WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE

 

Here are this week's questions...Volume 100...yay us!

1. What creeps you out?

I dislike mice especially in my house.

2. What's your least favourite candy?

I love chocolate so I don’t like anything sour like gummies.

3. Are you a fan of scary movies?  What's the scariest movie you've ever seen?

NO! I am a romantic however I watch very few movies especially at a theatre because I fall asleep.

4. What part of life confuses you the most?

Keeping up with technology. My cell phone is used only to make phone calls even the contact list is confusing.

5. Pumpkin, sunflower, sesame, poppy...what's your favourite seed?

I love pumpkin and sunflower as well as flax seed.

6. Imagine your life ten years from today...what's changed?

I will probably be living in a condo instead of a house. D H and I will still be cruising and hopefully I will have been to at least one grandchild’s wedding.

7.  What do you a) love the most and b) like the least about the Hodgepodge?

I love the questions. They make me think. i also love the comments I receive.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Halloween may be soggy and even windy however it is about the children so enjoy it.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY–HALLOWEEN LONG PAST

 

My children are all grown up now and have families of their own. Here they are many years ago.

H is first

C is second

and M is third

TUESDAY COFFEE CHAT–LATER EDITION

 

Coffee Chat

Tuesday, Oct. 30th Topic:

Trick or Treat!

What is the greatest prank ever pulled? Either done by you, done to you...or just really impressive.

Or.

Share your favourite Halloween recipe. Spooky spider cookies? Ghoulish goulash? Or even how you eat your pumpkin seeds. You do eat the seeds, right?

I got a later start today. I think nature has pulled the greatest trick on us. We were lucky that we had very little damage from the hurricane. We still have power and my decorations have a new twist thanks to the wind.

Yes! I love pumpkins seeds. When the children were little we would roast them in the oven with a little oil and then add salt. We don’t carve a pumpkin anymore so we eat them when we have trail mix.

The best prank we ever pulled was on our former neighbours. They were from Newfoundland. They were discussing fur coats and F said that the best coats were Parish lamb (persian lamb). I found an old persian lamb coat and sewed a little coat from it.  We then boxed it and sent a covering letter describing the coat as a sample and could make any size they needed. We took the box to the post office and sent it through the mail. The funny part is our neighbour was a postie. He had to pick up the package.

We all still have a laugh over the Parish lamb coat sample.Have a great Halloween everyone and stay safe!!!

 

MEET ME ON MONDAY

 

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

It's the HALLOWEEN WEEK edition!
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. Do you consider Halloween a holiday for children or adults?

I think Halloween is for everyone. Kids and Adults a like.

2. At what age should children stop trick or treating?

I have had respectful teenagers at my door and if I have enough left they can have a treat.

3. What are your plans for Halloween?

Since I have no children at home we will just hand out treats and if the weather isn’t bad we use the time to visit with the rest of the neighbours on the street. I will have a costume on – mostly for warmth.

4. What frightens you?

I have a fear of falling down stairs.

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

My fifth question is:

What treat do you give out for Halloween?

SUNDAY IN THE CITY

 

Let’s travel the world together!

 

Water everywhere. D H took these pictures while chasing grandson E around on the dock in Charleston. Enjoy!

SIX WORD SATURDAY

 

SIX WORD SATURDAY

Thanks to CallMeCate for hosting Six Word Saturday. This weeks words are:

I am glad to knit again!

I started to knit when I was a young girl. My Dad actually taught me to knit. My mother taught me the fancy stitches and my aunt gave me lots of incentives. I made afghans for all of the girls and socks for all the boys for Christmas one year. I even made broomstick lace shawls one year.

I have a collection of knitting books that date back to my Grandmother’s era as well as some of her knitting needles. I collected everything to do with knitting. When I broke my leg 25 years ago I was off work for 17 weeks and during that time I made 17 sweaters. The sad part was I didn’t buy one ball of wool as I had everything in the house already. Shortly after that I was diagnosed with “drummer’s thumb” which is an injury from doing repetitive work so I put away my knitting and took up crocheting.

It took me 2 years to dispose of all of the wool I had accumulated and replace it with baby wool for my special baby blankets. I did not get rid of my patterns or my needles.

On the cruise we took this summer I travelled with a group of knitters. They frequented the wool shops in all of the countries we visited. My thoughts towards knitting were reborn. I came home with renewed vigour and my thumbs are working well.

I am using some funky wool that I found and have made sweaters, socks and mitts for my grandchildren as well my niece and daughter. When I need a break I still have my crocheting to fall back on.

My husband always knew when life was good because I had my knitting out.

I am glad to be knitting again.

FIVE QUESTION FRIDAY & FOUR FILL IN FUN

 

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 are totally wonky with their days and can't be bothered for inspiration.

1. Who wakes up in the morning with the kids, you or hubby?

We don’t have any children at home now however I used to get up with the kids.

2. Do you watch the World Series even if your team isn't in it?

No. We don’t watch any sports on TV. We used to watch curling however the sports package was too expensive.

3. What is the best compliment you have received?

You don’t look old enough to get the senior’s discount.

4. Do/did you dress up to take your kids trick or treating?

Yes I still dress up. Mainly because it keeps me warm as I sit outside to give out the treats. I bought a cat costume while on vacation and got free mouse ears so when we go dancing at Saturday we will be a cat and a mouse.

5. Do you have a favourite bible verse? What is it and why?

I like Psalm 100. It is inspiring.

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

 

his week’s statements:

1. My skin is my favourite feature. I have very few wrinkles.

2. Thinking about cruising makes me happy.

3. It’s been a long time since I went to the library to get books. I have been given so many books to read that I don’t need to borrow any.

4. I just don’t understand people are afraid of retirement. We are having so much fun and we think everyone should retire.

THRIVING THURSDAY–PONDERING WITH A PURPOSE

 

Pondering with a Purpose – Content

This Week's prompt: Content

Content or living your dream?

If you have read my blog you will realize that I have been married to the same wonderful man for nearly 40 years. We have had our ups and downs however we have managed to grow together and appreciate each others quirks. We joke that we stayed together for the sake of the children however we worked hard to maintain our love.

We have 3 wonderful children who are all married. H and W have given us 3 awesome grandchildren. R is 14 going on 40. L is 6 and learning to read and write and lastly E will be 2 next Monday. We just spent a week with them and had a fabulous time. My only regret is that they live 16 hours away. C and P will celebrate their 2nd wedding anniversary on Tuesday. And lastly M and M have 2 gorgeous girls E who is 5 and claims to be the smartest girl in her class and F who is 18 months old and just starting to talk. They will be adding to our grandchildren in April.

I trained to be a teacher and actually taught until I left to have H. I loved the 4 year olds that I taught and actually taught the same children when they were 7. I went back after the 3 children came along however I found that the teaching world had changed. I didn’t fit with the new rules. I went into business instead.

I was able to stay out of the workforce for 12 years to raise our family. D H worked extra hard to support us. I am forever grateful. I wish in hindsight that he could have gone to school to be a teacher because he would have been fantastic. He has a lot more patience than I do.

We are both retired now and we love it. We are travelling on cruise ships and ballroom dancing.

SO IN ANSWER TO THE QUESTION – AM I CONTENT? – HECK YES!!!

WEDNESDAY HODGE PODGE

 

Questions for the Wednesday Hodgepodge

Here are the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge.  Answer on your own blog then hop back here tomorrow to join the party.  See you there!

1.  So, do you like beer?

No. I don’t drink much. I am usually the DD. When I cruise I may have a sip of champagne because someone else is driving the boat.
 
2. What's your least favourite repetitive task?

Cleaning the house. Of course I gave that job to hubby and he is good at it.
 
3.  When was the last time you rode in a bus?  Where was it headed?

The last time I road a bus was in Dublin Ireland. It was a Hop On Hop Off tourist bus. We didn’t go far because we suffered from the Liquid Irish Sunshine as the natives call it. We call it rain.

 

 

4.  What song from your childhood or from your own children's childhood could make a parent's nerves stand on end?

I have several songs that I sing to my grandchildren. They all love “Row Row your boat” with actions. Also “If your happy and you know it” and of course the ever popular “Wheels on the bus”.

5.  The US Presidential election cycle is drawing to a close (can I get an AMEN??), and the third and final debate was held last night....what was the last thing you 'debated about'?

I am not much of a debater. I can’t remember the last time I debated.

6.  Can a person make too much money?  How much is too much?

No I don’t think a person can too much money however if they have no life in the pursuit of money I feel very sad for them. (spoken by a person who doesn’t have enough but enjoys spending what I have)

7.  Pop-soda-coke-something else...what's it called where you live?

We call it Pop in Canada.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I am so glad I came back to Wednesday Hodgepodge. I love sharing my answers and reading everyone else’s.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY–OUR DRIVE HOME

 

Through the mountains of West Virginia.

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, Oct. 23rd Topic:

Random Thoughts

How Time Flies

I have been retired for 9 and 1/2 months. I know I have done 2 cruises this year and of course have plans for 3 more next year. These are incredible trips which DH and I could not have taken during our working years. Most of our early vacations were at the cottage or we stayed home with the kids. I feel blessed that we can enjoy these wonderful trips. We have our health if not wealth.

Besides the cruises we have had trips to see my parents in Ottawa and of course trips to Charleston to see H’s family. It is amazing how fast the grandchildren are growing. R is as tall as H and is maturing into a beautiful young lady. Her maturity is showing. L is catching on at school and his talking is clear. He is also writing and reading. He is taking more events in stride. E is a 2 year old who knows what he wants and goes after it. He too is starting to talk and be understood. Both boys have incredible laughs that make my heart tingle. I am especially proud of H and W. They are blogging and enjoying their family time.

Daughter C and her husband P have settled nicely in their townhouse and are working hard at their jobs. Even though they find them challenging they are doing well. We enjoyed our week away together. Sorry P could not join us. Maybe another time.

Not to be outdone son M and wife M have managed to move to a new home and settle into a viable work routine.  It is a pleasure to visit the girls E and F. E is doing extremely well at school. She reads to us when we babysit. Sometimes she will phone me and read to me.  F is starting to use words instead of gestures and wants to do everything E does. She is small but mighty.

My parents have had their own challenges this year. They are both one year older and want to rest more. I wish I could be more help to them. Thanks to Skype I can keep in touch every day.

I am knitting hats, mitts, socks and sweaters as well as making my famous baby blankets. I also have read more books this year than I did in the last 3 years. F has completed the scrapbook for our 35 day cruise and it is awesome. He is also contemplating some projects around the house. We will try to fit them in but so far the schedule doesn’t support it.

My goodness when I turn my thoughts on I certainly can ramble. This looks like it could be my Christmas letter to family and friends. I am already thinking about writing my cards and what gifts I should be buying for everyone and the snow hasn’t even started to fly around.

I am going to turn off this brain for now. I will keep my other thoughts for another day.

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. How often do you shop for groceries? Do you shop in one place or many?

We used to shop once a week however now that we are retired we enjoy the walk and will shop every other day.  We pick up fresh vegetables and fruit. There is a lot less waste.

2. How old were you when you had your first taste of alcohol?

It was so long ago I can’t remember however I am not much of a drinker and may have a small sip of champagne on a special occasion.

3. How much TV do you watch?

Before I retired not much however I am catching up on shows that I missed. We both watch “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy” together.

4. How do you relieve stress?

Retire and you leave most of your stress behind.

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:

How do you prepare for winter?

SUNDAY IN THE CITY–CHARLESTON (ANGEL OAK)

 

Let’s travel the world together!

Grab the code from my sidebar.

This week my city was Charleston.  We visited our daughter H and her family. Here is one of days showing off the assets of Charleston. This is a Live Oak which is reported to be over 1500 years old. Enjoy!!

SIX WORD SATURDAY

 

SIX WORD SATURDAY

Thanks to CallMeCate for hosting Six Word Saturday. This weeks words are:

A WONDERFUL VACATION WITH THE FAMILY

As everyone knows if you have been reading my blog that I am vacationing in Charleston with my daughter C, sister B and we are visiting H’s family. It has been a very exciting week. Grandson E can say everyone’s name and has started to share his kisses. Grandson L can spell everyone’s name and loves to write it down. Granddaughter R has had a Ghost walk and a Fright night with Aunt C and Aunt B. All of the children have gotten to school on time and H even managed to volunteer all day Friday because we could babysit E.

We have visited historic places as well as shopped. Our best day out was our visit to the Beach where we collected seashells and watched E play in the waves. Unfortunately all good things must come to an end and we are heading home today. We will be back.

I will leave you with a few pictures of our days in Charleston. Come back to Sunday in the City for some more.

 

The pictures are from the Charleston Tea Plantation. (The only one in the U.S.)

FIVE QUESTION FRIDAY & FRIDAY FOUR FILL IN

 

Rules for 5QF: Copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, answer them, then watch for the linky post to appear Friday morning and LINK UP!
Oh, and remember (pay close attention...this is the important one)...HAVE FUN!

1. Where do you hide junk when people come over?

We hide our junk in the basement.

2. Do political ads help you decide who you are going to vote for?

Actually they turn me off. I have been a staunch party supporter and probably will not change my ways.

3. What's your favourite holiday party to host?

For years I held a Christmas Open House when all of the neighbours came over before Christmas.

4. You go to an island with your husband and can only take one personal item. What is it?

It would probably be the computer since we blog and keep our pictures on it.

5. If you found out your spouse was a Dexter style serial killer (only kills people to save others) would you rat?

My husband is a pacifist and barely kills a fly.

Friday Four Fill in Fun Blog Hop

 

 

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

This week’s statements:

1. If only my grandchildren lived closer then I could spend more time with them.

2. When I was little I was the oldest of four children and therefore I was very bossy.

3. I think Hallowe’en is for the children.

4. I feel happiest when I am cruising with my husband.

THRIVING THURSDAY = PONDERING WITH A PURPOSE

 

Pondering with a Purpose – Actions

Thanks to Brenda for this blog.

Everyone has heard the expression “Actions speak louder then Words” and I am sure most people live by it.

It is the little things in life that are important. Common courtesy is always welcome. Opening doors for everyone. Waiting in line and not pushing ahead. Sharing good news and complimenting others. I really prefer Good news stories to all of the bad news on TV or in the paper.

It makes me smile to see young children at play and sharing their toys. I love to hear their laughter. It is wonderful to watch their faces when they get a new concept. I want to giggle right along with them.

Besides watching the young we can also watch the actions of the older generation. They inspire me to achieve greatness. My parents lived through the depression, a war and have worked hard to provide for their children. Now that they are in a retirement home I enjoy hearing about their days.

Lastly spending time with my family is the best time of my life. D H and I travelling with our daughter and my sister to spend time with H’s family and it is great fun.

        

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY–TRAVEL SHOTS

 

As many of you know we are on a road trip to Charleston with my sister B and my daughter C.  D H took these shots so far. Hope you enjoy!!

We also toured Boone Plantation!

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, Oct. 16th Topic:

Dress Rory

I am going to a Blog Conference! And I have donated my pants. And sweaters. What shall I wear? I also have 2 parties: 80s Theme and 50 Shade of Grey Theme. Your Mission? Get Thee to Thy Pinterest Boards and find me something to wear.

I am retired now so I do not keep up fashion. I do live in Toronto so I can help you dress for your visit.  I recommend layering because our days can be warm however the nights will cool.  Toronto is a weather bubble because we are on the shore of Lake Ontario. We don’t see frost or snow as early as those who live north of Toronto.

I would recommend a raincoat f you go walking even though it might not rain. The coat will keep you warm.  I wear a “Totes” raincoat for my walks.  I even bought it in the States.

I have never been to a”blogging” conference but I think Business casual is probably the choice to make. Definitely go with “Mix and Match”. As for the 80’s theme I think I missed it.  I was the SAHM then  so I wore the jogging suits. I also haven’t read “50 Shades of grey” although my daughter is reading it on her blackberry and was very engrossed on our trip down to Charleston.

Have a great time at your blogging conference.