Road Test Passed...........

I didn't sleep at all last night worrying whether or not I would pass. I was going over things in my head time and time again, until I got to a point I was sick and tired of all the information swirling around in there.

Really in the grand scale of things it doesn't matter if you pass first time, as the next day you can just take it again.

Be that as it may, I have passed and I am over the moon. Unfortunately for me I have not been here ten days yet, so I am not allowed to flip my licence. I suppose that is just something I have to deal with; it is Albertan law.

I'm going to enjoy the weekend, as over here it is Bank Holiday Monday, and I can't do anything until Tuesday. The driver relations guy at H+R, has told me I should be out either that day or Wednesday. So its feet up time, relax and enjoy......

House Hunting

Here are some of the pictures of a house I went to look at the other day.

These pictures were taken for the benefit of the wife, who saw the outside last year, but not the finished product inside.

Question is, will the bank lend us the money???????

Busy Day.....

Today was a busy day. Got up a 0500 and arranged the transfer of the money from England, as I have now set up the bank account. That has been sent and should take 2-4 days to land here. Made an application for a mortgage and should get and answer by the end of the week. However in Canada you have to show 3 months of wages first, so we may have to wait. Had my first driving lesson with a non syncromesh gearbox, and only the revs to change gears plus the fact it was 53 ft long was an experience. I was very pleased with my performance.

After that I did my theory test and passed with 98%. Should have committed it to memory in the first place and not relied on common sense and I would have passed first time. You live and learn. Got picked up by the realtor next and taken to nobleford to look at houses. Only 2 I liked though. I am going to send the pics to Sarah later. The one I liked best was up for rent as well. So I might look at a rent2buy if they won't lend the money to me. Fixed rate on mortgage 5 years at 4.5% and around 3.25% on a variable.

Mandy is picking me up tomorrow and we are going car hunting. (Mandy for those who don't know is my mates wife)

Everything is spinning along quite nicely and I am relatively pleased.

Classroom tuition is a good standard. Everything is passed in the classroom and all I have left to do is the orientation, which is done after my road test. In cab tuition is not the best. Instructor is an experienced driver and is able to teach the gears well. I struggle however with all the grey arrears in the instruction he gives; its not cut and dry. He's not like a driving instructor in England is what I am trying to say, But hey this is Canada maaaan.

He recons the norm is around 15 to 20 hours of tuition, but I'm hoping I won't need that much.

I'll keep you posted.....

Hans Day....

Today Hans, who is the guy who takes you everywhere, took us everywhere..

We started at the drugs test place. (Pee in the bottle.) Then we went for our social security numbers so we are able to pay taxes. After that it was to H+R to do our Alberta Health Care. Then we had our Medicals, sight test was good but my blood pressure was a bit high. (Doctor advised I watch this) From there we went to the bank. Had a good chat about accounts and the like, applied for a mortgage and a credit card, deposited some money.

Then I went to the theory test place to have another go, but there were 3 waiting and only and hour till closing, so I would have to come back tomorrow.

Got back to the hotel and spoke to the Realtor (Estate Agent). She is showing me some houses tomorrow, after I have had my driving lesson.

There is a lasagne in the microwave for my tea and I am enjoying myself................

Theory Test

Managed to change my licence for an Albertan one this morning and thought as I was there I would have a go at my theory test. I got the first 20 questions right and thought I was plain sailing until I got hit with the ones I didn't know..

6 of them in a row and it was all over. Good thing is by the next time I do it, I will have sat the air brake test, so hopefully I will pass it next time.

Well here's for hoping anyway.......

Landed...

The journey seemed to be never ending, but I got here finally at 2200 local time, exactly 24 hours after I got up. I had 2 first class seats to myself on the plane, so I got to sprawl out. Definitely money well spent.

Sailed through immigration when I landed, which was all pretty straight forward and met the guy picking me up. He brought me to the hotel and after unpacking I was in bed for 2300. I woke up at 3, 4, 5 and 6 o'clock. Couldn't sleep at all. Too many things swirling around in my head.

The shuttle from the hotel took everyone on my course to the training school at 0715 and we were learning for 0800. It was very informative and was a lot to take in, but I passed both courses and am now back at the hotel. (I don't think that its possible to fail, but I was very impressed with my 97%.)

Have been told that tomorrow is a day off. So I am going to try and change my licence on my own and if I succeed, I will have a crack at the theory test tomorrow.

Fingers crossed.....

Last Weekend before the big push....

Really looking forward to this weekend. Tonight I think I will go to the Rugby with the father-in-law. Hull fc are playing the Celtic Crusaders. Not a big fan of the Rugby League, but a big fan of the pub before hand. (Much better than the silky shirt wearing softy footballers though)

Tomorrow is Emma 5th birthday party, so that should be really good fun. I'm glad I will be here to see her open her presents. I don't normally get to see this, as I am always away. (I'm sure you drivers know all about this.) She is having a big party, with a bouncy castle and everything. Thanks in advance to all those who help set up.

On Sunday we are going to Sarah's friends for a barbecue. Apparently she is the master chef on the outdoor oven, so I'll let you know the result.

Here's hoping the weather is with us......

London.......

Success or Failure

We left my parents house nice and early on Monday morning and headed for the Smoke.. 45 minutes down the road, we spotted a large queue ahead of us and dived into the services just before we joined the back. McDonald's breakfast was the first order of the day, so we all piled in their for a bite to eat. Half an hour later, with full stomachs, we braved the M3 and to our surprised sailed through the roadworks with very little trouble.

The M3 turned into the 316 and it was time for our first sight of the day. Fortress Twickenham!!!! We only drove past it, but always good value when you see it. (As you can probably tell my game is Rugby)

We drove past Battersea dogs home and then the power station before we turned into the Market for our cheap parking spot for the day. Covent Garden Market parking is strictly for the customers of the markets, but after years of going in and out, I always thought their system was up for abuse. And I was right... £4 for an entire days parking... Result.

Sarah did moan about the walk to the tube station, but I had taken that into consideration, so was well prepared. (Good job it wasn't raining)

We bought our travel cards at Vauxhall Station and made our way to our first sight. Westminster.. We came out of the station, looked around, saw a building , tried to decipher what it was, couldn't, looked up and our questions were answered. BIG BEN....... Standing right next to it and couldn't see it, what a family of duffers...

Take a picture Sarah says I. OK says she. Wheres the camera says she... You had it says I... No I don't says she... What a pair of Muppet's, we left it in the car. There goes my cheap parking; got to buy a disposable camera now, from the robbing vendor over the road from the big clock. 10 poxy pound, this could really get expensive. Oh how I love London...

We crossed Westminster bridge and headed for the big wheel. I never really fancied this attraction, but am glad we went and did it. It only takes 30 mins to go around and about 60 mins to get tickets and queue. Not very good value for money, but the views are fantastic. We pointed out to the kids, all the different buildings using a photo map; spotted Buckingham Palace and made that our next destination.

When we got off we ate the pack-up my loving mother had made us, and then sat in the sun as the kids had a little run around in the park.

Jake had really been looking forward to pulling faces at the guardsmen, but they are all inside now and miles away, so he wasn't very impressed. We took a couple of pictures and then waited for the Queen to show her face out of one of the windows, but after a couple of minutes got bored and started making our way down the Mall towards Horseguards. We stopped for ice cream and enjoyed watching a pelican attack everyone in its vicinity.

We passed the Treasury and made our way to number 10. Got to stand next to a big black gate and look down Downing Street, but all you can see is number 12. What a load of rubbish.....

With tired feet, we crossed the road and boarded the number 87 bus to take us back to Vauxhall. On route we passed Westminster Abbey and the MI6 building (didn't see 007) and I walked back to the car, with Jake, as the girls all looked pretty knackered.

I changed the route out of London (due to traffic), so Jake didn't get to see Wembley. I suppose though, he wouldn't have seen a lot through closed eyelids. Everybody was asleep before the north circular and I had another 3 1/2 hours to drive.

We stopped for a lovely dinner in Grantham and finally got home at 2100. The kids went straight to bed and I collapsed on the sofa. It was a great day and the kids now have memories of their capital city to take with them to Canada.....

Going Away......

I'm off to my Mum and Dads for the weekend. Its the last time we will see them before the big off. The kids are really looking forward to it. On the way back we are going to London to see the sites, as Sarah and the kids have never done it.

Pictures upon our return as no Internet at my parents.

Swine Flu

The Senior school just up the road has two cases of the flu. Some of the parents have kept their kids off.

I think the advice is to just carry on as normal, and if your gonna get it then your gonna get it.

From Mexico to 200 meters away, is quite a distance. I really hope nobody I know gets it; or me for that matter.

13 days to avoid it.

Oink Oink.....

Two weeks today!

The countdown has just dawned on me....

14 Days to go......

I am really nervous and I didn't expect it. For all those who don't know me this is quite unprecedented. It's a huge step into the unknown and top that, with knowing, its not by any stretch going to be a bed of roses, my heart is beating faster...

If it was only me to look after, I don't think I would bat an eyelid. However its not.

I would like to thank all those who have shared their own experiences both, on the net and by phone and who have let me know what I can expect. I am very grateful for this, as it gives an insight, which is invaluable!!

Fingers crossed!

Fat Fu##ers

I am now officiously two stone lighter than when I started weight watchers. (15 stone 9.) Only got 2 stone left to lose and I think that will be my lot. I am exactly a stone behind Sarah's loss, but I'm sure I will beat her in the end. Trouble is though it doesn't matter how much I lose I'll never look as good as her.......

Money Change.......

Finally took the plunge yesterday, after what seem like a lifetime of watching the exchange rates, and change all our money to Canadian Dollars. Our rate was 1.8941 to the £. Its the highest its been in a long time due to the Canadian Dollar struggling as much as the pound. (All the other currencies are doing much better than the pound.) I now have to stop watching the market, because if goes up more I'm sure I'll end up kicking myself.

Jakes Sports Day......

This was a slightly bigger affair than Laurens, and went on much longer. By the time it had finnished we had to go and pick up the kids straight away, as it was going home time. (On Laurens day there was time to sit down and basque in the sun, before getting the other 2)

I put some videos down the bottom so you can see the events. Jake did really well, in most of the events; but I think the highlight of the day was beating his friend William to third place in the pick-the-bean-bag-up-running-race.

Laurens Sports Day

We spent this afternoon in the glorious sunshine, watching Lauren do ever so well in everything she did. What a little sport Billy. She won her running race by a good couple of meters. After that we moved on to the sack race, which she won as well. (You can see both these races in the video clips below.)

All this running earned her and all her class mates a nice cold drink, that was set to prepare them for the forthcoming events.

Next was an event, that I don't know the name of, but was to test hand eye co-ordination. It consisted of throwing tennis balls into a goal over a distance of around 5 meters. She was quite good at this, although the first ball did go a bit wayward.

Then we moved onto the bean-bag-on-your-head-and-slalom-yourself-through-the-cones-event. She was very straight and well balanced at this event, and would have put the best girls at finishing school to shame.

Next came the egg and spoon race. Lauren managed to keep the egg on the spoon all the way, but paid the price with her speed. I think she managed to come second in this event.

All in all a very successful afternoon. Well done Lauren!!!!

DWC International Bv

I have now done 7 weeks for this company and it is a load of rubbish. I have not managed to clear more than 500 pound yet and I am doing two weeks away. The truck I have has all the bits on it you might need, (microwave, fridge, mounted tv, dvd) but it just doesn't pay.

This is going to be my last weeks work. I have enjoyed driving to all the new places that I had never been to. I have had 2 trips to Italy, 1 to Swiss and 1 to Austria. All of the trips have been straught with problems, (mainly due to the mechanics of the truck) but I have enjoyed it all the same.

If anybody considers trying for a job at DWC, I would never recommend it. If you like to earn good money its not the job for you, but if you like to travel about and want to drive a shiny lorry then maybe its worth a go.

End of an Era.........

Friday was my last day with Logifrance. Its a shame really because I enjoyed my time working there. I wanted to see my time out at this company before we left for Canada, but some things are out of my hands.

Good news is though, I found a new job with a sweaty sock who runs out of Basingstoke. I haven't told him about Canada , but I'm sure you can understand why. The job is running for Nagels out of Dover and my first job is Milton Keynes to somewhere in Belgium. (nice easy start.)

The truck I'm going to have is a beaten up old Magnum. Now I haven't driven one of these before, so I suppose I can look forward to something.

I hope the job is good, as that will make the time pass a lot quicker. I start tomorrow so it has only been a short weekend.

I'll keep you posted!!!!!!!!!!

Physio Finished Forever.......

Wednesday was my last session with the Queen of pain. Every time I told her of a problem, a slightly psychotic grin would come on her face as she thought of all the agony she would be putting me through.

Our last session was a bit more relaxed than usual, and only consisted of a bit of acupuncture. When the needles were put in the tweaking was done by yours truly, and hence the pain thresh hold was not quite as high as it should have been.

All in all I am glad I ended up with Lesley as she was much more professional than the first guy Andy. She dealt with my case as it was laid in front of her and treated my case with the individuality it deserved. This I think has been crucial in my recovery and I am looking forward to my knee making it in the real world and not bothering me again. (Here's for hoping)!!

Derby Day!!

Jake went to his first Hull derby with Grandad Brian today. They left at the pub opening times, so Grandad could have a pint with his breakfast and set the mood for the day. Apparently the topic of conversation for most of the morning was football, as Brian's friend is from Stoke and Jake's new adopted team is Manchester United. (That just wouldn't be allowed if they had come on a rugby outing with me; but I suppose that is just the difference between the codes.)

They didn't have any breakfast before they left, so a big fry-up was their first call. Jake had the big breakfast, but his eyes must have been bigger than his belly because he didn't finish it.

Unfortunately, the result did not go the way of the Hull FC, but I think everyone enjoyed themselves immensely. For the neutral at home it was a great game, but our house is black and white so the mood was somewhat sombre.

Home for Easter.

I got home at 0540 after doing the north trailer through the night and I am now at home until Monday hopefully. Everybody here is coughing and being generally ill, so it will not be long until I catch it.

I've now lost 1 stone and 1 pound on my diet, so most of my clothes are hanging off me now.

Still not found a job yet, but fingers crossed something will turn up.

Bad News..........

Just been laid off..... Can't believe it and only three months before we are due to leave...

The boss has chosen me because I am the only one who has shown a desire to leave. ie Canada. The trouble at the moment is there are so many people out of work I think I am going to struggle to get a decent job for the next three months. I have been offered a job with an Irish firm but it 5 or 6 weeks away. I need however to be home a bit more often than that, as soon we will have to be getting the finishing touches ready for the move.

I can think of many words to describe my boss at the moment, but none that I want to publish.

Fingers crossed something turns up!!!!!!!

Good News.........

The Air Brake course has been booked for July, so all being well I should be making the move then. At long last the waiting should be over.

The sitting around has been a hard for us, because you do not have a date to look forward to. Now that we do, I'm hoping life will be considerably easier!!!!

Canada here we come!!!!!!

Weekend Away..........

We left for the country cottage on Friday and arrived at about 1600. It was good run down and we avoided all the traffic.

Once we had chosen bedrooms and unloaded all the stuff, Sarah started cooking our dinner and we started playing with the balls on the grass out the back of the house.

Steven brought his rugby ball; its the first time I have played anything since my operation and the old knee stood up well.

Saturday morning saw us all take a walk down by the canal. We watched a narrow boat go through the lock and a dog swimming. (Jo thought it was brilliant. The dog that is. I don't think she gets out a lot.) Brian and Sylvia went to the pub on the way home and the rest of us went home to get ready for lunch.

In the afternoon we played rounders. Everybody enjoyed it!!

The evening meal was a meat feast, or as Brian likes to call it, an indoor barbecue. It was that big we didn't manage to finish it and brought a load of it home for a curry on Sunday night.

On Sunday, seeming as though it was Mother's Day, Paul and I cooked a big breakfast. You might of thought it would be a disaster, but we took the bull by the horns, and made a success of it. (Even if I do say so myself).

In the afternoon we had Foosball competition (which Paul won). We all had fun and after it we packed up and went home.

It was a great weekend and all thanks must go to Brian and Sylvia for making it happen. It should be the last time we all get to do something like this together and I'm glad it was a success.

Jake's 8th

We had all the cousins around on Sunday to celebrate his birthday. Sarah did some party food and we all played games. Pass the parcel, musical statues and musical bumps were the order of the day. Then we played pop idol and listened to all the kids sing. Above are all the pictures and below a video of Millie singing.