Gary set me up with a shower and soon we were munching on cheese and crackers while his wife Anya upstairs, recovered from a long day of teaching. As a boy, I heard Mr. Macey's name often but never really spent any time with him. He had lots of good memories of Dad and that was good to hear as well. I'm so impressed with the couple as a whole. The living room is a gallery with works from both of them. I'd never really appreciated art until this trip and I started to get brainwashed coming around the lakes and getting re-introduced to the Group of Seven's works. Anya's pieces used varying media and styles but all were excellent. Gary seems to have taken up music and art to fill his time as well. He teaches trumpet and has been paid to be in movies, and has several recording credits to his name. He plays in a few bands and symphonies and I was astounded. His pictures of birds are excellent and its one of the reasons Dad and him were such good friends. Great to see someone taking advantage of the opportunities presented to them. Who knows what my 2nd life will be after teaching?
Gary prepared local cuisine so I feasted on shrimp, scallops, chicken, a great salad, and for dessert, vanilla ice cream with blueberries and peaches. A wonderful meal in very good company! I am so happy I made the trip out to Mahone Bay and almost wished I had stayed another day. Gary has a love of history so he was able to fill me in on many things I'd seen on my trip! There was much talk about coming out again in the summer when the Maritimes is apparently, even better.
We stayed up late past my bed time and Anya was honest in saying she wouldn't be up too early. Gary showed me all the breakfast fixings and was nice enough to help me get the laundry going.
In the morning, I awoke to a quiet house and smiled when I saw an old hockey picture of Dad and Gary with the team which Gary had placed on the kitchen counter. Dad is smiling and obviously enjoying himself which was heart-warming to see. I enjoy my breakfast, note that there is a bit of misty rain and almost get my stuff out the door when Gary comes down to say goodbye. He sees me off and I ride away from a good visit in the town of Mahone Bay.