03.12.08
Posted in Uncategorized at 1:34 pm by zenert44
Christmas come and gone . ..
Did I tell you we hit all three provinces this year. Yep - we were in Saskatchewan over Christmas. Got back to Innisfail on the 26th and headed out that night to BC. We were on Sue’s doorstep the next day before supper - and she did not know. We surprised her! (although Doug knew)
Hockey season is over for Logan. He had a tough season as the league the atom’s are in has a number of small towns that only have one team. That means that they have some poor players, some average players, and a couple very good players. Here in Innisfail we pull out the top players and they go in a double A or A league, and the balance are split up evenly and in the main league. That means we have average and poor players, but are missing those one or two really good players. So harder to compete. But at least he had fun!
Jackson on the other hand has had a great season. They have a strong team and have not lost in their league all season. They are just going in to the final round of playoffs. So hopefully they can manage to win their last two games.
Other big new is we just got back from Barbados last week. What a glorious holiday we had. Went down there with Sue and Doug. Nice to have relatives working for Air Canada!! All of Brenda’s family were down there with us - so it was a great holiday and a family get together.
Barbados is such a laid back country. The people are very friendly. The weather is simply amazing. It hovers between 27 and 29 degrees celsius every day all day and most of the night. The beaches are amazing! The snorkeling was excellent, as they have some sunken ships just a few hundred metres off shore that you can swim out to and dive around and watch all the fish that gather there. It was a great holiday.
That’s all for now folks!
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11.23.07
Posted in Uncategorized at 5:05 pm by zenert44
Twas The Night Before Grey Cup
Twas the night before Grey Cup, and all through the Dome,
Not a creature was stirring, but the gophers back home.
The players were nestled and snug in their beds,
While visions of Grey Cup Rings danced in their heads.
When out on the field, there arose such a clatter,
Kent sprang from his bed to see what was the matter,
Away to his window, he flew like a flash,
Threw aside the Green Curtains, and Silky White Sash.
And what did he see with his wondering eye?
But a sea of Green Revelers and a furry brown guy.
“That looks like Dominguez, and Flick and Fantuz!”
“Its way after curfew! Do they want us to lose??”
So, out of his room and down to the field,
Coach Austin stormed out with a fury to wield.
As he went through the tunnel, the ground shook with a beat,
From the dancing and prancing of ten thousand feet.
“Hey Coach,” cried a voice, “Whatcha doing down here?”
It was Szarka and Schultz, and they were handing out beer!
Chucky and Chick were grilling up Dogs,
With Burgers being served by O’Day and the Hogs.
Crandall cooked Hot Wings, Joseph grilled steak,
While Cates, Holmes, and Hughes helped Makowsky serve cake.
“This is nuts!” Austin shouted, “It’s one-thirty AM!”
“I expected some revelry, but this is mayhem!”
Eric Tillman tapped Austin, “ You’re not Eagle Keys -”
“But I’m not Berry, or Gotta, or Gregory * so PLEASE!”
“You’re all waddling around here like Wascana geese!”
“And in need of a dance coach like Donald Narcisse.”
“Now, you’ve all had your fun, so back to your rooms.”
But then Austin’s nose picked up the barbecue fumes.
Then Green Is The Color rang out through the air,
As Congi and Boreham played Banjos with flair.
On Davis, on Johnson, on Coach Ritchie Hall,
Even old Alex Smith flashed a smile after all,
On Lloyd, on McCullough, on Hunt and on Perry,
On Kornegay, Frazier, and yes, even Kerry.
The skydome then filled with a soft greenish glow,
And the whole Rider Nation set poised for a show.
An S and a wheat sheaf then formed in the air,
And a smile took the place of Coach Kent Austin’s glare.
Then everyone there, the players, the fans,
They formed a big circle by all holding hands,
Then right in the centre appeared the Grey Cup,
Which Fairholm and Ridway and Elgaard picked up.
They handed it over to Ritchie and Kent,
Who called Kerry and Eddie, and off the Cup went.
It was passed round the field, past heroes to present,
While Gainer dug holes for the Blue Bomber Pheasants.
That music was heard coast to coast people say
And they say Rider Pride grew three sizes that day.
Everyone left there dreaming of Blue Bomber doom.
And they sent all the Banjos to Troy Westwood’s Room.
GO RIDERS GO!
BRING HOME THE CUP!
Dedicated to the Fine Folks in the Rider Nation!
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11.06.07
Posted in Uncategorized at 4:20 am by zenert44
Well it has been a while . ..
Hockey is well under way with the teams all picked.
I am coaching Logan’s Atom Team this year. Jackson is on the Innisfail PeeWee Team.
Jackson had a good game in their league opener - he got a hat trick in a 9-6 victory over Olds.
Logan has had a couple games that went well - they won a few and lost a few.
Football is over - Jackson had a great season - their team won every game but the last one. They lost in the league final. It was a cold day, and the Stettler team was big. Stettler got out to a fast start with 2 quick touchdowns. The game ending 22-9.
Will add more later
Jack
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08.09.07
Posted in Uncategorized at 8:55 pm by zenert44
We had 2 amazing weeks at Turtle Lake. Actually I came home in the middle for a few days, but then went back for the last week. It was awesome weather - with great times for all.
The first week was mind-blowing hot! The beers really went down easy - and then in the afternoons we went to bellini’s - which were awesome (the reviews by all were amazing - especially after the second or third).
On the second week, the Pickrell’s showed up - except Doug who missed a great time. Now our boys had cousins to play with, pick on, beat up, and play with again.
The boys went tubing (nobody got seriously hurt - only a few bruises), knee boarding (doing 360’s) and skiing (all the boys managed to ski - although Logan only for a few hundred feet).
I have to brad here, as Jackson got up on his second try at water skiing. After that he got up everytime - just like a pro!!
The boys were also out with Pops and caught a few fish!
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06.24.07
Posted in Uncategorized at 6:41 pm by zenert44
February - that is when I last wrote anything here.
I could lie and say that nothing interesting happened between now and then - but can’t do that.
I won’t review step by step all the fun we had as a family, all the hockey games, inline tournaments, ski trips (and sunburns), etc. All the trips to the farm, seeding, spraying, etc. It all happened - now it is over - so let it be.
What is now on the agenda.
This weekend was nice in that only one major event. It was work related for me, but Jackson went along and we had a great time. I was cooking Bison Burgers for the Cystic Fibrosis Ride for the Breath of Life. It is a fund raiser where motorcycle riders raise money for CF. The Bison Producers of Alberta helped by providing Bison Burgers. Jackson and I cooked up about 400 burgers for them. It was fun, and we got to see lots of very nice motorbikes.
This coming weekend - the July 1 weekend - will be a busy one. Jackson has an inline hockey tournament at Chestermere lake (just east of Calgary). Jackson made the Elite Travel team for inline hockey this year. Only two first years made it, so we are quite proud.
Also this weekend, Brenda’s brother Tim and his family are coming out to visit. So Pop’s and Gigi (Robin and Pat) are also coming for a couple days up from the lake. So we will have a house full.
This week will be busy as we try to get ready - Brenda wants everything cleaned up and tip top shape.
Til next time, Jack
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02.20.07
Posted in Uncategorized at 3:54 am by zenert44
Here’s a few pics of where we are cutting wood for our woodstove.
and . . .
and . . .
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Posted in Uncategorized at 3:48 am by zenert44
It has been a busy few weeks!
First off - if you need a laugh - here is a place you can get the latest jokes!
http://zedfun.blogspot.com/
If you have anything funny (and clean) send it my way.
Now what is new at the Zenert household.
Brenda is now working at the Olds College. - She is working in R & D in the Bio-diesel area. I don’t exactly know what she does, but when the breakthrough comes I will try to take full credit.
It is actually a great position where she can use all her skills and education, and also learn a new area - fuels - which will open the door to so many other opportunities here in oil-rich Alberta.
As for me - I am busy promoting Bison all over Alberta. It has been busy learning all about the wonderful beast. Bison are actually one of the healthiest red meats there is - with super lean and tasty meat.
I have been in many meetings with various government and industry people. The most noteworthy was one with the AG Minister of Alberta - George Groeneveld. It was my first time at the Alberta Legislature (I am sure it won’t be my last).
On the boys front - they have both been busy with hockey. Jackson had a game in Sylvan Lake today - a very close game but they ended up losing 6-3 (last goal was an empty netter). They were within one goal most of the game. Jackson got a goal - he is actually on a scoring streak, with about 10 goals in the last 5-6 games.
Logan was at Rimbey. They lost too. And again my son got a goal in the losing effort. Logan does not get as many as Jackson, only his third of the season. But things are looking up, as the last two goals have come in the last 3 games. Maybe Logan will start on a streak also.
Logan’s tournament is next weekend here in Innisfail. Should be lots of fun.
Jackson has two big tournaments coming up the end of March, one in Sylvan Lake and one in Rocky Mountain House. The one in Rocky is the league finals. They are going with a tourney rather than playoffs this year.
Just wanted to mention that I am still busy with WCB Network. It slowed down a bit in February as I had to do some developing to fix up the site and also get two other sites up and running. WesternCanadaClassifieds and WesternCanadaBusiness Directory will be launced - I think it will happen March 1 officially.
After that things should really get moving. Then I have another site to launch in the WCB Network which should make it the absolute best business network anywhere.
G’Day,
Jack
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01.27.07
Posted in Uncategorized at 6:18 am by zenert44
Here is the email I just sent out to family and friends:
Hello there,
 Well more Good News.Â
 One of the things about working on your own is getting things started, finding the first few contracts to get the bills paid.
Well in the last month I managed to find a few jobs, mainly in developing websites.  This did allow me to get lots of work done on my new site – www.westerncanadabusiness.com (did you go and check it out – sign up today).
 While I was working on that I was looking for more contract work. I have 2-3 more small jobs lined up for February. Well now I found another.
 I just signed up for a new contract to be the Marketing Project Coordinator for the Bison Producers of Alberta.  It is a one year contract that has option to extend for year 2 and 3. I will be doing their newsletter, website, advertising, tradeshows (Calgary Stampede, etc), sponsorships, lobbying, etc. I am very excited about all the opportunity.
 And best of all, it allows me to work from home, and also allow me to continue on with my ZedBiz projects like www.westerncanadabusiness.com.
 So that is what is happening here at the Zenert House!
Jack
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Posted in Uncategorized at 12:48 am by zenert44
Here is the email I just received:
[quote}
I am absolutely delighted to announce the BPA (Bison Producers of Alberta) has a new addition to the team !Â
As part of the BPA Marketing Application that was approved by the DLFOA, a Marketing Project Manager was to be hired to implement the Strategy Plan.
After weeks of reviewing resumes (36 were received), interviewing some excellent candidates, and conducting a second interview with three - Jack Zenert has been chosen to fill this crucial postion, with his first-year contract beginning February 1st. Jack currently resides in Innisfail, AB with his wife and two children. Some of the highlights of Jack's diverse background and skills include:Â
- Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Agriculture Economics Major, from University of Saskatchewan (1991)
- Farm Owner/Manager from 1990 to 2006 in Drake and Colonsay, SK of 4000 acre mixed farm running 200 head of cattle (cow/calf/background)
- former President of Saskatchewan Emu Association
- Certified Financial Planner designation since 2004 (worked with Canadian Securities Insititute, CIBC, ATB and Investors Group)
- currently doing contract work in Marketing and E-Commerce with his own Internet firm ZedBiz.com
- proven skills in sales, marketing, and client relationship management
Jack's resume outlined a great deal more, a lot of which was verified with background checks and confirmed further during the interviews.  Jack has expressed a growing excitement about dealing with the challenges he recognizes we face, and already has numerous ideas to begin implementing our Marketing Strategy goals.Â
I look forward to working with Jack, having you meet with him personally in the near future, and will continue to keep you posted on the on-going activities.
Have a great weekend,
Linda Sautner
[/quote]
So - a new job - well yes and no (Brenda hates that when I use that phrase)
I announced earlier that I was working on Marketing and Internet with my company - ZedBiz. Also announced the launch of my new website - www.westerncanadabusiness.com .
None of that has changed. With ZedBiz, I was actively looking for contracts and projects, whether they were simple websites, or larger marketing projects.
Well that is what this is - a year long Marketing Project - that may even extend for up to 3 years. It should take up about 80% of a normal work week (so about a quarter of mine - lol). That will leave me some time to pursue other activities, although this being my main project, it will rate at the top of the list.
So I am excited to get started. I will be working with various advertising, the website, tradeshows, media, some policy and lots of promotion of Bison to various other industry stakeholders.
Jack
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01.19.07
Posted in Uncategorized at 8:34 am by zenert44
Here is a belated x-mas letter from Brenda!
Hi To All,
I have decided to break with tradition and start a yearly update letter that I just happen to finish around the Christmas/New Year’s Season. And I am late!!!
Jackson had a good year in Atom hockey last year and has moved on to Peewee this year. To his mother’s astonishment (not his father’s) he is the top scorer on his team. It must be due to the great coaching. Yes Jack is coaching Jackson’s team this year. As most of you know Innisfail has two school tracks, traditional and year round. Both boys last year were in year round but we decided to move Jackson over to traditional. Jackson in now in grade 6 and doing fantastic as usual, making above 90 percent average.
Logan is in his second year of Novice hockey. His nickname is “Creamerâ€. Although Novice players can not hit (only Peewee and up in Alberta) Logan does. Most times it is Logan that ends up on the ice when he “hitsâ€. I guess he has watched one too many of Jackson’s games. Both boys played Roller Blade Hockey this spring and we are seeing the benefit in both boys; in Jackson’2’s scoring and Logan being able to move off the blue line this year. Jack might argue it was his great coaching of Logan’s team last year. Logan is in grade 3 this year and in a 3/4 split Year Round class. We decided to keep him there as he has the “nicest teacher everâ€. With Logan that is a huge complement.
Jack spent the last year and a half with ATB Investor Services but has decided to move on to other things. Jack is now working on his marketing business –– Zedbiz –2– which has started a new web site that is similar to MySpace but designed for businesses. The site will work together with Western Canada Classifieds.
Here are the two sites:
http://www.westerncanadabusiness.com/
http://www.westerncanadaclassifieds.com/
Now moving on to me. Myself and the boys made a flying trip to the “Sunshine Coast†though I beg to argue the title as we saw very little of the sun. It was great as I have not been to BC in 4 years. We got to see my sister, her family and my mom and dad. And got to see all the latest attractions –– Mom and Dad’s new ocean front house in state of renovation, and Sue and Doug’s Sail Boat –– also in renovation. I was able to spend a couple of weeks at Turtle Lake this summer with Sue and her two boys. Think we drove Gigi and Pops (my mom and dad) crazy, a good kind of crazy. It seems I have been picking up part time jobs, guess I am still trying to find my niche. I have made the decision to get out of the food industry but I have a sneaky feeling that I might find myself there again.
Well that is the individual reports, now for the “big picture†report. What have the Zenert’s accomplished this year? You will still find us in Innisfail and enjoying it immensely. I always have to tell people where we are as it seems that we have been on the move in recent years. My family always tries to celebrate Christmas together which means we move the “25th†around. Last year we decided to go to Disneyworld but somebody get pregnant. No not me, Sue. She was due late October which meant that we could not all go to Florida (my folks wanted to make a driving tour) as mom wanted to be around for Sue and the new baby. “We†had a girl October 31, Saylor and cute as a button.
Disneyland then became our Christmas location. We pulled the boys out of school in early December and had a blast at the world’s happiest place. We also got to go to Universal Studios, Hollywood, and Sea World. If you have a few spare hours you can see pictures of our trip at http://www.zenert.ca.
Now for the big news!!!! Our last night in Disneyland mom and dad told Sue and I that we have an older full blood brother!!!!!!!! His name is Tim Baker. Thus the real reason this letter is so late. Upon getting back from our trip all four of us got very sick (kids missed another week of school) then it was off to Saskatchewan for the Zenert Christmas. After we got back from SK mom and dad were finally home from the states (they drove down) and the process of contacting Tim started. On January 9, 2007 mom and dad “made contactâ€!!!
And because we are action takers, Jack, me and the boys drove out to the coast to meet Tim. Yes that was five days ago. We got back last night. I can’t even begin to tell you how thrilling it was. Tim is 11 months older than me. Terri is my sister-in-law and Alicia is my niece. Alicia is one month older than Jackson, finally a cousin that is the same age and grade as him. Poor Tim got us all in a matter of 5 days. Nothing like pacing our selves and taking it slow. Tim and his family live in Gibson’s, BC on the “Sun Shine†coast. Again I question that title. They had more snow and colder temperatures than us when we were in Vancouver. Tim is a BC Lions and Vancouver Canucks fan. Guess I will have to fix that. I am hoping to convert him to Fames and Rider fan, well at least by default.
Well that is everything. I tell you it is never a dull moment around here. 2007 is shaping up to be a very exciting year. Jack moved our long distance service to across Canada bundle as he finds me on the phone about an hour a day!!!!
The “bigger†Zenert family wants to wish you the best for 2007. Hope this year will be as exciting as ours.
Brenda, Jack, Jackson and Logan
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