Fast he runs- and the budget...

On Saturday my little darling Jasper decided once again to climb over the big high fence. When I went looking I could see him trotting behind the neighbour across the roads house. I called him to return, but without avail. However several minutes later Jasper came running as fast as his little legs could carry him- with the big dog who lives across the road at his heels. In his fear, he missed fitting under the gate on the first try, but made it on the second, just as the dog was upon him. Across the road he ran, and up a tree and my next door neighbours. I hope it has scared him off jumping over the fence. The funny bit is, he knew that dog lived there as it sits and barks at him when he suns himself from on top of the fence.

I didn't talk at all about last weeks budget. Some of the big changes to come are: an increase in the GST to 15% (currently 12.5%), a drop in the bottom personal tax rate (15 to 12.5) , the top rate from 38% to 33%, a drop in corporate tax rate (30 to 28%?), etc. Other interesting changes- restrictions on when depreciation can be claimed for buildings, tightening of LAQC rules, etc.

A few things...

I've been silent again. It's been very busy at work at late.

In other news, my car was playing up late last week. I called Monday morning and took it in to the shop on Tuesday. They called to say it would take them 5 hours to pull it apart and be able to diagnose - after which they gave me as $2200 quote. Uggg... Not pleased, but what do you do... Hopefuly some time next week I will have it back. In the mean time, I've been doing the 40 minute walk to work in the morning, but catching a ride in the evening as its dark. Yesterday it was lovely- with a stunning sunrise. Today it was annoying- I ended up having a person about 5 steps behind me for about half the walk. It interupted the enjoyment of my morning walk. Hopefully the weather will stay fine.

The kitties keep on growing. Mr. Jasper has managed to catch up to Allie within 100 grams. She's now 4kgs- he is at 3.9.

Hurray!

It is Friday. Yes, I am one of those people who long for the weekend! After a week of work, I'm exhausted. I delight in the idea there is only one more work day before a bit of a rest. :) I am thankful that I no longer work every weekend- I do not miss that at all about my public accounting days.

Some people say your work should energise you, but I've taken a survey of a number of accountants I know. We're not in that camp. Nor did we enter the world of accounting because it is our passion. A few of my co workers spoke to some high school students about why those chose accounting the other week back. I didn't speak to the students. I would have, if accounting was my passion rather than just a practical way to make a living.

I'm on a journey to discover my passion. I'm afraid it is a frightfully slow one... so wish me luck.

Mmmmm...

Is there anything that smells better than fresh towels out of the dryer? It is indeed quite a treat for me. In NZ dryers (or is it driers?) are not particularly popular. I did shell out on a used one some time back but have only used it a handful of times. With winter setting in and therefore the outside drying time not at optimum, I decided to take advantage tonight. Mmmmm, fresh towels. :)

Another mmmmm.... with the dropping temperature- I've now put the electric blanket on the bed. What a treat- to be toasty warm before falling asleep. What did I do before I discovered the electric blanket??

Today's random discovery: my kitten Allie sitting in my magazine rack. How cute she looked!

Today's inspirational quote is from Ayn Rand: "Throughout the centuries there were men who took first steps, down new roads, armed with nothing but their own vision."

Life with my kitties...

At left- Jasper

At Right- Allie

I found this great website that explains what its like to live with a ragdoll. (or 2, in my case). Visit it for details here: http://www.ukrcc.co.uk/right.shtml

Here are a few things I relate to:

· Toes poking out of the bed at 4am are a viable target for biting. (I add: or even if they aren't poking out, just because they poke up, they must be a mouse and pounced upon!)
· Anytime is playtime to a Raggie, regardless of what time it is!
· If it moves it's fair game!
· If I stick claws through net curtains how fast can mummy run the distance to un-attach? (I think I shall need to replace the landlords mesh curtain bits before I move out!)
· They like to be involved in everything you do!
· That those big blue eyes really can get whatever they want.
· Your bed is no longer your own, and how dare you even try to suggest to a Raggie that you want them to move over so you can get in it! (I add: Mine like to take over my pillow, and push me off it)
· Fur lined everything is not optional! It just happens anyway!
· Don't expect to get a clear view of the PC monitor while raggies are awake (Ha ha, except mine are napping in the bedroom at the moment!)
· Even guests can expect to be escorted to the loo when they visit! (And you can't shut the door- because they get upset!!)
· You feel guilty everytime you leave the house as there is always at least one pair of blue eyes looking at you pitifully!
· People owned by Raggies are at serious risk of heart failure, if anyone leaves an outside door open. More risk occurs when said owner runs around the house in search of Raggies which have gone to sleep in the only place you didn't consider looking in! More risk of looking like you need some pyschological therapy when tearing around the garden calling Raggies' names and panicking in sheer terror, only to find your Raggie half an hour later curled up, totally oblivious to it all, in the open draw under the bed!! (Mine go into the backyard- but my fright is if something doesn't get perched against the gate - they'll sneak under it!)
· Your glass of water was made for sharing, especially when you're asleep, but you don't realise until you drink some and find loads of hairs floating in it! (I now have a glass so they can drink water out of that- they much prefer it to a water bowl.)
· If you are on the loo, Raggie wants to come on too.
· Owning a Ragdoll is like having a child that never grows up (not good especially at 4.30 in the morning. )
· If you won't get up, said Ragdoll is going to find one hundred and one ways to make sure you do. Garfield has got nothing on Cadbury but we can't help laughing at him.
· You'll never have a clean litter tray because they're in there as soon as you've cleaned it or even while you're in the process of cleaning it out!
· Clean hairless carpets are a thing of the past, especially if you dare leave them at home for a few days - when you come back there is enough fur to knit a couple of jumpers! (Haven't dared to leave them yet, but it does build up when they play a lot)
· Expect to be much poorer for all the toys they get through and ones you "have" to buy them anyway just because

- Walking into the kitchen means of course that you've gone in there to feed them! you do!

Oh but you have to love them.

I could add my own list- but the above do suit them pretty well.

See how big they've grown?

Anzac Day

I was just reading today's local paper. There were several pages of letters from locals about what Anzac Day means to them.
According to Wikipedia:

"Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, and is commemorated by both countries on 25 April every year to honour members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought at Gallipoli in Turkey during World War I. It now more broadly commemorates all those who died and served in military operations for their countries. Anzac Day is also observed in the Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa and Tonga."

One of the letter writers sent a poem written by his father about a brave man of long ago pinning his medals and marching, as he did years ago. The poem recognises the age of those heroes, who will not be around to put on those medals much longer.

It is all the more important, as they pass on, to never forget. Humans are clearly capable of committing terrible atrocities, but there is also something in us that longs for something more. Looking back almost 90 years after WWI, we remember those who gave their all. We also remember the ideals of freedom and hope, and recognise the great bravery and courage those men and women displayed. We will not let these things die in our hearts.

In the words of Canadian John McCrae:

"In Flanders fields the poppies grow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields."

Each one of us holds that torch. Let us ever hold it high.

Time Marches On

An update on the kittens:
Jasper has discovered he likes to climb! Whether sitting on top of the high wooden bench, watching the neighbours on the other side of the fence, or strolling along the fenceline debating about jumping on the neighbours roof, he has no fear.

Used to be perfect Allie is shaky and terrified, but tonight for the first time attempted to follow in little Jasper's footsteps. I think she was thankful when I reached out to help her down. She has turned a little annoying in that she is regularly waking me up at 5something am.

Things are different in the new house. They don't have their usual play spots or things, so have totally given up on toys they used to play with. I'm a little nostalgic, not about my former house, but for how the kittens grew up to be 6 month olds there.

Other than the kittens, I am largely settled into the new house. I love the yard and am thankful it is warmer than Roto Street was, however I will miss the double glazing and insulation I had in my apartment last winter.

Mom just sent me a big 12 pack of poutine mix in the mail. I'm so excited! Now I can make poutine. I would think that kiwis, with their affinity for things like bacon and egg pies would love the yummy goodness of fries with cheese and gravy but it doesn't exist here. A big thanks to Mom!!

Anzac Day is coming up this weekend. It's kind of like Canadian Remembrance Day. Poppies will be on sale tomorrow. We will remember them.

I attended a local play- "Footrot Flats" last night. It was only $15, and it reminded me how much I appreciate the theatre and how much I miss the Globe in Regina.

Until next time...