October 1st

“Mercury Forecast Edmonton 13 degrees, Calgary 13 degrees, Mesa 34 degrees”

A GREAT DAY IN ALBERTA

Alberta is entering a moment that feels different—more aligned, more forward‑looking, and far more promising than anything we’ve seen in years. For too long, the province’s ability to prosper has been constrained by federal policy decisions that didn’t fully recognize Alberta’s economic potential or the national value of its resources. Today, that dynamic is shifting.

The approval of the Pacific Link pipeline is a powerful signal. It’s one of the three major projects given the green light, and the collaboration behind it is notable: Trans Mountain’s involvement, Pembina Oil’s potential 20% stake, and the broader federal alignment all point to a coordinated strategy rather than the fragmented approach we’ve grown accustomed to. Critics will inevitably focus on the taxpayer exposure—claiming that the public is “80% on the hook”—but the long‑term economic return from this infrastructure will far outweigh the upfront investment. Alberta has always delivered when given the chance, and this project is poised to be another example of that.

This momentum has also reshaped how I’m thinking about the upcoming referendum. I’ve said before that I was leaning toward supporting a binding vote, largely out of frustration with how Alberta has been treated. But circumstances have changed, and so has my perspective. A binding referendum introduces years of uncertainty—exactly the kind of environment that scares off investment. If Alberta signals it might fundamentally alter its relationship with Canada, capital will freeze until the dust settles. That would undermine the very progress we’re finally beginning to see.

I’m now fully committed to voting against a binding referendum. The risks are simply too high at this moment. If the goal is to send a message to Ottawa, there are ways to do that without jeopardizing the economic opportunities unfolding right now. Alberta has a chance to step into a period of genuine prosperity, but only if we handle this moment with clarity and discipline.

What’s striking is the leadership dynamic. Both Mark Carney and Danielle Smith have been impressive in how they’ve navigated the volatility of the past few years. Carney’s steady, globally respected approach has surprised me—in a good way—and Smith has shown a level of focus and resilience that even her critics have acknowledged. When federal and provincial leaders, despite their ideological differences, manage to create stability, the whole country benefits.

It feels like a great day for Alberta, and truly, a great day for Canada. If we continue on this path—measured, strategic, and united where it matters—the future looks bright.

On a personal note, I’ve also made a decision about my own health. I’ve booked an appointment with a naturopath. After years of feeling that the medical system’s default response to any issue is another prescription, I’m ready to explore a different approach. I’m hopeful that with the right guidance, this path will offer something more holistic and productive. It’s time to take a broader view of wellness, just as Alberta is finally able to take a broader view of its future.

Several provinces have raised their minimum wage today, and while these decisions are often celebrated as victories for workers, the economic consequences are rarely discussed with the seriousness they deserve. Having spent years in management, I’ve seen how minimum‑wage increases play out in real workplaces, and the reality is far more complex than the political messaging that accompanies them.

The minimum wage was never intended to be a “living wage.” It was designed as a baseline—a starting point for entry‑level work, not a guaranteed income that reflects the full cost of living. When governments attempt to use minimum‑wage policy as a tool to solve affordability challenges, they often end up creating new pressures that ripple through the entire economy.

The moment the minimum wage rises, employers are forced to adjust far more than the pay of those earning the minimum. Internal equity becomes an immediate issue. A new employee earning the minimum cannot suddenly earn nearly as much as someone who has invested years into the company, developed specialized skills, or taken on leadership responsibilities. To maintain fairness and morale, wages across the board must increase. This isn’t optional—it’s structural.

Those cascading wage adjustments drive up payroll costs, and businesses respond the only way they can: by raising prices. Once prices rise, the cost of living rises with them. Inflation doesn’t care about political intentions; it reacts to economic pressure. Minimum‑wage hikes introduce that pressure every single time.

This creates a cycle that is difficult to break. Workers feel squeezed by rising prices. Businesses feel squeezed by rising costs. Governments respond with another minimum‑wage increase, and the inflationary loop continues. What was meant to help ends up contributing to the very problem it was supposed to solve.

Affordability is a real and urgent issue, and people across the country are struggling. But raising the minimum wage is a blunt instrument for a problem that requires precision. Sustainable solutions come from productivity growth, investment, innovation, and policies that reduce barriers—not from artificially inflating wages in a way that forces the entire system to chase rising costs.

Today’s minimum‑wage announcements may feel like progress on the surface, but the long‑term consequences deserve far more scrutiny. Economic stability depends on thoughtful, measured policy—not quick fixes that generate applause in the moment but strain the economy in the years that follow.

I made a run to the Shepard dump today to finally get rid of the old Telus boxes and a broken fan. For a facility dedicated to garbage, it’s impressively organized. The place was busy — lineups about ten vehicles deep — but staff directed me to the right spot and unloading was quick. I did forget one set of batteries in a remote, and of course the dump doesn’t take those. Signs everywhere reminding you, as if batteries are the gateway to chaos. I guess after our recent fires in a dump they are over zealous now.

Despite the supposedly cool weather, it felt surprisingly warm while unloading.

While I was there, a full school bus of forty-plus students arrived for a tour. I’m all for environmental awareness and responsible waste management, but it’s an unusual field trip destination. Let’s just say I hope this doesn’t escalate into forest‑hugging seminars or lessons on proper picket‑sign posture. LOL

What about a farm trip or city chambers to get real life information.

Most kids don’t know where food actually comes from. Studies show many elementary students think groceries “come from the store,” not from farms. A farm visit flips that understanding instantly. Modern farms use surprising technology. GPS‑guided tractors, drones for crop monitoring, and automated milking systems are common — kids are often shocked that farming is high‑tech. Plus learning animals have jobs. Chickens help control insects, goats clear brush, and cows convert grass into milk — it’s a great way to show how ecosystems work together. Perhaps not taking the kids to the slaughterhouse though. LOL Children who visit farms retain agricultural concepts far better than those who only learn them in class.

The watching of governments procedure is a well spent day learning about how we work as a society. Seeing democracy live is powerful. Watching debates or question periods helps students understand that laws aren’t abstract — they’re shaped by real people discussing real issues. A City Hall or Parliament building is full of symbolism. Architecture, artwork, and layout all reflect national history and democratic values. It can demystify the civic processes. Kids learn how bills are introduced, debated, amended, and passed — something most adults don’t fully understand.

Jackie and I headed over to Acadia after supper to catch another tryout for Jackson, and the difference between this session and the previous one was striking. Even though it was still a Division 1 tryout, the absence of body checking completely changed the character of the game. Instead of players chasing hits to impress evaluators, the focus shifted back to actual hockey — positional play, puck movement, speed, and creativity.

The pace was fast and fluid. Players were making smart passes, supporting each other, and creating real scoring opportunities. It felt like watching hockey the way it’s meant to be played, not a series of collisions in the corners. Without the pressure to deliver big checks, the kids looked freer, more confident, and far more willing to take risks with the puck. You could see their instincts and skill sets come through in a way that simply doesn’t happen when everyone is bracing for contact.

From a development standpoint, I’m convinced that players who come out of this style of league will be stronger overall — better skaters, better playmakers, and more aware of the ice around them. And for parents, removing the fear of injury is no small thing. In the last tryout, it was obvious that many of the kids were more focused on delivering a hit than making a play. Tonight, the priority was hockey, pure and simple.

Jackson thrived in that environment. He had several impressive sequences — sharp dekes, smart reads, and more than a few close calls that nearly turned into goals. You could see his confidence grow as the game opened up and the emphasis shifted to skill rather than hitting.

It was genuinely enjoyable to watch. A fun night of hockey, and a reminder of how good the game can look when the players are allowed to play.

There’s a saying that there’s a first time for everything, and tonight I proved it. Ever since I retired, I made a personal vow to wear sandals every single day. It became part of my identity, part of the retirement uniform. I embraced it fully. Sure, I occasionally had to slip on socks with them when Calgary decided to remind me what winter is like, and of course I made exceptions for funerals, weddings, and the rare event where sandals might raise an eyebrow. But overall, I stuck to the plan with impressive commitment.

Then tonight happened.

Sitting by the door was a brand‑new pair of fancy runners, practically glowing with the kind of “try me” energy you can’t ignore. I looked at them. They looked at me. And before I knew it, I was lacing them up and heading out the door like someone who had completely forgotten his commitment. I actually laughed walking to the car — after all these years, I broke my streak for a pair of shoes that still had that new‑runner smell.

It felt strangely momentous, like I’d crossed some invisible line in the retirement handbook. Maybe it was practicality, maybe comfort, or maybe I just wanted to see what all the non‑sandal people have been bragging about. Whatever the reason, it added a bit of humor to the evening. Retirement teaches you to enjoy routines, but it also teaches you not to take yourself too seriously when you break them.

So yes, tonight I wore runners. Things change. And apparently, so do I. LOL Ps they were too hot. My feet were moist. But my feet were warm and comfortable.

Thought of the Day

Change is the universes way of reminding us that even plans need a plot twist

October 2nd

“Mercury Forecast Edmonton 15 degrees, Calgary 19 degrees, Mesa 35 degrees”

Gorgeous fall day with no wind and bright sun.

Breakfast today was air fried omelets. Who knew they could be so good. Jackie was a simple 2 egger with spinach. Mine I had a 3 egger, onion, spinach, tomato, mushrooms and cheese. Awesome, very easy and I love the clean up with the parchment inserts.

Some bill paying and and moving money around.

Then off to our great escape of golf. Today we were golfing with Jeff & Wendy as they just got from their BC trip. As above you can see the wonderful temperatures we were forecast to have and we hit that or more. BUT only one of us wore shorts. Guys this is Canada and when we see a temp of 19 degrees forecast it is going to be hot. I relished in my coolness and never mind my taper good looks.

I am sure they all wished they had worn shorts. Having said that with three holes left I had to put my light sweater on as the temperatures dropped just as fast as the sun did.

To the golfing. I may be wrong but as a foursome I think this is the best I have seen from everybody. The scores were not the lowest but the shot quality overall was spectacular. Wendy’s drives today were awesome with many long shots and straight without many do overs. On one shot Jeff & I measured her drive and it was 175 yards which is wonderful. Great second shots also. I don’t know her final score but she had at least three par holes. Jackie once again was extremely consistent with her drives being long and straight. She missed a close birdie putt unfortunately. Jeff’s drives were his best of the year i think. he is getting a lot longer off the tee and lot more consistent. Some great second shots. Too many missed putts. I wasn’t displeased but disappointed in front nine but anytime low 80’s I am not going to complain. Drives very good but three holes in a row I hit my wedges at least 20 yards too far. The second nine with a score of only one over par was nice. back to back birdies doesn’t happen very often. A three peat of birdies was a inch away from happening.

It was just a fun day golfing and great time visiting with them after in the clubhouse, If you remember Wendy had about three times in a row where something went wrong with her meal well tonight once again the kitchen got her, Her bowl of chili was cold. Bad luck or what ?

Daisy stayed this time with Audrey and she is so funny sitting on the chair at the window waiting for us. She does do a similar thing here when one of us is gone she will wait by the front entrance door. I don’t know what is going thru her head .LOL

The end to another great day

What a spectacular fall day — the kind that makes you pause for a second and appreciate how lucky we are to get weather like this in October. Bright sun, not a breath of wind, and temperatures that felt more like a bonus round of summer than anything autumn usually offers.

Breakfast set the tone perfectly. Air‑fried omelets have officially earned their place in the rotation. Jackie went with her classic two‑egg spinach version, simple and reliable. I built the deluxe model: three eggs loaded with onion, spinach, tomato, mushrooms, and cheese. It came out beautifully, and the parchment inserts make cleanup so easy it almost feels like cheating.

A quick bit of bill paying and money shuffling, and then it was off to our great escape — golf.

We played with Jeff and Wendy, freshly back from their BC trip and ready for a day on the course. With a forecast of 19 degrees and full sunshine, it was obvious to me that shorts were the only sensible choice. This is Canada — when we see 19 degrees in October, we treat it like a tropical heatwave. I enjoyed every minute of my cool comfort and, of course, my taper‑model good looks. I’m fairly certain the others regretted their long pants. That said, the sun dropped fast near the end, and with three holes left I had to throw on a light sweater.

The golf itself was a treat. As a foursome, I think this might be the best overall performance I’ve seen from us. The scores weren’t record‑setting, but the shot quality was consistently impressive.

Wendy was outstanding off the tee — long, straight drives with barely any do‑overs. Jeff and I measured one at 175 yards, and she backed it up with strong second shots and at least three pars. Jackie was her usual model of consistency, hitting long, straight drives all day and narrowly missing a birdie putt. Jeff had his best driving day of the year, hitting longer and more reliable tee shots and following them up with solid seconds. The putter betrayed him a bit, but that’s golf. As for me, the front nine was a bit disappointing, but anytime I’m in the low 80s, I’m not complaining. My drives were strong, though I somehow managed to hit three wedge shots about 20 yards too far — apparently I thought I was auditioning for the long‑drive competition. The back nine was a beauty: just one over par, back‑to‑back birdies, and a near miss for a third. Those moments don’t come often, so I’ll take them.

It is such a beautiful time of the year when the leaves are still hanging on and everything is still green around you.

After the round, we had a great visit in the clubhouse. Poor Wendy — after her streak of meal mishaps earlier this year, the kitchen struck again. Her chili arrived cold. At this point, I’m not sure if it’s bad luck or if the kitchen staff has a running bet going.

Daisy spent the day with Audrey and apparently sat in a chair by the window waiting for us like a tiny furry sentinel. She does the same thing at home, parking herself by the front door if one of us is out. I’d love to know what goes through her head — probably something between “Where are my people?” and “I hope they bring snacks.”

A wonderful day from start to finish, that reminds you how good life can be when the weather cooperates, the company is great, and the golf swings behave… mostly.

I may have mentioned this earlier, but I have a very busy long weekend coming up, and anyone who knows me knows exactly how I feel about events scheduled on long weekends. I’ve never been a fan of weddings, funerals, parties, or anything else that commandeers those extra days. It’s not as bad now that we’re retired, but for people who still work, long weekends are precious. They only get so many of them during the summer, and they’re meant for rest, projects, or simply doing nothing at all. Hosts often think they’re helping guests by giving them an extra day to travel or recover, but in reality it usually ends up interfering with the personal time people try so hard to protect.

Destination weddings fall into the same category for me. They’re essentially a polite way of telling people they must travel somewhere they may not want to go, spend money they didn’t plan to spend, and pretend they’re thrilled about it. Some might call that selfish, but it’s a pretty common sentiment — and I’m not backing down from it.

But back to the upcoming long weekend. Friday night kicks things off with a bachelor party in Edmonton, which effectively wipes out the start of Thanksgiving weekend. That’s a three‑hour drive right there. Then it’s back to Calgary for the Huggett side of the family gathering at 3 p.m. on Saturday — another three hours. And because apparently I enjoy testing my endurance, Sunday means driving back up to Edmonton again for the Willard side Thanksgiving get‑together. Yes, another three hours.

By the time the weekend wraps up, I’ll have logged eighteen hours of driving. At that point, I might as well have just gone south — with that amount of windshield time, I could practically be in Mesa. Maybe I should pack a suitcase just in case the car decides it wants to keep going.

Thought of the Day

The difference between a whiff and a practice swing is that nobody curses after a practice swing.

October 3rd–4th

“Mercury Forecast Edmonton 16 degrees, Calgary 17 degrees, Mesa 35 degrees”

The article touches on something people outside the city often miss: this is a blue‑collar place with a blue‑collar hockey identity. Fans here don’t just watch the team — they live it. And when you combine that kind of working‑class pride with decades of waiting, hoping, and carrying the emotional load of supporting one of the best players in the world, the frustration becomes more than just sports talk. It becomes generational.

There’s a huge reservoir of pent‑up emotion in this city. People know they’re witnessing greatness again — a once‑in‑a‑lifetime talent who should be leading a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. Instead, year after year, they’re left with the feeling that the organization isn’t matching the passion, commitment, or urgency of its own fan base.

In a city like this:

• The expectations aren’t unrealistic — they’re earned through history and loyalty.
• The disappointment isn’t petty — it’s rooted in pride and identity.
• The frustration isn’t about entitlement — it’s about watching greatness wasted.

When a blue‑collar fan base pours everything into its team and still doesn’t get a contender, the emotional pressure builds. And eventually, it spills into every conversation, every article, every game night. That’s what you’re seeing now: a city that knows what it deserves, knows what it has, and is tired of waiting for the organization to catch up.

With all of that in mind, it becomes easier to understand — at least humorously — why some people joke about the city leaning toward NDP tendencies. There is a certain cultural bluntness, a certain expressive intensity, and a certain emotional style that fits the stereotype. The comment is made in good fun, of course, but the connection is hard to ignore.

For those who know me well, my views on habitual swearing are well established. In most situations, I see excessive profanity as a substitute for strong communication skills or a weakness of the mind. People often use it to project toughness, appear more socially daring, or compensate for a limited vocabulary. Instead of choosing precise language, they fall back on swear words as adjectives, nouns, pronouns, and even placeholders for actual thoughts. As said, some would describe it as a sign of weak communication habits or an underdeveloped ability to articulate ideas clearly. Calling it a spade it is just stupid and unnecessary.

There is also a separate group of individuals who resort to swearing primarily when they are angry. In those moments, it becomes less about vocabulary and more about emotional regulation. When frustration overwhelms rational processing, language tends to deteriorate. In that sense, frequent anger‑driven profanity can reflect both cognitive overload and poor anger‑management skills.

We went for a long walk today around the perimeter of the ridge. Not only is a nice long walk but it absolutely beautiful looking over the river and valley. Plus seeing the mountains in the background makes living in Calgary a pretty nice place to be.

Jackie was out of the condo early this morning as she was signed up for the Walk for Breast Cancer. Victoria’s neighbor and a lady Jackie used to work with both have/are experiencing the issue and it is nice to have as much support as possible. She dressed up in PINK and off she left about 7:30 am. As Daisy and I were awake I decided to switch my day around so I got up , did not watch the news, and took Daisy for a walk in the Plus 2 degrees morning. Now crisp but pleasant. Daisy is a fast walker when she knows she is heading back. With her schedule changed as she is stickler for consistency she did not do her business.

First thing was to make a good and healthy breakfast. I had hash browns, eggs, sourdough toast, tomatoes and a couple slices of bacon . A little bigger than normal but my body has reset to my new number so very easy now to maintain.

You are supposed to move right after eating so I headed down stairs and opened up our storage locker. Thinking ahead I put on old clothes as the covering can be very dusty. I removed our large suitcases we will taking to Mesa, our Christmas tree that is really too big now, and 6 boxes of decorations for Christmas. We will be home for Christmas this year no more than 2 weeks max but as every one knows nothing bugs me more than people not putting up a tree or decorating . It is pet peeve that I do not understand. Even a small tree and some decorations is a feel good incentive you would think. I enjoy Christmas music on and tree decorating. The first year we had the kids all in Mesa Jackson, Corey and i headed out the day before Christmas eve to Walmart and for $30 we got a nice sized tree lights, and decorations. I will not have a Christmas without the decor. Some would say that is a lot of work in such a short time but really if you look at it it is only a few hours two days of your life to have that two weeks of enjoyment. I think I get the decor must from my Mom.

So bikes off the rack, which lifting them 6ft off the ground seems to be getting heavier every year, working my way thru the dust sheets and opening my enclosure is a a fair amount of work and dirty but I pulled all of the stuff I above I mentioned and wheeled it up stairs waiting for December.

I moved all of our planters on the patio to a safe spot for the winter so slowly getting everything done. Not like when we had to leave Viewpoint. I will pack my clothes soon and make sure to account for everything. Still working on plans for coming and going.

I input all of the September numbers and the word “OUCH” is all I can say. I think our huge bills are over for a bit. I hope ! I will say the TSX has been kind to us once again this year. Fingers crossed.

Now this is going back a few years. We had a wonderful marketing department at JELD-WEN and today Jackie wore a hat that Laura Fischer our marketing Manager created, I am going to say that hat is at least 15 yrs old. It worked perfect for her run for Breast Cancer along with her pink hoodie and pants.

Jackie said the run/walk was packed and even residents along the path were all in with decorations and support.

I was at the gym today working through my routine. Lately I’ve been focusing on lighter weights with higher reps and more sets — partly for endurance, partly because one arm has a past bicep injury. As I’m mid‑set, an older gentleman wanders into the gym and asks, “What do you have two different weights in your hands?”

I’ll admit, my first internal reaction was something along the lines of “Mid your own business.” But outwardly, I just smiled and gave a polite half‑laugh. His tone wasn’t playful or curious; it felt more like he was questioning my judgment, as if my workout needed his approval.

The thing is, the reason for the mismatched weights is simple — one arm can’t safely handle the same load due to my broken bicep. It’s a perfectly rational adjustment, and frankly, it’s nobody’s business unless I choose to explain it. If he’d said it jokingly, it probably would’ve rolled right off me. Instead, it landed with that subtle sting of unsolicited critique.

Still, I kept my cool, didn’t bother justifying myself, and carried on with my workout exactly the way I intended. Sometimes the best response is a smile, a shrug, and continuing to do what works for you.

Looking at the 10 day forecast it appears one more week of decent weather and then the following week cool. Not horrible but cool with highs of only 10 above most days. Winter is coming.

Lawn sprinklers and RV’s I hope are all winterized.

Stamps are looking solid for either a third place finish or a crossover to the east. The ultimate thing would be a cross over to the east , win that, and have the Eskimo’s for the Grey Cup. Yes, the Eskimos.

Thought of the Day

I bet on my team to win… now I’m just betting my fridge still has food after this loss

October 5th

“Mercury Forecast Edmonton 21 degrees, Calgary 25 degrees, Mesa 36 degrees”

The day turned out far better than anyone expected. The forecast had promised a warm but windy afternoon, yet reality delivered something entirely different: twenty‑five degrees, calm air, bright sunshine, and the kind of crisp autumn color that makes fall in Calgary look beautiful. It was, in every sense, a perfect day to be outside.

Golf at McKenzie Meadows was just the three of us, as Jackie was attending a BNS luncheon with Audrey. We were paired with a single—an older gentleman, easily six‑foot‑five, a retired optometrist with a gentle manner and a surprisingly strong, consistent golf swing. He fit in effortlessly.

Jeff played well overall, steady and composed. Wendy, however, had one of the best rounds I have ever seen from her. She avoided the usual do‑overs, and her drives were exceptional—consistently around 180 yards, not just once or twice but nearly every time she stepped up to the tee. Her second shots were equally reliable, and her chipping and putting were sharp. It all added up to a genuinely impressive performance. Breaking 100 is always an accomplishment, and she was on track to break 90 if not for the bunker trouble on the ninth hole. She played with confidence and rhythm, and it showed.

I was pleased with my own game as well. The score was disappointing only because of the final two holes, where a lapse in concentration led to a double bogey and then a lost ball from trying to swing too hard. Until then, everything had been working. I recorded eleven pars, with at least eight birdie opportunities inside fifteen feet, though none of them dropped. Even so, it was one of those rounds where the swing felt right, the contact was clean, and the game came together in a way that reminds you why you love playing.

As a group, it was an excellent outing—good weather, good company, and good golf. The golf course looks so wonderful this time of year.

With the season winding down, we decided to head to Rockwell’s rather than stay at the clubhouse. I picked Jackie up at the condo, and she arrived dressed beautifully from her luncheon, adding a touch of elegance to the evening. Rockwell’s was busy, as usual, but the service was attentive and the food was excellent. The steak sandwich special was outstanding. And in true Wendy fashion, her restaurant luck held steady: she changed her side order just before the server left, and of course it still arrived incorrectly. At this point, it’s a running joke.

The only sour note in the day was a phone call from my “missing” doctor while I was on the course. It caught me off guard and left a knot in my stomach for the rest of the round. I didn’t want to get into a difficult conversation while trying to play, and the timing was unfortunate. She booked an appointment for tomorrow, which now means two doctor visits in one day. Not exactly something to look forward to, but necessary nonetheless.

Despite that interruption, the day as a whole was memorable—warm, colorful, full of good golf, good food, and good company.

Thought of the Day

Whoever snuck the S in FAST FOOD was a brillaint business man.

October 6th

“Mercury Forecast Edmonton 17 degrees, Calgary 23 degrees, Mesa 36 degrees”

I keep checking the forecast, hoping the great fall weather will magically stretch out a little longer — but no, it still shows a hard stop this weekend. And I’m not happy about it. When the skies stay blue and the temperatures stay kind, it’s easy to linger in Canada and pretend I have all the time in the world. But when the weather suddenly threatens to turn into a cold, windy reminder that winter is lurking, it becomes a lot harder to justify staying put.

Bad weather at least makes it easier to accept the reality: I can’t leave as early as I’d like, no matter how many times I refresh the forecast. Between medical appointments, immigration timing, a wedding, and Jackie’s work contract, my calendar looks like it was designed by someone who enjoys puzzles a little too much. Every time I think I’ve found the perfect departure date for Mesa, something shifts — and I’m back to rearranging everything again.

At this point, I’ve changed my plans so many times I’m starting to feel like a woman shopping for clothes: pick a date, try it on, look in the mirror, sigh, put it back, grab another one, repeat. If airports handed out loyalty points for attempted departures, I’d be flying first class.

The truth is, staying in Canada is easy when fall behaves itself. But as you can see, it is most definitely not behaving. So here I am, caught between commitments, weather patterns, and the annual migration south — trying to make it all fit without losing my sense of humor along the way.

Today carried a kind of anxious weight I didn’t fully anticipate, and it turned into something unexpectedly encouraging. I started the morning a little apprehensive, mostly because I know how my doctor visits usually go. Jackie came with me as my note‑taker, support system, and second set of eyes, which already made the day feel different. I was prepared for a negative visit.

Our first stop was my initial appointment with a naturopathic doctor. We chose to move forward with a younger woman doctor who immediately put us at ease. Her personality was warm, her approach was thorough, and her knowledge was impressive. The appointment lasted seventy‑five minutes, and for the first time in a long time, I felt like someone was genuinely trying to understand the full picture rather than rushing through a checklist. People who know me might assume I’d be skeptical, but I walked out feeling optimistic and grateful we found her. A naturopath doesn’t replace a primary care doctor, but I can see how she’ll complement the care I already receive. Some people swear by naturopaths, others dismiss them entirely, but for us, a few hundred dollars over time feels like a worthwhile experiment. The surprising part was that the appointment was actually enjoyable — a first for me. Plus we left with information and a plan to fix something without a prescription for pills.

Next came my primary care doctor. This was a rare time Jackie joined me, and I honestly expected it might also be the last. But something shifted. For the first time in years, my doctor was… normal. Professional. Present. I left feeling better than when I walked in, which hasn’t happened in a very long time. Maybe it was the presence of a witness, maybe it was the dynamic of having someone else in the room, or maybe it was just a good day. Whatever the reason, it worked. The follow‑ups added a few complications to my leaving Canada plans, but they were handled well and felt productive rather than frustrating.

Today I thought may be stressful, but instead it gave me reassurance, direction, and a sense of support I didn’t realize I’d been missing. It was a medical day — and unexpectedly, a good one.

The last stop of the day was Sobeys as it is 15% off Tuesday. We had a lot of groceries we needed for ourselves plus to pick up for the Thanksgiving get together this weekend. A $400 bill and not even a full grocery cart. Although a can of Tim Horton coffee was $34 itself. Eating right is more expensive than eating what you like.

Thought of the Day

I went to buy lettuce but it cost so much I decided to leaf it on the shelf

October 7th

“Mercury Forecast Edmonton 16 degrees, Calgary 15 degrees, Mesa 38 degrees”

You have to love fall. This is a picture of our trees around the condo.

The weather forecast set the tone for the day before we even left the house. As I’ve said many times, being a weatherman must be the only job where you can be wrong every single day and never get fired. Today was another shining example. If the temperature touched fifteen degrees, it must have been for a single optimistic second around four o’clock, because the rest of the day felt closer to ten, made worse by a cool, persistent wind.

Jeff and Wendy joined us for a round at Speargrass. I’ve always liked this course—not just because I’ve had two hole‑in‑ones there, although that certainly doesn’t hurt. It’s a pleasant layout, enjoyable to play, even if I still prefer McKenzie overall. I still put Turner Valley as the best though.

The day began with a small mistake on my part, and unfortunately that theme carried through my golf game. At the lab that morning, I managed to provide two urine samples when I was only supposed to give one. That may upset the doc. LOL Not exactly a major crisis, but it set the tone. We arrived at the course about ten minutes early, which for me is practically a moral failing. The Graces were cutting it close too, still loading their clubs as we parked. In the rush to get organized, one of my clubs wedged itself into the back seat and refused to come out without a fight. By the time we reached the tee, we simply walked straight up and swung away.

Trusting the weatherman, I wore shorts. That decision held up until about the ninth hole, when the temperature dipped and the wind picked up. Thankfully, I had hand warmers, and Jackie kindly shared her blanket with me. Even so, my fingers turned white every time I took them out of my pockets, which is not ideal when you’re trying to maintain any sort of feel with a golf club. It’s a good excuse, at least. After playing so well on Monday at McKenzie, today was the complete opposite. None of us found any consistency. There were good shots here and there, even the occasional great one, but overall we all struggled.

Eventually, after enough poor swings, cold hands, and general frustration, we decided to call it a day early. The last three holes we didn’t play were, of course, spectacular—four pars for everyone, naturally. It’s amazing how well you can score when you don’t actually hit the ball.

Inside the clubhouse, we were looking forward to the Shepherd’s Pie or the BBQ Rib special advertised on the board. Unfortunately, both had already sold out, which took a bit of the excitement out of the meal. We regrouped, chose from the remaining options, and made the best of it.

Tonight we were celebrating Jeff’s sixty‑fourth birthday. Drinks were on me, and somehow only two were ordered. Even with our substitute meals and the chill still lingering from the course, it turned into a pleasant evening and a good way to wrap up a day that didn’t quite go as planned.

So even with it being cold, not completing our game, missed out on our specials of day it was a fun day on the course.

A small gallery of pictures of Jeff over the years. Happy 64th Birthday .

It is shame but it looks like this may have being the last golf game of the year. I do not want to golf in the weather.

Thought of the Day

Isn’t 64 really only 39 years old with 25 years of experience.

October 8th

“Mercury Forecast Edmonton 12 degrees, Calgary 15 degrees, Mesa 39 degrees”

We’ve had our fair share of winter weather over the last few days, the kind that makes a long weekend feel even longer. But now that it’s wrapped up, I have to say it turned out to be a very enjoyable stretch — plenty of driving, plenty of visiting, and more than enough opportunities to eat far too much.

On Friday, Corey and I headed up to Edmonton for Stewart’s stag gathering. As I’ve said before, I’m not a fan of long‑weekend weddings, funerals, or special events. Organizers often think they’re doing guests a favour, but most guests would politely disagree. Still, this was one of those occasions you simply attend. Jackie and I have known Stewart since the day he was born, so off we went up the QE2. Between the holiday traffic and snow/sleet, we were down to 50 km/h in spots — classic Alberta timing.

The plans started shifting before we even arrived. Our GPS showed we’d be about twelve minutes late for the limo, so I messaged to see if it could be held. That’s when we learned the limo was actually booked for 4 p.m., even though the venue didn’t start until 6:45. Luckily, Keith stepped in with a revised plan: park at the airport for a secure spot, and he’d drive back in the morning. Perfect. I checked the casino’s website, saw it was open until 4 a.m., and called to confirm security. Cameras, guards, lights — all good. Another revision, another save.

We arrived first and settled into the lounge for a drink and some sports. When the restaurant opened, we headed upstairs ready for food and betting. Revision number two: no buffet. For a casino, that’s like a hockey rink without ice. The menu was short, but the food turned out to be excellent, and our table was right on the finish line.

The group was large — at least thirty guys, many of them baseball players Stewart plays with, most closing in on fifty and still behaving like twenty‑year‑olds on a limo ride. Jenny’s two brothers were there as well; I hadn’t seen them in thirty years. It was a lively, fun crowd.

I have to say this: harness racing, where the horse isn’t allowed to break into a gallop, is considerably less exciting than thoroughbred racing. You don’t get dramatic come‑from‑behind wins, and with the jockey holding the horse back, the whole thing feels a bit subdued. The betting system didn’t help — what should be simple has been made unnecessarily complicated. WIN, PLACE, SHOW, EXACTA, TRIFECTA, SUPERFECTA, BOXING… it’s like learning a new language. Fortunately, the cashier was incredibly helpful and walked me through everything. I’ll admit I cheated and used AI for a few bets. Out of eight races, I only had one where I didn’t recover my money. Overall, I came out slightly negative, but it was a lot of fun learning yet another way to hand over my hard‑earned cash.

No one made a fortune — a couple of guys walked away with around a hundred dollars — but the entertainment value was worth it. And Stewart, dressed as a jockey, was the perfect finishing touch.

If you want this tightened further, made more humorous, or shaped to match the tone of your other posts, just tell me and I’ll adjust it.

As the weather continues to deteriorate it gets harder to take. As you noticed yesterday it was a cold day golfing. Today no better. I HATE the COLD. Today it was the overall coolness, the extra clothes and the worst ever time my hands trying to keep the warm enough not to turn white and numb.

I am so grateful for the handwarmers that Mary Ann had suggested. I have used them each time and the are a golf scorer saver. I love the heat but wish they would last a little longer. I used them today for the entire 4 hours using one at a time. This is my fall golf life. Handwarmers being charged and Nike mitts in between shots.

With tight muscles, too many clothes it does not make for a sweet swing. But having said that everyone was experiencing the same thing and had difficulty. The most annoying and frustrating thing today was my partners were 84 yrs old, 80 yrs old and 77 years old and I lost to one of them in the gross game.

That being said it was a very fun day with us playing multiple money games between us. I have to admit it cost me the most money today. My reward is the knowledge no one else made a birdie. LOL

We had a nice end of season visit in the clubhouse. We may have one more came in Claresholm next week if the weather allows it.

The clubhouse had a special Beef Stew tonight which was amazing.

I git home and we started to get a few things ready for the weekend. I cooked a pound of bacon for the salad. I cooked and cut up a large quantity of Italian Sausage ready for reheating on Saturday. We extended the table and covered it and then I readied for the trip to Edmonton tomorrow for Stewards stag party.

So I may not post for a couple of days unless I can squeeze it in. Tomorrow drive to Edmonton, Sat drive home and get ready for the gathering at our place. We picked an easier meal but delicious that everyone likes as we have a full Thanksgiving meal in Edmonton. I am so lucky my sister is one of the best if not the best cook for meals like this. It is traditional home cooking at its finest. She has perfected some of our Grandma’s recipes.

I deposited another $538 cheque tonight from AMA from my appeal claim and received an email they agreed to an additional $400 cheque that will be here in a bit.

I will say it one more time. AMA is an amazing company that has rules and regulations but works with it’s customers to make thing work. I been very impressed by them. Now not a complete comprehension but fair and that is all you really want.

I forgot this from my last doctors appointment, I was surprised and disappointed in our medical system. I am sure most don’t know but the medical system is set up to let old people die without helping them with early diagnosis. In Alberta the recommended age to stop PAP smear testing for women is 49 yrs old. Then a cervical screening test is done until 69 years old. Mammograms are only done up to 74 years old. PSA testing for men stops at 70 years old as they figure it is a 10 life span left the prostate cancer may not kill them. I think all of this dumb. It is like we are saying based solely on age we are not going to waste money and time on someone with a limited life span left. It is wrong.

Thought of the Day

As you age you find you have a lot of answers but no one asks any questions.

October 9th to 12th

No weather other than to say wintery.

We’ve had our fair share of winter weather over the last few days, the kind that makes a long weekend feel even longer. But now that it’s wrapped up, I have to say it turned out to be a very enjoyable stretch — plenty of driving, plenty of visiting, and more than enough opportunities to eat far too much.

On Friday, Corey and I headed up to Edmonton for Stewart’s stag gathering. As I’ve said before, I’m not a fan of long‑weekend weddings, funerals, or special events. Organizers often think they’re doing guests a favour, but most guests would politely disagree. Still, this was one of those occasions you simply have to attend. Jackie and I have known Stewart since the day he was born, so off we went up the QE2. Between the holiday traffic and snow/sleet, we were down to 50 km/h in spots — classic Alberta timing.

The plans started shifting before we even arrived. Our GPS showed we’d be about twelve minutes late for the limo, so I messaged to see if it could be held. That’s when we learned the limo was actually booked for 4 p.m., even though the venue didn’t start until 6:45. Luckily, Keith stepped in with a revised plan: park at the airport for a secure spot, and he’d drive back in the morning. Perfect. I checked the casino’s website, saw it was open until 4 a.m., and called to confirm security. Cameras, guards, lights — all good. Another revision, another save.

We arrived first at the casino and settled into the lounge for a drink and some sports. When the restaurant opened, we headed upstairs ready for food and betting. Revision number two: no buffet. For a casino, that’s like a hockey rink without ice. The menu was short, but the food turned out to be excellent, and our table was right on the finish line.

The group was large — at least thirty guys, many of them baseball players Stewart plays with, most closing in on fifty and still behaving like twenty‑year‑olds on a limo ride. Jenny’s two brothers were there as well; I hadn’t seen them in thirty years. It was a lively, fun crowd.

I have to say this: harness racing, where the horse isn’t allowed to break into a gallop, is considerably less exciting than thoroughbred racing. You don’t get dramatic come‑from‑behind wins, and with the jockey holding the horse back, the whole thing feels a bit subdued. The betting system didn’t help — what should be simple has been made unnecessarily complicated. WIN, PLACE, SHOW, EXACTA, TRIFECTA, SUPERFECTA, BOXING… it’s like learning a new language. Fortunately, the cashier was incredibly helpful and walked me through everything. I’ll admit I cheated and used AI for a few bets. Out of eight races, I only had one where I didn’t recover any money. Overall, I came out slightly negative, but it was a lot of fun learning yet another way to hand over my hard‑earned cash.

No one made a fortune — a couple of guys walked away with around a hundred dollars — but the entertainment value was worth it.

And Stewart, dressed as a jockey, was the perfect finishing touch.

Then off to the Casino below us. Keith has been a gamble forever. He bets and likes gambling and always does well.. Me not so much. Having said that he does his homework on things and wins a lot of the time. His luck tonight was sick. He put in $40 and 5 minutes later cashed in $220. He returns and sits down at the VLT I was using with no return and puts in $20. Two minutes later he cashes in another $200. Horseshoes up his ass is all I can say. We had about an hour or so in the Casino of gambling until a revision of plans arrived a party bus complete with dance pole. LOL Jason had the bus loaded with liquor including beer, champagne and Fireball. This bus ride was hilarious. 20 guys and in two hours of driving around we made 4 pit stops on the side of QE2 for a pee break. Old guys. LOL

What happens on a party bus stays with the party bus.

Only one picture not to incriminate anyone. LOL It was a entertaining bus ride. WE had one guy just about fall out of the doors as he tripped back into the steps and we had Mathew who is absolutely hilarious. If he spoke 100 words I understood 5 of them. Plenty to drink. Plus entertainment how can you go wrong.

The limo ride eventually wrapped up at a bar in Edmonton’s west end, and the moment I stepped out I couldn’t help but smile. In 1987, this very spot was The Keg, and my first Christmas party with Henderson’s was held there. I may have enjoyed myself a little too enthusiastically that night, and when someone checked on me in the washroom, I delivered the now‑legendary line: “I am just fine, just fine.” That phrase followed me for years — nothing like having your co‑workers immortalize your slightly wobbly moment as a long‑standing joke.

The place today is a huge, modern bar — stylish, spacious, and clearly designed for a crowd. Unfortunately, the crowd forgot to show up. It was absolutely dead, and I’m blaming the long weekend for that. Otherwise, it looked like the kind of place that should have been buzzing with people and noise. Still, the quiet atmosphere made for a comfortable end to the night.

And to finish things off, the “old guys” — Keith and Larry — absolutely schooled the “young guys,” Corey and Justin, at pool. It wasn’t even close. Watching the veterans dismantle the rookies was the highlight of the night for me. There’s something deeply satisfying about seeing experience triumph over youthful confidence, especially when the younger ones walked in acting like they were about to give us a lesson. Instead, they got a gentle reminder that pool tables have long memories — and so do we.

Corey ordered an Uber for us and we were lucky enough that Keith & Jenny fixed us up a bed to sleep on. I think that was the latest I have gotten to bed in years and years. We did manage a 5 hour sleep and very gracious of Keith to drive us back to get our truck so early in the morning.

Most of the way up and down the highway we had slight rain or sleet.

We made it back to Calgary around noon, and barely had time to catch our breath before our first guest arrived at 1 p.m. Thanksgiving this year with the Huggett side of the family, and while Oasis would have been a beautiful setting, the weather made that idea about as appealing as hosting dinner in a walk‑in freezer. We also didn’t book the party room in time, so the condo became the official headquarters for the celebration.

Since we were already committed to a full turkey dinner the next day, we decided to try something different for this gathering. In theory, pasta night should be easier than turkey night. In practice, we discovered it’s almost the same amount of work — just with fewer feathers and more chopping. But it turned out wonderfully.

We didn’t go simple. We went “options.” We made a rich Alfredo sauce and a red pepper and garlic marinara loaded with peppers, onions, celery, and mushrooms. For protein, we offered Italian meatballs or mild spicy Italian sausage. Penne was the pasta of choice — hearty, reliable, and perfect for grabbing onto all those sauces. Add a Caesar salad and Texas garlic toast, and I have to say, it was pretty darn good. We wrapped it up with the traditional pumpkin pie, because Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie is simply a gathering, not a holiday.

This year’s group included Victoria, Corey, and Jackson, along with Jessica, Atticus, and August. Audrey, David, Alan, and Mary Ann joined us as well. Kirsten and Sheldon arrived with Silas and Emery, who provided the evening’s entertainment. Cute kids, full of energy, and very committed to making sure no adult had a quiet moment. It was a smaller group this year, which actually worked out perfectly for space, conversation, and keeping the chaos at a manageable level.

The boys borrowed my swim trunks and spent a long time in the hot tub and weight room, returning looking like they’d completed a full training camp. Getting everyone together is always nice — the kind of gathering that reminds you why family traditions matter and why you tolerate the noise, the mess, and the occasional spilled drink.

I have to give special thanks to Mary Ann. She loves getting “in” and helping out, and this year she spent a long time helping Jackie tackle the cleanup. It was truly appreciated. A lot of cooking generates a lot of dishes, pans, and the occasional mystery utensil that no one remembers using. Her help made the end of the evening much easier, and we were grateful for it.

Everyone enjoys little kids because they’re entertainment simply by showing up. They don’t need props, a plan, or even a reason — they just exist in the room and suddenly the adults are laughing, shaking their heads, and wondering how someone under four feet tall can steal the spotlight so effortlessly. It’s one of the great perks of family gatherings: built‑in comedy, courtesy of the younger generation.

It’s genuinely wonderful that Sheldon’s family lives here in Calgary. Because of that, we get to see Kristen and her crew far more often, and every visit adds a bit of spark and noise to the day — the good kind of noise, the kind that reminds you that family life is supposed to be lively.

And even though Sheldon lives up in Edmonton, he still bleeds red. It’s impressive, really. Living in Edmonton and staying loyal to Calgary is basically a full‑time sport. You have to navigate Oilers fans, defend your Flames allegiance, and pretend you don’t hear certain comments during hockey season. I know his heart hasn’t migrated north and he really loves the Flames even though pretending due to being behind enemy lines stating he is a Oiler fan.

Atti is just unbelievably cute, and somehow he looks too good in his cowboy hat and jeans. Most kids wear cowboy gear like it’s a costume; Atti wears it like he’s about to negotiate cattle prices or headline the Stampede parade. He’s got that little tilt of the hat, the confident stance, and the grin that says he knows exactly how charming he is — and he’s absolutely using it to his advantage.

He’s one of a kind, and hilarious in a way that feels completely natural. He doesn’t try to be funny; he just is. Whether he’s strutting around like a miniature ranch boss or delivering one of his perfectly timed comments, he has that rare ability to make everyone around him smile. Some kids grow into their personality — Atti arrived with his fully assembled.

Honestly, if he keeps this up, we may have to start calling him “Cowboy of the Year” and get him his own belt buckle. He’d wear it proudly, and he’d probably find a way to make it look better than anyone else.

The kids loved their English Candy that Janet sent from England. Some interesting and unique candies that tasted awesome. With candy this good I can see why the English struggle with having good teeth.

The night wrapped up quietly. We did a bit of cleanup, made sure everything was in order, and headed to bed. Morning came quickly. We were up at 7:30, and after Jackie took Daisy for her walk, we dropped her off at Audrey’s so we could head back up to Edmonton for the Willard Thanksgiving. Jessica had a family commitment in Raymond, so it was just the Waldies and us making the trip.

As usual, the drive came with the standard long‑weekend Alberta weather package: sleet, rain, and fog both ways. Nothing dangerous, just enough to remind you that fall here is never quite sure what it wants to be.

This year’s gathering was held at Kayla’s home, which worked perfectly with her two small boys being at home. She has plenty of space, and everyone naturally spread out into different rooms — the kind of comfortable chaos that makes family gatherings feel lived‑in. And this year, everyone except Mary was there: Alfred, Graham, Miranda, Jesse, Gage, Destiny and her boyfriend, Paige, Garrett, Ainsley, Jim, Darlene, Kari, Kayla, Christian, Samuel, Gabriel, plus two friends who have joined us a few times over the years, and of course us. A full house, but a good one.

We all had a good laugh over Jesse and Jackson. Jesse grew fast and was taller than Jackson at May Long. Now, suddenly, Jackson is taller than Jesse. That’s a quick turnaround — the kind of growth spurt that makes you wonder if someone snuck fertilizer into their cereal.

Jesse left saying he was heading out to help a friend install headers. i smiled to myself first as Jesse is only 15 yrs old and second installing a set of headers on a newer truck is not as easy as when I was a kid. There is the room and engine compartments are tight and there are sensors now that have to be considered otherwise you will need to live with a check engine light on forever. Biggest issue with most header installs is spacing. I had to remove a engine mount bolt and lift my engine slightly to get one set in. To compound that todays headers are shorties before the catalytic convertor so requires a exhaust weld versus a flange bolt on.

As I’ve said many times, Darlene is an amazing cook, and once again she delivered a perfect Thanksgiving meal. She has a way of making everything taste like it came straight out of a magazine photo — except better, because it’s real and made with care. She still uses many of our Grandma recipes. I love the turkey stuffing recipe but my favorite of them all is Grandma’s potato salad. Cry baby cookies maybe second. Another time.

This was our first Thanksgiving without Mom, and it did feel different. There’s a quietness to that kind of absence, even in a full house. But I’m very glad the gathering still happened. When my Grandma passed, our traditional ways changed dramatically, and the larger family gatherings slowly disappeared. I’m grateful that didn’t happen here.

The picture below is at Kayla’s for Thanksgiving 2024 .

Darlene created something extra special this year. Mom had about six favorite causal shirts she wore all the time. Darlene took them and made “Memory Pillows” — a wonderful idea, thoughtful and personal. Mine is her white shirt, and I remember the tartan and red ones she wore often. I placed it on our bed and absolutely love it. It’s a small thing, but it carries a lot of love with it.

The day itself was fun — catching up with everyone, hearing what people are up to, watching the kids explore and entertain, and just reconnecting. These gatherings remind you how quickly life moves and how important it is to pause and share time together.

The drive home was a little busier but still manageable, with the same mix of sleet, rain, and fog. Alberta consistency at its finest.

And finally, we have to give Victoria her centerpiece back, but it really is a fantastic Thanksgiving decoration. It looked great and added a perfect touch to the table.

Another great catch up sleep and a breakfast about 10am. I figured a big breakfast and early supper will do just fine. So I air fried a 3 egg omelet with mushrooms, green onion, spinach, red peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Add a couple pieces of watermelon and a 85% great breakfast. Just needed a piece of whole wheat bread for the carbs but I forwent that.

We took off to Audrey’s to get a few things done before winter hit. We brought in the umbrella, packaged it all up and secured in the storage room. I used quick ties and a bungie cord to secure the base in the garage. I removed the outside hose and closed the water line. Opened the bib to release pressure and drip all of the water out. I put it downstairs as those snake hoses can sometime have a bit of water in them so this will keep them from freezing. I emptied all of the base weights while Jackie cleaned them and we packaged them up and put them downstairs. I checked the car out today and the antifreeze is fine and the oil in fine. The oil is a bit soiled but not too dark and heavy so can be still driven without changing for quite sometime. If it was a outside car or used a lot in winter it could be changed but not necessary in this case. I bet a simple oil change now from Mr Lube is $100. Did a few little things around there and ended up forgetting to check the furnace filter before winter. Next time.

Another end to a Thanksgiving weekend. Did everyone check their scale ? I was happy this morning. A even .02 over my number which will be gone by tonight. I should actually go to the gym today but I am not feeling it.

Thought of the Day

Thanksgiving calories don’t count. They are just a turkeys way of giving you a hug.

October 13th–14th

“Mercury Forecast Edmonton 13 degrees, Calgary 12 degrees, Mesa 25 degrees”

Even though cool it is a nice fall day with a few days coming up that could be described as wonderful.

I dislike always having to think what to eat but it will become easier as time goes along. To get enough protein, limit the carbs which turn to sugar and watch sugar intake makes it hard. Avocado, tomatoes, 12 gram Protein Everything Bagel with natural peanut butter just about makes the cut.

My first outing was to pickup my supplements from our Naturopath doctor. I checked out the brand as she was specific as some companies in a unregulated arena do not have the best ingredients or even unhealthy particles and it was available on Amazon. Turns out my doctor is $2 less than Amazon so that is a win.

I cleaned out and organized the rear of the Jeep. Threw a lot of stuff away and bundled up cleaning products and bungee cords.

Jackie has a very busy workday but we snuck away to advance vote. When we got there the line was out of the door and she only had 1.5 hours before the next meeting so we didn’t stay. Maybe tonight but it will be a long wait.

I tried to get a lab test done and wow are they busy with most having not until next week. I used the filter ( closest 10 to me) and there was one time tomorrow at 9am of all ten places. Not the perfect scenario but it will work so I have to fast tonight which will require a later supper not to go over the 12 hour window. Dumb ! Too many sick people.

Our voting station only took us about 45 mins. That is pretty good. Very impressed with their system, the color coding, the slot sizing and the communication and directions to follow were super easy. The #10 question is the only real important one. No matter what the vote it will give a report card of the feelings of Alberta. The yes to a referendum gives leverage but at what cost and the vote to stay we remain status quo so it is a important number to watch. Hopefully the other questions help us decide a direction we want to take.

Yahoo Calgary Flames are on a winning streak. Yes one in a row now. We are just starting to get good.

The results on Dancing with the Stars last night felt like the natural turning point of the season. Guillermo had been coasting on pure charm for weeks — that irresistible mix of sweetness, humor, and wide‑eyed enthusiasm that made viewers want to keep him around even when the judges’ scores told a very different story. He was the heart of the show, but never the technician. Eventually the competition catches up, and this was the moment when the feel‑good favorite finally stepped aside so the true contenders could take center stage.

What made his run even more memorable was the partnership with Witney. She has always been one of the pros who can elevate anyone, but this season she was doing it while visibly progressing through her pregnancy. Week after week, she delivered full‑out choreography, kept Guillermo grounded, and maintained that signature calm, encouraging presence. You could see her adapting, adjusting, and still giving everything she had. It was impressive, but also a reminder of how demanding the show is on the pros, especially under circumstances like hers.

There was something almost poetic about their exit. Guillermo left with the same joy he arrived with, grateful for the experience and clearly aware that he’d gone as far as he could. And Witney, glowing and strong, finally gets the chance to rest and focus on the next chapter of her life. Their journey wasn’t about perfect scores or technical brilliance — it was about heart, humor, and the kind of partnership that makes the show fun to watch even when the dancing isn’t the highlight.

Now the competition tightens, the stakes rise, and the dancers who’ve been quietly sharpening their skills get the spotlight they’ve earned. But Guillermo and Witney’s run will be remembered as one of those uniquely DWTS stories — the lovable underdog and the powerhouse pro who carried him through with grace, grit, and a whole lot of warmth.

Up early this morning and it is beautiful outside, warmer than for the last few days as Jackie’s walk was at 14 degrees already.

I headed out the door to the Alberta Precisions Lab for yet another blood test. It is like complete oil change this month with all of the vials of blood drawn. I have found my new go to place. I have always tries to use Sloane and if busy go to South Center or Avenida but this Chaparral office I really like. Closer than the others and the waiting room only holds about 8 people. Less people less contamination and makes sitting in it a lot less stressful than a room of 30 or more with someone coughing etc. They were precisely on time. One mistake though as when the African lady called a name three people got up. She had a bad accent and Larry, Mary and Jerry all sounded the same. LOL A easy in and out with the perfect stab. I did not even feel a pinch.

This testing is one I paid for myself through the Naturopath. My hope is my GP does not see it on my file. LOL

I came home and made a wonderful breakfast. It is funny how the mind works. I am thinking Tim’s and bring it home but knowing I shouldn’t I listened to myself. The angel on the right shoulder was louder than the devil on the left.

I broke a sweat today in the gym. Unheard of yet pleasing in a way. While in the gym I was watching a NHL today style of show and they were enamored with McDavid and him getting 1237 points in 800 games. Yes impressive but to put it in perspective Gretzky had 1892, Mario had 1580 points. To be in third place as i said is impressive but it is far far from the real super stars. That is one and a quarter point per game less which is huge. He is good but not as great. Hopefully he looks up Waynes stats and say to himself I should be humble, respectful of the league and loses his attitude.

I went to Sobey’s and picked up groceries this afternoon while Jackie was working. Year ends are always challenging.

At the blood pressure desk 117/75 which is fantastic. In a month or so I may ask for 24 hour monitor to get off the pills. It has been running consistently at these numbers. It is so convenient to use this machine and gives you an idea if your home machine is similar. More often than not self home tests are less accurate. We know smart technology can be far off.

I rented my parking spot today to a gentleman. I got my asking price of $500 for the winter. It was a nasty negotiation. By far the toughest negotiator but I prevailed. Jackie laughed ! Having said that it is not done until the bills are in my hand.

5 bills in my wallet. Yahoo !

Thought of the Day

Money is like a sixth sense, and you can’t make use of the other five without it.

October 15th

“Mercury Forecast Edmonton 12 degrees, Calgary 13 degrees, Mesa 31 degrees”

A cool day squeezed between two warm ones — only in Calgary does the weather pull off that kind of trick. And of course, that cooler day ended up being the one we chose for golf. Still, knowing it might be our last round of the year, we weren’t about to let it slip by. Pants and hand warmers turned out to be the unsung heroes of the outing.

We made our traditional end‑of‑season trip to Claresholm, joined this time by Larry, Peter, and Jeff. Despite the chill, the course was in good shape and the day was perfectly playable. A light breeze drifted through now and then, just enough to influence a few shots but not enough to take away from the enjoyment.

The golf itself was a mixed bag — some great swings, some forgettable ones, and everything in between. What stood out most was Jeff’s play. I honestly think it was the best I’ve seen from him in years. He was driving the ball beautifully, hitting solid second shots, and rolling a variety of putts with confidence. And with money on the line, there were no mulligans or do‑overs. He rose to the occasion and played extremely well.

As for me, I wasn’t thrilled with the final number on the card, but the round itself was strong: nine pars and a birdie. More importantly, I managed to walk away with a satisfying amount of winnings from the group, which always adds a little extra shine to the day.

All in all, it was a fun, relaxed, and fitting way to close out the season — good company, good golf, and one last chance to enjoy the course before winter settles in.

We finished the day with supper at Roy’s, proudly known as the home of REAL FOOD — and once again, it lived up to the reputation. The place was busy enough to feel lively but still comfortable, and every dish that came out of the kitchen looked like something you’d happily take a picture of before digging in. Each of us ordered something different, and the plates were as impressive as always.

My new approach to eating can be a bit of a nuisance, especially when faced with a menu full of favourites, but I stuck to the plan and went with a chicken burger and a salad. It turned out to be an excellent choice: fresh, flavourful, and exactly what I needed after a cool day on the course. A simple meal, done right — the kind Roy’s seems to deliver every time.

A great supper to cap off a great outing.

I got home and there was Daisy waiting for me. No Jackie. I am thinking she must be at Audrey’s house. A hour later or so Jackie phones ( she sent a message but I really do not look at messages, i prefer email or phone call if someone wants a answer quickly) and she is at the hospital with Audrey as her blood work is off and they are concerned. I am going to assume Jackie will be there a long time unless she gets lucky and Audrey is attended to sooner than later. Hopefully a fix can be had quickly. The fun of aging. I can honestly say getting a little older is not the golden years like they promise.

Thought of the Day

You know you’re aging when your medical chart starts looking like a grocery list: arthritis, cholesterol, pills, blood pressure, blood work and “don’t forget the fiber.”