10-234 (22/8/23) -- Time with Friends

Today began with all the garbage, recycling and compost NOT being picked up by the waste company. We left it for a while in case the trucks were behind or they were short a driver or something. We ended up taking it all into the garage later in the evening. <sigh> I will investigate this in the coming days. 

This sunny day had brilliant blue sky. We decided to head out to the Culloden cairn north of town. It was made by Scottish settlers whose families had been part of this battle of highlanders against the English King. It was a short and devastating battle for the Scots. After this wearing tartan was outlawed, clan castles were demolished, survivors of the battle were imprisoned and many sold into indentured servitude in England and the Americas. Finding the local monument can be difficult as it is a small gate and turnout that would hold two vehicles. I always hurtle past it before turning around and heading back. With my friend there, it was easier with the extra pair of eyes. <smile> The walk through the forest showed the devastation of hurricane Fiona from last September. This is where the strongest gusts occurred during the storm that left 1/3 to 1/2 of the trees uprooted or downed. The pathway had been cleared and many trees removed, but there are so many more damaged. It made me a bit sad. When we got to the clearing on the cliff things were so very clear and the view stunning. The cairn and settlers graveyard overlook the Northumberland Strait. With the clarity of the day, we could see Prince Edward Island. The vistas did not disappoint.  

After supper, we visited with friends in town. It was a fun evening -- great company, super play list, yummy food and a wonderful new-to-me cabernet sauvignon. I'm glad we all got together before my friend leaves tomorrow. 

I chose a Scottish song with lyrics that are said to refer to the flight of Prince Charles (Stewart) after the battle of Culloden. Pipes and bodhran accompany the lovely vocals in this version. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Skye Boat Song -- Kathryn Jones 

 

10-233 (21/08/23) -- Morning Distress

Woke early today and found the furry one in distress -- definite pain involved. We ushered him into a carrier and drove to the vet just after they opened. We left him there for tests. It didn't appear to be a urinary blockage as I'd thought it might be, so they will run some labs and do xrays. They called me around noon to let me know that there didn't seem to be anything outstanding but it could be a pinched nerve. We picked him up just after the office lunch break. The vet went over the labs and showed me the xray where things look reasonable except for the possibility of a small disc issue in his back. They hydrated him since the labs looked like he hadn't been drinking or eating, which was likely overnight. The tech quietly told me what the cost was. I asked her to repeat it. The practice now operates under a large vet med clinic company and boy howdie did the price reflect that. Whew! She set up the machine for me twice and it wouldn't accept my tap. I was too stunned to think -- a tap wouldn't work for the figure I was trying to pay. So, third time was the charm -- so to speak. He had a dose of anti-inflammatory on board so was a bit lethargic. I have more liquid med to give him for the next 10 days. They tell me it is chicken flavoured; we shall see <smile>.  So good to have my friend with me today to have my back during all the craziness. 

While we recuperated from the medical issue, my friend updated my living room table lamp so LED bulbs will work with it. The socket was fried a few years back and now it works again <smile>. An antique floor lamp needed similar attention, but proved to be more involved. We got different connector parts in hopes it would work. I will need to find an electrician who does this type of conversion. 

After the stresses of the day, this song came to mind. It has a calming effect in the music and the lyrics. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Something in the Way She Moves -- James Taylor

10-236 (24/8/23) -- Hanging In

Quiet and alone describe the day. The furry one even looked around for our friend who returned home yesterday. My feelings were all over the map today. The furry fellow is doing better -- a bit each day. I spent the afternoon running errands at five local businesses. I spoke with a local friend later in the afternoon which helped me feel less alone. 

Overall, I was very tired today. A lot happening this week that creates stress and some anxiety, both of which cause fatigue and interrupt sleep patterns. A song with positive lyrics -- like many of this Canadian band's tunes -- came to mind. I like the message about music and keeping your eye on the dream. Keep safe. Enjoy!  

Hold On -- Triumph

10-235 (23/8/23) -- Parting

We woke early to get on the road to the airport for my friend's trip home. The day was pleasant for driving. The flight out of Halifax was delayed, but only 15-20 minutes. We knew that before leaving the house. It was a bit later leaving. Luckily the connecting flight was delayed, too. That wasn't clear until my friend had almost run through the airport to get to the gate in time for the original boarding time. All four legs of the trip here and back were late leaving and arriving. The first one dealt with and equipment issue so a new plane had to be brought up. The other three were 'operational' issues -- a vague term used to avoid dealing with the recompense necessary in the new travelers' rights legislation. <sigh> I hope that loophole gets closed soon. 

No matter how long they stay, visits from a friend always feel too short. Even with an idea of when we'll see each other again, saying goodbye is difficult. The house feels too quiet for a few days. I'm often reminded of a song title on days like this. I'll share that here today. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Leaving on a Jet Plane -- John Denver

10-232 (20/8/23) -- Mozzies!!

 Today was aa bit cooler with more clouds. We did take a quick drive to Pomquet Beach just east of town. A sorter drive than yesterday. We walked along looking at rocks, major driftwood and the cloud formations. Sadly, there were a lot of mosquitos in the area and we did leave with bites <sigh>. I never thought of taking bug repellent -- silly me. 

Found a fun song that fit the walk today. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

No Me Moleste Mosquito (The Mosquito) -- The Doors

10-231 (19/8/23) -- Beach Walking

Today was a lovely warm day with blue sky and bits of puffy clouds. So, we headed to Cape Breton to Inverness Beach. It is a long drive, but the scenery was amazing as you drive through the mountains along the shore. Further north is the Cabot Trail. That is a two day drive that we chose to save for another day. <smile> The beach was delightful. Parking was a challenge, but we got one down by the wharf and walked up. Many golfer out on the links just above the beach. The sun was very hot on our backs as we walked out. The water felt cold today, so a short dip of the toes was all that occurred. <smile> This beach is known for sea glass and shells. We found some great rocks and I have one on my kitchen window sill with those from other beaches and areas I've visited across the country. 

We arrived back at the house in time to change clothes and head out for a great dinner. We both chose the same thing -- penne with lobster and haddock in Thai green curry with spinach and grilled broccoli. Amazing dish -- true fusion here. <smile> We had mozzarella sticks that were stuffed with pesto and prosciutto served with a nice red sauce -- they needed more of the sauce, though. <smile> We chose a great malbec to go with dinner. After that, we were stuffed, so settled for a truffle for dessert. I had a white chocolate and lime flavour that was just right for the end of great meal.   

I'm so glad we had a great day without rain so we could go out to a beach today. The beach was fun even though it was a short visit. I chose an instrumental to share today. The title fit with what we were doing as we walked along the beach. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Beachcomber -- Bobby Darin

10-230 (18/8/23) -- Power of Music

Today we went to the local music shop to look at acoustic guitars. Lots to choose from at this place. My friend found and acquired one that fit the bill. It sounds wonderful and even has a built-in tuner. Listening to the music while working around the place was quite relaxing. The furry one seemed intrigued, too. 

Listening to the guitar made me think of a song about the power of music. It can heal and relax and so much more. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Magic Power -- Triumph