News Update

Another week has passed, and we have returned from the Winnipeg River to the sunny shores of Lake Superior and my hometown. We drove back down here on Monday morning as Wendy had a shift on Monday afternoon. It was a good time in Kenora, and a good trip. This was another four-day work week, and I managed to cycle my way through it successfully. The TSX completed a month of decline, but I've managed to make a small profit in the end, so that was good. Bus driving continues to go fine. I've started outside work with the lawns and gardens, and am also doing some repairs to the back fence to discourage Sadie (Erin's dog) from crawling out! And I'm back in the annual quest for an effective golf game!

We've had concerns this week over the health of Wendy's dad. He's spent most of the week in the hospital, and but has returned home, and, he insists, is doing fine. We're relieved. More tests and the associated results may shed further light on the matter, so we pray that answers will be found and remedies, if any, taken.

Wendy continues to take care of business in the shoe department at the local Wally World. She has been busy as well with the renovations to the kitchen in the church building. She loves kitchen cabinets! This may have also reawakened her interest in renovations around the house, so, I'm forewarned—unfortunately, there is no forearmed in this case! Wendy lost her friend, Louise, this week; she is assisting with funeral preparations.

Kristian enjoyed the trip up to Kenora to visit his cousins. It was a three-day Lego/Star Wars extravaganza! Erin continues to be busy with work and cheering on the Blue Jays. She is particularly delighted when they knock off the Yankees.

Trav has been family-sitting this weekend. Joanna's step-father passed away, so, she's off to be with her mother, and Trav's taking care of things at home. He is also grieving as his Pens lost out in the playoffs. Now, he is able to dedicate his interest in the Canucks, who opened their next series with a win, but then lost tonight in overtime.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has passed, and finds us on the shore of Winnipeg River in Kenora, five hours driving from my hometown. The weather has turned nice again, and I have enjoyed riding my bike to work each day. I even set a record coming home Thursday evening as I had a tail wind! Good Friday and Easter Monday are school holidays, so I get two four-day weeks surrounding a four-day weekend—this could catch on! Investments have continued to be difficult, but this week turned upward again, so I managed to pick up almost a full per cent. On Friday morning, we drove, with Kristian, up to Kenora to spend the weekend with Eric/A and the boys. We enjoyed a church Pot Luck and Good Friday observance with them. We look forward to Resurrection Sunday tomorrow! Today we watched Liam take his Karate test (he now has his blue stripe belt), and caught up with the goings on in riverside life in Kenora.

Wendy has been working all week, and was scheduled to work today, but she managed to switch shifts so we could travel. She has been in a cake-making mode lately—she made another today—and I must say it's serving to defeat most of the benefits of my bike riding! She's also been doing some voluntary work in collecting for the Kidney Foundation and phoning for the local NDP candidate during the current federal campaign.

Erin is busy at work; a hail storm has made for more repair work than the body shops can keep up with, and more call for rental cars than the city can provide. On top of all that, she has to help the Blue Jays break out of an early season slump. Her work kept her from joining us on the trip this weekend.

Trav has managed to get his Penguins and the Canucks to the clinching game in the first round of the playoffs. However, the Pens lost their first try at clinching today, and the Canucks have blown their first two chances to go through. Both sit with 3-2 leads in the best of seven.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. The weather was beautiful for the first part of the week, but has turned nasty this weekend. How does the weather know it is a weekend?! The markets were bad all week, and I lost almost 1.5%. I've been otherwise occupied much of the week, so I haven't paid as much attention to investments as I should have. We started the week celebrating as Jeff Stoughton defeated Scotland to bring home the World Curling Championship. I also cheered Charl Schwartzel winning the Masters Golf, although I was really hoping young Rory McIlroy would have been able to keep it together in the final round. I've been riding my bike to work, and wondering about the unlikely combination of a 15 year old front tire, a 25 year old back tire, and a 60 year old cyclist! On Tuesday evening, on the way home from work, the anticipated failure happened! But, surprisingly, it was the 25 year old tread, not the 60 year old retread! Now I have a nice new rear tire! I'm starting a term of teaching on Sunday, beginning with the Pastoral Epistles, so that's taken a bit of study time as well.

Wendy has kept very busy with work and social life. She has also been attending to an ill friend this week, who is now hospitalized. She is also engaged with a committee at church that is supervising some renovations there.

Erin keeps busy with work, and Kristian. There were extra assignments for her as it was time for the Individual Education Plan update for him, and also time for a new assessment of his hearing. He was fitted for new earpieces; this time he has chosen white and blue colours.

Trav had a concluding hockey draft and game with his midget team, and has now devoted his attention to the Stanley Cup playoffs. His Penguins are tied 1-1 in their series, and his second pick Canucks are up 2-0 in theirs.

It's hard to keep up with everything that is going on, but that's enough for this week.

News Update

We've enjoyed another week of fine Spring weather on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. It is now light enough in the morning, so I have begun riding my bike to work. It takes about twenty minutes, and it's a nice ride in the quiet of the morning. The afternoon is another story—the traffic makes it an uncomfortable trip. I keep searching for alternate routes that may be less busy. The markets have been down most of the week, but I recovered enough on Friday to leave us with only a small loss for the week. I've been cheering the curling all week, and I've managed to get Jeff into the final tomorrow! Scotland will face us in the championship game. It's Masters golf week, the start of the golf season for me. I'm starting to practice again in the endless challenge of finding that one little tweak that will turn my game around! (I fear it may take more than one little tweak!)

Wendy has kept busy with work early in the week, and again at the end; she's working this evening. She's been back into cake-making mode recently; we're enjoying the results!

Erin seems to have been busier than usual with car rentals this week. Kristian is enjoying the warmer weather, getting out to play in mud puddles. He often gets home both muddy and wet.

Trav has negotiated his Penguins into the playoffs in good position with the extra home game in the playoffs that are about to begin. He's got his bike all tuned up, including new tires, and he and Joanna are breaking in their systems for another season of cycling. I think it's still in the painful stage!

Anyway, that's about it for this week.

News Update

A week of fine weather has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. As it started we cheered for Amber Holland and her valiant attempt at the World Curling championship, however, she failed, losing to Sweden. We remain very proud of her effort. Today, the Men's championship began in Regina. Our champion is Jeff Stoughton, and he got off on the right foot with a win over Switzerland this afternoon and Denmark this evening. Investments have gone very well again this week, so that after three months, we have achieved 50% of our annual need. School bus driving continues to go well, and with the warmer weather, I am contemplating riding my bike back and forth to work. It's 5.5km and while I walk it regularly, it takes too long for me to want to do that in the morning. I feel I can comfortably make it in twenty minutes on my bike, and that's only twice as long as it takes in the car, so, as long as the weather is amenable, that will be my plan. I am a little concerned about my bike tires. I got it 25 years ago in YK, and the front tire blew up while we were in Dauphin. So, I have a 15 year old front tire, and a 25 year old back tire, and a 60 year old cyclist! Is this a good combination?!

Wendy worked regularly in the early part of the week and then had several days off. Last night she hosted Dean, Kelly & Cassie, along with Travis, Joanna, Andrew & Gemma, so we had a houseful. It was a good time as we celebrated Joanna's completion of her studies, along with the opening of the baseball season. Wendy is also catching up with her other friends in the area; some of them are suffering illness.

Erin and I have both been suffering all week with a stiff/sore neck. I believe it's some kind of flu, and I feel I am getting over it now. Erin is still suffering. Kristian has had a few 'will' incidents this week, as in, he has decided he will not do what the teacher (or his mom) is asking him to do. I got after him for one of his foot-stomping declarations today, and he confided to his mother that, "Grandpa was angry."

Trav has been coaxing his Penguins into a playoff position in hockey. He continues with his work and projects. He's also involved with seasonal closing activities for his midget hockey team.

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

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. The weather has been sunny, but not very warm, so we haven't manage to melt off much snow. Still, the drifts are disappearing and the lawns and fairways are starting to appear. I've been back at bus driving, and that continues to go well. In between trips, I've been working on the investments, and I had a very good week there, earning more than a 1% gain. I've also been cheering on Amber Holland at the women's world curling championships in Denmark. She has had an up and down week, but mostly up. After losing to Denmark in the round-robin, she defeated Switzerland, Denmark and China in the playoffs and has advanced to the final tomorrow against Olympic Gold medalist, Sweden. We'll be cheering! We've been looking at upgrading our main vehicle, and have been looking around the car lots. It seems our car got in a snit about it and quit this week. Fortunately, our mechanic was able to track down the problem, and we're back running again sans a fair amount of cash!

Wendy has been busy with work, and working around our vehicle problems. She has also been doing further consulting over her medical issues, especially her feet. At this point, she has decided to upgrade her footwear and add orthotics to support her better. We hope this will relieve her pain and give her greater mobility.

Erin and Kristian continue with their usual roles. Kristian is showing a great love and interest in learning. Last night he even insisted on shutting down the TV so he could work on his letters! Yikes! That's a little too serious!

Trav is getting geared up for the Stanley Cup playoffs. There remain a few games while teams continue to struggle for playoff spots, but he's mainly hoping Crosby will complete his recovery and be able to get back playing in time for his Penguins to make a long playoff run. In the meantime, he's continuing with work and photography projects. Joanna is taking her written and practical exams. She is not enjoying that, but is really looking forward to being finished.

News Update

The week of Spring Break has passed on the shore of Lake Superior, in my hometown. The weather has been mild with some showers and the snow has been disappearing. I do not miss it! The city crews are not keeping up with the development of potholes and I've experienced more than a few wheel-dropping, suspension-jolting hits. I had two work days of First Aid Training since that is a requirement for School Bus drivers. I had a charter on Thursday, so in the end I got in three days of work over the break. In between, I've managed to get things turned around in the markets and managed to show a profit for the week. The Brier closed on Sunday; I was glad to see Jeff Stoughton prevail to become our representative to the World Championships. The Women's World championships start today in Esbjerg, Denmark. I'll be following Amber Holland's progress in that event; she has started off with a win over China.

Wendy has had a busy week of work, including today. The car refused to start for her one day, and I don't know if we've figured out why yet. It did get her looking at new vehicles, so we were out checking out RAV4's and Journeys one evening. We'd love a chance to try one out before buying, but in general we're looking for that sort of vehicle, and it seems there's a lot of choice! Escape, Rogue, Santa Fe, Outlander, CR-V... there could be too much choice!

Erin and Kristian have had a good week. Kristian has had a few days of daycare, and a few days of grandpa care. Last night he had a sleepover at Andrew's. Erin is busy trying to make and keep up with her March Madness picks, all the while following the preseason development of her Jays.

Trav is back to work as usual as his hockey season comes to an end. However, the hockey season for his Penguins is just heating up, and he wonders whether Crosby or any others of their extensive injury list will be ready for the post-season. If not, it could be a short playoff run. Joanna came over to make us supper Friday night. Thanks a lot!

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

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior, in my hometown. The weather is spring-like with melting clearing the streets and roads, and pot-hole season beginning! I've been preoccupied all week with curling as the Brier is on. Saskatchewan did not do well, and didn't even make the playoffs. My longtime favourite, Kevin Martin, has not performed up to par either; he will be playing for the bronze medal game tomorrow against Brad Gushue of Newfoundland. The Manitoba team of Jeff Stoughton has looked the best, and they're in the final tomorrow against the Glenn Howard team from Ontario. Work has gone fine, but now it is March-break so I only have one charter next week. The markets had a tough week and the TSX was down 5.25% at one point on Thursday. I managed to avoid some of the downturn, and even got a bit of recovery on Friday, but I'm still down over 1% for the week. The effects from the unrest in the middle east and the massive earthquake/tsunami in Japan will continue to play out over the next while.

Wendy has been in Regina celebrating birthdays for her dad and herself. She returned on Thursday evening, and we went out for her birthday supper last night. I always enjoy marking her birthday since it initiates the four-month period when she sports a bigger number than I do! However, despite her advanced age, she was back at work yesterday!

Erin and Kristian have been occupied as per usual with work, school and daycare. Kristian got new running shoes and enjoyed conning Travis to let him take them to school. He's also off for the next week as schools take a March break.

Trav's hockey team lost out in the final game of the semi-final round of playoffs. That was disappointing, but Travis continues to really enjoy coaching, and notes that this year was even more fun than last year. The team is considering taking part in another tournament yet before ending the season. Joanna started work, and seems to enjoy poking people to get their blood! Getting paid for it is a bonus!

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

News Update

My maternal great-grandparents Jens Kristian & Sørensine Sørensen.
Thanks to Jens Langeland (cousin) for passing this along.

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. The weather has been quite nice, although a couple of windy days made it unpleasantly cold. The markets have been difficult all week with investors being troubled by world politics, especially the situation in Libya. I had good days on Monday and Friday to overcome the poor results in the middle of the week, so I was blessed with gains above my expectations. We started the week with a delightful afternoon watching Saskatchewan win the women's curling championship. This afternoon, the Brier started, so I'm settled down for another week of curling! Bus driving has been business as usual all week.

Wendy put in a full week of work before her anticipated departure for Regina. On Thursday evening she checked in online and found out that her plane had "taken on a delay". She was afraid it may have "gone mechanical", but was happy with the delayed departure time that meant we didn't have to get to the airport so soon on Friday morning. As we got ready to leave on Friday morning, I suggested she should check again, just in case the plane had "taken on a further delay". Alas, the website informed us the plane had already "left the gate"! Much consternation later, she got rerouted through Toronto and was not too much delayed for her arrival in Regina. She plans to be there for the celebration of her dad's birthday on Monday, her own birthday on Wednesday. She is scheduled to return home on Thursday.

Erin and Kristian have had a good week. Work is going fine for Erin, and Kristian had a good week in school and daycare.

Trav's team is in the playoffs. We watched the final game of the first round; it was quite tense into the third period, but they broke it open late to advance to the semi-finals. Joanna is into busy times with her coursework and is also starting to work in her chosen profession of blood-letting! Actually, she works in diagnostic services with Life-Labs.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. The weather has been nice most of the week, but has turned cold for the weekend. We did get a bit of rain and snow midweek to add to the driving excitement! It has been a troubled week on the markets as the stocks declined on all North American indices. However, I was blessed with the decision to buy oil last week and even though I sold out short of $99, I managed to make enough to have a very profitable week. My bus let me down one afternoon this week, as it blew the high pressure oil line and drifted to a halt on the side of the highway with a full load of students. After about 25 minutes, the mechanic showed up with a replacement bus, so I was able to transfer my students and carry on. My bus was repaired and ready the next morning. I had my follow up with my oncologist on my most recent PSA results. The week of antibiotics have taken it down some, so he continues to feel that it's only chronic inflammation that is producing the higher than expected PSA levels. We enjoyed have Eric/A and the boys down for the long weekend; they drove back on Monday afternoon after a lovely family day brunch involving all family members. I've been watching women's curling all week. I've been cheering for my old home province, Saskatchewan. They finished the round-robin in first place, and got into the playoffs. They won the semi-final this afternoon over Ontario, so they'll play in the championship game tomorrow.

Wendy has had a busy week with work at Walmart, taking care of all the rest of us, and battling a cold. She is feeling some better, but still coughing a bit. She's off at work again this evening.

Erin & Kristian are doing fine. She also suffered some with a cold early in the week. Kristian seems to be eating a bit more lately, so we're hopeful he'll put on some weight. It's not a difficulty that I can relate to! He's developing so much in his speaking ability; we are proud of him.

Trav's hockey team has completed their regular season and are now started in the playoffs. Of course, that can end quickly, but we hope for good results. He keeps busy with work and Joanna. Joanna has been quite sick, but finally accepted the need for antibiotics and is recovering nicely.

News Update

A warm week of melting and showers has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. The cold of last week dissipated in the face of +10 degrees, and the streets have cleared and dried once again. Erica arrived several times this week, as she came here for courses, continued on to Toronto for other sessions, and eventually returned for the weekend. Eric and the boys arrived last evening; we're enjoying the long weekend with all three grandsons, and all three children! The markets have been favourable this week, as investments in gold and oil were blessed handsomely and got me back on track for the year. Today, the Scotties (Canadian Ladies Championship) began, so I am settled down to a week of curling overload! Bus driving has continued well, but this week we're informed that there will be thirty-two fewer drivers needed next school year, so my latest career may be a short one!

Wendy has been suffering with a cold all week, but has carried on with work and other duties in spite of it. Even this weekend, she continues to suffer, but is improving. Otherwise her work is going well. She got positive news on her recent medical tests; we're all grateful for those results. She continues preparations for a trip west next month.

Kristian has passed along his cold to his mother and his grandmother; meanwhile, he's back in good form. On Thursday, he finally got a long-awaited ride on grandpa's yellow school bus. He really seemed to enjoy that as he accompanied me on the afternoon run. Erin suffered most of the week with the cold, but maintained her schedule at work as well. She is also feeling much better by the weekend, and is perking up with the Blue Jays spring training news as well. She only wishes she were in Florida enjoying it with them!

Trav is doing well. Work and hockey are progressing. The Penguins remain a concern; injuries have severely depleted their lineup. Joanna has been down with cold or flu or both. As the Zambians would say, "Our family has been hit!" We hope no more will succumb to illness, and that all who continue to experience disease will soon be fully recovered.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Here's that young couple with their family forty years later!

It's been a cold week on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. The forecasters told us it would warm up early in the week, and then they kept pushing the warming trend off, until it finally arrived on Friday afternoon! Now, they're promising +10 in the next few days, but the cynical among us have determined to believe that when we see it. Canadian markets have been pretty wild this week as investor sentiment roiled with each new rumour out of Egypt. When the welcome news of Mubarak's departure came, commodities took a hit, and our commodity-heavy market along with my commodity-heavy portfolio went down as well. So, it was a down week for me, but I'm poised for recovery next week! Bus driving continues to be an enjoyable excursion each day, and they pay me about seventy cents per kilometre as well!

Wendy continues with regular shifts as Walmart. She is looking at further opportunities there, and also at a job with her chiropractic clinic. The change in weather seems to have got her renovation juices flowing again also, and she's been regaling me with dreams of what the new living room will be like!

Erin and Kristian have taken turns being ill this week. Kristian missed some days of school and daycare. Erin kept at her work, but is not feeling well even now as she sniffles her way through the weekend.

Trav's team had a good result, winning the consolation trophy in last weekend's hockey tournament. They are soon moving into the playoff part of the regular league schedule.

News Update

Perhaps you will recognize some of these folks: (Photos from our wedding—thanks, Don)

We've enjoyed a wonderful week on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. The weather has been beautiful, and even more strikingly so as we watch the inconveniences visited upon others in snow and ice storms, or even more drastically, in cyclones. We got a bit of snow on Friday, but otherwise the streets had melted and dried off, and I even enjoyed a walk home from work one day. I plan to do that more than once each week, but it does take a bit of coordinating to get the car home from work while I walk. And the 5.5 clicks is not something I want to do every day—unless it's on a golf course! The markets have been performing surprisingly well, and I have caught up to my goals, so I'm feeling very blessed in that regard. Bus driving is going well; I enjoy the daily interactions with the students and my fellow workers.

Wendy continues with Walmart several days a week, and with the household 24-7! This week she even surprised us with cookies! (Kinda puts the walk home into the useless category!) She is having problems with her feet, so, she's getting some therapy for that.

Erin and Kristian are doing well. Kristian was sick over last weekend, but seems to be back in form again. He's also expressed some discomfort over his hearing aids, but we don't know whether this is real or an excuse! Erin is busy with work whenever slippery conditions help people run into each other and need replacement transportation!

Trav is one of those, as he backed into a parked vehicle this week. The truck is okay, but there was some damage to the grill of the other car, so it needs repairs. We enjoyed supper with Trav, Joanna and family on Friday evening. His hockey team is thriving in the late going of the regular season, and seem positioned for a good spot in the playoffs. This weekend, his team is in a local tournament—so far, so good!

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has passed here on Lake Superior in my hometown. It was a week of getting back into my routines—daily driving of the school bus, and puzzling over the markets. The TSX has not progressed this month, so I'm feeling blessed to be up a couple of thousand with just one trading day to go. It's much short of my targets, but since the market has lost 100 points in the last four weeks, I'm grateful to be in the green. Bus driving has been going fine, and I'm very comfortable with my route. This week was exam week for the High School students, so they were not on the bus much; on two afternoons I had no riders at all for the High School run. We've had a little bit more fresh snow, so I was back into shovelling, but the weather had moderated so I've spent most of the week in slushy driving conditions. I've been able to catch up on curling in the Continental Cup where we prevailed over the World team, and also the TSN Skins where I watch my old favourite, Kevin Martin, eke out a win over David Murdock of Scotland. This weekend, Kevin lost out to Jeff Stoughton, so, I decided to cheer for Jeff, but he lost out tonight. I've also been following the Australian Open tennis, but was disappointed to see our Danish lass lose out in the semis, but glad to see Kim Clijsters win the final. I'm cheering for Djokovic on the men's side.

Wendy has only had a few shifts at Walmart this week, but is busy again this weekend. I'm guessing this is part of the price you pay as a relatively new person on staff. Anyway, she's doing a great job there, so I have to expect that eventually they'll figure out what a valuable commodity she is, and offer to put her on full-time. By this time, she is the virtual manager of the shoe department, but is not recognized nor paid as such. It is simply the usual dedication and ownership she takes of her job responsibilities. I am proud of her. While she is just glad I'm home to take over the snow removal duties!!

Erin is enjoying her new car. Kristian is not so sure they wouldn't have been better off with a van. He liked travelling in Great Grampa's van with its higher seating and better viewing angles. He's progressing well at school, and is off to another birthday party this weekend—more Lego, I'm sure! He had two special treats this week as he got to talk on the phone with his special aunty Erica, and then she had a brief stopover here on Friday on her way home from Toronto. He just squealed when he saw her in the car!

Trav has continued with his usual program and has taken on additional support of coaching other hockey teams just to help out. I hope to complete his top-corner targets this weekend.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

This week marked my return to the shore of Lake Superior and my hometown. The trip was eventful, so I've given it an entry of its own. Otherwise my week was the grand range from the sublime to the mundane! On Sunday we enjoyed the fellowship of the congregation in Palm Springs where we encountered quite a number of snowbirds. Some have escaped for so long, I'm thinking they've changed species. We found former Torontonians, Edmontonians, Calgarians, even Dauphinites! Glen & Gwen Dods are working with this congregation—it was quite a surprise to find them there! We enjoyed lunch with them and Ernest Andersons before heading out to golf at LaQuinta Dunes. Finally, on Monday afternoon we played our sixth and final round at Indian Canyons. What a wonderful week! Thank you guys for a great time. The weather was wonderful with day time highs ranging from 23 to 32—the latter a little uncomfortably hot for me. The golf was quite satisfactory, although Sunday did bring my thirty-five years of keeping it under 100 to an end! Monday, I started a new streak! My luggage arrived home on Friday morning, so at least I have my clubs for the weekend!

The stock market in Canada has shown a decline this month, so I've struggled to make money. The US markets are up, so I'm encouraged that we'll turn it around. I've bought a few stocks on what I suppose to be dips! Now, I'm ready for a rally! I got back to driving my school bus on Wednesday morning. My body has now experienced +30 and -30 in the same week; I must say, it was easier to get comfortable in the -30 weather here at home. I almost quit the golf game on Monday afternoon, but finally got some relief with an ice-water cloth on my head and neck.

Wendy has been taking care of things here at home including dealing with some fresh snow. The pile on the lawn is getting quite high; I'll have to get the snowblower out and move it away from the edge of the driveway so we have more room for additional deposits. She's also been picking up shifts at Walmart where she does daily battles with shop-lifters. So far, the shop-lifters are winning!

Erin got her new car—a 2009 Nissan Altima! Kristian thinks it's a nice, big, grey car. He's continuing to progress at school, and with his speech. It was clear to hear better sentence composition after just one week away.

Trav has continued with work, contracting, hockey and Joanna; I won't speculate on the order! This week he's trying to build top corner targets for his hockey team to use in practice.

And that's about it for this week.

The Voyage Home-The Search for ?

This morning I headed for my hometown on the shore of Lake Superior. My flight was at 6am, and Dick and Kerry got me to the airport in plenty of time. It was mostly downhill from there!

I was scheduled for a multi-leg flight: Palm Springs - Phoenix - Indianapolis - Toronto - Thunder Bay, but US Airways wouldn't book me past Indianapolis. They wanted me to collect my bags and recheck there. I finally convinced them that since they were all the same big company (Star Alliance) that they should be able to check my luggage through to Canada. At that point they made the giant leap of checking them right through to Thunder Bay despite my protests that I should probably clear customs in Toronto! And they charged me for each of the bags, a total of $60. But I still only had boarding passes to Indy.

When we got to Phoenix, with a pretty quick connection, I rushed to the next terminal and gate, only to find the plane had "gone mechanical". Air transportation companies are never behind schedule—aircraft "go mechanical" or "take on a delay"! In this case, it was delayed for an hour and as I result I wouldn't make the connection in Indy to go up to TO. So, they started work on a new connection through Philly; it would get me to TO, but too late for my flight to TBay. There was still a chance my original flight would get ready to go in time to make the connection, so I waited a while longer. Then, it "took on a further delay", so I headed back to customer service. I asked them if they could reroute me with a different airline, but they said their rule was only to reroute with a different airline after a four-hour delay. I returned to my line about "all one big company", and after a bit of work on that story, they agreed to call Air Canada about the direct flight from Phoenix to TO. Yep, they had a seat available. US Airways said they would put in an order for my luggage to get moved over to that flight, and I headed to the AC desk to get my boarding cards. AC called down to the baggage area, but my bags had not arrived. They sent me back to US Airways. US Airways admitted they had not found the bags, but that they were still working on it.

I headed back to AC gate and my 1pm flight (Original departure from Phoenix was 9:35am) only to find it had "gone mechanical" as well. It didn't take too long, but we were late getting away, and late getting into TO. Fortunately, I had no luggage, so it was a quick trip through Customs & Immigration. Then I had to go back through security, and try to get to the gate for the flight to TBay. I knew I was late, but this time, the plane had "taken on a delay" for over an hour, and I made the final leg to TBay arriving here at about 11pm without luggage! Maybe it will come tomorrow, but in the meantime, I won't be able to go golfing!!

Palm Springs

Another week has passed and I have travelled far from the shore of Lake Superior and my hometown. I have joined three friends for a week of golf in Palm Springs, and it has been great! We have been playing a round of golf each day, and enjoying the warm weather. It has been sunny every day and the temperatures have ranged from 23 to 28—almost too hot for me! The golfing experience has been wonderful, and sharing it with friends just makes it more special. We've been mostly cooking for ourselves at the condo and have been enjoying a delicious array of barbecued feasts. Cold Stone Creamery is nearby, so that has made for a featured treat as well.

I left TBay on Tuesday morning, and the trip was an experience all by itself. When I got to the airport, I was informed that I had a piece of missing information, without which, I would not be admitted to the US. I didn't have the precise address where I would be staying while in the US! Fortunately, Wendy was standing by, so I dispatched her to get an address and email it to me while I flew to Toronto. Of course this delayed things in Toronto, so I missed my flight as the US closed down security for the flight before I could get my bags and the new information to them. Fortunately, the Air Canada staff there was very helpful and rebooked my trip directly to Las Vegas and that caught me up to my original flight down to Palm Springs. I was glad to get there!

Otherwise, I spent some time each day working on the investments and that turned out well as I recovered all my losses from last week and gained a healthy profit as well. I've been keeping track of things back home and commiserating with Wendy as she shovels snow, wonders about using the snowblower... ah, what a blessed man I am!

I can't tell you too much about home, Erin, Kristian, Travis etc. but, what I have heard indicates that all is going well for them. Erin still doesn't have her new car, so she's still driving a rental.

Anyway, that's about it for this week. Next Tuesday, I return to the land of snow.

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. The first week of the new year was not good in the Canadian markets, although the US markets did well. As a result, I lost over 1% as well. Fortunately, I'm less than 50% in the market, although less would have been better! Well, better luck next week! The weather has been more wintery with normal temperatures of around -20 over night and -10 for day time highs. Fortunately, the storms seem to be passing south of the lakes and hitting Toronto instead of us. I've been driving bus all week; it's going fine. We suffered through the World Junior Hockey Championship as the Russians served up a five-goal third period to come back and defeat our guys in the final game. I was back to Dr. Prowse this week, and he's not happy with an increase in my PSA; he's putting me on antibiotics for a week and then having me do the lab work over; he's hoping that reduces the PSA. He thinks it may just be elevated from chronic inflammation. If this doesn't work, he's thinking of doing another biopsy; trust me, nobody wants that!

Wendy has been working all week at Walmart. She's picked up extra shifts as well as her own, and she's tired tonight! We're also hosting house guests this weekend as Gemma and Andrew are with us while Joanna and Trav travel with the hockey team to Minneapolis.

Erin and Kristian are doing fine. Erin was in an accident last Sunday when another driver making a left turn ran her car down. The car is a total write-off, but Erin is okay. She has decided on a replacement which she's getting from her employer, Budget Rent-a-Car. It's a 2009 Nissan Altima. Kristian has been running the folks at school a little ragged with his little games, but they're starting to catch up! He is an amazing little character!

Trav is off to a hockey tournament in Minneapolis this weekend. His team only won one game, so they're not in the championship games. We expect them back tomorrow evening. In the meantime, he's concerned for his Penguins as captain Crosby is out with a concussion.

And that's about it for this week.

Happy New Year!

Another week, another month, another year has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. We've had more strange weather with above zero temperatures and rain. Then as the week waned, we got freezing rain and snow. It's a bit of a mess on the streets and coated on the vehicles. The closing weeks of the markets has continued with thin volumes, but some progress in values. I managed a small profit again, and finished the month almost on target. However, spring and early summer losses kept me from meeting my goals for the year, so I shall have to work harder! We've enjoyed having some company over the holidays. Eric/A and the boys were here until Tuesday. Joanna & Trav have been over often; Kristin & Erin are with us all the time. So, it's nice! Trav & Joanna were over for New Year's Eve; Joanna helped Wendy put a puzzle together. This afternoon, we went out to Bob & Linda's and enjoyed supper with them. I'm back to driving the bus on Monday morning.

Wendy has been busy with work at Walmart all week, but not so busy that she couldn't make more tasty treats for all of us to enjoy!

Erin has been back at work, but has an extended weekend to enjoy now. Kristian has managed to get all his Christmas Lego assembled, and reassembled. He plays with his Lego stuff a lot.

Trav had the week off and enjoyed that. But his Penguins lost the high profile outdoor game tonight, and he didn't enjoy that.

And that's about it for this year—enjoy 2011!

Glædelig Jul!

It is Christmas time on the shore of Lake Superior, in my hometown. We've enjoyed a week of pleasant weather with just enough fresh snow to confirm the Christmas card appearance of the landscape. That it would be a Merry Christmas was confirmed for me at 3:30 this morning as Eric/A and the boys arrived from Kenora. We were not expecting them, so it was a wonderful surprise, and thus we had the joy of having the whole family under our roof once again. Wendy pulled an all-nighter on Christmas Eve as she stayed up to bake, stuff stockings, stack presents under the tree and get ready for today. She climbed into bed at 6am, and was gone again by the time I rolled over at 7:15—crazy woman! I drove a charter this morning, then joined the family for cinnamon buns and opening of gifts. Then I drove the second half of the charter. This afternoon, we all gathered for turkey dinner with all the trimmings. As always, it was very good. It was a shortened week of very thin trading on the markets, but I was blessed with good earnings, picking up more than my target of 0.5%, once again.

Wendy has been working at Walmart all week, as well in Christmas preparations around home. Kristian has been enjoying all the decorations and helping his mom shop for presents. He has been insisting that Grandpa and Grandma want Lego for Christmas!

As I look over his collection of gifts, I realize I should have bought some Lego stock! Liam has scored a drum set as his major gift, and Haaken has added to his DVD collection. As a rookie, Wendy has lots of shifts at Walmart scheduled in the next week.

Erin has been fighting a cold this week, but seems much improved today. She has a pretty much regular schedule at work next week. Kristian has been flying pretty high all week, and now is busy with Lego construction and floor hockey—a gift from uncle Trav. Kristian is on holidays from school and day care for the next while.

Trav has the next week off. Joanna and her children, Gemma and Andrew, joined us in Christmas celebrations. It was great to have everyone together. Joanna only has a couple of shifts next week.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior, in my hometown. The weather started off cold, but moderated as the week went on, and we're back into single digits of frost, and some fresh snow. It's beginning to look a lot like a Christmas card! I've been driving bus all week, but school closed on Friday, so I'm off now until January 3rd. I have picked up a charter for Christmas morning. I'll be touring around town to pick up parishioners for St. Dominic's Church, and delivering them home as well. The markets were a little shaky this week, but I managed to eke out a gain of almost my target 0.5%, so, I'm feeling blessed. My cold has finally been overcome, and that's a blessing as well.

Wendy has continued with shifts in the shoe department at Walmart. As a rookie, she also has many shifts during what the rest of us call, holidays! She supplied us with shortbread cookies this week. Trav noticed them as he was dishing up supper and exclaimed, "Oh, no. This is not good! This is going to hurt!" Christmas goodies are the universal diet killer!

Kristian has been more and more busy with Christmas parties and preparations. He's keeping up with his Lego Advent calendar, and is sometimes even ahead! He also finished school on Friday, but he's much too early in his school life to properly appreciate and enjoy holidays. Erin has been busy with work and special Christmas events for Kristian at school.

Trav has been busy with work, extra Hockey photo projects, and his hockey team. His Penguins took it on the chin a couple of times this week, so he needs to get them whipped back into shape as well. Joanna's car is being repaired and should be ready this week. She is completing her exams and practicums in the meantime.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. The weather has been fairly comfortable, mostly clear, and a little colder. We also got a bit more snow, so I did some shovelling on Thursday night. I've been driving bus all week, a two-hour trip each morning and afternoon. On Wednesday, I had a Safety Meeting for the morning, and on Thursday, I had a Defensive Driving course all day between runs. As a result, I have now completed my licensing requirements. I have put my name on the list for driving charters during the holidays; we are off effective next Friday. The markets were not helpful to me this week; I wasn't around for three of the mornings so that hurt also. In total, I lost a bit of last week's gains. I have continued to fight my cold all week, and I'm still hacking some.

Wendy has kept fairly busy at Walmart; her shoe department won an award for total sales. She's been thinking about Christmas baking lately, so that's an encouraging sign for the rest of us!

Kristian has been working through some management issues at both school and day care. Apparently there's some confusion about who is in charge! He thinks he is! Otherwise, he's enjoying Christmas busyness, lots of treats, his daily Lego advent prize—it's a kid's life! Erin keeps busy at work, and has now taken a gym membership. She wants to improve her cardio-vascular and build some muscle without losing any of her precious fat—I have a surplus I'd be glad to share!

Trav has continued with work and hockey pretty much as usual. Work is going well, his hockey team is in second place in the league, and his Penguins have just won 12 straight games! Joanna had a crash on Friday morning when some one ran her car down. She's okay, but she missed the exam she was headed for; we hope that's not a major problem.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. It started sadly with the Riders losing the Grey Cup 21-18. We certainly had chances to win, but have to give Montreal credit for playing a better game. So, we're back in next year country, once again! I have completed my training, taken my written and driving tests and am now a licensed school bus driver! I bid on a run, and at the end of the day on Friday, I was informed that I have been awarded that run. I have roughly four hours of work per day, delivering 104 students to one of five schools, and returning them home again at the end of the day. The morning run allows me to get back for the opening of the markets at 9:30 each day, so, I continue with that as well. The markets have been flat or slightly downward since November 5th, but I managed to have a good month in November, and have achieved more than my 0.5% again this week, so I'm pleased with that progress. The weather has dried out and turned sunny, so the streets and driveway have cleared off.

Wendy is busy with shifts at Walmart. Her work times vary a great deal, and she often works until midnight. With the turning of the calendar, she relented to Kristian's pleas and put up the Christmas tree and decorations. Kristian is a great help in this effort!

Kristian developed a cold early in the week, and has since recovered, but not before passing it along to the rest of us! Erin continues with her work, and has started a trial gym membership.

Trav continues with his work and hockey. This weekend he is with his team down in Wisconsin for a tournament.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. It started with the glorious Rider victory over Calgary that has propelled them to the Grey Cup game tomorrow. Go Riders Go! I have been in Driver Training each morning this week; that is going well, and they project that I will be taking my driving test by the end of the coming week. They require twenty hours of class work, and twenty hours of successful driving before the test. It's a lot of preparation for part time work, but the safety of the children is important. It's been a difficult week for investments as troubles on the Korean peninsula, and economic troubles in Europe have occupied investors' minds and caused a decline in the markets. I made a good gain on an Oil buy, so I only ended with a small loss for the week. We've had a couple of wet snow storms, so it's a bit messy around town. They're predicting some warm weather in the coming week, so we hope that helps clean up the ice.

Wendy has been busy at Walmart all week. She is enjoying the work, and has decided to help the company by buying a new TV! We look forward to enjoying that for the big game tomorrow. As usual, she prepared the birthday cake for today's big event.

Erin and Kristian have continued with their usual activities. Erin is not enjoying the slushy, icy weather with her car rental business. Kristian enjoyed making a snowman last Sunday. Grandma helped him make it, but then the slushy weather was causing it to wilt, so grandpa tried to straighten the slumping man—alas, the base snowball collapsed and we were left with a short snowman on the lawn. Kristian was not impressed, "Grandpa broke the snowman!" When he got out of the taxi Monday afternoon, he commented on the poor snowman. So, I asked him if we should try to fix it. "No," he allowed, showing his disdain for my snowman building capabilities, "Grandma fix it."

Travis turned twenty-nine today. We enjoyed celebrating his birthday with him. His work is going well, and he has picked up some extra work making individual and team pictures for several hockey teams.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. It started off with an exciting overtime victory by the Riders; now they're set to play tomorrow in the Western final. Go Riders, Go! The weather has turned wintry and we have our first snow. It melts a bit most days, but it's gradually building up on the lawns, so it appears that it may stay. The markets have remained troublesome, so I've been playing lightly and carefully. We had up days on Thursday and Friday, so I managed to make a small gain for the week. My training program for bus driving has continued all week, and promises to run all next week as well. I've also been busy preparing a lesson for Sunday, since I'm the assigned speaker this week.

Wendy has been donning her blue vest and working at Walmart this week. She's doing a good job (of course) and is even enjoying it. The Dollarama people still want her to work, so she may pick up some shifts there if she has any free time.

Erin and Kristian have had their usual schedules this week. Kristian has delighted to see the snow. On Friday, he wanted to play in the snow on the lawn instead of getting in the taxi, so grandma was chasing him around in the snow while still dressed in her slippers.

Travis has been away in Pittsburgh all week. The Pens won two of three games for him, and I expect he had a great time. We're expecting him back this weekend.

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

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. The weather has been very nice, but we are promised a change, and not for the better! They are predicting snow for tomorrow—I hope the Riders and their Air Show will not be grounded! They play BC Lions in the semi-final Sunday afternoon. The branches and junk that got spread around in the hurricane are getting cleaned up. I cleaned out the eavestroughs and got the hot tub ready for the winter. I bought and installed a new battery in the car—man, that was a pain, you have to take off the passenger wheel and take out the battery from under the fender! I was trying to get an oil change in the truck today, but the weather man has mentioned snow, so Kal-Tire didn't even have any parking spaces left on their lot, so, I went to a quick lube.

It was a troubled week in the markets as investors worried about G20 decisions, European debt and Chinese interest rate hikes. I kept my investments light, and ended up with only a small loss. We'll see if this is the correction they keep promising us, or just a short blip. I am in the training phase for bus driving; that carries on all next week at least. I guess we will see how long it takes to learn all their protocols.

Wendy has been working all week at Dollarama; they've been setting up the store and finally opened on Friday. She found it very tiring, and hard on her feet to be walking on concrete all day long. Today, she went to her orientation for Walmart; she enjoyed that quite a bit. She starts there on a part time basis, so we'll see how that goes. She also intends to keep working at Dollarama for the next while at least.

Erin and Kristian continue with life as usual. Kristian had another birthday party this afternoon. He's progressing well at school; he is ready to read, and will read (or pretend-to-read) books and magazines.

Trav is off to Pittsburgh for the next week; he drives down to Minneapolis tomorrow and flies to Pittsburgh Monday morning. He has tickets for three Penguin games, so it'll be a special week for him. His team lost the final of their hockey tournament last weekend in a shoot out. It was a very good showing for them, but they were disappointed to fall short of the ultimate prize.

And that's about it for now.

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. The weather has been lovely, with one particularly summer-like day giving us a respite from the big storm. Economic news has been very helpful and the markets have reached levels not seen since before the Bush crash in the Fall of 2008. The central effect on our economy is the US economy and things have not been going well there for some years.

However, as the chart shows, the job losses in the US, that began back in 2007, have been arrested and jobs are being gained, thanks to the Bailout initiated by President Bush, and the Stimulus initiated by President Obama. Friday's announcement of 150,000 jobs added in October are the latest indicator that the US economy is starting to recover. The improving situation has allowed me recover as well, and I had another week of above-expectations gains with our investments.

Now that it's over, I do apologize to the Texas Ranger fans; my perfect record of picking all the losers was blemished only by the Phillies winning their first round playoff. The World Serious of Baseball was won by the San Francisco Giants. It was the first trip to the series for the Rangers franchise, and the first victory for the Giants since they moved from New York over fifty years ago. The CFL regular season is ending this weekend, and we looking forward to the playoffs there as well. The Riders ended the season on a winning note, and will host BC Lions in the divisional semi-final next weekend. Go Riders, Go!

I have completed all the prerequisites and have been accepted to begin training as a school bus driver. That may start next week. One highlight of my medical was the vision screening as my laser enhanced eyes graded out at 20/20 (20/15 actually) and I still only need to use reading glasses occasionally! I am very pleased with the continuing benefits provided by the PRK surgery six years ago. Wendy started work on the Dollarama job today, and she has continued interviews and the hiring process with Walmart as well. She begins a training phase there next week. It appears we may soon have more employment than we can stand!

Wendy and I have completed another round of teeth cleaning with the local dental hygienists' program. It takes longer, but it provides training opportunities for them, and an inexpensive dental checkup for us. I have finally learned a technique for flossing my teeth—old dogs indeed!

Erin and Kristian have had a good week. Kristian did have a bad time on Wednesday when he discovered he was not a participant in the Pizza Lunch at school! He would not accept that while many other students were getting pizza, he had to get by with the lunch his mom had packed for him! He ended up having a quiet lunch hour in the principal's office, where he finally decided to eat his own lunch.

Trav remains busy with work and preparations for his trip to Pittsburgh. This weekend, his hockey team is in a local tournament, so that is keeping him extra busy. But they're doing well, and have finished the round-robin portion undefeated so they're in the semi finals.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

We've had a spectacular week on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. They called it a mid-latitude cyclone or a weather bomb, but by any description it was a hurricane. It set a record for the lowest pressure reading ever developed on mainland North America, and it produced a category three hurricane. The eye settled between here and Kenora for almost a day, and the winds tore in all directions around it. Northbound winds across the lake were more severe than the gales of November that took down the Edmund Fitzgerald thirty-five years ago. Trees and power lines were uprooted. Semis were blown off roads. West of the eye, the southbound winds brought down Arctic air and produced snow and ice storms across the prairies and down into the Dakotas. It hung on for a long time; friends of ours along the lake had no power for 45 hours out of two days, including 35 hours straight.

Otherwise, life was more like usual. Investments went well, and I completed a month that matched expectations for the first time in a long time—I feel blessed! The World Serious has begun, and I almost feel the need to apologize to Texas Ranger fans for choosing to cheer for them! The series has not been going well. Fortunately, they won their game tonight, so they're kind of back in the series. In the CFL, the teams are playing out the final games of the regular season as nearly all play off spots have been determined. I got my medical for driving school bus, so now I need to pass written and driving tests and take the training program. One special treat this week is that Wendy got me a compound sliding mitre saw. I have long wanted one, and this one is actually a level better than I was hoping for—I will try to use it well.

Wendy got a job this week. She starts next week at a new Dollarama store opening out the back gate and across the street. On the same day she got that job, she also got a call from Walmart for an interview, so she may have a better opportunity there. She interviews there next week as well.

Kristian has had an exciting week of Hallowe'en preparations. The Jack o'Lanterns are ready; the TMNT (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle) costume is ready; the treats are ready—well, truth be told, the treats have been steadily diminishing all week long! He also had a birthday party today. Erin and the rest of us are also enjoying Kristian's excitement. But my big moment with him was yesterday. He read me his little book for the week! It was priceless.

Trav has continued his usual pursuits. His hockey team is progressing well, but his Penguins have had a tough week, although they won tonight. He's still looking forward to going to Pittsburgh for a three-game set in November.

And that's about enough for this week.

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. The weather has been more Fall-like, with cool winds and a few showers. Wendy and I have still managed to get out for our hike most days. The week started on a discouraging note, as the Riders fell to Calgary. The loss to Edmonton tonight finishes our quest for first place, but we're assured of second place. As it stands, we need to concentrate on improving the team play, and getting some injured players back in anticipation of the playoffs. Baseball playoffs continue with the World Series (Serious, I like to call it, since it's the time when the world gets serious about baseball!) ready to begin next week. Texas Rangers have advanced to play against San Francisco Giants. We were cheering for the Phillies—next year country once again!

I have been enjoying good progress in my investing since we returned from our summer travels, and I'm up about 5% since then, but this week was not a good one! The markets were mixed, and I made some wrong choices, so I was down about 0.5% for the week. On the health front, I'm feeling recovered! The chiropractor still wants to see me every two weeks, but I'm able to sleep without pain. My arms and shoulders are probably as good as they're going to get in this life, and my ankle is ready for the challenge of trying to curl and skate this winter. I've heard nothing further on my school bus driver training, so, I'm just studying the manuals while waiting for the next phase.

Wendy was to the doctor this week. Her doctor wants more heart testing (echocardiogram, or ECHO) to assure herself (and us) of how the heart is functioning. She continues with her gym work, and walks with me most days. She's also applied on more jobs.

Erin & Kristian are carrying on pretty much as usual. Kristian is excited about Hallowe'en and Jack o'Lanterns and the prospect of candy! This evening we went pumpkin hunting, and picked up three to decorate and turn into pie! His school work is progressing, and he's beginning to read the small pattern booklets. His most recent Lego preoccupation is castles and knights. Somehow this ties in with Lego Star Wars!

Travis continues with Joanna, work and hockey. He has his Penguins playing good hockey even while they wait for injured players to return. The team he coaches is winning as well.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has passed and we have returned to the salubrious climes of Lake Superior and my hometown. The weather continues to be lovely, and we're enjoying it. We drove back from Kenora on Tuesday, so it's been a short week here. The Autumn colours are rapidly disappearing from the trees, but it was still a pretty drive. A fungus seems to have attacked my tomatoes, so, I shall stop worrying about frost! Some frost is predicted for this coming week, and I'll simply leave them to their fate. In the meantime, we have harvested a bunch of spaghetti squash, the last of the tomatoes, and we're still looking at another feed of Swiss Chard.

We got the desired result in football on Monday, as Montreal knocked off Calgary. Now the Riders have their fate in their own hands—win and they have first place. That game is Sunday evening, so we are hoping they will perform well. It's also the time of year for serious baseball fans, so Erin and I are busy cheering for our favourite teams—we both hope the Phillies win it all, but are otherwise cheering for or against the Yankees!

I had another good week on the markets, achieving my half percent for a change! I have been accepted for the school bus driving job, but now I have to complete several prerequisites: clean driving record, clean drug test, clean criminal record check, clean bill of health, successful written test on the regulations, successful driving test. Some of these are going to be easy; I'm busy tracking down the three manuals to study for the written test. I recall this used to be easy, also; you just picked up a manual from the government office and did a bit of studying. Now, you have to buy the manuals—total cost$56! When did that happen? Anyway, it looks like it would be a good thing to do for a couple of hours each day, and still leave me time for my investing work. We'll see how it goes.

Eric and Erica have both been to Thunder Bay this week as they had conferences in town, but that kept them quite occupied, so we didn't see much of them.

Wendy has returned to her heart issues. She had a stress test this week, and that seemed to go fine. She has been asked to try that again in six months. Then, she decided that if a stress test was good, she should try to stress her heart even more, and has been pushing it on the exercise machines at the gym! That was alarming! I tried to explain to her that the stress test was not to improve her heart, but to see if it would fail! It is not a therapy! We are hoping she will take it a bit easier from now on. She has also applied for another job.

Erin and Kristian continue as per usual. Kristian had a short week in school/day care as he drove back with us on Tuesday. He continues to make good progress. Erin got a nice surprise at work as they cancelled the charges on her weekend rental. She quite enjoyed the Mazda3 and still hopes she may get one someday; she had a headache on the way back here on Monday, so that was not helpful. Kristian's Lego collection continues to explode, so we have his various projects all over the living room.

Trav has been working hard and has managed to get the Penguins into the win column. The team he coaches has also begun the regular season, and are similarly searching for a win. Work continues to be busy.

And that's about it for this week.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Another week has passed; I have travelled from the shore of Lake Superior to the shore of Winnipeg River in Kenora. I drove up on Wednesday to help Eric/A with some electrical work. We replaced the sub-panel in the garage with a new one of 100 amps. This required the installation of a new line from the house, so that was quite a job. Then, we upgraded the electricity to the suite from the new panel. All lines were redone, and additional wiring was installed for a range and for baseboard heating. It was quite a job to find routing for the lines through a finished accommodation; most of my previous electrical work was done during the construction phase of our houses in YK. Thanks for the training there, Robbie!

The markets were quite cooperative this week. I sold out on Tuesday before the travel day, for more than a 1% gain, but picked up some gold after the downturn on Thursday, and that paid off as well. The weather has been beautiful with daily temperatures in the twenties. My tomatoes continue to thrive, and projections for the next week continuing to be for above average temperatures. The Riders played badly and lost to Toronto this afternoon, so, once again, we wait and fret about the outcome of the Calgary game on Monday. Next week, we're scheduled to play Calgary. I hope they weren't looking past Toronto to that game, but they certainly did not give a good effort. I got out to the driving range to give my back and my new golf clubs a workout; that went well, so I'm thinking of trying a round of gold next week. I finally got a call on one of the jobs I applied for back in August; I have an interview there next week.

Wendy has had a difficult week as she had a health scare on Thursday. Trav & Joanna took her up to the hospital where she spent most of the day hooked up to monitors and getting various tests. All seems to be well right now, but she'll have to go back next week for stress tests on her heart. She drove up to Kenora today with Erin & Kristian to spend Thanksgiving weekend here.

Erin and Kristian have carried on as per usual. Kristian is doing well at school. Erin is enjoying the transition and pay level of her promotion at work. This weekend, she's trying out a Mazda 3 car; she'd like to upgrade to that!

Trav is quite busy with work, and is just getting going on a new hockey season. It seems they have too much of some kinds of assignments at work, so that's causing a backlog there, and a bottleneck for the whole operation. And, to make matters worse, his Penguins have started the season with two losses, so, he needs to get them back on the right track as well!

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. The weather has been cooperating with my newly seeded front lawn, as it gives a bit of rain nearly every other day. This grass likes cool, damp conditions for germination, so I'm hoping this completes the job. The garden continues to produce tomatoes, but we're predicted for a hard frost again tonight, and since we're now into October, I have to think it will soon be time for green tomatoes all over the kitchen! The markets started off poorly this week (Just when I thought I had things figured out!), but then the other four days were good. That worked out much better than the last two weeks! I didn't get out golfing, but my back has continued to improve, so I'm ready to give it a go. The Riders beat the Argos this afternoon, but since Calgary won last night, they remain one game out of first. However, they have clinched a spot in the playoffs.

Wendy is back into her routine with gym, home, shopping and visitation. She is becoming quite expert with Lego, and Kristian loves it when Grandma helps with the various projects. We had two young visitors, Bana & Steve, stop in on Thursday night, on their way east. It was nice to meet them. Both of us have start our dental cleaning with the dental hygienist students at Confederation College. They take quite a bit more time than the professionals at the dentist, but with a fee of only $20, we figure we can afford the time!

Erin and Kristian have had a busy week. Kristian had really good news as his hearing check-up revealed that he has maintained his hearing level. There is always a concern with Pendred's Syndrome that his hearing will decline even more. The technician noted Kristian's comprehension of what was going on and moved him on to "big boy" testing elements; Kristian managed that, also. He's a smart little boy! Erin completed her promotion at work. She's enjoying the accolades of her boss, not to mention the increased pay! Sunday afternoon they are off to another birthday party—such a whirl of activity!

Trav has begun the hockey season once again with exhibition games and practices. He also keeps busy with work and individual contracts for graphic design and web site development. One of his recent websites is for Jennifer's Bakery Shop. Check it out!

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my home town. The weather is definitely cooling as the season has changed and the trees are taking on Autumn colours. Wendy spent most of the week up in Kenora with the grandsons there. Eric/A enjoyed a trip down to TO as Erica had a conference in Guelph. Wendy had some interesting adventures there, and drove back home on Friday afternoon. I prepared the lawn for over-seeding, but with rainy weather late in the week, I didn't get the seeding done. Perhaps, I'll manage tomorrow. I had another roller-coaster week in the market as I was up 1% on Monday, but lost it later in the week, only to manage some recovery on Friday. Today, we had an all day meeting of the church leadership team, and that was quite productive in clarifying our situation. The week ended on a high note as the Riders came back from a 15 point deficit to defeat Hamilton; and, since Calgary lost this week, that pulls us to just one game back of first place. The weather cleared off today for a beautiful day, but now they're predicting frost tonight, so that may be the end of my garden. I've covered the tomatoes, so I hope they'll survive. My back has improved from very tender last weekend to pretty solid this weekend; I'm hoping to try golf next week.

Wendy enjoyed her week up in Kenora. She was glad to see the renovations proceeding on the house there, and enjoyed spending time with the boys.

Erin and Kristian had a few extra items on their schedule this week as one of Kristian's hearing aids broke so that needed replacement. He was also invited to another birthday party; he's very popular in his class. Then there was speech-therapy, and as things were so busy, they weren't even able to take in his IEP meeting, so they'll try to catch up next week!

Trav has his usual occupation with work, but the big stuff this week was his hockey team. He and his fellow coaches have been spending lots of time scouting the available players, and this week they drafted their team for this season. Trav was quite satisfied with the players they manage to get.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. The weather has continued to be very comfortable with a few showers. I am thinking I should do the lawn over-seed in the coming week. The garden continues to produce for us. I've harvested lots of tomatoes, more spaghetti squash than we can begin to eat, and a few zucchini. The squash have almost been killed off by the leaf fungus now, and I see the pumpkin vines have caught it as well. I had a pretty good week with my back until this afternoon when I must have done something wrong as it's really hurting tonight and I'm back on the ibuprofen. I had a great investment day on Monday, gaining 1%, but the rest of the week was not good, and I lost over half of it! The Riders had an embarrassing blowout loss to Winnipeg on Sunday, but revived our hopes with an overtime victory last night over Calgary. Today, we celebrated the tenth anniversary for our friends, George & Karen; Eric led them in the confirmation of their vows, and we had a lovely supper with their family and friends.

The big event this week was Kristian's fifth birthday. He enjoyed an extended celebration that lasted all week long. First off, we sang Happy Birthday while he contributed his five dimes to the church Bible fund on Sunday. Then, he celebrated at his day care on Thursday, and with us on Thursday evening. On Friday they celebrated his birthday at school, and finally, today, Eric/A & Haaken; Travis, Joanna & Andrew; Erin; Tom, Charlene & Calvin; Shelly & Kaden; Grandma & Grandpa celebrated his birthday all over again. As I write, the living room is completely infested with Lego!

Wendy and I have heard nothing on our job applications. We're remaining patient. Wendy plans to spend the next week in Kenora, taking care of those grandsons, while I remain here to be available for Kristian when he gets off school.

Erin and Travis are continuing with their usual job commitments and both are doing fine. Travis has begun the hockey season and is scouting prospects for his team.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior, in my home town. The weather has been very nice with some welcomed showers, and cooler temperatures that make it nice to think about packing up the air conditioner. Of course, there's also the concern that it's time to pack up the air conditioner! We started the week with a special celebration for our friends, John & Diane, as they celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary; it was a good time with much family and friends in attendance. We concluded that day watching the Riders win the traditional Labour Day game over Winnipeg. Calgary has continued to win, so at this point in the season, the Riders are just trying to keep within shouting distance. We had several shaky days on the market this week, but with good buys and a good day on Friday, I managed to eke out a gain. I've continued work with my chiropractor, but my back is still very tender and I've remained off the golf course for a seventh week. The garden is producing well; we're having trouble keeping up with the tomatoes and the spaghetti squash. We're getting down to single digits some nights, so it may not be long until we get a killing frost. We had some excitement with the car as the oil plug failed. Fortunately, the guys at Kal-Tire were able to re-tap the oil pan and install a new, larger plug.

Wendy and I are both waiting to hear on a couple of job applications. Wendy also keeps active at the gym and visiting with friends. While we have assumed ownership of the house, we have not established a plan or a schedule for renovations. Wendy continues to revise the plans! We'd certainly like to extend the gas line and install our gas range and a gas fireplace.

Erin is learning the aspects of her new job quickly. It is going well. She continues to follow the Jays as they play out the season, and try to interfere in the playoff race! Kristian is back to school; he is enjoying that a great deal as well. His communication and use of sentences grows each week. We are quite encouraged by how well this is developing.

Trav continues with the development of his career. He has applied for a business development grant to help the process along. He continues to grow his base of customers even outside of his job. He is nearing completion of another website; I will pass along the URL when it's ready for public consumption.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

We're into September here on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. The weather has changed this week, as we spent the first few days in 30+ degree heat and the comfort of air conditioning and ended the week in cool, rainy, blustery weather, thankful for the protection of a warm house. It's Labour Day weekend, traditionally the end of summer holidays, so back-to-school thoughts occupy many. Haaken and Liam are already back to school; Kristian is scheduled to begin on Wednesday. It's been a good week in the markets, and I've continued to catch up from my losses early in the summer. September is traditionally a bad month for investors, so I shall play it carefully. The Riders play tomorrow in their traditional Labour Day match against Winnipeg. We'll be cheering! My back continues to bother me, and I'm continuing with the therapy, but improvement is slow, so, it's another week without golf.

The garden is producing well. I have begun harvesting squash, and tearing up the fungus infected vines. The tomatoes are really producing now, but the beans and peas are pretty much done. We've had a lot of rain the last couple of days, so everything's looking pretty green. I am getting ready for the Fall over-seed on the front lawn; the eco-grass likes cool wet weather for germination.

Wendy and I have each applied on jobs recently, so we're hoping for something to develop there. I applied to drive school bus, and I've also applied on a data project–both hold the promise of lots of free time to continue my main work of investing.

Erin works some on her new assignment each day. The transition will be gradual over the next while. Her replacement has been hired, but is still receiving training.

Travis remains busy with work, but also managed a trip down to Duluth this week.

And that's about it for now.

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my home town. The weather has continued to be beautiful and my garden is thriving. Unfortunately the fungus has returned to the vines, so I may just take what they've produced so far, and pull up the vines. I suspect there's a chem-lab solution to this as well, but I'm trying to avoid that. So far it has only affected the squash, so pulling them up may save the pumpkins and cucumbers. Wendy has me cutting the back lawn after two months of letting it grow freely. I'm trying to gradually get it down to ordinary lawn length, but it takes time. I've cut it six times in the last week, and there are still some adjustments to go!

It's been another violent ride on the markets, but Friday's big gain has the TSX back into positive territory for the year and allowed me to gain over 1.5% for the week, so I'm catching up a bit. I've continued to get help with my back, and even got out one evening to hit a few balls—a half dozen was enough to know that it was not ready yet. Calgary won their game last night, so with the Rider's loss tonight in Edmonton, first place is a distant memory.

Liam & Haaken have been here all week, so it's been a special whirlwind of activity around here. Kristian has been enjoying Lego and cartoons morning, noon and night! Grandma has also had the crew out for trips to the park, marina and pools. Eric/A arrived last night, so we're having a family reunion! It's nice to have the house full again.

Erin has been getting more details of her promotion and is looking forward to that. She'll be working at both locations at various times of her work week, and gradually moving into the main office.

Trav has continued development of his own business while also working full bore at his job, so he's pretty busy most days. It's going well.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. The weather has cooled off a bit, so that's been more comfortable, and we've had some rain—my lawn thanks you! The garden is flourishing; we're enjoying tomatoes, beans, and spinach. Once again, the markets started the week well, but bad news arrived from several sectors and the last three days were downward, so my gains in the early days disappeared in the last three as most markets ended the week in negative territory. Once again, I'm into "next week" country! The Riders' stay in first place was brief as Calgary won on Sunday, and since this is their bye week, we'll have to wait to see how they respond. Our church leadership team met this week; we enjoyed a fine meal, good meeting, and the chance to raid the garden of our friends Gord & Nora. Thanks!

I have continued working with the chiropractor on my back. This is clearly proving helpful, but there's more work to do. She has me in regular therapy sessions, and also doing a lot of exercises designed to stretch out and strengthen the affected areas. I'm noticing the improvement! I even thought about heading over to the golf course this afternoon, but second thoughts kept me home.

It's been a busy week. Liam arrived last Saturday, so we've been enjoying having him around. This has kept Kristian occupied, and Wendy has been busy arranging some extra events for the boys. Erin took them shopping one evening to help Liam get ready for another school year. And then last evening, we drove up to Ignace to meet Eric and collect Haaken. Now all our grandsons are here for the next week, the last week of summer vacation for Haaken & Liam. Then, they'll be back at school. We don't have Kristian's school schedule yet, but we think he starts after Labour Day.

The other big event this week was Erin's birthday. We enjoyed having a few friends over for the celebration. Erin chose a menu of Chinese food and Cheesecake! It was a good time. Erin has also received more promises of a promotion at work. She's expecting that to take place in the next month or so.

Travis continues with his usual schedule of work. He brought his friend, Joanna, to Erin's birthday party; it was nice to get to know her a bit. He has established his business as an official organization. Check out his website, not only is it his website, it's also his work.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior, in my hometown. The weather has been hot and we've been doing a lot of yard work with garden, lawns and flower beds. We've had a couple of rains, and that has helped. The markets had a good Monday, and I made a good profit, but then it turned sour and the markets were down three to five percent for the week. I managed to get out on Tuesday after losing most of my Monday gains. After that, I just felt good for having skipped the loses the rest of the week! It was a good week for the Riders, as they won easily and moved back into a first place tie pending what Calgary does in their game tomorrow.

Our friends David & Marilyn arrived this evening to spend the weekend with us. It is good to spend some time with them and catch up on the goings-on in Dauphin, and in their lives. They've been travelling in the US and into eastern Canada and are now on their way home.

My back did not recover on its own, so I've been to the doctor. She's diagnosed and corrected the cause of the muscle spasms, and now we're working on stretching those out and letting them recover. It feels much better now, and I even slept through the night last night. She has also given me exercises to assist with my left shoulder and left ankle rehabilitation.

Wendy has been busy catching up on paperwork for both home and church. She has continued with her pruning mode and the various perennials have been trimmed to varying degrees, sometimes extending to the extreme! Weeds have not escaped her attention, and I'm finding them in piles all over the area! And, apparently, it was time for the furniture to move to new locations in the living room, so that has happened as well.

Erin has continued with work, and has been getting some catch up lab work done as well. We hope for favourable test results. Kristian has resumed his busy schedule of work with Grandma and two days of Day Care. Sadie has also expressed a love for Kristian's Lego toys, so we've had to help him manage to keep them locked away from her chewing.

Trav has continued with work and his other activities. We don't see too much of him during the week.

And that's about it for this week.