#250 Vacation CompleShawn

As soon as we cross the Confederation Bridge, and land on New Brunswick soil, we are no longer on Vacation.  We might not be back in Montreal, but so too, we are no longer on PEI.

As soon as we exit the Bridge, our hearts ache. Ache to return to PEI.

There's not a lot to say... we want to be on the Island permanently. Some how, sooner or later we will get back there and never leave again.

#249 Last Day of VacaShawn

Well to be technical, today was our last Full Day of Vacation.

It's always a bitter sweet time.

We got up and putzed about in the morning. Did a few chores about the property, then took the dogs for a walk.

Then we got in the car, and hit the road.  We zig-zaged across central PEI. Crapaud to Canoe Cove. New Haven to Charlottetown. Cornwall to Stanley Bridge. New London to Hunter River. Then back to Hampton.

We stopped off at a few of our regular joints... Harvey's General Store, The Michael's, Pedro's Island Eatery.

Then we made our way back to the cottage. Took the kids for another walk to the beach and back.  And now we vege and wish we weren't going home again tomorrow.

Le sigh.

#247 More Collection ObsesShawn

More Beach Combing Gold!

Not only did we get more fab Sea Glass in Victoria., We found a HUGE Moon Snail Shell (as big as Santiago's head) on our beach. And then in Borden we found a great  piece of blue glass.

Today was a very successful Beach Coming Day.

Haazaa!

#246 Collection ObsesShawn

A high point for our vacation, and a great way to while away the hours, not to mention it's extremely calming and de-stressing... is beach-combing and looking for sea-glass.

It was a slow start to the hunt this summer, when we first got here. A few pieces here and there. And then with some windy days and an abundance of seaweed on the beach at low tide, we thought we would go home almost empty handed.  

But then today we made it to one of our secret spots while the tide was low. And we struck seaglass gold!   A good 25 or so pieces, along with some old crockery pieces. 

We had such a good haul that we're going back tomorrow! 

But anyone that knows anything about Beach-combing means that one day is feast, then next could very well be famine...   Fingers crossed.

#245 Insect AnnihilaShawn

Death to Mosquitoes.

No, seriously; those little buggers are on my shit-list. 

The rain is a minor distraction on vacation...

The price of gas and groceries is an unwanted obstacle...

...but the Mosquitoes this Summer are the closest thing to a wet blanket we are facing. We even went so far as to buy a bottle of insect repellent...  but I think it was mislabeled. I'm pretty sure we bough a bottle of Insect Attractant. 

One would think that bug spray would actually keep the mosquitoes away. We actually got more bug bites after we applied the spray than before.

I think tonight I'm going to sacrifice a virgin to Zephyrus, god of the west wind. It's the only thing that's made some days possible to be outside. 

#244 Vacation MigraShawn

Some lazy days you do a lot. Such a day was today.

Sure we got a late start .. waking up at 10:40am But once we got up we made a days worth of it.  

We had breakfast and then took the dogs for a walk on the beach. Then we got out on the road, did some shopping and visiting in Victoria-by-the-Sea.

Later we criss-crossed the island making stops in Crapaud, Kelly's Cross, New Glasgow, Cavendish, and North Rustico.

Visiting boutiques here and there. Taking photos and beachcombing. Sight seeing and just overall relaxing, letting the day slip away.

#242 Friendly InteracShawn

Good Friends.

Good Food.

Wine.

...and Cards Against Humanity.

Had a wonderful evening with our friends Reg and Will.  Had a great meal and then ended the evening playing Cards Against Humanity.  Never has being Politically Incorrect ever been so much fun!

...it would have been MORE fun had I won the game, but Marcel did and I was only one point behind him, so, it wasn't a total loss... it was more of a Silver Victory. And that's just how I am going to remember it. 

In fact it was such a great evening, we're going to repeat it on Friday night here at the cottage.  Friends, Food, Booze and Inappropriate Humour. 

#241 Exquisite NutriShawn

Tonight was our annual Lobster Dinner with my Mom and Dad. They insist on taking us out each summer for a lobster dinner, to refuse them would be the ultimate insult.

The last few years we went to Fisherman's Wharf in North Rustico, but Marcel was wanting to go old school and go to one of the more traditional and original Lobster Dinner Halls they still exist on the Island.

We opted for the New Glasgow Lobster Suppers. This was a place our family used to go to years ago.  They started serving Dinners there in the Summer of 1958. When a place has been serving the same meal for more than 55 years, you know it's going to be good.

Limitless Steamed Mussels, Seafood Chowder and Salad and Home-made Dinner Rolls (I had 3 bowls of Chowder and 6 Rolls, on top of 2 Salad Plates and a couple dozen Mussels). And then the mail course of a 1.5 lb Lobster. And for dessert some old school, home made chocolate cake.

We rolled ourselves out of there. Satisfied and sated. 

#240 SocializaShawn

Today was social visit day.

We don't do social visits often. It's not that we're not social, it's just that we prefer to not be around people. :-) Okay, that's not entirely not true, we have friends... we visit them once a year when we're on the Island.  lol 

We had a great visit with our friends Reg and Will. Shootin' the shit. Critiquing such cinematic block busters as "Sharknado", "Fido", Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter" and so on... Then on to a discussion about anti-depressants and their side-effects, and then onto comic book stores and customer service. You know, the basics.

It was a good time and on Saturday Night we're going over to their place for dinner and a game of Cards Against Humanity.  Should be a good time... we have very little hope for Humanity so we should be naturals at the game.

#239 Rose PlantaShawn

'Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.'

Truer words, my friends. Truer words.

Every year when Marcel and I are at the cottage, my Mom asks us to weed the garden around the front deck. And by "weed" she means remove all new sod of grass that has grown in because she never plants anything. 

Well this year I told her "No. Unless something is planted we are not going to do all the work just to have nothing planted next spring and then have to do the same work again next year."

I told her point me in the direction of a good nursery where I can buy some old fashioned rose bushes and I'll do the work it takes to dig up the "garden" again and this time plant some perennials - Rose bushes and we'll be done with it.

One day later I now have 8 rose bushes, 2 sedums and 2 day lilies to plant.  Sure it's because I opened my big mouth, but I have to tell you  I LOVE old fashioned rose bushes, so I really don't mind. Only problem is we will have to wait a year to see any noticeable results...

#237 Leash EmancipaShawn

I don't know what I love more...

... being on the beach with Marcel and the Dogs, or watching the dogs go mental, running about off their leashes.

As city dogs,  they only get to walk on their leash. And as they, well more specifically Santiago is a bit of a dick around other dogs, taking them to Dog Parks or Dog Runs is out of the question. So, this is their one time of year where that can go run amok and for the most part we don't have to worry.   

The first day they kind of spin their tires in circles at the initial joy of being off the lead. Then, on subsequent days, it's all about chasing the seagulls, sniffing the dead crabs and seaweed and just enjoying their freedom.

IT's really a win win. They get some great exercise, as do we, AND we also get to de-stress and chill with endless walks on the beach.

It's pretty much Vacation Perfection

#236 Peaceful PerfecShawn

You don't have to do much to have a perfect day on PEI.

To start off, you wake from a very restful sleep.  

Then you have a relaxing morning.

Head into town and run a few errands.

Then get back to the cottage and head down to the beach for a peaceful 90 minute walk.

Now we sit and wait for a perfect sunset to end a perfect day.

PEI is Peaceful Perfection.

#235 DestinaShawn PerfecShawn

We have finally arrived.

Ahhhhhhh

#234 it's not the midway point, it's the destinaShawn

After 6 hours on the road, we've reach the half way point to our ultimate destination. PEI. 

Our goal is Hampton PEI, but for tonight we are in a hotel in Edmundston, New Brunswick. 

Edmundston is not the sort of place your stay in for long.  It's a momentary stop. It's a step on the stairway to heaven. 

Tonight we sleep in Edmundston, tomorrow we rest in Paradise. 

#227 JubilaShawn

I am the envy of most of the office today.

While I do not go on Vacation for another week, my Boss  is now officially on his own vacation and is not in the office next week or the week after.

So my envious co-workers are happy they will not have to see or hear him for the next two weeks. But as I pointed out to them, I will not have to see or hear him for the next three weeks AND a day.

:-)

Check and Mate!

#112 Early Mental VacaShawn

It’s only Tuesday, but I’ve already checked out for this coming weekend.

We’re headed to the Eastern Townships for a late Easter Long Weekend.  We’ll be shipping off early Friday afternoon and heading back into the city on Monday afternoon.

I always look forward to our weekend trips to Marcel’s Family’s cottage on the lake (Lac Massawippi) and we haven’t been down since Thanksgiving weekend so we’re long overdue for a visit.

Mentally, we’ve already packed, loaded up the car, driven down the highway, un-packed the car, opened a couple of beer and are in super, slo-mo lazy cottage mode.

Wanna bet Wednesday and Thursday also move in super, slo-mo lazy cottage mode. 

#090 Planning for VacaShawn(s)

I'm not a fan of Summer of heat, but, I *AM* a fan of Summer Vacation, and the 'vacation year' at the office begins tomorrow. In fact the only time I want to do anything in the Summer is when I'm not working! 

And with my seniority, and banked time and the ability to purchase an extra week, I now how 28 day of vacation plus 8 and a half days (and counting of overtime).

Cha-ching!

I'm so excited. I want to start booking NOW!

For certain there will be 2 weeks(+) back East (NS and PEI)

A couple of Extra Long Weekends at Marcel's family cottage on Lake Massawippi... Canada Day Weekend, Thanksgiving Weekend...

And maybe some time off at Christmas, and some long weekends just at home with Marcel and the dogs, and... and... and...

Any suggestions?

#082 VacaShawn PreparaShawn

A penny saved is a penny earned. 

Hmmm,  maybe that needs to be changed to a nickel saved is a nickel earned. 

Marcel and I do 4 little things to save money for our annual vacation to the Maritimes. They are so simple and easy, anybody can do it, practically in your sleep.

1- We put all out pocket change in a jar. 

You'd be really surprised how much and how fast it piles up. From Sept to Jan alone we had over $300.00! And as I have a TD Canada Trust bank account, they offer a FREE coin counting / cash in service. (As opposed to those coin machines in Grocery Stores etc that generally have a $0.10 - $0-12 on the dollar fee. At TD if you have an account there is no fee.  And even for those that do not have an account there it's still better at only $0.08 on the dollar.) You don't even have to count and roll the coin, you just dump the coin in their counter machine. Easy Peasy.

2- Bottle Deposit Returns. 

All the Pop Bottles, Beer Bottles and occasional Cans we collect week to week get taken to the Grocery store return machines. (Last year we had over $30)

3- Any monies won on Lotto Tickets. 

Granted this does not amount to very much, but there are the odd $2s and $5s.

4- We occasionally buy pre-paid gas cards. 

A $25 card here, or $50 card there and soon you have all your gas money for your trip account for in advance!

I just did a quick tally today to see how we're doing, and I'm pleased to say we are well on our way to surpassing last years' amount of $935.

Currently we have $675 and another $275 in Gas Cards. And there's still another 5 months to go.

All money goes toward our Car Rental, Gas and Hotel Room (for the drive down and back).

Our goal is to have, at a minimum the car, gas and hotel rentals paid in advance, leaving any other monies for mad money. And alleviating putting so much on credit card.

These are all rather simple and painless methods. Take really no fore-thought and doesn't affect our "day to day".

Let's face it , we all want to go on Vacation, but when the bills come in after, it's a little painful...  well not any more.

Cha-Ching!

#055 Ctrl-Alt-DeleShawn

While I was off for the past two weeks, the emails in my office inbox were piling up.

The raw stats are this:

Period: February 10th to 14th and February 17th to 21st.

Emails received: 667

Time to download the email approx 40 minutes.

Emails Deleted: 555

Emails requiring attention: 112

Emails requiring a reply: 57

Time until the last email was answered (including d/l time): 2 hours 24 minutes. 

I AM AN EMAIL BOSS!

I love taking time off, I HATE having to sort through email.  Over time I’ve created a quick strategy that allows me to blow through the madness.

1) Open a  preview pane open in inbox.

2) Sort by sender.

3) Delete by sender. (with 99.9% accuracy, I can delete tens if not hundreds of emails in an instant solely by who sent me the email. There are a few exceptions to this but with a quick review of Subject Line or the preview pane and I can keep it or chuck it with no time wasted.)

4) Once all of the deletes are made I keep the sort ‘by person’ and with 3 sub-folders I sort whose emails are “High Priority”, “Medium Priority”, or “Low ‘I’ll get back to you when I get back to you’ Priority”. *

5) Then I go into the individual sub-folders, sort by date and answer.

* Basically, My immediate Boss or higher is “High Priority”. "Medium Priority" are from my co-worker on issues t from my clients that she was unable to resolve. "Low Priority" are all the clients that  would have received my Auto-Responder stating I’d be off for two weeks but did not resend to our departmental mass email address (that I’d also receive a copy of, thereby knowing if they followed the correct procedure to ensure they’d get a reply.)

I have a standard opener for my replies to the Low Priority group, it’s basically… “Thank you for your email. As stated in the Auto-Responder you would have received when you sent your email, I was on vacation for the past two weeks. Your email is only being responded to now because you did not forward your email to the correct address (XYZ@WHEREIWORK.COM)...

Some people never learn, but I feel that no case is hopeless, so I’ll remind you how hapless you really are. ;-) Overall though,  I have to say that my clients are learning.  I only had 3 Low Priority emails this time. (I recall about two summer’s ago it was more like 30).

Now if cleaning up all the errors my co-worker made in the past two weeks was as easy… 

#038 Winter StaycayShawn

It's official.

I am on Vacation!

After the past two weeks, it will likely take the following two weeks to properly unwind!  And that's fine.   This is a stay-cation. With little planned other than watching the Olympics, and sleeping in. We'll try and venture out every couple of days for provisions as needs warrant.

The official uniform of the next two weeks, consist of flannel pajamas, flannel pants with t-shirts, and jeans with flannel shirts. And I do not intend to shave until Sunday Feb 23rd. 

Tonight we'll watch the Opening Ceremonies that we DVRed, and then first think tomorrow, let the Armchair Judging begin!

GO CANADA, GO!