Jammin'

Happy Birthday, Scott! 

Scott jammin' with the Gord Bamford Band

Another week has passed and we're on the road again. I completed my IV antibiotics on Tuesday night, and they have switched me to the pill form of the same antibiotic, Cephalexin. My hand is nearly back to normal, and we have begun our trip west. On Thursday, we toured by Outlook to check out Husbandry Farms, and to get a haskap milkshake—sadly, no milkshakes were available! We visited the Great Sand Hills of Saskatchewan, climbed a sand dune, and continued to Brooks AB that day. We backtracked through the spectacular Dinosaur Provincial Park on Friday. Then, we toured the Royal Tyrell Museum in Drumheller. Lots of fossils and displays, we'd love to tour more in the Park if we get a chance.

Dinosaur Provincial Park

Triceratops

We arrived at Scott & Dolly's in Sherwood Park on Friday evening to find mad preparations underway for the birthday party which is the featured event this weekend. Dolly has arranged for a live band who will bring Scott on as a joint performer—a special experience for him. It was great! The markets endured trepidation through most of the week as the FED threatened and then went through with another rate hike. However, the USA economy was not to be held back as Bidenomics prevailed, and we got some late week recovery, although not up to quota. "More good news today for Bidenomics, as the gross domestic product report for the second quarter showed annualized growth of 2.4%, higher than projected, and inflation rose at a slower pace of 2.6%, down from last quarter and well below projections. Economic analyst Steven Rattner noted that as of the second quarter, 'the US economy is over 6% larger than it was before COVID (after adjusting for inflation).'" In the world of sports, the Blue Jays completed a west coast tour, and have returned home still holding down a playoff spot. The Riders have not been so successful and dropped another game today to Toronto. C'mon Riders! 

Eric and Erica are making their own preparations for travel. Today, they took in a wedding in their friends' family. 

Section 1 done!

After we got the first section of carpet laid on the stairs, Erin bid us good bye, and is now celebrating the empty nest with her cats. Kristian is travelling with us. 

Travis, Joanna and crew remain in Thunder Bay. They report that things are progressing satisfactorily with house and lawn!! 

And that's enough for this week! 

Handsies!

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown, but we are on the road! We drove up to Winnipeg on Monday where we enjoyed the hospitality of Tom & Mariette—thanks folks! Tom and I golfed on Tuesday at Quarry Oaks. I took a cart, but walked several holes as I'm trying to test out and build up my walking performance. The front nine was not good, but overall the game went well, and I had very little discomfort the next two days, so I'm encouraged.

Swollen & Warm

We drove over to Regina on Wednesday, and then an uncomfortable adventure began! I don't know what happened, but it looked like I had an insect bite at the base of my right thumb. There was some swelling at supper, and it felt itchy, so I took my Reactine (antihistamine), but it was even more red and swollen in the morning. I took another Reactine, again without any noticeable improvement as we took in Dave's birthday party on Thursday afternoon. Another of my nursing nieces, Ashley, was there, so she looked it over and said I need to go to emergency and get that looked at. So, we went to emergency at 7pm, but were deemed not to be much of an emergency, so we didn't get to see a doctor until 3am. She deemed it a serious infection (as did I!), and prescribed an IV antibiotic. So, I got my first dose then, and a second dose Friday at midnight, and so on through Tuesday night. I feel that the spread has finally been arrested. It got as high as the elbow of my right arm. The hand remains quite swollen, and the skin itches from the pressure. Anyway, all this has taken away from our project work. Fortunately, before the swelling, I was able to get the carpet and underlay removed from the stairwell. Kristian, Erin and Wendy cleaned out the smooth edge and all the staples, so, the stairwell is ready for the new carpet to be installed. In the meantime, while I am sidelined, Wendy is preparing for the bathroom painting project. The markets have performed well again this week, as the USA economy is showing signs of avoiding the FED-inspired recession. And yet, the FED threatens another rate hike next week—sigh! The Blue Jays have come out of the All-Star break with a spurt, but have dropped the first two in Seattle this weekend. However, they are holding down a playoff position. Riders played in Vancouver today against the Lions. It was a loss, but a good effort by the Riders! 

Erica writes, "It has been just another week in Prince Albert. We have been picking various locations around town to explore, just to get out and about each day. On Friday, we went to see Oppenheimer. It’s a very interesting movie—and some of it might even be true."

Erin and Kristian are back in hosting mode! This week it's the grandparents who have moved into the basement room. The garden is thriving, and we're munching tomatoes and strawberries every day. This morning, Erin harvested the first of her peppers for her breakfast and pronounced it excellent! 

Travis and Joanna are taking care of things back in Thunder Bay. Thanks guys! We miss the regular get togethers for cards, but Wendy and I try to keep in practice! 

And that's about enough for this week. 

Markets back to green!

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. The weather has continued to be great; we're enjoying yard work, and I've managed regular excursions to the golf course. The local course allows you to pay/play by the hole, so I even played three holes on Thursday evening. That went okay, and my back did not complain afterwards. I keep doing my exercises, and continue to make some small progress. I definitely think I could walk nine holes. Wendy has completed her dental repairs. She cut my hair on Wednesday, and liked that so much, she got her own hair cut this weekend. She is not delighted with her results—should have used my cutter! With the yard in pretty good shape, but kind of hate to leave it behind, but we're leaving it in good hands, so it should be fine when we get back. The markets were buoyed by big improvements in inflation and consumer confidence numbers in the USA—thanks, Uncle Joe. As a result, we made some good gains this week, and recovered from the interest rate hike mania of last week. Baseball was off most of the week for the annual All-Star game. Blue Jay Vladdy Jr joined his father as Home Run King—nice! The Jays have returned from the break with two wins to open the second half, and are currently sitting in a playoff position. Riders played Calgary this week. It was tough sledding as usual, and this time the Stamps got a last second field goal for the win. And, to add injury to insult, our QB was injured and knocked out of the game! 

Erica writes, "We made a quick trip to Regina last weekend to visit with Travis and Erin. Liam joined us and we had a small family reunion. Travis extended an invitation for the Wednesday night AEW event and I drove down to Saskatoon to enjoy that. What a crazy, fun spectacle that is! On Friday night, our friends Guido and Tina, invited us for a drive; we did some drive by shooting of cottages. Unfortunately, none of us are independently wealthy, yet! Liam seems to be doing a lot better on his new eye drops. We are looking forward to a visit with Haaken in a few weeks. Greg and Kirsten are coming for Thanksgiving."

Erin and Kristian hosted Travis most of the week and took in AEW events in Regina and Saskatoon. Seems like they had fun! Otherwise, work and summer holidays are proceeding as expected. We're looking forward to checking out their garden next week. Erin has been putting in extra time and effort at work as some others are taking a holiday. 

AEW Saskatoon

Gemma and Jonas were here most of the week, but have now flown back to Vancouver. Jonas is now in a PhD program at UBC, while Gemma is working a couple of jobs and getting ready to start classes in September towards a Bachelors of Midwifery (seems that shouldn't be called a Bachelors). Trav was out in Saskatchewan most of the week having family time with his sisters and nephew. They took in two AEW events in Regina and Saskatoon, respectively, and had a good time. He got back yesterday. We'll just have time for a brief catch up before we head west ourselves. 

And that's about it for this week. 

Summer Fun

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. The weather has continued to be great, no 30° days, and several nice showers. Sadly, the forest fires continue, and we are still under a burning ban. We may remain there until Fall, sigh! Anyway, the lawns are doing well, but are requiring too frequent cutting. I've completed another picking from the rhubarb patch, and along with more in the freezer, we are enjoying a batch of rhubarb/strawberry crisp. I've been out for golf practice regularly, and hope to get in a bit of golf before we head west. The spinal stenosis keeps barking at me, but I haven't been experiencing leg pains for some months now. Wendy is in the throes of dental work. She had a major cavity issue that showed up when they started preparing the neighbouring tooth for a crown. That work should be completed next week after one more appointment.

Bill, Travis, Andrew
Gemma, Wendy, Joanna, Rosie

Scandinavian Pizza? But of course!

On Sunday afternoon, we drove down to Grand Marais MN with Travis, Joanna and family. A bit of shopping, a lot of touristing, and lunch at Sven & Ole's Pizza—that was great!

Double Peonies!

We celebrated our 53rd Anniversary on Tuesday. The peonies have burst into bloom as they did 53 years ago for our wedding, and as they usually do this time of year. Wendy brought in a bouquet for us to enjoy. The markets struggled through a shortened week. With only the USA open on Monday, and only Canada open on Tuesday, it was basically a three-day week. When the FED dropped their minutes on Wednesday, they terrified investors with their insistence on more rate hikes. Then, Biden's way-too-strong economy pushed the issue further on Thursday and Friday. Uncle Joe has now presided over the greatest job creation of any president in USA history while also decreasing the deficit by a record amount, and increasing wages even while inflation continues to cool! Investors were convinced of more rate hikes, and all indices lost value this week. Football continued with the Riders playing a lack-lustre affair against Edmonton and escaping with a win. Blue Jays ran off a 4-game win streak, but came crashing back to earth today while being no-hit by Detroit. 

Erica writes, "Eric and I enjoyed a long weekend for Canada Day. We spent July 1st with our friends and planned to enjoy the fireworks as well, but a storm blew in. We got a lot of rest and caught up on sleep. We had a 3-day work week and that seemed just about right. Eric met with the University of Saskatchewan about a possible sessional lecturer position. He is hoping that pans out as he has really enjoyed his teaching opportunities. Liam saw the eye specialist who has referred him for additional testing and different eye drops. Eric has also been referred to an eye specialist, so, we wait to hear what they see.

Saved by your friendly neighbourhood...

Liam met Spider-Man in Moose Jaw! We enjoyed the new Indiana Jones movie on Friday. Not much to report from Haaken or Greg."

Kristian is now fully engaged in summer holidays following his Grandpa's adage of, "Rest in the morning, take it easy in the afternoon!" Travis arrived in Regina this week, so Kristian has taken on the hosting duties associated with that! They took in their first AEW (wrestling) event this evening. 

Travis, Joanna, Gemma, Andrew & Rosie included us in an outing to Grand Marais. That was great fun! It was good to catch up with Gemma who is home briefly from Vancouver. She will start the Midwifery program in September. Jonas is home as well; he's in doctoral studies now at UBC. Andrew begins his paramedic studies at Con College in the Fall, while Rosie continues with her nursing studies through the summer. 

And that's enough for this week. 

Happy Canada Day!

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. The weather has been great with some more showers and pleasant temperatures. I'm always a bit relieved when we stay below 30°, although I begin to be uncomfortable once it hits 25°. Today, we celebrate Canada. Like all other countries, there are many ways that it could be better, but I am still proud to be Canadian, and count many of my blessings as due to being born in this country. I can think of only one other country where I'd rather live, and, unfortunately, New Zealand is a long way away!

Golf shirts, Greens Fees, Nice!

Last Sunday was Father's Day, and my children treated me to a set of three golf shirts, and a jar of green fees to make use of them! Thank you, very much! The lawns are enjoying the extra rain. I have done some reseeding on the front lawn, and the new grass is coming along. I may cut it next week. Otherwise, I've been trying to keep up with the weeds and watching the rhubarb; it appears that is is ready for a third picking any day. Wendy has determined to buy some strawberries and has commissioned me to make a strawberry/rhubarb crisp from this next picking. The markets struggled forward all week, and I ended with quota for the month of June to close out another quarter. Nasdaq experienced its best half-year ever with a gain of 31.7%. S&P500 managed 15.9%, also excellent production, while TSX and DOW languished at just under 4%, which is actually a good gain in itself, although pale in comparison to the big winners. The Riders have the bye this week, so all I can cheer for in the other games is low-scoring and lots of injuries!! LOL! Blue Jays continue to flounder their way along and at the All-Star break are not even holding on to a playoff berth. C'mon Jays! 

Erica writes, "We enjoyed a wonderful and crazy trip to Regina on Monday to see Amanda Marshall. She has such an amazing voice. We arrived an hour early and I thought for a moment that I could go visit Grampa. Then, I remembered that he is gone. This week has been busy with files due at the end of June. I’m also tired and ready for a long weekend. Eric picked up a kit to test his sleep this week. According to his Apple Watch, he didn’t get much sleep that night, so we expect that he failed his test! We hope it provides the information they need to help him. We don’t have much else to report on this week."

Kristian has finished grade 11 at school. It was pretty low key final week; Kristian feels he did well in the exams. Erin treated him to an Extreme Pita supper, and Swirl for dessert. The heat continues to produce thunder storms, but so far they've escaped damage to the garden. The spinach has not come back yet, perhaps they cropped it too severely. Tomatoes, peppers, peas and cucamelons are developing nicely. Onions and carrots are months away from picking. 

Trav was in Toronto most of the week; he got back yesterday. He took in the Blue Jays and several AEW wrestling events while he was there.

Happy Rosie Day!

We celebrated Rosie's birthday. She cooked spaghetti with meat balls and tomato sauce for us. I built an ice cream cake, and Wendy made cupcakes. Due to cultural differences, I don't think Rosie has ever had such a birthday celebration before. In her Vietnamese culture, babies are considered one year old when they are born, and they are deemed two years old at their next birthday which is celebrated in connection with Lunar New Year, and, of course, that date changes each year. Joanna came over to play cards one night, and we enjoyed that visit, too. 

And that's enough for this week!