Hot Times!

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. As promised, the weather moderated during the week, but we're looking at warmer weather again this weekend. At least, we're keeping it below 30°, so it's not like they're suffering under in western Canada. We had a little outing on Sunday to mark our anniversary—just our usual treat at DQ.

51st Anniversary Outing!

I've been able to attend to a few projects outside—the lawns got mowed, and I've begun taking apart the lower deck. The deck job has proved problematic as some of the screws are determined to stay in place! I have resorted to taking out what I can, and then using the reciprocating saw to cut off the recalcitrants. Otherwise, the yard is looking nice even though the heat is drying out the lawns. This morning, Wendy took time to perform another hair cut!

Sheep to the Shearers...

Thanks for the Trim!

I have done the bloodwork in preparation for my final appointment before we can travel west. I didn't notice anything untoward in the report, but then, I'm no doctor! I am awaiting an ultrasound, and an assessment from my oncologist. Dr. Prowse, more aptly named Dr. Sterns, could also be called proctologist or groinicologist (thanks Archie!). We don't chat until July 22nd, at which meeting, I hope he has comforting words for me! Meanwhile, there are no comforting words on the Covid front. The delta variant is widespread and creating particular havoc among those who refuse or are unable to get vaccinated. The lambda variant has also arrived in North America, and scientists are beginning to study it to see what danger it threatens. The world has experienced an 11% surge in cases this week. USA, drifting backwards on vaccinations, shows a 25% increase in cases. Even here in Canada we are seeing our vaccination rates drift, but at least we achieved an 11% reduction in infections. What we are seeing is most jurisdictions in Canada, and even more so in the USA dropping all protections against Covid spread, and we're seeing alarming case rates reported as we surpass the 4 million deaths world-wide. I am confident the actual infection and death data from the pandemic is much higher. As some wag observed, the markets operate on fear and greed. This week was a troubled experience as traders found new things to fear, and new opportunities for greed! Early in the week the fear of inflation was raised, causing a sell-off. Then, they switched to the opposite extreme fearing governments would not do enough to reflate the economy, and that created another sell-off. In between, and again on Friday, greed took its turn, also called FOMO (fear of missing out), and the markets surged—sigh! All told, I managed a green week, but not up to quota. Tampa Bay Lightning struck the final blow against Montreal and won the Stanley Cup 4 games to 1. The Blue Jays continue to perform below my expectations as the hitters are not able to keep up with all the runs the pitchers are giving up! Some new pitchers are arriving, so we have hope! 

Eric has been fighting a skin condition and then, on Tuesday night he had such bad stomach pain that he decided to go to the hospital. It turns out he had another gallstone. Now, he has medication to try to deal with further stones. We haven’t heard much from the boys, and Erica just had a regular week of work. They try to shelter against the severe heat wave in Prince Albert. 

Erin and Kristian continue to shelter from the heat in Regina as well. We hope they get better weather before we consider venturing west! Kristian continues with his UV treatments. We hope to see the improvements when we get there! 

Travis and Joanna are enjoying their newly sheltered deck. They set up a joint celebration of our anniversaries on Thursday evening when they took us out to eat on the patio at the marina. It was great! They are continuing to dog-sit the new dog for her step-mom and look forward to delivering it to Toronto soon. We'll have Minnie while they're away. Andrew was by today to check out the Andrew-on-deck chair, and to pick up a desk table for his new digs. Trav & Joanna are starting to feel like empty-nesters; there's a situation I do not enjoy! 

And that's about it for this week!