Just another typical day!

It’s nearly 9PM on Friday evening and BGS minor who reminded me she is in fact 14 and not 13 as I have previously stated on one of my previous posts demanded to know if I have booked her flight ticket to the States!Unfortunately not as it has been a busy day – no time to discuss it as she requires a lift to a party.These days the normal mode of communication is via MSN, face book, Email or TXT message etc.So here’s how my day went.Up at 6AM and double checked the schedules. I’m doing one of the rounds today by myself so decided more coffee was in order. Quick check of Emails and LJN. Intention is to hit the first client at 7:45AM.Arrived at first client at 7:55AM. I shouldn’t of had that 3rd up of coffee. I recall that at the last visit they left a note about ringing the door bell before walking into the rear garden as previously the lady of the house and her friend was sun bathing and got a shock when two Hayter PRO’s came charging in!Now this creates a dilemma as it’s far too early to knock on the door. Her husbands’ X5 is on the drive and it’s a little too cold for sun bathing.Decided to fire up the strimmer and sort out the front garden first, hopefully this will forewarn them of my visit.Ten minutes later mower into the rear garden and husband comings running out.Thankfully he has a cheque for me and also wanted to discuss some hedge works.Fire up the mower and within ten minutes he’s out again. This time could I move the van so he can go to work. Decided it would be best to drive around the block else I would hold up the working mums trying to get their little ones off to school. Get back to the property to discover one of the mums have nicked my parking space! Another tem minute wait until she returns. Days beginning to go bad I can just feel it.Eventually job done and the next four clients where straight forward - they were not in so an in and out job without any delays.Pulled in at the one of the local food wagons for early lunch – checked the phone for missed calls and Emails etc. Four missed calls and one calendar event flashed up – should have been in Wokingham over an hour ago. Swear to myself for forgetting to check the calendar on the phone 1st thing. Oh well twenty minute drive but looking at the schedules I can just make it before the "mustn’t miss 1:30PM" appointment.Traffic is a nightmare – the build up for Royal Ascot next week has already kicked in.Wokingham job done and off for the "mustn’t miss 1:30PM" appointment – Got there with minutes to spare. Client not in and no access possible!Time to drink another coffee that I picked up at Costa Coffee on route and begin to write a little note and invoice her but she honk’s her horn and shouts out that she had to dash off go to the shops for emergency supplies – Looks like milk only from the local Waitrose store so hopefully I will get a cuppa.Just a small hedge job here and afterwards the client wants to chat – she brings out a cup of tea but starts drinking it! She has had breast cancer treatment over the last few years and informs me that thankfully she has now been given the all clear on the second one. Didn’t really know what to say other than “at least you don’t have anymore to worry about” but it came out all wrong. Even her dog gives me a funny look!Quick exit called for and back to Ascot and Sunningdale. Two lawn treatments to knock out before the heavy work begins. Van now begins to smell – I always joked with the lads that it’s the smell of money but beginning to see their point. Discovered that the van electric windows don’t work – these should have been fixed last week when it went in for servicing! Phoned garage and complained!Next two visits were plain sailing. Now just the last two and the biggest. Thankfully only lawn cutting at two mansion houses in Sunningdale for this visit. Takes five minutes for the gates to be opened and to drive to the house.Whoever cut it last cut it high – client likes the lawns short – it will be a long one! Filled up three ton bags and struggled to get them in the van. It’s 5:30PM so decided to reschedule their second mansion house for Saturday as I will be out cutting anyway or at worst do Monday.The owners’ son must have read my mind – His father insists that I do both properties today – I check the parked cars only six flash ones on the drive but ones missing. I suspect that he is trying to impress his father who’s out and I’m thinking it’s only 5:30PM and at least I can tip off the waste – Alright I’ll do it. Just think of the daily takings and the bragging rights with the other teams.7PM and I am about half way to finishing and beginning to wonder why I said yes to even starting the job.Time for a quick break and to check for messages.TXT message from BGS minor – “What’s for dinner? Don’t be late - need a lift to a party”. Few junks Emails and one from LJ – “Can I email some sample documents to a member” Send off quick replies. Not happy until I read the last Email - another large commercial contract possibility for next year. Time to crack on.Finally finished at about 8:20 – Back to the first mansion with the invoice and to pick up the cheque. No one’s in!Key helper who I am covering for phones – he had a great day playing golf and was even videoed – would I like a copy? At least he is already for the big match near Liverpool next week, if he does badly he will be back to work on Thursday or if he does really well then Monday and he qualifies for the British Open. I don’t tell him what I’m thinking!Pulled in at the petrol station – could hardy walk – feet killing me – flies hovering around me - All the local yobs hanging around drinking beer must be thinking they should start working harder at school or will end up like me!In though the door and ready for a shower – day is finally over but then reminded that lift is required and pickup at 11:30PM and did I book the flight to the States as it’s only three weeks away. The other good news is that as her mobile phone bill is only £70 this month the money she saved me can go towards her spending money!Memo to BGS minor – I must work harder to support your lavish life style.

"Others have ID ed it.
I chop them off at ground level with secutears then spray a drop or two of Praxys on the wound... if it doesnt killt he first time, it will the 2nd or 3rd"

At the Portugal Invitational, Kress showed turf professionals that unmanned mowing has moved from emerging concept to practical course-management solutionChampionship golf leaves no room for compromise. That's precisely why Kress chose the inaugural…

"If it has thorns it is likely to be a Robinia. I have a client who has a couple of trees 10 or so Metres away & this year they have been popping up all over the lawn. A nightmare tree for anybody who climbs!!!
I have a Gleditsia myself, (my…"

Comments

Jackson's Landscape Design June 14, 2009 at 11:18pm

Most of us here at LJ spend our lives in the garden under all elememts, whether its maintainance, carpentry, landscaping etc.

One factor we should all have in common in order to strive forwards is a positive mental attitude.

Hats off to any person who is taking full advantage of the day light, 8 days a week, if only this was possible.

Graeme your news should help the LJ community see that through hard work, lots of coffee drinking and commitment to your goals can give you give you a comfortable lifestyle. Enjoy the USA.
Graeme @ BGS June 15, 2009 at 7:29am

Thanks Kerry.

But It's only BGS minor going to the States - I will take time out in November or January.
Graeme @ BGS June 19, 2009 at 10:20pm

Getting a little worried as I am having problems getting BGS minor her American ESTA application approved online - I think it is all down to her being born overseas. Oh well another job to sort out on Monday!
Graeme @ BGS June 23, 2009 at 9:25pm

BGS minor is off to the States - Confirmed. ESTA approved, ticket booked and now £700 lighter! I guess her DSLR will have to wait.
Graeme @ BGS July 12, 2009 at 5:10pm

BGS minor duly dropped off at Heathrow this morning and handed over to a wonderful Virgin Atlantic stewardess.

Did receive a wonderful txt message from her thanking me for making her dream come true and I get three weeks off from being a taxi driver :-)
Cat Fereday July 12, 2009 at 7:28pm

Just in case - if BGS Minor encounters trouble, get in touch - can send Ma' Dankos (My Mom / Fereday's Mother-in-law) roaring to the rescue...... and I mean 'roaring'.....