August 31, 2020. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Essays and Short Stories.

This old book, Essays and Short Stories, edited by E.F.Kingston was on a table beside Ken's chair in his woprkshop. He had a recler chair which he used often. On both sides of the chair were tables with stacks of books. This old blue book was at the top of one pile. Anna and I brought all his books back to the house. Some were put on shelves over the desk in the office and the rest were placed on the shelves outside our bedroom. Except the one old book. I like short stories so I thought I would enjoy reading some of the stories. Inside the book is a bookmark from Wells Books and Antiques, a wonderful store in Liverpool so I assumed the book came from that store. I put the vbook beside my table but did not open it...ubntil this summer. Much to my surprise I discovered that Ken's name, in his hand writing was on the first page along with the year, 1951, grade 11. It turned out to be a book for matriculartion classes. I have no idea how that book ended up in Ken's workshop. I started to peruse the book and discovered that it is divided into three sectiomns. The teacher could selecxt whatever section the teacher wished. There are notes for each short piece at the back of the book. As I had not used a text book for many years, I decided to start at the beginning and keep on going. The book was published in 1950 so no modern writers are in the book. I also decided that if I do not like the style or content I would just skip to the next piece. So that is what I am doing. So far I have read pieces by Virginia Woolf, Thomas Hardy, Aldouis Huxley and Thomas Raddall. Plus Santanyana. I am plowimng ahead, enjoying a book Ken studied from high school. And I am learning somethings. Thomas Raddall is a Liverpool man. The library was named after him. Ken has a collection of his many books, which are on the top shelf in the office. Ken had read them all but I have read none. But the short story in this book is excellent, which surprised me. I am enjoying this book. The whole thing comes as such a surprise to find that book in the workshop. It is another one of Ken's surprises.

August 30, 2020. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Conversations.

A week ago Saturday, David N. came to measure the letters for Connor. And he stayed for a cup of coffee. And we talked. He said that during the shut down when everone were required to stay home, he did fine, but he missed the conversations he was used to have through out the day. I mentioned that one aspect of Kens death was thst I missed our conversations. Just before he left, we both talked about the summer of 2020 when no visitors could be found anywhere. When he left, he asked if he could pop in to chat for a bit on his way home from work. And he did. Twice this week, David arrived just as I was drinking my orange drink, which I do in the office. We talk while I drink. And I enjoyed every minute. He was born and raised in Liverpool as have his ancestors. The cemetary in Cape Sable Island is full of Nickersons so he knows a lot of history of Nova Scotia. And this evening he called to ask if he could bring me dinner, which he did. He just dropped off a plate of baked ham, potao salad and tomartoes. I enjoyed dinner. During one of our chats, he told me that he cooks each week. Usually he cooks something on the weekend than just eats on what he cooked through the week. Today he baked a ham. David lives in his grandparents home. He also spent the bulk of his childhood in the house. I had been told that he had interited that home, but that was not the case. His grandfather gave the property to the three grancdchildren. David bought out his two siblings. The house is a time capsule. His grandfather had it built in 1932. Nothing has been changed. His grandfather died in 1980. Amazing that everything is as it was when it was built. The kitchen is the same. David likes it just as it is. I believe that I am the beneficiary of David's kindness. He is taking me on as a project to keep me from being lonely. He is a good fellow.

August 29, 2020. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Rain.

Finally, we are getting the much needed rain. It sounds wonderful. I came upstairs at 10 and sat in my comfortable chair intending to read before coming to the computer. But I sat listening to the sound of the rain and was lulled to sleep by the rain pelting on the windows. And I slept in the chair for an hour, something I never do. Rain has been on everyones lips. The waitrtess on Friday mentioned gleefully that we are supposed to get some rain. And the lawn mowing man mentioned last week that business is down because everyone has brown grass that is not growing. Thus not much lawn mowing. He was at the house to figure out what to do with the spave left by Connor. The land is pretty level except for where the keel set so he will fill it in, add top soil and seed the area. And he hoped we wold have rain, which at this point is only a myth, said he. We have not had any substancial rain since I arrived. The only reason why more wells have not run dry is because they had a very wet Spring so the ground has been wet deep down. The rains began at 6 this evening and rained for two hours, a gentle rain. And it stopped so I was fearful we would get no mkore rain. But by 10, when I came up I could hear the rain, but harder. The rain is coming at the windows both at the water side and at the end towards the guest house. And the wind is blowing. The forecast is for the rain to continue all night. I hope that happends. Firstly because we need a really good soaking. And secondly because I love to go to sleep hearing the sounds of the rain. It is a lovely sound, especially when you have a new roof.

August 28, 2020. Western Head, Nova Scotia. The Osprey Nest.

I do enjoy going to a new restaurant. Jan and Larry told us about The Osprey Nest in Petite Riviere. They said the food was excellent, which is high praise. They have high standards. They are only open Thursday through Sunday so Friday is our only day. Friday is Anna's day to cook and it usually takes all morning. But today she was not cooking much so we left home in time to drive the shore and find the new restaurant, which we did. The weather was again perfect so we enjoyed our drive along the shore. It was a lovely drive. And the restaurant did not disapppoint. The place is just up from the shore road, in a new subdivision called Atlntic Breeze. The building is new but tries to look old with old barn siding on the walls and wide plank floors. The waitresses were all dressed in black and young. Also energetic and enthusiastic. Their menu looked interesting. I could have ordered several items and been happy but both Anna and I selected their special. We could have eaten outside on their wide deck but at first I could not see any shade. After we sat inside for a bit I finally spotted multiple umbrellas on the back deck. I want them to thrive. This is the first summer they have been in business, which is a tough summer for business with no tourists from the US or other Canadians. I hope the local folks support them. I was pleased...finally...to try out the newest restaurant on the south shore.

August 27, 2020. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Shelburne.

Once upon a time, Shelburne was a much bigger town than it is now. after the American Revolution, United Empire Loyalists moved to Nova Scotia. Most of them settled in Shelburne. They built big houses with funds they brought with them and they were funded by the British government. But after a couple of years, the funding stopped and as the loyalists did nothing to open businesses, they were forced to move. Many returned to the US. Some moved to Halifaxz but where the town had 10,000. resicents in the early part of the 19th century, now Shulburne is small. Most of the big houses have been restored and are beautiful. The waterfront still has all the old warehouses, which have been used in many movies. Anna had never been to Shelburne so on Tuesday we drove down to check it out. We walked the waterfront, which is nicely done with walkways and signs. Usually there is a place making barrels and another making dories but they were not open. Ken and I always walked the main street but most places seemed closed. We did go into the furniture store who seemed to be doing well. We ate lunch at the Sea Dog Saloon overlooking the water. And we drove home along the coast. Charlotte Lane was not serving lunch. They are open for dinner but that did not help us. We enjoyed the drive in our air conditioned truck and Anna was pleased to see the town. But I thought it was sleepy and was not doing well. But we were glad we went.

August 26, 2020. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Hurricane Laura.

Laura is a big storm, due to hit land around midnight tonight at the border of Texas and Louisiana. It is a catagory 4 storm with winds up to 140 miles per hour. And it is wide, about 60 miles on each side of the eye. It is moving fast so the heavy rain will not last long. But the officials expect a big storm surge of up to 20 feet. What that means is if you live in a one story house and live close to the shore, the surge will go over your house. So this storm is a deadly storm. My friend Alice Anne lives in Galveston on the west end of the island, which means no sea wall. On Tuesday afternoon, she evacuated and went to stay with a friend in a little town called Santa Fe, Texas. Leaving Galverston is not easy. You must use the causeway and bridge to leave the island, which is south of Houston. If you wait too long to evacuate, the rain floods the causeway and you can not leave so early evacuatiuon is necessary. Other friends have gathered as well, all from along the coast. There are 7 people, 7 dogs, 3 cats and 12 chickens. They also have an RV which is plugged into the elextricity of the house. So they are able to accomodate everyone. Alice Anne sent me a picture of her bed which seems to be a pull out couch in an office. So she is inland and high and dry. And they are prepared with many bags of ice, lots of bottled water plus gin and tonic. And they have a new generator. They are set for whatever comes their way. I certainly wish them well.

August 25, 2020. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Risk.

Son David was invited to spend the summer at the cottage with Uncle Ken, the first year my brother in law retired. He flew to Buffalo and was driven by Dave and Irene to the lake. In some ways at the cottage Carol was strict. If you were a child you must either pass a swimmimng test or wear a life vest if you wanted to go in the water orbe on the dock. In other things she was lenient. As long as the children were at home, they could stay up until the board games were over, which often went to small hoiurs in the morning. Marion and Gary stayed in the adjacent cottage and they were always willing to play games. So David played hundreds of games of Risk that summer. Gary always won. So at our 50th anniversary held in Nova Scotia, David wanted to play a game of Risk with Gary. David figured that Gary was older and David had two degrees and was running a successful business. David thouight for asure as he was also older, Gary should no longer win. One evening, a group played Rist in the garage. The game went on a long time. And they had a lot of fun. But Gary still won. David could not believe it. Gary remains the champion of Risk. Too funny.