THRIVING THURSDAY

 

 

It is time again to Ponder with Brenda at http://bygadventures.blogspot.ca/

Today’s word is

FRAME!

We have taken a lot of pictures especially during our many trips. Instead of putting them in frames we have created albums. We have framed pictures of the family as well as paintings.

I grew up in the glass business and framing was one of the jobs my father did. D H actually created door and window frames made out of aluminum and then had glass put in them.

Our garden looks like a picture frame. It has a hedge around the outside then a garden edge as well as grass with an oval garden in the middle.

When I am in the right frame of mind I can actually get some work done although I prefer my new relaxed frame of mind since I am retired.

When writing a story it is a good idea to have a frame of reference. It helps keep the characters as well as the plot in line.

I am a murder mystery buff and I love watching how the criminal is framed or brought up on false charges. The detective always gets his man.

This blog may not be framed today however it is open for discussion.

How did you frame your day?

Today's questions:

1. Do you ever watch old TV shows or movies from your childhood or youth? Yes! I love the Andy Griffith show with Ron Howard and Andy Griffith and Don Knotts. I also love the old “I Love Lucy” shows.
2. Have you ever adopted a rescued animal? No I am not into pets. 
3. Are you good at keeping track of paperwork and records? yes! We have an organized storage box as well as several filing cabinets. I used to be self-employed and it was a big deal to keep my records straight.
4. What would you like the Magic Wendell Fairy to poof with his wand, and turn into a treat for you? Any snack or sweet you would like. It doesn't have to do with carrots, or HE'D eat it! I would love Wendall to recreate my Mother’s butter tarts. I can’t make them as good as she did.
5. Tell me something interesting- please. We are enjoying a quiet week. The grandchildren have all gone home and I am missing them already.

WEDNESDAY HODGE PODGE

 

1. "Summer is like childhood. It's full of warm memories and gone too soon."~Kellie Elmore Agree or disagree? Share something you loved about the summers of your childhood.

I agree! My best summers as a child were spent at the cottage. We lived there for 2 months every summer. We swam and waterskiied.

2. Are you a fan of auto racing-NASCAR, Indy, Stock, Grand Prix, etc? Ever been to a race in person? Any desire to do this?  Do you know a lot about cars? Do you notice particular makes and models when you're out and about?

Not really a fan however I did attend a formula one race 3 weeks before I got married. Our best man was into cars. I suffered heat stroke and lost 4 days that I don’t remember. I remember being tented with sheets because I also had a terrible sunburn. Since then I avoid the sun and races.

3. What's something you think is too serious to be joked about? Or do you think anything and everything is fair game?

I don’t think there should be jokes about peoples’ weight or appearance. It leads to low self-esteem.

4. July 29th is National Lasagna Day. Are you a fan? Do you have a great recipe, and if so where did it come from? If given a choice would you choose a plate of lasagna or a plate of spaghetti?

We don’t eat a lot of lasagna. DH does the cooking and most pasta is made with eggs so he can’t eat it. I do have a recipe from my ex-sister-in-law which the children used to love.

5. What's a simple pleasure you'd miss if it were not a regular part of your life?

I would miss reading. I have a fear of losing my eyesight. My mother is losing hers and she greatly misses her reading.

6. If you could be the CEO of any company, which would you choose?

Probably Microsoft or Google. Definitely some place where I would be making the big bucks.

7. August is just around the bend...bid farewell to July in exactly seven words.

Goodbye to a busy month with family!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

This is our relaxation week. We had a very busy July with our grandchildren visiting. We finished with DH’s birthday party on Sunday. He loved it. We are looking at plans for August as well as September and October. There are even plans afoot for a cruise in February. We reconnected with our fellow cruisers this week so we have an added option to visit with them as well. Life is good. Hope yours is as well.

SUNDAY IN THE CITY

 

Let’s travel the world together!

My blog this week ahs been all about the grandchildren’s visit and our planned outing to our Centre Island. It happened on Friday and Grampy and I are still recovering. Today will Grampy’s birthday party and the last chance for all of the grandchildren to play for a while.

Here is how our trip went:

This is looking back to the city.

These are some of the rides the children enjoyed.

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

SIX WORD SATURDAY

 

Happy birthday to my dear husband!

FRIDAY FRAGMENTS & FOUR FILL IN FUN

       

This is a short and quick frag today. It has been a very busy week with the grandchildren. On Monday we had all 6 for both lunch and dinner. It was a wonderful afternoon spent at the playground. The younger ones napped on the way to and from.

Tuesday was a day to recover. Wednesday was a drive for a “play day” with my girlfriend B. We met for lunch and saw the play “I’ll be back before midnight”. Daughter H made the trip with me while D H chilled at home.

Our grandson E has made a friend with the neighbour child. They play very well together. E insists on staying around just for a few minutes of his time.

Today we are off to our Centre island where there is an amusement park with lots of rides. It should be fun especially as grandson T will be able to participate for the first time. He was too young last year.

Well I am off to catch a bus. Will catch up with everyone later.

This week’s co-host is Tami from Pretty Perplexing. She came up with the last two statements

The statements:

1. I find my grandchildren very funny and enjoy their company.
2. My favorite dessert is ice cream.
3. Why do I always plan for a rainy day?
4. My favorite time of the day is the morning because I get to plan a beautiful day.

THOUGHTFUL THURSDAY

 

               

Today I am joining in 2 memes. The first is with Brenda for Pondering at http://bygadventures.blogspot.ca/ and the other is with Patrice and Wendall at http://www.everydayruralty.com/

Today's word is BLANKET

I am famous for my baby blankets. I crochet them in giant granny squares. Last year I gave away about 15 blankets to new babies. The babies love them because they are soft and they can put their fingers in them.

I really do not like driving in a blanket of fog. It is too hard to see the car in front of you. It was foggy on our drive through Newfoundland.

I am donating the blanket box to my son and his family to use at their cottage. It is taking up too much space in my bedroom. The only blankets I use are thermal because I am allergic to wool.

I usually avoid making blanket statements. Let’s not be too general. Being specific is more accurate and gets the point across.

I am drawing a blank now.

Today's Questions:

1. Other than those who live in your home, who's the last person who came to your front door? This week has been a lot of family. My daughter is visiting from South Carolina and on Monday all of the grandchildren came to play. We even had extra children as the neighbour children came to play with us as well.
2. Do you have many photos around your home? Yes and the grandchildren are fascinated with the pictures of their parents when they were children.
3. Do you like mint? Is there a favorite type of mint for you? How do you enjoy it? Yes! I guess peppermint is my favourite.
4. Do you enjoy your own parties and other times with guests, or are you so busy working...? I love giving parties however I do find that I don’t get as much time to visit with my guests.
5. What do you want to be when you grow up more? Job, hobby, self improvement, etc. I am retired and before I retired I did a lot of research because I like to keep busy. We love to travel and I love to read and knit for my family. We are very conscious of our health. It is a lot more fun to be retired than to work.

Have a great day!

WEDNESDAY HHODGE PODGE

 

 

1. When I look at the sky I feel the freshness and I love the soft fluffy clouds.

2. If you had to run for political office, which one would you run for? Do you have any real desire to actually do this?

There are only 2 places I ever wanted to be in a company, either the guy at the top or the guy on the bottom so I would have say i would want to be president however i am retired now and I was the guy on the bottom.

3. What scent makes you think of home?

I love the smell of baking especially apple pie.

4. How often do you take a step back to think about where you're headed in life? Do you need more or less self-reflection?

We always had a 5 year plan and we still do. Our plan is to travel as much as possible while we have our health the money to do it. There will be plenty of time to sick and rock in our old age. We will then revisit the places we have travelled through our pictures.

5. July is National Ice Cream Month...besides a cone, what's your favorite food item to top with ice cream?

Apple pie is best with a scoop of ice cream.

6. What might your autobiography be called?

Cruising through Life.

7. Your least favorite mode of transportation? Why?

I dislike flying not because I am afraid of the airplanes however I hate airports.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

This is another busy week with the grandchildren. On Monday we had all 6 grandchildren for the day. We had a potluck lunch and then took them to the park where they swung and played in the wading pool. The youngest had a nap while Grampy did some shopping and the second youngest had a nap on the way home from the park. We sent the children home to their parents exhausted. Us grandparents also went to bed early.

MEET ME ON MONDAY

 

 

Welcome to Monday Quiz About Me - hosted by Heather & Wayne from Acting Balanced.  We are continuing to answer questions together.  A special shout out this week to Judy from Retired-not-Tired for getting Heather off her butt and getting the questions up!

Here are the Questions:

1. Today, Monday, is National Junk Food Day - do you eat junk food?  Favorites?

We are not big junk food eaters. We gave up potato chips and eat popcorn instead. D H uses olive oil instead of butter. I have mine plain.

2. Some people call this time the "Dog Days of Summer" - is that accurate for you?  Why or Why Not?

I have experienced the “Dog Days of Summer” however the last few years we have been travelling and missed them.

3. This week also celebrates National Cousins Day - Do you have many cousins? Are you close with your cousins?  

I have lots of first cousins as well as second and third cousins. Unfortunately the older I get the fewer I see except at funerals. I joke that I could be walking down the street and not know all of my cousins. They are also spread out across Canada from east coast to west coast.

4. Are you taking vacation this summer?  What are some of your favorite places to go?

Not this year. We are enjoying the company of our daughter H and her family. We do plan another trip in the fall and probably a cruise in the winter. We shall see.

My 5th question is:

Yesterday was National Ice Cream Day, what is your favourite ice cream flavour?

SUNDAY IN THE CITY

 

Let’s travel the world together!

 

The summer has been a wonderful mix of sunshine and rain which means the garden is blooming.

Welcome to our garden!

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

SIX WORD SATURDAY

 

My grandchildren are swingers! Push Grammy!

FRIDAY FRAGMENTS & FOUR FILL IN FUN

 

   

It has been a very busy week with our daughter’s family here for a visit. Our grandson E is spreading his love around by staying with each set of grandparents every other night. He is very active and we have enjoyed our walks and visits to the neighbourhood playgrounds. We will do more next week.

Other than their visit our week is basically normal with no big news except that I am very frustrated with our city at the moment. Our streetlights are out on the whole street. I called 2 weeks ago and was promised a fix within 2 to 3 business days. It is now 2 weeks and still phoning every day. I have even sent an e-mail which was never acknowledged. I guess my next option is to take it to city hall. It is an election year so I am sure my councillor would like to get my vote. Hopefully by next Friday I can post that the lights have been fixed.

This week’s co-host is Elizabeth from Silver’s Book Reviews. She came up with the statements

The statements:

1. If I eat too many ice cream cones, I will gain weight.
2. Running an errand is my way of getting some exercise.
3. Why is it that no one has a sense of urgency except while driving a car. 
4. Where do you go to find some peace and quiet!

THRIVING THURSDAY

 

Today's word is TOY

Is Brenda just toying with us today? She wants us to ponder the meaning of toy.

I think of toys as playthings. In our house we have toys for every stage of childhood from baby toys to big boy toys. Our grandchildren have enough toys to fill several daycares. Trucks and cars are very popular although they love to play with my doll that has been mine since I was little girl. We have trains as well as puzzles.

I like to think that as a grandparent I can take the children away from the battery operated toys and give them board games as well as card games. It makes for old fashioned play.

I will not let them toy with my emotions.

Have you played with a toy lately? What is your favourite toy?

WEDNESDAY HODGE PODGE

 

1. The month of July was named for Roman Emperor Julius Caesar. He's quoted as saying, 'Experience is the teacher of all things." So what has experience taught you lately?

My grandchildren are always teaching me new things especially with the new technology. They showed me how to use the i-pad.

2. Where did you last 'roam'?

We roamed around the Mennonite community of St Jacob’s. We shopped at the farmer’s market as well as the Outlet Mall.

3. Speaking of 'Rome'...pizza, pasta, gelato...you can only pick one, which would you choose?

I am a huge gelato fan and actually had some while we were in Rome last year.

4. 'Rome wasn't built in a day', 'All roads lead to Rome', 'When in Rome...' which 'Roman' idiom have you most recently encountered? Explain.

I am going with “Rome wasn’t built in a day” because as we finish one renovation we seem to have another that needs to be done. It is an ongoing process to maintain our house. The siding is done and now the outside needs some paint.

5. What's a movie you've seen or a book you've read, that makes you want to book a trip to Italy?

When I think of an Italian film I think of Sophia Loren. I have been to Italy 3 times and would not hesitate to go back.

6.  Walt's original Disneyland opened almost sixty years ago, on July 17, 1955  Have you ever been to the California park? How about any of the other Disney parks around the world? What's your favorite amusement park ride or attraction?

I have never been to the California Disney park however I won a trip to Disney World Florida many years ago. My favourite was the Epcot Centre.

7. It's that time of year...when were you last bitten or stung?

I haven’t been bitten or stung so far this year. Mind you I don’t go out at night when the bugs would be at their worst.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Our grandchildren have arrived from South Carolina and the fun has begun. They spent Monday with us and will probably be back tomorrow. Apparently the other grandparents house has more things to do than ours does. Our house is smaller and we don’t have a big backyard. We do have several parks in the area though except you have to walk to them.

MEET ME ON MONDAY

 

Welcome to Monday Quiz About Me - hosted by Heather & Wayne from Acting Balanced.  We are continuing to answer questions together.  A special shout out this week to Judy from Retired-not-Tired for getting Heather off her butt and getting the questions up!

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. It is National Cell Phone Courtesy Month - if you had to share one courtesy that you'd like everyone to show, what would it be?

Don’t use your cell phone while driving. It is against the law in Canada.

2. Today is Pandemonium Day!  What creates pandemonium in your life?

Not much these days except when all of the grandchildren come to visit.

3. This week also celebrates National Caviar Day (the 18th) - Have you ever tried caviar? Do you like it?

No caviar for me. I don’t eat any seafood.

4. My boys are looking forward to next Sunday, National Lollypop Day!  What is your favorite lollypop flavor?  When was the last time you had a lollypop?

I don’t get lollipops too often anymore however I like the fruit flavoured ones.

And here is my 5th Question:

Are you on a diet this summer?

SUNDAY IN THE CITY

 

Let’s travel the world together!

The grandchildren are looking forward to their annual visit to Centre Island! They hope to enjoy the rides. It starts with a ferry ride,a ride in a fire truck,  a train ride, the roller coaster. They hope to have lots of fun!

SIX WORD SATURDAY

 

Anticipating the arrival of our grandchildren!

FRIDAY FRAGMENTS & FOUR FILL IN FUN

 

       

July is going to be very busy. Our daughter and her family will arrive on Sunday. They plan to stay until after D H’s birthday. We have plans for some great adventures. Our usual trip to Centre Island is in the works. Grandson L can hardly wait for the ferry ride or the other great rides in the park. Grandson E is just as excited because he remembers the fire truck ride. It will also be grandson T’s first time to actively participate since he was too young last year.

Why does doing one fix up job on the house require extra work. The siding on our house looks so good and the rest looks tired and worn out. It means we will be painting the outside of the house to make it looks as good as the side of the house.

Our theatre trip last weekend was amazing. We saw “Damn Yankees” as well as “Les Mis”. We are looking forward to more great plays. Our next one is with my friend B. We are going to see a murder mystery called “I’ll be back before midnight”. The actors are wonderful and the theatre is small and intimate.

I hope everyone has an exciting weekend!

This week’s co-host is Brooke from Brooke Blogs. She came up with the last two statements:

The statements:

1. Family makes me feel loved and wanted.
2. I love a good book. 
3. When I’m stressed, I need to talk to my grandchildren. They make me laugh and takes away the stress.
4. My favorite smell in the world is a new baby fresh from its bath.

THRIVING THURSDAY

 

Today's word is LEAVE

Thank you Brenda for continuing to allow us to ponder with you.

I hate to leave my grandchildren especially those who live far away and I can only visit on SKYPE.

I am so glad I was able to leave the workforce and retire with good health if not a lot of wealth.

I leave the housework and cooking to my hubby. he does a better job and should have a stay-at-home Dad although that was never considered an option when my children were growing up.

We try to leave the car at home because the price of e price gas. We also like to walk and enjoy the exercise.

D H loves trees and can identify most of them from their leaves. My favourite tree is the harlequin maple because it has a two coloured leaf.

We leave our shoes at the front door and put on slippers. Of course my grandson T likes to find the shoes and bring them to you so that he can go outside.

I wish we could leave well enough alone however now that we have new siding on the house we need to paint the woodwork.

I will leave this post and wish everyone a happy ponder!

WEDNESDAY HODGE PODGE

 

1. July is National Anti-Boredom Month. When was the last time you were bored? What's your go-to cure for boredom?

Since I retired I don’t think I have been bored. If I do feel restless I take a walk in the neighbourhood. There is always someone to talk to.

2. What's the last thing you made a reservation for?

D H makes the reservations and he made one for our hotel stay last weekend.

3. What's one thing on your summer 'bucket list'? Any plans to make it happen?

Have a birthday party for DH. He turns 65 and all of the children will be home to celebrate. The party has been scaled down because DH doesn’t want a lot of fuss.

4. What's your favorite summertime sip?

I have to say DH’s wonderful frozen strawberry He just made a new batch with the fresh strawberries we picked up at the market.

5. What do you find is the best way to handle another person's hostility and hopefully ease the tension?

I usually try to make them laugh. You can’t be angry if you are laughing.

6. Your favorite film set in summer?

Not a big film person however I love “Gone with the Wind”.

7. What word are you using too much lately?

We are on a budget.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

To my followers I apologize for no Monday or Tuesday blog. Both Les at Time out for Mom and Heather at Acting Balanced are taking some time off. I am glad that Joyce is continuing with her Wednesday Hodge Podge.

We are anticipating the arrival of our grandchildren from South Carolina this weekend. Our grandson L can hardly wait to visit Centre Island so that he can ride the ferry, trains and log flume as well as the frog hop ride.

We have many activities planned to keep everyone busy. In the meantime D H and I are resting up.

SUNDAY IN THE CITY

 

Let’s travel the world together!

I am joining Unknown Mami for Sundays in my City.

We had a theatre trip on Friday and Saturday. This is a picture of one of the theatres. WE saw “Damn Yankees”. We had a picnic lunch and then toured the countryside. This is what we saw:

I showed you mine, now show me yours!

SIX WORD SATURDAY

 

 

Weekend away with friends and theatre!