Golf!

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. The weather has remained beautiful and we have been out regularly on our bikes, and to the golf course. I walked my first 9-hole game today—my back got tired, but functioned as expected and without pain. That's quite an improvement from last year when the best I managed was three holes! Wendy is back from her competition in Rochester MN. Here's a link that may let you see their performance there. 

Sounds of Superior - 2024

She has been suffering a Spring cold this week, and has also suffered the Buckley's Mixture antidote! It was another big week in music for us as Silver Sound had our concert last night. It went well, and our guest soloist was spectacular. I have managed a bit more work in the shop, and have another project nearing the finish line. The markets flipped back to the green side this month, and that has carried us to some nice gains. The NHL playoffs continue. Stars advanced as I predicted, so just Winnipeg let me down in Round 1. Now, I have Oilers, AVs, Rangers and Panthers in Round 2, so we'll see how that plays out. 

Erica writes: "I’ve spent half the week trying to get better and the other half muddling through a Spring cold. Fun times—not! Eric has been learning some chords and songs on the mandolin. Pretty soon we will need to schedule a hootenanny at 55 Laird if Uncle Dave will host us. We also got word that Greg is in the hospital. Some tests indicate heart trouble and others indicate no such thing. So, we wait for more tests to be held in Thunder Bay. We pray that he is okay. No word from Liam or Haaken this week. Eric is hoping his Canucks get through this next round of the playoffs, however if the sportscasters (and my dad) are to be believed, the Oilers are the heavy favourites!" 

Erin and Kristian are enjoying the change of seasons in Regina. While Kristian responded well in recovery from the staph infection of a couple of weeks ago, his longer term skin issues remain, so they are considering taking part in an experimental regime targeted on that issue. Erin had her first solo monthend at VW/Audi; it was a big learning experience, but she's feeling great about how it went. 

Travis and Joanna are back to their usual work protocols, but are also remaining quite busy. They are in the process of replacing some furniture, and while some of the pieces have vacated, they are taking advantage of the clearance to do some repainting. 

And that's enough for this week. 

May the Fourth Be With You!

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. It has been a busy week and with the showery weather I only got over to the range twice. I had physiotherapy on Monday; he was well-pleased with my progress and prescribed a few trips to the driving range, and two rounds of golf before my next appointment—gotta love that! Wendy has been taking care of Minnie while Travis & Joanna are away. She is also very busy with Sweet Adelines chorus practices and preparation as they headed south on Thursday for a competition and performance in Rochester MN. I expect her back on Sunday evening. They won the trophy in their division again this year! 

with the Trophy! 

We are also both in final rehearsals for our Silver Sound concert scheduled for next Friday evening. I have managed a bit of project work in the shop this week. The lawns are ready for their first cut; the rhubarb and other perennials are developing nicely. The markets closed off a losing month of April, but have begun May with nice green days. USA jobs data was weaker than expected so investors have raised their expectations of a rate cut, and increased the equity buying. The first round of NHL playoffs is nearing completion, with just one series remaining to be decided. I have only lost one of my first round picks so far. I hope the Stars can win their game 7 tomorrow. It's time to consider the four second-round series. I'm seeing my Oilers advancing again to face the AVs in the Western final. I'm looking for Panthers and Rangers to move on to the Eastern final. The Blue Jays are not flying well, now one month into the baseball season. Starting pitching is going well, but the bullpen and the hitting are failing us. 

Happy Birthday, Eric!

Erica writes, "Eric’s appointment on Monday provided us with a plan for his eye. He will get a treatment with vitamin D to harden the lens; then, they will do lasik to shave down the cone to reshape the eye. After all that he will need to get a new prescription for his glasses. I don’t know why they can’t just fix that at the same time. We followed up the appointment with a visit to the music store and Eric picked up another instrument for his birthday gift—a mandolin. I’m fighting a cold."

Erin and Kristian returned from Florida on the weekend, and got back into their Regina routines. Kristian reports that his infection is now behind him and that he's doing well. He has an appointment with the dermatologist next week to consider a new drug trial for his chronic skin problems. 

Travis and Joanna spent the week in Tampa Bay. They enjoyed this week with Lorraine and Pamela, and have now returned to Toronto. We expect them back tomorrow evening. They sold their dining room set this week; Max and I assisted by dismantling it and helping the new owner load it up. 

And that's about it for this week.