This is Ziggy. For almost two years now she’s been the unofficial mental health coordinator for the Lowetide home. Not 20 pounds and now nine years old, she barks when she shouldn’t and there’s toilet paper under every bed, chair and table in this house, but many times over these months that little dog has lifted the spirits of the four souls in this house in a meaningful way. Ziggy never went to college, doesn’t own a computer and I’m afraid to ask about her savings account, but I love her with all my heart. Man’s best friend. Yes, but double it and double it again. That’s Ziggy to me.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
I hope your family is close to you this Christmas, if not in person then in spirit. We’re many months down this road and even the most independent and healthy souls on the planet surely have some frayed nerves. How long can we say “when things get back to normal” when normal is so long ago?
Don’t know. I consider myself fortunate, our little family of four lives in the same house and gets along well enough to last 21 months together without incident.
Mrs. Lowetide is doing well, tireless and keeping things rolling. I’d be lost without her, wish I had one of those Star Trek transporters to get her to Medicine Hat. She hasn’t seen her Mom since August 2020 and hasn’t been in a room with her since summer 2019. No hugs from Mom for more than two years. Her Mom is 95. That might not seem like a big deal to many, but for the woman I’ve been married to for almost 39 years it would mean the world to have a cup of coffee with her Mom, maybe re-pot some plants, make a meal together, drink brandy and reminisce.
The kids are well, they have been able to see their friends more often this year, and work has been more plentiful (by the way, if you’re looking for a data entry person, or someone to MacGyver a podcast, or someone who can make a complete video game in a day, let me know) so that’s good news.
Their dreams and plans have been delayed by the pandemic, they’re doing their best to piece things together. I wish so much I could help them more than I do, but my life experience at that age was completely different and you have to let your kids find their way, too.
I’m good, but I’m frustrated. I’ve always found a way to fix what’s wrong. I can’t fix these things and it’s taking all I am to be patient and let things play out, this is really difficult for me. Mrs. Lowetide is helping me stay (she was good with Ziggy on that too) but the months and months are a strain.
I don’t know how my Dad lived through spanish flu, the dirty 30’s, polio and World War 2, but he did and came out the other side with enough energy to be a very good father.
I think the answer is to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. My frustrations are minute compared to those being rushed to the hospital, or waiting for vital surgery, or trying to make ends meet in a pandemic.
I’ve devoted myself to doing my part, which includes shots, masks, distancing, washing hands, supporting my family and friends in the best way possible, and being a positive resource whenever possible. I’ve also given myself license to express frustration, but not about how much money the government sent to people who needed it and the fact a third shot is required.
Men of my age, we can be a help or a hindrance. I’m going to be a help. Don’t know what it looks like, and I’ll probably cause more work for somebody, but it’s all I can do.
I’m grateful for all of my blessings, and wish the same for you. Let’s you and me be a positive influence wherever possible. Merry Christmas!
I’m late to the party but: Merry Christmas!
I am so lucky to be able to follow along. Thank you for your humanity LT. 2022 is a year for integrity. Let’s do it together.
Per Holland the other day, the plan was for the team to practice tomorrow – they were going to take rapid tests prior to practice as well as PCR tests – won’t fly anywhere until the PCR test results were back (plan was to fly to Calgary on game-day, Monday).
With no Monday game, I wonder if they’ll wait for the PCR tests to hit the ice.
Either way, here is hoping no positives come out tomorrow.
The flames need to re-sign Gaudreau, Tkachuk ($9M QO), Mangiapane and Kylington this offseason.
Marry Christmas!
Good thing their TWO best defensemen are locked up for less than Darnnel Nurse will be paid.
And they’ll have more than $31 million in cap space to work with as well as ZERO dead cap space.
Other than that….
Cool!
$31M in cap space to get those four players signed and only EIGHT others. $51MM committed to 11 players, not including those 4 (3 of their top 3-4 forwards).
The gift that keeps on giving….
Merry Christmas to all.
This is a special place and I thank you all for making it so.
Merry Christmas LT and everyone that’s part of the wonderful community.
It’s -26 here in Edmonton today, boy is it ever covid outside.
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZM8TTMYLL/
Merry Christmas Lowetide,
From the bottom of my heart, I sincerely thank-you for keeping us all sane while the Oilers try to drive us mad.
You & your blog are a true gift that I am most grateful for.
LT, this post made my year. Thank you for sharing your view of the world and the goings on of those special to you. Your perspective and insight make me a better man and my family better for it. I’m bloody grateful for this blog and the community that reads it. Even you, DSF 🤭😉
Merry Christmas everyone. I’ll drink a couple bourbons in your name today. And: I forever wish loss and hopelessness to our cousins to the south in Calgree. May they forever experience ‘close but not enough’.
Thank you Allan. Thank you so very much.
Season’s greeting all
Another 15cm in Squamish this morning, on top of the 45cm that fell in my driveway earlier in the week
A white Christmas on the south coast indeed
Here is to hoping that ’22 brings better fortunes for us all – a healthy Holloway would be most welcome
And Smith
And Klefbom
And I wouldn’t be too upset if Archibald was able to go as well
Yeah. While I myself am an immunizer, I have nothing but empathy for Archie. He is after all just a young man that’s probably full of piss & vinegar. Defiance of authority has its virtues. But I won’t forget that shot at Stanley in game 3….
All the best this season to Lowetide, his family and this community. Much thanks for your knowledge and kindness.
All the best to those who have lost loved ones, lost out on moments in time and shared experiences. There will be an end to all this. Who knows when though.
Many thanks to the Oilers who give me great joy and heartburn.
long time reader, but infrequent poster. I read a lot of oilers blogs, but only one daily. Thanks for your insight and the manner with which you govern this forum. Best wishes to all.
Merry Xmas and happy holidays from NL, with girlfriend and cat (Dalwhinnie) in tow for a nice quiet night in St. John’s.
I can’t echo enough the sentiments already shared about this community and faithful leader. Thank you to all and hope we can all enjoy some fine local craft beers or 18 yo Highland Parks if we are so inclined.
Merry Christmas, Al (and everyone)!
A beautiful piece this morning. I love to hear about your family and I am happy everyone is doing well (relatively speaking).
Thank you so much for all your hard work, the insightful and compelling prose, and for providing an escape for many.
I hope you and your family have a great 2022. You are a treasure.
Merry Christmas to all!
We have been blessed this year despite COVID. 4 kids. All thriving. One near us in Calgary. 2 in Edmonton. The 4th is in Halifax. She surprised us all by “mailing herself” to Calgary for the holidays. Hurt like hell to put her back on a plane this am. But mom and dad were thrilled to have all 4 together for a few days.
I am an interventional cardiologist, and haven’t seen a patient due to personal illness and COVID for 30 months. I am immune compromised from illness and meds. But I have decided “enough is enough”. God willing I’m going back to work in January. It’s time to go back to looking after people and not worrying so much about myself.
I hope for clarity of mind and vision for all of us. And to at least be aware of our biases even as we speak them.
And thanks Al. What a blessing is this site!
Well, the positive side of the super high transmission rate if omicron is that it shortens the wave—available networks of people get burnt through so fast—so we should be well under the two months tenure of the other waves. It’s quite a different level of danger when at a low level than at the crests of these waves, so hopefully it all works out for you and you can get back to your patients without issue.
Thank you. May you be blessed with better health in return.
Happy Christmas to El Señor Lowetide and those who dwell within this weblog.
We are back in wintry Sask today after nearly a week visiting the outlaws in St. Albert and my folks on the return trip. Gifts have been opened, enhanced coffee is being enjoyed.
From the management and staff of Tarkus Inc., here’s hoping 2022 sees you fitter, happier, more productive…
Out of all the things that helped Mental Health, and helped things seem normal… was you, LT.
Thank you.
This blog is like the balance photo in life.
Thanks LT, as always timely words of hope and perspective.
White Christmas on the Island, having shovelled out 2 elderly neighbours driveways, I couldn’t chase the Leonard Cohen lines “I ache in the places where I used to play”
Still, ’22 will be amazing. Let the Oilers be a part of it!
Merry Christmas everyone and to all the Scandinavians, enjoy your lutefisk!
Merry Christmas to one and all. I visit here daily but very rarely post.
I remember Alan from the pre Lowetide days at HFBoards many many moons ago when he and Kim – RedTwilight RIP were the voice of reason.
I love the Lowetide posts about his family and family life.
2021 and the last 20 months has been tough for so many people. My wife lost her Mum this year in February.
I will always reiterate Lowetide’s advice he gives in his posts Phone your Mum, you Dad and your loved ones regularly.
Take care everyone and here’s hoping 2022 brings you all you wish for.
A kid who can program games who needs work should go hang out on Discord channels and find a metaverse, gaming, NFT, crypto or blockchain community they like, and they will likely be able to find employment. There is massive venture capital money pouring into those spaces around the world, and the employment by the startups and DAO’s is decentralized around the world. Even if it is just as a side hustle.
And in many of those communities, one can demonstrate ones worth by doing instead of by credentialization.
The thing about the tokenization of the world is that, in addition to salary, tokens represent universal basic equity/assets.
And since QE is not likely to abate anytime soon, asset price inflation is the primary result of that form of “money printer going brrr”.
I am curious if there are any alt coins you would recommend looking into. Lot of interesting projects out there, it’s almost a full time job trying to keep up with them.
I’ll explain my current overview of the space.
I’m still pretty old school. Gold, silver. And the OG of crypto. #GetOffZero
I am not interested in investing or staking in DeFi. If I were younger, I might, but I am over 60. I don’t have to squeeze every penny out of my assets. And well, one should be wary until stablecoins are regulated. This is the space the governments are most concerned about and where regulation will come first.
I watch the other layer 1’s. But my starting point is sort of a “maxi” philosophically (gold bug dipping a toe…a leg….into the crypto pool).
(i.e. I saw the multi-year head and shoulders bottom in the ETH/B… ratio, but couldn’t bring myself to #GetOffZero on ETH).
The way the alternative layer 1’s moved last year does make on reconsider one’s “religion”. (But I am old enough, that the OG of crypto is probably enough for me…I don’t have to move out on the risk curve.) The Canadian exchange I use didn’t add some of the other layer 1’s as an option until a month ago, and I didn’t have the infrastructure set up (i.e. to buy them via metamask or ledger live).
Not your keys, not your coins. But the old fogey cheat way of getting off zero for the OG or ETH in Canada is to DCA into the “physical” ETF in your TFSA.
Technologically, Solana is the most interesting of the other layer 1’s to me. Ethereum is the most established, but it going to undergoing the massive change of proof of work to proof of stake and multishards in ETH2.0. The chain is congested and the transaction fees are high, but it has first mover advantage as the first smart contract chain (and the largest developer community). Avalanche and TerraLuna are the other potential ETHkillers out there. (Ethereum was too focused on being an alternative “money” to the OG chain, and let other smart contract chains into the game, by becoming too expensive to use.)
There will probably be a multichain smart contract world (in addition to the OG monetary chain.) Relative value of the smart contract chains will be determined by their usability for NFT’s.
It is Ethereum’s race to lose. If they execute a smooth transition from proof of work to proof of stake, and successfully transition to a multi-shard ETH2.0, and get the transaction fees down….
NFT’s are presenting the first real rationale (for me) for holding other layer 1’s other than the OG. NFT’s will be the gateway drug for mainstream adoption of crypto. (It is ridiculously early here, but it is moving at lightspeed.)
If one has real interest in a community/project and if they use/create NFT’s or have a DAO, then that is the way to go in this space at this point. (A DAO is a distributed autonamous organizaton, often with a utility token and a governance token…basically a new structure for project management with a diverse set of stakeholders). Groups or communities will be organized around NFT’s or DAO’s. (Lowetide could ultimately mint an NFT to organize this community…it will be extremely easy via blockchains to stream payments from users to creators via a smart contract, NFT, or DAO).
NFT’s are in a bubble right now, but they are the future. The market with correct or crash at some point and then the real transformation of media, art, music, and gaming (and most everything will begin). The transformation to the creation of The Matrix…er..The Metaverse.
There is also a twilight zone inbetween where there will be Augmented Reality in the Real World. Half in the Metaverse and half out.
The “maxi” in me knows that all of this can ultimately be built in layers on the OG chain, but because the OG chain is optimized for security (since it is the first alternative money to gold), and thus development on it progresses slowly relative to the proof-of-stake VC sponsored alternative smart contract chains.
So this space will likely bifurcate into the NFT/smartcontractchain world and the OG monetary chain world. An asset metaverse space and a monetary space.
And they both will have to make their peace with the central bank digital currencies that are coming. (Contrast to our current massively financialized world vs. the real world).
The Metaverse is not likely going to be able to run on windmills and solar panels, so the real world will matter too. The oligarchal neofeudal overlords will prefer real Hawaiian beaches to the ones in the metaverse.
So will I invest/trade something other than the OG, probably, but I haven’t yet, because one has to have some skin in the game to really learn. But it will probably be with money I can afford to lose…i.e. trading small. I think I have time, since I will probably wait for an NFT project to chose the smart contract chain for me.
Damn, your post covered a lot I have been looking at and thinking about lately.
Seeing big companies like Nike start pushing into the NFT space by acquiring RTFTK is exciting. You’re right, it’s going warp speed especially with companies pushing into metaverses.
In addition to NFTs though, one thing that I think is really going to blow up are games on blockchains. Definitely keeping my eye on BoredApes as I understand they are looking into making a crypto game. It won’t be long before more and more people take up playing video games (not as streamers, or currency farmers, or tournament winnera) as a profession to earn cryptos or NFTs to sell. Already it’s crazy seeing digital spaces in crypto games selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
I have been trimming my portfolio down to focus more on Luna/Avalanche/DOT/Kusama, etc. In addition to some of the stable coins (BTC, ETH), with the occasional dump into a meme coin when it has hype and marketing behind it. Although it can only take a crypto so far (*cough* Cardano).
Thanks for your thoughts on this. Exciting times.
Found this in the inbox this morning.
Merry Christmas to LT and the gang… I don’t say hello as often as I should, but know that I am always lurking in the shadows… keep up the great work LT! Happy holidays!!
Merry Christmas, everyone. Hope everyone is enjoying a special day filled with light and love.
And while I do enjoy LT’s Christmas stories every year, please allow me the hubris to point out that every hindrance is a help to something else, and every help a hindrance to another.
Make sure when you’re choosing to be a help or a hindrance that you’re helping the side of love and light, and hindering the side of darkness.
And maybe if enough of us do, we can return our nations to standing for the values that Christmas represents. Or at least, that’s my Christmas wish.
Happy holidays to all. Hope you have the best day.
Merry Christmas all!
Thanks LT, an every day haven you have here, much appreciated.
Geez, great words LT, well said. Ever think of putting yourself out there for some political office? Give it a whirl… 🙂 Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays folks.
Personally, I’m waiting for LT’s book. It would be a first day purchase for me for sure. “Tides, Low and High: A Hockey Story”
Merry Christmas to all here on the blog and beyond.
May your holidays be filled with love, family and happiness.
Happy Holidays LT!!
Great words as always. Glad to see your family is doing well in these times. Sounds like you are ready to flip the page. I am as well. It has been an exhausting 2 years.
I am GRATEFUL for my family and their Health, some World Junior Hockey and a Fun Oilers team to follow !!
Enjoy the Feast tonight all !!!
GO CANADA GO !!
LETS GO OILERS !!
Thank-you Lowetide for all the sage advice and hockey conversation.
I cannot imagine a better way to come home after work and mentally unwind for a few minutes.
Merry Christmas to all, you all make the site what it is.
Wish you safe times ahead and visiting time for those you need to see.
Rugby
Seasons greetings to you and your family Mr. Mitchell. I have been a faithful daily reader for many years but never commented before this. I appreciate the transparent humanity that exudes from your writing about your family. I lost my wife of decades and a two brothers this fall so the importance of family should never be diminished.
On the hockey front, some day I may write about sitting in a dressing room and having a discussion with Eddie Johnson about whether he should draft Mario. Good times!
Condolences, and well wishes to you.
Hope you find it in you to post more often.
So sorry for your loss, Morley. That’s an unfair turn and I hope you have plenty of support.
As for the EJ story, share when you can! Would love to hear it!
Condolences to you, what things to go through so quickly.
I know many of us here now want to hear that story!
(Apologies in advance if this needs some work and is a bit corny).
To my fellow Lowetidians:
May our 5 on 5 scoring go on a tear,
May our PDO soar high and stay there,
May our goaltenders’ shutouts be a little less rare,
May our injuries be minor and limited to our bottom 6 and third pair,
May we forgive Kenny for trading Ethan Bear,
May our discussions be insightful, witty and fair,
May we be tolerant of all including Harper’s Hair,
But most of all, may you all have a Mariusz Czerkawski and a Khabibulin this year.
Merry Christmas all from the maritimes!…Always enjoy your more poignant verse LT about home and family…makes us realize and appreciate our good fortune!…we still get together albeit by zoom (seven brothers and sisters) once a week and most of us in the senior capacity…we remind each other and cringe and giggle about our life together as siblings ( nine folks, one bathroom, gravity furnace) in edmonton in winter …ha…thanks for all you offer us LT and all the best to all lowetidians…Go Oil!!!
Thanks for he lovely story LT
Merry Christmas everyone.
Merry Christmas LT, to yours and all!
I watched the “triple dog dare you” movie yesterday, as I always do, and this year it seemed to help more than ever to ease some of the frustration of the past year. Covid seems to be this generations “war” Thanx for all you do here and all your patience.
Merry Christmas from snowed in Nanaimo 🎅
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone. I guess I am fortunate living in Florida through this pandemic. Other than wearing a mask to get groceries (and it’s not even required) I have managed to basically ignore covid. I travel all the time, I have flown more in 2021 than since forever. To get outside I decided to go get all my certifications for sailing. I have spent many many hours on Biscayne Bay. I get tested every couple of weeks and so far so good. Now let’s just make it to the finish line! Reading DBO’s comment below, I think I have been here 15 years or so as well. How can we find that out? I checked my profile but nothing there.
Cheers everyone!
Merry Christmas, Mean as Hell. I have your first comment at May 15, 2012, which is nine years, but you may have lurked or used a different username previous to this one.
And now, without further delay, here is your first post at Lowetide:
I too think Renney is gone and it does not really matter to me how it is handled. I guess I am not as sensitive to these things than others. Look at Hunter in Washington, came in and turned the team around but outlived his shelf life in about 5 months. If this was the Oilers people would be up in arms. In Washington it’s known as Ovie’s team.
As for who the oilers brings in, please no Ralph, MacT can be in management but I think Gretz would do better. As for coach, all I know is I want someone aggressive, who will abuse the media and be tough but fair with the players. Torts-like, just not Torts!
I always had the same handle and it was long before 2012! Quite the first post! The more things change, something something!
Merry Christmas to all. We are truly blessed in our household. My wife is working hard getting Christmas dinner together. We will have 8 adults and 11 grandkids. Should be a zoo. We managed to get the rapid test kits as well. My wife wants to go to Radisson to see her mom soon, we will use the kits before we go. Hopefully some warm weather and no snow for a couple days would be nice.
We do our Christmas dinner on Christmas eve. We had talked about it for years and finally last night we roasted a suckling pig. Took 8 hours but it was very good!
Sounds good, nap time here now. LOL
Merry Christmas to you and your family,
I have an Aunt in Medicine Hat – she is 102. these “old” people are tough – survived lots of adversity – we will too…
And she is still sharp as a tack
Mr. Tide bringing it 365 days a year, what a gift! When is that book going to be released?
Thanks for all you do for we on this blog.I know about the love one can have for our canine pals.I also have a 10 year old Shittyshoes named Oreo…Black and white.Just purchased two shitty puppies,and having a ball with them.Merry Christmas to you and yours,and to all who frequent this wonderful place.GOD BLESS ALL!
Merry Christmas Al. I lost my Mom two weeks ago today (Thanks again for the nice words on Twitter to me!) This Christmas has been tough. My Dad is a champ losing Mom after 56 years but we had a very long toast last night. Reading about your family has given me great comfort for years prior to this one, but this year even a bit more. I wish for good health for everyone who visits here as many of the people who post here also provide me entertainment and knowledge. I even like HH being the contrarian and I laughed so hard these last few weeks that I kinda want to thank HH and OP as you guys made me smile every day! Cheers all.
Merry Christmas to you too and may your tolerance continue to be a shining light in 2022 🙂
Merry Christmas Al and family and to all Lowetidians.
A bittersweet year in the Hair household.
Not being able to be with family has been tough and losing Chico, one of our Yorkies last summer was hard but Missy now gets twice as much love.
On the bright side, was able to sneak in between waves and finally get the hip replacement I’ve been waiting for…slowly recovering.
We don’t often get snow here, but woke up this morning to about a foot on the ground with another two feet expected today.
Will LD have to convince Mrs. Hair that shoveling is good for her fitness level.
Merry Christmas, HH. Snow in Victoria? Quickly washed away by rain I assume! My MIL had hip replacement and it took some time to recover and she had some setbacks so be careful! As for mentioning shoveling snow to Mrs. Hair, I’d let her think of it first. Might be the way to go. 🙂
We’re up Island and get a bit more snow…and the snow here is so wet it’s like shovelling cement.
3 feet of the stuff is daunting but your advice is well heeded.
Merry Xmas to all
first Xmas as a dad which is the best Xmas so far.
Merry Christmas! They’re all good when kids are around but none better than when they’re your own and they are excited for Christmas. Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Merry Christmas, Lowetidians! It’s been a rough go, but it’s good to have some perspective too. Thanks for reminding us of this, Mr. Mitchell, and, as always, your good humour and generally wise/positive attitude.
Merry Christmas, Tcho!
Damn Ziggy’s hair cut is sharp in that picture!
Merry Christmas and good health to you and yours
It’s an older photo, one of my favourites.
Merry Christmas to one and all. Happy Holidays to those that choose it. My daughter got herself a new puppy as a mental health tool. She tells us we have another grandchild to babysit at times. Came to my house yesterday, a four month old manure factory. A great dane pup.reminds me of JP on ice. Feet all over tongue out. His name is Louie why I have no idea. To all a Very good day,a day we all treat others as we wish to be treated and pray the spirit stays with us. Take care and keep the oiler faith going.
Awesome!! Say hey to Louie!
He only speaks a woofing tikanese.
Louie eh? Sounds like that pup has a Pooper’s Mentality.
As long as he goes to the blue paint
Merry Christmas everyone! May 2022 bring us health, happiness, Klefbom back on blue and at least a couple of playoff round victories. LT, thank you for your ongoing gift that is this site for all of us.
Merry Christmas, Hug!
As per usual LT well said and so thoughtful. Appreciate your optimism, your intelligent discourse and especially your light hearted take on all things Oilers. So greatful for this blog after all these years (I think I’ve been here for 15+ years) .
Merry Christmas everyone!
Merry Christmas, DBO!
Merry Christmas everyone!
May this season be blessing to you regardless of the details around it.
May 2022 be a comeback year for us all.
Great sentiment! Get Perron at the deadline!
Perfect!
What LT said… emphases added…
Merry Christmas all!
Merry Christmas, Brantford Boy! I always think of Fallout Boy when I see your name. I suspect that won’t be a compliment but my kids like them and their songs are catchy.
Would be nice if humanity could treat each other the way we treat the Ziggy’s of the world.
Merry Christmas, Clarke!