Chapter 23

No Longer Freezing to Death

It’s no longer freezing outside. Spring isn’t here yet, but the icy winter weather is behind us. With the sun shining and the temperature sitting at zero degrees today, we have a picture-perfect winter day. Not to mention, it snowed all day yesterday, leaving us with an absolute winter wonderland. You be the judge after seeing the photos.

Where am I writing from? I’m currently in Liverpool, Nova Scotia. We’re here for a repeat two-month pet-sit with Agnes the dog, and Lily and Tom, the cats. Rachel is with me, along with her boyfriend, Jason, and his dog, Arlo. Even though we have a full house, the saying “the more, the merrier” certainly applies. We’re all cohabitating peacefully — even the dogs are friends. The cats, however, remain reclusive, choosing to stay downstairs out of the beasts’ sight. During the week, we work; on the weekends, we play. We have a wonderful work-life balance.

We’ve visited the famous Peggy’s Cove, enjoyed a Lobster Crawl, browsed country stores, sampled local brews, and returned to one of our favourite restaurants with live music. It was bitterly cold last weekend at Peggy’s Cove as we walked along the rocks in the wind surrounding the lighthouse. Agnes and Arlo posed for us in front of the world-famous landmark. There weren’t many people there on a Sunday afternoon — and I know why. The intelligent humans stayed cozy inside, looking out from the warmth of their homes. I suppose that makes us part of the less intelligent group!

The Lobster Crawl was delicious fun. We shared a lobster dish among the three of us so we’d have room for the next stop. Nova Scotia lobster truly is exceptional. We also played cribbage while sampling a local beer at a brewery overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. At a popular country store we’ve frequented in past years, we browsed the shelves and left with their ever-so-tasty carrot cake and coffee for the road. Nova Scotia is a province of quaint seaside towns filled with East Coast charm. We even visited a small bookstore beside the author’s home, where we chatted with the publisher and author herself, Pat Thomas. I bought her book, RAVEN: Get a Grip, as Michael loves reading and is very interested in ravens. I couldn’t miss that winning combination. Thankfully, we’re here for a few more weeks — so endless adventures await.

Speaking of Michael, I visited him in Thunder Bay for a week in January. I have never been so cold in my life, with temperatures nearing minus 40. Did you know that the Fahrenheit and Celsius scales intersect at minus 40? It’s the only point where they meet. Aside from almost freezing to death a couple of times, we had a wonderful week together. We bowled, attended a play, braved the cold for walks, toured his alma mater, visited local sights, and warmed up in cafés — or really, any place offering hot soup! I made his favourite Caesar salad almost every night in my cozy Airbnb. At times, I had to run ahead to get myself inside somewhere warm. The cold didn’t seem to bother him. I suppose he has become a true Thunder Bayite!

Just before that, I was in Toronto throughout December and January for another return pet-sit — this time for a couple with two young children. I only had Juliet the cat to care for. A few years ago, we looked after their dog, who has since passed away. In the meantime, they’ve welcomed two children. While they travelled to Vietnam to introduce their new baby to family, I enjoyed Toronto’s winter charms. I could step outside onto a track for easy runs, and next door was a community pool, so swimming became part of my routine. I was also within walking distance of St. Lawrence Market — a historic and beloved market for fresh produce, meat, fish, and more. It will celebrate its 223rd birthday this year. Any trip to Toronto should include it on the itinerary. Since this stay covered Christmas and New Year’s, I took the train out of the city several times to celebrate with family. It was easy to be independent without a vehicle.

This brings me to my most recent trip to Japan. I travelled solo for six weeks and had a marvellous time. It is truly thanks to my friends and students who welcomed me, nurtured me, and made me feel so at home. From those who lodged me, to others who shared meals with me, and to the many others who took me on adventures — I will be forever grateful. It was one of my most meaningful visits to my second home country. That is directly thanks to all my Japanese friends and students. Thank you! I can’t wait to see you again.

When I left Japan, I said I would return in June. However, plans have shifted, as Rachel no longer has her girls’ reunion that month. I am now considering returning between September and November, although nothing has been decided yet.

I am also contemplating working in Toronto from June to August. Last year, administrative challenges with the company left me hesitant to return. When my boss asked if I would come back, I compared it to childbirth. My response — no one considers having another child immediately after giving birth, but with time, healing happens, and many women choose to do it again. Perhaps enough time has passed; I may consider returning this summer.

After this pet-sit, we’ll complete two more in mid-March for returning clients in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Collingwood. That will bring us to May. Rachel and I are planning to walk the Fisherman’s Trail in Portugal, starting in the southwest and heading north along the coast to Sines. We hope to cover about twenty kilometres per day, resting and nourishing ourselves each evening. Afterward, we’ll unwind at a one-week pet-sit in central Portugal.

Life is like a book — we read one page at a time, turn the pages slowly, and cherish each moment.

Take care,
Rosemary 🌹