News Update

Another week has passed and we remain on the shore of Lake Wascana, far from my home town, but Dave rolled in this evening, so I may get the signal to pack up and drive, soon! This week marked my sixtieth birthday; I am thankful for the sixty years, and the many greetings from far and wide. We may have started a new birthday tradition, as I got both an ice cream cake and a lemon meringue pie for the occasion—thanks Wendy and Joan. I have been suffering all week from my indiscretions of last weekend when I played thirty-six holes of golf in one day. My back is hurting, and my left shoulder is in constant pain. I had hoped that ibuprofen and rest would have me recovered by now, but perhaps that is another "advantage" of being sixty years old! Anyway, no golf this week! The markets started off the week very well, but then ran sideways and down, so the gains I made on Monday were tempered by the tough days during the rest of the week. Still, I ended up with another 0.2% recovery against my June losses! July has been a good month on the markets. We ended the week watching our Riders destroy Hamilton (Although I would have liked it to be more impressive!) and solidify their hold on first place in the CFL West.

Wendy has continued her unrelenting attack on the yard here. The front landscape is rebuilt; the back yard has been renewed; the lawns have been mowed; the hedges are trimmed; the weeds (and her father) have been attacked with Roundup!

Kristian continues to thrive with a new Lego toy nearly every time Grandma goes shopping. This week he's been building various versions of the house package, and driving around it with his RV/Ambulance and the little army guys in the jeep! I think his speech has regressed a bit—perhaps we're getting too efficient at listening! He talks a lot, including covering both sides of the conversations in the little scenarios he puts on with his toys. He is constantly asking us, "What are you doing, ...?" And continually responding to whatever we tell him with, "What?" even though he knows what we've said.

Erin and Trav are running things back home. We've enjoyed video chats with them this week also. Erin reports that she's not only kept the garden growing, but has begun harvesting it. They've also been able to enjoy the World Junior Baseball Championships currently underway in Thunder Bay.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has passed. We remain lodged on the shore of Lake Wascana, far from my hometown. I have also taken a side trip down to Bismarck ND where we played the annual Pryder Cup competition between Canada and US representatives. This has been going on for eleven years now, and the Canadian team was successful in defending the cup again this year. I have written separate blogs on the event, and you are certainly invited to read them should you wish more detailed information on our exploits. Investing has gone better, and I've managed to post a profit of 0.2%, although I won't feel like they are profits until I make back the 5.1% I lost recently. The week closed with a sad note as we suffered through a loss by the Riders to Calgary. Riders are now 3-1 on the season, and in a tie for first place in their conference.

Otherwise our sojourn has continued in Regina. Wendy has been very busy with yard work, on the hedges and devising a new layout for plants in the front yard. It is all coming together now, and with some maturing, we think it will look just fine.

Kristian has continued to accumulate and build Lego vehicles of many kinds. This week's special addition was a Lego set that allows the construction of several fairly elaborate houses. Kristian seems to get right into these objects as he builds them, and talks through extensive events taking place in them. He also enjoys video chats with his mom back in Thunder Bay, although his first request is usually to get to see his dog!

Erin and Travis remain busy with work and household back in Thunder Bay. Erin has been doing a lot of work taking care of the yard while we've been away. Travis kicks in with lawn-mowing doing when that is required.

And that's about it for this week.

Golf 2010 Day 3

The final day of this year's event was bright, sunny and hot. I sweltered in the heat, and in the relentless 36 holes of golf. In the morning, I was matched with Mark in a better ball match. Mark started off with difficulties, but I was able to contribute, and when Mark got going, he outclassed our opponents and we won handily, four and three. We were playing Hawktree today, and it is a formidable challenge all by itself. I certainly found the conditions for scoring much tougher, and only managed an 86 in the morning round. Our team mates also achieved some success, so we extended our lead over the US side to 10.5 to 4.5.

The afternoon featured the singles matches. We each played two singles matches at one time in foursomes. I was getting quite tired, and was unable to control my driver as well, so it took a lot of scrambling to save my score. In the end, I had a score of 91, so you can see how I was faltering. However, I managed to win one of my matches easily—five and four, but I was also easily dispatched in the other one, falling four and three. My playing partner for the afternoon matches was Kris. He won one match and halved the other. Our teammates were achieving a lot of success in their own matches, so in the final summation we won easily 22.5 to 12.5.

All told it was a great golf adventure, and getting together with the friends we have developed over the years was a rich part of the event. This completes the eleventh year of the competition. Thanks to Wayne and Mike who do so much to put this together.

Golf 2010 Day 2

The weather did not fully cooperate today, for the first time in eleven years, and the afternoon round had to be suspended for a couple of hours to let the rain storm blow through. Eventually we got back on the course to complete that round in the evening. I played only in the morning round, as I find I get too crippled up by 36 holes in a day, and I wished to be still able to golf on Saturday! I played with Kent in the morning better ball format. We were matched up against an American team that featured the fellow who had posted the best score on Thursday, so we knew we had our work cut out for us. Kent played really well, scoring 76, and I also played really well, scoring 83. We took a one-up lead through nine holes, but frittered it away early in the back, and found ourselves two down after 13. However, I was able to win the next two holes and then Kent put us ahead to stay. We won 2 and 1 on the seventeenth hole. It was a very exciting match.

In sum, the Canadian teams swept the morning better ball matches and opened a 5-0 lead. The Americans came back a bit in the afternoon, so at the end of day 1, we led 7-3.

Despite the rain, it was a wonderful day. We enjoyed another group meal in the evening, and most of us hit the beds early.

Golf 2010 Day 1

Kerry and I drove down from Regina to Bismarck. We left at 5:30 in the morning, and arrived in Bismarck around noon. We drove through rain most of the way, but it started clearing up after we got to Minot. After a lunch at a neat diner called Krolls, we headed over to the course (Prairie West) for our first round. The weather continued to improve throughout the afternoon, so it was a very pleasant day for golf. It was a skins competition, and, as it turned out, Dick and I were partners and managed to collect two skins. I played quite well, scoring 86, and driving the ball pretty well (for me!).

After the golf, we drove over to our billets, Hank & Jane (thanks a lot guys!) for supper and the night. They have a beautiful home there in Bismarck, and the local golfers had prepared a sumptuous meal for us. After the meal, and a welcomed shower, we visited a bit before bed time. We have an early tee time in the morning, so after a long day, we crashed early.

News Update

This week has been spent in Regina, near the shore of Wascana, but far from the shore of Lake Superior and my hometown. We've been enjoying good weather here with only a couple of days that got too hot for my comfort. Golf practice has gone well, but I didn't manage to work in a game this week. Investment work has continued to be challenging, as I finally got ready to buy by the end of Thursday only to have Friday be a down day, so I stayed out. I've returned to the discipline of technical investments, but it demands more patience than I usually have! We ended the week enjoying the Open golf championship and the Rider win over Edmonton to improve to 3-0 in the young season.

Wendy has me employed as landscape engineer while she is enjoying redoing her dad's front yard. We cut and removed much vegetation that was overgrowing the place, and are now replacing it with new plants. It's starting to take shape, and I've learned that landscape engineer means running the chain saw, pruning shears and shovel!

David left this week for a holiday in his newly acquired van. All is going well, and he's made it to the Island now, so he'll have to turn around soon!

We get regular video conferences with Erin via computer. Kristian is now able to carry on chats with her, so that's an encouraging development for him. We are quite pleased with his vocabulary development. He's doing well, and has also acquired several more Lego vehicles for his set—I don't know whether Kristian or his grandma enjoys the toys more!

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has passed and we have begun our journey from the shore of Lake Okanagan, back to Lake Superior and my hometown. We are currently in Regina, where we just enjoyed watching the Riders defeat the BC Lions 37 - 18. Today was also highlighted by a golf game with my friend Kerry out at Tor Hill. He even has some clubs I admire, and would wish to try out, but he stands on the other side of the ball... Anyway, I had a great front nine at one over, but couldn't hold on, and finished with an 81; still very good for me. We started the week at John & Marion's on Lake Okanagan at the Family Reunion. As that wrapped up, we put Travis & Erin on the plane on Monday, and set off ourselves in the afternoon for Airdrie where we enjoyed a stay with David & Shirley. They had invited some other YKers from the area over for a BBQ, so it was great to catch up with all of them: Quinn, Kathy, Trey; Barb & Garry; Kim & Denny; and Bill.

On Wednesday, we drove down to Regina, where we are currently ensconced at Ellis' house. The food is good, the bed is fine; we're enjoying our stay!

We keep in pretty regular contact with Erin via video chat. Kristian often asks to see Mommy on the computer, but usually asks to see Sadie (his dog) once we actually get on line! Erin and Trav are taking care of things back in Thunder Bay. The garden is flourishing, and the lawns are trying to grow in the heat down there.

The markets seem to have turned around a bit, and actually had some good days while we travelled. I have been studying the trends, and hope to get back in a bit next week if the earnings season is promising.

And that's about it for this week.

Ulrich 2010 Song

Ulrich 2010 Song by Erica & Travis

We laughed a lot, fought some, too.
What else would you expect?
A gathering of Ulrichs, Full of
Logic-filled respect.
We would never shed a tear,
No not this solemn crew,
For an Ulrich's never wrong,
Shows no emotions, too!

Chorus:
John, Verner, Uncle Tom,
Viggo, Bill and Jim,
Ida Marie or Aunty Cindy,
Where did that name begin?
Cousins, spouses, uncles, aunts,
Where else would we go?
To remember Mom and Dad,
And swim... with Ogopogo!

Not long ago, Sven and Elly came
From that "lovely land"
Flag of Danes traded in
For plough and piece of land.
Hardy folks, raised in love,
At times, not much more,
Faith in God, born to learn,
And stubborn to the core.

Bridge:
Ogopogo: We had a magical time.
Ogopogo: In your castle under the lake.
Ogopogo: Your bad William Shatner impressions.
Ogopogo: Your ugly homemade crafts.
Ogopogo: We went halfsies on a Shamwow.
Ogopogo: He only drinks Dos Equis.
Ogopogo: He forwards unfunny Youtube videos.
Ogopogo: You were a Winnipeg Jets fan.

Now you might think there's nothing special,
About this little gig.
A little fun, a little food,
Some wine and visiting...
But between the golf, the lake,
There's something else, you see,
Holding it all together is
The love of family.

News Update

The week began in Regina, but our travels have taken us westward, and the week completes on the shore of Lake Okanagan, far from my home town. On Monday, we travelled to Medicine Hat, enjoyed the evening, and spent the night with Jim & Carol—thank you very much! On Tuesday we continued to Lake Country, BC, where we established a temporary residence with John & Marion, and where we've enjoyed the remainder of the week! Thank you, John & Marion. Other family members gradually trickled in until all members of my generation were there, and all but a handful of the membership of subsequent generations.

Family assemblies bring a range of eating, singing, story-telling, lying, boating and golfing activities. I have enjoyed them all, and it will be impossible to assess which one I enjoyed the most. However, golf at Predator Ridge was a highlight. Seven of us enjoyed a wonderful experience on that beautiful course. I had some difficulties with driving, particularly in the middle of the round, but I still managed a 93, and was relieved with this measure of my game against a very challenging course. The main aspect was having the chance to play with family, and experiencing the joy provided by my children to play at Predator Ridge. Of course, there was plenty of good and nutritious food provided at regular intervals, and we all partook beyond both need and sane dietary restriction. Singing is definitely a family trait and tradition, so we enjoyed a lot of that. With age we are able to retell many jokes that some have forgotten, but most seem to enjoy; and one special feature this year was the attendance of "The Most Interesting Man in the World!" who provided much good humour. Poetry recitations were featured one evening; lying was not limited to golf, fishing, taxation or economics!

One part of the reunion was the acknowledgement of John's seventieth birthday, my sixtieth birthday, the twenty-seventh anniversary for John & Marion, and the fortieth anniversary for Wendy and me. I am thankful for all the good wishes!

On the stock investment front, it has been a very bad, no good week. When we started travelling, I made a lazy (or greedy) determination to buy and hold a diverse set of stocks. The markets did not accommodate, and I have been able to enjoy the hazards of buy 'n hold that I used to reserve for my professional advisers! As a result, by the time I got located here in the Okanagan and cut my losses, I had lost about 5.1% on my portfolio. That reduces my gain on the year to 0.8%, and my overall gain to 5.7%. So, that was a bad experience, however, if I learn from it, it won't be a total waste! At any rate, I have escaped to cash, and I will need to get studiously to work when the markets return to productive growth.

Erin and Travis worked part of the week before flying out here; they fly back on Monday morning. Kristian is travelling with us. They are all having a good time connecting with family here.

And that's about it for this week!

Family

Our family has roots in Denmark from where our mother and father migrated to Canada. They eventually met and married and established a home and family on a homestead near Fort St John, BC. Later they moved on to farm in Saskatchewan, and eventually departed to their permanent rest from there. The first generation of that family have scattered from the farm in Saskatchewan to establish residences in Medicine Hat, Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, Baltimore, Dallas and the Lake Country of BC. We have a big brother who has certainly fought for us, and continues to lead, guide, nourish and bless us. John & Marion have established a lovely home in the sunny Okanagan, and they invite us to share in its blessings. Thank you, John & Marion!

Despite the fact that I turn sixty this month, due to the accident of timing, I have both the role of little brother and big brother in my family. I must admit that I do not manage to meet the privileges of either role very well. As you may know, Danish is practically synonymous with the virtue of stubborn! But even within a Danish family, there seems to be a hierarchy of achievement in this amazing virtue, and I seem to achieved a very elevated level indeed! (That's my wife saying, "Amen!") It is also unfortunately true that this virtue sometimes leads to difficulties in relationships. (A virtual chorus of sisters-in-law and my single brother-in-law say, "Amen!") However, no matter how imperfectly I meet my privileged responsibility to honour, encourage and bless my family, I still remain in the family, and my big brother still invites me to share in the blessings of his home.

Let me direct your attention to a larger family in which all are invited to be members, who have the privilege to love, nourish and bless each other. We can fill the various roles of older or younger siblings, and we have a big brother who has fought, bled, died and lives for us—thank you, Jesus! He also has established a beautiful home, and regardless of the level of achievement in our performance, he invites us to join him there.