Scotia safe and sound.  All is well here at Western Head. 

June 23, 2023. Madison, Mississippi. PET Scan.

The last thing I wanted to do before I flew to Nova Scotia was have a PET Scan but when I was supposed to have a scan on June 6, my glucose level was too high so it was cancelled.  Instead, Dr. Gregg gave me medication to lower my levels, which did not work.  So she prescribed more medication, which finally worked to bring my glucose level below 200.  All this week, my levels have been below 200.  So today my Pet scan could be done.

I suspected that the new chemo was working because my back was not hurting so much when I sat in hard chairs in restaurants.  Last Wednesday when I had lunch with Donna my back did not hurt at all.  Sure enough, all the cancers  everywhere in my bones and liver have decreased, which is good.   The bad thing is that my Oncologist would only take one month of the Piqray with me to Nova Scotia because I do not have an Oncologist looking after me.    In my opinion this was ridiculous.  But what can I do.

Nifty Norm, my nephew has been working hard to help me but to no avail.  No one will take me on as a patient.  So I will take my new chemo for July and then hope for the best that good food and clean air will keep me healthy.  But the PET scan is encouraging.  Now I leave tomorrow for Nova Scotia where it will definitely not be too hot!!.

June 22, 2023. Madison, Mississippi. Portia.

 Portia is by far the best helper I have had in Mississippi.  She was referred to me by the same company, Sitters, Inc. when my long time helper moved to Texas.  Portia is tall and young and ambitious.  She has a two year nursing certification.  Now she wants to become an RN so in mid August, she is going back to school, which means I will not to be able to work with her after tomorrow.  But I am delighted for her.

Portia has a sister in law, Lisa who has the same credentials as Portia.  Lisa works with a Hospice Company.  Portia has encouraged Lisa to sign on with Sitters Inc. and to come and help me in the Fall.  Today, Lisa came to meet me and tour the house.  And I liked her.  So when I return at the end of September, Lisa will start helping me .  The first Monday at 8:00, Lisa will walk in the door and start helping me.  Everyone at Sitters Inc. are pleased with the arrangement.

Portia is a fine young woman and an excellent helper.  She is energetic, enthusiastic and competent.  And she is fun too.  Portia and I have interesting conversations, which I enjoy.  For instance, we discuss race, which is difficult to do with black people.  And she has a good family.  She is single and works out at the gym.  And she is well organized.  She works with me five days a week, from 8 to 1.  Then she works at a nursing home from 2 to 10.  She is saving to go back to school.  I have enjoyed working with Portia and I wish her well with her future education.  But I will miss her.

June 21, 2023. Madison, Mississippi. College Baseball.

College World Series is being played right now.  The games are always played in Omaha.  I started getting interested in the NCAA baseball playoffs a few years ago and I have been interested ever since.  These college kids play good baseball.  This year, several teams from the south qualified for the regional playoffs which was fun.  And Southern Mississippi University in Hattiesburg hosted the regionals. Now the finals are all in Omaha. Tonight, LSU beatt Wake Forest to get into the final series which will begin tomorrow.

Many of the players are drafted so often I can see them play at the college level and then I see them later in the big leagues.  Last year, Ol Miss won the national championship but this year they did not get into the playoffs.  The beauty of college sports is that the players graduate and move on so the team could be all new.  These kids are well trained but like all college ball in any sports, errors do occur which makes life interesting.  But during tonights game, the center fielder for LSU made an absolutely spectacular catch, just as you often see in the big leagues.  Great game.  These baseball games are well worth watching. 

June 20, 2023. Madison, Mississippi. Success Stories.

Eastlink in Nova Scotia was supposed to turn on my systems on June 15, but when Mary MacD. was there on Monday, nothing was working.  No phone. No internet. No TV.  So they e mailed me to have me call Eastlink, which I did.  Eventually, I spoke to a lady in the technical department who set up an appointment for the technician for Tuesday morning.  Wow.  I was impressed.  He was to come between 8 and 12.  And he was to call Walt and Mary so they could meet him at the house.  By Tuesday afternoon, I received an e mail saying that all systems were working.  Pretty good success story.

During the early morning hours last Thursday, two branches fell off a tree beside my garage.  The tree man came yesterday to evaluate the situation and he told me that shingles had ben damaged when the branch fell.  So I called Chantes who came immediately.  He smelled gas because the branch had damaged the gas line to an outside gas lamp.  I called Atmos Energy at 12:30.  My 1:30 the gas official arrived to check the leak.  He turned off the line to the lamp and he turned off the switch for that lamp.  So by just before 2:00, my problem was solved.  I do not need to do anything, unless I want the light turned on again.  As I can not see the lamp which is on the other side of the garage, I have no need to have the lamp turned on again.  Once again, another success story.  I am on a roll!!

June 19, 2023. Madison, Mississippi. Our Last Brunch.

 First we ate two dozen oysters between the four of us.  Our brunch on Sunday had a festive air because we were having the last brunch of the Spring season.  On Tuesday Christina and the girls travel to Boston and then on to Maine while I leave on Saturday for Nova Scotia.  We were celebrating at Sal & Phils, our favorite seafood restaurant.  Their food is excellent with a New Orleans flavor.

Next I ate a bowl of gumbo.  I can not taste that gumbo in Nova Scotia  so I like to order it just before I leave Mississippi.  And I do it again the first time I return.  Both Christina and Molly ate shrimp, which were boiled.  Then they pick the shrimp and eat it.  Delicious though messy.  They both ordered a pound of shrimp each although Christina went home with a box.  Mary Frances ordered the dish we eat often which is red fish.  We enjoyed our food.  And we enjoyed each others company.  We celebrated.

June 18, 2023. Madison, Mississippi. My Gospel Fix.

 I grew up singing gospel songs.  The old hymns still run through my head.  So O love listening to gospel songs.  Fortunately for me, I am able to listen to those old gospel songs on the television in Mississippi.  I get my gospel song fix every Saturday evening.  And I love it.

RFD, the rural channels runs an hour of The Gaither Gospel hour at 5:00 on Saturday evening.  I get to watch and listen to the singing and the interview.  Yesterday I listened to George Beverly Shea sing all the songs he sang at the Billy Graham Crusades, which he did for almost 50 years.  Did you know that he was a Canadian, born in Winchester, Ontario.  And did you know that he was still singing in public at age 95.  I saw a clip last evening. of him doing just that.  And he sounded good.  He died at an old age, perhaps 105.

PBS runs another  hour of Gospel Music at 7:00.  Last evening was a new quartet.  And they were good.  Each evening, a different group of artist is presented.  And they are all good.  I will miss being in Mississippi when I leave on Saturday because no gospel music can be found on television in Nova Scotia. But here, every Saturday evening, I get my fix of gospel music.  And I do love to hear all those grand old songs.

June 17, 2023. Madison, Mississippi. Kenny & Anne.

 We live in an amazing world.  Yesterday I received a phone call from Kenny and Anne.  They sounded as if they were across the street but actually they were calling from their boat, which was anchored in a lovely beach on one of the islands in French Polynesia.  I was surprised and excited to hear from them.  And I was delighted to talk with them.

Their journey across the Pacific Ocean went well and they had no major trauma.  Several small things got broken but nothing they could not fix.  Following their web site as their boat  sailed e across the Pacific was terrifying for me.  I watched as the tiny dot could be seen in the middle of the big ocean.  Now they are enjoying the lovely islands.  So far they have spent time in three islands, staying a few days in each one.  Yesterday they walked the 7 K. to the next little town.  While walking along the road they picked and ate mangos from the trees just growing wild along the road.  The warm fruit was ripe and perfect to eat.  

They have an extended 6 month visa to stay in the islands so they will gradually move across.  Eventually they want to end up in New Zealand but that is another long transit.  But that is their plan.  I am so proud  of them.  They had an idea and implemented that dream bit by bit.  Now they are enjoying the 4 years or effort.  Hats off to Kenny and Anne.

June 17, Madison, Mississippi. The Land & the Lamp.

 Yesterday morning, very early, we had a terrible storm.  Loud thunder.  Bright lightning.  Torrential rain.  But I went back to sleep.  When I awoke, I was without power.  No electricity.  So we carried on with our day and did fine, expecting that the company would restore the system any time.  But they did not.  The whole Jackson area was without electricity.  My big issue was my phone.  I was going to run out of power which would mean that I could not alert anyone that I needed help.  Donna my neighbor came over about 6:00 to check on me and she hooked up my fancy system to charge my phone.  I had already set it in my case to take to NS but I did not know if it was fully charged, which it was.  Whew.  One problem solved.

Immediately when I woke up, it was dark, so I started to use my lanterns and I carried them around on my walker all last evening.  They were a godsend.  I stole the idea from Wendy when I spotted two at her house two years ago.  When I got home, I ordered four and gave two to Christina.  All last evening, in the pitch black, I was able to get around safely because of my two lanterns.   During the afternoon I read, sitting by the window but at night I really needed those little lanterns.  This was the first time since we ordered then that I needed them.  But I needed them yesterday.  I became the lady with the lamp.

This morning at 7:45, the power was restored.  Praise be to God.

June 15, 2023. Madison, Mississippi. Little Things.

Little things in life give pleasure.  Today Portia and I ran the errands we could not do when my car would not start.  The timing on Wednesday pleased us because when we walked to the car, it was just sprinkling rain.  But by the AAA lady came to install a new battery, it was pouring.   Portia and I chuckled about our timing.  Had we gone on our errands on Wednesday we would have gotten soaked.  But today we got everything done.  And we did not get wet.  And we laughed.

One of our errands was to go to a battery store to have the batteries in my remote gate clicker and for the FOB to start my car.  The young man who looked after me was delightful.  He made a mundane task lots of fun.  Simple things such as get a chair for me so I could sit while he changed the batteries.  And he chatted with Portia while we waited.  He was pleasant and efficient.  And he clearly enjoyed his job.  We were only in that store for ten minutes or so but he made every second a pleasure.  We left with a smile on our faces.

My phone does not keep a charge as long as it did a year ago.  Portia said I needed a new phone.  So we went to the AT&T store.  The man in the store was pleasant and helpful.  And he told me that I did not need a new phone.  But he suggested that we go to another store 2 minutes away so they could perhaps change the battery.  So we went.  And the lady told me that I did not need a new battery.  She said that a new battery would only increase my power 12 5.  So she told me to keep my money.  And just plug in my phone more often.  Sp I was given good advice by two pleasant people.  They could have taken my money which would have been in their interest.  But they did not.  I left happy.

Yes indeed.  The little things in life bring great pleasure.  And put a smile on my face.  Portia thinks I need a new phone.

June 14, 2023. Madison, Mississippi. The Stanley Cup.

 Finally, The Stanley Cup was awarded to the Los Vegass Golden Knights.  The final game was easy to watch because there was never iin drought as to who was going to win.  And it was a pleasure watching a team play at their peak with every team member  playing their part properly.  Every aspect of the game was at the highest level.  I really enjoyed watching the game played well by the Golden Knights.

But what I enjoyed even better was watching the rink after the game.  I loved watching as one by one the players hoisted the cup while they skated around the ice.  Next all the coaches and trainers did the same.  Next the wives and children were invited onto the ice so the players and their families had  pictures with the cup.  Everyone was so happy and joyful.  I had fun just watching them.

The big question is ask why the Golden Knights have been to the finals twice in the last 6 years while traditional teams such as the Maple Leafs and the Oilers have not played in a final for many years.  What made the difference?  More people than me are trying to figure it out.  Now each player from the winning team gets to spend a day with the cup, doing whatever they want to do.  Most visit their home town and visiting home team players.  Everyone loves that.  Once the cup got lost for a few hours so now  a man always stays with the cup.  But it is fun for all the players.  Great tradition.  Good series.  And great win for the Golden Knights.

June 13, 2023. Madison, Mississippi. The AAA Lady.

 For the first time in my life, a  lady came to help me from the American Automobile Association..  I was surprised when she came to the door.  And I was pleased.  No reason that a woman could not replace my battery.  But up until now, since 1965, a man always came to help.  

Portia and I walked to the car in the rain.    We had three errands.  But the car would not start.  So we came back into the house and I called  AAA.  And they came to the rescue.  Unfortunately, by then it was pouring rain so after the car got a boost, Portia moved the car into the garage so the technician could install a new battery.  Now I am in good shape for the next three years.

When the AAA lady was in the living room and I was paying my bill, I told her that I was surprised and delighted to have a lady helping me.  She told me that she was the first woman battery technician in Mississippi 16 years ago.  But no more.  She actually signed on to become a tow truck operator, what she called a hook and haul job.  But the teacher urged her to learn about batteries, because she is short.  Now she loves her job.  "Everyone is happy when I am ready to leave," she said.   She was efficient and pleasant.  Well done  battery lady.lady 

June 12, 2023. Madison, Mississippi. Home Repairs.

 Today Chantes removed most of his equipment from the garage.   All the defects on the outside of my house have been corrected.   The work was finished late Friday night but he left his tools and equipment until this morning.   His list was long but finally it is all done.  He and his worker have been here for five weeks.  I have actually been enjoying have them working here eery day.  I like to be told the progress when Chantes would report to me every evening just before he left for the day.  I am delighted that all the work was done and is now completed.  I am even more pleased to not  write any more cheques..  

Now in Nova Scotia, friend David is hard at work at my house.  Last week he went to repair rotted wood on the deck.  And he was going to repair a hole in the shingle.  George patched the hole last summer but it was never repaired properly.  Now George is too busy so David is doing the job.  Unfortunately, the shingles all around the hole was found rotten and the whole width of the house needed to get new shingles.  So now David has a big job now.  Today he reported good progress.  And he sent me pictures.  The task is much bigger than anticipated.  But the work must be done.

When David first began to fix the hole, he called me really upset because he thought I would be upset.  He sent me pictures.  But I told him that I expect trouble with that house.  Sitting by the shore, the house gets the full brunt of the wind and sun and rain.  No sense being upset.  If you live by the shore you can expect deterioration in the house.   I think this task will be still not completed when I arrive.  If so, David will be working at my house every day until the job is complete.  I will be pleased when it is finished but I am delighted that the work is being done.  Hurrah for David.  And hurrah for Chantes.

June 11, 2023. Madison, Mississippi. Parties.

The Roses Bluff Home owners Association held a summer barbecue party at the swimming pool and recreation center.  This is the first time since we moved here that the event was held.  The  area is lovely, with a well equipped kitchen and large lounge area along with multiple tables outside around the pool.   I knew the event would be pleasant.  But I did not attend.  My friend Carie was  the one to organize the event.  She is now on the board of directors.   I should have gone.  But I did not and I am not sure why.

I suspect that I have gotten in the habit of saying no.  For years my immune system was so compromised that I stayed away from any large groups.  But my white cells are normal.  But I am still saying no.  Now my reasons for staying home has to do with vision and stability.  And of course access.  My neighbor Donna brought me over a plate of food from the party and she assured me that she would have taken me down to the party in their car, although they walked.  But there are  bunches of stairs into the pool area.  And parties are difficult because I can not really move around much with my walker.  And I can not really see people either.  So I stay home.

But I have a suspicion that I have gotten into a rut and always saying no.  Interesting.

June 10, 2023. Madison, Mississippi. Lawrence Welk.

I really dislike the fund raising at PBS.  They run special shows, replacing the ones I really enjoy watching.  Most of the the special shows are repeats, which I watched years ag so I never watch them.  Except for tonight.  They showed a tribute for Lawrence Welk, showing his life story and his career.  It was first produced in the 90's but I missed it and as I watched Lawrence Welk on TV on Saturday evening, I decided to watch it.  But of course I switched to the hockey game when they were raising money.

Evidently, they revamped the program this year so the music and the dancing moved right along.  It was just like walking down memory lane.  The singing and the dancing and all the music s were top drawer .  And I loved it.   Many of the musicians are no longer alive, so that was fun to see as well.  So for once in my life, I really enjoyed their fund raising program, thanks to Lawrence Welk.  He was a farm boy from North Dakota whose family moved from Germany.  He spoke only German until he was 17.  He taught himself to play the accordion.  And he made it big in the world of music and television.  I enjoyed every minute listening and watching all those talented people.  Great fun for me.

June 9, 2023. Madison, Mississippi. PET Scan.

This morning, very early, I was scheduled to have a PET scan.  My Oncologist wanted to know what was happening to my cancers now that I have had 6 weeks of the new chemo.   But in order to have a PET scan, my glucose levels must be under 200.  Yesterday my levels were too high, so we cancelled.  Now it has been rescheduled for June 23, the day before I leave for Nova Scotia.  So we will see what my numbers will be at that time.  Dr. Gregg is still adding medications to bring down my levels, but so far, no major change.

After my PET scan this morning, I was to have two different types of shots followed by a meeting with Dr.  Sheehan, my Oncologist.  But she decided to see me only after the PET scan.  So all I did today was the shots, one to build up my bones and the other a hormone that goes along with my chemo.  The good thing was that I was out of the office in just under an hour, which pleased me.  So now I just take my medications and hope for the best that in 2 weeks, my level will be under 200.  We are going to find that out very soon.

June 8, 2023. Madison, Mississippi. My Gift.

 Sarah just graduated from law school.  Now what should I give her to celebrate her achievement?   When she graduated from high school we gave her a painting, one of our collection.  When she graduated from college I gave her money.  Now what would be appropriate when she graduated from law school.  I was puzzled.  When David and Suzanne were here I asked.  Suzanne told me that every Christmas on her gift list appeared art.  So obviously, Sarah like to collect art.  So I thought about it and realized eventually that I had a whole lower level of beautiful art, which I never saw because I do not go downstairs.  So I decided to give her two pieces from my own art, but all from the lower level.

At first I wanted David and Suzanne to select the two pieces.  But instead they took pictures of all the art from the lower level.  They were staying in the guest room down there.  After they left I called Sarah to tell her about her gift.  And they sent her the pictures.    She was thrilled.  She will be renting an apartment in Dallas.  She not only was delighted with the art but she was especially pleased that the art came from the art collection of her grandparents.

Yesterday, Portia took the two paintings to the Par Mail man who will crate up the art and sent them to David and Suzanne home in San Antonio.  When Sarah is settled into her own apartment in August, they will drive Sarah's belongings, including her new art and all the rest of her art that we have given her over the years.  I am pleased that she is pleased.  It was such a good idea.  Sometimes things just work out well.

June 7, 2023. Madison, Mississippi. Spring Cleaning.

 Poor Chantes.  Every time he thinks has competed the exterior Spring Cleaning he finds more problems.  His final task was repairing the roof of the front stoop.  I knew it was not secure because the man who installs the Christmas lights was not able to attach the lights on the arched cover because  the wood was not secure.  After Chantes repaired the walk and restored the pillars, then he could five the overhang, which he did.  Except it was a much bigger job than he expected it would be.  Most of the wood ended up to be rotten.  But now it is fixed.

In the back deck we installed glass on the top of the railings.  When Chantes was making a final inspection, just two days ago, Chantes discovered that one of the side supports was rotten, so that needed to be fixed.  Finally, one task remains, which he told me about yesterday.  He showed me the picture of what needed to be done.  His other crew is working on a major project and he an Garbielle want to get over the help with his new project.  But first he must finish here at my house.  Just a week ago he told me that he would be finished in two days.  But things keep popping up.

I want hime to get everything done.  I hope that would be this week. I have great confidence.

June 6, 2023. Madison, Mississippi. The Business of Golf.

I know nothing about the business of golf.  All I know is that for the past few years, I have enjoyed watching golf tournaments on television.  But for the past year, the business of golf was in the face of everyone who loved golf.  A league , funded by the Saiudis started running a league in competition to the PGA.  Huge amounts of money were given to some of the top players to play in this new league, called the LIV golf.  Many players took the money and joined LIV.  And many of the best players stayed loyal to the PGA and did not accept all the money.

For a year, life was difficult for the players and the fans.  The PGA would not allow the players who joined LIV Golf  to play in the PGA tournaments so people like me never got to see those good players.  They just disappeared, except for the major tournaments such as The Masters.

But today, the PGA announced that the tournaments  will be merged.  All law suits between the leagues are terminated.  This came as a big surprise to the players.  And they are not pleased.    This is a big deal.  Those players who stayed loyal to the PGA lost millions by refusing to accept the money to join LIV Golf.  Will they be compensated?  We are going to find out.  But the business of golf is up front and center, whether or not we wanted to know.    All I wanted to know about golf was to watch some great golf.  Now I am in the midst of a major controversy.  It certainly is interesting.

June 5, 2023. Madison, Mississippi. Moving On.

On June 24, I board a plane for Nova Scotia.  Chris, my Lyft driver will accompany me.  And he will stay 2 weeks in Nova Scotia.  He is excited to be going to Canada.  And I am keen to return to my lovely home overlooking the bold Atlantic Ocean.  But now I must get ready.  Every year my small case for medications becomes more crowded.  I have been gathering my medications together so I am sure I have enough medications to last until the end of September.  When  Portia laid out everything on the dresser she wondered if everything would all fit.  I said that they will fit.  But we must pack carefully.

Fortunately, I do not need to bring clothes.  Today, Portia and I started organizing.  I do not like to leave anything to the last minute so I plan ahead.  We laid out my traveling clothes.  And I put the Canadian money in my purse.   My suitcase and backpack is open on the dining table.  I need one bottle of Metformin from the drug store.  Today we asked for an over ride from the drug company.  And I have not yet gotten approval for the chemotherapy but we will start working on it next Monday.  I am in good shape with organizing.  I am getting ready to move on north..

June 4, 2023. Madison, Mississippi. The Cuban Party.

 Actually, it was not really a party.  It was Sunday lunch where we served Cuban food.  But Chantes called it a Cuban Party so that was what we called it.  The Cuban Party was a success.  I kept the party small.  Four friends and their families.  All the children came.  The weather was hot.  Over 90 so I decided to do the event inside.  All the young men took their food outside to the deck but everyone else stayed in the air conditioned house.   

Chants did a good job with his selection of the Cuban food.  He cooked three different types and flavor of Cuban food.  Everyone enjoyed the variety and the different flavors.  Chantes and Gabriele did all the cooking.  I organized everything else.  So the lunch was delicious and the party was low key and pleasant. Chantes served Cuban juice.  And played Cuban music.  And I asked him to give the blessing in Spanish.  So for two hours, we all pretended we were in Cuba.  The lunch was everything you want a party to be.  And I did not need to cook!!

June 3, 2023. Madison, Mississippi. Lunch With Chris.

Portia was not working on Friday.  I had nothing to do.  I do not like to spend two days in a row by myself and as Saturday is a solitary Saturday, I had to figure out what to do.  I had been looking at the calendar and the square on my calendar was empty so I got on the phone and asked Chris if he would be able to take me out to lunch.  And he said yes.

So on Friday he picked me up at 11:00 to go out to lunch.  Chris starts his day early so has breakfast early and  he likes to eat lunch early too.  Also he knows that the restaurants are not as busy at 11:30.  People in Jackson tend to eat an early lunch.  I have no idea why.  At home, I eat lunch at 1:00 or later because I eat breakfast at 9:00.  But on Friday I ate only a small amount of yogurt so I would be hungry for my early lunch.

We ate at a Greek restaurant in Madison.  I had not been there for several years but Greta Barbour and John have brought lunch from the same restaurant so I knew  the food was good.  It is a funky little place in a strip mall.  I ate cabbage rolls and were delicious.  The owner came to chat with us more than once.  He is a nice little old man.  He escorted us to the car and gave me a pretty orange flower from his garden.  I think I got the sympathy vote because I am old and I use a walker.  Chris and I enjoyed our lunch.  We will go there again.  And I was delighted to have company during part of the day.  I feel fortunate that Chris indulges me.

June 2, 2023. Madison, Mississippi. Simple Systems.

 Chantes brought me a bill for supplies.  Iw was mid morning.  I did what I always do.  I asked Portia to rad the bill.  Next I paid the money I owed him.  Then I asked Portia to put the receipt on top of the pile on my desk.  All very simple.  Chantes has been working here for over four weeks.  When he brought me the first bills, Portia asked her what to do with the bill.  And she asked me if she should throw it out.  I said no.  And I delegated a spot on my living room desk so we could keep the receipts.  All in chronological  order.  And there they stayed.  One pile on my desk.  Doing nothing.

But later in the afternoon, Chantes came in and asked for the receipt.  His son Michael was at Lowes to pick up the lumber but they had no record of the sale.  I told Chantes where Portia had put the bill and he found it, which of course was on the pile of all the receipts.  Chantes took a picture of the receipt, sent it to Michael on the phone.  And the problem was solved.  Michael appeared with the lumber to finish their task.  I was pleased that my simple system finally reaped results.  Good thing  the receipts were not put in the trash.  Whew.

June 1, 2023. Madison, Mississippi. Wild Fires and Nova Scotia.

 This year is the worst season in history for wild fires in Nova Scotia.  We have forest fires in the past but always deep in the woods in the middle of the province.  But these fires are close to cities so houses are burning.  The situation is not good.  As of this morning, the fires are not under control.  And unfortunately there is no rain in the forecast.  This Spring has been dry.  And recently the wind has been blowing.  So when a fire starts, the wind moves it along.  And the cinders from one fire get transported to adjacent neighborhoods.  

One subdivision in Halifax had one of the first fires with over 250 houses burned.  And an area close to Hampton Springs has a fire.  Yesterday a fire at the point outside of Shelburne caught on fire and 40 houses burned.  The sparks from that fire were blown into town and fires started there.  The Hospital has been evacuated.  The quality of the air is bad all over the province even impacting my town of Liverpool.  Walt and Mary reported that the air in town was nasty but at Western Head where I live, all was well due to the breeze from the ocean.

So far, my town of Liverpool and county of Queens have no active fires.  Fire fighters are arriving from New England states to help stop the fires.  But so far, the fires are not under control.  Over 130,000. people are away from their homes.  This is not a good situation.  The province needs rain.  And soon.