August 16th

“Mercury Forecast Edmonton 24 degrees, Calgary 25 degrees, Mesa 42 degrees”

The Mud Girls event delivered exactly the kind of chaos Calgary specializes in: rain, mud, and a crowd of women who showed up ready to prove that “race” is clearly just a suggestion in the marketing department. Honestly, calling it a race is ironic. It’s a mud walk, a mud trudge, a mud survival course — pick your favorite — but unless someone is secretly training for the Olympics, nobody is breaking land-speed records out there. Yet that is what makes it so cool. Start as a team and finish as a team. A awesome event promoting togetherness and team building. A gentle way of racing.

What was impressive, though, was the sheer variety of participants. Women of every age, shape, and fitness level slogging through the muck like it was a spa treatment they accidentally paid for. Better than the mud baths we paid for in Fiji. Moms dragging kids, kids dragging moms, older women powering through like they’ve seen worse and aren’t about to be intimidated by a puddle. The competitive edge was removed, replaced with camaraderie, laughter, and the occasional scream when someone sank deeper than expected.

And the rain? Perfect. Nothing says “premium mud experience” like a downpour which we had last night turning the course into a slip‑and‑slide designed by someone who hates clean laundry. It elevated the event from “muddy” to “down right soggy,” which is exactly what everyone secretly hoped for.

But the highlight — the legend of the day — was Jessica. She ran 4 km of a 5 km course with one shoe. One. The mud swallowed the other whole, never to be seen again, probably living its best life in a new ecosystem. Most people would stop, panic, or attempt a rescue mission. Jessica? She shrugged and kept going like she was auditioning for a gritty reboot of Cinderella. That’s not just determination — that’s commitment to the bit. We were more than impressed.

It’s the kind of moment that sums up the whole event: messy, ridiculous, impressive, and absolutely worth bragging about.

All of Victoria’s friends were troopers and it was fun to watch them work the maze of paths and help each other along the way.

Thought of the Day

I thought I was attending a drywall mudding training session. All of the that mud to fill all of those cracks.

August 17th

“Mercury Forecast Edmonton 25 degrees, Calgary 25 degrees, Mesa 44 degrees”

My golf favorite Scottie wins another tournament by 9 strokes and my least favorite Rory finishes 66th out of 69 players. All things are good and fair.

The lightning storm last night put on such a show that I’m convinced the sky was just showing off. And now we’re apparently settling into that classic Calgary pattern: warm, sunny days followed by nightly drama in the clouds, like nature’s version of binge‑watching a series with way too many cliffhangers. I only wish the huge window shaking thunder would happen.

Nothing in town needed my attention, so I took myself on an organizing trip out to Oasis. The grass had reached that stage where it stops being “a bit long” and starts looking like it’s plotting a takeover. After a solid trim, it finally remembered it’s supposed to be a lawn, not a jungle. It is so lush it looks fake.

This year should have been the best flower season ever for pretty much everyone. We’ve had heat, rain, sunshine — the holy trinity of plant happiness. I should add one more Miracle Grow. The best! And even though I’ve said it a dozen times already, this year has been one weird blur. It flew by so fast that we’ve probably spent the least amount of time at Oasis… yet somehow the flowers and shrubs decided to thrive like they were competing in a botanical Olympics. I may be biased but our lot looks wonderful comparing it to most. Some live out here all summer and there lot not so much.

It’s almost suspicious. You leave them alone, and suddenly they’re flourishing like they hired their own gardener. But hey — if Oasis wants to be an overachiever, I’m not complaining.

I organized completely the she shed and the outdoor tool box. Most things within reach and findable. Not easy with too much stuff for too small of space.

Still waiting on a final call for my motorhome pick up so filling in time with golfing.

This week I am at River Spirit on Wednesday, Turner Valley on Thursday and Speargrass Golf on Friday. My expectations are high for this week as things lately having been coming together. Each day high 70’s to low/mid 80’s is the target.

Wordle in 3 for Jackie and I. Nice !

Thought of the Day

Chronophobia or tachysensia, I am not sure which, but time is flying by toooo fast.

August 18th

“Mercury Forecast Edmonton 25 degrees, Calgary 26 degrees, Mesa 43 degrees”

This stretch of weather has felt like a study in contrasts. After a spring and early summer that never quite found its footing, July arrived with the kind of consistency people talk about years later. August has followed suit, warm, bright, and steady. It’s hard not to wonder whether this is becoming the pattern: a long, unsettled lead‑up, then two months of pure summer compressed into a perfect window. A season that used to feel like three months now feels like two, but those two are undeniably good.

My car‑wash routine fits neatly into that rhythm of appreciating what’s reliable. Seton’s wash bays are exactly the kind of place that makes the task feel less like a chore and more like a small ritual. An hour spent washing, brushing, rinsing, and shining a fourteen‑year‑old truck is time well spent, especially when the results still turn heads from a distance. Their are imperfections — the dull marks, the road‑paint flecks, the rust on the wind deflector — are the kinds of things that come with age and use, not neglect. Most of them are straightforward fixes, and the truck clearly still carries itself well.

What stood out to me today — and understandably so — was the level of care others were putting into their vehicles. It’s refreshing to see people of any background or age choosing to hand wash rather than take the easy drive‑through option. Hand washing is deliberate. It’s slower, more attentive, and it says something about how someone values what they own. Whether it’s a family keeping their car spotless, someone tending to a modified ride, or a younger driver doing a full clean, the common thread is pride.

Myself and three Asian ladies were in the wash bays. To have ladies committed to their car to hand wash is impressive. One was a family ( impressive to hand wash) one was either her boyfriends car or she was a car nut as the car was modified and looked great. And the other a young one doing a complete wash job. Nice to see as you can just drive thru the brush or touchless washes and end up with a decent wash but not as good as a hand job.

That’s what’s impressive — not who’s doing it, but the commitment behind it.

Tonight gave me one of those subtle reminders that parenting teenagers is its own comedy routine. Jackson asked if we could drive him and a few friends to the mall, since Corey and Tor were at the hospital visiting Peggy after her stroke and the other parents weren’t around. On the way, I told Jackie, “I’m not sure how I feel about them hanging around the mall until 9 pm.” She didn’t miss a beat: “They’re in high school.” I had genuinely forgotten. And considering what I was doing at fifteen and sixteen, I’m not eager for history to repeat itself. It caused quite a laugh.

When they climbed out of the car, I couldn’t help saying to Jackie, “That’s our future right there. Two of those boys look like they’re in Grade 7, not high school.” It was one of those moments that made us laugh — the kind where you realize your grandkids are growing up fast, even if half their friends still look like they should be asking permission to cross the street never mind alone time in a mall with lurking dangers.

I had to add this in. Yesterday Jess and the boys stayed at Tor’s place. The boys all got together and I don’t know about other kids but this three are addicted to hair product and cologne. This is what you can accomplish with product LOL

Thought of the Day

Doctor- you are eating wrong, Dentist- you are flossing wrong, Spouse- you are making the bed wrong, Boss- you are formatting it wrong, Cart girl- Excellent choice Why I like golf !

August 19th-21st

“Mercury Forecast Edmonton 26 degrees, Calgary 25 degrees, Mesa 42 degrees”

It was one of those deceptively perfect days: warm, sunny, no wind, no smoke — the kind of weather that tricks you into believing the golf gods might finally show mercy. With the water shut off early for repairs and an earlier-than-usual tee time at Rivers Spirit, the day started briskly. And for the first time in all of our years playing there, we tackled the elusive third nine. As it turns out, “first time” is golf’s polite way of saying, “Good luck, you’re on your own.”

Despite recently breaking 80, today’s round took a dramatic turn in the opposite direction. No excuses, of course — although skipping the back pills certainly didn’t help the cause. I, Wendy, and Jeff all produced what can only be described as a group performance of synchronized struggling. Balls were lost at a rate that would make a Titleist sales rep weep with joy. The lone bright spot was Wendy’s chipping, which at least proved someone in the group remembered how to use a wedge.

Still, 7000 steps of fresh air and frustration count as exercise, even if the enjoyment was slightly tainted by the scorecard.

With Jackie busy taking Audrey to an appointment, she missed the round but joined afterward for dinner. I picked her up and still managed to beat the Graces to Bobby’s Place by twenty minutes — only to discover they’d dashed home to change outfits. A wardrobe intermission, if you will. I did not even have a hint of perspiration so confused with that. LOL

Dinner itself was the day’s redemption. In honor of our English guests, I ordered the Shepherd’s Pie — an upside-down masterpiece, albeit missing corn, which should be illegal. Dessert was Sticky Toffee Pie, and it delivered exactly the kind of sweet, comforting closure a rough golf day requires. I am so English !

We get home and the water is back on. Wow surprised the water was so dirty. Why no boil order? It plugged the faucet screens it was so dirty. Stupid ! And we are supposed to drink this ?

A board member phoned about the issue after Jackie sent pictures. He is going to have the plumbing company tomorrow to check it out.

I have to leave at 8:15 am for my Turner league and Jackie right now is at the hospital with Audrey as the ambulance took her in, so who knows when she will be back.

There’s nothing quite like an early‑morning shotgun start to remind you that golf is, in fact, a sport — one that requires waking up at an hour normally reserved for airport runs and questionable life choices. But off we went, bright‑eyed (or at least open‑eyed) and ready to play before the tournament crowds rolled in later in the day.

I’ll admit, I stepped onto the first tee feeling a little tentative. My last round had left me with the kind of lingering doubt usually reserved for people who’ve recently tried to assemble IKEA furniture without instructions. But today? Today was different. Today, I actually golfed.

On my personal rating scale — which is as scientific as a weather forecast and twice as honest — I’d give the round a 3.5 out of 5. The swing felt good, the ball mostly obeyed, and aside from the occasional missed putt or tiny misstep, I played very well.

Now, the scorecard… well, that’s another story.

Two holes decided to stage a mutiny: one greeted me with a 10, the other with a 9. These were not just bogeys — these were full‑blown adventures. Character‑building holes. The kind of holes where you start questioning your swing mechanics, and whether golf is truly a healthy hobby. But aside from those two episodes of temporary idiocy, the rest of the round was genuinely solid.

Turner Valley itself is in fantastic shape — lush fairways, smooth greens, and the kind of course conditions that make you feel like you should be better at golf simply by standing there. I’m already looking forward to Monday’s round with Jeff and Wendy. If the weather cooperates, I’m confident they’ll appreciate just how good the course is right now. It’s one of those days where the scenery, the conditions, and the company all line up perfectly… provided I leave the 9s and 10s at home. I am positive they will have higher scores than expected.

All in all, a great morning: early start, strong play, a couple of comedic disasters, and a course that’s shining. Golf, as always, keeps me humble — but today, it also kept me happy.

As we finished early and it was shotgun the clubhouse would have been packed so we abstained this week and all headed home.

At home the plumber came around and I think they were in disbelieve with the amount of sediment we had. I cleaned out the aerator and the plumber replaced the control valve on the toilet due to the sediment. We were guaranteed the water was safe to drink yet even the plumber said he wouldn’t drink the first dark water we received out of the tap. Glad to have it all fixed.

The motorhome saga continues, and we are still stuck in limbo. I talked to the repair shop again, but being seven hours away means my hands are tied tighter than a bad knot. All I can do is bite my tongue, stay polite, and lean on persuasion, concern, and a little strategic helplessness. Hopefully someone down there takes pity on us soon. September long is coming fast.

Our season at Oasis is ending early this year. The electrical upgrade — a lovely $6,500 out‑of‑pocket surprise — starts September 16th, which means everything shuts down. It’s disappointing because September can be beautiful, but honestly, this whole year has been a blur and a little bit disappointing and stressful more than normal. Rushing home early as we lost my Mom, everything that happens when someone dies. dealing with BMO a bank no one should ever trust, surgery in April, terrible weather until July, and just a general feeling — shared by Jackie — that we never got the relaxing, enjoyable summer we hoped for. Oasis didn’t get the attention it deserved, and neither did our excursions. We keep saying “next year,” but time isn’t exactly slowing down for us.

Today, though, was exactly what summer should feel like: friends, golf, good food, and good drinks. We met Jeff and Wendy at Speargrass, which continues to be the best value we get through VIP. Fantastic course, great restaurant, and yes, I’m biased — I have two holes‑in‑one there. It’s hard not to love a place that has treated me that well.

The weather was perfect. Warm, sunny, and strangely wind‑free. The only thing drifting through the air was the sweet smell of money — also known as cow manure. Rural Alberta ambiance at its finest.

Golf was a mixed bag. The girls played well, each grabbing a couple of pars. Jeff couldn’t quite get things rolling today, but there’s always Monday. I started strong with two birdies on the front nine and a tidy 39. I had a real chance to break 80… until the back nine decided to remind me who’s boss. The putts refused to drop, and I went on a bogey spree. Still a very solid round, just not the one I was chasing.

Dinner afterward was fantastic, as usual. My steak was seasoned and cooked perfectly, my Caesar drink was spot‑on, Jeff got his IPA, and Jackie ordered her usual. All was right in the world. A fun outing, and we’re already looking forward to Monday.

On the news front, Canada declined the tariff deal and now we’re hit with 50% tariffs on a lot of products. I’m glad Carney didn’t fold completely. At some point, the bully needs a slap. If it were up to me, I’d match it: 50% tariffs on electricity going south, same for softwood, potash, minerals — and ban USA spirits. We need to escalate this war now that we have been attacked. Two years of a poor economy is better than a long term contract that is counter productive.

Instead of giving money to other nations right now use the funds to keep Canadian manufacturing alive until we diversify our customer base. It’s Business 101: never put all your eggs in one basket. The U.S. administration doesn’t seem to grasp how much this will impact their average citizen. Hit back fast and hard, and maybe they’ll return with a real deal.

Thought of the Day

The only way to combat a bully is to stand together. We are stronger that we think.

August 22nd

” Mercury Forecast Edmonton 29 degrees, Calgary 29 degrees, Mesa 44 degrees”

No real plans today so that meant Jackie could sleep in. And she did. She did not get out of bed until 8:10 am.

After the Daisy walk Jackie made us some awesome Smoothies that are supposed to be good for us. I love them.

Then off to Oasis as we needed to pick up a new FOB for the gate as I lost one. I little mixed up but our lady got it all figured out and setup so we are good.

A craft sale today in our big blue building. Some interesting items but it is just stuff and we do not need stuff ! Pickles, signs, toys, games, all kinds of stuff.

We started and finished quite fast making the place look good. Flowers all dead headed and me not being there to manage them they are awesome. Even my Clematis is looking great and just about to flower. Nice having Jackie there as things went quick. The place looks fantastic.

After getting our ice cream cones and leaving I see a man running after us waving. We forgot the garbage bags on the roof of the Jeep.

We have received a few updates on the English cousins and they look like they are having a blast. Here are just a few pics.

The Rocky Mountains have a way of making you feel both tiny and absolutely invincible at the same time. One minute you’re standing there, jaw dropped, wondering how anything on Earth can be that majestic… and the next minute you’re strapping yourself into a zipline harness thinking, “Sure, why not fling myself off a cliff today?”

Janet and Andy are clearly on a mission to hit every “wow” button the Rockies have to offer. They’re checking off the classics — the jaw‑dropping vistas, the iconic hot spots — but they’re also sprinkling in just enough adrenaline to keep things spicy. A gondola ride that climbs straight into the clouds? Perfect. White‑water rafting that guarantees at least one moment of “I think the river just tried to eat me”? Essential. Add in a gentle Bow River float and you have magic.

It’s the ultimate combo platter: beauty that stops you in your tracks, and thrills that kick your heart into gear. Together, it turns the Rockies from a scenic backdrop into a full‑blown showpiece — the kind you don’t just forget.

And honestly, with the way they’re going, the mountains might need a rest day just to keep up with them.

It is a huge advantage for UK visitors right now with the exchange rate as you basically double your money.

I am very glad they are experiencing this and hope they feel it is a special trip worthwhile seeing.

Thought of the Day

Ever notice how tourist will stand in the street not noticing the traffic to get the perfect shot.

August 23rd

“Mercury Forecast Edmonton 26 degrees, Calgary 27 degrees, Mesa 43 degrees”

I won’t dive deep into the trade deal itself, except to say this: I hope it finally wakes people up. What we’re watching isn’t simple negotiation — it’s economic warfare, and it’s a battle we cannot win on our or even on their terms. Even so, I stand firmly behind the decision to pull out. When a nation believes it has the authority to dictate who another country can partner with, the whole situation crosses into the absurd.

Trying to control another nation’s culture, language, and internal choices — and doing it through pressure, intimidation, and outright bullying — is unbelievable. No free country should tolerate that kind of overreach. I know most people outside of Quebec that understand basic economics would say the dual language in Canada is a negative and costly to everyone, but we have it, it is special and no country has the right to question. What is real stupid is the States sells to Japan or Germany and have to have the home language on instructions etc. Most manufactures put sometimes up to 6 different languages in their instructions.

If anything, I’d go one step further than Carney. We only have two more years to endure this, and yes, it will be hard on a lot of people. But you cannot give in to a tyrant. Sometimes the cost of standing your ground is steep, but the cost of surrender is far worse. Tariff power, potash, oil and they will come to the table a little more receptive. I like Ford’s idea of targeted tariffs in Red states and product specific. Where does the States find these negotiating people ?

Prediction: the stock market drops 400 points on Monday, August 24th.

Today we took Audrey to GolfTown first, since she figured they might have pants she liked. I didn’t mind — golf balls were on sale, and after my River Spirit adventure I needed to replenish the supply. Only one lost at Speargrass, which I’m still bragging about. So I walked out with a win, but Audrey didn’t find a thing.

What did catch my eye was GolfTown itself. Something strange is happening in that store, and it’s been creeping in for years. The marketing feels like subliminal negative messaging aimed straight at masculinity. Everywhere you look, men and boys are being nudged toward shaving everything, booking massages, pedicures, manicures, buying colognes and beauty products that used to be strictly on the other side of the aisle. You see more and more straight men adopting a feminine aesthetic, and the traditional male — the one many of us grew up around — seems to be fading away. When half the men’s department is stocked with pink, I can’t help but shake my head. Maybe it’s just me, but it feels like GolfTown is trying to turn every guy into a backup dancer for a boy band.

If anyone wears pink when golfing with me rest assured unless they can drive the ball past the ladies tee box and my ball, I will for sure be like someone with Tourette’s and shout out ” Good shot Alice”

Pink is for ladies, women, girls, and breast cancer. Pink is widely recognized as a gentle and nurturing color. It represents love, compassion and tenderness. Pink is believed to reduce aggression, and evoke feelings of hope, joy and optimism.

I do not want males wearing pink or think it is proper, but I think it is females that need to sound the alarm, get angry and revolt, as marketing is trying to remove pink from being female dominate. It is the ONLY color that is specific to a gender, Blue does not have the same stigma attached. Another example of a male oriented world trying to overtly steal something from the female gender.

MAN UP guys.

Right across the street was Winners, so Audrey and Jackie headed in while I stayed outside and people‑watched. Wordle in two — a rare moment of brilliance I will absolutely take credit for. They weren’t long, and Audrey came out with a couple pairs of pants and some blouses. Success achieved, just not where she expected it.

I’ll regress for a moment. I’ve seen it over and over again: when people stop moving, everything declines. My Dad, Mom, Peter, and many others we know — once they become sedentary, balance goes, strength goes, and life shrinks. Even with something like congestive heart failure, which most of us will face eventually, movement is still the best medicine. Sit, and you slowly fade. Move, and you give yourself a fighting chance. I have golfed with many 80 yr old plus and two 90 yr old guys and they still can hit the ball and bend to get the ball out of the hole or on to the tee as they are active people.

One of the biggest indicators of decline that people need to be aware of is the pace they walk. If you keep your pace up everything stays fluid. If you slow walk it is a sign of the mind struggling to maintain balance and movement. This decline shown by slow walking is both cognitive and physical.

Jackie & I make a point of trying to stay active. We walk the stairs. Jackie walks the 9‑hole course down south. My back can’t handle 18 holes. Stamina wise no issue what so ever. I can still work a 12 hour day doing manual work. Last year Corey and I did two full days of 12 to 15 hours per day. Jackie & I are on the move most of the day, evenings aside. I love spending a full day working on a project or in the garden. We ride normal bikes — electric bikes don’t do anything for your body except let you pretend you exercised — and Jackie clocks 10,000 steps with Daisy without fail. It’s simple: keep moving, stay alive, and try not to let GolfTown convince you that pink is your new personality.

Tonight’s meal was nothing short of extraordinary. We picked up groceries earlier, and somewhere between the produce aisle and the checkout lane, inspiration struck. I decided to go a little special for supper — and it ended up turning out extra special.

The air fryer, by the way, is heaven. I’m convinced it’s the greatest invention since sliced bread, and frankly, it might even beat sliced bread if we’re being honest. Whoever created it deserves a medal.

I made crispy lemon‑peppered chicken breast with a golden crust that looked like it had been air‑kissed by the culinary gods. The baked potatoes came out with that perfect dry skin and soft, fluffy interior. Then came the roasted beets and roasted carrots, colourful and sweet. Should have added corn to the meal.

I have to say, it was amazing. And yes, I’m complimenting my own cooking — when a meal hits the mark, you’re allowed a little victory lap around the kitchen.

“Thinkth not of ill and decease, and thou shall defeat the foe within.” There’s a timeless wisdom in that simple line: most of the battles we fight happen in our own minds.

We spend so much of life worrying about things outside our control — imagining outcomes that never come to pass, rehearsing problems that may never materialize. Yet when we pause and look honestly at our days, we realize that the majority of our fears dissolve long before they ever reach us.

Each morning is an invitation. We get to wake up, breathe deeply, and step into another day of experiences, choices, and moments that won’t come again. Life is good. Life is short. And every sunrise is a reminder that we have another chance to make the most of it.

Gratitude doesn’t require perfection. It simply asks us to notice what’s already here. No matter our circumstances, there is almost always someone carrying a heavier burden, facing a steeper climb, or wishing for the very things we take for granted. Recognizing that doesn’t diminish our challenges — it just helps us see our blessings more clearly.

So let’s worry less about imagined troubles and focus more on the gift of being here. Let’s choose excitement over fear, presence over rumination, and appreciation over scarcity. The foe within grows weaker every time we shift our attention toward what’s real, what’s good, and what’s possible.

Over the years, I’ve shared this simple message with my daughters and with every team I’ve worked alongside: “Thinkth not of ill and decease, and thou shall defeat the foe within.” It’s an old‑style phrase, but the meaning is clear. Most of the battles we face are the ones we create in our own minds.

I hung a large sign in the lunchroom at work with that saying on it. Not because I enjoy decorating walls, but because I wanted people to understand something important: showing up matters. In a warehouse environment, you’re spread out—sometimes hundreds of feet apart—so “spreading sickness” was never the real issue. But when someone phoned in sick unnecessarily, the entire operation felt it. One person down meant one station slowed, one workflow disrupted, and the team carrying extra weight.

It wasn’t about perfection. It was about responsibility.

Every cold you push through, every minor discomfort you face head‑on, builds resilience. Your body learns. Your mind toughens. The next time, the challenge feels smaller. The next time, you’re stronger. And the word cold can be replaced with any type of struggle someone is going thru.

That perspective doesn’t dismiss anyone’s struggles—it simply reminds us of the strength we often forget we have.

So show up. Be present. Do your part. And remember: the foe within is defeated not by avoiding life, but by living it fully.

Motion is Lotion should be ingrained in all of our minds. Defeat the foe of procrastination and laziness and move.

Thought of the Day

Someone, somewhere in the world right now is pulling on a door that says push. Doesn’t that make you feel great ?

August 24th

“Mercury Forecast Edmonton 26 degrees, Calgary 24 degrees, Mesa 41 degrees”

Our stretch of great weather just keeps rolling, and I’m certainly not complaining. Jackie was up at 7 a.m. today — which in our family is the universal alarm bell that something important is happening. Usually it means booking a tee time or grabbing a campsite, but today it was securing an emergency dental appointment for Audrey.

Her crown came loose last night, so Jackie dashed out to get Polygrip to hold things together until the dentist could take a look. Luckily, our long‑time dentist squeezed her in at 9:30 a.m. Jackie had a busy Scotia meeting day, so I picked Audrey up and delivered her to the appointment. The verdict: the tooth needs to come out next week. Typical English teeth — built for tea, not longevity. A small hiccup, but all good.

The real highlight of the day was golfing with Jeff and Wendy at my Turner Valley Golf Course. I’ve been a member there since 2010, and yes, I’m biased, but very few courses compare. Once our VIP commitments wrap up, this will be the place Jackie and I play most. We could save at least $2k golfing as members, but we still enjoy the variety with VIP and the Graces for now.

One of the best things about Turner is you are out in the country where it is quiet, peaceful and you get to see a lot of wildlife. Today the deer were cute hiding in the bushes.

The rear end of this deer was odd. It was very swollen and red.

Everyone played well today. Wendy was driving the ball beautifully. Jackie was hitting her drives extremely well and came close to breaking 100. Jeff played better than I’ve seen in a while. And I had my lowest score at Turner this year — always makes the sunshine feel a little warmer.

We wrapped up with food and cold beer on Turner’s patio, which has fantastic mountain views and huge portions. The member discount doesn’t hurt either: 10% off each meal and I teased Wendy that is 50% off after 5 meals. We caught Wendy thinking about that for a bit.

Jackie even snagged a skort at 50% off in the end‑of‑season sale from the pro shop. It is a great looking outfit.

Great day, great course, fun friends, good golf, and warm weather — the kind of day that reminds you why retirement adventures are worth writing about.

Thought of the Day

I like to read my blog past years occasionally to remind myself what a wonderful exciting adventurous fun filled life we have lead since retiring

August 25th-27th

“Mercury Forecast SUMMER FOR EVERYONE AND PERFECT HITTING 30 DEGREES”

Daisy set the tone for the week by strutting home from her grooming appointment like she’d just won Best in Show. Fresh haircut, smelling wonderful, and doing that classic Daisy routine — trembling dramatically on the way in as if she’s being dropped off at a Victorian orphanage, then bursting out afterward like she’s been reborn. She really is a character, and she knows it.

With her royal highness taken care of, the day shifted into preparation mode. Janet and her family were returning from the mountains, and there’s a familiar rhythm to these visits: the quiet reset of the house before the lively stretch of stories, meals, and laughter. Since they’d be staying at our house before their flight to Toronto — the self‑proclaimed “center of the universe” — we wanted everything just right. I’ve always said Londoners and Torontonians share that same slightly elevated sense of self. Not rude, just… gently convinced they’re the main characters.

Their last day in Calgary wasn’t meant to be anything big — just a relaxed wander, some shopping, and soaking up the city. But Adam and Will had a mission: become honorary Calgarians. And in this town, that means one thing — cowboy hats.

We started the day with a breakfast picnic at Fish Creek. Tim’s breakfast sandwiches, a picnic table in the shade, and Alan and MaryAnn joining us. Janet and Andy, along with the boys, have a full‑blown love affair with Tim Hortons. If Tim’s ever needs international ambassadors, they’ve got four ready to go. They say the Tim’s store in England is totally different. It was a perfect morning for a picnic, warm but not too hot, and the kind of easy conversation that makes you forget about time.

Then it was off to Lammle’s Western Wear, where the boys dove into cowboy hat shopping with the seriousness of men choosing wedding tuxedos. Felt, straw, resin, faux leather — each one tried on, admired, and judged. They each picked a different style, and honestly, they looked fantastic.

I teased them that they’d be lady‑killers back in the UK, strolling around with cowboy hats like country‑music superheroes. I even threw in the classic line: “Save a horse, ride a cowboy.” They rolled their eyes, but they loved it. Adam sent a photo to his girlfriend, who apparently has a soft spot for country music — she was thrilled. A good‑looking English guy in a cowboy hat? That’s basically bees to honey.

With their new pride and joys in hand, we headed to Bass Pro Shops. If you’ve never been, it’s like Disneyland for outdoorsy people. Everyone was in awe.

Janet even took pictures of the taxidermy animals to send to Keith, hoping to convince him she’d been on some sort of safari. We wandered for ages, exploring every corner.

Next stop: the Peace Bridge. A small detour thanks to construction, but we made it work. It’s a beautiful spot — people floating down the river, families walking, cyclists weaving through, and the boys cruising around on e‑scooters like cowboy cousins on tour. We grabbed ice cream from a vendor, visited Prince’s Island Park, and enjoyed some top‑tier people‑watching. Janet found it funny that no one looked twice at the boys in their cowboy hats. She didn’t realize that in Calgary, a cowboy hat is practically camouflage. At Bass, we even saw another guy fully decked out. The boys fit right in.

We wrapped up the afternoon with a drive through the city, pointing out landmarks and favourite spots, then headed home to get ready for the evening.

Dinner at The Keg is our Alberta tradition — the perfect send‑off meal. Alberta beef, Caesars, and that unmistakable Keg atmosphere. I ordered Andy a double‑garnish Caesar, because if you’re going to do it, do it properly. Will tackled the prime rib like a champion. Andy went classic with a steak. Adam chose the Keg Burger, and Janet had the chicken. Every plate was a hit. And of course, we finished with a shared Billy Miner pie — decadent, rich, and absolutely not needed other than for them to experience it.

We finished the night off with a great get together at Audrey’s.

Where do you think Daisy gravitates towards ?

It was a wonderful final night together, full of laughter, teasing, and that warm feeling you get when a visit has gone exactly the way you hoped. Tomorrow they head off to new adventures, and hopefully they’ll go home saying they loved every minute.

Meanwhile, back in real life, our motorhome is still in limbo. Wrong rotors delivered. Day 26 and counting. At this point, the motorhome saga is starting to feel like a Netflix series — and not one of the short ones.

I had to leave Audrey’s quite early this morning to golf in my men’s league at Turner Valley. It started off a little cool and then warmed up bog time getting to what some may call hot. I called it perfect for golf ball distance and loose backs.

A good day. I won money from my three playing partners. It filled my Loonie pill bottle. I also will receive money when they send out the sheets. I finished FIRST in my flight. I golfed quite well and would have had a amazing game except for two holes. Still a great game. ! A fun game !

After golf we went in to have a bite to eat, collect my winnings etc when Larry discovered his wife was having a wellness issue so we cancelled our order and immediately drove home.

Thought of the Day

Do you also put 911 down as the phone number on your employment form as your emergency contact ?

August 29th-30th

“Mercury Forecast Edmonton 23 degrees, Calgary 24 degrees, Mesa 41 degrees”

What an absolutely perfect day. Warm, sunny, no wind, and barely any smoke — the kind of weather that makes you feel like the universe finally decided to cooperate once again for golfing. It took a awhile but we have been on a streak.

The day started with dropping Daisy off at Audrey’s, her favorite daycare. She practically sprints through the door, which always makes me laugh. From there, it was off to Muirfield Lakes to golf with Jeff and Wendy. I’ve always loved this course — interesting holes, sloped greens, and a layout that just feels right. It’s one of those tracks where even a bad shot doesn’t ruin your mood.

Jeff and Wendy actually arrived early, which is becoming a trend. These are the same people who used to show up with seconds to spare, so seeing them relaxed and warming up is still a bit shocking. But arriving early really does make a difference. You get a chance to decompress, roll a few putts, take a couple swings, and convince your body it’s ready to behave. Even a few air swings help loosen things up, though the range is great for fixing alignment issues before they become disasters.

Golf itself was a blast. Everyone played well overall — a few errant shots here and there, but nothing tragic. I was one hole away from breaking 80 again until I took an 8, which felt like the golf gods reminding me not to get cocky. Still, low 80s with penalty strokes is perfectly fine. My irons were fantastic all day. I had 12 pars, and at least half a dozen birdie chances inside ten feet… and missed every single one. That’s golf. But it was fun, and that’s what matters.

After the round, we headed in for supper. Muirfield’s pricing on golf is already great, and the $10‑off deal for golfers for the restaurant is brilliant marketing. My chicken breast burger was incredible, and the salad was ice‑cold and generous. Jackie loved her meal too. Jeff ordered a burger and immediately removed the lettuce and tomato — I don’t know how anyone eats a burger without garnish. LOL Meat and bun alone just doesn’t excite the taste buds. I love peanut butter and lettuce sandwiches as the lettuce gives you the crunch, same in a burger. Everyone tastes are so different. I feel sorry for the cooks as they have created a monster with over easy, easy, pooched, over hard, rare, medium rare, medium, well done. All it does is create a reason for an issue. Wendy said her chicken was overcooked, which is funny because last time her fish was overcooked. At this point she might want to order sushi just to see if the kitchen can resist the urge to cremate it. I think the kitchens are picking on her.

What I really enjoyed was the conversation. It always amazes me how different people can be — personalities, likes, dislikes, beliefs — and yet still get along so well. Wendy loves soap operas; we don’t. We like reality shows; they don’t. Jeff loves baseball; we only watch sports when the World Cup is on. They like old‑style pizza; I’m a Chicago‑style guy. They lean NDP; I’m a proud PC supporter and union hater. Jeff loves IPA; I can’t stand the smell and prefer normal beer, we love Tim’s they hate it, we hate olives they love them, I love the feeling of excitement, being scared and fear they don’t. They love adventurous food we are pretty plain liking home cooked style or simple meals. And yet we laugh, tease, and enjoy every minute together. Differences make life interesting, and they give me plenty of material to poke fun at. As long as jeff doesn’t show up wearing pink. lol

The day got even better when Jessica received confirmation of her new job. We’re so happy for her — great hours, great location in Raymond, excellent benefits, and real stability. It’s a huge win.

And then the motorhome news came in. It’s finally ready for pickup. 25 days in waiting. I was expecting a $6K bill, but it came in at $4K, which was a pleasant surprise. My only hope is that the brake parts aren’t from China — when you’re stopping 30,000 pounds of rolling steel near a mountain cliff, you want the best parts possible. Now I just need to figure out the plan to bring it home on Monday. I am leaning towards a fast easy in and out rather than make it a holiday of sorts. We need to get back as the park is marking electrical box locations based on where your unit is placed on the lot happens next week.

All in all, it was one of those days that reminds me how wonderful life can be. Great weather, great golf, great food, great friends, and great news. Hard to ask for more. Shoot my age is my ask. !

I was all ready to go golfing today but Larry had to cancel as his wife is still in the hospital and he needs to see her and his mother, so it was cancelled. There goes my free golf. LOL And I looked so good today in my new outfit. Not pink or ever pink.

So first thing was pay the huge visa bills from the last month. We had vehicle insurance, vacation in Salmon Arm, Mesa insurance, towing in Salmon Arm, rental car, Mesa HOA, golf, meals, car maintenance, and on and on. I am still waiting for a small month. LOL Next month we have the $4K RV repair, $6.5K electric upgrade, $1k Jeep repair, Jackie’s birthday, golf and I am sure another larger bill will hit. Never mind cost of living increases a persons whole way of living has gone exponentially up. It may require a big increase monthly out of our retirement funds. We need Arizona to happen quickly as our expenses drastically decrease there. We have to book our flight for Oct to Phoenix also for a week. Our plan is to drive down the first of November for the winter season.

Washed, vacuumed and waxed the Flex today. Arms are sore from wax on wax off but it looks like brand new other than the flat front end take a beating with stone chips.

I still love the looks of this car. New 2027 models from many manufacturers are going to this square design so it was ahead of its time.. It just has a cool look about it. And I love it as it is FAST. It does the 1/4 mile in 14.2 and zero to 60 in 6,2 seconds. To give you an idea a 1969 Z28 Camaro was 15.12 seconds and 7.4 in the zero to 60 race. That is the power of twin turbos.

Thought of the Day

I really don’t have a golf swing. I have a series of optimistic spasms that sometimes result in the ball going forward.

August 30th

“Mercury Forecast Edmonton 21 degrees, Calgary 14 degrees, Mesa 39 degrees”

The weather has finally started to cool down. Mesa is staring at a full week below forty degrees, and even today you could feel the shift in the air. It also happened to be the last day of summer break for most kids, so we had planned a golf outing with Jackson. The sky looked manageable, and although the temperature wasn’t ideal, we packed extra layers and stayed optimistic.

Jackson was already dressed and waiting for us, looking sharp in his Nike golf shirt. I had booked The Track Golf Course through our VIP program using the guest option — a simple, seamless process that made planning the day easy.

We headed toward the course with Jackie keeping a close eye on her weather radar. Everything looked possible — not perfect, but worth a try. About three miles from the course, the day took a dramatic turn. Rain began to fall, then quickly escalated into a full‑on downpour. Moments later, hail. I slowed to 20 kph just to keep the car from being dented.

When we arrived, the greens were covered in hail and the fairways were flooded. The clubhouse remained technically open, but the course was clearly unplayable. We waited, watching the radar and hoping for a break in the weather. After three hours of steady rain and hail, it was obvious the day wasn’t going to improve.

We cancelled our tee times and then cancelled through VIP as well — a surprisingly easy process, with confirmations arriving promptly. Not the day we planned, but everything worked out smoothly in the end.

Leaving the golf course, we headed to Tim’s since Jackson hadn’t eaten yet. As we pulled in, he spotted an old friend from school in McKenzie, bike parked outside. He ran in and ended up having a great visit with a few familiar faces. It really is a small world.

With Jackson caught up and fed, we started tossing around ideas for how to spend the rest of the afternoon — Launchpad, Speeders, Banquet Bowling, a few possibilities that could salvage the day. Before we settled on anything, Jackson received an invite from three friends to join them for a 9‑hole round at McKenzie at 6 p.m. Being the last day of summer, we told him he should absolutely go.

You look west you see beautiful blue sky. Look to the east so see menacing clouds. This is the exact same time just switching directions. Amazing !

That left us with a few hours to fill. I checked the reservation system for the Banquet and saw openings, so we headed over. After speaking with the check‑in staff, we were given a completely different story than what the system showed. A bit of confusion all around. In hindsight, booking online and letting them sort it out would have been the better move, but instead we decided to leave.

We chose to have an early supper with Jackson at Boston Pizza, a place where everyone can find something they like. I had the Thai Bites and a salad — both excellent. Jackson went for the triple plate, and as for Jackie… well, you already know exactly what she ordered.

We dropped off Jackson, got him booked in and waited for his friends to arrive then headed home. We will pick him up when done.

Still a fun day spending time with him.

He needs to get ready for school tomorrow and we are heading out at 6 am to Salmon Arm. Our plan if everything goes well is to be back before dark with the motorhome. I figure 5 hours there, one hour to seat lugs and prep and 7 hours home.

Way to go Scottie. He is amazing and I would put him up there as one of the greatest golfers to play. Winning today his 10 Million dollars he now passes Tiger as the PGA player with the most money won. Plus he is such a nice guy.

The little Leprechaun Rory once again whining saying he is going to take a break after failing to win again. He is one of the most hated player on tour and by far my least favorite. His interviews make me want to gag. There so many wonderful people on tour and the media focuses on this, a has been, a want to be great. Rory would be number one most hated if not for Patrick Reed and his rule violations.

If Scottie hadn’t won Viktor or Ryan would also have been great.

Way to go Scottie !

My only fear with Scottie is him not playing for long. To him golf is golf nothing more and not real life and with his winnings he does not need to play. It is a great attitude to have but a huge loss to the PGA if it happens. I am sure it will and not far away.

Random Thoughts

Average driver distance per age:

• 20s: 237 yards
• 30s: 234 yards
• 40s: 225 yards
• 50s: 216 yards
• 60s: 205 yards
• 70s: 194 yards

This is for a average amateur golfer. The point of the stats is show decline over time. I am very lucky as a few people are, that I know, and only months away from 70, I still average about 250 yards. I know people that are quite typical of the stats shown and I also know a lot that would dismiss the stat as being a way understated.

How many times a week do married couples have sex:

• 18–24 years: Married couples average 2.5 times per week (≈109 times per year), with 79–93% of couples sexually active 
• 25–34 years: Frequency drops to 2.0 times per week (≈94 times per year), with high sexual activity rates around 90%
• 35–44 years: Couples average 1.4 times per week (≈78 times per year), reflecting a gradual decline 
• 45–54 years: Frequency further decreases to 1.2 times per week, with sexual activity still maintained by most couples 
• 55–64 years: Married couples average 0.4–0.5 times per week, showing a more pronounced decline due to age-related factors 
• 65–74 years: Frequency drops to 0.2 times per week, with only about half of couples remaining sexually active 
• 75+ years: Sexual activity is rare, averaging 0.1 times per week, with roughly 25–30% of couples still sexually active 

This is really something that doesn’t come up in general conversation. Having said that how do you have a .2 or .5 of a time. LOL Like I said with the golf driving distance I believe these stats are a way way understated. When retired with 7 days a week and no work commitments, and time on your hands, you would think every day for something to happen. Perhaps the stat was created as a means to make people feel good about themselves.

Golf and Sex the only two things you can enjoy even if you are not good at them.

Thought of the Day

A golfer knows the power in a strong grip !

ROAD TRIP TO SALMON ARM See you in a couple of days !