July 22

July 20, 21, & 22, 2004

 

DAYS 33, 34, & 35

 

 

Tuesday ; Went shopping this morning at St.Vital Centre for a new cell phone and service. MTS Mobility, Telus, and Rogers. Confusing ! Decided to discuss with Joanne's sister, Lorraine, and her husband, Doug, to get their opinions. Went over to the Carlson home after shopping, to have lunch, and visit with Lorraine, and her two young daughters, Madeleine, age 5, and Amelia, age 3. When Doug came home from work, he and I worked on bringing in artwork from our van, unpacking it, and hanging it in their home. This is how we will be "storing" most of our artwork, by displaying it in either the Carlson ( Joanne's sister's ) home, or the Danelak ( Dan's sister's ) home. Joanne prepared dinner while Doug and I worked on hanging art. After dinner, Joanne read to the little nieces, and prepared them for bed, while Doug and Dan continued working on the art. Finally, at the end of the day, we all watched episode 3 of The Amazing Race, a reality show we all enjoy.

Wednesday ; Took the trailer first thing in the morning to Transcona Trailer Sales on Dugald Road, for brake service. We've known since early in this journey that there is a problem with the electric brakes on the driver's side rear wheel of the trailer. Dropped off the trailer, then drove to Kildonan Place on Regent for more cell phone shopping. Decided on MTS Mobility, despite Doug's and Lorri's advice. Sorry, guys, but thanks, anyways. Don't you hate when people ask for your advice, then don't follow it ?

Around lunchtime, Transcona Trailer Sales phoned with the bad news. Quite serious problems with the one wheel and brake. Routine maintenance recommended on the other three. Bill will exceed a thousand dollars ! Took the truck for an oil change. Ended up not only with a lubrication and change of oil and filter, but changed the air filter, and flushed and refilled the automatic transmission fluid, front differential fluid, and transfer case fluid. Another huge vehicle maintenance bill ! Truck and trailer should both now be in excellent condition, for continuing out journey. Transcona Trailer Sales needed the trailer to remain overnight, so we had to drive back there to get toiletries and fresh clothes out of the trailer.

Had dinner with Sharon, Bud, Andrea, and Andrea's friend, Daryl. Snapped at Daryl after dinner over his irritating, immature behaviour. Angered Sharon a great deal, who thinks it's not my place to bark at her daughter's friend, in her home. Fine ... point made and taken. Move on !

Showed Paris pictures to Bud and Sharon late in the evening.

Thursday ; Had to be at Carlson's by 9:30 A.M. to babysit Madeleine and Amelia, while Lorri went to a work meeting / presentation. After lunch, went for haircuts, then to pick up trailer. Minor additional problems pushed bill up to $1200 and 1 damaged tire needed replacing. Dumped holding tanks. Went to tire dealer. New tire adds $200 to day's maintenance costs < big sigh >. Went to truck wash on Marion Street to try ( unsuccessfully ) to wash bugs off front of trailer. Should have known that truck wash across the street from the Stock Yards would reek of manure ! Bought some groceries and cat food in Southdale, then back to Danelak's yard, arriving after 6:00 P.M.. What a long, hard day. Fixed the fridge drain hose. Replaced the exterior door restraint. Had a late supper. Checked vehicle fluids. Filled water tank. Set up new phone 120V charger in trailer and 12V charger in truck. Did some computer work ; maintenance records, journal, etc..

DSK