News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior, in my home town. We are not in Kansas anymore. We flew back from on Tuesday night, arriving in TBay about midnight. The weather has continued variable, and not warm enough to give me comfort over my garden. The next week looks better, so maybe yard work (and golf) can get back in full-swing! We enjoyed our time in Abilene, celebrating Shepherd's grad, as well as the drive back and forth from Lawrence KS. And we found out that we actually were able to celebrate about seven graduations of friends and family from ACU.

I've had a little work around the office this week. I was offered a month-long teaching assignment in Hornepayne, and after some consideration was looking forward to accepting that, but it turned out they wanted me to pay for the privilege of working there—so I demurred! When I had taught for a week in another community last fall, I was paid salary and expenses. This time, they only offered salary, and when Wendy checked out expenses... it didn't pay! My buddy, Wes, opined that since I've been working for nothing so much, they now wanted me to pay them! So, we continue to try to live on EI (and love) and it's thin living!!

Investment training continues. This week, I took the lecture while in Lawrence KS. The internet is certainly a wonderful facility. Investments have not gone well this week with both Energy and Financials down over 7%, but I still managed two sells and raised my total gain to 27%. I have all five stocks bought—and they're all currently at a loss position, so we hope things improve next week!

Kristian and Erin were both down with colds while we were away and continue to suffer a bit this week. Travis seems to be much improved, and watching his Penguins advance to the next round in the Stanley Cup playoffs really improved his outlook!

As this is long weekend, we are glad to have Eric/A and the boys visiting with us. Hopefully, the weather will smarten up tomorrow...

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has passed, and we have wandered south, away from the shore of Lake Superior. We are in Abilene to celebrate graduation with Shepherd, our friend from Zambia. We flew down from TBay to Lawrence KS on Thursday afternoon and met up with our old friend (well actually, I shouldn't call her an old friend, but our longtime friend who is actually just a young thing), Marti. She drives us down to Abilene on Friday. It is great to spend a bit of additional time with Shepherd and Ruhtt. We also get a special treat of catching up with another old Zambian contact Ryan and his wife. Then, while we were there, we also Skyped to Kadonsi in Zambia. It was good to hear his voice. Of course, there were a number of other Zambian contacts attending the graduation, so we also were pleased to catch up with them. We also discovered, to our surprise, that we had connections to about half a dozen of the graduates, so it was good to celebrate with them all.

The graduation itself was a great celebration of Shepherd's efforts and achievement in the masters' program for Human Resources. We hope he will be able to provide great administrative service in Zambia now for many years.

The week started with the usual things around home, and I also had a conference session on Thursday before we flew out. The garden is developing well, in its new location. We are planning for many more vines (cucumber, squash, zuchini, pumpkins) that we will grow along the borders of the back yard. And of course, I'm also trying that potatoes in a box idea! It will be interesting again to see how things develop.

The investment training continues. It was an interesting week as the markets were rising, and we found we did not have an effective strategy for buying as prices increase. After our lesson on Monday evening, we had new techniques and raised our prices for Tuesday. It did not work; prices rose again! So on Wednesday we chose a new strategy of picking a price much higher than the current quote, and were successful in buying all our stocks (in a falling market) at prices much higher than we should have paid!! I guess this was a learning experience! Anyway, the markets rose again on Friday, so we did fine. Overall, I am now up 26.4% in nine weeks. It is too good to really believe. Especially after my experiences with professional managers over the last ten years where I've learned that the only way they could make me a millionaire was if I had started with two million!

Wendy has continued with house and yard work as a part of her rites of spring. As usual whatever she does, she overdoes, so she has been suffering with aches, pains and blisters as a result.

Erin and Kristian are doing well. It is delightful to hear his little voice as he begins to be able to hold short conversations and learns more and more words.Erin continues to work on her options for work and training next year.

Travis is doing well with his work. He has been suffering a bit of ill health this week. Perhaps it's just seasonal allergies.

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 has been nice so we've enjoyed some out doors times. Kristian loves playing in the back yard where I built him a sandbox and installed a slide. Actually, he thinks the larger sandy area I have developed for the pool is even more attractive, so we usually find him there. He also likes time on the trampoline, and practicing his golfing. (Where did he pick up that interest?!) I've been working on the garden, and have it pretty much ready to go. I plan to start planting soon.

My health concern continues. I visited with my oncologist on Wednesday. He was happy to see that my PSA was somewhat lower, although still too high. He says it is further evidence that the elevated levels are just caused by a chronic infection. I also had him check out my little growth. It was his opinion that it was not a thrombosed hemorrhoid, but he referred me back to my family doctor for further investigation. So, I was back to see her on Friday, and she feels certain it is a thrombosed hemorrhoid. She cannot understand why I report no pain! She says I must have a high pain threshold. (Translation: I don't suffer from pain, I'm just a carrier!) She is referring me to a surgeon for a sigmoidoscope, possibly a full colonscopy and whatever surgical action he decides is appropriate. So, the saga continues. Meanwhile, I'm on those suppositories. We hope for a reduction in stress, distress and inflammation!

I have had only a little call-desk work this week. Next week, I have our annual spring conference, and then we're flying south to celebrate our friend Shepherd's graduation in Abilene. Investment training continues to go well, and I had a great week with my stocks. I'm now up 22.8% in eight weeks. Let's hope it continues.

Wendy has continued her dedicated efforts toward spring cleaning. Furniture is being moved, floors are being renovated. Adjustments are being made! Improvement is evident.

Erin continues to move toward furthering her education while continuing to work part time. Lots of planning need to be accomplished to put this all in place. Kristian continues to progress with his speech. He understands nearly everything we try to tell him, and his expressive language is growing bit by bit.

Travis is doing very well with his work, his projects, and the investment training he's taking with me. Now that the next round of playoffs have started, he's unavailable during Penguin games. And now that they're trailing, he'll have to cheer even more!

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 spring-like, although we started off with precipitation that is only rain due to my definition that all precipitation in the months April through October is rain. We did not enjoy the white fluffy rain, but it disappeared the next day, and I still managed a couple of trips to the golf course, so it was an okay week in that regard.

I had two days of work this week in the Territorial Student Program, so that impacts the bottom line, but not very much. I lose almost the same amount in my Employment Insurance! My investment training continues to go well. I am enjoying the classes each week, and also having continued success in the five stocks they allow us to invest in. I am now up 19.4% in seven weeks.

I have a medical concern, so I went to the doctor mid-week. She assured me that it was 'rhoids—not the kind that make you faster, stronger and meaner, but the kind that make you walk slowly and sit down carefully (possibly a bit meaner)! "Thrombosed hemorrhoid," she opined, and hastened to assure me that she knew I was in great pain, but that a prescription of suppositories would take care of the pain in short order. (Man, those things are hard to swallow–why do they make them so large?!) In vain, I tried to inform her that I was feeling little pain. Anyway, I have the prescription order in case I ever decide to get it filled! In sum, I am more than a little skeptical about her diagnosis, but since I see my oncologist next week, I'll wait until then to get more information. He's as enthusiastic with the DRE as she was tentative, so I'm guessing he'll get to the bottom of this! (pun intended)

Wendy has continued and completed the removal of the old tiles in the kitchen and dining area—it looks so much better! It was a lot of work, and some clean up remains, but it's surely an improvement.

Erin is working through a plan to return to school. Her work has agreed to let her reduce to part-time, so she's investigating course options. She would like to improve her financial/accounting qualifications. We got very good news on behalf of Kristian this week. Woodcrest (the school with specialization for hard-of-hearing children) has accepted his enrolment for the fall in Junior Kindergarten. They have already obtained permission for a full-time aide to work with him on development of his communication skills. So, unless his hearing deteriorates even further, we are very optimistic about this plan.

Travis is working steadily with his job at Impact Promotions, and also picks up contracts for other graphic or web-site projects from time to time. He is also taking the investment training program along with me, and cheering mightily on behalf of his Penguins who managed to finish off the Flyers this afternoon—Yay!

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

As the week began, we were up in Kenora, but now we are again on the shore of Lake Superior, in my hometown. We started off watching Kevin Martin lose to Scotland in the world curling championships. That was disappointing! Then, we watched Angel Cabrera win the green jacket at the Masters—I was cheering for Kenny Perry, although I'm happy enough with Cabrera's victory. And then, Eric/A arrived home, so we enjoyed a short visit with them. On Monday afternoon, we drove back to TBay and are enjoying springtime yard work, house cleaning, and a bit more work on renovations.

I am changing a few things about my garden project. I'm moving some of it to catch more sunshine, and I'm adding a 'potatoes-in-a-box' project. The lawn appears to be recovering nicely and I look forward to seeing whether my fancy 'green' grass can kill the quack grass! There are a few golfers out, but I haven't tried the course yet—just a bit of practice! My investment training continues. It's now six weeks, and I've managed to gain 18.0%. I've made fifty-three purchases, fifty-one sales and only three were at a loss. Now that I've learned more, I realize that two of those losses shouldn't have occurred either, so that's a very positive indication. I am determined to keep learning, and improve my discipline. As the course would describe it, I'm too emotionally attached to my purchases! (Imagine me being too emotional!) Anyway, that is how I understand my one bad purchase, and several other close calls!

Wendy has returned to wall paper and tile removal in the dining room. We haven't decided what to do about either flooring or painting, but we are committed to doing something!

I had another two days of work with the Territorial Student Program, and I have two more scheduled for next week.

Erin and Travis continue with their work. Kristian continues with his learning and growing. He enjoys the outdoors, but doesn't like to get his hands dirty. I think he would rather fall on his face, than have to use his hands to touch the dirt!

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

Happy Easter!

Another week has gone by here on the shore of Winnipeg River, in Kenora. We are staying at Eric/A's with the grandkids while Eric/A are vacationing in western Canada. We drove up here on Sunday afternoon, and have enjoyed the week here. There have been a few projects for both Wendy and I to put our attention to, so that has kept us busy. And I've also had a day of work for the local school district teaching about data exploration in TinkerPlots.

Throughout the week, I've enjoyed tracking the progress of Kevin Martin (my favourite curling team) in the world championships. After a ten-game winning streak, he has suffered back-to-back losses at the hands of Scotland, and now he must fight back to beat them in the final game tomorrow. The baseball season has started, so we've been following the early season success of the Blue Jays. And, of course, it's Masters time! Almost too many things to watch!

It's a beautiful spot here on the shore of the river, where we can usually watch the deer grazing on the lawn or playing on the river ice. We've been able to get out for pleasant walks as we explore the neighbourhood.

My investment training has continued with a class on Monday evening, and my investments have continued to grow as well. I've now managed 17.0% increase in my first five weeks.

The TinkerPlot workshop on Thursday went well. I enjoyed working with an old MISA comrade up here, and I am continuing to find it to be such a useful way to get information out of the overwhelming mass of data we collect in our schools.

Easter weekend provides four days off school for the boys, so they're enjoying that. And we're enjoying spending the time with them.

Erin and Kristian are holding down the fort back in TBay. Trav has finished his university program and is dedicated to his work and various projects. We plan to head back on Monday or Tuesday.

So, that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has blown by here on the shore of Lake Superior, in my home town. A change in the weather has blown away my illusion of an early golf season, as a major dump of wet snow on Tuesday night has obscured lawns and fairways from view. Boo hoo! However, as we moved along toward the weekend, rain and warmer weather began to reduce the drifts and increase our hopes!

Mid-week and the turn of the monthly calendar also brought with it the end of the MISA program that I've been working with for four years. Thankfully, this has also resulted in my getting paid for the work I've been continuing to do (for nothing since November!), as I have now been authorized to bill for services rendered. Of course, this demands an elaborate tracking mechanism, but I guess that's the cost of business. Speaking of business, I've continue to progress in my investments training and investment success. I've now gained 15.7% in just four weeks. The program anticipates such growth in seven months, but not four weeks. Clearly, I've been fortunate to enter the program while we experiencing at least a temporary Obama surge in the stock markets. However, our teachers counsel us that the Bush recession is likely to last into 2010, so not to get too excited!

Wendy has continued with her therapy and as she is experiencing success with her initial back and shoulder problems, has now extended the work to her feet. She has long-standing issues with her feet (I know, but it just demanded to be used!), and is hopeful for some improvement.

Erin continues with her work and is doing well despite the many frustrations there. Kristian continues with speech therapy and doctoring. One doctor is suggesting a potential source of his problems in genetics (Pendred Syndrome), so they may be sending him to Sick Children's in Toronto for further investigation. He got this idea from the CAT scan, as he observed two of the tell-tale characteristics in his inner ear. This can only be confirmed with a genetic check for the defective gene. Unfortunately even if this is confirmed, it doesn't point towards a therapy or solution. But who knows with stem cell research, perhaps some day...

Travis has completed his classes, but has one exam left and at least one paper to complete. Then he'll be able to leave the slack life of the student and get to work!! Actually, he has been working very hard both in his studies and in several jobs throughout his university years. We are very proud of his accomplishments!

Next week we plan to spend in Kenora, taking care of the grandkids as Eric/A take a short vacation, but that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has flown by on the shore of Lake Superior, in my home town. The weather has been cool and we've even had some freezing rain to create a day of driving and even walking havoc. I've been working as counsellor in the Territorial Student Program all week. One of my students fell on the icy sidewalks on Tuesday morning, so I spent most of that day in the emergency department of the hospital as she was checked over and eventually out. I definitely got the feeling that a greater degree of caution was being exercised after the unfortunate death of Natasha Richardson (well-covered by this Globe and Mail article) However, after the various diagnostic tests and images were examined, it was eventually decided that my child's back was not broken and her skull was not cracked. They even were refusing painkillers despite her protestations of headache and other pains. They wanted to be sure to get as clear evidence as they could from her. The remainder of the week was dull by comparison!

Travis and I have continued our investment training. And my investments under their program have continued to do well—14.3% in only three weeks! That can't continue!! Fortunately, they had me heavily invested in Petro-Canada when word came down of Suncor's attempted purchase—that turned a tidy 20% gain. Trav's university semester is ending, and we look forward to his graduation in May.

Wendy has continued under chiropractic care and seems to be doing much better and probably is near the end of her course of treatments. She enjoys playing multiple Scrabble games on line at the same time, and has recently taken up Sudoku. It's good to keep the brain active.

Erin has been working extra hard lately as issues seem to be piling up at work even as the economic pressures mount in the automotive industry. Kristian is progressing and the testing and referral process through various experts continue as well.

The fairways are starting to show up on the local golf courses, so the golf juices are beginning to flow, even though it will probably be a month before they actually open for play. Golfers who have an off-season, always imagine that some new technique or piece of equipment is bound to contribute to this being the best season ever! We look forward to finding that out!!

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has strolled by on the shore of Lake Superior in my home town. As the week started, we watched the Brier final and cheered my guy, Kevin Martin, to another championship.

The weather has been lovely, so Wendy and I have managed to get out for several leisurely walks. The dropping snowbanks have turned dark and ugly. The deck is cleared off, so we managed our first barbecue of the season on Thursday evening. Ah! I missed that flavour!

One thing I've failed to mention that last two updates is that Trav and I are now taking an investment training course on line. It has started well, and we've begun "paper trading"; I'll try to remember to keep you up-to-date on how that goes! So far it is going very well (7.4% gain), but we've had eight days of rising markets so I guess it doesn't take a genius to profit on that! I don't know how long it will be before we begin investing in reality!

I've continued to have a little work on my various projects. It's year end for MISA, so I've prepared the annual financial and progress reports. I'll be emailing them in on Monday. It'll be about six weeks before I hear anything further as far as project funding for next year. I'm hoping for at least one hundred days of work over the next year.

We got word on Thursday of our cousin Karen's passing after a battle with cancer. Another family memorial in a week full of them as both our mothers and several other family members are remembered this week.

Wendy has been getting treatment all week for her back. She seems to have a pinched nerve in the back of the shoulder, but it's been improving a lot this week.

Erin has begun looking for a different job as her growing lists of responsibilities at work has not been marked by a commensurate increase in compensation! She is also considering returning to school for more training. Kristian continues to progress in his speech. He is also getting more testing as they try to determine not only the extent of his disability but also what may have caused it.

Travis continues to keep busy and do well with both work and school.

And today, as a special treat, Erica & Haaken drove down from Kenora, so we're celebrating Erica's birthday in person! They head back tomorrow.

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

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior. The weather has been showing the promise of Spring, but also provided a blast of winter in the middle of the week and gave us another dump of snow. However, we're back in the plus territory again, with a prediction of rain! (The weather reports used to be characterized as 'promising' something, but I've grown too old, experienced and jaded to consider those expressions as promises!)

Wendy enjoyed a week out in Regina, although the weather was not congenial. She celebrated her dad's birthday with him last Saturday, and he returned the favour on Monday! She flew back home on Thursday. She continues to suffer with a pinched nerve in her back, and was to the doctor yesterday. Hopefully that will be overcome soon as I don't like rolling over onto a bag of frozen peas in my bed (or any other kind of peas in my bed!)

The rest of us survived at home as everyone pitched in to help out. Erin proved a good cook on occasion, and Kristian kept us entertained. Travis and I have begun an Investing course, so we'll see how that goes. Are we rich yet?! We had our first session on Monday evening. I have continued development of my Data Exploration workshops, and now have all three sessions planned. Now, we'll wait to see if anyone buys them! Actually, I've already sold the first two a couple of times, and I look forward to presenting all three in the next academic year.

The big distraction this week is curling. My curling hero, Kevin Martin, has cruised through undefeated so far and is in the final tomorrow against his old nemesis, Jeff Stoughton of Manitoba. Of course, he beat Jeff during the regular draw, so now he has to make it two in a row! Last year, I got to watch him in person at the Brier in Winnipeg as he won the championship. (My children are generous!)

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

The week starts with us driving up from Minneapolis to the shore of Lake Superior. It's nice to be home again. The weather is nice, and the snow is melting each day, with some rain helping the process. Wendy headed west on Thursday, flying out to Regina to help celebrate her dad's eighty-fourth birthday! Happy Birthday, Ellis!

Erin, Kristian & Travis have taken care of themselves in our absence, and it's nice to be home with them again. Kristian is progressing in his speech, and sometimes in his toilet training! BJ continues to get older, deafer and blinder! Some days he cannot even find his doggie treat!

I have been catching up on a few outstanding issues with some schools while calls and emails continue to bring new requests. I'm also developing an advertisement, update and request for continuing the funding of the data project. I can see this providing a regular thirty days of work per year if the Boards will keep funding it. The project is important for the schools and interesting work, so I hope it keeps going. I also make my regular lab trip for more blood-letting so they can check my PSA levels.

The daylight-saving time change weekend also makes us think of spring. It's a nice time of year as we seek renewal after the dormant time of winter. Although a little extra dormant time this week has been welcome as well! We're feeling refreshed in many ways.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has rolled beneath our wheels, and we are nearing the shore of Lake Superior and my home town. We begin the week in Round Rock in the after glow of Jon & Jennifer's wedding. We wish them well as they honeymoon in Hawaii and begin their married life. We head off early Sunday morning for San Antonio and thus continue our journey of warm reunions and refreshed memories. Thank you Verner & Linda, Viggo & Nancy for hosting us in Dallas. Thank you Jon & Jennifer for bringing so many others together for the wedding. It was great to see Tom & Mariette, Gayla and her mom, and to meet so many new connections. We take along memories of our times spent with Luc and Jason as well. It was a great week, and this week continued the theme. Heat in the 30's greeted us in San Antonio and Abilene, but as the week progressed and we moved northward, the temperatures declined to the zero range in Lawrence and to -20's in Minneapolis.

We met up with Bern, Alicia & Logan at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio. Lynn & Carolyn hosted us for lunch and another batch of remembrances. We enjoyed two days with family–shopping, site-seeing, navigating, car-shopping, playing. Tuesday found us moving on to Abilene to visit with Shepherd, Ruhtt, Miguel, Melina & Manuel. A special joy was catching up with Renée, Chris, Kaden & Kaleb—it was so wonderful to hear and see how they are doing. We finally got our tour of ACU! Another precious time, more teary remembrances, another fond farewell. Much time was spent talking of Zambia and dreams. On Thursday we drove up to Oklahoma City and an unexpected reunion—as we drove into the parking area at OCU, we came upon Stan & Blair. Not only did they refresh our spirits, they provided us a parking space! Then Kresten found us, so we enjoyed a visit with him. After that we continued to Lawrence where Marti & Helen hosted us for Thursday and Friday nights. Actually, Helen abandoned us for sunny California! We hope she had a good time at the wedding.

This morning, I had the special privilege of helping Marti introduce TinkerPlots to her supervisor from Kansas University. Then, we headed north into snow and colder temperatures. Once again, the ditches were filled with cars and accidents abounded in the early going. Fortunately, the snow petered out in northern Missouri, and the roads were good after that. We're spending this night in Minneapolis and planning to complete the tour back to TBay tomorrow.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has rolled by, and we have been far from the shore of Lake Superior, my home town! The week has been spent in Texas, where we have enjoyed the hospitality and celebration of our family culminating in the marriage of Jonathan and Jennifer.

We moved in with Verner & Linda upon our arrival in Texas. Thank you for taking care of us so generously! We enjoyed family days all week long. Wendy enjoyed much shopping, and exploring (unintentionally) most of northeast Dallas! It seems she got lost every time she went for a drive!

I got out for two golf games. The first, in Dallas, was with my brother, Viggo, at a course ominously named Waterview! I viewed a bit of water courtesy of my snap hook, and ended with a score of 88. After correction for two triples, this score actually helped my handicap–dropping it to 15.0. Then on Friday afternoon, Viggo and I joined our nephews, Jon & Luc, for a game at Round Rock. I didn't play well at all, and ended with a 98! That did not help my handicap, as it must have pushed one of my better scores out of consideration and my handicap rose to 15.3. But, I certainly had fun, and got more practise than most!

Saturday was the wedding day. It was a joyous affair (read: many tears were shed!), and we wish Jon & Jennifer well in their life together.

We have had email and VOIP contact with the crew back in Thunder Bay. All seems to be going well. Fresh snow has fallen while we've enjoyed our +20 climes in Texas! Kristian had his CT Scan on Friday, but we don't have any results to report yet.

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

News Update

Another week has rolled by and we have rolled far from the shore of Lake Superior. On Monday, we got the news confirmed that, yes, the shifter linkage was broken on the car. We ordered repairs and began our wait to see when we could actually head south. I had a bit of follow up work from the conference last week, and also worked a half-day in support of the Territorial Student Program. Late Wednesday, we got the call that the car was operational again, so we picked it up, and packed for a Thursday morning departure. I booked an appointment with the Apple store in the Mall of America in Minneapolis as I wanted some attention paid to some cosmetic damage on my laptop.

The drive south was uneventful and we arrived in Minneapolis two hours before my appointment, so I settled in a nice chair in the corridor, logged into Apple's Wifi, and caught up on my computer time! Wendy caught up on her shopping time, buying two pair of shoes! Then while Apple repaired the laptop, we went out to supper. After picking up the renovated laptop, we found a hotel and retired for the night. Wendy managed to score us a senior's discount on the handicap room, so with senior throne and everything it was almost as good (as Erica observed) as a theme room at West Edmonton Mall!

Friday morning found us heading south toward Lawrence KS where we planned to visit with Marti. Last year when we came through here the ditches were filled with snow and vehicles. Today, not a trace of either! I wonder what the moisture issues will be in this area. As we drove into Iowa, we ran into a fierce snow storm and soon began to observe that the ditches were collecting plenty of both snow and vehicles. We saw a few spectacular pile-ups–man, you have to avoid those drivers! Here was a semi jack-knifed and in the ditch. There was a four-vehicle pile up, complete with a U-Haul trailer. Yikes! We avoided everyone, made up for all those vehicles that has passed us in the last two days, and as we got into Missouri and approached Kansas City, the snow changed to rain. We rolled into Marti's just after 6pm. A lovely steak supper (thanks, Marti) and a session of TinkerPlots later, we called it a night.

This morning, we headed further south for Dallas and Verner & Linda's place. The day was long and we drove through a few showers but we finally got to there place about 7:30. Verner had a nice pot of chili waiting, so that was a warm welcome. It will be nice to settle down and stop the travelling for a few days.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

A busy week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my home town. February Conference was the dominating feature, and as I had three half-day workshops, I found it very engaging! I had a half-day with the school secretaries, and since it bodes to be my last session with them, I was trying to tie up all loose ends—some knots remain to be tied! Then, I had a full day with the principals as I tried to take them from the yawning jaws of ignorance into the wonders of TinkerPlots data explorations! All sessions seemed to go well, so I felt good about that. I've continued to fight a cold all week—that didn't help. The extra $1500 does help!

The car went down again tonight. Trav was out with it, and after stopping for a train, it wouldn't shift back into drive. It seems the shift linkage must be broken, so, it is towed to the mechanics' place and we'll see what they say next week. We're hoping to head south some time next week, so this is not a good development.

Wendy seems to be getting over her cold. She has been keeping busy driving a friend around to various medical and other errands. Louise had angioplasty last week, so is not allowed to be driving on her own yet. Besides, she likes the company. Wendy has also been back to the gym a few times now that she is feeling better.

Erin, Kristian and Travis have continued with their usual schedules of work, school and day care.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior. The weather has been quite nice, with only a little fresh snow today. I have spent most of my work time on the data project and preparing to present three sessions at the conference next week. I also have turned in two service proposals for the Boards to consider. These could provide some additional work over the next six months if they are accepted.

I have spent some additional hours in bed trying to short-circuit a cold that has been making the rounds of our household. Kristian brought it home, and ended up missing a couple days of work (day-care). Wendy got a bad dose of it and eventually had to visit the doctor and get some antibiotics. I've been fighting it for the last few days of the week, but I'm coughing a bit and was fighting that as I performed a marriage this afternoon. Dean & Kelly Haskayne were married–a lovely and short ceremony! And I did break down and wear a suit and tie for their occasion—the sacrifices I make!

Otherwise life continues, and we are no nearer determining what the next stage will bring. We do have a few options, but we aren't feeling particularly attracted by (or attached to) any of them.

Trav is part way through his final semester now, and with his light load is also managing to get quite a few hours in at work, so that's going well.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in the Precambrian Shield. We have enjoyed mild weather for the most of the week that allowed us to get the driveway cleared, and melted off. It's turned a bit colder for this weekend with a bit of additional snow.

I've spent the week in my common work pursuits. Most of the time was spent on the new data project, but that's nearly complete now. I've also continued to field calls for OnSIS, and got another school signed off. Only three schools to go and they're all in one community, which means I only have one secretary to work with. Unfortunately, that also means that the one secretary I have to work with is a bit of a problem! (where bit means large and unassailable!)

Wendy has continued to find job opportunities and make applications. She has begun work on the wedding cake for next Saturday. And she has been shopping for wedding duds for me; she's convinced that a suit and tie are required for the minister! I haven't owned such in many years! The last suit I bought was in 1980, and whenever the next one comes, it'll be too soon!

Tuesday was a diversion for us, as we spent many hours in front of the tube watching the inaugural goings-on from our neighbours to the south. I am certainly relieved to see Dubya head off into the sunset, although I continue to hope that someone will have the courage and initiative to bring several of that administration before war crime trials. It is disheartening to see the Republicans hold up the installation of the new attorney-general because he won't sign-off on that very notion. It's even bemusing to hear the lament over the announced closing of Gitmo as Republicans try to play their usual fear card over "the worst of the worst" (Rumsfield's words) returning to the battlefields. It appears that less than 5% of those released have been found to "return" (some are going for the first time after being traumatized by years in Gitmo!) to terrorist activity. You'd think that these same politicians might view this as a major triumph compared to the reported 65% of American prisoners who return to a life of crime after being released from prison! You'd think that... but you'd be wrong!

Wendy has also been suffering with a cold, but she has no time to take care of that. Kristian has developed a cold as well, so he spent Friday (off work!) home with us. Otherwise, he continues to progress with his listening, speaking and raising our joy level.

Erin and Travis continue with their usual routines of work and university.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

A frigidly cold week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior, but the weather has moderated toward the weekend. We experienced a couple nights in a row with the low temperatures plunging to -30—and I reflected that my Yellowknife friends would be laughing! And they were! I checked the weather in Yellowknife and it was warmer than we were! What's with that?

We spent the week around home. I'm busy with the data project, and still getting regular calls for the OnSIS hotline! The OnSIS deadline was December 31st—is any one concerned?! About half my schools were signed off in time, and three more got signed off this week. I found out this week that I've successfully registered with the CANADEM Civilian Reserve Roster and the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations for international peace-building opportunities, so we'll see if something comes of that! I hear there are opportunities in Gaza! Not surprisingly, many of their opportunities are listed as non-family postings. What a world we live in! However, I'm encouraged that the Obama administration will bring a hopefulness to such operations.

Wendy and I have both continued to consider work opportunities around here. I've had an inquiry this past week from further afield, so we'll see whether that gets my attention. I have a local opportunity, but it doesn't pay much and I don't want to spend all my time working and have no time for golfing!

Erin and Kristian are doing well. He continues to develop his vocabulary and tries to say a lot of other, well I guess we can't call them words, although he clearly thinks they are! We got out sledding with him one day before it turned cold—he seemed to enjoy it.

Travis is spending a lot of time at work and school these days. Must be more going on than just work and school!!

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior. We arrived back in TBay on Sunday evening to a large collection of snow in the driveway. Erin has been doing her best to keep a clear path for her car, but has not been able to use the snowblower, so there are heaping piles of snow congesting access for our car. The car has performed fine on its first trip with the new engine. Fuel consumption was very similar to what we were used to with the original engine—very good!

We enjoyed the visits with many of friends and family while travelling west, and it's good to be home again. I shovelled and blew snow for a couple of hours Sunday evening to get us parked, and Wendy and I have carried on throughout the week to almost have the driveway clean again.

I've continued looking for other work, and have applied on a job with the Independent Learning Centre to travel the northwest and supervise testing programs. I've also been working on the Data Project and spent a half day training the Territorial Student Program counsellor in a new data base for her students.

Wendy has applied herself to getting her house back in order, and doing some more baking so we don't lose our Christmas fat too quickly! It seems to be working! She mended my old blue jeans—ahhh, comfort! And she, also, has continued to apply on possible jobs in accounts.

Erin has delighted in having Kristian home again! He's back at Day Care and his speech therapy. He's considering the possibility of toilet training, but no so seriously as his mother is!

Travis is busy back at school, but has a fairly light load this final semester.

And that's about it for this week!

Happy New Year!

Another week has passed and we have been away from the shore of Lake Superior, out to the centre of the prairie. We drove out from Kenora to Regina on Sunday, a distance of about 800 km, and we have rounded out the week by returning to Kenora today. In between we have enjoyed time with family and friends in Regina, and had the special treat of a visit with our friends from Zambia! Fortunately, Saskatchewan saved a particularly wintry blast for them! A blizzard blew through on New Year's eve, and temperatures have generally dipped into the -20 range each night.

We stayed the week with Wendy's dad—thanks for putting us up, and putting up with us! Kresten and Ashley were there when we arrived, but Ashley headed off to Mexico to spend some time with her family there, and Kresten travelled with friends to spend New Year's in Manitoba, (returning just yesterday) but not before a memorable evening of Texas Hold'em where Kresten eventually emerged victorious! Dave dropped by from time to time, so we also got to catch up with him. We heard from Rich & Sue—now in Cape Town, and chatted both on the phone and on line with Bern & Alicia in Mexico. It was good to hear from many friends with year end letters, emails, newsletters. I am thankful to be kept in mind, and to get news of other's activities.

For us, New Year's Eve was celebrated at Barb & Ed's in Regina, with several other of our Zambian connection friends helping Ruhtt, Shepherd and family enjoy a Canadian blizzard. Thursday found us at another gathering where Ruhtt & Shepherd made a presentation about their work in Zambia. Many reminiscences—not a few tears—a great time! Now we're back at Eric & Erica's in Kenora, and planning to complete the tour back to TBay tomorrow.

Erin reports a large dump of snow back there, and she's been shovelling away at that to keep her car available for daily trips to work. Kristian has been travelling with us, so there has been frequent call for video chats with mom back home in TBay. Today, as we drove to Kenora, we ran into more and more snow, so we'll have to dig out the driveway before departing for TBay.

Anyway, that's about it for this week.