News Update

Another week has passed as we have moved from the shore of Lake Superior to the shore of Lake Wascana. But, oh, what a week it was in between!  We celebrated our family reunion on the shore of the Red River! It was designed to focus on Tom's 70th birthday, but Tom & Mariette organized and executed such a plan that we felt we were the honourees ourselves! Thanks, guys! We drove up on Monday and enjoyed the week in Winnipeg. The big event was the birthday party at Fort Gibraltar on Wednesday evening, but there were special events every day, including two golf games for me, and long-running karaoke sessions two evenings. It was great! My golf was not great as I was very ragged off the tee. I mostly got away with it on Tuesday, shooting 87, but Thursday's course was not so forgiving and I shot 96. On Friday, we drove over to Regina where we enjoyed reuniting with Dad and Dave. Erin, Kristian and I got out for some more golf today! The markets have been very troubled with the downing of the Malaysian jet causing further turmoil, and I experienced a down week. Baseball was off for the All-star break, but now they're back at and we're hoping the Jays can build some favourable results. The Riders have the week off.

At the Reunion!

Haaken completed another week at Emily Carr University. A misunderstanding caused a scare on Thursday; the University called to report that Haaken had not shown up for class. However, Haaken soon texted to report that he was on a field trip with his class. He is doing a good job navigating the transportation system in Vancouver, and even made his way home to Nanaimo on his own yesterday. Liam returned from his Student Leadership Conference trip to California. On Monday, he and his team presented a report on their trip, described what they had done and what they had learned. He has had to get some repairs to a big toe nail. Eric is working two days per week for his current employer while preparing for his move to Prince Albert. He has arranged accommodations there, placing a deposit on a townhouse. His plan is to be there by August 15th and is looking for people who can help him unload when he arrives with this stuff. Erica is considering housing options in Parksville, wondering whether she should stay put, or save money by moving to a smaller place during the transition. Work considers to be stressful. Picketing has ended for now, but the past month of job action has people stressed and work expectations behind schedule. Even though personnel levels are down by 50%, there is still about as much work to be done and the results are ROE's get delayed, payroll questions are not answered so promptly and expense claims drop in priority. Unfortunately, folks are not as understanding about all this as they should be! The whole crew is in Victoria this weekend for Aura's 50th birthday celebration. 

Erin and Kristian drove over to Winnipeg on Monday to spend the week at the family reunion. They also had a great time with attendance at many special outings. They drove back on Friday, and took Grandpa for a golf practice today! They are hosting us at their apartment. Thanks guys! 

Travis and Joanna completed the move into the downstairs apartment, along with the dog, bird and lizard! Gemma and Andrew arrived home from TO today, and are making themselves at home in their new digs. 

And that's about enough for this week.