It was one of those moments. I got up from my chair in the conference room and went quickly into my office, ducking my head as I passed the stagiare. Once there I tried hard to focus on counting to ten to keep the tears from coming. My efforts were successful, but only just. I managed to blink away what was already there, and to stem the flow before it went any further. As I get older, I seem to cry more easily. Deep emotion, either sad or happy, will start it off. When it happens to him, my friend, Kilroy, calls it being ‘Momonne’, slang Quebecois word for cry-baby, LOL. I think it may be because we allow ourselves to feel more; we’ve graduated to that place where sincerity outweighs pride. Whatever it is, I still didn’t want the others to see it. I’m pretty sure they noticed anyway.
I had asked the employees to attend the meeting because the temporary lay-off period was coming to an end. Everyone was due back to work by September 7th. The dilemma is that, although Line and I have been doing our best, we can only accomplish so much. My associate has not yet solved his problem, so the promised reimbursement has still not happened. I needed to give them their options; a) plan on staying on unemployment benefits; or b) look for another job.
They suggested, and decided, to take option c); come to work and help us build up the company, taking whatever pay I could give them at the end of each week and banking the rest of their hours for later if things work out. This in spite of my warning that if my associate fails completely, and/or things don’t work out, I couldn’t even confirm payment of the banked hours. Their response was, okay, understood, but if their plan is successful, a bonus will be included when they actually do get paid.
What does it say about the employees? I don’t even have to write it, do I? I guess I don’t have to tell you what kind of relationship there is between employer and employees either. They have confidence in themselves and their ability to work with us to turn things around. What threatened to bring the tears was their proclamation that they have enormous confidence in me. Yep – that’s when I became a ‘momonne’.
Tuesday night Line came up north with me. Our nurse, the third person of our ‘home-away-from-home’ trio served us supper (cannelloni, yum!), as we discussed the various steps still needed to open our first house for seniors. The return of the employees is going to make it so much easier time-wise. Besides, they are as excited about it as we are, promising to help in any way they can.
All that said and done, I need to get my butt in gear and do some work now. I’ve started once again to stuff my briefcase with files each evening. My computer dude’s installation of the new system has reconnected my home office to the business server, finally enabling me to avoid some of the rush hour traffic.
Have a good day, folks! Needless to tell you I’m all SMILES, and they’re headed your way!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
THE STAGIAIRE'S ABSENCE
The stagiare was there today. Her reason for not coming in was valid. For not calling in? A lack of experience.
Last Wednesday night her younger, 18 year old sister was crossing the street, 5 minutes away from home, and she was stuck by a hit-and-run driver. The girl is in an induced coma while they repair the broken bones in her arm and legs; she also has head trauma. Of course I understand C.’s feelings; it’s a frightful thing to go through. However, it would take one minute to call and warn us, or leave a message, and I know she had the opportunity to do so during the 4 past days. I’m sure she also thought about it, but, being young, decided that this was serious enough to absolve her of her personal responsibilities. Then again, that is why the students do temp-work before graduation – to learn how it is in the real world. Both the school supervisor and I, each in our own way, explained to her that, yes, it was a terrible thing, and no-one could fault her for not coming to work, but you need to advise your employer. She’s a very quick study; her reaction told me she understands.
It shows the kids are back in school – at least the CJEP (Quebec College) and universities are. Traffic is back to normal, aka super slow. Even leaving a little earlier from the office didn’t help. It was a 2 hour drive home. Accidents and stalls added to the construction…UGH! I have to get used to it all over again. With a good vehicle, and a funky sound system, it isn’t all that bad, until you begin counting how many hours per day you are sitting waiting…inching ahead…waiting…inching ahead…waiting, and today mine added up to 3 ¾ hours. Friday it was a total of 5 hours, the in and out of the city. Let’s see, what else could I be doing during those 5 hours? If you add it on to an 8 hour work day, you are away from house (and the doggies) for 13 hours!!! That’s a trip to Vancouver and back, isn’t it? Obviously it’s time to change the starting and finishing times – like, do your driving when the traffic is lightest. Yes. Working on it.
Because it is so late, I took a very short walk with the doggies. We wandered down to the apple tree, and I picked one to munch on for our return to the house. I like the tart, sweet taste of a Macintosh fresh off the tree. By the end of the month they’ll have ripened perfectly, and I’ll have another excuse to invite the grandchildren over, LOL!
Bud is doing better after his confined rest inside all day, so I’m hoping for a nice, long, uninterrupted sleep tonight. I could use it!
Have a good night y’all, and if you catch sight of a SMILING face in your dreams, it may very well be mine!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Last Wednesday night her younger, 18 year old sister was crossing the street, 5 minutes away from home, and she was stuck by a hit-and-run driver. The girl is in an induced coma while they repair the broken bones in her arm and legs; she also has head trauma. Of course I understand C.’s feelings; it’s a frightful thing to go through. However, it would take one minute to call and warn us, or leave a message, and I know she had the opportunity to do so during the 4 past days. I’m sure she also thought about it, but, being young, decided that this was serious enough to absolve her of her personal responsibilities. Then again, that is why the students do temp-work before graduation – to learn how it is in the real world. Both the school supervisor and I, each in our own way, explained to her that, yes, it was a terrible thing, and no-one could fault her for not coming to work, but you need to advise your employer. She’s a very quick study; her reaction told me she understands.
It shows the kids are back in school – at least the CJEP (Quebec College) and universities are. Traffic is back to normal, aka super slow. Even leaving a little earlier from the office didn’t help. It was a 2 hour drive home. Accidents and stalls added to the construction…UGH! I have to get used to it all over again. With a good vehicle, and a funky sound system, it isn’t all that bad, until you begin counting how many hours per day you are sitting waiting…inching ahead…waiting…inching ahead…waiting, and today mine added up to 3 ¾ hours. Friday it was a total of 5 hours, the in and out of the city. Let’s see, what else could I be doing during those 5 hours? If you add it on to an 8 hour work day, you are away from house (and the doggies) for 13 hours!!! That’s a trip to Vancouver and back, isn’t it? Obviously it’s time to change the starting and finishing times – like, do your driving when the traffic is lightest. Yes. Working on it.
Because it is so late, I took a very short walk with the doggies. We wandered down to the apple tree, and I picked one to munch on for our return to the house. I like the tart, sweet taste of a Macintosh fresh off the tree. By the end of the month they’ll have ripened perfectly, and I’ll have another excuse to invite the grandchildren over, LOL!
Bud is doing better after his confined rest inside all day, so I’m hoping for a nice, long, uninterrupted sleep tonight. I could use it!
Have a good night y’all, and if you catch sight of a SMILING face in your dreams, it may very well be mine!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
THOSE SPECIAL TIMES
A huge house should be full of love and laughter and, in my book, nothing can quite complete the picture without little ones running around; distributing hugs and kisses to grandparents and auntie and uncles; discovering new places to hide, and yes, getting into some tussling and light mischief as little ones tend to do. After reading that long sentence, I don’t have to tell you my daughter-in-law’s birthday was a fun-time yesterday. In spite of the rain, the BBQ happened, thanks to a covered gallery and my youngest son, our ‘Chef’, who is also the daddy of our three young entertainers. Um – we’ll make that two entertainers; the baby is only 10 weeks old, so the kisses were bestowed, but his running around has not yet begun. Then again, his cooing and gurgling smiles are not to be discounted; so it is three entertainers after all.
My oldest son and his wife arrived early, determined to miss the traffic occasioned by construction on the bridges to and from the city. One of his army buddies was with them. The two men, using the back-hoe (much to the doggies’ delight), worked on building stone steps to access my basement apartment. Men and dogs were soaked by the time they stopped, but the result is very well done and pleasing to the eye indeed!
Yoshiko, my son’s wife, helped me prepare the potato salad, then ran last minute errands before the rest of the family showed up. Then it was chatting, and teasing, and giggling, as we filled our faces. My oldest grandson stopped in for awhile before leaving to play hockey, and my soon-to-be 18 year old granddaughter brought a pretty young friend with her. It didn’t take the uncles long to realize that the pretty friend and the grandson had something going on, so the teasing went up a notch. Young Bali, our energizer-powered 3 year old, helped his mom blow out the candles on her chocolate birthday cake, then immediately thrust his chubby little finger deep into the icing before M’mère could whip it out of reach, LOL!
My daughter and Yo gathered up and did most of the dishes; the youngest of the clan was being nursed by the birthday mommy; my granddaughter and pretty friend watched over the little lads who were playing in the Jacuzzi. It’s how we end most of our family gatherings here at home. I bagged and distributed the remainder of fresh corn from the huge sack, then the three doggies and I stood and threw airy kisses and waved as they drove down the driveway and away.
It’s evident that I relish the days spent surrounded by my family. I really can’t think of anything better. I bask in the glow of it all until it’s time for the next gathering, which will happily be more often with the arrival of fall (most of my grandchildren have birthdays then), then the Christmas holiday season.
The only blight yesterday was Bud being very, very sore after all his playing. I was up more than once during the night, giving him medication and cuddling to diminish the pain. We finally fell to sleep around 4:30 AM. It would probably be easier to keep him quiet by shutting him away from all the excitement, but I know he would absolutely HATE that. I wouldn’t want anyone to do it to me if I was in his condition, so I sure won’t do it to him.
I have a major clean-up to do now, so will get to it. It’s still raining outside, which makes it easier to stay in, turn up the music, and get the work done.
I hope you are all having a nice weekend. I’m rounding off my good time by sending you a cheerful SMILE – one soaked in the love and delight left over from a wonderful day with my family. I’m sure you’ll feel the warmth – it travels in cyber space!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
My oldest son and his wife arrived early, determined to miss the traffic occasioned by construction on the bridges to and from the city. One of his army buddies was with them. The two men, using the back-hoe (much to the doggies’ delight), worked on building stone steps to access my basement apartment. Men and dogs were soaked by the time they stopped, but the result is very well done and pleasing to the eye indeed!
Yoshiko, my son’s wife, helped me prepare the potato salad, then ran last minute errands before the rest of the family showed up. Then it was chatting, and teasing, and giggling, as we filled our faces. My oldest grandson stopped in for awhile before leaving to play hockey, and my soon-to-be 18 year old granddaughter brought a pretty young friend with her. It didn’t take the uncles long to realize that the pretty friend and the grandson had something going on, so the teasing went up a notch. Young Bali, our energizer-powered 3 year old, helped his mom blow out the candles on her chocolate birthday cake, then immediately thrust his chubby little finger deep into the icing before M’mère could whip it out of reach, LOL!
My daughter and Yo gathered up and did most of the dishes; the youngest of the clan was being nursed by the birthday mommy; my granddaughter and pretty friend watched over the little lads who were playing in the Jacuzzi. It’s how we end most of our family gatherings here at home. I bagged and distributed the remainder of fresh corn from the huge sack, then the three doggies and I stood and threw airy kisses and waved as they drove down the driveway and away.
It’s evident that I relish the days spent surrounded by my family. I really can’t think of anything better. I bask in the glow of it all until it’s time for the next gathering, which will happily be more often with the arrival of fall (most of my grandchildren have birthdays then), then the Christmas holiday season.
The only blight yesterday was Bud being very, very sore after all his playing. I was up more than once during the night, giving him medication and cuddling to diminish the pain. We finally fell to sleep around 4:30 AM. It would probably be easier to keep him quiet by shutting him away from all the excitement, but I know he would absolutely HATE that. I wouldn’t want anyone to do it to me if I was in his condition, so I sure won’t do it to him.
I have a major clean-up to do now, so will get to it. It’s still raining outside, which makes it easier to stay in, turn up the music, and get the work done.
I hope you are all having a nice weekend. I’m rounding off my good time by sending you a cheerful SMILE – one soaked in the love and delight left over from a wonderful day with my family. I’m sure you’ll feel the warmth – it travels in cyber space!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
THIS AND THAT.
We’re celebrating my daughter-in-law’s birthday today – she is now all of 29 years old. I’m not sure I can remember being that age, LOL!
We were supposed to gather at my oldest son’s new house in the city, but construction on the bridges this weekend thwarted those plans. The drive would take at least an hour longer, and no-one wants to try that with 3 young children in the car. We decided to hold it here in the bush, which is closer for everyone, except my oldest son. He grumbled a little, but was actually the one to suggest the change of location. No doubt we’ll have a great day; our family get-togethers are always fun. It does mean that I have some running around to do – go to town to buy a bag of corn, a cake, and other snacks; get the vacuuming done, and remove anything that is fragile and accessible to little fingers. Unfortunately, the weather is not co-operating. We were planning a fire outside this evening, but the clouds tell me rain is on the agenda. Still, one never knows. The temperature changes so quickly and so often.
On the work front, good fortune is still playing its hand. Another of our former clients called yesterday looking for help. He’s to come to the office Monday with his boxes of documents. In the meantime, information needed for the seniors’ home is pouring in by telephone, by fax, by e-mail. It’s rock ‘n roll and we love every moment!
The only dark spot was the 2nd day absence of my young stagiare (temp-worker). She is a student; an extremely pretty young lady who began her training last Monday. She didn’t show up on Thursday or Friday. She didn’t call, and wasn’t answering her phone when we tried to reach her. Not knowing if she lives alone or not, worried that something has happened, I called the school that sent her to us. The supervisor there was surprised, and said she would follow up and get back to me. There was still no news when I left the office last night. We get many requests from colleges and students during the year. Each student is required to work in an office for a short period before obtaining a graduation certificate. We can only accommodate a certain number; I had to refuse several students because I had already accepted this girl’s application. I hope her excuse is valid. If not, she is being extremely irresponsible by taking away someone else’s chance to complete the course.
I’m off to run my errands and to prepare for the family invasion! Have a great day, folks! May there be as many SMILES in your home as will be in mine today!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec
We were supposed to gather at my oldest son’s new house in the city, but construction on the bridges this weekend thwarted those plans. The drive would take at least an hour longer, and no-one wants to try that with 3 young children in the car. We decided to hold it here in the bush, which is closer for everyone, except my oldest son. He grumbled a little, but was actually the one to suggest the change of location. No doubt we’ll have a great day; our family get-togethers are always fun. It does mean that I have some running around to do – go to town to buy a bag of corn, a cake, and other snacks; get the vacuuming done, and remove anything that is fragile and accessible to little fingers. Unfortunately, the weather is not co-operating. We were planning a fire outside this evening, but the clouds tell me rain is on the agenda. Still, one never knows. The temperature changes so quickly and so often.
On the work front, good fortune is still playing its hand. Another of our former clients called yesterday looking for help. He’s to come to the office Monday with his boxes of documents. In the meantime, information needed for the seniors’ home is pouring in by telephone, by fax, by e-mail. It’s rock ‘n roll and we love every moment!
The only dark spot was the 2nd day absence of my young stagiare (temp-worker). She is a student; an extremely pretty young lady who began her training last Monday. She didn’t show up on Thursday or Friday. She didn’t call, and wasn’t answering her phone when we tried to reach her. Not knowing if she lives alone or not, worried that something has happened, I called the school that sent her to us. The supervisor there was surprised, and said she would follow up and get back to me. There was still no news when I left the office last night. We get many requests from colleges and students during the year. Each student is required to work in an office for a short period before obtaining a graduation certificate. We can only accommodate a certain number; I had to refuse several students because I had already accepted this girl’s application. I hope her excuse is valid. If not, she is being extremely irresponsible by taking away someone else’s chance to complete the course.
I’m off to run my errands and to prepare for the family invasion! Have a great day, folks! May there be as many SMILES in your home as will be in mine today!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec
Friday, August 20, 2010
TALK ABOUT A GOOD DAY!
I’m sure you have all had those days where just everything seems to go right. That was what happened to me this August 19th, 2010. Well, actually, it all started the night before.
The inspector gave us thumbs up for the second house on our list, even going so far as to say it was a “key in hand” residence, meaning we could open immediately after purchase; anything to repair is minor. Our meeting (the partners) after the visit was extremely positive. Each person had done the homework required – all things point to ‘GO’!
Line, being from out of town, slept over at my home. Maybe it was fatigue, maybe the good vibes, but we spent a couple of hours laughing over little things as the doggies played around us. Bud was feeling much better; nearly his own rambunctious self; that alone was a relief.
The next morning my friend Kilroy, who has been away on vacation, dropped in at the office. Okay, maybe it was to get his computer fixed, LOL, but I had the pleasure of chatting with him anyway. The rest of the day was busy – two new clients, the return of a former client, and great news concerning one who has been having a problem with the government. Our efforts for her have been successful – she has won her case. To top it off, my associate called to tell us that his dilemma seems to be working out in our favour too.
On my way home, I stopped to cheer for my grandson– he scored two of the seven goals that won the soccer game for his team. It’s the first time I’ve attended a match, and he told me the goals were scored for me! Cool, huh?
I was not even in the house yet when my cellular rang. It was a third partner (our nurse) advising me that our plans for the ‘home-away-from home’ residences for seniors have been welcomed with open arms by the Health and Social services in our area. They have offered to help in any way they can, and confirmed that our approach is a new and refreshing way to deal with an existing problem. They foresee nothing but success in our venture.
The final touch of my evening was to read Kilroy’s blog – he wasn’t writing during his vacation, and it seemed something was missing when I couldn’t read him each day.
After a decent night’s sleep, I woke this morning to sunshine – it feels like the good fortune is still happening! Life is good, and I’m SMILING!!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec
The inspector gave us thumbs up for the second house on our list, even going so far as to say it was a “key in hand” residence, meaning we could open immediately after purchase; anything to repair is minor. Our meeting (the partners) after the visit was extremely positive. Each person had done the homework required – all things point to ‘GO’!
Line, being from out of town, slept over at my home. Maybe it was fatigue, maybe the good vibes, but we spent a couple of hours laughing over little things as the doggies played around us. Bud was feeling much better; nearly his own rambunctious self; that alone was a relief.
The next morning my friend Kilroy, who has been away on vacation, dropped in at the office. Okay, maybe it was to get his computer fixed, LOL, but I had the pleasure of chatting with him anyway. The rest of the day was busy – two new clients, the return of a former client, and great news concerning one who has been having a problem with the government. Our efforts for her have been successful – she has won her case. To top it off, my associate called to tell us that his dilemma seems to be working out in our favour too.
On my way home, I stopped to cheer for my grandson– he scored two of the seven goals that won the soccer game for his team. It’s the first time I’ve attended a match, and he told me the goals were scored for me! Cool, huh?
I was not even in the house yet when my cellular rang. It was a third partner (our nurse) advising me that our plans for the ‘home-away-from home’ residences for seniors have been welcomed with open arms by the Health and Social services in our area. They have offered to help in any way they can, and confirmed that our approach is a new and refreshing way to deal with an existing problem. They foresee nothing but success in our venture.
The final touch of my evening was to read Kilroy’s blog – he wasn’t writing during his vacation, and it seemed something was missing when I couldn’t read him each day.
After a decent night’s sleep, I woke this morning to sunshine – it feels like the good fortune is still happening! Life is good, and I’m SMILING!!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
BUD
The clock beside the bed told me it was shortly after midnight. I lay still, wondering what had disturbed my sleep. The dogs weren’t barking, so it couldn’t be an intruder. My fan was still humming softly, swinging back and forth, so it wasn’t the electricity clicking off that pulled me from the arms of Morpheus. But there was something…and then I heard it, a deep sigh ending in a little whine; and knew what was happening. I lifted my head and looked down beside the bed. Bud was crouched right there, motionless except for the tremors that ran over his skin with each deep breath. His eyes were glazed with pain as he looked up at me. He leaned against my hand when I reached out to fondle his head.
‘Hurting, old fella?’ His tail wagged weakly when he heard my voice. I pushed back the blankets, and he struggled to stand upright, then hobbled slowly behind me into the kitchen. Grump-puppy joined us when he heard the fridge door open and the rattle of the pill bottle. He knew the routine. It was a sure sign that cheese would be the treat – his share clean, while Bud’s pieces camouflaged the pain medication. These occasions are more frequent lately.
Bud’s health is deteriorating; both the spread of cancer, and the rheumatism so evident whenever it rains, are taking their toll. One would never know it while watching him play outside. He’s still racing around, albeit slower, and continues to push or pull his rocks up and down the hill. His breathing is quite ragged, so he needs to stop still now and then. His pride is such that, if I dare to glance his way when he’s taking a break, he’ll go right back at it again. A born show-off. A typical male, he pushes himself to the limit, then pays for it at the end of the day. When I’m away at work he has no choice but to take it easy, being closeted in the house during the day, and only a short walk or play in the evening. On the weekend, however, it would be pure torture to keep him shut up inside when he can see all the other dogs running around on his territory. Sunday nights, especially if it rains, are not usually good.
Bud has never been a whiner. If he was a human, he’d be dubbed “the strong, silent type”. He has come through dog fights, been hit more than once by cars (in my driveway, yet!), rolled down a rocky hill, and had his share of ‘owies’. We knew he had to be hurting after these episodes, but it never stopped his continual movement, and he never made a sound. More than once I’d shake my head and say “no sense, no feeling.”
It’s different now. When he is suffering, if I’m awake, he’ll come and lean against me, and stay there quietly. I know it’s time for the pain killers. At night, instead of lying by the foot of my bed, he’ll move to the head, then stays there, patiently waiting for me to get up. He only whines when he can’t handle it any longer and, even then, it doesn’t seem to be voluntary, and it’s not loud. It doesn’t have to be; an invisible finger of love pokes me, telling me my friend needs help.
I know it won’t be long now.
Luv from the Bush in Quebec
‘Hurting, old fella?’ His tail wagged weakly when he heard my voice. I pushed back the blankets, and he struggled to stand upright, then hobbled slowly behind me into the kitchen. Grump-puppy joined us when he heard the fridge door open and the rattle of the pill bottle. He knew the routine. It was a sure sign that cheese would be the treat – his share clean, while Bud’s pieces camouflaged the pain medication. These occasions are more frequent lately.
Bud’s health is deteriorating; both the spread of cancer, and the rheumatism so evident whenever it rains, are taking their toll. One would never know it while watching him play outside. He’s still racing around, albeit slower, and continues to push or pull his rocks up and down the hill. His breathing is quite ragged, so he needs to stop still now and then. His pride is such that, if I dare to glance his way when he’s taking a break, he’ll go right back at it again. A born show-off. A typical male, he pushes himself to the limit, then pays for it at the end of the day. When I’m away at work he has no choice but to take it easy, being closeted in the house during the day, and only a short walk or play in the evening. On the weekend, however, it would be pure torture to keep him shut up inside when he can see all the other dogs running around on his territory. Sunday nights, especially if it rains, are not usually good.
Bud has never been a whiner. If he was a human, he’d be dubbed “the strong, silent type”. He has come through dog fights, been hit more than once by cars (in my driveway, yet!), rolled down a rocky hill, and had his share of ‘owies’. We knew he had to be hurting after these episodes, but it never stopped his continual movement, and he never made a sound. More than once I’d shake my head and say “no sense, no feeling.”
It’s different now. When he is suffering, if I’m awake, he’ll come and lean against me, and stay there quietly. I know it’s time for the pain killers. At night, instead of lying by the foot of my bed, he’ll move to the head, then stays there, patiently waiting for me to get up. He only whines when he can’t handle it any longer and, even then, it doesn’t seem to be voluntary, and it’s not loud. It doesn’t have to be; an invisible finger of love pokes me, telling me my friend needs help.
I know it won’t be long now.
Luv from the Bush in Quebec
Sunday, August 15, 2010
THE INSPECTION...AND LOVE
The real estate agent was already at the house when I arrived, and the inspector showed up shortly after. I made the introductions. The agent seemed satisfied that he wasn’t wasting his time when M. disclosed that he worked for the provincial association responsible for home inspections. We went over the house room by room, M. armed with a camera, and myself jotting down any remarks he made about renovations needed. One of the elderly residents was sitting in his room watching television, and kindly agreed, for a second time, to let us come in to look around. I introduced myself to him as the men inspected the pipes under the sink, the ceiling, etc.
“Are you thinking of buying the place?” he asked. I answered that yes, it was quite possible. He then told me that he had his own house in the small town close by, but that his children and family didn’t like him staying alone. He repeated, “But I do have my own house.” So the agent was right, I thought silently. They are worried about having to move.
Aloud I reassured him, “That’s okay, Mr D…. If we buy here, you can just stay on with us if you wish.” I smiled at him. “You’ll be our first official client, and you can show us the ropes!!” Relief was evident in the smile he returned, as he answered “Thank you, that’s nice to know.”
Two hours later, M. and I were sitting at the local Tim Horton’s, sipping coffee while he gave me the lowdown. It was much as I’d thought. Although he agreed that the century old house was beautiful, and would be a gem for any contractor able to do all the repairs himself, it would require substantial expense before even opening for business. This could, of course, be figured into the purchase offer. However, it would delay start-up by at least two months, if not more. He then agreed to come with us next Tuesday evening to see another of the four places we have been considering. I offered payment for his time, which he adamantly refused.
You see, subtle signs point to this venture being a success. M., who is an authentic building inspector, is one of my son’s best friends. He was one of the lads sharing an apartment with us for those years I lived in the city. Another of my partners has an artist friend whose talent is refurbishing walls and ceilings so that they blend in with original décor, and who is willing to help out at little cost too. Because of our existing agency, we have access to a bank of competent nursing home workers, and a third partner is herself a retired nurse, with invaluable experience in the field. Add to this the thought that our families are wholeheartedly supporting our idea, and the lack of adequate care for seniors throughout the province, and one can’t help but be enthusiastic.
Today, however, all that will be put aside while I take care of my own home. Laundry, floors, windows to wash are on the agenda. I also need to spend time with the doggies; I can tell they are lonesome and bored. They were shut up in the house alone while I worked longer hours last week, and yesterday the inspection, then my babysitting, kept me away from them again. Although pits are more independent than most breeds, they still need plenty of love and attention.
Isn’t it true that when you are surrounded by love, you, yourself, seem to have more of it to bestow? Yesterday, inspector M. caring enough to help out; the sweet cuddles from my little grandsons, and this morning already a call from my daughter just to say hi and giggle together; followed by another from my DIL, who got in touch to say thanks and continued to chat and laugh about the boys’ antics…..now two adoring doggies coming to put their heads on my knee, tails wagging in anticipation of spending time together. All of it genuine, all of it precious, and the glow starts in my heart then quickly spreads to keep me floating in its rosy haze.
The weather is fine, the music is rockin’, and life is good! If my SMILE was any bigger, I would need another face to hold it. I’m sending it out to you as I wish you a happy day; I’m confident you will pass it on…because love IS contagious!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
“Are you thinking of buying the place?” he asked. I answered that yes, it was quite possible. He then told me that he had his own house in the small town close by, but that his children and family didn’t like him staying alone. He repeated, “But I do have my own house.” So the agent was right, I thought silently. They are worried about having to move.
Aloud I reassured him, “That’s okay, Mr D…. If we buy here, you can just stay on with us if you wish.” I smiled at him. “You’ll be our first official client, and you can show us the ropes!!” Relief was evident in the smile he returned, as he answered “Thank you, that’s nice to know.”
Two hours later, M. and I were sitting at the local Tim Horton’s, sipping coffee while he gave me the lowdown. It was much as I’d thought. Although he agreed that the century old house was beautiful, and would be a gem for any contractor able to do all the repairs himself, it would require substantial expense before even opening for business. This could, of course, be figured into the purchase offer. However, it would delay start-up by at least two months, if not more. He then agreed to come with us next Tuesday evening to see another of the four places we have been considering. I offered payment for his time, which he adamantly refused.
You see, subtle signs point to this venture being a success. M., who is an authentic building inspector, is one of my son’s best friends. He was one of the lads sharing an apartment with us for those years I lived in the city. Another of my partners has an artist friend whose talent is refurbishing walls and ceilings so that they blend in with original décor, and who is willing to help out at little cost too. Because of our existing agency, we have access to a bank of competent nursing home workers, and a third partner is herself a retired nurse, with invaluable experience in the field. Add to this the thought that our families are wholeheartedly supporting our idea, and the lack of adequate care for seniors throughout the province, and one can’t help but be enthusiastic.
Today, however, all that will be put aside while I take care of my own home. Laundry, floors, windows to wash are on the agenda. I also need to spend time with the doggies; I can tell they are lonesome and bored. They were shut up in the house alone while I worked longer hours last week, and yesterday the inspection, then my babysitting, kept me away from them again. Although pits are more independent than most breeds, they still need plenty of love and attention.
Isn’t it true that when you are surrounded by love, you, yourself, seem to have more of it to bestow? Yesterday, inspector M. caring enough to help out; the sweet cuddles from my little grandsons, and this morning already a call from my daughter just to say hi and giggle together; followed by another from my DIL, who got in touch to say thanks and continued to chat and laugh about the boys’ antics…..now two adoring doggies coming to put their heads on my knee, tails wagging in anticipation of spending time together. All of it genuine, all of it precious, and the glow starts in my heart then quickly spreads to keep me floating in its rosy haze.
The weather is fine, the music is rockin’, and life is good! If my SMILE was any bigger, I would need another face to hold it. I’m sending it out to you as I wish you a happy day; I’m confident you will pass it on…because love IS contagious!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)