The recycling truck comes around only once every two weeks. I had forgotten it for over a month, so today I was up at 5 AM and hauling that huge, heavy container; two bulging, blue plastic bags; and a pile of folded cardboard boxes out to the end of the long, steep driveway. It took three trips to complete the job, much to the doggies’ delight. Even the beautiful Louka showed up to run around me in circles, her tail waving in encouragement. As I grunted under the weight, I eyed all three of those canines, contemplating if there was a way I could fit them into a harness, fabricate a sort of trailer……then bang! In their excitement of taking such an early morning run, and more intent on watching me than where they were going, Grump-puppy and Louka barrelled into each other. Both flew head-over-teakettle. Picturing the result if one of them HAD been dragging the overloaded container, I quickly scrapped the thought of using them to help me. For amusement only, was my thought. I have to admit they fit the bill; it wasn’t even daylight and they already had me laughing.
Today is the second day working from home. So far, so good. It isn’t even 9:30 AM and 2 payroll faxes have been completed and sent on their way; a profit and loss statement is nearly ready, and I’ve had conversations with three clients. We’re rolling!! I’m not in my p.j.’s - the stroll to take out the recycling meant getting dressed – but I’m very comfortable in jeans and an over-sized sweater, not appropriate office wear. Wonderful! A bonus is that I’ll be able to watch my hockey game tonight from the drop of the puck instead of sitting in traffic, listening to the first period on the car radio. Just that alone makes this idea worthwhile!
My daughter, Shan, is on her way to Las Vegas this morning. She has a 4-day break, a paid trip, and is hoping for beginner’s luck on the gaming tables. She called yesterday, flustered because she had just learned that her oldest son‘s job is taking him to Abitibi (northern Quebec) on Monday. He’ll be gone before she arrives on that night, and her mother’s heart was hurting because she wouldn’t be there to wave goodbye. Fred is 20, works with Hydro Quebec, and is quite able to take care of himself, but he has been renting his mom’s basement apartment since he was 18, so she’ll miss his company for sure. Like any mom, she’s worried that he’ll forget to take enough warm socks, his winter coat, etc., and realizes how lonesome she will be with him not being around every night. It’s always hard to cut the apron strings, isn’t it?
Before I get back to work, I want to check the Montreal news. On my drive home last night, I heard a doctor claiming to have spotted a UFO in the skies over the city on Tuesday. Apparently he was not the only person to have seen it. Hummm…well, 2012 is fast approaching; could this be a sign that there is some truth in all those predictions? And who should they meet if they instruct us to ‘Take me to your leader’? Any suggestions? I want to be prepared if they decide to land in the bush…….
Have a good day, folks! Mine is already looking fine, so I’m SMILING – sharing it with you!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
HOME AND HOCKEY
Noon break. It is my first day staying at home, and I’ve spent most of it handling business problems by telephone; so much for working quietly! Still, I am saving gas PLUS 4 hours travel time, and my doggies have been in and out often, and are now playfully wrestling each other in the kitchen, happy that Mistress is present. Just that alone makes it all worth while. It is a dull, rainy temperature outside, but my morale is warm and sunny. I’m humming Bob Marley’s tune ‘Every little thing is gonna be alright’. Like, hey – I’m making money and still in my p.j.’s here – what more could one want???
And my Habs won their game last night. Yep, we’re back to hockey fever. It is just pre-season, giving the fans an opportunity to see the new players in action but, as you know, the sport is fascinating for yours truly. It is definitely one way of pausing the constant business-on-brain. No-one can say it makes me a couch potato either, because I’m jumping up and down, or dancing around with the doggies throughout the whole scenario – I get more exercise than I would going for a walk! That’s also the reason I prefer to watch the games alone; I wouldn’t want anyone calling the men in white coats to come and take me away, LOL! Before starting time last night, one of my favourite players, bad-boy Maxime Lapierre, was awarded the Jean Beliveau trophy for community service. It seems he has organized events that collected millions of dollars for various children’s charities in our region. Way to go, Max!! Mr. Beliveau himself was interviewed, and he is so much like my friend, Kilroy; his looks, his walk, his speech, his class…nearly a direct replica. I can never see Mr. Beliveau without thinking of Kilroy.
Eh bien, lunch time is over. Back to work. Hoping you are all enjoying the day, and sending y’all a huge SMILE! Please pass it on – someone out there will surely appreciate it!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec
And my Habs won their game last night. Yep, we’re back to hockey fever. It is just pre-season, giving the fans an opportunity to see the new players in action but, as you know, the sport is fascinating for yours truly. It is definitely one way of pausing the constant business-on-brain. No-one can say it makes me a couch potato either, because I’m jumping up and down, or dancing around with the doggies throughout the whole scenario – I get more exercise than I would going for a walk! That’s also the reason I prefer to watch the games alone; I wouldn’t want anyone calling the men in white coats to come and take me away, LOL! Before starting time last night, one of my favourite players, bad-boy Maxime Lapierre, was awarded the Jean Beliveau trophy for community service. It seems he has organized events that collected millions of dollars for various children’s charities in our region. Way to go, Max!! Mr. Beliveau himself was interviewed, and he is so much like my friend, Kilroy; his looks, his walk, his speech, his class…nearly a direct replica. I can never see Mr. Beliveau without thinking of Kilroy.
Eh bien, lunch time is over. Back to work. Hoping you are all enjoying the day, and sending y’all a huge SMILE! Please pass it on – someone out there will surely appreciate it!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec
Sunday, September 26, 2010
CHAPTERS, & CHANGES
We had been in the bookstore for at least 3 hours before either of us noticed the time. Chapters has a way of absorbing bookworms. One can wander around, select editions, read a chapter or two before deciding to drop it into your bag for purchase, or reluctantly return it to the shelf because you’ve already busted your budget. There were many on sale, marked down from 25$ to 5$, so I managed to add a couple of new (to me) writers to my choices.
On entering the store, Helen and I had each gone our own way, drawn to our personal interest sections, but met again in the long line at the cashier counter. In spite of the crowd, the excellent service had us rung up in no time. Yep, I spent more than planned; a normal occurrence whenever I go for books. We headed for the Starbucks concession. We couldn’t leave without having one of their famous ‘lattés’. There was a table installed near the bottom of the stairs, and there I met a Canadian author promoting her best-sellers. It was Sheila Kindellan-Sheehan, and she signed the copy of her The Sands Motel for me. I agreed to send her my comments by e-mail after reading it.
It was mid-afternoon by the time I got back home. My doggies were waiting for me impatiently. The hours spent at the office last week kept them shut in the house for longer than usual each day; and now Saturday I was away again? In an attempt to make up for the lack of attention, I decided to forego housework and take them for a long walk. It didn’t hurt that the weather was beautiful, the fall colours vibrant, and my own desire to wander around outside was far stronger than that of pushing a mop. And I knew they would be alone again for the evening. My Cuban friends had invited me to their house for a fondue; an occasion one does not miss. I attended, had a wonderful time surrounded by laughter, music and delicious food, then made sure to hug and play with the doggies for at least an hour when I returned home at midnight.
Little do they know, but because of my guilt about leaving them alone for such long periods last week, the doggies have pushed me to do what should have been done ages ago. Thursday I advised the employees and the associates (who are still there for the time being) that I would be working from home on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting tomorrow. Not only will I make better use of the 4 to 5 hours spent in traffic each of those days, but my dogs will have a more normal life. A good pit-bull is a tired pit-bull. Bud, older and slower because of his cancer, finds it less difficult, but Grump, still young and VERY active, is showing his boredom by being constantly underfoot when I am at home. He’s becoming high-strung; not a good thing with his breed. A lap-dog he is not! Besides, technology permits me to work directly on the office server, telephone and fax machines are available, and meeting with clients can be scheduled the three days I will be in the city. My decision is made; now I just have to stick to it!
It is cool and gray and very windy outside right now, but still good for putting on a warm sweater and jogging out with my four-legged companions. I do eventually have to get to the housework too, so leave you now, wishing you a happy day. Sending you my SMILE!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
On entering the store, Helen and I had each gone our own way, drawn to our personal interest sections, but met again in the long line at the cashier counter. In spite of the crowd, the excellent service had us rung up in no time. Yep, I spent more than planned; a normal occurrence whenever I go for books. We headed for the Starbucks concession. We couldn’t leave without having one of their famous ‘lattés’. There was a table installed near the bottom of the stairs, and there I met a Canadian author promoting her best-sellers. It was Sheila Kindellan-Sheehan, and she signed the copy of her The Sands Motel for me. I agreed to send her my comments by e-mail after reading it.
It was mid-afternoon by the time I got back home. My doggies were waiting for me impatiently. The hours spent at the office last week kept them shut in the house for longer than usual each day; and now Saturday I was away again? In an attempt to make up for the lack of attention, I decided to forego housework and take them for a long walk. It didn’t hurt that the weather was beautiful, the fall colours vibrant, and my own desire to wander around outside was far stronger than that of pushing a mop. And I knew they would be alone again for the evening. My Cuban friends had invited me to their house for a fondue; an occasion one does not miss. I attended, had a wonderful time surrounded by laughter, music and delicious food, then made sure to hug and play with the doggies for at least an hour when I returned home at midnight.
Little do they know, but because of my guilt about leaving them alone for such long periods last week, the doggies have pushed me to do what should have been done ages ago. Thursday I advised the employees and the associates (who are still there for the time being) that I would be working from home on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting tomorrow. Not only will I make better use of the 4 to 5 hours spent in traffic each of those days, but my dogs will have a more normal life. A good pit-bull is a tired pit-bull. Bud, older and slower because of his cancer, finds it less difficult, but Grump, still young and VERY active, is showing his boredom by being constantly underfoot when I am at home. He’s becoming high-strung; not a good thing with his breed. A lap-dog he is not! Besides, technology permits me to work directly on the office server, telephone and fax machines are available, and meeting with clients can be scheduled the three days I will be in the city. My decision is made; now I just have to stick to it!
It is cool and gray and very windy outside right now, but still good for putting on a warm sweater and jogging out with my four-legged companions. I do eventually have to get to the housework too, so leave you now, wishing you a happy day. Sending you my SMILE!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
I'M STILL HERE...
Helen is an avid reader, but has never been to that huge, wonderful, bookstore called Chapters. For the longest time we’ve been planning to go together, and something would always come up, on her side or mine, so we never did make it. Lately she’s been having a rough time, and needs the break. I have $80.00 of gift certificates in my purse, and they have been crying out to be cashed in for the longest time…so today is the day. I’m picking her up at ten this morning and off to the city we go. For a couple of hours we will lose ourselves in that fascinating new-book smell, peeking into the imaginations of as many authors as we can before choosing the ones that most entice us. In my case it’s always a toss-up; there are too many. I have difficulty deciding on which to buy and which to leave for another shopping spree. Ah – if only all the decisions I need to make could be so joyful an experience!
It’s been a tough week. Long hours and stressful situations kept me from blogging, and I apologize to my regular readers. I know how disappointed I feel when Kilroy doesn’t post; it messes up my routine, LOL! However, I always end up writing what touches me emotionally at that moment, and there some things better left unsaid. Fortunately, I had a long chat with my Saskabush friend, Karen, last night, and it helped put my head on straight. She endured my venting, so now I can move on to more positive thinking. Thank you, Karen!
This is short, folks. I need to prepare for my excursion to Chapters, but I’ll come back in later today and write more. Have a good one – enjoy the beautiful fall colours that are so vivid in this morning’s sunshine! Sending you SMILES!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
It’s been a tough week. Long hours and stressful situations kept me from blogging, and I apologize to my regular readers. I know how disappointed I feel when Kilroy doesn’t post; it messes up my routine, LOL! However, I always end up writing what touches me emotionally at that moment, and there some things better left unsaid. Fortunately, I had a long chat with my Saskabush friend, Karen, last night, and it helped put my head on straight. She endured my venting, so now I can move on to more positive thinking. Thank you, Karen!
This is short, folks. I need to prepare for my excursion to Chapters, but I’ll come back in later today and write more. Have a good one – enjoy the beautiful fall colours that are so vivid in this morning’s sunshine! Sending you SMILES!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
AND FINALLY...SLEEP!
Last night, receiving a call that I would have no surprise visitors, or would at least be warned in advance if the visit could happen, I finally gave in and took a couple of Usana tablets before going to bed. It was a great 9 hour sleep! This morning I woke to a crisp day, but loads of sunshine out there. It’s a definite lift of spirits, in spite of the hours of preparation still needed for the associate’s meeting. It’s scheduled for tonight at 9 PM.
Constant crunching of numbers can lead to errors, so yesterday I took regular breaks. During those, I managed to wash the fireplace windows, the floors and a load of winter clothes. In between all that, I doctored Bud and Grump for Kennel cough (a gift from the beautiful Louka). The doggies were so happy to have me home all day! We took our short walk, and I made sure to go outside often, where they could see me watch them play. As a result, they were far more relaxed last night. I’d brought up some wood, so by 10 PM they were both installed by the fireplace, snug on their cosy pillows, ready to snooze quietly and ignore the movement of the nocturnal bush creatures. By 11 PM, nothing was stirring in my house, not even a mouse….LOL!
Today my son and his army buddy are to come and finish the exterior steps leading into the basement apartment. Once that is completed, I’ll be able to rent it out, and any additional income, especially during the winter months, is welcome! I expect my DIL, Yoshiko, will be with them. I haven’t seen her since she left our office to follow her dream of working in a travel agency, so I’m looking forward to their arrival. Being familiar with the company accounting, Yo can give me a hand verifying the report I’ve prepared too; a bonus! She won’t be working for free; I’ve a chicken ready for roasting and lemon meringue tarts on the menu, and she has always enjoyed my cooking.
A quick shower to make myself presentable, then back to the numbers I go! First, though, at the risk of sounding like a publicity stunt for Justi’s Secret Kitchen products, I must tell you her sorghum mustard is very tasty, and if you want a real treat, it is the fig jelly with warm tea biscuits! Yum!! If I don’t fit into any of my winter clothes, I’ll blame it on Justi! For those of you in Blogit, I don’t have to explain who she is. For any readers of the family blog, Justi is a writer who posted pictures and descriptions of her homemade products on the Blogit site. They sounded so appetizing, and I love trying new foods, so I ordered a selection. I was not disappointed; so far each of them has lived up to taste bud expectations! And with that, I have admitted to being lazy, and using the same post on both family and Blogit sites.
I note that Kilroy’s post wasn’t there this morning, so I had to drink my coffee reading the lotto numbers and the astrology column. I believe he has been having a problem with his blog site too. I know how frustrating that can be, so I’ll give him a break for today…but tomorrow morning I’ll be needing my fix, my friend!
Have a good Sunday, folks. I’m sending you all sunny SMILES, and know that you’ll pass it on.
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Constant crunching of numbers can lead to errors, so yesterday I took regular breaks. During those, I managed to wash the fireplace windows, the floors and a load of winter clothes. In between all that, I doctored Bud and Grump for Kennel cough (a gift from the beautiful Louka). The doggies were so happy to have me home all day! We took our short walk, and I made sure to go outside often, where they could see me watch them play. As a result, they were far more relaxed last night. I’d brought up some wood, so by 10 PM they were both installed by the fireplace, snug on their cosy pillows, ready to snooze quietly and ignore the movement of the nocturnal bush creatures. By 11 PM, nothing was stirring in my house, not even a mouse….LOL!
Today my son and his army buddy are to come and finish the exterior steps leading into the basement apartment. Once that is completed, I’ll be able to rent it out, and any additional income, especially during the winter months, is welcome! I expect my DIL, Yoshiko, will be with them. I haven’t seen her since she left our office to follow her dream of working in a travel agency, so I’m looking forward to their arrival. Being familiar with the company accounting, Yo can give me a hand verifying the report I’ve prepared too; a bonus! She won’t be working for free; I’ve a chicken ready for roasting and lemon meringue tarts on the menu, and she has always enjoyed my cooking.
A quick shower to make myself presentable, then back to the numbers I go! First, though, at the risk of sounding like a publicity stunt for Justi’s Secret Kitchen products, I must tell you her sorghum mustard is very tasty, and if you want a real treat, it is the fig jelly with warm tea biscuits! Yum!! If I don’t fit into any of my winter clothes, I’ll blame it on Justi! For those of you in Blogit, I don’t have to explain who she is. For any readers of the family blog, Justi is a writer who posted pictures and descriptions of her homemade products on the Blogit site. They sounded so appetizing, and I love trying new foods, so I ordered a selection. I was not disappointed; so far each of them has lived up to taste bud expectations! And with that, I have admitted to being lazy, and using the same post on both family and Blogit sites.
I note that Kilroy’s post wasn’t there this morning, so I had to drink my coffee reading the lotto numbers and the astrology column. I believe he has been having a problem with his blog site too. I know how frustrating that can be, so I’ll give him a break for today…but tomorrow morning I’ll be needing my fix, my friend!
Have a good Sunday, folks. I’m sending you all sunny SMILES, and know that you’ll pass it on.
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
TGIF!!
I didn’t get a wink of sleep on Wednesday night, about 3 hours worth on Thursday night, and tonight the pattern is holding. Yes, I could have used some of the natural products to put me out, but circumstances dictated that I be reasonably alert. It didn’t help that the return to work was wild, so the doggies spent 3 days shut inside for approximately 12 hours per day. By the time I would return home, it was dark, and I was too tired to go for walks or to give them much attention. They were antsy. Every little thing moving in the bush during the night sent them racing to the doors or windows, barking and/or wanting to go outside. That, alone, was disturbing. Thankfully I have a great staff and a comfortable futon at the office. After lunch I closed my door and spent an hour wrapped safely in the arms of Morpheus. Those short daytime naps are what kept my engine going.
There is a birthday celebration for my uncle, my mom’s only brother, tomorrow night; rather, tonight, because it’s 3 AM now. My brother and I were planning to attend. It would have been fun to meet and greet all the cousins we haven’t seen for so long. However, he isn’t feeling up to par, it is couple of hours travel each way, and my lack of snoozing doesn’t bode well for the drive either.
I also need to work on papers that, hopefully, will help me negotiate a solution to the existing dilemma on the business front. The consultant I met the other day confirmed my fears; something needs to be done, and rapidly. I briefly outlined the strict plan to my poor associate this afternoon. Although very distracted, he seemed to get the gist of it and reluctantly agreed. I can see no other way out of it, and I can’t help but feel that it’s kicking a man when he’s already down. However, my career and financial well-being are on the line too so, distasteful as it is, I will make every effort to have the plan accepted. It will take intricate preparation, and it has to be ready Monday morning. Fortunately, my sleeping habits, or lack of, make little difference. Computers and numbers don’t care if you use them in the middle of the night, LOL.
That being said, there was a very happy event this week; my sports-minded grandson has not only started high school, he also turned 13 on Wednesday. He’s my daughter’s youngest child. His mom gave him a cellular phone for his birthday, and he has already called me so that I could store his number on my own cell. His party was late this afternoon, and I stopped on the way home to give him his gift and birthday kiss. True to form, he and a number of his buddies were horsing around with scooters outside when I arrived; another grandson in constant movement. The party will end early, because he has his last soccer game tomorrow morning at 8:30, then is playing hockey at 4:30. The wonderful energy of youth!
Seeing words instead of numbers on my screen has been a nice break, but recess is over. I have some fresh tea biscuits, and I believe I’ll lather one with some of Justi’s Secret Kitchen fig jelly and give my taste buds a delicious treat before returning to the work at hand. Now that’s a definite SMILE!!
Have a good weekend, folks. Enjoy the autumn weather!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
There is a birthday celebration for my uncle, my mom’s only brother, tomorrow night; rather, tonight, because it’s 3 AM now. My brother and I were planning to attend. It would have been fun to meet and greet all the cousins we haven’t seen for so long. However, he isn’t feeling up to par, it is couple of hours travel each way, and my lack of snoozing doesn’t bode well for the drive either.
I also need to work on papers that, hopefully, will help me negotiate a solution to the existing dilemma on the business front. The consultant I met the other day confirmed my fears; something needs to be done, and rapidly. I briefly outlined the strict plan to my poor associate this afternoon. Although very distracted, he seemed to get the gist of it and reluctantly agreed. I can see no other way out of it, and I can’t help but feel that it’s kicking a man when he’s already down. However, my career and financial well-being are on the line too so, distasteful as it is, I will make every effort to have the plan accepted. It will take intricate preparation, and it has to be ready Monday morning. Fortunately, my sleeping habits, or lack of, make little difference. Computers and numbers don’t care if you use them in the middle of the night, LOL.
That being said, there was a very happy event this week; my sports-minded grandson has not only started high school, he also turned 13 on Wednesday. He’s my daughter’s youngest child. His mom gave him a cellular phone for his birthday, and he has already called me so that I could store his number on my own cell. His party was late this afternoon, and I stopped on the way home to give him his gift and birthday kiss. True to form, he and a number of his buddies were horsing around with scooters outside when I arrived; another grandson in constant movement. The party will end early, because he has his last soccer game tomorrow morning at 8:30, then is playing hockey at 4:30. The wonderful energy of youth!
Seeing words instead of numbers on my screen has been a nice break, but recess is over. I have some fresh tea biscuits, and I believe I’ll lather one with some of Justi’s Secret Kitchen fig jelly and give my taste buds a delicious treat before returning to the work at hand. Now that’s a definite SMILE!!
Have a good weekend, folks. Enjoy the autumn weather!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Monday, September 13, 2010
BACK TO WORK
Today it’s back to work. I’ve been awake since 4:45, knowing that the rush hour at this time of year is time-consuming, and that I’ll have to leave very early if I want to get to the office at a reasonable hour. I prefer going through the piles on my desk when it is quiet and easier to concentrate, before the employees meet me with their lists, or the telephones ring. Already aware that certain sticky problems are waiting, I can’t say that I’m looking forward to the day. It didn’t used to be like that. Once upon a time I’d have been gung-ho to return and get my teeth into whatever was looming. I’m not certain if it is the situation caused by decisions made by associates, or just plain age, but I’m finding it difficult to stir up any enthusiasm for the tasks at hand. However, I still haven’t lost my determination, so that should get me going; the enthusiasm will hopefully kick in later.
Yesterday was a dull weather day, but soon brightened by hugs and kisses from my three little rug-rats. Their dad did not have the adaptor for my camera though, so I’ll take my friend, Wiley’s, advice and go to Future Shop, camera in hand, and hope they can help me. I want to e-mail the picture of the sunflower to my son and Yoshiko. More than one person suggested that the seed for the isolated beauty was dropped by a bird. It seems to be the only explanation.
My brother was feeling much better yesterday too, so there’s another worry put to bed. We chatted for an hour or so, and I was so pleased that he managed to repair my microwave! The plastic part to hold the door closed had broken. Once again, I didn’t realize how handy the thing was until I could no longer use it.
Well, it’s that time again. Off I go to prepare for my trek into the city. One bright note is the package I have waiting for me there from My Secret Kitchens; I’m anxious to sample the tastes in those various little jars which looked so appetizing on Justi’s blog. The employees were warned to keep their sticky fingers away until I returned to the office, LOL!
Have a great one, folks! May the adventures of this day keep you SMILING!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Yesterday was a dull weather day, but soon brightened by hugs and kisses from my three little rug-rats. Their dad did not have the adaptor for my camera though, so I’ll take my friend, Wiley’s, advice and go to Future Shop, camera in hand, and hope they can help me. I want to e-mail the picture of the sunflower to my son and Yoshiko. More than one person suggested that the seed for the isolated beauty was dropped by a bird. It seems to be the only explanation.
My brother was feeling much better yesterday too, so there’s another worry put to bed. We chatted for an hour or so, and I was so pleased that he managed to repair my microwave! The plastic part to hold the door closed had broken. Once again, I didn’t realize how handy the thing was until I could no longer use it.
Well, it’s that time again. Off I go to prepare for my trek into the city. One bright note is the package I have waiting for me there from My Secret Kitchens; I’m anxious to sample the tastes in those various little jars which looked so appetizing on Justi’s blog. The employees were warned to keep their sticky fingers away until I returned to the office, LOL!
Have a great one, folks! May the adventures of this day keep you SMILING!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
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