News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Wascana in the middle of the prairies. The weather has continued to be very hot; several storms have thrashed their ways across the plains, and some places have received heavy deluges, hail and even tornadoes. We have seen none of the above here in Regina, but would enjoy seeing some rain if it should develop. I got out golfing on Tuesday with Garnet and Dale. While there were some positive signs, and my leg held up just fine, the score remained solidly in the 90's. I also got out to practice on Thursday, and was joined by a coach who stopped by while I was on the range and offered a few tips. (That should add a few strokes to my score!) On Friday, we drove up to Saskatoon to see Eric and Erica off to Europe, and to pick up Liam who is staying in Regina while they're gone. Wendy has continued painting at Erin's as time permits, and also spends extra time learning and using new recipes in our keto diet plan—very tasty! We're staying at Dad's and enjoying the air-conditioned protection from the heat. Thanks! The markets have remained troubled, but I did have three green days, and a positive week. TSX remains red for the month and the year. The Jays had most of the week off during the All-Star break, but have begun the second half with a series in Detroit—one win, one loss so far. The Riders have the bye this week; they should be rested and ready for a big challenge in Calgary next week. 

The Baileys have made some progress on demolition in the new house. They are down to the hardwood on the stairs and in the master bedroom; it looks pretty good! After a bit more work, they should have some nice looking floors. They've also torn down the t-bar in the dining and living rooms; this revealed some interesting looking electrical developments! The work will be on hiatus for the next two weeks while they're away to Europe for Erica's first lipedema surgery. Air travel often has its own tensions; I'll let Erica describe the opening issues of their trip: "Today, Eric and I head to Germany for surgery. We started with a bit of excitement. Though the line was fairly short at security, we were still in line when pre-boarding was called—no problem. We were close to the front and it usually takes awhile to get through all the various classes of elite and super elite status people, people with young children, etc. Except—no, we are on WestJet. So, very soon general boarding is called as I place my items in the plastic bin, pull out my laptop and complete the rest of the routine. Good thing this is a small airport. Eric and I are four people from the metal detector when final boarding is called. It's then we discover the bottleneck. There is one security person (yes, one) working the metal detector and he's currently doing a pat down, so nobody can continue through. I'm only mildly comforted by the murmuring around me indicating there are several of us on the flight. Finally the pat down is over and a few more people make it through before another beep! and the line comes to a halt. Thankfully another security person is pulled from somewhere and the line starts moving. Finally Eric goes through and collects his bags. Then me and beep! I look at the security guy and he reassures me it's just a random selection, I don't have any metal. Before he finishes talking I head for the scan machine and assume the position. He does the scan. Apparently I have questionable areas on my hips and between my knees. I want to tell him it's only fat! He decides to scan again, still the scanner says there is a problem. (I know! This is why I'm going to Germany for surgery, assuming I haven't missed my flight due to this comedy of errors!) At this point I notice Eric waiting for me. I tell him to go hold the plane while I wait for the pat down by the single female security guard on duty, who also happens to be waaaaay at the beginning of the security process. I'm just about to tell the nearest security guard to pat away when I see her running down. I pass the pat down and turn to get my stuff, but it's behind the plexiglass partition! I guess random means the full meal deal as someone has to test my bag for residues. Only nobody is manning the residue testing station. I turn to one of the security guys and say, "I passed the pat down, can I go?" He finds someone to check my bags and finally I'm free. I power walk as fast as I can possibly power walk with these legs of mine and arrive to hear the agent explaining to Eric and some other passenger that they are not holding the plane any longer. I fish out my ID and make it into my seat. Exciting! Hopefully the rest of the trip will be less eventful. (For the record—50 minutes to get through security and the security area was only a quarter full! Geez people, get a system!)" Haaken is at home in PA, while Liam waits out the duration here in Regina.

Kristian has spent most of the week with us, even choosing to have sleepovers for several nights. There is a wedding in Shawn's family today, Shawn is a groomsman, so Erin is in charge of the children's preparation and wedding participation—busy times! I managed to get the new fan installed in Kristian's room. Of course, the original light fixture installation was not up to holding a fan, so I had to install some backing to make a more substantial fitting. Always there are surprises!

Travis and Joanna have been occupied this week with the Staal Brothers golf tournament. It is a fund-raiser for their foundation, and an event on the CPGA tour. So, they also got to hob-nob with the celebrities and the golf pros who are on hand. They are struggling to keep the lawns mowed between the ample rains they've been experiencing in TBay. Thanks for your work! Gemma and Andrew continue their summer jobs, but Gemma had a break to enjoy the removal of her wisdom teeth—sorry about that!

And that's about it for this week.