Sorry for the long delay since the last entry. It's been hectic around here, I tell you...hectic! What with colonoscopies, parades, hill climbs, poker games, birthdays, World Cup Soccer...why, where's an old retired guy supposed to find time?

Here's what's been happening:

Julie's not coming to Kitimat. Which means we're going to Ontario...for 3 weeks. Philip took the news well, considering he had gotten her room ready, purchased pencils and sharpeners of her own, and told everyone in town she was coming. Yesterday we caught him dragging this big box of 'stuff' he had meticulously prepared for Julie from her room, down the hall, and back into his room. He said it was all good - he could use the extra pencils anyway!

A few weeks ago, as you know, Philip took a telephone call, answered a bunch of questions, and informed us something was going to arrive in 7 days. Well fortunately for us, 'they' got his name and the address wrong...so apparently the 'package' was returned to sender. Desperate calls ensued and messages were left requesting the correct details so the package could be resent. Finally Diane took one of the calls and, true to form, verbally 'slapped them silly' for selling something (a long-distance telephone plan of some sorts) to an individual who didn't have a clue what they were talking about. Their ineptness at being able to identify legitimate responses to their 'pitch' was driven home with great diplomacy and tact. The conversation ended with 'sincere' apologies and assurances that 'changes' to their tactics would be forthcoming (yeah right!). Now had I taken the call I would have gladly taken them up on their long-distance plan...by reaching out and touching (strangling) someone (this is why the smooth-talking, silver-tongued, no-nonsense Newfie handles the sensitive stuff around here)!

Last week I went for a Colonoscopy. Oh my...!!!

I've always heard 'protect your health',

Don't smoke, or drink, or chew.

Eat lots of fruits and vegetables,

They're really good for you!

So here I am at 61,

Convinced it's all a farce -

'Cause just last week the doctor shoved

A sewer snake up 'me arse'!

He said my heart and lungs were good,

Blood pressure a bit high.

Cholesterol was right in line,

I was a healthy guy!

So why then for the past few years,

Have snacks for me been sparse -

And why last week did I get shoved,

A sewer snake up 'me arse'?

They made me drink this awful stuff,

That made me ache and groan.

Two days without a bite to eat,

I lived upon the throne!

Then to the hospital by noon,

Exposure wasn't sparse,

They put me out completely while,

That snake went up 'me arse'!

So here is what I've learned from this,

Eat, drink, and party on.

Enjoy those greasy burgers, 'cause

It's all a scam...a con!

Don't waste your time on labels,

Countin' calories?...a farce.

'Cause once you hit that Big Five-O,

They're snakin' up 'yer arse'!

We had told Philip that I was going to the hospital that day at noon and would be out about 3. He was to meet mom there at that time. His concern and eagerness got the better of him...he got to the hospital at 12:30. Spent the next 2 hours asking everyone if they knew where his dad was. Told them "dad was here to get something 'copied'!" If only...

Canada Day in Kitimat

Two years ago Philip was a celebrity in the Canada Day Parade.

This year he was left wandering and wondering!

So we went into the big hall at the River Lodge (where the parade ended), and joined in a charity Texas Holdem Poker Tournament. This was Philip's first time playing live with the 'pros'...he did well...certainly held his own.

Hill Climb in Kitimat

As a part of the Canada Day Festivities, the annual Hill Climb took place on Saturday. Hundreds of drivers from BC and some from out of province showed up to race their 'machines' up the incline that takes you from lower Kitimat to upper Kitimat. A perfect 1/4 mile stretch for drag racing and showing off your cars and trucks. The crowds..the noise...the fabulous food...all make for a great event.

Here's Philip with his entry! (I'm kidding of course...it was really Diane!)

Birthday in Kitimat

Philip turned 31 on Saturday, July 3rd. He never tires of envelopes (with money), gifts and cake. But then who does?

He figures if he looks away, it won't be socks or underwear!

This was really neat. For years we have purchased Jos Louis Cakes for Philip as a treat. But always 1/2s...not the full round cakes. Too much sugar (and too tempting for mom). About 4 months ago the local Super Valu stopped carrying the 1/2s...actually Vachon decided to stop making them available at this store. Philip was devastated...and let the staff at Super Valu know! He also let them know his birthday was coming (along with everyone else in town). So on Saturday he and I went to pick up some groceries and as a birthday surprise, Carol, the Bakery Manager at Super Valu, was waiting for him. She had taken a box of the full rounds...cut them neatly in half...individually rewrapped them...put them back in the box...printed 'Happy Birthday Philip' on the box...and presented it to him when he walked in! He was one happy camper!

(thanks Carol...thanks Super Valu...for being so good to Philip!)

This town has been really great to and for Philip. Two days before his birthday friends from the church showed up at our door asking for Philip. John (dad) and Zack (16 year old son) are ardent sports fans (wrong team of course...Phillies...booo!) and have endeared themselves to Philip over the past year. They had been out shopping somewhere, seen this Detroit Red Wings jacket...and thought...we know who would love that! Bought it and presented it to him as a gesture of kindness...didn't know it was his birthday (obviously one of the few in town he'd missed). My birthday's in January guys...Chicago Black Hawks...Stanley Cup Champions!(heehee!)

On Saturday they picked him up and took him to A&W for lunch. No wonder Philip doesn't want to leave Kitimat!

But unfortunately someone we all love and hold dear is leaving Kitimat. Young Tristan (seen here enjoying a pancake breakfast with Philip at the church) is moving back to Prince George (8 hours away) tomorrow. He and Philip are second cousins, and despite the 21 year age difference, are the best of buddies. We wish Tristan well and look forward to his visits back here to Kitimat to see his dad and grandmas and grandpas. Take care 'punk'!