A Mens' Group

Thursday, July 12, sunny with clouds in the evening, possible showers + 24
I continued to do the things required to move to a new apartment.
I picked up my accreditation from the World Games headquarters in the afternoon. Nice outfits- green tops, blue shorts, blue Adidas runners, blue hat- a few pins and instructions.
Arrived early at the showhome to meet a client who came by early to see the bungalow. Her ex-partner, Larry, came by a little later with their daughter. We all went over to the show home. She suggested that the closet was too small for all her clothes. Also her daughter would have to sleep in the basement. Larry was adamant the land developer owed him a favor so he might be able to have the show home released earlier than the end of Jan 2002. He was going to make an offer after he contacted the land developer and proceed with buying the home. She said that it would not work out to build a home like this if she could not get this one. She had her own plans that would be better to build.
I do not know anything for sure, except that there is some kind of movement. A client and her friend Jo Ann came by to admire the home again. She has confirmed some contracts and still would like this home available for her at the end of Jan. 2002.
Everett said he might but his voice said that he was not coming to the mens group meeting.
Hector is away on holiday for a couple of weeks, as is Peter.
Warren is working till late tonight so he cannot make the group. Warren's work is coming along nicely, he is aware of much he is working each day and is able to balance the business activity with the personal time that he is spending on himself and with Patricia. He is off to Yellowknife next Tuesday for the week. We are to play squash on Saturday. My back held up to the games we played but it got tired at the end. I suffered no ill effects on Thursday as I expected I might. The sauna heat, stretching and activity were just what it needed.
Susan was busy but was able to relax on her outdoor swing in the cool evening air.
I received some final information about the reunion on Aug. 4.
I have not heard from Derek or Viola for a while. I expect they are busy babysitting their grandchildren or they are on holiday in the mountains.
Shirley and I will get together for supper next Friday to celebrate her birthday. The days will get busy after that with the games and my moving. I will suggest to Cory that he offer his babysitting expertise to Shirley during the first few months she is in Toronto.

Saturday, July 14,
Monday, July 16, Cloudy, + 18, calm, some rain showers
The weekend was quite turbulent with the weather hot, moist and muggy. We had severe weather with hail, heavy rains and a funnel spout touching down near Caroline on Friday. Saturday was hot and muggy but the rain held off till Sunday.
Spent the evening at Susan's, sat around talking, watched a little bit of a movie on the new DVD that Luke had purchased and then I went home. Holly and her family were coming during the next day to have a chance for Mathew to see an ear specialist in Edmonton.
I took in a great baseball game in the evening that was truly enjoyable. Had a great time with hot dog and beer watching the young athletes perform.
Played squash with Warren in the morning. I did not play very well. My mind was somewhere else.
I purchased a shredder on Friday, spent most of the day going through my files and cut up most of the accumulated paper from 7 years of storage. I packed up most of the paintings and other items that were not in the box yet. I went through the envelopes and found some letters; photos, cards and other items that Danielle had sent that expressed her thoughts and passions during the first two years that we were together. It was rather difficult and mind shaking to remember the feelings and thoughts that she expressed during that time. It took a great deal of time (several days) to get my mind around these thoughts. I even found some cards from Sharon. I managed to dispose of all the pieces of paper that I found.
Dana called on Saturday to chat and make sure that all things were OK. He was working on a film his friend was making. He was doing it for free to get some experience and to help her out.
Cory called on Sunday to fill me in on his activities, his purchases and his latest dating exploits. He is going to shave his head again because some clothing he purchased fits that style of head appearance. What strength of courage!
Susan is doing well with her family and her friend, Gail. She has been able to question Gail about what her motives are pertaining to her daughters that are moving away from home. She is talking with Gail about what she can do to change her life to accomplish more than taking care of her girls that are growing up and moving out.
Bob, Louise’s husband, is still trying to work but at a reasonable pace. His sleeping arrangements have changed since he finds it very difficult to climb the stairs. I hope he gets better quickly.
Susan said that her Fred is working full time and living out at the job site. Kelsey has moved into the home place to help things along with the new child.

Wednesday, July 18, cloudy and moist all day, with severe thunderstorms to the west, some showers in Edmonton, +21
I am getting frustrated these days. I am starting to lose my patience with the inactivity of the people who are thinking of buying these homes.
George has not shown up with his family. Larry has not contacted me or John.
I called Larry and left a message. He called back to say that Cheryl had purchased a home on Monday and would no longer be interested in our home.
George said that he would be dropping by in the latter part of the week to see me. I will see when he comes in. I called the RE max agent who is looking after Deer Mountain and will be meeting with him on Friday to get a better understanding of the land and the necessary paper work. Debra will have talked to him by the weekend so I should be able to provide him with as much information as he needs to make a decision quickly. Debra said he should qualify for the mortgage and all the monies he needs.
Susan is busy with Mathew and is very happy with the visit. It is nice to see her happy again.
Mother was in a good mood when we had lunch at the Mirabel. All the family had been in contact with her by phone, taken her out to eat and treated her well. Cheryl, her niece is well involved with her new job and feeling very comfortable with her new man. The visit by Andrew, an old boyfriend, has unsettled her a little causing her nerves to be on end somewhat.
I suggested that she be as open with him as possible, when she asked what to do. He is very aware of how unsettled she is and how she can be manipulated. He will not leave until she closes herself off from him.
I have not heard from Derek after leaving him a message in the morning. He is keeping busy I would think.
Peter is back from holiday. He, Everett and Hector will be meeting at the second cup on Thursday since I will be meeting with George and family in the evening, I am quite sure. The weather is too foul to fly so I will have to put it off for a couple more days.
I checked out the beds at Ikea yesterday and will probably get the unit from them unless I find something that I like more at Scandia furniture.

Thursday, July 19/ Sunday, July 22- cloudy, rain showers + 19
Saturday was busy with a steady stream of lookers, nothing immediate. A couple is being transferred from Regina in the next few months, looking for a child popular area with a great amount of greenery. Another couple wants a special lot and house in Lewis Estates. Angela and daughter came in to see the home and decide whether they want a two story instead of the bi-level. They will come in on Monday to write up the paper work. The lot on the corner is gone although they do not know that yet. I will pass on the information will come on Monday. Melvina came in with her ex- husband to see the house and proclaim that it will be hers. I am to call her if there is an offer on it. We can also build this one if it is sold. She has had success with her contracts coming to a successful conclusion. I left a message for my client to come in and we would discuss the requirements for Deer Mountain.
Also, I faxed a note to Adrian and Trish from Devon to say I had a plan for a bungalow that they may like.
I played a couple of games of squash with Warren on Saturday morning. He pulled a back muscle on his run to the court and was in such pain that he had to stop playing mid game. He was off to the chiropractor in the afternoon to get some help. Strange type of injury.
Spent the evening having supper with Shirley and a group of friends discussing her future and past before she is flew off to Toronto. It was a great evening of discussion, reminiscing about all the possibilities for her future. She is more comfortable and relaxed in her life than she has been for the longest period of time. The upcoming settlement of her mother's will, the subsequent opposing points of view between Nora, sister, and her older brother is causing some level of stress. She has come to terms with what the agendas of the siblings really are. She will survive this encounter even though the discussion and settlement of a mother's will has to be a difficult process at the best of times.
We had a great time, with the evening going by to quickly. Devin was still up, so everyone went home and Shirley put Devin to bed.
Saturday night was spent at the CARES BBQ out in the country. Susan was quite exhausted from her visit with Holly, family and her friend from Vancouver. She relaxed during the day, visiting a green house and then napping during the day. She had decided to take up smoking again, after enjoying a couple of packs of cigarillos. She purchased a package of smokes in the evening with her shopping but managed to lose them before she arrived home. I suggested that she not read anything into this occurrence and just go out and buy another pack. I am ok with her decision about smoking and will be happy if she is relaxed about what has happened.
I finished scrubbing the stove rings plates and rings so they look almost clean and new. It is easier to do it slowly and in steps than all at once.
The rep at Stoneridge homes in Sherwood Park said that Dennis from Slave Lake was in to see the home last week. John suggested I call him this week to find out what is happening if he does not drop into the show home.

Monday July 23, sunny and windy +26
I went over to Susan's for burgers in the evening. Talked to Luke for a few minutes, then he went off to a show. Susan was in a good mood. We went for an hour walk after supper with Dusty, her pup. Susan said she needed the exercise. I went along for the support although I am not one for walking. Felt a little angry and put out for having to walk for such a long time. But it will do me good. It will do Susan more energy if she continues to do it. She brought out a cigar and smoked it after we got back. She kept asking me if I was angry because of the tone of my voice and some of my remarks, of course I said I was not.
She shared with me that she had gone out on more than one date with some guys but found it quite frustrating, but I think a bit exhilarating. I did not handle it very well and was a little but miffed when I heard that she had stepped out more than once. Oh well, such is life. I will just back off a little and motor on.
Cory called while I was out but I expect to talk to him tonight. He was working early so had to get to bed. Dana called later in the evening. He was in a good mood and was still doing the volunteer work for his friend. He is building some good relationships that will stand him in good stead in the future. He needs some more money to make ends meet this month because he did not work that much, but he expects to start some serious work next month. It is only money.
Did some more cleaning, shredding on Monday. I called on a colleague from my old company to come over to pick up the boxes of wire. We talked about the company and flying. I suggested we do some more flying together in August when we all have a bit more time. It is really difficult for him because of the expenses of such a large and growing family. He will survive.
Derek called on Saturday but has not called back.
Warren's back is better but I expect we will not play squash again till Wednesday.
George, Angella and Lucy came into the show home in the late afternoon and made a decision on the Hampton III with a little redesign on the top floor. They signed all the papers subject to the appraised price on their home. I will get together with John at the office on Tuesday to complete the paper work for them, get the pricing on Roth's home and the correct pricing on John’s home in Deer Mountain.

Tuesday, July 24./ raining all day + 15
Changed address at the bank and ordered new checks. Dropped by the office, formalized information with John about Noel's new home and firmed up prices for John and Dennis new homes.
Spent a few minutes chatting with Susan who was having a bad day. I felt quite good about her today.
Went to the showhome, two people came by in the rain. Two more basements are being dug across the street.
Talked to Cory last night. He has been working steadily and is feeling quite good about himself. His new hair cut suits him well with the new clothes that he has purchased. He is not complaining about his work but is just waiting till more substantial work comes along from other areas of the industry.
Gillian is gone as of Monday, so Cory and the new woman have the house to themselves. He said that he spent some time with Dana over the past few days enjoying each other's company.
The battery for the computer has come in and I was able to pick it up this afternoon.
The weather forecast is for rain over the next couple of days turning sunny on Friday, when I am moving. I won't be able to make it to the exhibition this year, but it is not a great loss.
Still have not heard from Derek since he left me a message on Saturday.

Wednesday, July 25, raining all day, + 13
The battery for the computer works well; don't have to boot up the unit every time I have to use it. Slow day, did some more shredding, cleaned the bathroom and put some stuff in some boxes.
Derek called to say that his friend passed away from the cancer that had consumed his body over the past two years. Last year at this time, we were talking in the patio at Derek's new home. Only one year.
Death has come close over time but not in such a methodical fashion. The funeral is this coming Saturday.
I sent my condolences. I will have to tell mother.
Cheryl is going off to Vegas with her new guy.
Gillian called in the morning before she left for Austria. A young lady is occupying the room upstairs. She is going to Art College in September. Mother said that there was no good reason for a person to take art as an occupation since there was no money in that area. Gillian seemed to do all right.
The landlord from the new apartment called to set up an appointment to pass on the key so I would have access to the unit. I will drive over on Thursday to have a look at the place again and get the key. I will try to stop at Ikea and purchase the bed so I can pick it up on Friday with the rental truck. This will allow me to save some money on the delivery charge. Susan is getting quite excited about my move, perhaps more than I am.
I booked a room in town for the evening of Aug. 4, Saturday for the reunion.
Warren's back is still not quite in good shape, so we are going to postpone playing squash till next week. He has some relatives in town for a visit, starting this weekend. Oh, summertime visits.
The emotional feeling of Susan dating other guys has subsided over the past week. I tease her about it but I should really express myself clearly to her. Perhaps I will have the confidence to do this sometime in the future. She is still wavering about buying cigarettes since she lost the package that she purchased at the grocery store.
Since my friend Susan has not called to get the directions to the High School reunion, I would expect that she and Fred will not be going to the do. Unless they have the directions they will do what I would have done and just drive around. If they leave earlier in the day, not something Fred would do, they will be able to eventually find the location.
I am comfortable about the agreement with Noel and do expect everything to proceed along nicely. After the appraisal, John and I will meet with them to confirm the selling price. At that time will be able to give my invoice and get paid. It would be very nice if another deal came together, the Sawyer sale, so the invoice would be a memorable payment. I expect that it will come about in a timely manner.

Thursday. July 26, Cloudy in morning with sun and rain showers in the afternoon +22
I continued to put stuff into boxes.
Susan came over during her lunch break to have a smoke and see the place for one last time. She said that she would drop over during her lunch break and help me move some of the lighter stuff.
The afternoon at the showhome was quiet with a return visit from Dan, who has a lot reserved in Lakeshore, he dropped by to get the dimensions of the Cascade for a possible construction in the spring or earlier. He will bring his wife to see the house again during the weekend.
Only Hector came to the group meeting at the show home. Peter is in Saskatchewan, Warren had meetings in Spruce Grove and Everett had some business he was unable to leave. We had a good discussion about dating and finding someone new in his life. He said that Annette was spending time with a fellow at a campground up north with their children. His company received some money and a study they created will be published in a scientific journal. This will lend some credibility to what they are doing.
I am ready to move tomorrow. I expect the weather to be sunny but cool. I will take it easy and spend the whole day moving so that I do not get too tired out.
I should have time to stop and get the bed from Ikea so that I have some place to sleep.
Hector is spending $400 to have an agency introduce him to women that are compatible to him and his way of life over a period of 6 months. He believes that the value of the money paid will create a commitment on his part and on the part of the women who offer themselves to the agency. I look at it as a large expense, but then I fly and get only a emotional high feeling out of it. I guess that he is expecting an emotional high out of the women that he will meet.
Different thoughts and expectations.
I still have not received any information from the World's people as to when I will be needed as a driver. I would expect that because of my different schedule, I will be slotted in at the last time possible. There seemed to be a great many volunteers to fill the necessary positions. The time has passed quickly and August will soon be here.