Wednesday, August 20 2008

Changes

Come, my friends,

T'is not too late to seek a newer world

Push off, and sitting well in order smite

The sounding furrows; for my purpose holds

To sail beyond the sunset, and the baths

Of all the western stars, until I die.

Ulysses wasn't talking about taking a jacuzzi with Hollywood types: he was planning to go on a voyage of discovery and adventure–'baths of the western stars' was Tennyson's way of talking about where the stars dipped below the ocean's horizon.

When the horses get tired

And speaking of voyages and adventures, there are a few changes around Winexpert. Christine Day, the National Supply Manager for Winexpert and our sister company Vineco is leaving us for a new career as an RCMP officer. That's right, she's taking on the red serge and going to Regina for training as a Mountie.

Farewell lunch: (L to R) Christine, Karr, Jim, Mario

I'm really going to miss Christine. She's got a sharp mind and has always been a vigorous and energetic debater, and with her in the room, meetings never got dull. She also did wizard's work on getting grapes and juices for us. I know she'll make a great peace officer, but if that's true, then I'm hoping she'll cut me a 'get out of being tasered free' card one day. Best of luck always, Christine.

Not leaving the business, but picking up and moving office is our National Sales Manager, Gavin Hawthorne. He's moving to Ontario to be closer to the centre of the action, with the executive team and the big bosses.

Kelly (foreground), Breanna, Arnie, Gavin and Al

I've always gotten on very well with the G-man, partly because he's got the perfect temperament for a professional sales manager, and one of those goofy British senses of humour. One of my favorite Gavin stories relates to the first time we ever traveled together. As a proud Scots-Irish immigrant to Canada, he felt obligated to hold up his end when we went out for a pint at the end of the evening, determined to show the new guy (me, at the time) that he was no cream-puff. Full credit where due, he hung on grimly for four or five hours until I let him off the hook and he slumped off to bed. The next morning I was downstairs in the inn, greedily scarfing down sausage, egg, bacon and ham, coffee, toast, juice etc, when he came in. He ordered one poached egg, a piece of dry toast and a cup of weak tea. He poked the egg, took a half-bite of the toast and one sip of the tea, whereupon he abruptly turned bright green, and announced that he wasn't particularly hungry and would be in his room till I was done.

Sketch of Gavin's morning face. Go get 'em, tiger!

Even more credit where due, he was ready to go by the time I'd finished second breakfast and put in a full day's work on the road. How can you not like a guy who takes one for the team and still answers the bell every time? There are many more Gavin and Tim stories (if you meet him, go ahead and ask him about his special nickname) but this is a family blog. He's off to southern Ontario with his wonderful wife (Hi Michelle!) and his two fine wee bairns before school starts, so he's like a man who's saddled a whirlwind right now.

Me, I'm still in my fabulous soundproof suite at Winexpert, looking over the mountains and contemplating my vast collection of wine. Perish the thought of this ever changing!

Posted by Tim AT 8:50PM

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