Grass is cut and boat is out on display. Can the day get any better? (click on pictures to enlarge)
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Cutting Job
Grass!
It is a beautiful day.
The grass is growing like crazy.
Surprise!
My favorite "ride" is ready.
Today is going to be a great day.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
The Pressure is ON!
Purchase Orders have arrived. Quotes on material have arrived. Of course, we picked the lowest quote and ordered material. Delivery date is hazy. Not good. Some material soon and tread plate (diamond-grid safety grating) two weeks.
Sarnia and Brampton locations ask; approximately how long to wait for steps?
The killer is, they've talked about the order since last fall, they shop around, have meetings, and keep us in the air for, what feels like forever. Finally, we get the go ahead. Now it feels like they want the product last week. Help!
Pressure is on, Kirk is working on steps, as I write, with what material we have leftover from the last job. He is also setting up patterns for me to follow from. The cutting will soon begin. I was told yesterday that he is giving me all the easy cuts. What a guy.
To add more pressure, one of our saws is down and we are waiting for a part to come in. Another one of those two week waits.
Next week we should have some sort of production line and routine going.
That is our game plan.
Sarnia and Brampton locations ask; approximately how long to wait for steps?
The killer is, they've talked about the order since last fall, they shop around, have meetings, and keep us in the air for, what feels like forever. Finally, we get the go ahead. Now it feels like they want the product last week. Help!
Pressure is on, Kirk is working on steps, as I write, with what material we have leftover from the last job. He is also setting up patterns for me to follow from. The cutting will soon begin. I was told yesterday that he is giving me all the easy cuts. What a guy.
To add more pressure, one of our saws is down and we are waiting for a part to come in. Another one of those two week waits.
Next week we should have some sort of production line and routine going.
That is our game plan.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
One step at a time
Got my answer today on which road to take.
We just received a phone call from GE Industrial.
We've got the contract to build 30 steps for Sarnia and 50 steps for Brampton and an additional 50 steps in a couple of months.
We are busy now! My new job will be cutting aluminum.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
At Cross Road
As Kirk would say "I'm covered up!" Translation; he has a lot of work coming in. The above picture is work in progress; creative table to brace water ski pole.
Yesterday when I arrived home from Tim Hortons, our driveway was filled with boats (4), large and small, in addition to farmer equipment repairs, tanks and steps to build. It was busy, sunny, warm Saturday and the people kept coming.
I'm still having a hard time adjusting to my new job. For something that started out being "something to get me out of the house a few days a week" to "do I need this stress?"
The body and mind is willing, but the body and mind is breaking down. Help me Lord! What did I get myself into. Yes, I could just quit. But it is against my grain to give up. I probably should quit, as I spend most of the day saying "I'm Sorry". This is not only for what I do wrong. It is a combination of chain reactions of forces beyond my control. The result is still the same, I'm apologizing to someone.
When I started at Tim Hortons there are number of comments that have stuck in my mind.
Yesterday when I arrived home from Tim Hortons, our driveway was filled with boats (4), large and small, in addition to farmer equipment repairs, tanks and steps to build. It was busy, sunny, warm Saturday and the people kept coming.
I'm still having a hard time adjusting to my new job. For something that started out being "something to get me out of the house a few days a week" to "do I need this stress?"
The body and mind is willing, but the body and mind is breaking down. Help me Lord! What did I get myself into. Yes, I could just quit. But it is against my grain to give up. I probably should quit, as I spend most of the day saying "I'm Sorry". This is not only for what I do wrong. It is a combination of chain reactions of forces beyond my control. The result is still the same, I'm apologizing to someone.
When I started at Tim Hortons there are number of comments that have stuck in my mind.
It is more than just serving coffee and donuts.
We are not perfect.
It will come to you.
You can only wait on one customer at a time.
Just ask someone to help.
and my favorite
We are suppose to do it this way but...
I've had my share of jobs in the past and this is the first one that I'm stressed out before I even get through the door in the morning. It has to be me, because there are too many of them. The criticism from the younger generation starts upon arrival and it doesn't stop.
Then comes to positive side of the more mature, friendly, helpful, and understanding people that makes it worth the effort. Then I actually like the job.
So the long and short of this - I still am undecided on what to do. Kirk wants me to quit and work with him. If there is anyone easy to work with, it is Kirk!
I am Canadian
Friends of the south,
I'm on a roll here. Hooked on; "I am Canadian" commercials.
To view just click on picture. (located down the right side of blog)
Or go to YouTube for more.
I'm on a roll here. Hooked on; "I am Canadian" commercials.
To view just click on picture. (located down the right side of blog)
Or go to YouTube for more.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Is this Canadian humor?
This commercial came on at around 6:00 pm watching a fishing show and my first question was - is this Canadian TV?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dG7o9082Zb0 From the Fight Network.
Actually, the commercial we saw was insulting a female, walking a dog, but I couldn't find that commercial on YouTube. The above link is the same actor with similar insults. In short, I was shocked with both commercials.
We must lead a sheltered life. Or, go to bed too early to see this stuff on a regular basis.
Or spend most of our time watching too much Fox News (US).
I know they class this as comedy. I guess? I'm sure there is a US counter parts to this. We just never got to see it.
Crazy part is, we were told we don't watch enough Canadian TV. Well, we are trying.
Every thing I told Kirk about Canadians has back fired. I think I've been away too long or only remember the good stuff.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dG7o9082Zb0 From the Fight Network.
Actually, the commercial we saw was insulting a female, walking a dog, but I couldn't find that commercial on YouTube. The above link is the same actor with similar insults. In short, I was shocked with both commercials.
We must lead a sheltered life. Or, go to bed too early to see this stuff on a regular basis.
Or spend most of our time watching too much Fox News (US).
I know they class this as comedy. I guess? I'm sure there is a US counter parts to this. We just never got to see it.
Crazy part is, we were told we don't watch enough Canadian TV. Well, we are trying.
Every thing I told Kirk about Canadians has back fired. I think I've been away too long or only remember the good stuff.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Paying GST & PST
Kirk is still waiting for his fish-finder. This morning he set aside the money he has been carrying in his pocket to pay for it. He made a comment "when it comes in, I should pick it up on my own and pay the taxes."
This tells me the past chain of events has really bothered him. I will try to explain.
At the beginning of the year when Kirk was calling and researching where to buy his fish-finder a friend of a friend recommended a friend, who owns a sporting goods store in London. Calls are made, best price was offered, and directions are given and excitement builds. Unfamiliar with the area, and I wasn't much help because I've been away for so long, Kirk's Native friend offered to go along for the ride and he knew the area. Besides, he had nothing better to do, the lake was frozen over.
The deal is made. The ordering of the product is set into motion and out of the blue, the Native friend offers to use his tax free card to save Kirk some money. At this moment, we did not realize how much resentment this would cause. We believe it was offered as just a friendly helping hand in return for helping him in the past. Besides, we are not sure who we are hurting here? Do the "Tax Police" need this money so badly?
Well, it was brought to our attention, Kirk is trying to weasel out of paying taxes. He got a good price and still didn't want to pay that additional 15%. We are stunned. That was not his intention and is now sorry he even accepted the help.
If and when they get to go fishing, hopefully many will benefit from this purchase.
This tells me the past chain of events has really bothered him. I will try to explain.
At the beginning of the year when Kirk was calling and researching where to buy his fish-finder a friend of a friend recommended a friend, who owns a sporting goods store in London. Calls are made, best price was offered, and directions are given and excitement builds. Unfamiliar with the area, and I wasn't much help because I've been away for so long, Kirk's Native friend offered to go along for the ride and he knew the area. Besides, he had nothing better to do, the lake was frozen over.
The deal is made. The ordering of the product is set into motion and out of the blue, the Native friend offers to use his tax free card to save Kirk some money. At this moment, we did not realize how much resentment this would cause. We believe it was offered as just a friendly helping hand in return for helping him in the past. Besides, we are not sure who we are hurting here? Do the "Tax Police" need this money so badly?
Well, it was brought to our attention, Kirk is trying to weasel out of paying taxes. He got a good price and still didn't want to pay that additional 15%. We are stunned. That was not his intention and is now sorry he even accepted the help.
If and when they get to go fishing, hopefully many will benefit from this purchase.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Dogs and Kids
The photographer did a great job of matching up the kids and dogs. This is adorable!!
A friend is someone we turn to when our spirits need a lift
A friend is someone we treasure for our friendship is a gift.
A friend is someone who fills our lives with beauty, joy, and grace.
And makes the world we live in a better and happier place.
There is a miracle called friendship, that dwells in the heart. You do not know how it happens or when it gets it's start.
But you know the special lift it always brings. You realize that friendship is the world's most precious gift!
Acid Magic
It doesn't work! May need a chemistry major to analyse this.
This is a continuation of the Spa Saga....
We are now going to plan "B" - town water. With the help from my Brother, again, he is lending us a water tank to transport water. We are not sure yet how we make arrangements for access and billing of the water, but we do know where to get it. (Just a mile south of us.)
In the mean time, we are truly enjoying the tub with the too high pH and alkaline. The water looks good and our skin is not drying out and falling off, so I'm not sure this is an issue, other than the online manual says it is bad for the motors. No motors = no hot tub. Have to look after the motors. Our skin will heal it self.
Have to say, Kirks legs are looking and feeling much better. You can see his circulation has increased in his feet. Bad water or not, it is helping in the health department of feeling better.
This is a continuation of the Spa Saga....
We are now going to plan "B" - town water. With the help from my Brother, again, he is lending us a water tank to transport water. We are not sure yet how we make arrangements for access and billing of the water, but we do know where to get it. (Just a mile south of us.)
In the mean time, we are truly enjoying the tub with the too high pH and alkaline. The water looks good and our skin is not drying out and falling off, so I'm not sure this is an issue, other than the online manual says it is bad for the motors. No motors = no hot tub. Have to look after the motors. Our skin will heal it self.
Have to say, Kirks legs are looking and feeling much better. You can see his circulation has increased in his feet. Bad water or not, it is helping in the health department of feeling better.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Hot Tub saga
We now have tub up and running. The electrician did his magic yesterday (can't wait for that bill) and it was heating over night. I did a test run this morning. Too many dials to play with, it may take awhile to figure them all out, but it feels great!
BUT, our well water is not suitable, as in, the PH and Alkalinity is way too high.
I race off to Sarnia with a bottle of our water for testing. It is off the charts. This is not good news. I was told, I have to use city water. Right, I'll just call up the city to deliver some. Then, I'm presented with a alternative. Acid! This sounds worse than it really is. So far, I have introduced 250 ml of acid to the water. No change. Some of the best laid plans have run a muck.
As usual, I'm leaving this dilemma for Kirk to figure out.
I'm still going to get in this water (again) because it feels so good. Kirk can't wait to get in. (He is busy making money to pay for this thing). We may just sleep in the tub and shrivel up and die happy.
The saga continues..............
BUT, our well water is not suitable, as in, the PH and Alkalinity is way too high.
I race off to Sarnia with a bottle of our water for testing. It is off the charts. This is not good news. I was told, I have to use city water. Right, I'll just call up the city to deliver some. Then, I'm presented with a alternative. Acid! This sounds worse than it really is. So far, I have introduced 250 ml of acid to the water. No change. Some of the best laid plans have run a muck.
As usual, I'm leaving this dilemma for Kirk to figure out.
I'm still going to get in this water (again) because it feels so good. Kirk can't wait to get in. (He is busy making money to pay for this thing). We may just sleep in the tub and shrivel up and die happy.
The saga continues..............
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Pictures sent from NC
Guess they must be reading this blog.
It does make us feel better.
We are not the only ones having snow for Easter!
The upper left hand corner of this picture was part of our property. (there must be a reason she never sends picture of house)
This is veiw from our friends home near Waynesville.
This is veiw from our friends home near Waynesville.
Friday, April 06, 2007
People meet
It is amazing how people meet.
Today we had the privilege of meeting a Professor of French, who studied/worked in the US and now a returning Canadian. She was directed to our home by a native hitch-hiker.
It may be coincidence that she told us "I don't usually pick up hitch-hikers" but she was glad to meet us. Kirk explained his similar experience and that is how and why we know many of the local natives.
We may or may not ever see her again, but it made an interesting visit from a passing stranger.
(Her name was difficult to pronounce so she said "just call me Sue".)
Today we had the privilege of meeting a Professor of French, who studied/worked in the US and now a returning Canadian. She was directed to our home by a native hitch-hiker.
It may be coincidence that she told us "I don't usually pick up hitch-hikers" but she was glad to meet us. Kirk explained his similar experience and that is how and why we know many of the local natives.
We may or may not ever see her again, but it made an interesting visit from a passing stranger.
(Her name was difficult to pronounce so she said "just call me Sue".)
Hello North Carolina
Missing North Carolina
We just got an email from our "use to be neighbor". She is talking about the blooms on the Dogwood, Pear and Weeping Cherry trees plus the flowers. It is suppose to go down to 40 there this weekend. It is breaking my heart.
Well, give my head a shake. We can't have it both ways so get over it.
Bright side - we don't have to buy ice cubes to keep the beer cold.
We just got an email from our "use to be neighbor". She is talking about the blooms on the Dogwood, Pear and Weeping Cherry trees plus the flowers. It is suppose to go down to 40 there this weekend. It is breaking my heart.
Well, give my head a shake. We can't have it both ways so get over it.
Bright side - we don't have to buy ice cubes to keep the beer cold.
New Look
You will notice some changes to my blog site.
Yes, I have too much time on my hands.
The learning curve is only increasing at home.
Work is another subject and I don't know why.
Have a Happy Easter!
Yes, I have too much time on my hands.
The learning curve is only increasing at home.
Work is another subject and I don't know why.
Have a Happy Easter!
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Jack Frost Returns
Our new Hot Tub arrived yesterday as the temperature was falling. Lucky for Kirk, the weather was nice when he was preparing the space for it. The electrician said he would hook it up today but it is so cold and windy, I'm sure he will wait until it warms up. According to the forecast, it may be the middle of next before we get this thing up and running.
Well, at least it is here and we have an instruction video to watch. They forgot the owners manual, so Kirk doesn't have any reading material on it yet. He likes reading material.
What is Regular?
I'm talking coffee here folks.
Just when I think I have things figured out, along comes a customer who has a different view of a Regular Coffee.
When I started at Tim Hortons I was told it is more than just selling coffee and donuts. The training program is extensive. I found out yesterday, I'm far from finish. This place is very organized and I just want to fit into the organization.
For something that just started out to be; getting out of the house a few days a week is getting to be a life long challenge of meeting others expectations. Help!
Back to the topic. Regular coffee;
at Timmy's it is - Coffee with caffeine plus one cream one sugar.
for some it is - Coffee with caffeine as compared to decaffeinated.
the couple I waited on, it is - (black coffee) coffee with caffeine.
Now, the challenge is to quickly clarify and confirm what a regular coffee is before serving it without aggravating the customer with too many questions about the coffee. Because, I have many other questions when other things are ordered. Example; for here or to go, white or whole wheat, toasted or plain, butter on or on the side, etc. It can become like filling out a questionnaire.
However, the questionnaire route can sometimes be better than the customer rattling off what they want so fast that you have to bring them back to the beginning because you have to clarify what they mean. Which brings me back to; What is Regular?
Just when I think I have things figured out, along comes a customer who has a different view of a Regular Coffee.
When I started at Tim Hortons I was told it is more than just selling coffee and donuts. The training program is extensive. I found out yesterday, I'm far from finish. This place is very organized and I just want to fit into the organization.
For something that just started out to be; getting out of the house a few days a week is getting to be a life long challenge of meeting others expectations. Help!
Back to the topic. Regular coffee;
at Timmy's it is - Coffee with caffeine plus one cream one sugar.
for some it is - Coffee with caffeine as compared to decaffeinated.
the couple I waited on, it is - (black coffee) coffee with caffeine.
Now, the challenge is to quickly clarify and confirm what a regular coffee is before serving it without aggravating the customer with too many questions about the coffee. Because, I have many other questions when other things are ordered. Example; for here or to go, white or whole wheat, toasted or plain, butter on or on the side, etc. It can become like filling out a questionnaire.
However, the questionnaire route can sometimes be better than the customer rattling off what they want so fast that you have to bring them back to the beginning because you have to clarify what they mean. Which brings me back to; What is Regular?
Monday, April 02, 2007
Spa/Hot Tub
It was about 7 years ago we bought our first hot tub. Actually, I was the one who instigated the purchase because of my experience of owning one well before I met Kirk.
Back then, Kirk questioned whether we would use it often enough to justify the cost. It was $4000. plus the cost of wiring which was around $350. It was well worth it. We should have taken it with us when we moved.
Since the hot tub we have here died last fall, we truly miss it. So, we are now on the hunt for a new one.
It seems things have changed since our last purchase. Either our standards have increased or there are too many choices. In short, this hunt has become complicated. We started out looking for; energy efficient, well insulated, 5 hp motor/pump, and lounge that Kirk would fit in with sufficient jets for his back and legs.
Kirk now has hot tub experience. He fell in love with one that has plenty of room/jets for a tall man. (I found one smaller.) Price, delivery charges, etc. is now the issue. I am leaving the negotiating up to him.
I just hope it happens soon and my job will be to fill, maintain and clean it. Plus Enjoy!
I started this post at 1:17 pm it is now 4:17 pm. The deal is agreed upon. The deck is coming apart as I write. They made their offer. Kirk made counter offer. Then, Kirk's patience got low and called back. Something in the middle. All are happy now. We may have Hot Tub up and running by Easter or early next week. (My job, write the cheque/check).
Back then, Kirk questioned whether we would use it often enough to justify the cost. It was $4000. plus the cost of wiring which was around $350. It was well worth it. We should have taken it with us when we moved.
Since the hot tub we have here died last fall, we truly miss it. So, we are now on the hunt for a new one.
It seems things have changed since our last purchase. Either our standards have increased or there are too many choices. In short, this hunt has become complicated. We started out looking for; energy efficient, well insulated, 5 hp motor/pump, and lounge that Kirk would fit in with sufficient jets for his back and legs.
Kirk now has hot tub experience. He fell in love with one that has plenty of room/jets for a tall man. (I found one smaller.) Price, delivery charges, etc. is now the issue. I am leaving the negotiating up to him.
I just hope it happens soon and my job will be to fill, maintain and clean it. Plus Enjoy!
I started this post at 1:17 pm it is now 4:17 pm. The deal is agreed upon. The deck is coming apart as I write. They made their offer. Kirk made counter offer. Then, Kirk's patience got low and called back. Something in the middle. All are happy now. We may have Hot Tub up and running by Easter or early next week. (My job, write the cheque/check).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
