Our new Friend

It seems that we will be seeing a lot more of our new very friendly Andy, age 42 and without drivers licence.

Kirk spent a good bit of time with Andy yesterday. According to Kirk it was informatitive and interesting. They shared ideas and offered each other the services of their talents. Kirk trying to staying on the side of caution hoping that his instincts are correct that this will be a positive encounter. He feels paths cross for a reason.

Andy explained some history of Indian symbols and mentioned that he is an artist. He also offered to teach me how to bake bread? This is before Kirk told him I worked in the bakery at IGA. The visit slowly came to an end when Kirk informed him that he couldn't afford to hire him as he didn't have any money or a job himself. He drove Andy home, which is just minutes down the road.

We did enjoy the fish Andy gave us and thanked the Lord for this bounty.

Gone Fishing!

Yesterday was a GREAT day for Kirk. He finally got to go fishing. Of course he didn't catch any but that was just fine he had a great time trying. It was the thrill of being with Frank and putting the boat in the water, trolling around giving it their best shot at drowning some lures.

To top it off the weather was perfect. It is hard to believe we are in Canada. It got up to 51 degrees Fahrenheit and the lake was smooth as glass. (Today it is 42 and raining buckets)

It sounds like their biggest challenge was getting the boat motor started. You have to remember that some time has past since Kirk has had this boat in water. Memory is also something that comes and goes. Apparently it took an about an hour of trying to start the motor when it dawned on Kirk that he had to plug in the kill switch key. The motor fired up right away and off they went.

I believe he will talk about this day for some time. This is good to get his mind off his troubles.
The cute part, Frank called this morning with a message for Kirk. He saw fish. The Indians are pulling in their nets just off the shore in 3 feet of water with lots of fish in them. So, there are fish out there.

Talking about Indians, on his way home from his fishing trip he stopped for a hitchhiker. This could be good or bad? Kirk told me his name. I forgot already. It is that memory thing. Anyway, because Kirk made the extra effort to take him into town (Forest) to an ATM machine via our place to drop off the boat and back to the plaza on the reservation, the hitchhiker offered him delivery of some fish.

Our new friend arrived at our sliding door about a half hour ago with fish. He also needed to use the rest room. I directed him to the other entrance so that he wouldn't be tracking through the dining room/kitchen area. To me, he seemed to be intoxicated on something but who am I to judge I'm drinking beer. While he was in the rest room I gave Kirk a look (if you know what I mean) and told him to take him to the shop! At this point in time I don't know what is happening and I'm not sure I want to know. The crazy part is, it seems like deja vu. I feel like I dreamt about this and I can't remember the ending. Hope it was good!

Shoot

Getting a gun license has got Kirk up in arms!

He is trying his best to follow all the rules and regulations presented. Nov. 20, 2005 he left his guns at the border. Completed the paperwork, the course, paid the fee and applied for the license. Due to delays of unknown reasons had to get an extension at the border. The extension is soon running out so he calls the firearms department. He managed to talk to someone who is on a power trip. Telling him that all the information he received is wrong and she is the only one that he should talk to and he needed to get a copy of his background check from North Carolina before anything further would happen with his license. (Copy of this request is in the mail somewhere). We are dumbfounded.

For immigration he got a background check which we sent off to immigration, dumb bunny here didn't keep a copy before sending it. Now the phone calls begin. Immigration will not give us a copy, NC police department won't send us a copy, besides there was nothing in the firearms booklet or on application stating that this was needed.

An hour ago, Kirk came in the house for a break. I could tell he is really upset. He mentioned that he is finding it very hard not to say what he really would like to say to the person on the other end of the line. It is hard for him to understand, you have to have guns to get a license but you have to have a license to get your guns. At this point in time he has neither. It makes you want to do something. (I won't say what).

Comparisons

Yesterday was a fun day. We started the day a 4:00 am because I had to be at work at 5:00 am. I had a great day at work just learning the routine and absorbing the comradeship of the younger generation. It was good and yet it made me feel old. I try not to do this but it happens anyway, living in the past and the comparisons of past and present.

When I first moved to Florida/North Carolina I compared everything to Canada. How things were done and better. As time went on I adjusted and tried to fit in. The fit in part never really happened because I always got "you're not from around here, are you?" Now that I'm back in Canada I find myself comparing things to the USA. I want to rush the adjustment time so that I fit in. I think, all I have to do is stop talking about the past. This is hard to do.

The day got better. Unexpected company arrived. My sister Monique and her husband Don, of London Ontario, came to visit and my brother Frank dropped by. We're thrilled. Since company is not something that has happened often since we moved here. (Well, we only arrived here Nov. 1, 2005). Bad part is I found myself dwelling in the past again and comparing Canada & USA. It is like trying to teach an old dog new tricks. They say it can be done.

Hopefully we don't come across as judgmental or critics. We don't mean to. You've heard the phase, "When in Rome do as the Romans" We are trying our best to "When in Canada do as the Canadians". We just need some direction here. Some things may not change. Kirk may never talk in Celsius and Kilometers. He may never watch hockey but he does find curling interesting. Fishing seems to be the only thing on his mind and I believe this is a universal activity. (except for some of the rules like no lights under water at night)

Getting acclimated. Years ago (going to the past again) when I lived here most of my life and selling insurance I had an appointment with a couple who I thought at that time was crazy. Their home was so cold that I believe I left my coat on during my sales interview. They tried to convince me that getting acclimated to the outdoor temperatures was good for the body. Ok, only an Eskimo would have liked the temperature of their home. Well now I'm trying this acclimation thing very slowly. We keep the thermostats low. When the fireplace burns out the house is cool and we just put more clothing on. That's it for acclimation.

Some of the things we like (the list is a lot longer than what I'm about to write and not in any order of importance): flat land, early beautiful sunrise, late beautiful sunsets, no close neighbor's, fireplace, hot tub with snow around it to keep beer cold, the huge shop, lots of parking, parking my truck in garage, blue box, returnable beer bottles, gas cook stove, close to family, close to our work, close to lake, close to border, making new friends, price of produce, etc.

Some of the things we miss (again, list is a lot longer and in no particular order): our friends, price of booze, cigarettes, poultry, meat, eggs, milk etc., our Budweiser salesman, warmer winters, our refridgerator, city water and a hot tub that I could keep the PH right, 3 phase electric, and I think, the John Deer riding mower that we sold.

Some how I know this comparison thing will not end soon. But we will do our best to be Canadian.

Dough Girl

Garlic bread sticks, cheese bread sticks, pizza bread, deluxe cheese rolls, and there is more I still have to try.

On my break I purchase the bread that smells so good fresh out of the oven. I love bread, garlic, and cheese. Sure hope this craving for bread will pass soon or I'll start looking like the Pillsbury dough boy.

This evening I served the heated garlic twists to Kirk with his steak. He is not a bread eater but he really liked them. It has to be the garlic. Kirk loves it that I'm working at a grocery store again. It makes his meals more interesting. On my breaks I check out the other departments for what they have on special. It is a deciding factor on what he will have for dinner.

I got to ice some cakes today. It has been over a year since I last decorated cakes and it showed. I was embarrassed. I need practice and I gave all my tools away before we moved here. Dumb move. Well, others learn/practice on the job. I guess that is what I'll have to do and enjoy the challenge.

Had a great day and hope "you all" did too.