A Boot. A Boot. A Boot. Five Dollars.

How much did the stuttering Maritime fellow pay for a beer at the bar?

A boot, a boot, a boot five dollars.

On Saturday night I decided to be a man about town, and see what was happening on a Saturday night in Liverpool. Michelle is "down South", so I was foot-loose and fancy free.  So what was "happening" in the citi-center on a Saturday night?

Nothing.  Actually, I need to correct that.  NOTHING.

I went to one of the two local bars and interrupted the bartender's nap.  Literally. And it was 9:30 pm on Saturday night.  It was one of those moments that you realize this person would actually prefer to have their work shift NOT be interrupted in deference to the tranquility of an empty establishment.  But interrupt I did.

The only other fellow who straggled in was a local who seems to ride his bicycle as a vocation, and he likes to come in a chew a little fat.  The poor guy had a pretty bad stutter, and in all honesty it was hard for me to discern which words were rapid-fire repeats of the same word, and which were simply English with a local Maritime twang.  I did a lot of nodding and smiling.

Both he and the bartender were affable chaps.  We discussed lawnmowers, HOCKEY, the closure of a local clothing store, and a little more hockey.  Thank God I have been watching the Stanley Cup Finals and had a semblance of instinct on when to nod agreement to the opinions of others.

Now, in the States you can participate in football discussions with very, very little substance.  (It's much like politics!)  Statements such as "We're going to have to put some points on the board" and "We need some offense" receive strong grunts of approval from your tipsy colleagues.  Lord knows that "WE NEED SOME D!!!" will always get you out of a tight squeeze.

I'm trying to develop my hockey lingo, so that I can achieve more complete status as a Canadian and gain the deep respect of the locals.  Here is my list of planned retorts:

• We have to move that puck!
• We're not using the Power Play!!
• He's gotta protect that net!!
• Argh!  He's not getting any help!! 
• Set it up! SET IT UP!!
• What??  That was a late hit!!

I know, I know.  You think I might be ready to start coaching.

The week was not ALL about social outings.  I did help Cousin Ian set up his dock, an annual activity for those on the river.

Thank God for bug spray!!  (And the bugs "aren't bad"...?)  I think I inhaled more than a few.  The little black flies are one of the blessing of June.

Ian took a gratuitous photo of me
feigning work

Ian and Kathy have a darling cottage on the Broad River, about 10 minutes away from ours.  It is great for recreation, and you can kayak to the ocean and a great beach in mere minutes from their cottage. (One of the strong influences of purchasing where we did was to be sort of close to them).  We moved the dock sections down the hill, toward the water, floated them into position and connected them.  Easy for two people, harder for just one.

I'm thinking that when it's time to put the dock sections back - uphill - next fall, I'LL BE LONG GONE.  (Oh. Dang.  Ian reads this).

Tonight I will enjoy dinner in the home of one the the best cooks in the world (Moie and Paul), and we will discuss the logistics of our Newfoundland trip later this month.

That's about all!  It's a bit overcast and cool today, but typical of Nova Scotia, it's always glorious.

Have a great week!