ON OUR WAY BACK.

I know I have survived weeks much harder than these past two, but they are way up there in sh*tty. The house seems so damned empty without Bud, and Grump is definitely depressed, and has to be coaxed to eat. I’m trying to wait it out, hoping he’ll perk up soon. Getting another dog to keep him company would help, but that would mean staying at home while the newbie could adapt to us. It wouldn’t be fair otherwise. I don’t have the time at the moment, nor the desire. It’s still too soon.

The bank finally came through, although we won’t touch the money until sometime next week. I push the thought of ‘too little, too late’ as far back in my thoughts as I can. How could I not? The employees are still there, working without complaint, after 5 weeks without salary. Incredible!

It does add to the pressure; I feel I need to make it work out just to prove that their confidence in me is justified. The bright note is that I usually do my best work under pressure. Time will tell.

One hard lesson learned is that we’ve been spoiling our clients too long. Instead of accepting promises of long overdue payment, they were warned this week that nothing will be done until their delinquent accounts are up to date....and I meant it this time. The desks are piled with files, all waiting on cheques to be delivered as agreed, which is to be Monday. No more excuses will be tolerated. It’s actually perfect timing; all the companies are obliged to remit the T-4’s for tax season before the end of this month. The only way to get them is through us, and that’s NOT going to happen unless we are paid. So there!! I imagine there are a few ‘delicate’ words being used to describe my attitude right now, LOL!

On the up side...we finally got snow! It is beautiful in the bush. Each night Grump and I take long walks down the laneway and through the heavy laden trees. It is the only time he becomes his perky self, racing away ahead, then back to me, sniffing for whatever in the high banks, staking his territory. Sometimes we are joined by the beautiful Louka, and Sally, the neighbour’s Rottweiler, who is Grump’s girlfriend. Those walks are the best therapy; we all thoroughly enjoy them.

The HABS are playing this afternoon, then later I will pick up my brother and we will share a supper with my Cuban friends. I won’t stay there too long; it’s hard enough on Grump to be alone while I’m working, so I try to stick around home much as possible on the week nights and during the weekend. Tomorrow I do have to go into the office for awhile, but want to get back for another HABS’ game, then the Superbowl. I no longer dance when a goal is scored. Grump lifts his ears when I yell my hurrahs; he’s probably waiting for me to stand up and do my little jig, but I’m not ready for that yet. I know it will come, but my heart isn’t into it right now. Bud was the better dance partner...

Kilroy is still in the hospital, and I’m missing his blogging, but I have much reading in Blogit to catch up on, and that’s always a rewarding experience. I have a couple of errands to run (with Grump riding shotgun!), then I’ll get back to enjoying the posts, and you can be sure I’ll be SMILING as I do so. Sending one your way, with wishes for great day!!

Luv from the Bush in Quebec.

BANKS AND CLICHÉS

My bank was waiting on me with ‘une brique et un fanal’. The expression translates into English as ‘a brick and a spot-light, or lantern’. It means that the bank was expecting me, and they were NOT happy, so I was NOT well received. This is the fourth time there has been a problem, they stated, so the privilege of direct deposit from my business account is discontinued. Not only does it affect the pays of my employees, but it was also a service offered to other clients, for which they paid, and which I can no longer sell at the moment…so money lost. The bank official was very sympathetic, but very firm. It doesn’t matter who or why – the account is in my company’s name, so my company is ultimately responsible. I can’t say I was surprised. I had warned my ex-associate that it could happen, that his deposits had to be on time. Once again, it was late, and short.

I realize that he is wrapped up in his own dilemma. I repeat again – I wouldn’t want to be in his shoes. However, when I gave him the news, he didn’t even apologize. Not that it would fix anything, but it would at least let me know he is aware that his actions, although not completely in his control, are causing me havoc too. Instead, he continued talking about something else; maybe because, even knowing that his hands are tied, I stressed that it was HIS fault. I couldn’t stop myself from saying it; my feelings were running so high at the time. I’m sure he already felt bad, and didn’t need the extra little push from my side. I abhor kicking a man when he’s down, but damn it! I still think he should have said ‘I’m sorry’!!

Okay – enough said. More clichés can describe this fiasco: two wrongs don’t make a right, and it’s no use crying over spilled milk. One just has to be more careful in the future. Another lesson learned. It will take some time, but we shall build things back up and make my bank smile again. Quite fickle, are our banks. It doesn’t matter how the money is obtained – deposit it with them and they are happy, happy!

With a change of subject, my niece missed her flight this morning. We left for the airport quite early, but the rush hour was particularly dense. She managed to book another that was leaving 3 hours later, and is now back in NB. My whole family, especially my bro, is still glowing from her visit!

Speaking of my bro, his appointment at the hospital was faster. The doctor prescribed antibiotics for pneumonia, and Champex, a cease-smoking aid. He mentioned a meeting to be held with his colleagues where they’ll try to find a way of repairing the hole in my bro’s throat. The hole, caused by radiation treatments, allows food particles to go down into the lungs when he swallows, therefore the lungs are continually susceptible to infection. We’ll be advised further when we return for the lung scan in November.

Now, believe it or not, it is only 8:00 PM and I can feel Morpheus lurking around the corner. He has impeccable timing tonight. Is it the near-full moon, I wonder? I need to rise very early to complete the work on a project for the office, so will bid you sweet dreams, slip into my warm, bubbly Jacuzzi, and grab that Morpheus tight before he disappears. If he sticks around for awhile, you can be sure I’ll be SMILING!

Nite y’all!

Luv from the Bush in Quebec.