Hello Everyone,
Ah, the search for a new place. We have a couple leads so far and I'm waiting for a call back to set up an appointment to see a house.
Our criteria:
- a house (rather than a suite, duplex etc. - I'm fine with a duplex but Jerry would prefer a house)
- under $1400/month (with the other 2 being more comfortable with under $1200/month but it would mean compromises in size, amenities)
- allows pets (non-negotiable, the furry family comes with me)
- garden
- garage (negotiable but would be nice)
- 2-4 bedrooms (depending on square footage. They'll be 3 of us in the house)
- basement for storage
- bikeable to downtown (and not too far away since winter can be tiring)
- nice, safe neighbourhood, with character
- reasonably close to grocery store or store on the way home from work
- available November 1 (can't afford rent at 2 places for October)
So, we've got our work cut out for us. Doing the search online as well as word of mouth from friends. There are a few in a neighbourhood that I like who are writing down phone numbers for us.
There has been one showing at my place already and another one set up for tomorrow. Have most of my boxes filled and I'm collecting more at work. I think that was what caused so much headaches last move. That and too small of a vehicle with Jerry's parents coming into town the same day I was moving. I have the truck booked - had to make 2 bookings since it was over a weekend at the end of the month. It's one of the huge 26' ones but it'll mean both households can be loaded and awkward items like cargo bikes can also be loaded with plenty of room.
But I'm feeling calm and I like the non-rush of packing.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
harvest
Hello Everyone,
So, weather's been funky warm this week. We beat the year high temperature. The backyard was covered in apples and leaves so I spent last night (before Grey's Anatomy - yes Amy, I'm a fan too) doing yard work. Had the urge to dig out the potatoes. Filled a basin - I'll include photos later. Also dug up the onions & shallots that didn't do anything, removed wood from 3 beds and replanted my marigolds. Moved the dill to a pot.
We still have the raised bed, the tomato bed and the yellow beans and peas (both very tiny plants that refused to die). I'll harvest the carrots this weekend and maybe some beets. We did 2 plantings of beets so the extra room will be good for the new plants. I'm leaving the beans for Jerry to take care of. They're all of the variety that you dry so it won't harm them to stay on the plant.
The cucumber plant now has 2 - 1 is about an inch long and the other is about 2 inches. Silly cucumbers. The temperature is going to drop this weekend so I'll need to remember to cover them at night. We may get cucumbers yet - after 4 tries.
I'm giving my notice today so I'm spending the weekend tidying the house for potential viewings in October. Plan to move at end of October since the 31st is a Saturday and the 1st is a Sunday. That way, none of us needs to take time off work and we'll have time to get the apartments cleaned. Nothing yet but since I've been looking, there seems to be a handful each month that suit our needs. The ideal would be a house with a garage but since $ is an issue, I suggested we may need to compromise and find a duplex.
And I still love my haircut. I fell asleep on the couch last night and all I needed to do was a quick brush and it fell back into place.
Have a great day!
So, weather's been funky warm this week. We beat the year high temperature. The backyard was covered in apples and leaves so I spent last night (before Grey's Anatomy - yes Amy, I'm a fan too) doing yard work. Had the urge to dig out the potatoes. Filled a basin - I'll include photos later. Also dug up the onions & shallots that didn't do anything, removed wood from 3 beds and replanted my marigolds. Moved the dill to a pot.
We still have the raised bed, the tomato bed and the yellow beans and peas (both very tiny plants that refused to die). I'll harvest the carrots this weekend and maybe some beets. We did 2 plantings of beets so the extra room will be good for the new plants. I'm leaving the beans for Jerry to take care of. They're all of the variety that you dry so it won't harm them to stay on the plant.
The cucumber plant now has 2 - 1 is about an inch long and the other is about 2 inches. Silly cucumbers. The temperature is going to drop this weekend so I'll need to remember to cover them at night. We may get cucumbers yet - after 4 tries.
I'm giving my notice today so I'm spending the weekend tidying the house for potential viewings in October. Plan to move at end of October since the 31st is a Saturday and the 1st is a Sunday. That way, none of us needs to take time off work and we'll have time to get the apartments cleaned. Nothing yet but since I've been looking, there seems to be a handful each month that suit our needs. The ideal would be a house with a garage but since $ is an issue, I suggested we may need to compromise and find a duplex.
And I still love my haircut. I fell asleep on the couch last night and all I needed to do was a quick brush and it fell back into place.
Have a great day!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
new hair cut
Hello Everyone,
So, with today being the first day of fall, I got my hair cut.
So, with today being the first day of fall, I got my hair cut.
It works well with my bike helmet, I can tuck it behind my ears and it will be very easy to style in the morning. I'm happy!
Monday, September 21, 2009
crabapples
Hello Everyone,
So, there are 2 crabapple trees in my yard and they were loaded with fruit. Jerry & I spent 2 hours on Saturday picking apples and we ended up with approximately 60 lbs of fruit. So, Saturday night and all Sunday was making jellies, preserves and juice.
All I know is that it's less apples for me to pick up when raking leaves.
And a couple of Jerry's friends may be over for apples.
Have a great day!
So, there are 2 crabapple trees in my yard and they were loaded with fruit. Jerry & I spent 2 hours on Saturday picking apples and we ended up with approximately 60 lbs of fruit. So, Saturday night and all Sunday was making jellies, preserves and juice.
All I know is that it's less apples for me to pick up when raking leaves.
And a couple of Jerry's friends may be over for apples.
Have a great day!
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Photos from camping
Castle Falls provincial campground. We were here on the last weekend of August for the Huckleberry Festival at Castle Mountain. 
It wasn't a big waterfall but it was very pretty
Didn't catch anything. Jerry is (attempting) fly fishing and I have a spinner rod. Finally getting the hang of casting.
Whisker's Enclosure
Hello Everyone!
So, here is her new set-up
Lots of room. She has 16 square feet.
She was acting like a rabbit today. When I fed her, she hopped into her cage and started eating hay. She's never done that before. And when I opened her treat container, she hopped over to say "Hello!"
Yes, she's more than capable of hopping over but she only did it once (on the first night) and hasn't done it since. Mike has not attempted to jump in either. I think she enjoys having her own territory
So, here is her new set-up
Lots of room. She has 16 square feet.
She was acting like a rabbit today. When I fed her, she hopped into her cage and started eating hay. She's never done that before. And when I opened her treat container, she hopped over to say "Hello!"
Yes, she's more than capable of hopping over but she only did it once (on the first night) and hasn't done it since. Mike has not attempted to jump in either. I think she enjoys having her own territory
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
I passed my final exam!
Hello Everyone!
Happy dance!
Passed my final exam so I get my professional designation "Payroll Compliance Practitioner"
No more school that involves math in a while
Did up my study notes on the weekend. Basically retyped the review sections in my text books. I don't do well memorizing things and the only way I remember is to physically recopy info over and over again.
But it worked - 85% (needed 60% to pass)
So great mark and I'm very happy, relieved and tired.
Jerry got back from Toronto fine. We spent yesterday watching original Star Trek episodes and eating chocolate chip muffins. They had a viewer's choice top 10 countdown and then showed the Canadian premier of the original pilot. It was terrible!
My apartment can start going back to a regular dwelling rather than a student's place.
Whiskers has a new enclosure. I think Mike was bullying her too much. With the hardwood floor, she doesn't have as much grip to hop away and there were few hiding spots. So I bought some wire shelving (4' in length) and zip tied them together. She hopped over it once the first night. I put her back in and she hasn't come out since. And Mike hasn't tried to get in. I think both realize it is her territory. She seems a lot more relaxed. Lays down in the front corner so I can reach over and pet her. That way, I don't need to pick her up (which she dislikes). And she has toys in the pen. I've also been putting Gilbert in there for 5 minute intervals. I think it does them both some good.
Got Polly's new bar tape on. Will take pictures to show you. The colours tie everything in and she looks great.
Hope you have a fabulously wonderful day!
Happy dance!
Passed my final exam so I get my professional designation "Payroll Compliance Practitioner"
No more school that involves math in a while
Did up my study notes on the weekend. Basically retyped the review sections in my text books. I don't do well memorizing things and the only way I remember is to physically recopy info over and over again.
But it worked - 85% (needed 60% to pass)
So great mark and I'm very happy, relieved and tired.
Jerry got back from Toronto fine. We spent yesterday watching original Star Trek episodes and eating chocolate chip muffins. They had a viewer's choice top 10 countdown and then showed the Canadian premier of the original pilot. It was terrible!
My apartment can start going back to a regular dwelling rather than a student's place.
Whiskers has a new enclosure. I think Mike was bullying her too much. With the hardwood floor, she doesn't have as much grip to hop away and there were few hiding spots. So I bought some wire shelving (4' in length) and zip tied them together. She hopped over it once the first night. I put her back in and she hasn't come out since. And Mike hasn't tried to get in. I think both realize it is her territory. She seems a lot more relaxed. Lays down in the front corner so I can reach over and pet her. That way, I don't need to pick her up (which she dislikes). And she has toys in the pen. I've also been putting Gilbert in there for 5 minute intervals. I think it does them both some good.
Got Polly's new bar tape on. Will take pictures to show you. The colours tie everything in and she looks great.
Hope you have a fabulously wonderful day!
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Messenger killed in Toronto
Hello Everyone,
So, with Jerry being in Toronto this week, he's gotten all caught up with the issue. For those of you not reading the papers, there was an altercation between a bike messenger (courier) and a well-known business man/ex politician Monday night. The altercation escaladed and the bike messenger ended up dead after being dragged a couple blocks. Jerry's too close to the situation so I've been on the other end with logic and calm. Not an easy thing to do as both of us are passionate about cycling advocacy.
Whatever the final outcome is (let the court decide), in my opinion, fault lies with both parties. It should never have escaladed past the first incident. I still haven't read what that initial incident was but it likely involved vehicular contact between the two (and I'm not speculating to say who was at fault). In a perfect world, if it was two cars, drivers would have gotten out, exchanged information and depending on the situation, notified the police. Unfortunately, most bike couriers who were injured or had their bike damaged have not had a similar experience.
When Jerry got doored last year (driver opening door without looking and knocked him down), the guy tried to pull him off the road (was on conscious momentarily and yes, was wearing a helmet) and then tried to leave. Witnesses stopped him from leaving. Police refused to respond because the damage to Jerry's bike was less than $1000. He tried to file a police report but they refused. He can't sue the driver. Jerry was several months before back to full strength (bruised ribs), bike was in shop for few days, had day off work and had to take it easy for about a week while other injuries healed.
With messengers not receiving justice when accidents happen, I can understand why things did escalate. I often hear about the aftermath - motorist and courier get into shouting match. Driver tries to take off - courier breaks window, mirror, scrapes side of car etc. Or, shouting match, driver gets out of car (which is automatically assault) and things get physical.
It's extremely frustrating that the police don't respond to these situations. For some people, if their bike is damaged, they can't work. I'm lucky to have a back-up but I have few choices of getting around. My place isn't well positioned for transit and it's over an hour walk to work. As well, although I have medical insurance through work, it doesn't cover everything. Without a police report, you can't sue for additional compensation and the driver's insurance does not go up (so no penalty for them).
Vigilante justice doesn't work either.
When the situation reached the point where the driver took off, the cyclist should have backed away from the situation, got the license plate and called 911. It would have meant still being alive.
For whatever reason, the cyclist ended up on foot and was dragged for two block. According to one witnesss, there were sparks coming from his shoes (cycling cleats). How do you go that far unless someone is hanging on to you?
And now in the media, there's a big hype that stirs up emotions and doesn't solve anything. The courier's being dragged through the press as a scumbag and the ex-politician as a clean family man. Their backgrounds have no bearing on what happened - why are they reporting so much on it?
There's tension between cyclists and motorist all the time and it looks like this incident has brought things to a head. Better education on both sides and adequate infrastructure is needed. Cycling is a viable (and often faster) means of transportation in a downtown or high density area. It's also very safe when you look at the statistics. Average rush hour speed in NA is 17km/hr. My average riding speed is 25 and I can bring it up to 33 when it's safe. Sidewalk riding is extremely dangerous because of the speed differential between cyclists and pedestrians, blind alleys, sidewalk conditions etc. Road riding is much safer.
We need to find a way to share the road.
So, with Jerry being in Toronto this week, he's gotten all caught up with the issue. For those of you not reading the papers, there was an altercation between a bike messenger (courier) and a well-known business man/ex politician Monday night. The altercation escaladed and the bike messenger ended up dead after being dragged a couple blocks. Jerry's too close to the situation so I've been on the other end with logic and calm. Not an easy thing to do as both of us are passionate about cycling advocacy.
Whatever the final outcome is (let the court decide), in my opinion, fault lies with both parties. It should never have escaladed past the first incident. I still haven't read what that initial incident was but it likely involved vehicular contact between the two (and I'm not speculating to say who was at fault). In a perfect world, if it was two cars, drivers would have gotten out, exchanged information and depending on the situation, notified the police. Unfortunately, most bike couriers who were injured or had their bike damaged have not had a similar experience.
When Jerry got doored last year (driver opening door without looking and knocked him down), the guy tried to pull him off the road (was on conscious momentarily and yes, was wearing a helmet) and then tried to leave. Witnesses stopped him from leaving. Police refused to respond because the damage to Jerry's bike was less than $1000. He tried to file a police report but they refused. He can't sue the driver. Jerry was several months before back to full strength (bruised ribs), bike was in shop for few days, had day off work and had to take it easy for about a week while other injuries healed.
With messengers not receiving justice when accidents happen, I can understand why things did escalate. I often hear about the aftermath - motorist and courier get into shouting match. Driver tries to take off - courier breaks window, mirror, scrapes side of car etc. Or, shouting match, driver gets out of car (which is automatically assault) and things get physical.
It's extremely frustrating that the police don't respond to these situations. For some people, if their bike is damaged, they can't work. I'm lucky to have a back-up but I have few choices of getting around. My place isn't well positioned for transit and it's over an hour walk to work. As well, although I have medical insurance through work, it doesn't cover everything. Without a police report, you can't sue for additional compensation and the driver's insurance does not go up (so no penalty for them).
Vigilante justice doesn't work either.
When the situation reached the point where the driver took off, the cyclist should have backed away from the situation, got the license plate and called 911. It would have meant still being alive.
For whatever reason, the cyclist ended up on foot and was dragged for two block. According to one witnesss, there were sparks coming from his shoes (cycling cleats). How do you go that far unless someone is hanging on to you?
And now in the media, there's a big hype that stirs up emotions and doesn't solve anything. The courier's being dragged through the press as a scumbag and the ex-politician as a clean family man. Their backgrounds have no bearing on what happened - why are they reporting so much on it?
There's tension between cyclists and motorist all the time and it looks like this incident has brought things to a head. Better education on both sides and adequate infrastructure is needed. Cycling is a viable (and often faster) means of transportation in a downtown or high density area. It's also very safe when you look at the statistics. Average rush hour speed in NA is 17km/hr. My average riding speed is 25 and I can bring it up to 33 when it's safe. Sidewalk riding is extremely dangerous because of the speed differential between cyclists and pedestrians, blind alleys, sidewalk conditions etc. Road riding is much safer.
We need to find a way to share the road.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
...and that's why I love him
Jerry sent me an e-mail back. He understood, told me he didn't want Mike to leave and had a couple more suggestions to try. So, I'm happy again since I get to keep both males.
And yes, Jerry likes cats - it's just the allergy thing.
And yes, Jerry likes cats - it's just the allergy thing.
I'm too soft
Hello Everyone,
So, I couldn't do it. The ad lasted 12 hours before I pulled it. And I e-mailed Jerry about the struggle I had. And I'll try a couple more things.
Since my futon needs replacing anyways, a (used) leather couch may be easier to clean. And I could retry the allergy lotion. It was me that had a skin reaction to it (didn't bother Mike). I had put it on with my hands so if I try using gloves it might work. And a weekly shower. I'll try it out this week. Mike hates water but maybe he'll get use to it.
As well, something needs to be done with Whiskers. She had several accidents on the futon this weekend and Mike is starting to get more bossy with her. It's been getting worse over the summer. I think she needs a fence to reduce her play area and give her her own space. I could still pick her up for cuddle time and play time. By doing this, I could get rid of the rugs. I have them because she has trouble hopping on hardwood floor.
And I'll look at HEPA dust busters to augment the cleaning regime.
I don't know about allergy shots for Jerry. Not sure if he did them as a kid. It seemed very complicated and I don't know about side effects. Do you think I should bring it up?
So, I couldn't do it. The ad lasted 12 hours before I pulled it. And I e-mailed Jerry about the struggle I had. And I'll try a couple more things.
Since my futon needs replacing anyways, a (used) leather couch may be easier to clean. And I could retry the allergy lotion. It was me that had a skin reaction to it (didn't bother Mike). I had put it on with my hands so if I try using gloves it might work. And a weekly shower. I'll try it out this week. Mike hates water but maybe he'll get use to it.
As well, something needs to be done with Whiskers. She had several accidents on the futon this weekend and Mike is starting to get more bossy with her. It's been getting worse over the summer. I think she needs a fence to reduce her play area and give her her own space. I could still pick her up for cuddle time and play time. By doing this, I could get rid of the rugs. I have them because she has trouble hopping on hardwood floor.
And I'll look at HEPA dust busters to augment the cleaning regime.
I don't know about allergy shots for Jerry. Not sure if he did them as a kid. It seemed very complicated and I don't know about side effects. Do you think I should bring it up?
September
Hello Everyone,
Wow, has time ever flown this summer. So much I wanted to get done and so many other things got in the way (but in a good way).
Computer is still acting up so I don't have vacation photos yet. I'm not sure if it's a virus or something else - it's not recognizing drivers, won't do the MS updates etc. And since I was thinking about it anyways, I've ordered a new netbook to replace her. She'll arrive today. Also got a new printer since my current one is over 8 years old and can't print photos.
I have my final exam next Tuesday and I'm a bit nervous. Need to get 60% to pass and get my certification. I squeaked through last time. Jerry's in Toronto this week so I've got the evenings to study and most of the weekend. He comes back on Sunday. He's very good about studying. I spent the weekend at his place with my books and he was completely nice about me ignoring him and his burrito adventures/rhubarb canning. I tend to focus better when not distracted by the furry family.
Speaking (or writing - lol), I have some happy/sad news. Jerry and I have decided to move in together in November. Jerry's also very allergic to cats. I've tried various things but short of Jerry taking antihistimines when he walks in the door, nothing has helped. Oil supplements, allergy baths, hardwood floors. So, Jerry's cheeks turn pink and his breathing changes when he comes to visit. Mike's unhappy because he can't curl up with us for a cuddle. I'm unhappy because both of them are. I've decided to see if I can find Mike a new home. Jerry and I have discussed it a couple times and he's told me he doesn't want me to get rid of Mike because of him. However, I don't see any other options to ensure both have a good quality of life. Do you have any other suggestions of things I could try?
So, I'm a bit down today (made the decision last night) and haven't told Jerry yet. I'll wait until I find a great home or until another option comes up. Mike's a senior but being indoors - he could easily live another 10 or so years. He doesn't have problems allergy-wise with Whiskers so he knows I come into any household with some fur with me.
Hope your day is better than mine!
Wow, has time ever flown this summer. So much I wanted to get done and so many other things got in the way (but in a good way).
Computer is still acting up so I don't have vacation photos yet. I'm not sure if it's a virus or something else - it's not recognizing drivers, won't do the MS updates etc. And since I was thinking about it anyways, I've ordered a new netbook to replace her. She'll arrive today. Also got a new printer since my current one is over 8 years old and can't print photos.
I have my final exam next Tuesday and I'm a bit nervous. Need to get 60% to pass and get my certification. I squeaked through last time. Jerry's in Toronto this week so I've got the evenings to study and most of the weekend. He comes back on Sunday. He's very good about studying. I spent the weekend at his place with my books and he was completely nice about me ignoring him and his burrito adventures/rhubarb canning. I tend to focus better when not distracted by the furry family.
Speaking (or writing - lol), I have some happy/sad news. Jerry and I have decided to move in together in November. Jerry's also very allergic to cats. I've tried various things but short of Jerry taking antihistimines when he walks in the door, nothing has helped. Oil supplements, allergy baths, hardwood floors. So, Jerry's cheeks turn pink and his breathing changes when he comes to visit. Mike's unhappy because he can't curl up with us for a cuddle. I'm unhappy because both of them are. I've decided to see if I can find Mike a new home. Jerry and I have discussed it a couple times and he's told me he doesn't want me to get rid of Mike because of him. However, I don't see any other options to ensure both have a good quality of life. Do you have any other suggestions of things I could try?
So, I'm a bit down today (made the decision last night) and haven't told Jerry yet. I'll wait until I find a great home or until another option comes up. Mike's a senior but being indoors - he could easily live another 10 or so years. He doesn't have problems allergy-wise with Whiskers so he knows I come into any household with some fur with me.
Hope your day is better than mine!
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