Chapter 16

Hello Everyone,

Where have I been? It seems that writing my update has gone by the wayside for the last few months. I have been thinking these days about doing just that, writing it. But it was not until one of my students told me that she was looking forward to reading it again, that I took action. Today is the day. To answer the question as to where I have been, east is the correct response.

Yes, for three summer months I was on the east coast in windy New Brunswick. This is Canada's province right next door to the one that you all know in Japan; Prince Edward Island known as P.E.I., the home of Anne of Green Gables. Back to New Brunswick though, it is situated right next door to Maine, U.S.A. It has less than a million people in the entire province. We were located in Shediac, the lobster capital of the world. This town has barely 7000 people. Located on the Northumberland Strait, the seaside was beckoning us each and every day. Where there is the oceanside, there is wonderful seafood. Shediac did not disappoint in this category either. That's where the summer slipped by, and ended prematurely it seemed.

What did we do besides our work? We looked after a wonderful adult cat, named Bounce. She loved to be pet and brushed, given treats, and spoiled at every moment. We may have been pet-sitting her but she was the boss of the house for sure. That was our only duty except for keeping some plants alive, and the grass cut. We had a beautiful home and spacious backyard and garden. The pet owners were off to our province, Ontario, to welcome and spend time with their first grandchild. We cycled to the beach on any day we could, along with the stand-up-paddle board (SUP) resting on the back of the bike. There was a five km trail to ride along right to the beach, very convenient. When the wind wasn't too strong, we could enjoy paddling on the flat surface, and take in the beautiful seascape. This was a famous Canadian beach called Parlee Beach, and every time we went, we tried to find our little corner away from people. Not that I hate people or anything; it’s just that it was during COVID days, lockdowns, and social distancing restrictions. The beach was abuzz with people. We would pump up the board, carry it to the water, climb on, and paddle out to sea. There we could view the beach and the people from a distance, while sliding off the board into the water for a swim. I tried not to think of what was lurking beneath the water's surface. Yikes️! 😬

We also got to know this small town very well. The Japanese restaurant served up pretty good food. The pizza place delivered some tasty pizza pies. Other delicious food came from a downtown restaurant that served up grilled salmon, bacon-wrapped scallops, and good homemade burgers. I would visit the fish market every week to avail myself with fresh seafood to cook up some delicious dishes at home. The salmon, lobster, scallops, and shrimp were fresh off the boat on certain days of the week. One classy restaurant served up a wicked seafood pasta, and offered live music. We frequented this place a handful of times. Family joined us here for a couple of days, that was novel. Yes, my sister and brother-in-law showed up with giant lobster, steak, and wine in hand. We had a real proper barbecue, serving up an awesome surf and turf dinner on the patio. There were tourists and boaters and visitors to the town all summer long. Never a dull moment for this east coast place. With all that eating, some form of exercise was badly needed. We found a high school nearby where they offered a very well-maintained track for use. I could run to my heart's content, just a short walk from home. Met some locals by chance while running, and conversed whenever our times synchronized. The language spoken was predominantly French, but everyone could use English as a backup. That was great for me as my French is rudimentary, at best! We also cycled out of the town to a few spots like a scenic lighthouse, another beach, an organic farm, and a favourite fast-food eatery specializing in scallops and clams. Shediac, we got to know you well, and will miss you, along with Bounce the cat.

From there we went directly to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. From the east coast to one of our prairie provinces by plane. We landed to flat and wide open farm land. The pet-owners picked us up at the airport. We found ourselves pulling up to an absolutely beautiful home in a small town outside of the city. We were welcomed by two large dogs; a husky and a Golden Retriever. This was a learning curve for me as I have been known at times to be somewhat hesitant of big dogs. But these two banished all of my fears. Murphy, the Husky, was my knight in shining armour. He was wise and strong and loyal, and shared my Maiden name of Murphy. We were bound for connection. The other one was a friendly, energetic, younger female dog full of character and loved attention. We took them out for a walk along the lakeside each and every day. Honestly though, I don't think that we walked them, rather they walked us. We also kayaked in the lake one day which was calm, peaceful, and satisfying. The fondest impression I have of this sit though were the gorgeous sunrises and sunsets we saw without even leaving our home. Saskatchewan is flat, that's the main adjective for describing this province. As a result, we could sit at the dining room table working on our computers, looking out the east direction in the morning to view the sunrise, and from the very same spot, look out the west direction in the evening and capture the sunset. Can't say that I could do that from one spot very often. Murphy and Billie Holiday, thanks for befriending us.

We have been back in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) for three weeks now. Re-connecting with family and friends for a short time. The Autumn colours are peaking right now, a little bit later than usual. We have had a warmer Fall season this year and not yet any really cold nights. It has often been said that we need some frosty nights to bring on the vibrant shades. The real reds and purples are not so obvious just yet. The clock is ticking though, as by the end of October, the leaves will be falling off the tress. For you in Japan, the scenic season will be upon you in November. Enjoy its beauty in all of its glory.

Soon, will be off to Vancouver Island, again to the west side of Canada. We will have two cats and some chickens to care for over the next five weeks. Though I grew up, in part, on a farm, I have never taken care of chickens. Another learning curve for me. The pet-owners have told us that we can look forward to fresh eggs each morning. Can't get any fresher than that I suppose. We only have to collect them in the early hours of the day. Vancouver Island is a beautiful spot in Canada, and I have lots to take in. We will use a plane, bus and a ferry boat to reach our destination. The time difference will be three hours behind that of Toronto so I will be coming to my lessons earlier in the day each time. That's a good thing for me as I am always fresher in the morning than in the evening. For now, let me leave you with some photos of both New Brunswick and Saskatchewan.

Hope everyone is healthy and staying COVID-free.

Love Rosemary🌹