Ah, the joys of home ownership!

Conditions at 5:45 am - 18* and dark!
Expected later - 27^ and sunny

OOOPS - reopened this one to correct a mistake and forgot to publish it again!

Last night around 11:30 I got out of bed to investigate why the water pump wasn't shutting off. Going down into that dingy cellar late at night wasn't high on my list of things I'd like to do, but when I discovered that there was no water coming from the taps, there might be a problem. Lloyd had told me if that ever happened, to go down and shut off the pump. The only question is, how do you do that? Turns out to be an easy job, just flick the switch on the ceiling.

When Raymond installed the pressure tank, he mentioned that the bearings didn't sound good in the pump and it would likely need replacing sooner rather than later. In retrospect I guess I should have had him replace that at the same time. I'll call him later today and see what he recommends. Lloyd will be here on Friday night but I'm pretty sure he'd much rather have someone else replace it, as they would have all the proper tools, etc.

Yesterday was another busy day but already it seems I'm getting used to it. One thing I did differently yesterday was carry a bottle of water with me in the car. The day before I had a headache in the afternoon and I think it might just have been from the heat. So I brought a water bottle with me and kept if filled from the cooler at work, and sipped on it all day. I didn't feel nearly as tired when I got home last night. The phone was also not quite so busy, although I was out of the office a lot of the time. I suspect that Monday's may be a busy day as you get all the problems that have developed over the weekend. By Tuesday, some of those have been sorted out. It's also Honda's year end on August 32st so I imagine they were busy trying to get as many sales in as possible.

One of my jobs yesterday afternoon, made me think that perhaps I've run into another Balnar Management. It's the little things that they did for the staff that made such a difference, and yesterday this company did something similar. It was a little thing but it was greatly appreciated. The owner emailed and asked that I go out and pick up slushies for the guys in the shop. It was very hot outside, and even hotter in the garage. So I went out and picked them up and you'd have thought I brought them something amazing. But I guess an unexpected icy treat on a hot afternoon is pretty great. Those were the little things that Balnar's would have done. I think it speaks volumes about a company.

I talked to Lloyd yesterday and he and Jim are leaving today but instead of the car, they are bringing Jim's truck with the trailer behind. He has picked up my counter top and he says it's very heavy, so that's good, it sounds like it's exactly what I wanted. I can't wait to get it installed. I'm using the island all the time now and it makes my kitchen so much more efficient. I absolutely love it - it's turned out exactly how I envisioned.

Well, I'm off to the shed to try to find the water jug we used when we stayed in the bunky. I'll see if my good friend Brenda will be so kind as to fill it up for me on my way home from work tonight. It's not that big a deal - we used to manage in the bunky with limited water and hopefully it won't be too long.

Well, apparently I had more mice than I thought. I caught one last night and another was there this morning. I guess my $6.00 traps were a good investment.

Total to date: 5

Game 3 of the series, 15-14 final score

Conditions at 6:30 - 19* and clear
Expected later - 29* and sunny!

A big congratulations this morning to James, his baseball team and their coaches. ( I know Coach Greg really worked hard on this one).They were the league champions after winning the final game on the weekend. Seems they like to keep everyone on the edge of their seats with a final come from behind win. Great job guys! You can tell by the looks on their faces how very happy they are (click on the picture to enlarge).

Yesterday was day 3 at Honda and I was utterly exhausted when I got home from work last night. It was a very busy, very hot day and I spent most of it on the road. Lots of people getting their cars fixed, as well as various other trips out of the office made for a VERY busy day. But it did go by pretty fast. I even had a hard time to fit in my half hour lunch break, but I was starving so I made sure I did that. I guess that's one of the pluses about this job - I can't sit at my desk and eat all day like I did at UPEI. It would be pretty unprofessional to be sitting at my desk and answering the phone with my mouth full of food because you just KNOW every time you take a bite, the phone will ring. I've been very good about bringing my lunch everyday and then I try to eat a healthy supper when I get home. It's so easy to get lots of veggies in my diet, being able to stop at Goods and pick up something nice and fresh on my way home.

The job is tiring right now but I know I'll get used to it. I've met lots of interesting people and discovered lots of streets I hadn't been on before. If this Honda thing doesn't work out, I have a future as a cab driver, if nothing else. But I think it will be just fine. I'd much rather be busy than sitting around with not much to do.

The big news this week is the weather. High 20's and up to 30 all week, and of course a possible hurricane on the weekend. Or at least the tail end of one, may be headed our way by Sunday. Sorry Lloyd, but it looks like you're going to miss the best weather. Even Saturday is only supposed to be a high of 22 but that might be better if he wants to do any work outside.

MOUSE WARS DAY 2 - total to date: 3 - only one caught this morning but both traps were sprung. The peanut butter was licked clean off the trap with no mouse so that particular little rodent is either very clever or very very fast. We'll see what happens tonight.

Conditions at 7:00 am - sunny and 20*
Expected later - 25* and more sun!

I can't believe it's Monday again already! I guess I'll have to get used to having a shortened weekend. Working on Saturday will do that.
My weekend started with Brenda meeting me at Home Depot on Friday after work. She was having a bad day so we planned to go into town for a beer later to make it all better! By the time we got the cupboards loaded on the truck they still hadn't found the toe kicks I'd ordered so Brenda left to pick up groceries and I stayed to wait. Finally they were found and I was able to load them in the car. When I got home Brenda called to say she was stopping at home before coming here. When she arrived later, she brought reinforcements with her. Bernie helped us unload the cabinets and was willing to help install the legs (unlike my other cabinets, these have legs) but alas, the screws were missing. So instead, we sat down and had a drink. Bernie had to settle for rye, as we are all out of rum. Maybe that situation will be remedied on the weekend. By the time we finished our drink, we didn't feel like going into town, so they left and I unpacked the cabinets.

I got up early Saturday morning and did some laundry, and tidying up and got my stuff all ready to take to town. I was working at the Stratford liquor store from 12:00 to 8:30. Before I went to sample wine, I stopped in at the Home Hardware and picked up screws for the legs on the cabinets, then off to try some wine.

When I got there, they were ever so pleased that I had brought absolutely everything I needed with me. All they had to do was supply the wine. My new table works brilliantly and the stool made it much easier. I alternated between sitting and standing, but it was still a long time to be in one spot. But it was much better than last week. I think I did okay. I'm not sure what constitutes a successful day but I sold a total of 14 bottles of wine, based on people's tasting. I guess I'll find out soon when I send my stats to Chris. Brenda stopped by to visit while I was there, but her day wasn't going any better than the day before. She's had a small incident with her bike, but thankfully she wasn't hurt - just a bruised knee and some slightly ripped jeans. I talked to her later in the evening and she was just getting out of a hot bath, soaking away some aches and pains. I'm a huge believer in the restorative powers of a hot bath!

Sunday morning dawned bright and sunny, but with a very heavy dew. I knew it would be a while until I could cut the grass, so I spent some time putting the legs on the cupboards and getting them all set up. It's BRILLIANT! It gives my kitchen so much more functionality. I love it! It will be even better when there's a counter top on it. Right now I have the piece of marble on one end and a double layer of cardboard on the other. I was going to include a picture today, but I think I'll wait till it's totally finished! I baked some cookies last night just to try out the flow and it works great! I'm going to drop some off with a thank you note to the staff at UPEI this morning on my way to work.

After coffee and fresh from the oven blueberry muffins at Brenda's, I spent all Sunday afternoon cutting the lawn but it was a lovely warm sunny day, a great day to be working outside. With any luck, we should soon be done with cutting the grass. It's not growing as quickly now, as it was over the summer.

I picked up a couple of mouse traps on Saturday, as the resident rodents are starting to become a bit of an irritation. The first night I set them, the cheese I put on them was gone but the traps were not set off. Needless to say, I was a little annoyed. These were not your usual traps - they are supposed to be "a better mouse trap" and cost considerably more than the standard variety ($6.00 for two, as opposed to $1.00 for two of the old style). So last night I smeared the trap portion with peanut butter and success at last! When I got up this morning both traps contained a dead mouse. I'll keep setting them and see just how many I actually can catch.

Happy Birthday MEGHAN (2)

Conditions at 7:00 am - 18* and a mix of sun and cloud
Expected later - 23* and more sun and cloud but it's going to be a great weekend!

I started my new job yesterday, only to learn that the girl I'm replacing has already left, so in retrospect, I could have taken a couple of days off before starting, but it's okay. I just did phones and shuttle driving yesterday. It was bucketing down rain ALL day so that wasn't so great, so it's going to be even better today.

There's one little bonus I never could have imagined there being. I was walking up the stairs to the accounting office when I first got there, and there was a radio station being broadcast throughout the building. Much to my delight, it's via satellite and it's CHUM FM - what a treat to hear Roger and Marilyn in the morning. Brandi and I had started listening to it in the spring so it's nice to still hear it. I like the station and it keeps me up to date on the weather and any news out of Toronto.

One of the best things about my new job is the staff - they are ALL men, except for Abby in HR. Over the years if I've learned anything, it's that men are much easier to work with than women. Several of them are older, closer to my age, so you can actually have a conversation with them, not to mention several of them ride motorcycles, so how bad can they be?

I met the owner briefly as he doesn't usually spend much time there during the day, but he seems nice enough. His wife does payroll, but she wasn't in yesterday, so we haven't met yet.

After work yesterday, I stopped by Home Depot in hopes of bringing home some of my cabinets. I seriously underestimated how much room was in my car. I'm used to driving a hatch back and it's amazing what you can fit into those. Alas, not the same with the four door sedan. So Brenda, if it works out for her, will meet me in town today after work with a truck and we'll try this again.

Last night I was really tired, as I think I've not slept well for a few nights, just the whole job transition thing, keeping me away. I sat down to watch Law and Order at 8:00 and I think I saw the first ten minutes of it, then the next thing I knew the closing credits were rolling. So much for that idea. So I went to bed at 9:00 and sometime later, Lloyd called to find out how my first day went. Fortunately I was able to get back to sleep easily and slept soundly till about 1o to 5, which was great as my alarm was set for 5:00.

Before I go, a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Meghan(2). She's 8 years old today! Have a great day Meg, if you read this! I'll try calling her later this morning.
(Meghan, copy and paste the following information into your computer - there's a fun story about a cake shaped like a horse that you might enjoy.)

http://www.neilinnes.org/cakehorse.htm

Almost didn't make it today

Conditions at 7:00 - raining and 18*
Expected later - more rain and a high of 23*

When I got to Timothy's this morning, I wasn't able to log onto the wireless access. So, I tried one of the computers there and they didn't have access either, so I went back to my table to read the paper instead. Michelle, who works here, inquired if I was having some difficulty. I told her I wasn't able to access the internet on my laptop and I'm not great with Mac's so couldn't get onto theirs either. So she poked, prodded, unplugged and re-plugged and got it working, so here I am.

Today is my first day at the new job and I'm a little nervous, but that's normal. I'm sure there will be a bit of a learning curve but there usually is. Yesterday after work, the Advancement staff took me out for drinks and munchies at East Side Mario's. Rosie wasn't able to make it as she had to be somewhere else but she drives a Honda so I'll see her when she brings it in for service. She also assured me she'll call when she plans her next party. I was very pleased to have been left on the guest list. I received a lovely card from the staff with everyone telling me they want to keep in touch, and hopefully they mean it and are not just being polite! I also received a one year subscription to Bon Appetit magazine, which I used to subscribe to but it has run out since I moved here. So that was a really nice treat!

Speaking of food, I received a call from the lady who looks after Community School and it looks like they may be able to accommodate 'our' cooking class. They have a meeting next week and she's going to let me know. She just wanted to touch base and let me know that they were still looking into it

After I left East Side Mario's last night I went to Timothy's and had coffee and read a book until Bernie and Brenda picked me up and took me with them to Victoria by the Sea for "Letters from Wingfield Farm". It was quite funny and entertaining. He's a very talented man! A perfect way to keep my mind off the fact I was starting a new job this morning.

When I got home last night, around 11:00, there was a message from Home Depot - my cabinets are in! I'll swing by there tonight and see if I can fit the two drawers in my car - I think they should fit, then I'll have to coordinate with Brenda to see when I can get the other one home. I'm going to need her to bring a truck into town. But it's raining today and tomorrow night we have an event to attend in town and then Saturday I'm working from 12:00 to 830. But we'll figure something out.

Yesterday morning I had an appointment with a nutritionist to discuss my slightly elevated cholesterol level. She had all the results of my blood work and took my blood pressure and then plugged all these numbers into a computer program. It's purpose is to give you the likelihood of developing Cardiovascular Disease in ten years time. They seem to be all about prevention at this doctors office - what's up with THAT? Anyway, the computer tells me I have a 1.3% chance of developing heart disease in ten years. So basically she told me to just keep doing what I'm doing but did give me some dietary sheets but there wasn't anything in there I didn't already know. In some ways it was a bit of a waste of time but on the other hand it's nice to know I'm in pretty good health - but it's definitely more good luck than good management on my part, I can assure you!

Well, it's time to head off to Capital Honda. I'm not sure how long it will take from Timothy's and I'd hate to be late my first day! Once I know how much time I need from here, I'll be better able to plan my mornings.

Just anothert leasurely walk by the water

Conditions at 7:00 am - sunny and 15*
Expected later - 23* and sunny but lots of rain overnight

Okay, we actually went out for a walk last night. Brenda's been doing MUCH better than I have at walking but at least I've got started. I received my official walker number by email last week and I've started sending out emails to do a bit of fundraising. I've set my goal at $500 - a far cry from the $2,000 I used to have to raise. It's pointless to ask people at work to sponsor me as I think they're putting together a team to walk. So I've emailed a few people that have been very generous to sponsor me in other years. Like I told them, I can run, but they can't hide!

Just in case anyone wants to visit my site, here is the link.

http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=852658&LangPref=en-CA

Please feel free to make a small donation while you are there. I have another $275 to raise. If 28 people were to donate $10 each, I'd surpass my goal. Please consider being one of those VERY special people.

Okay enough begging - it's a beautiful sunny morning and the sun is just coming up over the river. I'm still at home as I have an appointment at 9:00 so don't have to go in so early. So I'm enjoying my coffee and some toast in the comfort of my pj's. But I need to soon get my act together and get ready for work.

Today is my last day at UPEI. I feel like another chapter of my life is over. There seems to have been a lot of those in the past year or so, but when one door closes, another opens, and I know it will all work out. The girls at work are taking me out for a drink after work tonight, then I'm meeting Brenda and Bernie in town and we're going to Victoria to see Wingfield Farm. I've never seen any of these plays so I'm really looking forward to it.

I was thinking..

Conditions at 7:00 am- 9* and sunny

Expected later - 21* and more sun

I was trying to think of how I could improve my liquor store experience. Last Saturday was my first day and it was less than perfect. I stood in one spot for the entire 4 hours and my feet and legs were killing me. While I enjoyed talking to people, the standing was hard, and the table they gave me was totally inadequate. It was little more than a TV tray table. I talked to Chris yesterday, the fellow who I deal with, and who hired me, and is based out of Halifax. I get the impression that this is the first time this company has done this sort of thing on the island, and there's a big difference between here and what goes on with the Nova Scotia liquor commission.
While I was there, another couple of people came in to do a tasting of some type of rum. They had theirs already mixed with 7up and were giving away T-shirts and hats, etc. But they were only there for about 45 minutes, then they packed up and left. What intrigued me was the table they were using. It was the resin folding type but only about 20 x 30 inches. They set it up and put a table cloth over it and it looked so much better than what I had to work with.

So, yesterday I checked all around for one of those tables. I finally found one online and it was $40. If I could have found one here I would have bought it but a search of all local stores turned up nothing. So, back up plan, I went to Home Depot and found the folding table legs for $20.00 and a 2 foot by 4 foot sheet of plywood, trimmed down to 3 feet, for the top was another $8.00. SO, for just around $30.0 I have a great little table that I can easily fit in the trunk of my car. I found a piece of fabric to put over the top, and one of my stools will fit ever so neatly underneath. The god part is I have the table to keep and if somewhere down the road I need a bigger table for something I can just take the folding legs off and put them onto a bigger sheet of plywood.
Now I'm all set for Saturday, when I'm doing two 4 hours shifts. The bigger display space will be much nicer as well, as you have to keep count of how many samples you give out so you need somewhere for a clipboard or something, as well as your glasses, ice bucket (for the white) and the display bottles. I may even do a couple of signs I can put on the table advertising the free samples. Now I'm quite excited about next Saturday!

Last night, I was late getting home, after going all over town looking for a table, and by the time I made supper, cleaned up, put my table together, then watched a little TV, the night was over. I had talked to Patti in the morning and the flights just aren't going to work so Meghan's going to have to wait till next summer to see Anne of Green Gables, The Musical.

I'm quite happy to see that the Goods are again selling their produce at the side of the road. I really enjoyed that last year, being able to just stop by on my way home. Last night I stopped in and picked up a huge cauliflower and had some of it with some new potatoes, mashed with some roasted garlic and sour cream - yum. I just put butter on the cauliflower and it was delicious. I was poking around in the freezer on the weekend and I found half a roasted pork loan, so I took that out yesterday and had some warmed up with my meal. It was delicious. I used the steamer I got in China Town before I left Ontario and it worked brilliantly. I put the potatoes in the bottom, cooked them till almost done, then put the veggies in the steamer above the potatoes, along with a piece of pork, wrapped in foil. By the time the potatoes were cooked, the veggies were tender and the meat was warmed. Perfect!

Today my replacement starts at UPEI. She's actually a little older than me and she's a temp who goes around and fills in where needed. We'll only have two days together (well, actually 1 1/2 as I have a doctors appointment in the morning tomorrow), but I've written down instructions for most things and we'll have time to at least go over those things. It should make it much easier for her than it was when I started, as Linda was already gone and no one else had a clue what she did. So there were a lot of questions, and much trial and error. Hopefully it will be easier for Paula.