November 16th

“Mercury Forecast Edmonton 4 degrees, Calgary 7 degrees, Mesa 23 degrees”

I am trying a new format as the scrolling when at the end of a month was a lot. I will see how I like it giving it a bit of time.

Wow is time flying by.

It was odd listening to the rain that hit last night. A short drizzle than a downpour and then gone. Good thing I covered up the golf cart to make sure the seat stayed dry.

A cooler day being a little overcast but still very nice.

First thing was working on the washer this morning. About 5 years ago, I managed to buy a gasket kit. I also bought a seal kit. I took them out on the deck and replaced them all. A appliance repair company told me the dishwasher needed to be replaced. Worked perfect until last year when I had to replace the drain solenoid. Took a bit but once again working perfect. This year it wasn’t draining properly. So I worked on it again, cleaning out the filters and hose. I believe it is up and running again. A dishwasher being 18 years old is a long time. It is especially true when it is subjected to so much heat all summer. The heat is hard on seals and gaskets.

Then off to watch the Roughriders. What a game and luckily the Riders won. I can imagine the party in Regina.

We were invited over to Chuck & Darlene’s place for the game. They had about 30 attendees this year. Great food with a nice variety of items. Plus a fun time watching the game. Chuck’s place is on 1800 block. Tim, Keith, Chuck, Darlene, Dan, Jan, Linda, Denis, Moe, Cindy, and Greg were part the of guest list.

Another nail biter of a game but a good result this time.

I wore my Stamps hat to show my loyalty but was all for the Riders winning.

This is the feet of a gentleman from the Rock. Have you ever seen any so white. I want him to put a toe tag on and wear it .

Bob and Ellen won three of the quarters so made some nice money in our football square game.

A fun night watching the game. Another day in paradise.

Wordle in 2.

Thought of the Day

Winning is like finding that perfect parking spot. A small victory that brings joy

November 17th

“Mercury Forecast Edmonton 0 degrees, Calgary 2 degrees, Mesa 23 degrees”

I see Alberta temperatures are on the down turn and is Mesa’s as we enter the “winter” season. Temperatures are about 18 to 24 degrees coming up later this week. While absolutely lovely you do need a coat or heater on if out later in the evening.

Today both Jackie & I were golfing. Jackie was with a group that she golfed with years ago.

Golf is a funny thing. One great day, one good day then a bad day hit. The greens were cut this morning so a little quicker which didn’t help but I was just off. A great drive and a wedge in and short off the green by 5 to 10 ft. I just couldn’t get the distance right and inevitably a boogie happens. I have never seen Bob miss so many fairways as today. Surprising the course was not full day so we ended up finishing juts over 3.5 hours.

Nice when you play bad you still finish LOW GROSS and LOW NET. Bob stole $2 from me on our Par 3 contests. 3 of the Par three’s we did not hit the greens to qualify.

A short gathering of the minds at Bob’s place and home to relax.

A wonderful chicken breast and mashed potato meal to end the day.

On our late evening walk it started to sprinkle out a bit.

Thought of the Day

Hey, that was fun! Winning was just a bonus

November 18th

“Mercury Forecast Edmonton 1 degrees, Calgary 2 degrees, Mesa 20 degrees”

Woke up in the middle of the night to hear rain. There is a system going thru that will affect our weather for the next few days.

We got to sleep in. Jackie waited to take Daisy for a walk until late around 10 am. Since it was one of those days I made a perfect breakfast of fried eggs, bacon, tomatoes and toast. Jackie bought a sourdough bread with poppy seeds that tastes like an everything bagel. Now I love white bread but this stuff is very good.

Luckily Jackie found a dry spell for her walk. But, another walk later in the afternoon it started to down pour. I messaged her to laugh and said, “You got caught.” However, she was under the patio of her friend talking, which was nice and dry.

I cleaned and organized the shed. I moved stuff around to make room and hung up more hooks. I placed my motion lights in a better spot.

I paid bills today and had to do some juggling around with the extra large visa bills this month. Prebooked airfare, golf memberships in AZ and AB, and hotel rooms with travel incidentals contributed to a huge bill. A new bed, a new washer & dryer, new tires, and iinsurance also added up.

I don’t care for Smith using the Not Withstanding Clause again. However, it is a just cause. This allows the law not to be stuck in courts while kids are possibly being damaged for life. To wait until 16 years old for a radical change makes sense. If you are under 16, you cannot drive or attend certain movies. You also cannot go on a school trip without your parents’ permission. So, it only makes sense with a life changing decision to hold off a bit.

Golf tomorrow with Daisy and Jackie.

Watching TV tonight a wrong couple was removed from our Dancing with the Stars show. Some super performances. They really could have ended the show and awarded Robert Irwin the Mirrorball Trophy he danced so well. It is down to 4 couples and a 3 hr finale next week. Two strong couples and two weaker couples but it is a popularity contest with the voting so one ever knows.

My favorite celebrities are Dylan Efron and Elaine Hendrix but both them are the two weaker dancers.

Thought of the Day

Dance like no one is watching. You can because they are all checking their phones.

Nov 19th-20th

“Mercury Forecast Edmonton 4 degrees, Calgary 5 degrees, Mesa 18 degrees”

Woke up and heard the rain so rolled over at stayed in bed until 9 am. Nice with Daisy and Jackie snuggling.

Wonderful breakfast, watched the news and relaxed.

Got all ready along with Daisy to go golfing. We walked outside and the rain started again. There are too many 30 degrees ahead to golf in the rain. In the short time to put the clubs away and cover the cart I got quite wet. Daisy was confused is she going or not ?

Came into the house after getting wet and everything put away and Jackie phoned the clubhouse. They answered and stated the course was closed for the day. Here lies an issue. As a golfer, you have to cancel a tee time. However, the course doesn’t have to inform me of a closure? Not quite a fair deal.

Disappointment set in for myself and Daisy.

Now rain is one thing and short lived but cold and snow is another story. What this does is remind me how fortune we are to be here. I am positive people will live longer and be healthier. Enjoying the sun, socializing, and movement is essential. Activities like golfing, walking, tennis, pickle ball, or shuffleboard contribute to this well being.

I am trying to figure out the process of the Liberal budget non confidence vote. Two things, I think it was good that Carney won. Too soon, and if an election was called he may have won a majority which would be worst case scenario. I think it is better for Pierre to wait a few months more to let the disaster unfold. We are going into a recession no question but how severe? I want the Liberals out. Carney has done a good job putting Canada out there. However, there are just no concrete successes. Let Pierre become the PM after the realization of the disaster and save the day.

Out for grocery shopping and notice a huge amount of new developments everywhere. New condos, new homes, and businesses all enhance this Mesa area. I would say it had a run-down look over the years.

The rain continued all day, night and this morning still more rain. I would say I prefer being a fair weather golfer and this rain is too much. Even thunder in the night. Some area’s of town had a nasty hail storm and overland flooding while Flagstaff received 28 inches of snow. It is winter after all.

The weather forecaster said we receive on average 35 days of rain per rain in Phoenix. Well we had our three days this month already. LOL Having said that December which is just around the corner is the second wettest.

I have a few projects to get done now. I have to install a rain gutter system on my outdoor kitchen. I need to caulk the Arizona room windows again. The sun kills the caulk fast, and with the rain, we noticed a slight leak. I need to wainscot the bedroom. It is trying to fit it in between functions. I like to start and finish without interruptions. Cleaning up and getting ready takes at least 50% of the time needed. And seal the patio pan with Urethane.

Two mornings in a row with Daisy not being able to walk due to rain.

I booked our May Long Weekend trip. The May Long is early this year and when I backed up 180 days it was off. I almost got caught off guard. I can book 180 days in advance if I pay for 5 units. So when I logged in early I saw someone beat me to the queue and booked our site. Luckily the other site with the picnic shelter was still open so I snagged on it.

This year to be different we will have a potluck brunch versus supper. I also invited a few others and we will see if they come.

We are at Jarvis again. It is a long way for Jessica to travel. However, it is pretty much central for everyone else. Jarvis with the shelter and power just makes it convenient and comfortable if the weather is cooler or rainy. In fact one could pitch a tent in the shelter and use the wood stove for heat.

As always should be fun !! I look forward to this get together every year.

RAIN continues !!

Daisy at my feet wondering why she can’t go for a walk and meet her friends. I think she is smart enough to know that.

Last night we had a family of 5 feral cats walking in front of our house that drove Daisy crazy. Pure black cats and kittens.

The ATA is taking the AB government to court over the back to work order. It is 100% on the union doing this and spending union fees on a court case. No judge when considering the students will side with the union. The decision will focus on whether constitutional law is met or broken. I hope the courts see it as the only means to protect the kids.

It rained for most of the day.

Jackie’s ladies had golfed canceled today so they all gathered at our house for a wine and hen party. Jackie had fun getting ready with treats and food for them. Plus wine !

I was kicked out naturally so Daisy and I went for a drive. Lots of water pooling in the dips and overland pool areas.

We had a chicken lunch and a little walk around in the grass. Then off to the Depot. It was fun driving up and down every aisle looking at the different products. I checked out the product I need for my wainscoting wall. MDF pricing is beyond high.

So many impulse Black Friday items and some I need but I didn’t buy anything.

I then took Daisy back to the dog park where she had a great run around with a smaller Labadoodle. It worked the poop out of her as her schedule with the rain is all thrown off.

Ladies gone so I head home.

Five minutes later, we went over to Dwight’s place. We hopped into Joe’s truck. We needed to pick up a new sofa bed for Dwight. If you look back in my blog you will see I hate sofa beds. They are ridiculously heavy. But once again. LOL We didn’t have far to carry it to load which was nice. Joe is a strong guy.

To get the old one out and the new in we had to remove the deck railing and patio doors. It didn’t take long but made it so much easier. We were very lucky that Donna’s grandson in law was around to help us and the new neighbor from Minnesota. The four of us moved both couches in good time. Then re-installed the deck railing and doors.

Then back to our place to get ready for tonight as we were having Ian and Hugh over for supper. Jackie had most of the smaller stuff like peeling the potatoes, carrots etc already done. Even the salad done.

Tonight we were having Creamy Mashed potatoes. There was smooth flavored Gravy and a delicious crusted Pork Tenderloin. We also enjoyed brown sugar glazed carrots and a great mixed green salad. I loved the French Baguette with butter.

It was a nice visit and supper with two very interesting people. Very enjoyable.

Hope the course is open tomorrow.

Thought of the Day

Vegetables are a must on a diet. I suggest carrot cake, zucchini cake and pumpkin pie.

November 21st

” Mercury Forecast Edmonton 10 degrees, Calgary 8 degrees, Mesa 18 degrees”

I had to make my 6:30 am appointment to book tee times. While I was up, I decided to check outside to feel the temperature. It was cold feeling so I decided to wear pants today and glad I did. While hitting 18 there was a breeze and drizzle the odd time keeping it feeling a lot cooler.

I do have to say I hate getting up early. Did that for 40 plus years of working and now like to get up at a decent time. I like the 8 to 9 am timing. Not only is the dislike for the lack of sleep but the feeling tired all day due to it. I refuse to sleep during the day. Happens the very very odd time but rare. Bedrooms are for sleeping, living rooms are for living.

Speaking of getting up early I have to start hanging Christmas lights at 9 am in the morning. A way way to early in my mind.

It was a pleasant enough day to golf. In fact quite nice. It was an ok day on the course. With the heavy rains, there was no run on the ball. If the ball was just short of the greens, it would plug rather than run on.

We all experienced that happening. A few greens are still in quite poor shape also which doesn’t help the putting.

Kirk ended the day with the LOW GROSS. Lyle finished with the LOW NET at 68. I followed with a score of 68. Kirk had a score of 69.

Barry won $15 , Bob won $5 and Kirk won $5 . The rest of us just paid. Next time. I also have to consider that two of the winners were from the whites tee box. There was no adjustment, so I will need to watch that.

A feast at Mikes for the after golf party and few jabs here and there.

Thought of the Day

Good morning when said before 10 AM as a contradiction of terms .

November 22nd

“Mercury Forecast Edmonton 4 degrees, Calgary 5 degrees, Mesa 21 degrees”

More rain today in AZ. We have broken the record to having the third wettest Nov in history and after day perhaps the second.

Jackie like to make me work. LOL

Up at 8 AM to have coffee and breakfast and starting to work at 8:30 am. Today was Christmas light set up day. 30 homes to do. We got about 25 done. We did not have access to some. Others did not want to participate. Some had done theirs themselves.

It was good today with about 5 guys helping and the ladies providing food and drinks for us.

We had water, hot chocolate, doughnuts, muffins and one of the best tasting Quiche. I had to keep the real men away from this.

Only one roof today to climb on as people had their trees mostly cut back.

It seemed to take a long time this year as it was over 4 hours. That is a lot of climbing up and down on the ladder. It will take another day to go to each house and set up timers and check on power for each.

It will take a day for me to finish my own.

Two hours rest and then off to the billiard hall. Lots of fun again today. Jackie was SICK. She played so well. She made some amazing shots and was instrumental in the girls tying us with the number of wins.

Off to the Chases in the rain. We drove our car while Russ & Carol used their golf cart. They got a little damp. LOL

Fun night and a very successful day in getting things done.

Friday 6:30 am, Monday 6:30 am and today at 8 am too early for me.

Wordle in two !!!!! for me.

Thought of the Day

Anyone need tips? My rates are reasonable. Says Jackie

November 23rd

“Mercury Forecast Edmonton 4 degrees, Calgary 1 degrees, Mesa 17 degrees,”

Rain again all night.

We did it. We are officially the wettest fall in Phoenix EVER ! Funny thing is the temperatures have been nice and warm and not much wind,

Sure helps them with the reservoirs. One golf day canceled so not bad.

The Flames have moved from the basement to 2nd last place with two wins in a row. Yahoo !!

I started this morning and finished by 4 pm putting up the rest of the Christmas decorations. Strings of Christmas lights that are cheap and half-lit are a pain in the ass. I had to throw away 2 strings. I will replace them. Everything else including finishing Ian’s, and Deanna’s place.

I will let the lights go on tonight to adjust them and then wait until after Thanksgiving.

Another Christmas on the way. I think it is good time to remind people. It is NOT Happy Holidays it is Merry Christmas,

Watched a game of Jackson today and wow. He made some great moves around the net then got hammered by this big guy. Luckily he was ok but it was mean and a big hit. Good thing for those Mexican hot tubs on Tuesday coming up.

The other kid was removed from the game and rightly so.

Well it is starting to cool down in Alberta. I believe that those who dislike oil pipelines should take action. They should turn off the furnace to do their part right now.

Brrrrrr I am so lucky not to have to experience this. We will have 30 days in December to tough it out. However, we will be busy doing things. We’ll be visiting, getting gifts, and prepping a Christmas dinner and NYE. So, it will fly by. Hopefully !

Thought of the Day

My winter coat is SPF 50.

November 24th/25th

“Mercury Forecast Edmonton 0 degrees, Calgary -2 degrees, Mesa 19 degrees”

Up at 6 : 30 am again to book tee times. Lucky this time as I got thru quickly and could head back to bed. I do hate getting up this early. I feel tired the whole day. Compared to getting up at 8 am, where I feel refreshed for the whole day.

Just a beautiful day. I was thinking of Christmas yesterday. I put up the lights and decor. Today I enjoyed a game of golf and a cold beer. Life is good . Arizona is good. It is kind of nice that the media scared people away from coming. Once again, the course was finished just over 3 hours.

It is unfortunate that I had a couple of double bogies as I played quite well today. Anytime an eagle is the card, it is a good thing. Throw in the odd birdie and lots of pars, and you know it is an okay day. Eagles are rare for me. This one was special as a eagle on a Par 4 is even rarer. 75 yards off the green on a Par 4 and a great shot rolled right into the hole. It is basically like a hole in one shot. There is a 1% chance of getting a Par 4 eagle.

Kirk had some wonderful tasting Birdie juice that we had to celebrate.

I finished LOW GROSS and LOW NET of the group plus won $12 on the Par 3’s.

It was a warm sunny day. I had to take back pills after setting up all of the decorations though.

I did use the shower massage this morning and it helped. Give it a day and I will be back without having to take a pill.

We had our after gathering at Kirk’s. He was the perfect hostess especially considering Louis wasn’t there, I never saw a man cut up sausage so fast.

It is amazing to me how so many of these guys are so successful. The saying goes you can never get rich if you work for someone else is so true. Owning your own company is the only way. It also requires a certain amount of risk aversion.

I have to figure out a way to invest my $12 as a building block for generational wealth

Another wonderful day in paradise.

Nutrien one of Saskatchewan’s largest companies along with Scott Moe played it wonderfully today. Nutrien is spending 1 billion dollars on a potash export port in Washington, USA. They aim to bypass BC. This move avoids the NDP Eby’s opposition to Canada’s growth. I predict Eby will be kicked out of office pretty quickly. He has a chance to allow the pipeline which will help everyone if he allows that. Way to go Nutrien and perhaps Alberta should do the same thing.

Yes it is risky right now with the political climate but it is win for Canada. My only fear is some kind of tariff on exports. This could make us too expensive for the world market. Time will tell.

The patio pan had a small leak after our torrid rains. I thought today was a good day to get that fixed.

On the way to pick up some sealant I stopped by a recommended spot to refill my patio heater tank. Wow one busy spot. I got my 20 pound tank filled for $12. This is compared to $20 at the local Chevron or $22 for a Home Depot exchange. It is worth the wait and the guys work fast.

Next stop Mobile Depot to pick up Lanco Urethanizer. $189 bucks for a 5 gallon pail now. These things weigh about 60 pounds. It’s a little heavy to lift them over your head while climbing a ladder to get on the roof.

On inspection I am baffled as to where I could have any seepage of water. The entire roof and aluminum pan between the house and patio is perfect. The design of the pan interlocking system makes it inconceivable of water penetration yet it happened. I decided it is not worth coating the pan because of its design. I will phone the contractor that built it to get some idea of what he thinks.

Jackie once again came up with a brilliant idea on the “how” to get it off the roof. I tied a rope to it and swing it out and slowly lowered it. Worked like a charm and i will remember for bringing up another pail in the future. I hope he has an idea.

The top edge is overlapping the next panel. It is at the high point. Thus, it would be very difficult for water to run uphill. Hopefully Paragon Home Services has a plan.

Our neighbor bought a brand new golf cart. It is one amazing cart made for 4 people and street worthy. Stereo, huge screen, gas and brake pedal like a car and led lights around the perimeter.

I was doing a little running around today. I helped our neighbor clean out his under deck pullouts. Amazing how so many leaves got under there.

Next a few tools and helping put in a new sink next door. The sink required the hole to be resized so we had to do some cutting. It took awhile. I am missing a large channel lock plier. Harbor Freight Black Friday. Getting on the sink baskets is a little more difficult. Then the same issue as my house. The lines have to be cut and new PEX shutoffs with the male thread or Sharkbites put on. Took a lot longer than a sink should but things nowadays seem to go that way.

I replaced the caulking around the windows on the Arizona room. Moved my outdoor timer for the Christmas lights as the patio lights were wrecking the sensor timing.

Watched the Dancing with the Stars tonight. Some amazing dancers. My favorites of Alex, Dylan and Robert Irwing all were amazing. But the guy with a wonderful personality and so sincere in his ways won. For his Dad ! And dealing with pain like he did, he very well. The voting fans saw something in him to have the number of votes he received.

Thought of the Day

Working on the sink is 10% tools, 90% pretending you know where the leak is.

November 26th

“Mercury Forecast Edmonton -1 degrees, Calgary -3 degrees, Mesa 22 degrees”

Daisy has the best time visiting with her friends every morning.

You would think the Oilers would get a goalie. Looking at the stats for yesterdays game, two goalies Skinner and Pickard with only 30 shots letting in 8 goals. You cannot win like that.

I have never been a Liberal or NDP voter. This is mostly due to the extreme environmentalist thinking, woke ideology, DEI and social welfare handouts and excessive spending. However, I did like Carney for a while. NOW he is hiding behind Eby. His pipeline stance to help Canada is just a scam. He is allowing one province actually two, BC and Quebec control our countries prosperity . I did not want an election but now feel it is needed. Who cares ! Is a unbelievable statement on our most important issue ever to hit our country.

Beautiful day for Jackie, Daisy and I to hit the course. 25 degrees today even though it really did not feel like it. We got lucky again today and were allowed to golf as a twosome. The game today felt long. We were waiting on every hole. Some waits were due to us being only two. Others were because the course was busier than normal. And some waits were because, man, do old people move slow. I was witness to a lot of Tim Conway shuffling ahead of us.

I never make an excuse but the slowness does wreck your rhythm and focus. Having said that I just did not play well. I scored an 82 but struggled keeping the drive under control and missed away too many shots. Jackie had a lot of wonderful drives today and second shots but just made too many mistakes. She ended up just over 100. I think it was hangry getting the best of her.

We rushed home and picked up our supper and some food for Thanksgiving as the stores are all closed tomorrow.

Thought of the Day

There is no duty underrated as the duty of being happy. It makes everyone’s lifer easier.

November 27th/28th

“Mercury Forecast Edmonton -7 degrees, Calgary -6 degrees, Mesa 25 degrees”

Thanksgiving in the USA is always on the 4th Thursday of November. It’s interesting that this is not a date-specific holiday.

I like our Canadian date much better. Having two holidays with a large turkey meal within a month is too close together. Hence the turkey dinner for Thanksgiving is not the main stay like in Canada.

We were frequently in the USA during this time. Fred & Terry started preparing beef or ribs as a tradition. They also made some excellent roasts which always were delicious. Last year, we had beef roast made by Jackie and me. We also made our first attempt at Yorkshire pudding, which turned out perfect.

This year baked potatoes with BBQ’s ribs and coleslaw.

It was a great meal but a little cooler outside so we had inside this year. I wanted to save my propane tank for our heater for Saturday as we have our light up the street party.

Jackie was off golfing this morning as yesterday was Thanksgiving and the course was closed. My tee time was shortly after hers.

I had a full two tee times filled today. It was one of those fun enjoyable days. A player that used to play years ago joined us and a friend of Kirk’s from Saskatoon joined in. In fact Jim who used to play with us beat us all. He made a score of 78 look so easy. I rode with Dale today Kirk’s friend and he was a fun nice guy to golf with. Very funny and joking all of the time. Partway through the round, he asks me, “Are you the guy with the nice outdoor kitchen? Did you pull out your own tooth years ago?” I was shocked. That was at least 8 years ago. I was by myself when Jackie was back in Calgary helping out her Dad when that happened. I can’t believe someone would have that good of memory.

Dale also was one of those guys who used the F word as an adjective. Plus he used it as a noun, pronoun, and verb in every sentence.

We had a fun time golfing together.

At the after golf party I handed out the money. Lyle wins $7, Barry wins $28

The Par 3 winners are shooting from the whites. I noticed that trend. The bulk of the group are playing from the blues. I have to come up with an idea that is easy to implement and manage. I might divide the winnings or even have every one shoot from the whites. I will see.

It is funny how a person thinks. I was very proud to work my way up be the General Manager and later on the Regional Manager of a large company. Now when someone asks what did you do as they know you are retired I feel odd stating that. It defined me and what I did. Now it seems redundant as retired is retired no matter what you did. Your career is not who you are. Speaking of being retired, I will firstly say it is the best years of your life. However, there are a lot of changes to be made. As I said your title no longer defines you. When you and your spouse both worked there were routines you each followed for yourself separately. Now new ones have to happen. When you leave your job you realize how many of your friends were work colleagues. It is a friendship out of proximity, shared frustration or same team thinking. You leave and that changes. Retired time is fluid. Without set schedules, life becomes unpredictable. Days easily blend into one another. Time seems to fly by too fast. No weekends to look forward to. The biggest obstacle to overcome is your lack of being needed. You had people coming to you every hour with a problem or issue to handle. Even just a signature. Other than your spouse, people needing you is gone. You need to find meaning without being needed. When you retire it is liking running on the treadmill for 40 years and now it is stopped. But the most important difference is how money feels. It is no longer coming in and all of it is going out. You can budget and be frugal. Yet, your account goes down every month. All of your savings are being spent with no recovery. It takes a while to reset. You have to learn to understand that spending on experiences, kids, grandkids, etc isn’t spending irresponsible. It is the whole point of why you saved the money. It is funny as retirement is really another phase in life you have transition through based on your age. But most importantly retirement feels like freedom for most days but other days like a loss. Would I love to convince a customer to buy a million dollars worth of doors from me tomorrow. YES, I would love it. Then I think about the headaches, the hassles, and stress. Then I go golfing and hopefully have a great game and forget about it. My new retirement life challenge.

I love the snow capped mountains in the spring at my TV Golf course. However, I love the warmth and Psalm trees with the mountains at Viewpoint. Not a cloud in the sky today.

A close to another fun day ending with leftover pumpkin pie.

Thought of the Day

 He didn’t have a potty mouth, he had a linguistically enhanced vocabulary with bonus seasoning.

November 29th

“Mercury Forecast Edmonton -7 degrees, Calgary -9 degrees, Mesa 22 degrees”

Another beautiful day here in paradise. Not a cloud in the sky. A day of many things done.

Pulled out the ladder and finalized the timers and lights for our “Lighting Up the Block” party.

I reorganized the shed again as after every project or item to conquer it requires another redo. I have owned only one shed that was big enough. I built that shed at Victoria’s place to use. Every other one has been too small. I have two sheds here and two sheds at Oasis. Additionally, I have two storage units at Silhouette. Every location is too small.

I lifted the golf cart and pulled off the left side wheel and hub. It needs a new bearing and brakes. No bearing puller or press so I may get the Cart Doctor look at it. There are ways to remove and press without the tools and it is cart but takes some time and skill.

We got everything ready at Jake & Donna’s place for tonight. This preparation includes moving my patio heater to their house. The evenings are starting to cool fast now.

I took Daisy for a long drive around the park as Jackie was picking up some treats for tonight.

I moved our bikes and workhorse to the back side from the front side of the house. It just looks better.

I installed the street Noel sign. I had to use a cube so the Psalm tree lights are now in unison with our Noel signs. I will see how many homes we have lite tonight.

The turn out was great and the gathering awesome. The desert table was packed. So much, so much sugary food. Great hot chocolate and some great conversations. And the street looks great !

What was nice was everyone staying to just before midnight then heading home. People have traditionally left after only a couple of hours.

But most importantly it is Atticus’s 8th birthday today. This kid is wonderful. Strong willed, very funny sense of humor and a caring kid. He does get spoiled and loves it. He is one tough kid. We are lucky to experience him and to see him experience things.

Happy 8th Birthday Atticus

Thought of the Day

You’re growing up so fast, I’m starting to think you’re trying to catch up to me… good luck with that!

November 30th

“Mercury Forecast Edmonton -7 degrees, Calgary -4 degrees, Mesa 22 degrees

Wow, time flies by. We are heading into December already. There are only 12 more days of sunshine, warmth and golf left this year.

As I said last nights block party was great. I talked to people about their plans. This year, the street will be very empty in December. More couples than normal are heading home for Christmas. It accomplishes a few things. You get to see family at Christmas, it allows for the new rules to be handled easier for a stay in the USA, and it resets your medical coverage so it works out good. And more people are staying the 30 days to maximize the value of the stay.

Jackie & I along with Russ & Carol headed to Fat Willy’s tonight for supper. Tonight is Russ & Carol’s last day at Viewpoint. They decided to sell and got lucky selling it within a day. We will miss Russ & Carol as they are just nice people. We have known them since 2014 when they bought on 800 street. I loved Russ’s laugh. A hotrod car guy and a jack of all trades. We will miss our billiard games and get togethers.

Once again change happens. Change is good. However, sometimes losing connections with people you know well and like is not what you want.

Here is a old picture from 2017 ( that is almost 9 yrs ago) celebrating my birthday with Russ & Carol

I hope to take the motor home out to Vancouver Island in the near future for a visit with them.

Thought of the Day

Memories of friendship will always have a special place in your heart. The best thing you can do is to smile and let it go. Accept that life goes on. Change is inevitable.