News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior, and, as I have now completed my school tours, I was able to spend most of the week here. The weather had turned nice and we're certainly enjoying that. Hay fever season is upon me, so I'm sneezing and otherwise reacting!

I managed to get out for my first round of golf in about three weeks on Sunday afternoon. It wasn't pretty, but probably a good reflection of where my game is at right now. I managed only two pars out of a total of 90! Wendy tells me that I need to golf more!!

Wes and I drove up to Armstrong on Monday morning, and worked there Monday and Tuesday. On Tuesday afternoon, we drove back to Thunder Bay, thus completing our set of school visits. Once again the visit was productive, and another school is signed off for OnSIS. I also installed the last of the Tangible Capital Asset monitoring systems.

John and I golfed on Wednesday, and although I managed four pars, the final result was similar—91. Wendy tells me I need to get out golfing more!! My ankle is complaining after each round, but it doesn't seem to swell up now, so I think it is gradually rounding into shape (round is a shape!). I have a lot of work to catch up on in the backyard, so golf time will need to be managed! As I mentioned, Erin bought a slide for Kristian, so I need to get a platform built, and a sandbox built and filled so I can get the slide installed. My grass is growing nicely, but there is lots of landscaping work and pool deck and...

Wendy does a good job of taking care of things at home. This week she's done a fair bit of yard work and also got going again on the kitchen walls. She's scraping the wallpaper off so we can paint them. We also plan some major changes to the layout especially in the dining area. I'm tired already!

Kristian got a good check up on his eyes. The infection has cleared up from his cornea, but we need to continue with applications of the antibiotic to his eyelids for some time yet. He is gradually learning and saying more words. He seems to understand a lot, but doesn't talk much (typical male!!). I managed to get his sandbox built, and the sand has been delivered, but old grandpa ran out of gas, so there's still many wheelbarrow loads to haul!

We enjoyed Sunday dinner (out) with Travis & Sylvia, and also Sunday supper (BBQ here)! I enjoy the Red Wing win of the Stanley Cup, but I think I was the only one in the family cheering for them!

And that's the kind of week it's been.

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior, although I have spent most of it far away to the north and west of Thunder Bay. The weather had turned nice and we're certainly enjoying that. Since I've been travelling and in line with the weather we have been experiencing, I haven't managed any golf for almost three weeks. However, I did get out for a few hours of practice this afternoon, and look forward to getting back onto the links tomorrow. I have been fighting a cold all week, but seem to be getting over it now.

Wes and I flew up to Red Lake on Monday morning, and worked there Monday and Tuesday. Then, on Wednesday morning we chartered a flight over to Pickle Lake and spent Wednesday and Thursday working at that school. We caught a regular flight back to Thunder Bay on Thursday evening. The work in both schools went well, and significant progress was made. We also enjoyed using the charter flight across between the communities as on earlier tours we had had to return to Thunder Bay and then fly all the way back.

Friday was consumed with office work, but I managed to get some yard work done today before heading out to the golf practice area this afternoon.

Wendy has been taking care of things at home. She does it well. Erin has carried on with work, and today she bought a slide for Kristian, so I see further construction work on my to do list! Kristian is doing well this week.

I have no update on Travis & Sylvia this week; I seem to recall that Sylvia had last week off, but is back at work this week.

And that's the kind of week it's been.

News Update

As the week begins, the Victoria Day long weekend is in place with Eric/A and the boys here on the shore of Lake Superior. We enjoy a family barbecue—my first try at barbecuing a roast on the rotisserie. The weather is cool and rainy early in the week, and by the time it turns nice and sunny for this weekend, I'm suffering from a cold.

Wes and I are on the road beginning Tuesday morning. We spend Tuesday and Wednesday in Nakina. Things are going well there. I get the OnSIS report completed and signed off; I make a presentation on data analysis. I get their Assets Management program going. Then we move on to Longlac on Wednesday evening in preparation for two days in Caramat. This is one of our smallest schools. We temper our presentations and try to provide whatever help we can. On Friday afternoon, we drive back to Thunder Bay.

By the time I get home, I'm suffering from a cold, so I go straight to bed and remain there for Saturday as well. It's a shame as the weather is now beautiful and I should be out golfing! And there's plenty of yard work waiting in the back yard as well.

Wendy has continued the improvement process while I've been gone. She has had the pavement repaired in the driveway, and has purchased stain to redo the decks in the back. I have two more weeks of travel, so I hope she gets that done before I'm off the road! The new lawn is coming up nicely, and I am looking forward to how it turns out. With it being a newly landscaped area, I'm sure there will be plenty of dandelions and other weeds competing with my new grass.

Erin and Kristian are doing well. Sylvia and Travis took a few days to enjoy a resort along the shore of Lake Superior, just across the border a short distance.

And that's the kind of week it's been.

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior. It has been a full week of work on the road for me.

I picked up our rental Jeep on Monday afternoon, and we headed out Tuesday morning. I worked all day in Upsala, while Wes accompanied the grade eights to Ignace to check out their high school options. Then, we headed north to Savant Lake in the evening. We hit piles of light-coloured rain (Some people call it snow, but I know that snow does not fall in May!) on the road as we drove further north, so the progress was slowed. We spent Wednesday and Thursday working at the school in Savant Lake, while staying in a cabin on Sturgeon Lake. The cabin was poorly constructed, and we were cooking for ourselves, but we managed okay while only devouring the protein quota of a small African village! We head back south on Thursday evening, and have a hotel stay in Ignace that night. Then, on Friday we work some more in Upsala and complete the tour back home.

More work remains in the backyard here at home. Wendy has plans for me there! The grass is starting to germinate. I cut the front lawn for the first time. I practice golf for a while, but it's too windy for me to enjoy playing so I don't attempt that.

Eric/A and the boys are here for the long weekend, so that's great. We plan a nice barbecue for tomorrow afternoon.

Erin and Kristian are doing fine. The children and spouses got together to get a Red iPod shuffle for Wendy on Mothers Day, so I get that set up for her. She's enjoying listening to ZOE.

Trav tries to help out with Wendy's iMac, but no luck on that front yet. We can see the picture on the screen if we use a flashlight, but it's not really usable. I log on to it remotely to get a couple files for Wendy.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

It's been a busy week here on the shore of Lake Superior. This was the week of our annual conference, so that has kept me busy at work. And with the weather improving, there was also the undeniable call to the golf course! Then, you may remember Wendy's purchase of eighteen cedars for the back yard! Next week, I'm scheduled to be back on the road Tuesday through Friday.

On Monday afternoon, I got out for my first round of golf for the year. Chapples (my home course) is still soggy wet, so I drove out to the Municipal, whose sandy soils allow it to be playable earlier in the year, and almost immediately after any rain we have during the summer. It is not a long course (only 5666 yards), and only has two par 3's and two par 5's in a full round. However, it was still rewarding to cart an 81 for my opening round. And my ankle was only slightly swollen afterwards. I got out again on Friday afternoon, and managed a 77, so that was even better. My tender ankle is keeping me from swinging so hard, or hitting as far. My top drive was about 260, with most being around 240. Now, I'm not really playing that well, but the course is wide-open so my errant shots weren't punished. The shorter holes accommodated my lack of length, and my short game was in good form. I am wryly confident that as my ankle rounds into shape, I'll be able to hit it harder, and my scores will get back up where they usually are! (Maybe there is something to this self-control thing! Nah, it'll never catch on!)

I have managed to get nine of the cedars dug into the back yard, and have set up the irrigation system for the full set. I hope to get the rest done on Monday—I guess you would say that I've only managed the back nine!

Wendy has kept busy with her babysitting and volunteering. She is also beginning cleaning up the flower beds and other work in the yard.

Erin continues to do well, and has investigated how much she could qualify for in a mortgage for her own house. Kristian has had a cold for most of the week, but is better for the weekend.

Travis & Sylvia are hosting us for Mothers' Day brunch tomorrow.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has passed here on the shore of Lake Superior. I've spent most of the week away, but life goes on. The weather is gradually returning to spring-like conditions, but it was cool again today, so I only got out for a little practise time in the afternoon. Maybe tomorrow!

I was travelling most of the week. We drove out to Atikokan and worked in both Atikokan and Mine Centre schools. We stayed in a cottage by a lake just outside of Atikokan, so that was nice. We each brought food to prepare one supper meal, and also our breakfasts. Otherwise, we ate out. Work in the schools went well. My new venture on data analysis is being well-received. Also, I set up the Capital Assets program for another Board, and that went well.

Back home, Wendy has found and purchased eighteen cedars for transplanting into our back yard. Travis helped her get them home from the store, but when I got home Friday night, I was dismayed to find that some of them were still not planted. So, I guess we'll have to get at the eighteen that remain to be dug into the ground!

Kristian is doing well. He finally had his next visit with the speech therapist—they're still not satisfied with his development of speech. Erin continues with her work.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week passes on the shore of Lake Superior. The weather has been beautiful all week, although, of course, it's cool and rainy for the weekend! The golf courses are open, but there are plenty of soggy spots! I plant the lawn in the back yard; it's a new eco-lawn that is supposed to grow without fertilizer or watering, and can even be left uncut if one wishes! Of course, I guess all lawns can be left uncut if one wishes, but this one is supposed to look good if left uncut! We'll see! The Stanley Cup playoffs are starting to get more serious—we're down to eight teams now. My favourite has already been knocked off, so I'm looking for another team to cheer for!

I'm back on the road again. This week we went to Hornepayne (about five hours to the east). I installed the new management system for 'tangible capital assets' (thanks, Erica, that was well received) and provided directions on its use. Then I worked in the school, helping with some issues for the school secretary and with the librarian on some data input and management issues. Then I did some training of the principals and the special education teacher on analyzing data. "We've got lots of data—what we need is some information!" Next week, we head west to Atikokan and Mine Centre for more of the same!

Wendy and I are working on the back yard. As I mentioned, I've seeded the lawn, and we (read—Wendy) have plans to install some cedars and drip irrigation along two sides of the back fence.

Kristian is doing well. He had an appointment with the hearing specialist this week, but refused to cooperate so they couldn't get a good reading. Maybe next time! Erin continues with work, and a bit of a search for a house to buy.

Travis is at his summer work. He and Sylvia were over for Friday night supper.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week passes on the shore of Lake Superior. The weather has been beautiful all week; the lawns and fairways are available, and some golf courses have uncovered the greens. I finally manage to get out for a bit of golf practice this morning. I start the week cheering as Kevin Martin wins the world championship in curling, and I also enjoy watching the Masters of golf.

Next week, I'm starting back on the road for visits to my various schools. This batch of visits will take from now until early June. I will specifically address data analysis with the principals this trip, and hopefully only need to assist the secretaries a little in signing off the mid-year submission of data to the Ministry. In fact, two schools have already managed to complete the submission pretty much on their own, so that's encouraging. I am also rolling out a new project on asset management and accounting to half of the school Boards.

So, this week has required me to put finishing touches on my preparations for the tour. Erica has helped a great deal by bringing her accountancy training and experience to the development of a series of spreadsheets for asset management. The boys have been with us for most of the week, and then Eric and finally Erica have also joined in, so we have a house full this weekend. Tonight we celebrated Eric's birthday with the whole family here, so that was a special treat.

Wendy's thoughts are turning to yard development now that the weather has turned nice. We are hoping to plant some cedars in the back yard, and also seed the lawn back there. I've got a new variety of grass seed, and I'm looking forward to watching how that turns out. I've pretty well finished up the drywalling downstairs, and Wendy is considering what should come next—probably the bathroom on the main floor!

Kristian has had a couple of sick days this week, but seems to be doing better now. We are glad that his eyes seem to be doing fine now. Erin continues with work, and is also looking at how she can complete her coursework at Confederation College.

Travis is basically finished University until the fall. He's looking forward to his summer work. Sylvia had a musical presentation this evening with a choir she sings in.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week passes on the shore of Lake Superior. The weather has not been encouraging—we start the week with a layer of white rain, enjoy warm weather for a few days, and get another layer of white rain on Friday. So, we're waiting for the lawns and fairways to clear once again!

The week of work goes fairly smoothly, although there are the almost-expected hiccups with OnSIS as our schools are trying to complete another round of reporting. I complete my year end report and get that sent out for signatures. I send out the first aspect of another project I'm working on for management of what the Ministry calls Tangible Capital Assets.

I've been trying to follow the world curling championships taking place in nearby North Dakota, but coverage has not been good. I've followed a few games on-line on my laptop, and now the playoff games this weekend have been on TV. Kevin Martin is representing us well, and after finishing the regular round in first place has now moved on to the gold medal final, against Scotland, to be played tomorrow. I've also been tracking the Master's golf tournament this weekend. And with the baseball season starting, and hockey beginning the Stanley Cup playoffs, there's just been too much to keep track of it all!

Otherwise, we're back in Ballroom Dancing classes until May 12th—hopefully that'll be enough to get my ankle in good shape. And we're making a series of trips to the dentist for cleanings and fillings—expensive cleanings and fillings!

Wendy keeps busy with work around the house and taking care of Kristian. Erin continues with work, and is entertaining the idea of buying a house for herself.

We enjoy having Trav & Sylvia over for supper on Friday. Travis is now completed this semester of classes and heading into his summer's work. Sylvia is having quite a busy time at work as this month features the changeover from the fiscal year end at the University.

We look forward to Eric/A and the boys spending some time here next week.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another beautiful week has passed here on the shore of Lake Superior. The warm weather has chased the snow away and we are seeing the grass on our lawns, and more importantly—our fairways!

It's been a busy week of work for me as the first of April marks the end of the government fiscal year, so I have lots of reports to complete. I also had a principals' meeting on Wednesday, but mostly I just pounded away on the computer. We are also into another round of reporting to the Ministry of Education from all of our schools. I am challenging our secretaries to do this one on their own, but already five have sent plaintive cries for assistance! When I've needed a break, I've retreated to the closet renovations downstairs. That is now completed, drywalled, and I'm beginning the work on the mudding.

As mentioned, the weather has been beautiful and temperatures climbing into the teens have made thoughts turn to golf. Of course it will be some weeks before the fairways dry up, but it's encouraging to see the grass! I have assembled my motorized bag carrier, and look forward to trying it out. I'll probably take it for a walk one of these days just to see what it's like.

Wendy has kept busy with various activities from her small business interests like PartyLite Candles to her babysitting of Kristian, and extra babysitting for another of her friends.

Erin keeps busy at work, but, to our (and her) chagrin, has not kept pace with her schooling. She is really glad of the return of baseball; we enjoyed a few games this week.

Today marks the beginning of the men's world championships in curling, so I'll be following our representative and my favourite, Kevin Martin and his team. Tonight they beat Denmark in their first game of the tournament. It's being held in Grand Forks, North Dakota (not far from our border), so I suspect he may have as many fans in attendance as the American team!

We enjoyed a couple of visits with Travis & Sylvia. Trav is completing this semester of studies in the next week, so he's busy with that, and looking forward to summer work.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has passed here on the shore of Lake Superior. With Easter behind us (the earliest Easter until 2160 someone has informed me!), we look forward to golf season. The weather is definitely turning, our snow is rapidly sinking away, and the lawn is appearing. However, driving by the golf course today revealed that it will still be some weeks before the course is ready!

We start the week with Eric/A and the boys here for Easter weekend, so that was a good time. We held over the family dinner until Monday. Then it was back to work for the rest of the week. I had a trip to Toronto on Thursday evening for a MISA Leaders workshop on Friday. We were informed that the program will continue in some form, as funding has been set aside, but we won't get the details until May. Anyway, this is some relief as we don't think our small schools are ready to proceed on their own. It may also represent further employment for me, but now we'll have to wait until we see the details to see how much funding is available.

I am enjoying the Women's World Curling championships from Vernon, BC this week. Canada has progressed to the final that will be played tomorrow afternoon.

Wednesday features another visit to my oncologist. He notes that my PSA is slightly better—8.10 instead of 8.15, and that he feels this is still caused by a chronic infection. He says that with the DRE everything feels fine—I beg to differ! He schedules me for another round of testing in August before a September appointment.

Kristian had a period of flu-like symptoms, but now he is back to his usual rambunctious self, so that's nice to see. He is off to daycare three days a week and seems to enjoy and participate in that very well. Erin is doing well at work, but is not making good progress in the final classes, and needs to get moving on those.

Travis is completing another semester of classes soon. We enjoyed supper out with them this evening.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

The week starts in Winnipeg as I complete my enjoyment of the Brier. Thank you, Mike & Peggy for putting up with me, and getting my days off on a stick-to-your-ribs footing with porridge each morning! I picked up Wendy at the bus early Sunday morning—she has enjoyed a cold trip down from Regina! It seems the driver who took over at Virden couldn't manage the heater controls.

The final game of the Brier gets underway in the late afternoon. It is a lack-lustre affair as the ice is unpredictable so the teams play conservatively. Eventually Kevin Martin (my pre-tournament favourite) prevails and is the new Canadian champion; he will carry our colours to the world championship to be played this year in North Dakota.

We enjoy another evening and morning in Winnipeg, before heading for Kenora on Monday. There we celebrate Erica's birthday, and then carry on to Thunder Bay on Tuesday. Erin and Kristian are doing well. Kristian seems to be doing much better with both his eye and ear infections seemingly under control.

I return to work with all day meetings (never a pleasant experience) on Wednesday and Thursday, and then the four-day weekend begins. Travis & Sylvia come over for supper on Thursday.

Eric/A and the boys arrive Thursday evening, so we have all our grandkids here for a few days. Erica is off with some friends on a shopping trip to Duluth for Friday and Saturday. Sylvia is also along on that trip.

Throughout the week, we enjoy regular Skype calls with friends far and near. And that's about it for this week.

News Update

The week starts on the shore of the Wascana as we celebrate Wendy's birthday. We enjoy fellowshipping with the group at Glen Elm in Regina on Sunday morning, and take it easy for the day.

On Monday, Wendy is off to Watrous for a weeklong retreat, while I continue to enjoy Regina and tech upgrades until Wednesday when I head off to Winnipeg. Thank you, Ellis, Rich & Sue for your hospitality. We get a batch of distressing news on Tuesday, as we find out Roger Peterson has passed on; and then later we find out that Aunt Carole's diagnosis has been confirmed as cancerous. Please remember these families in your prayers. The drive to Winnipeg goes fine, and I settle in at Mike & Peggy's--Thank you, Talitha for your room!

My Brier experience begins in earnest on Thursday. The tickets are great--I am four rows up near the home end. I enjoy great curling, and I am able to collect a full set of autographs from the players and coaches. The tickets include free use of the transit system, so that saves a lot of bother with traffic and particularly with parking downtown in Winnipeg! My long-time hero Kevin Martin is here representing Alberta, although he has a fairly new team these last two years. Of course, my sentimental favourite is Pat Simmons of Saskatchewan and they are also doing very well. I get to watch all the teams today as they play through three draws to determine playoff rankings. Alberta and Saskatchewan are on top of the heap. Another full day of draws on Friday narrow it down to three teams who will play the weekend. A last rock 'pick' (the rock caught on debris and went astray) costs Sask the victory over Alberta, so Martin is on the way to Sunday's final, and Simmons has to play Glenn Howard of Ontario in the semi-final.

The semi-final is Saturday afternoon, Simmons versus Howard, and it's another good game. Simmons comes back well from the shocking loss last night, and pushes Howard to an extra end, but we fall short by one. Too bad, but he was certainly the crowd favourite. Now we wait until tomorrow evening to see the final between Martin and Howard (both guys have two first names!).

Erin reports that Kristian is getting better, but has been doing a lot of sleeping this week. I've also had a few chats with Trav on line. Wendy attends the Roger Peterson funeral in Weyburn and is headed to Winnipeg via Greyhound over night. I'm expecting her at 5:30 tomorrow morning.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has passed while we are on the road, and far away from the shore of Lake Superior. We enjoy Sunday morning with the congregation on Highway 36 south of Abilene. Southalls are hosting us; Shepherd, Ruhtt and family join us, and we enjoy Jonathan Straker—the preacher there. His sister Jacquie is also there, so we are pleased to get some news of that family. After church, Shepherd & Ruhtt treat us to a fine meal at a steak house in Abilene, and then we head north up highway 83 toward Canada. We run into snow in northern Texas, but persist for the short trip across Oklahoma before finally giving up for the night in Garden City, Kansas.

On Monday morning we carry on northward in fine driving conditions for most of the day. We run into snow again south of Minot, but drive through it across the border and finally stop for the night at Weyburn. We complete the drive up to Regina on Tuesday morning.

We spend the remainder of the week with the all Wendy's brothers gathering in Regina, enjoying time with them and continuing preparations for the big birthday celebration this afternoon. It is Ellis' 83rd birthday—Happy Birthday!

We have enjoyed getting into using video Skype on my new laptop. Shepherd & Ruhtt are set up and be chat with them for hours back in Abilene. Erin also joins in from Thunder Bay, so we get to see Kristian as well. Verner joins in from Dallas—this Skype stuff is pretty good!

Kristian comes down with an ear infection, so he's on antibiotics for that. He is also continuing treatments for the bacterial infection in his eyes—poor little guy. Erin is working to manage this with grandma close by—good job, Erin! She also needs to catch up on her studies, so she's probably (hopefully) in for busy times.

I have been able to chat (typing on line) with Travis a few times, and hope he'll get onto Skype soon.

Anyway, that's about it for this week!

News Update

We start off the week in Dallas, and enjoy worship at Richardson East with Viggo and Nancy. Then in the afternoon, I go to the driving range with Viggo, Jonathan and Luke. All drives produce pain in my ankle, but I am encouraged by how things go, so I am encouraged about the prospect of some golf games. Monday has beautiful weather (28 degrees) and I enjoy a golf game with Viggo, Jonathan and Jennifer. It goes pretty well as I manage a 49-45-94 with not so much pain in my ankle. I am encouraged to keep working on the rehabilitation of my ankle, and I'm sure losing another thirty pounds will help as well. In the evening, we enjoy supper out with Viggo & Nancy at a lakeshore restaurant.

On Tuesday evening, we are out again to eat, this time at a fancy restaurant, to celebrate Verner's 65th birthday. After the supper, we complete our move over to Verner and Linda's place to enjoy the next few days there. This includes eating out at Babe's on Wednesday evening with a large crew including Luke and Jason. Then, when we return to Verner's we also get to meet Hillary (Luke's wife), that's the first time we've been able to meet her.

On Thursday morning, I go golfing with Luke and Verner. It's cool at the start and we both have difficulty shooting well, but we improve on the back nine. I play 50-41-91—a great improvement and the back nine is very good indeed. Then after lunch, we head off for Abilene. It's a windy drive, but we get there at 5pm. We are delighted to catch up with Ruhtt & Shepherd and their family whom we got to know while in Zambia. We are spending the remainder of our time in Texas with them.

Friday morning, we drive south of Abilene to visit with Bill & Gayla. It's great to meet Bill and to catch up with Gayla, whom we haven't seen for some years. Bill is a writer; we are pleased to get an autographed copy of his book on some of the history of Texas law. On Friday evening, we are invited out to the Southalls. They are friends of ours from Zambia. We met them in Zambia and were privileged to work with them in some projects there. We enjoy a wonderful Mexican meal with them, and also catch up with our nephew-cousin—long-lost-relative, Jonathan Straker and his wife who are now working with the Highway 36 church where Southalls also work. (I have now decided Jonathan is a first cousin, once removed, of Wendy.)

On Saturday, we visit the Abilene Zoo in the morning, and then attend a soccer game in the afternoon to cheer on Miguel and Nathaniel—it is not enough! In the evening, Ruhtt & Shepherd have arranged for a Zambia meal and have invited many people who have connections to the work in Zambia. It is good to meet some new people and catch up with many others. It is encouraging to hear of how things are going in Northwestern Province, up at Mumena where we investigated the situation and recommended the opportunity.

We hear only a little from back home on how Erin, Kristian, Travis & Sylvia are doing. So, that's about it for this week.

News Update

Monday is Family Day in Ontario, so we enjoy having Eric/A and the boys staying over. Sylvia and Trav have us all over for Finnish pancake breakfast so that is great, and Rauni is also there, so a complete Family occasion! Then Eric/A and the boys head back to Kenora and we complete our packing for departure southward on Tuesday morning.

When we get to the border, we pick up my new MacBook that is waiting for us there. I can hardly wait to get my hands on it! We continue on down to Minneapolis, to the Mall of America where there is an Apple store, so I use their wifi signal to get going on my laptop, check email, etc. I also get to drool over some of the other goodies they have on display. Wendy goes shopping at Legoland; we enjoy supper at Bubba Gumps, and then we get a motel for the night.

It's a cold morning on Wednesday, but we get mobile and drive through the day down to Lawrence, KS, where we catch up with our friend, Marti, and camp out with her and her mother. They are both suffering with illness, but gradually getting better. We enjoy the break there for Thursday, and then on Friday continue on to Stillwater, OK to catch up with more friends from Zambia days, Jack & Joann. It is great to reminisce, plan and dream over Zambia and our interests there.

On Saturday, we carry on to Dallas where two of my brothers live with their families. We move in at Viggo & Nancy's for the start of our time there. We look forward to time spent with them over most of next week.

News Update

A cold week comes to an end here on the shore of Lake Superior. It struggled to make single digits below zero each day, although this weekend, we're back into melting on the streets.

It has been a busy week of work as I have redone the budget to accommodate an additional $40,000 money bomb from the Ministry of Education. But that is completed now, and various others are now delegated to spend the bonus money, so I am able to head off on holidays next week.

We have planned a month-long trip down to Texas and back through Saskatchewan. We are looking forward to spending time with our families and with our dear friends from Zambia who are enrolled in University at Abilene. Finally, I look forward to enjoying the Brier—our national men's curling championship in Winnipeg. I received tickets to the event as a Christmas present! What generous children I have!

Kristian continues with his eye treatments. Medical reports are positive, but we still remain concerned. He started his first trial at the university day care, and seemed to enjoy it a great deal. The only unpleasant part was when Erin arrived to take him home!

Wendy has been busy, cleaning the house so we can leave?! and finishing up the financial year end for the church, as she does the books there.

It's a long weekend here in Ontario, so we're enjoying having Eric/A and the boys with us. And that's about it for this week.

News Update

A fine week of weather helps us enjoy another week on the shore of Lake Superior. Other areas were not so fortunate, as tornadoes ravaged our American friends, and blizzards closed down Toronto.

I am back on Noroxin, an antibiotic that my oncologist hopes will improve the health of my prostate and allow the efficacy of PSA tests. Thus on Friday, I also returned to the lab for more blood work. We'll see how that turns out! My ankle is improving apace, and my fracture physician allowed as how it was looking good when I checked in with him this week—not even an excuse slip to get me out of dance class!

It's been a busy week of work, as we enjoy our annual conference on Wednesday through Friday. I have workshops on two of the days. The workshops go well, and I am also glad to get a new MacBook as my payback! Another workshop I have organized does not go so well as my presenter can't get out of Toronto due to the blizzard, and there is quite a scramble to set up computer connections so she can provide the workshop remotely. In the end, that workshop is also called a success thanks to dedicated people going the extra mile and the technological wizardry of some of my friends here in the NSRA.

Wendy keeps busy with home and Kristian. Erin has good news as she will be fully funded for the university day care through my tax dollars! (It's nice to notice the benefit on occasion!) This also provides considerable relief as we look toward our anticipated month-long trip scheduled to begin on the 19th.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week passes on the shore of Lake Superior. We started with warm weather and showers; we ended with warm weather and flurries, but there was a spot of cold weather in the middle. Fortunately, we missed out on two storm systems that went by and hammered eastern Canada.

I drove up to Nakina on Tuesday to work with the school and board there. That finished, I drove back on Wednesday afternoon. The remainder of the week, I've been working on preparations for our annual conference next week as I'm teaching four sessions.

The cold spell left the streets and roads icy and our driveway was a sheet of ice. Then we got a little snow and getting around was difficult with the ice underneath. Thankfully, that has melted away this weekend.

Wendy has picked up a little extra babysitting, but that goes all right. Her scrabble games are going great guns! I've got back to doing a bit of the taping and mudding on the renovations downstairs when my ankle allows it. Actually, the healing is going pretty well, and ibuprofen takes care of the rest!

Erin has continued with her regular schedule at work, so it's pretty much same ol', same ol'!

That's about it for this week.

News Update

The week started off frigidly cold here on the shore of Lake Superior, but we're back near freezing with above zero and rain in the forecast.

I've had quite a week. I started off on Sunday, trying to take Kristian skating, but he was both sore from his ankle injury and tired, so I went on my own. That went okay, but I found my reconstructed ankle wasn't quite the same size and shape that my skate remembered so I had to quit after about fifteen minutes. On Monday evening, as I trotted from the parking lot to dance class, I hit a bad patch, turned my suspect ankle and went down in a heap. My ankle puffed up like it had a tennis ball attached and we spent the dance class in emergency! The x-rays were inconclusive, but the doctor feels the injury in limited to ligament damage and put me back in an air-cast. I'll get another check with my bone doctor later when the swelling dissipates.

Tuesday through Thursday saw me travelling to Armstrong (one of my schools) where I hobbled around and did report card training. The drywalling is on the back burner for a bit until I'm able to put more weight on my left foot.

Kristian finally got into see the eye specialist on Wednesday. It was none too soon; he has a serious bacterial eye infection. It has already resulted in some ulceration of the cornea, but not within the visual range. He's on antibiotics and steroids and really enjoys the cleansing operations with a warm potato twice a day as well as the drops and other medications. Poor little guy! Erin got new glasses this week, so it was a spectacular week for that part of the family!

Wendy continues with her usual babysitting and work around home. She is also enjoy playing Scrabble on line in the Scrabulous application of Facebook.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Our week comes to a frigid end here on the shore of Lake Superior. Temperatures have plummeted to -30 this weekend, and we're not enjoying it one bit!

I start off the week with office support and training in Adobe Connect. That didn't go so well, as the lady operating the meeting had the misfortune of having Vista on her laptop, and it doesn't want to play nice with Adobe Connect. Finally, I had to let her run the meeting from my laptop, while I tried to participate from hers! On Wednesday and Thursday I visited two of my schools, providing further training in Maplewood (our student management system) and in Adobe Connect. I also spent more time drywalling in the basement. I'm ready to start with tape and mud in that room.

We introduced Kristian to skates this week, and he's crazy about them! He clunks around in them all over the house! I got him a skating helmet, and he wants to wear that all day long as well. We hope to take him skating tomorrow, but he seems to have twisted his ankle jumping off the coffee table, so he's currently listed as day-to-day, a doubtful starter!

Wendy and Erin have kept busy with their respective work. And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another weeks rolls by on the shore of Lake Superior. It started out with rain, and the streets cleaned off nicely, but now we've received more snow and the slushy driving conditions have returned.

On Monday, Wendy, Kristian and I drove down to the border to get my Christmas gift—a motorized golf bag carrier. Now, I can't wait for golf season to try it out. I enjoy walking, but carrying the bag—especially picking it up and putting it down—causes pain in my right shoulder. Then in the evening we enjoyed Wendy's Christmas present—our first ballroom dance lesson. That went better than I expected—we were introduced to Foxtrot, Tango and Cha Cha. Lessons are supposed to continue for nine weeks, but we plan to skip the final two as we head south for a vacation trip.

A return visit to my oncologist on Tuesday provided the uncomfortable confirmation that my PSA is still elevated. Dr. Prowse still feels this is caused by chronic infection of the prostate, so he has prescribed another course of antibiotics to be followed by another PSA test, and of course, more DRE's.

Work continued through the week, and some progress was made. The next three weeks I will be back on the road for visits to a few schools.

Wendy has been busy all week with extra babysitting. Two days she took over our friends' daycare and had about a dozen kids to deal with, so she was tired! She has also been helping me with renovations downstairs. This week we picked up the drywall and plywood and I have begun drywalling the new closets—I hate drywalling closets, so much fiddling around. The progress is slow.

Friday evening we enjoyed a special Italian restaurant outing with Travis & Sylvia, Erin & Kristian, so that was a treat.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Well, here we are, almost a week into the new year on the shore of Lake Superior.

It's been quite a week with Eric, Erica and the boys here. A number of us have been ill, mostly with the famous 'flu-like symptoms' that imply we're spending too much time on the porcelain throne, and often cannot decide whether to sit or kneel! Eric was diagnosed with some kind of infection, so he's on antibiotics, but the rest of the laid-up crew seem to be otherwise attacked! Anyway, all seem to be on the mend, and the crew headed back to Kenora today. Once again, we are feeling well-blessed and thankful for their visit and other gifts they brought with them. I am now anticipating going to the Brier in Winnipeg in March. Thanks for the tickets!

The weather has continued mild, so we're back into melting once again. Kristian and friends are back to enjoying the trampoline in the back yard. I've had a bit of work this week, but the schools reopen Monday, so that will be official time for back to work. We try not to schedule too much travel during the winter, but I am planning three trips this month. I have some training and reporting to do.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

We have enjoyed Christmas week here on the shore of Lake Superior. It has been mostly quiet, and spent around home. The weather has been nice with a little fresh snow, and temperatures remaining below zero. Unfortunately, with the amount of salt they apply to the streets and highways down here, that leaves us driving in continuous slush as we watch our metallic vehicles melt away before our eyes!

Wendy roasted a couple of turkeys on Christmas Eve (collectively the congregation cooked up about a dozen of them!), and on Christmas day we prepared a full turkey dinner for about 180 people at the Shelter House. I was not feeling well on Christmas and even poorer on Boxing Day when we had our special meal with Trav & Sylvia and her mother. Anyway, the meal was nice and the occasion even nicer—to share time with loved ones. Gifts were exchanged and we all turned out rather well blessed.

It has been delightful to share this Christmas with Kristian as he's really into this present-opening business. On Thursday, Wendy and I took him across the line to pick up a spring horse courtesy of on-line shopping—gotta take advantage of the loonie being stronger than the greenback! Now Eric, Erica and the boys have arrived from Kenora so we look forward to a good week with them.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has rolled through here on the sloppy shore of Lake Superior. The weather has turned mild with rain, and the snow is sinking. I shovelled the remaining slush off the deck so we have access to the barbecue and the hot tub.

Work is over until the New Year, as we had a closing luncheon at work on Friday. Unfortunately, I still have a bit of work to complete as one school still is not signed off for OnSIS, and that is due by December 31st. I will have to spend a bit of time on that next week. Erin is also on holidays until next Thursday. Eric, Erica and the boys plan to have Christmas in Kenora and then come down here for New Year's.

I went out on Friday for a bit of curling—just practice, as they have open ice each day at lunch time. It's been about six years since I curled, and with my rebuilt leg, I didn't know how it would go. It wasn't fully comfortable, but it was all right and I'm encouraged to try it some more. Wendy has us scheduled to try skating over the break as well. We'll see how that goes.

Wendy has continued with Christmas baking and shopping. Being a holder of both X and Y chromosomes, I feel no great need to go shopping until Monday!! Meanwhile, I surely am enjoying the baking.

And that's about it for this week.

Global Warming

It's nearly Christmas here in northern Ontario, but it's above freezing, rain is falling and there are puddles in my driveway. What is wrong with this picture? It must be global warming! Hey, everybody's having their say, and even winning Nobel prizes for their trouble! So, here's what I think—kinda matches with the title of the blog!

That global warming is happening seems to me irrefutable. I find the remarks of the naysayers about as absurd as the promoters. I think that the open questions are concerning the role that people are playing in causing global warming, and conversely, what benefit could be obtained by changing our behaviours. Most of us have been immersed in plenty of evidence that our little green planet is warming up. Videos of stranded polar bears, crumbling ice shelves, and wild fires are juxtaposed against graphs of climbing temperatures. In our own experiences (always a bad source of data) we note wild or at least unusual weather and are given to understand that global warming is the culprit.

At the crux of the matter, it seems to me, is the complexity of our planetary systems against our ability to know and understand them. When I experience a downpour while out golfing (despite the promises of the weather forecaster), I must admit that I am fairly skeptical that we understand the forces at play on our planet very well at all. If they cannot read and interpret the forces at play this morning well enough to protect my round of golf this afternoon, what would make me think they can understand the forces at play over the millennia well enough to predict the next fifty years!? Never mind the even greater knowledge and understanding needed to determine the relative importance of various causes and the expected benefit of particular changes in human behaviour.

I emphasize the benefit and value of considering more comprehensively the costs of my activity and endeavouring to tread more lightly on the earth. I have not been convinced that human activity is the sole source of the global warming we're experiencing; nor am I convinced of the efficacy of human activity in stopping it! I do not worry that there is an economic cost to making environmentally sensitive changes. We have long (always) been able to find economic incentives to get the jobs done that we determine need to be done. This won't change just because it's greener work! There's money to be made here as well!

News Update

Wowsers! Another week is gone already here on the shore of Lake Superior. That was fast!

Work this week has been from the home office, but a fair bit has been accomplished with one notable exception up in Red Lake! That part of the job has actually grown over recent days as the Ministry has served up another complication. However, we made good progress in Nakina and Mine Centre, so Red Lake and a new situation in Collins have become my biggest outstanding challenges for this month. And that's the deadline; all this batch of reporting is due at the end of December. On Friday, we had the office Christmas party.

Things have continued well here at home. Butter tarts are plentiful in the freezer—just the way I like them! The weather has been cooperative with comfortable temperatures and little in the way of precipitation. Kristian has added another dimension to his night-time game. Now, after putting his mother to bed, and playing upstairs for a while, he has decided he needs to come to bed with grandma and grandpa! So, we're trying to nip that in the bud!

Otherwise, that's about it for this week.

News Update

And a wintry week comes to an end on the shore of Lake Superior. This week was spent around TBay, with most of the work week being comprised of our annual conference.

We began the week digging out from a major snowstorm. It began on Saturday night, and by Sunday morning we were snowed in. After church we had a meeting at our place, so Erin went out to begin clearing a path to get her car out for a Monday morning trip to work. Well, wouldn't you know—the neighbour soon came over with his snowblower to clear our driveway. Now, why didn't he ever offer that when I was out shovelling!? Anyway, he cleared part of the drive so she could get out, and I began shovelling on the remainder! On Monday, I began shopping for a snowblower, and was able to buy a second-hand one for $395. It seems to work fine.

The conference was Wednesday through Friday. I had a project update on Wednesday and a full day of workshops on Thursday. The conference turned out quite well.

Kristian has developed a new trick. After he puts his mother to sleep, he wanders back up stairs to play with his toys! One night this week, Wendy and I had already gone to bed as well, and we could hear him out there playing in the dark. What a kid! Grandma puts him to sleep in the toy room, and Mom seems quite surprised to find him missing in the morning!

Erin has transferred to Ontario residency so she has registered her car down here. Her work continues to progress well.

Wendy continues with Christmas baking so I'm enjoying that.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another Saturday night finds us on the shore of Lake Superior. It's been quite a week. We started off in Kenora at Eric & Erica's. We enjoyed watching the Grey Cup game there as our Saskatchewan Roughriders overcame the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to win our national football championship! Yea Riders!

Eric & Erica headed out for a two day retreat near Winnipeg, so we stayed to take care of the boys. Kristian was with us, and he really enjoyed spending the time with his cousins. On Wednesday, we drove back to TBay to find that winter had arrived. We had left a green city, but got home to a big snowfall. So, I had to dig out the shovels and clear the driveway even before parking the car. Of course, Kristian needed to stay out to play in the snow as well! He certainly enjoys it more than I do! It has also turned colder with the temperature hitting minus twenty on some nights.

I got a bit of work done while we were in Kenora (With a phone and a computer, you hardly miss the office!) and carried on with office work and preparation for our annual administrators conference that is scheduled for next week.

Wendy got things caught up around the house, and set up for a big candle sale this weekend. Erin continued with work, and phoned regularly to ensure we were transporting her son home safely.

Trav got a new hard drive for his laptop, and is trying to install it on his own. Good luck! You're a braver man than I! He and Sylvia set up their Christmas lights—I let them borrow the ladder as my contribution to the cause!

And that's about it for this week.

Riders Win! Riders Win!

Yes, it's true! After an eighteen year hiatus, the Riders are the champions for the third time! I have been privileged to have viewed all three of them (1966, 1989 & now 2007), and about forty not so successful campaigns! In total they have been to the big game sixteen times, so their record of three wins bears witness to lots of frustration over the years. However, for now, all is forgiven (if not forgotten) and we celebrate as winners and anticipate next year as another championship season!

It was not much of a performance by either offensive team, but the defensive sides played well, and a Rider defensive back, James Johnson, had three interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. Not surprisingly, he was named the most valuable player of the 23-19 victory.

And another Saskatchewan saying comes true—no, not the, "Wait 'til next year!" one, but the "Tough times don't last; tough people do!"

"We are the champions, my friend!"

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior, and its passing has moved us into colder weather, and even a few snow flakes.

We started the week with Eric, Erica and the boys who were visiting here over the weekend. Together, we enjoyed watching the Riders win the Western Conference final at BC, and proceed to the Grey Cup to be played next Sunday afternoon. Go Riders, Go!

My travels this week took me up to Red Lake where I worked with the teachers on Report Cards and with the secretary on those oh-so-troublesome reports to the ministry. The work with the teachers went fairly well. The secretary—not so much! Her reluctance to learn new things in the last year of her work, and her general sloppiness make for a bad combination. We get pages and pages of error reports! Yikes! Where is Bonnie when I need her!? As a result, the completion of two days of hard slogging does not have anything signed off with the ministry. Compare that to my record-setting school—two hours! I also have two other schools who completed the report in half a day, and two others who completed in one day. As a result, I shall have to try to walk her through the remainder of the work over the phone.

The remainder of the work week was spent in meetings in the central office in TBay, and work in my own office here at home.

Otherwise things continue well at home. Wendy has been busy in a swirl of fund-raisers and Christmas baking and other events.

Erin spent two days in Winnipeg with her work. Kristian seems to be confirmed as a full participant in his 'terrible twos' and often drives his mother and grandmother to distraction. (You could walk there—it's a short trip!)

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has flown by on the shore of Lake Superior. I've been away most of the week, so it's nice to be back for the cooking and comforts of home.

On Sunday, I got in another six holes of golf. That went fine, but the weather has turned colder this week, and most of the courses have their greens covered, so that could be the end of the golf season.

On Monday, Wes and I headed east 500 clicks to Hornepayne. We worked there through Tuesday and then moved on to Longlac, from where we drive out daily to work at Caramat. We completed our work at Caramat about noon on Thursday, so we headed back to TBay. The work in both centres went well. Caramat (that's Tamarac spelled backwards) now holds the record for October OnSIS completion—two hours!

I worked at the home office on Friday, and managed to catch up on phone calls and emails that had come in during the week.

Wendy has been caring for Kristian each day. She has taken on a batch of mending and alterations so the old Singer has been humming and singing! and stopping to clear its throat a few times as well! We bought that machine, second-hand, in Earl Grey back in the early 70's for about $40! It seemed quite a bit of money back then!

Erin continues with her work. She's doing well, and learning the particulars of a few additional roles beyond what she was hired to do.

We celebrated Trav's birthday over at Trav & Sylvia's this evening, since Eric, Erica and the boys are in town. He doesn't really turn twenty-six until the twenty-seventh, but it's good to celebrate whenever.

And that's the kind of week it's been.

News Update

The weather turns toward fall during this week on the shore of Lake Superior. We even get a few snow flakes although there is no accumulation. Still, it's a warning of winter to come.

I manage to get out for another six holes of golf on Sunday afternoon. That goes well; the drives are consistently longer and also consistently going left. I'm encouraged by the consistency and by the improvement in comfort on my left leg.

On Monday, Wes and I fly up to Pickle Lake. There we run into snow and more difficulties than we can even begin to address. As Wes noted (to my great amusement), "They put the fun back in dysfunctional!" I promised him I would steal that line! Nonetheless we got a lot done, but left on Tuesday evening with a lot left outstanding.

On Wednesday, Wes and I did a simulated meeting with Adobe Connect, and I presented a brief tutorial on Adobe Presenter. We feel these tools will be quite helpful in our work. I have already made a few 'webinars' (training seminars delivered via the web). If you wish to check one out go to:
http://totaltechcare.ca/mwphotos

The Regional Professional Network met on Thursday, so that occupied most of my day. And finally on Friday I was able to work around the home office.

All continues well around home with Wendy and Kristian in charge! Erin continues to expand her role at work as her own dealership is still growing in Winnipeg, so she is working for other franchises as well.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has passed here on the shore of Lake Superior. I have spent most of the week working in my schools, although I did come back for Monday night.

I spent Monday doing a teachers' workshop in Atikokan. Then on Tuesday, Wes and I headed out to Upsala where we spent the day. We continued on to Ignace where we booked into the motel for the rest of the week. On Wednesday and Thursday, we drove up to Savant Lake and worked in the school there. On Friday, we headed back to Thunder Bay, stopping in Upsala to complete any outstanding issues there. So, we got back Friday afternoon. It was a good week, and two of my schools have already managed to sign-off the October report to OnSIS. This shows that the hard work of setting up a Student-Management System will facilitate our reporting requirements as long as we do it well.

Wendy continues with babysitting of Kristian. He seems to have a chronic eye infection, so we're a little concerned about that. By the time I got back on Friday, it seemed much improved. Anyway, he doesn't seem to be bothered by it, and doesn't seem to rub it or complain about it.

I managed to play another six holes of golf on Friday afternoon, and that was fun, even though it was a bit windy. My drives were a bit better (I hit the fairway on two out of six!), and a bit longer (about 220 yards). I notice my continued reluctance to transfer my weight onto my front leg.

And that's the kind of week it has been.

News Update

And another week comes to a sunny close over Lake Superior. We enjoyed the turn to sunshine after some weeks of rain, and I even got out for a brief, but enjoyable, try at golfing.

Another week working out of the home office is complete. I got a fair amount of paperwork done, and continue to work on online tutorials in Adobe Presenter. That's kind of fun! The next month calls for a lot of work in the schools, until I complete this set of tours.

Wendy is doing quite a bit better, as her aches and pains seem to have subsided. I was down with a cold for the first half of the week, and she had a sore throat at least, but seems to have bypassed the main issues.

Erin and Kristian are doing well. He was in for a check-up with the doctor and has managed to stay on the chart for his weight. That was always his mother's struggle as well; amazingly the rest of the family has successfully overcome that problem!

And that's about it for this week.

Returning to Golf

Today I golfed for the first time since my accident. I have been over to the practice area a couple of times, and even hit a few on the range, but today I played three holes. It was great! Great to be back on the course, that is. It was not great golf!

I took the precaution of hitting two off each tee with the plan of playing the better ball. As it turned out, I had to play the least bad ball! I played a par four, a par three and a par five. I took the precaution of measuring the drive from the par four since it was down wind (although the breeze was light). You may remember that I have been driving well in the month of August, sometimes exceeding three hundred yards, although it is true that my usual drive even in those heady days was more likely 250 - 260. Now it must be admitted that neither drive found the fairway (and thus cannot be legitimately measured), but I was delighted to find that I could comfortably drive the 275 yards onto the neighbouring fairway! Well, okay, perhaps it was not quite that far; after correcting for direction and dragging it back to the correct fairway, let's say it was 240 yards. Would you believe 220? Okay, if you want to be so particular, it was a 365 yard par 4 and I only had 170 left to the green—do your own math!

I found that not feeling comfortable transferring weight onto your front leg has an effect on the trajectory, direction and length of a golf shot! However, I did not find so much problem with my shorter approach shots. Thus I managed to make the other greens in regulation and finished off with pars on those holes.

The walking was slow, but okay. I found walking up a gradual slope the most difficult as the injured leg just didn't want to push me along very briskly. All in all, a wonderful time!

News Update

A soggy week has passed here on the shore of Lake Superior. The rain has been unrelenting, but we're now promised a few days of relief. Some areas of the city are suffering from flooding, but we're doing fine.

I have been working in my home office this week. Two projects only peripherally related to my work have needed some attention. One is an oral language assessment we are conducting throughout the northwest of the province on all kindergarten students. I am charged with data collection and input. The other is an initiative from the Ministry on Tangible Capital Assets; they want us to change how we account for such. I fail to see how this will benefit anyone, much less our small school boards, but it will involve some extra work, and is bound to kill a few trees!

The wet weather has kept me from the golf course (it's a wading pool in many places!), although to be truthful, my exertions of last Saturday left my leg too sore to play any golf anyway! My leg is feeling 'good to go' again, so as soon as I get over my cold, and the course dries up, I'll try it out!

Wendy has continued therapy with her chiropractor, but generally feels pretty good. Erin continues her bookkeeping work, and enjoys that. Kristian is going through another growth spurt and can now pedal his trike. He just loves being outside, so the wet week has been difficult for him.

And that's the kind of week it's been.

News Update

Another week comes to an end here on the sunny shore of Lake Superior. I am in a lull from travel to my schools, so I'm trying to take care of some business around the home office.

I have a conference in TBay on Wednesday through Friday, so that uses much of my week. The conference is 'just okay'. It's on Differentiated Instruction, surely an important subject, but it's also certainly not new. I am reminded of our work at Mildred Hall in YK over twenty years ago. Both Erica and Erin spent most of their primary school years in Multi-Age Group classes we had set up at that school to emphasize Differentiated Instruction. Now DI is the hot topic in education in Ontario, and I can only fear that it will be mandated—surely the death knell for many a good idea!

Friday is the big day! I get my cast off! The doctor is well satisfied with my situation (over seven weeks after the fact!) and sends me on my way with encouraging words. He still wants to see me in six weeks, but basically—I'm free! I head for the golf course Saturday afternoon, and it is a pleasure. My full swing is a bit limited, but that could be a good thing!

Meanwhile things have continued on a good keel around home. Wendy continues to improve under the care of her chiropractor, and Erin is enjoying both work and Joe! (more another time!)

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week closes here on the rainy shore of Lake Superior. I have spent most of the week on the road once again, so it's nice to enjoy the weekend around home.

After working in the office on Monday, I head out to Mine Centre, about three hours west of here. We are booked for two days there, and another two days in Atikokan which is an hour closer to home. We plan to spend our nights in Atikokan, however, plans change. We spend the first night in the Atikokan Hotel. Now, my back was built in 1950, but it does not typically enjoy a bed that was constructed that long ago, so it was a long night with little sleep! I get up with a stiff back, a sore neck and an unhappy disposition. My travelling companion, Wes, has not had any better of it in his room, and he was further bothered by the noise. We determine to stay there no longer. The only other hotel in town is fully booked, but Wes knows of a fishing lodge nearby, so we check that out and are delighted to get accommodated there for one night. It's lovely, and we catch up on some of our sleep. We can't find a place for the third night so we end up commuting from TBay for the last day! The work goes well, and we get both schools moved forward quite well in preparation for report cards and the first set of reports to the Ministry.

Here is a link that Wes set up. If you have a good internet connection, I invite you to try it out as it shows the locations of our schools. You will have to patch it together to get it into the address bar.
http://maps.google.ca/maps/ms?oe=UTF-8&hl=en&ie=
UTF8&msa=0&msid=101216474493044980083.000
439f3264b8c9d7c2a6&ll=50.57626,-90.263672&spn=
3.57915,10.283203&z=7&om=1

Work goes well for Erin, babysitting goes well for Wendy, life goes well for Kristian! Wendy is showing good progress in her new therapy with the chiropractor.

We also have some heartbreaking news to report on the home front as Sylvia and Travis have separated.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has come to a close here on Lake Superior, but that's not where I spent a lot of my time.

My work called me away up to Armstrong this week. A lot of input, data correction and just a bit of data massage was needed to satisfy OnSIS. However, at the end of the week, they are ready to work through the sign off procedure. Of course that takes time as well, so at the end of the week, with one day to go, I still have four of my fourteen schools not quite there! It's only a matter of the formality, but...

My leg continues to improve, but I still experience some pain around the site of the fibular fracture (about three inches below my knee). One night while I have my cast removed, I try getting down into a curling slide—nope, that didn't work! This could be more of a problem than I would have expected. I'm scheduled for my next checkup on October 12th—a total of over seven weeks since the break. I'm doing some therapy now each day, so I hope to be mobile enough to try some golf before the end of the season.

Meanwhile, back on the home front the family has enjoyed decent weather, frequent hikes for grandma and Kristian, and the usual work for Erin.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week draws to an end here on the shore of Lake Superior where all the children are above average!

I've had another good week at work. I worked around the home office on Monday and Tuesday. Then I travelled up to Red Lake(one of my schools) for Wednesday through Friday. We were able to make a lot of progress on the OnSIS reports so that seven of the fourteen schools are completed. The deadline is September 30th, so it's getting plenty close.

Another big event this week was the American greenback falling to parity with the Canadian dollar. As the chart shows, this has been a long time coming, but with the Bushies devastating the American economy, it was inevitable. Of course, as I've mentioned before the continually weaker greenback makes life a lot more difficult for Canadian manufacturers as the US is our biggest customer and all our stuff is about 20% more expensive just this year.

I continue to be hobbled with my leg, but the pain is gradually diminishing. I had a bit of a bad day on Wednesday what with driving up to Red Lake (7 hours) and too much walking around. But that was the only time I needed to take painkillers, so I'm improving.

Wendy keeps busy caring for Kristan each day while Erin works. She had a relapse of her back, shoulder and arm issues, but a trip to the chiropractor helped a lot. Her big project this week was draining, cleaning and putting away the pool.

Kristian enjoyed his second birthday last Sunday, and the rest of us just enjoy him everyday.

The tragedy of the week was the Riders losing to the BC Lions in a battle for first place this evening. The Riders started the season strong, but have now lost three straight and fallen into second place.

And that's the kind of week it's been.

Things to Think About

An American friend wrote this... three things to think about!
1. Cows
2. The Constitution
3. The Ten Commandments

Cows
Is it just me, or does anyone else find it amazing that our government can track a single cow born in Canada almost three years ago, right to the stall where she sleeps in the state of Washington? And, they tracked her calves to their stalls. But they are unable to locate 11 million illegal aliens wandering around our country. Maybe we should give each of them a cow.

The Constitution
They keep talking about drafting a Constitution for Iraq. Why don't we just give them ours? It was written by a lot of really smart guys, it has worked for over 200 years, and we're not using it anymore.

The Ten Commandments
The real reason that we can't have the Ten Commandments posted in a courthouse is this: You cannot post "Thou Shalt Not Steal," "Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery", and "Thou Shall Not Lie" in a building full of lawyers, judges and politicians. It creates a hostile work environment.

News Update

Another week draws to an end here on the shore of Lake Superior where the women are strong, the men are handsome and all the children are above average!

I've had a full week of work. I travelled up to Nakina (one of my schools) for Monday and Tuesday. Then I had work at home and office meetings on Wednesday and Thursday, and finally, I completed the week with a full day workshop for all my secretaries on Friday. It was good.

Of course, I continue to be hobbled with my leg. I returned to the doctor first thing Friday morning to have the cast removed and further xrays and examination of the ankle in particular. The doctor expressed some relief over the progress and prescribed an 'air cast' for the next month. The air cast is rather slick. I strap it on, and then use a little pump to inflate bladders that increase the support of my ankle. And the best part is I'm allowed to take it off at night, or to have a shower. It's also a walking cast, so I've got rid of the crutches. Progress indeed!

Wendy keeps busy caring for Kristian now that Erin is working full-time. She has continued with stripping the old wallpaper in the kitchen and dining room. (I'm afraid this has some significance that has not fully dawned on me yet!) And today, she bought me a compressor with pneumatic nailer and stapler. (Again, I suspect some hidden agenda!)

Erin is enjoying her job, and preparing for Kristian's second birthday that we'll celebrate tomorrow! Happy birthday, little buddy! Grandma has been trying to teach him to blow out his candles, but he's resisting.

This weekend we have Erica and the boys here for the celebration, so that's a special treat. And that's the kind of week it's been.

News Update

Another week draws to an end here on Lake Superior. As noted elsewhere it has not been my best week, however, we carry on.

The remarkable news from my doctors here was to confirm that my fibula is healing well, but that I also have a fracture in my ankle. I couldn't quite see what they were referring to in the xray, but it seems the problem is in one of the bones in the ankle upon which the tibia rests. The crack or chip seems to be knitting together, but they were concerned with how I was adapting to the problem. It seems that in the interest of avoiding pain, I had maneuvered my ankle into an inappropriate position, and they felt this could lead to longer term disability. So they manipulated my ankle back the way they wanted it (ouch) and put me in a cast to keep it there! Seems effective! I am scheduled to go back next Friday for a follow up. In the meantime, I am on crutches with a cast up to my knee.

Work has returned to full swing and I have managed to get a couple of my schools to complete their June reporting to the Ministry. All schools are required to complete this by the end of September, or else there are monetary penalties that impact my program. Next week I am scheduled to begin my road trips to the schools.

Wendy has begun working on the house renovations; she feels that since I am disabled she should work twice as hard, so she can aggravate her back, shoulder and arm issues!! I feel she should take it easy on the renovations so she can take care of me!

Erin has begun work at Halfway Motors. She is enjoying her work. It mainly involves the accounting/bookkeeping for the Suzuki franchise that is part of the Halfway family of dealerships. Kristian is attempting to keep his grandpa amused while his mom his at work.

Travis has been off all week to Las Vegas where he is enjoying a Photoshop conference. He reports that the workshops have been excellent so far.

We are enjoying harvesting from our container garden. There are lots of tomatoes, but the beans seem to have quit producing. The corn is not ready yet, but is promising.

And that's the kind of week it's been.

Warning from Pakistan

This morning, from a cave somewhere in Pakistan, Taliban Minister of Migration, Mohammed Omar, warned the United States and Canada that if military action against Iraq continues, Taliban authorities will cut off America's and Canada's supply of convenience store managers.

And if this action does not yield sufficient results, cab drivers will be next, followed by Bell and Sprint customer service reps.

It's getting ugly.

Another unfortunate break!

I was to the Fracture Clinic here in TBay today. I wanted to follow-up and ensure that my fibula was knitting back together properly. The good doctor (as mentioned, our doctors down here have to go to school to get a degree!) allowed as how the fibula was mending very well, but he was concerned about my broken ankle... my what!!? Yes, the ankle also fractured in the mishap, and he is concerned that things aren't quite as they should be there.

He noted that I must have a high pain threshold (And, to test out this theory, he manipulated my ankle back into the position he wanted!), and noted that the ligaments look good. The upshot is that I'm now on crutches and in a cast from knee to toes, and scheduled to go back next Friday (14th) for more xrays. Yikes!

News Update

The end of this week finds us cooling our heels on the shore of Lake Superior. We enjoyed a final Sunday with family in Regina and bade farewell to Rich & Sue as they head off for six months in Zambia, starting on Tuesday.

As planned, we drove from Regina to Kenora on Monday. This segment was punctuated by an enjoyable visit with Dave & Heather at the Tim Horton's in Brandon. We stayed overnight with Eric/A and the boys. Then, on Tuesday we completed the 5000 km tour with a 500 click drive back into TBay.

My leg is swollen and aching. I head to see the doctor on Wednesday. Perhaps these doctors who actually had to go to school to get a degree will know how to treat a fracture! Hmmm, well at least they are also surprised by the lack of a cast! They set me up for more x-rays (to be read by an expert, they assure me), and then they'll determine whether all is progressing well, or if they will need to operate and put in a pin. (Now there's an unpleasant thought!) And with the long weekend, I am delighted to hear that I can wait until next week for that announcement. Privately I have decided that no news is good news, and that the lack of a phone call indicates that all is well.

I get back to work, and am pleased to get my final two schools signed off on Thursday—a whole day to spare! I'll give them the weekend off as well, and then drop the hammer on them for the June reports! I've also been given a small project for Tangible Capital Asset management, so that's another fifteen days of work.

Wendy spends a few days getting the house and our books back in order. She's back in pretty good health, so that's a relief. She has decided to get back on the job hunt. Our garden is thriving—thanks, Trav, for keeping it watered. We have tomatoes, lettuce, radishes and beans. The corn is promising some cobs; the rhubarb is showing good growth. Even the peas are trying to produce although they have never really recovered from the frequent depredations at the teeth of the squirrels.

Erin got back just in time for a job interview. She landed the job, managing accounts at a car dealership, and is scheduled to begin next Tuesday. Kristian is thriving, and keeping us all entertained with his developmental growth and sense of humour.

And that's the kind of week it's been.

News Update

Another week has passed. We begin the week in Sundre, Alberta; spend most of it on the Okanagan and now we're in Regina, on our way home to the shore of Lake Superior.

The Krogsgaard family reunion came off well. It was helpful to have a totally catered event as it left more time for activities and visiting. On Sunday afternoon, we set off for for John & Marion's on Lake Okanagan, arriving there after dark. We enjoyed restful days with them, culminating in a lovely supper with many old friends from the area. Thanks, John & Marion. The fly in the ointment was, of course, my leg breaking adventure on Wednesday.

On Thursday, we started on our way home, spending most of the day getting back to Medicine Hat, where we enjoyed an overnight stay with Jim & Carol—thanks guys! Then on Friday, we continued on to Regina, where we spending the weekend with DadK—thanks, again.

We anticipate driving to Kenora on Monday, and completing the trip back to TBay on Tuesday. We have all been enjoying our tour a great deal. Kristian has been a hit with everyone.

And that's the kind of week it's been.

Golfiday

I haven't managed very much golf in recent weeks as various other schedules have intervened, but even that small amount is going to decrease!

I enjoyed golfing at Sundre, Alberta, even though I has a constant hook that I couldn't manage my way out of while on the course. When I got to the Okanagan I enjoyed taking advantage of the practice facility at Predator Ridge. As a result, I was able to improve my driving, and get back in a better groove. Then I arranged a game with my old dentist from Yellowknife days. Peter has retired to Kelowna, and I have often been able to arrange a game when we're holidaying in the area. This time he invited me to a new course that I had not played before, so that was an additional challenge.

On the first tee (a short 325 year hole), I hit a fine drive of over three hundred yards down the middle. I can tell you, all of us were impressed! Peter was telling the others that I had inspired him with my short game some years ago, so I responded by chipping my 15 yard approach within an inch of the hole—almost an eagle! Then when I put my drive on the second (170 yard-par three) about twenty feet from the hole and rammed in another birdie putt, we were all wondering who this guy was!! Well, I played well throughout the front nine (although the greens were very fast and tricky so I three-putted a couple of times) and I ended up plus four. Then we turned to the back, and my game and season came to an abrupt end! I was beside the tenth green, ready to chip on, but one of our playing partners was having trouble finding his ball. I wandered around the grassy hillside under the trees looking for it, and finally we found it, however, as I turned to head down the slope and back to my ball, I stepped on a pine cone, slipped and fell, catching my leg underneath me. I heard/felt a sickening crunch and imagined I had turned my ankle again (it frequently happens). I rotated my ankle—no problem. I flexed my knee—no problem (whew!) I stood up—big problem! I couldn't stand on my left leg. I sat down again, and called Peter for help. He allowed that as a dentist he couldn't not offer me much advice on my lower leg pain. He helped me onto his golf cart and hauled me back to the truck. I headed to the local hospital. I can tell you driving that standard tranny was not fun! After due investigations and x-rays I saw the prognosis—a broken fibula.

The doctors feel that since the fracture is not displaced I will not need surgery for pins nor a cast since it is not weight-bearing. They expect that it will be well in about a month.

My brother, John, built me a walking stick, and we carry on, on a golfiday—a holiday from golf!!

News Update

Another week has passed, but we have wandered far from the shore of Lake Superior, so that today finds us in the mountains near Sundre, Alberta. We left Thunder Bay on Tuesday, as soon as Erin had finished writing her exam and we could get packed up. We drove as far as Kenora that day, and spent the evening and night with Eric, Erica and the boys. Then on Wednesday, we carried on to Regina, where we visited with Wendy's family and spent the night with DadK. On Thursday, we carried on to Medicine Hat where we enjoyed the evening with Jim & Carol. Finally, on Friday afternoon we drove up through Cochrane and to the Pioneer Lodge here just south of Sundre.

It's a nice setting in the foothills. It's set up for a variety of activities like pony rides and trail rides. There is also a climbing wall, an obstacle course and hiking trails. Then there are volleyball and basketball games set up near the main lodge. It makes for a nice reunion with the Krogsgaard family, and we also celebrate Erin's birthday.

I finally manage, this afternoon, my only golf of the week. I drive into Sundre where they have a nice course. The local guys I'm placed with insist on playing the blacks, but really it's my driving that keeps me in trouble throughout. Everything is back to going left, so more work remains; I guess that's golf!

And that's the kind of week it's been.

News Update

Another week... wow, where did the week go?! It seems to have been lost in busyness.

I do remember we had a holiday on Monday, but with summer holidays, there isn't much to distinguish another day. And I've been 'at work' for at least part of each day. Oh, yeah, and I did get in a golf game—39-42 for 81, pretty good.

I've managed a lot of progress on the backyard. The trampoline is now in place, and I'm working on the base for the lawn. That involves a lot of shovelling, wheelbarrowing and raking. I'm still projecting being ready to seed when we get back from our trip west.

We plan to leave next Tuesday, driving as far as Kenora, and then onto Regina on Wednesday. Next weekend we're in the Krogsgaard reunion at Sundre, Alberta. Wendy is doing well. She has been busy with daycare and homecare, and is starting to find a manageable work load that her aggrieved shoulder will accept.

Erin is doing final assignments and exams in her summer courses. Her last exam is Tuesday morning, thus our plans to travel Tuesday afternoon. Kristian loves getting outside, and with the back yard work, he enjoys helping grandpa take it a little slower.

And that's about all for this week.

News Update

Another week has passed on the sunny shore of the not so Superior Lake. I say that to note that the big lake is nearing record low water marks. Several recent publications have noted the ominously low water and the record high surface temperature of the lake. It is now expected that some time this fall, Superior will fall to a new record low. This is interfering with shipping, as the large vessels cannot carry full loads, and it is really interfering with small boats as many are unable to access their docks or slips.

Meanwhile back at the house, Wendy thinks the pool is a couple of inches low as well! However, I have continued my slow progress on the back yard. I am digging a shallow excavation for the trampoline, and preparing the main section of the yard for lawn. I hope to plant grass this month, so I need to keep at it, however the 30 degree weather has invited me indoors!

I've had a couple of days back at work this week as well. We had an all day meeting on Wednesday, and I had some follow-up from that. So, with the work and the heat, I only managed to get out golfing on Monday.

The garden continues to grow and produce. Something keeps eating the pea plants—they are being mowed down to just a couple of inches high!

Wendy is back to pretty well full health, and has spent several days this week helping out at the daycare. Erin & Kristian are doing well. Kristian got a good medical check-up this week as he's finally made the chart for his weight! (He's still pretty slim!)

And that's the kind of week it's been.

Birthday 57

The weekend included a recognition of my completion of 57 years on this little blue planet. The whole family was here—my favourite wife, my favourite children, my favourite grandchildren, my favourite son-in-law and my favourite daughter-in-law! It was delightful! We enjoyed backyard BBQ, supper out at a restaurant, and, of course, an ice cream cake! The poor cake was festooned with 57 candles—it's a wonder it didn't melt on the spot! Thankfully Liam assisted me to get them all blown out. I also got to play golf with three friends. My driver was unconscious with a couple drives over 300 yards, and in the correct direction! It must have been a special boon from the golf gods in honour of the occasion as it hasn't happened before.

After supper, I head back to the course to play the back nine. It's like old home week... hook, scramble, bogie. After a few holes of that I have to look in the mirror and exclaim, "Okay, I recognize you, but who was that guy this morning?!" And suddenly on 15, I'm hitting it straight again, so I par in and complete a very respectable 82.

In addition to the delight of the presence of family and friends, I also got some presents. It was too much, and I feel very blessed. Thank you, family!

News Update

Another week (and almost another year) passes on the shore of Lake Superior. And while the climes may continue to be salubrious, the rising temperatures make outdoor activity less enjoyable. The thermometer continues to push higher in the twenties, and threatens to continue into the thirties; we are happy to enjoy the air-conditioned comfort of the house (leave us alone, David Suzuki!).

The pool also gets a lot of traffic, even more so after the arrival of Eric and the boys on Tuesday. Even Wendy is eventually convinced to take the plunge. Kristian seems unable to make his mind up about it—everytime I stand him at the top of the ladder, he jumps in, but he hollers (in what seems to be discomfort) while he's there! Haaken and Liam spend hours on end playing in the water.

I've only managed one golf game this week. That was with Eric on Wednesday. It was okay; I scrambled a lot on the front nine, but improved on the back—46-40, for an 86. We've put together a foursome for my birthday on Monday, so, I'm looking forward to that.

Wendy is doing much better health-wise, so that's a relief. Erin has applied for a job at the University—we hope that goes forward. Erica drove down after work on Thursday, so we have the whole family together for a few days—it's nice!

And that's the kind of week it's been.

News Update

The week is enjoyed in salubrious climes on the shore of Lake Superior.

I am fundamentally on holidays, although frequent issues with OnSIS calls me back to active duty nearly every day for at least a couple of hours. I have noted the need to improve my golf game, especially off the tee, so I concentrate on that at the start of the week. Although I always spend part of my practice time on my short game, I spend all of my swing time on driving both Sunday and Monday. I have a game with John on Tuesday, and then play another 18 holes with locals that I am placed with... my driving is much improved. I hit only one pull hook in my game with John, and only two on the other 18! I do 'play it smart' (yes, I know, that's not like me!) with a couple of three woods, but, really, my driving goes very well. My iron play is inconsistent for awhile but also comes around, and I play the final nine in two over! All told, my two games this week end up 85, 80. I take the remainder of the week off golf as yard work and wind combine to keep me off the course.

The garden is doing well, although it got a late start. Tomatoes are forming, we're eating radishes, and the lettuce is getting close. Our transplanted flowers and rhubarb all seem to be taking well. I upgraded the distribution side of the watering system this week, so that helps.

Wendy has been feeling much better and is nearly back to full operating condition once again. She still is taking treatment, but she is able to manage without much discomfort or disability.

Erin has been working on assignments with her summer courses and is in the final weeks of that. Kristian got a little cut under his chin and had to get medical attention to have it glued back together again. He hardly seemed to notice the injury and it certainly has not slowed him down!

Travis & Sylvia are doing well, keeping busy with work and home. Trav is starting plans and preparations for the new school year. Among other things he's planning a trip to Las Vegas for a Photoshop conference in September. I wonder if there are any decent golf courses in the vicinity!?

And that's the kind of week it's been.

News Update

The week begins in Dauphin, winds its way through Winnipeg and eventually returns us to the shore of Lake Superior.

We enjoy a wonderful reunion with many friends in Dauphin—thank you, especially to Mabel for your generous hospitality. On Monday, we begin the return tour by driving into Winnipeg. Thank you Tom & Mariette for your generous hospitality. Tuesday finds me on another golf course, Grand Pines, just north of Winnipeg. Most of my game is working well, but my driver is mostly unmanageable and leaves me frequently in the trees and I eventually record an 88. Clearly I must do something better on the tee!

On Wednesday we check in with Mike & Peggy, acknowledge her birthday, collect a lot of plants for our flower beds and garden and then head east. We arrive in TBay safely in the early evening. It is good to see Erin & Kristian.

They have been doing okay, although Kristian has a bit of a cold. Erin has managed to get a lot of schoolwork done despite the absence of the prime babysitters.

I manage to get back to work and help a few more schools make progress in the dreaded ministry reports. We enjoy a brief visit with Trav & Sylvia who had their own whirlwind tour in the last week.

Wendy is feeling quite a bit better and manages to make a lot of progress planting our new perennials as well as an assortment of local bedding plants.

And that's the kind of week it's been.

News Update

The week begins on the shore of Lake Superior. Then we head west on Tuesday, driving to Winnipeg where we visit with Mike & Peggy and I enjoy a round of golf with Mike. My golf is quite satisfactory as I manage an 84 on a tight course. On Thursday we head out to Dauphin in preparation for the annual Pryder Cup golf competition with our friends from Bismark, ND. This will be my third Pryder Cup as I played the original one in 2000 before we began our time in Zambia, and I managed to take in the 2005 event, although I played for the American team on that occasion!

So, while we stayed with Mabel in Dauphin, and she and Wendy enjoyed shopping and chatting, I laboured through four rounds of golf on Friday and Saturday!

And thus another week passes.

Pryder Cup 2

Day two activity moves us to the Dauphin Lake course, where we start round three under threatening skies. The format is better ball and I am teamed with my old friend, Dick. It is a great relief to be playing much better. Perhaps my fretting and problem-solving through the night are paying off! More likely the calming influence of my friend allows me to get my head together. It is well said that golf is mainly played 'between the ears'!!

At any result we win both points fairly comfortably--but the great feeling for me is that I am playing some decent golf once again. Our teammates continue to pitch a virtual shutout and we head to the final round with an insurmountable lead of 13.5 to 2.5.

The afternoon features the singles matches. Although we play in foursomes, the match is against one person from the other team. I am delighted to find that my refound game has continued into the afternoon, so I am able to score well and win my point 6 and 5. Randy, my playing partner in the group has a harder time of it, but finally wins on seventeen--2 and 1. Likewise our teammates continue to dominate winning six of the eight matches for a final score of 19.5 to 4.5.

It was a great experience despite my poor play on Friday and I hope to play in the event on another occasion if the chance should arise.

Pryder Cup 1

The opening round of the tournament is the two-man scramble. This is an event where each partner plays a shot and then we choose from the two results as the location for our next shot. This continues until we hole-out and then the team with the better score wins the hole. I am paired with Mark, a reliable golfer so we can count on a high percentage of fairways and greens hit. I, on the other hand, do not turn out to be a reliable golfer! I don't know whether I am over-psyched for the matches or what, but I do not golf well at all, so that's pretty frustrating. And Mark is unable to make up the difference so while we struggle valiantly, we finally lose our match when they make a birdie on the final hole and we lose 1up. Our teammates fare better and we end the morning matches with a 3-1 lead.

In the afternoon we play modified alternate shot. I am partnered with Bernard, a long hitter and a consistent scorer. Once again, I turn out to be neither! I certainly play better than in the morning, so that is of some encouragement. We fall behind early and by the tenth hole, we're four holes down. We rally and finally regain a tie on the seventeenth hole, but, alas, we fall apart on the eighteenth and lose the match 1up. Once again our teammates hold their own in all other matches, so we complete the day with a 6-2 lead.

In the evening we have a BBQ at Wayne's house... great steaks, great food, great fun!