Peter and Coco Share the Remote

As this column is published, I will be about to experience a new and glorious era here at Chez Montreuil. The downside of this, of course, is that I must deal with the Augean Stables of my apartment. Hence, a brief, punchy, “punchdrunk?” column again this week.

As I trawl through the memories of a 40 year career, I have run across a cache of “thank you” notes, from claimants/clients. They were too many to read , but I know where they are in the stowage, so one afternoon when I am feeling down, I will fish them out and give them a read. It’s quite touching to read them , several make references to the way I respected their dignity at a particularly rough time in their life. At least one wrote that the commission would be better if every employee was “…like Mr Montreuil…” a) It was encouraging to read the notes appended by my supervisors and managers. Somehow they managed to keep a tone of disbelief out of their remarks.

It’s funny, some of the claimants I remember very clearly, even after 35 years. Others just melded into the ebb and flow of life. I look forward to reading each and every one of them when I get the chance. Of course, my spirits are also buoyed by the thought that only a small percentage of people even bothered to write in. In any case, I very much appreciate the ones who did. I enjoy seeing tangible evidence of the fact that my efforts were noted. One of the things I loved about my job was the fact that it often gave me a chance to make a real difference in someone’s life.

If it sounds like I am tooting my own horn, well, perhaps I am. I am just pleased to see that I was able to put the intellectual gifts that my parents gave me and the excellent training I received to good use. It was a very satisfying, yet sometimes infuriating, way to stay warm and dry until it was time for my commute home.

CoCo the Cat has assimilated in a Borg-like fashion here on the ranch. She enjoys watching TV with me, preferring it to actually having to talk to me, I guess. While she normally “watches” animal shows, for example she was almost in a trance watching a recent video of a kitten trying to pull a fish out of a pail, she also watches lectures and flight displays. A few weeks ago she raced at the screen in an attempt to “trap” an F-15E as it flew through a series of loops. Unaware of their narrow escape, the crew successfully completed their demo. One evening I was listening to an American give a lecture on “The Battle Of Britain”, a subject near and dear to Mrs Montreuil’s Little Boy’s Heart since he was in knee highs. I audibly corrected the 5 mistakes he made in his first 10 minutes and decided to change to another video in disgust.

However, CoCo was hanging on his every word! I tell you, Loyal Reader, she was mesmerized, absolutely mesmerized. This ludicrous sight made me start to laugh, and yes, you have it, Loyal Reader, the Cat picked the video we watched! It was only 20 minutes longer, but I found it quite amusing. Of course, I will be keeping a watchful eye on my relevant unbuilt plastic model aircraft kits. T’would only be prudent, you know.

So I see a big challenge on the horizon, an opportunity to grow. Of course there will be some adjustments to be made, but I have every confidence in our ability to meet these challenges head on. I bid you a fond farewell for the week, stay safe, stay in contact and stay united. Use the powerful bonds of friendship which are out there to used. Now, back to the stables.( I should add that editorial assistance today was provided by CoCo the Cat.)

See you soon.

1. a) My manager of the time probably used that one to frighten her kids into eating their vegetables 😉.

=PJM=

A confirmed Cat person, Peter dabbled with being a water boy, a paper boy and an altar boy before finally settling on a career with the Canadian federal government.  Once, in his youth, he ate a Dutch  oven full of mashed potatoes to win a 5 cent bet with his beloved sister Mary’s boyfriend. (Of course he was much younger and a nickel went a lot farther!) He has retired to palatial “Chez Montreuil”, which he shares with his diabetic little buddy Reg the Cat. He is blessed to have his dear Lois in his life. He is not only a plastic aircraft modeller, but a proud “rivet counter”. Military aviation and live music are among other interests of his, and he tries to get out to as many shows as he can. He will be here for your enlightenment whenever the stars align. Profile photo courtesy of Pat Blythe, caricature courtesy of Peter Mossman.