Some More Ravings of a Loonietic

It was perhaps the shortest summer ever and I am tired of lousy weather. We are fighting monsoon winds, cold temperatures and snow every day. WHY???? There is a lake out in front of our house that isn't supposed to be there. It is el cinco de Mayo and I still have to clear snow off the truck before I go out. WHY????

I suppose I could clear out the garage and make room for the truck but all those boxes look so comfortable, particularly because there is so much room between each box. As we wean our way through the stuff, we slowly eliminate the need for some of it and find some new places for much of it. Our new home is roomy and comfortable, we are very happy with the functionality of it and pat ourselves on the back for the good job. (Somebody has to do it.)

HOW'S THIS FOR A FISH STORY?

Our son-in-law has eclectic tastes in athletic pursuits. What that really means is that he does different kinds of stuff. He proposed to Kristy and then jumped out of an airplane, he considers a 25 km. walk on a Saturday to be a stroll, in spite of bogs, muskeg and mountainous terrain. Those who follow the blog will remember his experience with the monk seal in Hawaii. Anyway...

His great passion outside of medicine is the sport of "Free Diving". He has thankfully gotten past the need to test his endurance by swimming straight down a rope until he knows that he has past his ability to return to the surface, then doing so. He practices holding his breath in the house, in the car, while reading. You get the picture. He can hold his breath for close to 5 minutes and will sit at the bottom of a pool just to prove it.

For the past 2 or 3 years he has partnered up with a group of like-minded (read that loose minded) guys and they have ventured off to Baja, Mexico to spear fish. The spears are lethal in their appearance and, if I were a fish, they would simply scare me to death. The adventure is only complete if, as they camp on the rocky beach, a hellish thunder storm rains down, turning the beach into a light show as lightning and thunder arrive simultaneously to hammer the whole area. Of course, he sleeps in a tent, enjoying nature's beauty.

This past week was the 2010 edition and it was exciting to say the least. Lee is a principled individual and doesn't fish on Sundays. His mates respect that and let him take that day for meditation and enjoyment as well as doing a little of the preparation for the next days. On the Monday of the trip, the group decided that it was only fair that Lee have the first dive as he had kept to his principles of the previous day.

As he made his way to the bottom, approximately 80 feet away as this is the best place to hunt from, he spied a fish checking him out. The fish was a number of feet away and it was not easy to determine size but he could tell it was BIG. As the fish came close, obviously hunting Lee, he turned sideways giving Lee a shot, which he took.

These spears are huge, they are lethal in the look and could easily pierce big game. The spear went into the target and the fish took off; down and into a cave. Only after going down to the cave did Lee determine the size of the quarry. HUGE!!

The fish was big enough to be a threat to great harm with the wave of a muscular tail. It took 3 spears, 2 hours and every ounce of ability and energy, to land the Grouper. Now the world record for this type of fish, taken by a spear is 148 pounds. Lee's weighed in at 205 pounds, unfortunately only weighed on the boat as an official scale was not nearby. A world record and by Lee's admission, no need to repeat. Well done Lee. Now back to radiology.

No need to mention the shark that caused a flurry of

activity to get this monster on board.

Where in the World is Stanley San Diego?

Or some such nonsense.

We are delighted to report that we are happily located in Raymond, AB. The community boasts a population of 4,000 and is located just south of Lethbridge. Costco, Walmart, Home Depot, the all important McDonalds for the elixir of life and the movie theaters are just 20 minutes away. Raymond has the Merc. (its well-stocked little grocery store), the hardware, a pharmacy, Subway and a couple of convenience stores. There is a Burger Baron hamburger stand that appears to have been standing in the same location since dirt was created.

Raymond is remarkably quiet, the few stores have short hours and rush hour lasts 2 minutes at 5:05 p.m. Sometimes there is one other person in front of you at the grocery checkout. Kids play on the street, walk in the mud, knock on our door to find out if I am, indeed, the Candy Man. I assure them that I am not but delight in having them fearlessly knock, anyway. I am filled with memories of my own childhood when mother used to open the door for us in the summer, urge us outside to play with all the kids in town, and they all were our friends. She used to remind us to be home at dark and if we wanted something to eat, there was peanut butter in the cupboard. One summer I discovered that a quick and tasty sandwich was a very large squirt of ketchup and 2 pieces of bread. I digress.

Our house stood ready for us for almost a year as we vacilated on our decision to move, worried about our dear little, needy family in Calgary. In December we listed our house and thanks to wonderful realtor and dear friend, Jill Rea, we sold in a short while. Moving day was all the month of February. Good Friends, moving is very difficult. We still have a garage full of STUFF and have great plans to go through and dispose of much more.

We continue to have a life in Calgary. There is work, friends and family there and we make the trip willingly, almost weekly. SWAM still takes art classes from her good friend Paula and likes being in class at least 4 times a month, usually going Monday, Tuesday, every other week.

Our children have been incredibly supportive and have been in our home regularly. The little children have christened the play area under the stairs as; "The Tiny Room". They have little tables, chairs, dishes and miscellany scattered throughout. They have been vigilant to see that it is kept tidy, that the light is turned out and everybody gets to play.

Now, as to the BLOGGING thing. I am a dolt, lazy and discontent. I will do better. I use much of the content of this to add to my own journal, which is about 400 pages of this and that.

Grandpa successfully arranges for all the grandkids and the future grandkids to happily pose for a family photo.

If you want to thrill 4 year olds, take them out to the golf course and give them the wheel. As all our children know, I am blessed with incredible patience when it comes to teaching the skill of driving. I used to tell the kids when they had the wheel, that I wasn't yelling because I was angry, but because I was scared to death.

Cooper trying to ensure that all vestiges of chocolate are successfully extracted.

Family Reunion!!!

Each year we have a Family Reunion. The tradition started 7 years ago when we opted to dedicate a whole weekend to hanging out with one another. Over the years, we have rented swimming pools, rented movie theaters, played laser tag, golfed a whole bunch and feasted together. One year we even had a wedding right in the middle of our family reunion. What fun it has been!!!

At the same time, we have banked excellent memories for ourselves and our children to be called upon in future times. Sometimes it requires a bit of sacrifice and compromise to pull it off. Everybody gets an opportunity to participate in the planning and playing. Anybody that doesn't have fun, can only look in the mirror because fun is what it is all about.

We will look forward to a family reunion later this summer. At this time, there are still some sensitive diplomatic negotiations taking place but, just to remember;

HooHaw its the weekend!!! (Remember)

Pondering Why?

It has been months since I blogged and I apologize to all my loyal readers. My problem is simply finding the right words to express myself. Let me try to explain.

The house is done! Its gorgeous, perhaps more than we might have expected. Yes, there are some problems; uncaring cabinet maker, sloppy painter, things like that but we'll make everything work out. Now we have to make the commitment to move to Raymond and we want to do so.

Most of my weight is back and it is a disappointment to myself that I have to start once more.

Our special, once in a long time trip to Hawaii with all our children was incredibly wonderful. We have memories for ever. She who adores me and I had a great 2nd week, enjoying each other's company, reading, exploring and most of all visiting with one another.

All of this however, is overshadowed by our overwhelming sense of futility as we try to understand the suffering of little Clare. As you all remember, Clare came into this world having suffered a severe stroke in the days immediately prior to her birth. She fought so hard to stay with us and continues to make every day a battle. Week in and week out, she proves how much of a fighter she is. I wish you could share her most incredible disposition. She smiles and giggles whenever she gets attention.

In spite of the poking, prodding, unfriendly interruptions by a host of helping medical people, Clare has kept up the good fight. For the past many months, she has had a chronic pneumonia, that seems to set her back all the time. As we speak, she is full of tubes, hoses and monitors at the Children's Hospital here in Calgary. She has been there for 12 of the last 13 days. They tried to send her home once but, after only a few hours, Mom and Dad rushed her back at 3:00 in the morning.

When they attempted to put some I.V. lines in the other day, they must have bruised her in 7 different spots. Her struggling little lungs needs extra O2, that is, more than just the canula in her nose and her brave little Momma sits holding a tube that blows a little more oxygen at her. Yesterday they kinked the hose that is inserted, not just into her little tummy, but actually into bowels to provide maximum nourishment. She squirms when anyone wearing a stethoscope around their neck comes into view.

I went and visited her yesterday and thought she was asleep as she was unmoving, laying on her back but as I looked a little closer, I could see her little eyes follow my moves. She just didn't have the energy to let me know that she was awake. As I pressed my hand, gently on her little forehead, I couldn't help but ask, "why her?". Through all of this, I cannot describe the agony of very, loving parents, sweet siblings, who want their Mommy to sleep at home.

My intentions are to post and I always want to find humor and good situations but tonight, my thoughts and tears are with our sweet, little Clare. Thank you for excusing my absence.

THE QUESTION IS????

Have I waited too long to blog? Let me know your thoughts and that will determine updates.

Updates and Stuff

Thank you Jadi for your beautiful blog this past weekend. You inspire me!! We know how much special effort you and Spencer are expending in your family these days. I am constantly asked how little Clare is and I have decided that my only answer is that, she is doing great. Although she does not yet sit up, roll over or act as independent as other 10 month old children, she certainly can win my heart with her sweet little smile and occasional giggle. The other night I watched her father bend over her, exert some effort to catch her attention (which is a challenge) then say to her; "Hello my Sweets, how was your day?". Of course it had the expected emotional effect on me and on little Clare; both big smiles.

Last Friday morning, I had an eight year old and a six year old climb up on my knee and just visit for about 1/2 hour. We are blessed with remarkable children who are raising sugar, spice, everything nice, snakes, snails and puppy dog tails and for all that we are so grateful. I liked Mark's comments about the prospect of their having a new addition to their family, he said; "well, we sure like the ones we've got".

The Raymond Project

Things are winding up slowly but surely. Our friend, Wayne Eakett has spent the past 8 - 10 weeks doing finishing work on site. He has become a friend through this project as he has cared deeply about his work. Painters are putting final colors in now, cabinets are starting to go in next week. The exterior needs final stucco and is in the process of getting the rock front. Here are a couple of the latest photos.

As I was driving to Raymond the other day, the fellow who is putting on the rock called me to confirm an appointment. He impressed me when he asked if he could pick me up a hot chocolate or something. This fellow seemed familiar and imagine his surprise when he told me that his name was Josh Prepchuk and I promptly gave him a good, solid punch on the shoulder. (I need to remember that these young guys could probably deck me.) Josh and his folks lived right next door to us when he was running around in diapers. We have very fond memories of Ken, Sandy and their family.

The frustration of building is the inability of sub-trades to meet deadlines and the need to get "in the queue" each time we need something done. Painters have said they will finish this week, we will get the rough cabinetry so that the countertops can be exact. My intent through this whole process is to ensure that the people who are working on our house leave wanting to do business with us once more. I am in need of patience. (On that same note, I hope that Cahoons continue to be as understanding as they appear to be.)

The Plan

It appears that we will be hosting Christmas this year and that we will have a houseful of kids. GREAT. Bring it on!!

Happy Thanksgiving to the south.

Autumn Update

Days tick by and things happen. Where does time go? Only a few short years ago, my father, on his 65th birthday, indicated that time had slipped by so fast. As only a 29 year old can understand, I remember thinking, "is he crazy, he's had a great life". That was almost 30 years ago and the passage of time is picking up speed. I understand his sentiment and want to crowd memories into minutes.

For the past 3 autumn trips, I have driven to Palm Desert, while She Who Adores Me, has flown down, then ridden back. The first year, Mike G. rode down with me and we had a great time golfing in Utah, then checking out Laughlin, NV. (Save your money, it's old and so are most of the habituants.) For the past 2 years, I have travelled alone and cherish a little alone time. I think that I could drive for 2 days and never turn on the radio, just enjoying my own thoughts and the drive.

Anyway, Gerry flew to San Jose to spend a few days with Carly and Jesse in their new home and I journeyed alone.

Day One, I spent in Raymond attending to housing duties with a late afternoon departure to Cahoon's cabin in Polson, MT. Their home in Polson is exactly what a cabin should be; not too elaborate and very tight and comfortable. For a day and a half, we talked house stuff, went to some cabinet makers and show homes and got our heads around their project. I am grateful for their forbearance as progress is tedious but we are grinding it out. Drew managed to drag me, kicking and screaming to play 9 holes of golf at the Polson GC. Mostly we talked as I marvelled at his most excellent, although somewhat screwy mind.

Day Three, my goal was Salt Lake City, an 8 hour drive. Somehow, the car swerved off the road at Anaconda, the site of The Old Works Golf Course and before you could say, "if you want to play golf, there is a twosome on the first tee", I was off for a very enjoyable 4 hours with 2 Montana good old boys. What did it matter if I arrived in SLC at 4:00 p.m. or at 9:00?

The stream that cuts Old Works off from the world.
It is world class.

3 great days of golf in Utah with Tommy and Rory. (Alright 2 great days and one forgettable one). The new Sand Hollow Golf Resort in Hurricane, UT is going to be a winner. Check out some of the photos. I enjoyed a 3 hour visit with Kristen, our next door neighbor and a champion. She is a klutz, though and I wasn't all that surprised to see her hand all wrapped up. She is prone to pratfalls and had walked into a post earlier in the day, breaking a bone in her hand.

Sand Hollow Golf Resort. A winner!

Creme de la creme was the week in Palm Desert. We had a crowd this year. Jesse and Carly came down for Friday and Saturday nights, Princes, as always, were there, Goodrows were already at their home in Desert Hot Springs and the Doug and Nancy Jacksons and Harry and Susan Karchs' made up the complete guest list. It was hot!!! Temperatures were in the 104 - 107 F. with very little overnight relief. I felt like we almost lost most of the men in the extreme heat. It seems that riding on a golf cart, hitting a little white ball, with lots of clothes on does have some effects.

We barbequed, ate out, shopped (and shopped), sat by and in the pools, checked out the markets, went to church, played a few games, sweltered and time went by way too fast. We'll do it again (and again, I hope).

On the return leg, we had geared up to attend a reunion with people that I had served an LDS mission with in 1970 - 1972. It was marvelous, although most of the attendees hardly looked like they might have once been 19 years old. This mug shot is reminiscent of me at that time.

In actuality, the reunion was very emotional for me, people remember only the best about each other, we forgive imperfection and want the very best. I visited with many former companions and love them for their goodness.

Our adventures home continued with us picking up a U-Haul truck in Missoula, MT, then bringing home a load of appliances and stuff for our projects.

This photo is a candid of our guest of honor on Sunday past. We have so much for which to give thanks, we are overwhelmingly blessed. SWAM is the best at putting on a great feast on these special occasions. And lastly, who is this little girl that we are seeing more of?