It's about time.

Many of you can relate to Working long hours at your career. Raising your families. Buying a home and paying all the bills related to being homeowners and parents. We're now retired and don't need all that work and expense. Now "It's about time" and what we do to follow our dreams.

Thank You for Following our Blog.

Thank You for following this Blog

Monday, December 31, 2012

Busy New Years Eve.

Our Location today is Tecumseh, Ontario, Canada.

Since we are leaving for Florida on January 7th or in 7 days Kathy and I thought that we’d have an easy day. Boy were we wrong! We even slept in until nearly 8:00 this morning. After having breakfast we started reading some of the blogs until shortly after 9:00 when I called Dominion Collision to see what the status was for our car. Surprisingly the repairs to the passenger door that was damaged by the break-in are complete and it is first in the paint booth on Wednesday. This means we can pick it up on Thursday or Friday thus not delaying our departure date.

Next I called SX Video where we have all our computer servicing done. The new laptop that we purchased in November had Windows 7 as an operating system but Google Chrome as the internet search engine. After repeated tries I could not write the blog or make any kind of adjustments to the post using the Google Chrome. I also tried to change to Internet Explorer unsuccessfully. All our other computers had Windows Internet Explorer and I never had any problems writing the blog on them. They told me to bring it in after lunch and they’d fix me right up. 
Greg and Karen having a Anniversary Kiss.
We had a quick little errand to run before stopping at our daughter Karen and son-in-law Greg’s house. We stopped off not only to wish them a Happy New Year but also a Happy 12th Wedding Anniversary. We sat and talked for a bit and had a cup of tea and some finger food for a snack before heading out. We don’t think we will be seeing them again until the spring so we said our goodbyes.
Grandson Tyler thinking of his New Year's resolution.
After leaving the kids we headed to Essex to get the computer fixed. In less than 10 minutes Cory had the laptop running the new search engine and I was able to work on the blog on the new computer. They sent me on my way with the greeting of Happy New Year and to have a safe trip.
Sanford still enjoying the toy pig he got for Christmas.
 Since it was nearing 2:00 we stopped at A&W for a special late lunch again using a coupon.

Once back at the apartment I started prepping the laundry and by the time I got to the laundry room had no problems doing the wash. Once I had everything drying I was helping Kathy getting the toiletries and summer clothing packed to bring to the trailer.

 By the time I returned with the folded laundry we were both getting tired and hungry. So for the second time in one day we went out for a late supper at the Swiss Chalet. We used a gift card we received for Christmas and enjoyed a delicious Chicken Wrap dinner.

Kathy and I would like to wish all our readers a
Safe and Happy New Years 
and if you go out and drink to celebrate the occasion please use a designated driver or an alternate way of getting home. We truly would be very sorry to read of anyone getting hurt or worse.
 
Thanks for following along and feel free to leave a comment. Be Safe and Enjoy!

It’s about time.

Krackers

Office Jokes, Quotes, and Anecdotes

The relationship between bosses and assistants is kind of like the one between parents and children: the latter thinks the former is boring, uptight, and uncool; the former finds the latter lazy, selfish, and entitled. They're both a little right and a little wrong.

Lilt Marcus, Save the Assistants: A Guide to Surviving and Thriving in the Workplace

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Making Progress.

Our Location today is Tecumseh, Ontario, Canada.

Since we’ll be leaving for Florida in 8 days on January 7th   Kathy and I spent the morning shopping. The best part was we never left the apartment because we were shopping in our own pantry. Looking at all the snow outside I was just as happy to stay put and Kathy said it is cheaper to shop at home. It also means that what we bring with us from home will not spoil while we are away because we’ll get to use it up. In the end there is no duplication of stock in the trailer and the apartment. Unfortunately some things we still needed to put on a shopping list at the grocery store because we didn’t have any at home.
It is truly a good thing that we have put away our Christmas decorations and delivered all the gifts because the apartment is starting to fill up. On one side of the dining room we have everything from our balcony because the contractors will be working on it while we are down south. At the other corner of the living room we are now stacking the food stocks we’ll be bringing on the trip.
We finally took an hour off and watched a new to us detective story. The show was interesting and weird at the same time. It didn’t take long after that to make up supper again trying to use up food that cannot be brought across the International Border so it needs to be consumed before we leave.
Smokey Mountains
I finally got another of the spreadsheets that we need before we leave checked off our to-do list. If the car repair is finished before the weekend we will either leave on schedule or ahead of time. Now it’s time to get caught up on our blog reading. Thanks for following along and feel free to leave a comment. Be Safe and Enjoy!

It’s about time.

Krackers

You Might Be a Redneck If

You met your wife at a yard sale.

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Busy Lazy Day.

Our Location today is Tecumseh, Ontario, Canada.

With the temperatures staying below the freezing mark and continual snow falling all day Kathy and I used the time to continue doing the last minute things needing to be done before we leave. In 9 days January 7th we’ll be leaving for Florida. We have also been corresponding with other RV Bloggers and will more than likely be visiting with them while enjoying our first Snowbirding winter.
A number of the blogs we have been following most of them are already in the warmer climates. Others are wishing that they were able to go and many are doing like Kathy and I getting ready to go. Another group have either just left or will be hitting the road by the end of the weekend.
Our poor Truck just can't stay clean.
Because of the break-in to our car we might be delayed but the body shop feels they’ll be done by next Friday the 4th. The only other thing that could change our departure date would be a quick change in the upcoming weather. There is still more to do but a little at a time they will be finished with time to spare.
At least it won't get buried in.
Thanks for following along and feel free to leave a comment. Be Safe and Enjoy!

It’s about time.

Krackers

“Doctor, doctor, I keep thinking I'm God."

"When did this start?"

"Well first I created the sun, then the earth."

Friday, December 28, 2012

Laidback Day

Our Location today is Tecumseh, Ontario, Canada.

Sleeping until nearly 8:00 this morning even after both of us experienced a restless night was not surprising. It seems to be something people go through when they feel that their space has been violated. I recall the feeling after our home was broken into a few times. Kathy and I felt it after kids set fire to our garbage that burnt our home down. Now we are feeling it again because of our car being broken into. It feels something similar to Post Traumatic Stress that takes time to heal and get over.
Kathy and I headed to the Devonshire Mall where we had an early lunch in the food court. From there we walked over to the Cineplex for an afternoon Matinee. This is 40 was the movie we saw which apparently was a sequel to the movie Knocked Up. This movie was rated PG but had nudity, mature subject matter and enough swearing and foul language to make shop talk sound like a Sunday morning prayer session. All in all Kathy and I were not impressed. After getting home we had caught the third of the Die Hard movies on television and found it more worth watching then the movie we had gone to see.
Florida Everglades Airboat Tour.
We are slowly getting things put together for our January 7th departure for Florida which is now only 10 days away. We are first shopping our pantry at home and making certain nothing is missed. We are doing like Santa making lists and checking them twice. Thanks for following along and feel free to leave a comment. Be Safe and Enjoy!

It’s about time.

Krackers

You Might Be a Redneck If

Your diet plan consists of light beer.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Snowy Errand Day.

Our Location today is Tecumseh, Ontario, Canada.

After having a few necessary mornings of getting up early we had a chance to sleep in until nearly 8:00 this morning. Once breakfast was completed we spent only a few minutes on the computers before 9:00. A few minutes later I was speaking to John Vasko at Dominion Collision body shop in Windsor. We have been dealing with John for well over Twenty Years on all our vehicle repairs. I explained the car had a damaged door from a break-in and without any hesitation he said to bring it in as soon as I could.
The hardest part of getting it there was cleaning the 6” of snow off the car and the truck. That chore alone took nearly an hour as there was a good layer of ice as a bottom layer. The apartment manager stopped by while I was still cleaning the car to inform me that the security video of the back parking lot had been sent to the police department for their scrutiny and hopefully a resolve to the crime of damage to our car as well as theft of another car from the lot. With the chore of cleaning the snow off our vehicles completed I returned to the apartment to get Kathy.
Theives bent the top of the door to break into Kathy's car.
She drove the truck while I drove the car. I had the heater running full blast in the car but because top of the passenger door being bent out 6” it felt like the AC was running. Once the paper work was filled in at the body shop the car was brought right in to the shop to start the repairs and they are guaranteeing we’ll have it back before we head south.
Buckled Window Frame on door. Amazingly the window didn't break.
Kathy had another appointment with the Podiatrist this afternoon so we stopped at the golden arches for a quick lunch. We were lucky enough to have received coupons in our morning mail which helped to keep our costs down.
Not a very good seal at the top of the door.
By 2:00 this afternoon Kathy’s Podiatrist said her toe was heeling nicely and for us to enjoy our trip down south. With our January 7th departure for Florida now only 12 days away we have lots to prepare but enjoy dreaming of the end results.

Thanks for following along and feel free to leave a comment. Be Safe and Enjoy!

It’s about time.

Krackers

Office Jokes, Quotes, and Anecdotes

Resume Blunders

I once had a candidate for a marketing assistant position who had worked in a supermarket very early in his career and for that job, he listed as one of his responsibilies, "cutting the cheese."

Unnamed hiring manager at a large staffing firm, CNN.com

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

S##w and the Grinch.

Our Location today is Tecumseh, Ontario, Canada.

Just before going to bed last night the weather forecast for our area was calling for more snow. Since we were notified to clear off our balcony before January 2nd we didn’t think it would be a pleasant experience bringing snow into the apartment. So after changing back into our day clothes and laying a tarp along the wall in the dining room we brought everything in from the balcony. The cold wind we felt for that short time sure helped us to sleep soundly.

Even sleeping soundly we were still up shortly after 7:00 only to find the snow had not yet fallen. The morning report said the snow would be starting before noon so while having breakfast we hatched a plan to beat the incoming storm.

We headed to the storage yard to stow the things we had dropped off the other day in the trailer and pick up the empty storage containers from the pantry. With a plan of refilling those containers and replacing them back in the trailer before our January 7th departure for Florida which is now only 13 days away.

The wind continued to increase by 10:00 am when we arrived back at the apartment adding to our already freezing cold temperatures. Once inside we thought a nice warm coffee would take the chill out of our bones. Sitting down to wait for the kettle to finish boiling we looked out through the balcony doors to the parking lot only to see a police car. The officer and another gentleman were standing by Kathy’s car pointing at it and then towards the building.

It didn’t take long for us to be out the door to see what was going on. Some Grinch had used a pry bar and broken into her car. They had rifled the glove box but found nothing worthwhile. The other gentleman with the officer had called the police because his car had been stolen but they both had noticed the damage to our car.
This picture was taken Christmas Eve.
The white car at the front left was stolen last night.
The officer explained whoever had done this was probably looking for cell phones, GPs, keys, laptops or cash that might have been left in the vehicle to make a quick buck but found nothing in ours. After making a statement to the officer and contacting our insurance company we had the leftover Chinese food from the other night for lunch. By noon we were on our way to find a store that would be open to buy another tarp to cover the car so the upcoming snow storm would not find its way inside the car from the bent door which had at least a 6 inch or more gap where it had been pulled outwards from the body of the vehicle.
What Kathy's car looked like by the time I had it covered this afternoon.
We lucked out and by 1:00 we were pulling into the parking lot with tarp in hand just as the snow began to fall. With the winds blowing above 30 mph (50 kmh) it was a bit of a trick to cover the car for today. Tomorrow the body shops will be open and the repair process will begin. Didn’t even think of taking pictures until the car was covered and the snow really started coming down. This is only another bump in the road before our trip in January.
Kathy's in the middle at 6:05 tonight and it's still coming down.
Thanks for following along and feel free to leave a comment. Be Safe and Enjoy!

It’s about time.

Krackers

You Might Be a Redneck If

The experience of your favorite restaurant

is enhanced with video tokens.

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Busy Christmas Day

Our Location today is Tecumseh, Ontario, Canada.

We both hope that everyone reading our blog enjoyed your Christmas Day Celebration with family, friends or those that are close to you at this time. We also hope you enjoyed the Krackers link Special Redneck Christmas Carol in yesterday’s post if not it’s still in place for your enjoyment.
Mother Nature decided last night to dust the landscape giving many what they were praying for a White Christmas.  Kathy and I only got up at 6:00 this morning to get ready for our usual Christmas run. Normally we start earlier on Christmas because we wait until morning to load the truck before heading out.
Sanford enjoying his toy pig for his first Christmas.
After picking up coffee at Tim Horton’s we went over to Karen and Greg’s to help start off their celebrations. Once their family had opened gifts from one another they then got to open the gifts from grandma and grandpa. During this whole time grandpa is trying to photograph all that is happening for prosperity’s sake. Kathy and I were also rewarded for just being ourselves and loving everyone equally.
Cameron and Matthew thought the day was perfect.
Heading back to the apartment we reload the truck for the second time today and head out to Amherstburg to Kevin and Melissa’s. Again grandpa got back into the photographing mode as the boys start opening the gifts from grandma and grandpa. They are always ecstatic with everything they receive and are always greatful. Again Kathy and I are shown generosity for being ourselves.
Kevin and Melissa finally openning their mystery package.
Melissa admitted to enlarging the picture in our blog until she
read their name on the package. 
By early afternoon we were back at the apartment for a little R&R before returning to Karen and Greg’s where the whole family got together to celebrate Christmas dinner together. This also meant loading the truck for the third time today with all the baked goods we had produced earlier this week so that it could be shared for this coming meal. Now that all the gifts have been opened and the day was winding down it was nice just to enjoy each other’s company and conversations together as we ate and enjoyed a very festive supper.  
Since the big day has arrived that children of all ages have been waiting for I will no longer be counting down to Christmas this year and it’s probably way too early to start doing it for next year at this point. Besides most of us still haven’t finished digesting the meals we had today but that doesn’t mean that Kathy and I can’t start another countdown. We are setting a tentative date of January 7th for our departure to Florida which is only 14 days away.
Sully just can't figure what all the fuss is about.
Thanks for following along and feel free to leave a comment. Be Safe and Enjoy!

It’s about time.

Krackers

Why don't bananas snore?

Because they don't want to wake up the rest of the bunch!

Monday, December 24, 2012

Christmas Greetings

Our Location today is Tecumseh, Ontario, Canada.

No more counting down. All the children know that when they wake up in the morning it will be Christmas Day. Many will be anxious to see what Santa brought for them. Others that are a little more mature will look at the true meaning behind the day. No matter which way we look at Christmas it is a time to wish everyone Peace on Earth and Good Will to all.
 Thanks for following along and feel free to leave a comment. Be Safe and Enjoy!

It’s about time.

Krackers

Special Redneck Christmas Carol


Click the above link for a special treat.

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Dual Celebration

Our Location today is Tecumseh, Ontario, Canada.

With only 1 day left until Christmas things are really getting busy around here. I was up by 7:00 this morning because I had been just laying in bed for nearly an hour wide awake. So I started reading blogs early before Kathy got up around 9:00 because the sun was shining into the bedroom. After eating breakfast we were back at the computers reading even more blogs since I had first gotten up plus we had to bake another cake for dinner on Christmas day.
D.J. and his Spiderman shirt.


D.J. checking out his Spiderman Activity Book.
Lunch was grilled cheese sandwiches and soup helping to keep our meals light for the day. Once we were finished we headed out to have our Christmas visit with our grandson D.J. and daughter Rose and friend Munaf. D.J. still loves his hero Spiderman and since his new figure climbs the walls he was really jumping for joy. Besides celebrating Christmas today it was Rose’s birthday. We talked for awhile and they even showed us the birds that they breed and sell. It’s not a simple thing to do and they have to be careful with some of the breeds and actually remove the young from the cages in order for them to survive. We had a very pleasant visit with them and then we were on our way.
Grandson D.J. with his Wall Climbing Spiderman.

After we left we stopped at Wendy’s for a quick supper because we were just starting to feel the effects of eating light all day. Once at home we had to start making the icings before we could finish the decorating process on the cake we made this morning.
One of the many varieties of birds our daughter breeds.

Tomorrow will be another Christmas visiting day and we have more baking to do. Thanks for following along and feel free to leave a comment. Be Safe and Enjoy!

It’s about time.

Krackers

Office Jokes, Quotes, and Anecdotes

Lighten up!

We all make mistakes we pay for forever!

Duck and Cover

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Another Christmas Celebration.

Our Location today is Tecumseh, Ontario, Canada.

After a fairly good night’s sleep I was out of bed before 8:00 this morning. Once I opened the curtains in the living room the coolness could be felt radiating off the glass doors. Turning on the weather channel only confirmed what I already knew from the appearance of the frozen puddles. I just sat in the recliner seeing how the rest of the planet was dealing with the changes of their surroundings that nature was bringing to them. By 9:00 Kathy was up and about so we continued watching the forecast as we enjoyed our breakfast. The weather has yet to break the freezing mark today and the windchill left nothing to the imagination of the temperature.
Gary openning his Barbecue accessories
Once Kathy had finished reading the blogs we follow she started dusting and while I staged the bedroom. Next I placed the gifts that will be delivered in 2 days or Christmas morning into our bedroom. This will remove temptation of little ones opening the wrong gifts later this evening. I then spent the next hour exercising wearing my hernia belt which all helps to make me feel better.
Daughter-in-law Jen opening her Kitchen and Dining room accessories.
After lunch I showered off while Kathy was able to watch another Christmas Special. More time was spent at the computers before meeting our son Gary and daughter-in-law Jen with the grandchildren for supper at Armando’s Restaurant. Since their jobs make it hard for them to be in town for the holidays we are celebrating Christmas with them today. They will also be celebrating Christmas with Jens parents Jack and Sue tomorrow.  Last year we had all travelled to Beamsville to have Christmas at their home.
Grandaughter Emma looking over her very own cosmetics and case.
 With supper completed we came back to the apartment so we could present our gifts to the little ones. The swimming pool was to have been completed by December 15th but there were problems and it is now scheduled to be completed in the New Year otherwise the kids could have gone swimming as well.
Haigan working on his Power Ranger Action Figure.
Connor and Haigan were both ecstatic with their Power Rangers that they can reconfigure into different humanoids. Emma was very happy with her new Make Up case and everything in it as she is just learning how to use it for when she is in her singing competitions. Gary loved his Barbecue accessories and Jen loved her kitchen and table accessories. Kathy and I were very happy with our East Side Mario’s gift certificate and a nice bottle of wine. It was a great visit but just too short a time to get everything in trying to catch up with what is happening with the children.

Connor working on His Power Ranger Action Figure.
 Thanks for following along and feel free to leave a comment. Be Safe and Enjoy!

It’s about time.

Krackers

You Might Be a Redneck If

You've been restrained by

Bailiffs in small claims court.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Windy Snow Day

Our Location today is Tecumseh, Ontario, Canada.

Christmas is now only 3 days away and things are really starting to fly by. Even though I had an errand to run early this morning I slept very comfortably. I even set the alarm but was rested enough that I woke minutes ahead of it going off. The fact that the wind was starting to rattle the bedroom windows helped me wake up but when I opened the curtains I was in shock to see a dusting of snow on the ground.
Our daughter Karen’s job had her taking the train from Windsor to Toronto on University business. She left yesterday spent the night there and won’t be back in Windsor until after this blog is posted. She had asked that we make certain that Tyler and Kylla made it off to school on time this morning so that’s where I was by 7:45 today.
The kids had already had their breakfasts by the time I got there and were finishing getting ready. At 8:15 Tyler headed for the School Bus Stop and was on his way in less than ten minutes. Karen normally drives Kylla to school so that was my job today. Kathy was a little under the weather so she had stayed at the apartment. It's a good thing she had because the flurries and wind never stopped all day.
Back at the apartment Kathy and I had breakfast before heading out to Essex to pickup her laptop which is now working the way it’s supposed to. There was something about the Windows program that had not been doing its automatic updates the way it should and caused the program to start shutting down parts of the computer.
We stopped at the storage yard to put some things in the trailer that we had bought the other day and some were early Christmas presents that we gave to one another.  By putting it in the trailer where it is supposed to be gives us more room in the apartment for this weekend when we are having visitors.
For supper Kathy and I went out for a fish and chip dinner at the Legion. Not only do they have one of the best fish dinners in the area on Friday they also have spaghetti dinners on Wednesday and Sunday brunches. All these help support the Legion and maintaining the building and their prices are fairly reasonable.
On the way home we stopped to pick up a prescription that Kathy’s doctor called in for her today. Tomorrow more Christmas celebrations will be starting for us. Thanks for following along and feel free to leave a comment. Be Safe and Enjoy!

It’s about time.

Krackers

Where do you find a dog with no legs?

Right where you left him.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Windy Rainy Day

Our Location today is Tecumseh, Ontario, Canada.

Kathy and I finally managed to sleep the way we are supposed to last night. Even though we woke and the clock showed we were waking at a reasonable time it felt like it was the middle of the night. The sun should have been peaking its way into the bedroom but instead it was well hidden behind the thick blanket of grey clouds that filled the sky.
Watching the weather forecast showed that we could expect rain and wind starting this afternoon but with the heavy clouds the area was getting a good washing and blowing by midway through the morning that is continuing as I type this post. We used this as an organizing day for things that needed taking care of before heading south in the New Year.
I spent the afternoon organizing the medications we’ll be taking with us. It amazes me that many of Kathy’s medications were put into two and some three pill bottles. I managed to fill many of the bottles thus reducing the actual number that we’ll need to bring with us on our travels.
Since Kevin and Melissa were busy last night we held off our Wednesday night visit until tonight. We had our usual pleasant visit with them and the boys who can’t wait for Santa’s arrival even though Matt was feeling a little under the weather. Christmas is now only 4 days away and time is starting to fly by for all of us.  
Thanks for following along and feel free to leave a comment. Be Safe and Enjoy!

It’s about time.

Krackers

You Might Be a Redneck If

You need pliers to change channels on your TV.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Busy Busy.

Our Location today is Tecumseh, Ontario, Canada.

Well guess it was bound to happen sooner or later after both Kathy and I having a number of days where we actually have been getting a decent nights sleep; last night we both slept like #$%^&. Kathy had to go for blood tests this morning but we didn’t even set the alarm just figured on waking up when we wake up. Both of us were tossing and turning most of the night and out of bed at the time a person having a fulltime job would get up.
It only took minutes for her blood test to be completed but Kathy’s doctor spotted her and wanted to talk. The next thing you know is she needed another blood test done before she could leave.
Since neither of us had any breakfast we stopped at a new A&W where we used a breakfast coupon. We had two large coffees, two hash browns and two Bacon N’Egger sandwiches for just over eleven dollars with taxes. That helped us to relax but also gave us the energy to extend our morning chores.
As soon as we were back in the apartment I got the laundry sorted and headed down to the laundry room. I went back upstairs to read some blogs while Kathy continued with more research. By the time I got the clothes in the dryers Kathy had already heated up her homemade chicken noodle soup for our lunch. That left still a few more minutes of blog reading before I headed back to fold the clothes. By the time I returned Kathy had vacuumed the entire apartment with her left hand.  It was awkward but she did it.
We started hearing noises outside the building close to our apartment and almost started to panic. Since last April there have been contractors working on all kinds of things in our building one of which is refinishing the apartment balconies. The reason we started to panic is when they start working on our balcony we have to have all our things off of it. That would mean having to store our barbecue, bicycles and patio set inside the apartment. Why the panic is because we are expecting guests for visits starting this weekend. I nonchalantly went and spoke to the contractor who assured me with upcoming rain for the next few days and then they would be off until January 2nd before they start on our balcony. With Christmas in only 5 days that could have been a disaster.
 Thanks for following along and feel free to leave a comment. Be Safe and Enjoy!

It’s about time.

Krackers

Office Jokes, Quotes, and Anecdotes

Meaningless Things to Say to People Who Got to Work Before You

Some people will do anything for a good parking spot.

Did your house burn down last night or something?

 It looks like someone is bucking for a promotion.

Jacob Lentz and Paul Koehorst, There's No I in Office