Don't have to worry

about which one of us will put the first scratch on the car. Someone else did it to save us from that guilt trip.  It happened in the valet parking at the casino, when we were there for supper Monday evening.  The casino people were very nice, accepting full responsibility, and giving us a letter to take to MPI.  Unfortunately, the lady at the MPI call centre didn't have a hot clue about how to deal with it and the conversation turned into  the most contentious ones I've ever had with anyone there.  She suggested that I had been scammed, as no-one ever freely accepts full responsibility.  Then she tried to tell us that David was responsible, as he had voluntarily given the car to someone else to drive, and it would be put against his driver's license.  And since we didn't have the driver information of the person driving the car  ( it was parked at the time) it would be classified as a "hit and run" and I would have to make a report to the police and obtain an incident number.  (Even I know that you don't need a police incident number if the accident occurs on private property)  this sort of accusation and confusion continued for almost 40 minutes and ended with me intears and David shouting at her.   David then called the person named on the letter, and got the ball rolling from the Lotteries Corporation end, and I think we're going to be fine.  However, we are still stuck with an appointment with an appraiser for Thursday , the 24th.  She refused to budge from that, just out of meanness, I think.

Yesterday was a little cooler, and today it rains.  David had been hoping to get the grass cut so that he could put the clippings out with the garbage tomorrow.  We got our new garbage and re-cycling bins Monday.  The new rules and reguations, about what can be put out when, are confusing and overwhelming.  David and I sat down and read them, and discussed them for almost an hour Tuesday morning, and I'm still not sure what's going to happen.  I have to wonder how people, who might be a little less educated, or have less time to read and digest rules, are going to manage.  I see total chaos for the first few weeks, and maybe longer, as this will be a totally new pick up system.

I was able to have coffee with my friend Carolyn on Monday morning.  We chatted, and drank coffee and chattted, each visiting the bathroom 3X, over 2 1/2 hours.  Her life is full,  mainly as a result of her own efforts.  She was in town testing some classes that she is preparing for a Princess Cruise in 2014.  We discussed lifestyle, and she says that she has been able to take advantage of every opportunity that has come her way.  I know that there have been times when I've had to walk away from opportunities, usually because of other commitments, either family or professional.  While I accept responsiblity for making those decisions, I still feel a twinge of regret when I hear about someone else's success.  But only a twinge, and no envy.  I have said that I have no regrets in the life I have lead, ( other than not spending more time with my children when they were young), and that's basically true. 

Yesterday I received a membership form from the quilters' guild in the mail.  Even though I have a Life membership I still have to fill out a form every year to update contact information etc.  Now this was another one of those small decisions that could have long range impact on my life.  So, even though I'm thoroughly mad at them and want nothing to do with them, I filled it out and mailed it back.  At the same time, I informed the people who used to ride with me, that I have no plans to attend meetings in the foreseeable future.  Unfortunately, one of them made the decision not to renew her membership, as a result.

I think I've written enough for now.  Beth, think of the opportunity to make a whole new set of friends, as new neighbours move in.