So - I'm back and ready to get right into making arrangements. There is far more scandal here as I'm learning. Seems the woman running the agency "Catherine" claims to have files missing from her office. Last year she claimed her hard drive crashed and she lost everything (everything incriminating). What nursing agency would not back everything up with their hard drive?
I'm willing to just walk away and scramble to arrange care rather than start a lengthy, expensive lawsuit. But I know this woman - she will be all over me shortly. I will not answer her calls or even the door. I must stay focussed on making arrangements. If she insists on meeting (she already has) - I will email her that there is nothing I am interested in meeting about and that I wish to be left alone. If she persists - I will consider it harassment. I want her to fulfill her obligations to us - finish out the next 25 days then leave.
The one worker who is talking to me has told me she has not told any of her other clients that they are closing. She has promised jobs to a couple of workers in a new company she is opening. But others know she is moving to the city - a couple of hours away.
It just makes me paranoid but also relieved that she will be gone.
I am making plans and phone calls. Testing the waters and trying to be creative. I have one worker committed to 4 days a week - this is not a bad start. I can do this. I can do this. I can do this.
And speaking of "testing the waters" - we are having the worst flooding in a century. Our docks, boathouse floor and new beach are submerged. My dad's cottage is underwater and the waters are still rising.
Need to get the chest waders and make sure EVERYTHING is out.
Well I've caved to her demands for a case conference. Apparently she is trying to find another agency for me that will also hire my workers. My government appointed liaison (great person) & Josh will attend with me. She signed her email "kindest regards" UGH - she is not kind to anyone but herself.
But I decided it would be good to find out what she has learned because no one is even calling me back. Our area is in a state of emergency due to the floods so I understand the priority.
I let her know that discussing the terms of my contract, especially with respect to money would be a confidentiality breach. To which she has not replied. That is telling.
She said to my government rep " what can I do st the meeting to make this easier on Barb?" The worker replied "don't show up!"
2 neighbors came over yesterday & with the 3 of us in chest waders we removed most things from our submerged boathouse. The waters continue to rise. If they come up another foot the top of the boat will hit the roof. I've had an offer to get the boats out if it gets worse.
When th e waters finally come down - I need to help my dad. His cottage has more than 2 feet of water Indoors! All will be lost no doubt. In my house - we are high & dry. So that's good.
No,Mish - the water continues to rise but at a slower rate. Expect it might start to go down after today. Yesterday we had docks, furniture & tons of de ris float by.
Meeting with that horrible woman today. She is a coward & has decided not to come since her partner can't make it so they will both conference in. I would not even do it except that it seems they have a company interested in buying them out & want to give me the info so their team & I can be bought out. Hmmm... Never knew people could be bought anymore BUT I'd be fool not to at least listen.
Things are looking UP! Today I signed an agreement with a new agency. 2 of our current workers are going to continue on with this new agency and another of our girls will also return after her maternity leave. This is such a huge relief.
I met with the new company today and there were almost no "hitches". Just one that they're pretty sure they can work out. It is a biggie but I will remain positive that they can figure it out. For those in the nursing industry - it is about using lifts. We have a new ceiling lift. This company a 2 person lift policy. We live in a rural area so having 2 people is not practical as the lift is used app 3 times per day.
One of our workers quit today. I had hoped she would be able to stay until the transition in 9 days but she was hired with a new agency that needed her to begin work immediately. We have parted on good terms. She has agreed to work occasionally on a private basis for overnight care when I'm away. She got a better financial deal with the new company so I'm happy for her.
So I have informed the WITCH with a B and I have taken the high road (as always) - saying thanks for Ryan's care for the past 2 years (the care WAS good). But I am kicking up my heels and counting down the minutes until she is GONE FOR GOOD!!!
That's my good news. Oh wait - there's more...
My daughter has decided to move up here for the summer and work here. She is coming for Mother's Day and has job interviews lined up. I'm pretty excited because I've been alone a lot during the week. Josh and I will read her "the Riot Act" to be sure it will go well. But I am HAPPY!!!
And I'm going on a cruise to Alaska!!! I had wanted to go on a cruise for Miniature Artisans but did not have a roomie (Josh did not want to go). Then someone dropped out and I got the spot. Not till Labour Day but still - something special to look forward to.
Happy Mother's Day!!! to all the Moms here who have had to do so much of the parenting on their own. Also to the Dads who are also Moms to their kids!
Ryan handpainted some stain glass window ornaments for me and fingerpainted a card!
Brandon is working all day but has sent me email greetings and will phone tonight.
Ashley is here for the w/e. She brought me a lovely miniature orchid and is making me a specialty drink and dinner. It was supposed to be a picnic but since it has been snowing - I guess the plan will change.
I feel like my life is turning around and definitely for the better! Ashley interviewed for the perfect summer job today and was hired on the spot. So she is moving here in 2 weeks. She will watch Ryan on occasion so Josh & I can go out and hopefully she and I can spend some time together. I've been alone a lot since I moved here and this will be good.
The new agency starts Friday (just 4 more days with that horrible woman). Ryan is having new assessments done with therapists and I'm confident we will all get back on track.
And the crummy weather is for one day only. The sun will be out tomorrow. And the boat and Seadoo will be ready for use before the w/e. SO EXCITED!!!
In time I will forget all about the woman who made our move miserable. For now - we are moving on...
