The first legs of our journey take us to Copenhagen. We start off with a short flight down to Toronto. We spend three hours there finding our way around to the international departure gates and having a lunch at Tim Horton's—a last touch with Canadiana! Our flight is delayed, and then delayed again. Finally, they change airplanes from a Boeing 767 to an Airbus A340. Then they have to round up a different flight crew who know their way around an Airbus. Finally, we get boarded over an hour late. But we're in first class, and that makes all the difference. We relax our way through the night across the Atlantic to London, in our spacious digs. Imagine reaching out as far as you can with your feet, and not even coming close to the seat in front of you! Unfortunately, the flight ends about 2 am (body time) as we land at Heathrow. That's early morning in London, but not early enough. Our flight to Frankfurt leaves while we are trying to change terminals. We report to Lufthansa; they send us to Air Canada; they send us back to Lufthansa, who give us a new boarding pass to Frankfurt. This will be a lunch time flight instead of the morning flight we were expecting. They decline to give us another boarding pass for the trip up to Copenhagen. We'll have to check with Lufthansa when we get to Frankfurt and arrange that. Once in Frankfurt the wonderful connections counsellor advises us that all will be well, and even provides a gate number. When we get close to there we go to the check-in counter, and discover, as we feared, that our reservations for the leg up to Denmark were cancelled when we missed the scheduled flight to Frankfort. Eventually we are awarded new boarding passes on the original flight we were supposed to take in the first place! We arrive in the Danish capital in the early evening, and go to retrieve our luggage. Eventually three of the four pieces do show up. Our new Roots bag has a wheel broken loose, and our other wheeled bag is torn open, This must not be Africa—nothing is missing! The lovely lady at the luggage counter is very kind and helpful. She awards us a new bag—she has several for us to choose from—and takes note of the damage to the other one and invites us to claim for repairs. Then she tracks down the missing bag—it's still in Frankfurt, and promises to do all she can to get it to Copenhagen in time for us to take it with us to Africa. We manage to check-in for our Africa flight, sans one piece of luggage. Then we take the train into town, settle into our room at the Hotel Centrum, and try to catch up on the six time zones we've been flying over!
Sunday, July 16
Friday, July 14
News Update
Another week is ending here on the shore of Lake Superior, and we don't plan another week like it for a while! We're off to Zambia tomorrow. We travel via Copenhagen, and look forward to spending a few days there on the return trip after mid-August.
It's been a busy week with many things to do in anticipation of Zambia or in completion of some projects here. Everything has come together well, and we feel ready to board the plane tomorrow at noon. I have also managed a couple of golf games, including a new low of 76 on the 11th! Then I followed that up with an 85 today. It was a little difficult to accept using nine extra strokes to play the same course two days later, but that's golf, and it was fun anyway. I've reduced my handicap to 12.2 from 13.9. I'm aiming to get to single digits, but it doesn't look like it will happen this year.
I also managed to get some progress on the work front as all my school boards are putting together plans to complete some data reporting for the Ministry of Education. I shall look forward to hearing news of second-year funding some time while we're in Zambia. Then I got a used computer and a new printer for our old friend in Zambia. I still have no assurance that the ink can be found there, but we've packed a few extra cartridges just in case. We're going to use the printer to produce photos of our students in Zambia. Most of them don't get pictures of themselves in their lifetime—no school photos there!
Wendy has been busy around the place getting things assembled and packed for the trip. The new weight restrictions for air travel mean our bags are forty per cent lighter this trip. However, they still seem plenty heavy to me!
The boys have been involved in summer day camp activities. This week Haaken was in a Business Camp operated by the University. He developed a business proposal, arranged a loan and operated a hamburger joint for two hours today. He cleared about $60 for his efforts. Erin and Kristian have had a rough week as Kristian has a cold as well as thrush. However, Kristian has continued to make steady progress in learning to walk. We're going to miss them all for the next five weeks.
Eric has been able to get a few bus driving charters this week, and has continued to hit the links with me as often as possible. His golf is progressing well, and I expect him to be playing about bogie golf by the end of the season. Erica has continued with work. She has recently negotiated a new office location, so they'll be renovating and moving while we're gone.
Travis and Sylvia are back from their honeymoon and back at work. Their car suffered another setback this week. The automatic transmission refused to shift. Then a small hose near the water pump blew apart, so they pumped all their coolant onto the engine. It made for a great cloud of steam! The transmission problems were electronic, so were easily fixed. The hose has been replaced, but is still not satisfactory. It requires a small, curved hose, and I fashioned one out of straight heater hose. It seems to be working for now! Anyway, they have our car while we're gone.
And that's the kind of week it's been.
It's been a busy week with many things to do in anticipation of Zambia or in completion of some projects here. Everything has come together well, and we feel ready to board the plane tomorrow at noon. I have also managed a couple of golf games, including a new low of 76 on the 11th! Then I followed that up with an 85 today. It was a little difficult to accept using nine extra strokes to play the same course two days later, but that's golf, and it was fun anyway. I've reduced my handicap to 12.2 from 13.9. I'm aiming to get to single digits, but it doesn't look like it will happen this year.
I also managed to get some progress on the work front as all my school boards are putting together plans to complete some data reporting for the Ministry of Education. I shall look forward to hearing news of second-year funding some time while we're in Zambia. Then I got a used computer and a new printer for our old friend in Zambia. I still have no assurance that the ink can be found there, but we've packed a few extra cartridges just in case. We're going to use the printer to produce photos of our students in Zambia. Most of them don't get pictures of themselves in their lifetime—no school photos there!
Wendy has been busy around the place getting things assembled and packed for the trip. The new weight restrictions for air travel mean our bags are forty per cent lighter this trip. However, they still seem plenty heavy to me!
The boys have been involved in summer day camp activities. This week Haaken was in a Business Camp operated by the University. He developed a business proposal, arranged a loan and operated a hamburger joint for two hours today. He cleared about $60 for his efforts. Erin and Kristian have had a rough week as Kristian has a cold as well as thrush. However, Kristian has continued to make steady progress in learning to walk. We're going to miss them all for the next five weeks.
Eric has been able to get a few bus driving charters this week, and has continued to hit the links with me as often as possible. His golf is progressing well, and I expect him to be playing about bogie golf by the end of the season. Erica has continued with work. She has recently negotiated a new office location, so they'll be renovating and moving while we're gone.
Travis and Sylvia are back from their honeymoon and back at work. Their car suffered another setback this week. The automatic transmission refused to shift. Then a small hose near the water pump blew apart, so they pumped all their coolant onto the engine. It made for a great cloud of steam! The transmission problems were electronic, so were easily fixed. The hose has been replaced, but is still not satisfactory. It requires a small, curved hose, and I fashioned one out of straight heater hose. It seems to be working for now! Anyway, they have our car while we're gone.
And that's the kind of week it's been.
Tuesday, July 11
Seventy-six!
I hit a new low today—seventy-six! The first nine went pretty well, as I had five pars and four bogies, but the second nine!!! Yi, yi, yi! There were a couple of scrambly holes, but I ended up with one bogie, one birdie, and seven pars. I was even par for the nine holes! Yowsa!
Eric and I were playing our first full round at Strathcona. We were joined by a regular for that course, and he proved quite helpful as he advised us on how to play each hole. He was also a nice, smooth player, although not as long as Eric or I are off the the tee. I was hitting my drives well; I was hitting my irons wonderfully. I hit a lot of greens, and those I didn't, I was close by. I made a few one-putts to salvage par, but also missed two birdie putts within six feet, so it could have been better!
Playing well is very uplifting; even playing poorly is a lot of fun!!
Eric and I were playing our first full round at Strathcona. We were joined by a regular for that course, and he proved quite helpful as he advised us on how to play each hole. He was also a nice, smooth player, although not as long as Eric or I are off the the tee. I was hitting my drives well; I was hitting my irons wonderfully. I hit a lot of greens, and those I didn't, I was close by. I made a few one-putts to salvage par, but also missed two birdie putts within six feet, so it could have been better!
Playing well is very uplifting; even playing poorly is a lot of fun!!
Saturday, July 8
News Update
Another week draws to a close here on the shore of Lake Superior. The wedding accomplished, Travis & Sylvia are travelling south of the border this week, and are expected back this weekend.
I have also travelled some this week. On Wednesday, I flew over to Sudbury where representatives from our company met with our counterparts from northeastern Ontario to plan the professional development program for the next school year. I returned on Friday evening. The sessions went well.
I also managed a couple of golf games this week. On Sunday afternoon, Tom, Eric, Chris and I checked out the Whitewater Golf course here in Thunder Bay. It was a difficult experience, as the greens were faster than I was used to, and I also found them very tricky to read. I was also spraying the ball off the tee, so I was frequently in trouble and eventually staggered in with a 95. After corrections for triples, I posted a 92 for handicap purposes. Tom scored, as he described it, "The best of a bad lot!" He also found the course quite challenging, and the rough impossible. Later, I golfed with Eric back at Chapples, and that went better (84), as I was able to reduce my swing to merely Herculean proportions. I have concluded that golfing with a brother tends to bring out undue stress and very undue swing speeds!!
Wendy has spent time recovering from the exertions of the wedding preparations all the while continuing preparations for our next venture, i.e. to Zambia. We are scheduled to fly out of here next Saturday, the 15th! I shall try to post on Friday evening, and then as often as possible from Zambia while we spend the next month there.
Kristian continues to develop and grow. He is getting around famously, and driving his mother to distraction—the answer to a mother's curse!!
Liam and Haaken are enjoying summer holidays and a few special activities that come with the freedom from the school schedule. Haaken has taken to making movies, with a new release almost every day! Liam participates in some of the movies as a star, or a producer, or an extra, but he enjoys spending a lot of time outdoors riding his bike as well. The pool is in full operation in the back yard (along with a small one for Kristian), but they're not being used that much despite the thirty plus temperatures. We are really enjoying the newly installed air conditioning!
And that's the kind of week it's been.
I have also travelled some this week. On Wednesday, I flew over to Sudbury where representatives from our company met with our counterparts from northeastern Ontario to plan the professional development program for the next school year. I returned on Friday evening. The sessions went well.
I also managed a couple of golf games this week. On Sunday afternoon, Tom, Eric, Chris and I checked out the Whitewater Golf course here in Thunder Bay. It was a difficult experience, as the greens were faster than I was used to, and I also found them very tricky to read. I was also spraying the ball off the tee, so I was frequently in trouble and eventually staggered in with a 95. After corrections for triples, I posted a 92 for handicap purposes. Tom scored, as he described it, "The best of a bad lot!" He also found the course quite challenging, and the rough impossible. Later, I golfed with Eric back at Chapples, and that went better (84), as I was able to reduce my swing to merely Herculean proportions. I have concluded that golfing with a brother tends to bring out undue stress and very undue swing speeds!!
Wendy has spent time recovering from the exertions of the wedding preparations all the while continuing preparations for our next venture, i.e. to Zambia. We are scheduled to fly out of here next Saturday, the 15th! I shall try to post on Friday evening, and then as often as possible from Zambia while we spend the next month there.
Kristian continues to develop and grow. He is getting around famously, and driving his mother to distraction—the answer to a mother's curse!!
Liam and Haaken are enjoying summer holidays and a few special activities that come with the freedom from the school schedule. Haaken has taken to making movies, with a new release almost every day! Liam participates in some of the movies as a star, or a producer, or an extra, but he enjoys spending a lot of time outdoors riding his bike as well. The pool is in full operation in the back yard (along with a small one for Kristian), but they're not being used that much despite the thirty plus temperatures. We are really enjoying the newly installed air conditioning!
And that's the kind of week it's been.
Thursday, July 6
SCAM
I hate it when people forward bogus warnings, and I have even done it myself a couple times... but this one is real, and it's important. So please send this warning to everyone on your e-mail list:
If someone comes to your front door saying they are checking for ticks due to the warming weather and asks you to take your clothes off and twirl around with your arms up, DO NOT DO IT!! IT IS A SCAM!! They only want to see you naked...
I only wish I'd been warned before yesterday... I feel so stupid!
If someone comes to your front door saying they are checking for ticks due to the warming weather and asks you to take your clothes off and twirl around with your arms up, DO NOT DO IT!! IT IS A SCAM!! They only want to see you naked...
I only wish I'd been warned before yesterday... I feel so stupid!
Saturday, July 1
The Royal Wedding 06
Since a picture tells a thousand words, this blog is already getting long. I hope you can see that it was a beautiful wedding, and that we all had fun! Travis and Sylvia are now travelling on their honeymoon and are expected back this coming weekend.To help you make sense of the photos, I offer this commentary.
-the wedding party was set up under a bower of trees along the shore of Lake Superior. This beautiful setting provide on the property of John
& Diane Whitfield.
-Travis sailed off (Viking that he is) to claim a bride and drag her back by the hair (hand) to be his wedded wife!
-After plighting their troth, the deed was duly sealed with exchange of rings, and duly signed paper work!
Travis, I'm sure, will develop a proper website of the wedding replete with a quantity of photos. When it is complete, I shall post the URL on my blog.
News Update
Happy Canada Day!
It's been another busy week here on the shore of Lake Superior. We have a lot of things to complete or get ready for the big wedding on Saturday. Wendy is building the wedding cake, and a wondrous sight it is. We are hosting a large crew here for a barbecue after the rehearsal on Saturday. And we have some additional house guests as well. All in all, it's a busy but good week. I'll prepare another post on the wedding as soon as I have some pictures ready to post.
I do manage to sneak in some golf and I also buy a couple of new drivers. I trade in my old driver, and now have two of the newer, big-headed variety to try out. Surely one of these can get me further into trouble. And no, I didn't say hard-headed... that's the golfer, not the equipment!
I get more of the yard work done, and begin building a walkway around the pool. The completion of that task will have to wait for another year, as the installation of the pool will need to be upgraded first.
Erin and Kristian both experience some sickness this week. Erin comes down with food poisoning after eating at a local restaurant. We get her to the hospital, and they get her rehydrated with four litres of IV fluids. She seems to be recovering well. Kristian comes down with a bout of thrush, so he's on medication now, and seems to be coming around fine.
My computer is still not back, so I'm still in mourning over that! Our preparations for Zambia can begin in earnest now that the wedding is accomplished.
And that's the kind of week it has been.
It's been another busy week here on the shore of Lake Superior. We have a lot of things to complete or get ready for the big wedding on Saturday. Wendy is building the wedding cake, and a wondrous sight it is. We are hosting a large crew here for a barbecue after the rehearsal on Saturday. And we have some additional house guests as well. All in all, it's a busy but good week. I'll prepare another post on the wedding as soon as I have some pictures ready to post.
I do manage to sneak in some golf and I also buy a couple of new drivers. I trade in my old driver, and now have two of the newer, big-headed variety to try out. Surely one of these can get me further into trouble. And no, I didn't say hard-headed... that's the golfer, not the equipment!
I get more of the yard work done, and begin building a walkway around the pool. The completion of that task will have to wait for another year, as the installation of the pool will need to be upgraded first.
Erin and Kristian both experience some sickness this week. Erin comes down with food poisoning after eating at a local restaurant. We get her to the hospital, and they get her rehydrated with four litres of IV fluids. She seems to be recovering well. Kristian comes down with a bout of thrush, so he's on medication now, and seems to be coming around fine.
My computer is still not back, so I'm still in mourning over that! Our preparations for Zambia can begin in earnest now that the wedding is accomplished.
And that's the kind of week it has been.
Saturday, June 24
News Update
It's been a busy week here on the shore of Lake Superior. Wendy has me doing many errands in preparation for the wedding next Saturday. The garage has been cleaned out, and some stuff has been disposed of, while other stuff has found a new storage location. She has activated two of our fridges that are stored in the garage, as she needs more capacity for the wedding cake and other wedding preparations. Travis also has me helping with preparation of the house. We manage to complete installation of his new pedestal sink; we also install a fancy-dancy mirror. Sylvia and he have repainted the bathroom as well. I also work on his wireless system and finally manage to get that going after downloading new drivers from an internet source.
I find a little time for golfing with Eric, and another round with some local people I was placed with when I arrived as a 'walk-0n'. Both rounds were satisfactory; my iron play seems much improved, and the three-wood is keeping me in play off the tee most of the time. I scored 83 and 81. Always, it seems, there are places where I feel I could do much better, and places where I feel I have escaped with several saved strokes!
I get the pool filled and operating. I have installed a make-shift pool-heater by adding some garden hose into the filtration cycle. This seems to gradually assist in raising the temperature. I also get more yard work done, and continue my battle with the weeds and undergrowth.
Erin and Kristian are continuing to keep each other occupied, although lately, I think Kristian is winning the activity war! He gets around much more quickly now with his crawling, and sometimes terrifies his mother with what he can get into!
My computer is expected back tomorrow. It will sport a new hard drive. I still have no news on how much, if any, of my files can be restored.
And that's the kind of week it has been.
I find a little time for golfing with Eric, and another round with some local people I was placed with when I arrived as a 'walk-0n'. Both rounds were satisfactory; my iron play seems much improved, and the three-wood is keeping me in play off the tee most of the time. I scored 83 and 81. Always, it seems, there are places where I feel I could do much better, and places where I feel I have escaped with several saved strokes!
I get the pool filled and operating. I have installed a make-shift pool-heater by adding some garden hose into the filtration cycle. This seems to gradually assist in raising the temperature. I also get more yard work done, and continue my battle with the weeds and undergrowth.
Erin and Kristian are continuing to keep each other occupied, although lately, I think Kristian is winning the activity war! He gets around much more quickly now with his crawling, and sometimes terrifies his mother with what he can get into!
My computer is expected back tomorrow. It will sport a new hard drive. I still have no news on how much, if any, of my files can be restored.
And that's the kind of week it has been.
Saturday, June 17
News Update
Another week has passed here on the shore of Lake Superior. We arrived back in Ontario on Monday evening after ten days out west. Work is basically over for me until September, but there are always some small items to keep working on. I have a teleconference with my opposite number from northeastern Ontario. We have agreed on a student management system for our schools and are now trying to arrange training for our secretaries, teachers and principals. This is moving forward well.
I got back to golfing with some reminders from my brother, Tom. He was quite helpful, but would have been more helpful if he had given me the advice before my game with him!! I have been able to achieve some respectable scores this week--78, 82, 83--after the 89 I managed last week with Tom. (I actually scored 91, but had to remove two strokes for handicapping purposes.)
The wedding planning continues apace. In addition to the usual stress, these plans are also bringing no small measure of distress. We hope all will be worked out before the special day. Wendy is working on the wedding cake; this has caused (allowed) a large amount of extra shopping as she looks for just the right pans and display options for this particular cake. She has also been working on bedding plants for the front and back yards. And she has dispatched me to do battle with the weeds! I have also begun work on the setting for the pool. I hope to get it set up next week.
Erin and Kristian keep busy around the edges. Kristian is always finding avenues to engage his cuteness into our activities. Erin managed to get another batch of pictures up on his website:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kristianleif/
and it was a good thing as my computer suffered a catastrophic failure! Apparently it got dropped or badly jarred while the hard drive was reading/writing and the hard drive is toast. I have passed it along to my friend to see whether anything can be salvaged, and to get the hard drive replaced. I am mourning a major loss of files. (Why weren't they backed up?!)
Special events are the order of the day at school, so Haaken and Liam are involved in trips and special days, and kindergarten graduation. They are also getting ready for their starring roles in the wedding.
And that's the kind of week it has been.
I got back to golfing with some reminders from my brother, Tom. He was quite helpful, but would have been more helpful if he had given me the advice before my game with him!! I have been able to achieve some respectable scores this week--78, 82, 83--after the 89 I managed last week with Tom. (I actually scored 91, but had to remove two strokes for handicapping purposes.)
The wedding planning continues apace. In addition to the usual stress, these plans are also bringing no small measure of distress. We hope all will be worked out before the special day. Wendy is working on the wedding cake; this has caused (allowed) a large amount of extra shopping as she looks for just the right pans and display options for this particular cake. She has also been working on bedding plants for the front and back yards. And she has dispatched me to do battle with the weeds! I have also begun work on the setting for the pool. I hope to get it set up next week.
Erin and Kristian keep busy around the edges. Kristian is always finding avenues to engage his cuteness into our activities. Erin managed to get another batch of pictures up on his website:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kristianleif/
and it was a good thing as my computer suffered a catastrophic failure! Apparently it got dropped or badly jarred while the hard drive was reading/writing and the hard drive is toast. I have passed it along to my friend to see whether anything can be salvaged, and to get the hard drive replaced. I am mourning a major loss of files. (Why weren't they backed up?!)
Special events are the order of the day at school, so Haaken and Liam are involved in trips and special days, and kindergarten graduation. They are also getting ready for their starring roles in the wedding.
And that's the kind of week it has been.
Friday, June 16
Golfing 201.5
I practise with my newer driver, the Taylor-Made Burner Bubble with the stiff shaft. Then I decide to retire it as well! I just can't make it go with that stiff shaft. I shall try to trade it in on something usable. I would like a Burner Bubble with a regular flex shaft. We'll see what Play It Again Sports has to offer.
Then I head back to the golf course with my new swing, and my newly refound confidence and my new discipline. You will remember that I scored a seven over, 78, the last time out, for my lowest recorded score! And sure enough, I also scored seven over this morning. I hope I do better on the back nine! Well, I had a little talk with myself and reviewed my swing, my confidence... and I scored a very satisfactory plus four on the back for a total of 82. Quite satisfactory all the way around but with lots of room for improvement in the consistency department.
Golf, an endlessly interesting game; much more than a good walk--spoiled!
Then I head back to the golf course with my new swing, and my newly refound confidence and my new discipline. You will remember that I scored a seven over, 78, the last time out, for my lowest recorded score! And sure enough, I also scored seven over this morning. I hope I do better on the back nine! Well, I had a little talk with myself and reviewed my swing, my confidence... and I scored a very satisfactory plus four on the back for a total of 82. Quite satisfactory all the way around but with lots of room for improvement in the consistency department.
Golf, an endlessly interesting game; much more than a good walk--spoiled!
Tuesday, June 13
Golfing 201
I had plenty of time to think about my golf game while I drove back to Thunder Bay. A couple of comments that Tom had made continued to percolate from my subconscious. "On the shots that go astray, it looks like you're hitting at the ball, rather than making a swing. You have to swing; just let the ball get in the way." I recall telling lots of friends and family that same advice! Now why wasn't I heeding it myself?! Tom also noted that a weaker left hand might help to avoid the snap hooks. So, this afternoon, I was back at it. And it worked. And it works!
I determined to take a practise swing before every shot. I figured that this might help me keep my mind on the swing, rather than on the result. I took the precaution of giving my driver the day off, which may have contributed some benefit as well! I had a consistent draw with my three-wood, so if I started it out down the right side it usually ended up in the centre of the fairway. Wow! So this is how Wayne feels! I still pulled a few irons, including the tee shots on two par threes right into the water hazard! I only played fourteen holes before coming in for supper, but I was at six over! And four of those strokes were penalty strokes. I went back after supper to complete my round. It continued to go well, except for a visit to the sand trap on the 7th hole (I played the back nine first.). I had pars on the other three holes, although one took a putt from the fringe to make it! I scored a new low of 78! Now I need to see if I can figure out how to swing this well on a consistent basis. The 89 and 91 the past two weekends were frustrating, although Chapples is two strokes easier than White Bear, and one stroke easier than Quarry Oaks. I will also dig out my newer driver and try to learn to hit it, or replace it. I hope I have permanently retired ol' scatter-gun!
I determined to take a practise swing before every shot. I figured that this might help me keep my mind on the swing, rather than on the result. I took the precaution of giving my driver the day off, which may have contributed some benefit as well! I had a consistent draw with my three-wood, so if I started it out down the right side it usually ended up in the centre of the fairway. Wow! So this is how Wayne feels! I still pulled a few irons, including the tee shots on two par threes right into the water hazard! I only played fourteen holes before coming in for supper, but I was at six over! And four of those strokes were penalty strokes. I went back after supper to complete my round. It continued to go well, except for a visit to the sand trap on the 7th hole (I played the back nine first.). I had pars on the other three holes, although one took a putt from the fringe to make it! I scored a new low of 78! Now I need to see if I can figure out how to swing this well on a consistent basis. The 89 and 91 the past two weekends were frustrating, although Chapples is two strokes easier than White Bear, and one stroke easier than Quarry Oaks. I will also dig out my newer driver and try to learn to hit it, or replace it. I hope I have permanently retired ol' scatter-gun!
Saturday, June 10
News Update
We have had a week—mostly in Saskatchewan!
We are staying at Wendy's dad's place in Regina for most of the week. The weather is grand, until the rains begin on Thursday. On Friday, we start our trip back by driving to Winnipeg. Here we are staying at Tom & Mariette's place.
I enjoy getting in some golf practice, doing some long-distance phone work back to Ontario, and getting a few odd jobs completed at my father-in-law's place. Wendy gets in some shopping (mostly unsuccessful), and a lot of puttering around at the house. She does gardening, cleaning and beautification projects. Now dad will get to try to keep up with watering flowers and vegies, and holding back the weeds! We hope this will provide decoration, and some tasty vegies as the summer progresses. Erin & Kristian continue to add to our enjoyment and entertainment as we watch the progress of Kristian's life. He is now crawling, although he is using only one leg for pushing!
On Friday we drive down to Winnipeg and settle into my brother's place for the weekend. We have a wedding scheduled here for Sunday afternoon, and then will head back to Thunder Bay on Monday. On Saturday, I manage another golf outing with Tom & Wayne—one of the Olson brothers. I manage to continue my inconsistent play. I make some good shots, but a lot of wasted ones before finally completing at 91. Not good! Wendy suggests I need more practice! What a woman!
On Saturday evening we enjoy a barbecue with our nieces from Winnipeg, Angie and Damaris, along with their children. It's wonderful to catch up with them.
And that's the kind of week it's been!
We are staying at Wendy's dad's place in Regina for most of the week. The weather is grand, until the rains begin on Thursday. On Friday, we start our trip back by driving to Winnipeg. Here we are staying at Tom & Mariette's place.
I enjoy getting in some golf practice, doing some long-distance phone work back to Ontario, and getting a few odd jobs completed at my father-in-law's place. Wendy gets in some shopping (mostly unsuccessful), and a lot of puttering around at the house. She does gardening, cleaning and beautification projects. Now dad will get to try to keep up with watering flowers and vegies, and holding back the weeds! We hope this will provide decoration, and some tasty vegies as the summer progresses. Erin & Kristian continue to add to our enjoyment and entertainment as we watch the progress of Kristian's life. He is now crawling, although he is using only one leg for pushing!
On Friday we drive down to Winnipeg and settle into my brother's place for the weekend. We have a wedding scheduled here for Sunday afternoon, and then will head back to Thunder Bay on Monday. On Saturday, I manage another golf outing with Tom & Wayne—one of the Olson brothers. I manage to continue my inconsistent play. I make some good shots, but a lot of wasted ones before finally completing at 91. Not good! Wendy suggests I need more practice! What a woman!
On Saturday evening we enjoy a barbecue with our nieces from Winnipeg, Angie and Damaris, along with their children. It's wonderful to catch up with them.
And that's the kind of week it's been!
Wednesday, June 7
'67 Cougar
Our first car, purchased just days before our wedding back in 1970, was a 1967 Cougar. This was the first year of Cougar production, and it was acclaimed as 'car of the year'. I needed no such third party acknowledgement, as I thought it was a beautiful car anyway! We eventually had to sell that car, and always missed it. We began searching for a replacement about ten years ago, and my brother John found one in Kelowna about five years ago. It is green, not white as our original had been, but it is still a pleasure to drive and to use as a source of reminiscence.
As you can imagine after 35 years, a car is no longer in showroom condition, and even though this one has lived in the enjoyable climes of BC, it still suffers from rust. After four more years of waiting while we were in Zambia, we finally found a body shop willing to take on the task for a level of funding we felt we could manage. And just last week, the body work was completed. It sports new rear quarter panels, and many places on the remainder of the car where the rusted parts were cut out, and new steel was welded in. It looks great, as you can see in the photos.
Ontario has a program for Classic Cars that allows us to add it to our insurance policy for only $150 per annum. However, they require a safety inspection, and will not accept Manitoba or Saskatchewan's inspection. So, I had reluctantly decided to drive it all the way back to Thunder Bay to get it licensed. However, while we were in Regina, I checked out what Saskatchewan had to offer. And their deal is even better! They will license it as for only $120 per year, and do not even require a safety. This is obviously minimal insurance (as was also the case in Ontario), but they will allow me to insure it for whatever I wish up to the appraised value. So, we decide to get it licensed in Saskatchewan, and leave it here. And my father-in-law graciously agrees to store it at his place. So that is what we do, and I get to drive back with the rest of the crew.
As you can imagine after 35 years, a car is no longer in showroom condition, and even though this one has lived in the enjoyable climes of BC, it still suffers from rust. After four more years of waiting while we were in Zambia, we finally found a body shop willing to take on the task for a level of funding we felt we could manage. And just last week, the body work was completed. It sports new rear quarter panels, and many places on the remainder of the car where the rusted parts were cut out, and new steel was welded in. It looks great, as you can see in the photos.
Ontario has a program for Classic Cars that allows us to add it to our insurance policy for only $150 per annum. However, they require a safety inspection, and will not accept Manitoba or Saskatchewan's inspection. So, I had reluctantly decided to drive it all the way back to Thunder Bay to get it licensed. However, while we were in Regina, I checked out what Saskatchewan had to offer. And their deal is even better! They will license it as for only $120 per year, and do not even require a safety. This is obviously minimal insurance (as was also the case in Ontario), but they will allow me to insure it for whatever I wish up to the appraised value. So, we decide to get it licensed in Saskatchewan, and leave it here. And my father-in-law graciously agrees to store it at his place. So that is what we do, and I get to drive back with the rest of the crew.
Tuesday, June 6
Golf Saskatchewan
Back in Saskatchewan, I manage a golf game with the Olson brothers: Brent, Mark and Wayne. Wayne plays his usual steady game, with the usual collection of, "Oh Wayne... oh Wayne!", and the occasional, "Oh Wayne, you dummy!", but he still scores in the low 80's and blows the rest of us away. I do not play well, and eventually stagger in with 89. I am at a loss to understand my wayward shooting. I am hitting both to the left and right, and even occasionally down the centre just to confuse my corrections!
Today, I head out to the course to try to work out the kinks. Everything is working well during my short time before the rain moves in; now, I'm really confused. I shall try to get some more practice time this week, before an expected golf date next Saturday in Winnipeg. As always, hope springs eternal.
Today, I head out to the course to try to work out the kinks. Everything is working well during my short time before the rain moves in; now, I'm really confused. I shall try to get some more practice time this week, before an expected golf date next Saturday in Winnipeg. As always, hope springs eternal.
Saturday, June 3
News Update
We have had another week, but it has not been all spent on the shore of Lake Superior.
Monday and Tuesday were very busy as we completed necessary tasks before setting out for the prairies. On Wednesday morning, we packed up the car and set off for Winnipeg. Erin and Kristian were travelling with us. We enjoyed dinner and the night at Tom & Mariette's. Then on Thursday we drove out to Dauphin. Sounds rather uneventful, doesn't it? However, somewhere west of Dryden I suffered from the problem of too much thinking time while driving along. And I casually mentioned to Wendy, "You know, I can't remember putting the computer into the trunk!" Sure enough, when we got to Winnipeg and we checked the trunk‹no computer. So, I phoned my helpful daughter in Thunder Bay, and it seemed like no time before she called back to say the computer was on the bus and would be in Winnipeg in the morning. And it was; it was a great relief to have it back in my possession. Thank you, Erica! You don't know what a special gift you have of getting things accomplished. I value and count on that a great deal.
Once we got to Dauphin, I went to check on the '67 Cougar. The body shop considered it complete, but I demurred. I pointed out some imperfections on the trunk lid, and they agreed to repaint it. I should be ready on Friday morning. Well one delay followed another and I finally got it about 2pm on Friday. In the meantime we enjoyed our time in Dauphin. Dick and Sue Kirkpatrick treated us to a fine meal, and we retired to Mabel Bailey's for the night. We enjoyed getting caught up with her on the subject of her
recent tour in Africa.
On Friday evening and Saturday I took part in a men's weekend at Kenosee Lake, while Wendy proceeded to Regina with Erin and Kristian. I plan to drive up to Regina on Sunday afternoon.
And that's the kind of week it's been.
Saturday, May 27
News Update
We have had another week here on the shore of Lake Superior.
It has been quite busy as we try to finish a few items on the 'to do' list before leaving for the prairies next week. My health has continued shaky as my coughing continues. I finally gave in and spent a day in bed, and I felt some better, but the last couple of nights have been noisy again—I don't know how Wendy gets any sleep either!
I finished up some items of work, but there are still a couple outstanding. I hope to get them done in the next couple of days... I managed to get out golfing a few times, and scored my first sub-eighty round on a regular course on Victoria Day. I've had two 82's since then; I start well, but fade badly on the back nine. I'm thinking that I either get mentally tired, or just lazy and lose my focus... then my shots become wayward! (Could be a sermon illustration there!) Wendy and I also managed a bit of work in the back yard. We finally repaired the fence (It was broken down when a large tree fell.), and also did some brush clearing and cleanup. I have assembled materials, but still haven't begun building the trellis/arbor/sunshade.
Erin has posted a number of new photos of Kristian. Check them out at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kristianleif/
Erica and Liam enjoyed a fly-in trip to Collins. Liam caught a couple of trout, and brought one back to show us. Nice fishing!
And that's the kind of week it's been.
It has been quite busy as we try to finish a few items on the 'to do' list before leaving for the prairies next week. My health has continued shaky as my coughing continues. I finally gave in and spent a day in bed, and I felt some better, but the last couple of nights have been noisy again—I don't know how Wendy gets any sleep either!
I finished up some items of work, but there are still a couple outstanding. I hope to get them done in the next couple of days... I managed to get out golfing a few times, and scored my first sub-eighty round on a regular course on Victoria Day. I've had two 82's since then; I start well, but fade badly on the back nine. I'm thinking that I either get mentally tired, or just lazy and lose my focus... then my shots become wayward! (Could be a sermon illustration there!) Wendy and I also managed a bit of work in the back yard. We finally repaired the fence (It was broken down when a large tree fell.), and also did some brush clearing and cleanup. I have assembled materials, but still haven't begun building the trellis/arbor/sunshade.
Erin has posted a number of new photos of Kristian. Check them out at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kristianleif/
Erica and Liam enjoyed a fly-in trip to Collins. Liam caught a couple of trout, and brought one back to show us. Nice fishing!
And that's the kind of week it's been.
Monday, May 22
Tommy
I've been reading my dad's journal from 1952 recently, and I read with interest his comment for April 20, 1952. At the end of his entry, he noted that they had gone to Gravelbourg "to hear T.D."
That would have been Tommy Douglas, then premier of Saskatchewan, and quite an amazing fellow. Tommy's political life was consumed by one central goal, to provide health care as a basic human right for all citizens. He became premier of Saskatchewan in 1944, and remained so until his retirement from provincial politics in 1961. He inherited administration of a province burdened with massive debt, and gradually repaid it and created a surplus. As the province's finances improved, his government introduced universal hospitalization and finally universal health care. (Med dee kal Care as he famously enunciated it!) Tommy went on to national politics as founding leader of the New Democratic Party, but never enjoyed any particular electoral success nationally. He was, however, instrumental in the establishment of our national medicare program through his work in parliament. He has been recognized recently as the Greatest Canadian in a national contest, and he has great significance in all our lives in line with one of his favourite quips, "Beware of the little fellow with an idea." My brief experience and limited study of history has given me to conclude that each major change in history can be traced to the activity of a single person. And the next great idea could come from you!
That would have been Tommy Douglas, then premier of Saskatchewan, and quite an amazing fellow. Tommy's political life was consumed by one central goal, to provide health care as a basic human right for all citizens. He became premier of Saskatchewan in 1944, and remained so until his retirement from provincial politics in 1961. He inherited administration of a province burdened with massive debt, and gradually repaid it and created a surplus. As the province's finances improved, his government introduced universal hospitalization and finally universal health care. (Med dee kal Care as he famously enunciated it!) Tommy went on to national politics as founding leader of the New Democratic Party, but never enjoyed any particular electoral success nationally. He was, however, instrumental in the establishment of our national medicare program through his work in parliament. He has been recognized recently as the Greatest Canadian in a national contest, and he has great significance in all our lives in line with one of his favourite quips, "Beware of the little fellow with an idea." My brief experience and limited study of history has given me to conclude that each major change in history can be traced to the activity of a single person. And the next great idea could come from you!
Seventy-nine!
Well, I finally did it. I almost blew it, but I hung on at the end. Actually, I was flailing away at the end! I had a very good front nine—one over par, but then I started the back nine with three bogies. The pressure was telling! However, I righted the ship with four pars, and when I came to seventeen, I knew it was within reach. So, I promptly double-bogied seventeen, for my first double of the day. And followed it up by doubling eighteen! I hadn't even dared to check the score card after seventeen, I was already feeling enough pressure. Fortunately, when I added it all up... ta da... seventy-nine! I have broken 80 before on short courses, but this is my first on a regular course. I have also reduced my handicap to 13.2, and I'm looking to improve that further. My goal is to get my handicap down to single digits. My golf coach is promising a seven-stroke improvement, and I was at 13.9, so we'll see if he's up to the challenge!
Saturday, May 20
News Update
We have survived another week here on Lake Superior. It has been a hectic one, as we've been in preparations for the fortieth anniversary of our congregation here. Wendy has been particularly busy, as she enjoys painting, and is very particular about it. The church building has been reorganized, repainted and cleaned thoroughly in anticipation of our visitors this weekend.
The weather has been very pleasant; pollen is in the air; I am continuing to suffer from hayfever and the resulting coughing fits. I worked through ten days of Aerius, but it didn't prove to be particularly beneficial. I'm back on chlor-tripolon again. I hope the problem will ease soon. I was able to get out for two rounds of golf at the Municipal course. It's one of the courses on my golf membership, but it's on a very sandy base, so it dries out quickly after rains. It's also an easier course, with only one par three and one par five per nine holes. Anyway, I managed an 81 and a 78. Of course this should be cause for celebration, but I don't regard the Muni as a worthy test, so I don't accept breaking 80 there! We're hoping to try Chapelles on Monday; it should be dried out by now!
I was flew over to Sudbury on Monday for workshops with a Dr. Bernhardt on using data to understand how we're doing in schools. It was pretty good. I got back here late Tuesday night. Otherwise, I've been working on the few items left on my work plate. I've pretty well used up my days for the year, but I still have a few things to complete, so I'll continue working a few more days yet. Then I'm off until we get back from Zambia.
Everyone else is doing fine. The boys are experimenting regularly with their new golf sets, although Haaken has declared a declining interest. "I didn't know that golf was going to require so much focus," he complains! Liam is also playing soccer in the spring league. Eric coaches that team. Kristian continues to grow, develop and amuse us.
And that's the kind of week it's been.
The weather has been very pleasant; pollen is in the air; I am continuing to suffer from hayfever and the resulting coughing fits. I worked through ten days of Aerius, but it didn't prove to be particularly beneficial. I'm back on chlor-tripolon again. I hope the problem will ease soon. I was able to get out for two rounds of golf at the Municipal course. It's one of the courses on my golf membership, but it's on a very sandy base, so it dries out quickly after rains. It's also an easier course, with only one par three and one par five per nine holes. Anyway, I managed an 81 and a 78. Of course this should be cause for celebration, but I don't regard the Muni as a worthy test, so I don't accept breaking 80 there! We're hoping to try Chapelles on Monday; it should be dried out by now!
I was flew over to Sudbury on Monday for workshops with a Dr. Bernhardt on using data to understand how we're doing in schools. It was pretty good. I got back here late Tuesday night. Otherwise, I've been working on the few items left on my work plate. I've pretty well used up my days for the year, but I still have a few things to complete, so I'll continue working a few more days yet. Then I'm off until we get back from Zambia.
Everyone else is doing fine. The boys are experimenting regularly with their new golf sets, although Haaken has declared a declining interest. "I didn't know that golf was going to require so much focus," he complains! Liam is also playing soccer in the spring league. Eric coaches that team. Kristian continues to grow, develop and amuse us.
And that's the kind of week it's been.
Saturday, May 13
News Update
Safely through another week here on Lake Superior, where the women are strong, and you know the rest!
I am continuing to enjoy hay fever season in TBay, NOT! Once the breeze started up, I found Erica's industrial strength antihistamine didn't do the job either! Thankfully, the friendly neighbourhood pharmacist noted that a new metabolite of the same drug used in Claritin is now on the market, and I might wish to try it. Well, Claritin never had any effect on me, but this new one, Aerius, seems to be working so far. It's been rainy since I changed over, so it's still too soon to tell. Now the weather has dried off again, so we'll see what develops.
With rain most of the week, in combination with a conference on Thursday and Friday, I've been I've been only able to accommodate one round of golf. The front nine went very well—40, and it should have been 38 if I could have putted! However, I think I lost focus on the back nine, and returned to some bad, old habits. As a result, I scored 45—not so good!
Kristian continues to grow and progress well. We enjoy watching him develop. He is a delightful little fellow, and sure keeps Erin busy! Erin has also kept active with some babysitting.
Wendy continues to keep up with her gym schedule. She has also done more painting at the church, but sliced into her finger on Friday evening while trying to cut up potatoes, so that's hampering her busyness.
Haaken and Liam got new golf sets this week. So far they've got more play out of the boxes the clubs came in! It's been a busy week for Erica as she was in charge of the conference. Travis is busily engaged in looking for a summer job now that he's out of school until September.
Anyway, that's the kind of week it's been. Next week I'm off to Sudbury for Tuesday and Wednesday.
I am continuing to enjoy hay fever season in TBay, NOT! Once the breeze started up, I found Erica's industrial strength antihistamine didn't do the job either! Thankfully, the friendly neighbourhood pharmacist noted that a new metabolite of the same drug used in Claritin is now on the market, and I might wish to try it. Well, Claritin never had any effect on me, but this new one, Aerius, seems to be working so far. It's been rainy since I changed over, so it's still too soon to tell. Now the weather has dried off again, so we'll see what develops.
With rain most of the week, in combination with a conference on Thursday and Friday, I've been I've been only able to accommodate one round of golf. The front nine went very well—40, and it should have been 38 if I could have putted! However, I think I lost focus on the back nine, and returned to some bad, old habits. As a result, I scored 45—not so good!
Kristian continues to grow and progress well. We enjoy watching him develop. He is a delightful little fellow, and sure keeps Erin busy! Erin has also kept active with some babysitting.
Wendy continues to keep up with her gym schedule. She has also done more painting at the church, but sliced into her finger on Friday evening while trying to cut up potatoes, so that's hampering her busyness.
Haaken and Liam got new golf sets this week. So far they've got more play out of the boxes the clubs came in! It's been a busy week for Erica as she was in charge of the conference. Travis is busily engaged in looking for a summer job now that he's out of school until September.
Anyway, that's the kind of week it's been. Next week I'm off to Sudbury for Tuesday and Wednesday.
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