OTTAWA PLENTY OF FISH SUNDAY AFTERNOON MINGLE, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2008 chat & forums.

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summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 11 (view)

OTTAWA PLENTY OF FISH SUNDAY AFTERNOON MINGLE, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2008 Posted: 10/1/2008 4:02:30 PM
I'd be there, but we're going to the Metcalfe Fair that day. I hope you all have a fabulous time!

summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 45 (view)

OTTAWA PLENTY OF FISH SUNDAY AFTERNOON MINGLE, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2008 Posted: 8/28/2008 10:02:17 AM
Some people don't register at all - they just show up. It's always interesting to meet new and old friends in a comfortable setting with good food and beverages. The staff at O'Brien's is friendly, too. If it's a nice day, many of us will be on the patio.

summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 20 (view)

OTTAWA PLENTY OF FISH SUNDAY AFTERNOON MINGLE, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2008 Posted: 8/18/2008 4:22:46 AM
The mingles are my favorite part of PoF - although I like email and IM, in person gives you a chance to really connect. I really hope I can make this one. Deb, we'll miss your organizational abilities. Hopefully someone else will organize the mingles/coffee chats; it would be a shame to not have them any more.

summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 23 (view)

Are you a 'Giver' or a 'Taker'? Posted: 7/22/2008 4:29:57 AM
I'm a giver. Sometimes I give to the point of burnout - volunteer work, community work, helping friends, etc. I'm learning to ask for and take now, though. It's tough to find the balance (I'm still working on it), but I learned that it's okay to say no even if I have the time/money to help - it seems to make the takers value my contribution more in the end. Being available all the time meant that people took me for granted. While I don't want kudos or recognition, per se, I do have a life of my own.

summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 2 (view)

goin' green Posted: 7/6/2008 1:45:08 PM
I telecommute to my job - no driving! My car is a 2009 Corolla - lots of km per litre - much more efficient than my pickup (replaced by the Corolla) Compact fluorescents in sockets that stay on like the outside light Compost all vegetable matter in my own composter Recycle all cardboard, plastic and glass Don't take a bag at the grocery store for produce like apples and bananas Heat only the areas that I use in my townhouse - electric baseboard heaters mean I can set each thermostat individually. Replaced all windows and doors.

summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 26 (view)

Learning to drive Posted: 6/29/2008 5:00:32 AM
Go out to a quiet parking lot or back road and practice shifting without anyone telling you how to do it. Practice makes it easier - and not having someone shouting or whining about how you're stripping the tranny makes it a lot easier to concentrate on feeling the friction point in the clutch. Once you feel somewhat comfortable changing gears and starting and stopping on flat ground, find a place with a gentle slope and practice some more. Even experienced shift drivers occasionally grind a gear - they're lying if the say they've never done it. Good luck and happy shifting!

summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 18 (view)

Random Tim Hortons Question.... Posted: 6/29/2008 4:55:43 AM
I worked at a Timmy's in Ottawa for a while. I worked at McDonalds a long time ago, too, and found both places to be good employers for unskilled workers. Maybe ours are different than wherever you are, but everyone started at more than minimum. There was a sick leave policy (unpaid in the beginning), just as there is at any job. I could book my shifts around my other job (school bus), too. Since they knew I was committed to the bus job first, they didn't even fuss when winter weather made me a few minutes late for my shift. I'm sure different managers have different attitudes, but it's not fair to tar a whole chain because of one or two bad experiences. My uniforms were provided - and they were clean and in good repair when I got them. As for raises, I work for a high tech company with employees all over the world - and I've been with them for 3 years. I haven't had a raise yet. Even 10 cents an hour would add up over time - especially if I got 10 cents an hour more each year. My boss says I'm an excellent worker and she'd give me more money if she could, but no one in the company got a raise. With respect to incorrect food orders, it's important to let them know. If they don't know that there's a problem, they can't fix it. Timmy's training states that you should apologise to the customer and replace the incorrect item (food or beverage) promptly with the correct item. For some reason, the chicken salad and chicken club sandwiches are often mixed up. Since I can't see the icons on the screen from the customer side of the counter, I don't know why. FYI, I don't like the steeped tea, either. I ask for black tea, with the tea bag in. I'm almost always asked what I want in my black tea - the answer is nothing, or it wouldn't be black anymore.

summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 14 (view)

Why do you join a singles site to find a mate and yet don't ?? Posted: 6/20/2008 5:03:59 AM
I make first contact, reply to menwho contact me, meet men for coffee, attend the mingles and some other PoF events, but still haven't found the right connection. Until I do, I'm staying single - and on PoF. I have too much fun with the friends that I've made here to leave. I find it strange that it's often the men who are loathe to come out for coffee (no expectations) and who prefer to send endless emails/IMs or want to switch to phone calls. Lets meet and find out if we're interested before we exchange phone numbers.

summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 74 (view)

OTTAWA PLENTY OF FISH SUNDAY AFTERNOON MINGLE, SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2008 Posted: 6/8/2008 6:58:31 PM
Sorry I missed the mingle, but I'm glad I caught you as a bunch headed to dinner! Dinner at Colonnade was scrumptious and the company delightful. Maybe Kimber and I can get together and host a mingle-thing in July - I know I thoroughly enjoy the ones that I attend.

summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 21 (view)

OTTAWA PLENTY OF FISH SUNDAY AFTERNOON MINGLE, SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2008 Posted: 6/2/2008 3:04:42 AM
I hope to drop in - it's my day at the barn, so I may be a bit late. I think my daughter plans to drag me off to an auction in Limoges, too. I got two new ponies last week (early birthday present to myself ), including a really cute Appy pony stud. I want to get some good pictures of both of them. They're little - only 46 inches (11 2 hh) tall at the withers. Both Princess and Spot are trained to drive (pull a cart) and Princess is broke to ride. I'm up to six equines - five ponies and an Arabian mare.

summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 148 (view)

Women: Would you date a guy that is shorter than you are,,,, Why/Why Not? Posted: 5/27/2008 3:44:57 AM
Define short. Does it mean 5'2" (my son-in-law's height - same as my daughter) or 5'6"? or even 5'8"? The show " S&M - Short and Male" was quite interesting. I'm sure that there is some basis in truth for most of what they said, but it also seemed to be one person's account of life as a short man with a few interviews with other short men thrown in. I don't choose my dates based on height; it's their personality that interests me. An interesting face, well-proportioned body, and well-fitted clothes make a good first impression, but if the personality is lacking, I won't be talking to you for very long -- no matter what your height is. The last guy that I dated was 5'6" - my height. Another was 6'4". Each had something special that attracted me - and that attraction had nothing to do with their height. Both spoke well, had habits and mannerisms that appealed to me, dressed nicely (clothes clean and the right size), were courteous and pleasant, and listened and paid attention to me rather than a sports show on TV. Besides, when you're lying in bed next to each other, just how relevant is height?

summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 15 (view)

What do you do for FUN?????! Posted: 5/8/2008 4:00:03 AM
There's room for a significant other in almost all of my leisure activities, although some of them sound like solitary fun. Hang out with friends, both those from PoF and others Read a book Play with the dogs Knit and watch TV Head out to the farm to shovel manure and groom horses/ponies (my best days are spent at the farm) or string fence wire Taking photographs of horses, flowers, and other interesting people, places and things Surf the internet - especially Facebook Exercise - ride my stationary bike and read, lift weights, do stretches Spend time with my daughter (she and her hubby own the farm) Drive my truck Head out to karaoke to watch my friends sing Participate as a volunteer in community events Check out potential real estate/houses near the farm

summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 22 (view)

Where are you from??? Posted: 5/7/2008 7:27:52 AM
With Ottawa encompassing over 100 sq. km, saying you live in Ottawa is sufficiently vague that it could take a couple of hours to drive to a meeting - or perhaps longer if you're at the extreme ends of the city. Not everyone here chooses to list themselves as from the old municipalities (Nepean, Gloucester, Kanata, Osgoode, etc.) that almagamation forcibly combined. If you want to know my precise location, email me and start a conversation. I'm happy to chat with people near and far - even if it doesn't lead to a "relationship".

summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 7 (view)

Material items $$$ Posted: 5/7/2008 3:51:03 AM
I don't know why not having a car, drivers licence, credit card or cell phone would make some women think you're cheap. Perhaps there's something else that leads them to those questions? Perhaps they're just trying to make conversation and can't think of anything else to ask? I know that when I hit 16, I couldn't wait to get my drivers licence. It was the key to my independence in rural Quebec - the closest bus stop was 2 miles away. The bus went into Longueil and the first Metro stop, but took at least half an hour. A car meant I could go anywhere, without walking down to the bus stop (and back when I came home) and travel in other directions. Perhaps if I'd been a teenager in a city, I might have chosen not to have a licence and car, too. As for credit cards and cell phones, I think they're overrated. Like a previous poster, I have one, but it's for emergency purposes only. It's a President's Choice, bottom of the line phone - costs me $25 every two months as a pay-as-you-go phone. My house phone is my connection to the world. Credit cards can get you into a whack of trouble if you don't use them responsibly. Some people are better off without the temptation of easy credit in their wallet. When you find the right person to be with, she won't care that you don't drive or carry a cell or credit card. People who use cell phones wherever and whenever are rude. I don't need to listen to your personal conversation in the line at the grocery store, a public washroom, or on a bus. Surely it's not so important that you can't wait to chat until you get to your home/office or car.

summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 4 (view)

Ottawa; Friday, May 2nd, Pool Night at Doolys Posted: 5/5/2008 5:02:14 AM
Jeez, John, I would have come out to play on a pay-as-you-go basis, but I didn't see this post until Gobrait sent me looking for it on Sunday (too late). Let me know if you do another one, please. I think it sounds like a great idea. PS, I'm a lousy pool player, so one game lasts a long time. It's fun, though.

summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 14 (view)

Our puppers left us tonight Posted: 5/5/2008 4:57:15 AM
Only you can decide what's right for you and your children. My sympathies on your loss - it's tough to lose a member of your family. Kudos to you for telling your children the truth. It's hard to bear, but easier than maintaining a lie. When I had to put down my dog (about 15 years ago), I had to wait to get another one. Bonnie was 18 years old when we euthanized her and although I know it was the right decision, it was very hard. A year ago, I had to euthanize a beloved horse with a bad leg and her foal (born with a defect that made it nonviable) - it wasn't any easier. Almost a year later, I picked up Syra from the Humane Society. She has a completely different personality (dogonality?), but we love her to bits. Last fall I added Tinkerbelle, a Border Collie, to my menagerie. Syra is now 14 and Tink is 3 - life is interesting in my house some days! I have four equines again, too - they range in age from 26 (my daughter's first pony) to a young filly (11 months). They don't replace Sheba or her filly in my heart, but I remember the good times more than the tough decision at the end.

summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 53 (view)

OTTAWA PLENTY OF FISH SUNDAY AFTERNOON MINGLE, SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2008 Posted: 5/3/2008 4:50:37 AM
Since the weather is supposed to be dreary, there may be a lot of drop ins who didn't sign up, but need something to do on Sunday afternoon. See you tomorrow!

summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 27 (view)

OTTAWA PLENTY OF FISH SUNDAY AFTERNOON MINGLE, SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2008 Posted: 4/23/2008 7:21:22 AM
The mingle is also a lot quieter than the dances, so you can hear yourself as well as the person beside you talk. It's often a good place to get a new photo taken, too. (Thanks, Peter and Kathy!) The mingles are a great way to meet and chat with as many people as you want - there's always someone willing to introduce a newcomer, help you find the washrooms or a server. Many of us attend the mingles because they're comfortable - and the noise level is low compared to a dance club where the music shakes every cell in your body and leaves your ears aching the next day.

summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 6 (view)

OTTAWA PLENTY OF FISH SUNDAY AFTERNOON MINGLE, SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2008 Posted: 4/16/2008 3:53:24 AM
Yay! Another Sunday afternoon mingle! Thanks for making the arrangements, Deb!

summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 23 (view)

gym and girls Posted: 4/14/2008 9:44:49 AM
Many of the coed gyms have a snack bar or energy drink station that's outside the gym area where people can sit and chat after a workout. Flirting there is okay, but I'm not interested in the gym when I'm focussed.

summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 3 (view)

karaoke night in Vanier Posted: 4/4/2008 4:57:26 AM
More karaoke! I hope a lot of the Ottawa PoF people notice your post, bbbear! It's great to see a new host bring another venue to the fore.

summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 45 (view)

Hot Time in the City is back!!! Ottawa Karaoke Night-Apr 1st Posted: 4/4/2008 4:52:01 AM
Thanks for coming out to karaoke last night! It was great to see my PoF friends singing and dancing and enjoying themselves. My friends from Halifax came by (we don't get to see much of each other these days), so I didn't socialize with the PoF gang as much as I would have liked, so if I missed saying Hi, my apologies. I have a few pictures from last night, but I won't post them here. If you want to see them, send me a message with an email addy. If I have one of you, I'll send it to you and you can choose whether or not to post it.

Summer Dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 27 (view)

Hot Time in the City is back!!! Ottawa Karaoke Night-Apr 1st Posted: 3/31/2008 5:24:34 AM
You can park onstreet on Queen at Bank, too. Queen is only one block down from Sparks - not a bad walk at all. I think it's free after 7 pm, but check the signs - the city keeps changing the rules. Not may stores downtown are open after dark downtown, so there isn't much competiton for parking. The C*ck and Lion has good food, too.

summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 17 (view)

Ottawa Ethnic Food Night - March 27, 2008 Posted: 3/7/2008 5:39:45 AM
I'm going to try to make this one - I really wanted to go to the Indian one at Sitar, but the flu kept me home (aren't you glad I kept it to myself?). Work keeps throwing me curve balls that have me working O/T to crazy hours, so I have to wait until the date is closer to sign up.

summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 15 (view)

OTTAWA PLENTY OF FISH SUNDAY AFTERNOON MINGLE, SUNDAY, MARCH 16, 2008 Posted: 3/7/2008 5:35:38 AM
It's painful for a bit, but it's surprising how fast your gums heal up - and it's so much better for your teeth afterwards. Lots of salt water rinses help, too. I'll try to be there, but I have a training session (Pony Club Testers' Clinic) in the morning in West Carleton and I'm not sure what time it ends. As soon as I know for sure that I can attend, I'm happy to help out in anyway. Feel better soon, Deb!

summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 45 (view)

OTTAWA PLENTY OF FISH SUNDAY AFTERNOON MINGLE, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2008 Posted: 2/18/2008 3:28:47 AM
Thanks for setting this up, Deb. I had a great time! Despite the lousy weather, I enjoyed the 5 hours! On my way out, I met up with an old friend and we chatted for almost another hour after everyone had left. He was one of the psychics at the fair and we chatted while he ate his dinner. Someone at the meet'n'greet suggested they'd be interested in a reading without paying the admission to the psychic fair and waiting for hours in line. My friend says he's willing to do readings (for pay) at a coffee chat if anyone's interested. Four or five people would need to commit to make it worth his while to come, so if you're interested, send me an email.

summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 8 (view)

OTTAWA DINNER & KARAOKE NIGHT~~~SATURDAY MARCH 8, 2008 Posted: 2/15/2008 3:23:30 AM
I'm not sure I'll make it out to this one, but I just wanted to remind you that karaoke starts at 9:30 pm, not 9:00 pm. If you're looking for a particular song to sing, Dog & Pony have their entire catalogue of songs on their website. Check it out and, if you want, you can even make up your song slips ahead of time. Have fun - I might see you there.

summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 21 (view)

OTTAWA PLENTY OF FISH SUNDAY AFTERNOON MINGLE, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2008 Posted: 2/11/2008 3:51:20 AM
Maybe we can find a psychic to match us up? Do you think they'll know we're there? I may be there - it depends on what else I have to do on the weekend.

summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 21 (view)

OTTAWA SINGLES EUCHRE SOCIAL - SATURDAY FEBRUARY 9TH, 2008 Posted: 2/9/2008 4:27:59 AM
I'm going to try to drop in to say hi, but can't stay. It seems like ages since I've had time to come to euchre - and I miss it! Congratulations on a year's worth of wonderful games, Val!

Summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 17 (view)

KARAOKE Bars in Ottawa Posted: 1/14/2008 12:26:59 PM
I don't think anyone took offence, Funfish35 - I understand wanting to "protect" a place and its regular patrons from the hordes of PoF people. It's especially important if the patrons could be adversely affected by a huge number of new people coming in. I'm a long time D&P pal and wouldn't have suggested Swizz if I didn't think they could handle our group - and calling first when you're bringing a crowd is courteous and sensible. Everyone just wants to have fun. You might not know me to see me - I haven't been out much at night lately. New drugs from the doctor affect my ability to stay up past 10 pm, and when I do go out, I watch and applaud the karaoke rather than sing. Cheers!

Summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 46 (view)

OTTAWA PLENTY OF FISH SUNDAY AFTERNOON MINGLE, SUNDAY, JANUARY 13, 2008 Posted: 1/14/2008 5:02:22 AM
Thanks, Deb! As usual, you did a stellar job of meeting and greeting all the new arrivals. I had a great time!

Summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 16 (view)

OTTAWA PLENTY OF FISH SUNDAY AFTERNOON MINGLE, SUNDAY, JANUARY 13, 2008 Posted: 1/10/2008 3:35:30 AM
It's always interesting to meet the mystery people at a mingler. I do wish they'd add themselves to the party, though. It's hard to contact them after the event if you can't remember their PoF name. I know that some people don't know until the last minute if they can make it for a bit and don't sign up. I'm looking forward to Sunday afternoon!

Summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 10 (view)

KARAOKE Bars in Ottawa Posted: 1/9/2008 3:40:07 AM
Swizzles isn't a gay bar per se, it's bias-free. Everyone is welcome, straight, gay, transgender or bisexual. Some nights you'll see a lot of interesting people there - straight and gay - other nights, you'd be hard pressed to figure out who is what (not that it matters, anyway). Back when it was Club 246 it was very much a gay bar, but not so much now. Even then, everyone was welcome. It's a tiny place, though, in the basement under a restaurant. It was completely renovated about a year ago after a fire upstairs caused a lot of water damage.

Summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 2 (view)

KARAOKE Bars in Ottawa Posted: 1/8/2008 7:44:25 AM
There's karaoke at Swizzles on Queen on Tuesday. It's a Dog & Pony show.

Summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 10 (view)

OTTAWA PLENTY OF FISH SUNDAY AFTERNOON MINGLE, SUNDAY, JANUARY 13, 2008 Posted: 1/8/2008 7:32:04 AM
Woohoo! Thanks for creating this, Deb! I look forward to seeing everyone again. I hope you're not too inconvenienced by the aftermath of the fire, Deb. If you need anything, let us know.

Summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 7 (view)

wheelchair accessible vans? Posted: 1/7/2008 3:02:29 AM
There's a place just outside Ottawa that modifies vehicles for handicap access, too.

summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 6 (view)

OTTAWA/GATINEAU ~ MEET-n-GREET & DANCE NIGHT ~ SATURDAY, JANUARY 19th, 2008 Posted: 1/3/2008 2:55:17 AM
Maxwell's is a bar in Ottawa, ON, so you need to be 19 to attend and purchase an alcoholic beverage.

summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 11 (view)

NEW YEARS EVE PARTY AT OBRIEN'S EATERY & PUB Posted: 12/18/2007 2:30:36 AM
Hey, Val! The bar is open to the public that night - Dog & Pony Sound are advertising it on their website. If you want to fill it with PoF party people, everyone better get there early. I haven't decided on my New Years plans yet, but thanks for hosting this party! You can buy your tickets ahead of time to ensure that you get in, too.

summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 100 (view)

-OTTAWA KARAOKE NIGHT---O'BRIEN'S- --SATURDAY DECEMBER 1 Posted: 12/3/2007 12:34:16 PM
If money is tight, just have a soda and enjoy good times. Or do as I do, and stick with tea - $2 gets you unlimited hot water to go with your tea bag, although if you expect the server to fetch it for you, you should plan to tip well! I'm not as broke as I used to be, but I'm still not a drinker. I love to come out and socialize with the PoF crowd. I've got a loonie or two to put in the pot for Ashley - I think 1Queen of Hearts had a great idea. The server ends up covering "runouts" out of her own pocket -- and that's not fair.

summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 89 (view)

-OTTAWA KARAOKE NIGHT---O'BRIEN'S- --SATURDAY DECEMBER 1 Posted: 12/1/2007 7:48:58 PM
Thanks for organizing a great evening, Chris! I had a good time, even though I didn't stay long. BTW, the dogs were good.

summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 76 (view)

-OTTAWA KARAOKE NIGHT---O'BRIEN'S- --SATURDAY DECEMBER 1 Posted: 12/1/2007 5:12:23 AM
Karaoke ends at 1:30 am - so there should be some fishies still in the pond when you get out of the pool. :) I might drop by for a bit, but it depends on how my dogs handle being on their own today while I'm out. Two dogs means they can get into twice as much mischief if no one is here, and the border collie has a lot of energy to burn off.

summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 3 (view)

OTTAWA PLENTY OF FISH SUNDAY AFTERNOON MINGLE, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2007 Posted: 11/24/2007 3:02:14 AM
I signed up, but I'll only be at Wally's if I make it home from the barn on time! Merry Christmas!

summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 42 (view)

Why do you go to PoF events? Posted: 11/17/2007 4:48:53 AM
All of the above! I enjoy the social interaction that I don't get at work (at home in my basement office), enjoy meeting new people, and reconnecting with those I met at previous events. I enjoy the different venues and activities offered, too. I think that the Sunday afternoon mingles in Ottawa are my favorite - lots of conversation, very little alcohol-induced bravado, and quiet background music. The Sunday afternoon minglers are a great way start off being part of a PoF event as you can come for as long or short a time as you're comfortable. Not all the hosts in Ottawa are female, and some events seem to attract more men than women and vice versa. Doesn't matter to me, though, I don't go with an agenda, so I'm happy to chat/dance/play cards with whoever is there.

summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 44 (view)

OTTAWA PLENTY OF FISH SUNDAY AFTERNOON MINGLE, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2007 Posted: 11/12/2007 2:59:16 AM
Thanks for organizing the mingle, Deb! As usual, I had a great time chatting with the first-timers and regulars. I look forward to these afternoon mingles where you can have a quiet conversation with one or ten - and still hear what's being said. :-)

summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 11 (view)

Ohh no its snow!!! Posted: 11/7/2007 1:35:14 PM
We had a few flakes fluttering about this morning and afternoon in Ottawa. Nothing that would stay on the ground yet, though, as it's not frozen. I'm not in a rush to see the white stuff.

summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 25 (view)

Hydro increase possible at 18% Posted: 11/7/2007 1:28:50 PM
I wish that I could investigate alternate energy sources, but I live in a condo townhouse and I face east. That really limits anything beyond passive heating/cooling. I have new Low E windows and good drapes. I open them on sunny winter mornings to passively heat my unit (a bit) and keep them closed in summer to keep the heat out. We can't retrofit to gas even if we wanted to - our units don't have any ductwork since we all have baseboard heaters. The cost to change to gas would be prohibitive. My daughter heats her farm house with wood. I can't supplement my heat with wood as I don't have a fireplace or anywhere to safely install one.

summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 43 (view)

advice on living in Ottawa Posted: 11/7/2007 2:27:56 AM
There's a PoF gathering of some sort every week in Ottawa now, too. They're a great way to meet people, even if you aren't looking for your perfect match. The dog walking parks are another great way to meet people. People with pets seem to be more confident about speaking to strangers. When I moved here in the 70s, the sidewalks really were rolled up at 9 pm, now we leave them down all night. You can find a piano bar a block away from a hip hop club or a jazz bar, and there are plenty of places that offer either endless sports on satellite TV or karaoke. We have live theatre and movieplexes, and rock concerts and opera. There's something for everyone here now.

summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 19 (view)

Hydro increase possible at 18% Posted: 11/5/2007 8:00:39 AM
The Smart Meters won't save you as much as you think. The study area in Ottawa that tested the initial installation for a year found that they saved $1.34 per month - not even enough to cover the installation charge! I have a Smart Meter, but we haven't got smart billing yet. I have electric heat, work hard to conserve energy, yet still end up over the 1000 kw level per bill in Jan/Feb/Mar. Hopefully, the $4500 I spent on new windows this year will lower that bill!

summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 13 (view)

christmas idea's Posted: 11/5/2007 7:54:27 AM
My parents don't want gifts - they have everything that they need - so they ask us to make a donation to a charity in their names. Both of my parents are active volunteers for organizations that are near and dear to their hearts (Meals on Wheels, Early Literacy, MS Society, Heart and Cancer, homeless shelters, Veterans associations, etc.), so it's easy to pick one and make a contribution. They get a card from the organization stating that a gift has been made in their honour, and you get a tax receipt. Up-to-date photos are a good idea, too. The kids get new school pictures every year, but adults rarely get new "studio" photos.

summer dream

Joined: 7/3/2005

Msg: 38 (view)

advice on living in Ottawa Posted: 11/3/2007 3:51:09 AM
Most people in Ottawa are not in the federal gov't. That's a fallacy that dates back to before decentralization. Even if you do work in the gov't, you can't expense every meal - nor can any business person. The median income is higher here than many other places, but the cost of living isn't higher than anywhere else. Certainly groceries are cheaper here than they are in the Maritimes - and the last time I was in TO for a weekend, I bought salads and sandwiches at the grocery store rather than eat in the expensive restaurants downtown. I was appalled at the cost of restaurant food at places other than chains. Like anywhere else, you can choose an expensive restaurant or an inexpensive one. Price is no guarantee of quality or good taste, either. What sort of food do you like? What area do you generally stay in? Perhaps some of us from Ottawa can give you reasonably priced choices or recommendation.

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