Visit with Valerie

 September 29th

This was the day we had scheduled to meet Valerie. She is my first cousin and we are the same age and we grew up together.

We began the day by having a good breakfast here at the Inn. I had half of a pumpkin waffle and Ken had the other half plus he ate scrambled eggs and sausage. This was a step above the usual included breakfast.

We returned to our room and rested until it was time to head for Valerie's. We had no problem finding her place thanks to Dr. Cox. 

Dr Cox is the name I have given to the little man who lives inside our phone and gives us directions on how to get where we want to go. He is brilliant and he never gets upset or yells at us. We really like Dr Cox. He is going to make this a most enjoyable trip.

We checked out our destination using Google. Then at 10:45 we headed out. We did not have a problem and Valerie met us right at the parking lot. We visited in her beautiful home. I gave her the painting I had brought for her. It seemed strange to give her a painting when she was in the process of giving away dozens of beautiful art works because she had run our of room. What do they say?? It is the thought that counts.

Soon we headed out to get the ferry over to Halifax. It was a short but pleasant drive. The weather was great, sunny and warm. We roamed along the water front, taking pictures and peeking into some of the shops. My treasure purchase was a pewter Key hook displaying the light house at Peggy's cove and the bluenose.

We stopped for lunch at The Bicycle Thief and had a wonderful lunch. Valerie and I had fishcakes and Ken had a lobster roll. We also shared scallop appetizers. YUMMY

September 28th

 We had a wonderful day. Much to our surprise check out was not until noon. So we had a leisurly breakfast and came back to our room to get organized. 

We decided to go to our next hotel...The Comfort Inn. We were very lucky in that they allowed us to check in early. It is a nice place and the room is very well appointed and clean. We were able to get settled and organized before it was time to head out.

Our first stop was at the Black Cultural center. 

I was so very surprised to see how much information was there. It was very well organized. I saw displays of my cousin.. The singing miner. They even had Maurice's hard hat and miners light. I planned to purchase a coffee mug but they were out.

Next we headed to visit Barb and John. They have a beautiful home and they treated us like honoured guests. Even their dog Beau made us feel like long lost family members.  I presented her with her painting gift and they were very gracious.    

After appetizers we made our way to the restaurant at the golf course that is part of their complex. We dined outside on the patio. The food was very good. Ken had to help me eat my fish.

Then we returned to their apartment where we enjoyed strawberry shortcake. We soon realized that we had lingered too long and it was quickly getting dark. Ken has been having vision problems and he does not like to drive after dark. It was dark but we managed to get back to our hotel safely

It was not long before we called it a night. It had been an amazing day. Tomorrow we visit with Valerie.

Visiting Nova Scotia

 I was going to title this Home Again but since Abbotsford has been home for almost 19 years now I guess I can't say that.

This trip has been in the planning for almost a year. We thought about driving and pulling the trailer but decided that travelling this late in the season may cause us to be travelling in the snow. So we have opted to fly with West Jet. 

WE will be away from Abbotsford for 3 weeks and we will be visiting 21 different family members and old friends.  Right now we are at the Quality Inn at the Halifax airport. The trip yesterday went without a hitch but my oh my flying is not a comfortable thing to do. Those seats are so close that dropping something on the floor causes a real problem. Forget trying to bend down and pick it up. You almost have to be a contortionist.

We picked up our rental car and what a treat!! We were given a 2022 Chrysler 300. It sure makes the Jeep look old and tired. It is so roomy and so elegant , It will be such a pleasure to spend 3 weeks driving this. I should say being driven around in this. Ken is the driver.

This hotel is like most airport hotels. It is not elegant and not high end but it is clean and efficient. Rooms are a good size with tv and wifi, there is a heated pool and an exercise room and it included a buffet breakfast. Breakfast was varied and tasty. The big plus for most travelers would be the shuttle to and from the airport that runs every half hour. We plan to tb here at the end of this amazing trip and we will probably turn the car in the day before our flight and use the shuttle.

Today we plan to visit the Black cultural center and to visit with cousins. The sun is burning through the fog and the sun is making an appearance. Temperature expected to be 21 degrees... 

I took pictures but I do not have my card reader with me. I will try to purchase one today and I will add the pictures tomorrow... hopefully.