FRIDAY FOUR FILL-IN FUN

 

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

This week’s co-host is TAMI from EMPTY NEST IN IL who came up with the last statement!

This week’s statements:

1. If I don’t keep in touch with my family then I feel left out and lonely.

2. I wish my daughter’s family was closer but then again I wouldn’t have a fabulous warm place to visit in the winter.

3. Getting enough exercise is challenging for me.

4. I would say I am “computer novice” because I basically play on it.

THRIVING THURSDAY

 

Welcome to Pondering with a Purpose – by Brenda Youngerman

 Today's prompt is: Knot

I want to write about knots without getting a knot in my stomach. My brother and hubby were very active in Boy Scouts so there was a lot of knot tying around the house. I personally can really only do 2 – the reef knot and the slip knot. My Dad taught us the slip knot so that we could tie up the boats in the summer. I never really used the reef knot which is tied by going right over left and under and then left over right and under. My memory is still good.

One of the decorating styles in the 70’s was called knotty pine. Here are some pictures supplied by Google.

Traditional Clear on Pine

Honey Spice on Pine

Of course I also use knots in my knitting and crocheting. I took a macramé class once but got kicked out because I tied my teacher in knots. She said “I was the most frustrating student she had ever had”. Sorry Mima.

Decorative macramé owls

Before this pondering ties me in knots I will wish everyone a happy day!

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE

 

Hodgepodge Questions

 

1. What question do you often ask yourself?

How did I get to be so lucky?

2. Do you grow roses? What's your favourite color of rose?  Ever been given a dozen roses?  Where was the prettiest rose or rose garden you remember seeing?

No I don’t garden however D H does. My favourite rose is yellow however I had a beautiful mauve rose called “Blue Jay” once. My mother-in-law grew a gorgeous white rose in her garden.

3. Do you read the freshness dates on grocery store products?  Will you use eggs past their 'use by' date?  Take medication that's expired? Buy a dented can?

Yes I do look for the freshness date on the label however I have used eggs as well as taken cough medicine past its date.

4. Should athletes be role models?

Not really! I don’t think they set the best examples.

5. Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay of Nepal became the first explorers to reach the top of Mt. Everest on this date (May 29) back in 1953. What's something you hope to achieve in your lifetime?

I hope I can be accepted as a wonderful mother and grandmother.

6. What would you do if you had twenty acres of land and the money to develop it any way you choose?

I would probably build houses for everyone in my family so we could all live close together.

7. If I invite you to a party with a 7 PM start time, what time will I actually see you there?

I would probably arrive early. I hate to be late.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Since my grandson T has arrived I have been spending my Monday mornings with my daughter-in-law M and my granddaughter F. F takes gymnastics and needs an adult to help her so I look after T while Mommy helps F. Of course if T needs Mommy then I get to help F with her climbing and jumping and tumbling. After class we go to the library for a pre-school story hour which is in the adjoining building. This past Monday D H came with me to put together a patio table. He also took the dog for a walk.

On our way home we past a favourite walking area. 41 years while D H was still in school he worked on a project called Rattray Marsh. A developer had bought a lakeside property and wanted to fill in the marsh and build million dollar houses. Fortunately a conservation group stepped in. D H  worked to save this ecological site. The group couldn’t save all of it however they did save part. We have been visiting this marsh for the last 15 years. Sometimes we visit a lot and last year we didn’t have time at all.

This year our visit was wonderful. We had a beautiful sunny day and the best part is we saw some amazing wildlife. Here are some of the pictures that D H took.

TUESDAY COFFEE CHAT

 

Good day and welcome to Coffee Chat.
This will be the last Coffee Chat until the end of summer.

 

What is your favourite thing to do in the Great Outdoors during the summer?

I am going to start with a disclaimer “ I am not a sun person!”. Now don’t get me wrong I love the summer. I love not having to wear a coat and boots. I love the flowers in other peoples’ gardens. I love walking in the parks just not on the sunny side of the street. I love to read and catch up on the books I’ve been collecting since it can be too hot to knit or crochet.

I love the summer because my daughter H and her family have the time to come and visit. They will be here for the month of June. While they are here we will have a baby shower for my niece and celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. This may be their last summer as my oldest granddaughter is old enough to work and wants to have a University education as well as drive a car.

I love the summer because it is easier to drive to see my parents. We can enjoy the drive without the worries of snowstorms and extremely bad weather. We can have sleepovers with our other granddaughters as well.

It is going to be a busy summer and we will culminate with a European cruise to Norway, Scotland and Ireland in August. We are travelling with our 2 favourite couples. D H will be blogging about our adventures so will have lots to talk about in September.

HAVE A GREAT SUMMER EVERYONE!!

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:

1.  How much do you trust the media in their reporting?  Are there certain media outlets you trust or distrust more?

I read the local newspaper but really only the headlines and watch one local TV station however I get sick of hearing about the same thing over and over and over. I can’t stand CNN.

2.  I just found out that May is National Egg Month... who knew... how do you like your eggs?

I have an intolerance to eggs. I can eat baked goods and surprisingly French toast or waffles however I can’t eat an egg straight nor can I have an egg salad sandwich. Weird!

3.  What have you written in the past six months that you are proud of?

I am not really a writer just a blogger.

4.  Where are you in your spring cleaning?

Not very far. D H is the cleaner in the family and he has been working on the backyard.

My 5th question is:

How do you treat a headache?

SUNDAYS IN THE CITY

 

Let’s travel the world together!

I showed you mine, now show me yours.

A walk in the park!

SIX WORD SATURDAY

 

Busy schedule! Niece’s wedding! Granddaughter theatre!

FRIDAY FOUR FILL IN FUN

 

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

 

This week’s co-host is BECKEY Pickles from THE REALLY REALLY REAL HOUSEWIVES who came up with the last statement!

This week’s statements:

1. One of my best and worst traits is that I love to knit and crochet gifts for my family. I spend all of my extra money on yarn.

2. If I could escape for a day, I’d get on a cruise ship.

3. The best part of being a grandmother is being able to enjoy the grandchildren without worrying about taking care of them.

4. When I was young I thought I wanted lots of children of my own. Now I just borrow them and send them home.

THRIVING THURSDAY

pondering with a purpose - wind

Welcome to Pondering with a Purpose – by Brenda Youngerman

Today's prompt is: Wind

I enjoy participating in Brenda’s ponderings especially when words can have so many meanings. Words that can be both nouns as well as verbs.

Wind as a noun is a thing of nature. It blows everything around. A gentle wind can provide us with a refreshing breeze on a hot day. It can make little lapping waves on water. However as the wind intensifies it can be scary especially when accompanied by rain or thunder and lightening. Wind can also cause havoc with snow especially when it blows across highways or oceans.

During the summer we outran a storm with 100 mile and hour winds that was crossing the North  Atlantic from Newfoundland to Iceland.

The wind can be calming or it can be devastating. Of course their is the wind that comes from ourselves which can be smelly or noisy when we pass it.

Of course as a verb it actually sounds different. I wind my wool before I use it. My hubby winds the cord to the vacuum as well the garden hose. I wind up toys for the grandchildren as well as wind up babysitting them as well because they can wind me around their little fingers.

So which ever way the wind blows or you wind up in a special place I hope you have a great week and thanks for pondering with me.

WEDNESDAY HODGE PODGE

 

Here are the questions for this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge.

1. It's National Bike Week...do you own a bicycle? When did you last ride a bike?

No I don’t own a bike and the last time I was on a bike was at a gym and that was at least 7 years ago.

2. What's something you learned in school that wasn't part of the curriculum?

I joined the drama club because my best friend could act. I learned that I could not.

3. What's a food you've never tried, but want to try? What's a food you've tried and will never try again?

I am not very adventurous when it comes to food. Having allergies makes it hard. I also prefer sweet to savoury.

4. Have you been more demanding on yourself lately or less? Why? Do you think that's a good trend?

No since I retired I don’t have demands on my time. I have made some commitments especially with the grandchildren but that is fun.

5. Who is your favourite book, movie, or TV show villain?

I don’t read too many books with villains in them nor do I watch movies or TV shows with them either. I like Joyce’s answer of the “Wicked witch” from the “Wizard of Oz” so I will agree with her.

6. How concerned are you about identity theft?

I am not too worried however I don’t show pictures of my grandchildren nor do I have “Facebook”.

7. I saw this last question on Dawn's blog a couple of week's ago and asked if I could share. Everybody hop over and say hi, but first answer this...would you rather have an ordinary home in an extraordinary place or an extraordinary home in an ordinary place?

As anyone who follows my blog knows I live in a 6 room closet. I love it because it is an ordinary house however we love the location. We are close to shopping, beaches and transit as well as major highways. So I guess I would pick an ordinary house in an extraordinary location. As the realtors say “Location, Location, Location”

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I am so glad to see Summer arriving. It is wonderful to be able to get out for walks again. I love not having to bundle up in coats and hats. We even ate out on the patio the other day. I am sad that several of our activities are winding down for the summer and since we will be away in the Fall we will miss them even more.

TUESDAY COFFEE CHAT

 

Random Thoughts.  Now is your chance to just say whatever is on your mind.  

Again I am joining Les at Time out for Mom.

The official summer has begun in  Canada. We started with the first long weekend and can hardly wait for the rest of the summer. It promises to be very busy at our house.

This weekend we bought a new couch for the living room. It will be delivered on Friday however since Tuesday (today) is garbage day we took the old one out to the curb to be picked up. We will probably rearrange the space since the new couch is smaller.

DH is also getting the backyard ready. He planted some plants, repaired the deck and even painted it. The BBQ needs some fixing so that is next.

Monday, the bonus day was Family Day. We spent the afternoon and early evening with daughter-in-law M and grandchildren E,F and T. E took Aunt C and Grampy on an adventure to the muddy stream where G got pictures of flowers. We had a lovely dinner on the patio and dessert of cherry cheesecake.

T let everyone hold him and enjoy his presence. E and F showed off their new van especially the trunk space. F is glad to be sitting forward her car seat. She feels more grown-up now. Thanks Daddy!

We are getting ready for H and her family to arrive in June. We also have a wedding for my niece K and a 50th wedding anniversary for my Uncle C and his wife Aunt J.

Can hardly wait to enjoy this wonderful summer!

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. May is National Asparagus Month - do you like it?  Haves a favourite recipe?

I am not a big asparagus fan however I like it with a cheese sauce or grilled on the BBQ.

2. May is also National Salad month... what's your favourite salad?

Caesar salad is my favourite when I am out for dinner however at home D H prepares a mean salad with greens, apples, cucumbers, flax salad, cranberries and carrots which I dress with 3 cheese ranch dressing.  Yum!

3. Laundry Question: Fabric Softener yea or nay?  How do you keep your clothes soft and static free?

I gave up on fabric softeners because of allergies so I use vinegar instead. I use a dryer sheet to soften the clothes.

4. Do you speak more than one language?  What language would you love to learn?

I have a little French however it would only get me into trouble. i read it better than I talk it. I tried to learn Chinese however that was also a failure.

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 needs to be replaced in your house?

SUNDAY IN THE CITY

 

Let’s travel the world together!

Walking at the beach and enjoying the sights of our City!

I showed you mine, now show me yours!

SIX WORD SATURDAY

 

 

Busy schedule! Niece’s wedding! Granddaughter theatre!

FRIDAY FOUR FILL-IN FUN

 

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

This week’s co-host is Pickles from Purrfectly Pickles who came up with the last two statements!

This week’s statements:

1. I can really use some warm weather right now.

2. I like to keep in touch with my parents as well as my children and grandxhildren.

3. The color of the sky right now is a beautiful blue with wispy clouds.

4. I get annoyed with people who put themselves down because of their own self-esteem.

THRIVING THURSDAY

 

Welcome to Pondering with a Purpose –with Brenda Youngerman

Today's prompt is: Leash

This is an interesting word for the double meanings of words for Pondering. As a noun it is an attachment for use with animals usually dogs but sometimes cats. It can also be used to keep children in tow.

As a verb it is a restraining effect. I wish to leash my emotions when I see mistakes being made.  I particularly dislike poor customer service. So I have to leash my tongue to keep from complaining.

I don’t have any animals to put on a leash so I can only lease my thoughts and think before I speak.

WEDNESDAY HODGE PODGE

 

Hodgepodge Questions

Welcome to another week of random fun. You'll find this week's questions for the Wednesday Hodgepodge posted below...

1. May is National Blood Pressure Month...what sends yours soaring, either literally or figuratively? What calms you down? When did you last have your bp checked?

I had my BP checked in March. Our doctor is 82 years old and still doctoring. Fortunately we have good blood pressure and don’t need any medication. We will visit again in July.

2. You just found $1-what do you spend it on? How about 10$ 100?

A dollar isn’t much these days however I love the cards and bags at the Dollar store and since I have so many babies on the way I keep both cards and bags in stock. I also don’t keep a lot of cash on hand so anything over $10 goes on the credit card.

3. Mandatory labeling of genetically engineered (GE) food has been proposed, but not enacted in the US. How much attention do you give food labels before you buy? Are you in favour of labeling if it means an increase in food prices? Is this an issue you've been following and feel strongly about, or is this the first you've heard of the controversy?

Because we have allergies in the family we do read the labels on a lot of products however we also don’t buy a lot of processed foods because of the salt content.  We don’t buy soup in a can because of the salt. We have homemade soup instead. I won’t pay more since we like to save money.

4. May 15th marks the birthdate of Frank Baum, author of The Wizard of Oz. At this point in time, are you more in need of brains, courage, heart, or a trip back home? Explain.

At my age I will have to say brains since I worry that my memory won’t last long or is it short because I need to write things down to remember them yet I can tell you about incidents that happened 40 years ago.

5. "There's no place like home" is an oft repeated line from Baum's book. When was the last time you felt the truth of that statement?

D H and I love to travel as regular readers of this blog know however I do like to come home once in a while to touch base and at least do the laundry before our next trip.

6.  Steak...yes please or no thank you? What cut do you prefer and how do you like yours cooked? Sauce or no sauce? Besides your own kitchen, where's a place you like to go to get a great steak? 

I do like steak although when I am out I usually chose chicken. D H of course cooks the best steak and I like it medium rare. On our last cruise I did order my steak and it came perfectly cooked. Hold the sauce!

7. When was the last time you were in a genuine hurry?

The last time I was in a hurry was on Monday. I was travelling to my son’s house to take F to gymnastics. I hate rush hour traffic so I actually left a little earlier so I wouldn’t be frustrated and worry about being late.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

This weekend is a long weekend in Canada. We celebrate Queen Victoria’s birthday with Monday as a holiday. We don’t travel to the cottage anymore however we plan to have a family dinner at my son’s house and watch the fireworks with the granddaughters. After this weekend we will be running non-stop until July. very busy family time ahead.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

 

SPRING IS BLOOMING

 

TUESDAY COFFEE CHAT

 

 

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Tuesday Coffee Chat: Mommy Dearest

What is the most joyous thing about being a mother?   What is the hardest?   Feel free to give a shout out for your own dear mama.

I have 3 wonderful children and 6 amazing grandchildren. When I married D H I wanted 12 children because I firmly believed in “Cheaper by the Dozen”. Fortunately D H was made of sturdier stuff and we only had 3.  We also had them very close to each other. There is only 2 1/2 years between all 3. I was lucky enough to be home with them for 12 years without looking for outside work.

It has been wonderful to see them all through school as well as being married. We love our 2 son-in-laws and our terrific daughter-in-law. They is always a challenge with children but the accomplishments far out weigh the problems.

We never had a lot of money because I stayed home however they were well-fed and well dressed. I made their sweaters, hats and mitts as well their afghans for their beds. They enjoyed summers at the cottage and summer schools were close by.

I like to think my mother as well as my grandmother were wonderful inspirations. They lead the way for my raising the children and were close enough to help when needed.

The only thing I can say though is “if I had known how wonderful grandchildren were I would have had them first”.

My Mother (taken on Mother’s Day 2013)

MEET ME ON MONDAY

 

Welcome to Monday Quiz About Me - hosted by Acting Balanced and Touristic - sorry it's late getting up and last week was missing, but it's been crazy busy here at Never-Stay-At-Home mom headquarters...

Here are FOUR QUESTIONS that everyone can answer:

1. What did you do for Mother's Day?

D H and I drove 10 hours to have lunch with my Mother and Father. It was a lovely buffet lunch and we had a great visit even though it was short. We spent more time in the car than we did with my parents.

2. What was the best advice your mother (or a mother figure) gave you?

Don’t sweat the small stuff!

3. Are you gardening this year?  What have you/will you plant?

D H is gardening this year. The backyard is getting a renewal. We have zinnia seeds to plant as well.

4. What is the first song that comes to mind today?

Not a particular one. I have “Songs of Sinatra” in my head from our theatre trip on Saturday and we listened to the MP3 player on our car trip.

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 often do you keep in touch with your family?

 

SUNDAY IN THE CITY

 

Let’s travel the world together!

 

Spring is for the birds!

SIX WORD SATURDAY

 

Happy Mother’s Day! Enjoy your weekend!

FRIDAY FOUR FILL-IN FUN

 

Welcome to the weekly Follow Friday Four Fill-in Fun Blog Hop! by Hilary G.

This week’s co-host is UTLEY  from UTLEY’S TAKE– He came up with the last two statements!

This week’s statements:

1. If I hadn’t retired then I wouldn’t have been able to cruise as often as we do.

2. D H is the love of my life.

3. Once, I was surprised to find myself pregnant with a third child when my second was only 8 weeks old.

4. To keep from going crazy, I drive my children crazy.

THRIVING THURSDAY

 

I

I am pondering with Brenda today.

Today's prompt is: Skirt

A great topic because the weather finally allows me to wear skirts. I have shaved my legs and don’t have to stuff myself into pantyhose. Imagine stuffing 2 pigs in a blanket and you can see me getting into pantyhose.

I have several skirts hanging in my closet however I am more of a pant person especially since I retired. D H did say that if we travel to the Far East I would need my skirts to go to the bathroom since many facilities still have dirt floors.

I don’t want to skirt the issue of skirts vs pants. I am a pacifist so any time I can avoid a heated discussion I will definitely skirt the issue.

I will skirt along with this pondering and look forward to next week. Have a great skirt day!

WEDNESDAY HODGE PODGE

 

Here we go~ thanks to Joyce for hosting:

1. When the children of today grow up, what do you think they'll say about this period in time?  What do you most hope they remember?

I hope they will remember the great times they had with their grandparents: the sleep overs, the barbecues, the Christmas dinners and playing in the park.

2. National Teacher's Day is celebrated in the US of A on the first Tuesday in May, this year May 7th...share how a particular teacher positively influenced you.

I didn’t really have a particular teacher who influenced me on the good side however I turned against my grade 5 and grade 7 teacher because they smoked. I was a very strong anti-smoking advocate.

3. What's a dish your mama made, that if set in front of you today would whisk you right back to childhood?

My Mother made the most awesome butter tarts. Many have tried to make them however no one has really succeeded. She used to make 13 dozen tarts a week.

4.  Mother May I was a game we played when I was growing up...no pieces, parts, or plugs required.  What games from childhood do you remember loving that were also pieces, parts, and plug free?

We lived at a cottage in the summer time so I would have to say swimming. We used to challenge each other for distance. Crossing the bay to the other side was a major feat.

5. Besides your own mother, tell us about a woman who influenced you as a child.

My Grandmother was a huge influence on my life. My mother and I struggled with independence. My Grandmother would be the voice of reason between us. Many a problem was solved with a cup of tea and an overnight stay.

6. Mamma Mia!  What's the best play or musical you've ever seen?

We belong to a very small theatre group and we love their “Legends” series.

7. What are three smells that make you feel nostalgic?

mown grass, coffee and beach water.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

This has been a busy week. I helped with my new grandson and granddaughter on Monday. F takes gymnastics and a parent has to go along. Mommy took the first part while I walked T over. When T started to fuss we switched. I got to work the circuit with F. We also took in a library program while T napped. It was home for lunch and naps while Mommy ran errands. I worked on my baby sweater while naps happened. Mommy picked E up from school and I came home for my aquafit class.

I am also getting the invitations ready for our anniversary party. They will be in the mail by Friday. On top of that I have to send out invites to my niece’s shower. D H is busy reworking the back garden. He moved the shed and created some new steps. It is going to look wonderful.

We have also driven through High Park to see the cherry blossoms. Here are some photos D H took as we drove by.