Saturday, June 27

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Wascana in the middle of the prairie. We've enjoyed a break from the bustle of the last few weeks. Bern & Alicia have certainly been keeping us in high style—thanks folks! The weather has been hot and dry with just a couple of thunder storms to break the heat. They didn't deliver much in the way of rain, although a few nearby jurisdictions suffered some hail damage. On Monday, I drove down with Dave & Rich to attend the farewell service for a long-time family friend—Doris Husband. It was delightful to catch-up with even more acquaintances of over the years, and it was meaningful to contemplate a life quietly lived in the service of family and neighbours. On Tuesday, I enjoyed a golf game with Dale who graduated with us some years ago! It was hot, and I faded on the second nine, but even more so, I was plagued with a lot of pulled shots. The totals, 43-50—93 were not encouraging, but Wendy insisted it simply meant I needed to get out more—what a woman! So, I was out for a practice session one other day; I hope that's enough! Wendy left on Wednesday to attend Haaken's graduation out in Parksville. She flew back today, arriving just before midnight. Tonight was the season opener for the Riders. Not only did we get bombed by Winnipeg, but we also lost Durant for the season. Go Riders Go! The markets have continued to be troubled by Greece and China, and all indices except Nasdaq are in the red for the month. However, I enjoyed another great week making June my best month this year. I've also been working on a few tasks around the house, mostly electrical installations or improvements. 
I now have a full set of seven to cover the BBQ! 
It was Father's Day on Sunday, and the best part was that all my children were here. I was also delighted to be informed that they had completed my set of ManGrates. These have been one of the best additions to my grilling experience, and I recommend them highly. Thanks guys! 

Eric/A, Haaken and Liam drove west on Wednesday, took in Haaken's grad, and have begun the trip back. Erica and Liam are driving the CRV; Eric is riding the bike, and Haaken has taken up residence in Vancouver for his summer course at Capilano University. We hope his work there will enhance his chances of being accepted for full-time coursework beginning in the Fall. 
The Graduate

Kristian completed school on Thursday, so he came for a visit and a couple of sleepovers to end the week. We played quite a bit of catch with his new football, but retreated out of the heat fairly early each day. Erin has completed all the legal paperwork connected to her purchase of the condo, so she's now tasked with culling, packing and organizing for the move at the end of July. 

Travis was here over last weekend, but flew back to TBay Monday evening. It was good to have a few days with him, and he really was essential to our preparations for the celebration. It was graduation time in TBay as well, as Andrew completed Elementary School and is moving on to High School. Trav helped him with his tie, while Gemma supervised, and Joanna took the photo
The Grad Tie!

Saturday, June 20

News Update

Ellis Clinton Krogsgaard
90 years young! 
Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Wascana in the middle of the prairie. It has been a busy week, with gusts up to frantic! The family has been busy preparing to celebrate a productive life. And today, we had that celebration. The video presenting photos relating to some aspects of his life has now been posted, and you can access it here. Wendy had her surgical appointment on Tuesday—very painful, but we hope it leads to better use of her arthritic fingers. The markets have continued to be troubled, but I am feeling well-blessed by another week of excellent gains. The Stanley Cup has been awarded, and Chicago Blackhawks are recognized as NHL Champions. Preseason football is complete and we're ready for the real games to begin. On Friday, we enjoyed a visit and lunch with Elvin & Grace, and were surprised to find Nathan and Jenn there as well. We enjoyed a meal of frikadeller and kartofler complete with parsley gravy. Thank you, Grace! Then we continued to Caronport to bring Liam from school. 

The Graduate
Haaken got his graduation suit (not to be confused with his birthday suit!), along with new shoes and (sigh) a tie! He's ready to graduate. Liam is packing his stuff for the end of the year. He is winding down grade 9, and making plans for grade 10. Erica has been practicing guitar all week; she has reverted to playing G-chord wrong again. They are all here in Regina at the end of the week for the big birthday party, and Liam's continuing training for the summer trip to Estonia. Eric/A took advantage to attend the Rider game blessed by tickets provided by Eric's coworker. Eric is wrapping up school cases as well as his counselling appointments with other clients on Thursday nights. 

Erin had some really big news this week. She put in an offer on the latest condo she had viewed, and it was accepted! The closing date is July 27th. We look forward to helping her establish in the new digs! Kristian continues with the special days as school winds down. One day we went to watch him at Track & Field events in Douglas Park. 

Trav flew up here on Thursday, so we're enjoying sharing the weekend with him. He was also instrumental in producing the Ellis video. Joanna, Gemma and Andrew are holding down the fort in Thunder Bay. Gemma has completed her exams, but has now come down with the flu. Andrew has broken his right thumb, but it doesn't seem to interfere with his video game playing! He's showing a lot of heart playing injured like this! 

And that's about enough for this week. 

Saturday, June 13

News Update

Another week has passed and we have travelled from the shore of Lake Superior to the shore of Lake Wascana in the middle of the prairie. We left on Monday morning and drove through the day, arriving in Regina after 11pm, so it was a long day. We are glad to be here, enjoying the gracious hosting of Bernard & Alicia, and visiting with Dave, Dad, Erin & Kristian. The weather is hot and dry here; we've been promised rain on a couple of days, but nothing has materialized. I've been out to the golf course several times to practice and today got out for a round with Wendy, Erin and Kristian. It was a lot of fun! Wendy managed three pars and one birdie. She is really enjoying her new clubs. The markets have continued to be troubled by news from Greece and China. I am feeling well blessed by continued earnings from my few holdings; I hope to buy more if we can get an uptrend going. We are doing some work each day on preparations for the 90th Birthday Tea for Dad; it is set for next Saturday. Chicago and Tampa split their games in Chicago, so tonight was the opportunity for Tampa to take the lead at home. But Chicago turned the tables on them again—five games and the home team has lost three of them! Now it's do or die for the Lightning! The football season has begun, with the Riders losing to Edmonton in preseason action tonight! 

Eric/A and crew enjoyed a good week. Haaken is completing preparations for his graduation and summer course at Capilano University. Liam is completing his first year at Caronport. Eric is moving on up to his supervisory role, and setting up his office. Erica runs back and forth to Saskatoon for her university work, and often enjoys that trip via motorcycle. 

We've enjoyed catching up with Erin and Kristian this week. Erin continues to shop for a new house, and I enjoyed taking in a viewing with her. It's a nice townhouse complete with a finished basement, and she's considering putting on offer on it. Kristian has been over regularly, and stayed over Thursday night since he had a day off school on Friday. We got out to practice golf, and also played a full game today. He's doing well. Erin hasn't practised, but her game gradually improved throughout the afternoon. 

Trav & Joanna keep busy with work at home, and now that we're away, they're also taking care of the yard and plants. The weather has continued nice there, so they're making good use of the back yard and their new fire pit. 

And that's about enough for this week. 

Saturday, June 6

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. The weather has been lovely, and we've enjoyed getting a few things done in the yard, and continuing my perennial battle with dandelions! Wendy and I have managed to get out for golf practice a couple of times, and today we played a 9-hole game—a lot of fun! The markets had some good days as the week opened, but then Grecian fears and interest rate fears turned the markets sharply downward and all N.American indices ended the week in the red. However, I had another excellent week, and I am caught up to my quota for the year-to-date. The Stanley Cup finals have begun, and the first two games were split, so Chicago has taken the home-game advantage away from Tampa. 

Bailey's have sold their house in Kenora—yay! There were a few hiccoughs near the end, but Greg and his buddies came through, so, special thanks to them, and it is all settled. They are relieved to have that stress removed, and plan to rent for a while. They don't feel ready for the mental or financial burden of home ownership. Erica picked up Liam so they could have a family weekend before Haaken heads off to Capilano, and Liam to Estonia. They're enjoying having the whole family under one rented roof! Liam was able to complete his fund-raising target—woohoo! Thanks to all who donated to that. He sent out his thank you notes last week. He also got his official learners' licence, and an object lesson on internet dos and don'ts. Do express your excitement. Do not post a copy of your ID! Haaken continues preparations for his summer program. He's concluded his work at Walmart and put his earnings into savings. Soon they'll be headed west for his graduation ceremony. 

Erin and Kristian are playing a waiting game on the house purchase. They definitely have picked out one they like, but it's still too pricey! However, prices are dropping in Saskatchewan, so they live in hope. Kristian is nearing the end of the school year, and that always bring some special events. 

Trav & Joanna have moved into Baseball season photography; this is their first season to add that to their business. They even picked up an anniversary photography assignment for one of their hockey families. Good service provides expanded business. Joanna and Gemma are working a wedding this weekend. 

And that's about enough for this week.