Hi To All
So, where is everyone's Xmas blog/letter ? Phyl and I are starting to feel like mushrooms !
Latest on Lew's health - the operation on the 18th turned out to be a needle biopsy of the mass hidden under my left shoulder blade. Should know the result some time in mid January.
Tis the season for Xmas concerts - We've been to a couple this season, and enjoyed them very much. Saskatoon has some great choirs that put on fabulous performances at this time of year. The Fireside Singers were exceptionally good this year! We also saw a great performance of The Beauty and the Beast at our new Persephone theatre. Top notch professional performance with mostly local talent.
We are having a couple of Phyl's friends over for dinner tonight, along with her Mom and Aunt Florence. Then tomorrow we have a quiet Xmas, probably by ourselves, and then a big dinner on the 26th. The reason for this is Phyl's daughter, Leslie, is flying in from Montreal on the 26th., and is staying with us for a few days. I'm doing a ham dinner tonight, and the complete turkey thing on the 26th. Phyl is helping a bit as well. She is in charge of the desserts.
So, everyone get busy and blog - and we can all wish each other a very Merry Christmas, and the best of New Years.
Love to all,
Phyl and Lew
Monday, December 24, 2007
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Our 2007 Xmas Letter
Hello and happy holidays,
Again, it's been a busy year and we've had the good fortune to see several people we haven't seen in many years.
In February we made a 10-day trip to Florida that was anything but a holiday! We cleaned and packed and shredded and hauled to clear out my Aunt Flo's trailer and bring her back to Canada. At 90, she had lived over 50 years in the South, so arriving here on March 1 to a good old prairie blizzard was quite a shock to her system. She bore it very well and is now settled in at her independent living space in Saskatoon. Mom was with us, and she and Lew have continued all year to help auntie deal with the "business" end of the repatriation.
The next event was our trip to Montreal in June to attend Leslie's convocation from
Concordia University. After two hard years of working and attending night classes, she finally achieved her degree in Sociology. It was a very quick trip for us, but well worth it. We took Mom and Aunt Flo along and we ladies all went for a massage and pedicure! This was a brand new experience for auntie.
Lew and I dropped the ladies off in Toronto, and my brother Eric and his family taxied them to visit their brother, Donald Jacobs’ clan in Elmvale. We flew back to Saskatoon and spent a day doing lawn, garden, laundry, etc., then drove to Victoria so I could meet all of Lew’s family. I hadn’t been West since 1991, so I truly enjoyed the trip and seeing friends and relatives. We stopped in Kamloops and had tea with Jan Brunsgaard, a Grenfell friend I had not seen in several years. Her kids are just a little younger than mine and all grown up, too. Then in Abbotsford, we had a lovely dinner with my ex-husband’s nephew and niece, Dale and Terri, and their grown up children. After a great visit, we spent the night at my cousin Ken Zondervan’s house. After visiting and brunch with Ken and his wife Joan, we went on into Vancouver. That afternoon we had a wonderful visit with Linda LeCain, who was a roommate when I was in University (more than a couple of years ago!) Next morning we met my cousin Wanda and her husband Fred for lunch. I hadn’t seen Wanda for about thirty years so we had lots of reminiscing to do. That’s where we discussed the possibility of having a Jacobs reunion in 2008—something that the Eastern cousins are working hard to make happen.
Then it was off to Victoria. We stopped in at the Butchard Gardens. It was a lovely day and we walked for a couple of hours and took a couple of hundred pictures – thank goodness for digital cameras! Then off we went to spend four days with Lew’s sister, Carolyn and her husband Gary. I didn’t get to meet all everyone in the family, but very much enjoyed the short visits with those that I did meet. While in Victoria, we spent an evening with cousin Murray Jacobs and his wife Sue. Again, I hadn’t seen Murray since 1989 so there was lots to catch up on. I had never been West of Nanaimo so we drove up to Comox, stopping here and there to sight see.
I flew home and left Lew in Victoria. He stayed another week, then drove home on his own. I had to wind up things at SIGA because after six years I jumped ship into a different job. I’m now working for Doepker Trailer Industries (leading manufacturers of semi trailers in Western Canada). This will be my last job, as we are planning that I should retire on Lew’s 65th birthday in July of 2009.
Along with a new job, I had to work at learning the script for a stage play at the Barn Playhouse (see www.barnplayhouse.ca) where I was the Agatha Christie style heroine who solved the mystery of why all the Crazy Quilt Club ladies were mysteriously dying.
In amongst all this busyness we managed to grow a good garden and put down another bushel of tomatoes. Lew also framed and installed an extra window in the living room and built a nice big deck in the L of the house outside the front door. He has also managed to completely rebuild the family room and add a 2-piece bath in the basement. Besides that, he does all of the cooking—and he’s a mighty fine cook. I’m still trying to train him how to clean up after he cooks, but I think I’ll just have to accept that cleaning is my department!
In September we had an exciting call from Lindsay (in Finland). She announced that she and Jukka were engaged and coming home to Saskatchewan—specifically our back yard—in June 2008 to be married. So we are anticipating that and praying for good weather on the 28th.
Leslie and Trevor have just purchased a house in Hudson, Quebec about 40 miles west of Montreal City. It is a huge home on a one-acre lot. They don’t take possession until April, but they are very excitedly planning the paint, the renos, the furniture, etc. I have concerns that they might think they need to fill all six bedrooms with children! I’m not sure I’m ready to be grandma yet, never mind to a whole litter!
I guess no letter can be written without speaking briefly of the difficulties of the year. Actually, we have been quite fortunate. No floods, no fires, no hurricanes, no wars. However, Lew has had some health problems starting with an aching shoulder and a swollen lymph gland on his neck. A biopsy of three lymph nodes has come back negative, but a subsequent CT scan has shown a larger mass on the chest wall under the arm. The surgeon here referred him to another orthopaedic surgeon, who in turn referred him to a specialist in Edmonton who deals with soft tissue sarcoma. After a rushed flight to Edmonton, nothing definitive has come from the referral as yet. We are awaiting an MRI, and Lew is scheduled for another surgical biopsy tomorrow (Dec. 18). Until we know what is found we don’t know what the future holds. The Edmonton doctor suggests that the entire mass must be removed regardless of the outcome, and that there may be radiation prior to surgery in order to shrink the tumour.
Luckily Lew has not lost any weight and feels generally healthy. He is very tired because the shoulder hurts 24-7 and he doesn’t sleep well. But there are no other indicators of bad health.
I’ve been trucking along just fine this year. Other than fifteen pounds that insist on staying with me I have no other worries. I still walk to work, but the distance is much shorter (only 5 minutes each way), so I have taken up going to the gym—but I’m not nearly as dedicated as I should be.
We have been taking in as many concerts and plays as we can—something we both enjoy immensely. Saskatoon is extremely busy culturally, so there are always places to go. Just have to find the money to get there. I’m still singing in the University Chorus, and am quite involved with the workings and politics of the church.
The ruler of the house is still Melissa, our tortoiseshell cat. She has adopted Lew and generally ignores me whenever he’s around.
We plan to have a quiet Christmas. Mom and Aunt Flo will spend part of the time with us, and Leslie is flying home on Boxing Day for a couple of days. It will be fun to have her here. She and I are planning to hit the sales and get a few decorations, etc. for Lindsay’s upcoming wedding. We’ll also take a trip to the Casino so she can see the fruits of my labor earlier this year—I was in charge of purchasing all the furniture and accessories for Saskatchewan’s latest money gouge. The Casino serves wonderful food, so we’ll take the “little old ladies” with us and have a nice meal.
That’s about it from 55 O’Neil Crescent in Saskatoon. We know that some of you have had some difficult times in the past year, and our thoughts have certainly been with you. For everyone, we wish you a serene and joyous holiday season, and nothing but the very best in 2008.
Love,
Phyllis and Lew
Again, it's been a busy year and we've had the good fortune to see several people we haven't seen in many years.
In February we made a 10-day trip to Florida that was anything but a holiday! We cleaned and packed and shredded and hauled to clear out my Aunt Flo's trailer and bring her back to Canada. At 90, she had lived over 50 years in the South, so arriving here on March 1 to a good old prairie blizzard was quite a shock to her system. She bore it very well and is now settled in at her independent living space in Saskatoon. Mom was with us, and she and Lew have continued all year to help auntie deal with the "business" end of the repatriation.
The next event was our trip to Montreal in June to attend Leslie's convocation from
Concordia University. After two hard years of working and attending night classes, she finally achieved her degree in Sociology. It was a very quick trip for us, but well worth it. We took Mom and Aunt Flo along and we ladies all went for a massage and pedicure! This was a brand new experience for auntie.
Lew and I dropped the ladies off in Toronto, and my brother Eric and his family taxied them to visit their brother, Donald Jacobs’ clan in Elmvale. We flew back to Saskatoon and spent a day doing lawn, garden, laundry, etc., then drove to Victoria so I could meet all of Lew’s family. I hadn’t been West since 1991, so I truly enjoyed the trip and seeing friends and relatives. We stopped in Kamloops and had tea with Jan Brunsgaard, a Grenfell friend I had not seen in several years. Her kids are just a little younger than mine and all grown up, too. Then in Abbotsford, we had a lovely dinner with my ex-husband’s nephew and niece, Dale and Terri, and their grown up children. After a great visit, we spent the night at my cousin Ken Zondervan’s house. After visiting and brunch with Ken and his wife Joan, we went on into Vancouver. That afternoon we had a wonderful visit with Linda LeCain, who was a roommate when I was in University (more than a couple of years ago!) Next morning we met my cousin Wanda and her husband Fred for lunch. I hadn’t seen Wanda for about thirty years so we had lots of reminiscing to do. That’s where we discussed the possibility of having a Jacobs reunion in 2008—something that the Eastern cousins are working hard to make happen.
Then it was off to Victoria. We stopped in at the Butchard Gardens. It was a lovely day and we walked for a couple of hours and took a couple of hundred pictures – thank goodness for digital cameras! Then off we went to spend four days with Lew’s sister, Carolyn and her husband Gary. I didn’t get to meet all everyone in the family, but very much enjoyed the short visits with those that I did meet. While in Victoria, we spent an evening with cousin Murray Jacobs and his wife Sue. Again, I hadn’t seen Murray since 1989 so there was lots to catch up on. I had never been West of Nanaimo so we drove up to Comox, stopping here and there to sight see.
I flew home and left Lew in Victoria. He stayed another week, then drove home on his own. I had to wind up things at SIGA because after six years I jumped ship into a different job. I’m now working for Doepker Trailer Industries (leading manufacturers of semi trailers in Western Canada). This will be my last job, as we are planning that I should retire on Lew’s 65th birthday in July of 2009.
Along with a new job, I had to work at learning the script for a stage play at the Barn Playhouse (see www.barnplayhouse.ca) where I was the Agatha Christie style heroine who solved the mystery of why all the Crazy Quilt Club ladies were mysteriously dying.
In amongst all this busyness we managed to grow a good garden and put down another bushel of tomatoes. Lew also framed and installed an extra window in the living room and built a nice big deck in the L of the house outside the front door. He has also managed to completely rebuild the family room and add a 2-piece bath in the basement. Besides that, he does all of the cooking—and he’s a mighty fine cook. I’m still trying to train him how to clean up after he cooks, but I think I’ll just have to accept that cleaning is my department!
In September we had an exciting call from Lindsay (in Finland). She announced that she and Jukka were engaged and coming home to Saskatchewan—specifically our back yard—in June 2008 to be married. So we are anticipating that and praying for good weather on the 28th.
Leslie and Trevor have just purchased a house in Hudson, Quebec about 40 miles west of Montreal City. It is a huge home on a one-acre lot. They don’t take possession until April, but they are very excitedly planning the paint, the renos, the furniture, etc. I have concerns that they might think they need to fill all six bedrooms with children! I’m not sure I’m ready to be grandma yet, never mind to a whole litter!
I guess no letter can be written without speaking briefly of the difficulties of the year. Actually, we have been quite fortunate. No floods, no fires, no hurricanes, no wars. However, Lew has had some health problems starting with an aching shoulder and a swollen lymph gland on his neck. A biopsy of three lymph nodes has come back negative, but a subsequent CT scan has shown a larger mass on the chest wall under the arm. The surgeon here referred him to another orthopaedic surgeon, who in turn referred him to a specialist in Edmonton who deals with soft tissue sarcoma. After a rushed flight to Edmonton, nothing definitive has come from the referral as yet. We are awaiting an MRI, and Lew is scheduled for another surgical biopsy tomorrow (Dec. 18). Until we know what is found we don’t know what the future holds. The Edmonton doctor suggests that the entire mass must be removed regardless of the outcome, and that there may be radiation prior to surgery in order to shrink the tumour.
Luckily Lew has not lost any weight and feels generally healthy. He is very tired because the shoulder hurts 24-7 and he doesn’t sleep well. But there are no other indicators of bad health.
I’ve been trucking along just fine this year. Other than fifteen pounds that insist on staying with me I have no other worries. I still walk to work, but the distance is much shorter (only 5 minutes each way), so I have taken up going to the gym—but I’m not nearly as dedicated as I should be.
We have been taking in as many concerts and plays as we can—something we both enjoy immensely. Saskatoon is extremely busy culturally, so there are always places to go. Just have to find the money to get there. I’m still singing in the University Chorus, and am quite involved with the workings and politics of the church.
The ruler of the house is still Melissa, our tortoiseshell cat. She has adopted Lew and generally ignores me whenever he’s around.
We plan to have a quiet Christmas. Mom and Aunt Flo will spend part of the time with us, and Leslie is flying home on Boxing Day for a couple of days. It will be fun to have her here. She and I are planning to hit the sales and get a few decorations, etc. for Lindsay’s upcoming wedding. We’ll also take a trip to the Casino so she can see the fruits of my labor earlier this year—I was in charge of purchasing all the furniture and accessories for Saskatchewan’s latest money gouge. The Casino serves wonderful food, so we’ll take the “little old ladies” with us and have a nice meal.
That’s about it from 55 O’Neil Crescent in Saskatoon. We know that some of you have had some difficult times in the past year, and our thoughts have certainly been with you. For everyone, we wish you a serene and joyous holiday season, and nothing but the very best in 2008.
Love,
Phyllis and Lew
Still Waiting
Hi to All!
I ended up having only a needle biopsy as the unknown mass is close enough to the surface for that proceedure to work. It was done on the 18th, but I'll probably not find out the results til I see the surgeon on Jan 8th. That's all I can tell you on the health situation for now.
Phyl's daughter, Leslie, will be visiting us for a few days starting on Dec 26th. She and her husband have just bought a home west of Montreal, in the Hudson area. His folks are in Wpg., so he is going there while she visits us in Saskatoon. No doubt there will be a trip to our local VV boutique !
If I can figure it out, I'll post our Xmas letter on this site. Phyl says I can just do a cut and paste, so I'll try that in another posting.
That's it for now
Lew
I ended up having only a needle biopsy as the unknown mass is close enough to the surface for that proceedure to work. It was done on the 18th, but I'll probably not find out the results til I see the surgeon on Jan 8th. That's all I can tell you on the health situation for now.
Phyl's daughter, Leslie, will be visiting us for a few days starting on Dec 26th. She and her husband have just bought a home west of Montreal, in the Hudson area. His folks are in Wpg., so he is going there while she visits us in Saskatoon. No doubt there will be a trip to our local VV boutique !
If I can figure it out, I'll post our Xmas letter on this site. Phyl says I can just do a cut and paste, so I'll try that in another posting.
That's it for now
Lew
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Hurry Up And Wait !
Hi to All,
Well, the trip to Edmonton was a bit disappointing in that they still can't tell me exactly what I've got.
The specialist in Edmonton poked and prodded and took a bunch of X-Rays, reviewed the CT scan that was done in Saskatoon, and advised that I would need a MRI and a needle biopsy to confirm his suspected diagnosis of a soft tissue sarcoma. This we already knew, but my surgeon in Saskatoon wanted a second opinion. So, now I wait about 4 to 6 wks to get the MRI. I might have to go back to Edmonton to have the MRI as the waiting times in Alberta are likely much shorted than in Saskatchewan. Our many years of communist government here has not done much for our healthcare system.
The Edmonton doc is evidently very well recommended, and he seems to me to know his onions! The good news is that he says that this type of cancer is readily treatable with radiation, followed by surgery. And, from what all the tests have shown to date, there does not appear to have been any malignant spread of this mass.
I have another ultrasound test scheduled next week here in Saskatoon which may shed some more light on the problem.
That's all for now.
Lew
Well, the trip to Edmonton was a bit disappointing in that they still can't tell me exactly what I've got.
The specialist in Edmonton poked and prodded and took a bunch of X-Rays, reviewed the CT scan that was done in Saskatoon, and advised that I would need a MRI and a needle biopsy to confirm his suspected diagnosis of a soft tissue sarcoma. This we already knew, but my surgeon in Saskatoon wanted a second opinion. So, now I wait about 4 to 6 wks to get the MRI. I might have to go back to Edmonton to have the MRI as the waiting times in Alberta are likely much shorted than in Saskatchewan. Our many years of communist government here has not done much for our healthcare system.
The Edmonton doc is evidently very well recommended, and he seems to me to know his onions! The good news is that he says that this type of cancer is readily treatable with radiation, followed by surgery. And, from what all the tests have shown to date, there does not appear to have been any malignant spread of this mass.
I have another ultrasound test scheduled next week here in Saskatoon which may shed some more light on the problem.
That's all for now.
Lew
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Update from Saskatoon
Hi to All
Just a short update on my health.
My Doctors suspect that I have a malignant soft tissue sarcoma on the inside of my chest wall near my left shoulder. They have sent the data and stuff to a specialist in Edmonton, and have arranged for me to be examined by him on Dec 3rd. I'm flying to Edmonchuk early on the 3rd, and back the same night. That's the plan unless he deems it neccessary for me to stay over for immediate surgery.
My Saskatoon surgeon has made these arrangements as he is unable to provide a definitive diagnosis, and thinks that the Edmonton Doc can. Hopefully he can, and we can get on with whatever treatments are available for this type of cancer.
Love to all !
Lew
Just a short update on my health.
My Doctors suspect that I have a malignant soft tissue sarcoma on the inside of my chest wall near my left shoulder. They have sent the data and stuff to a specialist in Edmonton, and have arranged for me to be examined by him on Dec 3rd. I'm flying to Edmonchuk early on the 3rd, and back the same night. That's the plan unless he deems it neccessary for me to stay over for immediate surgery.
My Saskatoon surgeon has made these arrangements as he is unable to provide a definitive diagnosis, and thinks that the Edmonton Doc can. Hopefully he can, and we can get on with whatever treatments are available for this type of cancer.
Love to all !
Lew
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Itchin' and Scratchin'
Today marks the latest in Lew's many trips to the doctors to determine why he suddenly broke out into a mega rash that has been itching like sin. The family doc thinks he has had a delayed reaction to the dye that was put in when he had his CT Scan a week ago. So he is powdering and salving and ingesting drugs to try and stem the scratching. We haven't got the goods on what may have been found on the scan, and are still waiting for the results of the "second opinion" on the biopsy. All of this is cramping Lew's style a bit, as he wants to get out to the bush and do some hunting. I think he will likely fall asleep against a tree when he does get to the bush. He hasn't been doing much sleeping what with the aching of his shoulder and the itching of his body. But he is still taking care of me in grand style. He gets up and makes me breakfast at 6:00 a.m. when he could just as well stay in bed. Then he has lunch ready for me when I rush home on my 1/2 hour lunch break. He boots me out of the kitchen if I try to help him with any of the preparations, so that's why I'm sitting here blogging. Some how I think I'm pretty spoiled!
Our friend Arden and his wife Shannon were over last Friday for dinner, then Lew and Arden installed the countertop in our 1/2 bath. Lew had custom built the cabinet from pine, and the whole effect is lovely.
We have had wonderful weather here on the prairies, and some of the flowers are still blooming! There has been a few degrees of frost on several nights, but we don't have any snow or extreme cold, and it's already November.
The last of the garden tomatoes are growing wrinkled in a dish, but we have made gallons of salsa, spaghetti sauce and soup. The larder is stocked and we certainly won't starve for the winter.
Lew keeps busy playing bridge two or three times a week. I am trying to discipline myself to get to the gym at least twice a week and I'm also back to singing in the University Community Chorus. The rest of the time at home is just taken up with vegging and watching TV. I'm trying to "train" for retirement.
That's about all from our house right now. Hope everyone else is fine and didn't overdo the Hallowe'en treats.
Phyllis (&Lew)
Our friend Arden and his wife Shannon were over last Friday for dinner, then Lew and Arden installed the countertop in our 1/2 bath. Lew had custom built the cabinet from pine, and the whole effect is lovely.
We have had wonderful weather here on the prairies, and some of the flowers are still blooming! There has been a few degrees of frost on several nights, but we don't have any snow or extreme cold, and it's already November.
The last of the garden tomatoes are growing wrinkled in a dish, but we have made gallons of salsa, spaghetti sauce and soup. The larder is stocked and we certainly won't starve for the winter.
Lew keeps busy playing bridge two or three times a week. I am trying to discipline myself to get to the gym at least twice a week and I'm also back to singing in the University Community Chorus. The rest of the time at home is just taken up with vegging and watching TV. I'm trying to "train" for retirement.
That's about all from our house right now. Hope everyone else is fine and didn't overdo the Hallowe'en treats.
Phyllis (&Lew)
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Phyl & Lew at Thanksgiving
Hi To All !
We are spending a quiet weekend at home this year, and will have Phyl's Mom, Ella, and Aunt Florence over for dinner on Monday night.
The weather turned nice today, so we did a lot of outside work in the yard and garden. Dug up the last of the carrots and beets. Although we have had a couple of nights with some frost, our lupins are still blooming, along with the petunias and some pansies. I have photos to prove same !!!
Phyl couldn't keep her hands off the rototiller, and tilled away for about an hour and a half. She is going to be a tired puppy later tonight ! I did some outside work, helping Phyl when required, and tightened down the screws in our front deck. Then I spent a couple of hrs in the shop manufacturing doors for the basement vanity that we are constructing. Lots of fun ! After supper, Phyl made salsa using our yellow tomatoes. Looks weird, but tastes great ! But next yr, I suspect that we will not plant yellows again. They are a bit mushy !
Now a word from Phyl -
Hello everyone. I spent three days in Annaheim again this week! Yes, I go to Annaheim every couple of weeks for two or three days. Now that you're all envious, just check your map and look for Annaheim, Saskatchewan! Population 35 on a good day.
I started working for a semi trailer manufacturing firm in mid-July. My job is "Compensation and Benefits Specialist" which is just a fancy name for doing the payroll and making sure everyone is on company pension and health benefits. Anyway, the company originated in Annaheim, so the main plant and office are out there. It is about an hour and a half drive from here. I work in their Saskatoon office, only 4 minutes' walk from our house, so most days I'm not on the road. I have only a half hour lunch break, but I still get to walk home for lunch! Couldn't make it if I didn't have Lew prepping my gourmet balogna sandwiches! Well, no, really, he usually has some homemade borscht or sauerkraut soup or something equally good.
The job is not the greatest, but it will do just fine for a couple of years. Then I will join all the rest of the lucky people who don't have to say that nasty four-letter word, "WORK".
Hope all of you have had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I guess, when you look around, we really do have a great deal to be thankful for. We all have food and shelter, and I haven't noticed any bullets whizzing past my head lately. I have a very special partner who has made me thankful for his companionship and love. I'm also thankful for my two wonderful daughters and their fiancees. Lindsay, myyoungest, is bringing her fiancee home from Finland next June and we are going to have their wedding in our back yard. So that is something to be quite excited about. My oldest, Leslie, and her fiancee are house shopping in Montreal and, of course, Lew and I are trying hard not to give too much advice.
That's it for now. Love to all of you,
Phyl and Lew
We are spending a quiet weekend at home this year, and will have Phyl's Mom, Ella, and Aunt Florence over for dinner on Monday night.
The weather turned nice today, so we did a lot of outside work in the yard and garden. Dug up the last of the carrots and beets. Although we have had a couple of nights with some frost, our lupins are still blooming, along with the petunias and some pansies. I have photos to prove same !!!
Phyl couldn't keep her hands off the rototiller, and tilled away for about an hour and a half. She is going to be a tired puppy later tonight ! I did some outside work, helping Phyl when required, and tightened down the screws in our front deck. Then I spent a couple of hrs in the shop manufacturing doors for the basement vanity that we are constructing. Lots of fun ! After supper, Phyl made salsa using our yellow tomatoes. Looks weird, but tastes great ! But next yr, I suspect that we will not plant yellows again. They are a bit mushy !
Now a word from Phyl -
Hello everyone. I spent three days in Annaheim again this week! Yes, I go to Annaheim every couple of weeks for two or three days. Now that you're all envious, just check your map and look for Annaheim, Saskatchewan! Population 35 on a good day.
I started working for a semi trailer manufacturing firm in mid-July. My job is "Compensation and Benefits Specialist" which is just a fancy name for doing the payroll and making sure everyone is on company pension and health benefits. Anyway, the company originated in Annaheim, so the main plant and office are out there. It is about an hour and a half drive from here. I work in their Saskatoon office, only 4 minutes' walk from our house, so most days I'm not on the road. I have only a half hour lunch break, but I still get to walk home for lunch! Couldn't make it if I didn't have Lew prepping my gourmet balogna sandwiches! Well, no, really, he usually has some homemade borscht or sauerkraut soup or something equally good.
The job is not the greatest, but it will do just fine for a couple of years. Then I will join all the rest of the lucky people who don't have to say that nasty four-letter word, "WORK".
Hope all of you have had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I guess, when you look around, we really do have a great deal to be thankful for. We all have food and shelter, and I haven't noticed any bullets whizzing past my head lately. I have a very special partner who has made me thankful for his companionship and love. I'm also thankful for my two wonderful daughters and their fiancees. Lindsay, myyoungest, is bringing her fiancee home from Finland next June and we are going to have their wedding in our back yard. So that is something to be quite excited about. My oldest, Leslie, and her fiancee are house shopping in Montreal and, of course, Lew and I are trying hard not to give too much advice.
That's it for now. Love to all of you,
Phyl and Lew
Friday, October 5, 2007
Update from Saskatoon
Hi To All!
Just a short update. I've had a swelling in my shoulder/neck area since late July. Ultra sound tests indicated some form of malignant mass in that area. Had a surgical biopsy 2 wks ago. Prognosis is some form of lymphoma. I'll get a more definitive answer next week.
Phyl is well, although her new job is a bit of a bore. Not enough for her to do at present. This should change as the payroll person at the main plant is leaving, and the main payroll function will shift to Saskatoon. Phyl is interviewing candidates for payroll clerk. So far, no good ones have put in applications. Too much economic growth in Saskatoon lately, and good workers are hard to find.
Our garden produced lots of tomatoes, carrots, and potatoes, but very few green and red peppers. Those plants grew very large, but for some reason did not produce much in the way of fruit. Same with the zucchinis and cukes.
Work on the house reno continues inspite of the problems with my shoulder and left arm. Still lots to do to finish the basement bathroom as I have to build a very custom vanity cabinet to suit the space. But, I've got that underway, and hope to have it finished by the 18th as we will have house guests for a week starting on that date.
That's it for now.
Love to all !
Lew
Just a short update. I've had a swelling in my shoulder/neck area since late July. Ultra sound tests indicated some form of malignant mass in that area. Had a surgical biopsy 2 wks ago. Prognosis is some form of lymphoma. I'll get a more definitive answer next week.
Phyl is well, although her new job is a bit of a bore. Not enough for her to do at present. This should change as the payroll person at the main plant is leaving, and the main payroll function will shift to Saskatoon. Phyl is interviewing candidates for payroll clerk. So far, no good ones have put in applications. Too much economic growth in Saskatoon lately, and good workers are hard to find.
Our garden produced lots of tomatoes, carrots, and potatoes, but very few green and red peppers. Those plants grew very large, but for some reason did not produce much in the way of fruit. Same with the zucchinis and cukes.
Work on the house reno continues inspite of the problems with my shoulder and left arm. Still lots to do to finish the basement bathroom as I have to build a very custom vanity cabinet to suit the space. But, I've got that underway, and hope to have it finished by the 18th as we will have house guests for a week starting on that date.
That's it for now.
Love to all !
Lew
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Initial Blog using Google
Hi To All,
This is the initial blog for Phyl and Lew using the Google format. If you want to know what went on in the past, you can always get my old blogs from the original site.
I've done this to see how it works, and if successful, we will do a real blog in the near future.
have a good one !
Love, Phyl & Lew in Saskatoon !
This is the initial blog for Phyl and Lew using the Google format. If you want to know what went on in the past, you can always get my old blogs from the original site.
I've done this to see how it works, and if successful, we will do a real blog in the near future.
have a good one !
Love, Phyl & Lew in Saskatoon !
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