WEDNESDAY HODGE PODGE

 

1. Share one way you think the world has changed for the better since you were a kid? The kids are learning more in school and at a faster rate. I didn’t get to go school until I was 5 and my children start when they are 3.

2. How 'bout one way it's changed for the worse? Traffic!  It isn’t as safe as it used to be. We used to be able to play ball on the street.

3. Starlight, starfish, starling, Starbucks...your favourite 'star'? I am partial to the Northern star. It is easily recognized in the Big Dipper.

4. Name a song that's overplayed, but you love it anyway. My songs aren’t played very often anymore. I don’t listen to the radio except in the car and often we use our MP3 player instead.

5. When did you last have home made ice cream? Your latest favourite flavour? The first time we made homemade ice cream we were at the cottage and we had given my Dad an ice cream maker. He was so excited that he bought the heaviest cream possible from the local dairy and my mother made a custard with 6 eggs in it. We took turns cranking the ice cream. It was yellow and tasted like French Vanilla. The funny thing is my Dad broke out in hives because he allergic to the cream and my husband couldn’t eat it because of his egg allergy. Needless to say the next batch was with lighter cream and no eggs although we did add fresh peaches to it. Yummy! Right now I am enjoying ice cream bars because they are less messy.

6. What do you think is the best way to inspire or motivate people? Motivation comes from inside however if there is a reward they want, it is easier to achieve.

7. When was the last time you were without power? It has been a while since we lost power. Our hydro systems have been updated. I do notice that when there is a major power failure that 9 months later there are a lot of babies.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

The days and nights have been a lot cooler. D H and I love it. We are walking more and building up our stamina for our 2 week cruise to Norway, Scotland and Ireland. It is only 2 weeks away. We had a planning meeting with the other 2 couples on Sunday. We have started our packing. Our walks have taken us to the beach and yesterday we walked the boardwalk. It was 4 kilometers long. D H took a few pictures.  Here is what we saw:

THOUGHTFUL TUESDAY

 

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch!

 

QUESTIONS

1. Are you looking forward to fall?  Yes I am looking forward to fall. We have booked a 42 day cruise to Rome from Fort Lauderdale and back.
2. What are the three best colors for you to wear, and the three worst? The worst colours are yellow and orangey red as well as pink. My favourite colours are purple, green and blue
3. What is your favourite kind of juice? If you are not into juice, you can tell us your favourite flavour of soda, tea, coffee, Tang, mud, etc. My favourite juice is orange juice. I start with a glass every morning. I like tomato juice at dinner and we always have apple and cranberry juice in the house.
4. Have you ever been in the hospital (at least an overnight)? You don't need to share the ailment, but tell us what the longest time is. Yes, 3 times for my 3 children and once with a broken leg.
5. Do jingles, songs from ads, and TV or movie themes stick in your head? Do you find yourself singing them? (This question means that I'm trying to find out if I'm the only crazy person who sings quirky stuff!) Yes! Although I don’t have one right now.

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

Here are the Questions:

1. What is your favourite pair of shoes?

My favourite pair of shoes are my dancing shoes.

2. Do you get embarrassed easily?

I am a mother of three children and a grandmother to 6 there is very little that will embarrass me.

3. What makes you cringe?

Watching my grandchildren do dangerous things on the playground.

4. July 29th is National Lasagna day... are you celebrating?  What kind of lasagna do you prefer?

Not a big fan of lasagna. My ex-sil used to make a fabulous one.

My fifth question is:

Are you anxious for the start of school?

SUNDAY IN THE CITY

 

Let’s travel the world together! with Unknown Mami

 

The weather has been considerably cooler. In fact it is just perfect. This week we managed several walks on our Beach. These are some shots DH took from the boardwalk.

If you wish a closer view just put your mouse over the picture and you will get a larger one.

Have a great Sunday! I showed you mine now show me yours!

SIX WORD SATURDAY

 

Family, friends, theatre,shopping,dinner & planning!

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 Mr. Uttley from Uttley’s Take – he came up with the last two statements!

This week’s statements:

1. I don’t have a lot of time until we get on a cruise ship.

2. When it is a sunny I hate when it  is too warm to walk.

3. When I was little, my dream job was to be a teacher.

.
4.  I could write a book about my life and I hope to soon..

THRIVING THURSDAY

 

As I mentioned last week D H and I are gearing up for a 2 week cruise with our friends N and M, and M and D. We leave in 20 days.

D H is researching attractions in Belgium. I know Belgium is famous for chocolate, beer and lace. I was in Belgium on a bus trip 41 years ago. I remember the lace demonstrations and would love to pick up some to bring home. Of course chocolate is always welcome since I will eat anything that is covered in chocolate. I am not much of a beer drinker however D H is a connoisseur and so are M and D.  The last time we were in Europe the boys tried the beer in every country we stopped in.

If anyone has been to Belgium I would love some tips.

WEDNESDAY HODGE PODGE

 

Royal Hodgepodge

Welcome to this week's edition of the Wednesday Hodgepodge!

1. July 24th is Amelia Earhart Day.  Earhart was the first female to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.  What's something you've recently accomplished solo?

Tough question! Since I have retired I spend a lot of time with D H. About the only time I get away is to babysit the grandchildren. He stays home while I take care of them.

2.  What's one product you use that never ever fails?

Vinegar! I recently used it on my couch to freshen it.

3. Have you found your place in the world? Where is it?

Yes! I am retired and this is the best place to be.

4.  Worst movie you ever saw?

I am not a big movie fan however I saw the movie about Clark Gable and Carole Lombard in a theatre and it came on TV within 2 months. I have never gone to a movie theatre since.

5. What's the last fun thing you did?

Played trains with the neighbourhood children. I had a 4 year old, 18 month old and an 10 month old on the veranda. It was a lot of fun.

6. The month of July is named for Roman Emperor Julius Caesar...ever been to Rome? What's your favourite Italian dish?

Yes and we are going back this November. I flew out of Rome after our Mediterranean cruise and vowed I would never fly into see it again so we are on a 42 day cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Rome and back.

My favourite Italian dish is Veal Marsala.

7. What is one piece of advice you'd offer new mom Kate Middleton?

Don’t sweat the small stuff!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Cooler, drier weather has returned to our area so we have been able to walk our favourite beach park. I love the sound of the waves crashing on to shore.

Have a great day and enjoy the view.

THOUGHTFUL TUESDAY

 

I am joining a new blogging meme and i hope everyone joins in.

QUESTIONS

1. Do you use any type of water filter (pitcher or sink mount)?  No our water is filtered before it comes into the house.

2. Do you have any tips for staying hydrated in the warmer weather? Drink lots of water and stay in the shade as mush as possible. We restrict our air conditioning so we keep the drapes drawn to keep the sun and heat out.

3. Is your hair naturally curly or straight? It is naturally straight and I have stopped coloring it so it is now naturally gray.

4. Are you on top of all the chores/work you do, or are you always running behind? Since I have retired I can stay on top of my chores.

5. If you could sing a song to Wendell, what would it be? “You are my Sunshine”

MEET ME ON MONDAY

 

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

Here are FOUR QUESTIONS that everyone can answer:

1. Wednesday, July 24th is Drive Thru day - do you have any drive thrus that you have a hard time passing?

The only drive thru I use is Tim Hortons and it is usually because my daughter wants to pick up a cup of tea. I don’t usually order anything because I like to go into the coffee shop and watch them make my tea properly.

2. Other than signing your name, when was the last time you physically wrote something?

I wrote a get well card today and over the last couple of weeks I have written baby shower invitations as well as thank you cards for all of the beautiful gifts we received for our 40th wedding anniversary.  I have a card drawer and love sending cards.

3. What was the first movie you saw in a movie theater? the latest one?

I don’t remember my actual first movie however the first date I had with D H we saw “Cool Hand Luke” with Paul Newman and “Family Way” with Hayley Mills. I don’t go to movies because I sleep through them so I won’t waste my money.

4. Have you ever visited Disney?

Yes! I won a free trip to Disneyland in Florida when I was selling Avon almost 25 years ago. I have never taken my children and D H has never been.

 

My 5th question is:

What do you serve when company comes for dinner?

 

SUNDAY IN THE CITY

 

Let’s travel the world together!

The garden flourished while the sun shone!

I’ve shown you mine now show me yours!

SIX WORD SATURDAY

 

Having lunch with my parents today!

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 Susi from Boca Frau – she came up with the last two statements.

This week’s statements:

1. Lately I have been hot and it is driving me crazy.

2. I sometimes have a moment where I miss working!

3 .My favourite type of music is Jazz because I love to dance to it.

4. I’m always amazed by how much noise my grandchildren can make.

THRIVING THURSDAY

 

If you have come to my blog to see Pondering with a Purpose with Brenda Youngerman you be disappointed. Brenda is taking a bit of a break so I don’t have a link. However a few of my blog readers have come looking for me so until Brenda is back I am going to write about some of our travel plans.

It is only 26 days until we live for our European cruise. This cruise is to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. Originally we wanted an Alaskan cruise however the one we wanted was not offered this year. We are going to Ireland, Scotland and Norway this time. We will joined by our bets friends M and N and D and M.

Our trip will start with a flight to Amsterdam on Iceland Air. D H has booked a hotel in Amsterdam that is built right above the train station called the Ibis. We hope to see windmills and tulips as well as the canals. Both M and N and ourselves have spent some time in Amsterdam so we will be great tourist guides for D and M.

The last time we were in Amsterdam we took the “Hop On, Hop Off” canal boat as well as walked the downtown streets. Hopefully we can do this and more. This a picture we took last year from the boat.

WEDNESDAY HODGE PODGE

 

1. Picture postcards were first printed back in the mid-1800's and deltiology is the official name for postcard collecting. When did you last send a postcard?  Receive one? Do you save postcards sent to you? Do you collect and/or send postcards when you travel?

I used to collect postcards on all of my trips however now that D H travels with me and takes fabulous pictures I only pick up a few. I keep them and never mail them.

2. What treat do you most like to indulge in while on vacation?

I like to buy a piece of jewellry from every place I visit. I usually have a story to tell with each piece I buy. The granddaughters love it.

3. Are you good at hiding your feelings?

No!

4. Does your town/city/county still deliver telephone books to your home? Do you check the yellow pages when searching for a local business number or has the internet replaced the phone book in your home?

Yes we still get telephone books delivered however we don’t use them anymore.

5. Would you rather be first or last?

It depends on the circumstances. I love being first in line because I hate to wait however I don’t buy something because it is new.

6. July is National Park and Recreation Month (in America, but everyone can still play along)...where and when were you last in a park?  Did you participate in any recreational activities while you were there?

We live so close to many parks. We walk to most of them and used to participate in the activities however now we like the quiet solitude and just walk.

7.  What was one of your worst ideas?

Buying a Chevrolet Malibu. I had always loved the name however it was too small and cost a lot of money in repairs. I got rid of it for a Ford Taurus.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

We are in the middle of an extreme heat alert in our city. We have curtailed our daily walks outside so we have looking for indoor malls to walk in. We don`t buy anything but it is a cool place to hang out. We also tried switching bedrooms however I like my old bed best. Hopefully we will get a cool down this weekend however that also means more rain. Hope everyone has a cool week!

MEET ME ON MONDAY

 

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

 

Here are the Questions:

1. July is National Ice Cream month - are you celebrating?

Ice cream is always served year round in my house. This week D H complained about too much in the freezer so I had ice cream for lunch to make room for more meat.

2. What is your favourite rainy day activity?

Rainy days will find me in front of the TV with my knitting and crocheting. In between D H and I will play a game of “Hand and Foot”.

3. What is the one book from High School that you remember reading most?  Why?

“Great Gatsby” and I hate the story now. It was so dissected right down to the symbolism of a street light. However on the upside it is a favourite Jeopardy question and get it right every time.

4. Have you ever visited Charleston, SC?

Yes and we love it. Can’t wait to come in October.

My 5th question is:

What do you serve for lunch when you have guests coming?

SUNDAYS IN THE CITY

 

Let’s travel the world together!

Just a day at the Beach!

I showed you mine, now she me yours!

SIX WORD SATURDAY

 

Fabulous week with friends and family!

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 Donella from My Constant Thought – she came up with the last two statements!

This week’s statements:

1. I never want to get old.

2. Being quiet is hard for me

3. My favourite place is on a cruise ship to vacation in the water because I love the lifestyle on a ship.

4. The best concert I’ve seen was Neil Sadaka in Niagara Falls, On Canada because we sat very close and could sing along to all of his songs.

THRIVING THURSDAY

 

Welcome to Pondering with a Purpose – with Brenda Youngerman

Today's prompt is: Break

  If you break it, you’ve bought it!

It’s a breakaway! He shoots and he scores!

Break your routine! It’s like taking a vacation!

Ah! The coffee break! Everyone needs one even if you drink tea!

Break the habit! Especially smoking – everyone should do it!

Of course there is the break water which gives us lots of waves on a windy day.

Brenda is taking a break from Pondering so there will no more for a while.

WEDNESDAY HODGE PODGE

Hodgepodge Questions

Here are the questions to this week's Hodgepodge. 

1. What's something people might ask you for help with?

I usually get asked to babysit. I also crochet baby blankets and knit baby outfits so my family keep me busy with their requests.

2. What's something you might ask someone else for help with?

I am a little challenged in the height department so I usually wait for my tall son or one of his friends come by to reach the places I would have to use a step stool or ladder.

3.  Did your family take summer vacations when you were a child? If so, where did you go? If you're a parent, did/do you plan summer vacations with your own family? Did/do they resemble those you took as a child?

From the time I was 9 years old my parents owned a cottage and we lived there all summer and we stayed from the day school got out until the day school started again however we did have a summer vacation the year before the cottage was built. We travelled to Western Canada and visited my father’s relatives.

My children also spent time at the cottage however we never really took summer vacations with our children.

4.   Pool-lake-ocean...which one is most appealing to you on a hot summer day?

I would prefer a lake  to a pool. We don’t live close to an ocean.

5.  Have you ever justified using the expression, 'you gotta be cruel to be kind'?  Was it really necessary or were you rationalizing?

I don’t think I have ever been cruel to be kind. I keep most of my opinions to myself.

6.  The Journal of Psychology recently mentioned the results of a survey identifying the ten most hated foods as-liver, lima beans, mayonnaise, mushrooms, eggs, okra, beets, brussel sprouts, tuna, and gelatin.  Of those foods, how many do you actually hate? Anything you'd add to the list?

I actually like brussel sprouts once in a while. Everything else on the list I agree with.

7. What's your favourite book or movie set in a beach or lake town?

I Loved the movie “Beaches” with Bette Midler.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

July has proven to be a much calmer month. We have had a busy week though. On Monday an old friend came to lunch and we had a wonderful gabfest. Tuesday we met another friend for a theatre trip and dinner. We saw a fabulous musical called “Big Band Legends”. We will definitely plan more trips to the theatre as it is almost an equal drive for each of us. Again another gabfest. Today we will be having lunch with another friend as well as babysitting our grandchildren. Our documents are ready for our cruise in August so we will pick them up and meet our new travel agent. Our old agent retired in February.

This is definitely a slower pace than June. Hope everyone is having a wonderful summer.

I still have a few pictures from our 40th anniversary to share:

   

MEET ME ON MONDAY

 

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

Here are the Questions:

1. What is your favourite summer activity?

I used to love to swim however I am not as close to cottage anymore.

2. Do you have a honey-do list? or a to-do-list of your own?

There is always work to do around the house. We need new siding on the house and of course we need to paint again.

3. Would you go for a massage?  Facial?  Spa treatment?

I do like a massage. They are a favourite gift from my children.

4. What was the last song you danced to?

We dance every week so unfortunately I can’t name a particular song. I think we danced a rumba for our last dance.

My 5th question this week is ...

Have you started your Christmas shopping?