Assiniboia

by

Under Attack

Wow, it’s been a whole week since my last post! For all the excitement that’s been going on around here, there really hasn’t been much to blog about. I got a huge unexpected transcription project that is going to keep me busy pulling overtime straight through the first week of August. What a blessing!

My friends C and C are away for a couple of weeks and I am cat sitting. I go over in the morning to give them their wet food and back again in the evening to spend time with them.

The boy cat is wonderful and always glad to see me. You’d think he’d be excited about the wet food in the morning and the treats in the evening, but he’s more thrilled to see a human who will pet him and tell him what a good boy he is. In the evening, I sit in the living room in a comfy chair with my feet up and read while he sits beside me on the floor so I can pet him. I’m hoping that he’ll eventually move to my lap!

The girl cat is the devil incarnate and I steer a wide berth from her. This morning, I couldn’t find her and I didn’t like that. I searched the basement and main floor, then decided that perhaps she was hiding in the hallway upstairs. I climbed up the stairs, turned the curve, and BOOM. I found myself with an armful of hissing cat hell bent on scratching me to death. The little monster ambushed me! I managed to get away unhurt and I could swear she was laughing at me as I raced back down to the kitchen!

And speaking of getting attacked, let me tell you about my wasp situation.

Monday night, I was going into the shed when a wasp came and stung me behind the ear. It was the worst pain I have ever felt and I have had a dentist drill into a nerve for an hour with no pain killers, so I have a good point of comparison. My ear swelled up like a cauliflower and was numb for days. So soon as I can get an appointment, I need to go see a doctor so I can get a prescription for an Epipen as it looks like I might be allergic to wasp stings. Reactions apparently get more severe each time, so this isn’t something I can just brush off.

I found out that the wasp came from a nest inside my shed. I need my shed! I asked Charles before he left what I should do and he told me to get some wasp spray, wear thick clothing, go to the shed at dusk when the wasps are bedding down for the night, and shoot the nest until it’s soaking wet, then slam the door shut and run for my life. This sounded like a plan except for the possibly getting stung and dying from anaphylactic shock part.

Well, he came by the next day to let me know that he’d spoken to another neighbour (the one who leveled gravel and moved my power pole) and this neighbour said that he would deal with the nest for me!

I went to town yesterday and bought wasp spray (conveniently 25% off this week), then went to see him as it was perfect wasp killing weather (cold and wet). He promised to be by in the evening. We had a big rain storm (my roof doesn’t leak anymore, by way, YAY!) and as soon as the sky cleared, he was at my door. He was dressed in jeans, tall boots, a heavy coat with a hood, thick gloves, and goggles, looking ready to go to war!

I explained where the nest was and he went to work spraying it. He just stood there calmly and sprayed while I could see (from a safe distance) that wasps were pouring out of the nest! He sprayed about three quarters of the can, wanting to save some for this morning. Then he shut the door and promised to follow up today.

He was here this morning around 9:00 and went to check out the shed, telling me to stay back in case he opened the door and there was a swarm of angry wasps waiting to take their revenge. Nope. There was a huge pile of dead wasps on the floor. He still sprayed the nest a second time and left just a bit in the can in case I find another one growing nearby. He volunteered to get rid of the nest, but research tells me to leave it there as it will discourage other wasps from moving into the shed.

So that’s all of the excitement out of southern Saskatchewan this week. Stay tuned for the next riveting installment of Little RV On the Prairie!

by

Moose Jaw Heist

It’s probably obvious that I’ve had a bit more disposable income for several months, mostly thanks to the exchange rate. I’m living as frugally as ever, but it’s nice to be able to pounce on good deals when they come and not have to cut back on the food budget! Well, did I get a doozy of a deal today…

One of the things I knew I needed this summer was a skill/circular saw for building storage in my shed. That was going to be the best bang for my buck tool-wise because a miter saw wasn’t going to let me do long cuts, a table saw was out of my budget, and I didn’t want to keep having to ask Charles to borrow tools. So for July, I had $120 set aside for a skill saw and I was watching the fliers.

I was also watching Kijiji and I saw an ad for several types of saws at prices that were frankly astounding, ‘we need to move in a hurry and everything has to go!’-level prices, well worth going out of my way to go check them out. I made an appointment for today at 3PM.

The couple lives about 20KM west of Moose Jaw, so it made sense to actually go into town even though I really didn’t have any shopping to do (shocking, I know). I got in just before noon, minutes before DK Sushi opened. I had a yummy and leisurely lunch and then headed across town to do something I’d meant to do in May but didn’t because I didn’t think I could afford it. Silly Rae, making assumptions without doing her research first.

The stop was the piercing salon where I had my nose done last April. The ‘screw’ in my piercing (the end of the stud twisted into a corkscrew shape to keep it from coming out) was very large and loose and had been driving me nuts for months, enough that I actually considered doing something about it in Mexico if I could find a place I trusted!

I explained what I wanted and why to the gal at the counter and she showed me what they have, explaining all the different stud ending types and materials. I was really hoping to get something different than another tiny jewel, but that’s really all they had in steel with a much more discreet screw. It cost me $16.50 all in for the new stud, having it put in (didn’t feel a thing), and having the screw on the other one adjusted. It’s still huge so I doubt I’ll want to go back to it, but it’s nice to have the option. My original stud had a dark pink jewel, this one is dark green, like an emerald. The difference in comfort level is astounding.

Next stop was across the street, Canadian Tire, for truck engine oil and some weed killer. I only bought that stuff there than at Peavy Mart in Assiniboia because I had quite a bit of Canadian Tire money, which took care of most of the tax. I never thought I’d be the kind of person to buy weed killer, but they are coming up through parts of my gravel where it was spread too thin and pulling manually (a chore I actually enjoy) is very difficult because the gravel is like cement.

After, I had time to either go to the complete end of town to Bulk Barn, Walmart, and Dollar Tree or back to downtown to check out Safeway sales. I really didn’t need anything at the discount stores, so I went to Safeway and found there something I have literally been looking for for eight years:

IMGP2239

It’s a small glass pitcher with a lid that seals out odours. I haven’t been able to find anything in this sort of size for storing water in my RV fridge in all these years. I’ve used plastic bottles, Mason jars, metal carafes and other workarounds that didn’t pour well or keep the water from getting bad flavours from everything else in the fridge, so I usually just have tepid water. But my fridge in Mexico could accommodate a gallon-sized jug of water and so I got used to cold water in warm weather. Needless to say, that for $7.99, this pitcher was going in my basket!

Of course, it was made by those crazy Europeans with small fridges! I’m not sure if you can see this, but the instructions on the lid are in… Italian.

IMGP2241

After spending a very little amount of money at Safeway, it was time to head out for my appointment. I was probably going to be a little early, but I was going to an acreage and didn’t know if I’d find it easily. Well, the seller gave me excellent directions and I got there without any trouble. As it turns out, he and his wife are moving to New Brunswick for a job related to their church and they decided to do the ‘if it doesn’t fit in the truck, it’s not going’ method of relocation, so everything was priced to go.

First off, I checked out the skill saw that I was keen on buying:

IMGP2235

It’s quite a bit heavier than I would have liked, but for $20 with a recent blade, it was going home with me!

Then, I checked out the table saw that I hoped would look worth hauling home:

IMGP2236

Um, wow. What a nice table saw! All the bits and pieces were there, he’d just replaced the bearings on the motor, and it has a brand new never used blade on it. For $30, it was going in the truck!

Then, his wife offered me a free router table:

IMGP2229

Not sure what I’ll do with it, but it just seemed like something that will come in handy some day, so I took it.

Most of the rest of the stuff in the garage was unfortunately already spoken for, but I was glad to grab 40′ worth of lawn edging for $5:

IMGP2231

That will do the other side of my drive that doesn’t have the power pole to hold in the rocks!

The lady then asked if I’d be interested in a tub full of rollers, scrapers, sandpaper, and dry walling supplies:

IMGP2232

“How much?” I asked? “Five bucks!” Sold!

I thought I was done, but then I saw a really good dolly just like Charles and Caroline’s, something I could have used several times since I got home. I asked if it was for sale and they pondered that for a bit. When the pondering got a bit involved, I asked what they would sell it for if it was for sale. They asked how much it was worth to me and I checked to see what small bills I had left. I offered $10 and their eyes went round and they exclaimed, “SOLD!!!” at the same time!

IMGP2230

Oh, and I also looked at an air compressor, but for $100 it was too much for me today.

So for all those of you who didn’t pull out your calculators, I came out of there with all that stuff for just $70! I feel like I robbed them, but considering that the only thing where I set the price was the dolly and they were so happy about the price, I can’t feel bad!

I took highway 36 to get home, just for a change of scenery. Anyone who’s been through southern SK will laugh at the absurdity of that statement. Just different rolling olive green hills, bright yellow fields of canola, and periwinkle sky. What can I say, it’s still the landscape of my dreams… and of home.

by

A Surprise At the Grocery Store

I have to say that the Assiniboia Co-Op grocery store has really improved since last fall!!! I’m not just talking about the upcoming expansion, but about what they are stocking. They have a lot more international foods, a better deli section, fresher produce, and more. I just came out of there having spent $120 and I didn’t feel that I got robbed. That’s very high praise!

When I got to the till, I asked to speak to a manager about having something brought in. A manager came by and I asked about the possibility of stocking Maseca, the only reason I was thinking of heading to Moose Jaw for a shop (and if that ain’t proof that our Co-Op is on an upward swing, I don’t know what is!). I had to explain what Maseca is and he said, “OH! Come with me!”

He brought me to the ‘Mexican’ food aisle and pointed to something on the very bottom shelf. “We only JUST brought this in this week. We have a couple of Mexican customers who asked for it.”

No, not Maseca, but one of their competitors:

IMG_0600

I already knew that it’s kind of a Coke/Pepsi thing, with strong sides in favour of one or the other, but essentially an equivalent product.

He said that he could try to bring in Maseca for me, but it’d be a few weeks. I told him no, that I was pretty sure this would do. So he said, “Well, I’ll give you a discount for being so open minded.”

I thought I might get 50 cents off or something. The bag was $7.99 and he rang it up at… $4.99!!! He made my day!

So now, my deep freeze is absolutely loaded with good stuff after this shop. I managed to catch a two for one plus additional discount on the pork loin chops I love and they had these pre-sauced single portions of salmon for just $2.99 instead of $6.99 (and an equivalent portion of non-sauced salmon was about $5.99), so I loaded up on those. I also got enough frozen pizza (bought six for $2o) that I separated into portions to get me through till I leave. I also got ground beef (my first time since adolescence buying some) as well as ground pork to make burgers!

I came home with another goodie from an unexpected source. I went to the Salvation Army to look for organizational stuff for my shed (struck out), but as I came out the clerk said to help myself to ask much bread as I wanted, pointing to a bin.

They frequently have free food, so I wasn’t surprised to get an offer for some. I’ve come home from the Salvation Army with canned soups on more than one occasions. I think they’re leftovers from the food bank, which they run. Anyway, there were mountains — literally dozens — of still pillowy soft not even past date bread, all from the Co-Op! White, whole wheat, raisin, cheese, olive, quite a variety!

Now, I’m avoiding bread (except, you know, the odd bit of pizza… *g*), but I thought a loaf of cheese bread would be really good for burgers, so I grabbed it. It was marked $5. I would never pay that for a loaf of bread!

The clerk assured me that it would not be greedy of me to leave with a dozen loaves… Yeah. That’s the last thing I need, a freezer full of bread! I was very happy with the one. 🙂

by

Finally, a Comfortable Place To Sit Outside

I’m been looking for outdoor furniture for Haven for ages, but it was only in the last month that I realised that I was looking for the wrong thing. I don’t like eating outside, so I don’t need a table and chairs. But I do like to lounge outside, especially after a long day indoors. So I needed some sort of lounger, preferably with shade. And it was at this point that I discovered patio swings and I knew that was exactly what I wanted for Haven.

Before buying new, I put an ad in the paper saying that I was looking for one and I got two responses! One was free, but didn’t have a canopy, which was a must. I did some research and couldn’t find the frame for a canopy, just new canopies as in the fabric bit only, so I knew this one would take work and money to get just right. But I didn’t turn it down.

The other one was $40 and had the canopy. I decided that I would get both so I’d have a place for a guest to sit (not that there is any socializing going on this summer; we’re all busy!) and I could also have spare parts.

A neighbour said he would help me pick them up, but he’s been super busy. The lady with the free one said there’s no rush, but the $40 had to be gone by this weekend. So I asked the seller if he thought it could be taken apart and put in my truck. He took some measurements and called back to say that he was pretty sure it could. We planned for me to drive to his property today. It is about as far northwest of Assiniboia as I am southeast.

I left early so I could hit the bank, the bottle/can return place, a restaurant for linner, the grocery store (I’d brought a cooler and ice), and the gas station for propane. I then had a really nice drive out among the rolling hills of canola, except for some really bad construction that made me take a detour on a very long gravel road for the trip home. SK gravel roads tend to be in better shape than the paved ones!

The swing wound up being exactly what I wanted, colour and all! The canopy is really ratty, so I will bring it to Mexico with me and see about having a new one made. The cushions are faded, but otherwise in good shape.

The seller, his wife, and I dismantled the whole thing. I got bitten by a spider for my troubles!!! I also got stung by a wasp his morning, so I have a swollen and sore right wrist and a swollen and sore left index finger. I’m glad I don’t have any typing for this weekend!

After a bit of trial and error, we finally got the swing more or less into my truck:

IMGP2211

The seller got some rope and made sure the hatch was tied up securely. Then, I paid and I had an extra $5 on me, so I gave it to him as a token gesture for the extra trouble

When I got home, I unloaded it on my own since the individual pieces weren’t heavy, not even the bench.

A neighbour heard me hammering the top piece into the sides (it wasn’t even 8PM yet so I really don’t think I was doing anything rude) and came over to see what was going on. I was just at the point of putting on the bench and canopy and was glad for the extra hands.

Ta-dah!

IMGP2212

I’m not sure if it will stay there, but it’s not heavy so I can move it until I’m happy with the position. I promptly collapsed on it lengthwise (adding a pillow to the side to hold my back) with a cold beer and my iPad for almost an hour. Mosquitoes notwithstanding (mosquitoes, really, here, in dry country!), it was just so lovely and peaceful. The cushions are super comfy!

The first summer at Haven, I just camped here. But now, with all these little luxuries coming in, it’s starting to feel like I’m building something permanent.

by

Double Town Day

I hadn’t planned to go to town today, but my second warranty replacement for my Western Digital drive was waiting for me at the post office and I needed some things at the home store, so I had ample reason to go.

I’ve had a Western Digital drive for five years now that has never failed me, but haven’t had any luck with the My Passport brand. My first one crapped out on me in Mexico and I got it replaced while I was traveling through the US last month. A month later, the replacement failed! I asked them to send me something different and they sent me a My Passport Air specifically formatted for Mac, a significant upgrade. If this one lasts, it will have been worth all the money I’ve spent in returning the old drives!

Since I’ve been craving a hamburger since I got home and have made some more weight loss progress, I decided to go to 121 Steakhouse for lunch. I went all out and ordered a bacon cheeseburger with sweet potato fries! The kitchen goofed and sent me curly fries instead, which are just as good, so I told the server not to send them back, but to please remove the substitution fee. That fee has jumped to $2! No more substitution, even to salad, for me! But because it was a mistake, they actually reimbursed me $2.79, not $2. So I picked a good day to have lunch there. 🙂 Their coffee is absolutely mindbogglingly amazing, so I pretty much had a huge pot of it, too. I need to remember that and get a to go coffee from there instead of at the gas station!

After lunch, I went to the home store to get some things for my cell phone booster antenna project (thanks, Croft!). More on that when I do the project on Sunday.

Then, it was off to the grocery store to get what was on sale this week. I really like that when they are having a good deal on avocados, they put the limes on sale, too!

I also stocked up on almond milk, which was surprisingly inexpensive ($2 regular price for a container that will last a week!). Friends in Mexico left me a bunch of almond milk that they didn’t want to bring on the plane and I’ve just finished using it up. I never thought that would be something I’d need or want in my diet, but it’s fabulous! It’s low calorie, tastes great, has protein, and is wonderful in smoothies. I’ve also been using it with a high protein cereal topped with a banana for breakfast, which is funny because I normally turn my nose at Western breakfast foods. But this really works for me. I can have it at 7AM and go all the way through to lunch (between 12:00 and 1:00) on just 300 calories! Wow!

No sooner had I arrived home than I got an email from a client regarding my Windows computer, which crapped out on me last weekend. They asked that I mail it back ASAP so that they can reinstall Windows and do other maintenance on it. Because of their holiday schedule and the fact that I will have a lot less flexibility in my own schedule due to new work commitments starting next week, we determined that I needed to get to the post office today. So I quickly packed my post office kit that has a marker, scissors, and packing tape, as well as the computer and power supply and headed back to town!

The gals at the post office were helpful and found me a box and free packing material! I packed the computer and sent it off (you do not want to know what it costs to send a well-insured and packaged laptop across Canada). I had missed the truck to Regina, so it actually won’t head out until Monday night. Bummer.

Today was our first really hot day in ages and I was burning up by the time I came out of the post office. I decided on just one last treat for the day and went to the Village Food Store to see if they had ice cream. Yes! I got a ‘small’ cone for $2.10, a fair price. That’s it for treats for me for the next little bit!

Off to do some plumbing. I found another leak under the sink. 🙁