Saturday, July 28

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. We got back here Sunday evening after a good trip with the truck. It was good to see that the pesticide seems to have overcome the worm infestation, and my rhubarb is thriving once again. Otherwise, I haven't planned much of a garden, but did manage a harvest of beans for my early birthday supper last evening. The markets had a mixed week, but mostly upward and we were blessed with some nice gains. The Riders battled Hamilton for a second time this season and just like last week they managed to build up a big lead (19 points) in the fourth quarter, but could not hold it. As a result they were unable to move into first place on their own. Tomorrow we plan to head westward once again as we are returning to Regina and possibly doing further travelling from there. The car problems persist—it has a parasitic draw that drains the battery when it isn't being used. Repair of that will have to wait until we get to Regina. 

Erica has begun work in Parksville. Eric continues with his application for his counselling practicum. Haaken and Liam are spending their summer and getting ready for the move to the Island. 

Erin and Kristian are settling into life in Regina. Kristian enjoyed VBS this week. Work begins for Erin next week, and thus the reason for us to be there to take care of Kristian. 

Trav is setting up office for his work here in Thunder Bay; progress continues on that front. Joanna, Gemma and Andrew were over for supper last evening to help me begin birthday celebrations—at this age it even takes longer just to have a birthday! 

And that's the kind of week it has been! 

Saturday, July 21

News Update

Another week has passed and we have turned our wheels eastward. We have driven as far as Kenora today, on our way to Lake Superior and my hometown. I was supposed to be golfing this weekend in Bismarck, but the passports got left at home, so I couldn't cross the line. On the positive side, I did get to avoid golfing/surviving in 37 degree heat! The markets have continued their troubled ways that don't always make sense to me, but I did manage to have a good week all the same (Even the blind pig finds the odd turnip!). I got a pair of new tires on the Mazda, so it's on new feet all around now. Wendy has been busy helping Erin get additional furniture, curtains and decorations for her new place. We have enjoyed spending some of the time over at Dad's place where he continues to rehab both at home and at Wascana. We had a birthday celebrations for Alicia and Dave to highlight a couple of evenings. The Riders gave away a game to Calgary after leading by about three touchdowns; that was sad to watch! 

Eric/A continue to develop their plans to move to Parksville. Erica flew out today to start her new position on Monday. Eric, the boys, and the UHaul should be joining her in August. Then Eric will need to return for his practicum in The Pas which will run most of the school year. Such a solution could only be concocted by God (or a Bailey). Hopefully they will also soon have news of the sale or rental of their house. 

Erin, Kristian and Sadie are pretty much settled into their place in Regina. Curtains and blinds have been purchased and installed. Furniture has been bought, assembled and moved around to establish their living spaces. 

Trav has been taking care of things at home. He has had vehicle problems with the car, so we'll have to look into that when we get home. Otherwise work has continued, and we haven't heard too much. 

And that's about it for this week. 

Saturday, July 14

News Update

Another week has passed and we have driven away from the shore of Lake Superior and my hometown. On Monday we hooked up the Mazda to a UHaul trailer and packed up the rest of Erin's stuff. We drove up to Kenora, on Tuesday, and overnighted with Eric/A and the boys. We picked up a bunk bed frame for Kristian and had to repack a lot of the load to get it into the trailer. We completed the trip to Regina on Wednesday and, thanks to many helpers, got Erin's stuff carted up to her third-floor apartment. It's a hot and sweaty country out here this year. We spent the next days assembling furniture and helping Erin set up her apartment. Friday was a special—our kids gave us tickets to see Neil Diamond in concert in Saskatoon. We drove up there and enjoyed a fun evening with thousands of close friends! Travis is taking care of things at home. We're feeling more than a little exhausted and looking forward to a few slow days. I haven't paid enough attention to the markets this week, but was blessed to see an upturn the last couple of days to make some gains. Bern, Alicia & Logan are home from Mexico, so we are enjoying catching up with them. Dave and Dad are doing well. Dad is keeping up with physio sessions and daily exercise and is getting around pretty well. The Riders defeated the Eskimos last Sunday and, this afternoon, edged out the Lions in an early season battle for first place. 

Eric/A and the boys continue to play the waiting game on their house sale. Eric has received a favourable proposal on his practicum, so that's looking much better. 

It was good to catch up with Erin and Kristian in Regina. He is loving his new place and his own room. He took easily to the bunk bed once we got that set up. Sadie travelled with us and has also settled into her new home. 

Trav got good news with the establishment of his office area with Qwantech this week. He is going to publish the next Ulrich Design newsletter sometime next week. He would be glad to have you subscribe: http://ulrichdesign.ca/subscribe. Joanna is enjoying her new patio furniture and barbecue. 

And that's about it for this week. 

Saturday, July 7

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. The weather has been hot and sunny interspersed by the inevitable thunderstorms that such heat produces. It's been a busy week as Erin and Kristian got packed up and headed west. We've also tried to help out a little in cleaning out the church building in preparation for its sale. I've tried to keep on top of the markets; the first three days were great, but then we had two days of selling that took away some of the gains. The Riders don't play until tomorrow, so they remain undefeated! The worms are winning the battle of the garden; my rhubarb leaves look like lattice, and the peas are stripped of new leaves as quickly as they are produced. They're even eating some of the weeds! Wendy and I celebrated our anniversary enjoying many greetings; we went out for ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery to cap it off. 

Eric/A and the boys are in a quandary. The house in Kenora has not sold, and they've determined that they cannot afford to have two residences, so the whole move to Parksville is up in the air. We pray for clear decision-making and peace in the result. 

Mark has been here all week helping Erin get packed up. We've enjoyed having him here. Mark, Kristian and I got out golfing one evening. They left on Friday morning; the house, and my heart, are very empty. We've had Erin and Kristian living with us for the last seven years; it's been wonderful, but now they've moved on. We look forward to what their new adventures may be, but for now we also grieve as we miss them. 

Trav continues to do well in his work. He picked up some new equipment lately including another tablet and, this week, a new computer. He has been hearing again of the plans for his office and it sounds like an upgrade, but nothing has actually been put in place yet. Joanna is learning and applying many new skills in her lab work. She's enjoying that. This weekend her dad is visiting, so Gemma and Andrew get to enjoy having their grandfather around. 

And that's about it for this week.