Tuesday, April 18, 2006
A New Way of Thinking
Tuesday, Sept 11, sunny with clouds + 13
A tragic and historic day unfolded in the history of the United States. The World Trade Centre’s two towers were destroyed after two passenger jet airliners were hijacked and flown into each tower. The towers collapsed after several hours with an untold number of deaths and injuries. A hijacked plane was also flown into the pentagon side with massive damage and loss of life. Two maybe three hundred flight passengers lost their lives when the hijacked planes were crashed. A fourth airliner was crash-landed near the President's retreat in Virginia. The President was in Florida at the time of the destruction. All air traffic was shut down in the states and all planes in the air were diverted to Canada and other countries to land and stay on the ground till further notice. In New York, many emergency personnel, fireman and police and support medics lost their lives as the two towers collapsed crushing the people working in the vicinity. The emotional impact of these events will shape the lives of untold people in the world forever. There will be repercussions by the military and security agencies for months and years to come. No terrorists groups and leaders will be safe from reprisals. The reprisals will be inflicted on innocent people. The terrorist soldiers and leaders know that their days are numbered. The might of the United States will be felt by all those who are not American. President Bush is just the one to bring about the damage and destruction that the American people will demand. This will make the Oklahoma bombing seem like nothing. When they find out that this military operation was created and managed from the Far East Muslim factions, the revenge by the Christians will be massive. What a year it will be.
Dana and I talked last night, he managed to spend the weekend at Lake Simco with some friends and had a good time. The movie video meetings are not happening so he is going to concentrate on other ideas that he has. He is putting out his resume at some places that require daily help so he can get some work as time goes by. He and Cory are not coming out to Edmonton because of Cory's busy employment status. Dana was happy that I would be coming out to see them at the end of the month. He is sounding good and has a good attitude about what is going on. He is teasing Cory about his new job status.
Susan went to water exercise last night and called me to check in after she was done. The exercise allowed her to get out of the house and come back when Mathew was asleep.
I put up the curtain rod and blinds in the living room over the patio doors. It is a different look that I am pleased with.
The weather has turned cool and has a definite fall tinge to it but I am confident that it will warm up for a great many days before the snows come this winter.
Linda R came over to thank me for the flowers that were delivered on Saturday. There was some confusion because the wrong note tag was attached to the flowers. A note from Betty Lou was on the flowers instead of the note from Bob at Stoneridge. The flower people cleared up the confusion when Linda called them. She suggested that incorrect notes on the flowers especially from girls called Betty Lou could cause difficulties for couples.
Wednesday, Sept 12 Cloudy and cool + 15 Bright sunshine and warm breezes.
The North American continent is still struggling with the terrible destruction created by the terrorists. The Americans are raging against all that care to listen and are vowing vengeance when they catch the people responsible. Life is slowly getting back to a regular beat.
Had a massage on Wednesday, to get out the knots in my body that were created, I think to some extent by the tragedy; then went for lunch with Mother who was in a good mood.
I had called her after I had chatted with the boys about the events. She said it was a wonderful thing that I had called her that evening. No one else did.
Susan had dropped by her dad's place to chat with him at lunch time. The boys are ok with different reactions. Cory was alright with his emotional state and showed concern about my state of mind. Dana left a message that he was not to blame and he was no where near the accident sight.
Mother showed me her finished and framed petit point and my quilt. I tested her medic alarm button to make sure that it was still working and showed her how to shut it off if it started beeping. She is all right with the unit and will not complain about it being in her home. We have to go the birthday party that Merci is creating for Terry on the 27 of Oct. Maybe Lillian will fly down for the event if I tell her about it - not.
Dave and Mick came in today, met with John and Karen to finalize the house and decorating, with a deposit of 50K for next Tuesday.
Kimberley will be back in next Sunday to look at the prices and plans for the Nantucket that she needs built in Potter Greens at a price point that will work for her. After sitting down with John, I am quite sure that we can do it without the bonus room at 2100 sq. ft.
The men are meeting at the coffee shop this afternoon because I was not sure how long these meetings were going to last. I am sure that a buyer will come in tonight to put down some money on a home he and she wish to build.
It will also give me some time to catch up on the paper work for the people who are coming in. I have taken some pictures of the home that Stoneridge has built and will post them on the layouts that are hanging on the walls to show what the units actually look like when they are built. I will have to take a few more photos of the units where I did not know the actual locations. Chris made the suggestion that he liked the direction that I was taking in marketing the company.
Cheryl is still a little ill and will not be able to golf tomorrow, although I will call her in the morning hours to see how she is feeling. She is considering a move to a franchise management position that her friend is offering her. I will discuss it further with her to see what she would be getting out of it.
A potential client came in to discuss the construction of a bungalow of about 1600 sq. ft. with lot and GST for under 290 K. After a lengthy discussion we both agreed that it was possible if the unit was built on an inside lot this year. He had been in the “Artisan” when it was still a show home and his wife and he liked it very much. They will be back on the weekend he said, to continue the discussion. Would be nice if he did, I will have to get a copy of the Home warranty books that go into greater detail. I followed Cory's advice about cleaning out the waste basket on the computer to make it run faster and it seems to work very well. I was able to print out some information much faster than I had ever done before. Amazing what happens when you follow the advice of someone who knows what they are doing.
Susan has a shower to go to on Friday night so I will take in a show or something to keep myself busy. Derek called but he was on his way to Vegreville so we were not able to get together for lunch or anything. Perhaps next week we can do lunch next week.
John P suggested that the American public will be up in arms for a short time about what has happened but soon will their demands for revenge will ease and relax their efforts to punish those responsible to ensure the least amount of interference in their every day lives. He may be right. We will have to wait and see how long the anger directs them to be safe instead of relaxed.
Americans do not like looking helpless and vulnerable. The get vicious when they get beaten up. Their resolve to hit back and take revenge is legendary. They will strike back and destroy people and things if only to look like they are doing something. Many people both innocent and guilty will be hurt. Americans will continue this painful activity for far too long with righteous indignation. We, as Canadians will suffer because of their anger. Canadians who are “wannebee’s” will take this opportunity to force the country to the right. The markets will suffer for a short time but will recover later in the year. Now is the time to buy as everyone else is selling. A difficult thing for a normal person to do unless he has a memory of other catastrophic events in the life of the U.S. Many will say that this coming conflict with the middle east is the making of the industrial war machine and economic right. I am sure that these people will benefit enormously from the upcoming conflict.
I am not sure how this event will polarize the young people of the country. Nothing has caused the young people to make a stand in this time of political quietness. This might be the event.
I doubt that the current president has the wisdom or the counsel to make sure that this war is conducted sanely. President Bush is of the view, supported by his counsel that now is the time to get back at those he perceives as enemies. His counsel will ensure that this is the time to settle scores with those that were out of reach before. Economic interests see this as the time to position the U.S. in the Middle East for future profits and control. I am sure that some of those around Bush have information and knowledge of the area that is being invaded but I doubt that the Americans’ have any great understanding of the situation. We are in for a fight that has been going on in the region for thousands of years. The Americans and the allies will be in the area for a few years, really a short time in the scheme of things, before they pull out without any real successes.
They will win morally and perhaps financially but not realistically or humanly.
This will not break down into a large war since the Soviet Union has no interest or money to get involved. Instead the fighting will be localized hit and run with suicide bombs from religious fanatics. This is a new type of fighting that the U.S. will adapt slowly but surely. Israel knows full well how to conduct this type of war.
A tragic and historic day unfolded in the history of the United States. The World Trade Centre’s two towers were destroyed after two passenger jet airliners were hijacked and flown into each tower. The towers collapsed after several hours with an untold number of deaths and injuries. A hijacked plane was also flown into the pentagon side with massive damage and loss of life. Two maybe three hundred flight passengers lost their lives when the hijacked planes were crashed. A fourth airliner was crash-landed near the President's retreat in Virginia. The President was in Florida at the time of the destruction. All air traffic was shut down in the states and all planes in the air were diverted to Canada and other countries to land and stay on the ground till further notice. In New York, many emergency personnel, fireman and police and support medics lost their lives as the two towers collapsed crushing the people working in the vicinity. The emotional impact of these events will shape the lives of untold people in the world forever. There will be repercussions by the military and security agencies for months and years to come. No terrorists groups and leaders will be safe from reprisals. The reprisals will be inflicted on innocent people. The terrorist soldiers and leaders know that their days are numbered. The might of the United States will be felt by all those who are not American. President Bush is just the one to bring about the damage and destruction that the American people will demand. This will make the Oklahoma bombing seem like nothing. When they find out that this military operation was created and managed from the Far East Muslim factions, the revenge by the Christians will be massive. What a year it will be.
Dana and I talked last night, he managed to spend the weekend at Lake Simco with some friends and had a good time. The movie video meetings are not happening so he is going to concentrate on other ideas that he has. He is putting out his resume at some places that require daily help so he can get some work as time goes by. He and Cory are not coming out to Edmonton because of Cory's busy employment status. Dana was happy that I would be coming out to see them at the end of the month. He is sounding good and has a good attitude about what is going on. He is teasing Cory about his new job status.
Susan went to water exercise last night and called me to check in after she was done. The exercise allowed her to get out of the house and come back when Mathew was asleep.
I put up the curtain rod and blinds in the living room over the patio doors. It is a different look that I am pleased with.
The weather has turned cool and has a definite fall tinge to it but I am confident that it will warm up for a great many days before the snows come this winter.
Linda R came over to thank me for the flowers that were delivered on Saturday. There was some confusion because the wrong note tag was attached to the flowers. A note from Betty Lou was on the flowers instead of the note from Bob at Stoneridge. The flower people cleared up the confusion when Linda called them. She suggested that incorrect notes on the flowers especially from girls called Betty Lou could cause difficulties for couples.
Wednesday, Sept 12 Cloudy and cool + 15 Bright sunshine and warm breezes.
The North American continent is still struggling with the terrible destruction created by the terrorists. The Americans are raging against all that care to listen and are vowing vengeance when they catch the people responsible. Life is slowly getting back to a regular beat.
Had a massage on Wednesday, to get out the knots in my body that were created, I think to some extent by the tragedy; then went for lunch with Mother who was in a good mood.
I had called her after I had chatted with the boys about the events. She said it was a wonderful thing that I had called her that evening. No one else did.
Susan had dropped by her dad's place to chat with him at lunch time. The boys are ok with different reactions. Cory was alright with his emotional state and showed concern about my state of mind. Dana left a message that he was not to blame and he was no where near the accident sight.
Mother showed me her finished and framed petit point and my quilt. I tested her medic alarm button to make sure that it was still working and showed her how to shut it off if it started beeping. She is all right with the unit and will not complain about it being in her home. We have to go the birthday party that Merci is creating for Terry on the 27 of Oct. Maybe Lillian will fly down for the event if I tell her about it - not.
Dave and Mick came in today, met with John and Karen to finalize the house and decorating, with a deposit of 50K for next Tuesday.
Kimberley will be back in next Sunday to look at the prices and plans for the Nantucket that she needs built in Potter Greens at a price point that will work for her. After sitting down with John, I am quite sure that we can do it without the bonus room at 2100 sq. ft.
The men are meeting at the coffee shop this afternoon because I was not sure how long these meetings were going to last. I am sure that a buyer will come in tonight to put down some money on a home he and she wish to build.
It will also give me some time to catch up on the paper work for the people who are coming in. I have taken some pictures of the home that Stoneridge has built and will post them on the layouts that are hanging on the walls to show what the units actually look like when they are built. I will have to take a few more photos of the units where I did not know the actual locations. Chris made the suggestion that he liked the direction that I was taking in marketing the company.
Cheryl is still a little ill and will not be able to golf tomorrow, although I will call her in the morning hours to see how she is feeling. She is considering a move to a franchise management position that her friend is offering her. I will discuss it further with her to see what she would be getting out of it.
A potential client came in to discuss the construction of a bungalow of about 1600 sq. ft. with lot and GST for under 290 K. After a lengthy discussion we both agreed that it was possible if the unit was built on an inside lot this year. He had been in the “Artisan” when it was still a show home and his wife and he liked it very much. They will be back on the weekend he said, to continue the discussion. Would be nice if he did, I will have to get a copy of the Home warranty books that go into greater detail. I followed Cory's advice about cleaning out the waste basket on the computer to make it run faster and it seems to work very well. I was able to print out some information much faster than I had ever done before. Amazing what happens when you follow the advice of someone who knows what they are doing.
Susan has a shower to go to on Friday night so I will take in a show or something to keep myself busy. Derek called but he was on his way to Vegreville so we were not able to get together for lunch or anything. Perhaps next week we can do lunch next week.
John P suggested that the American public will be up in arms for a short time about what has happened but soon will their demands for revenge will ease and relax their efforts to punish those responsible to ensure the least amount of interference in their every day lives. He may be right. We will have to wait and see how long the anger directs them to be safe instead of relaxed.
Americans do not like looking helpless and vulnerable. The get vicious when they get beaten up. Their resolve to hit back and take revenge is legendary. They will strike back and destroy people and things if only to look like they are doing something. Many people both innocent and guilty will be hurt. Americans will continue this painful activity for far too long with righteous indignation. We, as Canadians will suffer because of their anger. Canadians who are “wannebee’s” will take this opportunity to force the country to the right. The markets will suffer for a short time but will recover later in the year. Now is the time to buy as everyone else is selling. A difficult thing for a normal person to do unless he has a memory of other catastrophic events in the life of the U.S. Many will say that this coming conflict with the middle east is the making of the industrial war machine and economic right. I am sure that these people will benefit enormously from the upcoming conflict.
I am not sure how this event will polarize the young people of the country. Nothing has caused the young people to make a stand in this time of political quietness. This might be the event.
I doubt that the current president has the wisdom or the counsel to make sure that this war is conducted sanely. President Bush is of the view, supported by his counsel that now is the time to get back at those he perceives as enemies. His counsel will ensure that this is the time to settle scores with those that were out of reach before. Economic interests see this as the time to position the U.S. in the Middle East for future profits and control. I am sure that some of those around Bush have information and knowledge of the area that is being invaded but I doubt that the Americans’ have any great understanding of the situation. We are in for a fight that has been going on in the region for thousands of years. The Americans and the allies will be in the area for a few years, really a short time in the scheme of things, before they pull out without any real successes.
They will win morally and perhaps financially but not realistically or humanly.
This will not break down into a large war since the Soviet Union has no interest or money to get involved. Instead the fighting will be localized hit and run with suicide bombs from religious fanatics. This is a new type of fighting that the U.S. will adapt slowly but surely. Israel knows full well how to conduct this type of war.
Sunday, April 09, 2006
The End of the World as we know it
Sunday, Aug 11, sunny and very warm +27- Saturday was sunny and +29
Dropped by the office, finalized the numbers with Chris and John about Noel's home, called Angella and arranged for her to meet with John to go over the final information and signatures.
Show traffic was normal.
The World Games continue in Edmonton with the weather cooperating nicely.
Only Everett, Peter and myself were at the group with Warren being busy with his guests and Hector with his children. The conversation was light and covered some work conditions and similar stuff. Everett said he had a date with his wife the next night because he had been working too hard and needed to spend some time with her.
I drove at the World games on Friday till early afternoon, then went home, did some laundry, washed some dishes in the dish washer (many of these dishes had not been washed since I was at the house in Blue Quill.) Had a nap and went to the games to watch the semi finals and finals in some of the competition. Susan was not interested so I went alone. I had a nice evening with myself.
Warren called in the morning (Saturday) to play squash. My foot hurt but after some stretching, I was able to win 4 of 6 games with some very good play taking place.
On to work, very slow, 4 people throughout the afternoon. None at all interested in anything but looking. Susan and I went out for supper and a movie in the evening. Late evening, we were both tired so I dropped her off and went home.
Dana had called; he was still working as a volunteer on the movie of his friend's. He was going to Montreal on Tuesday and needed a small loan to tide him over. He was not comfortable with the request but I told him it was a loan that he would pay back when he was working full time again. Told him to look at the big picture and not be worried about the small details. He set the end of the year as a reevaluation time, if he was not working and making the kind of money that he hoped for. Seems like a good plan to me. He and Cory kicked around on Saturday, with Cory having to help fill in some time for a worker that was not able to make a late night shift at a location out of town. This should give Cory some overtime and a little extra money. The movie situation is changing a little at a time and will improve in the next few months.
Sheila is leaving on Friday to go to Toronto for the year. I will have coffee with her on Thursday, should get her a small gift for her travels. I have to make sure that Cory and Dana go over for a visit and offer her some assistance if she needs it.
With the completed sale to Noel's, the monetary situation is better and I can hold on to the sales that are in line for the late summer period. I am of the mind to call a client and encourage her to put a deposit on this home or start a new unit. I will decide after the 15th because I think she will come in around that time.
Monica has not come in to look at the Brighton, so I expect that she was just “wishful” thinking. I am confident that others will come in to fill the void that she has created.
Susan R. is not happy with her job at Shaw and having to drive to the west side, now that they have purchased Videon cable. She is of the mind, as is Fred, that she stay at home and babysit her grandchild. I have to see how all this new working relationship works out for Fred and Susan. It would be an easy out for them to use this situation (the need to babysit the grandchild) as a decision making event.
I will continue to be busy for another week and a half, then things should settle down after the games. I should be able to get some blinds and curtains for the windows in the apartment and when I sell a few more houses I will be able to purchase the kitchen table and the leather sofa for the apartment.
Monday, Aug. 13, hot and still, + 31 oven like air
Tuesday, Aug 14, hot and windy, +26
Went to the office. Chris and I discussed the price and available lots in the Woods for a new demanding client. I met him when he was friends with Lee's sons. I drove out to see the Kimberly Showhome in Summer Side. I could not get in so I sent Susan C. to get some information. Rick and his wife like the design of that house but like the finish of our home. I will see what I can co.
Noel's came over to the show home and met with John and I to finalize the information on their new home. The meeting went well with features being added as we went along. They are to meet John at the Hampton that is being built in Sherwood Park to do the finale inventory. The cheque should be given to John during next week. We are to dig around the 26 of Sept.
Finally another paycheck; although I am not fixated on receiving money for what I enjoy doing, living if much easier with a steady flow of coins.
John took my phone home accidentally when he mixed it up with his. I was able to get it on Tuesday.
I drove for the Games people on Tuesday, transporting some reporters and associated guests to the airport as they left for home. Interesting group of people.
Chatted with Susan who told me that Jason and Holly were being transferred to the Edmonton area for his work but primarily to be closer for medical treatment of their son’s ailments. This move will help them get some speech therapy for their son who does not seem to speak well. Another interesting change, as is always the case, in their family dynamics.
Nora called to ask for a coffee to bring me up to speed about what is happening in her life now that Jeff has decided because Victoria has received counseling they should be together again. This girl has so much pain caused by following her heart. It will be an interesting coffee meeting.
Warren has been busy catching up on his work that has been delayed .because of his visitors. We will be playing squash on a more regular basis in the next few weeks.
Melvina dropped by for coffee and to show her friends the house she is going to purchase. She said the she would have a definite answer by Aug 25. She seemed quite confident that her other contract would come through. It would be nice. The bungalow is showing well and should sell within a month.
Mom and I are to have lunch with Cheryl on Thursday.
Thursday, Aug 16, sunny and hot +30
Very slow day on Wednesday, some traffic but no one very interested. Some friends of John dropped by to look at the completed Cascade. They are living in Wedgewood at the moment. Other than this traffic not much activity.
Had a coffee meeting with Nora to catch up with what has happened in her life. I have not talked to her in about two years. She informed me that she and Jeff were not involved anymore since July 2. It seems that after all the lawyer involvement and dealings with Victoria, living with Nora and getting more seriously involved with working in Toronto, Jeff has decided to return to Victoria. Victoria informed Jeff that she had changed because of counseling and wanted to try to make their marriage work. He told Nora that it was over between them and he was going back to Victoria because of the children. She will not be over Jeff for at least a year. Emotionally she is all over the place, but seems to have a certain amount of grounding to allow her to realize that this part of her life is over. But then again, her heart rules her life not her head. It will be a difficult time for her. Jeff has come to a point in his life that he could not continue working at a relationship that was so foreign and difficult for him. It was easier to return to what he felt was comfortable but not good. This would allow him to concentrate on his work and all the great feelings that it created. The work involvement in Toronto will allow him to water down the discomfort he feels by being with Victoria and all her emotions. He will be able to get away from it on a regular basis and therefore survive. Until, his feeling of loss brings him face to face with a crisis of some sort that will cause an emotional breakdown. It will not happen for a long time since he has so much to concentrate his energy on: his boys, his work, the company and his sailing. Too bad, his non involvement with the group will harm him. Nora said that he stopped going to the second group that he was involved with because it took time away from his work and children. He seems to be afraid of confronting and questioning the thoughts and questions that reoccur in his mind. He repeats that which he was taught when he was growing up. I expect him to contact Nora occasionally in the next few months when he is feeling down and confused. I hope she has the strength and resolve to resist his words and emotions. If she gives in before he is ready to change by being on his own and have strength in his own abilities nothing will change. I do not expect it to happen but who knows. Perhaps he loves her that much.
The hotel Cheryl manages is very impressive. She is working hard to get it into the working shape that will make it an efficient and profitable place. The tenants she had at her home for the World Games were profitable and interesting. She now has a long term tenant that is going to University.
Daryl is still treating her well and they are getting along swimmingly. Cheryl said that Lesel is coming down for a long weekend in a couple of weeks. Stephanie is turning 61 this up coming birthday.
Mother was in good mood; she had a look at my apartment, dropped off some quilts and pillows and talked about how well Cheryl is doing.
Had coffee with Shirley this morning. She is leaving for Toronto on Friday, two weeks at the cottage by her home town and then on to school for a year. I gave her Cory's phone number and said she should contact him for any help that she needed. I do not have her phone number in Toronto.
Men's group just finished for the evening. The guys have gone home and I will just make a few comments before I finish for the day.
Hector had another date but was not impressed by the woman who talked for three hours and was not interested enough in him to ask him questions about himself. We suggested that he just relax and spend some time casually and not critique the date to the level that he is doing.
Warren related his homework that Dr. Joe had given him and how it might work for Hector.
Everett said that giving attention to his wife at appropriate times seems to work better than ignoring her until he was ready for a fight and blowing up at her. She has taken over the accounting of the business with a new computer and accounting program.
Peter will have to work an extra day a week, to make up for the time that he is gone on his holiday to Australia. I talked about my casual relationship with Susan that is evolving with me being so close to her place. I am off to see Susan and her flooring, for a moment then on to Derek and Viola's place for a sleep over and golf in the morning. I was able to move the massage back a little so I would not be late.
Wednesday, Aug. 22. +21 cloudy
Friday golf game was great. Played 18 holes, shot an 85.
Got back just in time for the massage and fell asleep on the table for a short time during the process. Odette is so great she just lets me snore and gets me to turn over at the correct time. Went home and rested in the evening and got to bed early. Saturday was a quiet day at work. Went over to Susan's to admire her renovation work on the basement and helped with the trim and baseboards. Spent some time at my place and then she went home. Sunday, we met up at the Chateau Lacombe for the anniversary brunch for Fred and Susan. Ryan, Kelsey and Samantha were at the brunch along with Susan and myself.
Went to work and met a few return customers. John met with the Noel's on Saturday, with them deciding on the “Surry” Showhome instead of the Hampton. They will make the final decision on Wednesday.
Played squash with Warren on Monday night.
Peter and Jennifer came over to discuss the ins and outs of building a new home. We spent a couple of hours going over all the information they needed to make an informed decision. We will have to talk some more at a later time. Who knows what they will decide.
Tuesday was a very slow day with the weather turning cooler after all the long hot days that we have experienced.
Luke is away on a camping trip with Amanda for four days. I spent the evening on Tuesday at Susan’s. She has been back at work for two days and is quite tired with the non stop activity. She is applying for a position at the Sherwood Park complex for sports. It will be less demanding work than that which she is doing at the moment.
Susan R. is going to quit her job at Shaw because of the new traveling distance plus the attitude of the management since they purchased Videon.
Nora responded to my phone call to tell me that she is finished her contract in Edmonton this week and will be spending the next month in B.C. with friends. She feels that she has to become silent to regain a focus on herself and emotions. She will come out of it better than she went in.
Noel's confirmed that they will go with the “Surry” and I have done up the agreement and will get together with them to get the signatures and the deposit.
A pay cheque before the end of the month. What a concept.
Dennis from Slave Lake dropped by for a chat and to see the house again. His rehab is coming along well but not as fast as he wants it to.
Sunday, Aug. 26, sunny, breezy + 20
The weather has changed to a pleasant state with reasonable temperatures, and light breezes. Evenings are cool with a minimum mosquito problem.
Worked on Saturday with an interesting couple that wanted to build a bungalow with a walk out basement in Spruce Grove. At least he did, she fell in love with the courtyard on the Cascade and was in discussion with him about the possibility of building this house out there. Spent some time with them and then they left to make a decision on their own. I expect them to be back to build with us not with the competition.
Dana called to say he needed money this final time. If work did not pick up he was going to start spreading his resume around and get a part time job. I am getting quite frustrated with the total situation and taking on a great deal more responsibility than is required of me. The financial situation could be quite difficult if some of the house deals do not come through. The frustration level is quite high at the moment with my feelings rising up about seeing Danielle's picture in the paper and the resulting unexpected feelings.
The golf game I had on Friday was very enjoyable.
Went to the Fringe with Susan for a walkabout, she stopped by the library tent and she purchased some used books for her reading pleasure.
Gillian called a couple of nights ago to continue her desire for the family to go to Toronto for the reception for Simon and Kati. She had called Jim and Marion who eventually hung up on her during the discussion. Lesel is in town for the weekend to attend her mother's birthday party and to have brunch with Mom and Cheryl.
Warren and I played squash on Saturday, with me winning the extra game.
We had a confusing discussion of the rules that we thought were squash but really where racquetball rules; that was quite amusing considering our exhausted state.
Read an article in the Edmonton Journal about a fellow who has been using the personnel pages to find the perfect woman for the last five years that documents his efforts. It includes comments about his technique. This article will be of interest to Hector and Warren I expect. Looking for the faults in the woman was a major focus for this fellow instead of noticing the positives that would lead to a nice balanced relationship. It would be interesting to really see what he was hoping for in a woman. He is a home renovator; I would be interested in seeing if he was as particular in the work he did for clients as the woman that he is interested in.
Warren has created a casual relationship with Sally that is working for him at the moment.
Nora is going to the mountains and Washington to recharge her emotional batteries and hold her silence so she can get over the major emotional impact of Jeff leaving her.
I am struggling with the frustration of no signature from Noel's yet although they have given us the go ahead to start the house. I expect them to give the cheque and signatures to us this week, but it will be cutting it close for month end. I have to make rent and car payments and do not want to pull money from my savings.
Dana will have to get serious with his life and work possibilities.
A woman by the name of Ruth came in to look at bungalows, was impressed with our finish and will be giving me a wish list to come up with a price for the home and lot in a few days.
The couple from the spruce grove lot has not called as of this afternoon. John suggested that the area may be exclusive and we may not be able to get into the area even if he wanted us to build there.
Sunday, Sept. 2 sunny +20, fall is in the air in the evening
Labor Day long weekend.
The weather is miserable so a great many people have stayed in town and are doing the show home tour. I had several couples return. Sharon in particular with her daughter.
Cam has come in with his parents to see the spec home that is being built at the end of the block.
I have decided to travel to Toronto to participate in Simon's and Kati special day on the 29th. I talked to John and it seems to be ok with him.
What is money for but to be spent? This might encourage the money to come to me quicker with another sale.
Played squash with Warren on Saturday. He managed to break the strings on his racquet again so had to play with my extra one. I managed to win more games than he did; he seemed to have a lower level of energy than usual. He has been working hard all week with a long day at Lloydminster this week.
Susan spent the day at the music in the park on Saturday with her work again on Monday to fill out her volunteer time along with the music she so likes. I will talk to the ticket agent at Sears to get a ticket for Toronto on Tuesday.
Unknown to me or anyone else not connected to the forthcoming event, the world dynamics will change in the next week. Catastrophic events occur throughout our lives, testing us and altering how we live.
Dropped by the office, finalized the numbers with Chris and John about Noel's home, called Angella and arranged for her to meet with John to go over the final information and signatures.
Show traffic was normal.
The World Games continue in Edmonton with the weather cooperating nicely.
Only Everett, Peter and myself were at the group with Warren being busy with his guests and Hector with his children. The conversation was light and covered some work conditions and similar stuff. Everett said he had a date with his wife the next night because he had been working too hard and needed to spend some time with her.
I drove at the World games on Friday till early afternoon, then went home, did some laundry, washed some dishes in the dish washer (many of these dishes had not been washed since I was at the house in Blue Quill.) Had a nap and went to the games to watch the semi finals and finals in some of the competition. Susan was not interested so I went alone. I had a nice evening with myself.
Warren called in the morning (Saturday) to play squash. My foot hurt but after some stretching, I was able to win 4 of 6 games with some very good play taking place.
On to work, very slow, 4 people throughout the afternoon. None at all interested in anything but looking. Susan and I went out for supper and a movie in the evening. Late evening, we were both tired so I dropped her off and went home.
Dana had called; he was still working as a volunteer on the movie of his friend's. He was going to Montreal on Tuesday and needed a small loan to tide him over. He was not comfortable with the request but I told him it was a loan that he would pay back when he was working full time again. Told him to look at the big picture and not be worried about the small details. He set the end of the year as a reevaluation time, if he was not working and making the kind of money that he hoped for. Seems like a good plan to me. He and Cory kicked around on Saturday, with Cory having to help fill in some time for a worker that was not able to make a late night shift at a location out of town. This should give Cory some overtime and a little extra money. The movie situation is changing a little at a time and will improve in the next few months.
Sheila is leaving on Friday to go to Toronto for the year. I will have coffee with her on Thursday, should get her a small gift for her travels. I have to make sure that Cory and Dana go over for a visit and offer her some assistance if she needs it.
With the completed sale to Noel's, the monetary situation is better and I can hold on to the sales that are in line for the late summer period. I am of the mind to call a client and encourage her to put a deposit on this home or start a new unit. I will decide after the 15th because I think she will come in around that time.
Monica has not come in to look at the Brighton, so I expect that she was just “wishful” thinking. I am confident that others will come in to fill the void that she has created.
Susan R. is not happy with her job at Shaw and having to drive to the west side, now that they have purchased Videon cable. She is of the mind, as is Fred, that she stay at home and babysit her grandchild. I have to see how all this new working relationship works out for Fred and Susan. It would be an easy out for them to use this situation (the need to babysit the grandchild) as a decision making event.
I will continue to be busy for another week and a half, then things should settle down after the games. I should be able to get some blinds and curtains for the windows in the apartment and when I sell a few more houses I will be able to purchase the kitchen table and the leather sofa for the apartment.
Monday, Aug. 13, hot and still, + 31 oven like air
Tuesday, Aug 14, hot and windy, +26
Went to the office. Chris and I discussed the price and available lots in the Woods for a new demanding client. I met him when he was friends with Lee's sons. I drove out to see the Kimberly Showhome in Summer Side. I could not get in so I sent Susan C. to get some information. Rick and his wife like the design of that house but like the finish of our home. I will see what I can co.
Noel's came over to the show home and met with John and I to finalize the information on their new home. The meeting went well with features being added as we went along. They are to meet John at the Hampton that is being built in Sherwood Park to do the finale inventory. The cheque should be given to John during next week. We are to dig around the 26 of Sept.
Finally another paycheck; although I am not fixated on receiving money for what I enjoy doing, living if much easier with a steady flow of coins.
John took my phone home accidentally when he mixed it up with his. I was able to get it on Tuesday.
I drove for the Games people on Tuesday, transporting some reporters and associated guests to the airport as they left for home. Interesting group of people.
Chatted with Susan who told me that Jason and Holly were being transferred to the Edmonton area for his work but primarily to be closer for medical treatment of their son’s ailments. This move will help them get some speech therapy for their son who does not seem to speak well. Another interesting change, as is always the case, in their family dynamics.
Nora called to ask for a coffee to bring me up to speed about what is happening in her life now that Jeff has decided because Victoria has received counseling they should be together again. This girl has so much pain caused by following her heart. It will be an interesting coffee meeting.
Warren has been busy catching up on his work that has been delayed .because of his visitors. We will be playing squash on a more regular basis in the next few weeks.
Melvina dropped by for coffee and to show her friends the house she is going to purchase. She said the she would have a definite answer by Aug 25. She seemed quite confident that her other contract would come through. It would be nice. The bungalow is showing well and should sell within a month.
Mom and I are to have lunch with Cheryl on Thursday.
Thursday, Aug 16, sunny and hot +30
Very slow day on Wednesday, some traffic but no one very interested. Some friends of John dropped by to look at the completed Cascade. They are living in Wedgewood at the moment. Other than this traffic not much activity.
Had a coffee meeting with Nora to catch up with what has happened in her life. I have not talked to her in about two years. She informed me that she and Jeff were not involved anymore since July 2. It seems that after all the lawyer involvement and dealings with Victoria, living with Nora and getting more seriously involved with working in Toronto, Jeff has decided to return to Victoria. Victoria informed Jeff that she had changed because of counseling and wanted to try to make their marriage work. He told Nora that it was over between them and he was going back to Victoria because of the children. She will not be over Jeff for at least a year. Emotionally she is all over the place, but seems to have a certain amount of grounding to allow her to realize that this part of her life is over. But then again, her heart rules her life not her head. It will be a difficult time for her. Jeff has come to a point in his life that he could not continue working at a relationship that was so foreign and difficult for him. It was easier to return to what he felt was comfortable but not good. This would allow him to concentrate on his work and all the great feelings that it created. The work involvement in Toronto will allow him to water down the discomfort he feels by being with Victoria and all her emotions. He will be able to get away from it on a regular basis and therefore survive. Until, his feeling of loss brings him face to face with a crisis of some sort that will cause an emotional breakdown. It will not happen for a long time since he has so much to concentrate his energy on: his boys, his work, the company and his sailing. Too bad, his non involvement with the group will harm him. Nora said that he stopped going to the second group that he was involved with because it took time away from his work and children. He seems to be afraid of confronting and questioning the thoughts and questions that reoccur in his mind. He repeats that which he was taught when he was growing up. I expect him to contact Nora occasionally in the next few months when he is feeling down and confused. I hope she has the strength and resolve to resist his words and emotions. If she gives in before he is ready to change by being on his own and have strength in his own abilities nothing will change. I do not expect it to happen but who knows. Perhaps he loves her that much.
The hotel Cheryl manages is very impressive. She is working hard to get it into the working shape that will make it an efficient and profitable place. The tenants she had at her home for the World Games were profitable and interesting. She now has a long term tenant that is going to University.
Daryl is still treating her well and they are getting along swimmingly. Cheryl said that Lesel is coming down for a long weekend in a couple of weeks. Stephanie is turning 61 this up coming birthday.
Mother was in good mood; she had a look at my apartment, dropped off some quilts and pillows and talked about how well Cheryl is doing.
Had coffee with Shirley this morning. She is leaving for Toronto on Friday, two weeks at the cottage by her home town and then on to school for a year. I gave her Cory's phone number and said she should contact him for any help that she needed. I do not have her phone number in Toronto.
Men's group just finished for the evening. The guys have gone home and I will just make a few comments before I finish for the day.
Hector had another date but was not impressed by the woman who talked for three hours and was not interested enough in him to ask him questions about himself. We suggested that he just relax and spend some time casually and not critique the date to the level that he is doing.
Warren related his homework that Dr. Joe had given him and how it might work for Hector.
Everett said that giving attention to his wife at appropriate times seems to work better than ignoring her until he was ready for a fight and blowing up at her. She has taken over the accounting of the business with a new computer and accounting program.
Peter will have to work an extra day a week, to make up for the time that he is gone on his holiday to Australia. I talked about my casual relationship with Susan that is evolving with me being so close to her place. I am off to see Susan and her flooring, for a moment then on to Derek and Viola's place for a sleep over and golf in the morning. I was able to move the massage back a little so I would not be late.
Wednesday, Aug. 22. +21 cloudy
Friday golf game was great. Played 18 holes, shot an 85.
Got back just in time for the massage and fell asleep on the table for a short time during the process. Odette is so great she just lets me snore and gets me to turn over at the correct time. Went home and rested in the evening and got to bed early. Saturday was a quiet day at work. Went over to Susan's to admire her renovation work on the basement and helped with the trim and baseboards. Spent some time at my place and then she went home. Sunday, we met up at the Chateau Lacombe for the anniversary brunch for Fred and Susan. Ryan, Kelsey and Samantha were at the brunch along with Susan and myself.
Went to work and met a few return customers. John met with the Noel's on Saturday, with them deciding on the “Surry” Showhome instead of the Hampton. They will make the final decision on Wednesday.
Played squash with Warren on Monday night.
Peter and Jennifer came over to discuss the ins and outs of building a new home. We spent a couple of hours going over all the information they needed to make an informed decision. We will have to talk some more at a later time. Who knows what they will decide.
Tuesday was a very slow day with the weather turning cooler after all the long hot days that we have experienced.
Luke is away on a camping trip with Amanda for four days. I spent the evening on Tuesday at Susan’s. She has been back at work for two days and is quite tired with the non stop activity. She is applying for a position at the Sherwood Park complex for sports. It will be less demanding work than that which she is doing at the moment.
Susan R. is going to quit her job at Shaw because of the new traveling distance plus the attitude of the management since they purchased Videon.
Nora responded to my phone call to tell me that she is finished her contract in Edmonton this week and will be spending the next month in B.C. with friends. She feels that she has to become silent to regain a focus on herself and emotions. She will come out of it better than she went in.
Noel's confirmed that they will go with the “Surry” and I have done up the agreement and will get together with them to get the signatures and the deposit.
A pay cheque before the end of the month. What a concept.
Dennis from Slave Lake dropped by for a chat and to see the house again. His rehab is coming along well but not as fast as he wants it to.
Sunday, Aug. 26, sunny, breezy + 20
The weather has changed to a pleasant state with reasonable temperatures, and light breezes. Evenings are cool with a minimum mosquito problem.
Worked on Saturday with an interesting couple that wanted to build a bungalow with a walk out basement in Spruce Grove. At least he did, she fell in love with the courtyard on the Cascade and was in discussion with him about the possibility of building this house out there. Spent some time with them and then they left to make a decision on their own. I expect them to be back to build with us not with the competition.
Dana called to say he needed money this final time. If work did not pick up he was going to start spreading his resume around and get a part time job. I am getting quite frustrated with the total situation and taking on a great deal more responsibility than is required of me. The financial situation could be quite difficult if some of the house deals do not come through. The frustration level is quite high at the moment with my feelings rising up about seeing Danielle's picture in the paper and the resulting unexpected feelings.
The golf game I had on Friday was very enjoyable.
Went to the Fringe with Susan for a walkabout, she stopped by the library tent and she purchased some used books for her reading pleasure.
Gillian called a couple of nights ago to continue her desire for the family to go to Toronto for the reception for Simon and Kati. She had called Jim and Marion who eventually hung up on her during the discussion. Lesel is in town for the weekend to attend her mother's birthday party and to have brunch with Mom and Cheryl.
Warren and I played squash on Saturday, with me winning the extra game.
We had a confusing discussion of the rules that we thought were squash but really where racquetball rules; that was quite amusing considering our exhausted state.
Read an article in the Edmonton Journal about a fellow who has been using the personnel pages to find the perfect woman for the last five years that documents his efforts. It includes comments about his technique. This article will be of interest to Hector and Warren I expect. Looking for the faults in the woman was a major focus for this fellow instead of noticing the positives that would lead to a nice balanced relationship. It would be interesting to really see what he was hoping for in a woman. He is a home renovator; I would be interested in seeing if he was as particular in the work he did for clients as the woman that he is interested in.
Warren has created a casual relationship with Sally that is working for him at the moment.
Nora is going to the mountains and Washington to recharge her emotional batteries and hold her silence so she can get over the major emotional impact of Jeff leaving her.
I am struggling with the frustration of no signature from Noel's yet although they have given us the go ahead to start the house. I expect them to give the cheque and signatures to us this week, but it will be cutting it close for month end. I have to make rent and car payments and do not want to pull money from my savings.
Dana will have to get serious with his life and work possibilities.
A woman by the name of Ruth came in to look at bungalows, was impressed with our finish and will be giving me a wish list to come up with a price for the home and lot in a few days.
The couple from the spruce grove lot has not called as of this afternoon. John suggested that the area may be exclusive and we may not be able to get into the area even if he wanted us to build there.
Sunday, Sept. 2 sunny +20, fall is in the air in the evening
Labor Day long weekend.
The weather is miserable so a great many people have stayed in town and are doing the show home tour. I had several couples return. Sharon in particular with her daughter.
Cam has come in with his parents to see the spec home that is being built at the end of the block.
I have decided to travel to Toronto to participate in Simon's and Kati special day on the 29th. I talked to John and it seems to be ok with him.
What is money for but to be spent? This might encourage the money to come to me quicker with another sale.
Played squash with Warren on Saturday. He managed to break the strings on his racquet again so had to play with my extra one. I managed to win more games than he did; he seemed to have a lower level of energy than usual. He has been working hard all week with a long day at Lloydminster this week.
Susan spent the day at the music in the park on Saturday with her work again on Monday to fill out her volunteer time along with the music she so likes. I will talk to the ticket agent at Sears to get a ticket for Toronto on Tuesday.
Unknown to me or anyone else not connected to the forthcoming event, the world dynamics will change in the next week. Catastrophic events occur throughout our lives, testing us and altering how we live.
