Thunderstorm!

Another disappointing week, weather-wise, has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. We have had some rain, and some fluffy rain as well! We've also had quite a bit of melting, and we're now seeing some of the grass on the front lawn, but it's nearing the end of April! We should be outside, cleaning up the yard and getting the garden ready. However, last night we had a thunderstorm—the first of the year for us, and that was nice to hear. It brought heavy rains (70mm), and that brought its own issues as you will read about below! They are forecasting more rain, along with a continued warming trend next week—I'll be holding them to that promise! Otherwise, we've had a quiet week. We enjoyed a visit with Dave & Heather early in the week as they stopped overnight on their way to Kingston. On Tuesday, we got our second booster shot of Moderna (fourth in total). We both experienced some pain at the injection site, but no other side effects. We have managed to get out for regular walks; I've increased my distance to 3.5km without any knee flareups, so I'm encouraged. I plan to push it to 5km next week. Wendy has been occupied all week with babysitting Minnie, Mozzie, and the pupsters! That has gone well, except for those occasions that she lets the budgie out to terrorize me! The markets started the week in positive mode, but then central bankers began musing about 0.5% or even 0.75% rate hikes, and investors turned to selling. This week's action has dropped all indices into the red for the year, and I have reduced my holdings to under 40% of my portfolio. It's hard to be patient, but it's necessary. On the Pandemic front, Ontario hospitals are filling, and elective surgeries are being cancelled. In the world of sports the NHL is closing out the regular season, and Oilers have joined Pens and Leafs in the playoffs. At the Players Championship last week, Mouat (Scotland) won the Men's side, while Hasselborg (Sweden) won the Women's. This weekend, the World Mixed Championship began in Geneva with Peterman/Gallant representing us. They won their first game over Germany. MLB season has begun, and my Blue Jays are playing well despite suffering a few injuries. 

Erica writes, "Eric, Liam and Erica returned from Victoria on Monday. It was a good weekend—sorry to say it's been over two years since we've seen the family in BC. We celebrated Easter with turkey and ham and all the fixings, including an apple crumble pie and cheddar cheese. No, it wasn't keto, but we enjoyed it anyway. The weather in PA keeps us on our toes. One day, we think spring might be arriving. And the next day, we find we are sorely mistaken. This up and down weather has been playing havoc with our allergies. I'm coughing, sneezing, blowing my nose and taking covid tests (all negative so far). Eric is scratching and taking his inhaler. Liam is here this weekend and has itchy eyes—fun for the whole family! Greg and his girlfriend Kiersten are here for a visit. She is also a Harry Potter fan so we took in the new Dumbledore movie. If Haaken could have made it out, we would have the whole family. It's been a fun time sharing old stories, and looking at old photos.  Liam and I, and maybe Eric will be on for worship leading this Sunday. This coming week, the Saskatchewan Lipedema Association will be meeting with government to share our ongoing health issues, and provide suggestions on how our health care could better address our needs. We will see if that has any effect."

Erin has remained sick all week with Covid; she still tested a light positive on Thursday, but tried to go to work on Friday. She got part way there, but turned around and went home. She probably should have gotten her booster shot! Kristian has remained covid-free even while he had his Easter break from school. That should make him the chief cook and bottle-washer! However, he seems to have avoided that as well! Skip the Dishes continues to operate! 

Travis and Joanna are in the other TBay—the one in Florida! Gemma has joined them this week. They are enjoying salubrious climes while we suffer and wait for Spring to fully arrive. The thunderstorm last night brought about some basement flooding at their place, so we were busy vacuuming that up this morning. It seems to be from all the rainwater coming down the downspouts and failing to evacuate from beside the house, so it's coming inside! Anyway, it's a bit of mess, but it's looking better tonight. 

And that's about enough for this week.