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December 25th, 2006

Mick and Heather Enjoy the Holidays with Their Families

As per usual, Mick and Heather drove 12 hours to be with their families for the holidays.

"We don't mind driving, because we know if we didn't travel home to see them, we wouldn't see them," explained Mick, "We don't have any children and they really don't like us that much."

The afternoon and evening of December 24th is the traditional holiday celebration at Mick's folks in Regina. Mick's brothers and their lovely girlfriends were in attendance, and the tree was held up by a impressive number of gifts. "Mick's mother goes overboard on the boys. It's funny to see Zack (the youngest) try to play Santa, when Lori's gifts keep getting larger and more numerous," noted a guest who wished not to be identified, fearing the potential wrath of a future mother-in-law.

The morning of the 25th is the standard day for gift opening and whatnot at Heather's parent's in Weyburn. "The day starts with drinking, then going for brunch at Heather's sister's place, drinking some more and watching the children play with their gifts. After some more drinking there's a supper, then some games and more drinking," joked Mick, "and we eat a lot, too."

Following the holidays Mick and Heather returned to Fort McMurray to try to get some rest in before another busy year.

Photo: The cookies this year were decorated in a peculiar fashion.

December 17th, 2006

Mick and Heather Spend Three Days at the Spa

After a busy year in Fort McMurray, Mick and Heather decided to treat themselves with three days at the Temple Gardens Mineral Spa in Moose Jaw.

"I've never had a manicure and pedicure before. I'm so excited..." Mick lamented. Heather had booked two full day spa packages which included a full body salt scrub, facials, massages, manicures and pedicures. "I'm really looking forward to the facial, as well."

Besides floating around in the geothermal mineral water pool for three days and having their treatments performed, Mick and Heather checked out the Tunnels of Moose Jaw as well as Yvette Moore's Gallery.

"It was really nice to see all of Yvette Moore's pieces. Perhaps someday we'll buy some for people or something. It was a lot more fun to go through there than the tunnels where the Chinese immigrants were - on that tour they called Mick and I names and shouted at us a lot," noted Heather.

The relaxing time spent in Moose Jaw was very enjoyable, and did help them to unwind. "Everyone walks so slow here, like nothing ever changes or something. It's such a slow pace of life. It's really nice to slow down once in a while," explained Mick, "We went to get some groceries for the hotel room and it seemed like some people were making the trip to Safeway into a day-long event."

Photo: They really work on you in Moose Jaw.

December 15th, 2006

Mick and Heather Attend a Christmas Party in Edmonton

The first night of Mick and Heather's "Home For Christmas 2006 Tour" featured a night in Edmonton to Richie and Katie's Christmas party.

"When you get fancy invitations to a party, you know it's going to be a good one," noted Mick. The party was held at their downtown loft, just a two block walk from Mick and Heather's usual hotel.

Despite four tables of appetizers, decorations from floor to ceiling and a never-ending supply of liquor, the most notable portion of the night was the first meeting of the parents, and the subsequent dancing. Richie and Katie's parents had never met, but you wouldn't have known it from all the disco and laughter.

"I think it's really interesting that whenever Earth, Wind and Fire would start to play Katie's whole family would drag people out to the dance floor. Her brother told me that it was the family song. I really liked that!" exclaimed Heather.

Mick and Heather stuffed themselves with all sorts of finger food while visiting with the families, then left the party early as they had a full day's driving the next day.

"We can't wait for the next party," said Mick, "I just hope they invite their folks again. Was that ever a good time!"

Photo: Richie and Katie take a moment out from dancing/hosting for a photo.

December 1, 2006

Mick and Heather Send Out Christmas Cards

Running out of ideas for their annual Christmas Card and Letter, Mick and Heather made some snow angels in their back yard and tried to substitute the subsequent photos for something creative.

"I don't know. Last year we did the disgusting plants in the background to be funny. We still get comments on the old ones whether it be us fighting over cookies or the naked Santa one, but this year we really drew a blank," explained Mick.

Suggestions that were turned down this year included a photo with children from the East Indian family across the street, "borrowing" an employee from Paige's Playmates for a "shoot", and dressing up like Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

Photo: Mick and Heather hope to do better next year.

November 10th, 2006

Mick Gets His First Filling

Mick has never been afraid of the dentist. He's never had any serious work done, besides the regular check-up and cleaning. This week, however, Mick dealt with his first cavity. Mick and Heather's regular dentist, in Edmonton, was unavailable to do the work, so they decided to try a dentist in Fort McMurray.

"Three hours. I spent three hours there. They had to figure out what tooth it was, x-ray me a few times just to be sure, then they tried to freeze my gigantic jaw," Mick explained.

"He does have a gigantic jaw," noted Heather, "Have you seen the size of his head?"

The freezing didn't work out as planned. After two needles and ten minutes they started to grind out the decay, but when Mick could still feel everything, he asked them to stop. "Can you feel this?"

"Ress."

"Here, too?"

"Ress."

They gave him two more needles, which finally killed the nerves for them to begin. Halfway through the procedure, however, feeling started to come back and Mick had to tough it out. "It looked like a small cavity, but once we started, it got really, really deep."

Mick regained his feeling in his face a few hours later, and the drooling has pretty much stopped.

Photo: The dentist was very gentle, despite the raised eyebrows and huge hands.

October 30th, 2006

Mick Gets Talked Out of Lasik Eye Surgery

After nearly 20 years of wearing glasses, Mick decided he'd had enough and booked himself in at Clearly Lasik in Edmonton. "I'm tired of wearing glasses. People picking on me all the time, calling me 'four-eyes' and such. It's really bringing me down, man."

"Fortunately" Heather and a number of Mick's friends voiced their concern. Horror stories started popping up, and links to websites such as www.lasikdisaster.com and www.lifeafterlasik.com were emailed to him.

"I always think Mick has the coolest glasses," Heather explained, "It would suck if he didn't need them anymore."

Mick has since cancelled his appointment, and plans on getting another pair as well as some contacts before Christmas. "Everything we do is for our nieces and nephews, and they really like it when I show up for a family gathering with a moustache or some terrifyingly ugly frames."

Photo: Lasik eye surgery looks like a barrel of monkeys.

October 29th, 2006

Mick and Heather Carve a Pumpkin

In an attempt to have some sense of normalcy in their busy lives, Mick and Heather decided to carve a pumpkin for Hallowe'en.

Heather selected a large orange pumpkin for the occasion, complete with a green stem sticking out of the top. She carefully chose among six different pumpkins that were still available at the grocery store in Fort McMurray. "There was a small green one, a large one that was rotting on one half, a squash, a larger green one, a long cylindrical one that might have been a squash, and this magnificent pumpkin," she explained, "I really had a tough time deciding which to pick."

Mick couldn't find the chisels and specialty knives that Heather had bought him as a gift when he had entertained the thought of becoming a professional watermelon carver, so he made due with some ball point pens and a steak knife. "Despite the lack of having the proper tools, I think we did all right. I wish I could've done more with the canvas provided."

The pumpkin will be on display on October 31st, at their townhouse in Fort McMurray.

Photo: The kids in McMurray aren't afraid of pirates. Their drug dealers are scarier.

October 18th, 2006

Mick Doesn't Win the 'Stache Off

Back in September, Mick and a number of his co-workers decided to have a "Cheesy Moustache Growing Contest."

The rules were simple. Show up clean shaven on September 1st, then at a chosen time in October the contestants would meet in a dingy bar, get drunk, then have some random women decide which of the entries they would least likely entertain for an evening based on their facial hair.

Mick's co-worker, Trevor, took the cake with his "Tom Selleck". Comments were made that he looked a lot like the Syrian President, Bashar al-Assd.

"I really thought I had a better chance. I should've realized that I'm just too handsome to have random women not see through a little facial hair."

Trevor, on commenting on his win, explained, "It's really hard to explain to someone with a moustache what we were attempting to do here. It's really uncomfortable, actually. I'm glad I took the prize, but I definitely need to shave this off."

Photo: Mick with the winner. Mick's moustache looked "too good" for him to win a cheesy contest.

October 17th, 2006

Mick Visits a Naturopath

Mick has aches and pains. He's getting old. His hair is falling out. His bum is sitting lower. He has nosebleeds everyday. Heather wants him to do something about it, before he falls apart completely.

"I don't see what the big deal is. I'll be retiring soon. I'm supposed to look like this."

Mick went to a naturopathic doctor, who taught him a lot about his acid/alkaline balance, his shortage of various vitamins, the reason for the absence of his reflexes, etc. etc. Mick left with a number of vitamins, a new diet to follow, as well as some charts to fill out his body temperature and pH three times per day for a month.

"I didn't know there was a difference between vitamins," Mick explained, "Not all vitamins will dissolve in your system. Some you just crap out. To test your vitamins, put one in a half cup of vinegar. It should dissolve- good ones in about a half hour, bad ones longer, sometimes never."

In two weeks of taking the vitamins and changing his diet, Mick's nosebleeds have stopped entirely, his aches are subsiding, his nuclear gas has subsided, and he's sleeping through the night now.

"I think cutting out coffee really helped him," explained Heather, "and getting off the dairy products has made a difference in his mucus production. He's doing better."

Photo: The appointment out in the woods was fine until the doctor started making Mick eat plants.

October 8th, 2006

Mick and Heather Attend the Rolling Stones with Heather's Parents

The Rolling Stones played two concerts on Taylor Field at Mosaic Stadium in Regina this weekend, and Mick and Heather were lucky enough to score seats about 60 feet back from the stage.

During the opening act the Snowbirds did a few flybys, and the crappy musical stylings of Three Days Grace gave Mick and Heather a chance to wait in line for an hour for t-shirts. "I was really glad we got there early," Heather noted, "the lines were crazy. Mick yelled at a guy who budded, and he still wouldn't leave the line. Even security wouldn't remove the guy. Mick really freaks out in line if someone interferes with the line's energy, in any way."

The show, itself, was excellent. The Rolling Stones are showmen, through and through. The crowd really went nuts when Keith Richards sang a few numbers.

"This is awesome! I can't believe how much energy they have. This is awesome! It's cold out! Mick Jagger is running around like a lunatic! And the stage! I can't believe this! This is awesome! Did I say that already? Heather's parents are singing along with every song. Crazy hippies..."

Photo: This picture was taken about ten rows back from their seats. They were so close you could see their wrinkles.

October 7, 2006

Mick and Heather Have Thanksgiving in Weyburn

When the table seats nearly 30, you know you're in for a feast. Heather's sister, Pam, hosted Thanksgiving dinner and Heather's Aunt, Gloria, did the cooking. This year the Nelson clan converged with cousins from as far away as Grande Prairie and Fort McMurray.

"Twice a year we see all these people. It's too bad it doesn't happen more often," Heather noted.

Following the big dinner of turkey and all the fixings, the men all played the horseracing game while the women visited and got caught up on one another's lives. "The men don't need to visit," explained Mick, "Our visiting goes on between hands. We really don't have much to talk about."

The following morning Mick and Heather went to Regina for brunch with Mick's folks. Mick's mom always makes a fabulous spread for breakfast or lunch. They are looking forward to living in Regina again so they can visit more often.

Photo: Lots of room for turkey and toddlers here.

October 6, 2006

Mick and Heather Babysit Their Nieces

Since Pam and Chad were in Regina to see the Rolling Stones, Mick and Heather had the opportunity to look after their nieces, Emma and Ava at Heather's parents.

The afternoon began with some "Go Fish" followed by a couple hours of "Chase Uncle Mick Around the House."

Mick and Heather even took Emma out for a bite at Tim Horton's while they gathered the ingredients for the infamous Surprise Spread. Emma had a juice and a donut, and discussed the war in Iraq as well as Bush's monetary policies and the effect they will have in Canada. She also raised an issue she was having in her grade 1 class at school.

When they returned to Heather's parents house, Ava was ready for another hour of "Chase Uncle Mick Around the House" while Emma played a round of "Random Notes on the Piano Make Grandma and Grandpa Crazy."

Heather helped Emma with her homework after supper, while Uncle Mick kept Ava busy with another act of "Chase Uncle Mick Around the House."

 "I'm just glad they remember who we are," explained Mick, "They are growing up so fast. Someday they won't want to play games with us anymore. They'll just ask for our keys or try to get us to pull them beer."

Photo: This was a rare stoppage in running during one round of "Chase Uncle Mick Around the House."

September 2nd, 2006

Mick and Heather Attend Mick's Grandmother's 80th Birthday Bash

Mick and Heather headed to Stony Plain this weekend to attend one crazy party.

Mick's Grandma Rhoda (his father's mother) was inundated with friends and family from as far away as the Northwest Territories for the lively celebration. "I can't believe how far people came from," Rhoda commented, "It's so good to see everyone. I'm so happy!"

Rhoda's three sons emceed an afternoon of singing, stories, and even a play done by the birthday girl herself, with the help of some friends. Even Mick's mother got involved, when one of the actresses failed to arrive, she stepped up to the plate and joined in on the action. "I was a little surprised when Rhoda asked me to join them, but I think I did an all right job. Surprised, yes. Very surprised."

Mick and his cousin, Sara, gave a speech on behalf of the grandchildren. "Grandma cheats at cards," Mick announced.

Plans are already underway for her 85th birthday party, currently penned in for the September long weekend in 2011 at the Grace United Church in Stony Plain.

Photo: The crib tournament was followed with some line dancing.

July 29, 2006
Mick and Heather Go to Rock Island
Sure, Calgary and Edmonton have their folk festivals, and Big River has Ness Creek, but none compare to Fort McMurray's Rock Island.

This year's lineup included Sam Roberts, The Trews, Grady, Stabilo, Jeremy Fisher, The Novaks, and a few others. "It's fun to pretend you're 17 again," Mick explained.

The grateful crowd (not too many bands make the trip this far north) was lead through a series of hits and soon-to-be hits. Attendees ranged from newborn babies to senior citizens, and all were impressed by the drunken beer can throwing as well as the impromptu hotdog eating competitions.

"I really enjoyed dancing in the rain to Sam Roberts," explained Heather, "There was so much energy, and we really got to rock out."

Prior to attending the Friday night show, Mick was drinking and doing home renovations with their neighbour, Chad. By the time Heather and Sarah (Chad's girlfriend and Heather's co-worker) got home from work to go to the show, the boys were well into the bottle. Mick had even put an air nail through his finger. "I told him the nails were too long," laughed Chad, "and he nodded, then put two nails in. The first was through a finger, but he didn't notice until he tried to put the drawer down."

Despite the injury they still managed to make it to the show. "The booze helped," Mick noted.

Highlights of the Friday show included The Trews breaking into Queen's "Fat Bottomed Girls" or Gordie Johnson (from Big Sugar) joining everyone on stage for some of his prior hits. Saturday's crow-pleaser was Sam Roberts getting the entire crowd singing his rock anthems with him. It is a strange sight to have two thousand people shoving and pushing in a mosh pit singing along to "Where Have All the Good People Gone."

Pending the line-up for next year's Rock Island, Mick and Heather may return to McMurray to see the show.

Photo: Mick had a lot to drink. This was the best picture of the hundreds he took. You can make out the roadie pretty good.

July 10, 2006
Mick Starts a New Job
After 3 weeks off following a shutdown at Albian Sands, Mick decided to get back on the horse and started work at Opti-Nexen's Long Lake Project.

"The three weeks off of work were terrific," explained Mick, "I slept in until 7:30 every morning, and got to have lunch and supper with Heather everyday. I couldn't have had a better holiday."

The last time that Mick took three weeks off work was in 1993, when he was in his car accident and was drugged out in the hospital for eight days. He waited until he healed up to join Heather working at McDonald's again.

This is Mick's fourth job in the area. He originally came up for 9 days at Suncor's Firebag Project, then 18 months at Syncrude's UE-1 Project. "I think a few more jobs and I'll have worked just about everywhere up here. I wish I could get a job back home."

Mick's current contract will likely go on into 2007. After that, perhaps there will be a job at a coffee shop or at Rona in Regina.

Photo: If you click on the picture, there's an interesting picture that tells you what the plant does. Or what it's supposed to do. It's under construction, and should work as expected.

July 7, 2006
Heather's Parents Come to Visit
Just to show Heather's siblings that Mick and Heather are indeed the favourite kids, Heather's parents drove 1300 km to pay them a visit in Fort McMurray.

"Heather is our favourite child, no matter what we tell Andrew or Pam."

The visit began with Mick and Heather taking them down the highway for a view of some of the upgraders and large equipment on display along Highway 63. They also took Heather's parents downtown so they could see a few drug deals go on at the 7-11, and then barbecued up some steaks and veggies back home.

Day two included a big breakfast, then a visit to the Oil Sands Discovery Centre. "There's not a lot of tourist-type things to do that don't involve the oil sands," explained Mick, "I hope we don't bore them."

The final day of the visit started with a big breakfast again, some games and snacks, then Mick and Heather chartered a flight over all of the current plants and mines, as well as the new projects under construction. Over $100 billion is being spent in the area over the next 10 to 15 years, so there was plenty to show them. Following the flight, they all headed to "The Fish Place" for some seafood like they make back home.

"I'm glad we got to play some games. Watching Dad doing Charades was priceless. Any excuse to drink every night is welcome," exclaimed Heather. "Watching Mom go for a cruise with Mick on his motorcycle was fun, too."

The next time that Mick and Heather will see family is in October, when they go home for Thanksgiving. Rumour has it the Rolling Stones will be playing Regina then, so hopefully they can get some tickets.

Photo: Dave and Donna had a nice time seeing all the jumbo mining equipment in Fort McMurray (Dave is well over 6 feet tall). The tire behind them costs more than their Cadillac.

July 1, 2006
Mick and Heather Go to a Parade
To celebrate Canada Day, people in Fort McMurray load up their cranes and flatbed trucks full of people, put their corporate signs all over them, then drive them up Franklin Avenue for the "Parade." This year, Mick and Heather attended, and were presently surprised by the marching bands, Hawaiian dancers, and people on horses (where do they keep horses in Fort McMurray?).

"It's good that everyone comes out for these sorts of things," Mick explained, "I just wish they still threw candy. They don't do that anymore. What's up with that?"

Heather didn't like the parade as much as Mick. "I got home and realized I was bleeding from two horsefly bites. I bled all over. Those things must numb you before biting, because they really took a chunk out of me and I didn't even feel it." Once the larvae hatch under Heather's skin, Mick plans to help her pull them out.

Following the parade, Mick and Heather ate half a watermelon.

Photo: This was the closest thing to being a float in the parade.

June 17th, 2006
Mick and Heather Attend a Wedding
In a desperate attempt to get on Mick and Heather's website, their friends Mike and Vicki got married in Cochrane.

"They could've just come over for dinner or something. We could've made curry, had Mike dance on the table a bit, taken some pictures, you know, the usual," lamented Mick.

Heather was just glad to get out of Fort McMurray. "Vicki looked great and the weather was magnificent. The shopping in Calgary wasn't too bad, either."

The location for the wedding and reception was perfect, with the Rocky Mountains making an ideal backdrop. Following the reception, Mick took their rental car (a Ford Zephyr) and tried to set new land speed records through the mountain roads.

The wedding was performed by a lively pastor with assistance from Vicki's father, who may or may not be a minister of some sort as well. "He seemed like he'd done this before, and he talked a lot about God and marriage," noted Mick.

The reception was a hoot. Lots of speeches and good food. Mick and Heather ate as much as they could, filled Heather's purse with candy, then ran out the door as soon as the bride danced with her father (the usual Mick and Heather wedding experience).

Photo: Mike is a firefighter, so he feels most comfortable when he's carrying Vicki around in the manner he's been trained to do.

June 5th, 2006
Mick Picks Up His Motorcycle
Having received his training and licensing on the 4th, Mick is now ready to cruise the roads and highways of Alberta.

Mick bought a Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic from Echo Cycle in Edmonton. "It doesn't know any tricks yet, but after spending the weekend practising figure eights in a parking lot at my training, I think I can probably do some figure eights with it."

The first ride was a long one - back to Fort McMurray. "It was five hours of terror," explained Heather, who followed Mick in her car. "Cars were getting close enough to him that he could touch them. I don't understand why people drive like that."

Heather decided to fall back about a kilometre, so she wouldn't have to watch people tailgating on the highway. At one point in the trip, a car weaved between Mick and another biker without leaving the lane.

Heather has gone for a few rides on the back with Mick, and despite her voicing her objections to having a bike, Mick has caught her sitting on it in the garage with all of her gear on. "She sits there, like she's riding, but the kickstand is down and she's making the motorcycle sounds herself."

Photo: Here is Mick's bike - I can't believe we spent money on this thing.

April 1st, 2006
Mick Buys Motorcycle Gear
Heather now realizes that Mick is serious about getting a motorbike, as he picked up a helmet, jacket, gloves and goggles while she was at her yoga instructor training this weekend.

"I picked up the helmet and gloves from Argyll Motor Sports and the sunglasses at Regent Optical in Chinatown. The jacket was the best deal - I bought it on EBay. I tried it on at Echo Cycle but balked at the $695 price tag. I checked EBay, made on offer on a brand new one from an EBay store, and paid well under half that price. Now all I need is the bike."

Heather is beginning to accept Mick's decision. "He is carrying a lot of life insurance, after all. I suppose that if he wants to run around town making noise I should let him. At least he's not beating me."

Mick is looking to order his bike later on this summer, once he finishes building a garage in Regina.

"What? You want a garage now?" Heather asked, furiously.

Mick is taking the Alberta Safety Council's motorcycle training in June, and plans to get a touring bike so there is room for the "old lady" on the back.

Photo: Once Mick has his motorbike, he can hang out with fellows like this. Sweet!

March XX, 2006
Heather Hits the Big 3-0.
30 years ago, in a small hospital in a small town in Saskatchewan, Heather came into the world, screaming and hollering. She hasn't stopped since.

"I noticed that I hadn't been asked for ID in quite some time," Heather explained, "I thought it was just Fort McMurray, but maybe it's me."

For her birthday, Mick took her to one of Fort McMurray's classier joints - Pesto's Cafe.

"I didn't get her a cake, because I didn't think she'd want one. I thought a nice supper and some other gifts might do the trick, but she was really let down when there wasn't a cake."

Heather shrugs it off. "A cake would have been nice, but wasn't required. Now he's talking about building a garage at our house in Regina , and I still don't see a birthday cake here. What do I get out of this? He gets a garage, and I don't even get a cake. Or flowers, for that matter. Flowers sent to my office might have been nice, but he probably doesn't even know where I work because he never pays attention to me. Never!"

Mick picked up a beautiful card and some books for her as well. "Hey, we went to Montreal last month, for crying out loud. What does she expect? I bought her beer when we were there, and some clothes from Simons."

Heather is looking forward to their anniversary, to see if Mick does any better.

Photo: Heather has started shopping for the perfect pair of leather pants. Hot Pants!

February 28th, 2006
Mick and Heather Talk to Debbie Travis at the Airport
Debbie Travis, Canada's answer to Martha Stewart, wears no disguises when out in public. In fact, she even wears her hair and makeup the same as on her show, Debbie Travis' Facelift.

While waiting to be screened by airport security, Mick noticed Ms. Travis in line behind them.

"She's a lot more attractive in real life," Mick noted, "Not so frumpy or bossy."

Debbie's colours weren't very coordinated for the designer she is. In fact, her handbag, purse, shoes and shirt did not go with one another at all. Perhaps she left her colour pallet from her paint line by her bedside when she dressed for her trip.

"Everything was fine until Mick said something to her. I'm not sure what he said, but she just sort of looked at him, smiled politely, then let out an uncomfortable sigh of some sort," explained Heather.

Despite Mick's disparaging comments, Debbie still manages to put on her happy home decorator face and put out her TV shows.

Photo: Debbie loves to decorate! The look on her face is a lot happier than the one she had on when Mick spoke to her.

February 26th, 2006
Mick and Heather See Belle and Sebastian and The New Pornographers in Montreal
To celebrate their attorney's birthday a few weeks early, Mick and Heather flew him to Montreal to enjoy a concert at The Metropolis. Two of their favourite bands were playing, and the show was not to be missed.

Belle and Sebastian, from Glasgow, have been mainstays on Mick's MP3 player and in Heather's mixed CDs since they started dating. The New Pornographers, a Canadian superband, have more recently caught Mick and Heather's attention.

The Metropolis theatre holds somewhere in the neighbourhood of 2,500 people, with bars upstairs on the balconies and below. It was a little overwhelming at first, especially when Mick was trying to find their old school chum, Joey.

"I was standing by the bar, and he walked right up, said hello, then let me buy him a beer."

Both bands played all their hits to the mainly Anglophone crowd, but one hit was left out by Belle and Sebastian. "I really wanted to hear Lazy Line Painter Jane," explained Patrick, their attorney, "That's the one hit I came to see."

Heather, being a big fan of The New Pornographers, was ecstatic following their set. "That was awesome! I can't believe these guys aren't dominating the Juno nominations."

The trip was well worth it, as Heather had some shopping to do in Montreal, Mick needed some time off for work, Patrick needed some excitement for his birthday, and they hadn't seen Joey in almost five years.

Photo: Dimanche means Sunday. Fevrier means February.

February 25th, 2006
Mick and Heather Have Bagels and Fancy Food with Heather's Family in Montreal
Mick and Heather were lucky enough to spend some time with Heather's Aunt Helen, cousin Kathryn and Kathryn's husband Ron, while in Montreal. The three gave the couple an educational tour of Montreal, including the Wilensky Deli made famous in the classic Canadian novel The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz by Mordecai Richler.

Mick was even tricked into buying Kathryn and Ron a dozen bagels by Ron. Mick and Ron had ran into the oldest bagel shop in Montreal (St. Viateur Bagel), and Mick ordered a dozen half black, half white bagels with cream cheese, right out of the enormous oven. "I left them in the trunk of their car, so I sort of left them for them to have. I didn't even get to try them, though, so I felt like a fool."

Mick and Heather were also treated to a delicious dinner in Old Montreal at the Bonaparte Auberge & Restaurant. Mick and Heather both had the crème brûlée for dessert - they like the cracking sound it makes.

Photo: Wilensky Deli isn't smoky at all (when it's closed).

February 24th, 2006
Mick and Heather Visit the National Gallery
Being big fans of Norval Morrisseau, Mick and Heather jumped in a plane and headed to the nation's capital to check out the first aboriginal artist to have a major exhibition at the National Gallery.
Norval Morrisseau is the most original and important artist, native or otherwise that Canada has produced. Norval was the first to paint the ancient myths and legends of the eastern woodlands, stories previously passed down by the oral tradition. He spent his youth in remote isolation in northern Ontario, near Thunder Bay, where his artistic style developed without the usual influences of other artist's imagery. As the soul originator of his "Woodland" style he has become an inspiration to three generations of artists.
"I really liked the colours in the paintings. We got the headphones that explained the significance of each work, and I was blown away," explained Mick, "The paintings with the Europeans showing up and giving all the natives smallpox were something else."
This was not Mick and Heather's first visit to the gallery. Previous visits included exhibitions of the works of Van Gogh, Claude Monet, Gustav Klimt and Alex Colville.
Besides the Morrisseau works, Mick and Heather spent time enjoying the permanent gallery, including Heather's favourite work, Voice of Fire. "I just love the colours, and the grandness of it. It's a real piece of work," Heather defends.
If you are interested in purchasing a gift for Mick and Heather, many works by Morrisseau can be found at the Bear Claw Gallery in Edmonton.

Photo: Mick and Heather skated to the National Gallery on the Rideau Canal.

February (date witheld for privacy), 2006
Mick Turns 30
Ouch!

30 years ago, in a small town on the Saskatchewan/Alberta border, Mick's poor mother delivered a baby with gigantic feet. "With Mick, it was his feet that were big. With Quinn, it was his head, and with Zack it was his shoulders," she explained.

To celebrate both of them turning 30 within a month of each other, Mick and Heather are going to Ottawa and Montreal for a little holiday. "We're going to skate on the Rideau and eat at Schwartz' deli," explained Heather, "Maybe some shopping, too. We'll let you know."

With his new age comes new tastes as Mick has already started shopping for sports cars and Hawaiian shirts. "It's too bad that men shave their heads when they start going bald. I'm really looking forward to a comb-over."

Photo: Mick has been shopping for his new wardrobe. Ladies, look out!

February 14, 2006
Mick Makes Heather Dinner for Valentine's Day
Due to Mick's long hours and Heather's need to eat prior to seven each night, Mick and Heather rarely get to sit down and have a meal together. It's one simple part of their day that they've really been missing since moving to Fort McMurray.

Even when Mick has a weekend off they are usually out of town, so Heather has been missing out on Mick's cooking.

Heather was treated to Tikka Paneer, Fake-Chicken Masala, and a batch of saffron rice. "I made it a little on the hot side," Mick explained, "but turning red and sweating is so romantic."

Gifts were exchanged and plans were made for future meals together.

"It's so nice to sit down together," Heather noted, "and the fact that Mick tries so hard to make me something good helps."

Photo: Burn, baby, burn!

January 21, 2006
Mick and Heather Buy a Treadmill
In keeping with their constant pursuit of total fitness, Mick and Heather purchased a treadmill from Sears this weekend.

"You know me: athletic, health-conscious, good looking..."  explained Mick, "I love to work out. Love it. After getting up for work before five and getting home around seven, there's nothing I want to do more than sweat on a treadmill."

Mick and Heather have set up a fitness room of sorts, with room for treading and yoga. "The Saskatchewan discount we got from our fitness equipment salesman (he was from Wolseley) really helped make up our minds," noted Heather, "I do my yoga, and Mick walks. We plug in the iPod to the stereo, and off we go."

Since initially setting up the treadmill, Mick has added a laptop shelf to the apparatus. "I can play video games while working out. It's the coolest!"

In the past 13 months Mick has lost thirty pounds, and wants to lose thirty more. "I don't want to be known as a fat biker. I'd just like to be a biker." Apparently he is going to buy a motorcycle, as well. Hmmph.

The former reason for Mick wanting to lose weight was a visit to a snoring specialist's office, where the doctor told him to lose 80 pounds and called him chubby. "If you weren't so fat you wouldn't snore."

Photo: Mick and Heather's treadmill is considerably larger than this. Unless this is a giant mouse, and then it's the right scale. A giant, four foot mouse, give or take.

January 13, 2006
Mick and Heather Attend Mick's Mom's 50th Birthday
A surprise birthday party was held at the Golden Mile Bowling Centre in Regina for Mick's mother, Lori.

50 is really, really old.

Family and friends arrived early at the bowling alley, donned their Lone-Ranger style masks, and awaited her arrival. When she finally did arrive, it was so dark in the bowling alley that it took her quite a while to identify everyone, including her sisters from Alberta and British Columbia.

She was in tears when she yelled at Mick, who she didn't know was in the province. "What are you doing here?" Obviously the halloween mask didn't do enough to hide his identity from his mother.

Other family members, who she'd seen earlier in the week when they were "in town on business" apologised for lying to her when they'd said good-bye and "headed to the airport" in days prior.

Had it not been for her extremely gullible nature, the surprise could've been blown. "When we told her that Brit (Lori's niece) was on her way to Quebec from Alberta, and that she had to stop in Regina, we thought she would figure it out. Instead, when we were out for dinner, it made a lot of sense," explained Lori's brother-in-law, Larry.

"If I would've known I was going to see people I knew, I wouldn't have worn sweatpants," explained Lori, "I was wondering why Jim, Quinn and Zack looked so nice when we went to supper."

Further surprises for Lori included a day at the spa with the ladies, and more family meals and games throughout the weekend.

Photo: The Chinese love to gamble.

January 1, 2006
Heather Takes Out More Life Insurance on Mick
With a sense of urgency, Heather purchased another insurance policy on Mick.

This is the fourth policy on Mick's life, including his work plan, his whole life, and his prior term insurance. The new universal life policy allows investment within the policy and will eventually not have a monthly premium.

"I'm so excited for her. Now whenever she asks me how I'm feeling, I'll have to consider the reasons for her interest."

The other policies held will be surrendered, and Heather will invest the surrender fees elsewhere. She is currently planning a shopping trip to increase her marketablity if anything should happen to Mick.

"Mick has insurance on me, so I don't think it's weird to have insurance. He's going to die someday. Really, he is. I don't know when, but he will, and this policy will pay huge!"

Appreciating Heather's joy in the prospect of his untimely death, Mick is putting plans of his extravagant funeral down on paper. "I hope the Rolling Stones are still alive then," he explained, "because if they aren't, the people at my funeral will have to put up with Rod Stewart or someone, equally expensive."

Heather hasn't picked a maturity date for her investment, yet.

Photo: This representation of Mick's outline is very generous.