July 31, 2021. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Briar Island.

If you want to see whales, Briar Island is the best place to go in Nova Scotia. Whale watching trips also can be taken in Lunenburg but their trips are not as dependable at seeing whales. Gill and three friends drove to Briar Island this week. They drove down Tuesday and returned Thursday afternoon. This afternoon, Gill gave me a report. First you must get there. I love the drive to Briar Island but some folks have told me that the drive is boring. I think it is charming. From my house you must drive on Highway 8 and get to Digby, on the other side of the province on the Bay of Fundy, the bay of the high tides. Then you must drive down the Digby Spit to the very end. You are driving down a series of islands, some with bridges and some with ferry boats. So you must be patient and wait for the ferry to arrive. Ken and I have taken the drive twice and enjoyed it both times. When you get to Briar Island you will find a funky little towm. There is not much there but a restaurant or two and a couple of motels and B&B's. And of course, you will find the office for boat trips for whale watching. Gill reported only positive things about their trip. The weather was excellent and they saw many whales., all humpbacks. They stayed at the best place in town which Gill reported was merely adequate. Briar Island is also a fishing town so they ate fresh fish and scallops in the restaurant. Her group was pleased with their visit to Briar Island, that funky little town from the past.

July 30, 2021. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Main Street Liverpool.

At least once every season I walk the whole street. The length is perfect. And I go into every store. Today I was on a mission. I wanted to go Christmas shopping for goods produced in Nova Scotia. Anna and I had a good time. In addition to shopping and exploring, I got to get in my walking for the day. Today was a perfect day for shopping because it rained most of the night and morning so most people would not have selected today as a good shopping day. But Anna and I own rain coats so we were eager to head our and start shopping. We parked on the lowere parking area so after a visit to the bank we walked up the hill to Main Street. The first thing we bought was bread which Anna took immediately to the truck while I visited with Andrew at Adja Gallery. He has survived Covid and is now busily painting. During our walk, I found three excellent stores. The first useful store was Pellian Cove, a gift shop attached to the pharmacy. I bought coasters and a pair of Nova Scotia mitts. Next was a place called South SHore. The store is wonderful and large. Everything in the store is made in Nova Scotia. It is a bit like going to the Mississippi Craft Center, but on a small scale. The last store I liked was a coffee shop that Anna and I intended to have a cup of coffee and a pastry but they ran out of pastries by 10:30 and we were there at 2:00. But they have a gift shop at the front where I found treasures. Our arms were laden down so we headed home. On the way to the truck we stopped at the consignment shop. I buy things every year so the owner recognizes me. I sit while the owner brings me things I might like. I bought 4 shirts and one dress. All for $30. We were home by 3:00. And that is why I love our Main Street. We walked the whole length of Main Street, ate lunch, shopped and yet got home mid afternoon. I do love Main Street Liverpool.

July 29, 2021. Western Head, Nova Scotia. "Let There Be Water."

Seth Siegel wrote this interesting book. I have been reading articles and hearing news clips about the success Israel had had with the problem on water. It has been a triumph. Now I can read all about everything that was accomplished. And it is a fascinating story, made up of many parts. Each technical breakthrough was complicated but the writer keeps it simple and easy to understand. I get the facts but not the boring details. If I want to learn more about specifics, such as reverse osmosis, I can look up the reference books in the back of the book. For me, I am enjoying the story and the people involved. This book was published in 2015 so new chapters need to be added. But it tells the story of how Israel has made the desert bloom. Half of Israel is desert and half is arid so it has been quite an impressive accomplishment. Now if the rest of the middle east would mimic their actions everyone would benefit. But they do not so most countries are short of water. They evidently refuse to learn from the Jews. For me, I was delighted to read the story. Every night when I come upstairs I read several chapters. And I get impressed all over again. It is quite a story and I am enjoying this book, "Let There Be Water".

July 28, 2021. Western Head, Nova Scotia. An Organ Recital.

A famous organist moved to Liverpool three years ago. He was semi retired from touring but still energetic. I know nothing about famous organists so paid no attention when he moved here. He bought an old church and installed his own pipe organ in the old church. And he refurbished the church. He intended to have concerts and recitals in the old church. He also takes students, some from all over the world. In addition he plays the bells just whever he feels like ringing the bells. Then Covid came to town, just when the work in the church had been completed. So no concerts or recitals in 2020 and 2021. Now he is holding the first concert on August 8, in the refurbished church. He posted the notice on line, announcing the concert. And it sold out within one hour. The church holds 125 people. Many town folks were dismayed not to be able to attend. So he agreed to hold a second evening, which also sold out immediately. The concerts will be held at 5:00 with donations taken at the door but no cost for the concert. Friend Karen was able to get tickets for the second day and she invited me along with Gill. I was thrilled. But after a few days I realized that I will nit be able to attend because of my compromized immune system. Too many people packed together is not a good situation for me. Tomorrow I must contact Karen and beg off. This will not be a problem because there is yet another list of people who wish to attend. Pretty nifty for Liverpool to have such a concert in our little town.

July 27, 2021. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Wonderful Wendy.

I was so pleased when Wonderful Wendy texted me to say that she and Ken were taking a car trip which will end up at Wentern Head with me. I was delighted. I had invited them earlier in the summer when I realized that friend Ken had never seen my Gull Bay home. But they spend all summer at the cottage in Muskoka so are reluctant to leave their beautiful spot. By the time the cottage is closed for the season, I have left for the south. But they surprised me by decideing to take a car trip during the summer. Now that the borders between the provinces have opened, they decided to take a trip. Wendy and Ken have visited with me in Mexico for several winters. We always have a good time. And they visited me in Mississippi one Spring. Actually it was still winter in Ontario. In Mississippi it was already Spring. Now they are coming to Nova Scotia but on the way they will see Quebec City, which is well worth a visit. They will stay in the Guest House. And I will enjoy their company. My cup runneth over.

July 26, 2021. Western Head, Nova Scotia. My Busy Sunday.

The first activity I did was watching the Olympics while eating breakfast. That was the beginning of a wonderful day for an old lady like me. Next up for me was being picked up by friend Frances at 11:30 to take me to lunch with her sister Vera, who was visiting from Winnipeg. We went to Lanes Privateer Inn. First we ordered decaf coffee. And we ordered brunch. And we talked and we waited for our food. Then we drank another cup of coffee. Then we talked and waited for our food. Finally Fran asked why our food was so slow arriving. The waitress admitted that the cook called in sick and the young man got behind. And she apologized. We three just laughed and agreed that we were enjoying our conversation anyway. Eventually we ate our delicious food. And the waitress brought us three pieces of coconut cream pie with no charge. Finally I was home at 3:30. But we had a good time, despite the wait. At 5:00, John and Nancy picked me up to take me to Sanda's house for dinner. Sandra is a good cook and I have enjoyed dinner at her home many times over the 22 years I have lived here. And I have always enjoyed the conversation with the four of us. We began the evening outside in the screen porch where we ate tasty appitizers and drank a glass of wine. Our dinner was served at the dining table where we ate onion pie which was unusual and tasty. Along with grilled baby carrots and picked beets I enjoyed dinner. For dessert we are fresh peaches and raspberries served with meranges and whipped ream. After more good conversation in the living room, John and Nancy brought me home. Now that was a special day for this old lady. I enjoyed every minute of my busy Sunday.

July 25, 2021. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Restaurants in Liverpool.

Liverpool is a small town. The whole County is about 10,000 people, and the town around 5,000. But we have several restaurants. This summer, Anna and I have the goal of having lunch in every restaurant in Liverpool and the surrounding area. It will be our game for the summer. We wrote the list last Friday. And we have already checked off The Quarterdeck and Tim Hortons. And we have 16 more to go. We will eat at all the fast food places along with the better places. But we intend to visit them all, both high and low. I am esily amused so having this list which is on the coffee table in the living room will bring me pleasure. And Anna too. As soon as we arrive home after lunch we immediately find the list so we can check off our latest eatery. Tomorrow after breakfast we plan to drive to Bridgewater to visit the Canadian Tire store where we will buy deck furtiture for the deck of the guest house. Then we intend to eat lunch at The Swiss Chalet. When we return we will immediately check that place off our list. And we will laugh. We are accomplishing our goal.