A Hot Week!

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Wascana in the centre of the prairies. The weather has turned from summer-like to scorching! I got out for a round of golf with Garnet on Wednesday, but in the heat, we opted for a cart. The game went okay, and the experience was great, especially as we retired to their place in Southey for supper afterwards. Kristian and I got out to the driving range again today as we have a tee-time booked for Monday. Kristian, Wendy and I have been working on the projects, visiting friends and entertaining Taylor cousins who arrived from BC. We suffered another loss this week as an old friend, Russell Knutson, succumbed to the most recent health assault on Friday. He has been in hospital care for the last month or so, but was unable to rally out of it. We are grateful that we got a chance to visit with him these last weeks.

VW Coffee Mugs

Wendy and I posed for Erin's new advertising program courtesy of the lovely YETI coffee cups she got us for our anniversary—thanks! The markets are just flying, so I had a good month there this week! DOW settled over 40K for the first time ever! The Jays continue their struggle, and it appears they will be selling players later this month, sigh! The Riders played a road game in BC in a battle of first place clubs. We're still limited to our backup QB. They put up a good fight, but it turned into their first loss of the season. 

Erica writes, "Eric and I headed to The Big Smoke, aka Toronto, for a friend’s wedding. It is our first full Indian wedding ceremony and it was quite the event. We enjoyed the cultural immersion without the heat of India. The reception was especially fun, with all the family members getting their own introduction and cheer from the crowd. The bridal couple got the addition of towel waving and fireworks. Eric and I also got the chance to do an Indian dance in 360 degrees. What fun! We will get back on Sunday and Liam will be joining us for a visit on Monday. I’ve also been getting ready for a gig with my band, Mystery Train, at Mr Mikes on July 15th." 

Erin and Kristian continue to host us—thanks! The projects are slowly moving forward. Wendy is applying the mud to wall imperfections in the downstairs.

Kristian cut open the wall

Kristian cut out the gyproc, and I am building a storage closet in the hallway. The cat tree is mostly assembled, but a lot of details remain to be added in the form of platforms, scratching rope, and toys. We have also decided to add cardboard scratching surface to the foundation box. Kristian drives me everywhere, and is doing well. I'm expecting him to take his first test soon. Erin continues to acclimate to her new role and assignment—she's doing well, also. 

Gardening in planters

Wendy picked up plants, Erin got them planted, and I got the drip irrigation up and running once again.

Travis and Joanna are managing in the not so torrid temperatures of Thunder Bay. Along with their work, they get out for walks with the boys, and are gradually adjusting to life without Minnie. We text and chat regularly, but it's not the same. 

Anyway, that's it for this week.