Longest Monday

The day started early. The plan was to go to sleep early and then rise with the alarm clocks chime at half three and be rolling by four. Instead, the idiot next door decided to have a cinema night, and I mean all night. So I was woken up at twenty past twelve by the sound of a subwoofer pointer at my pillow. His audio was so loud that it was louder than the thunder that was also happening. I was livid. Which is not a state to be in when trying to go back to sleep. I moved to the guest bedroom and eventually captured two short thirty minute naps. I was up before the alarm and on the move early. I decided I’d get a snack at the airport as having food too soon when I wake in the middle of the night upsets my insides. I made good time across the near abandoned highway and arrived at my usual parking lot just after five. Only problem was that it wasn’t a parking lot anymore. The cement barriers were removed and it was scattered with trailers, a trucking company must have rented it. I didn’t think I should park there. I headed for the five story garage run by the same outfit across the street. As I pulled up I saw a pop-up tent with two masked girls. One approached and asked if I was there for a COVID test, apparently that structure was closed so they could use the entry as a testing area. Nope! Backed out of there and figured out how to get to the main terminal and use the more costly parking. Next I headed to the gate I normally use. Another nope, it is out of commission. I had to go upstairs and get in the massive line for the newly constructed, COVID friendly security gate. It was a wait but I was lots early yet. Eventually I got processed and found my gate. I grabbed a small sandwich and a chocolate milk and enjoyed some mask free time. Boarding was the same and we got off on time, rare for Air Canada. We flew over the Great Lakes and had some great views along the way. First one is from Ontario and the second from Manitoba. I’m always impressed by the endless fields.

We landed close to on time and I hustled out of the plane to get to the rental car counter. I’d had to go through some song and dance to reserve a full size car and was anxious to see what they had for me. Instead I was offered an upgrade and had my choice between a Volvo X90, a minivan, or an Expedition. Tough call. I also learned I was the first of fifteen looking for a car from the two flights that had just landed. I figured the Volvo was essentially what I’d rented to begin with so it was ruled out. The big unit was large and I’d be doing city driving a bit and parking. The gas mileage was also an issue. Not the cost but because I didn’t want to stop for gas every fifteen minutes. I went with the minivan, a Chrysler Pacifica. The vehicle I’ve had for my last three rentals incidentally. I love a minivan, beautiful machine. I jumped in, oriented myself and took off for the field. No thought to lunch.

As I passed through the city I hoped I’d have time to go to Bass Pro I’m the evening to browse. I should have stopped for lunch but duty called. I made some calls on the way and tried to help resolve some issues. I arrived at the site at half eleven local time and then spent three and a half hours with the local reps, answering questions and demonstrating things. They left and ai spent some time taking notes. Then I drove to another site halfway back to my hotel in Winnipeg to take notes there.

It was around half six when I got to the hotel and I did the new check in process and went up to stow my bags in my room before returning to the lobby for dinner. I didn’t feel like going out to find some great local spot, I was famished by this time, having not consumed anything but dust since that meagre breakfast. Before I could sit down I had to present my proof of vaccination, which happened to be two printer PDF receipts I was emailed after I got each jab. Their province has given them plastic cards with their name and a QR code. You have to show photo ID alongside but that is required for all restaurants, pools, gyms, etc. My out of province documents passed the test and I was allowed to order. I got the club sandwich with fries. The middle had a surprising twist with some avocado and what I thought was cheese curds. Turns out they were goldfish crackers. It was odd but it worked. The fries were as if they were coated in fish batter. So flaky and good. I was hungry enough that it didn’t matter but was nice to have an excellent meal regardless.

After eating I returned to my room and washed a drip of ketchup off my shirt before getting in bed. A furious run of Duolingo and Marvel Strike Force followed. I had to fight to stay awake but I got things done and passed out knowing tomorrow would be a big day.