Happy New Year!

Another year has passed and we've enjoyed a remarkable journey along the way! We mourn the passing of loved ones who graduated to a higher existence during this year. It has been a remarkable treat for us to spend time with you along life's pathway. We are thankful for the blessings of being with so many precious friends at various times and in various places! We wish all people a peaceful and healthful 2017! We have spent this week in Regina. The weather has been mild, but we've been hit by a number of dumps of snow. I've managed to handle the shovel and snowblower as necessary, so it has not been too much of a struggle. Dad has continued to make great progress, and is mostly getting around with his crutches now. This is more convenient for him as the wheelchair makes maneuvering tedious sometimes. Wendy has provided great care for us all. Kristian has spent the week with us, so we've enjoyed time with him and extra time with Erin as she often joined us after work. The markets were only open for three days here, but they were very bad, no good days, so it's just as well. I did not manage to make quota for December or the year, but at least we gained more than we took out, so we're okay so far. The NHL season ended the year with the Penguins securing an overtime win, while the Oilers suffered an overtime loss. Both continue to do well, so I'm encouraged. The Jayhawks are retooling to make up for the loss of their starting centre, but their winning streak continues as they've moved into conference play. Rock Chalk! The World Junior Hockey Championships are underway in eastern Canada; we've been watching quite a bit of hockey as a result. The preliminaries are over, and the playoffs begin tomorrow. Canada has advanced to the medal round. I was also delighted to see Denmark advance to the medal round! 

The Baileys spent most of the holidays on Vancouver Island, and began the trip home today. They enjoyed Christmas with the Bailey family of Victoria. It was a good and relaxing day punctuated by good fellowship, turkey and ham! Eric/A celebrated their 23rd Anniversary on Tuesday taking in Passengers (movie) and dinner out at Montana's. They also scored a set of motorcycle bags on sale to add to their travelling utilities. They rounded out the week with an encounter at Victoria Escape Games. They tried to solve the puzzles, but ended up being killed by poison gas! They wish to give it another try, as it was a lot of fun—I guess, except for the dying part!

Time for another run! 

Erin was back at work for Wednesday through Friday, but still managed to spend time each evening with us, so that was great. Shawn has been suffering with back issues, but assures us that he's making progress on that, even while continuing to work! Astrid and Liam were also under the weather for part of the week, but seem much recovered today. Kristian got out sledding and skating several times this week. 

Trav, Joanna and crew are holding down the fort in Thunder Bay. Trav facetimed me one day to show me the snowfall that was accumulating and get some help with the snowblower. I hope it worked well for them, and that they can avoid too much snowfall. We're surely thankful to have them taking care of things while we're away. It gives us much freedom in our scheduling! Thanks! 

And that's about enough for this week.