Yearly Archives: 2006

We were on the road by 6:04 this morning.  The objective was to be in Saskatoon shortly after 8:00.  The sky was beautiful and the inbound road empty.

The reason we were in Saskatoon was to go to Jill’s regularly scheduled cardiology checkup.  In preparation for the meeting with the cardiologist, Jill had some blood tests, ECG and Xray taken.  These were done by 10:30 or so.

What comes next?  A wait until 2:30 to meet with the cardiologist.  So off to do some shopping.

We arrived early for the doctor’s appointment.  Instead of waiting in the “waiting room” we were ushered into a small examination room.  Very soon the doctor appeared.  At precisely the time the appointment was to begin, we walked out!  That is pretty well a first!!

The checkup just affirmed that Jill is doing well.  We are expecting a battery change for her pacemaker in the next year or two.  Her heart does not appear to have deteriorated.  Generally the appointment was just a gabfest as both doctor and patient talked along at a fairly good clip.  This comes from having the same cardiologist for a number of years.

As we heading down the homeward road and into the sunset (OK, its summer so the sun doesn’t set til later — its merely a nice literary cliche!), we were both thankful for a good checkup and look forward to many more years of good health.

P.S.:  From the comments on a previous post — Entrepreneurial leadership is the type of administration that often lives by the seat of the pants, is dependent on intuition, and listens to those affected by your leadership first before strategizing great plans and visions — instead of the other way around.   This type of leadership is willing to strike out before all the infrastructure is in place trusting that will come as you go along.  Finally, tradition has its place in providing a strong context for what you do, but is never so entrenched that it becomes an end in itself.

20 years ago two friends of mine decided they would open a franchise.  At that time, Tim Hortons was somewhat a new phenomenon.  The little coffee shops with a big idea!

Now, I’ve never been one to drink coffee.  Last night I had a cup which was poured for me.  I was gracious and drank it — black!!  I came home and was fully aware of the passing of the evening.  I was able to sleep fairly well but was wide awake when I awoke!

That was “homemade” coffee!  Imagine Tim Horton’s coffee.  I sniff the odor when I sit with friends.  I know the black syrup is a little thicker at Tim’s!

As a non-drinker I am not a fair judge.  Residential reverse osomosis may give purer water than the commercial water at Tim Horton’s.  The relative strength and purity of the coffee beans can be debated.  Even the social atmosphere plays a role in the perception of “good/better/best” coffee.

But my question is — Why become a drinker in the first place???

There was a time when I first started writing that I always wanted to have an outline.  Give me three points with supporting subpoints.  All I needed to do was fill in the flesh of the story.

My work also supported this approach.  I call this good administration or management.  There is definitely a place for administrators — I’ve earned a good portion of my income over the years being an administrator!

In the last few years a new approach has crept up on me.

I no longer stay up all night trying to solve problems.  I’ll hit the sack at night and expect that the answers will come overnight.  The first few times I tried this I was scared stiff.  My mathematical brain wanted to research and figure everything out first.  Then a new and unexpected approach popped up.  I tried it again — the unexpected arrived once more!  Soon I was applying this to situations that I couldn’t easily figure out. 

Now I have a regular practice that I call non-administrative administration.  Some call this entrepreneurial leadership.  Whatever the term, I’m beginning to relax in it.

The same applies to writing stories.  My father has asked me how I think of all these blog entries – something new everyday.  Well, some are just reminiscences of the day.  But every once in a while I just put down a title and start writing.  I’ve no idea where I’m going.  But when I arrive at the end I know I’ve reached the destination.

Like to see what I might come up with?  Place a title in the comments section and I’ll write a blog entry — let’s see what emerges!!

The rain has been falling today.

With the rain, I have developed a ritual.

A few weeks back we re-graded around some of our basement windows.  This was to keep water from seeping into the basement. 

Then we had a marvelous rain.  One of our downspouts was pouring water towards the windows.  So, I fixed that — or should I say, it fixed me (see a previous posting!). 

Now, when it rains I wander outside to see what is happening.  Not much!  The rain has been unusual for a town on bald prairie.  Usually the wind blows and water sprays all over.  But the last while it has fallen quite nicely, thank you!!  In fact the soil around the windows isn’t even wet, protected by the roof overhang.

Tonight I ventured out — just when the water from the sky was in drizzle form.  A few steps and the drops became larger.  As I rounded the house, I confirmed that the rain was not touching the windows.  As I turned back , I decided a faster pace was required.

Now, my knees are none too good — perhaps a casualty of younger years!  I like to think I was a bit of an athlete — that’s probably as stretch!  The bump and grind has taken its toll.

Nevertheless, here I am hobbling at breakneck speed, rounding the corner and heading up the driveway.  With the wind whistling in my ears, I realize that a ten year old could pass me without breaking a sweat!  Oh well, I’m still a great runner — in my fantasies.  And imagine what I will have to boast of when I hit heaven running.