News Update

Another week has passed, and we have returned to the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. We had a brief visit with the Calders who we first met in Zambia.

Good to see the Calders again!

We started the week in Lawrence KS, arriving there just before a snowstorm that closed the interstate and made us fear for travel through Iowa! Helen and Marti had arranged a sing song for Tuesday evening; we enjoyed that a great deal. I made a Keto bumble berry crumble for the occasion—turned out very tasty! I also prepared another keto entree while we were there, my second try at Egg Roll in a Bowl. It was a hit as well. I've really enjoyed that our hosts have allowed us to prepare keto-friendly meals while we've been visiting. It's made it easier for us; we hope they've enjoyed it as well. On Wednesday, we headed north. To be sure there were a few cars and one semi in the ditches of Iowa, but the trip went well. There was heavy snow in southern Iowa, but it petered out by the time we got to Des Moines. We got some light snow falling on us as we drove up Minnesota. On Thursday, we continued northward, running into more snowfall in Duluth. The highway got quite heavy by the time we reached the border, but the plows had been out on the Ontario side, and we arrived home comfortably by 5:30. Snow continued overnight, and I got to shovel the driveway on Friday morning, however, it warmed up and the driveway melted clear as the day went on. I enjoyed my best week in the markets in a long time with all days showing gains, and I almost made quota for the month. We have a few weeks at home, so we're planning the next phase of renovations in the kitchen. Wendy bought another door to establish as a sliding door between the kitchen and the back entry.

Wendy's new barn door!

Calgary won the Grey Cup last Sunday—didn't need that! We're getting reacquainted with our hockey teams. Pens and Oilers both continue to languish around .500, which has resulted in a coaching change in Edmonton and plenty of unrest in Pittsburgh as well. The Leafs continue to flourish, and are near the top of the league standings after another win tonight.

The big news from the Baileys is that Erica has escaped from the hospital! The temperature spikes have ended, and her kidney function has returned to normal. We are very thankful! She is still on vacuum therapy, so she has a baby-Vacula to carry around.

The baby Vacula

Eric is also glad to have her home! Liam's dance troupe is learning a new production. He continues to learn on-the-job construction skills. Haaken is working on getting his forms submitted for student loans and RESPs. He has a few weeks left in this term of college. 

Erin had a successful Christmas celebration at work, and is now working on the decorations at home. She has her tree up, and they've started to decorate it. Kristian delights in helping with this.

Decorations begin!

His bowling was a bit substandard this morning—more practice is needed! 

Trav and Joanna are very busy trying to get jobs completed and delivered to meet Christmas deadlines. They were glad that the snow waited for our return! Gemma and Andrew continue with school and work. At least they got their Christmas house decorations done early!

Complete—in a minimalist way!

And that's about it for this week!