News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Wascana in the middle of the prairies. The weather is nice, and we're enjoying that. It is forecast to be around freezing for the next week. Wendy returned from her Moose Jaw weekend with a nasty cold and has been suffering with it all week. She has recovered most of her voice now, and was even able to get out for some shopping! On Friday we drove down to Weyburn to visit with Kerry and LaVonne, and buy a complete set of tires for the Sorento. It was a good time. It's been a discouraging week with my leg, as it doesn't appear to be gaining circulation. I have increased my walks to 2.0km, and my leg feels better through the workout, but it is still infused with fluids by the end of the day. The stretched skin on the calf is very itchy, and after scratching, my thinned blood flows more than I'm used it—sigh! I had a couple of webinars this week, and a good week on the markets. US markets made a big jump on Wednesday after the Trumpster seemed almost sane in his big speech Tuesday evening, but then investors realized he had provided no details on policy, and the US markets went flat. There was good economic data both sides of the border, and with the prospects of a FED rate hike in the US, the banks made good gains, and I have a few of them! The Scotties ended on Sunday with Rachel Homan claiming the national championship in an extra end. The Brier started today. I'll be cheering for Kevin Koe. Other strong favourites are expected to be Brad Jacobs (NO), Brad Gushue (NL) and Mike McEwen (MB). Kansas was elevated to the #1 ranking in basketball; they won another couple of games this week. I'm not entirely sold on their quality, but they go into March Madness on a high all the same. NHL hockey is nearing the playoffs. Several teams added talent for the playoff run. Pens and Oilers remain in second place in their divisions. 

Liam has returned to school, more energized and well fed. His recovering appetite is evident when he turns down junk food for gluten-free spaghetti! Haaken continues with some projects. He completed one animation this week and expects to have it posted soon. Erica was up on LaRonge this week for work, supposedly for the week, but managed to complete her assignment and get home Wednesday evening—that was a treat! She has found a consulting surgeon in the Netherlands on Lipedema. He has cautioned her to continue her current eating and exercise program. He advised her to continue with Complete Decompression Therapy (CDT) which is starting next week. She is waiting for a proposed treatment plan including cost estimates to discuss with her doctor. Then, if she decides to go with that, she can begin the battle with Sask Health to cover the expense! She already has one request for $2K for the initial round of CDT, but she's been advised not to hold her breath. She has yet to hear of anyone in Canada who has succeeded in getting funding to fight Lipedema. Perhaps when she wins the lottery she can set up a foundation to help people with the disease. She sometimes wonders and wishes doctors had figured this out back when she first became afflicted in high school, sigh! Eric is enjoying his Apple Watch, an early birthday gift. A friend was selling their used one, so Eric was the fortunate recipient. I has a Mickey Mouse setting complete with Mickey Mouse voice alarms. Erica thinks he should use that as the signal to end a counselling session!

Erin and Kristian have continued with their usual program of work and school except that Erin came down with something and even lost a day of work to that early in the week. Kristian had his usual bowling practice and bowling league. He bowled a 184 today in the league! His average will be jumping from his current 78. Erin picked up some new furnishings including an entertainment centre—some assembly required! So, Kristian and I built that today and it looks good in the family room. 

Some assembly required!

Trav and Joanna continue to fight the snow in Thunder Bay. We're hoping it's all cleared away before we head that way in another week. Trav's team is in the second round of the playoffs—the semi-finals. They are continuing to play comeback hockey—I don't recommend that! Gemma and Andrew continue with school, and by all reports are thriving. 

And that's about it for this week.