There’s lots of voices speaking into lots of microphones these days. We recently signed up to CityTV+ mostly because I could watch the world series, so improperly named, to watch the Blue Jays take the trophy. With just 2 “outs” to the trophy it slipped through their fingers and they get to be second best! What a great series.

Meanwhile the number of channels continues to expand. I would like to get rid of one channel – Truth Social – what an improperly named channel that is too. Not much truth there, my friends. The Not So United States continues to spiral down with prices up, government shut down, conflicts on every front, the weak and vulnerable suffering, and political foes under attack on every front. Say you don’t support or like or vote for the man and keep looking over your shoulder. Does that sound like freedom to you?

A little closer to home “Steve’s” condo finally went up for sale. It’s the same layout as ours, maybe 40 square feet larger, and the asking price is $350K. No finished basement, but some updated features are in place; still work to be done. It will be interesting to see what happens. Slowly the community is transforming as the original owners pass on and new, younger buyers come in. By the way, I consider us to be among the “younger buyers”!!

The housing market for Edmonton is expected to show an 8 to 10% increase in prices in 2026. That would mean that our property has likely increased in value since our purchase in 2021, around 10% but the houses around us are selling for 15 to 30% more than we paid.

Did you notice that Haloween just went zooming by? Another pumpkin night over.

It was, as always a fun night for the kids, and Nugget went out on his first trick or treat night. He loved being around everyone and was happy to be out walking. I think the kids enjoyed having him along. At least it wasn’t snowing!

We tried something new this week – we went shopping with Nugget!! We have a bag which on one end that allows him to put his head out! We walked through the mall and he seemed to really enjoy meeting more people. You’ll note the theme – he loves people. And he does so because he believes everyone loves him! And look at that lovely sweater we got Wendy…she came out of the change room feeling rather good – can you tell?

Not a bad way to approach others, is it? In some of the leadership training that I have done we have been encouraged to approach people with UPR… unconditional positive regard. If you can have UPR you can really improve relationships and therefore communication.

I hope that things are well in your neighbourhood!