SIX WORD SATURDAY

 

 

Playing with our grandchildren is fun!

FRIDAY FRAGMENTS & FOUR FILL IN FUN

 

         

The statements:

1. I drink coffee in the AM and tea for the rest of the day.
   
2.   I read a lot of books that I have reviewed this year.
   
3. Sometimes I wonder how I got so lucky but then I know I make my own luck.
   
4. Given the choice between work and being retired I’d pick being retired. If I had known it was this much fun I would have done it sooner.

D H and I have travelled to Charleston South Carolina to visit our grandchildren. L has a concert today. He is going to be a monkey. We are also going to give our daughter H and son-in-law W a date night so they can celebrate their 16th wedding anniversary. Our granddaughter R is celebrating the end of the school year with a dinner and roller skating as well.

It is quite warm here however we have started swimming before dinner. We try to exercise in the water much to the amusement of the grandchildren. It is finally warm and we are enjoying the sunshine. Hopefully we can get to the parks and do some walking soon.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

THRIVING THURSDAY

 

Match me if you can!

Today's word is MATCH  (you can always grab the prompt early by visitingthe Pondering Page
Credit for this prompt to Rory Bore at Time Out For Mom

My usual word association and of course fighting match came to mind. I also play a Match game with my grandchildren. They are also learning to match their shoes and put them on the right feet. matching socks is no longer common with them either because they now go funky and wear different socks.

We don’t uses matches very often because they have been replaced with a butane lighter. They used to come in boxes and then in books however since smoking is no longer popular they are not as readily available.

My brain is no match this morning for this ponder!

Happy pondering everyone!

WEDNESDAY HODGE PODGE

 

1. What news story are you following right now?

We have 2 elections going on at the moment so a lot of politics is on our news.

2. What's the last thing you wanted but didn't get?

It has been a long time since I haven’t got what I want however I remember a long time ago when I asked for a hair dryer for Christmas and got luggage instead. Of course I got the hair dryer for my birthday.

3. May 28th is National Hamburger Day...when did you last have a hamburger? Other than your own kitchen or BBQ grill, where is your favorite place to go for a hamburger? And for all you non-meat eaters out there...when you're invited to a cookout what is the one side dish you hope is on the menu?

My favourite place for a hamburger is Harvey’s. I don’t know if it is only a Canadian chain. I also do not eat my hamburger in a bun. I only have tomato and ketchup as a garnish as well.

4. How have your priorities changed over time?

Of course! While I was working my priority was to retire. I now prioritize my cruises.

5. What's a favorite memory with your grandparents?

I have many however one of my favourites goes back to when we took my grandmother shopping for new dresses and then raised the hem lines above the knee so she would be in fashion. There was always a cup of tea with my grandmother.

6. On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being fantastic!), how good are you at multitasking? Share an example.

Probably a one. I have the time to do one thing at a time.

7. How would you summarize your highs and lows for the month of May?

The highs were all of the parties with the grandchildren. My grandson T’s first birthday, M’s first communion and the week the girls E and F stayed with us. Also my visit with my parents.

The low is all of the headaches associated with fixing our house.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

We are one our way to visit our other grandchildren in South Carolina so I won’t be visiting everyone on the blog this week.

Have a good week everyone!

SUNDAY IN THE CITY

 

Let’s travel the world together!

Yesterday DH and I went for a walk in our neighbourhood. Our local transit system had an Open House.

We got to see a vintage streetcar as well as a modern one and the newest to join the system.

Here is what they look like:

 

The sad part is that I have ridden them all.

SIX WORD SATURDAY

 

Time flies while we’re having fun!

FRIDAY FRAGMENTS & FOUR FILL IN FUN

 

       

 

Yeah it is Friday and time for 2 of my favourite blogs. I am joining Mrs. 4444 at HalPastKissinTime as well as Hilary at Feelingbeachie.

This has been a busy week as we recover from babysitting our granddaughters. I miss them. They were a lot of fun. Hopefully they will come again.

We are using this week to get ready for our visit to the other grandchildren in Charleston, South Carolina. We have not seen them since before Christmas last year. They are almost finished school so we can have some fun together.

When we get back we will have the siding installed. All of the paper work is in place as well as the protection on the hydro wires. DH will also get the rest of his garden in order. He lost a lot of plants because of the harsh winter. I am sure it will look wonderful when he is done.

This week’s co-host is Eloquent obi.

The statements:

1.  My grandchildren give lots of reasons to stay healthy.
2.   I heard honey and cinnamon prevents heart attacks. I love them on toast. DH has them in his coffee.
3. I wish I could take more cruises.
4. My hair color is naturally gray and it make me feel wonderful. It also gives me more money and is easy to keep because I don’t have to keep it coloured. I have been red, brown and blonde over the years.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

THRIVING THURSDAY

 

bRING it on! Let's Ponder

Today's word is RING

I am going to start a little off track today. When I graduated from Grade 8 (many moons ago) I won a prize in recognition of attendance, punctuality, conduct and diligence in study. The award is called The Jesse Ketchum Trust Fund Award. My prize was Roget’s Thesaurus of English words and phrases. I knew I had it but couldn’t find it. The other day my sister returned it to me. Apparently I lent it to her way back.

I love the thought of using words to describe the same thing. So as well as my usual rambles of my mind I am going to use my new found old book to ponder today.

RING

fastening, band, hanger, outline, in closure, circle, orifice, be loud, roll,resonance, play music, communicate, message, obliterate, association, party, pugilism, arena, badge of rule, restriction, jewellry, love-token, wedding.

You can ring a bell, be remembered as well as ring a change.

I could go on and on however I am just going to do my usual thinking.

One of my bucket list items is a cruise around the Pacific Rim. The cruise would travel around the edges of the Pacific in a ring. It starts in Seattle, Washington. Travels across the top of the Pacific passing Parts of Canada and Alaska. It goes under the Bering Strait and makes its first stop in Russia. From there it continues South to Japan as well as China, South Korea and Vietnam.

It travels to Australia and then to New Zealand where the trip starts back up North. Of course it would visit Hawaii in the middle of the Pacific Ring. Many countries to see and cover most of my bucket list. Of course the big draw back at the moment is time and money. One can dream!

I love my rings as jewellry. I have 4 rings that are most important to me. My engagement ring, wedding ring, birthstone ring and my family ring. The other rings in my jewellry boxes are for special occasions. I have a pearl ring from my 25th wedding anniversary cruise as well as a cameo ring from my Mediterranean cruise.I also have a ring-watch from Switzerland which I gave to my mother who has since returned it to me. I picked up that ring on my very first trip to Switzerland. At the time I couldn’t decide between a cameo ring or a watch so I found something that covered all of the bases.

I love to ring in the New Year with family and friends. I wish I could ring for the maid however that would be me.Back to my past I was a ding-dong lady for Avon and I worked for the telephone company where the phone would ring constantly.

I am going to Ring up this post and wish everyone a Happy Week!

WEDNESDAY HODGE PODGE

 

1. Under what circumstances do you do your best thinking?

I do my best thinking when I should be sleeping. I keep a note pad beside my bed to write down my thoughts in the middle of the night. I often get up and work on the computer if I can’t get back to sleep.

2. Are you a risk taker? What's one big risk you've taken?

I am a semi-risk taker. My father was a bit of a gambler however my mother was the methodical type. My husband does not take risks so I do like to push the envelope a little bit.

3. Some of the most common phobias according to the National Institute for Mental Health are-fear of spiders (arachnaphobia), snakes (ophidiophobia), heights (acrophobia), fear of spaces from which escape is difficult (agoraphobia), fear of thunder and lightening (astrophobia), fear of dogs (cynophobia), injections (trypanophobia), social situations, flying (pteromerhanophobia) and fear of germs and dirt (mysophobia). True phobias affect only 10% of adults, but of those listed which would you rate as your greatest fear?

I don’t have any of those fears listed however I have a fear of falling down stairs. I am sure it is also among the phobias listed because I have told other people who share the same concern. Falling up the stairs is second.

4. Are you settled or do you feel the need to move somewhere new?

We have lived in our house for 37 years. We bought a house 6 blocks away from where both my husband and I grew up. We thought about moving when we retired because we love to travel and thought an apartment would suit us however we love our neighbours and we can walk every where. In fact our neighbourhood has become one of the most sought after according to the real estate experts.

5. What is something you find annoying when dining in a restaurant?

We don’t often eat in a restaurant anymore however lack of service is always my number one pet peeve. I want an attentive waitress who is available when I need something. Good food that is well prepared of course is also important.

6. Daffodil yellow, sunset orange, spring green, or sky blue...your favorite color this time of year?

Daffodil yellow is my favourite however I also love the purples that show up at this time of year.

7. If you were going to take a holiday all by yourself, where would you go?

Too easy! A cruise of course.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

DH and I went to a luncheon yesterday and the guest speaker was a handwriting expert. Have you ever had your handwriting analyzed? It was a lot of fun. Beside speaking, our guest works with companies to hire the right people for the right jobs. She showed pictures of important people and their handwriting. She also pointed out the importance of the right tie for men. Do you have a downward striped tie in your closet? If you do, get rid of it because it portrays a negative image. Hand writing can show your personality as well as your moods. Of course our children are in trouble because the schools no longer work on cursive writing which is a shame. I also heard that teaching spelling will soon be lost. Our poor children!

THOUGHTFUL TUESDAY

 

 

Where would you go if you had a 3 day weekend vacation
--  and money was no option?

 

Any one who knows me will know that I have a standard answer for this question. No doubt about it I would want to be on a cruise. Although 3 days cruises are really too short. You just get on the ship and you have to get off. Hardly worth unpacking a bag.

The question would really be – “where will that cruise take me?”. I still have Australia and New Zealand at the top of my list however I would gladly include Japan for DH’s sake. Even though we have been in the North Atlantic it is still a destination I could do again.

Of course I still want to see more of the United States, especially around Charleston, South Carolina. Maybe on our way down we can make a detour to Branson, Missouri as well as Nashville and Memphis. Again another trip on our bucket list.

It never hurts to have a plan especially if money is not an option.

SUNDAY IN THE CITY

 

Let’s travel the world together!

We went walking at the beach with our granddaughters. This is what we showed them:

It was a wonderful walk!

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

SIX WORD SATURDAY

 

Granddaughters are going home! Resting tomorrow!

FRIDAY FRAGMENTS & FOUR FILL IN FUN

 

        

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have to apologize to Mrs. 4444 for missing her 300th episode however I made a trip to see my parents. We started our day at 5 am and were in the car by 6:30am. We made it to Ottawa before lunch.  We helped my mother with her computer and kept my Dad company. It was a wonderful visit. We look forward to seeing them again in June.

This week we have had the privilege of taking care of our granddaughters E (6) and F (3) while their parents are in Florida. Our grandson got to travel with them because he needs to stay close to Mommy. It has been quite an adventure. The girls enjoyed their walk to the store where each one got a basket to help Grampy with the shopping. He had a list however they too had a list.

We also went to a new park where the slides and swings were designed for all ages. It is the best park I have been to. When the grandsons come for a visit we will take them there as well. Of course we also walked the beach and climbed the rocks. We saw nuthatches as well as robins, blackbirds and swallows.

Yesterday it was a trip to McDonald’s and a play in the Play Place. Of course lunch was included. Then it was a walk home before the hard rain really started. Aunt C came for dinner and helped with the bubble baths. We finished the day watching the ballet “Peter Pan”.

Today we have a play date and tomorrow they go home. Grammy and Grampy will then have a rest.

This week’s co-host is Pam from Trouppetrie She came up with the last two statements!

The statements:

1. I wish the weather would always stay warm and sunny.
2. You’ll need lots of love when you babysit my grandchildren.
3. If I go to a restaurant it must have good food at a reasonable price and good service. 
4. My must have holiday baking treat is apple pie. It is the family favourite.

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!

THRIVING THURSDAY

 

Did you see that monitor?

Once again we are going to ponder a word with Multiple meanings.

Today's word is MONITOR!

I am sitting in front of a computer monitor to write this ponder. I am also pondering the best way to monitor my Father who has Alzheimer’s. He likes to get out of his chair or bed and falls down so we need a way to watch him. We have looked into many ways. Apparently there is a mat that can be used in a bed or a chair. When he tries to move it will send a signal and help will come to his rescue.

Another monitor we are investigating is like a baby monitor where he can call for help. Lastly it has been suggested that we use a camera that is connected to a nursing station where his movements can be watched.

I also like to monitor the weather. I know what to wear as well as  what activities to plan for. This week we have our granddaughters visiting so we are taking advantage of the sun and not the rain.

D H is also monitoring the seeds and the ground temperature before he plants.

I may be old but does anyone remember being a hall monitor when they were in school. I needed a hall pass to leave the classroom and the hall monitor would check it.

I am going to monitor some of my other bloggers as well.

Have a wonderful Thursday!

WEDNESDAY HODGE PODGE

 

1. It's still May, right? When were you last in the middle of something that might be described as mayhem?

In Canada we say we only have 2 seasons – winter and construction. Right now the access to a major road has been closed so we are detouring around many side streets to get to where we want to go. It adds time to our travels. It is going to last for at least a year. Hopefully the improvements will be worth it.

2. When did you last feel dismayed?

I don’t dismay easily however I do get frustrated sometimes by the actions of others. Where has politeness gone? Why is everyone else more important? What happened to obeying traffic signals and giving the right of way instead of taking it? There are so many cars on the road these days and everyone is in a hurry. Slow down before you kill someone.

3. What's a food combination you like, but other people may find strange?

One of my favourite sandwiches growing up was an olive sandwich. It was especially delicious with a glass of chocolate milk. No one ever shared my love.

4. "It is never too late to be what you might have been." Do you think that's true? Why or why not?

True! However I also think that when life throws you a curveball, it is how you handle it that makes life interesting.

5. US News and World Report listed the best historic destinations in the US as follows-Washington D.C, Philadelphia PA, Williamsburg VA, Charleston SC, Boston MA, Richmnd VA, Savannah, GA, Santa Fe NM, Yellowstone, San Antonio TX, San Francisco CA, New Orleans LA, and Charlottesville VA.
Of those listed how many have you seen in person? Which two sites on the list would you most like to see in person?

I’ve been to Washington D.C., Philadelphia PA, Williamsburg VA, Charleston SC, Boston MA, Richmond VA and Savannah GA. I am actually going back to Charleston at the end of the month. I would love to go to New Orleans LA especially for the Jazz.

6. May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. If you had to participate in a single fitness activity for the next half hour, which activity would you choose?

I do aquafit twice a week already. I find the water offers resistance and my knees don’t hurt.

7. What did you like best about the city, town, or neighborhood where you grew up?

WE lived right across the street from the public school. My parents had their business in the neighbourhood and I have actually raised my children in the same neighbourhood. I haven’t travelled far from my roots.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I would like to shout out to a couple of blogs that I participate in. You might enjoy them too. One is by Acting balanced on Mondays – Monday quiz about me.

On Tuesday I blog with Les at Time out for Mom. She has a Coffee Chat.

On Thursday, I ponder with Brenda,

 

On Friday, there are 2 blogs – Four fill in fun with Hilary at Feeling Beachie, and Friday Fragments with Mrs. 4444 at Halfpastkissintime.

    

On Saturday I join Cait at Show my Face  for Six word Saturday.

 

And finally on Sunday it is time for Sundays in my city with Claudia from Unknown Mami.

Hopefully you will visit some of these blogs yourself. They are very interesting and a lot of fun.

THOUGHTFUL TUESDAY

 

Tuesday, May 13th, 2014

It's my Birthday!  What did ya get me?  Where are we going?    Remember the rules regarding what you can bring.  I am bringing Licorice and Beer.

-Happy birthday Les! You don’t look a day over 20. I am so glad you invited me to your birthday party. I would definitely bring my spinach dip. It comes in a bread bowl with pumpernickel and sourdough bread pieces.

Unfortunately I am not a big alcohol drinker so I will bring tea. I will also make my wonderful banana cupcakes with a whipped pudding icing. (They are a big hit with my grandchildren).

I hope we also have some music because I love to dance. We will kick up our heels with joy for your birthday celebration.

Have a good one!

MEET ME ON MONDAY

 

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

 

Here are the Questions:

1. How was your Mother's Day?

My Mother’s Day was very quiet. I heard from all of my children and grandchildren. We were supposed to have dinner at our daughter C’s however her husband P was ill. It has been postponed until next weekend. I also called my mother to wish her a Happy Mother’s Day.

2. Heather's favorite NASCAR driver won yesterday, so she's asking - do you watch any auto racing?  racing of any type?  Do you have specific drivers/athletes that you follow?

Sorry Heather no NASCAR here. The only sport I might watch is curling. We don’t have any Sports Channels on the TV>

3. It's National Bike Week - do you bicycle?

Years ago however it is safer for the world if I stay off a bike.

4. Have you had a yummy new food or tried a new recipe lately?

I pretty well stick to the tried and true recipes. Usually the easier the better. This week I made Rice Krispie squares for the grandchildren and for the dancing class.

My 5th question is:

In Canada the first long weekend of summer is called Victoria Day and will be celebrated on Monday, May 19th. The US celebrates Memorial Day on May 26th. My question is do you plan to celebrate it?

SUNDAY IN THE CITY

 

Let’s travel the world together!

 

Happy Mother’s Day! Bouquets of flowers for everyone!

SIX WORD SATURDAY

 

 

Life is good! All is well!

THRIVING THURSDAY

 

Shrink much?

I cannot believe it is Thursday already!

Once again we are going to ponder a word with Multiple meanings.

Today's word is SHRINK

I would like to shrink my stomach so that I can fit into smaller, tighter clothes however after 3 children and countless diets it will never happen.

I did shrink a woollen sweater when I was first married. D H has never forgiven me because it was his favourite. I am allergic to wool and only wear acrylic. Needless to say he has never owned another woollen sweater. On the same note I also don’t iron.

When the family comes over our living room tends to shrink. It is the perfect size for 2 but too small for 3 or more.

Of course the children think I should see a shrink. I have a tendency to see the weirdness around me. When the grandchildren come over we do crazy things. “What happens at Grammy’s, stays at Grammy’s!”

Let’s not make this too long or someone will come along and shrink it!

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE

 

1. Share something you appreciate (or something you appreciated as you were growing up) about your mother.

My mother is a multi-tasker. She worked from home in the family business as well as raising 4 children. My mother taught me to be independent and to go for what I want. I admire my mother because she embodied the saying “you’ve come a long way, baby”.

2.  A quote most commonly ascribed to Plato reads "Necessity is the mother of invention." When did this last play out in your own experience?

Being retired has brought out our creative side. We do more with less. I am always looking for ways to entertain the grandchildren without spending a lot of money. It is amazing what you can do that is free and a lot of fun.

3. Share one of the earliest memories you have from childhood.

Just last week D H and I went back to our elementary school for its 150th anniversary. My earliest memory dates back to a corner store up the street from the school. It was known for its buffet of penny candies. You could get 3 blackballs for 1 cent.

4. When did you last 'hit the mother lode'? What was it?

I hit the mother lode on Sunday when I got to hold about 6 babies (not all at once) however it was my baby fix since my youngest grandson is technically not a baby anymore. I love babies and they don’t stay little for long.

5. What is/was your favorite dish mom made? Do you make that dish for your family/friends now that you're all grown up?

My Mom is famous for her butter tarts. She used to make 13 dozen a week. I don’t make them because D H can’t have eggs.

6. Mother May I? was at one time a popular children's game. It required no equipment or parts to play. What was your favorite childhood game where you could just turn up and play-no gear needed?

One of my favourite games is “hide and go seek”. No equipment is required and we had a huge area at the cottage to hide.

7. Which TV mom (past or present) is your favorite, and why?

         

 

My favourite TV Mom was Donna Reed. She starred in the show “The Donna Reed show” as well as in “Its a Wonderful Life” I don’t watch a lot of sitcoms these days. I prefer HGTV or the History channel.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

The weather is definitely improving. We got out for a walk on Monday and visited the beach. DH took the camera and caught a few good pictures.

        

Have a wonderful week!

THOUGHTFUL TUESDAY

 

You are in a cabin and it is pitch black. You have one match on you. Which do you light first, the newspaper, the lamp, the candle or the fire? -

What kind of brain teasers, riddles, or word games do you enjoy?
Let's see if you can you stump me. -

Leslie at Time Out for Mom has asked about brain teasers, riddles and word games. My grandchildren love them. When I was working we use them as starters before we got down to work. Personally I love word search puzzles. Hubby loves crossword as well as regular puzzles. We also love to play along to “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy”. In Canada we also have a trivia game called “Cash Cab”. I love to play along.

In my quest for staying healthy and trying to prevent Alzheimer’s I try to keep my mind active. Playing card games as well as dancing help. The computer is a wonderful source as well.

Hop on over to Leslie blog to see her riddles. Have a wonderful day!

MEET ME ON MONDAY

 

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

Unfortunately Heather and Wayne are very busy this week and will not be posting a Monday Quiz. Hopefully they will be back next week.

Just a quick note to say we had a fabulous weekend. I got my baby fix yesterday at grandson T’s birthday party. The cupcakes were marvellous including the gluten free, dairy free ones made my M.

Hopefully we will be back next week with some more questions.