November 8

A year ago today was the big snowstorm.  A year later and I still have an annual bedding plant surviving on my front step.

The most significant news of this month was my mother's passing on November 2.  She was 93 years old.  She lived quite independently in her own apartment until three weeks before her death.  Ten days before her death, my sister, Paulette, and my brother, Wayne came from Alberta to say their good-byes to Mom.  My brother, Vince, and his daughter,  Sherri, were with Mom for the entire week before her death.  Mom's sister, Aunt Shirley, was also present.  Aunt Shirley was a wonderful support for Mom especially over the last years of Mom's life.  And so our family is experiencing the end of an era.  There are times over the last week when I get the urge to phone Mom and have a chat.  She always wanted to know how Gunnar and Luvisa were doing.  We would also talk about Kelvington memories.  During the last year, her memory began to fail, but the advantage was: we never ran out of things to talk about.  I could recycle the news that I shared the day before.  

I am very appreciative of the sympathy and support that I have experienced since Mom's passing.  Yes, there is a sadness, but there is also a gladness accompanying her death.  She knew it was her time and she finally had a release from the pain she experienced in her last days.  The pain was a result of a large tumour in her pancreas.  The tumour affected her liver as well.  

Vince and Sherri worked hard to clean Mom's apartment and to organize her possessions.  On the day before she died, my nephew,  Harley, and I traveled to Tisdale with a U Haul.  We had a chance to say our final good-bye, then we hauled all Mom's furniture and belongings to Harley's apartment in Saskatoon.  He will make good use of Mom's household items.  

I composed the following tribute to Mom that I posted on Facebook.  

Today, at 6:50am, Mom ended her earthly journey. So many memories flood my mind. My earliest memories are of Mom working at the grocery store in Kelvington...a forty hour plus week while she raised the first four children, baked, gardened, milked cows, washed clothes, and held down the fort while Dad worked as a farm hand in the summer and as a logger in the winter. Monday was her day off technically, but she spent the day baking fresh bread, doughnuts, dinner buns, cookies, etc.

She made sure we had clothes to wear and she made sure we learned hard work by assigning chores for her children. When I bought my first car, the starter didn't work so Mom gave me a push in the morning so I could get the car started by popping the clutch. We spent a lot of time together over the years. I'm proud to say, "I am a momma's boy." Over the years, we camped, fished, played cards, and danced together. My girls were always proud of their grandma for her strength and resourcefulness. Haley and Mary were honoured to have Mom present to celebrate their wedding day. The picture I have displayed is one of my favourites. Mom was thrilled to see my little red headed granddaughter...red hair just like great grandma. Mom also had the opportunity to hold the latest grandchild, Gunnar. Both grandchildren will cherish the thought that their eyes met their great grandma. Our family liked to tease Mom about who was number one, but I always knew we were "all" her favourites. Rest In Peace, Mom. You gave us more than silver and gold; you gave us a wealth of precious memories.

In other news, I continue to play hockey. I truly enjoy going to the rink twice a week to play hockey, enjoy a wobbly pop, and take part in the usual banter with my hockey buddies.

Thanksgiving weekend was a great time of turkey dinners. I joined Linda's family for a thanksgiving meal in PA on Sunday then I had a second feast at my sister in law, Audrey's place on Monday.

Every week, I get to spend an evening Grandparenting Luvisa and Gunnar at Mary's place. Gunnar usually goes to sleep early while the red head takes advantage of her grandpa's good nature for another three hours before she settles down. Of course, you know I enjoy spending time with The Bug. She is a lively one.

Yes, life continues to be good.

October 3

 Yikes!  I haven't written a blog post since August 12.  I have done so much I can't even remember everything, but I will share the things I do remember.

1.  To begin, readers of this blog know that I keep my personal life quite public; however, I don't share much about my relationship life.  Dating as a widower is quite complicated.  Whoever you meet comes with a history, a life, a lived experience complete with family and friends.  When you date at 60 or at any other age, you will find that you are either living in your partner's world or they are living in your world.  The trick is: to build a world together with shared experiences, friends, and family.  I have found there are lots of beautiful people who desire a relationship.  They want someone to talk to, someone to share experiences with, someone to share ideas, someone who will allow you to grow wiser, and someone who will love you for who you are.  I have been in 4 longer term relationships in the last 5 years.  All of the ladies I dated were wonderful people and when relationships ended, I was heartbroken because you build memories together.  You meet their family and friends.  When the relationship ends, the memories of time spent together can be painful to recall.  For the most part, the connections made in the relationship are severed and you have to move on.  We were all good people.  No one was wrong.  There are just people who are wrong for one another so the relationship ends and you move on.  It's hard.

So where am I now in my relationship life?  Well, I am in a wonderful relationship with another wonderful lady and things are going very well.  Her name is Linda.  In the last 8 months we have cross country skied, kayaked, danced in the kitchen, shared fine food, hiked, biked, swam, golfed, and built great memories.  

2.  Last weekend, Linda and I traveled to Oakville, Ontario to visit her sister's family.  I had a chance to visit my old high school buddy, Brian Hartzell, and his wife, Carole.  I also had the chance to visit another old buddy of mine, Earl Berkan.  Linda and I went to a Monet display at The Toronto Convention Center and spent a day in Niagra On the Lake where we did some wine tasting.

3.  On the Labor Day Weekend, Linda and I attended at 50th wedding anniversary for her brother in Edmonton.

4.  August weekends were mostly spent at the lake with the exception of August 22-23 when I was playing in the provincial slow pitch tournament for 60+ players.  The camper is all closed up and winterized for the season.

5. I am already finished my first month of hockey.  Over the years, I have been blessed to have good health and no major aches and pains.  Unfortunately, that streak ended in August when I pulled a hamstring playing ball.  Adding to the misery, I twisted my knee in hockey two weeks ago.  The good news is I am slowly getting better.  

6.  Luvisa and Gunnar continue to be the apples of my eye.  Luvisa started Ukrainian dance and preschool in September.  Gunnar turned 4 months old on October 2.  He is a handsome little guy who warms my heart every time he smiles at me.

7.  Mary is enjoying a year of maternity leave.  She continues to be an amazing daughter, wife to Morgan, and mother to Gunnar and Luvisa.

8.  Haley has started a blog detailing her struggles with infertility.  The blog is titled "icingandanimalcookies". The blog is very well written and heart wrenching to read.  I am very proud of her courage and wisdom.  Writing the blog has been cathartic and healing for Haley.  Definitely a good read.

As always, I am blessed and trying to be the best version of myself living the best life I am able to live.

August 12

 I had an appointment with a urologist on Tuesday at 2:30 pm.  I also had an appointment in the first week of June.  In June, my doctor said there was something suspicious about my prostate situation.  I sat on the suspicion through the month of June and July and early August.  I didn't want my girls to worry.  I didn't want anyone to worry so I just prayed that all would be okay.  Back to Tuesday...the urologist says, "Good news, your prostate is good.  In fact, you have the PSA score of a 30 year old."  So was all that worry for naught?  No, in fact I came away with new appreciation for life.  Judy and I always talked about a line we heard in a drama production we attended...There is a big difference between a lump in your porridge and a lump in your breast.  We fixate on little things that annoy us, but the little things that annoy us become less important when we have a cancer scare or a cancer diagnosis.  In spite of the fact that I pulled a hamstring and took a line drive off my shin this morning at slow pitch, I'm feeling very thankful these are just annoying lumps.

June 28

 This blog post is coming to you from the veranda of my Airbnb north of Kelowna on Wood Lake.  I drove out on the weekend with one stop in Calgary to visit my big brother, Wayne.  The weather here is smoking hot for at least 5 days.  Forty one yesterday and today...  The plan is to do a lot of biking, hiking, kayaking, eating, and wine tasting.

In other news, ball season is going well.  I have added a dumb bell routine to my morning exercises and it must be giving me more pop at the bat.  I am accustomed to hitting in the park home runs.  That is: hit the ball down the right field line over the fielder's head and then running like I was being chased by a bear around the bases.  Three years ago I surprised myself by hitting a legitimate homer over the fence.  Last Thursday, lightning struck again and I launched another one over the fence.  I'll admit there was a favourable wind, but it cleared the fence.  For me, the experience is comparable to golfers getting a hole in one.

The grandchildren are doing well.  Gunnar is a good baby.  Nurse, poop, pea, sleep, and snuggle.  He is excelling in all categories.  Mary and Morgan are wonderful parents...just loving their children and living their best life.  Luvisa doesn't appear jealous.  She has a way of commanding attention.  Luvisa is struggling with the ability to settle down for sleep in the evenings.  I have to pee, I'm hungry, I'm thirsty, I want a drink of water, I want another story, and so it goes.

On June 23, I had a little road trip with my Uncle Clarence.  We went to Tisdale to visit my mom. Of course, I had to restock her yarn supply because she is making covers for clothes hangers.  She is supplying the nation with covered clothes hangers. We took Mom out for lunch, then we drove to Leslie Beach on Fishing Lake where my brother, Vince and his wife, Loretta, were camping.  Uncle Gerry, Aunt Shirley, and some friends/family were also camping there so we had an afternoon sing song.  Seeing Uncle Clarence playing the guitar and singing familiar songs was music for my soul. Our family has wonderful memories of Clarence singing and playing the guitar.  I was on backup guitar...just loving it!  

The plan for the rest of the summer is to spend some quality time with the kids at Memorial Lake when I return from BC.  Mary and Morgan have a campsite booked for all of July and August.  Maybe Dustin and Haley will finally get me up on the wake surf board.  I'm game to give wake surfing another try after two failed attempts.  Just haven't got the "hang of it" yet.

Life is good.  Until next time...

June 2

I am feeling very grateful today.  I have a new grandson.  Gunnar James Battersby came into the world last night. 8 pounds 9 ounces. Perfect timing:  Morgan, who has been working in Moose Jaw for the last few months just got home from his shift, had a nap, woke up in time to take Mary to the hospital, and now he has 7 days off to spend time with his little family.  Just happens to be Haley and Dustin's anniversary.  I am incredibly thankful that both my girls are in loving marriages.  Another reason to be thankful is my two grandchildren.  My joy and delight last night was to grandparent Luvisa while Morgan and Mary were at the hospital.  It's 7:24am and she is still sleeping.  Another thing to be thankful for.  Luvisa continues to be a blessing to me and anyone who meets the little red head.  She has a pretty good handle on the English language and continues to amaze me with her insight and verve.  

 In other news, I have been to the lake a couple times.  Ball season started yesterday.  My weight training must be paying off.  I had a homer, a double, and a single.  I've had the kayak out a few times and have golfed a bit.  There has also been time for biking on my bike (freedom machine ) and my acoustic bike (the one that actually has exercise potential).

Yes, I am grateful for so many things.  Haley and Mary continue to support one another in many areas of their lives.  Haley was with Mary through labor and delivery.  Such an honour!  I am grateful too for the signs that there are signs that the covid thing is winding down though I will concede I have not been affected by covid as acutely as some poor souls.  I am healthy and happy and surrounded by a lot of Love. I am blessed.

April 10

 March was a good month.  What a gift to have some warmer days!  Of course, we all get lulled into the belief that summer is finally here and then we swap our walking shorts for ski pants the next day because it is snowing sideways.  What have I been up to in the last month?

1.  I made a trip to the trailer at Memorial Lake to check things out.  Fortunately, there were no unwanted guests in my trailer...raccoons, skunks, mice, or other varmints.

2.  Haley hosted a lovely Easter Brunch on Easter Saturday.  The usual routine with Bug and I playing downstairs and watching Baby Bum while the adults are upstairs visiting.  Just the way I like it.

3.  I received my Pfizer vaccine on April 7.  No problems at all.

4.  The first Old Age Pension cheque arrived.  Fortunately, I don't have to spend it on hearing aids, geritol, or muscle relaxants.  I am truly thankful that I don't have any significant aches or pains.  I still clock around 13 000 steps a day, ride my bike nearly every day, and do weight bearing exercises every morning. I have also resolved this month to really cut back on the sugar.  I have always enjoyed a cookie or something sweet after a meal, but now I am trying to wean myself or at least limit my sugar intake.  I have also tried to clean up my sleep habits especially by limiting my screen time at night.

5.  Mary continues to feel well leading up to her due date.  She will begin maternity leave in May.  The new little peanut is due in early June.  Mary and Morgan have feathered the new nest.  Bug has graduated from her crib to a bed in advance of her third birthday on April 12. 

6.  Haley and I are still walking the grand dogs on a regular basis.  The dogs are actually moving into their golden years so we have to schedule our walks around the dogs' geriatric needs.  I am truly thankful for the great conversations Haley and I have while we walk.  I am extremely proud of the way both of my girls approach their careers.  They truly care for their students and colleagues.  Both girls have acquired wisdom and knowledge that they apply with empathy and understanding.  Mary and I have regular consults except the consults take place when Mary is on Bluetooth in her car on her way to somewhere.  Mary unpacks her day while I listen.  I wouldn't have it any other way.

7.  The girls have been able to continue in person instruction all year.  So far, there has been only one Covid case at Haley's school and that was the day before Christmas holidays.  Mary's school had only one false positive.

I know it is a fearful time with the Covid numbers rising again.  Cortisol levels are elevated for everyone, it seems and for good reason.  For my part, I have decided to limit my exposure to the news...especially American political news.  I follow the daily Saskatchewan covid update and I try to control what I can control.  I stay connected with my family and friends via phone calls, texts, and FaceTime.  I pray.  And as long as I breathe, I hope and have have confidence that things are going to get better.  Patience.  Patience.  Another practice that I have maintained for years is:  I make daily entries in my Book of Thankfulness.  Every morning, I write down three things I am thankful for, three things I am looking forward to that day, and a positive affirmation that I find from various sources.  In the evening, before I go to sleep, I write down three good things that happened that day.  And finally, I write down the name of someone that I feel inspired to call.  I don't remove the name until I have made the call and checked in with the person.  Yes, that's what I do to find joy in my life.  I have a lot to be thankful for.

March 8

 Where did the month of February go?  The highlight of February was a mini vacation to Tofino, BC...the annual family vacation.  Yes, I know, travel was not recommended, but I claim a mental health excuse.  We stayed in an Airbnb, mostly prepared our own food or ordered take out, and stayed safe much the way we do while we are in Saskatoon.  Things were surprisingly normal.  People followed the safety rules.  We hiked, saw the sights, played games, and enjoyed the main attraction - Bug.  Unfortunately, Morgan was not able to join us because he had to work.  In other news

1. Mary and Morgan will not be sharing my trailer at Memorial Lake this summer.  They have purchased their own camper and have a site in the regional park booked for the summer.  I am sure that I won't be lonesome because I have a sneaking suspicion Bug may have a sleepover or two at Granpa's trailer.  I think it is great that Mary and Morgan will have their own space especially with a new baby arriving in early June.  Mary continues to feel well and has had an uneventful pregnancy.   

2.  I have had several opportunities to babysit in the last month.  Luvisa keeps me busy playing downstairs in the cardboard fort.  I also pull her around on her little car..."Watch out for the wall!" or I pull her around on a quilt to the accompaniment of Stepenwolf's Magic Carpet Ride.  Her personal favourite is when I put her in her old carseat, hook my elbow around the teleport and swing her through the air like the ride at the exhibition midway.  It's exhausting so I make her count to 20 before the nest ride.

3.  Haley and Dustin purchased a truck camper.  They share their cabin with another owner so now they can use the camper when they don't have the cabin.  They will be able to haul their boat and spend time at other lakes where their friends are camping.

4.  My mom continues to do well.  She turns 93 in April.  I took her to PA for a CT scan on February 2.  Saskatoon - Tisdale - PA - Tisdale - Saskatoon was a long day, but a great chance to spend time with Mom.  The results are positive.  The cancerous tumours in her breast and lungs are not growing.  She only has to have a CT scan every month now.  Mom continues to be a knitting machine.  She is lonely like many other seniors during these covid times, but Mom prevails.  Her short term memory is getting poor, but on the upside, I can tell her all my same old stories over and over.  Each story or report I give her is all new material in her mind.

The last month has been a time of transitions and new beginnings.  I continue to live with faith, hope, and love.  I don't know what my future holds, but I choose to remain hopeful and believe things are going in a positive direction.  If you know me, rest assured that I pray the best for you and yours.  It's all good.

January 24

 Yesterday was the first Saturday it the last 3 months that I did not go cross country skiing at Eb's Trails.  I joined Haley and Dustin for a ski at the Langham Golf Course.  The wind was a bit nasty, but we enjoyed our ski nonetheless.  Last night, I had the chance to babysit my Luv Bug.  Is there a better feeling than having your grandchild run to greet you with a big smile on their face, a loud greeting, and a hug around the neck?  We had a great night of playing...so much so that I failed as a babysitter by not getting her to bed on time.  

My latest endeavour is carving wooden spoons.  I set up a workbench in my laundry room with a bench vice and I have a range of carving tools such as a hatchet, spokeshave, gouge chisel, and carving knives.  I now understand why Jed Clampett was always whittling.  Whittling is addictive.  

Although I am longing for the days when I am able to get out for traveling and visiting friends, I must admit I am living a contented life right now.  The Dog Days of Winter routine is: sleep in, breakfast, coffee, daily reading and devotion, phone call to Mom, lunch, walk on the rabbit trail, whittling, reading, supper, more whittling, watch the NHL/NBA/NFL, and hit the hay.  I usually get a call every other day from Mary telling me how her day has gone and what Bug is up to.  Haley and I walk the grand dogs 2 or 3 times a week and have great conversations.  I also stay in touch with all my family and friends.  I am healthy, enjoy a variety of healthy foods, and have spacious, comfortable home.  I am truly thankful.

January 7

 One of the most gratifying experiences for a teacher is receiving a message from a former student saying that, as a teacher, you had an influence on their life.  Yesterday, I received a Facebook message from a student who was completing his third year of music at the U of S.  He was listening to The Unicorn Song by the Irish Rovers and was inspired to send me a message saying I was the one who exposed him to folk music.  Singing old folk songs like "She'll Be Coming Around the Mountain", "The Cat Came Back", and "Farewell to Nova Scotia" was my way of passing on the songs that have been passed on from generation to generation.  Now, I am teaching those songs to my granddaughter.  Furthermore, my old student took his ukulele skills and branched out to other stringed instruments.  Now he is a member of a local bluegrass band.  Warms my heart!

January 3

 Happy New Year.  I really had a Merry Christmas.  I was able to spend quality time with my little crew.  Of course, we conducted ourselves with the utmost compliance.  Having a two year old being part of your Christmas experience is pure gold!  Luvisa is bound for medical school with her new doctor's kit.  She is also equipped for building a comfortable home with her tool kit complete with hammer, drill, screwdriver, and saw.  On January 2, I enjoyed my 7th Saturday in a row cross country skiing Eb's Trails near Duck Lake.  The snow and weather conditions continue to be perfect.  I can't recall whether I have announced this news, but in case I haven't, I am announcing Mary and Morgan will be welcoming another child into their home in early June.  Mary is feeling well and is the picture of health.