Arrived home, having some changes

The last post that I had made was the final evening in Amsterdam. That next day we walked around and did some souvenir shopping then checked out of our hotel. If you ever go to Amsterdam, definitely consider staying at the Die Port Van Cleve. It was a fantastic place, the staff were very friendly, and it is in a great location. We took a train to the airport from Centraal Station and had lots of time to wait for our flight. The KLM flight home was very comfortable and the food/wine was reasonable. I came home with about 38 gb of pictures... they will take some time to process before I post some of the good ones.

On landing in Toronto, I texted Wendy and determined that she was at a baseball game. Parker wasn't umpiring - he was playing! He joined a team part way through the season after 1.5 years of not playing. He is on the Dundas Dodgers in the Dundas Minor Baseball League.

Parker at bat

Bugs flying around the lights during a late game

Tournament game

Yesterday we had a most memorable event for our family! Our driveway got finished!!!!

After having gravel and mud since mid May, we now have a real driveway. Next week we might actually be able to use it. Too bad Adam and Wendy were not here to see it done - Adam is at Borden working for the summer and Wendy is shopping in Michigan with Mel and her mother this weekend. I am doing the unemployed single father thing for the weekend while Parker competes in a baseball tournament.

Half finished

Done at last!

Yes, you read that correctly. I am unemployed. Due to a nasty mix-up with an expected faculty appointment, I am out of work and haven't been paid since July 1. I am now looking for academic work (I've applied to a university in Australia already) but am hoping that McMaster can come up with a compromise solution. The offer I received last week amounted to a $30,000 decrease in salary, no faculty appointment, and no benefits. Not happening. My old job was also not available due to finances. As a result, I applied for EI benefits a few days ago, so we will have to take things day by day.