Delta 👍🏼, Markets 👎🏻

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Wascana in the middle of the prairies. The weather has remained temperate until today when we sweltered in 34°! I got out golfing with Dale on Wednesday. It was quite windy, and we struggled for control even more than usual; but, we still had fun! I've really enjoyed having so many golf games this summer with Kristian, Erin, Dale, Tom and Garnet. I have completed my library chair project to the dry-fit stage, and Wendy is painting it now, then I'll do the glue-up. I've done a few projects at 55 Laird for Dad. September is living down to its historic reputation as the worst month for the markets. The surging delta variant is bringing an economic slowdown, and all markets descended into the red for the month. I have three holdings nearing their stops, so I need things to turn around starting on Monday! We need the USA to get that stimulus package passed. As noted last week, the delta variant is running rampant among the unvaccinated. Alberta and Saskatchewan are running above 350 cases/day/million, and have, finally, taken note and imposed restrictions, but that will take some weeks before we see any beneficial effects. Meanwhile, USA is running at almost 400 cases/day/million—four times the "under-control" figure, and some states are over 1000! The Blue Jays have played themselves back into a playoff position, but it'll be close, probably right down to the end of the regular season. The Riders put up a spirited effort last night and beat Toronto. It was great to see an effective running game! In college football, my #3-Sooners won. OSU-Cowboys and UT-Longhorns remain unranked after their season starts, but they won today, the 'Horns in a blowout, so that may get them some consideration. 

Eric & Erica have enjoyed exploring in Germany. They flew back to Canada on Friday. The day was considerably extended as they left in early morning and arrived in the evening in Saskatoon. They'll be some time adjusting to all those time zone changes after a month in Europe. Of course, Erica continues a longer process of healing from her most recent surgeries; that will take some time as well. 

The big feature of the week was Kristian's 16th birthday!

Happy 16th! 

Much planning, organizing and shopping was required to pull it all together. Mom and Grandma ensured that it was a good time, and the party continued today as Astrid and Liam spent the day at their condo. And, since one of his prizes was a golf date with Mom and Grandpa scheduled for tomorrow—the beat goes on! 

Travis & Joanna have cleaned out their production office, and Gemma & Rhys are planning how to make use of it for their studies. Otherwise, life continues as usual for them, and they're getting encouraged about the likelihood of a hockey season this year. Gemma and Rhys have some in-person classes, some on-line ones. Rhys could do without the on-line work! They helped via FaceTime to dismantle the irrigation system to protect it from the potential for early frost. Thanks guys! 

And that's about it for this week!