FRIDAY FRAGMENTS & FOUR FILL IN FUN

 

       

it is time to say good-bye to February. It has been the coldest in 20 years. I am so looking forward to Spring however Old Man Winter has other plans. There is a saying “ If March comes in like a lamb, it goes out like a lion” and vice versa. It looks like it could be the lion coming first. We are expecting more snow and white out conditions. Yesterday there was 96 car pile-up on a highway north of us. It took all day and most of the night to get the highway open again.

Sometimes I think I am in a pile-up as well. Not in the car but just with keeping up with family. Being retired does not mean you are not busy. Between keeping myself and D H healthy we also take care of our parents and grandchildren. When would I have time to work?

March will be a busy month and we are looking forward to it. Hope your Friday is a good one!

The statements:

1. I love walking outside but not when it is cold and icy.
2. Ice cream is my favorite dessert. Is dessert okay with breakfast?
3. When it snows I curl up under an afghan and think warm thoughts. 
4. Once upon a time I thought I wanted to be older but now I’d rather stay young. 

WEDNESDAY HODGE PODGE

 

1. What is something you'll never forget about the age you are right now?

I love the fact that I am a grandmother. I have been blessed with 6 wonderful grandchildren. I heard from all of them yesterday. Each one is unique and yet I see aspects of their parents as well as myself. I just love them to bits.

2. What's a household chore you've never done? How have you managed that???

If you read my blog from yesterday you will know that I am a princess. I don’t cook or clean except I do the laundry. I don’t clean the furnace or scrubbed the floors. I don’t do any yard work either. Hubby cleans the snow away even on the car before I drive it. He gets a kiss a day because he does such a good job.

 
3. Does nature shape our personalities more than nurture? Explain?

The age old question. Much has been written about this. It really is a combination of both. Yes we are born with certain personalities and as I see my grandchildren I compare them to their parents. The nurturing of these personalities allows them to grow and be themselves. They are unique and yet the same. I believe it takes a village to raise a child.

4. Friday (February 28th) is 'Something on a Stick Day'...funny because Zoanna over at A Penchant for Pens recently sent me an idea for a question relating to this topic. What's your favorite food eaten on a stick?

My favourite is ice cream on a stick. I have found some chocolate covered ice cream as well as fudgesicles that make a wonderful snack.

5. Which of your five senses do you treasure most, and why?

I treasure my eyes. Without my eyes I can’t see the wonders of my grandchildren. I can’t read a book or watch tv. Having said that I would also like to keep my hearing. Unfortunately I am seeing the devastating effects of losing both with my mother. She is slowly losing her sight and her hearing has never been at its best. Of the two I think she finds losing her eyesight to be worse because she loves to read and her eyes get too tired. Going big print is not helping. With her hearing loss at least she write things down.

6. What's the best music, theatre, or sporting venue you've been to? What made it great?

There are too many to choose from. D H and I have season tickets to a theatre company. We travel with our good friends M and N and make a weekend out of it. Most of the shows are in the summer so we enjoy the wonderful scenery getting there as well as the young people who perform in the shows. We have stayed in some wonderful places and look forward to more this summer.

7. It's the last week of the month...in five words or less bid adieu to your February.

Goodbye, Cold and cruel month!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

February is coming to a close. It has been an interesting month. Fortunately we have not suffered from any illness unless you count aches and pains, which I don’t. My parents are on the mend, however have decided to move to a new assisted living place. They need more care. Their new place will be brand new and will give them the support they need. It is still close to my sister and her family.

March is full of birthdays as my son-in-law turns the big 4-0. My son and his wife also have birthdays as well as their 2 daughters. I am hosting a Teddy Bear picnic for E who will be turning 6. She has planned the party and made the invitations. She also wants to play “pin the tail on the bear” as well as “musical bears” I must get the picnic basket out as well as my collection of teddy bears.

It is also our annual check up with the doctor. We finally had our blood tests done. We had to fast and since breakfast is our best meal of the day, it was not easy. As soon we get up the coffee pot gets turned on and we have a glass of orange juice. Getting up and going without takes a lot of planning. Even when we are on a cruise we don’t miss our orange juice and coffee. Let’s hope we get a good report. We have both worked hard to stay healthy this winter.

I hope everyone has a wonderful week!

THOUGHTFUL TUESDAY

 

Tuesday, February 25th/14

If you really knew me, you would know....

I am retired from the telephone company and I love it. I have been married 40 years to the best husband in the world. I am treated like a princess so he gets a kiss every day. I have 3 grown children who are all married. I have 6 amazing grandchildren that I can’t stop talking about.

Since I have retired I have been on 5 cruises. 3 of the cruises were for 14 days each. One was for 35 days and the other was for 42 days. I hate fly so I look for cruises that I can’t start and end without a flight however if I want to see Australia and New Zealand I may have to change.

D H and I are very conscious of our health. We watch what we eat and try to exercise as much as possible. It is not always easy in the cold part of Canada however we love to dance as well as walk. I also swim because it helps my knees.

I have returned to knitting as well as crocheting. I make baby outfits as well as blankets. My grandchildren benefit from my sweaters, hats, mitts and sometimes socks. I love to read and have ventured away from romance books thanks to my daughter H who asks me to review some books and my mother who finds interesting biographies for me to read.

My mother would like me to write my memoirs. I did take a writing class on my last cruise and got very excited. I hope to start a writing club on my blog on Thursdays when my daughter can help me set it up. Maybe this summer.

I love blogging and I am so glad that Les at Time out for Mom gives me this chance.

Welcome to Chats on the Farmhouse Porch hosted by Patrice and Wendall.

QUESTIONS

What is your favorite kind of bread? (wheat, white, rye, sourdough, a gluten free type, etc.). My favourite bread is a rye bread. We actually have only one bakery that makes it so it is a special treat when we get it. We cut it in thick slices. I like mine with butter and D H likes it warmed in the microwave. He gets the ends.

Would you go to an opera if someone you know was in it? Yes I would and I have.

What is your favorite kind of citrus fruit? grapefruit. I try to have a half every morning.

Are you doing any home renovations or decorating projects? I am supervising while D H is doing the work. Right now he is doing the kitchen.

If you could sit in a rocking chair and view a beautiful scene, where would you be and what would you be looking at? My rocking chair would be on a cruise ship and I would be watching whales swim beside the ship. A few seagulls would be flying around as well.

MEET ME ON MONDAY

 

Welcome to Monday Quiz About Me - hosted by Heather & Wayne from Acting Balanced.

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. February 24th is National Tortilla Chip Day - do you like them?  What do you pair with Tortilla Chips?

I actually like my tortilla chips plain.

2. February 26th is Carnival Day (and also Judy from Retired Not Tired's birthday- coincidence???)  What is your favourite carnival ride, game or food?

My favourite carnival ride is the carousel. Even when I was travelling I found some carousels.

3. Nascar has started for another year... albeit in a wet way... are you a fan? 

Not a big fan of racing although I did attend a race 3 weeks before I got married. I was so sick from heat stroke I lost 4 days and have suffered from the sun ever since.

4. Other than your blog, do you actively participate in social media?

No. I follow other blogs however I don’t do facebook or twitter.

My 5th question is:

My birthday is coming up and I don’t know what I want. What would you get me for my birthday?

SUNDAY IN THE CITY

 

Let’s travel the world together!

The weather has not been too conducive to getting any real pictures. You’ve seen enough snow and ice to last a lifetime. I know I have, so I went back to pictures from last year when we were cruising the Caribbean. I wish we were there again. Enjoy my reminiscing.

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

SIX WORD SATURDAY

 

 

We’re getting back to our routine!

FRIDAY FRAGMENTS & FOUR FILL–IN FUN

 

              

 

The statements:

1. Tomorrow is a good day to get together with family, did you plan a special dinner.
2. I really think I need a another cruise to someplace warm. 
3. I would never own a horse since I live in the city.
4. The craziest gift I ever got was a set of luggage when I wanted a hair dryer.

It has been a week of getting back to normal. My parents are more settled and things will work out. I am back to my swimming classes so the knees thank me. I attended a retirement meeting and caught up with what is going on.

I babysat my youngest grandchildren who shared their laughter with me. T who is 9 months has found the living room curtains and loves to play “hide and seek”. F who is going to be 3 is anxiously planning her birthday party with Dora plates and napkins. She plans to have 5 friends at her party. E who will be 6 has asked for a helicopter for her present. Not a remote control one but a real one with 3 seats, one for Dad who can drive and 2 for herself and her friend. She was devastated that she can’t have one.

We are watching the Olympics and are so pleased that the women’s curling won Gold as well the women’s hockey. Today it is the men’s turn to show their metals.

Have a great weekend!

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE

 

1. What's the biggest change since your childhood in the way people think or act?

I am in the middle of a lot of drama concerning my parents. I really feel that people have become self-centred and care about themselves. I always ask the question “Would you want your parents treated this way or even yourself? Our parents overcame a lot to make the world a better place. They have survived the great depression, wars and created the middle class. As a baby boomer I have ridden their coat tails. If this is the future we had better make it better. Our children need to learn respect and find fulfilling work. Not everything can be learned on a computer.

2. The Olympic Biathlon involves cross country skiing broken up with either two or four rounds of target shooting. Which part of that would stress you out more? Or would you love them both equally?

I am anti-gun so I would not be a shooter. I wouldn’t mind cross-country skiing however at my age my knees would kill me for trying.

3. February is National Canned Food Month...what is your most often purchased canned food item?  What was in the last can you opened?

We actually buy very little food in a can. There is way too much salt in them. We do use tomato soup however more as a marinade for roast beef or even pork pot roasts.

4. What river (anywhere in the world) would you most like to cruise?

We love to cruise and cruising the Rhine River is on our bucket list.

5. It's the middle of the night and you can't sleep...what do you do? Count sheep? Toss and turn? Watch television? Or do you get up and do something productive?

Like last night! I actually got up and wrote some e-mails. I had a lot to get off my chest. It seems I do my best writing at night.

6. How important is keeping your cool?

Keeping my cool is very important to me. I try to see both sides of the argument however do not ‘piss me off” because I could hurt you.

7. I've got white stuff on the brain so why not run with it? White lie, wave the white flag, white knuckle it, white wash a situation, or white as a sheet...which phrase could most recently apply to your own life in some way?

Well since I seem to be dealing with liars and people who have been white-washing the situation I will go with both. Where has honesty gone? Does no one admit they have made a mistake? Can no one take responsibility?

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I missed my blogging friends while I was taking care of my parents. Thank you to those have given me their moral support. I have also missed a few activities and need to get back to my regular routine. So to those who I really connect with I promise to get around to you.

I am getting a little sick of winter so this may also be a cause of the doldrums. We have been watching the Olympics especially the curling and the hockey. We loved the figure skating dance teams especially the Canadian couple who danced the Argentine Tango. It is hard enough dancing it on a ballroom floor without adding the extra care needed to dance on ice.

Let’s hope every gets a little ray of sunshine in their day.

THOUGHTFUL TUESDAY

 

 

Tuesday, February 18th/14
When I woke up this morning I thought......

the snow that fell last night. I actually woke up to the sound of my neighbour shovelling the walk. I really have had enough of winter. This time last year I was on a cruise in the Caribbean. It was a great way to miss the snow. Although last year we made our escape between snow storms.

I also thought of my parents who are still having a rough time. It seems no one wants to help them. We are willing to pay good money however good help is hard to find. It is very stressful for my sister who lives in the same city. She basically took over their care 5 years ago because she could get better access. She knows everyone in town however she is frustrated since my parents need better care.

I also thought of my kids who have to return to work today. Yesterday was a holiday in Ontario as well as Charleston so no one had school or work. Everyone enjoyed their time off. The next long weekend won’t be until April for Easter. Of course the kids will get a break in March.

 

QUESTIONS

1. Have you been watching the Olympics? Yes we have. I watched the women’s curling and Canada will enter the playoffs as the only unbeaten team. We also saw Canada win against Sweden in Women’s hockey. We also enjoyed the ice dancing especially the Canadian team who performed an Argentine Tango on ice.
2. Does the grey winter affect your moods? Definitely! It is called SAD and that is how I feel sometimes. I miss getting out for our walks and the burden of wearing such heavy clothing.
3. When was the last time you held a baby? I held several babies on Sunday. We attended a first birthday party and I got to hold some of the babies that were born last year.
4. Do you do a thorough spring cleaning each year? Not really! Hubby is the cleaner in the family and he has been sprucing up the space. He redid the kitchen while I was away looking after my parents.
5. Please tell Wendell a bedtime story. He asked. I said I'd ask you.If you don't feel that creative, tell him a favorite book you think he might like. please:) One of our favourite stories is “Mr. Pine’s Purple House”. Mr Pine lives on Vine Street and all of the house are in a row. They are all  the same so he plants a little bush and everyone else does too. He then plants a larger tree with the same results so he decides to paint his house. He doesn’t want an ordinary house so he paints his house purple. Of course now his neighbours want to paint theirs. He puts his foot down and no else can have a purple house.  I hope you enjoyed this story Wendall.

MEET ME ON MONDAY

 

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

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.

1. February 17th is Random Acts of Kindness Day - when were you last the recipient or provider of a ROAK - or what RAOK have you heard about recently?

I was the provider. I spent 12 days looking after my parents who were not well.

2. February is also National Cherry Month - are you a cherry lover?  Recipes?

Cherries are more common in July and are hubby”s favourite. I make a mean cherry cheesecake.

3. Are toys limiting children's creativity more these days?

I don’t think so. The toys are very advanced and so are the children. Of course at Grammy’s they play old-fashioned games.

4. Since the Olympics are here, what would you win a gold medal in?

My gold medal would have to be in caring for my parents. Of course I could also get medals for my knitting and crocheting.

Today is President’s Day in the U.S. and Family Day in Canada. How are you spending your day?

SUNDAY IN THE CITY

 

Let’s travel the world together!

WishDful thinking!

D H is getting desperate for spring.

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

SIX WORD SATURDAY

 

 

Back home! Parents improving! Kitchen refurbished!

FRIDAY FRAGMENTS & FOUR FILL IN FUN

 

Friday Fragments:

         

Happy Valentine`s Day everyone! I hope you can spend it with your loved ones. Thank you for your kind words last week and I am so glad to be able to write my own blogs again. My parents are on the mend and hopefully they can make it together on their own. It was an incredible 12 days away from my hubby and my computer.

The kitchen is almost finished except for a bit of trim. The usual fiddly work that makes the job perfect. I made 4 baby bonnets as well as a crocheted blanket. I finished a book by Robin Pilcher `The long road home``at my mother`s and brought home  biography about Grace Kelly called `High Society`.

D H and I are going ballroom dancing tonight as our romantic evening out.

This week there are two co-hosts is Gilligan & MaryAnn from Gilligan & MaryAnn’s Desert Island (first two) and T.B. MARKINSON from Making your Mark (second two).

    The statements:

1. Valentines is one  day of the year for expressing love however like Christmas it should be every day.
2. Since Valentines is a sign of love I will give hugs and kissed to everyone.
3. Dancing with hubby is a great way to exercise, have fun and meet wonderful people.
4. Sometimes I remember the wonderful dancing we did on our last cruise when I am not dancing.

Friday Fragments

This frag will be short and sweet - it's Heather writing for Judy today...

Mom apologizes for being absent from the blog this week, but she is spending some quality time with her parents this week while they battle a nasty virus.  They've both had trips to the hospital and unfortunately, my grandfather will be there through the weekend.  I know Mom and I would appreciate any thoughts and prayers for them.  Mom has been able to work on some cute knit baby hats while spending time at the hospital.

On the other hand, Dad has been incredibly productive - he's been re-decorating the kitchen and has finished painting all the cabinets!  His plan is to put in the new flooring tomorrow.

SIX WORD SATURDAY

 

Hope groundhog doesn’t see his shadow!

(hope for 6 weeks until spring instead of 6 more weeks of winter)