Welcome Penelope!

As she turned a month old a couple of days ago, I would like to take a moment to say a big hi to our new niece Penelope. Hi sweetheart! You are already so big and strong, and were born into a huge ocean of love.

As for who you got to be your mother, you really lucked out, kiddo. Your mom waited a long time for you to come into her life, and she is thrilled that you're here! She is a loyal friend to all who know her, and an absolutely fierce warrior who will go to bat every time for those she loves. And you, dear Penelope, are now at the top of that list. And that's a great place to be. I don't tell this to too many people, but I have a feeling I can trust you, so here goes. There have been times in my life when I have felt unsure and helpless, and she was there for me every time. I can tell you that whenever you have a problem, she will be there to listen, to offer advice, and to hug you. And whenever you step out of line as all kids do, she will let you know with firm but loving words, and often another hug, just like Grandma Annie did when she raised us. We learned from the best!

I haven't known your dad for as long as I've known your mom, but I've noticed four things about him:

1) You are the apple of his eye.
2) He is hard working.
3) He is really really tall
4) He will know when it's time to just drop everything and run in the yard with you and be goofy.

That is my first bit of Unclely Advice to you, sweet Penelope: As you go through life, when things get you down, sometimes it pays to be a little goofy. Your Auntie Shawna is still teaching me that one. Which reminds me, no matter how old you get, you can always learn more. But for now, you have games of "Heel, Toe, Away We Go!" on Grandpa Paul's knee to get to!

I'm probably rambling by now, so let me finish by saying thanks for letting your mom go to the Keith Urban concert. I know she appreciated it. And have fun next Sunday, when you will most definitely be the star!

I love you.

Uncle Mike

Congratulations Dr. Sherman!

Tonight Dr. Raj Sherman, former embattled Conservative MLA and health critic, has won the leadership of the Alberta Liberals. I offer my most heartfelt congratulations to him, and look forward to seeing what he does to bring them back from the political wilderness, by infusing them with a plan, focus, and heart.

Your Partner In Life

Grandma Lucy's Words of Wisdom

At my mom's retirement party earlier this summer, my 88-year-old maternal grandmother was asked what she thought of Tweeting.





Her response? "I only tweet when I drink too much at Christmas!".





As I was smiling, I asked Grandma Lucy what she thought of social media. To my surprise, she said that there was a lot of good in social media, and that the good tended to outweigh the bad when it is used to keep in touch with family. But she did caution that "there is a lot of crap mixed in with the good", and we would be wise to know the difference. I spent many hours in her company listening to stories of family parties she attended as a young girl, where people just sat around and talked, enjoying each other's company. I have been to enough family parties of my own as the practice passed down through my generation and the next, and when the lightning-fast pace of society infrequently gets me down, these memories are there to calm and sustain me as I take a minute to plan my strategy for climbing the next mountain.

I love you Grandma!

Your Partner In Life