My AI Life

Most of the business advertising I've done has usually been on radio or TV. Not knowing how such ads are structured, I've left it to those who run the stations to write the content, do the vocals and hire the actors to be in the commercials. But I thought I'd investigate whether it was wort my time and money to do ads for the internet. A neighbour has done it with some success. I called and got the names of a few local agencies and made appointments to visit and find out how it's done, see some samples and at what cost.

I was slowly walking through the shopping district with the idea of catching a bus for home. Several times I got stopped and asked for directions to various places by what turned out to be new-in-town students at our local college. it seems that most were in residence here and came from the city but needed things for their rooms but didn't know where to look. I guess I have that kind of face that'll stop and help a stranger. I gave them my number in case they need more help in settling in. it made me feel all warm and toasty.

As the year wound down, my neighbours began dropping by to help decorate the trees I have around the house. Most bring by a bauble or two to add to the branches and settle in for a hot chocolate or other drinks ready for their consumption. We sit around and reminisce about Christmases past and talk about plans for the coming year. We got very maudlin and later denied that we got all gooey about how much we enjoy each other's company.

In the weeks leading up to Christmas is the busiest time of the year for the bookstore. Lots of folks looking for particular title, others wanting the perfect reading gift and many locals buying gift cards since they aren't sure what the giftee would want. It's also the time when we have numerous author signings. we get call from local authors, notes from publishers on author availability in our area and even the occasional graphic novelist trying to break into the printed word market.

One of the advantages of living in our town is that there are streets that can mimic some of those in European cities. This comes in handy for fashion shoots. Once they get the proper permits, they can shut down a street for a day or so and organize the photo shoot. One I'd heard about was a designer who wanted to make it look like Paris. He brought in the models, the clothes and the folks who work behind the scenes. The models are glammed up in makeup for the bright lights and the photographer fills roll after roll of stock (or porrtable hard drives if digital). The locals stand around and cheer as the day goes on.

I was out for my evening walk when I decided to use the pedestrian bridge for a change. I was still smarting from my humiliation of trying to ride my e-bike across. Never again. I was shuffling along and who should I run into but some of the locals who were there the last time. Mostly they nodded and said what a good boy I was for not riding across. By the time I got to the other side, i was feeling the sting of their smirks and jibes but none of them gave me the look. It was such a relief.

The sisters I met with my real estate agent called and came by within days. I met them at the door, escorted them to my small sitting room and we all moaned about how early it got dark outside. I told them about a B&B soon to go up for sale and a high-rise condo with empty floors that had units that could be joined into one. During our chat. I learned that they had been named for the seasons and they ran and administered stately homes in the UK. How fortuitous, I thought as my head of household and some senior staff were thinking of retiring soon. I asked if they'd be interested working here for me. I explained what was involved and who lived here, had offices here and visited here. They said they would have to consult their eldest sister. How big is that family?

More and more knitters are showing up lately. Some are turned away because of lack of space. We explain that were developing a space tracking app and we'll notify them when it's ready. One sharp-eyed knitter who lived just up the street asked if maybe they could use the library's ante-room. We use it now for storage. Good idea, I'll check and let you know. I ran it past the librarians and others who should be consulted. The end result is an expanded space for knitters and readers. I hope the app is ready soon.

On my way home after my evening walk, I stopped to pick up a latte and bumped into my real estate agent. She stopped me and asked for a moment. She had five others in tow and wondered whether I knew of any places for rent or sale with 5-6 or more bedrooms and other amenities for a family. The others with her were sisters who looking for a place. They wanted to settle locally after emigrating from the UK. I said I'd give it some thought and to drop by my home for some late afternoon tea. We swapped numbers and they'd be in touch.

One of the events of the local skate and snowman carnival is the snowman building. Each year we vary the how and where for the event. Planning was unsuccessful when we commandeered an outdoor hockey rink. The local players were irked, the turnout was lackluster so it only lasted a year.

Early spring is the signal for local road and infrastructure maintenance to start up. I decided i needed to find a new route for my afternoon stroll. I'd heard about a route that includes a path by what passes for a river but seems more like a creek several long blocks from my place. I thought I'd give it a try. I ran into several locals also out for a walk. I Knew a few in passing bu many were new faces for me. I smiled, wished them a good day and introduced myself to several as I thought I'd see them again on my return walk. It's nice to make new friends and acquaintances.

The coffee truck business is booming according to my partner. It's time to launch another truck. I checked with my COO who handles the coffee business and she agreed. The numbers were there to do it. So we purchased another vehicle, outfitted it with enough stock, hired some staff and sent it out into the world. Well, we sent it out into what we thought was a part of town that was under-served. According to staff, we're getting some of our regular customers but a whole new bunch of folks are arriving with tumblers in hand looking for a delicious drink they know that we provide.

One of the students working on my software project relayed some terrible news the other day. The legendary teacher who was an inspiration to all her students and beloved by the local college had passed away suddenly. The school held a memorial for her at the local arena such was folks desire to honour her memory. Some of the pranksters who disguised themselves as her showed up in costume. Talk went around about how to memorialize her but it was early in the planning.

i was taking a bus one day. I was going to visit a business I have a small interest in when I bumped into the sisters whose company did the remodel of one of my kitchens. We were getting caught up when I noticed they were not alone. One of the sisters explained that several of their cousins from the city had come to town for a visit and they were giving them the nickel tour around town. I invited them to drop by my house for tea if time permits and gave them my number rather than them going back to the shop to look it up.

I was minding my own business one afternoon. I was out for a stroll after a snow storm had blown through town when I came upon a group of my neighbours headed towards me. Most had a slight smile on their faces and i was about to greet them. Suddenly, they spread out into a semi-circle and I knew I was in trouble since I couldn't see any of their hands. Snowballs came out of nowhere and i got pelted. Luckily, the snow that day was light and the snowballs only stung. I vowed to retaliate later in the winter. Maybe a face-washing or some snow down the neck.

I don't know how it goes where you live but here in my town, Christmas time brings out the carolers. There always seems to be a flyer or two in the mailbox indicating when and why they'll be around to entertain the locals with a song or two. I'm always happy to be at the door to greet them, listen and applaud them and to wish them the best of the season. Sometimes i see a neighbour or two and let them know they're welcome to drop by later for some hot chocolate.

Early winter and the skies get dark fast. I was out for my evening stroll and ran into some neighbours and other locals all of whom were bemoaning the lack of early evening bus service to get downtown for shopping, dining or dancing. I gather that some civic official felt the bus demand wasn't there. I asked whether a bus that circles the area would be welcome and most smiled and nodded. i had an idea I'd have to discuss with my logistics staff.