Let's Face It!

Sometimes life is so full that one is almost constantly preoccupied with something when one moves on to the next task. This morning was no exception. We had our usual leisurely morning coffee in our back room overlooking the water. It was raining and there was a heavy fog obscuring the other shore. 

We’d slept in to 7:30; but then, it was that kind of day. After our breakfast usual, a bowl of cereal with a banana or mandarin orange, we went to our separate locations in the house to do our exercises. This is a morning ritual. As one ages, one has to limber up or a day can be very uncomfortable indeed.

Then it’s to the computer to check email, not much, the news on CBC and BBC scanned, and the weather ahead perused. It’s quite plain what the weather at the time is. Eventually it’s upstairs to bathe, dress and prepare for the day ahead. These days, for me at least, that’s writing, rehearsing a script, practicing the fiddle, cooking or going for a walk. In fact, each day usually has a combination of most of these.

This morning I decided it was time to trim my beard. This is not an everyday task. But I am scheduled for a haircut tomorrow. So, I got the electric shaver ready with the number one blade. I like to keep my beard short. Then, before I started, I figured it had not been oiled recently. I took the blade off and did the deed. I was now ready to proceed. When I glanced in the mirror, to my horror, I had shaved clean one side of my face! I had forgotten to put on that number one protective blade again.

When one is faced with a face, there is no option. I would have to go for the goatee look. I am by no means fond of that look; but what can you do. I've learned long ago that pride has to be put aside from time to time. That’s what my fiddle teacher tells me anyway. So, I took a deep breath and swallowed my pride. I took the shaver and applied it to the other side of my chin. Me with a goatee! Oh shit!

Tempestas Sine More Furit

In the past twelve months we’ve had a relatively mild winter, a very wet spring, a hot dry summer, a gorgeous autumn, despite a wild hurricane, and now a balmy, blustery November has greeted us.  Who knows what the weather has in store for us. But we are loving every diverse moment of it here in Nova Scotia - so far.

This morning we awoke to a mist over the river and town. It was not heavy enough to rate the “fog” label. Yesterday's heavy rain has abated. Today, however, we’ve felt the intensity of the wind.The waves lash the shore. There is a new moon and the tides are extreme right now. Many birds struggle in the wind, while others soar freely. We’ve enjoyed the unusual warmth in the air today. The smell of wet leaves on the ground, and the flicker of the few left on the tree branches invigorate the senses. And just now the sun has appeared and the blue sky is welcomed. Life is good. Very good.