July 31, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Sandra S.

 Sandra has been a good friend from the early years in Liverpool.  My friends Wendy and Clausen were going to look at Sandra and Bob's dining table.  The table was made from old pieces of wood and was built by a carpenter who lived on the French shore.  Brian, their builder suggested that they would like it.  Sandra and Bob kindly invited them over.  I just went along for the ride along with my friend Alice Anne, who was visiting me from Texas.

The minute we walked in the door I was impressed.  They had wonderful antique furniture.  When I admired the 13 matching very old chairs, they asked if I wanted to see all their furniture.  We have been fast friends ever since.  Now both Sandra and I are widows.  Bob died a few years before Ken.  Sandra and I get together several times each season.  Today was our first luncheon date.

First I had company.  Then Sandra visited her daughter outside Halifax.  Then I had company.  And finally we got together.  We had a good time.  We ate at Lanes Privateer Inn.  The food was good and the conversation even better.  Sandra moved into town a few years before Bob died so she can walk everywhere in town.  I always enjoy being with Sandra.  She is a good friend here in Nova Scotia.  

July 30, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Water Lilies.

Once upon a time, we had beautiful lilies in our pond.  But after Ken died, I asked Ivan from the Garden Shop to clean our the pond.  He reluctantly did.  But he knew nothing about ponds and he thought the lilies were dead.  In mater of fact, they were dormant.  They came back every year.  And they were beautiful.  But now I have no lilies.  He threw them away.

David noticed a picture full of lillies at Green Bay, near Petite Riviera, so he chatted with the lady on line and she offered me a lily or two.  So today, David along with Gloria, Gary and I went to retrieve a lily.  We drove along the shore.  We expected to get a lily and leave but the lady of the pond turned it into a party.  We sat outside and drank tea and talked with her.  She has only lived in her property for less than 3 years.  But she and her husband are retired from Ontario and live there full time.  And she has turned her property into a wildlife resort and B&B.

We enjoyed our visit of 90 minutes.  She clearly is in love with her home and location.  And I now have a water lily in my pond.  Now I hope it takes root.

July 29, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. White Point & Lanes.

 We ate at both places, all in one day.  Fancy.  For lunch we visited White Point Resort.  The place was bursting with activities.  A group of children and adults were cooking things over the outside fire.  They had a stick.  On the end of the stick was a chunk of bread which they held over the coals .. Next they poured maple syrup over the toasted bread.  They were all enjoying the activities.  We enjoyed our lunch while we watched the action on the beach.  The place was busy.  And our food was excellent.  This resort is doing well, which pleases me.

Then we three went to Lanes Privateer Inn for dinner.  I had been told poor reports about their food this season but our dinners were excellent.  And the restaurant was busy.  The service also was good.  So in one day, Gloria, Gary and I dined at two of the best resorts in town.  We were eating in fine style.  No dishes or cooking for us.  We were e eating high on the hog.  And we enjoyed ourselves.  

July 28, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. The Weather.

 The weather this week has been glorious.  Every day, the sun shines.  And every day the temperature does not exceed 76 degrees.  And at Western Head it is even cooler.   In  town, people complain about the heat. In fact there is a heat advisory for the whole of Queens County because it might be 79 tomorrow.  But at home here at Western Head, the cool breezes from the ocean keep us comfortable.

And at night the temperature tonight  will be 65.  Perfect for sleeping.  Last night, in the middle of the night, we had rain so all day we has the sun but during the night, we received a big dose of rain.  Perfect weather.  I feel so fortunate to be living here.  While Texas is scorching, we enjoy the cool breeze.  Pretty nice indeed.  

July 27, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Six New Fish.

This past winter, my 6 fish died.  For four years they survived the Nova Scotia winters but the drought this Spring reduced the water level so low that they must have died.  When I returned in late June the pond had no fish swimming around.  In addition, the weeds had taken over the pond.  Soon I would have no pond at all.  So friend David and helper Walt removed all the weeds and filled the pond.  Now the pond was ready for new fish.

Anna and I drove to Bridgewater to buy more fish at the pet store.  At first the only gold fish we could find were lovely gold fish selling at $20. per fish.  We thought not.  But the manager told us that they had another small fish selling at three fish for $5.  Whew.  We bought 6.  Now they are swimming around the pond staying out of harms way.  David brought two plants today and on Sunday we will pick up two water lilies.  Soon the pond will be as good as ever.  

Anna will feed the fish every day.  But training them to come to get the food is not so easy.  Mary Frances trained the last ones several years ago.  Anna will try because it is fun watching them come for their food. These fish are small, about one inch long.  Last year they had grown to be three inches long.  Now we hope they survive.  I do like that little pond.

July 26, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. The Quarterdeck.

 The Quarterdeck restaurant has the best view in town for eating lunch.  And fortunately, their food may serve the best food in town.  Over the years, the view was always spectacular but the food may not have been too good.  But right now, they have the best food in town and the best view too.  Pretty nice to have both.

Today, Gloria, Gary and I went to the Quarterdeck  for lunch.  And we enjoyed not only the view but also their good food.  We sat right by the window so we could look at the beach and the ocean with all the children playing in the 62 degree water.  And our food was delicious too.  I ate a salad of greens, and slivered almonds and goat cheese.  And I ate a big bowl of mussels.  Gloria ate a lobster roll while Gary ordered a cup of seafood chowder followed by fish and chips, which he enjoyed.  We three were pleased with our lunch.  And Gary payed the bill which was also a treat.  I was delighted with the whole outing.  Whoopee!!

July 25, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Gloria and Gary.

 Gloria and Gary are visiting me from Maryland.  They will be here a week,  Getting to my house from the airpower took them well over 3 hours.  They cleared customs and picked up their rental car and by 6:20 they were on highway 102 headed to 103.  But they arrive at my house at 9:45.  Grrr.  103 was closed for one section, which sent them on a detour through Chester.  But they finally arrived safe and sound and went right to the Guest House, where they are staying.  By tonight they are back to normal and enjoying themselves.  Normal drive to my house from the airport is 2 hours.

I have known Gloria for over 50 years and Gloria and Gary have been an item for 17 years so they are both old friends.  They have both been here several times so they know the lay of the land.  This week they will chill out and visit close to home.  And they will visit with me.  Fortunately the weather has been perfect and the forecast is for the same wonderful weather.  Today they ate lunch at White Point, where they sat outside on the deck and watched the children enjoying playing in the water.  And they enjoyed the 72 degree temperature and the cool breeze.  

So we will enjoy the week together in the sun.  Tomorrow we will go to the Quarterdeck, which has the best place to enjoy their good food and enjoy sitting looking at the water.  And every night Tina will bring us dinner.  Pretty nice life.  

July 24, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Health Update.

 Ian and Rita made the wise decision by driving back home.  Ian was seen quickly by the GP and the Urologist.  After a scope, Ian discovered that he had two tears in his bladder, which was causing the bleeding.  The doctor cauterized the two tears.  Now he is no longer finding blood in his urine.  For a few weeks he must take things easy and not lift or strain.  Other than that, he is doing well.  They were both disappointed to miss their vacation at Western Head.  But they made the right decision.

I am doing well too.  My blood counts are normal, according to Norm.  And I have had my two shots at a clinic in Bridgewater, all arranged by Nifty Norm.    My glucose levels are not terrible but not good either.  For a few days, my numbers are below 200 but most of the time I am in the 200, usually below 250.  I am still taking meds to bring down  my glucose level but that should change soon.  I have only a few days of the chemo, Piqray, because my Oncologist would not allow me to take but one month.  When I will be no longer off the Piqray, my glucose level should go down.  So I must watch carefully.  But I am doing well here at Western Head even though my Oncologist said that I was way to ill to be traveling.  Grrr.  

July 23, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Friends Who Help.

 When the power was out, friends rallied to my assistance.  We lost power plus all other systems for two hours in the afternoon on Friday.  Fortunately, I went upstairs early because the storm was still raging I felt that the power might go out at any time.  No systems were working.  When I was texting on my phone, the power went out so my bedroom was black.  Fortunately I had already moved the big flashlight to my walker so I was OK.  I had already taken my meds.  So I went to bed.  And I stayed there.

Friend David came to check on my Saturday mid morning.  He checked my glucose level.  And he brought me up breakfast to my bedroom.  Soon, Connie and the two boys came to check on my.  And they visited me in the bedroom too.  David left when Gill came up too.  So we had a mini party.  They all left eventually in search of coffee.  Eventually I went downstairs when the power came on and I had a cup of tea.

Later in the afternoon David came back to check on me and heated my dinner.  Then he stopped by Mike S. down the road to see if he would repair my driveway.  And he did.  David helped and now my drive way was repaired.  This morning friend Mary M. came to check my glucose level.  And in the afternoon Gill walked over to see if I needed help.  So my friends looked after me during the storm.  I am fortunate to have such good friends.

July 22, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. A Big Storm.

This was a really big storm.  24 hours of heavy rain, thunder and lightning.  The storm just drifted around. I could always hear the thunder.  Just sometimes it was louder than other times.  This was an unusual type of storm for Nova Scotia because we had no wind.  And of course, the storm just stayed and stayed.  Sometimes the rain was coming in a deluge and other times a light rain.  But always the rain.   One especially loud clap of thunder was so loud that the whole house shook.  All the pictures needed to be straightened.  I have been here for hurricanes but never did I feel the house shake.

And of course, there was a lot of damage.  My driveway was washed out right by the gate.  The Mersey River flooded.  The parking lot  in front of the hardware was with almost two feet of water.  Highway 103 was closed as were made minor roads.  Lots and lots of basements were flooded, including David's.  Tomorrow he will begin throwing things away as he had a foot of water in his basement.  He had water in his basement in 1991 but until this storm, his basement was dry.  

Th power came back this afternoon along with the television, internet and phone.  So we are back to normal.  And my driveway was repaired late this afternoon,  Now I am happy.

July 20, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Gaspe B&B.

Ken and I were camping in 1962 during our car trip to Quebec and the Maritimes.  Our equipment was primitive and one day we both had a 24 hour flu which meant we were lying in our tent on the hard ground for 24 hours.  No mattress.  So when we were well and continued our journey, we decided to stay on a comfortable bed.  We found a B&B and stayed the night.

The house was small but the lady of the house was charming and offered to prepare us dinner which we appreciated.  After a shower and a change of clothes, we sat down to dinner which our hostess cooked just for us.  I still remember that dinner.  She prepared poached salmon, vegetables and mashed potatoes.  It was delicious especially after our spartan meals at the camp spots.

I remember three things about our drive around the Gaspe.  One was the  beauty of the drive.  Next was the kindness of the owner of the B&B. and lastly was the fishing trip.  And then we were off in our volkswagen bug for Prince Edward Island.  But we remembered fondly the Gaspe Peninsula.  I hope Wendy and Ken enjoy  their trip as much as we did in 1962.   

July 19, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Gaspe. Fishing.

 Wendy and Ken are planning to take a car trip around the Gaspe Peninsula this Fall.   So I have been remembering 1962 when Ken and I took that same journey.  At that time, the population was sparse and very few tourists wee to be seen.  But the scenery was glorious.  And we enjoyed our trip.

One day we went out on a fishing boat with two fishermen who made their living fishing.  We had arranged the day before  with the lady who owned the B&B where we stayed.  It was an unforgettable day.  We met at 6:00 and out we went.  They men hand lined for cod.  They spoke no English and we spoke no french but they taught us to fish.  But they pulled in 10 fish for every one that we caught.  And the fish were big and abundant.  And we had fun.

By the time we were ready to come into shore, which we did just afternoon, Ken and I were weary but the poor fisherman had to take their catch and sell to the restaurants and on the street.  Catching the fish was only part of their job.  Both Ken and I were pleased that we did not earn our living catching fish.  But we had quite an experience all those years ago.  Happy memories.

July 18, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Social Life in N.S.

 I do not lack for social life here in Nova Scotia.  First of all, Anna is good company and she helps me four days a week from 9 to 2.   Just the past weekend, I was invited to dinner at Mary and Clif on Saturday, and on Sunday I took friend Fran to Lane's for brunch.  Both events I enjoyed, not only the good food but also the company.

Tomorrow, Jan and Larry are bringing lunch to my house.  Gill will join us because they have not seen Gill since she returned from Toronto.   Larry loves to cook so our lunch will be special.   Then on Thursday, Walt and Mary have invited me for lunch at their home, along with Mary, Clif and Gill.  So we will have a mini party.  Mary is a good cook so I look forward to that lunch.

And on Friday, Anna will drive me to the home of Sandra S. where Sandra and I will try out a new restaurant in Blockhouse, a little town close to Bridgewater.  My week will be busy and my social life full of interesting events.  In addition, Wendy and Clausen are now here which means more visitors to my home, which I enjoy.  Mary M. drops in to say hello regularly as does Gill so I am not left alone for long.  No wonder I enjoy coming to Western Head in Nova Scotia.  It is a happening place.  

July 17, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. My Bedroom & Breakfast.

 This is such a luxury.  Most mornings, after Anna checks my glucose levels, she brings me breakfast in my bedroom.  She started the routine last summer whenI would be having the shower that day.  But this year she brings me breakfast every morning she works.  And I love it.  My bedroom is lovely.  I have a comfortable reading chair with great light so that is where I eat my breakfast.

Spending time in my bedroom allows me to enjoy the art in the room.  Very often, I spend very little time in the bedroom during daylight hours so I especially enjoy my time lingering over breakfast.  In addition, Anna brings her own breakfast up too so we chat and organize our day.  I have never enjoyed eating breakfast in bed, but I must say that I love eating my breakfast and drinking my tea while still sitting in a comfortable chair right in my own bedroom.  It is one of the pleasures of my days.  I am grateful for Anna.

July 16, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. A Comedy of Errors.

 I should stay out of the kitchen.  I am hopeless.  But Anna had left for the day and when dinner time approached I was feeling queasy  and I felt the need of a cup of warm chicken broth.  I had a shot on Tuesday afternoon which brings bunches of side effects.  I could not find any broth in the pantry so called Anna.  Sure enough she told me where to find it.  And I brought the box to the shove.    But then I started to have trouble.

I could not turn on the microwave.  The only thing I could do was to turn on the fan.  And then I could not turn it off.  Finally, after pushing all the buttons I gave up and went into the living room to find my reading glasses.  All the while the fan was running at top speed and driving me nuts.  Eventually I found the 30 second button.  And I turned off the fan.  But it must have taken me almost 30 minutes to get my cup of warm chicken broth.    Someone watching me would have thought that I just stepped into the modern world.  That microwave came close to defeating me.  

I was so pleased with myself that I drank 2 cups of warm chicken broth.  I finally mastered the microwave.  Whoopee!!.

July 15, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. 2 Shots Complete.

 Part od my instructions, as directed by my Oncologist, is for me to take my two shots once a month plus have my blood drawn once a month to check my blood counts.  Thanks to Nifty Norm, my doctor nephew, i have followed all instructions.  All instructions have been followed.  Norm arranged everything.  A clinic in Bridgewater administered the shots by a nurse, and the blood was drawn in the hospital in Bridgewater. So I am done for the month of July.

If my blood counts are normal, I have decided not to do the blood work again.  They were normal in June and I look fine, so probably they will be normal in August too.  Norm will report to me the results.  I already have an appointment for August for the shots, so I am in good shape, again thanks to Norm.  So here we go.  Nothing to be done until August.  Whoopee!!.

July 14, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. The Fund Raiser.

 Last Saturday, Gill picked me up.  The Garden Club and the Mersey Band held a  tea party to raise money to send the young people to band camp this summer.  The Garden Club sold plants.  The band members, wearing uniforms, served tea , little sandwiches and sweet goods.  The event was held in the basement of the Anglican Church.

When Gill and I arrived the hall was full, which we thought was a good sign.  So we paid our entrance fee plus a bit of a donation, and looked for a seat.  On the way in we talked to several people we had not seen that season, which was good.  So not only were we supporting the band but in addition we got in a bit of neighborly greetings.  The tea was good., served in fancy china cups and saucers.  And we were served little chicken salad sandwiches, which of course I could not eat.  The sweets were all cooked at home and looked delicious.  Again, I do not eat sugar but Gill enjoyed both.

I do not know how much money was raised at the Tea but it took a whole host of volunteers to put the whole thing together.  Gill and I enjoyed the event.  Now I want to know how much they earn for all those hours of work.  It was impressive to watch.  And all I did was to give them some money.  Interesting.

July 13, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. The Best Laid Plans.

 Ian is Ken's first cousin.  Rita is his wife.  We are good friends.  They have spent time with us here in Nova Scotia many times but not since Ken died.  Today the were driving to visit me here.  They made it to New Brunswick  But Ian had a medical issue.  Today he found blood in his urine three times.  So son Sean, a doctor urged them to turn around and go directly to the hospital in Ottawa.  They are bitterly disappointed.  But what can you do?

For me, the GuestHouse has been cleaned.  and the fridge and pantry are ready for them.  The caterer  will bring three dinners tomorrow, which I will enjoy over the weekend.  So everything is ready.  But no one is coming.  I will speak to the caterer tomorrow morning.  I think she will bring two meals three times next week, so I can eat the same meal two days in a row.  I eat a better diet with Tinas dinners. rather than just fending for myself.    I also was looking forward to seeing them.  But it will not happen this year.  I wish Ian well.  

July 12, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Ooops!!

 I left my chair in the living room and headed to the kitchen.  I had been texting.  As I walked, I was muttering about my vision.  Often after a spell at the screen, my vision is not good so I was complaining all the way.  "My vision is getting worse," I said to my self. "I need more lights in this house."  I struggled to find the food in the fridge but finally put a pot of tomato soup and a yogurt on the tray of my walker.  And I sat down in the TV room.

I turned on the television and kept muttering because I was unable to ready the guide.  Then I was really alarmed and irritated.  But finally saw the light.   I was wearing reading glasses.  And then I stopped complaining.  Stupidity in action right inside my own house.  And I finally laughed.

July 11, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. An Unexpected Event.

One thing turned into another.  And soon, we had an event.  Isaac, Anna's s youngest son, called  to ask if he could drive over with his girlfriend to meet me.  He works as a roofer and it was raining so he could not work.  His girlfriend finishes work at 4:30 so the plan was for the two young people would come over for a visit after she finishes work.. I was fine with that.

The next idea was to bring Abe with them when he gets off work at 5:00.  I suggested we go to Lanes for dinner.  And we did.  Anna just stayed with me and we all met up at the restaurant.  Abe is Annas husband.  Samantha is the girlfriend.  Isaac and Sam plan to be married next July.  So we met at the restaurant.  And we had a good time.  Fortunately I was impressed with Sam.   We talked about the past and the future.  The good idea morphed into a minor party.  And we all enjoyed the celebration, which was totally unexpected.

The food was good too.  Abe enjoyed fish for the first time at Lanes  with me in 2019, so he ate fish and chips, a Nova Scotia staple.  So a good time was hade by all.   Good conversation and good food.  Pretty nice.

July 10, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Don Cummings.

 Don has been a good friend to me since 1953 when my family moved to Toronto from Vancouver and joined the Danforth Corps of The Salvation Army.  Now he has passed away.  Don played in the band and was always part of the young people .  The youth group was active and we held many events.  And of course, Don was always involved.  Then time went on, we got a bit older, and Ken came into my life and Doreen into Don's life too.  So the four of us went out to many events together.

We spent many cups of tea in Don'e parents home.  Ken and Don both played hockey for the Danforth team in the Salvation Army league.  We four were good buddies.  When we lived over the hardware store where we had no shower, every Saturday night Ken and I went to watch the hockey game at their home, Ken always took a shower between periods.  And we never lost contact when we moved to Texas and then Maryland.

After Don and Doreen retired, we saw much more of them.  They visited us  at the farm.  And they came to Texas.  They even visited us several years in Mexico and Nova Scotia.  We were still good friends.  I will miss him.  But I have a host of happy memories both old and young.  He is still a good friend but now he has been Promoted to Glory.  RIP my friend Don.

July 9, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. 80th Birthday.

 Last Friday, my friend Mary M. turned 80.  And we celebrated.    Another friend, Fran, cooked dinner at Mary's house.  Gill, Clif, Chris and I  along with Fran and Mary mad up our festive group.  Fran would not allow Mary to lift a finger so Mary was waited on all evening.  The food was delicious.  Cheese and crackers and cherry tomatoes for appetizer and lemon chicken, peas and carrots for main course.  Ice cream cake for dessert.  

The small party was delightful.  Just what Mary wanted.   And Mary wanted no gifts which made life easy for the guests.  "I have everything I want." said Mary.  The fact of becoming 80 is a real milestone.  Congratulations to Mary.

During the day, Mary and Fran sailed in Mary's boat which also made her happy.  She says she is quitting sailing after this season.  She agreed with her son that when she is over eighty, perhaps she should give up sailing so she agreed.  At the end of this summer she will sell her boat.  But today, on her 80th birthday she was happy.  She lad a lovely sail and she got to celebrated with her close friends.  Marry was happy.

July 8, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Television.

Today at noon Chris left Western Head to fly to his home in Madison, Mississippi.  So I am alone and will be until Rita and Ian arrive on the 13th.  Chris was here for two weeks.  We never turned on the television.    I have always found television both to give me information and entertainment and for company.  That was what I did tonight.  Both when drinking my orange drink and also when eating dinner, I watched television.

It took me a few minutes to master the new remote.  Plus I needed to figure our how to find my favorite channels.  But I did find golf.  And then at dinner I found the baseball channel.  So I was happy.  I have not mastered the remote yet but I will work on it tomorrow because I will be by myself .  It is my habit to never turn on the TV in the morning.  I rad at breakfast and all morning.  But in the late afternoon, when I am drinking my MetaMucill all by myself, I will turn on the golf channel and try to master the clicker.  I did not miss television the last two weeks because I had company.  But now that I am all by myself, I will enjoy the television.

July 7, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. High Tea.

 Chris wanted to see Gill's house, so instead of just coming over and touring the house, Gill  kindly invited us for tea.  We were invited for Wednesday, at 4:00.  And she invited Mary and Clif.  The afternoon was lovely with no rain and no fog.    Not only did Chris get to tour the house but he could also see the rocks and the seals.  Pretty nice.

Gill turned our cup of tea into a High Tea.  We were served quite an array of goodies.  Gill served two types of tea, both in beautiful pots, one an herbal tea and the other a black tea.  The coffee table was losded with goodies.  Cherries, olives,  cheese, crackers, banana bread, little tomatoes, nuts, cookies., fresh peppers.   The big coffee table was loaded.  And we enjoyed ourselves.

We sat in Gills lovely home enjoying the scenery and the company.  It turned out to be the first of the many events that we will enjoy together over the summer season.  And for Chris, this was his first High Tea.  We thought we were going over to drink a cup of tea but instead we arrived to a mini feast, all organized by Gill.t.  And we enjoyed ourselves sitting and sipping from our china tea cups.  All very posh!!.

July 6, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. A Heat Advisory.

The day was perfect.  No rain.  No fog.  Blue skies.  Cool breeze.  Finally, Chris got a beautiful day here at Western Head.   The temperature in Liverpool reach a high of 79 degrees.  And tomorrow's forecast for Liverpool is 83.  So they have issued a heat advisory for today and tomorrow.  

Western Head is always cooler that Liverpool  We had a high of 72 today.  And tomorrow we are supposed to hit 75.  So we also have a heat advisory for tomorrow.  

Of course, today in San Antonio it was 99.  Tomorrow will reach 101 and the day after 103.  But no heat advisory for San Antonio residents.  Chris and I just laughed.  And we enjoyed the beautiful cool day at Western Head. 

July 5, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Basketball Player.

 She is a professional basketball player.  She earns over a million dollars a year playing a young peoples game.  She undoubtedly went to University on an athletic scholarship.  And she lives in the United States. But yesterday, on Independence Day she bashed the Unites States calling the place all kinds of nasty words.  I did not listed to her words or read the whole article because I was disgusted.

I would like  her to move to another country.  Maybe she would prefer her life someplace else.  Russia ha a professional league.  She could play there.

I love athletics.  But I will not watch men's  professional basketball because, until the playoffs, the players do not try hard to win.  And they are all whining.  They whine at the referees.  They whine about the country.  They are rich, spoiled brats and I will not watch their games.  Now the women players are catching on.  Not good.  I have no patience.

July 4, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. July 4, 1976.

Dennis posted his memory about July 4, 2976, which was the celebration of the 200th addiversay of the Declaration of Independence.  He posted it on Facebook for all to see.  He and a friend went to the Mall and they visited the Archives, where they saw the signature page.  He said that he was thrilled...and still is.  At that time he was working as an aide to the President, Gerarl Ford.

I think I am correct but I was not confirm from anyone else, Peter, Bed and David.  But I also was at the Mall that day.  Along with Dennis, that was the biggest crowd I have ever  seen.  Carol and Ken, my sister and brother in law, along with Ben and Pater went with my family to enjoy the concert on the Mall and then watch the fireworks.  We took a blanket or two, some food, and enjoyed ourselves.  The place was crowded but we managed to find a spot for all 8 of us.  And we enjoyed ourselves.  But Ken and I , David and Andrew never returned to the Mall on July 4th.  I think we drove..  We had a wonderful time, celebrating the 200th anniversary.  Happy memories.  

July 3, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Cold Rain.

 This happened twice to me, something that I had seen before.  While sitting in the living room, I looked out the windows and saw only fog.  No ocean, no trees.  Just fog.  Then it started to rain, coming down in torrents.  While I looked, the fog disappeared.  I could see the trees  clearly on the other side of the guest house.  I could see the ocean and I could see the horizon, clear as a bell.

As I continue to watch, the rain slowed down and soon the fog came back.  First I lost the horizon and next the ocean and finally the trees.  The same thing occurred late in the afternoon.  First fog, followed by the heavy rain and finally no fog at all.  Then  the fog was soon back.

When Chris came in  from his day of exploring, he told that the rain was the coldest rain he had ever felt.  When walking from the truck to Canadian Tire, he got drenched by very cold and very heavy rain..  I suspect that the cold rain had something to do with dissipating the fog.  I had never seen this happen before.  Fascinating to watch, fortunately from the comfort of my cosy living room.  

July 2, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. An Excursion With David.

I have driven the same routs innumerable times, but I never tire routs.  Today David took us on a drive to Lunenburg along the shore road, up the Lahave River, across on the ferry and then via back roads to Lunenburg.  The drive is lovely, perhaps the best in Nova Scotia.  We drove in my truck because David's car is not yet fixed.  David drove.  Chris sat in the front seat .  I sat in the rear half seat and to my surprise I was comfortable.  The drive was beautiful, as it always is but unfortunately we had a foggy day.  From the golf course across from Lunenburg, we could not even see the town, let alone the gaily pained houses.

Lunenburg was crowded.  Really crowded.  We drove around for a parking spot but when we finally parked and started checking out the restaurants, we discovered that all had a waiting list.  And this was almost 2:00.  So we went back to the truck and headed right to Highway 103.  We stopped to eat at the Swiss Chalet, in Bridgewater, which we enjoyed.  No crowds.  Good service.  The same chicken.  Chris had never even heard of the Swiss Chalet, so this was another introduction to a Canadian icon.  Finally we got hame late in the late afternoon.  Our day was lovely.  Hats off to David. 

July 1, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. A Big Day.

 Chris and I had a full and happy day.   We started by eating breakfast at Lanes.  We intended to eat breakfast at Memories but the do not open until 10:00 so we switch to  planes.  Our breakfast was ample.  Next we drove to see Heather and Ross, the good folks who bought our cottage.   Their New Years card was returned because I sent it to the address instead of their post box in Milton.  As I knew I was coming, I decided to hand carry the card.  The cottage looks nothing like it used to be but it is splendid.  The whole place looks wonderful.  I drank a cup of tea but turned down a piece of lemon pie.

Next on our agenda after our visit with Heather and Ross was lunch at White Point.  Chris had not yet seen  White Point so he was duly impressed.  I ate fish tacos while Chris Kung Pow salad which he said had more spice then any other dish in Nova Scotia.  So we enjoyed our lunch.  After a nap for both of us, Gill joined us by eating dinner at Pauls, the Geman restaurant in town.  Hans is a good cook and we enjoyed our dinner.  That was the first time I have seen Gill this year so we were celebrating.  Our dinner was just what we expected so we enjoyed ourselves.  We had a full and busy day.  And we enjoyed every minute.