Sept. 16

O/C all day, much cooler than it has been 15C at the present. I smell rain not far off.
Bowled this am and will be in a competition called 'bowl for the cure' tomorrow and Sunday. I just gave the car a much needed wash and vacuum after it's trip to the interior.

Here is another episode ----

He turned and left, closing the door behind himself.

  Doctor Pearce sat in one of the over stuffed chairs near one of the windows; looking pleased with himself he said, “Look about everyone, there is a small lunch cafeteria on the main floor but I think the kitchen will be quite adequate. I think m’dear that Mary and Margaret can share the one bed and John and Jean can take the cots?”

  Mrs. Pearce nodded then strode into the kitchen where she remained for a couple of minutes. Cupboard doors could be heard as they were opened and closed along with the rattling of pots and dishes. When she came back out she walked over to her husband, “You have out done yourself Henry, this is very adequate. We will have lunch today in the cafeteria then I must do some grocery shopping.”

  Later as they were leaving the cafeteria, the Doctor at Mrs. Pearce’s bidding approached the bell hop at his station. “Excuse me but can you tell us where we can find a grocery store and oh yes is there a library near by?”

  “Yes sir, I certainly can.” Was the reply. “I’ll draw you a little map of the area, you are very lucky as our location is very favorable. Just a few moments if you please.”

  He turned away to a small counter and busily sketched a street map for several blocks around the hotel. Returning he said, “There you go folks, grocery store right here and a street market along here one block from the waterfront, the library is up here six blocks away and there is a small park beside it, that has swings and things for the children and over here there is a movie theatre, oh yes down by the market is a maritime museum, here I’ll mark it on.”

  As they were turning away he added, “Oh I forgot, there are three churches up past the library they’re all about two blocks apart, sorry but I’m not sure which one is which, if you know what I mean.” He grinned and waived off the coins Doctor Pearce tried to give him and mumbled, “Thank you sir but it’s my pleasure.”

The next day, the family decided to take a walking tour of the waterfront area, they had been told by the desk clerk that although a huge rebuilding program had been undertaken, some of the damage from the catastrophic explosion of 1917 was still visible and that there was a memorial site that should be visited. This excursion route became almost a weekly routine and once they knew their way, John and Jean would visit the area quite frequently Mrs. Pearce soon discovered that within walking distance there was a weekly market that could provide vegetables and fruit for their daily needs.

  Many hours were spent in the library, in the small park and walking about the city. On a few occasions they boarded a street car and would ride the entire circuit.

  The first few days passed quickly but eventually the repetiveness, their temporary accommodation and the desire to move on took their toll and all the children became restless and short tempered. By now even the senior Pearces were questioning whether or not they had acted precipitously and should have stayed on at Pender Harbour a few more months.

  Eventually the fortnight passed and the entire family was at dockside when the RMS ‘Aquitania’ was escorted by two small tugboats to her berth. They watched as the passengers disembarked; more than a hundred ladies first that Doctor Pearce said were British War Brides then  followed shortly by several hundred returning soldiers. The family went inside where all the offices were and after several inquiries found the embarkation desk, they learned that the ship would not be loading passengers for the return trip for three more days. “Cleaning, food supplies and bunkering first mate, dontcha know.” Then an added, “Passenger loading starts at seven am sharp, only carry on whatcha need, the rest will be in steerage.”