News Update

Well, another week has passed and we have travelled away from the shore of Lake Superior as far as the shore of Lake of the Woods, on the edge of the prairie! We drove up to Kenora on Wednesday and have enjoyed the remainder of the week here with Eric, Erica and the boys. Travis, Erin and Kristian are here as well, so we are able to enjoy having the family together for Christmas. Tomorrow, we head our separate ways with Wendy and I heading west (Kristian is also travelling with us), Erin and Travis driving back to work obligations in TBay, and the remainder staying here in Kenora.

I have continued to do a bit of work over the holidays as some schools are still remaining to sign-off their October reports, and the reports are due this month! I also have received the good news that my data project has been approved, so I shall continue my work on that even over this holiday. Otherwise, I have been enjoying the season of sharing and eating! Both Wendy and Erica have assembled a daunting display of Christmas baking, and while we did it great justice, much remains to be eaten—although more was eaten than was good for us!

Today featured Eric & Erica's fifteenth (crystal) anniversary, so we enjoyed celebrating that with a number of their friends from Kenora.

And that's about it for this week!

Your Christmas Worksheet

At my recent office Christmas party, we were subjected to a worksheet of Christmas related items. I have taken the trouble to adapt it slightly, and share it with my family. Several answers they gave were particularly enjoyable, so I'm sure there are more good answers out there, just waiting to be uncovered or discovered or recovered! If you find some alternative answers, please make use of the Comment button to share them with the rest of us!

Spoiler alert: All suggested answers are at the end, so don't scroll down too fast if that would spoil your fun! If you wish to make use of this little quiz, you can just copy and paste it into a word processor document and print it for your own use. Please remember to give credit to the source of these, which as far as I know are anonymous! And if someone reading these recognizes them as his/her own creation, I apologize for sharing without your permission!

Your Christmas Worksheet

(featuring the most outrageous puns we could find—if you have others, we'll consider them!)

1. At the school the young elves learn the _________________.
2. The reason Santa has three gardens is so he can _________________.
3. The favourite breakfast cereal of snowmen is _________________.
4. When you cross a snowman with a vampire you get _________________.
5. A _________________ is the only bird that can write.
   
6. "__________________________________," sang the ghost to Santa Claus.
   
7. The favourite Christmas carol of parents is _________________.
8. The main difference between the Christmas alphabet and an ordinary alphabet is the Christmas alphabet has _________________.
9. At Christmas time the Mexican sheep sing "_________________".
   
10. If Santa goes down the chimney into a lit fireplace, you get _________________.
11. Which candle burns longer, a green one or a red one? _________________
12. Santa's little helper was feeling depressed because he had _________________.
13. People who are afraid of Santa are said to be _________________.
14. If you deep fry Santa you get _________________.
15. A large cat on a beach has _________________.

So, enjoy them, and for your enjoyment here are some of the answers we found so far!

1. At the school the young elves learn the elphabet.
2. The reason Santa has three gardens is so he can ho, ho, ho!
3. The favourite breakfast cereal of snowmen is Frosted Flakes.
4. When you cross a snowman with a vampire you get frost bite. Although, we now have additional answers of cold-blooded, and a cold-blooded killer.
5. A penguin is the only bird that can write.
   
6. "I'll have a boo Christmas with out you," sang the ghost to Santa Claus.
   
7. The favourite Christmas carol of parents is Silent Night.
8. The main difference between the Christmas alphabet and an ordinary alphabet is the Christmas alphabet has No L.
9. At Christmas time the Mexican sheep sing Felix Navibaaaa.
   
10. If Santa goes down the chimney into a lit fireplace, you get Crisp Kringle. A hilarious and popular suggestion tonight was chestnuts roasting by an open fire.
    
11. Which candle burns longer, a green one or a red one? Neither, both burn shorter.
12. Santa's little helper was feeling depressed because he had low elf-esteem.
13. People who are afraid of Santa are said to be Claustrophobic.
14. If you deep fry Santa you get Crisp Kringle.
15. A large cat on a beach has sandy claws.

News Update

Another week has flown by here on the shore of Lake Superior. The blizzard held off until Sunday evening, but then gave us a big dump of snow. Wendy and I were shovelling and snow-blowing for a couple of hours Monday morning. The remainder of the week featured calm, cold weather with one day even dropping to -30—quite cold for here. It's back to a more comfortable -10 to -15 for the end of the week. And yesterday, we got our car back. It has a newer engine (only 84,000 clicks) and the price was $3389.38—just the neighbourhood he was talking about! Now, I have to check out whether this engine has the enhancements to overcome the previous problems—Google here I come.

I've been working with my partner, Wes, in revamping the boardroom at work into a virtual office. We installed the Smartboard, installed the data projector from the ceiling and adjusted the furnishings for the teleconference and the polycom. Wes also gave me a lesson on using the Smartboard, and installed the Smartboard software on my computer, so I shall try to build my next presentation with that facility. On Friday, we had the office Christmas party; that was a nice event as well. I have had a lot of calls for OnSIS assistance as the schools head toward the Christmas break.

Wendy has continued to battle her cold, and we think it's gradually getting better. I came down with the edge of a cold, myself, but have taken some extra rest and seem to have it beaten back. Wendy has kept busy with Christmas baking—shortbread cookies, butter tarts, lemon puffs, toffee, pumpkin loaf; I'm challenged to keep up with the eating of the same! Fortunately, she finally stuck the butter tarts in the freezer—I like them better that way!

Travis has completed his exams, but has kept busy working with one of his contractors on a store renovation that includes an office for Trav! He has been doing quite a bit of graphics work for this guy, and the prospects are now that it may develop into a business relationship as Trav finishes university next May. It's not an easy time to operate a business—let alone start one!

Erin continues with her work and care of Kristian. It's been a great blessing to be able to access the number of professional workers to diagnose his hearing issues, get him fitted for hearing aids, and provide training and support for his language development.

We've been enjoying hearing from many of you with end of the year newsletters as well as the regular updates. In one of those was a photo in celebration of our 38th Anniversary—thanks Tom & Mariette.
Eric and the boys come down on Friday evening to spend the weekend. It's nice to have them around. Erica has remained at home in Kenora to catch up on things there. She's also been working on roping me in to a duet with her on Mary Did You Know? for a Christmas Eve presentation. And that's about it for this week!

News Update

Another week has passed here on the shore of Lake Superior in the grip of winter. We got two good dumps of snow this week, so I've been able to exercise the snow shovels and the snow blower. Colder temperatures hit us in the middle of the week, but it's almost up to zero today–probably in line with the blizzard expected over night.

As mentioned last week, the car has been taken in for repairs. The mechanic called early in the week to confirm that the motor was needing to be replaced. He allowed that the cost would be in the three thousand dollar neighbourhood—not a place I was even thinking about visiting!

I have worked on a couple of small issues with my schools this week, and started development of the data project I hope will be approved later this month. Otherwise, it's been the snow clearing and the development of a small rink in the backyard for Kristian. It's now ready, and he got out for a short skate today—his first try, and I can't say that he enjoyed it a great deal!

Wendy has continued with Christmas preparations. Short bread cookies and Christmas cake are available in abundance, and the gander is getting fat! She finally managed to get a Wii, so that's one off the list. She also bought an artificial tree, so decorations have begun with that.

Of course the big story of the week has been Kristian's new hearing aids. He has taken to them very well, and we've delighted in his experimentation with lots of new words that he is hearing much better now. The ear inserts will need to be replaced every three to six months. Kristian chose the colours–a head-shaker for sure!

Erin's work continues; she has had to work around various appointments for Kristian's fittings and speech therapy.

Travis has now finished his exams for this semester, and is doing a bit of extra work on the advertising and promotion front with one of his employers. He has decided to end the pizza delivery for now. And, with his extra funds, he's contemplating a pay down of his demand loan.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has passed on the snowy shore of Lake Superior, on the edge of winter! Christmas preparations are fully engaged; the old crow is still fat; EI (Employment Insurance) beckons.

The week has been quite busy. I have worked through a four-day conference involving three presentations. All have gone well, and I'm satisfied to look forward. Working with two colleagues, I have begun development of a data project. This is still awaiting approval, but indications are positive, and we have determined to go ahead with at least a model of it whether approval is granted or not! Then, if approval is not forthcoming, I shall present the model at the February conference, and apply for funding again. Fortune sometimes favours the persistent! I have completed my application for EI; my ship should arrive soon!

Wendy continues to be engaged with her various home businesses, and her constant home busyness. An extra feature of the season is baking—just in case this old crow begins to fade away (fat chance!). She also has been scouring the stores in search of this season's illusive gift–the Wii. No luck so far, but she does have a couple of rain cheques. With the temperature ranging from -5 to -15, I don't expect any rain!

The big news this week was about Kristian. He has finally submitted to what the doctors feel is a somewhat legitimate testing process and they have a diagnosis. They have confirmed what we have long been telling them—the boy doesn't hear much! (And we don't even know how much he listens!) The testing showed next to no transmission of sound signals through the cochlea. Now, I know he does hear some things, so I hasten to reassure that his disability is not as bad as 'they' say, but it is certainly a problem. And now that 'they' agree, he will be fitted with hearing aids next week, and we're looking forward to the difference. Naturally, most of us (not including Kristian) are more than a little unsettled by the situation.

Other distressing news of the week concerned our car—actually, it concerned us; our car couldn't care less! Some funny (we're talking fun as in dysfunctional) sounds began emanating from the motor! It was probably instructive that when I typed 2.7 into Google, a number of suggested searches arose! Sure enough, Chrysler has some known issues with the 2.7 engine. These engines are known for timing belt problems; well, we knew about that one. My brother in Medicine Hat had advised on that one, "Replace the timing belt about 150k; it's going to fail." Well, we hadn't, and we're now pushing 200k. But my recollection of timing belt failures was that no sound emanated from the engine! So, on to issue number two–"There is a tendency for sludge to build up, and starve the engine of oil." This is due to a design flaw, according to my mechanic who was well (and perhaps too happily) aware of it. Chrysler continues to fight the class action lawsuits, "That's not a bug, that's a feature." Any way you slice it, it is not good. The car is now with the mechanic; we await word concerning our loss!

Travis is in the throes of semester end tests; that should be completed next week. Otherwise things go well with him.

And that's about it for this week.

Sauce for the Goose

Many foibles in our elected leaders are forgiven; others are mocked, ridiculed, parodied and soon forgotten, but hypocrisy is often viewed as the unforgivable sin. And thus we come to the current state of affairs in Canada. Our fearless leader has apparently failed to read the newspapers, nor attend to radio and television and is thus unaware that the economy is struggling. Echoing the fickle words of US candidate McCain, our prime minister and his feckless Finance Minister have assured us that, “The fundamentals of the economy are strong.” (Again, if they were students of the media, they would surely have chosen other words!) And therefore, while the economy drops 71,000 jobs in November (the worst showing in twenty-six years), the TSE drops below 8000 (my pension was starting to look possible a few months ago when the TSE was above 14,000), and the dollar drops to 77 cents US (yes, it was at par in July,) our government has decided that nothing need be done. And, since they're afraid that the opposition parties may actually have a plan (to do something!), they have determined that parliament should go on a two-month holiday!

All this may be written off as bad strategy, lack of planning or foggy thinking, but then the politics begins to get played! The opposition parties have not only sensed that the fundamentals of the economy are not strong, but that this misstep by the governing party represents an opportunity. Now politicians are, if nothing else, opportunists, so they've tried to jump on this opportunity. They have held their back room discussions and determined that the iron is hot enough to strike! Collectively, they have written to the Governor-General offering to take over since the current government is not wanting to do anything. Ah, and the response by the Prime Minister is harsh in its ridicule and stern in its judgement. “This is a threat to the country;” blasts Mr. Harper, “the evil separatists are at the gates!” Therefore he has considered the situation and determined to avoid parliament and the confidence vote that could end his appointment as PM. Perhaps, he thinks, by the end of January the economy may have improved, or at the very least, we may be able to come up with some sort of a plan! In the meantime, he has decided to hide from accountability to parliament and take to the political battles in an attempt to defang the beasts across the aisle.

How things have changed in just a few years! Back in 2004, it was Mr. Harper who was leader of the opposition in a minority parliament. At that time, it was he who was arguing that that parliament must meet. "If the government wants to govern, it has to come to Parliament and it has to show that it can get the support of the majority of members," opined the Stephen Harper of 2004, when the shoe was on the other foot! [http://www.cbc.ca/sunday/harper.html] Back in 2004, it was Mr. Harper who organized a coalition among the opposition parties and wrote to then governor-general Clarkson offering to take over and run her country for her! And it was Mr. Harper who co-signed with the NDP and the Separatists (say it ain't so, Steve!) [http://bondpapers.blogspot.com/2008/11/taking-power-without-election.html]

The press has briefly flapped over Mr. Harper's forbear, Mr. Day, and his dalliance with the Bloc back in 2000, but that never amounted to anything as Mr. Day had the good fortune not to put his name to paper. It will be interesting to watch as the scribblers get off their duffs and dig up the juicy details on this little bit of hypocrisy!

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior. It's been quite busy, as I've been working another contract as Territorial Student Counsellor all week. The weather has been varied, with a few skiffs of snow, followed by melting temperatures. A little snow that fell on Friday still lingers, partially masking the dying lawns.

I have been completing two assignments for the Territorial Student Program. I have been working as replacement counsellor for twenty days now, and I've been developing a data base of all students in the program to help the regular counsellor operate the program more effectively. Both tasks are now complete, and my final paycheque has been issued. I have my Record of Employment (ROE), so I now qualify for Employment Insurance. I plan to work my way through those regulations next week! Of course, I have continued to field questions as part of my old job as MISA coordinator as the first set of report cards for the year won't write themselves!

Wendy has been disappointed to find out that she didn't get the accounting job she applied for—we were both expecting a positive answer there after we found out her references had been called. She continues to search, and I have applied on a couple of jobs as well. Otherwise, she has undertaken a major house-cleaning—it's not spring, so this must be a Christmas cleaning! She is running a home-based sales enterprise this weekend with Pampered Chef (cookware), Tupperware (plastics), PartyLite (candles) and Mary Kay (cosmetics) covering every available horizontal platform in the dining room, living room and hallway. I retreat to the bedroom or my office!

Erin had Kristian to the audiologist again. Kristian cooperated more with the testing, so they're starting to get some confirmation of a hearing loss. He'll be back for further testing next week, and a consideration of remedies. He continues to be a delight, and is particularly devoted to his Cars movie. I think I've seen it three times this week!

Travis celebrated his twenty-seventh birthday on Thursday. He continues to do well in his work and his education. One of his contracting bosses took him out for lunch this week.

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

The Obamabots are Coming!

While the President-Elect is busy assembling his cabinet and has yet to lead/rule a single day, many among the Reichwing are expressing fear and trepidation reminiscent of the pinko-Russki-red-baiting days of fifty years ago. Even as the Republican campaign raised negative emotions by playing the fear card, the race card, the security card, even the religion card...
"He's pallin' around with terrorists."
"He's different than we are."
"He wasn't even born in America."
"He's anti-American."
"This is the real America." (i.e. the part that supports me!)
"He's a Socialist."
"I wish you would investigate our politicians and find out who are anti-American."
"He's a wealth redistributor."
"He's a Muslim."

Now we see how it has given licence to the neo-Nazis, the KKK, the white supremacists... and we hear the chants from the campaign trail "Traitor" "Kill him" echoed and raised in the chants "Assassinate Obama" that even school children have been trained to express. It is truly a sad state of affairs when the rhetoric descends to this level purely on the basis of bias since the poor man hasn't even had a chance to do anything!

Meanwhile Barack Hussein Obama (some lament that his middle name wasn't Roger or Robert... so we could call him BRO!) works to manage the transition, strategizes for clearly needed changes and chooses his cabinet members. And here, we see many supporters express their concern and chagrin over the names of candidates the transition team carefully leaks to the blogosphere and the news media. The progressive side of the Democratic party wrings their collective hands over the prospect of candidates too far to the right in the political spectrum.
"He's too pro-Israel."
"He's too pro-business."
"He's not for net-neutrality."
"She's a DINO (Democrat in name-only)"

Some call for patience as they point to the best-managed, best-run campaign in history and express their confidence that the man who has coalesced their hopes into a successful Whitehouse run will also express their dreams in his governance. Many others on both the left and the right (as if such a thing as left actually exists in American politics!) express their doubts that Obama will achieve their wildest dreams, or their fears that he will achieve their wildest nightmares!

Dubya's Legacy

The American government is in transition stage, and the Bush administration appears to have determined to see how much damage it can inflict before their January 20th departure. With economic and foreign policy misadventures in full bloom, one wonders about the scope of the mess Dubya is leaving to his successor.

The DOW had fallen below 8000 and no one is predicting that the bottom has been reached. It hasn't often happened (one other time–as Hoover brought on the Great Depression!) that a president has presided over a net loss in the DOW over the course of an eight-year administration, but Dubya looks like he can fall to the ignominy of that achievement. He took over a booming economy from Clinton and has managed to run it into the ground, turning a budgetary surplus into record deficits where he manages to beat his own record of futility year after year. In recent weeks we have seen the remarkable hypocrisy of the Republican administration presiding over a multi-trillion dollar (current estimate: not the 700 billion that often gets in the media, but 7.67 trillion) taxpayer payout to businesses while their campaign decries the Democrats as wealth redistributing socialists! It appears that the bastion of free enterprise will soon complete the nationalization of their financial system.

Meanwhile two incredibly ill-managed wars continue in the Middle East. As a result, the armed forces are stressed to a breaking point, and are markedly overburdened by the large-scale, long-term deployments. The recent agreement with Iraq allows US forces, for the first time, to be subject to the justice systems of foreign jurisdictions. That alone will be a remarkable burden for the new president. Finally, they have the culture-wars at home. These have been inflamed by the campaign rhetoric of the Republicans and are widely evident as racial tensions arise in many locations throughout the country. There have been over two hundred hate crime incidents since the election, including cross-burnings, hangings-in-effigy, and assassination betting pools. Meanwhile in view of his criminal administration, Dubya prepares pardons for his friends (even for himself!) by issuing blanket pardons for torture while maintaining they didn't torture! And he tries to embed his cronies into job assignments, while relaxing environmental protections as favours to his business buddies.

What a legacy for a disastrous presidency! There are reasons why his administration is considered among the worst in American history, and why he is challenging Nixon for the lowest end-of-term presidential-approval ratings on record.

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior. The weather has turned decidedly frosty, and we even have a skiff of snow. However, it's a little warmer again, so the snow seems to be disappearing again. We've spent the week around TBay, but have kept busy all the same.

I have continued with OnSIS work and Maplewood support—mainly helping schools get their report cards set up and running in the current school year. I had a teleconference with our principals on Tuesday—just giving them an update on my project work—and worked two days with the Territorial Student Program. Actually, I worked an extra half day there, so I'll finish that contract next week. As a result of these small contracts, I have now qualified for an extra pay day, so we'll celebrate that next Thursday! I have finally made an application for a new job; it's a part time job with a franchised adult education provider. The advertisement and the website leave me with plenty of questions about what the job would actually entail, so that was probably part of the appeal! One special feature of the week is that my registration to perform marriages in Ontario came through—so Dean & Kelly will be able to get married after all! And I'm preaching tomorrow, so I've had to spend some time getting that ready!

Wendy continues to wait on developments over her job application. We feel it is delayed because the operation is currently on strike. Perhaps, she's on strike and hasn't even started work! At the same time, she continues to search out job opportunities for both of us. She tore the old wood paneling off the end wall of the living room one day, and that surely brightened things up in there. The whole room looks larger; maybe we won't have to change the flooring!!

Erin continues with work pretty much as per usual. Kristian is continuing to develop his vocabulary and his interest in communicating. He is a regular delight!

Travis is also carrying on with same ol' same ol' school and work and hockey.

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

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior, where the women are strong, the men are handsome, and all the children are above average. I have spent part of the week in Toronto at a conference. That, like most conferences, was a mixed bag. Some sessions were good, a couple even great, while others couldn't even convince me to stay in the room!

I also continued (possibly completed) the work on the database project for the territorial student program. I'll be installing and using that next week. I have a couple of small projects yet to do, but my official work is completed and my final paycheque was this Thursday! Now, I will take my ROE (Record of Employment) to EI (Employment Insurance) and try to collect back some of all those fees I've paid over the years! Wendy (and certain other family members) have dedicated themselves to finding me a new job and thus preclude my receipt of EI Benefits!

I got most of my stitches out on Wednesday before heading to Toronto, and then had to return to the doctor this morning to get the final one out. The wound seems to be healing up appropriately, although since it is in the middle of my back, I can't really give an authentic opinion on that!

Wendy has continued the employment process throughout the week. Her references are being called, so we're encouraged to think that this is progress. She also has been caring for Kristian most of the week as he's been kicked out of day care for having conjunctivitus (pink eye). He seems to be well again, so should head back to day care on Monday.

Erin and Travis have continued with their usual responsibilities and interests.

Eric/A and the boys are here this weekend, so we've taken the option of celebrating Kristian's birthday again this evening. It makes for a boisterous household!

Anyway (anyways as they say in TBay—Yikes!), that's about the kind of week it's been.

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior, and an eventful week it was! We've spent our week here in town, but our thoughts have often been focused on our neighbour to the south! Travis took Tuesday off work, so we all gathered in front of the TV to watch the historic American election unfold. Overcoming our many trepidations, we were relieved to watch them elect Barack Obama as their new president. Widespread support produced a landslide victory (365-173) and only the interests of the media in prolonging the race kept it from being acknowledged earlier. Electoral mishaps that continue to mar the 2000, 2004 results and remain the subject of investigations and court cases were remarkably absent. It seems there was clear electoral misbehaviour in only three jurisdictions this time—Georgia, Minnesota and Alaska. Georgian issues now seem resolved, a recount and court battles are underway in Minnesota, and only in Alaska does there appear to be a longer term concern over fraud. In any case, Obama is scheduled to be inaugurated on January 20th, so I have only a couple of months to transition from supporter to critic!

Otherwise, I have spent most work time helping secretaries with OnSIS reporting and continuing my work on database development in support of the territorial student program. I managed to get over to the golf course one last time on Tuesday, so I've finished my season (I think) and my handicap has settled at 15.3. On Wednesday, I had my surgery on my back. The doctor was removing a lump that has been bothering me for some years. In recent weeks it had become such an irritant it interfered with my sleep, so the doctor agreed to remove it. It is now sent away for testing, and I am getting used to sleeping with six stitches—due to be removed next week.

Wendy keeps occupied as per usual and is preparing for a job interview on the 10th. These days, she also is responsible for cleaning and replacing the bandage on my incision each day—perhaps she should go into nursing!

Erin and Kristian continue with their regular routines of work and play. Kristian focuses on increasing his vocabulary, and is being directed increasingly toward toilet training.

Travis keeps busy with work and homework—more so homework. Things are progressing pretty well for him.

Finally, this afternoon, we sat down to watch our Riders, but were disappointed to see them lose the Western Semi-final, so that's the end of their season, along with the end of our hopes for back to back Grey Cups!

So, that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior. We have spent the week here in Thunder Bay, and despite the excitement of Hallowe'en it is a pretty quiet week.

I am working on a few different projects this week. I have been asked to prepare a project design for data work in my usual batch of schools. This will entail exporting their data from each student management system data base, and preparing it for analysis within TinkerPlots (data exploration software). My blog has also aroused interest from a contact farther afield, so I am beginning to think about a small workshop there in the new year—pie is promised! The Territorial Student Program has expressed interest in my building a data base for them to track the high school students from the small communities. So, all of those catch my interest and consume some time. In addition, I carry on with my usual work of supporting the school secretaries as they prepare for the first major reporting of the year. OnSIS reporting is done with October 31st data each year, so those reports are now open. The weather has been nice so I even got over to the golf course on Thursday, but too many other people had the same idea, so I decided not to wait long enough to get on. If the weather continues like this, I may try next week.

Wendy has continued to work around home taking care of us all. She has also had some success with a recent job application and is scheduled for an interview. She continues with workouts at the Athletic Club fairly regularly. She also manages some day care each Saturday afternoon in support of a parenting program at church.

Hallowe'en was a big time for Kristian and Erin. Both were in costume and he really got into it. After the first couple of houses, she could barely keep up. Then grandpa spent the rest of evening helping him access more and more candy! Luckily it was a Friday night—he may be un-wired by Monday!

Travis has progressed through a series of midterm deadlines successfully and continues to work and study and play hockey.

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

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior. We've spent the week around TBay, working out of the home office. Several calls with schools allowed me to assist them with their student information systems as they prepare for the next big round of activity—October reports to the ministry of education. Then on Friday afternoon, I presented to our Supervisory Officers on the topic of data analysis. We are trying to train them in the use of TinkerPlots, a wonderful little program that allows dynamic interaction with data. The session went very well—above my expectations—as the SO's engaged very well with the data and showed great interest. This is very gratifying to me as it represents the truly valuable facet of what I've been working on the last three years in my project. Now we're truly (and finally) starting to make use of the data to produce information that may help improve our schools. I'm also working on another data project where our schools supply data to the regional data warehouse. That was due yesterday, but one of our schools still has not supplied their data!

Wendy has been working out regularly at the gym or pool. She's on a physical fitness kick! She has also applied for another job. My paycheques end next month, so we're both considering the future a little more seriously (and she, a little more seriously than I!). She gave me her doctor's appointment on Tuesday as I have a clogged oil gland in my back that is now causing me a problem. So, I'll be going in to have that excised on November 5th (right after the US voters hopefully excise the Republicans from the White House).

Erin has recently got a raise at work, but not as much as she wanted, and certainly no where close to what she deserves! Kristian is doing well, talking a bit more and we're enjoying having him around. Trav continues with several jobs as well as his final year in University. He is gradually getting his finances back in order—they had taken quite a down turn.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has passed here on Lake Superior in the Canadian Shield. We've been around town all week. I haven't had too much to do, which is good as I've just got over one cold, and I have another! The weather has been nice, but my health has prevented me from getting to the golf course.

Monday, of course, was Thanksgiving, so we enjoyed the day with family around. Then Tuesday was election day for Canada, and we took our turns as participants and observers. Wendy even worked at our local poll as scrutineer in the evening. She watched the counting of ballots to ensure all was done fairly. It's quite a good system, our southern neighbour should try it some time. The country maintains the voters' list, all ballots are cast with a simple X on a paper ballot, and the counting is completed within a couple of hours. No big issues with voter fraud, machine fraud, hanging chads!, disenfranchisement—just each person being able to express their choice! What a concept! We were also happy as our local favourite was elected to parliament; he's tried several times and has finally been successful.

Wednesday, I was off to see my oncologist. He reported that my PSA level was unchanged, and he reported that the DRE felt good—on that point, I disagreed! In any case, I am scheduled for my next check-up next April. I feel reassured that he is keeping tabs on the situation.

I have been working a little on a data project related to my schools. All Junior and Senior Kindergarten and grade one students are being tested on their oral language abilities. These is a multi-faceted set of tests that can produce around forty individual items of data on each student. I have established data sheets to track the data and feed it into a larger data base for studies of the various factors that may need to be considered and improved to assist these students. This project comes to a deadline early next week, so I collecting data from the schools and assembling it for submission to the regional data base.

Aside from election activities, Wendy keeps busy with home and church activities. She has also resumed a more vigorous work-out routine, so that keeps her going.

Erin & Kristian are beginning preparations for Hallowe'en. Kristian is suffering with a cold as well; I don't know if he gave it to me, or vice versa! Perhaps we'll get to carving a pumpkin soon!

Trav keeps busy with his school work, his graphic design and web site contracts, his delivery work and hockey. His Penguins are doing only so-so!

And that's about it for this week!

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior, where the weather has taken a turn toward fall, and we've had our first frost.

My week has been occupied with work. Tuesday was a special treat as I was asked to provide a workshop for a group of secretaries from First Nations' schools. These particular schools fall within a group called Private Inspected by the Ontario Ministry of Education. This means that they are provincial schools—as opposed to the many First Nations' schools that are federally funded—so they fall under provincial mandates. Despite that (imagine this!) they were overlooked during the initiation of the MISA (Managing Information for Student Achievement) program that I've been part of for the last three years. Belatedly, it seems, the Ministry has turned its attention in their direction. Thus, last spring, they sent out a delegation from the capital to bring these benighted souls up to speed! After this was evaluated as an unmitigated disaster (although the presenters felt it went well—no questions were asked!), local officials began looking around for an alternative solution. In due course, they called and, always being the sucker for a lost cause, I accepted. It turned out well. My relationship with OnSIS, forged in fire, proved fruitful in getting practice userids for them, so they could actually get on line and practise the skills we wanted them to learn (what a concept!). Naturally, a once-shot attempt won't be enough, so we shall see whether this opens up other opportunities. I also worked three days as Territorial Student counsellor, so it was a full week.

Thursday morning greeted us with a frost, so we had to complete the tomato harvest. We now have tomatoes ripening at various spots around the kitchen! We also harvested one of the pumpkins (we don't really know what they are, but they were advertised as pumpkins) and I'm enjoying devouring some delicious pumpkin loaves (they taste a lot like pumpkin loaves!).

I have also come down with a cold, so I'm currently working to overcome that before we head out to Savant Lake for a week of teaching. Wendy will join me on that adventure next week.

Wendy has continued with her usual activities including job hunting, wall-paper scraping, exercising and taking care of the rest of us. Erin & Kristian have continued to do well. Travis continues with work, school and hockey—the NHL season has started!

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has passed here on the shore of Lake Superior. We've settled back down to home life these days, as I've been working a steady day job—no days off!

This week I've continued with the Territorial Student Program. The full-time counsellor has been travelling so I've been taking care of the students here in town. There are many phone calls as well as the regular follow-up on attendance problems and the family issues that crop up with a batch of teenagers. It's quite a nice change of pace, but there is the frustration of dependency that seems to have been cultivated in these students. I have five days of work with them this week, and another three next week, but I don't expect to change the world in that short of time!

I also spending extra time watching politics these days. We have our own election here—just a five-week campaign as we don't take the two years to make a decision like the Yanks do! I'm also following the American situation with a mixture of delight and horror! I find it hard to believe that Unstable & Unable are somehow seemingly close in the voting. I realize that the Shrub still has a 19% following, but other than those brain dead ones, how does any one else want to vote for the ticket of Unstable and Unable? Here at home the re-election of our government seems assured, but whether he will be given a majority remains up in the air. We have a debate later this week, and soon (October 14th) the vote will be held. At least we expect the manual count of paper ballots and announcement of a victor will take only hours! Let's hope the American's have a decisive election as well. Go Obama-08

Wendy has found a new strategy for the kitchen-dining room floor. The previous owner has placed individual gluedown tiles over the lino. These tiles are ghastly, but they also stick well and leave quite a mess when pulled up. Well, she found some advice on a website about ironing the tiles through foil to loosen the glue—and it's working very well! The lino being revealed looks fine; we don't understand why they covered it in the first place. We've found no damage so far.

Erin spent Monday and Tuesday working at her actual dealership in Winnipeg. That seemed to go fine. Now she's just waiting and hoping on her expected salary increase! Kristian is doing well at day care and keeps amusing us at home also.

Travis continues with work, school and hockey—all seem to be going well.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior, not quite on the edge of the prairie. We got back to Thunder Bay on Sunday, and we've spent the rest of the week here.

The week began in Kenora at Eric/A's. We enjoyed the short time there, and then completed the trip home with the mandatory stop for pie in Upsala!

I worked all week at a new job of relief counselor for the Territorial Student Program. The TSP works to support students from the small communities who are taking their high school program in the big city. So, I travelled around to the six high schools and met with most of the students in the program. Cecile, the actual counselor, will be travelling out to the communities, so I'll be taking her place while she's gone on these trips. This will probably amount to about twenty days of work.

Wendy has continued her work around home, and also had an assessment testing for a federal government job. We don't know what the schedule is on that application. We've also been harvesting the garden as tomatoes ripen. The peas and beans seem to be about done. The chipmunks seem to be beating us to the strawberries as we sometimes find pieces of fruit left behind. Rhubarb has been harvested and some frozen for later enjoyment. We can't keep up with the cucumbers, and we continue to watch the pumpkins develop. Soon the leaves will be changing and we'll be into Fall.

We celebrated Kristian's birthday on Tuesday—three year's old! He continues to work with the speech & language pathologist at the day care and is saying more and more words. He's still got a lot of catching up to do.

Erin continues with her work. She plans to be at the franchise in Winnipeg for a couple of days next week. Travis continues with classes and work, so he's pretty busy.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

This week has been spent far from the shore of Lake Superior. We began the week in Dauphin, out on the edge of the prairie at the congregational retreat. That was a really good time! On Sunday afternoon, my friends took me golfing at Clear Lake. It's a beautiful course, but it's currently suffering from too much water. However, we played our sloppy way around and had a good time. Dick was on fire, and must have made about half a dozen birdies! I was playing better off the tee, but had a couple of disaster holes on the back nine. Anyway, it was fun.

On Monday morning we packed up (thanks Mal & Beth) and headed over to Regina where we've spent the rest of the week. I have been working as needs arise and enjoying helping Bern & Alicia with a few computer issues as they complete preparations to head to Mexico. They finally flew out Thursday evening. I'm looking forward to seeing how they manage on their new blog!

I managed to get over to a local golf course for a bit of practice, but didn't play any more games. Wendy has kept busy with house cleaning, car cleaning, shopping and cooking. She also pruned a tree in the yard.

Today we drove down to Kenora—most of the way home. We plan to complete the trip tomorrow.

We haven't heard too much from home. Erin reports that Kristian is talking more. Travis is back in classes for the final year of his undergraduate program.

So, that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has passed, and we have begun another trip away from the shore of Lake Superior. I managed to get a few things done as far as work is concerned before we left, and thanks to the internet and my cell phone, I am also able to work along the way.

The week started with a long weekend for Labour Day, so we enjoyed that. The Riders won again, and remain in first place, so that was good. Wendy and I took in the Hymer Fall Fair in the community of Hymer about half an hour from Thunder Bay. There were plenty of livestock, especially poultry and rabbits, but also horses, cattle and pigs. There were many other kinds of displays and promotions, so we had fun. The weather was very hot over the weekend, even up into the thirties, so it seemed a shame, but Wendy felt it was time to take down the pool for the season. We completed that and got it put away before heading west.

We packed up a truck load of stuff for Kenora, and on Wednesday, Travis and Wendy drove that up to Kenora. The trip was a bit of an adventure since a fuel tanker had rolled on the Trans-Canada and was on fire, so the road was closed. They had to detour around by Fort Francis and then back north. I was about an hour ahead of them, riding Erica's Gold Wing (taking it up to Kenora for her), and I was able to travel the highway, so the accident happened shortly after I passed by. I encountered the road blocks to eastbound traffic as I continued west.

Travis was taking his laptop to Kenora to get a replacement keyboard. He accomplished that on Thursday morning, and then took the bus home again. We continued west on Friday. A call of panic from a school required me to stop in Winnipeg and fine a hotspot so I could help with the problem. Then we carried on to Dauphin, arriving about supper time.

We are enjoying a reunion with the congregation in Dauphin where we spent over ten years. It is certainly a fulfilling experience coming home, and, through the adventures of our lives, we've been blessed to have many homes to come back to.

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