WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE

 

1. April showers bring May flowers or so the saying goes. Are you blooming where you're planted as we begin the month of May?

Yes we are finally seeing a few shoots. Our neighbours across the street have better gardens because they get the afternoon sun. We hope that once these rainy days are over we will actually have some flowers.

2. On a scale of 1-10, with 1 being no big deal, and 10 being full scale panic, rank your fear of spiders.

I will go with #1. Spiders don’t bother me. They are actually good for catching mosquitoes. A few cobwebs are no problem.

3. May is National Salad Month (who knew???)...besides lettuce, what are two must-have ingredients in your favorite salad?

I have to have  dried cranberries and flax seed in my salads.

4. I mentioned on my blog last week that my Daughter1 will be moving to Washington State after she is married. Of the following sites in the Northwest, which would you most like to see in person-Crater Lake (Oregon), Seattle (Washington), Vancouver (British Columbia), San Juan Islands (Washington),  Mt. Rainer (Washington) Oregon Coast (Oregon), Mt. St. Helens (Washington), or Olympic National Park (Washington)

D H and I would love to see Seattle Washington. A lot of the West Coast cruises leave from there. We have heard of Pike’s Market and would love to see it in person.

5. This coming weekend marks the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby...when did you last race (literally or figuratively) to cross a finish line?

I am not a big runner however every once in a while I take on a knitting or crocheting project that has a deadline so I drop everything else until it gets done. Case in point was in March when I made 2 sweaters for a christening gift in just a week.

6. What is something little you love?

I love my little grandchildren. They are awesome. Of course I love my big grandchildren as well. My oldest granddaughter turned 16 yesterday. Where has the time gone?

7. Would you say you are more of a visual, auditory, or kinaesthetic learner? Elaborate.

It would definitely be kinaesthetic. I am a hands on learner. I should have come from Missouri because you have to show me.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

This is s a stay at home week. Partly because we are getting some very heavy rain and because we are waiting for the hydro company to come by to assess our outside wires before we put up new siding. They can show up at any time. They do not call and they do not make appointments. They expect everyone to be at their beck and call. I guess they figure no one has a life.

We have a busy weekend ahead. We are going to see “Going Bananas” at the Famous people players with our retirement group on Saturday. On Sunday we will celebrate grandson T’s first birthday. Time seems to be flying by, but at least we are having fun. Have a good week!

THOUGHTFUL TUESDAY

 

Tuesday April 29th/14

Are you good at Small Talk?  Awkward Silences?  

What are your tips on how to be a good Conversationalist?

I am joining Les at Time out for Mom at her Tuesday Coffee Chat. In answering her questions I have to say I am good at small talk. I don’t usually have too many awkward silences and I love talking to people every where.

A case in point was on Sunday afternoon.  D H and I attended a concert with our daughter C and son in law P. We took the subway to reach the concert hall. It was very crowded as people were going to a baseball game as well as a parade. This leads to many questions and of course I asked them. I sat beside a beautiful young lady who was wearing a gorgeous sari. She was going to the parade to celebrate the beginning of the Sikh religion. She would be one of 85,000 attending.

On the way home the subway was standing room only. Again it was crowded. This time a group of young men shared their joie de vive with us. There was also a young baby to keep us occupied. Of course C used her cell phone to play games and ignore her embarrassing mother.

One of the wonderful aspects of travelling is the chance to meet new people. We can share our love of cruising as well as our love of dancing and card playing. 

There is always a place to start the conversation and it just keeps on going. I have learned to ask questions that require an explanation. Don’t ask questions that can have a yes or no answer because then the conversation dies out.

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:

Here are the Questions:

1. Today is International Astronomy Day - do you star gaze?  Have a favorite constellation? I love to find the North star in the Big Dipper. I also thoroughly enjoyed see the eclipse of the sun on our last cruise.

2. It is also Great Poetry Reading Day - share something poetic...

I have always loved Robert Frost’s “Stopping by woods on a snowy evening”

Whose woods these are I think I know. / His house is in the village though; / He will not see me stopping here / To watch his woods fill up with snow.

(* It's also Kiss Your Mate Day -but I don't think we need to discuss that *-*)

3. Volunteering has been a big topic around our house lately - do you volunteer?  What kinds of volunteering do you enjoy?

DH and I have both volunteered with the Sashbear organization. It is an organization that helps identify mental health issues and take the stigma out of asking for help when one is not feeling emotionally well.

4. April 30th is National Honesty Day - clear your soul - and be honest about something you've been holding in...

I have honestly been fearing the thought of a new doctor. I want to stay healthy and the thought of learning that I am not would hurt.

And here is my 5th Question:

April is nearly over, was there anything you wanted to do but did not complete?

SUNDAY IN THE CITY

 

Let’s travel the world together!

We took advantage of some glorious sunshine and went for a walk in the park.

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

SIX WORD SATURDAY

 

Rain, wind,cold hopefully May flowers!

FRIDAY FRAGMENTS & FOUR FILL IN FUN

 

          

We have survived another busy week. We celebrated C’s birthday  and  Easter with a family dinner on Monday. D H cooked C’s favourite meal of pork souvlaki and she had shoe cupcakes for dessert.

We have met our new doctor. I think we will fit well. We will have another appointment with her. We collected our charts from our previous doctor. Here is to staying healthy and happy.

My biggest challenge this week was finding out about our new prices for stamps. Apparently the postal service where my mother lives would not accept the cards she had to mail because she did have enough postage on the envelopes. I went to our local post office and was told there is a grace period until the end of the month. I did purchase stamps to make up the price difference and ironically I mailed them to my mother.

The postal service is pricing itself out of the market. Who wants to spend $1 to mail a letter or a card? My cards themselves cost less than a dollar.

We have finally agreed to use Home Depot or our insulation job. Now we have to coordinate Hydro and other facilities to get the work started. Hopefully it will be completed before we leave for Charleston at the end of May.

Another busy weekend ahead. We have a birthday party, a school reunion as well as a dance and a concert to attend. There is no rest for the wicked so we must have been very bad. It is all fun though.

Enjoy your weekend!

This week’s co-host is Beth Ann from It’s just life

The statements:

1. I love to cruise except when I have to fix up the house.
2.   I can’t get to sleep when I have a lot on my mind.
3. I used to love going to work but now I enjoy being retired more. 
4. I If I could I would do dancing all day.

THRIVING THURSDAY

 

Pondering Rivet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am joining Brenda at BYG Adventures for a pondering today. The word to ponder today is Rivet.

The first thought to come to mind was “Rosie the Riveter”. This name was given to the women who replaced the men in the factories during World War 2. As the men went to fight the war the factories took in the women to do the work. Women were no longer expected to work as secretaries or teachers. They got their hands dirty. When the war was over the women did not return to the conventional jobs. Besides getting the vote this was revolutionary.

I am also riveted by the actions of my grandchildren. It was just one year ago that our grandson T joined our family. It has been amazing watching him grow from a babe in arms to a just about walking toddler. he has quite the personality. He loves to play cars and is developing a wicked throwing arm. He has a fascination with pots and pans as well as the cupboard they belong in.

Our 3 year old grandchildren E and F know what they want and will do anything to get it. 6 year old E and 7 year old L are getting way too smart. They both love school and it is obvious when they talk to Grammy and Grampy.

I don’t do the construction in our house however I do step over the rivets when DH is working on his many projects. His next project is the basement bathroom. That will keep him riveted for a while.

Have a riveting week!

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE

 

1. April 22nd is Earth Day. Are you inspired by nature? In what way?

DH graduated in Forestry so hiking in the woods and identifying trees has been very important to us.

2. Down to earth, four corners of the earth, move heaven and earth, not have an earthly chance, or salt of the earth...which earthly idiom have you most recently encountered? Explain.

Down to earth! We are very practical people and have been advising our friends on the benefits of retirement.

3. Share one piece of advice you might give a newly engaged couple.

May all of your troubles be little ones!

4. When did you last engage someone to perform a job, task, service, home repair, or improvement? On a scale of 1-10 (ten being the best) how would you rate their work and/or your satisfaction with the job or service provided?

We are in the process of getting quotes to have new siding put on the house. We have spoken with several people however we have only gotten one estimate and DH thinks it is a bit high. WE are still working on it.

5. When did you last find yourself engaged in small talk? Are you awkward or an expert or somewhere in between?

Today while we were at the doctor’s office. I have never had a problem speaking with anyone. I usually pick up a clue when the other person says something. In Canada if you have nothing else to talk about you can talk about the weather.

6.  What was the last historic place you visited?

We visited a lot of historical places on our last cruise. We saw Etruscan tombs in Italy. The rock of Gibraltor in Gibraltor. There were also museums in Spain as well as Casa Blanca.

7. The world would be a better place if we just_took the time to understand where other people have been or are going. We should all walk in each other’s shoes once in a while.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

We celebrated daughter C’s birthday as well as Easter this weekend. We have found a doctor and we like her. Thanks to my sister B for sharing her doctor with us. Thanks to the doctor for taking us in. Our next birthday is grandson T. He turns one on Thursday. Hard to believe it has been a year. It has been fun to watch him grow. I am sad because I have no more babies to cuddle.

Have a wonderful week. Thank you Joyce at From this side of the pond for hosting this meme.

THOUGHTFUL TUESDAY

 

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Keeping it light for this shorter week: 

Share something that made you laugh recently.

It was a wonderful family filled weekend. Unfortunately our DIL went to the doctor and found out she has bronchitis. I got a call to come and take care of the children on Saturday. My granddaughter was convinced that it was Wednesday because that is my usual day. My grandson T who will be one on Thursday showed off his near walking skills. He stands up and moves the kindergarten table around the room. He also likes to use chairs to help him get around. I am sure he is not far from taking his first steps on his own. While here for dinner he also critiqued the TV show by turning off the TV. He loves to push the buttons.

Our granddaughter F was also very pleased with herself because she got the bubbles going. She can finally blow the wand to make bubbles. She also hit the paddle ball with a lot of success.

Of course granddaughter E is growing up very quickly. She can now spell and has a wonderful imagination. She has a dance studio and her sign reads “ Dance Studyo”, free!

Just the pleasure of spending time with my grandchildren makes me laugh. They keep me on my toes and I love every minute of it.

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:

Here are the Questions:

1. This week is National Karaoke Week - do you do Karaoke? What is your "song"?

No Karaoke here. I can’t carry a tune in a bucket. I tried it once with a group of co-workers and we sand “My Guy”.

2. April 21st is Kindergarten Day - what did you learn in Kindergarten that you use today?

Kindergarten was over 50 years ago. I am really digging deep for this memory. I think I learned that I wasn’t the only bossy person in the world.

3. Any suggestions for what to do with leftover Easter Candy?

We didn’t buy Easter candy, so we have no leftovers. If I did I would give more to my grandchildren.

4.  Do you vegetable garden? What do you grow?

Not anymore. We used to grow cucumbers and tomatoes however we don’t eat enough and they were wasted.

My 5th question is:

Have you started planning your summer vacation?

SUNDAY IN THE CITY

 

Let’s travel the world together!

 

 

Looking forward to the return of the summer songbirds.

SIX WORD SATURDAY

 

Spring’s arrived! Saw an American Goldfinch!

FRIDAY FRAGMENTS & FOUR FILL IN FUN

 

 

            

This week’s co-host is William from The Devil Speaks!

The statements:

1. I sometimes require a lot exercise because I like my desserts.
2.   Sometimes I walk if the weather is nice.
3. it is very unusual but I don’t like to cook. I prefer to bake.
4. Is it illegal to be this happy?

Speaking of happy it has been a fairly good week. Only 2 real negatives. The first is DH was a little under the weather on Tuesday and Wednesday but is better now. My grandchildren and DIL were also sick so there was no playtime at their house this week.

Monday was a lot of fun. I got together with 5 ladies who have retired from Bell. We had a lovely lunch and one of the girls won a pot of daffodils for wearing Bunny ears. We had a lovely talk about Dementia and the ways of avoiding it as well as the general awareness of this dreadful disease.

On Tuesday it was another luncheon. I met up with some of my former co-workers. One is going to retire and will join us in the exclusive club.

On Wednesday instead of my regular play date, I managed to find a doctor willing to take us. Big thanks to my sister B for asking her doctor to take us on. We have an appointment on Tuesday. Wish us luck.

We are learning “West Coast Swing” at our dance classes. It is a lot of fun as well as a lot of work.

This is a quiet weekend however we look forward to seeing our friends N and M on Sunday. The family dinner will be on Monday. Not only will we celebrate Easter we will also celebrate C’s birthday.

Happy Easter Everyone!

THRIVING THURSDAY

 

Time to ponder.... with Brenda at BYG Adventures

Today's word is HOP

A great word for the day before Easter weekend. You can hop like a bunny, a kangaroo or even a frog. When I want my children or grandchildren to do something I always say “Hop to it.”

Does anyone remember Hop-along Cassidy or hopscotch or dancing to the Bunny Hop? We used to have ‘sock hops’ as after school dances.

I remember “hippity hoppity here comes peter Cottontail.

I am going to hop along today because tomorrow is a holiday and everything is closed. Hop on over to Brenda’s blog to see who else is hopping today.

HAPPY EASTER, EVERYONE!

WEDNESDAY HODGE PODGE

 

Unfortunately there is no Hodge Podge this week as Joyce from From this side of the pond is on Spring break. She will be back next week.

In the meantime I would like to wish my parents a Happy 65th Wedding Anniversary. Yes they have been married 65 years. It is almost unheard of these days. It has not been an easy 65 years however they have set a wonderful example for the rest of us.

THOUGHTFUL TUESDAY

 

          

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am joining my 2 favourite bloggers today – Everyday Rurality (thanks Patrice and Wendall) and Les at Time Out for Mom.

QUESTIONS:

1. What are you doing for Easter? We are celebrating our daughter C’s birthday. She wants pork souvlaki and has shoe shaped cupcakes.
2. How many spring flowers have you noticed the last week or so? Not many and today they are buried under 5 cm of snow. There have been a few snow drops and lots of shoots.
3. What was your favorite thing in an Easter basket, or as dessert at Easter dinner? It has to be chocolate.
4. If you were a dog, what kind would you be? I am not a dog person however I would like to be a huskie. They are slim and trim and hardworking animals.
5. What are your favorite pizza toppings? Chicken and broccoli.

 

Tuesday, April15th/14

Tell me about a time someone made a completely wrong assumption about you. 
(And did you totally throat punch them?)

There have been many occasions when someone has made a wrong assumption about me. The first one to come to mind took place many years ago. I had just started to sell Avon and attended a sales meeting. Avon was very formal at the time and expected their reps to look well put together. I went to the meeting dressed up with my hair done and my makeup on. I was called to the front by the manager. I was introduced and she listed my accomplishments. I had a goal at the time to be the best so I was flattered.

The other ladies at the meeting thought I was too good for them and that I was stuck up. After several meetings their concept changed. I offered wonderful advice and complimented the others on their work. Once they understood my goals we became good friends.

I gave up selling Avon 14 years ago however I have many of the friends I made back then. How you look on the outside is not what is on the inside.

The other incident that came to mind was a lesson i learned from my Grandmother. I was young and made the comment that a  woman should not wear white shoes with black stockings.  At that point my grandmother suggested that those might be the only shoes she had. I never looked at people wearing shoes or other clothing in the same light.

Have a wonderful week and thank you for sharing in my blog.

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:

Here are the Questions:

It's an interesting week on the Holiday Insights calendar that we check out for fun days, so in homage, we are making this week all about special days and weeks...

1. Today is look up at the sky day - what does your piece of the sky look like today?

I am answering this meme because I can’t sleep so my sky is dark.

2. It's also "organize your files week" - will you be participating? 

D H is the organizer in the family so he would be the one to organize the files.

3. It's almost Easter - what are your Easter traditions?

One of our traditions is attending the Easter Parade. When the children were younger they actually participated.

4. What is a favorite recipe that you've dusted off for the holidays or just because it's spring?

As you know I don’t cook so no recipes have come out lately. I have made Pillsbury Easter sugar cookies. They are always a big hit.

My 5th question is:

What do you do when you can’t sleep?

SUNDAY IN THE CITY

 

Let’s travel the world together!

 

March was birthday month for my granddaughters E and F. E wanted a medical themed birthday and F wanted Dora. Mommy made both cakes for their parties. Clever Mommy!

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

SIX WORD SATURDAY

 

 

Flexibility! We go with the flow!

FRIDAY FRAGMENTS & FOUR FILL IN FUN

 

             

 

This week’s co-host is Leslie from Time Out For Mom! I REALLY NEED STATEMENTS!

The statements:

1. Playing with my grandchildren is my way to get my exercise in, instead of going to a gym.
2. My favorite meal is breakfast. I always wake up hungry.
3. I am nothing like the dancers on “Dancing with the Stars”.
4. One thing I wish I could do better is spend more time with all of my grandchildren even the ones who live so far away.

I am so glad to be retired. I don’t know if I would have time to get everything done and still work. Flexibility is the key this week. Our plans for May keep changing by the minute. Originally we were travelling to South Carolina to help babysit our grandchildren while our SIL was in China however he is no longer going on his trip. Now we have been asked to babysit the other grandchildren so my son and his wife can spend a few days away. Back to the drawing board.

Our search for a doctor has not been as successful as we would have liked.We were given a name and told we would be called back when they have the time to see us. So we are back to hunting around the neighbourhood for a doctor who has room to take us. Apparently they have to interview us and then decide if they will care for us. 

We did have a wonderful lunch with my girlfriend B. We met halfway between our homes at a favourite restaurant. This place gives us a free dessert when we celebrate our birthdays. We also had a coupon for a free appetizer. It was wonderful to get out of the city and see each other after a long hard winter. Hopefully we will get in a few more visits before the snow flies again.

Hopefully Spring is winning the battle over Winter. Please leave winter with grace and dignity because you have stayed too long. Winter has worn out its welcome. Spring, however means lots of projects. D H is going to renovate the basement bathroom. The house needs new siding and the garden needs new plants. I still have lots of baby blankets and outfits to make. I have no girl sets left.

I am going to get out and enjoy the sunshine today and walk the neighbourhood. Hope you can get out and about today as well. Have a great weekend.

THRIVING THURSDAY

 

Happy Pondering day people! 

I am so happy that Brenda has brought back her Pondering on Thursday. She left a gap that I am glad to fill.

Today' prompt is Novel

I think this is a novel idea. Taking a word and pondering over its uses and meanings. I read lots of novels in between my knitting projects and hope to some day write one. I have also discovered non-fiction books since I retired. I have even been asked to review a few.

One of my best exercises is walking to the local library where I can find books I have never heard of. I also keep a list of recommended books from the bloggers that I visit. Our local retiree chapter also has a book exchange which I thoroughly enjoy. There are always books in our house.

When I cruise i always visit the library on board and get to know the librarian. I join the book club that they organize. I was so busy on the last cruise that I only read the 2 books we studied on the cruise. The one was called “Lacuna” by Barbara Kingsolver. I was one of the only members of the group to like this book. I think I enjoyed it because I saw it from  a Canadian perspective. The other book was by a welsh writer named Richard Glynn. It was set in Barcelona and was a mystery. Can’t say it was a favourite and I would never have picked it up to read however I am glad I had the opportunity.

Books are very important in our house. The grandchildren appreciate them. They love to know that the stories Grammy reads are the ones their father heard when he was a little boy. I have a set of books written by a Cruise Captain that stay at our house for all of the grandchildren.

I have strayed away from the novel concept however it is wonderful to be able to ponder with Brenda again.

WEDNESDAY HODGE PODGE

 

1. April showers bring May flowers, or so the saying goes. When did you last 'shower' attention on someone or have attention 'showered' on you? Did you love it, or did all that attention make you squirm?

I am going to say I showered attention on my parents in February. I spent 12 days looking after them while they were ill. I haven’t spent that much time with them in years. Thank goodness they are doing better.

2. Share a favorite 'spring break' memory. Not talking about just the 'college spring break' thing, but any favorite spring break memory you'd like to share. Keep it family friendly please!

It has been many years since we have shared spring break with our kids. My memory doesn’t go back that far. All of our travels with the kids was in the summer and mostly to the cottage.

3. It's National Pecan Month...are you a fan? If so, what's your favorite dish that calls for pecans?

I love pecan pie however I only get it as a treat because I don’t make it myself.

4.  'Put all your eggs in one basket', 'egg on your face', 'rotten egg', 'walk on eggshells', or 'a good egg'...which egg-spression could most recently be applied to your own life?

I am going with “walk on eggshells”. Our plans have recently changed and we will have to be flexible. Our SIL has cancelled his trip to China so we are no longer needed for our babysitting skills. We are keeping our plans fluid and open.

5.  In my experience life is lived with a smile on my face.

6. What's a  favorite song with the word rain in its title or lyrics?

“Raindrops keep falling on my head”

7. What does the word hope mean to you?

Hope means getting to a better place and enjoying each day.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Spring is starting to appear finally. We are looking into the outside repairs to the house. We need new siding so have been getting quotes. Now we have to find the money, so my next cruise will be on the side of the house. This week has had its ups and downs. Our plans for our trip to Charleston have changed. We are no longer needed as babysitters. We can now go just for a visit.

We had a wonderful lunch on Monday with my girlfriend B. We meet half way between our homes and stop at our favourite mall and restaurant. We love the restaurant because it has an awesome bathroom. We also get a free dessert because we celebrate our birthdays.

I hope everyone has a wonderful week!

THOUGHTFUL TUESDAY

 

 

 

Tuesday, April 8th/14
Fill in the Blank:  "I am Not My....."

Self

Thank you Les at Time out for Mom for this inspiring topic today. After 62 years it can be hard to define myself. Who am I?

I am the daughter of two wonderful parents who will have been married 65 years next week. Even though they had their ups and downs while raising me I hope they feel they were successful.

I am a wife to an amazing man who does the cooking and the cleaning. He plans our trips and renovates our house. He is also the father of 3 children as well as the grandfather to 6. He is my dance partner and card playing buddy. (He even lets me win once in a while)

I am the mother of 2 girls and 1 boy who have married wonderful people. I am retired now and look forward to spending time with my grandchildren and hubby. I want to travel and see the world particularly from a cruise ship. I want many more years with my hubby of 41 years.

I am happy with who I am and with what I am doing. I hope you are too. Have a wonderful Tuesday and take life as it comes. Enjoy the moment.

Here are our questions for this week:

1. What has kept you busy lately? Birthday parties and making the sweaters as gifts.
2. Are you making or creating anything? Yes, knitting sweaters for Easter as well as making more baby blankets..
3. What are you really hungry for right now? I just ate breakfast. It is my favourite meal of the day however the weather has not been conducive to BBQing so I would love a steak
4. What song has stuck in your head lately? I have been spending time with my young grandson and he really likes “Row, row your boat”
5. If I could celebrate my upcoming birthday with you, what would we do? I love tea parties so we would have a cup of tea, finger sandwiches and cupcakes.

MEET ME ON MONDAY

 

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

It's an interesting week on the Holiday Insights calendar that we check out for fun days, so in homage, we are making this week all about special days and weeks...

1. This week is "Garden Week" - do you garden and what progress have you made on this year's garden... Wayne also wants to know what May Flowers you want these April Showers to bring?

Personally I am not the garden person in the family, D H is. Right now our garden still has some ice and snow on it. When I walk in the garden D H is pleased because there are some buds on the azaleas as well as come crocus sprouting up.

2. Monday is No Housework Day - will you celebrate?

Every day is “No Housework Day” because D H does the house work as well. Will he be celebrating? Possibly since I am taking him out for lunch.

3. Wednesday is Name Yourself Day - would you change your name if you could?  and if so, to what?  If not, why not?

I am the only girl in the family not named for a relative. I particularly love my middle name Anne because it is a traditional name passed down from generation to generation.

4. Friday is 8 Track Tape day - do you remember them?  Did you have one?  What 8 track song will you sing in honor of this day?

Oh yes! D H purchased 8 track tapes and dubbed over them. They were are party tapes so we could dance all night and not have to change the records.

My 5th question is:

April is Autism Awareness month as well as Daffodil for Cancer month. Do you support these causes?

SIX WORD SATURDAY

 

 

Spring come out, wherever you are!

FRIDAY FRAGMENTS AND FOUR FILL IN FUN

 

Friday Fragments:

               

Thanks to Mrs. 4444’s as well as  Hilary for hosting the Friday memes.

I don’t have a lot to frag about this week. I have been enjoying the first glimpse of Spring. It has been wonderful to be able to walk the neighbourhood without the big boots, heavy coat and scarf. I have gotten into my spring fleece-lined coat and have even worn ordinary shoes. April will definitely bring some showers. Welcome because there is a lot of winter to wash away.

We have plans for working on the inside and outside of the house. We need new siding as well as basement bathroom makeover. The garden isn’t quite ready yet.

I hope to catch up with my friends who have only been phone calls and e-mails all  winter long. None of us like to travel when the weather is bad.

We are still on the hunt for a doctor. Hopefully we will find one soon.

April is Autism Awareness Month. Please check out Heather and Wayne’s blog Acting Balanced at http://www.actingbalanced.com . They have been posting every day.

This week’s co-host is Carol from Battered Hope! She provided the last 2 statements.

 

The statements:

1. Having a cup of tea helps me relax and share a moment of friendship.
2. I am looking forward to spring and better weather.
3. The first thing I do in the AM is turn on the coffee maker and pour a glass of orange juice.
4. Tomorrow morning I am going to get some laundry done as well as clean the house. We may have the grandchildren come to visit on Sunday.

Have a wonderful Friday everyone!

WEDNESDAY HODGE PODGE

 

1. Since these questions are posting on the first day of April it seems only right to ask-when was the last time you did something foolish? If you can't answer that one, try this one-when was the last time someone fooled you?

I try not to fool other people and have been fooled by very few. Sorry I can’t remember a time.

2. What's the last biography or non-fiction book you've read? Was it any good?

The last biography I read was called “High Society – The life of Grace Kelly” by Donald Spoto. I found it to be a very interesting read. She had a long history with Alfred Hitchcock.

3. Garlic-friend or foe? What's your favorite dish made with garlic?

I am not a big fan of garlic and since I don’t cook I don’t use. i particularly dislike garlic mashed potatoes. Why go and spoil a good thing.

4. Several Spring flower festivals happen in the US during the month of April. Of those listed, which would you most like to see in person...The Skagit Tulip Festival in Skagit Washington, The Dogwood Arts Festival in Knoxville Tennessee, The North Carolina Azalea Festival in Wilmington North Carolina or the Daffodil Festival Weekend on Nantucket Island, Massachussets?

Sorry no flower shows for me. I am very allergic to spring flowers. We have one in Canada called “Canada Blooms”. We were given free tickets one year and came home feeling very unwell. I do enjoy the Tulip Festival in Ottawa when we visit my parents. It is outdoors so it isn’t as bad.

5. How do you choose which blogs to read?  What is something that will make you stop and read every time? Something that makes you say, 'eh, think I'll skip this one and move on to the next'?

My daughter H originally started blogging. Through her I have been able to read other blogs. I have joined several memes which I follow on a weekly basis. Just by looking at the link ups I have found new people to read. I enjoy everyone’s perspectives.

6. April is National Mathematics Education Month so tell us, when did you last use math?

I use math every day because D H and I play a game of “Hand and Foot” which requires keeping score.

7. In honor of the A-Z challenge kicking off on April 1...choose one word beginning with the letter A to describe your yesterday.

Amazing! I had a wonderful day yesterday. I attended my swim exercise class, a travel event  and went for a lovely walk after dinner.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I am not participating in the A to Z challenge however several of the other bloggers are. I am enjoying their work so far. Maybe next year!

THOUGHTFUL TUESDAY

 

                        

Tuesday, April 1st/14

You realize, it's a moral imperative that you pull a prank for this chat prompt. 

Right?

Are you a prankster, or just another day?

Sorry Les and fellow bloggers I am not a prankster although in years past I have helped pull off a couple with my friend M’s help.

Our best was on our neighbour. He wanted to give his wife a Persian Lamb coat. My friend made a sample coat and sent it packaged in the mail. Inside was a letter detailing how to purchase the real thing as well as the price. Needless to say we got caught because we were laughing way too hard.

Happy April everyone and let’s hope we can finally get some Spring weather. No more jokes Mother Nature please.

I think a porch visit would be pleasant. Let's chat!

QUESTIONS

1. What's your favorite method of travel? My favorite method of travel is by a cruise ship.
2. If you wear jewelry, are you more likely to wear silver or gold? I wear jewellry every day. I love both gold and silver. My wedding ring is gold and platinum so I don’t mind mixing it up.
3. How often do you wear sunglasses? I wear glasses all of the time and my lenses are transition so they darken whenever I am in a strong light.
4. Which would be easier for you to leave undone (for a short period of time), dishes or laundry?  Around our house it is easier to leave the laundry undone. It can stay in the basement until I get around to it.
5. On a scale of 1-10 (1-hardly any+ 10- house is full), how much clutter have you collected? Scale of 1 = we are trying to get rid of as much clutter as possible.