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.