FRIDAY FRAGMENTS & FOUR FILL IN FUN

 

              

 

This week’s co-host is ELOQUENT RAMBLES she who came up with the last three statements.

The statements:

1) Have you warmed up yet?

2)Avon is my favourite beauty care products.

3) I like coffee but prefer tea.

4)Social media is not in my futures except blogging.

It is the last day of January and I am glad to say “good riddance”. It has been the coldest January in years. Of course not planning a winter cruise makes it even harder to bear. My winter coat that I purchased 3 years ago has finally been pressed into service. Thank goodness I had also purchased some new snow boots.

Happy Chinese New Year! It is the year of the horse. My son M and his wife M are both horses. Last year was the year of the serpent ( daughter C and grandson T ). I am a dragon and DH is an ox. I am celebrating with fortune cookies.

I hope the Groundhog does not see his shadow on Sunday. If he doesn’t we will have spring in 6 weeks. Of course if he does we will have 6 more weeks of winter.

I hope everyone has a great weekend.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY & HODGE PODGE

 

Hodgepodge Questions

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

1. It's  been said that one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day. Do you think that's true? Do you find that an easy exercise most mornings? What's something positive you told yourself today? If you missed that boat, what's something positive you could tell yourself tomorrow?

Yes! I think it is important to laugh every day. When I worked there were a group of us who laughed and hugged every morning before we started to work. Complaining was not allowed. Kissing my husband in the morning is also uplifting.

2. There will be karaoke at the next party you attend...are you in? Or will you be faking a sore throat?

No way! I don’t carry a bucket because I can’t carry a tune.

3. January 29th is National Puzzle Day...what's something you've found puzzling recently?

Why do people go out in the bitter cold without hats and mitts and scarves.

4.  Jigsaw, crossword, acrostic, logic, sudoku, word search...what's your favorite kind of puzzle, and when did you last work one?

I am not the puzzle person in the family. Hubby is. I like word searches if I do a puzzle.

5. Recently a writer by the name of Amy Glass ruffled feathers with a post she wrote saying she looks down on young women with husbands and kids and she's not sorry. Among other things, she says women will be equal with men when we stop saying house work and real work are equally important. You can read the whole piece by clicking here.
What say you? Do you think men and women are equal in the 21st century? Why or why not?

Since I have retired and look back I think my hubby would have made a better stay at home parent however back in the 70`s and 80`s it wasn`t the way of the world. Today hubby does the housework and cooks.

6. What's a product you've noticed in the grocery store that you'd like to try, but haven't yet?

We are on such a diet that we don`t eat processed food. I think most of them still have too much salt.

7. The author, Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (aka Lewis Carroll) was born this week in 1832 (January 27th).  Which character from his celebrated novel, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, would you most like to meet, and why? Here's a link to a character list if you need help on this one.

I once hosted a tea party at work. I was the Mad Hatter.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I have been doing a lot of reading because we are hibernating. I sit snuggle up with extra sweaters and the afghan around me. Fortunately I have lots of books in the house. Yesterday I read `Firefly lane``by Kristan Hannah. It is a story about best friends forever. It was spell binding however the one friend dies from breast cancer. She was very good about checking for lumps and having a mammogram however she failed to notice the changes around the nipple. Her family doctor actually thought it was a bug bite and missed the diagnosis. This is the thought that I will take away from this story. It reminds a little of the movie `Beaches``

D H is still working on the pictures from our last cruise. He ran out of blue ink for the printer. I wonder why except most of the pictures have water or sky in them.

Just some of the architecture in Barcelona. Most were designed by Gaudi.

THOUGHTFUL TUESDAY

 

Tuesday, January 27, 2014

The Rule of Three

They say things come in 3s: 

What's your favourite list of Three Things.

The best 3 things that I have had are my three children. We didn’t start out to have 3. I actually wanted 12 because I was fascinated with the story “Cheaper by the Dozen”.

My son and daughter also have 3 children. Between them I have 3 girls and 3 boys. Thank you for the wonderful grandchildren.

I thought of things you buy that come in 3’s. Milk has 3 bags, socks come in three pairs per package and so does some underwear.

Unfortunately some tragedies come in 3’s. I never go to just one funeral it seems I go to 3. If one thing breaks down in the house I wait for the other 2 to happen as well.

Wishes are usually granted in 3’s so I will wish for health, happiness and family.

 

 

QUESTIONS

1. Have you tried any DIY cleaning products or skin care products from the many recipes on the internet?  No not from the internet however I have a book with all of the uses for vinegar and one of the recipes called for apple cider vinegar and water to help with weight loss. It tasted terrible and I would rather go dancing to lose the weight.
2. Do you like to enter sweepstakes, giveaways, or prize drawings? No. I used to be all it ever got me was spam and irritating phone calls.
3. How often do you visit your local library? Do you have a local library? We love to visit our local library. It makes for a wonderful walk in the spring and fall. I also love to go with my grandchildren to story hour.
4. Do you have a simple mobile phone or one that does lots of things? I have a “hello & goodbye” mobile phone. It is used for emergencies only.
5. Tell me something new or interesting. Please:) Unfortunately there is much to report. We are still stuck inside because of the cold weather although DH is looking to redo the kitchen floor. He thinks he has found something on sale at Home Depot.

MEET ME ON MONDAY

Monday Quiz will return next week

Sorry all.  Monday Quiz is on hiatus this week.

SUNDAY IN THE CITY

 

Let’s travel the world together!

H

As you know it has very cold in our city lately. We have taken to staying indoors. This week DH completed a puzzle.

 

He has also been working the pictures from our 42 day trip across the Atlantic. He is making an album and sorting through a lot of pictures.

This is a statue in Valencia Spain!

I’ve shown you mine! Now show me yours!

SIX WORD SATURDAY

 

 

Wind’s howling! Can’t sleep! I’ll blog!

FRIDAY FRAGMENTS & FOUR FILL IN FUN

 

 

         

 

This week’s co-host is LISA from LISA WRITES she who came up with the last three statements.

The statements:

• Visiting my grandchildren always makes me happy.
• If one song represents how I feel right now it is “I could have danced all night”. 
• In 2013 my biggest challenge was keeping in touch with my friends because we were away so much and made me make more phone calls and write more e-mails.
• I feel ambivalent about making New Year’s resolutions.

This has been a very busy week. I actually managed to get out every day. It turned colder however I just warmed up the car and wore lots of extra clothing to get about. Fortunately we had very little snow and I didn’t have to walk too far. I must say that I am thankful for the investment in the warm winter coat 3 years ago. I have gotten my wear out of it this winter.

Our “west coast” dancing lessons are progressing nicely. In our second lesson we can actually do 4 steps. This dance has been easier to catch on to because we have so many other dances to compare it with. We have a long way to go but we are thoroughly enjoying the experience.

Our poor daughter H in Charleston will not be going to China with her husband W in May. They have had a few set backs with their cars as well as their kitchen plumbing. We will still make the trip in May to help her look after the children but we will not have the full responsibility.

Son M and his wife M have a big decision to make regarding E’s school next year. We babysat (no sitting involved) while they attended an information meeting. Does E stay in a private school or does she go to the public school across the street?

I also attended 2 Retiree meetings. At the first one A and S joined the group finally. They loved their first meeting. We had a wonderful lunch and a Tai Chi demonstration. The other meeting had a talk about “sleeping children around the world”. This is an organization that provides bed kits for children around the world. It was started by a local gentleman and his family keeps it going.

All in all it was a great week!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY & HODGE PODGE

 

1. It was decided on Sunday the Denver Broncos will meet the Seattle Seahawks in this year's  Superbowl. So when was the last time you bowled? Not where you thought this question was going is it?  Do you like to bowl? Are you any good?

Does Wii bowling count? If it does I bowled last year however I must reset the program and get back into it. As far as bowling in an actual alley it has been years. The last time was before they banned smoking.

2.   Should sports stars be role models?

They are only human and unfortunately they are paid lots of money and don’t know how to use it. I think many suffer a lot of pain for their sport so it is inevitable that they fall out of grace.
3. January is National Oatmeal month...are you a fan? How do you like your oats?

I like my oats in apple crisp or chocolate macaroons. I don’t eat it for breakfast.

4. What is one book on your reading list for 2014?

Whatever I can get from the library or from the senior’s center.

5. What would you like your future self to say to your present self?

I am so glad you worked at staying healthy and haven’t lost your mind!

6. When scrolling through the TV guide, what is one movie title that makes you want to stop, grab the popcorn, and watch for a while?

Not a big movie watcher. When daughter C comes over she will watch a movie and I will watch with her. Popcorn goes good with “Wheel of fortune” and “Jeopardy”.

7. What are two style trends you hope never come back into fashion?

I talked about style trends in my Tuesday Chat and everyone commented on the boys wearing their pants without a belt. The other was wearing pyjama bottoms to run to the grocery store.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Mother Nature has put us back in the deep freeze however I have been out and about. My retirement group met on Monday and I finally got A and S to come out, They enjoyed the lunch and actually new a lot of other people. Unfortunately D had the flu so she will join us next month. Everyone is looking forward to some trips that are being planned.

DH is suffering from a cold which seems to get better for a couple of days and then comes back. He did help me look after E, F and T yesterday. It is time for E to change schools and the neighbourhood school had an information night. E and F played together on the computer and little T scooted all over the house. As I am always saying “there is no sitting in babysitting”.

DH is working on the trip pictures in his spare time. He is getting quite an album printed. It is wonderful to look back on our last cruise and remember the good times. Here we are on a tour of the Almafi Coast:

What a wonderful place! Hopefully we can go back another time.

THOUGHTFUL TUESDAY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QUESTIONS

1. How many seed catalogs have arrived at you home? I don’t do seed catalogs however I receive a yarn magazine nearly every month.
2. Will you be learning to do something new this year? Yes! I am taking lessons in West Coast Swing.
3. How many pair of boot do you own?(This can include casual, dressy, hiking, farm, riding, snow, or any other kind of boot.) I own 6 pairs of boots – 2 walking shoes (black and white), dress boots with a little heal and 2 pair of snow boots.
4. Valentine's Day is just around the corner. There are decorations in the stores. Do you have anything planned for Valentine's Day? I no longer decorate for Valentine’s Day. It has always been a low key celebration for us. When the children were little we made heart shaped fudge. Dinner is usually a steak and baked potato.
5. Please tell me your favorite breeds of dogs. If you don't like dogs, tell me something about a favorite animal. (Please. :) I don’t have a dog however my son has a husky and she is lovely so I would have to say husky.

Tuesday, January 21st/14
Complete the following:
"I would like to see ____________ trend disappear in 2014."

I have never been much of a trend-setter. I was never into fashion. I prefer my clothes to be comfortable and because I live in Canada they need to be warm in the winter and cool in the summer. I have given up high-heels since I don’t go to work. I also have a closet full of skirts I never wear because I dislike panty hose.

I have a cell phone for emergencies so I don’t text. I use the computer to write my blog and send e-mails instead of writing letters like I used to. I listen to a Jazz radio station so I have no idea what the latest music is. I dance to the oldies because I ballroom dance.

My grandchildren are too young or too far away for me to find out what the latest trends are for the teenagers. I do hope that they stay away from smoking and drinking and stay in school.

I am not into fancy food or even organic food. Give me plain homemade food and I am happy. I love my coffee and my tea however I don’t go in for the fancy teas or coffees. No latte for me, thanks.

I am hoping that homemade sweaters come back into fashion so my grandchildren won’t seem out of place because I love making them.

Have a great week! This message has been approved by a non-trendy grandmother.

MEET ME ON MONDAY

 

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

Here are the Questions:

1. Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day from the US!  Do you have a favourite MLK quote?

The quote I remember is “I have a dream”

2. Wayne told Heather to get the questions up early because we'd be exhausted from our trip... she didn't listen to his good advice, so MQAM is late - when was the last time you didn't listen to good advice?

It must have been a very long time ago because I don’t remember.

3. Since we talked about Movies last week, lets talk TV this week - what show or shows do you wish was still on TV that ended or was cancelled?

I was a very big fan of CSI New York. I really liked Gary Sinese.

4. What is your personal anthem or theme song?

“Don’t worry, be happy!”

My 5th question is:

What do you dream of?

SUNDAY IN THE CITY

 

Let’s travel the world together!

Over the last week or so I have been complaining about the frigid cold weather in our area. We have not been outside much although this week was better. We had a bit of a January thaw. I want to share what I did while I was hibernating. here is what kept me busy and out of trouble.

Baby hats to be donated to the local hospital. The newborns wear them home.

A baby afghan to be named later. Just getting a head start for this year’s new babies.

And finally a few book that I managed to read.

It is all about keeping busy as well as keeping warm. Have a wonderful week ahead!

SIX WORD SATURDAY

 

 

Out of hibernation, swimming and dancing!

FRIDAY FRAGMENTS & FOUR FILL IN FUN

 

 

          

 

This week’s co-host is CARLA from RANDOM RAMBLING she who came up with the last two statements.

The statements:

1. Don’t you love when you get to spend time with your family.
2. I wish there was a were time for family activities but I would settle for talking to them every day.
3. When I hear the word crisis  I always think of a pending disaster.
4. My dream of cruising is always in my thoughts.

Thank goodness it is Friday again. It has been a pleasure to be able to give up my hibernation this week. Hopefully I can stay out for a while. I got back to my swim exercise classes this week. My body is thankful however it was strained.We have also had our first lesson in “west coast swing”. It was strange to be in a beginners class.

I also had the opportunity to babysit the grands. My how they have grown since our last visit. Baby T is scooting all over the place and really shows what needs to be baby-proofed. Somehow he gets into the places that should be forbidden. He is also waving good-bye.

His sister F is also very active and dancing up a storm. She loves her dress-up set that she got for Christmas. She thoroughly enjoyed her vacation especially flying in the airplane. Her big sister E has finally returned to school. She would have preferred to be on a longer vacation.

The grandchildren in S.C. have a few days off school. It is the end of their semester and R is grateful that her exams are over. L is already missing school although he is keeping Mom busy. E had pre-school, then spent time with his Dad.

D H is working on the trip pictures. His album is coming along nicely. I have finished a lot of knitting, crocheting as well as read some books.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY & HODGE PODGE

 

Hodgepodge Questions

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

1.  Are you a force to be reckoned with? In what way?

I would like to think I am. I think I am a wonderful Grammy!

2. What are two things you love about the wintertime? Or, if love feels like too strong a word, what are two things you 'like' about winter?

I love cozy beds and warm hot chocolate. I have been enjoying both immensely since this winter has been so cold.

3. Pomegranate, kumquat, persimmon, kiwi, and guava are all fruits said to have health benefits, particularly during the winter months. Do you have a favorite on the list? Are there any on the list you haven't tried?

Not really into any of these fruits. I used to eat pomegranates when I was in school.

4. I passed a local church yesterday and noticed they had this on their outdoor sign- 'When all else fails, do the right thing.' Your thoughts?

I guess I would think – If I do this will someone think bad of me.

5. Do you ski? According to one list I've seen, the top 5 ski destinations for 2014 are-St. Anton Austria, Whistler Canada, Cortina Italy, Tahoe USA, and Zermatt Switzerland.  Of the five listed, which would you most like to visit? We can make skiing optional if that helps the non-skiers with their answer.

I am not into skiing however I love apres-skiing. If I could visit one of the ski places it would Austria although I would want to see it in the summer time.

6.  What's the last thing you looked for online? (Besides my blog!)

I get my comics on-line as well as the weather.

7. What saying, slogan, quote, or motto have you seen lately that inspires you for the new year?

Stay healthy! Be happy!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

The kids have gone back to school and our classes in dancing and swimming have started again. I can no longer stay in the house and be a hermit. Fortunately we also had a January thaw and some of the snow has melted. I did manage to read some books as well as get some more knitting done.

D H is putting together the pictures from our trip across the Atlantic. It looks good so far. I am e-mailing copies of some of the pictures to the wonderful people we met on the ship.

Even though we have no plans to travel right away we can live off our past adventures. If you ever wonder what you will do with all of those pictures you take and can pull them out and relive the good times.

THOUGHTFUL TUESDAY

 

Tuesday, January 14th/14
What is the one thing you will do differently in 2014?

It is time for another Coffee Chat with Les. If you have time pop over to her blog and check out her new site.

Today we are asked to ponder what we would do differently this year.

The last 2 years have been very exciting. Since I retired I have been on 5 cruises. Unfortunately the time has come to find out what retired life is like if I stay home. We have no plans to cruise this year. That in itself is different. I no longer dream of packing my bags and hopping on “Hop on, hop off” buses sightseeing around the world.

This year I plan to stay home and do retiree functions. I would really like to stay in touch with all of our friends and especially neighbours. I plan to spend more time with my grandchildren. I would also like to get in more reading as well as my knitting and crochet projects. I want to concentrate on staying healthy and getting plenty of exercise.

This is a definitely a year when it will be different. I will still dream of cruising in 2015 if all goes well.

MEET ME ON MONDAY

 

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

Here are the Questions:

1. It's International Skeptics day - what are you skeptical about?

I am skpetical about health shows who tell you that you can lose weight by taking their pill or eating their food.

2. Wednesday is National Hat Day - what is your favorite hat?  Do you wear hats often?

I am not a hat person. They actually give me migraines. I used to have a migraine every Sunday from the time I was 4 until I was 10. We used to wear a hat to church.

3. What one movie or two would you say should be on everyone's must see list?

I have seen “Pretty Woman” many times. I also recommend “It’s a wonderful Life”

4. If they were going to make a reality show about your life what would it be called?

I would take a play off of the “Love Boat” because I love to cruise.

My 5th question is:

Do you have vacation plans to get away from the winter weather?

SUNDAY IN THE CITY

Let’s travel the world together! Thanks to Unknown Mami!

 

It has been so cold in our city that I barely poked my head out the door. I am a hibernating hermit so for Sunday in the City I am going to show some pictures from the archive. Here is what I am wishing for instead of the wet soggy ice and snow.

I’ve shown you mine, now show me yours!

SIX WORD SATURDAY

 

Warmed up! Rain, Fog, Still Yucky!

FRIDAY FRAGMENTS & 4 FILL IN FUN

 

 

 

 

 

This week’s co-host is SUSI from BOCA FRAU she who came up with the last statement.

The statements:

1. I have been a hibernating bear so if I haven’t been outside. I don’t know what is happening in our neighbourhood.
2. I don’t like all this freezing cold weather. 
3. I easily can get inspired in something I have seen on the blogs.
4. I never thought, I would miss work after I retired and I don’t.

This has been a crazy week. With the freezing temperatures I have stayed cooped up in the house. I finally went out yesterday for 2 reasons. The first was to have my car tires checked and an oil change while I was there. The low pressure light kept coming on. I learned that as the air got colder the pressure actually drops in your tires however I did have a rim leak in the front tire. Al, my go to guy cleaned it up for me.

The other reason was a sadder one. Our neighbour down the street lost his battle with cancer. We attended his memorial service yesterday afternoon. He lived on our street for more than 10 years. He leaves behind his beautiful wife and his 2 gorgeous daughters. The younger daughter played with our oldest granddaughter when she was little. I remember on one occasion they had a tea party with my good china. We said hi and how are you often however we knew very little about him. It is sad to learn about a wonderful person after he has gone.

Hopefully the weather will improve this weekend. It is supposed to get above freezing. There is rain in the forecast with the possibility of flooding. From one extreme to the other.

Thanks to Hilary and Mrs. 4444 for sharing their blog ideas.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY & HODGEPODGE

 

1. Every January 1st since 1976 Lake Superior University has published a list of words they'd like to see banished from the Queen's English.  Words may be banished due to misuse, overuse or just general uselessness (go here to read more about how the words were chosen).  Here are the words/phrases they'd like to see banished in 2014-

selfie, twerk/twerking, hashtag, Twittersphere, Mr. Mom, T-bone, ____on steroids, the suffixes-ageddon, and -pocalypse added to anything and everything, from the world of politics the words-intellectually/morally bankrupt and Obamacare, and from the world of sports the words-adversity and fan base
Which of these words/phrases would you most like to see banished from everyday speech and why? Is there a word not on the list you'd like to add?

Most of these words were never in my vocabulary so it doesn’t matter to me. I don’t use twitter or facebook and we have Canadian healthcare.

2. What one unfinished project nags at you begging to be completed in this new year?

I finished all of my projects for last year. I have even started on this year’s sweaters for the grandchildren.

3. When did you last have a bowl of soup? What kind? Homemade or from a can? What's your favorite soup?

I had soup a couple of days ago. It was homemade beef soup which my husband calls “clean out the fridge” soup.

4. Snowed in, snowed under, snow job...which one most applies to your life in recent days, figuratively speaking.

Snowed in! Actually it is more like frozen in. We have been under an extreme weather alert for 4 days. The windchill is close to –50 degrees C.

5. What's the funniest movie you've ever seen, or at least one of the funniest?

The funniest movie I have seen is “Grumpy Old Men”. I love Jack Lemmon and Walter Mathau.
6.  In general, would you say you're clumsy?

No although as I get older I ma more cautious.

7. Elvis Presley was born on Hodgepodge Day (January 8th) back in 1935.  Are you an Elvis fan?  What's your favorite Elvis tune? If that's too hard, which Elvis tune do you dislike the least?  Click here for a list of his songs.

Absolutely! I love all of his songs although “can’t help falling in love” is at the top.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Mother nature has certainly kept me indoors for the last few days. I miss my walks and it was even too cold to go to swim fitness. The good news is that I have done more blogging. I have tried to visit everyone’s blogs.

DH took these pictures the other night during the extreme cold. This is the tree in our neighbour’s yard with the streetlight shining through it.

All we can do right now is stay warm and look forward to a warmer weekend.

THOUGHTFUL TUESDAY

 

          

 

 

 

 

Hello everyone! I am joining two of my favourite bloggers for Tuesday – Les at Time out for Mom and Patrice as Everyday Ruralty.

Questions

1. How much baking did you do before and after Christmas? Do you get more inspired to bake when the temps are cooler?   I actually only did a little bit of baking because I was not having a lot of company and I was not home long enough to do all of may baking. I wish I could be inspired to bake however DH and I are working on staying healthy and since only I eat the baked goods I am staying away from baking.
2. Do you have any food intolerances or allergies? Yes! Pineapple and fish as well as eggs!
3. When was the last time you were in a restaurant? We ate in a restaurant on our weekend away with our friends N and M.
4. What's your favorite accent(speech)? I am very attracted to an English accent however I will take Aussie, Kiwi, Irish, Scottish or South African.
5. My favorite exercise is ballroom dancing, closely followed by swimming.

Tuesday, January 7th, 2014

Let's start the season of with Random Bits.

2014 is starting out to be a bit frustrating. Mother Nature has some crazy idea of keeping everyone locked up in their houses. It is positively freezing outside. Not only that but the wind is whipping around the house, rattling the dishes. I was supposed to start swim fitness today however that is not going to happen.

I miss the cruise ship. At least there I knew where DH was and we had lots of company. I am a very social person and this extreme cold keeps me bundled up inside. I have at least started to read again. I just finished a book my mother gave me “ A Bubble off Plumb” by Mary Cook. She is a Canadian author who grew up in the Ottawa area during the Depression. Even though I did not live in the 30`s the stories she shares have been shared by mother over the years. I could definitely picture the events as they were told by Mary.

I will also start to read some of the books daughter H gave me as well. I am between projects in my knitting and crocheting. The sweater I started for granddaughter R is not going to work out. She wants something longer. I guess it is back to the drawing board.

I hope everyone stays warm!

MEET ME ON MODAY

 

First Monday Quiz of 2014! #MQAM Come and play along!

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

Here are the Questions:

1. It's National Hobby Month - will you be starting a new hobby or just keeping up with current ones?  What are your hobbies?

I love knitting, crocheting, reading, baking, dancing and cruising. Hopefully I get to do all them again this year.

2. January 6th is Bean Day - what is your favorite bean?  Bean recipes to share?

I am a big green and yellow bean lover. I totally dislike lima beans.

3. Wayne got a question from a student yesterday... and we'd love your input - "I just got good news - I got a promotion into management - the problem now is that that I've moved to a salary position after working hourly.  I used to get paid for overtime so now I make less money - what should I do?"

Management usually makes less money than an hourly worker however it can be a huge developmental growth especially for younger people. Personally I only wanted to be either the guy at the top or the guy on the bottom because everyone else got yelled at.

4. Have you ever bought a gift that you regretted giving later?

I buy very few gifts and now I usually give money or have made the gifts. My mother told me she was visiting my sister last week. She sat in the cozy chair and pulled an afghan around herself. It turned out to be the one I made her nearly 40 years ago. My sister still loves it.

My 5th question has to do with the weird weather. How are you coping?

SUNDAY IN THE CITY

 

Let’s travel the world together!

This is what our world looks like right now.

This is what I am looking forward to.

I’ve shown you mine now show me yours!

SIX WORD SATURDAY

Six Word Saturday

It’s too cold to go outside!

FRIDAY FRAGMENTS 7 FOUR FILL IN FUN

 

Follow Friday Four Fill in Fun Blog Hop – January 2, 2014 by Hilary Grossman

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This week’s co-host is DONETTA from MY CONSTANT THOUGHT she who came up with the last statement.

The statements:

1. Is it really winter? I was so not prepared for this cold, freezing weather.
2. I am the opposite of sad. Now that I am retired I am not stressed by work.
3. Saying no is hard for me especially when it comes to my grandchildren asking.
4. I My favorite pastime is knitting because it allows me to give gifts to my loved ones.

 

Thanks to Mrs. 4444 for hosting at halfpastkissintime.com

It is the beginning of a new year. There was so much excitement last year that I know we won’t be able to duplicate it. Already I am tired of winter. I miss being able to walk every day. Hopefully I will be able to get back into swimming next week.

We are not planning any cruises this year however the cruise companies have our number and keep tempting us with sales and exotic places to travel. This is a year to stay close to home.

I am excited to finally start a sweater for my oldest granddaughter R. She picked a lovely pattern and her choice of wool is fabulous. It will be a pale green with dolman sleeves. I had to finish making the baby blanket as well as the hats and mitts for everyone.

I have a lot of reading to do. I am reading a book that my mother has lent me. It is full of funny stories that reminisce about life in the thirties in a small farming community north of Ottawa, Ontario. Many of the stories are similar to the stories my mother has told me over the years.

DH has a puzzle to work on. We are also getting a few hands of “hand and Foot” in between jobs.

I am looking forward to next week when the holidays are over and everyone gets back into routine. Have a good weekend!

THRIVING THURSDAY

 

This really is a day to thrive since there is no way I will venture outside. It is -16°C      Feels like –26

There is also an expectation of more snow.

It is a winter wonderland that looks wonderful from the window however it is definitely not walking weather.

Good thing I have some projects to work on. I hope everyone stays safe and warm. Snuggle up!

 

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WEDNESDAY– HODGE PODGE

 

Hodgepodge Questions Volume Brand New Year

 

 

1. Times Square is the setting for the infamous ball drop signaling a brand new year....when did you last 'drop the ball' on something?

I am not sure if I drop the ball however since I have retired I tend to go “with the flow”. If I don’t do it today I can do it tomorrow.

2. What is one thing you resolved to do in 2013 that you actually did?

Besides cruising, spending time with family I resolved to stay more active. It was easy on the cruise ship however I have found an aquafit class. I also resolved to stay in touch with my friends.

3. Jack London is quoted as saying, "You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club." Agree or disagree? Why?  I agree. It would be easy to sit around now that I am retired however my bucket list is long so I have a lot of work ahead of me.

4. What was the best thing you ate in 2013?

The list is too long to narrow down. We enjoyed some wonderful food in our travels. The best pizza I ate was in Amsterdam.

5.  Share an anti-resolution...that is, something you plan to keep on doing in the new year.

It is very important for me to stay healthy so I will continue to swim and walk as much as possible. I hope to continue our ballroom dancing as well.

6. The Pantone color of the year for 2014 is radiant orchid.  Like or no like? Would I find this color anywhere in your home or wardrobe? Will you add something in this shade to either?

Purple is my favourite colour as you can see. I love most shades of purple however the lighter ones do not like me.

7. In three words or less sum up your 2013. Cruising, Family, Love!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Happy New Year Everyone! We went to our ballroom dance party and had a wonderful time. The transit system was free so we left the car at home. It was easy getting there however we had a bit of a challenge coming home. When the streetcar didn’t seem to be coming we walked to the subway station. We went to the next streetcar line and caught a streetcar immediately. It was a slightly farther walk and man was it cold. D H had his trusty camera with him and caught the action. We may not be in New York however we did have the CN tower  lit up.

I wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous 2014!