The silly ass part of my day ended shortly after my earlier post. The fun and uplifting part just paused for a bit. Mainly because I'm worn out. In a happy, productive way.

My wonderful daughter let me in on the web's pot of gold a couple of weeks ago and I've been the happy and grateful recipient of many non-live free stuff as a result. I've replaced the microwave I was compelled to leave in Kingston (donated to a good cause as is my usual habit when shedding belongings that have become encumbrances); gained a water paint easel, some law books (Canadian Journal of Women and the Law) and (today) a patio table with four chairs and paint to complete the repainting of them if I wish. All for the cost of going to pick them up. All found through postings on this wonderful online community that makes one believe (in case one had forgotten lately) that the universe is fueled by goodwill, not capitalism as it sometimes appears on the surface.

As a completely unanticipated bonus, I have met some wonderful people I wouldn't otherwise have met and, because I AM The Janice Halligan Talk Show in person, through explaining my situation and my current quest to get back on the Continuous Paycheck Plan (as my friend Tom, in NC used to call it -- I do miss our conversations, Tom!) I have managed to be the recipient of as yet unused job leads. Networking truly is a spidery thing. People to people and face to face.

Immediately that I was free of the A/C and the official lodging of complaints regarding that other person, I went off to pick up the patio stuff. It's plastic, but the heavy duty kind and I've just finished cleaning it all.

While I was over in the Glebe I started on my bookstore crawl (kind of like a pub crawl, but more fun for the book addict in me). I'd looked around a few places yesterday but with no luck. The book is purported to be out of print or back ordered or something. Leishman's in Westgate couldn't even order it. Amazon.ca has it online. This is not a help to someone without a credit card.

Patrick M[something]'s on Bank near Second doesn't carry even the category of book I was looking for, but the person behind the counter recommended Book Bazaar further up at Bank and Frank. Book Bazaar (next to Staples) is a fantastic place. I picked up two books but not the one I was after. Came back to the apartment because I was now overdressed for the summery afternoon, changed and walked down Wellington to Serendipity.

Made a fatal mistake by dropping in at St. Vincent de Paul. Well, not fatal exactly; I am typing this. But fatal in the lugging stuff the rest of the journey fatal. I scooped up four identical photo frames each of which holds four pictures and each needing a coat of paint to cover the scratches and, I confess, another small but very useful book of quotations (another of my weaknesses). Did not find the book I was after, so off to Serendipity (almost at Island Park, but not quite). Nope. Walked back toward my place and stopped in Collected Works. Nope again, but they could order it to arrive in about three weeks. Wouldn't do for the purpose I have, but I thanked them.

Pretty exhausted by the time I opened the door to my den again. Sat outside with Dixie enjoying the fact that my vaseline trick -- predicted not to work by a fellow at a feed store -- appears to be working. The squirrels were no longer feasting on bird seed. (The trick was to smear vaseline along the thinnish braided nylon string upon with the feeder is hanging to keep the nutty critters from getting purchase with their little feet. The feeder is positioned in the middle of this line which is strung from the stilts supporting the steps to the apartment above me to the tree on that side of the yard.)

As I was starting to relax two women arrived with various boxes and bags and headed up the stilted steps. I asked if they would like me to move my Jeep to make the moving in job easier and then did so. You see, I can be considerate and helpful when I am not being treated in a manner much less than that. It's a secret of mine, this chameleon nature. Don't tell -- okay?

I met my new neighbour. Another single woman to add to our ship. She tried to say hello to Dixie but my scaredy cat wasn't having any of that just yet. I busied myself with a painting project that had been put on the backburner last week as well as a second little project requiring the same paint. The second is a scathingly brilliant idea cooked up in response to the upcoming removal of a set of shelves in my Big Room. Some of the things needing new resting places are pots and pans. While crusing around my favourite hobby shop -- Home Depot -- I managed to come up with an inexpensive and easily moved solution using S-hooks, two eye bolts and a length of wooden dowling. The dowling is in the thing needing painting.

After the painting bit was left out to dry, I washed the patio set and left it to do the same. I managed to have a good chat with my daughter-in-law and son just before starting the painting and now, I am utterly and happily exhausted. Physically and mentally.

I think it's tea time! See ya.

[Addendum: Forgot to tell you the incredibly wonderful online community directions. The FreeCycle Network. Try it in your neighbourhood -- you'll be addicted, too.]