Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Tuesday, August 13, 2019 -- Mattie died 515 weeks ago today.

Tonight's picture was taken in August of 2008. Mattie was home between treatments and was not in a good mood. That day a friend dropped off this big bubble maker to our home. We tried to reset Mattie's mood by taking him outside to make bubbles. This distraction was short lived. In fact, our care community provided us with new items, toys, and food daily. It was a God sent, because these items helped us engage Mattie and divert his attention from the non-ending pain and sadness. 






Quote of the day: Anne of Green Gables and Lucy Maud Montgomery are synonymous with PEI culture. First published in 1908, the book and its author are beloved around the world, with many (if not most) tourists flocking to PEI to experience the setting of the story in person. ~ culturetrip.com

Last night was the first formal night on the ship. We dined at the Crown Grill, a specialty restaurant on the ship. Our waiter, Pedro, snapped this photo of us.  

Apparently Princess Cruises decided to celebrate my birthday last night. I am having the endless birthday this year. 

This morning, the sun greeted us over Prince Edward Island (PEI). It is the smallest providence (like our states) of Canada and the official language is English. Our tour guide was outstanding. Her name was Marie. She reminded me of Mattie's preschool teacher, Kathy. They could have been twins. Both are born educators and have a wonderful energy about them that make you want to engage and learn. 

This is Charlottetown, the capital of PEI. The official language here is English. Marie identified herself as a CFA (Come From Afar). She was born in Nova Scotia and came to Prince Edward Island 40 years ago. She said when she first came to the island the first question asked of her was.... what's the name of your father? She thought that was an odd question. But learned that there was a lot of inter-family marrying on the island and knowing a family's last name gave others the ability to instantly know what your political identity was, what your religion was, and how you voted. 

We passed a beautifully colorful fishing village. What is Prince Edward Island known for: 1) fishing, 2) mussels (which are cultivated YEAR round, even in snow), 3) world's best oysters, 4) corn, 5) potatoes. In fact, they are the third largest potato producer in North America (after Idaho and Washington State). 6) Bird's paradise, which the osprey, blue heron, and piping plover. 

Marie was able to talk with us non-stop for over 4 hours. Her knowledge of her island was impressive. I felt like I got quite an education. She brought a photo album on the tour, to show us the snow fall of 2015. Over 15 feet. Pictured here were some of her family members next to the snow. Keep in mind that they still have frost in June here. 

They have a 15% sales tax. She says this is needed to pay for free education and health care of residents. 

Our first visit was to Silver Bush. This house belonged to the aunt and uncle of Lucy Maud Montgomery. Montgomery put Prince Edward Island (PEI) on the map with her well known children's book, Anne of Green Gables. I have to admit that my mom and I never read this book. However, we weren't the only ones on our tour like this, but after visiting the island and her homes, we bought the book and became inspired to learn more.  

This is Silver Bush. One thing you noticed right away on PEI is the incredible greenery! Marie says they have over 30 different shades of green to describe the foliage. It is a pristine island.... no trash, no graffiti, and homes and the terrain are kept spotless. It almost feels like visiting a national park. Ironically while writing this blog, I learned through some research that PEI did classify the lands around this home as a national park.  

I have to say that visiting the Anne of Green Gables Museum (which in essence was her aunt and uncle's home), helped provide context into Montgomery's writings. We literally purchased the book today and we were lucky enough to get the cousins of the author to sign the book. 

This is the incredible farm land surrounding the museum. In real life Montgomery's mom died when she was 21 months old. Back then, children weren't raised by their fathers, so Montgomery was sent to live with her grandparents. So she knew what it felt like to be an orphan. Just like the character, Anne, in her books! 

Me with my purchased and signed book!

When you arrive at the Anne and Green Gables museum, you are greeted by the character of Anne. She gave each of us a raspberry cordial, which is a non-alcoholic drink. Apparently the drink has significance to the book. 

The beauty of the Museum. Lucy Montgomery lived in this house for 11 years, and describes it this way..... "I love this spot better than any place on earth."

Notice many of Montgomery's books on display!

Not related to the tour of the house. But this resident tortoise shell cat caught my attention!

 A photo of Montgomery when she was 40 years old. She in fact was married in front of this fireplace mantle when she was 38 years old. Only after she cared for her grandmother until she died. 

Marie had a trivia game going in the bus! I won!!! I got to pick from different prizes, I chose this one. I apparently was the only one who knew that Summerside (the second largest city on PEI) has 15,000 residents. 

Next we journeyed to the Anne of Green Gables house. It was in this house that Lucy Montgomery was raised by her grandparents. This house was NOT on the same property as the museum. Remember the museum was the house of her aunt and uncle, and this house belonged to her grandparents. 

Inside the house! I don't know the context of the items here, but apparently many of them (dress and slate in the box on the floor) were featured in Anne of Green Gables. 

Beautiful gardens around the house. Every year many tourists from Japan visit. We were told by Marie, that Anne of Green Gables has been a part of Japanese curriculum for over 50 years. Therefore, people come to see the book come alive on the grounds that Montgomery lived and traversed. 

Behind the house are woods. Woods that Montgomery spent many hours in as a child and called them the "haunted woods." Woods which were apparently featured in her books. Her first book was written when she was only 15!

More of the house's gardens.  

There was a wonderful visitors center on the property of Anne of Green Gables House. It did a fantastic job giving us a time line of Lucy Montgomery's life. She was a teacher by day, but her first passion was writing. 

Montgomery was prolific! Many of her books have been translated into multiple languages. PEI's terrain made an impression on all of us and it is remarkable to learn about the writings of Montgomery and how she inspired thousands through her own experiences and words.