Bad News!

Another week has passed, and we are now located on the shore of the Red River in Winnipeg! We drove down from Regina on Friday, and plan to continue east to Thunder Bay tomorrow. In the meantime, we're staying with Tom & Mariette—thanks a lot! We spent most of the week in Regina, cleaning up the project at Erin's and saying our good-byes. We packed up the car on Thursday—it is full! Then, we enjoyed a lovely evening around a family supper on Thursday evening, complete with peanut butter ice cream. I got out with Erin and Kristian on Wednesday for a final round of golf. That was fun, Erin played well, better than last time. I managed a +8, which would have been very good for me, if I'd played 18 holes. So, it appears my earlier results were not an aberration, but the "new normal"!

Stylish, but not so effective!

Wendy assures me that I just need to play more! Wendy helped Kristian go through his clothing collection and weed out the stuff that no longer fits. Students and teachers are learning of plans for their return to classes. The plan for Kristian, as he starts high school, is for Quints. They have established 5 terms of around 35 days each during which he will take two classes only, one in the morning, the other in the afternoon. Masks and other precautions are in place with the hopes of avoiding a surge in coronavirus infections. In some situations in the country, classes are already being cancelled as hot spots emerge. We experienced further precautions ourselves, as we were advised not to make our usual coffee break stop in Brandon due to their recent outbreak. The economy is taking a hit all over the world due to the virus. This is most prominent in countries that are not taking it seriously, like USA and Brazil who are seeing over 1000 deaths each day. Central banks are shoring up the money supply with near zero interest rates, so the stock markets are taking this as "bad news is good news". Major job losses threaten in both USA and Canada. We will need the government to continue to step in to assist those who have no viable means of support. I have increased my buy-in to the markets, and enjoyed a full quota this week for the first time this summer. Sports took a hit this week as teams, players and even entire leagues responded to yet another example of race-based police abuse. Most are returning to play this weekend. Stanley Cup playoffs are pushing through the round of eight with my teams all hanging in there. The Blue Jays are on a roll, and have moved into a playoff position in baseball. Golf is in the second last event of the PGA season, but some majors remain to be played. 

Erica writes, "Liam has rented an apartment in Caronport. He is still looking for a job, but has enough savings to carry on for a bit. We pray that one of the jobs in Caronport come though. Not much has gotten done on the house. I’ve been a little under the weather and getting extra sleep. However we did finish the latest Alone Series and are now into Season 1 of Tough as Nails. Haaken has nothing new to report. He says everything is “good”." 

Erin and Kristian hosted us for some meals this week as she was trying out her new air fryer.

Erin Fried Chicken!

It seems to work very quickly and very effectively. She made a lovely pork loin roast one evening. She took Tuesday through Thursday off work, so we enjoyed being able to relax with her. Shawn got an interview with Ranch Ehrlo, but we haven't heard the decision on that opening. Kristian is getting himself ready for grade 9. He has another pet-sitting assignment lined up for next week. 

Travis, Joanna and crew are waiting for us back in TBay. We look forward to seeing them again. I have enjoyed chatting with Trav through a few hockey games, as well as discussing the Pens/Leafs trades. 

And that's about it for this week. 

Too Hot for Me!

Another very hot—too hot—week has passed on the shore of Lake Wascana in the middle of the prairies. I did get out golfing on Monday, as planned, but it was very hot. It was so hot, in fact, that I broke down and rented a power cart to ride the course! What was not hot was my game! Perhaps last week was not an aberration as I shot +26 this time! As always, when I have a poor round, Wendy's advice was, "I guess you'll have to go again!" (Gotta love that woman!) Otherwise, we've had a quiet week, mostly hunkering down in the shelter of the house and the artificial climate of the air conditioner. I did some work over at Erin's, but it was unsatisfactory, so I continue that assignment.

Glue Up

I got the pallet planter pot assembled;

Sanding

Wendy is now sanding in preparation for stain and finishing. It's turning out well.

Stained

Bern/Alicia were out at Rowan's Ravine park on Last Mountain Lake all week. They returned on Friday. Erica and Liam drove down from PA on Sunday, so we enjoyed a hootenanny on Sunday night, and additional banjo-picking from Liam during the week. It was great to spend some time with them, again. Russell and Glenda came over on Sunday night, so we also had Russell's guitar for the shindig. Dave came over to add his voice to the entertainment—it was a great time! The USA indices had a green week, while the TSX traded sideways. I stayed out of the market again! The NHL completed another round of playoffs, so they're down to eight teams. I remain with only the Canucks to cheer for, and Bruins and Flyers to cheer against! I also like Vegas and Colorado, and since Canucks are playing Vegas; that has prospects of a good series for the kind of fast-paced, offensive hockey I like. As predicted, the CFL cancelled the football season. That hurts since the Riders have assembled a good team. The future is plenty murky for football. Baseball continues with frequent Covid-19 delays; the Jays are playing satisfactorily and are currently in a playoff position. 

Erica writes, "Liam and I spent the week in Regina, visiting with Grampa K and the family. We enjoyed the birthday celebrations and a hootenanny organized by Uncle Dave. We returned home on Friday and helped Eric cheer on the Canucks to win their series against St Louis. Go Canucks! Eric is very busy and expected to get even busier. There are more mental health needs due to the pandemic in addition to the new cleaning regiment. Now that they can see people in person again, more clients are coming in. Haaken continues with his work in Victoria and looking for animation jobs. Liam is hoping to find a job on Caronport. He is also on some new medication for his colitis and celiac disease. We hope it causes some improvement!"

Erin has been working all week while also hosting Liam. All gathered here on Monday evening for Erin's birthday celebration.

Happy Birthday!

Liam and Kristian have been enjoying late nights and non-existent mornings most days! In combination with that, we did not get out for any golf practice this week, and, at least one of us needs it! Today, we went over there, as Kristian continues his bbq training. He made us steaks for supper—turned out great! 

Travis, Joanna and crew are holding down operations in TBay. They have been getting some orders in. They received a new batch of distribution envelopes for their Bucket Decals side of the operation. 

New and Improved!

Trav, Joanna and Andrew had Covid tests this week and scored negative results! Well, actually the results were positive as far as we're concerned! Gemma continues with her summer projects and management of our house. This allows us to continue with flexible scheduling, so thanks, Gemma! 

And that's about it for this week.

Carry on!

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Wascana in the middle of the prairies. The weather has been variable—mostly hot—accompanied by multiple thunderstorms. Wendy has been working over at Erin's most of the week. I have assisted with that when it comes to removing/installing electrical plates and other fixtures that might be in the way of a good paint job. I got out golfing on Wednesday with Dale, Garnet and Evan—man, that Evan can hit the ball a long way! I did not play well (+21), so I plan to try that course again on Monday to assure myself that it was just an aberration! I have been working on a round pot from some pallet material I've collected. It is ready for the glue-up, but I can't find my strap clamp, so I'll use dad's.

Ready for Glue-up

Investors determined that Trump's executive orders on stimulus were "unconstitutional slop", so they returned to selling. I am back out of the market, after realizing only a small gain on my last venture. With the Republicans continuing to stand in the way of stimulus legislation, and now taking a holiday, it is hard to be hopeful for economic improvement in the USA in the near term. This heavily influences our markets as well. Covid-19 continues to rage in the USA, so there's also that hanging over our heads. Several provinces, including Saskatchewan, are experiencing an unwelcome surge in cases here as well. The second round of hockey playoffs are underway. After Oilers, Leafs and Pens lost in the first round, I am left with four teams to cheer for: Canucks, and whoever is playing Bruins, Flyers and Flames! The baseball season continues to lurch along, battling Covid-19 outbreaks and suffering postponed games. It remains an open question whether they will manage to complete the season. Blue Jays are showing home run prowess and sit in the middle of the pack. It appears highly unlikely that a football season will be happening for my Riders this year. 

After returning from Manitou Springs, it has been a relatively quiet week for the Baileys. Eric has been working while Liam and Erica have been doing a little around the house (but not nearly enough). They went up to Waskesiu today for some axe throwing. 

Eric has this down pat!

Haaken has applied for a few animation jobs. We hope one comes through soon. Liam has also started applying for jobs in Caronport and Moose Jaw. He is asking for prayers for a job that will fit well into his schedule with the dance team. He is also seeking a suitable accommodation.

Erin has been cleaning up around the house while Kristian is down at Kenosee.

New Trolley for her Air Fryer

Over the course of most of the week, Wendy repaired, primed and repainted the main floor bathroom. It's looking great, but also calling for further decoration! I will attempt to build a new shelf in white; there are also rumours of the little cupboard being repainted—not in my job description!

another Wendy masterpiece!

Kristian remains at Kenosee; he is scheduled to return tomorrow. Photos show him having a good time and getting a sunburn! Careful buddy! 

Travis and Joanna have returned from southern Ontario. The health of her dad continues to decline, creating a growing concern. Travis, Joanna and Andrew await results from Covid testing. Gemma has been holding down the fort at home. 

And that's enough for this week! 

Gettin' Worse!

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Wascana in the middle of the prairies. The weather has continued to be very hot, but I still managed to get out for a couple of golf games. Otherwise it has been pretty quiet here. Wendy has made a few shopping trips getting Kristian lined up for his week at Kenosee, and replenishing our groceries. We've enjoyed a few barbecue suppers from Bern's gas barbecue. Now, more than ever, I can hardly wait to get ours hooked up and end the stress over whether the propane bottle will run out! I have tip-toed back into the market, and managed some gains this week, but not up to quota. The overall situation is not conducive to bullish perspectives. Covid-19 is raging throughout the world, especially in the USA which is doing the worst job of managing it. They're now at 25% of cases and almost 25% of deaths, despite having only 4% of the population. Most of our provinces are managing satisfactorily, but alarming surges are also happening in some locales, and now the pressure to allow the children back to school is threatening the situation further. All provinces are considering how to reopen schools, and none inspire confidence in me. We continue to exercise caution, avoiding public gatherings, while making use of protective practices. Bern and Alicia enjoyed their week at Moose Mountain, and the RV site at Little Kenosee, while also visiting people in the area. I golfed with a former student from Earl Grey on Thursday. It was my first full round of the season, and pretty much met expectations as I scored a +11, which is well within my usual expectations. Then, this morning, a real highlight as I golfed nine holes with Erin and Kristian. This was Kristian's first game on a regular course, and he found it plenty challenging, but he also made many fine shots. Like all golfers, he will have a career of trying to improve his consistency. The Stanley Cup playoffs are nearing the end of the first round, and already some of my favourites have been eliminated. Of the teams I was cheering for, Pens, Oilers and Jets have been eliminated. Leafs are still in it, with a final game tomorrow, while only the Canucks have advanced safely to the round of sixteen, sigh!

Erica writes, "It’s been busy week but we only got a few things done. We still haven’t located our contractors so the work has been on hold (hint: we're on hiatus in Regina). So frustrating! After my first ever presentation at church on Sunday, we had our friends Chris and Shelly Lock visit last Sunday to christen the deck and the new-to-us deck furniture. On Monday, we did a motorcycle ride up to Waskesiu with Tina and Guido Stenske followed by a hike and a fast ride back to beat the rain. It was a beautiful day and a bit less hot up at the lake. One thing you don’t notice when riding a motorcycle is how much sun you are getting, so Tuesday was recovery. Unfortunately, Eric had to do his recovery at work. It has been a hot week so we have kept our work mostly indoors, sorting through old clothes and figuring out what mess to make next. This weekend Eric has taken me away for a vacation to Manitou Springs.

Lovely view at Manitou Springs

I’ve been feeling very homebound with the COVID-19 restrictions. It’s nice to get away if only for a weekend. Liam is in communication with the RU team about plans for the fall. He is looking for appropriate work and a place to stay, hopefully in Caronport. Haaken reports nothing new out in Victoria."

Erin has been busy at work all week, while also arranging things for Kristian's camping trip with his friend Callum and family. They left around noon today, and plan to be at Kenosee all next week. At least we got to golf this morning.

Off for a round of golf!

The young man is very flexible!

Momma? Not so much! Keep that left arm straight!
Old guy? Don't ask!

Maybe we can get Grandma to golf with us next week! 

Travis has joined Joanna in southern Ontario while Andrew has returned home to TBay. Gemma remains in charge, and we're confident she can manage it well. 

And that's about it for this week. 

"Normal" Week!

Another week has passed; the weather has remained hot, and we have adjusted our location to the shore of Lake Wascana in the middle of the prairies. I was just thinking today while out shopping with Wendy, that this has been a pretty normal week of activities. Then, I started to reflect on the events of the week and wondered how I could think such a thing! We completed the project in Prince Albert last weekend, thinking we might head south on Monday or Tuesday. Then, we decided to add the privacy wall, so that took up Monday, but still, ready to go.

Privacy wall installed

However, we were then informed that our hostess had been referred for testing, so she was in isolation and we were stuck in PA until her results came back negative, and much longer if they didn't! So, on Tuesday, Kristian and I went golfing—a great time, and he's hitting his new clubs frighteningly well!

Another classy swing! 

Gismo to get the ball out of the cup

Wendy took a contract to cut down a dead tree in the front yard, so we struggled through that.

Perfectly Safe!

We also took the tourist option and Erica toured us to Waskesiu and the Prince Albert National Park. It was beautiful up there. The golf course looks glorious, but activity level for all attractions seemed very low. There was a fair number on the beach, too many for our comfort, for sure.

Tourists are here!

Then, late Tuesday evening, we got the word of a negative test result, so we completed plans to pack up and go on Wednesday. We enjoyed a pleasant five-hour drive to Regina, where we checked in with Erin and Kristian and took up residence at 55 Laird Crescent. But all was not sweetness and light, as Alicia had been referred for a Covid test here, so she was in isolation awaiting results while we tried to celebrate my 70th birthday! We still managed to have a good time, ice cream cake and steak!

Peanut Butter & Jam Ice Cream Cake

She achieved her negative result on Friday, so we're back in the clear once again. On Friday afternoon, I was able to take part in a Zoom meeting with the siblings in acknowledgement of Daniel & Cindy's 30th anniversary and my 70th birthday. Today, Erin, Kristian and I went out to a nearby golf course to practice a bit. So, it was hardly normal, but a good week all the same! I completed my first ever month out of the market since I began this game about ten years ago. This left me with only a small gain courtesy of dividends, but only about half of my quota. My paper trades continue to work successfully, but the volatility in light of weak economic news and strong infection rates make it hard to stomach. Hockey opened up this week, and playoffs have begun. My Oilers lost their opening game—C'mon Oil! The Pens lost their game this evening in overtime. Then, the Jets lost tonight to complete today's debacle of teams I'm cheering for! Leafs and Canucks open their series tomorrow. 

Eric/A and Liam are back to their normal in PA. Erica admits to some consternation, "The dishes are dirty. There's no bacon and eggs cooked. What's going on? I'm so confused!" Otherwise, not much has happened. Eric and Liam cleaned up the remnants from the tree we took down. Eric/A made a trip to Saskatoon for more supplies. Erica prepared her presentation for tomorrow. They purchased a bread-maker and are trying out a gluten-free recipe tonight. We will see how that works out. 

We also enjoy getting to spend time with Erin and Kristian. They hosted us to a special dinner out at Chops Steak House to commemorate our 50th once again.

That was a nice event. Thanks! 

Joanna and Andrew have spent the week in southern Ontario assisting with the care of Grandpa Herbage. Soon, Andrew will return to Thunder Bay and Travis will join Joanna down south. 

And that's about it for this week.