Conditions at 5:30 am: 15' and overcast
Expected later: 21' but showers
Yesterday afternoon was really nice for a change - warm and sunny. It gave me the chance to cut some grass when I got home. I'm extremely happy to say I was also able to get the trimmer started. Thanks for the tips Bernie. He had suggested I hold the cord handle close to my body and then push down on the motor section and let gravity and the weight of the motor do the work rather than trying to pull the handle. By golly, it worked. I was just so happy. The grass around the sides of the house was at least a foot high and getting totally out of control.
Brenda and Meghan's keen eye noted that I indicated yesterday that we were having supper with Lesa and Charmaine on Friday night, but that is not the case. It's Saturday! Good thing they mentioned that or it could have been very confusing to have some people show up on Friday (Brenda) and the rest showing up on Saturday. Just goes to show I really need to work on my proof reading skills - or at least use them. Most mornings I'm rushing to get done so don't always take the time to read back through.
In answer to Meghan's question, I will be doing reception duties at Toyota. There will be no shuttling involved. I will miss that part of it but let's just say it's time to move on. I've always been of the mind that if you aren't happy doing something, then find something else to do. Don't make everyone else's life miserable by complaining and I'm afraid that's what I was becoming. It's time to leave. Interestingly enough, I did email the owner on Monday night and advised that I have decided to leave and when my final day would be. I never received a response but Abbey did. It was very short and sweet - call Carol to fill in next week and post the ad right away. End of story. The ironic thing is one of the service advisers had an interview on Monday night at another dealership and he gave his notice yesterday. That's four staff leaving in the past 3 months - doesn't that tell you something?
Anyway, enough said. It was an interesting experience and I did learn some things about the car industry and that's likely what helped me get the job at Toyota. I also met some really great people as well.
I'm excited but also a little nervous. Changing jobs is always a bit stressful - meeting new people and learning a new set of duties - but I'm sure it will be fine.
Last night I was watching TV after I came inside and had supper and Brenda popped in. So we had a glass of wine, chatted about our day and then she left. When she was leaving I took the dog outside for a few minutes. It was a beautiful evening but there were a large number of June bugs buzzing around. It was the funniest thing to watch the dog leaping into the air to try to catch them. Unfortunately I wasn't able to get any pictures of the leaping but it was pretty hilarious.
Conditions at 5:15 am: 11' and foggy
Expected later: 18' and - dare we say it? - sunny
It's been such a while since we saw the sun we may not know how to react. We were supposed to get some yesterday afternoon but all we got was drizzle for most of it. It was really depressing when I checked something online before I went to bed. The little weather network icons on the bottom of my screen told me that at 10:00 it was 23' in Toronto and 9' here, What I won't be sad about is when it's 30' in Toronto and the humidex reading is 39'.
After a bit of consideration, I have decided to take a new job. I had an interview at Charlottetown Toyota yesterday morning and at 2:00 in the afternoon they called me and offered me the job. As with any decision, there are pluses and minuses to both positions but I think it will be a good move. There are a lot of factors that contributed to my decision but the fact that the position showed up on Jobs PEI on just the day I decided it was time to look elsewhere, had to be some kind of omen. I will miss the shuttling as it was a great opportunity to meet people but it is getting a bit tiring. I will still be working Saturdays but they are going to bring in a student for the summer. That will make a lot of difference if I have a two day weekend to allow me to keep up with everything. Next summer Lloyd will be here and I won't feel quite so overwhelmed at the amount of stuff that needs to be kept up with in the summer.
So my boss is away, a fact I didn't find out until I called upstairs to see if his wife had come in yet. I sent an email giving my notice for this coming Saturday. I expect I may have a reply by this morning. It's unfortunate that this position hasn't worked out as hoped but I did meet some great people (and some not so great, but we're not going to go there-every job has at least one!) I do hope that those I've connected with keep in touch. I will truly miss some of them. But they are just a few blocks away.
This Friday two girls from our cooking class are coming over for supper. We're going to cook the entire meal when they get here and then sit down and eat it. It will be lots of fun. Both Lesa and Charmaine insisted they need to bring something but I really don't need them to so I suggested to them that I have food, I don;t have plants. I know Charmaine has plants in her yard and Lesa probably does as well. I suggested to them that they both bring a small piece of a perennial out of their gardens instead of food and that would be a great addition to my flower bed (if I ever get good enough weather to get out and work on it some more). The sod is taking a lot of time and effort and sometime in the next couple of days I also need to cut the grass - again. It amazes me how it can still flourish so well with no sunshine. It's pretty hearty stuff. Although I did talk to Brenda last night and she suggested that we might go over to the school tonight if it's nice and work on our starting from a stopped position and cornering on our bikes - something I definitely need help with. Not to worry, the grass will wait till I get to it!
Conditions at 5:15 am: 11' and light rain
Expected later: 14' with sunny breaks
I guess we shouldn't complain about our weather - I read yesterday that they received snow in Alberta. Now THAT would be really depressing for us here, who are already complaining about the cool weather. It did get a little warmer for a little while yesterday afternoon so it is slowly getting better.
I talked to Lloyd yesterday and he loved the Pisquid Airport Lounge. All he needs now is the garage to put the sign on. I did a little research last night and came across the clip that the skit was based on and the two guys did an amazing job on Sunday night. The original, featured here, featured Dean Martin and Foster Brooks.
Another really funny thing I received by email yesterday morning. Lloyd sent me this commercial and he's right - you have absolutely no idea where it's going and how it ends. Some really creative minds out there.
A well done must go out to Greg and James and their baseball team. They did really well in their baseball tournament on the weekend. They didn't quite win but they did a great job. It's early in the season so it will only get better!
Well, must run as I have an important appointment this morning so must get ready. More on that later.
Conditions at 5:15 am: 9' and overcast
Expected later: 15' and maybe some sun
(I love signing in on Monday mornings as my friends don"t view it on the weekend since they know I'm lazy on Saturday and Sunday - and I'm amazed at all the world places that have dropped by)
It was a dull, cool weekend with the odd sprinkling of rain so not much fun weather wise but it was okay anyway. Friday after work, 7 of us went out for a beer. I was a little longer than planned and I had to hurry home as my friends, the Van Gaals, had received some lobsters from a grateful customer and they needed some help with those. I was more than happy to oblige. Saturday after work, I came home and started on a flower bed at the front of the house. It's a slow process pulling up the sod so it's still on-going. I still hadn't tried the new trimmer because I had to get gas but ran out of time. Well, actually I didn't run out of time, I got tired and cold and went inside and sat by the fire in the living room and read a book for a while.
We had to be at the Rec Centre for the members supper at 8:30, followed by trivia. We once again enjoyed lobster and all the fixings. Bernie left after eating but Brenda and I stayed for the trivia portion. We played with Marlene and her husband Lornie. We didn't win but at least we didn't come in last. (okay, second last but we weren't the VERY worst!) and we had a lot of fun and laughs.
It was midnight when I got home and it was a beautiful evening. A bit cool but the air was still and the stars were brilliant. As I drove up the driveway under the canopy of leaves, and saw the bright stars when I got to the top I thought, can you imagine if this is what we'd seen when we first viewed the house? There would have been no 'offer', just "We'll take it!".
Sunday morning dawned cold and damp again, so I set to work to try to finish off my weaving. I didn't have a lot left to do so was able to finish, sew the edges and get it washed and dried by the time Brenda called after church. Since it wasn't fit for either biking or kayaking, I suggested we take a drive out to Belfast to the Mini Mills as I had a couple of questions for Sheila. So I picked her up and we headed out. I took one of the placemants and the runner with me to show Shiela as well a my instruction book with the questions I had. I had run into her in the grocery store last week and she told me that they were not open 7 days a week for the summer and the tea house was in operation. So after visiting the store and getting the instruction I needed, we were given a tour of the mill then went over to the tea house for some lunch. I had the Macaroni and Cheese and Brenda had the pea soup and we decided our soup is better. The Mac and cheese was quite good and the cole slaw that came with it was delicious.
I dropped Brenda off at home as she was feeling a little under the weather. I went and got gas then home to try my new "Simple2Start" trimmer. It wasn't. I spent a lot of time and effort trying to get the thing started and had no luck at all. Finally I got very frustrated and packed the whole works up and took it back to Canadian Tire. I exchanged it for the same one but with a choke. I thought perhaps that might make a difference. Unfortunately I couldn't get that one to start either. So I worked away a bit more on the flower bed. When I got too cold and tired I went inside and made something to eat. Brenda called and she was feeling much better after a nap and we decided to go to a fund raising concert they were having at the school. So I took my trimmer over to their house and got Bernie to try it. He says it's just too new and everything is still very stiff on it (let's hope). Anyway, he was able to get it to start and gave me a couple of suggestions that might be helpful.
The concert at the school was great fun. It was a combination of music and little skits put on by local folks and it was hilarious. There are some very talented young people in the community who we will be hearing more from in the future I'm sure. One boy is just graduating from grade 12 this year and he played the fiddle and was absolutely amazing. Another girl sang a song she wrote and won a spot with at the East Coast Music Awards. She's 13 years old. Amazing,
The skits were extremely funny and one was about two guys in an airport based on an old Dean Martin routine that I'm told is online somewhere, But the funniest bit of all was the sign they had made to indicate where this skit was taking place. Richard has his Barcalounge, Bernie has the Doog House and Loafers Lodge. I can see the sign over Lloyd's garage one day -I laughed so hard when I saw that and I just know we'll be seeing it again
Conditions at 6:00 am: 12' and overcast
Expected later: 11' and rain for most of the day
Once again, not much to report, Yesterday was pretty uneventful at work, The weather was cool in the morning but it got really warm in the afternoon. I probably could have biked to work yesterday but it would have been a pretty chilly ride in the morning. Besides I stopped at the grocery store on the way home to pick up a couple of things, (although I suppose it would have all fit in my new tail bag). Oh well, hopefully there will be lots of opportunities to bike to work.
The last of the pile of branches - up in smoke
After the grocery store I dropped in to Canadian Tire and picked up a gas powered trimmer.(Now that would have been an challenge with the bike). The rechargeable one we have really doesn't do a very good job and it runs out of juice before you can get the job finished. When I got home it was very calm so I decided to finish burning the rest of the pile of branches that were still hanging around from last year. Now that spot is nice and clear and hopefully something will grow back . While I sat outside monitoring the fire, I had a glass of wine and some cheese and crackers and read my book. I took a minute to check in with Brenda and by the time I went in it was pretty much time for bed.
One thing that was really nice yesterday is that in both the grocery store and Canadian Tire, I ran into people I knew. It's nice to have made some acquaintances that you can stop and have a chat with.
Well, I slept in a little later this morning so better get going. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and we can get out and do something on Sunday. Have a great weekend everyone. Maybe I'll get to those cookies I was going to do last night. I do get so easily distracted sometimes!
Conditions at 6:00 am: overcast and 15'
Expected later: mix of sun and cloud and 20'
It was so cold yesterday morning that it was the only topic of conversation. It did finally warm up some but with the wind, you had a hard time knowing it was milder. It's still windy this morning but nothing like yesterday. It should be much nicer later today. It was quite chilly in the house when I got home so I built a fire in the stove when I returned from Charmaine's. That pleased Cooper immensely.
Once again my little blog has solved a problem. It seems yesterday Brenda was trying to get hold of Marlene to ensure she called me, but then when she read the blog she had her answer. Once again, a public service provided! There's really not much going on today so this will be short.
I received an email from our friend Zesty the other day and there's a cookie recipe in there that I want to try. It's a combination of sweet and salty, one that I really enjoy so I will try these, maybe tonight. I can always test them on the guys in the shop.
Zesty's Sweet & Salty Cookies
As you can guess from the title of the post I decided to share the Sweet & Salty morsels of goodness. These fellas were delicious. Packed with pretzels, m&m, smarties and a few potato chips… I could eat these all day. Super easy to make and check out my packaging idea(s) – Mrs. Zesty really thinks I am a bit over the top sometimes. Ha!
Ingredients
1 Cup unsalted butter
3/4 Cup Granulated white sugar
3/4 Cup Brown sugar
2 Eggs
1 Tsp. Vanilla
2 1/3 Cups All-purpose flour
1 Tsp. Baking soda
3/4 Tsp. Salt
1 Cup chopped candy coated pieces
1 Cup crushed or jumbled savoury snacks such as pretzels and potato chips
Method
In a large bowl, beat butter, and both sugars until fluffy.
Beat in eggs, one at a time; beat in vanilla
Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt; stir into butter mixture.
Stir in candy and crumbled snacks.
Drop balls onto parchment paper- lined baking sheets
Bake in oven at 350 degrees for about 10-12 minutes rotating the pan halfway through.
Makes about 30 cookies
ENJOY!
Zesty Tip: Make these cookies ahead and store in an air tight container for up to 3 days. Good luck having them last that long.
Alright, I hope you have a great start to the week and I really hope you give these cookies a try. I think we can call this cookies…. “clean out your pantry with whatever goodies you have cookies”. I will talk to you all on Wednesday for another sweet treat.
Conditions at 5:20 am: a chilly 6' and cloudy
Expected later: 17' and sun and cloud and maybe some showers
Needless to say, it's a little too chilly this morning to even contemplate taking the bike. I have to admit, I am somewhat of a fair weather biker - for good reason. Memories of driving through the rain and three degrees in the mountains of Vermont and New Hampshire are permanently etched in my brain. Not a great place to be 'saddle fluff'.
Last night I finally finished off the grass. All that's left to do is trim around the house but I forgot to plug in the trimmer in the morning to charge so I'll have to do that maybe tomorrow. Tonight I have an appointment with Charmaine for some much needed eyebrow waxing and hair trimming'
I received a nice phone call last night from Marlene asking if I'd received a letter in the mail regarding the members dinner at the Rec Centre. I pointed out that I wasn't a member but apparently that didn't matter. She was calling to see if I wanted Steak or Lobster for my dinner. I guess I'm officially invited. I asked her how I become a member and she advised I can just pay my $12.50 when I get there. I asked Brenda once what the membership entitled you to. She told me it would give me the right to volunteer at weddings being held at the Rec Centre. Realistically it pays for the members dinner. Since I volunteer there anyway, it only seems right that I should become a member.
Not much to report this morning. Yesterday afternoon when I was driving home I put in a Queen CD and it always makes me think of James. The song, Under Pressure came on, a duet with Queen and David Bowie and as I listened to it, I thought, what a amazing thing it would have been to see this performed live. So that got me thinking, I should check the internet when I get home and see if I can find it anywhere. Sure enough I did,
James - this one is for you! - and if Freddie were still alive I can so imagine the two of us in that crowd.
