Back At It

It' s been a busy week. I've been learning lots at the new office. Stephen, the fellow I'm replacing is very good at what he does and I have much to learn. Today was interesting because he took some vacation so I'm on my own for a while. It's forced me to get involved in a few projects-there's nothing like complete immersion to get you into things. Work for me is all about managing multiple projects. Today I was organizing an event for the plant in Waterville. I spoke to a few people in Ireland, lots of Americans and called back to the plant in Canada several times. Michelin truly is a multinational company.

At home life is good. Jane is getting the house into shape and has been doing some yard work while I'm at the office. She gets some interesting looks from the neighbors mowing the lawn with our reel push mower. Everyone keeps offering up their electric or gas mower. We haven't decided if we're going to get a power mower yet-I guess it's up to Jane.

The observation of the week here is about the drivers. I thought drivers in Newfoundland and Quebec were bad but here they take the cake. Turn signals get used about 25% of the time. Lane changes are random-or at least that's how they seem. People don't turn from lane to lane at corners but swerve wide all the time. The worst has got to be the running of yellow lights. There's more of a hazard in getting rear-ended at a light because the person behind you thought you were going through than getting hit at an intersection. It's forced me to charge how I drive. You almost have to be aggressive.

The other big story here today in the news is the Supreme Court's decision on the Second Amendment (to the American Constitution), that's the right to bear arms. Now I may get myself in trouble for this but I don't understand how an amendment to the Constitution which was implemented back in the days of pirates, indians (not politically correct), and of course the threat of English invasion in what used to be the colonies can still stand up in court. If there's one thing the Americans believe in its tradition. When you think about how things like driving car, having a cell phone, and using the Internet are not rights (they could be taken away tomorrow by the government, technically), but owning and carrying a gun is a right, it makes me wonder. In short the Constitution says that no one can tell an American what he can or can't do with a gun (except in certain key exceptions). Anyway, the mayors of all the major cities are all up in arms (pardon the pun) about it, and rightfully so, gun crime is bound to go up if people can have guns anywhere. As of yesterday many cities like Washington and Chicago had banned guns and restricted how they could be sold, stored, and used. In the end it just goes to highlight another of the differences between Americans and Canadians.

In any event that is my rant. I apologize if I've offended. I feel like this is my outlet since one doesn't talk about politics at work.

On to nicer subjects. I think we finally got a really good picture of Isabelle. Jane took it last night when we went downtown for a walk. Isabelle was playing on a wall in Falls Park and started posing for the camera. It took several tries but this one might be worth framing. Note the scab on her knee. She's been very active the last few weeks.

Tomorrow we might go to the farmer's market and then head to the park for a Canada Day celebration. The Canadian Consulate in North Carolina is putting on an event here in town. Some of the other Canadians we've met will likely be there too. It should be a good time. Maybe pictures in the next post.

The First Week-Back Together

Well our first week as a family in the house is drawing to an end-and a weekend. It's been good so far. Maggie has slept through the night a few days in a row. Isabelle is also settling in an not getting up in the night anymore. She is getting up early though. She's had breakfast with me the last two mornings before I head out to work. It's a change from my usual routine but we get to spend more time together this way (and Mummy gets to sleep in!) My work is a little slow right now because I'm in Spartanburg. Tomorrow it's back to the office and back to normal. I learned quite a bit this week but I'll be happy to be back at my desk. The week was relatively uneventful-except for tonight. Jane had her first foray into the realm of American health care. It went well and wasn't too expensive. In the end the prescription was free! I'll let her explain in her Blog. Maggie is still adjusting to being in a crate during the day when Jane and Isabelle go out. We're trying to slowly break her in so she can stay at home for a few hours at a time. It's too hot here in June, July, and August to leave her in the car. It's really sad-she howls the whole while. The neighbors seem very nice here. There seems to be a real mix of people. There are lots of kids too. It's amazing to see the toys they have-electric bikes, scooters, and cars everywhere. So far Isabelle is happy on here multicoloured tricycle. All the kids love Maggie so at least she's getting lots of attention. Tomorrow we pick-up our new Jeep. I was at the dealer today and got everything all set-up. It should be quick since I've done so much paperwork up front. On the other hand I tried to get my South Carolina driver's license today but was missing some paperwork (it's hard to believe the bureaucracy sometimes). I'll have to try again in a few weeks. One thing I did find out was how many different licence plates there are here. It's amazing. Click here to have a look. In the end when we register the Jeep and the Subaru I think we'll just stick with the basics.

Home Again, Home Again...

The girls got here on Wednesday night. They were exhausted and had a very large day, driving all the way back from Pennsylvania. Isabelle was awake when they got in and gave me a big hug-It's nice to have them here. The rest of the week was busy with unpacking and setting up the house. We've gotten through about two thirds of the boxes. There are still a few things we haven't found yet but I'm sure they will show up. On Friday night we took a drive to Georgia (so that Taryn could add to her list of states). We drove back by Lake Hartwell. The drive was beautiful but it was amazing to see how low the water was. This part of the US has had a bit of a drought for the last few years and it's really starting to show. Tomorrow we want to head up to North Carolina. It should be cooler in the mountains and the scenery should be impressive. This morning we hit the local farm markets and spent some time downtown. The heat was oppressive but Isabelle and I went to the kid's water park and had a little cool down. Maggie had a little trouble with the heat but certainly got lots of attention from everyone who walked by. I think having a dog is the best way to meet people. Everyone wanted to know what kind of dog she was and if they could pet her. She's really popular. Next week Taryn goes back to Nova Scotia and Jane and Isabelle will get into their routine. I'm in Spartanburg all week and anticipate a trip home the first few weeks in July-so we've got a few weeks to settle in before we head back north for a visit. After that who knows? We have lots of room for visitors...

The Big Reveal

The movers were here today and they worked their bottoms off. They had a hot day and hardly stopped for lunch. I think they went through about 8 litres of Gatorade. The driver along with three local guys managed to unload everything in about 7 hours. I started unpacking tonight and got the basics set-up. I have to say the driver was amazing. He was positive and helpful and very much ran the show. He is from Ontario and spends most of his time driving around North America. I couldn't believe how they managed to pack the stuff into the truck. So far there have only been two things that were broken. One is the dinning room table (it's minor and can be fixed), the other is one of the sofas we had reupholstered (that might need a little more attention). Jane, and Isabelle, and Taryn, and Maggie are on their way. The gang is pushing through a big day. That's a whole lot of states having started in Pennsylvania this morning. In the end they'll have about 800 km behind them when they arrive. They just called from the state line and should be here just before dark.

Offline

Just as quickly as it was installed it was removed. Our cable, Internet, and phone are not working. I tried at the house last night and didn't get anywhere. The company said they would have a repairman out by Wednesday afternoon. I must say that the response time leaves a little to be desired (considering I called Monday evening). For now I'm back in the library-not that I'm complaining-it's a very nice library. (I just had a look at the website and there seems to be some interesting activities for preschoolers on all summer.) Tomorrow is a big day. Jane, Isabelle, Maggie, and Taryn may arrive and the movers are finally scheduled to be at the house to unload and unpack. There were a few delays at the border for our stuff and I must say the driver has been very patient. Jane's crossing seemed to have gone well, although I think there was a long line-up. I haven't spoken to her very much but will be in touch tonight with an ETA for her. She may even get to see the driver from United Van Lines again. The girls did some shopping in New Hampshire and seemed very pleased with themselves. It looks like my Social Security application is finally going through. I was in to the Social Security Administration office today and they said everything is in order. However, that only means that the processing can begin. Hopefully it will go through next week so that I can take care of a few other things that need to be done (like a cell phone and a car). Work has been good. I'm learning lots. The people in the plant are very helpful and friendly. I'm meeting all sorts of people I worked with before who didn't realize I was moving to South Carolina. Tonight is a quick supper and moving some things to the house from the apartment. I've already made several loads so there isn't too much left to go. In the end I have the apartment until Saturday in case the unpacking goes badly and we need a place to stay. The cleaners were supposed to be back in the house today so I'll be doing another inspection tonight. There were a few areas that needed some attention before we move in. Hopefully by this time tomorrow the family will be reunited and somewhat settled in. That reminds me, I need to pick up some refreshments for the movers tomorrow and some basic supplies...

Fixing Up-MacGyver Style

Today I spent some time working on the house (I'm going to stop calling it the new house since it really isn't-read on). I went in and had another look around. I made a list of things I needed and headed of to Lowe's, the big box home improvement place here. Mostly I needed a few light bulbs for the refrigerator and the microwave, but I also got a new propane tank for the barbecue. The MacGyver part comes in because the only tool I have right now is a Leatherman type tool. It sure comes in handy but I'll be happy when my tools get here. The fellow who owns this place must have been pretty busy. I took an few hours and did what I could. All the knobs on the cabinets needed to be tightened. I went around and tightened up all the face plates on the outlets too. Some were practically falling off! (Call me weird but I like things to be tight and in their place). There must be 100 face plates in this house! I took the opportunity to add to the list of things that need to go onto the home inspection list I did with my realtor. There are lots of things in this house that are used. The gas fireplace was also interesting. I've never operated one and it took a few tries to get the pilot lit. I didn't blow anything up so I guess I was successful on all counts. Another great pass time here in America is eating out. Because of this and the fact that I like eating out myself I've started a list of restaurants I've visited. I'm also including a review. I've never been a real connaiseur, but I know what I like. Have a look for the two places I went to this week-Fuddruckers and Flat Rock Grille. The list is down the right side of the Blog. I'll keep the more recent (and maybe the best) ones up and see how it goes.

Online

I know two posts in one day seems like much but this time I'm posting from the new house. I just Skyped with my parents and talked to them for a while and even gave them a tour of the house. Things are getting better. We have Internet, cable, phone, gas, power, water, and a big empty house. Jane, Isabelle, & Maggie are on the way with Taryn and should be in Saulnierville tonight. I hear they will be having my Mom's seafood chowder when they arrive. I have to say I'm jealous. There might even be some Rappie Pie for lunch tomorrow. Now that I'm back online feel free to call you'd like and have the means. Hope everyone is well.

The New House

Despite not having anything to put in it I now have a new (rental) house. The place is nice but there were some hic-ups. It appears that the house was not up to par. The evening before I took over the place the painters and cleaners were there until 2:00 AM. There are still a few things to be done (that the owner will take care of) but the place is pretty much ready for the arrival of our household goods. The latest from United Van Lines is that they should deliver on Tuesday morning. I'm looking forward to it and already have places picked out for some of our things. Isabelle's room will be next to ours and has a bay window. It isn't too big but should be fine. We can always move her later. Here are the pictures I promised. I present to you...

27 Redglobe Court, Simpsonville, SC

The house faces southish

Top of the stairs looking at the front door

Front entry and living room Jane's office next to the front doorFront hall from the family roomFamily room from the kitchen

Family room from upstairs

Master bath is bigger than the kitchen on Belcher St!

View through the mirror

Isabelle's room (maybe?)

Spare bedroom (it's bigger than it looks) Dining room from the living room. (Nice spot on the right for one of the sideboards) Wet bar and laundry on the main floor (no basements here!) Kitchen (note wine on the counter awaiting the arrival)Kitchen looking towards bay windows (we're going to need a kitchen table!)Isabelle's play area. Lots of grass missing, but lots of shade. I was there at midday and half the yard was in the shade.Back of the house with small patio. There are lots of holes in the dirt under the patio from the previous tenants (two Labs)The play ground in the subdivision, just a few minutes walk away.

I spent a few hours downtown this morning. The market was still on and the temperature wasn't too high yet. One of the things I like about Greenville is that it is family friendly. There is lots for families to do together. One of the things that will be fun with Isabelle (and the grandparents!) is finding the Mice on Main. It's based on the book by Margaret Wise Brown-Goodnight Moon. As the plaque below tells you there are nine brass mice hiding out all over Main Street.

Now it's off to the house but first I have to go shopping. I need a few things for the new place. As for tomorrow...I may try to go for a swim somewhere.

Here We Go Again

Yesterday was not a good news day. I found out that our household belongings are stuck and the border and waiting for Jane and Isabelle's paperwork. In case some of you don't know Jane and Isabelle won't cross the border until Sunday. That means they don't have any paperwork yet! It also means a longer wait for everything - and that I likely won't have the house ready for Jane's arrival next week. To top it off we'll probably have to live a few days in my temporary apartment. That's no big deal for me but it certainly isn't what we had planed for. I also have had no luck in getting my Social Security Number (I waited for an hour today to find out someone else hasn't done what they are supposed to). It looks like the Department of Homeland Security here in the US is not interested in processing my visa so nothing else can happen in the meantime. The problem with this is that without the SSN I can't get an American credit card, I can't order the cell phones I want for Jane and I, and I may not be able to take possession of the new Jeep we ordered. I'm really starting to get frustrated with the bureaucracy. Other than that it's been a good week at work. I'm finally over the cold I imported from Canada (don't tell the Feds I smuggled that one in) and have had a productive week. I spent most of it auditing our facility in Spartanburg. I know most of you don't want to hear it but the weather here is fine - if a little hot. The highs this week have been 32, 33, 34, and 36 today. The weekend is supposed to be the same or hotter and will likely be a record setter. Without a house to move into I'm not sure exactly what I'm going to do. I suppose I'll head to the market and enjoy the downtown. Oh well - I knew there would be days like this, I just hopped this part of the adventure was going to go smoothly.