News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. The weather has been cool and rainy, but we've been working inside most of the week. We've been busy on the kitchen renovations and now all the cupboards are removed except for the sink unit as we're still using those. I have removed the old fan unit, and begun the installation of the new one. That required a hole in the wall through the stucco, so it got a bit messy! I'm also trying to figure out what we have for electrical supply and determine how to improve on it. We're supposed to get our new cupboards next week, but we're not ready for that—I'll try to delay the delivery as long as possible! Wendy has started the painting. We also picked up the new flooring this week. She's thinking we may also use the same material for the two bedrooms up here. The other bedroom was already re-floored with laminate and is being used as an office. A family from church collected our old cupboards; we were glad to have them gone. We've been using the hot tub regularly, but I've been having difficulty managing the temperature. I don't know if there's air in the lines, or just why it seems so temperamental, but it's not working like it should. Another month of investing is complete and it didn't go well. TSX remains in the red for the year. The pros tell us we can't beat the markets, so I'm glad to be in the green at least, even though I'm well short of what I was planning on! My new investment plays continue to show benefits. The baseball season is ending and the playoffs are set up. Soon, the World will be taking the game Seriously for a few weeks. The Jays announced the dismissal of their manager—I've never been a fan of his! The first Grand Slam event of curling is running this week and my guy, Kevin Koe, and with his new team, have moved into the playoffs. They won the first leg of the World Cup of Curling earlier, so that's an encouraging start. The Riders play Montreal tomorrow, and need a win to maintain their place in the standings—Go Riders, Go! The NHL is completing the pre-season and ready to begin another season. I'll be cheering for the Oilers once again, while also paying attention to my other favourite teams: Pens and Leafs. 

All one unit-Trav, Joanna helped get this down!

Prying them off the walls!

And then they were gone! 

Old vent gone, new vent cut in!

Erica is in Germany for her fourth surgery. She has come through that, and is now struggling through the rehabilitation aspects. We're encouraged by her courage and progress. She is scheduled to fly home next Friday. Eric is holding the fort in Prince Albert. Liam continues in Moose Jaw; he built a corner bookcase recently. Haaken is enjoying his program in Victoria. He's having particular interest in the history of animation which he's truly been studying for years. Eric is facilitating a new class called One Heart—Two Homes; it's for families going through separation and divorce. 

Erin and Kristian are hunkering down under an early touch of winter in Regina. Kristian had league bowling this morning, and posted an impressive 140 average. I'm sure he can manage this or better each week! He is continuing to adjust to his grade 7 classes and teachers. We are confident he will manage just fine. 

Travis and Joanna are busy; Joanna is extra engaged this week as her sister has come up for a visit. It was good to meet her. With the NHL starting a new season, Travis has the extra burden of being a fan! He's expecting another good run from his Penguins. 

And that's about enough for this week.