When I first moved to P.E.I., I had never heard of a wake. In the last week, I have attended two wakes, both of which were for people I have never met. It is always interesting going to a wake for someone you meet for the first time in the coffin. At times like this, it really helps to be married to an Islander.

Being polite certainly is a must for those Islanders who depend on the tourism sector that helps fuel their economy. I have had run-ins with people, both from the Maritimes and not, who don't understand the value that being nice has for their business. Bottom line, no kindness, no repeat visit.

I have never had to unplug a person from a toilet before, and with good luck I will never have this stroke of misfortune again. She was stuck tighter than an over-sized beach ball thrown into a basketball net, and without me she might still be there.

No, not that kind -- my nerves are too shot for any amorous side adventure -- we were looking for Intercourse, Pennsylvania, population 1558. It's the infamous village where Witness was filmed, and where many of the Amish reside.