MEET ME ON MONDAY

 

Welcome to Monday Quiz About Me hosted by Acting Balanced and Touristic

Here are FOUR QUESTIONS that everyone can answer and then you have the option to add a fifth question of your own for those who are visiting your blog to answer in the comment section, along with commenting on the four standard questions you answered!
Grab the badge for your post if you like:

 

And now for this weeks Questions

1. What is your favourite Autumn color?

Red is my favourite autumn colour followed by golden yellow.

2. If you could go back and change something about your high school days what would it be?

I would have liked to have been a little more active in my school.  I belonged to the choir however I was not very athletic.

3. Name something that you tried because you thought you'd like it, but in reality didn't meet your expectations

I tried yoga. I don’t have the ability to concentrate and my body doesn’t move the right way.

4. Do you have a favourite "Monday" song?

I guess it would have to be “Monday, Monday” by the Mama’s and Papa’s.

And don't forget to add a 5th Question on your own blog so we can answer as we hop around!

Do you have a favourite dessert that you prepare quickly for unexpected company?

My favourite quick dessert is pudding and then I top it with a piece of fruit like strawberries or blueberries.

SUNDAY IN THE CITY–FALL CRUISE

 

Yesterday I wrote about a wonderful cruise D H and I took with our Retiree Group.  Here are some of the fabulous pictures D H took.

Check out what's happening this Sunday around the world:

SIX WORD SATURDAY

 

Thanks to Cate at www.ShowMyFace.com for hosting Six Word Saturday..

FIRST SENIOR’S BUS TRIP – HAPPY CRUISING!

D H and I took our first bus trip with our Retiree Group yesterday.  We actually took a cruise.

The day started early for us.  I have to admit that we set the alarm to make sure we got up in time. Since we are used to a leisurely start to our day, it was a bit of a shock to our system. We both forgot how horrible traffic is and got into the rush hour drive. ( I still don’t get “rush hour” when it is really “stop and go” ).  Fortunately we arrived in the nick of time.  We were both thankful for the washroom equipped bus.

Our journey to us first to a casino.  Neither of us gamble however we did enjoy the scenery surrounding the Casino as well as a lovely lunch which was included. From the Casino we were back on the bus to our cruising destination. We got a paddle wheel called the “Serendipity Queen”. The cruise travelled from one lock on the Trent/Severn system to another.

We had a buffet supper on board and we were serenaded by a young man with a guitar. He played songs we could sing along too.  It took us a while but we finally found a space on the back deck where we could do a little dancing.

Then it was back on the bus for the drive home. We both caught a bit of a nap. It was a wonderful day and we look forward to many more.

FOUR FILL-IN FUN AND FIVE QUESTION FRIDAY

 

 

Follow Friday Four Fill-in Fun Blog Hop!

This week’s statements:

1. when I was little I was called Judith Anne by my Uncle Claire.

2. Chocolates are my favourite candy.

3. If I could have one magical power it would be the power to heal the world and stop all wars.

4. If I could go back to school it would be to become a better Grandma.

Welcome to Five Question Friday!! You've come to the right place if you want a fun, easy post or if you've suddenly discovered your muses had a busy day and can't be bothered.

1. Do you prefer to drive to your vacation spot or fly?

I prefer to drive to our vacation spot and then get on a cruise ship and let others drive me.

2. If you could live any where in the world, where would you go and why?

If I could live any where in the world I would live where I am in Toronto, Canada. I love the four seasons. I love the whole city vibe and yet I love our neighbourhood for its closeness.

3. Should grown women wear leggings?

Sure, lots of grown women have great legs although I wear mine under my pants for warmth.

4. If you could change your name to any other name, would you? And what would it be?

After 60 years I love my name so I wouldn’t want to change it.  i have actually had my married name longer than my maiden name.

5. What magazines to you have subscriptions to?

I don’t.  We pick up free magazines and of course get magazines about travel from different travel groups however they are free.

THRIVING THURSDAY

 

Pondering With A Purpose - Wander

Thanks to Brenda for hosting Pondering With a Purpose.  This week's theme is:

Wandering

I have decided to join a new meme.  I hope you enjoy it as well. As for the topic I think it is a great choice.  I am a wanderer.  I love to wander because I wonder what is happening around me. When I take my walks around the neighbourhood I check out the transformations people are making to their property.  I love their gardens and even when they paint the veranda. 

Of course I love to wander the world as well.  It is fabulous that D H also shares this affliction with me.  How can people stay home when there is so much to see?  How they sit in front of the television and live vicariously through the Reality shows? Some people actually never go farther than 10 miles from their home.

i also like to let my mind wander.  Do you ever play the “What if” game.  I know I do and often use it with old friends. Where would we be if we had chosen the left path instead of the right path?  How many children would we have had?  Would we have even married?  What if had gotten our dream job? I could go on and on as I ponder these deep questions.

I love the fact that I can take the time to ponder since I have retired.  If you haven’t retired I recommend you look ahead a little and ponder what your future could be. In the meantime have a great day.

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE

 

Here are the questions for this week's Hodgepodge:

1. The Wednesday Hodgepodge this week falls on John Chapman's birth date.  He's more famously known as Johnny Appleseed...what's your favourite variety of apple?

My favourite apple is the macintosh.  It is good to eat raw as well as it is a good cooking apple.  I am not fond of Granny Smith apples.

2.   When did you last say 'ick'?

I said “ick” on Sunday when I changed the dirty diaper of my youngest granddaughter.

3.   Do you think there's a generation gap?  Explain.

I am not sure I would call it a “generation gap” so much as the need to keep up with technology.  The older we get the further behind we become.  My grandmother didn’t get electricity until after I was born.  The telephone was a party line and the car was only used for a trip to town for groceries which were items not grown on the farm. Today the kids have cell phones, computers etc.

4.  What's on your computer screen saver?  Do you leave it alone or change it often?

Our screen saver is a picture of a rock island which a little like the lake our cottage used to be on. I don’t change it at all.

5.  If you had the attention of the entire world for two minutes, what would you say?

Why are you fighting? It is time to get along with everyone.

6.  Four fashion trends to try this fall are-brocade/jacquard (fancy printed fabrics), peplum, lace, and printed pants...which of these four would you be most likely to wear?

Probably none.  I am not a fashionista and since I retired my existing closet is good enough.

7.  What can make your bad day better?

A kiss, a hug and a cup of tea.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I brought the subject of “generation gap” up to several friends this afternoon and I have everyone pondering the gap.  It was a lively discussion.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY–STREET SIGN

 

We saw this street sign on our travels this summer.  Has anyone seen a stranger one?

Click on the picture to get a closer look.  For fun try to say it.

TUESDAY COFFEE CHAT

 

The coffee chat is back! If you'd like to join, head over to Leslie's at Time out for Mom.

Tuesday, Sept. 24th Topic: Back To School!

The Kids have been back into the school routine for weeks now: How ya doing mom? All systems go? Can open, worms everywhere? Tell me about it.

Or, tell me what you would study if YOU went back to school.

It has been a long time since I have had kids go back  to school. My oldest is 36 and my youngest is 34. I have 3 grandchildren who are in school.  My eldest is in her first year of high school.  My grandson is starting kindergarten and my other granddaughter is in junior kindergarten. For me having the children in school means that I don’t talk to them as often and basically see very little of them.

Now that I am retired I am not sure I would go back to school however I am learning new things every day.  Maybe I am just attending “the school of life”. I have an appreciation for the beauty of nature. I love communicating with bloggers which is new to me. I enjoy spending quality time with D H. We share this blog since he is my photographer.

I wonder how I had time fitting in the exercises and the “me” time while I was working. The only thing I miss is the wonderful people I worked with.  They made going in to work worthwhile. I don’t miss the 5:30 am get up and have even managed a few sleep- ins to 8 am.

I would love to learn more about travelling since I am addicted to cruising.  I am still learning ballroom dancing and I even learned a new card game called “hand and foot” which I am now teaching my children and grandchildren.

Back to school has brought back our Retirement groups which were closed down for the summer.  Everyone is getting back into volunteering and sharing ideas for the future. The street is a lot quieter since the children are not playing outside.

I am reading a lot more books and have chosen varied authors to read. I used to read mostly romance novels because I could pick them up and put them down.  They were in paperback form so I could read on the subway.  Now I have even read some hardcover books.

To those who are catching school buses, making lunches and sitting around the dining room table with homework all over I can only say that eventually you can be in my place.

MEET ME ON MONDAY

 

Welcome to Monday Quiz About Me hosted by Acting Balanced and Touristic

Here are FOUR QUESTIONS that everyone can answer and then you have the option to add a fifth question of your own for those who are visiting your blog to answer in the comment section, along with commenting on the four standard questions you answered!
Grab the badge for your post if you like:

And now for this weeks Questions

1. What room in the house do you try your hardest to keep clean?

Bathroom

2. How do you describe your blog to someone you just met?

i am keeping my friends and family informed about my new life as a retired person.  Are they envious yet?

3. What was your lie from last week?  (If you didn't play last week, What was your favourite cartoon you watched as a kid?)

I miss work was my lie.  i absolutely love being retired.

4. What is your favourite kind of salad? (post a recipe if you got one)

My favourite is a tossed salad and D H makes it.

And don't forget to add a 5th Question on your own blog so we can answer as we hop around!

My 5th question is:  Everyone has said what they love about the Fall so please tell me what you dislike about Fall?

I dislike the runny nose and sinus headache I get from the pollens and allergies.

SUNDAY IN THE CITY– FALL IN THE PARK

 

See what others see at Sundays In My City hosted by Unknown Mami:

Another walk in the park this week.  I am showing off the flower beds that bring colour and enjoyment to liven up our walks.

SIX WORD SATURDAY

 

It is pleasant to walk again!

 

The greatest thing about fall is the cooler weather.  D H and I walked the beach today and I commented on how pleasant it was to walk without a coat on.  We didn’t see many birds however the blue jay, ducks, seagulls and geese were active.  We even caught a glimpse of the cormorant. 

The foliage is just starting to change.  The sumach is turning red and the golden rod is a blazing yellow.  The leaves are still green and haven’t fallen off the trees so I couldn’t kick them around.

I so missed walking when the weather was hot and sticky.  It took my breath away.  The sun was so bright I needed sunscreen.  I am also anxious to do some baking since the house has also cooled down.  This a perfect weekend to consider making my banana cake as well apple crisp.

Thanks to my son-in-law P for celebrating his birthday so I can bake him a cake.  The nieces are looking forward to helping out.  They just love Birthday parties. It is also a chance for the family to get together.

Today is the first full day of autumn and I hope everyone enjoys it.

FOUR FILL-IN FUN

 

Welcome to the weekly Follow Friday Four Fill-in Fun Blog Hop!

 

This week’s statements:

1. The last time I was on vacation, I went to _a 35 day cruise from Boston to Iceland, Norway, England, Amsterdam, Ireland, Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Newfoundland. It was called the Voyage of the Vikings and you read about it on my blog.

2. For Thanksgiving I like to eat turkey, potato dumplings, dressing and pumpkin pie for dessert.

3. My heart hurts when I hear a baby cry because I would rather hear them laugh.

4. Why must we work so hard just to make ends meet.

.

FIVE QUESTION FRIDAY

 

Thanks to My little life for hosting:

 

1. What is one grammar issue you cannot let go without correction?

I have forgotten most of my grammar lessons and since I started writing the blog I may be making lots of errors.  If I am I am sorry.

2. What's your favourite thing about fall?

I love kicking the fallen leaves when I go for a walk.  I am too old to jump in a pile of leaves however that was one of my favourite things to do as well.

3. What's your favourite dish to take to a potluck?

Everyone loves my spinach dip in a pumpernickel bread bowl.

4. When do you start Christmas (Holiday) shopping?

I don’t Christmas shop anymore.  Everyone gets gift certificates.

5. Did you move homes a lot growing up?

My parents moved several times when I was a baby but I lived in the same house since I was 4 years old. I then move 6 blocks away when I had my children and still live in the same house.

THRIVING THURSDAY

 

The good thing about September is the renewal of all of the groups that have been on summer vacation. This week we got back into full swing.  We had our retiree meetings as well as our dance classes start up. It is great reconnecting with people who share our interests in dance. Everyone had a great summer and we are all anxious to learn new steps. We are taking a 6 week Argentine Tango course.  There will even be a dance to practice what we have learned so far. D H was good we enough to take his camera to the first class.

 

These are the steps our dance teachers are showing us. Argentine Tango is a very close dance. We love the music and are really enjoying our lessons.

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE

 

1. What's the best and worst thing thing about growing older?

The best thing about growing old is you are wiser and now that I am retired I can do want I want. The worst about growing old is keeping up with the younger generation.

2.   Autumn arrives this week in the Northern Hemisphere...what one thing do you love most about the fall season?

I really love walking in the cooler weather and kicking up the fallen leaves.

3.  Speaking of fall...pumpkin seems to be flavouring everything these days-are you a fan?   What's your favourite pumpkin flavoured food or beverage?

I love pumpkin.  I have eaten it in muffins, ice cream cake and pie of course.

4.  Since we're on the subject of fall...what's the worst fall you've ever taken?

The worst fall I ever took was when I was in grade 9.  I was chasing an Indian rubber ball on a asphalt/cinder service.  I broke my arm and scraped my knees.  The worst part was that I was supposed to be watching my younger sister and my neighbour took me to the hospital.  My mother was furious.

5.  If you could own a prop from any film what would you choose?

I would love to have a prop from “Gone with the Wind”.

6. What's the most interesting word you've read or learned in the past week?

I haven’t read anything out of the ordinary this week.

7. When was the last time you locked yourself out of your house, car, or office?  Was it a big deal?

It has been a very long time since I locked myself out of my car or my house.  It must be at least 35 years ago.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

As you can tell from my answers I am old and don’t get around as much. I love blogging and it has certainly made my life more interesting.  Thanks to my daughter and son-in-law for linking me up.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

 

Here are pictures from one of our city walks.  This is Etobicoke which a district in Toronto.  The murals were painted to reflect the history of the community.

TUESADY COFFEE CHAT

 

The coffee chat is back! If you'd like to join, head over to Leslie's at Time out for Mom.

Today’s topic is :

Men....and the Women Who Blog About Them.

I am the blogger in the family however the man who supports this endeavour is my dear husband .  I nearly threw this man away.  I was very young and immature at the time and thought he was not “Mr. Right”.  We met up again a year later and I was able to see the gem in the rock.

We have been married for almost 40 years and have 3 beautiful children and 5 grandchildren.  We are both retired now and enjoying our time together.  He is my Prince Charming and I am definitely the Princess.  He does the cooking,some cleaning and taking care of me.  The only thing I do is the laundry and even then he carries and fetches the clothes for me.

D H is a very handy man.  We bought our first house 36 years ago and have spent all of that time fixing it up.  I love home improvement shows so I give him lots of ideas to work with.  Some men are car junkies whereas D H is a house junkie.  He also does all of the gardening as well.  I support him in all of his projects. We could barley afford the house when we moved in and now it is supporting us in our retirement.

Over the years we have grown to share a lot of our interests.  Dancing has always been a love for both of us.  When we became empty-nesters we took ballroom dance lessons.  When  we cruise we chose a cruise line that afforded us lots of opportunities to dance.  We are still taking lessons because we love the teachers and have got a good class of people who have been taking lessons as long as we have.

D H has a BA in forestry and we have developed a love of parks and conservation areas. I am still the names of some of the trees but the walking and hiking is fabulous. D H is my photographer although he calls himself a picture-taker. I think he does an amazing job.

I can’t say anything bad about D H and we are as in love today as we were 40 years ago.  There a few good men around and I was lucky enough to find the Best.

MEET ME ON MONDAY

 

Welcome to Monday Quiz About Me hosted by Acting Balanced and Touristic
Here are FOUR QUESTIONS that everyone can answer and then you have the option to add a fifth question of your own for those who are visiting your blog to answer in the comment section, along with commenting on the four standard questions you answered!
Grab the badge for your post if you like:

And now for this weeks Questions

1. Has reading a book ever changed your life? Which one and why, if yes?

I don’t know of a particular book although I read “Gone with the Wind” in one day. I started reading in Grade 6 because I was failing comprehension.  A new library was also built around the corner from my house and I think I read every book they had. I also worked in the library while I was in high school.

2. What was your favorite game to play as a child?

We lived at a cottage all summer long so we owned every board game possible. I really like “Careers”.

3. What person in history would you most like to meet?

This is a tough question because there are so many women especially in history I would love to meet.  I am fascinated with Abigail Adams especially since I visited Quincy this summer.  I would also love to meet Queen Elizabeth I as I have read a lot of her history as well.

4. Tell us two truths and a lie about yourself...

1. I have a fear of falling down stairs.

2. I love to bake and really like to eat what I bake.

3. I miss working.

And don't forget to add a 5th Question on your own blog so we can answer as we hop around!

My 5th question is:

What is your favourite comfort food?

SUNDAY IN THE CITY– A NEW LOOKOUT

 

 

What's going on in your city?  Check out what's going on in the world with:

While we were visiting our friends last weekend we got to see another side of our city. Here is the views we got from the Lookout:

SIX WORD SATURDAY

 

NEVER THOUGHT RETIREMENT WAS THIS EASY!!

If I had known retirement was going to be this easy I would have done it sooner.  Of course it wouldn’t be this easy if I hadn’t also worked for it.  I would not have been able to afford it otherwise.

It is amazing how I have time for the things I love to do.  I am knitting as well as crocheting.  I hope my grandchildren like funky socks.  The baby afghans continue to go out the door.  I bought more wool this week at a store closing sale.  Even D H knows it will be used up.

I also have time to read and am enjoying all the books I have found.  I love visiting the library and catching up on the new authors as well as sharing books with family and friends.

I am not neglecting my exercises.  D H and I have some interesting walks and we love the cooler weather to do it in. We are looking forward to more dancing lessons as well. We are learning more Argentine Tango this term.

Of course the time I can spend with my family is the most precious of all.  My mother always said that the best reward for raising your children were the grandchildren. Today is extra special because it is my oldest grandson’s 6th birthday.  He is excited to be having a Construction party at the beach.  I am sorry I will be missing it although we will see him next month.

I have also added blogging to my list of new experiences and I just love reading about other people and I thrilled to share their experiences and especially their pictures.

Have a great weekend and I hope everyone looks as forward to retirement as I did.

FIVE QUESTION FRIDAY

 

1. How long did it take for you to find your wedding dress? (Wedding dress pics anyone?)

I can’t remember how many dresses I tried on 40 years ago however I loved my dress. It was made from dotted swiss material and the veil and head piece was all included with the dress. I found a picture taken in the backyard of my parent’s home. The flower basket was from the bridesmaids. I carried yellow roses.

2. Someone in your general vicinity releases a NASTY smelling fart. Do you say anything or blow it off?

No! As my father used to say “ You smell a fart if you didn’t hear it”

3. What is the scariest thing that happened to you or scared you recently?

I don’t scare easily

.
4. Favourite brand and flavour of ice cream.

My favourite brand is no longer being made in Canada by a small dairy.  It was called “Tin Roof”. Now any kind of ice cream is a favourite especially when I eat it on a cruise ship.

5. Are you able to sleep well in hotels?

Yes I do which is a good thing since we travel so much.  If I sleep badly I definitely complain to the office.

FRIDAY FILL-IN FUN

 

Welcome to the weekly Follow Friday Four Fill-in Fun Blog Hop!

This week’s statements:

1. I like to dance when I am happy.

2. Broccoli is my favourite vegetable.

3. I get  hungry when I am stressed.

4. I’m surprised by how much I am enjoying my retirement and all the travelling I have been able to do.

THRIVING THURSDAY

 

I took a big leap forward today.  I ordered new glasses.  The ones I have been wearing are almost 8 years old.  Even the optometrist was excited with the change.  My glasses can no longer be fixed.  The parts are no longer available.  I have stepped into the 21st century and went to Transition glasses which are plastic instead of glass.  I will still have one pair of glasses because they will change with the sunlight.

I also took advantage of the closing of the Zeller’s store at the mall and purchased some more baby wool.  Surprisingly enough I have had 4 afghans go out the door in just 2 weeks.  It seems as fast as I make them I need them.

We have also made the arrangements for our trip to Charleston South Carolina next month.  My sister and daughter have been able to get the time off work as well.  The hotels have been reserved for the trip down and back. We also have plans for different excursions so it will be a very busy week.

Next week I will be going to my retiree meetings and visiting with some of my fellow workers.  I am looking forward to seeing them  We also had an extremely pleasant lunch yesterday with our friend Bev.  We were comparing our trips this summer and are looking forward to our future trips.

It really is wonderful being retired and I recommend it to everyone. Being prepared is very important because it is a life changing event.

WEDNESDAY HODGE PODGE

 

I'm trying out a new meme this week... let me know what you think:

1.  ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?  The NFL is back in action along with all the college teams.  Are you a fan?  Who do you root for?  If you're not a fan what do you do while the rest of America watches Saturday, Sunday, Monday night, and now Thursday night games? 

Fortunately I am Canadian so the NFL football games get no attention from me.  Even Canadian football is not watched in our house.  I am a lucky wife because my husband is not into sports except maybe curling.

2. What's something I'll always find in your closet?

You will always find lots of clothes.  Even after I packed for 40 days while cruising the closet was not empty.

3. Share one of your earliest memories.

I am going to have back a lot of years.  I guess one of the earliest memories is of Christmas at my Grandparents farm.  My uncle went out to milk the cows and he missed Santa’s visit completely.  I felt so sorry for him.

4. What circus act best describes your week so far?

I suppose the horseback riding because the girl is beautiful and the horse walks around calmly.

5. What's a food you disliked as a child but you love now?

I didn’t like hamburgers and even though I don’t eat them often I will have one once in a while.

6.  Describe your summer in three words.

Cruising, Cruising, Cruising

7.  Where were you on September 11, 2001? Will you do anything special to mark the day this year?

I was at work and heard about the crashes when I went for a coffee-break.  I had the only TV in the office so everyone came in to be kept updated.  I phoned my husband and said the world would never be the same again.  I also checked on my son who was in Australia at the time.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

What happens at Grandma’s stays at Grandma’s!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY–RAINBOWS

 

I absolutely love rainbows!  I think they are lucky like charms. I even chose a work place because it had rainbows. Here is my most recent find, taken outside of Nancy and Mike’s new home.