We were up this morning before 6 o’clock. Within an hour – after the usual ablutions – we were out of the apartment into the car headed for breakfast at Neat Café in Burnstown – about 40 Kms distance. It is a lovely spot by the Madawaska River through scenic farm property in both Lanark and Renfrew Counties. Generally at that time of day the café is assured to be tranquil or politely reserved. The enthusiastic cyclists, panting and somewhat withered, tend to focus only upon nourishment and brief relaxation.

Indeed – even on a broader spectrum – it is normally guaranteed early in the morning on a weekday such as today when headed north (that is, away from the city) that traffic of any kind is minimal.  And today was no exception – though one fellow tainted the image. Upon connecting to Waba Road out of the Village of Pakenham, a Cavanagh cement truck materialized immediately behind me; and, in spite of its enormous weight and size, was intent upon exceeding the speed limit.  I on the other hand am content to preserve the universal dislike of an old fogey in a Cadillac on a Sunday drive in the country.  Accordingly I maintained a steady and lawfully pace. I have learned not to allow myself to be pressured unnecessarily by impatient drivers. The truck driver nonetheless persisted to “sit on my rear” as the saying goes. Curiously he did not push his efforts to extreme; but he never “got off my back” – that is, until I turned off one country road to join another.  At that point he continued straight ahead.  Being as we were in a rather remote country setting at the time, I have no idea wither he was headed to fulfill what I interpreted to be his commercial duty.  No matter. The fly was removed. And without quarrel or road rage. I don’t think I even muttered a philippic to myself.

Speaking of annoying flies, upon our arrival at Neat Café our server (an astute and singularly handsome young lady who is the the daughter of the owner) immediately informed us of the peril of flies in the restaurant this morning. She wasn’t joking.  The flies had decided that it was more comfortable indoors than out-of-doors.  Perhaps it was a reaction to the recent heat wave we’ve suffered. Yet in spite of this unwelcome calamity we instantly set upon ordering – for starters – coffee, espresso, pineapple/carrot muffin and a “Breakfast Cookie”. While we waited we perused our iPhones (naturally) and flapped a paper serviette about to hasten the departure of any flies which dared to enter our sphere. The starters – and the subsequent main courses – were superb.  I have never been disappointed with the professionalism of the culinary staff (or any other staff for that matter) at Neat Café. Indeed so rewarding was this morning’s repast that we have for today exhausted our interest in food – well, that is, except for a sliced Granny apple for me this afternoon (part of my routine along with another espresso) and some leftover birthday cake for His Lordship.

The real reward however for this morning’s early rising was what transpired this afternoon. After we returned from breakfast (and of course having the car rinsed on Campeau Drive) – and following my brief but uncommonly therapeutic tricycle ride about the neighbourhood – I got it into my head to purchase one of those devices which allows me to connect to Tesla Superchargers. I called GM in Arnprior and spoke with my sales agent.  One such device – coincidentally the only one not on back order – was set aside for me.  I immediately drove there and purchased it.

Then came the challenge.  First – naturally – we needed a nearby Tesla Supercharger outlet.  When we located one on my GM App, we were informed we must contact OnStar to enable a credit card for my account. Charging and payment are – no surprise – connected.

What followed is now too complicated and tarsome to attempt to repeat.  All I know – in the end – is that we succeeded to connect the new device to my car, then the Tesla cable to my device, then to charge the car and finally to pay the bill (complete with receipt). I am summarizing about three hours labour – talking to GM and OnStar and battling a variety of offices within them each. As I say the reason for the trouble doesn’t merit repetition.  All that matters to me is that we learned to use the new device and we have proven that we can charge the car at the Superchargers. I think you’ll agree that is an appropriate achievement for a new EV owner.