|
|
Post by smokeyoshi on Jun 15, 2015 16:54:39 GMT -5
We're leaving on the 23rd. There is a lady nearby that runs a ferret/glider shelter who will be taking our 8 fuzzies. I found her looking online for ferret shelters in FL. She used to be a part of furretti ferrets in Denver, then Ohio, I believe. She has some of her own but the shelter kids are all paraplegic or hospice. I got to meet them last week. I don't think I've ever seen so many cute faces in one place.
So, I'm finally going to meet my in-laws (and step kids, lol) and see where Dar hails from. Her brother is getting married (after 10 years) on the 27th. Not much fun money but we're going to visit mostly anyway. I've been to over a dozen funerals since the last wedding, lol.
|
|
|
|
Post by huronna on Jun 16, 2015 11:14:46 GMT -5
how wonderful to finally meet the rest of the family.
I am sure they will love you
Glad you were able to find a goof ferret caretaker , they are really hard to find.
|
|
|
|
Post by dee517 on Jun 17, 2015 17:00:59 GMT -5
I am so happy you were able to find someone you can feel comfortable leaving the fur babies with.
I am sure the family will love you. I bet Dar is so excited to see her family and friends back in Canada.
Have a safe trip and enjoy yourselves.
|
|
|
|
Post by huronna on Jun 20, 2015 12:45:43 GMT -5
wonder how the trip is going, sure hope they come back with photos
|
|
|
|
Post by smokeyoshi on Jun 23, 2015 14:36:39 GMT -5
We made it to Toronto, and are currently in Guelph, at her brother's house, waiting for Dar's daughter to pick us up and bring us to her mom's house. The trip went well enough.
|
|
|
|
Post by dee517 on Jun 24, 2015 8:10:35 GMT -5
It's always nice to hear that there were no unexpected delays when you fly. Last time we flew, we were stuck in Texas for 4 hours due to weather. Enjoy your vacation!
|
|
|
|
Post by huronna on Jun 24, 2015 19:10:24 GMT -5
Glad you hear things are going well
|
|
|
|
Post by smokeyoshi on Jun 25, 2015 21:43:59 GMT -5
I've met Darlene's 2 brothers, her daughter and boyfriend and daughter in aw, but so far her son is holding back. We'll all be at her brother's wedding on Saturday, so we'll see how it goes. I don't expect him to walk up and give me a hug, but it's been 5 years since his parents split up and 4 since Dar and I got married. I think he's had enough time to sulk. We can see his house from Dar's mom's. Up to him.
Yesterday we went out for lunch and some grocery shopping. Seems like food is pretty close in price, given the exchange rate, but booze, egad. $11.75 for a 6 of Bud 12 oz. A "mickey," (375 mL 12 oz) bottle of whiskey is anywhere $13-16. I'm drinking Labbatt's Maximum Ice, which is a nice 7.1% alc and only $6.10 + tax for a 40. Of course, tax is 13% on everything. And, of course, you can't buy either at the grocery store. You get beer at "The Beer Store" and booze at the state run liquor store.
Today I helped Dar's mom with a couple little house projects, and Dar made a bunch of lasagna and stroganoff for her mom's freezer. Tomorrow Dar and I are going to the Pinery Park, a campground that she spent a lot of weekends at and she talks about constantly. Today I put my foot in Lake Erie. So now I have been in major bodies of water on all 5 sides of the US. I lived in PA for 15 years but never saw the lake. I will load some pics through the old usb soon.
|
|
|
|
Post by smokeyoshi on Jun 27, 2015 9:46:56 GMT -5
We were both kinda surprised at the new paper money, which is actually plastic, with transparent bits.  We had poutine at Pinery Provincial Park. Not bad. It's chunks of cheese and gravy over french fries   While at the Pinery, I happened to spot a turkey hen nesting. I couldn"t resist getting a pic or two of her very young chicks. I believe there are 8 in this shot. She's in the background between the trees.  And then I got a little too close (video)  Having fun so far. I like my new mom in law. I've dipped my toes in 2 Great Lakes. Today, Dar's brother is getting married. It's supposed to rain all day. My luck is rubbing off... |
|
|
|
Post by dee517 on Jun 27, 2015 15:35:43 GMT -5
It looks like the turkey hen is a very protective mom! She was out to get you! It looks like turkey hens are not as friendly as your wildlife back home.
It sounds like you are enjoying yourself and making some new friends. I am happy that Dar's mom and you are getting along well.
Did Dar's son ever get a chance to say hi and actually meet you?
I am sure you both will be glad to pick up your babies and get unpacked. Vacations are always so much fun, but it is always nice to get home.
|
|
|
|
Post by smokeyoshi on Jun 28, 2015 9:56:50 GMT -5
I got to share some time with Dar's son, Andrew, at her brother's wedding yesterday. He got a hunting bow a few months back and bagged a turkey. He actually laughed when I showed him the video. He sent over some venison steaks thursday, which I'm about to go marinate so we can cook them today. He and his wife came over last night for a night cap. So it's going as well as could be expected. I don't expect to be accepted as his dad, but at least we are able to speak now. Yesterday was a good day.
As for da boid, once she alerted, I immediately backed away, then turned toward the car. She kept getting between me and my intended exit route, so I had to keep changing directions. Maybe she was actually herding me back to the babies, lol. I thought I had stopped recording. If I had known it was still on, I would have got more footage of her. She never came directly at me, just circled around me. It's an act, like a killdeer.
|
|
|
|
Post by smokeyoshi on Jul 1, 2015 14:33:32 GMT -5
Home again. Got in last night around 9, after leaving for the airport around 8 am. Picked up the fuzzies this morning. They seemed a lot happier to see home than me, but I can't blame them. When I got to the sitter's it was a quick hug and pop into a cage for the ride. Prissy and Abita are the only two that really gave any hugs, and they're normally the ones who don't.
All are well for now.
|
|
|
|
Post by huronna on Jul 2, 2015 0:03:36 GMT -5
welcome home.
It's nice to get away, but there is no feeling like being at home again
|
|
|
|
Post by dee517 on Jul 2, 2015 14:50:31 GMT -5
It's great that you, Dar, and the fur family is all safe and back home together. Our ferrets always have to check out their room when they get home. We are think they are looking to see if any of their things are gone. Now you need a vacation to rest before it's back to work.
|
|
|
|
Post by smokeyoshi on Jul 3, 2015 20:52:06 GMT -5
I have my board test on Tuesday. Gonna take a couple practice tests Sunday. My son is supposed to spend the day with us on the 4th. It'll be 8-9 days before I get test results. They only post them on Thursdays. Once that's passed It's time for serious job hunting, and odds are I'll find one out of state. we're looking into Tennessee...
|
|
|
|
Post by huronna on Jul 3, 2015 23:35:26 GMT -5
Tennessee?  ? what? now way! it's Florida here to stay!! |
|
|
|
Post by smokeyoshi on Jul 5, 2015 8:01:35 GMT -5
We'd be happy to resettle over your way. But gotta find a job. We're looking.
|
|
|
|
Post by huronna on Jul 5, 2015 8:17:29 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by huronna on Jul 5, 2015 8:20:54 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by smokeyoshi on Jul 6, 2015 12:55:00 GMT -5
The TGH job requires a year of experience. Like I said, we're looking.
|
|
|
|
Post by smokeyoshi on Jul 8, 2015 17:38:26 GMT -5
I'm seeing more cota jobs in fl lately. one about 20 miles. it's prn, but if i got it i could keep my current job until something better comes up.. just gotta get license. took board test yesterday. I'll know next week...
|
|
|
|
Post by huronna on Jul 9, 2015 8:27:30 GMT -5
Keeping fingers and toes crossed
|
|
|
|
Post by smokeyoshi on Jul 12, 2015 15:38:50 GMT -5
More jobs are appearing in FL. I'm going after them. Today there was 1 in Tampa, 2 in Jax and a couple others I applied for down Miami way. It will make me feel better (at first anyway) to apply knowing I actually have a license. Once company said they encourage new grads to apply. That could be because they have a real need, or because new grads are so desperate they will work for dirt until they realize there are no annual raises, and that's what you get forever. I'd rather move north and west than south, but I'm really ok with the Tampa Bay area. I've spent some vacay time there and know the area a bit. I feel s bit safer than Miami, in any case.
|
|
|
|
Post by huronna on Jul 13, 2015 8:35:25 GMT -5
Tampa really isn't where people live, they tend to live either in ST Pete, or Brandon, Valrico, Riverview
Cheaper housing and less crime and it's easy to get anywhere.
Sorry have not been around
Hubby was in VA hospital for 9 days, just release yesterday.
All is status quo again
|
|
|
|
Post by smokeyoshi on Jul 13, 2015 19:27:44 GMT -5
Glad he's ok.
I've had the pleasure of driving through Tampa around rush hour a few times. Not much better than Orlando, if any. We used to vacation in Madeira Beach. A few years ago I was working for a Caterpillar dealer. They sent me to school in Bradenton and tossed in a skybox pass to a Rays game. My hotel was 20 miles from the Trop. It took almost 1 1/2 hours each way, and the game was less than 2 hours. I took different routes each way. So I'm not sure I want to live across the Bay and work in Tampa.
I got a call about a job there today. It's full time, but the recruiter and I are playing phone tag. Hopefully get to talk tomorrow.
need to find a rental that takes ferrets...
|
|
? what?