shiny happy people

People are so friendly here. It's insane.

First stop, our local Second Cup, which holds a fond place in Allan and Laura History: it's where we discovered there were rentals we could afford in Port Credit. Second Cup Counter Person was happier and friendlier than any counter person should be.

Next stop, bank. We had to get a cash advance from our Visa and deposit it in our new chequeing account in order to avoid bouncing cheques to our esteemed landlord, the hydro people and such. Bank teller was happy, friendly and efficient.

We are amazed. Suffice to say this is not the case at our old bank in New York.

Third and most important stop: Human Services Centre. Applying for our SINs took about 10 minutes. Easy and efficient. Plus, there was no "lite" music blaring, and no advertising zipper flashing, as there was in the Motor Vehicles office on our last day in New York.

On the way home, we stopped at a grocery store. Upon checking out, Allan noticed this sign on a closed register:

Another cashier will be only too pleased to help you.

In New York, that sign reads:

CLOSED

* * * *

I've just learned that my next book assignment begins this Monday. This is my last week of total freedom, so we want to make the most of it. Not surprisingly, that will mean many trips to Ikea.

Allan can't start work until his SIN card arrives, so he has at least three weeks of freedom left. Although I plan on putting him to work big time.

* * * *

Two personal notes. My dear friend NN and her husband saved our butts this morning by depositing their own cash into our New York checking account. An errand and a loan combined: that's true friendship. We thank them profusely!

And Alan With One L: there is a loon on the back of the twenty dollar bill.