Thursday, June 5, 2014

People always comment on how busy I am but I seldom feel that way. Today though is the exception.

I was out most of the evening yesterday at a Let’s Talk Trash event. With all the recycling changes I had a few questions about what is and isn’t accepted, and for what is accepted does it go curbside or to the depot. I came out understanding the information a bit better. Basically if it is packaging it might be okay to recycle it; if it is a product (like ZipLoc bags) it isn’t. If the plastic crinkles it probably can’t be recycled; if the plastic crinkles but still passes the stretch test it might be okay but not if it has a zipper closure. My coffee pods are good, but the wrapping the coffee pod packets come in aren’t.

I’m still confused about shredded paper. Shredded paper is accepted curbside but it has to be in a clear plastic bag. But plastic is no longer accepted curbside so I think that means shredded paper has to go to the depot (although they never came out and said that). A big flaw in the whole system is that the new regulations mean that commercial and institutional businesses can no longer recycle either curbside or at the depot. I think they have another drop off place, but they probably have to pay so I wonder if that is really going to happen.

I guess all we can do is our personal best and hope we leave the earth to our grandchildren in some semblance of quality.

I worked on Pat’s accounting this morning until it was time to get ready for my Red Cross shift. A whole morning can be gone before I’ve even made it to the “I have questions” stage, which isn’t something either of us look forward to.

On the way to the hospital I stopped at the medical clinic to book an appointment with Pat’s doctor. Pat saw him this morning and asked (perhaps begged) him to take me as a patient. When he said yes, I thought I’d better get in there before he forgot. I would have preferred a female doctor but since I’m lucky to get anyone at all I’m not complaining. I knew the doctor was going on vacation for a month and I hoped to get in before he left, but I’ll be waiting six weeks. Again, I’m grateful just to have an appointment.

It was a crazy day at the Loan Cupboard. When I arrived the morning shift were way behind in scrubbing. The equipment just kept coming back all afternoon; there were six wheelchairs returned. I got all but four wheelchairs taken care of but I still felt a little guilty leaving them for tomorrow’s volunteers. I worked my two hours plus two more so hopefully Friday staff will understand.

Tonight is my Guild meeting. It is the Annual General Meeting followed by the regular meeting. I’ve always been away for the June meeting so I’m really preparing my reports rather blindly. I’m looking forward to the return of the pizza boxes!