The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist

Happy Things Friday: 22 August — Water Edition

Water has been a major focus of life lately for fun and…much less fun reasons.

Let’s start with the less fun. Nova Scotia is hotter and drier than ever, and the wildfire situation has escalated….

48 Hours in Nova Scotia: Surfing, Lighthouses + My Favourite Beach!

John’s best friend, his partner, and her son came to visit us for a whirlwind tour of Nova Scotia last weekend. With less than two full days together, we couldn’t do it all…but we…

Beaches, Lighthouses, Nova Scotia, Travel
Aug, 21, 2025
19 Comments

Top Five/Bottom Five: Summer

I was astounded when I looked back at my Top Five/Bottom Five posts and realized I’ve never done one about summer. I’m virtually certain I have — maybe on my old blog? Or maybe…

Summer Celebrations, Top Five/Bottom Five
Aug, 20, 2025
46 Comments

Yup! I’ve Done That, Too

Hot on the heels of another Never Have I Ever post, here are some more things I have actually done!

Gone more than 48 hours without food. (I did a 5-day…maybe I only made it…

Never Have I Ever, Personality Insights, Random
Aug, 18, 2025
40 Comments

Happy Things Friday: 15 August

I blinked, and somehow August is already half over. Anyone else feeling that way? I’m not complaining — just… observing!

This past week was a mixed bag: a blend of relaxed time at home (translation:…

Hiking Castle Rock, Nova Scotia: Trail Guide, Tips, and the Scenic View

Years ago, we were looking for a way to fill a (very long) summer day with young kids. We found ourselves on Nova Scotia’s South Shore with no particular destination in mind, when a…

Never Have I Ever…Part 11

Gone hitchhiking. (As a kid, I was definitely in the car when my dad picked up hitchhikers, which wasn’t all that unusual at the time. In university, I worked with someone who hitchhiked the…