September 29, 2023. Western Head, NovanScotia. Making a Lost.

 Last evening I made a list.  Anna and I were prepared.  My truck is in the garage.  My bag was packed.  But I still had a long list of things to do this morning.  Anna and Abe leave tomorrow to drive to Pennsylvania and she would really would have left early but I knew that my list was long.  And would take time.  I was correct.  Anna left at her normal time of 2:00.

I am always astonished how many things need to be done at the last minute.  But we did it.  Every item on my list has a check mark.  So I am ready to go.  David is coming with me.  First to Reagan in DC then on the Jackson.  So off we go.  

September 28, 2023. Western Head Nova Scotia. Baseball.

 Finally, the Toronto Bluejays won a game in their 3 day series with the Yankees.  The last time they played, the Jays swept.  But not this time.  They lost the first two b\games badly.  But this evening they won, 6 to 0.  This was important because Toronto is still trying to get into the playoffs, which begins next wee.  Any three wins and Toronto is in the playoffs so they we hoping to sweep again.  But no such luck.  Now they are down to the magic 2.

For the past month, it has been an up and down concept.  First Toronto was definitely in.  Next definitely out.  It has been keeping up.  Now if Seattle loses a game and Toronto wins one, Toronto will definitely in the playoffs.  But they are not there yet.  Stay tuned.  

September 27, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Traditions.

Anna began helping me the summer of 2019, the first time I had come to Nova Scotia by myself.  Her husband and I met a couple of times through the season and I liked him so at the end of the summer, I invited Anna and Abe out to dinner, to celebrate our successful season.  And we enjoyed ourselves.  We have been doing it every year except we begin including  son Isaac tom the dinners.  And we had a tradition going, which we all enjoyed.

Tonight was the day for our celebration except we added Sam, who will be married to son Isaac next July. So tonight, Helper Anna, husband Abe, son Isaac and soon to be married to Isaac Sam had dinner together at Lanes.  And we all had a good time.  I was delighted to see Isaac and Sam.  Since last year, Isaac has become a successful roofer.  We had lots to celebrate.  Now on Saturday we will go in different directions.  But we intend to reconvene next year.  This is a very nice tradition.  Simple but pleasant.  Pretty nice.  

September 26, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Changes.

Life is full of changes.  Gill has just moved into her new condo in Toronto which is near Blood and Yonge.  Her old one, which overlooked Lake Ontario has sold and settled.  Now she is busily getting organized into her new digs, which is double the size of her last one.

Walt and Mary will no longer look after my Nova Scotia over the winter.  They will be away for over 4 months so they are turning it over to friend David N..But first David will accompany me to Mississippi and stay for a visit.  When he returns, he will begin the weekly checks.  And he will repair anything that comes up.

Portia, my helper in Mississippi has gone back to school to get an RN.  My new helper will be Marlene, who will start next Monday.  Portia was wonderful so I hope that Marlene will be just as good.  The company that I use, Sitters, Inc., assures me that I will be pleased and as I have never had a bad one from them I am sure she will be fine.  But getting adjusted always has its issues.  I am hopeful.

So here I go into a new season full of confidence that all will be well.  So here we go.   

September 25, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Restaurants.

  I have never wanted to own or run a restaurant.  There are at least 50 ways why I feel that way but evidently, many folks hanker to open a restaurant.  Here is one example.

A couple retired to Liverpool and opened a coffee shop on Main Street serving coffee and croissants.  It is called The Main on the Mersey.  The sweet rolls were delicious and it was popular and always busy.  The front holds a gift shop that is rented out to someone else and on the water side is a big deck where people sat and ate.  It was crowded and popular.  After three years they decided to open a restaurant across the street.  They took over an office  formerly held by a lawyer so lots of renovations needed to be done to turn it into a restaurant.

Their hope was to open  the new place for the season.  And they moved the coffee shop across the street.  They hired a Japanese chef.  Finally, the restaurant opened  for business two weeks ago.  The coffee shop was full during the morning and the restaurant was open for lunch and dinner.  All was well.  People liked the food.  But disaster struck on Sunday when the new chef quit.  They served 40 meals on Saturday night.  And on Sunday the new chef quit and headed back to Toronto.  

My caterer was asked to fill in until they were able to find a cook.  But Tina is retired and already works part time at Lanes  Fortunately , my work is over.  But the poor owners.  There is yet another reason why I would never want to own a restaurant.

September 24, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Four Ladies.

 We four met at 10:00 at Lanes today for breakfast.  We are four ladies of mature age, all widows.  Nancy L. was there along with Sandra S.  And of course Carolyn and I were the fourth.  I was the only person who knew everyone. so we had a lot to learn from each other.  We had a wonderful time.  We talked about travels.  And we talked about our activities.  And we talked about Liverpool.  

And of course, the food was wonderful.  We all ate a full big breakfast  I ate eggs, sausage, fried potatoes and toast.  And of course, we talked.  And we talked.  And we got home at 1:30.  Everything worked out well and I was pleased that I organized our small event.  Some times things just work out well.  That was one of those days.  Pretty nice.  

September 23, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Our Outing.

 Our outing was interesting.  Our first plan was to go to the Quarterdeck for a late lunch.  But first we had to master the truck.  So far, Carolyn had not drive my old truck but before she could drive, she was required to get into the truck which is not easy.  My old truck has no running board so the first step is a big one.  Carolyn is short and is 89 so not sprightly.  The first three attempts were not successful so she went inside to get the little blue stool.  But we could not figure out how to get the stool back into the truck so on the next try, and with some hints from me, she got in.  And we were ready to go.

But first she had to adjust the seat and figure out the controls but soon we were on the way to the Quarterdeck.  But when we got there just before 2, the door was closed.  And the lady came to the door to tell us that they had run out of food so they were closed until 4:30.  I had just told Carolyn that they kept open all afternoon.  But not today.  So we drove down to the Seascape restaurant but the still only take carry out dinners.  Bummer.

So we went back up the road to the Seafood Restaurant, who advertises as the worlds best clams.  Carolyn ate lobster and I ate fried clams and fish along with chips., certainly not I would order at the Quarterdeck.  But it was delicious  I always eat fish and chips at least once in Nova Scotia and now I have done it fried clams along with fish and chips.  Finally we ate our late lunch  but much later than anticipated.  And Carolyn never did get to dine at the Quarterdeck.  But we enjoyed our outing.  

September 22, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. The Osprey Nest.

 Yesterday we drove to Petite Riviera t eat lunch at The Osprey Nest.  Mal drove.  We drove straight there on highway 103 and then down  to the little town.  This little restaurant opened four years ago and have done well ever since even though just opened after Covid hit Canada.  That was their first issue.  The second is the location is not conducive to finding it.  The are up the hill from the little highway and at first they had no sign on highway 3.  But now they have a sign.  And Covid is over so they are thriving.

Pat and Mal actually discovered the restaurant a few years ago so they like to go there.  And yesterday was their last chance before they headed home, which the did today.  Carolyn of course has never gone there so she was pleased go.  I had only dined there once this summer so I was happy too when Mal suggested that we would go there for lunch.  

The day was glorious so we sat outside on their deck.  And we ate delicious food, each of us eating a different entree.  Then we drove home along the shore which was delightful.  It was a fine excursion, enjoyed by all.

September 21, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Winding Down.

 I have only one more dinner being delivered tomorrow.  This is hard to believe but true.  Tomorrow, Pat and Mal begin their long drive home to Barrie in Ontario.  And Carolyn leaves for Virginia on Monday morning.  As I only have Tina bring dinners when I have company, tomorrow evening will be my last catered dinner.  This weekend, Carolyn and I will be fending for ourselves.  We will go our for lunch both Saturday and Sunday, first to the Quarterdeck and then to Lanes.  We will eat a light supper at home because Carolyn does not drive at night.

And my bag is packed too.  Today, while we four went to the Osprey Nest for lunch, Anna organized the stuff in the garage.  Now, next Friday, Anna merely needs to put the truck into the garage.   Next is to carry my little bag and backpack downstairs so that when Mr. Gaskell comes to pick me up I will be ready.  Things are definitely winding down at Western Head.  By the 30th I will be ready.  Then on to the next.  

September 20, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Carolyn,

 Mr friend Carolyn have come to visit me in Nova Scotia.  I have not seen her since our 55th Anniversary celebration, which was held at the ranch in Texas in 2013.  We were delighted to see each other.  And we have been talking ever since.  Carolyn and I became friends in Galveston in 1964.  She married Tom shortly after and when he completed his PhD. at the U. of Houston, they shortly moved to Hamptden Sydney University in Farmvilly, Virginia, where Tom taught at the University.  Tom died in the Fall of 2022 so this is her first venture after Tom's death.

We moves to Maryland in 1970, which is not far from Farmville so we visited back and forth many times. I always wonder how we stay friends for many years and why friends drift away.  But Ken and I and Carolyn and Tom have been fast friends ever since.  Now we are having a wonderful time, along with Pat & Mal who are staying in the guest House.  We eat dinner every evening and today we all four went to White Point for lunch.  Tomorrow we will drive to The Osprey Nest in Petite Riveriere.  We will drive along the shore.  And we will have a good time.  I am pleased to have Carolyn visit me here in Western Head.

September19, , 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Tommy Le Grow.

My friend Tome has gone to heaven.  I will miss him.  He led a full and active life.  And a successful life too.  His wife Joyce and I took all our swimming credentials together and we have all been friends since our youth.  Tom was a man of many parts.  He was a superior athlete.  And he played tenor horn in the Salvation Army bands.  His last affiliation was with the Heritage band.  He loved playing in the band  over the years.

He was a salesman too and a successful one too, supporting his five children all those years.  When he retired Tommy and Joyve moved full time at their cottage just outside Peterborough.  They both loved living on the lake.  His best for life was high and I will miss his enthusiastic attitude.

The last time I saw him was when they visited us in Nova Scotia in 2018 , shortly after their house burned.  But they rebuilt and have lived there ever since.     This is another one of my buddies from my youth., which by now is few in number.  Tommy will RIP.

September 18, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Heading Out.

 Gillian will be first to leave.  Tomorrow, she will fly to Toronto to take up residence in her new condo at Bloor and Yonge in Toronto.  Her old condo has sold and is settled and she has purchased her new one ten days ago.  Today, her floors are being done and on Friday her furniture will come out of storage.  Then she will get organized.  For two nights she will stay in the guest rooms in her new condo.  Then the fun begins to put her new house in order.

On Saturday, Mary and Clif will drive home to Delaware.  The drive will take part of three days of driving, with two nights on the road.  Up until now, they have driven here.  Bu this will be their last drive. Next year they will fly.  And they will buy a used car which they will keep in their garage.  Early in the new year, they plan to take a cruise from San Francisco to New Zealand, the same cruise that Ken and I enjoyed in 2014.

Early next week, Wendy and Clausen will begin their drive home to Potomac.  They  take bit of a vacation getting home, staying in a couple of lovely places on the way home.  They head home with only one dog.  Their greyhound died two weeks ago so they return with only one dog.

I fly to Mississippi on the 30th of this month.  Friend David N. will accompany me and stay for three weeks.  He is excited.  While he is there, Chris, my Lyft driver will take him to New Orleans for a weekend.  I remain in Mississippi until late December, when I fly to Ontario to celebrate Irene's 90th birthday before going to Mexico for the winter with Wendy and Ken.  

Our plan is to reconvene in Western Head in 2024 in June.  Now here we go, all heading to our other homes.  We all agreed that our summer of 2023 was lovely.  Again, we are fortunate to have each other.

September 17, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. After the Storm.

 I awake this morning to silence.  No shrieking winds.  No crashing of the waves into the shore.  Over night, the storm disappeared on our shore.  Now we will pick up the pieces.  

My friends Walt and Mary are still without power, as have many others.  Highway 8 is closed.  Tress are down across the road all the way to Annapolis Royale.  Miltom streets are closed due to downed power lines.  Trees are down everywhere in Milton too.  The causeway right beside me is closed due to rocks on the road.  The wall is only half standing and some have crumbled.    

Yarmouth and Digby are in a mess due to the heavy rain and high wind.  Trees are down everywhere in both places.  Also in Halifax.  We were spared the heavy rain but not so Yarmouth and Digby.  They had flooding along with the high winds.  We mostly had high wins and waves.  Both grocery store are still closed but McDonals was open bright and early.

At my house, all is well.  Mal emptied the bathtub full of water.  And we must return water containers to friend David.  My driveway is still intact.  I have not yet checked for erosion down by the shore.  Those of us at Western Head came through the storm unscathed.    We are the lucky ones for sure.  I feel fortunate indeed.

September 16, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Hurricane Lee.

This storm is a doozer.  The noise from the winds were the loudest I have ever heard.  All night and all day I have been listening an ever louder noise.  And the noise is still continuing too.  The hurricane hit just outside Yarmouth.  Fortunately we were missed.  But the winds were very strong and that alone did a lot of damage.  A tree came down in Milton this morning which knocked out our power at 6:30 this morning. So we have been without electricity all day, with the power to be restored tomorrow at midnight.  Much to my surprise, our electricity came on at 7:30, just in time for dinner.

During the day, the waves were huge.  Spectacular from our front windows.  During the day, as the wind got nosier, the wave got higher.  Way too rough for the surfers to get into the water.  The waves and wind removed the wall on the causeway.  And the waves came over to the lake.  Shortly this morning, barriers were installed on the road.  Throughout the day, a steady stream of cars came out to see the waves, only to turn around and go back into town.  So far, everyone out here is safe so after a good and noisy sleep, the storm will be over.  The waves will be high tomorrow but should not be was high as today.

This was quite a storm.  Hurricane Lee has had lots of damage.  But we are safe and sound.  And we hope the power stays on.

September 15, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Surfers.

The surfers were out at the beginning of day light today.  And they stuck at it all day.  They are a resilient group.  By 6:30, four surfers wee in the water.  Bt noon there were 11.  By six there were five.  Of course, we have no idea who there are because they all look the same with their black wet suits.  They actually look like seals, until they stand up.

The big difference through the day was the size of the waves.  By nightfall, the waves were high and noisy.   The surfers are hoping that the storm is far enough away that they will be able to surf.  If the storm is too close, the waves are dangerous so they must get out of the water.  This summer has been a bust for the surfers, until recently.  Now the surf is high and the surfers are happy, especially with the weekend ahead of them.  Several of our local surfers are teachers so they are happy for the weekend.  

But no matter happens, we have a front seat view of the storm, projected to hit tomorrow.  It will be spectacular.   

September 14, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Getting Ready.

 Mal is getting us ready for the storm.  Yesterday he brought over the propane tank from the shed and hooked it up to the barbecue.  And it works just fine.  If we lose power, he wants to cook over the weekend.  Today he went to the grocery store so he has meat to grill.  I do not know what he bought but I feel sure it will include steaks and chops.  Tomorrow he will clean off the rust from the barbecue tools, which have not been used since Ken died.  Also tomorrow he will fill our containers for water, the bathtub in the main house and the laundry tub in the guest house.  He already checked the batteries in the flashlights.

On the weekends, we fend for ourselves.  Tina, the caterer brings dinners Money to Friday but not on the weekend.  Mostly we go out to dinners but if the weather is terrible or if we have more flooding, we might not be able to get out so we must be able to depend on ourselves.  My brother and sister in law, Dave and Irene mentioned that I was fortunate that Mal will be here for the storm.  And I agree.  No one would be better to look after me and the house than Mal.  

Of course, we hope we do not lose power.  At the moment, the storm is tracking to hit Yarmouth but no matter what we will have heavy rain and high winds.  And the surf will be spectacular.  We are as ready as we could possibly be, thanks to Mal.  Now we will sit back and watch the show.  Here we go.

September 13, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. The Gaspe Peninsula.

 In 1962 Ken and I drove around the Gaspe Peninsula in the province of Quebec.  We were traveling in our Volkswagen 1953 bug.  And we were camping.  We had a wonderful time.  When we were traveling, we noted the lack of tourists.  It was late in August but we pretty much had the place to ourselves.  The topography was beautiful and the people friendly even though we did not speak French.  And most folks did not speak English.  But we managed just fine and we had a favorable opinion of the place.

Right now, Wendy and Ken are driving the Gaspe.  I had encouraged them to make the journey.  Of course, they are traveling in a different manner.  They are driving a modern good sized car.  And they are staying in hotels and inns.  And they are eating in restaurants, which we did not.  But the drive will be the same.  And they have the internet to provide them information about where they are doing.  

Their first day the weather was fine but on day 2 they had rain and fog.  We were fortunate to have fine weather the whole time.  But I will be interested to know how remote the place still is, or if there are now crowds of people.  Wendy has never heard anyone else she knows who have made the trip, except for Ken and I in 1962.  Wendy is writing a blog, called Wandering with Wendy, so I am eagerly awaiting every days events.  I am having fun making this vicarious trip with them.  And I await the similarities and differences.  Such fun for me.  And I wish them well.

September 12, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. A Storm is Coming.

 Hurrucane Lee is coming our way.  Depending what forecast your read, the storm will either hit us directly in Liverpool or will come closer to Yarmouth.  But no doubt we will get nasty weather.  Rain and winds and high surf.  It may be a tropical storm.  And perhaps it will be worse.  Friday will be the day when we should get hit.  And then the storm will head to the Bay of Funday.  But the truth is, no one really knows what will happen.  But we must be prepared.

Mal has already checked the flashlights.  Wednesday we will make a run to the grocery store.  Thursday we will fill the bathtub with water incase we run out of power when we are unable to flush the toilet.  And Friday we must think about the outside furniture.  So we should be ready for whatever comes our way.  Of course, we might get nothing except rain and wind.  And we certainly hope that the power does not go out.  In our society we do not do well without electricity.  But we will be prepared.  So here we go.

September 11, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Lunch.

 Jan and Larry are the most gracious of hosts.  Last Sunday, they invited me along with Pat, Mal and Gill to their home for lunch.  We all had a wonderful time.  We were invited for 1:00.  Larry had redone their deck.  And he had made two wooden tables to be used on the new deck so on Sunday for the first time, we ate lunch sitting outside on their new deck.  It is a wonderful addition to their beautiful home and as the weather was lovely, we all 6 enjoyed ourselves.

Our lunch began with a glass of wine and spring rolls.  Mal and I were the only two to abstain.  But we enjoyed everything else, especially the new location.  Larry even brought me a soft chair.  Next we ate smoked salmon, bagels, creamed cheese, capers and onions.  The food was marvelous.  and we ate every bite.  Next we ate apple pie brought by me from the lady at Atlantic Sands.

Our conversation was lively.  And finally we headed home well after 4:oo.  Our Sunday lunch was a delight, thanks to our hosts, Larry and Jan.  I am indeed fortunate.  

September 10, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. My Nightshirt.

I found my nightshirt in my drawer.  It is actually a men's undershirt with a V neck.  It is big. 5X.  Once upon a time it belonged to Ken but I stole it.  And promptly forgot.  It has been sitting in my drawer ever since.   Yesterday I found it.  And I remembered the last time I wore it.

Ken and I were at Corn Island, some time in the 1990's.  The place was primitive.  And hot.  The ac worked a few hours every day and sometimes the water did not work.  So to stay cool, I wore Ken's big shirt.  For three days I wore the same shirt.  Ken and I set out to walk around the whole island.  Half way around we were thirsty so found a hut with a cocoa cola sign.  While we drank, I noticed a lady doing laundry and I waved her over to see if she would wash my shirt.  Of course, she spoke no English and I spoke no Spanish.  But we managed.  

No one else was under the little hut so I gave her my shorts and shirt and Ken gave her his shirt and she left to wash our clothes, leaving me sitting in my underwear.  And we finished our drink.  I hollered to the lady to return our still wet clothes and we paid her and left to continue our walk, but now with clean but damp clothes, which helped us to stay cool.

And that was the last time I remembered seeing that big soft shirt.  I still like that shirt.  Now that I have discovered that shirt I will wear it more often.  Pretty good find.

September 9, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. A Surprise Dinner.

 David N. took his dog to be groomed.  And he came out to check up on me.  He discovered Pat and Mal just eating lunch with me and we had a pleasant visit.  One topic we discovered was how much we all enjoy scallops.  And David left to pick up his dog.

But we were in for a big surprise.  Just after 6:00, David arrived with all the fixings for dinner for all four of us.  He brought fresh scallops, green and yellow beans and french fries to be cooked in the oven.   While Pat and I sat in the living room chatting, David and Mal cooked dinner.  David cooked the scallops in butter and prepared all the other food.  The smells from the kitchen just got better and better.  

We four enjoyed our delicious dinner.  I am not sure which part of the dinner was the best: the taste of the food or the unexpected surprise.  But we all loved every bit.  And we ate ice cream for dessert.    Wow.  What a dinner!!

September 8, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Pat & Mal.

 Mal and Pat have come to visit me here in Nova Scotia.  They have come every year since we moved here in 1999 except the Covid year when they were prohibited from traveling.  Welcoming old friends is always a pleasure but Pat and Mal are exceptional because I have Pat must of my life.  Few people alive today know all my relatives and family but Pat and Mal are a few still alive who knew my parents.  And they are friends of lots of my friends too.  So w will have have a good time.

In the past, Mal always worked alongside of Ken with any project but of recent years, Mal has self directed to be sure that all my lights are not burned out.  He has already replaced a kitchen light.  And as Pat has some mobility issues of her own, Mal is the only truly able bodied person in the house.  So he is a useful fellow.

They stay in the Guest House and tomorrow they will visit the Farmers Market in town.    I bet that Mal will play some band music for me to enjoy.  Ken has a Bos  speaker where you can listen through the good speakers but on your phone.  Ken and Mal are the only people who can make it work.  A little Salvation Army band music would be a good thing.  So here we go, another beginning of a lovely visit.  

September 7, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. The New Restaurant.

 I am delighted to have a new restaurant in town.  We need more variety.  But I am not feeling confident that the new place will stay solvent.  I hate to be negative but is a Japanese restaurant.  It is on the main street.  And it has no parking.  But I wish them well for sure.

The new owners have run a coffee shop right across the street where they serve coffee and croissants, which are delicious.  But it is too small so they are moving the coffee shop across the street at the front section of the restaurant.  The new place opened last week but so far I have not gone there for lunch.  Perhaps Anna and I will check it out tomorrow.  Or perhaps Pat and Mal will check it out.

When we first dined at the German restaurant just down the street I felt sure it would not survive.  But I was wrong.  There ae many Germans living here so perhaps they have supported the place.  But there are no Japanese people living here.  But I am delighted to have a new place in town.  Soon I will investigate it  my self.  

September 6, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Dogs.

 Dogs do not outlive their owners.  The best of dogs die long before their owners are ready.  Wendy knows that better than anyone I know but even then, when a beloved dog dies, the owners grieve.  Tomorrow is the fateful day for friends Wendy and Clausen.

Kitty Hawk is a beautiful beast, friendly and well behaved.  She is a white greyhound, rescued from her successful track career.  She has enjoyed a comfortable retirement with friends Wendy and Clausen.  But for the past week, Kitty Hark was not eating.  I knew that Kitty Hawk was ailing because Wendy never brought her over to visit.  Today they were told by the vet that Kitty Hawk has pancreatic cancer which is untreatable.  Tomorrow, Kitty Hawk will go the doggie heaven.

We have always enjoyed the Ely's dogs.  We especially have enjoyed all the greyhounds.  Kitty Hawk was special right from the start.  And we will miss her visits.  She was the Queen.  But she is 12 which is old for a large dog.  She was special right from the begging.  Never easy to lose a dog.  But that is what dogs do.  We will all miss her.

September 5, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Surprise Waves.

There was not a whisper of a breeze early this morning so I got a big surprise when looking out the windows from my bedroom.  The waves were high and Gull Bay was full of surfers.  Actually there were 9 surfers in the Bay and three others at the point.  But the surf was high the the surfers were getting long rides.  All morning the waves were high but there was no breeze so the ocean was quiet.  But the waves were high and the surfers were happy.

The the wind began to blow during the afternoon which meant the waves were still high but eventually, the sea became choppy and the surfing ceased.  By late this afternoon there was not a surfer in sight.  By then, they must have been very tired.  And eventually the wind died down along with the waves.  I never did figure out where those big waves were coming from.  Was there a storm out at sea?  Those big waves were certainly a surprise to me.  But not to the surfers.They were here before I got up.  

These local surfers have a good system for checking the height of the waves.  They take turns measuring and sending out the information. to all the others.  Certainly they appear quickly when the surd is up.  Fun for me to watch  

September 4, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. My Friends.

This morning, just after 9:00, friend David N. came to check my glucose level.  He knew that Anna would not be working on Labour Day so he came to check up on me.  After checking my level which was 117, he brought me breakfast up to my bedroom: tea, toast and peanut butter, berries and walnuts.  And he joined me with a cup of coffee for himself.  And we chatted until just after 11:00.  

Next in my day was a visit from  friend Gill.  At noon she walked over to talk books.  She was hoping I had copies of the Gerald Durrell books which she wanted to reread.  But I long ago lost control of my library.  She looked but could not find.  So she ordered a set from Amazon.  And we talked books for over an hour.  I told her that all the Canadian authors are on the shelves in the dining room.  But she found a Robertson Davies book upstairs in the hall.  So what do I know.

Then just after 4:00, friends  Mary and Walt drove out bringing  two loaves of freshly baked banana nut bread.  As it was still warm, Walt and I ate a piece, which was delicious.  Mary does not really enjoy banana nut bread but she keeps me well supplied.  And Walt likes it too.  And we talked for almost an hour before they headed home.

So I did not really do anything today.  But my good friends enriched my day and I enjoyed a very happy Labour Day celebration.

September 3, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Sailing.

 My friend Mary M. came to see me on Friday afternoon.  She was feeling sad because she just sold her sail boat.  She signed over the title and received the money.  She no longer owns her own sail boat.  She knows it is time to stop sailing a she is 80 now.  And they are going to stop driving here so she needs the garage for storing a car over the winter.  But she was feeling sad.

On the other hand, now she does not need to clean the boat before storing it for the winter.  And she does not need to pull the boat from the water to store for the winter.  And she knows that the time has come.

Mary bought the boat 15 years ago and she has loved it.  The boat is small at 16 feet so is easy to handle She sailed a lot many years ago but before she bought the boat both Mary and Clif took a refresher course at the Annapolis Sailing School.  And then she honed her skill by using the boat.  Of recent years, Cliffie no longer sails but Gill sails with Mary.  And friend Frances will go out at any time.  Yesterday Mary and Gill took their last sail before Mary turns over the key.  The sailing experience with Mary has officially ended.

September 2, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. September.

 No question about it.  September is a beautiful month.  This is especially so here in Nova Scotia.  The weather is still great with lots of sun.  And very few days of rain.  Daytimes are warm but the nights begin to get chilly.  But then I begin to see the summer will soon be over and then I get nostalgia.

One thing I miss about the Fall is the colors of the leaves.  I miss them totally.  I really miss  the leaves in Ontario and Maryland and of course the farm in Pennsylvania.  For that I must return to my memory bank in my brain.  I leave Nova Scotia before the leaves turn colors.  And the colors in Mississippi are muted.  My Mississippi friends often comment on the beauty of the turning leaves in Mississippi.  But I am merely polite.  I really want to see the yellows, oranges and reds of the leaves in Maryland and Ontario.

Perhaps the whole month of September is an exercise of nostalgia.  Schools beginning.  Leaves turning.  The end of summer.  But I do love September And to celebrate I am going for brunch at Lanes with my friends.  It is a perfect excuse.

September 1, 2023. Western Head, Nova Scotia. The Sound of the Sea.

 The sight of the Ocean is endlessly interesting.  Every day is different.  But the sound of the sea is also different.  What I sound from my bedroom is not the same every evening.  I had not thought much about it until the last few evening.    Right now, I can hear the motion of the sea although in the pitch black evening I can not see the bay.  If I listen carefully, I can hear the waves lapping onto the shore.  

But Wednesday  evening at the same time told me a different story.  The waves were crashing into the shore and I wondered if the rock wall would survive.  The noise was ferocious and I knew that the surfers would arrive.  And they did and surfed all day.

Then last evening I could still hear the waves breaking on the shore.  But there was not much wind so I knew the ocean would be calmer today, which it did.  The waves were still pouring in but only half as high.  And not nearly as noisy.  Today, 4 surfers were back having a go at the surf but it was not nearly as exciting.    The noise will also decrease once again.  The sound of the sea is infinitely different and equally beautiful.  The sound of the sea is one of the charms of living by the sea.