News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. After a frigid weekend, we had a few nice days, but now we're back in the deep freeze with temperatures in the -30° range. Our car battery was not happy with the cold last weekend, so we're wondering whether five years might be a bridge too far for car batteries even in Thunder Bay. We usually felt three years was about all we could expect of car batteries in Yellowknife. While we've been occupied with several agendas this week, we have also made some progress on the kitchen renovations. We've started our regular schedule of dental cleanings at Confederation College; that always takes longer because these students are also taking training while doing the assignment. My Spanish classes continue two nights each week; it's quite challenging, but I'm enjoying it as well. The markets have been wild and weak this week as turmoil in the US government has combined with Trump-inspired trade wars to degrade economic prospects around the world. Trump has finally caved on the Mexican wall funding, so the US government is reopening. I hope that will spell better prospects for next week. The Canadian Junior Curling championships are running this week. On the women's side, BC will play Alberta in the final tomorrow, while on the men's side it'll be BC playing Manitoba. NHL is off for its all-star break, so not much game action took place this week. Oilers limped into the break, and promptly fired their general manager. That means they've fired both coach and gm this season—not the marks of a team that's going well! Kansas was dropped to #9 in the rankings. They managed to win early in the week, but dropped today's game to arch-rival #8 Kentucky. For no known reason, this evening's game between these two high profile programs was not televised to me! I expect this loss will lead to further degrading in their ranking. 

Erica spent part of this week in Regina. Her latest medical check has freed her of her vacuum dressing, and she's glad to be free from tubes and machines! She still has dressings on both legs, but they are now like big bandages. She got to spend time with Erin and Kristian while she was in Regina, and that was good as well. She checked in to 55 Laird to pick up the door, some Mexican vanilla, and hugs all around. Eric discovered the programmable thermostat requires batteries. Fortunately, he figured this out when the house was down to about 15°, and not when it froze up! Liam is home this weekend, playing drums. He continues to look for work in Moose Jaw. Haaken continues with college in Victoria. 

Erin and Kristian hosted Auntie Erica this week. They have also carried on with their usual school and work commitments. Kristian's bowling today was not quite up to average—better luck next week, buddy! 

Trav and Joanna got back from 30° in Punta Cana, and are really not enjoying the -30° here! However, there were several jobs to get done, so they've had to get back into harness quickly. One special memory of Punta Cana was a painting they bought. Travis got it mounted on a canvas frame and hung on their living room wall. It looks fabulous! 

Looks great, guys!

And that's about enough for this week.