Cape Breton's Magazine

out in the garden. And Iris was there. And what did you say to me-- remember? (Iris Stevens. Mae's daughter: I used to always ask you--you had gotten a new hearing aid. And I said, "Mum, where's your hearing aid?" And she said--she never wanted to wear it--she was a very proud lady--"Oh, I'm sure I could write a poem about that." And she went in the house. And she wrote the poem. And she called me up and she said, "I want you to listen to me.") Mae: The first one I ever wrote, it start? ed from that. (Iris: Called "Growing Old.") Mae: "Being alone this evening / Nothing much to do / Thought I'd write some poetry / Hope it makes sense to you." I was quite old then. "They say I am grow? ing old / That is only lingo. / Don't feel more than 20 / If I want to go to Bingo.// Eyesight somewhat hazy / Can't always hear what's said." What's the next sentence? (Iris: "Till someone comes in shout? ing..,.") Mae: "Getting old--well, maybe, / But I still have lots of fun, / Hope I'll be here till 90, / Even perhaps 101./ / But when up there I reach St. -'Peter, / Hope he'll greet me with a grin, / Say, 'You're late, but since you got here, / I guess I'd better let you in.'" But there's a lot of my life (in that book). We used to have parties. It's in that. Parties in my life as I grew up. And my mother died. I was only 6 when my moth? er died. And my brother was 4. And Grandma raised us. And I had a very, very hard life. WE'RE PROUD TO SHARE... Scottish and Acadian Festivals Hiking trails, picnic and camping parks Museums and heritage The warmest waters north of the Carclinas! Cottage crafts and works of art The Cape Breton highlands National Park Fresh and salt water fishing Horse racing, canoeing, and other sports Fine accommodations, gift shops Restaurants Wildlife The Sunset Side ' | /C'" ??' Cape Breton Requests for Visitor's Guide, brochures, and general information may be made to: Inverness County Department of Recreation/Tourism P.O. Box 179. Port Hood, N.S. BOE 2W0 (902)787-2274 (How do you mean "hard," dear? ) Well, I had hard work. I felt that I was a nuisance-- it seemed as if I was a nuisance. Do you un? derstand what I'm trying to tell you? Just for one little instance: My aunt--i"! was all right with Grandma. But my aunt f-:,_ came in, *%" and she was different. I know one day I was scrubbing a white floor. And the doc? tor happened to come in. And my aunt said, "She gets tired if she does that floor." And the doctor said, "I would think so--a child of 12 years old, to scrub a floor like that." That's what I mean by being the hard way. (Iris: How big was Big Lorraine?) Oh, there were quite a few families. Let me see now. I couldn't tell you right, to be sure, now, for a minute. But I would say there were about, probably 30. And they were good people, and we had good times. "It's Better to Improve It, than Remove It." Call us: • Sydney 564-2220 • St. Peter's 535-2093 A Proven Tub System Since 1973 ?? r'mmk 1. Resurfacing bathtubs, sinks, showers & tiles 2. Converting existing bathtubs into quality whirlpool 3. Selling beautiful brass and antique fixtures 4. Selling factory direct jetted bathtubs /whirlpool 5. Non-slip tub surfaces 6. Acrylic & Fiberglass & Enamel repair 7. World's largest line of inground pool & patio coatings U OR FAX 535-3505 I DEALER INQUIRIES WELCOME | Superior Service: 24 hours a day, 7daysaweel( 'perior Automata ISeliveiy: every 12 or Marketing a Complete Line of Propane Burning Appliances Superior Propane Off Hwy. #305, Ultches Creek, Sydney 539-1060