The Schraefel Farm

The Schraefel Farm

Adam & I traveled on a stormy Friday to Meadow Lake for his Zone camp weekend. We had spent the night Thursday with no power from 3 PM till 8:30 AM because of the frost on the power lines and the winds. The ol' house got pretty cold. We had a few Kerosene heaters burning to keep from freezing, but the smell is taking a while to disperse!

Adam was having quite a camp. He was feeling muscles he never even knew he had. It was a very intense high level camp with about 80 players from our zone. Near the end of the first game, Adam took a hard check into the boards. He immediately got up as if he was OK and took a penalty shot, went off and came back on for another shift, but he wasn't looking very good. The trainer came and talked to me after the game, saying Adam didn't know where he was or what was going on. It turned out he didn't remember anything starting from about last November, and was complaining about a sore neck. We took him to the hospital and it was clear he had absolutely no short term memory. For the next 3 hours through the tests and X-rays, he kept asking if he had just woke up and where we were. He was insisting that he never even wanted to come to this type of camp. He would go through the text messages on his phone, denying that he sent any of it. I explained what was going on, and I would show him the list of kids he was playing with and he couldn't believe it. He would then ask the same questions again and we would go through the whole routine again as if it never happened. Very scary for all of us. He stayed in the hospital that night showing very little improvement. By morning, however, after a good sleep, he had recovered 90 % of his memory, and was released with instructions to stay away from hockey for 6 weeks. To his disappointment, he is done for the remainder of the season. He has had concussions before, but none were this severe, so we are watching him closely, but he seems to have made a full recovery.

Derek's Friday playoff game was rescheduled for Sunday, and they handily won their first game of the total point series. Derek got a beautiful goal, but his Uncle Rob, future Aunt Amber, and Grandma Betty missed it because they left early. I can't believe they can find something more important to do than hockey. Stephen continues his playoff run on Friday against Prince Albert. It will be a tough series.

Clem

Home again. The boys and I went to Saskatoon on Friday to shop for a few items (i.e. clothes for them) and to take Derek to his Tier One tournament at the Jemini arena. They were beating Regina 4 -1 at the beginning of the second period when I had to leave to take Stephen to Warman for a playoff game. Derek's team ended up winning 9 -4, but Stephen's team didn't fare so well. They lost 5-3 in a back and forth game. It was a bit of a heart-breaker after last weekend's 7-2 win over Warman. However, it was the first game in the two-game total point series, and Kindersley got them back good on Sunday, beating them soundly, 13-4, in the old Klipper barn.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. I sent Stephen and Adam home from Warman on the Klipper bus on Friday night, and Derek and I were on our own for the rest of the weekend. His team played two more games on Saturday, beating two Saskatoon teams 7-0 and 5-4, and ended up in the "A" final Sunday morning against a very strong Edmonton team. We lost that game 12-3, but the kids played very well, and never gave up. We were so proud of them. That was the first game they lost all season. They were heart-broken, but being 8 years old, recovered quite quickly. They start playoffs on Friday, and will likely end up with the league championship. Stephen's team will advance to the semi-finals in his league. The finals are scheduled for the weekend of March 17 - my brother, Rob's, wedding. That could pose a fine dilemma! What kind of hockey fan gets married in March??

I ran into a few people from the old country - Luseland - this weekend in Saskatoon, Leo and Vicky Gartner, and Danny and Kelly (MacKenzie) Zunti. It's always nice to renew old aquaintances, and revisit old memories.

See you next week!
Chandra

Well, now that my heart is beating again, I figured it was time to once again post a bit about the Schraefel happenings.

I went to North Battleford on Thursday for a routine scope (day surgery), and ended up staying a bit longer. It seems my heart stopped while I was sedated. I'm a little disappointed that I didn't even get to see the bright light, but as someone said, at least I didn't smell anything burning. The doctors, and I use that term fairly loosely, don't have any explanation for the incident, so I guess I will pursue the matter with my own doctor this week. So when I finally got home late Friday night, I realized I never did get the scope, and I have two other problems for which I wasn't looking. Plus, it ruined our plans to make a weekend hockey road trip!

Adam's team played in Unity on Thursday night, and battled hard against the league's first-place team only to finish with a disappointing 4-2 loss. Adam got the two Kerrobert goals, though. The team traveled on Friday to Davidson for the second game of the provincial series and lost again. (Adam wouldn't tell us the score, so I'm guessing it wasn't very good!)

Derek's team won in Luseland Friday after school. Derek got to stay with his buddy and cousin, Corson, overnight - we were supposed to be on a road trip, remember? - and had a ball.

Stephen's team traveled to Waldheim (new rink, Olympic-size ice) to play Warman in the second round-robin playoff series. They won 7-2, and Stephen tells us he was +4 for the night. They play Prince Albert today in Kindersley, but that will be a tougher battle.

Things are slowly returning to normal since Clem's mom passed away. There are still disconcerting moments when I have to pinch myself to realize that it happened, but I guess that will go on for a bit, yet. We miss her, but don't wish her back to what her life had become. We are fortunate to be able to still use her house as a "waiting place" in town. The kids are very comfortable going there, and I just keep the freezer stocked with easy-to-microwave junk food and make sure the dishes get done once in a while!

The kids are home from school again this week - yeah. I'm praying the rink will be open often for shinny. Derek's team is going to Saskatoon on Friday for a Tier I tournament. This undefeated team may get an eye-opener when it runs into some competition, or at least that's what we're hoping!

It's been very cold here for about two weeks, so Clem is glad the forecast shows some warmer daytime weather coming up. He has some grain-cleaning to do, and things go a lot smoother when its warmer outside.

Better go. Hope all is well with everyone, and that you stop by again soon!
Chandra

Pictures

Here Carl, Just so you can feel real bad, we had lots of fun after. All the people Mom loved were there (except you of course). We laughed, told stories and sang. It was nice to see everyone and it was amazing that so many came. We had a party after prayers and watched a slide show, then went to Chris's the next day after the funeral. Chandra said Mom would have been annoyed if she knew anyone went out of their way to come, and she is right, but they came anyway and it was great. Lots of stories told about you by the way. Russ told some dandies about you and him in Calgary. 6 big grandsons carried Mom to her final resting place. Nick, Nathan, Stephen, Adam, Tyler and Brendan. She would have been proud!

Here are a few pictures taken at Chris's after. Quality is bad, not sure why. Anyway we missed you. Hope you are OK, as I know she is.

Lisa, Chris and Joanne

The 1955s
Mary Anne, Margie, Joanne, Donna and Clem
Sorry about the picture

Brendan

Mark Schraefel Crew

Pictures After Mom's Funeral

Aunt Jean Snell's crew all made it!

Gathered at Chris's house after!

Bobbie Sings!

Adam and Nick Schraefel

Trent, Cliff, Russ, Rob, Nathan, Stephen

The support everyone showed is amazing. Thank you everyone!

Looking for Carl

Carl,

If you read this, can you email me at
schraefel@xplornet.com or call
306-834-2426 or my cell at 306-834-8285

Tx.

Clem

Derek & Adam Hockey Pictures

Derek's Team

Adam's team
Look for the big boys in the middle back

Storm-stayed, and glad!

We survived the big storm today. Huge winds - gusting at least 60 km/hr - and some snow made for an interesting day. Clem took the boys in to school this morning, but we probably should have kept them home. The afternoon buses were canceled, so then we had the problem of getting them again. It quit snowing about 3 pm, so Clem went back in and got them. I was the storm-stayed one - pj's all day, and loving it! It's supposed to get very cold over the next few days. I don't know why we are always so surprised that it is cold in Saskatchewan in January!

We took Marj home from the hospital yesterday. She was in there for over two weeks, so she was glad to get out. I could hardly keep up with her and her walker on the way out of the hospital! She seems to be managing quite well for now.

It's been hockey-mania here since the New Year started. Derek's Novice team had four games in five days, and he fit in a game at the Atom tournament, as well. Adam's Bantam team has been fairly quiet, but they go to Rosetown tomorrow night, and then have a tournament in Kindersley this weekend. Stephen's Bantam team had their tournament Dec. 29 -31. They had some tough competition, and lost the "C" final. We had another road trip last weekend (they beat both North Battleford and Meadow Lake) and we are off to Tisdale and Naicam this weekend. To fill in the gaps, we like to watch the Flames beat the Oilers (the New Years' Eve special!!)

We had a pleasantly quiet Christmas. Only my mom and dad, my brother, Rob, and his fiancee, Amber, and my brother, Mark, joined us for Christmas supper. But my mom's family loves to get together, so my cousin, Bobbi, invited all who were around to her place for the evening. It was nice to catch up with some of the cousins and "outlaws". My sister, Lisa, called us from Moscow while we were there, and it was so good to hear her voice. My brother, Jason, and his wife, Terri, called from Victoria the next day while we were at Mom and Dad's farm. It was good to hear from them, too. We will all be together in March for Rob's wedding.

I think that's all the news (or at least all you really want to read!) I hope everyone had a great holiday, and that the New Year is treating you well so far. Thanks for stopping by!

Season's Greetings

I'm taking a break from Christmas baking, which I really love, to have a cup of tea and post our recent happenings. We had a quieter weekend than planned due to some bad weather. Two hockey games were canceled on Saturday, Adam's in Leader and Derek's in Biggar, so their mom got some work out of them instead.

Adam's Bantam teamed whipped Wilkie 9 -3 in Kerrobert last Thursday. It was great hockey, as Wilkie always comes looking for some action. They had a weak goalie that night, and ours played the best game I've ever seen him play, which would account for the score. Adam got a beauty goal and an assist.

Stephen's Bantam team won their game against Naicam on Friday night, but Stephen didn't have a great game. He was coming down with the flu, and had passed out at school and hit his head, so he wasn't feeling too peppy. We were trying out the new video camera, but didn't get too much footage of Stephen, as he was mostly sitting on the bench hanging his head!

Clem and I played for the Chamber of Commerce Christmas party on Saturday evening. It went well, and they asked us to bring some CD's to sell, so it was worth the trip in to town in a storm! I missed the Senior game, though, when Luseland beat home team Kerrobert. What a shame!

On Sunday we went to Rosetown with the Kindersley Bantams, where they got soundly spanked, 7 - 1. Stephen played a good game, but Rosetown was hungry, and they were all over Kindersley. It was disappointing for the team, as that is apparently quite the rivalry. Next time! Adam and Derek stayed in town for the day, mostly playing shinny at the rink. When we got to town, Adam was all by himself on the ice, and the rink was abandoned. He was perfecting his low shot. I guess we'll see at the next game!

Better go finish the baking (and wrapping and cleaning and decorating) before the big day arrives. Thanks for stopping by!
Chandra

Two funerals and what seems like about 51 hockey games later, here we are again. It's been a mild weekend, and the sunrises have been beautiful, coming up over Clem's new (and mostly still full!) bins.

Stephen arrived home about 10 o'clock last night from Prince Albert, where his team won the "C" final. They have finally broken their losing streak, thank goodness. It sounds like he had a fun weekend, perhaps more fun that I will ever hear about!

Adam's team went short-handed to Battleford on Saturday, and had to settle for a 7 -5 loss. They were down to eight skaters at one point, so they gave it a good try.

Derek was in hockey heaven this weekend. They hosted a four-team tournament on Saturday, and swept it big time. The scores were embarrassing. Derek got an assist, I think. He tends to do a lot of dipsy-doodling around the ice, practicing his beloved crossovers and such, and sometimes gets behind the play! He has a ball, though. They had another game on Sunday, with another embarrassing score, and Derek played net. We weren't able to be there, but apparently he didn't see a lot of action, so entertained the crowd by skating around the net and swinging the stick in big circles until he got it stuck in the boards. He experienced some mild panic until he got it unstuck!

I spent most of the last week at the church for various practices, services, and funerals. I joked with the choir that we should just bring sleeping bags and camp out. Our local Carol Festival, held yesterday, was a success again. It really is a lovely afternoon of music. Then the Community Choir entertained at the Pioneer Haven Christmas party last night. Tonight is our Candlelight Christmas concert, with three choirs and some individuals performing separately and then together for the grande finale. Clem has been pitching in as sound man, and does a great job. He sang for one of the funerals, as well, and wowed them all again. He is booked in for more now, although I think people should be careful about what they wish for!

Marj continues to manage in her home. I found her cooking a pot of soup on Saturday, and Clem got to taste test it later. He said it was great!

That's it for now. Thanks for stopping by!
Chandra

PS: You "anonymous" people should leave a name on your comments!!!

Beautiful Snow!

Snow is Great!

How can you possibly have more fun than this??

December. Already. Somewhere I've lost a month or so. If any of you are coming here during the holidays, please don't inspect the cupboards or the corners!

Well, the hockey didn't go so well this weekend. Stephen's team lost to Warman 4 -1 on Friday night. The Warman team was hungry! Adam went to Lucky Lake to play the Outlook team and lost 3 - 1. I didn't go along because Derek was sick with the stomach flu that has been going through the school. He had a yucky day, and missed his game in town against Biggar. Kerrobert won, though, with some ridiculously high score. Derek didn't get to church this morning, either, but was miraculously better when we got home. My insides are a bit questionable today, as well, but I did manage to get to church to play the piano. I warned the choir just in case I had to do a dash to the washroom!

The weather is milder today, but a cold wind is causing some ground drifting and a windchill. It's nice to be home for the rest of the day. Maybe some Christmas preparation can take place!

Lisa called from Russia and left a message. It was good to hear her voice. I think she is still finding it a bit of a challenge, but I'm hoping that as she gets to know the people there she will find it more agreeable. I'm going to use Dad's handy-dandy calling plan and try to reach her today. Thanks, Dad!

Clem and I took Marj to her doctor's appointment on Friday. She is experiencing some edema again - nothing new for her - and it seems if she doesn't deal with it right away she ends up in the hospital. Her arm is still sore but is healing. She can use her right hand a bit now, which makes life easier for her. I think she was glad to get out of the house for a bit - it's been six weeks since she broke her arm, and has only been out a couple of times for tests at the hospital. She even took us for lunch after her appointment! Thanks, Marj! With this flu going through our house, we didn't go for our usual Sunday brunch at her place. She likes to see everyone at least once a week, although now Chris has been doing most of the cooking for us. So we'll miss the visit and the brunch, but Chris will appreciate the break.

Talk to you all later.
Chandra

Back from the South this time

Stephen and I ventured to Swift Current for a tournament this past weekend. It was a shorter stay than anticipated, as Kindersley lost all three games, and therefore were not in the finals. Stephen played some fine hockey, checking guys left and right, and even got a goal - you won't notice it in the stats, though, since he tipped the puck into his own net! We got to come home on Saturday afternoon, but just caught the final buzzer of Adam's game in Kerrobert. Too much WalMart, I guess. It was nice to run into my cousin's son, Devin Heidt, whose son plays for the Saskatoon Frostbite (cool name!). Layken is a 2nd year Bantam, and an aggressive forward. A nice, polite young man, as well. I also chatted with some of the coaches for the Prince George team that was there, and this may surprise some of you, but they know the Schwab's. Small world.

Derek decided he wanted to be a goalie this weekend, and Clem says he did a fine job between the posts. His team beat Wilkie 12 - 2. I hope he got that goalie thing out of his system now, and gets back to his normal defense position!

Adam had a great weekend. His Bantam team beat Battleford 10 - 6, and Adam got two goals and an assist. In fact, his line got seven of the ten goals. He also spent a bit of time in the penalty box. He didn't do anything wrong; apparently the ref, Ian Fischer, was picking on him again! The Bantams traveled to Consort on Sunday for an exhibition game, but lost 7 -1. Adam got the only Kerrobert goal.

We got hit with our first real winter storm today. It started snowing late last night, and has continued pretty steadily all day, along with an east wind. It really looks like winter here now. (Maybe it will put me in the Christmas spirit...) It is -33 with the windchill, they say, although it didn't feel too bad this afternoon. It was quite festive singing Christmas carols at the Buena Vista this afternoon, watching the snow fall. The residents there really enjoy the music, and they almost all sing the Christmas songs, since they know the words.

Tonight is a rare night at home, but the rest of the week looks ordinarily busy. More driving coming up this weekend, as Adam goes to Lucky Lake to play the Outlook team (255 kms). Stephen and Derek have home games.

Stop by again for a visit!
Chandra

Back from the East

East of here, that is.

Stephen and I left on the Klipper bus Saturday morning for snow-covered Humboldt. The Klippers played a great game, and beat the home team 10 - 4. My dad's cousin, Doug Veness, lives in Humboldt with his wife, Vera. They have been involved with the hockey scene there for years. They came to watch Stephen play, and then took me back to their place for a wonderful supper (homemade noodles - yum!) while Stephen ate with the team. Doug and I went joined the Bantam team at the arena for the Junior game - the Junior Klippers fell to the Humboldt Broncos - and then Stephen and I went back to Doug's for the night. Doug thinks Stephen has quite a bit of Schraefel in him. Doug's Dutli uncle used to carouse with Bud Schraefel at times, so he knows the family. We had a great visit with them, and the hospitality was second to none. Thanks, Doug and Vera! Doug was a groomsman at Mom and Dad's wedding, and he is also my sister's godfather. And now another connection - he hums all the time, just like Dad. It is obviously a Veness trait.

The bus left Sunday morning for Warman, where we had a 1:30 game. The competition proved to be a bit stronger, although maybe it was just that our kids didn't totally show up for the game! They did pull off a 4 -3 win, but it wasn't pretty. A successful four-point road trip, though. A cold north wind blew us home in time to join Clem, Adam, Derek, and Dylan for supper.

Stephen and I are off to Swift Current this weekend for a tournament. Mom and Dad are hoping to join us there for some hockey entertainment. Derek and Adam will be staying home with Clem, as both have games in town for Minor Hockey Day on Saturday. They had this weekend off, except for Derek's practice on Saturday, so they are impatiently waiting for the up-coming games.

Adam's Bantam team played a great game last Thursday against the league's #1 team, Unity. They held them to a 1 - 1 tie until the start of the third period, but had to take a 4 - 2 loss. It was good hockey, though. Adam assisted the first goal, and spent a bit of time in the penalty box. He is a bit of an aggressive player. Must be the Schraefel in him. I'll have to ask Doug.

Adam and Stephen got their report cards on Friday, and they've escaped the forty lashes promised for failure. A little less talking and a bit more studying should make for better results next term. Stephen won first place in the school's division three art competition for Remembrance Day. He sketched a portrait of Bud in his navy uniform, and another of an older Bud in his Legion uniform, and combined them with a quote from Bud's headstone. It is very touching, and quite imaginative. Stephen is surprising us with his artistic talents.

Our yard looks a bit like a skating rink these days. Most of the snow we had melted just enough to turn into ice when the temperature dropped again. Last Thursday we had a very strong wind. The boys had a hard time getting to the house when the bus dropped them off - the wind was blowing them across the icy yard! It is milder today, and Clem is bagging some wheat to ship off to Vancouver. They grow wheat grass and turn it into juice which they sell at little kiosks for an exorbitant price. What a world.

Thanks for dropping by our little corner!
Chandra

Flames Fans

Uncle Rob sent these pictures of the boys night out at the Saddledome watching the Capitals and the Flames complements of Nexen Inc. and the Kerrobert Novice Hockey team, allowing us to have a quiet evening out. Derek had a ball. Thanks Rob!

Derek 8

Hockey Happenings

What a weekend! Adam's team tied Kindersley at three goals a piece last night, in a well-played game. Lots of penalties as the team gets used to the new "rules emphasis" enforcement, which, in English, means don't impede the progress of the puck carrier with your stick, I think. Anyway, I thought they were serving pizza in the penalty box, because so many of our guys kept going in there. Adam was the first to put his feet up for two minutes - I was such a proud mom. Stephen got a call a couple of hours before the game to fill in for an injured linesman, so he was busy, too. Derek ran the music during the breaks in play. He did a fine job, until he got hungry for a hot dog just after the second period. The third period was much quieter.

Stephen's team managed to hold on to the lead for a 5-4 win against Battlefords today. Stephen played a fine game, showing his strength in front of the net. Some of the smaller Battlefords players were bouncing right off when they tried to check him. After the game, we all went to the Kindersley Inn where the parents watched the football game (we won't go into that) and the kids played on the waterslides and ate pizza. We left Stephen to catch a ride home with another Kerrobert player, and headed back to Aunt Linda's to meet the gang. Derek had stayed in Kerrobert to play shinny, and Adam refereed a game in town this afternoon, so they were already there. There was a great feast waiting for us, as usual. Aunt Lorraine must have had six kinds of cookies, all delicious. My cousin Allan and Lori were there with their brand new baby boy, Andrew. He is just adorable. As Grandma Schan would say, he's a really nice baby - he has a nice head. (You had to know her...) My cousin Carla was there from Hardisty with her three little ones, and all the locals were there, too. Bobbi sang her newly written song, which I think she is planning to record. It made us all cry, so it's a keeper.

Another family history tidbit, just for Carl. And because we just observed Remembrance Day. John McCrae, the author of the famous poem, In Flanders' Fields, was a 2nd cousin to my paternal great-grandmother, Grace Fisher Veness. Grace was born in Scotland, as were John McCrae's parents, although they came to Canada as children in the mid-1800's and settled near Guelph, Ontario. John McCrae was a surgeon in World War I, and died of pneumonia (I think!) in France during the war. Stephen did a presentation on this distant cousin for last year's Heritage Fair at the school. John McCrae's great-niece is Giells Turner, wife of former Prime Minister John Turner. My dad is not all that fond of that last bit of family lore!

And I'm off for my little holiday tomorrow, so check back later in the week in case there's news!
Chandra

Russian Roots

My favorite sister, Lisa, has arrived in Russia to take up her new position as a teacher of English. She is currently in Moscow, which she described to our mom as "bleak". Sounds like home, today anyway! She will be teaching in a small town outside of Moscow, from what I understand. I am hoping she will be able to travel at some point to areas closer to the birthplace of our ancestors. They were Germans who immigrated to Russia in the late 1700's - early 1800's, but kept much of their ethnicity in their new homes in the Odessa region near the Black Sea. Perhaps Lisa will even meet some distant relatives, like we need more of those! Our paternal German ancestors were among the founders of a village called, very originally, Huck. What remains of it is now called Splawnucha (sp?). It is near the Volga river. Our maternal ancestors were in villages nearer Odessa, close to the Dniper river, I believe.

We have had warm but wet weather here. Clem was in Saskatoon for the SARM convention (I think I saw the back of his head on the news one night!), and they had freezing rain and snow. He holed up in a hotel for an extra night, but still had dangerous driving conditions on Thursday when he came home. The roads right around here weren't quite so bad, as we didn't have as much snow, but the dirt roads became quite icy as the snow we did have got packed down by the traffic and polished by the wind. Ah, the joys of Saskatchewan in the winter. Luckily, we have hockey to distract us! We watched the Kerrobert Pee Wee's do a job on the Elrose team yesterday, and stayed to see Eston show the Tigers how to play the game. I have way too much Luseland blood, I guess, because I still take pleasure in seeing the Tigers get beat! (Don't tell anyone I said that! The poor President of Kerrobert Minor Hockey may take even more flack.)

Adam's Bantam team is going to try to win their first game tonight when Kindersley comes to Kerrobert. Angus Phillips is heading up the coaching staff this year, so we expect no problems. Stephen's team is playing at home in Kindersley against the Battlefords AA Bantams tomorrow at noon. There is a parent get-together after the game, at which the parents can watch the football game (Go, Riders, Go) and the kids can swim in the hotel pool. We won't stay long, since our presence is also required at a family get-together at Aunt Linda's. Her son, Chris, is getting married next year, and his fiancee and her dad and step-mom are in town to meet the gang. I hope they're prepared - it can be somewhat intimidating, from what some of the Schan "wanna-be's" have told me. What with the "name that cousin" quiz at the end of the evening and all.

I am off to Saskatoon on Monday for a two-day retreat at Queen's House, so I will miss Derek's first home game Monday evening. I am confident that they will do well, though. I am a bit worried about Clem getting everyone to where they have to be from Monday until Wednesday, but I have made a calendar of events for him, so he'll likely manage his role as Mr. Mom.

Check back on Monday - I'll try to get you the results of our weekend games. You can also keep up with the Kerrobert teams at www.kerrobertminorhockey.ca

Thanks for stopping by!
Chandra

Update from the farm

We woke up Saturday to a layer of ice from an early morning rain, but luckily it only rained right at our place! Clem and Derek left at 7 a.m. for a Novice game in Macklin. Kerrobert was easily handling the home team, so the coaches decided to mix things up a bit. Ordinarily a stay-at-home defenseman, Derek "Big Bird" Schraefel got to play center, and turned out to be a goal-scorer. Four goals - two in one shift - and two assists. He was still vibing after the hour drive home!

Our two Bantams had the weekend off, except for Stephen's Sunday afternoon practice. I wasn't looking forward to sitting in Kindersley for two hours, but found to my delight that the football game was on TV in the arena lobby. I missed all but the end of the first half, watching the Kindersley/Unity Bantams play, but thoroughly enjoyed the second half. I thought of my Uncle Mark, and how he must have enjoyed that Rider win from the comfort of his Edmonton home. I also thought of my brothers, Mark and Jason, who were at the game. I've quit thinking about Jason since I learned this evening that he was cheering for Calgary. Some people just don't have any loyalty.

Speaking of which, I also enjoyed watching the Luseland Mallards defeat the Kerrobert Tigers in the SWHL league game in Kerrobert Friday night. Adam and Stephen talked me into taking them, and I'm glad I did. Luseland has some real talent again this year, and I got to catch up with some long-time friends I don't get to see often enough.

Clem leaves tomorrow for the SARM convention in Saskatoon, so I will be a single parent for a couple of days. It shouldn't be too hard - I'll just hang out at the rink, feed the kids rink burgers and wait for the practices to end!

Thanks for stopping in!
Chandra

Schraefel happenings

Another very busy weekend, which I suppose will be the norm for the winter!

Stephen played two home games. They lost the first (should have won!) and won the second, after a "pep" talk from the coach before the second period!!! Stephen got a goal from the point, but broke his favorite hockey stick during the game. Now he's using what would have been his mother's new winter coat!!!

Adam went to "Take Your Child to Work Day" with a friend of ours who owns a furniture/electronics retail store in Unity. It sounds like he had an eye-opening experience; maybe school isn't so bad after all. His Bantam team started practicing this week, and I think they will have a good year. Adam is getting to be a very good skater, and a strong right-winger.
Clem and I took Derek to Calgary on Monday so he could take Uncle Rob to the Flames vs. Washington game. I'm not sure which one of them had more fun, but they both enjoyed watching Ovechkin play. Anyone who can rock Phaneuf and Regier like that is to be admired. Rob and Amber (well, maybe just Rob) asked to have Derek for a sleepover, so Clem and I had a very enjoyable evening browsing a mall and sampling one of Calgary's finer dining establishments. We both returned home much more relaxed than when we left. The DVD player with headphones in the van might have had something to do with that, as well, as Derek hardly said two words all the way home. Probably a record for him.

Marj is recuperating in her own home from her broken arm, with some care from the family. Cathy stayed for a week to help, and now Chris is home from Mexico to check in and provide whatever Marj needs. The bone hasn't set straight, but Marj decided she won't be pitching any ball games anymore, so it probably doesn't matter!

My sister, Lisa, has left the country again, this time for a position in Russia as an English language instructor. She starts next week, in a community near Moscow. We follow her escapades via her blog (www.lisahuck.blogspot.com). You might enjoy doing so, as well. She is an excellent blogger.

Clem's new position as president of Kerrobert Minor Hockey is proving to be very challenging. Hopefully things will settle down a bit in the near future so we can just enjoy the boys' recreation of choice.

Until next time,
Chandra

The Schraefel Farm

Stephen and Chandra got home late last night (2:30 AM) from a Northern road trip to Prince Albert and Shellbrook. They won one and tied one. Not a bad road swing. They are 2-1-0 so far.

Marj broke her arm yesterday, while her and Cathy were making supper for us. It was a really good supper though. She is home and seems to be alright, but I can't imagine it will make it very easy to get around.

Adam is pitching bales with a neighbor today as he did last weekend. Their football team lost in the playoffs so now they can concentrate on hockey. Derek started power skating which will run every day for 9 days and then they will start playing hockey. You will be able to follow the hockey at www.kerrobertminorhockey.ca