One of the advantages of living in Riverfront Estates, and having lived on the other side of town on the other side of the river in a similar 3-storey apartment residential community called Jamieson Mills for ten years until two years ago, is that one is regularly assured to encounter elderly people; that is, those who are “over the hill”, those who are not uncommonly called with moderate affection and hidden allusion to conservatism “old fogeys”, widows and widowers, farmers, country gentlemen, ladies of the “horsey crowd”, perpetual gardeners, kayakers, cross-country skiers, inveterate travellers, retired people prominently, golfers naturally. people who are undeniably attune to the wonder of life and the prospect of adventure at any opportunity.
One of those whom I have the decided pleasure to know (and coincidentally whose late mother I also knew over thirty years ago) is Suzanne. I will tell you at the outset that Suzanne is the consummate British lady. Although she makes no pretence of being so, she is unquestionably of that privileged and cultivated grain called English.
Recently I wrote an article (I despise the word “blog”; it sounds so modern and technological) in which I appeared to bemoan my impending demise. Here is Suzanne’s response after having read it:
Very interesting! BUT…. you are still, in mind, but maybe not in body, a young man. Just enjoy every moment, relish in it all.
I hope that I, at 91½, can continue to do the same; with wonderful memories and good friends, keep my independence and still drive my car in the countryside! No matter that my only actual relatives live at each side of this vast, amazing country.
Stay Healthy, Suzanne
What follows is another of Suzanne’s emails to me. The correspondence contains as you shall see even more gusto. Indeed I felt that this casual report from an elderly lady was just too good to ignore. After all my own trivial domestic accounts are no more than local history at best. Furthermore recording the following account of Suzanne is an insight into what frankly is in my opinion an unusually active 92-year old woman. Having lately sipped coffee with Suzanne at nearby Equator Coffee I can tell you with assurance that her gait and stride outdistance me by a mile! In addition to my having decided Suzanne is lying about her age (which I stubbornly acknowledge is probably not the case), I also speculate (with far greater equanimity) that she is an intellectual, one who is gifted with sophistication and enlightenment. I have in addition every reason to suspect that Suzanne would chortle upon hearing these reckless allegations. But I shall allow you, dear Reader, to be the judge of that yourself. What follows is my friend Suzanne’s most recent response to another of my quotidian articles:
Re Summertime Jaunt
Hello Bill,
Nice to hear from you also. I am very well thank you, as I hope your health is also substantially mendable, in our finally arrived Summer.
Many years ago I was told of “Kefir” (I’ve always been Lactose Intolerant since a baby, likewise my Father, born In 1883, who had to be nursed with “Ass’s Milk. I dreadfully suffered during W W 2 as all children up to the age of 16 were forced to drink a 1/4 pint of milk at school every morning. Cycling home for lunch was agonizing, my stomach was a lead weight. Our Dr. friend just shrugged and told me the benefits were more important! It was my Step-son’s In-laws who referred me to said Kefir, but not readily available, so I use L.F. Yogourt. Tarik is Turkish, a former Colonel in the Turkish Army, stationed in Belgium @ Turkey’s Embassy; many years ago, his wife Josy is !/2 English and Belgian. They have been the best of friends since day one of meeting Tony; they live 6 months a year in Antalya, South Turkey overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
On the same subject, for many years I have used Almond Milk, which recently I poured down the drain, hoping I wasn’t infected with “Listieria”.
Now I’ve sampled Lactose free Milk, I like it and, at last, it’s readily available.
I experienced a few chuckles over your shopping for Silk. I also have the same problem with some kinds of wool, but not “Lamb’s wool”. In cold weather I always wear silk scarves; I also line my winter hats with silk. Daddy wore “ascots” for as long as I can remember; I asked him once “why not ties?” His reply ” far too many war years and only one colour!”
Of course when my parents went to the Royal Enclosure at “Ascot” each summer they were dressed “to the nines” ! Daddy in Morning suit and Top Hat, Mummy in Silk dress and fancy flowered hat; those were the days in early 1950’s and 60’s.
Early this week I was searching for something of my own, when I came across a few of Daddy’s silk ties; one of which is from “Gieves” of Bond St., his Tailor. Would you be interested ? Also there are 2 large silk squares that he folded into an ascot.
So you see why I Chuckled at your visiting to find a silk scarf. Also your mention of “Heather” you told me that story.
I have been busy rearranging furniture, also sewing. The furniture was a necessity, whilst answering a phone call from Ian on Sunday I sat on my ” Regency” (1820 – 1837) chair next to the phone and table, suddenly the chair collapsed and I rolled onto the padded carpet; Ian shouted to me “Mum what’s Happened ?” a few seconds later he said “should I phone Kathy? “. By that time I was standing up and said I’m OK, then told him what had happened. I think that shook him for a few minutes ! One side of the old chair just broke apart, at any I’ve moved it and collected all the pieces, one thing for Graham to repair when he’s retired!
The main reason for Ian’s call is : they’d put their house, in Dartmouth, up for sale on Tuesday, by Saturday they had four offers, with another expected on Monday. Moving date Sept; 30. Now they have to search in the countryside around Wolfville and all the Annapolis Valley.
Grandson Alex moves to Acadia University on his 18th Birthday, August 19, to join their excellent swim team before school starts. Ian had told me a while ago, they don’t need such a large house, plus large swim pool once Alex leaves, also they want to leave the city; the traffic has become dreadful. They lived in the” A” Valley whilst both @ Acadia and were married in the Large Chapel.
Ian works by computer and phone when at home, still travels around the world, but is his own Director, instead of being paid by Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, although he will still work with them. All because of Aus : Income tax etc :
Have you watched any of the Olympics? I have at times, especially the swimming ; Summer MacIntosh , from Toronto is only 17 and has won 2 Gold medals. Ian was told again about Alex, when they were all in Newfoundland a few weeks ago for the massive all Canada Competition, that Alex has a very good chance for the Olympics in another 4 years, Los Angeles, U S A. I just hope I might still be around!
I enjoy your photos and each “letter”. Just wish I could type faster and better!
Cooler weather next week. Another year has gone by, St.George’s Cemetery Service on Sunday.
Good night!
Suzanne