Okay, so I have been admonished by Lee for not mentioning him in my blog. He popped in just as I was finishing it and commented on the fact that he is not even though he is in one post. So, Lee, you get your own post all to yourself.
Lee is the guy who gets anything and does everything. He has a taxi - and is the guy we all call when we need a ride somewhere - so when any of you come it will be Lee with me at the airport to pick you up. He also works in Roseau so he will pick up anything you need at a store there and deliver it to you. He is the guy who got me the water cooler and was so surprised when I hauled it in off of the porch and set it up. He didn't believe me that I did it myself. He said "Doc, it's too heavy for you to pick up". It took him awhile to believe that I did it. That was the post where I mentioned him.
Lee is also a great help for any work you need done and will be very handy. He is a real sweetie and has a lovely wife and two young children - 1 and 3.
Am I redeemed?
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Cha-ching!!
Wow, did I spend a lot of money today - or so it seems when you pay in EC - Eastern Caribbean which is 2.67 to the US dollar. So, since my banking was straightened out - it seems that the money I had transferred from Canada to my new bank account here was considered a "large sum" and needed verification that I am not laundering money - yeah right. Well, the end result is that it is all straightened out, as I said and today I wrote cheques for my car and for insurance. Today was a very busy day - went into Roseau again (was there on Tuesday too to get my permanent license) and had to get the car appraised, transfer ownership, get insurance, etc..... It took most of the day but it's all done now. Lots of paperwork.
So, as I said, wow, did I spend a lot of money. Getting the permanent license was interesting too because we are technically not eligible for permanent licenses until we have been here for some time but since it is Ross and Carol coordinates it, we get special treatment from the police dept. in terms of expediting the process - thank you. It is much appreciated and so is Carol - she is worth her weight in gold.
Okay, so what else do I need to share - oh yeah, I cooked again on Sunday - with some difficulty I might add. I made a really good curry chicken with rice and a salad of avocado, cucumber and watercress. I think I mentioned it on my Sunday post - had Claudia over. And the peanut ice cream - to die for - really easy. All recipes in The Spice Necklace.
Tuesday's salsa class was HOT and a blast. Harold is pushing us more now and is it ever fun. He wants to go to the salsa dancing at De Champs on Friday night but I don't know if I'm ready for that. We'll see.
I am in my permanent office now - with very little furniture. It seems it has been held up - common problem. It was painted last week and they put a new blind on the window today -yes, I have a window - woo hoo!! It will be nice when I get my stuff. I was told to pinch stuff I see lying around in the meantime.
I am being introduced at our dept meeting tomorrow morning - no biggie - not as big as the faculty meeting that I had to talk about myself at - the one with all of the faculty. Everyone is great and I am feeling really settled in. Now it would just be nice to get my stuff. It was supposed to arrive yesterday but I have not heard anything yet. I will get a little more pushy about it tomorrow, but I am hoping to get a message that it is on its way to my house. I have gotten used to not having much stuff but it will be really nice to get the rest of it.
Okay, my brain is fried now, so I'll sign off until Sunday. I'm sure you are all getting the pattern - Thursday and Sunday posts.
As I said previously - I am glad to know that people are reading this.
Take care everyone.
So, as I said, wow, did I spend a lot of money. Getting the permanent license was interesting too because we are technically not eligible for permanent licenses until we have been here for some time but since it is Ross and Carol coordinates it, we get special treatment from the police dept. in terms of expediting the process - thank you. It is much appreciated and so is Carol - she is worth her weight in gold.
Okay, so what else do I need to share - oh yeah, I cooked again on Sunday - with some difficulty I might add. I made a really good curry chicken with rice and a salad of avocado, cucumber and watercress. I think I mentioned it on my Sunday post - had Claudia over. And the peanut ice cream - to die for - really easy. All recipes in The Spice Necklace.
Tuesday's salsa class was HOT and a blast. Harold is pushing us more now and is it ever fun. He wants to go to the salsa dancing at De Champs on Friday night but I don't know if I'm ready for that. We'll see.
I am in my permanent office now - with very little furniture. It seems it has been held up - common problem. It was painted last week and they put a new blind on the window today -yes, I have a window - woo hoo!! It will be nice when I get my stuff. I was told to pinch stuff I see lying around in the meantime.
I am being introduced at our dept meeting tomorrow morning - no biggie - not as big as the faculty meeting that I had to talk about myself at - the one with all of the faculty. Everyone is great and I am feeling really settled in. Now it would just be nice to get my stuff. It was supposed to arrive yesterday but I have not heard anything yet. I will get a little more pushy about it tomorrow, but I am hoping to get a message that it is on its way to my house. I have gotten used to not having much stuff but it will be really nice to get the rest of it.
Okay, my brain is fried now, so I'll sign off until Sunday. I'm sure you are all getting the pattern - Thursday and Sunday posts.
As I said previously - I am glad to know that people are reading this.
Take care everyone.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Crabs with Attitude
Hi everyone - good to hear that you are enjoying reading these posts. I am enjoying writing them and I have lots to tell today.
Friday night the "7 Wonders of the World" as we were called in the invitation to Claudia's going away dinner went to Pagua Bay for dinner. It is on the other side of the island - near the airport - about an hour drive each way. We hired a van to drive us. These 7 were the people Claudia wanted to share her dinner with - kind of like my lunch at Katana. I felt honoured to be included in the group.
We had a blast and a great dinner. This is a very nice restaurant - we started with sauteed calamari and seared Ahi tuna and then had lovely tenderloins (I am told best you'll get on the island), caesar salad and cheesecake for dessert. Very full!! We laughed and told stories about Claudia, said what we would miss most about her and then she made us all cry by talking about what wonderful women and friends we were. Another reminder that you need your girlfriends.
It was great fun. On the way home there were lots of crabs on the road - big ones - and as you approach they rear up and brandish their claws at the car to scare you. It is really funny to see them - like we're going to be scared. We just howled. They don't even move sometimes- they just challenge you. Others scurry away and you have to try not to run them over. It's not crab season right now so it is illegal to hunt them - as tempting as they are to just pick up. That is a skill too because they are pretty aggressive and pinch pretty hard. The locals know how to get them and I have met a lady up the hill who will get them for me when it is the season.
Also on Friday night I was invited to play poker - it seems the usual boy's game was going to allow women because they were bringing food -figures!! Carol and I decided that we will get
euchre going as well as an alternative to poker. That will be a blast. I told Harold and Francisco
that I will teach them how to play but they will have to swear in French. They thought that was good. I am looking forward to some pretty wild games happening.
I went in to Roseau again yesterday with Harold - he plays squash every Saturday and dropped me off to shop again. It's really great to be able to go in with him as he is very comfortable driving. I went to the big market this time and boy did I have fun. I checked everything out and chatted with a lot of the ladies at the stalls. I bought stuff to cook again - I invited Claudia for dinner since she gave me grief about cooking last Sunday and not inviting her. I told her I needed to see how it would turn out before subjecting somebody else to it - she didn't care. Today I am going to make a chicken dish with tomato and coconut curry sauce, an avocado and watercress salad and lentils with pumpkin as a side - all recipes in The Spice Necklace (the book I have talked about) - oh and peanut ice cream - yummmmm!!!! It's in the freezer now - really easy to make. I can't wait. Geez, just think what I'll be doing when I actually have my stuff. It is a challenge to cook with not much stuff.
I am doing laundry again this morning (how exciting huh?) - as I am out hanging stuff on the back deck clothesline I strung I am watching sailboats and a ferry on the water - it is so pretty.
It is HOT but there is a gorgeous breeze today - it is sunny too - a nice change from all the rain we've been having lately.
Well, I guess that's it for now -
stay tuned and love to all
Friday night the "7 Wonders of the World" as we were called in the invitation to Claudia's going away dinner went to Pagua Bay for dinner. It is on the other side of the island - near the airport - about an hour drive each way. We hired a van to drive us. These 7 were the people Claudia wanted to share her dinner with - kind of like my lunch at Katana. I felt honoured to be included in the group.
We had a blast and a great dinner. This is a very nice restaurant - we started with sauteed calamari and seared Ahi tuna and then had lovely tenderloins (I am told best you'll get on the island), caesar salad and cheesecake for dessert. Very full!! We laughed and told stories about Claudia, said what we would miss most about her and then she made us all cry by talking about what wonderful women and friends we were. Another reminder that you need your girlfriends.
It was great fun. On the way home there were lots of crabs on the road - big ones - and as you approach they rear up and brandish their claws at the car to scare you. It is really funny to see them - like we're going to be scared. We just howled. They don't even move sometimes- they just challenge you. Others scurry away and you have to try not to run them over. It's not crab season right now so it is illegal to hunt them - as tempting as they are to just pick up. That is a skill too because they are pretty aggressive and pinch pretty hard. The locals know how to get them and I have met a lady up the hill who will get them for me when it is the season.
Also on Friday night I was invited to play poker - it seems the usual boy's game was going to allow women because they were bringing food -figures!! Carol and I decided that we will get
euchre going as well as an alternative to poker. That will be a blast. I told Harold and Francisco
that I will teach them how to play but they will have to swear in French. They thought that was good. I am looking forward to some pretty wild games happening.
I went in to Roseau again yesterday with Harold - he plays squash every Saturday and dropped me off to shop again. It's really great to be able to go in with him as he is very comfortable driving. I went to the big market this time and boy did I have fun. I checked everything out and chatted with a lot of the ladies at the stalls. I bought stuff to cook again - I invited Claudia for dinner since she gave me grief about cooking last Sunday and not inviting her. I told her I needed to see how it would turn out before subjecting somebody else to it - she didn't care. Today I am going to make a chicken dish with tomato and coconut curry sauce, an avocado and watercress salad and lentils with pumpkin as a side - all recipes in The Spice Necklace (the book I have talked about) - oh and peanut ice cream - yummmmm!!!! It's in the freezer now - really easy to make. I can't wait. Geez, just think what I'll be doing when I actually have my stuff. It is a challenge to cook with not much stuff.
I am doing laundry again this morning (how exciting huh?) - as I am out hanging stuff on the back deck clothesline I strung I am watching sailboats and a ferry on the water - it is so pretty.
It is HOT but there is a gorgeous breeze today - it is sunny too - a nice change from all the rain we've been having lately.
Well, I guess that's it for now -
stay tuned and love to all
Thursday, July 22, 2010
I drove in the dark
Well, I have had another new experience - I drove home in the dark on Tuesday night after salsa dancing. There were a few more people there than last week and the group decided to stay for dinner. I was a bit leery about driving home in the dark since it was raining but Harold said he would escort me home - he drove in front of me. It helped. So, now I have done that too. And I have only been here two weeks. It seems like longer. I just really would like my stuff to arrive now and everything will be great - better than it is.
I am pretty comfortable with daytime driving now - I'm getting a good sense of where all the big potholes are. There is a huge new one at the top of the hill just before you turn into my laneway - one of my neighbours suggested we plant flowers in it and make it like a turning circle. Good idea. It may be awhile before it gets filled in. It happened the other day after a torrential rain - there were rushing rivers flowing down the mountain and the asphalt just washed away. It really has been raining a lot - and hard - and thunder!!!! Wow, it really thunders here when it storms.
Yesterday, (Wed.) Carol talked me into joining the spouse group for the day. She said that I need to have some fun before I officially start work and that I have been working too much. We were supposed to go to the beach but it was raining so we went and had a long lunch at Tomato. Tomato is right up the hill from the main gates of the university and is owned by a Canadian. She gave me a great welcome back (I met her when I was here in March) and a round of Tomato Sunrises on her. Yummmm..... The food there is great and we hung out there for quite awhile. This group originally started as spouse activities but a few local women have joined it too. Two of them live just up the hill from me - one is a Swedish artist and she invited us back up to her place for the afternoon. We drank wine and ate ice cream and she showed us her work. She has some gorgeous paintings. I think I may buy one. She is very talented. What a nice group of women. Very diverse and fun - we laughed a lot. It was a really enjoyable day and I look forward to more of them. We talked about having the roving parties in the neighbourhood where you do one course at one house then move on the next for the next course. They thought it was a great idea and since all of my street is Ross faculty and the others just live right up the hill. We'll have to see how it works out. We have enough people to do it several times before repeating. Should be fun.
I also chatted with Mary Grogan - the Canadian principal of the school here on campus. I told her I would consult to the school for kids with learning and behavioral (note the American spelling I am now using) challenges and since they are partnered with the Savanne Paille primary school (just up the hill from my house ) I will also consult there. That will be my community work - which Ross expects faculty to do. I am also expected to sit on a committee here so I will choose to join the Faculty Development committee. I think that makes the most sense for me - I can contribute to faculty development with regard to teaching strategies. As would be expected some of the MD's don't really know all that much about good teaching practice and use far too many powerpoint slides in a lecture. Ah, well, there's time for that.
Okay, better go now, I've got a student coming in this morning.
Later,
I am pretty comfortable with daytime driving now - I'm getting a good sense of where all the big potholes are. There is a huge new one at the top of the hill just before you turn into my laneway - one of my neighbours suggested we plant flowers in it and make it like a turning circle. Good idea. It may be awhile before it gets filled in. It happened the other day after a torrential rain - there were rushing rivers flowing down the mountain and the asphalt just washed away. It really has been raining a lot - and hard - and thunder!!!! Wow, it really thunders here when it storms.
Yesterday, (Wed.) Carol talked me into joining the spouse group for the day. She said that I need to have some fun before I officially start work and that I have been working too much. We were supposed to go to the beach but it was raining so we went and had a long lunch at Tomato. Tomato is right up the hill from the main gates of the university and is owned by a Canadian. She gave me a great welcome back (I met her when I was here in March) and a round of Tomato Sunrises on her. Yummmm..... The food there is great and we hung out there for quite awhile. This group originally started as spouse activities but a few local women have joined it too. Two of them live just up the hill from me - one is a Swedish artist and she invited us back up to her place for the afternoon. We drank wine and ate ice cream and she showed us her work. She has some gorgeous paintings. I think I may buy one. She is very talented. What a nice group of women. Very diverse and fun - we laughed a lot. It was a really enjoyable day and I look forward to more of them. We talked about having the roving parties in the neighbourhood where you do one course at one house then move on the next for the next course. They thought it was a great idea and since all of my street is Ross faculty and the others just live right up the hill. We'll have to see how it works out. We have enough people to do it several times before repeating. Should be fun.
I also chatted with Mary Grogan - the Canadian principal of the school here on campus. I told her I would consult to the school for kids with learning and behavioral (note the American spelling I am now using) challenges and since they are partnered with the Savanne Paille primary school (just up the hill from my house ) I will also consult there. That will be my community work - which Ross expects faculty to do. I am also expected to sit on a committee here so I will choose to join the Faculty Development committee. I think that makes the most sense for me - I can contribute to faculty development with regard to teaching strategies. As would be expected some of the MD's don't really know all that much about good teaching practice and use far too many powerpoint slides in a lecture. Ah, well, there's time for that.
Okay, better go now, I've got a student coming in this morning.
Later,
Sunday, July 18, 2010
First trip to Roseau
I went into Roseau yesterday - I did not drive - not ready for that becuause the road is very windy (looks like Pacific 1 in California). It is BUSY, BUSY, BUSY in the city and the traffic is wild. The streets are very narrow and people park in very strange places - not always off to the side. It is like dodgem cars on an obstacle course.
I went shopping in a couple of large grocery stores - very different than the little shops in Portsmouth or Picard (right near the university campus). I wandered around for quite awhile while my ride played squash. It was great to see all the stuff that is available - pretty much everything. I did a lot of price comparison and now I know who has the best prices. Once our IGA is open right next to the campus it will be a lot easier - we won't have to go into Roseau as much, although it is not an issue since Lee will pick up anything I need. A full-size grocery store in our community is big excitement here you know.
I am doing laundry today - breaking in my new washer and dryer. Doesn't that sound exciting?
I am actually going to try to cook something today too. I didn't have enough stuff previously, but I do now. I bought a lot yesterday so I am better stocked, although I still only have one knife. I'll have to wash it a lot. Ah well, it is all part of the adventure. I am going to make a chicken dish with some tomato, white beans and spinach on pasta - yummmm. I have been having a lot of fun trying food at the different shacks - it is really good, but I want to cook too.
Well, the good news is that the swelling in my feet and ankles has finally gone down. I looked like a 90 year-old woman with fat ankles. It was the adjustment to the heat and humidity - I have to drink a lot of water to keep hydrated because I sweat so much. I am not complaining - it's all great.
Oh, time for another load - see ya.
I went shopping in a couple of large grocery stores - very different than the little shops in Portsmouth or Picard (right near the university campus). I wandered around for quite awhile while my ride played squash. It was great to see all the stuff that is available - pretty much everything. I did a lot of price comparison and now I know who has the best prices. Once our IGA is open right next to the campus it will be a lot easier - we won't have to go into Roseau as much, although it is not an issue since Lee will pick up anything I need. A full-size grocery store in our community is big excitement here you know.
I am doing laundry today - breaking in my new washer and dryer. Doesn't that sound exciting?
I am actually going to try to cook something today too. I didn't have enough stuff previously, but I do now. I bought a lot yesterday so I am better stocked, although I still only have one knife. I'll have to wash it a lot. Ah well, it is all part of the adventure. I am going to make a chicken dish with some tomato, white beans and spinach on pasta - yummmm. I have been having a lot of fun trying food at the different shacks - it is really good, but I want to cook too.
Well, the good news is that the swelling in my feet and ankles has finally gone down. I looked like a 90 year-old woman with fat ankles. It was the adjustment to the heat and humidity - I have to drink a lot of water to keep hydrated because I sweat so much. I am not complaining - it's all great.
Oh, time for another load - see ya.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
I have finally seen one of the iguanas on campus
Yea,,,, I finally saw one of the iguanas on campus - he scurried across the road the other day as I was driving out. Boy can he move fast on those little legs. I don't think he's the "Old man" - I don't think he was big enough.
Speaking of scurrying - I heard all this barking outside my house the other night and Dexter and Nica were barking like crazy at a big crab on the road. What a hoot. They were hot-footing it when the thing moved. Renneth told me that Nica was pinched on the nose when she was younger and is now very careful. Boy are they big here. I might have to catch some and make one of the lovely sounding recipes in The Spice Necklace. The same recipe is on the coconut milk that I bought so I guess that will have to be one of the first dishes I make when my stuff arrives.
I am now up to 5 students - they are sure keeping me busy - making sure I don't get bored while waiting for my stuff to arrive. I told them that this will be on the tab for later. It's okay, it helps me to meet students - they are all stressed out now since we are getting close to finals for this term and it's make or break time for the 4th semester.
Yesterday there was a charity fundraiser at lunch - soft tacos and a contest for one of 4 profs to kiss a pig. Paul Abney won and he was a really good sport about it. Better than the pig - she wasn't too impressed. It was a hoot.
There is so much going on here - there is a 5k charity run/walk this weekend that I may join and yoga is actually almost everyday. I haven't done it yet, but I will soon. Next week Carol is taking the spouses group (she plans outings for them) to Toucarie beach on Wed and I am tagging along. I am also going to do a tour of the Indian River (the one in Pirates where they go up river to see the voodoo priestess) soon.
I am settling in my house nicely now, even though I don't have my stuff yet. I will be really glad to get the rest of my clothes.
We had the most wicked thunderstorm the other night. The lightning over Douglas Bay out my front windows was incredible. Too bad my camera is packed in the container.
I got the nicest compliment from one of our office staff yesterday. She said "Dr. Renaud it seems like you have been here a year not a week because you seem so at home." Everyone is amazed that I bought a car after two days and that I am driving it. It makes me feel a lot more independent. I hated being stuck and dependent on someone else to drive me around or to call Lee (a taxi driver). Lee is a doll - he's like a son to Claudia and I am going to inherit him. He will do anything for you. He got me a water cooler in Roseau the other day (I didn't like the colour of the water after the big rain and I don't want to spend a fortune on small bottles of water). He put it on the porch and when I got home I brought it in and set it up. I called him to come get the money and he said "Doc, I'll be right there to set it up for you". He didn't believe me when I said that I had already done it. He just shook his head and said "Man, you are something else". Claudia gets him to do just about everything for her and he expected me to be the same. He kept shaking his head and chuckling. I said, "I am an independent girl Lee".
Renneth said the same thing. He said he couldn't believe that I got a car after two days here and that I am driving like a local. That is a pretty big compliment. I guess I just have to drive like a bat out of hell like everyone else since there are no speed limits. I am getting pretty good and I am more comfortable in the really narrow roads in Portsmouth where you have to squeeze to the left for another car to pass but not go into the gutters - they are open and you will get stuck. Luckily the locals will all pitch in to push you out. Everyone says that it will happen at some point and it's not a big deal.
Okay, off to some new adventure now. I may have to go talk to the puppies on campus. There are some young ones and are they ever cute. There is a group that tries to find homes for them so that is good. They come and stand beside you when you are sitting at a table eating. They don't intrude, they just stand there. When you give them something they take it ever so gently - it is amazing - right out of your fingers. Dave and Deb you'll have to tell Tess that.
Hope everyone is enjoying reading this - please comment or email me.
Again, my personal email is drdrenaud@yahoo.ca
Bye for now.
Love to all
D
Speaking of scurrying - I heard all this barking outside my house the other night and Dexter and Nica were barking like crazy at a big crab on the road. What a hoot. They were hot-footing it when the thing moved. Renneth told me that Nica was pinched on the nose when she was younger and is now very careful. Boy are they big here. I might have to catch some and make one of the lovely sounding recipes in The Spice Necklace. The same recipe is on the coconut milk that I bought so I guess that will have to be one of the first dishes I make when my stuff arrives.
I am now up to 5 students - they are sure keeping me busy - making sure I don't get bored while waiting for my stuff to arrive. I told them that this will be on the tab for later. It's okay, it helps me to meet students - they are all stressed out now since we are getting close to finals for this term and it's make or break time for the 4th semester.
Yesterday there was a charity fundraiser at lunch - soft tacos and a contest for one of 4 profs to kiss a pig. Paul Abney won and he was a really good sport about it. Better than the pig - she wasn't too impressed. It was a hoot.
There is so much going on here - there is a 5k charity run/walk this weekend that I may join and yoga is actually almost everyday. I haven't done it yet, but I will soon. Next week Carol is taking the spouses group (she plans outings for them) to Toucarie beach on Wed and I am tagging along. I am also going to do a tour of the Indian River (the one in Pirates where they go up river to see the voodoo priestess) soon.
I am settling in my house nicely now, even though I don't have my stuff yet. I will be really glad to get the rest of my clothes.
We had the most wicked thunderstorm the other night. The lightning over Douglas Bay out my front windows was incredible. Too bad my camera is packed in the container.
I got the nicest compliment from one of our office staff yesterday. She said "Dr. Renaud it seems like you have been here a year not a week because you seem so at home." Everyone is amazed that I bought a car after two days and that I am driving it. It makes me feel a lot more independent. I hated being stuck and dependent on someone else to drive me around or to call Lee (a taxi driver). Lee is a doll - he's like a son to Claudia and I am going to inherit him. He will do anything for you. He got me a water cooler in Roseau the other day (I didn't like the colour of the water after the big rain and I don't want to spend a fortune on small bottles of water). He put it on the porch and when I got home I brought it in and set it up. I called him to come get the money and he said "Doc, I'll be right there to set it up for you". He didn't believe me when I said that I had already done it. He just shook his head and said "Man, you are something else". Claudia gets him to do just about everything for her and he expected me to be the same. He kept shaking his head and chuckling. I said, "I am an independent girl Lee".
Renneth said the same thing. He said he couldn't believe that I got a car after two days here and that I am driving like a local. That is a pretty big compliment. I guess I just have to drive like a bat out of hell like everyone else since there are no speed limits. I am getting pretty good and I am more comfortable in the really narrow roads in Portsmouth where you have to squeeze to the left for another car to pass but not go into the gutters - they are open and you will get stuck. Luckily the locals will all pitch in to push you out. Everyone says that it will happen at some point and it's not a big deal.
Okay, off to some new adventure now. I may have to go talk to the puppies on campus. There are some young ones and are they ever cute. There is a group that tries to find homes for them so that is good. They come and stand beside you when you are sitting at a table eating. They don't intrude, they just stand there. When you give them something they take it ever so gently - it is amazing - right out of your fingers. Dave and Deb you'll have to tell Tess that.
Hope everyone is enjoying reading this - please comment or email me.
Again, my personal email is drdrenaud@yahoo.ca
Bye for now.
Love to all
D
Monday, July 12, 2010
Where do I begin?
Wow, so much has happened - I hope I can remember it all to type it here. It seems like I have been here a lot longer than 5 days. Claudia said that at lunch today - she said "You've been here forever".
First - I bought a car!! Carol called her connection - the guy who does this and many other things for Ross faculty and who owns the taxi company on the island - and drives the only Jag here. I talked with him Friday night (my second day) and he delivered it Saturday with only a deposit. I got a 2003 Subaru Forester - very nice and great on the roads. It is not too big nor too small on these roads and I wanted 4-wheel drive. I figured just do it. It is in great shape and was a good price.
I drove into Portsmouth with Alexis (he wanted to see how I handled the car and the road), got my temporary licence and I was off. I drove back and forth into Portsmouth 4 times and the car is great. It takes both hills and potholes really well - and there are a lot of both here. He told me I am a really good driver and that I did better than most people at first. He will be a great connection for many things - he is that kind of guy - you know, one who makes things happen.
Oh, before I forget - it is HOT here. I know it is hot there too but ..... oh and since it is rainy season it just pours in the blink of an eye and then stops. Yesterday there was torrential rain in the morning - wow. Everyone is so happy with the rain after dry season. Yesterday was funny with the rain and mangoes rolling down the hill in front of my house. There is a huge mango tree across the street - I can pick them up off the road and they are soooo sweet - nothing like the yucky ones there.
I have already started seeing two students as a consultant. I can't use the term counsellor because in the US you need a professional licence, so I am a consultant -same term I used in Canada in my private practice. I will be getting a cell phone paid for by Ross for this. I will post my number when I get it. Right now I have a loaner - the number is 767-275-5360. Claudia said I may be able to keep this number. We'll see. I should also have my home internet today - I'll see later when I get home. It is really strange for me not to have internet at home - that' why I keep coming into school but everyone thinks I am working already.
Salsa dancing lessons tomorrow - woo hoo!! Yoga is Tuesday and Saturday. I am going to do that too - especially now that I have a car.
Dexter and Nica come to visit every day and hope for food. I heard they make the rounds of the houses - especially if you are bbq'ing. They are so sweet. Nica just comes in and lays down and wags her tail when you talk to her. It is helping me not to miss Jimmie and Tess too much.
The food here is awesome. I haven't got any fresh fish yet, but I will. The owner of Tina's Grocery - Tina - already knows who I am and calls me honey. She is a very sweet woman. The shacks by campus are great - amazing food. I certainly won't go hungry.
The people here are amazing and as soon as you are introduced as Ross faculty they can't help you enough. It is really nice.
I got some Dominican coffee in my welcome basket and I was drinking it yesterday morning sitting on one of my porches at the front. It is really good - a little spicy - it must be all the wild herbs and bay, which are very plentiful. Speaking of bay, I got some Bay Rum - a tonic used to calm skin irritations. I put it on mosquito bites and it really helps.
Work will be interesting with Claudia leaving. There seems to have been a bit of a shake-up recently as the Dean has also left and there is a new one here now. I will meet him soon. Apparently there was some stuff going on but it is settled now, although the counselling center will need a new director. Every place has it's stuff but it doesn't seem as bad as Fanshawe - especially with what has happened recently there. Wow, I am glad I am gone.
Okay, off to ........... whatever, talk soon
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First - I bought a car!! Carol called her connection - the guy who does this and many other things for Ross faculty and who owns the taxi company on the island - and drives the only Jag here. I talked with him Friday night (my second day) and he delivered it Saturday with only a deposit. I got a 2003 Subaru Forester - very nice and great on the roads. It is not too big nor too small on these roads and I wanted 4-wheel drive. I figured just do it. It is in great shape and was a good price.
I drove into Portsmouth with Alexis (he wanted to see how I handled the car and the road), got my temporary licence and I was off. I drove back and forth into Portsmouth 4 times and the car is great. It takes both hills and potholes really well - and there are a lot of both here. He told me I am a really good driver and that I did better than most people at first. He will be a great connection for many things - he is that kind of guy - you know, one who makes things happen.
Oh, before I forget - it is HOT here. I know it is hot there too but ..... oh and since it is rainy season it just pours in the blink of an eye and then stops. Yesterday there was torrential rain in the morning - wow. Everyone is so happy with the rain after dry season. Yesterday was funny with the rain and mangoes rolling down the hill in front of my house. There is a huge mango tree across the street - I can pick them up off the road and they are soooo sweet - nothing like the yucky ones there.
I have already started seeing two students as a consultant. I can't use the term counsellor because in the US you need a professional licence, so I am a consultant -same term I used in Canada in my private practice. I will be getting a cell phone paid for by Ross for this. I will post my number when I get it. Right now I have a loaner - the number is 767-275-5360. Claudia said I may be able to keep this number. We'll see. I should also have my home internet today - I'll see later when I get home. It is really strange for me not to have internet at home - that' why I keep coming into school but everyone thinks I am working already.
Salsa dancing lessons tomorrow - woo hoo!! Yoga is Tuesday and Saturday. I am going to do that too - especially now that I have a car.
Dexter and Nica come to visit every day and hope for food. I heard they make the rounds of the houses - especially if you are bbq'ing. They are so sweet. Nica just comes in and lays down and wags her tail when you talk to her. It is helping me not to miss Jimmie and Tess too much.
The food here is awesome. I haven't got any fresh fish yet, but I will. The owner of Tina's Grocery - Tina - already knows who I am and calls me honey. She is a very sweet woman. The shacks by campus are great - amazing food. I certainly won't go hungry.
The people here are amazing and as soon as you are introduced as Ross faculty they can't help you enough. It is really nice.
I got some Dominican coffee in my welcome basket and I was drinking it yesterday morning sitting on one of my porches at the front. It is really good - a little spicy - it must be all the wild herbs and bay, which are very plentiful. Speaking of bay, I got some Bay Rum - a tonic used to calm skin irritations. I put it on mosquito bites and it really helps.
Work will be interesting with Claudia leaving. There seems to have been a bit of a shake-up recently as the Dean has also left and there is a new one here now. I will meet him soon. Apparently there was some stuff going on but it is settled now, although the counselling center will need a new director. Every place has it's stuff but it doesn't seem as bad as Fanshawe - especially with what has happened recently there. Wow, I am glad I am gone.
Okay, off to ........... whatever, talk soon
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Friday, July 9, 2010
I'm here - part 2
I found the original post sitting in draft and posted it but I'll leave this stuff here -
So, I'll start with this - I did do this post yesterday but I was rushed out of the office and it didn't post, apparently.
First - WOW!!! What a welcome - I was met at the airport with a lovely fruit basket - typical of Ross. My house is great!! Renneth has provided some basic kitchen stuff to get my by until my stuff arrives. Speaking of the house - it is even better than I remember and since everyone wants to live there now, I am even more pleased that I grabbed it when I did.
Yesterday was quite a busy day - Carol came to pick me up and we did numerous errands - my electricity, bank account, Ross ID card, etc.... Boy did I drop a lot of money in a hurry.
Everyone here in the office was so welcoming - I have a temporary office until my office is painted and the new furniture arrives. I am in the office I picked right now and I will end up in the smaller office with the window permanently because Dr. Sharma thinks it is a better office and I no longer need to be across the hall from Claudia - she is leaving at the end of the month.
I am heartbroken over that since I thought we would be great pals. Long story there.....
Hmmmm, what else do I need to say now - I had some really good stuff in the post yesterday - too bad it got lost. Grrrr.....
I am so happy to be here and I can't wait to actually start work - even though I was asked yesterday to do a child psych lecture today (!!!) since I am taking over that area and I saw a student this morning with whom I will be working. I am taking on some of the counselling as well, since they will be shorthanded when Claudia leaves. :(
I have just met the second student that I will be working with - wow, not a dull moment here.
Oh, geez, it is telling me that it cannot connect. I am going to try to publish this and then add another.
Ahh,,, saved!!
Claudia and I had breakfast on the Subway deck this morning with Frigate birds flying around.
It was so nice and peaceful. Two cats came up but they turned up their noses at pancakes. Imagine.
Speaking of animals, I have pseudo-adopted Dexter and Nica - Renneth's dogs. They came to visit on Wednesday night after I arrived and came back last night. I guess being fed didn't hurt.
Nica was laying out in the middle of the road on Wed. night after she left my place and only moved when a car came down the road.
When Claudia was leaving last night there were three BIG crabs on the road - they scurried off in a hurry.
I have still not seen the old man iguana - I'm going to go look for him soon. He's hiding from me.
I better move it now, I want to grab lunch before 1:00 - Dr. Abney's lecture. I want to see what he does before I take it over.
Later,
Love to all.
D.
So, I'll start with this - I did do this post yesterday but I was rushed out of the office and it didn't post, apparently.
First - WOW!!! What a welcome - I was met at the airport with a lovely fruit basket - typical of Ross. My house is great!! Renneth has provided some basic kitchen stuff to get my by until my stuff arrives. Speaking of the house - it is even better than I remember and since everyone wants to live there now, I am even more pleased that I grabbed it when I did.
Yesterday was quite a busy day - Carol came to pick me up and we did numerous errands - my electricity, bank account, Ross ID card, etc.... Boy did I drop a lot of money in a hurry.
Everyone here in the office was so welcoming - I have a temporary office until my office is painted and the new furniture arrives. I am in the office I picked right now and I will end up in the smaller office with the window permanently because Dr. Sharma thinks it is a better office and I no longer need to be across the hall from Claudia - she is leaving at the end of the month.
I am heartbroken over that since I thought we would be great pals. Long story there.....
Hmmmm, what else do I need to say now - I had some really good stuff in the post yesterday - too bad it got lost. Grrrr.....
I am so happy to be here and I can't wait to actually start work - even though I was asked yesterday to do a child psych lecture today (!!!) since I am taking over that area and I saw a student this morning with whom I will be working. I am taking on some of the counselling as well, since they will be shorthanded when Claudia leaves. :(
I have just met the second student that I will be working with - wow, not a dull moment here.
Oh, geez, it is telling me that it cannot connect. I am going to try to publish this and then add another.
Ahh,,, saved!!
Claudia and I had breakfast on the Subway deck this morning with Frigate birds flying around.
It was so nice and peaceful. Two cats came up but they turned up their noses at pancakes. Imagine.
Speaking of animals, I have pseudo-adopted Dexter and Nica - Renneth's dogs. They came to visit on Wednesday night after I arrived and came back last night. I guess being fed didn't hurt.
Nica was laying out in the middle of the road on Wed. night after she left my place and only moved when a car came down the road.
When Claudia was leaving last night there were three BIG crabs on the road - they scurried off in a hurry.
I have still not seen the old man iguana - I'm going to go look for him soon. He's hiding from me.
I better move it now, I want to grab lunch before 1:00 - Dr. Abney's lecture. I want to see what he does before I take it over.
Later,
Love to all.
D.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
I'm here!!!
Okay, first things first - I arrived in one piece last night. The flights were great and I was greeted at the airport with a welcome basket of fruit. Just another way that Ross really knows how to do things right. After a quick stop at a store it was time to get to my new house.
Wow, what a great feeling to walk into MY house here. It was awesome.
I am sitting in my office - or soon to be office - they are having it re-done - painted, etc. for me as well as getting new furniture. I have been doing things with Carol today - I already have my ID card - they are unbelievable here in terms of getting things done. I am getting internet, phone, groceries, electricity, etc. today. I got a great Ross welcome bag with a coffee mug, umbrella, pens, water bottle, hand sanitizer and a key chain - all with Ross logo.
Everyone is so welcoming and I feel so at home - except that Paul Abney said oh good since you're here already would you want to do the child psych lecture tomorrow? I said I'll pass at this point since I am not really here officially until Aug. 2. Nice try. He wants to hand it over to me as soon as he can. I said I would attend it and add points if he wanted me to but not do it.
Geez.
Anyway, I am heartbroken, Claudia is leaving at the end of the month to be near her daughter who just had a baby. I was hoping that we would be great pals. So, now Dave (the Chair) thinks I should have the office beside him with the window - "it's better" and has asked me to help out with some of the counselling since they will be shorthanded. I said sure. I am having dinner with Claudia tonight and I'm sure I'll get the full story. I will make lots of other friends I'm sure.
Wow, what a great feeling to walk into MY house here. It was awesome.
I am sitting in my office - or soon to be office - they are having it re-done - painted, etc. for me as well as getting new furniture. I have been doing things with Carol today - I already have my ID card - they are unbelievable here in terms of getting things done. I am getting internet, phone, groceries, electricity, etc. today. I got a great Ross welcome bag with a coffee mug, umbrella, pens, water bottle, hand sanitizer and a key chain - all with Ross logo.
Everyone is so welcoming and I feel so at home - except that Paul Abney said oh good since you're here already would you want to do the child psych lecture tomorrow? I said I'll pass at this point since I am not really here officially until Aug. 2. Nice try. He wants to hand it over to me as soon as he can. I said I would attend it and add points if he wanted me to but not do it.
Geez.
Anyway, I am heartbroken, Claudia is leaving at the end of the month to be near her daughter who just had a baby. I was hoping that we would be great pals. So, now Dave (the Chair) thinks I should have the office beside him with the window - "it's better" and has asked me to help out with some of the counselling since they will be shorthanded. I said sure. I am having dinner with Claudia tonight and I'm sure I'll get the full story. I will make lots of other friends I'm sure.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Three days and counting......
Oh, this is getting really hard now - I just want to go!!!!
Three more days and I will be on my way to my new home. I am just trying to get all of the last minute things done and trying to make sure that I don't forget anything.
I talked to Carol in Dominica yesterday and she got me even more excited than I am - Renneth is starting the infinity pool -woo hoo!! It will be great to spend some time in that when I get back from a walk or whatever.....
She can't wait to sit on one of my five patios and drink wine she said. Ha, me too.
She said there is another Canadian couple movng into the neighbourhood and that they are great. They are from Toronto. We will have to fly Canadian flags - we're taking over.
This is gonna be great. I am so glad I have made the choice to do this - it is definitely the right thing. There is so much to do in Dominica and so many great people at Ross to do it with. Speaking of that, Carol said that Harold Schiff teaches Salsa dancing on Tuesday evenings - I can't wait. She said it is a blast. Between yoga on the Subway deck at lunch and Salsa dancing, walking, hiking, diving, and everything else life will be great.
Okay, enough of the gushing for now, I will save it for when I get there. I can't wait to tell everyone how things are going.
Check in often.
Talk soon,
D
Three more days and I will be on my way to my new home. I am just trying to get all of the last minute things done and trying to make sure that I don't forget anything.
I talked to Carol in Dominica yesterday and she got me even more excited than I am - Renneth is starting the infinity pool -woo hoo!! It will be great to spend some time in that when I get back from a walk or whatever.....
She can't wait to sit on one of my five patios and drink wine she said. Ha, me too.
She said there is another Canadian couple movng into the neighbourhood and that they are great. They are from Toronto. We will have to fly Canadian flags - we're taking over.
This is gonna be great. I am so glad I have made the choice to do this - it is definitely the right thing. There is so much to do in Dominica and so many great people at Ross to do it with. Speaking of that, Carol said that Harold Schiff teaches Salsa dancing on Tuesday evenings - I can't wait. She said it is a blast. Between yoga on the Subway deck at lunch and Salsa dancing, walking, hiking, diving, and everything else life will be great.
Okay, enough of the gushing for now, I will save it for when I get there. I can't wait to tell everyone how things are going.
Check in often.
Talk soon,
D
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