Work on the house project has been a bit slow this month due to some very hot sunny weather, followed by with smoke from wildfires burning around the province and in Washington State, and a delightful 2 day 700km bike ride through the East Kootenays. The Saudi – Canada spat also consumed a fair bit of time as I was asked to do 4 TV interviews, 3 radio, and 4 press, and finally concluded with an op-ed in the Toronto Star. If you are interested, the following links will get you to:

1. The first TV interview on CBC when the story broke. Gets interesting at the 3 minute mark. 100,000 hits so far –  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hk51exZ850

2. A MSN news piece that was largely composed of bits and pieces from the first interview, and some other sources – http://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/canada/trudeau-made-a-glaring-tactical-error-thats-getting-canada-hammered-by-saudi-arabia/ar-BBLIAUm?li=AAggNb9&ocid=sl5cdhp

3. The last interview I did with CTV – https://www.facebook.com/CTVNewsChannel/videos/1911090225618966/

4. An op-ed I was asked to write for the Toronto Star – sort of a pro and con debate – https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/thebigdebate/2018/08/14/has-canada-mishandled-its-relationship-with-saudi-arabia-yes.html

While I have been receiving support for my comments from several former colleagues, I may be removed from some of the Christmas card lists of certain politicians.

Pat lent me his power washer and I have been going to town with it. Cleaned off two rock outcroppings in the back yard, as well as this massive rock wall in front of the shop/garage.  Next step will be to level the parking area and pack it down.

Some progress on the garden/motorcycle storage shed – roof, windows and door, and some critter screening around the bottom.  Still need to do soffit, fascia, corner trim and finish the door/window trim, and install the large double door on the back wall.

And this is the second gate of four, made of cedar 2x4s and some welded wire fencing.

Have also been busy with a non-house project – details next month.