Having conversations with my husband Russ & other special guests as we talk about our life, our thoughts & how we live in this very unpredictable world. Thoughts that started while I was riding around on the tractor going in circles just like we sometimes do in life.
Today I am 58!!! I can hardly believe it! I am so grateful for all the life I have lived, the love I have & the people I have learned from. Life flies by….jump on & go! Thoughts from the Tractor.
I was gone for 10days, I learned so many things about myself & how I don’t want to be. Learning to listen vs interrupting & telling my story was a big one without being asked. Russ & I are going to work on this so we start listening & stop “spewing” just to talk! Thoughts from the Tractor.
Russ & I are continuing to learn from Leslie at Inner Sage. What in our life is medicine to help & heal & what is poison that hurts & makes us sick? We are having so much awareness with this. From eating, relationships & our self. So, we will choose wisely what we let in our life & give to each other. Thoughts from the Tractor.
Russ had a dream & I think it was a premonition of what is to come! I know his intentions are always good for me, sometimes I need clarification! Thoughts from the Tractor
Wow!!!! I learned so much about Russ in this podcast! He has helped me grow & I didn’t even realize it. Our relationship has gone through so many twists. I realize I was doing the twists, while Russ was calmly undoing the knots I created. Say what you mean, don’t be mean. Thoughts from the Tractor.
Have you ever been told you can’t or shouldn’t? When we do that to ourselves or others we take away the reasons to live. Our quality of life depends on what are purpose & passion is. What is yours? Find the reasons to put passion & purpose in your life. Thoughts from the Tractor.
Russ & I are in a workshop with Leslie from Inner Sage. We both will be learning about ourselves & each other. Individual growth is good but not at the expense of losing each other & losing our relationship. Together we grow, together we love, together we play….. Thoughts from the Tractor.
Going through my papers & journals I have realized that I am saying & wanting the same things I wanted 16years ago. From my battle with sugar & weight to my buisness ideas & plan. When will the madness stop! Russ gives me his perspective & I am listening. Follow through one task at a time. Thoughts from the Tractor.
Happy 2024! A new year & a new season. We don’t have to wait for either to reevaluate what we want to change or the direction we want to go. We are not putting that pressure on ourselves. Rest & Reevaluate anytime…. Thoughts from the Tractor.
Today is Christmas Eve & I was journaling about my health. I quit drinking over 18years ago & replaced it with sugar, without realizing it. I push treats like I pushed fun drinks. Today Russ & I talk about how I am going to change this & not wait for the “perfect” time. Today is the “perfect” time. If you would like to follow me on this journey, go to facebook & follow “thoughts from the tractor”. The right time is NOW, Thoughts from the Tractor.
After talking with a young couple that are friends of ours, I realized even more how much Russ has been patient with the way I WANT to communicate. I have learned so much from him. Men & Women do communicate differently, one isn’t bad or good, just different. Be nice, be respectful & grow together. Thoughts from the Tractor.
Spent a couple weeks in Mexico, met some great interesting people & connected with some amazing friends. I learned a valuable lesson about giving away my time & connections for free, when it is part of my work & I am on vacation. I left out Russ to help others, instead of resting my brain & giving skills. Learning my boundaries is as important as helping people. Thoughts from the Tractor
How often do we go away & our to do lists comes with us? Mine do all the time. Russ is able to stay in his nothing box in his head, meanwhile my wires are still firing & cross circuiting! So leave your lists at the airport! Thoughts from the Tractor.
2years ago today Russ finished his last Radiation treatment. We look back at the fog we went through and coming out the other side. Thoughts from the Tractor
We wanted to take a moment to acknowledge all those who fought for our freedom & right to live the live we choose. Russ talks a bit about his grandpa & uncles. Thoughts from the Tractor.
Russ & I talk about what helps to see the light of the next day. How expressing our self & having support from friends & each other makes such a difference. Thoughts from the Tractor
* Warning, this episode talks about Mental Health & feelings of Hopelessness.*. Russ & I discuss some triggers that happened to me & my feelings of being in a black hole & climbing out of it. The whole is getting smaller & I don’t go there very often, but when I do, it is painful, frustrating & scary. I find a safe spot to wait for the next sunrise & someone to breathe 1 breath at a time with. I don’t have to fix anything or be fixed….. just breathe. Thoughts from the tractor. talk suicide Canada 1-833-456-4566
I have come to realize from Russ that work can be fun! We have done so much work around the farm lately, but I have actually enjoyed it! Life is too short not to have fun with what you are doing & being with who you want to be with! We are turning our work into pleasure & being happy with what we do! Thoughts from the Tractor.
How often do we say “to be honest”? Why would we say something to openly lie to each other. I think it is a funny saying. Russ & I talk about this and being open to “listen” to each other’s ideas. Thoughts from the Tractor.
Trevor & I get to have another conversation about us both growing up and some questions he has for me. We never leave anything unsaid to each other!
I was able to go to Vancouver Island to spend 4 days with 8 Women from “Pick my Brain.” I have learned so much from these amazing women & even after all this I still want to stay married to Russ!!! No words can describe the impact this weekend has had on us all, but this episode will hopefully provide you with a blips into connection and conversation we experienced. If you want to learn more you can connect with me on https://www.pickmybrain.world/profiles/brenda-pelland-mcintosh/
I got to spend 24hours with Trevor! We decided to do a podcast about the way he was raised & his perception of life!
We just had my 40th High school Grad reunion. It was amazing!!!!!! We also are learning not to assume someone is too busy to get together, or they don’t need a call! Pick up the phone, have that visit, send a letter, make time to make the memories! Thoughts from the Tractor
Lots is changing in our life. As I struggle with it, Russ sees it in a positive light & that we have control. He is my biggest supporter & helps me to see the good & take back control over who I am. Thoughts from the Tractor.
To use a generator or not! Learning to let things go & not consume myself! Russ is really good at letting go….me not so much!
We discuss how we are coming to a place in our life that makes us happy. Everything we have done has led to this. Thoughts from the Tractor
I just realized Russ’s ploy to MAKE me like winter!!! Have a listen to find out how he did it!!!!
We have been MIA, doing life & travelling. We have been happy doing our life, it has been amazing. Live in the moment right now….no more waiting for the Big Bang of Happiness. It’s is right here. Thoughts from the Tractor.
We realize how much time we spend on our phones & not with each other. We are challenging & setting up our phones to let us know when we have reached our 30 mins on social media & other distractions. Time to Fondle each other NOT our phones! Thoughts from the Tractor.
After Episode 108, Russ let me know that I was not being supportive & we decided to talk about it. It may not be my dreams but I still can be supportive. Thoughts from the Tractor!
We discuss what holds us back from executing our dreams & ideas. What & who influences carrying them out or not. Treat people the way you want to be treated & don’t let anyone hold you back from your dreams. Thoughts from the Tractor.
I love Russ but sometimes, ok lots of times, I would prefer for him to just listens to my opinion. Some things for sure in our relationship are reciprocated, not always wanting an option isn’t!!! LOL! If you want to send us topics or your own thoughts or want to be our guest on “Thoughts from the Tractor”, email us at brendapm66@gmail.com
Funny how it’s easier to blame others for the way life is going and not look at myself! Thankfully, Russ is patient with me to let me figure out myself. Life is getting better & better & so are WE! Thoughts from the Tractor.
As we get thrown curve balls in our health, we realize our attitude & how we view these is how we will more than survive them but thrive from them. Russ & I talk about how we are facing the challenges of Health concerns. Thoughts from the Tractor.
We want to celebrate EVER PERSON from EVERYWHERE. Enjoy each other, celebrate what we all have to offer. Thoughts from the Tractor declares April 14th, “World People’s Day!
We are realizing are age gap is getting bigger as we drive in our own city. Frustration around directions & now having to rely on google maps is frustrating us…. Just a tad!! Thoughts from the Tractor.
Spending time with a blank wall, we are creating a future map of our life, our dreams for home, work & being together. Living our life in our own paradise where ever it is, right now it is HERE! Thoughts from the Tractor.
It has been a crazy month for us but we learned some valuable lessons. Spend the money to make the memories. We can replace the money spent, but not the people we make the memories with. Thoughts from the Tractor.
Last day on the beach of resetting with Russ. It’s not about the weather, it is about who we surround ourselves with. Thoughts from the Tractor on the beach.
We have realized how disconnected we have been during the last year. I realized by meeting other people they see traits in Russ & I that we have forgotten to see in each other. Sometimes other people’s opinion does matter. Thoughts from the Tractor.
I have learned so much about how to listen from Russ. I am a talker and he is a listener. We can learn from each other by not feeling we have to prove our knowledge. Listening is an art! Thoughts from the Tractor.
Each generation has had their ways of communicating to their kids. We have gone away from listening & discussing to telling & debating. Learning from each other is much better then learning from social media. Thoughts from the Tractor.
Good intentions, where do they lead? Is the road to hell paved with good intentions or to almost paradise? My imagination of what Russ should do is not fair, if he doesn’t know what those thoughts are! He has great intentions & sometimes I have to appreciate the thought not the outcome! Thoughts from the Tractor!
We never know the gift we may be giving someone by sharing our smile. A little smile, eye contact & acknowledgement can possibly make a huge difference in a life. Give away your smiles!
We wonder if we make a difference & sometimes we hold back our thoughts thinking they don’t matter. We never know who we may help by sharing our thoughts & ideas. Thoughts from the Tractor
We are trying not to be political or talk about the demise of healthcare, yet in these times that is what is making us feel hopeless & helpless. Time to go back to the “olden days”, where we relied on each other not the government! Let’s build our community! Thoughts from the Tractor.
We so easily judge all the negative things we do in parenting, think of all the positive we do. When we hear from our kids at any age & their friends that we have made a difference it’s a win. Whether you have kids or not you influence kids at all ages. Be “clutch”! Thoughts from the Tractor
Work till you earn it, is that positive or negative? Manifest & work for it. The word work is all about attitude. If we are going to have a lousy attitude, than we will have a lousy result! Thoughts from the Tractor.
We have been discussing how we do & don’t communicate with each other. How we express ourselves. It has been painful but we are working through it. Adjusting our “ways” in our relationship, doesn’t mean we are changing who we are. Thoughts from the Tractor.
There are times I want to run…life at home can be mundane & normal. Instead of running I am staying put! When I want to have an adventure, I will look around home to find it….. Thoughts from the Tractor.
As we get older there is a space between being empty nesters & retiring. We are there and the struggle to balance fun & work is real. How do we make these years “Golden”? What is our purpose in living our “GAP” years before the “Golden Years”? Thoughts from the Tractor.
Just when I think I have momentum, I don’t & stop. Life is about rethinking things & making changes. Thoughts from the Tractor
So much has happened in the last year. Russ was diagnosed & treated for cancer, we had multiple deaths of animals on the farm, then within 9 days are nephew & Russ’s Mom died. Life is too short to wait for the “Golden Years” to happen. Do what you want, say what you need & cherish, live & enjoy life NOW! Thoughts from the Tractor.
Growth is great, especially when I realize it about myself. I used to react to everything in away a toddler would at times! It wasn’t supportive behaviour, nor was it productive. We had a few wrenches thrown into our plans, and I didn’t screw up the positive mood. Enjoy the growth! Thoughts from the Tractor.
Time does change life, what a difference a year makes. A year ago We started our health journey with Russ getting his appendix out, getting a plan for treatment for throat cancer. It was a blur. We made it thru and here we are sitting on our deck executing our plans to do things together. Thoughts from the Tractor.
Stopping & Starting is ok, as long as we keep going! We need a break to re-evaluate where we are going & what we are doing. A rest is good for the mind & soul to figure out our direction, it’s not failing. So, here we go! Thoughts from the tractor.
By changing out attitude and keeping our thoughts simple, we can change our life. Our thinking may be complicated, but our life doesn’t have to be. Thoughts from the Tractor.
I had the amazing experience of being in a class with 4th year Nursing students. Their reasons for becoming Registered Nurses inspire me & have filled my heart. Thoughts from the Tractor.
I was fortunate to meet 4th year nursing students this week. To see their passion & compassion for Nursing was inspiring. We must support,share & encourage people who are starting their careers. They learn so much from the experienced person, BUT we can learn even more from them! Nursing & the next generation, there is hope! Thoughts from the Tractor.
37 years ago I started Nursing school in Calgary, Alberta. This weekend we were able to get some of us together to reminisce about nursing and how it has changed. One thing that hasn’t changed is our friendship and being accepted unconditionally. Take the time to connect with the people who fill your heart. Thoughts from the Tractor.
Where is the grass greener? If it is maybe it’s astroturf and not real. Maybe, it is being covered by compost waiting to emerge. Maybe, like us it needs time to grow out of the mess and into being healthy & happy. Running away won’t help with our growth. Taking care of ourself and setting out a path will. Thoughts from the Tractor.
When do we take the time to realize our dreams. Here NOW! Do “it” NOW, or be content with what we are doing. We have said it before, words are only words, we need to take action or be satisfied with where we are. Thoughts from the Tractor.
The growing pains of growing up from the older grown ups perspective. We love knowing our grownup kids are on their own journey. We love knowing when they have successfully landed in business or relationships. We don’t always need to know the in between. Their journey is theirs. They know to call. We know we need to just listen! Becoming better listeners with everyone, we can learn so much & we don’t have solve everything. Thoughts from the Tractor.
We thought life would get easier getting older, finding out we are wrong! We are working on figuring out what we want to do & how we are going to afford to do it in retirement! Lots of lessons. Thoughts from the Tractor.
In podcasts #72, we were super excited about making plans into reality when we got home. We got home & reality made plans for us! We aren’t beating ourselves up about it, but working together to get it done! Thoughts from the Tractor.
How many times in our life have we said, I wish I would have? Or I should have? Whether it is with your kids, your family, partner or friends, when you think of the memories, may you have tears of gratefulness for all you did & said not tears of sadness for what you should have…. Thoughts from the Tractor.
A plan is only a plan until we make it a reality! Instead of “plans” for the day, week or year, we have decided to make our “reality lists”. Working on our own boundaries for making them real. Thoughts from the Tractor.
There are many reasons to be grateful of our relationship! One of them just happens to be that we accept where the hair isn’t growing & where it shouldn’t be, but love each other anyway!!! Thoughts from the Tractor.
Is there a difference between dreams or ideas? Russ & Brenda discuss their ideas about dreams & what comes next! Different thought process but same results! Thoughts from the Tractor.
Finding calm & peaceful waters to make our life flow in a world of chaos is our focus. Realizing PEACE starts with ourself & moves out from there. Thoughts from the Tractor.
Finding a spring in our step in 3 feet of snow is challenging! Getting through this time of the year in the north takes some mental & physical creativity, topped with some gratitude! What helps you get through it? Thoughts from the Tractor.
Russ & I are learning through our course with Wayne Lee, the importance of realizing what we need to hear to feel valued. If we don’t hear it from others, we can tell ourselves what we need. Sharing it with the people who we value may lead to an even better understanding & relationship. Thoughts from the Tractor.
We are taking a course from Wayne Lee, to help us reprogram our beliefs & set some goals! What we are learning is hard but making us & our relationship better. When we discover more about ourselves, WOW, do we ever learn a lot about each other. Thoughts from the Tractor. If you want to learn more about Wayne Lee go to www.WayneLee.com
It’s just a car! Following through with keeping our life simple. Why we chose to stick with a little used car instead of spending lots of cash on a new one that only depreciates. Not following the masses & thinking for ourself is a good thing! Thoughts from the Tractor.
Our adult “kids”, have moved out years ago. We miss them but we love that we don’t know everything about their life, yet get to share so much of it with them when they choose to share! It’s a great time in life as an empty nester! Thoughts from the Tractor.
Valentine’s Day isn’t for everyone & doesn’t have to be a 1 day deal. We can celebrate loving ourself & others, not just romance & cards. Russ opens up about the word love. Thoughts from the Tractor.
In Part 2, Russ asks Brenda the questions about how she coped with supporting Russ during his Cancer treatments. Thoughts from the Tractor.
In a 2 part series Russ & Brenda share some of the experiences & thoughts on Russ’s journey through throat cancer. Brenda asks the questions. Thoughts from the Tractor.
If we are missing something in our work, a recipe, or in a relationship, it is a good chance we forgot to add the LOVE! Wise words that were told to us by a Hutterite Woman! She was such a gem. Thoughts from the Tractor.
Some conversations are difficult to have, but they need to happen. We can be with someone our whole life and never know what they want at the end of theirs. Get your paper work done and start living! Thoughts from the Tractor.
Success isn’t always about me or I. By understanding the contributions others make to our life & buisness, we realize reciprocating support, encouragement & appreciation makes us all more successful. Thoughts from the Tractor.
When we learn something that will be good for us, instead of waiting for the “right” time to implement it, just start! It doesn’t belong in a binder for later, use it NOW! Thoughts from the Tractor.
When we don’t have the “Umph”, how do we find it? We can feel so neutral and unsure where to find the energy to bring back energy! Talking to each other and not fixing it, but expressing it helps. Putting fun back into life even when life is being difficult. Thoughts from the Tractor.
When we do what we want, we don’t need others approval to move forward. There are many arm chair critics out there, that may want to stop us. If we sit idle we won’t learn and if we wait for others approval we won’t do. The 4H motto is, “Learn by doing”. Thoughts from the Tractor.
It seems with more automation and add to it “these are trying times”, customer service as left us all. If only we ALL could show more compassion & kindness in all our interactions. Thoughts from the Tractor.
When thoughts & feelings are like an iceberg, don’t just sit on it and freeze, get in the canoe and start paddling! Thoughts from the Tractor.
Sometimes to learn a lesson it can cost money and/or time. We have learned many lessons this way. We know though we wouldn’t have learned something valuable if we didn’t make them! Thoughts from the Tractor.
Pause before making any decisions when out of sorts. Making a decision when we are emotional can lead to a poor one. Thoughts from the Tractor.
Let’s get together for a visit! We don’t have to feel like we need to prepare or do anything special. Just getting together is special enough! Thoughts from the Tractor.
We can’t judge how much work we do by just crossing off what’s on our list. We accomplish in a day more than we realize. Let’s quit being so hard on ourselves! Thoughts from the Tractor.
There is a difference between rest or procrastination, balance & being idle, stuck or scared. We want to push through, go around, climb over that hill to live a life that feels good. Wayne Lee - talks about rewiring our brain. That’s what we are doing! Thoughts from the Tractor.
Over the years since my ideas and thoughts have not always been welcomed. It has been a road in learning to change those beliefs about what I can & can not do & who I am. Having someone to support me with that makes all the difference. Let your thoughts & ideas flow freely, don’t let anyone including yourself limit who you are & what you can be!! Thoughts from the Tractor.
We are choosing & supporting to live a life of quality vs quantity. Whether it is about the stuff we have or the days we live, we choose quality. Thoughts from the Tractor.
Getting out of the mode of self preservation & into the mode of compassion will lighten all our lives. Offering compassion to each other will help us all. Bring back the “Art & Heart” of compassion. Thoughts from the Tractor.
We are learning to readjust expectations, feelings & outcomes when we are not the only ones involved. It can be hard, whether it is with plans we make or how we feel when our kids grow up….all out of our control.
There is an intention behind everything we do or say. What is it? Why are we doing what we do? Thoughts from the Tractor.
We can get so overwhelmed with our thoughts that we can’t see a clear path. May we shovel through enough to see what we have. Thoughts from the Tractor.
My thoughts sometimes feel like a team of racehorses pulling a chuckwagon around the track. Sometimes in control, other times I can’t hold them back. Thoughts from the Tractor.
This New Years is about reflection and moving forward without pressure. We don’t have to keep starting over, but we can keep improving on what we are doing & who we are. We don’t have to reinvent the wheel, just keep rolling. Thoughts from the Tractor.
We are grateful to have someone in our lives that can help keep us in check. Whether it’s too much chocolate or working… Thoughts from the Tractor.
How do we we survive the way way below freezing temperatures in Northern Alberta? Russ explains a few tidbits on what we do. Remember layers!!! Thoughts from the Tractor.
Temperature, work, and lifestyle is a matter of perspective. We live where temperatures go from 40C to -50C, we need to be adaptable just like the animals around us.
Leave the dishes, make the memories. Dishes and cleaning will always be there, but the people in our lives won’t. Take the time and make irreplaceable memories. Thoughts from the Tractor.
Sometimes we are the special guest in our own home. It feels good to clean and make things comfy just for ourself. Thoughts from the Tractor.
Thinking of other subjects to talk about rather than what has dominated our life the last 2 years. What are 5 subjects to talk about rather than “C”, and we don’t mean Christmas! Thoughts from the Tractor.
Today has the least sunlight of the year. It is a great day to reflect on what makes our days brighter. What makes your day brighter? Thoughts from the Tractor.
Pause when feeling hope - LESS, it is a time to figure out what we want LESS of in our life & replace it with what will FILL our life, to be FULL of Hope. Be Hope- MORE! Thoughts from the Tractor.
Just when we thought we could handle advances in technology we got a smart TV. We seem to not being using our brains any more but using our phones. Thoughts from the Tractor.
We never realize how our experiences shared may shape other people’s choices. Life is too short to not do what you want! Thoughts from the Tractor.
No news is good news…. If we don’t watch it! What we choose to watch or listen to can have a dramatic effect on our minds & hearts, choose wisely! Thoughts from the Tractor.
When we are use to going “fast & furious”, it is hard to “heal & feel”. When health changes “make” us stop it can be a real life changer. Thoughts from the Tractor.
Even though we love each other tons…. Figuring out our frustrations can be a challenge. Thoughts from the Tractor.
“I don’t know what I am doing”,says Brenda. “At least you are getting it done”, says Russ! Thoughts from the Tractor. Find your creativity, your happy thing, take the time!
Some people see me as a Bull in a China shop. I see me more as a butterfly… a discussion with Russell about the beauty of both. Thoughts from the Tractor.
Learning not to have conversations in my head will save me emotions & energy for when I actually have the conversation! Thoughts from the Tractor.
Sometimes I wish I could take a pill to change things….but it really is about changing my thoughts. Discussion with Russ about thoughts ends up changing our thoughts from the Tractor! He is so wise!
I have learned that sending thoughts & prayers & other well wishes is effective!!!! The more we “send” positive thoughts, collectively we WILL make a difference!!! Thoughts from the Tractor.
Unwrapping the Christmas ornaments makes the memories pour out our hearts. Thoughts from the Tractor.
One of the many qualities I love about my husband is his ol’fashion values. These days it can be confusing what we are “allowed” to do or say, but I still like when he is a gentleman. Thoughts from the Tractor!
A counsellor one said to me, “Brenda quit borrowing troubles from the future!” It was the best advice. Still working on it! Thoughts from the Tractor.
Life has thrown us some curves, which is making us grateful for the career paths we have chosen! Make yours work for you! Thoughts from the Tractor
Childhood memories can be found by just looking out our window ….& a fresh loaf of Bread. Find a memory to make you feel good! Thoughts from the Tractor.
Working on making our minds a “comfortable place to be”. It’s a simple thought to make life a little easier. Thoughts from the Tractor.
Our Life together is like putting together a BBQ. It comes in a lot of pieces, the directions are terrible, but if we take our time, do 1 step at a time, have some patience AND the right tools, it will all work out! Thoughts from the Tractor
Overthinking can really squish good intentions & fun. Russ & I get a tad off topic, as we discuss men vs women’s brains & how WE think. Thoughts from the Tractor.
What we have learned….if either of us go on a self improvement journey, take each other! Hear about the experience we had….oops! Thoughts from The Tractor.
Looking at all the blocks that hold us back from living our life, our way, makes us realize we are the only ones holding us back!! Thoughts from the Tractor.
Self care is not complicated…..sometimes it is as simple as shaving my legs! Thoughts from the Tractor
Being with someone who can stay positive is such a lesson to someone who see’s the “what if’s”. So let’s quit borrowing troubles from the future! Thoughts from the Tractor.
Procrastination is the killer of dreams. There is a difference between resting & procrastination. One is an excuse, the other is a pause before action. Thoughts from the Tractor.
When asked how are you? Do you say”living the Dream?” Do you mean it? You are living someone dream, what is yours? Thoughts from the Tractor
Russ & I explain where Thoughts from The Tractor came from & how it has helped our life. Sharing my Thoughts have brought clarity to our relationship, by not running with my thoughts only in my head.
What can we control? Only our thoughts! Not the weather, not others, just ourself! “Who knew your never ever, was going to be where your forever is now” Orleen.
Having morning coffee with my Husband Russ, having realizations about what goes through my head! How do we find balance in being in the now & organizing for later! #thoughts from the Tractor.
A riverside conversation with my husband Russ. Why does a diagnosis or tragedy have to happen to change our perspective.
I don’t have to be perfect to start, and I can’t blame anyone else if I don’t follow through… I am starting with doing my hair!
In the car getting perspective with my husband Russ on relationships, decisions & emotions.
My 1st episode, learning to share I must start somewhere. I am starting with my nephew Simon Pelland right beside me.