A long time coming

Well, we made the move from one house to the other successfully. I am forever grateful that the move was complete before the snow that arrived with a vengeance on Tuesday morning. The movers arrived on Monday by 8:45 a.m. and had dropped everything at the new house shortly after 12. They were fast and efficient and having the boxes in the garage was a good thing. We had them drop the boxes and bins in the new garage, though my organization didn't work quite as well on this end. The charge wasn't much more than I paid 13 years ago, when the three of us (D, C and I) moved into that house. Of course, there was quite a bit less now than then. But either way I was happy. M

We did some unpacking (mostly items from our vehicles and a few necessary boxes with dishes/glassware, towels, and bedding) and C went off later in the afternoon to pick-up the mattresses and bed frames. Of course, there had to be another hiccup with the Brick. Though he had the invoice, his last name is the same as mine, AND he had his identification with him, the fourteen year olds who rule the warehouse initially argued with him as I wasn't there. He had borrowed a friend's truck - she came back with him, and we had dinner together and visited for about an hour or so. We didn't get the bed frames put together so the mattresses were simply put into their respective bedrooms and made up. By 9 p.m. I was done and had crawled into bed.

Awake at 3:30 a.m., I stayed in bed until nearly 6 before heading upstairs. Poor C heard all the noises through the night (fridge, furnace, etc.) while I slept through it all. Then he heard me as I moved around upstairs. I may have to offer him my ear plugs. :)

By 7a.m. Tuesday,I was on my way over to the old house. I packed up the food from the fridge and freezer, and loaded it with the packaged food items that hadn't been moved the day before. I'd thoroughly cleaned the fridge a week or so ago, so it didn't take much to ensure it was cleaned. For some reason, I didn't think to eat before I left here, so was happy to find a piece of pizza in the fridge and a banana on the counter. It made a good breakfast!

I wandered around the house and made sure nothing was left behind. There was a box left in the garage with small propane bottles - I'm assuming the movers wouldn't/couldn't move those- a night light, a mat, a some cleaning supplies and my carbon monoxide detector. Just after I finished packing the car, the cleaners arrived. We did a walk through and while they got to work indoors, I swept up debris in the garage.

By this time, the snow was coming down in earnest! My realtor arrived around 10 to do a quick walk through and mentioned that traffic was moving slowly. Not long after he left that the garbage haulers arrived. and filled their trailer. My work there was done, so I found a spot to sit out of the way until the cleaners finished up about 12:15. They did a great job and I hope that having the house cleaned will make up for the fact that the driveway didn't get cleared! We got close to 5 inches in just a few hours.

The route that I take from the east side of the city to our new neighbourhood has a train crossing. We've been stopped a couple of times since we first saw the house. It happened again on Tuesday. I groaned when I saw the train actually stopped on the tracks...it was a wait of over 10 minutes before it started moving again. 

Wednesday started early again at 3:30, when the noise from the water softener woke me. I caught up on some news, read blogs, and then managed to doze off until just after 6 a.m. I heard C moving around upstairs. I'd parked behind him on the single driveway so I got dressed. YUCK, more snow on the driveway! I moved my car out in front and he took off for work while I cleared the couple of inches that had fallen over night.

Then I tackled the pile of boxes in the garage. I took four boxes at a time into the house and made four or five trips in total. In addition, I organized the boxes that will remain in storage in the garage. The kitchen and bathroom boxes have pretty much been emptied and everything in its new place. I may not remember where I put things for awhile though!

The fellow who leased the garage from the old owner, came by to remove a few items left in the garage. I think he'd hoped we'd keep them, but they were heavy metal tables, and old desk, chair, and a filing cabinet. Nothing we need nor want. (As a result I wasn't able to get to Stitch and Chat that afternoon.)

Meanwhile I received an email from the lawyer indicating the sale was complete and the cheque would be deposited to my bank account that afternoon. When I had a chance to check it at 3, the money was there. BUT, the bank had put a 7 day hold on a lawyer's trust cheque, or at least 90% of it. I was able to move some of the funds over to pay off the line of credit, and to put a bit in savings, but the balance was sitting there looking pretty but inaccessible.

I had an appointment downtown on Thursday so made a stop at the bank branch to discuss this with someone there. At first, there didn't seem to be anything they could/would do, but when I explained I had a small loan (from the renovations) to pay off, and I would be asking them to pay the interest for the extra week, they acquiesced to my request to release more of the funds. I walked over to the other institution to drop off a cheque, then headed to my appointment. While I couldn't make the deposits that day, arrangements have been made to move the funds when they are released next week. 

From the appointment, I went to do a bit of grocery shopping on this end of the city. I've never lived in this area so it was a bit of treasure hunt walking around the stores. The rest of the day was spent relaxing at home. No unpacking...I was still tired from the day before.

Friday I tackled more unpacking, though most of it stayed in it's boxes in the store room downstairs. These include extra glassware, some small appliances, and extra bedding. There simply isn't enough room in the kitchen for anything else, and to be honest, most of it isn't really needed. I vacuumed the basement, used the dry mop on the walls to get rid of cat hair and cobwebs, and washed the bathroom floor and the back door landing. In the afternoon I did a quick run to Walmart to get a new rug for the landing - the old one shredded when I pulled it up to wash the flooring. It was stuck down...I'm wondering how long it has been since that floor was cleaned! (I could say that about much of the house, to be honest). 

On a happier note, curling is being broadcast this week (Thurs-Sun) so I've been able to watch several games, with more to go. It's been nice to take a break, from unpacking and cleaning, to curl up on the couch with Saku, and watch the draws. There will be more of that today, but we have some things to get done today too. The bed frames need to be assembled, the rest of the boxes of clothing and bedding need to be brought indoors, and I want to get the living room vacuumed and floor washed. I haven't been able to do that just yet. Those boxes contain the unassembled bed frames. Far too heavy for me to lift!

I'll be taking a moment this morning too, to remember those who fought for our countries in the world wars to allow us to live in peace. In particular, I am thinking of my uncles Wilf and Bob, who went overseas in WWII. Neither came home unscathed, though they did make it back. 

Have a great week ahead everyone!

Moving pains

I'm starting this post on Saturday, though I suspect I won't finish until Monday.  At the moment, I'm taking a short break from house cleaning.  I'm slowly making progress; starting in the kitchen this morning I cleared the counter-tops of miscellaneous clutter, thoroughly scrubbed them down, and threw out stale cookies and the onion skins from the plastic container (though the island is still a disaster).  The fridge got cleared out too and I put everything I plan to take to D tomorrow on one shelf.  

We had packed up the dry goods (or at least most of them) and taken them out on Friday, but somehow we managed to miss several items in the fridge.  I also found her vinegar, baking soda, and canola oil in the one lazy Susan.  When I made up my bed this morning, I tidied around the bed and found several toys as well.  Those have been tucked into a box, along with a couple of t-shirts, some bathroom items, and a container of cat toys.

Before I go any further, I should give you an update on the move.  It went well even though the movers were about an hour later than anticipated.  Eli and I left the house about 7:50 to visit my office.  He got to meet a few people (not too many were there on a Friday before a long weekend) and had a brief visit with Uncle C and two of his co-workers before we were leaving to head to Melville to meet the real estate agent at 10:00.  We ended having to make a stop back at the house (movers were there by then) because D had put her wallet in the diaper bag; she needed to buy gas on her way out of town.  The slight delay meant we didn't reach the house until shortly after 10, but the realtor wasn't there yet so I took Eli over to A's house to spend the day with her and her son Knox.  

We had snow again yesterday, and the roads were wet but not icy.  I did have to pull over to hit play on the I-Pad for Eli and the shoulder of the road was definitely slick.  Later in the day when I returned home the roads were clear, there was just a bit of rain falling.  Today would have been a perfect day, sunny, about 7-10C and clear skies.  Oh well, it got done.

The realtor met me back at the house after I dropped Eli off, and we did a brief walk through.  The previous owner left a few items behind, including a rocking armchair in the sun porch, a homemade bookshelf in the same room, a microwave in the kitchen and a shower curtain in the main bathroom.  We also discovered that D will be able to use the garage to park (the inspector had given me the impression that the cracks were large...not so), and the shed has a cement floor.  All good things!  

The other good news was the basement.  We trekked down the steep stairs to see how wet it was down there.  While the musty smell is still there, the basement appeared quite dry.  As a result, I've decided to postpone putting in the sump pump until the spring, but will pick up a dehumidifier for the time being.  I did some cleaning while I was waiting for D and the movers, cleaned out the fridge and wiped out the cabinet drawers.  I had just finished unpacking the groceries when D showed up.

The only "ick" moment was when I checked out the stove, both the interior and hood were disgustingly dirty.  I didn't have the supplies to clean it, baking soda and vinegar work the best, so left it for D to do today.  I talked to her earlier and she said she had cleaned out the oven, and was in the process of baking biscuits.  I know she is excited to be able to bake what she likes, when she wants.  

The movers arrived just before noon, and had everything unloaded and in the house by 2:30 in the afternoon.  D and I started unpacking before they left, washing and drying dishes, putting away clothing, and I used the green machine on her couch.  Saku apparently had decided to remind her he had been there, bad cat!  We continued to unpack after they left, until the house had warmed up - we'd left the front door open the entire time so it was easy for them to move furniture and boxes.  

Then it was off to pick up A and the boys.  Eli rode with me, while A and Knox drove over with D, since it made no sense to move his car seat just then.  We arrived back at the house a few minutes before they did, and when I brought him in, he was sooooo excited.  He ran around the main floor and then went up the stairs where I showed him his playroom. (It will never be the spare bedroom...that child has far too many toys!)  

When the others arrived, I decided it was time for me to head out.  I was tired, my one foot was cramping, and I figured D wanted some time without me in her home (she agreed).  The realtor had told me to let her know that supper was on him, so they ordered in a meal of pizza, lasagna, and Caesar salad.  

Here are the boys enjoying their first dinner at the house.  D bought this table and chair set used, and spray painted them black.  It is set up in what is the dining room, though except for Eli will be used a craft space (with a few toys thrown in for good measure.  The folding table is set up under the window, the armoires (both the pictured and the one to the far right of the ride on toy will be filled with craft materials...once every thing is unpacked.  

I arrived home in time last evening for a shower before heading out to dinner with friends. I certainly didn't feel like cooking and it was good to sit and visit, though by the time dinner had arrived and been enjoyed I was ready to head home to bed.  I'm not certain what is happening with my right foot.  I wore my winter boots yesterday, and I remember, getting cramps in my right foot last winter when I wore them too.  By the time I left D's, I had to drive without my boot it hurt so bad.  I managed through dinner (kicked off my shoe under the table), but getting to sleep last night was difficult.  If I weren't so stubborn I would have gotten up and taken some pain meds but I didn't. 

Today, I went to do some shopping and a few errands, putting on my running shoes.  By the time I reached my first stop, my foot was screaming in pain again.  I discovered if I loosened the shoe it didn't hurt, as much, and I was able to keep going.  By the time I hit the last stop, I also took off my sock and wore just the shoe.  Again, it lessened the pain somewhat but I was glad to get home and get the foot elevated.  So I haven't done as much cleaning up as I planned. I did manage the bit I mentioned before, swept up the living room (picking up odds and ends left behind by D), and the second load of laundry is in the washing machine. 

I did google toe cramp and I wonder if I'm simply dehydrated.  I know I didn't have anything more than a couple cups of coffee in the early morning, and though I had a bottle of iced tea with me in the car, I didn't finish it until I was on the way home.  Today I started off with coffee too, and just finished a large glass of water.  I plan to get several more ounces of water into me before bed because I sure don't need another drive with an aching foot.  C is coming with me but he doesn't drive a standard and I've already packed much of the stuff for D in my car.  I know I'll manage but I'd be much happier without the pain.

Well, I think I'll end this post tonight as it is getting rather lengthy.  I'll try to get back on Monday with some photos of our Thanksgiving.  We have much to be thankful for this year, with D and Eli in their own little home, and C and I enjoying the peace and quiet of mine. 

In case, I don't I want to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!  
  

Beginnings and endings

The countdown continues!  We are less than a week away from moving day and the packing is nearing the panic point.  This morning, D is busily packing up the masses amounts of clothing from both her and Eli's rooms.  The sheer volume amazes me.  She's already filled two large suitcases, two 2 cubic foot boxes (one for shoes), and is now working on a third, plus a smaller box.  One of the boxes is filled with items from when Eli was a baby; his first sleeper G'ma bought him, his first pair of sweatpants, his first pair of two piece pj's, so on and so forth.  I suggested she might want to limit the "firsts" to one or two special outfits, but was immediately rebuked that they all have sentimental value.  That may be true, but sadly there will come a time when no one wants those items. I know this because I have a box of items from my children's early years.  D used her first sleeper and a few of the receiving blankets for Eli, but the outfits mean nothing to either of them.  Sentiment is a lovely thing but it only lasts as long as the owner of it.

I suppose when I start the packing up here I'll find I have far too much clothing as well. I do intend to rid myself of most of my work clothing.  I'll keep a couple of pair of dress slacks, dressy blouses and sweaters, specifically for those times when I need to attend a formal event (rarely) or funeral (if this year is any indication more frequently).  I also have clothing that is specific to cruising, which I plan to use for several years yet.  Then there are the everyday items...yes I suspect I have more than I need as well.

This reminds me of a story one of my co-workers told us this week.  She is currently in the middle of helping her parents move from the farm to the city.  She and her brother were helping with the sorting and packing one weekend, and discovered her father had nearly 200 pairs of socks, 150 dress shirts, and a similar number of belts.  (If she told us how many pair of pants he had I don't remember though I suppose there must have been at least as many).  They also found three decanter sets in the china cabinet, though neither of their parents drink.  It turns out Dad is a habitual auction sale attendee and has the purchases to show for it.  They have moved some of the items to her garage here in Regina, but at least five loads were taken directly to the dump.  I don't think they've told him so hopefully he has a short memory as well.

By the way, Carole, I never did get to those closets last weekend.  I don't remember what I did instead.  

********
This week I made the call to the Pension Centre and by Friday, I had my paperwork in hand.  I left the envelope unopened on the island until today, when I had a few minutes to review it.  I got about half-way through the letter and decided it is a job best left to a time without interruptions.  The documents won't be looked at by the Pension folks until I actually retire so there is no hurry.  There is a reminder they need the official notice of the acceptance of my retirement notice.  I'll submit the notice of retirement tomorrow or Tuesday, and should have the official response shortly thereafter.

It will be an interesting week, as I'm in the training room for much of the week with two new employees.  I'll be doing their orientation for the first couple of days, then we'll be joined by a few other more recent hires (last fall) to review material I've developed especially for this session at the request of my manager.  It is nice to be able to share some of the knowledge I've acquired in the past 21 years, though whether it sticks I'll never know.

There is some likelihood that my replacement will be named by the end of October.  That would give me some opportunity to spend some time with her/him and hopefully give them a good start.  I've also been asked to attend a learning circle with the new supervisors and share some of the lessons I've learned.  The timing of that will depend on when the individuals are appointed.  

There are a mere nine weeks left before my final day in the office.  The jar last week held just four marbles, one of which will be pulled when I get to work tomorrow morning.  Bum-in-seat days total about 32.  I'm not yet down to counting hours and minutes but I suspect that won't be long in coming!

*******

This week Eli reaches his 19 month milestone.  I see the little boy he is becoming everyday.  He's recently come to understand that G'ma's television has the capability of rewinding his favorite show, Paw Patrol.  If his mother or I happen to be in another room, he'll bring the remote to one of us when the show ends.  As a result, he watches the same episode several times before the 2 hour time limit ends that option.

Friday marked the end of life for my brother's mother-in-law, Phyllis.  She had fallen at home and was unable to get up on her own.  Her daughter L found her and Phyllis was admitted to the hospital a few weeks ago.  I don't believe anyone thought she was near death though.  In fact, Thursday evening she was visiting with her grandson M, joking with the nurse, and complaining about her doctor.  All was normal.  But the following day she was to be released from hospital and moved to a nursing home.  She definitely was against that idea, and I have to wonder if she simply willed herself to die that night.  The nurses checked on her at 4:30 a.m., she was sleeping peacefully, but when they went in again at 5:30 a.m. she was gone.  As my brother said, she checked herself out on her own terms.

*******
Fall is full on here now, with the leaves rapidly turning yellow.  We've had frost in the morning most days this past week and more forecast this week.  It's a bit unusual as we would normally see some warmer days at this time but perhaps they'll come a little later in October.  I cleared out several containers yesterday but left the geraniums as they are still going strong.  I planted three mums in the front containers - I'm sure my neighbours think I'm beyond mad but they should last a few more weeks.

I have lots yet to do, moving all the critters and the other garden items to the back shed.  Perhaps this afternoon after the Riders football game.  Playoffs are nearing and they can't possibly win without my cheering them on, right?  Oh, and there is curling too.  It's a wonder I got any chores done this weekend. :)

Have a great week everyone! I'll likely be late posting next weekend but will be certain to update on the move.  

What to say...

I've written two posts today and erased them both.  Nothing of real interest has been happening here.  We're continuing the packing (just 19 sleeps to moving day!), so my house looks horrendous with boxes half packed and items scattered about as Eli helps unpack.  He's going to be a great helper on the other end of this.  His newest favorite toy is a cheese grater.  It makes a very cool noise when it is banged against the stove, the television stand, the lamp on the side table....well, you get the picture.

D has packed away most of his toys and I've noticed he doesn't seem to be missing them. Well, except for his ride-on police car.  He tried very hard to pull it out of the box before she moved it out to the garage.  There is a small toy box of items that will stay behind so he'll have something to play with at G'ma's.  I hope she'll learn from this and not put everything out for him at the new house.  It will be like Christmas when she brings out a new box.  AND, if she gets rid of the broken and outgrown items each time, she should be able to keep things under control.  To be honest, I'm doubtful that will happen.

On another note, I had to take my car in for some work this week.  I'd noticed a noise from the front end and a bit of shimmying.  The tech thought it might be a bearing, but when they took it out for a drive they couldn't hear the noise.  Of course not!  However, the mechanic did find that my brakes on the front right were seizing...something about calipers and brake pads, that they thought might be causing the sound I was hearing.  It was a bit of an unexpected expense though I was expecting something needed to be fixed, and something that could not wait.  Heaven forbid, that my brakes failed when I'm driving Eli out to Melville on moving day.

D's decided that I should take Eli away from the house while the truck is being loaded.  I agree, though I'm not sure what we'll do for the 2 hours.  I am planning to drop into the office, as there are several co-workers who would like to meet the little guy.  They've seen many of G'ma's brag photos!  Then I'll take him somewhere for a bite of breakfast before we head to Melville.  He'll be staying with D's friend A while the movers unload.  He loves to play with her little boy so hopefully he's not too upset when I drop him off.

I'll admit it, I'm going to miss my little sports watching buddy.  Today, the mixed doubles in curling was re-broadcast (it was live in the middle of the night as the game was played in China). Eli used to sit with me last winter/early spring while I watched curling and I didn't think he'd remember.  Well, when I turned to the curling he came skidding to a stop in front of the television and stood there mesmerized through the first end.  

His mother suggests I am brainwashing the child.  I say I'm training him right.  :)  Either way, this child enjoys watching sports.  He's a big fan of football - he'll even point it out when an ad comes on.  Eli and D also watch gymnastics together.  I know she plans to take him to the gym in the next town over for classes.  He's certainly got the flexibility and energy for it!
He's also demonstrating his talents in finding his nose and mine though he does have a tendency to poke his finger up my nose.  Ew!  Next up, mouth, ears, and eyes.  New words this week include thirsty and shirt. I suspect to the unaccustomed ear it probably sounds like gibberish but for the most part we understand him.

*******
My thoughts and best wishes are going out to those currently affected by the storms in North and South Carolina, in the Philippines and China.  I cannot fathom the devastation that so many are facing.  Beyond the loss of life, of which there are far too many, there will be so many more who will have lost their homes and possessions.  It cannot be easy.

While I may grouse about the mess in my home and express my annoyance with my daughter, I'm truly grateful for my family and my life.  It is a reminder that I am truly blessed.

Wishing you all a wonderful week ahead!

Best laid plans

Thankfully, nothing major has occurred to upset the plans for D's move, or my rapidly impending retirement.  On that accord, I'm 189 days away from official retirement, 82 days from my planned last day in the office, and a mere 44 "bum-in-seat" days when I actually have to be in the office. That last number may actually be 43 as I'm not certain I'll be in shape to go into the office on Monday.

You see, I had a bit of an accident yesterday.  Sasha was hollering from the basement as he couldn't get past the baby gate at the top of the stairs.  I leaned over the gate to encourage him to come up a step or two...and then the gate gave way and I did a Jack (and Jill) tumble down the stairs.  It is amazing how long that trip seemed to take as I was falling, and I had absolutely no control over my movements.  As I lay there at the bottom of the stairs, face planted into the carpet with the rest of my body at various angles on the stairs I first took note that nothing really seemed to hurt much.  

By the time I got to my feet (that took a minute or two) that wasn't the case.  But I got away lucky as nothing is broken, though most of my body is sore and bruised.  My right shoulder seems to have gotten the worst of it.  I think I might have hit the railing on the way down but I'm not certain. The entire cap of the shoulder is sore, though I have no problem rotating it or lifting my arm. Lifting anything heavy causes some pain but mostly discomfort.  I have a scrape on the top of my foot, a large bruise on my left knee, a knot on my left hip, and my ribs hurt if I cough or laugh.  I'm feeling it in my lower back as well. I keep trying to envision how I could have fallen/bounced/somersaulted down the stairs to have caused this damage and I can't picture it. I assume I did though, due to the variety of points of injury.

Anyway, if I'm still feeling stiff and sore on Monday I may take an extra day off to recover.

**********

My brother sent me this photo taken at the farm.  I suspect this is above his farmyard on the hills of the Qu'Appelle valley.  Yes, fall has arrived here in Saskatchewan no matter what the calendar says - we even had a frost the other night, though it was just below freezing so that I only lost a single begonia...even the ivy made it through.  No frost in the forecast, at least for the next seven days, but the plants are starting to get leggy looking and going to seed.  I've decided I'll start pulling things out over the next few weeks.  

I did pick up three mums yesterday at Rona. I know I said I didn't want to shop there, but they had six inch pots for $2.50 a piece.  That's a price I couldn't resist.  I'll transfer them to the three pots in front of the house to replace the straggly looking petunias.  They'll provide a bit of fall colors for a few weeks before the frost takes them too.

*******
Packing is continuing to be done though at a slower pace.  I've convinced D that tomorrow, we'll finish the packing in the basement, next weekend will be the kitchen, the front hall closet, and the cupboards with linens and cleaners.  The next weekend we'll focus on her and Eli's bedrooms ...then the following weekend will be moving day!  

I expect I'll hear from the insurance broker (he was also the mortgage broker) in the next week or so, as we'll need to get the insurance set up.  Next up will be the call from the lawyer to sign the final paperwork to transfer title, pay the remainder of the deposit and of course, the associated legal fees.  

Finally, I need to set up accounts for the utilities.  They will be in my name but D's name will be on the accounts in case she needs to call for service.  It wouldn't be good if something went wrong while I'm out of country.  

This move has already been a lot of work for me and I'm not even moving!

*********
Finally, I'll end with another photo of Eli.  This was taken early one morning this week.  

I was getting ready for work when he woke his mom up.  He came busting into the kitchen hollering "cookie" in the style of Cookie monster from Sesame Street and pointing to the cupboard where his cookies are kept.  G'ma couldn't resist his cuteness so he got a cookie for breakfast. :)  His mom can un-spoil him when they move, right?

I chuckled at this shot, as he rode his police car ride-on up to his cart and pushed it closer to the television.  Sort of looks like one of the grocery store motorized carts doesn't it?  Or maybe he was stopping the cart for some infraction. 

Either way, he brought a smile to my face before I headed out to work that morning.  He keeps getting bigger and smarter every day.  Today his new word was shirt, he watched football with G-ma and cheered for the touchdowns, and we read "Hickory Dickory Dock" about forty-three times.  I might be exaggerating on that last part but it was close.  I'm making up for the times I missed out with my own children and getting my fill before they move.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!  Here's to an uneventful week ahead.  

Spin, spin, spin

I usually start the post with a title and go from there.  Today I know what I want to write about but have no clue how to title it.  So I guess I'll just start writing and see where this goes.

Have you ever been worried and stressed about something, and when it is finally resolved, you feel the weight of the world is off your shoulders?  That is a rhetorical question, as I'm sure everyone has.  Today, I'm feeling such relief that things are mostly settled with my daughter.  (48 more sleeps to moving day!)  She has booked the movers and has packing well under way.  This morning she told me she's realized that she doesn't need to keep much out, just clothing and personal items, and the toys that are currently cluttering up my living room. Yippee!

The garage is beginning to be cleared of the extra stuff.  She's taken several bags full of items to Value Village (more to go today), and consigned a bunch of toys and clothing at a local children's resale outlet.  There is a pile of boxes and bins in the garage about the size of my car that is packed and ready to be moved.  There is still lots to go though as she's brought home crap stuff that J had at his place for sale.  There are tools and blinds and god only knows what else.  I don't know if she is planning to take it with her or if she'll donate it somewhere...either way she knows it has to be out of my garage.  When I informed her of that, there was a bit of a melt-down on her part.  She has to realize my home is not a storage unit.

Knowing all of this is coming to end means I can begin return to planning for the future.  I've just over three months before I'm finished work, hooray!  Yesterday, I had breakfast with two former co-workers.  We had a wonderful visit, talking about travel (C just returned from a short trip to Ottawa and area), future travel plans (all of us), the benefits of retirement (the two of them), and a bit of work gossip. ;)  I am so looking forward to the day I join the ranks of the retirees and don't have to plan my life around the weekends and a few weeks a year.

My son C and I have been talking about his plans as he is about ready to move out as well.  He's interested in finding a condo as he is not a yard work guy, likely a one bedroom, but possibly two, with parking, and hopefully an in-suite laundry.  I don't think he cares as much about the laundry but communal space can be such a nuisance.  In his case, mom won't be the bank as he's done a great job of saving money for a very nice down payment.  I may have to co-sign, however as he is still working a term position.  By then he'll have nearly 4 years in, and he must be permed up by the 5th year.  There has been some movement of those who are temporarily positioned outside his area...fingers crossed that every one is permanently moved so there is position available for him.

I've convinced him to wait until spring for selfish reasons.  I mentioned previously that I have booked two cruises for the period after I've left the office and before I officially retire at the end of January.  Just as a reminder, the first is in early December, a 10 day western Caribbean cruise out of New Orleans, with four days in NOLA before I come home, just a few days before Christmas.  The second is a 12 day out of New York to the southern Caribbean - lots of sea days at the beginning and end.

AND then...I found a 16 day re-positioning cruise on the Star Princess out of Santiago, Chile to Los Angeles, California in March.  The price was a steal even for someone travelling alone - just over 50% of what the same itinerary would cost on a different ship a week later..which wasn't a bad price itself.  Traditionally, re-positioning cruises are quite a bit less than the traditional cruises, I think because there are lots of sea days, less ports mean less port fees.  Still, there are sufficient ports on this cruise along with the sea days to make it interesting and enjoyable.  I've booked my air through the cruise line as I don't want to take the chance of not arriving in time and scrambling to get to the next port.  With Princess, if for some reason, the flights are delayed the ship will often wait or if that's not possible, they are responsible to get the guest where they need to be. 


By booking these cruises, I've taken care of most of the winter.  I suspect I'll hate the almost two months of cold weather between my return from New York and my departure for Santiago.  But there will be much to do, with readying the house for sale in the spring so I'll stay warm indoors. I'm thinking the for sale sign should go up by the beginning of May but if it is a few weeks later that will be fine.  To be honest I'm not really in a hurry to sell - the more I pay off the mortgage the more I should be able to get out of the sale proceeds.  There have been three houses on the market (with a fourth sign go up this week) in this particular neighbourhood.  Of the three, two have sold within 2-3 months, while the 3rd is my next door neighbour.  I think they are over-priced in this market and have had one price drop thus far.  Based on the size, location, and upgrades I suspect they will need to come down quite a bit more.  I do know they spent a pretty penny putting in a new driveway and garage floor but I doubt they'll recoup those costs.

I'm not making any definitive plans beyond spring 2019.  When I move to the island is truly dependent on the sale of the house, my son finding a condo of his own, and the availability of property where I want to be.  There was a perfect condo that went up for sale this summer, but of course, I'm not ready.  Hopefully when I am ready I'll find something similar.  

In the meantime I'm enjoying the time I get to spend with Eli.  At this moment, he's off visiting with his mom at a friend's home.  They had planned to go to the spray park but her 2 1/2 year old woke up with a cough this morning.  She also has a little one a month or two older than Eli.  I bet they are having a blast!  

The little stinker has learned some new tricks this week.   On Thursday, D called me at work to tell me that she heard some noises in the kitchen and went to see what was happening.  She found Eli sitting on the table eating from the cat food dishes!  We had been putting the dishes on the table out of his reach.  No longer...now they are on the counter, which so far he hasn't figured out.


From these photos you can see he has mastered climbing onto the chair.  From there it is an easy transfer from the chair to the top of the table.  

His mom scolds him, saying "feet don't belong where we eat".  He doesn't seem to care...but of course, he has his own high chair with a tray.  

His climbing doesn't end with the kitchen table though.  He discovered that if he moves a stool to the back of the couch, he can climb over the back, onto the couch, scoot off the front of the couch, race around to the back and do it again.  And again, and again, and again.  It's quite the game!

This little monkey has no fear.  

The other trick he learned is spinning.  He'll stand in the middle of the living room and spin until he's dizzy.  Then he tries to walk and it's a hoot watching him stagger around. You'd think it would be uncomfortable but he seems to enjoy it.  I've had vertigo before...I can state that I don't enjoy it at all. 

Okay, I've got my title now.  Things are moving along with D and Eli's move, the days are growing fewer to my vacation and retirement, and little Eli...well, he just getting bigger and smarter and if I say so myself, cuter by the day.

Have a great week everyone!