This and That

by Anita Benedict

I had a lot to say this week, but really couldn't format sentences to make sense.

I wanted to write about the stray cats I am feeding. I have a black and white, very healthy-looking cat that has survived two winters here so far. It tolerates us, but runs if we get too close. There are two orange that choose us from time to time for a free snack, and a calico showed up once. The last one I named Walter Kitty; he has a secret life I guess and only comes to visit in the wee hours hoping for breakfast. I would keep him if I could catch him. Breaks my heart to leave them outside, I would have them all inside, but really would hate the litter boxes. For now, I will make sure they have at least one meal a day.

I started to write about my Town Crier duties this summer. So many great celebrations I

have been invited to attend. Shubenacadie Hay Days July 1st, Frieze and Roy General Store in Maitland for the 185th Birthday on July 13, the opening of the Halifax Exhibition in Musquodoboit, Launch Days in the Fall as we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the launch of the William D. Lawrence! Hard to believe I have been representing East Hants as Crier for 11 years.

I could talk about my first foray into volunteering with Colchester/East Hants Hospice, but all I can say is that there is much to learn about this valuable and rewarding work.

And of course, reading about our Kennetcook Kid and remembering him as a kid, starting his boxing career and giving me great interviews when I was reporter. He was also a little minx at times guaranteed to make me laugh. I never think of Sheldon Cooper when I hear "Soft Kitty," only Wyatt. I wish this young man all the best at the Olympics!

Then, there is high school graduation. A few of these kids I remember as babies and pre-schoolers when that was my line of work and one of them is now my co-worker! I loved seeing all the prom pictures and grad photos of these fabulous youth.

I could blame my varied and random thoughts on the heat wave, but it really wasn't that hot here on the shore. Maybe it is the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer, maybe I need to sit in front of my air conditioner more.