Catching Up!

Another week has passed and we have returned to my hometown on the shore of Lake Superior. The weather is beautiful here with temperatures reaching the mid twenties each day, and an occasional shower or thunder storm. We are glad to be home. There are a lot of things to catch up on here, and I also want to catch up on my reporting of things done in Saskatchewan, and during our trip east. We completed a lot of stuff at Erin's place.

First time doing round corners

This is an update of the storage closet, Wendy will paint it later. Wendy has a number of photos on her facebook posting. You can't access them unless you have a facebook id, so I'll post some of them below. 

Dad/Mom Krogsgaard

Before leaving Regina, we also took time to decorate Wendy's parents' plaque. We drove to Carman on Saturday where we moved in with Glen & Kim—thanks folks. On a very hot Sunday afternoon, Glen and I braved the heat to play a round of golf. There is a nice course at Carman, and we enjoyed the event. Then, on Monday, we drove home, arriving here about 7:30, and glad to be home again. Since then, we have been catching up on housework, yard work, and rest! I have begun repairing the side fence and, as usual, more issues crop up as I work on that. Wendy has attacked the undergrowth, overgrowth, and weeds! Another week should see most of those assignments behind us. Wendy had her cataract appointment on Tuesday; she has a follow-up for laser touch-up later this month. I had my dental appointment on Wednesday. He assessed that there is a lot of work to do, and began with 16 X-rays, and an initial filling. There is much more work to do, including the replacement of my partial plate. The markets completed another very good month as the USA inflation data and growth numbers came in better than expected—thanks, Uncle Joe! Now, we face the (historically) worst month for the markets so it'll be a challenging time. Riders play their traditional Labour Day Classic against the Bombers this weekend. The young guys for the Jays are getting their chance to prove their value, and are doing well. College Football began this weekend with big wins by my #16-Sooners, and by the #4-Longhorns. I'm expecting the Horns to thrive this season and advance to the playoffs. 

Erica wrires, "We spent the first part of the week recovering from our kayak adventure. It was fun, and we also enjoyed the water. But we used muscles we aren’t used to using. There is a cabin for sale at the lake and we checked out the listing a few times, but not sure we want to tie ourselves up like that. We enjoy going different places. Our new shed arrived on Friday in 3 large and very heavy boxes. We are heading to the Rider game so we will need to set up the shed next week! Some friends from Kenora are joining us for the game and for some visiting as well. Liam and Mercedes finished up a week of boot camp. Liam reports that Saturday will be his rest and recuperation day. Our neighbour, Elizabeta, finally has a next step for her aching knees. She will go in on Wednesday to have a scope done. She is nervous, but also glad to be doing something. We’ve been helping her get ready this week, and praying that everything goes smoothly for her. Nothing new from Haaken, Greg and Kiersten."

Erin and Kristian are back to their usual activities after the months of looking after us. Thanks guys! We're hoping that Kristian can get a job, soon. His resume is all spruced up, and he has begun making applications. He continues his practice driving in preparation for his next test. Erin continues to experience greater ease in her new assignment—so proud! 

Minnie

Travis and Joanna welcomed us home. It was good to catch up with them as well. On Tuesday, we had a come and go memorial time over the loss of their little dog. On Friday, we had our standard pizza and cards evening—thanks guys! 

And that's enough for this week. 

Heading East

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Wascana in the centre of the prairies, but today finds us leaving Regina behind, and beginning our trek home. We watching the memorial service for my brother Verner today as the family held that in Dallas. Thank you family for including we far flung members of the family in the occasion. We have completed what we could at Erin's, but we've run out of time while there remains more painting and refurbishing to do.

Lucy trying out the tree

Kristian and I assembled the Cat Tree on Wednesday—now, we wait to see how they'll make use of it. Wendy completed her painting on Thursday, and then we spent yesterday cleaning up, and packing. This morning, we headed east and have stopped for a visit with Glen & Kim, in Carman—thanks folks! The markets have taken a decidedly good turn after a troubled week as the FED has finally agreed that there will be a rate cut in September. In sports it was more of the same ol' as the Jays play the young hopefuls with varying degrees of success, while the Riders lose a game they should have won. 

Erica writes, "We have restarted our keto diet this week. Erica is finding it reduces her inflammation (but Eric was sick day one). Erica’s band played at Mt St Joe’s. On Friday, Eric attended the Wizard of Oz while Erica had her book club.  Today, we tried out our kayaks at Redberry Provincial Park. That went okay, but we found it took more energy than we had to give! We have a date for Eric’s eye treatment now; it will be September 10th."

Erin and Kristian completed their summer of hosting us, and now have their house back with some improvements. We certainly enjoyed spending the time with them, although we struggled to get as much done on the projects as we would have wished. I was delighted to see Kristian become a good driver, and feel confident he will soon get his driver's licence. He has also pushed forward with his job search; we hope that meets with success as well. 

Travis and Joanna have prepared a memorial activity for Minnie. We look forward to getting home, reuniting with them and taking part in the commemoration. 

And that's enough for this week! 

Remembrances

Erin's Birthday Golf - 2024

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Wascana in the centre of the prairies. The weather has been nice, but we've been bothered by wildfire smoke from the fires in western Canada. We have continued our slow progress on the downstairs renovations. The closet is pretty much complete and Wendy is preparing that for painting as well. I have completed the edge banding, so the shelves are ready to install as well.

Aunt Grace - 99 years

On Sunday, we visited Bengough and Ogema. We are able to visit Aunt Grace, and have supper with cousin Joanna & Mac. On Wednesday, we drove down to Weyburn to visit our longtime friends Kerry & LaVonne and get new tires installed on the car. Kerry and I got out for 18 holes and enjoyed that a great deal.

Dad & Mom

Wendy & I took advantage to get down to Hillcrest Cemetery and decorate the headstone of Mom & Dad. The rest of my family will be gathering next week in Dallas to commemorate the passing of my second brother, Verner. We both have medical appointments in Thunder Bay, but we're making plans to travel south later. On Thursday, Kristian had his drivers' test. The examiner opined that Kristian did not hold his shoulder checks long enough, so he refused to award him his licence—we opined that that was absurd! On Friday, Erin, Kristian and Dale joined me for a round of golf in honour of Erin's birthday. That was the most enjoyable day of the summer so far for me. Wendy and I are finally overcoming our summer colds—it has been a long battle. Economic data in the USA combined with better than expected inflation data to turn the markets around, and it was a good green week. Investors are now betting that a FED rate cut is certain for September. The football season has now moved to the halfway point and Riders are in first place in the West, but they blew their opportunity to knock off the East leading Alouettes when our kicker had a brutal night last night. The Blue Jays continue to play out the string of this baseball season. 

Erica writes, "Eric’s work managed to fill most of his week. He was supposed to be off this week recovering from eye surgery, but now, he will need those sick days later, once we figure out when and what is later. We are in Sherwood Park this weekend for Margaret’s second annual backyard party. Margaret has generously invited us to stay with her in her newly renovated basement. The carpet is wonderful! Liam and Mercedes are celebrating one year of dating this weekend. We haven’t heard much from Greg & Kiersten or Haaken."

Travis & Joanna continue to manage things in Thunder Bay. We're expecting to get back there next weekend. They have been very busy, but now they've trained Darby to manage his own treats, so that frees up some time! 

Darby—Skilful!

And that's about it for this week.

This and That, To and Fro!

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Wascana in the centre of the prairies. The weather has moderated and we have enjoyed the comfortable temperatures. Kristian and I have been out driving regularly, including two runs in the Drivers' Test route. He did great! His test is scheduled for the coming week. Otherwise, Wendy has continued her paint preparations downstairs and in the stairwell. I have continued to work on the closets, and they are ready for paint now as well. I have cut the shelving, and have now begun ironing on the edge-banding. This morning, Erin, Kristian and I got out to the driving range as we prepare for a family round of golf next week for Erin's birthday.

Ray & Ellen Diamond Anniversary

Wendy and I were down to Kennedy on Sunday to celebrate the 60th Anniversary for Ray & Ellen—that was a fun time! Today, we drove to Caronport to see Liam's dance troupe presentation—I was exhausted just watching! The markets have been wild all week with large whipsaws representing the largest gains and drops of recent years. As mentioned, the latest conundrum is a common one—the FED. The markets hate the indecision and wavering messages. So, we've endured a week of back and forth with the most recent rumour being that the FED would do a large cut in September—sigh! For an organization that is supposed to be in charge of smooth economic sailing, they certainly are not. At least with the arrival of the Harris/Walz team, the Trump Slump has been, at least temporarily, forestalled, but we don't expect quiet waters until at least after the USA election. In the world of sports, the Riders played to an irritating tie against Ottawa. The Blue Jays are trying out their replacement players and achieving somewhat better results than before. 

Erica writes, "Monday was a holiday. I practised with my band in the morning and we went to another band Monday night: Billy Idol, with opening act of Platinum Blonde. Each played all of the songs we knew, and then some. I happened upon some last minute tickets and we landed ourselves in the 4th row, Centre. I am surprised to note that Billy can still rock. Wednesday, I took Eric to Saskatoon for eye surgery. He got all the prep work done, only to discover that they can’t do the surgery. So now he is referred back to his physician. Eric spent the rest of the week trying to get a new date for the basic procedure, but everyone is on holidays. We are feeling a bit frustrated, but hoping that the end result will be good. With a couple days off, Eric started rearranging the downstairs and figuring out how to have room for everyone at Christmas! I have a gig this Saturday with my band, out at Christopher Lake."

Erin has been making good progress on her first solo month end at VW, and I feeling much more secure in the process. Today, she went to the driving range with Kristian and me—everyone, except Grandpa, driving it over 200 yards. Kristian hosted a going-away party today for one of his friends who is moving to Calgary. As I mentioned, I laud generosity, and Kristian was certainly generous in the party preparations. Otherwise, he assisted my renovation work on the closets. That job is nearing completion. 

Travis continues with medication and remediation of his shoulder impingement issues. He reports progress. They received the final section of their living room furnishings this week. Rosie has established residence in Toronto and begun Massage Therapy classwork. 

And that's enough for this week. 

Presence and Presents

Another hot week has passed on the shore of Lake Wascana in the centre of the prairies. We were hit with temperatures in the 30s all week, peaking at 37° on Friday. Today was the first day with some relief as we held below 30°. We began the week with a family gathering at Erin's condo. Eric & Erica were down from Prince Albert, while Liam & Mercedes came over from Caronport. I have always admired generosity, and in this case, the family were generous with their time. We enjoyed a wonderful afternoon on Erin's patio including ice cream cake to celebrate my birthday. Thank you all for your presence, and they were generous with presents as well—thank you! I most love receiving gifts of things that I wouldn't buy for myself. This year, I got green fee money—I am loathe to spend such on myself. I also got driving range money—again, I usually refuse to buy a bucket, and count on collecting spare balls left by others! And I got a dozen Pro V1s—I never afford myself such a luxury! I feel very blessed indeed. Wendy and I continue to suffer with our colds; the illness and discomfort are holding on tenaciously. Wendy has pushed forward with the painting project and is now at the primer stage.

Patio lit!

Beautiful Setting!

I have puttered away at a few jobs, including hanging the new patio lights today. Kristian and I harvested a pallet this afternoon as I needed some firring material for the closet install. The markets were crazy this week. We started with some good green days leading up to the FED announcement on Wednesday. Investors went wild over Powell's comments, but then they sent out more FED talkers to walk back the talk of a rate cut, and that precipitated a massive sell off to leave us in the red for the week. Blue Jays sent off several veteran players at the deadline, collecting a batch of what they hope will develop into performers in the future. It's never a wise strategy to bet on a winless horse because you think he's due, but, Riders put up a stinker at home this afternoon, and dropped a surprising game to the previously winless Edmonton Elks. 

Erica writes, "Life is back to normal this week. It was Eric’s first full week in July and it was partly in August! We started our week in Regina, celebrating another birthday with Dad. We’ve been in discussion with Liam and Mercedes. Mercedes is planning on working full time with RU for kids Ministry. Haaken is doing well in BC and Greg and Kiersten celebrate 3 years as a couple! Our big event this weekend is picking up a carrier for our kayaks! Maybe we will try it out next weekend."

Erin continues to amass the data for her month-end. If all the data gets in, she should get those reports done next week. Kristian keeps playing the role of chauffeur, and assistant handiman. He has succeeded in five of his last six parallel parking attempts—that's the biggest challenge in his driving test. He has also prepared his resume and will be applying for jobs next week. 

Joanna has been moved to full-time at work as they're short-staffed. Travis is suffering with impingement in his right shoulder. He's been getting therapy and drugs, so we're expecting some relief soon. The boys are doing just fine. Rosie is off to Toronto to enter training as a massage therapist. Andrew expects to transfer his personal care worker (PSW) training down there later in the month. 

And that's enough for this week.