Not Quite as Expected!

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. The weather was lovely early in the week, but has turned to more seasonal albeit less comfortable conditions. We had a wild rain storm on Thursday, and even heard of snow at higher elevations away from the Lake. Now, they're predicting day time highs of only a few degrees above zero for the next few days. Wendy continued with deck-board staining, but remains with one batch left to go! She is enjoying having in-person singing practise with the Barbershoppers each week. They have tight restrictions, including full vaccination and singing with masks, but it seems to be going well. I have continued to work on my game project. 

Box Glue-Up

When Trav and I played a game, he automatically called, "Quatro" when he won, so I've determined to rename the game. It is officially called Quarto (fourth), but I agree Quatro (four) is a better call for a game where you have to get four players in a row to win.

Quatro Playing Pieces

Today, I've begun testing transfer methods for the lettering on the game board. Otherwise, I have continued my curling practice sessions, and I'm getting more comfortable. I begin league play on November 22nd. The markets had a troubled start to the week as investors flinched while awaiting the CPI data. Their fears were confirmed on Wednesday, but they promptly turned it around and had great gains on Thursday and Friday—go figure! As a result, I was able to recover value, and have achieved quota for the month already. Covid is surging again. World-wide and USA cases are up 8% this week, and we're up 14% here. However, many provinces are improving their results, and now only Manitoba and Saskatchewan are rated as out-of-control. The football season is coming to an end, so playoff positions are getting locked in. Riders have confirmed their home playoff game with a win over Edmonton today—yay Riders! In college football, #8-Sooners took a big loss in a tough road game at #13-Baylor—first loss of the season for Sooners. Longhorns and #10-Cowboys played unranked teams. The Cowboys won comfortably, as expected, but the Longhorns somehow found a way to give KU their second win of the season! Basketball season has begun, and my Jayhawks have been ranked #3 to start the season. They've launched with three wins—Rock Chalk! Oilers and Leafs continue to play well, while Pens continue to suffer from injury and illness. Crosby is back from Covid protocol today, so we hope to see him playing soon. Brad Gushue completed the National curling tournament last week with a big win over Mouat. This week's curling feature in the Mixed Championship. It is heartening to see the Yellowknife team playing well, and having good success—finish strong guys! They've advanced to the medal round in first place. 

Eric/A enjoyed the first snowfall of the season in Prince Albert.

Snow No Go!

Erica complained that the newly installed back gate was malfunctioning,

Eric to the Rescue!

but Eric shovelled it clear! One day—no snow, by the end of the next day—a foot of the white stuff! Erica is on a girls trip this weekend with her friends Tina and Lori to an undisclosed location. They're enjoying some Christmas shopping and farm and crafters' markets. They also took in a dinner theatre with a musical production based on 80s music. It has been fun. Eric/A are still trying to decide what to do for Christmas. They would really like to see all their boys, but don’t think that is going to happen. 

Erin and Kristian are helping Shawn celebrate his birthday with an Oreo and Candy cheesecake, as soon as he gets some time off. He also received a new Christmas Tree—don't know if Kristian will approve of it being displayed yet! Kristian is continuing his UV treatments and achieving good improvement over his eczema. Kristian had his audiologist appointment and has picked out his next hearing aids—black with green moulds. He is also looking forward to starting curling on Monday. Snow has arrived in Regina as well, but Erin got her snow tires installed, so she's feeling confident! What about other drivers who don't have snow tires installed?! 

Trav and Joanna completed their jobs early in the week, and on Thursday, they drove down to Minneapolis for the weekend. We've been hosting Minnie (dog) and Mozzie (budgie) while they're away. We're hoping they remain safe on the drive, and in relation to the raging covid situation in Minnesota. I guess we'll have to isolate for a week after they get back. 

And that's about enough for this week.