March 1st

” Mercury Forecast” Mesa 29 degrees   Calgary 7 degrees

2 Full Years of Retirement Living.

Today marks the anniversary of Jackie & I’s decision to retire. This is a decision everyone has to make at some time. In our minds we did it right.  Remember the saying time flies. It holds very very true. We really can’t believe that 2 years has passed by so quickly.  It really enforces our thoughts on early retirement. There has not been ONE day were we felt bored, or we should have kept working etc.  It has been wonderful. We have experienced so many enjoyable events. There is nothing better than knowing you can stay up late and no need to worry about getting up early. I am going to list a few things in no particular order that stand out:
August our second grandchild being born. Having birthday parties for Jackson. Having camping time with Jackson. Family get togethers. Fishing trips to Travers, Cooking, Park, Fish, Cow,Brazieu, Crawling Valley, Calling etc. Taking what I consider one of our best cruises from NYC to Quebec.  Fun camping trips to Nanton, Park, Sylvan ,Pembina,Blueberry Hill, Three Hills. Great adventures to Moose Jaw, Maple Creek ,Cyprus, Manitou, Wasikeu, Waterious, Saskatoon,North Battleford, Ft McLeod, Elk ford, Kootenay Lake,Belfour, Nelson,Columbia Valley,Radium, Kootenay Valley and more. We have had loads of fun in different spots with different friends.  Ultimate sturgeon fishing near Surrey. Tourist visits like the Buffalo Jump,the Cabone and Chinese Caves, multiple museums, forts and parks like Cypress and Waskesiu. Winery in Cypress stands out. We have golfed at many different courses and numerous times. We have helped family move. Moved my Mom from the acreage to a seniors complex, moved Jackie’s Dad three times into different homes from his house, moved Jessica and Penny into their new home and Jackie’s Mom upstairs into Michaels place.  Complete household garage sales aren’t easy and we did one for Jackie’s Dad and my Mom.. I have worked on Victoria’s yard with staining, maintaining and building. We have experienced the loss of Jackie’s step Mom. We have experienced the loss of Teddy and Farley. I have renovated our condo with library panel and crown. I have built an outside kitchen and deck in Arizona.  I have helped Fred do a kitchen reno on his unit. My 40th High School reunion. Good guys car show, Barrett Jackson show, Phoenix Open were all amazing. Played the TPC. Golfed a low of 76 and in the last two years I have golfed 135 games. I could go on and on. The last two year’s have been absolutely wonderful,  fulfilling, rewarding, entertaining and healthier than ever. We are thinner and in better health than when we worked. We are a way more relaxed and are enjoying each others company every day .Jackie hasn’t even began to bug me yet. Lol  I will reiterate one more time, retirement is the best phase in your life. For those that say they will be bored I will say it is fear talking and using as a reason to keep working for more money. self-worth or get away from something. Boredom is impossible. For those that say they don’t have enough money DO NOT listen to certain advisors.  Their job is to keep you saving your money not spending it. You DO NOT need the percentage that the so-called experts claim. Go back and use my calculators from my “Penny WISE tips” or ask for the calculators and I will send them to you and plan it yourself.Not even close unless you want expensive destination vacation spots to be in your plans every year. We chose Arizona for the winter as our 3 months costs less two weeks to any other vacation spot. Our golf is covered in Canada with my membership at Turner ( one of our good decisions) and at Heatherglen were I Marshall. Gas is cheap so we can travel for a lot less.Thank you to our family that we have thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you to my fishing friends which I have a blast with. Thank you to our camping friends for some amazing trips and sights seen. Thank you to my golfing friends that I have great times with. Thank you to our Arizona friends making it feel like home as soon as we arrive.
TWO YEARS OF AMAZING MEMORIES.  LET’S MAKE 2016 THE BEST YEAR EVER !
We already have some great plans set. Pembina, Whistle Stop, Jasper area, Park Lake, possible Winefred Lodge, Winnipeg so off to a good start. This  year in Canada my goal is to FISH more !! But still get in 50 to 75 golf games and do a fair amount of travel. Timing would be good for a long motorhome trip with gas where it is.

The only thing I can say I truly miss is the interaction at the office with the staff. I loved the camaraderie, the banter the teasing. It made my work day.

Finished off my budget sheets, relaxed and read a few interesting things. Jackie did her compliance testing today in case a contract comes up. I visited with a few neighbors and putted around. We decided to go to Fat Willy’s early to miss the rush which we did. The golfers of the day don’t get off until 5:15 so we arrived around 5pm and got a seat on the balcony. With fewer people down this year and some heading home already Fat’s hasn’t been as busy as usual. Great burger and frosted mug beer on a sunny deck is one of life’s pleasures. We headed home and watched the Bachelor. Yes I watch this soap opera. But this time the guy believes he is in love with two women. So here is what I think. Love is an amazing thing. How two people come together and get feelings that are strongly tied to each other is amazing. I think if I asked anyone they all would say love is real and we can’t describe it. We can’t see it but we all know it exists. So go one step further. If one can fall in love with another I am sure if someone was open to it they could easily love two women. Think of the love you had for your kids or parents etc. So they the producers have made this one a little more difficult on the women and the guy with the love triangle. Maybe our first  polygamy bachelor.

9 pm and we were deciding to go for a walk or to the pool. The walk ended up winning. Turned out we only made it two houses away from us. We stopped in and had a great visit with Russ & Carol on their deck and a few beers until 11pm. I figured we didn’t want our noise to be to disruptive  for the neighbors as most of them were already in bed. We made arrangements to go golfing on Sunday afternoon with them which will be fun.  I have added a montage of pictures that tell the story

 

 

March 2nd

“Mercury Forecast” Mesa  30 degrees Calgary 2 degrees

We had our couples billiard night and as usual it was fun. Jackie was our lead organizer this time and she thought she would try it as a true couple’s billiard night meaning your partner was your partner. We perhaps may need to supply marriage counselling with this format as it does cause the odd heated discussion amongst the players.  Our team with Jackie and I didn’t fare well in the standings with 5 losses and 1 only win. But we had fun. We lost one game on a black ball scratch and every other with one ball to only the black left and we lost. It still is a lot of fun.

We stopped over at Bob & Pats for a few drinks after. Ended up as Pat treated us with fresh cooked bread etc and the drinks we didn’t leave and get into bed until close to 11pm. Man she makes good bread. I have to get up at 6:15 on Wednesday.

Got ready and waited for our ride outside and it was already warm. Jack Mann from Calgary picked us up to take us to the course. Nice guy that is a member at Redwood. Turned out he also was on my team for playing. As a team we did ok getting a -4 and a -6 on the corner which I thought we should win one of them but we ended up losing to a -5 and a -8. Too bad as winning money again would have been great. I did not golf well here again. I love the course and there is no reason other than mental and a certain skill level that keeps me from scoring well here. On the first nine I ended up with a 41 which I thought was ok and I could build on but the second nine killed me and I took a 50. So I ended up with a 91 which is about 5-10 strokes more than I want. Drives were bad today but no slicing. Just poorly hit and some iron shots just didn’t click. I got caught up in one bunker and took a plus 3 and a fairway bunker to take another plus 3 hurts. Very nice guys again to play with which make the game fun but the level of play being better would make it more fun. Next time.

Victoria advised me the comment section wasn’t working on March so I had to go find the system to make that work again. A new page not bringing my attributes doesn’t make sense but each month I will need to remember to check.

We received an email from Fred and he won’t be able to make it down for St Patty’s Day which is too bad as it is always a fun day. Nothing like 90 degrees and cold green beer. They arrive a couple of days after. Jackie and I will need to go the Irish Pub as Englishmen to get our fix of beer and shepherds pie.

Got home from golf and it is warm outside. Had a couple of cold beers with Bob and then decided to take the rest of the day off as Jackie was with Pat out shopping.

BBQ’d a wonderful supper and ate outside again in the warm air. We watched Survivor and then decided to go to the pool. The pool again was quite busy as the day time heat makes the water warm and helps cool down some of the people. A lot of the Rver’s use the pool facilities to shower etc. We swam for over an hour and then walked home again still at 24 degrees at 10pm.  I fell to sleep quickly !!

Thought of the Day

Golf may be a four-letter word, but the curse of the game comes in five letters: choke.

It is largely an unspoken word in golf, one rarely uttered but should be said more especially for me. Any number of euphemisms spring up to describe evident failure under pressure — a putt is said to have been misread or a chip misjudged — but in the back of every golfer’s mind is a tacit understanding of what has happened.

It was those five letters. And we have all been there.

March 3rd

“Mercury Forecast ”   Mesa 30 degrees Calgary 13 degrees

After a great sleep due to getting up early and going to bed late I arose to a morning smoothie. We had our breakfast and then headed to get some groceries for our potluck tonight. We decided to make mini wraps with beef and vegetables in them. I sautéed the onions, peppers etc and slow cooked the cut up beef cubes.

When Jackie returns from golfing with the ladies we will assemble them to take. I think they will taste great and go over well.  Beef, vegetables, cream cheese, and spices.

Watching the Donald today after taking a swipe from Mitt and was fun to watch. Watched a bit of the golf from Doral and neat to see the major players all together. I am sure Trump will find someway to be there I am sure.  I like what Donald says sometimes because he does say what a lot of people think and are scared to say. My concern is his temperament. Ask a difficult question and you can see his face and attitude change. He is of little substance in policy but likeable as he is a anti politician.

Jackie arrived home and we started to assemble our mini wraps. Well it didn’t quite go as planned. For any of you former Blimpie workers, remember the flour tortilla’s breaking apart as you tried to roll them. We used damp cloths with the micro but they would dry out and start to break and come apart. To give an older person a messy dish to eat wouldn’t be good. So I rushed off to the store to pick up cheese and meat and make a platter along with stuffed celery sticks. Another great turnout with at least 50 plus people being there. A guess who you are game was fun and interesting. Some of the people were quite difficult to guess . Fun game. The organizers even had a small carrot cake that I was very very fortunate to get a piece of. Gail cut me a piece at the perfect timing as a few minutes later it was gone. Great tasting cake and lucky me.

I had mentioned I like carrot cake in a general discussion a few days earlier and I was very excited and appreciative of getting a piece.

I used the get together to get quite a few of the neighbors pictures for my street booklet. I also gathered the info needed for it. I think I have about 75 % of the block now.

After the block party we hit the pool. Only so so busy which was great. It is very nice to swim and relax in the evening before hitting the bed.

Thought of the Day

Party like a Blockstar !!

March 4th

“Mercury forecast” Mesa 31 degrees  Calgary 12 degrees

Another wonderful bright sunny day. We had no plans today so I thought I would work on my street listing. I worked on this for about 8 hours. Importing the pictures, page setup , font style, background photo, verbiage etc. Windows 10 has some nice features but a few horrible step backwards in others. Took a long time but I like the final product and hopefully I can just about complete and take it to Staples to see the costs to print them.

Sitting outside on the deck enjoying the warmth and relaxing, Jackie reading was wonderful. Later in the afternoon Tim Keys stopped by to pick up Fred’s truck keys and his golf cart keys. I was surprised not to see Lorna with him as the weather is hitting 30 degrees everyday and it is

just beautiful here. We will miss not seeing her. I would even buy a bottle of Jack Daniels.  But she decided to stay in Saskatoon instead of visiting us. I think she would love it now with the warm pool and hot sun.

We had supper and continued to enjoy the outdoors and Tim returned from getting the cart and his swim at the pool. You have to have rum in the evening on the deck. I think it is in Viewpoints bylaws. I had a golden Cuba Rum which I like the taste of. We talked for quite a while about things and had a few drinks. Great evening in Arizona.  This is the good life !!

We decided to go for a long walk tonight after the drinks. Headed up to where the RV’s are and here is this guy with a projector and screen 5 x 10 outside with a surround sound showing a movie. Now for the people watching amazing, but his poor neighbors were sure getting a loud awakening. Great idea though.

Big golf day tomorrow !!

Thought of the Day

Sometimes I write “drink beer or rum “on my To Do List, just so I feel like I have accomplished something for the day.

March 5th

“Mercury Forecast” Mesa 31 degrees Calgary 14 degrees

Woke up this morning and went outside to have my smoothie. On our pad was a little snake.

Looks like a bird stabbed him but wasn’t able to carry him off. He still was flexible but dead. Perhaps another may eat this as road kill. Time will tell. I prefer not to find snakes around as where there is one there maybe many. I think this guys was dropped from the a bird above.

Off to Safeway to refill my beer fridge and to pick up a few things .

Had my blood pressure taken again at the Kiosk and one time more if it remains this low I will start cutting my pills in half and keep checking. Today the reading was 100/71 which is too low. This is what losing 35 pounds and retirement can do for you.

A little bit of an overcast day today which helped cool it a bit but even overcast at 29 degrees it is somewhat muggy.

We had the golf course to ourselves again with the late start and actually ended up playing 18 holes in 2:45 minutes which is great. It was a relatively ok day that could have been better easily. Came down to the 18th hole with Jackie needing a par for a 99 and myself needing a par to 79. Darn both of us took a boogie so ended up with 100 and a 80. Funny how you look back at certain holes and wish you would have just made that putt or better shot earlier. I missed a 4 foot eagle putt by rimming out which would have been the difference.

Poor Jackie for the second time this year golfing she has had an incident.  Remember she fell to the pavement on the way back from golfing a few weeks back and hurt herself a bit. Today she stepped on a large acorn, rolled her ankle and hit the ground. Scrapping and bruising happened but she carried on like a trooper. I remember one time years ago Jackie fell into a gopher hole at Nanton golf course and fell. Jeff was going to bring his Caddy onto the course to pick her up but again after a bit she carried on. Not golfing that time but riding along and drinking coffee and Bailey’s. She now has history. LOL

Had a short visit with the neighbors and then a homemade pizza that Jackie made. Pizza turned out great as we had a lot of salami and pepperoni to use up.  We will need to make more of these.

Watched day three of golf on the TV and another wonderful day comes to an end. Nice to see Rory doing so well again. A lot of the top golfers at the top of the leaderboard. Fun to watch. Watched a bit of the debates , and caucus results.

Though of the Day

Falling down is an accident, staying down is a choice. 

March 6th

” Mercury Forecast”  Mesa 28 degrees Calgary 12 degrees

Another wonderful day in Paradise.  Sunday morning so thought I would make a great breakfast. Pancakes and eggs. Bob our neighbor gave us a cooking tip to make the perfect eggs and it worked perfect. I think the water and glass lid to watch the egg was the trick but they turned out perfect. Pancakes and eggs all cooked and I went outside to get Jackie from the back deck and I couldn’t find her.  So I had my wonderful breakfast by myself. About a 1/2 hour later she comes home from the gym as she had an inspiration to exercise this morning.

Watched the golf on TV, read, relaxed and enjoyed the day. Went grocery shopping to Safeway to pick up a few things and again my blood pressure is too low at 100/70.  I have to watch this. Moving is a good thing for the heart.  I checked a few places to stop on the way home this year and I think we will visit the Zion Park to take some pictures and see the red rock canyons and formations. It is about 6 hours away so the perfect first day trip timeframe.

Had a few visits with and from neighbors all through the day. We had a tee time for 3:30 today with a couple across the street. Russ and Carol are a great couple from BC. Russ is a hot rod guy and a private home builder so we have a lot of common interests and Carol before retirement was in the HR field.  They said they were relatively new at golfing. They both did very well with some great shots and some bad shots but that is the game of golf. It was a beautiful warm day and a very fun relaxing day on the course with no one pushing us or us having to wait at any holes. That is always nice for anyone that doesn’t like people watching them shoot off the tee or having to rush as someone is coming up behind you. Fun Day

After having a fun time golfing we decided to head to our place and I would BBQ some franks and cook up some beans with coleslaw.

When we arrived we saw that Tim had dropped off his favorite mix for rum and a bottle and left it on our outdoor kitchen. I phoned him up to get over here and join us. The meal turned out great and we had a great visit. Jackie quickly made a banana shortbread desert so with the meal, desert, wine, beer and rum what more could you ask for. Bob & Pat arrived shortly after we talked them into joining us.  A fun night with some interesting topics for sure. We had a short visit from Anita on her way home also and we had a party crasher also. Swerv’n Merv’n  joined us later for a visit. Merv had  two or three too many drinks and was quite entertaining. I think you can guess Merv is also from Sask. LOL

This is our life and you have to love it !!

Thought of the Day

If you have to ask is it to early to indulge in adult drinks, you’re a amateur, and I am questioning the future of our friendship. It is always 5 o’clock somewhere. LOL

March 7th

“Mercury Forecast”  Mesa 21 degrees  Calgary 10 degrees

No other way than to start the day off right:

MARY ANN HUGGETT IS TURNING 50 YEARS OLD TODAY

I am going to paste the email I sent first:

 

Now some pictures to prove point :

 

 

 

 

This is taken when she first got out of bed without makeup or doing her hair.

 

 

Alan had his warnings as they were together very young and knew what he was getting into. Love can make any man do anything a woman wants.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We have a had a lot of fun with Mary Ann over the 35 years we have known here. I especially relate to her as being the outlaws we have to stick together as the family dynamic we entered was quite different than what we both experienced.

Now that she is 50 years old it will interesting to see how she reacts. There could be a HUGE bill this month to pay for additional items required.

I have included Mary Ann’s response which is priceless.:

 

We had a little but of  lazy day as it was a cool 21 degrees today only. We are spoiled with those warm temperatures.

At lunch time we met up with Jackie’s friends Chris & Louis that have bought a place in Casa Grande.  We decided to go to Filly’s Roadhouse. Nice location under the Superstition Mountains background. Quaint western style roadhouse where cowboys tie up their horses to the fence for a drink. Dirt floors and picnic tables but with live music and atmosphere it is a great place to

go. It is the first place that I have eaten in the USA where I felt the quantity of food did no match the pricing.  It was small unless you ordered the chicken. I had a Filly Cheese steak and it was half the size of the one’s at the Bull & Finch and at the same price with exchange. Order chicken though and it is huge. Sitting outside with a cold beer and good food is a great way to spend the lunch hour.  Chris and Louis are nice people. Chris has every toy one could want. Quads, Razors, Harley Davidson, Huge

motorhome, trailers, etc etc.  His new bike a Harley is the first one with water cooled heads which is about time. Harley’s for years when they got hot didn’t work to well and the Japanese bikes walked all over them. Now they won’t heat up like they used to.

A fun way to travel even though I think I would wear a helmet. You just never know !

Came home relaxed a bit and watched the Bachelor show which is the second last one for this season.

 

 

Thought of the Day

To bike is to have the freedom that can’t come from any other form of transportation.

March 8th-10th

“Mercury Forecast”  Mesa 30 degrees Calgary 8 degrees

I got busy and didn’t find the time to update here.

It is funny how time flies, how you find things that you want to do, or need to do or just relax. So I have combined three  days in one.  We watched the Survivor Show which was quite interesting with three people collapsing and one strong young guy from BIg Brother Caleb having to be evacuated. You get that hot heat and spend that much energy without water and proper food things can happen. The brawn which should be winning physical challenges just hasn’t done well and has forced the producers to merge all three teams into two teams next week. It is a fun show to watch. We have gone swimming a couple of nights which has been wonderful. Last night for over an hour at 9pm at 25 degrees outside. Talking to a lady in the pool from Ontario who is here with her husband who is only 72 but has advanced Alzheimer’s. It is a shame for some one to be so incapacitated so young. They are trying herbs, and medicines what ever is out there to try to hold the process. It is a full-time job for her as he is quite advanced. The neighbor was having trouble with his internet installing a new router that I tried to help. Being his system there are things you don’t want to touch in case something goes wrong. He is quite smart with computers himself. Turns out two new routers he could not make work even after talking to customer service for hours. He is getting his internet provider to come and install one. Sometimes it is the luck of the draw on buying something new and not having it work. Relaxed outside in the warmth on the back deck which we love. Jackie and I headed down the street to get info and pictures to complete my address booklet. Every stop takes a while as people love to talk. Only a few stranglers left and then I can see how much Staples will charge me to print in color and on photo thick card stock. We shopped at Walmart to get a few things we needed. Filled the car up with gas. Got ready early in the morning for my golf game at Whirlwind on Wednesday morning. I was teamed up with 3 other great guys again. One from Calgary who is quite wealthy making his money in the oil field supply business and still owns it but his son runs it. He is a Glencoe member along with his wife. We all know how expensive that membership is. Very nice guy and was enjoyable to golf with. Talked a lot when people were trying to set up to shoot though. Our captain I thought was a little grumpy at first but he is just a quiet and serious golfer. I am going to say late sixties but could hit the drive like no other I have seen. Always straight and very very long. As luck would have it I won money again. Another 20 bucks. So golfing in this men’s group three times and winning twice is not bad. Spend 180 on golf and won 60 back. No complaints. Sort of like a 3 for 2 deal. LOL Next week out tee time is 7:30 in the morning. It will be a really early rise.

Had our late night walks and Jackie has had her early morning walks. Today is Ladies golf league which Jackie will be golfing in. I haven’t decided yet what my main thing to do is today. Perhaps the pool to balance out the golfer tan or the deck to read.

As usual we watched the American politics as it on 24/7 it seems. A one on one with Trump and Anderson makes Donald seem more plausible. His business history even though remarkable today with a net worth of 10 billion has sure seen it’s ups and downs. I believe he is one of these guys that bends the rules and every loop hole there is to make things work for him. He may be quite a surprize to China or Mexico.

We had our billiard night and my team didn’t fair well.  2-4 and Jackie’s team going 4-2.  My team lost once on a black ball scratch and then just by one or two balls left. I do feel I am getting better with the practise. Some very good players, need a bit of luck and few better shots and we should be ok. Jackie’s team finished in third place so she did well and I can see a marked improvement in her angles. I enjoy the format and I enjoy the game. It is a fun evening out. Jackie picked up dance tickets for Friday night which should be fun. A sold out gig as a lot of people are starting to head back and want to get a little last bit of fun in before heading.

Jackie and Pat worked very hard at bringing the Mexican back to life in our yards. I believe it was Alan and Maryann that bought it for us at least 6 or 7 years ago and it was starting to look a little worse for wear. It covers up the posts the outdoor kitchen sits on and makes it look a little more pleasing to the eye.

If they keep up this great work they could get a full time job painting around the park. Notice the design change of painting the sash and hat brim blue from yellow. So artistic !

Looks wonderful. It will be interesting to see how the paint holds up now.

Trying to find yard sale items is a little difficult as we have kept only things we need and don’t have a lot of extra stuff to sale for the block. Hope fully find some things.

You know how they say everyone has a double in this world. We all have eyes, check bones etc and all look different but there are only so many variations that can happen. There is only so many genetic diversities to go around. Genes that determine facial features are limited and with the world hitting 6 billion odds are now that there are 7 people that look like you. I would love to find the Asian with my face. LOL

Well we think we have found a member of Jenny Harry’s family. We will need to check to see if they have relatives in Saskatchewan. This is a very nice couple that has a place on our block. Maureen’s personality,her looks and mannerisms I am sure she is related to Jenny’s Mom who has passed on a lot of the idiosyncrasies to Jenny.Maureen when she talks, or gestures is the perfect combo of Jenny and her Mom. Her speech pattern the same. Thought process the same. It is uncanny. Keith, Jenny or Amanda if you are reading this please let me know as I would bet money on it. I just couldn’t remember if Jenny’s Mom came from Saskatchewan. I knew east coast Newfoundland but am thinking that was Jenny’s Dad. Here is a picture and some info. Let me know if you think we are wrong.Maureen Kresak from Rama, SK. most likely a relative to Jennifer Judy Johnson of Edmonton Alberta.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I know years ago Tom Daniels brought back a picture from Hawaii when he was on vacation of a guy that when I looked at it, I would swear it was me.  This guy had the same muscular physic , hair, beard, face structure etc. It was weird.

Today the park arranged a picnic social with hotdogs, chips,cookies and a live band as sort of a going away party as a lot of people that arrive in Oct or November start heading home.The event was very well attended and a lot of fun. The dog was foot long dog in a 6″ inch bun and tasted great. Too bad about the burps after. The music was wonderful and you can’t get any better than sitting on lush green grass in the middle of desert in the warm sun listening to a live band.

Notice the flags at half mast today for Nancy Reagan.

It was a nice concert and a neat thing to do for a change up.

Tim has his truck fully loaded with a bed box, side running boards, parts etc from his part collecting today. He has been incredibly busy finding hard to get parts and deals on them. Nice that a place exists with no snow and rust like where we come from.

 

 

 

 

Thought of the Day

Seven Larry’s in the world that all look the same. How lucky is that ?

 

 

 

 

 

March 11th

“Mercury Forecast”  Mesa  28 degrees  Calgary 6 degrees

Surprise a wonderful bright sunny day. Not a lot on the agenda today. We fiddle farted around for a lot of the day. Read, ate, Jackie went grocery shopping and we visited with neighbors. We decided to not golf today and wait for Saturday to golf in the afternoon. Jackie re-organized a bunch of the pots and flowers around the deck.  I sat in the warmth and played a few games. I worked on getting my street address book completed. I took it to Staples to see about costing and I used their very nice on line system but their pricing is nuts. I have about 6 more pictures of people to get but they never seem to be home. I though I would try Victoria to see what she could do and her pricing I can make work for us. I have sent her the file and will get the first batch done and finalize the rest later. I will see if I can collect some money for it from the residents. Watched a bit of the PGA and see our Delaet is in third place which is excellent. I hope he can hang on and maybe even pick up a few strokes. Nice to see. You have to love his beard. I can hear the old school ultra conservative golfers asking what is going on here with that thing. Is it allowed.

We had a great dance last night . Our hall holds at least 1000 people and we had that. It was the fullest I have seen. Great for the band and park. We had a Surfer Band playing which was fantastic. The dance area was so full we were dancing in the aisle ways. Bob & Pat came with us which was fun. Bob’s few drinks after golf then the few drinks at the dance brought out the best in him. Speaking Dutch to the people at our table and full of one liners and jokes. Jackie and I were able to dance quite a few times which was great and a lot of fun. Viewpoint organizes some very nice events. Again though the band plays those line dancing songs. I have an aversion to these. They are meant for lonely single women, older women where they don’t have a partner or he won’t dance and guys that are light on their toes. No everyday standard guy should dance these things and yet as the testosterone levels drop in these old farts they think they are Fred Astaire and get up with these women and do the line dance thing. Not right !!

You can’t go wrong with $3 beer and $1 soda at the dance. This dance even lasted a little later and it think the band stopped around 10:30 which was great. 10:31 everyone was gone !

Thought of the Day

Boot scooting action, tip and tap back and round, texas flush , a little tush push, ankle rock , corkscrew turn, dip, heel bounce. I don’t think I need to say more !  Just out of principle I will never line dance. So far I have not seen one other guy I know do this so I must be hanging out with the right people.  And for all other men. If your spouse begs you to try, resist for all of mankind and for your own dignity. We can put a stop to this !! Sit down and don’t move until this hideous circus disappears. Women, single or attached, buy a guy or your guy another beer  and he WILL dance with you the two step, or waltz or polka.  If one of my friends is a line dancer you are dead to me. LOL

March 12th

“Mercury Forecast”  Mesa 23  degrees Calgary 9 degrees

The first cooler day we have had for a long long time. It is funny how much your body acclimatizes to warmth. We had to put on a light jacket to be comfortable. Jackie was up and at it early as she headed to the gym for a morning workout. I didn’t make it as it is against my personal philosophy to do injury to myself sooo early in the morning. After all I am retired and there has to be some benefit to this. I do have to make exceptions to get up for golf but other than that I must hold the line.

Jackie and Pat left bright and early to cover the park that was holding a park wide block sale. Every year they do this to raise money to allow the block to have some spending money. Last

year Jackie found some great things and this year the same.  She picked up a Santa Fe vase and stand for a buck, a bamboo footstool for the back deck and bamboo table for the front deck. You get some amazing deals as people just want to get rid of things. Complete older golf sets with bags sell for $10.  It was nice this year as Jackie borrowed the golf cart for the day from Tim to drive the park.

Tim left in the morning loaded with parts. He had a complete truck box with fender strapped down, running boards for another truck he has and a bunch of miscellaneous parts. Plus he was stopping at a wreckers on the way back as they had a part he needed. I think he will have a summer full of projects to work on.

Gail from across the street dropped off a half of a cake of Carrot Cake. Love Carrot Cake. Very nice of her as she knew I loved carrot cake. I watered the trees as I had fertilized them. They are growing like weeds.

We watched a bit of the golf on TV and loved to see Graham get into second place. Hopefully today he can hold his own and win. I think I will put the TV outside again to watch it.

We had a tee time for super twilight and were hooked up with a gentleman from Maple Creek. Nice guy but struggled with his game. He was out and was having fun though. It warmed up substantially and was a beautiful afternoon. This was the first game in a long long time where I lost focus and interest in it as we were waiting to long on every hole. The game wasn’t too long but the 4 players in front of us just didn’t move along. When that happens you try to hit too hard and sometimes just don’t care. The game ended up ok with Jackie getting a 101 and I ended up with a 82 only because of the last few holes. Even on the 18th hole I laid up as the group was taking too long rather than go for the green on the second shot. I did miss a few putts as I ended up on the wrong side of the hole so they were not an easy putt. I another fun afternoon out though.

The neighbors maybe laughed a bit as it was the first night we shut off the lights before 11pm.

Mid March and I am starting to think about Alberta fishing and camping. Looking forward to it.

Watched Donald discuss and the media discuss the “violence” at his gatherings. I am beginning to like Donald more. He has shaken up the GOP and they are trying everything to knock Donald down. To have organized protestors with no agenda other to disrupt is not right. Donald has the right to meet and talk about his message without intervention. If you remember in Toronto and Vancouver we had the hooded protestors that’s only agenda was to be violent and disrupt.  These self styled Anarchist’s have no agenda other than disrupt, stir emotion, cause violence, and try to control what they believe in. To protest, gather and disagree with any issue is our right. These guys to not believe in the law of the land. What I am seeing is that every time something perceived as a negative happens to Trump his supporters and new ones resolve to fight back with votes and lots of new voters. For everything you can say bad about Trump and there is lots, there is a lot of good things that he can do that will be good.  I think the corrupt world of politics needs to be shaken up. The world power centre needs a strong individual that will stand up against the environmentalists, the socialists, the corrupt inner government, the corrupt pharmaceutical industry and the lobbyists.  We need better trade agreements, we need better immigration rules, we need better tax rules, and we need an economy that helps the middle class work and we need CHANGE in a lot of things. Donald can fix some of these. I feel a bit sorry for the Americans as they don’t have any good choices. Clinton is a crook, Sanders is a socialists and will bankrupt the country, little Rubio is a no mind and I don’t know what is wrong with Cruz but his looks alone bug me.

Thought of the Day

Most doctors will tell you “Make sure to take your iron everyday and stay on the greens.”  I read that as golf everyday with your irons and stay on the fairway. 

March 13th

“Mercury Forecast” Mesa 24 degrees Calgary 10 degrees

Woke up in paradise to another gorgeous day. Sat outside on the deck fro breakfast and to read the news.  Jackie went to the gym early in the morning. Final day for the PGA tournament so thought I would put the TV outside again to watch Graham hopefully pull it it together.

It was a difficult course and all of the players were struggling with the speed of the greens. Graham played well other than his putting which was horrible.  I thought Haas was going to win but Charl my player from the TPC Sawgrass Players tournament pulled off a great playoff. It was a fun game to watch and I love the TV outside.

Went to Costco to get a few things and priced out their tires. Turns out they were about 35 bucks each tire cheaper than the tire shops in Mesa. Not a huge difference anymore between Canada and USA on these tires but I think I will get them here before the drive home. Tires here are also made with tougher rubber due to the heat so have longer warranties but if on snow the hard rubber doesn’t work well.

We went swimming last night for over an hour. Again the pool at night was quite busy which is not normal. This time again it was full of Saskatchewan people partying again. They even recognized us as one of the ladies asked if I was the whistling guy. I tend to whistle whole swimming on my back. It is funny this time of year as a lot of people are leaving. Anyone you talk to someone they ask “So when are you going back ?”

Window 10 is still not my favorite. Pictures are very difficult to work with. Duplicate copies one being the large file and the saved one. Downloading pictures are also difficult compared to Windows XP. Next year I am going to take a Win 10 course at Viewpoint just on pictures. Everything else I like. I am sure Win 10 does have an inherit clinch as every once in a while the pointer disappears and you need to restart to re-engage it. I checked google and it seems quite common.

Thought of the Day

A good golfing partner is one that is just a little worse than you are, that’s why I get so many calls to play with friends.

March 14th

“Mercury Forecast”   Mesa 28 degrees Calgary  7 degrees

The one thing you have to love about Arizona is the weather. Everyday it is the same. 30 degrees and sun. It is an amazing place.  We can get up every morning and know what to wear. Sandals and shorts the staple of all closets.

Finished off my street booklet for this year. Any missed people will need to wait until we are or they are back in the fall or winter. Victoria is doing the printing which is a big money saver and I can’t wait to see the results. I will figure out binding or rings when we get them.  It does take a lot of time especially to connect with everyone as people are busy doing something everyday.

The desert is in full bloom right now and is amazing. We do have a beautiful world we live in.

I discovered one person a male that I know that supposedly likes to line dance. I won’t say who as not to embarrass him. I was a little surprised but still not convinced it wasn’t just his wife saying such. To be coerced by your wife to do something you know is innately wrong is sign of true love.

Watched the Bachelor season final. It is a dumb show but for reason I like watching it. The women are funny the way they act and the guy is always too nice. Ben did pick the right one though.

This morning while writing this Jackie points in amazement. Some dumb bird laid three eggs in

our Geranium pot . Lazy not building a actual nest and second not realizing there is watering line in the pot. Must have been as Pat says a teenage pregnancy and as we would say a FAIL. Pretty unique though. LOL

Sort of like leaving your kid in a blanket on the doorstep of a house. I don’t believe this eggs have a chance as I always thought they needed to be warmed by body temperature.

Our wonderful ( said sarcastically) NDP government has to be squirming a bit today. TransAlta the largest company owning coal powered generation plants in Alberta announced today it is closing it’s 57 power generating wind turbines near Pincher Creek. These wind mills were the largest and maybe even the first wind energy generating plants we had in Alberta. Funny  reading the article as we all know the HUGE negative impact the closing of the coal is going to have and the take TransAlta has on this scenario. It is has come down to if the NDP wants wind energy there better be a good subsidy or grant to allow a company to continue with it.  I am proud of TransAlta taking this approach. When you have a government that has no clue what they are doing and destroying a needed economic engine of Canada  it is only fair that a company that is going to be hurt massively decides to take a stand and say put your money where your mouth is. Good for Alberta NO but hopefully it will help the NDP learn a little bit about economics versus rhetoric on environmental issues.  I also see the Wildrose party again is trying for a MLA recall bill. Nice thought but with the NDP majority won’t happen. We all have to slug it out until May 30th 2019( three years.)   If hadn’t been for the urban vote particular the City of Edmonton vote they would not have won. Bad thing about this is that Edmonton being a strong union city and a government city they will need not see the huge negative impact like Calgary will with layoffs etc. We are in trouble for 3 years and pray the damage can be fixed relatively quick not waiting for years and years. Most of you must have seen the letter to Notley stating what is happening and what needs to happen. IT was a group of business people just about begging. Oil drop in pricing is not her fault but the wage increase, the carbon tax, the scare on royalty review , tax increase all contribute to our situation much more than needed. The new budget better be good as Red Neck Albertans could start a revolution. I predict a massive demolition of the NDP party next election.  That is the history of the party that has destroyed so many provinces and as soon as they are gone the province becomes a power house like Sask. did.

Jackie worked hard all day cleaning the windows .  They look great. She even found one large spider web she had to knock down.

I went to the driving range today to work on a few things and hopefully tomorrow goes great.Getting ready for supper and then our billiard game.

I thought the range went quite well at striking the ball. I tried a few different things which is good as I want a good game Wednesday at Whirlwind.

Had a wonderful supper of fried potatoes, pork loin roast and corn. You got to love left overs.

Readied ourselves for our pool tournament. The group is getting a little smaller as people are heading home. My team had a good night with us finishing with a silver medal. ( second place) Our neighbor Bob I believe had a perfect record.  Finished up with a few nightcaps on the deck with Bob, Pat, Russ and Carol. Anita who is leaving on the 16th came over to say good bye and a few hugs. They are heading back to Winnipeg early in the am. A couple of drinks is all I wanted as I need to get up at 6am to head out for golf.

Thought of the Day

What has 4 legs, is green and would kill you if it fell from tree.  

A Pool table.

March 16th   

“Mercury Forecast” Mesa 31 degrees  Calgary 7 degrees   

The alarm went off at 6am this morning.  That is early for me. But it is wonderfully warm and  the sun is starting to shine. Picked up George from the 1800 block as we were the only two heading out today to Whirlwind. I was hooked up with three other Albertans with two from Edmonton and one from Cochrane. Teasing the Edmontonian’s about the Oilers is always fun. Both of them were very good golfers playing below their handicap. Today all of the conditions were prime to have a good game and it didn’t quite happen. I ended up with a 89 but was due to the extremely fast greens. I conservatively would say putting cost me 10 strokes missing  three and four footers for birdie or pars. Only one screw up hole taking a double par on so I was happy with that.  Great bunch of guys again, wonderful 30 degree weather, incredible course , well organized event makes for a great outing. I look forward to playing each week, but I want to have a break out game there soon. It is in me somewhere. LOL

Arrived home tired. Jackie was on a cleaning binge today. She took down all of the blinds, cleaned each mini blind slat, cleaned the floors etc. The house was looking spic and span. I wanted to sit on the back deck but our dumb Quail keep adding to the egg total so I will leave them alone for a bit.

I just finished writing this and am feeling tired so I think I will break my cardinal rule and have a afternoon nap. Need my energy for the swimming pool tonight.

One more thought on line dancing. The “dancing” of today is quite unique indeed. It’s no more than clothed sex moves, which any animal can do. But to manly dance a waltz, a polka or even a two step is a wonderful thing that is appreciated by women. Furthermore, I think you’ll be hard pressed to say that knowing your way around a swing, foxtrot, waltz, or other ballroom dancing is unmanly except for the line dance. A lady loves for a man to be able to know his way around a dance floor, without grinding on her or tip, toeing beside her.  Communication, timing, patience, harmony, etc, it’s all there except when you are copy catting the person right beside you with no facial contact or bodily contact in a line dance. The guy’s job in dancing is to make the lady look good, or to show her off. Knowing how to make your lady look like a dancing queen will win you brownie points. I’ve seen this over and over: a guy who knows what he’s doing can make even the most novice girl look like she’s been dancing for years. In line dancing the male is emasculated as he has no control over his partner and there is no connection. ( made for single girls to dance)   I win !! LOL

Didn’t catch a nap as I never like to in the day so after supper we decided to watch a bit of TV and go for a long walk. It is so nice out at night it is unbelievable. There already has been a lot of people leave for back home so the park is starting to empty out a bit. Makes it nice for tee times and great for the pool getting a spot when it is hot out.

Thought of the Day  

Before you speak, listen.
Before you write, think.
Before you spend, earn.
Before you invest, investigate.
Before you criticize, wait.
Before you pray, forgive.
Before you quit, try.
Before you retire, save.
Before you die, give.

March 17th

“Mercury Forecast”

Mesa 31 degrees Calgary  1 degree

Top of the morning to you !   The Irish did it right by creating a fun party day with everything green and drinks galore. Everyone loves the Irish and wears green, drinks green beer and has a fun day.

The one thing I remember in particular about March 17th was a huge snowstorm we had in Calgary years ago that shut the city down. This was in 1998 when we received the worst storm in 113 years. We received 18″ of snow that day. I arrived at work after a long drive and the only other person to make it in was Darren Wood. We laughed and called everyone else a few names. We sat around for about hour and decided there wasn’t much we could do today so we headed home. Even the next day only half of the staff were able to make in. You get the wet heavy snow like that it gets pretty messy and difficult to move around in. I will always remember that storm.

We have our St Patty’s Day parade today to watch, Jackie has her ladies golf league today to attend and we will see about going to the bar for green beer.

I don’t care for Justin as a Prime Minister but am happy with some of his changes he is going to make. His new budget is going to reverse the OAS age back to 65 from the 67 that Harper had phased in. Let’s hope he has a  plan for the economics behind it to be funded forever. As the baby boomers retire this expense goes up with less working people to pay for it. As everyone knows the CPP plan is self funded from our contributions during our work life but the OAS is funded each year by the taxpayers. For us though I am happy about the 65 years being reinstated. With a maximum income of 72K per year allowed most retires will not see any clawbacks. Having said that with a maximum payout of about $600 a month and an amount if qualified from CPP  of about $900  you could potentially be getting about $18,000k a year from pensions. Just about impossible to live on but every little amount does help. That is why it is important to find a company with a pension especially a defined one if possible.

Making up my street book my above statement is proof in the pudding. On our street of 30 homes we have 10 teachers.  A few nurses and a few other unionized jobs. It makes retirement very easy when you have an above average pension coming in every month for life.  If I have any regrets it would be that I should have looked for a company with a defined or good pension plan. JW did have a contributory plan that is decent but that was only for the last 10 years or so.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT for young workers to look for a stable company with great benefits even if the salary is lower as when they get older they can retire earlier and better.

I think I will trim some trees back a bit again to try to keep the shape of them. Trimmed the two fruit trees as they are growing about 6 inches a week. Trimmed Annette Oleander tree again to shape it. It is filling out good. Trimmed only a bit between the houses as Pat had just cleaned all of the leaves up.  All of the trees look great now.

Drillled my hole for my piece of rebar into a 4 x4 and pounded that in. Cleaned up, had wiener water soup for lunch and then headed to Fred’s place to return a few tools I have kept here as he had renters and I didn’t want to disturb them. Looks like they are gone now. Downloaded Spotify to my new computer for music and sitting on the deck having a cool one with Dylan singing to me. Jackie had her ladies day golfing today and isn’t home yet. She may be drunk as the organizer had arranged with her husband to deliver shooters to them on the course for St Patty’s Day. Jackie is a cheap drunk which was good when we were young, you know what I mean. LOL  Hopefully not so much we don’t get to go for green beer on the deck !

Watched the Patty parade which is fun. The people have a great time dressing up and riding their carts. Drinking whiskey and green beer in their carts. Some neat decorated carts. Only one incident that I know of and right in front me two ladies a little tipsy jumped when their cart back fired and then stalled. Gas powered. Wouldn’t re- start but that didn’t stop them from having fun. Handing out candy to the kids and kid like older adults. They still had a blast and made it fun. Must be spring break as there were loads of young kids and young adults around with grandparents. I am sure we will have fun when Jackson and August can join us. I can see now Jackie teaching them to man dance in the ballroom. She will have a blast !!  Here are a few thumbnails from  today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have a wonderful 33rd Birthday !!  We Facebook Video Messaged them first thing in the am. I have a plan we get home to “scare” Jackson when Victoria brings him home. A little scare is a great way for him to get excited to see us and us him.

Got ready in morning to head out to Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf course. This is one amazing golf course with over 114 deep sand bunkers on it. Every green is protected and sided with them. They are in the fairway right where most people’s drive lands. It is a very difficult course as our scores indicated. My partners today where George, Todd and Greg all from Lethbridge. George is a 8 handicapper, Greg is a 18 and Todd was a 12. Greg and Todd both shot a way over 100. A typical score for a 12 handicapper would be 84 about 50% of the time. I don’t feel bad about having my the highest score of the year , (stayed under 100) , when I looked at everyone else’s score also. A few times playing the course the score would be less as you get to know where to land but I struggle with consistent drives. One game 15 good ones next round 6 slices that kill the score.  Ian one of our group which is a great golfer scored a 69. I would love to shot that low. Here is a picture of one green. The government of the USA should learn from this course as well as they protect their greens.

Very nice course, lot of fun and even with a higher than normal score a lot of fun.

On our return we were invited to Bob & Pat’s place for an Easter dinner. We were joined by Ian & Gail from across the street. Pat is an amazing cook and prepared for us a full Easter dinner with turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, ham, dressing, carrots, salad. Pat makes a homemade mustard that is fabulous on the ham. It was a perfect meal and much appreciated, It was a fun evening with the group listening to the stories.  Besides the awesome tasting homemade mustard Pat’s dressing was exceptionally good. There are only a few people that make dressing the way I like and her receipe is very similar to my Mom’s one with the spices and ingredients. Special thanks to Pat.  Bob brought out his scotch for Ian later in the evening. Ian’s last name is Mackenzie so he has to drink scotch. I stayed away from that.

You sure can’t beat living in the sunshine, sharing an amazing meal, golfing with some nice people and sitting around having fun on the deck.   Love it !

It’s too bad the world is so missed up. Between the wrong people leading the different places and the aggressive misbehavoiur of certain radical groups the world isn’t really a safe world anymore. Hopefully somehow we can dig ourselves out of this hole.

“MY RANT”

Spying, tracking, big brother,

I was reading an article on RFID technology.  This advanced chip that is going to become more  prominent in our daily lives is a little scary. The NEXUS card is the most common place we use it today. Certain other companies like Gillett are examining it as a way to track sales, usage etc. For those that aren’t aware it is a Radio Frequency IDentification  chip. Each tiny chip is hooked up to an antenna that picks up electromagnetic energy beamed at it from a reader device. When it picks up the energy, the chip sends back its unique identification number to the reader device, allowing the item to be remotely identified. Spy chips can beam back information anywhere from a couple of inches to up to 20 or 30 feet away today and with enhancements satellites will be using it to allow tracking across the world .Unlike a bar code, which the manufactures are trying to sell it as, these chips can be read from a distance, right through your clothes, wallet, backpack or purse — without your knowledge or consent — by anybody with the right reader device. In a way, it gives strangers x-ray vision powers to spy on you, to identify both you and the things you’re wearing and carrying. Unlike the bar code, RFID could be bad for your health. RFID supporters envision a world where RFID reader devices are everywhere – in stores, in floors, in doorways, on airplanes — even in the refrigerators and medicine cabinets of our own homes. In such a world, we and our children would be continually bombarded with electromagnetic energy. Researchers do not know the long-term health effects of chronic exposure to the energy emitted by these reader devices. This technology is rapidly evolving and becoming more sophisticated. Now RFID spy chips can even be printed, meaning the dot on a printed letter “i” could be used to track you. In addition, the tell-tale copper antennas commonly seen attached to RFID chips can now be printed with conductive ink, making them nearly imperceptible. Companies are even experimenting with making the product packages themselves serve as antennas. 

I think any kind of tracking device should be avoided. I will avoid getting a Nexus card and will ensure to boycott as many products that use this technology for as long as possible. It is bad enough the GPS system for Google etc on our phones is on place. It is not right for our freedom and privacy to be invaded this way. The worst part is people are doing it knowingly by applying for a Nexus card or setting their phone to allow access to their location.

Ask a truck driver if they like being tracked ( location, speed, stops, driving time etc) as they were the first with a manual tettle tell tape and now GPS. Track a sales rep to see the call time, his amount of calls etc is coming.

Think about Google when you looked up ” Sweaters”. Every page you check out a new page a sweater pop up appears. You get an email with a special on sweaters. SPYWARE.  They track and see what your habits and likes are they send you info based on that knowledge.

Think about the GPS system now in every new car. Someone knows EXACTLY where you are every moment you are driving.

Perhaps we should issue a card with RFID to every ISIS member. LOL

BUT THAT IS JUST ME!

Thought of the Day

We always have loved spying. Remember the game ” I spy with my little eyes “

March 27-29th

“Mercury Forecast” Mesa 29 degrees Calgary  9 degrees

Though I would throw in a picture of the two of the best looking kids there are in this world. Our two grandsons.

 

We are so lucky to have these guys. Not only are they the best looking and smartest they are ours. We can spoil them, love them, play with them and return them to their Mom’s. Can’t beat grandkids for that.  They are both growing so fast. We will stop in Lethbridge on our way home and see Jackson on our return in about 2 weeks. The big scare is coming Jackson you better watch out as you will never guess when it will happen. I will get you.

We headed to Fred & Terry’s place for Easter supper today. Again a fantastic meal with a huge ham, mashed potatoes, carrots, salad etc. It was wonderful tasting and a very enjoyable day/evening.  They seem to make it look easy to have a big meal. After supper we decided to play the “Dice” game. Another fun game. Ralph, Tracy, Shelby, Fred, Terry, Jackie and I.  I didn’t win as like in the game trouble you need the exact amount to get out and that just didn’t happen. Terry won one game and Ralph the other. Tracy cooled Fred down with a cool splash of wine at the table. Some very unique bottles of wine were there. I mean the shape of the bottles were neat.  Jackie may of had a bit to much wine as she woke with a headache.

Shopping this morning, went to Costco and picked up a few things. We have to start watching our food now so we eat up all we have rather than throw it away or give it away. Picked up a great sand bucket kit to throw in the motorhome for camping with kids. I like it too.

Fred booked a campsite at the Old McDonald Farm the same time we are there so Kate & Scarlett and Jackson can have fun on the rides together. Should be a fun time.

I checked out the binding options at Staples and decided they are all to expensive for my block directory so I went with small rings. I borrowed the hole punch from the office and it took me a long time to punch 900 cards as you could only punch three at a time as they are quite thick. I emailed a couple of units to get the final one’s completed and then I will be done. I worked on this all afternoon.

Very windy outside and the curtain blew all night outside which made quite a noise. Hopefully the Quail didn’t mind it to much.

Had a wonderful supper of Ham steak, hash browns and eggs. I love breakfast anytime of the day.  Bob convinced me to add water when cooking an egg in a frying pan and sure enough it does wonders in cooking the egg. The moisture seems to cook the egg better and faster.

Watched the Voice on TV tonight and few other shows and called it a night. With the curtain noise we didn’t sleep all that well.

“Mercury Forecast”  Mesa 19 degrees  Calgary 12 degrees

First day in a long long time Jackie didn’t get up early and head to the gym. Also the first cool day since January with it only hitting 20 degrees today. We have a golf game booked later this afternoon so hopefully less wind and a little more sunshine. Off the bank to deposit some money and off to the office to return the punch.

The day turned out quite nice. The wind subsided and the sun shone a little brighter. Jackie and I were not hooked up with anyone so it was a fun golf time. We both played very well. About the 12th hole here we see Ralph playing with two women. Correction playing golf with two women. We bugged him a bit as in the morning we were told he was going shopping with Tracy and Shelby. Turns out he decided to golf instead. Too bad Ralph didn’t get a hold of us so we could have been together. I don’t think Ralph carries a phone with him. I am sure he had a fun time with the two ladies.

I thought it was going to be another great round but had a two hole hiccup. Ended up with a 82 and Jackie a 101. I had 6 birdie putts I missed. I had 10 pars. Darn 18th hole got me.  I very nice fun day.

Got news we have another unit joining us for our long weekend golf trips. Amanda and Jason have bought an RV and will be coming out to Whistlestop in May with us. They will thoroughly enjoy it I am sure. I love these May and Sept long week golf trips. I will send a notice out to everyone April 2nd with a reminder and details. Looking forward to it again and great for Amanda and Justin to join in their own unit.

Weiner water soup and a drink for supper then off to the billiard hall for another night of fun.

I turned out I had Pat again as my partner. We ended up playing reasonably with a over 500 record so no complaints with that. She was awesome again sinking the black ball or the ball before to give us a chance. There was only one team that went undefeated. John a very good player and Carol a good player just had a little to much skill and luck for anyone to take a game from them. That happens the odd time we you combine to good players together. I really enjoy billiard couple night as it is a different thing to do and lot’s of fun. It is also nice to see everyone getting a little bit better.

To the deck for a couple and then to bed as we have the early morning Wednesday rise for golf.

Thought of the Day

Imagine waking up early every day so you can get to bed early that evening. Most of the older people that wake up early have a day nap or are in bed by 9 or 10pm. Why ?

March 30-31st

Time is flying. I finished my investigation into tires. Most people including myself as I saved 50% last time by driving to Great Falls would believe tires are cheaper in the USA. NOT ANYMORE ! Check any store or any webpage and if you are buying BRAND name tires Canada in most cases is less expensive. I was going to put on a new pair before retuning home this year and after doing a lot of work found out I can get the tires for about $240 less in Canada for the exact sizing and brand. You have to add a 8 % state tax plus a 5% GST at the border and use a 30% exchange factor. Use the CDN cost with a 5% GST and tires are less in Canada. So I have decided to order and have them ready for me on arrival. A sale ends on this brand both in the USA and Canada April 3rd. The store will hold them for me to arrive to install them.  1/32 second outside wear is not desirable but is livable. I increased the air pressure as the centres have 4/32 left. I would never have guessed the change but I like it.

Up early and Bob drove Merv and I to the Whirlwind Golf Course. MY playing partners today were my friend George from Lethbridge, and auctioneer from Ft McLeod and our captain a farmer from Brandon. George played fantastic today recording a 79 on a very difficult course. My other team mates and myself played reasonably well. I would say well except I had three holes with balls in the desert. Take and change the three holes to boogies I would have been around 82 or 83. Still not disappointed. I had three fun games with George which was great, very enjoyable and just like old times. Our team even won  money again so what more can you ask for.

Had a phone call to Marshall this weekend which is great. I talked to the new contact guy and let him know I will not be returning until about April 13th. I am looking forward to doing this again. He said they have a full tee sheet with it being 19 above tomorrow and 20 above on Saturday. Good for them.

After golf I relaxed a bit and had a couple of beers with Bob & Pat. Jackie booked us a golf game for Sunday afternoon which will be great  with them. I will need to find a way to throw Bob off his game a bit. LOL

We had Fred & Terry over for supper as Terry was leaving to go home in the morning. Time sure does fly. It only seems like she was here for a couple of days. I BBQ’d a pork loin roast and potatoes and as luck would have Pat made some homemade brown beans that she gave us. The beans were amazing as they were 10 times better than out of a can.  Supper turned out wonderful, we had few drinks and talked, printed off the boarding pass and it was a fun night. We will see them on the May long weekend. Fred when he dropped off Terry picked up Mel who will be here for a few days before they head.

A cold front dropped by so we were only hitting 20 degrees today. The perfect time to caulk outside. I did the whole west side of the house. Caulked every window and batten board as the caulking was shrinking. It lasted for 8 years so no complaints. The new stuff has a 30 yr warranty on it and is silicone so we should be all set. Nice to do it in the warmth instead of the dead heat on the west side building.

Jackie and I went to Dilliards Clearance centre. I ended up coming out with three pairs of shorts and two golf shirts. Jackie only bought baby clothes. I bought good quality golfing shorts for $12 a pair and excellent polo shirts for $20. Amazing deals. Like Jackie said you can be overwhelmed. I like that kind of shopping. Stayed away from all of Salman, peach, lime, baby blue etc. You can tell it is clearance as that was the bulk of the colors without having to really search in the store. I did good though with blue, khaki, and one yellow.

Just relaxing today and then watching American Idol. Most likely go tot he Mesa Market tomorrow to pick up our flowers we want to bring home.

Thought of the Day

The magic thing about home is it feels great to leave and even better to return. Only a few more days left in paradise.