Life marching on

Work
The company I work for which was acquired by a large global company is still going through a heavy duty integration, locally and nationally. At my location we are combining with two smaller offices that were already part of the global company as a buyout a couple of years ago. After adding an additional floor to our lease they are moving into our building later this month. This will almost double the size of the staff here and we have gradually been involving each other in projects and proposals. The same is going on in many offices across the country that have redundant offices because of the acquisition. So far no layoffs and nothing to indicate that there may be some planned. We’ve been rolled into other benefit and retirements plans beginning January 1st and we get a steady flow of company news updates from all regions and countries we’re located in. It’s been interesting and also a bit overwhelming. Besides the drama during the changes in the office in the last couple of months my workload has increased both in project and intensity. Doesn’t leave me with much energy by the end of a day or a weekend to write a blog now and then.

House Renovation
Part of what we’ve been doing with a financial advisor was refinancing our debt at lower interest and shorter terms. This included money for some home improvement work. We started with having the roof cleaned of lichen, moss and mold. Quite the salad. Looks almost like new.

We followed that up with re-siding the house with vinyl. Excellent job by the contractor. With the remaining funds we’re looking at how we can remodel the main bathroom next.
Holiday
Thanksgiving Day dinner at my brother’s was a great time. My sister-in-law Debbie worked on the dinner beginning the previous day and it showed. All the fixings, appetizers, pies and other assorted goodies. A good turnout on both sides of the families. Bonus, watched the Green Bay Packers beat the Detroit Lions handily.
Ikea
Last weekend Carol and I made the trip south of Boston to Ikea. Had lunch, picked up a few items and looked at things we’d like to use for remodeling the bathroom. Nice to get away on a sunny warm day for a drive.