SHAN'S MOVE - AND SIGNING PAPERS

Although the scene was beautiful – the sun rising on my mountain - it was somewhat chilly to sit out on the gallery swing wearing just pyjamas this morning. I wrapped myself up in my old, thick, pink housecoat, a gift from my mom many years ago; put on my high furry slipper boots, and that fit the bill. My coffee cup was steaming, so warmed my two hands, and I could feel the heat off the doggies who leaned up against my legs as I sat there, drinking in the morning silence. All was good.

It was late Saturday afternoon by the time we got Shan’s stuff moved out of her house and piled into the truck. She was staying the weekend with some friends, and we parked the truck there. I drove the movers back home, and will pick them up around 3 PM today so that they can unload everything into Shan’s new home. Suzie is on standby; she’ll be coming down this afternoon to help us give the place a good scrubbing before setting everything up. Uncle Bird has been babysitting Shan’s cat, Nimo, during the activity. I dropped in on him yesterday, and the pair are doing very well together. Bird is a natural with animals. I have yet to see one that has not cuddled up to him immediately. Shan’s dog, Dixie, stayed over with her at her friends. The poor creatures must be wondering what is going on.

Heinz invited me for supper at his apartment Saturday night. He’s an excellent cook, so there was no hesitation there. He’s starting his course next week, and is rushing to get my stone wall done, and to put the stain on the gallery and windows before immersing himself into the theory studies. In November he leaves for Quebec City to do the actually handling of the machines. If he keeps himself sober, I know he’ll succeed with flying colours. He has a knack with anything motorized. We have signed the papers, and there is no longer any question about the house being mine. As has been said again and again, good papers make good business…or friends. We both know exactly where we are going. It’s much easier that way.

It’s time for me to hit the road. A quick jump into the office (and I have a good excuse for wearing jeans to work today, LOL), then back here to complete the move. The sun is brilliant out there folks – it has come back after a weekend off, so put on your best SMILE and get outside if you can. I’ve been wearing my SMILE since yesterday, and it feels great!!

Luv from the Bush in Quebec.

HAPPY B-DAY LUKE...AND POSTPONED X-RAYS

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY to my NB nephew, LUKE! He turned a big 8 years old, and the pictures of his party are posted on Facebook. I have no doubt that his Mom & Dad made sure his day was a good one!

Here at home…well….I didn’t make it to the x-ray place today. I was planning to go first thing this morning, but the phone rang as I was getting dressed…another mini-crisis… and I ended up going into the office instead. I had it in mind to leave after my 1 PM appointment with a client but, although he called at 1 PM to tell me he was running late and was on his way, he showed up at 3 pm!! Don’t even bother trying to get out of the city at that time. The only thing you’ll get is a high level of traffic frustration. SO…tomorrow morning I see another client at 8:30 (I’m going to his office, and will be on time) then I’ll stop off at the x-ray place before heading to our Gatineau office. I have a couple of potential employees to interview there, the last at 5:30. It’s going to be another late night.

The good news is that the swelling in my leg has gone down, and the pain too. Just that alone is encouraging. The medication is not too drastic; a little nausea, but endurable.

Bird’s doctor didn’t call about his lung x-rays. The dummy (yes, I mean Bird!) didn’t contact her either. She shares an office with my doctor, so it is the same receptionists that I wrote about last week. When I reminded Bird about this fact, also that it was quite possible his doc never even received the results, he promised to call her tomorrow to check it out. He did tell me he is feeling and breathing better, so that’s a relief.

Shan is moving this weekend. It’s a bit of a hassle, because she has to be out of her old house by Saturday, but can’t move into her new house before Monday. Fortunately one of our companies owns a moving truck, and it’s not booked for this weekend. Her stuff will have to sleep in the truck from Sat. morning until Mon. afternoon. Suzie, the Mrs. Clean expert, is coming down Monday morning to give us both a hand in cleaning out the new place. Ha! Another day off for yours truly!

That’s it for now, folks. I’m off to the Jacuzzi, then into Murphy’s arms. My doggies are keeping guard on the gallery, and the Dunany demons have been kind enough to give us not only gorgeous sunshine during the day, but cool night air for the perfect snooze! Wishing you all pleasant dreams, and sending you my sleepy SMILE!

Luv from the Bush in Quebec

A CHILD'S INFLUENCE

There is nothing quite like a baby’s hug to put your heart right. Last evening I stopped off at my youngest son’s home to pick up papers for his monthly accounting. Mommy was working and, Bali, who turned two in June, was missing her so badly! What good timing for Granny’s arrival! When I picked him up, he put his chubby arms around me and cuddled into my neck; I could feel the warm weight of his lovable, tiny head on my shoulder, and smell that sweet baby scent when I rubbed my nose against his soft, silky hair. Nalou, his four year old brother, got his turn in too. Hugs and kisses galore! A perfect way to wind down the day!

Three years ago I lost two very close friends within months of each other. In both cases their ends were tragic, and the lapse of time between their deaths was way too soon. My mind and heart were reeling from the shock and sadness of it all. I felt the sudden need when I left the second funeral. I made my way to my son’s house. Little Nalou, who was about a year old at the time, had just been put down for his nap, but his parents got him up. Together we watched him as he played around us; copping hugs and kisses, and just cuddling and feeling his warmth for a bit. His expression, his smiles, his embrace….it helped soothe the turmoil inside. It was something precious on a very bad day; a baby’s innocence tempering the despair of loss.

There are certain senior’s residences where visits from nursery school children are greatly encouraged. It is said that the little ones brighten the smiles of many of the elders. The children gaze on those wrinkled faces with wondering eyes, and the wise seniors respond with patience and caring. As in days gone by, and those yet to come, the generations take strength and learn from each other.

Life is good.

SHOW & TELL: VACATION

Sunday – a beautiful morning. As I slip quietly out of bed, I glance through the French doors where Grump-puppy is keeping vigil on the gallery. He turns his head; he has heard me. Good. That’s part of his job, after all. Bud doesn’t move, seemingly blissfully unaware, but I know he has heard me too. Why move when the youngster is gung-ho is prove his stuff? No fool, Mr. Bud will save his energy. He’ll use it to show off, pushing rocks twice his size up and down the hills, when his human steps outside.

Tomorrow I go back to the office. The short week of vacation is over. Let’s see….how did it go? MMM…Monday was a lost cause – my leg was swollen and painful, although I did manage to read a whole book. Tuesday was the event at my doctor’s office, certainly not helping my mood, but that was offset by the cuddles from the grandsons. Because I didn’t sleep many hours the first 2 days, I spent most of Wednesday morning in bed, only rushing to get dressed when I received the call that one of my associates was on his way to my house. Yep – that was for business which couldn’t wait, so I worked, albeit from home, Wednesday afternoon into the evening. On Thursday the phone started ringing early - more office things needing an immediate response – and this went on until Thursday night. I took a break by going to one of my ‘used-to-be-favourite’ restaurants for a late supper, only to find that its 5-star meal has fallen to a 1-star category, but still charging the same high prices. How disappointing! Friday morning was a funeral, and the afternoon spent taking my bro, Bird, to the hospital for x-rays of his lungs. We think he has developed pneumonia again and, because he knew I was on vacation, he waited until he could hardly breathe before calling to tell me about it – the dummy! Back from the hospital I fell into bed, and slept for 14 hours!!!! Man, did I feel good when I got up yesterday!! I did some writing, some washing, then went to visit Suzie for a couple of hours, stopped off to see how Bird was doing and chatted there for a bit, then came home and hit the sack again, sleeping another full 8 hours! I awake to bright sunshine, my leg is far less painful, and this vacation, although on its last day, is beginning to look much better. LOL!

Okay, so I’ve learned my lesson. The next time I book days off, I’ll visit the doctor a month BEFORE the allotted period, I will unplug the phones, I’ll tell all and sundry that I am going to Timbuktu, then keep my head down. Right now, at this very moment, I’ll stop my whining and get my butt out into this invigorating mountain air and join my doggies, who are waiting patiently for my company.

I hope you are enjoying the day too, y’all! I’m sending out my SMILE, humming “My, what a beautiful morning…” Sing along with me, and please send that smile on….

Luv from the Bush in Quebec.

A MOTHER'S PASSING

I wasn’t looking forward to the funeral. The deceased lady had been found alone in her apartment. Her torment from a long history of substance abuse was over. The authorities contacted her only child, a young man dear to my heart. He is a close friend of my son, therefore of our whole family and, a few years ago, had shared our lodgings while studying to become an engineer. He was still reeling from learning of his wife’s 12 month secret love affair, the necessity of selling his new home, and having to adjust to seeing his two year old twins every second week, none of it at his instigation – and now this.

I knew he would be strong and would bear up with dignity, because that is his way. He stood with his head high, his face inscrutable, surrounded by his numerous, sympathetic friends, and his father’s second family. What saddened me most was thinking that his mother, because of the troubled, and troublesome, path she had trod in her lifetime, would be passing on leaving only her son to remember and mourn her with any kind of love. I’m sure many people considered it a blessing in disguise.

A person rose from her seat and made her way to the pulpit, holding a sheaf of papers in shaking hands. Sincere sorrow laced her voice as she told us of days gone by; days when her friend, now just ashes in an urn at her feet, had danced and sang and loved and laughed; the days before, and between, the bouts of a depressing and consuming alcohol addiction. As my eyes filled with tears, I silently thanked the speaker. The son bowed his head. I am sure that he felt as I did. His mother’s life still meant something to someone else after all.

When it was over, and I was in my truck on my way home, I sent her out my message by telepathy. “Well, Suzie, “I told her, “Maybe your turbulent existence was needed to make him strong. If that’s the case, your life was a success...”

I didn’t need to add that I hoped, for her next time around, she would have an easier time of it. The feeling was there, and I’m certain she understood.

AND WHAT DID I DO TO YOU?

The swelling in my leg was getting worse, and painful. Because my doctor’s office is a 45 minute drive from home, I called his receptionist early Monday morning, explained that I must have lost the prescription for the anti-inflammation medication, and could he please fax another to my pharmacy? “The doctor isn’t in before Tuesday,” she told me abruptly, “and you’ll have to come to the office if you want another prescription.” When I repeated my request for the fax, she answered that it would be a long time before that would happen. In other words – if you want your prescription anytime soon, lady, get your butt over here and pick it up, and arrive before 2 PM., or go without. Her attitude on the telephone left much to be desired. Oh well, everyone has a bad day now and then.

Needless to say, I spent another sleepless night. Tylenol took away some of the pain, but not enough to be comfortable. I was pretty grumpy by the time I limped into the doctor’s office this morning, but the two receptionists seemed even grumpier. Hardly looking at me, one of them told me to sit and wait; she would ask him to write it out between seeing two patients. When I asked how long I could expect to wait, she replied, “He’s not going to interrupt his session with a patient just to make your prescription.” Still bewildered by her surliness, I reminded her that I had travelled a long distance, and that a fax would have been easier for all of us. Her response was “It’s not our fault you lost your prescription!”

Okay. I couldn’t argue with that, but one doesn’t lose things on purpose, and her attitude was totally lacking professionalism. I limped over to a chair, wondering what I’d done to merit that kind of treatment. They see me once a year, for Heaven’s sake, and it’s just in and out. Maybe the $1.00 long distance fax charge was too big an expense for the doctor’s office?

During the next 40 minutes, two patients, one after the other, went in, then out, and I still hadn’t been called. I could feel my temper rising. “If they make me wait for one more,” I fumed silently, “they had better have a damned good reason!” It was 5 minutes before noon when one of my objects of displeasure waddled out from behind the desk and locked the waiting room door.

“It’s lunchtime,” she stated shortly. The three of us still sitting there glanced at each other. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one thinking that, with her size, missing a lunch would only do her good. I saw an elderly man peer through the small window in the door. Of all the bloody nerve! She had locked it right in his face! It was too much for me so, looking neither left nor right, I limped over and opened it to let him enter. The poor fellow thanked me, and then shuffled over to the desk. He told the receptionists that he had just finished passing tests at the hospital and needed to pick up a paper before returning to pass some more. They grumbled something about it being dinnertime, but did give him his paper.

Maybe they were worried that I’d let someone else in, because I heard my name called. The receptionist who had talked to me on the telephone the day before busied herself near me, changing paper on the examination table. My doctor, a nice young chap, smiled when he saw me. “I’m sorry, I must have lost the prescription you gave me,” I told him, as I lowered myself to a chair beside his desk.

“No, no!” he replied. “It was me who forgot to give it to you. I noticed after you had left, but figured you would call and we could fax it over to your pharmacy.”

WHAT!!??

I turned to look at the receptionist. She was keeping her head down, but I knew she could hear every word we were saying. Just in case her ears were as bad as her attitude, I raised my voice when I told the doctor what had happened and how rudely I had been treated. It was evident he was embarrassed by the situation, so I stopped short of stating that any employee in my office would be severely reprimanded, if not dismissed, in similar circumstances.

Eh bien, all’s well that ends well. My growling had already subsided during my long drive back, my prescription safely in my pocket. The weather was great, the truck windows open, and I was on vacation, after all. How can one stay upset? I stopped at my youngest son’s home to give my daughter-in-law her birthday present, and any residual anger was blown away by the many sweet hugs and kisses from my two little grandsons. I’ve started the medication and, hopefully, will not have to spend the rest of my vacation days limping!

I sat outside on my gallery, a cool drink in hand, doggies at my feet, and admired my mountain view as I thought back over the event. I suppose I should count myself lucky even having a family doctor, or easy access to medical help. There are many who go without, and need it more. Dealing with sick people on a regular basis must make it difficult to stay in good humour. However, you know what you’re getting into when you choose that type of profession…..

The result of my musing was definite. “Yep,” I said out loud to my doggies. “Excuses aside, if any employee at our office did that, I would CAN her ass!!” They both wagged their tails. Any decision I made was good with them.

Was it important? Not really. So enough with the complaining, and bring on the SMILES. Life is good.

Luv from the Bush in Quebec.

VACATION - & HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAY!

Today is my daughter-in-law’s birthday, so HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAY!! She is the beautiful mama of my two youngest grandchildren, Nalou & Bali, a terrific artist, and a sweet person. I hope my Jo has planned a good time for his lovely lady!

Saturday I started the long-awaited vacation. It was a sunny, hot, ‘about time it’s summer’ day, and besides washing clothes, I spent most of it reading a book – a nice, thick book about a nurse’s experiences in World War II. I did run quickly into the pharmacy to pick up the anti-inflammatory medication for my leg, only to discover that I had either left the darned prescription with the doctor, or lost it when putting the other papers he gave me (for tests) into my purse. Today I’ll have to call him back and ask him to fax it over. I also need to call the clinic to set up the appointment for x-rays.

Yesterday Suzie and I went into the office and cleaned the area for the stagiare who will be starting this morning. It was some hot in the city, I’ll tell you! There was a man painting the stairway in the building entrance and Suzie, wearing her famous high heels, grabbed the wall railing to keep from falling. Her expression was priceless as she stared at her hand full of yellow, oil paint. I was laughing so hard that I could hardly make it up to the top of the stairs, LOL! It didn’t take us long to finish up, and we headed back to the country. As we turned onto Route 50, the change in the air was noticeable – it was so much cooler away from all the asphalt & cement of Montreal. We dropped some empty boxes off for Shan’s move, and then went to Suzie’s house. I only stayed for a few minutes before making my way home – I was ready for a sleep. Toiling in that kind of heat sure saps away energy!

And today? This morning I am preparing work for the stagiare, which I’ll send by e-mail to the office. Then Shan will need my truck at some point today – her automobile has a brake problem so will be in the garage. She needs to pick up the cheque for her house sale from the purchaser’s Notary to drop it off at the bank. Later this week she will be signing the papers to finalize her new home, then it’s moving time. I have phone calls to make, and will start on my list of housecleaning. You can be sure I’ll take time to laze occasionally on the gallery, and to play with the doggies. It is vacation, after all! Later this evening I’ll drop in to give May her birthday card and gift, at the same time get some ‘granny-hugs’ from the little dudes.

One priority of the time away from work will be to catch up on sleep. If that needs to happen during the day, so be it, even if the housecleaning takes place at night. I’ll turn off the phone, and snooze until my body & mind begin to feel normal again. A week should be long enough to fix me up nearly as good as new, before going into the rush of autumn’s workload; and a rush it will be. It has already started.

The Weather Network is promising a day of sunshine again. I hope you can all get out and enjoy it! Don’t forget those SMILES! My own is already all over my face – no rush hour for me this morning! Yipee!!

Luv from the Bush in Quebec.

A POEM FOR MY CHILDREN

One of my favorite authors on my writing site posted this poem. I just had to copy it and put it in here so my kids could read & get an inkling of what I'm planning, LOL! I did ask permission of course. There was no title, so here goes:

When I'm an old lady, I'll live with each kid,
And bring so much happiness....just as they did.
I want to pay back all the joy they've provided,
Returning each deed. Oh, they'll be so excited!
When I'm an old lady and live with my kids.

I'll write on the wall with reds, whites and blues,
And bounce on the furniture wearing my shoes.
I'll drink from the carton and then leave it out.
I'll stuff up the toilet, and oh, how they'll shout!
When I'm an old lady and live with my kids.

When they're on the phone and just out of reach,
I'll get into things like powder and bleach,
Oh, they'll snap their fingers and then shake their head,
And when the mess is done I'll just go to bed!
When I'm an old lady and live with my kids.

When they cook dinner and call me to eat,
I'll not eat my green beans or salad or meat.
I'll gag on my cabbage, spill milk on the table,
And when they get angry I'll run . . . if I'm able!
When I'm an old lady and live with my kids.
I'll sit close to the TV, through the channels I'll click,
I'll cross both my eyes just to see if they stick.
I'll take off my socks and throw one away,
And play in the mud 'til the end of the day!
When I'm an old lady and live with my kids.

Author unknown.

I bet they're already searching the phonebook for Seniors' residences, LOL!!

I left the office last night, feeling guilty because there was still so much left undone, and I'm supposed to be on vacation. I do have to go in this weekend and clean out a space for the new 'stagiare' who is starting on Monday morning. I think I'll grab Suzie and take her up with me. We enjoy the time together, and it goes much faster with two of us, especially Suzie, who is a champion in that kind of thing.

I didn't really want to accept any stagiares while I would be away, but this student was stuck. A certain number of hours working in an office is a required part of her course, and it is up to the students to contact a business where they can practice working in an office environment. This particular lady had been promised a spot in another place, then was contacted at the last minute and told it had been cancelled. She needs to complete her 4 week stage by mid-September, or no diploma. These students work for free, so there is no cost involved. However, because they are just learning, there is a certain amount of time involved for training and supervision, and none of us at the office has alot of time to spare. However, the employees all agreed that everyone needs a chance, and we have accepted as many stagiares as possible for the month of September and October, and it does give us a leg up on reliable candidates for the placement agency. Still, it's gonna be rock & roll in the office for those two months!

My vacation plans? Massive housecleaning (going through my mom's stuff and giving away what needs to be gone), supervise the staining of the huge gallery, helping my daughter finish the packing for her move, and putting some order in my home office. One whole wall is shelved and crammed full of books and Cd's, all helter-skelter. There are also x-rays to be done, my truck left for its tune-up, and a visit to the optician. Mmmm... maybe I should have scheduled off a month or two, huh? Actually, my mind is set that whatever gets done will get done; what doesn't, won't - a very relaxed, non-intensive agenda.

It's a beautiful sunny day, and I'm going to eat my breakfast outside, sitting on my swing, gazing at my mountain. Ahh - life is good.

Have a nice one, y'all! Give someone your SMILE today - if nothing else it will make you feel better!!

Luv from the Bush in Quebec.

WHERE DID MURPHY GO?

It looks like my vacation is going to be interrupted by having to go for x-rays. The doctor isn’t sure what the swelling is, so, besides telling me I need a healthier lifestyle (work less, relax more, eat regular, exercise, etc.), he couldn’t shed light on that tiresome leg pain. He did offer me pills to sleep, which I refused. There has to be another way. Even a couple of Tylenol turn me into a Zombie. They don’t really give me a restful snooze, then for the rest of the day I just wander around in space and it seems to takes forever to get them out of my system. Last night I slept for a grand total of TWO hours…GRRR…between 10 PM & midnight. I worked some, but finally gave up on that too. Too tired to write, or do anything else, but not able to stay in bed. It’s very frustrating. This morning I have a meeting at 9 AM with one of my associates, and I fear I’ll have to come back to the house for a power nap before going to the office in the city. When I’m driving is when I could nod off – it’s getting too dangerous. Maybe I should have someone drive me around for a couple of hours each night like we do with cranky babies. You think that will do the trick, LOL?

I stopped off to visit with Bird for a few moments on the way home yesterday. Frannie was there, so he was in a good mood. Frannie’s hair is red now – it looks real nice on her. I spent some time fixing things up on Bird’s computer before driving home. I was too tired to take a walk with the doggies. I had planned on doing just that – and maybe I should have. I get the fresh country air by sitting out star-gazing on the balcony, but the walk would probably have done more good, and been more conductive to Murphy’s visit. That darned dude didn’t stick around long – maybe I should chain him to the bedpost.

I did get to watch the sun rise over my mountain this morning – gorgeous pinks and greys! What a sight!! And Kilroy is back, so I have fallen into my old routine of reading his blog with my coffee. We are both happy that there is a forecast for sunny days right through the weekend. Line is on vacation, and she called us from her boat yesterday. She has been working very hard, so the break will be good for her– didn’t she have great weather this week? I’m hoping it will continue for my days off next week.

Off I go. Hope you are enjoying this sunshine. We won’t say it too often for fear of waking the Dunany demons who just love to screw up our weather!! Sending you all a big SMILE (albeit a sleepy one), so pass it on!

Luv from the Bush in Quebec.

...MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD.

A few years ago, I wrote an article for our regional English newspaper. The Federal election campaigns were in full swing, and I had attended the press conferences of both the Liberals, the favoured party in our county, and that of the controversial, pro-separatist Parti Quebecois, or P.Q.. I wrote the piece describing what I had experienced, what I had seen and felt at each of those events. I mentioned how I had noticed that it was mostly “suits” – the ‘white-collar’ business faction, doctors, lawyers, etc., those who were relatively well-to-do, participating in the Liberal activity; whereas the majority of the P.Q.’s group were what is termed blue-collar workers – farmers, those from the service industry, mechanics and industrial labourers, etc.. I ended the piece by wondering if this could mean that people thought the P.Q. was more attuned than the Liberal Party to the needs of the ordinary citizen.

When the newspaper hit the streets, there was some heavy reaction. The editor found himself having to field anonymous calls (some in the middle of the night) from irate readers. The paper was accused of being a separatist rag; the writer was a traitor to Canada; there were even veiled threats that the story should be retracted or else…. The editor, like any good editor, responded by telling the callers they were welcome to send us their views in writing; he would make sure they’d be published. He also added that they should maybe read the article again with the purpose of quoting any statement that would support their accusations. No letters were received. One fellow did call back, saying he had heeded the advice and now found he was mistaken, but we are still not certain if it wasn’t because the editor, in spite of this fellow’s first call happening at 1:00 AM, had recognized the voice and inadvertently said “You have a good night now, Robert.” at the end of their conversation, LOL.

It seems that I have once again ruffled some feathers with one of my latest posts. Although I find it unfortunate, I feel no need to apologize. Anything I write in my blog, unless it is fiction, reflects, as in the former case, what I experience, what I see, and what I feel. It doesn’t mean I’m right, nor does it mean I won’t view if another way at a different time but, at that precise moment when I put ‘pen to paper’, it is my present and personal description of events. Like any aspiring writer, I won’t ever insist that everyone agree with me either. We live in Canada, a great country where there still is freedom of speech. Written comments, for or against, are welcome. I would, however, make the same suggestion as the editor did so long ago – read it again to make sure what is really written there can support your censure.

With that said and done, Shan has advised me that nearly all her packing is completed in preparation for her move. It looks like the vacation I have planned for next week will be mostly real vacation!!! Ain’t that something?

Another footnote – I am making one of my rare visits to the doctor tomorrow morning. I couldn’t believe there was only a 10 day waiting period! I’ve found a lump on the side of my leg, just below my hip, and it’s bugging me, and just painful enough to make the hours I do sleep even less. It’s the side I curl up on while waiting for Murphy to do his stuff. Bird (my bro) is thinking maybe bursitis, but I suspect it will be wiser to get the doc’s opinion, LOL.
And that’s it for tonight, folks. Sweet dreams to you, and a great day tomorrow. I’m counting down to vacation, so of course I’ll be SMILING! Hope you’re all SMILING back!

Luv from the Bush in Quebec.

A SURPRISE VISIT

I love mornings! As a child, I would be out of bed early, certain that a new event would take place that day। Something always did, even if it was limited to discovering a new trail through the bush, learning a new word, opening a book I had never read before, finding a new silhouette in the tree tops and giving it a name (I was an avid �Anne of Green Gables� fan, thus bestowed names on everything on the farm)। Granted, if it was a bad day my outlook was somewhat jaded by bedtime, but the next morning the excitement would start all over again. Fortunately, for the most part, I�ve been able to keep that feeling in spite of the more serious trials and tribulations of adulthood (is that a word?).One never knows how the day will unfold.



Thursday morning was no exception. I was driving to work and listening to the messages that had been left on my cellular phone. There was one from my sister, Judy, who spends her time between her houses in Alberta and New Brunswick, telling me that she would be stopping by that evening on her drive to Ontario. Kool!!

When Judy finally arrived late Thursday evening, it was even kooler! With her were her daughter (I had last seen this girl when she was about 10 years old), her daughter�s new baby, and another 11 year old niece (her mom is my youngest sis) whom I had never met. What a great evening we spent together! I had picked up my brother, Bird, so that he could join us in the mini family reunion. We sat and did catching up, some strolling down memory lane, and a lot of laughing � until 4 AM!! They were up and on their way to Ontario by noon the next day, leaving me with total awe for the baby, Finn, who entered this world only 3 months ago, but is unbelievably alert � and as lovable as they come. I can say the same for both my nieces � and I hope they enjoyed the visit as much as my brother and I did.

Needless to say, I did not go into the city on Friday. After driving Bird home, then touching base by telephone with my office, I lazily strolled through the bush with the doggies, revelling in the lingering warmth of the time spent with such nice people, taking in the sunshine and the sounds of a summer day in the country, admiring the lush green of our many trees and grass, counting the daisies and brown-eyed Susans, picking wild raspberries. It was wonderful! Later in the evening I caught up on my Blogit authors, explored new writers on Blogspot, and sent a joyful �welcome back� to my friend, Kilroy, who has returned from his cruise to Alaska. I ended the day by submersing myself in an excellent book written by Louise Bagshawe (another new author for me) while eating a huge piece of blueberry cheesecake. It was sinfully delicious, worth knowing that I would have to starve myself all the next day to re-adjust my calorie intake, LOL!

I wake up this Saturday morning to gorgeous sunshine! There�s a slight disappointment in not being able to attend the live AC/DC show tonight in Montreal, but it will pass. Everything happens for a reason, so if I don�t get to see my favourite group rock the city, it is because there is something else reserved for me this day. What can it be??
Whatever it is, I�ll be waiting, and smiling in anticipation.

Luv from the Bush in Quebec.

We were sitting in the lunchroom when the waiting room door tweeter sounded. I looked at my watch. 12:40. “Are we expecting someone?” I asked, glancing around the table at my work colleagues. They all shook their heads, one of them adding that her next interview was scheduled for 13:30. We try to discourage applicants between noon and 1:00. The workday is hectic enough, and it has been unanimously agreed that the lunch hour is a constructive break.

Because I was seated at the end of the table, therefore closest to the lunchroom exit, I went to check it out. I opened the solid door between the waiting area and our offices. The intruder was standing there, peering through the side windows. I looked him over as he turned to me. A young man with dark hair, glasses, slightly stout, attired in a royal blue shirt with long sleeves, in spite of the summer heat, and black dress pants and shiny black shoes. The ‘60’s business era..

“Can I help you?” I asked in French. He replied in the same language.

“I have an appointment.” He gave me his full name. It was the candidate my colleague was expecting for 1:30.

“You’re early,” I switched to English. It is a pre-interview tactic we use to gauge the bilingualism of potential employees.

“I’m sorry.” Apologetic, but not sheepish, and in English. “I’ll come back later. I just wanted to be sure to find the right address.” There was a slight Spanish accent. Trilingual, huh? I caught him before he could spin around to leave.

“No, it’s okay. Come on in. I’ll have you fill out the application form while we finish lunch. It should take you at least that long.” His smile and his ‘Thank you!’ were both sincere as he walked towards me and entered the room. I gave him the forms. He had his own pen at the ready, and smiled at me again as he took the paper from me. “I think we have a winner,” I told myself as I returned to my meal. I was right. He passed all the tests, except one, with flying colours. When I told him he needed some revision on the one he had missed, he immediately asked if we could provide the service. We could, and we do – and it won him more points.

A regular client called about 3 hours after his departure; the owner of a small, yet growing company, who wanted another full-time employee. The competence required was exactly what my royal-blue-shirt could offer. When I called the first number on his application, a lady answered. It was Mama, no doubt. I asked her to have him call me back, and she laughed with pleasure when I gave her the telephone number in Spanish. Her son (it really was his Mama!) returned the call within fifteen minutes He also laughed with pleasure when I told him “You have a job.”

It’s hard to believe that we are getting paid to feel so good inside.

ON GOING BACK HOME...

“So you’ve forgiven him. Again.” It was more a statement than a question. I didn’t answer her immediately. Her words provoked thought. Is that what it was? Forgiveness? Or was it something more subtle? The term ‘forgive’ didn’t quite fit. She waited in silence as I pondered my answer.

We were sitting on her stairs outside, watching the purple summer dusk settle over the tree-filled mountain facing her house. I knew she had wanted to ask much earlier, and if I changed the subject now, she would let it go. For the moment. That is what close friends do. I sighed. Might as well get it over with.

“I’m not sure forgive is the right word,” I finally said. “It takes two to tango.”

“Violence is not an answer.” Her voice was firm.

“You know that and I know that,” I replied. “But his training has been different. He has existed with it most of his life. For him, it has been the only way to survive.”

“Not with you! Never with you! You don’t deserve that!! Don’t make excuses for him!”

She was right, of course. If you looked at it in black and white, what he had done was inexcusable. But, as in with most situations, there were grey areas. Grey areas are difficult to pin down, let alone explain. I began to speak, feeling my way as I did so, raking my emotions into a little pile, then watching them scatter again, in an attempt to help both of us understand my decision to return home. She listened as I reminded her of the years of caring, money and work both he and I had invested in our relationship.

The relationship was not normal by any standards. There was the age-gap, the up-bringing, the family values (or lack thereof), the culture of our nationalities and, of course, our so very different attitudes when dealing with the ups and downs of life. We were the perfect example of ‘opposites attract’. Numerous compromises were required. To an outsider, I was the one making most of them. It was true. He admitted it himself, and also agreed that, of the two of us, I was the one most able to handle it. His strength lay elsewhere.

She was looking at me, her expression doubtful, but accepting. Close friends do that too – they don’t have to completely understand or support your reasoning – they love you anyway.

“I can’t help but worry. He could have killed you.”

“The key word is ‘could!” I soothed her. “But he didn’t. Even as drunk as he was, I don’t think he actually swung at me. And I gave nearly as good as I got in the tussle. If I was bigger or had his practise, he’d have been the one running.” I smiled at her. “Think of it as an Ozzy Osbourne-Sharon scenario.”

She frowned. “Yeh, well I think they’re both crazy, so that doesn’t help.” I could tell she wanted to say more, but she stood and gathered our wine glasses instead. “Time for a refill,” she said, then headed inside. When she returned, I took the glass she held out to me and waited until she sat down before I continued my explanation.

“Listen, he’s working again, everyday. He knows that the booze is his problem, and one of his ways of avoiding the booze is to be on the job. He’s too tired at night to even think about getting so drunk.” I could tell my comment did little to reassure her. Hell, I wasn’t sure myself, so I couldn’t blame her. I was having problems holding up my own end of the bargain we had made before reconciliation, and his was much harder to keep than mine.

“I’ve been trying to do my part too. I get home as early as I can; I’ve stopped working most of the weekends. It seems the more time we spend together, the better we get along. I was giving all my energy to my business, in huge part because I was fed up coming home to a drunken, mouthy idiot every night. And he was getting drunk because he was alone with his thoughts most of the time” I sighed, lowering my chin to rest on my hand. “It was like a vicious circle.” I hesitated, not wanting to relive it again. I was taking a huge chance going back, and I knew it. Yet……“He is such a different guy when he is sober.” I shook my head.

I felt her hand on my shoulder. “I know,” she sympathized. “They all are, but he takes it to the extreme. Still, if you’re sure you’ll be okay, and that’s what you want…”

This I could answer with certainty. “Yes, that’s what I want. And that’s what he wants too. We just have to work harder on it. Nothing worth having is easy, they say.”

“Okay, then!” She capitulated as she lifted her glass in a toast. “Here’s to you being back in your home that you love, surrounded by the mountains you love, with the dude you love!”

“And to the doggies I love! Don’t forget the doggies!!” We laughed together as the glasses clinked. It was time for another refill.

ALREADY AUGUST?

Wow, has it really been that long since I’ve posted in here? My, time has a way of floating right past us, doesn’t it? Especially if you are working with a deadline on any special project. One of our own companies is at its year-end (as on July 31st) and, try as I might, it just didn’t happen! Interruptions are numerous at the office. That’s a good thing – it means business is still rolling – but it can also hinder concentration, a requirement for another part of business, the accounting part. I finally gave up on Friday – I knew there was no way I’d be finished. Once upon a time this would have upset me enormously, but age has mellowed this old gal. I’m finally learning that it’s no use crying over spilled milk – just be careful how you handle the jug next time. The associates will all be back from their vacation tomorrow, and will be available for the daily office stuff, so today I will scoot up there, pick the necessary documents, and then spend the next two days finishing up the project from home. It will give me at least 3 hours per day more to work at it - the minimum time for negotiating traffic to and from the city. The official construction holiday practiced in Quebec ends today – rush hour can only get worse from here on. UGH!

Shan’s move is still up in the air. Her present house is sold, but she is waiting on the bank’s answer concerning the house she was planning to buy. She knows she has to move, but isn’t quite sure where to yet. Talk about arming yourself with patience, LOL!

I need to stop to see the Bird today. He was doing okay when I spoke to him by phone on Friday. Fran is back in the picture, so that is already a lift of spirits for him. My Detroit Suzie sent me a fax telling me she’d be returning here next weekend – for how long I don’t know. I’m glad – I’ve been missing her. I noticed late last night that my Cubans had called my cell phone yesterday too. They left no message, but I’ll get in touch today to see what’s up. I also need to stop and see Jo so that he can reset my oil-change-doodad in my truck. The garage who did the work neglected to do that, and the oil light is continually flashing - like a Christmas tree. I know the oil is good, but will have to watch the mileage now for the next change instead of depending on the warning system. Another string to tie around my finger! Pretty soon we won’t see my hands at all – just a wad of cord at the end of my arms, LOL!

Off I go, folks! I have been writing a few minutes each day, but need to polish it (checking for spelling mistakes, awkward sentence formation, etc.) before inflicting it on anyone. I will try to get to it this week. Speaking of which – have you figured out the posting method, W. Wendy? I haven’t seen anything new in your Blog for a few days.

Have a good day, y’all! SMILE – even if it rains today. We’re still better off getting wet than fighting forest fires!

Luv from the Bush in Quebec.