mrsg | ExpatWoman.com
 

mrsg

mrsg
274
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Latest post on 05 November 2012 - 12:35
I made the run for my tortoises as I couldn't find any locally. Buy the mesh from Satwa and use wooden batons as a frame. It's fairly simple (even for me!) and lets be honest, the torti's don't care what it looks like :) As regards food, mine is a Sulcata and is an eating machine. It's a bit like having a small cow in my garden! She forages around most days, eating flowers that have fallen and munching grass, (loves grass and grass cuttings, clover, edible flowers like nasturtium, geraniums, hibiscus). I also leave hay out for her, which she enjoys. My sister thought I was mad to collect dandelion seeds in the summer to grow them in my garden, but the tortoise loves the leaves and the flowers. I have to have any flower baskets and pot plants quite high up or she climbs up and eats everything! Every 2nd or 3rd day I give her Rommaine lettuce (never give a tortoise Iceberg lettuce, it's really bad for them), cucumbers, a carrot and cress if we have any. Once a week she gets a piece of watermelon , keep the skin on as they like that, and once a month half a banana, again with the skin on. Occasionally she get s a couple of fresh figs if she's lucky. Don't give too much fruit to your tortoise as it should be as a treat only. Mine sprints across the garden if she sees a banana!! Great way to get her to move as she is a bit heavy for me to pick up. When I first had a tortoise, a vet friend who specialised in reptiles told me not to feed them every day, as , in the wild, they forage for food. Hence the feeding every 2/3 days. With a large garden she finds more than enough to eat every day anyway. The Nad Al Shiba vets are good if you have any questions. They also used to do a care sheet for tortoises but I'm not sure if they still do. Might be worth going on their website though. Hope that helps Forgot to say that I keep water out for her in a plant pot saucer, and the funniest sight is her dancing in the sprinklers (she stands up and sways from side to side in the water with her head up and stretched out!) <em>edited by mrsg on 05/11/2012</em>
mrsg
274
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 November 2012 - 13:08
I have a 32 kgs female Sulcata, and 13 baby sulcatas(which hatched this summer and are tiny). Mum has the run of a large garden, which she loves to sunbathe in. She also tunnels !! Last year she destroyed my water tank when she managed to burrow over 100 ft under the garden! The tank collapsed into part of her tunnel once the weight became too much to hold up. This year she has lifted part of the pavement! We are tempted to dig up part of the garden to a depth of 10 ft , lay down a wire fence, and refill it to give her somewhere to dig BUT, I don't really want to limit her garden access. You can imagine how I feel about keeping a tortoise inside. I know you are looking at a much smaller breed, but, having had these too, I think you should change your mind. I have watched the youtube video, and still think that tortoise house is far too small. My baby tortoises are in a holding pen 6ft x 3 ft and it is just about big enough for them. They also go into the garden each day in an enclosed pen on grass (bit like a rabbit run) , which they love. The pen is enclosed because the local minah birds love trying to eat the babies!! If I have time (and am there to keep the birds away) I let them loose in the garden, and boy can they move. The point really is that tortoises are not inside pets. Even in the UK my tortoises are outside, until they go into the greenhouse for winter. They don't come into the house. Please think about having a different pet.
mrsg
274
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 October 2012 - 14:37
You get 90 days 'official' sick leave, and that is as stated below. I don't count weekends as sick leave UNLESS an employee is often sick over a weekend, whereby I warn them that I will include weekends as if they are too ill to work Thursday, then they are too ill to work Friday or saturday if called in as well! It is also the employers right to send an employee to a doctor to have him checked out if the employee is often ill. article 82 of the labour law actually says that an employer must take necessary measures to have an employee medically checked to ascertain illness if said employee is off sick. I actually did this to one of my employees, who was constantly taking time off for headaches. I paid the doctors fees, but could then prove that he was taking liberties! He was then warned that any further days off would result in him having to get a doctors certificate from my nominated clinic , or his salary would be cut. Funnily enough, he wasn't ill again - and he really wasn't ill all the other times either!
mrsg
274
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 October 2012 - 12:59
I don't ask for attested certificates, but I do insist that any sick leave certificate has to be signed by an actual registered doctor, and be stamped by the clinic visited. I don't mind if the doctors are government or private, but I certainly wouldn't accept anything issued by a dentist or pharmacist! I also insist that, unless they cannot speak, they personally call on the first day of any illness, and report that they are ill. I don't accept calls from any family member, which may seem harsh, but nowadays mobile phones mean that the genuinely ill don't have to get out of bed to call!
mrsg
274
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 October 2012 - 10:29
Anneka at Top Vision Optics in Satwa supplies my Gas Permeables.
mrsg
274
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 October 2012 - 08:55
live near mirdiff, work in dubai. let me know where to drop off food. zero five zero 6 nine eight 7 three five one
mrsg
274
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 October 2012 - 10:13
Pingu - do you want some cat food instead? Daughter has sent her cats home to UK and I have a dozen tins of cat food in my car.
mrsg
274
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 October 2012 - 13:07
mrsg
274
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 June 2012 - 13:49
No HE didn't fail. The SCHOOL failed HIM!! They failed him by not giving him time to feel comfortable in his surroundings before testing him. They failed him by not understanding that even the brightest child will be scared in certain situations. They failed him by putting him under so much pressure that he felt his only course of action was to hide and cry!! My son is now a strapping 6 foot A* student, excelling in everything he does. When I first put him in nursery at 2 and a half, he cried every single morning. After 3 mornings I pulled him out and we played at home for 6 months. Some children are ready early, and some just are not! Don't be cross with him. You love him more than life itself. Just give him a hug and look for a better school, one that understands children a little better than this one!!
mrsg
274
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 June 2012 - 13:35
Check the visa first. If she is sponsored by JAFZA, go to their admin office, tell them you have found the passport and ask them to call her and let her know.
mrsg
274
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 June 2012 - 10:37
It's a proper exit road - signposted to the Port and Jebel Ali. If you miss it you can still take a right off the actual roundabout, it's just quicker to take the slip road. On the way back, take the same road but as you approach the Green Community roundabout stay in the right lane as you can take the flyover onto the Emirates Road rather than sit for ever at the roundabout!
mrsg
274
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 June 2012 - 10:32
Sandbox101 - the office I use is in Jebel Ali, but the owner will meet you in Dubai and go through documentation with you. He worked as a PRO in a semi government company here for 35 years, before he set up his own company, so knows what he is doing. He has helped a number of my friends and colleagues with family visas/maids/gardeners etc.Anything you need a PRO for, he can do. call him on zero five zero four five one six nine seven eight. his name is Javad. 100 percent trustworthy. tell him mrs june gave his number.
mrsg
274
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 20:00
I applied for residency renewals today at DNRD - me and 2 ds I had to supply: Usual passports usual medical proof of application to renew National ID Tenancy contract in DH name DEWA bill in DH name copy of land affection for villa from Landlord Land affection and tenancy have to be attested by RERA/Land dept before visa submission. Luckily I was using a good typing office which has the ability to apply for attestation on line, thus saving me a trip to Land dept (but it still costs yet more money!!) That was today. So it is definitely happening in Dubai despite what rumour mill is reporting.
mrsg
274
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 June 2012 - 07:25
I am renewing my sons visas, and as one of them has now reached 15, he has to have his fingerprints taken to renew his ID card. I know - it's happening in the worst possible month! The renewal form says - have your fingerprints taken as you do your visa medical'- but of course he doesn't have a visa medical! So, where do I take him for his fingerprints? Directly to an EID centre? Or is there somewhere specific? No appointment is given as it is just a renewal, even though he has to give his prints this time around. Help ?
mrsg
274
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 June 2012 - 15:36
When they left the country you should have received proof of their leaving - a copy of their cancellation papers stamped by immigration at the airport. This will show whether they actually were banned. If they were banned, your competitor might have applied for a visit visa only for them. The ban is to stop them working, not to stop them visiting. If you find out that they are in fact working - report them!!
mrsg
274
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 June 2012 - 15:27
You might think I'm joking, but , having done this search at Christmas when I wanted a wine fridge for DH, the best place to go is Union Co-Op at Safa!! Bought a lovely Frigidaire wine cooler for aed 700 - including delivery and installation (and we live miles away from the Co-Op.) Not sure it was described as a wine cooler though ;)
mrsg
274
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 May 2012 - 21:13
Have to admit that I can't be bothered reading all 95 posts, BUT... have just got back from Lulu's in Arabian Centre and they have a shelf full of Robinsons. Orange (no added sugar) Orange and barley Summer fruits Fruit and Barley. ....and we only drink their orange and pineapple, but hey ho.... <em>edited by mrsg on 30/05/2012</em>
mrsg
274
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2012 - 07:48
I love it when husbands come on the site! I can see both points of view here, but want to add that at 14 your dog will wait for you to come home! He won't realise that you have given him up , and will look for you to come back. Watch any of the videos on line of dogs being reunited with their armed forces owners - they wait for you. None of us know why your DW has had to go back, but you obviously want to keep your dog, and that's good, not bad. Bad would be farming him out without a second glance. You're not doing that. Eventually you may decide that he does need to stay somewhere else, but for now he needs temporary housing/care while you are away. My girl is in kennels in August, but we may be able to help out at other times, as long as he gets on with our very gentle lab. Big garden, a couple of outside moggies and a tortoise or 2. Let me know.
mrsg
274
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 May 2012 - 09:48
Jebel Ali - yesterday and today (although they also had teacher training last Thursday) English College - yesterday and today
mrsg
274
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 May 2012 - 16:34
It is article 116 of the Labour Law. If the worker ends a limited term contract (unless it is because the employer has failed to honour his obligations, as provided by the contract or labour law, or has assaulted the employee), then the worker will be required to compensate the employer for any damage the latter sustains as a result, provided that the amount of compensation shall not exceed half a months wage for 3 months or for the remaining period of the contract, whichever is shorter, unless otherwise stipulated in the contract. Depends on why you are leaving as well. Maybe your employer will negotiate?
mrsg
274
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 09:22
Actually the number of young girls (and boys) now casually swearing seems to be increasing daily. As the mother of teen boys it is something i've noticed when picking them up from parties etc. Why feel the need to say 'that is f-ing wicked!'Why not just say it is wicked? Why the need to use obscenities in our day to day language? And when did it become acceptable to use them in front of adults? Lets face it, most peoiple swear, but in public? in front of our kids? at each other ? Am I old fashioned? Maybe, but I still tell my kids that the use of casual swear words in a conversation shows a distinct lack of grammar. The English language has a variety of words that are far more cutting and descriptive than any swear word. My kids now make it a weekly challenge to come up with a new one that is acceptable and used in the right context . Fun mealtimes I can tell you :)
mrsg
274
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 09:08
Try contacting some of the IOSH companies here and ask them to recommend someone. TWI ME FZE in Knowledge Village did some training for the company I work for (04 458 6657). They tend to know who is registered and in this area.
mrsg
274
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 April 2012 - 10:27
Thanks for the reply. How 'not cheap'are they ? say for a consultation and filling? more than aed 500?
mrsg
274
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 April 2012 - 19:41
Huge choice of food from all restaurants. There are breakfast goodies at the front of the foyer, then sushi, lobster tails, prawns, chinese food, indian food, lebanese, italian, huge roasts of beef,turkey and lamb, veggies, yorkshire puds, gravy, pizzas, a cheese and pork section, masses of desserts, and more stuff that I just can't remember!! The entertainment is in the foyer for the kids, but they also had a magician going from table to table,who was really good. WE were looking for the sleight of hand and STILL didn't see it. The pizza juggler was good too. Food wise - on a par with Spectrum if you've ever been there.
mrsg
274
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 April 2012 - 17:27
We went this week and it was great - especially the whole room of desserts!! there were 6 of us, and when we booked we were asked if it was all adults in the party. It was just the family, but the youngest is a teenager anyway, so we were sitting in a side room, near the pizza and italian counters. I think if you have younger children then you sit in the foyer near the bouncy castle etc. maybe ask for a side room? anyway, food was great, so was the entertainment, and we would definitely go back (but only after we save up!) aed 295 non alcoholic, 395 with house wine and beer, 495 for french bubbly et al. ah yes - before we paid for the buffet the waitress gave us a booklet of discount vouchers. buy 5 get the sixth person free!
mrsg
274
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 March 2012 - 13:51
I very much doubt that you will get an offer from any of the decent schools this far into the year. Why is he failing? Not enough effort / failure to understand the coursework/ problem with the school? If it is effort then this might be the kick in the pants he needs to work hard enough to pull it back. If it is the coursework then try getting him a tutor. If it is the school - don't know how to solve that one other than moving him next September. It is now March. If this is the UK system then he really will have to work hard, giving up any and all social life, as exams are starting in May. It is possible, but it will be really hard work. Moving him now isn't really an option as he will spend the next 6 months doing nothing!
mrsg
274
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 March 2012 - 09:15
Hi Elms. just wanted to add that I have a teen who, in the last 10 months, has lost nearly 30 kgs&lt; I mentioned your post to him, and he made the comment that, until your son wants to lose weight, he won't, no matter how hard YOU try. Once he decides he is no longer happy to go on as he is, then he will make the effort needed to lose weight. Those comments are from my DS, not from me . In our case, DS decided last April that he wanted to get 'a bit ' fitter, and build up muscle strength and endurance. He played sports anyway, but finally realised he could be so much better than he was. He gradually built up the amount of exercise he did, starting by running less than a kilometre a day and getting red faced at that. He now regularly runs 10 kms several time s a week, and also does controlled weights etc. He does an hour of crossfit once a week, and loves it. His diet wasn't really the problem in that his meals were balanced and nutricious, but the amount he ate was! He now eats whatever he wants, but in smaller portions. If he does occasionally have a blow out he increases his exercise over a couple of days to compensate. Your son needs to find an activity that he likes. My DS found that he loves running. As his weight dropped he discovered other forms of exercise that he enjoyed, but would never have tried when he was bigger. But it's not easy - which is why your son needs to get to that starting point in his own head first. DS ha ssaid he will meet yours just to chat to him if you want - informal , as one teen to another. But he won't try and persuade your DS at all. He will just show him photos from last year to show what he has achieved, and will be there to encourage your DS if he wants (we don't live near you so it would be on the phone ). But DS wants to point out that your DS could just get really embarrassed and not want to know at all, so be prepared for that as well. <em>edited by mrsg on 09/03/2012</em>
mrsg
274
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 February 2012 - 10:30
I've read the book and really like the series. Doesn't stick exactly to the book, but is still really good. It's broadcast on a Sunday in the UK - only about 5 episodes to date so easy to catch up on.
mrsg
274
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 February 2012 - 10:28
You may want to go out today if you can, as there is a severe weather warning out for Monday and Tuesday.Very strong winds expected, increasing to 30 knots with 10 ft seas on Monday, and 45+ knots with 20 ft seas by Tuesday. Local sailing clubs are advising all members to check their boat moorings, and remove anything liable to blow away. Wouldn't be too quick to completely mop the house - at least that's my excuse anyway :)
mrsg
274
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 February 2012 - 17:24
When the British guy went missing all day - took the dog out and got lost - the radio stations broadcast it all day asking for help. It would be a good idea to call them.
mrsg
274
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 February 2012 - 18:08
Welcome to Dubai - and don't worry. Before long you won't even think about the road madness! There are a number of shops in Satwa that sell stuffing and bits and bobs for toy making, but it usually is a case of looking through lots of stuff to find what you want. Magrudys on the Beach road also sells stuffing and wool. There is a bigger knitting/sewing shop on the Beach Road, but unfortuntely I've never been there so don't really know where it is. Maybe someone else can direct you. Unfortunately I work all week or I'd offer to take you over there, but if you don't make it this week, or need a map, give a yell.
mrsg
274
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 February 2012 - 18:01
Actually, I'm not a boasting mum usually either but you know what? My teenage son has, through hard work and determination (and a new found love of running) lost 28kgs in the last 9 months. 28 kgs !!! Proud of him? fit to burst :)
mrsg
274
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 January 2012 - 12:45
sent you an email so you can take down your address
mrsg
274
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 January 2012 - 11:16
Also registered - thanks:) Can anyone tell me if there is seating at the ground? If not I'll never get my DH to come and really don't want to go on my own to this one.
mrsg
274
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 January 2012 - 11:47
The hotel on the edge of Jebel Ali Free Zone (is it Easyjet Hotel??) is only 99 aed a night. It is outside of the Free Zone so no pass needed to get in.
mrsg
274
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 January 2012 - 09:17
captainjacky - if you have a surround sound that takes a usb (or one of those new all singing tv's that has the usb connection) i can put the xmas special on a usb for you to watch on tv - much better than youtubing it.
mrsg
274
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 January 2012 - 09:39
Thank you AmyAus82. :) :) I went to Union Co Op yesterday, and now have 10 boxes of blackcurrant tea (just in case they also stop stocking it!) Homeward Bound - the stalls in the malls are not allowed to sell tea, just advertise it! Tried that already. But thanks for looking out for it :)
 
 
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