Spencer
Spencer started the year by going skidooing to the mountains with his cousin, Devon, and friends. On the first day, he went over a "Drop" (he said it was a big one, but not extreme), and when he landed, the compression damaged his right knee. He ended up with two operations on it, and had to keep all weight off of it for a few months.

Spencer had planned on attending his cousin's wedding in Costa Rica, but had to cancel. Unfortunately the tour company wouldn't refund his money, but gave him a credit which had to be used by the end of the year.

Instead, on Feb 17, the date of Sean's wedding, Spencer, Louise and I dressed up, went outside, and took a photo to send to Sean with a note that we were there in spirit even if we couldn't be there personally.



Spencer and his Skidoo


Spencer was off work for almost six months, and was very bored. He practiced a lot of guitar, watched almost everything on netflix, and even read a few books.

Spencer decided to sell his Skidoo, because he didn't want it sitting and depreciating for a year or more while he recovered. He got lucky and it sold almost immediately.

We gave Spencer our indoor Bike trainer, and he said he put a lot of miles on it, first just using it to gain flexibility, and then later to improve his strength.

When the Game of Throne's "Iron Throne" was discovered near Tumbler Ridge, BC, Spencer and a buddy drove 7 hours, and then stood in line for another few hours to get their photo taken with it. (Just prior to the final season of 'Game of Thrones', HBO decided to hide six full-size thrones across the globe and challenge fans to find them.)

While off work, Spencer decided to grow a beard. Since he is always required to wear a SCBA respiratory mask at work, he has never before been allowed to grow one. It was starting to look pretty good, by the time he had to go back to work and had to shave it off.

Spencer went back to work in May. At first doing light office duty and then back to his inspection work. He has put in a lot of hours since he has been back which killed his social life, but allowed him to save some money.


Game of Thrones - Tumbler Ridge, BC


Big Valley Jamboree

While technically he probably should not have been riding his motorcycle this summer, Spencer couldn't resist, and did go for some decent rides, including one to BC, one to Whitefish with his friend Nelson, and a trip to Calgary for his cousin Taylor's grad.

In August, Spencer and many of his cousins, and friends, all attended Big Valley Jamboree. It has become an annual event for them. Spencer borrowed our old motorhome and used it for the weekend. He even had Louise and I help him make a bean bag game for their drinking parties... (I helped with the carpentry, while Louise sewed the bean bags.) As usual, they all seemed to have a lot of fun!


Spencer also helped organize and attended his friend Cody's stag in the Okanogan. They rented a house on the water and spent the weekend boating. Spencer was also one of the groomsmen at Cody's wedding in August.

In September Spencer drove down to Calgary to attend the Canadian Country Music Awards. (I don't know where he got his taste for Country Music - it sure wasn't from me...). He said he had a great time and really enjoyed the music!

Cody's Wedding Party

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Beards - Spencer and Dad

In October, Spencer began a Masters of Business Administration program. It is an On-Line program which will allow him to complete it over two years without having to leave his job. He is hoping that the MBA will allow him to get out of the field and advance his career.

In December, Spencer went for a week to Costa Rica, using his travel coupon from earlier in the year. He rented a car and drove from San Jose, to La Fortuna by the Aernal Volcano, toured a few waterfalls, visited some hotsprings, then drove North around Lake Aernal, then to Monteverde, and finallly out to the coast for some surfing. He is still there as I write this, and will return in time for our family Christmas Dinner on December 23rd in Calgary.


After a full year, Spencer's knee is getting closer to a full recovery. He still can't run or jump, which means no sports, but hopefully that will change by summer.

Spencer wishes you all a...

Very Merry Christmas!






Cousins Graham, Spencer, Fallon, Carter and Devon


Cousins Devon, Fallon, Spencer and Carter


Spencer and Dad, building a drinking game for BVJ!


Game of Thrones - Tumbler Ridge, BC





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