Well it is the 5th of July and I am back at home!

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The last 2 weeks have been a whirl of work. Yes I know we emigrated so I would have more time with the family but occassionally I need to put in some extra time and I think until August I will be very busy flying, working and not sleeping very well.

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I am working in Montreal of the next 3-4 weeks helping to replan a very large project. There is alot of cultural sensitivity about being seen as a collaborative experience rather than a English led session. I was worried that my genetic inability to speak French would be a problem. But it was fine, I mutter my pathetic attempts to speak the language with Bon Jour and Jer Voudrais Cafe Noir but then go and ruin it be finishing with Por Favor or Gracias  Anyway it keeps the Montrealeans amused

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I love Montreal! It is a beautiful vibrant city, which mixes English and French without any effort. You will hear 'Bonjour, Hello' and however you respond they switch into the appropriate language. Without making you feel guilty . Very different to Quebec city.

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Julie and Kathryn were very excited when I phoned home on Thursday. They saw a Skunk in the flowerbed (see Lupin photo previously) and it then walked around to the bird table. They were sat on the deck, no more than 8-10 feet away. I wonder what the average Skunk squirting range is? Mental note to buy some Skunk Stinking Shampoo just in case.

I flew into Fredericton Airport yesterday at around 11:30pm and drove home. I often use the cruise control to stop me speeding on the local highway. So as I came off the highway on to the local road I resumed the cruise control and carried on down the hill when ..... flashing Police lights oh bum speeding! I dutifully pulled over and waited. The young constable came over and told me I was doing 103kph in a 70 zone! In my head I calculated that to be about $250 -300 fine. Then he recognised me from the accident where I was rear-ended. It was the same constable who recorded the accident a couple of weeks ago. He commented on my hugging of the other driver, (well she hugged me but what the heck) and he then gave me a written notice of warning telling me it would be $250 fine next time  So next time you have an accident in Canada, hug the other driver and don't get angry it might save you from a speeding ticket

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Next two three weeks I am clocking up some serious air miles with flights to St John's Newfoundland, Halifax Nova Scotia and Montreal and finally back to Fredericton  Then perhaps a restful summer.

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The pool looks inviting it is 26c and sunny tomorrow is forecasted to be 29c so I am off to swim. Have a great weekend where ever you are!