Mike In Calgary

Hello all,

I know that I have not placed a blogg in a while and this one will be short.

I have been here 45 days and I feel it is going well. I am getting around the city by bus or train and at times it is a real pain, but I just can not put out over $200.00 on a car so that I can use it once in awhile. I will still be taking the train to work as parking downtown is another $200.00.

I am still running and have found a great trail not far from me call Glenmore Trails, the course runs around the Glenmore water resivour. Most of the time it is like being in the country as there are very few houses and lots of trees. I am planning on a half marathon in Regina on the 24th of April. I will be there for the boys birthday and will be staying the week as they have it off.

Work is going well, I know that I am learning my place and what I am doing but I also feel that I am contribute as I have quite a few people asking me things and I even have the answers. This company is quite new and growing so there are lots of new people in the last year they have hired 30 - 40.

The apartment I have moved into is very nice. The best feature is the hot water, lots of it and the pressure is incredible. I am on a ground level with a walk out patio that looks into a very large private court yard. It has large mature trees and my area has large Lilacs so I have a very private patio. I will need to but some furniture for it, soon I hope.

Mom , Jim and Donna have my new phone # so please give me a call I do not have a landline so I do not get good long distance rates. I also have a two bedroom set up with three beds, so if anyone needs a place to stay in Calgary you are most welcome. On that note magna and her friend Will be here for the Stamped July and the first part of Aug. The boys will staying the first part of Aug, as I have my Holidays them.

Take Care,


Love Mike

Thanks for the mementos

Hi Ramona. Thanks so very much for the wonderful package. There are some interesting items in the brochures and magazine. Certainly brings back some good memories. Don't know when we'll get the chance to go back - its definitely a dream of mine!

Thanks again - take care everyone. Would be nice to see some new pictures of the family.

Jim and Liz

News From Mom

Hi everybody!!!!!!! I am back. What a wonderful trip. I have lots of pictures and Donna is going to put them on a web site so all of you can enjoy them. Fran was a great traveling companion. We did so many things , it is really hard to remember them all. We met people from all over the world
some who worked on the ship and others who were travelers like us. The entertainment was top of the line. Show dancers, and acrobats, comedians , impersonations, and magicians. We took two tours one to the pyramids at Manzanillo and one city and shopping tour in Matziland, In Port Vailartta and Cabo San Lucas we did our own thing in the cities. We did most of our shopping in Port Vialartta. The food was wonderfully choices to satisfy everyone. I tried a lot of the dishes I had never seen before, like a vegetarian dish of pumpkin in a yogurt gravy, it was so good I went back for more. No one on our ship was though we did hear that there was illness on another cruise line. Both Fran and I were careful and washed our hand a lot and well as using the hand wash liquid available at every meal station. Fran did not try new foods as she was as adventurous as I was. Love you all It is nice to be home but I must admit I do love to travel.

News from Mom

OFF CRUISING TOMORROW, BE BACK ON
THE 10TH LOVE TO ALL MOM
HEY, I DID IT I PUT A PICTURE OF MY LILLY
ON THE BLOG BY MYSELF

Three Grandbabies growing up

Amanda and Geordies three guys are a joy to have around. Grandpa and Grandma are thrilled with three grandsons. Oh - and thats Raymond with Amanda and Kaleb with Jim. Take care all. Will write more soon.

Michelle is Bolivia Bound

I hope that Michelle does not mind but I thought I would post her latest e-mail so everyone could hear about her adventures.

Today is my last day in Peru..not forever, i fly out of Lima but for a while. Tomorrow morning i am off to Copacobana Bolivia where i plan to relax and get some laundry done.


After Urubamba Alisson Lotte and i traveled to Ollantaytambo where we played cards with a 13 year old peruvian girl who was trying to sell us bracelts or something. From there we caught a crouded train to the heart of the jungle and climbed up about 600 hundred steps to Machu Picchu. Im not even going to start to describe it because there is no way anyone could understand the magic of the place without seeing it for themselves. we watched the sun set behind the clouds and then walked down the 600 steps back to Aguas Callenties with litterally means Hot Water. We went straight to the hotsprings (which were really not all that nice, nothing like the old Liard) to try and soak our aching legs. We had horrible pizza but met an awsome peruvian girl named Karla. She sat down with us and told us the story of her life, it brought me to tears i have never met anyone who has overcome so much.

We left the next day and i threwup on the bus back to Cuzco. (the horrible pizza really was bad) i slept for most of the day and got strenght to join the old crew from school for tomato soup (my favorit) at Los Perros my most favorit restarant ever i think. I had to leave early because my tummy was still a bit off and i could litterally feel it deciding if wanted to digest the food or expel it from my body. It expeled from the other end as soon as i woke up the next morning.

We took a night bus to puno, we arrived at 4 in the moring and got riged into the shittest hostal room ever. the next morning we left, he had told us that the room was free for that night so we didnt have to pay anything. that was a pluse.
Puno is alive right now with some crazy festival people are dancing in the streets bands are playing and the costumes are amazing. everything moves so fast i cant get a decient picture of any of it so you will have to trust me abou this. Pluse it is Carnival right now thats what the festival has something to do with but all the kids and stuff are always trying to get you with water balloons or foam stuff that comes from a can. In Cuzco befor we came here i got hit one balloon in the ass and one in the croch. i looked like i peed myself and had to go on the night bus with a damp ass.
From Puno we caught a boat to some islands in lake titicaca. In the lake there are these island that people build thousands of years ago out of reed to escape the incas. People stilll live on these crazy little islands, they are constantly rebuilding and laying more reeds down, the houses which are also mad of reeds have to be rebuilt every 4 months. We stayed with a family on another island (not a reed one) and got back this afternoon. We plan to party tonight and head to bolivia in the am.
I miss everyone and i must admit an getting a little homesick.....esspecally for the food and comforts.
Michelle

Mike's on the Move

Hello,

Just a short note to let you all know that I have got an apartment in Calgary. Call me for the address. The location is in the South West in a complex call Hays Farms. This is a two bedroom on the ground level. The complex is Adult only but the kids are welcome to stay, and anyone else that wants to come for a vist. This place has a swimming pool but only open in the summer.

I will be staying in a furnished apartment for 30 days in the downtown area. This is covered by AltaLink. I am no longer with SaskPower, it is very strange on having a job for I do not start until the 15th. I will be flying over on the 12th.

For those that do not have SKYPE please get it at skype.com. it is a great program that allows all of us to contact each other at no cost. For those that do have it please either check to make sure it is on and your machine is on so I can call.

Take care,


Mike

Hi from Fort Nelson

Just a quick note to say Hi,

Marcus was the luck recipient of a 2000.00 dollar scholarship from Duke Engergy. The Same day he got that he got his bill from the Northern lights college for 3000.00, so needless to say he was happy about that.

Brittany turns the big 19 tomorrow and Michelle I hope, is safe and doing well.


Cam is busy and feeling better, his knee is feeling better, he was hopeing that it would be totally fixed that is not the case, but loosing some weight will help.

thinking of you all

Ramona

News from MOM

I am feeling so much better today. I had an abcessed tooth the week of Jan 17th, I went on antibiotics I had a root cannal done on the 25th, the abcess came back and had to go back last Friday. She put me on two types of antibiotics and more pain killers.. Like I said I am feeling better, I did not miss any work as things are pretty slow right now. I am just off to work and will write about happier things next time Love Mom

I Got The Job

Hello, yes I got the job in Calgary, I start on Feb 15th. My last day with SaskPower will be Feb 5th or the 10th. My boss may want me to stay on.

I got everything I wanted, 75k a year, 4 weeks holiday, 12 EDO's(day off), two weeks in August as Vacation.

I will be going to Calgary to look for an apartment on Feb 3rd. Jim can you email me some areas that I may want to look at. I will be there for Friday, Saturday and leaving Sunday. My email is mdesroches@accesscomm.ca. I would like to see you when I am down can we arrange an evening meal with the whole family?

AltaLink will also rent me a car to drive around.

I will be moving on the 11 or 12 and Altalink is putting me up in an apartment for 30 days so I can look for an apartment or till I have arranged a move in date.

They will cover all moving costs, I do not have very much but this way I can have it stored and I can bring my bike.

I will have to get my registered Professional technologist designation (RPT), this will allow me to be out of the union and make more money and move up in the company. I will have 1 year to get this. I do want this in Alberta it is as good as being an engineer.

Well that's about it Call me if you want to talk my number is 306-529-0122 after 6 pm is free air time.

Take care,

Mike

Hi from Pam, Zane and Carter

Hi everyone, good to see everyone is blogging away.

Thought we would send a couple pictures of Carter to show you how much he is growing. The outfit he is wearing is from Mom from Christmas. It is so cute.

Doug - glad to hear you took the red car. Enjoy it!!! Hope you can make it down here on a road trip sometime.

Today we went to a Catholic service. It was very nice. We were in Saskatoon on Thursday night / Friday. Had a quick visit with Mom and Doug. Everyone seems to be doing good.

Love from Zane, Pam and Carter

update from doug

Hi every one. So the big news is that I now have a new car. It is the car you get when you have a mid life crisis. Yes it is a red sports car. Saturn of course. the car runnes like a dream. There were many challanges to over come, so I left it in Mom and Gods hands and It worked out very well. I will be in debt for ever and a day but I look great in the car! Hoping that it will help with the single and horny thing but you all know that my great personallity will be the only thing that cures that. Still having challanges getting SGI to cut me a cheque with my name only on it but given time and God things will work out there to. Looking forward to the rest of 2006 and all the great things comming.

with love and freindship
Doug

Pics from Steph

Riley's first day of school


Derrik and Me

News From Stephanie

Well I thought it was time for me to post something on here. I'm still in school finishing up my undergrad, which I'm having a blast at. Mostly I'm taking archaeology and anthropology courses. They are really fun, but a lot of work. I'm still working in group home and enjoying it. Work Work Work, Study Study Study... and sometimes sleep. The life of a student.
Derrik and I are still together and doing great. Riley (Derrik's son) is in kindergarten now and is loving it.

hi

I, have not been reading the blog and boy was I happy to see all the news. I wish I had great things to write about. I will just fill you in on all the highlights,

-Michelle is off to South America on the 18th, I am worried but what can a mother do.

-Brittany is doing well in school, she seems busy and happy when ever I call so that is good.

-Marc is busy working on getting through school. He start school in Dawson Creek in Feb, I think he is starting to get worried about it. He will be in Chetwyn this weekend getting the final classes so he can teach swimming lessons. He is also taking a course in teaching diving, and the teachers were telling me that they were watching him and he is in their words "excellent"

- Cam is busy and then busy some more. He is doing all the things that he can do to get ready for the spring rush. We finally got snow and they are building thier snow bridges and so doing a little less flying. He will be taking Marc to school.

- I am busy at work, but took the weekend to change all the rooms around in the house ( not including Marcs) We took the little bedroom and made it into an office, We put two twin beds in the big room, it has it's own bathroom that way when we have guests they can have a little of thier own space. We took the whole basement and made it into a excersise room for cam and myself. Cam is determinded to get in shape and so far he is doing really great.

- We are planning to make a trip to Whitehorse this March, Cam would like to see his mom and we have some friends there who are looking forward to see us.

We are all healthy and enjoying our lives, I guess that is the way it was suppose to be.

Thinking of you all with Much love

Ramona

Mike's Update

Hello all, we have had some great weather here is Regina, today it rained most of the day. It was +2, the rain made the streets like sheets of ice and driving was insane. It is now -11 and only going to get to -7.

I am getting back in the swing of things after Christmas. The family had a great time, Megan and William got TV's, DVD and surround sound. Sean got his electric guitar I think he sleeps with it. He has given his Christmas money to take lessons.
Kriss got a TV, I got a wonderfully mechanical clock.(I collect clocks.

As for the job in Calgary, Yes I have the job, but no I do not have a formal offer so I have not given my notice. I should make about 17k more than I am making now and that it to start. I will also be able to register as a Professional technologist, this will give me the same rights as an engineer and will allow better promotions and a raise. I will let everyone know as soon as I do, I am hoping for Monday to have the offer.

Jim, nice to hear that you enjoyed flying. Sounds like a lot of money, did you ever consider buying a plane then only the instuctor would cost.(well the plane to but it would be yours.)

Well take care evey one, love you all. As I can not call long distance please call me or get connected onto SKYPE, my user name is MADDESROCHES. Call me I am always online.

Love Mike and Family.

Calgary Update

Well there's not a lot of new news.... Let's see.... Liz is swimming everyday, she has been off the cigarettes since before Christmas. We got the grandkids swimming lessons for Christmas. They started last Wednesday; Liz and Amanda took all three boys but the twins were not able to participate because they need 1:1 in the water and that's not possible with three kids and two adults. So guess who get to go swimming every Wednesday for nine weeks. Yea Me!! We have a beautiful Rec. Centre just a few blocks from us The Caldel Centre. It has a swimming pool, three or four gyms two skating rinks and a huge library.

I did really enjoy my flying lesson. It was an introductory lesson that took about an hour. I actually flew the plane for about 45 minute. I had an excellent instructor we did a bunch of things like turns, following landmarks like the river and the hiway. Explained to me about take offs and landings, how the gauges work. I was involved in pretty much all aspects of the flight.

This organization offers three different kinds of licenses, Recreational, Private and commercial. The private is about $10,000. I'm not sure about payment plans but I do know that some people are taking over two years to get the license.

I'm still debating with my self if it is something I want to commit to. The two main conserations are the money and the time. The instructor suggested that to get the hours in (under a year) you should be in the air at least three time a week. The cost is $105/hr for the plane and $50/hr for the instructor. So $155/hr three time a week is $455 a week. I don't smoke quite that much.

Stephanie has started her classes at the U of C. So she is very busy these days.

What happened with SGI and Doug's car? Did they write it off? What kind of car are you looking at? I hope everything works out.

Very nice web site Donna!


All the best

Jim & Family

news from Mom

Hi, I have been in PA from Tuesday until Friday evening. Your Aunt Jean needed a bit of surgery on the polyps in her lower bowel. My, she had lost so much blood by putting off going to a doctor that her iron was very low and she was as pale as a ghost. Even by Friday, with the bleeding stopped she had color back in her face. Her energy was also starting to pick up. I am very blessed to have children who are concerned with me and help me when I need it. Her kids make me pretty angery as they never seem to be there when she needs them. I wish she would learn to be a bit more independent, and not have to call on them for the little things, they may be more willing to do the bigger stuff for her. Both Doug and Toby were sick with the cold and flu while I was gone. Maybe Jean was a blessing, as I was not here to inhale their bugs. Visited Bell and Claude. both are looking good. Bell has lost some weight and boy she has a nice figure. You would never know that she is 85 and Claude is 90. I will be going with Doug to look at cars next week. Seeing I am his financisl advisor, I will negotiate on his behalf(I know how much he can afford). Talked with Mike and Donna today. Donna is in Regina for some of her meeting. Love to all Mom

Donna's photos from Bolivia

I put together a quick web site for Michelle to show her some of the highlights during my trip to Bolivia. They brought back many memories... Click on an image to see a larger view.



Machu Picchu, Peru - after finishing the Inca Trail.

UPDATE FROM DOUG

So there are changes (stll single and horny), I was working driving pizza last night at 645 pm. grabbed two orders and took off down ave H as I crossed 22nd st. a very nice elderly lady decided that it was time to cross the center line and hit me. The hit pushed me on to the side walks and totaled off my car.(pics to follow). So the year ended on that note for me a big bang. every one was ok no injuryies. Through out my time as a pizza driver I have seen alot of bad drivers and have asked myself why there was no cop when one needed them. Well this time I was pleasently surprised as right be hind the lady who hit me was a cop and he saw the whole thing. The cop had to chase the lady as she was making a break for it. chased her in to the parking lot of the ESSO.
and thats about it for my end to the year 2005. The party at Jax was fun and I got lots of attention over the accident so all in all the start of 2006 is much better then the end of 2005. Happy new year to all.