Good morning from God's Country!  It rained over night, as a matter of fact it sounded like it was pouring out at times.  I am just waiting for the sun to break over the horizon, oops there it comes in it's special spot between the trees.

  Boots has had his first breakfast of the day and is now out on his morning patrol.  I managed to get the door closed before he realized that the ground off of the deck was wet, so I got the "hey" disgusted look this morning as well!  This will teach him to get me up twenty minutes early, "NOT".  Oh well I can see him carefully trying to walk around without getting his feet to wet.  Like the dews have been heavy enough as of late, that you might have thought that we were getting rain every night.  Yes, reminds me of living on the coast, when we would set a tent up in the yard, to escape the heat and sleep outside.  Only to awake up to the heavy dew in the morning, felt like someone had misted us down with a garden hose.  This is the kind of humidity we are experiencing here, must have something to do with so many lakes in the area!  Or is it climate change?  The weather has been warming as a whole since we moved to the prairies in 1984.

  Yesterday was another busy day for the boys and I.  There was mini golf, the watering of uncle Derek's grass, and his common area.  Oh yay, let's get Bumpa and ourselves wet time, blow bubbles time!  And then repeat this process several more times, as we decided it would be nice if we watered the other neighbours grass across the front as well!  It turned out to be a great afternoon.  As Mikkel and Aiden said, it was like bringing the beach to us!

  After having grilled burgers for supper, mom took the boys to the beach, where they went swimming for a while.  Upon their return, they hit the showers, followed by some quiet time.  Oh, let's not forget dessert, vanilla ice-cream drumsticks!

  Grandma returns today, I wonder what bag of tricks she might have up her sleeve, to spoil these boys?  After all, I would never think of doing such a thing, as spoiling them, lol. My sense of humour kicking in this morning!  There appears to be a band of dark clouds moving in overhead.  There is a risk of thunderstorms for today, I hope they just keep on moving by. 

  Like I was saying, Susan (Grandma) returns this morning, and the boys have been counting down the sleeps.  It is so refreshing to hear the innocence of the young!  It really puts, Susan and I in the right frame of mind, when we are Building the Simple life................................. 

  Sun is up!  It will be another hot day again today!  Yesterday started out a bit wet, but an hour after sunrise, the clouds parted and were gone, and there were nothing but blue sky's!  Well not quite, but a glorious day just the same.
  We met our new neighbours across the street yesterday.  They were installing their new business development sign.  Eventually they will have eight to twelve cabins, all facing an inner courtyard with covered porches.  The inner courtyard will house a gazebo, with fire pit, hot tub area, play area for children.  One corner of the property will house their home, office combination.  They plan to live on site year round.  The cabins will all be two and three bedroom units with tall vaulted ceilings, twenty four feet at the peaks.  Should look good on this site, and fit in with the park theme.
  We got permission for Aiden to practice his solo golf driving skills on their property yesterday, now that it is private land.  Even Mikkel had turns at driving his mom around, though I think he was more concerned about going back to play at the play ground next door, especially to get covered in the sand once more!  Let's see, what else we did yesterday?  The boys and I went over the procedures for draining the holding tanks and flushing the black water tank.  Practice will make perfect.  Mikkel got to use the outdoor shower. (trying to remove some excess sand)  This is an option that the manufactures could save there money on, the hose is not long enough for starters.  Grandmas bedroom/bathroom floor, ceiling, walls, were very clean after all the showers were done.  Even the edge of the bed will not have to be washed for awhile.
  We had ham and cheese sandwiches for lunch, a bit of quiet time, then it was off to the practice green for some chipping and putting.  Like, we were gone for two hours, where did the time go?  Even mom was practicing her golfing skills it was a great afternoon
  I got away for coffee with Donald for a bit, to the Lark restaurant, and no I still do not know how they came up with this name.  We did manage to catch up on some of the coming and goings back at home. I shall be returning back to the city after the long weekend for a couple of days, as I have a couple of Doctor's appointments to deal with!
  After coffee with Donald I returned to "grill" us some hot dogs.  This followed up by some vanilla ice cream drumsticks for dessert.  Last night I had the pleasure of Mikkel and Boots in bed!  Both sleeping sideways, one kicking me in the ribs and one pushing my feet out of bed.  Boots being the latter.  Oh such are the pleasures of Building the Simple life.........................................

  Good morning.  It's daylight in the swamp, and it appears to be a soggy one this morning!  This might mean that we shall revert to plan "B" for activities.  What are our plan "B" activities you might ask?  Well this is when we move our outdoor plans inside, so today will consist of some board games.  Later with jackets on, I shall show Aiden how to drain the holding tanks on the fifth wheel.  You never know when he may be called to perform this duty.  Possibly, if the rain has stopped, he can take his first solo lesson with the golf cart, in the field across from us!  After all we will already have our jackets on.

  Boots has had his first breakfast, has been in and out twice!  Trying to get fed three times this morning, his little game just does not seem to be working for him!  So he has resigned himself to laying in bed with Susan!

  There is a whole new world of wonderful sounds in the fifth wheel in the mornings!  Aiden has this soft moaning stretching sound, and Mikkel has this deep base snoring sound, which is followed by a whispering, almost talking sound as if they are trying to communicate with each other in their sleep.  After all it is after seven am and they are still asleep, simply amazing!  Now with the ticking of the clock in the back ground, well you get the picture..

  Susan will be off to the city for two days of work and then she will return, so it will be up to Bumpa to hold down the fort with our daughter and grandsons.  I believe this is a mission that we can accomplish, right Aiden Luke?  And what about that Mikkel Monster?  Well I am sure he knows how to have a good time to, right?  So what does that leave for Bumpa and mommy?  Well that gives us plenty of time to play with you guys to as we practice Building the Simple life...........................

  Good morning!  Aiden is asleep on the air mattress behind me.  Mikkel is asleep with his mom on the hide a bed couch.  Susan is asleep in bed making music!!  Boots has had his first breakfast, and is out making a major patrol to protect all his guests!  Me, I have taken my morning medication, and am waiting for the sunshine to break over the tree line, while I work on my blog!
  Yesterday was filled with many wonderful surprises, starting with the great lunch we had in Shellbrook.  Of course there was the safe arrival of our daughter, with our grandson's.  Followed by hotdogs off the barbecue and smores from the fire that I had prepared earlier.  The coals were just right Dwayne!  Let's not forget the fantastic gift the boys had made me, a book mark from "DISNEY WORLD". This was made from beads and things that they had collected from games they were involved in.  And it was placed in a very special book, our own giant print "HOLY BIBLE".  The inscription inside reads presented to Grandma and Bumpa by Aiden Luke Skywalker and Mikkel Monster On the Occasion of We Love You! Date July 27, 2012  This kinda made me cry, I think grandma shed a few tears to.
  This morning I believe there will be a few showers happening, I know I will be off for a quick coffee. I do not know if Donald made it back up to God's country last night or not, as I hit the hay early and fell fast asleep.  When I return, Pancakes will be in order for breakfast, as that was ordered up by our grandsons.   After that the rest of the day is totally open unless other plans were made after I went to bed.  Let's see, beach, mini golf, putting green, play ground, or the field across the way so Aiden can hone up his driving skills with the golf cart!  Humm I bet he will like that one.
  So you can see there is a lot for children of all ages to do here in God's Country, and I never even got into fishing and the boating sports.  The important thing to remember, is to just go with the flow, and let things happen as they happen.  Then you will know you are finally getting on the right track to Building the Simple life.........................

  The arrival of, the love of my life, made it safe and sound to God's country, amongst the chaos of burgers coming off the barbecue, Jennifer skypeing me!  So a quick hello kiss, "just sit down and say hello to our daughter". "Here is your burger, with sides of potato and macaroni salads for supper".  I was off to finish with the clean up, and eat my meal.  Then I joined in the conversation on Skype so Susan could finish with her burger.  When all was said and done, I guess our daughter and grandsons will be here by this evening! Five days earlier than originally planed.  Our son-in-law will be joining us as originally planed, although Jennifer will have to drive to the airport and pick him up!
  Boots has had his first breakfast, and is now out on patrol, perhaps he is trying to see who's camper roof he might be able to concur this morning!  The bird's seemed very active this morning, and after breakfast, I believe he wanted to try his hunting skills!
  So with our grandson's arriving today, I believe the plan is to take inventory.  Make a grocery list, and do some shopping.  Either here in town, or off to Shellbrook thirty five minutes to the east.  Possibly when we are there, it will be close to lunch time, and Susan will like to try out some chineese food.
  When we return to our summer home, as I like to call it.  We can unpack the groceries, and make the final preparations for the arrival of our grandson's.  It really sounds like we are supposed to be in for some good weather for the next few days, so hopefully the boys will be able to get some beach time in. Any ways, this type of planing is reserved for Susan and I as we sit back and relax on the deck, waiting for the boys.  This is what we like to call Building the Simple life......................

  Sun is brightly shining through the trees this morning!  Boots has had his first breakfast, and is once again guarding the western front.  Yesterday he discovered another roof to conquer, while I was outside.  So now his official count is three, seven to go.
  Today I may try and do a couple of holes of golf, depends how I handle my headache.  Seems like things have been a bit worse lately, not sure why.  There have been a lot of weather changes, a bit more noise from the park.  Maybe I have been doing to much, or a combination of the above, not sure.
  So like I said, I would like to try a couple of holes of golf, and also find out why, they have not put up our practice driving net.  Then later this afternoon, cut my back lawn.  A ten minute job.  Then it will be back to the deck, to just sit and relax.
  Yes!  I just looked at the calendar, and Susan returns to God's country today!  She should arrive about supper time.  I think while I am relaxing on the deck, I shall prepare some burgers.  Perhaps some baby potatoes with onions.  No, on second thought, I will go to the store and see what they have for salad.  I will have to get the store run done this morning, as Sask. Power has a planed power outage for this afternoon.  Starting at one pm.  This could last two to four hours.  Luckily I will be cooking outside.  Talk about the good life!
 So I guess my day is now planed for me, all I have to do is put the plan into play.  We will see how many times this will be changed by circumstances today, because these are the things that one slowly learns as one is Building the Simple life.............................

  Started into some of the research on the next treatment that the neurologist wants me to try.  But holy cow the prescription he has written for me, is double the normal dosage.  My headache levels are so bad that they warrant this kind of level of treatment.  Oh this treatment is a series of injections into the muscle tissue around the head, and in up to seventy percent of people have seen a reduction in levels of severity of headaches.  This could, possibly reduce headache symptoms for up to three months.  This injection treatment is called "BOTOX".  Anyways when Susan and I started to check on possible side effects, and there are many.  She is a little worried, and is not so sure if the risks, warrant the results.  With the list of side effects, and my family members advising me not to take this form of treatment, I am very hesitant to try this.  No matter how bad my headaches have become!  So I guess the answer will be no.  For that matter, I am not so sure if I am that comfortable with the fact that Saskatchewan medical, does not recognize this form of treatment!  Which I would have to pay myself, and why do they not recognize it?  To many side effects!  Perhaps?
  Boots and I went to bed Early last night.  He seems to have as much of a problem with storms, as I do.  Me with my headaches, him with the thunder!  So I just let him be a big suck, and cuddle up to me.  That way, I could just lay real still, and keep my eyes closed.  I didn't get much sleep, but I got to lay in bed undisturbed, and I guess that was a blessing in itself.  My reward was, he (Boots) let me lay in bed as long as I wanted to this morning.  Finally at five to seven, when I thought I might be getting bed sores, I got up and fed him his first breakfast.  Boots just sat a attention, purring and waiting patiently.  It was simply amazing!  He is now off guarding the western front, hoping he has not missed to much action this morning.  I hate to tell the little guy, that his friend has already gone by to work, and that the first wave of the dreaded robins, have been here and gone.  For some reason, I just don't think it matters to him this morning.
  Boots has just returned from spending an hour and a half roaming around the camp sites, while I was off with Donald.  We went for coffee, loaded his old barbecue, and checked out his boat at the dock.  Donald is returning to the city around lunch time, as "the kids", as he put, bought him tickets for the "NASCAR" race in Saskatoon tonight.  Lucky man!  My headache would never let me attend such an event at this stage of my life.
  As I was saying, a moment ago when I returned. Well Boots greeted me at the door, and he seemed to be  wondering what had been taking me so long.  He is now happily settled in his favourite daytime resting place, the upper closet, where he can look out over the entire fifth wheel.  You never know when someone may open that pantry door!  I think I shall just sit back and relax, try and keep quiet, and plan out my next move, at Building the Simple life.......................................

  We had a bit of rain and I awoke to some thunder early this morning, perhaps this explains the intensity of my headache this morning!  I said perhaps, because I also cut some grass and watered some newly planted lawn yesterday!  Oh well, I have taken my morning medication, and am still waiting for them to cut in (help).
  Boots has had his first breakfast, and must of sensed that I was not doing so well this morning.  He was not as persistent about me getting up to feed him, he actually let me lay in bed, only bugged me a couple of times, and then just snuggled up to me.  Perhaps it was the thunder outside, and he was worried, I might just throw him out there into the storm.  Who knows for sure, what was going through his mind.  Boots has been over to check me out, and to thank me for his first breakfast, this took him all of thirty seconds.  Then it was off to his perch on the western front, this gives him a good view of the entire alley.  One of the wild cat's walks through every morning, to see if anyone forgot to put their garbage can lid on.  Then about seven a young regional park worker walks through, heading off work, lunch in hand.  He is a local boy that drives the pickup in the park, delivering wood etc..  He seems to interest Boots the most.  I now hear the birds outside, with their songs starting up.  This should put Boots into reaction mode, yup!  It is now exercise time for him.
  What am I going to do with my day?  Well for starters, it will be off to the "Lark" for coffee, then probably a tour through the park.  Donald will have to check out his boat.  This afternoon, Sid is going to rebuild the clutch on Donald's golf cart.  I believe Gord's as well.  If there is time, he is going to have a look at mine as well.
  The sun is now shinning in my window, the clouds have more or less moved off into the distance, and there is a lot of blue sky on the western horizon.  The weather forecast was for the sunshine to appear around eleven am local time, so I guess this is a good bonus for us.  This is shaping up to be another great day in God's country, "it doesn't get any better than this".  So having said that, I will get back to relaxing my mind.  Hopefully, my headache will subside, and once again I can think about Building the Simple life................................

    Well we survived the big weekend, "Hay Days".  A celebration of the pioneers, who established and developed our community of Shell Lake.  I believe everyone who participated had a great time, I know I did, and I only watched from a distance.  Oh yes, the weather man was definitely wrong again!  Who said prayers don't work, this weekend was a prime example of prayers in action.

  Well Boots has had his first breakfast and is now out on patrol, or should I say out looking next door  to see if they have left any food scraps out!  Which they have not, I looked first!  Oh, he is back knocking on the door.  I should make him wait, until I go for coffee with Donald at eight!  The big baby is back indoors and now that I would not feed him another breakfast is sulking at his western perch.  Such a life!

  The sun is brightly shinning in through my window this morning, and it looks like it will be another glorious day in God's country!  Susan will be packing up to head back to the city, as she has to return to work for the next four days.  Then she has reassured me she will return for two days before she has to repeat the cycle once again.  Where did her holidays go?

  Today I am going to do some more yard maintenance, if my headache will allow it, this past four days took a lot out of me.  Water some grass, possibly cut some grass.  Definitely, I will be sitting on my deck and spending time keeping my mind clear, and trying to think about Building the Simple life................

  Good morning, it's the wind up day, of "HAY DAYS" here at God's country, and so far no rain!  The only complaint I've heard so far, is that everyone feels they have probably gained five pounds.  To much wine and food to consume so far.  And believe me, there has been lots of food!
  Yesterday after an early breakfast, and a short "Skype" with my daughters family in Airdrie AB..  This was to tell them enjoy their weekend camping adventure to Drumheller, to meet their cousins and other grandparent's.  It was then time to get set up to go and view the parade!  After the parade it was home to cook some burgers, and then relax on the deck.  Somehow in the afternoon we took in a dog show, and then got to spend some more leisure time on our deck.  You see, we had to build up our energy, as you probably already guessed it to go and eat again!  We then went out for a bowl of soup and some spinach dip, which we shared.  We went to the new restaurant called the old school house, taking it's name from it's location.  Then it was back home to spend more time relaxing on our deck.  Throughout the day we got to visit with people, as they would be walking by, and us just sitting back relaxing.   I now know why "Boots" sleep's so much!  Oh yes we both ended up with a bowl of noodles, with green peas mixed in for a late snack.  This was just before we settled in to do dishes and watch the evening news!  I hear there is a pancake breakfast, anyone hungry?  LOL!!  Early morning sense of humour setting in!!.
  Boots has had his first and second breakfast this morning, whats with that?  Not sure, but he is definitely fast asleep on the western front.  Even the flock of birds passing through, when the sun briefly showed it's face did not disturb him.  Perhaps he is dead?  I should check!  Nope, even a poke only got a, what do you want out of him?  And a back to sleep stretch.  I suppose with all the people back and forth yesterday, not to mention the horses, they simply amazed him!  He really did not get his quota of napping, such a life!
  I am not sure who all will be leaving for home today, I just know Susan does not have to leave until nine tomorrow morning.  That way she can avoid the weekend exodus of campers as they rush off to their daily routines, that begin tomorrow morning.  This gives us one more day and evening to enjoy the simple things here together in God's country, and one more day at Building the Simple life................

  Yesterday we had some great friends join us up here for the day in God's country!  We ended up Borrowing my son and daughter in laws golf cart, and then we were off on our own tour through the park, and down to the beach.  We also had a short tour through our town.  Around noon we walked up town, (about a block and a half from our fifth wheel) and got burgers that they were making, and selling on the street, as part of hay days!  We spent the balance of the day, just sitting, relaxing and visiting on our deck, back at the fifth wheel.  Before our friends left back for the city, we enjoyed some salads that Susan had prepared the evening before, all in all it was a great day.
  Boots has been fed his first breakfast, he is guarding the western front.  Today he is doing this with his eye's closed!  I think someone should go over there and poke him, just to see if he would like some desert!  After all, he has this strange habit of poking me, at 5am in the morning!  Just to see if I am awake so I can feed him!  He must have realized I was thinking about him, because he has decided to come over and join me.  It is definitely to early for his friendly sparrows to be on the prowl, oh what is this?  The dreaded robins have gathered outside, heavens forbid.  He sits so proud, that he can anticipate, when they are about to swoop down upon his yard.  It's simply amazing in Boots' eye's, now give me a treat!  He just went to the pantry!  "UNBELIEVABLE"  What a ham.
  There is quite a bit of cloud cover this morning, hopefully the rain will hold off until the parade is over and done, or better yet it doesn't rain at all!  There were a few clear patches when the sun was rising this morning, so hopefully we can dodge the bullet.  I would like nothing better than to spend the balance of the day, sitting and relaxing on the deck with Susan at my side.  This way we just can take in the day as it happens and enjoy life as we practice Building the Simple life.......................

  Good morning, we are back to our regular routine.  Boots has been fed his first breakfast, and is now at his western observation post awaiting the dreaded robins to arrive.  Boy are the robins fooling him today, they have been busy as bees working at pulling twigs and building materials from beneath my window.  Looks like they must be trying to build another nest nearby, or perhaps do some repairs from all the rains we had.
  The sun has just appeared through the trees, and it looks like nothing but blue skies from my vantage point.  It looks like the start of another great day in God's country again today!  This will be perfect weather to spend on the deck with some good friends, that should be arriving shortly after eleven am.  This will give me ample time to cut my small piece of grass at our place and be ready for there arrival.
  It will also be interesting to see how Boots will adjust to knew visitors to his property, perhaps he will just stay inside and sleep.  I am betting he is to much of a busy body and will have to be out on the deck ,time will tell.  Yesterday Boots figured out how to get onto the roof of the neighbour's rig, "yup"!  One jump onto his barbecue another jump onto his privacy wall then a casual stroll across the top and yes you guessed it, he could walk across the top and then see forever!  This time when I told him to get down he just "meowed".  Like, "look at me" and repeated the process in reverse, and he was on the ground.  At least I did not have to go and rescue him.  Such a ham!
  Like I was saying earlier we have some good friends that are going to be up here today to spend some time with us.  Hopefully we can get out to Memorial hill.  Possibly a tour of the golf course and definitely a trip through the park, and down to the dock and the beach.  Hopefully they will have a great day and will see why the peace and serenity seems to ease the pain of my headaches.  Thus I can give them a glimpse of why Susan and I have set our goals to Building the Simple life.................

  Good morning!  Susan let me lay in bed this morning, thus the late start on my blog.  We had another rain shower this morning, though the sun is out now, and it appears it will be a nice day today, after all.
  Boots is sitting comfortably on Susan's lap, and yes he is napping and has had his first breakfast.  He made one sweep of our yard, and then came back in to take up a position of importance, at the west window.  This was followed by a few minutes on my lap, and now a more permanent position on Susan's lap!  Somehow, by me staying in bed, and Susan taking control of his routine, things are totally out of whack this morning!!!  Such is life, all this new stuff to confuse the the little guy.
  Looks like another bank of fast moving clouds rolling through again, hopefully they will not be dropping any rain on us.  What is this?  Boots just had his second breakfast, and has decided to join me.  A little late I might add.  There is no sparrows at this time of day.  Perhaps he is just looking for my company! "NOT".  He is waiting for Susan to finish her breakfast, so he once again can go and sit on her lap!  Oh, oh!  Breakfast is done.  What now?  Darn it, she is doing some dishes.  This guy has no patience at all!  So now Susan is finally done, sitting down enjoying a cup of tea.  And yes, you guessed it,  Boots is fast asleep on her lap.
  In a little while when the tea is done, we will jump on the golf cart, and take a ride down trough the park, to check out the dock.  This will give us an opportunity to see who is here for the villages big weekend, and who has yet to arrive.  It will also give us some special time to ourselves.  This will allow us to catch up on the past week, and to make some future plans for Building the Simple life..................

  The love of my life has arrived home and is now asleep in bed!  Strange, but Boots is still down with me, guarding my rear flank.  I was so sure that he would be off to bed with Susan, once he had his first breakfast.  Especially when she gave him a midnight snack, upon her arrival last night.  I guess Boots is showing us he cannot be bribed.  Ya, right!  She should have used his cat treats, instead of regular food.
  After opening the two blinds for Boots to guard our yard, I noticed the weatherman had it wrong again, it's still overcast and threatening to rain outside.  So once again I brought up the forecast on my i Phone, and to my amazement (sarcasm) it had changed, another day of rain!  Previously on this channel, as late as midnight last night, it was supposed to be sunny all day today.  How could we get It so wrong?  We have the most advanced equipment that money can buy.  Which in turn produces computer generated models, and we still get the weather wrong.  This just proves to me that all this equipment does not replace the men and women on the ground, but are an aid to improve their productivity and skill level.  When will politicians figure this out!
  At times I think our forecasting skills are even worse at predicting the weather than they used to be.  We did a little experiment up here at the lake.  From early May until the July long weekend.  I took data from several sources, including the intensity of my headaches.  I was far more accurate at predicting the weather than what was provided by environment canada on the iPhone.  And it is updated regularly.  Possibly the government should have kept more localized weather people in the west, rather than having all of western Canada's weather coming from Winnipeg.  After all weather patterns do travel from west to east, not east to west.  Something our current government could rectify.  Yes let's all hed for the hills because someone is looking at a computer screen in Winnipeg, that says Saskatoon is getting the storm of the century. And we are all looking at each other and saying, there must be another Saskatoon, because it just isn't happening here!
  So today it look's like our deck relaxation time will be spent indoors.  I think I will flip some burgers on the barbecue, for a late lunch and then we can eat them indoors.  Not sure what the rest of the day might bring, that's what playing it by ear is all about or what we like to call it around here Building the Simple life....................................
 

  Good morning from God's country, it's daylight in the swamp.  For some apparent reason the good Lord has decided that we should wake up to a foggy morning.  This reminds me of those those early mornings growing up, when I would get up to do my chores and help milk the cows on the west coast.
  The love of my life will return late tonight, for her final five days of vacation time.  I am not sure if she has to return home on Sunday evening or if she will be leaving directly for work from here on Monday.  She did not have her schedule when she last left the lake, so I guess I will find out when she returns.  What are our plans?  Well plenty of relaxation time!
  This weekend is the annual celebration for the village of Shell Lake, "HAY DAYS".  Our version of a country fair, just on a much smaller scale.  Some of the activities usually include a parade, supper, dance, pancake breakfast, woodcarving displays, old tractors, horse rides, usually some kids rides, beer gardens just to name a few.  Anyways it seems to keep the local people in the village, and from around the surrounding rural area, as well as the resort areas well occupied for a couple of days.
  Oh oh I just heard my first robin of the morning!  Yes, Boots has had his first breakfast of the day, and  yes he is now awake and prepared to defend his ground!  My God they have us surrounded, he does not no which window to stand guard at first.  They are in the trees all around us.  Which part of our grass will they be pouncing and jumping on first?  Such decisions for him to make!  There I've gone and calmed him down for now, seems like the the dreaded robins have moved off to another section of the campground for now.  He is now over to my window waiting for his morning visit from the sparrows, such a ham!  These sparrows do not seem to bother him as much, possibly because they are smaller.
  This morning I will be off to coffee with Donald, you know the usual routine and then down to check the boat.  After the dew is off the grass, the mowers will be out in full force as we start tidying up our yards and getting them ready for another week.  If we get the heavy stuff done today, then on Friday morning in one hour we can have all the grass recut for the weekend.  This will make things look really good for "Hay Days".  In this way all that Susan will have to do is sit back on the deck and enjoy her remaining time off and help in the planning and execution of Building the Simple life.........................

  The heavens have opened up, it was supposed to have stopped raining by three am!  Now the latest weather up date for our area, has the sun returning at two pm.  Lets see how accurate environment Canada is, this go around.  Oh, and that is when they have the rain ending as well.  I guess there is this mighty switch that will be turned over at that time to change the current weather conditions.
  Boots has been fed his first breakfast this morning.  He must have realized it is raining outside this morning, because so far he is just staring out the window and has not asked to go out the door!  I think his first clue was probably the noise on the roof of the fifth wheel.  For surely it wasn't Santa's Reindeer.  Then there is the bird bath's that have appeared in the alley (mud puddles).  Don't tell Boots they are not bird bath's, as he goes nut's as all the birds come to his west window after every rain, for a dip!  So if the weather man is right, and the sun does come out at two.  Well you get the picture, I may have to call 911 for a cat help line!!!!  This will definitely be a good time for coffee break.
  This morning I guess I shall go and listen to how this rain is spoiling the hay, that is all ready laying in swaths, not bailed.  Humm, last week I listened to them complaining about, maybe it was to hot to get out and cut it.  Let me think here a moment, oh yes, the ones that just got out and got the job done will be in for coffee, saying this rain is sure going to be good for the growth of the second crop.  Take what you want from this, there are just all kinds of people in this world, that's what makes life interesting!
  I am on my second week of my increased level of pain medication and have noticed a harder level of concentration at times.  I have two more weeks at this level before I step up the medication to the final level, which is also my maintenance level.  I really have not noticed any reduction in headache levels.
  Later this morning I will make some plans with Donald, we will probably go down to the boat dock and check things out, this is part of our after coffee ritual.  Perhaps Donald will want to take another drive to check something else out today.  I know these important decisions will be discussed over coffee this morning.  Perhaps if the rain does stop, Donald may wish to go fishing early this evening to see if we managed to fasten his bunks on his trailer in the correct position, me?  I can just sit back in the boat, relax, and dream about Building the Simple life.....................................

  A bit late getting to this today, as the internet up here at the lake went down when we lost cell service.  This happened around supper time yesterday.  Then to top it off, we lost power when lightning struck a main transmission line servicing the area.  It took Sask. power over two hours to re-route power.  The sacrifices of the "North".  It seems like nobody wants to accept responsibility, for the ensuing communication's nightmare to keep the public informed as to how long before power might be restored.  You get answers of midnight and then they reroute power and it's back on in two and one half hours.  What went wrong, or why do they have such a communications problem.  Especially on weekends!  People and businesses need to be kept up to date with good information, otherwise doors get locked and once again employees are sent home and wages and profits are lost.  This because of bad information.
  Derek, Michele, and Brianna surprised me by showing up at the lake yesterday and spending the night!  Sorry guys I did not spend more time with you last night but my headache was at that point when I knew it was bed time.  Thanks for the fish fry and hot dogs for brunch this morning it was fantastic.
  After keeping Boots up, (awake) and outside as much as possible, he has turned into a "Mr. goody two shoes".  Oh yes, you call him he now beats you to the door!  It's simply amazing.  My God, he even has manners again.  We shall see how long he can maintain this good behaviour.
  I had thought I might be able to toast the newly wedded couple over the phone, but with the communications dilemma at the lake this proved impossible.  I did have a drink and toast to their happiness, and wised the best for their future!!
  I think I have had enough on my plate for today, we have had a steady rain most of the day, this has cleared the smoke out of the air.  I plan on going to sit in the easy chair where I am sure Boots will be joining me for a bit, while I sit back and try and think about Building the Simple life....................

  Well it's daylight in the swamp and Boots is outside, and keeps trying to get my attention by knocking at the door.  It seems he would like to be fed his first breakfast.  Sorry about his luck!  Next time when I call him, he will come in when it's bedtime.  I can see him now from my vantage point, he is wandering around the campground trying to scrounge for food.  We are all seasoned pro's here, and do not leave anything out, as there are wild cat's here.  That is why we do not have a mice problems.  No, I hear him knocking at the door again, but I am still sure he has not learned his lesson yet, perhaps at eight, when I go for coffee I will let him in for his first breakfast.  Today is also supposed to be much cooler outside.  Boots does not know it yet, so guess what?  He gets to spend most of the day outside with me.  No napping for kitty!!  My turn to get even, who said you have to get mad, but pay back on the other hand, well you get the idea....
  Donald and I started on our expedition here for supplies for his little project.  Then it was off to Spiritwood for some more, before we knew it we ended up in Shellbrook yesterday to pick up some half inch dowel material.  After coffee this morning we shall assemble this little project that took us galavanting across the country side.  Not that we had anything else better to do. (Donald's words)  But now when the day is done, he will be able to wash the boat/golf cart, or whatever and hang up the hose.  We also have some screws to install into the bunks on his boat trailer, seems the person who assembled it forgot this minor detail!  Donald was also talking about going fishing.  I am not sure when he wanted to do that, But possibly I may go with him if it is not to hot today or tomorrow.
  Later today Susan will be attending my nieces wedding.  I hope her day, is as great as Susan's and mine was in 1974!  Yes, and it still just seems like yesterday.  Anyways, I hope everyone has a great time!  There are not to many family feuds!  LOL!!! hahaha..  My sense of humour, this morning, and the "Bride and Groom" get to dance with every one, Love uncle Doug!
  The rest of my day will be "consumed" with relaxation on my deck, possibly a couple of tours throughout the park.  This evening I shall break out a bottle of spice rum, and have a few drinks in celebration of the newly married couple.  I shall sit on my deck, and have a toast to "Chelsea Ann & Matt" as they set out together in their success to Building the the Simple life....................

  Today is the start of another day in God's country without the love of my life.  Hope she enjoys the start of her, "ten" days of vacation.  You have more than earned them!  For today she flies off to BC.
  Thus begins the gathering of the clans, a celebration of my brothers daughter in marriage.  This will be a very exciting and happy time for every one, as family gather and get to see one another again.  I know from experience, all the family members that will have put in so much hard work, will finally breath a sigh of relief, and finally get to rest from a job well done!  This is just how our family does things, and I suppose probably most families do!  It's like the pioneer spirit that built this country still lives on.  "Thank You Grandpa and Grandma"
  Boots has had his first breakfast, and was such a nuisance this morning, I put him outside.  He figured if he bothered me enough at the door, and then ran to his dish I would feed him again.  Sorry about his luck!  I gave him the exit strategy out the door!  He then quickly went next door, were the night before last they had had a fish fry, sorry boots no extra fish left over this morning.  He is now wandering about wondering what to do next.  I believe he will have to do a little extra patrol duty outside, perhaps this will improve his attitude for the rest of the day.
  Myself I am off to the shower and then It will be coffee time with Donald where we will discuss what is on the agenda for today and Building the Simple life.......................

  Where there is smoke there is fire, but where?  Some people seem to think it is from the forest fires in  Siberia.  If so it has traveled now, from the west coast of Canada (BC) to Saskatchewan, that's over a thousand miles from our west to east.  This layer of smoke started to move in around six pm our time, and put a gold hue around the sun.  I thought to myself where have I seen this before.  Oh yes, all the fires travelling back and forth from California!  When Donald and I went for supper last night at seven, he remarked here comes the storm clouds.  Having not seen this phenomenon before, I told him this was from a tremendous amount of smoke, that was moving in.  Just look at the sun, and to give it time.  Eventually you will be able to smell the smoke.  Sure enough after supper you could just smell the hint of smoke in the air, talk about a change in the atmosphere, the sun had become a dull yellow glow in the sky.  And our next chance of rain is not until friday evening.  And this is for thunder storms, so I guess the smoke will be around for awhile!
  Boots was up early and fed his first breakfast.  He seems to think that if he gets under the blankets, this will motivate me a little quicker in the morning.  In other words, he try's to pull the covers off of me so I will get up to feed him.  I will have to come up with another tactic, to try and outwit him tomorrow morning.  Nicole he really needs to go home soon!
  With this smoke in the air, even the bird's are not singing this morning, the sun is blood red.  This is making quite a spectacular site.  Boots is staring out the rear flank hoping the dreaded robins will try and retrieve some worms from his yard, but I hear no commotion from that front.  I guess the positive thing is it should be a bit cooler out because of the smoke cover, but it will be harder for people to breath,  Especially people with recpritory problems.
  Well with Donald being back, it will be back to our normal routine of morning coffee at the lark restaurant. (one day I will have to find out how it got it's name)  Then the rest of the day should be filled with relaxation, not to much stress, and perhaps some more practice at Building the Simple life.........................

   Trying to find my sunshine this morning, Boots has been fed his first breakfast.  All I see so far is a lot of clouds, this may have something to do with my extreme headache.  Even Boots doesn't want to interact with the birds this morning.  Whoa!  I just opened the window and closed it, the humidity level is unreal, it's plus twenty out there, and it feels a whole lot warmer!  Waiting for the weather channel to update.  There is no breeze at all, no birds singing.  Like this eire calm across the land.  Every thing seems to be waiting for a storm to break, or something.  Oh slowly I see some branches starting to move, and here the odd brave bird starting to sing.  I guess it isn't the end of the world after all, just one very hot morning!  Even Boots is at the other window now looking out for the dreaded robins.  You never know when they may swoop in and try and steal some worms from his yard!
  My boys (grandsons) and their parents arrived safely to Disney World yesterday afternoon!  I asked them are we there yet? And what was taking so long as I was getting kind of cramped up in their luggage.  And yes they would have to buy clothes the next day as I had thrown theirs out to make room for me.  They had just landed and were in route to there hotel rooms.  I hope they have a wonderful vacation at their second home, lol.
  Today I shall put the sprinkler back on over the freshly seeded area, just to keep the ground moist., and concentrate on keeping myself cool.  Donald is supposed to arrive later this afternoon.  He told me he would phone me first, just incase there was any last minute supplies I might need brought up.
  So let's recap, today I will watch the sprinkler, go for coffee, wait for Donald to arrive, relax, and practice Building the Simple life.........................

  Some where up in the sky are my two grandson's!  Why you might ask?  Well they are on route, with mom and dad to Disney World to see Mickey Mouse!  At this time of the year I would imagine most of there time will be spent at one of the water theme parks.  Anyways through the marvels of technology they will be able to keep me posted daily on there activities, especially if something new is encountered for them.
  Boots has been fed his first breakfast and has now settled down to guard my rear flank hopefully, this morning his breakfast stays with him.
  Today may be the day I tackle the washing of the roof of the fifth wheel, this is something that should be done every year.  It was not performed last year, (I forgot) and we shall see how I feel after the dew is off.  Maybe I should wait and ask Dwayne if he would like to perform this for me. (father of my grand-sons)  Wash the roof of the fifth wheel, humm this may cost me an additional book, or two of slurpy  coupons. (his weakness)  We could call it father son bonding time, and the grand sons could help.  This will definitely save me a lot of stress and anxiety, about trying to do a couple of things at the same time, elevated that high off the ground.  Yes the more I think about this I had better wait, otherwise my daughter will put me back in the dog house.  And it isn't even built yet! (no dog)
  Boots is still resting quietly and has not noticed that the robins have changed their routine, not sure if I should disturb him or not.  What is that saying?  Let sleeping dog's lay.  He may think and act like a dog, but he is  definately a cat.  Okay then, he may as well be awake.  He was definitely persistent about his feeding time this morning.  It's remarkable what two treats will do to revive him.  I swear he could be almost dead, open a bag of treats, or any food.  Or just a stroll by the pantry, where his food is stored, and the dead will be resurrected!  Poor baby life is ruled by his belly, full or not.  Oh my God!  He must be dreaming about catching birds, he is now sleeping and making that pigeon sound!
  So today after coffee ( I have to keep up with current affairs) I shall cut Donald's small patch of grass.  Then it will be time for some more sun screen and cold water as I watch the sprinklers water my son's grass and I think some more about Building the Simple life...........................

  Just waiting for the sunshine to poke it's face over the tree tops, so I can officially say it's daylight in the swamp!  Boot's has had his first breakfast this morning and I must have given him to much, poor fellow just got sick.  Time for a cleanup!  This does not happen to the little guy very often, perhaps he had to many treats, the last couple of days, or maybe it was because of the extreme heat.  I will just have to give him a break from his regular patrol duties and let him rest a bit more.  If there is such a thing, he is already sitting in the window waiting for his sparrow friends to show up.  Though I might add, his breath could do with a bit of mouth wash!!!!

  After breakfast and a shower, Susan shall head back to the city to her job.  I shall not see her again until a week from this Tuesday, as she is flying out to BC for our nieces wedding.  When she returns, she will spend the last of her five days off with me at the lake, hurrah!

  Yesterday was spent with self medication techniques, of the legal varieties.  I was trying to calm my headache, but to to avail.  The sunshine is now over the trees and is streaming in my window, Boots is trying to keep down a different variety of breakfast.  So far so good!  And is back in the window waiting for the arrival of the dreaded sparrows!  They seem to arrive shortly after the sun hits the window.  Boots has this inner peace and breathing technique that makes himself sound like a pigeon cooing.  I am not sure if this is his calling them, or his disguise technique.  This is one of the musical notes he makes when he is dreaming in bed fast asleep.  Poor Mr. Poo, as Nicole would call him.  I tried to show him a robin, but he was to fixated on a piece of fuzz that he missed a pair of robins in his yard.  Oh the action he is getting now is unbearable, and the sparrows are yet to arrive.  The poor guy may have a heart attack yet!  My God there is even a "ravin", no wonder all the birds are going crazy!  Thank God the raven has finally moved on and things have settled down to normal.  Boots must be starting to feel a bit better, he is back into his water again, so I shall concentrate on keeping it fresh for him.  Hopefully he is through the worst of it.

  After Susan has gone, I think Boots and I will try and get back into a normal routine of morning walks.  The dawn patrol we shall call ourselves.  We can do this between his two breakfast's.  This will be less stressful for Boots (no cars).  It will also give me time to try and clear my head for the day, when it is cool outside.  This will help me plan things out for Building the Simple life..........................

  I guess some of you may be thinking did Doug do something to his computer again!  Well the answer to this pressing question is no!!  I have had a worse than normal headache, and thought that a bit more quiet time might help settle things down.  Still waiting!
  Boots has been wandering around trying to cheer me up to no avail, even trip down trough the park did not seem to help today.  I think there is a bottle of captain Morgan spice rum that may be calling my name.  It is more than likely that it has my name attached to it (medicinal purposes only) and a deck chair for me to sit on!  I will go and experiment and see if this may have a calming effect on my headache, after all I have never heard of any Jamaican's with headaches.  Then possibly I can get back to enjoying everyones company and Building the Simple life....................

  Looks like a clear sky out this window and yet it sound's like it's beginning to pour outside.  God's rendition of, I can have my cake and eat it too!
  Susan arrived in time for a late supper with me last night.  We ended up having my rendition of a chef's salad, without the turkey or ham.  Followed by some shrimp in a bowl, no cocktail sauce, and then some low cal., cookies for desert.  Talk about eating healthy.  It even tasted good!  We ended up on skype with our oldest daughter for a while, and then called it an early evening.
  Boots has had his first breakfast, and is traditionally at this window, waiting for the dreaded sparrows to make there appearance at this time of morning.  But oh no, Susan is here and now requires his utmost attention.  After all, he may convince her when she gets up that I may have neglected him, and he may get a third, or even fourth breakfast out of the deal.  Oh yes, he has also figured out that her portions are also bigger than mine.  Susan's excuse, but my hands are smaller.  So how come the bottom of his bowl ends up being fuller?  Like I said before, Boots is a very smart cat!
  Here we go again, the opera singers are competing in the bedroom.  Boots at one end of the bed trying to sing in base, and Susan at the other end of the bed trying to sing in soprano.  Next thing they will be doing is talking to each other.
  So what are our plans for today?  Well I know there will be, "NO" choir practice!  lol  my attempt at humour this morning, isn't laughter supposed to be the best medicine.  Susan wants to have a look at the new deck, and say hi to every one.  There is some lazy man's cabbage rolls that have to go into the slow cooker this morning (supper for later tonight).  Some time will be spent down at the park and beach,  God's rain only lasted five minutes.  At least no one will have to water their grass today.  But most of our time will be spent on our deck.  This is so Susan and I can get reacquainted with each other and can get back to our goal of Building the Simple life............................

  Once again Jennifer and Dwayne came to my rescue.  Seems that we had not quite hooked up my iPhone 4 correctly to my mac.  It was working, but the performance was not up to speed, and subject to failure.  So you guessed it.  Yesterday after a wonderful supper, it would not let me complete my internet connection to Skype, Facebook, and a host of other options.  This was soon to drive me crazy!!!  Like what have I done now.  So a few phone calls later, problem solved.
  We modified a few settings decided to also try my data port hook-up and pow, I just about blew my mind away!  Things were popping up onto my screen, I thought my mind was going to explode.  I ended up bringing up Skype and sharing my screen with Jennifer.  My mind just could not handle what was happening.  It is amazing what is stored inside this little phone, and what it is capable of doing.  As the science guy would say, " it's simply amazing".  This one was for my grandson's.  So now I can plug my iPhone directly into my computer to use and charge it at the same time, or I can just use it as a wi-fi device.  What will God let us discover and create next?
  So Boots has been up and had his first breakfast this morning. He has made one quick patrol to all his usual patrol advantage points.  He still prefers the bedroom at this time of morning, this is probably because of the three cars that he waits to see leave for work in the morning.???  He is such a nosy cat. or maybe it's the other cat that wanders by about this time of the morning checking to see if anybody forgot to put the lid on their garbage can.  I am betting on the latter.  But one can never tell what goes through his mind.
  Yesterday we completed the deck raising.  Next week there should be some nice indoor outdoor carpet going on to complete the look!  The cooks provided us with a fabulous supper for our efforts, I believe I will not need breakfast, perhaps not even lunch, I am still felling that full.  Talk about a feast!  And then there was cake for desert, no wonder I seem to gain weight when I am at the lake during the summer!
  Last night Karen and Gord hosted a fire for everyone that helped in building the deck.  Boots keeps on wanting to go over to their yard to visit, and find "Reno" his old friend who has passed away.  Boots used to sleep in Reno's Blanket, I am sure that is probably what saved this starving little kittens life!  Anyways there is this toy palm that looks like a miniature colie but this one barks, the big one did not!  You should see the look on Boots' face, like whats going on here?  I just want to come over and say hi.  Why are you barking at me?  Are we not friends any more?  Every time they visit, Boots and Turbo get a bit closer, before turbo loses his self control.  Then Boots gives him this look, well  if you're going to be like that, maybe i'll come back later.
  What are my plans for today?  Well after coffee Donald and I will head down to the dock to move the bumpers over to customize things so they are better suited for our boats.  They definitely were set up for the small boat that moved to the back side of the dock.  When they asked me if I minded changing dock positions, I never even considered such a minor detail as this.  But it was such a small boat, and they are definitely not in the right position for Derek's or Donald's boat.  So we will spend some leisure time this morning repositioning them correctly, thus building some memories for ourselves at Building the Simple life.....................

  Looks like we are headed back into another hot dry spell, starting with a gradual warm up today.  Boots has had his first breakfast, and is just fascinated with this new lookout position at the desk where I sit at the keypad.  It is now time to protect me from the dreaded sparrows!  It seems these birds have more nerve than his arch enemies the robins.  The sparrows for instance will land on the branches within six inches of the window, almost driving him insane.  This requires his utmost attention and diligence to detail, after all they may be able to penetrate this flimsy piece of glass and get to me!  Sometimes they arrive in swarms chasing bugs, you should see Boots' head weave and bob around then.  I think next year I shall have to put out a humming bird feeder, outside this window for his entertainment!  Boots has now gone to check out the west side of the rig and lawn area.  After all the robins are also back looking for worms!!
  Today is definitely going to be a great day, the sun is streaming through the trees into my window.  I believe Donald will arrive later today.  I must get over to his place, and cut his small piece of grass.  I believe he is going to bring up his small fishing boat.  Cutting the grass before his arrival will save us from moving it one time before he parks it.
  It might also be a work bee day.  Kinda like an old fashioned barn raising.  Only this will be out with the old deck and in with the new deck.  "All hands on deck", lol.  My sense of humour kicking in this morning.  In all seriousness, it will get done today, or tomorrow, but it will get done.  Those of us that are up here will pitch in, kinda like a little family.  We do what we can to help out, when we can.  There may be even a few wobbly pops involved, just to keep ones bodily fluids replenished.  One would never want to get dehydrated!  Right Stan?  You could always check and verify this with Barb, provided it was on your off duty time, hahahaha....Just a bit of family humour...
  Like I was saying, some deck building.  This will give us another deck in my neighbourhood, (this isn't Mr. Roger's) to go an sit on and practice Building the Simple life.................................

  So today is going to be another great day from God's country.  Let's start off, by wishing our cousins to the south, a "Happy Fourth of July Birthday".  Looking out my window here, I see my day is starting with cloudy sky's.  Lets hope the sun shows it's face later this morning.  I was talking to Susan a few minutes ago, and it was sunny back in Martensville, so there is hope for us yet.
  Boots got caught in the rain for a bit yesterday, and has just not been himself.  All he seems to want to do is cuddle.  It's like he is worried that he might get left behind (abandoned).  Anyways this morning he is doing double duty guarding me.  He is even staying "awake", with the occasional nudge, hey look at me!  I am doing such a good job, with the, don't I deserve a treat look!  Oh my God, three sparrows just flew into the pine tree outside the window, I thought Boots was going to have a heart attack!  How dare they land within a foot of his window he was guarding.  Especially when he was sitting on my lap having a break.  Needles to say he is back on full alert!  Oh, oh they are back!  This might be way to much excitement for him today.
  Time to shift gears, if the weather dries out enough today, and I am sure it will.  The wind blowing and all.  I will probably end up over at Donald's this afternoon and cut his grass.  Depending on wind speed, I then may attempt a couple of holes of golf.  We shall see how the headache is doing at that time.  Better yet, I might just spend some time out on the deck and watch Boots, and have a small fire.  This way I can relax my mind and practice, Building the Simple life...........................

  So now that things have sorta returned to normal, well as normal as they can get at the lake.  The evolution never stops changing up here.  One just adapts and does his/her own thing.  Fit in if you want or be left behind.  Pretty good words to live by.
  Boots thought it would be a good idea to get me up at four to feed him this morning.  "NOT",  I chased him back to bed headache and all!  He sucked up to me until I could not take it any longer, and finally got up to take my medication at five and fed him his first breakfast.  At least today he has returned to patrol duties, he must have a guilt complex going on.
  I think later today I shall go over to Derek's and empty the ashes from his fire pit on his new lawn.  This should provide some good fertilizer.  I might have to pick up a few coals that didn't quite burn all the way down, but when we stirred them up yesterday, they seemed for the most part to be mostly ashes.  Oh yes, it will be grass cutting day again, followed by some watering, especially my trees.  This will probably bring out some monsoon rains, as that is what happened the last time I went through this effort! lol.  It Seems that I was to blame for a Provincial disaster, "Northern Sask. without power" my sense of humour as I watch the sunshine rising over the north eastern horizon.
  Early this morning the graduation girl flew off to Mexico, with I don't know how many graduating students from across the city, but a lot!  Seems this is something that is some what of a tradition out of Saskatoon.  Hope they have a safe and great time.
  So this afternoon while I feed and water my trees I shall sit back and relax on my deck set my transmission in neutral and just think about what has transpired in the past few days in retrospect in Building the Simple life....................

  So today we sit at this window and see nothing but blue sky and sunshine, reminds me of a song.  Susan ended up leaving for home about seven thirty last night. work had called and needed her to start at six am this morning, so she decided it would be better if she went home.  Then she would not have to get up at four am this morning and have such a long day of it today.  Oh well she only missed some of the fire work festivities!  Which I decided not to attend.
  I was greeted at the door this morning, By Mr. Boots he was quit attentive in his remarks as to why I was not there to let him in earlier.  I tried to explain to him "sucks to be you" Should come when you're called at bed time.  We shall see if he get's the message tonight.  He went around and around for about three minutes, asking well are you not going to feed me?  Finally I showed him his dish was already was pre-ready for him.  Silly Mr. Poo!, Right Mickey Mouse.
  Should be coffee time with Donald in about half an hour then back back to see what the plans are for Derek and Michel, for their last day.  It will be sad to see everyone leaving especially Tiff and Chayne as the have to fly back to BC, and I am not sure when I will get to sees them next. Christmas?
  Any ways this has been a very memorable weekend.  Some very great times, perhaps some trying times, just the same they are memories, and they are our family memories.  They are what will make us stronger as a family.  Remember nothing comes easy in life, if it did there would be no greatness to achieve.  We all leave this place this happy place this weekend with pride, and hope for ourselves and our children/ grandchildren that they go on to greatness.  Let's all build "MEMORIES" to pass onto future generations so we can all learn how to pass on the skills of Building the Simple life...........................

  Good morning and happy birthday "CANADA".  As canadians it is our time to celebrate our diverse heritage.  Some of us were born here, some of us emigrated here.  Some of us are decedents of first nations, but the important thing is we are all Canadians.  Today we all celebrate the birthday of our "NATION".  So lets stand proud today and celebrate.
  Today our family continue's our celebration with more food, and merriment.  Thank God I am on a diet.  In all seriousness, this weekend is also a celebration for Derek and Michele's third wedding anniversary, Brianna's graduation, and of course, Canada's birthday.  This is quite a weekend.  There will be more family joining Derek and Michele later today, so there will be quite a gathering.
  This morning Boots let Susan sleep in, well then there was the crow outside.  It seems he must have gotten into his head that no one should sleep past seven am on such a special day.  Some how in all the festivities this morning Derek and I realized that we missed breakfast, so I guess it is brunch we will have after all.  Just more memories on the horizon.
  Oh yes Boots loves slab cakes, caught just in time by Chayne ( hope I spelled it right this time).  Anyways more memories.  So I am off now to create some more on my adventure to Building the Simple life......................