What I Did on my Summer Vacation

As the days get shorter and the kids are heading back to school; the sure signs that Fall is here.  This is a very different fall for us.  Our not sol little girl has embarked on her scholastic career.  Hard to believe she is old enough to be going to Kindergarten.  This has brought back a lot of memories of my early school days.  One of the activities from school that I remember was discussing or writing about what I did during the summer. 

This has been a much more typical summer than what we can remember in recent years.  Other than Russell's sudden meeting with the floor, and his resulting broken arm, our summer has been relatively hospital free.  Thinking back now I hardly remember Russell breaking his arm.  He was only in a cast for 4 weeks and even when he was in his cast he really didn't slow down much.

Our summer was actually enjoyable for the first time in a long time.  We did things around the yard, went to the park, and even travelled a bit.  Normal things.  The past few years having a big yard has been more of a burden than a place to relax.  In between running around to medical appointments, being busy at work, continual rain and just trying to keep up with life.  Our yard has been sadly neglected.  Finally, this summer I got a chance to get a little bit ahead of the weeds and mowing the lawn.  June was very wet but July and August we received almost no rain.  I took a couple of weeks off in July and August and focused on sprucing up the flower beds and trying to clean things up a bit.  I must admit having things a little tidier does make you feel like you can enjoy the yard a bit more.  Today was a gorgeous fall day and it was so nice to walk around and not see so many unfinished projects.  Well....let's not kid ourselves...I have planted some lawn and I still need to do a few odds and ends but at least I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.




I'm not a big fan of the look of chain link...but it is low maintenance.  I thought this mini-retaining wall made the fence look pretty good.

Getting close...Just need to get lawn planted






Note all the footprints on the sidewalk....I had lots of little people help with hauling topsoil

We planted a few plants...will probably do some more.  Even a little bit made a big difference.



Holidays & Birthdays

I haven't been posting much on here lately.  For those who know us; that is probably a good thing.

We have had one of the quieter summers in recent years.  This has been a welcome change.  After working for 20 years in jobs where summer is the busy season; it has been a welcome change to be able to take holidays in the summer.  I've taken a week off in July and taking another in August.  A much needed break.

Russell's broken arm is mending nicely.  He is out of his cast and up to full speed.  His arm still has a "bend" in it but because he is so young the Doctors anticipate it will straighten out on its own through growth. 

We celebrated Russell's 3rd Birthday on Friday (Aug 5).  Although Russell was born with a heart defect and their could have been a lot of issues when he was born, for both Susan and him.  Fortunately,  his birthday brings back very pleasant memories of a very perfect day.  Everything went so well the day he was born.  The days following...not so much.

Kids have an innate ability to "keep things real."  Russell (and most kids) get spoiled rotten on their birthdays.  They get inundated with toys and presents.  I really had to laugh yesterday that in the midst of an avalanche of toys; what were our kids doing for hours yesterday?  They played in our car in the drive way.  Apparently there are lots of switches, levers, and lights that can keep kids entertained for hours.  I put the car back in the garage at night; where i turned off all of the interior lights (every one) adjusted the mirrors and cleaned up all of the CDs that were strewn about the front seat.  Not a big deal considering we got a couple of hours of peace and quiet.

Summertime

I've been meaning to post something for a while but just haven't gotten around to it.  Believe me it's not because things have been dull that's for sure.

Where to start...Nicole finished up Soccer season at the end of June.  She had a bit of a challenge this year which was not a total surprise to us but a little frustrating.  From playing with her in the backyard she doesn't lack any skill, but she is a little intimidated by some of the more competitive kids and tends to hang back a bit.  Nicole has an extremely kind personality and hyper-competitiveness just isn't her.  She's also 5.  The bottom line is that by the end of the season she was more more involved and improved a great deal.  She had a lot of fun and made some friends who she will be seeing in the fall at Kindergarten.

Our little strike/lockout at Canada Post was very anti-climactic and bordered on being dull.  The strike has absolutely no effect on our work in Postal Transformation which is full steam ahead.  Our project is moving like a steamroller across the country.  The Winnipeg project will be complete by the end of September and we're moving right through Regina, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Calgary, and the "Big One" Vancouver will be an amazing project. 

What else is going on....hmmmmm....let me think....ah yes....the "Russell."  Our little boy is up to his old tricks.  Many of you know that two weeks ago he broke his arm.  I guess he missed Emergency.  We broke a speed record getting in and out of the hospital.  He broke his arm at about 8:00 in the morning...X-Rays in Selkirk...transfer by Ambulance to Children's....set the bone....cast...another X-ray and home by 1:30 in the afternoon.  We were at a total loss as to what to do with the rest of the day.

One highlight for me was to have two experiences, in the past few weeks, to be reminded of how far both Nicole and Russell have come.  Near the end of the school year we had a Kindergarten orientation with Nicole at her new school.  It was quite an experience to see the school, her future classmates, and other parents.  It is so hard to believe it was only a few years ago that we had no idea we would ever have a little girl like her and now she is heading off to school.  I think both Susan and I are going to be total basket cases on her first day of school.  I also had a unique experience to take Russell to his child development assessment.  Russell is significantly behind where he should be due to his medical adventures.  He is now almost three but is quite a ways behind where he should be related to his growth and development.  It was very emotional to observe his assessment as he did the activities he was asked to do.  I wasn't upset or concerned that he is behind.  I was totally blown away at what this little boy can accomplish and how far he has come (he is nothing if not feisty) and he is making fantastic progress.  We just have to remember "baby steps."

Thanks for your Prayers

I read an interesting article in the Free Press this morning regarding prayer in schools and how some school divisions are skirting some of the rules related to this activity. 

I find it interesting to observe people's reaction to this.  In a supposed age of tolerance and acceptance I find it peculiar that those who believe in a higher being are treated as uneducated simpletons who are unsophisticated throwbacks from the dark ages.

It made me chuckle a little bit as I recalled an old bumper sticker that says "As long as there are tests...there will be prayer in schools." 

When we were in hospital with Russell in Edmonton.  The topic of prayer and miracles came up a lot.  There were so many people who told us they were praying for Russell and our family.  It was particularly interesting to hear that comment from people that I had no idea had a belief in God or prayer.  Many have referred to Russell as our miracle baby.  I will tell you first hand, that there is nothing that has happened to Russell that cannot be explained by science.  On the other hand, when you start noting all of the coincidences and circumstances that had to occur for Russell to survive you then begin to think that this all could not happen by mere chance.  The list of events which had to take place for Russell, is lengthy and remarkable.  This is where I contend that this is no chance occurrence but part of a master plan. 

So, should there be prayer in schools?  News Flash...there already is and always will be.  I don't think that will ever change.  I really don't think that is the issue.  My belief is that there is an element in society that does not want children exposed to any opinion other than their own or whatever happens to be politically correct at this moment in time.  The problem with political correctness is that it changes from one moment to the next...you need a scorecard to keep up.  From personal experience when your child is sick or possibly dying in ICU political correctness goes out the window pretty quickly.  That's when you find out what is truly important.

For all of those who prayed for us and continue to do so....Thanks.  We believe it has made a huge difference.  Both Susan and I have felt so supported through people's prayers.  For those who are atheists and do not believe in God or prayer...that's fine with us too.  If you want to support us...I have an easy solution...send cash!http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/schools-ignore-prayer-rules-124478269.html

Attention Nurses

I am currently listening to a demonstration in support of the CUPW in front of our offices at 266 Graham.  Not really a big deal except I am totally disappointed that the Canadian Federation of Nurses has come out in support of CUPW.  Having seen the first class work that nurses do, it does an extreme disservice to nurses to lump themselves with the ideologues from CUPW.

I would strongly encourage any nurses to contact their local union office to denounce the appearance of Linda Silas from appearing at this demonstration.  My personal opinion is that the nurses union should be careful who they associate with.  CUPW is involved in some dubious activites not only nationally but internationally.  For a little more information on CUPW http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Union_of_Postal_Workers . 

I would hope that the nurses wouild be a little more progressive than the neo-70's mentality coming from the postal union.

                "That's just my opinion...I could be wrong"   - Dennis Miller

Strike!!!!!

Everybody loves a parade!

That's what was greeting me this morning as I arrived at work this morning at 266 Graham.  So off to Tim's I went.  I made a shocking discovery.  The lineup at Tim's seemed a lot more intimidating than crossing the picket line.  I quickly bolted from the ludicrous lineup at Tim's and scooted off to Robin's where they were waiting with my large double double. 

Since I am within earshot of the picket line from where I sit...I can hear some of the commotion going on below.  It's all fairly tame except about 15 mins ago they fired up the music.  Let's just say I'm not a huge country music fan! 

I was extremely shocked to read the Winnipeg Free Press this morning.  They had the gratuitous Postal Strike story...but what took me off guard were all of the comments from readers.  Usually you get a few wingnuts spouting off about whatever enters their brain and I don't pay a lot of attention to it.  This morning I was really surprised to see almost unanimously how the general public feels the postal system is NOT an essential service and the strike will have little to no effect on them.  Out of 50 or so comments I think only 1 or 2 had any pro-union sentiment. 

My fear is that CUPW and CPC have played a huge game of high stakes "chicken" and both may lose.  There are lots of changes happening at Canada Post...I think a lot more are coming.  Next stop...Workopolis????

The Week's Update

Lots of activity this week.

Nicole had a big day yesterday.  We got to take her to Kindergarten orientation at Birds Hill School.  She was very shy at first, but she quickly got into the swing of things.  She is pretty excited now.  It was nice for us to see the school and meet a few of the staff.  I think Mommy was very proud of her little girl.  They grow up so quick.

At 11:00 yesterday we got the news that most Winnipeggers have been waiting for about 16 years.  The NHL is back.  We watched the news conference online here in the office.  It was interesting to hear some of the discussion after the news conference.  Of course, there are so many naysayers who say this will never work in Winnipeg; it's just too small.  I think there were some interesting points made about Winnipeg and the positive state of the economy here.  If you just look at the cost of Real Estate you will soon get a good feel for what the market is like.  If you think back 16 years ago and all of the changes that have happened in the province it is very encouraging.  I just wish they could develop the technology to eradicate the elusive "pothole." 

I am very curious to hear what name they will come up with for the team.  I am definitely on the "anti-Jets" band wagon.  Why celebrate mediocrity.  I have heard one suggestion that I really like and that is the "Manitoba Blizzard"  I think it is totally appropriate to have a weather related name; after Hockey what do we all talk about..weather.  It totally fits.  I think it has a nice ring to it and has and sounds appropriately menacing.  I mean really...how scary is a "Maple Leaf?"

Strike Update:

June 2 at 11:59 PM is when we find out if CUPW is going to walk off the job.  Even though I work for Canada Post...I have absolutely no idea if it will happen or not.  Stay tuned.