May 30

I was reminded last night that I have been negligent AGAIN in keeping my blog up to date. Since last entry I have hosted the family reunion. This year, the attendance was 44. On May 10, I drove to Tisdale to pick up my 90 year old momma. Mom had baked 5 batches of cookies in preparation for the reunion. When we got to Saskatoon, I took Mom to visit some old friends who used to live in Kelvington.  On May 11, Mom and I baked 4 dozen cinnamon buns. Mom claims that my dough is too heavy...critic!  I had 12 people staying at my place for the weekend so I did my usual trick. I slept somewhere else. Haley and Dustin took me in. The reunion started with a barbecue on Friday night. Saturday turned out sunny and warm so we were able to visit, play games, and enjoy the evening potluck in the back yard. I am very grateful for my family and the way they all pitch in with everything that needs to be done to make the reunion a success including the clean up they perform on Sunday before they leave. The Thursday after the reunion was memorable because I went to an Eagles concert in Regina. It was 7 degrees, raining sideways, and the wind was 40 km/hr. I couldn’t stop shivering so I bought two hot chocolate. I drank one and poured the other one down my pants. But seriously, the concert was amazing. Great performance and to me, the highlight was seeing Joe Walsh. He’s my guitar hero. On the May long weekend, my whole gang was at the lake. My plan to sleep in the shed may have been a little naive. The temperature on Friday night was a whopping 2 degrees. Even with a heater blowing in my face, I was chilled to the bone. Fortunately, I had conditioned my body at the Eagles concert. Haley brought me a duvet on Saturday and the effects of hypothermia subsided. The weekend was a time of joy...walking my grand dogs, taking Peanut for a stroll, golfing with my son in law, preparing meals for my little chicks, and attending a baby shower/barbecue at Mary’s in law’s farm(beautiful people). Now the Luv Bug has even more cutey patutey outfits to wear. Unfortunately, I picked up a flu bug to finish the weekend. In a one week time frame, I had a torn toenail, pink eye, flu, and an abscessed gum that had to be treated with antibiotics. I’m better now. Thanks for asking. Next on the horizon is a one week trip to Kelowna for wine tasting and hiking. When I return, I the girls (including the Luv Bug) and I are presenting the third Judy Kolach Memorial Scholarship to a student from Martensville High School who has shown perseverance in overcoming adversity. Yes, life is good. It’s good to be alive. And, yes, I am still a full time athlete. I went 4/4 at the plate on Tuesday. Now all I have to do is remember how I did that.

May 7

Little Luv Bug is nearly 4 weeks old.  I am truly in love with that little girl.  I try to get out to Mary and Morgan's place as often as I can.  The routine is for me to pick up a Tim's Ice Cap for Mary on my way.  As I drive to Warman, I can hardly wait to hold my precious grand daughter.  She is so beautiful to behold.  I love every little coo and cry.  I also love to hold her against my chest while she sleeps and I love to cradle her in my lap while I gaze into her sweet little face.  Yesterday, Mary came to my place to rest before she went to Fireside Singers practice.  I took Luvisa for a walk around the neighborhood while her momma slept.  I also took her through my house and showed her pictures of her Grandma Judy.  I am going to keep on telling her stories about the grandma she never got to meet.  By faith, I am confident Judy looks upon Luvisa every moment of every day.  What a beautiful thought!  Today, Mary and I took Luvisa for a long walk in Mary's neighbourhood.  Being a grandpa is everything my friends have said it would be.  I am truly blessed.  Life is good.