July 16th–18th

“Mercury Forecast Edmonton 28 degrees, Calgary 29 degrees, Mesa 38 degrees. “

Yahoo ! Received our $200 Energy Rebate know as Danny Bucks. Nice, but I don’t think the right move. Gives us two fill ups anyway as gas just hit $1.75 a liter.

I have a earache and need to pick up my prescription at Shoppers so asked which kind I should buy. Did you know in Canada we do not sell and ear drops with pain relief ? You have to visit your doctor. Well that isn’t going to happen so I will try wax drops and if not a quick stop at a walk in. The Pharmacist says only in the States. So another item to remember to bring back.

Irrigation at Jessica’s cycled today so all is good.

Todays weight on the scale the lowest it has been since 2013 or so when I lost the 40 pounds. I have reduced the carbs substantially. Last time I had to bump up a few pounds to maintain it which has been easy for the last 13 years. I will see what I can do this time.

Mixed these three days up as I was behind. Busy I guess.

First thing in the morning I took Daisy to her hair appointment as Jackie had a dentist cleaning. She is funny as she knows the place, they love her there and are exceptional with her but she still shakes. I picked her up about 1 1/2 hr later and she is looks beautiful and smells awesome. A nice flower bow again.

I had my men’s Turner Valley game today. I have to come to the conclusion I am not as good as I once was. I had a handicap of 11 one time and slowly have worked it a way up. It is actually embarrassing to have to say it and have it posted during my matches. But it is what it is. In reality I only enter Turner scores. If I entered all of my games it would be a lot less. Yet each week I play to the cap or higher. Turner is a hard course !!

I have to throw this in. I complained about the weather since April as it was a horrible spring. Come the end of July and wow do we have perfect weather. Close to 30 or more for at least have of July coming up. Very nice !

This morning I drove over to Woody’s RV to buy a new toilet seal for the RV. RV toilets are a little different as they don’t use a P Trap but rather use the water in the bowl as a seal against gases coming into the unit. We bought two brand new RV’s from Woody’s over the years. Both high end. Great experiences with the sales but for years the parts department has struggled. They have extremely poor staff that are just poor customer service agents. Today again a grumpy clerk. Luckily they had the part I needed. I asked for the price. $138 for a two piece rubber seal. I had to say no. I started to phone around to other dealers as soon as I got home. A hard to find item. Then bingo Western Country RV in Aldersyde had one. I drove out there and picked it up for $ 83. THAT IS A $55 dollar difference. For the EXACT same item. Nuts !

Picked up my pills and paid a lot of bills.

Audrey came over so we had a quick supper. I love air fried Chicken Breasts , mashed potatoes, carrots and a delicious green salad .

The hottest of the next few days today. In fact my temperature gauge read 35 degrees. I whipped out to the lot to install it. First toilets are never fun to work on, can be smelly and nasty. In a RV ten times worse as it is in such a cramped space. I turned on the motorhome a/c and started. It is a difficult task when everything is considered. I got it all apart. I cleaned it up as best as possible. Then reinstalled everything. Now for the big test. Smelly job, hard space to work in and epic fail. I tried to clean and check for bumps on the ball stop. One little nick will let water bypass. It is 19 years old so any debris could have scratched it over that time. I had to give up and will order a new ball valve.

I spent the balance of day cutting the grass, trimming and deadheading. I also did my pre trip look and topped up the batteries , checked oil, topped up the fluids and all set, What a gorgeous day to be outside. When I was leaving I drove by the pool and it was packed.

In fact my temperature gauge on the way home read 35 degrees. Summer !

I checked on Amazon and the seals were $20 . Now I know made in China but my $85 package said packaged in USA but listed China and Korea also. I wonder !! I bought my ball valve so I can install on Monday and hopefully have a successful repair from Amazon.

A heated up left over supper which is in most cases just as good as the first time and sitting on teh couch enjoying the cool air.

Thought of the Day

Chinese Product – Guaranteed to work perfectly until you need it.

July 19th

“Mercury Forecast Edmonton 22 degrees, Calgary 27 degrees, Mesa 39 degrees”

You simply couldn’t script better weather. After waiting far too long, we finally landed on that perfect sweet spot — warm enough to feel like summer, yet not so hot that you start negotiating with the sun. It was perfection.

MaryAnn and Alan invited us over for a get‑together, and the timing couldn’t have been more convenient: Danielle’s birthday, Justin and Danielle’s first wedding anniversary (assuming they’re actually married — the jury remains out), and Justin’s step‑mom’s birthday. In other words, it was a celebration trifecta, and MaryAnn rose to the occasion like a woman determined to win a catering award.

She put on a spread that could have fed a small village. The table was a parade of delights — pickles, cheese cubes, cheese slices (because one cheese format is never enough), smoked salmon, chips of every persuasion, salsa, dips, cookies, celery, and more items than I could possibly list without needing a second page. And that was just the warm‑up.

The main event featured an impressive selection of buns paired with either pulled pork or sliced beef. Every single thing tasted wonderful — the kind of meal where you keep telling yourself you’re full, yet somehow your plate keeps refilling itself.

A carrot cake for the birthday cake was awesome tasting.

It was enjoyable talking to their neighbor and visiting with the others. I was cautious as the bathroom has a barndoor on it with no catch or latch. I thought the possibility of someone accidently walking in was high so had to rush and position ones self correctly. Luckily it did not happen.

It was genuinely entertaining watching Danielle open her gifts. As she unwrapped each one, I couldn’t help thinking about their upcoming “honeymoon” trip. After all, Justin’s parents are joining them for the first half, and Alan and MaryAnn are tagging in for the second half. Lovely people, wonderful company… but for a honeymoon? That’s not exactly the traditional recipe for romance.

Somewhere between the third gift and the fourth bow, I caught myself smiling. Maybe this explains everything. Perhaps they didn’t actually get married. Maybe this is all just an extended group vacation cleverly disguised as a honeymoon. At this point, I’m not ruling out the possibility that the “wedding” gathering was a ruse.

The problem doing anything in secret is when you want it to be reality there are very few or no real witnesses. I think it runs in the family as we are not sure if Alan & MaryAnn are legally married.

There only a few very monumental events in a person life. It is nice to share them with others.

Even Daisy thought it was the best day ever. With six dogs tearing around the backyard like a furry NASCAR event, she was in her element. At one point I’m pretty sure they formed a relay team, but the baton was replaced with a squeaky toy. Sitting outside on the patio, watching the chaos while enjoying the perfect weather, felt downright luxurious.

Sports added their own entertainment value to the weekend. The FIFA World Cup wrapped up, and I have to admit it drew far more interest than I expected. Spain ended up taking the trophy — conveniently, my pick — which made me look far more knowledgeable than I actually am. And in a twist only reality could write, the final was held in the USA while the two competing nations were places the current president has had… let’s call them “creative differences” with. Life really does enjoy a good punchline.

Then came the Open Championship — though I still instinctively call it the British Open, and I suspect I’m not alone. Why they dropped “British” remains a mystery, but the drama certainly stayed. It all came down to a long, gutsy birdie putt on the 18th green, the kind of finish that makes even casual viewers suddenly become golf analysts. A terrific ending to a terrific tournament.

All in all, between the weather, the company, the food, the dogs, and the sports, it was one of those stretches where everything just clicked — the kind of days you wish you could bottle and save for later.

Thought of the Day

We’re all a little weird. And life is a little weird. And when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall into mutually satisfying weirdness–and call it marriage.

July 20th

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

Alans neighbor that I was talking to recently retired. Made me think of this which a lot of people forget about. It is one thing to retire and plan for it but time is short as this article points out.

The national average sits at 15.3 years of healthy retirement after 65 years old.

Canadians who are healthy at age 65 can expect another 15.3 years in good health. That figure has remained largely stable since 2019 despite pandemic-related disruptions. In practical terms, the average person spends managing chronic conditions or physical limitations for the balance of retirement. These affect daily comfort, independence, and overall quality of life.

I actually think that is being very generous on the frame as the average life expectancy in Canada for males is only 80.9 years. So I question their math.

Not only does the illness affect retirement but the result of drastically affects peoples ability to travel for numerous reasons including insurance,

A project day. The water will not stay in the toilet bowl so it was a tear down day. Everything went well considering the tight working spot and difficulty at getting at things. I had installed a new gasket seal but as the ball had scratches on it it would not hold water. Working on RV toilets in particular is a shitty job. So remove everything. I had the expensive gasket but with time restraints I order a Amazon ball. What I thought would be a couple of hours was all day with only 95% efficiency. Took it all apart and installed a new gasket seal, a new ball seal, a new ball pin, and new spring. It was all going good until the ball keeps binding a bit. I assembled and disassembled three times. I tried everything. Old ball beside new ball looks identical but binds. Spend a lot of unnecessary time trying to fix. I even installed the old ball to see the fitting. Comes down to I believe the ball is out of round or just a touch to big. So finally assembly knowing I have a small bind. Works perfect and I was happy. About 5 more flushes and a fail. The bind requires us to lift up on the foot pedal. Do that and it works. Just dumb but as we are leaving I will life with it. And hope it continues to work. I may order the OEM ball and see.

It would be nice to have everything always come together but that is not life. Any day and another buck.

I came home and made what I thought was a tasty supper. I love air fried beets, potatoes and carrots along with juicy chicken breasts.

Thought of the Day

Spent the whole day fixing toilets. By the end, I wasn’t sure if I was a plumber… or just deeply committed to my throne.

July 21st to 23rd

Summer didn’t bother waiting for a forecast this year — it simply showed up finally, strutted in for three glorious days, and reminded us what warm weather is supposed to feel like. Aside from a hint of smoke in the air and a few overly enthusiastic mosquitos auditioning for Cirque du Soleil, it was a perfect stretch.

Spending time with Fred & Terry was, as always, a pleasure. They remain two of the most generous people I know, and they treated us so well I briefly considered checking whether we’d accidentally wandered into a five‑star resort. The food alone could have earned them a Michelin star. A full Christmas dinner — stuffing, gravy, carrots, mashed potatoes, and a roast chicken — followed by leftovers that were just as good the next day. It’s not often you get holiday comfort food in summer, and I’m convinced it should be a national policy.

Their resort tour was another highlight. It’s genuinely one of the nicest I’ve ever seen, with new Park Homes coming in and elevating the whole look. Some of the lots are stunning, but Fred’s landscaping still wins by a landslide. His lawn is so lush it should probably have its own Instagram account. Even the course was looking great.

We spent hours in the gazebo playing games — a mix of laughter, friendly competition, and occasional accusations of “creative scoring.” The women edged out the men overall, though I held my own and won my fair share in the individual games. We even discovered a new game, Flip 7, which is basically Blackjack with a twist and just enough chaos to keep everyone entertained.

The conversations were just as enjoyable. There’s something special about long talks with good friends — the kind that stretch on for hours without anyone noticing.

The bunkhouse that Fred finished was 5 star accommodations. Comfortable bed, sheets, and just cozy.

I was thinking about all of the builds we did in this yard. Numerous trips up. I think this is the order of them. Our first build was a large too shed, then a cedar deck about 12ft x 30 ft, then the large shed/bunkie, then another cedar deck about 12 x 14 and then a metal gazebo. All fun projects and all of them look fantastic. I think we started building them in 2015/16.

Big changes are ahead for the Keys. They’ve sold their lot and are signing the papers today, and the RV will soon be listed on RV Trader. If it doesn’t sell quickly, it may end up in storage until spring. For a brief moment, they’ll technically be “homeless,” though knowing them, they’ll handle it with their usual calm efficiency.

Their plan to rent a condo in St. Albert makes a lot of sense: no repairs, no maintenance, and if the neighbours turn out to be questionable, they can simply relocate without needing a moving crew and a prayer. It’s a major shift, but one that fits their practical, decisive style. I’ve always admired how they make choices — quickly, confidently, and without regrets. They adapt, adjust, and keep moving forward.

We’re fortunate they’ll be staying at Viewpoint until Christmas this year. More time together is always welcome.

Thought of the Day

You know when you miss your friends so much, that you consider putting their faces on milk cartons… just so you can see them at breakfast.

July 24th/25th

The weather has been absolute perfection lately — that rare stretch of summer warmth that’s neither scorching nor stormy. If it weren’t for the smoke, it would be postcard‑worthy. Still, smoky and warm made for a surprisingly pleasant round of golf with Jeff and Wendy today, a quick game before we head to BC.

Our golfing performance was, shall we say, a mixed bag. Jackie easily claimed the title of “Golfer of the Day,” delivering strong drives, clean second shots, tidy chips, and putting that was excellent. Just about a hole in one . Wendy was a driving machine, sending the ball long and straight with impressive consistency. The rest of her game is still under construction, but golf is nothing if not a slow, humbling process. Jeff’s drives were textbook perfect — great distance, straight as an arrow — but his second shots seemed determined to sabotage his scorecard with flops, bunkers, and short hits. As for me, the front nine was a disaster with only one good drive, though the back nine redeemed itself. Lost balls were the true villains of my round. Any score in the 90s is unacceptable in my books, but that’s golf.

We thought we were near an ocean with the amount of Seagulls on the course.

We decided to branch out from McKenzie and try Paul’s Place, famous for its pizza and infamous for its Facebook page. Naturally, none of us ordered pizza. Three steak sandwiches arrived — the classic pub variety: decent, a bit tough, and not exactly bursting with flavour, but still enjoyable. Jackie boldly ventured out of her comfort zone with salmon, which looked and tasted awesome.

Next week we’ll be golfing again with Jeff and Wendy, this time in Salmon Arm for Taylor’s wedding. From what we’ve heard, it’s going to be a “normal” wedding — not fully traditional, but thoughtfully planned with modern touches. It’s refreshing to see a couple create a meaningful, cost‑effective celebration without turning it into a destination marathon or not celebrating their union with family and friends. As I have said a wedding is a milestone event and NEEDS to be celebrated. With Lucas from Vancouver and Taylor from Calgary, Salmon Arm is the perfect midpoint. I’m looking forward to dancing up a storm — figuratively, not meteorologically.

Sleep hasn’t been great lately thanks to the ongoing saga of the motorhome toilet. Let this be a public service announcement: DO NOT BUY CHEAP CHINESE‑MADE JUNK AND EXPECT IT TO WORK. No RV shop had the ball flush valve I needed, so I ordered one from Amazon. After taking the toilet apart three times — elbow‑deep in unpleasantness — the cheap part still wouldn’t function. I finally ordered an OEM valve for pickup while in Edmonton. It cost $100 more than the Amazon special, and it was worth every penny. On the fourth disassembly, everything went together perfectly, exactly as it should have the first time. Life lesson reinforced: cheap Chinese Amazon products will betray you.

After conquering the toilet, I moved on to the rest of the pre‑trip checklist: filled every tire to proper pressure, checked engine and transmission oil, topped up antifreeze and diluted with distilled water, filled the batteries, added a quarter tank of water, emptied the grey and black tanks, turned on the fridge, fueled up, checked propane, and cleaned up the bathroom battlefield. Then I cut the grass, trimmed and watered plants, disconnected power and water lines, and got the motorhome ready to roll. Rick’s car was parked in a questionable spot, but I managed to squeeze past it without incident.

The temperature hit 34°C today, and it felt every bit of it. There’s still plenty to do before we leave, but a major chunk is done. I have to admit I sweated today. Unheard of as my typical hot day only produces a minor perspiration.

Meanwhile, Corey, Victoria, and Jackson zipped up to Edmonton for the Post Malone and Jelly Roll concert — that must have been one incredible show.

We took numerous trips back and forth to the motorhome to load everything. One more clothes trip ( suit and dress) and it should be done. I had to park a long ways away. The street was relatively busy but mostly due to idiotic parking habits. A whole block and three cars parked on it but spaced so I can’t get the motor home in between with the toad. I need about 65ft of space. Why wouldn’t you when parking pull up right behind a vehicle ahead of you. Common sense I would think but doesn’t happen.

Thought of the Day

Getting ready for a trip is 10% excitement, 20% planning, and 70% wondering if you packed enough underwear for a zombie apocalypse.

July 26th

“Mercury Forecast Edmonton 24 degrees, Calgary 30 degrees, Mesa 42 degrees, Salmon Arm 28 degrees “

Many times when we need to go to a store Daisy and I tag along for support, to drive and to give Daisy an outing. Today it was Sobeys. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. We have done the same thing in Mesa at Safeway. There is NO comparison. It is generally agreed on that Americans are overall obese and we witness that. Today I did not see that at all. Some chubbier people but overall much smaller and not one obese person. A generalization yes but reality.

I also noticed a lot of white people and not referring to race. With the weather we have had this is a little surprising. I think it is once again media putting the fear in people. Yes sun causes cancer ( as does everything) but the rise in skin cancer is in direct relationship to what we do. Sunscreen while very good is abused. People put it on and believe they are protected and stay in the sun an extra long time causing damage versus knowing you are burning. Increase in sun protection products caused increase in sun exposure resulting in more skin cancer. This is all compounded by people wearing sunglasses all of time. When your eyes experience UV rays your brain tells your body to produce melanin which is natures skin protector. So prolonged exposure due to the belief you are protected, your body not capable of knowing when to produce melanin and perhaps a more intense UV event results in more skin cancer than ever. It is a scary thing to have happen so I understand the hesitancy but the health benefits from controlled sun exposure are huge. The best way for Vit D, improves mood and mental health, bone health, energy and alertness , therapeutic benefits for psoriasis, eczema, and reduces inflammation and supports overall immune functions.

Just a small amount each day has a way more benefit than harm. Having said all of that if you have had any skin issues concerning pre or cancerous you may have a tendency to be prone and have to be extra cautious. I am positive that this many white people do not have that issue. I forgot to mention isn’t odd why a real white person just looks sick and not healthy ? And isn’t it odd that skin that NEVER was exposed to the sun on your body still can have a cancer spot ?

Off to Salmon Arm BC for a bit. We have Taylor Grace’s wedding to attend next Saturday. Our trip has turned into a family adventure with Jess, Atti, Auggie, and Jackson joining us. It will be a crowded motorhome but it will be fun. I looked it up and we have water slides, mini golf, paddle board rentals and go carts that will be interesting. This will be our National Lampoon Vacation Trip !

As you can see beautiful weather ahead. The smoke will be in the higher elevations heading towards Calgary and not affecting us.

Ok what was supposed to be a fantastic vacation with all of the grandkids has taken a bad turn. Short note on the bad news and then concentrate on the great stuff.

A quick update from Salmon Arm, where our “grandkids dream vacation” has taken a plot twist and could be called a nightmare for us the grandparents.

We’re currently broken down thanks to a rear caliper that decided to overheat itself into retirement. With no brakes, the motorhome is now a 24,000‑lb lawn ornament. Trying to find a tow truck capable of moving something this size has felt like searching for a unicorn that does not work weekends. The repair bill will likely rival a Caribbean cruise — but at this point, the cost is irrelevant. It needs to be fixed, and fixed properly, so we can get home safely. I expect at least a 8K bill with new rotors, calipers, ABS sensors, hoses, towing and labor.

I’ll admit the stress has been real: sleepless nights, gut aches, headaches, and a general sense that my heart could blow. We do have a repair shop lined up, and a semi‑committed tow company (the kind of commitment that feels like dating in your 20s). The wedding is Saturday, and the potential tow is Sunday. If that falls through, Jackie and I may be enjoying an extended stay in Salmon Arm.

The current plan: get the motorhome to the shop, drive home in the Jeep, and return in two weeks to pick it up. Fingers crossed.

Now — the good stuff.

Despite the chaos, the kids are having a fantastic vacation, and that’s been our priority. Our campsite is… unique. In 40 years of camping, we’ve never been this close to our neighbours — four feet away, which is basically a shared living room. Add in the Trans‑Canada Highway 100 yards away, and it’s the noisiest campsite we’ve ever had. But the hosts are wonderful, and the amenities are surprisingly great: foosball, ping pong, golf simulator, horseshoes, connect four, basketball, and a playground. Busy kids = distracted papa.

Day one was Canoe Beach, and it’s truly one of the nicest beaches I’ve seen. Huge sandy area, grassy sections, a dog beach, concessions, rentals — the boys paddled, swam, and sun‑tanned like pros. Daisy made instant dog‑park friends. Jackson burned the top of his feet only as iit must have been the only spot he forgot to spray.

A miracle occurred at Enterprise when an agent went above and beyond to secure us a rental car minutes before closing. A brand‑new Explorer with Quebec plates — because nothing says “vacation adventure” like a cross‑country identity crisis. Jessica and the kids will now be able to head back to Calgary on Sunday. Step one done to get things in order. I slow process to ease the stress.

Meals have been great — bacon and eggs, air‑fried chicken breasts, mashed potatoes, salads, veggies, hamburgers, fries — and evenings filled with ping pong, Chinese checkers, crib, and laughter. The kids sleep like rocks. I… do not.

DAY TWO was waterslide day. The kids loved it, and Jackson’s sunburned feet were visible from space amongst all of the white people. With a thousand people at the park, I can confidently say the “perfect human specimen” does not exist. Every shape, size, color, roll, bone, hip, gut, and butt was represented. Vanity is officially cancelled.

We ended the day with a sunset walk along the Salmon Arm boardwalk beside Taylor’s wedding hotel — stunning flowers, lake views, a historic wharf, and live music. A beautiful evening in the middle of a chaotic week.

Life throws curveballs. This one was a fastball to the ribs. But the kids are making memories, and that’s what matters most.

Day Three delivered the full vacation sampler: go‑carts, mini golf, shopping, a DQ stop, and then a golf round with Jackie, Jeff, and Wendy. It was the kind of day that feels like three days packed into one — in a good way.

The Salmon Arm Championship Golf Course was breathtaking. The fairways looked hand‑groomed by someone who takes grass personally, the greens rolled beautifully, and the scenery was so stunning it could make a non‑golfer consider buying clubs. Unfortunately, the course also appears to have adopted a strict “no signage, no problem” philosophy.

The GPS sent us to the wrong side of the highway because the course is split into two separate realms. When we finally arrived, there were no signs pointing to the clubhouse, no club drop, and no indication of where to get water or check in. At one point, a lady had to wave us down like she was guiding a plane on the tarmac to prevent us from driving into the wrong area. The hole directions didn’t help either — they felt like a scavenger hunt designed by someone who enjoys watching golfers question their choices. Jeff and Wendy even ended up on the wrong side of a hedge near a tee box that’s apparently used only on special occasions or when the staff feels whimsical as the first tee box. The starter thought they were late.

Despite all that, the course itself was exceptional. The conditions were top‑tier, the scenery was superb, and the marmots were enormous — practically honorary staff members. No one in the group truly excelled, but everyone genuinely enjoyed the round. And maybe the best part: for a few hours, the game pulled my mind away from everything else. Golf can be humbling, but it’s also one of the best mental vacations available.

Sharing the day with Jeff and Wendy as they prepare for Taylor’s big moment added a warm, meaningful touch to the chaos. A memorable round in every sense.

After finishing our round of golf, we prepared a beautifully balanced supper for the kids — a classic lasagna, a crisp Caesar salad, and warm garlic bread. The meal came together wonderfully, and it was clear from the empty plates that everyone thoroughly enjoyed it.

Then off to the Go Carts.

The moment we arrived at the go‑kart track, the energy shifted. Helmets were fitted, straps tightened, and our group — the only one on the course — stepped up to the starting line with full ownership of the track. My first kart was comically small, but fortunately they had one built for longer legs, and once I settled into it, the race truly began.

I rolled out in the second kart and deliberately eased off the throttle, letting the pack surge ahead. I wanted a chase, a challenge, something to hunt down. It worked. Before long, I was carving through the course, lapping Atticus, August, and Jessica twice as I pushed for every inch of speed the kart could give me.

But Jackson was the real obstacle. Starting third gave him clean air, and by the time the rest of the group had passed, he’d built a lead that was tough to reel in. Each lap I closed the gap, gaining ground and momentum, but the clock beat me to the finish. Jackson held his lead with skill and consistency, crossing the line first.

Jackson took the win — but the chase made the race unforgettable.

I loved the water on the track to drift around the corner.

Next event was mini golf. The wonderful guest services girl let us start knowing we would finish after close. It was fun seeing the reactions of the kids with their poor hits. All those shots and only two holes in one.

More energy than needed for mini golf. LOL

Nice to end the night with a quick DQ stop.

The end to another fun day. I should have mentioned ping pong games, foosball thrown in .

Thought of the Day

Always remember that your present situation can always be worse. Only let what you can control bother you. The rest is out of your hands.

July 31st

” Mercury Forecast Edmonton 29 degrees, Calgary 33 degrees, Mesa 45 degrees, Salmon Arm 33 degrees”

Woke up this morning and it was SMOKY. No wind and a fire in Kelowna decided to drop us into a pit. Ash was falling from the sky.

Too smoky for golf so why not play golf on a simulator. It was great fun. Yet these three boys have a very short attention span. Very short. I believe in commitment and and patience. If you are doing something and it costs money and even if not stay with it even if you don’t like it because it was done for you. Kids nowadays. Anyways Jessica , Atti and I had a fun time with it. Jackson has a very fast swing speed so could really hit that ball a mile especially with a little practice.

Gardom Lake was an inspired choice on Jessica’s part. The place looked like it had been designed by someone who asked, “What would make Larry’s afternoon ridiculously pleasant?” and then checked every box. Clear water, a sandy beach, an island in the middle, and a wharf long enough to make any trout nervous. With the lake fully stocked, we arrived with confidence—perhaps too much confidence, in hindsight.

Fishing, however, had its own agenda.

Years ago, Jackson could spend four or five uninterrupted hours in a boat with me, happily casting line after line. On the houseboat, he was basically the department head of fishing operations. Today, though, his greatest adversary wasn’t the trout—it was the wasps. They had apparently decided he was the main event, and his patience evaporated faster than a puddle in August. His dance moves on the dock were hilarious.

August—he lasted two casts. Maybe three, if we’re rounding up or if he’s telling the story.

Little Atti put in a heroic effort, working at it far longer than anyone expected. But eventually frustration set in, and honestly, it was well deserved. Fishing may look peaceful, but for beginners it’s basically a masterclass in “Why won’t this thing do what I want?”

Part of the challenge is the gear. Fishing reels come in a few varieties, each with its own personality and learning curve. Jackson is old enough to use a baitcasting reel—the “hard-to-use reel for casting,” also known as the reel that separates the casuals from the committed. The younger two aren’t quite ready for that rite of passage, and that’s perfectly fine. Childhood is long; tangled fishing line is immediate.

• Spincast reel — Push-button simplicity; ideal for kids and anyone who prefers life without chaos.
• Spinning reel — A great middle-ground option with a bit more finesse.
• Baitcasting reel — Excellent for accuracy… provided you enjoy the occasional bird’s nest of fishing line.

Jackson’s ready for the challenge. The other two? Their time will come—preferably on a day with fewer wasps and more patience.

Every kid starts out thinking fishing is going to be a cinematic adventure — sunshine, excitement, maybe even a heroic slow‑motion cast. And then reality shows up in the form of a rat nest so dense it could qualify as modern art.

Kids love the idea of fishing. They love holding the rod like they’re about to win a tournament. They love announcing they’re “ready.” What they don’t love is the part where you spend half the trip performing emergency surgery on a spool that looks like it swallowed a Slinky. A spinning reel is the only thing standing between you and total chaos. Anything else, and you’re basically volunteering for a shift as a full‑time line paramedic. The above picture was my day fixing rat nests. LOL

My system is the kind of logic only someone who’s actually lived through the chaos understands. Bait cast when you’re trolling and don’t want to think about casting. Spin cast when you’re trolling but know a kid will eventually say, “Can I try?” And spinning when you’re casting all day and want to keep your sanity intact. It’s practical, it’s efficient, and it’s the only way to avoid spending the entire afternoon muttering under your breath while cutting line for the fifteenth time.

Kids nowadays have the attention span of a startled squirrel. The buildup is huge — they’re vibrating with excitement, ready to catch a monster. Then the first tangle happens, and suddenly they’re “kinda bored” and wandering off while you’re elbow‑deep in line trying to figure out how a simple cast turned into a nautical disaster.

But that’s the magic of it. The chaos, the mess, the short bursts of glory — that’s what makes the memories. And eventually, after enough tangles, enough retying, enough “Papa, it’s stuck again,” they finally get it. They finally cast smooth. They finally feel that first real bite. And suddenly all the rat nests were worth it. Unfortunately the bite never happened this time. The perfect cast didn’t happen. But we had fun or I hope they did.

We dropped off our keys with the repair shop and then headed to Popeyes for supper as it was getting late. Expensive but huge sandwiches and very good.

I put away the bulk of our stuff in anticipation of the tow truck living up to his commitment but I am not confident in that and nervous about any resulting damage from a tow.

Epic crib match tonight. Atticus Criblet Hicken and Larry Crib Willard come out champions with a dominate performance.

Ping Pong, Foosball and another day closes and here is hoping clearer skies in the am.

Though of the Day

If the average attention span is 8 seconds, why are most commercials 30 seconds?”