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Tuesday Comments

Well it's now Tuesday morning here in Regina Sask. I wonder how much rain will come today. ANd this is a province where it never rains.. I guess the folks in southwestern Saskatchewan have had more than their share of rains.

This past Saturday did a quick trip to Saskatoon to pick up my son-in-law at the hospital and bring him back home. Ride was uneventful.

However he had to spend a night at the hospital to ensure some broken stitches did not mean he would continue to lose lots of blood. He's home now taking it easy.

Looking forward to continuing to cheer on my grandchildren in their various activities.

Beginning to start up my income tax preparation service in my new location. Will get more active as time goes on.

Also yesterday started search for part time work. Had a wonderful insightful interview with a recruiter yesterday. She made several serious changes to my existing resume to reflect 21st century human resource attitudes. I hope these changes will make my job search somewhat easier.

Father's Day Musings

Well it's 'father's day' which I won't be marking. I am a father and have had a father. But like mother's day five or six weeks ago I find the celebration of both days quite 'corny'. We should respect our mothers and fathers every day of the year. One can argue the second Sunday in May and the third Sunday in June are creations of the greeting card, floral, and chocolate industries.

Had a wonderful experience yesterday. Taking son-in-law from hospital in Saskatoon to home in Regina.

Also am helping our daughter in search for more appropriate accommodation here in town.

So we are in the weekend before the G8/G20. Will see how it unfolds. I heard one person (no idea where) suggest we should do away with in person type leader summits if they have to be so expensive. Also isn't it the case that mosts decisions coming out of these types of things are confirmations of agreements already arrived at?

Electronic communications amongst the G8/G20 leaders would reduce all the concerns about costs.

I am starting a new short term project tomorrow - a search for a part time job.

Also readers of this blog... while I will still be linking this blog to facebook I think I will be changing my business and personal emails one again. My two gmail.com addresses were for transition purposes. I am not a fan of how gmail organizes messages into 'conversations' rather than threads and will be resuiming my traditional email software useage in next day or so.

happenings - First full day in new city + other

Well I guess the highlight of the past 24 hours was watching 'slugger' play ball last evening. Our 7 year old grandson - the one whose dad is unwell - plays baseball here in Regina. He is one of the team's better hitters. Fielding..well that's another issue - I remember years ago when I coached softball that the largest problem for fielders is to 'PAY ATTENTION'.

Hoping to hear of arrival of furniture soon...............

Well there is a furore over comments by a NDP MP over the Middle East. The Middle East is a 'hot potato' no matter what position one takes. I have previously said I support a two state solution with equal access to all religious sites; and end to Israeli settlements on Palestinian lands (i.e, West Bank), internationalization of Jerusalem, compensation (in negotiated form) for all persons who are refugees, ending incitement on both sides etc. etc. Any alterations in borders can occur with the agreement of both parties.

What really is needed is both sides to recognize the legitimacy of the other's narrative. Regrettably those who tend to speak on this issue demonstrate a lack of recognition.

I also believe the vast majority of residents in Israel and Palestine do wish for a real peace. Only a small minority continue to strive for 'victory'.

Day Five is Done - Wrap Up - Good News on Another Front

Reached our destination yesterday. Actually reached it twice as you shall see.

Entered Saskatchewan early yesterday morning.. felt good to be driving in province where we lived for over 3 decades and have made the decision to return.

Drove right through Regina as we decided to make quick trip to Saskatoon to see our son-in-law. Are we ever glad we did....

He appeared in much better condition than we have seen in a long time. He looked vibrant and sounded so. He said his pain was less than before. The attending staff said his condition was improving. They indicated they were considering moving him from the 'observation' part of his ward to a regular hospital bed.

There seemed to be a possibility that he could even return home in a few days...quite uncertain for now.. but it was great to hear that....

Overnighted back in Regina and today start a mulititude of 'settling' in tasks... mind you biggest job won't occur until our furniture arrives... in next day or so.

Saw daughter, her boyfriend, and 3 grandsons last evening.. great to see them all...

Staying with a couple of long-time friends.. we have known for between 30 and 40 years - in fact he is friend we have known the longest of all people in Saskatchewan. Met him at a University of Saskatchewan class in the fall of 1969.

Oh and BTW, we saw another deer on the roadway... I guess this trip as been for a real 'dear' purpose ((:-))

Day Four Is Done

Well finally drove out of Ontario today... we have driven between eastern Ontario and Saskatchewan several times over the years. Ontario is a vast province..so much to traverse the entire province.

Had a short surprise today (a repeat of one we had on day one.. sorry I forgot to mention it)...we saw a deer by the side of the road. So far then two deer, one bear, and one boat trailer incident ((:-)).

Got as far as Brandon Manitoba. Tomorrow arrive back 'home' in the great province of Saskatchewan. Plans are to visit son-in-law at hospital during course of the day.

Our trip is not only thing underway in world ((:-)). Been following some of the FIFA World Cup scores. Don't have a strong team preference... but for no apparent reason I think I'll cheer for Switzerland.

Day Three is Done

Not too interesting day but we did get to see the beauty of the shoreline of Ontario's Lake Superior - by far the largest of the Great Lakes in North America. Did have one surprise today... this morning we slowed down the car suddenly as a black bear was standing by edge of road. One we stopped the bear scampered across the road and into the bush.

We travelled over 700 kilometres (450 miles for US readers) ending the day on the west side of Lake Superior at Thunder Bay.

We keep getting reports on how our son-in-law is doing. We remain hopeful but know he is not 'out of the woods yet'. We have decided to make a detour on our way into Regina - our final destination. Monday morning we will drive from wherever we stay Sunday night to Saskatoon where our son-in-law remains in hospital. We've heard it may be many days until he comes home from the hospital.