Finally a game of bridge

Posted on May 17, 2012 by san

My poor body.  I did my landscaping job, pulling out 3 stumps and setting up a garden.  The hours paid for my RV insurance so every weed I pulled I said, remembered you wanted to keep the RV.  The RV is now licensed, up in the Parry Sound area and insured thanks to the weeds and stumps.  I have till Oct, 2013 to decide what to do with her.  That is the next time I have to get a new sticker.  Ah Northern Ontario license rates.  Costs me $53 for 18 months.  I happen to go to a Service Ontario office in Southern Ontario as I got the safety check done in Mt Forest (no big issues).  The lady in the Mt Forest Office kept thinking she had made an error as the cost was so low.  No, I did not ask what it would cost down there.  The Ontario government gives Northern residents a break because we do not have all the fancy roads etc.

Came back to Dwight after dropping off Nookie in Parry Sound in time to go to my first Duplicate Bridge lesson in Huntsville.  Huntsville is the bigger town about 30 minute drive away.  I have played duplicate in Tucson but not often or well.  Also saw it as an opportunity to maybe get a bridge partner so I could play with the regular group on Tuesday nights.  These FREE lessons were for people who knew how to play social bridge but not duplicate.  The differences is procedural mainly but since you don’t talk in duplicate bridge, you sort of have to know a bit about what you are doing.  Anyway, it was fun to hold cards again.  Brain sort of remembered a bit but also how much I have forgotten since the winter.

Next week I am over in Parry Sound, house and dog sitting but plan to leave the critters, drive an hour and a half back to Huntsville for lesson 2.  After that, hopefully will have a partner and play every Tues night with the “real” group.

My body is at rest today – recovering.  My poor hips are feeling the brunt.  Only 7 weeks till July 10 when I get Ontario health and then to find a doctor.  Even walking is painful right now.  The joys of age :)

 

The header picture is my view from the deck at Chip’s cottage (my summer home).  So far no motor boats but this weekend is the Queen’s birthday, the start of summer in Canada.  First long weekend.  It had better warm up, predicted to be 27C (maybe80F) but today is is cool, all of 14C (53F).

Happy Holiday and let summer begin!

Posted in Chips Cottage, Medical, Ontario | 2 Comments

Spring plans

Posted on May 10, 2012 by san

Back at the cottage till Sunday.  Hope it warms up again.  It is 50F outside with a cool wind.  Spring will be delayed again  :)   The orchard owners in Ontario are in deep do-do.  Seems March was way above normal (of course before I arrived) and the blossoms appeared.  April (I arrived) and the weather turned very cool with heavy frost and killed the blossoms.  Plum and apple seem to be hit the hardest, whole orchards wiped out.

Nookie has a temporary license till her safety check.  At one point they wanted me to pay duty of 5% of $10,000, the value of Nookie according to the Border people.  Finally after several phone calls, determined it was part of my personal goods so duty free.  Total cost so far $35.  The license number is just 21 numbers away from the Honda.  Seems they license RV’s as passenger cars.  On Monday, she goes in and hopefully by Monday afternoon she will have permanent stickers.  On Thurs, I will drive her towing the Honda to Heather’s place in Parry Sound.  It is closer in case I want to use her like at my Aunt’s cottage or, or.  She will be close – yea!

The long weekend in Canada is May 21 (Queen’s birthday).  I will house sit over in Parry Sound for a week.  So Mt Forest Sunday thru Thurs then Parry Sound Monday thru Monday, May 28.  That takes care of that month!  You can always reach me by my cell phone if need be.  Enjoy May and hope for warmer weather with a bit of sun please.

Posted in Canadian, Ontario, Travels | 3 Comments

Ronville Hiking Trail

Posted on May 6, 2012 by san

Wasn’t that moon spectacular last night.  It rose over the lake into my bedroom so bright I could almost read.  The moon light glittered on the lake and reflected on the ceiling like an aurora borealis.  Of course I could not find my camera.  This morning I did and the sun was shining brightly as Sunshine and I did our morning walk.  Right outside my door is the Ronville Hiking Trail.  The cottage is right near the first “sign” notice after the P for parking near the bottom.

The trail goes over a road allowance on a steep dropoff between Echo Bay Rd and Ronville Rd.  No cars are allowed .  I guess originally it connected two fancy resorts, Ronville Lodge and Fox Point Lodge in the 1930′s and 40′s.

Back in those days, Lake of Bays was the place to be for the summer.  The Strickland family, that would be “Granny” as I called her, her husband “Strick” and the four children.  Dee who owes this cottage, Jim, my uncle married to my Aunt Midge, John and Tony would spend the summers at Ronville Lodge as children.  They would wander this trail and met Chips, who’s cottage was at the other end of the trail.  (The one I live in).  Thus a history was formed.

So back to the trail.  It is maybe a kilometer, up to a point of land then back to the roads at either end.  This morning, now that I have my camera :) , I decided to take pictures to show the spring foliage.  As the weather warms, I will try to take the same pictures to show the changes.  The red flower is a trillium, Ontario’s provincial flower.  Black flies and trilliums come at the same time.  The picture with the large boat house and “cottage” is my neighbour directly opposite this cottage.  What money can buy.

Enjoy a walk on the trail that I do 3-4 times a day.  Muskoka the beautiful.

 

Posted in Chips Cottage, Family, Ontario | 2 Comments

Update on Nookie

Posted on May 5, 2012 by san

Thanks to Addison’s comment, I got brave and checked other insurance companies.  Finally heard back from a company that mainly did RV’s according to the Web.  After a lot of discussion about value of Nookie currently and what if she was in an accident etc, she gives me a quote of $444, $200 cheaper than the quote through Snowbirds.  Told her yes, please send documents by email and snail mail.  I look at the email and the company they use is the same as the snowbird group.  I could not see any difference so decided to send the info to the snowbird lady to ask why.  Nasty toned email back saying her quote was based on $45,000, the original cost of the RV in 1998 not $20,000, as Wayfarer used.  Probably should not have done so but…..ah well, sent her an email to say, maybe you failed to ask the right question about the value of Nookie. (I phrased it better than that).  How could a vehicle stay the same value after 14 years?  She responded, she has been in the business for 25 years and she did ask the correct questions.  Told her I will use the other company for RV insurance even though she indicated she would match the $444.  So car is with Snowbird and they had the lowest quote (guess she figured the depreciation on that one correctly) and Wayfarer for the RV.  I feel I can cover the $444 plus tax of course.

Next week, on to license.  Found my border papers and seems I had till April 4, 2012.  Wonder what they will do with that date?  Hopefully will get the plates, take them to Mt Forest, put them on and drive to a safety check place, pass and a done deal.  Soon, all government stuff will be over till July 10 when I apply for Ontario Health.  Keep fingers crossed Service Ontario does not give me a hassle about the late date registration.

Warming up a bit, black flies just starting, leaves are starting come out.  I have a week here in Dwight before heading back to Mt Forest for more landscape work.  Have to pay for the RV insurance somehow :)

Now what will I do with myself this week?  Even looked into bridge playing groups.  A couple of possibilities but they are mainly at night.  If I don’t play soon, I will have forgotten all I thought I ever knew.  Hopefully will play more in Tucson next year so need to get some practice.  I was able to get a Dwight library card so lots of books to read.

Off to hang the laundry!

 

Posted in cars, Chips Cottage, Government, Ontario | 1 Comment

What to do with Nookie

Posted on April 29, 2012 by san

Down in Mt Forest at my friends who have the Chinook (Nookie)  is their backyard.  I will work with them on Monday and Tuesday doing landscaping and see how my body holds up.  If it works, I may have some more work this summer.

Put the battery back in Nookie after I removed the mouse nest in the engine compartment.  Second turn and up she starts, what a girl.  Drove it to the end of the road and back and all seems well.  It does not have insurance or a valid license anymore.  Also put the batteries back in the coach and tested them on the monitor,  Seems I have full power after they sat in the basement out of the cold.

So, I love nookie and the freedom she gives me as well a home most of last summer.  This year I have a home and not much money to travel.  The RIV (government vehicle processing group) told me that since it was over 15 years old, I did not have to go through their song and dance.  Last year, I had just purchased the AZ license that was good to Apr 2012 and insured it by Geico, a US firm for about $150.  I never did the paperwork to license it in Nova Scotia. In order to license it in Ontario, it needs a safety check.  I kept it maintained so that should not be anything serious.  I may have to pay duty but think not because RIV didn’t want to be involved.  Cost of a license in Northern Ontario is less than $100 I believe.  The big cost is insurance.  They want $650.

Anyone out there know something about RV insurance?  I asked my person about suspend over the winter and they do not.  Asked what if I cancelled the policy every Nov and reinstate every May, she said that is a choice but would not give me the plus and minus about it.

So RV has 200,000 miles, is a 1996 Ford engine so maybe worth 10-12 thousand.

- Do I sell it now, or….   carry on with the license paperwork and get insurance then cancel next fall, or….. just let it sit till next year or…..  help????

Even driving it to the end of the driveway, I loved her and miss her  but  maybe it is a cost I do not need -sigh-.   I hate this downsizing!

Posted in Ontario, Travels | 3 Comments

It is official – finally

Posted on April 25, 2012 by san

Ah !!!!  finally and I know all of you out there that understand my mental illness also say ah!!!!  Thank you all who helped me to get through  this.  It was very stressful and very expensive   and now a done deal!  I did blank out part of the license for security.  A sad point Shaye, I had to remove my CDN flag plate on the front as ON requires both front and back.  I am exhausted.

So I plowed through snow storms, government stupidity, government agents who could not figure out April to July months are before Oct, a notary who wanted cash, 2 fed ex couriers at $45 per trip, several insurance agents who charged a fortune, an agent at Driver Test who I think hated me because of a government computer down 10 hours and an agent who failed to come in during a snow storm.  After $225 in fees and other costs, I have a driver’s license.  Thanks all of you for actual help Susan and Marie and others who kept sending energy.  Finally found an insurance agent willing to send me forms this am and of course take my money.  Insurance in AZ for Honda and RV, about $600, Insurance in Canada, about $1500.  Who knows why?  Drove to Service ON today to get my plates and half way down the road realized I did not have a screwdriver to remove the NS plate.  Stopped into CDN Tire, bought a $5 tool, drove to the office and found owner papers. Went in and took a number.  Guess my luck was finally changing.  It was lunch hour but not busy.  When I told the first agent what I needed she asked for help as it was just before her lunch break.  Agent 2 says I will help you and I am sure it will be quick.  I commented, you can only hope.  It did go smoothly, only a couple of hitches but I walk out with new plates ($75 for plates) and walk away a happy camper.  Yes, the RV still needs plates etc but it is so cold, I have no requirement to move the RV, unless B&J complain.  I will take 10-15 days to recover then tackle an RV with AZ plates (expired) that require me to do Import papers (RIV), a safety check without being able to drive to a garage and of course $700 in insurance when it passes all the other stuff.

Yes, I could have asked for a cheaper fed ex rate but the way things started, I was afraid to take longer delivery times and it had to be done by May 10.    $300 later, I have a driver’s license, plates on the Honda, proof for Ontario Medical Plan (OHIP) that I really live in Ontario and a blood pressure that is again off the charts.

Thank you all for your support and understanding.

 

 

 

Posted in Canadian, Depression, Government, Ontario | 4 Comments

Do I stay or leave

Posted on April 23, 2012 by san

A big storm is moving up the Eastern seaboard bringing rain and gulp – snow and freezing rain to Ontario.  Big winds and 5-10 cm (3-6 in) of snow by tomorrow .  High of 2c (34F).  The cottage is down a dirt road near 10 mile bay.  It has hills and lots of trees.  They say the wet snow might affect the trees because they are starting to leaf.  I.E.  trees across the road.  All my CDN friends think I am crazy, it is just a little snow :)   The cottage is electric heat only.  I left my snow boats and heavy coat back in the RV in Southern ON.

So, sign, I am going to leave shortly and head over to Parry Sound.  My friend has a house with a wood stove in addition to electric heat.  I mentally have an life long issue with being unable to escape.  Best I not set up that scenario.  Looking after myself MJ.

Did I mention more than once that my 39 month driver record from AZ is being Fed Exed  (another $47 for a total of $170) to my Parry Sound address, arrival tomorrow, if they can find the house.  Will it get delivered in a snow storm?  I held an Ontario Drivers License from 1966 to 2005.  They have that record and yet this dog and pony show.  It only seems appropriate bad weather would cause yet another delay.

I’m off….but I have internet in Parry Sound :)

Posted in Canadian, Chips Cottage | 1 Comment

No longer unique

Posted on April 20, 2012 by san

Everyone says “aboat” for about and agAin for again.  Slowly my ears are getting used to not sounded different :)

Susan got the form today from the DVM, big sign of relief.  Ok, it has to get here and the Driver’s license person has to say yea (hope it is the same lady) but 50% is done.

Gassed the car from all the trips I have had to take.  In Tucson, full tank was about $35-40.  Huntsville was $62….and we provide the gas to the US.

Ah taxes for health care :)

Posted in Arizona-Tucson, Canadian, Government | 2 Comments

First porcupine

Posted on April 19, 2012 by san

Sunshine was so excited to show me her quills.  They were not too deep so did not get a picture.  Unfortunately the den seems to be right opposite the driveway.  Yet again she has to be on lead – always.  Rattle snakes, porcupines, the joy of wildlife.

Still waiting the results of the form send to AZ.  The Canada post says it tried to delivery but had to leave a card.  I know Susan was busy today so hopefully they can get it tomorrow and the DVM will agree to give me the “FORM”.

Have I told you recently I hate moving every 6 months :)

Posted in Canadian, Government, Ontario | 1 Comment

The next episode :)

Posted on April 17, 2012 by san

My loyal followers – Thank you and yes, maybe this blog should change to help the people who change countries or even provinces.  I will ponder it when the next step is over.

So, I have to go to Parry Sound today anyway so take the stuff so I can talk to the person who runs the Driver’s license station  on Tues, only.  My surprise when I walk in to see the nice lady who tried to help me yesterday in Huntsville.  I told her that I could go on Service Arizona web site and get a current copy of my driver record.  Asked if I could do that in front of a notary.  Nope but the print out  when I actually go to a Service AZ office is just fine because it has all she needs with out it certified.  So….to get that paper, I need to print out form xxxx that says I want a motor vehicle record, just the driver side and it says I need a notary to send it to AZ.  In AZ, the difference is $2.  Hopefully put my thinking cap on a bit and decide if I send the form to Susan and Marie in Tucson via express, they could take it to a MVD and get the statement.  (If I had known, I would have done it before I left).  They could hussle the statement back to me (No photocopy or email allowed) and maybe by next week, I have the correct documents to cover the 2 months I am missing.  So go to Fern’s my friend in Parry Sound, actually Mckellar (All of you out there please change my mailing address to McKellar instead of Parry Sound), print out the form, try to fill in the form after checking with S & M they will do the AZ stuff and Fern tracks down the notary side.  In AZ, it is a piece of cake.  In ON it is $70 at a lawyers.  Set up an appt with a guy, rush to town, have it notarized, rush to the post office and for another $47, send it fast express to Tucson.  It is expected to arrive by Thurs morning.  My hope is to have it back early next week and hopefully an ON driver’s license.  Did I tell you I called my Nova Scotia insurance agent and asked for a little move time to get ON insurance and her answer was nope, written in stone by province agreement, I have till May 10 to get ON insurance.  I can not get ON insurance without a drivers license and I am already $117 in the hole before even buying the drivers license.  Hope the plan works and I get the form back next week and maybe it will all work out.

I hate government crap!

Guess I failed to mention the storm that went through last night that caused power outages.  Turned the temp from 20c to -1 c when I woke up.

Drivers license, Insurance on Car, Insurance on RV….Drivers license, Insurance on Car, Insurance on RV.  It will happen before May 10!!!!!

Posted in Arizona-Tucson, Government | Leave a comment