Election

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. We opened the week with gorgeous weather, but Monday, Election Day, we were doused with a major April shower, and the prospect of a new government. Our newly elected Prime Minister, Mark Carney, is tasked with some major economic issues mostly caused by our southern neighbour and former ally. We hope, in due time, that Trump will be removed, and the USA will return to being a partner and friend. In the Trade War, Trump assures us that he has completed new trade deals with 200 of the 193 countries in the world. Of course, even a superficial exam of the facts shows that he has not completed new trade deals with any countries and has broken ALL the trade deals that had been in place. His sycophants have now allowed that they are partway through negotiating new terms to old agreements with 17 countries, but have not concluded new deals with any of them. Elections have consequences, and USA is facing the most severe consequences as inflation continues to rise and the economy has drifted from 2.3% growth in the final quarter last year, to -0.3% in the first quarter this year—it's not easy to damage an economy that quickly, but Trump has done it. Next week, PM Carney is scheduled to travel to Washington and meet with Trump. He cautions us not to expect anything conclusive. Otherwise, I worked at the election, and that went fine. With the arrival of Spring, I am starting into yard work. The rhubarb is up nicely. I will consider gardening plans in light of our summer travel plans—probably won't plant much. At least Kali and I get out for daily walks except when it's raining! Wendy and I are completing our preparations for our Spring Concert (May 9th)  with the Silver Sound choir. The cancellation of the worst of the tariffs has allowed some market recovery, but April still rated as the worst April since 1932—sigh! Now, we continue to wait for another shoe to fall—you can never know with this guy. The first seven matchups have been completed in the NHL playoffs. I picked six of those correctly—remarkable for me! The Jets/Blues will end tomorrow night. For the second round my picks were Leafs and Canes in the East, along with Oilers and Jets in the west. The Blue Jays have fallen off their early season form, and are now below .500 which doesn't cut it! 

Erica writes, "Highlight of the week—Eric ordered his first meal off the seniors' menu. Turning 55 has at least that advantage. On Thursday, Eric’s work celebrated their 40th anniversary with a big fancy banquet. On Friday, my work celebrated the end of tax season. So, we got two free meals. Nice! Eric has also been working on the post graduate course he starts teaching next week at the University of Lethbridge. We also got out for a motorcycle ride. That first ride is a bit fun as we remind our bodies how this goes! Eric turned 55 on Monday and Kiersten turned 32 on Thursday. We are all getting older."

Erin and Kristian are enjoying the arrival of summer in Regina. They're looking at 30° today—too hot for my liking! 

View from the Egg Chair

I cleaned up the planter boxes while I was there last month, and she will get the plants soon. 

Travis and Joanna remain busy. Trav has ended Puck Shots for this season, so he brought the chairs over here to store in the shed for the summer. Andrew flew back to Toronto for a couple of weeks, then, he plans to drive up mid-month and spend the summer here. Rosie will complete her term and her examinations, then she'll fly up here as well. We look forward to seeing more of them. 

And that's about it for this week.