Hot, Hot, Hot!

I think I'm going to love this weather. It got up to 29C today. Even the locals were complaining. I didn't think it was too bad but I had a lot to drink. There was a bit of a breeze but mainly the air was hot and humid. Yesterday I took in a free play downtown in the park. The local Shakespeare troop puts on plays all summer and was doing Pericles, Prince of Tyre (it had nothing to do with Michelin). It was good but didn't have the local spirit that the actors from Shakespeare by the Sea in Halifax have. I did enjoy it and will likely go again. I think Jane and Isabelle would like it (there were lots of families there). The interesting thing about the Greenville's open air public events is that you can bring your own wine or drinks. All you need to do is buy a bracelet at the door for $1 and you're good to go. It's really quit neat and not necessarily what you'd expect in the South. The Jockey Lot today was interesting. Think of the largest yard sale you've ever been to and then think of it five to ten times as big. There lots of tools (big, small, used , and new), clothing, household products, belts and leather, coins (no stamps), guns, animals, and the usual junk. The canteens were busy but selling traditional stuff like corn dogs, chili dogs, boiled peanuts, and burgers. I had a snack and brought some peanuts home for later. I didn't buy anything but there were some deals to be had. (I don't know that I can take my dad there-it might get expensive!) The rest of day was taking care of business. A trip to the grocery store and getting the Internet, TV, and phone set-up for the new house. It only took about an hour of standing at the kiosk but I think I have it sorted out. The groceries here all have self check-out, which makes buying alcohol interesting. I also signed up for a BiLo Bonus Card. It's amazing the savings if you sign-up for one of these little things. I have one for Jane when she arrives. Tonight I think I might go see a movie. It's not something I do much unless I'm by myself. I've heard good things and bad about the new Indiana Jones movie (The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull) but I think I'll take a chance on it. I'm a big fan. As for Sunday's activities I haven't decided yet. I may head north to the mountains towards Asheville. There are a few outdoor stores up that way that I want to see. Who knows where I'll end up?

Updated:

Here is a picture of the amphitheatre where the play took place.

Back In the South

I'm back in Greenville. Got here yesterday and had a brief lesson in American bureaucracy. It turns out the customs and immigration people in Halifax didn't process my paperwork correctly when I arrived the first time. That didn't stop me from coming in but it slows down a few thing here. I tried to apply for my Social Security Number and found out that it would take at least 4 weeks. (It was supposed to happen very quickly once I had been here for 2 weeks and the paperwork had caught up to me.) Anyway after going to the Social Security Center yesterday, an Immigration Office and a Border Control and Customs office today, I will have to go back to see where things stand next Friday. All of this so I can pay taxes and get a driver's licence. I hope it goes better for Jane and Isabelle in Portland. Today was the big move day in Kentville. Jane was back and forth to me a few times but in the end it looks like everything is on the truck and ready to go. I need to work out the details here for unloading and unpacking but hopefully is will all happen smoothly. I'm relieved and sad to say goodbye to the house in Kentville. I have many good memories from there. This weekend should be quiet for me. I hope to go to the Jockey Lot. It's a huge flea market/farmer's market here in the Upstate. I'm going just to have a look around but you never know what you'll find in a place like this. We do need a little furniture for the new house so I will be keeping my eyes open. Otherwise the apartment was essentially the way I left it. I did do some groceries yesterday and need to get a new cell phone. We also haven't decided on a regular phone provider for the house. Everything is quite different here. Hopefully the head cold I brought with me will pass. I need a few good nights of sleep to get over it because next week will be busy. I have a week in our plant in Spartanburg, I sign the lease and inspect the new place on Friday, and then have the weekend to settle into the new house. I promise pictures once I've moved in.

Moving Daze

The movers were here yesterday and today. They are very good a what they do and managed to pack all of the loose stuff (pots, clothes, books, etc...) in about one and a half days. The next step is to get it all into a truck with the furniture. The load day was to be Wednesday but is now Thursday since the truck was delayed in Ontario somewhere. That means we are short on time for cleaning before the close date so we negotiated that the movers would provide the cleaning-good negotiations on my part (with some coaching from Peter). Otherwise life goes on. Maggie has been at the kennel for the last few days and is not happy about the move. She whined quite a bit yesterday when she got home and saw that things were not as she left them. Isabelle on the other hand is looking forward to a big adventure. She had to check that all her things were packed (toys, books, etc...) yesterday and was duly impressed. (WOW is the word she used. Her eyes were as big a saucers.) I think she is starting to realize how big a deal this move is. She is still going to Apple Tree Landing every day and has activities just about every night. That makes it easier to entertain her without tying us down. Tonight the family will spend a night in Wolfville and I am off to Halifax for my flight in the morning. In some ways it will be nice to get back to normal but I think I'm going to miss the girls, again. The plan for now is that Jane, Isabelle, Maggie and Taryn will be in Saulnierville on the weekend of the 7th, and cross into the US on the Cat to arrive sometime middle of the week. As for me I have two weeks in my temporary apartment and then I move into the new house when the movers arrive. In the meantime if you want to get a hold of us try our email or put a comment on the blog.

A Long Week

I've been home in Kentville for over a week and been very busy. There has been a lot of family time and some serious work, both Michelin and presonal. I spent the week in the plant here in Waterville as a visitor. That was interesting. I had to be the heavy on a few issues but generally had a productive week seeing things from a different perspective. I also spent a day seeing soem people before I left and learning about some of the areas I'll be responsible for in the new job. I think I'm going to like it. Other than work there has been lots of entertaining and visiting going on. We've had a few great meals out (thank you! you know who you are) and some fun times here at home with Isabelle's friends and their parents. Both sets of grandparents were also in to visit before we move out of the house. At home we've been very busily packing, cleaning, sorting, and planning for the big move! I have to be ready to return to South Carolina on Wednesday, Jane has to be ready to entertain Isabelle and Maggie for a couple of weeks until they drive down. Both sides of the family have been very helpful in supporting us through this. We appreciate it very much. The movers show up tomorrow and are expected to take a few days to get everything ready and into the truck. From there the "stuff" will head south where I'll be waiting for it at the new house. I hope it all goes as planned but we are prepared for a few bumps along the way. It certainly has been an interesting ride so far.

Back Home

I'm back in the Valley and happy to be home. The strange thing is that I haven't slept very well since I've been here. Maybe I miss the airplanes flying out of Greenville airport at all hours of the night, maybe it's the lack of humidity, or maybe I'm just worried about the big move. Things are going well here. I spent a day in the old plant in Waterville today as a visitor. My training is coming along well. Tomorrow we'll be on the floor which should be quite interesting. I'm here with two colleagues which also makes the trip more bearable. I'm seeing things from a different perspective now that I work for the central team. At home we are in the final preparations for the big move. The last of the clean-up should take place this weekend. There is some stuff we need to drop off to some friend's house's and other things that will go to Saulnierville or Halifax. We also have a bit of stuff to throw out. Jane's big issue is packing up for a week of living out of a suitcase between Tower Road in Halifax and Wolfville. She also has to have stuff for the big road trip with Taryn when they drive down to sunny South Carolina. The plan is for her to take the ferry in Yarmouth to Portland ME. That should take a day's driving off of the trip. It also gives Isabelle a chance to see her Grandmere and Pappi one more time and run around on the ferry during the trip. In some ways I'm sorry I'm going to miss it, on the otter hand a long road trip would likely take a few days to recover from, days I can't afford right now. Tonight I told Isabelle she might get her own bathroom in the new house. She was very taken by the whole idea. She wanted to know if there would be a bathtub and sink too! She also asked if the whole thing would be big or small. We told her it would be like it is here but that she would need to help keep it clean. She's pretty excited. I can't wait to get settled and have the move behind us I also know I'm going to miss the old place here on Belcher Street (and the neighborhood).

On the Road Again

Everything is set-up for me to fly back to Kentville tomorrow. I will spend a week and a half with Jane and Isabelle getting everything ready for the big move. I also have some things to take care of myself at the bank and other places. Hopefully everything will go well. The other reason for my trip is a visit to the plant in Waterville. It's part of my training. This weekend here in Greenville is Greek Fest. I'm going to try and take some in this evening and then it's back home to pack. I will also tidy up my apartment a little so that it's clean when I get back. I also wanted to post a picture of my place but I forgot the camera in my apartment. The library here is closing so I guess this is it for now. I'll see some of you this week. Otherwise stay tuned for more posts.

We Have a Winner!

Finally the great South Carolina house hunt is over! I found a house today that was pretty much exactly what we were looking for. I found it after looking at another four houses today. Some were good but others were not. This one is on Redglobe Court (click here as long as the link is active) in Simpsoneville. It is a very large 4 bedroom with 2 1/2 baths. It has a fenced yard and room for an office for Jane. The icing on the cake was when they told me they would be leaving the child's swing set and the surround sound system. It also comes with all appliances (including washer and natural gas dryer). The house is on a cul-de-sac and is in a subdivision with a pool, tennis courts, a beach volleyball court, soccer field, and a baseball field. The family that owns it is moving to Florida and I was the first to have a look at it. It turned out they were home so we negotiated the price and the details and came to an agreement right then and there. They were much like us and even had two rescued Labs. It really made me miss my Maggie. Click here for a map of the new area. It looks like Isabelle will have about 15 to 20 minutes to get to school when she eventually starts next year. I think there may only be a handful of traffic lights and few stop signs. As for me it's about 25 minutes or so, mainly on back roads. The other good news today is that I finally got mail. That may not seem like a big deal but for many organizations down here it means I exist. (It's not like I have a Social Security Number or anything, that's the real big one.) So I'm at the library and using my new library card for free Internet. It's great. I may even go wild and get a book out. I actually got two pieces of mail. First I got my new banking card from the bank. Secondly I received my first pay cheque. That will make things flow nicely around here since I've already had to drop lots on money on a few items like utilities (gas, electricity, water, and garbage pick-up). I will have to call back on the garbage pick-up because I didn't sign-up for recycling. I can't believe that a country this large and advanced doesn't have recycling at the curb everywhere. It sure is hard to get used to. I feel guilty every time I put a bottle in the trash. I also have some news for Maggie. I have a line on a real, honest-to-goodness dog park. There are lots of dogs here of all shapes and sizes but this will be one place that we should be able to get her out to once in a while. It's downtown in Cleveland park, near the zoo (I don't think it's related), but I hope to spend some time in town now and again on weekends. We will likely be going to the market I mentioned a few blogs back on Saturdays once in a while. Lastly I ate a wonderful little place near Simpsonville for lunch. It's called Two Chefs. It reminds me of the Italian Market in the Hydrostones back in Halifax. They do ready to cook food to take home a wonderful salads and sandwiches. In the one mini mall there was a Korean market, a Japanese restaurant, a Thai place, the Two Chefs, and a barbecue joint (pulled pork and everything!). It sure is going to be fun living down here at times!

Becoming an American

OK so maybe that's a little harsh, but today was all about intercultural training. We were introduced to some interesting social and cultural ideas that help to explain why Americans are the way they are and why Canadians are the way they are. We also got into how to get along and adjust to life down here. Little things the average Canadian wouldn't think of were interesting and surprising (to buy gas with cash at a gas station you have to pay inside first-they don't trust anyone, when getting pulled over by a police officer keep your hands on the wheel until asked for your ID-DON'T reach for the glove box, you are allowed and expected to tip your letter carrier, once a year at Christmas-Jane will approve!, and so on). The class was done by an American consultant and a Canadian RBC employee who is living in Greenville (he moonlights as a consultant). The day was well put together and flowed well. I'd heard that the American Civil War and the American Revolutionary War were key to the history down here but I had no idea they were this important. It really seems to have shaped the social and cultural fabric of the American, and especially Southern American, people (and those are big words from an engineer!). It was very interesting (I didn't have very big expectations going into it), and I ended up meeting a couple of Canadians while I was there. Mostly the participants were older couples, although there were a few younger people, mainly from our sales office in Laval, PQ. Spouses were encouraged to attend and Jane may be able to make it up in the fall if she wants. The house hunting continues. I received multiple calls today about viewing some homes with my Realtor. I will be going on another tour tomorrow. I took the time today after work to have a first look at some of them and they look pretty good. It will be hard to tell for sure if any are keepers until I walk through them. The market here is very fluid and houses aren't lasting very long. So far there seems to be new houses replacing the ones that get rented so we still have lots of choice. I just need to find that perfect one that allows us time, a yard, lots of bedrooms, and a good location. Wish me luck tomorrow. My first day at work yesterday was good. I got my badge for the new facility, found the best parking spots, and met my new colleagues. The team seems nice and I'll be getting an office all to myself. That seems to be a luxury down here. There are lots of people in cubicles. I also got my computer, but because things move slowly I can't use it at home yet. The trip home is still on. For those of you in the Valley I'll be around next week for a week long visit to my old plant in Waterville. I'm staying into the following week to take care of a few things while I'm back in Nova Scotia. As long as everything goes to plan we should be moving out on the 26th, 27th, and 28th. It sure will make everything seem sort of final.

The Weekend

Had a quiet day today. So far I've been to two Markets. One was the State Farmer's Market out side the city. It was authentic. I bought local beans, zucchini, potatoes, and lemons for tonight's dinner. They also had quite a selection of plants and flowers for sale. The lady I spoke to said the produce just keeps right on coming until they get into squash and other things at Thanksgiving. That's American Thanksgiving in November. The other market was down on Main Street and was a little more touristy. There were the usual crafts people and musicians, a few tables selling produce, meats, ans callops. Off course the peanut stand was there too. How do you like yours? There was boiled, baked, deep-fried, and Cajun. I had a taste of the deep-fried variety and they we quite good. Some people were eating them shell and all. Downtown Greenville is the greenest city center I've ever seen. They have beautiful trees along the main street and a pedestrian friendly atmosphere (even though the drivers don't think so). Falls Park is nice as well. I took some pictures. Everything is so clean and warm this time of year. I can't wait to take Jane, Isabelle, and Maggie down for a stroll on Saturday mornings. I made a point of checking out the Mast General Store again. I know a few people who are really going to like it in there. It's a real fun place to visit. I also took a run out of town and did a little sightseeing. Traveler's Rest was nice and my favorite store is still there. Sunrift Adventures is full of kayaks, tents, and camping gear. I did buy a small gift for a "little" someone. I hope she likes them. I also stopped in to Halfmoon Outfitters, another of my favorite spots when I'm down here.

I'm not sure what I'll do tonight. I have some paperwork to do for all sorts of things. I'm also reading more than I ever have. I have an old Dan Brown novel (he wrote The DaVinci Code) that I've started after having it around for a few years. (It's called Digital Fortress.) Sometimes I forget how much I do enjoy reading if only I had more time and less to do. I wouldn't change anything but I'll take advantage of it while I'm down here.

As for the house hunting-I've taken a day off at Jane's suggestion to let some stuff sink in. I think I have things narrowed down to a few houses but none is perfect. I simply may not be able to find perfection down here in the few days and weeks that I have. The question is which imperfection do we want to live with? Only time will tell.

I hope everyone out there is well and I'll see about sending you some warm weather-we certainly have enough of it here.

The Great House Hunt

Busy day today. I looked at over 10 houses and townhouses with my realtor. She was wonderful and had selected most of the same houses Jane and I had on our list. It was a very busy morning and I topped it off with a meal at a Greek place on Pelham Road that makes souvlaki that would make my friend Angelos yell "Opa!" Most of the homes were OK but three really caught my attention. I haven't seen the last one but it promises to be good one. It's in an area just down the steet from my third choice. The number of bedrooms and a pool and play area in the subdision are the key right now. We need something that is big enough for company and that will keep Maggie and Isabelle entertained. I am also looking for something that is child friendly (not too much traffic), possibly has a fenced yard, and isn't too far from Isabelle's new school. Some of the kitchens in these places are amazing. One had a lovely little sun room off the kitchen that makes ours on Belcher Street look a little outdated. I also saw one practically in the middle of an industrial park that had a kidney shaped pool with a hot tub that spilled over a waterfall into the main pool. (The owner had a pool business and would maintain the pool himself.) Too bad the house was right out the early 80s and needed some work. I will hopefully get a chance to post some pictures later, especially if a decision is made. For now it's about relaxing this afternoon until I see the last house and then make a discuss with Jane. I have to say she is very trusting of the whole process. I hopefully will be able to have a decision by tonight without her actually being here to consult. For now I think I'll check out the walking trail in my apartment complex. There is also a pool but that might be for tomorrow. I also need to pop in to look at the fitness area and juice bar. I've never been to a juice bar before but, who knows, I might like it.

Day Two

OK so here goes. A new sport here at the Pelham Library-Speed Blogging. I'm on the express computer and only have 15, make that 14 minutes. Let's see what I can get out. Had a good day at our North American Headquarters. Got some stuff sorted out, like my pay, and am set to meet with the realtor tomorrow. Hopefully that day will go well. I'm torn between a few houses I've looked at. I spent the afternoon stalking Greenville and cruising neighborhoods. Some of the houses Jane I picked from the Internet look very nice, others just don't give me a warm feeling. Sometimes it's the location, sometimes the look of them. I was surprised by a few. I also had a look at a house that belongs to one of my colleagues. It was also interesting. Things sure are different down here. I also managed to get some banking sorted out. It only took an hour to go through it in person. I put in about 12 hours trying to get a bank account from Nova Scotia and am still waiting for the reply. A well, that's how things go. The weather is still hot (surprise) but beautiful. The air-conditioning is nice too. All the flowers that are about to bloom here have already come and gone in Nova Scotia. I saw some irises here that were well past their prime. I start work on Monday so we'll see how that goes. I also have Intercultural training next week. I guess I have to learn how to be an American. I suppose I'll learn how to say "you'all" and other southern phrases. What I need help with is all the forms and systems I need to get through to get a driver's licence and a social security card. Unfortunately Jane will have to go through some of this too. At least they supply me with a "greeter" who is from the area and knows who to talk to and where to stand in line. Sorry but I still don't have any pictures for the site. Maybe this weekend.

In Greenville

Well I got here. The immigration stuff went very well. I did have an old grump on the desk but he put me through without any big issue. I have my I-94 card which means I can come and go as I please. In the end it was much easier than I thought it would be. My new (temporary) apartment was a little difficult to find but is clean and spacious. It has everything I need for the next little while, even a pool. I do have a grocery list to pick up a few things once I'm done here. I expect I will have an interesting time adjusting to living as a bachelor for a few weeks. The fellow I will be replacing met me at the airport and delivered me to the apartment. His wife went grocery shopping and got me a few things to start off (bread, lunch meats, milk, cheese). Unfortunately one of the items was a six pack of Pepsi. Oh well, you can't have everything. I'm at the library right now. I can't get a membership just yet but getting on-line was easy enough and will cost me $2 a day. The library is wonderful. There is a great kids section and the computers are plentiful and new. I think Jane and Isabelle are going to really like it. I just hope I can find a nice place to live nearby. I did drive by a few places and already have some notes on houses. The neighbourhoods here in this part of town are nice and there seems to be lots of places for rent. The weather is amazing. Washington/Dulles where I changed flight was nice but here it's warm and sunny. It's not too bad yet but the worst is yet to come. Posts over the next few days could be sporadic and short as I have to use the library computers but I'll try to keep everyone posted. Feel free to write in comments or catch me via Facebook or my Hotmail account.

Here I Go

It's my last day in Nova Scotia...sort of. I will be back in a few weeks for work but that will be like visiting since I'll have my NAFTA visa that says I'm a Canadian working in the US visiting Canada. Hopefully everything will go well at the border this time and in a few weeks. Today has been about finishing up things. I've been to the banks, the post office, called about power, oil, and phone. I need to call the insurance about the house. I mowed the lawn so Jane wouldn't have to worry about it. And now I have to pack. The trick will be getting just under 50 lbs. of stuff into each of two checked bags and having a carry that on I can manage. All while making sure I have all the right paperwork an documents for the immigration people at the border. The movers have called confirming dates and details. I hope that part of the trip goes well. I never realized how much stuff we have until someone else did an inventory on it. I'm glad the company is paying for this and not me. We did do a serious amount of cleaning up and have simplified our lives a little bit but I still have lots of kayaking gear, camping gear, and tools to deal with. Now it's off to cook dinner for the family and off to another activity with Jane and the Girl. The next entry should be from South Carolina! I think I have internet access in my temporary place so hopefully it won't be too long.

Farewell Tour

Isabelle, Maggie and I went to Saulnierville for the weekend. This was my last visit for a while since I leave for SC on Wednesday. Isabelle loves it at her Grandmere and Pappi's house. She pretty much gets the run of the place. Maggie on the other hand wasn't thrilled.

I think Maggie knows something big is up and can't figure it out. With Jane away for the weekend and me packing things up she's worried about what is going on and where she will end up. I hope she doesn't break out into hives like she did when Isabelle was born.

In Saulnierville I jammed as much fun as I could into a little over 48 hours. We did the beach, a fire with hot-dogs and steamed clams, ate rappie pie, had more seafood, ate lobster three times, hit every Frenchy's I could find, and visited with family (my parents, my grandmother, my Tante Rosemarie, Tante Elaine, Adrian, Monique, Kim, Gisele, Rick, Lisette, & Andre). I actually ate clams for three meals while I was here. I don't expect to get many Baie Sainte Marie clams in SC.

Another of my objectives was to get my parents set up on Skype. I managed to get everything going and then talked to my friend Rob in St. John's (thanks Rob). The system worked pretty well. Hopefully it will make it easier for everyone to keep in touch. If you're on Skype look us up (both Jane and I have an account, as well as my parents). If you're not on Skype get out and get a camera and get going. It's pretty cool and very easy to set-up.

Anyway, it's sort of sad saying goodbye but I know there will be lots of adventures to come.

Here goes...

...my first post. I suppose you're wondering about the name. Well I thought it should be about me, about my people, about what I do, and easy to remember. Note the interesting spelling...see, not so bad. For those of you who don't know Mark is my middle name and Marco with a C looked better so I left it. Jane and I do Marco Polo when she's looking for me. You know...she yells "Marco!" and I yell back "Polo!" Then she knows where I am and I know she's looking for me. Anyway, it's about us and I think we'll be doing alot of it in the next little while wether its on the phone, internet, or in the new house. Now for those of you who know who Marco Polo was, well he was a world traveller, sort of. That's what my life is going to be about for the next few years. My new job will have me flying to all sorts of neat places. Maybe not the Far East (at least not at first) but at least it will be interesting. Anyway, lets get down to business. Jane is away in Ottawa busy doing a stamp thing (I'll explain later) and the Girl is with her Grandmere and Pappi. I'm home alone with Maggie. The really big news is that we sold the house! After many trials and tribulations we are finally starting to move forward. Everything else seems to be coming together. The movers, the new car, the new job, and so on. Anyway here is what it looks like. I never thought I'd be more relieved to see a sign, but there it was when I got back from Apple Tree Landing with the Girl. I think I'll sleep well tonight. More posts to come.