So today I sit at this key board, and again will attempt to put my thoughts to paper.  Where is the paper?  The marvels of modern technology!  Somebody's dream.  Yes, perhaps someones dream, when my grandparents were growing up!  So where shall your dreams, lead you Breanna?  This will be determined by your courage, and what doors God opens for you.  Do not forget the love and support of your Mom and Derek have for you.  For those doors will never close.
  I am sure glad Derek had his whole family come over to read what I had put down here before.  Because I cannot, for the life of me, remember all that I had put to paper.  Yes it is sad when the mind does not stick with you all the time.  But I will not forget some special moments, such as when your name was called and we all stood up and yelled "WAY TO GO BRIANNA", the tears in your Mom's eyes, the pride in everyone.  I think grandma even lost her voice for awhile.  The announcement of you  graduating with not only grade twelve, but with french immersion as well as honours.  You did yourself proud.  Way to go Brianna!
  This was followed by some quick cap and gown pictures, and then the race was on over to moms house for some hair styling, and wardrobe exchange, and more pictures.  All I can say is "Brianna" you looked like a princess!
  Now I am sitting at my desk window watching a beautiful sunrise, thinking this is the dawn of a new age for all these young graduates.  Where will they be?  What will be?  Hmm!  Five, ten, twenty years from now, just think of the possibilities.  WOW!  And I thought I had a headache now!  A cure, you never know...
  This evening the celebrations will just keep on continuing.  Susan will arrive in time to join in with her splendid singing voice!!!  lol!!  Somewhere right now, she is preparing some rock salt.  For some war wound, that I shall inherit for such a remark.  My attempt at some humour this early in the morning.  I believe that our family is creating some great memories, and hopefully some new traditions that can be passed onto future generations.
  So tomorrow we shall carry on making some more family memories as we continue to celebrate this extra ordinary weekend as it is also Canada weekend.  Lets all remember to build memories together as this is the way that we pass on our contribution to the next generations at Building the Simple life.................

  So here we go again my mind is still not working.  I can not seem to get this things to work quite right.
What am I doing wrong, I am not sure.  Susan and I had to leave the lake in a hurry on Wednesday afternoon.  I was called  late for an appointment that I could only schedule for early Thursday morning, so as not to interfere with graduation ceremonies that were already scheduled for that day.
  We arrived home in time to have supper with some friends on Wednesday and then went home and called it an early evening as my headache was very bad by this time.
  Thursday morning started bright and early for us.  First was my appointment, then we went home cut the lawn, followed by showers and then back to the city to join with the rest of the family at the auditorium for the cap and gown graduation ceremonies.  You should have seen the pride of Derek and Michele when Brianna's name was called.  Especially when the whole family yelled out "way to go Brianna".  I believe Grandma even lost her voice for awhile!  The extreme pride that was felt by the entire family to see Brianna's accomplishments of graduating with honours as well as french immersion!  Way to go Brianna!!  Then there were a quick couple of photos with grandparents.
  Then it was off to the races to Brianna's house for hair, dress (gown)  and some more pictures before she was to be whisked away to the evening ballroom and dinner.  She looked like a princess!
  Today we have finally arrived back at the lake to start with the weekend celebrations.  Remember this is your time Brianna do not let anyone tell you any differently.  As one door has shut, remember Mom and Derek will always be there for you, and that we all love you.  So be rest assured you will never be alone.  So many doors in your future are opening, your family and God will be with you all the time, so enjoy this weekend.
  Tomorrow evening grandma will be here to help enjoy with the celebrations as they continue on into the Canada Day Weekend.  This way they will help build memories for our family for future generations as Susan and I continue our Quest to Building the Simple life......................

  I am finally back at the lake, see if I am successful at completing what has transpired in the last couple of days without it being ripped out by a computer!  This will be my third attempt at this.  Never will I trust the home computer to this again.  It is so frustrating to be almost finished something, and then have it wiped out by a computer failure!!!!
  Anyways, Susan and I ended up going home early, as I was called home early for an appointment.  I  had to have an early one on Thursday, so it would not interfere with Brianna's graduation ceremonies on Thursday afternoon.  So we ended up packing up early Wednesday afternoon.  We arrived home in time for supper with some friends and called it an early evening.
  Thursday morning started early for us, appointment in the city early, when we got back home we cut the lawn started, and then had showers and then back to the city for graduation ceremonies with the whole family in attendance.  Where Derek and Michele were especially proud when when Brianna's name was  called, we all yelled out "way to go Brianna".  I think grandma lost her voice for a spell there.  Brianna received her graduation diploma as well as her diploma for french immersion, as well as honours, quite an achievement!  Making us all proud of her!  Then there were pictures in her cap and gown.  Followed by a mad dash to her house, so she could change, get her hair ready for more pictures in her evening dress.  This was for her dinner and dance.  She looked just like a princess.  Derek and Michele should be very proud of the example they have provided for their girls.  These are the steps that are necessary to prepare them on their journey for the rest of there lives, we all wish them well.
  We are now back at the lake to start in the celebration of Brianna's graduation, the closing of one chapter of her life.  But remember it is not the closing of a door, because Mom's and Derek's door never closes.  But the opening of the door to the future, where it will lead, will be determined by you and God, and your determination and faith.  Set your  goals Brianna, and remember we all love you and have faith in you.  This is your year to shine, and don't let anyone tell you anything else.
  Tomorrow night grandma will join us here at the lake in our celebrations at the lake, she will be tired I am sure, but just the same I know she is looking forward to this.  Plus don't forget it is also Another important holiday Canada Day weekend.  Look at the memories we as a family are making.  Another important step for Susan and myself for sure in Building the Simple life.....................

  I am back after the storm.  I am going to guess that we lost power at the lake for close to thirty hours, or there  abouts.  We had lots of lightning and thunder.  Followed by rain, and then more lightning and thunder, and then more rain and lighning and more thunder for the better part of the night.  We were fairly fortunate that we did not see that much wind here.  But neighbouring communities throughout the north, had plow winds and tornados, that did a tremendous amount of damage.  Some communities are still without power.
  I was kept busy with simple tasks, such as straitening one of the transplanted trees at Derek's place.  It was nearly washed away from soil erosion.  I am not sure this tree will survive, time will tell.  Also a small leak on Donald's roof.  I also moved Derek's/Michel's perishables over to our fridge/freezer, as our's will run on propane in a power emergency.  I did this as a precautionary measure, when they announced that the north, could be looking at another twenty four hours or longer without power.  They were not specific on what areas.  This should be something that emergency measures should look at, for future responses if the need should arise.
  Boots has finally settled down, he did not like the loud noises from the thunder.  The lightning on the other hand kept him jumping from perch to perch.  He kept thinking it was another car trying to sneak by his house.  He seems to be doing just fine now, having had his first breakfast and is napping.
  Yesterday morning Susan managed to get a call in on her break, to see if she should still come up on her day off.  I told her all was fine and to come up, as we were all self contained.  Then the back up batteries for the cell tower finally failed.  Later that day they powered up a back up system for the cell tower, and all was well for the local people again.  It is amazing how many people do not have a regular phone any more.  They just have a cell phone.  People have the attitude why have two phone bills.
  The sun is up this morning, shinning through the few remaining clouds, which a brisk wind seems to be making short order of getting rid of them.  We had a repeat performance last night, but it was not nearly as strong as the night before.  So today we shall take stock in our blessings, do one last clean up. This in preparation for the big weekend ahead of us.  The rest of the day will be spent on the deck, thanking "God" for our many blessings, and planing ahead on Building the Simple life.....................

  Today is the start of a very busy week for the two of us.  Especially Susan.  About nine thirty this morning she leaves for work, then Tuesday evening she returns to the lake for one night.  Wednesday we return to the Saskatoon for family graduation pictures.  Our second oldest grand daughter is graduating from high school.  Then Thursday afternoon we will be attend her graduation ceremonies.
  Friday I shall return to the lake with Derek's family, as he plans on having quite a celebration for Brianna's grad. and a Canada day weekend party for family and friends.  Susan has to work Friday and Saturday and shall return to the lake to join us in celebration after her shift on Saturday.
  Just a few minor jobs to look after here before I get ready to pack up to go home on wednesday.  One more cutting of the grass, put a couple of things away, and one more watering of the trees.  Everything should be ready for the big weekend.  All we have to do is pray for good weather, and that is entirely in the big guys hands.
  So Susan got up early and fed Boots his first breakfast!  This is totally, throwing his routine out of whack, and spoiling him to boot!  No wonders he runs to her, when he knows he is doing something wrong!  He looks back at you, as if to say, "are you sure you want to give me heck now"... BIG BABY!   A very smart cat.
  I sure like the new iPhone 4.  With the data link that Susan gave me.  I now can sit at the desk and use the computer, facing east in the morning I can enjoy the morning sunrise!  Before I used to try and get on the internet from the bedroom window, sometimes it would work, sometimes it would not.  It was extremely frustrating, plus it was dial up.  This is fantastic!
  So this morning, I will be going for coffee with Donald.  Arrangements were already made yesterday.  His second oldest grandson phoned him yesterday, and told him he can now ride his two wheeler, without training wheels.  He wanted to know how much money he was going to get for such a marvellous achievement.  Donald replied, "well a dollar".  Duder (his nick-name), in his excitement hung up, click!  We both had quite a laugh about this.
  So as you can see there will be a lot of memories being made this week for the future generations.  They have there aspirations and goals, just as we had ours, at their age.  We wish the best for them, as they step forward into their next journey in life.  After all, this is also part n part of Susan's and our process in Building the Simple life......................

  The love of my life returned to God's country yesterday, and boy did she surprise me.  I am the proud  owner of an iPhone 4.  This allows me instant internet access with my mac, it's fantastic!  Thank you Susan!!
  Boots has been fed his first breakfast, and now the traitor has decided that I am not good enough to guard.  He has gone back to bed and is laying across the the bottom half trying to decide if he should share the rest with Susan.  This is his form of cuddling, which usually leads to him being called a bed hog!  Boots spent most of the day wandering in and out of the fifth wheel being a nuisance, to the point that I thought my new official job title was door man.  My attempt at some humour at this early hour on a Sunday morning.  It is Sunday isn't it....
  After supper last night, Susan and I never did take that ride in the golf cart.  We ended up setting up the new iPhone 4, doing the computer link, we then sat around talking.  The next thing, we were both tired, it was late, and we said it was time for sleep.  Must be getting older or something!!!
  So today is the start of a new day, hum kinda redundant.  The sun is definitely shining this morning, but there seems to be a smokey haze covering it.  I have not heard of any fires in the area, so maybe its just some high clouds.  It's supposed to be sunny and warm through tuesday night, with the possibility of some cooler rain on wednesday.  Lets see how accurate the weatherman can be this go around.
  Oh, my buddy Donald is supposed to be up today, unless he arrived late last night.  I have not been outside this morning yet so I am not sure if he arrived late last night or not.  Anyways I would imagine our morning routine will fall back into place by tomorrow, you know coffee.....
  I know it's early but I will go and prepare breakfast for Susan (breakfast in bed).  Just a simple egg white omelette, with green onions and grated cheese.  Then we can relax, and discuss our plans for the day, and the future.   Then we can go forward together Building the Simple life..............

  So today the love of my life returns to Gods country, even if it's for only two short nights.  What must I get ready for her arrival?  Should I surprise her with dinner on the deck?  Would something be more romantic around our table in the fifth wheel?  Perhaps Susan would prefer some soup that she is bringing up.  Nuked in our microwave and served to her, while she just sits and relaxes in her rocker recliner chair.  I am thinking she will prefer the the latter.  Then after supper we can take a romantic drive down through the park and check out the lake when the sun sets.  On our return we could possibly join someones campfire for a bit, before retiring for the evening.
  Yesterday morning was fairly active in the village.  A number of volunteers managed to lay sod at the town square at the end of Main st..  This is part of the re-beatutification project.  I must say they are doing a wonderful job, just my opinion.  The Village maintenance man delivered two loader buckets of dirt that my son had requested, for his lot yesterday morning.  These were to fill in a couple of low spots at the front of his lot.  So I raked them out for him, and planted some grass seed.  Then I got to watch the sprinkler, water the new grass seed, as well as the new trees, such a life!
  Yesterday turned out to be a very warm day indeed, and it sounds like we are supposed to have a couple of more repeat performances on the horizon.  This should make Susan extremely happy.  As a matter of fact this should make all the campers that were arriving at the park extremely happy this weekend.  I will make sure I keep the watering hose within my reach, as I have to look after my trees and now that newly planted lawn!  Such is life.
  I am not sure but the oldest granddaughters somewhere between Kelowna and Saskatoon.  I will get to see her next weekend.  That is when everyone of my sons family will be up at the lake celebrating his second oldest graduation, and having a bit of a reunion! This should be a great time.
  Boots has had his first breakfast and now has determined he should have a bath.  He has the noisiest tongue on the planet, possibly in the universe.  Oh well, I guess this is my form of entertainment.
  I plan on walking over to the coffee shop this morning and catching up on the local news.  When I return I shall proceeding with the supervising of the watering of the trees and the grass.  This is done while I sit back, refreshment in hand (water) relaxing, thinking, and planning on Building the Simple life.........................

  What to talk about today.  Lets start with what transpired yesterday, not much.  I did  manage to cut some grass, do some minor repair's to the front wheels on the lawn mower.  Oh yes supervised the watering of the newly transplanted trees.  This entailed watching water come out the end of the water hose, while soaking up some sun.  Yes I remembered the sun screen, and yes I did manage to participate in replacing lost body fluids with some wobbly pops.  So life was quite grand yesterday, who cares if I had a huge headache.
   Boots has already had his first breakfast and made his first morning patrol of the yard.  Right now he seems to be quite content to be sitting down beside me guarding my right flank.  Yesterday morning when I went off for a walk, I decided to pop into the resteraunt and join some of the locals for coffee.  Boots must have snuck out, for when I returned home, boy did he give me a lecture.  Just for being away for so long, and how dare I leave him outside of his castle unattended for that amount of time.  I am beginning to wonder who is the master of this household.
  The weatherman is talking about another gorgeous day for Gods country again, as a mater of fact it's supposed to be nice for a few days now.  Hopefully this weather pattern will continue for awhile, and Susan will again get to enjoy her short stay with me and have great weather.
  So lets see whats on my agenda for today, probably a walk over to the coffee shop, return the lawn mower over to Donald's shed, and water my trees.  Definitely try and get those holes of golf in on the back nine.  I still have not got there.  How can I be too busy?  Who knows?  Not sure.  To busy.  Oh, I guess I already said that.  Now you can see my dilemma.  These are the types of problems that try and creep into our every day lives,when you are trying to keep thing simple, so you can avoid raising your headache level.  Oh by the way yesterday was probably the first good day I have had in over two years!  It was not headache free, but it still was a good day..
  So today I pray to God that I can keep life simple and build on the things that were successful yesterday, hopefully this is my answer to Building the Simple life.........................

  Today is the start of another day in "Gods Country".  Sun is up, birds are singing, Boots has been fed, and is now outside patrolling his yard space.  Life is great!  What is this I hear, rain is starting to fall on the roof with the sun shining.  God must have decided I needed a rainbow for my perfect morning.  Yes there it is, a small rainbow to start my day.
  Now to consider what projects I should get involved with today.  Well, once the grass has dried out I should wander over to Donald's and retrieve the lawn mower.  So I could cut his small piece of real estate, as well as mine.  This would leave the weekend free, for me to enjoy with Susan, when she arrives Saturday.
  Yesterday I transplanted some trees, and in the process I noticed that my sons sewer drain had shifted.  So twenty minutes later it was realigned, nothing that a cordless drill and a short two by four wouldn't fix.  I can still do these type of jobs, it just takes me longer.  In the old days it would have been a five minute job, this is my new reality.
  Boots has just returned from his outside patrol duties empty handed, thank God!  There are enough wild cats around here that might starve, if he was to start sharing in the food chain.  Yes he is very busy with the grooming process as he stares out the window looking for the dreaded robins as they are back infiltrating his yard.  I suppose I should go feed him his second breakfast and relieve the stress on the big baby.  That way he can go and have his morning nap.
  I will go on a quiet morning walk, perhaps end up at the coffee shop so I can catch up on the local happenings or just sit back and relax, and plan some more on Building the Simple life................

  Yesterday I planted another tree, this time at my son's lot.  This was to replace one that had died two summers ago.  Today I shall try and transplant some more, weather and headache permitting.

  Looks like we could be in for crazy bit of weather today.  We have already had a gorgeous sunrise, followed by a quick shower, followed by some more sun, and now some more rain.  Oh look the sun is trying to polk his head out again!  If this keeps up I might have to consider cutting the grass before Susan returns.

  Yesterday I almost had to rename Boots.  Every time I tried to sit down, he either wanted in or out.  Needles to say I was definitely getting a good workout, and all I wanted to do was rest.  Yes he has already had his first breakfast, and yes he is guarding my right flank (happily snoring I might ad).  There was no patrol duties being performed this morning.  Not sure why, perhaps I fed him to much at his first breakfast!

   We shall see how today goes, but I would like to go and try my luck out on the golf course.  It is easy to feel close to God, sometimes this eases the pain of my headache.  Especially when I am up on the green number 14!  So if the sun is out this afternoon and if things work out, perhaps I will make an attempt to play holes 9 through 15, and then that way I won't be over doing it to much.  This way I can enjoy a bit of Building the Simple life...........................

  So once again it's good morning from "God's Country", headache and all.  Boots has had his first breakfast, but does not feel the need to do any patrol duties!  There will be no curiosity that will kill this cat, though he has assumed the position of guarding my right flank.  Yesterday I went for a quick walk to the store and I did not notice he had joined me.  When I herd this "meow" I went OH brother and kept on walking as I turned onto main street, Boots stopped and waited for my return. He does not like cars. When I returned to the fifth wheel there he was giving me heck for going on such a dangerous mission by myself!
  Today I shall feed my trees, some food.  Boy did they grow this past week, while Susan and I were gone.  The fertilizer mixture for the trees, recommends to feed them every seven to ten days, for newly planted trees.  This shall be the extent of my work schedule for today.  This headache of mine does not seem to want to moderate since the trip down south, even with the stronger medication.  So I must try and give it some time.
  So the rest of my day I will take examples from Boots, sleep, relax, perhaps eat, relax, relax, relax, perhaps eat, relax, did I say eat, eat, sleep, if I can, after all these are things that are important to Building the Simple life......................

  Starting on my blog late today, Susan is now on her way home.  I had a great fathers day.  Hopefully the week will pass by quickly, and it will not seem like an eternity before Susan returns.
  We finally hung our names out on the front of our lot.  Actually we put them up on the corner of the carriage house.  It looked like an appropriate location.  One less job for the lake list, remember we are trying to get these lists consolidated down to one.
  Boots seems to be quite content to be back at the lake, I believe he likes the routine here better than at home.  Less land mass to patrol.  I believe he is getting lazy.
  After Susan left I made an attempt at golf, but gave up after four holes.  My headache was spiking to bad, so today I will go and lay down and relax, and pursue a different routine at Building the Simple life..........................

  Happy fathers day to all dads from "Gods Country".  We arrived late yesterday afternoon and had everything set-up in record time.  I think it took us like ten minutes.  Thanks to Ed for cutting my grass. Hopefully it does not rain and I can get Derek's cut before he arrives later this morning.
  We attended a birthday celebration for Heather last night!  Imagine to be thirty years old again?  Then I thought no, I would rather be fifty.  Why you might ask?  The children are grown up, the grand children have arrived, you have more time for yourself.  How does that saying go?  Oh yes, if I knew my grandchildren where going to be so much fun, I would of had them first!  My attempt at humour this morning.
  I am not sure if Donald is going to be calling on me to go for coffee this morning, but I would guess he will probably make some time for this morning ritual.  Speaking of rituals, Boots has fallen back into his routines of guarding the premises.  After all one would not want the dreaded robins bouncing on his domain, or for that matter on the neighbours either..
  So for now I think I shall just lay back and rest this Headache.  Remember those pleasant times with my father, who I shall phone later, as these memories are all part of Building the Simple life...................

  Susan is off to work for her last shift, then two whole days off at our summer retreat with me.  I have the responsibility to try and finish mowing the lawn today, and move everything from the back door into the garage so it will be easy to pack into the trunk of the car.  This will make it easy for our escape to "Gods Country" when susan returns home from work to pick boots and myself up for our return journey to paradise.
  Yesterday my oldest daughter jennifer called to ask me what I was doing with all this wonderful (BAD) weather I was having in Saskatoon?  I replied, oh it's just a lot of thunder going on here in Martensville.  Her friend Amy had Emailed her and replied there were tornadoes just west and south of Saskatoon.  So I told her I would have a look.  To my surprise there was one on the horizon heading right for me,,,,  probably three or four miles away trying to touch down then lifting hard to see through the trees.  Travelling from west to east, in a northerly direction finally lifting and slowly breaking up.  Just a little guy, maybe a f-0, not like the big ones, I have experienced in my travels in the USA.
  So Susan and I did supper with Donald and Darlene at the Sports page last night before they headed up to the lake, hopefully the rain would have cleared out ahead of them as it still looked pretty black that way when they pulled onto the highway.  I checked doppler radar, and it looks very good for weather today.  So Donald should have a great day getting his grand-children out on the lake, with his new boat today.
  As for Susan and I we should be able to get unpacked in record time and enjoy the evening with friends and just relax, sit back at a camp fire, perhaps roast a hot dog, and wish a belated birthday to "Heather".  After all, these are some of the important things that we try and remember.  Family, friends, keeping life simple.  These are Susan's and my goals to try keeping life simple.  After all, this is all part of the process to Building the Simple life..................................

  Too much running around for tests and appointments yesterday.  Why do I say this?  Because the next level of pain medications only making me feel sleepy and has not done anything for my headaches thus far.  Maybe it's to early to tell.  

  Yesterday was a very busy day for Susan and I with all the running around.  There was more blood work to be completed, one more appointment, grocery shopping, and all this needed done and completed before her scheduled shift a five pm.  Somehow we managed to accomplish our goals.  This probably has a lot to do with the screaming headache I have this morning.

  It's going to be a gorgeous day out today, my prediction!  Sun is up, Boots has had two breakfasts this morning already, and is out on the deck standing guard.  I think he is practicing his stance, in anticipation of going back to Gods country tomorrow.

  I know I have a list going on around here somewhere for the same purpose.  There are a few things checked off, but I need to add some things to the list, like I need to get some laundry done for Susan between today and tomorrow.  Plus the lawn should be cut one more time before I leave.  Ok laundry today, lawn tomorrow and I need to have everything in the garage ready to pack into the car when she gets off work tomorrow so it will be a quick getaway to the lake tomorrow!

  My friend Donald's surgery went well yesterday.  He was lucky, it turned out it was what they called a fat boy.  Some minor complications as it had started to wrap itself around some nerve endings but all turned out well.  So I will get to see him some time this morning.

  One thing I am slowly starting to understand in this process that Susan and I are going through is our lists.  The grocery list, the list for the lake, the list for projects at home,  the honey do list, etc..  Eventually you start to consolidate these lists down to one or two.  But finally you have to get it down to just one list.  We are not there yet, we hope to be there sooner than later.  This list will be called the list of Building the Simple life...................................................................

  Good morning, more blood work later this morning.  I hope every one is enjoying the rain.  I am beginning to think that this head injury has beamed me back to, Abbotsford BC where I grew up.  You know, the lower mainland of "Beautiful British Columbia" where the sun is always shinning.  When I explain to my friends that this is a myth, and that they have two forms of sunshine, the regular kind and the "liquid" kind they get a chuckle.  To keep things green and beautiful, you need two ingredients sun and rain, and they get there fair share of rain.
  Boots seems to have settled down and has not gotten into any mischief over-night, which in it's self is simply amazing!  This might have something to do with the rain, or the fact that I chased him with a glove and threatened to cut off his food supply.  My sense of ha ha for this morning!  He generally listens when threatened, with things that could get in the way of keeping his belly bursting at the seems.  I really believe he is missing his peace and solitude at the lake as much as I am.
  So this morning I will go for an early coffee with Donald and listen to the farmers complain about too much moisture.  A month ago, if we don't get rain soon the dirty thirties will be upon us.  Later today Donald has surgery on his right wrist to remove a sist, I pray all goes well for him.  Susan will take me for my blood work and then we will do some grocery shopping.
  I get to to spend the rest of the day at home and wait for a call to do some more tests.  Of course Susan has to go to work as she has the late shift.  This has been how our week has been going, oh yes and I get to start the new dosage of my pain medication.  Hopefully with better results.
  When I am at home, I will try and keep working away at getting things organized and packed up for the lake this weekend.  Rumour has it that my son and family are coming up to host a fathers day barbecue at the lake.  The rest of the time, I will try and relax the brain, sit back on the couch, possibly do one load of laundry, run the dishwasher and hopefully think about Building the Simple life..........................

  Good morning!  Two appointments down and some more blood work to go through.  Plus I am now waiting to find out about some more appointments.  I guess there will be at least one more test to go through, this involves wearing some type of monitor to make sure I have no brain wave interruptions.  Then when I have one of my "moments" and I pass that, then I will get my drivers licence back.
  Because of the severity of my headaches the neurologist has recommended that I try a new form of headache therapy called botox.  This involves thirty one or thirty two injections around the head and can stop headaches for three to four months.  My neurologist was involved with the clinical study with this form of treatment.  He said, they had a pretty good success rate with a fairly low rate of side effects.  Though one of the side effects, can cause migraine headaches.  So it could stop my headaches or make them worse  In the meantime he has doubled my current pain medication.
  At present this new treatment is not covered by medical in this province, so it will probably not be covered by WCB.  We are submitting a pre-authorization to see if it will be covered by Susan's medical insurance.  It works for about seventy percent of the patents, hopefully I will be on the right side of the equation for a change.
  I have had to much on my brain as of late could not figure out why Boots was not looking for his first breakfast at four am.  Susan figured it out when she fed him at six thirty this morning Doug did you leave a bag of treats out on the counter,,, oops!!!  Now all he can too is sleep and snore, oh well he is going to get fat sorry Nicole and Nathan.
  I know I am looking forward to being back at the lake where life seems less stressful.  Hopefully we can get all these tests accomplished this week and get dates organized.  That way we can make it back up Saturday evening.  So once again, Susan and I can sit on our deck and relax, and plan our future to Building the Simple life....................

  Stayed away from the television yesterday!  Had to check sports headlines to find out that LA had won, the Stanley Cup this morning.  Congratulations to the Kings and their fans.  They accomplished something that has not been done before.  An eighth place team going all the way.  A victory well deserved.
  One more neurologist appointment to deal with later today, and then one more appointment to deal with later this week.  Then hopefully I can get back up to Gods country and relax and get this headache back under control.  Unless the Neurologist comes up with new medications for me to try, or more tests to alleviate these headaches.
  If I could get these headaches under some type of control, I would look at the possibility of going back into some type of business again, on a limited basis.  Just something to keep my sanity, but at the present time, as soon as I try and do any thing, my headaches spike!  And I am pretty much done for the day, or even some times days.
  Later this morning after the grass has dried off enough, I will make an attempt at cutting the grass.  I know I can get it done.  It will take about three times the time it used too, and my headache will spike.  This will be a good thing, then the neurologist should get to see me at my worst.  Hopefully then he will truly understand that there are things that are happening beyond my control.  Oh yes, I have passed all the the tests for seizure disorders, so I expect to get my drivers licences reinstated at this appointment!  Now, we just have to get back to the real problem, of the concussion!  And why my headaches are getting worse?  Just as the last MRI has shown.
  Susan was up early this morning and fed Boots his first breakfast, she did the hot-tub alone, my head hurt to much to lift it off the pillow.  I wonder if she fed him his second breakfast?  She must have, he did not put up to much of a fuss when I came right over to the lap-top, instead of feeding him.
  Ok, I am feeling guilty.  I will feed Boots again, take my medication, and go for my walk.  Then I can try and be calm, and not worry about today.  This will help me plan a course of action for today, for Building the Simple life.........................

  I got to lay in bed this morning, thanks to the love of my life.  Susan had the morning rituals of looking after Boots.
 Today is the first day of two days of Dr.'s appointments.  Perhaps I will get some answers as to why my headaches are getting worse in severity and intensity.  Is it because I have been trying to do to much?  I do not know.  I have tried a bit longer travel time in a vehicle and this has made them worse.  Visual stimulation seems to make them worse, such as television.
  I spent the last couple of days trying to help my son and daughter in law at some yard work.  I was not to productive but I still helped.  Today I am suffering.  The medication still has not cut in.  This is definitely a good time to be going back to the Dr.'s and ask questions.  Like, see what am I supposed to be doing about work when my life is turned totally upside down like this.  There has to be some solutions out there, they just have to come up with the right ones for me.
  So far what has worked for myself has been trying to keep things very simple.  That is why Susan and I have been so determined, on our quest for Building the simple life........................
 

  So I got very wet yesterday!  The things we all do with family, that will build lasting memories.  And you know what the best part is?  I get to go and do it all over again today.  Today I guess there will be three drowned rats, as my daughter-in-law described the two of us yesterday!  Yes, it appears to be still  raining outside!  Though doppler radar forecast shows it stopping later this morning.  Somehow yesterday amongst the rain, we got all the prep work done.  Yes, I ended up with a pretty good headache, but it was worth it.  It is just another way to learn some of my limitations and how far I can push myself.
  So today it will be the basic reassembly, and with Derek home, this will go much quicker, and things will be accomplished in a timely fashion.  Hopefully my brain will allow me to anticipate in a timely fashion.  What he needs (Derek) and when he needs it, so we can get the job done quickly.  And not become "three drowned rats" right, Michelle...
  Like I said earlier, my headache is not to bad this morning.  Boots has been fed his first breakfast and I am just waiting for my medication time. of course Boots is sleeping after one patrol, life is to boring for him when it is raining outside.  He does not like to get his paws wet.  Kinda spoiled, you think.
  Whats happening LA?  Wake up!  The Devels' will not go quietly into the night, they can taste the champagne in the stanley cup!  You see the look on the LA players?  Like they beat us again!  It was the look of a team that will not take home the "Stanley Cup".  Something has to change in there attitude before the next game or the "Cup" will end up on the East coast again.  Anyways I did not watch a lot of the game, so that is probably why my headache is not to bad this morning.
  Look at the time, it's medication time, time for breakfast, and time to sit back and smell the flowers.  Just enjoy the morning, thank God for what we have, enjoy the peace and serenity, and make some plans at Building the Simple life..........................  

  Life can be full of little surprises and accomplishments.  I believe these are all good things.  Talk about trying to keep a positive attitude this morning!  Well we have been back at home for one night and Boots has settled into his "other" home routine.  Like feed me so I can go back to sleep routine!  And how soon do we get to back to the lake look he throws my way all the time.
  Yesterday Susan and I did manage to get the lawn cut before she went to work.  Plus I finished off the laundry.  I sure do enjoy these new machine's.  You close the lid, and basically just have to push a power button.  Can you imagine our grandparents standing over the old wash tubs, boiling the water and scrubbing by hand?  Or as Susan's Dad would say, out at the old creek, with couple of rocks pounding the clothes!  My attempt at some humour this morning. Yes it's still an hour and a half to medication time.
  Oh yes I did manage to re-string the weed eater last evening.  This was accomplished before Susan returned home from work.  Now wether it works or not will be determined next week, when I trim the edge of the lawn, just before Susan cuts the grass!  This might be one of those home video moments, perhaps I should be selling tickets!!
  If you can believe it Boots is sleeping over here and must be dreaming about the last bird he tried to catch at the lake.  The sounds coming from the big baby, well .... It's simply amazing.  I can not take it any longer I have to wake him up.  Poor cat could of had a heart attack otherwise.  Now he is back to sleeping normally.
  Gee, I just thought of something,(quit with the comment Barb) is there a hockey game tonight?  Or was it over last night?  The memory is totally gone, no I think there is a game tonight.  Perhaps I should check out TSN, not!  I am sure I will find out when I get to My son's later this morning.  Now Boots is snoring!
  For the next two mornings when Susan leaves for work, I will be a passenger.  We will leave a little early, so I can be dropped of at my son's house.  It's time for me to have a visit, and use my extra ordinary skills at landscaping.  I am the "great" supervisor, or maybe it's just that I need some people contact.  My brain has been a bit goofy lately.  Anyways, while Susan is at work for the next two days, I am going to spend some time with Derek's family.  Hopefully I will not drive anyone over the cliff, as the saying goes.  I always have a great time, and this seems like a good way to relax, and is also another way, to help in Building the Simple life...........................

 

  Well here it's four am and I have been awake for an hour already.  Still three hours until medication time.  Sure wish someone could come up with some solutions to these headaches.  Maybe it's time for a second opinion.

  Anyways I guess this is going to be good-by to the lake for awhile.  I hope to be back up here by next Thursday evening or Friday, if all goes well.  Just some projects to look after at home if my head can handle them, some of the things that one must get done.

  Those little outside projects that require outside work and attention during the spring/summer time.  Hopefully Susan and I can get some of them accomplished this week, as she has a decent work schedule.  This way it will not leave to much pilled up on her to try and accomplish this fall, before the weather turns to cold to do things outside.

  We still have a lot to accomplish at home, but hope to have all the outside work done by the end of August.  This will just leave a bit of inside work left to do, and then the house will be ready for sale.   

  Anyways I am getting ahead of myself, a bit here this morning!  We still have all summer to go.  So while Susan is still sleeping, I am going to finish packing up.  Get ready for the drive home, and think about what we can accomplish this week, in our goals to Building the Simple life.....................

  

  The LA kings are going to have to win the Stanley cup on the road.  Do they dare throwing a game in New Jersey to see the cup awarded on home ice in a game six.  I think not.  Perhaps this is the year that a team will come back from a 3 and 0 and win four striate, and all the marbles.  Anything is possible when you have the, what is it, seventh and eighth place teams in the finals.

  All it seems like I have been doing lately is counting down to medication time.  Perhaps this is because of a bit to much TV., or to many weather changes.  Possibly ones body/mind becomes immune to the drugs.  Another question for the experts this coming week.

  I guess today will consist with cleaning up around here, not that there is much to do.  Just that I want it quick and easy to open up when we come back up.  You know, turn the key and unlock the door.  Susan and I decided yesterday afternoon that I would be going home with her friday morning, then we could get started on a few things at home and be ready for my Dr.'s appointments at the beginning of next week.  I need to have every thing written out for the neurologist so he can asses me quickly and determine what if any medication changes etc., might be in order, and where we go from here.

  Last night Donald stopped by and told us that he was also going home sometime on friday as he had things to do at home.  Things he wanted to get done before his surgery on his other wrist this coming Wednesday.

  I see the sun is rising above the horizon so it will be another glorious day again in Gods country.  This makes it so much easier to accomplish the little chores we do around here.  Today I will wander over and see Edd and ask him to water my trees if it does not rain by monday.  There is not a heavy work load scheduled for today just sit back on the deck, pack some things up in the car, and be ready for an early start for home.  These are just some of the things we have learned so far on our journey to Building the Simple life..........................

  Todays headache has started out as bad as yesterday's, maybe a bit worse.  If that is possible.  Not sure, but it looks pretty stormy, windy outside this morning.  This might have something to do with my headache's!
  Boots has been fed his first breakfast and should be on patrol duty.  Instead he is sitting by me pouting.  Why you might ask?  Well I did not let him outside so he could go and hunt down the dreaded "Robins" that were trying to infiltrate his yard this morning.  It's only four fifteen am..  He seems to have gotten over it now and has gotten back to his normal routine.
  With Susan's help (weather permitting) we can get the front cubby organized and things put away.  This will free up the floor space in the storage shed, soon to be called the carriage house!  The golf cart will be called the horseless carriage, thus the name for, where it will be stored and parked.
  We still have to mount our name out front of our place here, so hopefully we will find some time to get this accomplished this time.  If not, it is not that high on our priority list so it will wait for when an opportunity presents itself.
  The weather improved enough yesterday for Susan and I to take advantage of the opportunity to spend some quality time, sitting and relaxing outside together.  It was great!  This has increased the quality of usable space on our lot, and yet at the same time decreased the amount of yard work one has to do here.  It's like killing two bird's with one stone as the saying goes.
  I can see a lot of family time being spent out on the deck, by children and grand children, family, friends and loved ones, all building lasting memories.  After all, this what life is about, and a big part of Building the Simple life...........................

  Good morning from God's country.  Tried to watch some more hockey last night.  LA fans should be excited one win away from there first "Stanley Cup".  All this accomplished for me was increase my headache.
  So I ended up at a camp fire, as this usually has the effect of calming me and soothing my headache symptoms.  While I was at the camp fire Susan called to say she was going to arrive by 11:30, so I stayed up waiting for her arrival.  Boy does my head hurt this morning.  Looks like there is a change in the air for our weather this morning, maybe this has something to do with my headache as well.  Twenty minutes to medication time hopefully things will settle down fast today.
  It's almost time for Boots secound breakfast, perhaps this morning he will show off his patrol skills to Susan.  When she arrived last night, the big brave guy went and hid in the bed room.  Who would dare arrive at his house that late at night!  It took a bit of convincing, but once he realized it was Susan, two jumps and he was up on her lap.  Susans first remark was he has such a nice, soft coat.  Humm, might have something to do with a dish cloth and water.  MY attempt at some humour this morning!
  When I get back from coffee with Donald, hopefully Susan and Boots will be up from their beauty rest.  Then we all can be outside, Boots patrolling for the dreaded robins, Susan and I sitting back on the deck relaxing, catching up on the past week, and planning out our next steps to Building the Simple life........... ..............

  What could I have done to myself yesterday?  This headache is so bad this morning.  Pay-back for having a decent weekend, who knows?  I did try and watch a bit of TV yesterday, some "NASCAR".  Could not have been more than twenty minutes worth.  Plus I did watch some TV yesterday evening. Possibly, this was to much visual stimulation for me.  If so I am definitely paying the price now.  Boots even seems to sense the the change in me.  He is giving me my space, but still guarding me.  Animals seem to have that sixth sense, that humans have lost.
  When I talked to Susan last night, she informed me of our good fortune.  With her shift changes she will be up here early tuesday morning, and will not have to leave until Friday morning.  Finally she will be able to just sit back and enjoy the new deck.  Yes the last screws are in place!  Don't ask when I finished, I don't remember.
  Sometime this morning I will have to straiten one of our newly planted trees.  It has developed a slight lean from all the wind and rain that we had the last twenty-four hours.  It should only require a bit of tamping of the soil on the one side, a minor adjustment.  I want it to look good when Susan arrives tomorrow morning.
  My buddy Donald had mentioned he would like to go to Shellbrook for supper today (Chineese).  It is about a thirty minute drive up the highway, and I would like to go.  Hopefully my headache will be at a manageable level with my medication.
  I also have a load of laundry staring at me in the closet that I could do today, or not. Hmm?  Lets see, I could just close the closet door.  Maybe not.  Boots may get annoyed with me, as this is one of his advantage points, he can survey every thing that is happening in his world from there!  I think I will wait and see if Susan has any laundry to add to the mix.  There problem solved.
  I should imagine it will be coffee as usual this morning for Donald and I, followed by a ride through the park.  This is to check out his boat at the dock, and see who is all left in the camp ground after the weekend.
  I see the sun's reflection is shining off the fence and I can hear the birds are singing.  I guess it will be another glorious day.  I am really having trouble concentrating this morning.  So I just need to relax, get through the next twenty six hours or so, and then the love of my life will be here.  Then we can both sit and relax on the new deck, and work together at building the Simple life.........................
 

  Not sure exactly what woke me up this morning?  Birds singing, rain on the roof, Boots going crazy, flash of light in the window (lightning), or my headache.  But once Boots discovered I was awake, he felt it was his duty to get me up to feed him!  At least he is not being lazy this morning, he is actually standing guard at the window making sure the dreaded robins do not take control of his yard.
  I had a great day/ afternoon at Donald's yesterday.  David and Heather got their permanent site for there tent moved over.  The tent has been set up for the summer season.  Coax cable got installed from the neighbours dish (with his permission) underground through the bush to Donald's fifth wheel.  Installation through the outside wall of the fifth wheel was completed.  It looks like a factory installed option, job well done by every one.  Some how, tired as I was I played cars and trucks read a story.  Who knew I'm a little tea pot could be turned into a novel?  And the to have the day topped of with a great bar-b-que supper.  It was a long day but was a "MEMORABLE" day, spent with great friends!
  This rain was supposed to end by four am, at least I thought that was what David told us yesterday.  Oh well the ground was getting a little dry and my trees could use a bit of the good stuff from Mother nature.  Hopefully it will end by morning and it will be a sunny day as forecast.  It's always nice to see sunshine to finish off the weekend.  Just for those that have to return home this evening, and prepare for the work week.  
  I believe I heard some such comment yesterday that this would leave Donald and I to fend of ourselves  and what would Donald ever do to survive?  What was Donald's reply?  Without missing a heartbeat he replied" there's a restaurant, isn't there".  Problem solved!  My attempt at some humour this morning!
  Sounds like the rain is coming to an end, could the weatherman be partially right?  Only out by an hour.  Perhaps the sun Gods will be shinning on us today.  I know David said something about, it would nice to take the boys out on the lake today, weather permitting.  I think this is probably something, Donald would like to do as well.  Myself if it dry enough, I might try a couple of holes of golf, and then spend some more time on my deck.  Relaxing, staying calm, and concentrating in my mind on Building the Simple life.................

  Had a very relaxing relaxing time at Ed's fire last night!  called it a night early as my med's started to work and was able to get a reasonable sleep.  Still woke up with a good headache, but it's only one our to medication time.
  Boots snuck out when I went over to the fire.  Then the "Jack Ass" (Nicole's Nickname for Boots, when he is bad), wanted in at two am.  Otherwise I could have said I almost had a perfect sleep last night.  So my job for today is to not be mad.  Just get even.  This will be accomplished by keeping him awake!  Every time the poor boy thinks he deserves a nap, pow!  It will be time to disturb his beauty rest, and its only six-fifteen am.  This is going to be a long day for him, he he he ......
  Looks like the weather man might be on the mark for today.  There is a fair amount of cloud cover in the sky and it appears that the sun is trying to poke its face through the clouds.  Hopefully there will be no rain as the golf course is running a tournament today.
  Boots should be up for a while now, I just finished giving him a rub down (massage) with a damp cloth.  This practice usually takes him several hours to get all of his cat hairs groomed and back in the right place, so much for a nap after breakfast! (payback #2).  Pay back #1 was when I kept poking him until he got fed up with that game and finally after twenty minutes tried to bite me.  Pay back #3 I will revert back to poking, but will have to be little quicker.
  I had a wonderful conversation with one of my son's (son-in-law Dwayne).  He was at another golf tournament this past wednesday and won some prizes.  To my surprise, I am the beneficiary of a new golf umbrella, and a specialty tool that cleans cleats and does a couple of other things that I cannot remember at this time because of my mind.  This made me feel very special, thanks again Dwayne Curtis... see even I can have a sense of humour.  A private joke right Jennifer/Dwayne, LOL.....
  Today should be filled with many relaxing moments as I plan on going over to visit a couple of little boys (Donald's grandsons).  I have to see if they are missing any golf balls, or if their mom and dad have their tent up for the summer yet.  You know, what type of mischief two little boys might try and get into today...  After all it's the week end and they are at the lake!  Making those special "MEMORIES" ..
  The rest of the day I am just taking minute by minute, chilling out.  Hopefully my headache will stay manageable.  Maybe I will actually, finally get started on that list?  Probably not.  Though, I am putting a lot of thought into it.  Susan and I have started talking about it in our phone conversations.  So we have an idea of what we would like to do next, and have a basic game plan in order.  We just have not committed it to paper just yet, so maybe it's about time to bump it up a notch, and get back on track to Building the Simple life.....................

  Ever have one of those days, where you wished you would have just stayed in bed?  Yesterday was one of those days for me!  Not sure why, it just was.  Could it have been a bit of change in the weather?  God only knows.  My medication did not do much for me yesterday.  I usually have a few cat naps throughout the day to ease the pain and these did not seem to happen yesterday.
  On a good note, Susan called me last night after her shift and I finally have an appointment with the neurologist for the 12 of June the day after I see my Dr..   Possibly between the two of them they can come up with some solutions on medications for my headaches.  That is to say if I last that long!  If an an alternative source gets passed around the campfire this weekend I may try some.  Which I have never done in my entire life.  You try living with a headache for over two years which has been getting worse as time goes on.  It is starting to drive me insane.
  Donald / Darlene, and their grandson "Duder"' stopped to see if I wanted to go for coffee after supper yesterday.  I was just finishing with dishes and wanted to give my head a rest.  The little guy seemed so disappointed.
  Today I must remember to water the trees, especially "the tree", and give it some plant food.  The two minute shower we had just before supper was not enough.
  Boots has become very lazy as of late.  Possibly I have been feeding him to much?  He does appear to have gained a bit of weight, not to the point of being fat.  You definitely do not see his rib cage any more though.  I believe it is probably because of all the time he spends outdoors in the fresh air.  Trying to catch his own tail on the neighbours fence.  Chasing birds or whatever bugs that might be entertaining him at that moment.  For the moment Boots has been fed and seems content to lay by my side asleep (his form of guarding).  This way he will build his energy level up so he can keep on going like the energizer bunny.
  This morning I will be off to coffee with Donald, catch up on what has been happening at home, and finally start my list for the projects that need to be accomplished at home (if I get to it).  Sometime this morning if Boots is up to it (perhaps I mean me) we should take in a morning walk.  Trying to have a sense of humour this morning, not doing a very good job today..
  Must keep the phone with me today as Susan is going to call me just before she heads off for her shift at Cosco!  This is to let me know how her morning went, whats new for today, what we need to get caught up on, and what we are doing today, towards our goals at Building the Simple life.............