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:

Here are the Questions:

1. Do you prank on April Fool's Day?  What's the best prank you've done or had done to you?

No I haven’t. I did get caught in a newspaper prank a few years ago.

2. Is it Spring where you are yet?

There are signs however I still have 3 coats on the go and haven’t given up my sweaters yet.

3. Mint Green seems to be the 'hot color' for spring this year... either that or NEON ... which do you prefer?

I love all green colours. I bought a green t-shirt when I  was in Charleston in February.

4. Wayne joined the 21st century this week... he's now got a cell phone and it's an Android smart phone... and he wants to know if you've got a smart phone and if you do, what's your favourite app or game? 

Sorry Wayne. I use my cell phone and all it says is hello and goodbye.

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:

Do you plant a garden from seed or from plants purchased at a garden centre?

SUNDAY IN THE CITY

 

Let’s travel the world together!

SIX WORD SATURDAY

 

 

Wishing everyone a very Happy Easter!

FRIDAY FOUR FILL-IN FUN

 

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

Each week, Hilary plans on listing four statements with a blank for us to fill in. This week’s co-host is Beth Ann from Its Just Life – she came up with the last two statements!

This week’s statements:

1. My favourite advice to give is to young parents – use the playpen for the older child to colour and paint so that the younger ones don’t bother them. Also the little ones get more freedom and the mess is contained. The playpen also makes a great place for the Christmas tree when children or pets get in the way.

2. A few years ago I stopped dieting. I got tired of the yoyo swings in my wardrobe.

3. The weather around me is cold and tends to lend itself to staying indoors beside a warm fire..

4. 2013 is both busy and exciting.

THRIVING THURSDAY

 

I am joining Brenda again this week to Ponder with a Purpose. Each week we think about a word and all of its meanings.

Today's prompt is: Bill

The first thought to come to mind is a man’s name. Bill is short for William in most cases. I have known several Bills in my many years. D H worked with one. I went to school with another.

I also thought of a bird’s beak. It is also called a bill.

Finally I think of a dollar bill. of course my grandchildren may never see a dollar bill since we now use coins for one and two dollars. Is money even going to be part of their lives because even now the penny is out of circulation? Do you remember penny candy? There was a variety store called “Hadfields”. It was at the top of my street. One of my earliest memories was going with my Dad while he bought cigarettes. There was a wall of candy and most of them were for a penny. I got 3 blackballs for a penny. When I got my allowance I would visit Haddie.  My sister P would help me spend it. She, of course saved her money and ate my candy.

Of course another money drain are the bills we pay every month. The gas, electric, water and credit card. They seem endless. They don’t go away when you retire. Fortunately laughter fits the bill.

WEDNESDAY HODGE PODGE

 

1. What are your plans for Easter? Are you cooking a big lunch or dinner?  Dyeing eggs? Attending a sun rise service?  Eating too much chocolate?

A very quiet celebration with the family coming for turkey dinner on Sunday night. We have celebrated a lot of birthdays this month so a small family gathering is very fitting.

2.  What is something you feel too young to do?

As every one knows I am very young at heart. The hard part for me is being too old to do things.

3.  "Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud...it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs..." 

Of the characteristics mentioned in the biblical definition of love which do you find most difficult to live out and why?

I will chose boast. I love to tell everyone how happy I am being retired and love to guide them towards that goal in their lives.

4. What's a springtime flower you associate with your childhood?

Lilies of the valley. We had them in a rock garden up the walk way to our house. We also had a huge lilac tree as well.

5.  Ever sung karaoke? If so, what's your go-to song? If not and you're given the opportunity, would you?

Yes! Once at a work related conference. We actually won!

6. What is something you keep in a basket?

I have a knitting basket beside my chair that is overflowing with wool and sewing supplies.

7.  When was the last time you felt foolish?

My memory doesn’t go back that far.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Let’s hope spring is around the corner. The sun is certainly trying its best to warm us up however as soon as it goes down at night winter tries to comeback. I wish everyone a very Happy Easter.

TUESDAY COFFEE CHAT

 

 

Tuesday Coffee Chat: Did You Hear About...?!

Good day and welcome to another edition of Coffee Chat.

If you don't have anything nice to say......come sit by me.

 

What is your reaction to this statement?   Do you follow gossip; either within your own circle, or say Celebrity Gossip?  Is some gossip just idle chit chat and when kept between 2 parties basically harmless.  Does it go hand and hand with being famous?  How do you think gossip/rumours affect society as a whole? 

I am not a big fan of gossip. I like the facts and only the facts. Speculating is a waste of time. I do however love imagining.

When I walk down the street and watch people I wonder what they are thinking?; Where are they going?; Why did they wear those clothes today?; Who are they going to see?

I love to look up in the sky when an airplane flies overhead and wonder who is travelling today. Is it for business or pleasure? Is the plane going to a warm or cold place? How long will they be away and when can I go?

I love to talk to people about their children especially babies. I often remind parents of the view of the world from a child’s perspective. Get down on your hands and knees to the height of a child and you will see why they cry in the mall. (The world is full of asses and most of them are ugly – you would cry too if that is what you saw all of the time)

So next time you are out and about enjoy the views and have a good 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:

Here are the Questions:

1. What is your favourite spring flower?

Unfortunately I am allergic to Spring flowers. I cannot bring them in the house. I do like to admire the tulips and daffodils from afar.

2. Do you suffer from Spring Allergies?

See the above answer.

3. Have you ever been 'blogged out' and needed to take a blogging break?

There are times when I have to scramble to keep up with the memes however I even blog while I am on vacation.

4. Has spring sprung where you are or are you still hibernating?

The sun keeps trying to warm us up however the nights are still below freezing and there can be ice patches so our walks are still on hold.

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:

Do you have plans for an Easter Celebration?

SUNDAY IN THE CITY-RELAXING IN THE SUNSHINE

 

SIX WORD SATURDAY

 

When is Spring going to arrive?

FRIDAY FOUR FILL-IN FUN

 

Welcome to the weekly Follow Friday Four Fill-in Fun Blog Hop! posted by Hilary G. This week’s co-host is Pam from Trooppetrie she came up with the last two statements!

This week’s statements:

1. My legs are my least favourite feature.

2. I was very precocious as a child.

3. The first room I clean in my house is the bathroom because hubby does the rest of the house.

4. If I had the guts to  fly then I could see Australia and New Zealand sooner.

THRIVING THURSDAY

 

Welcome to Pondering with a Purpose – hosted by Brenda

 

Today's prompt is: Watch

I have to tell you this working with words with double meanings has become quite interesting to me.... the way different people think about a word tells a lot about a person!

The first thing to come to mind was wearing a watch. I actually have a collection of watches and wear them as a piece of jewellry. I have some very old watches starting with the first watch I was given for Grade 8 graduation. I also have my mother-in-law’s ring. They no longer work however I have them as keepsakes.

The most interesting watch I have is a cameo ring watch that I brought home from Switzerland 41 years ago. I couldn’t decide on a watch or a ring so when i found this I thought it was the solution. My mother actually had it for the longest time and gave it back to me when she moved into the retirement home. Unfortunately her arthritis makes it impossible to wear it.

Most of my watches cost less than $15. When the battery runs out I get a new watch and donate the old ones to Goodwill. I can’t read the watches because the numbers are so small but they look gorgeous.

I am also a big television watcher. I watch TV and knit or crochet at the same time. The faster the show, the more I get done. With so many babies to knit and crochet for I am glad that TV is improving. “Dancing with the Stars” is back and I love “Chopped”, “Top Chef Canada” as well as all of the “CSI’s”.

I am also a people watcher. I am always curious about people especially the little ones. The babies always catch my eye.

I am writing this at 4 am so now I am going to watch the inside of my eye lids for a while and get some sleep.

Have a great day!

WEDNESDAY HODGE PODGE

 

Wednesday.
I hear it's the first day of Spring.
Let it snow!

I am joining Joyce for another Hodge Podge

1. March 20th is the first day of spring...is she a lion or a lamb in your part of the world?

It looks like spring will come in like a lion as mother nature has another kick of winter for us.

2. What's the most dreaded task on your spring clean to-do list?  Do you have a 'plan of attack'?

Painting the kitchen. I left the planning to D H.

3. Peas...love 'em or hate 'em?  What's a favourite dish you make using peas?

I can take them or leave them. Since I don’t cook I don’t use them.

4.  Do you feel under appreciated?

Not very often! When I do I call the grandchildren and they sow their appreciation all of the time.

5. Have you been using Google Reader?  If so, what are you switching to now that GR has announced retirement?  If not, how do you read your favorite blogs?

No I am not a google reader. I read the blogs via the internet.

6. Anne Bradstreet is credited with the following quote~
"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant;  if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome."
Agree or Disagree?  Why?

I agree! If we don’t know the good as well as the bad we can’t appreciate what we have. If I had not worked I would not have the same pleasure being retired.

7.  When did you last 'spring for something'?  What was it?

I sprang for more yarn this weekend. According to D H “a happy wife who knits makes for a happy husband.” So I refreshed my stock with more baby wool. Good thing because I have heard of 7 more babies coming this year.

8.  Insert your own random thought here?

Since we have returned from our vacation we have been constantly busy. I am glad I had the rest and got my knee working again, otherwise I would not get anything accomplished. You will also notice my down time is going to be very busy as well just keeping up with all of the new arrivals. I am going start an aqua fitness class next week and hopefully spring will arrive so that I can resume my walks.

TUESDAY COFFEE CHAT

Good morning and welcome to this week's Coffee Chat! Thanks to Leslie for hosting.

 

 

 

Tuesday March Feb. 19th, 2013

Let's Play I Spy.   I Spy with my little eye....something that is GREEN.

There has certainly been a lot of green around because of St Patrick’s Day. It was a large celebration in Toronto although we didn’t participate.

There is a lot of green being spent in our house right now. We have booked 2 sight seeing trips for our summer cruise. One is in Scotland and one is Ireland. We also booked our flights to Amsterdam.

Unfortunately there is very little green on the ground at the moment because we had another snowfall last night. I will say that the flowers are trying to come up. Mother nature would prefer a little more moisture instead. We have had snow, freezing rain and rain within the last 24 hours. With a busy week ahead we didn’t to be slowed down.

Let us hope that March goes out like a lamb!

MEET ME ON MONDAY

 

Welcome to Monday Quiz About Me - hosted by Acting Balanced and Touristic - this post is up early because we're out celebrating Wayne's birthday today!

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:

Here are the Questions:

1. What is the most expensive car repair you ever paid for?

The most expensive car repair was an engine rebuild on our minivan. I would have been better off using the money for a down payment on a new car.

2. Who is the big bad wolf in your world?

Now that I am retired there is no big bad wolf.

3. At what age is the best to have a first child?

The first child can come any time. The second one takes nine months.

4. When was the last time you said something nice to someone?

Today! I was complimenting my son and his family for a lovely dinner. The girls were beautiful and entertaining.

My 5th question this week is ..

When was the last time you went to the theatre and what did you see?

SUNDAY IN THE CITY

 

Let’s travel the world together!

Spring is definitely in the air as we took our first theatre road trip yesterday. We saw “Mary Poppins” at a brand new theatre in Cambridge, Ontario.

I didn’t realize that Mary Poppins was a rather dark play with a very strong moral. The singing and dancing were wonderful however there were moments when sadness crept in.

We just love giving so many young people a chance to show off their wonderful skills. We had a great time.

SIX WORD SATURDAY

 

Busy week with family and friends!

FRIDAY FOUR FILL-IN FUN

 

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

Each week, Hilary plans on listing four statements with a blank for you to fill in on your own blogs. This week’s co-host is Amy from Life according to John – she came up with the last two statements!

This week’s statements:

1. My first car was a maroon chev biscayne that we purchased from my mother-in-law. The only new car we have ever owned was a Chevy Nova hatchback which we bought the next year.

2. My family is so wonderful and growing again.

3. I would drop everything to help my grandchildren.

4. I never tell people I once wanted to live at the cottage forever.

THRIVING THURSDAY

 

Pondering with a Purpose – Green with Brenda

Today's prompt is: Green

Brenda is continuing with her double meaning words. Green is not only a colour and very much associated with March but it is also a verb associated with recycling.

I love the colour green. I like it light, dark, and emerald green. I have lots of sweaters and tops in green. My dining room has just been painted green as well.

We are thinking green as we plan our trip to Ireland this summer. Not only do we revisit Dublin we also get to  see Belfast. D H is busy lining up tours for the six of us. Thinking of the summer is making it easy to forget that there is very little green outside at the moment.

Recycling and “going green” has been a big part of our lives. I guess the farmer stock has made us that way. We have had a compost long before it was popular. Every spring D H uses the rich soil on the garden. It also has the advantage of giving us surprises every year. Last year tomatoes grew on their own. One year it was beans and another year it was melon. We strongly believe in recycling our papers as well as glass and cans. Even when we travel we take reusable mugs instead of buying bottled water and we use food containers to carry our lunches. Since D H is the cook we also avoid a lot of pre-packages foods and buy in bulk when we can.

Let us hope that we have a GREEN Spring soon!

WEDNESDAY HODGE PODGE

 

Wednesday Hodgpodge Questions-

Lucky you...it's time for the weekly Hodgepodge!  
Told you I was going to use that bad pun every Tuesday in March. Thanks Joyce for hosting this blog.

1. Do you play games of luck/chance for money? Have you ever played bingo for money? Visited a casino?  Placed a bet on a horse? Bought a lottery ticket?

Yes I have to all of the above. Have I ever won? Not really! Do I play now? No!

2.  Will you be preparing and/or dining on the traditional Corned Beef and Cabbage meal this St. Patrick's Day? Mashed-baked-hash browned-french fried...your favourite way to have potatoes?

No since I don’t cook and hubby doesn’t like cooked cabbage or mashed potatoes.

3. What's the last thing you felt 'green with envy' over?

I have been envious of people who have cruised to more places than I have.

4.  What's at the end of your rainbow?

I love rainbows and think they bring Luck. They have certainly brightened my world.

5. March 12th marks the anniversary of the death of Anne Frank (June 12, 1929-March, 1945).  Anne's diary detailing her time spent hiding from the Nazi's during the war ranks as one of the best selling books of all time.  Besides your blog, do you keep any sort of diary or or journal?  Was this a habit you developed as a child or is journaling something new for you?

Until I started blogging I never kept a journal or a diary. I started blogging as way for my friends and family to share my travels.

6. What's an item in your home or closet that contains every color of the rainbow?

My wardrobe itself is a rainbow however I do not have one article of clothing that would fit this question.

7.  Write a limerick with you as the subject.  You can do it!!  Just remember this is a family friendly blog...don't make me get out my wooden spoon.

My favourite limerick is “Mother may I go for a swim? Yes my darling daughter. Hang your clothes on a hickory limb and don’t go near the water”.

8.  Insert your own random thought here

We have come back from our cruise and are getting caught up in a lot of commitments. We have babies being born so showers are needed. We have weddings and showers for that as well. We have our first theatre trip this weekend and we see “Mary Poppins” at a brand new theatre. We also have lots of birthdays coming up. Not to mention my Uncle and Aunt will be celebrating 50 years of marriage this spring. They are only the second family member to make it. My parents will be celebrating their 64th. It is good to be home although we are looking forward to our next cruise in August.

TUESDAY COFFEE CHAT

 

 

Tuesday, March 12th, 2013

"Keep it, toss it, burn it, sell it  "

In the same vein as last Chat's game, except this time I am giving you the items:

1.  old high school/alma mater tshirt – Tossed it long ago.

2.  love  letter from old flame who broke your heart – Never had an old flame however I have kept all of the letters written to me by my hubby the year before we got married. We got engaged and I went to Europe for 7 weeks and he went Northern Quebec in almost total isolation.

3.  engagement ring -- from when you said "no" – Again I never had one – Hubby is my only love.

4.  vinyl edition of what was "your song" - you can dowload from iTunes anyway – Yes I have my vinyl albums – “The Crew cuts” and “The Herman Hermits”.  They are included in hubby’s 500 albums.

Old School Blogging

Old School Blog Hop

I have been tagged by my friend Brenda over at Pondering with a Purpose for a Good Old School Blog Hop.... it is really quite simple...

Answer the questions and pass it on...

1. What were you doing 10 years ago?

Ten years ago I was working for Bell Canada. Hubby and I were empty nesters and were travelling and enjoying our freedom.

2. What 5 things are on your to-do list?

Travel is always at the top of my list.

Enjoy my grandchildren.

Stay healthy.

Love my hubby.

Enjoy my retirement.

3. What are 5 snacks you enjoy?

Ice cream, cake, pie, chocolate and popcorn.

4. Name some things you would do if you were a millionaire:

Travel of course. Put some money in trust for my grandchildren’s education.

5. Name some places you have lived:

We have been in the same house for 36 years. Before that we lived in a 2 bedroom apartment which was an upgrade from our first apartment with one bedroom. Before that we both lived at home.

6. Name some bad habits you have:

I like to talk and have to work hard at being a listener.

7. Name some jobs you have had:

Call centre representative, Phonecentre representative, babysitter, librarian.

8. Name those you are tagging for #OSBlog:

Leslie, Hilary and Cate

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:

Here are the Questions:

1. When would you consider planting flowers or vegetables at your residence?

Most of the planting in our garden is done after May 24th. We only plant perennials now. Less work is required in the garden.

2. What is more egregious; cheating on one's spouse or spending the family into being bankruptcy?

Cheating is a lot worse. However overspending is a poor second.

3. In honour of Pi Day this week, what is your favourite kind of pie?

My favourite pie is pumpkin pie with apple as my second choice.

4. Would would you give Wayne @ Touristic for his birthday today?

Besides good wishes I would give him a dream trip if we could afford 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:

What do you consider the first sign of spring?

SUNDAY IN THE CITY

 

Let’s travel the world together!

Thanks to unknown mami for hosting:

 

Looking for signs of Spring

SIX WORD SATURDAY

 

Thanks to Cate for inspiring Six Word Saturday 

Busy, getting back into a routine!

FRIDAY FOUR FILL IN FUN

 

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

This week’s statements:

1. Sometimes I wonder if I should _go on a diet__ but I know I wont because I would have to buy all new clothes.

2. A grandchild is very lovable and I have 5.

3. I got the best years of my life from my husband. We will be married 40 years in June.

4. Cruising make(s) the best vacation ever and I can hardly wait for the next one.

THRIVING THURSDAY

 

As usual I am joining Brenda Youngerman for Pondering with a Purpose:

Today's prompt is: Flexible

I find my self being much more flexible these days. I think being retired allows me to make changes on a daily basis. I no longer follow a schedule per say so I can get up when I am not tired and go to bed when I am. Other than the cruises we have planned for the rest of the year we are available.

I need to be more flexible with my body. When I put my knee out in January I thought I would never dance again. Thanks to the aquafit and sit and be fit on the cruise I have managed to get my knee working again. I have signed up for classes that will start at the end of the month and I hope I can maintain my flexibility.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY- MORE CRUISE PICTURES

 

WEDNESDAY HODGE PODGE

 

Thanks to Joyce for hosting another Wednesday Hodgepodge.

 

1. My real life friends came through with another question this week so thank you real life friends. When you've eaten in a restaurant do you complete their comment card? Do you take online surveys highlighted at the bottom of store receipts?

No I don’t bother.

2. The (US) ban on women in combat was lifted at the end of January. It will probably be next year before specifics are worked out, but its been reported over 200,000 front line positions will eventually open up to women.  Your thoughts?

Why not!

3.  In looking back at all the blog posts you've written, what's your favourite post title?

I really enjoy posting on Mondays with Acting balanced and Touristic.

4. What's worse-overly permissive parents or overly protective parents?  Did your own parents lean more to the permissive or the protective category?  If you're a parent where do you fall?

I believe children should have some rules and boundaries however as a grandmother I have a saying “what happens at grandma’s stays at grandma’s.

5.  Candlelight-moonlight-firelight-bright lights in the big city...which one's your favourite?

I love seeing a full moon on the ocean from a cruise ship.

6. Dr. Seuss's birthday was celebrated on Saturday. What's a favourite book you remember (Seuss or otherwise) from your own childhood?  Did books play an important role in your growing up years? Explain.

My favourite book by Dr. Seuss is “To think that I saw it on Mulberry Street”. I love all of the imagination.

7.  To quote Dr. Seuss...

"From there to here, and here to there, funny things are everywhere."

from One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish

Share something funny you've recently read, seen or heard.  

Spending time with my 2 year old grandson who climbed on my knee so that he could play Bubble Guppies on the computer.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

We have safely returned home after a month away. I have started the mounds of laundry. I would like to thank all of the bloggers who have commented on my recent blogs and I promise to link up with everyone now that I am home.

TUESDAY COFFEE CHAT

 

Tuesday March 5th 2013

"Snog, Marry, or Throw off A Cliff?"

A fun little fantasy game to play using your favourite (or most hated) male or female actors, characters, rock stars.....whatever.   Choose one for each category and briefly explain why they are in that category.  (for those  not versed in "Brit Speak" -- Snog is kiss.   Keep it clean folks ;)

I would love to snog Clark Gable. Even though he has long since left us he was one of the first actors I loved to watch.

I would love to have been married to Paul Newman although I might have been a little antsy with all of his wild activities such as race car driving. He had a good heart.

Would it be acceptable to throw Bruce Willis off of a cliff? I really hate his “Die Hard” movies.

Thanks Les for this week’s topic.

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:

Our Questions:
1. Which are you better at: Reading, Writing or Math?

I am better reader than I am writer.

2. Tell us a good 'come back' story. Where you were down but were able to reverse fortunes and come out on top.

I don’t get to be on top very often however just being able to retire at the age of 60 and enjoy life is wonderful.

3. Which would you rather do: dine or eat?

I am an eater although after being on a cruise ship for 2 weeks I have enjoyed the dining experience.

4. What is one thing the someone close to you does that just annoys the heck out of you?

D H is the love of my life however he does like to be in control so I let him think we are doing it his way.

My fifth questions is:

What is your fantasy trip?

SUNDAY IN THE CITY

 

Check out what else is happening around the world at:

Some of the people who made our stay on the ship so enjoyable:

Nicole – the life style fitness instructor and activity director.

Matt – the DJ

Our room stewards and towel animal maker.

SIX WORD SATURDAY

 

 

 

Last day on the cruise ship!

 

 

 

Saturday, March 02, 2013

Six Word Saturday