Leaving....on a jet plane

Hurray, I'm officially on vacation!  It's a short one, Thursday evening through Tuesday, but that's okay.  I am soooo ready to get away for a few days.

My adult children are also happy as they're planning a get together with friends tomorrow night. They know the house better be cleaned up by the time I get home!

Anyway, this trip is taking out to Vancouver Island, to Parksville and Qualicum Beach north of Nanaimo to visit my cousin and her husband, and my uncle.  My cousin B and I have talked a couple of times on the phone and messaged back and forth on Facebook.  I think she's as excited as I for this trip.

We've figured it out we haven't seen one another for 40 years.  How can that be?  We're not even 30 yet are we?  Oh yeah, I guess we are a little older than that!

I've never met her kids, nor she mine. Honestly I'm not even sure how many children she has!  Or even if she has grandchildren.  I know she's been a real estate agent, a travel agent (still is) and has had some health issues that impact her mobility.  She loves to travel, but isn't able too as much anymore, and ...well that's about all I know.

I'm sure if you asked her, she'd know about as much about me.  My guess is the first day or so will be all about catching up, with lots of laughter and probably a few tears.  My mom passed away in December 2003, and B's mom (my mom's sister) passed away just three months later.  I know we both miss our moms a lot.  Seeing Uncle G will bring back a lot of memories but there will lots of stories and laughter too.

B is busily planning activities for me to enjoy.  We're going to drive over to Coombs to see the goats on the roof of the restaurant.  We'll be going down to the ocean when the tides go out to see starfish.  In her last message, she told me the fire ban has been lifted so we'll be spending an evening around the fire pit.  (She wanted to know what I like to drink...I think I'm going to be spoiled)

B and her husband live in their RV in a resort community, and I will be staying in the hotel complex. But based on our conversations I suspect I'll be doing little more than bathing and sleeping there.  I haven't shared with her yet, that part of the trip is to get to know the community because I'm considering it may be where I want to live when I retire.  I'm guessing she'll be happy to hear it.

I'll be off the grid for a few days, but will be back next week with pictures and stories.  See you all on Wednesday!

 

Almost Wordless Wednesday

These photos were taken on August 21st, the night of the blue moon.  Except it wasn't blue...but it sure was bright!

It makes me wish I had a camera with a better zoom!

Manic Monday

It's going to be one of those weeks, I can tell.

It started this morning when I went out to the car to go to work.  The landscapers working next door showed up with the truck and pulled up right behind me.  I tried honking the horn and putting the car in reverse but they didn't pay any attention.  I had to get out of the car, walk up to the truck to get their attention, before they realized they were in my way.  Not a biggie.

On the drive to work, I saw a dead cat on the side of the road.  This was on a major road so the poor thing likely had no chance.  I was grateful that someone had stopped to pick it up and move off the road.  I just wish the poor thing had never been allowed to roam free in the first place.  I was upset, and I spent the drive to work reminding myself I can't control what others do with their pets.

I started the morning off with back to back meetings...always a pleasure on a Monday morning. :( Shortly before lunch I was back at my desk making phone calls, only to learn that one of the people I need to speak to is away on holidays for a couple of weeks and no one else has access to the information I need.  I think I may have thought of a way around the problem that I'll test out tomorrow.

This afternoon, my coworker and I managed to find a time to get together for a late coffee.  Just as we were sitting down, the big boss came by and wanted to discuss something with C.  End of coffee break!

On the other hand, I did manage to draft another evaluation...only one more to go. And the agenda for tomorrow's meeting is set, all the invitees have indicated they will be there, and I think we're ready to start planning the September event.  Hopefully everyone will come with great ideas, enthusiasm, and prepared to put in the time and effort to make this a success.

Throughout the day, I kept reminding myself of this quote.
“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” 
― Charles R. Swindoll

Best of all....just four more sleeps until my mini-vacation!

Keep it Simple Saturday

I had great plans for today; I'd get up early get my housework out of the way and have the rest of the day to relax.  Instead I slept in until 8 a.m., read the last couple of chapters of my book, and finally got my day started about an hour later.

Since then I've got some of my housework done, tidied the kitchen, washed the floor, and the fourth load of laundry is in the dryer.  Sami has been helping me fold the clothing as it comes out of the dryer.  

The bed has been remade with clean linen (is there anything better?).  The vacuum needs to make an appearance...though that may wait until tomorrow.  

Our Saskatchewan Roughriders are playing the Edmonton Eskimos so my attention has been directed elsewhere!

Once the game is over AND the laundry is finished....I'm not entirely a sloth, I'll head outside to enjoy the sunshine.  It's currently 30C (86F) and I know these days won't last much longer. Besides the containers will need watering and oh yeah, the lawn needs mowing too.

I guess I'm not getting off as easy as I'd hoped today.  But that's okay because a day of chores at home it a bazillion times better than a stressful day at work.  

Have a wonderful Saturday everyone!

Friday Funny

Saskatchewan Redneck Abs

YOU KNOW YOU ARE A TRUE SASKATCHEWANIAN WHEN:

1. "Vacation" means going South past Regina for the weekend.

2. You measure distance in hours.

3. You know several people who have hit a deer more than once

4. You often switch from "heat" to "A/C" in the same day and then back again.

5. You can drive 110 kph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard, without flinching

6. You design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit.

7. Driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow.

8. You know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter and road construction.

9. Your idea of creative landscaping is a statue of a deer next to your blue spruce.

10. Down South to you means Regina ...

11. Your 1st of July picnic was moved indoors due to frost.

12. You have more miles on your snow blower than your car.

13. You find 0 degrees "a really nice day."

Thoughtful Thursday

I'm grateful this week has been less intense than the last one. I'm more than halfway through my performance evaluations for my staff.  At this point I starting feel like I'm saying the same things over and over again and it's a challenge to come up with something more creative.  I've done a better job of keeping notes of conversations and discussions throughout the year so I have that information to rely on.

I have always hated those generic, insert name here, platitude filled performance evaluations.  In fact, for the past ten years or so I've taken the opportunity to write up my own draft and provide it to my manager. More often than not, I've seen my own words on the page, but I don't mind.  I guess I'm not the only one who struggles to say something in a personalized way.

Writing my own reviews started many years when I was working at a branch of a large Canadian bank.  Our manager had a problem (Jack Daniels was a good friend) and he didn't like to write the reviews so we were all expected to write our own.  His input was "I concur" above his signature. It certainly wasn't a motivating event.

On the other hand, I've had managers write amazing evaluations that I've read and wondered "who the hell is s/he talking about".  I remember one in particular because it had been a horrible, no-good, very bad year.  I'd struggled working with my manager, I didn't feel she trusted me, and often our discussions resulted in my making a trip to the ladies room for a bit of cry before I went back to my desk.  Somehow or another she turned those experiences into an exceeds expectations! I damn near went to her and told her she'd given me someone else's review but then I thought, don't look a gift horse in the mouth, so I signed it and sent it back to her.

I want an honest appraisal of my work and I assume my staff do too.  I take time to discuss their work with them throughout the year and provide them with written notes identifying what they've done well and where some improvement is needed.  (I also keep copies for myself which is what I refer to for my annual written evaluations).

Will everyone appreciate or agree with my assessment of their performance?  Probably not.  I have a diverse group and at least one or two will not be satisfied.  Those individuals may feel I've been too critical but none of them should be surprised.  Saying that, though I know there is at least one who will argue with.  Perhaps I should have suggested that individual write their own.

Do you write performance evaluations, your own or for someone else?  How do you keep them fresh, personal, and ensure the words reflect the quality of the work that has been done?

What was the most interesting comment you ever read in your own evaluation?  Mine was, "Eileen usually does good work".  I asked my boss at the time if that meant that I hadn't done so that year. He didn't get it.

Next week, my focus will need to change to planning an event for all the managers of our newly combined office.  It's less than a month away, in another city, and we've only just had confirmation of the committee (two of us from our office, two from the other city's office).  And two of the those individuals won't be back in the office until next week.

Thank goodness my mini-vacation is rapidly approaching....I'm gonna need it.
Only 9 more sleeps!

Picture courtesy of OLX.ca

Wordless Wednesday

Come back Sunday

Summer has made a come back this past week.  The last few days have been hot (at least for Saskatchewan) with temperatures reaching 30C (86F) and high humidity levels.  We're known for our "dry" heat so the humidity is unusual.  I happen to enjoy it, as it reminds me of my trips to the Caribbean...except there is no ocean! :(

My garden is slowly coming back from the hailstorm.  The front flower bed looked like this on July 20th.

On Friday (after some weeding - how is they always do so well?) it looks this. The impatience below the hanging plant has come back the best.  I've lost a couple of vinca and nicotiana, and the lily isn't going to bloom again this summer but I'm happy the perennials made it through.

The containers in the front yard have filled out nicely.  I love the color combination so this one is going in my "do it again" folder for next year.

It's definitely August though.  I noticed out the window the other day the neighbour's tree was looking a bit yellow.  When I went to the mail box on Friday I saw the tree is rapidly losing it's leaves.I

I don't know if this is a harbinger of early fall or if the tree is diseased.  The neighbours cleared out their cottoneaster hedge earlier this year due to blight so it's possible it could be the latter.

Regardless I don't think this tree will be making a come back this year.










Yesterday there was another exciting come back on the football field.  Our Roughriders were down to the Montreal Alouettes 21-14 with just over one minute to play.  In that final minute they rallied to score a touchdown tying up the game, and after a quick two and out by the Als, regained the ball with mere seconds remaining on the clock.  The Als punted the ball, which was returned into their territory and to finish the game, the Rider kicker punched through a field goal for the win!

I'd really rather they won the game in the opening quarters but like most Rider fans, I'll take the win however we can get it!

Though I can no credit for either, it's satisfying to see my team and my garden make a come back. And I'll enjoy this weather as long as it lasts, since I know fall isn't far away.

Have a great Sunday everyone!

Change of scenery

Phew, what a week! Work has been especially busy, as I'm in the process of writing annual reviews for my staff, while working with a couple of committees, and keeping up with the day-to-day stuff.  I found myself constantly thinking about something more to do or say - including in my dreams.

I was looking forward to Friday as I had the day off and dinner with friend planned for the evening. I was up briefly to feed the cats around 7:30 then crawled back into bed for another hour or so. Ha! I woke up at 11 a.m.

I shouldn't ever sleep that late, because I woke up groggy and achy. I got some housework done, did a bit of grocery shopping, and came home to take a nap on the couch.  I didn't really sleep but definitely dozed for a bit.

My daughter came home crying about 4 p.m.  She'd been involved in a car accident on the way home from work.  Thankfully, it was a minor fender bender but the car will need to go to the shop for a few days.  She's upset about that and having to pay her insurance deductible.  It's going to make things a little interesting around her for awhile as she works two jobs, and can't use public transit to get to the second.  Mom's taxi service will be swinging into action and I'll have to take some vacation time to make it all work.

After D had a shower, she was feeling a little better and decided she would come for dinner with me after all.  We drove to Vibank, a small community about a half hour from Regina to meet my friend K, her partner J and three other couples for a Mexican dinner at "The Grotto".




The restaurant is located in part of an old convent building, which also houses the post office and the village office.


It's a very popular place especially on the weekends.  Friday night they offer an authentic Mexican meal, while Saturdays they have a bar-be-que.



While it is small, it probably seats about 30-35, it is so busy we made our reservation back in February.  After our meal I totally understand why!

We were given a private room, with a gorgeous table and mismatched chairs.  The privacy was nice, as we were able to visit without disturbing anyone.

The menu includes a three course meal, of soup, entree, and dessert.  I was a little apprehensive as I don't appreciate spicy food (or perhaps it doesn't appreciate me), but it was all great.  D and I chose not to have the appetizer, but the rest of the group did.  Take a look, any idea what this is?

What you see is basically cheese and crackers with......grasshoppers!  Everyone said they tasted mostly of the cheese, but I'll just take their word for it.

We started with the soup.  It was a broth containing meat, vegetables, and pablono peppers.  There was a hint of spice but mostly it was tasted a little smoky.  

Our entree was a mixed plate, with refried beans, chicken and chorizo tostado, a bun with beef dipped in salsa, a piece of coffee rubbed beef, and a corn and succotash relish.

Dessert was a light caramel flan, and though I didn't need it I ate every bite!  

The meal was fantastic, and the company was great fun.  D was the youngest by far in the group, but I know she enjoyed herself. At one point, there was quite a hilarious discussion of technology. Most of us are of the age, that it's a bit magic, all this talk of clouds, hashtags, and Siri.  She, of course, takes it all for granted and was busily looking things up for us on her phone.  

Across the way from the old convent was this lovely little house.  With the trailer parked in front I assume someone is in the process of renovating it.

I had thought it was a bit of drive to go for dinner, but I realize even getting across the city can take 20-25 minutes most days.  But we certainly got our money's worth, with the meal, the time with friends and the change of scenery.  We both needed that!

Hope you are all having a great weekend!

Friday Funny

It's been a crazy busy week and I'm so looking forward to the weekend.  I`ll be around to see you all soon!

Memories

Menopause memory strikes again!  I mentioned in my last post, I'm counting down the days until my next trip.  I'm scheduled to fly on August 30th into Nanaimo, British Columbia.  The plan is to pick up a rental car and drive up to Parksville where I'll be staying for four nights.

At least I thought that was the plan.  The other day I went to the folder where I keep my travel documents and there was nothing about a rental vehicle.  I was certain I had booked a rental.  So I checked a few more places ...the junk drawer in the kitchen, on top of the armoire in my bedroom, even my bedside table...nothing.  I checked my e-mail folders both at home, and this morning, my work email. Still nothing. :(

I gave up looking.  Today I spent a half hour calling the various rental car companies in the Nanaimo airport checking to see if I had a reservation.  Seriously.

There are only three listings for rental companies in the airport information.  Of course, it was the last one I called. The nice gentleman Kirk, who I interrupted as he was about to wash a vehicle, made his way back to the office, fought with his computer...it wanted him to change his password...and confirmed that I do have a reservation for noon on August 30.  He even sent me a quick e-mail to confirm.

Sigh...

On the way home from work I picked up the mail from the box.  I found a letter from my godmother.  She's in her late 80's, has two homes, one here in Saskatchewan, one in Victoria.  She still drives (though I'm sure her family wishes she wouldn't), she gardens, and has a very busy social life.  Frankly, she's a force of nature.

She's been home in Saskatchewan since spring, awaiting her next hip surgery, which is scheduled for September.  While she's here she's been clearing out her home, going through papers and pictures and all the things that gather after nearly 60 years in a home.  (Her family will thank her someday!)

In the envelope were several pictures including this one.

Left to right are my mom, my sister K, me with my daughter D, my brother R, and my Dad. Missing is my oldest brother M. I don't recall what was going on when this picture was taken. Simply based on D's age, I'm guessing the photo was taken around Christmas 1982.

It appears R is making D wave at someone across the room.  He was always a pest!  I think based on how we are looking away from this photographer someone else was taking a picture from a different direction.

Behind us on the back of the sofa is a sign one of the neighbours made for mom. (It had to be Christmas as it was a gift she received).  It says "Slow down. Turkey crossing".  This is a reference to my daughter...mom often called her a turkey.

While I worked at the bank, mom and dad babysat for me and continued to do so until D was four years old when I was transferred to Regina.

Wow, what memories an old picture can bring back.  I can remember things that happened 31 years ago but I can't remember where I put a piece of paper a couple of months ago.

Sigh....

Friday Funny

Maybe there's hope for me yet!

Didn't happen

Well, I didn't get the level I was hoping on my competency testing.  No surprise really. When the consultant kept asking for "specific" conversations and later said it wouldn't take her long to complete her report, I knew.

I did make a request for feedback, she got back to me quickly, so that's been booked for Thursday afternoon.  I'm hoping she won't use consultant speak and I'll actually get an understanding of where I didn't make the grade.

The re-test conditions require I wait six months until I try again.  If the failure was the result of not being able to recall details and not the event I chose to describe, then I'll have to find an opportunity to have a similar conversation.  And this time, I'll keep copious notes of what was said and by whom.  My lousy memory shouldn't be an issue!

Not achieving the competency results I wanted is really not a big deal at this time.  The level I'm seeking would be required should I want to apply for the next management level (and such an opportunity present itself).  My current boss isn't planning to retire for another 2-3 years and by then I'll have about the same amount of time before I want to retire.  At that point, I don't know if I'll want the added stress.

Frankly, I just don't like to "fail" and I put a LOT of pressure on myself when I do.  There is a lot of should have, could have, would have talk going on inside my head.  Time to give my head a shake and move on.  Having this outlet does help, a lot.  I can get my thoughts and emotions out without kicking a wall.  (Yeah, I've done that...in the bathroom at the old office...it took a long time before anyone patched the hole the heel of my shoe made so it was a reminder to mind my manners.)

On a much happier note, something that will be happening soon is my trip to Vancouver Island.  Just 22 more sleeps!

Mishmash Monday

Mostly I dislike Mondays.  Most Mondays mean I'm back to work after a generally far too short weekend.  Today though, being the first Monday of August, is a statutory holiday.  And yet, while I've had a full four days off it just doesn't seem long enough.

Oh well, enough griping.  It has been a good weekend, we had rain Saturday night, but the sun has been shining during the day.  The temperature is a little cool for this time of year...it seems the heat is trapped south of the border.  (more griping, sorry)

I went to a movie on Saturday evening. This is a rare occurrence for me, as I tend to wait until they appear on television (if ever).  But I'd seen the original movie (also in the theatre) and decided I couldn't wait since I've not seen the first one hit the television screen.  There weren't very many people in the theatre and I was the only one on my own.  The fact is, the majority were small children with their parents because .... the movie was Smurfs 2.  I suspect you're laughing and that's okay, I would too.   What can I say, I like the simple story line, the dialogue is often hilarious, and who doesn't like a story with a happy ending!


Yesterday I did some house cleaning and a little cooking.  I found a recipe for a new salad I wanted to try.  The problem was the recipe called for three cans of beans and since my kids don't care for beans (long story, mean babysitter) I decided to try to cut the recipe to a quarter of the original.

I started with a 15 oz can of mixed beans, added in corn, red pepper, a crushed garlic clove, and red onion.  The salad dressing is 1/4 cup each of olive oil and red wine vinegar, with a 1/2 tablespoon of white sugar, and a little bit of salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin mixed with a splash of both lime and lemon juice to taste. The original recipe called for a dash of hot sauce but I don't care for spicy foods so left it out.  It's fresh, tasty and simple and will pack nicely for my lunch this week.

Today I'm tackling a task that I've been meaning to do since I moved into this house three years ago.  The en-suite shower stall had evidence of mold around the base of the tiles.  I've scrubbed it a number of times, even tried using bleach, with no success.  I decided I'd try removing some of the grout and replacing it...only to realize the previous owners had siliconed the edge with some product that was obviously not completely water proof.  After I removed this plastic stuff most of the discoloration was gone.  Unfortunately removing it also removed some of the grout.  So I mixed up a batch (far too much) and filled the cracks.  I suspect I added too much water as it doesn't seem to be drying very quickly...I may have to remove what I've done and try again.  Once it has set I'm also planning to re-seal the edge, this time with a tub/tile sealant.

Saku's masterpiece

One last thing before I go check the grout again.  Someone remind me why I bother to make my bed?

Enjoying my day

Finally, a nice day!  The sun is shining, there are a few clouds in the sky, and the temperature at noon has reached a comfortable 23 degrees.  It may be August, but it has felt more like September for the past couple of weeks.

I took the opportunity to get outside and do some much needed yard work.  Yeah, I'm lazy I hadn't cleaned up since the hail storm two weeks ago.  I'd suggest I was allowing the debris to dry up and break down...but that would be an excuse not a reason.

I picked up a half bag of pine cones, small branches, leaves, and weeds that I pulled from the garden.  Why is it, my annuals took such a beating from the hail, but the darned weeds seemed to have thrived?

I picked what was left of the tomatos and brought them in.  Not much of a harvest this year, and the plants themselves aren't worth keeping alive.

You can see the damage the hail did to the one tomato.  I'm sure they will still taste good.

Now I'm off to the store to pick up a few things before I head outdoors to spend some time in the sun (before it disappears again).  A book and cold drink will be my reward.  

Hope you are all having a great, sunny, comfortable Saturday!

Friday Funny

Maxine always makes me laugh!  And this joke makes me think of my Dad.

He was in the care home for a couple of years before he died. One time I was visiting when he reached out and took his deodorant off the nightstand and applied it to his lips.  I asked what he was doing, and he told me his lips were dry.  I tried explaining anti-perspirant would likely dry them out but he didn't get.  I did buy him some lip balm but I don't think he ever used it.

Dad also liked to be clean shaven, so he had an electric razor, because his hands weren't steady. Another time my brother and I had come to visit and we noticed he'd shaved his eyebrows off.  I remember, we laughed and laughed and Dad thought we were being silly.

Sometimes getting old is more funny than hard...at least for those watching!